Pre-Signing Day!

Lucky for us, the seller decided to pre-sign so in turn we were able to sign our lives away one day early! Here's the pen and the stack of papers that made it all possible. We discovered we'll be charged for mortgage insurance until we have 20% down but they will charge you for an extra year if you don't contact them!
After we were handed the keys, we rushed over to our new house and started renovating. A couple of months ago, I wrote about my desire to restore an older home . . . well here it is. Ryan asked me tonight if this was our "MP", I said at least it's our "money pit".

One Smile . . . PLEASE

After begging Harrison for a smile at lunch today this was the best he was going to give me.

Hurry, Hurry

"Hurry, Hurry" by Eve Bunting (author) and Jeff Mack (illustrator) and is a sweet story filled with movement and excitement as the barnyard animals happily rush to witness a wonderful event. Mr. Bear and I give it 5 stars.

Lookout Columbus

Mr. H loves to explore new surroundings. AND climb on anything in site whether it be a rock or window ledge, he'll try it out. I tried to get him to smile but he was being very serious this evening and on a mission.

Keep On Rockin'

Here's a shot of our wonderful Nana trying out the new rocking chairs. Nothing is better than a front porch, rocking chair, sweet tea, warm summer evening, sound of crickets, stars shining high above and good company.

Oldie But Goodie

Here's a shot of the old Heidelburg printing press. Not many of these are in operation anymore but this one keeps chugging along.

Daily Disasters

My SIL is thinking of starting a blog called "Dan's Daily Disasters" named after her youngest child. I think it's a fabulous idea and this should be her first picture. The indention in the middle of the paper box is from a nail. As of today, she's found six nails in six different boxes so that's at least six reams of paper down the drain. I have a feeling there's more to come.

Peter Piper Picked Purple Pepppers

This morning we stopped by the Farmer's Market on the way to the office. Check out these purple peppers. Simply fabulous!

Countertop Garden

Have you even seen an Aero Garden? It's basically an indoor countertop mini garden. My friend loves her and it's so handy when cooking. Currently, she's growing jalapenos, cilantro and basil. Next time, she's going to try the edible flowers.

The Pocket Door

Before I left the Traverse City, I had to get a shot of the bathroom pocket door. I had one in my apartment many years ago and always get excited when I see them.

Swimming Anyone?

Living in the south, I want to to be in the high 80's and above if I'm going to get wet. So tonight, as the vacationers ventured into the cold waters, I watched from above in my long pants and sweater :)

45th Parallel

Today, I arrived in Northern Michigan for a business trip. My traveling companion was gracious enough to let me have the master bedroom in our lodge. The minute I walked in the door, I was blown away by the ENORMOUS bathtub (see above) that was in my bedroom! Plus the shade opened from the top and bottom (see above, again) so I was able to enjoy the sunset from my tub without anyone seeing me.

The Fleas at the Market

One of my favorite activities is cruising the booths of flea markets and antique stores. I don't get to go very often these days (toddlers and markets don't mix). Here's a shot of a cabinet used for storing breakables on top and linens on the bottom.

And Again

I couldn't resist photographing the hibiscus again. Simply wonderful. The flower opened up to the size of a dinner plate. 

Hibiscus Style

Did you know Hibiscus is a primary ingredient in many herbal teas? And one species is used in paper making, another an a vegetable. A 2008 USDA study shows consuming hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure in a group of pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. Study participants with higher blood pressure readings had a greater response to the tea and their systolic blood pressure went down. Cheers!

31 And Counting

Tonight after Harrison fell asleep, we broke out the measuring tape to see how long our little boy is getting . . . 31 inches! He's going to surpass me in no time.

Compromising

Harrison brought me his blue loafer for assistance getting it on. I told him to get the matching one. After bringing me my shoes, he gave me his new flip-flop for the other foot. Why not? If it didn't bother him, why should it bother me :) I remember when I was pregnant, I was at a doctor's appointment and I looked down at my shoes. Sure enough, two different shoes but at least they both were black.

Hop In

Every time we see one of these, Ryan informs me he'd be more than happy to ride in the side car! Maybe you'll see us in about 30 years cruizin' the countryside in one.

Beauty in Plants

Quite a few years ago, I thought about creating a series of photos on plants and oil refineries. There's something about the structure, metal and colors that I find alluring. I spotted this one off of the interstate just waiting for me.

Joyous Day

Dressed to the nines.

And they lived happily ever after . . .

A Day at the Park

After riding in the car for more than nine hours, we all deserved a long break. This was a perfect setting to enjoy a day with family.

Hitting The Road

Today we left for a long road trip for my cousin's wedding. As we stopped for gas, I thought about the little clip on the gas pump that clicks it into place so you don't have to hold it. I've been to stations before were they are missing and it's definitely not fun in the extremely hot southern weather. Here's to you Mr. Gas Pumper Clicker Thingy.

How Do You Spell Relief?

I spell relief "DESITIN" and it's not for Harrison AND not what you think . . . I've been attacked by mosquitoes. Ryan counted 25 bites just on my backside! Diaper rash cream is the best!!!

Ceiling Option

I thought this was an interesting idea for a ceiling. Instead of using the tin tiles, the designer painted textured wallpaper. He said applied a green tint then added a gold/bronze color over it.

Comfort Zone

You know you're sleeping good, when your hands are behind your head.

Recovery

FAITH

I believe in the sun even when it

is not shining.

I believe in love even when I do

not feel it.

I believe in God, even when He

is silent.

Every person needs such faith -

to sustain, to encourage, to

motivate - to take heart and take

hold of God's hand even when

He seems to be silent.

Independence Day

We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe 4th of July.

Murals on the Square

Ryan's hometown, population around 3500, has a charming downtown square. Last weekend this mural was painted. I'm a fan of murals on buildings, it just adds a little character to the surroundings.

Silly Monkey

I call Harrison my silly monkey. He's playing peek-a-boo with me :) The other day he went into the bedroom and shut the door. A couple seconds later I opened it to find him laughing and Lucy running from him. I rescued Miss Lucy again.

Abstraction of Nature

I couldn't decide what to photograph today. It was early evening and the late sun was shining through the trees highlighting this leaf. I shot this from the ground perspective into the sun. I'm pleased with the shot AND it's my favorite color.