Bitten by the DIY Bug!

Ok for myself or whoever may stumble upon my blog - I want to try and do this again! I have failed miserably in the past...just a few posts in a few years, however, I have been bitten by the DIY bug since we purchased our new home (we've been there for nearly two years)...we (the hubby and I) have DIY'd nearly every project in our home.

I love Before and After pictures, so I will do my best to share most of them that way.

So bear with me and share your DIY's too - won't you?

Smooches - mmmmmwwwaaaaah!

HELP!

What did I do wrong

HELP!

HELP!

Not sure what I have done...all of my (who am I kidding 10 posts maximum) are gone - as well as everything else that was on my page...what did I do wrong?

Christmas Greetings!

I know, I know...long time no see! I will blame it on being busy...

Pictures and updates to come soon!

Merry Christmas!

"Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise..."

We are fine! However, Columbus, as a world-class, architectural mecca of the midwest, is suffering.

• Columbus Regional Hospital has been closed - thousands of gallons of river water from Hawcreek flooded the hospital basement and first floor. Critical patients were lifelined to other hospitals in the region. The hospital is closed until further notice - as you can imagine they have already begun the clean-up process. I know it will be long and hard.
• The Historic Downtown area (residential) - you can drive down Washington Street and every historic home is without power - has nearly every single home furnishing item sitting on their front lawn/near the curb for "heavy trash" pick-up. So sad!
• Our home is safe - we live in the country high atop a hill - the water would have to get really high to reach us, however, we were water locked for nearly three days as our home is surrounded by two rivers and one very large creek. We had to wait for the water to receed in order to get out to the major highway.
• FEMA, The Red Cross and many other organizations have set up camp in Columbus to help flood victims - I hope and pray that it happens quickly so that people can return to "normal."

Visit: http://hneolive.therepublic.com/sites/flood/ss_aer1/index.html to view a slideshow from The Republic.

Flowers, flowers, and more flowers...

I love these colorful paper flowers - I remember begging for one each time we visited a touristy type place when I was a child. Now, I just make them as needed. The are beautiful and cheap decorations for just about anything: Bridal showers/luncheons, baby showers, dinner parties, etc.

Visit: http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11108 for complete instructions and a quick video.






CRAFT MATERIALS:
For each flower, you'll need:
6 large sheets of tissue paper in different colors
1 pipe cleaner
Scissors
Two 6-foot lengths of green crepe paper
One 4-foot bamboo garden stake
Tape
Time needed: Under 1 Hour

1. For each flower, stack 6 different-colored sheets of tissue paper, then fold the stack accordion style the long way.
2. Twist a pipe cleaner around the center.
3. Round both ends of the stack with scissors.
4. Open the flower by gently pulling up 1 layer of tissue paper at a time toward the center.
5. Turn over the flower and use the pipe cleaner ends to attach two 6-foot strips of crepe paper streamers to the bottom of the flower.
6. Now take those same ends and wrap them around one end of a bamboo garden stake. Tape them in place to secure.

I see why these types of posts are so popular...

A few bullet points as to what's going on in my corner of the world...

• Bill's (my husbands) Father, Carl passed away a month ago. It was an extremely hard time for Bill's family (5 brothers and sisters). Their Father had been ill (bronchitis and the flu), but nothing life threatening. He was in and out of the Doctors office but never admitted to the hospital. He called our home at 2:30 a.m. and he was rushed to the ER - never to leave. He had pneumonia - undiagnosed the previous three times to his Primary Physician. He ended up on a ventilator and went to be with Jesus while sleeping.

On a lighter note:

• I am working on our Nephew Matthew's wedding. He and his young bride are planning to marry on July 26, 008. They have asked that I arrange the flowers, drape the pews, bake the wedding cake, and help with the food for the reception. Whew! How do I get myself into these situations???
• We camped for a week and a half after the funeral - just to relax. We stayed about 20 miles from home and just went to work from there. It was nice!
• We have ridden our motorcycles everywhere this Spring! We recently rode about 200 miles through southcentral Indiana with a group of friends. What a time! I love to ride my motorcycle and hopefully I will think to take some pictures of us on them soon!
• We are working at home to get our pool ready to swim. The weather has really been on and off so the water temperature is still pretty chilly.

More later...

Can You Find I Love You!

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Memorial Day - Many Thanks!

Thank you Michael for your service to our Country. For fighting the good fight. Thank you for sacrificing yourself for us. God speed!

I mentioned some time ago that my Nephew, Michael would be leaving for Iraq...he did and has been gone "way too long" for me. I have been in contact with his wife and children on numerous occasions and have even had a few chances to speak with him on the telephone (its hard for me to talk to him without crying - the instant I hear his voice - on come the water works).

Rachel, Michael's wife shared this picture with me after Michael left. It's their son Brendson. I tear up just looking at it. Brendson actually told his cousin the other day - "your Dad works in an office? My Dad is a hero - he's in Iraq fighting the war!" (how can you be mad at that!?)

I spoke with Rachel last evening and she shared that Michael should be home by Christmas. Please pray with me for Michael's safe homecoming to his beautiful family!