Starting off 2016

Where have I been?!

Back in the day, a friend told me when one doesn't blog as much, it's not because they don't have anything to share...they are just too busy living their life. That theory fits me right now.

We have been in the house about 3.5 months, and we are loving it. Here is a list of general thoughts and updates as of late:


Chris is finally working for his family's company and enjoying it very much.

My grandparents are in good health.

My girls are a handful, but they even things out by being so cute.

The dogs have been pretty good about the house. Nora is the only one I catch doing things like...digging up the sprinkler heads and using them as chew toys. Huskies, man...they have energy.

I am very pleased and practically finished decorating our new house. I owe it all to Target, Ikea, Hobby Lobby, and gift cards to Pottery Barn and Pier 1. It's a lovely mix of mountain cabin, farm house, and modern cottage. Focus is mainly on cabin...I am bringing Colorado (my happy place) here. It feels nice.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's were all nice, low-key, and family-oriented.

I am still wanting and waiting for snow.

I got an exercise bike with a gift card, it's coming in handy.

I have been following this little girl, Kenzie, and her journey through fighting cancer. She is 2, and her mother is an example to all of us. Faith, hope, love, and patience...I am in awe. Their story keeps our life's problems in perspective.

Adalaide went to the nutritionist today. She is up in height, and climbing slowly in weight. I have to order a special meal supplement. It is crazy expensive. Right now, it's a free trial. If Addy likes it, and it helps her, we are going to see if our insurance will cover it. Otherwise...we will have to use it like 3 times a week instead of daily or something...man, if she would just eat more! I'll give her grief for this when she's older, asking me to buy her new clothes or makeup. :P

Lorelai is stubborn, but creative and funny. She is on the verge of joining a soccer team or a gymnastics class. She has one hurdle she really needs to conquer before that can happen...but she's close.

And yes, we are still homeschooling. I feel like everyone has forgotten that. Asking me when Lorelai is going off to school quite often. No, your forced smiles and elongated "Ohhhhhh"'s don't sway me. We are going to rock it.

Ok, well, off for now. Life is good. ;)


M.LEWIS

American Resolve

It's been a while, hello again.

I'd like to take a few minutes and express my thoughts and feelings about the current humanitarian state of our country.

On my facebook page I seeing dozens and dozens of posts supporting Muslims and refugees. I suppose Trump is the main reason for the sudden influx of posts, but it has been a major topic for weeks, months. You either have people who are freely excepting the refugees with open arms and smiles or you have people who shy away from them, pushing them aside, saying "let's help you from afar."

Who is right?

Surprisingly, there is no right action; at least not in my eyes. I admire those with unwavering, heart-felt welcomes. I think those people are full of hope and compassion. I understand those with timid, fearful reactions, understanding those people need assistance, but would rather not have next door.

We start to point fingers, call names, and openly condemn those with feel different from us. To be honest, I feel this a pattern with the current politicians both currently elected, and running their big mouths hoping to be elected...but that's another post for another time.
We allow there to be a divide, a critical separation of our own citizens. I'll be honest again, I am one of those who would very much like to help those poor, victimized people...but from afar. 

Does that make me racist? Does that make me a bigot? Does that make me uncaring and cold?

No.

You see, I was 14 when the events of September 11 took place. I remember life before that day, and I see the long-lingering affects of that day on a regular basis. We are still scared. We are scared that simple tasks like going to work, going to the grocery store, eating at a restaurant, or going to the movie theater, could be life-ending.
I do get uncomfortable sometimes when a individual walks into a public place with hijab, or a turban. I don't like that my first reaction is fear, but it is. I am never rude to them, I hold open the door for them, I smile. I am polite and kind, but in the back of my mind I am wondering if there is more to them than I see. That's not their fault. They are victims too. Because of Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS our reaction is fear. The goal from those groups, after all, was this. To strike fear and incite chaos amongst innocent people. Through this they gain power and control. Through this, they win.

It's hard not to make the association between the Muslims of the world and these radical terrorist groups. The terrorists after all masquerade themselves as innocent, Muslim human beings. That's how they blend in and infiltrate our societies...that's when they make their move. That's when we all suffer. That's when they expose their true selves. Cruel, ruthless creatures, twisted and unfathomably evil. They not only mock the Muslim people, but of all humanity. Their intent so devious, so methodically planned out, their very own conscious must have been obliterated.

These individuals are what we are trying to protect ourselves from. These individuals that hide in the shadows of their own victims only to attack again. These individuals who pray on the good nature of humanity and steal good souls from the earth. These individuals we cannot identify, these individuals are counting on that.

Do not call me uncaring because I do not want to find myself huddled on the floor begging for my children's lives. Do not call me racist because the enemy is purposefully dressing themselves up as the innocent civilians of the middle east. Do not call me a bigot because my views differ from yours. Do not label me as "wrong" simply because you think you are right.

Do not turn on one another, when we do we become divided, and therefore, weak. ISIS feeds on the weak. This country only seems to come together when something horrific takes place. When lives are lost and other lives are destroyed forever. I am a reasonable, hard-working, understanding, compassionate mother, wife, daughter, and friend. Do not let the terrorists win by making me the "bad guy." My feelings are justifiable. I watch my children grow and I fear for the world they will inherit...all I want is to defend them and their future.

The battle of good and evil wages on and into depths I cannot imagine. I just want my babies to be safe, that feeling is shared among all families, no matter what religion or race they are. I don't pretend to have a solution, I just don't want to end up another victim...I don't want my children to end up another victim. I just want to keep my home safe. Surely that is something we can all agree on.

I accept there will be refugees, and I want to help those who need help the most. I just pray to God that we don't get fooled again.

"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

"Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve."

M.LEWIS

I Got This

Remember my last several posts when I talk about posting pictures of the house? Well...it's not happening this post either. Sorry.

I keep finding more things to put away, rearrange, etc. I have a lot of energy when it comes to designing a space, but when it comes to staging it and taking a picture I fizzle. I think this means I'm still tired. I love a good before and after photo, but when it comes down to doing it...I don't.

Last week took a lot of patience, and even then, I needed more. Addy's terrible-2-personality was in full-swing, making things difficult to accomplish...and any task frustrating due to all the crying. Lorelai has had some issues with the multiple moves, but that should settle down soon seeing as we are not doing this again for a long while (and hopefully never).

Tasks for the past week:
Fix the leaky faucet in the guest bathroom
Organize and start the picture slideshow for my Grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary
Appropriately evict any and all ants that have worked their way inside
Finish setting up the entry hall and dining room
Create a photo book on the building of our house

These things I had planned (the ants were a last minute add-on).

The things that came up unexpectedly:
Fix the toilet in the master bathroom
Fix the washing machine so I can provide everyone clothes
Spend the entire weekend installing 2 ceiling fans in the girls' rooms


I planned to fix the faucet myself because (even though it's under warranty) I didn't want to call and schedule a plumber, wait around for 4 hours for a 3 minute job, and have my dogs lose their sanity because someone new was over. I went to Lowe's for the part after spending some time learning what that part was. I couldn't locate it in the store and my kids were out of control that morning and I had to leave without getting anything. I then ordered the part online.

The more I work on the slideshow, the more work I create for the slideshow. This will take some quality time to finish by Thanksgiving. It doesn't help that I can only work on it at my mom's house...that gives me about 3 hours a day divided between Addy's needs, Lorelai's needs, lunch, and drive time. Oy.

I think I have the ant issue under control. It's not a huge deal. Ants happen, especially when we get dumped with 5 inches of rain in 2 days.

I am almost done with the hall and dining room, I keep changing my mind and adding new things...but this is the least of my worries, it's just cluttery which annoys me.

The photo book is something that can (and most likely will) wait. That is all.

The toilet starting leaking Thursday. This problem I did call the plumber for. Water damage is scary. Now this leak was very small, I turned off the water, emptied the tank and lined the base with a towel. I already fixed the faucet by this point or I would have added that to their list. He came in on Friday and figured out the leak was in the tank. We will need a new one...they will have to order a new one...will have to wait for Monday to order and then it will be a couple days. Ok...well, at least we have other bathrooms. Not a big deal.

The washing machine broke on Wednesday? I lose track. I have a front-load machine which needs to air out after use. The door swings all the way open and the laundry room/mud room door slams into it. We had the same issue in the old house. The problem is with the machine, I'd like to leave the door open just a wide crack, not all the way...but I can't achieve this. Anyway, I was in a rush and pushed open the laundry room door and slammed it into the washing machine door causing it to hit the frame of the washer, snapping off the hook the door needs to close...and wash things. I was so mad at myself...and mad at the darn machine. It was an unpleasant reminder that in my mad rush I need to be calmer. Long story (somewhat) short, I found the part online and had it working by Friday.

Saturday we had the great idea to get the kids their fans. You know, it was cold and rainy so getting ceiling fans is needed. A very long story short, the first fan took a while, but no real issues. That was Saturday. Sunday was fan #2 and that was not so easy. Dry wall issues, outlet box problems, this lead to hardware needs and restructuring. All said a done, fan #1 is fine, fan #2 is ok...if you just use the light. We will need to tackle that problem later this week.

So...I am still waiting for a working master toilet, I need to work on the slideshow, I need to stop using my prime account for rush appliance parts, and hopefully life will slow down more before you know....Halloween, holiday shopping time, Thanksgiving, anniversary party, Lorelai's birthday, Christmas decorating, Christmas wrapping/shipping, and Christmas itself.

Really though...I'm in my house at last. I got this. ;)



M.LEWIS

Master Floor Lamp

I look around and I am loving how the house is shaping up. I want to share, but it is a lot of rooms, and therefore, a lot of pictures. Instead of a whole house tour now, I will simply focus on my latest addition to my new space.

My new master bedroom has a tall, vaulted ceiling. The room feels big without being unnecessarily large...if that makes sense. The old floor lamp I had previously in our room instantly felt shrunken and out of place. I told myself I could get a new lamp if I found one that wasn't too dense, wasn't too short, and wasn't too expensive.

I have to say, I love creating home spaces. I am going to be all nerdy and interior-designery for a minute: I love adding in different textures, colors, materials, and using things in unusual ways. Nothing too crazy, just a bit of interest and creativity...developing an accent (and room) that is unlike anyone else's. Wrought iron, steel, cedar, pine, canvas, paint, glazing, fabric print, and subtle transitions in color. I love forming my home, the place my life happens, the place my family is rooted.

Ok, so back to the lamp. :P

Here is my gem. It's simple, yet quirky. Black metal and neutral canvas. Perfect. It's inexpensive (and I had multiple coupons!) and it doesn't take away from anything in the room, it adds subtle character. I do plan to take a picture of my lamp in my space (at some point), but for now here is the picture I saw and decided to go for it.

If you are interested, here is the link to purchase. Hooray Target!  

M.LEWIS

Settling Avenida

Well, it's been a little while, but we've been busy. We moved into our house!

It was stressful, loud, hectic, and well worth it. We spent the last 2 weeks unpacking, organizing, situating everything big and small, and with a couple extra purchases (more to come) we are settled in and loving it.

The kids and dogs are loving more space, their own space, and not living out of boxes. This is mainly the kids, but you know...a big backyard goes a long way.

It's amazing how much stuff we have...and it's amazing how we had it in a much smaller house. I don't know how to keep from collecting too much, but it is definitely a goal of ours.

I am happy to report no major issues with the house. We had a ac pipe drip (just condensation), a plug above the front door not finished (it's finished now), and we still have a leaky faucet...but none of these are big issues. Seeing as we have been homeowners for several years now, these things are completely manageable. I feel like some people in the neighborhood are less forgiving...but I'm not focusing on others' problems. We love our home, and that's all that matters.

Hard to believe we're almost half way through October...but to be honest, this year has been a blur. I refer to it as our lost year, mainly because of the prepping and selling of our first house, then moving first to the apartment, then finishing the new house, then moving again into our second house. People look at me funny when I say "I never want to move again" but I think they are the ones that are crazy. I am not a good mover. I grew up in 2 houses in my life. The first house from ages 1-4, and then the house my family still lives in from ages 4-23. My parents don't plan to move, so I can plan the same, right? ;) Lorelai is 4 now, it seems fitting. I plan to get things polished and post pictures later...hopefully when things finally cool off. 95 in mid October is not ok. :(

Halloween is approaching quickly. Addy had trouble settling on one costume, so I choose for her. Adalaide will be Tinkerbell...a perfect fit if you ask me. She bounced around a witch for awhile, but never wanted to wear the witch costume. She found an old bee costume at Grandma's...but it's too big. I figured Tinkerbell is a good fit of wings, wand, tulle, and sparkles. I am making it, so I can tailor it to her tiny body better. ;)

Lorelai is going to be a Fairy Pirate Princess...it was once a Fairy Robot Pirate Princess, but she has since dropped the robot factor. She'll have mainly fairy princess elements, but with a pirate hat and an eye patch...it shall be interesting. I'm just telling people she is dressed up as her imagination. :P

More to come later, farewell from Avenida Ln! :D

M.LEWIS

Apartment Days are Numbered

Wednesday is our closing!

That means packing, planning, sorting, organizing, and lots of patience. That's right, it's "the move: part 2."

Not a whole lot else to update you on. The next post should be from the new house (and hopefully with a lot of pictures!)

I cannot wait to get out of this apartment! AH!


M.LEWIS

Ikea Dresser Hack

A little weekend project turned into an less than perfect transformation, but now that it's all done, it was worth it.

Here is a little Ikea hack of my own.

Here is our dresser. We have two, placed side-by-side to make a mega dresser. It was inexpensive and it had a lot of storage space, great for a newlywed couple on a budget.

Well, the look of them never thrilled me and years later, I have finally done something about it.

After applying a stencil with chalk paint (and antique glaze) I added a a custom fit wood top and I feel it looks so much better.

(Ignore the pile of pillows in the corner.) Collectively, I invested about $95 in paint, stain, wood, stencil, screws, glue, wood filler, etc. I really like the look now, well worth it.

No "how to" here...just a picture and an idea to share. :)


M.LEWIS