Who am I?
I am a lucky lady to have met my Prince Charming & married him for over 30 years. He has worked with the same company for 33 and is currently training to be a Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. Our first home took a year and a half of looking for a home we could afford. Finally we found a home built in the early 1940's, which we bought located in town where my family lives. PC's family is from the town next door. Awe! I was expecting our first child. During the next few weeks life took some major turns. At twenty weeks into my pregnancy I was in labor. The sellers house was not ready in time for closing, and the poor sellers husband passed away. This caused us to move twice before we had our little boy.
Thank God our son A was born healthy only 5 days early. He is now 28 and has earned a Degree in Architecture & Mechanical Engineering. He even figured out the plans for our addition while he was in high school. By the time he was a year old we had already tackled the kitchen. We tore a wall down between the kitchen and dining room added some new cabinetry, updated electric, plumbing, lighting fixtures, flooring, painting, stripping the woodwork and staining all the moldings.
Our second son was born a few years later with plenty of opportunity to help remodel too. He is N, now 25 has a Degree in Business Management & Marketing. He is attending Grad. school working as a Sports Information Asst. seeking a Masters Degree in Communications. When we remodeled the attic bedroom both boys helped with demo. Sheet paneling was attached to boards nailed across the studs. We thought the paneling would be easy but, that is the SURPRISE of remodeling. While I painted the walls, they played drawing on the subfloor. If my memory serves me right, we have a basketball court under the carpet. LOL
Opps I almost forgot our furry family girl. Cricket is a 3 year old Golden Retriever who rarely leaves my side. She is my little girl. She was meant to be with us, she is born on the same day we lost our first golden. Golden Treasure passed away from old age at 14. We also had Fonzie a Hamster and Fish.
I was President or on the PTO Board for every year my boys were in school. I helped teachers in the classroom, to help with reading, grading papers or putting up a bulletin board. I Coached Little League Baseball, and a program called Buddies.(A program teaching team building, conflict resolution and empathy). Taught CCD for ten years. I coordinated everything from carnivals, clothing resales, dances and even spoke in front of several hundred people as the parent of a son at N's Middle School Graduation. I had a fear of public speaking, surprised my whole family that day.
I also subbed for office staff at the District school when the boys were older. I worked part time in a Designers firm estimating drapery. Oh the fabrics!!!! My youngest son went to Saint Joseph's College N played baseball there while attending school. I volunteer to raise funds for the Athletes to supplement costs which are not covered by the budget of the college. This year I hope the Auction will top the $50,000 mark. While my youngest son has long since graduated we have become a part of the SJC family. I have learned to put my helium hand down, and enjoy the events that help others by giving back in one or two places now. |
Here is our First House we made into our Forever Home Remodeled many times during the last 28 years.
As the boys grew more remodels took place, kitchen was redone again. I could not figure out how it became too small. I think I have it right this time and the boys are grown men now? The basement twice and we had a good old fashion garage raising with neighbors and three generations of family. Since most of my picture during this time are print I do not have any to share of this work. I will have to find some for Throwback Thursday!
Two years ago we purchased a lake house, less about two hours away. This took a two year process, three states, long drives, beautiful scenery, and several tubes of Pringles. This house sits with a beautiful view of the lake. If you follow me in Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Dragonfly & Lily Pads, or Hometalk you should have seen some pictures of the view. If not click on the links above to catch up.
The picture above shows the house the This home was started as a cabin in the 1800's. When we moved in it was completely renovated but not lived in for 15 years. We change the artesian well to a modern one, and the septic system was cracked and leaking right next to the water source. YUK! We also built a new sea wall, patio, sidewalk, as well as landscape. This year those two Ash trees you saw out the window died. Next up tree removal, a few door change to windows, a second bath and a back splash in the kitchen.
Above is the day we became owners of the home.
Above is our lake home this summer
We have an ongoing joke in my family about me collecting chairs. I was given or found most of them, but when we bought this house, I did not need to buy one chair to furnish the house.
In fact even the +John M Smythe sofa was free. I am in the process of slip covering it. My creative process went crazy. I am reeling it in and making some changes. This picture is in honor of Kim!
My lake home mantel this Summer with Topiary Project Link
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2 comments:
Thanks so much for the feature Karen!!! Loved hearing more about your family and home (s). If I get back to my Chicago roots will have to meet in person
Deborah,
You are welcome anytime. I will meet you one day in the future.
Blog Buddies,
Karen Marie
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