Great finds

I finally painted this cool table I got in Sierra Vista right before moving. It's from the Salvation Army and I couldn't pass it up. I discovered that I have a great fan of sanding. She's great at distressing! I put it between the two red chairs in the front rooms. The old windows are up against the wall because they are too heavy for my 80 year old plaster walls. Oh well, I like them there too.

The umbrella was a find from Sunday on the drive home from church. I guess it didn't sell in their garage sale, so they dumped it. Great! I needed one for my patio. It's crazy the way people toss things out around here.

From Trash to Treasure

I've wanted to paint this bookshelf for the past two years or so. It's in the boys room. I really like the way it turned out. It really brightens up their room.

These crates are one my favorite finds. I saw an ornate art deco type dresser on the curb one day on one of my walks. I didn't like the dresser but behind a door of the dresser were these drawers. I painted and distressed them and now they hold tablecloths, art supplies, and extra binders and folders.

The woman that lives in the studio apartment behind us is moving and gave me this for Wes last week. It really unifies the room because it matches the bookshelf.


And yes, I did get a whole gallon of red paint. Home Depot discounts paint every day either because people don't come pick up their order, don't like the color, or have some other complaint. If you want some paint, but don't want to pay the price, check Home Depot. I paid $5 for the gallon of their highest quality stuff.

Christmas List 2009

Because some people have had trouble finding this or getting this or whatever, I'm posting it here:

... buys for ...

Liz Susanna

Andrea Sallie

Sallie Andrea

Jenny Liz

Shelly Jenny

Jen Shelly

Susanna Jen

Willie Rusty

Brent Ray

Ray Mike

David Q

Q David

Mike Brent

Rusty Willie

Andrew Hanalei

Scott Aiden

Claire Aubrey

Warren Garrett

Wes Warren

Maddie Scott

Zach Sara

Carina Claire

Aiden Kate

Aubrey Maddie

Chase Zach

Emily Andrew

Kate Alex

Sara Wes

Boyd Carina

Alex Emily

Garrett Chase

Hanalei Boyd

Rip Stick

Zach got a little something yesterday:



When he got it, he wasn't very good at it. Now, to use his words,
he's 'pretty good.'

Missionaries

When we moved here, and awaited our new callings, I was surprised to hear from my children that the feeling was unanimous: of all the past callings I'd had, working with the missionaries was everyone's favorite.

They were all so pleased when I was asked to lead the ward mission here in Burbank.


Elder Sheets of Wyoming, pictured here on the right, recently was transferred to Palmdale. Like all the missionaries we've had the opportunity to work with and get to know here and everywhere we've been, these young men are truly inspirational. Having them in our home and around our family is one of the blessings of having this assignment.

L.A. Fires

We just wanted everyone to know we are safe. We have had several friends and family members call and email to see if we are okay. We are very appreciative of your concern for our family. The fire is heading to the Santa Clarita area, close to Magic Mountain. It is also heading to Palmdale area. We know families who were evacuated over the weekend and we pray their homes will be spared. We don't know of anyone having lost their home, but we know many people have from reading the news.
The air quality is pretty bad and the kids are being kept in for recess and lunch recess. They even eat in their classrooms.
Maddie and Wes have to go from class to class of course, but other than that, they are also staying indoors. That includes P.E. classes.

Thanks again to all of you. We love you and miss those of you who are far away.