Tuesday, June 16, 2015

{Show & Tell Tuesday: Yards!}


Today I am linking up with Momfessionals for Show & Tell Tuesday: Yards & Outdoor Spaces.  My yard is kinda "my thing" & I am sure all my neighbors would tell you I am a little obsessive about it.  I can't stand for it not to be mowed & with all the rain we have received here in Texas lately - it requires mowing twice a week {and sometimes 3 times}...so I feel like that's All.I.Do in my spare time.

My first house had quite a large yard & I always said "in my next house, I want a yard 1/2 this size!".  Well, I had to eat those words because the yard at my new house is over 4,000 square feet BIGGER!!  What was I thinking?!?!  

Here is a picture of my lot prior to the start of construction.  We were really hoping to be able to save at least one or two of the large pecan trees, but after consulting with a tree expert - it was decided that it was best for them to come down.  The last thing I wanted was a giant tree laying on top of my house in a year or two.  
And here's the after!  This picture was taken a few weeks after I moved in last August.   The tree has since been replaced {it died within days of being planted} and the flowerbed has really filled in. I haven't done much with the front yard other than expanding the "builder basic" flowerbed  that came with the house.
The backyard is basically a wide open space, but I love it {and so does my dog Nola}.  I have a dry creek that runs behind my back fence so fortunately, I will never have neighbors behind me which I LOVE!  So, it's kinda like country living in the city...I get to enjoy the peace & quiet and be only 5 minutes from Wal-Mart & work!  I have BIG ideas for what I would like to do back there - a pergola/shade area with a patio, firepit, landscaping & hanging lights - but unfortunately, that all takes lots of $$ so it will come in time.  
One thing I did decide to do when building the house was to add a deck off the back porch. I have a small covered porch, but it didn't provide a whole lot of usable space by itself.  The addition of the deck was PERFECT!  Eventually, once I add a patio/firepit of some sort - I plan to move some of the patio furniture out there & add a grill to the deck.  But, it really is one of my favorite parts of my house - I LOVE it back there in the evenings....nothing better than a glass of wine on the deck after work. =)
 
 
 
 
 
So there you have it!  Definitely a work in progress, but I have to keep reminding myself that I have lived here less than a year & it will get there eventually!  
Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

{This Crazy Life}

I last blogged on March 9th...as in almost 3 months ago.  And what a CRAZY 3 months it has been.  I don't need to go into all the details because unless you have been living under a rock, you are aware of what has been going on at work.  Friday, May 15th was quite possibly the most difficult of my life.  As an employee of Blue Bell for the past 19 years, it's more than just a job.  I spend more time with these people than anyone so we are a family.  The thought of not going back there on Monday morning was devastating.  Fortunately, my job is safe for now and believe me - I am ever so thankful & grateful.  But, at the same time, it's bittersweet because I know there were so many that weren't so lucky.  LOTS of tears were shed that Friday.  We have a great group of people who are working nonstop to figure out the problem, fix it, & make us a better company than we were before...and I have no doubt we will be.  Thank you to everyone who has stuck by us and will be there to once again buy the BEST ICE CREAM IN THE COUNTRY once it's back in stores.
 
Other than that - it's been a pretty uneventful past few months.  We have all forgotten what the sun looks like because all it does these days is RAIN! I certainly hate to complain because it's June & I haven't had to water my yard yet {which is a huge blessing right now}. But, there have been devastating floods in and around Houston & Austin.  The pictures coming out of these areas are unreal.  Thoughts & prayers are with those affected.
 
 
 
I hate to rush time, but I really just wish we could fast forward thru the next few months...past the work problems, past the summer heat & past the months with no holiday for me to decorate for! =)  Only about 3 more months & the pumpkins will be returning again!  I can't wait for Fall...and most importantly - FOOTBALL {less than 100 days now}! It's nothing too exciting, but here is what I have been up to the past few months...

Warmer temps & lots of rain mean it's yard work time again {and that the snakes are out...yep - already killed one}. Lowe's has been my home away from home lately & my grass is growing like crazy....as in I am having to mow twice a week right now!  I'm happy with my front yard, but the back has a LONG way to go.  It's currently a blank slate & there is so much I want to do back there.  I want a patio & a fire pit, landscaping & hanging lights.  I know that it will eventually get there, but I am the kind of person that wanted it done yesterday.  Unfortunately, time & money have other ideas so for now, Nola & I will just enjoy the wide open space!
 
I took a break from it all one Saturday & headed out to Warrenton to do a little shopping at the Antique Festival.  I didn't buy much, but it's always fun to look around.  I really tried to think of a spot for the plastic pink flamingo candelabra, but unfortunately I had to pass on it.  =) 
Although it seems like Christmas was just yesterday, Easter has already come & gone as well.  It was pretty low key...supper & an egghunt at my grandma's on Saturday evening and sunrise service on Sunday morning.
It's not been a good year on the job front - I was so sad to see my first place of employment 20 years ago close down at the beginning of April.  That place {and that parking lot} hold so many memories...if only those walls could talk!  I met & worked with so many great people when I worked there in high school & then again a few years ago. I had to go back one more time before they closed & Cassie, Nicole, Katie & Lisa...we still have to do that toast in the parking lot!!
The last weekend in April, I helped work a very successful benefit for a friend/coworker who is "beating the hell outta" brain cancer. And a few weeks later, celebrated another friend/coworker's last chemo treatment. You got this Amanda & Debbie!!
 

That brings us to May & another Maifest has already come and gone. There was school plays, & Morgan graduated from Kindergarten {man that makes me feel old!}.  And of course, it rained some more.  A LOT more...and brought along some really bad weather with it as well!
 
 
And then there is Nola.  I have now had her for 4 months & things are going well.  I think we have worked out her food allergies for the most part & knock on wood - she still isn't digging or chewing up too much. We've had a few issues, but nothing too major...yet.  A few weeks ago I was certain the dog hair was going to be the death of me, but it has gotten better.  I'm guessing she was going thru her spring shed.  She loves people, especially kids, and really is a good dog.  I think she's going to be much smaller than we originally thought.  She's solid at 55 pounds, but is only about 1/2 the height of a lab...she's going to be a petite little thing.  She might be slightly spoiled, but how can I say no to that face?!?
 
 
Here it is June already & we are half way thru the year...CRAZY!! Let's hope & pray the second half is better than the first.  It's like a coworker said the other day - 2015 is going to be a year we aren't going to forget.  Ain't that the truth!!  June will be a fun & exciting month...lots of birthdays to celebrate & most importantly - Colby & Jodie's wedding on the 20th...can't wait!!