Welcome to Our New Kitchen

Well our remodeling project has been done for a while but life has gotten in the way so without further delay here is our new kitchen. Well this picture is actually looking into the living room. There use to be a half wall there with a spindle but now it is open and makes the room feel so much bigger. Thanks again to my friend Larry for taking out that half wall and about 3/4 of the rest of the kitchen on demo day.

Here is the view from the living room into the kitchen. The chandelier is new thanks to a great bargain on Overstock.com. I also got the knobs and pulls for all the cabinets from there too.  

This is my new curtain that my sweet friend Teanie sewed for me. I love it!

Here is a view of the left side of the kitchen before the remodel. I don't know about you but I am trying to forget it. Then in walked Phil the magician with his company Covenant Contractors and I got this...

 I still cannot believe after 6 years I get to look at this every day.

Here is the right side of the kitchen obviously before the remodel.

 The new and much improved right side of the kitchen. I am over the moon with how it all turned out. I am so thankful for my husband who realized there was a need for a remodel, wanted me to get the kitchen I had dreamed of, never complained about the cost, loves me enough to live through it all, and for writing the checks. Then I am thankful for Phil and his amazing talent, for hiring wonderful workers  to make my dreams a reality, his attention to detail, and for putting up with me through it all. Hopefully I was not too hard to deal with;-) He still answers my calls so I will take that as a good sign.

 This is a closer view of the backsplash behind the cooktop as well as the sink.

Here is the backsplash with the under cabinet lights on.

Here is a closer look at the tile that can be found in the kitchen, laundry room, and guest bathroom.

 Now for a few Pinterest ideas. The above cabinet is where our pantry use to be. It is located in the kitchen beside the dining room. I think this will be a great coffee bar, microwave storage, and serving area. We have loved it so far.

 The next Pinterest idea is this chopping block that is located in a drawer above the trash can. The cabinet maker did such a great job I do not want to cut on it because it looks so pretty.

 I hope you have enjoyed the tour of the kitchen. I am so happy that it is finished and have been cooking away since its completion. 

Bible Bowl Awards Luncheon

 Last Sunday we got to attend an awards luncheon after church for the Bible Bowl Teams at our church. This year they learned the book of Genesis and I do mean learned it! There is nothing about the book of Genesis that Kaylee could not answer. Not only did they got to LTC in Dallas to compete but they also went to four other meets in surrounding areas. The last meet was there best showing. They came home with a 6th Place trophy out of 21 teams that competed. Kaylee even had the highest score of the four in her group where she was one of the younger members. We were so proud of the way she applied herself to this challenge and looked forward to every practice and competition as well. Most of all I am proud of her desire to know God's word better. That really makes a Mom's heart happy.

Each member had a chance to earn points throughout the school year by completing homework, attending practices each week, taking quizzes, designing a shirt, and attending the meets. Kaylee earned the Gold + level which meant she acquired over 350 points. That's our girl, the overachiever;-)

Thank you to all of the people who helped Bible Bowl over the past year and helped make it fun for our daughter. May you all be blessed beyond measure.

Rangers vs Yankees

 Cary and Kaylee got a four game pack of Rangers tickets for Christmas from my parents and April 23 was the first game for them to go see. They already knew it would be a good game because it was the Rangers vs Yankees. What none of us knew when they were purchased was that it would also be the game where Pudge Rodriguez would have a retirement ceremony before the game. I have to say that I was a little jealous that they were going and I was not. When Cary and I started dating and through many years of our marriage this was the man behind the plate at all the Rangers games. He has an infectious smile and incredible gift as a catcher. I am so glad that at least part of our family got to be there and that the Rangers honored such a key member of their organization with such a great tribute. I heard from my family as well as many news outlets the best part was when Pudge decided instead of throwing out the first pitch, he needed to be behind the plate catching the ball. I love that!

 Two of my favorite Rangers, Nolan Ryan and Pudge Rodriguez.

 Another reason it was a great night for Kaylee, Derek Holland was pitching. Unfortunately, the Rangers lost this night but I think it was still a lot of fun for Cary and Kaylee. I love hearing all about the things that went on at the game and seeing the excitement in Kaylee's eyes afterwards. I am so glad that she and her Dad share this love of baseball. Wonderful memories!!

2nd Annual Talent Show at Church

 My sweet friends at church put together the 2nd Annual Talent show a few weekends ago and once again it was a big hit. Kaylee is about to complete her third year of piano and still loves it. I am so glad that she has learned to play so beautifully. The song she chose to play this year was "Sanctuary". I was so proud of her for doing such a great job.

In this picture are the Bible Bowl Teams we took to LTC this year. Kaylee got a bronze medal and her team got a silver. She was so excited and so were we! Way to go Kaylee!!

My Papaw...

Humble, Honest, Dependable, A man who Lived God's word, A quiet Spirit, Respected, Content, and these are just a few of the words used to describe my Papaw the past few days at his visitation and funeral. He passed away quietly last Friday morning. For a man who lived 89 wonderful years you could tell he was dearly loved and respected by the number of people and the various ages that were present to honor him. I just wanted to write down a few thoughts and stories to always remember.

This is my Papaw, if you ever met him he did not forget you. We have lived in Abilene for 6 years now, lived in Sachse for 6 years, I have been out of college for 15 years, and out of high school for 20 years now and he would regularly ask me about friends from all of these walks of life. He did not do it to make small talk, he did it because he really cared to know. He loved people. If you knew him you would have heard him say, "I am not a rich man by the world's standards but I am rich in all the things that matter." If you asked if he was hungry he would respond with, "I have never been hungry but I could eat." My grandfather had a rough childhood and worked in the cotton fields at a young age but he never complained about the hand he was given. He always chose to look at the positive and never complained because he always felt he had more than enough. Both of my grandparents were always content with what they had in life.

My Nannie was a domestic goddess and my Papaw had a job in the boiler room at the VA Hospital. They always felt God had blessed them with more than they deserved. They always gave of what they had to those in need even when they did not have a lot themselves. My grandfather fixed appliances in his spare time for others but I do not think it ever gave them any supplemental income because he almost always bought the part and fixed the appliance for free. At the visitation one man shared how they had given him $2000, which was a lot of money back then, because he had lost his job and had a family to feed. He told my Papaw he wanted to pay him back but he did not know when that would be. My Papaw told him to pay him back when he could if he could, or not he did not care because he gave it to him because he wanted to. Many years later the man saved up enough to pay him back and he said he was not surprised when that same day he saw Papaw turn around and give the money to someone else in need. Both of my grandparents were champions for people, especially the widows and orphans. There was talk of meals they took to others, visits to the hospital or rest home, Christmas presents left on doorsteps, prescriptions paid for at the pharmacy, and the list goes on. These things were done anonymously but it seems the family in need always figured it out by the reputation they had of doing for others. He even served our country in World War II in the Navy. He was so proud to have served the country he loved so dearly.

There were so many young adults at the funeral who told us about how he always knew their name, what they were doing in school or their life, and how he always made them feel special. What a man! My Papaw even instructed my Mom to buy the meat with his money for the luncheon provided at his church after the funeral because he did not want them to take it out of their budget knowing the church is small and does not have a lot of leftover money. They spoke of how he was always the first one to show up for a work day at the building and would get to church early to start the coffee and make sure the temperature was comfortable in the building. Always thinking of others! What a legacy! I have a lot of work to do.

This precious man has been a part of almost every wonderful memory I have had in my life so far. I was blessed to live in the same town as my Papaw and Nannie from birth through 5th grade. I remember my Papaw getting off work at the VA Hospital and coming by our house to pick me up in his white work van to take me for ice cream, I was always waiting by the door for him. In the summer I would stay at their house some because both my parents were working so I would cook with my Nannie and look forward to Papaw getting off work because I knew all three of us would play games together or play in the yard. I remember trips with my cousins all over the state. They loved all of their grandchildren so much and were so happy when they were around. My favorite trip had to be when they took me to Colorado with them and showed me all the places they had been visiting in the summers for years. My Mom thought I would get homesick but she should have known better because Nannie and Papaw made everything fun. I looked forward to the many slide shows and descriptions of the trips they took with friends. My Papaw always had his camera ready to capture life. I would not take anything for these memories.

My Nannie went to be with the Lord 11 years ago so she never knew my daughters but Papaw did his best to spoil them for her. This picture is my Papaw with Kaylee. She thought the sun rose and set in Papaw. He was about to be 79 years old when she was born just three days before his birthday. This wonderful man got on the floor with her and played whatever game she wanted even when it included dress up. There is nothing she could not talk him into. He has seen school programs, dance recitals, countless ball games, and celebrated many family birthdays with her. One summer he even came and stayed a week with us, both my girls remember that and talk about it often. Kaylee is so blessed to have had this time with him. He loved her and his eyes danced when she entered the room.
Papaw was 82 years old when Campbell entered this world. They had a special bond too. Once again he got on the floor and played games, took her on walks, and just loved on her enough for him and Nannie. He always had a big smile and his eyes lit up when she would come cuddle on the couch with him. He has seen many of her programs at school, been to birthday parties, dance recitals, and many more events. We could not get in the car and go to my parent's home without the first words out of Campbell's mouth being, "Is Papaw going to be there?" She is going to miss him terribly but I am so thankful she had time to love him like I do.
One of the many photos I have of Papaw with his great granddaughters. You can see the love all over his face and theirs for him.
Here is a picture of most of Papaw's family. He loved it when we were all together! The smile did not leave his face. Each of us knew we were loved beyond measure by the precious man and we were so blessed the Lord placed us in his family. I am so thankful for the family in this picture, they made the past few days bearable with our love for each other.

The preacher at his church stated how he loved it when Papaw prayed because it was as if he had a direct line to God. The church was quiet and a respect was present. He did lead the most beautiful and heartfelt prayers I have ever heard. I always looked forward to hearing them when we were together and they always started with"Our most Holy and Righteous Father in heaven..." Another man spoke of how Papaw knew his Bible, not just reciting the scriptures but he LIVED them daily. Well he is at our Father's feet now with my Nannie. He told my Mom he was going to see her Mother who he had missed everyday for the past 11 years more than she knew. He even said she would still think he was still good looking at 89 years old, but he said he never was good looking but you could not convince my Nannie of that. I beg to differ my Papaw was good looking but more importantly he had a beautiful soul which is what my Nannie always noticed in those she met. God has an amazing team with him now.

I am so grateful to God for having my Papaw for 38 years of my life.

According to him he was never sick even when the cancer was taking over his body. The man never complained. He was a quiet Spirit and gentle Soul. I am going to miss him every day of my life just like I miss my Nannie but I know we will be together again one day and it will be as if we have never been apart. Thank you God for that comfort in times like these.

Easter 2012

Well Easter was so wonderful this year! We did a lot of traveling but received a lot of blessings in return. On Friday we headed to Dallas for Kaylee to participate in Bible Bowl at LTC. We got to spend time with some of our dearest friends and family. I decided LTC is like a big C of C family reunion. We all had a blast and what is not to love when you are staying at the Anatole.

Here are Kaylee and Campbell with a few of their cousins. (Catch, Colt, and Chenna)

After LTC was over we packed the car back up and headed to Waco for time with more family. (Kaylee and Campbell about to start the egg hunt at Papa and Nana's house.)

Our beautiful girl looking at her loot. I love that she smiles so big her eyes almost close. How could you not be happy with that precious face looking at you.

I could not get a still shot of Campbell because she was to busy hunting eggs. I love the excitement she has for things and her fun spirit.

My Mom, Papaw, and Uncle Don

My parents with Papaw and our girls.

Our family with Papaw

Two of Papaw's grandchildren and two of his great grandchildren

(My cousin Duncan, Uncle Don, Aunt Trudy, Papaw, Kaylee & Campbell)

We had such a wonderful day together because we got to start by worshiping our Lord as a family. I felt so blessed to be sitting in church with my precious family and just feeling the love we have for each other. Our God is an AWESOME God! I knew when we left church it would probably be the last time I would share a pew with my Papaw since his health is failing. It was so beautiful to hear him sing, hold his hand, and share a smile together. The rest of the day we spent eating a delicious meal together, laughing, talking, and just enjoying each other. Thank you Lord for family and days like this. I pray you all had a Happy Easter with those you love.

2 Tournaments+ 2 teams+2 days+ 2 jerseys= 8 games

Two weekends ago Kaylee had the opportunity to play in a tournament in Clyde with her Express teammates and was also asked to play for her former basketball coach on his select team in a tournament in Abilene. Of course, when we asked Kaylee if this was something she wanted to do she replied with, "The more softball the better!" That's our girl! I prayed that Kaylee would find something that she loved to do and I believe for the time being we have found it. The girl could eat, breathe, and sleep softball/baseball. I love that she and her Dad have this in common and I am learning way more that I ever wanted before about softball/baseball.

Kaylee loves playing either first base or pitching. The picture below of her having a blast makes all the time it takes and crazy schedule we have right now worth it.

She has had the chance to pitch in two different games and both times she surprised me with her ability considering she has had virtually no practice this year.

Now you will see Kaylee is in the blue uniform playing for the Rage. She played two games in Clyde this Saturday and then three games in Abilene.

Then three more games in Abilene on Sunday. We were all getting a little exhausted at this point but Kaylee played like a champ.

Campbell spent a lot of time asking for money for the concession stand. I was broke by the end of the two days but she was happy.

The fun has only begun at our house but we love every minute of it because I know this time will soon be gone but the memories will be with us forever.

We have light!

The remodel spilled over into the girls' bathroom as well so we decided to paint their vanity black and put granite in there too. I am glad we went ahead and did this if for nothing else but the fact that the granite hides the toothpaste that I use to see on the counter every day after the girls left for school.

Today the electrician came back to finish a few things he did not get to on Friday so we now have new light fixtures. Let me just say that Overstock.com did not disappoint on either one of these chandeliers. I love them both and the price!

Well that really is all for today. Hopefully the next pictures I post will be of doors and drawers;-)

Another Update...

Well last week the tile guys were here, well actually the past week and a half the tile guys were here. I think the backspalsh turned out great! I ended up going with a tumbled marble and I love it!!

The other side of the kitchen. Notice we are still waiting on the doors and drawers for the cabinets. I am definitely not going with an open concept there. Fortunately we have gotten a lot of rain lately, unfortunately it has delayed the sealing of the cabinet doors and drawers.

We have a functional kitchen sink and a beautiful pattern in the backsplash to go with it.

Just a picture of the tile floor. Not sure what the name of the pattern is but I am definitely happy with it. The color of the tile is great too because it actually hides dirt where as before the 1981 off white tile was ugly and hid nothing.

Here is the updated guest bathroom. We put the new tile in there along with granite, painted the vanity, new faucet, and framed the existing mirror. It looks so much better!

I am hoping that the remodel is complete this week and I can post pictures of a beautiful kitchen soon;-)

Let's Play Ball!!

Last Friday we had opening ceremonies for Wylie Softball. Once again Cary is coaching Kaylee's team and I do not know which one of them is more excited. I love my husband for many reasons but one of the many is that with the business of tax season he finds the time to coach and Kaylee loves it! Their team name this year is The Express after the Round Rock express which is a farm team of the Texas Rangers. If you know us at all you know we are huge Texas Rangers fans around here, well two members are huge fans the other two are moderate fans.

I love that we live in a place where the military plays a great presence at events and where a prayer is lead almost always to start an event as well.

I do not think Cary had to do much to get the girls fired up. They are so excited!

Giving little cheer at home plate.

They are off and running back to their spot on the field.

Two of my favorite people! I think we are ready to play some ball now.

We have Granite!

After lots of planning, picking out a pattern, and discussing a layout we have granite. It is so nice to have a countertop again. Now I am starting to see what the kitchen is going to look like a little more.

The picture below is of the laundry room cabinets that were white in the previous post but are now black. I love them and cannot wait to start organizing them. Of course we need hooks, pulls, and doors first but we are on our wa.