tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870488207702509482024-02-20T09:40:31.668-08:00Six Shootin' MamaBlogging about a more simple life in the country following a slightly hectic life in the suburbs. I'll be sharing stories about our life in the west, marriage, parenting, living with Type 1 Diabetes, recipes, homeschooling, crafts, repurposing and sewing projects, simplifying, saving money, God's work in our lives, and maybe even events from our past. Come along and join our journey.sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.comBlogger339125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-54367138118750252622018-11-17T16:47:00.001-08:002018-11-17T16:47:19.284-08:00Bathroom Remodel - Part IIThe bathroom isn't<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> DONE,</i></b></span> but it's <b><i>done enough</i></b> to share the 'almost finished' product.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEpF3b4rJzAb7pEkcnf3BPxP0KUYMqU3133byOJFAjo5zyClzxOOYWMoQ3acSVIIczE1qf7Y_TUh7gS9Bz1yjxD1ai5pPE-bKdWyAPAs6ITuFlAGpW9tYaPkiL3lxKq_nX6iNEhTpwc0e/s1600/IMG_2696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEpF3b4rJzAb7pEkcnf3BPxP0KUYMqU3133byOJFAjo5zyClzxOOYWMoQ3acSVIIczE1qf7Y_TUh7gS9Bz1yjxD1ai5pPE-bKdWyAPAs6ITuFlAGpW9tYaPkiL3lxKq_nX6iNEhTpwc0e/s640/IMG_2696.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's our bathroom as it looked before last weekend when I decided to 'get busy' on this bathroom update.</td></tr>
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After doing the cabinets and countertop, I hit the walls with paint. This was a challenge due to the vaulted ceilings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaj_nbPELFcTd6Bp6zHh-0VcufLa-AMLU1tJELeJTzNcmDK3VPazhEbDMrFYY9y1DbzOP2zPqTjBjCvjTWuy1Ww6T4AMzqX1tET0k36YA0sDct53kv4mw6_RdywbeJgSewszA-PVMs_V8/s1600/IMG_2697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaj_nbPELFcTd6Bp6zHh-0VcufLa-AMLU1tJELeJTzNcmDK3VPazhEbDMrFYY9y1DbzOP2zPqTjBjCvjTWuy1Ww6T4AMzqX1tET0k36YA0sDct53kv4mw6_RdywbeJgSewszA-PVMs_V8/s640/IMG_2697.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the 'before! On that wall at the end next to the toilet is a black shelf. I didn't get it in any of the photos.</td></tr>
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<br />I lugged the step stool and the ladder into the bathroom and got my paint ready to go. I had painted the lower halves of most of the walls prior to this point. Second coats were completed where needed.... then... I climbed the ladder and simply moved up the walls until I was standing on the rung next to the top to reach the peak of the ceilings.<br />
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NOT. MY. FAVORITE. THING. TO. DO!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHs4dWFGkJLlsH2wrhjmDFvSAkXhvtcV5kB-vui4jNipD8Bp2lelGiylhGyeGu8zifXWkl8ws599yw2EdKPeko7IFiVLqmgT98Jwp8_487bietpowyuF9yBOXY2DxAgPTQngcFoOtfgVf/s1600/IMG_2742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHs4dWFGkJLlsH2wrhjmDFvSAkXhvtcV5kB-vui4jNipD8Bp2lelGiylhGyeGu8zifXWkl8ws599yw2EdKPeko7IFiVLqmgT98Jwp8_487bietpowyuF9yBOXY2DxAgPTQngcFoOtfgVf/s400/IMG_2742.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walls above the 'yellow tile' in the tub/shower are also<br />the green like the rest of the room.</td></tr>
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Doing a second coat was on my least favorite list of things to do, but... you do what'cha gotta do, right?<br />
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The funniest site was probably me on a ladder that was half in and half out of the bathtub. <br />
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The strange things one does for home improvement.<br />
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While the walls dried, I used a hammered brown spray paint on all the hinges, handles, bath accessories, and light switch plate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3y9neB3ZrRxGjCguDxnn8fYnN1iRYV6DnNMnEl_2Ye9mgC9BBjJAWbovMg7A6UiUBkZkRNMSlHJP8diN4OdWTb4B3bwfctGMCApMPCl2a_dA4VO8N3r3TRwC0o2DAM-bvmt-VEgW6m5W/s1600/IMG_2743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3y9neB3ZrRxGjCguDxnn8fYnN1iRYV6DnNMnEl_2Ye9mgC9BBjJAWbovMg7A6UiUBkZkRNMSlHJP8diN4OdWTb4B3bwfctGMCApMPCl2a_dA4VO8N3r3TRwC0o2DAM-bvmt-VEgW6m5W/s320/IMG_2743.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see some of the <br />'hammered brown metal' hinges/handles etc.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSqQg_At8OUHoQRxbU_DE1qCuOj3SAhEXqKSqHn1_GaCFP0JKoyozSy04IVjmcGIAL0o12_XYo6NYchoGM-y-ucnGe1hl_eEh7l4j38YTlXqUuZIq0K6PqsZ-aUypW7oxOT7nHMosr-vu/s1600/IMG_2739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSqQg_At8OUHoQRxbU_DE1qCuOj3SAhEXqKSqHn1_GaCFP0JKoyozSy04IVjmcGIAL0o12_XYo6NYchoGM-y-ucnGe1hl_eEh7l4j38YTlXqUuZIq0K6PqsZ-aUypW7oxOT7nHMosr-vu/s320/IMG_2739.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking into the bathroom from the hallway.<br />(The back wall by the toilet it still 'wet paint'. <br />I don't think that big 'streak' will be there once it dries</td></tr>
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Once the walls did dry I had to tackle the ladder again. I think it was half worse and half better the second time around. Worse b/c I felt like I was going to fall; better b/c it was easier to get the final coverage.<br />
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On Saturday morning I began reassembling the hinges, doors, handles, drawers, accessories, etc then began removing the plastic and painters tape around the sink. Let's just say that step could have gone better. Fortunately the caulk will cover the tape I couldn't get out of the resin. LOL! <br />
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I also put the cabinet on the countertop and filled it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfwgoA5a9peFuWIq6roD5RkMuoOHKKSlDcQup0CQJBtsTRxVfi8NC6EVcAdlG8UAC-Wa5MNffuKOZYDhva4V5L_tNB8bAkYxsYMi1ZcF3o4mTzRaJTfpyrovZWyDhyphenhyphenA22eclTXIT724Oi/s1600/IMG_2740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfwgoA5a9peFuWIq6roD5RkMuoOHKKSlDcQup0CQJBtsTRxVfi8NC6EVcAdlG8UAC-Wa5MNffuKOZYDhva4V5L_tNB8bAkYxsYMi1ZcF3o4mTzRaJTfpyrovZWyDhyphenhyphenA22eclTXIT724Oi/s320/IMG_2740.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view looking into the bathroom.</td></tr>
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I then washed the tub and tile and re-washed the toilet b/c I had gotten quite a bit of paint on it in my various stages of remodel.<br />
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I vacuumed the floors; put down the runners to keep the floors a bit warmer until we put down our flooring; then took a few pics.<br />
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I still need to scorch the barn wood boards with a torch and stain them; then cut and hang them. Then I SHOULD take down the dated light fixture and paint it until it's replaced and do the same to the faucets. But.... at this point, the barn wood frame and flooring would make me So... SO.... HAPPY!<br />
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Eventually I may also tackle painting the lovely yellow tile, but... again, for now... I"m thrilled with how it's turned out.<br />
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It'll be nice that the girls can use their bathroom again too.<br />
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Leave me a comment and tell me what you think. What would you add? Or change? What would you do to the faucets or the light fixture? Do you think it is it fine as is?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3ncyUcxAywYlTjjTugXn0wiYjz0mA2Te-8Ix_ONbbvilIfLj3d9Ljdb-OtJi4A1Nx9NDBGMBbaIpy295wjj4kjMMd3dZeCprKANd5bSSJvIlPkSS1d21lEQ3IJBTjap0d_zhekCegUyd/s1600/IMG_2744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3ncyUcxAywYlTjjTugXn0wiYjz0mA2Te-8Ix_ONbbvilIfLj3d9Ljdb-OtJi4A1Nx9NDBGMBbaIpy295wjj4kjMMd3dZeCprKANd5bSSJvIlPkSS1d21lEQ3IJBTjap0d_zhekCegUyd/s640/IMG_2744.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sinks/cabinets/countertop all 'finished' except for caulking around the sinks, wall, and mirror.<br />And of course minus the barn wood frame around the mirror -- I really can't wait to see how that looks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNYFupdIDf0aCB4tJF_jeCSBLpn2js3mZxvJUG8pCDtBzdzssrS2OMoTHdLqvaL8tugGjriKmBKMNGyVe767IGoJt38PAH8Uenjh6YoXX5I7MnSNikRHwR-CLwR4sjdhYhODgBXjMrHKJ/s1600/IMG_2745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNYFupdIDf0aCB4tJF_jeCSBLpn2js3mZxvJUG8pCDtBzdzssrS2OMoTHdLqvaL8tugGjriKmBKMNGyVe767IGoJt38PAH8Uenjh6YoXX5I7MnSNikRHwR-CLwR4sjdhYhODgBXjMrHKJ/s640/IMG_2745.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up of the countertop/cabinets.</td></tr>
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sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-26019647585771311912018-11-15T11:04:00.000-08:002018-11-15T11:04:43.386-08:00Bathroom Remodel... On the Cheap... Part IIt has been a LONG time since I've been active on my blog. <br />
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Sorry about that, ya'll. <br />
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Life is full of blessings and I find there's only so much time each day to get to things. Lately, my blog has not been top priority.<br />
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I'm making a concerted effort to 'get back in the saddle' with this here blogging business, however. ;-)<br />
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I'm gonna jump in to share my guest/kids' bathroom 'makeover' that I did ALL. BY. MYSELF! (Except the floor - that is yet to be completed and I'm hoping to hire someone to do it.)<br />
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I have to start off by saying I 'began' this project when I pulled up carpet -- yes CARPET - from this bathroom 1.5 -2 years ago because a) carpet in the bathroom just doesn't seem sanitary to me (maybe if I shampooed it constantly, but who has time or energy or ambition for THAT) and b) the girls aren't good at closing the shower curtain during showers therefore water was getting under the carpet and mold was growing. EWWWW!<br />
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I have to say that I understand WHY the people who owned this house before my in-laws bought it put carpet in the bathroom. Basically because IT'S COLD!!! The trapdoor that goes to our crawlspace (which is just a dug out dirt hole in the ground for all intents and purposes) is smack dab in the center of this bathroom. Once I pulled that carpet up.... cold air just rushes in constantly. <br />
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I get it... The carpet insulated the floor AND blocked all the air from seeping through. I'll need to come up with a solution to prevent that cold air blast moving forward. Sigh.<br />
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So.... back to my story.... I pulled the carpet up and.... well..... left it.<br />
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When I say 'left it', I literally mean, L-E-F-T..... I-T! I didn't pull up the tac strips; I left all the staples in the floor; bits of carpet were stuck under the toe boards etc.<br />
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It. Was. A. Hot. Mess. Ya'll!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed0yrKiJTfGhh0aybFrUDPXYFRbiGPS4ofAQ4s4fruwWvSwhdnFWetLqM0ItCjyIubQRc9JDWU67jquR8VpVIayGw3ZKd4xRuGxKk3sYGs82BYX-P2WtwZ6ojFE49Y6uV4fYa-Jv3pKrz/s1600/IMG_2696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed0yrKiJTfGhh0aybFrUDPXYFRbiGPS4ofAQ4s4fruwWvSwhdnFWetLqM0ItCjyIubQRc9JDWU67jquR8VpVIayGw3ZKd4xRuGxKk3sYGs82BYX-P2WtwZ6ojFE49Y6uV4fYa-Jv3pKrz/s640/IMG_2696.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the LOVELy marbled-like laminate countertop that I wanted to 'change'.</td></tr>
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In Oct I started a weight loss beta program with my cousin AND I went through Mom Mastery Boot Camp. Between the two, my life was altered in MASSIVE ways -- in a GOOD way.<br />
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I had energy from losing weight; I had motivation from the programs and my Bible studies; I decided to get up and get moving.<br />
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I cleaned that bathroom -- floor to ceiling and everything in between.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1EHmIsx8EGM8QOLRXOaQjU0SxvZQ5xAVCmFVdtZMlVJcVRkEhUQeU2EpwkEZAfslwcRlhV7RQXnp5KkZzU1iftc206Bo0wAsHTmkUhLWlO9SbXQH6iZo5K4mSNOFh2hURSzoHX69-zXM/s1600/IMG_2697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1EHmIsx8EGM8QOLRXOaQjU0SxvZQ5xAVCmFVdtZMlVJcVRkEhUQeU2EpwkEZAfslwcRlhV7RQXnp5KkZzU1iftc206Bo0wAsHTmkUhLWlO9SbXQH6iZo5K4mSNOFh2hURSzoHX69-zXM/s640/IMG_2697.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the room all cleaned and the tac strips removed with our ugly sub-flooring showing in all it's glory.</td></tr>
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I then took doors off the cabinets, removed drawers, and sanded the countertop, cabinets, drawers, and doors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KXBLZZlDWVaTxoRi-OAYELpT5SoQIiF2vBE5apbCLwaJpGE2SyVCmE4lMHM2kAnsgiQjHh8jnGg9BnPfq4lckFkNsVJ4biYiG504eB5F8s8NyAk42iYDMJguOsM_BTU2l01_KD9pufls/s1600/IMG_2699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KXBLZZlDWVaTxoRi-OAYELpT5SoQIiF2vBE5apbCLwaJpGE2SyVCmE4lMHM2kAnsgiQjHh8jnGg9BnPfq4lckFkNsVJ4biYiG504eB5F8s8NyAk42iYDMJguOsM_BTU2l01_KD9pufls/s400/IMG_2699.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Door removed and sanded along w/the frame.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rRU9Y_Jn0EdnS1yZagsxBngw3ENiXgcNW9E7n8oQ_OTMLrb2fdCb6qWcpprJ7-kF8lcsrg4RRhoawyaKoCmRP5i4-UIERRm7oYOi9e61y7btNWiOgbxUoIslRO015_vLPyfAFGZWBUvv/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rRU9Y_Jn0EdnS1yZagsxBngw3ENiXgcNW9E7n8oQ_OTMLrb2fdCb6qWcpprJ7-kF8lcsrg4RRhoawyaKoCmRP5i4-UIERRm7oYOi9e61y7btNWiOgbxUoIslRO015_vLPyfAFGZWBUvv/s320/IMG_2698.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanding the countertop and cabinets.</td></tr>
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Next I grabbed my cabinet transformation kit - the same style I used for our kitchen cabinets (I had bought 2 in case I needed it for the kitchen, but with the hope I could use it for this bathroom.)<br />
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I'm using the same colors in this bathroom that I have in the living room and kitchen/dining room so... perfect.<br />
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I painted the base coat on all the drawers and doors. 2 coats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsYQzj_InteqZN0rsUQSYuLS6jT_Nd7PaRe3HJunoGnvg_7FFKZRITgZOiosTemIWm2ogowdoleIHqcXUjdlOwhS4ncYWkowmhbvfC4othRQFFx_MFXPHPxzMDvPUv08db6nChnTtRRoZ/s1600/IMG_2710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsYQzj_InteqZN0rsUQSYuLS6jT_Nd7PaRe3HJunoGnvg_7FFKZRITgZOiosTemIWm2ogowdoleIHqcXUjdlOwhS4ncYWkowmhbvfC4othRQFFx_MFXPHPxzMDvPUv08db6nChnTtRRoZ/s640/IMG_2710.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The doors on the table painted with the base coat.</td></tr>
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After that dried, I applied the antique glaze coat and wiped off to achieve the antiqued look I was after.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k5M6unmJwROOvQKA_NYDWL0gVdC9NhU2PAxKIO7VCWY-YYn2zQUjDEahb7zVkkv6nup3C4XRXJJE2mbGF5xarciypiF5RHWYy3B1haJyWXTR1vUVph7yiUXpJeYDA4MbxeCc73ETgYlh/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k5M6unmJwROOvQKA_NYDWL0gVdC9NhU2PAxKIO7VCWY-YYn2zQUjDEahb7zVkkv6nup3C4XRXJJE2mbGF5xarciypiF5RHWYy3B1haJyWXTR1vUVph7yiUXpJeYDA4MbxeCc73ETgYlh/s320/IMG_2714.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glaze wiped off until the desired 'look' was achieved<br />and the protective top coat applied.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlxuQAvv_9aGS-xG_h39rPyzdd1jnBq6OtWebmXfqwFxkmwvT3sQo88DjD7dsYjFZRmBub_9NvQaraZ2IZ5Cl3kf-dYF6vSF33mNVm67eHqE_2DMTi2XWoDBAuYlvkjR5CxP0Dx6_cyEe/s1600/IMG_2713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlxuQAvv_9aGS-xG_h39rPyzdd1jnBq6OtWebmXfqwFxkmwvT3sQo88DjD7dsYjFZRmBub_9NvQaraZ2IZ5Cl3kf-dYF6vSF33mNVm67eHqE_2DMTi2XWoDBAuYlvkjR5CxP0Dx6_cyEe/s320/IMG_2713.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the scary part - adding the glaze makes<br />me nervous as I just painted over dark<br />cabinets about this color.</td></tr>
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Finally, after 24 hours of dry time I added the top protective coat. <br />
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That part was easy. Time consuming b/c of all the steps but.... relatively easy.<br />
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For the countertop - we didn't have it in the budget right now to purchase new countertops, but the 'white-marbled-laminate-look' we had going just didn't do it for me.<br />
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Off to Pinterest!<br />
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After a little 'Pinterest' browsing and HomeTalk looking, I decided upon using Stone look spray paint covered with Envirotex Light Epoxy Resin. We had used resin on some of the girls' 4H projects so I was familiar with it but... this was much bigger than a small canvas or glass bead and window project.<br />
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I taped off the mirror, walls, toilet, and lower cabinet with garbage bags and plastic tarps. I also covered the sinks and faucets COMPLETELY with bags and painters tape.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkho1tnrUNIWAifH_ZCG7e6Ig5pGZs-R2lQ7EIOng-kc2g4l-yRqDrja5ElhdO2CgljyevRqU_5GwINmDFxp7DH81YTTC9Uydc4X_FcBlTiXdB2KS2pzBrSVTwv_1TrFmnZb5TJZOkPvZ/s1600/IMG_2705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkho1tnrUNIWAifH_ZCG7e6Ig5pGZs-R2lQ7EIOng-kc2g4l-yRqDrja5ElhdO2CgljyevRqU_5GwINmDFxp7DH81YTTC9Uydc4X_FcBlTiXdB2KS2pzBrSVTwv_1TrFmnZb5TJZOkPvZ/s640/IMG_2705.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything is set to go.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next I went to town with 'Stone' look spray paint.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFa3UEueC-rxFCkdXwB9g2QxOGehueB49J-AjlbH6kKdxslwr5zCsZd99zFVidxZqOPtiTjkfonkMAJwulozYMXjp-KxSICwfFKhOKtvtullt92ceYXTX0oX7tRk4T8gJ6hrpHRDsQ1cYr/s1600/IMG_2706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFa3UEueC-rxFCkdXwB9g2QxOGehueB49J-AjlbH6kKdxslwr5zCsZd99zFVidxZqOPtiTjkfonkMAJwulozYMXjp-KxSICwfFKhOKtvtullt92ceYXTX0oX7tRk4T8gJ6hrpHRDsQ1cYr/s640/IMG_2706.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a 'different' look, but not really what I was going for. <br />So glad a few more coats of paint made it more of what I envisioned.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It took about 4 whole cans to cover the entire surface to my liking. The first can left TONS of 'white' showing through. The 2nd can didn't cover it much more and I was beginning to think that was the 'look' I was just going to have to live with. I didn't HATE it, but.... I didn't LOVE it either. After a day of drying I decided to try another coat (meaning can) of stone paint. It was beginning to fill in those 'white' spots and look more solid. I liked that better. Another 24 hours later and I did another can of stone paint. <br />
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The look was much more to my liking.<br />
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A trip (or 2 -- but that's a whole other post) to Fort Collins and I had my Envirotex Light Resin. A morning later and it was on the countertop. It wasn't a hard process, but frightening. You have to mix the stuff 'just right' or it may not fully harden. That'll be fun. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOSviQvDWZ9ESiRwCdWl0PWSad4kLRlwb-NFPUot4Qx8amaDkGwgZxd7QUCudj2p98WiMFE5OJK2kI2bfppjVYNm8mSFogaB2GF7WS4KAamAbdSyekhCArvvVSBERv3Zx4HUk0-SSHGLF/s1600/IMG_2716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOSviQvDWZ9ESiRwCdWl0PWSad4kLRlwb-NFPUot4Qx8amaDkGwgZxd7QUCudj2p98WiMFE5OJK2kI2bfppjVYNm8mSFogaB2GF7WS4KAamAbdSyekhCArvvVSBERv3Zx4HUk0-SSHGLF/s640/IMG_2716.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the countertop w/the resin as it's drying. I'm hoping it looks FABULOUS once it's dry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition, the resin 'drips' off the edge more than I expected AND it dripped a bit onto the cabinets. I wiped it off, but realized later when I put the antique glaze on the cabinet frames, that the stain 'adhered' to where the resin had been wiped off leaving odd looking streaks and smudges. Sigh.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVhuxOmWZRREghgPZZvJwFiiKdyF9hw3xfexwNzTZD75zdwlzwhtOn7M1i0m4Z8-HKy7zmCoynN4pGPr8z-1Z0lyWFUSkGK8-pdouiss2amdIDJO_pSZO0nctiB4q7_P-YzRqcWEr8U3X/s1600/fullsizeoutput_287c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVhuxOmWZRREghgPZZvJwFiiKdyF9hw3xfexwNzTZD75zdwlzwhtOn7M1i0m4Z8-HKy7zmCoynN4pGPr8z-1Z0lyWFUSkGK8-pdouiss2amdIDJO_pSZO0nctiB4q7_P-YzRqcWEr8U3X/s320/fullsizeoutput_287c.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once the resin was applied, I used my heat gun to 'pop' bubbles<br />and to even out the thickness of the resin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I keep telling myself it's ok - it's better than it was before.</span><br />
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While in Fort Collins I found the 'perfect' skinny cabinet to put ON the countertop to 'divide' the sink sides and add storage. I cleaned and painted it with the cabinet transformation kit so it 'matches' the cabinets nicely. (You'll see it when we finally reassemble the bathroom.)<br />
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I have barn wood in the garage that I plan to 'scorch w/a torch' and hang as a 'border' around the entire mirror. (I won't lie - this is daunting to me and a bit scary to even ponder doing. But, it has to be done b/c I wasn't exceptionally 'neat' in applying the resin and there are 'splotches' all over the mirror bottom. Nothing like motivation.)<br />
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I'm painting the walls sage green to match the rest of the house as well as the colors in the shower curtain. I've only done a couple walls and only up as far as I can reach without a ladder so far.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g6kk49CNlcmEmnOq70M-7ryp563KG_IEgjTyOwZHlAO7qE5eiDN2zExHOacUWswXBoJIrYhe49NotyZm4IVMOx0Ttj9BdSpqjQUD_mf_6ghDmR-IRRzKapG8o_eB7Wltx7mChb61vU90/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g6kk49CNlcmEmnOq70M-7ryp563KG_IEgjTyOwZHlAO7qE5eiDN2zExHOacUWswXBoJIrYhe49NotyZm4IVMOx0Ttj9BdSpqjQUD_mf_6ghDmR-IRRzKapG8o_eB7Wltx7mChb61vU90/s320/IMG_2712.JPG" width="240" /></a>I found a candle holder at the Goodwill with a bear, trees, and moose in a brown metal - it matches perfectly with the shower curtain and will be a fun 'top' to the new cabinet.<br />
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It's all coming together, slowly. <br />
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I can't wait to share the finished project next week. That's IF I manage to finish it and NOT fall of the ladder as I attempt to reach the vaulted ceiling. ;-)<br />
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I'm also pondering the 'back wall' as you look into the bathroom. It has some 'damage' to the drywall and 'just painting' it may not look the greatest. I've researched a few options to make it look 'rustic' without too much cost, but.... I'm falling short finding the materials to put those ideas into action. Right now.... my top choice is to get a few rolls of self adhesive cork and put that partially up the wall.<br />
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Guess we'll see as I move forward.sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-81694923105691724652018-02-08T08:51:00.000-08:002018-02-08T08:51:54.163-08:00New Hobby and Endeavor In December, I discovered a new 'art form'. <br />
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Ya'll it's SOOO FUN! <br />
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Alcohol inks.<br />
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My initial introduction to this fun medium was from Pinterest. Utilizing Sharpie markers and alcohol, one can create AMAZING and unique works of abstract art on tile. Simply color the tile with different colors of marker, add alcohol to 'blend the colors'. Swirl, smudge, tip, drag the alcohol and inks around on the tile then.....<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Set... </span> It.... <span style="font-size: large;">On..... </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">FIRE!!!! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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Amazing things happen when you do this!<br />
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(Not to mention who isn't mesmerized watching a flame?)<br />
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Unique patterns evolve as the alcohol burns off leaving unique and unusual patterns where the flame spreads.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZpPwJM7mRjHhU0iSZ56BLACEmDjp027MIT4XzldTv75frzC6ryTx0QM2rPq_LrsS6Z7yt_NRg4Bwv00lzHTWYn4XTzFNg9dx2PQnQ7bDDNUUinw1in0WEhZNsi3XOXv6Jt1Vatr_GcFu/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZpPwJM7mRjHhU0iSZ56BLACEmDjp027MIT4XzldTv75frzC6ryTx0QM2rPq_LrsS6Z7yt_NRg4Bwv00lzHTWYn4XTzFNg9dx2PQnQ7bDDNUUinw1in0WEhZNsi3XOXv6Jt1Vatr_GcFu/s640/DSC_0232.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharpie colored tile after being 'fired'. Love how the colors simply merge and become their own design. No 2 alike.</td></tr>
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As I researched this new technique, I also realized that actual alcohol inks exist.<br />
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WHAT??<br />
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Then I began watching YouTube videos and tutorials on how to use this new-to-me art medium.<br />
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Let's just say..... it was a <span style="font-size: large;">bit</span> <span style="font-size: large;">ADDICTIVE!!!</span><br />
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A trip to Michael's was less than productive as I accidentally boutght India Inks instead of Alcohol inks. Not that the dye based India Inks aren't fun in their own right, but... they aren't the same thing. They react and move differently on their given substrates. Who knew, right?<br />
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Alcohol inks need to be used on non-porous substrates - like tile, glass, metal, etc. whereas India Inks and Acrylic tend to be used on porous - canvas, art paper, and the like.<br />
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You see, when using alcohol inks you want the ink to 'bloom'; expand and grow and move on it's own accord. Plus when you 'combine' alcohol inks' on the surface of your chosen substrate, they don't 'mingle and mix' creating new colors like other mediums. The alcohol in them actually 'reacts' and pushes the other ink out -- you then get a unique effect on 'both' colors instead of a brand new color. <br />
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Not to mention, when adding alcohol, it can 'take away' the colors to some degree depending on the substrate being utilized.<br />
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Fascinating I tell you.<br />
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I think that's one of the big draws for me. It's 'organic' if you will. It's a bit unpredictable and you don't HAVE to be a skilled artist to utilize this fabulous art medium to produce stunning works of art.<br />
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Albeit much of alcohol ink art is abstract - which I'm normally not a HUGE fan of, but in this medium??? I'm literally transfixed by them. It's just a different quality and appeal.<br />
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After discovering this wonderful medium, I purchased a Piñata Exciter Pack (a set of alcohol inks sold by Piñata - a great way to 'test the waters' in this fun art form) to get me started on a new art journey. Not long after, I was scouring the internet watching YouTube videos, joining Alcohol Ink Communities on-line and.... learning.<br />
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Tools of the trade include: (Note: You don't need all of these items, but they make working with the inks SO. MUCH. FUN!) Alcohol Inks (obviously); Alcohol Ink markers; an air compressor (I'm using Techno's from the garage - yes, big; bulky; loud, but... it does the trick); straws; canned air; brushes; a hair dryer; a heat gun; alcohol; pipettes; sharpie markers; gel pens for outlining; photo paper; tiles; glass; yupo or other non porous paper; metallic card stock; felt; cotton balls; q-tips; and any other 'fun' thing that may cause amazing reactions in the alcohol ink as it moves on the substrate.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPe39A-6prFP-2PbQWdxSjrp2aMDZlIZzfnBhDBd2S8AQPUdS3L9aHqk0JvukbOqZ-CEVlCV_Cx6DakQsUujfDVZREJM7wsIzwuldFE5Bs5rMIX4855KJ1QKb8BgD4i2y-vMVqRKzYd1V/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPe39A-6prFP-2PbQWdxSjrp2aMDZlIZzfnBhDBd2S8AQPUdS3L9aHqk0JvukbOqZ-CEVlCV_Cx6DakQsUujfDVZREJM7wsIzwuldFE5Bs5rMIX4855KJ1QKb8BgD4i2y-vMVqRKzYd1V/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun drops of ink and alcohol - you can see the designs<br />that are made as the alcohol 'pushes away' the inks as it invades.</td></tr>
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Initially I made 'coasters' by dropping the ink on tiles, adding alcohol to make 'circles'. It was cool watching the alcohol and ink interact and move and develop.<div>
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I gave many away as gifts for Christmas.<br /><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84xbWLxgsL7XvGMzO06UnymrjmG-hNjo-YRfzyLwBzb3dfBTHH0u8Ipfqk7f2LG1GUEMLn2L0j1FZRioXNklhS-H_gVWh4eunVjRiS_nVQsW8KtQjHPcSZzY6WxYTaesQ2QP5qMON8sz4/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84xbWLxgsL7XvGMzO06UnymrjmG-hNjo-YRfzyLwBzb3dfBTHH0u8Ipfqk7f2LG1GUEMLn2L0j1FZRioXNklhS-H_gVWh4eunVjRiS_nVQsW8KtQjHPcSZzY6WxYTaesQ2QP5qMON8sz4/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swirling the colors around, blending and colliding, then dabbing<br />with a cotton ball to make bubbles and dots. A galaxy is born.</td></tr>
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Then I began tilting and moving the tiles about to make the inks 'blend' and create swirls, sweeps, and swatches. Or I used a cotton ball to 'dab' at the inks and alcohol as it mingled causing bubbles and dots to materialize out of the myriad of colors.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiys-M3rdeae0_DcY6zDTU1oVTcen7swi9_hwZxh1giXB0-h2u1EYbRQk-s4Sg9kQbackOweaWsu21ueeYMKTnpLf7MikdtTIYhirHHXYZopZU0InW25wfiNCs6o9XYH43t3aJM7yyxa9OA/s1600/IMG_9097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiys-M3rdeae0_DcY6zDTU1oVTcen7swi9_hwZxh1giXB0-h2u1EYbRQk-s4Sg9kQbackOweaWsu21ueeYMKTnpLf7MikdtTIYhirHHXYZopZU0InW25wfiNCs6o9XYH43t3aJM7yyxa9OA/s640/IMG_9097.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combining drops of ink w/alcohol then adding fire -- what fun designs emerge.<br />I even inked some wine glasses. What a beautiful gift this made for a<br />member of our community who is special to our family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Eventually I discovered you can use canned air, a straw, or an air compressor to make flowers and cool abstract designs.<br />
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<i>I think this is one of my favorite ways of using alcohol inks.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk6WkhVAQAiGIFL9IKg-GVvV62u-RYkfcpOoUlKPU0OvpIILbQ8aGSvpJ2XkYhJndyhe5F0wOno4G0TF5JRD4D2KecQ8K3LY5XyBMCOCPGZGCpTSiMwloIe6MVWpmrDAzCbVIu4FkMHVe/s1600/IMG_9659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk6WkhVAQAiGIFL9IKg-GVvV62u-RYkfcpOoUlKPU0OvpIILbQ8aGSvpJ2XkYhJndyhe5F0wOno4G0TF5JRD4D2KecQ8K3LY5XyBMCOCPGZGCpTSiMwloIe6MVWpmrDAzCbVIu4FkMHVe/s640/IMG_9659.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange flowers on tile.<br />'Orange Blossoms'</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7HEElCrE5GKWkqFv2ZwkJoMZLk_PHFlJNP0-JDqJl0Jp2BYSthy62yb6PN-1JtxswnH_nDOxnAI0LGPZU2cUpdzCsbUvdVXIoAoKgbe_XyoMfAA8Axba7rfnJPL2MScAAThRLlbHscOx/s1600/IMG_9428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7HEElCrE5GKWkqFv2ZwkJoMZLk_PHFlJNP0-JDqJl0Jp2BYSthy62yb6PN-1JtxswnH_nDOxnAI0LGPZU2cUpdzCsbUvdVXIoAoKgbe_XyoMfAA8Axba7rfnJPL2MScAAThRLlbHscOx/s320/IMG_9428.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abstract - moving the inks around and<br />adding small details with alcohol and brushes.<br />I was practicing making 'dots' and <br />squiggles on this piece.<br /></td></tr>
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It's relaxing and mesmerizing all at the same time.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Bh6EHNVmDaQ9Kd0pcsuaThLevzZ93x-X2_UmumUS5KFmvLeFniSVoT4G2X5f_t4Xdz5olWXVw7Vmf-jamogV9bvcrIEQGFkHN4H_li2YhL-ljZLPm1ZBdShHD198r7aYLJ7w4O7IVBCE/s1600/IMG_9519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Bh6EHNVmDaQ9Kd0pcsuaThLevzZ93x-X2_UmumUS5KFmvLeFniSVoT4G2X5f_t4Xdz5olWXVw7Vmf-jamogV9bvcrIEQGFkHN4H_li2YhL-ljZLPm1ZBdShHD198r7aYLJ7w4O7IVBCE/s320/IMG_9519.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small piece of metallic card stock.<br />I simply used my canned air to 'move'<br />the inks along using blue and silver.<br />This piece has actually sold.</td></tr>
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Not to mention CRAZY ADDICTING!!!<br />
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I also discovered a fun style of printing off coloring pages and using them as my 'template' then adding unique dots, feathers, sweeps, and swirls in alcohol ink to make a unique, fun, whimsical piece of art. Many people apparently liked this style as I sold 2 pieces the first day I posted them to facebook. (These pieces are at the bottom of this post.)<br />
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SAY WHAT??? <Insert my face in shock and amazement here.><br />
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As a result, I've decided to play my hand at selling the artwork I produce.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGatwSIgKMnhPsUFoJixCBbqLsBSx-wIgj8GHaTLVX_RkWDpbSIqxSqJ_qSIp5O78Na4s-_BBkW5PQL0akisFks_z_nB3fdKpzRwepZK_DPMBgwhBb_lBwk3vjlBFe1ZD6SArsmUOsA9Ve/s1600/IMG_9615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGatwSIgKMnhPsUFoJixCBbqLsBSx-wIgj8GHaTLVX_RkWDpbSIqxSqJ_qSIp5O78Na4s-_BBkW5PQL0akisFks_z_nB3fdKpzRwepZK_DPMBgwhBb_lBwk3vjlBFe1ZD6SArsmUOsA9Ve/s400/IMG_9615.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This piece was made w/just blue ink and a heat gun.<br />Very abstract.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQJreTUpTeAhz74xeRiY2yML3ynVSNH2NoUKsBpbf2_vhDyAoXBRsKsH50vNEdjBYM3hYm5AIutewib6a9LEvmtH_9xanCjdpQuhhcndHmQSZy0p2uw-HUHP3h3S5DditJ6xkXH0EwEsM/s1600/IMG_9624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQJreTUpTeAhz74xeRiY2yML3ynVSNH2NoUKsBpbf2_vhDyAoXBRsKsH50vNEdjBYM3hYm5AIutewib6a9LEvmtH_9xanCjdpQuhhcndHmQSZy0p2uw-HUHP3h3S5DditJ6xkXH0EwEsM/s320/IMG_9624.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green ink on tile blown with heat gun. Such an ethereal feel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrIRFbeV6QiuWGpAx-D06gv-1qXNh4gLJyAObYkkg765szXUoIksIhGhtU8knD-MH6XIT-ZyqQxxSC5kz0EARnPzVCJRH-YDizkbTOv0DTRyOIesk2LLpyKYtNnV5uy3PC0lM9cHyDUaU/s1600/IMG_9612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrIRFbeV6QiuWGpAx-D06gv-1qXNh4gLJyAObYkkg765szXUoIksIhGhtU8knD-MH6XIT-ZyqQxxSC5kz0EARnPzVCJRH-YDizkbTOv0DTRyOIesk2LLpyKYtNnV5uy3PC0lM9cHyDUaU/s320/IMG_9612.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various ink colors dropped. Alcohol added.<br />Then fired. More alcohol to get new effects.<br />More fire. Amazing, unique results.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1S_FRYaSrrgDH8_SDFznnbMhyphenhyphengVAJ6-byvd7YW4HYhDNtALEo67f8pRDVnFd2LAVlBGnVXJn2sQcFrKczWpYW9NQh8dyGAKVojXxJaPE1E_4WQbEFwidfoOvbmot_tFXJVHQAagmVJD_/s1600/IMG_9614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1S_FRYaSrrgDH8_SDFznnbMhyphenhyphengVAJ6-byvd7YW4HYhDNtALEo67f8pRDVnFd2LAVlBGnVXJn2sQcFrKczWpYW9NQh8dyGAKVojXxJaPE1E_4WQbEFwidfoOvbmot_tFXJVHQAagmVJD_/s320/IMG_9614.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More tiles made w/Sharpies, alcohol, and fire.<br />Our girls want us to tile our bathroom with<br />my inked tiles. A friend suggested I could<br />market one-of-a-kind tiles for that very purpose.<br />Who knows? Maybe one day.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbEHO9lDC-9dpB6YslaEbhFZuIQS4O3igg6lqK5niRR-P3xI_A5nvH1sSerPLgWLoixJv262nBB5Qf9uoFSGcEtCYTQ3LALrk0AGS5ffbCi5TS8dQwKzKavxNK60YzoMFFPp71FDOeFtc/s1600/IMG_9610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbEHO9lDC-9dpB6YslaEbhFZuIQS4O3igg6lqK5niRR-P3xI_A5nvH1sSerPLgWLoixJv262nBB5Qf9uoFSGcEtCYTQ3LALrk0AGS5ffbCi5TS8dQwKzKavxNK60YzoMFFPp71FDOeFtc/s320/IMG_9610.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White flowers on a black tile. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGfHcmiQkF8nfvbd95cX4P-vl3tcB6Z7XTzBC5nQnISxtbMRXWpOHltVhMK3MxN2Y1IeL3MYzPM5oIvVB6JygruMFMbIYAh7a2FCu0XhzooRcSk2jHVyLhd_vo9ZyjfpKPIPhv1ErzqLS/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2128.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGfHcmiQkF8nfvbd95cX4P-vl3tcB6Z7XTzBC5nQnISxtbMRXWpOHltVhMK3MxN2Y1IeL3MYzPM5oIvVB6JygruMFMbIYAh7a2FCu0XhzooRcSk2jHVyLhd_vo9ZyjfpKPIPhv1ErzqLS/s320/fullsizeoutput_2128.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful kitty.<br />Our girls LOVE this pretty little girl.</td></tr>
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This blog post is a 'picture journey' of the evolution of my art.<br />
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It includes a spattering of the 'inkings' I've done. <br />
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Many of the pieces are available and are a demonstration of the styles of art I tend to 'ink'.<br />
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If you are interested in any pieces, reach out and let me know. <br />
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Also, follow my page to see what new techniques I learn and develop. Our girls are encouraging me to 'start a website' for my art. Who knows. Maybe I'll do just that. Keep an eye out for it. <br />
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I may also make some prints and notecards of some of my pieces. Maybe 'series'. Like 'flowers'; dancers; trees; etc.<br />
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It's so fun. Join me on this artsy journey into alcohol inks.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHyPjs4VQI61hOQakia_8gpOwQe1_A6BOBFi_W6ClNX9QMSzxD_fm9Pbgt0DU5Gntof5ZGq3xL9HEg-_UYALOl-etVjtGBhzC1ocpzkp5rLDNYs_yItXyQN125FpSMI-G65E-rjoaLXvC/s1600/IMG_9627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHyPjs4VQI61hOQakia_8gpOwQe1_A6BOBFi_W6ClNX9QMSzxD_fm9Pbgt0DU5Gntof5ZGq3xL9HEg-_UYALOl-etVjtGBhzC1ocpzkp5rLDNYs_yItXyQN125FpSMI-G65E-rjoaLXvC/s320/IMG_9627.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple flower on pink background.<br />This was a 'mess-up' that I wiped giving the<br />pink background. Then started over w/<br />purple and black for the flower.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5omvEVGLAfdeivFNH7LzxZz7oxapF4sDFydW6rtEL7ELOhIxQRj9RW9gmT9VVzgOv4tWIy25N2wSNkgwCyzHnxoucn9joX9RSf3NnCoKFHluTk8zuC27pZnjC9ee8MTJTR1OqmjRGjuYg/s1600/IMG_9669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5omvEVGLAfdeivFNH7LzxZz7oxapF4sDFydW6rtEL7ELOhIxQRj9RW9gmT9VVzgOv4tWIy25N2wSNkgwCyzHnxoucn9joX9RSf3NnCoKFHluTk8zuC27pZnjC9ee8MTJTR1OqmjRGjuYg/s320/IMG_9669.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Explosion.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0pfK-gd4dfvaLExOlKpiWtqSIdT-KgyFARpG1dJTFvJn01rQ_DJ5NcDzv3uRY2V5Jtwxp1yXrgw2HokFjwBmMwJCfnXTsfkulf_0HJNUkNTP7JO7pV6Y4Zk-1TY1yo0eMsJRSbvgoh1s/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2129.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0pfK-gd4dfvaLExOlKpiWtqSIdT-KgyFARpG1dJTFvJn01rQ_DJ5NcDzv3uRY2V5Jtwxp1yXrgw2HokFjwBmMwJCfnXTsfkulf_0HJNUkNTP7JO7pV6Y4Zk-1TY1yo0eMsJRSbvgoh1s/s400/fullsizeoutput_2129.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing w/red and gold</td></tr>
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Flowers were fascinating to 'cultivate'. I have a LONG way to go, but they are tons of fun to create. You can make so many different kinds of floral designs. Spikey; soft; bold; wispy - the possibilities seem endless.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo6ceCkNamIAWv19L-f507rlWjilq-Zgriyf_SREqQz4ox3QN6kxjsfwSQ5jsj9kE5TdoVSgmpH32JoudOv3HJ3orxZ4G2Q_wDBYR9WvF5i3XOuyNy9yoQFXJLFdfeUuwCM7VIotgsY0B/s1600/IMG_9308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo6ceCkNamIAWv19L-f507rlWjilq-Zgriyf_SREqQz4ox3QN6kxjsfwSQ5jsj9kE5TdoVSgmpH32JoudOv3HJ3orxZ4G2Q_wDBYR9WvF5i3XOuyNy9yoQFXJLFdfeUuwCM7VIotgsY0B/s200/IMG_9308.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colors on black tile w/white ink<br />on top to make them 'pop'.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkyPAhqhEec1FJqYXn3P9XKfyPqzBCgSfM0myyspGhg28IKsENImmweZ6cXpQWBq9n270gViY0y0JcRj0KF2w4AlnY1sF4ixGJoJjxFyfrMdXweGfncqIfytFwctr2P6HSzddSVpMbGl7/s1600/IMG_9498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkyPAhqhEec1FJqYXn3P9XKfyPqzBCgSfM0myyspGhg28IKsENImmweZ6cXpQWBq9n270gViY0y0JcRj0KF2w4AlnY1sF4ixGJoJjxFyfrMdXweGfncqIfytFwctr2P6HSzddSVpMbGl7/s200/IMG_9498.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only black w/a touch of green<br />for the stem.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiORqKuu5D5QeY1d6_z-IpFI2SvKS7PV21iBYZg9pgW-nT2NVqv29kCGA7epZgiFG5YjAuRz3TMWOojRYnX1h-ca9HzhVRFChwSo5s277EVtTLsn2uJoYnQmTbX1GfztHlana-BboC9Rf-/s1600/IMG_9661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiORqKuu5D5QeY1d6_z-IpFI2SvKS7PV21iBYZg9pgW-nT2NVqv29kCGA7epZgiFG5YjAuRz3TMWOojRYnX1h-ca9HzhVRFChwSo5s277EVtTLsn2uJoYnQmTbX1GfztHlana-BboC9Rf-/s320/IMG_9661.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wanted to add 'definition' to this purple flower.<br />I think I liked it better as a more abstract version.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPOpD9TyooubITCm3bkKSIoIRWa6icASDhyzozKkKgUjvVZId3hf8QtNVuNLKZVPm6i1dokdZA61nLQCPAgjJTDqnXCiKVbyCRjNTMvm2UjlmS8msesZiEK7l2PcJJuRe7EJbgS7S1iqA/s1600/IMG_9491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPOpD9TyooubITCm3bkKSIoIRWa6icASDhyzozKkKgUjvVZId3hf8QtNVuNLKZVPm6i1dokdZA61nLQCPAgjJTDqnXCiKVbyCRjNTMvm2UjlmS8msesZiEK7l2PcJJuRe7EJbgS7S1iqA/s320/IMG_9491.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like the softer, more rounded look of these purple flowers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUX0VqoXXRSENMMM4_2ucpCQU4qMz4AlzTEzyOATyG4QsA1cZH8pcEaTgdJMrnk9JQK5vJL8g_ItRWYweR5P94VzwqwwJXNo6UfdEwiGG2sBhxZ9x_oah2U7ygMZD9d1YIxhr_4NKXj-c/s1600/fullsizeoutput_216f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUX0VqoXXRSENMMM4_2ucpCQU4qMz4AlzTEzyOATyG4QsA1cZH8pcEaTgdJMrnk9JQK5vJL8g_ItRWYweR5P94VzwqwwJXNo6UfdEwiGG2sBhxZ9x_oah2U7ygMZD9d1YIxhr_4NKXj-c/s320/fullsizeoutput_216f.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 'spiky' flower.<br />This would make a pretty trivet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjROq9IVyq0MtNJW2bq2Nillhd2gqEmpkCCSxGjalGs44IR_a-P4LRU9L2q6HxldOmLemRlcHDYIPo1gEmswovJoegeKYMQUGw16TanRgAY2DndATPs0jBYmKG9s7A8COdcvyKYXssM55Q/s1600/fullsizeoutput_217b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjROq9IVyq0MtNJW2bq2Nillhd2gqEmpkCCSxGjalGs44IR_a-P4LRU9L2q6HxldOmLemRlcHDYIPo1gEmswovJoegeKYMQUGw16TanRgAY2DndATPs0jBYmKG9s7A8COdcvyKYXssM55Q/s400/fullsizeoutput_217b.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More 'ethereal' type floral-like pieces.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35NGL7FjakgxOjcSJT0PdAZpjwZxILyrYaRDu6BPJCLFXvUcz990t_bd2hqPfXb7U_zFo7RGBtxetjkA16Rl6C11eezS6v1kUsBU57n50jxxxwftQAQK4taMWpWCmzvVS4EMN9-LmP200/s1600/fullsizeoutput_217f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35NGL7FjakgxOjcSJT0PdAZpjwZxILyrYaRDu6BPJCLFXvUcz990t_bd2hqPfXb7U_zFo7RGBtxetjkA16Rl6C11eezS6v1kUsBU57n50jxxxwftQAQK4taMWpWCmzvVS4EMN9-LmP200/s400/fullsizeoutput_217f.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large purple and yellow blooms.<br />A bit softer edges here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt87H9NrVlnfWWVKAs9efvhfEuq-tA_rD5skt1FnW8nYd6nyI7NNw5KOoMtmS0kg-Xfys5p2MUUKyuQg3HpPf2XJkgiv-NItZRyvCRqQIYKX-Ig9towA-KGS3wuTrSeEPRzXjXtTFAz-P/s1600/fullsizeoutput_212c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt87H9NrVlnfWWVKAs9efvhfEuq-tA_rD5skt1FnW8nYd6nyI7NNw5KOoMtmS0kg-Xfys5p2MUUKyuQg3HpPf2XJkgiv-NItZRyvCRqQIYKX-Ig9towA-KGS3wuTrSeEPRzXjXtTFAz-P/s640/fullsizeoutput_212c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably my favorite flower to date.<br />I may frame this for our walls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBSn8mPGpmSldoVxu4CjJk4oIiQBR_KSNgbHvXSFJuDJ9sAcGlcAwZWhOBzOEJzUmhMG3wUW2CbibPTkj9NgztboDrRqzZuIq3mkTzzdUVDVPrlaZ3T5b-dzpwp1QWxUfaePI3B5pbAww/s1600/fullsizeoutput_21a0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBSn8mPGpmSldoVxu4CjJk4oIiQBR_KSNgbHvXSFJuDJ9sAcGlcAwZWhOBzOEJzUmhMG3wUW2CbibPTkj9NgztboDrRqzZuIq3mkTzzdUVDVPrlaZ3T5b-dzpwp1QWxUfaePI3B5pbAww/s400/fullsizeoutput_21a0.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soft, abstract flowers.<br />A challenge from the girls to make<br />Valentine flowers for their daddy. :-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSyQhefa33jWRqR6Yvx1k-G6AtuE5RzMuIQVDWYWcj4TG_HAU-kW_iRDZ0fgrhZfzl-gK_eNUHseG3tgJaiOpuznjDFwzn_r1Cimf3feydWMQBG-bxCEpja8AaVqhhyphenhyphen_bdehEFTE8QDxW/s1600/IMG_9664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSyQhefa33jWRqR6Yvx1k-G6AtuE5RzMuIQVDWYWcj4TG_HAU-kW_iRDZ0fgrhZfzl-gK_eNUHseG3tgJaiOpuznjDFwzn_r1Cimf3feydWMQBG-bxCEpja8AaVqhhyphenhyphen_bdehEFTE8QDxW/s400/IMG_9664.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black eyed susans or sunflowers.<br />I wish I had done a background to this piece<br />before I started the flowers. It would have<br />given it a more 'finished' appeal'.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6KciW44PPFg-3tQWq1z8ECheRxybBrWMzR35GBNLPcSgpxFMuWDTSJBNM7rgUUzx1tuzxzZQiAMpQCwatClJxFwTXrIsBasglsz9GKIvguD2ZWd1K2pImhBLFyuKi14uOeVl7v8l3F3R/s1600/IMG_9658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6KciW44PPFg-3tQWq1z8ECheRxybBrWMzR35GBNLPcSgpxFMuWDTSJBNM7rgUUzx1tuzxzZQiAMpQCwatClJxFwTXrIsBasglsz9GKIvguD2ZWd1K2pImhBLFyuKi14uOeVl7v8l3F3R/s400/IMG_9658.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More 'wispy' looking flowers. This was one of the<br />first successful pieces like this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYup6Xh2mzJhscj88lrve1idRy-04XbFwO9-CQoFET2VNL4oAFBSnEyQvIfKpcybKFLC691Dl2lIfhYmzkxRxaVN8hvVYjmQNQJV9uay3DiAB3Dq0YcWyIOW6lMseW4hxd3Q5ut8SZYic/s1600/IMG_9662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYup6Xh2mzJhscj88lrve1idRy-04XbFwO9-CQoFET2VNL4oAFBSnEyQvIfKpcybKFLC691Dl2lIfhYmzkxRxaVN8hvVYjmQNQJV9uay3DiAB3Dq0YcWyIOW6lMseW4hxd3Q5ut8SZYic/s400/IMG_9662.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite multi-flower piece. <br />So vibrate yet a bit ethereal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuK4GK52nSGuc8rkEIM5pzd0R0so8v9krhBC6xD_hMWO4u3vGec5mDiU0fvtu35zQg5Mq-lWWBukS4cQu033aE_pTsBZEZ43mwEN5RttUJ3g1YJ8-52v3tM1zChOVeZ3jxTy_WDWZiYpf/s1600/IMG_9689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuK4GK52nSGuc8rkEIM5pzd0R0so8v9krhBC6xD_hMWO4u3vGec5mDiU0fvtu35zQg5Mq-lWWBukS4cQu033aE_pTsBZEZ43mwEN5RttUJ3g1YJ8-52v3tM1zChOVeZ3jxTy_WDWZiYpf/s640/IMG_9689.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florals on a tile - this will be a home decor piece that has already been spoken for.<br />This is possibly one of y favorite pieces that showcases so many different techniques. <br />Plus it's just so colorful and fun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4EVpEXmYiiVQ7MEH9ToauQzABsLm4NR4h0GjqdqpoMK67ZqAAKxkLvvzPO00oPWCUqLcEKWMoS8T6Z2ZAcF7dbjYOV5BaqRP0KJqcjDqSfMbudRQz_di6xxU9Cjq6KLNSdsrzTSdp_aT/s1600/IMG_9692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4EVpEXmYiiVQ7MEH9ToauQzABsLm4NR4h0GjqdqpoMK67ZqAAKxkLvvzPO00oPWCUqLcEKWMoS8T6Z2ZAcF7dbjYOV5BaqRP0KJqcjDqSfMbudRQz_di6xxU9Cjq6KLNSdsrzTSdp_aT/s320/IMG_9692.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abstract.<br />One of my personal favorites in terms of abstract art.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwD2V1BtBw0P9tJ_KCZ0aytAjyKeewAEwzybdx_On3D-X4_CCabEmFVBPmfNhyphenhyphenlpco9lV4OAybdYzOu3gKGXMa0oANP-5wNgpH_OWJsQZBnLhtrtnRQgGe1lYpRm_Xep8FyREuP9cArND/s1600/IMG_9517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwD2V1BtBw0P9tJ_KCZ0aytAjyKeewAEwzybdx_On3D-X4_CCabEmFVBPmfNhyphenhyphenlpco9lV4OAybdYzOu3gKGXMa0oANP-5wNgpH_OWJsQZBnLhtrtnRQgGe1lYpRm_Xep8FyREuP9cArND/s320/IMG_9517.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More abstract. What do you see?<br />Beauty and the Beast?<br />A parrot?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCTVTzjkQ88cV2ZHexMPMzorRZ60oD1JMf4EwHAltgOxZ9zf4bQotFAevQEhL90DyynkhFYdx87RI_jSzc9McsevG2oqgQVCFDBWD3d6rly7E9jGohudJ-3ZcXdQ1adpsV2y0u6w8QrgC/s1600/IMG_9497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCTVTzjkQ88cV2ZHexMPMzorRZ60oD1JMf4EwHAltgOxZ9zf4bQotFAevQEhL90DyynkhFYdx87RI_jSzc9McsevG2oqgQVCFDBWD3d6rly7E9jGohudJ-3ZcXdQ1adpsV2y0u6w8QrgC/s320/IMG_9497.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A peacock b/c Charity loves them and wants to make one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRKPJ-FXMA4A6i4iduUdZlR7meEE6x4EKABwZObRr-kndGVhF-sU_rQOucbc03sMPDYRSo2-lP57a9egRwwW25xwxw_fls2iKWALlnyWcvzyTpJ74bukSk-Gt9XTjBv6iCf1eNcsXeA83/s1600/IMG_9490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRKPJ-FXMA4A6i4iduUdZlR7meEE6x4EKABwZObRr-kndGVhF-sU_rQOucbc03sMPDYRSo2-lP57a9egRwwW25xwxw_fls2iKWALlnyWcvzyTpJ74bukSk-Gt9XTjBv6iCf1eNcsXeA83/s320/IMG_9490.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another attempt. I like this one better.</td></tr>
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My 'whimsical pieces based off of printed picture templates.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdz4umwILh6Yyh3gDbA7G_gI93oWVWGqfcGfb8YocRs_-WIX5fAan35pbUmDgcc3vkKthZ-G9iWAMdCohpwMdGADzjJk1fQdV1JzTaMIVVflUwvak7YcSUj4qoMQIxWZ9D0ZPBcCSFRFu/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2195.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdz4umwILh6Yyh3gDbA7G_gI93oWVWGqfcGfb8YocRs_-WIX5fAan35pbUmDgcc3vkKthZ-G9iWAMdCohpwMdGADzjJk1fQdV1JzTaMIVVflUwvak7YcSUj4qoMQIxWZ9D0ZPBcCSFRFu/s640/fullsizeoutput_2195.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A whimsical tree - 2/2 so far in a series. There may be more.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hjyW_WGjDRi69PLF5aBQYuQJzSyLyPlpg8lv_kaIfggtJSjizTfe0IKkVvtPkTvk5UdNV8FQhCr9scnlCEtwZSZ67etnHp1U8qAqIZLNoXCt3pXxT5A3v8Aa38UK6VLzqHXjM9EzRQjy/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2198.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hjyW_WGjDRi69PLF5aBQYuQJzSyLyPlpg8lv_kaIfggtJSjizTfe0IKkVvtPkTvk5UdNV8FQhCr9scnlCEtwZSZ67etnHp1U8qAqIZLNoXCt3pXxT5A3v8Aa38UK6VLzqHXjM9EzRQjy/s640/fullsizeoutput_2198.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A darling little elephant.<br />'Bubbles Make Me Happy'<br />This little guy sold the day I posted him.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">I may make more 'critter characters' as I found him so fun to make and he was quite popular. Plus I had a 'hinted' request made for specific animals. <i><smile></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Finally - my Dancer Series. One has already sold; a request has been made for notecards of all 4; and the suggestion has been made to make prints to sell at a slightly lesser cost.<br /><br />Hmmmm..... the potential is astonishing.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-UZOhnbNyv1aztyq2DcJJ0_eKAdghB7U575bV54l_z_NXkoZM4eKlZTSOOnI2HBxQWiD-ZtCmLIy19uDFrTW6-66Zl8PK2m408_abQYz7uZ8HY6DhXbveI6-VVFgrhHNFwKMcQ5zO2ug/s1600/fullsizeoutput_218a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-UZOhnbNyv1aztyq2DcJJ0_eKAdghB7U575bV54l_z_NXkoZM4eKlZTSOOnI2HBxQWiD-ZtCmLIy19uDFrTW6-66Zl8PK2m408_abQYz7uZ8HY6DhXbveI6-VVFgrhHNFwKMcQ5zO2ug/s320/fullsizeoutput_218a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Wild Dancer'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdsgcmrL5jolHYgjfgNASvbq1Z42Mw7JM17zL_9NqKz8iTcByaBo9OXqpD2igfigZnrkfOpi-0Wj6oZEWZ-8wEOOuRvrQSBCaru26jN8wkFc8ExbCc73jAwnVvtQrRZcdh0G9g1Vvazry/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2192.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdsgcmrL5jolHYgjfgNASvbq1Z42Mw7JM17zL_9NqKz8iTcByaBo9OXqpD2igfigZnrkfOpi-0Wj6oZEWZ-8wEOOuRvrQSBCaru26jN8wkFc8ExbCc73jAwnVvtQrRZcdh0G9g1Vvazry/s320/fullsizeoutput_2192.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Gentle Dancer'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqS7f9egBAEFK6q7SKy9b2XCKVN8spbUYP9RtZYg_3nLAlINUqmhvQmsHbYVcWD2PXA5-AtkZ1yuxXWKY4m9-7mkG2h8UmnZoCUqueJ2yzGMITmqGvjktaX3C8OnMmAOsYS-tsM5ObCPT/s1600/fullsizeoutput_218c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqS7f9egBAEFK6q7SKy9b2XCKVN8spbUYP9RtZYg_3nLAlINUqmhvQmsHbYVcWD2PXA5-AtkZ1yuxXWKY4m9-7mkG2h8UmnZoCUqueJ2yzGMITmqGvjktaX3C8OnMmAOsYS-tsM5ObCPT/s320/fullsizeoutput_218c.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Butterfly Dancer'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQe8JGu9RGwuw_-puyKFoORqdhqHSV7sc1yNhFT0Z_7P0-iCbUxMInlDzkHj1cHZMXMc29w4auvLFHhtWIbpo9jgqjZ3RvwInjb8dtUyFulHr3aeI9-G8zXmRx1ui74W5jvxORGOWv-nv2/s1600/IMG_9700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQe8JGu9RGwuw_-puyKFoORqdhqHSV7sc1yNhFT0Z_7P0-iCbUxMInlDzkHj1cHZMXMc29w4auvLFHhtWIbpo9jgqjZ3RvwInjb8dtUyFulHr3aeI9-G8zXmRx1ui74W5jvxORGOWv-nv2/s640/IMG_9700.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Bubble Dancer'<br />This little lady will be hanging in a precious little girl's bedroom once sealed<br />as she too sold the first day posted.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope you'll continue to visit my blog to see what new creations I 'ink' and to follow my journey in this fun new endeavor I call a hobby.<br />
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sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-62954579640912139522017-12-07T06:58:00.001-08:002017-12-07T06:58:09.483-08:00Life with Kids is Fun-nyImagine if you will.....<br />
<br />
You're doing household chores.<br />
<br />
In typical 'squirrel' fashion, you head toward the bedroom to put something away when you see the overflowing bin of plastic grocery sacks. You make a slight detour to begin putting said bags in the empty tissue boxes you save whenever the tissues run out. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This was a FABULOUS tip I received from my good friend Heather. Putting recycled grocery sacks into tissue boxes to toss in the car, camper, wherever. BRILLIANT!)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i>
This is a simple task.<br />
<br />
One that requires very little thought processes. Just grab a bag; shake it out; stuff it in the box. <br />
<br />
Repeat until the box is full.<br />
<br />
I actually had saved up several boxes so was hopeful I'd be able to deplete my bag stash.<br />
<br />
As I monotonously went through this process bag after bag, I came across some that needed to just. be. tossed.<br />
<br />
You know the ones - the handle was ripped while toting the groceries in.<br />
<br />
The bagger at the store filled the bag WAY to full and the bottom exploded leaving a tube more than a bag.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I chuckled wondering why these bags ever made it to the 'storage' space, but... it happens.<br />
<br />
Then, I came across a bag -- a rather nice, thick bag that we had gotten when we were in California. The bags there were thicker, more sturdy. I had been saving and using them for more 'industrious' purposes.<br />
<br />
These bags (there are only a few) are not kept in the boxes with the rest. They are 'special'. LOL!<br />
<br />
As I started to shake out this particular bag to put it aside for it's one-day-more-important-purpose, I noted it was knotted at the top.<br />
<br />
Unusal.<br />
<br />
Upon further investigation, I also discovered a small 'bump' in it. What felt like a toy. Maybe the girls had used this bag to transport their toys for one of our car trips?<br />
<br />
I needled away at the knot and untied the bag to retrieve the toy.<br />
<br />
I pulled the handles apart and peered in.<br />
<br />
Much to my surprise, I did NOT find a ball or small toy.<br />
<br />
No indeed.<br />
<br />
To my HORROR I gazed upon a small. <b>dead.</b> mouse.<br />
<br />
Apparently this particular 'special, thick, nice bag' had been used to dispose of a tiny mouse that our cat, Silas, had - at some previous point in time - killed.<br />
<br />
However, instead of disposing of this wonderful little trinket, some child living in our home, just tossed it up with all the other plastic bags awaiting the day mom would come along and put them all in the tidy boxes.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This.... was..... that..... day.</span></i><br />
<br />
My assumption is the mouse was bagged. The little package was simply left in whatever room the mouse was originally found - most likely the girls' room as that's where our cat likes to take his tiny, caught, treasures. At a later date, someone else (who knows, maybe even the same child who had since FORGOT about the mouse they put in the bag) found that bag upon cleaning and just tossed it up with all the other bags to be recycled and used again.<br />
<br />
Giving <b><i>ME</i></b> the joy of opening a bag to a dead, stiff, not-smelling-so-good mouse.<br />
<br />
Yes, life with kids is never boring.<br />
<br />
Always something new and fun -- or at least funny (after you get over the initial gasp, gag, and shock anyway.)<br />
<br />
Yet, I wouldn't change it for the world - although, I am hoping to not repeat this particular scenario again any time soon.<br />
<br />
<br />sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-67111960701968137182017-11-30T08:07:00.000-08:002017-11-30T08:07:19.867-08:00Newest additionIn a quirky twist of fate, we added a new member to our Mini Mountain Menagerie.<br />
<br />
While getting my hair cut a week or so back, my hair dresser mentioned she and her husband are fostering an adorable 10 mo old German Shepherd and wondered if we knew anyone who might want to adopt him. <br />
<br />
She showed us the pictures and.....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSYzI8mERfjfppyMs3z8vxrJ9bIaZx6mI-v0vXnDrAl3l2t76UlGNCFHvdfCEezpQ4rPltXtf-r_b0keinbIstzXo7pWc67A3qgoH6b1Ha_Qbb2bQ250J6egXTVmmuKP72Tf1xceD9K90/s1600/DSC_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSYzI8mERfjfppyMs3z8vxrJ9bIaZx6mI-v0vXnDrAl3l2t76UlGNCFHvdfCEezpQ4rPltXtf-r_b0keinbIstzXo7pWc67A3qgoH6b1Ha_Qbb2bQ250J6egXTVmmuKP72Tf1xceD9K90/s640/DSC_0193.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not THE picture she showed me, but still a cute photo of this awesome pup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I.... Fell..... In..... Love!<br />
<br />
This precious guy is a dreamboat.<br />
<br />
Kuno is his name.<br />
<br />
He was purchased by a family with children when he was a young pup.<br />
<br />
He was a GREAT dog. <br />
<br />
Loving and loyal to his owners and home.<br />
<br />
He adored the children. Was gentle with them. Protective of them and their dwelling. <br />
<br />
HIS home.<br />
<br />
Apparently too much so for the grown-ups preferences.<br />
<br />
He would bark and posture when anyone would come to the door.<br />
<br />
<i>Well - that IS what guard dogs do, after all.</i><br />
<br />
The family was uncomfortable with his protectiveness so they relinquished him to the Front Range GSD Rescue.<br />
<br />
My hair dresser and her husband are fosters for this group as well as raising 5 of their own german shepherds. <br />
<br />
I half jokingly told Techno I wanted him. <br />
<br />
He was THAT cute.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgB88txr1lLpoVVWBuU4S5CyveHnHohoMOB4OTnwZFpx4H1Naj2qt2fbKnMTTOy_X53kZbSw-la5AcS9VP3YPmZoGEdCVTIXeqtQe2ZcgOnYF_3KqyseRJIE_J2CU3JTSUgn1eXOsD-jI/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgB88txr1lLpoVVWBuU4S5CyveHnHohoMOB4OTnwZFpx4H1Naj2qt2fbKnMTTOy_X53kZbSw-la5AcS9VP3YPmZoGEdCVTIXeqtQe2ZcgOnYF_3KqyseRJIE_J2CU3JTSUgn1eXOsD-jI/s640/DSC_0194.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how he tilts his head when he's curious. Which is often.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we left, I nudged him more about the desire to get this dog.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We know Apollos is 'on his last legs' so to speak due to his age. He's dwindling before our very eyes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Granted we thought the same thing 2 years ago when he began having seizures and we got Titus, but....</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> he's now 11 and losing weight despite eating and I don't foresee him making it another 2 years. </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Watch him prove us wrong. Ha.)</span></i></b></span></div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
Much to my surprise, Techno wasn't AGAINST the idea of another dog. I won't go so far as to say he was FOR it, but.... NOT being against it is quite a stride forward.<br />
<br />
German Shepherds are one of Elijah's favorite breeds of dogs so that was a huge 'advantage' toward Kuno. Plus, it would be another dog for 4H dog training. Not to mention, german shepherds are highly intelligent dogs so we could potentially train Kuno to be a D.A.D - Diabetic Alert Dog!!!<br />
<br />
Bonus.... <span style="font-size: large;">Bonus....</span> and... <span style="font-size: x-large;">Bonus!</span><br />
<br />
I contacted my hairdresser and she put me in touch with her husband<br />
<br />
We went to their house and visited Kuno last weekend. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIxZj20OZoJbidf6gqEc9rdOmh2DZsyVVtef_C4xUtvw4dv3Ph5NA4gEvUk8q5GG7q-oBJeMD-U7Zx4HCg8RVO-YVBfozMCWWsISUf808ROLknzJLIHdIgDL-UjkMyuhdn-MHItofuLXa/s1600/DSC_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIxZj20OZoJbidf6gqEc9rdOmh2DZsyVVtef_C4xUtvw4dv3Ph5NA4gEvUk8q5GG7q-oBJeMD-U7Zx4HCg8RVO-YVBfozMCWWsISUf808ROLknzJLIHdIgDL-UjkMyuhdn-MHItofuLXa/s640/DSC_0223.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's just so stinking cute.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We told the kids we were taking Titus to meet a new trainer - as it would be difficult to explain why we were taking Titus to Fort Collins -- that's not something we've EVER done.<br />
<br />
They bought it..... hook, line, and sinker.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2L9eOoIhNHfk391MSi6-mmUEO4KSLBGuFJ-Sha6Rs9RPz6rd6PNngxzeE-V3LMpuVI4G-e8nLIHDPyyS2hUt2VFtlpcjV4q5HTWEvE2ck_OFpZ1RbLEHjRdueg8yXZkqWNZbIADk5Qcwb/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2L9eOoIhNHfk391MSi6-mmUEO4KSLBGuFJ-Sha6Rs9RPz6rd6PNngxzeE-V3LMpuVI4G-e8nLIHDPyyS2hUt2VFtlpcjV4q5HTWEvE2ck_OFpZ1RbLEHjRdueg8yXZkqWNZbIADk5Qcwb/s640/DSC_0222.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little did they know, we were going to determine if this beautiful dog was a good match for our family.<br />Fortunately.... he was a PERFECT fit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once we were there, it initially seemed as though the 'trainer' was just showing us his training style. Demonstrating with his own dogs to show what he was capable of doing with our dog. Then, he began talking about what to expect once Kuno was in our home. I overheard Bethany whisper to Elijah, "Are we buying this dog?"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6BSFg8Gv4ilc8i251K3t7n_z84oeswj2RB8504qwendxxrW5CGruMLQjUkxfg7rZGxgbrsu5fU1TRae-Hiyve1Oyv8mR768LDZCfhI-NRaXhFl6ktqJ0aLwzJ5Q544pC05sq0ZaLC4i4/s1600/DSC_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6BSFg8Gv4ilc8i251K3t7n_z84oeswj2RB8504qwendxxrW5CGruMLQjUkxfg7rZGxgbrsu5fU1TRae-Hiyve1Oyv8mR768LDZCfhI-NRaXhFl6ktqJ0aLwzJ5Q544pC05sq0ZaLC4i4/s640/DSC_0220.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe Kuno knows he COULD take Titus out if he wanted to.... fortunately he doesn't seem to WANT to.<br />Titus holds his own, though. He's just at a bit of a disadvantage size wise and breed wise. LOL!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We talked more; answered questions; learned Kuno is already crate trained, housebroken, does well on a lead, has never run off even off-leash, and demonstrated he understands the commands for sit and down; we assured the foster family we were committed to raising Kuno for the long haul; that we were prepared for his guard dog nature as Titus is very similar; then we asked the kids if they wanted to bring Kuno home and welcome him into our 'pack'? <br />
<br />
Without hesitation, they all bellowed, "YES!" <br />
<br />
Even Bethany had a HUGE smile on her face, answering brightly and predominately in the affirmative. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b style="font-size: small;">(For any who know Bethany well at all, realize she is a CAT person </b><b><span style="font-size: large;">all. the. way!</span></b><b style="font-size: small;"> For her to enthusiastically root for getting this pup..... well, that spoke volumes.)</b></span></i><br />
<br />
Titus also approved.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMpt_cBTeJUOwXvOuqE0BhXVmBb5Xss4ZHPsj15S41AoGnNo9EbAXeFDA5p0zisigNUm9uU4_9SHBKCPrOtgU05d_hx-65O-MLYXv7tO7BIpE6cWUoy5f7PV7GYz0NwOCrOwTJoJXTe_f/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMpt_cBTeJUOwXvOuqE0BhXVmBb5Xss4ZHPsj15S41AoGnNo9EbAXeFDA5p0zisigNUm9uU4_9SHBKCPrOtgU05d_hx-65O-MLYXv7tO7BIpE6cWUoy5f7PV7GYz0NwOCrOwTJoJXTe_f/s640/DSC_0213.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was taken after Kuno came home and joined our pack, but they got along fine at Kuno's foster home as well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The two dogs got along and played tentatively together. Both were a bit timid with each other, but there was NO aggression between them.<br />
<br />
Phew!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58D32WFSmliEfy-CKzf65EO64hro3gNBSeNjeGA5xlhSxXbnVjzqTfLGYPZDQrMa32X58W_E_mtoir3TgFfvVKrVeI_VlGP1cq8E4idDP4KvMFtJfAlpBtIQMePQSEHrErLs6TiNXyzqC/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58D32WFSmliEfy-CKzf65EO64hro3gNBSeNjeGA5xlhSxXbnVjzqTfLGYPZDQrMa32X58W_E_mtoir3TgFfvVKrVeI_VlGP1cq8E4idDP4KvMFtJfAlpBtIQMePQSEHrErLs6TiNXyzqC/s640/DSC_0205.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that they are home - they rough house quite often, but still... no knock-down-drag-out fights.</td></tr>
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<br />
Techno and I headed back to For Collins the next day to bring him home. We needed to prep the house for his crate and belongings. <br />
<br />
He's officially 'OURS'.<br />
<br />
The kids are ecstatic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqZuNif3DHZu7nR4_ffKIeFFoF3HoPjh2M-t-k9cRjV0HJNr3qR1xc5KVMh0YjYAgWxwYUhP3qQE9oLPnvwgOcKU1ALowvfWx791P5kVat3TICquXl38pOFfeMHYKV-aSDPqIqsbGG4sj/s1600/DSC_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqZuNif3DHZu7nR4_ffKIeFFoF3HoPjh2M-t-k9cRjV0HJNr3qR1xc5KVMh0YjYAgWxwYUhP3qQE9oLPnvwgOcKU1ALowvfWx791P5kVat3TICquXl38pOFfeMHYKV-aSDPqIqsbGG4sj/s640/DSC_0240.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's already attended his first 4H dog training class. <br />He did quite well after some initial 'barking' at all the other dogs <br />to show his protectiveness of our family when we walked in the door.</td></tr>
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Now.... introducing him to our current 9 year old cat and our new 3 mo old kitten.... well.... that's proving to be a bit more interesting as he's never even SEEN a cat before now.<br />
<br />
His crate is set up in our living room so he has a 'safe space' to go as he adapts to being part of the Williams' Mini-Mountain-Menagerie.sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-3025214522974931842017-11-29T06:45:00.000-08:002017-11-29T06:45:25.291-08:00Change of Season ChoresI know all households have the 'change of season' chores, but our mini-mountain menagerie has brought all sorts of new-to-us chores to our list.<br />
<br />
Before moving to the 'wild west' our change of season chores entailed bringing out the winter clothes, making sure the furnace was serviced, putting plastic on windows <i>(this didn't happen all that often)</i>, and being sure the snow blower was ready to fire up when needed.<br />
<br />
Now that we live in the mountains of the west and have added 29 animals to our family.... these chores have multiplied.<br />
<br />
We still have to swap out summer and winter clothing; get out the winter boots; unpack the heavy coats; and gather up the gloves and hats -- but we also have to do a whole. lot. more.<br />
<br />
We put plastic on all the windows in the office and craft camper - that was accomplished back in late Sept early Oct -- in the office, anyway. I may not do the windows in the craft camper as I am not out there THAT often in the winter.<br />
<br />
We have to get all the propane stoves serviced or cleaned AND we have to light all the pilot lights. <i>(Some will most likely need to be 're-lit' multiple times throughout the winter as the strong winds often blow them out at the most inopportune times.)</i><br />
<br />
We also still get the snow blower ready to run -- we just need to do this earlier than we'd ever have to do back east.<br />
<br />
In addition we have to consider all our new animal friends. <i>Those we choose to have and those that just like to visit. :-) </i>Much of our winter preparedness is to protect our animals from some of the visiting critters that like to hang out on our property.<br />
<br />
The rabbits need to be moved this year because our current hutch is located in an area that results in heavy drifting. Digging a trench in a 5ft drift each morning to be able to feed and water the bunnies gets old... fast. Not to mention, our hutch is leaking like a sieve.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITFPwTdsreftQ0YkRnz5Ezplaa-QBEAjtdl-swVZWkZW2XZJkdoBKAGvAQcGVoywM4YTWpyVZiRkkUNxGuUPCiLuxG-9SmJCjuTOgjKpAXTyKwa__ZGsOMcKAhgXu49pcQKWqP7M-8VeB/s1600/DSC_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITFPwTdsreftQ0YkRnz5Ezplaa-QBEAjtdl-swVZWkZW2XZJkdoBKAGvAQcGVoywM4YTWpyVZiRkkUNxGuUPCiLuxG-9SmJCjuTOgjKpAXTyKwa__ZGsOMcKAhgXu49pcQKWqP7M-8VeB/s640/DSC_0228.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our rabbit hutch than I assembled 2 years ago with old wood shipping crates.<br />
It's leaking and the snow drifts in front of it tremendously, <br />
so the rabbits have been moved to the garage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Moving the rabbits before the first BIG snowfall was high on our priority list. We managed to do this mid-November -- what a chore and adventure. <i>Our garage has rabbits <b>E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E!!!!</b></i><br />
<br />
Then there's the rabbits we need to process. It's best to do THAT task while the weather is still 'slightly' warmer. The colder it gets, the harder it is. One's hands get quite frozen as you butcher rabbits hour after hour. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This has yet to be done, but I do keep selling a couple rabbits here and there AND have a phone number for someone who will most likely help us.)</span></i><br />
<br />
Then there's the camper to winterize -- although, fortunately that has already been accomplished as Techno feared frozen pipes when our first snow fall was predicted back in September.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43BduAifKDZN-PWGdxn91uCDfealV23PxsvSdwRLf0paWZcl899vYsacyUGA-IXSHuqdT_UAXKHquM2CnZyyf_hm47-tNcIynI8PSq2YiY2AxRpHdJOl-BfaPJPstNgrzcIEiBwbWxCEN/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43BduAifKDZN-PWGdxn91uCDfealV23PxsvSdwRLf0paWZcl899vYsacyUGA-IXSHuqdT_UAXKHquM2CnZyyf_hm47-tNcIynI8PSq2YiY2AxRpHdJOl-BfaPJPstNgrzcIEiBwbWxCEN/s640/DSC_0082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ONLY picture I could find of our camper. Weird.</td></tr>
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Speaking of snow, the perimeter of the property needs trimmed to avoid drifting along the roads from tall grass from our yard. Always a joy to compete this task on 3 acres of land. <br />
<br />
The dog run needs to be set up in preparation for the drifting that WILL occur as the snow begins to fall. Leads need to be tied out as it won't take long and the drifts will be so tall the dogs can just walk over the fencing. <i>(This was an easy accomplishment, but we now will need a third with the addition of Kuno to our pack.)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
In addition to the tie outs for drifting, I wanted to extend Titus' little 'dog shelter' and make a 'front' for it so snow wouldn't simply drift right into the opening making it rather useless in terms of a warm place to get out of the snow/rain/wind. I managed to finally accomplish this by adding a pallet and some old scraps of wood we had around the yard. Now the shelter is bigger and has a front wall with just a small opening along one side of the house for the dogs to fit through. Hopefully this will keep the snow mostly out and allow a place for Titus to huddle when the weather turns snowy. <i>(Not that we don't bring him into the house, we do. He simply tends to prefer being outside as his thick fur results in him overheating when he stays inside too long.)</i> <br />
<br />
It ain't pretty, but so far it's functional. Maybe next summer we'll paint it along with lots of other structures that could use some sprucing up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXmEKoLhL2MhPCCeY47E7jm7w8kIBH-649jdD3j_DNOv88AbzJFcunDSw2VBJT_6_i0e_i9AP03L15_Uu86OqbU3TOcZBtc_K-YFQQEH0ftuE2CnnWAfYu-xS14J3j9LBEfDjYFRCO59k/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXmEKoLhL2MhPCCeY47E7jm7w8kIBH-649jdD3j_DNOv88AbzJFcunDSw2VBJT_6_i0e_i9AP03L15_Uu86OqbU3TOcZBtc_K-YFQQEH0ftuE2CnnWAfYu-xS14J3j9LBEfDjYFRCO59k/s640/DSC_0198.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 'make shift' dog shelter for Titus. Made completely from recycled wood/pallets we had around the yard.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJom0Dmirl5-eWXCtABDLUwWWUALG-bZR_Zhr4afeRvlr1k6QciDw1nhBtUddJBHq0PNUlzjZD18QzUT0ZkRiDkoqjMKkVtbQAyv32wOLs8XCd4P_x7iQ9wvFJVv19S4st3_qrFdlFy2t/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJom0Dmirl5-eWXCtABDLUwWWUALG-bZR_Zhr4afeRvlr1k6QciDw1nhBtUddJBHq0PNUlzjZD18QzUT0ZkRiDkoqjMKkVtbQAyv32wOLs8XCd4P_x7iQ9wvFJVv19S4st3_qrFdlFy2t/s640/DSC_0200.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The opening near the wall of the house is where the dogs can enter their new expanded hut. <br />
Hopefully this will keep snow from drifting inside the shelter making it less than useful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRKHblvy_qNyXoBhtWUuiJzq4ApSzdY72RjQGLsLvOTtdCzjtncvLGBvhHcRJ0lkfvtVtx-Q8VdJK6ltAcXMLQIW42yrTv616nlJe14tIOg2HDveK1fXE-hUAASJuC9ii3mALPi1irMyB/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRKHblvy_qNyXoBhtWUuiJzq4ApSzdY72RjQGLsLvOTtdCzjtncvLGBvhHcRJ0lkfvtVtx-Q8VdJK6ltAcXMLQIW42yrTv616nlJe14tIOg2HDveK1fXE-hUAASJuC9ii3mALPi1irMyB/s640/DSC_0201.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the dog shelter. Where the beds are located,<br />
Titus dug a nice 'hole' to keep himself cool in the summer.</td></tr>
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Then there's the chicken coop and run. First a good deep clean to prepare for the cold months is always in order as deep cleaning in the winter<i><b> just. ain't. happenin'!</b></i> Putting down bedding in the coop and nest boxes to help keep the temps a bit warmer is useful too. Getting the heat lamps and water heaters set and ready has to happen along with timers for lights and warmers to save on the electric bill a bit. <i>(Some of this is done, some is still in process -- like getting timers and the heat lamp set up. Plus with the extended warm weather we've had, I think we'll go ahead and do another deep clean of the coop.)</i><br />
<br />
Finally, I'm attempting yet another plan for keeping the run a bit less snow filled. Last year I tried to put tarps along the far side of the dog run to help prevent some of the drifting INTO the chicken run and the area directly in front of the run door. That backfired, however, and the drifts were in fact worse. Mostly as a result of the tarps being partially torn off due to the wind generating strange drift formations. <br />
<br />
This year, my plan was to 'wrap' the chicken run with the tarps which would allow for a lot more points of attachment. Not to mention, the wind will be blowing against them so hopefully they will simply plaster themselves more solidly to the run structure. <i> (Nice dream, eh?) </i> I finally accomplished this just recently since we've had such a mild fall. Prayerfully, this will keep the run from 'filling' with snow and allow the chickens to roam a bit more outside the coop throughout the cold winter months.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MvCvQ96wZ6rwWYh8EJNyrSt836QiuCTBdNnAlTjm6jwmI0tLDdypNma3zkejk6i13m03dM5KwbnwkDasDhCcbgnmkKM-MPPWezecl2n8_BP_DcBDgmnqlO1AptCKozdN7jNxrKpB1txZ/s1600/DSC_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MvCvQ96wZ6rwWYh8EJNyrSt836QiuCTBdNnAlTjm6jwmI0tLDdypNma3zkejk6i13m03dM5KwbnwkDasDhCcbgnmkKM-MPPWezecl2n8_BP_DcBDgmnqlO1AptCKozdN7jNxrKpB1txZ/s640/DSC_0224.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side of the chicken run w/the door. I wrapped the door separately so it still opens easily.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqj31hDRXGDRuGLOiaNz4siW7yDs97BsAJHXntY1rmIwmO9yKUpVCtAOU80xAFZX4gtqEExfcnggEJD9DqiH-rNvSdna-_nRtXw8dy0YS7Xj9RDo4dm0uN1W58-etm_C-xZer-R4uIVVz/s1600/DSC_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqj31hDRXGDRuGLOiaNz4siW7yDs97BsAJHXntY1rmIwmO9yKUpVCtAOU80xAFZX4gtqEExfcnggEJD9DqiH-rNvSdna-_nRtXw8dy0YS7Xj9RDo4dm0uN1W58-etm_C-xZer-R4uIVVz/s640/DSC_0225.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back/end of the chicken run. Hopefully this holds up through our harsh, windy winters. <br />
Can't be any worse than last year, anyway.</td></tr>
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Phew! Living in the mountains and owning animals adds a lot to ones 'change-of-season-chore-<br />
list' but... I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
<br />
We still love our mountain home and adding the animals has simply made for a more interesting adventure.<br />
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sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-41246581539650213492017-11-28T08:25:00.000-08:002017-11-28T08:25:27.592-08:00Right of PassageGrowing up it was the norm to ride in the back of dad's pick-up now and again. Not daily, mind you. But... if you had a boatload of friends over and you were heading to the beach or park or some other venue - or... the cab was full of adults and no room for you - you'd all pile in the back and enjoy the wind in your face, hair whipping wildly about as dad zoomed down the road.<br />
<br />
Now a-days, that's a BIG. FAT. NO. NO!<br />
<br />
Unless living on a farm or ranch, most kids don't get to enjoy this wonderful thrill.<br />
<br />
Yes, I know the dangers. I understand why it's illegal (I think) and frowned upon to pile a bunch of wryly kids into the back of the pick-up and take off.<br />
<br />
Believe me, I've been 'that mom' in my own vehicle driving down the road to see another parent with kids sitting in the open bed of a pick-up truck and thought, "How careless to put their kids's lives in jeopardy; how idiotic to allow their kids to be in the back of that truck on this fast highway."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Key words being 'main road or highway'.</i></div>
<br />
Yet, this day.... as we prepared to go clean the cabin of Doug's aunt and uncle... our kids did just that.<br />
<br />
They piled in the open bed of our Toyota pick-up truck along with our vacuum cleaner and away we went.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM3Zf3nRfOnLHAIyvAFxlVDFulbY9tKCM1araGNKABeCyuoUHe2e1cv7q8uau8Zp9A7KwBaUwGyQIkcOPLrxtZ21brg4jA8B6ScGbZem8joD0qtr5jM-reltJrYQCcFjq1_vsEWeneKTh/s1600/IMG_7537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM3Zf3nRfOnLHAIyvAFxlVDFulbY9tKCM1araGNKABeCyuoUHe2e1cv7q8uau8Zp9A7KwBaUwGyQIkcOPLrxtZ21brg4jA8B6ScGbZem8joD0qtr5jM-reltJrYQCcFjq1_vsEWeneKTh/s640/IMG_7537.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick trip around our private road to go clean a cabin.<br />
They ended up doing this twice this summer - this pic was the second time.</td></tr>
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Granted -- the whole trip is along dirt roads and my speed never reached much more than 15 mph during the duration of our drive. <br />
<br />
Not to mention, the drive itself is probably a mile or three at most and we didn't pass a single car on the trip there OR back. For all intents and purposes it was LIKE we were on a farm or ranch.<br />
<br />
So... the kids got to experience the thrilling ride of bouncing along in the back of a pick-up bed as we hit and dodged a myriad of pot holes and boulders sticking up from the dirt road.<br />
<br />
They were thrilled and in our Williams homeschool fashion, the girls got to ride and clean in their dress-up clothes they had put on earlier in the day for a tea party. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Unfortunately, I don' have the pic of them in their dress-up clothes downloaded.)</span></i><br />
<br />
Country living has it's perks.<br />
<br />
Prior to moving to the wild, wide open, west I would have NEVER considered plopping my children in the back of the truck to go for a drive.<br />
<br />
Now - with the private dirt roads, slow speeds, lack of traffic and other vehicles - I threw caution to the wind and gave my kids a taste of my own childhood.<br />
<br />
I imagine I may be opening myself up to being flogged, flayed, and brought before the firing squad, but....<br />
<br />
It was fun. <br />
<br />
It was safe.<br />
<br />
It was a quick ride on a bumpy, dirt road.<br />
<br />
Another benefit to our mini-mountain-menagerie.<br />
<br />
We simply love our mountain home.<br />
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sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-64075334298188078312017-11-24T07:37:00.003-08:002017-11-24T07:37:42.129-08:00False AlarmAs promised, here's the update on our 'potentially pregnant' 6 month old rabbits.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, it appears as though our 'worry' was a false alarm.<br />
<br />
Phew!<br />
<br />
Although it is always fun to have kits - these were just a tad too young for my liking to be bred.<br />
<br />
Not to mention, most of these rabbits are set to be 'freezer rabbits' not necessarily breeding rabbits and of course the worry of 'in-breeding' as it was siblings that were in the grow-out pens together. As well as the fact that we are in our 'cold season' which - from previous experience - can result in the loss of baby bunnies.<br />
<br />
With the worry that one or more of the young rabbits might be pregnant, we held off on moving the cages to their winter location.<br />
<br />
After last winter - we knew that EXTREME drifting in front of the hutch doors would be the norm once the snow starts flying so... we rearranged some things in the garage to make room for our rabbits.<br />
<br />
The kiddos were thrilled with this decision as it means not needing to dig out 5 ft drifts each morning. :-)<br />
<br />
Plus, our make-shift hutch has seen better days and is in dire need of some repairs - which I didn't feel would be easy to accomplish in the cold, snow, and wind of fall/winter. <i>(Yes, I realize I SHOULD have worked on that over the summer, but... hindsight....)</i><br />
<br />
As of last week, we have now moved all the rabbits into our garage for the winter months.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblC8VwJJi_WJFpJqOHiqIr4D8KngG0QRExkrEwnY70iNEJyqQ-uLRbZuGa_k8C62ncJe8ZShkO2YopGjaQV9pabIoEfbVC9AqIcAZGxajM7ELW1sLkMpUN8p6Bd7vemNfNQigoAD9DwWK/s1600/DSC_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblC8VwJJi_WJFpJqOHiqIr4D8KngG0QRExkrEwnY70iNEJyqQ-uLRbZuGa_k8C62ncJe8ZShkO2YopGjaQV9pabIoEfbVC9AqIcAZGxajM7ELW1sLkMpUN8p6Bd7vemNfNQigoAD9DwWK/s640/DSC_0101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These cute little guys will be toasty warm - until they hit the freezer, anyway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They didn't fit quite as concisely as I'd hoped so we now have rabbits ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE!<br />
<br />
But... at least they won't get drifted in or dripped on by melting snow.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, by next winter we'll have their permanent home built - a pole barn - which will be better all around for everyone involved.<br />
<br />sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-60709125909839190682017-11-22T07:24:00.001-08:002017-11-22T07:24:31.029-08:00Discovery Days As Bethany and Elijah are in their senior year of high school, they have had opportunities to visit colleges and attend 'fun' activities.<br />
<br />
Just this month, Techno and I went with them to Discovery Days at the University of Wyoming.<br />
<br />
An all day event where we started by visiting 'booths' of the various colleges/careers/activities that the kiddos could consider. <br />
<br />
We spent a great deal of time at the psychology, engineering, and honors college tables along with quick stops off at the performing arts and research booths. (Techno and I also grabbed a little information from the health services and scholarship booths - because, you know... parents.)<br />
<br />
After meandering around the tables, we sat through the opening presentations to give an overview of UW. Hearing from a panel of current students was informative and enlightening - although somewhat redundant since Jacob is already a student there -- this isn't our first rodeo. <br />
<br />
UW really is a great school with lots of options for various types of individuals.<br />
<br />
We divided and conquered as Techno and Elijah headed off to the engineering program presentation while Bethany and I went to the Arts and Sciences presentation as that's where the field of psychology falls.<br />
<br />
Once these presentations were complete, we met up at the campus dining hall and had a quick lunch.<br />
<br />
Some students feel the food at Washike isn't very good, but our kids, Techno, and I have to disagree. Maybe it's just in comparison to the meals we were offered when we were in college, but... the variety is diverse, they have plenty of gluten free options, anything we've ever eaten there has been tasty, and if all else fails, there's always cereal, waffles, and ice cream -- what more could you ask for?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92D0mAWRREn58e4TJu9KlPBE6XIu44ZOofpEscbxRo5YMPev0VMKodhw9hiEmluETXTg7MIlcckxXMaEJ2oKLyX3bD0mauGpIbSJBH36l4sPwFQFBxrLGaXwGMC3VlblSXLXQXeX0ADeW/s1600/IMG_8845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92D0mAWRREn58e4TJu9KlPBE6XIu44ZOofpEscbxRo5YMPev0VMKodhw9hiEmluETXTg7MIlcckxXMaEJ2oKLyX3bD0mauGpIbSJBH36l4sPwFQFBxrLGaXwGMC3VlblSXLXQXeX0ADeW/s640/IMG_8845.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick pic after lunch.<br />I had intended to take pictures of each stage, but it just didn't happen. Sigh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since the kids have stayed on campus in the past, we've seen the dorms since Jacob lived there, we skipped the dorm tour to give ourselves a bit more time to eat a leisurely lunch.<br />
<br />
Following our meal, we headed off to hear about the cost of attendance for in-state students.<br />
<br />
Again, somewhat redundant as Jacob is currently a student, but it was good to hear some of the minor changes and see the prospects Bethany and Elijah have for covering tuition.<br />
<br />
To end the day we trekked across campus to view the Honor's House. The house where honor's students can apply to live.<br />
<br />
Techno and I had toured the house with Jacob when he was visiting campus, but I had forgotten some of it. The atmosphere is quite nice; the living space and kitchen are amazing; the study rooms are spacious; the 'game/TV room' is open yet cozy; but the bedrooms are TINY! Yet, they have carpet and look cozy and welcoming.<br />
<br />
Bethany fell in love; Elijah not so much.<br />
<br />
To see their differing personalities emerge in these areas is quite comical.<br />
<br />
Bethany loved the Honor's House. The camaraderie of being with like-minded students. The homey feel of living in a house with others. The potential for building friendships and connections.<br />
<br />
Elijah on the other hand decided it was too close for comfort with all those people.<br />
<br />
Ha.<br />
<br />
So true to their personalities.<br />
<br />
They've both been accepted to UW and will most likely be among the students tromping around campus this fall.<br />
<br />
Now we simply wait to hear about scholarships; acceptance into the Honor's College; housing assignments; and roommate determinations.<br />
<br />
An exciting time.<br />
<br />
A nervous time.<br />
<br />
A time of change.sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-54586898118744740282017-11-20T08:47:00.000-08:002017-11-20T08:47:30.492-08:00Turning 21So many milestones.<br />
<br />
Just a few weeks ago Bethany turned 18.<br />
<br />
Now..... Jacob turns 21!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1B8XTJEpWPZrVBCvFEwVTi6Z6uRiIl2Gpu9lMmU7OQWPNDoaZcJm_WPyaE4RjqRVfzUQoglIV6KeE5uEFjkTfGqkUHOoVD64uy2bcd5vsy70UEV9Y1EFSdWO_h6DU3LSMqQyiUkcsrbd/s1600/IMG_6209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1B8XTJEpWPZrVBCvFEwVTi6Z6uRiIl2Gpu9lMmU7OQWPNDoaZcJm_WPyaE4RjqRVfzUQoglIV6KeE5uEFjkTfGqkUHOoVD64uy2bcd5vsy70UEV9Y1EFSdWO_h6DU3LSMqQyiUkcsrbd/s640/IMG_6209.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you have adult children that no longer 'live' at home, you have fewer updated photos.<br />This was from Christmas 2016.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whoa, how did that happen?<br />
<br />
Not only did he turn 21, but today, on his birthday he will fly out to spend the week in Virginia with his girlfriend, Jenna, and her father to celebrate Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
WHAT?????<br />
<br />
WAIT!!!<br />
<br />
A new era of parenting all around.<br />
<br />
We now have 2 adult children, one of which is old enough to purchase his own plane ticket and skuddle across the US to visit his girlfriend and spend a holiday with her and her dad.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On his birthday, no less.</span><br />
<br />
Yes, times are a changin'!<br />
<br />
Seems like just yesterday he was a mere tiny babe in my arms. The perfect little being that made me a mom... Techno a dad.<br />
<br />
Now?<br />
<br />
Now he's heading out on his own - not coming home for the holidays.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><<Cue tears here.>></b></span></i></div>
<br />
Don't get me wrong - we are so very proud of who he is. What he's doing with his life. All he's done so far. The strong character he imbibes. The independence he exudes.<br />
<br />
We love his girlfriend and are thrilled he's getting this opportunity to spend some special time with her.<br />
<br />
It's all just. so. very. new.<br />
<br />
Different.<br />
<br />
We raise our kids in preparation for them to spread their wings.<br />
<br />
To move out on their own.<br />
<br />
To live a productive, purposeful life.<br />
<br />
I'm proud to say, Jacob is well on his way to accomplishing all that and more.<br />
<br />
So....<br />
<br />
on this.....<br />
<br />
his birthday.....<br />
<br />
I say....<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Birthday, fabulous young man! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHixQuNXTVP-Q2Me9F2S9fgf8LTk4RuENviV8IN1yH4PQL-oZD1KaRzBlcMV7cyQkMJ_7a-BrTqNLj-uo2q4vFqL3lEDm4_XfwkKcQmFzX5Tauikge8RAWxLCi-VkbyJ8u1KwgDa5AENpJ/s1600/IMG_6410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHixQuNXTVP-Q2Me9F2S9fgf8LTk4RuENviV8IN1yH4PQL-oZD1KaRzBlcMV7cyQkMJ_7a-BrTqNLj-uo2q4vFqL3lEDm4_XfwkKcQmFzX5Tauikge8RAWxLCi-VkbyJ8u1KwgDa5AENpJ/s640/IMG_6410.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE that he still comes home and decorates Christmas cookies with his siblings.<br />Not sure how many more Christmases we'll have this memory with him.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now that those wings of yours are spread.... fly high. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(Quite literally, today, as you hop on that plane to go see the young lady who has captured your heart.)</b></span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Enjoy your birthday.<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
We'll celebrate once you return. <br />
<br />
I'm confident this is merely the beginning of many changes in our lives as parents of adult children.<br />
<br />sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-27178272509849216112017-11-17T10:36:00.001-08:002017-11-17T10:36:48.885-08:00Behind the Scenes with T1DRecently, the girls had to do more finger pokes to check their blood sugar than is typical now that they have continuous glucose monitors.<br />
<br />
With having the Dexcom continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), they usually only need to do a blood glucose meter test twice daily to calibrate their CGM sensors. This eliminates a lot of needle pokes to their tiny fingers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtF_cuX2Vozb0gpFMCEXdLLEDWTXBbE5tYdt5z621At27sAIEjiupl4yMp2yYOfNI8rADCieivsEQ9wrMINT5btfb1vlZ9-jvq1tvUcF2kwFai4UltgmOePlq4SnUiP9WSDNusQhxMa7u/s1600/IMG_1878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtF_cuX2Vozb0gpFMCEXdLLEDWTXBbE5tYdt5z621At27sAIEjiupl4yMp2yYOfNI8rADCieivsEQ9wrMINT5btfb1vlZ9-jvq1tvUcF2kwFai4UltgmOePlq4SnUiP9WSDNusQhxMa7u/s640/IMG_1878.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Usually we rely on the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor for the blood sugar readings. Sometime, the CGM fails or the readings are just off and we have to revert to using the manual blood glucose meter and finger sticks. <br />This technology is a Godsend and we are so blessed to have it at our disposal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
However, at times, the CGM's are off; not reading; in warm-up mode; or other situations that require additional blood drops for getting accurate blood glucose readings.<br />
<br />
Accurate readings are paramount to safe treatment of their diabetes.<br />
<br />
It seemed recently that was a prevalent event for both girls.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I watched as Selah washed her hands; pulled out her test strip; slid it into the blood glucose meter; grabbed her 'poker' (as she calls it); pulled back the plunger to prep the lancet for jabbing her petite finger; choosing one finger, then another, then another before deciding which to poke; finally plunging the lancet into her little finger to elicit a minuscule drop of blood; once she 'squeezed out' an adequate amount, she placed the test strip to that drop so it could be 'drawn in' to then be read by the meter. A beep; a pause; another beep; then the number appeared on the screen. 54. LOW! Too low.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnflgWJLrvNt_EPZJKk-fWi8vUbIPZvzCo1SVpCh4Au8n81nj4uRil_1q5fyhycZxP8V18tt8Ipt0ObD0lWD_K-2008lLP2ZoaoBgMWBo17qpvSVGUFPw0uVoEMlOYoWsjMhk0QpmIspN/s1600/IMG_8852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnflgWJLrvNt_EPZJKk-fWi8vUbIPZvzCo1SVpCh4Au8n81nj4uRil_1q5fyhycZxP8V18tt8Ipt0ObD0lWD_K-2008lLP2ZoaoBgMWBo17qpvSVGUFPw0uVoEMlOYoWsjMhk0QpmIspN/s640/IMG_8852.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking her blood sugar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A juice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wait 15 minutes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Check again. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(The scene above re-enacted to discover if the fast acting carbs had worked or not.)</span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A better number appeared. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Breath released.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Later, in the middle of the night, a similar scenario played out as Trinity, through sleep filled eyes and staggering, gangly legs, went through all the same steps.</div>
<div>
<br />
Reading low on her CGM -- a mere 42 -- we sprang into action. This was a new sensor and we know from experience that the first day or so of a new CGM sensor can result in inaccurate readings so a finger stick is advisable before administering any corrective measures. Hence, the need to wake her slumber.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She stood in front of my footstool - command center for 'all things diabetic' in our home - and began the process of checking <i>her</i> blood sugar.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimf2xqEZ0s2doEFtsQ770Bc_Y06hfnVvcUMM7EnvUNUQfyCYIdz4EQFmb7XmcUZL-FmCCuwL4jkPGG-nWpnv8a6H-i7gfbOR2a1vr3YOKM8eF3UUH6IiIllaefUd8LUrtuFxUJ8j7v0wxR/s1600/IMG_1887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimf2xqEZ0s2doEFtsQ770Bc_Y06hfnVvcUMM7EnvUNUQfyCYIdz4EQFmb7XmcUZL-FmCCuwL4jkPGG-nWpnv8a6H-i7gfbOR2a1vr3YOKM8eF3UUH6IiIllaefUd8LUrtuFxUJ8j7v0wxR/s640/IMG_1887.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinity taking insulin via a pen needle early on after diagnosis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The routine played out again -- just with a different child. Washing her hands; getting a test strip out; placing it in the meter; picking up and pulling back the plunger on her lancing device; choosing a finger - like her sister, she places the 'poker' to one finger, then another before pressing the button to release the small blade that will pierce through her skin on her bony fingers to draw a small drop of blood to the surface; once said drop is sufficient in size, she brings her meter to it and allows the test strip to absorb the blood and begin the calculating process; beep; pause; beep; the reading appears. 56. Not quite as low as her CGM alerted, but still too low. Particularly while sleeping.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A juice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wait 15 minutes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The process begins again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A better number so back to bed she goes.<br />
<br />
Mom's muscles relax - tense from the fear such lows elicit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I watched both girls, I found my heart weeping.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tears threatening to pool in my eyes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This IS their life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It won't end -- not anytime soon. Not till a cure is found - which seems far off if attainable at all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I watched them, I was struck with how the actions were so smooth. <br />
<br />
So familiar. <br />
<br />
So ordinary.<br />
<br />
So...... <i><b>'NORMAL'</b></i>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yet at the same time I couldn't help but ponder how<i><b> 'ABNORMAL' </b></i>it all really is.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They will be doing this every day.....<br />
<br />
.....multiple times a day.....<br />
<br />
.....for the rest of their lives. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pokes, prods, blood drops, shots, needles, insulin pump insets, dexcom sensor insertion needles, juice boxes, honey sticks, eating carbs even when they aren't hungry due to low blood glucose levels, NOT eating even when they ARE hungry due to high blood sugars, guessing at carb counts, measuring and weighing food, calculating insulin to carb ratios, figuring out correction factors, blood draws at least every 3 months, endocrinology appointments at the same intervals, carrying life saving supplies daily - EVERYWHERE they go, dealing w/insurance for said life saving supplies, insulin, glucose tablets, syringes, alcohol swabs, test strips, blood glucose meters, lancets, glugagon kits that cost a fortune.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mhTu0JbnRNOnIgCinHS3klj5_eqp3Qse-NH0jTKJ6-PWP_0mCbhN2DKGNxVtaVasjEpCG0rE_QsFlQLSnqRusBCxXiNv_EdbX2zLtqZczpA7abiwNE_2E-EmKsS2IhOgNhSeipN7cBXJ/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mhTu0JbnRNOnIgCinHS3klj5_eqp3Qse-NH0jTKJ6-PWP_0mCbhN2DKGNxVtaVasjEpCG0rE_QsFlQLSnqRusBCxXiNv_EdbX2zLtqZczpA7abiwNE_2E-EmKsS2IhOgNhSeipN7cBXJ/s640/DSC_0088.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the many things the girls need.... Just. To. Survive!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">THIS. IS. THEIR. LIFE!</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZoXTIhm4LTcZhY3cxDiP6F0GNDrkmYk55_p9L3gAsrU4M2pZFRAlMTO-7a3-7cz15fkwscfLAXb380XNMQI12Dt8pDpPDlW0wQbpV6AKs-qd32b6ix7X4xOzxXbMVf3H2Pl9MT_ILRLs/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZoXTIhm4LTcZhY3cxDiP6F0GNDrkmYk55_p9L3gAsrU4M2pZFRAlMTO-7a3-7cz15fkwscfLAXb380XNMQI12Dt8pDpPDlW0wQbpV6AKs-qd32b6ix7X4xOzxXbMVf3H2Pl9MT_ILRLs/s640/DSC_0096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The life saving insulin that keeps them alive, but has the potential of taking their lives as well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'd take it away and live it myself in an instant.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Unfortunately, I can't.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For that, my heart breaks. Tears sting. Thoughts swirl.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At the same time pride soars.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These girls are so resilient. So strong.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkNSqWmQaEB7EaZe5HDSG18wifrvyvYbwEczM4gZqvn2OEsfSyNK4M3DsSncDLKCYwJgL6KPwA6FOUWkHS7uxUMzhJEPZuVp71oHa99wzs_S8ruokSnEH9VirZJPQq6eVnKcPp0k8zWVn/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkNSqWmQaEB7EaZe5HDSG18wifrvyvYbwEczM4gZqvn2OEsfSyNK4M3DsSncDLKCYwJgL6KPwA6FOUWkHS7uxUMzhJEPZuVp71oHa99wzs_S8ruokSnEH9VirZJPQq6eVnKcPp0k8zWVn/s640/IMG_3008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the needle that inserts the pump canola - that's a big, long needle if you ask me. <br /> No wonder they get nervous. And to think I used to fret over getting my blood drawn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They take it all in stride; they don't let it stop them or really slow them down too much. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>They are fighters!</i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Warriors!!</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggjvYZ1copNTpCHAGIS2q98YI9D-VuL5TpEkSmHzi84gpdYq4R0yw3R6quZIhZvKTXQUXjQ0rKQFLAZzPi_qdNtQqZWO2toT5-ncMDhgSepN5p0T4PpY0Vuu1OnYgmu51gmMZaLKBD88e/s1600/IMG_3003_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggjvYZ1copNTpCHAGIS2q98YI9D-VuL5TpEkSmHzi84gpdYq4R0yw3R6quZIhZvKTXQUXjQ0rKQFLAZzPi_qdNtQqZWO2toT5-ncMDhgSepN5p0T4PpY0Vuu1OnYgmu51gmMZaLKBD88e/s640/IMG_3003_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pump site after insertion. They have to go through this every 3 days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>My heroes!!!</i></b></span></div>
sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-13979487726849191002017-11-02T12:39:00.001-07:002017-11-02T12:39:09.397-07:00OOOOPS!!!Raising meat rabbits has become one of our journeys in 'homesteading'.<br />
<br />
We have a very limited rabbitry compared to many..... maybe even most.<br />
<br />
We have 16 rabbits now -- after selling 4 Silver Fox rabbits this past weekend: 11 of which are our meat rabbit stock. Many rabbitries we know of have well over 100 rabbits. I'm sure large meat rabbit productions have significantly more than even that.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHOA!! I. CANNOT. EVEN. IMAGINE!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
Part of the reason we have a smaller number is the cost, but also the limited amount of space we have to successfully keep rabbits.<br />
<br />
This lack of space may have resulted in an 'OOPS' in our rabbit raising.<br />
<br />
From research, we have chosen to start breeding our rabbits once they are around 8 months old. Granted, some rabbit breeders choose a younger age - 5-6 months - but the limited research I did indicated that the doe will have bigger litters and will grow to a bigger size if you wait until she's closer to 8 months.<br />
<br />
That said... we do allow our rabbits to 'grow out' together in larger cages until they get a bit older. We had our rabbits mixed together: does and bucks happily co-habitating in their little grow-out pens. <br />
<br />
A couple weeks before selling our 4 meat rabbits, I separated the does and bucks -- placing several bucks together, 2 different cages of does together, and a single buck in a smaller cage. (Rabbits not used to living together may fight and harm one another, so the single buck that had been with several does, ended up in his own little bachelor pad.) Lucky him. The others have to share their space.<br />
<br />
Recently, the girls noted one of the cages where 2 does are rooming together, looked as though fur was being pulled. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyqEgOyGokO1BYOYLdYnBwGAoC_PpsTMVgjTV7RwWUIHAgd3DqBN7KUSWyMs_FO0G9pqCurFdX0dAJDpNAHwdJoU6ev1gVbEFVAlKYEaT8rtfKgkokp47gOIT0B69m4i5AjeByV9MaiQC/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyqEgOyGokO1BYOYLdYnBwGAoC_PpsTMVgjTV7RwWUIHAgd3DqBN7KUSWyMs_FO0G9pqCurFdX0dAJDpNAHwdJoU6ev1gVbEFVAlKYEaT8rtfKgkokp47gOIT0B69m4i5AjeByV9MaiQC/s640/DSC_0154.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See those tufts of hair? There was quite a bit of that in/around this particular cage of 2 does.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hmmmm.... that's a sign of kindling occurring soon.<br />
<br />
Initially I thought maybe they were just 'molting' or pulling each others fur a bit since they are roommates. <br />
<br />
However, the fur clumps were getting bigger. More prevalent. Not just a tuft or two.<br />
<br />
JUST IN CASE - I went out and the girls and I separated the two does and put nesting boxes into their cages filled with a bit of straw.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1GYOcrvOxxEnSVhhTBP5mL66-EZ6rx1XOKXBY4S3pGIjgk1XkqYsqgdczh5F2nJkg1auZIjx-qiIvcY4dV5OqG1-5noLR4pwGNQABYFnIO-DqfUTeMjK7-Ro-ol8OQgdiSkqeu2EcXqk/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1GYOcrvOxxEnSVhhTBP5mL66-EZ6rx1XOKXBY4S3pGIjgk1XkqYsqgdczh5F2nJkg1auZIjx-qiIvcY4dV5OqG1-5noLR4pwGNQABYFnIO-DqfUTeMjK7-Ro-ol8OQgdiSkqeu2EcXqk/s640/DSC_0155.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This young doe appears to like her nesting box -- pregnant or not. I imagine it's nice and cozy if nothing else.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I moved one of the does, her tummy area did feel a bit 'full and lumpy' - both signs of kits growing within her womb. The other one less so.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCy3yZSuQao5ssuF5mRNuvpC3KLep9p4-5agbdLUHeuUnEWWEhBcrSKe5hvyoyYi1Qrrn7KSWv8LKkuQlbcNbWhk9mmH_tL7N72_TPyZrXpKDYNjQaa1yx3OWOhVEDwgCOo-qGKRQl6frM/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCy3yZSuQao5ssuF5mRNuvpC3KLep9p4-5agbdLUHeuUnEWWEhBcrSKe5hvyoyYi1Qrrn7KSWv8LKkuQlbcNbWhk9mmH_tL7N72_TPyZrXpKDYNjQaa1yx3OWOhVEDwgCOo-qGKRQl6frM/s640/DSC_0153.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the one I THINK seemed 'more pregnant' but.... who really knows.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time will tell now.<br />
<br />
I hope that moving the mamas didn't cause too much stress if either of them ARE in fact pregnant. I'd hate to be the cause of losing a litter (or two) of kits -- even if said litter was unplanned.<br />
<br />
Another lesson learned in the trenches. <br />
<br />
When separating kits from mama rabbit - put bucks in one cage and does in another. Even with the best intentions - you may not get around to separating them later before 'accidents' can happen.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned to see if one or more of these potential little mama's have baby bunnies in the next few days.<br />
<br />
<br />
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sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-75461051464657568192017-11-01T10:43:00.000-07:002017-11-01T10:43:05.537-07:00CostumesAs Halloween approached, the kids began their 'quest' for costumes.<br />
<br />
I honestly think our kiddos enjoy the 'dressing up' WAY more than the actual act of trick-or-treating and getting candy.<br />
<br />
The girls had expressed some of their plans.<br />
<br />
A lady bug character from a Netflix cartoon they all watch; lego people from another show they occasionally view.<br />
<br />
The older kids -- they were still discussing what they could be together -- a 'group costume', if you will.<br />
<br />
Then...<br />
<br />
.....we went to the consignment store.<br />
<br />
Trinity found a 'goddess' type dress and decided she was going to be a 'Fall/Winter Princess'.<br />
<br />
The cream and blue, long, flowy dress with a gold leafed headband cinched her plans.<br />
<br />
Once she made this decision, the other two quickly changed courses on their costume choices.<br />
<br />
Lady Bug and lego people were out - Spring/Summer Princess was in for Selah and a 'Royal Peacock' was the plan for Charity. <i>With how quickly they changed and with such precise costume ideas, I can't help but think they had a back-up plan in the works all along. LOL!</i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b><<Glad I hadn't started purchasing supplies for the OHTER costume choices they had mentioned. :-)>></b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
Meandering through the same consignment shop we found a formal dress in a teal satin w/a teal blue and green mesh overlay covering the same teal satin skirt along with teal blue and black feathers adorning the chest area. It was appropriately labeled 'Peacock Prom Dress'. Originally I balked at the price -- this is a COSTUME after all, but an employee walked up as we were admiring the dress and informed us it was 50% off. THAT made it worthwhile. If I were to buy material to make a peacock costume, it would easily come to the cost of this dress or more -- at least at it's sale price.<br />
<br />
We purchased both the 'Goddess' dress and the Peacock Prom Dress on the spot.<br />
<br />
My work had just decreased exponentially with these purchases.<br />
<br />
All I had to do was take Trinity's dress up a bit at the shoulder so it wasn't too low cut and the length was a bit shorter so she wouldn't trip. Purchasing an off-white shirt to go under it to give modesty and warmth completed the package.<br />
<br />
Taking in the side of the prom dress, cutting off a little length of the 'underskirt' and 'bunching' up the mesh and satin overlay in various spots, resulted in a nice, elegant start to a 'peacock' costume. Adding a few 'sparkly peacock feathers' to the back of the dress, a headband with more feathers on her head, along with a black shirt under the whole shibang, and Charity'll be quite the 'royal peacock' for her dress-up debut.<br />
<br />
A few days later - browsing through the costume section at Walmart - Bethany found a 'Goddess' outfit in a child's size colored pink and white that mimicked Trinity's dress. PERFECT! The two princesses were set. A simple white long sleeved shirt will make Selah's dress warm and modest as well.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-HF1EXGpn4w-17F9zvOgXvOIDnhyphenhyphenNHdG2hc7bjwmx4McduyZFonzhU817kpBX_ZBwlMC1n2di9fqqAG7EEtfQ15n5a3hvDU9rAfwLQUJxuM2-9HJTEEkNDMMT9cOCeeEIKxDnpfvMhal/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-HF1EXGpn4w-17F9zvOgXvOIDnhyphenhyphenNHdG2hc7bjwmx4McduyZFonzhU817kpBX_ZBwlMC1n2di9fqqAG7EEtfQ15n5a3hvDU9rAfwLQUJxuM2-9HJTEEkNDMMT9cOCeeEIKxDnpfvMhal/s640/DSC_0142.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty Princesses and a Perky Peacock.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Of course, they did want sparkly princess capes to 'complete' the look, but... that's not hard to accomplish. <br />
<br />
A bit of mesh material, ribbon, some elastic and a few seams later - voila - princess capes were done.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpIAPhoXqzXmlpHL1BBz8rPHjYzVsmZb42FQHf8VQRF87VhL33ZDg5nKKMdUfmVN74Q1iEErC4BaoDvCb9rCYqFtD1T2Hkdd5ApCfI060u6TAXxhC-QBcmImCHD-emLu00vj14sZLuD-Q/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpIAPhoXqzXmlpHL1BBz8rPHjYzVsmZb42FQHf8VQRF87VhL33ZDg5nKKMdUfmVN74Q1iEErC4BaoDvCb9rCYqFtD1T2Hkdd5ApCfI060u6TAXxhC-QBcmImCHD-emLu00vj14sZLuD-Q/s640/DSC_0144.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glittery cloaks and shimmering feathers to complete the look.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While at the Goodwill some days later, Bethany found a white and gold 'Goddess' dress that mirrored the girls' dresses.<br />
<br />
The little girls BEGGED her to get it. To have a costume that matched theirs.<br />
<br />
It was rather inexpensive so we went ahead and got it. Since the boys hadn't made any decisions about 'matching costumes', we were making it for them. They'd have to come up with something to go with HER costume. LOL! <br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Girls rule that way.</span></b></i><br />
<br />
After some discussion, debate, and disagreement -- a compromise was made.<br />
<br />
The older three are being 3 of the elements - fire, earth, and air. Who needs water, right? LOL! The girls determined they are the princes and princess of said elements - the wind princess, the earth prince, and the fire prince. Appropriate, I guess. Royal costumes abound.<br />
<br />
Bethany, in her white flowing dress w/gold accents will be 'wind'. A gold shirt and white leggings added under the dress and she'll be toasty warm not to mention her modesty will be in check. A headband adorned w/gold 'gems' and ribbons and voila -- the WIND PRINCESS!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUX9vxliyBttd6FpaSzv0zjvTvhGzfWe-stG1ueCf6DFNcqszCbUsGqOolRd9gSWW2HEbbu_PqAJPRKYFtEebWOs6lXMhTI4IhsPHEgoxr2P29zyaqGYyb5XZgKZ0DiovyP3WcFq_yO0n/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUX9vxliyBttd6FpaSzv0zjvTvhGzfWe-stG1ueCf6DFNcqszCbUsGqOolRd9gSWW2HEbbu_PqAJPRKYFtEebWOs6lXMhTI4IhsPHEgoxr2P29zyaqGYyb5XZgKZ0DiovyP3WcFq_yO0n/s640/DSC_0147.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Princesses with their Royal Peacock.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jacob will wear red and orange to exemplify 'fire' - drawing flames on his shirt with fabric paint; coloring his hair to embody the 'flame idea -- and -- is having me make a grey and red cloak. <<H<i>ow does a cloak make one think of fire, you ask?? I'm not entirely sure, I think it's more because he simply likes cloaks. :-)>> <b>Edited after the costume debut -- he chose to wear black and grey with some red hair spray in his spiked hair along with the cloak I put together. He didn't have time to make his 'flame shirt'. (<span style="font-size: x-small;">Not sure I'd say he pulled off 'fire', but... fun was had by all, none-the-less.)</span></b></i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1w7AwLCerBQ9I7JcMmvMs_x3QVhz4soSBrf7vk8VHy-aBHHzkt8UK5jLXaxjuGQE3zHNJyac7vqt1WJ-xF495itMzyS3O3IhZVVb0ESAqX4fp35DQB-0YVhTvfpaBgh5KQPhoMPwlMlk/s1600/IMG_8776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1w7AwLCerBQ9I7JcMmvMs_x3QVhz4soSBrf7vk8VHy-aBHHzkt8UK5jLXaxjuGQE3zHNJyac7vqt1WJ-xF495itMzyS3O3IhZVVb0ESAqX4fp35DQB-0YVhTvfpaBgh5KQPhoMPwlMlk/s640/IMG_8776.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Princes and Princess of the elements - Earth, Fire, Wind!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Elijah will wear brown pants, a green shirt with leaves and moss sewn on by yours truly to represent 'earth'. Bethany thought plants, leaves, vines - that would be a good way to express earth easily. I agreed. Since I'm the one making said costume -- that's how it shook out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO_dEx63wia36nUrZT5Uho5jUZEDm4iHP419OnUSdkZeT5QH4jR-TC6Zz0PaooLVaMGShM-4e84KFXzCDwRyC9txkbbqbD2-vOE4uBZzhJOCkZyeE-Lj_gUmpJ70R-GvQ-bDDL__e_uiO/s1600/DSC_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO_dEx63wia36nUrZT5Uho5jUZEDm4iHP419OnUSdkZeT5QH4jR-TC6Zz0PaooLVaMGShM-4e84KFXzCDwRyC9txkbbqbD2-vOE4uBZzhJOCkZyeE-Lj_gUmpJ70R-GvQ-bDDL__e_uiO/s640/DSC_0149.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earth Prince and Wind Princess.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dressing up is such a fun event in our house. I wouldn't be surprised if many of our kiddos get involved with Cosplay as they age. <br />
<br />
How else can grown adults get away with elaborate dress-up costumes on a regular basis?<br />
<br />
I guess they'll also have the chance as they have their own kids and dress up with them on Halloween and various costume parties.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhOfFHZxthv7kgAwGr39grOPuP-QPvtrzkEdSgt9CyM0VeRfXArT-VDjaN5-s2Dt2PuJ1As0t9bIJA-5pOg1EX4y8Uy-J23vekJhiJ2KRhT9RYEYL8SZ0eKFC5IiYUBYk4ZX_sF5bhNy5/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhOfFHZxthv7kgAwGr39grOPuP-QPvtrzkEdSgt9CyM0VeRfXArT-VDjaN5-s2Dt2PuJ1As0t9bIJA-5pOg1EX4y8Uy-J23vekJhiJ2KRhT9RYEYL8SZ0eKFC5IiYUBYk4ZX_sF5bhNy5/s640/DSC_0141.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 5 kids at home all dressed up in their costumes for the day. <br />We even went to the girls' endocrinology appointments in these get-ups.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's usually a fair amount of work, (often resulting in a bit of stress for the one MAKING the costumes) but it's fun to do - creativity flows - not to mention watching the joy on our kiddos faces as they ALL tromp around wearing their new imaginative dress-up clothes. Giggling, smiling, pretending. Living out their imaginations - together - as they 'become' whatever their costume represents -- a princess, a peacock, a fictional character enacting an element.<br />
<br />
The memories alone make it all worth it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-23494638999589486182017-10-31T09:14:00.000-07:002017-10-31T09:14:05.775-07:00Making of a CapeSince this year I was privileged to make not one, not two, but THREE cloaks for costumes.... I thought I'd share the simple manner I discovered to make them. <br />
<br />
This was the easiest cloak pattern I could find with the fewest steps and least complicated techniques.<br />
<br />
I found this tutorial on Pinterest (https://mellysews.com/2016/02/easy-princess-cape-tutorial.html) and adapted it to my needs. <i> (Giving credit where credit is due.)</i><br />
<br />
For the girls simple, sparkly, mesh, capes - I pretty much followed the above directions precisely other than the measurements. My girls wanted their capes long and their hoods 'big' so they could have a 'veil' when the hood was on and a lot of 'poof' when not wearing it. <br />
<br />
For the third cloak I continued with the basic concept, adding some modifications due to the fact this frock was to be 'lined'.<br />
<br />
First - Jacob bought his fabric. <br />
<br />
He chose a grey and red 'knit' type material. Not my favorite textile to work with, but.... hey, he paid for it..... so.... I had little to no choice but..... to go with it.<br />
<br />
I laid out both pieces of fabric on our living room floor -- one on top of the other with the right sides facing one another, since the cloak was to be lined.<br />
<br />
Next I simply had Elijah lay on the fabric to determine the length of the cape and hood. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>To do this, I measured from the top of his head to his shoulders and added several inches (giving the 'hood' a little extra 'poof' and bulk); then I measured to the bottoms of his feet and added an inch or so for the seam allowance. </i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpSDzQj42MCAQAYyAWrXcdv3LXxbbuMofMerSdLi2bWb0QsMMhyUN6SkVdP3MfCOYYWv_uidMCWKbbEYwTlqCfmY4J0wiWhCWyAd2JSQ7hD4foWUtCUadi6rcSGju6LOhkSAEi6FYlvBz/s1600/IMG_8732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpSDzQj42MCAQAYyAWrXcdv3LXxbbuMofMerSdLi2bWb0QsMMhyUN6SkVdP3MfCOYYWv_uidMCWKbbEYwTlqCfmY4J0wiWhCWyAd2JSQ7hD4foWUtCUadi6rcSGju6LOhkSAEi6FYlvBz/s640/IMG_8732.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grey material and red material - right sides together - Elijah stretched out on them to measure hood and length.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I marked both.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRqs5JPB2NMUrulvm0sHkNNLmOHy_aqSxfQN_AlccVcBMbViTt2kHjN5fmnM15UEzNQmSDy7cLy6uY3VCpXaIKR_oDR8jpGIugPz5kM1oikE_DZvX8_R4xM0BQCWWQXi07THPYX9tFwG7/s1600/IMG_8733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRqs5JPB2NMUrulvm0sHkNNLmOHy_aqSxfQN_AlccVcBMbViTt2kHjN5fmnM15UEzNQmSDy7cLy6uY3VCpXaIKR_oDR8jpGIugPz5kM1oikE_DZvX8_R4xM0BQCWWQXi07THPYX9tFwG7/s640/IMG_8733.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A line across the top for the 'hood' measurement<br />
and a line across the bottom to cut off the excess for the proper length.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next, I cut off the excess.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5N-nZeMvwpmYrRdkOG7hLpac91ga4pmq7C459XB2FyG3ygzjeqO1U42DGJ-0McsV0FVWIZOkJlXhkEZNcoa1NcBFcTCHtGIqjeRj5XfXGsl9SywAkijmvmHfAipMl3atNihHyvRc1oGq/s1600/IMG_8734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5N-nZeMvwpmYrRdkOG7hLpac91ga4pmq7C459XB2FyG3ygzjeqO1U42DGJ-0McsV0FVWIZOkJlXhkEZNcoa1NcBFcTCHtGIqjeRj5XfXGsl9SywAkijmvmHfAipMl3atNihHyvRc1oGq/s640/IMG_8734.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used my cutting mat and rotary cutter to make this step as simple and precise as possible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After this, I sewed all four sides closed, leaving a small section on one of the short sides (the one that will become the bottom) so as to be able to turn said cape right side out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyt9vlKDEtYrwYFe28vUi4OhazF4-U0FONJc3s2jED2DpncH8FblPdJ5EVMbBHR1Jq7R69oxkGW6HTMm4gGIOPjTOdLrCqcoRQHVCBl9hk5ZTT1O62KbZkCn0D-iny95yNo3Flz6J_cgS/s1600/IMG_8736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyt9vlKDEtYrwYFe28vUi4OhazF4-U0FONJc3s2jED2DpncH8FblPdJ5EVMbBHR1Jq7R69oxkGW6HTMm4gGIOPjTOdLrCqcoRQHVCBl9hk5ZTT1O62KbZkCn0D-iny95yNo3Flz6J_cgS/s640/IMG_8736.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing all 4 sides together -- with the bulk of close to 4 yards of material -- proved to be tricky.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Upon turning the cloak right side out, I debated with myself. Was this sufficient or should I sew a topstitch around the entire cloak to give a more 'finished' look? Completing this step would allow me to close up the bottom seam leaving the entire garment looking polished and refined -- especially the hood. <br />
<br />
HOWEVER.... upon viewing the cloak in it's sewn together state, I determined putting the topstitch around the perimeter was simply not necessary for a costume. That means I will need to do a quick stitch of the bottom when it's all said and done. <br />
<br />
Not a big deal in the long run.<br />
<br />
From here, I used my large sewing ruler as a 'guide' and marked a line for the placement of the ribbon <i>(as my original mark was now on the inside of the cloak. Doh!) </i> This will define the 'shoulder' section and also become the tie closure for the cape. Pinning the ribbon down, I decided to place it on the inside rather than the outside of the cape as I'd done for the girls. This will allow Jacob's tie closure to be 'invisible' when he wears it. Above the ribbon will be the hood, below the 'body'.<br />
<br />
Once the ribbon was pinned in place, I simply sewed down both long sides to make a 'pocket or tube' in which to thread the elastic. I cut the elastic according to Elijah's neck/shoulder width so the cape would be 'gathered' once it's fed through and sewed into place inside the ribbon casing. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWeJ55g20U6L1hqFSRtCRDGI3VFh7lU_TrUqfnW4Ex3NkV-My-HZaTM7O73i5xKRAxnD8qEI3z47cYPeC7cJ98qoJ9blLhOg1l18GClZc5ysmTr5FlvbuXeBMaqPzB8Na4AQVbATSJyHw/s1600/IMG_8737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWeJ55g20U6L1hqFSRtCRDGI3VFh7lU_TrUqfnW4Ex3NkV-My-HZaTM7O73i5xKRAxnD8qEI3z47cYPeC7cJ98qoJ9blLhOg1l18GClZc5ysmTr5FlvbuXeBMaqPzB8Na4AQVbATSJyHw/s640/IMG_8737.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing the ribbon down to make the 'casing' for the elastic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before adding the elastic, I folded the cape in half lengthwise with the ribbon on the outside. By having the ribbon on the outside, the seam of the 'hood' along with the tie will be on the underside or inside of the cloak and not visible upon wearing. Next I marked a curve along the 'point' of the hood as Jacob opted to not have it 'pointy'. Then I sewed the 'top' of the cape together along said curve, making the hood of this simple cloak. After it was sewn together, I cut off the excess material where I sewed the 'curve' and the bulky seam of the hood.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMh7fiOWrPpwl7mYh4qeIMia4Y8fpLYqZjYEPCvZ085q1_4xwGg0xHy_qIkFcVbgLg0bH0JllKjWvSIz82BL0M_PaHdt1ejyc84Led98HXVVk2kqW-Woq5ASAZMAEWSvo9KbpDu3aV64DM/s1600/IMG_8738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMh7fiOWrPpwl7mYh4qeIMia4Y8fpLYqZjYEPCvZ085q1_4xwGg0xHy_qIkFcVbgLg0bH0JllKjWvSIz82BL0M_PaHdt1ejyc84Led98HXVVk2kqW-Woq5ASAZMAEWSvo9KbpDu3aV64DM/s640/IMG_8738.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cloak folded in half and pins to mark the 'curved' hood.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After that was all accomplished, I was able to thread the elastic through the ribbon casing to gather the cape at the neck/shoulder area. Sewing the ends of the elastic in place at the edges of the ribbon casing on both sides completed this step. The ribbon extends past the edges of the fabric to allow it to be tied shut - or a pin could be used as well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JzRb0Z-3kr-I340dUOUQdb4m05uvcs5la9-dijvgdjVRMJ1UKHp1mAqe_JKKSTI0AfyI9AJMfYJEzYoBp_3D2YMpExo7h270vmKz-JEF7u1-8ZVmxK7uryir6z0u8EGOC8K6ypnUw8_l/s1600/IMG_8740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JzRb0Z-3kr-I340dUOUQdb4m05uvcs5la9-dijvgdjVRMJ1UKHp1mAqe_JKKSTI0AfyI9AJMfYJEzYoBp_3D2YMpExo7h270vmKz-JEF7u1-8ZVmxK7uryir6z0u8EGOC8K6ypnUw8_l/s640/IMG_8740.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product with the hood down. It's not as 'full' as Jacob had wanted, <br />
but Elijah said, "If he doesn't like it, I'll take it." LOL!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just a few modifications and I had a lined, hooded cloak in a handful of simple steps. <br />
<br />
Not to mention the time it took was fairly minimal. <br />
<br />
The longest amount was spent getting the material laid out straight. Go figure. :-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYcqXUZ9bzbP948omZ2uquHyxnoQpxrS6dERQTjVj9ez0hdMBDhasNSl2L1hDTf_iE0-lhFbOFPaUQjl5A11PIfrlCJc3-nrNyi0VjiphLzjYQMD_Nzyjed_Nxs9eXW_rErDaZ8JRVbRv/s1600/IMG_8739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYcqXUZ9bzbP948omZ2uquHyxnoQpxrS6dERQTjVj9ez0hdMBDhasNSl2L1hDTf_iE0-lhFbOFPaUQjl5A11PIfrlCJc3-nrNyi0VjiphLzjYQMD_Nzyjed_Nxs9eXW_rErDaZ8JRVbRv/s640/IMG_8739.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the hood up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The most difficult aspect was the shear volume of material with which I was working. Close to 4 yards of knit fabric - doubled - is A LOT of fiber to maneuver.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn14k0twj8lB8vTSN3jkHwjUNYW7PhpBaieZq5gOhLXkN2FlDNi7EW_-6LYQOEDh2EmqPSMoR9cLpQgzvrPp84m4noARNbNNCoRGCMqRCXpEi4egSPo6yPhqScwtj3mRFFvpeDw_4s9ZpH/s1600/IMG_8741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn14k0twj8lB8vTSN3jkHwjUNYW7PhpBaieZq5gOhLXkN2FlDNi7EW_-6LYQOEDh2EmqPSMoR9cLpQgzvrPp84m4noARNbNNCoRGCMqRCXpEi4egSPo6yPhqScwtj3mRFFvpeDw_4s9ZpH/s640/IMG_8741.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back with hood down in the back. I like the rounded hood. Probably could have rounded it even a bit more.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-66877603949027941522017-10-30T10:25:00.001-07:002017-10-30T10:25:11.813-07:00My Career - MotherhoodI consider being a mom and wife as my biggest 'calling' in life. <br />
<br />
It's the most important 'job' I could have.<br />
<br />
Yet, the prevailing message I perceive from our society is that this 'career choice' is no longer valid or valued.<br />
<br />
Sure, there are still some of us 'die hard' moms out there that choose to stay home with our kids, but for the most part.... it's not respected. <br />
<br />
Even more... for those who <b><i>do</i></b> choose it, it's not considered 'ENOUGH'.<br />
<br />
I'd dare to go as far as to say it's somewhat looked down upon - almost with disdain.<br />
<br />
I see it on social media; in conversations w/friends and strangers; in commercials; TV shows; magazines.<br />
<br />
The goal as a woman is to<b> </b><i><b>'have it all'</b></i>! And 'all 'certainly is NOT to JUST stay home with one's children.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I recently read a 'new blog' in which the author was talking about just this very thing. She mentioned being a mom and wife, but went on to say she's a '21st century woman' and can have it all, do it all. Granted her point was that she's not trying to be what others say she has to be, but at the same time her emphasis was that she's not JUST a mom and wife. </i></div>
<br />
The prevailing message is: Be a mom, but for heaven's sake 'don't lose yourself' while doing so. Have your career - outside of the home. Something that DEFINES you. Don't - by any means - allow the terms WIFE and MOM to define you. You are MORE than that.<br />
<br />
That's the underbelly of most sentiments around the career 'MOTHERHOOD'!<br />
<br />
When our older three children were young - infants and preschoolers, I joined a mom's group called MOPS - Mother's of Preschoolers. It was a Godsend. Techno and I had decided when Jacob was 18 mo old that I'd stay home - full time - to care for him and our home. It was such a blessing to be able to do that.<br />
<br />
I'm not going to say being home full time is always rosey - it's not. Especially when you are in the trenches with young kiddos and have limited contact with adults during that time. It's tough.<br />
<br />
Sometimes you just want another grown up to talk to.<br />
<br />
MOPS filled that need..... and more.<br />
<br />
Friendship; encouragement; compassion; camaraderie; were all found with other woman navigating the same trenches I found myself in.<br />
<br />
It also acknowledged the nobel calling of motherhood, wifehood. It shed light on the importance of being home with one's children; of choosing to care for the home and your husband.<br />
<br />
I was so elated when this group came into my life. It helped me embrace the role I knew God had prepared me to fill and cemented my belief that such a role was meaningful. Important. Vital.<br />
<br />
When our girls were born, I noted a change in the direction of that group. It still supported moms of young children, but the 'bent' of the group was more toward empowering moms to meet their FULL potential - which now seemed to mean MORE than <i>'just motherhood'.</i><br />
<br />
I was perplexed.<br />
<br />
Motherhood, in and of itself, is an AMAZING way to fulfill one's greatest potential! What greater way to impact lives than to raise up your own children?<br />
<br />
I chose to not remain a member of that group.<br />
<br />
It no longer fit my needs.<br />
<br />
Plus, I was older, more mature, more established in my beliefs and friendships. My older kids were being homeschooled and to be honest - I had more than enough conversations to fill my day. :-) <i>(Which if you recall, was one need I had when my children were young - conversation that included more than 2 syllables at a time.)</i><br />
<br />
Reflecting now - I still see this same sentiment expressed.<br />
<br />
Sure, being a mom is important, but....<br />
<br />
..... it's not <b>'enough'</b> for most.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
It should be. <br />
<br />
It could be. <br />
<br />
It <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>IS</b></i></span>!<br />
<br />
Maybe not everyone WANTS to be a full-time-stay-at-home-mom, that's their prerogative. However, for those who do... shouldn't it be a viable, acceptable, even applauded role? Just as any other <b>'career' </b>a woman chooses is commended?<br />
<br />
When I attempted to work part time, once all of our kids were school age, and I felt a few days a month working a few hours a day wouldn't be a big deal, I discovered an interesting mindset.<br />
<br />
First of all was my own.<br />
<br />
Even though our kids were a bit older - the youngest was 7.5 and the oldest was 19.5 and off at college - I still felt as though my 'job' should be at home - with those children. Even though they don't 'need' me like they did when they were young, I could still be present to mold their character, answer their questions, console them when they were sad, comfort them when they were sick, rejoice in their triumphs, encourage them in their failures.<br />
<br />
Just being there is important. <br />
<br />
It matters.<br />
<br />
More interesting was the perspective of others.<br />
<br />
When I'd express how my kids missed me and I them, the prominent response I heard was, "Well, it's good you can be home with them, <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">buuuuut</span></i></b> it's really important that you get time away for yourself. This is good for YOU. You NEED this time away."<br />
<br />
Most everyone I came in contact with espoused this opinion.<br />
<br />
I was shocked. Dumbfounded. Saddened. Mystified.<br />
<br />
Maybe I'm just a mutant in my thoughts and feelings, but... I enjoy being home with my children. <br />
<br />
I revel in watching them grow, mature, learn, even fail, and try again.<br />
<br />
Sure, time for myself is important and necessary for prime health, but.... I can honestly say a 'job' or 'career' outside of the home isn't necessarily the way to accomplish that.<br />
<br />
My CAREER is that of WIFE and MOM.<br />
<br />
Those who choose to work outside the home - to have a different career - need time away from their job as well, right? It's no different for moms who have made 'being home' their career of choice. <br />
<br />
Most people don't get a second job in order to 'get time away' from their first job. That's crazy talk, am I right? No, most people take a day off; go shopping; go to the spa; go golfing; play tennis; take a day trip; stay home and watch Netflix; take a vacation; whatever it is that they find relaxing.<br />
<br />
Why should it be different for me? For stay-at-home moms? My 'job' is wife and mom to my wonderful crew. When I need a break, I do any number of the items mentioned above or some days.... I just take a nap and that's enough 'time away' to do wonders.<br />
<br />
I'm a homeschooling mom to 6 wonderful children (well, 5 now as the oldest is off on his own in college) and wife to Techno. My job is to teach these children - not only academics, but life skills; as well as tending to our home - via household chores, cooking, etc; and being a good wife to Techno.<br />
<br />
If I do my job well, our children will become excellent members of society. They will be movers and shakers in their own rights. My husband will thrive in his chosen field. Our home will be inviting, warm, and welcoming.<br />
<br />
Just as a woman who values her corporate job and the successes she has there, I relish in my chosen field and appreciate the fruits of my labor when I see these smiling faces.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KqBgdIoa4PPc6aQ5qFeDeRNTMXcT2JImhRKpxchni852wLks-H8AC1ePupZpRXM2XpdQI_qXeVvQDhKpE4383XfqHy1cgWmd4J-QBj8JVSGWP2KsJUyQ_kMKxF_DXeia4kcqPljdL0Tg/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KqBgdIoa4PPc6aQ5qFeDeRNTMXcT2JImhRKpxchni852wLks-H8AC1ePupZpRXM2XpdQI_qXeVvQDhKpE4383XfqHy1cgWmd4J-QBj8JVSGWP2KsJUyQ_kMKxF_DXeia4kcqPljdL0Tg/s640/DSC_0046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reason I chose this career as MOM! Why I LOVE my job so much.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I take my job description seriously. <br />
<br />
I LOVE this career I've chosen. <br />
<br />
I wish others valued it as well. <br />
<br />
At the very least I desire that others wouldn't diminish this choice as something 'less' or not as fulfilling of a career as some other occupation done outside of these 4 walls I call home.sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-60135254447719372392017-10-26T08:46:00.002-07:002017-10-26T08:46:59.128-07:00Bunny WoesCappuccino - Trinity's chocolate mini-rex rabbit, suddenly displayed some alarming symptoms.<br />
<br />
In under a week she had dropped significant weight and overnight had become quite lethargic.<br />
<br />
Still eating and drinking, I wasn't sure what could be wrong. <br />
<br />
How could she be losing all this weight and be eating all her food daily?<br />
<br />
A text to my 'expert' rabbit friends and it was obvious a trip to the vet was in order.<br />
<br />
Once the vet saw her, she determined it was most likely a very mild respiratory infection along with dehydration and not enough nourishment.<br />
<br />
What? How can THAT be? She eats all. her. food. daily.<br />
<br />
We feed 16% protein pellets and usually hay.<br />
<br />
However, we had run out of good hay and what we did have had gotten wet and I didn't want to risk giving it to the rabbits for fear of mold growth.<br />
<br />
Apparently, hay should be the majority of all our buns' diet.<br />
<br />
Some rabbits just don't tolerate and gain as they should on pellets alone. 'Cappy' appears to be such a rabbit.<br />
<br />
So.... many dollars later -- like triple the cost of said rabbit -- she is home; getting oral antibiotics twice a day via a syringe directly into the back cheeks of her little mouth; a whole slew of hay; along with her pellets; and of course fresh water; and she is doing SO. MUCH. BETTER!<br />
<br />
Since she is inside - separated from the other rabbits - to avoid spreading any infections, the other two girls wanted to bring their bunnies in for me to 'check'.<br />
<br />
Mocha is doing well. Her fur is growing back nicely and she is gaining weight well.<br />
<br />
Wrinkles looks great. He's curious, a good size, and his fur is so soft and supple. However, upon flipping him to check his nose and teeth, one of the girls noted the fur on one of his back paws was worn off and he had a small red sore.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-qGwstqA71BL7uLLWHU6aQgrMzPrwFb3LtbTZeVRM7G4P2Wou49IA1nqjaJWeJH9n5u_g-nulCigzK7ZFltSoxMuhNPraFga852t8qqtnEHn3RuK8QJnPK07aWVltmc2YTBomwf2LeZj/s1600/IMG_8719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-qGwstqA71BL7uLLWHU6aQgrMzPrwFb3LtbTZeVRM7G4P2Wou49IA1nqjaJWeJH9n5u_g-nulCigzK7ZFltSoxMuhNPraFga852t8qqtnEHn3RuK8QJnPK07aWVltmc2YTBomwf2LeZj/s640/IMG_8719.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This happens sometimes when rabbits live in wire cages. Boo!<br />We will be making small wooden 'pads' for our new rabbits to sit on in their cages.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sore Hocks.</span></b></i><br />
<br />
Geesh -- when it rains it pours, I guess.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, the girls made first aid kits for both our rabbits and our chickens this past year for 4H fair.<br />
<br />
They have both been quite handy.<br />
<br />
We washed the foot with warm soapy water to remove germs; rinsed the soap off; applied antibiotic ointment; then a coat of aquaphor to protect the area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKFNKjDQEBurAjqEkwMsbKKB7Ll9hUnqgczmZPV2ob8e8MdFToa2Ausuj2NqZ_4B-1aMzGHek24LAVQnogvOWZIiJC9I0Vty6dcyNYfdyxIK605D76wldkdqFYlBylUYhJjeIVUx8EJJ5/s1600/IMG_8721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKFNKjDQEBurAjqEkwMsbKKB7Ll9hUnqgczmZPV2ob8e8MdFToa2Ausuj2NqZ_4B-1aMzGHek24LAVQnogvOWZIiJC9I0Vty6dcyNYfdyxIK605D76wldkdqFYlBylUYhJjeIVUx8EJJ5/s640/IMG_8721.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding antibiotic ointment to Wrinkles poor sore hock.<br />(forgive the blurry pic, Trinity was in charge of the phone.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We added extra hay into his cage for him to 'rest' on until I can cut out some boards for him to sit on in his cage.<br />
<br />
THIS is why it's so important to 'examine' your rabbits regularly to be sure all is well.<br />
<br />
We caught both of these instances early. Quickly.<br />
<br />
In so doing, we were able to treat them before either ailment became life threatening.<br />
<br />
Having our mini-mountain-menagerie is definitely a learning experience that keeps us on our toes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-30199092681782257242017-10-25T09:02:00.000-07:002017-10-25T09:02:37.105-07:00Individual Zone CleaningAfter we moved to the mountains, some of our 'cleaning schedules' began to break down. <br />
<br />
I'm not sure why.<br />
<br />
The smaller space?<br />
<br />
Our schedule slowly becoming busier?<br />
<br />
The kids' school work getting more intense?<br />
<br />
My bought of depression after the girls' diagnosis and my mom's death?<br />
<br />
I'm sure they all contributed.<br />
<br />
But... whatever the reason, we got into a rut. The house would slowly deteriorate throughout the week.<br />
<br />
Resulting in Saturday being an 'all-day-cleaning-day'.<br />
<br />
This wasn't a HORRIBLE thing, but it did mean by mid to end of week, the house looked <i>awful</i> and come the weekend ALL we did was clean.<br />
<br />
Not to mention the chaos if for some reason we were 'busy' with some other task on the weekend. Then? The house would become a veritable pit before the next weekend hit. Sigh.<br />
<br />
It also meant the house really only felt and looked tidy and peaceful for a day or two -- MAX. At least on the days we DID get to the cleaning.<br />
<br />
That in and of itself was deflating to me personally.<br />
<br />
To counter this, I came up with assigning 'areas' to each child to work on daily -- 15-30 minutes a day. <i> (Originally I figured 15 min a day twice a day, but it's turning out to be more like 20-30 once a day due to their school work and other 'chore' schedules.)</i><br />
<br />
This approach actually appears to be working quite well. <i><b>(Most of the time, anyway.)</b></i><br />
<br />
We plan to rotate areas every several weeks. <br />
<br />
Allowing each person to get 'good' at their particular zone, but also preventing any one person from having the 'lion's share' of the work. I originally thought of rotating weekly, but decided this could allow one person to 'slack' on their zone resulting in the next person being responsible for 'picking up that slack' and being bogged down.<br />
<br />
Let's face it.... cleaning the school room is no where near as demanding as cleaning the kitchen etc.<br />
Plus, next year the older kids go off to college. The girls need to know how to do ALL of the chores so it's not a shock to the system once they take them over in just a mere 11 months or so.<br />
<br />
Now, this may sound 'extreme'.<br />
<br />
ONE person is responsible for the kitchen? <br />
<br />
It's not quite THAT bad.<br />
<br />
The breakfast dishes and cleaning of the island/table/counters are the girls responsibility while the older two walk the dogs. They even have a chart on the refrigerator that divides out who does what, when. Lunch is on the big kids. Dinner once again falls to the girls while the older two again walk the dogs for the evening. Not to mention I do some of the dishes as I cook and meander through the kitchen throughout the day.<br />
<br />
Then, once a day, the individual who has the 'kitchen' chore is responsible for a more thorough clean. Putting everything on the counters away; wiping down the counters; wiping off the fronts of the cabinets (although this one still gets forgotten often - maybe MOST of the time, actually); sweeping the floors; emptying trash etc.<br />
<br />
The living room gets straightened - everything off the floor and put away; swept; dusted at least once mid-week so it doesn't build up too much - again, I'm finding this one gets 'forgotten' more often than not, but..... <i>(We live in a VERY dusty location so it can look not dusted mere hours after completing said dusting.)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Same with other areas of the house - the dining room gets swept, straightened, table cleaned, and the pantry 'picked up' daily. The bathroom counters gets wiped, toilet swished, floors swept -- daily. <br />
<br />
Each 'zone' in the house gets a little 'spruce up' throughout the day.<br />
<br />
Since all the chores are being done regularly, the house stays looking 'presentable' and the 'all-house-clean' on Sat doesn't take near as long. Plus, if we happen to have a week where Sat is already full, (which happens often as we get further into the school and 4H year) the house doesn't look as though a tornado went through -- or at least it looks like a category 1 or 2 rather than a 5. :-/<br />
<br />
I think it's been a win-win for everyone.<br />
<br />
The kids are learning to do things bit by bit; picking up; putting away instead of simply stepping over the 'mess' on the floor; being more purposeful; etc. Plus, their Saturdays are not completely eaten up cleaning the house.<br />
<br />
More free time in the long run.<br />
<br />
The house may not be perfect - my post about messes in the kitchen made that obvious - but... once a day, the house usually looks 'decent'. <br />
<br />
<i>(Although, busy schedules still tend to wreak havoc on the best laid plans -- when we have appointments out of the house; big projects due in school; other chore projects that eat up more time than expected; this system still 'breaks down'. However, it's better than it was so it's a gold medal in my book. Plus, habits are being formed that'll last a lifetime which is the greatest incentive of all -- that's the hope anyway.)</i><br />
<br />
I don't twitch nearly as often.<br />
<br />
My blood pressure doesn't rise, pounding in my veins as I walk through the house.<br />
<br />
I've come to accept our house will always look 'lived in' because, well, that's exactly what we do. We live and love in our little house. That results in constant messes, constant dishes, constant books and papers on surfaces.<br />
<br />
However, I've also come to expect that we can keep some modicum of order in our everyday chaos.<br />
<br />
The zone daily cleaning is helping us accomplish that order. <br />
<br />
At least on a minor scale.<br />
<br />
It may not be 'Martha Stewart or Pinterest Worthy' but.... it's homey; it's safe; it's ours.<br />
<br />
Our little 'controlled mess'.<br />
<br />sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-74020713029554854992017-10-17T09:23:00.001-07:002017-10-17T09:23:50.873-07:00Selling RabbitsAs promised, I placed several ads trying to sell some of our rabbits from our last 2 litters. In addition, I decided we'd sell a Sr doe and a Sr buck as well. I want to bring in new bloodlines and with the addition of the mini-rex rabbits, our rabbitry appeared to be growing by leaps and bounds with not much space to expand.<br />
<br />
With that in mind, I listed Shortstop - our original buck and Midnight, daughter of Shortstop and Trixiebelle from our first ever successful litter.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEfAWtW-5qWMxd8GQB6wx771JSMEMMYGpDvpX22CFEwv-aI-fag039TQjVNt1cgPPpX4x1SxnvrAxwbz-6QiICsPb23WMBwSja43L97UCzbDxBsvNsmFOjXSKP7IIgrgTHH7Kx1495rhn/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEfAWtW-5qWMxd8GQB6wx771JSMEMMYGpDvpX22CFEwv-aI-fag039TQjVNt1cgPPpX4x1SxnvrAxwbz-6QiICsPb23WMBwSja43L97UCzbDxBsvNsmFOjXSKP7IIgrgTHH7Kx1495rhn/s640/DSC_0120.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortstop - our first buck. Our main herd sire to date.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5g3rGjuoE-dXafeRXH15AlJp1hRah5F8pet5yyqo7EHAvhtPaA96-yBoiux_rFbSaOfbY70uctH94EIha3_9iLOP_AasAVxNkrZJF9tTTQN01yRyAvrqGm8yhobYryJ7v4DCs0MMRRie/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5g3rGjuoE-dXafeRXH15AlJp1hRah5F8pet5yyqo7EHAvhtPaA96-yBoiux_rFbSaOfbY70uctH94EIha3_9iLOP_AasAVxNkrZJF9tTTQN01yRyAvrqGm8yhobYryJ7v4DCs0MMRRie/s640/DSC_0118.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midnight - Shortstop and Trixiebelle's daughter. (She's experiencing a little fur molting at the moment.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Initially we had very little interest.<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, legitimate interest, that is. <br />
<br />
We did have one lady who offered to buy all of the rabbits -- 12 rabbits -- all purebred, pedigreed, Silver Fox rabbits -- 2 of which were proven -- for......<br />
<br />
Wait for it.....<br />
<br />
........$85.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I have more than that in feed alone for a couple months. The Sr doe and buck are 1.5 and 2.5 years old respectively. That's a lot more in feed. Plus hay, cages, feeders, waterers, time, and love.<br />
<br />
Not happening.<br />
<br />
We'd sooner put them in our freezer than sell them at that price.<br />
<br />
Shoot, I'd even PAY that much to have them processed before I'd just 'give them away' like that.<br />
<br />
I had all but given up hope on selling any, when I got an e-mail asking if we still had any breeding pairs left.<br />
<br />
After exchanging many e-mails, it looks as though we may be selling 4 of our rabbits. Shortstop - our original buck - and his daughter, Midnight, whom we bred to him for fair this past year. As well as 2 of the Juniors - a buck and a doe.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5O_7B5pyAagrA4XcEFXRBQQcJKxv9YPo1bWqthQG_NkmCd7LQ9GdcEOoGh_u54REYfBG5-oOaJKhyphenhyphenrmcqG86k6otT5HGdJBhY0euY96YPlOcljiVlQTBim1aebh95vLR-BWsGZ5su67BL/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5O_7B5pyAagrA4XcEFXRBQQcJKxv9YPo1bWqthQG_NkmCd7LQ9GdcEOoGh_u54REYfBG5-oOaJKhyphenhyphenrmcqG86k6otT5HGdJBhY0euY96YPlOcljiVlQTBim1aebh95vLR-BWsGZ5su67BL/s200/DSC_0116.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jr. Doe.<br />She's looking quite nice in color and shape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ngzGArpZZZxklpCSTxs4OrG4-zEznaH3LLgHvChVfoALC7qqMMxVFMUcex40v_UB58krCi2Ex7E2AFzHpVpYgYgs_TUM9XLu-2U8ciFiysfZixMOlbR0HqTWXd1DUBsKG5T3L4tOxCWc/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ngzGArpZZZxklpCSTxs4OrG4-zEznaH3LLgHvChVfoALC7qqMMxVFMUcex40v_UB58krCi2Ex7E2AFzHpVpYgYgs_TUM9XLu-2U8ciFiysfZixMOlbR0HqTWXd1DUBsKG5T3L4tOxCWc/s200/DSC_0124.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jr. Buck<br />He's got some good silvering and his<br />shape is also looking pretty good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I was excited, but as I realized what it meant, I also became a little sad.<br />
<br />
Shortstop and midnight would no longer be 'ours'.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16K3m1Ladt6Kcqup8lRD2wp-BUYhMlX1xY3C6NjHM36AZjlCMRSr8w0L_kzUL3mWO9XvNaHuLJBpOAFqOSPXlAUJxxLgdm7CwFV9ap7YDIQSDViGDkb9iOLU6hMTcIWHr9D7AOYNYWzLa/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16K3m1Ladt6Kcqup8lRD2wp-BUYhMlX1xY3C6NjHM36AZjlCMRSr8w0L_kzUL3mWO9XvNaHuLJBpOAFqOSPXlAUJxxLgdm7CwFV9ap7YDIQSDViGDkb9iOLU6hMTcIWHr9D7AOYNYWzLa/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortstop - he's a sweet little guy. He's been a good<br />herd sire. He gets the job done and produces great kits.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Funny how we grow attached to these little critters, isn't it?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5BSlP-Tt_NFL3teVNzy1lRAI9SWK4Keg2tkDXgZHeo1uIjMQx-K4kiJWWTpz4rmwH480AoKDhTlYarQ-bbShSAxOcJMsrtZDhHI-dXpfl7jilileg-PwRV_miRyCdt91XGLkmGah7wwV/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5BSlP-Tt_NFL3teVNzy1lRAI9SWK4Keg2tkDXgZHeo1uIjMQx-K4kiJWWTpz4rmwH480AoKDhTlYarQ-bbShSAxOcJMsrtZDhHI-dXpfl7jilileg-PwRV_miRyCdt91XGLkmGah7wwV/s320/DSC_0119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midnight - Selah is sad to see her go as she is our 'sweetest'<br />adult silver fox. But... I like the kits her mom produces<br />better, so... the decision had to be made.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Right after getting all that arranged, another e-mail came in expressing interest in our Silver Fox rabbits. Unfortunately this woman has some of the bloodline that our rabbits come from in her rabbitry and is looking for new so she passed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
However, through this contact, I may have found a new buck to add to our group. YIPPEE!!!<br />
<br />
Interesting how things pan out sometimes.<br />
<br />
We'll still have some rabbits to process, but not such a daunting number at once plus we'll recoup some of the funds we've put into our little rabbit ranch and be able to further expand our breeding crop.<br />
<br />
Not to mention... it seems as though the 4 we are selling will be the 'keepers' for this new rabbitry -- making it a little less sad to see our Shortstop move on to new pastures.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Xe8Gc8k0ELksGdZVpfhRKHWyj_RQilaPVlFrVWfl2r0syCv5VvSst66FQhYNqPsgXNUPfMn19jk3374SuqYhLNDduRClE10_k9tS87q479uViG0kFnL-GRVGbkw-n0cmV2J5-sHhxbuB/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Xe8Gc8k0ELksGdZVpfhRKHWyj_RQilaPVlFrVWfl2r0syCv5VvSst66FQhYNqPsgXNUPfMn19jk3374SuqYhLNDduRClE10_k9tS87q479uViG0kFnL-GRVGbkw-n0cmV2J5-sHhxbuB/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little Jr. doe. She's pretty sweet as well. Great silvering.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7N_NIjD5ohOkIfXXYBXzuArbfvUg7SqmxNFd5Erhh8d-XS_0nROtM77Ma3SjdvezSNg7S5DzfqA1UZYP-AeTabzpKw3THzNwfKNvwJAoQl4Y8U51O-c3A4mBjIi8K4xXhrcfEicGKj8Ff/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7N_NIjD5ohOkIfXXYBXzuArbfvUg7SqmxNFd5Erhh8d-XS_0nROtM77Ma3SjdvezSNg7S5DzfqA1UZYP-AeTabzpKw3THzNwfKNvwJAoQl4Y8U51O-c3A4mBjIi8K4xXhrcfEicGKj8Ff/s320/DSC_0122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jr. buck. He was quite curious when we got him out for<br />his picture. Also has some nice silvering. Shortstop<br />really brought that to the table in our rabbitry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-12625690664141681192017-10-11T08:57:00.003-07:002017-10-11T08:57:57.326-07:00Bald BunnyAs I mentioned before, we just purchased 3 mini-rex rabbits to add to our little brood of hippity-hoppity friends.<br />
<br />
The other day the girls brought the smallest of the rabbits in to show me the fur on her head was 'thinning'. <br />
<br />
It looked as though she may have been 'rubbing' it on something causing it to be scraped off. Yet, we've not seen her do this and it happened literally overnight.<br />
<br />
I was perplexed.<br />
<br />
All I could say was 'we'll watch her and see what happens.'<br />
<br />
There was no trauma other than losing some hair on her little head.<br />
<br />
The next day, as I was dressing and brushing my teeth in the bathroom I could hear the girls outside in the rabbit hutch. <i>(It's literally located outside our bathroom/bedroom wall in the back of the house.)</i><br />
<br />
Gasping, "OH NO!!!" Followed by some garbled, indistinguishable words, then, "We need to tell mommy."<br />
<br />
Upon hearing all this, I anticipated the appearance of at least ONE little girl. I assumed if it were something tremendously serious there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth.<br />
<br />
None of that happened.<br />
<br />
Instead, as I walked out of our master bath and into the bedroom, there entered into our room 3 little girls, one holding little Mocha.<br />
<br />
That bald spot on her head was now quite large.<br />
<br />
Humph!<br />
<br />
The girls suggested that her cage mate -- you know, the cage I refashioned into 2 cages by adding a divider in the middle making 2 separate cages -- was possibly getting 'jabs in' from the other cage.<br />
<br />
As I examined the rabbits bald spot I didn't see scratches or bite marks so I assumed that was the least likely culprit.<br />
<br />
I still ascertained that she was probably 'rubbing her head' on her metal food dish or something.<br />
<br />
Yet, considering myself a 'novice rabbit owner'<i> (even after 2 years) </i>I sent a quick message with pictures to 2 'experts' in the rabbit arena.<br />
<br />
Immediately one responded asking if her cage was 'joining' another rabbit's cage where they could possibly 'reach' one another.<br />
<br />
Why yes it does. Why do you ask? LOL!<br />
<br />
Apparently a more dominate rabbit will 'pull fur' off of the submissive rabbit JUST. LIKE. THIS!<br />
<br />
Sigh. <br />
<br />
The girls were 100% correct in their assessment of the situation.<br />
<br />
Who'd a thunk it, right?<br />
<br />
Temporarily we have moved little Mocha into one of the carrier cages and I'll be purchasing some metal, white plastic, or a board to put up as a barrier between the cages in the very near future.<br />
<br />
The things you learn.<br />
<br />
Seems running a mini-mountain-menagerie is all about trial and error. At least we keep on learning.sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-6910934911100559242017-10-10T08:47:00.000-07:002017-10-10T08:47:04.696-07:00Roller Coaster NumbersLately, the girls numbers have been running a tad higher than we'd like to see. A bit more sporadic jumps into 'Wo, that's high!' numbers.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Of course, we <b>are</b> talking about type 1 diabetes here.... it's not like there's really a TRUE predictable pattern - at least not as we've found with growing little girls.</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've been playing with their basal rates trying to combat the highs. Just as we think we've gotten a handle on things, their numbers will plummet out from under us and we'll have a night of extreme lows.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ARG!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's the worst - you bump up insulin to try to keep those high numbers at bay. To thwart off 'future damage' to one's internal organs... yet, that very same tactic can backfire and bring numbers plunging to scary lows that are hard to bring back up to safe levels.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just when you think you are doing the best you can to keep your child healthy, you suddenly find that very plan of action is bringing your loved one seriously close to seizures or death.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's mind boggling.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mind numbing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Grief throbbing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've heard horror stories of others using insulin pump therapy<i> - which simply means using an insulin pump to distribute insulin rather than a syringe - </i>going into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) from pump failure and extreme high blood glucose numbers.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>DKA occurs when the body isn't getting the insulin it needs. This results in </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>glucose remaining in the blood rather than entering the cells that need it for energy.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>When too much sugar builds up, the blood can become acidic, making the individual</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>very sick. If not treated; if insulin is not given; the body will begin to shut down. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Coma, brain damage, and eventually death will occur if not remedied.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div>
We are vigilante in watching for such a scenario. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, things in diabetes world can take a drastic turn rather quickly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Overnight, Trinity's numbers just. wouldn't. come. down.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A correction before bed. One before Techno and I turned in for the night a few hours later. Yet another in the middle of the night when Techno was up dealing with a rather bad low with Selah and himself. Then yet another at breakfast.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Each time, her BG would start trending down, fooling us that all was moving in the right direction. Only to discover a couple hours later it was right back up - higher than the time before.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maddening.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In general the girls have been running higher at night and once they get their 'food boluses' along with their basal rate, things tend to 'settle in' a bit more come morning. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That was what we banked on as we headed out for church.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the middle of Sunday school Trinity feels her Dexcom vibrate and looks at her screen. <b><i>HIGH!</i></b> That means the interstitial fluid that the sensor reads was showing a level of 400 or higher as that is the highest this particular piece of equipment can detect. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Scrubbing her fingertip with an alcohol swab and a finger prick later, her blood glucose meter glared a staggering 592.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>I don't know that we've seen quite that high a number since early diagnosis.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We both drew the same conclusion that her pump site was probably failing. She still took a correction with the plan to change said pump site as soon as class was finished.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
As I was changing her pump site in the nursery, chatting with her and two other moms also in the room, I commented that her site had possibly failed and we needed to change her inset as her levels were so high at 592. One mom asked, "Is that pretty high?" The other, who has a brother with T1 as well responded, "Yeah, that's close to comatose high."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She wasn't wrong.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By the time the church service was over - about an hour and half after the high reading and the change of pump site - her numbers were down significantly. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Still higher than we'd like to see, but not so alarmingly high.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The pump site must have been working at least a little b/c that insulin we gave during Sunday school was doing it's job -- even if only half heartedly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My heart still thumps and lunges to the pit of my stomach when I see such high numbers but it no longer turns me into a puddle of mush. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I take a deep breath; assess the situation; gauge the girls physical status; make decisions; and take action.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's a day in, day out thing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the outside - our girls look like healthy, happy little people playing, growing, even thriving. For the most part, that's very true.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, it's a constant battle to keep this beast of a disease at bay.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This event was such a reminder of that.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It doesn't take much; it doesn't take long; a good day can turn south in a short span of time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm grateful for the technology we have and the life saving insulin to keep them laughing, giggling, and being the precious little gems that they are.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-29137000702605669692017-10-09T10:06:00.000-07:002017-10-09T10:06:32.794-07:00Snow in the Mountains<br />
Living in Wyoming, it's not unheard of to get snow in the fall months. Shoot, it's not unheard of to get snow in ANY month, but.. when it happens early it's still jolting.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On Sept 24, 2017 <i>(and again on Oct. 9, 2017)</i> just such a scenario played out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We'd had a rather warm September - at least for Wyoming standards.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
A couple days early in Sept felt warmer than most summer days we'd had this year. Which is odd to say the least.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So... when the temps began dropping and the threat of snow became eminent.... it was sorta sad.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yet, living in Wyoming, this early fall snow is quite typical and shouldn't bring much surprise.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fortunately, the extended weather forecast is showing warmer temps returning. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I shared a pic of our snow on social media my aunt commented that maybe we'd get an Indian Summer in the coming days.<br />
<br />
She's right -- we may.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">(I sure hope we do!)</span></i></b><br />
<br />
But Indian Summer in Wyoming is temperatures in the 50's-60's not the 80's and 90's like most areas experience.<br />
<br />
However, I'll root for our form of Indian Summer as we have plenty of 'before winter hits' chores yet to complete.<br />
<br />
Chores like: processing around 11 rabbits; moving the remaining 9 or so rabbits into the garage; winterizing the craft camper and office; putting tarps around the chicken run; adding on to Titus' dog shelter; not to mention pulling out the winter clothes, coats, and boots.<br />
<br />
But... time keeps marching on..... so whenever winter decides to fully hit.... we'll just take it in stride.<br />
<br />
Wouldn't be the first time we've completed some of those 'get ready for winter' chores in the blowing snow. <br />
<br />
I'm guessing it won't be the last either.</div>
sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-52153950764727763442017-10-05T08:15:00.000-07:002017-10-05T08:15:44.238-07:00Bathroom OrganizationAfter our little fire mishap, I emptied the hot water heater closet and stacked all it's contents into the main area of the bathroom with plans to deal with everything soon.<br />
<br />
Well, a day turned into two; turned into a week; turned into a couple weeks.<br />
<br />
How did THAT happen? Wasn't that fire just yesterday? LOL!<br />
<br />
I decided to tackle the beast that is 'THE KIDS' BATHROOM'!<br />
<br />
I found a plastic 7 drawer storage system to put into the closet.<br />
<br />
Filtering out what to put in there and what not to took the most time.<br />
<br />
I tossed, reassigned, organized, cleaned the entire closet and it's contents.<br />
<br />
<i>Bins for cold medicines; pain and fever reducer; tummy troubles; hot/cold treatment; first aid; lotions; travel toiletries; peroxide (as we buy it by the gallons due to the potential skunk sprays our dogs often suffer).</i><br />
<br />
Then I tackled the under sink areas. I'm never sure why these areas get so disastrous; there's really not that much stuff in these cupboards.<br />
<br />
The biggest mess was the kids toothbrush drawer.<br />
<br />
As I pulled out the drawer I was struck by the shear number of toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and floss containers housed in this tiny, unassuming drawer. Granted w/6 kids, there's bound to be a lot of toothbrushes, but I swear there may have been close to 20 odd toothbrushes in this space. Travel type; battery operated; little kid ones; regular ones; unopened ones. <br />
<br />
I called the kids to 'claim' their most recent toothbrush that they received from the dentist just days before and began tossing the rest. If they were open or not an obvious 'travel' toothbrush -- they were pitched.<br />
<br />
Then the toothpastes -- I kid you not, there had to have been 5-6 full sized toothpaste tubes in various states of use. All open; none 'empty'. That doesn't even begin to cover the myriad of travel tubes that were in this small drawer. I took all but 2 tubes - one adult; one kid variety - and put them in the closet in one of the drawers with the 'extra' toothpaste that's not been open to date.<br />
<br />
Phew! I guess we need to revisit the idea of not opening a 'new' package of something before the old one is gone.<br />
<br />
Similar to the toothbrush drawer, I noted the ledge of the bathtub was riddled with bottles of body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and face wash. Granted, the littles use a little bit different soaps than Bethany and Elijah chooses not to use the flowery scents the girls like.... but.... still.....<br />
<br />
Once again, the entire ledge was COVERED in bottles. Most, if not all, still 1/4 - 1/2 full and another of it's kind already opened and more full.<br />
<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
Still, I was thrilled to have that task complete and now know there's another 'teachable' moment upon which to capitalize .<br />
<br />
Gotta find the positive, right?sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-46259141648182317902017-10-04T08:16:00.000-07:002017-10-04T08:16:02.082-07:00The Tooth FairyAt our house, the 'tooth fairy' brings a dollar for each lost tooth.<br />
<br />
However, due to our kids being somewhat light sleepers and the fact we've used bunk beds for most of their young lives, they leave their little lost teeth in the bathroom in a sandwich baggy or a special 'tooth box' that some have picked up from the dentist's office.. <i><b>(One wouldn't want their tooth to get lost or their dollar to get wet -- both of which happened prior to the 'bag protocol' being instituted.)</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Despite this arrangement, the adult 'tooth fairies' in our house tend to be forgetful.<br />
<br />
Days can go by and still -- the tiny tooth sits on the sink, lonely in it's see through pouch, awaiting pick-up.<br />
<br />
Morning after morning, with anticipation, the lost tooth owner will run to the bathroom only to discover..... Their. Tooth. Is. Still. There.<br />
<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
The excuses as to why the 'tooth fairy' has not arrived are varied: More than the average amount of children lost teeth that day so she couldn't make it to our house; we live out in the middle of no where and she got lost or too tired to complete the trip in one day; the weather is bad; the wind was so strong; and on and on.<br />
<br />
The knowing smirks on their precious faces are sweet.<br />
<br />
I'm glad for their patient hearts and fun spirits.<br />
<br />
Lately, the 'adult fairies' have been saved by the 'teen fairies' in our home - more often than not.<br />
<br />
On more than one occasion the 'teen fairies' happen to be up later than the adult variety and notice the tooth is still sitting on the sink. They will go ahead and dip into their own stash of 'tooth dollars' and leave a single bill for the slumbering sister who lost the tooth and is waiting on the exchange.<br />
<br />
Such wonderful 'fairies in training' we have in our home.<br />
<br />
Other times, as these same 'teen fairies' are getting ready for bed, they bolt out and remind the 'adult fairies' that the 'tooth fairy' has yet to come.<br />
<br />
This allows an 'adult fairy' to dig into the tooth fund and pull out a dollar to replace the lost tooth - <i>usually sending it via 'teen fairy courier'.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Phew, saved yet again.</b><br />
<br />
The next morning, the tooth is gone... a dollar in it's place.... the smiles are big.<br />
<br />
I just love we have such a 'community of tooth fairies' to be sure this job is not forgotten.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Well, at least not forgotten for too long or completely.</i></b>sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-11768132542668535362017-10-02T12:08:00.001-07:002017-10-02T12:08:37.803-07:00Lived-in HomeI have to admit, I'm often - well always really - torn between having a pristine, clean, Martha Stewart, Pinterest worthy house and being content with the home I have with finger prints, toys strewn about, mismatched decor, and chipped paint and cabinets. <br />
<br />
You know, the lived in, loved in kinda house with a little dirt and sticky crumbs mixed in for good measure.<br />
<br />
As I went to pour my second cup of coffee the other morning, I was struck by the pink rings on the counter where someone made their 'flavored water' and dribbled the 'flavoring' over the edge of their cup; the finger prints on the microwave from sticky fingers opening up the door to heat their breakfast; the smears of peanut butter or whatever other 'food' item had spilled down the front of the cabinet when they prepared their snack; the overflowing garbage can as I went to toss the napkin I just used to clean up said peanut butter mess; I sighed. <br />
<br />
The kitchen had been completely clean just the evening before. <br />
<br />
How, oh how was it THIS messy THAT fast?<br />
<br />
In that moment it struck me -- this juxtaposition I'm in.<br />
<br />
This stage of life isn't going to last much longer.<br />
<br />
Bethany and Elijah will be moving off to college next year.<br />
<br />
The littles aren't really all that 'little' anymore. Shoot just now Trinity cooked up a snack for herself and her two sisters on the stove. Yeah, not little anymore. <i><b>(Although, said snack did ADD to the mess I mentioned above, I'm certain.)</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
As I drank my second cup of coffee, I pondered... What's REALLY important to me?<br />
<br />
I know that a messy, cluttered house causes me stress. I can literally feel my blood pressure rise and my attitude turn sour when the house is in 'disaster mode'. Yet, as I glanced around at the finger prints and smeared food, I was struck with how soon all these minor annoyances will be gone. Those reminders that our house is filled with little hands, little feet, children who are learning to make their own meals, clean up after themselves <i>(or not as the case may sometimes be based on the state of our kitchen.)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
It made me smile. <i>Slowly with a little tick, but... a smile none-the-less. ;-)</i><br />
<br />
Sure, I still yearn for the house to be 'presentable'; nice even. I'd love to have the budget to turn our home into a home and gardens model, but... we don't and it's not. <br />
<br />
We live here. <br />
<br />
ALL. THE. TIME! <br />
<br />
Literally.<br />
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It's not like we get up each morning and leave the house. The kids do school here; I am home all day teaching them; Techno works from here; the dogs and cat are here all day; we go in and out feeding chickens and rabbits; we LIVE and WORK and PLAY in our house. <br />
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All day, everyday.<br />
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That results in a lot more mess than the average family.<br />
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For now, I'm not fretting<b><i> -- much -- </i></b>over the smudges on the stainless steel fridge; the fingerprints on the microwave; the smears of peanut butter on the cabinet fronts; the crumbs on the island; the shoes in the entryway; the toys on the floor; the books on the desks.<br />
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Because.... soon enough.... I'll miss <span style="font-size: large;">all</span> those things. <br />
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All this mess. <br />
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I'll long for the days when the house was filled to the brim being lived in by all our precious children.<br />
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Not to mention, the mess? It does get cleaned up at the end of the day -- one way or another -- sometimes really well, sometimes just a pass through. <br />
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Yet, soon -- too soon -- there will be no bustle of children mucking around in the kitchen making messes. There will be no school books and papers strewn all over the schoolroom/entryway. The toys will be gone. The large basket of shoes will only hold 2 pair instead of the MILLIONS it overflows to the floor now. The basket of laundry will sit mostly empty throughout the week instead of toppling over with clothes daily.<br />
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This stage of life is fleeting. Quicker than I'd like to admit.<br />
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I'm glad I can say, <i>that at least for today</i>, I'm choosing to be content with the lived in <b><span style="font-size: large;">home </span></b>we have and not agonize over having a picture perfect <span style="font-size: large;">house</span>.sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1787048820770250948.post-90705430355561450352017-09-29T07:39:00.000-07:002017-09-29T07:39:06.679-07:00Egg DishesRaising our own chickens, we get a lot of eggs.<br />
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Well, during the spring and summer months we get TONS of eggs. Once the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter, that number decreases, but.... still.... during those few months we have more eggs than we can usually eat.<br />
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I should sell them or give them away, but I usually don't. <br />
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Due to this combination, I've had to get creative in making meals out of eggs.<br />
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Initially, simply making scrambled eggs, fried eggs, quiche, and the occasional omelet seemed to suffice. However, now we have more chickens and the kids are 'tired' of regular ole' eggs.<br />
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I'll admit, when the girls were first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, eggs for breakfast became a 'thing'. You see, the typical cereal with milk caused such spikes in blood sugar that I felt compelled to try 'protein' type breakfasts. What better option than eggs? <i>Especially since we had plenty of them.</i> It wasn't long, some (particularly Selah) began to rebel against their 'egg breakfasts'.<br />
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Now? Eggs are still not a highlight of her day when I serve them up.<br />
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So... I've tried to get creative in the egg dishes I make.<br />
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I hate to think of tossing eggs b/c they've gone bad but I also quite dislike the idea of slaving over a hot stove making fried eggs only to have most of them end up in the chicken scraps b/c the girls didn't 'like' them.<br />
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Quiche is a safe alternative and I do make this on occasion. Although, now with 2 with celiac in the family a simple crust is harder to come by. Crustless quiche - although an option, isn't quite as liked in our household as the 'old standby'. <br />
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Soufflés are another option that gets attention once in a while, but again, variety is the spice of life, right? And let's face it, Soufflés are VERY similar to crustless quiche when it's all said and done. <i>(At least to our family.)</i><br />
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German pancakes makes it's way into the repertoire as well -- it uses a fair amount of eggs. However, we've discovered the gluten free option doesn't quite stack up to the gluten filled type so..... it's not always a hit in our house -- at least not to the degree it used to be.<br />
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Recently I made Creamy Italian Baked Eggs. A much less 'breakfast' type meal and more of a savory dish than most of the other options. <br />
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I personally really liked it. Adding garlic toast on the side made it quite the satisfying dish.<br />
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The thing I liked most? It was SUPER simple.<br />
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It required marinara sauce, milk, parmesan cheese, eggs, salt and pepper. WHAT? Is that it?<br />
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Perfect.<br />
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Lucky for me we had left over spaghetti sauce from our spaghetti dinner on a previous night so... Voila!<br />
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I layered the leftover sauce on the bottom of the baking dish; then, spooned in a few tablespoons of half-n-half (fewer carbs and a richer taste) over the sauce; next I sprinkled parmesan cheese over both; after that, I cracked eggs in rows into the mixture in the baking dish; finally, a little salt and pepper atop the eggs. Done!<br />
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The oven was already set to 450 so I just popped the baking dish into the oven and waited the 15 minutes for the eggs to cook.<br />
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In the future I may cook it a little less so the yolks aren't quite so done, or maybe cover with foil to see if that helps as I do want the whites fully done, but otherwise? YUM!<br />
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The garlic toast on the side in addition to some rice pudding -- dinner was a hit.<br />
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What egg dishes do you like that are 'not the usual suspects'?<br />
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<br />sixshootinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028332552705958845noreply@blogger.com0