Snapshots Into My Life

What I am seeing through my lens this week.

Monday was Memorial Day, so my mom and I went to the cemetery to visit my dad. The cemetery puts flags by the markers of all veterans. It was amazing to see how many veterans were there.

We have had really nice weather here this week. After taking this picture, I noticed the rainbow-like streak.

My little wimpy dog. I was telling my friend Sheri how Luna is scared of the oddest things. Not even 5 minutes later, Luna got really nervous on the path. We came across this rock that must have had a terrifying look to it.

Remembering Those Who Served

Happy Memorial Day!

The unofficial start of summer. Here in the Midwest, the weather is finally consistently warm. Kids are almost out of school and summer vacations are right around the corner. But Memorial Day is also a time to remember those who served in the military.

To honor of this great day of remembrance, I thought I would share my experience at a war memorial dedication that I attended last weekend.

In my parents' tiny hometown of Mars, PA, a really nice war memorial was built to honor those from the area who died serving their country, as well as commemorate those who served. Five men in my family have bricks with their names engraved.

This one is my personal favorite. It is my dad's brick. He was in the Air Force for 9 years.

I didn't know my dad's dad. He passed away in 1950, so I can't say much about his service.

My mom's dad - I didn't know him either. He was a part of the Third United States Army in Germany. His company participated in Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns.

My Uncle Richard was a Navy man who was in the Korean War. He is the only other Jones brother who was in the military.

My Uncle Jim was in the Army during the Cuban Crisis. He played the trumpet in the Army band, but he really wanted to go overseas.

There is a beautiful granite monument that lists those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Names are listed on the front and the back of the monument. For as small as the area is, it is astounding the number of people listed.

Behind the granite monument is a smaller one that depicts Iwo Jima.

This is really a beautiful area that shows that honors time served in the military. There is a sense of pride that my dad's name is forever associated with his time in the Air Force. He was proud of his military service. He even wore a hat that said Vietnam Veteran. It was one of his favorites.

I am proud to be the daughter of a man who served his country.

Snapshots Into My Life

What I am seeing through my lens this week.

This is my dad's brick at a war memorial that was dedicated last Sunday. I am proud of my dad's service in the military!

Luna is such a goof. She fell asleep with her head on her Kong.

Liberty blends in with my mom's dining room table. But it looked like she was getting ready to type something.

After a long walk in the park this week, Luna was treated to ice cream. Mr. Freeze has a Bow Wow Sundae that includes 2 Milk Bones. She finished the entire thing. She must take after me in her love for ice cream.

Trying to Make the Big Girl Decisions

I have written before about the need my house had of being updated. The family room needed a lot of help, but much of that has been taken care of through paint and carpet. Next in line of most horrific rooms is the kitchen.

I enjoy cooking and baking, so a semi decent kitchen was necessary. When I was looking for a house, I wasn't looking for a perfect kitchen, but I wanted one with potential. And that is what I got. The kitchen is a decent size, but it needed a lot of help.

So this is what I have to work with. Not a whole lot of counter top space, but manageable. The cabinets don't look bad in this picture, but the bottom section is pretty scrapped up. But still manageable. But there is a problem.

Here it is. The built-in stove. It is a dinosaur. And it is pretty gross. The elements and drip pans can be replaced. It turns on and the reason I know that is because they checked it during my inspection. The oven is pretty yucky. I think it is as clean as it can get and that isn't saying much. However, I don't know how well it works.

My mom and I went to a few places to get some ideas. My kitchen Pinterest board is another place that is full of things I would love to put into place. However, my favorite store to plan out my dream kitchen design is Anderson's. It is a local store and the designer I worked with was FANTASTIC! I even picked out my finishes.

Flooring, countertop (Quartz!!!), cabinet style and color and even a backsplash.

But paying for it is the hard decision. This is my first house. I am paying more than I did in rent, but I am making more money. My car is within 2 months of being paid off, so that will put more money in my pocket. But I don't want to overtax myself. I wouldn't mind being married to this place for the next several years if it gives me the house I want. I am planning on staying here for a long, long time.

But is it worth spending the money now? On one hand, this kitchen in its current state is may not be usable. On the other hand, can things be utilized now to get me through the next year? So many decisions and not a lot of time. Anderson's has a 3 year same as cash deal going that only lasts for about another 3 weeks. This story is to be continued.....

Snapshots Into My Life

What I am seeing through my lens this week.

Miss Luna got a new bed so she doesn't have to sleep on the hardwood floors. And I also don't have to have blankets all over the place. She definitely loves her comfort.

My bed is up and partially made. I had to buy new pillows because mine smelled like smoke. Totally gross! Next week, it should be fully made!

Luna loves hanging her head out of the car window when we drive. She looks so funny with her ears flying in the wind.

My poor refrigerator. It needs to be filled! I have drank a lot more pop this week since that is all that is in there. I definitely need to find my Brita filter.

Snapshots Into My Life

What I am seeing through my lens this week.

This is how Monday started. I was in need of a lot of coffee!

I started working at my house even though I haven't moved in yet. I have been bringing Luna for company, but she loves to sleep.

Please ignore the messy kitchen. My refrigerator arrived and it is HUGE! I can't wait to use it though. However, the newness of the fridge makes my kitchen look that much worse.

We had some storms roll through on Friday night. While Luna doesn't seem to mind them too much, Liberty does get a little nervous. But both dogs kept pretty close until they passed.

Snapshots Into My Life

What I am seeing through my lens this week.

This face!!! I die! My mom got a teething bagel for Brynley. She seemed to enjoy it.

Before the carpet went in, the fireplace needed a good cleaning. It was gross, but looked so much better afterward.

It was my mom's turn this week to pick out paint colors. Her living and dining rooms needed a little freshening up. She picked the dark brown color called Chocolate Swirl by Behr.

The family room looks so much better with new paint and carpet. I had to do a little side by side comparison with the before and after. What a difference!

Luna got to take another trip to Wildwood Park this week. Surely, but slowly, she is getting better on a leash.

Glorious Carpet

New carpet has arrived! I can't even begin to describe my elation over getting rid of the nasty brown carpet  and really old padding that was in the family room.

The installers were able to come earlier than expected, which was very nice. They ripped the old carpet out in no time. The whole project only took about an hour. I wasn't sad to see the piles of carpet and padding in the driveway.

And lucky me....there was a lovely faux parquet linoleum underneath the carpet. I keep finding all kinds of surprises!

Nice, new padding was installed underneath that has a stain blocker of some sort.

The finished product! New carpet. The room looks completely different, and so much better, with lighter carpet. There is no furniture and everything is nice and new. I love it! I vacuumed the whole room with glee. Now, I need to find furniture for this space.