Beauties.

Look at this gorgeous peony. I can't wait for it to bloom.

I also have this wonderful BRIGHT PINK shrub. I can't find the popsicle stick that my Aunt + Uncle labeled so we'll just call it the Hot Pink Shrub.
And of course my abundance of Iris'. They coverage most of my garden. If you would like some come on over and get some. I'm sharing the wealth.

These little white bells are always cute. They remind me of wedding bells for some reason.
Enough flowers for today. Stay tune for the Daisies that are on their way!!!!!

oh sweet camera!

I made Juice and Mr. Orange be my models while I tried out my new camera and new lens. Mr. Orange is obviously sick and tired of being my model for all these years. You can just see that he is just annoyed=)

But Juice-- what a little ham cakes!!! He was so funny tonight. He made about 3 trips to the back bedroom and brought out "treasures" for me. A sock, a nail, and my necklace... oh and a piece of wood too. What a weirdo. Why a nail? Why a piece of wood? Our house is under remodeling.

*these photos aren't edited.*

Different.

The other day I was listening to "wake up" on GAC country and American idol contestant Bucky Covington had a really great song on there call "Different World". Here are the lyrics.

We were born to mothers who smoked and drank

Our cribs were covered in lead based paint

No child proof lids no seat belts in cars

Rode bikes with no helmets and still here we are, still here we are

We got daddy’s belt when we misbehaved

Had three TV channels you got up to change

No video games and no satellite

All we had were friends and they were outside, playin’ outside

Chorus

It was a different life

When we were boys and girls

Not just a different time

It was a different world

School always started the same every day

The pledge of allegiance then someone would pray

Not every kid made the team when they tried

We got disappointed and that was all right, we turned out all right

No bottled water, we drank from a garden hose
And every Sunday, all the stores were closed

Chorus

It was a different life

When we were boys and girls

Not just a different time

It was a different world

Chris + I were talking about this song on our way to Wisconsin Sunday. I totally remember growing up that way. This was my childhood (minus having a mother who smoked and drank). But I remember when people would smoke in the work place? Crazy. It seems like childhoods aren't this way because the parents don't allow for it. Parents try to keep the child safe all the time. Parents spend thousands of dollars on the latest and greatest machine, toy or object that will make their child more safe, more educated whatever. But like the song says, "we turned out alright". Going further to what the song says, what happened to the pledge of allegiance? Don't get me started with that. I totally remember after church on Sunday we'd have to run to the grocery store and not a lot of stores where open. Or if they were it was a block of time. What happened? When I was a kid we would play so hard we had NO time to run inside and grab a drink we'd drink it straight from the hose. Maybe we did it because if we went inside Mom or Dad would make us stay in so we just stayed outside. =) My favorite memory that I tell everyone is when I'd be blocks away from home at a friends house and when dinner was ready Mom or Dad would step outside and yell "WHITNEY DINNER IS READY!" The funny thing is is that I actually heard them and would yell back, "COMING!". So funny. What happened to doing that now days? It makes me sad that life seems to be turning a different direction (for kids/families) but hopefully I can provide a similar childhood like the song describes to my children that I had. It's just a fun time ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

=)

Disappointed

As you all know Saturday my Canon 40D was suppose to have arrived on my front steps. Well it arrived and I wasn't there.

You see Chris + I went out for bagels that morning and we missed the UPS guy for literally 5mins. I wasn't upset until I called the 1-800 number and they told me that the Maple Grove distribution center is closed on Saturdays and they wouldn't attempt a second delivery until Tuesday as they are closed on Monday. GrrrrrrrrrrrrRrrrr. Arrrrgggggggghhhhh. So mad! I was pretty steamed.

I cooled off and counted my blessings that at least I didn't have a major shoot this weekend. Oh well so I have to wait. I'll really appreciate it when I get it now.

Come on Tuesday!!!!!!!!!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Antsy pantsy

Excitement is taking over me! Is it Friday yet? I'm so looking forward to the holiday weekend where I can capture some awesome pics! Grill out pics-- um yes please! I'm also looking forward to all the project Chris + I are going to finish!!!

Can I just say that I'm totally jealous of all ya'll that have tomorrow off as I have to work. Lamo.
But I do get Monday off. Isn't that nice.

Oh well my lunch break is over... back to work

Ta-ta
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

it's coming!!!

isn't it so beautiful???

It arrives tomorrow afternoon! Eeeeeeeh!

Fun stuff.

Is this really happening? Pinch me, someone!!!!

I am totally thrilled because I'm going to be getting a Canon 40D this weekend. I am SO PUMPED!!!! I've be squeezing what I can out of my D30 that my father-in-law gave me 2 years ago. I'm sure use a 40D will be like heaven in my hands. I have an update later.

Memorial Day is this weekend which means a few more days off. Chris and I are going to take advantage of this and get some projects done on the house.

1. Second coat of paint in the living room
2. Sand down the walls in the bedrooms
3. Paint bedrooms

We should be able to get that all finished, right? Come on over and help if you feel led to =)
Then all we have left is the wood floors to be refinished, the trim and the kitchen.

Sunday we are going to be making a FAST trip to Wisconsin Rapids for my Grandma Hewuse's 90th birthday! What a gal!

On Monday we plain on going to a park and having a little picnic. I'd like to go a little outside of the cities but we'll see. Then I can use my little picnic basket I got for $3 at a garage sale!!!Maybe we'll go to a new coffee shop or restaurant for dinner. Speaking of new restaurant, I went to Cosetta's in Saint Paul last Saturday. What a cute Italian deli. It's a must for a FFN. I think I'm going to take Chris there this Friday. He would love it!

Well back to work. Have a great Wednesday because Friday is almost here!!!

My day.

I had continuing education yesterday to keep my insurance license. It's required every other year. Lucky me-- I get to sit through 8 hours of lamo classes (ie painting Autos, Ethics, tour mechanical shops). I'm being completely sarcastic.

As I was sitting in my class yesterday morning, class had started at 9 and it was 9:33 and I looked around the room and watched the expressions on peoples faces. They were genuinely happy to be here. They were interested + involved in the conversations that were taking place. That's when it downed on me "I am not interested in this field." However, I do enjoy the place I work very much and am thankful for my job. I couldn't ask for a better environment + boss (in case they read this I have to add that).

Someday my career will come. For now I will go to my job.

inspiration.

Our next project starting (hopefully) June 1st. We're going to give the kitchen a facelift.
We will be painting the cabinets, new hardware and new counter tops. I can hardly wait!!!
This photo is our inspiration. Hopefully we will be able to reflect it!

101 in 1001

I got this idea from several blogs that I follow and I decided that I would like to join in on the fun too. I have started blogging my journey to completion. It should be a fun adventure and I'm hoping to gain perspective and discipline from it. I'm still in the process of actually finishing my 101 list. 101 is a lot to accomplish.

If you are interested in check out more list or making one for yourself go to http://www.dayzeroproject.com/

Randoms.

This is to all you women that wear makeup. Specifically mascara. They other day I picked up a new mascara. The same mascara I always get. It was until I wore it for the first time today and then wash my face tonight did I realize that it is waterproof! If you have never worn waterproof mascara... well it doesn't come off your lashes. I washed my face and the mascara is still there. I mean I guess that would be the entire purpose of the waterproof idea. But how in the world am I suppose to get it off of my lash at all? Can anyone help me here? It's kind of itchy too.



On another note I have there gorgeous either cherry trees or crab apple trees in the back of my yard (I'm not good with tree names and identifying them) and the neighbors behind us have a border of lilac trees. So you can only imagine the aroma that pours out when I open the door to the morning air. Fresh!





































My garden is a bit out of control at the moment. Seriously- if you want any rhubarb come over and cut because as you can see it is growing nicely. I'm not lacking.


































I'm in the process of refinishing a buffet that we picked up at a garage sale the other weekend for $20. So with some paint and new hardware this great find will shine up nicely. I hope to complete this project this weekend because it's taking up our garage.





















And of course if you have some time check out my new and improved photography blog!

Double Mint

Today I purchased a 3 pkg of Double Mint Gum. I wanted to make a blog entry to keep record of how long it will take me to chew all 45 sticks of deliciousness. I have a real problem with chewing gum a lot at work. Plus, Double Mint is like the best gum out there. Hello!~

I am guessing they will be gone by Friday. Incase you were counting, that is 15 sticks of chew in one day.

I'll have an update for you. Stay tune.

Dreams

Today this makes me smile. In my dreams but hopefully in my reality this door will become the entrance to my farm home where I will have 1 cow, 1 goat, 1 chicken and 2 horses. With a rose garden in the backyard leading to a breath taking vineyard and plush fields to run the horses for miles. Why not?

Corporate Dictionary

Hundo: slang for One hundred. Like "one hundred" is so hard to say.

Enjoy your day + smile!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Governors Fishing Opener

This HUGE tent is right outside my window. No... really... I don't mind (sarcasm). Why are we celebrating the day fishing season starts? (confused) Only in Minnesota. The city of White Bear Lake will be feeding 5000 people for... FREE! Who wouldn't come to a fishing opener.

Have a great weekend!!!

aborable.

sweet lovable Juicer is getting big and learning to hold his pee until the end of the day (thought you'd like to know that). it's a monumental moment when your pup holds it all day. What a good boy.

On another note my nephew Brezden Parker Leahigh was born today!!!! Congratulations Natasha + Quentin! Lots of pictures of that little guy to come!!!

Ultimate weekend

Okay folks are you ready to hear about the wildest most adventurous weekend?!?!? Well... it was to me at least.

SO FUN!!!

My Aunt + Uncle came for a visit this weekend!!!! To kick it off we hit up Outback Steak house. How can you go wrong? YUM YUM YUM. Seriously people... the green beans are to die for!!! We finished dinner with a deletable cheesecake with raspberry sauce and for Auntie chocolate thunder from down under...HELLO! It was dangerous. We wrapped up the evening watching Slumdog Millionare. Such a fantastic movie.

Saturday: Big day. Aunt + Uncle woke up nice + early to enjoy a morning walk and a cup of joe at Caribou Coffee. Sounds like a perfect start to the day to me. Meanwhile, Chris + I are figuring out breakfast at the house. Aunt + Uncle get back only to tell us of their grand purchases at the garage sale down the road. Uncle was so gracious to get us a beautiful sculpture of a.... well....you decide what the heck it is.

This was to good to pass up we needed to see this garage sale ourselves. Plus Aunt + Uncle said they were cheap bookshelves. Sure enough... two bookshelves, real wood for a grand total of $35. Seriously awesome. We bought them both. It was the bookshelf we wanted and it was just the perfect blessing.

The garage sale bug was upon us. We were so infected it was ridiculous. Off we went to the next sale and the next sale. The trunk was on it's way to being full and our wallets to being empty. It was a BLAST! Even Sunday after church we hit up another sale on our way home. We were quite determined at this sale. We purchased 4 outdoor torches and they were obviously to tall for our car by as you will see we made it. So redneck of us! Yes... they are hanging out the window.

Lets not forget Saturday night's steak dinner from Von Hanson Meat with a grand campfire. Chris was inspired with a little sepia + black/white photography. (chris' pics below).

(VonHanson Meat)

Here are a few precious pictures of Juice + my gorgeous tulip! Hip-hip hooray for garden. Might I add how extremely thankful we are for having Aunt + Uncle help us Saturday afternoon rake out our garden. 13 bags full of leaves later we have got the yard all cleaned up looking sharp. Plus they are master gardeners and helped us label all the flowers that I have not a clue what they are. Thank you A + U!!!!!!!

(BEFORE)(AFTER)

(AFTER)