Together Is a Wonderful Place To Be

Clean & Green

2011-08-26T12:12:00.004-05:00

Four Homemade Cleaners

Our home has always been a haven for our family. We love to be at home together. We noticed many years ago with our daughters Liver Transplan,t that EVERYTHING we do affects our bodies. Especially the little things we don't take notice of as often as we should, like cleaning. It's a necessary step to every household and every person must do this to maintain a healthy lifestyle, right? Well intentioned consumers who think they are buying clean, safe products, are actually purchasing chemicals that are harming their bodies! A plethora of cleaning agents have been raising health and environmental concerns. I'm not a green fanatic, but I do believe in using what God has given to us first. I'm trying to make very small changes in our daily habits at home and with the help of my husband and children, we will take back what is ours. Our Bodies!

Homemade vs. Store bought

One way we have changed, is our cleaning products. I no longer hold to the notion that if I can't pronounce a word , it must work really well.

I know, i've not been thinking clearly from all the product i've been inhaling over the years :o) . I joke. To get on with it- formulas containing vinegar, baking soda, borax and vegetable oil soap will clean most of the house. You can find a lot of information from your health food/ body health stores like AKINS. I urge you to look into it, your families are worth it!! When you know the sting of almost losing a child to a terminal illness, you look long and hard at what is worth it's salt.

Tiny things DO matter. God is all in the details, why should I be any different.

It's what makes me know He loves me.

Details are everything!

Concentration vs. Cost

There is no reason to flub about this, it's going to cost you a little bit of money to start this new life of change. Do IT! I promise in the end you will have spent A LOT less money on cleaning agents than you did in the past. I'm a clean freak, especially since i'm home full time again. We have a day designated for cleaning called Cinderella Saturday. If the house doesn't get clean, we don't go out! It's for our health now. For the products in the photo above, I spent $33. BUT! I will have my cleaning products for a very long time. I used to spend about $15 every two weeks on cleaning agents. So in a months time I will save $ to use on other important things... or fun :o)

The ingredients and Titles for the cleaning agents are:

Lavendar Anti-Bacterial Spray-

-1 cup of Water

-20 drops of Lavendar Essential Oil

All Purpose Cleaner

YES it does work on GLASS!!!-

Note: this one bubbles alot!

-3 Tablespoons of vinegar (we used distilled)

-1/2 tsp baking soda (Aluminum free)

-1/2 tsp castile soap

-2 Cups HOT Water (this helps break down)

Grease Cutter-

-2 cups water

-1/4 cup Castile soap

-10 drops Lavendar Oil

Bath , Sink & Tile Cleaner-

Pretty thick and almost a Paste, change out your spray bottle lid to a squirt bottle lid ( I used my old dawn dish soap lid , it fit perfectly on the squirt bottle)

-2/3 cup baking soda

-1/2 cup Castile Soap

-2 tbs vinegar

-1/2 cup water

-a few drops of Tea Tree Oil

I think you will see just how little each ingredient used will go a super long way. We've been using these products every day and we all love them! The smell isn't too overpowering and I feel so much better knowing that my family is so much less exposed to harsh chemicals. I hope this encourages you to at least think about a change. Maybe next time you're out of a store bought cleaner, you could pick up these ingredients and make the change!

A little Shady

2011-08-15T00:06:00.000-05:00

It's been Hot. I mean Really Hot, here in Oklahoma. The air conditioning units are working overtime and I for one do Not enjoy paying the bill to cool this house. I'm sure no one enjoys seeing the electric bill, but I think I've found something that helps a little bit. I love to drive around beautiful neighborhoods with my husband to dream and find ideas on curb appeal for our home. I've been seeing really expensive homes with theses cooling shades on their windows. They look great and i'm sure they helped on the most heated days. Here is a pic of a home I found online with basically the same thing on their windows. I looked up the shades online and found them! They are so cool, the price however is not! My brain immediately went to work. How can I get basically the same thing for cheaper?

I found Weed Shield on sale for $5 at a garden store and snatched it up , then went to work.

And so I put the boy to work too, seeing as he owed me some work after talking me into buying him a game with allowance he hadn't yet earned. (how does he do that?) We measured the windows and cut accordingly. When they were ready to hang, I simply cut strips of velcro that I found on clearance at biglots.

I first put the long strip of velcro together into one really long strip. On each side now you should have two separate sides of covered sticky and unexposed ends. Next, I just started cutting 2inch squares and took the paper off one side then added the cut outs to the window first (you can affix them to the glass or the outside panes, just be sure to take the correct measurements first. Then I took off the paper side, and affixed the fabric to the sticky part on the other side that is exposed. Be sure to pull the fabric tight so that it doesnt give or move while on the window. It's just to cover and shade remember, it's not a decorative piece. It serves a purpose and has a job to do. Trust me it will look great!

Here is the end result after i've put my own shades up. I love the look, and my sons room shown in the front (the hottest part of the house) was a full 5 degrees cooler on the hottest day of the year!
I love my new shades! Theses shades have been put through TWO huge storms in the last week and haven't budged at all. I am pleased to say the least. Now 7 more windows to go. Next year, I'll start earlier than August I think ;o) What can I say, i'm a little late. BUT! at least my house will be cooler for August/September. People will drive by very slowly by the way, just let em' gawk. They just think you're super smart ;o)

I'm stumped. What color should I paint the Front Door?

2011-07-12T00:37:00.000-05:00

Remember the horrible Christmas in July Hunter Green house with the Red door? Yeah, Not good. Hated it! So...

In the last post, I finally got the pics of the new paint color. It wasn't what we were going for , but we ended up really liking the mistake color. Now i'm just trying to figure out what color would look good on that front door! Any suggestions?

Here are a few of my paint pics. I'm diggin the turquoise. Can you tell?

House Paint , Before and After

2011-07-11T23:30:00.000-05:00

Heres a pic of the house before the new Paint.You cant really tell , but it was Hunter Green with a Red door. A little too much christmas in July if you ask me. YUK!

Over a year ago, I posted a pic of our house that desperately needed a paint job. I'd said that I would post as soon as we got it painted, but I didn't. So here is a new pic recently taken of our home. The house used to be a hunter green color, now it's a slate blue. I was actually going for a darker blue, but this is what we ended up with. I like the mistake! I think it looks great.

I have to give a shout out to the hubby for our beautiful yard and landscaping. He's put in alot of hours on this baby. Two winters ago, our yard suffered from Winter kill. OMG! There were two HUGE 6ft bare spots, that we couldn't get to grow for EVER!!!! He did it! Good Job Babe.

Now to paint that Red Front Door! I'm thinking Turquoise??? What do you think?

project redesign #1.

2011-07-06T03:29:00.000-05:00

I've been tossing around the idea of refinishing, and redesigning furniture pieces for a while now. This Table and Hutch set was my first go at it. I 'm pleased with the outcome. My mom was happy to indulge me and I think she loves her kitchen like new once again. I hope so, my sister threatened to steal it when she wasn't looking ;0) These pieces before redesign, were Hunter green w/ plaid cushions. Mom had a dream of a grey and yellow kitchen. She loves distressed furniture, so as you can see, both pieces are distressed. I also added fabric to the back of this hutch for some flair. My mom is on the brilliant side and.came up with a fabulous idea of using a shower curtain, since she couldn't find just the right fabric. !So. Cute.!

Slowly- as more work comes to me ill be posting. Im so excited to work doing something I love-- making things beautiful, even if no one else sees them.

Wogging,

2011-06-29T01:56:00.001-05:00

You better write that down. Wogging is a walk/ jog. In my case I pretty much waddle, and I do mean waddle or gallop. I was smiling in this picture, but only because I wouldn't cry. It was a scorcher yesterday at 106.
I am going to keep posting the everyday kind of stuff. No staging, or unreality here. Is that a word? Had to start up again somewhere, so I went with this pic and all of this to say...
I did it Lori, I actually posted My lovely glamour shot! Yuk! How's that for reality blogging?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.1

I will be making a come back, if anyone cares

2011-05-06T00:30:00.000-05:00

OMG 1-2-3! As my lovely daughter says all the time!!!! I know i haven't blogged in a very long, long time. I will be back for great amounts of laughs and storytimes from our Tanner Family household. I'm working, so i'm tired. My brain is mush and NO ONE wants to read mush. I'm trying to organize and prioritize.

Focus, Jaime.

2011-02-07T01:26:00.000-06:00

Focus is hard for me. My sister says I cannot do two things at once. I beg to differ, she just doesn't keep my attention long enough, or too many things need to be done while I'm talking to her. I agree that Focus is hard for me. I'm at a standstill and I'm gaining weight again. I can feel the fat adding to my bones. I've been home now for 5 "snow" days, with another 10 inches of snow on it's way and another 10lbs. The groceries are stocked and so is my tummy.
About the snow days:
It is beautiful to wake up in the mornings these past days to hear my children and hubby snug in their beds. It is truly lovely to look out at the 4 ft snow drifts and wonder who will have to take the dog out to go pee, also how many times can I dry the massive mounds of snow suits and socks and jeans with snow stuck on every hem. I love the way my children squeal with delight as yet another night of news tells them the most wonderful words they will ever hear in their lifetimes (until the next newscast, as if it will change from 6pm -10pm) = School Closings- Broken Arrow Public Schools, and every other city and county in
Oklahoma. ~~My house is clean , the laundry is done~~,I've read all my books and I'm caught up on more than my share of television AND my daughters. I now regrettably have more that I'd like to DVR because of yet another TV series that I "Have To See" I mean do I really? I would never have known this TV show existed if I weren't stuck at home for the last five days!!!! Do I really need to know what's going to happen next on "Cake Boss? " or "Storage Wars" Really?! Come ON!
All of this is in good fun, but I have to admit that I am a blessed woman. I love spending time with my children and I'm so grateful that I have them to take up the quiet times of my life. I love my husband and that fact of his excitement to get to stay home with me. I have a job to go back to. I love my job.....

See what I mean? Focus! It drives my husband crazy, sometimes in a good or bad way that i can start talking about one thing and totally end up on another topic. Anyways. The whole point of this blog post was to say that you'd think with being home for 5 days, that I would have worked out everyday and eaten like I should have. I haven't. I digress. I need to focus and get back on the horse. I'm at a standstill and can't get over this hump. The winter seems to make me feel dreary, but I'm sure when I see what a bathing suit looks like on me, I'll wish I had done a little more focusing! I've got to step it up, I DO NOT want spring and summer to come and go with me feeling like I do. I feel better than I did, but not as good as I will :o)

On another topic: Tomorrow, I hope to post another closet organization, or furniture redo. We'll see, depends on my focus. I'll leave you with a couple of photos from this 2011 blizzard in Broken Arrow.

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-02T01:54:00.000-06:00

Cheers! to 2011

One day I will post my own lovely pics that look completely perfect, But for now... This photo is courtesy of http://www.whipperberry.com/ . She came up with a beautiful "Everyone and Anyone" drink. A Mocktail Drink~ Looks pretty tasty to me, and it Bubbles too!

Ingredients are: One part white grape juice & One part Ginger Ale. That's it!

Have a Wonderful New Year in 2011 !!!

A Silhouette Inspiration

2010-12-27T00:46:00.000-06:00

Inspiration is always a good thing. I've just finished out the evening here at home, with a good ole fashioned "Goals for 2011" list. For any of you who know me, I LOVE me some Lists! Checking everything off of that list isn't always so easy. But you already knew that. In visiting a New Favorite Blog: http://www.roomtoinspire.blogspot.com/

I've definitely been "inspired" if you will, to a few projects to add to my "fun project list" . To give you a view of what I have in mind (let's hope mine turns out so pretty!) is in the above photo. Silhouette has a nifty little machine that makes my mind soar with inspiration. I hope to try it sooner rather than later. See that gorgeous mirror? Yeah, I wanna do that! This machine does a little bit of everything- Transfers,Iron on, tatoos, etched glass look, cards... you name it. I'll drop in another time to show you my 2011 goals list. I'm not sure if anyone would be interested to know about all the things floating around in this huge melon of mine, but I had to get it all on paper. Does anyone know of a website that can hold my lists, or goals and help me sort them out? That would be another really great find! Hook me up if you know of one. The new year is fast approaching and i'm tired of carrying all these lists in my purse!

Here's a wish to A New Age

2010-12-06T22:55:00.000-06:00

Jayra turned 13 in August...13 going on 30--- SO TRUE! This child is getting mouthy. I don't know who she takes after more, me or her daddy. I tend to think her father since he's not anywhere near perfect. She almost is, aside from some age spots, a Liver Transplant scar, and her eyesight is obviously going downhill (notice the glasses). I think we've decided to keep her. Did I mention she's mouthy? Yep, she is. I can't wait for her 14th Birthday. I'll probably have to slap her daddy on that one. No telling what he will have taught her by then.

Jeremy turned 35, whoopty freakin doo. We had cake and did some other things, I don't remember, it's now Dec. He put cake on my face and we were toe to toe about to duke it out because I don't like him.

Josiah turned 9. He's exstatic. I don't even know how to spell that word, yes I could use spell check but i'm too tired right now and I know you can read it anyways. You can read it, I know you've gotten those emails that tell you how stupid or smart you are because you can read words backwards and with misplaced letters. This is not a mirror image picture... It really does say Happy Birthday.

I'm so unhappy. I am one of those people who is secretly living a life of dishonesty, shame and remorse. I turned 34 yesterday. yay me. My sister made me a cake. When I got to her house to "celebrate", (which interprets: "watch Eclipse") she had just gotten outside to smoke a cigarette. She was laughing and telling me how much Betty Crocker hated her. The cake was falling apart, much like my life. My dad had written my name (Jaime) across the entire surface of the cake, oh wait ... you can see the picture here. > Look how difficult it is to smile, No one knows my pain. The candles weren't even straight candles, they were squiggly candles (technical term).

P.S. I feel I should add a tag here at the end of my post. I absolutely love my life, Duh! People often make fun of me because I feel so blessed about what God has given to me. Each member of my family is a precious Gift from Him. I am however very sarcastic, dry and I usually try to find the laughter in most things. It helps me cope, it helps me remember, it helps me forget, and it keeps me sane. I love Jeremy, he loves me. I love josiah and i'm a little less fragile because of him. I love my Jayra--She is the reminder that God Provides Breath of Life. I love myself because He made me who I am, and He sees fit to love on me consistently. I must be something special, look who he let me have in this life.

Dining Redesign! Reveal!!!!!!

2010-09-19T23:21:00.000-05:00

Before...

After!...

I sitll have a few little additions to make , but I like the outcome so much it has inspired me to move on and let some ideas swim around in my head for a bit before making any hasty decisions. I despise the blank wall next to the window, but do you really have to have something on every wall? Speaking of window, I made the curtains! well... sort of :o) I sewed them together anyways. Mom found the taupe premade curtains @ TJ MAXX. LOVE THEM! then I put the rest together from there. I am pleased I have to say, I love the damask print (FYI i only paid $ 0.25 for the damask and black fabric) with the taupe and black solid colors. Jeremy of course made this perfect table and benches that seat 4-5 each side . Thoughts are still stirring on what sort of chairs to add to the ends this gorgeous table. I made the table runners which is also a first for me. I had fun with this redesign and i'm so looking forward to putting my poor sweet hubby to work on more projects. I'm sure he's thrilled. I told him i'm moving on to the Living room next week. Any suggestions for me on this dining room redesign? Let me know, I could use a little help from my friends!!!!!

Coming out of the Closet (wink)

2010-08-29T23:44:00.001-05:00

I am learning a lot about myself these past few weeks after the purchase of our home. I want everything to be done NOW! I love reading blogs, everyones blogs. Till i'm crosseyed actually. I get so many beautiful ideas on designing and redecorating my home, I simply don't know where to start. It's a passion of mine, it helps me unwind and think about deep things that seem to pierce my mind on a daily basis. Some people think while they run, others find a notebook and jot it all down. I think better when i'm busy and the creative juices are flowing. I have more updates to post, I just haven't gotten them all in order yet. I have yet to post about my daughters birthday and the going away time when my sister left for Utah, she will be gone for over a year and i'm just heartbroken about the whole thing. I've been out of sorts for a little bit over three weeks now. It's ridiculous and I have been so busy getting projects done since she left. Here are a few pics of my projects. :o) It's my happy place.

This is an ugly old file cabinet that I found at a garage sale for $2.50! I decided that I needed a chest o' drawers in my closet, so I went to work on it! As you can see, the drawer pulls were missing and everyone needs drawer pulls. After distressing the wood with Krylon sand color spray paint and a rag, I tied torn fabric into knots and used those as my drawer pulls instead of going out and spending more $ on something No one else will see anyways. This is simply a cute chest for my girly getaway closet and I love it! I have been working on a cute jewelry holder to hang on my wall in that same closet. Everything has it's own place and the closet is almost complete.

After my closet, I have high hopes of redesign in the dining room ( with insight from mom, this should be so much FUN!!!) I can't wait to get started. The hubby has been working hard to help out on this one!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!

A look at the chest o drawers with a fulfilling purpose. (grin) I have even added some other touches to the closet that make things a little easier in the am getting ready for a busy day @ work. My necklaces are hanging on the mirror with a suction cup holder I got for $2 @ target. Thanks Mellissa for the perfect idea! My daughter knows how much I love trees, so she made a perfect tree artpiece for my special place. Thanks darlin ;0)

Here, I 've added some artwork into frame I bought for $.25 @ the thrift store, along with a cute turquoise dish ( another $.25 find, insert pat on the back) for my hair-ties and bobby pins (easy access does a body good on occasion!) a pretty little bottle I painted on the inside(a trick I learned on another awesome blog) in a diff shade of blue to add a little something for the eye, and of course my headbands and flower pieces for my hair. My Hair clippies and other accessories are contained in a cd holder that wasn't serving it's meant to be purpose, so I put it to use somewhere else just for me. Some flowers on top and a place for my hats and i'm good to go out on the town in a flash! I placed all of my hair stuff together so that I can find everything easily and put it away just the same. I know it seems like a measly thing, but trust me, for some reason here in this house, sometimes I feel like a screaming shrew because things don't get put back into place! I'm sure none of you feel that way. (wink wink)

This is what my hair nook looks like in my closet in case any of you care how I did it.

I love organization. I'm not good at it. I just love it. Here is another little area I made my own. Another shoe holder. My daughter had an organizer that was going into the trash if I didn't find someplace useful for it. So I modge podged some fabric onto the tops where she has placed her drinks and the rings from the cups warped the fire out of the paint and wood, then I placed a little lamp on top. It wasn't quite as cute as I wanted, so I found a scarf I don't wear any longer and glued it around the top and tied a bow. I know it's not the cutest or newest thing in the world, but it's new to me and it makes me smile. I feel all girly when I see it and it lights up my closet perfectly. Above that I placed some more artwork and a photo of my babies, along with a scrapbook paper scrap of a flower that adds just a little color to the wall.

I'm thrilled about this next project, it went right along with my closet organization. I made a jewelry holder to hang on my closet wall, that is SO simple. I found a wall decoration @ Old Time Pottery @ one of it's sales years ago, I paid $5 for it, cleaned it up alittle, addedg some fabric to the back, and I think I've found it's calling...

It holds all of my bracelets & earrings! I'm not so sure about the fabric , but it sure looks cute hanging up to tie everything together in this getaway closet! I'm in LOVE and i'm organized!!!! See you soon!

Jeremy, Color My World (but stay inside the lines and only in the shower)

2010-08-02T23:49:00.001-05:00

Our True Colors

This is going to get pretty personal , so if you get queasy or don't like sappy, bail out now. I found this idea on another blog and thought it would be so much fun to try. Let me start by saying Jeremy and I are completely in love. It's really kinda sick, if you could hear us talk to each other when no one is around, i'm pretty sure you'd throw up in your mouth a little. But it's what we do and it's who we are. I'm not saying we don't have knock down drag out fights... Um, YEAH! we do. We're both very passionate people, well that and I'm a yeller, and i'm never wrong (so he says). OH NO! (gasp) It's out. I've said it. I yell. I yell when I'm mad , I yell when i'm pissed, I yell when i'm happy and having fun. I also yell when I'm talking to my children- for the hundredth time they've been asked to do something. I don't like this quality about me, and i'm working on it. Diligently. Every. Single. Day! It's part of my color, I'm trying to tone it down. Trust me.

With this passion of ours come many sweet moments. My strong , manly man of a husband and I have taken up coloring...in the shower! ( not with each other, don't get nasty) You should definitely try this. We are having so much fun!!!! It's an extension of I love you in our case. Oh sure. We play, call each other and laugh at each other all day long, whether by text, phone calls, or emails while we are at work. But this is different and playful in a way that is all ours, not many people do this, but they should! I may or may not have had to erase some of jeremy's drawings or sweet nothings & writings to me. But you'll get the idea of one way we say I love you Every Day.

We have a Date Night count down every week. Which is alot of fun, we'll decide where to go and what to do on those special nights to ourselves, and I'm sure you can imagine some of the more "colorful" things are missing here. But you know, it's those funny times and colorful things that he does that reminds me daily that he loves me. I won't be ashamed of it. I'm blessed, I know. So is he :0) I tell him everyday. LOL! Go borrow you kids bathtub crayons, and surprise your lover, while you have the chance. Get a little spicy, put some play into their day! Hopefully this didn't freak you out too much. It's all in good fun, and a part of our life. It's my blog and you are interested enough to visit, so I thought I'd share something alittle different.
(it's okay to color outside of the lines, he'll probably like it) Go Have Fun!!!!

Home again, Home again jiggety jog!

2010-07-31T23:19:00.006-05:00

Welcome!

to -OUR- Home

We are Broken Arrow homeowners! Just wanted to share the update with you who keep up with our family blog. Although we've lived in this home for a year now, we just signed the papers of closing!!! LOVE IT!!!!

Now--- on to the REALLY fun part (for me). Now that this house belongs to us, I can actually start the process of redecorating! The house is beautiful inside already, but I have alot of changes to make it our own. It hasn't had any updates in 4 years, so there are a few things to upgrade, and our yard was attacked with winter kill this last winter, so our yard is shot until next spring :0( BUT, all will be well i'm sure, thanks to my sweet man who will not rest until the yard is in competition worthy status with our neighbors. What can I say, I married clark griswold from christmas vacation. The man is crazy, and has a Bring It On attitude on a daily basis. There are no dull moments in our life. I love him.

I haven't settled on a certaing color or theme for the home yet, but it's a fun work in process. As I read on other blogs, I am excited to update our blog as I update our home. I hope you come back to visit and see the place come together. Feel free to comment or give ideas of inspiration, I need the help! No more RED for me! I've had red in my home for enough years to be completely sick of it, oh yeah and floral too! GONE!!!!

Our first update on the list, was to update the flower beds... Just finished today- checking that off the list.

Next on our list is to Paint the house...this should be done within the next couple of weeks. I CANNOT paint the garage door fast enough! The trim and garage are Hunter Green, that's a big fat NO! Can't stand it, and it has to go. Yesterday.

Here are some photos of our home, and the new flower beds. Thanks for stopping by.

I "Art" Starburst!!!!!!

2010-07-30T03:19:00.000-05:00

I saw it on someone elses blog, i'm not going to even pretend that i'm this creative. Oh no! BUT! I AM this cheap :0) Folks, this thing is made out of 2 cereal boxes, a small mirror I attacked someone for at hobby lobby @ half price for $1.50, along with a few glue sticks,and a plate holder! It's worth every exclamation point I can give it! Okay?! I mean , I'm screaming at you right now! I LOVE THIS THING!!!!!!! I made it in just a couple of hours while my kids were sleeping in this morning. It was quiet, yet the music was on, it was a gorgeous hot day, and the starburst came alive! See? More explanation points!
I'm really pleased with the outcome, I'm even thinking about makng these for some family members homes ;0) wonder who will get one???

Our little Organic Garden

2010-07-30T01:58:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pics of our little garden, it's our first one, so we're experimenting.

Organic is great but oh my the fruit flies!!! I've posted a little something I saw from somewhere. It's helped so much with the fruit fly problem that I should probably find a cuter way of catching these critters, but it's not always about cute is it?

Here's what I came up with and how to make your own if you even care to do so.

I cut a small piece of fruit and put it into the bottom of a glass, then I took some flyer inserts from the paper and rolled a sheet or two with one end being extremely small (small enough for a fly :0) and the other wide enough to fit against a glass as pictured. I then taped the edges of the glass to the paper so that the flies couldn't get out. The flies magically left my veggies and fruit alone and flew straight into the glass to the exposed fruit! I don't know why it works, but it does. The flies don't fly up and out of the tiny hole, they stay with the fruit. Fine by me, and I'm just going to say that I never knew I had that many fruit flies. It kinda grossed me out. Better in the glass than in my food!

To dispose of them, I simply poured some household cleaner inside of the glass wait a little while, the flies die, I just take the paper out, rinse and flush down the toilet and start with a fresh piece of fruit and new paper. Viola!! Here's the photo. Like I said it ain't pretty, but it works!

Okra before, waiting , waiting , waiting.

Okra! and lots of it!!!!

cucumbers, carrots in hopes

Cucumbers, carrots (too few these days)

watermelon before

watermelon so far...

Hammock Facelift

2010-07-30T00:38:00.000-05:00

You guessed it, it's a Hammock stand. I found this ugly, rusted stand at a garage sale for $1. I snatched it up and went to work on it after buying some spray paint to pretty it up. The next weekend, I found a Fabric Hammock at another garage sale for $20! I had to have it. I had been eyeing a fabric one at Target, the price of sales never got low enough for me to buy one. I thought I did great at spending $21 for this whole hammock and stand! Right? Well , so obviously all I did, was take the stand apart, set out some trash bags and went to painting I also cleaned the hammock out on the driveway with a little bit o' dish soap mixed in with TIDE, it smelled clean anyways. After letting it dry for a few hours in the scorching heat, I put it together and this is what I ended up with:

Josiah and I gave this garage sale find ...

Two Thumbs UP!

Summer Lovin

2010-07-29T23:48:00.000-05:00

Breathe in through your nose and out of your mouth, this is going to take some time. I don't even know where to begin. I've been busy, so who hasn't? My last post was about my sweet nephew being born...he just turned 4 months old last week.Shameful blogger I am. Summer is almost over and I can't believe it! I wanted to get so much accomplished this summer on my time away from work.I have gotten alot done, but I actually had a list of To Do's for two months before I went on break! Needless to say one of my things to do was to update and work on the blog. I'm finally getting to it, and I only have a couple of weeks until school starts again. Alot to accomplish in that time. I'm working on me too. I've lost around 30lbs and AT LEAST have that much more to go, I'm hoping to take it very slow and work VERY hard to reach an ultimate goal. So who knows when I'll post again. Hopefully i'll be a little lighter and we all know that means a little healthier/happier and better looking :0) I'm just kidding about the whole better looking thing, well actually I would like to look better in a pair of jeans. That's a biggie this summer! Most women are trying to look good in a swimsuit for summer, i'm just trying to find JEANS!!!!
I guess i'll just pick up where I left off, or shall I start with recent and work my way backwards? I'm off the job for a few weeks and my brain turns to mush, Idon't think anyone cares and now I'm talking to myself. Let's get on with it already! Like I said I haven't posted since February!!! So here are some catch ups.

I will just show a few pics of recent days- this means that I am too tired to catch up. ttyl! Have a great rest of summer!

Lots of swimming, sunscreen, and soakin up some sun!

Ya know how people usually just post the "pretty" pics of themselves and their family? Yeah well, these are not those pics! We also have enjoyed several lake days and we were so stinken tired. Our friends just got a new boat and we are definitely looking forward to more .

Gator Got GiNormous!

Jayra Celebrated her 10 year Transplant Anniversary!!!!!

I think this pic is hilarious! Our entire family has gone the entire summer without a single haircut! I pretty much have let my hair go natural almost everyday, It's been crazy hair day in our house for weeks. While it's very liberating, at times I think my husband wishes I would just fix my hair already :0) OH did I mention that i've only worn makeup on a few special occasions in the last 6 weeks?! Yep! That's me, no makeup, crazy hair, my children look like I neglect them, my husbands hair in this photo looks like a YAK, mine looks like a lions mane and I'm proud of it! Summer is almost over then i'm back to fixing everyday. I'm loving the time on break, but i'm ready for a paycheck again. I love my job!!!!

I'm so thankful for these happy memories, more to come as soon as I can. Happy Summer!

Yes, you heard me right. No I am not joking. His name really is...

2010-03-20T02:25:00.002-05:00

Gator Clyde (Large) Rabbit

Born: February 24th 2010

Weight: 9lbs 15oz.

21 1/2 inches long

To : Kristen Large and Travis Rabbit

He is so sweet. There aren't words. I love to kiss him.

This little guy practically walked out of the womb, he is so big. He is one ounce bigger than my son Josiah weighed at birth and I sure do feel for my sister. She did an amazing job during delivery and didn't have much help in the way of meds. That day was a terrible experience for her and I don't wish that on anyone. Other than delivery of course, birthing your child should be an amazing and very beautiful experience. Kristen was a trooper dispite not getting the meds she signed up for. She asked me and my mom to be in the room with her during delivery and it was an experience I will never forget. She was in the delivery room when I gave birth to my second child (I thought it would be good birth control seeing that she was 15 when I delivered him.) I helped as much as much as I could and counted her through each contraction, I was able to hold her legs along with her husband. I never thought that being so into the birthing process was so taxing. I had bruises on my arms and legs for days after she delivered. I should've posted those for her to see later on as leverage. She would've just loved that! The Nurses took over so that I could actually watch my nephew come into this world and I cried. I was in awe of women. I was amazed at an awesome God who so humbly came into our world this way. A million thoughts went through my head during this quiet yet very loud time of birth. Kristen has always been more vocal than I. No exception here. Lots of screaming and crying. I love you sis had to throw that out there. Our mom could only gasp in her own pain of watching her youngest daughter go through this. Still she was there. She never left kristens side, she cried and prayed. Then there was happy crying, laughter and pure joy as that sweet baby boy got here. He was chubby! You know how you just love to hold chubby babies, well he was chubby from the start. Blue eyes like his mama, Thank you Lord! He doesn't have his mama's ears. OMG! Her ears were just like dumbos when she was a baby, she didn't have hair so it's hysterical to see baby pics of her. I'm not saying anything I don't say directly to my sister, she knows about her ears. Anyways, Kristen you sure do make a great mama and I'm so proud of you! Bet you didn't know just how strong you were did you? You just wait, there's so much more! Now bring that baby over here so I can kiss him!!!!!

Sledsation.

2010-02-02T00:20:00.000-06:00

This was a day for the books let me tell ya. Jeremy the kids and I went over to my moms house for a roast dinner and sledding. It was bitterly cold and we couldn't wait to get out in the middle of it. Rick, moms husband and newest addition to our family was all about throwing the snowballs... the man was a pro baseball player and taught as a baseball coach for 21 years to some of the best ball players around. Hmm, would you want to be on the recieving end of that snowball? Let me be the first one tell you a big hell No! And I mean that! It hurts people!!! Anywho, jeremy caught a few of those as well and agrees with me. BUT! It was alot funnier when he got hit I have to say :O) Didn't get any pics of jeremy and I sledding together , those would have been hilarious! I did a face dive into the snow after falling off of jeremy. He kept going and landed in knee deep water down by the creek. That too was funny. So now jeremy's cold and wet and the kids don't want to go home yet, so we stay. Snow balls are coming at us as we make our way back up the hillside, Mom and Rick are laughin it up at the top of that hill... Not so funny.

Here are Rick and Jeremy pulling Jayra down the hill on the sled.

Jeremy getting ready to put the hurt on someone, probably me.

One of several snowball fights, I took this photo and yes jeremy is throwing one at me and yes it definitely hit me. In the face. God love him.

Mimi, Coach, Jayra and Josiah

Thanks for the great time Mom and Rick!

My Baby Sister's Baby Shower. She's Having a Baby.

2010-01-26T17:24:00.001-06:00

My Baby sister has had her very first baby shower and according to her this is her first and last baby. Uh huh, we'll see about that! The shower was full of laughter and tiny baby things.

I personally loved the John Deer Leather Boots with green grippers on the bottom of the boots. They fit my sister and brother in laws personality to the T! They are precious, too bad I don't have a photo of them.

As i'm sitting here ironing my clothes for tomorrow I'm trying to hold back the tears just thinking about when Kristen was a little baby herself. I was 9 when she was born, so of course Kristen was MY BABY. I feel like she was anyway. She was attached to my hip for another 9 years until I left home for college. I just can't believe she's having a baby. I'm not new to being an aunt,all of our nieces and nephews are on jeremys side of the family. I've got a niece named Kairi who has the cutest smile when she squinches that nose(she knows she's cute!), I just want to pinch her cheeks all of the time. Then I have Three nephews named Micah, Jericho and of course Graham ( he's got the gift of handsome, he says). Then another niece named Margaret (maggie for cute) OH my they are all so stinken cute I can't stand it. This baby, named Gator, will be the first nephew on my side of the family. I simply cannot wait to see my sister go through Labor, I want to be there, I want to help, I want to hold that baby before his mama does :O) We all know that won't happen, but I want to none the less. Kristen knows how I feel, she was in the delivery room with my second child, and she swore to me she would never have kids after that experience! I told her she would change her mind. I'm so very glad she did. Kristen I love you so much and can't wait to be Auntee Jaime. Mabey Aunt Tissy? Kinda Catchy huh? Do you remember calling me Tissy because you couldn't say Sissy? Yes, I think I like that one!

Finding the perfect baby gift was a little difficult to say the least. What do you get for someone you love so much. When I think about Kristen, and all of the pictures I have saved from when she was little and all of the little notes she wrote to me while I was in college and away from home, there was nothing I cherished more than things made for me by her own hand. I LOVE all things handmade, I'm a sucker for mushy but wouldn't ever say it out loud. That's what this blog is for. sometimes is mushy, sometimes its funny, but always, it's my thoughts from the heart of me. I thought it would be sweet to MAKE her something. Here is a picture of the Diaper Cake I made for her shower Centerpeice. I got alot of things into this cake! ~

76 Diapers, One GATOR microwaveable cornpet, One monkey Rattle, One plush musical giraffe stuffed animal, Two play yard crib sheets, 4 recieveing blankets, One Glass Bottle, Two Pacifiers, One paci clip, and on and on. I stuffed things inside of the cake as well for them to fine later. For my first cake I think it turned out pretty cute. It's the thought that counts.

Pictured here is a photo of a few of Kristens closest friends/family. The shower turn out couldn't have been better. We had a ball creating this sweet memory for my sweet sister. Good Job Mom!

Several couldn't make the baby shower, you know who you are and we missed you dearly.

HAPPY BABY SHOWER KRISTEN AND TRAVIS!!!!!!

C'MON BABY!

Suessical! The Musical

2009-12-03T20:36:00.004-06:00

Jayra's Debut in the middle school play @ North Intermediate High school was a success! We are so very proud of our baby girl and her accomplishments. She stole the show, and made me cry at how good she was. I knew she would be great but I didn't think it was going to be this good. The show as a whole was an enjoyment to watch. The sound left something to be desired seeing that the students didn't even wear mics , but we heard every note that Jayra sang and every word that she spoke. I am her mama, and I'm a little biased but ask anyone who was there. She's good! She's decided she wants to do Broadway :o) I can dream, and so can she. Who knows it may actually happen. I can't wait to watch her grow, this is going to be so much fun! She sang like a little bird with a big voice, and loved every minute of it. I love this picture! She is beautiful.

Got this picture as the curtain was going down. Jayra is in the middle waving to her audience.
I love that I can capture these moments on film and post them on our family Blog. So many great memories to cherish. Thanks baby girl for making being your mama so easy. We love you so much. You did a great job and you were a genuine joy to watch on stage. Can't wait for the next show. Can I have your Autograph?

Gobble Gobble!~Thanksgiving~Thankfulness~Clinton Fun

2009-12-03T19:15:00.007-06:00

Josiah is so thrilled to have his picture taken. I couldn't resist putting this photo on our blog for him to see later on. Sigha made this Indian hat at school and thought it was weird then, he probably thinks I'm completely crazy for thinking he looks "cute" in it. Jeremy is of course in the background of this picture doing what he is always doing...cleaning, mopping or vacuuming the floors. I'm not complaining, Now it's expected of him and I do not attempt to cut down his high hopes and dreams of working on the floors. He loves it and I love that he loves it. I'm a happy woman with clean floors :o)

Thanksgiving 2009 was definitely something to be thankful for. We were invited yet again to a feast with the Spitzmillers, Anders and of course Grandma Shirley and Grandpa Boyd Russell among other family members that so graciously welcome us in with open arms. It's a "The more the Merrier" mentality that keeps us coming back for more each blessed holiday season. There was too much delicious food and great company. The Anders (Eric and Leah) hosted this years Thanksgiving get together at their BEAUTIFUL new Broken Arrow home. I'm so Thankful for a big gorgeous house for them to raise a big gorgeous family in. Leah wants to have several children, Eric goes along with a smile because he knows how stinking cute his daughter is and can just imagine how cute all of the little Anders babies will be. I'm thrilled that they are so happy and fulfilled.
Josiah was sure to keep up conversation with papa mike about his Christmas list. Everyone knows and it's been decided without doubt or waver that Josiah wants Devastator from Transformers, which also FYI is worth the same as papa mikes right arm. Papa Mike had a 2 hour long discussion of the terms expected of Josiah were he to actually get DEVASTATOR for Christmas. Josiah wants nothing else, yes that's right... NOTHING. DEVASTATOR it is! Another thing I am thankful for, a Papa Mike who cares enough to have a two hour conversation with Josiah to begin with.

I didn't get to spend any time with my side of the family. But it makes me think of my sister who is with out her fiance and the father of her child. He's working hard for the start of his new family in another state and I'm sad for her, but I know that he will be home with her for Christmas. Their Baby is due in February and that is another thing I'm very Thankful for. Another Nephew who I'm sure will be absolutely adorable, and I can't wait to hold him and spoil him rotten!

Thankfulness holds so many meanings to me. What I am Thankful for most is The God of Everything chose to love me and gives so unconditionally to me everyday even when I'm not thankful at all. My Thankfulness is so little compared to how I want to feel, but that is what makes Him who He is...Not Me.

Thanksgiving night Jeremy got a wild hair and decided to take a spontaneous trip to Arkansas to see our friends the Clinton Clan. 5 hour spontaneous drive not so thrilling. We listened to Christmas music, played on the laptop, had some quality family laugh sessions and listened to the dog we were babysitting whine in the backseat while on our journey. We got to the Clinton's @ approximately 12:30 went to bed @ 2am and Jeremy started to feel sick, but didn't want me to say anything about it of course. I was not happy. Rhonda and Doug let us devour their feast leftovers, and eat some amazing pie. Then we proceeded to the church parking lot for a few hours of Go Cart time. That was fun watching my kids drive around with Jackson who drives like his father...Like he was ready to meet Jesus and couldn't wait another minute! Scared us to death!!!! and I got pictures like I was happy about it or something. Never again. Nope. When we got home Jeremy couldn't hide being ill any longer, we were on our way out the door to go see Christmas lights when I put my foot down and told Jeremy we were going home. He didn't argue. He was super Sick. I drove home for 5 hours and we couldn't get to sleep fast enough. It's been a rough battle from that day to now actually. Josiah got very sick with a virus and he and I both have missed a week of school and work. Jeremy is fine and Josiah is on the mend and I'm happy again. I'm turning 33 in a couple of days and I'm ready to get out of the house and go Celebrate!

Part 2 OCTOBER~ sighas 8th birthday party

2009-11-17T20:50:00.005-06:00

Josiah's 8th Birthday Party was scary...all those boys, dressed up in scary costumes, ready to eat and play hard! We of course came through for the boy. He had a blast and even got tired of having them all here. He was ready for party time to be over. So were we, here are the encounters of monsters and their small stories.

At Josiah's request , I made and decorated cupcakes for him, the house was totally decorated as is a tradition in the tanner household. WE LOVE halloween time. I know lots don't and they shun all aspects of anything that resembles this fun time. That is something that I respect and make it a point to keep my mouth shut about. Everyone has their opinion and what a boring world this would be if everyone had the same one. Having said that we don't like the scary stuff, or the scary movies for that matter, I just simply don't see the point of scaring anyone. It's supposed to be fun and that's what we make it. We don't worship the devil, we aren't bound for hell, actually quite the opposite, and we definately spend too much money on candy for the neighborhood children to stuff themselves with before waking up feeling wonderful the next day. (I love jerry seinfields halloween book)it's hysterical!

We played games like pin the face on the mummy. The kids were blindfolded and made some pretty cute faces. The ghost pinada was a hoot, children almost got hurt on that one, once a boy starts swinging, there is no telling him to stop. He doesn't stop till he hits something... anything... Jeremy. Good Stuff! I was willing to take a swing at him too if he would have let me have a go. The monsters thought it was hilarious to hit jeremy while trying to break the pinaada. I liked that game. :O)

goodie table

Monster Guest List: WereWolf (Josiah), Twin draculas(would I pluralize by saying draculi?), punk zombies (Ooh gross) Where do kids come up with this stuff. Had I had a halloween party for Jayra, we would have been sure see cheerleaders, princess', and sweet things of the like. Nope , not this party. The party favors were even sick. And I have a question, since when is it a necessity to have party favor bags for the guests???? why am I purchasing gifts for the people who come to my childs party? It's like i'm begging them to come and spend time with him. Doesn't this sound wrong?

The last game of the night was a game we actually played as youth ourselves. the old make a mummy out of toilet paper game. Josiah is the Mummy.