Mini Makeover - $12.00 well spent!

Chaos is fighting hard to reign me....I keep fighting back.....Steve is a bit better, Rocky a bit better, my dad has been gone almost a month and the paperwork is winding down, work is insane, the audit continues but I have not been hit by a meteor yet and the jury is still out as to if the light at the end of the tunnel is a train......last night was a brief respite in the chaos as Kristen and I got one hour together to run a few errands and eat a fish taco and complete a full sentence in a conversation....to some of you, that may not seem like much but to me it was like a Hawaiian vaca....refreshing....its the little things. While at Home Goods she filled her basket up with loads or treasurers....I loved all the sparkling treasurers but just could not justify bringing anything home....then when I got home I took a look at my little table and it looked so sad, neglected and used (like the way I feel!)

The beaded place mat was losing its beads and had stains on it.......dismal I know.....

So today on a break I made a return trip to Home Goods and picked up a fresh new place mat (on sale marked down to $2.00) with my family room colors in it (green, paprika, gold) and this wise owl ($10.00 worth or adorableness) to contrast and to perk things up - Total $12.00

Even Steve noticed first thing!!! Maybe the tide hasn't fully turned yet; but I am treading water at least....once I get an Addie fix I will be even better!

Have you need a mini makeover lately?

Decisions, Decisions....A or B?

Because I am being 'Nurse Jacque' to these two injured souls (Rocky, soft tissue injury in his leg, paw, shoulder....Steve - torn up from motorcycle accident.....

I am sticking close to home and working on my projects.....so A - I could work on the AUDIT or B I could work on a project for BRODY....in my old days I would always do A (work) before B (pleasure), but today I got all mavericky and chose B

I stitched a new blankie for my boo.....nice chenille blanket with Mickey Mouse (his fave) satin trim.....

Later in the day, Brody and his very handsome big brother came over to show me their new haircuts - aren't they adorable?

So I gave my boo his new blankie....I think he likes it!!

Boo hoo for me....A (Audit) will be first on my tasks tomorrow.....

The fog of August.....

The fog of August 2011 continues to haunt me....my dads passing and the aftermath, caring for my mom keeping her up and going, all the paperwork that needs to be dealt with a 'love letter' (not) from the IRS that requires so much research and now my dog won't use his leg and had to go to the vet $$$ but Thankfully no broken bones....it is August 24th and I feel I have been in a fog since that phone call August 2nd.....I am in a weakened state and life seems surreal....and it seems every day brings yet more challenges....



Yesterday after taking my mom and brother to the airport and before the Tax meeting I drove by my fave Thrift shop then I turned around and thought if I went in to browse maybe I would perk up a bit.....I did score these treasurers:


Some awesome pet steps that retail at $59.99 at Petco and are brand new, two felt blankets to wrap and store some furniture, an adorable Turkey to add to the collection, a Fisher Price Nurses Kit, a talking storage box and the major score of about 1500 pcs of legos for my boys. The other stuff was included in the mix but I have no use for it and will redonate it next pickup. Found all this for $31.00!!!


I scrubbed everyone of those tiny legos in hot water and then air dried them and put them in a plastic tub and took them over to my boys to play with.

Later in the night I got a txt from Kristen that they had fun, played and were happy and even cleaned them up when they were done....that did make me smile...and smiles are few and far between these days!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.....

Will life ever be the same?

Roy Brown 'PaPa' Augen, 91, a long time resident of Phoenix, Arizona and recently of Nampa, Idaho passed away peacefully August 2, 2011. Roy was born March 1, 1920 in Daylight, Tennessee to Lilly Paris and George Auten. He stayed in Tennessee until he joined and proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII with tours in Japan, Italy and the Philippines. After the war he met and married the love of his life, Honey Lou Alexander. They made their home in Phoenix, working together in the family store and raising their 3 children. He stayed in the meat industry until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, boating and fishing. His Southern charm, wit, humorous storytelling and kind heart were treasured by all who knew him. He was famous for making great malts for his grandkids and savory steaks for all his friends. He loved grocery shopping, card playing as well as an interest in the Stock market. He also loved dancing to Lawrence Welk on TV and to challenge himself to Jeopardy trivia. During Roy's illness he was given wonderful care by Vicky Sosa, Debbie Miles and St. Luke's Hospice which allowed him to be at home. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Honey Lou, loving children Deborah Roetto of Nampa, Jacque Wilson (Steve) of San Diego, Roy Jr of Phoenix, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, three sister-in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews. Per his request a memorial service will be held at a later date. The family kindly requests that no flowers be sent and that memorials in his name be given to St. Luke's Hospice or your favorite charity.