A Sneak Peek (Bathroom Redo Progress)

Although we still have plenty of work left to finish in the bathroom redo, I thought I'd give you a little sneak peek of some of the work we've accomplished. At least these pictures will give you an idea of some of the changes in color. To see the "before" pictures, you can click here to see the post from a few days ago.

Here the spacers are still in the tile. It has since been grouted.



Here's a little glimpse of some of the new trim.



And a look at the cabinet with just the back splash of the granite countertop lying on top, so you can see how it looks with the cabinet. (Remember you can click on the picture to make it bigger).



The granite...a little closer.



And here's a little closer look at the red cabinets (called calico) with the antiquing glaze over it. Cabinet doors have since been hung and the knobs and pull put on...and I'm so happy with it!



We had a nice BBQ dinner today, but weren't able to swim because our pool is not quite ready yet and because it's rained off and on as well. Then it was back to work again on the bathroom....at least for Jason. He had a well deserved nap in his recliner after the dinner! I've been cleaning up the messes! :)

I hope you all had a great Memorial Day!

Blessings this Memorial Day Weekend

As we celebrate Memorial Day with a full weekend, I also want to remember the sacrifice made by so many. Our forefathers, our military, and the families of our military and forefathers.....all have given much so we can live in this great country and enjoy the freedoms that we savor! Thank you from our family to all of these! I'm also thankful that we are a nation built upon Christian principles, a NATION UNDER GOD, and I pray that we always remember THAT is what made America what it is today....a great nation. I think it's very important that we remain a country with God's blessing.



"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Psalms 33:12

I am also reflecting on what so many of my family members are doing in Alabama in this weekend. Although, it's not a tradition around here (at least anymore), in Alabama and Tennessee, in a cemetary where so many of our family members are buried, our family will be gathering tomorrow with lawn chairs. They visit the grave sites; They visit with family members that have come to pay their respects; They just reflect upon the memories and the love shared by those remaining and those who have gone on before us. Some even have picnics out there...although our family usually meets at at a restaurant later in the day. I do miss my Grandparents and those many other family members that are no longer with us and it's good to remember them and the fun times we shared. I hope you all can do the same, where ever you are today.



Most of all, this weekend, amidst the projects you may have going on, I hope you all find time to celebrate the family you have with you and enjoy every moment you share!

Happy Memorial Day (weekend) everyone!

~ Tammy ~

In His Sister's Eyes

Today's blog is dedicated to my brother, Richie. I picked today (Memorial Day) for this blog to honor him because he is currently serving our country in Iraq.


Richie is my only sibling. I'm four years older than him, but I love to ask kids, "Who do you think is older?" ....because for some reason, they all think he is older....he actually looks really young!


If you were around him for any length of time, he'd probably share with you some of the things he had to "endure" as my little brother....but don't believe EVERYTHING you hear! He'd probably tell you that I was a little on the bossy side as kids (well he might say alot on the bossy side), that I was and still am...stubborn (that might be true.) He'd probably also say that he wasn't fond of following along behind me in school as Tammy's little brother (with the expectations from teachers). He'd also tell you that I liked to scare him into thinking that I wasn't really his sister...that actually I was an "alien" that took his sister(actually I did do that...and it was kind of fun....mean I know!) And he might tell you that I sent him head first into our TV when we were playing our made up game of "Zip Zop". (That could explain some of his goofiness, I guess).

Here we are as kids:



He was actually a good sport when we were kids. He'd play barbies with me and I'd play army with him. Playing army with him wasn't really a sacrifice on my part though because I loved playing farm and westerns and stuff like that...so that was fine with me. However, he'd be quick to point out that when he did play barbies, he was always "Ken" though!


Richie is really the fun....spontaneous...goof-off....kind of guy. I'm more of a cautious...think-it-through (too much sometimes)...kind of girl. I'm not nearly as fun as he is! I really wish I was more like him in alot of ways! He's just an all around likeable guy! Come to think of it, my son is a whole lot like him. I sometimes slip up and call him Richie. He has that entertaining quality about him!


Richie & I a few years ago:
(This was taken during
our overall phase!)




Now he's all grown up and a husband and dad to three. He is serving our country in Iraq in the Air Force Reserves. I'm very proud of him and I wanted to honor him, as well as the other men and women, that sacrifice time with their families, their convenience and comfort to protect our freedom in a foreign land. So for Richie, Daniel, Brian & BJ, and in memory of Matthew (a close friend of Richie's son who gave his life for our country), I'd like to say thank you. I appreciate you and honor you today.


Richie now serving in Iraq:

And for Richie, from your sis,....I love you. You might be my "little" brother, but you really are a giant in your sister's eyes.