Before / After

 I'll have to go back and see if I can find true "before" pictures. The mantel was brown when we moved in. We didn't waste any time painting that but it took awhile to figure out how we wanted to replace the tile/rock.

 

This wasn't an "easy" job. Removing the tile was tedious and difficult. However, it seemed easy as Brad moved on to getting the rock off the top. But ya'll know Brad- he gets it done! He gets it done right. 

 And here is the "after." We love love love it. I wish you could see the texture and variance of the stones in the picture. Some are marble. Some are black glass. Some are sea glass. The photos don't do it justice. (yes, I'm going to have to paint those tall candles...we're thinking of a crackled gold--but we can't get to Walmart today because of this ICE storm!!!)

A before close up...

and finally...a fireplace we love to go with a house we love!

Retro Banjos

Here is a blast from the past...Christmas 2008. All the kids have changed since this was recorded but it is really hard to believe that sweet little baby voice at the end is Andy. The video and lights are courtesy of Lake Park's Dave and Lisa Brown. We love the show every year but I happen to think that 2008 year was the best. ;)

Dualing Banjos Introduction - Lake Park Lights 2008 from David Brown on Vimeo.

Tough To Be A Dog

 Spicy rests his head on a pillow and enjoys the fire. Lucy stops bothering G-mama long enough to pose for the picture. Yes friends, it is tough to be a dog at the Horner house. Someone should come rescue these pups.

Loser Loser

In keeping with the loser theme, I just noticed I'm a day late in joining the Home Tour. Sorry Nester. I am a slacker. I do plan to join but it likely won't happen until the weekend. I still have 2 boxes of Christmas decorations on the floor in the craft room. (shhh...don't tell the neighbors...the wreaths on the windows make them think I have it all together.) In all honesty, I may not even put out anything else. I'm sorta feeling the "less is more" sentiment this year. We don't even have stockings hung. (gasp) Yes, I know. Here is the reasoning I gave to Mr. Traditions (aka Aaron):  We always have the fireplace going. Our stockings might catch on fire, or at least melt. Here is some additional information that I withheld from Mr. Traditions: I don't like our stockings. I wanted new ones from Hobby Lobby. I was too cheap to buy them at the beginning of the season. Now they are gone. I'm still pouting.

If Only...

If only the road to blogspot was paved with good intentions...  I've had such good intentions of blogging. I have written several mental blog posts. Sadly I've lacked the follow through of actually typing them up.  In my defense, I have been slightly psychotic concerned about finishing up this last class for my masters. As of today, I have turned everything in. I should be finished. I say *should be* because this is the week my professor looks through my portfolio and lets me know if there is anything else she needs from me. (please no...please no...please no) Grades should be posted by Dec. 27 and  I anticipate that beautiful diploma to arrive shortly after the first of the year.

So. Sad day for me. I'm a blogging loser these days. But rest assured, we're still here. The Christmas wreaths are up so the southern hospitality patrol won't come knocking and the banisters look lovely. (thanks to Maci). I will post pictures. For real. Just not today...or tomorrow...maybe next weekend.

Happy Birthday Mr. Disney

I'm not a violent person and we never allow yelling in our house. But tonight the stars aligned...  Oklahoma bedlam came to Charlotte television. I haven't watched a bedlam game in years. Years. That may be a good thing because tonight I have heard myself yelling at the tv a *teensy* little bit. Yelling phrases like "throw him down", "tear him up", and GET HIM!!!"  The kids said, "Mom- why are you so growly?" Growly? No worries, it's just bedlam dear.

But honestly, must they play Boomer Sooner every freaking time those boys do the slightest little thing? Puh-lease. Just because OSU has a crappy fight song...how does that fight song go anyway?

So the game continues...Brad watches from upstairs. I watch from downstairs. This ensures a happy marriage after the 4th quarter.

I promise I'll keep my yelling to a minimum.

UPDATE- interceptions release me from that promise. stinking freaking piece of crap game.

UPDATE 2- Freaking play the entire game. I don't care who it is. I don't care what the score is. Play the  whole game.  Seriously. Other than that- good game!

Elf Vision

Andy's favorite Christmas decoration is Santa's house. I picked the set up a few years ago from a "giveaway" pile at school.  One mans trash has been Andy's treasure. He looks forward to playing with this little set every season. 

This year, Santa's house is decorating the downstairs "powder room."  Andy was opposed to this location for obvious reasons but he soon realized it was indeed a decent home. (and "there is a fan in there if you need it")  He rearranges the elves often- its a new scene almost every time I visit the powder room.

Here is a picture of the most recent scene. Apparently one elf may have had a bit too much to drink. I'll keep you posted on the elf happenings as the season continues...

Aw Man...

Don't you hate it when your pouting inadvertently turns into napping?

Its That Time of Year Again



I hope everyone remembers my little spiel about the Happy Day shoppers vs the Sad Day shoppers from last year.  If you would like to be a Happy Shopper, it is now time to start checking BF ads for the latest ad releases.  Wal-Mart claims they are holding their ad until 11/21 but they also claim that they won't start the sale until 5am and we all know the end to that story. I'm still annoyed by the way. 

As ads are trickling in I have already circled a couple things in Walgreens ad and just this morning I snagged the early Itunes gift card deal ($50 gift card for $35 at Walmart).  Please don't tell my children.

So as much as I love summer- and I do love summer. Black Friday excitement will keep me warm for a little while.