No Pretty Pictures~

But, an update...

Our youngest, whom many of you know, suffers from migraines.  We are going to try to wean her off her preventative meds as we have discovered that she is experiencing hair loss due to them (at least we are 90% sure that is the source).  18, in high school, and experiencing hair loss, so not a good combo!  The doctors were so understanding when we had our follow up today.  They are also going to go above and beyond and have her thyroid along with her immune system tested just to be sure. 

Her nurse practioner asked a couple questions, mainly regarding if anyone in our family suffered from immune disorders...I got really quiet.  How do you tell someone that you are awaiting tests to determine whether or not your first born has cancer?  I so did not want to start crying in front of her or my youngest, nor my husband (who is really getting involved with the girls healthcare, scared maybe?).

My mom, a 30+ year veteran RN, has been a Godsend...researching EVERYTHING!  She calls several times a day with news and tips.  She feels helpless, but this gives her something to occupy her mind while we await results.

I had lunch with my closest friend today, she didn't know...we are both usually soooo busy that we forget to take the time out to "really" talk...it reminded me that those bonds are sooo very important right now.

My other dear friend left a note on my windshield after Bible study...wishing me a good day!  It really is the little things.

The outpouring of love and support from near and far, from those we know and those I've only "virtually" met, to those who heard through a friend of a friend...has been tremendous.  In a day and age where there is usually nothing but bad news on tv, I feel so blessed to have the love, support and prayers of so many! God is so good!!!

So, for an update...our daughter's initial bloodwork (all gyn related) came back normal!  While we are still awaiting results from the 24 hour urine test (the crucial one) and the gastro bloodwork, along with the scheduled colonoscopy for Friday morning...it was a bright spot in all of this! 

If I may, there is just one thing I want to say...hug those you love everyday, tell them you love them, and if the dishes and laundry pile up...it is OKAY!  None of us know how long we are here for, live each moment and everyday as if it were your last.  And yes, I am finally going to take my own advice!!!

We will keep everyone updated as results come in.  Thank you again for all of your sweet comments and emails.   It means a great deal to all of us!

Quality Thought For Tuesday~

I got a little off track the past couple weeks with everything that has been going on in our family, and totally forgot my Quality Thought for Tuesday posts...please forgive me.  Things are beginning to settle down a bit, and I am looking forward to getting back to some normalcy, so without further ado...here is this Tuesday's Quality Thought...


You can't fake quality any more than you can fake a good meal. 
William S. Burroughs


On a side note...we had a little glitch with our daughter's tests yesterday, but in the end all got resolved and the necessary tests are being run.  Please continue to keep her in your prayers as she will be having a colonoscopy on Friday (she is really dreading that part!). 

Bring Home The Gold~

Medal, that is!  We traveld to not so sunny Florida this past weekend to watch our youngest coach her 12 year old volleyball team.  The girls walked away with the Gold medal.  So proud of them!!!

This marked our third out of town trip this month, and let's just say...this momma is ready to stay home for a bit!  So many projects left to tackle.  I hope to be able to share some fun organizational and room redo posts soon.  But, right now the laundry is calling my name!

Also, I just wanted to say thank you again to each of you who have commented and emailed your heartfelt prayers for our oldest daughter.  Testing begins today, and we are hoping the doctors may have some answers for us by weeks end.  Knowing so many are lifting her up in prayer is so reassuring!!

I've Been Tagged!

One of my favorite blogging buddies, Ashli of Mini Manor, has tagged me in a game of Blogger Tag. So fun!!
First, I must pass on the rules of Blogger Tag:

Rule 1:  You must post the rules.
Rule 2:  You must answer all 11 questions that the tagger has asked you and you as the taggie must ask 11 new questions to the people you have tagged.
Rule 3:  Tag 5-11 people and link them to your post.
Rule 4:  Let the taggies know you have tagged them.

Now for the answers to Ashli's questions:

1) What song reminds you of highschool every time you hear it? Stairway to Heaven-theme song Senior Prom.

2) What's your all time favorite fashion trend? scarves, a girl can never have too many!

3) Are you more like Martha, J-Lo, or Tina Fey? hmmm...I'd have to go with Martha (however, if the bootie fits...)

4) If you had to categorize your house, what style would you say it was? (picture to back it up) simple-casual (if there is such a thing).

5) What's your tried and true party outfit? Pants, Dress, Skirt???  Definitely pants.

6) Favorite item in your house? (pets and kids don't count) notice Ashli didn't include hubby? My white Pottery Barn pitcher-I use it weekly to display flowers, and let's face it-girls love flowers!

7) How did you decorate your bedroom in your teens?  The bedding and window treatments were this awful mauve/pink and blue floral-a bit country.  I hated it, my mom loved it! I got back at her by rearranging everything else in the room at least once a week ;-)

8) Favorite Room in your house, and why?  My new office! The green and blue color scheme makes me smile everytime I walk in the room.

9) Next project, craft or recipe you're going to try? Rearrange the bookcases in our library.

10) Words to live by:  Be true to yourself, trying to be someone or something you're not will never bring you happiness.

11)   What's your Favorite part about blogging?  The many wonderful friends I have had the opportunity to "meet" (and hopefully will in person someday).

Okay, that wasn't so bad...

Now it is my turn to tag some of my favorite bloggers:

Tag, You're It...

Tiffany of Savor Home

Lisa of Budget Design Girl

Anne of Heart and Soul

Meg of Henning Love

and newbie on the block, Melissa of ROOMS

Okay ladies, here are your questions:

1) Flats or Heels?

2) Favorite scent for a candle?

3) If money were no option-what is the first thing you would purchase for your home?

4) Book or Nook?  Do you prefer the real thing or the virtual version?

5) Favorite fashion accessory? (picture to back up)

6) Recycle or Not?

7) If you could change one thing about your appearance, what would it be?

8) Dogs or Cats? (pictures please!)

9) Go to appetizer when entertaining?

10) Favorite design trend for the home? (picture to back up)

11) Movie that makes you cry everytime?

I can wait to read their answers!!

Margarita Pork Chops~

Before I share this super yummy recipe, I wanted to take a moment to thank each and everyone of you who sent prayers our way regarding our oldest daughter.  We are so grateful to have so many praying for her.  I have no updates to share at this time, testing begins Monday.  We continue to pray for answers, and hopefully the tests will reveal what is truly going on.

A week or so ago, my hubby prepared this super yummy dish for me and I knew I just had to share it with y'all.  The recipe can be found here (if you don't already own this cookbook, I highly recommend it...super easy, yummy recipes):

This is by far my husband's favorite go to cookbook.  We are fortunate to have a Trader Joe's close by, but if you don't...no worries...the ingredients can be found at most grocery stores.

He served the pork chops with Trader Joe's Chimichurri Rice (found in their frozen section)...the perfect compliment.

Margarita Pork Chops

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon ground cumin

4 Trader Joe’s Butcher Shop Bone-In Frenched Center-Cut Pork Chops

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cubes frozen crushed garlic

¼ cup chicken broth

½ cup tequila

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

4 tablespoons butter

½ jalapeno, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Combine the cumin with 2 teaspoons of salt and about ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Season the pork chops well on both sides with this mixture. (You may have some seasoning mix left over.) In a large sauté pan, heat the oil and brown the chops well, 4 to 5 minutes per side, over medium-high heat. Remove chops to a warmed platter. In the same sauté pan, sauté the garlic until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine the chicken brother, tequila, and lime juice. Remove pan from heat, add liquid, and return to heat. (Have a lid ready to cover the pan in case the alcohol ignites-by combining the liquids, the alcohol has been diluted, but it may flare up). Bring the liquid mixture to a boil and reduce to about ¼ cup. Add the butter and any juices that have accumulated on the platter. Swirl the pan until the butter is incorporated. Season to taste with the minced jalapeno, salt, and pepper. Pour sauce over the chops.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

So very yummy!  Of course, sipping on Margaritas while preparing doesn't hurt!

Is it just me or did the month of February fly by?  We have been traveling a lot this month (this weekend marks our 3rd out of town trip in 3 weeks).  I am ready to plant my feet back home and dig in!

Again, I apologize for the lack of posts recently.  Between doctors appointments with our girls and all this travel, I haven't gotten much accomplished and therefore have no new projects to share. Here's hoping I can get back to some normalcy next week.

A happier note...our youngest has decided where to attend college next fall!  We made the college trip this past weekend, and she fell in LOVE!  We are so excited for her, and relieved.  She can now concentrate on finishing out her Senior year and enjoying all that it entails (prom is right around the corner for us).

Hope everyone is having a good week!  It is going to be in the 70s here tomorrow. CRAZY!

From a mom's perspective~reality check!

All,
This post will contain no DIY's , no recipes, nor any pictures.  It is one that comes strictly from my heart.  While I have been trying my best to keep up with each of you and your posts (you guys are good, kudos to you!), I have been lacking in the post department.
One-my youngest has been home sick on and off for a month now, sinus then flu.  She is finally on the mend thanks to the many prayers of friends and family alike.  We leave for Texas tomorrow for a final college visit and couldn't be more excited for her!
Two-my oldest.  So heavy on my heart right now.  She has been struggling with stomach issues for awhile now, and two doctors are leaning toward one diagnosis...something no one, especially a 22 year old, nor her parents want to hear...possibly cancer.  While many tests still need to be run to determine if this is the case, it is very scary and heartbreaking nonetheless.  She is a recent college graduate, gainfully employed and loving life.  Yet, she struggles everyday with stomach problems.   She is not quick to complain.  I am thankful that her most recent physicians are taking notice of her symptoms and not dismissing them.  Tests will be run accordingly, but now we must sit, wait, and be patient.  Something I am NOT good at when it comes to the well being of my children.
While I would love to be blogging about my latest project or recipe, my focus is now on my sweet baby girls, one embarking on a new journey-college life, the other-life after college.  Both equally momentous occassions in life.
I write this to ask two things, one-if you are so inclined-pray for my girls.  Two-stick with me, I have many things to share, but in HIS timing.
And if I may, thirdly-hugs those you love a little more closely!
Thanks for letting me share,
L

Happy Valentine's Day~

Hope everyone has a Blessed Valentine's Day!

What's a girl to do?

So, what do you do when you've got a sick kid at home (yes, she now has the flu!), you are getting nothing accomplished, and your to do list is a mile long?

Why...go with the flow.  Brew yourself a cafe mocha, grab a bunch of your favorite organizational and home mags and chill out!  (well...only AFTER reading everyone else's posts for the day ;)

Sorry I've been a bit MIA.  I had hoped to show you some more spaces I 've organized, and the library shelves, but...I honestly haven't gotten to them yet!  We were out of town over the weekend and came home with a very sick teenager (who by the way coached her 12 year old  team to a 2nd place finish in a tournament despite feeling so crummy, and having gone through about a dozen boxes of Kleenex!!!).

Here's hoping tomorrow is a brighter/healthier day!

Too soon...

It is a sad day when a young life is taken too soon.

Last night, a 9th grade young man (also a football player) who attends my daughter's school life ended suddenly and tragically.  He was a victim of a home invasion.  His sister there to witness it all.

Senseless.

Please pray for the family, and for our young people today!

My IKEA Rast Dresser~

Hi Everyone!

Hope you are all having a great week.  I know many of you have seen the many versions of the Ikea Rast Dresser that are out there already, but if not...check them out!  Just Google Ikea Rast Hack and dozens upon dozens show up.

Why does everyone love this piece?  Well, it is quite simple.  It is small, comes unfinished, and is under $35! 

We purchased ours because we were in need a something that would fit in our tight back hallway.  The hall is small and has 3 doorways (one to the garage, one to the coat closet and one to our laundry room).  It is tight quarters!!  We had a small bench in that space, but it was a bit rickety and to be honest NO ONE ever sat on it, unless you count hubby's briefcase!

I tried finding another bench for the space, preferably one with storage but nothing would fit.  Then I found the Rast dresser.  Love...storage for small things like keys, sunglasses and such AND it fit PERFECTLY!

I decided to stain it as we had several painted pieces in the adjacent rooms already and I REALLY loved the grain of the wood and didn't want to hide it.  I found new knobs at Home Depot.  The knobs it comes with are just your basic round wood ones.

It took no time at all to stain the pieces.  Yes, I said pieces.  I stained it PRIOR to putting it together as I wanted the inside of the drawers to be stained as well.

I still need to line the drawers and find some trays to put in them, so for now I'll just show the outside.  I am thrilled with the piece and it makes a very unfunctional space, functional.

As you can see, the hall is quite small and the doors make for quite a challenge-the one straight ahead leads to our garage, the one to the left our laundry and the one to the right our coat closet. 

Another angle.  It was quite challenging to find something that fit between the doorway to our family room and the coat closet that didn't pertrude into the walkway too much.

A closer look.

The knobs purchased at Home Depot.  I wanted something simple but different.

I am working on several other organizational projects that I hope to be able to share with you in the next few days.  Anybody else a fan of the new lattice bins at Target???