New in Town

This movie is clean (rated PG) and family-friendly without being cheesy.

Warnings:
1.)You'll feel cold during the entire film b/c it's set in the heart of a Minnesota winter so wrap up in a warm blanket.

2.)You'll want to shave Harry Connick Jr.'s nasty beard and wonder if he didn't shower during the entire filming process.

Not Going Down Without A Fight

Well, our weekend project of replacing the kitchen floors didn't go as planned. Let's just say the kitchen floors and cabinets didn't come up without a fight. Actually it is was more like WWIII than an amateur boxing match.

Tim began by ripping up the kitchen floors down to the original sub floor. Now mind you, the rest of the house has beautiful hardwoods but the kitchen has layer upon layer of linoleum. What were they thinking?!



After reaching the sub floor, Tim began attacking the kitchen cabinets and counters. This is where the war got interesting and very gory. Our hope was to salvage the original cabinets and counters so that after the new floor was installed, we could put them back into place. HA! Were we wrong! There is no way they can be removed without the assistance of sledge hammers and saws.

So much for a minor house project; our only option is to remodel our entire kitchen (minus new appliances.)

Here's the current bloody mess...



The one good thing was Lowes and Home Depot were both running 20% off sales on kitchen cabinets and countertops this weekend. Very timely!

Twins at 12 weeks

Our first home movie of the twins. Enjoy!!!

Up Goes the Floor

Coming soon to our home... new kitchen floors!!! There will be before and after pictures, I promise.

Here's what we picked out:



After searching many months for the right color tile and making countless trips to Dalton, GA, Tim and I gave up the idea and decided to go with wood floors in the kitchen. We currently have light oak wood floors in the rest of the house but wanted something entirely unique and different for the kitchen. After researching flooring, we decided on bamboo and got a great deal from Lumber Liquidators.

Free Flowers

Talk about a great idea...

A florist here in town, Humphreys, thought of a creative way to go a little green with their business. They started a vase recycling program. If you bring in 4 used vases that are in good condition then you get free flowers. So, I cleaned out 4 old vases and brought them in today.

Ta-da...

My FREE flowers!

Huge Consignment Sale - Sept. 18th & 19th

Last night I attended my very first mothers of multiples support group. Talk about well worth my time. The support group has an upcoming event: CAMOMC Kids Consignment Sale

Here's the details...
When: Friday, Sept. 18th (9AM to 7PM) and Saturday, Sept. 19th (8AM to 1PM)
Where: East Ridge Community Center at 1517 Tombras Ave., Chattanooga, TN



(You do not need to be having multiples to shop the sale.)

Push

Push is a strange movie, unlike any other films I've seen. If you put superhero-like characters with uncommon gifts in the world's about to end setting with government agents on the hunt then you have the movie Push. The only other film that might be similar is I Am Legend or from what I hear Jumper.

Cowboy hats and all...

This weekend Tim and I went for the 3rd year in a row to the St. Jude Rodeo in Rossville, GA. It's the best rodeo that comes to our area, and of course, we go b/c it's for a good cause. (And well, we also use it as an excuse to wear our matching cowboy hats!)

Yeehaw!!!

Mixing Ancient and Modern Medicine

I did something yesterday for the very first time. I saw an acupuncturist. Given my current medical situation, I’m open to try anything and the specialist I’m seeing recommended I give acupuncture a chance as research has shown it helps treat my current condition.

I was pleasantly surprised with my experience so much so that I’m looking forward to my next appointment.

For those of you, who have never done acupuncture, let me briefly describe what it is like. First off, the one thing I worried about most was the needles. Of course, who wouldn’t? We all hate shots. Truthfully, I felt a prick as the doctor pushed them into my skin but nothing like getting a shot or drawing blood. Seconds later I couldn’t feel them.

After the needles were strategically placed, the doctor left and I relaxed in a dark room for 20 minutes. He said I may even fall asleep but didn’t on this occasion. (I had too much sweet tea in my system.) From time to time, I could sense something going on in my body or around my body but felt no pain. It was weird and hard to describe.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m a fully committed believer; however, I will attest there was something there.

Only Briana!

This past weekend, we had a mini birthday celebration for Tim with some close friends. I asked our guests to bring 30 of something as Tim's present. His gifts ranged from 30 pieces of gum to 30 pairs of socks to 30 donuts to 30 dog hairs and you get the point.

Well, leave it to my "twin" to take things to the next level. Miss you-know-who came over wearing 30 pieces of clothing.

Check it out!!!

Tim Turns 30!!!

Today is Tim's 30th birthday...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Chocolates To Sigh For - CR article

In the February issue, Consumer Reports did an article on chocolate. Very timely with Valentine's Day right around the corner. (I think it was planned!)

Their "Excellent, Though Pricey" list included:
1.) Norman Love Confections 25 pieces - $49
2.) John & Kira's Classic Every Flavor 56 pieces - $79
3.) La Maison du Chocolat Coffret Maison Dark and Milk 72 pieces - $102
4.) Woodhouse Chocolate Assortment 48 pieces - $84
5.) Jacques Torres Jacques' Choice 50 pieces - $55
6.) Candinas 36 pieces - $46
7.) Martine's Assortment du Jour Signature 36 pieces - $76
8.) Nonnie Waller's Traditional Southern Treasure Chest Truffles Casanova - $85
9.) Fran's 36 piece Assorted Truffles Collection - $44

Their "Very Good, Less Expensive" list included:
1.) See's Assorted Chocolates - $15
2.) Leonidas Chocolate General Assortment - $34
3.) Godiva 36 piece Gold Ballotin - $40

Huh, I wonder why Hershey's didn't make the list... ha, ha, ha!

Uncle Ben's Typo

The first real job I had following college was with a publishing company, GCP. I was not hired to do copy editing but found myself being asked to edit materials from time to time. Over the year or two I worked there, my copy editing eye developed and now I can't help but edit things while I read them.

Last night while I was preparing dinner, I found a mistake on the box of instant rice. . .



(Did you find it?)

Dog-tired

Apparently we wore Duchess out this weekend. By Sunday evening she was too tired to put her whole body to bed. Ever feel this way?

Jingle All the Way...

I had my 2nd piano lesson on Friday. Oh what fun!!!

I realize it's after the holidays so you may not appreciate Christmas music in January but this is one of the only songs I know how to play. Enjoy!!!

And look, two hands!!! :)

25 Things About Me

1. I am learning to play the piano.
2. I plan to go to Spain this spring on a mission trip.
3. I love to travel.
4. I love change but only when it was my idea.
5. I can’t cook but still try; however, I love to bake.
6. I outgrew my childhood allergy to dairy.
7. I’m in love with my husband and we've been married 5.5 years.
8. I enjoy hosting parties.
9. I would love multiples.
10. I don’t want to turn 30 in August.
11. I have a crazy, silly, energetic dog named Lady Duchess Belle of Georgia (aka Duchess).
12. I love to run.
13. I love seeing things from up high… like views from mtn. tops, skyscrapers, airplanes, etc.
14. I became a Christian at summer camp when I was 13.
15. I’m in graduate school.
16. I love sugar.
17. I enjoy the company of others but need time alone.
18. Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and Fresh Market are my favorite stores.
19. I love where we live.
20. I wanted to become an architect when I was little and some days I wish I had.
21. I avoid confrontation and hate arguing.
22. I make decisions by comparing the options.
23. I would love to own a black jaguar convertible made sometime btw the late ‘50s thru early ‘70s.
24. I prefer white wine to red but my favorite drink is a martini.
25. I love the color red.

Netflix - totally worth it!

We recently joined Netflix. I realize we’re a little behind the trend but better late than never, I guess. I'm impressed with the vast number of movies available and how smooth their system works.

If you haven't joined or even run the numbers then I'd say at least look into it, especially if you rent 3 or more movies per month from your local video rental store.

And the Wall Came Down

Oh, the things we do late at night in our pajamas. I'm sure the neighbors wonder what goes on over at our house and why the lights are on so late. Well, over a week ago we decided the time had come to tear down the wall between our kitchen and dining room.

And yes, demolition work is very fun!!!

Here is a picture of the peninsula in our kitchen before Tim ripped it up off the floor.


After removing the peninsula, we discovered a floor vent. Now my kitchen is much warmer. Hmmm... funny how that works. I have no idea why in the world you would cover a vent and fill it with trash when you could move it a few inches.


Tim added wheels to our peninsula (now island) so that we can move it around. Pretty smart idea and very handy!


Now all of the wood paneling is down and the demo is about to begin in the dining room.


And this is how we do it. . . Mr. Hammer meet Mrs. Crowbar!!!
(Ear plugs are a must!)


Her side:


His side:
(Yes, Tim is a little faster than me.)


Here is the view of the kitchen from the dining room.


And here is the kitchen again from the back door by the eating area.


It is interesting because our kitchen actually feels much smaller, but the layout is more convenient and the island (former peninsula) usable. Our breakfast eating area feels huge, as does the dining room.

Our next project will be to remove all of the kitchen cabinets and appliances and install a new kitchen floor. I can't wait!!!

My Very First Song

Friday was my very first piano lesson. I came home after the lesson and practiced for nearly an hour. I just couldn't get enough of it! I finally called it quits when my forearm started to hurt and wrist cramped up.

Below is a mini concert of my very first song. I only know how to play with my right hand so it is a simple song but nonetheless I'm making music. At my next lesson, I'll learn my left hand.

Freestanding Fireplace Stove 4 Sale

We are selling our freestanding fireplace stove for $100. If interested, contact us at fireplacestove4sale@yahoo.com. The specific make and model of the stove is unknown but we can provide the exact dimensions.