tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79688322808805252322024-02-02T10:11:26.727-06:00Dibble Dabble LifeMichelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-68765193179051343562012-02-23T17:09:00.000-06:002012-02-23T17:10:29.887-06:00Bye Bye Couch<p align="center">Last month I was very excited to have a new couch which helped <a href="http://dibbledabblelife.blogspot.com/2012/01/im-feeling-inspired.html" target="_blank">motivate</a> me to start decorating my living room.  </p> <p align="center">Here is a peek at what we are busy doing......</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hAnqdoWydSA/T0bHYuWHVQI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/o8m07KZ8u88/s1600-h/02_2012-6%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="02_2012-6" border="0" alt="02_2012-6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l_VQkjAgpns/T0bHZMAPITI/AAAAAAAAAyY/0QSAfEIcat8/02_2012-6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a> </p> <p align="center">My living room is a disaster area from the project and to make matters worse we are about to be couch-less!!</p> <p align="center">The faux leather sectional we bought is already starting to peel.  Luckily the store is letting us return it and get a refund.</p> <p align="center">So until we find a new sofa we will be sitting on our very comfy stained concrete floors to watch TV.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Maybe, just maybe, sitting on the floor will motivate me to work out instead of watching mindless shows in the evening!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-22443813856403483342012-01-24T13:08:00.001-06:002012-01-24T13:08:32.862-06:00I’m Feeling Inspired!<p align="center">My house doesn’t feel like a home.  </p> <p align="center">It isn’t very welcoming nor is it decorated the way I would like.  </p> <p align="center">My walls are bare and the windows are uncovered.  </p> <p align="center">I have spent countless hours reading blogs and pinning home decor ideas to Pinterest.  I can’t count how many hours I have sat on my couch, staring at my walls trying to come up with decor ideas only to be overwhelmed with fear because I didn’t know where to begin.  I envy people who can add a little bit to a room at a time to eventually achieve the look they want.  </p> <p align="center">I would say our style leans towards a contemporary, eclectic look but our couches were traditionally styled (hand me downs from my father in law).  </p> <p align="center">The couches crippled and prevented me from exploring my true decorating style.   </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2Hd7k8fLcFs/Tx8BrY1lOCI/AAAAAAAAAx0/69rHtYc7Zuo/s1600-h/2010_08_25%252520%2525281%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2010_08_25 (1)" border="0" alt="2010_08_25 (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GuGsjwoVMIw/Tx8BrifNJTI/AAAAAAAAAx8/58doEaVTqVo/2010_08_25%252520%2525281%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a> </p> <p align="center">A couple of weeks ago we impulsively bought this sectional from Big Lots for $699.</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iufH6r-7m2Q/Tx8BsL1DWpI/AAAAAAAAAyE/j4yxdoccsuo/618001766_618001767%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="357" /> </p> <p align="center">I wanted an Ikea Karlstad sectional but thanks to 4 children (one still in diapers) and 2 dogs it was imperative to have either a leather or faux leather couch.  It is faux leather and HUGE, our entire family fits on this big daddy.  It fits perfectly in our odd shaped room and with it’s current placement I am able to create a “proper” entryway instead of walking directly into my living room from the front door.  Best of all....</p> <p align="center"><font size="6">I AM FEELING INSPIRED!!!!! </font></p> <p align="center">I can envision what I want my living room to look like and I couldn’t be happier!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-34304970053458509142011-08-25T13:09:00.001-05:002011-08-25T13:13:18.875-05:00A to Z ....<p align="center">Today <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/2011/08/to-z.html" target="_blank">Jaime at C.R.A.F.T.</a> posted an “ABC of her”, which I thought was cute.  </p> <p align="center">Since I don’t have any great projects to share with you guys {lazy days of summer took over} I figured I would partake in some fun mindless blogging and do the same.  </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Me " border="0" alt="Me " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu0mN0CgwU7R1QSMIDQjxNUl6a4c_cr6FmSTG4AaPF2T_Ntnmygu6ahw2b37sWHeiY2wCfauJPc8kqnOuJT9VxqpHOspn4p73S-kyEgsZi4YZe-QgRW42vFnB2oWtB8UUvwH9Xm1MVIg/?imgmax=800" width="254" height="357" /></p> <p align="left"><strong><u><font size="5">MY ABC’S:</font></u></strong></p> <p align="left">A.= Age: 32 {weird side note: I can never remember how old I am, I have to do the math every time....yes I am weird!}</p> <p align="left">B.= Bed size: Queen</p> <p align="left">C.= Chore you hate: All of them....folding clothes gets put off the most</p> <p align="left">D.= Dogs: 2 precious wiener dogs...I woobs them</p> <p align="left">E.= Essential start to your day:  Brushing my teeth....as soon as my feet hit the ground I’m a brushin</p> <p align="left">F.= Favorite color:  I’m a Gemini so I can never decide on a favorite </p> <p align="left">G.= Gold or silver: Silver / white gold....this summer was the first time I have ever owned or worn any gold jewelry </p> <p align="left">H.= Height: 5'6"</p> <p align="left">I.= Instruments you play: None....I was a dancer not a musician</p> <p align="left">J.= Job title: Mommy</p> <p align="left">K.= Kids:  Twin girls that are 12 and twin boys that are 8 :-) </p> <p align="left">L.= Live: Mobile, Alabama </p> <p align="left">M.= Maiden name: Antoine </p> <p align="left">N.= Nicknames: My husband calls me babe, my dad calls me Mickey or Shelley, some friends call me Mischa </p> <p align="left">O.= Overnight hospital stays:  1998, when I had a C-section  </p> <p align="left">P.= Pet peeve:  I’m constantly peeved at my procrastination skills</p> <p align="left">Q.= Quote:  I can’t remember how old I am, how am I supposed to remember an entire quote??  I know there are a lot I like but I don’t know them off the top of my head. </p> <p align="left">R.= Righty or lefty: Righty</p> <p align="left">S.= Siblings: 1 younger sister</p> <p align="left">T.= Time you wake up: Weekdays - 5:15 a.m. to get the kids ready for school {once they leave I usually take a little nap :-)}  Weekends - 8 or 9</p> <p align="left">U.= University attended: Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Univ. of South Alabama (USA)</p> <p align="left">V.= Vegetables you dislike: Beets</p> <p align="left">W.= What makes you run late:  Waiting too long to start getting everyone ready to go somewhere....I really dislike getting everyone ready then sitting around until it is time to leave so I try to time it to where we get ready and walk out the door, but sometimes I don’t time it right and we end up late...so the answer would be I make myself late!</p> <p align="left">X.= X-rays you’ve had: Teeth</p> <p align="left">Y.= Yummy food: Ray Oysters </p> <p align="left">Z.= Zoo animal favorite: Oh man another favorite question....I like all of them except the reptiles, yuck</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center">If you do an A to Z post about yourself leave me a comment and I will stop by to check it out!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-79071783912998918872011-07-07T03:24:00.001-05:002012-05-17T12:25:10.150-05:00DIY Painted & Stained Concrete Living Room Floors<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">***This has been my most popular post, with many comments and questions.  I try to respond to everyone but many times I can’t because the email address for the commenter is listed as </font></strong><a href="mailto:“noreply-comment@blogger.com"><strong><font size="3">“noreply-comment@blogger.com</font></strong></a><strong><font size="3">”.  Here is a tutorial from another blogger that will show you how to fix this problem so I can respond to your comments:  </font></strong><a href="http://www.cinsarah.com/2011/05/not-getting-replies-to-your-comments.html" target="_blank"><strong><font size="3">Cinsarah's Tutorial</font></strong></a><strong><font size="3">.</font></strong>   </p> <p align="center">I mentioned in my last <a href="http://dibbledabblelife.blogspot.com/2011/06/grandma-is-coming-to-town.html" target="_blank">post</a> that my mother in law is coming to town this month and we are trying to complete 1 zillion projects before she arrives. </p> <p align="center">Our carpet was absolutely horrible, disgusting, gross, vial, and any other gross words you can think of due to the addition of 2 wiener dogs to our family.  The carpet HAD.TO.GO!  </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Rip Out Carpet" border="0" alt="Rip Out Carpet" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CmIFzOd-tYQ/ThVtQveDtsI/AAAAAAAAAvI/Czl4FX-rFFM/2011_05_01%252520%2525281%252529.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="357" /> </p> <p align="center">We don’t have the funds at this time to install hardwood floors so after pondering our DIY options we settled on staining the concrete slab.  </p> <p align="center"><u><font size="4">****NOTE****  We broke every rule there is regarding prepping and staining concrete floors.  Normally I would not do this but a friend of mine took the same steps in her kitchen (a few years ago) and to this day her floors are holding up perfectly!</font></u></p> <p align="center"><u><font size="4"></font></u></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="6">Step One:  Rip Out Carpet</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" border="0" alt="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZFLq-mxiFwY/ThVtRPfonrI/AAAAAAAAAvM/PEdxMjHf8No/2011_05_01%252520%2525284%252529.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /> </p> <p align="center">After the carpet was removed we realized our floors were in really bad shape.  The concrete has chips, cracks, mastic overflowing from the kitchen tiles, different textures and varying colors.  You can see the variation of concrete in this picture: </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" border="0" alt="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VqiJR-4NPjs/ThVtRZw6SxI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/78vw__SoGOA/DSC_0143%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /> </p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="6">Step Two:  Remove Tack Strips</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center">These things are pure evil.  I used a flat head screwdriver, hammer and a LOT of elbow grease to get these up.</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" border="0" alt="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iZ6ltPAq6Ow/ThVtRzeaFQI/AAAAAAAAAvU/QAs36OJGY0w/2011_05_01%252520%2525286%252529.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /> </p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="6">Step Three:  Repair Floors</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center">After removing all carpet and tack strips we were supposed to fill in any holes/cracks.  Since this is a “temporary” fix we skipped this step.  The cracks and rivets will add character!</p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="6">Step Four:  Clean Floors</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center">They say you are supposed to remove all grease and grime with a special cleaner but since my friend skipped this step and her floors are still great we skipped this step also.  Instead we swept, vacuumed and mopped the floors with a damp mop.  We saved money and time!</p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="6">Step Five:  Tape Baseboards/Walls</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center">You need to be very careful with the stain because it is very watery and splatters quite easily.</p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="6">Step Six:  Paint Floors</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center">The workers at Lowe’s and Home Depot will tell you that you cannot paint the floors with a solid color and then put the semi transparent concrete on top of the paint.  They are wrong!  We used Valspar exterior satin latex paint color matched to Mega Greige by Sherwin Williams.  This was paint we had left over from previous projects.  Painting the floors served two purposes: (1) it provided us with one uniform color to work with and (2) adds depth to the floors when the semi transparent stain is applied.  </p> <p align="center">This is our hall after we painted the floors.  </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" border="0" alt="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2f__LLjSJno/ThVtSBrMrYI/AAAAAAAAAvY/LLY66U0Jzvg/DSC_0165%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="357" /> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="6">Step Seven:  Apply Semi </font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="6">Transparent Stain</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center">This process took a lot of trial and error.  We are working in sections so we painted a small area to test different methods of applying the stain.  We originally bought Quickrete semi transparent stain from Lowe’s but felt the stain wasn’t transparent enough so we switched to Behr’s semi transparent stain in the color Lodus.  </p> <p align="center">We first tried spraying the stain on the floor with a spray bottle then used a Wal-Mart bag and/or rag to dab the stain around.  It was very hard to get a somewhat consistent pattern and realized how much time it would take to achieve the look we wanted so we kept trying different methods looking for the easiest and fastest way to apply the stain. </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" border="0" alt="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ybYTDEBPB6w/ThVtS4Dv0lI/AAAAAAAAAvc/4p42gZVJiak/DSC_0160%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /> </p> <p align="center">We found the easiest and fastest way that achieved a great look was to roll the stain on top of the painted floors with 3/8” white woven fabric interior wall rollers.  This allowed us to layer the stain in light layers to add color, depth and dimension.  I used a paint brush to get the sides where the roller could not reach.  It is best to roll as delicately as possible in varying directions to prevent noticeable “roller marks”.</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" border="0" alt="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z3ZqaipBav0/ThVtTKg5EoI/AAAAAAAAAvg/FCSQ1mndJaI/2011_07_07%252520%2525288%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="357" /> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">The semi transparent concrete stain dries EXTREMELY FAST so you have to work fast to prevent noticeable “seams”.  If you do get seams in the stain then you can keep going over the different sections layering color to make it look more natural.  </p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="6">Step Eight:  Apply High Gloss</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="6">Sealer or Polyurethane</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="4"><strong><font size="6">***UPDATE***:</font>  </strong>(5/3/2012):  Please note with this step I am now suggesting to only use Polyurethane.  I used a high gloss sealer by Quickrete, that was fast drying, after a year we have random chips appearing everywhere.  My friend who has done this to her kitchen (a few years before I did) used polyurethane and has never had a chip in her floors.  The poly does take longer to dry but in the long run it is worth using it!</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center">We used Quikrete’s Wet Look High Gloss Sealer from Lowe’s.  With 4 kids and 2 dogs running around we don’t have time to wait on polyurethane to dry so we went with the concrete sealer to finish the floors.  To apply the sealer we rolled it on the floors with the same type of roller we used to apply the stain.  This product also dries very fast so we were able to apply 1 layer, let it dry to touch and apply a 2nd layer in about an hour.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" border="0" alt="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Yhb-sVqTnvI/ThVtTkVswyI/AAAAAAAAAvk/RUMkOso3P2c/2011_07_07%252520%25252812%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" border="0" alt="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JH7UJU4fXl4/Tlct9j0TRkI/AAAAAAAAAxE/6-q-Wr9-pYg/DSC_0067%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="425" />  </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" border="0" alt="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ob8JY9TXqiI/Tlct9zqeONI/AAAAAAAAAxI/zM4Z_V8JpiQ/DSC_0100%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="425" /> </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" border="0" alt="DIY Stained Concrete Floors Living Room" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a8nX7-oXadc/Tlct-Y2nhbI/AAAAAAAAAxM/-2NwVmfW0gM/DSC_0070%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="425" /> </p> <p align="center">Has anyone else attempted a project like this?  </p> <p align="center">I would love to hear your experiences!</p> <p><font size="2"><strong>I link to these awesome blogs:</strong> </font><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Making Monday Marvelous at C.R.A.F.T.</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Made By You Monday at Skip to My Lou</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Show Me What Ya Got at Not JUST a Housewife</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Get Your Craft On at Today’s Creative Blog</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Whatever Goes Wednesday by Someday Crafts</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Hookin’ Up with HOH at House of Hepworths</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.lemontreecreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">{LTC} Link Party at Lemon Tree Creations</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://youngancrafty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Free For All at Young and Crafty</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Frugalicious Friday by Finding Fabulous</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://tidymom.net/" target="_blank"><font size="2">I’m Lovin’ It at Tidy Mom</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">It’s a Hodgepodge Friday by It’s a Hodgepodge Life</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Remodelaholic’s Anonymous at Remodelaholic</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Weekend Wrap Up Party at Tatertots & Jello</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Show and Tell Saturday at Be Different Act Normal</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">DIY Project Parade at The DIY Showoff</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Sunday Scoop at I Heart Naptime</font></a>, <a href="http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/" target="_blank">Catch as Catch Can at My Repurposed Life</a></p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com94tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-91231337649527882912011-06-22T20:47:00.001-05:002011-06-22T20:47:14.946-05:00Grandma is coming to town...<p align="center">My mother in law is coming to town in less then a month!  She lives in New York which means we typically only see her once a year.  We are all very excited to see her, but this means I must start {ahem finish} a ton of projects so my house is visitor ready.   </p> <p align="center">Right now our living room and hallway is a concrete slab.  I plan on painting / staining the floors before she arrives.  </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Concrete floor to be stained" border="0" alt="Concrete floor to be stained" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4dMCZy4DnKo/TgKbGHFIJ6I/AAAAAAAAAuc/ukonnT0Ur3o/2011-06-22%25252020.24.44%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /> </p> <p align="center">I have these two wieners to thank for ruining my carpet. </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Wiener Dogs" border="0" alt="Wiener Dogs" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Go7XyK7T4xaD335ViRBmrfuxjRwE0owwuM_wxH2EiSjhEdu0PIYHwJCjgBbXIVkMSKj6NTD20ubaJTiPfBRSkZZsiaYfZ9y47bDIoSsaxf6S9qRV-6fONjWRrekNSDfj6BEp9Ee_Nzw/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /> </p> <p align="center">My pantry has been looking a hot mess ever since the hinge broke and the door fell off.  Every time I am at Lowe’s I forget to look for the hinges. </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Broke pantry hinge" border="0" alt="Broke pantry hinge" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4CiwtSg2vnQ/TgKbGucTQUI/AAAAAAAAAuk/NxhYB8ti3xw/2011051715.54.28%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /> </p> <p align="center">We installed an above ground pool so our backyard is a disaster while we edge the pool with rock and build a deck.  My husband {on the right} and his brother seem to have a problem getting much accomplished when it is 100 degrees and the pool keeps calling their name.  We’ve got the posts installed, now we’ve just got to finish the deck.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7XhfvdHJgWs/TgKbHIZq7SI/AAAAAAAAAuo/-JwmLVYqMUA/s1600-h/2011061119.10.122.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Deck Around Above Ground Pool" border="0" alt="Deck Around Above Ground Pool" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d0Ddh4dMeJE/TgKbHtOljqI/AAAAAAAAAus/CVsBCZTrW3Q/2011061119.10.12_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /></a></p> <p align="center">Last fall I painted my living room Mega Greige by Sherwin Williams.  I am not loving the color and want to repaint my walls to a truer gray color.  This picture looks very gray but most of the day my walls look beige.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cXH9okRtXLM/TgKbH10VbDI/AAAAAAAAAuw/bK3A6wTz0W0/s1600-h/Nik_HalloweenParty201012.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Sherwin Williams Mega Greige" border="0" alt="Sherwin Williams Mega Greige" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HtITzJ7IhpE/TgKbIm4JWII/AAAAAAAAAu0/U0xQNNWCnp0/Nik_HalloweenParty20101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a></p> <p align="center">For now this is plenty.  If time permits I am sure I can come up with some other things to do before she gets here.  </p> <p align="center">I’m off to paint now...I think I have found a color I can live with for a few months!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-26127278771079093932011-06-03T00:25:00.001-05:002011-06-03T00:26:00.003-05:00I’m Passing Notes...<p align="center">Meg at <a href="http://www.oismeblog.com/" target="_blank">O Is Me</a> started a fun link party that involves passing handwritten notes.  Meg loves the art and etiquette of handwritten letters and notes and she feels sad that it is becoming a rarity.  I am by no means the most etiquette person around, but I have always been a stickler for handwritten notes/letters so I share her sentiments.  </p> <center><a href="http://www.oismeblog.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Passing Notes at O. is Me!" src="https://sites.google.com/site/megandgregowen/home/files/noteslinkie.png" /></a></center> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Passing Notes 06_03_11" border="0" alt="Passing Notes 06_03_11" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lUu_mfb1ekk/TehwZ7Wl5NI/AAAAAAAAAuY/cHGyrZX5sqw/Passing%252520Notes%25252006_03_11%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="625" height="808" /> </p> <p>P.S.  Thank you Meg for creating this link party.  While writing this letter I realized how dependent I am on my computer.  I felt like I was in kindergarten learning to write again.  Maybe next week, my letter will be neater.  </p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-70453932394110968272011-06-02T04:23:00.001-05:002011-06-02T04:29:31.440-05:00House Tour - Part I - Introduction & Exterior<p align="center">My father in law owned our house and wanted to move into an apartment. In July, 2008 we took over his mortgage and moved into our first house that was not a rental.  </p> <p align="center">It is a ranch style house with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms located on 1.5 acres.    </p> <p align="center">Around the time (August, 2007) my FIL started thinking of moving into an apartment his house caught fire.  The entire inside (with the exception of the laundry room) and roof had to be rebuilt.  </p> <p align="center">These are some pictures after the fire. </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="House Fire" border="0" alt="House Fire" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu5UhlNm7r5rhTtWQvdmf2YOXQqjn7Fgo_KlWMCS_cKWRhyphenhyphenKi1JYptgfMhc7h1tGRPiSIa3K011b7BwtRmpXXjJ61OYm8rJMGOWUL6vXfxbJovKCK92hQK46orwA6vkTT9_751T4al0s/?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="House Fire" border="0" alt="House Fire" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Xzq7wdKTNApKnf4dPy0FQAE7fzeUhvc9NBNJZBKAM5Qh9uu6MboNSrcx1zD172Az04ks_ca9hkScNTYO1WRIRjcAirJ_L8IMS1uFZ57y6tMoACfOHugHZouLO9kMPMcSiGuY0qVGuDo/?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="House Fire" border="0" alt="House Fire" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0SXzVnQ-ystKebW7eVyYmxTdukXaKUsYd-I1SjruahsSZtGU87LcnPl56_vuAuQa2w18o-RFCASYBA94wKe-cVIks8739IsnHJdFci2CBX2FpzKpEEGNY8juwHWJqC1cHoHqO_eMSmA/?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="House Fire" border="0" alt="House Fire" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHQz1-qtBwea0u1uz5xwaaE5NtC-e6ibYQQL9EX5hskCCgJdSO78LghyphenhyphenK3JZxilz_H-2xvpYzRVRkQ6dZn5g80WmW06oW4SS-Azp-mau-4sT4EYK5b2uSwOjOgEWLeEBOGpOQ4vR7h6g/?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /> </p> <p align="center">Luckily they were not home when this occurred, he was insured and was able to rebuild.  This was exciting for us because he told us we could choose the colors for cabinets, carpets, etc. that were going to be used in the house.  We chose the carpet color then he changed his mind and decided to stay in the house.  He finished choosing the types of cabinets, counters, floors, etc. that would be used in the house.  A year later (July, 2008) he decided, for good, to move out and we moved in.  Although the inside was completely new the finishes were/are not my style.  </p> <p align="center">My “fear” of decision making and decorating has led to many attempts, without much success, to make our house a home we love.  IT IS A CONSTANT WORK IN PROGRSS and although we know we will eventually move I still have dreams of loving the house I am currently in.    </p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5">EXTERIOR</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center">This is the way our house looked when we moved in 2008.</p> <p align="center">Dislikes:  Color of everything.  I don’t like the brick color, roof shingle color, shutter color, porch color. </p> <p align="center"> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ranch Style Home" border="0" alt="Ranch Style Home" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTLZGfKOgQG-ifRagokfCgOXtcPWKX6JFq1II_WvEtAsLZvPtsJMk_nxYVgOLQVEr8s38nUUozFchXY5DbMa0KoM242fN_gYKHLSXwP0eSPHRkmgmvQVQBH5Moq9zv7pYDrwv3WBHjpM/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /> </p> <p align="center">Last year I made some changes to the flower beds, painted the front porch and removed the shutters.  I was amazed at how much the brick color seemed to change by making these changes.  This picture may have been taken with just primer on the porch because it is actually a gray color whereas it looks white in this photo. </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ranch Style Home" border="0" alt="Ranch Style Home" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfhXok_hObqP2b55FgmfrL_S6siCIkuCGLsqEG6UDtyDDiiJ_QswqXyYDOsk2W3-bN0wjQqZRwCVH5e_UWgi_gObQY7lksaneM1EOJ4HS7kSdu5bzxDyC0AW75WSUyRrBxvHqnjHBi74/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /> </p> <p align="center">This is the back of our house in 2008.  We are about to do a lot of work in the back so I will update the back exterior picture when that is complete. </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ranch Style Home" border="0" alt="Ranch Style Home" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZohjE1_a9z1aXVHNjXNloh21FzuHIb15I35XFFZP8kzLFBSm9moxSvgYHpQGS5fap-4wEhQziOaDpoavENxyCgWAe71LJXqVCg9QzdKUu7zhjR2WMVLb7g9y6DWO-RyCuxpN8aXVXJg4/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="5"><u>FRONT EXTERIOR TO DO LIST:</u>  </font></strong></p> <ul> <li>Choose colors to decorate with that will pop and minimize the orange color in the bricks and shingles.  </li> <li>Install new shutters. </li> <li>Paint the front door. </li> <li>Decorate the front porch so it is inviting and actually has some style.  </li> <li>Figure out why my grass isn’t as green as it used to be. </li> <li>Fix/Redo flower beds.  </li> </ul> <p><u><strong><font size="5">BACK EXTERIOR TO DO LIST:</font></strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Tear down deck and fill in with concrete to make one big slab. </li> <li>Paint entire concrete slab to have one consistent color. </li> <li>Install above ground pool. </li> <li>Build deck around pool. </li> <li>Decorate entire back area for entertaining and relaxing. </li> <li>Power wash house. </li> <li>Figure out a way to disguise the AC unit and power/electrical boxes. </li> <li>Paint back door. </li> </ul> <p align="center">Summer is here so we will be focusing on our backyard paradise we hope to create.  I will update all changes!  </p> <p align="center">Do you have as many projects on your to do list as I do?  </p> <p align="center">Be looking for Part II of my house tour which will detail our living room.  </p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-91243467225014174302011-05-19T02:09:00.001-05:002011-07-07T15:14:27.671-05:00Weight Loss - Slow and Steady<p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Weight Loss Progression Picture" border="0" alt="Weight Loss Progression Picture" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqW4vw12Rhs4fjTyxC3_rIvTn3unUrtEwAuGs6DmHhvB6z40Zm-3mx6_8WgeOhflnQLeYUtc3RT7WjoATYB7CZflAmsXFHkAy4oXLCR992c7Km3gXj-glzFG_aWaDdMQeeQ_VlKKkA7o/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="295" /> </p> <p align="center">Last September I <a href="http://dibbledabblelife.blogspot.com/2010/09/blah-blah-blah.html" target="_blank">mentioned</a> I was feeling very BLAH.  I was unhappy with the weight I had gained after getting married in 2009 and wanted to get in shape.  Around March of 2010 I started whining and crying about my weight because I started outgrowing my clothes.  </p> <p align="center">I whined.  I cried.  I whined.  I cried.  Promised myself I would change.  </p> <p align="center">I whined.  I cried.  I whined.  I cried.  Promised myself I would change.</p> <p align="center">If only it were so easy to take that first step.  Fears of failing caused me to procrastinate.  Within a blink of an eye, I was outgrowing the larger sized clothes recently bought due to weight gain.  I finally woke up and realized I couldn’t wish this issue away, I had to do something about this issue.  </p> <p align="center">Last November I decided to join the January session of a boot camp program.  During the holidays, I allowed myself to eat as much hash brown casserole as I wanted and I did not hate myself for doing so.  </p> <p align="center">I enjoyed every bite!</p> <p align="center">Once January rolled around I was tired of eating and ready to get fit.  I started attending boot camp classes 4 days a week and started eating healthy.  The first 4 weeks I lost almost 11 inches all over my body.</p> <p align="center">I am proud to say I am still enrolled and attending the classes.  There are many reasons I have been successful this time around.  Being that this is a group setting, I have made friends that I look forward to seeing every day.  There is always someone there to encourage me to keep going when I think I can’t go  anymore.  Our teacher is awesome.  Class is not a competition, it doesn’t matter if we finish first or last, as long as we finish.</p> <p align="center">I am now fitting into clothes that I had not been able to wear and it feels wonderful.  I have learned so much in these last few months, that will help me live a better life.  My instructor tells us that this class should not be looked upon as a way to lose weight, rather it is to get us healthy.  Guess what one of the side effects of living a healthy lifestyle is??  YOU LOOK BETTER!!  I have also learned not to worry about the number on the scale.  I bet you won’t believe me if I tell you I have only lost about 10 pounds since I started.  I have lost more inches then pounds.</p> <p align="center">Here are some pictures taken during class (I am in purple)</p> <p align="center">I can’t tell you how many bad words I have said when we have to run zig zags up and down this hill that extends all the way to the road</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Boot Camp Class" border="0" alt="Boot Camp Class" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMQlmVxc-3k-k33pv98c5YEyyvHkjuE0ItXiXHVlXFIZXOAYFT-I1tzJEHtVSCd4EyM26gU83dgGs1XL74Pwaxzz4qZ3R0hLwbZarP-SVXRW1zAG5D39y0gSPcp1uyl-4m-zvq3VdFJg/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /> </p> <p align="center">I love the burn from lunges!</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Boot Camp Class" border="0" alt="Boot Camp Class" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjov6sfIM2xR_DTI3CAJLOw19jgyjFTmCOkG_P21W1uCzxpw-Vvko9c2ptBQG2YlsZdX6_tQ38Hx1uDv9x8z8vQ26BXrL7wFjmyrjajHQokH-JpYcPKdypgjfLQhkoFhtbncqfBcIx9EQk/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /> </p> <p align="center">I’m not sure I will ever love running.</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Boot Camp Class" border="0" alt="Boot Camp Class" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtSbARXr_0uzeiyzekEzrAg-LHlvtHkSfiUUvdEcYEY4_YTLEWgiJAYr6veSkhquM91Kjd3L_U3KN43f0QmZt_Zzzl2u6u8I8Zv9OFsrFYX1sBZig31P46K6VB-6MvcTqwebO1TuGXtI/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">And here is the side view of my progress.</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Weight Loss Progression Picture" border="0" alt="Weight Loss Progression Picture" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJoDVWdKurC3HEaXbeqa9ica5HAbRv7R7ShbjqXuJKYSAWZPqhe3KmYSouJDKwhbgQFdF75NDxIoCUIoecCtqxU046J7ouNNgc4D72_Td1_XQCvWZGu6cVx-rqHmS5-t_jFMH2Uy3NTQ/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="296" /> </p> <p align="center">If you are trying to find motivation to get fit reach deep down inside and find it because I know it is there!  Once you do you will feel AWESOME!</p> <p><font size="2"><strong>I link to these awesome blogs:</strong> </font><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Making Monday Marvelous at C.R.A.F.T.</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Made By You Monday at Skip to My Lou</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Show Me What Ya Got at Not JUST a Housewife</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Get Your Craft On at Today’s Creative Blog</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Whatever Goes Wednesday by Someday Crafts</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Hookin’ Up with HOH at House of Hepworths</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.lemontreecreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">{LTC} Link Party at Lemon Tree Creations</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://youngancrafty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Free For All at Young and Crafty</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Frugalicious Friday by Finding Fabulous</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://tidymom.net/" target="_blank"><font size="2">I’m Lovin’ It at Tidy Mom</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">It’s a Hodgepodge Friday by It’s a Hodgepodge Life</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Remodelaholic’s Anonymous at Remodelaholic</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Weekend Wrap Up Party at Tatertots & Jello</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Show and Tell Saturday at Be Different Act Normal</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="2">DIY Project Parade at The DIY Showoff</font></a><font size="2">, </font><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Sunday Scoop at I Heart Naptime</font></a></p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-35392608801517384502011-03-19T10:18:00.001-05:002011-03-19T10:18:43.180-05:00My Junk Drawer Gives Me Free Stuff<p align="center">I finally tired of opening my junk drawer and not being able to close it so I decided to clean it out a little.</p> <p align="center">  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TYTJSzlefPI/AAAAAAAAAr0/lTRJVorDVOw/s1600-h/DSC_26432.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_2643" border="0" alt="DSC_2643" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TYTJTO24cLI/AAAAAAAAAr4/VQeTmQyelQE/DSC_2643_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">After removing the larger items on top {which all belong somewhere else but apparently we are too lazy to put them up so we shove them in the junk drawer} the items that are supposed to live in my junk drawer were revealed.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TYTJTSJzy5I/AAAAAAAAAr8/X3MdQHKaMOM/s1600-h/DSC_26442.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_2644" border="0" alt="DSC_2644" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TYTJTm2nzuI/AAAAAAAAAsA/Vff29P33Uvw/DSC_2644_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">You may be wondering why I have so many Box Tops and Coke product tops in my drawer.  Well they are the reason my junk drawer gives me free stuff.  </p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5">Coke Product Tops = FREE MAGAZINES</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center">Coke product tops have codes printed on them, when entered on the My Coke Rewards website, the codes turn into points.  With those points you can get all sorts of things.  A lot of the stuff is junk, sweepstakes, or require too many points; but I discovered I could order magazines with the points.  I save all caps and when I am really bored {3-4 times a year} I enter the codes on the website.  My points accumulate and once a year I get 5-6 magazines for FREE!!!  </p> <p align="center">Instead of reading them when they are delivered {I have enough blog feeds to read} I stash them away out of sight and when beach season rolls around I have plenty of reading material for those lazy days on the beach.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TYTJTxyj75I/AAAAAAAAAsE/pTZBLVFA5NM/s1600-h/DSC_26542.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_2654" border="0" alt="DSC_2654" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TYTJUOy_K6I/AAAAAAAAAsI/DGARCqcMhs8/DSC_2654_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5">Box Tops = FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center">My sons’ school collects the Box Top and receives money when they turn them in.  With the money they receive from Box Tops the school provides all of the children’s school supplies!!!!  It is so nice to not have to shop for their school supplies each year.  I let the Box Tops accumulate and turn them in 2-3 times a year.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TYTJUSEqbRI/AAAAAAAAAsM/767xvHVFnJw/s1600-h/DSC_26482.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_2648" border="0" alt="DSC_2648" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TYTJUj1-QJI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/c62NCrsJuts/DSC_2648_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a> </p> <p align="center">The hardest part about saving these things was remembering to keep them when I first started.  It is now second nature for me to throw the Box Tops and Coke tops in my junk drawer.  The entire family eventually caught on and they remember also!  </p> <p align="center">Do you know of other easy ways to get freebies?  If you do, I would love to hear about them!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-78592583686553634702011-03-01T09:00:00.001-06:002011-03-01T09:00:39.516-06:00What’s On Michelle’s Phone<p align="center">YEAAAAAAA!  It’s Tuesday and that means it is time to play over at <a href="http://www.lowefamilynews.com/" target="_blank">The Lowe Family News</a>!  </p> <p align="center">If you want to play along click the button below and you too can join the PARTY!!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.lowefamilynews.com/2010/11/whats-on-jessicas-phone-tuesdays.html" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac214/jesslynlowe13/Whatsonmyphonebutton1.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center">Life has been a turbulent roller coaster since I last linked up {you can read about it <a href="http://dibbledabblelife.blogspot.com/2011/02/trying-to-get-on-track.html" target="_blank">here</a>, if you want} so I don’t have many pictures on my phone.  </p> <p align="center">Thankfully, things are getting back to normal so next week I should have more to share.  </p> <p align="center">I live in Mobile, Alabama....did you know that Mardi Gras was originated in Mobile, AL??  Yep it sure was.</p> <p align="center">We are in the middle of Mardi Gras season so Sunday night we caught two parades.</p> <p align="center">This first picture is after the parade.  {Yes I am a mean parent and make my kids throw all of that junk away, as well as lather in Germ-X as soon as we get home!}</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKchaLXy49ncCHOwQxlgS-jmR5zaFd5IF9f1chcCH1vn6XZGX71AnpQA91nS39TJs3lKNVCuWHP95WadGcvscgXbBDGdh7q9R9XNafFAKk2MDg5Zz_yo-DiAZtncNdkeiEvD7HATmj2fg/s1600-h/2011022719.26.202.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2011-02-27 19.26.20" border="0" alt="2011-02-27 19.26.20" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySLLtHs2gmvg9UQDM_I57DHICTh6hO9RjjFikqVNbrR15H6j0hWKyAgNRYK-Ar4gv4mgbGr9Arq0skIGH39s6x_Pga_JHKpjKSA7AnRl6nG4ZEZYrk72_RhgJNV8l1pX6kB3x5wkHTwA/?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">We got there a little too early, but didn’t mind since we had first dibs on where to stand.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXZdcBkSOqU2_3ECC870Kot3WUQg-RjKgvZTfyCcHK1SnC-HuThpFCCw8Okpdj_u2am_q7bzqOM_4ahvovZWZgaIG5p02tzaZdFYJDbTNWdZHejmi79nhV_IxnBhNcet-7ZZ405czdT8/s1600-h/2011022717.34.282.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2011-02-27 17.34.28" border="0" alt="2011-02-27 17.34.28" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7Myu2ySgz9K0JK1ohrGbK-ouhF_h3tf2xzvMQ8gGHtF482r41LnLqoUlGfp_FbglDB4yOaMITtwJ2jbnDrH7JB-8G_kBJY4mfPWYrbReIt3o8atQy02cC48ujBSGLvam3eEDtkvmejc/?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Why do kids do this in pictures??? </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLcPMY76Q1nT6a0HVVujNobAB5V6D_W0izfK7pJ8tlqMNBWU_2nO7I6-WtlZOM5kMYgHv5HY6la-3wUNwj3n18fyvfFSQYctGsT3oH43c7YvIZJP1-XUAMG4fDHL6bLIQLTi2lEcPV3o/s1600-h/2011022718.58.352.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2011-02-27 18.58.35" border="0" alt="2011-02-27 18.58.35" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbGwaEhqgeAsTFjatShKRWb2ZF6IWS0HKMQsO148Qob1nY7eKdo_-LljtTj_YfHDbqagQAxNSOKcEnzqP8wrUH4ksUXndEeJ9RjQ4OKAGKcyBg9I8dr4s9wDEplmAu-U693dW-mgnVeQ/?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Dominick had a blast catching everybody in his net that cost me a whopping $5, I should’ve stopped by the dollar store before heading out to the parade.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzminjdbf273BqnnYKPYYicHHfRjRUbjM5ln8luxGvmaTFGw1a0CeZtDJRnVT8P5TwmQhk4HWjlEadhvmy2f1L6IU3aZ0BjjH2zvii8wfVwbm0PdUA7Y6pGaM-Io8XhzwUJqhxIFz2yl0/s1600-h/2011022718.05.125.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2011-02-27 18.05.12" border="0" alt="2011-02-27 18.05.12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpX3yp1N1Vu9J0ZEaFuNZeCo3UqoYy5o8b7g83nFJHLyc5AiY5ME8dgDZl-_R3sAvAJU0dlF33Cvakb1qhyyrL__W0xlH0dTP_HhRCYmD4PGqUkYGt4Oj3EGOLHgaLPIRKzlWV9KN5Mgs/?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">They all had sugar highs from cotton candy.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxsL9x1Dgu5G5LC223sxEyc9hL6pSg84FWayyIKrO9nOZZE8EaBPuxV8znkBjuifWxgVOriN0gbPBOQZNtkXxotUrovtRDBdJgDsdZuDqYkpop_J25_UyiQuFXxzmnlTEEvS9x4a78G8/s1600-h/2011022718.26.005.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2011-02-27 18.26.00" border="0" alt="2011-02-27 18.26.00" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWH2_eHopMzQ1qjhmRbG_iayZRF3YAOa9xk6tnSe5zSVmJrC3obMxsAm9twdpMzKGw_mvt04Wpc3Gdy15EaJBoVyQNpJXXIVf72PKsB6Ees4vXmUS0c7HE6in_4_1sDJZncUh-FnxJljI/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Yes I go in public with no makeup and my hair pulled back.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZobR_jLP4LpWEeJJkjqzYBb6NV90-kcH8Ot1IMTkIr2EyFlz_ATWJETmKcGlMyBFYLM97pToz7QLYvIdmXQGP5jLhxxVri2CkS9AD1Sx97oZSE2chx33FPuGnAuv-h5Fw8uOcX5SYJZ0/s1600-h/2011022717.35.485.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2011-02-27 17.35.48" border="0" alt="2011-02-27 17.35.48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLm9fup6Y9aCtknZSemH8fTYbs3irki0cRm8du7CtFcwwgUxpVg-ebgmVDgWDKojuzkgJc22kjLA5KvHqNj9Lwt4YWv5O4DgUztGCYOyub7MnPYHxEkZHyFd6wZkfgJFgqgS4IYQeLbw/?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /></a></p> <p align="center">That’s all folks...see you next week!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-3797075962747641242011-02-28T15:01:00.001-06:002011-02-28T15:01:05.937-06:00Trying To Get On Track...<p align="center">2011 was supposed to be a year of change.  I did not make any “resolutions” but I did have a few things in mind I wanted to accomplish.   </p> <p align="center">I wanted to get in shape. </p> <p align="center">I wanted to start working on my project to do list.  </p> <p align="center">I wanted to practice photography.  </p> <p align="center">I wanted to become a more active blogger.  </p> <p align="center">The year started out pretty good.  I started to get healthy and was on track to accomplish my goals.  </p> <p align="center">Then life decided to throw a curve ball.  </p> <p align="center">Last month my father in law suddenly got sick.  A doctor told him he had contracted Hepatitis A and would feel better in 2-3 weeks.  On February 3, 2011 he had to go to the ER because the pain was so intense.  That night we learned he did not have Hepatitis A, he had something much worse......PANCREATIC CANCER.  The ER doctor told us it was bad, gave him 3 months to live.  Unfortunately he only lived 17 more days.  He died Sunday, February 20, 2011.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDobMeq6bgSu7ss5FgDyE_K6UI7oJNvWGOCVh_WosQatnoi4SXLWq4aPHsbHl8MPr1R1ppNlDQf5wYmzmst4LX0NJK1rXIUD7MlV0alS3pZHkFAzYztVzYMM_bQceoUnqPG2cOjuLdbo/s1600-h/20071202_263.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2007-12-02_26" border="0" alt="2007-12-02_26" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfc9GWChcFdE0ak3cqZkXbJK6_irLj2KipmzAGjJmct67J6DdThJWf8RKGNpDZbku162KWJfizBwApUeFHZmTCADQXmUsqRNXzOWmUniotZ7c5aaLPnDWBBnMP92E1rp4abxZjg-h-_I/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">My husband was very close to his father.  He was a huge part of our lives and we are pretty lost without him.  Now that he has passed, we are caring for his 17 year old daughter.  Adjusting to another person in the house hasn’t been too bad especially since she loves to clean!  </p> <p align="center">Now that things are getting back to normal I plan to pick up where I left off and I look forward to sharing all the nitty gritty details with you all!</p> <p align="center">P.S.  We love you Val, you will be truly missed!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-63046386851832258242010-12-23T00:27:00.000-06:002010-12-23T00:27:00.637-06:00Penny Pitcher Draft Beer Has Been Good To Me<p align="center">5 years ago today, I met Alex; the greatest man in the world!  I am so thankful and blessed to have met him. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgroVWIpuWHNvO1RYmAAbVyHEilKAOx1q_M0MrBtCIN-7biBRiX34iXbq81ekTmjKrIAbrFVZXdJRnrcsi-4S5hw_WxRqpoFTfhB3FScjd1Ymt7L9PHD48jj7VKABClOYugKP18329CM/s1600-h/alex%20and%20i%20after%20meeting%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSv3nnasIpYWVIIkYUtk5OUG1e0N2SC4KEsfc4WqAMZASg-61CokRiYt8FXJn68hXDkJievrj0lTk1JMlH0DUuoSyhZ0sjKszJ_V53BxRVDT3zR56npeOYFw0_pcNgoO7CTiArVUY-NE/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="336" /></a> </p> <p align="center">If you are looking to hear about how we met in school or at work and fell in love, you will have to look elsewhere.  Our story is a little less sophisticated, but none the less it is our love story and I look forward to one day telling my grandchildren how their “Gramps” {hehe} and I met.  </p> <p align="center"><font size="5">We are some classy people because on December 23, 2005 we met at a bar on penny pitcher night.</font>  </p> <p align="center">We hit it off somewhat, which I am sure many thanks are in order to the penny pitchers of draft beer we consumed.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWL3ApQ6l5k1DThRRWD-bhmzOZQzbJaMWJW4FGJ3D71xUJbKXuVRyuks4rwhmjs5yxgNngCKzo0plbfmnRz0CkwqL-21ab8XRmyese4s9aBJQ_nZlsdr-RxFose6j9HmnGuvRuvNpMGc/s1600-h/DSC_2310%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhsiD2UW3N6nF_29L2HHycDJRSk4VAwBISeXlHALY4Bf_FMibeoID4j-HEgyBHfG80V6qoDX_4BedwIwwoJlHjK7lREQIgBjKaRTIFuXfpa5SfKdTA1K-2YN6PFg0Pq49vZz6VmyT91Y/?imgmax=800" width="237" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><em>{Yes this is the actual pitcher from the night we met}</em></p> <p align="center">After some time Alex drank too much and before I knew it he was singing Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers In The Night” to me.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRGcQJKQ62I/AAAAAAAAAqE/DoY530ejQqo/s1600-h/0%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRGcQ0DgRKI/AAAAAAAAAqI/WrqQqBkJNeM/0_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">He started to get on my nerves.  I bolted when he tried to land a big slobbery kiss on me. </p> <p align="center">Apparently we exchanged numbers because in his drunken state he tried to call a few times that night, I ignored his calls.  </p> <p align="center">For some reason I felt bad for him the next day, so I called to check on him.  We hit it off again, this time without being inebriated.  </p> <p align="center">We saw each other every day and 3 weeks after meeting we moved in together.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtfrs7v99nzc3qjvJ1uu94kdyfIgGiIgRDGCZsHxJ7vWoxsPAOhiR7tCthrX8dLkkbArU4BQ1Nk3aBCDO7SlmptISI4Y38aXLKLICY7t1ojkHjRFgY_pHTWLtxRxFVKh6BDEe672iHi8/s1600-h/2006_03%20(22)b%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2006_03 (22)b" border="0" alt="2006_03 (22)b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRameTtzITlmS3Wq08doaGmJ_DacQNuH8KILaTSeCOQMGH50XnOU99ZWKrYJ-MRohZiqDj-5WDgar8FQdri8mGB41rlhHSzsJGPl8EeeeJBr0l9IcF44xFML2hHNcXCz7j8QpnI9c32fU/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /></a></p> <p align="center">  I know....I know.....I KNOW how CRAZY that sounds, especially with all the psychos in our world, but believe me I knew this was the real deal.  Even weirder was the fact that my strict mother {whom he met 5 days after we met} did not fuss or lecture me one bit, it was like she also knew he was the one and she was totally okay with us moving in together {so weird}. </p> <p align="center">As they say, the rest is history.</p> <p align="center">Never in a million years, while he was serenading me that fateful night we met, did I think that same song would be the song Alex and I danced to for our first dance as husband and wife.  Seriously, I’ve always thought Frank Sinatra was cool, but I had no idea his music was that powerful :~)</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:051d0d20-1354-4197-9c87-665bc26d87f7" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="c11265b6-5927-4d5a-9639-f4ba536d5c3c" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtXiormP9Cc" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57SOuLhQtZEJT_8x8oOQM4JgqVvYoY6Hw1t5id5Oy01OKpeteBpmmFL4UzRkIvV4xXt7YAgY2c2B2bBGwxmQHRx4H-bNp6sF79Sl9pVMl3F72aM19Hw6mHYgEBcv2YmWh3O-h9_a3ZCM/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('c11265b6-5927-4d5a-9639-f4ba536d5c3c'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/DtXiormP9Cc&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/DtXiormP9Cc&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p align="center">Alex, I love you and am so thankful our lives crossed paths 5 years ago.  I can’t imagine life without you and the boys!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-79213126400167356972010-12-21T14:43:00.001-06:002010-12-21T14:43:00.608-06:00What’s On Michelle’s Phone Tuesday<p align="center">If you want to join this week’s party be sure to visit Jessica <a href="http://www.lowefamilynews.com/2010/12/whats-on-jessicas-phone-linkup_21.html" target="_blank">here</a> and join the link up, while you are there grab her snazzy button. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.lowefamilynews.com/2010/11/whats-on-jessicas-phone-tuesdays.html" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac214/jesslynlowe13/Whatsonmyphonebutton1.jpg" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I hate I missed late week’s awesome party, you can check out the awesomeness from last week <a href="http://www.lowefamilynews.com/2010/12/whats-on-jessicas-phone-linkup_14.html" target="_blank">here</a>.  </p> <p align="center"><font size="5">Time to play catch up!</font></p> <p align="center">We’ve been doing a lot of wrapping around our house. Last year my husband wrapped EVERYTHING, but I decided to join in on the fun this year. Wow nice and blurry.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRERQJ9kqCI/AAAAAAAAAos/cyTgzA8dUBs/s1600-h/IMAG02222.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMAG0222" border="0" alt="IMAG0222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo1pPcopO0wTAic6roqfO4b_14a2NUFe2Q2Jux94mdBEB5XEmZjG5z29fMkmT0Q_t5rQL9l0zV3ng5cwxdHiuqpoNjfXIKMBUXWjG2Zik7vUNzxi5Y9_8884jk_cmY5gEHc8kRqpgiCM/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></a> </p> <p align="center">We have lived in our house for 3 years and this was the first time we have ever used our fireplace. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRERQi4-iHI/AAAAAAAAAo0/62IZ4lDXSLg/s1600-h/IMAG02252.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMAG0225" border="0" alt="IMAG0225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1kfj57mR3mKdfmfQWvKTFB91a4Uczf-6YeaXK0grMVqeUcPqRNpuMXL25Nllk8GDxKMaydvRo9BV1JPLl7FoPICxKOS72hYWyZCE-EaPH5_muOCoLeqzJLP2ppXpTG0XvDwaTCR8MtM/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></a> </p> <p align="center">A customer bought our rims right off our truck, so we had to get some new 26’s to properly represent the wheel shop. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRERRFnrl-I/AAAAAAAAAo8/2ax01Su1S1o/s1600-h/IMAG02322.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMAG0232" border="0" alt="IMAG0232" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRERRU_yrbI/AAAAAAAAApA/-IBXn0mr45o/IMAG0232_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I stripperfied my nails to be festive and match an outfit to attend a Dirty Santa Party. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRERRiZlWbI/AAAAAAAAApE/m1WeEbkMAog/s1600-h/IMAG02482.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMAG0248" border="0" alt="IMAG0248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3R82LL-ou9EFpOQenNmOgAvIUNsa_CGLt0xYJflh1jnDxFJ2CW826alsA9OkFDHy5odn5QcIAhqAfOapZXY3xJ7nMP151v2g5czr9mTJ6lgzAg-_3DDDIA8u81l9e-3lxv2eCxQ0Sfc/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I bought a new cute sparkly clutch for the same Dirty Santa Party. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRERSXfiM0I/AAAAAAAAApM/93nb8QoCfDk/s1600-h/IMAG02292.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMAG0229" border="0" alt="IMAG0229" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRERSt_DzwI/AAAAAAAAApQ/IdEghQpPkUA/IMAG0229_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></a> </p> <p align="center">We received our annual shipment of baked goodies from my mother in law, all the way in New York.  Her cookies are amazing, even after shipping they are still just as fresh as the day she makes them.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRERSzZcA0I/AAAAAAAAApU/fx0BR4LFxM0/s1600-h/IMAG02682.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMAG0268" border="0" alt="IMAG0268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDF3miFGqLECzsDR0soCmgcyQkZh1ydeZwU8V2PRLeA8VrTvRBeDt1igFkJZaZoXAYKk2ZQThIcpDQoMJC-BLPYVxneEqATx8UtO4zPACxjznhcggtIDSC010bImkgh_apEZ8Dh3Yk6ZI/?imgmax=800" width="238" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I dropped my girls off at the mall for an hour and let them carry my phone so I could call them {since I am a mean mommy that thinks 6th graders don’t need their own; been there, tried that, won’t try it again for a while} and they apparently had fun playing dress up in Claire’s. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRERTSV50NI/AAAAAAAAApc/z7bqIJ754O0/s1600-h/shopping2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="shopping" border="0" alt="shopping" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid70mfGrbvUc6fSb78U28-rKgD0J73ATpf2rzYH9Jsp85vYpljiFPhn5VbcRsq4AyG674ZB8-NwiDImN2Tz3lHWhTdL4Z9ubQORARBk4LY2EUiyATXw526VYzbN-CiYvdKyx9w0uP963I/?imgmax=800" width="357" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Since the kids are out of school we have been crafting. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRERT4oJNQI/AAAAAAAAApk/Yx1qKvdo9gA/s1600-h/IMAG02822.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMAG0282" border="0" alt="IMAG0282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2KikZEkdMVAbFVLFuYnGujuF5scV0ub5negz_0F86XbIWVWoYpCh892h0mkrA-VzqtR-ej6DRpWvH3VNLwmFZ8Cf5psARQdyiYv0LctNxvegYgxKIfFwr2N-rzX7UX6gBKVeEWJthpw/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></a> </p> <p align="center">And lastly, it seems like all I do is clean....this is our new puppy hiding from the vacuum.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRERURY-XlI/AAAAAAAAAps/Bs4EGLUy0d8/s1600-h/IMAG02832.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMAG0283" border="0" alt="IMAG0283" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TRERU77_SrI/AAAAAAAAApw/SpTV23YihP0/IMAG0283_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="238" height="357" /></a></p> <p align="center">Now it’s your turn.  So run and get your phones so you can link up!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-40895656199942966712010-11-30T14:59:00.001-06:002010-11-30T14:59:58.404-06:00What Is On Michelle’s Phone Tuesday<p align="center">I have been MIA the last 2 or 3 weeks of this awesome link party thrown by Jessica over at <a href="http://www.lowefamilynews.com/" target="_blank">The Lowe Family News</a> and I am mad, very mad at myself.  </p> <p align="center">To make up for lost time I will unload it all on you guys today and I promise to narrow it down to the bestest of the best!  </p> <p align="center">I missed the 2nd week of this party because I was still recovering from a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama with my friend Brenda.  We went to watch Alabama football!!  We had a great time, our boys won the game and we had an even better time afterwards partying it up like we were college students!  </p> <p align="center">Many thanks to my great husband for staying with the kiddos while I played.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TPVlwI1FOJI/AAAAAAAAAoE/zywJvwdEdIA/s1600-h/football%20game%20collage%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="football game collage" border="0" alt="football game collage" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbgXdwe9aIjSmfDmi-U9i_pmzBGyMuFbPCH4bKI6uvZM68UxROxg2kpBqWZEp-V95XJ-dpzq3Psw1_A9E7-OQioeCYtuUS8wUWs5kHTiOjgV0_KD00Jo7mrguqENBZzwmHQV6DKPlT4c/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="323" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I’ve been busy with the kids.  I got to enjoy Thanksgiving lunch with Dominick at school and went on a field trip with Marissa and Bailey.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TPVlwpkm4OI/AAAAAAAAAoM/y-RmcEcGFtA/s1600-h/field%20trip%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="field trip" border="0" alt="field trip" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0iIi1hZUlJQZLUhKGkKLJYGebZiYnfEaC8HM5It7mKonkqDk0eG_4uDJA_ejIDEvzKJUZ659blhMHVEghtVjyWugw0UcpD8vrH_ZP3PXa-bn0XNUoP0_9cxN1nJjxfVPv-WawXkR5es/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="323" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Alex brought a bouquet of flowers home for no reason at all....I love him!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TPVlxFC0zCI/AAAAAAAAAoU/yDPtONHWgKQ/s1600-h/IMAG0187%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMAG0187" border="0" alt="IMAG0187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor6OxcjJtK2I4AhZB0rEPuGNFhdM1SiTC1Fx4O1yK65f7tmAKjViPpfplTvqH_yRXGJA2oe7E9kLcWpnU-XKVcLDqQ6EUkw1J6hCZJAIS0j7jLAbEgi5c7NkGeAVLYe_8XPm-HXZ8DZE/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Getting four kids dressed and ready {by myself} to see Santa ended up being a major ordeal.  After loading everyone in the truck and locking the house, I realized my keys were sitting on my kitchen table.  </p> <p align="center">Luckily a window was unlocked so I had to tear up a window screen {which due to it's great quality took me 15 minutes to tear the screen so I could rip it out of the window} in order to get in my house and get my keys.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TPVlxxiZi5I/AAAAAAAAAoc/UB_otponU-A/s1600-h/screen%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="screen" border="0" alt="screen" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TPVlyJ1-oBI/AAAAAAAAAog/hvfHj-l8Qko/screen_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Lastly, we had a weak moment and bought a new puppy!  We have one wiener dog and thought it would be a great idea to get another {what were we thinking?}.  She is so cute and yummy!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TPVlywOusHI/AAAAAAAAAok/RJLYth2LQlg/s1600-h/dog%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="dog" border="0" alt="dog" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBzyl0aBjmufHNgo9R-p2GQgKLCtxsSUZLt6fhyphenhyphenidGzifyfEFnpcOl-d6jvql0tncfvfPTmBQnLdjO_L8AhCSvn7u6R0p-UiB8L0-qF5uAM6lSqPG6BVabjHD_zlp3X2yTf0GGn7gKP4/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="323" /></a> </p> <p align="center">  If you want to join in on this fun party click <a href="http://www.lowefamilynews.com/2010/11/whats-on-jessicas-phone-linkup_30.html" target="_blank">here</a> NOW!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-10550894648756277512010-11-09T18:14:00.001-06:002010-11-09T18:14:09.678-06:00What Is On Michelle’s Phone Tuesday<p align="center">I’m a genius...ok not really but this <a href="http://www.lowefamilynews.com/" target="_blank">hot mamma Jessica</a> is a genius!  </p> <p align="center">Recently she started posting blogs to chronicle her phone picture taking addiction.  This is right up my alley since I usually have my phone camera, my regular digital camera, my DSLR and my Flip video camera within a fingers distance away at all times.  </p> <p align="center">I told her I wanted to copy her posts but I did not like to be a copy cat so I suggested she have a link party to celebrate her brilliant idea and low and behold she having a link party so we can all share our life events via our phone pictures!  Be sure to join the party <a href="http://www.lowefamilynews.com/2010/11/whats-on-jessicas-phone-tuesdays.html" target="_blank">here</a>, you are guaranteed to meet some great people.  </p> <p align="center">Let’s get on with the brilliance:</p> <p align="center">I am beginning to understand why my children hate taking pictures with me.  While traveling to a haunted train/house I tried to take a picture of me and some of the kids.  After 4 attempts of me trying to not look like I have a double chin I finally gave up and realized my arm was not long enough to get all of us in the picture without me looking like a goon.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TNnjwPICl1I/AAAAAAAAAnU/Gc8xJscN93Y/s1600-h/Picnik%20collage%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Picnik collage" border="0" alt="Picnik collage" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRR_TNan1CBrBuz5W3WPawWJqlQ_JS1x2_RfzxMSBjEiGOuoLkSJR6uAkkkXxF8Q0pF9TaOZQAmOecfNFUd3EhhKfR-cLmGlMMWo7SVYwMFWw-g8pKSIYP4381jNtBpbMw4WbrsPEXRE/?imgmax=800" width="480" height="480" /></a> </p> <p align="center">In the fall/winter I usually darken my hair.  Please focus on my hair and how my eyes pop instead of me not having any makeup on....thanks.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TNnjw_hLfOI/AAAAAAAAAnc/S0RkZj_cCOQ/s1600-h/IMAG0149%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMAG0149" border="0" alt="IMAG0149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQZ9uFBqjE8i2DOH5QebWIUJjvNX6YAR1_6d077Vy5YeQpb_mIQKau3g91ZmLXlRby2PUYv7ssfQUhLto1hbbp-8R6cGB9cc1jqtY7Ml4MXb8apZbej2QrKb6qNavcueo8PpZb8zBpOI/?imgmax=800" width="238" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">My suburban is even more fabulous with the addition of sun visors that aren’t really sun visors but 10” TV screens. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TNnjxS_LvXI/AAAAAAAAAnk/jaCYUjxDivI/s1600-h/IMAG0119%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMAG0119" border="0" alt="IMAG0119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6vR4bNeuukQ7UGI63Whmcfbsh50ceSt17nTdaBZRILNNEc-G1g_dbPG1Ffsl8sWwHU4mh59_fS-pydDzD2DIvMgwgRNBGGPwlN_z-ijVoOJ6_mRJrDnV5MAURpA8fs9l-UDTApL8t2k/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">We threw our annual Halloween party and had a bonfire which could have burned down our garage and an oak tree...luckily no such things happened and we had a great evening. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TNnjyQOE-_I/AAAAAAAAAns/i1-b88GdnSY/s1600-h/Picnik%20collage2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Picnik collage2" border="0" alt="Picnik collage2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MXmAoI-lPrqVWeRJKkmoe85GeG6nS90ASeNNMwLiqeuGLIfL-4ehARvDyix279evw7JIFPc_6ZM9B5eNu0fzIMQ_IS4oouBAOVOUHj_CIVstBUqr5msC8rbynhhU1-0mYuCl7f4b4WE/?imgmax=800" width="480" height="480" /></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Two days ago I celebrated my 1st wedding anniversary and we pulled the cake top out of the freezer.  It was actually still very moist and tasty.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TNnjzEMzgPI/AAAAAAAAAn0/LySB0HaFab8/s1600-h/IMAG0155%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMAG0155" border="0" alt="IMAG0155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgab_wvuVUrnEI7JM3EpCIDlN1M1NkWjHR6aoTKJSXPAlU1zxyE7TrkJRIFz5aOYRqUBEKvuidl_8rXrFiy3aOAaQO_GRMLhyphenhyphenu27CQVmyUd7cMw1Udq0oqg9Inu6RxBtAFXEJqnxAYhVNE/?imgmax=800" width="238" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Christmas is nearing and the kids are starting to get in the spirit.  I am starting to see lists like this laying all around my house.  My favorite is #5 (“suitable” lip-gloss  - since we don’t allow our girls to wear makeup) and #8 (the “can’t be boring” part).  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TNnjzsdkT-I/AAAAAAAAAn8/6VPcLqLIrio/s1600-h/IMAG0158%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMAG0158" border="0" alt="IMAG0158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkHNNl6vlw-hi1TRkcD7LjwtaD7YgP3wPL3Vdv4PXMgO2f8J9EbAOIqL5gn8EPIJ6udEstqJB-MwO8nPMCmWCwc-KwiRmH34bd4EnykpClXkPZcYFdFyzenNgx_rp7JX0ni3fv1QuM54/?imgmax=800" width="238" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">That’s all for now, well there is a lot more, but this is a good summary.  I will be on the prowl looking for pictures for next week’s party!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-87611854180520979302010-10-27T00:48:00.000-05:002010-10-26T00:53:12.386-05:00Clean Stainless Steel Appliances - Cheap and Easy<p align="center">A few months ago we decided to replace our white kitchen appliances with stainless steel.  Within one hour I missed my white appliances.  Sure the stainless looks FAB, but OH MY GAH.......what a pain to keep clean with 4 kids running around.  </p> <p align="center">If you don’t believe me check out my dishwasher for yourself. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TMZruGoNcCI/AAAAAAAAAmw/y66qeQhfFsQ/s1600-h/DSC_1623%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_1623" border="0" alt="DSC_1623" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TMZrub0ZnhI/AAAAAAAAAm0/_04hBiexO1U/DSC_1623_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="5">Yuck, gross, disgusting</font>.  I don’t see any fingerprints, but look at all the streaks from water splashing while loading the dishwasher, UGH.  </p> <p align="center">I had no luck with the cleaners for stainless appliances so I “googled” my problem and found many tips on ways to clean stainless so after a few rounds of eeny, meeny, miny, moe I chose one and gave it a try.  Look at how beautiful my dishwasher is now!!!!  {This isn’t the best picture quality considering my shadow goes down the entire front, but you can get the idea.}  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TMZrum6KVUI/AAAAAAAAAm4/M7z0WalNgkw/s1600-h/DSC_1632%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_1632" border="0" alt="DSC_1632" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TMZruxpzOWI/AAAAAAAAAm8/MQl-33lFp7c/DSC_1632_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I used two products to get this result: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TMZru41P3nI/AAAAAAAAAnA/1TmM8aMIFAU/s1600-h/rubbingalcohol%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="rubbingalcohol" border="0" alt="rubbingalcohol" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TMZrvc_6J_I/AAAAAAAAAnE/f7VJMdlfl6s/rubbingalcohol_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="288" /></a></p> <p align="center">and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TMZrvhaUk-I/AAAAAAAAAnI/mNU3I-bokBU/s1600-h/mineral20oil%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="mineral20oil" border="0" alt="mineral20oil" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TMZrv6WEb_I/AAAAAAAAAnM/HX_tTfMdEFo/mineral20oil_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="300" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="6"><strong>EASY PEASY!!!!</strong></font></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5">Step One</font></u></strong>:  Using a microfiber cloth clean your appliances with the rubbing alcohol {rub in the direction of the grain}.  This will remove all fingerprints and grime.  Make sure the appliances are dry before moving on to the next step.</p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5">Step Two</font></u></strong>:  With a new microfiber cloth apply a thin coat of mineral oil to your appliances.  I applied the oil all over and wiped off any excess. </p> <p align="center">I folded the mineral oil cloth and put it in a Ziploc bag.  Now when my appliances need a little touch up I just reach in the bag and use the rag!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-74890105469510717572010-10-16T20:43:00.000-05:002010-10-16T20:43:00.613-05:00Projects In Progress - Sneak Peak<p align="center">Around our house fall is our spring.  We seem to always start a kabillion projects, staying busy from October to January.</p> <p align="center">We are throwing our annual Halloween Party on the 30th so we decided to do  some of the things on our to do list, all in one month, like fools. </p> <p align="center">I finally chose a color and painted my living room.  The winner was Mega Greige by Sherwin Williams color matched by Valspar and I LURVE it!!  Here is a glimpse of what it looks like (left color is old and right color is Mega Greige).  I will post a final reveal once the entire room is complete.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLkCj4AsYNI/AAAAAAAAAmA/Ikd9FGbzjf0/s1600-h/DSC_14575.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_1457" border="0" alt="DSC_1457" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLkCkDnvaHI/AAAAAAAAAmE/tFkYt8vCzl0/DSC_1457_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I am working on a dresser I found for $25 to use as a media center in the living room.  It is currently black and I am going to paint it white and maybe add glaze.  I am still undecided but will post once complete!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLkCkpbZgoI/AAAAAAAAAmI/wtfxJ4ooGp0/s1600-h/DSC_14772.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_1477" border="0" alt="DSC_1477" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLkCk4HP9lI/AAAAAAAAAmM/Aq09FjuIZhc/DSC_1477_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Who me....a hoarder???</p> <p align="center">If my husband was not around I would definitely be a hoarder.  Who doesn’t need 200 magazines or 75 picture frames?  It is impossible to become a hoarder when your husband has a 30 cubic yard roll off container delivered to your backyard.  He wanted me to rid the house of all unwanted items.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLkClbM5jPI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/OcmWBqYmn94/s1600-h/DSC_14662.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_1466" border="0" alt="DSC_1466" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLkClmqFWxI/AAAAAAAAAmU/HMdXtrQvWoo/DSC_1466_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a>   </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Along with cleaning out the house he started sprucing up our pathetic excuse for a garage.  A new garage is not in the budget, so he threw out a ton of stuff into his beloved dumpster and is working with what we have by adding new siding, new garage doors, and a new roof.  Anything will look better then what is out there now, so I will be happy when that project is complete.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLkCl_LtsCI/AAAAAAAAAmY/9PwdMlyHKIQ/s1600-h/DSC_14825.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_1482" border="0" alt="DSC_1482" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLkCmP90QTI/AAAAAAAAAmc/jUHsSKuvCVs/DSC_1482_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a> </p> <p align="center">The last thing we started and need to finish before the Halloween party is cleaning our yard of big tree branches.  We live on 2.5 acres that is covered in massive oak trees.  Many branches were hanging over the garage or hanging low, so we got a great deal from a friend of a friend to cut some of the limbs.  Part of getting such a great deal consisted of him just dropping them where they landed and us chopping them smaller and moving them.  I can’t explain how excited I am about having to help with that job!  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLkCmZWxB8I/AAAAAAAAAmg/28DS41GJgh4/s1600-h/DSC_14842.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_1484" border="0" alt="DSC_1484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLkCmo844yI/AAAAAAAAAmk/0eXkON_UDmM/DSC_1484_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Snapper season started this month and ends this month, so in addition to trying to complete all of these projects {we mindlessly started} we are trying to squeeze in some fishing on the weekends.  The last trip was unsuccessful in regards to red snapper, but I did catch my first shark!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLkCm99M8VI/AAAAAAAAAmo/z7B_xjHFdM0/s1600-h/IMG_2420%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2420" border="0" alt="IMG_2420" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLkCnKEgDnI/AAAAAAAAAms/tWxACxFCV2o/IMG_2420_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="6">Shhh....</font> <font size="5">don’t tell my husband..... </font></p> <p align="center">I have just as many projects I would love to complete next month!</p> <p align="center"><font size="7">HAPPY FALL!!</font></p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-30511949365843424532010-10-15T14:54:00.001-05:002010-10-15T14:54:51.256-05:00Doctor Visit Reflection<p align="center">Today my son Justin had a checkup at Children’s Rehabilitation Services.  Every 6 months we have to see an orthopedic doctor and a neurologist.  I dislike these appointments because they are usually very long.  As much as I loathe going, I always leave thankful and with a softer heart.  </p> <p align="center">Justin is severely disabled.  Born at 26 weeks gestation he suffered from an intraventricular hemorrhage which caused permanent brain damage.  He will never walk, talk, eat regular food or be potty trained.  He is diagnosed with CP, autism, sensory processing disorder, and hydrocephalus.  He has a shunt in his head and a g-tube button in his stomach for feedings/medicine.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLixevckUFI/AAAAAAAAAlI/C33Zv3TpNCU/s1600-h/CCI09222010_00001b%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="CCI09222010_00001b" border="0" alt="CCI09222010_00001b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslhlHOBaAsTa4fua5Bx7G5Clx6yfKDeKbYWKU_bMBohOthRSL4f-lyP9rY7agdGVRJd9WFUHPJoP3qg2E_03VY-1ilW9Ra0R0aMQS58LwLLbDBxFU0zsR68E0pFahpLCfGE3x3LLSm-w/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="334" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Although he has many disabilities most of our day to day problems arise from his ever changing sensory issues.  There are 3 types of sensory processing disorders, Justin has a combination of all 3 and within each type he is both hypersensitive (overly sensitive) and hyposensitive (under sensitive).  Sensory processing disorder can be described as a “traffic jam” of all the neurological signals from all of the senses.  Information comes into the brain from the sensory systems and due to the “traffic jam” the brain is unable to process and interpret the information correctly.  </p> <p align="center">He is under sensitive to pain.  When upset he bites the palm of his hand for comfort.  So much that a callous has formed and he has made himself bleed before.  We call him sock boy because we always have to put socks on his hands to help prevent injury.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLixfBzmhnI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/Tfd4h5eQuDo/s1600-h/May%202007%20%288%29%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="May 2007 (8)" border="0" alt="May 2007 (8)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLixffIWA0I/AAAAAAAAAlU/Ol5RhuZUiBI/May%202007%20%288%29_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">He is over sensitive to sound.  He can hear things we can’t hear and sounds can upset or comfort him and they always change.  I used to not be able to wash clothes while he was awake because he would cry, hit and bite himself because he disliked the sound, but now he loves the sound and will crawl into the laundry room to listen to the washer.  The list goes on and on with sounds that bother him.  He is funny, instead of covering his ears he bends his ears forward, which makes it difficult to get a picture of him without his hands by his ears.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLixfvGyetI/AAAAAAAAAlY/VuRcqvtZDUM/s1600-h/2010_04%20Birthday%20Boys%207th%20%20%282%29%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2010_04 Birthday Boys 7th (2)" border="0" alt="2010_04 Birthday Boys 7th (2)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz16PyuNtka97djWmJsOXjguken-x7iNq7yKh53s4aRIDXy-tNSzgJoNmbZRmdHQU-lCnWD8K4bNa4qsCt7KSfqxpPBA4vFb4C28T1dd8qt_MQAi-bdHkfcvm2ie4oGfV6iRkeze9ebwI/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">He craves constant stimulation.  This is more annoying then anything.  He does many things for stimulation.  He loves to play with his toys in our hallway and then pull up on his knees and hit the walls with his hands.  He grinds his teeth for stimulation.  If we tell him to stop grinding his teeth he will click his teeth together.  He bounces up and down on the couch or his bed.  There is a constant banging, clicking or grinding noise in our house.  </p> <p align="center">He is over sensitive to movement.  You know the feeling you get in your stomach when an elevator stops suddenly, well that feeling is intensified 100 times more for Justin.  </p> <p align="center">He is over sensitive to things touching his skin.  He HATES, HATES, HATES, HATES water.  I am not sure what it feels like to him, but bath time is always HORRIBLE.  We try to desensitize him, but I don’t think he will ever like water.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLixgGhIXrI/AAAAAAAAAlg/tvWorBSrYBI/s1600-h/2009_07%20Holiday%204th%20of%20July%20%2822%29%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2009_07 Holiday 4th of July (22)" border="0" alt="2009_07 Holiday 4th of July (22)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RpFLQ-JMquZrvponGTNc6ofYbM-NbteHo7AwAmzpo17QJUotIyOzhn9kusiD5y9JkbfPYSiBPNZOROfQnZpbb8eWViKdAbeEhUG10DLu5iHmd6EQ2Zb4Ghe6xWgEnlCN2-K60flBt4s/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">As bad as things sound, we live a normal life.  The way I can best describe Justin is he will always be like a 1 year old (with sensory issues).  He can scoot/crawl so he is not confined to a wheel chair.  He babbles but will probably never be able to talk.  He wears diapers.  He can now drink his Pediasure by mouth and he eats baby food.  </p> <p align="center">Of course there are days where we feel like things are hard, but then there are days like today when I take him to CRS and I realize how easy we have actually have it.  My heart breaks for all of the children there.  Many can’t move any limbs, are confined to a wheelchair and some that have to constantly have a nurse by their side to maintain their life.  There are kids that can’t smile.  I can’t imagine not being able to see my baby smile.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLixhSZ32wI/AAAAAAAAAlo/LAljK4gqYEk/s1600-h/2009%20St.%20Pattys%20Day%20001%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2009 St. Pattys Day 001" border="0" alt="2009 St. Pattys Day 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5dI9KwjaxGaYCiuzBdeFKjYwQdidsSTP5aIR2B7AMrNzCyQGTkdVbhSiPKkH778Zgzm231F62tpdzaU4TnpTp00xJHiIizN5otWB3oETJfT1_DOGx5roLo3UGhgzmkWeFizsh44XBYc/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Most kids there are born disabled.  Today there was a grown boy there with his father.  They were both  precious, inspiring and funny.  It was not until I heard one of the nurses talking to them about his weight that I realized he had once led a normal life and had been injured.  She said he used to weigh something but that was when he played football and worked out.  Tears immediately started flowing down my face when I realized who he was.  </p> <p align="center">Last year Timothy was a senior in high school.  He was a starting linebacker for his high school football team and he was an aspiring gospel rap artist getting ready to release his first cd.  His life changed October 9, 2009; with 39 seconds left in a football game he made a tackle that left him with a serious head injury.  He was paralyzed but after intense therapy has gained some movement on his right side.  You can read about him <a href="http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/10/timothy_robinson_continues_to.html" target="_blank">here</a>.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLixh59m7-I/AAAAAAAAAlw/DLt4qfyT55o/s1600-h/8945365-large%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="8945365-large" border="0" alt="8945365-large" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5ZESgxxOCTVumYZyVQtYQ_gqyuc9A-4LzqHeKTlGF5D0c-DOr3LJRlt3qeLhsOPS55a10LYxaTgoizg2BfX1zQVVIkDcYc9qIbvuZB76k8IQsIxqYh1ic2RvxHqUvgQpw93jptCjRHY/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="244" /></a> Picture via <a href="http://www.al.com">www.al.com</a>  </p> <p align="center">Now from what I have read about this family, they would not want me to shed a tear for their situation.  They inspire people and did me, but I could not help it.  They were sitting across from me, I had to turn my head to wipe my tears and I had to keep swallowing to make the lump in my throat go away.  </p> <p align="center">Seeing him got me thinking.  <font size="5">Is it really better to have had and lost then to have never had at all?????  </font></p> <p align="center">Yea, yea, yea I know we all have a calling in life, we move on from unfortunate situations, the bad makes us better, etc.  I know all of those sayings and for the most part I believe them.  It even feels wrong to have that thought, but I can’t stop tearing up when I think about that sweet boy that loved to play football and no longer can. </p> <p align="center">Being born disabled, Justin does not know any different.  Is it bad that I am thankful he will never have to deal with the heartache of once having a “normal” life only for it to be lost?</p> <p align="center">It is not often that we feel sad for Justin.  Just like everyone else that faces adversity we live our lives as normal as possible and do everything possible to make sure he his happy and well, we don’t dwell on the bad.  Christmas is one time that always upsets Alex and I.  We both love the holiday and usually go overboard when shopping for the kids.  It never fails, every year I end up crying in the middle of a Wal-Mart baby toy aisle from sadness that Justin will never have the same experience as his brother and sisters.  I then remind myself that he is happy and I throw another toy that lights up and makes noise in the basket and then I let go of the sad feelings and focus on my feelings of happiness and thankfulness that I am mom to the two most precious boys in the world!!</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TLixiRGWTUI/AAAAAAAAAl4/ElrSvh-3NqQ/s1600-h/Picture%20076%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 076" border="0" alt="Picture 076" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb1Ipnxt3821IK0hQ62XrvYFhm5PhJozoV0gnYiD9vVYgbJQil1bc0Bd3FBP1Zn7tQGeu6mY-U1u2WqoDVUAZNv5Ksp97y-Mgk0cZlwQgiGBrTZFLcXrW5K9-4IuFpixKYVm5GpA23NM/?imgmax=800" width="361" height="357" /></a></p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-43246893455860845522010-10-07T12:58:00.001-05:002010-10-07T15:26:20.207-05:00Planning a NYC Christmas Trip<p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TK4KTF3nLcI/AAAAAAAAAkU/YY1wRoWeAEY/s1600-h/677662_fpx.tif%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="677662_fpx.tif" border="0" alt="677662_fpx.tif" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TK4KTuYWn3I/AAAAAAAAAkY/gwKIYm-ooqs/677662_fpx.tif_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I am convinced I was born into the wrong family.  I was born in Mobile, AL but for some odd reason I have always felt like I belonged in New York City {or any area within an hour to the city}.  </p> <p align="center">Growing up I took dance and was a member of a few dance companies that performed and competed.  My love for dance fueled my desire to live in NYC.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TK4KT5eAmbI/AAAAAAAAAkc/_QnVuBaHbjg/s1600-h/Michelle%20Pointe%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Michelle Pointe" border="0" alt="Michelle Pointe" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSpKVm_sizzs-z1vY1VT7wXW9O7l2zs4wKaRIjnm7NTqYNsSzhyC43w5hoKx_uBPdzwxegLlIwwh_9AUcudNM9_4Ak_m9C9N-7REvLQq2OjdloZFkXmRE85mTZ6NBPARBUZfkNEZsr8w/?imgmax=800" width="214" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">I had my life mapped out.  I planned on moving to NYC after high school.  I was going to audition for Broadway shows, fall in love with a man from NYC{with mafia connections}{yes I am a little twisted} and due to him being a mamma’s boy we would live in New York so he could be close to his family.</p> <p align="center">Years later, I <a href="http://dibbledabblelife.blogspot.com/2010/06/little-bit-about-me.html" target="_blank">met and married</a> Alex.  He is from Long Island, NY {cute accent and all}, he has ties to the mafia {I am going to ask him if it is ok if I elaborate at a later time, it would make for an interesting blog post}, and he is a mamma’s boy!  The cruel twist of fate is that he REFUSES to move back to New York unless we have bunches and bunches and bunches of money sitting in the bank.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TK4KUeWhniI/AAAAAAAAAkk/V6nfrewxl7w/s1600-h/new-york-long-island%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="new-york-long-island" border="0" alt="new-york-long-island" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TK4KUpE2r0I/AAAAAAAAAks/ifAfO7Mh4_Q/new-york-long-island_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">After 5 years of failed attempts to make the 1254 mile journey to New York with 4 kids we are FINALLY {for real, officially, done deal} going to make the trip to NY for Christmas.  </p> <p align="center">The kids and I plan on spending about 2 weeks in NY with my mother in law.  My husband can’t miss that much work so he will arrive after us, in time for Christmas.  </p> <p align="center">Alex and I have two different ideas on the perfect trip.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TK4KVDivlII/AAAAAAAAAkw/ZPwEmz6GPD4/s1600-h/Colorless%20green%20ideas%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Colorless green ideas" border="0" alt="Colorless green ideas" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TK4KVRWsp_I/AAAAAAAAAk0/Mt4KXowjMz0/Colorless%20green%20ideas_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="left"><strong><u>I want to {this is just a sample of my plans}: </u></strong></p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">Spend a day or two in the Hamptons {Alex’s aunt and grandmother live there).</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Attend The Radio City Christmas Spectacular.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Go to Carlos Bakery {home of the Cake Boss on TLC} in Hoboken, NJ.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Freeze my buns off to see a taping of The Today Show. </div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Take the kids to ice skate in Rockefeller Plaza.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Shop.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Visit the World Trade Center Memorial.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Visit Central Park.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Leave the kids with their grandmother, so I can just walk around NYC and take photos with my new DSLR.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Go to Macy’s or somewhere crazy on Christmas Eve just to be in the midst of last minute NYC shoppers.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">See the department store holiday window displays.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">FAO Swartz.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Visit a friend from high school that lives in NY.  </div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Drive around with my husband so he can reminisce and tell me about his childhood in New York.</div> </li> </ul> <p align="left"><strong><u>Alex wants to: </u></strong></p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">Stop by the pizzeria he used to co-own so he can eat some pizza. </div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Nap.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Go back out to another pizzeria around the corner. </div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Nap.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Go eat at his favorite diner. </div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Nap.</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">Go to another pizzeria. </div> </li> </ul> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TK4KVv0vjYI/AAAAAAAAAk4/_soWY_dMLMs/s1600-h/newyorkpizza.gif%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="newyorkpizza.gif" border="0" alt="newyorkpizza.gif" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TK4KVwh_API/AAAAAAAAAk8/mpR3eBv7gsU/newyorkpizza.gif_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="357" /></a> </p> <p align="center">You get the gist.  He has already mapped out the trip from the airport to his mother’s via multiple pizzerias.  I say he is crazy, he says I am crazy!  </p> <p align="center">I would love to hear your suggestions for things we must do while we are in New York, the great city that is on my bucket list as a place I MUST live before I die!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TK4KWFIW6RI/AAAAAAAAAlA/uoWFUwyR5vE/s1600-h/rockefeller_center_xmas_tree%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="rockefeller_center_xmas_tree" border="0" alt="rockefeller_center_xmas_tree" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TK4KWnwMW8I/AAAAAAAAAlE/vhYYj070Il0/rockefeller_center_xmas_tree_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="357" /></a></p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-18819432185377464672010-10-04T16:29:00.001-05:002010-10-07T14:17:49.908-05:00Gray Walls - Attempt #1<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TKpHKxr41fI/AAAAAAAAAkA/ai3H4r9N6bA/s1600-h/DSC_1452%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1452" border="0" alt="DSC_1452" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TKpHLbtZEeI/AAAAAAAAAkE/CpmHgx_nF58/DSC_1452_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a>  </p> <p>I have jumped on the gray bandwagon and want gray walls.  I love gray but hate how hard it is to find the PERFECT shade.  </p> <p>My walls are currently painted with Valspar semi-gloss paint color matched to Sherwin Williams Bagel.  I have looked at colors for months (seriously) and decided to try Behr - Porpoise. </p> <p>Since I am not convinced the previous color match was 100% correct I choose to buy the more expensive Behr brand to ensure the correct color.  I bought the combined paint and primer in an eggshell finish.  I am not impressed with the Behr paint.  The eggshell finish looks more like high gloss and of course the gray looks blue on my walls.  </p> <p>So now it is back to the drawing boards.  I know I love Valspar paint and I have a Sherwin Williams paint swatch so I will go the color matching route.  While searching the internet I found a pdf file containing all of the formulas for Sherwin Williams paints so if Lowe’s does not have the color in their system there should be no problems matching.  My husband wants to pick 2 colors and I will pick 2 or 3 or 4 different colors to try on our living room walls.  </p> <p>Of course I can’t find the link to the Sherwin Williams paint formulas, but I did save the pdf file.  If anyone wants the list, email me and I will gladly email the file to you.  </p> <p>Stay tuned for more attempts at gray walls, we are going to Lowe’s tonight!</p> Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-62925264005293576132010-09-29T22:53:00.002-05:002010-10-07T13:11:29.481-05:00BLAH, BLAH, BLAH<div align="center">The last couple of months I have been feeling very BLAH. </div><div align="center">There is NO reason I should be feeling this way. </div><div align="center">I am married to the man of my dreams. </div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TKQJpBSKaXI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/5NWQJ04opEY/s1600-h/DSC_0474%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0474" border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBrPqi1a0vG-gNrP1sKbIoTRa80OBOga0Ku-J8Syn2a4XbV-aFdpPUWXTMhf73y_z4Sxr-RXEIavk1wvoguFkllOS1c6Cg2xc-kT0ZGAwNA7UFCT8JyGiYOQm7RQY1Jw4MglH6MlCTq0/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0474" width="500" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">I have 4 beautiful children. </div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TKQJpuCUdmI/AAAAAAAAAjY/wJ1S0xhDDGw/s1600-h/2007-11-29_7%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="2007-11-29_7" border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0WNgTuiNCUluHdnH23jTyOv34qdUDlb3TW5SvLTBlgFXpWRGGykbC60wcg8LVrYUovwh4MbmIwexggLNfQuisVwIQav68b2mcBKnkq9yeywLkZPXIrXbz9c-YCjxCst8Gsh7gt6fQ5E/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2007-11-29_7" width="500" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">We are fortunate to have a boat and can go fishing anytime we want. </div><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TKQJqNCEH3I/AAAAAAAAAjg/GdrexorsgyA/s1600-h/IMG_2393%5B11%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2393" border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvB6Z-QT-BTbCUsPoihgZVrSAXWO3I8rTnSzHHO95Lduwqk_pjhodP3VOlV32wwvkJMf-sUCLbo4OLD4DMyxQgTO7XpSPyfTz2o98Ur0vess8976vAkGV7U4opg5gDDokwT6OM4u28EU/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_2393" width="268" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">Football season is upon us.</div><div align="center">I have great friends and we have awesome football parties every weekend. </div><div align="center"><b>ROLL TIDE!!</b></div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TKQJqhwIT9I/AAAAAAAAAjo/HzRzTISJCjg/s1600-h/DSC_1450%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1450" border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-KHd3KWRe9_WqglDmyRORLFo2j2bu10BbC9umg-k3ppwsV3I_kV30UFAuE1v9pCWPQHi4liXPX9ywN52DZqkNF1E7gk6AEuwxXqDn5h4rsbgSxyKrqyQfhtScGvab_xaG-N7zewFDIc/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1450" width="500" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">So WHAT is my problem?????</div><div align="center">The only thing I can figure is I am not happy with MYSELF. </div><div align="center">The old saying of once you get married you gain weight has been more then just a saying, it has been my <b>reality</b>. </div><div align="center">While organizing photos on my external hard drive I found some pictures which <strike>inspired</strike> depressed me. The picture below shows what I looked like a few years ago -- mind you my twin daughters had already started elementary school when this picture was taken. {Yes I look like a hoochie, but give me a break I was going to a Mardi Gras Ball and I looked GOOD!!}</div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TKQJrOkRthI/AAAAAAAAAjw/qdM87MiuyD8/s1600-h/2006_02%20%282%29%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="2006_02 (2)" border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmro-7_1wRhGSlirThsMGsUbTL9cGJY_XXBLFYNJFMpAOjHrwoOM_y_KoJxB0cyCa4vV7jmiIrpmp7Fq62SbB7s7G7vw1JpMNlsZhIBviMY526zOZnXvdn8pMSnH7zHgds9c_R_geY68/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2006_02 (2)" width="120" /></a> <br />
This is me now. {Please note I do not have any pictures of my entire body because I refuse to take any.} <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_N9ntf3WPnpU/TKQJrrTSrDI/AAAAAAAAAj4/HxCDHjtHrbo/s1600-h/DSC_0408%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0408" border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxfybv-MA3mmMivl5qc_FUaJFY647jEBJa5iFyQVQVKrW5FSM81chw0mDithJPhyqUpMx7RsFG2PZ6mDzxgLsZ3CbXE5oRP9MuN4LmeE6M3rRjgAYp6EB0YgrNyBvEVSyCE_E7gu8uqg/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0408" width="237" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">I am ready to feel like the “old” me. </div><div align="center">Feeling BLAH has kept me from doing things I want to do.... </div><div align="center">I want to blog, but don’t because I feel BLAH. </div><div align="center">I want to redecorate my house, but don’t because I feel BLAH. </div><div align="center">I want to go out every now and then, but don’t because I feel BLAH. </div><div align="center">I want to shop for new clothes, but don’t because I feel BLAH. </div><div align="center">I am sick of feeling BLAH!</div><div align="center">BLAH, BLAH, BLAH</div><div align="center">Enough of being BLAH, I am not a BLAH person. </div><div align="center">I would like to warn everyone the old Michelle will be back very, very soon so get ready because HERE I COME!!</div>Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-74419380219038500062010-08-12T16:44:00.002-05:002010-10-07T14:19:35.867-05:00Goodbye Summer....<a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/michellejadick/?action=view¤t=DSC_1093-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/michellejadick/DSC_1093-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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Whew what a summer! My kids started school this week and we have been busy getting adjusted to the school routine. <br />
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I thought I would share some end of summer fun we enjoyed. We took a vacation to Perdido Beach. <br />
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We stayed at Needle Rush Point condos. I fell in love with the complex and am scheduling a stay next summer in the same unit. This complex had the best of both worlds. There are units on the Gulf side and they have units on the river side which faces Ono Island! <br />
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Here is a view from the beach.<br />
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We spent a lot of time {day and night} fishing on the docks. <br />
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The kids found and played with hermit crabs.<br />
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What is a beach trip without splinters in your feet?? This is the face Dominick was making while his dad was trying to remove his first splinter.<br />
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We spent countless hours at the pool. <br />
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We brought the boat down and tubed. <br />
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We went to dinner by boat. <br />
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Basically we did a whole bunch of NOTHING and I enjoyed every second of it!! <br />
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We got home Sunday afternoon and had to get the kids ready for school the next day. <br />
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My little girls are not so little anymore...they started middle school. <br />
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My precious boys started 2nd grade. <br />
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The transition from summer to school days has gone smoother then I had anticipated! If only I could get the desire to still be at the beach out of my head we would be doing better!!Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-73423540723969127302010-07-23T23:27:00.004-05:002010-08-14T12:15:47.772-05:00Yard Sale Finds and Tropical Storms<div style="text-align: center;">A post about yard sale finds and tropical storms is an odd combination of topics BUT that is what I am thinking about, so I therefore must blog about them both......the good and the bad....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>THE GOOD: YARD SALE FINDS</b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Today I was looking on Craigslist and saw a C-H-E-A-P-O dresser and table I wanted to check out, come to find out they were located at a yard sale on the same street I live on just around the corner!!</div><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The dresser ended up being cheap in a bad way not a good way, but don't fret because I came out with some great stuff. This was my first time to go to a yard sale so I am pretty happy about finding something I think is pretty cool! </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Look at this G-I-N-O-R-M-O-U-S frame!!!!! You can bet a pretty penny that I will be painting the monster of a frame {which is 57" x 33"}, but I am not 100% sure what color or where I will put it. We are planning a bedroom redesign for my girls and I am thinking this would make a great pin board with fabric hanging over my idea of a desk big enough for both of them to do homework!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>A closer look<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I was going to run to Lowe's this afternoon to pick up some primer for plastic {for another project I am working on}, but that trip has been canceled because there was some at the yard sale and it only cost me $.25 woo hoo!! I picked up some other spray paint just to have on hand because you can never have too much spray paint especially when it is that CHEAP!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>THE BAD: TROPICAL STORMS</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Earlier this year we bought a boat. Let me introduce you to my husbands new love of his life.....</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The boat is a classic {it is older then me}. I was born in 79 and the boat is a 78 model. We bought it from the original owner who stored it in covered dry storage and who had never taken the boat in salt water since he used it only a few times on a lake in Georgia. The hull has the original gel coat from 1978 and you can still vividly see your reflection!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's the kind of boat that when we are at the boat launch all the other guys launching boats {even those with much newer and bigger boats} come to our boat to ooooo and aaahhhh and ask us all about the boat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">We bought the boat this March and took it out a few times, we soon realized the motor leaked oil and after many attempts to fix the problem {yes we look like rednecks with the engine hanging from a tree...please stop laughing} we decided to buy a new motor and new exhaust.</div><br />
<align="center"><a href="http://s906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/michellejadick/?action=view&current=tryingtofixoldmotor3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/michellejadick/tryingtofixoldmotor3.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now here we are almost 5 months later, finally with a new motor/exhaust, we have planned our FIRST boating day on our awesome boat with friends this Sunday {my husbands only day off} and what would you know......A TROPICAL STORM IS COMING OUR WAY THIS SUNDAY, UUUUUGGGGGHHHHHHH</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">There you have it... both the good and bad of my day.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>UPDATE</b>.....since the drafting of this post earlier today, the estimated time of landfall for this storm is going to happen sooner then what they thought! This means that I just may be able to enjoy a day out on the boat!!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-38005529334153112112010-07-22T14:24:00.014-05:002010-08-14T12:16:28.655-05:00Lesson Learned<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What blogging lesson did I learn??? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I learned it was a <span style="font-size: large;">BAD idea</span> to start a blog around the same time 4 children start their summer vacation. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have not had much time to be creative or blog because I have been busy being a referee!</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">You see, having twin girls who are 11, entering middle school and feel they are grown has been quit challenging this summer. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Throw in a "bratty" {so they think} brother and you have a recipe for many FUN {enter sarcasm here} days!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/michellejadick/KidsFighting3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac270/michellejadick/KidsFighting3.gif" width="334" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I have quite a few to do lists {yes I am one of those that writes lists just to write them and then I lose them} laying around. This week and next week are filled with school registrations and doctor appointments. The next week we will be at the Gulf for a before school vacation and then August 9th they will be off to school!!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So <span style="font-size: large;">PLEASE</span> hang in there with me and I will be up and running very soon!!</div>Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7968832280880525232.post-1965993167365167792010-06-28T16:29:00.003-05:002010-10-07T14:19:35.868-05:00My Daughter Was Sick...<div style="text-align: center;">Last week my daughter was sick. Luckily she was not "sick", "sick". She was sick with the CRAFT BUG!! While on a trip to our local library she noticed they had an art contest. The name of the contest was "Splishy Splashy Art Contest". </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">They were asked to help celebrate the summer program entitled "Make a Splash READ" They were asked to think about anything dealing with the sea, ocean, beaches, swimming, fun at the pool, etc. They were allowed to create with any media and could create 3 dimensional art work. </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Marissa entitled her art "Remembering the Ocean". Living on the coast of Alabama we have to listen and deal with the oil spill on a daily basis. We bought our first boat earlier this year {instead of taking a honeymoon} to enjoy with the kids all summer, but unfortunately we have not been able to enjoy our boat due to the oil spill. Our white sandy beaches are brown, wildlife are dying and many families are struggling to pay their bills because they are out of work and businesses are suffering. </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Without further ado here is Marissa's interpretation of "Remembering the Ocean"</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Dad and brother decided to get in on the craftiness!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e9iWhteqhHgcOfX6y3Wm6SKJ2-_wQkbAvtsdch3MgkDVFFkzeClknr4YU4Y3Pb0oNZxZ3KoaVP9YHKZVICq_fQ_Pl8kmu_i2ektzjdfgZdyqGlwKaspc_B6Dj0trdqS_kgDJ53zVXig/s1600/DSC_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e9iWhteqhHgcOfX6y3Wm6SKJ2-_wQkbAvtsdch3MgkDVFFkzeClknr4YU4Y3Pb0oNZxZ3KoaVP9YHKZVICq_fQ_Pl8kmu_i2ektzjdfgZdyqGlwKaspc_B6Dj0trdqS_kgDJ53zVXig/s320/DSC_0309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{uh oh....looks like The Yankee is wearing the same shirt as in a previous post....ha ha...guess we will have to start looking for that now that I am blogging}</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Starting to put it all together...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44UuL1um6MwGEloWoT1_QsFpN6bFSY8rT8hl2IrzIWmySq8ILWciVPDDVlQEDo6d3U6arn4nTtmsTK8pQxcN3sWWZrrufHLU1Z3gaS-nL0ZgIZug7PjQ9F_qwvjdOaUI4iGY_ckQJH64/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44UuL1um6MwGEloWoT1_QsFpN6bFSY8rT8hl2IrzIWmySq8ILWciVPDDVlQEDo6d3U6arn4nTtmsTK8pQxcN3sWWZrrufHLU1Z3gaS-nL0ZgIZug7PjQ9F_qwvjdOaUI4iGY_ckQJH64/s320/DSC_0311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<i>Some details...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsh4h7aLtUZA7nYxoKz0a3VwHmu877wlrRy5sV6NpneyFOdMX-KQd0zP7TgzuWCrZKFL0R6q4yFOyKjC5tFF3Bi_LEr9sqrdgszz46rfbYasNA8h5S9qF0FF-usFbKYIwVa8JNoR4Apg/s1600/DSC_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsh4h7aLtUZA7nYxoKz0a3VwHmu877wlrRy5sV6NpneyFOdMX-KQd0zP7TgzuWCrZKFL0R6q4yFOyKjC5tFF3Bi_LEr9sqrdgszz46rfbYasNA8h5S9qF0FF-usFbKYIwVa8JNoR4Apg/s320/DSC_0325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayF49UDdiQYBiHApIPYKP8r1JU9QZRJvkFicsMDJTtN1S1xEqrRmGILYbmummF7KK0vACAyw8ePtzAQ0e7ORN2MnVTY1s-LouA1sKNSc0WOO8x9MaQaH9gR1QU38GoLs7FdqGd1GUess/s1600/DSC_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayF49UDdiQYBiHApIPYKP8r1JU9QZRJvkFicsMDJTtN1S1xEqrRmGILYbmummF7KK0vACAyw8ePtzAQ0e7ORN2MnVTY1s-LouA1sKNSc0WOO8x9MaQaH9gR1QU38GoLs7FdqGd1GUess/s320/DSC_0345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh98EYw3OIeF20lfRxOk_uAGdQ0UA1lWURQ8vwkfDIhEDMdDuBR2d44b22mJ6XpXn-vXthP8UI96Jtw_kksyQp2fFlpKv0WIk4q4uNdw_nwFN1hSaM8MKvpWMM3E_b2cmg90Xk8sq4q08/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh98EYw3OIeF20lfRxOk_uAGdQ0UA1lWURQ8vwkfDIhEDMdDuBR2d44b22mJ6XpXn-vXthP8UI96Jtw_kksyQp2fFlpKv0WIk4q4uNdw_nwFN1hSaM8MKvpWMM3E_b2cmg90Xk8sq4q08/s320/DSC_0350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguC5bghNISy2c1dKALtnRuJ3JXeQNGeEBb4zf2-xQKSjj14UsJrDlep_6IG5cGgOt6R0JTz2_0hYY2fmFtPElo3EIjF-7KHgbW5KzDLY1LMngPDtRsscphtQi9xXQSAftOF-edsbOBK0I/s1600/DSC_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguC5bghNISy2c1dKALtnRuJ3JXeQNGeEBb4zf2-xQKSjj14UsJrDlep_6IG5cGgOt6R0JTz2_0hYY2fmFtPElo3EIjF-7KHgbW5KzDLY1LMngPDtRsscphtQi9xXQSAftOF-edsbOBK0I/s320/DSC_0355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<i>Marissa with her finished product!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEjtS-mMJ1GfWUtAWNjzvCDZ10pLsTcw51GzQCWWGjNzAH6nNlDmewX4q1CMqjydQ-Q9RLeosBP_PXGL-lgnAl1tzexVqnU_teMPLU_u23vLJBo18QzKUhHhDTRMOv2mk5OOMhDqekG0/s1600/DSC_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEjtS-mMJ1GfWUtAWNjzvCDZ10pLsTcw51GzQCWWGjNzAH6nNlDmewX4q1CMqjydQ-Q9RLeosBP_PXGL-lgnAl1tzexVqnU_teMPLU_u23vLJBo18QzKUhHhDTRMOv2mk5OOMhDqekG0/s320/DSC_0361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291404949658819222noreply@blogger.com4