tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50766558197523452822024-03-13T22:54:46.093-07:00Distilling BeautyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-53078300119077407882017-02-16T18:17:00.002-08:002017-02-16T18:17:47.576-08:00Little moments Procrastination due to perfectionism has been my foe for most of my life. I don't want to start something unless all the pieces are lined up. Everything going perfectly.<br />
The problem is, life is messy.<br />
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Something I've been attempting to wholeheartedly embrace this year. To give myself grace while pursuing discipline.<br />
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Hence the blog silence - photos not edited just so, or not coming out just right, and a million and one other excuses.<br />
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In the meantime, here are the little moments, the ones that make this life of ours so incredibly blessed, an extra warm day in February, washing cars with Poppy = puddles and dancing. Oh, and chicken butts.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-41379533957304904282016-08-17T15:18:00.000-07:002016-08-17T15:18:31.531-07:00Pagosa Springs and the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Refuge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We woke up the first morning to Jack shouting "Balloon!" and pointing out the window. Apparently the resort we stayed next too launched an hot air balloon ride every morning right off our back porch - So every morning we watched it inflate and float away. It was a pretty cool vacation surprise. </div>
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A vacation, to us, involves a lot of down time mixed in with the adventure. We found a used bookstore when we stopped in Santa Fe and stocked up. There was lots of green space for the boys to run/crawl around and we had a long slow morning before we took the boys to the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park (Refuge). </div>
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<b><i>We saw 'Princess' the grizzly bear</i></b></div>
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<b><i>They had food you could feed the ducks and goats and rabbits that roamed freely - Jack thought this was AMAZING!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The coyote was ALL about the pets from the handler</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I'm not going to lie, seeing this mini horse colt? Made my day.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The wolf hybrids were not interested in anything but sleep in the noon sun</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The boys got a stuffed animal as a souvenir - Bobcat (Jack's) now has to be tucked in and gets a kiss as well every night. </i></b><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39oNfH2V5Ew/V7TbMFgmeBI/AAAAAAAA4KI/gOZyCQkz8UAByPZYvppYldHdB43ZX0H-gCLcB/s1600/Pagosa%2BSprings%2B2016%2BJack%2Band%2Bbobcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39oNfH2V5Ew/V7TbMFgmeBI/AAAAAAAA4KI/gOZyCQkz8UAByPZYvppYldHdB43ZX0H-gCLcB/s640/Pagosa%2BSprings%2B2016%2BJack%2Band%2Bbobcat.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><i>I don't know what was so facinating, but it was so much fun to watch them play</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zX3k4Xt1eMw/V7TbLray7SI/AAAAAAAA4KE/qHwjFo03nJMJrOx72YRXv-ffd2bTTYTKQCLcB/s1600/Pagosa%2BSprings%2B2016%2BJack%2Band%2BZane%2Bplaying%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bgrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zX3k4Xt1eMw/V7TbLray7SI/AAAAAAAA4KE/qHwjFo03nJMJrOx72YRXv-ffd2bTTYTKQCLcB/s640/Pagosa%2BSprings%2B2016%2BJack%2Band%2BZane%2Bplaying%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bgrass.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Piggyback rides...</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9E3NeakTnYs/V7TbMBtfdYI/AAAAAAAA4KM/_WewF4XqNsU5eFc7rnEa1kCK7t0Q0_oBQCLcB/s1600/Pagosa%2BSprings%2B2016%2BJack%2Bgiving%2Bbobcat%2Ba%2Bpiggy%2Bback%2Bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9E3NeakTnYs/V7TbMBtfdYI/AAAAAAAA4KM/_WewF4XqNsU5eFc7rnEa1kCK7t0Q0_oBQCLcB/s640/Pagosa%2BSprings%2B2016%2BJack%2Bgiving%2Bbobcat%2Ba%2Bpiggy%2Bback%2Bride.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><i>This is Zane's side smile, he gives it to all the grandmas so they coo at him</i></b><br />
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<b><i>I don't know what the conversation was about - but it was serious</i></b></div>
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That evening after dinner we took a stroll along the river walk to see the hot springs and enjoy the weather. We also found a pirate ship playground to finish the day off with.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-68946706139006758292016-08-05T20:38:00.000-07:002016-08-05T20:38:16.353-07:00Chama and Toltec Train - The Cinder Bear Express Whew! Two new babies joined the family this past week and I've taken about 800 photos - and I am looking forward to a real newborn shoot next week sometime with my two little nieces and their Mamas.<br />
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In the meantime here is to catching up - our "big" adventure on our vacation to Pagosa Springs was to drive to Chama, NM and take the boys on the Chama train. We opted for the "Cinder Bear Express" which had us getting off the train after two hours and riding a bus back to the Chama station for lunch. Cinder Bear meets you at the station when you first arrive - I can't say he was the biggest hit with Jack, we took a family photo with Cinder Bear but Jack hadn't gotten enough sleep and wasn't excited about a man sweating in a bear suit. However, after we got on the train Cinder Bear spent some time outside the window waving and giving Zane high-fives and Jack eventually warmed up.<br />
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Our seats were literally the very front seats in the very first car. I can't say that that made a huge difference to us one way or the other but did we get to see a lot of the smoke! I found it rather crazy that we saw at least 5 drones in the air during the trip taking photos and filming - one got swallowed by the smoke as we puffed by and I laughed.<br />
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There are many people who seem to follow the train and take pictures whenever there is a place to stop. Someone drives Cinder Bear ahead in a car and he is standing waving at the train at several crossings before he boards the train later on for more photo ops.<br />
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We sat in our seats for about 10 minutes before heading back to the observation car. I was surprised that it wasn't packed. There was a guide pointing out anything interesting - like where they filmed the scene in Indiana Jones when he is a young boy and swings aboard a passing train into a boxcar full of rattlesnakes.<br />
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Honestly, with little kids the Cinder Bear Express was the best package to go with. The boys were ready to get off the train when it stopped at 10,000 feet to get more water. However, the scenery is beautiful and it is definetly worth going. It was so lush and green and you pass the most adorable cabins and ranches. On the way back we saw a cowboy herding hundreds of sheep on a mountain top. I wish I'd gotten a picture but I was too busy keeping Jack from falling out of his seat - you have to have a carseat at all times unless you are in a vehicle made for 50 plus people these days!<br />
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<b><i>I popped out and took a few photos from the ground before the train left</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The view from our seats</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Engine 489, and the scene that awaited us when we first pulled up</i></b></div>
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<b><i>High-fiving Cinder Bear</i></b><br />
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<b><i>On the observation car (and open boxcar) </i></b></div>
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<b><i>There are many curves in the track, making for some great photos, but you will probably end up also getting a head, a phone or a camera in all of your shots since everyone has the same idea</i></b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-89251146546195987802016-07-23T22:31:00.000-07:002016-07-23T22:31:25.586-07:00Harrell House Bug Museum and Abiquiu Lake When you've spent the first five years of your marriage in college, two babies, a new job, a lay-off and job hunting again there isn't much time for vacation. And while vacations aren't necessary, they are awfully fun once in a while. With a new job starting in August and time off until then, Blair and I decided to take the boys on a trip to the mountains (of course). I love love going up into the mountains. They soothe the soul, melt away anxiety and stress and, with their magnitude, put everything little thing into perspective - plus its usually 20 to 30 degrees cooler in the summer which can't be beat! <div>
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We took a four hour road trip up to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, stopping in Santa Fe for lunch and too splash around at Abiquiu Lake. The original plan had been to tour the carved sandstone cave in Abiquiu and see the Georgia O'Keefe museum and Ghost Ranch, but the cave requires reservations. Instead we hopped online while eating lunch to find something the boys would enjoy and discovered the <a href="http://harrellhouse.com/visit-our-store/">Harrell House Bug Museum</a> in Santa Fe. Now, as any mom of boys knows, this was sure to be a hit. </div>
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Do note that the museum isn't in a traditional stand-alone building, you will find the Harrell House inside the Devargas Shopping Center and there is no sign on the outside - at least on the side we parked on. Admission is quite cheap at $6 for adults and 12 and under are $4 and two and under are free. </div>
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Once inside you will be given a mini flashlight (much to the delight of Jack) to help you see in some of the dark cages where the tarantulas are. Did I mention that there are a huge variety of tarantulas? Because there is. One of the biggest collections I've ever seen. Including the one that is known for <i>eating birds </i>because it is <i>so big</i>. *shudder* as in nearly 10 inches across. *shudder* - so fair warning - if you really are an arachnophobe don't scroll down because I have pictures. You will also find lizards, fish and other live bugs as well as an impressive collection of mounted insects. Another aspect that we enjoyed was that the cages start at ground level and there are sturdy step stools so that toddlers like Jack can see more on their own. I think this little (and it is little, guys) museum is a great place for field trips for public or home schooled families or 4-Hers.</div>
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Because I am really trying to fit one day of vacation per post here is our stop at Abiquiu Lake. It was hot and the kids weren't napping when we came over a rise and saw the lake. Blair isn't a super fan of wading around so I took the boys to play and he took pictures - which worked out lovely because we've both been trying to get me in more photos. When you are the photographer it is easy to always be behind the lens. </div>
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We splashed, I walked Zane around, Jack insisted on 'helping' when he wasn't tossing rocks and looking for shells. As I was getting shoes back on Jack decided to "rock climb" up the side of the inlet we were at - he was very proud of conquering it. Also? Red sunglasses on a two year old? Killer man, killer. All in all it was a great start to our family vacation.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-72484905569090230362016-07-09T19:43:00.000-07:002016-07-09T19:43:03.302-07:00Play From AboveWhen I was pregnant with Zane I was so not in the mood for crouching down to get the right angle when photographing Jack. Yet, I wanted to continue to practice and try to grow and learn in photography. What's a unwieldy pregnant chick to do?<br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">As I played around with different points of view I took this photo and my #playfromabove series was born.</span></b><br />
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Until very recently this series was only captured with my phone and posted to Instagram. It is easier to capture a top down POV with a camera phone, and Instagram provided me a platform to instantly edit and share. This was great because it kept me on track with practicing photography while still being pretty freaking pregnant-lazy (which is an entirely different kind of lazy).<br />
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Once Zane arrived it also gave me a starting point for capturing their relationship as brothers without attempting to get a baby and a toddler to both look in the same direction at the same time. Which was, and is, a sanity saver.<br />
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Experimenting with your POV is one of the first lessons in many of the photography books I've read. I am far from an expert, but if you are looking for a place to start growing your photography skills try playing around with different angles. Frame your shot with your camera - you don't need a fancy camera for that. One you learn how to do that you will have taken a huge step in rendering what you see, and what you want to portray. Which is ultimately one of the main goals of photography - not just snapping a shot, but seeing potential, and being able to translate that, first with your eye, and then with your lens. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-20796338364436019672016-07-06T19:26:00.002-07:002016-07-06T19:28:08.751-07:00A Summer EveningI took 500-<i>ish</i> photos on the 4th of July - so that post will be in a bit as I slowly process the best ones (and the just plain adorable ones).<br />
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In the meantime, we've had a few slow days since. This evening we drove the kids up to the airport to check out Poppy's airplane and one of the helicopters used to fight the forest fires. It's currently stationed here on stand-by. Since all the cool kids process their avation shots in HDR I thought I'd give it a go. Still a quite a bit to learn, but it was fun! I can't remember the name of the helicopter, just that it is French.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>It was much skinnier than I pictured. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Jack <i>loves</i> helicopters so this was a huge treat for him. We often see it flying over us during training. it was very cool to see it up close.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cOF_BOa3Gzc/V326kznGXRI/AAAAAAAA4FU/5e4OTFJ7oOAfP1zDrJwECm2ovY2L5v8igCLcB/s1600/Poppy%2Band%2BJack%2Bhelicopter%2BJuly%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cOF_BOa3Gzc/V326kznGXRI/AAAAAAAA4FU/5e4OTFJ7oOAfP1zDrJwECm2ovY2L5v8igCLcB/s640/Poppy%2Band%2BJack%2Bhelicopter%2BJuly%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Here is the water bucket used to fight fires for anyone interested in an up-close view. </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWnwegG2E84/V326mGgwc_I/AAAAAAAA4Fk/g5nSbLAuNSgGZ6OmhDHv5MkXW0ZBme4KwCLcB/s1600/helicopter%2Bwater%2Bbucket%2BJuly%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWnwegG2E84/V326mGgwc_I/AAAAAAAA4Fk/g5nSbLAuNSgGZ6OmhDHv5MkXW0ZBme4KwCLcB/s640/helicopter%2Bwater%2Bbucket%2BJuly%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Of course we had to pop over to Poppy's hanger for a "ride" in the airplane.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBOqIjhahd4/V326kVXYy8I/AAAAAAAA4FM/M1Xp3H7sJ58pk-zNV1H7BNtS51ahEEgJQCLcB/s1600/Jack%2Bflying%2BPoppy%2527s%2Bplane%2BJuly%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBOqIjhahd4/V326kVXYy8I/AAAAAAAA4FM/M1Xp3H7sJ58pk-zNV1H7BNtS51ahEEgJQCLcB/s640/Jack%2Bflying%2BPoppy%2527s%2Bplane%2BJuly%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Not to mention a lesson on engines. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>It was adorable to see both boys at the yoke</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKi8YzCzqNo/V326k54xYfI/AAAAAAAA4Fc/jYN8U7mNPS8Sh8B9Xmu0kw-3pNirXdo_ACLcB/s1600/Zane%2Band%2BJack%2Bin%2BPoppy%2527s%2Bplane%2BJuly%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKi8YzCzqNo/V326k54xYfI/AAAAAAAA4Fc/jYN8U7mNPS8Sh8B9Xmu0kw-3pNirXdo_ACLcB/s640/Zane%2Band%2BJack%2Bin%2BPoppy%2527s%2Bplane%2BJuly%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Did I mention it was Zane's first time in the airplane? Check out that toothy smile!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fA3lpHKgEMQ/V326lFhhkYI/AAAAAAAA4FY/ZM4f61vYI741Fwc-jS0Oq68vgBoW2C2nwCLcB/s1600/Zane%2Bflying%2BPoppy%2527s%2Bplane%2BJuly%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fA3lpHKgEMQ/V326lFhhkYI/AAAAAAAA4FY/ZM4f61vYI741Fwc-jS0Oq68vgBoW2C2nwCLcB/s640/Zane%2Bflying%2BPoppy%2527s%2Bplane%2BJuly%2B2016%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To me, a quick 30 minute outing can be just as memorable as a huge vacation. You just have to know how to look. Growing up, a trip in a hot van full of cousins, windows open, the air heavy with humidity as we made our way to the local Sonic for a round of slushies would make my week. I know that for my boys it will be the little moments, as much as, if not more than, the big ones that will bring a rush of happy memories as they grow up. I hope the fact that I take photos of these little moments helps to cement that lesson. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-82511129457339879762016-07-03T15:33:00.001-07:002016-07-03T15:38:54.836-07:00Wildlife West Nature ParkThe first of July came rolling around on Friday and it was pretty clear a family road trip was in order. Specifically to Moriarty, NM to the open-year-around <a href="http://www.wholesalefireworksnm.com/">fireworks</a> warehouse. As my family firmly believes and John Adams put best:<br />
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<i><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px;">In a letter to Abigail Adams on July 3, 1776, he (John Adams) wrote that the occasion should be commemorated “with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, G</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px;">uns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” The first commemorative Independence Day fireworks were set off on July 4, 1777.</span></span></i></div>
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The results of <i>that </i>stop - and the one my brother made the day before, and the one my husband, dad, brother and brother-in-law are making today... will be all exploded in full joy tomorrow. </div>
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Since monsoon season has been slowly rolling in, the East side of the Sandias were in the 70's and the usual scattered rains were making for some lovely weather. Blair and I decided, spur of the moment, that it was a perfect day to take the kids to check out the <a href="http://wildlifewest.org/wwblog/">Wildlife West </a>Nature Park in Edgewood. </div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Nearly all the art work was in this stained glass style:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Any place that lets Jack 'drive' a tractor is the best thing ever in his book:</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ps7zgwFormY/V3mOVUQwWKI/AAAAAAAA4Dw/J7UmKzSoTCQfF8jmOTh7hA_L-ZHsUVCGACLcB/s1600/TractorJackWWN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ps7zgwFormY/V3mOVUQwWKI/AAAAAAAA4Dw/J7UmKzSoTCQfF8jmOTh7hA_L-ZHsUVCGACLcB/s640/TractorJackWWN.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">The animal enclosures allow close interaction at toddler level! Plus, the lady at the front told us to just let the animals know that you are there and they usually come say hi. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">Zane takes jail seriously.</span></b> </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t0Cl01dOjjY/V3mOS2IfZ9I/AAAAAAAA4DY/b15134QSSrEqsRoNu6Cb9kwm6Av_oYXmwCLcB/s1600/JailWWN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t0Cl01dOjjY/V3mOS2IfZ9I/AAAAAAAA4DY/b15134QSSrEqsRoNu6Cb9kwm6Av_oYXmwCLcB/s640/JailWWN.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The newest members of the refuge are two orphaned 8 month old mountain cubs. They are still very shy. This one peeked out of his cave before we left to see the deer.</b></span><b style="color: #444444;"> </b></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>After we left I turned around to see this! Curiosity got the cat. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Jack and the cub had a cute moment before they mutually scared each other and both ran away. </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GM6OWSTgpy0/V3mOUDW22pI/AAAAAAAA4Dk/NZB3Y6EK7l4ZLAZv1p-hCDXPpapolfYUgCLcB/s1600/PeekABOOPuma1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GM6OWSTgpy0/V3mOUDW22pI/AAAAAAAA4Dk/NZB3Y6EK7l4ZLAZv1p-hCDXPpapolfYUgCLcB/s640/PeekABOOPuma1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Trying to remember to hand the camera off and get in the frame with my boys more!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYAIzW5m-7c/V3mOTCk2lEI/AAAAAAAA4Dc/UDNp0TWpnrM_8NJ1pILP_6N8CIGLeScjQCLcB/s1600/MeandZaneWWN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYAIzW5m-7c/V3mOTCk2lEI/AAAAAAAA4Dc/UDNp0TWpnrM_8NJ1pILP_6N8CIGLeScjQCLcB/s640/MeandZaneWWN.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYAIzW5m-7c/V3mOTCk2lEI/AAAAAAAA4Dc/UDNp0TWpnrM_8NJ1pILP_6N8CIGLeScjQCLcB/s1600/MeandZaneWWN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYAIzW5m-7c/V3mOTCk2lEI/AAAAAAAA4Dc/UDNp0TWpnrM_8NJ1pILP_6N8CIGLeScjQCLcB/s1600/MeandZaneWWN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TEnSYfNDRUE/V3mOUOo43JI/AAAAAAAA4Dg/NL_QIvFahKUqeZ1FH0VRa2gLk6u2wCIbQCLcB/s640/PorkepineWWN.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>His baby curls steal my heart every time</b></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0Wildlife West Nature Park, 87 W Frontage Rd, Edgewood, NM 87015, USA35.072618200000008 -106.2030897999999935.059129700000007 -106.22325979999998 35.086106700000009 -106.1829198tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-7697960947564337572015-08-04T13:08:00.001-07:002015-08-04T13:08:36.630-07:00Family Vacation: Angel Fire 2015The getting ready for baby number two has started to feel a lot like getting ready for Jack - lots of construction taking place! we are working hard on enclosing the back porch... so we can convert the breezeway into a living space so that we can turn the third bedroom into an office for Blair so he won't always have 12 hour days. Not to mention getting Jack's room ready to be a nursery/toddler room. We have two months left to finish!<br />
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In the meantime Blair has settled into his new job and we've bought our first car. We decided we should take our first family vacation before the baby came. We went to Angel Fire and Eagle's Nest lake. One of my favorite places to go in the summer, with 60-50 degree weather, it is a nice break from the heat! Plus, it is only 3 hours from home, making it a good get away place when you are 32 weeks pregnant and only have the weekend to go somewhere. <br />
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We took a lovely drive up to the Palisades after clouded up and and began to rain... But we found sunshine. Jack chased a chipmunk and we did not have the kid who fell into the stream - this time... (I know it is coming!)<br />
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And stopped at a tiny "museum" on our way back to enjoy the lovely scenery, which also made for some nice family pictures.</div>
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And I reveled in the wildflowers - I'd love a garden like this.<br />
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And visitor center's are great for free kid's maps (a huge hit) and coloring pages. Plus who can say no to playing in a sandbox while you learn about wildlife tracks?<br />
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And here is the deer that terrified Jack out of his mind... vicious isn't it?!</div>
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A walk in the rain after dinner made everything all better though.<br />
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We made it to the lake the next day before heading home. Pelican's hang out here...<br />
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And my favorite photo from the trip... This one is going on the wall.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-5752693151889485212015-05-20T15:32:00.000-07:002015-05-20T15:32:04.403-07:00May DaysAnd then it was May...<br />
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What we've been up too...<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wENTdOU5FEQ/VV0Cv-sAQfI/AAAAAAAA34k/fn7bHt1sk-Q/s1600/GraduationBlair%2Band%2Bjack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wENTdOU5FEQ/VV0Cv-sAQfI/AAAAAAAA34k/fn7bHt1sk-Q/s640/GraduationBlair%2Band%2Bjack.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Graduation!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oRZgjzQ8z24/VV0E9ary6qI/AAAAAAAA34w/0ALfTiwAOb0/s1600/mothersdayroses1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oRZgjzQ8z24/VV0E9ary6qI/AAAAAAAA34w/0ALfTiwAOb0/s640/mothersdayroses1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11trO8U0wNc/VV0GVTOmIwI/AAAAAAAA35A/2FKWA4mBUn0/s1600/275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11trO8U0wNc/VV0GVTOmIwI/AAAAAAAA35A/2FKWA4mBUn0/s640/275.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wedding (it was beautiful)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19CNUsoXQhU/VV0GW_A9ZNI/AAAAAAAA35M/NqXnkGxtNoQ/s1600/bw%2Bhighway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19CNUsoXQhU/VV0GW_A9ZNI/AAAAAAAA35M/NqXnkGxtNoQ/s640/bw%2Bhighway.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road trip</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s92jUSC5QLg/VV0GWTkR_oI/AAAAAAAA35I/K2axN2am6_Q/s1600/JackandBlairbackseat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s92jUSC5QLg/VV0GWTkR_oI/AAAAAAAA35I/K2axN2am6_Q/s640/JackandBlairbackseat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road trip games...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbXEy1yyCNY/VV0GXmrTkUI/AAAAAAAA35Y/_bPjWa61Bc8/s1600/texaswind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbXEy1yyCNY/VV0GXmrTkUI/AAAAAAAA35Y/_bPjWa61Bc8/s640/texaswind.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography at 80 mph</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dpEEY5mVq8/VV0IPiKMhxI/AAAAAAAA36I/sZ7C0jMVMNs/s1600/OKCzoopython.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dpEEY5mVq8/VV0IPiKMhxI/AAAAAAAA36I/sZ7C0jMVMNs/s640/OKCzoopython.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HSfDMouep1k/VV0GWruIn_I/AAAAAAAA35U/iZg6ZQtrnsQ/s1600/Lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HSfDMouep1k/VV0GWruIn_I/AAAAAAAA35U/iZg6ZQtrnsQ/s640/Lion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OKC Zoo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6y3kHzaF98w/VV0GVUohp3I/AAAAAAAA35E/io4fhdOJYIk/s1600/JackOKC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6y3kHzaF98w/VV0GVUohp3I/AAAAAAAA35E/io4fhdOJYIk/s640/JackOKC.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out at Great Grandpa's</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKTEaEo3yMk/VV0GXYXnMfI/AAAAAAAA35k/H1u9yGY4BiI/s1600/jackandrhys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKTEaEo3yMk/VV0GXYXnMfI/AAAAAAAA35k/H1u9yGY4BiI/s640/jackandrhys.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every time these two get together I see time flying by!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ggTVJpqlIM/VV0IPs5ShQI/AAAAAAAA36E/TzD8TrlV8Oo/s1600/Jacksmellingflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ggTVJpqlIM/VV0IPs5ShQI/AAAAAAAA36E/TzD8TrlV8Oo/s640/Jacksmellingflowers.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This boy had to stop and smell everyone of Great Grandpa's flowers</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-61745176943665767622015-04-23T21:16:00.002-07:002015-04-23T21:16:59.062-07:00Catching Up ...I started off 2015 with a goal of taking a photo a day for a 365 project and to blog more regularly. And then this happened.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd5rRUrNaPg/VTnBX2ZUMbI/AAAAAAAA33g/o6Z6opv5Dac/s1600/baby%2Banouncement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd5rRUrNaPg/VTnBX2ZUMbI/AAAAAAAA33g/o6Z6opv5Dac/s1600/baby%2Banouncement.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></div>
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As deeply delighted as we are to be having baby number 2, I once again had a long bout of morning (all day all night) sickness. Computers and cameras did not happen. Neither did anything but the very basics of life. </div>
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Blair has been busy with his final semester, work and trying to get insurance and his new job lined up. We had our first appointment on Wednesday and we found out two things... one, they changed our due date - currently we are 19 1/2 weeks along! This was a shock. As for the second item...</div>
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We are so excited to be having a second precious little boy!<br />
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Coming up in the next two weeks is graduation, Blair's new job and getting ready for this sweet baby. Jack is potty training and life is happening. I hope to write more as we work on discovering our new normal during this exciting time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-45140124402032158982015-01-20T09:28:00.002-08:002015-01-20T09:28:50.393-08:00Top Photos Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ow110D1VJkQ/VL54IowQHTI/AAAAAAAA2yQ/QQwn0pbmlY4/s1600/atthezoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ow110D1VJkQ/VL54IowQHTI/AAAAAAAA2yQ/QQwn0pbmlY4/s1600/atthezoo.jpg" height="500" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-33801978730498617282015-01-07T20:12:00.003-08:002015-01-07T20:12:42.307-08:00Top Photos Week 1 for 365New Year, new resolutions, blah, blah blah.<br />
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I actually did pretty good last year. And in August I started the 365 day photography challenge and found the most wonderful Facebook group to work alongside with (and I don't do Facebook that much anymore). With the holidays I tapered off - read stalled out. But this year? I am fully committed and excited!<br />
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At least once a week I'll be posting some of top photos. They aren't amazing, but they will be someday.<br />
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"May the space between where I am and where I want to be inspire me."<br />
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Jack rode his first bike...<br />
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First snow....<br />
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Moon rising out of a chimney<br />
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Cows in the snow<br />
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More snow...<br />
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Sandhill Cranes<br />
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Snowy Americana...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-6056405300433539462014-10-29T08:39:00.002-07:002014-10-29T08:39:29.831-07:00Life/Home/WritingI started this blog before I got pregnant. After I got pregnant I didn't know what to write about, I didn't think I wanted this to become a "Mommy" blog. I wanted to write about "deep" topics, not diaper changes. Then we got this house and all the work that needed to be done and family that asked about the progress made it simple. Now the house is down to the detail work, the things you do on an odd weekend, the finishing touches that rarely are as dramatic as a before and after shot of what a room looked like with orange carpet and walls that hadn't been painted in nearly 50 years. The truth is that now my day often involves me saying "No, we don't eat the trashcan, Jack" or "Did you seriously just poop again?"<br />
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And that is the one of the most beautiful experiences in my life. One I get to have every single day. It is also one that I can't ever avoid, put off, or get lazy about. Motherhood is as much a part of my life as breathing. And that is exactly how it should be. <br />
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The point to this is, I don't have that many remodeling posts left, and I want to get back to writing. My life, and what it consists of in the here and now is what I will be writing about. That's a lot of baby stuff. There will be other things as well, but interwoven will always be my son.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;">Julie</span></i></h2>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-33322584187970384452014-08-28T17:34:00.002-07:002014-08-28T17:34:57.637-07:00Turning a House Into a Home: Kitchen Before and After Shots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time for one of my favorite things, Before and After shots. Let's just get right to the pictures today.</div>
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This is what the kitchen looked like a year ago when we bought the house...</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-30348709512439970442014-08-26T19:46:00.002-07:002014-08-26T19:49:53.767-07:00Just Because...It is actually chilly this evening. I wore a jacket on my walk even though the sunflowers haven't even bloomed yet. This year the weather I fell in love with has come back to New Mexico. The heat and drought have begun to fade away.<br />
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It's back to school, a week and half in and already falling into a nice rhythm. Blair's home at the same time every night, since he is taking the shuttle to and from college. It's made a nice little routine for Jack. Mommy in the morning and Daddy in the evening. I plan on taking some shots of Daddy & Jack time once I figure out the lighting better. It's certainly something I'll always want to remember.<br />
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The barn swallows are still here, however, on their third hatching. They are always welcome to build nests on my back porch, they each eat around 1,000 mosquitoes a day! (And that is a Googled fact.)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my (rain)bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Genesis 9:12-13</span></div>
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We had a beautiful, full rainbow over our house the other day. I would have loved to have been just a bit higher, so I could have gotten a shot since it touched on each end. The blessings of living in a state where it frequently rains when the sun is shining! </div>
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Tomorrow I'll have a catch-up update on the kitchen, with before and after pictures - one of my favorite things! In the meantime... baby tip-toes. <3</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-82717475322856105182014-08-23T11:57:00.002-07:002014-08-23T11:57:42.818-07:00Little Moments: County Fair<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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I love living in small towns. Being able to walk a mile up a dirt road and be at the County Fair is pretty cool in my book. Blair has never been to any kind of fair. We'll also be heading to the State Fair next month so he can be fully immersed in the fair world. Sadly it was too bright out for me too see that my camera was on the wrong settings, so I didn't get clear pictures - but the two at the end make for that! And lesson learned, check the settings before heading out!<br />
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Another great thing about my life? Picture opportunities like this happen all the time:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A very nice lady gave Jack a balloon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The corn pit was approached with caution</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tractor racing for kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have to weigh in your rabbits </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love canning</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-1827262417878948112014-08-22T11:37:00.002-07:002014-08-22T11:37:36.627-07:00It's all in the Details: Jewelry Storage part oneToday I feel like pretty things, so we are taking a break from the house to share a little project I did to get my jewelry organized that I'm pretty excited about. Inspired by <a href="http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/customize-it-jewelry-blocks/">this</a> awesome idea I saw on Pinterest (of course).<br />
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<img alt="DIY wood & brass jewelry storage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/4e/86/b4/4e86b4ad75392e8eaa6e64dacf2a7c0c.jpg" height="640" width="441" /></div>
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I was determined to use stuff I had, and not spend any money. I used wedges we used to put in the floor for the blocks, and left over pieces of wood from various projects around the house for the bars, and found two metal bars in the garage that had been there when we moved in. Mod-podge and scrapbook paper took care of the rest. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-87528739294538994082014-08-21T12:17:00.000-07:002014-08-21T12:17:26.996-07:00Back - yet again! I stepped on my laptop because I thought putting on the floor by the bed was a great idea after nursing Jack. The screen was destroyed, of course.<br />
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We've finally got enough unpacked that I am down to about 6 boxes to go through. Although, as with all things moving, every time I think I am done, I find another box to be sorted through. Another storage problem to figure out. I am so very grateful to have this house and to know we won't be moving again for a long while!<br />
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Now Blair's desktop is set up and connected to the internet so I can get back to blogging - although first I had to remember my email and password :/ No pictures of the house today, just a quick note to say, yet again - I'm back! For your troubles here is some 9 month old adorableness!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-46160848388889934232014-04-01T00:07:00.001-07:002014-04-01T00:07:07.740-07:00Turning a House Into a Home (Part 9)About 3 years before we bought this house, a huge dust devil came rampaging through the neighborhood (New Mexico's version of tornadoes) and tore the carport roof off and flung it up onto the house roof, leaving just the posts outlining the cement pad. Later another dust devil flung the carport roof into the front yard. <div>
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Despite this, only a few shingles were damages and there are (surprisingly) no leaks. Still, the roof needed replacing. Oh, wait I forgot to mention the giant hail storm that hit Belen 4ish years ago. My parents got a new roof after that. It is metal and more energy efficient. Which is why we decided to put up a metal roof on this house as well. </div>
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We went back and forth between a red or green roof, before picking the sage green.</div>
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At some point, a new carport roof will be built and all the brown trim and garage door will be painted a hunter green. Also the two solar panels peeking over the back have been taken down. We only got the front of the house done before baby and a long cold snap. </div>
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In case you were wondering how you put on a sheet metal roof...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First you have to get each piece up on the roof</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then you have to line up the edge with the top and bottom of the roof, and no roof is perfectly angled.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then someone (Blair) has to hold the piece in place while Dad put in screws and Mom made sure it stayed even.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once the first piece is on, it goes much faster</td></tr>
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The key is to use the right screws for attaching the metal to the roof and the sections to each other. The wrong screws were used on the first piece and when the spring winds hit I heard a banging. The roof was blowing off! I have no pictures because Mom, Blair and I were all making sure it got screwed back down. With the right screws this time. </div>
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It's been to windy to finish the back side of the house, you don't want to be holding a flat piece of metal in strong winds, it would pull you right off the roof like a parachute. Soon though, we hope to get it finished before it gets hot. Roofing in the summer sucks. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-28684127872830490422014-03-29T19:09:00.001-07:002014-03-29T19:11:16.949-07:00Turning a House Into a Home (Part 8)I skimmed through my last couple of posts about the house last night to see what needed to be caught up - and I was surprised with how much has gotten done while we've been on break! At least this post and the next will be playing catch up.<br />
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We had a last burst of energy, right before Jack was born, looking at all the pictures we got a lot done the week before!<br />
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We got all the doors painted and hung on the bathroom, our room and Jack's room. We still need to spray paint the handles silver or replace them, but that is far down the list.<br />
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Remember the giant hole in the living room floor?<br />
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Blair and dad mixed up bags and bags of concrete, Mom ran to the store for more.<br />
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Mixing concrete is heavy, hard work. Blair and Dad still complain about the mountain in the floor, even after all the work they did. Still it is a lot better. I don't have much more to say, There isn't much more to say. That little bit took several hours of work and 10 bags of cement! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-79175456859195114142014-03-28T23:09:00.000-07:002014-03-29T19:11:42.922-07:00Summarized: 4 Months of LifeI'm back!!<br />
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It's been 4 months, but we are now starting to rock along on the house again. First, though;<br />
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Jack was born Nov 16th after three days of labor. He was 8lbs 9oz and 21 inches long. By his one month appointment he was 12 lbs and at his two month appointment he was 15 lbs and 24 inches long! Now he is around 19 or 20 lbs and just the happiest little boy!<br />
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A week after Jack was born it was already Thanksgiving, and then, suddenly, Christmas. With Jack's birth, and the holidays we decided to take a break from renovating. Jack met his great-grandparents over Thanksgiving and I tackled one of my New Years resolutions early by cooking a 4 course meal for a fancy family Christmas Eve. Nearly every recipe was a new one, and I'll be sharing a few winners here.<br />
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For New Years Jack fell asleep before 11pm and Blair and I toasted in 2014 with a baby sleeping between us and a couple of glasses of sparkling cider. January saw Blair going back to school, us going to church with Jack. In February my mom and took Jack and I too Oklahoma so our extended family could meet him. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 generations sitting right there!</td></tr>
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In March, Blair turned 30 and his brother and girlfriend came out to help us celebrate. Then Blair had spring break and we did absolutely nothing, which was awesome! We went out one night to a Broadway show thanks to my aunt and uncle, and had sushi. Other than that we just chilled.<br />
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That pretty much sums up the past 4 months. It's been a whirlwind and a time-stop of love and fun with our little one.</div>
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With spring coming on we are getting back into working on the house, and I've got posts to catch up on of what we've gotten done here and there. Check back soon! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-79036086076664104902013-11-14T18:51:00.000-08:002013-11-14T18:51:43.169-08:00Nursery Tour (Turning A House into a Home) Part 7The past month has been busy. My due date was November 3rd. I figured my son would be late, but it's the 14th and still no sign of him. I've stayed busy, the kitchen is nearly complete. the living room is at a good place and several other big projects have been completed - not the least of which is that Blair and I are now fully moved into our house.<br />
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Here's hoping Jack comes tomorrow so we can bring him home to the room we've made for him, it's been filled with some pretty special things:<br />
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We turned our consignment store find from this, into this:<br />
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The giant bear is something Blair had to have for Jack :) the bumper with the forest animals and the crib skirt were made by my sister who is <i>very</i> excited to become an Auntie.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More crib decoration handmade by Auntie Casey!</td></tr>
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The polar bear is from me and Blair and the crochet bear is from my sister-in-law, Ashley, she also made him two quilts!<br />
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Oh and my mom made the best mobile ever for Jack:<br />
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The animals match the ones my sister put on the bumper :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So that is Jack's little crib and love that went into making it!</td></tr>
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As for the rest of the room we took a dresser given to us by my sister and her husband and ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We painted it the same color and filled it up with baby clothes and diapers :</div>
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Blair hung the art work my aunt made for Jack's room above the dresser and I found the cute hamper at Wal-mart for $9! We tossed a changing pad on top and called it good.</div>
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Remember the giant shelves in the living room from the demolition?</div>
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We up-cycled some into this:</div>
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So there you go! A picture filled tour of most of Jack's room, we have a rocking chair in one corner and a few pictures to hang up, but its all ready for our little boy!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-66519710325511839002013-10-16T22:18:00.002-07:002013-10-16T22:18:13.064-07:00Turning a House into a Home Part 6 Since there are plans in the making for guest posts etc. I won't go into too much detail, but there are two things about home-ownership that ring true; when something goes wrong it is all on you, and when it rains it pours. <div>
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So when turning on the gas at our house is becoming an ordeal like getting the electricity on, the septic pump at my parent's house goes on the fritz and insurance company decides they don't want to insure a house that is in the process of being remodeled... Well it pours. Then we find out that that the previous owners <i>vented the dryer into the attic</i>. So there is dryer lint from 40 years adding to the insulation and fire hazards to be fixed. Oh, and the living room floor? Check it out: </div>
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8 cubic feet of concrete will need to be poured to level the floor, which is fine, but in the smashing dad and Blair discovered that whoever poured the foundation of the house neglected to use re-bar, <i>at all.</i> </div>
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However, all of those fun issues are posts for later, for now where we are even with with the bumps in the road:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plumbing on the kitchen sink taken care of</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen sink area sheet-rocked</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabinets are now painted and awaiting counter tops.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trim being painted</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blair chiseling up the old glue in the entry way</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginnings of the hole in the living room</td></tr>
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Laying the floors:<br />
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In going through all of the pictures I've taken, I realize I have a lot more to share... Tomorrow I'll post what is done in the nursery, it isn't finished, but it is getting there.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-56257420477091329142013-10-04T22:36:00.002-07:002013-10-04T22:36:38.511-07:00Turning a House into a Home Part 5 It's October, not sure when that happened. A lot took place on the house front, so much so that I wasn't able to get the greatest pictures, but these before and after snapshots will at least show how much we've gotten done! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack's room!</td></tr>
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We should actually have Jack's room all put together except for the details after tomorrow! He is due in a month so I guess we should get to work on it. In other news I am LOVING how the floors are looking! We will be using that wood in every room except for the kitchen and baths. I'll have to take a picture of the tile we are putting down in the kitchen.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick snapshot of the kitchen make-over</td></tr>
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The cabinets are all done and the ceiling and part of the walls are painted. We'll be putting up beadboard for the backsplash and the counter tops will be solid white as well. Getting the sink and the cabinet it goes on all built (the original was was rotted through, ew) is the "big" project to get finished. The floor should be a breeze. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Bath progress<br /></td></tr>
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I forgot to take a picture of the master bath today, but here is the middle bath, we just need to get the top half of the shower replaced and the vanity painted and re-installed and it is done, you can't see it, but the floor in here has already been replaced.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneak peek at what will be going in into Jack's room tomorrow!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather is getting lovely here</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076655819752345282.post-40263554751459431952013-09-18T19:47:00.004-07:002013-09-18T19:47:57.559-07:00Turning a House into a Home Part 4We finally got the power turned on at our house today. It has been a long drawn-out process that was much impeded by red-tape. And then they didn't put a work order into their system after saying it was there to actually get a crew out until yesterday. <div>
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While the rains last week finally cooled it off it has been HOT working on the house, and humid. And there is a limited amount that can be accomplished without things like power tools, which require power. </div>
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And apparently you can't get electricity turned on without a licensed electrician, then the State inspector and then the power company's approval which took three weeks and then they didn't turn in the paperwork! I called and was told nothing was done and we needed papers from those three people and I about had a coronary. Thankfully after multiple calls and time spent on hold I found someone who knew about the paperwork. Then all I had to do was ask - again for it to be turned on. At least they came out the next day. </div>
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A quick recap - its almost time for before and after pictures!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The master bedroom has been painted, walls and ceiling</td></tr>
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We now have the hallway and the three bedrooms painted and all that is left to do in them is to lay the floor. Now that we have power we can start on that. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The laminate flooring in the master bath being removed.</td></tr>
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Once Blair removed (in some places chipping off dime size pieces at a time, thanks babe!) the old laminate flooring in the two bathrooms, my brother was able to fix the plumbing on the sink in the master bath, install a new toilet and move the old one into the hall bathroom. <div>
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Then my dad and uncle laid new laminate and we started painting the walls white in the bathroom.<br /><div>
We might have half the house completely done by the end of this week now that we have power!<br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11281090209473211054noreply@blogger.com0