The Value Perspective

Today I stopped and began thinking of defining moments in my life.

Has this ever happened to you?  Sometimes when everything is quiet and I actually get some time alone, I am taken back to moments that have shaped who I am now...

Like many families, when I was growing up there wasn't a lot of extra resources. 

There were 7 of us, but that didn't stop my mother's creativity.

I have memories of her reupholstering & refinishing furniture, making art, and painting.

I trailed along, and watched her enjoy trips to thrift stores and flea markets. 

When she brought things home she enlisted my help in rearranging furniture.  It amazed me how many different ways she could reconfigure a room. Every time she brought something home, no matter what it was, the room was rearranged to celebrate its arrival.

All those years of watching her, she created a beautiful home without a huge budget.

She taught me that you really create a "home" environment out of love and imagination.  

Growing up the way I did has allowed me to always think outside the box and be inventive.

I can't tell you how many times I have resorted to the things my mother has done.

She saw value in the things at the time I could not.  What was once discarded became part of the design of our home.

Not only did that help me in decorating spaces but also in how I see value in other people.  Each person can add something different and significant to the world.

 (My Mom and Dad)

Now I teach my children.  They help me rearrange.. I get their input.. We get creative together.

The seed is planted again.

The Miracle

This past weekend was Easter but it was also my daughter's birthday!

I started thinking about her and the miracle she is..

When I was pregnant I knew there was something wrong

You know what I am talking about, Moms?  Our knower just kicks in..this pregnacy was different than my first.

I kept my fear inside and didn't share except to God in my prayers.

One day I woke up and told my husband that I think I needed to go to the hospital to get checked.

They ran their tests and were about to send me home when one doctor said to try a different exam.  There was no amniotic fluid and rushed me to have an emergency c-section.

I was so scared

Scared for my little girl

The rest of that night is a blur

bits and pieces in my memory

I saw her several hours later with that little face poking through her swaddle.  Flat face with a small button nose and large dark eyes..

I immediately felt to protect her..

My husband telling someone to pray that the doctors were concerned.

She didn't look like a normal baby but was beautiful

Ear closed up

One leg bowed

Flat faced

No neck

But she was mine!

The doctor kept doing test upon test on her until there was no place else to cut on her little feet.

5 days..

5 days of being told she would never be like her older sister

5 days of being told I needed to face reality

There was something inside that wouldn't let me settle for that.
I prayed.  Her Dad prayed.
We brought her home.

I looked at my little angel.
She was so good.
Slept through the night and was never fussy.
Prayed
and
Prayed

and then
we started to see a miracle

the ear that once was closed opened
the neck that wasn't was
the flat face began to take shape

but those beautiful eyes never went anywhere

I remember taking her to visit my OB/GYN and he cried (literally) saying this couldn't be the baby he delivered.
Then my husband and I took her to the geneticist @ 2yrs of age and she was in shock.  My daughter was writing on a chalkboard and playing games..everything they said she wouldn't be able to do.

Now my sweetheart celebrated her birthday the big 13!  Oh my!  What a privilege it has been being her mother.  Watching this miracle grow into a young woman. 

It's wonderful to look back and see the good that has happened in your life.  She is my reminder that there is 'Nothing that is impossible for God'...even when it looks like there is :)

What are some of your moments? 

Sunday Serenity : Sleeping Porches

When I think of Sunday's I think of rest, relaxation, peace and family.

I am going to be adding in Sunday posts to my blog focusing on those things that will help keep balance and focus.  Whether it be something visual or an insightful thought it will definitely be something to create more beauty in our lives.

Sleeping Porches

(via)

(via)

Modern Porch by Burlington Architect Bluetime Collaborative

Traditional Bedroom by New York Architect SchappacherWhite Ltd.

Have a relaxing Easter with friends and family.

What Are You Thankful For?

Good Afternoon!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am looking back over this year and thinking about all I have to be thankful for.

This year has been filled with so many challenges and victories.

Earlier in 2012 my dad was put in the hospital and it was scary.  At one point we almost lost him but I am so grateful that he is doing much better.  Later in the summer my Dad & Mom, and my sister came to visit.  Happy for another year with them.

 And those lovely kids who give me the drive to do what I do.

 

 Then we got this little guy..an answer to prayer for my girl.

 (That's a story in itself)

Thankful for my extremely hot, husband!  

Who works so hard for our family.  Thankful for new work opportunities that came his way.  He has been such a big supporter of my dreams as well.

Which leads me to...

This year marked the official beginning of my business. 

Thankful for Sara who created my logo and just "got me" when we met.

She also cleaned up my site since I am technically challenged : )

For the new people I have met..

Project Ladybug

Eric Stromer and fellow Canadian Bloggers (Lynne Knowlton)

Emily Henderson (HGTV)

 

Also, for all my clients thus far!  Thank you for your trust in me for your homes and commercial spaces.  Looking forward to new clients in the coming year : )

Most of all I want to thank God (and no this is not like an AMA speech) for truly all He has walked with me through.  He gets my ultimate Thanks.

Hope your Thanksgiving is full of looking at the true joys of life.  God bless!

Demolition..Gotta Love It

How is everyone?  It has been awhile.  I have been working on the Byron Forest Preserve remodel and things are coming along.  You can see the before pics and read about the project here.

One of the best parts of the transformation is the demolition.  It gives a sneak peek into what the final product will be.  This is the entry..

 Walls were removed.  No more "Burger King" tile..that's what my husband calls it.  Btw..I have "Burger King" tile in my kitchen.  I will rejoice the day that is gone.  Ok, I need to focus ; )

 Through the entryway.  Columns were stripped down and they will be wrapped with cedar.

 Hallway to restrooms.

 Receptionist area..

I can not wait for the finished product.  I am like a kid in the candy store : )

BTW...

I have had my family here for the past week and it has been so awesome.  They came at a great time and were able to be here for my son's birthday.  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

They Are Finally Up

 Good Morning!

It's been awhile and I have missed the blog and all of you : )

Corey and I finally got the pelmuts up but I must tell you it was hard work getting them secure.  He built them to last forever.  If you want to read more about it go here.

 We are getting the anchors put in the wall to hold them up because it was a little heavy.

 (anchors)

You also have to use L-Brackets to mount them up on the wall.

After all the hard work..here they are up in my kitchen

 

 I am so happy with them.  It really was a family project and we had a great time doing it.

What are your favorite window treatments?

BTW..

Tile is being laid in the Byron job.  Paint has gone on the walls and the space has so much more life.  It is so exciting : )

KBIS Show and Some Familiar Faces

 Good afternoon!

 Yesterday I was at the KBIS Show in Chicago and it was so much fun!

I met up with some awesome bloggers and interior design experts..thanks to Twitter.  Why?  Well, we all scheduled this meet up from there.  Thank God all I had to do was drive while most of them flew in.  These ladies are awesome and you all should follow them..will have their info at the end of my post ; )

There was so much to see and not enough time in my day..

Love these bikes..especially the one that's made out of walnut.  So sweet!

 How about some shine in your space?

 I was really taken aback when we came to a section called the "UNCONTAINED"

This area really showed the different phases of life that we go through and how design meets all of our needs in these stages.

 And this is what this home looks like..

 All of these spaces were made from storage units..how cool would this be to put a space like this on your property?

 For the couple who has busy careers and a new marriage..who love to cook together.

Here is that space..

 Families who want to spend time together..and starter homes

 I love the cork walls.  I really want to do this in my home.  Natural and simple.

The next UNCONTAINED container is how do we deal in design bringing in the older generation into our homes.  There is an answer..

 Weren't those containers amazing?

Here is something else that caught my eye..

 Yes, that is fire.  So many amazing things and my mind was going a million miles a minute.

As I was walking with my friend, Lynne (awesome blogger and interior designer) I noticed someone.  I decided to go up to her just to make sure..

Yep, it was Emily Henderson!  Design Star winner and host of Secrets From A Stylist.  She was so much fun to talk to.  She had me laughing so hard but those pictures I won't share.  I think I looked like a horse..lol.

Not only did I see her but the group of ladies and I met up with ..

Eric Stromer from "OVER YOUR HEAD" on Hgtv.  This guy is really hilarious and a joy to listen to in the session.  Loved meeting up with these gals.  

Here is their twitter handle from left to right ~

@MaureenCmodecor

@lynneknowlton

@Remodel_w_Feia

 

and none other than Robin Siegerman who is the author of Renovation Bootcamp:Kitchen.  I ordered the book : ) 

I was asked to do an interview about my whole experience.  I was so nervous.  If any of the tape gets used I will let you all know : )

Love Chicago and even though I live close I don't get in there enough.

I love this city!

The best way to end my day was to go to dinner with my family..

The end to a most perfect day!

Thank you, Lynne for everything!

 

 

About The Break...

 Good Afternoon!

Hoping everyone is having a great day!

I want to thank Julie from Rumbles and Roars (blog) and Jessica from The Aestate for giving me a much needed break.  I am so grateful that they stepped up to help me when I was in a hard place.  I love you guys and thank you.  That's what I love about blogging and the relationships that you build..it becomes like family.

I want to share with you all what happened ..

My dad was rushed into the hospital at the end of January for a severe infection.  They did surgery and things seemed to be turning around but they almost lost him.  That was when I called on these ladies and not only did they come through but they were a rock for me.

We drove from the Chicago area and arrived in New Jersey

(going through Pennsylvania)

My dad was stable. Thank God!

(hospital with my dad)

It has taken some time but he is finally home.  Not completely out of the woods yet but we can see the sunshine through the trees.  I am still here being as much a help as I can.

(my kids and my mother)  Can you believe she is 79?  I hope I can look like that when I am that age  : )

So, if you ever think of me say a prayer for my dad..would appreciate it.  Also, if you haven't started following The Aestate and Rumbles and Roars I highly suggest you put them in your blogroll.  Not only are their blogs awesome but they are truly good people.

P.S.  I will also be sharing here later some goodies I have found when I am out and about doing errands for my family here in Jersey.

Wishing you all much love and health!