Around The House

So, as you can see, we have lots of space to fill. Livingroom and diningroom sets are a must. They are the first rooms you see when you walk in, and they are empty! Sam got some art hung, which sure helps (the portraits look great in here Stephen). We did get blinds installed and they are functional, but I'm dreaming of some elegant drapes in these rooms too. Like the plastic still on the chandelier?




The guest bath needs different curtain rings and a different rug. This room, as well as all the others will be beautiful when painted (thinking a rich orangey/copper for here).


The familyroom is a little closer, at least it has furniture, lol! In here we need some tables (including a big round one for the center of the room), a tv stand to conceal the equipment and cords, more wall art, plants to pull in the outside, and some drapes. We have fantasized about raising the fireplace to create a hearth and putting stone up the chimney wall. This picture made me realize how dwarfed those candles on the mantle are.


I love my kitchen. There is so much cabinet and counter space. We didn't think it needed blinds in here, but it does. I purchased a vallance, but inside the package was actually a tier, so I need to get it exchanged. It could probably use some rugs, but I'm not sure how to coordinate them with the rugs in front of the doors. I don't want 5 of the same rugs either. I'll have to ponder that one a while. Eventually we'd like to upgrade to hardwoods and granite countertops (I hate what's in there now). I need to do something, like put up a towel bar, to cover that outlet on the island. I'm glad there is one there, but wish it was on the other end so it didn't stick out like a sore thumb.



The breakfast room needs some pop, maybe window treatments. Sam thinks we need an area rug, but I cringe at the thought of a rug under where we eat, kinda skeeves me out thinking how nasty it would get.



The master bedroom looks great with the new furniture. We have never in 12 years had a real bed, not to mention coordinating furniture. I also got new lamps. This room still needs drapes, a bench at the foot of the bed, and some kind of seating arrangement. Gotta do something about the cords here too. This room will be painted something from the gold family.



The kids bath is so fun. I love the bright colors. Notice the paint chip on the wall? I'm thinking of going yellow in here, gender nuetral and all.. Think I should put an actual picture in that frame?




OMG - The projects and wish lists are endless! I'll post more of the rooms later. I'm open to advise and suggestions too if there are any creative decorating divas out there =) We are going to have a great time, but it will take a long time, lol!

Happy Birthday Case

Ya, so I'm waaaaay behind on posting, but I'm workin' on getting caught up, lol.

On the 9th we were honored to have some friends over for a cookout. There were 6 adults, 5 kids, a toddler and a newborn here. It felt great to have a place large enough to share with others. Sam picked up a new grill, whooooohoooo, and we had burgers, dogs, and chicken for all! It had been little Case's 1st birthday a couple days prior, so we also had some cake and ice cream, mmmmmm.

Nana & Papa Came To Visit Part IIII

Welcome to the fourth and final installment, lol! I've realized that somehow, I got my days confused, that's what happens when you wait a month before posting. Please forgive the change in days.

Wednesday we got up early to get a call into the ticket counter at Queens' Landing. I had tried three times to get on that darn boat, but it was always full. This time I left a message before they even opened. To my surprise they called back and said they had space all day, yay! We decided to take the lunch cruise. The boys had hot dogs and the girls had turkey sandwiches. The meals came with soda, chips, and cookies and were pretty yummy. The cruise around the lake started with a recording about the early settlement of the area by the Catawba Indians and the formation of the lake (it's man-made and has existed less than 50 years). Afterward the captain came on and pointed out some important places and of course celebrity homes. It was another hot day, but we got relief in the form of a heavy breeze. It was prefect. When we got back to the landing, the kids spent a few minutes on the dock dangling their feet in the water. Good times =)







Thursday was closing day. I had to be at the house by 10 for our final walk-through. I had given them a hefty list of things to repair 13 days earlier, but found them still working, arggh. After 3 hours I had to give up if we were going to make it to the closing on time. The superintend assured me everything would get done, ya right! We went back to the apartment where I dropped off the parents and kids, and picked up Sam. We stopped by the bank to get the big whammie check and made the trek to the attorney's office. It was getting late and when we finished signing, the lender's wire hadn't came through, so no keys, sigh. The woman preforming the closing felt awful and was trying to figure out another way for us to get the keys besides making the 45 minute drive again the next day to pick them up. We were visiting with our realtor, relaxed and relieved that all the paperwork was done when the attorney came in and said the wire came through. We got the keys! We went back to the apartment and picked up the family to go have a celebration dinner at Red Rocks. It was a fabulous end to a great day!

Friday we all got up before the sun (although I shouldn't complain since Sam does everyday). Mom and Jim were trying to catch the 7:45 am flight out which meant leaving the house by 6:15. Other than nearly rear-ending someone while trying to keep another car from cutting in, the drop-off went well. We were sad to see them go earlier than planned, but understood they had animals and project to get back to. The kids and I arrived back home, did a little picking up and the phone rang. It was mom saying the flight was too full so they needed to be picked back up. We loaded up in the car again and within 2 blocks she called to say never mind, they were still going to try to get on. I turned around and went back home where I fell asleep, until the phone rang again. No go for sure this time, they'd have to stay until Sunday. That's the risk of flying standby in exchange for the discounted friends and family vouchers. For the third time in just over 2 hours, we headed out again. =) This time we stopped at Mickey D's for some breakfast on the way home. I can't remember know what ate up the day, but I remember time getting away from me. I had planned to pick up the Uhaul early and run up to Hickory to get the furniture I had bought 2 weeks before, but time ran out somehow. Jim went with and drove it back to the apartment for me about 3:30pm. We spent the evening packing and loading the Uhaul for the big move.

Saturday was moving day. It was hot, just like a year earlier when we moved in to the apartment. Luckily this time we had some help. Thanks guys! There was an evening storm, which is always a good end to a hot day. We set up the beds and crashed, IN OUR NEW HOUSE!

Sunday was another early morning for another try at boarding a plane home. This time with success. I can't believe a whole month has gone by since their visit. We sure enjoyed having them here. I hope they will be able to visit more often, and all the rest of you too, we have lots of space! Love you all XOXOXO

Nana & Papa Came To Visit Part III

Monday wasn't a very exciting day because it was mostly spent running errands to get house stuff taken care of. We took a drive up to Kernersville to see Sam and the KHI facility before he left to test in Chicago. I didn't want to embarrass him, so I refrained from taking photos, but it's a nice place. Too bad it's such a long drive for Sam to make every day. We had a quick lunch before heading home to finalize some paperwork Sam signed.

Tuesday was another shopping day, Blake's turn! We went to the sporting goods store for him, where he was treated to a few of his favorite, Under Armor, pieces to add to his wardrobe. We also hit Target and picked up some stylin' new backpacks. Thanks Nana & Papa! After the kids' shopping we went to Camping World, and JR for Nana and Papa to do a little shopping. It was fun to look through the store and some motor homes, but it was scorching hot that day and we were melting as we went through them. We stopped at Cracker Barrel for some yummy dinner. It was mom's favorite place to eat, even with the carrot incident =) She ordered them with her meal and was apologized to several times for the delay on getting them to her. She finally gave up and asked for a salad instead. As our waitress put down her substitute, Blake noticed carrots being delivered to the table next door and said "Nana, didn't you order carrots? There they are". Maybe you had to be there, but we got quite a kick out of it. Blake and Papa had fun playing the peg game they have at each table and Papa tried to get me to stash it in my purse (I took a shaker from Pizza Hut as a teen when my mom said she'd like to have one, and he won't let me live it down). After dinner we were browsing the gift store and I noticed they were selling the games. I dediced to buy one and trick Papa into thinking I took it. He laughed when I pulled it out of my purse later, and it wasn't until the next day that I had to tell him I actually paid for it! We spent probably a good half an hour rocking in the chairs outside before calling it a night.





Wednesday we went to Race World USA, where Michael Waltrip Racing is located. They have quite a setup. There are several areas of the shop viewable from the main floor as well as a gift shop. You can also purchase tickets for a short movie, full tour, upstairs, downstairs and outside. It was really neat. We even got to watch the pit crew practicing. Super cool place to visit. Michael McDowell was there being fitted and helping adjust his seats in a couple cars. As we were getting ready to leave they told us Mr Waltrip was there too. We went back to look for him, but never saw him. We did however, watch David Ruiteman tape some kind of interview. We gave up on MW and headed out to the car. Blake noticed David getting in his truck, so of course I had to wait and see him drive out. Sure enough he came through in his ordinary Toyota Tacoma pickup. We let him go and then proceeded ourselves. There were a few vehicles between us, but we quickly ended up right behind him. We joked about memorizing his license plate and as the light changed we followed him through the light. As we got to the next intersection, we realized he was going the same way we were headed and cracked up joking that we were stalking him. He eventually turned into a parking lot, surely to ditch us crazies! LOL!

Nana & Papa Came To Visit Part II

Friday we headed back to Mooresville to see Penske and spent quite a bit of time wandering around. After that we went to DEI, but I apparently didn't take any pictures there. To top it off, I accidentally deleted the pictures my parent's took. Argg, some helper I am =(. Luckily they had emailed a few pictures to friends and were able to restore some. Anyhew, after DEI I brought them by the new house. The kids were hot and cranky, so I didn't bother the office to let us in. We just enjoyed the view and walked through the basement (which was always unlocked for some reason). On the way home, I drove them through the Peninsula, an upscale golf community on the lake. Jim loved it as much as I do. Can't wait until they buy some lakefront property here *wink, wink*. We ordered in some pizza and watched the truck race to wrap up the day.









Saturday Sam was home, YAY! We decided to head to Concord to check out a few things. We started with lunch at On The Border and then went to Bass Pro Shop. Everyone had a great time browsing around. There was announcement that the fish were about to get fed, so the kids and I hightailed to the aquarium. There are 13 species of fish being raised in there, and we're not talking gold fish, lol. The kids did their best to be patient while the man gave what felt like an hour long speech. Finally he chose some kids, including Blake and Emily, to help feed. Blake waited around while some 3 year olds tried unsuccessfully to toss the little fish over the tank wall and ended up losing his chance when the man lost patience. Emily however, was proud as could be to be the only one to get the fish over on the first try! After leaving BPS, we drove by Lowe's Motor Speedway and saw an rv show. We stopped to look, but they were locking up faster than we could look. So, we headed back to Huntersville and regrouped for dinner. We went over to Birkdale and ate out on the patio at Fox and Hound. It was a beautiful night and a great meal. We were able to watch the Nationwide race and enjoy the music from the live band at the Green. Every Friday and Sat through the summer a different band plays outside for everyone to enjoy. Nana danced with Emily and even played in the fountain!



Sunday the boys all stayed home and watched the Cup race while us girls went to do some shopping at South Park, which puts Bellevue Square to shame. The place is huge! Emily picked out a couple outfits at Dillard's, the first store we stopped in. We looked at lots of other places, but couldn't talk her into anything more. Girl knows what she likes and what she doesn't. I have a feeling she may be more open after school starts and she sees what other's are wearing. We shopped until we dropped and drove home. The boys were hungry so we had some dinner and good conversation at Cheeseburger In Paradise. When we got back everyone went out to the pond for some fishing. The kids love it out there and Sam had a great time too.

Nana and Papa Came To Visit - part I

On July 23rd, we picked my parents up at the airport. All day the kids were counting down the minutes. It was great to see them come down the escalator at the terminal. It took over an hour for their luggage to be unloaded, but it all arrived. Poor Sam had to head out of town early the next day, so he missed the arrival, and he slept through us being up until 1:30am visiting.






Day one of their visit we headed out to see some race shops. We hit Team Red Bull, Rusty Wallace, Inc and drove be several others around gasoline alley.






We stopped at Lancaster's BBQ for lunch where they were introduced to yummy Hushpuppies. Before leaving Blake challenged Papa to a race. It was close, but Blake ended up victorious.






After lunch we checked out Petty's new place, saw NTI and PIT (NASCAR related trade schools), and last but not least JR Motorsports.

Summer Fun In The Fountain

This fountian is at the center of a beautiful shopping center called Birkdale (adjacent to the old apartments). Any given day you'll find kids playing with mothers visiting on the surrounding benches.

Love To Fish

The kids love to fish and we've taken them to the lake several times now. Their favorite place though is the pond behind the apartments where we were living. One evening Blake decided to go throw his line in, and being in her pjs didn't stop Miss Emily from going out too. Within a few minutes Em came in calling "come quick, Blakey caught one". I ran down and found him proudly dangling his fish. He put on some gloves and twice tried to grab ahold of the squirmmy thing before Em demands "give me those gloves". Blake handed them over and she proceeded to pull the fish from the hook and toss it back in the pond. What a girl! It wasn't long before she had a fish of her own and the bites were almost constant. The fish were just little buggers, but it's the thrill of the sport that has them "hooked".