weekly photo dump - December {week two}

Happy Sunday!
Another busy week over here.  I am trying to get my Christmas shopping/shipping done.  I think this is the latest I have ever done it.  Not a fan of waiting until the last minute, LOL!  I will be at Target today with the millions of other last minute shoppers.

House update:
We are still waiting for trim, I am wondering if it is the time of year, because our contractor is a little unresponsive.  Luckily everything else is done, so I am not stressing over this piece.

From left to right:
1.  I have almost eaten and entire box of these ginger cookies from IKEA (not in one sitting, LOL!).  They remind me of the pepparkakor's (Swedish ginger cookie) my grandmother used to make.
2.  I am loving our fireplace!  And on a positive note, I love this stacked stone finish we chose so much better than the tile we had before (silver lining).
3.  Mike set up the tree this week (I was going back and forth on if I wanted to put it up), I still have not decorated it, but I love the light it gives in the morning and evening.  I am embracing minimalism, LOL!
4.  Work in the benefits world is super busy this time of year...tons of open enrollments for my clients.  A few days this week I had this for lunch (at least the are organic).  
5.  I love that these two hang out in my office while I am working...except when  our neighbors dog is loose, then the get a little crazy!
6.  This is crazy Pete after he came out of the Christmas tree.  I wasn't fast enough to snap a picture of him inside.  
7.  Christmas cards are done and ready to mail.  I am hoping they arrive before Christmas!
8.  After 4 months of sitting on lawn chairs in our construction zone...our furniture arrived on Friday night.  Boy, have I missed having couches!!!  The pups were excited too (I had to put a blanket on them right away so Sophie could get up there, until the newness wears off, then we will probably not use the blanket, LOL).
9.  This girl turned 5 on 12/15/17.  She is a crazy dog that still acts like a puppy, and loves to sit in my lap (she is 98 pounds), but I love her!

Enjoy Today!

weekly photo dump - December {week one}

Happy December!!

It has been a busy month so far!!  Mike and I had a FABULOUS time in Arizona visiting the kids!!  Our floors were finished while we were gone, work has been super busy, and I am really struggling trying to get in the Christmas spirit...just not feeling it!  Hopefully that will kick in soon!!

From left to right:
1.  I had some special snuggle time with Kodi.  He will always hold a special place in my heart!  He was the dog that made me realize that I liked dogs.
2.  I took a couple of days off from work while I was in AZ.  It was nice to have some time with Mike in the morning, not having to worry about any sort of to-do list.
3.  I ate so many things!!!
4.  We had several game nights...SO FUN!! (Except for the one time we played CLUE).
5.  I always bribe the kids into getting our annual family photo by a dinner out at Angry Crab.  So messy, but so yummy!!
6.  We had a gingerbread house decorating party.  I was happily surprised that fun was had by all.
7.  Pete usually gets mad when we leave him behind (we had a friend checking in on him & Dewey), but this time he seemed much better.
8.  Thursday morning we woke up to snow in Texas.  It was a little exciting, but I am happy the temps are back up in the 60's,
9.  Floors are complete!  Next up is trim (which should hopefully happen in the next week or so), then once that is painted...I think that is a wrap!  Whew-that was a crazy ride!!!

Enjoy Today!

weekly photo dump - November {week three}

Hi all,
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Mike and I are getting ready to head to AZ for a few days, I am looking forward to seeing the kids and having a break from our construction scenery!!  I will not be posting next week, but will be back the first week in December with a post with pic's from Arizona.

From left to right:
1.  I love getting happy mail, this week I received some!
2.  Our floor guys were supposed to work last Sunday...They were a NO SHOW!  We were all patiently waiting for them to arrive.  I have to say we have been pretty lucky with contractors so far...but the floor guys are the ones that give contractors a bad name.  This type A girl, gets annoyed!  I mean, just be straight with me.  
3.  Since we are holding off on buying furniture until the floors are done, we tend to watch TV in bed.  Sophie and Bella join in on the fun (as well as the cats).
4.  Our tile guys put a bunch of construction material in our trash can...we put it out in hopes they would take it.  We got this tag on our garbage can, LOL!  They did empty our bin.  
5.  I love when this creamer flavor comes out!!!  White Chocolate Peppermint Bark.  
6.  It's the little things!!  Mike put up our toilet paper holders this week...you don't know how much you miss stuff, until you don't have them for a while.
7.  Since my appliances are in the middle of the floor at the moment, and I have not had time to go to the grocery store, this was my dinner one night (the microwave is the only appliance hooked up).  I don't normally eat this kind of thing (Mike likes them in his lunch), I do have to say, it was really good!!  I used to love these when I was a kid.  Oh, and I burned my tongue like when I was a kid too, LOL!
8.  I am super excited to have my floors done.  We chose tile that looks like wood.  They still have to finish my office and all our closets (we have a lot of closets), grout and do the fireplace.  Our general contractor said he would let them in while we are out of town (not sure how I feel about that), but we just want it done!!!  Fingers crossed it is done when we get back!  Our neighbors are also going to watch our house and make sure it gets locked up at night.  But Mike also reminded me, it's not like we have much to steal, LOL!  
9.  We are leaving for Arizona (driving with the pups) today, Friday.  While I hate leaving my house it this HOT MESS!  I think it will be a much needed break for us! 

Enjoy Today!

weekly photo dump {November - week two}

From left to right:
1.  I am really glad to be blogging again, even if it is very minimal right now.  Thank you to all who stop by to read my posts :)
2.  We have had a few cold days (Texas cold is similar to Arizona cold), so I made a big pot of soup.  I LOVE soup!!  It is like a hug in a bowl.
3.  I finally got a new pair of Converse.  Just in the nick of time, since I stepped in dog poop with my old ones last week.  I am trying to convince Mike to clean them for me.  They are outside at the moment.
4.  Flooring started this week.  A day later than we thought, but it started.  I am hoping it will be done by mid week next week.  But you know how that goes...
5.  I will be so glad to get all the stuff that has been stored in my dinning room, put away!!  If you know me, you know this is driving me BONKERS!!
6.  It has been that kind of week, that I pulled out the candy and kept it on my desk!  Super busy at work and ready for February when it slows down again.
7.  We have been hanging out in our bedroom to watch TV at night, since everything is a hot mess in our house, of course all the pets join us.
8.  I saw this on Instagram this week and it resonated with me, as I try to keep a good attitude through all the trials of life.
9.  Picked up my photos at Costco (we decided to get some Pizza while we were there) for my December Daily project from 2012...Yes, five years ago, I never finished it.  It was fun looking through all the photos from back then.  I am excited to get it completed as well as start one for 2017.  

Enjoy Today!

weekly photo dump - {November - week one}

From left to right:
1.  I found an old December Daily album that I started working on (I think in 2013?).  I am super excited to locate those photos and put this thing together.  It has also inspired me to do one this year.  Stay tuned on that...
2.  Poor Kodi had to have a mole removed and also got his teeth cleaned last week.  I love that dog so much!!! 
3.  YES, I went to Target on Saturday to check out the launch of Chip & Joanna's new Hearth & Home line.  I have heard mixed reviews, but I really liked it, and got in on some retail therapy.
4.  After our Target run, Mike and I went to Costco.  I can never get out of there for under $200.  But frozen yogurt always makes me feel better.
5.  Josh started a new job this week.  He will be building custom cabinets, I am so happy he is doing something he enjoys.
6.  Doors arrived this week...and Mike installed them all (except for 2 that were the wrong size).
7.  These are my favorite shoes, they have seen better days!  They have been through all the flood craziness with me. They are in desperate need of washing!! 
8.  I am so happy that we have a Sprouts nearby!!  I went and stocked up on all of my favorites.
9.  Mike picked up our flooring on Thursday.  Fingers crossed our contractor can start installing it next week...but you know how that goes.  

Enjoy Today!!

weekly photo dump {October - week five}

Happy Friday!!!

From left to right:
1.  Mike started painting last weekend (and will hopefully finish with paint this weekend).  Our next project...hanging 18 doors (that are being delivered on Monday).
2.  We have been eating out more than we normally do, since we work most of the weekend and it is just easier.  We went to one of Mike's favorite spots...James Coney Island.  For all my CT peeps, we think it is a close match to Nikki'e Dog House.
3.  This is my current weekend look.  
4.  My office/coworkers participate in the Phoenix Breast Cancer Walk every year.  My sweet daughter in law, Jess, heads it up.  I am always there in spirit!!!  It makes my heart so happy to see these two!!  They know first hand what cancer is all about.  Go JOSH!!
5.  My Dyson died last week.  So I had to purchase a new vacuum.  To be honest, I don't think the Dyson is all it is cracked up to be.  I am back to Shark.  
6.  Found this at my grocery store this week...I am not a big egg nog lover, but Mike is.  
7.  Now that the sheet rock and texture are complete, I can actually start cleaning.  Can I just say...so.much.dust.EVERYWERE!!!!  I emptied out all my kitchen cabinets, washed everything and wiped down the inside and outside.  It makes my OCD heart happy to see things sparkle again.  I mean, who wouldn't want a drink from a dusty glass?
8.  Sometimes I want to be Pete.  He has the life!!!
9.  I am in the process of scrapping the hurricane.  I LOVE using the digital Project Life products!!  Becky provided a free Documenting Disasters Kit for Free (linked HERE).  I will be sharing my pages in the next few weeks.  

Enjoy Today!

weekly photo dump {week four}

Hi all,
I hope you had a great week!  Progress is happening at the Clark house.  The sheetrock and texture are just about DONE!  The contractors are stopping by on Saturday morning to finish sanding, and then that part is finished!!  I have to say, that I am so glad this part is almost done, because it is MESSY!!  So.much.dust.everywhere!!!!  I think I will be dusting for the next year.  The next step is doors (which should be arriving on November 6th).  It is a slow process for sure, but so happy to be making progress, one day at a time!

From left to right...
1.  The contractors had to cancel on Saturday, so I ran a bunch or errands and did my grocery shopping.  This was my lunch at 2:45 when I got home.
2.  Thankfully the contractors said they would work on Sunday, since they couldn't work on Saturday (due to the joint compound not being completely dry).  Here is Bella waiting for them to arrive.
3.  My fall issue of Magnolia Journal got misdirected during the hurricane.  I got it about 3 weeks late, and then got busy.  While I was stuck at home during the construction, I finally had a chance to look through it.
4.  The weather is cooling off here in TX.  We used our indoor fireplace for the first time (we have ordered the stacked stone for the front and I cannot wait for it to be pretty again!).
5.  They prepped everthing on Sunday for texture to begin on Monday, I didn't realize they wrapped  everthing.  Luckily I work from home, because I couldn't get to my stuff, (I did locate my toothbrush!!) LOL!
6.  We are super excited that Ashley and Nate are going to have a baby in March!  They found out the gender and did a reveal on Facebook...it's a GIRL!!!!
7.  Mike works nights a few nights every month.  Pete usually sleeps right next to me when Mike is not home.  Plus I have the pups and Dewey at the end of the bed.    
8.  I have been trying to eat healthier these days.  It has been a struggle since the flood.  It has been so easy to just order a pizza or get take out.  Things are slowing getting back to somewhat normal around here.
9.  The majority of my paper scrapbooks were ruined in the flood.  Mike and I were able to salvage about 2/3 of the photos.  Becky Higgins (Project Life), had a storewide sale a couple of weeks ago and I stocked up on products to get my photos protected and try to re-organize things.  Once I get started I will share my progress here on the blog. 

Enjoy Today! 

Happy Friday!!
I have been challenging myself to take more photos (I have missed documenting life, the good the bad and the ugly).  I did not use my big camera this week, but I did use my iPhone to snap a few things to remember this week.  

From left to right...
1.  Mike and I finally tackled the garage, after the flood, everything (that was salvageable) was just thrown in there until we had time to go through it.  Luckily we did not find any wet/smelly items.  
2.  When you work in the garage all day...this is what is for lunch.
3.  The best part of the weekend is sitting on our back patio with coffee.
4.  Mike and I went to church Saturday night.  It was the first time back since the flood.  We have been going to Woodlands Church, we really like it.
5.  The temps are cooling down (a little) here in Texas.  We used our outside fireplace for the first time.  I think it will get a lot of use in the future.
6.  The Sheetrock is up and we hired a contractor to come in and tape and texture.  I am so excited to get this piece done.  Still have a lot to do, but we have walls...hooray!
7.  See #6.  If you know me...construction is an unorganized HOT mess!  This is how I struggled getting ready today.  Luckily I work from home, LOL!
8.  These two are happy as long as they are with me.  I am so glad to have them...they help keep me somewhat un-stressed.
9.  I wrote this on my large chalkboard (I would have snapped a photo of it, but I had to take it off the wall, see #6)...it helps me remember that we are moving forward.  

Enjoy Today!

hello...

Hello...

I know this blog has been quiet for a long time!  Life gets in the way sometimes.  I thought it might be time for me to start documenting life again, after a long hiatus (do y'all still read blogs?).

Mike and I moved to TX back in April, purchased a new house, and then hurricane Harvey came through and flooded our neighborhood.  I will be documenting that here on the blog, to keep my family and friends update on our progress.  I have never been through anything like that and I have to say, I learned so much about myself and humanity through it all.  

More on that to come....

I don't even know where to start, so I thought I would add a weekly photo dump :)  Happy Friday the 13th!!

From left to right:

1.  Most of my scrapbooks were ruined in the flood.  I was able to save about 2/3 of my photos.  I was happy to find a few items that didn't get ruined, which inspired me to start taking photos again.

2.  Sophie is like a kid...she wants to go outside, then a few minutes later, she wants to come back in.

3.  These cuties are in Europe.  I am so jealous, but so happy they are able to experience this trip together.

4.  Mike and I made a Costco run over the weekend.  I can never get out of there under $200...gah!!!

5.  Since we moved to TX, something we have never had to deal with is...FLEAS!  Those little creatures are nasty!!  We ended up putting the pups on flea medication, which seems to work and they are tolerating it well.

6.  We enjoy our back yard, and so do the pups.

7.  I am such a creature of habit...I eat the same thing for breakfast every day (except on the weekends), Greek yogurt drizzled with honey, topped with blueberries and nuts.

8.  I lost my Social Security card, and to obtain a TX license I need it, so went to the Social Security office bright and early to get a new one.  It is just as fun as going to the Department of Motor Vehicles, LOL!

9.  My mom sent me some apples from CT.  I don't know what it is about CT apples, but they are the best (it may be that I grew up eating them).  

Enjoy Today!!!