Weekend Full of Projects

Here is some of what I have been working on this weekend! Spray painting like crazy! I can't wait for these items to be done.

Veteran's

Today I read Pioneer Woman's blog called Coming Home. It is dedicated to pictures of military men & women coming home. Such a moving post! The first few pictures made me smile thinking of families who felt such relief their loved ones made it home safely. Then I saw the fifth picture of the wife hugging her husband and the coffin draped in an American flag and I lost it.

My husband has taught me what a huge sacrifice veterans make for our country. Coming home from war can be a soldiers biggest struggle. Panic, nightmares, post traumatic stress disorder, friends they left behind, a war that still needs them, along with many other issues that follow these soldiers home.

When we first started dating my husband made it very clear there could be a chance he would have to go back to Iraq. I was scared for 2 years that he would have go to back to Iraq. He was lucky to make it out of there once alive and my biggest fear is would he come home safe again. The day he retired was a HUGE relief!

I feel so proud to have such a dedicated and wonderful veteran I call my husband!

WW Southern Oven “Fried” Chicken

Another GOOD chicken recipe. We are having this for dinner tomorrow night. I made it tonight and had a little taste. Very yummy!!!!

1/2 cup fat free buttermilk (I used 1 teaspoon vinegar and 1/2 cup fat free milk instead)
1/2 cup cornflakes, crushed
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (or to taste)
2 pounds chicken parts, skinned (I used the chicken breast tender meat and its cheaper at Publix. It also cooks faster!)
4 teaspoons Canola oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees, spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Pour the buttermilk (or vinegar/milk mixture) into a large shallow bowl. On a sheet of wax paper combine the cornflake crumbs, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken in the buttermilk, then dredge in the cornflake mixture, coating completely.

Place the chicken on the baking sheet; drizzle with the canola oil.

If you are using chicken breasts cook for 30 minutes, then turn chicken over and bake until cooked through; 15-20 minutes.

If you are using chicken tenders (which I recommend) cook for 15 minutes, then turn chicken over and bake until cooked through; 10-15 minutes.

Weight watchers recipe and only 5 points (229 calories)!

Baked Almond Chicken

This recipe is sooooo yummy!!!! I made it tonight for our lunches. I had a taste...YUMO!

Baked Almond Chicken

ingredients
1/4 c flour
2 x 2 Tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp celery salt
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp pepper
2 chicken breast halves
3/4 c heavy whipping cream
1/4 c breadcrumbs
1/4 c almond slivers/slices, toasted

instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Place flour in a bowl. Put 2 Tbsp of butter, and celery salt, paprika, salt, pepper, curry, and oregano in another bowl.

3. Dip chicken in flour, then in butter/spices.

Then, place in a baking dish.

4. Pour cream around chicken. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes.

5. Combine breadcrumbs and 2 Tbsp butter, sprinkle over chicken. Top with almonds.

6. Bake another 5-8 minutes (until golden and bubbly).

7. Serve over pasta

Work, Work and More Work

This weekend we worked in our yard, finished painting the master bathroom, and cleaned up our bedroom. Below is a picture of a room we dug out of the front yard. I decided it had to come out and started digging, Art help and I finished pulling it out. The front yard looks great. We will finish putting in the garden over the next week. The back yard is starting to look good too.

Picture below is the spare bedroom. We have the bed up...that it's for the spare room so far. Guests only need a bed to sleep in right. :)

I took these pics with my phone, so they aren't very clear.

Sad Montana Bear Story!

This is a very sad story about a bear. Everybody should heed the warning to not feed wildlife because they become dependent and cannot forage for themselves anymore.

This is such a tragedy to see what they have done to our country's wildlife!

The photo below captures a disturbing trend that is beginning to affect US wildlife . .

Animals that were formerly self-sufficient are now showing signs of belonging to the Democrat Party, as they have apparently learned to just sit and wait for the government to step in and provide for their care and sustenance. This photo is of a Democrat black bear in Montana nicknamed Bearack Obearma.

Meg 2010

Today I joined as one of Meg Whitman's supports. I have requested a sign to put in our front yard and bumper stickers. California needs a change and I think Meg Whitman is the WOMAN for the job! I also contacted them about volunteering at a local campaign office. I already received an email back stating the local rep would be contacting me. How exciting!!!!

Nothing like causing a ruckus in the neighborhood already with our sign! I am taking a stand in our nieghboorhood right away! I think Art has done a great job of that already. He has an American flag that is out all day and has put up PROUD TO BE A VETERAN!

I can't wait to get our sign and bumper stickers! I am hoping to be attending a celebration party in November with a new WOMAN governor.

What's for Dinner?

Tonight we had this. It's amazing!!!! I put it in a ziplock bagging last night and cooked it tonight. I am having leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

Napkin Holder Redo

I found this napkin holder at a garage sale for $1.50. It was BRIGHT red. I had already bought purple spray paint. I brought it home, primed it and then sprayed it purple. It will look very cute in our purple kitchen.

See Anything Out of the Ordinary?

Notice anything strange in our neighbors yard? We came home yesterday and there was a porta potty in their FRONT yard. Today the neighbor comes over to let us know they are having the baby christening party this afternoon. They hired a DJ, cooking up a storm in the back yard and there are people EVERYWHERE. It smells soooo good! I wish I could speak Spanish, so I could go invite myself over.

I am wondering how they plan to wash their hands after using that toilet in their front yard? How many people are they expecting? It should be an interesting Saturday evening!

Purchases

The last 2 days we have been looking for a new refrigerator. I wanted a bargain, so I was willing to go to 100 places. We looked at a place near where we live that sells used appliances. They were out of control with their prices. They wanted $500 for a used 25 cubic foot side by side fridge. Today we went to Fry's, Best Buy and Lowe's.

Art started to tell the guy at Best Buy we wanted to order a fridge, but his cheap wife stopped him. I said can we please go look at Lowe's first. Best Buy had a white side by side 25 cubic foot fridge on sale for $809.00. They wouldn't allow us to use our 10% off coupon because it was already 10% off. They wanted to charge us $30 to deliver the fridge on Monday.

Off we went to Lowe's. I had a 10% off coupon for Lowe's too. We needed to pick up some yard stuff for it wasn't a wasted trip. We found the exact same fridge for $799. I asked the sales woman if I could use my coupon, when it could be delivered and how much the delivery fee was. I could use my coupon, we would get the fridge the next day and the delivery fee is FREE. Plus they would take away our old fridge. SOLD! She rings it up and it's $719....IT'S ON SALE! We walked out of there buying the fridge for $647. I was soooo excited! I felt we got an awesome deal!

Earlier in the day we went to Macy's Outlet store. I was soooo overwhelmed walking into this place. It's like furniture heaven! Couches, chairs, area rugs, millions of mattresses, beds, dressers etc. I would like to buy a sectional couch for our living room. I am in no rush, but just wanted to look. Of course I found one I love. I just don't feel I can justify it right now since we bought a fridge. The fridge was in the budget, but I want to be careful with our money.

I did purchase this little beauty below. I spent $31 bucks for this runner. It was previously $100. I put it by our front door. I like it there, but I can't open the closet. :( I am not sure what I will do, but for now it's staying put!

I put Art to work tonight. We put up our towel racks in both bathrooms. Finally at 10:30 Art said it's bedtime I am done drilling holes. lol I am close to being done with the bathrooms. Below is the hand towel holder I bought at Home Good's for $5.

Moving Pictures

Our complimentary moving van

Empty Truck

Loading truck

Half Full Truck

Art trying to decorate his "man cave"

I wish I had taken a picture of the truck completely full. We filled up the truck twice, 3 pick up loads and half FIL suburban to get all our prize possessions to the new house.

Rethinking Children

I just found the best birth control!
http://shitmykidsruined.com/

OH MY LORD!!!!!!! I am thinking I might not need a baby for awhile!

MOVED!

We are officially moved! We have to make one last trip to the apartment to pick up the last of the food, bake ware I left in the bottom drawer of the stove and Art's fishing poles.

Last night was our first night in the house. Neither of us slept good getting use to the different place. We got a ton of work done already. Today I finished the kitchen. I am going to work on the master bedroom next. It feels good to have some things done. I will post pictures later of our move.

Painting!!!!

Here are some pictures from our weekend of painting. Art and I painted for a total of 25 hours each and FIL painted for 10 hours. Saturday we spent 16 hours painting and Sunday 9 hours. We are all walking like we are 95 years old.

FIL painting the family room
Me painting the living room

Art painting the living room

The living room before we started painting.

Art not happy I was taking his picture while he was painting the hall closet.

The Kitchen - The kitchen painting has a story.

I bought blue paint for the master bathroom and periwinkle paint for the kitchen. I had to make 2 trips to Lowe's over the weekend. We didn't buy enough paint in the beginning. I came home from Lowe's to find Art painting the kitchen. I was happy he had started the kitchen. He said hey dear I see you took my advise on the kitchen. I was very confused as to what he was talking about. He said the blue paint. I thought he was kidding so I laughed. He goes on to tell me how much he likes white cabinets and blue walls. WHAT!!!!!! My dear father in law labels the cans incorrectly. Art had started on the kitchen with the WRONG color. At this point we had been painting for 14 hours and I didn't find the humor in this at all. Luckily Art had just started.

Art painting the kitchen ceiling

My pretty PURPLE kitchen!

I love the color of the kitchen!

The family room looking into the living room

Aw it's the little man cute!

Pretty blue master bathroom. I LOVE the bathroom color almost as much as I love the kitchen.

Master bedroom

I will admit the master didn't turn out how I had hoped. I picked too light of a color. I wanted a darker cream color. It looks white.

Family Room

Family Room

Living Room

Living Room

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to Two Amazing Mother's!

My mom & me on my wedding day
Art's mom wishing him a happy birthday.

16 Hours

We spent 16 hours yesterday painting....I made 1 trip to Osh, 2 trips to Lowes, 1 trip to the chiro, and one coat of paint around the entire hours. Every room has a coat that we are painting. I am exhausted....but we are getting ready to go do round 2.

I love all the paint colors I picked out. The only one I wish was a little dark is the master bedroom. I wish I had picked a darker cream. Oh well. I will have pictures later.

House

It's only Friday and I am exhausted. My poor husband is even more exhausted. We have the entire weekend ahead of us with LOTS of work. Wednesday night we started washing down the walls and putting up painters tape. We finished up all that last night. Art's dad came over and helped us last night. While the boys were working I went out and bought all the paint, rollers, paint trays, and a mail box at Lowes. I also went and picked up a FREE round pedestal table!!!! It's an oak table with a leaf. PERFECT!!! I can't wait to paint it white. Before I left to do my shopping I did help tape the hallway, master bedroom, and master bathroom all within 30 minutes. I am the taping queen!

I finally remembered to grab my camera as I ran out the door this morning. Pictures soon!

The Next Survivor Series

I would actually watch this one!

THE
NEXT SURVIVOR
SERIES
Six married men
will be dropped on an island

with one car

and 3 kids each

for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports
and take either music or dance classes.

There is no fast food.

Each man must

take care of his 3 kids;
keep his assigned house clean,
correct all homework,
complete science projects,
cook,
do laundry,
and pay a list of 'pretend' bills
with not enough money.

In addition,

each man
will have to budget enough money
for groceries each week.

Each man
must remember the birthdays
of all their friends and relatives,
and send cards out on time--no emailing.

Each man must also take each child
to a doctor's appointment,
a dentist appointment
and a haircut appointment.

He must make one unscheduled and
inconvenient visit per child to the Emergency Room.

He must also make cookies or cupcakes
for a school function.

= Each man will be responsible for
decorating his own assigned house,
planting flowers outside, and keeping it
presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television

when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs,

wear makeup daily,

adorn themselves with jewelry,

wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes,

keep fingernails polished,

and eyebrows groomed

During one of the six weeks,

the men will have to endure severe
abdominal cramps, backaches, headaches,
have extreme, unexplained mood swings
but never once complain or slow down
from other duties.

They must attend weekly school meetings

and church,
and find time at least once to spend
the afternoon at the park or a similar
setting.


They will need to read a book to the kids each night

and in the morning,

feed them,

dress them,
brush their teeth and
comb their hair
by 7:30 am.


A test will be given

at the end of the six weeks,

and each father will be required to know

all of the following information:
each child's
birthday,
height, weight,
shoe size, clothes size,
doctor's name,
the child's weight at birth,
length, time of birth,
and length of labor,
each child's favorite color,
middle name,
favorite snack,
favorite song,
favorite drink,
favorite toy,
biggest fear,
and what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance.

The last man wins only if...
he still
has enough energy
to be intimate with his spouse
at a moment's notice.


If the last man does win,
he can play the game over and over and over
again for the next 18-25 years,
eventually earning the right
to be called Mother!

BARGAIN!!!!

I have been searching Craiglist ads for a couple weeks now. I started looking this past weekend at washers & driers. I wanted to buy a washer & drier as a pair or from the same owner. I was hoping we could get a good deal and it would be less work to pick up 2 items.

I feel like we got a HUGE score tonight. We bought a washer & drier by Kenmore 400 series that is 6 months old for $300. They sell about $330-399 each at Sears. We picked them up this evening and they look brand new.

I think that is probably the end of our big purchases for awhile. Probably in the next 6 months we will buy a new fridge. I have a list of items I would like for the house, but that is another post. :)

HOUSE!!!

Here are some pictures from the house. This is what 30 years of debt looks like! =)

Front of House

Kitchen

Back Yard

Back Yard

my walk in closet!!!!!!!!!!!

Art's closets

master bathroom

master bedroom

guest room

craft room

main bathroom

hallway

looking from the family room into the living/dining room

family room

family room

living room