tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80478164499094932112024-03-13T08:56:00.741-04:00Comfy Cozy {Everyday moments that make life sweet}Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-84976901909981196022017-01-03T20:55:00.001-05:002017-01-03T20:55:16.575-05:00just a few pics from a snowy daynew years eve we had a wonderful snow. the kind where giant snowflakes fall from the sky and create such beauty that you have to grab your camera and your gal and get a few shots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sH_NcOi9-8Y/WGxVptZou4I/AAAAAAAAA5M/VHg-NGj_EtMFZS6Guzp5scxvbA3VMElmgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sH_NcOi9-8Y/WGxVptZou4I/AAAAAAAAA5M/VHg-NGj_EtMFZS6Guzp5scxvbA3VMElmgCLcB/s400/DSC_0367.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFFyiJCp5zI/WGxVoEyBTHI/AAAAAAAAA5E/qj-zs-Mwu9AaujUwYOQ2KwVwCWXokqXfwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFFyiJCp5zI/WGxVoEyBTHI/AAAAAAAAA5E/qj-zs-Mwu9AaujUwYOQ2KwVwCWXokqXfwCLcB/s400/DSC_0369.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMS7xlF1kEY/WGxVpkkLHOI/AAAAAAAAA5I/6K2ucrEHmegAR-YLZ4yU9pjfzws1UDuBwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMS7xlF1kEY/WGxVpkkLHOI/AAAAAAAAA5I/6K2ucrEHmegAR-YLZ4yU9pjfzws1UDuBwCLcB/s400/DSC_0388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-47722615752168083872016-10-27T21:05:00.000-04:002016-10-27T21:05:22.921-04:00be a piece of the puzzlewe have to raise all the funds for this adoption. we are hoping and praying we will qualify for a lot of grant money, we have some savings we can use, george's job will reimburse a small amount once she is home and the rest of the funds needed, we plan to fundraise. we hope to have a t shirt sale once we get closer to bringing her home but for now we are selling puzzle pieces.<br />
<br />
how does that work?? glad you asked. we bought a 500 piece puzzle and are selling pieces for $20. by buying a piece of the puzzle you are literally partnering with us to be a piece of the puzzle to get her home. we write your name on the back of a piece and add it to the puzzle. it has been so much fun to watch is slowly come together. once the puzzle is finished, we plan to have it framed between two pieces of glass. that way she'll be able to see the back and feel all the love it took to get her here.<br />
<br />
look at our progress over the past few months...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lzku563R0g/WA-ev87XKnI/AAAAAAAAA3o/lj8pmuxqomUV9RRX12hM8KxpZWCcsc3ywCLcB/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lzku563R0g/WA-ev87XKnI/AAAAAAAAA3o/lj8pmuxqomUV9RRX12hM8KxpZWCcsc3ywCLcB/s400/DSC_0084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just an idea and a box full of puzzle pieces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I35y8r5isBU/WA-eutI_sxI/AAAAAAAAA3g/9rOs3U4WAd0Ohbo1I7uFZeAy-aqibUVEQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I35y8r5isBU/WA-eutI_sxI/AAAAAAAAA3g/9rOs3U4WAd0Ohbo1I7uFZeAy-aqibUVEQCLcB/s400/DSC_0057.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">getting started</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MceuASRAbU/WA-ett24E9I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/3SqOw7IVkRURK2rDJuPyI3BsDgFy8ltAgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MceuASRAbU/WA-ett24E9I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/3SqOw7IVkRURK2rDJuPyI3BsDgFy8ltAgCLcB/s400/DSC_0064.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDNIkVxSVdY/WA-etBi4wJI/AAAAAAAAA3U/6Vo8-CnKrBQO8wV4XYAVxETR2Wzh-JyxgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDNIkVxSVdY/WA-etBi4wJI/AAAAAAAAA3U/6Vo8-CnKrBQO8wV4XYAVxETR2Wzh-JyxgCLcB/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">now it's really starting to come together<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-404823251323746542016-10-26T13:53:00.000-04:002016-10-26T21:06:20.891-04:00oops, we did it againno fancy or clever words...we just want to say...WE ARE ADOPTING AGAIN!!!!<br />
<br />
we knew pretty early on that we wanted to add one more child to our family. having raised a sibling set already it just makes sense to do it again. the close bond that jared and brant share is something we want for mallory too. she gets along great with her brothers but they are honestly old enough to be her father. she needs someone closer in age. someone to share all the worlds ups and downs.<br />
<br />
there was never any doubt that we would go back to India. we have fallen in love with the country and it's people and feel strongly that our girls should share the same heritage.<br />
<br />
we spend the summer updating our home study and in september we registered with CARA (via our agency) to adopt a girl a little older than mallory. we are currently waiting for approval and expect it any day now.<br />
<br />
truthfully i thought the waiting would be so much easier the second time around. we would be busy with mallory, we've been through it before...but it is not one bit easier...at all.<br />
<br />
last time we fell in love with mallory anitha before we even knew who she was. this time around we are completely in love with the daughter that God has picked out for us. we just haven't met her yet.<br />
<br />
our journey is a bit different this time. we are counting on raising all the funds (we self funded last time) and we are adopting out of birth order (don't worry, we've done our research and have talked with a professional)<br />
<br />
we couldn't be more excited to be on this journey again or more impatient to get to her!!<br />
<br />
stay tuned..........<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbN_d0nxjaI/WA-bIpKHu3I/AAAAAAAAA3A/Ur2u4Insrho2vaHMQaF9Ev2IDtHrL22NQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbN_d0nxjaI/WA-bIpKHu3I/AAAAAAAAA3A/Ur2u4Insrho2vaHMQaF9Ev2IDtHrL22NQCLcB/s400/DSC_0118.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the pile on the left is our application to start our new adoption. the pile on the right is what it took to bring mallory home. we have a ways to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwE7yivlZW8/WA-bJDgRByI/AAAAAAAAA3I/y6js8FvqAqkpxfcLsDHau_pSb2RNlo-ZQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwE7yivlZW8/WA-bJDgRByI/AAAAAAAAA3I/y6js8FvqAqkpxfcLsDHau_pSb2RNlo-ZQCLcB/s400/DSC_0121.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-88899891396417514822016-10-25T13:36:00.001-04:002016-10-25T14:17:46.271-04:00fall fun with our little onethe other day i was inspired by my sister in law to get out my big girl camera and snap a few shots of Mallory before all the leaves blew away with the impending rain. my how she has changed these last few years. slow down time!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxqHUbagtnA/WA-X7OkQznI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/9pVu9r7l9s87TyYni3MAvFpKQa9CFI4MQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxqHUbagtnA/WA-X7OkQznI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/9pVu9r7l9s87TyYni3MAvFpKQa9CFI4MQCLcB/s400/DSC_0054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5QSDHKDdjVo/WA-X5hfoydI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/6-gjsweogv42G4daiz5SeeJf8KLcT-FLwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5QSDHKDdjVo/WA-X5hfoydI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/6-gjsweogv42G4daiz5SeeJf8KLcT-FLwCLcB/s400/DSC_0056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUx2cRkihsk/WA-X4wLKj8I/AAAAAAAAA2M/j-56QPLPqsgbxcPH6ibyrzLoXs9SunRpQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUx2cRkihsk/WA-X4wLKj8I/AAAAAAAAA2M/j-56QPLPqsgbxcPH6ibyrzLoXs9SunRpQCLcB/s400/DSC_0062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8ei77d7RJ0/WA-X5zAx_cI/AAAAAAAAA2U/xkGr1Vjm5FcWUtLbN-u0g7IOxidIb-YFACLcB/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8ei77d7RJ0/WA-X5zAx_cI/AAAAAAAAA2U/xkGr1Vjm5FcWUtLbN-u0g7IOxidIb-YFACLcB/s400/DSC_0077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0CWsi3Ps1TQ/WA-X9Cy8BQI/AAAAAAAAA2k/g9Efztb1uislbciqql5IwJoaLUmRV4O4QCLcB/s1600/DSC_0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0CWsi3Ps1TQ/WA-X9Cy8BQI/AAAAAAAAA2k/g9Efztb1uislbciqql5IwJoaLUmRV4O4QCLcB/s400/DSC_0081.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_jE8E-e7pA/WA-X7ap_iTI/AAAAAAAAA2c/op6nrkakKDQPKDRyctkQdHsdpKhHL989ACLcB/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_jE8E-e7pA/WA-X7ap_iTI/AAAAAAAAA2c/op6nrkakKDQPKDRyctkQdHsdpKhHL989ACLcB/s400/DSC_0085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNTyyISKrHE/WA-X8QrFlZI/AAAAAAAAA2g/lDSOGB_Ag8gAXODBrV3kOnC62ghSx5QYwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNTyyISKrHE/WA-X8QrFlZI/AAAAAAAAA2g/lDSOGB_Ag8gAXODBrV3kOnC62ghSx5QYwCLcB/s400/DSC_0092.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsU4wA8Kq1o/WA-X9M0hwNI/AAAAAAAAA2o/V5_3XxdTCHUEs6PF-_S9tFbHa1GsydiPQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsU4wA8Kq1o/WA-X9M0hwNI/AAAAAAAAA2o/V5_3XxdTCHUEs6PF-_S9tFbHa1GsydiPQCLcB/s400/DSC_0108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifbZVB44PM0/WA-X92tKlAI/AAAAAAAAA2s/u8QVHevAvhMVUKlEfj7eZyZirDK_d0TjACLcB/s1600/DSC_0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifbZVB44PM0/WA-X92tKlAI/AAAAAAAAA2s/u8QVHevAvhMVUKlEfj7eZyZirDK_d0TjACLcB/s400/DSC_0118.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69-0xXNvtEc/WA-X-MjFNFI/AAAAAAAAA2w/BChHdEzGJJQc57bWqN9rUEYnkhdKWGf6gCLcB/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69-0xXNvtEc/WA-X-MjFNFI/AAAAAAAAA2w/BChHdEzGJJQc57bWqN9rUEYnkhdKWGf6gCLcB/s400/DSC_0120.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-21351540364956960682016-09-01T22:10:00.000-04:002016-09-01T22:10:14.804-04:00really...has it been that long!?!<span style="font-size: large;">three years next month! that's how long it has been since i published a blog post. time flies! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">we were in the middle of adopting our daughter from india. our hearts were aching for her! it felt like the waiting would never end. but it did! she has been home for over two years. she is delightful (most days) and is learning to spread her wings and thrive! here are a few pics of our cutie...</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdaWvjyPj8I/V8jXrdMetzI/AAAAAAAAA1g/wDLxI9AUAnUxIALZuLALpLrwCwjGVASywCLcB/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdaWvjyPj8I/V8jXrdMetzI/AAAAAAAAA1g/wDLxI9AUAnUxIALZuLALpLrwCwjGVASywCLcB/s640/DSC_0008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">finally able to reach out and touch her!</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9zKyjdxvCs/V8jXsG8kccI/AAAAAAAAA10/AKPQRMXWwlEh9xjbJvjYGGyBEQWEFT7WACLcB/s1600/IMG_7672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9zKyjdxvCs/V8jXsG8kccI/AAAAAAAAA10/AKPQRMXWwlEh9xjbJvjYGGyBEQWEFT7WACLcB/s640/IMG_7672.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">outside the courthouse in india</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw90WjX0Aqo/V8jXrvWoVEI/AAAAAAAAA1o/Vvu5MyAV-MMBnfA2VOZ6uhk6ODY0epHCQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw90WjX0Aqo/V8jXrvWoVEI/AAAAAAAAA1o/Vvu5MyAV-MMBnfA2VOZ6uhk6ODY0epHCQCLcB/s640/DSC_0269.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">home just a few short weeks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BNcSMamkgQo/V8jXr5JoS6I/AAAAAAAAA1w/kneW2E9WQxMwyJaPqbXDihHpgZ91pNBwQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BNcSMamkgQo/V8jXr5JoS6I/AAAAAAAAA1w/kneW2E9WQxMwyJaPqbXDihHpgZ91pNBwQCLcB/s640/IMG_0948.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">it's amazing what a whole lot of love and care can do...look at the change in her eyes!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuCnDWHaIdQ/V8jXrrPX1zI/AAAAAAAAA1k/KulQ2pXNpQEFN4vW-gKteHhS9UssoGxtwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuCnDWHaIdQ/V8jXrrPX1zI/AAAAAAAAA1k/KulQ2pXNpQEFN4vW-gKteHhS9UssoGxtwCLcB/s640/DSC_0115.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">metamorphosis was the perfect word for vocal day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gBP6GFq6rU/V8jXp3Kj5gI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/RDx1pQG0Lwokok0iFMF6zIg09zrPFlG2QCLcB/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gBP6GFq6rU/V8jXp3Kj5gI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/RDx1pQG0Lwokok0iFMF6zIg09zrPFlG2QCLcB/s640/DSC_0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">her eyes are beginning to have a twinkle!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu8Gy_LtTpc/V8jXpzgrnVI/AAAAAAAAA1c/FrVvz_vkRc4IbNf4gDuphi7pGTZ2LokAACLcB/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu8Gy_LtTpc/V8jXpzgrnVI/AAAAAAAAA1c/FrVvz_vkRc4IbNf4gDuphi7pGTZ2LokAACLcB/s640/DSC_0001.JPG" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">she has changed so much in just two short years</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-megjJMQ73Wk/V8jXr0cjCDI/AAAAAAAAA1s/JtxAbYvXACko7-HCbAwdpOdiF0l_uIJLwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-megjJMQ73Wk/V8jXr0cjCDI/AAAAAAAAA1s/JtxAbYvXACko7-HCbAwdpOdiF0l_uIJLwCLcB/s640/IMG_4081.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">mallory anitha rigo...our little blessing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-27884630583760517252013-10-09T09:15:00.002-04:002013-12-02T21:02:52.182-05:00Adopting with my eyes wide open...a new resolve!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWx9OcBA_PA/UlVVdr0ElhI/AAAAAAAAAzI/blyEsPc6nbg/s1600/IMG_6298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWx9OcBA_PA/UlVVdr0ElhI/AAAAAAAAAzI/blyEsPc6nbg/s320/IMG_6298.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
If you've spent anytime around me lately then you know I've gone a little wonky. Yes, we're adopting and yes, I've become a little preoccupied and anxious (okay, so maybe obsessed and anxious would better define my personality traits as of late). I've been trying to settle in during this next phase of waiting and have been struggling...very much! I'm not pleasant to be around and I know it. Ugh!<br />
<br />
But...<br />
<br />
<br />
I am making a new resolve! I've already talked it out with God and almost feel obligated to talk it out with you too...(who are you???) :)<br />
<br />
Maybe it was the Sunday sermon about Abraham's faith, or maybe it was the forgotten stanza of the old hymn "Great is Thy faithfulness" that talks about "strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow" or maybe it happened when I opened my iTalk to God app on my phone and saw this...<br />
<br />
<b>"After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, Do not fear Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great." - Genesis 15:1</b><br />
Followed by "<b>God gives you a shield of faith. </b>This shield protects you by extinguishing all flaming arrows from the enemy, including what is making you fearful.<br />
<br />
And then I saw this...<br />
<br />
<b>"Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you." -Deuteronomy 3:22</b><br />
Followed by "Moses reminded Joshua that God will fight the battle for the Promised Land. <b>You have God on your side. Does your anxious situation stand a chance? No." </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Or yet maybe I found this new resolve when I was raking leaves and under the leaves was a rock...that jumped out at me because it looked exactly like a heart!<br />
<br />
Seriously...when you open your eyes and look all around, God is everywhere! I think we tune Him out with our self absorbed tendencies and (a lot of times) self imposed problems. Why do I/we do that!?!<br />
<br />
Back to this new resolve. From this point forward (and in all honesty probably with a few slip ups) I am resolving to quit being a basket case and to look for <b>Him</b>...everywhere...to seek after <b>Him</b>. To find my strength and happy place in<b> Him</b>.<br />
<br />
Quitting<br />
<br />
I need to quit reading into things. I need to quit obsessing. I need to quit fretting. I need to quit wondering "what if". I need to quit trying to make this adoption process fit into my wants/needs and timeframes. I need to quit allowing satan to trip me up and getting me to take my eyes off the one that deserves my attention.<br />
<br />
Starting<br />
<br />
I need to start enjoying the here and now (because we aren't promised tomorrow anyway). I need to start looking up (and all around) at Him. I need to have full confidence and faith that God hears my prayers and knows what is best for me. He loves me. My husband keeps telling me that sometimes it's not satan that is tripping us up, sometimes it's God allowing a situation to happen in our lives to see how we handle it. Epic fail on my part because I've been handling things...not so well. I've been sad, I've attached myself to my phone so I can check my email every 5 minutes, I've talked endlessly about how hard this wait is and most importantly, I've not been growing the way I should be. Through this adoption so many wonderful things have happened yet I've dwelled on the negative. Shame on me. I need to spend more time reading God's word and more time talking to Him. I need to soak up each and every moment of this life...especially with my husband and kids and I need to hug my pugs often.<br />
<br />
To sum up this resolve (or rant)...<br />
<br />
We <b>will</b> get that call (or email) that allows us to move onto the next step. We <b>will </b>get a court date. We <b>will</b> come up with enough money to pay for the two trips. We <b>will </b>fly over there and meet our unbelievably sweet daughter and<b> LORD willing</b>, we <b>will </b>bring her home...all in <b>His time</b>.<br />
<br />
<br />Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-76687385747250824752013-10-06T21:34:00.003-04:002013-10-06T21:34:50.414-04:00Adoption...a little of our storyAdoption. It's hard. It just is. But...it's going to be worth it, that I am certain of.<br />
<br />
I thought maybe it was time to give a little background about us and how we came to the decision to adopt. We are in our (upper) forties, we have two grown sons and we aren't completely crazy like some think. Most people in our situation (age, adult children, etc) are anxiously looking forward to the empty nest and all the freedom that comes along with it. Not us (obviously), no, we find ourselves with some more parenting left in us. I need to tell you that we didn't just wake up one morning and think it was a good idea to adopt at our age. It is actually something that God placed on our hearts a number of years ago. There has always been a desire to add to our family but a few unfortunate circumstances prevented us from doing so. A number of years ago we started supporting orphans in her country through an organization that we still support to this day. It really opened our eyes to the need. In April of 2012 we decided to step out on faith and start the adoption process. Adding a small child to our life is going to be a big adjustment and we couldn't be more excited! Like I said before, adoption is hard...on so many levels; the emotional ups and downs, the constant wondering if someone will say no and shut the whole thing down, the waiting...oh the waiting...if you've adopted you understand, if you haven't it's impossible to explain. We are still months away from flying across the ocean and bringing her home. We have a few hurdles left to jump but it feels like it's getting a little closer...like it might actually happen. Her room is ready, our hearts are more than ready and the pugs wonder daily when she's going to get here already. I'd love to share more details but we don't want to take any chances so we choose to be guarded...for now. Someday we'll be able to blast pictures all over this little blog and on facebook...someday soon hopefully.Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-86321059304718518622013-07-12T20:09:00.000-04:002013-07-12T20:09:22.602-04:00UnfaithfulAlmost six months since I've had anything to say here.....really?? I don't even know where time goes. It seems to go by so fast and yet it drags on. I have a million words to write but yet I don't write any. So much has happened in the last six months but I don't even know where to begin. On the adoption front, we are still waiting.....forever waiting.....it's excruciating but necessary. We're making progress but things move soooooooo very slowly in the adoption world.....at least in the country we're working with. We're working on her room. It's coming together nicely. I will do a series of posts on the room soon.....in case anyone is interested. Life is good. Everyone is healthy. The pugs are still chubby. My heart is still longing for our sweet little girl who is trapped in an orphanage many miles away. The garden is exploding...I'll get a post up about that too. We're still dividing our time between home and our home away from home up north. I haven't learned anything new about my big girl camera lately. Hmmm.....what else?? My crafting list is a mile long and I'm not making much headway. I'm currently re-reading Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. We've been getting a lot of rain so my hammock time has been limited.....and I miss it very much. My sweet traveling man and I have been reading the bible together (many times over the phone) and I'm enjoying it.....the intimate time where we can connect together with the word of God. We've studied fasting and are applying the principals of prayer and fasting to our lives on a regular basis and I am blown away by God's goodness.....no.....His greatness!!! I"m blessed and I'm trying to remember that on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
<br />Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-75877668655650307232012-12-24T12:27:00.001-05:002012-12-24T12:27:15.474-05:00Christmastime<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">~</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><em>Burton Hillis</em></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_sOsIbN1DA/UNiPcyMc4EI/AAAAAAAAAyo/ZeCKOPk6nZ8/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_sOsIbN1DA/UNiPcyMc4EI/AAAAAAAAAyo/ZeCKOPk6nZ8/s640/DSC_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Christmas is here! Can you feel it!?!</i></span></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><em><br /></em></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><em><br /></em></span></div>
</div>
Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-81808926705495170562012-11-30T08:42:00.000-05:002012-11-30T08:42:55.554-05:00Zippy Strippy QuiltWaiting, it's one of the many things I'm learning to do these day. For anyone involved in an international adoption, you know that you wait...a lot. You wait for an email or a phone call or an important piece of mail. You wait to see the face of someone you already have fallen hopelessly in love with, to find out about her little life up to now. Waiting, waiting, waiting...especially for the day when you can fly across the ocean to whatever country you are adopting from and bring that special someone home. It's brutal and almost cruel, this thing called waiting.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for the waiting...it means we're moving from step to step. It may also mean that I'm learning some much needed patience, or at least trying to learn. God is teaching me lessons through this adoption that He knows I need to learn. Thank you God!<br />
<br />
Keeping busy helps the time go by.<br />
<br />
The other week I made a<a href="http://www.zippystrippyquilts.com/"> Zippy Strippy Quilt</a>. I've made at least a dozen over the past few years. They are a quick project and always turn out beautiful.<br />
<br />
This particular quilt was made for the one I'm waiting for. When I look at it, I see her safe and warm, snuggling up on our couch, knowing that she is loved and wanted!!<br />
<br />
Picking out the fabric for one of these quilts is a fun process...it was even more fun for this particular project. You can't tell from the photo, but the blue corduroy has glitter all over it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVPQzwGyzvk/ULiyyMToPdI/AAAAAAAAAwI/xWvJK0NMIJA/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVPQzwGyzvk/ULiyyMToPdI/AAAAAAAAAwI/xWvJK0NMIJA/s640/DSC_0009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I love bright colors...and polka dots!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxnN0x_3oS0/ULiyz3iSVtI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/Hs2GdggNXRE/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxnN0x_3oS0/ULiyz3iSVtI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/Hs2GdggNXRE/s640/DSC_0010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Little piles of fabric...they're waiting too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GxB97PWg-Pc/ULiy4fRsJ2I/AAAAAAAAAwk/suiqLKFc2w0/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GxB97PWg-Pc/ULiy4fRsJ2I/AAAAAAAAAwk/suiqLKFc2w0/s640/DSC_0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Neat "sandwiches" waiting to be sewed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrhRKEBlZ74/ULiy5xvV0RI/AAAAAAAAAws/HIwAwsR0b7Y/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrhRKEBlZ74/ULiy5xvV0RI/AAAAAAAAAws/HIwAwsR0b7Y/s640/DSC_0015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
You only need to sew straight lines, which is a good thing because that's all I know how to sew.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hfn_suPsGtc/ULiy7iBlrdI/AAAAAAAAAw0/DdWaP8M71Ds/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hfn_suPsGtc/ULiy7iBlrdI/AAAAAAAAAw0/DdWaP8M71Ds/s640/DSC_0019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Snip and wash is all that is left to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLPg0UJmehg/ULiy9LZY-_I/AAAAAAAAAw8/AZ8bzaI136U/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLPg0UJmehg/ULiy9LZY-_I/AAAAAAAAAw8/AZ8bzaI136U/s640/DSC_0020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The finished project! It's warm, and snuggly...and waiting for her!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IL1RaSAro1s/ULizJWAi0_I/AAAAAAAAAx4/E_E4uqZd_Tc/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IL1RaSAro1s/ULizJWAi0_I/AAAAAAAAAx4/E_E4uqZd_Tc/s640/DSC_0029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Lily wanted to check out the snuggle factor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9avR7vc7zt4/ULizHWwEXZI/AAAAAAAAAxw/gwkkLYVbGuc/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9avR7vc7zt4/ULizHWwEXZI/AAAAAAAAAxw/gwkkLYVbGuc/s640/DSC_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I think it passed the test...Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-65658632821835245902012-11-04T16:09:00.001-05:002012-11-04T16:09:36.017-05:00Scavenger Hunt Sunday- 2nd attemptWell to be honest I feel like I know less about my camera now than I did a week ago...I can't wait to get that aha moment.<br />
<br />
1) Wild:<br />
<br />
We had the privilege of going to Sydney and Cameron's cheering competition yesterday...I am absolutely <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wild</span></b><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b>about these two gals.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2nmJjRClVk/UJbTySweCSI/AAAAAAAAAvc/6K7xkQWzZIU/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2nmJjRClVk/UJbTySweCSI/AAAAAAAAAvc/6K7xkQWzZIU/s640/DSC_0070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
2) Welcome:<br />
<br />
This is the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">W</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">elcome</span></b> you'll see if you come knocking on my front door this time of year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUmorIvWCMY/UJbTudgVbfI/AAAAAAAAAvE/45uoI4pEQpQ/s1600/DSC_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUmorIvWCMY/UJbTudgVbfI/AAAAAAAAAvE/45uoI4pEQpQ/s640/DSC_0010.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
3) Adventure:<br />
<br />
I have always been fascinated with the thought of fairies! So much that I've concocted a plan to hide a fairy door in our woods and create a story that I can tell my grandkids...someday. I can only imagine the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Adventures</b></span> that go on behind that door!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lj_MCDEIlDo/UJbTzqHvFwI/AAAAAAAAAvk/i7PTRHNHXFs/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lj_MCDEIlDo/UJbTzqHvFwI/AAAAAAAAAvk/i7PTRHNHXFs/s640/DSC_0072.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
4) Vibrant:<br />
<br />
I bought fabric to make a <a href="http://www.zippystrippyquilts.com/">Zippy Strippy Quilt </a> for someone VERY special. I wanted it to be bright and <b style="font-size: x-large;">Vibrant</b> not to mention Comfy and Cozy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0uKDkLyELU/UJbTsYLi_BI/AAAAAAAAAu8/L5T1_xEVfA4/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0uKDkLyELU/UJbTsYLi_BI/AAAAAAAAAu8/L5T1_xEVfA4/s640/DSC_0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
5) Classic<br />
<br />
Even though I'm not completely pleased with the results and will stick with my tried and true chocolate cake recipe in the future, I love a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Classic</b></span> chocolate cake with chocolate icing...and so do the men in my life. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9ZssrWCkKs/UJbTvjTvOjI/AAAAAAAAAvM/4EmontimpJc/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c9ZssrWCkKs/UJbTvjTvOjI/AAAAAAAAAvM/4EmontimpJc/s640/DSC_0014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't wait to get started with next weeks list!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre;"></span></div>
<pre style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/category/scavenger-hunt/">
<img alt="" height="150" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4795223164_aa1eb66c07_o.jpg" title="Scavenger Hunt Sunday with Ashley Sisk" width="150" /></a></pre>
<br />
<br />Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-10216213696817349122012-10-28T22:00:00.000-04:002012-10-28T22:01:05.951-04:00My First Scavenger Hunt SundayOkay...I am going to attempt to join in on <a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/2012/10/scavenger-hunt-sunday-121.html">Scavenger Hunt Sunday</a>. I need to let everyone know that I've been a point and shoot gal all my life. Back in February I finally got up the nerve to buy a <a href="http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d90/">Big Girl Camera </a>but have been too afraid to go off the auto setting. I finally enrolled in a basic Photography class and have been to one session. I honestly have no idea what I am doing...but I'm excited to learn. It was fun playing with different setting, even if the results weren't the greatest.<br />
<br />
Here goes...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Pattern(s)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TeQ655LfFeA/UI2WMj18lFI/AAAAAAAAAt4/MeICmmrEpSQ/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TeQ655LfFeA/UI2WMj18lFI/AAAAAAAAAt4/MeICmmrEpSQ/s640/DSC_0070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This fence goes on and on...like a big zig-zag</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Machine</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMVV91l6DVc/UI2WVHG1pWI/AAAAAAAAAuc/H0jB6-zl5wE/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMVV91l6DVc/UI2WVHG1pWI/AAAAAAAAAuc/H0jB6-zl5wE/s640/DSC_0115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I looked all week for something that I could "shoot" and came up empty...this was my feeble last minute attempt to complete the assignment. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. Signs or Logos</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WyHV3KUkYIM/UI2WXds2iXI/AAAAAAAAAuk/B0m5mLqhJOM/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WyHV3KUkYIM/UI2WXds2iXI/AAAAAAAAAuk/B0m5mLqhJOM/s640/DSC_0217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Sheetz logo is an icon in my neck of the woods. I can be found carrying a Sheetz coffee cup on most days. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. Rocks or Stones</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtLKvFogFIo/UI2WO_0KXfI/AAAAAAAAAuA/SuaNJfDSP5M/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtLKvFogFIo/UI2WO_0KXfI/AAAAAAAAAuA/SuaNJfDSP5M/s640/DSC_0074.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I actually have a photo of some rocks in my yard but I was moving these rock-like bags of applesauce to a different freezer and couldn't help but smile when I looked down into the box. My niece helped me make the applesauce and decorated the bags. She's a girl after my own heart! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. Sparkle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WezjXkoa2jA/UI2WQ7-uXcI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ymw5QEWS0ps/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WezjXkoa2jA/UI2WQ7-uXcI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ymw5QEWS0ps/s640/DSC_0085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My favorite photo of the week...hands down! I wish it would have been a little clearer but the subject in the photo makes my heart go pitter patter. I love my Freddie and the "sparkle" in his eyes! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well that's it. My first attempt. I can honestly say that things can only get better the more I learn and practice. This was fun!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre;"></span><br />
<pre style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/category/scavenger-hunt/">
<img alt="" height="150" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4795223164_aa1eb66c07_o.jpg" title="Scavenger Hunt Sunday with Ashley Sisk" width="150" /></a></pre>
</div>
Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-26406824487471512512012-10-18T18:23:00.000-04:002012-10-18T18:23:15.439-04:00Time OutI'm not at home this week. I'm up north with the men I love, I'm spending some quality time at our home away from home. It's been different from other trips. I usually spend my time running here or there, or I bring someone along with me and we make trips to Martha's Vineyard, Boston or any number of other places. Not this time, this time I am hiding out. My guys are working night shift (7pm-5am) and I am trying to keep their schedule. They leave for work and I head to my room, just me and the dogs and settle in. I wear the same ratty old black sweater and some really comfy striped pajama pants, I'm sipping sweet tea, pinning until my hearts content, making Christmas lists, (finally) learning how to crochet a granny square...I have a pile of them to prove it, watching Gilmore Girls and daydreaming about the day we get to travel to a faraway place to bring our little girl(s) home. It's a time out. A time to rethink things, reconnect with my family and spend some precious alone time with my God. It's been good. No, it's been great. I'll go back to the regular routine next week. I'll count down the weeks until my guys get to come home for the winter months and I'll obsessively check my email on an hourly basis...hoping to get word that it's time to move onto the next phase of this long adoption process. I can't help but think...life is good and God is great!!!Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-74091252514369267092012-10-11T19:20:00.000-04:002012-10-12T19:31:18.900-04:00My {Soon to be} White Picket Fence Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This spring we realized a longtime dream of having a white picket fence garden. We planned and saved for what seemed like forever. I was so excited when the fence company showed up and started work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g10uF9UDlhw/UHSo_0wI0NI/AAAAAAAAArg/RWLZQ4V2Syw/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g10uF9UDlhw/UHSo_0wI0NI/AAAAAAAAArg/RWLZQ4V2Syw/s640/DSC_0012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The progress was quick and my excitement was growing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWYHS3w7NC0/UHSpmzZJ4iI/AAAAAAAAAro/NqZ5kGONhds/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWYHS3w7NC0/UHSpmzZJ4iI/AAAAAAAAAro/NqZ5kGONhds/s640/DSC_0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVMmhgn7xJA/UHSp4icbBhI/AAAAAAAAArw/tkjDvYrJDjM/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVMmhgn7xJA/UHSp4icbBhI/AAAAAAAAArw/tkjDvYrJDjM/s640/DSC_0025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfRN6KwgTc0/UHSp7WvndlI/AAAAAAAAAsA/liduAZp6e2c/s1600/IMG_2998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfRN6KwgTc0/UHSp7WvndlI/AAAAAAAAAsA/liduAZp6e2c/s640/IMG_2998.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qm7ZDUokb0/UHSp8ljhxkI/AAAAAAAAAsI/86YMrmz1as4/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qm7ZDUokb0/UHSp8ljhxkI/AAAAAAAAAsI/86YMrmz1as4/s640/IMG_3003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
They left as quickly as they came and then it was our turn. This is where we stepped in. My son Jared drew up some plans and we made a trip to the lumber yard. After emptying our pockets of some more cash, we headed home to build the raised beds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdRpaUPdO3I/UHSq26cUcGI/AAAAAAAAAsc/letEu4UKue8/s1600/IMG_3064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdRpaUPdO3I/UHSq26cUcGI/AAAAAAAAAsc/letEu4UKue8/s640/IMG_3064.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
We had a little help from our favorite Amish guy. Everything came together nicely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Lj-_o3Wp3s/UHSq4fawy9I/AAAAAAAAAsk/ZX62yLiKdrc/s1600/IMG_3065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Lj-_o3Wp3s/UHSq4fawy9I/AAAAAAAAAsk/ZX62yLiKdrc/s640/IMG_3065.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
A little (okay a lot) of dirt and and some work on the walkways and we're ready to plant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64fN5jgpK-k/UHSr0g6loJI/AAAAAAAAAsw/oXDc8T3fPS8/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64fN5jgpK-k/UHSr0g6loJI/AAAAAAAAAsw/oXDc8T3fPS8/s640/DSC_0121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoVOC4mvGTM/UHSsi9b2q_I/AAAAAAAAAs4/dJkFp_5p7Rw/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoVOC4mvGTM/UHSsi9b2q_I/AAAAAAAAAs4/dJkFp_5p7Rw/s640/DSC_0198.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zd-EmNT2OdA/UHSsj7bpH4I/AAAAAAAAAtA/AAMpzVpkwcA/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zd-EmNT2OdA/UHSsj7bpH4I/AAAAAAAAAtA/AAMpzVpkwcA/s640/DSC_0200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMsJ0h8lXSY/UHSslbTxSXI/AAAAAAAAAtI/2tBVOIhj-Ho/s1600/DSC_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMsJ0h8lXSY/UHSslbTxSXI/AAAAAAAAAtI/2tBVOIhj-Ho/s640/DSC_0204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AhPwRcnaLJU/UHSsmdZFHOI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/DfkpRFRNaNg/s1600/IMG_3250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AhPwRcnaLJU/UHSsmdZFHOI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/DfkpRFRNaNg/s640/IMG_3250.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Peek-A-Boo...Fred sees you!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGeVyBa_8x4/UHSsnU7XI9I/AAAAAAAAAtY/LN_yTvjE4a8/s1600/IMG_3460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGeVyBa_8x4/UHSsnU7XI9I/AAAAAAAAAtY/LN_yTvjE4a8/s640/IMG_3460.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgcND662kZo/UHSsotCZAXI/AAAAAAAAAtg/pHa19XokjYE/s1600/IMG_3461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgcND662kZo/UHSsotCZAXI/AAAAAAAAAtg/pHa19XokjYE/s640/IMG_3461.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
There's still a lot to do. We need to wait until spring to paint it white (although I have to admit I'm loving the natural color) and then we'll landscape around the outside of the fence...lots of galvanized buckets of herbs, raspberry bushes, some hydrangea, and a few other surprises.<br />
<br />
I'm still pinching myself...I cannot believe I get to garden in this lovely little piece of paradise!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-90716429553563162002012-10-08T21:01:00.002-04:002012-10-08T21:01:30.928-04:00I'm thinking I'm back...and with news<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPozVS4f5SU/UHN26fO1mhI/AAAAAAAAArQ/qtM25gOw28w/s1600/DSC_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPozVS4f5SU/UHN26fO1mhI/AAAAAAAAArQ/qtM25gOw28w/s640/DSC_0380.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello friend,<br />
<br />
I'm thinking that I may give blogging another try. It's been over a year and I'm starting to get the blogging bug...if there is such a beast.<br />
<br />
A few things have been going on since I last posted, but I'll hit the highlights and bring you up to speed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>We finished our dream garden...well almost. The fence is up and the beds are built. We had a pretty successful first season. I'll share pics and info in another post. </li>
<li>I've been studying for an upcoming test for work. Blah, blah, blah. I'll be so glad when that's over. </li>
<li>We moved my mom to a new apartment. She lived with us for almost 10 years. Talk about an adjustment!</li>
<li>What else...hmmm, let me see......................<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">we're adopting!!</span></b> We are so excited! It took months of paperwork and lots of prayer but we are officially registered for an international adoption! Yikes! I'll fill you in on those details soon too! </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-77020351723663559932011-09-01T07:00:00.006-04:002011-09-01T07:00:10.126-04:00September 1<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7HdO7nBWw8/Tl5OSqv8yGI/AAAAAAAAAq4/-GGb9jT3V74/s1600/IMG_0638.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7HdO7nBWw8/Tl5OSqv8yGI/AAAAAAAAAq4/-GGb9jT3V74/s400/IMG_0638.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647037065389197410" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I've been absent. Haven't blogged about anything practically all summer. That's okay. I've never really been consistent at anything, including blogging. I still consider myself a newbie to the blogging world. Why am I not consistent? I think I have adult ADD, or maybe I have so many things I want to do that I am a jack of all trades but master of none. It could be laziness. I guess it could really be just about anything...like enjoying my summer but not taking the time to pause and document it. Yep, I bet that's it.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I've had a nice summer. It's gone by way to quick. I know it's not officially over, but it's officially over for me. When the calendar turns to September, it's all about fall in my world. Autumn is so enchanting. I adore everything about it!!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I have plans for this fall...</div><div><ul><li>first and foremost, i plan to soak up each minute of the beauty that comes with the season</li></ul><ul><li>i want to relax in one of our hammocks as much as possible (we picked up another hammock at a yard sale this summer...it is a stand alone model) a girl needs options</li></ul><ul><li>nesting, I'm big into nesting...you'll find me fluffing my nest, canning and freezing food for the long winter, planning meals full of comfort food, and making sure our home is comfy cozy</li></ul><ul><li>i have several new recipes i've been saving for the cooler weather...so you'll find me in the kitchen...a place i love to be. </li></ul><ul><li>we're still putting our yard back together after <a href="http://kristierigo.blogspot.com/2010/12/mayhem-and-chaos-have-taken-up.html">mayhem and chaos</a> took place this past winter. we are just about ready to plant grass and build our dream garden. i'm so excited!!</li></ul><ul><li>i'm also looking forward to bike rides (now that the weather isn't so hot and icky), boat rides, picnics and i'm still hoping to go to the drive-in theatre. i love the drive-in!</li></ul><div>Happy Fall Ya'll</div><div>
<br /></div></div>Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-19154157677983899522011-06-21T21:07:00.019-04:002011-06-29T16:12:27.036-04:00For The Love of Anything Galvanized<div style="text-align: left;">It's true. People are attracted to different things. Different personalities, different types of food, different hobbies, different decorating styles...the list can go on and on.</div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I've been attracted to for a very long time would be galvanized items. It doesn't matter if it's a watering can, a chicken feeder or a cute little cake pedestal. I <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">LOVE <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">anything and everything galvanized. It's the first thing I'm drawn to at a yard sale or flea market. </span></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here's a little galvanized eye candy to make you drool...</span></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j44pPYzU5Q4/TgUkNXGfMtI/AAAAAAAAApY/2BqdhLtpwCM/s400/HA-zinc-place-card.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621939521800057554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 386px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZ3TZ5JUdKM/TgUkyLxjw8I/AAAAAAAAApg/ny57rQsYLFE/s400/Galvanized_Treat_Pedestals_rect540.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621940154414646210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.farmhousewares.com/kitchen.aspx">Source</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_SwSNPsuhEU/TgUlHeHXlOI/AAAAAAAAApo/9sLY0DoR2_Q/s400/DSC01354.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621940520115213538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Source unknown</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pac1bEKnwWM/TgUlZitRj-I/AAAAAAAAApw/W1N4BaK6SvI/s400/IMG_3483.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621940830585589730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>A galvanized watering can with chippy paint ='s love</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtK7YWyVOpA/TgUm0_Spj6I/AAAAAAAAAp4/x7UO-8CZtKQ/s400/IMG_0064.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621942401626640290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">This was a steal of a deal for 2 bucks at a barn sale</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dPeWljMlWI/TgUneTvRHVI/AAAAAAAAAqA/DONLCLBfyU0/s400/IMG_0195.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621943111490018642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I'd love to have these beside my bed</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6TxO_k8CRY/TgUp-_iaQTI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/cPBMbXXJ6HI/s400/GalvanizedTub.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621945872026321202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I just bought a tub like this the other week for a couple of bucks. I think we'll use it for our christmas tree.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBHybhbryI4/TguGTJLvPRI/AAAAAAAAAqY/Zl4l0iwsPnU/s400/IMG_1407.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623736223142984978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Old wash tubs make excellent planters...</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SpmaTuiciw/TguGmJDNA7I/AAAAAAAAAqg/1V1BlXsBizw/s400/IMG_1404.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623736549524702130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">...they are also great to fill with ice and serve bottled or canned beverages. </span></span></span></span></span></div>Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-17285712686973637182011-06-02T09:40:00.009-04:002011-06-08T13:15:18.874-04:00Daisies and Fruit Loops<div style="text-align: left;">Last week our church had a bake sale to benefit a little boy and his family. The little boy had been burned in a camp fire accident. His family needed some help. Our youth also had a bike a thon. It was fun. It was for a good cause.</div><div><br /></div><div>I usually concentrate on the yum factor of a sweet treat and not the cuteness. This time I decided to try for both. I made cookies and cupcakes.</div><div><br /></div><div>The daisy cookies...</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GX7zWuFICBI/Te-rSUunTVI/AAAAAAAAAo4/l_vMiQOdATA/s400/IMG_1155.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615895591644515666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPNGIUyz90k/Te-rcWhqhtI/AAAAAAAAApA/KrQ2t9mgTM4/s400/IMG_1157.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615895763925763794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4Tu4Nerpv0/Te-rjsZAXdI/AAAAAAAAApI/A9TkDzoET08/s400/IMG_1160.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615895890054110674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>...they were inspired by <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/">this awesome lady</a> . She made similar ones on her show a few weeks ago. I used my own vanilla bean sugar cookie recipe and her idea for the daisy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I made cupcakes. A plain white cake from a box and my all time favorite frosting. I used some adorable cupcake liners from <a href="http://www.bakeitpretty.com/">this place</a> and some fruit loops cereal. So easy. So cute. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fruit Loop Cupcakes...</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z64ubuZKwts/Te-sye101fI/AAAAAAAAApQ/oZve2Q8Fl6k/s400/IMG_1171.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615897243626558962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I will definitely make both of these treats again sometime. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-79941352084101610672011-05-18T17:15:00.010-04:002011-05-25T11:38:27.314-04:00Chocolate Sandwich Cookies and Gooseberry Patch<div style="text-align: left;">I wanted to share with you a very special cookie recipe today. If you make these cookies, your family will flip. They'll beg you to make them again, and again, and again. They are the kind of cookie that gets better if made a few days ahead of time. If they sit for a day or two, the cookie gets soft and they become dreamy. I love this recipe so much that I sent it into <a href="http://www.gooseberrypatch.com/">Gooseberry Patch</a>...and they published it in <a href="http://www1.gooseberrypatch.com/gooseberry/products.nsf/v.weball/Christmas_In_The_Country_Cookbook_-Itemm970?editdocument&lid=is_M970|cartprocess=icertona">this cookbook</a>. You can find it on page 148 if you're interested. I love <a href="http://www.gooseberrypatch.com/">Gooseberry Patch</a>, they have the coziest cookbooks!</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2MBJbe_j--s/TdzzEvNWR0I/AAAAAAAAAoc/Nb37R8CYsjA/s400/IMG_1094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610626498514274114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span><div>They look like little <a href="http://kristierigo.blogspot.com/2010/10/pumpkin-gobs.html">gobs</a>. They taste similar to a brownie...only better. Give them a try, you won't be sorry...unless you're dieting.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UB7R_qWTlaM/TdzzQ9CP37I/AAAAAAAAAok/Vz9QBJRXaac/s400/IMG_1095.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610626708384243634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAmM4F3PNDg/TdzzarYGNEI/AAAAAAAAAos/hPONK-VLLP0/s400/IMG_1108.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610626875442738242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Sandwich Cookies</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>2 boxes of devils food cake mix</li><li>4 eggs, lightly beaten</li><li>2/3 cup canola oil</li></ul><div>Beat together cake mixes, eggs and oil; dough will be very stiff. Roll into one-inch balls; arrange on ungreased baking sheets (i prefer stoneware). Flatten each ball slightly. Bake @ 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Rotate your pans halfway through baking. Let cookies sit on baking sheet for about a minute, move to a cooking rack. Spread icing on the bottom of one cookie; place another cookie on top so icing is sandwiched between the two. </div><div><br /></div><div>Icing:</div><div><ul><li>1 c milk</li><li>5 T all-purpose flour</li><li>1/2 c soft butter</li><li>1/2 cup crisco shortening</li><li>1 c sugar</li><li>1 t pure vanilla extract</li></ul><div>Combine milk and flour in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir until thick. Cover and refrigerate. In a separate bowl, beat together butter, shortening, sugar and vanilla until creamy. Add chilled milk/flour mixture; beat for 10 full minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Make sure to lick the paddle. </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-41498245592258232952011-05-16T12:41:00.000-04:002011-05-16T17:48:57.262-04:00Simple Pleasures of Spring<div style="text-align: left;">I'll be the first to admit that I am a winter girl. Unpopular, I know. With that being said, I am sooo blessed to live in an area that has four full seasons. Four distinct changes. Spring is in full swing in my neck of the woods. The birds are chirping, the air feels fresh, the windows are open, lilacs are in full bloom. Everything is waking up after a long and cold winter. I'm loving it!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought I'd share a few of my Simple Pleasures of Spring. I'd love it if you shared some too. </div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>The laundry line. It's budget friendly and the scented reward from a day of line drying is icing on the cake. Especially crisp, cool, white, smell-good sheets. </li></ul></div><div><ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VEK021zaMDw/TcMyHAB9C8I/AAAAAAAAAoM/k51aYH7b9so/s400/IMG_0984.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603377457227697090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ipMvESGLE0/TcMx4B6j2iI/AAAAAAAAAoE/d9XXTuOA8Io/s400/IMG_0982.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603377200035519010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span><li>Open windows and breezes. I love to lay in bed and feel the cool morning air wake me up. </li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div><ul><li>Playing in the dirt. Tidying everything up and getting rid of the last signs of winter (and in some cases autumn). Planting onions and other early crops. Ooh, and strawberries too. </li></ul></div><div><ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlF3BKBWjf4/TcMyssFSk-I/AAAAAAAAAoU/VwBMai3zmXE/s400/IMG_0986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603378104708010978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span><li>Capris. It feels so good to shed sweaters and pants and slip into comfy capris (that are a little loose compared to last year...yeah).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uv1MjTeAx1w/TbhO57pyNzI/AAAAAAAAAnU/oXarCiZY24I/s400/723103.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600312893807671090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 180px; " /></span></li></ul></div><div><ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrpNCJSDdik/TbhOtJsvlTI/AAAAAAAAAnM/jkXeY6Nj_Yc/s400/744204_Gray_Heather.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600312674239878450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 180px; " /></span><li>Campfires. I love sitting around a fire with loved ones and making smores or mountain pies. It doesn't get any better than that.</li></ul></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><ul><li>Spring Cleaning. No, I'm not crazy. I just look forward to cleaning windows until they shine and paying attention to every nook and cranny.</li></ul><div>What are your simple pleasures of spring?</div></div>Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-8498773058880788612011-04-30T17:58:00.010-04:002011-04-30T18:33:37.962-04:00Strawberries and Pugs<div style="text-align: left;">I've been playing in the dirt a lot. Today I planted strawberries. I ♥ strawberries.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gS04JdCoj7I/TbyIR8IhxlI/AAAAAAAAAnc/xndqioV0SUE/s400/IMG_0963.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601501878323103314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span><div>I've also been playing with my pups. I ♥ them even more than strawberries</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzTDiZt0Uwg/TbyIhGdmGPI/AAAAAAAAAnk/tn3bm1s4XwY/s400/IMG_0964.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601502138793859314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">It feels so good to be outside. The sun is shining, the weather is getting warm, and everything is coming alive</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nttzki_ku5U/TbyKKMZ-kJI/AAAAAAAAAns/SRvCPpNx2GY/s400/IMG_0966.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601503944275562642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Our yard is looking better. The clean-up is coming along. We've had the guy in once to grind stumps. Now we need to clean up the wood chips and then he'll come back one more time and after we get all the branches burned we'll be ready to replant our grass...yeah...that puts me one step closer to my dream garden. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXYaH3dewv0/TbyNSRgwwaI/AAAAAAAAAn0/RK_ZeJkIUU4/s400/IMG_0971.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601507381620031906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Im85uLwso-g/TbyNdj-pzNI/AAAAAAAAAn8/04d02UwQbRQ/s400/IMG_0969.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601507575555804370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Meanwhile, I'm busy planting onions, strawberries, potatoes and I'll be planting blueberry bushes this weekend. I cannot wait to enjoy the fruit of our labor!</span></span></span></span></div>Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-91734315801974511442011-04-29T16:20:00.003-04:002011-04-29T16:23:40.150-04:00Holiday with Matthew MeadWho doesn't love this guy, this magazine and their wonderful website!?! They are having a giveaway, go check it out. You can win an Anthropologie gift card. <div><a href="http://www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com/2011/04/mothers-day-anthropologie-our-giveaway.html"><br /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com/2011/04/mothers-day-anthropologie-our-giveaway.html">Holiday with Matthew Mead giveaway</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-7790957886870484772011-04-02T14:05:00.012-04:002011-04-02T14:44:15.263-04:00Work and such<div style="text-align: left;">Hello. I'm still here. I've been working and spending time with my three favorite guys. The turn of the calendar brings new things to The Rigo Household. My work is winding down, but Georges work is starting back up. Believe it or not, we planned our careers this way. When our kids were younger it worked out perfectly. One of us was home almost all the time with them. The kids are grown now but our jobs have stayed the same. It works for us...at least for now.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I sit here in my jammies, in my comfy warm home, my sweet (and currently sick) hubby and boys are traveling to Massachusetts to start their work back up. I'll join them often and they'll make the trip home every other weekend. They'll stay busy with work and I'll stay busy keeping the home fires burning. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have big plans. Plans of organizing, for personal growth, for yard restoration (yes, we aren't done with that yet), plans for hobbies and plans for me time. I honestly don't understand when people complain that they are bored. I never run out of things I need/want to do. </div><div><br /></div><div>Are there downfalls to having so much time at home alone? From being separated from the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">three people that make up my world?</span></b> Yes...there are. I miss <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66CCCC;">their faces</span></b>...terribly. I miss the noise (and even the mess) that they make. The house is quiet. We have to put a lot of things on hold. I have to be responsible. But on the flip side, our time apart makes me appreciate them all the more. Makes me realize how blessed I am and how much I love and adore them. It keeps things fresh. Exciting. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fag9wSL11Q/TZdqgrIpQvI/AAAAAAAAAm0/GtHsf4v5TYo/s400/IMG_0659.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591054571971101426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66CCCC;">George</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYNqZBENMk0/TZdrUTquruI/AAAAAAAAAnE/6lj0KjzMV1o/s400/IMG_0733.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591055459024809698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66CCCC;">Jared</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tgt6JroxyIA/TZdq3WIDa6I/AAAAAAAAAm8/g5WvirjFQqc/s400/IMG_3681.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591054961468468130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66CCCC;">Brantley</span></b></span></span></div>Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-82929290745196405812011-02-26T18:19:00.009-05:002011-02-26T18:51:32.156-05:00Meatball Soup...Mmm!<div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes you don't feel like making dinner...but your family is hungry...therefore you need to make dinner. In times like that, I reach for a simple recipe. A recipe that you pretty much just dump bags and cans of items together and cook. The fact that the outcome of dumping it all together is super yummy would be a bonus. A BIG bonus!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a recipe especially for one of "those nights" when you don't feel like putting much effort in to preparation. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-drJl3zxW2uY/TWmO599ctBI/AAAAAAAAAmM/JbF9ZvRIZ5A/s400/IMG_0758.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578146740011054098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>Meatball Soup</div><div><ul><li>1- 160z. bag of frozen homestyle meatballs</li><li>2- 140z. cans of beef broth</li><li>2- 14 1/2 oz. cans of diced tomatoes, undrained</li><li>1 cup diced potato (okay so actually have to cut the potato, but don't bother peeling it)</li><li>1 cup chopped onion (I usually have a container of chopped onion in my fridge at all times, so technically I can just open and dump this)</li><li>1- 1lb. bag of frozen mixed vegetables</li><li>salt and pepper to taste</li><li>parmesan cheese for serving</li></ul><div>Literally throw all of the above ingredients (except for the parmesan cheese) into a large pot and simmer until potatoes are tender. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>You can also think ahead and cook in a crockpot on low for 7-8 hours. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4kWI2W-J00/TWmPS6ZO3lI/AAAAAAAAAmU/DkV4bxccheQ/s400/IMG_0759.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578147168550575698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span><div>This soup tastes like it has simmered all day and is extremely satisfying comfort food. Give it a try the next time you need a quick and easy meal.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf8POV5uKU4/TWmPcrIQ88I/AAAAAAAAAmc/ZJbd7dmkbW4/s400/IMG_0757.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578147336251569090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>Oh and while you're at it, go ahead and make some "homemade" rolls. <a href="http://www.rhodesbread.com/products/view/800">Rhodes frozen dinner rolls</a> have directions for a speed method and are great baked in a cast iron skillet. Rub butter over the freshly baked rolls and try sprinkling with some of <a href="http://www.penzeys.com/">Penzey's Spice Sandwich Sprinkle</a>. That stuff is seriously amazing!</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H70z23JZxCc/TWmRdu2scXI/AAAAAAAAAmk/Amv2emklHKs/s400/IMG_0760.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578149553454739826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8047816449909493211.post-59726022762336827782011-02-24T10:00:00.001-05:002011-02-24T10:03:09.616-05:00Summer 2011 Reading List<div style="text-align: center;">It's getting to be that time of year again. The time when I like to collect a bunch of books and make an official reading list for the summer. I read mostly non-fiction books like, decorating, cookbooks, gardening, devotionals, manuals, etc...but I like to read a little fiction too.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62iFAdFY9EU/TWRQh030WZI/AAAAAAAAAlU/w0XPjwLRpXE/s400/IMG_0071.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576670780650183058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 328px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>My favorite place to read is in my beloved hammock. A favorite drink, a comfy pillow, a cardinal flirting with me and a good book or magazine. Can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also love to read when I'm traveling. I'm one of the fortunate ones that don't get car sick from reading...or knitting...or from anything else I can think of. Since it's a little hard to read in the car when I'm driving (LOL), I usually stick to an audio book, but when I'm a passenger, I love to have a book or magazine in my lap (unless there's a little black pug there instead). Since I've recently started traveling by train, I've discovered that it's a pretty cozy place to curl up with a good book too. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've collected a few books for my list already. </div><div><ul><li>The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews</li><li>Set Free, What the Bible says about grace by Jack Cottrell</li><li>Backwards in High Heels, The impossible art of being female by Tania Kinderslely & Sarah Vine</li><li>Small changes for a better life, daily steps to living God's plan for you by Elizabeth George</li><li>The Pioneer Woman, Black heels to tractor wheels by Ree Drummond</li></ul></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrKqBC6_I5A/TWVX_WrnA1I/AAAAAAAAAlc/s6SiD1qcfss/s400/IMG_0756.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576960459500094290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 328px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>I still have a few to pick up.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U69mQ65S80E/TWZwyyAMN-I/AAAAAAAAAlk/e8BVpbGdKGw/s400/72069480.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577269206263281634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 163px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">201 Knitting Motifs, Blocks, Projects and Ideas by Nicki Trench</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5rwHhAUfEqg/TWZw_naAYyI/AAAAAAAAAls/LEbhQwzvSZw/s400/84985602.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577269426757067554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 193px; " /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball</span></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJ1cwyYMdls/TWZxRW2JO1I/AAAAAAAAAl8/42mLYr6dR5Q/s400/48743192.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577269731549330258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 178px; " /></span></span><div>Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights by Sophie Dahl</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TjQX54Eq1I/TWZxccnGt4I/AAAAAAAAAmE/arlOjkxMjiE/s400/80296513.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577269922075424642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 193px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">In The Company of Others by Jan Karon (yes, I love me some Father Tim)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SREhiaifhWU/TWZxJBHcJ_I/AAAAAAAAAl0/thX1BDHQKYA/s400/49089475.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577269588277340146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 193px; " /></span><div>And lastly, The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. </div><div><br /></div><div>That should be enough to keep me busy for awhile.</div><div><br /></div><div>How about you? What are you planning on reading this summer?</div></div>Kristie @ Comfy Cozyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145659321697176155noreply@blogger.com3