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! :)

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!)

Where I Began...

I figured a suitable place to start would be at the beginning.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth..." Yes, this is what I believe, and without Him I wouldn't have a beginning. However, The "beginning" I am going to share is where I came from and how I arrived at the "litttle sqaure farmhouse". (Don't worry, it will be the short version!) ;)

 When I was four years old my parents moved my two older brothers and me to Wisconsin. We moved around a lot and lived in rental properties until  my parents bought a little square farmhouse in the country just outside of beautiful Maiden Rock. I was thirteen years old when we moved here, and when I was sixteen my parents added the last of my siblings to our family. At one time, there were eleven people living in this farmhouse. Yes, nine kids. Seven boys, 2 girls. We were home-schooled, so the house was busy  ALL. THE. TIME! The farmhouse was REALLY ugly when we first moved here. But it was home...It was our home.

Our home...and our transportation...(barf!)

I would lay awake at night and think about what I would do to the farmhouse if it were my own...

Fast forward, many years later.

My dad passed way, my mom finished raising the last six kids here, and was later remarried to a wonderful man from Kentucky.  The last of my siblings were moving away, and as this little square farmhouse was becoming empty, I became a divorced mom of two beautiful daughters and a full-time college student looking for a place to live.

In 2008, I moved back in and began renovations right away.