Q52 Question #9.

Is that right? Is is week 9? Help me! I am NOT the organized type!

Anyhoo, this is this week's question.... and it should make a cute tag. Is anyone needing the downloads from Jessi? Let me know so I can guilt her into making these for us!

Question: WHAT COLOR IS IT THAT MAKES YOUR HEART SING?

I am sure there is some color that just really lights your fire. I know that I have come to realize that the same three or four colors are ALWAYS my favorite if I see them on a rack at a store. Then, if I see a container or a box or whatever in those colors, I always seem to covet those too! I am very inspired by color!

And speaking of... let me show you the progress on the new house.

See that tanish fan page? Well, it is really much more greenish than it appears on this blog! The third one down is Bamboo Shoot. That is the color I am using for the really big space of the main room and kitchen and loft of our new house. The top color, San Antonio Sage, is for the ceilings of the big room and of the loft.

The orangey colors are going to be serving two purposes! The third one down is Earthen Jug. It is supposed to be the color of the stepped up dining room. However, I am asking the Sherwin Williams peeps to deepen/ blacken it a bit. It will also be the color of the island in the kitchen. The island is supposed to be fashioned to look more like a real piece of furniture. Have I mentioned, I LOVE my cabinet guy? If anybody is in the market and local, let me know. I will give him a great reference!

The knotty, holey pine is the floor we are using for the majority of the core of our house! Of course, it will be stained.

Alright, moving right along, these are the fabric swatches I chose today for Miss Hotsy Totsy's room. I cannot find bedding I like that will match the black furniture that I am recycling from mine and Todd's room to hers! I have really worked hard to figure out how to use as much of my present stuff in new ways/ rooms. I think new bedding will be cheaper than all new bedroom furniture. But not positive. DANG! Fabric is Expensive!
I want to do something loud, like the grey print on one side of the duvet cover with the solid quilted green on the other side for when I want to tone it down a bit. (or when there is a chocolate milk stain on one side!) The striped fabric will be the dust ruffle and will be on one side of the guest bunk bed across the room. The orange polka dot is going to be a fine little throw pillow, and I just WISH you could better see the pompom trim that will be on it. It is peeking out of the card on the right and is a mix of hot pink, orange, and lime greens. SO cute!

Ok, this isn't a sure thing, but I took her with me today to see if she would approve this and she gave me the go ahead. In the pic above, the lime green poster board is the color I am contemplating for her walls. (By the way, that incorporates two of my three favorite colors I was referring to before!)
Ok, art room. I am torn between turquoise and all shades of green. (Hints to my fave colors again!) I have a LOT of red tin buckets, so I threw in this sugar mold to see how red looks in this little combination. I painted a teal and a green poster board to see how they worked with things I already had. I have the magazine holders (far left) in teal and teal/ green polka dots. And I am still trying to figure out the flooring situation, likely black and white, somehow. The tile in the back, is shiny and funky and has greens and blues in it. It may need to be used around my sink!?
Bored yet?

This is what I am thinking so far about Gabbi Girl's room. That teal bucket in the middle is what I have several of and what I use to house hand me down clothes for GG from Ellie and Maddi. The green above that is the limey green that I would like to accent with in G's room. I didn't include the light teal (Tame Teal to be exact) that will be the primary color in her room.
Because Gabbi's room will be mainly our toy room for a long while, I put both the girls' chairs in this pile. I think both green and pink will be hunky dory in this color scheme. And that plaid quilt goes over a white duvet with pink polka dot sheets. I have to figure out curtains, but I think we are on our way in her room. We already have a great rug that will incorporate all these pastels and a table and chairs with pastel chairs around a white table.

Now, let me also slip in a photo of the black cabinets that we will be using in our kitchen. Well, actually you can't tell from this picture, but they are semi- gloss with a distressed edge. And our granite tops are grey with orange and black striations in it.
Other close up options for the art room. Like this green?
Our workshop is all kinds of grey! A dark blacking color for the ceiling. A steel bluish color for the cabinets, and light grey walls. I love this flooring with the metallic edges, but Todd hasn't been convinced. I "won" with the bluish cabinets, which I continue to call grey to keep him from feeling that his workshop is "girly", but I definitey felt we needed a touch of color in the shop less I get bored to death.
Apparenty I feel the need to continue to showcase this tile and possible artroom colors. Sorry!
Here is the bedroom situation. Dovetail Grey on the walls, with the Black Fox (or some kind of fox, anyway), on the ceiling. The carpet is perfect and oh-so-plush, and the travertine tile , far right, is for the master bath.
I have two bedrooms upstairs with which I have no idea what to do. I have some bedding that I used to use (pre-kid) in storage and will likely recycle it. It is kinda Moroccan/ Indian feel with shiny fabrics.

So, I go to Sherwin Williams to look at the thousands of color choices, and once again.... I come home with a teal! The same thing happens at my clinics when I am picking colors for the various rooms. (My clinics are VERY bright and cheery!) I ALWAYS end up with a shade of teal or green! ALWAYS! One other color usually makes the mix.... coral!
The carpet upstairs is pictured above, and since I like that metal-looking edged tile, I was looking to see how it paired with the scheme. I like it! But, I DO love teal and brown!

Know what is NOT fun to choose? STAIN!
We have to pick ceiling stains for three wood ceilings. We have to pick the coordinating stain for the wood floors and for any cabinets/trim we are using. Oh, and the cedar posts that are going to be hoisting up the loft and providing the division to the rails upstairs on the loft. Ugh!

This just shows the main colors of the loft. The Bamboo Shoot for the walls and the browny tone for the ceiling. The carpet has circles and squares. Can you see them?
So, this was yesterday when I had NO idea what colors we would be using in the girls' rooms. I knew GG's were the center two. And I thought I would use the pink or purple for Ellie (despite her demands!) with the center green as her accent. Then, I could tie it all together with the darker green, far right, in the bathrooms. Looks like things changed today with our trip to the fabric store.
Ellie and I sprawled out the other night and painted poster boards to get a better feel for our colors! I have learned it is well worth the 5 bucks to get a sample batch! I am completely repainting the entire exterior of our house, (yes the new one), because I HATE the color of the stucco we (Todd) picked. So, take it from me. Get all your colors in a quart sample jug and paint them on big sheets of cardboard. You will be glad you did. It has already changed my mind in some rooms.

Is it just me, or is this a fabulous green?
Ummmm. But I ALWAYS appreciate a nice turquoise!
Oh, more shop?! I just uploaded the pictures in whatever order tonight. But dontcha love that "grey" wood for the cabinets?
Todd's gameroom... sorta! Another decision made entirey by the poster board sample! We went with a greyed purple instead of the LSU purple.
Mine and Ellie's wonderland. And a little while later there were little purple footprints all over the kitchen!
Oh, looky looky. There is another possibility for Todd's gameroom...Carpet sample, bottom left. I found this tile and LOVED it!
it is goldish with some purple accents in it. I think it is cool! But as I have also learned, I will not dare buy it until I have seen how it coordinates with the stone wall, the cedar bar, the stained cabinets, and the purple wall! It all matters!
Ok, so did you learn something about me tonight? The colors that make my heart sing?

GREENS, TURQUOISES, and CORALS! The very same colors I tend to buy in house decorations and my clothes! And by far my favorite stones to use in my jewelry!

Have a happy Sunday! (and fill your life with your happy color!)

Mo

Therapy and Dress-Up.

This was just another ordinary day of getting ready and heading out to therapy. GG is now going three days a week and we have recently added speech to her regimen. Hey, I AM a therapist, cut me some slack! I see subtle things other people think is "no biggie", and I occasionally see it turn into a biggie! So there.
Anyway, Ellie LOVES therapy days. She calls them her "errand" days. She knows she will always get to leave with Dad, KK, whomever and go run errands. And Ellie's middle name could've just as well been "go"!!
Once back home.... the dress up party begins!
During our packing, Ellie found a box of "coscumes" and dragged them down into the den.
Gabbi got in on the action and donned a crown and grabbed a microphone. I will have to use this on the pre-show of American Idol someday.
Gabbi Girl is having so much fun playing the "big girl" games with Ellie.
and Ellie is having so much fun bossing her little sister around and helping her with her coscume changes.
Poor ol' GG... that hair of hers grows STRAIGHT forward! If it isn't in a bow or pulled back, this is what she gets.
NO matter. She is the cutest little straight-haired, therapy going kid on the block!

Happy Weekend, Y'all.

Mo

Back to the girlies

Well, I guess you have seen enough of my house. And are some of you still wondering what BAH means? If so, check the comments, Kim cleared that up for you.

So, let's take a look at a few average days around the Groves house the past few days. Gabbi Girl is getting big! She looks so cute, to me, in a ponytail.
The problem is, she won't wear her ponytail for more than about 5 minutes. She pulls that sucker out lickety split. But for those five minutes, she is precious! Oh, who am I kidding, she is always precious!

Ellie rarely lets me help her look cute anymore. She is all about dressing herself. This shirt, which I think is an 18 month PJ top, should be going to Gabbi. But, Ellie screams "That's mine!!!" when she sees Gabbi in a hand-me-down lately.
Ellie put this whole outfit together alone. I know that shocks you!
Those may actually be 12 month pants! Hotsy Totsy!

I think I have mentioned this, but when someone meets Ellie in person, they are always surprised at how small she is. I think, because she always looks bigger than Gabbi, it is assumed she is "big". She is not. She is a shrimp! She is about 2" shorter than Maddi, who is actually younger than her. And Gabbi Girl is already in 24 month clothes. Ellie is still 2T. So, her little sister is a year younger than her and is catching up with her quickly!

And like clockwork, she always remembers her "bow". Now, it is usually just smack on the top of her head. But still...
Gabbi's pants are actually 24 months, and they look like hot pants!
What can I say about it? Baby got BACK!
And baby also LOVES to wear boots!
Have I mentioned her new words lately?

Dora, Boots, Backpack, NO!, Earl, Ba"nana", "mnmnmnmnms", down, up, "dink", "side", and she is very, very good at "MA-MA!!"

Mo

Anohter giveaway and ummm... week 7?!

Remember when dear ol' Amy and Lori commented on my blog when all other lurkers were slacking? Well, Amy got her prize a week ago. Lori got hers this week!
I am making in time to wear for St. Paddy's day! Here my model is demonstrating yet another way to wear these cute little ribbon necklaces.
And here he is being totally enthused about it!
Ok, so I am just going to put it out there.... LORI.... I don't think you've commented since that day! What's up with that? I have two more prizes I started on tonight. And they involve texture medium and paint! Whoooooooo will get them? Hmmmmm?!?!?
I am also painting tomorrow. I have some twins' nurseries to get going on, A canvas that was ordered for Christmas (2011!!), a teacher gift for end of the year for whoever wants to claim it, a couple of cute St. Paddy's shamrocks, a Dalmation canvas for an official adoption, a horseshoe, a house, an Easter egg, and a big oak tree. Some are orders and some are going to be for sale. I like to have a lot going or I don't want to do them at all. Go big or go home. Ya know?! Carri, do you still read my blog? Do you still want your big canvases that I have procrastinated forever on!?

Oooooh, and I took pics of the new house this week, so be prepared to see some new construction fun this week! For those asking, No, we havent' sold our house, but if you know someone intersted, send em our way. It is about 2700-2800 square feet. Not sure. Has 3+ acres and a garden. 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, and a big whatever room. I used it as an art room, but it could be an office, media room, whatever! Give me a call. We need to sell this sucker. I will probably cry!

Alright for this week's question....

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY and WHY?!

MO

An almost perfect day.

And speaking of "an almost perfect day", I am reminded of our question of the week. I have been a slacker in the area of doing my cards. And while I am at it, I will admit to the same on canvases, jewelry, etc. I seem to be in the midst of many, many decisions and all free time is taken to look at granite, stone, wood samples, wall colors, etc!

But I will get this week's question out tomorrow am, so be on the lookout!

Back to our perfect day...
No perfect day would be complete without my first saying, we slept late! I'm just sayin'!

Actually, before the girls got up, I had already been to the store, and dad had already made mini little croissants with cheese sausage inside for "pigs in a blanket". Didn't I say it was an almost perfect day? I LOVE those!

When the girls got up, we were outside unloading the car, and they just meandered right on out to meet us. He convinced them to try the four-wheeler with him. Gabbi got right on. Miss Sassy Pants needed some encouraging.
Don't worry, we are talking SNAIL's pace around the yard.

Ellie had enough after the first lap, but Gabbi Girl could "ride ride" all day long.
Since Big Shot was a little scared, but didnt' want to admit it, she just sat in the driveway and barked out orders, like, "Gabbi, you hold on." ( and many other orders!) with hand on hip and finger pointed. Lord, give me strength!
And she KNEW she really wanted to be on there with them!
It wasn't long until Miss GG was needing a nap-ola! Would you look at that hair? It grows STRAIGHT down? And did I mention we had our first haircut this morning? Todd did it. GUM!! He would not patiently await mayonnaise or peanut butter or whatever home remedies I needed to call experienced moms to ask about (or at very least Google!). He just cut! EGADS!
Thankfully, Sarah came over to preoccupy Ellie. E could not have been more thrilled that they were wearing the same shirt! Shake 4 Jake shirts from last year. By the way, we have a 2010 date... June 26th. Start your planning! And if you or your company would like to be a sponsor, be sure to contact me. It ALL goes to families of kids with cancer. OK, back to my day. BIRD?!
Remember when all of Ellie's babies were called Sue Groves? ANd then at CHristmas, she got a little variety and named her Bitty Twins "Mary Christmas" and "Clara". Well, she seems to be going through an imagination stage!

I introduce to you, " CC". ? I have NO idea!
Did I mention Ellie almost resists my putting her clothes together for her anymore. At TWO YEARS OLD?! She fully undresses herself at the end of the day and gets her pjs on. Same is true in the mornings. She is quite the independent kid. However, she has not mastered the art of matching yet!
E and I went out to my "cobbage" for a while, and she scored big in the accessory department!
SHe can comfortably wear numerous necklaces, bracelets, and any other bling that'll hang off of her all day long.
She was so pleased with her new finds.
Oh, wait. Of course! Here they are.... pose 1.
and pose 2. Whew. Thought we were going to point a camera without seeing it.
Wellll, hello there, GG. You have a nice nap?

I should just call her "Dot"!
and then, I had to show you my most recent favorite hairstyle. I am inspired by the Olympians, particularly snowboarders and downhill skiers. They are so cool! I don't want to work out and train and all that crap. I just want to LOOK like them.
My little husband did his part for SHO!
Our yard is pretty dang big, and he blew leaves for hours!
We are trying to get our yard move in ready for the next occupants. :(
And there you have it... a nice, semi-cleaned up garden.

FUN, fun day!

Mo