November 12, 2010

AFTER DAYBREAK

I do not normally do this...
David is our Nephew in law married to our niece Ashley.
He is amazingly talented. Check out their Christmas CD for 5.99 on Itunes.


AFTER DAYBREAK is a classical crossover/pop trio that consists of Daniel Beck, Drew Boushka & David Fritch. Their debut album, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, was released internationally on October 12, 2010, and will be released in the U.S. on November 9, 2010.


* Check them out*
http://www.afterdaybreakofficial.com/

Introducing.... Sammy


Meet our new family member-
Sammy the cat.

This is a super sweet story. I truly believe this little man picked us.And is a little gift from above.

After the loss of my sweet cats Missy and Maverick, I was really sad with out an animal in our home...Although we did always have our neighbors cat "Salem" come over to our backyard to visit just about everyday for the past year. We like her and think she is a sweet cat. Plus I give her treats... I am a sucker for animals. I have always loved them.
Salem had just had a litter of kittens about a month prior to me loosing my kitties. She would still come over, just never with a kitten.

Until one day she brought us a "gift" that just so happened to be her kitten-our Sammy. We loved having him come visit us. She would seriously drop him off like we were baby sitters and then hours or a day later she would come pick him up. The neighbors were gone a lot and the cats were neglected for the most part. The Mama cat started to bring all three of her babies over to see us and get milk. They were too cute and sweet to pass up.

After fostering his Mom and siblings for a while. Sam was the only one left that needed a home. I just thought I was not really ready for another pet. Matt had found him a home a couple weeks ago, but I could not bear to give him up. It was fate. I do think this was the perfect way to ease into another pet. I have fallen in love with this sweet little cat.

October 30, 2010

Shutters...A Door... Halloween Galore!

This post is long overdue....

We have been rather busy around here getting last minute projects finished outside before winter arrives.

This project that has been on my mind for probably about 4-5 years. Painting the front door and making or buying new shutters for the exterior windows.
Most of the problem was finding time to take this project on. (I needed Matt's help on this one.) Also deciding what color to paint the door and the shutters. To glaze or not to glaze?That was a huge dilemma!

Presenting.....

Our new shutters and painted front door! They are beautiful and just what I imagined!

This project was really simple and done in about 1 1/2 days. For real!Prep work and all! The shutters are not real wood, since we face south I needed something to last. The material is similar to trex decking. Matt busted these out in a couple hours.

The next morning ,I painted the shutters with some pretty amazing paint that had the primer in it already. Slapped on a little bit of glaze and tung oil -and voila! Hung that evening! The weather was amazing!


I decided to keep the front door and trim white. (Since facing the South brings on a lot of sun.) I also wanted a "rough" texture on the door, so I rolled it on. A trick I learned from my Mom:D

Another Project... Halloween decor! I saw these cute "Black Twigs" on a website and wanted to make them! So I did my own spin on them :D
I had Matt help me get the dead trees/twigs in various fields.I then spray painted them black!I love how they turned out! Really fun!

I love how this spooky tree turned out!

Tip: To make your pumpkins shine wash them and either spray or rub on a varnish like tung oil.

Not sure if doing all of these projects in a couple of days is a good idea, but we did it! Matt is a trooper! He knows how I work, GO BIG or go home. Thanks for your help honey! I will give you a rest when the snow flies... Maybe ? ;)

Here are some more pictures to enjoy!


Now back to my cleaning spree! Pantry, Closet, Dresser,windows,blinds and Office.(If I have to be cooped up inside all winter, I want my house really clean and organized)

P.S. Christmas will be here before we all know it? Will you be ready?

Christmas Cards ordered- Check
Christmas Potpourri Ingredients Ordered-Check

Ok so it is not a lot, but it is a start. Right?

October 15, 2010

So many Posts... So little time

I have a HUGE "to do" list today, but I at least wanted to make my blog look a little bit festive for heaven sake!
More to come when the weather is cold, but for now I will be enjoying the October Sunshine!

September 16, 2010

4 Years !!!

Today Matt and I have been married 4 years!
It is hard to believe we have been married 4 years, but at the same time it feels like we have been together for a lot longer. (In a good way of course)

This is a day I will never forget. I love to look back in my journal and read the great stories of us dating and of our marriage.

One in particular is our wedding day. I will never forget being at the temple and talking to one another before our sealing. We made a promise to work hard every day to love each other this much and to be this happy together always. I must say I hope I have exceeded my promise to Matt. (Since he has done this with me.) Our love has grown has grown into so much more these last 4 years. I'm so happy that we are together forever!

I love you so much Matty! Thanks for always treating me like a Queen and loving me with your whole heart! Happy 4th Anniversary Sweetheart!

September 2, 2010

Three's Ice Cream

This is an old fashioned family favorite.
It's simple and refreshing! Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:
3 cups sugar
3 cups cream
3 cups milk
3 bananas, mashed
3 oranges, juiced
3 lemons, juiced

Directions

1.In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and cream until sugar is dissolved. Mix in the milk, mashed bananas, and fruit juices.
2.Pour mixture into ice cream maker. Freeze according to manufacturer's directions, about 45 minutes.

August 27, 2010

My time with you was precious...

My heart is full of emotion today. I do not even know how or where to begin this post.I apologize if this bounces everywhere or does not make sense. So I will just start from the beginning.

My life changed forever Fifteen years ago when my sweet and loving companions came into my life. They were my babies.

MY MISSY:

First was Missy, my cute little Sassy Girl. I was walking thru the pet store on my lunch break and that is where we met. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. She looked up at me with her big green eyes and little pink nose. That is when I knew she was supposed to be my baby. So without asking or getting permission from anyone, I brought her home that night. (I lived in a duplex where animals were not allowed)Better to ask for forgiveness than permission right?

There are so many things I love about my Missy Rissy Roo,Ninny,Shriny,Princess... She had many nicknames over the years. There are so many memories I could share, but which ones? They were all precious to both of us.

First memory that comes to mind is how she LOVED me. She could be a peel to visitors, that is for sure! She was definitely MY girl. She would hiss at most people that came around. She did not like loud people or loud noises. I would sing her song to her in kind of a high pitch voice sometimes and she would bite me softly meowing until I stopped. Of course I laughed and would do it again in my nice voice. It was sure cute.

I chose to have my cats be mainly indoors... Well Missy had a mind of her own and would beg to go outside and play. I could never say no to her big eyes and cute face. She always made this little {brrlllit} sound when I looked or talked to her that was so cute! She got her way and became a mostly outdoor cat about four years ago. She loved being outside! This was her favorite to go explore and play. She was a good girl and never went too far and always came home safe.

She also loved to be inside with me wherever I was. Her favorite places were my bedroom and front living room. I would crack up when she would basically sit on the heat register for about an hour and either warm up her face or "freeze her face off" with the central air. What a silly girl!

The hardest thing for me was seeing you get "older" and sick. I always knew I would have to say goodbye one day. I just did not know that day would come so fast. You were such a brave girl, you were so strong. Mommy did not even know how sick you were until last Saturday. I always wondered how I would know it would be "time" to let you go.

When you looked into my eyes while I was comforting you, that is when I knew. I will never forget that moment with you. You trusted me to take care of you and love you the best I could. You told me it was OK and that it was "time" to say goodbye.
We took you to the vet and he confirmed our worry. My sweet love had a tumor in her mouth that caused her pain. I did not want you to suffer anymore. I had to be "big" and make that hard choice for you. I know you are happy now exploring and having fun! Be good and take care of your baby brother.

Thank you Missy for the love, joy and comfort you have given me through the years. You have been my loyal companion and best friend. I will never forget you! I love you with all of my heart. May you rest in peace my sweet girl.

MY MAVERICK:

You were my second baby, I still remember when I first got you. I picked you up in a baby blanket. You loved to be held like a baby from the moment you were mine.(Missy was pretty ticked at me when you came home) I'm glad you are best buddies now and together on your new journey.

My friend from work told me about her cats she had (Birmans) and that she was a breeder. The way she described your breed was exactly what I was looking for. You were such a sweet and loving little boy.

Some of my favorite memories of my bozzi, buhda, chubs, boogie monsee,baby(more nicknames)are:

I love how you let me hold you like a baby over my shoulder. You were my baby when I could not have one of my own. You were there to comfort me and love me. I loved how you always needed me to give you loves. You were my "chill" kitty that was always up for snuggling.

You were such a handsome little man with beautiful cool blue eyes. (That were a little crossed)I loved your big white and pink feet. You and your sissy both loved foot massages. You loved to be brushed, bathed and blow dried. Not many other cats like this kind of pampering. You were a mama's boy for sure! I once gave you a "lion" haircut when it was a hot summer. You were so embarrassed without all of your fur. You looked so cute!

I loved when you would wait for the second to hear me move in the morning and you were right there at the door ready to get me up. Unless you were asleep on my head purring. And if I did not come that is when you started being very vocal. You knew how to get what you wanted from me that is for sure!

I loved when you would lay at my feet while I was in my office on the computer or working on a project. I'm missing you both so much today. Our house is just not the same without you.

You were your sisters buddy and you always took such great care of each other. In the end I was so impressed by your love for one another.The way you both kept so calm and were so good it made me feel a lot better that you felt safe with me and that you were together.

Now you can see and run and play with Missy. Take good care of each other and have lots of fun! Remember I will be with you again someday. Until then, rest in peace my sweet little man.

I will keep you both in my heart forever. I know the pain will dull over time. I love you more than you will ever know. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I have ever had to do so far. The last few moments with you were so special. I could have held you in my arms forever, but I knew I had to let you go. Until we meet again I will hold you safe in my heart forever.

Love,

Mommy

***Matt and I had a special goodbye for Maverick & Missy.It was so hard to see them go, but nice to see them look at peace. They lived a wonderful and full life full of love. I'm so thankful to our father in heaven for creating such sweet little spirits to have and love. These cats brought me so much love and joy into my life. I will be forever grateful for their love.


A few poems I have enjoyed these past few days.

A Simple Message From Your Pet
by Ken D. Conover

To have loved and then said farewell is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and
returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you. For the care that you gave to me
so unselfishly. For all of these things I am grateful and thankful. I ask that you grieve
not for the loss but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each other's lives.
My life was fuller because you were there, not as owner, but as my friend. Today, I am
as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and
the sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures. I can run, jump and play
and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints
and no regrets and no aging. We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know
that togetherness is forever. You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such
as you are very rare and unique. Don't hold the love that you have within yourself.
Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies,
and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.

Your pet in heaven.


A Pet's Plea
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad- I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day, more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.
I know in time you too will see
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail, it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Don't grieve that it should be you
Who has decided this thing to do
We've been so close, we two these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
Author Unknown



May I Go
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond, and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now to a warm and living light.
I want to go, I really do; it's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know,
That my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too,
And that's why it's hard to say goodbye and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today.
by Susan A. Jackson

Cat Poem
They will not go quietly,
the cats who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think
we hear a meow at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometimes, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them. . . and always will.
by Linda Barnes

Four Feet in Heaven
Your favorite chair is vacant now...
No eager purrs to greet me.
No softly padded paws to run
Ecstatically to meet me.
No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry
Will say it's time for feeding.
I've put away your bowl, and all
The things you won't be needing;
But I will miss you little friend,
For I could never measure
The happiness you brought me,
The comfort and the pleasure.
And since God put you here to share
In earthly joy and sorrow;
I'm sure there'll be a place for you
In Heaven's bright tomorrow...
by Alice E. Chase