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Better than Mittens.... No More Scratching!

2012-01-30T21:34:00.001-06:00

The last 4 or 5 weeks we have been dealing with a "skin irritation" with our little Oliver... Initially we weren't exactly sure what we were dealing with... So, treatment was more or less stabs in the dark...
Is it a food allergy? We eliminated one food after another only to watch his condition decline...
Is it certain fabrics?... Okay... nothing but 100% cotton...
Is it detergent? Okay we'll wash everything in hot water only...
Is it bath soap? Okay then we'll bathe him in water only!
This has been my new mother's constant source of anxiety since before Christmas... I've been a ball of stress!

Well, the good news is, we have finally settled on a diagnosis; and are working on getting rid of the problem. Every day he's improving, praise God! I can get into details in a seperate post...
What I want to share here is my new invention (shown in pictures) that has been dreamed up out of necessity. Through out this crazy itchy scratchy nightmare, Oliver's skin continually flares up with itchy break outs here and there. Cortizones not only lose their effectiveness, but they ultimately feed the problem. Then, just when something about heals up, he scratches his skin open again... it's a never ending battle. We started swaddling him again at night and for naps... but little Houdini gets his hands out and begins scratching in the middle of the night before ever making a peep! I have walked in to find him more than half dozen times a bloody mess literally. SOOOOOOO frustrating!!!!!!
Anyways... the little mittnes are fine for tiny ones... but he is about too old to be swaddled and has long ago figured out how to get mittens off... If they stay on, even the cotton is TOO abrasive for his delicate skin! So it's been 2 steps fwd, one step back over and over again!

Anyways, I came up with this idea on sunday morning; laying in bed. After church, I came home and made a couple proto-types. They were too small... so today I whipped up a couple bigger ones. I think we may have a winner here.
The key here is 2 things:
1, the garment cannot be removed by the baby... but it can't choke or injure either. and
2, the satin fabric... no matter how much he rubs his skin, it won't scratch. At least I hope not.

He had a litte nap with it on and it looks to be a success... However, to be precautionary we have it on under the swaddler for tonight. I need to have a full day of naps to observe tomorrow and probably make another even a tiny bit bigger to fit on the outside of a blanket sleeper.

So what do you think?? Is this something you would use? Should I try and make more?? I think I would call it "Better than Mittens" or something like that...

PS Ignore the ugly gold color... it's the only color of this material I had... and I wanted to see how it would work first :) Thoughts Appreciated!

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Singing Baby

2012-01-20T20:06:00.001-06:00

Being home with a baby all day every day I do things a bit differently than I used to... when I was home alone a lot self-employed. Mainly I am refering to the noise I make... Pre-baby, I would often talk to my "studio audience" about what I was doing... or what I was about to do... that, or I would have music Jammin... and I'd be singin along.
Now-a-days I find that I still do lots and lots of singing.. somehow finding ways to make singing about every little thing I do in 2-parts always ending in words that rhyme with eachother... I guess that's just what you do with babies. You sing. I think it's soothing to both mom and baby, I don't know.
Anyways, I am pretty convinced that Little Oliver has caught on to this form of communication. And I gotta document it cause it's pretty stinkin cute... and hilarious too.
When we were home in Chicagoland over Christmas, my sister gave me a few cd's on which she had burned her favorite kids songs. Earlier this week, I finally had time to rip them and get them on my MP3 player. We've been listening to children's music most of the week, and Oliver loves it.
So, today, I was holding him up by my shoulder and dancing around the family room, singing along to the children's songs... Just something to do. Heck I used to sing and dance around eveyday by myself... now I got a buddy! And he started in with his cute scratchy voice... "ooooooaaaahhh waaaaaaoooooo ooooowaaaa" (and so on) I thought... He's so cute, I love the way he sounds when he tries to make sounds.... Then I noticed that during instrumental, or if I wasn't singing he'd stop. I thought, "could he possibly be SINGING???" ..."no way!" Then the song ended. Oliver stopped too... "is it coincidence?" The next song started up, the singing started, so did mommy and so did Oliver... it was the cutest thing ever... we sang a couple more songs... before nap... we were livin in the moment... loved it!
Mike cam home from work, and after dinner I was in the bedroom putting away laundry. I heard him singing Fifteen Animals, to Ollie... we've been singing that book to him since he was a week old. And I heard Oliver chime in and start singing. I came out to tell Mike "He's singing, he loves to sing" He tested the waters a bit... and sure enough Oliver stopped when Mike stopped and sang when he sang.

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12 Week Update

2012-01-06T10:55:00.001-06:00

Wow! The time is flying by!

Wednesday was oficially Oliver's 12 week birthday. It's crazy how timely the milestones are!

The First two weeks were quiet... lots of sleeping eating and snuggling. It's almost as if I have to jog my memory here to remember how he has progressed.... and it's not even been 3 full months... maybe it's the lack of sleep... haha

Just about 2 1/2 weeks, he realized he was no longer in the womb... or so it seemed. Oliver was still his happy and easy going self... until about 4pm then he'd start to get antsy and fussy up to bed time. For the next 3-4 weeks this went on.. and bed time was DRAMA. Poor Mike didn't get to see his happy lil guy except on the weekends. I would say "I swear he is not like this all day... it was a bit frustrating of a stage. But now seems a distant memory.

I kept asking other mom's for insight and the most common answer I would get was "I don't remember". So, I began to bury my self in Baby books... I found "The baby whisperer" and "Healthy sleep habits, happy baby" to be extremely helpful. I also logged eat and sleep times round the clock for a few days. What I learned was that even though he was getting tons of sleep, he needed more... we were always trying to stave off bed time 'til 7-730... he needed to be in bed before then. Still does... so we've learned that's just what we do... once 6pm comes around... we have to be home to put bubba in bed ... makes for a heck of a social life... haha. But since we figured that out... no more crabbies!

Around 6 weeks the Adkins came down to celebrate Thanksgiving with us... Oliver got to meet 4 of his cousins who wanted to love on him 24-7. This was also fun because he was learning to focus on faces and smile :) It was beautiful! The next 4 weeks were pretty routine... eating, sleeping, snuggling growing... by 6 weeks old he was ready for 3-6 month clothing size.

The 4 weeks leading up to Christmas were pretty routine... mostly hanging out getting ready for Christmas, lots of naps and growing. Our drive went great... about 14 hrs each way... no crying but about the last 10-15 mins each way! He loved meeting all the smiling faces but brought back a cold! Or is it teething? We don't know. We got back and he graduated to the 6-9 month clothing.. and pretty well fills it out! He also graduated to the non-swaddle sleepers! What a big boy :) We've been working through a whole body rash/eczema and a ton of boogers this past week and a half. Earlier this week I got panicky... probably as all first time moms do the first time their baby gets sick. So Tuesday we took him to the doc. He said this is allergy related so I am changing my diet. He prescribed a cortizone cream for the skin which I was hesitant to use... but I had tried EVERYTHING available to me and my poor baby was itchy from head to toe. The cream cleared it up over night... so we're just working on the mucus now... I am hoping it's teething... but also eliminating the common allergens like milk, eggs and nuts in hopes to "figure it out"!

Just wednesday was was his 12 week birthday. He just in these last couple days seems more independant. He likes playing by himself and yesterday I put him down for one of his afternoon naps and heard him doing all kinds of talking to himself. I had to hide around the corner and spy on him it was so darn cute it melted my heart! Everyday is an adventure. Learning new tricks and our love as parents growing all of the time for our sweet adorable son!

Oliver's Arrival

2011-11-03T21:42:00.001-05:00

Today marks 3 weeks since Oliver was born. So, now with our family visitors having come and gone and little Oliver resting peacefully in his swing, this just may be the appropriate time to share his "birth story" for anyone interested. (That's what this post is about, so if that's not your thing; you have been warned) We'll see how far I get before our next dirty diaper complaint ;)

So basically the weeks leading up to my due date, I was ready to not be pregnant anymore... like any other woman. We went for evening walks, and I drank every tea recommended to induce labor and ate spicy food... all that good stuff. At each check up my doctor would discover that I was making no progress dilation or cervix-wise. I did not feel too concerned for the most part because historically the women in my family would go from 0-10 on the day of their comparatively short labor. I informed my doctor of this incase it meant anything to her... I'm sure it would be medically irresponsible to make decisions based on such information. So, on Friday the 7th she had me go in for an ultra sound to measure the amount of fluid and view the state of the placenta so that Monday when I went back in we could discuss a plan. Now, my actual due date was Sunday the 10th so it's not like I was particularly late; my hope was that she would find that everything was fine and continue to wait till he came naturally. I have desired to naturally birth my children since before I ever even got married... I knew this was my wish in my teen years. That said, I knew that if she wanted to induce labor, I would have a much harder labor; the drug pitosin forcing contractions to be much harder and stronger; not an ideal combination with no pain medication. [Which absolutely was not an option for me... and I can be pretty darn stubborn about things I am serious about]

Anyways, we went in for my appointment on Monday morning. She came in the room with a serious look on her face. She said that my placenta was past it's prime (I guess they begin to deteriorate about 37 weeks). My fluid levels were less than ideal and Oliver's growth had slowed. She made reservations for me to check in at 5pm on Tuesday and begin a drug to soften my cervix which had not even begun to soften @6pm, and start pitosin drip @5am. I cried. I was really upset, concerned about Oliver and disappointed that I was not going to have the birthing experience that I desired. She asked what she could do and I asked her to pray. She said she would.

We went home and continued to work on all of the "labor inducing" theories... went to the high school and climbed stairs... pulled weeds... more tea and spicy food etc etc. I composed an e-mail and sent it to my closest friends and family members explaining the situation, asking for prayer. I woke Tuesday morning, prayed and asked Jesus that no matter what happens that he keep his hand on me and let me feel it the whole time, which is the only way I can do this. We checked in at 5pm and they checked me, no dilation cervix 60% effaced; gave me the first of 3 doses of medication @6 as planned; the following scheduled @9pm and 12am. Over the next few hours, contractions were registering on the monitor but I really didn't feel much... the nurse kept coming in to adjust the monitor and have my lay on my side saying that maybe Oliver was laying on his cord and his heart rate would slightly dip after each contraction. No problem... I thought... maybe we're getting somewhere... hope I will go onto labor with out the pitosin.

9pm came and went and no one came to administer second dose, what the heck??? 9:15... no one... now I'm anxious and angry... 9:20 Mike talks to nurse "what is GOING on??" They decided that they didn't like Oliver's reaction and will not be administering drug anymore... they will start Pitosin @3am instead of 5am. NOW IM PISSED, this is not what I want and the staff does not even have the courtesy to tell me what is going on... I cried... "Why did I even agree to let them induce me?" So Mike says what can I do?? I said "pray over me, pray that I go into labor before 3am". He did. Then I calmed down I felt the embrace of my savior and was able to feel peace.

At 10:30pm, I felt my first strong contraction... kept silent, watched the clock and another came 5 mins later, this time they were STRONG and not showing up on the monitor. I told Mike, start timing me, I'm pretty sure I'm in labor. He did, within 15 mins we felt confident "this is it"... we agreed to keep me hydrated and keep this to ourselves because we wanted to revert back to our natural birth plan, no drugs, no IV, no interventions.

It was after 1am and the nurses had come in and out a few times, we decided to let the nurse know "we're in labor". She said "what makes you think you're in labor?" uh... duh! So Mike told her that he had been keeping track... not to mention my mental state was deteriorating.... and I was moaning and breathing through a contraction every 3-4 mins.... She left the room and a few minutes later another nurse came in the room and said, "So you think you're in labor?" We were like "we ARE in labor..." so she said ... let's check you... and WHOA I was dilated to 7cm. Again... DUH... I think I know I'm in labor.

A little while later when my nurse came back in I said "So what's the plan"... in the slurred (drugged with pain) voice I could muster. She was like "well what do you think the plan should be?" I said "like when do we inform the DOCTOR???" She said "well your doctor comes on @ 7am. We'll go from there.” She left the room.
I was thinking 7am... she's NUTS... I'll tell her next time she comes back. So next time I told her (I think I was still speaking english at this point) "Uh, we need to call the doctor, I'm not going to make it 'til 7am” Now it's after 3am. Mike could probably tell you times better... I was barely coherent.... or should I say barely Human at this point. So exhausted from the pain, Mike said I snored between contractions.

She decided to check me again and I was now at 10cm. She said "but your water hasn't broken” WHAT THE HECK?????? What does it take for you to call the doctor around here???? So a couple contractions later I told Mike I'm having a strong urge to push. He said what should I do?? I said tell the F@#(^$@*&^ NURSE!! (When you're in labor, you might say some things that are out of character). He ran out into the hall and shouted the update to the nurse... at least I think that's what happened.... with the next contraction, I couldn't stop the push... I pushed my water out... now they FINALLY come in and said "We've called the doctor that's on call, he is really close and will be here shortly.. They proceeded to set up the room for delivery... it was around 4am.

The doctor walked in the room @415. They had me start pushing immediately, finally! I pushed once, twice... I was so exhausted.... then they told me this time you gotta PUSH hard Katie, PUSH PUSH PUSH.... take a breath and PUSH! My nurse trying to lock eyes with me another nurse on the left, Mike on the right, everyone shouting PUSH. And Oliver was born!

I guess, in the mean time somewhere between the 1st and 3rd push the his heart rate dropped drastically, the doc had to make a huge incision (class 4 episiotomy) and said if he doesn't come this time we'll have to use the vacuum.... thank God! I just remember before going in, my friend Meg, my aunt Carol and a couple others said, just Push like heck... as soon as the baby is out the pain stops... so I kept that in mind...

Anyway, deliriously exhausted as I was, sooo happy... they put Oliver on my chest, and I told him "I love you".

A few hours later MY doctor came to visit. She told me "I am sorry I wasn't there, and I am also so glad that you got to have the natural birth you desired. Quite frankly with the way the check ups were going I thought you'd be a cesarian." Ugh! Well, leave it to God to show up when there is no possible way you can give the credit or glory to any other source. His timing is always perfect. From Oliver's conception where we were called to a 14 day fast that we put off for years, and in our obedience Oliver was conceived on that 14th day, to his arrival; God has been un-mistake-ably in this every step of the way, something we need to remind ourselves of daily on our journey as parents. It's all for him.

Evolution/Darwinism Debunked

2011-10-06T13:31:00.000-05:00

This semester we are going throug Lee Strobel's book "A Case for Faith" with our small group. The book basically takes a hard look at the world's critical questions to Christianity through interviews between the author and several of today's renowned scientists, professors, and theologians. Our current chapter addresses the creation vs. evolution debate... we put toghther these sort-of "cliff notes" to help guide our group through this meaty chapter.... It's not entirely referenced as far as scientists names and sources... but all of that info is in the book if you want to see for yourself, I encourage you to pick up a copy. It's a great book, and the info is thouroughly 'backed' in the book for the analytical and scientific minds :)
Anyways, I thought I'd share the short-hand version of the chapter with those of you who are intrigued by this debate:

Evolution/Darwinism : Basically states that the origin of life started by non-living chemicals on the earth, [if given enough time which is scientifically unlikely] were combined to create living cells.

** In order for this to be possible the exact 20 out of 80 types of amino acids (Much more complex than 1 or 2-sided cells) had to have linked together in exactly the right sequence to form proteins which are the building blocks of life. (this is not even taking into consideration the complexity of DNA and RNA, the ability to store info, reproduce and process energy)

Theory 1: Random Chance

Hypothesis: That the right combination of 100 Amino Acids found each other and linked together in exactly the right order/sequence by chance to form a protein.

Conclusion: Odds are nearly impossible 1 in 110 w/ 60 zero’s after it. “Scientists simply don’t believe it anymore”

Theory 2: Chemical Affinity

Hypothesis: Amino acids are “biochemically pre-destined” inherently attracted to each other in a way that would cause them to link up in the right sequence to make a protein.

Conclusion: Debunked – Not just 10, but 250 proteins tested. Results demonstrate no chemical preference in sequence. Even author, Kenyon, has repudiated the idea.

Theory 3: Self-Ordering Tendencies

Hypothesis: If energy is passed through a system at a fairly high rate, the system becomes unstable and will actually rearrange itself into an alternate and somewhat complicated form.

Conclusion: High level of information required to order the amino acids to create protein molecules. There is a significant difference between the “order” found in some nonliving things and the “specified complexity” of living cells.

Theory 4: Seeding from Space

Hypothesis: Building Blocks of life came from somewhere else in space, either sent by extra-terrestrials or Amino Acids were in a meteorite that fell to earth over 3.8 billion years ago.

Conclusion: 1) At these velocities, at least 10 to 15 miles per second the temperatures you reach on impact are so high that you end up frying just about anything. 2) Even if meteorites did deliver amino acids to earth, you still have not solved the Origin of Life problem, how did these cells assemble into amino acids??

Theory 5: Vents in the Ocean

Hypothesis: Vents may have provided an environment where the beginning of life might have been nurtured from very simple molecules all the way to living cells and primitive bacteria.

Conclusion: 1)“Granted, the vents might provide an unusual energy source that could prompt some chemicals to become reactive, but it never addresses the assembly problem.” 2) the high temperatures of these superheated vents would destroy rather than create complex organic compounds

Theory 6: Life from Clay

Hypothesis: “life somehow arose on clays whose crystalline structure had enough complexity to somehow encourage prebiotic chemicals to assemble together”

Conclusion: 1)“crystal is nothing more than redundant information. It’s far, far short of the specified complexity that living matter needs. 2) “No one has been able to coax clay into something resembling evolution in a laboratory; nor has anyone found anything resembling a clay based organism in nature”

What's funny to me is that as I read through this chapter the second time with the intention of drawing this "highly scientific" information, I had to chuckle at how ridiculous these hypotheses sound... it almost humored me that supposedly super intelligent scientists even entertained these ideas....

The conclusion reached by the Walter L Bradley PHD, the scientist/researcher interviewed, and most of today's scientific community is well summed up in his statement "I think that people who believe that life emerged naturalistically need to have a great deal more faith than people who reasonably infer that there's an intelligent designer."

So my question is... the folks out there claiming to be "darwinists": Have they really investigated what they "claim" to believe? ... or is it just another sorry excuse to deny faith???

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My Girls

2011-06-29T09:29:00.004-05:00

On my 19th birthday I was a freshman in college. My first Birthday away from home I drove up to Port Austin Michigan where my nearest realtives lived (Aunt Julie and family) with my room-mate and best friend, Meg for a home-cooked dinner. We took the 1.5 hour drive as an opportunity to enjoy the scenery and made a mini-road trip of it. We passed by a "yard sale" and little junk collectors as we were... we just HAD to stop!
As we were looking around, rummaging through someone else's junk, a blond lady (Probably in her late 20's early 30's) came to the door. She told us "every thing is for sale, even come inside, it all has to go" It led me to believe things were not going well in this woman's life. She had to sell all of her things and leave... maybe being evicted?? Anyways, just as she was telling us that, 2 kittens came at her feet and were just circling her feet. I couldn't help but ask "are the kittens for sale too??"
She replied "No, no, please. Take them we will give you food, whatever you need we have to leave and they cannot come with us".
I was in love. One problem though: I had a roommate that did not like cats... not really at all. I begged, she laughed... we also lived in college dorms where cats are not technically allowed... but there were aonly a handful of weeks til school let out for the year. We were planning on moving into a rent-house off campus.
So we continued on our journey had a nice dinner... on the way back passing the yard-sale again... Meg gave in to my pathetic begging. We stopped back and they were so suprised and happy to see us, this time there were 2 little blond girls (Probably about 3 and 5) loving on the kittens. They were crying and holding them not wanting to let go, at the same time thanking us for taking them to give them a good home. They told us their names were "Katie and Molly" ... well obviously the names had to be changed... but sweet.
So on we went, we stopped at a walmart for a litter pan and litter. When we arrived back at school we snuck them into the building (which wasn't very hard to do).
Those first several weeks they just slept on my head and went with me everywhere I went. Into the back pack and off visiting!
School let out... and we had a helluva summer. Our rental "lease" idea fell-through. Meg and I went our seperate ways crashing with different friends (looking for residnecy going to class and working) our stuff all stored in the garage of a house in the woods. A storm one night uprooted a 100yr old monster tree crashing through the roof of that garage... ugh... everything I owned, clothes etc had to be fished out removed from the garage and cleaned up... but where to take it??
Anyways... me and the Girls "Iris and Lily" had to move on.. another friend let us crash for a couple weeks, thanks Yang :) And finally Melanie had a friend moving out of a one-bedroom on the other side of town. I decided to take it! Me and the girls moved in and loved it there! We planted Roses with the nieghbor ("Chick" Boggin from Tennessee a 75 yr old Shriner with a heck of a life-story) in the back cooked and did art projects all night long sometimes, cooked dinner for guests and danced while no one was watching... everyday!
Lily loved to hang out on top of the kitchen cabinets, Iris by the window. I had to be careful bringing in my groceries... if I brought the bread in first and went out for more I'd come back to kitty bites through the bread bag. Every night we locked ourselves into the bedroom... because that's somehow safer.. and we all snuggled up on my twin bed with a foulrescent rainbow striped quilt.
After that year, It was time to move back home. My dad said the girls couldn't come with and said I had to find another home for them. I called my cousin Brian and my Aunt Joyce asking them to say no to what I was about to ask them, but I had to make the call because I told my dad I would. Awe shucks, they said no. So they "Had to stay in my room" haha... I was home for less than a week and caught my DAD going in to visit with them! Guess that means they got approval :) They got free reign of the house with Misty and Spice. Everyone pretty much got along... Iris and Lily brought a lot of love and laughs. Although I had a brief 5 month stint living in Wrigleyville (Probably home half the time anyways 'cause I worked in the suburbs painting on my days off) when I first started with United, the girls stayed at my folks 'til I married Mike.
When they first met him... they must've known he'd be around for a while. We were at my folks watching a movie... Iris hopped right up on his lap... Lily sitting on the back of the couch by our heads... something they have NEVER done before with someone they just met! I got mono while we were dating, in bed for 6 weeks straight! My mom joked about my nurses... they were clearly taking shifts... one would leave, the other would come.. never leaving me alone. Day after day, week after week.
They came to South Elgin with us the day we got home form our honeymoon... we HAD to go get the girls! During our stay there... We thought we were going to lose Lily she was only about 5-6 yrs old she got a horrible stomach problem... several visits to the vet, we nursed her back and were so thankful.
We moved to Palos Heights shortly after that. They loved it there... it took a little getting used to but everyone picked their favorite spots. We put a cat door in and left the back door open all day... they had free reign of a "huge" yard and hardly left the patio. I would come home and the neighbor lady would tell me that she chatted with "the Girls" while I was away working all day... Cute :) During our time there we learned of my dad's illness... during the short time we had with him after that, I would go home and cry my eyes out every night... the girls taking their turns coming in to comfort me, I soaked their fur with tears. They knew.
Then on to Oklahoma! When we first moved in we would find Lily in the Laundry Room cabinets... then one day we found her in the kitchen.... in a brownie pan! Yes, I washed it before I made brownies again.
Last fall Lil's stomach issue came back. At first they said she had a tumor the size of a human fist in the intestines. A couple weeks of antibiotics and it was the size of a golfball. A couple more weeks of antibiotics and it was gone! It was a miracle, unexplained, but we were so glad and thankful. Again in April, she was getting sick again, losing weight... they took and image and it was back, and a different shape leading us (the doc) to believe it to be cancer. I was just heart broken, Mike too... they had a special bond. Thick as theives.
We went ahead with surgery. She opened her up, got what she could and closed her up as quick as possible... the cancer was everywhere, the intestines scarred together :( Things not looking good for Lil, we brought her home and spoiled her for 6 weeks. I prayed that God let me know exactly when was her time so I could take her in before she suffered for any length of time. Last friday I woke to hear her sick, rushed out of bed to check her out... maybe she just ate some grass. I let her outside and she was sick, falling over, I picked her up and ran in with her, cleaned her up and tried to give her medicine... she couldn't keep anything down. I was panicking but knew it was time. God answered my prayer. Thursday she was rolling around in the sun, Friday it was time.
Mike cam home from work early, we loved on her 'til it was time to go. We brought her in and said good bye. It was really really heard. I knew 13 years ago these girls would break my heart. Lily did. But she was a gift. A gift that brought me joy and I cherished for 13 1/2 years.
At bed time and in the morning Iris cals for her. I woke monday morning at 6:07 to her calling for her sis, again at 6:07 on tuesday. Today she was with me. She spends every moment I am home within a couple feet of me. She's my girl, we been mourning our loss together. All 3 of us miss the heck out of Lil, she was "always under our feet" as Mike accurately put it.
Some folks don't take too much to animals some get attached. What I do know is that they are a gift. Iris and Lily were a gift just for Me, and 3 years later for Mike too and God knew Mike was going to come along :) . They have been a constant source of joy and unconditional love in our home.
Lily will be greatly missed by all 3 of us and Iris will be loved by the both of us, hopefully for years to come.

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3.24.11

2011-03-24T13:24:00.002-05:00

Ha! Barely over a week later and I had to bust out the maternity clothes... aye aye what am I in for? I hope it's not that I am eating too much... I feel like I need to make sure I get a good balance in... plus sweets :)
We finished up a fabulous job yesterday... this one I will definately post pics of.. it was one of our favorites in quite a while! Glad about it 'cause it was also one of my last... at least for a while. We'll see what the future brings... in the mean time I have no lack of things to keep me busy.
We have our last floor to lay on saturday... PRAISE GOD. Then there will be plenty of wall repair cleaning etc to do before the Adkins gang comes for easter.
After easter is a mad crazy month of prep for Clean Slate which is May 19th. Clean Slate is our church's version of Extreme Makeover... and it IS EXTREME! Super excited and blessed to be a project leader in this life changing ministry for the second year in a row!
Throughout the summer I will have my garden and yard to tinker in while preparing for Baby and a couple visits to Chicago and one to Tucson. The time will fly! I have no doubt that Kustom Kate will keep me busy... just in different ways than climbing ladders and busting butt. Hoping to move into more custom artwork type stuff... I've been lucky to have inquiry already :)) And my new studio will be ready within the month! YAY. That's it for now I have to go shop for art for a client before the day runs out...

10 Weeks

2011-03-17T10:55:00.004-05:00

Well, I haven't checked in since my initial announcement so I thought I'd talk about how the journey is going... Probably not a superr exciting post for most, but I thought it would be nice to have a couple notes anyway.
I remember when this whole thing started I'd call Holly [my sister] regularly and ask... is this normal? Or should I expect this? yada yada She always said, I don't know or I can't remember... I'd think DUH? How do you not remember? You have 4 kids and the youngest is not even 3 yet? Haha... now I understand....
Everything has been pretty normal so far. No nausea... not suprised because I decided early on not to go there... mind over matter; that's how I deal with flu season too.
Not super tired unless I tire myself out. Everything fits just fine... for the next couple weeks anyways. I really do enjoy getting out of pants and into sweats if I am out on appointments, working or running around all day. No strong aversions or cravings to foods. That could still be yet to come.
My only complaint: the first several weeks I had insomnia. That was annoying!
I do however really enjoy reading about the development of our baby though... I have an app for my phone that tells what organs/body parts are forming. I think it was like week 7 or 8 the baby already and fingers and toes developing! Not even an inch long and already fingers, toes and now teeth budding! Crazy! The books also say that the sex has already been decided we just won't know for a while yet!
Pretty neat stuff! God is Great! We just keep praying for healthy development of a healthy baby!

"Crazy Love" Compelling Thoughts from Chapter 1

2011-02-25T09:37:00.008-06:00

For the last couple of weeks now, we have been discussing a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan with our beloved "Group 38". I'd heard of the book and been meaning to read it for the last handful of years... What a thought provoking adventure so far!

Anyways, kind of a re-curring theme lately especially in our culture, there is one particular concept that I really feel led to hone in on. Well, let me pre-cede that with this: In the first chapter [partucularly] of the book Chan gives his best human effort to try and draw a picture for you of who God really is.... his omnipotence, his massiveness, his absolute eternal and timeless existance. To get a glimpse (when you have 17mins) check out the 2 videos @ www.crazylovebook.com : "Awe Factor"[2min] "Just Stop and Think" [15min]

A quote from the book:

A lot of people say that whatever you believe about God is fine, so long as you are sincere. But that is comarable to describing your friend in one instance as a 300lb sumo wrestler and in another as a 5'2" 90lb gymnast. No matter how sincere you are in your explanations, both descriptions of your friend simply cannot be true

This concept points me to ponder a very false belief that has infected our society. Does this one sound familiar?

"I am a good person, I don't have anything to worry about, I believe that as long as I am generally good, nice to people and give to charity, I should have no problem getting into heaven"

The truth my friends is this: Us HUMANS don't get to set the standards. God does, He has made the standards very clear and if you live in the US you are extremely priveleged to have access. All you have to do is go to the book store, library, or stay home and turn on your computer. What are you searching for?

My husband re-tweeted a priceless piece of wisdom from one of our previous pastor's this morning: "If you have given up on seeking God, don't blame Him that you have also ceased to find Him." But let me add to that... If you've given up on seeking God, you've given up on the most envigorating, exciting, unpredictable, compelling and fulfilling adventure of your life! From this view: things make sense, have a purpose, change lives and shape the future more than money, or power ever could.

I don't condemn anyone for having that weak point of view I highlighted above I just want you to have more purpose, hope, and flavor in your life!

Let me leave you with 2 thoughts:

Saying that just being a good person will get you into heaven is basically saying that Jesus died in vain. (Wait, don't roll your eyes, even the world's most "intelligent" Athiests don't deny Jesus, his innocence, OR His death. They only dispute his resurrection and His origin. Again, everything you need to know is acccessable)

The second thought is a piece of scripture to ponder:
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demon's believe that - and shudder. -James 2:19

The Gospel is not about condemnation or guilt. But the very truth of it should compell you to thirst for more... So Relax, enjoy the ride, and always check your sources :)
(see Luke 13:24)

New Chapter...

2011-02-11T09:20:00.005-06:00

Okay, it's been a while... I've been formulating this post for several days now 'cause it's kinda a big deal.... you'll have to read the whole thing to find out why though :)
Throughout my adult years [18+ish], I am extremely grateful to have such a diverse variety of experiences... Character building, I'm sure, but more importantly chapters of a story that in the end will show how they all come together to Glorify Him.
Near the end of my second year away at college... I woke one morning with a voice shouting "It's over, time to go". Funny how these things are ALWAYS preceded with a way to deepen my roots in each particular phase. Ironically, I had spent the several days leading up to that morning looking for housing with my "roomy" for the next year, Melissia. Both of us excited about the year-to-come.
But there was that voice. A voice I knew only as unavoidable and true. It's always accompanied by a stirring in the gut almost a wieghtless stirring if I could describe it. Like a bird about to take it's first jump out of the tree... a little nervous, at the same time knowing there is NOT another option and it's really for the best.
SO I called my Dad. We were closest at that time... normal I think for a Gal @ 19... not saying my mom and I butt heads 'cause we really didn't. I just talked to my dad more. I let him know... "After finals, I want you guys to come and pick me up, it's over". [Sounding relieved 'cause they hated Northwood for me] He said okay, no questions asked.. just call your mom. So I did.
I went home did my internship at my Dad's shop that summer (for my Associates) and interviewed with United Airlines and got hired. That was great! I traveled the world, lived in Wrigleyville for a stint, met many many people and had great fun.. Met Mike in 2000 married 2 yrs later.
After being furloughed and called back a couple times after 9/11 I had a harder time going back. I wanted to paint, and not be away for unpredictable amounts of time anymore. Then came the voice "it's time to move".. preceeded by the "huge" 5-yr pay raise and accompanied by that gut thing. I thought ... well I gotta keep at it 'til I get a cleintelle built up. NOPE. After weeks/months of horrible anxiety attacks I decided to do a PalmSprings turn... "it's only one day" [one VERY long day]. I never went back.
Married a couple years, we had a Townhome/Condo in South Elgin IL at the time. This is about the time we started going to Church... it was a tiny little Methodist church, avg attendance less than 50. The female preacher, Pastor Mary's words pierced our hearts. Forever changed. Around this time we started talking about starting a family.. we were READY! lol.
I was standing out on our little deck one morning after Mike left for work and that Voice had something to say to me. A 14 day abstinance from my worst vices, and we can start a family.... I know what they are, so did that voice... no further dialogue was necessary.
We moved about a year later to Palos Heights experienced great spiritual growth, God put the most amazing people in our lives at the Stone Church. I get choked up thinking about you guys :) Thank you!
Anyways ... a couple years later came the voice, and the stirring. Roots being the church... but it was our faith now that gave us wings. We ended up in Broken Arrow OK. (There are of course many many details.. but, this is a blogpost..)
Anyways... this is now our 3rd year here. MY how time flies... the family thing seeming unreachable ... we've had times of hope and times of hopelessness... never yet the strength to make my "14 days". The voice would remind me regularly... and my response became "Lord why do you ask me to do something that you know I cant". (I knew now that voice is the Holy Spirit) We began to see a doctor. Diagnosis: "I see nothing wrong with you two, but let's try a few things"
Anyways, I think this just added more frustration and emotion to the mix because we had this hope in medicine.... (which, I don't discredit)
In the fall, I started working with another woman, Lisa. Became fast friends, we were staying busy, making money... what I had been hoping for since moving here.... a few weeks before Christmas... though... I got that stirring again... I thought.. I know that feeling well... it's time for change again.... Here we go! But I wasn't entirely sure what.... do I need to change careers? Things were just starting to get good! Typical.
Meanwhile, that voice wasn't going to go away and I knew what I had to do. Mike and I did joined together in a 14 day fast starting at the beginning of this year. I had no doubt in my mind we would have good news. After all.... Given the strength by Christ... I MADE MY 14 DAYS! I started taking home tests more than a week early.... in great anticipation... all the while repeating in my head any time doubt tried to enter my mind "God is Faithful".
After years and years of prayer "Father please bless us with a child that we promise to raise to reflect your light"
We are finally going to be given that chance!
GOD IS FAITHFUL.
Moral of the story: All the Glory be given to God. We are thankful. Looking forward to my new "career" :)
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2010-07-07T08:07:00.004-05:00

Why would people build a house without a foundation? Perhaps to save time and avoid the hard work of preparing a stone foundation. Possibly because the waterfront scenery is more attractive or because beach houses have higher social status than cliff houses. Perhaps because they want to join their friends who have already settled in sandy areas. Maybe because they haven't heard about the violent storms coming, or because they have discounted the reports, or for some reason think disaster can't happen to them. Whatever their reason, those with no foundation are shortsighted, and they will be sorry. When you find yourself listening but not obeying, what are your reasons?

-NIV

"But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and it's destruction was complete"
Lk 6:49

Matthew's Connections

2010-03-30T09:42:00.005-05:00

Well, I talked last time about how I learned that Matthew specifically is the gospel writer that focused on Jesus being the Messiah in fulfillment of prophesy. Once again time has elapsed, but being holy week I find it appropriate to elaborate on the same concept.
In the beginnings of this book Matthew shows that the very way in which Jesus came into this world has been foretold:
1) In how his lineage traces back to David which was prophesied centuries before.
2) In how he will come to us: MT 1:23 : "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - which means "GOD WITH US"

I have to stop right there for a moment and try my best to conceive that the God of the universe put on human flesh and came here to be with us, to lead us back into relationship with him, pretty amazing.

His coming, The character of Jesus and his Mission were revealed to us centuries before in Isaiah 11: 1-5
1.A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2.The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD -
3.and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4.but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
5.Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

A week before his death Jesus rides in to Jerusalem on a Donkey, prophesied in Zechariah 9:13

In Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23, and 20:17-19 Jesus predicts his death and resurrection for the first second and third times to his disciples.

During his last week he predicted Judas' betrayal (MT 26:20) and Peter's denial (MT 26:34)

So all of these scripture references tell us how the birth life and death of Jesus Christ was no coincidence at all, in fact the only time in history where so many events and prophecies all came true.... but more importantly point to one thing [person] that is Jesus.
Why is that so important? Because we're all broken and hurting in some way or another, no matter how hard we try to mask it. Jesus came to make it right. He came to sooth us, he came to show us that we don't have to pretend we're something that we are not, he came to give us perspective that in a crazy world where there is disease and death, and money is never enough and people are critical and jobs are hard to find [insert your stressers here] that none of that matters. He came to free us from all of those worries and give us hope for eternal life.
He came to tell us that he already knows we're not perfect, and he still loves us anyway. You don't have to become a better person to begin a relationship with Jesus. He wants you right now EXACTLY the way you are... and there is freedom in knowing that he already knows your worst thoughts and deeds, he understands why you thought or did those things and he still wants to use you to be a light for his ETERNAL kingdom.
Now that's the kind of Lord I want to bow down to for ever and ever... how bout you?

"Look to the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life" MT 6:26-27

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Bible Readiing

2010-03-11T10:32:00.002-06:00

Okay, here's the problem about not posting very often... I have too many things to talk about; hence forced to be general in order not to drive my reader(s) crazy!

I'll share a piece of my journey today.... please don't laugh [about how long it's taken me] but I started reading my NIV Bible cover to cover a LONG time ago... and have just these past couple weeks had the joy of diving into Matthew which is the first book of the new testament. Now, if you went back I mean WAY back in my posts you'd probably be able to figure that it has taken me 2 and a half years to get to this point. (reading an average of 5 days a week) However I have been digesting each and every verse, lesson, story along the way, including all of the "life application study notes" [which are great and very helpful].

So I'll share some basic knowledge that I have attained in these past couple weeks...

I Enjoyed the last several books of the OT. They are all written by prophets who had some form of communication with God and were to [and did] deliver the message to the people. The common theme being "To Shake the people of [mainly Jerusalem because they are God's Chosen people] out of their complacency and urge them to return to God" And also to give them hope for a future and deliverance through the Messiah who Christians believe to be Jesus Christ.

I have also learned that the reason or one of the reasons Matthew is the first Gospel (written account of Christ's life) is because the purpose of his teachings was "to prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal King" or in other words to prove that Christ's life was a fulfillment of prophesy and promise by God.
This information may be trivial to some and profound to others... In any case, it's something that I learned and found that by reading consecutively its really helping me to make connections that I otherwise would not have.

Hmmm.... There are so many other things that I would like to talk about because I am just drinking this in and enjoying Reading about Jesus's teachings... many or most of which I have read through in random order... what a difference it makes to chew on each piece and reflect. It's helping me to think things though and evaulate my own perspective.

So anyways my intention is to post more often and chat about/brain dump my learnings.

In closure, I want part with a recent finding [like 5 minutes ago]
While writing paragraph 4 of this blogpost, I pulled out my old friend Meriam Webster just to see what he/she had for a definition of Gospel.... interesting that one of the definitions is : "any information which is accepted as unquestionably true."

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Social networks and professionalism

2010-02-09T18:57:00.004-06:00

A couple years ago when I started this blog, my intention was to use it more to share who I am with those I was in ministry and the students I was ministering to at the Stone Church in Palos Heights IL. Well everyone else was doing it... so I jumped on the band wagon... lol (and also to make an attempt at some creative writing or journaling... whatever) It was actually a fun little network we had going there for a while... I looked forward to everyone's posts every day or couple of days. And it's still a neat way to keep in touch.. although most of us don't update as often. I think twitter took us by storm :)
Anyways after chugging through the first couple of posts, and feeling stupid about having basically a public journal... I started keeping things in mind to write about, and looked forward to the opportunity to share a piece of myself with my friends and whatever random visitors.
Anyways I started using the space to provide links to Kustom Kate, and share some of my work and promote my business. Hey, it's real-estate.... use it, right??? I mean I coulda seperated business from personal, but that's a lot of juggling! I've had a couple eyebrows raised about sharing my faith in one post and then promoting my services in the next. And then became a conservative political junky talking about policy and gov.. knitting... gardening... Well you get it , all over the map. I just have too many interests and really enjoy the opportunity to express myself in writing [and pics].
Well, it's interesting to me how social networking media have progressed. This stuff was all supposed to have different compartments... like linked in for your professional contacts, myspace (I AM referring to 5 yrs ago) for personal, then facebook and twitter etc etc. Now, not only for me, but for anyone who chooses to participate, it has muddied together, and I think it's a beautiful thing!
Now employers look at how you conduct yourself on Facebook and Twitter as much as they scrutinize your resume and past experiences. I mean think about it, wouldn't you? As a business owner myself, I care just as much [if not more] about character over credentials (for obvious reasons).
When given the opportunity to choose, wouldn't you rather do business with an accountable, honorable respectable person than a smarty pants? (I mean take a look a look at the unexperienced Harvard grad running the country.... oops I mean... nevermind)
Anyways the sum of my thoughts are... Maybe I was a little ahead of the trends, (as always, but I'm in a good industry for that ;) ) but, social networking DOES affect your professional life. It's unavoidable; but it really shouldn't matter if your character is consistent.
It's a small world, be who you want this world to perceive you to be.

I feel that I could elaborate further, but I fear that this post is already a confusing mess of words and punctuation.....

(this post was not written with any one in mind, it's just a thought I had rolling around and wanted to share)

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Extreme: Connecting and Creating

2010-02-04T11:49:00.004-06:00

This week I had the priviledge of participating in the Extreme Makover home here in Tulsa. Initially I was reluctant to commit to volunteering. Not because I didn't want to volunteer... heck it seems that I do a lot more volunteering than paid work [wait, that's because I really do]. It's because I wasn't interested in an all-nighter... my adrenals just can't handle it anymore. I probably have United Airlines to thank for that, LOL.
Anyways, my friend Marilie volunteered her workroom to do some sewing for the project, and nominated (? I don't know if that's the best choice of a word but we'll go with it) me to get involved in the decorative artwork... so I agreed. It sounded like they really needed the help. Crazy that it's so last minute, but I guess that's how it works. The designer from the show said he needed 8-10 artists.. and asked me to help gather. So, me, the people organizer got on it 'cause that's what I do.
My first thought was: let's call the best in town... now I don't know who they are because, since moving here my efforts to connect with any Decorative Artists have been thwarted; So I basically gave up months ago... Anyway I googled and called a few. Everyone seemed willing and eager to get involved.
It was exciting to be involved in helping a deserving family, and the whole tv production thing was nuts, but for me the biggest blessing was in the 2 friends that I made. The past few months have been tough for me, I've been working hard at this thing and constantly praying and evaluating how much more I wanted to give it .. or be forced to make a decision to transition out of it. Well, not forced but.. how long can you keep running to stand still??
My interactions with the local decorative artists showed evidence that I have "moved that bus" (get it?). So I'll keep on doing what I'm doing... I'm not as invisible as I feared.
Don't get me wrong, my life is a abundantly filled with joy and blessing.. I just didn't know if I needed to be directing my energy elsewhere. I walked away from this experience with some long-awaited answers, and am EXTREMEly (haha I did it again) thankful for that.
Here are a couple pics... don't know what I'm allowed to post... so hopefully I won't get in trouble :)

My new friends: Teena and Lisa

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Olives on Olive and more...

2010-01-29T15:13:00.009-06:00

Set on an olive green background, this 3-piece kitchen art work set (Olives, Mushroom, Onion) is done on 8x10 gallery style canvases with artwork wrapping sides. [Also making them super easy to hang]

While traditional color and subject remain dominant, use of copper leaf highlights and reflective patterned backgrounds give a modern / contemporary edge. Making these pieces perfect for any kitchen!

They can be found for sale at kustomkate's shop, contact Katie for custom colors, sizes or individual prices.

Stay tuned for more fun kitchen art and other canvas creations!

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Birdy Feeder.. before the storm

2010-01-28T17:04:00.010-06:00

A few weeks ago, this colder than usual winter here in Oklahoma got me thinking that maybe I should put something out for the birds... anyway I picked up a couple bags of seed and waited ..... it took a few days but they started trickling in...

First were these BIG Crows! There were 2 but they were sorta camera shy...

Then they flew away...

Later that day these little guys were in there.... once again there were 2 but I wasn't fast enough

Then word came about this Ice storm and this morning the Blue Jays came, and brought some friends .....

Then about an hour or so ago came the Cardinals, and they brought a bunch of Robins and friends...

Now, hopefully the growing population of birds is not an indication of how bad the strom will be, or this will be my last post in a while....

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Kitchen Sets

2010-01-28T16:40:00.005-06:00

This fall, I was just having fun and creating and came up with the Charcoal Kitchen Art set which is shown in an earlier post. I was so thrilled about how they came out that I decided to make a few more sets and start building inventory to either open an Etsy Shop or to enter a few art festivals. So during some down time around the holiday I cranked them out and just last week and opened a shop on Etsy. Pictured is the purple [eggplant if you will] set, it's called Garlic, Mushroom, Olives (for obvious reasons). There is copper leaf highlights on all 3.. awesome! I love purple and copper together! Also note the fun, shiny background patterns... that's kinda my trademark..
I'll be posting them seperately for content sake... [you know, ya have to capitalize on this whole internet marketing thing, feeding the google bots] but also so I have blog post material 'til I come up with some more stuff ;)
Enjoy, and as always, feedback is welcome. They're for sale and will ship same or next business day depending on what time you order. kustomkate's shop

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Thoughts on Devastation

2010-01-15T10:33:00.003-06:00

It's been a while and I really have had the best intentions of sharing pictures from our Christmas Vacation, or talking about the things I plan to do or improve on this year... the typical blog topics that are fun to share this time of year. I still plan to do those because part of keeping a blog is like a journal to document the highlights of the year... or week or whatever...
However, today somethings have come to weigh out heavier on my heart and quite frankly require more immediate attention. I am referring to the crisis that an earthquake has brought on in Haiti. I won't lie, the first 36 hours or so, I'd see things coming across the wire (Twitter or Facebook) but was kind of out of touch and had no grasp of the gravity of the situation. I hadn't turned on the television in a couple days, and really hadn't seen any footage. Then wednesday night Mike was telling me about the number of people projected to be dead and I became aware. I did some Google-ing and took a look at a series of photos my cousin posted on twitter and realized the devastation. It's horrifying; and I could only think: these folks are really in need... How many of their medical facilities collapsed? How many people can't even FIND their loved ones? There are so many questions yet to be answered... and many will go unanswered for a while.....
Something that brought saddness to my heart was in a comment string of 600 or more after one article I read was filled with comments like "Where is your God now?" "Don't pray, it's a waste of your time" and "Some God you have"
Let's be open here, how could one not have questions like this in the midst of such a horrific and devastating situation? How are the people of faith supposed to respond?? Obviously not by insinuating that these people made a pact with the devil and are now the product of God's wrath... yikes... even if there were any truth to that, it cannot be proven nor does it matter.
What matters most is how we respond...

Outwardly, we can respond with an out pouring of love, prayer and generosity. These actions are absoultely necessary for the help and continued healing of the people of this region.

But how are we supposed to respond Inwardly? What are we supposed to think... what role did God have in this and why did he allow this to happen?
I'd like to share a couple thoughts and experiences I have had:
As I was thumbing through a devastating series of pictures, I felt sad and helpless. In that same seires of pictures, I also saw strangers helping strangers, and cavalries from around the world suiting up to go help. Thousands of people from the nations of the world willing to face disease and devastation, blood and saddness to blindly help the poorest, most oppressed nation in the western hemisphere... not knowing where they will sleep or what they will eat while selflessly coming to the aid of those in need. Whether they made this decision in the name of God or in the name of Humanity, I see pure beauty. Seeing many willing to make such a sacrifice provoked emotion in me.... the outpouring of generosity too is beautiful, because not all of us can physically go and help.

But what about the whole God thing?
Well, I cannot speak for God, but I and take a look how in relationship and through his word he has revealed to me that he is trustworthy. He is trustworthy in that he has fulfilled every single promise he has ever made to us. He came here to show us his love for us (Jn3:16) and he promises that he will always be with us "to the end of the age" (Mt28:20, Heb13:5)
He gives us hope and reassures us that he is in complete control in Jn 16:33
When he says:
"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world"

So in times like these, I am saddened by the happenings of the broken world that we live in and the hurt that surrounds us. But, I am thankful that I have a God that I can seek peace and find refuge. A God that helps me to keep things in perspective of this short life and an everlasting future with him to set my eyes upon. It is that very future that drives me to make the best of this life and share what I have and what has been revealed to me with those I am privleged to walk through this world with.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-05T10:21:00.002-06:00

This year we decided to celebrate Thanksgiving on Saturday: My mom came in on Thursday, Ryan was supposed to come in on Friday night... Mom came in on thursday as planned, then we went in to the Doc friday morning to find out Mike was fighting the early stages of Pneumonia... Later that day after lots of cooking... we found out that Pneumonia is, in fact, very contagious! So we called off the party and Ryan decided to pospone his trip... maybe 'til new years?
Meanwhile Jenny and I had decorated the dining room and table so pretty and we had all this food! So Jenny and Jason decided that they had immune systems of steel along with my mom and I :) And we made the best of things!
Here's the abbreviated Thanksgiving gang: 11-6=5 This photo (below) captures a moment in the whole 2/24 hours Mike was vertical on Saturday... [Sunday was about the same]

After Dinner we moved into the Kitchen/Family Room for Dessert and coffee where Jason demonstrated for us the "proper" way to drink coffee from a china cup.

Thanks to God for:

The Healing Mike has experienced in the past week.
Bringing my mom here and home again safely
Pure and unrelenting friendships
A roof over my head
A warm meal to eat
Infinite grace, love, trustworthiness, and mercy
Wisdom and perspective

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Plastered, Painted Pantry Door

2009-11-17T10:33:00.004-06:00

Inspired by something a client saw in a furniture store, I was asked to paint a pantry door. The picture below is a view of the front, to see detail, click on the image. The center is a useable black-board while the edges are raised up with plaster and then hand-painted and "aged" with stains and glazes.

After providing such a fun look to the front, I was stumped on the back... then I remembered that I had a trick up my sleeve :) It turned out pretty great! Hope the client likes it as much as I do...

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Retreat '09

2009-10-29T12:48:00.004-05:00

Last weekend was our annual art retreat. This group of women have been going up to work on oil paintings in Wisconsin for a weekend in fall for over 30 years. The salvation army camp for the past 24?? I think...
Anyways, not only do I enjoy these women and an opportunity to set time aside to paint but I also look forward to spending a little QT with my mom. Especially now living out of state it's important that we both set time aside and make efforts to hang out.

Here is a picture of my finished painting. I found the photo in the Oklahoma Living magazine a while back and loved the colors. It's a very 'mystical' scene. I don't know why but painting rocks is one of the hardest things... I think they turned out okay though ;)

It has worked out really well the last 2 years... Mike's folks live about 1/2 hour away from the camp so he flew in to see them, picked me up for a visit and then we had a 12 hr road trip back. Kinda long but not bad... we had plenty of laughs and chats.

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Hi God

2009-10-20T07:47:00.003-05:00

Well... I don't think I slept a second until sometime after 4:30 last night... or should I say this morning? I wanted to thank you for the chats... I didn't think I was worried about anything but you reminded me of a couple things.... it's all small stuff... like REALLY small stuff and you're bigger than the human mind can conceive.
Sometimes I think you keep us awake just so that you can spend time with us... so I trust that I won't be too tired on the road today... You know I don't know why it is... but I feel like everytime we start to get close and I get to feel like I can dance with your spirit... the enemy comes in and steals my joy. I am getting sick of the road blocks... please give me strength.
Okay, I gotta get going so I can get on the road.. Love you :) Thanks!

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Kitchen Art: Pear, Strawberries, Apple (Charcoal)

2009-10-16T13:18:00.005-05:00

Kitchen art available individually or as a set:

Apple: 8x10 Checked Charcoal Back Ground... seeds and stem in copper leaf, leaf in silver leaf... remainder in acryllics and stain

Strawberries: 8x10 Plaid Charcoal Background. Featuring gold and copper leafing, acryllics and stain

Pear: 8x10 Featuring copper and silver leaf, acryllics and stain

Ginko Leaves: 16x20 (Silver Leafing) applied over contemporary pattern in a soft gold metallic eathy greens and stain shading.

The past couple days at Kustom Kate Studios have been busy and full of inspiration. Keep our custom artwork in mind for your holiday shopping... custom orders taken.Tell a freind!

Kustom Shades

2009-10-14T13:41:00.002-05:00

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to find a cute lampshade when you need one? ... there's not many options out there!
Click to enlarge, reptile skin pattern applied for a leather effect... black trim for a "finished" look

Call Kustom Kate with your artistic needs today!

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The Studio.... (inmygarage)

2009-09-17T13:34:00.004-05:00

This Week's Project.... (Cabinets)

After just short of a year of living in Oklahoma... this past May/June ; I got really annoyed with lugging my supplies into the house from various storage places to work on samples, and projects. So one day I got motivated, made a list, went to Lowes, and got to work creating myself a work-space. Of course summer came early this year... I spent a little over a week organizing and putting shelves up etc in 105 degrees 'til about 10:30 pm each night. Who-da-thought the rest of the summer would be mild?

Anyways, I LOVE working out there. I have spent many of the summer evenings working, creating, playing and jamming to tunes. My work doesn't really feel like work to me... I CRAVE it... just ask Mike.. I go crazy if I don't have something to paint :)

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Kitty in a box.. Iris has made herself a home in one of the boxes from Mikes Birthday... She thanks my mom :)

Meg's Leaf

2009-08-28T10:57:00.003-05:00

A close friend of mine from college, Meg, recently moved from the mountains of British Columbia to a suburb of Vancouver. They've been fixing up and revovating the home they bought and she's been looking for unique artwork for her dining room. She was looking for something with a nature theme but I know she has always had a knack for the contemporary. She sent me pictures of the room and other selections she has made in the house so I could get an idea for color and the direction of style they are taking throughout the home.
When a vision finally came to me and I described it as a leaf "like something a hobbit would drink tea or water from" I knew she was probably a bit nervous. But the final result is not that creepy... it's whimsical but not wierd... at least I don't think so.
I haven't shipped it yet. but I e-mailed her a picture and it sounds like she's rather excited!
This is something I want to be doing a lot more of. If you're stumped on a gift idea for someone or need to fill a niche in your home with some thing unique... keep me in mind! Everything I do is custom :)
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Breakthrough

2009-08-27T09:42:00.004-05:00

We moved down here to Oklahoma just over a year ago.. it's been a great year of meeting new people, making new friends, learning our way around, building [or starting over for the 3rd and final time] Kustom Kate, and working on the house and yard while waiting for my marketing efforts to come to fruition :)
The good thing is that the house is personalized (for the most part) and the yard has lots of plants flowers and a vegetable garden! However in the meantime there have been ups and downs and lots of conversations with God asking for revelation and direction. I actually really connected with Third Day's song "Revelation" when they started playing it on the radio.
It feels like just in the past week or 2 things have begun to come uncovered for both of us and I am jumping out of my skin with excitement waiting to see what God has in store for us in this next stage...
We're in the process of getting connected in a church that's doing a great job of making the Gospel: The message of Jesus Christ relevant to today's world.
Mike's working with the 9th and 10th Grade boys... I am looking to serve in some way also... I have a great idea for a ministry I'd like to start and see expand to many cities that I will share later.
We went to our first Community group/Home group/Bible study... whatever you want to call it :) on sunday evening and REALLY enjoyed the people!
Kustom Kate is starting to grow... I have worked hard and invested time and resources into marketing harder than I have ever had to before. Not knowing anyone in a depressed economy while trying to sell a high-end luxury service has really been challenging. I thank God for the strength and perserverance and will continue to need it... Everytime I wanted to give up I thought "What else would I do?" Paint is my passion... that's what I've been given.
And I have been getting into more and more fine art which has been really fun... I hope that continues to grow... I would even be really happy if that's where Kustom Kate was ultimately going... we'll see :) One of my pieces got selected for viewing among other local artists with Tulsa Young Professionals to hang in Gilcrease Museum for a week... I am excited about that. What does it mean?? Nothing really, but it's exciting and something to add to the resume :)
Anyways, it's been an uphill climb and it feels good to have finally reached a plateau... I am going to enjoy this for a while because as we all know... the terrain changes quickly!
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" PH 4:13

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Weekend Visitor :)

2009-07-21T20:17:00.004-05:00

This Past weekend My Cuz Anne came in for an awesome visit! We kicked off the weekend with Bocce and Pizza...
On saturday we went to Safari Zoo in Broken Arrow and Met Missy and Fed the Tigers...

Later on we Played LOTS of Settlers of Caton; Our super fun neighbor firends came too ... and we grilled an awesome dinner!

Great fun... definately a treat to catch up with Anne IN PERSON! Crazy how much time passes between visits with our favorite people as we get older.. It was a long overdue visit... Now I better make plans to go to DC before too much time passes!

Thank you for Coming Ann-a-rooski!

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Sunflower For Kate

2009-07-21T20:07:00.004-05:00

I couldn't post until this Gift reached it's rightful owner....
I had fun doing it though!

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The 4th in Denver!

2009-07-21T19:44:00.007-05:00

I know I am a bit late... but I did want to share our adventures to Denver over the 4th of July with all of my AVID readers. [note sarcasm]

Anyways we took a road trip to Denver from Tulsa... the drive started out beautiful... Here in Green Country! Once we reached western OK it was very important to try and keep up good conversation all the way to Denver.... Yes, although a natural wonder in itself... there are streches in South Eastern Colorado where you can see NOTHING but hay... No I am not exaggerating Not a House Not a Bush, Not a Tree, Not a Cow!

Alas once we arrived we had great fun! Upon our arrival we recieved a free guided tour of the Historic Borown Palace Hotel Denver by my brother Ryan. Then we were on to have Dinner with Aunt Julie and Uncle Bob.... it was delicious and great conversation!

We woke up on friday morning and headed to Idaho Springs for mine and Mike's first experience with white water rafting! Super fun... I was freaked out... but My Tough Guys : Ryan and Mike did a great Job Keeping us out of trouble on those Class 4 Rapids. YIKES!

Saturday we enjoyed a first-class viewing of the Denver Pro LaCross team on the field at Invesco... cooking on the field by the Brown Palace 5 Star Chef's. After the game Fire Works!!!

Then we headed back to Ryan's for some late night chats... then up early to make coffee for everyone at Ryan's Church... After Church we filled our bellies with BBQ and hit the road!

It was an action Packed weekend.... and of course too short!

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Cub's Room

2009-07-14T21:31:00.003-05:00

Today I finished painting a Todler's Room in Bixby OK in a Chicago Cub's Theme. It was a treat to do... considering I'm a Chicago Girl myself!

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Hand Painted Vanity

2009-07-01T14:28:00.005-05:00

This week's project was fun! Some furniture pieces can really be fun!

I used a little silver tamise for some sparkle :)

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Laundry Room Paint Update... before and after!

2009-06-25T16:25:00.005-05:00

This room was 100% updated with Paint!

These are obviously the "after" pics... Owls and Pairs. Think it'll sell? I think it's trendy :)
Here's the ugly "before" with 70's dark cabinets. Also note that I moved the holes and chose fresh 'retro' hardware'.

(click to enlarge)
Always coming up with something new here at Kustom Kate Studios!

Now I will be anxious to put some fresh tile down... hmmm I'm thinking slate!

Comments and criticism are always welcome!

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Our Mini Road-Trip

2009-06-15T15:38:00.004-05:00

On Saturday Mike and I decided to have an adventure together... so we went to the welcome center in Tulsa and picked up our maps and trail guides and state park guides for the summer! We decided to check out Natural Falls State Park in West Siloam OK The falls were beautiful! There was a short 20 or so min hike down into the gorge to be at the base of the falls. Then we headed back and continued on our road trip...
Since we were so close, we decided to wander around a bit in Arkansas... our most favorite state :) It really is so amazingly beautiful... We still want to retire there... or just move there someday! We ended up in Prarie Grove where we enjoyed our picnic lunch at the Prarie Grove Battle Field Park. Then we took the driving tour of the Civil War Battlefield; I read info at the stops while Mike drove.
We decided to "make a loop of the day" and came back through Talequah OK... (neither of us had seen Talequah yet)
We stopped at blockbuster on the way home and picked up "Taken" and "Valkyrie"... when they were over we crashed and slept like logs!

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Bloomin'

2009-06-05T10:38:00.000-05:00

I like to share a couple pics through out the season showing off my greens ... a lot of which I always attempt to start with seed... whatever does not make it, I fill with plants and flowers... I try to find on sale :)

Here's the Vegetable Patch... small this year... it'll grow

Here's one of my pots

This one's probably my fav... the wave petunias were one of my seed babies

This is the first garden I started at this house... perennials obviously not from seed.. looks like it needs a little love...

I've done a lot in the front too... I'll share that later :) Most of it was spring bloomers

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Concert in the Park

2009-06-04T10:23:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday we packed a picnic dinner and went to a free concert at the RiverWalk in Tulsa/Jenks Laura, Simeon and their new friend Julia.

Some great songs were played and sung by Kristy Nockels, her Husband and a new artist named Christian. We all discussed how thankful we are that we can still express praise to God publicly in this great nation!

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An interesting call

2009-05-25T20:32:00.005-05:00

Okay... I don't necessarily talk about each and every job I do... however this one was different..
I got a call from a business in Okmulgee OK... about an hour or so away... They needed someone to do some seasonal painting on their windows... something I had neve done before... so I hope that the paint doesn't wash off... here are a couple pics:

Was it worth the time? I don't know, I have to think about it. It was an adventure anyways :)

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A Relaxing end to a CRAZY month!

2009-05-25T20:10:00.003-05:00

It all started a month ago with my birthday... as I mentioned in my previous post we have some great-long-time friends come and visit for my birthday weekend and we had a lot of laughs! The next weekend Mike's sister came down with her 3 munchkins... the weather wasn't great... but we managed to have a great and silly time :) Quality time with family is always welcome here!
What's interesting about that weekend too is that it is the same weekend we were supposed to break ground.. or raise the wall for house #9 Habitat for Humanity Womenbuild Tulsa... we were blessed to have the celebrity Trisha Yearwood to come and do some building and promotional videos to kick off national Women Build Week... Anyways it was so rainy that week and we were not going to be able to build outside... so the 10 of us Lady Builders that formed a committee last fall were informed at 6pm on friday that we would be making a luncheon for her and her Hubby Garth Brooks at noon on saturday... yikes! No pressure or anything ;) Anyways I made Brownies [yes from the box] and a cheese and cracker platter. It was a great time and I was pleasantly impressed by their humility and open hearted love for Jesus. What a great day it was!
Anyways.. the next weekend I got sick... I went to the wall raising day and had fun... but needed rest! Then on tuesday Mike's parents called us with a last minute decision to come and visit the next [last] weekend. Once again we had a great visit... lots of time to hang out and chat... they brought us lots of plants and Mike's mom helped me with lots of gardening... and we went to Mayfest in Tulsa a quality visit again.
Anyways needless to say we decided to take it easy over Memorial Day we I went to the build on saturday and drank about 18 gallons of water and never peed because it was so hot! But it was great fun!
Yesterday we went to church and then just chilled! We had Mike's boss and wife for a noon BBQ today and are now winding down [I'm catching up on 4 blogposts and he's doing homework] for the week .... a relaxing end to a CRAZY month!
If you haven't yet check out http://www.hearts4hammers.blogspot.com I have been updating progress on the house! :)

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30

2009-04-30T11:20:00.003-05:00

I haven't been up here in a while... so I thought turning 30 would be a typical thing to blog about... :)
The truth is, birthdays come and go and I don't give much thought to it. It's crazy how time flies, that just reminds me how I need to be responsible with what I have. Taking care of myself [ I NEED to work out and re-balance my diet], and using my time wisely... investing in myself and others. That's what it's all about!
Anyways our good long-time friends, Tony and Melyssa, came in for the weekend. We had lots of fun visiting and catching up! Always a ridiculous amount of laughter :) It was a great way to celebrate.
Business has been picking up... actually some-what consistent... for now! I'll take it, I am thankful.
That's pretty much it... Mike's sister Kristen is planning on coming with her 3 little ones this weekend, so I have a bit of cleaning and shopping to do. Hope the sun comes out!
We break ground on Tulsa Habitat for Humanity Women Build House #9 on Saturday... so that'll be fun and busy too! http://www.habitat-tulsa.org/lady_builders.aspx

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Oil for Auction

2009-04-17T10:13:00.005-05:00

Okay, I have yet to sign it... and possibly add another piece of stem... [and maybe a tiny little bug on it] but this is pretty much it.
Along with donating a custom project of my decorative art services, I also offered to do an oil painting for the upcoming Habitat for Humanity auction. Proceeds from these two donations will go toward Women Build, a group I have been involved with since Fall.
I'll be curious to see how the painting does... I have never sold nor auctioned any of my oils... I tend to get too attached after hours and hours of work... this one probably only took me 12-16 hours though... so I'll keep a picture :)
Today I'll be working on the Kustom Kate display... then hopefully I will be finished with auction stuff with a couple weeks to spare... not like me to be so ahead of schedule... but the painting will probably take a couple weeks to dry.

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Good Stuff...

2009-04-02T09:02:00.004-05:00

If I hear just one more time
That I should try and be more open-minded
I think I just might scream
The world says this is all there is
Yet I believe the One who says there's life after this
Now tell me how much more open can my mind be?
-MERCY ME
"One Trick Pony"

I was rockin to this song while working earlier this week...
Love the words of that verse

[I tried to embed the video but You Tube has Gotten Tricky... it's called "Jesus Would've Been a Biker - One Trick Pony - Mercy Me" Check it out if you have 3 min 46 sec ]
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2 New Pieces and a Road Trip

2009-03-26T09:54:00.004-05:00

Here are a couple more of these "contemporary" pieces I have been posting. I am starting to generate more and more ideas... we'll se how this goes... Either I will find a place to display and sell them, or I will have a closet full of paintings. :)

These are for sale anytime and would also make great gifts :) E-Mail or comment if you need size info.
Last week I drove down to Killeen Tx to help my bud (since pre-school) Sheri and her husband Steve freshen up a few things before putting their house on the market. Here's a picture of the most luxurious welcome-center I have ever seen.... Only in Texas!

Of course I had to stop... my love for maps forces me to stop and get a free map every time I enter a new state :) I really do love maps... my other bud Katie used to buy me an atlas every year for my birthday!
While there... we worked our tails off. We re-painted the master bedroom and moved furniture, applied a metallic stripe to dress-up the entry way, touched-up ceiling and trim in whole house, did lots of weeding and planting outside, went shopping for house stuff.. managed to swing by the GAP... and ate a lot because we were burning up all the calories :) I also painted her neighbor's family room, and fireplace.... I was sore!

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Past week and next...

2009-03-15T22:56:00.005-05:00

This past week went by pretty quickly...
It started off monday... with visiting angels. I was with the client from 9-5 cooking cleaning and going to the doctor. A long but easy going day!
Tuesday and wednesday I was doing some running around and made some samples for a friend's place of business. If you get time take a peak http://www.elegancebydesigntulsa.blogspot.com/ ! I'll be there tomorrow installing some decorative panels :)
Thursday through Saturday I, along with a handful of Women Builders, was at Habitat for Humanity painting and helping to finish a new office built for one of our Habitat employees!
(I added a bit of Kustom Kate Flare)
Here's a pic, but for more info, visit http://www.hearts4hammers.blogspot.com/

Tormorrow I need to head back and finish up a bit of trim painting, and then to Elegance by Design to install painted panels.
My plan is to head to Kileen Texas on Tuesday morning to help my bud Sheri and her Husband prepare their house to put on the market... Good news! She booked a job for me at her neighbor's house too!

Road trip! Looking forward to the drive... lot's of music and some Coke Classic!

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A Trip to Illinois...

2009-03-11T10:49:00.005-05:00

I know it's been like a hundred years since I posted... well, a couple weeks anyway. Time just flies by...
Anyways Mike and I made a trip home weekend before last... When our Niece Sydney tried out and got a part for "Sound of Music" with Christian Youth Theatre, I told her that I would come and see. Mike also expressed a desire (which I was totally up for too) to Join CREW for winter retreat... How great they both fell on the same weekend! Everything worked out great!
I left for Chicago a day and a half ahead of Mike, my friend Melyssa came and picked me up from the airport. We went for lunch and then by her house to check out all their latest home improvement projects. It was great to catch up and spend some time together... we had lots of laughs as usual... and Cresston her adorable 2-yr old too!
Then I was off to Holly's! We had LOTS of work to do! We painted her Kitchen a sort of subdued green-apple color, then added some accents... It looked awesome! Meanwhile Chris put up picture frame molding below the chair rail in the bathroom so we could tackle that room next! If she E-mail's me pics, I'll post!
Friday we hustled up to finish the bathroom, then I had to shower and me and Marie went to pick up Mike at the airport. The 3 of us went for pizza at Nicks in Chrystal Lake... our favorite! Then off to the Play! The production was amazing and I welled up with tears of pride for Syd... she did great!
Saturday morning we woke at my mom's and headed out to Stone Church for a weekend of laughs, fun, praise and growth with Crew. The trip this year was a bit easier than last... it wasn't snowing and we could actually see in front of us!

Some of the more serious moments (team building) at Winter Retreat 2009

I am always amazed by this group of young adults, there is no pretense. Everyone loves and accecpts eachother for who they are. It's rare to see such a wide range (7-12 grade) get along so well. It really is a family, a loving family! Pastor Erik and (Pastor :) ) Bethany do an amazing job leading and directing this group.
We are greatful to take part and experience all of you. I trust these kids and kids like them to be the next generation of leaders!
When we got back, we finished off the weekend with a visit with the Stenglein family at Kristen's in Oak Park! Pretty amazing trip!

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A Spring Inspiration from Scripture

2009-02-18T08:52:00.004-06:00

The fresh air and preview of spring gives me a taste of heaven!

I found this piece of scripture to be fitting:

Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

O Lord Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you!
Psalm 84:10-12

Thirsty?
God Bless Your Day!

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Contemporary Trends and a Slow Economy

2009-02-09T10:08:00.005-06:00

It's true, just as anything else is: decorating trends are cyclical. But even more interesting is that throughout time, decorating trends tend to reflect the financial stability of the market. Makes sense, right?? These styles are reflected on HGTV... However, even though the styles are simpler, they don't have to look "cheap"!
I actually love the clean and refreshing feel of the contemporary trends.

A few ways we see the trend implemented:
1.Less fabric!...fewer pleats, even blinds replacing window treatments in some cases.
2.Painted cabinets and trim... much more cost effective than new!...but also shows off..
3.Bolder wall color Selections!
4.Furniture: Straight lines rather than intricate carved wood
5. Frame-less Art Work

It is during these slower times that we see and have throughout the years... people getting creative with paint! Not only can proper color selections make a big impact on our environment (work or home) but it doesn't have to make a big dent in the wallet! You can also save money by painting your old cabinets and furniture rather than replacing them! (See older posts)
Consider hiring a professional for these projects... when done properly you will add value to your home!

Here are a couple pics of our freshly painted fitness room with a contemporary style!

As you can see, rather than using expensive plasters and multiple layers; I applied a simple pattern using very little material. This whole room effect, once the base-coat is completed can be accomplished in a matter of a couple of hours!

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ARGH!!!! SPIDER!!!

2009-02-09T09:59:00.003-06:00

Okay... I'll warn you now I had to voice my frustration with this creature I found today... but I do plan to post twice today and the second will be much better.
I need confirmation that this is a fiddleback... I'm sure Mike will be good for that... it scared the pants off me... and I attacked!
Although we haven't found one in almost 6 months... we have been told time and time again that we live in the south... and we live in the country so running into these guys is inevitable... doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy though. Call exterminator is added to today's list of to-do's.

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Loneliness, a thought for the day...

2009-02-04T08:14:00.005-06:00

It's no secret that moving here at the time we did has resulted in a much more challenging environment to gain traction in the Decorative Art world.. My reaction to that has been to invest the time I have in building and nurturing relationships. A lot of times, I meet with another professional, we discuss in depth the services we provide and how our referrals can compliment eachother. Valuable time spent professionally, and as a bonus some of these relationships have evolved into friendships which I am greatful for!
Since moving here, however, my eyes have been opened to an entire world of hurting people that many of us forget about in the busyness of our day to day. I have encountered so many people who have really no one or very few people in their lives. I come from a huge family and have been blessed with friends that have stayed with me through every stage of my life. Now and then I get to feeling sorry for myself because I am home a lot by myself... and am reminded not to take for granted the wonderful and loving people I do have in my life!
I commit myself to be there for people who need a friend, or an ear. It's simple, we all know someone (often times elderly, but there are lonely and sad people in every age group) who could use a visit or a phone call. Who do you know that needs a visit? Instead of expecting someone else to... pick the phone.
The word of God tells us over and over again that God never leaves our side. Not only is that comforting, but it also helps to keep me accountable. My Uncle Jim once said something very simple and wise... don't do anything you wouldn't do if you knew that Jesus was right there in the room with you... because he is.

Just a couple of thoughts for the day! Have a good one :)

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What do you think?

2009-01-30T10:15:00.005-06:00

Okay, I came up with a couple ideas using some of the products and techniques I do on walls combined with oil paints and canvas...
A little more contemporary than the fine Detail Oils I usually do... but I am thinking about introducing myself to gallery display... here are the first 2... so what do you honestly think... it doesn't have to be your style, but do you think they'd sell?? (you can comment anonomysly)

Above: Black is a reptile skin texture.
Both: Inset patterns done in metal-leafing

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A day of Creating and Competing

2009-01-28T15:49:00.003-06:00

I have been in a zone all day...
1. Implementing some new Ideas for Fine Art Canvases (Pics Later)
2. Making Samples to prove that my product is far superior to wallpaper.

Your honest opinion : My client had a wallpaper sales man tell him that a fine finish (2 samples below) would be too busy in comparison. ... without even seeing my samples!!!
Truth: Hiring a professional artist... you get to CHOOSE how busy... that's the joy of custom!

A Case for Paint:
No seams
Custom color.. not choice of 5, more like 5000!
No stripping, you can paint over it!..
Probably more cost effective....
Patchable, more durable
And... a good artist can recreate ANY wallpaper!

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News Year: Trying to do better

2009-01-28T09:37:00.004-06:00

This year, instead of trying to cut bad habits out of my life and diet; I decided to focus on 2 things that I want to do and get better at.
The first of my challenges to myself is to try and get up earlier on a regular basis. Probably hard to relate to if you're not in my exact position. I have been building relationships, laying the foundations for referrals, working on my own house and volunteering my time here and there. However in my postion being a self-employed non-morning-person, this has become a problem and I have to work on it. So far since New Years, I have made little improvement... maybe I need to schedule some morning things to make me accountable. (Please don't put me in a category of Lazy people because I wake up late, I DO work hard.)
The second of my challenges is to be Bolder for God this year than last. What I want to do is take that next uncomfortable step of faith and set myself apart as a lover of God and a Christ Follower more so than last year or the year before. As I have mentioned before, committing to do this once is not enough, we need to re-commit our hearts to God everyday. In this journey, we realize there is always room for improvement, and more we can do.
I don't want to miss out on opportunities to share the Love of God with someone who is thirsty and a complete stranger to it. I fail all of the time: sometimes, I am just a coward and choose to blend in with the rest of the world, sometimes I am focused on myself and don't realize I missed someone screaming for help until it's too late. I want to do that less this year.
I also am open to suggestions on how to approach people who use God's name in vain. How do you go about this without sounding self-righteous?

"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name"
Deut 4:11

This being the 3nd commandment... God is clearly saying this is equal to if not worse than Murder, Lies, Stealing and Adultery. In my commitment to being bold for God, this is something that I don't want to look the other way at any longer.

"Blessed are those who hear the word... and obey"
Lk 11:28

Find the blessings in your day!

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Adorable Nursery!

2009-01-21T16:35:00.004-06:00

Today and yesterday I painted a nursery for an expecting couple in Bixby, Oklahoma. I had lots of fun with this project... I love paisleys, and pink and green is probably my favorite color combination! Here are a couple pics...

We used 3 base-coat colors, and then added iridescent paisleys and a few bands of srtipes in varying widths... some metallic, some just pretty colors!
I think this is my favorite type of project to do... combine colors, and patterns and materials for a delicious effect!

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Sunshine and Seeds

2009-01-19T10:30:00.003-06:00

Today is January 19th, it is beautiifully sunny outside! I went a little nuts on saturday and bought some seeds for my garden so today, when I am done preparing for tomorrow's job, I plan get some seeds started.
Here's what I got:
Chives, Basil, Catnip, Cauliflour, Carrots, Alussum, Thyme, Celosia, Pansy, Impatiens, Wave Petunia, Morning Glory, Sunflower, Mesclun, Verbena, Dill Peas, Lettuce, Green Onion, Green Beans, Broccoli, Cucumber, Corn

I am thinking this is probably going to need to be a big garden! The question is... I have limited space inside.. so which do I start now... and which do I start outside? I have some planning to do!

I can't wait! It should start warming up soon!

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Ceiling Fan Face Lift

2009-01-17T17:14:00.004-06:00

As you may have figured, I am slowly (it's my winter project) updating my kitchen with paint. I'm leaning towards a more contemporary style... I noticed this week that the ceiling fan was totally out of place... so I changed out the fan blades for white, and the glass...& painted the metal a pewter/nickel metallic today.
About a $25 project that took about an hour start to finish. It fits the space much better now :)
Before:

After:

Me waxing another section of cabinetry after painting white.

(The wallpaper you see is now gone, and below the white remains the last of the cabinets to be updated... for finished cabinets see older posts)

Look Professional?? It Is! For more Ideas........
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Random Short Post

2009-01-15T11:31:00.003-06:00

#1 Painting Myth: Don't size behind refridgerator when applying wallpaper. Had to bring it up because I have run into this more than once!

I am convinced that there was a big scotch tape CRAZE in the 70's... the last 2 homes we moved into had it ALL OVER the place. Good thing is that it comes off pretty easily, even after all this time... NEWS FLASH! It is not strong enough to hold a refridgerator together :)

I think Peacocks are beautiful... God is Awesome!

Okay, no more wasting time, I have a proposal to work up and a kitchen to paint!

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My Latest Saga

2009-01-13T12:41:00.003-06:00

I probably shouldn't even discuss the situation... because in some ways I feel like it reflects on me as either oblivious, or a bad house-keeper. However, most of my two readers are either on twitter or facebook and know anyways, so I would like to share a part of the story. I have no idea how my indoor cats got fleas for the first time in their 10yr life, in a house with carpeting that no one has ever lived on before us... but they did.
Anyways THEY have been treated and will continue to be. I have stripped every pillow and mattress down to the bones, and vaccumed and laundered. They can't go in the bedrooms now because I will be doing laundry like it's my job for a month 'til the problem iis completely handled.
Mike was kind and picked up the carpet powder however I read the container and absolutely NOT comfortable using it. It is a pesticide, there is a great chance for sickness [us or cats] or death [cats], (I've been googling) especially after losing my father to a disease most likely caused by environmental toxins, and being a painter for 10 years... I have had enough chemicals... especially if I want this body to house a baby someday!
So I did some research... the vet did not even reccomend anything but vaccum often... she also said that soap and water will kill fleas... that is a fact. So google articles I found recomend sprinkle salt on carpet and vaccum up 24 hrs later. I think I will do that and then rent the carpet cleaner and soap the carpets in a couple days too. It sounds safe and effective... however I am open to any other safe and natural options.

As a side note, my meeting at panera went well today.... I met a couple business owners with unique skills and services to offer as they thought of some great referrals for me! We'll see... just keep pluggin :)
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New Painting

2009-01-08T14:41:00.004-06:00

Here is a picture I found in our Oklahoma Living magazine put out by the Electrical Company (co-op) I can't tell if it's a photograph or painting. There is an artist's name (Brent Stovall)It's of Beaver's Bend State Park in OK. Pretty huh?

I started painting it this week... hopefully I can keep working on it!

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Kitchen Progress...

2009-01-06T13:25:00.005-06:00

After

Before

Another wall complete... before and after... slowly taking this kitchen out of the 70's!! Still to do... one more wall of cabinets... take wallpaper down and remove and tile backsplashes...

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Habitat for Humanity Pays it Forward

2009-01-05T10:37:00.004-06:00

Yesterday the Women Build home of Tulsa Habitat For Humanity was dedicated to a deserving young family. The homeowners worked 500 hours on the house, taking money management classes, and all kinds of homeowner-ship courses from doing your own repairs to cooking.
Being part of helping people in such a big way is more rewarding any size paycheck could give. As we finished up the project all the women (and their husbands) came up with great ideas help insure a smooth transition. By the end of the day so many people in the Tulsa community worked to pay it forward by stocking thier pantry, and getting things like cleaning supplies and garbage cans, and donating gently used furniture. As every homeowner knows, taking on a mortgage, (which this family will do: Habitat is not a hand-out, it's a hand up.) is not the only financial obligation, all of those little things (like wastebaskets and hoses etc)add up quick!
Whereever you are, if you are looking to get involved and help people simply because you want to or because you know you're blessed, Habitat is a great organization and has 'chapters' all around the world. And who knows, you might be touched in a way like never before... or make some pretty great friends :)
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New Year, New Attitude

2008-12-30T11:25:00.004-06:00

I am very excited to see what 2009 brings. Right now I am thinking particularly for Kustom Kate! I truely believe I have a fresh new and clean looking perspective on Decorative Paint! Hopefully I will have an opportunity to share that with some new clients here in the Tulsa Area.
Although the "Old World" and "Distressed" looks are still hanging on (barely in my opinion... but I have my own preferences), I look forward to communicating that there are still ways to incorporate decorative painting techniques keeping a traditional style and clean lines. Which is where I believe the trends are going!
I have laid some ground work in the past 6 months, and I have to remind myself that it takes time to not only introduce myself to a new market, but that I am also ultimately trying to inrtoduce a progressive style to a slower-to-change market.

Anyways... the last couple months have been challenging... but I now find myself full of anticipation to see what God has in store for me professionally and personally for 2009!

I have a creative bug today that is making my skin itch! Don't worry Mike, I have to finish the Kitchen Cabinets before II start something new :)

Here is a picture of one of my favorite 2008 projects:
Paisley Bathroom (I also applied a Chocolate Brown Metallic Plaster to the Ceiling)

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Christmas and After

2008-12-29T21:16:00.006-06:00

Our first Christmas on the road was busy!!! We started a bit stressed not knowing what lay ahead... in the end everything workied out just fine... actually we had a really nice time!
We left the house at 3pm on tuesday the 23rd... got about 7 mins away and had to turn back for Mike's glasses... not too bad considering our history of having to go back 3 times for EVERY road trip...we were on the road by 3:30.
We passed St Louis around 10 or 10:30 pm. That's when it got icy. We decided to stop for the night and finish up the last 3 hrs in the morning. Smart.. it was REALLY slick!
We did our best to divvy up the time between mine and Mike's families, and I think we did a pretty good job. It's not easy... but it wasn't stress-free before we moved out of state either.
We enjoyed quality time with siblings, parents, and our 9 nieces and nephews. We were also lucky to sneak in a visit to Grandma's, hang with aunts uncles and cousins, and a handful of friends!
Not bad for such a short trip! Yesterday we went to service at Stone and went to Portillos for lunch with Lonna Erik bethany and Amber then hit the Road by 2pm.

We pretty much drove like it was our job making only short necessary stops. Arrived at our home a little after Midnight. So it basically took 10 hrs from I80 and Harlem Ave of(purely) driving at an avg speed of 80mph. (5 over on most roads)
Mike had to work today and is fighting a cold and cough. The following picture illustrates how tired he was tonight.... he just went to bed!

We had a great time and it was great to see everyone that we did!

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Time with God

2008-12-18T08:35:00.003-06:00

Over the past couple weeks I have gotten into a bad habit... starting my day without spending time with God. I felt myself slipping away and feeling out of touch with the wisdom and understanding he has shared with me.
I realize that a relationship with God starts with ME seeking HIM. He is always there waiting for me.
I have been getting back on track the last couple days and can feel the pieces coming back together. Praise God.
Is God #1 in your life? Imagine how much better things would be if you had a personal relationship with the creator of the universe...
He is my source, my strength, my provider, my healer, my savior, and my best friend.

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2008-12-15T10:13:00.003-06:00

Yikes it's 15 degrees out... definately the coldest I've seen Oklahoma yet! Hard to believe we were sweating in 70+ yesterday putting Christmas Lights out in the bushes!

I believe I only have to go out for one quick trip to the post office and paint store on these icy roads.

This weekend was productive... most shopping is done. Got caught up on paper work, Mike helped with the Christmas greeting cards, did some cooking and grocery shopping for the week too!

I also finished one out of 2-3 christmas presents I am kintting.

This morning it was back at it with the workout routine. Tough but not as bad as day 1. Like I said to my cuz I can't believe that I used to run 7 miles a day! We'll get there! I think my total today was more like 1.5

Now it's time to get to work, I have 2 dressers to fix up and pain black for my customer. I am going to put a snakeskin texture on the damaged areas... Hope she likes it!

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Funny Study...

2008-12-14T16:52:00.002-06:00

I got a chuckle out of this blog post

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Quick Post

2008-12-12T07:34:00.003-06:00

Okay, I need to be brief because it is time for me to work out. Hopefully today will be better than yesterday!
Then it's time to shower and head over to the Habitat for Humanity Women Build house. We are painting today... YAY!!! The original goal was to get the family into the house by christmas.... the schedule is tight... so we'll do the best we can!
This weekend I have a couple of pieces of furniture to paint for a customer of mine. We'll also have to decide if we want to put out some christmas lights... it's a wierd year because we were gone over Thanksgiving... now we have about a week and a half before we leave again.

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Update

2008-12-11T09:38:00.002-06:00

Not and exciting post... but here's the latest...

Once we got back in town I got a bit of inquiry for Kustom Kate. I have been working with a super nice lady in the Grand Lake Area of OK. I love working for her... it's just a bit far... usually I am totally up for a nice drive... but the first day the winds were so gusty it actually jerked my car around and scared me. Yesterday was fine though.

Mike and I have this small room in the house... kinda off to the side that has served no purpose except to house the clutter of my ever so busy art business (note sarcasm). Anyway, we agreed to move my inventory out to the garage, [we'll insulate and create a work area]; so that we can turn this small otherwise useless room into a designated work out room.

We have dust off and put together our stackable/universal weight bench we bought when we first got married... that way we'll have both strength and cardio. I, of course am going to (maybe after the holidays) want to get those little stick on mirrors from Ikea and create some sort of a pattern on one wall... we'll see if that gets vetoed :)

Anyways I was reminded of how out of shape I am in this morning.

In (less than) 2 weeks we'll be going to Chicago area for a short Christmas visit. Hopefully we can see all 107 people we want to in that time ;) in the mean time I have a little work booked and Christmas Shopping to finish up!

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Today's Project

2008-12-09T20:16:00.005-06:00

A customer asked me to help her find a "chunkier" mantel than the 2x12 she had sitting on a couple brackets... I said I would then got to thinking... just add another 2x12 fill the crack and paint it black. So I offered to do that here I go again opening my big mouth...
Anyway I got up this morning and thought it would be so much easier to build and paint one at home and then bring it to her considering it took me 2 hrs to get home yesterday.
So I did the 2- 2x12's... then thought it needed more, so I cased it out, filled the cracks, put a venetian plaster finish... then a black stain rub.. it either looks like leather or tortoise shell... either way I hope she likes it.
If my experiment with trying to charge the camera with the PC works, I'll try and get a better pic tomorrow.
Now time for pajamas, a little bit of waffle cone explosion ice cream and some tube.
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Costa Rican Saga

2008-12-08T22:09:00.003-06:00

We've been back for several days... I haven't gotten around to posting... Here we go!
On the day before ThanksGiving Mike and I headed out to Dallas for the night (about a 5 hour Drive)
After a short night's sleep we headed over to DFW. 2 Flights later we landed in San Jose Costa Rica where Mike's parents picked us up from the airport.
We stayed in a hotel for 2 nights and then on the way to head up to the vacation rental house we stopped at a zoo for a quick walk. After the zoo we stopped at for lunch. Sometime during lunch a theif or two broke into the Rental car that we were riding in with mike's parents. They took 4 bags... 3 of them belonged to Mike and I one to his Mom. Kind of a buzz kill... time has passed and I have now told this story to a couple dozen people so I may seem even tempered now... however Mike and I were both beyond angry and all other sorts of emotional.
We went back to Sanjose, Waited 'til monday to get a new passport for Mike. Then stood by staying in hotels at a not so cheap rate until we were finally able to go home.
Costa Rica is a very beautiful place. I think it was an attractive place to go because it was affordable... however I felt that they have caught on to tourism. In many places they did not place rates in plain view... my opinion... so they could charge tourists extra. 2 of 3 cabs that we took did not turn the meter on.
No one in the US Embassy spoke English until you some how found the counter for american citizens... there were also no signs in english pointing you in the right direction. Once you got to the window the guy said "was your passport stolen too?" Pretty much his opening line for every american... HMMM what does that mean?
However although we were frustrated and whatever else... we, along the way heard and witnessed much worse travelers stories. One guy was stuck there over a year after getting mugged. Think about it no proof of ID... no money for an airfare ticket? You need money to BUY a replacement passport!
We came back home to a home that we realize by the world's standards is luxurious. We are greatful and feel blessed.
I have no desire to leave this great country or spend tourist dollars in another for some time. I have no intention of holding anyone else back... I just don't have any desire to go far for many days any time soon. Call me a home body I don't care.
The End
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Thankful For:

2008-11-26T11:52:00.002-06:00

God's Grace and Unconditional Love (Even though I mess up ALL the time)
Freedom from Worry
Provision
My Husband
My Loving family and Friends
Cats (Especially Iris and Lily)
Yarn
Paint
Color
Low Gas Prices
Pizza
Coffee
Sunshine
Rain
Mountains
Lakes
Flowers
Plants and Seeds
Light Bulbs
Cell Phones
Blogspot
Facebook

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This Breaks my Heart

2008-11-25T16:09:00.001-06:00

What's new?

2008-11-19T15:48:00.004-06:00

Not too much here... here's a brief summary...

Mike and I have been working on my "new" website in our free time. I believe you can see it if you type in www.kustomkate.com/test. That is not a live link because it's not for everyone to see. It's very general so far, we have a lot of work to do with the pics and menus. We're currently working on general look, and feel. Comments and suggestions are welcome. We plan to turn the kustomkate into a logo, and possibly have some tone-on-tone paisleys in the background.

I have been promoting Kustom Kate Pretty seriously, making progress, just not money. Thankful that God is my provider...and that Mike is working hard and my #1 supporter!

We have decided to continue looking for a church home. We have spent 4 1/2 months at AG Coweta and it is not seeming to be the right fit, so please pray for us!

I have been blessed with the spare time to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity 1-2 days a week. I am learning alot, meeting really nice people with giving hearts, and coming home with sore muscles! Pounding nails is hard work!

Mike is officially 1/2 way through school... YAY Mike! Now comes the hard part :)

We have been working on perfecting our homemade pizza recipe... any suggestions or crust or sauce recipes are greatly appreciated!

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If our Election really was about race... how would we be able to measure how far we've really come??

2008-11-17T16:07:00.002-06:00

I write today with a heavy issue presented to me. Someone close to me is deeply concerned that Racism is still a very prevailant issue we face here in America today. And that was one of the greatest victories made on November 4th. It saddens me to think that ANYONE would vote to put someone in the MOST POWERFUL Political seat in the world simply because of their race. [Black or White period!] The election for the president of the United States of America is a great Blessing that we all get to participate in. It is about experience, morality, and policy… let’s not belittle this event or the people of this great nation to physical characteristics. While I tend to agree that racism is still a problem, I think we need to look at the issue with a well rounded perspective.

Here are a couple definitions I found on-line of Racism… (And yes I did copy and paste the ones that conform to MY view of racism and how it affects America today, and the point I will attempt to make. I am aware that there are other definitions, I will address that in a minute)

Racism:
is power plus racial prejudice, a system that leads to the oppression of or discrimination against, specific racial or ethnic groups

Racism:
is racial and cultural prejudice and discrimination, supported intentionally or unintentionally by institutional power and authority, used to the advantage of one race and the disadvantage of other races. The critical element that differentiates racism from prejudice and discrimination is the use of institutional power and authority to support prejudices and enforce discriminatory behaviors in systemic ways with far-reaching outcomes and effects

Racism:
refers to beliefs and practices that assume inherent and significant differences exist between the genetics of various groups of human beings; that assume these differences can be measured on a scale of "superior" to "inferior"; and that result in the social, political and economic advantage of one group in relation to others.

Now a couple questions to mull over…
1. PREVIOUS to affirmative action were minorities, subject to [or products of] any or all of these 3 definitions? (my answer is yes)
2. What is the result of Equal opportunity Employment? (ie is the opportunity really equal when specific precentage of minorities are required?)
3. Are there government college grants available to you because of your heritage? Yes
4. Are ANY race-specific groups excluded from that? Yes, one

Now politically speaking: yes racism is still a problem in America today. The question is who is at a legal disadvantage? How can you call it Equal opportunity if it’s not an equal opportunity?

As for the other more traditional definitions of Racism where one group thinks they are superior to another because of physical features or skin color. I will make it known very publically that I think any such thinking is despicable and inhuman. Does THAT type of racism still exist in America today? Yes it does, it’s called hatred and it comes from the enemy. It exists all over the world; that type of thinking is ignorant and nasty. It’s everywhere… but it can be found in many forms: black to white, white to black, muslim to jew, atheist to Christian, Chinese to Korean.

Let’s be careful not to mix the two.

I believe that this type of thinking is not tolerated publically or legally in the United States. (Praise God) There will always be hateful people and hate groups. That’s why we need to teach our children and each other to love and care for one another as we are commanded to do.

I invite all comments, I have no problem being told I am wrong, please share your views.

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Looking for ways to help feed the hungry?

2008-11-14T08:33:00.004-06:00

A friend of mine was hired by the Northern Illonois Food Bank in Geneva IL to make this video where they express a sincere need for help in order to do the great work they do.

Don't have time to volunteer? Maybe you can make a donation!

If you are looking to have a professional video made for your business, or cause; consider link> T60 Productions.

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Time to start shopping!

2008-11-13T09:37:00.002-06:00

Those of you in the Tulsa area: Be sure and stop by Elegance By Design to kick off the season! You'll find anything from gifts starting under $10 to beautiful Christmas and Seasonal Decorations for your home!
For more info... please visit www.elegancebydesigntulsa.blogspot.com

P.S. All Furniture and Accessories are 30% off right now!

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"Tiny" Mistake

2008-11-11T20:49:00.002-06:00

I have invested time, resources, and lots of energy into doing this big marketing push to Tulsa Builders. About 1 1/2 -2 weeks ago I found a great resource online with a list of about 250 builders. I wrote a nice letter with links and indiividually E-Mailed each one so I could attach pics and address it to each individual's name. That probably took me about 16 hours... well a few days anyway. I designed and ordered some new brochures last week, they came yesterday... they really gear toward model and spec homes.
My plan was to get a mailer out to each contact within a week so they would hopefully have the whole name recognition thing going. I wrote up another letter today and went to office depot to get them printed out. I came home and have been addressing envelopes for 4 hours. Got 'em all done with a cramp in my hand. So I started to sign and Tri-fold each letter because mike said after he finishes his homework he'd help me stuff each envelope with a brochure, a card, and a letter... then apply a stamp and "Kustom Kate" address label to each.
I signed and folded about 10 or 12 before realizing that the phone # in my signature at the bottom is 630 370 1788. Grrr.. any of my readers that know me know that is my OLD phone #! What a waste! Well.. there goes another $25 bucks... well that's nominal compared to all the real expenses going into this mailer. (The sad thing is the stamp for each envelope costs a couple cents more than the tri-fold full color 6-photo brochure they each get [thanks to vistaprint.com]) One more trip to the store... looks like I'll be stuffing away all by my lonesome tomorrow.

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The Box

2008-11-11T08:15:00.002-06:00

I got my new brochures yesterday... Iris thought they came in the purrrrfect size box!

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Election is Over

2008-11-06T08:08:00.002-06:00

I am glad the election is over. There is an excitement about all of the talk and I tend to get really involved in the news, and radio talk during an election season. However, during that time there tends to be a division among people of seperate opinions and mindsets.
What is important now is that we follow the lead of both John McCain and Barack Obama and graciously accecpt the outcome.
God is in control and he intimately cares about our nation and each of our individual lives.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body is more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than the birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing why do you worry about the rest?"
Luke 12:22-26

Praise God! Amen?

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I Voted

2008-11-04T18:28:00.003-06:00

I didn't get a sticker, but I voted! I waited about a whole 3 minutes in line... ahhh the beauty of living in the country.
This will be an interesting night... I hope I won't be crying when it's over. Edge of the seat night!
God Bless America!!

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Kitchen Cabinets So Far...

2008-11-04T15:41:00.003-06:00

It's a big project... here's what I have done so far (Before and After)

Painting, Changing hardware, and Adding a frame to each door and drawer. I have 24 Doors and 10 drawers... It's a bit tedious but it is much cheaper than getting new cabinets! Look a bit updated?? Can't wait 'til the whole kitchen is done... I will post full pics when I get wall paper down, and backsplash tiled too... One step at a time :)

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Ouachita National Forest

2008-11-02T19:38:00.008-06:00

Yesterday we went for a 1-Day Road trip. There is a scenic drive down state called Talimenah Drive and it goes through the Ouachita National Forest. The very same forest that attracted us to this area and made us want to move closer to it. I took about 60 photos or so... and it's really hard to pick and choose, but I know I can't post them all.

This one was at Heavner OK State Park where we saw 50,000 year old Ruins

We had a really great time... we were enjoying the scenery and the great company so much we never turned the music on :)
We finished the day off with some Mazzios pizza and a couple of rootbeers. One of the best days I had in a while!

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Liar Liar Pants on Fire

2008-10-31T14:26:00.002-05:00

I generally pride myself in the fact that I don't lie to people... I really don't think there is any such thing as a white lie. Not saying that I have a perfect record I have made my mistakes...
I have caught 2 people in lies since I have been here... both relating to business... or business relationships anyways.
Both have "white lied" really for nothing that would have made any difference AT ALL. One said she got my mailer and I later realized that it had been returned to sender. The other cancelled a meet up and lied about the reason... I later saw her that same day.
See not even a big deal... but when you get caught in even a harmless lie... you lose accountability. PERIOD. Both people I will strongly hesitate to do business with in the future... or at least hesitate to take them for their word.
It's still a small world after all. Be careful what you say to someone... even a stranger!
Happy Haloween! I have an errand to run... then I am going to install hardware on cabinets that are finished [less than a quarter of them]. I'll post pics!

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Loyalty

2008-10-29T10:05:00.008-05:00

He can say that he wants to take your money and give it to those who are not willing to work for their own.
He can raise a toast to Rashid Khalidi on video
We don't even know where he was born
He has a dinimished value for Human life
He associates closely with those who are responsible for this national/worldwide financial crisis.
However his lemmings I mean followers I mean supporters continue to blindly support him. Why?? Is this loyalty out of pride? I just don't understand.... are they actually listneing to the news? Do they actually listen to the radio? Or do we consider SNL a reliable source?

I don't know about you but I believe in LIFE... LIBERTY and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.

I don't believe in abortion, socialism and freeloading.

If a meteorologist were to forecast rain today, wouldn't you at least consider grabbing your umbrella? Think about it.

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Random Post

2008-10-28T08:18:00.002-05:00

My friend Katie's man posted this video and I got a kick out of it...

He also produces professional news and documentary videos... check out his webiste! T60 Productions

More random thoughts...

I started on the kitchen cabinets yesterday... it's gonna be great! Very Excited!

We got out first frost last night

Every morning I wake up to the radio alarm clock... for the past week the first thing I hear every day is of a fatal shooting... what is going on??? Sad and scary.

7 more days to vote!

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Corn Maze

2008-10-27T08:29:00.002-05:00

Saturday afternoon we headed out for our afternoon fall adventure. We knew we were heading to a place with a corn maze... I was expecting to find some pumpkins too, however they did not have any. It was a neat place! There were 2 corn mazes... one haunted [after dark], one not-haunted. We went during the day into the non-haunted of course... I'm a scardy cat :)
They also had a bunch of bonfire pits (you would have to book ahead of time), some kid's activities : things to climb on and duck races, and we saw a field with hay bales designated for paintball... It would be a great place to go back and spend the day with a group!

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Haloween memories...

2008-10-24T14:05:00.002-05:00

Reading PErik's entry about carvng pumpkins with his sons brought back memories of the Wickstrom Haloween tradition ...
Every year my Dad would take Holly Ryan and myself to Sunny Acres on Rt 64 in West Chicago IL. But first we would go across the street to the Old North Pancake house for dinner where usually at least 3 of us would order Chocolate Chip Pancakes... FOR DINNER!! Yay! Could you tell it was Dad's night out?
After dinner we went across the street to pick out our pumpkins... He acted like every pumpkin we showed him was really really great as we carefully sorted through to find the perfect one!
Then we brought them inside and sifted through all the junk. Never failed, Ryan would always try and scare me and Holly by turning his back or hiding around a corner while putting on a scary mask. Makes me laugh just thinking about it... because he often succeeded.
Then it was time to check out. Dad always picked up a gallon of cider to bring home we were then allowed to pick a treat [for dessert]. I ALWAYS chose a pretzel rod dipped in white chocolate.
Then home to carve... Mom would wash salt and bake the seeds once we dug them out of the pumpkins. Great fun, great memories!

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Heard this on the radio today

2008-10-22T19:36:00.002-05:00

I can't take credit for this "notice" just thought I'd share...
it's from boortz.com Nealz Nuze

CHANGES IN THE WORKPLACE

You small business owners out there are preparing for life under a Barack Obama presidency. One of our listeners sent us some new rules for small businesses based on Obama's ideals of change and fairness:

As of November 5, 2008, when President Obama officially becomes president-elect, our company will instill a few new policies which are in keeping with his new, inspiring issues of change and fairness:

1. All salespeople will be pooling their sales and bonuses into a common pool that will be divided equally between all of you. This will serve to give those of you who are under-achieving a "fair shake".

2. All low level workers will be pooling their wages, including overtime, into a common pool, dividing it equally amongst you. This will help those who are "too busy for overtime" to reap the rewards from those who have more spare time and can work extra hours.

3. All top management will now be referred to as "the government." We will not participate in this "pooling" experience because the law doesn't apply to us.

4. The "government" will give eloquent speeches to all employees every week, encouraging its workers to continue to work hard "for the good of all".

5. The employees will be thrilled with these new policies because it's "good to spread the wealth around". Those of you who have underachieved will finally get an opportunity; those of you who have worked hard and had success will feel more "patriotic".

6. The last few people who were hired should clean out their desks. Don't feel bad, though, because President Obama will give you free healthcare, free handouts, free oil for heating your home, free food stamps, and he'll let you stay in your home for as long as you want even if you can't pay your mortgage. If you appeal directly to our democratic congress, you might even get a free flat screen TV and a coupon for free haircuts (shouldn't all Americans be entitled to nice looking hair?)!!!

If for any reason you are not happy with the new policies, you may want to rethink your vote on November 4th.

Ask yourself honestly, how do you stand to benefit from his plan?

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Website Updated .. for now :)

2008-10-21T20:39:00.005-05:00

I just finished updating the photo descriptions on my website... hopefully the extra verbage will get me some more hits!
Today I made some really unique samples for an interior designer I met with last week, I hope she's as excited as I am :)
Tomorrow I have another project at Mike's boss's house, I'll post pics!
I am getting the itch to get started on the kitchen... maybe next week I'll start painting the cabinets and take down the wallpaper... The backsplash will have to wait until I can save up for the tile!
I have a headache... maybe it's from so much computering??

Did you vote on my next painting?? (Scroll Down for Options vote in upper Right) I still have a tie! BTW any foliage on any painting I plan to do in fall colors :)
If you voted in the comments, I logged it in the tally, thanks!

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Habitat Monday

2008-10-20T16:05:00.002-05:00

I went back to Habitat today to help out in the office. The ladies in the office were very nice and very happy to have a volunteer. I spent the day making copies and doing some data entry. Not bad, I tend to be a bit more of a physical labor/ people person. But I don't mind doing a little office work now and then.
I was amazed with the wonderful women I met today, both working hard for a cause they believe in. Both foster mothers of multiple kids. How brave and compassionate. Very admirable.

I should be doing more. I know I'll find that niche.

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What should I Paint?

2008-10-19T14:37:00.004-05:00

I have decided to do some oil paintings and see how they sell. My friend at Elegance by Design offered to display them in her shop... so we'll see how it goes!
My thought was to take some pictures of things here in Oklahoma for inspiration, so the other day I was driving around looking for some interesting "subjects" then again yesterday Mike and I did some driving around and took some more pictures. Here are some pictures I am deciding between for my next project, please feel free to vote! I will paint what you vote on and then post the finished painting!
This could be fun! It also makes me more accountable to get going!
#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

To view more oil paintngs by Katie Stenglein :
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First day at Habitat

2008-10-17T16:19:00.002-05:00

Today I finally did my first volunteer shift at the Habitat for Humanity Restore. I had fun... it's actually a lot busier in there on a week day than I expected.
My job was to sort through a corner with a bunch of CARDBOARD boxes containing drapery rods. And then organize the drapery rod and miniblind section of the store. Not too bad... however only like 5 mins in I had already found 2 Brown Recluse Spiders. I'm glad I found them in the beginning... I was on my toes after that and actully saw no more :)
Remember my earlier post : After we MOVED we learned that they like cardboard. Yikes!
Like I said not a bad day I will go back :) Actaully I signed up for a different job monday. We'll see what I'll be doing.
Happy Friday! Have a good weekend!!

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Mighty to Save

2008-10-16T18:13:00.002-05:00

I LOVE this song! It's no Perik and Crew... but Hillsong will do :)
It's kind of a long version... but this is one of those songs I just wish would go on forever anyways!

They were singing this the first time we went to Coweta First Assembly... maybe that's why we kept going back?? J/K well, maybe not kidding :) There were even a couple crazy pentecostals cheering, hooting and hollering... loved it!

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A great weekend with and old friend and a new friend!

2008-10-12T12:35:00.005-05:00

Linx

My friend since Preschool, Sheri, came to visit with her Hubby Steve and their 2-year old son Shawn. As you can guess, preschool was a long time ago for me so Sheri and I are old buds... However, Mike and I had the priveledge of meeting her Husband, Steve, for the first time. Steve is an American soldier, He has been over seas for our country the last few times I've seen Sheri, so it was great for us to finally meet and befriend him!
We enjoyed a couple of home cooked meals, a bit of window-shopping, a "Safari" adventure, and some late night game and trivia playing!
All was fun and relaxing, however, Safari was an absolute delight! There is a place called Safari Santuary that is tucked into the countryside, literally 1/2 mile outside of our neighborhood. It's open to the public on sat and sun, only. I have been dying to go since we moved here and was delighted with the experience! There were at least a dozen tigers, 4-5 lions, a Liger, (yes! a cross between a lion and a tiger), puma/mountain/cougars (we learned that these are all different names for the same animal), linx, 16 foot long snakes, donkeys, ostrich, lama, sheep, loose chickens, ducks and pigs just walking around! There are also monkeys, wolves, alpaca , alligators, and a zebra!
Safari was very interactive and kid friendly... a must-activity for any or all future visitors!
We were able to feed the big cats raw chicken legs and all of the others animal crackers. One of the monkeys was really funny, he dipped the crackers in water before eating it... kinda like dunking cookies in milk. :)
Here is a video of me feeding a Tiger:

It was cool... but also a bit scary! They were only 6 feet away... [that's only one of me!] There are more pics and videos on Mikes Blog check 'em out!
All in all a great weekend!

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Today I Must Hussle!

2008-10-09T12:41:00.002-05:00

I was supposed to be on a job today... however my supplies went to Palos Heights... Yikes. Anyway I called early enough yesterday that they were able to overnight a new set of designs which I received today. I am happy about the prompt service... however now I have to rearrange my schedule.
I am now doing the job tomorrow... but I also have out of town guests coming tomorrow... which I am very excited about, but I have a time crunch on my hands! YIKES! I have been cleaning and getting things ready all morning. In another hour I should have the house cleaning finished. Then all I have left to do is finish trimming the bushes I started on yesterday and rake up my MESS!... Then, finish up my meal planning and grocery list... then a trip to walmart! There were also a couple of activities I wanted to look into for the weekend... but that's no big deal... Now that I put it that way... I am not in that bad of shape... I might even have time to make some browies!

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Favorite Sammy

2008-10-08T09:27:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I enjoyed one of my favorites for lunch... a roast beef sandwich with swiss cheese and red onions (I put a little red onion on just about anything), usually some lettuce too... but I didn't have any.
I remember a conversation in my mom's kitchen a few months ago where Mike and my brother, Ryan, were making fun of me for choosing swiss over american to pair with roast beef.
Sorry guys it's just better!

What's your favorite sandwich??

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He is Listening

2008-10-07T09:29:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I was sitting in a waiting room (not literally). I felt torn between a decision and a necessity, a passion and a routine. I found myself face down before God a couple times. I asked of him "Lord you know my needs, you know my desires, you know my passions, show me where to go next." Between sunday and monday I surrendered my heart and my will to Jesus a couple times. (It's easy to get caught up in routine and sometimes we need to reinstate our commitment to Christ as christians, the first time should not be the only time)
That little voice reminded me of a volunteer opportunity that I have been hesitating to commit to. I have been putting it off thinking "I just need to book a little more work", "I just need to get a little bit ahead before I commit my time", "How can I commit my self to others when I have nothing good going here?"
God answered immediately and filled the need that I was going to try and "band-aid". He opened the door as if to say "you have nothing holding you back, now make that commitment".
I poured my heart out, he was listening. He answered immediately and loudly. He cares about every single persons needs, give your worries to God today, he really cares! :)

Thank you for being a loving God, thank you for your intimate involvement in our lives.
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2008-10-06T09:36:00.003-05:00

It's Monday again... wow! Is it just me.. or do the weeks just FLY by? I spent last week catching up on my contacts... I need to pursue Kustom Kate more this week. I have also decided that it's time to look into some options for a part time income. The extra income will be very helpful and I will also have some structure. I just keep finding myself running in a circle... it's time to change things up a bit.

Ideally I would love to find a work-from-home situation where I can have some flexibility to pursue painting... but I think I need to keep my options open.
I am hoping that my ears will be open to any guidance or opportunity.... I am counting on God to lead me a bit (or a lot).

I really don't want to get wrapped up in something full time where I won't be painting. Paint really is my passion. I don't care if I am painting ceilings, walls, canvas, furniture ANYTHING!! Will this economic situation still afford a place for me?

I am open to suggestions.... or prayer :)

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Home :)

2008-10-02T12:49:00.002-05:00

I had a nice trip back to IL... Every minute was packed with visiting and projects! It was fun... but long too! The last couple days I spent with my friend Katie... we put a nice finish on some of her kitchen cabinets... something I promised to help her with before I moved. We were both very pleased with the outcome. She is going to send me pictures when she gets all the doors and hinges put back together... I'll post before and afters!
Next trip home will be Christmas... I think that will be a short visit, but we are hoping to see some more friends next time! I think Mike and I are going to try and make it to Stone for Christmas Service. We'd really like to see everyone!

Now I am back home. I have spent the first half of the day catching up on business and trying to get the wheels turning again... One thing I really don't like about going out of town as an entrepreneuer is that inevitably you tend to lose ALL momentum. The next week or so will be lots of hard work getting things going again. We have one more trip this fall and that is it for a long while!

I really prefer a long weekend here and there. Then you don't tend to lose touch with everything so much. Anyways.... here we go. This afternoon, I am going to be working on a couple samples I started a couple weeks back and some pedestals for Elegance by Design in Tulsa. I am also considering formulating a project or 2 that I could possibly put together for a class maybe at the library or park district... just coming up with ideas anyway. I also need to open up a bank account for Kustom Kate here. There is no 5/3 bank in OK.

Tonight we will be watching the debate... I am also considering baking some cookies :) I like Mike's idea about popcorn for the debate too!

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Home for retreat and visiting!

2008-09-28T16:04:00.007-05:00

I've been "home" for the past week... it has been busy and jam packed. I have enjoyed visiting with family..... time flies by! I'd love to se and visit with more people but it just isn't possible.
I got home from dropping Mike off at O'Hare... hae was here for about 36hrs. And have been catching up on E-Mail and blogs for the past hour or so. What's funny is: I turned on the TV when I sat down to my computer time... I put on what looked like an animal planet type program... I JUST noticed that it is not in English. Ha! What a nerd.
This is a picture of a Cake Rose Made for Retreat

I was at painting retreat thursday through yesterday afternoon (My main reason for this trip)... I started and finished a painting... can't believe that! Here's a picture of my painting.

I go home wednesday... hopefully to booking work and some busyness... however I wouldn't mind a bit of rest. :)
I am going to watch the Bears Game tonight with a bunch of my cousins... really looking forward to it!

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Busyness...

2008-09-18T11:01:00.002-05:00

This week has really been great so far! I have so far finished a job, AND met with a handful of clients and designers! I am thrilled to finally be hopefully settling into my little niche here in the Tulsa area!
My mom comes in today... I am really looking forward to her checking out our Oklahoma living! It will be a fun weekend and I am sure it will fly by!
I also am going to have to do some work while she is here... I consider that a blessing! All this hard work is finally starting to come together. Yay!

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