Friday, November 4, 2011

Closet Re-Do, Halloween Past, Old Friends

Hello fellow Bloggers and all others that enjoy reading our blogs!
Well I think I’m finally over my Sinus Infection…man that was a long one – I am especially glad the headaches are gone. That was worse than the infection.

I hope your week was wonderful…mine was okay – nothing to write home about but I’m still here and kicking, so I guess that’s a good thing for me huh?

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I know there are many of you that are on your way today to Ohio for the SIMPLE GOODS SHOW…hope you all have a safe and very eventful time….there should be lots of wonderful treasures just calling your name.  Guess my name wasn’t on anything this year as I didn’t get to go…but there’s always another year God willing.

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Oh, I have a wonderful sale on my website right now until the 15th of this month.  5 Christmas Penny Rugs have been reduced 30%…never taken that much of a reduction before so I hope you will take advantage of it!   kmprimitives.com

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We are in the process of re-doing our bedroom closet…needed many years ago but like so many things in an old home you just never can keep up.

Our closet started bugging me not only because of the small size but there was a built in dresser taking up 36 inches (width) and as high as the closet…and the wood was old and really smelled old – not good!!!!
So on Monday we started ripping it all apart…goodness you never know what lurks behind old walls. Lots of gremlins waiting for us – made the job a bit harder for my husband. Bad patch jobs on the plaster, holes in the floor (under where the dresser was), and a heat pipe going straight up the middle!!!!  So we had someone come in and tear out the pipe – it led to the guest room upstairs…but not anymore (there’s another heat pipe going up there on another wall so it will be just fine). 
Just look at all the different colors that closet was painted….green, blue and gray  (and I assume the room as well) . UGH!!!!
We will be putting in new shelving and hanging units…nothing fancy but way better than what we had before.

Closet half way Closet 1

See what I mean about floor boards missing and that horrible patch job on the wall….
Closet Floor
More pictures after this weekend when the drywall is replaced and painted and new trim

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Last Saturday we had a Halloween party here with our family and to draw names for Christmas. We had snacks first and enjoyed the evening and then had dinner of Pulled Beef Sandwiches, Mostaccioli, Ham and Cheese Sliders and all the goodies to go with it.
I made a Pumpkin Bean Bag toss and there were a few rounds of it throughout the night…along with some good ole fun.
I found the game idea from PINTEREST and made my own version of it…maybe for Christmas I’ll change it out and make it a Snowman Toss.
Pumpkin toss
Aidan didn’t want to play a real game but he had fun just going up to it and dropping the bags in
Aidan game

The kids got Glow Sticks in there treat bags and had to try them out…Aidan couldn’t get a real spin going but he had fun just the same – he just kept giggling the whole time Joe was spinning his.
Joe and Aidan with glo sticks

For our snack table….Heather made a wonderful Mexican layered dip, MaryAnn made the Mummy Hot Dogs.
I did a bunch of other things that aren’t showing on the table…but among these are String Cheese Fingers in Marinara sauce, Vegi Dip with Carrot fingers (Almonds for fingernails)….these two were from PINTEREST as well.
I made Chocolate Cup cakes with Fluffy frosting and there were candy Eye Balls on them but I didn’t get a picture up close.  And a Cream Puff Torte with a Chocolate Spider Web on top…no picture either.

Mexican Dip 
Mummy Hot Dogs
Snack Bags
Treat Bags 
Vegi Tray
String Cheese Fingers
Snacks 

The bunch of us…Jesse was the only one missing.
Family Halloween 2011 2 

Brett and Heather brought this lovely little Fall flower too!  After the party I set it in the carved out Pumpkin.
Flowers 

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I received a couple of wonderful little surprises in the mail this past week – both from LINDA’S…one was from my friend in Pennsylvania – we missed seeing each other a couple weeks ago and she had a gift for me and so she mailed it off – and it’s an adorable sheep (with real sheep’s wool for his body).
Thanks so much Linda…you always know how to brighten up a blue day!

Sheep from Linda 

And from Linda Parker over at Parkers Paradise Blog http://parkersparadise.blogspot.com/  I received a wonderful surprise package…she is just the sweetest Lady in Blogland…always thinking of others and I was one of the recipients of her generosity…look at these adorable Pillow Tucks she sent – just perfect Linda…THANK YOU SO MUCH.  You are a very beautiful Lady inside and out.
Pillow Tucks from Linda Parker

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I’m busy grunging some Warm and Natural today…I want to get some Primitive Ornaments made for Old Lady Morgan’s Ornament Exchange and I’m really pushing for time…I wonder what this will turn into!!
Warm and Natural Grungy

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GOODBYE DEAR FRIEND:
Phyllis Durrant 1930-2011
Durrant-phyllis_t180 
And last….one of our dearest friends passed away this past weekend…we have known Phyllis since 1972 when we built our house in Janesville. It was a brand new subdivision going in and we were the 7th home to build there…right next door to Phyllis and her family. We met during the days we went over there building our home…and have been friends ever since.

Long story short…we all became fast friends…if you saw them you saw us…what more can I say.

So we said goodbye to her on Tuesday…and I bawled like a baby when I greeted her husband – but not for her…she’s at peace finally and smiling and TALKING.
It was all the remembering of the laughs and good times and all those lost years.

I miss her…although the missing started 15 years ago. Phyllis got a horrible disease called Progressive Aphasia.

WHAT IS APHASIA?
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that
impairs a person's ability to process language, but does not affect intelligence.
Aphasia impairs the ability to speak and understand others, and most people with aphasia experience difficulty reading and writing.

See why this is a horrible disease…she knew but couldn’t communicate!

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Going to our grandchildren's Church tonight for a Chili Supper…should be delicious!

Thanks for hanging in there with me on this long post…didn’t intend for it to be that way but as you all know I can be chatty!
Blessings,
Karen

28 comments:

  1. So sorry for the loss of your friend. May you find comfort in your memories. Your closet is going to be so nice...can't wait to see pictures. Like you said, you never know what you will find when redoing an old house. We are knocking out a wall this winter so I can only imagine what we will find!! Your party looks like it was so fun. Love all the fun looking food. Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you are feeling better. Take care.
    Melissa

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  2. So very sorry for the loss of your friend. You will have the blessing of treasured memories.
    I have to stain some muslin today myself. I don't mind. Makes for more needlework material!
    Happy to hear you smiled when you got my offerings!
    ★Linda★

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  3. I am so glad I stopped by today :) I got my mom a lovely Christmas gift and I will probably have a hard time not keeping it for myself :D

    Your little get together looked like lots of fun with lots of good food!!

    It's always **so much fun** remodeling in older homes :P I am sure it will be great when it's finished :D

    I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. How horrible it must have been for her to live all that time with that disease.
    Kim

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  4. Oh Karen, it is so hard to lose a close friend. I am sorry about Phyllis. Just know that she can communicate now.

    Wonderful pictures of your family and your party...lots of food...lots of fun for all!

    Oh Boy...you are going to love the extra space in your closet. It will all be worth it in the end.

    A very nice post...I loved it. You are a sweet person. Have a great weekend.

    Susannah

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  5. So very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.

    Looks like you had a wonderful Halloween party with the family. Lots of yummy food and fun!!

    I've never been to the Simple Goods show...it is about 2 hours from here. I just discovered another primitive show that is tomorrow and it is only 40 minutes away...so I'm going to check it out.

    Take care and have a great weekend.
    hugs,
    Cindy

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  6. Hello Karen-
    Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend!
    I'm glad to hear your feeling better!
    Love your Halloween phots. looks like it was a good time!
    I recieved some pillow tucks from Linda too! She lifted my spirits. What an awesome lady she is!
    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  7. Hi Karen, I am so glad that you are feeling better. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.
    I love all of your Halloween dishes, they sure look like the real thing. Love your goodies from both Linda's. Can't wait to see your closet redo. You have such a beautiful home and family. Hugs, Lecia

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  8. I dearly love your long posts, Karen.. even when they make me cry.. smile.. So sad when you lose someone you love..
    Take care, my dear friend..
    Oh.. I have a wee giveaway going on..
    Blessings..

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  9. So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Karen - I pray you find peace, comfort, and joy, in your memories of her. Wonderful goodies you received from your Lindas....That Linda Claus has been spreading cheer all over again it sounds like. And I so love wooly little sheep! But gotta say Girl - you and your family know how to do up a part right! That food is amazing!! Looks like something out of Martha Stewart!! Holy bat wings!!! Amazing!!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend - glad you're feeling better....Good luck with the closet project! Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

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  10. Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend - I know you treasure many special memories. You closet is going to be great - don't we all need more storage space?
    So glad you are feeling better,
    Sue

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  11. Karen......I always love your posts.....the longer the better!
    What greats gifts you received.
    And your party looked like such fun.
    Sorry to hear of your friend's passing but I agree she is at peace.
    Linda

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  12. I am so glad you are feeling better. You havae been so busy over the past few dayhs that you did not have time to be sick...Your family get-together looked like a blast with some really great and creative food. I am sorry to hear about your friend. Blessings to you and thanks for sharing all your wonderful days. BLessings!

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  13. Glad to hear that you are mended!!! Your closet is huge. I can't wait to see it when it's done. Wow, what a lot of work. I love Pinterest. It's almost as addicting as blogging. Great idea on the beanbag toss. Your munchies look so spooktacular Ha Ha. Glad you had a good time with your family. Linda is so sweet to send you such lovely stitched pillows. I bet you have the perfect spot for them. I am sorry to hear about your friend. I bet you had some very good times and learned a lot from here. -Steph-

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  14. Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Sounds like had some wonderful times together and I hope those memories bring you comfort. Your party looks like so much fun! Your family really goes all out for Halloween! I empathize with your closet renovation. We are about to begin remodeling our master bath and closet and I know it will be a huge pain! But it's always so worth it in the end. Have a good weekend and feel all better soon! ~Roberta

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  15. Sorry for the loss of your friend but I am sure you have many wonderful memories. You are right about Linda at Parkers Paradise..she is a sweet heart inside and out and always sending something to someone. I don't know how she does it but I for one am honored to have her as a friend :)

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  16. Don't you just love a good remodeling project like a closet? It makes all the difference in the world, doesn't take nearly as long as other projects (ask me how I know!) and doesn't cost nearly as much. Would love to see a finished pic sometime!

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  17. Hi Karen~

    Glad you are feeling better. Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.

    Your party looks like a great time. Love all the goodies that were made. So very festive.

    Have a wonderful weekend~Becky

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  18. Happy Saturday Karen... I just love how you and the family make the holiday get togethers so warm and fun...All the goodies each of you prepare is always so darned cute!!

    Wow your closet is going to make you one happy woman when you get it finished.. It appears you will have so much more room for your things..
    I'm sorry for the loss of your friend but you are probably right she is probably talking up a storm making up for all those lost years..

    Have a Great Weekend my friend!!

    Hugs
    Tonya

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  19. Hi Karen,
    I am sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, it is a comfort to have memories, those can't be taken at least. Your closet will turn out nice I am sure. Love all the celebration photos of the family, looks like a good time was had by all!
    God bless,
    Renee

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  20. Karen ~
    So sorry to hear about your friend. Yes, what a horrible disease!!!
    I made it down to the Lancaster area but did not make it to Simple Goods. The antique show and shops were a priority and there just weren't enough hours in the day.
    I am glad you are feeling better. What a fun Halloween party you threw.
    Pug hugs :)
    Lauren

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  21. Karen: Glad you are well...those headaches can really do you in! Karen: Sorry about the loss of your dear friend and I hope you will remember the good times.
    Your closet will be a dream-come-true as was mine when I had JUST a shelving unit built in my "huge" NOT! 4 x 5 ft. walk-in closet. You will love it! Looks like you all had a great haloween...always enjoy your pictures. Your new one is cute, too! {{Hugs}} Joy

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  22. So glad you finally kicked that sinus infection, goodness it stuck around!

    Oh goodness! Tackling any kind of re-do is never fun for the reason you stated... who knows what's behind? But yours was fixable so that's a good thing. I know you will enjoy your new closet immensely!

    What a cute pumpkin game and your food looks awesome! I love the spider web and those fingers with almond nails are too funny! Gotta love Pinterest for all the creativity out there.

    Fun surprises you received... love the real sheep's wool and Linda's pillow tucks are so cute. Yes, she is very, very generous!

    So sorry that you lost such a dear friend. Sad is her story but thankful you have those precious memories to always keep her close to your heart. Don't ever lose those!

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  23. Dear Karen, I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. THey are so precious. I'm glad you are able to see the positive in it though. That she is probably happier now... and whole again. Hugs Friend.

    I too missed Simple Goods this year. Oh well. we have next year. I did get a visit from Earlene after though and that was pretty cool. They stopped by on thier way back home to Michigan.

    Love your Halloween Party Decor. Very cute!

    Carmen and the Primcats

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  24. Dear Karen, I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. THey are so precious. I'm glad you are able to see the positive in it though. That she is probably happier now... and whole again. Hugs Friend.

    I too missed Simple Goods this year. Oh well. we have next year. I did get a visit from Earlene after though and that was pretty cool. They stopped by on thier way back home to Michigan.

    Love your Halloween Party Decor. Very cute!

    Carmen and the Primcats

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  25. Thank you so much for your wonderful visit to my blog.
    I really enjoyed visiting yours too.
    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend though. That must have been so hard.

    Your party and the food look great !!

    Have a wonderful day.

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  26. Glad that you are feeling better. So sorry for the loss of your friend. What a sad disease. Your Halloween food looks a lot like ours. Never thought of pics until the evening was over, the kids went all out and tried to out do one another on creativity. The winner had to be the plate of bones, pretzel sticks with marshmallow ends dipped in white chocolate, fun and delicious!
    Cathy

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  27. So sorry you lost your dear friend, Karen. Prayers to you and her family. I also love your little sheep with real wool gift. The bean Bag Toss is so cute. Will you post photos of the Christmas version?

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  28. Hi Karen ~ just catching up on my blog reading and want to tell you I am so sorry about your friend. It is so hard to part with those that make our lives richer ~ but as you say, she is at peace now. Take care ~ and enjoy that new closet!!!

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So glad you came to visit - feel free to leave a comment.
I will try and answer as many as I can - maybe not immediately but I will get to you!

Karen