Finished! CD Cases

A while back, while preparing for this move, I decided it was time to go through the huge bin of Cd cases I have and get rid of them.  The Cd's themselves are in those travel cases in my closet, but I couldn't part with the stupid plastic cases and the cover art.  So I started hunting around the craft stores and so forth for a container and a way to KEEP my Cd inserts and Cd's organized, accessible, yet with a minimized foot print.  I found these fantastic boxes at Wal-mart, I wish I'd bought one more, because they don't sell them anymore, much to my dismay.  I would love to say this was a fun project...but it really wasn't that fun.  Tedious is a word that works well.  I can't even tell you how many hours this took me to complete. I'm sure my time would be better spent elsewhere, like with my kids, or working out...but my OCD is satiated, at least for now. 

The Pioneer Woman aka Ree Drummond

     I was driving around, semi-lost one day trying to find Wal-mart I believe, when I found instead the Columbia County Library.  Happily, the kids and I stopped in to check it out and get a library card.  While I was there, I saw a large poster advertising a presentation and book signing for Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman.  I excitedly took note of the date and time so I could attend.  I've followed her blog off and on for a few years.  The last two years, I took advantage of the book discussions hosted by the Pierce County Library in Washington during Pierce County Reads.  I've really enjoyed listening to the authors as they discuss their books.  This seemed like a similar thing and I couldn't wait to go. 
     I ended up going alone, no one close was able to attend with me.  I really enjoyed listening to her presentation and watching the slide show she put together and subsequently mocked the whole time.  She's just as funny in person as on her blog.  Her husband and two boys were there too.  I tried taking a picture, but for some reason they turned out super dark, even though the space was lit and I had my flash on.  I really want a new camera, a nice one, you know that makes my poor photography skills look fantastic. 
     Anyway, back on topic.  I had noticed the people lined up around the back of the room we were in, but didn't pay much attention, I was focused elsewhere...Ree's funny.  When the discussion ended, I got up to get in line for the book signing and found out I was one of the only ones in the room, not in line already.  "Sigh"...I trudged to the back of the line and nestled into my Nook for a long wait.  At least I had the foresight to bring it.  About 2 hrs later, I was standing starstruck at the front of the line saying hi to Ree with ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO SAY!  Seriously, I need lessons in the social graces.  So I boggled my way through and got a picture with her.  She did say she liked my shirt.  That's the most memorable part of our terrible 30 second conversation.  It was fun and I'm glad I went.  Next time, I'll bring someone with my that knows how to make interesting small talk....

Random Pictures

 Resident Lizard, he lives in our window.

Wedding

The Beautiful Bride

 I was really fortunate to be able to attend my sister's wedding in February of this year.  I had been planning on driving out with the kids and spending some time visiting with family before our move East.  When we got to surprise call that we were moving early, I was worried I would miss her wedding.  Things worked out, our move was delayed and I was able to fly to SLC the weekend before our movers showed up.  The second best part, besides getting to be there for the wedding, was being able to go solo.  It was the first time I had ever been away from my children overnight, ever.  I was so looking forward to the break and to seeing my family. 
My sister was gorgeous.  The wedding was beautiful.  It was great to see my family and spend some time with them.  I was able to visit with so many Aunts and Uncles that I hadn't seen in a while.  The trip was too short. I wish I could have spend a few more days.   But I'm feel blessed that I was able to go at all. 

My Wonderful Family

New House

We've been in our new house for a month now.  I have had a few requests for pictures.  So here they are.

 My music room/ library.  I've always wanted one of these.

 The office

 The living room

 Master Bedroom

 Dining Room

 My Sewing/Craft Room (I'm sure this will be the last time it's this clean)

 Leah's Bedroom (she's in heaven cause it's pink)

 Charlie's Bedroom (He's in heaven cause it's blue)

Back Yard (It's bigger than a postage stamp!)

 Kitchen

Other Half of the Back Yard

I love that we finally have enough space to spread out and put everything away.  I love the huge backyard.  I love most that every room is painted a color, not white or cream or tan, but an actual color and it's even better that the colors match our stuff.  The kids are loving the back yard.  They can spend hours out there playing.  I hope you enjoyed the tour.  I forgot to take one of the front of the house. 

Georgia

You all probably know already but we have relocated from the rain-drenched, soggy State of Washington to sunny Georgia.  I feel a little guilty that it wasn't more difficult to leave WA.  I attribute most of that to the vast majority of my friends moving 8 months before we did.  I still had some amazing friends left, but everything had changed for me and I needed to move on. 

10  5 Things I Miss Most about Washington (in no particular order)

1.  The GREEN.  Everything was so green and green all year round.  It's strange living somewhere where things  die in the winter.  I miss the rich green.

2.  The smell.  WA always smelled fresh and damp and clean.

3.  The walking trails.  I knew I had it good with all the fantastic walking trails throughout DuPont.  I don't know how many hours, or miles the kids and I and friends tacked up, but it was alot. 

4.  My book club.  What a wonderful group of women, I will most definitely miss you.

5.  The sunny days.  I know I complained alot about the lack of sunny days, but there is a certain amount of appreciation that comes with the not having and then the having.  Once that sun appeared, everyone dropped everything and headed outside to soak up the sun.  Those were rare and special days.

I loved the time we spent in Washington. I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I'm glad to have moved on, I was getting tired of the rain and wet and I think it was just time for a new adventure. 

Goodbye Rain, Hello Sunshine

Our move is finally under way.  We were waiting and waiting and waiting and now I feel like I'm moving so fast I don't know which way to turn.  Typical I know.  I can hardly believe after 4 years of rain we will be leaving this dreary state in less than 2 weeks.  I'm looking forward to the new adventure and the sunshine.  The sunshine will be really nice.  I've almost forgotten what it looks like.