GODD LUCK!!!!!Sunday, July 31, 2011
Push yourself...
Not much time to blog tonight, but saw this sweet picture and quote and thought it was an interesting thought for the day. It reminded me of the half-ironman that I accomplished last year and how training for it with a job, 4 kids and a husband, and a crazy-busy life was very demanding. But it was worth it!! Crossing that finish line was amazing and such a proud moment! Push yourself. Go beyond your comfort zone...say sorry, make brussel sprouts, try a new Church, go to a movie alone, call an old friend, sign up for a race, ask for a raise...
GODD LUCK!!!!!
GODD LUCK!!!!!
Friday, July 29, 2011
How would you want to be remembered?
Today was the funeral and burial of one of my husband's best friends. He was the loving husband of our dear friend Coni and the awesome father of Garrett and Ethan.
My husband was blessed to be asked to speak at the funeral. He and four other men had five minutes each to sum up his buddy. It was beautiful how many lives he impacted and how beautifully articulated the guys were when describing their feelings. It made me think of how I would want to be remembered. I don't want to be just a "good enough" wife, mother, friend, daughter. Derek was remembered by so many that were touched by his life. He wasn't just a "good enough" husband, father, friend or son. He was great at them all. I know I learned from him today that you must give your all all the time to the people you love and care about. Being a good guy, a nice guy, doesn't determine your length of time on the earth, but it does determine whether you live or die. I have no doubt Derek Anderson is livin' it up in Heaven. Not because he was a nice guy, a good guy or because he attended Church, but because he had a strong relationship with Jesus.
I am proud to say that my husband's faith grew because of Derek. They would meet almost weekly to read the Bible and pray as accountability partners. It is funny how God places people in our lives for a reason. I truly believe Derek is an angel to my husband...someone he needed in a tough time.
So Todd had to sum up Derek today in five minutes. How do you do that? How do you sum up one of your best friends in a few short minutes? How do you do them justice? How would I tell Courtney that she is a completely selfless person, always giving even when she has nothing left to give. She never forgets a birthday or a special occasion. Always builds you up and makes you feel special...always. How could I tell Sanna that she is so strong and stoic through alot of tough times and how she has always been there for me. How she makes me laugh and how we know each other's emotions before we say them...(you yawn when you are confronted or uncomfortable :) Melissa - You are always taking care of me and worrying about me. You are unfailing in loyalty and never fail to be there in a second when I need you. Cole - We have an unspoken friendship that is more a sisterhood. You are so giving of your time and such an amazing person, always helping everyone else before you ask for anything for you. In tough times, you know exactly when I need to talk and when I need to be left alone. Thank you for that. Julie - We share alot of views in faith, and I know that you are such a great person all the way around. You give and give, you always stay positive and have a way of listening and calming me when I need to be settled down. Steph - You and I have been friends for a very long time...you were my first Kentucky friend. I know our lives are busy and times goes by and we don't talk, but we always pick right up again. You are such a good friend, even when I haven't been, you always pick up the phone. You are my old faithful xoxoxo. Now, I could go on and on with friends (family would be a WHOLE other blog post) but the lesson I learned today more than any other thing, is that we shouldn't wait until our loved ones are gone to express how we feel. Tell them now. Over-use "I love you". Hug too much. Laugh alot. Skip the dishes and read a book to your kids. Let them have cake too late at night. Forgive. Listen. Lend advice. Be how you want to be remembered.
My husband was blessed to be asked to speak at the funeral. He and four other men had five minutes each to sum up his buddy. It was beautiful how many lives he impacted and how beautifully articulated the guys were when describing their feelings. It made me think of how I would want to be remembered. I don't want to be just a "good enough" wife, mother, friend, daughter. Derek was remembered by so many that were touched by his life. He wasn't just a "good enough" husband, father, friend or son. He was great at them all. I know I learned from him today that you must give your all all the time to the people you love and care about. Being a good guy, a nice guy, doesn't determine your length of time on the earth, but it does determine whether you live or die. I have no doubt Derek Anderson is livin' it up in Heaven. Not because he was a nice guy, a good guy or because he attended Church, but because he had a strong relationship with Jesus.
I am proud to say that my husband's faith grew because of Derek. They would meet almost weekly to read the Bible and pray as accountability partners. It is funny how God places people in our lives for a reason. I truly believe Derek is an angel to my husband...someone he needed in a tough time.
So Todd had to sum up Derek today in five minutes. How do you do that? How do you sum up one of your best friends in a few short minutes? How do you do them justice? How would I tell Courtney that she is a completely selfless person, always giving even when she has nothing left to give. She never forgets a birthday or a special occasion. Always builds you up and makes you feel special...always. How could I tell Sanna that she is so strong and stoic through alot of tough times and how she has always been there for me. How she makes me laugh and how we know each other's emotions before we say them...(you yawn when you are confronted or uncomfortable :) Melissa - You are always taking care of me and worrying about me. You are unfailing in loyalty and never fail to be there in a second when I need you. Cole - We have an unspoken friendship that is more a sisterhood. You are so giving of your time and such an amazing person, always helping everyone else before you ask for anything for you. In tough times, you know exactly when I need to talk and when I need to be left alone. Thank you for that. Julie - We share alot of views in faith, and I know that you are such a great person all the way around. You give and give, you always stay positive and have a way of listening and calming me when I need to be settled down. Steph - You and I have been friends for a very long time...you were my first Kentucky friend. I know our lives are busy and times goes by and we don't talk, but we always pick right up again. You are such a good friend, even when I haven't been, you always pick up the phone. You are my old faithful xoxoxo. Now, I could go on and on with friends (family would be a WHOLE other blog post) but the lesson I learned today more than any other thing, is that we shouldn't wait until our loved ones are gone to express how we feel. Tell them now. Over-use "I love you". Hug too much. Laugh alot. Skip the dishes and read a book to your kids. Let them have cake too late at night. Forgive. Listen. Lend advice. Be how you want to be remembered.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Girls with Goals
Today I want to mention some local girls that I know that have small (and large) businesses! What a better place to network than a blog?! Here are some of them...I am sure I will think of more, but here goes....
Jane Morgan - http://www.thesassysister.com/
Kelly Throneberry - www.mythirtyone.com/kellythroneberry
(Atlanta area- my sister sells Thirty One as well - www.mythirtyone.com/lindsayhogan
Stacye Love - my builder, but also a very talented interior designer AND she has her own line of tennis bags!!) http://www.stacyelove.com/
Amanda Clark - Independant Design Consultant and Willow House rep - coolkymomma@gmail.com
Meghan Tinker - Rep for Stella and Dot (adorable jewelry!) www.stelladot.com/meghantinker
Meghan and her husband Alex own 4Flights Wine Boutique in Norton Commons...very cute and a good selection!
Whitney Brown (with Meghan Tinker) started http://www.shopgirlslouisville.blogspot.com/ which is a very cute blog specializing in great finds in the Ville! Check it out!
DeDe Holman - AMAZING photographer http://www.dedeholmanphotography.com/
Looking to add to your family...looking to balance your family? http://www.chooseagender.com/ ask for Jessica Flynn
Also, need a place to board your horse? Injured horse that needs more care than you know how to give? My sis has a horse farm called Cornerstone Farm. Email her @ erinnovelli@hotmail.com
Marcia Gray - Kelly's Kids rep #114799 www.kellyskids.com Adorable, wearable kids clothing
And I might as well add that if you are looking for a realtor in Louisville or Shelbyville, CALL ME!!!
I am with Semonin Realtors and I am always up for business!! :)
Jane Morgan - http://www.thesassysister.com/
Kelly Throneberry - www.mythirtyone.com/kellythroneberry
(Atlanta area- my sister sells Thirty One as well - www.mythirtyone.com/lindsayhogan
Stacye Love - my builder, but also a very talented interior designer AND she has her own line of tennis bags!!) http://www.stacyelove.com/
Amanda Clark - Independant Design Consultant and Willow House rep - coolkymomma@gmail.com
Meghan Tinker - Rep for Stella and Dot (adorable jewelry!) www.stelladot.com/meghantinker
Meghan and her husband Alex own 4Flights Wine Boutique in Norton Commons...very cute and a good selection!
Whitney Brown (with Meghan Tinker) started http://www.shopgirlslouisville.blogspot.com/ which is a very cute blog specializing in great finds in the Ville! Check it out!
DeDe Holman - AMAZING photographer http://www.dedeholmanphotography.com/
Looking to add to your family...looking to balance your family? http://www.chooseagender.com/ ask for Jessica Flynn
Also, need a place to board your horse? Injured horse that needs more care than you know how to give? My sis has a horse farm called Cornerstone Farm. Email her @ erinnovelli@hotmail.com
Marcia Gray - Kelly's Kids rep #114799 www.kellyskids.com Adorable, wearable kids clothing
And I might as well add that if you are looking for a realtor in Louisville or Shelbyville, CALL ME!!!
I am with Semonin Realtors and I am always up for business!! :)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
My obsession with all things LIGHT.
Right now light fixtures are an obsession of mine. I couldn't sleep last night because visions of pendants danced in my head. It is a puzzle trying to pick unique fixtures that I will not get sick of that will also flow well with the rest of the house. Below are some 'FINDS' I am debating...
This one is from Shades of Light - The De Vine Wood Ball Chandelier. It will hang in my powder room...a great focal point while you are resting on the commode.
The next one is an example of the style of exterior lights I have chosen...'onion lights' as my builder would call them. These are from Brechers and are One Light.
Below is a fixture from Restoration Hardware that I am debating for either the foyer or the sunken living room. I love that it doesn't obstruct the view but is heavy enough to fill the space required by the room.
Below is the fan that we have chosen for our family room. It is a monster, but we like air to MOVE in our house! :)
The next is from Restoration Hardware and I am debating two of them for above the dining room table in either the below color, a cream or maybe black. They are very large (25 inches across, but I really like them).
My island will have three of the below pendants... or similar. These are Restoration Hardware, but I have found less expensive ones at Brechers.
Taking a risk on the next selection. I am envisioning a very WHITE laundry room with two of these adorable pendants. The color is more "robin's egg blue" in real life versus the teal that it appears. The laundry room is off the beaten path of the house, and I am feeling daring in bringing in more color there and in the office, which is adjacent and only entered through the laundry. They are from Barn Light Electric and just charming in my humble opinion.
Speaking of the office adjacent to the laundry, the next fixture is a hanging pendant that I intend to put hanging centered in the office. It is so charming and sweet. The cabinets will be a pale blue and I am having dark stained wood tops. The hanging drum shade is from Shades of Light.
This one is from Shades of Light - The De Vine Wood Ball Chandelier. It will hang in my powder room...a great focal point while you are resting on the commode.
The next one is an example of the style of exterior lights I have chosen...'onion lights' as my builder would call them. These are from Brechers and are One Light.
Below is a fixture from Restoration Hardware that I am debating for either the foyer or the sunken living room. I love that it doesn't obstruct the view but is heavy enough to fill the space required by the room.
Below is the fan that we have chosen for our family room. It is a monster, but we like air to MOVE in our house! :)
The next is from Restoration Hardware and I am debating two of them for above the dining room table in either the below color, a cream or maybe black. They are very large (25 inches across, but I really like them).
My island will have three of the below pendants... or similar. These are Restoration Hardware, but I have found less expensive ones at Brechers.
Taking a risk on the next selection. I am envisioning a very WHITE laundry room with two of these adorable pendants. The color is more "robin's egg blue" in real life versus the teal that it appears. The laundry room is off the beaten path of the house, and I am feeling daring in bringing in more color there and in the office, which is adjacent and only entered through the laundry. They are from Barn Light Electric and just charming in my humble opinion.
Speaking of the office adjacent to the laundry, the next fixture is a hanging pendant that I intend to put hanging centered in the office. It is so charming and sweet. The cabinets will be a pale blue and I am having dark stained wood tops. The hanging drum shade is from Shades of Light.
So that is where I am at. Still alot more to decide!
Black Paper and Cracked Windows
We are under black paper. It looks like a house now...which is kindof a TEASE, because it will be ages before it is anywhere near move-in.
While we were on vacation, the windows were installed. Unfortunately, before they were all installed, six that were leaning up against the wall fell over during a severe wind storm...and broke.
Still working on how to handle that situation.... On top of that, it is DECISION time! Lots to think about regarding plugs, switches, plumbing, fixtures, etc. It doesn't stress me out at all...I was warned it would. I just feel very blessed to be able to be building this home, that I think everything is just the icing on the cake!
Last but not least, the screen porch roof is on. I LOVE the outdoors, but I LOATHE mosquitoes (see Captiva Posts). I am extremely excited about the porch. I am looking forward to turning on the fireplace, enjoying a glass of wine and listing to the neighbor's rooster. Country livin'...here we come! :)
While we were on vacation, the windows were installed. Unfortunately, before they were all installed, six that were leaning up against the wall fell over during a severe wind storm...and broke.
Still working on how to handle that situation.... On top of that, it is DECISION time! Lots to think about regarding plugs, switches, plumbing, fixtures, etc. It doesn't stress me out at all...I was warned it would. I just feel very blessed to be able to be building this home, that I think everything is just the icing on the cake!
Last but not least, the screen porch roof is on. I LOVE the outdoors, but I LOATHE mosquitoes (see Captiva Posts). I am extremely excited about the porch. I am looking forward to turning on the fireplace, enjoying a glass of wine and listing to the neighbor's rooster. Country livin'...here we come! :)
The Ooh La La Spa Surprise
Yesterday, I came home from a meeting and found my girls giggling with the babysitter. "Mommy! We have a surprise! Close your eyes and come upstairs!"
Upstairs I found the "Ooh La La Spa".
Where manicures and pedicures could be ordered...
Finley was on hand to apply my homemade banana and milk mask...(yes...itchy). Riley soaked my feet in something with salt and gave me a pedi.
And then my hair was done by Finley. A headband and ponytail with a scruncy...VERY 2011. It was sooo cute and such a mess! I couldn't help but smile at how creative and adorable it was! Reminded me of the days when I was a kid (I sound old..."back when I was young..."), when we didn't have a Wii or DS and we just played.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Getting away...Captiva Style
Just got home from some much needed R & R with the family at Captiva Island! It was a great place for kids! Grab some popcorn because I loaded a TON of photos!
We stayed at the South Seas Island Resort and it was perfect...minus the many mosquitos that seemed to come out in the DOZENS at night. (Bring bug spray by the gallon if you go!)
The boats were beautiful...
Gotta wear shades...lenses are optional.
The kids loved looking for manatees! We even swam so close Todd touched one! I got close but Todd called me in because he saw a four foot barracuda right beside it.
Chillin' at the pool....
Sunset...
Cousins!
Visting Grandmother and Vince...
Toes in the sand...
JoJo and Pop Pop...
Gotta love Guido and Lighting McQueen...
I look naked...but I am TOTALLY not...
LOVE this pic...
The slides were wonderful...
The memories and company were the best!
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