Living life AMIably

there was a little boy...

2012-01-18T09:03:00.003-05:00

who was turning 6 and wanted a "darth vader" party!?! As much as I tried to talk him into a super cool spy party it was just avail...so a darth vader party we had!

light sabers made from pipe insulation & duct tape

awesome ideas for food labels from this awesome blog

Eli set up his little star wars lego men around the table

padawan pizza

tons of fun...

even for the little girls

happy...

we took the star wars banner eli made and had all of his friends sign it..it's now hanging in his room!

of course the girls had princess lea headbands!

He is 6..

2012-01-06T10:03:00.001-05:00

6 years ago today I was anxiously awaiting his arrival.. I arrived at the hospital for my scheduled induction..and waited...until 8:04pm when he came...this perfectly beautiful wonderful little boy...we named him Eli Christopher. The name Eli comes from the Hebrew origin. In Hebrew The meaning of the name Eli is: High, ascended, or 'my God'. He is a wonderful blessing in our lives. He may be the sweetest soul I know, very honest and genuion, he loves to play and be silly but he wants everyone to be happy. His preschool teacher told me a few years ago that she had never had another preschooler who developed such strong connections with other children...he always has best friends who he loves and talks about all the time! He is an adorably sweet big brother and is constantly trying to do things for Mia. He has been getting her dressed every morning this week! And the immagination of this adorable child...precious. Today as we were packing up his cookies to take to school he was pretending he was Aniken Skywalker, before he became Darth Vader and he was being helpful and sweet and then he stopped what he was doing and said, "I have a wonderful idea...I am going to become naughty and change my name to Darth Vader." So immediately he went into character...Happy 6th to my wonderful Eli!

Happy Birthday sweet, sweet boy..I can't even begin to express the joy you have brought your family..we love you..

sometimes we just need quiet..

2012-01-03T22:09:00.000-05:00

10 years ago a winter/christmas wedding seemed like the most awesome idea... EVER...and it was for the fact I married my best friend...BUT..now between thanksgiving, christmas and eli's birthday we hardly ever MAKE the time for us...well this year we did. We are so blessed to have so many awesome family members who love watching our littles and come up to us! So my mil came up the day after Christmas and we spend a nice night with her and our family and then the next day Chris and I took a trip to Duck, NC. We were looking for a nice quiet place we could drive to... the Sanderling was recommended to us...the spa sold it!!! It is off season in the Outer Banks so we enjoyed lovely, quiet walks on the beach, spa treatments, amazing food and quiet wonderful wine filled evenings! Just what we needed to reconnect and enjoy our friendship!

We are so so so blessed to have such an amazingly sweet son who wanted to send a lego man with us dad so we sent him so fun pictures of his lego man enjoying the beach!

Magical Merry Memories

2011-12-26T21:41:00.005-05:00

JUBILANT JACKSON'S!

Perfect Pies

2011-11-03T08:13:00.002-04:00

So keeping with the thankful theme this month...I am so VERY thankful for thanksgiving pies! I was drooling over pies on pintrest yesterday I thought...wow some pies are BEAUTIFUL! also thankful for beautiful food...so enjoy some beautiful, mouth watering pictures of some amazing pies! If this doesn't get you in the mood for Thanksgiving...well I just don't know!

Source: google.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: pauladeen.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: yoli-www.blogspot.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: parents.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: bedifferentactnormal.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: familyfriendlyfood.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: eatinginandout777.blogspot.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: simply-delicious.co.za via Kalley on Pinterest

Source: onceuponachef.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: instructables.com via The Dragonfly On Iron Gate on Pinterest

Aren't these amazing! I am in charge of bringing pies this year....I have a lot to live up against! I better get baking!! Happy baking!!

The leaves are falling

2011-11-03T08:13:00.001-04:00

Thankful for... country roads... that take me home...

Source: tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

what we are working on at the Jackson household this week

Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Cheri on Pinterest

aren't these adorable?!!

Mustard lovin

2011-11-03T07:31:00.000-04:00

Source: iammommy.typepad.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: decorpad.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: escapadeblog.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: houseandhome.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: mangoandsalt.com via Ami on Pinterest

Source: nestegg.typepad.com via Ami on Pinterest

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What colors are you loving this season??

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Ami on Pinterest

So VERY thankful

2011-11-02T07:41:00.000-04:00

The closer we get to thanksgiving the more thankful I begin to feel! I have so much to be thankful for and it is always good for the soul to say it out loud! I am going to post several wordless posts showing just a few things I am thankful for! I am also so thankful to have functional vehicles that will allow us to go back to WV for thanksgiving!! I am so VERY VERY thankful for my awesome family & the wonderful family I married into!!

attempting balance

2011-10-27T09:49:00.001-04:00

I am not sure that absolute balance is ever achievable without tools, just as a tightrope walker uses a balance bar we need these tools to help balance our lives. I feel blessed to have such an understanding partner who allows me to learn through trial and error and without this I don't think I would learn. He offers advice as needed and reals me back to reality when I am floating away. I also consider the blogs I read as tools, it is comforting to connect with other women who often experience similar circumstances in their lives.. I also enjoy writing out my own emotions..they sometimes feel and look different in print.

Speaking of blogs...I was reading a blog yesterday and was upset about a comment she made. She was certain of only one right way to raise children. I pondered this comment all day and evening and wondered why it affected me so. I concluded that it bothered me because I wasn't raising my children as she saw fit nor do I believe that there is only one way to raise children. Every families situation is unique and requires unique solutions to establish balance.

I love being a mother and I love being involved with Eli's school and having "mia time" but I also feel I need something for me. Be that selfish or not it's what I need. I attempted working nights so I can be home with the kids but use my nursing degree....but that didn't work for, me, my kids, my husband, or our life...every situation is unique and I admire the women who do this full time...

If I do not have balance with my soul I am not the best mother I can be..and that is not fair to my children..

I worked hard to earn my degrees and while I don't regret any decision I have made to sacrifice career for children..I am ready to do something for me....to a point! And this is the part that I am having a hard time finding balance with!! For one working part time still requires child care and most don't offer part time care until 3...still 10 months away....

BUT

I am going to do it! I have found....what we think....is a wonderful solution to our tightrope..

I am going to work 3 days with a wonderful pediatrician as a PNP. I will take Eli to school, drop Mia off at daycare...yup I said the dreaded D word..and head off to work! It will just be her and I in a large established office! I am very excited! I will still have 2 days home during the week! Every situation is unique! I have found it is important to me that I have time for craft time, I need that creative outlet!

I would love to move into a bigger house with a bigger yard...BUT I love Eli's school, Chris has a commute of 1.6miles...so this is our compromise for right now! Maybe something will come where we can still walk Eli to school move a little bit farther into Olde towne but for right now we are happy with our current situation! One tightrope at a time!

I am thankful for the tools I have in my life to help me achieve balance!

fun & funky hair accessories

2011-10-24T09:13:00.000-04:00

New fun fall hair clips!

The mia clip $3.50

colors brown, tan, yellow, plum, red, teal, pink, grey

The Macy Clip

$3.50

2 layers of felt with tulle between for some bling! Embellished with adorable buttons

Multiple color optons

The Bella clip

$3.50

3 layers of felt embellished with fun buttons and cute leaves

multiple color options

The amelia clip

several layers of felt embellished with buttons and fun threading

$4.00

this is wool felt colors can very email if interested in different color

Kimberly clip

$3.00

multiple color options

Rynae clip

several color options will post more

JUBILANT JACKSON'S!

Spooky houses

2011-10-21T10:27:00.001-04:00

JUBILANT JACKSON'S!

Autumn has fallen in on the Jackson household

2011-10-12T16:18:00.002-04:00

This free picture collage customized with Smilebox

Im GOING to do it!

2011-09-13T08:08:00.002-04:00

I have struggled with my last 15lbs since Miss M's delivery.. 2 yes TWO years ago. Well that weight is comin off!! My 10 year nursing reunion is coming up in a few weeks and I am determined to START the process...come on I am a realist and realize 15 lbs is just NOT going to happen in a few weeks...but 5- 8 can happen! I have given up drinking alcohol during the week, continue to exercise daily...yesterday I RAN..yup...and I actually enjoyed it! :) and limit what I eat, smaller portions and limit the majority of carbs....so far so good...wish me luck!

Any goals you want to work on?!

Trials of a picky eater!!

2011-09-09T09:42:00.002-04:00

don't these look yuummmy? from here

As one of 11 siblings I NEVER thought being picky even existed! We all sat down to dinner and just ate! We never questioned and my mother NEVER made separate meals for each child-could you imagine! Now I do remember my sister not wanting her food to touch each other ... but she dealt with it or just didn't eat!
When E was a baby he would eat ANYthing! I often roast fresh veggies and mashed into my own baby food, he loved avocados and asparagus and humus! Now urggghh...how did this happen? Did I allow it? Does he really just not like it? Is he eating too many snacks and just not hungry?! I don't know... it's frustrating and actually to be quite petty it hurts my feelings! I work hard to feed my family healthy, yummy food. I put a lot of effort into ~~each~~ most dinners I make! I know it's not personal and I try not to take it so...but it's hard! Just another issue to add to the list, "never thought it would be this hard"
SOOooo as a team the hubs and I are determined to work this out while maintaining our sanity! Here are some ground rule we, as a family, agree on
1. there will be one meal at dinner PERIOD2.
2. you have to take one bite of everything on your plate
3. there will be no snacks after dinner, unless you want apple slices or more of dinner
4. no snacks in afternoon after 330. E is usually hungry after school so I will give him a cup of water with grapes and a few pretzels, popcorn or goldfish
5. I WILL STAY CALM AT DINNER!!!
6. There is a time limit
7. You will not get dessert if you don't eat a designated amount of veggies or protein

Today I read a great article from 100 days of real food blog regarding picky eaters! I loved it, it is sometimes reassuring to know that not every child out there will eat mushroom risotto with side of eggplant parm! Although my little miss m would! ANyway.. I love how she suggested letting the child pick out fruits and veggies at the farmers market for that week! Little man E and I usually have out weekly date at our local farmers market,

so this would be a great tip to try! I also am going to try and offer more exciting foods to him, such as her whole wheat pasta

and homemade chicken nuggets!

the kids love to make their own mini pizzas with my homemade english muffin recipe

We don't eat gourmet nightly but maybe if I have some foods that "look" like the foods he seems to love so much MAYBE he will cross over! :) We also have eliminated almost all processed food and don't have mac n cheese or chicken nuggets in our house...

I also think that I would like to offer Chris and I a night of yummy grown up food, I will do a leftover night for the kiddos and make something like this for The hubs and I once the kids are asleep!

Thanks for allowing me to vent!! :) Enjoy the weekend! Here is a yummy fall inspired meal to leave you on!!

the Great Pumpkin will rise out of the pumpkin patch...& become...

2011-09-08T09:23:00.004-04:00

Pumpkins are so much fun....

painted art, for the front porch?

adorable fondant pumkins

yummy pumpkin roll

painted masterpieces (from this website)

adorably and fun to look at!
What do you all plan to do with your pumpkins this year??

What I am lovin..yarn wrapped wreaths tutorial

2011-09-07T09:17:00.000-04:00

I know EVERYONe is in love with yarn wrapped wreaths with felt flowers! I know I have I have! So one of my great friends and I decided to have a crafty-friend day!

supplies needed.. 1.wreath I liked the straw wreath and kept the wrapping on 2. yarn-any color, kind 3.felt, I also bought some pre-cut felt leaves-with 5 kids in the house during the project I was thinking quick! They were easy to duplicate! 4. glue gun and glue! 5.buttons for extra pop

a little wii time

just cuz she is so cute!

start by wrapping..and wrapping it is time consuming!!

we took a time out from wrapping to add the fun stuff the flowers! For the tutorial we used for the flowers click here

Since I wanted to add a little dab of red and I have SOO many buttons after doing these so I added a few button flowers...and I LOVE the texture they added....and just for extra measure I added a little felt bunting..

cut triangles out and hot glued them to some yarn and tied them across the wreath...love!!!

Do you all love these wreaths or what? I think I maybe addicted! I am going to start making more soon! I Also think I may sell a few??!!!
I am linking up to these parties!

Have I loved him enough...

2011-09-06T10:37:00.001-04:00

Today as I bravely walked my precious 5 year old to school I wondered...have I loved him enough to send him off into an often unfriendly, unkind, cruel, mean world? Have I taught him how important it is to stand up for what you believe in? Have I expressed how awesome it is to be unique and not feel like you have to "be in the crowd"? Have I lead by example on being a friend? How did we get here so fast?

I am so blessed in my life to have been able to spend so much time with that precious soul! His tender spirit and loving, crazy personality have made me a better person~ I think he has taught me more than I have taught him!!

What we have been up to...

2011-09-06T10:37:00.000-04:00

read library books with dad

watched baseball games

ate sushi...

road the T in DC

went to museums

were silly

loved the butterfly exhibit

took walks with daddy

played with cars and dolls

danced with daddy

got a super duper cool dude hair cut

painted

lots and lots of projects

did chores

went to the library

made paper ties and wore them...

ATE!!

counted down to K!!

more books

happy birthday to daddy

made a contentment board!!

made yummy cupcakes for an awesome daddy!!

made some football necklaces

played with friends outside

went to the children's museum

ate ice-cream

read books

had lots of friend time

swings....

bush gardens

went crabbing

more bush gardens

more projects

went bowling with favorite people

cousins visited

LOTS OF BEACH TIME

friend times

had LOTS of dress up time

more dancing with daddy

farmers markets

lots of driving in the car

too much time giggling

pretended to be statues

play time

super cool time

good friends visited

grammy and paw paw john time

more friend time

LOVED being in Charleston

beach time

GREAT friend times!!

lots of water time

dress up time

in short we ENJOYED, LOVED, adored, treasured, traveled, visited friends, partied every second of summer!! Knowing it was that last before life got just a little bit more complicated!! Sorry for lack of blogging but that thing that is great about being a mom and blogger is the ability to pick priorities and this summer it was being a mom, wife and planner of a super fun filled summer vacation!! Hope everyone enjoyed summer!!

Pom-poms & pinwheels!

2011-08-15T11:27:00.000-04:00

Well my little baby girl is 2!! We have been having an absolutly fabulous summer vacation!! I will post more about what we have been up to this summer after our last trip down to SC this week...BUT I just had to post some pictures of miss M's birthday party! We had a blast! We are so blessed to have such amazing friends and family!

The little gals got felt purses with pinwheels, stickers, chalk, silly bands, and bubbles

yummy cake pops!

cuz every cupcake needs a little bunting!

I am so in love with mason jars and paper straws!

Felt Holiday Wreath : november 2010 : new & flyer projects by date : Shop | Joann.com

2011-08-03T07:42:00.000-04:00

Felt Holiday Wreath : november 2010 : new & flyer projects by date : Shop | Joann.com

JUBILANT JACKSON'S!

Taking a few weeks off!

2011-05-22T12:06:00.000-04:00

Go check out Polk dots on Parade and try and win a necklace~ Have a great few weeks!! :)

Foodie Friday

2011-05-20T08:10:00.000-04:00

This week I have just felt off...tired, grumpy and not very excited about making dinners, so they are pretty boring!!

Sunday we had homemade meatball subs with provolone on homemade rolls with chips and some carrots

Monday left overs

Tuesday we had breakfast for dinner, homemade blueberry pancakes, bacon, home fries -I baked 4 red potatoes in the microwave for 5 minutes than cut them up threw them in a sauce pan with butter, garlic and onions and rosemary until they browned & a fruit salad we have tons of fresh fruit right now..yummo

Wednesday shrimp scampi with brown rice and steamed veggies and a TON of fresh fruit!

Thursday homemade turkey sloppy joes...& homemade coleslaw pretty tasty! I browned turkey meat with onion and garlic then added a can of tomato sauce, a few tablespoons of ketchup, a few tablespoons of brown sugar, a few tsps - tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Then simmered until the liquid evaporated. The coleslaw was super easy I had cabbage left over from fish tacos, so I put cabbage, carrots and white onion in food processor. I added about 1/3 cup mayo, 1/2 cup milk and few tsps of rice vinegar and a few tablespoons of sugar.

Is it football season yet????

2011-05-19T11:00:00.000-04:00

Now don't get me wrong...I heart summer- probably more than the average person...I heart the pool, the beach...long warm night...grilling out...love love love summer but I do love WVU football! I love brats, tailgating, WVU marching band, beautiful warm fall WV saturdays. I just love it...not quite the same not having season tickets though..;{ anyway... I have started making some WVU inspired necklaces and hair bows and it has PUT me in the mood for college football!!! Although I will gladly wait through summer!! here are a few pics..

I's lovin..Polka dots on parade!!

2011-05-19T07:31:00.001-04:00

So I am doing a GIVEAWAY!!!!! This is so exciting for me, a great friend of mine is hosting a bib, pom=pom necklace!!

I am constantly amazed by the wonderful women in my life! I feel privileged to have so many wonderful women in my life! My mother is truly an inspiration to me. she is not only beautiful after having 11 kids but is so talented and wish I lived closer so we could have crafty days!! Family is important and I adore my my husband and love chatting it up with him...but there is just something about girl friends!! Girls nights out are a MUST for my sanity!! I am super excited to be going to WV and visit some of my besties while I'm there!!! - so are my sisters!! =)

My friend Jaime is truly an exception woman! She is the craftiest lady EVA, home schools, bakes like Julia Child and keeps a beautiful home!!
Go over and check out her out!! I just linked some necklaces up to her party!!

Good luck!!

What i'm working on Wednesday!

2011-05-19T00:37:00.000-04:00

I have been trying to post this ALL day!! Not sure what was going on but anyway!!! here is what I have been working on and AM working on this week!

Always working on ways I a can be the BEST mommy to these two wonderful little people! This week I am working on building a home that is a haven....haven not so much lately!

I have had this adorable magazine side table for awhile now and still haven't found the inspiration...maybe this week?

Custom order for my sister & brother -in-law the bench was from my wonderful friend Amy!

I've started making WVU necklaces..i am loving em...now... to be honest it has taken me a few attempts to get some I love!!

I have discovered I LOVE beads AND fabric o I am attempting to make my own necklaces to add to my necklaces!! These are two new ones to be added to my etsy shop!!
Well what have you been up to this week? Come back tomorrow for a WONDERFUL surprise!!

tantalizing tuesday

2011-05-17T08:53:00.000-04:00

So I ~~need~~ want a romantic getaway vacation for just me and Chris.... desperately! I am so overwhelmed with life at the moment with the uncertainty and limbo we are in right now! SOO as I am dreaming of warm, childless, delicious vacations I thought I would share some today!!

of course I will look like this too:)

please...

Manic Monday Makeovers!!

2011-05-16T08:18:00.000-04:00

Mission ~~dis~~ organization ... now that I am doing so much "crafty" work lately I have found I have endless piles of fabric, ribbon, ideas...and so on..and that's not even touching the lack of just an overall organization in our home!! From toys ALL over to random piles of paper...it's making me a little bit nuts! One of our biggest problems right now is just an overall lack of space. Our home is about 100 years old and apparently they didn't need much closet space....hmmm so I don't have the traditional linen closet, or utility closet so that does put a damper on things...but I am determined to work through this and establish a bit more tidiness in my life...here are a few beautiful crafty spaces

From the nester.com

from the Girl.inspired

This yellow chair is wonderful!! I love the use of fun and color with drab things like -bills- schedules

This is just ME!!! I LOVE the colors!

What I am loving Thursday..urrr..um Saturday!

2011-05-14T08:50:00.000-04:00

Since blogger has been a ~~whole hell of a lot~~ little annoying this week.... I am going to post today what I had planned to do on Thursday!! I have come to terms with the idea that we ARE moving somewhere, either on the other side of the tunnel, cross country-most likely not, or down further south....who knows at this point...I am getting ~~forcing myself~~ to look at this positively! I was just talking to Chris last night about how I used to embrace change and look forward to new environments, but now we have two little people and it changes EVERYTHING! I am really looking for that perfect (does it exist) town, job, school, house..to settle down and spread roots! I am so torn leaving this area..I have made incredible friendships and I worry I won't find such amazing, talented, fun, non-judging friends in the next town...I worry that Eli and Mia will have a hard time adjusting to a new place as we have just became settled here...I worry we will move so far from family we won't be able to see them as often as I would like....but we will make the best decision for our little family...on THAT tangent...

One thing I do look forward to is the purging and organizing that comes with moving!! So that got me thinking about what I would like to change about our kitchen...I LOVE white cabinets with funky colors thrown in..I adore white cabinets with a fun colored island! But right now what I am loving is these FUN funky retro chairs!!

These are on craigslist and I may just go pick them up!! how great area these?!!

I love these floors....

the legs on these are fabulous!!

aren't these just fun?!!
What kind of chairs do you like for your kitchen area?

Foodie Friday

2011-05-13T15:03:00.005-04:00

Fast, yummy, healthy weeknight dinners that actually taste good!

So im going to try something kinda new and post what we had for dinner this week? Whacha think?? This week has been beautiful so we have grilled almost every night this week! Tomorrow it's going to rain...so we aren't grilling :(

Monday - Grilled pork tenderloin - I made kind of an asian spicy flare..I used spicy brown mustard, peanut sauce, soy sauce, onions, garlic and pepper and spread it all over the pork and while Chris grilled he continued to coat with marinade.

served with jasmine rice seasoned with peanut and soy sauces with roasted broccoli and edamame yummo

Tuesday: grilled turkey burgers - I use ground turkey, feta cheese, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt & pepper and a touch or horseradish....then serve on the flat whole wheat sandwich rolls with arugula, tomato. We had sweet potato fries on the side with steamed broccoli

Wednesday - BBQ chicken, homemade black eyed peas, & corn on the cob..I made the bbq sauce with ketchup, spicy mustard, balsamic vinegar, little soy sauce and brown sugar, I boiled the black eyed peas with bacon, onions and garlic!

Thursday: was grilled chicken caesar salad wraps- seasoned chicken with rosemary, garlic and little touch of salt. wraps were red onion, arugula, parmesan cheese, tomato on whole wheat wrap with caesar salad dressing. Served with steamed green beans and sweet potato fries! We love those!! :)

Friday- grilled fish tacos with homemade chips and salsa - my mom has been making homemade salsa since I can remember it is soo good! and soo easy! 2 cans of diced tomatoes, I use rotel tomatoes with jalapenos, 1/2-1 jalapeno with the seeds-the seeds are what make it super spicy so be careful...cilantro, lime juice, onion, garlic and that's it!! oh salt per taste. Then I quarter corn tortillas and fry them in hot canola oil. I have also used olive oil and they turn out like the tortilla gold chips pretty tasty!!

Saturday: will be turkey meatball subs with provolone on homemade whole wheat french buns. with some side??

so what have you made this week?

Happy Flower Week

2011-05-03T09:24:00.008-04:00

So this is the week to celebrate flowers! We went to the Botanical Gardens last week and flowers were AMAzing...so I have decided to do a few flower projects this week! Here are some ideas I will be attempting from some talented crafters.

1. This adorable paper wreath would love amazing above the mirror in my dinning room!

Jones Design Company

2. The perfect Mother's Day Card

Stamping Jo.com

3. how sweet are these roses....

Snowy Bliss

4. I love adding a little something to a hostess gift.....

Scottsdale Stamper

4. Would love to do this for Mia's 2nd Birthday...& I really would like to add these to Mia's room

SpearmintBaby

Happy Flowering....

Mid-life crisis??

2011-05-03T07:11:00.003-04:00

I am not sure if it was the fact that I turned 34, or my children decided to both change into mutant non-listeners, or maybe a desire for a new (totally extravagant) bottega veneta bag.... probably a combination, that has cause such indecsion in my life. I felt like I was walking through the motions and somehow became bitter and unhappy with my life. It is amazing how once the seed of discontent plants itself...the roots WILL spread..so then EVERY aspect of my life was horrible and miserable and MUST be changed. Actually I am pretty happy and love my life. I needed a wake up call, I needed to SEE what life could be like if I changed it. I went to California, stopped blogging, stopped crafting and considered uprooting my family and moving to follow "my dream"! First I am just going to say THANK GOD I have such a supportive husband who just wants me to be happy!! Second I got the job, the SAME day Chris got a call about a great opportunity for his career here on the east coast! hmmm so we sat down and talked and talked and I vented...even ( accidently) threw a cup of milk...yea I went through a crazy moment! And who ever said not to cry over spilled milk didn't have to clean it off kitchen cabinets! I do have so say becoming a little irrational was very theraputic for me! I tend to hold everything in until a breaking point...and I needed to get some things out. So we both agreed we wanted me to stay home a little longer, a little more time to cherish these babies. I love being home and am going to keep at it a little bit longer! E will be in school full time in August and we are probably going to put miss crazy pants in a preschool program. I am going to continue doing crafts and furniture on a "as I want to" not a "I HAVE TO" basis. I am going to open an Etsy shop but not kill myself to do it. As I find cool pieces of furniture I will continue to paint...but not so do or die. I tend to jump in head first and go ALL out at ALL costs....I am working on that! For now my focus in my two crazy-wonderful little people I am always looking for that perfect project or part time job but as of right now I am NOT looking I am JUST being....

California

2011-04-14T08:11:00.002-04:00

As I am sitting here with Mia on my lap watching Eli play Mario Kart, that he mastered in the 3 days I was gone, I am happy! I had such a great time visiting with some of my favorite people! I love to fly, when it goes smoothly, but honestly how often does that happen? Well the flight out to CA was not only on time, but everyone was friendly and we arrived in LA EARLY?! My dad picked me up from the airport and we went to dinner. It was so nice to spend some time with him. My hotel was downtown Hollywood across from the Roosevelt Hotel, my room was nice and the bed was so comfy! My interview on Tuesday I feel went well. I love the job and feel it would be a great fit for me! My last interview was cancelled due to an emergent surgery, so I was able to get out a good 45 mins early, JUST as Jolene was pulling into the hospital parking lot! So we picked up my bags and drove down to the OC! Had amazing fish tacos and GREAT conversation- I heart her and her family! I love being in California, the sunshine and beautiful scenery of CA, it just feels like home. The flight home was delayed an hour and we sat on the tarmac for sometime, but I made it home! My husband is so amazing to even consider this crazy idea! I love him for being willing to uproot our lives here to relocate to the West! We will see! They are interviewing 3 other candidates so I will find out hopefully soon!! I have left it up to fate, if we are intended to move I will find a job and things will fall into place. As I see it now, I was given an amazing opportunity to interview for a prestigious nationally recognized program position and have a mini vacation!!

Lacking motivation....need a change

2011-04-05T12:06:00.004-04:00

Hello dear friends, sorry for the lack of motivation and blog posts! I am just not feeling it lately! Us here at the good ole Jackson household like to shake life up every now and then, usually once we get settled somewhere and RE-do.... I have really been questioning what I want to do with myself. I LOVE being with my children, they bring me so much joy. BUT... lately I feel like I am lacking something for myself, I know selfish right? I have this wonderful education that I worked hard to get AND paid to get.. and would like to use it. I miss feeling like I am contributing, financially to our family when I could! My children are so well adapted and social! Mia loves being around other kids and thrives on it! Mr. Eli is starting school in August and can't wait!! So I feel like it's time for me to go BACK to work...ok back to working outside the home!! Well anywho...this is such a personal, emotional, hard, frustrating decision! I am a huge believer that things happen for a reason...and that if I am open to change and inspiration that all things will fall into place to make it happen...I feel I am so unhappy with our current situation and my kids suffer...I miss working...again I know selfish.. SO I applied for a local job that was posted and seemed..ok..not a position I would LOVE but would work... low and behold that position was filled and wouldn't have worked anyway...BUT that next day a recruiter from Children's Hospital of LA found my resume( I wasn't actively looking for any jobs except the local one) and would LOVE for me to apply to an AMAZing opportunity in LA!! CRAZY..right? Well I said..ok why not? The job is ME what I love to do and it's just a CRAZY story! So I went to my WONDERFUL husband and was like...so...um...well what would you think about moving to LA!!! keep in mind that is where I am from, my roots, some of my most favorite people still live there...although we would be leaving SOOO many loves here too. He was like hmmm CA is $$$ so as i was talking to the hospital they offered me a number that would make $$$ CA doable! So he was in and is now so super excited for the challenge!! He is so supportive of me and wants me to be happy! So I am flying out to CA sometime next week!

Burlap + paint = updated entry

2011-03-29T14:56:00.004-04:00

I needed something on the wall above our new bench...so I ran across two wood shelves I had stashed away....so a little of this blue paint and some grey paint with a little glaze ...

I had the kids help me distress the wood a little ... fun

I LOVE how the brackets turned out

I liked the one shelf up right so much that I may look for another shutter or two to

line up the back?? I need some accessories to finish the shelf

JUBILANT JACKSON'S!Plus some new pillows....I am out of stuffing so I used all of my plastic trash bags that have been piling up since I keep forgetting my reusable bags at home when grocery shopping!!

Necklaces...necklaces...

2011-03-27T13:33:00.006-04:00

Here are some new necklaces for sale... if interested either leave a comment stating the necklace number and metal or bead chain and your email... I accept paypal

#1 green & tan $25.oo = $2.00 shipping

#2 tan & white $22 + $2.oo s&h

#3 grey and gold $25.oo + $2.00 s&h

#4 green polka dots and tan knots $22.00 + $2.00 s&h

#5 brown, pink & tan $25.00 + $2.00 s&h

#6 teal and brown $25.00 + $2.00 s&h

#7 teal and brown polka dots $24.00 + $2.00 s&h

Here are some available necklaces

Chair make over

2011-03-25T11:50:00.007-04:00

Remember my good bones...bad chairs...well I FINISHED... Here are some pictures

Linking up to..

pom-pom & fabric flower necklaces

2011-03-25T11:42:00.003-04:00

Wow it has been AWhile since my last post! My mom and sisters have been in town and we have been living it up!! haha We did make some fun, adorable necklaces! I am thinking about selling ones similar if anyone is interested let me know!

New buffet table

2011-03-19T18:38:00.004-04:00

I am so thrilled how this turned out!! I am not sure if it's "done" yet so I haven't added poly yet!! I think I may take a darker color for some added color?! BUT am loving the progress! Here are some before and after pictures. BEFORE... I am thinking about painting the hutch the darker color I use for the buffet??

AFTER...
Isn't the wood grain beautiful?!!! love

Spring FEVER!!

2011-03-16T16:21:00.003-04:00

So I am so over winter! Today was actually beautiful and not too cold, so I broke out some spring decorations, and even picked up a few while out running errands. I am having trouble with the length of my fireplace and am thinking about making a paper wreath to hang down with the bottom of the wreath hitting the window? thinking... thinking....

Bedroom love

2011-03-15T23:35:00.009-04:00

SO I am thinking about re-d0ing our master bedroom....I have redone my bedroom oh just about a bazillion times...so don't tell my better half!! I just want white, clean, beach meets shabby chic meets antique! Here are some of my inspiration!

Are dreams.....realistic??

2011-03-15T20:16:00.002-04:00

So as I am spending countless hours blogging, painting, sewing, blogging, updating facebook ...I am forced to take a step back and wonder WHAT AM I DOInG? And WHY Am I doing this? Is having an adorable, funky, fabulous antique store on Market street in Charleston SC REALIST??? Well I don't know!!! I don't know if I am sacrificing my education, my career, even a little of my family with all the work required..I just don't know!!! But for now I am going to keep striving until it doesn't feel like a dream anymore....

My Best Friend!

2011-03-14T23:11:00.007-04:00

Marriage is hard! I love my husband more than any other person, with the exception of our 2 children, but sometimes ...it's rough! We are in a busy stage of parenting with two young toddlers who demand alot of our attention! We spend a lot of time redirecting, redirecting, crying, teaching, loving them and sometimes we forget to love each other! I am taking a time out moment to acknowledge how wonderful my better half is! He is gone for a business trip this week and BOYoBOYoBOY do I miss him. Not only do I miss his help, I just MISS him! I miss silly little chats while we sit on the couch or as we fall asleep. The great thing about my guy is he is GREAT! He is funny, smart and puts us first in all things. I don't know what I would do without him. He is such a good daddy! His only flaw is he isn't here right now!! I guess that is the problem with having such an involved daddy/husband/friend....you realize how much they do..usually once they are gone!

Make over Monday...burlap pillows

2011-03-14T12:36:00.011-04:00

So I am in love with burlap lately! There have been so many adorable pillows made out of this itchy, harsh stuff!! I KNOW pillows?! But YES PILLOWS!! I have added some fabric to the back for a slightly softer touch! Again forgive some of the pictures due to taking them with my iphone before my new camera!

The finished pillow~~LOVE

First I cut out the size of pillow I wanted 12 x 17 with enough for hem, 13 x 18 then I free hand drew a J you could do any number of letters, numbers, shapes WHATEVER! You could also print out a stencil template online if you aren't comfortable with free hand! Cheerleading poster making skills finally have a use!!

Then I mixed the color I wanted with a white fabric paint(sorry I don't have more pictures) But that will allow the pillow to be washed if needed. Using a foam brush I painted on the J

But first I put a piece of cardboard under so the paint didn't leak threw the burlap

I wasn't happy with the color and looking at it now the J is too far down and not centered enough, which would have still been fixable when I hemmed BUT since I did it at 10pm I WASNt at full thinking status so the J is a little to low for me BUT this was my first pillow making experience so I am happy!

I don't have any pictures of this next part, but I took both pieces of fabric, the burlap and piece of teal fabric I used for the back, laid them front to front and hemmed ~1/2 inch around leaving a small opening for the pillow insert or stuffing, then sew the pillow closed by hand.

Since I didn't like the color I made a ton of different shape fabric flowers and hot glued them on since I had already sewn my pieces together before I was certain it needed something, or else I would probably have sewn them onto the burlap and then sewn my two pieces of fabric together.

Linking up to

br />

Ami

Super excited for this fun giveaway...

2011-03-14T08:14:00.002-04:00

Tatertots & Jello blog is hosting a FABULOUS giveaway with Sweet Designs Boutique on ETSY! Check it out

Freestyle Friday

2011-03-11T14:22:00.007-05:00

Wallpaper interior design

I have decide that fridays feature will be all things fabulous, without a specific theme. Today I am gong to talk about wallpaper! WHO thought wallpaper would EVER come back?? I know after spending HOURS peeling and scrapping the hideous, pink metallic wallpaper, yes I said metallic, I am shocked I can even utter the word wallpaper! BUT times change and patterns improve! and now...LOVE.... there are so many fun prints! And for those of you faint of heart you can use a stencil and good old fashion paint that produces the same dramatic effect.

Lets not forget the talented Emily tutorial here

Here are some I am loving..

Anthropologie would LOVE this in my entry way with my new bench

This would be beautiful in a cream and taupe bedroom

And if you dont want a whole room or wall this is a wonderful idea...

it is like a piece of art. I have a great friend who used wallpaper in her dining room in the picture box under her chair rail and it was so fun. What are your thoughts on wall paper?

Ahoy Matey

2011-03-11T05:58:00.004-05:00

aWHile back I asked Eli what he wanted the "theme" of his room to be? He quickly picked a pirate theme. So I looked on ETSY for some vinyl wall art or canvas art, I was blown away with some of the amazing pieces. Since I was on a TIGHT budget for his room make over so I thought I would try to do it myself! Here is the end result:

Linked up to

Coffee table turned entry bench

2011-03-10T07:21:00.010-05:00

Does everyone remember my boring, old, beat up coffee table that I then turned blue!!

This was the first piece I did that started it all. I can blame the mounds of furniture and fabric piles on this project!! Well... I have always thought the table was just too big for our living/family room space. So I moved it out into the entry way and thew together some burlap pillows

(I need to finish the bottom and add more filling...ran out last night...)

and it's a new love!! IT is such a fun splash of color and it makes me smile. I am still figuring out the wall above the table. I am thinking some old crates-turned shelf?? hmm I feel a thrift hunt coming up in my future!! Again so sorry for the horrible pictures!! I NEED A NEW CAMERA!! Anyone have a camera they love?

It's now a favorite hang out!!

Linked up to

Make over Monday umm Wednesday!

2011-03-09T06:40:00.005-05:00

Sorry I am a few days late due to illness and loss of a camera.:( Over here at the Jackson household we have been in desperate need of lamps and lamp shades! I just haven't wanted to fork out the millions of dollars for them. So when I saw this fun, beautiful, exactly what I wanted lamp shade at Northwest Hospitality blog I was amazed! This is such an easy, fun, but somewhat time consuming project! So this week whileThe Hubs was working late I got started!

What you need:

LARGE bag of coffee filters

Lamp shade

hot glue gun...simple....right!

First fold the filters in half

then fold in 1/3

glue the last folds together to keep it together

Now you can do this one at a time but I found it easier to do a lot at once and the just glue them onto the lamp shade in no particular order

stand back and enjoy....isn't the light pretty

Christmas wreath re-do

2011-03-08T13:43:00.005-05:00

Here are the pictures - sorry for the quality! Until I get a new camera I am using my iphone!! WELL so I took burlap and ripped it into strips and wrapped the strips around the evergreen wreath until no green was showing...

NEXT I took twine and wrapped it around the burlap to hold it in place

THEN I took some random left over fabric and made several fabric flowers and hot glued them onto the burlap...

LAST I cut a J out of pretty paper and tied it onto the wreath and HUNG it in a frame!

So sorry for no photos of the project they are LOST on my camera....:(

First....

2011-03-08T12:46:00.009-05:00

This table is my FIRST table re-do (not for my house!) My FIRST stencil project and MY FIRST piece to SELL!!

So here is the before picture it's hard to tell but there were so many nicks and scratches and overall badness to this beauty! I bought her for $3!!! AHH the possibilites were amazing! I narrowed it down to painting vs stain. For one I LOVE color and that is the goal of AMIablyCrafted is to add some color to the world 1 piece of furniture at a time!! SO WHAT COLOR?? Well I had just painted my desk Alchemy by sherwin Willimas and LOVE LOVE LOVE the color....so done.

BORING... but LOVE the color!! I took me several days to decide what to do with the top, I tried dual colors but not happy... THEN inspiration hit me while I was reading Jones Design Company Blog! She stenciled her wall and made her own "wallpaper"!! So I drew a design and cut it out of cardboard and viola..

My helper! I Tried to take a picture one handed but didn't quite work out so I again copied Emily and used my favorite helper! =) cute...

Sanded the "you-know-what" out of it by hand then applied special walnut stain over it and lots of love and several coats of poly and ....LOVE....

Linking up to these parties

Gallery Wall Band wagon!

2011-03-03T09:08:00.012-05:00

Beautiful Gallery Wall

So I have been loving all the blog posts lately on gallery walls and am hoping to try and make my own!! I especially love the Nesters blog post and I love her wall! The colors she uses are so calming and "pretty" without being too "pretty"

I think the chalkboard is so cleaver! It really adds a new depth to the wall and is super fun! I think WE need a chalkboard frame for our wall!!

Here is my space....

My little man is express his great concern that this wall is just too...BLAND HELP! This really isn't the best picture...but you get the idea!

Now the problem I have is it is really 2 walls and have not loved anything yet...but I think with the help of some AMazing bloggers and Pottery Barn.com the ideas are starting!!

Click here for this photo I ADORE the vintage fan! I found one on Craigslist yesterday, the guy was selling it for $175!! So keeping my eyes peeled at flea markets!!

Gotta love Pottery Barn!!

From Altar'd

And I LOVE her coffee filter lamp shade!! She is just truly amazing anyways! Her furniture pieces are wonderful!! I love the combinations of picture frames, letters and other special pieces.

This is a great blog post on how to start a gallery wall! Again I love the color and mutliple items!

How do you like your walls simple? With 1 picture per wall or MANY!! I would love to hear your ideas for MY wall!!

Feeling Blue

2011-03-02T08:19:00.003-05:00

Good morning! Things have been awfully crazy at the Jackson household these past few weeks! To quote Mary Poppins, "The Winds of Change are blowin" There is ABOUT to be a lot of change and it is anxiety producing kinda change! In the mist of all of this my brother got married and I am trying to start up some kind of something! I have gone through EVERY emotion over the past few days!! As a way to avoid-I mean- stay busy I have started to tackle some chair projects! AND LOVing the blue hues I am choosing! I still need to roughen em up a bit and add some stain and poly but so far so good...i think??

Make over Monday continues!!

2011-02-28T11:33:00.007-05:00

I am so excited about my new addition to my blog!! I LOVE the weekend and Mondays are always so unwanted and hectic so I am thrilled to share some fun!! This crafty piece was inspired mainly by another amazing women, blogger, DIYr extrordanar Miss Momma! Click here for her amazing tutorial on her pom-pom necklace!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE how this turned out and WILL be making these for all my sister's birthday!! (shh....;})

First I cut out 5 small circles ~1.5-2 inches (I used a fabric glue bottle and drew around it 5 x) I then made a larger circle since I wanted to add something else besides pom-poms to this but still wasn't sure!! Using the felt circles as templates I cut out the same size circles out of fabric, I found the colors I needed in the remnant pile at the fabric store, ANY fabric will work I also used left over satin from the flowers for extra color. I used ~8-10 fabric circles per felt circle

Taking a fabric circle fold it up and hot glue the tip

Then place it on the felt circle, I don't think it matters where you start, I started in the middle the edge where ever.. I think I got the best results when I started in the middle but doesn't REALLY make a difference!!

It will flare out just keep adding until you can't see the felt anymore. I also trimmed some of the fabric circles once I was finished just to make it more even..as you can see my circles are NOT perfect! (either are my nails! wow need a manicure!!) continue with all 5 pieces of felt. You can use the same color and fabric for all 5 or switch it up! That is what is fun about this!!

Then lay your finished pop-poms on another piece of felt, it must be big enough of a piece for the full finished necklace

I wasn't sure how I wanted the finished piece to look so I played with it for awhile

I finally decided on fabric flower (an extra piece I had and just wrapped it around itself ) and a satin flower I had made for the girls hair. I also found 2 old strands of pearls I NEVER wear so I added those to the necklace and FELL IN LOVE! =)

To secure the necklace hot glue each end to the back of a pom pom first, then glue it onto the larger felt, make sure that you have placement of the pom-poms or any additional pieces first since the necklace will obviously need to glued to each end pieces...ok so confusing sounding BUT SO easy! For example..since the satin flower was the end of one side I glued one end of the pearls to that felt back and then the opposite end of the pearls to the grey pom pom on the opposite side...got it?

The pop pom with the glue with be attached to the pearls and then glued to the felt on top of the other pom poms

**important make sure if you are using multiple types of flowers to put close enough together so no felt shows through unless you like the felt showing. Then once all felt backings of flowers and pom-poms are glued to large felt piece cut around the flowers

viola! so fun! I also liked this possibility!

But wanted a splash of color! Well everyone loved the necklace and I do believe it came together nicely!

Manic Monday Makeovers!!

2011-02-28T07:32:00.010-05:00

So I thought I would try something new this week! My brother was married this weekend to an amazing gal who I am so super excited to call my sister!! ANYhoo I have been trying to find some accessories for this event for awhile and wasn't able SOO I figured hey why don't I just DIY it?!!

SOoo that inspired my "Manic Monday Makeovers!" And it's Monday and not Thursday or Friday since this last week was just super crazy busy with the wedding and Mondays need a little more fun! I posted the links for these lovely crafts of Facebook but I will post them again here and add the pictures of what I did how they turned out! LOVE em!! I found this tutorial at Jones Designs Company, she is an amazing person and her blog is fabulous!! I am sure I will make these in EVERY color for EVERY birthday gift! Thanks for the GREAT tutorial! Here is her link

I started with some polyester satin in silver, some buttons, beads, a candle, scissors, needle and thread..

I cut out 3 squares I used a 3 inch, 2-2.5 inch and 1.5 inch square, then round the edges.. I also used a 4 inch square for several to add more petals..

Then hold the edges up to the candle and the fabric will melt inwards looking like a flower petal..beautiful

Place all the petals together I used three here...

Sew the petals together

Then sew on beads or buttons I used both and I loved them all! I then cut out two round pieces of felt and hot glued 1 piece of felt to the back of flower then measured the small elastic to Miss M's head and hot glued the elastic to the bottom of the felt and then hot glued the 2nd piece of felt over the elastic..

wahlaa...smooch! My baby niece modeling the finished product! I also hot glued them to a small alligator clips for the older girls! And Little Man E got a boutineer! ENJOY!! I also made myself a headband I just measured my own head and did it the same way as little Baby B's!!

Waiting for Patience

2011-02-21T06:39:00.002-05:00

As I am sitting on the computer I have a full view of the mountains of furniture waiting for me to glue, sand, stain, paint, stain... FINISH!! Feeling slightly overwhelmed - and excited - about this new adventure for me. I had a tad of a setback this weekend and became easily frustrated about the decision I LEAPED into head first!!

I have ALWAYS been impulsive! I leap before I look, I fall in love with a new idea and HAVE TO DO IT NOW, regardless of anything. Hey, at 18 years old, I said I wanna go to Europe.... ok.. lets go... I have become smarter... more thoughtful, to some degree. =) I am truly excited and have wonderful advocators in my life pushing and encouraging me!!!

Today I am sitting down and making small obtainable goals to help me reach my END goal! I feel good about my impulsive leap of faith in myself and I will not let myself down!!

...no any advice on patience with children!!! whole new post!!!

Sunshine makes it all better!

2011-02-17T10:47:00.004-05:00

We woke up today to a beaUtiful day here in Portsmouth!! The birds singing and the SUN shining! And BEST of all it is WARM. I have always been amazed at the ability of sunshine. I am a sun LOVER and find winter drab and depressing!! Last night I went to bed feeling blah...and dare I say - depressed- or uninspired ...refused to push myself to get out of bed a o'dark 30 just because I didn't want too....So today I am going to go outside and the sunshine work it's magic!! Perhaps a little outdoor painting is just what I need to finish up my newest project!!

COLOR...

Piece of furniture

INSPIRATION...

2011-02-16T06:54:00.004-05:00

WONDERFUL giveaway from Holly Mathis Interiors...whom I just love she is amazing! On her site she is giving away an amazing necklace from Starfish jewelry.....awesome, engraved, little wonders..... check it out...

Flat Stanley Adventures

2011-02-16T06:18:00.009-05:00

Us here in the Jackson household LOVE getting mail!! Don't you?!! and lately we have been getting ALOT of super fun VALENTINEs mail!! we ESPEcially love it if mail comes from our family- even more so if it came all the way from California!!! our cousin K read the Flat Stanley book in school, and as a school project she made flat K and sent her out for adventures!! My little man E was TRILLED to take her out! .....................pausing for a moment to enjoy the quiet blissfulness of 6am without kids..................... ok Im back!

So we took her to the Norfolk zoo for story time yesterday, we especially loved the red pandas out playing! then our favorite bagel and coffee store....and TARGET!! Thanks K for sending her to US!! we will take her on plenty of adventures in the Olde Towne-Portsmouth-VA-East Coast- place we live!!

We miss our California family!! - and our WV family too!!

I think she will be going to some thrift and paint stores with us today!:)

Any thoughts on adventures we should take her on??

Well I here little Miss M calling for...Ami?? hmmm not sure I like that!! Well off to start the day!! have a wonderful day!

I may open a twitter account today in the name of my new business so follow along!!

Fabric stores make my heart go ..pitter.. patter

2011-02-15T06:13:00.005-05:00

I LOVE fabric! I could spend hours just walking through wondering, wow HOW can I use this, I MUST have this!! So actually having projects that require me to go into a fabric store are my FAVOrite kind. The furniture I envision - eventually - selling are bright, colorful and funky pieces! I left the fabric store beaming with excitement from some amazing fabrics I found...stay tuned!! Do you have any favorite fabrics? or fabric stores???

I am up at an ungodly hour to enjoy some peace and quiet ....well not quite so peaceful as Mr. Hubs is doing P90x in the room next to me...while I enjoy a brownie heart and cup of joe!:) BUT there are no mommy....mom...screams...and I can sit and type and enjoy some ME time! We have decided as a couple we are going to get up at o'dark 30 to start our day productively ...me bloggins Mr. H workouts! I will let you know if I make it through the day! :)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day! Us over here at JJ sure did!!

Refurbishing....

2011-02-14T07:02:00.004-05:00

The Jackson household had a wonderful weekend! Full of friends, fun and SANDING!! Since I have left working to stay home full time with my kids I have needed some kind of creative outlet. I have tried several things but felt blah about every endeavor! So I took a break and focused on some DIY home improvements! I tried my hand at window treatments and then decided we needed more color in our neutral home!! So....I started painting!! I have sanded painted and distressed now almost every piece of furniture I possibly can in my house!! Some of my earliest projects...SCARY!! BUT I am learning and LOVING the process!

I have been doing "research" this past few weeks (aka ogling at some AMAZING blogs) and keeping the idea on the back burner so someday when we move to my "farm":)..sustainable of course~! I will be READY for my project! Weellll.....I have an amazing neighbor/friend who has continued to be my motivator and support! She called me one day last week and said you have to come meet me!! She had stumbled upon a local lady who...well long story short this lady HAD to sell/get rid of a huge warehouse of solid wood antique furniture!!! So I packed down the truck and my little roller skate and have LOADED our 100 year old row house with furniture!!

As I start this new schizo calling I have been amazed at how much talent I am surrounded by! My brother-in-law, and both of my neighbors have provided to be extraordinary resources! And I can't fail to mention my ambassador of kwan, my paramour, my best friend my husband! (trying to think of a cleaver nickname.....any thoughts!) AnyWHO this affair is off and running! I am hoping to eventually have a new blog or just rename my current one, not yet sure the details...but stay tuned LOTS coming!

New Changes

2011-02-11T12:14:00.002-05:00

Well life has an amazing way of putting you RIGHT where you need to be! I LOVE our neighborhood I have developed such wonderful/lasting friendships here! Last night I met with several other mothers and we discussed homeschool and our plans, curriculum ideas and social networking for our little people! The possibilities of this coming year, while still are frightening our getting me super excited too!! Eli is starting to ask when he is going to go to school at home and have "adventures"

I am also starting to dabble a little into some things for me and mental soul well being! I will have more to share on that soon!

To Homeschool or not too...

2011-02-07T13:52:00.002-05:00

that is the current Jackson dilemma. Unfortunately we have moved to a WONDERFUL neighborhood and Love it here BUT also a horrible school district!! We have tossed the idea of home school vs private for sometime now, and are pretty certain we will home school Eli for now. Our goal is to home school until 3rd grade and reevaluate the situation. I know gasp...BUT we are also fortunate enough to be in an area with amazing opportunities for homeschooling, even a sports league..but what about the social aspect you ask...well we will be apart of a group and will be able to participate in classes that are taught by teachers through this organization...I KNOW I can't protect my children from every BAD thing they come across in life but I am going to try and provide the most secure and well rounded environment for my family...and you know I won't know until we try it out!! We are super excited and anxious about this change but I know it is the best for our family at this time!! So any of you home school moms out there an advise would be wonderful!! I think we are going to try the Charlotte Mason curriculum anyone used this? If not what curriculum do you use?!!

Monthly goals

2011-02-05T13:19:00.003-05:00

Monthly goals for February

1. stick to my weekly budget

2. cancel cable - more activities with the kids

3. workout 5 days/week

4. plan meals and stick to the plan

5. Tell Chris daily how much I love him

6. be patient

Reality

2011-02-05T12:43:00.002-05:00

So life if hard...life is AMAZING....life is dull...life IS...These past few months I have been fortunate to spend at home with my children. I LOVE being a mother I love being home..BUT it makes me crazy some days too! The reality of being home is a difficult, sometimes thankless job that never ends. I expected when I started my "new career" that my house would be spotless my children would be so well behaved because I would be patient and kind and we would speak in loving tones to each other. I would be frugal but fashionable our house would smell of homemade bread and love would gush out the sides. HAHA HA!!!HA I am still laughing at this image I have in my mind!! While there is plenty of love to go around in our house we still argue and my children continue to have trouble sharing and I can't seem to be frugal or fashionable!! BUT I love it and it's chaos...most days. =)

Now marriage...luckily I chose the right guy!! It's amazing how hard it is to show how much you love and appreciate your best friend. I have found myself taking him for granted, not expressing my true feelings DAILY...marriage is hard and without daily reminders we slowly loose connection. The only thing Chris truly asks for is for me to allow him to work out at home when he gets home from work. He doesn't want to go out with the boys, he doesn't want an expensive sports car, he doesn't WANT anything he is CONTENT with us with his life.

Content that is my new word. I am content my life is full ...but why is it so hard to feel it everyday? and I can tell you I have EVERY excuse known.."i'm tired, Mia didn't sleep, i don't feel comfortable in my clothes today, the weather stinks, I miss my family, the kids are soo difficult today....blah blah blah...NOT ANYMORE...I am going to stop the complaining stop the whining and JUST BE HAPPY!! I am going to date my husband I am going to patient and accepting of children. I know I am human and I know I am going to have bad days but I am not going to allow myself excuses. I am going to stick to my budget, I am going to MAKE and stick to my monthly goals!! I am going to be happy and content with the choice I made to take a time out from my career to be with my children, for ME and MY family this is what we want and are willing to make the sacrifices that come with that.

Recent pictures

2010-10-14T09:19:00.001-04:00

The Jackson family...watching football

story time...

Playing!!
JUBILANT JACKSON'S!

What we've been up to!

2010-09-28T13:05:00.006-04:00

Dancing...

soccer.......

the beach.....
the park....
the air show...
Basically we have just been enjoying the sunshine and family time!!

We have been quite the busy bees at the jackson house hold! It has been an adjustment to staying home full time, more than I thought it would be actually! I LOvE it, but there are days when I feel like I should be doing more...I miss working....but I know I only have a few short years with my babies and I am going to enjoy them! And just because I am not working it doesn't mean the house has to be PERFECT! That is also hard for me...while it is always picked up and clean there are moments when there is clutter and a few dishes in the sink!!! :)

We love Portsmouth and made such wonderful friendships here!! I love being able to walk to so many things, I love the local farmers market on the corner, I love the amAZing restaurants up the street, I love our neighborhood and LOVE love our neighbors! I love our local seafood delivery lady!!!

New Living room! (future....future...project!)

2010-08-31T13:30:00.007-04:00

Couch slip cover and throw pillows

window treatments...

coffee table and side table (color... distressed ...not fabric!!)

Side chair slip cover...cant you just see it!! So excited!

Window treatments!

2010-08-30T11:22:00.004-04:00

possibly this material for the roman shades???

Option 1.. ticking stripes roll up..
option 2 roman shades..
So my monthly project is making custom window treatments for the house! We have huge beautiful windows, that no curtains fit! So I am going to attempt to make them (with the help of my mother!! ) but I need some input...on our kitchen bay what type?? I will post pictures of ideas and please vote on what you like best...or advise different styles!

Weekly menu

2010-08-30T10:32:00.002-04:00

Monday-grilled pork chops, mashed potatoes, salad and veggie of some kind

Tuesday-grilled steaks, rice, salad (got a great deal on some yummy steaks at Sams this weekend)

Wednesday-Kung pao chicken with broccoli, rice and salad

Thursday-grilled panini with homemade french bread and apple walnut salad

Friday-french bread pizza & oatmeal pie (instead of popcorn!! )

Saturday-1st WVU football game and friends are coming over-brats and saurkraut buffalo chicken dip...umm

Sunday-grilled chicken sandwiches with grilled veggies

So far for my shopping Sams $106( meat, chicken, broccoli, blueberries, watermelon, and other such things)

Grocery store 67$ so I am pretty excited about that

Local produce stand $14

Pancakes and temper-tantrums

2010-08-30T07:54:00.003-04:00

wow it is only 750am and I am ready for a nap!! So I did again get up with Chris, made the bed when I heard miss Mia...so I took a quick shower while the hubs watched Mia as she banged on the shower door, or threw herself onto the floor in absolute disgust that I didn't take her in with me...THEN Eli woke up, Mia pooped, made breakfast, cleaned up breakfast, Mia threw several more tantrums...and we are off to the grocery store!!

Mia is my challenging and dramatic child! I know that this will be an asset when she is an adult, but I worry about her teenage years!! Chris and I laugh that, thank GOD she is cute! :) I am trying to start thinking about Christmas and what we are doing for the kiddos! I am excited about it, although sad to think we will be so far from family at Christmas....I need some kind of craft project!

Eli is going to starting our preschool/homeschool curriculum in a few weeks and i still have a few things to complete, but am really excited about it. We have set up several play groups and he is in soccer and we are thinking about swimming soon.

I am loving the change in my life of just having to focus on my family and my house but at times it feels lonely or overwhelming. Being able to focus on tasks and projects helps me stay focused and feel like I am accomplishing tangible things! The Hubs was wonderful enough this weekend to take the kids to the park so I could have some alone time! It was bliss! It is amazing how much you can accomplish with a quiet house!

We are planing a trip to WV to visit family either this weekend or next. I am not sure we will be able to make it this weekend with all we have going on and that makes me sad since we will miss my bother's engagement dinner...but we will see them soon!