I thought I had my day all planned out, knowing what I desired to accomplish, and what happened? I completely forgot about a previous commitment I made with my DD to assist her with separating and getting the baby's clothes in the dresser. We were also going to go through what she'll desire to pack up to be used later along with making it accessible when she needs it. So, Amber shows up just about the time I'm ready to head out to the studio; so much for "good intentions", LOL! At least, I tried.
Anyways, Amber had just had her first weekly checkup --- the one that says we're getting closer! Upon her pelvic exam, she's already becoming effaced and is 1 cm dialated. Now, I'm wondering if she'll if even make it to the first date the Dr.'s set of April 22nd, let alone May 2nd. The baby's head is now fixed in the pelvic area and Mother Nature's taking her own course.
Anyways, Amber & I spent the entire day together. First, sorting, sizing, putting away baby clothes. Then, she had to show me some additional gifts she's received after the baby shower. We looked through the baby shower pictures she recently got back from the developers, chatted, laughed, and had a great lunch. She noticed she seemed to catch me off guard this a.m. and asked about my plans for the day, offering to let me go so I could do what I desired, however, I declined.
Then, we decided to go shopping! She needed to return a few things: her wet wipe warmer came packaged without something ... a moist pack? and a package of baby bottles since she's intending to breastfeed and is using the Avent system. Since she's been unable to work throughout this pregnancy, I asked her if there was anything else she needed as I know $$$ has been tight for two of them. So, we made a short list of things and headed out to actually shop!
First, we exchanged the items for a gift card then proceeded shopping. Trial size bottles of bath and beauty items for her hospital bag, film for my camera --- hey! I remembered!, a baby girl outfit ---- for the baby to come home in as she had a boy one but not one for a girl. She also needed a waterproof matress pad to go over the cover and a few waterproof pads for her crib.
Upon arriving back at my house, she put her arms around me and said, "Mom, Thank you and Baby Saunders Thanks You, too." I could feel the tears swell up in my eyes as I told her she was so "Welcomed". We chatted for a bit and she said since I'd given up my plans to help her today, she'd come over tomorrow and hang out in the studio with me for a bit. It was time well-spent! and the ATC's and microscope slides to be RAK'd, the Art Idea Journals I'd intented to begin upon will all be there when I am. {Smiles}
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Don worked outside last night to get ready for the carport remodel and today will be going to get the materials to get started. I spoke with my brother, Keith, last night on giving us an estimate for the footers and concrete for the garage door to actually sit upon. Donnie is also sending a buddy over to provide us with an estimate but I didn't figure it would hurt to have my brother look at what we're planning to do and give us an idea of the costs involved so we wouldn't get ripped-off in the process of it all.
While Don worked outside, I spent some time indoors figuring out where I am at with artwork swaps and RR's. I really needed to get these things into perspective before I go and bite off more than I can chew!
Here's my completed list:
The Music of the Heart Swap - I should be receiving it within the next week or two as it is being mailed returned from Nova Scotia.
I'm working on:
* One 4:4 ATC Trade - which I have one ATC to create to finish up.
* ATC Swap with a Twist - This is a Technique Swap. I have my ATC's cut and the backgrounds created. I've several ideas for the stamping part just need to decide which to create so I'm experimenting with a two to see which I like the best.
* The Fat, Chunky Book Swap - 6 Book Covers to Create for binding 3 Books.
* An Art Idea Journal RR - began in March of 2005 with 17 participants, and we're currently approximately 3/4 of the way completed; I've 3 ready to be mailed and 3 arriving very shortly; in fact they should be mailed today!
* 1 RAK - microscope slides and foil to Rebecca
The RAK and ATC Swap will completed today and mailed by this week's end. I'm heading to the studio in just a bit so I can package these up and get to the P.O. ASAP to knock them out of the way.
I've 3 Art Idea Journals finished up and am waiting on the return of one girl's vacation to send them onto. I thought about bypassing her to the next participant on the list, however, she's some to mail out and two waiting to be worked on so I decided maybe it's best to wait. The next on the list is one the 2nd is mailing to so......... we're log-jammed once agian but I am certain with this group of ladies we can break out of this cycle!
I took a few moments this morning to look at the database for the journals I'll be receiving and made notes of the page sizes being used so that I can start on them before I actually receive them in just a few days. Two of the journals are "do-able"; (if that is a word!) and the 3rd, I'll have to wait to recieve before working on as the pages are listed in cm's and I'm not the greatest at conversions, LOL! Anyways, I decided I'll begin working and hopefully, completing one of those tonight and tomorrow and get going on the other one right after. By then, I should have actually received the Art Idea journals and can look at Suzanne's page sizes and begin with it.
The way I'm figuring it with housework, Chaos's training, an out of town trip to an art supply store on Sunday, I should be able to have all 3 journals completed by the end of next week and be able to get them postal once again.
From there, my focus is on finishing up the ATC with a Twist Technique swap since it is small and half-way completed. Since it a smaller project, I could possibly finish it up by the end of next week, if needed. I'm awaiting the Due Date for this one.
That will free me up to focus all my attention on creating the book covers and working on the bindings and provide one participant enough time to finish her pages; they should be arriving shortly thereafter. So, the timing is all beginning to come together and coincide with the grandbaby's soon-to-be-here arrival.
Shoooo.........
As far as the studio re-organization, I've decided to tackle it a little bit at a time. First, I plan to gather up all the supplies I'll need to complete all the above projects --- not too big of a task as I'm knocking out 2 of them today; and 2 are already done! I just need to get the supplies for creating the bookcovers and my bookbinding supplies accessible and all in one central location.
I am not signing up for anymore swaps for a bit, but did make some suggestions for artwork to be completed on a work at your own pace type of style. This will allow me to be creative why organizing, as long as I remember to clean up thoroughly when I work. That is something I to practice at ---- a lot!!!! LOL!
Well, I'm off of here..... time to get bathed, dressed, and head out to the studio so I can accomplish some of this. In the event that you don't hear from me, maybe send me a reminder regarding what I am supposed to be doing! Hmmm, wonder what I can throw in the crockpot?
While Don worked outside, I spent some time indoors figuring out where I am at with artwork swaps and RR's. I really needed to get these things into perspective before I go and bite off more than I can chew!
Here's my completed list:
The Music of the Heart Swap - I should be receiving it within the next week or two as it is being mailed returned from Nova Scotia.
I'm working on:
* One 4:4 ATC Trade - which I have one ATC to create to finish up.
* ATC Swap with a Twist - This is a Technique Swap. I have my ATC's cut and the backgrounds created. I've several ideas for the stamping part just need to decide which to create so I'm experimenting with a two to see which I like the best.
* The Fat, Chunky Book Swap - 6 Book Covers to Create for binding 3 Books.
* An Art Idea Journal RR - began in March of 2005 with 17 participants, and we're currently approximately 3/4 of the way completed; I've 3 ready to be mailed and 3 arriving very shortly; in fact they should be mailed today!
* 1 RAK - microscope slides and foil to Rebecca
The RAK and ATC Swap will completed today and mailed by this week's end. I'm heading to the studio in just a bit so I can package these up and get to the P.O. ASAP to knock them out of the way.
I've 3 Art Idea Journals finished up and am waiting on the return of one girl's vacation to send them onto. I thought about bypassing her to the next participant on the list, however, she's some to mail out and two waiting to be worked on so I decided maybe it's best to wait. The next on the list is one the 2nd is mailing to so......... we're log-jammed once agian but I am certain with this group of ladies we can break out of this cycle!
I took a few moments this morning to look at the database for the journals I'll be receiving and made notes of the page sizes being used so that I can start on them before I actually receive them in just a few days. Two of the journals are "do-able"; (if that is a word!) and the 3rd, I'll have to wait to recieve before working on as the pages are listed in cm's and I'm not the greatest at conversions, LOL! Anyways, I decided I'll begin working and hopefully, completing one of those tonight and tomorrow and get going on the other one right after. By then, I should have actually received the Art Idea journals and can look at Suzanne's page sizes and begin with it.
The way I'm figuring it with housework, Chaos's training, an out of town trip to an art supply store on Sunday, I should be able to have all 3 journals completed by the end of next week and be able to get them postal once again.
From there, my focus is on finishing up the ATC with a Twist Technique swap since it is small and half-way completed. Since it a smaller project, I could possibly finish it up by the end of next week, if needed. I'm awaiting the Due Date for this one.
That will free me up to focus all my attention on creating the book covers and working on the bindings and provide one participant enough time to finish her pages; they should be arriving shortly thereafter. So, the timing is all beginning to come together and coincide with the grandbaby's soon-to-be-here arrival.
Shoooo.........
As far as the studio re-organization, I've decided to tackle it a little bit at a time. First, I plan to gather up all the supplies I'll need to complete all the above projects --- not too big of a task as I'm knocking out 2 of them today; and 2 are already done! I just need to get the supplies for creating the bookcovers and my bookbinding supplies accessible and all in one central location.
I am not signing up for anymore swaps for a bit, but did make some suggestions for artwork to be completed on a work at your own pace type of style. This will allow me to be creative why organizing, as long as I remember to clean up thoroughly when I work. That is something I to practice at ---- a lot!!!! LOL!
Well, I'm off of here..... time to get bathed, dressed, and head out to the studio so I can accomplish some of this. In the event that you don't hear from me, maybe send me a reminder regarding what I am supposed to be doing! Hmmm, wonder what I can throw in the crockpot?
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Feeling much better now.....
after my vent and taking it out on my kitchen cabinets, LOL! My mom always said a good time to clean is when you're feeling frustrated and man, was she ever right! After I finished cleaning up a mess Chaos created, I tackled several of the kitchen cabinets. You see, he has this thing where if one of us, Don or I either one, is outside he has to either be with us or is peeking his nose out the window. Well, yesterday and again today, he decided to jump up and put his front paws on our outdoor patio bar set in front of the big window in our kitchen and in the process knocked over a huge pot containing my Philodendrin {sp.?} plant. I placed the plant there some time ago as it is poisonous to dogs, it would be up high enough he couldn't reach it, yet it would get plenty of indirect sunlight. Unfortunately, what I didn't plan on was him growing so quickly, LOL! Anyways, the mess is cleaned up, the plant has been re-potted and moved to another location.
Since I was in the kitchen anyways, I decided it was time to re-arrange and clean out some of my kitchen cabinets. I started with my baking cabinet, reorganizing it, tossing anything outdated. Next, I hit two other cabinets....... removing little bits of this and that out of the boxes, bags, ect. they were packaged in and put them into smaller baggies and ziplocks. Anything stale or outdated got pitched. Man, I certainly feel better!!!!!
Since I was in the kitchen anyways, I decided it was time to re-arrange and clean out some of my kitchen cabinets. I started with my baking cabinet, reorganizing it, tossing anything outdated. Next, I hit two other cabinets....... removing little bits of this and that out of the boxes, bags, ect. they were packaged in and put them into smaller baggies and ziplocks. Anything stale or outdated got pitched. Man, I certainly feel better!!!!!
Works in progress.....
Seems to be a re-occuring theme in my life. It seems like there is always something going on. So much that needs dones, only so much $$$ and time to do it in..... and just when you think you've got it all figured out... along comes something else.
On Sunday, Don and I went over to Home Depot and purchased 4 more boxes of Pergo Laminate wood flooring to finish up our living room. We get down to only 3 more boxes and the underlayment to purchase yet; hopefully before it goes off 20% off sale on May 3rd. Then, we realize that we'll also need 2 rolls of underlayment foam as well. While talking about the flooring, we noticed that we'll also need 6 - 4' x 8' subflooring sheets/boards so that the flooring is level with what is already laid in the kitchen and bath. Okay, I'm fine with this......... but.......
What does Don go and do? Why contact another contractor regarding an estimate for the carport! Now, his focus has shifted. No matter how many times I seem to repeat myself saying, "Let's focus on one project at a time." he always seems to have other ideas. I truly do not care what gets done... the flooring, the carport, or whatever but please don't bog me down with all of it at once!
While Don is figuring out how to get his carport done, my flooring project is back on hold. This will actually work out better for me...... as the weather warms up, the April rains come and go.... so that I can focus on getting some of these things that need moved out of our way... like the patio furniture being moved back outside onto the deck. Heck, I even thought about how can I slide a couple of gallons of paint into our budget so I can begin on the kitchen painting while these things are out of our way saving us from having to move them ump-teen million times, LOL! Then, I remembered that I desired to get back to the studio re-organization and to creating the art I love. I sit and wonder how long would it actually take to paint the kitchen, what supplies do I have to do it, what would I need to purchase, what other projects do I have going on, ect. and decide --- now isn't the time for me to be tackling the kitchen painting. I find myself eating my own words, "Let's focus on one thing at a time!"
Then, I begin to wonder what he'll decide to do with all the stuff that is in the carport while he re-does the outside walls and has the garage door installed. A lot of it is store fixtures that I purchased when planning to open my own rubber stamp store so they'll definately need to be moved out of the way when it dawns on me that most likely they'll end up in the studio I'm planning to re-organize.
So, instead of moving what is in my home out into the studio to be organized, I now sit and wonder what do I need inside so I can work on creating the artwork that I love. I also wonder, "Why is nothing ever as simple as you'd like it to be? "
Maybe, I should just forget the re-organization, gather up what I'll need to finish up what I've got started with the bookbinding swap- the ATC swap - the Art Idea Journal RR and hell, maybe I'd even feel better if I would go paint my kitchen red! ROFLOL!
On Sunday, Don and I went over to Home Depot and purchased 4 more boxes of Pergo Laminate wood flooring to finish up our living room. We get down to only 3 more boxes and the underlayment to purchase yet; hopefully before it goes off 20% off sale on May 3rd. Then, we realize that we'll also need 2 rolls of underlayment foam as well. While talking about the flooring, we noticed that we'll also need 6 - 4' x 8' subflooring sheets/boards so that the flooring is level with what is already laid in the kitchen and bath. Okay, I'm fine with this......... but.......
What does Don go and do? Why contact another contractor regarding an estimate for the carport! Now, his focus has shifted. No matter how many times I seem to repeat myself saying, "Let's focus on one project at a time." he always seems to have other ideas. I truly do not care what gets done... the flooring, the carport, or whatever but please don't bog me down with all of it at once!
While Don is figuring out how to get his carport done, my flooring project is back on hold. This will actually work out better for me...... as the weather warms up, the April rains come and go.... so that I can focus on getting some of these things that need moved out of our way... like the patio furniture being moved back outside onto the deck. Heck, I even thought about how can I slide a couple of gallons of paint into our budget so I can begin on the kitchen painting while these things are out of our way saving us from having to move them ump-teen million times, LOL! Then, I remembered that I desired to get back to the studio re-organization and to creating the art I love. I sit and wonder how long would it actually take to paint the kitchen, what supplies do I have to do it, what would I need to purchase, what other projects do I have going on, ect. and decide --- now isn't the time for me to be tackling the kitchen painting. I find myself eating my own words, "Let's focus on one thing at a time!"
Then, I begin to wonder what he'll decide to do with all the stuff that is in the carport while he re-does the outside walls and has the garage door installed. A lot of it is store fixtures that I purchased when planning to open my own rubber stamp store so they'll definately need to be moved out of the way when it dawns on me that most likely they'll end up in the studio I'm planning to re-organize.
So, instead of moving what is in my home out into the studio to be organized, I now sit and wonder what do I need inside so I can work on creating the artwork that I love. I also wonder, "Why is nothing ever as simple as you'd like it to be? "
Maybe, I should just forget the re-organization, gather up what I'll need to finish up what I've got started with the bookbinding swap- the ATC swap - the Art Idea Journal RR and hell, maybe I'd even feel better if I would go paint my kitchen red! ROFLOL!
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
A Fat, Chuncky Book Swap.. and other Artful Adventures
I'm hosting a Coptic stitched book swap in a group with 2 other ladies and it is coming along. I've my pages contributions created and have received one package and am waiting for another as she works to finish her's up. There's no rush on this.... just the anticipation to see what each of us came up with the theme, "Secret Pathways, Doorways, and Portals". It promises to be a great swap and one I'm certain each of us will treasure. I've some ideas in mind regarding papers and techniques to be used in creating the book covers so I plan to begin working on them soon.
I am currently caught up with the Art Idea Journals and have 3 in my possession while I wait for the person I send them onto to return from Florida where she is visiting her parents, I believe. I've got them packaged up and ready to go to the P.O. The person who sends to me has two more in her possession, so receiving those is something to look forward to in the weeks ahead. This is perfectly fine with me as it will allow me some time to get some of the studio re-organization completed as time allows.
I also signed up for a smaller swap within a group of friends for an ATC Technique Swap. So far, I've my bases created.... need to add some stamped artwork or a design to them, type up the technique to be placed on the back, sign them and get them sent off before the May 15th due date. Plenty of time within the next several weeks to work on them.
Speaking of ATC's --- I have completely forgotten that I owe 4 of them to one lady who so kindly sent 4 to me recently. Thankfully, I have some created in my stash, so I need to get my butt in gear and get them ready to be mailed along with a note of apology for taking so long to get those sent back out. There was some miscommunication involved which I'm certain contributed to my forgetfulness; although, I must get this on my to do list today!
I've been thinking of inviting a few friends over to scrapbook. I haven't scrapbooked in so long.... other than the few pages I created in Amber's album for her to add pictures to. SueAnn, an old friend and neighbor I had on Greenwood St. has began scrapbooking, and her dd, Nikki, who had a baby 9 months ago is scrapbooking. Patti, Sue's other dd, wants to get one started, and I was thinking maybe Amber would like to join us. I may make some telephone calls to see if they'd be interested in starting a scrapbook group where we'd get together on a regular schedule that would work for everyone. Patti has a pack and play playpen that we could set up within the space for the kids to play/sleep ect. while we work and play for a couple hours. I have so many reusable supplies, tools, and magazines for inspiration that aren't used as often as I'd like since I've made such an investment in them it would be great to see others benefit from them as well.
I'm hoping to work on the re-organization and get to creating some of the projects I've had on my "Artful - to create list" for quite some time. I'd love to get some cards, ATC's, and various other projects created to share and RAK as I work to fill up the spinner rack. I don't believe I'll start any other swaps for a while unless they are small as I mentioned a few ideas to get me motivated and back to creating within a group I've been a long time member of.
Some of the ideas I proposed:
* a book review --- taking a book from our Art Libraries and working through it chapter by chapter.
* completing one project a month from any magazine --- Somerset Studios or Stamper's Sampler
* starting a month "Sampler" in the fall where a theme would be determined and each artist creates whatever their heart desires for each participant who signed up that month and we rotate who hosts the swap exchanges. I for one am loving this idea! as it allows us the option of participating depending upon each of our personal schedules!
We'll see how the responses go....... so far what I've been reading any and all of these are feasible and are being received well.
I am currently caught up with the Art Idea Journals and have 3 in my possession while I wait for the person I send them onto to return from Florida where she is visiting her parents, I believe. I've got them packaged up and ready to go to the P.O. The person who sends to me has two more in her possession, so receiving those is something to look forward to in the weeks ahead. This is perfectly fine with me as it will allow me some time to get some of the studio re-organization completed as time allows.
I also signed up for a smaller swap within a group of friends for an ATC Technique Swap. So far, I've my bases created.... need to add some stamped artwork or a design to them, type up the technique to be placed on the back, sign them and get them sent off before the May 15th due date. Plenty of time within the next several weeks to work on them.
Speaking of ATC's --- I have completely forgotten that I owe 4 of them to one lady who so kindly sent 4 to me recently. Thankfully, I have some created in my stash, so I need to get my butt in gear and get them ready to be mailed along with a note of apology for taking so long to get those sent back out. There was some miscommunication involved which I'm certain contributed to my forgetfulness; although, I must get this on my to do list today!
I've been thinking of inviting a few friends over to scrapbook. I haven't scrapbooked in so long.... other than the few pages I created in Amber's album for her to add pictures to. SueAnn, an old friend and neighbor I had on Greenwood St. has began scrapbooking, and her dd, Nikki, who had a baby 9 months ago is scrapbooking. Patti, Sue's other dd, wants to get one started, and I was thinking maybe Amber would like to join us. I may make some telephone calls to see if they'd be interested in starting a scrapbook group where we'd get together on a regular schedule that would work for everyone. Patti has a pack and play playpen that we could set up within the space for the kids to play/sleep ect. while we work and play for a couple hours. I have so many reusable supplies, tools, and magazines for inspiration that aren't used as often as I'd like since I've made such an investment in them it would be great to see others benefit from them as well.
I'm hoping to work on the re-organization and get to creating some of the projects I've had on my "Artful - to create list" for quite some time. I'd love to get some cards, ATC's, and various other projects created to share and RAK as I work to fill up the spinner rack. I don't believe I'll start any other swaps for a while unless they are small as I mentioned a few ideas to get me motivated and back to creating within a group I've been a long time member of.
Some of the ideas I proposed:
* a book review --- taking a book from our Art Libraries and working through it chapter by chapter.
* completing one project a month from any magazine --- Somerset Studios or Stamper's Sampler
* starting a month "Sampler" in the fall where a theme would be determined and each artist creates whatever their heart desires for each participant who signed up that month and we rotate who hosts the swap exchanges. I for one am loving this idea! as it allows us the option of participating depending upon each of our personal schedules!
We'll see how the responses go....... so far what I've been reading any and all of these are feasible and are being received well.
Oops.... I made a mistake.......
In yesterday's post I stated Amber is 37 weeks along and last night discovered she's actually 36 weeks along! Our class taken on breastfeeding last night was very informative. Deb, the RN who taught the class was a great instructor and it is nice to know that she'll be available to assist Amber in the hospital as she embarks on this new journey during this time of her life.
I had to chuckle at the end of the class when Amber asked how much longer they prefer the baby to be carried... as the baby is still growing, dropping into the pelvic area and the discomfort is truly starting to begin. She wasn't too happy to hear they prefer the mother to carry to at least 38 weeks in order to prevent some of the respiratory problems newborns often experience. Although, she'll wait it out..... trusting Mother Nature knows best. She's so cute with her large belly and getting along great!
There were 3 other ladies in the class, one due on the same date as Amber, who is a lot smaller and who's hubby is stationed in Iraq. This is her, Amber's and one other woman's first pregnancy. One other young girl had her mom with her as well; and I thought it was great that she has a reliable support system in place already; and another lady who is expecting her 3rd child but was unsuccessful breastfeeding the first two yet desiring to try again. I was the only woman in the room who had breastfeed and actually weaned my child; so it was a positive experience being able to share some of what I learned along the way.
As we were leaving, the nurses were taking a few of the babies back in to be with their families so we actually got to see a few newborns which added to our anticipation. Today, I'm planning to get everything I will need gathered up and ready to go on a moments notice although I suspect we've a week or two yet and possibly longer! At Amber's baby shower, I guessed April 24th or 25th as the babies due date..... we'll see how close I come. {smiles}
I had to chuckle at the end of the class when Amber asked how much longer they prefer the baby to be carried... as the baby is still growing, dropping into the pelvic area and the discomfort is truly starting to begin. She wasn't too happy to hear they prefer the mother to carry to at least 38 weeks in order to prevent some of the respiratory problems newborns often experience. Although, she'll wait it out..... trusting Mother Nature knows best. She's so cute with her large belly and getting along great!
There were 3 other ladies in the class, one due on the same date as Amber, who is a lot smaller and who's hubby is stationed in Iraq. This is her, Amber's and one other woman's first pregnancy. One other young girl had her mom with her as well; and I thought it was great that she has a reliable support system in place already; and another lady who is expecting her 3rd child but was unsuccessful breastfeeding the first two yet desiring to try again. I was the only woman in the room who had breastfeed and actually weaned my child; so it was a positive experience being able to share some of what I learned along the way.
As we were leaving, the nurses were taking a few of the babies back in to be with their families so we actually got to see a few newborns which added to our anticipation. Today, I'm planning to get everything I will need gathered up and ready to go on a moments notice although I suspect we've a week or two yet and possibly longer! At Amber's baby shower, I guessed April 24th or 25th as the babies due date..... we'll see how close I come. {smiles}
Monday, April 03, 2006
The "Waiting Game" truly begins.. and other updates.
Amber is now considered "full-term" as today makes the 37th week of pregnancy! Chris will be putting their crib together one day this week while Amber begins decorating the nursery, doing yet another load of laundry of baby items not yet washed, packing her hospital bag, ect.
Which reminds me that I too need to begin to make some preparations as well --- a list of photographs I want to take, camera, film, batteries, $$$ and change for the cafeteria and vending machines, have some comfortable shoes and clothes laid out in the event that I may yet get one of those 2 a.m. telephone calls! With babies, you just never know when..........
Tonight, we, Amber & I, are going to a free breastfeeding class at the hospital from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. This is the second class Amber has attended there; the first was to fill out of some of the paperwork for pre-admission and release....... having some of this done and out of the way is said to help speed up the process.
Amber and Chris have already picked out and met with a pediatrician, Dr. Davis and Kathy Davis, M.D. - a husband and wife team, who will be visiting the hospital after the baby is born for a complete physical exam and to schedule curcumcision, in the event that it the baby is a boy... so we're now playing the waiting game. Amber was over yesterday and I noticed she's dropped, the baby is moving its head into position although her last Dr.'s visit informed us she's not quite "fixed" yet --- but maybe this week.
Don & I have been working as much as possible on Spring cleaning our yard. The recent rains have interferred a bit so we've been focusing once agian on the house. Yesterday, we made the trip to Ontario where we purchased 4 more boxes of Pergo Red Oak laminate planks, now bringing our total up to 7 of the 10 boxes required for the 12' x 16' section of our living room flooring. We spoke with a family friend regarding installing it and he will be by with an estimate for us, either today or ASAP. It will be a few a few weeks before we purchase the remaining 3 boxes but the good news is that it is on sale for 20% off until May 3rd so we've managed to save some $$$ in the process. We've almost gotten the Jeep repairs paid off and the hospital bills from Don's knee surgery are on a monthly payment schedule which is assisting us to focus once again on our home remodeling.
I'm thinking once the flooring is laid, the room will actually begin to come together more. For once in my life, I think I've made the right decision regarding this room by treating it as two separate areas once we are done. This room has been the hardest room within our home for me to know how to decorate and has been the most challenging due to being long and narrow room, 12' x 30' and containing its 3 separate doorways featuring our front outside entrance, the kitchen/bath area, and the hallway leading to the bedrooms at the opposite end.
Once we're able to move the patio furniture back outside, I'll be able to put the small wooden table back out in the kitchen in front of the window and the base to the hutch where the patio is currently. Once the flooring is installed, I think I'd like to move the loveseat and chair with one ottomen over to this side of the room, and begin the hunt for a small area rug and 2 endtables to purchase. I haven't decided if I want a coffee table or not yet, however I'm thinking it would be a better idea to purchase a 3 pc. set vs. trying to match it all up later on down the road! I'm also considering changing the existing ceiling fan and going with another ceiling lighting fixture....... but that isn't too pressing. Hopefully, creating this space on the west side of our living room will offer us a more intimate seating arrangement with a bit more of a formal feel in comparison to the opposite side of the room which will be more of an everyday relaxed atmosphere.
Once that is completed we'll probably focus on the carport --- getting the header and garage door in and the sides redone before we begin saving for carpeting for the living room and hall. In the meantime, we'll simply be making due with the existing carpet. The recliner and remaining ottomen will go back onto the carpeted area on the opposite side of the room. I'm undecided re: purchasing another recliner or maybe a couch....... I miss having a couch to stretch out on but I am also thinking with the large screen TV and the larger recliner, having a couch may just be too much in the remaining 14' x 12' space on that side of the room. Maybe another recliner with a endstand between them and putting the focus on the TV with a custom built entertainment center surrounding it would be the best way to go. The good news is, I've plenty of time to think about it before making any permanent decisions.
Between all of this, I'm desiring to re-focus my attention to the studio re-organization. Doing what I can in smaller chunks of time vs. trying to combat it all in swoop! I'm hoping to give it some attention, at least once a week even if it is only a few hours here and there. I'm mainly thinking organize first, then consider adding in the storage options I've decided upon. One additional item I'm considering is acrylic shelving for my wood mounted stamps to add to the slatwall. I've found some websites that we can purchase as little or as much as we desire as we can afford to add to it. We did price a small air conditioner yesterday, for less than $100, we can get a 5000 BTU that would allow me be in there during the hotter, summer months.......... now if I could only discover a $$$ tree and a time machine, LOL! We'd be in there!
Which reminds me that I too need to begin to make some preparations as well --- a list of photographs I want to take, camera, film, batteries, $$$ and change for the cafeteria and vending machines, have some comfortable shoes and clothes laid out in the event that I may yet get one of those 2 a.m. telephone calls! With babies, you just never know when..........
Tonight, we, Amber & I, are going to a free breastfeeding class at the hospital from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. This is the second class Amber has attended there; the first was to fill out of some of the paperwork for pre-admission and release....... having some of this done and out of the way is said to help speed up the process.
Amber and Chris have already picked out and met with a pediatrician, Dr. Davis and Kathy Davis, M.D. - a husband and wife team, who will be visiting the hospital after the baby is born for a complete physical exam and to schedule curcumcision, in the event that it the baby is a boy... so we're now playing the waiting game. Amber was over yesterday and I noticed she's dropped, the baby is moving its head into position although her last Dr.'s visit informed us she's not quite "fixed" yet --- but maybe this week.
Don & I have been working as much as possible on Spring cleaning our yard. The recent rains have interferred a bit so we've been focusing once agian on the house. Yesterday, we made the trip to Ontario where we purchased 4 more boxes of Pergo Red Oak laminate planks, now bringing our total up to 7 of the 10 boxes required for the 12' x 16' section of our living room flooring. We spoke with a family friend regarding installing it and he will be by with an estimate for us, either today or ASAP. It will be a few a few weeks before we purchase the remaining 3 boxes but the good news is that it is on sale for 20% off until May 3rd so we've managed to save some $$$ in the process. We've almost gotten the Jeep repairs paid off and the hospital bills from Don's knee surgery are on a monthly payment schedule which is assisting us to focus once again on our home remodeling.
I'm thinking once the flooring is laid, the room will actually begin to come together more. For once in my life, I think I've made the right decision regarding this room by treating it as two separate areas once we are done. This room has been the hardest room within our home for me to know how to decorate and has been the most challenging due to being long and narrow room, 12' x 30' and containing its 3 separate doorways featuring our front outside entrance, the kitchen/bath area, and the hallway leading to the bedrooms at the opposite end.
Once we're able to move the patio furniture back outside, I'll be able to put the small wooden table back out in the kitchen in front of the window and the base to the hutch where the patio is currently. Once the flooring is installed, I think I'd like to move the loveseat and chair with one ottomen over to this side of the room, and begin the hunt for a small area rug and 2 endtables to purchase. I haven't decided if I want a coffee table or not yet, however I'm thinking it would be a better idea to purchase a 3 pc. set vs. trying to match it all up later on down the road! I'm also considering changing the existing ceiling fan and going with another ceiling lighting fixture....... but that isn't too pressing. Hopefully, creating this space on the west side of our living room will offer us a more intimate seating arrangement with a bit more of a formal feel in comparison to the opposite side of the room which will be more of an everyday relaxed atmosphere.
Once that is completed we'll probably focus on the carport --- getting the header and garage door in and the sides redone before we begin saving for carpeting for the living room and hall. In the meantime, we'll simply be making due with the existing carpet. The recliner and remaining ottomen will go back onto the carpeted area on the opposite side of the room. I'm undecided re: purchasing another recliner or maybe a couch....... I miss having a couch to stretch out on but I am also thinking with the large screen TV and the larger recliner, having a couch may just be too much in the remaining 14' x 12' space on that side of the room. Maybe another recliner with a endstand between them and putting the focus on the TV with a custom built entertainment center surrounding it would be the best way to go. The good news is, I've plenty of time to think about it before making any permanent decisions.
Between all of this, I'm desiring to re-focus my attention to the studio re-organization. Doing what I can in smaller chunks of time vs. trying to combat it all in swoop! I'm hoping to give it some attention, at least once a week even if it is only a few hours here and there. I'm mainly thinking organize first, then consider adding in the storage options I've decided upon. One additional item I'm considering is acrylic shelving for my wood mounted stamps to add to the slatwall. I've found some websites that we can purchase as little or as much as we desire as we can afford to add to it. We did price a small air conditioner yesterday, for less than $100, we can get a 5000 BTU that would allow me be in there during the hotter, summer months.......... now if I could only discover a $$$ tree and a time machine, LOL! We'd be in there!
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