Back to School....

January 4, 2010

to prove to Mom and Dad we are not fools!

Yes we recently watched Billy Madison. AND yes the kids are back in school. I was nervous that we would have another snow day but Mother Nature held off. It is bitterly cold though and have made sure the kids bundle every day.

Back to school also means get the house back in order and that is what I'm trying to do. Hopefully I can finish the kitchen and bedroom this week. I am really hoping on some sort of inspirational miracle to help me figure out the bedroom. The side with the bed is perfect. The soon to be bathroom is holding out on some new rooms so that is summer time work but does need some tidying up.

All in due time. First I must get some coffee and go to the Post Office.

Then home for kids coming in from school! Have a great day!
Stace

Matt at Hoosac during Fire Awareness Week!

Another Special Day

January 3, 2010

Yesterday the 2nd was Ma and Poppa's Anniversary. Joe and I are happy and honoured to be sharing the same time of year for our wedding. It was magical enough to decide to up our wedding date and get married sooner but all the more magical because Ma was there. We have held strong to her guidance and support this year and both know we are doing right when we see the approval in her eyes. I was never so pleased and humble to hear her tell Joey, "I am so happy for you. I haven't seen you smile like you are now in many years." I am happy spending time with Ma and cherish the gift of her love and insight. We love you Ma and Happy Anniversary. We hope to have a marriage as filled with love and honour as you you and Poppa had.
Stacie and Joe

First Saturday of 2010

January 2, 2010

Woke to the not so pleasant vibrating of the pager. But very glad we decided to stay home this weekend with Joe being on call. It was nice to wake up next to my husband and with a quick kiss he was off to call the service.
In a matter of an hour we had 4 calls. I quickly packed my crocheting bag and some snacks while he got his van ready and made 2 coffees. We were off to help people who needed heat and electric. I know you might think it silly that we go on his calls together but that is exactly what it is; us together. What better way to spend my weekend? I can think of none. With him by my side I am ready to face anything. I am most blessed.
Stace

Ringing in the New Year

January 1, 2010

We rang in the New Year in the most special way possible. Joe and I got married! We wrote our vows together and surrounded ourselves with very close people who have supported us this past year. It was romantic and beautiful. I married my best friend. I took his name and we pledged to love each other always. This will be the easy part. I love every minute spent with Joe and feel we have both grown tremendously in the past year. We do wish that one more person had been here to share in our day but circumstances as they are; this was not to be. Maybe someday she will know she was in our hearts this day and everyday we've been together. Here are a few pictures of our night. We finished off a tumultuous year by starting it the best way we knew how; in love and together. I love you Joey. xoxo
Your Wife







Special thanks to Sam for these photos!

Christmas Crafting

Studio orders are all in; just waiting on the Fed Ex man to deliver the last packages. Fingers crossed it's Monday!
In the meantime I have been crafting last minute gifts while Joe is at work and the kids at school. Joe just got called out so I finished up the picture frame for his Gram and his brother along with one potholder for his sister in law. Marie is working on the other one. (pictures attached of the crafts)
I have also recently come to be addicted to crocheting and have made Jess and Marie a cowl and also a cowl for a teacher gift. Just needs a crocheted flower to give it a final touch of class. (no pun intended.) I am working on another cowl and an advent calendar made of felt and hand embroidered for Joe and I. The kids have one from their gramma from years ago but I thought it would be fun to start a tradition where we hand write little things to share or do each day. Christmas season gets so hectic I think it will be great to remember us for a time each day.
I also taught myself how to embroider and although my stitches are uneven; I am so in love with my first project that I couldn't wrap it for Joe but had to hang it on the wall immediately! I'll attach a picture of that as well.
This weekend is full of things to get done and honestly I am a bit afraid of how we are going to manage it. Shopping for the kids to finish, Christmas cookies to make, and crafts/gifts to finish making. I am sure we will manage. Thank goodness everything we have bought so far is wrapped and under the tree. That will make this weekend so much easier.

Before and After Kitchen Remodel

Joe and I keep plugging away at our kitchen remod. It has come to such a turning point that I needed to post pictures of the before and after. It truly is amazing how everything has come together especially considering we tackle it as best we can with both working, raising five kids,and while living in the house!
Our house was an original remod turn to sell it quick. The house is 151 years old and was just not working for our capacity and styles. Over the course of a year it has turned into a room that we are both happy to show off and makes us happy to see. Joe said last night that it has an orange glow as you drive in the driveway. I think it's because of all the warmth and love showered on its' walls.

We still have a bit of work to do. The closet doors, the backsplash, the trim, the chair rail, more white paint, and finish the floor.

BEFORE: Dark, drab, and ordinary. AFTER: Warm, Inviting, Happy. A place of love and dreams.

Sneak Peeks From Recent Shoots

I know I've promised some sneak peeks from work but we've been busy!! And when we have down time it isn't spent online. Usually snuggling or planning our next home venture. So here are some treats! My seniors this year were an amazing group of young adults. Most having future plans set and aspirations waiting to blossom. My family photo work was fun and carefree. We even took photos at the local pet parade to help raise money for a dog park in our town. (Marie and Joe posed with our two little boys!) Please remember all photos are copyright protected by S&J Photo. Thank you.