What Do You Think?

You probably think that I am crazy but my husband and I found these old windows at a salvage place in Salt Lake. We bought two to go in our family room addition over the TV (see first picture). They need a lot of cleaning up but in my mind they will look amazing. (Sometimes reality paints a different picture however.) Can you picture it? Will it be good?
They are big and heavy. The trick will be how to mount them on the wall. I'm waiting for warmer weather so I can clean them outside and not freeze my hands off. Stay tuned to see the final look. I have my fingers crossed that they won't get broken and that they will look great.

Hiking adventures with Kathee

Kathee and I are back to our Saturday hiking adventures. Yesterday we hiked from our house (See that white blob by my left shoulder. I think that is the Provo temple. So we started close to there.) to the top of the "Y" and back again. Two hours 40 minutes. It was a challenge but fun. We are both still up and moving today anyway.

I came home and cleaned out the gutter in front of our house and raked leaves. I was pretty tired after all that. The Saturday before we hiked up to the Squaw Peak overlook. We had to keep a close eye out for cougars that have been spotted recently. Luckily there were some snow mobilers and a hiker with a few dogs to act as deterrents. I wanted to try out my new snow shoes but it was easier to hike in the snow mobile tracks in snow boots.
Of course we have to call our husbands from the top and say hello. I now just carry my phone to take pictures instead of my camera. So much more convenient.
It's kind of a dreary day but we always love to be outside.
My husband bought me new exercise clothes for Christmas so I've stopped wearing my purple "Barney" fleece. That's probably a good thing although my friends say they miss it.

I joined Weight Watchers right after I got home from Hawaii and looked at pictures of me with my sisters. So depressing. It's bad enough that I have white hair and am 18 years older than my little sister but do I really have to be twice as big? No I don't...so I'm doing something about it. This is my 5th week.

I like the new program and it is starting to work for me. I feel empowered and that I have some control in my life. I like the changes to the program but wish they had an app for my android phone. That would make it easier. I'm determined to look and feel different when I meet my sisters again in June.

This is all part of my "it's all about me" year. I'm taking control of my life, trying to get rid of my insecurities, embracing technology, strengthening relationships, getting my house in order, finding joy in the journey, and doing what it takes to be healthy along the way too. I'd love to hear what you are doing.

I Have A New Table

I found this table at a local furniture store. It looks just like the one I am in love with from Restoration Hardware for less than half the price. It is 10 and 1/2 feet long with the leaves in. We broke it in Saturday night when we had dessert and games with about 5 other couples. We could all sit around one table. Now I need to find chairs that I can afford and that I love. Anyone have any ideas? I'm thinking an upholstered parson's chair. In the meantime, we will be using our old oak chairs. Very study and very comfortable but not very stylish.

Want to See More Easter Decorations?

Now you can see where my bread bowl is. Just in case you were wondering.
A close up of one of the table centerpieces.
Remember the theme is "woodland Easter."
Don't you just love this little vintage bunny?

Another vintage reproduction. I love this one.
Look what popped out of this egg. Yep, a Lori Mitchell rabbit.
The fireplace.
The Easter tree.

The main table. See, the table is still set for you.
Happy Easter in a month and a half. Good thing my children all already have their Easter packages. I am just so organized this year. (That's a joke. I'm so far behind in life but I am determined to catch up on blog posts. I thought I'd give you a few recent ones before I start back tracking.)

Easter Decorations

I'm keeping it simple this year but thought you might like to see.
Who doesn't like a chocolate bunny look alike?
My theme...woodland easter.
I set a place just for you.
It was easier to cover up the glass balls in my dough bowl with easter grass and add reproduction vintage eggs. I got them for a song last year after Easter from the Pottery Barn outlet in Texas. It's always fun to get the decorations out and find something new in the Easter box.
I bought a few of these little wooden babies for my Easter Tree. (Last month it was my Valentine tree. :)
I love vintage and don't mind that they are reproductions.
The mantel.
Who knew that Easter is not until April 24th... I might be sick of this stuff by then.

My new Sectional

I ordered this sectional the end June but didn't get it until November. (I tried to move the "man chair" out of the picture. It reminds me of the Dad's chair of Frazier. I'm stuck with it for a while I think. I do share the space with my husband after all. He has approved all my choices and loves the room too.)

The rug is also new. Both were purchased at the Gate House...an interior design store that I love. The room is coming along...slowly but surely. It takes a while to save up or work extra for what I really want. It's the first time in 34 years of marriage that we are buying what we love instead of settling on something because it is inexpensive. I bought a sectional with slipcovers that can be taken off and washed, seats a lot of people and is comfortable. I debated having two couches for more flexibility but went for the increased seating capacity. It is plain and I change the look by changing the pillow. I hoping this sectional will last for the rest of my life.

Projects last Spring

Last Spring I went to Florida to visit Marissa, help her get back home from Utah with two little ones, and to help work on projects. One of the projects was to hang pictures on the wall. Check.

We also had two dressers, that Marissa got for a song, to refinish. We sanded, primed,



and painted them turquoise or robin's egg blue.


I had to leave before the paint was dry enough to add the hardware and put it back together. We also had fun playing with the kids, going to the beach, eating out, and just being together.

These have now moved all the way to Canada with the rest of the Garner's. Can't our babies move closer to home? I've had to renew my passport so I can go and visit. What adventures are there to be had in Saskatoon? I might just have to go and find out.