It is almost the 4th of July already?

I just got a text from my friend, Kristina, reminding me she would be here in 3 days to join in 4th of July festivities. My, my...I cannot believe that it is already July. Seems like just yesterday we were opening Christmas gifts at Mom & Dad's or playing cards in the Watts' basement - a winter ritual.

I am not complaining though. My favorite time of year is SUMMER. I love the heat, don't mind the Missouri humidity and could live at the lake. We are headed back to the lake hopefully Thursday night.

I look forward to some great fireworks, ornery friends, scrumptious snacks and some fruity drinks. Hope everyone has a great (& safe), HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

House Update!

I took some photos of the house last night. Blaine was working (again) and had his helper back from her vacation to Nana & Papa's house.

Lovely Landscaping

Since our move-in date is moving closer and closer, I have been thinking a lot about landscaping. What kind of tree do I want to replace my beloved? What type of gorgeous flowers would set the house off? Yard ornaments...yes or no?
As I was pulling into my driveway last night I decided to take a quick photo of the yard that belongs to Ms. Flake (or better known as Plant Stealer.) I have taken it upon myself to add some comments to this photo. Please feel free to add any comments that you feel appropriate. (Click on the photo for a better view.)

The Story of a Philodendra and a Flake

Taking a break from reporting "house" news, I would like to tell you a story about my philodendra plant - now named Phil. Recently, I returned from vacation to find my plants looking a little weak. I decided to move them outside for some fresh air and rain including a philodendra that I have had for 10 years - it has sentimental value and came from Blaine's father's funeral. It was sitting outside for a few days and then went missing.

I was home by myself and was convinced that Blaine had trashed it since my thumb is anything but green. So I called him while he was working out at the house. He promised and assured me that he had not touched my plant. Still skeptical, I searched the apartment - no Phil. So I called my parents - they had been visiting and it would be like my mom to take my plant to try to save it and return it. She remembered seeing Phil but didn't take it.

As my search continued I suddenly realized that my plant and basket (Phil was sitting in) was now on my neighbors back porch deck. I was shocked. Phil had been removed from the basket and another plant was in it. The crazy lady next door had stolen my plant!! I was upset to say the least. I got as close to her deck as I could and took an evidence photo with my camera phone. I was going to get my plant back.

Well, I guess she saw me and heard me talking on the phone about her and her floppy hats, long skirts, scary children and cats and came outside to stare at me. At first, I glared back. But the chicken I am, I darted back in the apartment. The next morning, I showed Blaine the basket and Phil on her porch and left for work. Sometime after I had gotten to work, Blaine stopped back by the apartment and saw the crazy lady I now call Ms. Flake outside. What a prime opportunity to ask her about Phil....

After speaking to Ms. Flake, Blaine realized that Phil and the basket were now missing - evidentially she had removed all evidence. He asked her if she had seen it and said that maybe some kids accidentally moved it to her house. In Rainman style, she refused knowing anything about it. After getting that phone call at work, I was furious. But what could I do....nothing.

Today, after returning home from a fun-filled weekend at the lake, Phil and the basket were magically sitting back on my front porch. Welcome Home, Phil! I don't know the circumstances or reasoning for his return, but he is back. Ms. Flake still lives next door with her other 35 potted plants outside and is still feeding a stray cat that keeps crawling on my car....but Phil is back and I am outta this joint in 7 weeks.

Parental Guidance is What I Needed

After calling out to Mom & Dad, "HELP!" they came to my rescue over the weekend to help with wall colors, texture do's & dont's, and many other great ideas for the house. I was SO, SO, SO happy to see the black Chevy truck pull in the driveway to rescue me. I needed some guidance and who better can give that than my parents. (I admit that now - but not so much ten years ago.)

The house is coming right along. Mom and I spent the entire day on Monday picking out wallcoverings, paint colors and generally cool ideas. I even acquired a gorgeous new bedspread for my bedroom. (Blaine gave me "that" look of...do we really need that?) Of course, I neeeeeded it, honey! Shania helped too. She managed to pick out every awesome wallpaper book in Sherwin-Williams and has managed to nail my taste - Thanks Nia! We lost Dad somewhere between Jefferson City and Kansas City at a little known town called Boonville. (Dad - the Isle of Capri called and they want their money back!)

Back to my wallpaper...Yes, folks, I said wallpaper. Contrary to what everyone keeps telling me in mid-Missouri, wallpaper is back. And I am loving it. I am not talking about the old style wallpaper - but more of the fabric looking designs. It will become a part of my old world style house, for sure!! Thanks to Mom & Nia...I have picked out the perfect styles for my master bedroom & bath and my half bath. Blaine even loved it!!
(The photo to the left is the most recent photo of our cultured stone completed on the front of the house.)
Since everything seems to be coming along so nicely, we are thinking that we are moving in the last week in July or first week in August. Oh geez...it will be here before I know it!!

Hello Mother, Hello Father...

As most of you know, I rely on momma's advice for a lot. She is an awesome decorator and I call her everyday to say, "Mom....what do I do about the color of this & the color of that?" She always has an answer or at least a suggestion. So I am posting these photos for her...
Now, momma....what do I do?

This first photo is the living room (kind of) glancing over into the kitchen. The fireplace is almost done (minus the grout between the rocks.) Don't be alarmed, the top beam is not black, but simply covered to keep the grout away.

This will give you an idea about how the rock wall and fireplace coordinate.

The photo to the right is a view of the master bedroom and how the ceiling heights work. I want to paint different colors (and remember my chandelier in the middle hanging from the ceiling.) The cone ceiling now has heavy texture - thanks to Blaine and his very strong texturing arm that he is having to rest tonight! :-) He says he is sore from working above his head all night just to get the texture how I want it. I am not picky! :-) Okay fine....I am picky.

Here is the master bath and all of the angles I have been talking about. In that blank spot, I will have my vanity - Blaine's vanity will be on the other side. To the right of my vanity is the shower; to the left is the bathtub. I am wanting to do the whole old world wallpaper style like we saw in the $1 million dollar house in Springfield. Remember Ma? But if I can't get it just perfect, I will settle for paint. For now, the barrel ceiling is flat and the walls and other ceiling are flat textured.

And last, but not least, here is a photo of Blaine doing his texture thing in the dining room/kitchen. The top beam is once again covered with black paper to protect it. Although unusual, I absolutely love my rock wall. I have always wanted to live in a castle and this is about as good as it is gonna get for me.

Until next time....still changing $500!

Back from the Beach...

If hurricane seasons didn't happen (ever), I would consider moving to the sunny shores of the Gulf. What a beautiful sight to wake up each morning to the sounds of waves crashing against the shore, sun glaring down upon you and the feel of white sand between your toes. The Moore Family vacation was a hit again this year. Here are some memories to reflect upon:

• Although I have a gorgeous photo of a dolphin, the "Dolphin Cruise" is not something I want to do again (even if it only cost $12 per person.) We spent 3 hours on a jammed packed boat somewhere in the bay searching for dolphins. We FINALLY got to see one for about 30 seconds - and that was if you didn't blink and didn't get pushed by two little fat kids trying to get a glimpse of the same thing. (Next time I am going to push back!)



• Dad still loves his binoculars.



• When you look under the furniture while vacuuming, you never know what you will find.



• If someone drops a rope from the balcony above, you can tie on a coca-cola can, a package of crackers and a banana and send them back up. But tying on a box of Preparation H will scare them off.



• You will get yelled at by security for 1) feeding the birds, 2) leaving your front door propped open, and 3) hanging your wet towels on the balcony banister. Come on, folks...we are from the Ozarks - what more do you expect from us?



• When the red flag is out as a warning of the rip current, the ocean waves will body slam you to the ocean floor and leave your swimsuit bottoms around your knees and your hair full of sand.



• Jellyfish do sting!!



• Your TomTom navigation WILL get you lost and send you down rural country dirt roads - the kind of roads that may take months or years for someone to find you!



• Your tan does begin to fade after only 3 short days....sad!!

Who is ready to go back? ME!!!

Do you want Chocolate Chips in your pancakes?

Deciding the major things in life (like plain or chocolate chip pancakes) has been the extent of our decisions to make while we are in Gulf Shores. This morning as we look across the ocean, we are planning our day. We are hitting the beach by 10 a.m., getting some sun, avoiding the hundreds of jellyfish that have occupied our waters and heading for the Dolphin Cruise this afternoon. We set out for a late night fishing trip last night and saw a dolphin. Pretty cool. Although my fishing proved pathetic and unsuccessful, Sydni (my niece) caught Miss Puff the Blowfish (you know...from Sponge Bob Square Pants!)

Everyone has been having a blast. As you can see by the photo, I found a two-headed monster on the beach (named Shania-Tiffani Moore), I can't even drag Mom & Dad from the beach and Blaine is "chillin' like a villian". It all makes the 13 hour drive worth it.

Got to go eat my pancakes now - I take mine plain.