Spider Nightmares

At 7:15am Jeep started moaning at the bedroom door because he was out of water.  Thankfully, he woke me up because I had my alarm on silent and would have completely overslept through work this morning.  Exhausted is an understatement, as Jason and I worked all day yesterday on setting up the tree, decorating, cleaning, laundry ect. But then you add the fact that I was up frequently throughout the night with nightmares of these nasty little devils....

Anyone care to tell me what this might be? 

A freakin Brown Recluse Spider!!!  And Jason found 4 of them inside our tree stand in the shed! 

IN OUR SHED! 

BEHIND OUR HOUSE!! 

I begged Jason to please go buy a spider bomb from Lowes or Home Depot and set it off in the Shed ASAP.  Thankfully he spotted the spiders while still outside & killed them out there.  But I'm terrified of these things getting in the house now.  You know they're poisonous right?

I'll be spraying all our window frames & door frames with Raid this evening.

Let's Pretend It's Still Summer Shall We?

I can't believe summer has already come & gone :-( 

I've actually come to love the summers here in the South,

despite the humid days and high temperatures. 

In late September & early October we were still having gorgeous 80 degree weather and both my sisters came out for visits separately. 

At first I thought I would be bummed not having all 3 of us together at the same time,

but then I later really appreciated that I had them all to myself with some one-on-one time.

Kati came out for a quick 4 days and we jam packed as much as we could do of both relaxation and fun.  

We squeezed in breakfast at The Hermitage Cafe,

 coffee at Crema,

 a trip to the Nashville Flea Market,

BBQ at Pucketts in Leipers Fork,

snuggled up at an evening Brentwood softball game with hot coffee,

and later that evening, a homemade Peanut Butter/Butterfinger Cheesecake.

You'll notice that Seven is next to the oven by my feet, Jeep next to him and Jason halfway between the dining and living room.  Just a regular evening chillaxin at the Keith home.

Jeep & Seven wishing Kati would just drop something for them to nibble on.

We also enjoyed some delicious Jenni's Ice Cream at Hot & Cold in Hillsboro Village,

and played fetch with the boys in the backyard,  

It was all so wonderful & went by way too quickly!

A week later, Kris came out for 10 days and we spent a few days in Nashville & then headed down to Destin, Florida for 5 days on a white sandy beach with blue/green water.  It was ah-maz-ing!

Really, what more can I say?  Who knew this gem of paradise was a 7 hour drive away? 

To help pass the time and distract Kris from getting car sick, we listened to The Confession by John Grisham which we rented from Cracker Barrel. I wasn't a huge fan, but it did the trick.  

I mean seriously, how cute is the huge 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo that we stayed at?

We cooked, we slept, we laid in the sun, we read and I tapped, tapped, tapped on my iPad. 

It was heaven.

And now they're gone and in just a short time I'll see them again at Christmas - can't wait!

Finished Windows!

Well the windows are done!!  What would have probably taken us a year or more to do ourselves took 2 weeks by hiring Cindy Lantrip & her crew to completely restore our original hardwood windows!!  They painted them white and now they open without any effort ....and I have to admit they are pretty freakin GORGEOUS!

This fall we'll add some storm windows & screens, but for now the weather is so nice we don't need to really worry about it just yet.

This is the dining room window and it took the most work out of all of them!  Can you believe that the crew actually found crumbled up potato chip BAGS stuffed into the window sills!!  They had to completely rebuild the inside of these windows.  And the window pane on the left was completely recut and replaced since it didn't match the others.  So pretty!!

Since the windows have been redone, we've been completely inspired to finish painting the trim on the house!  So far Jason's caulked the porch ceiling and I've primed the posts, the door frame and the beam along the ceiling.  I still have so much to do though!  Knowing my sisters are coming out here this fall has been HUGE motivation to get it lookin nice ;-)  We still need to prime the rest of the baby poop brown gutters, the top window and the sides of the house that have trim.  I also want to prime & paint the cinder block foundation a darker shade of green than the house.  Then we also plan to add some moulding & trim to the posts, put in a new door and add chocolate brown accents around the windows, posts & ceiling.  Then we plan to strip the porch floor & restain it and the steps chocolate brown.  And finally we'll finish everything off by ripping out the bushes & planting gardenias across the front :-)  SO much work, but it will be worth it!

But hey!  Check out our finished brick walkway!!

I helped Jason with laying mortar on the flat part, but the steps was ALL him!  Doesn't it look awesome!?!

As soon as we get more finished on the house, I'll be sure to post even more pics!



It's no secret

It's no secret that Jason and I are of the age where we should be considering having a family.  Most of our friends have kids or are now starting to head down that road themselves.  And to be honest, being a parent intimidates me a bit.  Not because I don't think Jason and I could handle it, but because of all the other opinions from parents out there telling you what they KNOW to be best.  Facebook is loaded with moms posting pictures of their kids and asking for advice on what type of diaper to use, whether to go organic or not, tips on which potty training process is best and on and on.  And boy do other parents have no problem dishing out that advice.  It seems a large percentage of parents believe their parenting method is the best method, and therefore all other parents should see things their way.  But what if the advice is unwarranted or undesired?  What if my own opinion is not respected for what it is, MY OWN OPINION.  I'm afraid that once Jason and I head down this path (or I should say, when God LEADS us down this path) I will be inundated with parental advice of how I should handle things, because of course, why would I know any better?  I'm not a parent yet.

I think what's important to remember for myself and everyone else is that everyone parents differently.  And that is their right to do so.  We all have our different opinions on life based on how we were raised and what values are important for us to pass down to our own kids and what we want our children to get out of the lessons we teach them. 

A lot of this has been on my mind lately because a couple women in my small group are about to become first time moms themselves in just a couple months.  It's the first time we'll have actual moms in our home group, whereas we've always had singles, dating couples and young marrieds.  And I want to respect these new moms decisions in how they choose to raise their own kids, always being a listening ear, sensitive to their desires and an encouraging voice.  I've genuinely tried to make a point of being that type of friend to other mom friends of mine for many years now, even when I haven't always agreed with their own method of parenting.  Don't get me wrong, I'm still bound to have my own opinion, but I've genuinely tried not to press my own opinion on other's method of parenting.  But let's be real, who's gonna genuinely care what my opinion is as a parentless individual anyway?  Until I have my own, I pretty much don't get a vote.

Last night I had the opportunity to speak to an amazing mother who has adopted 3 children and then biologically had 3 children of her own.  She was a joyous, strong and faith-filled woman.  Her family intrigued me and I had a lot of questions for her.  And even in hearing her perspective, there were things I thought to myself - "I wouldn't do it that way, at least not for my own family."  And yet there were also a lot of awesome & inspiring things she shared as well.  The Internet has opened up so much information, so many stories & so many lives through blogging, Facebook and other social medial avenues.  I've gleaned so much fantastic information and yet at other times I've been deeply saddened by just how much is shared for the public to see & judge.  As incredible as it is to lean on other women, lean on other families & glean knowledge as women - shouldn't some family lessons or personal struggles be somewhat private?  I never want to uncover my own husband or my own kids in order to bring my own self healing or gratification.   Trust me, over the last several months there have been times I've wanted to "process" on this blog about some personal struggles, but I don't feel it would be fair or right when it would lead to uncovering other loved ones for my own personal satisfaction.  It's a fine line and one that I want to walk gracefully. 

Rather than "encourage" us about our future and whether we should or shouldn't adopt, should or shouldn't have biological children, should or shouldn't have an inter-racial family and when of course this should all take place et.. please respect that I can have my own opinions too. ;-)  Opinions that I'm holding before the Lord to shape & mold as He desires & sees as best for our own family. 

Finally Some Change!

I've had a love-hate relationship with my house for pretty much the entire 4 years we've owned it (well technically 4 years in October).  I loved it cause I knew it had the potential of being an absolutely adorable & cozy home, but I hated it because I had no idea how to get it there or where the money would come from in order to do so. 

One of the mistakes of us buying this home (hey we were property virgins at the time - give us a break!), was that we bought a home that had lots of storage in the attic but no practical way of accessing it.  So we decided what we really needed was a shed.  Jason and his dad ordered plans from a company and set off last fall constructing what is to be a quite large & lovely shed that will store so much of what is NOW occupying our office.  Excuse me, I mean Shoffice (shed + office = shoffice).  The shoffice is almost at the point where it could qualify us for a spot on "Hoarders - Buried Alive". 

BUT life happens and we started a new lawn care business and the half finished shed now sits under piles of tarps in the backyard serving as a lounge area for the pups.  Gah.  I feel like I'm forever in "waiting and being patient" mode as I anticipate the summer coming to a close and the business slowing down enough that my dear husband can finish up the shed with the help of a couple friends and I can finally see the end of power tools, ladders, boxes & camping gear occupying our tiny little office space.  

(pic: notice Jeep is "lounging" on the shed foundation)

ANYWAY, the point of this post is to highlight the fact that change is happening and we have been blessed so much by this new lawncare business that we are able to get our windows restored!  This is a HUGE blessing to me, one that makes me want to do a happy dance everytime I think of it! 

WAAAY back before we bought our house, some lazy idiots decided that rather than properly fix the old windows, they would just paint them shut.  I mean, why would anyone want to actually open them and let in a little fresh air now and then?  That would be crazy talk!  Painting them shut would be like adding an additional layer of home security!  Duh!

So we invited a few different companies over to give us a bid on replacing the broken panes in the storm windows or even replacing the old windows all together.  Surely, whoever owns the house after us would love to be able to open their windows and have peace of mind at night that in case there was ever a fire they wouldn't have to toss a coin to decide which piece of favorite furniture was going to get tossed through those windows!  After receiving a couple different bids that were way beyond what we could afford, I thought I was going to have to deal with these eyesores for the rest of our duration in this home.  But then I came across a recommendation on the E. Nashville listserv that saved us!  Cindy Lantrip is a well known local contractor who came highly recommended for restoring old windows and came over the exact day I called her to give us a bid that we couldn't refuse! 

She's removed those old nasty storm windows, scraping off all that old paint, putting in new ropes, pulleys, weights & sashes and making these babies as beautiful as the day they were built back in 1920!!! 

 And boy have they been holding up their end of the bargain!  It's been one week and the change is undeniable! My windows glide open with a touch of a finger!  The ropes are white & gleaming, the sills rebuilt & uncracked! The original cedar exposed & freed from 80 years of paint layers! 

The old hardware thrown out and brushed silver pulls & latches bought & added.  AND its been a completely painless process being as how Cindy & her crew mop, dust & vaccuum my entire house before I'm even back from work!  You can't even tell they've been there and my house looks beautiful!  Now how many contractors can you say that about?!! 

I see a light at the end of this tunnel folks!!!  Change is possible!  Hope restored!!  Yesterday at church, we were reminded about faith - being sure of what is not yet seen.  I've needed more faith - I had all but given up on many things in my life, including this old house. 

I'm so excited to show you all our gorgeous windows once they're finished!

holy crap

Has it really been three months?

Sorry.

Not sure what to say really.

The hubbs & I are in a strange place in our lives.  We've had a lot going on professionally and personally.  So contrary to the lucky-go-happy bloggers out there who have nothing better to do than post their daily outfits or talk about what they're feeding their kids - I've stayed away from the blogosphere for a while cause a whole lot of perkiness wouldn't have been what you see here.

But today's ok.  Today is Friday, which means I have 2 days off from work.  And this week I found out that I will soon be relieved from my 4th attorney which will relieve a TON of stress in my life.  HOPEFULLY they will make good on their promise.

And its a beautiful day.  AND I had some labwork a couple days ago and I had a great appointment, I didn't even come close this time to passing out.  It felt amazing to feel strong. 

SO tonight...I'm planing to put on some soft music and bake a vegetarian lasagna for the hubbs when he gets home from working outside for 13 hours in 95 degree heat.

There has to be more people...I'm ready for a change.

A Whole Lotta Yumminess!

Now that I have a man home EVERY evening - I am cooking WAY more!!!

I love to cook and discovering new recipes!  But when it was just me home alone, I had no desire to prepare anything other than cereal or toast. 

It's been a few weeks now and I feel like a real wife with getting to plan out a menu for the week and making out a grocery list.  So fun!  It would be even more fun if I wasn't so dog-gone tired when I got home from a long day at work.  Geeez...

Anyway - had to share some of the fun recipes I've discovered!

First off - Chicken Club Pizza!!  YUMMMMY!!!!

This was fairly easy to make and tasted so freakin good!!!  For the recipe, go here.

Next up - Chicken Marsala with Spinach, Tangerine & Glazed Almonds Salad

I've had this recipe for a while and had just never got around to making it and I have no idea why I waited so dang long!!!  The chicken was so tender and flavorful and the mushrooms delish!  Next time I'm serving it over linguine though.   For the recipe go here.  And the salad recipe I don't actually have right now, its something Jason's grandmother passed along.

Another favorite we made - Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

I ADORE this soup.  It's so hearty and so flavorful and even good for you!!  I've made it a few times now and we eat leftovers for a few days after.  Just the best thing for cold stormy nights :-)  For the recipe go here.

For a little something quick & easy, we made - Turkey & Avocado Panini's

A fast-crunchy-melty-goodness sandwich. As a matter of fact, we're having them again tonight!  For the recipe, go here.

Excited to try out new ones the rest of this week!

Walking for Mulitple Sclerosis!

This Saturday, I'll be joining some friends to Walk for Multiple Sclerosis! I've never done anything like this before, and super excited at the chance to raise funds for such a great cause! AND it's not just a random fundraiser that I chose, I picked this one because my best friend Tina Frees was diagnosed 5 years ago with MS. From what I understand, thousands of people participate and join together for this amazing cause every year! I'm super pumped and already have met $125 of my $500 dollar goal!

Tina & I have been friends since the 2nd grade, no joke. And I know how blessed I am to have a friendship that's withstood years of trials, joys, tears, triumphs and adventure. And I would love nothing more to know that I'll have another 50 or so years left to experience even more with her! Please join me in supporting an amazing cause like this by making a small (or large!) donation to help with finding a cure for MS, so that friendships like mine aren't limited by time or ability ;-)

When I told Tina I wanted to do this on her behalf, she responded with this note:

"It's such an honor to have Kim doing this on my behalf. If you know me and if you don't, I was diagnosed with MS 1 month before my 30th Birthday (March 15, 2006). I feel blessed that I can still see, throw a baseball with my son, paint my daughters bedroom, laugh with my older daughter and travel with my husband. Not everybody does as well as I have done, and I know that at any point I could wake up and everything could change. But I don't worry about that.

MS is a crazy disease that has no cure and no known cause. There is a ton of great research going on right now and all the fundraising makes a huge difference. Not only does it go to helping find treatments and cures but it also helps with things like the summer camp my 2 younger kids get to attend this summer to meet other kids who watch their parents struggle like I do. They will get to play, learn, connect, and share with others what MS has meant to them. Your donations help pay for that. So thank you in advance for giving and helping Kim make her fundraising goals!"

You can donate by clicking here.

Library Smitten!

I have to blog about this before my sister gets the chance to! See, I typically find something pretty cool online and then she steals my thunder by immediately blogging the heck out of it ;-)

Haa haa, love you Katydid!

I came across the website Beautiful Libraries and I have been drooling ever since! My dream is to one day have a gorgeous library of my own with overstuffed chairs, couches, a fireplace and expansive windows - maybe even 2 story!

Here are some drool-worthy pics from some gorgeous home libraries featured:

Love, love, love!!!! At the rate I'm collecting books, I'll need a bigger house in order to keep them for sure!

Jason turns 40!

This cute little nugget just happened to turn 40 a couple weeks back!

And because he was born in 1971, I felt it only appropriate to throw my main squeeze a surprise 1970's birthday party!

It all started with an elaborate plan and some very awesome friends ;-) Saturday morning of March 12th, I left Jason a note that I would be heading out to get him breakfast in bed and snuck out of the house to pick up Tina & Jay from the airport.

You couldn't ask for two more selfless & amazing friends than Tina & Jay. They flew all the night before and got in around 9am. We snuck into the house where I was confident to find a snoozing husband and Jay, pretending to be me, climbed into bed with an unsuspecting Jason to give him his coffee & muffin.

It all went down like this - Surprise Part 1:

Then Jay & Jason spent the day on the golf course, while Tina & I did a little shopping for Surprise Part 2 wherein we had a dinner party planned at Jason's favorite restaurant Park Cafe. Seriously, every little detail went off without a hitch! Check out our stylin' & groovy friends!

All the ladies...

We laughed till our sides hurt...

And how could we pass up a photo montage?!

Matt & Amy Walter

Jason with Julie & Tabby

Jenni & Heath Adams

Chad & Tabby Coombs

Jay & Tina Frees

And us.

And it wouldn't have been a REAL birthday without a little candle & big ol' round of Happy Birthday sung by all :-)

For party favors, the table was decorated with mixed tapes of 1970 classic hits and homemade salted caramels for everyone.

Surprise Part 3 - a getaway for 3 days to Chattanooga, TN with Tina & Jay and rooms booked on The Delta Queen Riverboat!

We stayed up till the wee hours of the morning playing Skipbo and eating more junkfood than your average teenager.

We toured the city and had some serious BBQ at Sticky Fingers - yummy!

And to top the weekend off, we took a little detour through Cleveland, TN to pick up the newest member of the Frees family, Miss Ruby Mae. Here is she checking out the same rest step we first brought our own boys too when we picked them up!

It was an awesome 4 days spent with the best of friends and making the best of memories together.

You only turn 40 once, better make it count ;-)