Decorate Your Soul

Monthly Archives: January 2009

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This week’s forecast: Ice. Snow. Sleet. More Snow. Apparently, this is a weather blog now.

January 28, 2009 – 7:03 pm

I guess it's too late to cover the barbecue?

The frozen overs:

The backyard was so pretty.

So were the icicles.

This is my favorite one from today- Anna's son Ethan wiping out:

He can barely see out of that hat, my goodness! I bet he was warmer than me, though

The streets are pretty nasty around here and Andy spent a good couple of hours shoveling snow and ice from the sidewalk and driveway today. We only had a little envy when the neighbor across the way pulled out his fancy snowthrower thing and did as much work as Andy did in about 10 minutes flat. Stinker!

We also saw some folks take advantage of the "real" snow (Nadine, there isn't grass poking, it's real, right?) that lay in the ground and had a snowmobile out (more envy!) and cross country skiers came by on the unshoveled sidewalks.

All this fun outside- wait until I tell you what we've been doing to keep busy inside. Where the furnace has now officially been out of commission for a week.

Another post for another day.

Cheers Snow-Happy Ohioans!

Your Questions Answered.

January 27, 2009 – 11:22 am

You guys are so fun! Thanks for all the nice comments on my hair color/style- I don't even see the difference in color in the shot that I posted, but it really is there.

So… Heather asked where I go for my haircut (hi Heather!!)- I go to Mallory Square Salon in Kettering (or Centerville border) and my hairstylist is Sheila Campbell. She was recommended to me by my friend Suzi- I think they're related to the Nth degree. Her number (in case you are interested) is:

(937) 901-1502

Sheri asked where my necklace came from (hi Sheri!) a former client of mine in San Diego had told me in passing that she dabbled in jewelry making after I complimented her earrings. I saw a colorful necklace worn my Julia Dreyfus on The New Adventures of Old Christine some time ago and asked if she could make me one. Her name is Beth and she was able to make it & sell it for $60. Beth can reached at: bethrutherford at mac.com if you are interested in your own! Otherwise, I bet you can check out etsy for glassbead necklaces and find one similar.

Missy asked if I took that picture in my studio (hi Miss!). The answer is no. I took it in my sitting room. Actually, I took about 25 shots to get one that was in focus of my face. Seriously, can't I just ask my husband to take a shot real quick? Um, no. I metered off my hand, set the focus on a juice cup and set the camera to automatic timer and ran around to the other side and put my head where the juice cup was. The background is blown out because it's a sheer curtain on bright windows, the camera exposed for my skin tone.

Wouldn't it have been funny if I had put up my lights for my snapshot though? Don't put it past me.

Last question from the previous post is from Dana (a friend from MOMs in San Diego) (hi Dana!). She had asked how I fit it all in. My reading, my blogging, my card making, etc. I e-mailed her back and told her I stay up late every night. What's the saying? I burn the midnight oil (and have to cut myself off). And also, my nightstand doesn't just have the book on it that is on my sidebar

<—— I honestly sacrifice the tidy-ness of my home to fit in all my "hobbies". That's the plain truth. I hope you'll still be my friend.

Kelly, I made my bed today. Just for the picture.

By Susie Sincock | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (13)

My hairstylist suggested mahogany.

January 24, 2009 – 11:08 am

I love it.

By Susie Sincock | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (29)

Kids Street

January 22, 2009 – 12:26 pm

A monumental occasion took place at our church this past Sunday- the news kids building had a ribbon cutting ceremony and officially opened its doors to the community and congregation of Faircreek Church! The structure of the building is ohmygosh, beautiful, but when you go INside, it's almost eye candy for the kids- but in a good way!

This past Monday, the doors were opened at Kids Street for a day of play- even the youth ministry was there with helping hands. It was awesome. We left Lauren here with Andy to nap (girl needs her nap, if you know what I mean), and invited Sarah's BFF Riley to come play for a bit. Check out the amazing scenery of this building- beyond words, right?

Do you see Ashleigh behind the kid that jumped in my frame??

I'm not sure if the bouncy house is permanent- but it was crazy fun for all the girls!

(the line for this house was pretty long, so I didn't wait around for a second shot in focus)

The girls wandered over to the game room- and look who we found- Anna (Susy's daughter):

Do you spy a Guitar Hero, Wii, fussball and game mat going on? COol, huh?

Sarah tried one out:

She had no idea what she was doing.

Meanwhile, Riley was enamored with the fake fire flames.

Just before we left, I snapped this one of Ash. WIth light present. Hallelujah!

You know what's really cool, the people of Faircreek put the kids first when deciding to undertake this project. Of all the parts of the church that are in need of renovation- the kids' building (ahem, portables) was in desperate need of a makeover. Keeping the kids as a top priority, they moved forward and we have already witnessed their enthusiasm for the ministry going on here. We feel blessed to be apart of a community reaching out to the current needs of the church as well as pouring into the kids and families the ministry of the gospel. We do not take that lightly. God's hand is evident in so many ways.

If you're in the area and want to check out this amazing facility for yourself, Faircreek Church is hosting an Open House this Saturday night (January 24th) from 5-8PM (with a scavenger hunt and raffle drawing) and a family worship experience from 6-7PM. We'll see you there

By Susie Sincock | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (8)

Ten on Tuesday

January 20, 2009 – 7:20 pm

1. I watched. And in my head I said: President Obama. You made a heck of alotta people happy today. We are excited to see how God will use you in the White House.

2. And then I said a prayer: Lord, keep our new president safe. He has a hefty job ahead of him. And he needs all sides to support him and not inhibit him. Amen.

3. Sniff. sniff. It was a moving day, what can I say?

4. In other news, my right hand continues to be in great pain tonight. It was accidentally in the way of the truck bed extender and my right hand was no match for that heavy metal thing coming down fast. I thought I broke it for the first few minutes.

5. Ha- I said 'heavy metal.' No pun intended.

6. I recently signed up for a Zumba class- and I'm thinking, WHAT was I thinking? I'm trying to channel my inner-cheerleader from 13 years ago, I think. (Becca- pshhhhp!) I convinced my friend Kelly to join in, too. Yay! Sweaty mama dates

7. The girls and I spent the afternoon with my friend Lori and her daughter Katie- sledding! They have one sled and a nearby hill, we had three willing participants- it was mostly a good match. I opted not to bring my fourth child (the camera) for fear of not enjoying the time we had- but maybe next time!! Thanks, Lori!

8. Are you wondering how my goals for 2009 are going? AWful. Husbandly keeps bringing home desserts. And I really don't like Book IV in the Twilight series so now I'm dragging my feet on it…

9. At 31-years-old, I'm still finding out new qualities of my character. For example: I'm really bad at accounting. But, I'm really good at stalling. Or is 'stalling' simply a synonym for procrastination?

10 . I dragged Lauren up to the base with me today to get a snow shovel. She even helped me out with the seemingly gargantuan task on hand with a kids' sized shovel:

Are you wondering what good that headband is doing in the 2nd shot, too?

By Susie Sincock | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (12)

Life. Unscripted.

January 18, 2009 – 8:29 pm

Someone is coughing upstairs. It's the kind that's dry and unproductive.

Which may me a good thing.

But it is also being accompanied by green, nasty snot.

Ick.

This cough is coming from the same girl that admitted to wiping the remains of her appointment with the throne on the towel hanging on the wall. At least this is the bathroom that no one uses except herself and her older sister.

As in, this bathroom is not welcome to visitors and yes, I could probably clean it every day of my life if I made the time.

Yuck.

Furthermore, this is the same girl that got threatened with a spanking tonight because she was putting her hands down her pants creating an unwelcome plumber pants scene and natural air conditioner to her rear end.

I warned her. Twice.

And it must have been a nice enough breeze because she kept doing it.

So the spanking had to come. Because she didn't obey.

And she looked like an old man in my kitchen scratching his derriere. No thank you.

She will be four in April. We are hoping and praying that she will be able to tidy things up back there before she exits the WC before too long. And learn to blow the nose before the contents of her brains spill out all over breakfast. AGAIN.

What can I say- it goes with the territory of motherhood.

You didn't think I would post a photo of the brown smudge or the green boogies, did you?

By Susie Sincock | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (10)

Dear Snow Patterns,

January 14, 2009 – 7:49 pm

You are so infrequent around here that we are celebrating your arrival at every opportunity we get. The girls were pawing at the sliding glass door this afternoon once the neighbors headed out to play in your fun, playful powder and Sarah hopped at the chance to join in on the fun. We are grateful for the white fluffy stuff and welcome more and more since the long, cold, grey days are very monotonous.

Thank you for the reprieve from that.

Your loyal fans,

Susie and Co.

…

These are for you, Mom!

Andy got sent home on a snow day.

That's Sarah in the pink being chased by Amy- apparently Sarah tricked Amy and got a snowball in her face!

This picture is from yesterday- even Ash decided that braving the cold for the snow would be fun!

By the way, the snow fighting trucks are out at 10:45 tonight plowing the streets. I wonder if they know how LOUD those scraper things are against the street pavement? Also, they are completely ominous looking in the dark of the night. Completely.

By Susie Sincock | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (7)

There was no sledding.

January 9, 2009 – 8:00 pm

Or snowman building.

Or snow angel making.

She didn't like the cold.

But she'll pick little berries off the tree and try to find the faeries.

No worries, we know to have some fun!

(am I the most mismatched snow-goer ever? The red glove on my right hand folds back so I can access the camera controls, so I wore it for a short time. My only fitted hat is purple and I quickly through on the scarf before heading out so my neck would stay warm. I am such a fashion faux pas! Of course, I wasn't expecting to be in front of the camera!) (you better not call Stacy and Clinton on me!)

My little gymnast- she can't do these things inside, and takes every opportunity available to practice-

Are you wondering about Ashleigh? She pretty much is anti-cold. She stayed inside

Don't get tired of our snow pictures just yet… I heard there is more headed this way (of course, the Canadians and Minnesotans that read this blog are laughing…).

By Susie Sincock | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (18)

On what princesses do on snowy days

January 7, 2009 – 7:09 pm

Dream up future faerie parties:

By Susie Sincock | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (9)

Ten on Tuesday

January 6, 2009 – 11:56 am

1. It's grey today. And icy. I really miss sunshine. And warmth.

2. I told Andy that I'm becoming a snowbunny and heading to Ft. Lauderdale with my grandma.

3. I believe he scoffed at my declaration to move for the rest of winter.

4. I went looking for a book in the basement last night. I did not find the book I went looking for, and realized that with only a little over one year left here, it's likely most of those books would stay buried down there until a more permanent housing situation was available.

5. I have resolved to live healthier this year. No more desserts everynightoftheweek. I know, I know. We are terrible.

6. Also, I resolved to spend more time reading at night. Andy plays Warcrack and studies. Susie doesn't need to waste away on the Internet.

7. I have really fun black and white stripey socks on. Long live stripey socks.

8. The cutest necklace ever arrived yesterday. Thanks, Mama!

9. Do you like the fresh banner for January? It's okay if you don't, before you know it, February's will be around

10. My mother-in-law is on her way home today after spending a week with us- I'm not sure it was much of a break for her, but the girls sure loved visiting with Grandma. Thank you for coming out, Robin

By Susie Sincock | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (14)

Monthly Archives: January 2009

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