So Many Things

Hi there! It's time for my quarterly post! First things first: I still do not have a computer with Internet access. It's so bizarre. We changed internet services, and when we did my laptop became obsolete. It won't recognize the new provider. Has anyone had that to happen? So while I generally dislike writing blogs, I SUPER ABHOR-HATE writing them on my phone or my IPad. Oh well, such is life. Which is exactly what has been going on around here! Here are a few projects I have been working on.

Have I told y'all about vintageprintabel.com? It is so great. If you want good, free art for a space it's the place to go. I recently printed out some floralscapes for Aevyn's room and was super pleased. The 1.00 Ikea frames plus my wrapping paper matte made it a 6.00 project. Cha-Ching! You have to ignore some discoloration of the page seeing as how it is copied from an old book, but you can just  trim that off.

I recently painted the living room because well that's what I do. I really debated painting it gray like most of the rest of my house but I settled on brown... Again. I know, I know! I don't know why I like it so. But I do.  So there. I also added in some blue accents- totally unlike me, but I am loving the change. This room has become all about birds. I didn't intend for it to be that way , but I must like them. "Put a bird on it!" 

I also have been working on the laundry room. It is a space that I'm not too fond of. It's always so dirty, and piled high with laundry. Unfortunately it's also the entrance most people use to my house. Sad. A few months back I saw some fun contact paper at the Dollar Tree and thought... "Hmmmmm." That was that. The next day I had contact paper walls. I know what you are thinking, "Leslianne is CLASSY!" But it's so cute and cheap! I painted the back wall for chalkboarding. (It's like snowboarding with chalk). To finish it up I am looking for some counter space at Ikea, molding (Jody), and a chandelier.

Oh look! There's Leslianne not doing the laundry!

Well, that's all for now. One of these days I will post about our trip to Mexico. Seems like forever ago! TTFN

Rockadilly Rock

As you may or may not know it's rodeo season here in Houston. There is simply NOTHING like it. It's all you could ever hope for in "country" and more. Oh, it's so much more. HUGEMONGOUS corn dogs, funnel cakes, roller coasters that can take your life ( literally someone died last year,) children riding sheep... What more could you ask for!? Anywho, in the spirit of the rodeo  (and since I don't have Internet access until next Wednesday.. Blerg) I thought I would share a video from last summer's VBS. Tyler and I wrote the song you are about to hear.  Believe ot or not, that actually us singing. It had to be country (and oh, it is) and even better.... It had to be a line dance. Oh yes, we may have reached the pinnacle of our writing careers. I think this may be where Tyler left me in the dust (literally) in the writing department;) Please enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUfAycIdQfM

Meet the Band

Have I ever introduced you to the band? I don't suppose I have!

Well, let's all just get aquainted. You have Jody-keys/cello, Dave-bass, Jerrett-drums, and then Rich-electric whom came along shortly after this picture was taken. Sorry, Rich. Anywho, there they are.

Hi Rich: 

But the best of the band isn't the boys at all... of course. Meet my girls:

 Rachel, Kara, Erica, and in the next pic, Victoria.

We have many adventures together:

Most of them center around the notorious Christmas party. We vary the menu, but we always have the chocolate fountain...and Oh, the joy it brings. We have marshmallow, Reeses, fruit, donuts, and anything else we can find to put in the fountain. I believe we have put broccoli in the fountain one year, and this year an Asian dumpling. That's how we roll.

Most of the time I end  up looking like this.

What can I say? I like chocolate. 

Anywho, every year we draw names and surprise each other with gifts. The last few years we have had to either make something by hand or it has to come from a flea market. This year I drew Kara's name:

(That's Kara on the right).

Now, meet Mr. Table. He was 12.99 at the Browsaroun:

With a little help from Rustoleum's "Lagoon," some gold paint pen, and a new knob from Hobby Lobby and Viola! You have a darling, new side table:

Another view of the cutesy knob:

Never underestimate the power of paint and a cheap table! Merry Christmas, Kara! Or should I say, "Happy Valentine's Day?"

Happy Birthday to my Asher Baby

If I didn't know better I would have thought we misnamed you. For as long as I have known your daddy he has always wanted a little boy named Stone. For as you know, you are named for your great-grandfather whom so greatly influenced our lives. So when we found out that you were coming into our lives, I could see nothing better than to name you after a generous, loving, funny, Godly man.

When I was pregnant with you I went to a conference where a lady taught on the tribe of Asher and it's influence in the Kingdom of God throughout scripture. It was fascinating. The name Asher means "happy." I knew immediately that was to be your middle name for nothing could make us happier than bringing you into this world.

After you were born I was amazed at how you embodied your namesake. You were the happiest baby I'd ever known. So contented. So quiet and sweet. I secretly used to wonder if that was how Jesus was when He was a baby. As for the name "Stone" there is nothing tough about you. You are tender, detailed, imaginative, a little fearful, funny, and all around amazing. I love your tender spirit. Daddy and I are praying for the Stone in you. That you will grow to be strong in the Lord. Courageous in His Spirit. Bold in His Word, yet gentle in His love. 

I love you my little man. Nothing compares to that moment when you wrap your little arms around me and rub your cheeks on my face.

Happy Birthday.

In loving memory of "Poco" June 15, 1923-January 18, 2013.

Christmas

We have been Christmasing over here in Newberryville.

Here is what the week of Christmas looks like for us:

Aevyn was the star (of course) in the children's nativity for Christmas eve:

Then the kids retired to Tyler's office where they watched Netflix for four (count them, 1,2,3,4) Christmas Eve services. Can I get a shout out from all the PKs out there!?

I don't have any pics of this, but every other year we go to our friend's the Howards for Christmas Eve chili dinner. They always graciously open their home to all us vagabonds that don't have family in town. Thanks Monica and Chad!

Christmas Morning, looking goooood:

 Santa brought me truckload of antique yummies, including these!

These rad boots are awesome. I've been wanting some vintagy hard core boots and these totally fit the bill! You can't tell, but they are actually quite delicate looking in person. 

Yes, I missed a hole and yes, I knew it. Do you know how long it takes to lace these babies up!??

 This was the Christmas sadness! Don't ever ever never try to make a breakfast casserole in the crockpot overnight. It will turn into a brick. Pinstrosity! Exhibit A:

Now THIS is where it's at! This Cinnamon Roll Recipe from Pinterest was DELICIOUS!

The rest of the day is a blur of playing games like toss the angry birds to eating, to napping, to... you get the idea:

 Our Happy Birthday Jesus cake:

Christmas dinner:

  We also have a Christmas night tradition of going to our friend's the Van Buskirk's for dinner. It's always an exciting time of roasting full pigs, or other barn yard animals, games, and family fun! 

All this blogging has made me tired. Now for a nap...

PS. In all this free time I have updated the tabs "Come on In" and "I made that." Check em out if you'd like! Do ya like the new blog background?