Still Here

Even though I have taken a little "blog break," we are still here. I have been busy learning the ropes at work. (aka-figuring out ALL the mounds of paperwork.) So far, I am really loving it. I have been training with the other Career Specialist and they are some of the best people I have ever met. I knew I was in a good place when at the first staff meeting, the director prayed before we began the meeting. So rare these days! Dealing with people on a daily basis who are unemployed or have been recently laid off really gives me a sense of what tough times we are going through. I say a prayer of thanks every day for this job and the opportunity God has given me to help those individuals.

I have been out of town the past few weekends so we haven't gotten much accomplished as far as the house goes. We did paint the living room but I am waiting to post pictures until I can find window treatments I like. Who knows when that will be! Our plans are to tackle painting our master bedroom and bath next. Whooo! It makes me tired just thinking about it. But, it will be so worth it once we are finished.

Hall Bathroom

This weekend was spent painting the hall bathroom. This was top on our list because if you remember before it was purple sponge paint. I chose a deeper tan color. It turned out more of a rich golden. But, I really like the clean look it has with the white accents. We still have some things left to do: 1) Frame out the mirror, 2) Paint the cabinet white, 4) Install new light fixture, 5) Replace the blinds. I'm already loving the changes!

This weekend we are hoping to paint the living room.

BEFORE

AFTER

You can see the real color without the light

Hatchie Bottom 2009

Well, it's a miracle. I came back home from Hatchie Bottom with less than 25 mosquito bites! I believe this is a record. Our annual 4th of July tradition proved to be an exciting one this year. I got to catch up with family I haven't seen in a year and some even longer than that. Clint had a blast shooting his gun and becoming more familiar with the motorcycles. As usual, the food was amazing! It rained on us a bit but we still pulled off some fireworks and sparklers. We are already looking forward to next year!

FYI: This year's mosquito repellant of choice was the OFF fan that you clip onto your clothing. I give this product 4 out of 5 stars. I think it really did keep my favorite flying friends at bay!

My dad loves to show how it's done.

Daddy with his "Bond Girls"

Club House

Sarah learned to drive this Gator and 4 wheeler this year.

J.Leigh, my little (big) cousin Tom and Abe (J's b/f)

Cotton field in the morning

Clint woke up early Sunday morning and took some pictures

My dad describes Hatchie Bottom as "primitive" and you can see why! Clint took this picture b/c he loves the fact that the girls have to use this!!

Our First House

Well, I'm finally getting around to posting pictures of our new house. I was going to wait to post them until we got every room painted and decorated. Then, I realized how long that might be until all of that work was complete! And since so many of you have asked to see, I thought I would post the "raw" pictures. We are still in the process of unpacking whenever we get a spare moment. We went to Jackson this weekend for our annual Hatchie Bottom 4th of July trip so we really haven't gotten to far in the unpacking process. This weekend I am going to tackle the first paint project--purple hall bathroom. I'll be sure to post before and after pics of each room when we finish.

I cannot tell you how much we already love this house. Every morning I wake up here and it seems like I'm a guest in some other person's home. Our neighborhood is so quaint and all the neighbors are extremely friendly. I know this house is going to require work, but I also know we are going to love making this house our home!

Front entrance and living room

Hall Bathroom (purple!!)

3rd bedroom/office

Guest Bedroom

Master Bedroom

Master Bathroom

Kitchen and dining area



Fireplace (This is not deocorated, just put stuff up there until I get to it!)

Den--Laundry room is off the den and the garage is off that