One (of the many) reasons that I love my children is because they "borrow" my camera.  Mike thinks they shouldn't because they may break it (which I wish they would!!).  Most times when I sit at the computer desk to download the pictures I have taken, I find some "extras" taken by my 2 oldest children---and I ALWAYS smile at the joy they bring me.  I absolutely love the "extras"--blurry or not!

Hope you enjoy this weeks "extras"..

IT'S REAL LIFE...

Jessica from FarmFreshIowa is hosting It's Real Life Thursdays...a chance for others to take a glimpse of each other "In Real Life" Jessica gives a list of items that you are to take a picture of exact as it is..no primping, changing or cleaning and then post the pics on Thursdays...here is this weeks list:

*curb appeal

*junk drawer

*from whence I blog

*favourite jewelry

*best feature

And here are my pictures:

CURB APPEAL

I adore my home.  Simply adore it.  This, however,  is probably my least  favourite part of my home--only because I have so many plans for it, but they all take time and money!!!  For this year, we are saving for the driveway to be paved!! YEAH!!  Next year, we are hoping to put in inter-locking entrance way.  (and the list goes on...**dream**sigh**)

JUNK DRAWER

If you knew me, you would know there is very little junk around here, which explains this junk drawer.  (could one tell from this drawer that I have a pen and lipgloss fetish???)
FROM WHENCE I BLOG

One of two rooms in the house left to "finish"..our office!!  Once summers driveway paving is over, and the cold snow begins to fly, we will move back into the house to finish the office and bathroom!!!  For now, we enjoy the hot summer sun!!  (You can def. tell we are building ourselves from the pencil lines on the wall for the drywall screws..lol.)  
FAVOURITE JEWELRY

 I don't wear jewelry (often).  And if I were totally honest, I don't even wear these rings..but I do love them.
BEST FEATURE

I would have to save my teeth (smile).  God given (no help from the orthodontist!) I have always felt blessed with my teeth!!
And there you have it...this weeks "It's REAL LIFE!!"

IT'S REAL LIFE...

Found a really cool blog recently where the host, Jessica , is having "It's Real Life" Thursdays. Each week, she will post a list of specific areas (or things) to snap pictures of--just as they are.   No primping or cleaning-- and then on Thursdays she will post her pics.  She has invited her viewers to participate as well.  And, seeing as this is RIGHT down my alley...  I am joining "It's Real Life"...  here is last weeks, albeit a tad late!!

THE KIDS DOING??

Well, since it was after 11:00 pm when I took these pics, my children were fast asleep.

THE LAUNDRY

lucky for me, I finished the 3 baskets I had waiting for me, just before I sat down at the computer..this is some remnants from this evening only.  However, I do like to keep caught up on laundry as much as possible.  
SELF PORTRAIT

ewe,  the rules were to be "in real life" no primping etc...ugh.  This is me, at 11:00 pm.  You asked for it. lol.

FAVOURITE SHOES

I don't really have favourite shoes..although I do like flip flops.  My all-time favourite "footwear" is slippers!! LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!  Grandma looking or not, they are SOOOO comfortable!

FAVOURITE ROOM IN HOME

Hands down, my KITCHEN.  I love it.  

FRIDGE

No news here, since I've previously posted on this.  (you can see a front view from the kitchen pictures above)  

THE CLOSET

This is my bedroom closet.  Jessica didn't specify WHICH closet to choose.  I chose mine, but the remainder of the closets, do not look much different than this one.  (Oddly enough, this house did not have a linen closet??  So our closet doubles as towel storage as well!!)

THE SINK

Seriously some strange items on the list..lol..but fun.  The sink was full before I sat at the computer, so I have a bit of an advantage.  I do like to "tidy up" after the kids go to bed and before I head to blog.  Most days you will see a few dishes in the sink. (but not many)

And lastly...THE TOILET

Okay..very strange.  This is the toilet in the kids bathroom upstairs. (as the one downstairs is yet to be installed!!!)  Nothing interesting about it.  Sorry.

Well, that's it.  Finished the list.  I found it VERY interesting to visit the other blogs to peek in on you all.  Look forward to next Thursdays list!!

I caved...

I turned the air on.  Yep.  First day of "hotness" and I caved.

 I feel so very blessed to have air conditioning.  Every time I think about it, or use it, I THANK GOD for the blessing.  Seriously.  It is such a bonus on hot days...

I do, however, have a hard time turning it on.  I see $ signs in my head turning as fast as they can.  Click $ Click $ Click $ Click $

My husband, on the other hand, doesn't have a problem with it.  Aside from the serious sweating problem he has, lol, he is quick to remind me that during the day he is forced to wear a uniform made out of dark BLACK canvas, big calf high BLACK steel toed boots,  a heavy BLACK bullet proof vest, as well as a 15-20 pound BLACK gun belt.  He thinks after wearing that around for 12 hours in the sweltering heat, he is entitled to using his air conditioning.  This is where I insert .." Yeah, but..." and proceed with what I had to "wear" all day ( a three year old wanting to play baseball, a  baby wanting to be picked up and cuddled, a six year old wanting to play tag..)

I called him this afternoon.  I just HAVE to turn on the air.  The baby hasn't had a nap because she's just too hot.  She's been crying for an hour.  (which is VERY UNUSUAL for this child who loves her naps!!)  Was there anything I needed to do before turning it on.?

(I love him to bits..but lets be honest)  this stubborn, sometimes selfish, I LIKE IT COLD, man   says "well..if you have to, go for it.  Maybe we'll be able to cool it down and turn it off tonight."

HUH?  

Somewhere along the 11 years of marriage we seem to have switched sides...

Turn it off?

Interesting.

The Gift of Worship

As a "worship leader"'s wife...this is close to my heart. 

Take a moment and watch. 

Let it sink in.