Little Bistro Face-Lift

When I was young I went to a lot of garage sales. It's something I still like to do, but don't get a chance to do often. It's like treasure hunting... I love it! There's nothing like rooting through some one else's junk and finding something special, better yet, something I need!

In my mid 20's I had a perfect little space for a bistro table and chairs, so I began looking for a set. Within no time, I found a little brown set with beige cushions. (I know...delightful.) The price was great. I purchased it for $25!  I wish I had "before" pictures of that!
I spray painted the set red, and it lasted for years. A few days ago I decided it was time for another redo.

Red is one of my favorite colors, so I bought the most inexpensive red spray paint I could find ($1.52 a can at wal-mart) and sprayed away. (I only needed one can!) Then, I tackled the cushions.

I had left-over outdoor fabric from another project that is fade resistant, but if it rains it still gets wet. I decided to remedy this by purchasing a yard of heavy, clear vinyl to layer over the fabric.

Since the old cushions were destroyed, I bought some outdoor plywood and cut new bases for the seats. Then, I used left-over seat foam from my piano bench project, and cut out the rounds.

I used a staple gun to attach the vinyl and fabric to the base.

My little bistro set will continue to be a great spot for morning coffee for years to come!

My Baby Graduated!

One week ago today, my baby graduated from high school.

So many years ago, people would tell me, (usually "old" ladies) "Cherish the time you have with them now, they grow up so fast.", Or, "Time Flies.", or "You blink and they're all grown up."

It's true. It's all true.

I love being a mom. I loved every stage. And as we get ready celebrate Hannah's graduation, I am reminded to savor our days ahead...the stages in their lives...in our lives, the moments and memories. They pass by all too quickly.

Newborn Hannah

Hannah at 1

Julia and Hannah 2&1 (bad colds and cute jammies)

Julia, Jessica, and Hannah, our 3 girls

Hannah and Julia

Congratulations baby Er!!  I love you! We are SO proud! :)

Weeding &Things

Finally, a beautiful morning! It's still over cast, but before 8:00 a.m., I got a lot of weeding done. Although the grass is beginning to green up, not many flowers are peeking out yet. But we do have a little color...

Bah! Really? It's a whole bouquet! 

OH!  I almost forgot!

A couple of weeks ago, (you know, that Trader Joe's outing)  I also stopped at Goodwill. Sometimes I find great deals there, but usually I find a lot of things I can live without. On this particular day I found 2 things for under $10.

This adorable, vintage aluminum lazy susan...I love useful and especially cute finds.

And this almost new pair of heels. (Also cute and useful!)

I couldn't resist the color. 

Too bad my ankle is still to weak to wear them. 

Cold Weather, Hot Soup & A Warm Heart

It's been raining (some snowing) here for a week now. Alright already, Wisconsin. I'm fed up.

Speaking of being fed... First, "A rabbit trail", as my mom calls it.

 Days like the cold, damp ones we've been having lately really takes a toll on me. It's hard on my body and mood, and I dislike being out in it. (I know I'm not alone in this)
Yesterday, however, I had to go out. My husband and I are in the middle of a few projects right now and a client needed some tile samples. So off I went. We live out in the country, so we try to get as much done on these trips as possible. After I was done finding samples, I stopped at Trader Joe's to get a few things. I've heard a lot about the store, but have never actually made a purchase there...

Okay, it's my new favorite grocery store. It was worth going out for. :)

I got everything on my list for a new soup I wanted to try, plus normal stuff for under $40.

Here is the recipe I couldn't wait to try: Edie's creamy chicken tortilla soup, is 

D E L I S H and very quick and easy to make. 

I made this soup for lunch today. It was just what our bodies needed around here and this damp, cold day. Then, when I went out to the studio, I found something that warmed my heart...

Even at 18 years old, my Hannah thinks to leave little (quickly written) notes to let me know that she loves me. *sigh* 

My Deeto

Back when my family first moved into this little square farmhouse, all I had were brothers. I had six. Six brothers. Every time my mother had another boy I would weep. Seriously weep. Don't get me wrong, I always loved my brothers, every single one. But my heart longed for a sister. One I could dress up and brush her hair and tell secrets to. I wanted to share all the girl stuff with a sister of my very own.
After my baby brothers would be home for a while, I would initiate each one by dressing them up like a girl. (Not my two older brothers of course, no telling what would happen to me if I tried! ) There are photos to prove I did it, but won't dare post a picture without approval. (No telling what would happen to me if I tried!)
When I was 14 years old The Lord answered my prayers and finally gave me my precious baby sister, Rachel Anna Sheldon. I was so happy to see that she had bright blue eyes like my mama. Oh, I loved her SO much. To this day, we have never had a real fight. I'm sure our age difference had a lot to do with that.

When she learned to talk, she would look at me with those big blue eyes, stroke my hand with her little pudgy one, tilt her head to the side, and say, "Oh...my deeto."  Translation: "My sister". Yes, her sister, and she is my Deeto, too. We call each other by that name. I love it.

My Deeto is active and rocks at anything she does. She is way more adventurous than me. I'm afraid of getting hurt. Not my Deeto. She has a weird ability to be the biggest tomboy, yet the the most feminine.

She always ran with the boys

 She's mastered clothing, hair and make-up. To be honest, I'm much too lazy in the grooming department.

Rachel Anna Sheldon AKA, My Deeto

My Deeto has a heart of gold. Everyone that meets her loves her, She is one of the most gentle, compassionate people I have ever met...and talented... SO talented. She sings, writes music, plays guitar, piano, banjo, flute...really anything she wants to play she does. My Deeto loves children and children love her. Parents love her. I love her..So, SO much. She was blessed with so much beauty and many talents and abilities, but my sister always, always gives The Lord credit for all things. Spiritually, I look up to my baby Deeto. She a has faith that could move mountains. She is SO beautiful.

Recently, my baby sister met some one. THE one. The one she has been waiting for and has been praying for her whole life...And they are getting married... TODAY.
She is marrying an awesome guy, Mr. Adam Jones in Kentucky. I'm so happy that my baby Deeto has found love. *Sigh*

(First "official" date)

Best wishes to my beautiful baby Deeto and her Soon-to-be (at 6:00 P.M.) husband Adam Jones! Welcome to the family, Adam! I Love you both!!! Have a wonderful day!!

(They will have a big Sheldon-style wedding later this year in Wisconsin, which I am very much looking forward to!)

New Cookbook Shelf

My kitchen has very little storage. It's the original 1920's kitchen...2 little upper cabinets, and a 10 foot bank of lowers. When I moved back in 5 years ago, I added shelves on the wall by the range. They have been great for mason jars full of rice, beans and noodles and other sundries.  An antique dresser has been handy storage for my baking sheets and pans, but my cookbooks have never really had a good home in my kitchen. I finally figured something out this morning.

I have a small cabinet that wasn't being used very well. It held a large slow-cooker and a waffle iron, but not much else fit. I thought it might make a good cookbook shelf, so I took the door off the hinges.

As it turns out, my cookbooks fit perfectly. I even had room to store some bowls that have been taking up my precious counter space. I put my rarely used books on the bottom shelf, and the ones I use most often on the top.

Of course, no cookbook shelf is complete without a cute little mouse!

Stripping the floors

Getting my new range was such a dream. I know I'm goofy, but here it goes...It was a dream come true. Since I was in my early 20's I wanted a Viking or a Wolf range. *Sigh*
But putting it on vinyl floors...not a dream. So I told Jody  that I would like to rip out the floors myself. (He had no problem with that.)

So, started removing the old 3 layers of flooring.

I found a LOT of old glue on the maple.

If you want to strip your floors yourself. Some advice: Give yourself a few days, and make an appointment in advance with a massage therapist. You're gonna need it.

I figured with such a small kitchen, this would be a piece of cake. Nope. Old glue on an old floor = Lots of work and chemicals. I used good, old fashioned Zip Strip and a putty knife. Open some windows and wear a mask and gloves made specifically for chemicals.

The floors took me about 3 days to rip apart and strip. They are still not sanded or refinished, but someday, when we remodel the kitchen we will sand, stain and polyurethane. For now, I am more than satisfied. 

My husband really likes our range. :)