tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86431166097531578282024-03-12T21:44:42.268-05:00Feathers and FingerprintsKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-80791972102867290202013-10-17T16:03:00.001-05:002013-10-17T16:03:14.981-05:00A Car TrackMy son is constantly driving little cars around the house. He lays on the floor and pushes them around the living room and up the hall. A couple weeks ago I decided he needed a car track to cruise around. I scavenged a piece of chipboard from the garage and routed the edges. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImjgZhZ4ipC__e5Vlj_XPjjj0i4GOyf9VYDzibGeonfRpLYNdA9PSZSjgS-PPqvAaw5JCeKP0Lw6lPNyVViDSRceOKbW4KqmX1JCiCYv6JQLSwT6616RL4IMvxqvlFK-5USumZ6chiFhu/s640/blogger-image-1373048736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImjgZhZ4ipC__e5Vlj_XPjjj0i4GOyf9VYDzibGeonfRpLYNdA9PSZSjgS-PPqvAaw5JCeKP0Lw6lPNyVViDSRceOKbW4KqmX1JCiCYv6JQLSwT6616RL4IMvxqvlFK-5USumZ6chiFhu/s640/blogger-image-1373048736.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I gave it a good once-over with primer before painting two coats of green. The green paint was turned into chalkboard paint by adding a heaping spoonful of grout. The chipboard surface is still pretty rough even after painting so it might not actually work out as a chalkboard. It was worth a shot. I also added grout to a small sample tub of gray paint for the road.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirN7JOlCUqnjpmOkTujvFbar5VGgzKE6h83SmUCgv4Qxv-9a8oLPqXt_cHYET833PUV73GJYUjcAWCgFYBWsLCLVHPDwkZbDiaAgvP_mWuaVKEVsHXXWgOO57AQ5OV2VXSYJj0Ltcj6ivg/s640/blogger-image--580642376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirN7JOlCUqnjpmOkTujvFbar5VGgzKE6h83SmUCgv4Qxv-9a8oLPqXt_cHYET833PUV73GJYUjcAWCgFYBWsLCLVHPDwkZbDiaAgvP_mWuaVKEVsHXXWgOO57AQ5OV2VXSYJj0Ltcj6ivg/s640/blogger-image--580642376.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ryan cut scrap boards into little block houses and each kiddo painted one. The girls also painted two blocks as a school and a store.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4seEj6TQ_XD5bPUi1GKKECntq7aNU0ZdLxwrDg3boZPOG6JN4Kbv5IA_D7wN1CaLpsNCRYG0VtC3ytfDAQoH4kITxLVcOGDfTDJtN-phlYKobfCzWv39ux0U0atUKJKcJL1yq_GGOTDt/s640/blogger-image--13447903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4seEj6TQ_XD5bPUi1GKKECntq7aNU0ZdLxwrDg3boZPOG6JN4Kbv5IA_D7wN1CaLpsNCRYG0VtC3ytfDAQoH4kITxLVcOGDfTDJtN-phlYKobfCzWv39ux0U0atUKJKcJL1yq_GGOTDt/s640/blogger-image--13447903.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Painting is very serious business. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFk3taHWXrjFF8rVh_KzMYmbLQ2Z-00Fr01-pHTMiyTiXvb2JGz7tvv6n543_8ztAnB3C0rAGFONgQYaXOTpqjgk663eW_KaFpiPB56zD89JdAAIwvSBKVxBcwWvd4EQxlZZt1sli3fa4-/s640/blogger-image-680201179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFk3taHWXrjFF8rVh_KzMYmbLQ2Z-00Fr01-pHTMiyTiXvb2JGz7tvv6n543_8ztAnB3C0rAGFONgQYaXOTpqjgk663eW_KaFpiPB56zD89JdAAIwvSBKVxBcwWvd4EQxlZZt1sli3fa4-/s640/blogger-image-680201179.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The blue paint was leftover homemade chalkboard paint from another project. The only thing I actually purchased for this project was a pack of chalk markers I used to draw the details on the road. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dDaJdMUTlD8dCjTp72t1tMgvS34c8TYPBdy9F-rntQuzZ-0Vzwx8fyK1eN6wfvGmOB1kbY2ungiavDD4isgt33DKIHgRoX-cnV63q7srbgn_BeQGDwDECrzMTKhIdKNtQqDKCfKObRn0/s640/blogger-image-867248000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dDaJdMUTlD8dCjTp72t1tMgvS34c8TYPBdy9F-rntQuzZ-0Vzwx8fyK1eN6wfvGmOB1kbY2ungiavDD4isgt33DKIHgRoX-cnV63q7srbgn_BeQGDwDECrzMTKhIdKNtQqDKCfKObRn0/s640/blogger-image-867248000.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpIU12jPYhKxGd1jdKyRoq8Hj716VQZhRNLwGqKBmmK2tUN0QzkTGwsrDvZakkBDCGLxgBHLMb_L_D5zEFpukTh__g0dpqcVWNXhUoFDHHbXjTY2LzTHfTBycpzBunOPXCuTYAnNsZGh2/s640/blogger-image--1089142413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpIU12jPYhKxGd1jdKyRoq8Hj716VQZhRNLwGqKBmmK2tUN0QzkTGwsrDvZakkBDCGLxgBHLMb_L_D5zEFpukTh__g0dpqcVWNXhUoFDHHbXjTY2LzTHfTBycpzBunOPXCuTYAnNsZGh2/s640/blogger-image--1089142413.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ALWx2GeBo6cLRuLebEALqXOow4nEDVyVNcw_JBsdI63U9y54EL7Gw57wsYOTdDgms4oJxgTPxqYuj9ni-mcPC460aCcS7cPG0479PhjmBIAUFnw3yz9ViubiepY-A0Fn89V6LGQtdBLq/s640/blogger-image--2125559394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ALWx2GeBo6cLRuLebEALqXOow4nEDVyVNcw_JBsdI63U9y54EL7Gw57wsYOTdDgms4oJxgTPxqYuj9ni-mcPC460aCcS7cPG0479PhjmBIAUFnw3yz9ViubiepY-A0Fn89V6LGQtdBLq/s640/blogger-image--2125559394.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Surprisingly, the girls enjoy playing with it as much as little man!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75oYfeAmOLw52X3E5JKDIDaxFnfDKfpdTwWomi4SnJHXHaIiQQ21bsJ_xgINQFURhCWSJp5qwlLVqVMsJY8WrG-pGtQRqgq1Q9KLDc_bM-Q15FzoCxHhR66wQExwAhYN8Q7cTW8WaI6M9/s640/blogger-image--273174228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75oYfeAmOLw52X3E5JKDIDaxFnfDKfpdTwWomi4SnJHXHaIiQQ21bsJ_xgINQFURhCWSJp5qwlLVqVMsJY8WrG-pGtQRqgq1Q9KLDc_bM-Q15FzoCxHhR66wQExwAhYN8Q7cTW8WaI6M9/s640/blogger-image--273174228.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLkxH9duJL-xUzjVavkxka4Zar9RtstjGoyA45Eqq5EzzMYobXQ8qz1BuVDK-O9SESdRNsy3Ua-KXtHKEggyp1v7z5cIVJWbgdT6pKlgNyX8cR75_NCZkhGkdxysPlUOn6Q5sRCGLHPLK/s640/blogger-image-69106304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLkxH9duJL-xUzjVavkxka4Zar9RtstjGoyA45Eqq5EzzMYobXQ8qz1BuVDK-O9SESdRNsy3Ua-KXtHKEggyp1v7z5cIVJWbgdT6pKlgNyX8cR75_NCZkhGkdxysPlUOn6Q5sRCGLHPLK/s640/blogger-image-69106304.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Happy fall break!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-66058671039635871722013-09-07T20:07:00.001-05:002013-09-07T20:07:20.274-05:00A Shout Out to my HusbandMy husband. Where do I begin. This man is like no one else I have ever met. He is an amazing father. With our children he is a teacher, encourager, expert, and explorer of all things slithery, creepy, crawly, furred and feathered. For this I am thankful! Without him my kids wouldn't know how to catch crawdads, identify dangerous snakes (you mean they aren't ALL dangerous??), hit a whiffle ball, or love and care for furry animals of all types (who knew guinea pigs would be good pets for little kids). And, somehow, he can magically get fussy babies to stop crying by holding their feet (seriously, it worked like a charm on our babies so we've randomly tested the theory on our friends' fussy little ones with 100% success).<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EkjYhaoAYbzybrDFHPM9yOdhqjNcMPg2baG7FnmE6kDwaXT-LzP0qeIpQlcu8-VPjhYoSwINVk3qcHEN7oVaNd6-BQbIWOlymCljqgscBVr-4IDfaxkctK9OC1cNV4LInPbQul-VRbWK/s640/blogger-image-747550939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EkjYhaoAYbzybrDFHPM9yOdhqjNcMPg2baG7FnmE6kDwaXT-LzP0qeIpQlcu8-VPjhYoSwINVk3qcHEN7oVaNd6-BQbIWOlymCljqgscBVr-4IDfaxkctK9OC1cNV4LInPbQul-VRbWK/s640/blogger-image-747550939.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8BXCzOGtBhA-imMCojveb5FX2PtK-sWRGzSafKZuamyDyQL7YBUnpy6O2M3DjILKT77RM-4W1_GZXwCsowIchqDG328oxPfgyt6_u4sZB-j00WB6jK1zBUfrnivy1wQAVGB9skhwJbzM/s640/blogger-image--2141449265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8BXCzOGtBhA-imMCojveb5FX2PtK-sWRGzSafKZuamyDyQL7YBUnpy6O2M3DjILKT77RM-4W1_GZXwCsowIchqDG328oxPfgyt6_u4sZB-j00WB6jK1zBUfrnivy1wQAVGB9skhwJbzM/s640/blogger-image--2141449265.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfmrE_yaOrcBt3aT-aXg1L5cmUYrjR1fxc9daB-2zlI9Ybcl1chPzVJxz4x9ZeuHYORWIlqb6pTK7ir0g12bcghufQNguy4wfGCCrMPPCHxD8BlzeVeJd28RegMq_if80vSbq9A9APzOq/s640/blogger-image--881098000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfmrE_yaOrcBt3aT-aXg1L5cmUYrjR1fxc9daB-2zlI9Ybcl1chPzVJxz4x9ZeuHYORWIlqb6pTK7ir0g12bcghufQNguy4wfGCCrMPPCHxD8BlzeVeJd28RegMq_if80vSbq9A9APzOq/s640/blogger-image--881098000.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8RnAuHyVk02l_kQXPWS8FXU8YL9yJ6fUhagLzOUb-SLXWALrEKmjGkPMOffPyMvd5EUO9k4QBRPHI7BfuN8mI5QNw19aIVrSi70d1yJix80PXcm9G_UTFwO13KqweyGfcGW5btZ5icdt/s640/blogger-image-2110971536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8RnAuHyVk02l_kQXPWS8FXU8YL9yJ6fUhagLzOUb-SLXWALrEKmjGkPMOffPyMvd5EUO9k4QBRPHI7BfuN8mI5QNw19aIVrSi70d1yJix80PXcm9G_UTFwO13KqweyGfcGW5btZ5icdt/s640/blogger-image-2110971536.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3PQIWagIVKSSozslsENzOSo2mbOFnRuVMeedHz1yEq7fWoiRv8ds7r2Si0279-VqKP7SVV-w9-7ILfKNRcz_iVhAQdedYBxxPPItxoN4Xl8VrJ2dXe-vjCYououA4eWFJ4li5gl3IZmS/s640/blogger-image--1120801574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3PQIWagIVKSSozslsENzOSo2mbOFnRuVMeedHz1yEq7fWoiRv8ds7r2Si0279-VqKP7SVV-w9-7ILfKNRcz_iVhAQdedYBxxPPItxoN4Xl8VrJ2dXe-vjCYououA4eWFJ4li5gl3IZmS/s640/blogger-image--1120801574.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_ewLobRJTtn6KghfaWfWpAWiAP9urzE80PF8gIqiYfY2l5HVlmWtGHLmUKVFYxtKENoXNk1Ugvpv8LVkC314Ztc0tBaAhLp_PhQ-rwdm17t0AuQbOHUdUn2z9WurfWHjJF2eLyfeVa0D/s640/blogger-image--1792562923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_ewLobRJTtn6KghfaWfWpAWiAP9urzE80PF8gIqiYfY2l5HVlmWtGHLmUKVFYxtKENoXNk1Ugvpv8LVkC314Ztc0tBaAhLp_PhQ-rwdm17t0AuQbOHUdUn2z9WurfWHjJF2eLyfeVa0D/s640/blogger-image--1792562923.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W2vjaVmd0Iisd_-WTN3nh8sdheVanWbwgpIdEjSGRNSipa5nm6mSa-N4K8fr5HGkJ_z51he8rZyO4crCLOA57_fq_bCA7KqtxxKWeu07WCGRAHIOF9sgpAIbDiYbxJuYmFNbJqmbcuUs/s640/blogger-image--215787165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W2vjaVmd0Iisd_-WTN3nh8sdheVanWbwgpIdEjSGRNSipa5nm6mSa-N4K8fr5HGkJ_z51he8rZyO4crCLOA57_fq_bCA7KqtxxKWeu07WCGRAHIOF9sgpAIbDiYbxJuYmFNbJqmbcuUs/s640/blogger-image--215787165.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I could go on and on about the enrichment he provides for the kids. But the kids aren't the only ones benefitting from his genuine love of life. I had NO idea what I signed up for when I said "I do." I couldn't have predicted that he would teach me to use power tools, drive lawn mowers, pull trailers, demolish and rebuild bathrooms, edit video, and change my brake pads (let's hope I don't have to put that last one to practice). He also pushes me to test my limits and pursue my dreams. He's the swift kick in the butt I need when I'm losing sight of my goals. And let's be honest, sometimes he just flat out drives me crazy. I'm sure the feeling is mutual. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So when he started showing me pictures of hand-crafted teardrop trailers I thought to myself, "here we go again." Then he got his hands on an old busted up camper. Next thing I know, we are hauling the camper home and he is disassembling it on our driveway. I used to worry what the neighbors must be thinking... Now they just come over and ask. A nice lady from down the street stopped on her morning walk to inquire and was very optimistic that it will turn out great. Whew. I still can't quite wrap my head around how it's all going to come together, but I am confident that Ryan has thought of every last detail and can visualize the entire blueprint in his mind. I'll have a better understanding of it all as it comes together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You can read more about the trailer project on Ryan's blog: <a href="http://ryanvanzant.blogspot.com/2013/09/trailer-project.html">http://ryanvanzant.blogspot.com/2013/09/trailer-project.html</a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg34NRtpwVHFEV7G64DKJzixKeiVTyD8fVDV0Jbu0KPfCSjWx_aqDevibUzYXHdnsn-hzSfPUn7mtnNRXOORXhSW2UxFNjR-PqyK8q1E7zyQNzNxCvg21QaEogMDVe4F5HKP9KU2CK69hG/s640/blogger-image--1823285273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg34NRtpwVHFEV7G64DKJzixKeiVTyD8fVDV0Jbu0KPfCSjWx_aqDevibUzYXHdnsn-hzSfPUn7mtnNRXOORXhSW2UxFNjR-PqyK8q1E7zyQNzNxCvg21QaEogMDVe4F5HKP9KU2CK69hG/s640/blogger-image--1823285273.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Enjoy this beautiful Saturday!</div><br></div><br></div> </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-32834048187556661002013-09-07T20:06:00.001-05:002013-09-07T20:06:10.297-05:00Brick Patio; We're Getting Closer!After many many hours sweating in the sun and near 100 degree temps, the bricks are almost complete! Wahoo!! It took about two and half hours to power wash the whole thing. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RxGhAPsWCSjzCl0F1gBK5eYYfkSbzIgnAoZFMLRb7Ay3PD-g5dZgDDwT-zb9uzpULVaT30TzCX6_qwoLk1c4KDw0aVnjQVDngdQtU98iuC9ZDOGsrDs4YAj7NqQvadnLtxfrYaAisF8T/s640/blogger-image-545037879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RxGhAPsWCSjzCl0F1gBK5eYYfkSbzIgnAoZFMLRb7Ay3PD-g5dZgDDwT-zb9uzpULVaT30TzCX6_qwoLk1c4KDw0aVnjQVDngdQtU98iuC9ZDOGsrDs4YAj7NqQvadnLtxfrYaAisF8T/s640/blogger-image-545037879.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwB1ztOmKcPh99G3xWoARFHCC8_gv5UJ3oie1spOaWrb0ShR_6m2vyRCI3vf74d3EtW68CMe_Ez3h_7wHmhtcU4GtMFEnD-vPPf3_38RjKAbDlh8_75YrimUYV_6zNTqgpebXzsHO8ebJF/s640/blogger-image--2053197091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwB1ztOmKcPh99G3xWoARFHCC8_gv5UJ3oie1spOaWrb0ShR_6m2vyRCI3vf74d3EtW68CMe_Ez3h_7wHmhtcU4GtMFEnD-vPPf3_38RjKAbDlh8_75YrimUYV_6zNTqgpebXzsHO8ebJF/s640/blogger-image--2053197091.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMG12K5bCo2GO9qJy4KaqSXe-grKwq3SuzVSPan2vKJp5Jyq4JSix99skYSn5yqMQlx3XftTbNf_Cuvf2optFPIwZSIH0lPBhTEZm0GSXXYHv3uihXPStj7Y5OdSQFv206sm7ZhWjpLNR/s640/blogger-image--943094524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMG12K5bCo2GO9qJy4KaqSXe-grKwq3SuzVSPan2vKJp5Jyq4JSix99skYSn5yqMQlx3XftTbNf_Cuvf2optFPIwZSIH0lPBhTEZm0GSXXYHv3uihXPStj7Y5OdSQFv206sm7ZhWjpLNR/s640/blogger-image--943094524.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDc4IdbkDOL63cz2iwc99GOjgDL1X0EMzRzres-WyzMyhJmSgsKh6LEZnrjdhvxvrPbCcdJWrP2oFNHn27hQrnVs4meQxey4HgGlg6Pw9RQUM825noQnx5_4-8rsFu7z9jpzOprjhYQBf3/s640/blogger-image-1230077999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDc4IdbkDOL63cz2iwc99GOjgDL1X0EMzRzres-WyzMyhJmSgsKh6LEZnrjdhvxvrPbCcdJWrP2oFNHn27hQrnVs4meQxey4HgGlg6Pw9RQUM825noQnx5_4-8rsFu7z9jpzOprjhYQBf3/s640/blogger-image-1230077999.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have a couple different brick varieties. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyu3LXLx0rTFMfpK6Ich-hb8ZhAbuqJ6cRptkOLSMqR3nQe-IN22y-7EZyeziXs70JivoBA4zMnHndjX8OCQvjphDad4n_cQAHuPsxi28Um5B_UhNJTgLnvvi7LnEPL9LmllJNz6iYiaU5/s640/blogger-image-1788043617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyu3LXLx0rTFMfpK6Ich-hb8ZhAbuqJ6cRptkOLSMqR3nQe-IN22y-7EZyeziXs70JivoBA4zMnHndjX8OCQvjphDad4n_cQAHuPsxi28Um5B_UhNJTgLnvvi7LnEPL9LmllJNz6iYiaU5/s640/blogger-image-1788043617.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRvx8fOo2Ea-XR4uG6pOK1xPaAm6z8LbwtxfXByH9VzMBlwjoE8HoiHR3WBk3j_ub2kLfo0infeLDX47x-RPHeXZb94e4b-0pfZnHMSAILyeImF4xXfW3KGlniNBJt2DwKAezxVgWfQAD/s640/blogger-image--170714022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRvx8fOo2Ea-XR4uG6pOK1xPaAm6z8LbwtxfXByH9VzMBlwjoE8HoiHR3WBk3j_ub2kLfo0infeLDX47x-RPHeXZb94e4b-0pfZnHMSAILyeImF4xXfW3KGlniNBJt2DwKAezxVgWfQAD/s640/blogger-image--170714022.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuqtJ5vvUaQziro1ey1PUk_O06T5bVGzvYT-aMyWDUeHEAw7S2ruhBaxxMlyJ3xvyheRB92DDtEPTlYoYn5REOVkT6XIspId_MEG3DRGnk4rvk4rdLIOY6uaZp7LZ72uJjQayNPwqFLiR/s640/blogger-image-681180552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuqtJ5vvUaQziro1ey1PUk_O06T5bVGzvYT-aMyWDUeHEAw7S2ruhBaxxMlyJ3xvyheRB92DDtEPTlYoYn5REOVkT6XIspId_MEG3DRGnk4rvk4rdLIOY6uaZp7LZ72uJjQayNPwqFLiR/s640/blogger-image-681180552.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We still need to break more bricks to fill some little spaces along the edge and fill the cracks with sand and mortar. Almost there...</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-32341823900741332952013-08-25T21:50:00.001-05:002013-08-26T18:35:58.545-05:00"New" Kitchen ChairsYesterday I took the kids to a couple of garage sales. I rarely shop at garage sales, mainly because I hate driving all over town looking for them, but on Friday night Ryan saw an ad online for a sale with a ton of furniture. They called it a furniture painter's dream, and they weren't kidding. I went early hoping to find kitchen chairs. I think I would have brought a lot more furniture home had I been able to fit it in my SUV!<div><br></div><div>I got four matching chairs for $50!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPmWpJ_OXF0PWGc8D56vWsCaDYhu0On-cMqR7CGciz7KFjuvUYxYnNLJeaQwjQveikrMvRRmOyq7uAyUyfxtEce3k_5_jhAn5PLJylMY6SdwuYTYF12QvLl9PgpqVxI6wjD5imZud-J8h/s640/blogger-image-913271225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPmWpJ_OXF0PWGc8D56vWsCaDYhu0On-cMqR7CGciz7KFjuvUYxYnNLJeaQwjQveikrMvRRmOyq7uAyUyfxtEce3k_5_jhAn5PLJylMY6SdwuYTYF12QvLl9PgpqVxI6wjD5imZud-J8h/s640/blogger-image-913271225.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They are very solid and in great shape. When we got home we started wiping them down to get rid of the cob webs and grass clippings. They looked clean until I realized that what I thought was stain was actually grimy build up. Surprising since the fabric is clean and stain free on all four chairs. So I busted out a bucket of warm soapy water and enlisted the kids to help. Sorry the lighting is so bad in my pictures! My iPhone's finest. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LrIF4K0ReJj1ycqiAYl2OqnTozqJLR6PDo6FroAMiTc2oBeCVCi9TO7unJzoA3L6ctMghHFnOHxZqITw_xOr8c22tIS9iFR1r1Y7GOe8Ln6_JpVqk0ijWEVx4RlQfVL_dfYCMT-YCZCo/s640/blogger-image--1531499938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LrIF4K0ReJj1ycqiAYl2OqnTozqJLR6PDo6FroAMiTc2oBeCVCi9TO7unJzoA3L6ctMghHFnOHxZqITw_xOr8c22tIS9iFR1r1Y7GOe8Ln6_JpVqk0ijWEVx4RlQfVL_dfYCMT-YCZCo/s640/blogger-image--1531499938.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjZ1dlXnHm5Bu4RUFKSicM8dk_l9ihMb6Sqt14GYz4heTr_nGTrBrSXn6kZ-OnhwQW2ZMUeC3McOLm4a7_XBQiE3UkhUnMy6zDk5aRxquoPdJV3rsy3sVV_qgz8E87YQmzc6mJ30VomDg/s640/blogger-image--312158346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjZ1dlXnHm5Bu4RUFKSicM8dk_l9ihMb6Sqt14GYz4heTr_nGTrBrSXn6kZ-OnhwQW2ZMUeC3McOLm4a7_XBQiE3UkhUnMy6zDk5aRxquoPdJV3rsy3sVV_qgz8E87YQmzc6mJ30VomDg/s640/blogger-image--312158346.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0vDwACSkTtl2hhY5WdrdZckrQMgxmTh1xbMlm9Vjoo3ZT_5daML4C26LC7tL-yuUyT0Sp2shw8q1PHj_QXCSzhyzZDzBnFyjsdvdiPSmqtYm0hROFNGWSwHnMRaEUVc2l1r_ABAGPTL0/s640/blogger-image--1615432818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0vDwACSkTtl2hhY5WdrdZckrQMgxmTh1xbMlm9Vjoo3ZT_5daML4C26LC7tL-yuUyT0Sp2shw8q1PHj_QXCSzhyzZDzBnFyjsdvdiPSmqtYm0hROFNGWSwHnMRaEUVc2l1r_ABAGPTL0/s640/blogger-image--1615432818.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The "new" chairs match the table amazingly well. Ryan thinks I should touch up the stain on the chairs since they match so well. I'm thinking more along the lines of painting them and recovering the seats. I've been pinning lots of fun ideas. I would love to be brave enough to paint them all red. But that might be too bold. Maybe just some bright and cheery red fabric instead? Any suggestions?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Have you noticed a theme on the blog lately? We've been doing a lot of projects with recycled or reclaimed materials. I used to prefer everything be shiny and new, but as I've developed more confidence in my DIY skills I've realized I can create some pretty amazing things from left-over or left-behind materials. I've pushed myself to take more design risks (purple shutters I'm talking to you) and not stress over making sure every little thing matches. I find myself surrounded by unique pieces that inspire me and make this house my home. Not to mention the good feeling that comes from helping out the environment by reducing our contribution to the landfill. That's pretty awesome, too. :)</div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-55781002301130717512013-08-25T20:43:00.001-05:002013-08-25T20:43:06.609-05:00No Rest on This Day!We kept busy working on projects around the house today. I don't feel like we actually finished anything, but I feel good knowing we did as much as possible in one day. My hands are blistered from mowing the crazy jungle of a back yard that is growing out of control thanks to a lot of rain. While I mowed, Ryan chugged away working on the patio until eventually he ran out of bricks. Rather than go dig more bricks from the mound we moved on to the garage. It took at least an hour or two to get straightened up but at least we can walk though it now without fearing for the safety of our shins!<div><br></div><div>Here's a pic of the progress we made on the patio. I'm guessing it'll take another 7-10 loads of bricks to finish.... <br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakvB4JjSRAuKO6yPBLJxApJZofBbFn2HUZH1jnSCCRUYhtoyQcRBhMGvpWv61SepaShgidBepNSpofK5e1GV-viAxJXl3tnaxYN8NXJnsO5W6iTIr6YUeC5ibo8S0uXO1X57pbEvSjMs8/s640/blogger-image--628877601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakvB4JjSRAuKO6yPBLJxApJZofBbFn2HUZH1jnSCCRUYhtoyQcRBhMGvpWv61SepaShgidBepNSpofK5e1GV-viAxJXl3tnaxYN8NXJnsO5W6iTIr6YUeC5ibo8S0uXO1X57pbEvSjMs8/s640/blogger-image--628877601.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>To be continued...</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-91946024903567483132013-08-24T22:14:00.001-05:002013-08-24T22:14:27.629-05:00A Ton of Bricks<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About a month ago I posted pictures of my little patio update <a href="http://feathersandfingerprints.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-little-patio-love.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Since then we've been hard at work making even more changes. Remember how I posted a picture of the red brick pavers we were thinking about?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, we jumped in with both feet. We were able to strike up a deal with the owner of these bricks. A really, really good deal. Maybe it had something to do with this...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yup, that's the pile of bricks being taken over by the land. We are unsure of the details of the history of these bricks, but judging from the wear (and concrete stuck to some) we know they've been used before. Even better. :) So we dug, dug, dug and loaded up the truck about 5 times over the course of a couple weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One truck load...</span></div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/5366020ff8e8f8d314902db46a750785_zps3649f2b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/5366020ff8e8f8d314902db46a750785_zps3649f2b3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Three truck loads...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We layered fine gravel on the concrete slab patio for the first phase of bricks. In order to expand the patio out into the yard (and to meet up with the sidewalk that stops suddenly in the back of the house) we dug out a large area of grass. Luckily we have had so much rain recently that the ground has been softer than usual. Regardless, digging grass makes for sore feet....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luckily we had a very enthusiastic helper.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/littlehelper2_zps82305c66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/littlehelper2_zps82305c66.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The digging is finally done. Hopefully we'll make more progress leveling and laying bricks tomorrow!</span></div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/image_zpsbe158c34.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/image_zpsbe158c34.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRIYZqngt9kNpuqk8hIKD3Evy0kDrAqb4QZvzPWZJBOxDsk313n3ZtSsgVv8vYJ6tGfgbFwP-FVSbyasHxYiwxunOT1UGgNzy1-xN4fuEnaE7mKLfvXOxJ4VOYDwvVmRuXmqTr-Oq9lZ8/s1600/signature+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRIYZqngt9kNpuqk8hIKD3Evy0kDrAqb4QZvzPWZJBOxDsk313n3ZtSsgVv8vYJ6tGfgbFwP-FVSbyasHxYiwxunOT1UGgNzy1-xN4fuEnaE7mKLfvXOxJ4VOYDwvVmRuXmqTr-Oq9lZ8/s200/signature+copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-43062982472052386382013-08-24T21:30:00.001-05:002013-08-24T22:14:48.547-05:00A Little Boy's Baseball Bedroom<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A while back we started to transform our son's room from a <a href="http://feathersandfingerprints.blogspot.com/2012/02/bye-bye-nursery.html" target="_blank">fairy tale nursery</a> to a <a href="http://feathersandfingerprints.blogspot.com/2012/02/room-for-boy.html" target="_blank">little boy's baseball bedroom</a>. It took a while to get it together and it still isn't finished. But I thought I would share the progress we've made.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can read more about how we added baseballs to the bedposts <a href="http://feathersandfingerprints.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-baseball-bed.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/baseballbed_zpsecfdddbe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/baseballbed_zpsecfdddbe.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mom gave us this shelf that once hung at her dad's house. I painted it deep blue and hung it over the window. I found some hardware at Lowes (for hanging closet bars I think) and hung the curtains right between the corbels. That bat was an old Busch Stadium giveaway from when I was a kid. It is laying on a notched out piece of scrap wood so it won't roll off the shelf.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/windowshelf_zps1bb8117e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/windowshelf_zps1bb8117e.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The toy box got a new paint job with the same paint as the shelf.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/toyboxafter_zpsddc66644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/toyboxafter_zpsddc66644.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is what the toy box looked like before (in all its crayon colored on glory!)</span></div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/f5736a3d11ab1dd31095d625c24864ec_zps2b9e565d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/f5736a3d11ab1dd31095d625c24864ec_zps2b9e565d.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This summer we moved the kids' play kitchen into Little R's room. He plays with it more than the girls so it works well. It has seen better days but the kids love it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/playkitchen_zps0e6c97fe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/playkitchen_zps0e6c97fe.jpg" width="466" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also added a cute baseball lamp that my father-in-law found but my picture was blurry so I'll have to take another one tomorrow. :)</span></div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-59195412805285587722013-07-15T13:47:00.001-05:002013-07-15T13:50:51.351-05:00No Solicitors, Please!<div style="text-align: center;">
I used to think door-to-door vacuum salesmen were a myth. In this day and age who would go into the homes of strangers to demonstrate an over-priced vacuum? To my surprise (and dismay) they actually exist and ring my doorbell on a regular basis. So do teenagers wanting to sell me magazine subscriptions to earn a free vacation.</div>
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I don't have time to read the magazines I already subscribe to. I love my cheap, store-bought vacuum. I'm not looking for a new church, lawn mowing service, or newspaper subscription.</div>
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Unless you are a child who lives on my street selling cookie dough don't bother knocking on my door. Solicitors, if you ring my doorbell during nap time you can expect to be greeted by an angry mom. <i>This is your warning.</i></div>
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I've been wanting to make a sign to hang by the front door for a while now. Then, last week, Facebook was full of warnings of a woman in town pretending to be a door-to-door book salesman looking for children to kidnap. I don't know how that story originated or if there is any truth to the warnings, but none the less it prompted me to finally make a sign.</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/nosolicitorsign3_zps55cbd26d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/nosolicitorsign3_zps55cbd26d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started with a board from the scrap pile in the garage. I used a pencil and letter stencils to write out my message. I liked the spacing and look of it all so I traced my pencil lines with permanent marker. I knew if I painted over the pencil lines I'd never get the spacing right again!</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/nosolicitorsign1_zps335200ef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/nosolicitorsign1_zps335200ef.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I planned to paint the board with white craft paint. Craft paint is thin enough the marker would still show through. Unfortunately, my white craft paint was MIA. And I had a sleeping child that I wasn't about to wake to run to the store. Such is life. Not wanting to put off this project any longer I found some white spray paint in the garage and went to work. I figured my perfectly spaced letters would be covered forever, but I really just wanted to get. it. done. </div>
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In my haste I didn't factor in the weather. It was at least 100 degrees out. The spray paint was drying before it even hit the wood! It was all bumpy and resembled a popcorn ceiling. I ended up sanding all the crumbly paint off and was left with this.</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/nosolicitorsign2_zpse7b942a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/nosolicitorsign2_zpse7b942a6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I painted the message and edges with the same royal plum paint I used on the shutters. Some twine stapled to the back finished it off. </div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/nosolicitorsign4_zps52487947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/nosolicitorsign4_zps52487947.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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The sign was hanging on the porch for <i>maybe</i> 24 hours when, right in the middle of nap time, the doorbell rang. My first thought was, come on people, read the sign!! Turns out it was my neighbor with free movie rental coupons for the kids. haha I guess since she falls into the "welcome friends" category I'll forgive her for waking my son. ;) By the way, she loved my sign. I guess she isn't in the market for a new vacuum either.</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-56800758439883712782013-07-02T14:25:00.001-05:002013-08-24T22:15:41.579-05:00The Places We've Lived Map<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love revamping something old to make something new. Old, weathered barn wood is one of my favorite materials to make interesting pieces for around the house! I used old barn slats to make a US map for my living room. </div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_0987edit_zps2dc06ae4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_0987edit_zps2dc06ae4.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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Here are the wood slats in all their rough and weathered glory.</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/2b2382704f4d245afaebf05519a02e32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/2b2382704f4d245afaebf05519a02e32.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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We took the slats and cut them so they were all close to the same length without being perfect. I made sure not to cut off some of the broken ends. I think they add character! Then I arranged them on the driveway, alternating the rough ends.</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/100ca0163d5623482bfce660ef670976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/100ca0163d5623482bfce660ef670976.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I cut two boards to size to hold the whole thing together.</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/8dcb257b435e6e7cb5fbe099c4c3f761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/8dcb257b435e6e7cb5fbe099c4c3f761.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I carefully slipped the support boards under the slats and then used old nails found in the garage to nail the boards in place.</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/cb2fc7b037299b5a04299c4706770e57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/cb2fc7b037299b5a04299c4706770e57.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/f5c9e1c1f53bc26ba40c9eef0bfd0592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/f5c9e1c1f53bc26ba40c9eef0bfd0592.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used a projector and chalk to outline the United States centered on the boards.</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_1011_zps0685ffa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_1011_zps0685ffa1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I chose Minwax stain in ebony to create a nice contrast. Before staining I scored my chalk line with a razor to prevent the stain from running. The old wood soaked the stain right up.</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_1012_zps78450e2e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_1012_zps78450e2e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With acrylic craft paint I painted a red heart where we call home. Then I used silver paint to mark all of the cities we've lived in. The silver marks look so much like nail heads that I'll probably go back and paint over them with another color.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_0984edit_zpsb1e00458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_0984edit_zpsb1e00458.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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And here it is hanging in my living room! I'm so happy with how it looks!</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_0983_zps6447295a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_0983_zps6447295a.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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I have a couple boards left and a fun idea for them! Check back later to see what else I have up my sleeve!</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-87396243240112951882013-07-01T11:57:00.001-05:002013-07-01T11:57:59.550-05:00A Little Patio Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and the back yard is calling! I finally got around to sprucing up our patio post renovation. The renovation cut our patio space in half since we enclosed the covered side. I went digging through my computer files to find this picture I took on our first visit before we bought the house over seven years ago. The first summer here we took down the lattice, got rid of the bushes, and put up a privacy fence on that side of the yard. We also hung a ceiling fan and planted grape vines that grew wildly up the posts.</div>
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Here is the horrible before picture taken a couple of months ago. The covered patio acted as a catch-all for anything and everything. Birds kept trying to nest in the grape vines and ceiling fan and left little presents all over the furniture. Yuck. This space was such an eye sore that we barely used it.</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/Beforeoutsidecopy_zps7778f3f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/Beforeoutsidecopy_zps7778f3f1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then came the <a href="http://feathersandfingerprints.blogspot.com/search/label/home%20renovation" target="_blank">renovation</a> this spring. We enclosed the covered patio to make a room for our parrots. At first I was very worried about how everything would work out. I didn't like the idea of more cheap vinyl siding taking over the back of our house. However, siding plans changed when we discovered extensive termite damage. All of the old dirty siding came down in order to make repairs and we replaced it with composite Hardie Boards. This picture was taken in the middle of the chaos. Yes, that is a large parrot cage on the patio.</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_2187_zps256f0751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_2187_zps256f0751.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And now, drum roll please.....</div>
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We have a functional and visually appealing place to hang out! I moved most of the furniture off of the patio since space is very limited. Usually the kids sit at their picnic table in the grass so this is adequate seating for our normal day to day life. And the patio gets plenty of shade during the day so I can hang out and watch the kids play without scorching in the sun! </div>
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The chairs needed to be redone so I took a deep breath and painted them fun colors (I hinted about it <a href="http://feathersandfingerprints.blogspot.com/2013/05/happy-mothers-day.html" target="_blank">here</a>). The green color inspiration came from an unlikely source- the kids' legos! We went with Sassy Green (Valspar Ultra Exterior Paint + Primer). The purple is Royal Plum, left over from our new <a href="http://feathersandfingerprints.blogspot.com/2013/04/re-purposed-wood-shutters.html" target="_blank">shutters</a>. I was nervous about going so bright but it totally works! </div>
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Our water "bubbler" needs a little TLC still. The horse tails are spreading and growing like crazy. Unfortunately, one of the dogs ran through them last week and broke a bunch.</div>
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Ryan made a new cooler for the porch with old barn wood we had laying around. I'll post the details separately.</div>
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We finally hung our old bottle opener and bottle-top catcher. Ryan has had the opener since his bachelor days and he bought the catcher in St. Louis after taking an Anheuser-Busch Brewery tour a few days before our wedding. It only took seven years to hang it!</div>
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The harsh Oklahoma heat hasn't killed our flowers yet!</div>
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And my lime tree has six baby limes growing!</div>
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We have one more porch project on the radar. We'd love to cover and extend the concrete slab with bricks or pavers. We found a ton of these old red bricks and are trying to negotiate a purchase. Making a patio out of these will be a huge undertaking, so we aren't in any rush! These things are HEAVY!</div>
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_4055_zpsb39f6e3c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/IMG_4055_zpsb39f6e3c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The weather is so gorgeous here today that I think I'll have lunch on the patio! Happy Monday!</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-53879944266959679112013-06-02T07:54:00.001-05:002013-06-02T07:54:10.695-05:00Almost Done...<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cc4f0kQn3biEkwKyJyd88YkBr7Y5Qvui4JiuEQ-ZHktvWfGCaT6Fw0sTu10UvqrsYa5M7oDG9mmLhPMQu-mqmUDUYz7P5MpI2wptyARPzBTmm_qd3Q0R1Nmgje3CarfFoAkd2f6vw9Am/s640/blogger-image-1902332452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cc4f0kQn3biEkwKyJyd88YkBr7Y5Qvui4JiuEQ-ZHktvWfGCaT6Fw0sTu10UvqrsYa5M7oDG9mmLhPMQu-mqmUDUYz7P5MpI2wptyARPzBTmm_qd3Q0R1Nmgje3CarfFoAkd2f6vw9Am/s640/blogger-image-1902332452.jpg"></a></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-3596827631949083802013-06-01T22:26:00.001-05:002013-06-01T22:26:23.554-05:00A Rocky Start to the WeekendWe quite literally had a rocky start to our weekend! The kids and I gathered all of these rocks from the woods and hauled them to the back yard to create a new flower bed in a neglected corner of the yard. My kids are the best little helpers!!<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">We tried to stick with flowers that either grow wild in the area or are (hopefully) tough enough to last through the scorching hot summer. I figure if they can grow wild on the side of the road they can survive in my garden! </span></div>
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I hope we can attract some hummingbirds as well!</div>
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That's all for tonight, more updates and pictures coming soon!</div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-9531314814181161822013-06-01T22:03:00.000-05:002013-06-03T22:09:11.863-05:00Sprinkler Fun!We've been getting a lot of bad weather in Oklahoma this spring so we took advantage of a pretty afternoon and let the kids run through the sprinklers! <br>
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We have been very lucky the tornadoes have avoided our small town. My thoughts and prayers are with those who haven't been so lucky over the last few weeks. I hope the stormy season is over so we can really begin summer!<br>
<br>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-42502305777512737122013-06-01T21:38:00.000-05:002013-06-01T21:38:52.206-05:00We are Warriors!We did it! My friend Jenn and I completed the Warrior Dash Oklahoma! What an exciting race. We completed about 12 obstacles on a 3 mile course. We climbed over walls, crawled through tunnels and mud, climbed chain ladders, made our way (ever so gracefully haha) across cargo nets, swam in a lake, and jumped over fire (twice!). By the end of the race we were both exhausted, covered in mud up to our ears, and extremely proud of our accomplishments! The course was through the middle of nowhere in Inola, OK so I don't have any pictures of the course. Spectators were limited to the finish area by the mud pit and fire jumping.<br />
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Team BenjaMan raised over $5000 for St. Jude's Children's Hospital! And we wore BenjaMan superhero shirts and capes on the run. I have to admit, running with a soaking wet cap is not the easiest! </div>
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Here I am celebrating with a turkey leg after rinsing off.</div>
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And of course we earned our horns!</div>
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Looking forward to next year!</div>
<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-60600533147643633462013-05-15T16:09:00.000-05:002013-05-15T16:09:39.514-05:00Happy Mother's Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
This weekend we took a little break from home renovation. We spent some time in Kansas City for a softball tournament and did a little outlet mall shopping. It was nice to get away from the to-do list for a while. On Sunday, Ryan built a new bench for our back patio as my Mother's Day present. </div>
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I found a bench on Pinterest that I like the style of and he ran with it.</div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.greenwala.com/channels/green-design/blog/15966-Decorating-with-Reclaimed-Wood-Part-II-Outdoor-Living" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">greenwala.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/katievanzant/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Katie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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We have a small area on the side of the patio next to the house where the concrete slab is sloped. Eventually, we'd like to cover the lower slab with a paver patio to even out the area and to expand the patio size. But, for the time being, we decided a bench would fill the space nicely. (You'll notice we still have a little work to do on the post and side of the roof. But I'm done painting the siding!)</div>
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After a trip to Lowes and a few hours of working Ryan finished my new bench. It is mostly made out of cedar 2 x 4's so I won't have to treat it right away. I'm looking forward to it naturally weathering. We attached it to the wall slightly higher than a normal bench. Mainly because there is a power outlet hidden on the wall right below it and moving it lower would block the outlet. I'm hoping the extra height will discourage the dogs from jumping up on it. </div>
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The new bench got me excited about spending more time on the patio and motivated me to begin working on my next project, refinishing my adirondack chairs. Ryan built these for me for Mother's Day four years ago. I lovingly refer to my all patio furniture as my Mother's Day Collection now. :) These poor chairs have been left exposed to the elements for four years and are in desperate need of refinishing.</div>
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I haven't gotten very far, but here is a sneak peak at what I'm up to.</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-39860494836566449552013-05-06T21:18:00.000-05:002013-05-06T21:18:46.584-05:00Warrior Dash Oklahoma 2013!<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my 2013 resolutions was to get out and run more. In March I ran my first 10K and it really lit a fire in me! Shortly afterwards I learned about a crazy event called the <a href="http://www.warriordash.com/register.php?loc=Oklahoma&yr=2013#prettyPhoto" target="_blank">Warrior Dash</a>. The Warrior Dash is a 5K obstacle course run that includes climbing over walls, crawling through mud, and jumping through fire, just to name a few things. So what did I do? I found a friend crazy enough to join me and <b>we signed up</b>. </div>
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Jenn, YOU ROCK. Thanks for being crazy with me.</div>
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Why on earth would we subject ourselves to this kind of torture? For a turkey leg and warrior horns, of course! </div>
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OK, that's not the complete truth. The thing is, Warrior Dash is a St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital partner. Warrior Dash events have raised more than $5 million for St. Jude's. Did you know that no family ever gets a bill for treatments received at St. Judes? <i>Now that is awesome</i>. I'm all too aware of the costs of cancer treatment. My hope is that my little donation and fundraising effort will make a difference in the lives of a family struggling to survive. </div>
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What blows my mind the most is that two kiddos my girls were once in daycare classes with have battled or are battling cancer. As young children. Cancer scares the hell out of me. Jenn and I have joined Team Benjamin in honor of one of these little kiddos.</div>
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<i>If you would like to support me in my Warrior Dash adventure please visit my fundraising page:</i></div>
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<a href="https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayUserPage.do?userId=972442&programId=2252&eventId=334121#.UYhSqcKTdnk.blogger">Katie VanZant's Page</a></div>
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I promise I'll post all the muddy pictures after the event! Even if you'd rather not support me financially I'd really appreciate your encouragement on May 18th. <i>Did you see those obstacles?? Yikes.</i></div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-62819310821677807122013-05-05T23:10:00.001-05:002013-05-05T23:11:38.663-05:00Sun Room Progress 5/5/2013Ryan made a lot of progress today! I spent most of the day taking care of normal life chores (laundry, errands, spraying for ants, more laundry). V. and I bought purple pansies to plant next to the porch. The girls did a great job planting them. Brings back memories of helping (or watching?) my mom plant flowers in the big barrel planters at Country Hill Swim Club before opening day eons ago. <br />
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Ryan finished hanging drywall in the sun room and began muddying it. It's starting to look like a regular bedroom! To end the day we built a fire in the fire pit using some scrap wood and made s'mores. We used the biggest marshmallows I've ever seen and the kids were all sticky messes. Perfect way to end the weekend. :)<br />
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I've been posting a lot about our current renovation of the sun room turned bedroom/playroom and new "bird room." I'm sure a lot of you are wondering though, where are your kids?? They have been home with us the entire time, usually working beside us or playing nearby. And, I'll admit, there was one night where they were rewarded for all day good behavior with Cherry Berry frozen yogurt for dinner! </div>
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We have an awesome swing set, sand box, and club house the kids play in.</div>
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R. and L. like to monkey around. :)</div>
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V. found a quiet hiding place to sit and write.</div>
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And sometimes even the kids are tired and need a break.</div>
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We get the most work done during nap time while the two little kids are sleeping or after bedtime. </div>
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They've also been to Lowes with us about a million times. Here they are pulling Ryan's Father's Day gift in a rolling basket. Under the current circumstances I thought it was an appropriate gift to give early. </div>
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Sometimes its a tag team effort, one of us works on projects while the other takes care of the kids. Also, the kids have their own kid size tools and safety "googles" and enjoy hammering and screwing. The girls thought it was great fun to help paint the siding and jump on every chance they get to paint. We try to find safe, age appropriate jobs for the kids, like stacking scrap 2 x 4's in a pile by the {empty} fire pit. Giving the kids little jobs is important because they feel included in the projects and feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments and contributions. I want my kids to know they can achieve great things, even when sometimes the journey feels like a marathon, is no fun, and takes a while to get to the finish line. In the end it's worth it. :)</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-10667994480638758052013-05-04T21:38:00.000-05:002013-05-05T22:49:12.965-05:00More Sun Room Renovation Progress!<div style="text-align: center;">We have been busy busy busy repairing and rebuilding! Here are the highlights.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The roof is fixed!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">We have a new soffit with ventilation! No more soggy insulation!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are almost finished painting the new siding! (Doesn't the old window look like new with fresh white paint?)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">That door and the remainder of the siding on the right side of the wall is GONE! The doorway has been framed and will get drywall tomorrow.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The birds are in their new home! The new "bird room" is far from finished, but hey, this is major progress!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes a hammer and crow bar can make a bad day feel much better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The gas heater is gone. The window into my laundry room and the brick wall...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...is now solid sheet rock. We are almost finished hanging drywall in the whole room, actually. My ribs were sore for two days after hanging it on the ceiling. So glad it's done!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">V. screwed on the new door knob with one of her screwdrivers. She has been a great helper! I think that's all the updates for tonight! I need to get some rest before we get back at it tomorrow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-16408801933244463062013-05-04T19:58:00.000-05:002013-08-24T22:15:41.573-05:00Board and Batten Shutter Reveal!My new shutters are finished and hung! Painting them purple (Valspar's "Royal Plum") was a big risk, but I really like the way they look. They add some personality to our house. Even though this was a relatively small project, it feels good to cross it off the to-do list!<br />
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<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-54834536590672364872013-04-25T17:39:00.001-05:002013-08-24T22:15:41.576-05:00Re-purposed Wood Shutters When we ripped out the walls and ceiling in our sun room our yard and trailer quickly filled with debris. I hated thinking about contributing so much to a landfill so we salvaged what we could. The ceiling slats were piled high waiting for a new purpose. It didn't take long for Ryan to come up with an idea! Board and batten shutters!<br />
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For a long time I've been wanting to hang shutters on all of the windows on the front of our house. But shutters fell to the bottom of the list with the other cosmetic, non-necessity items. Our focus has been on functionality and repairs. And then suddenly we had a large pile of 1x4's just waiting for inspiration! </div>
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I'm proud to say that I did the majority of this project on my own. My husband helped assemble the last two shutters so I could finish painting something else (he'll do anything to get out of painting).</div>
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First, I pulled out all of the staples, nails, and screws. Then I measured the height of my windows and cut three slats to the correct length for each shutter (6 slats per window). I used a scrap sliver of wood, broken into four pieces, as spacers between the slats. Then I measured across the three spaced slats for my cross support and cut two more slats. Wood glue and finishing nails secured the pieces together. </div>
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After all the shutters were <i>finally</i> assembled (did I mention this was a side project during out sun room renovation?) I primed them all. I intended to fill all the nail holes and sand them down, but it was getting late and my husband convinced no one would be able to tell the difference from the road anyway. Sold. Primer it is.</div>
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I originally thought I would paint the shutters a dark gray. I really liked one of the paint samples we considered for the new siding on the back of our house. I looked at tons of pictures online trying to find a color with a little more excitement when Ryan suggested plum. Plum? Really? Our front door is stained a deep red. Would plum shutters look good with a red door? In all honesty, he's usually right about these kinds of things. He has a good eye. So we went to Lowes and bought a quart of Valspar Ultra Paint + Primer in Royal Plum. (Had I known the only Valspar paint available in a quart size is the Ultra Paint + Primer I wouldn't have primed first.) We rushed home and I painted two of the shutters to test it out. The paint brushed on like a dream. Smooth and the perfect consistency. I let them dry overnight before holding them up to the brick to see how they look. </div>
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I have to say, I'm pleased with the results. My husband was right. (But don't tell him I admitted it.) Hopefully this weekend I can give these two another coat of plum and paint the other six. And maybe I'll weed the flower garden so I can take a nice picture after we hang them....</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-74332517891138979482013-04-24T20:29:00.001-05:002013-04-24T21:25:42.490-05:00Sun Room Renovation ContinuesRecently I shared our <a href="http://feathersandfingerprints.blogspot.com/2013/04/renovation-nightmares.html" target="_blank">Renovation Nightmare</a>. Our plan was to give our sun room a face lift. Then we discovered termite and water damage and the plan changed to a full gut job renovation. Luckily, my husband is AMAZING. He has been hard at work.<br />
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After gutting everything damaged by termites or water, Ryan tore down the exterior siding and re-framed the exterior wall, replacing studs rotten or eaten. He also removed the three existing windows and hung one brand new window. The sun room will eventually be a bedroom/playroom.<br />
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Next, he framed out new walls under the covered porch. This will be the new sun room and home to our parrots. We reused three of the old windows in the new room. A fresh coat of primer and white paint made them look almost new. One of the windows in the picture below is still taped and covered after the first couple coats of paint (it was our test window to see how it would look painted). A rainy weather forecast forced us to work as quickly as possible to get the new siding up.<br />
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We decided to replace the vinyl siding with <a href="http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner/index-all.shtml" target="_blank">fiber cement James Hardie siding</a>. We prefer the look of the Hardie boards over vinyl siding and they are extremely durable, termite-proof, fire-resistant, and green. All big selling points for us! Hanging the siding took two people but was fairly easy to do. Not so much fun in the rain, but ya do whatcha gotta do.<br />
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We also installed a new door. Ryan and a friend repaired the roof. (Goodbye gutter!)<br />
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By the end of the second weekend we finished siding the back wall, tore down the remaining vinyl siding, and finished hanging the Hardie boards.<br />
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Choosing a paint color was easier said than done. We originally looked at a couple shades of gray but didn't like how much they contrasted with the yellow brick. <br />
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Weekend three was another jam-packed couple of days. Luckily the weather warmed up and we didn't get too much rain. We spent Saturday celebrating our daughter's 4th birthday at the zoo with seven little kids. Sunday afternoon consisted of painting, painting, painting. More pictures and details to come!<br />
<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-2637805775556083952013-04-24T19:27:00.001-05:002013-04-24T21:25:42.486-05:00Renovation Nightmares<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you seen those renovation shows where unsuspecting home owners start what they expect will be a "simple" home renovation only to uncover problem after problem? My husband and I love to watch Renovation Realities on the DIY network. We find all the drama quite entertaining. But we've discovered its <i>not quite so funny</i> when it happens to you. Welcome to our nightmare.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Three weeks ago we woke up early on a rainy Saturday morning. I was all set to run my first 10K race. As the race began the skies cleared and it was a beautiful morning. I had a great run and couldn't wait to go home and take a nap!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/60cbf9bbfd5e07d47c33bd515a1e5703_zpsdd344ea7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/60cbf9bbfd5e07d47c33bd515a1e5703_zpsdd344ea7.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My girls ran through the finish line with me. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we got home my husband recruited my help with a "little" demolition project. You see, we have a sun room and covered porch that were added to the back of the house about 10-12 years ago. The sun room had sweet fake wood paneling, styrofoam ceiling tiles, and peel and stick linoleum tiles on the floor. In the six years we've owned the home this add-on has been home to our parrots. But over the years we've expanded to a family of five and the kids just keep growing. <i>We need more space.</i> Sorry birds, this is your eviction notice. </span><br />
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/beforeinside_zpsa42b4a6f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/beforeinside_zpsa42b4a6f.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The original plan for the day was to tear out the paneling and ceiling tiles so we would be ready to drywall at a later date. Then take a nap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ha.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's what we uncovered.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/demowindowwall_zps0d6fa1ca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/demowindowwall_zps0d6fa1ca.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Termite damage. Horrible, horrible termite damage. How was the wall still standing?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plan B. Add wall insulation to the demo list. Oh yeah, and discover roof problems. Forget about that nap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It turns out our roof was incorrectly done. The sun room and covered porch roof doesn't have much slope to it and when the builder (shady contractor? Or well-meaning friend with no clue?) attached a gutter along the edge the gutter pushed up on the shingles allowing water to pool under the shingles on the (too thin) plywood. The plywood was rotten and had to be replaced along the entire edge. </span><br />
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/Beforeoutsidecopy_zps7778f3f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/Beforeoutsidecopy_zps7778f3f1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wait, there's more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After discovering the water damage on the roof we opened up the ceiling to check for more water damage. What we found was soaking wet insulation. There was not a single vent in the entire ceiling as there should have been. </span><br />
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/democeiling_zpsdc93e38f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/democeiling_zpsdc93e38f.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plan C. Gut everything. Spend every spare moment working on repairs for next three weeks. Go to Lowes so many times you make friends with the employees. Consider taking a second part-time job at Lowes to finance the repairs. </span><br />
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<a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/outsidestudwall_zps0386a348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/outsidestudwall_zps0386a348.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll end today's post with this picture of the progress we made on day two. More posts coming soon! </span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-79358655822850766432013-01-13T20:02:00.000-06:002013-08-24T22:15:41.582-05:00A Baseball Bed<div style="text-align: center;">
We chose a vintage baseball theme for our son's bedroom. Vintage meaning old hand-me-down balls and bats from our families. My mom was thrilled to clear out the old balls and bats from her garage! And Ryan dug out a glove that was his grandfathers. We started making over the room last year but, honestly, didn't get very far. {You can see my plans and inspiration in <a href="http://feathersandfingerprints.blogspot.com/2012/02/room-for-boy.html" target="_blank">this post</a>.} We did, however, work on personalizing the headboard!</div>
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Before:</div>
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After:</div>
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Ryan cut the knobs off the top and drilled a pilot hole.</div>
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I picked up these dowel screws from Lowes. One end went into the ball and the other end into the pilot hole.</div>
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Here's a close up of the final results. We think it adds some character to an otherwise boring headboard.</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643116609753157828.post-81008019752871990782013-01-05T13:30:00.004-06:002013-01-20T18:02:38.528-06:002012 Year in ReviewI hadn't planned on writing a post on all the events of 2012 or making resolutions for 2013. However, I spent the morning browsing <a href="http://flipboard.com/" target="_blank">Flipboard</a> (my go-to iPad app for keeping current on the blogs I follow) and I was inspired by all of the 2012 wrap-ups and 2013 resolutions. Some of my favorite bloggers spoke very honestly about their triumphs and failures and plans for the new year. I sat on the couch for a long time drinking my morning coffee, reading, and reflecting while my five year old daughter brushed my hair and filled it with bows and colorful braided extensions. Its hard for me to believe how many changes we went through in this past year alone! <br />
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This is the New Year's card we sent out instead of a Christmas card. Partly because I didn't get my act together in time to send out a Christmas card. And partly because I like the idea of updating distant relatives and friends on the highlights of our year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/2012yearreviewcardFampF_zps50d8558e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/kevanzant/Feathers%20and%20Fingerprints/2012yearreviewcardFampF_zps50d8558e.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><br />
<b>2012 Year in Review </b>(The Long Version)<br />
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January<br />
24th- Ryan and I celebrated my 30th birthday by having dinner at a fancy restaurant in Tulsa. We enjoyed a quiet evening without our two daughters in tow (a rare treat!) and were completely unaware of the life changing phone call we would receive the next day.<br />
25th- Our DHS adoption case worker called with the news that we were chosen to adopt a young child who was waiting for a forever home. Life stood still as I tried to comprehend what she was saying. You can read more about that <a href="http://feathersandfingerprints.blogspot.com/2012/02/our-adoption-story.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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February<br />
The adoption process progressed and at the end of the month our little guy moved in and began his new life with us. I wrote a little about that <a href="http://feathersandfingerprints.blogspot.com/2012/03/our-adoption-story-part-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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March<br />
We adjusted to life with three little kids (two two-year-olds and a four year old!) and remodeled the kids' bathroom.<br />
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April<br />
Little Bean turned three! We celebrated with a rainbow birthday cake.<br />
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May-June-July<br />
My memories of summer are a blur. We went on a big family vacation in Florida and took the kids to Disney World. <br />
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August<br />
V turned 5! We went away for the weekend and celebrated at a fun arcade called Andy Alligator's.<br />
Another big change; I switched schools and teaching positions. I left first grade after 7 years to teach second through fifth graders in a gifted and talented program. This was a scary leap but I've settled in and I absolutely love my job!<br />
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September-October<br />
Where did those months go??? We spent our "free time" chasing kids and running.<br />
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November<br />
Little R is officially ours! We went to court and finalized! <br />
Ryan ran his first marathon and I added another 5K to my list.<br />
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December<br />
Little R turned 3! Between his birthday celebration and preparations for Christmas the month was busy and flew by in a blur.<br />
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<b>2013 Resolutions</b><br />
I'm not really one to make new year's resolutions. The first of January feels like a regular old day to me. I'm more the type that randomly sets goals as the inspiration hits. Ryan says, "Life is short. If you want to do something, do it." Then he'll give me a gentle shove in the right direction to help me get out of my comfort zone. So, with all that said, I'm going to share some of the goals that have been swimming around my head lately.<br />
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<b>Run a 10K. </b> I've run a handful of 5Ks, finished a sprint triathlon, and even completed a 50 mile charity bike ride. Why am I so intimidated by races longer than a 5K? I have no idea. Maybe its because I know how much time I'll need to spend training. Maybe its because I don't really like running. But regardless of my hang ups I know running is so worth it physically and emotionally. So come March I'm going to check this one off the list.<br />
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<b>Improve my photography.</b> I got a fancy new DSLR camera for Christmas. I'm only just beginning to learn how to use it. I love taking pictures and my goal is to practice more often and get better at it.<br />
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<b>Blog more often.</b> This past year was so crazy that I took an unintentional break from blogging. I continued to do crafty stuff around the house and with the kids but I was horrible about sharing online. As my photography improves I'd like to share more of my daily life on the blog. I have a list of projects (some items almost a year old) that I'd like to finally finish and share.<br />
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I have more goals I'm still turning over in my brain but this is a good start for now! Thanks for following me on my journey!<br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295175889209304217noreply@blogger.com0