Hey! Wait for me...I'm coming!

It was Christmas Eve day 

and

 the excitement of present opening and Santa was filling our home!

I was prepping for dinner at my in-laws (making manicottis)

 and 

making sure the presents were wrapped and the finishing touches for Christmas were complete.

The wrath of everyday laundry, dishes, and clean up was staring me straight in the eye.

It was set to be a busy day.

Around 1:00 my husband had a great idea, He announces:

"hey kids...let's go sledding, I'll pull you behind the wheeler!"

(Yes, I know very dangerous~but very fun! #don'tjudgeourlaziness)

The kids got their snowpants on, even our 16 year old boy joined in the fun.

(After begging and convincing of course).

 They got their stuff on and headed out the door.

Just as they were headed out I yelled, 

"Hey, wait for me...I'm coming!"

The boys looked at me as I started putting on my snowpants.

"Your coming mom?"

"Yes!" I replied..."Is that okay?"

"Yes mom, yes, yes....this is going to be sweet!"

In that moment, I was a little taken back by their shock.

I started to think back to how many times, I may have stayed in.

It has just been assumed moms staying home...

 to make sure the "chores" of everyday life were completed.

I had ,in the past, missed out on probably some super fun experiences trying to

 "make sure all the inside chores were done"

I think this is pretty common.

I hope I'm not the only one.

I believe that our days get filled up fast with tasks to complete.

However.

                           I have been... carefully opening my eyes,  to not miss out on experiences like this.

I have been trying to be present.

I found that by being present that Christmas Eve day, I received the best Present.

I was part of the laughs.

I was part of the fun.

I was part of the bumps and bruises in the snow.

This year, 2016....I am not setting high expectations for myself.

All I'm hoping...is that I am present and participating.

Present in the stands.

Present in the home.

Present in their relationships.

Present in everyday Life.
..Not only present, but participating!

Yes, the laundry and chores need to get done.

Yes, their will be times I get sucked in to the house & technology (facebook)

I will get distracted, I will forget, I will make mistakes.

BUT,

I am aware and I'm watching.

I will be Present in 2016!

 Happy New Year to you all,

Shelby

Getting Ready to Deck your halls..."Oh wait, A Lifetime Movie is on!"

...Getting Ready to DECK your halls!

This weekend, I am starting to decorate for Christmas!

Yes, you heard me right....

I know, I know..early right?

Well, this year our home is part of the Essentia Health Festival of Trees Home tour.

So...that means, by Nov. 20th...My house needs to be "decked".

This is a hard task because this year, I don't have a decorator coming in.

You are looking at her.

This girl is taking it on...HELP!

 For my brain, this is a hard task because I very often find myself distracted.

This is a TYPICAL Christmas decorating day for me!

I get everything out and then:

"Oh wait, I need Christmas music"

"Oh wait, I need some hot chocolate!"

"Oh wait, where did I put that one sign from last year?"

..So, I head down stairs to find it..

"Wow, it's messy down here!"

"I better clean up in the basement!"

"Wow, these floors are sticky...I better mop down here!"

"Wow, I'm tired..let me sit on the couch and watch lifetime for a minute!"

""Oh wow...it's dinner time!"

"What are we having for dinner?"

"I better run to the store and get us something!"

"Time to eat our late dinner!"

"I might check facebook quick!"

"Wow kids, you need a quick bath!"

"I better throw in a few loads while I'm up here!"

"Kids, time for bed...okay, I'll lay with you for a few minutes!"

Okay, mom's OUT!

 I get easily distracted when I am doing a task I have a hard time with or don't know where to start.

Does this ever happen to you guys?
Am I the only one stranded on planet distraction?
...anyone, anyone?

 

 So, I made myself some tips to make decorating more enjoyable.

Hope you enjoy!

Three ways to Make "Decking" your halls more timely

#1. Make the hot chocolate & put on the music BEFORE you start.

#2. Cancel your cable ahead of time so you don't get sucked into a Lifetime movie. 

#3. Don't go "tuck your kids into bed"..ZZZZZ!

 

All in All, I am looking forward to this. It's going to be fun!

I just need to get started.

Look at me now, I'm being really productive...I'm blogging about how unproductive I am,while trying to be productive.

Ha, ha...I'm shutting the computer off and getting going!

Bye Everyone!

Peace and Love!

WISH ME LUCK...I need it!

If you didn't have a chance to read yesterday's blog, check it out!
It was a little dedication to dear daughter:
http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/11/there-is-this-girl-she-kind-of-has-my.html

There is this girl. She kind of has my heart.

There is this girl. 

She kind of has my heart. 

She is my daughter.

At night, she falls asleep sandwiched between her dad and I.

I could lay by her forever, just to smell her sweet scent.

When my daughter was born.

I gained a friend for life.

Thank you my little lady.

I love you until eternity.

...Spooooky Fun Drinks for you Halloween Night!

...Happy Halloween

Hope you have a spoooooktacular Halloween tonight!

Just wanted to share with you some easy, kid friendly drinks for your Halloween night! 

#1. The Green Eyeball:
~This one looks super fun..I spy with my little "eye" a fun night!

http://www.agirlandagluegun.com/2014/09/easy-halloween-drink-with-peep-straws.html#_a5y_p=2415829

#2. Fanta Jack O' Lantern Floats

http://belleofthekitchen.com/2014/10/20/fanta-jack-o-lantern-floats/ 

3. Gummy Worm Punch 

http://bitzngiggles.com/2015/04/gummy-worm-punch.html 

  

...And for the over 21 crowd, 

The Purple People Eater!

http://guestofaguest.com/new-york/halloween/spooky-cocktails-for-a-halloween-monster-mash&slide=3 

Be Safe Tonight Everyone!

Enjoy your Halloween night, hope you get a good fright!

Shelby

Just a throw back on this Halloween!

My Austin, you make me smile and fill my heart with so much joy!

Love you buddy!

15 day Cookie Making Challenge!

The 15 Day Cookie Making Challenge...

Last week, dear daughter, politely stated the following statement:

"Mom, you never make cookies..like ever!"

.So, I politely responded, "Oh honey, yes I do!"

She responds, "Not the ones you have to make by yourself!"

I laugh...

She laughs...

Then, we both Laugh!

This continued &  repeated for 15 minutes, until I finally said.

"Fine, I will make you cookies every day for 15 days!"

Her eyes popped open!!
"Really MOM? For 15 days!"
"Yes, 15 days in a row we will make cookies!"

Now, I must follow through....

Yesterday was day #1 and we made cookies!!
(They may or may not have come out of a frozen box, already shaped into perfect balls)
~She didn't notice...shhhhh!
They were "Goblin cookies!"

I have 14 days Left of Cookie Making and I am pumped
~a little nervous, because baking is not me!

I am taking the challenge...
want to come along on the 15 day cookie challenge with Me?
Come on you guys...I need a team to support me!

If you have any easy fun cookie recipes, please share them with me!!!!

Also, if you are looking for Affordable ways to decorate for Halloween:
Click this link:
:http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/10/halloween-decorating-all-for-100now.html

Hope you have a "great cookie filled day!"
Shelby

Does anyone really need an office? How about a secret mommy room! NO KIDS ALLOWED!

Happy Monday Everyone!

~hoping your  Monday is Magnificent so far!

On the blog today, an office turned into "the secret mommy room"

When you enter our home, to the left..we have an office.

I used to have a desk there

 however,

 I have found we really never "do work in the office!"

I wanted to make the space a little more functional!

Found this adorable couch at Anderson Furniture 

and

 matched it with a colorful rug from Firelight Galleries!

Plan of action is to:

~add a secret tv that only mom knows about

Yes, this is my room..I claim it...all of it!!

NO LEGOS

NO DOLLS
NO PUCKS
NO STICKS
NO BATS
NO BALLS

..Just me 

Okay, there can be pictures of the children but no actual children in here!

..Can you picture it?
Relaxation, ya...me neither!

Thanks for stopping by everyone!

Looking forward to decorating this room for the Festival of Trees House Tour

Happening November 20th and 21st!

Hope you enjoy the little office turned "mommy room" tour!

..This little exterior light of mine, I'm going to let it shine!!

 Happy Sunday Everyone...sure is a beautiful day out!

A great day to get all those unfinished projects done (wink, wink)!

I am Happy to report we finally finished one of those projects..

Our Exterior Lights!

Now, LET ME PREFACE THIS BY SAYING, this was NOT "dear hubby's" fault..

"Dear wife" takes the blame completely.

I was on a search...search for the right one! 

After hundreds of stores and searching online...

the light was found...

Okay, Let's all sing together!

"This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine...let is shine, let it shine, let it shine!"

It's just plain and simple, but has the lantern look I have been on the search for!

It is surprising how much exterior lights can change or add to the outside of your home!

Are any of you looking to make a change to the exterior of your home!

Well, this is one simple way to make a change!

...well, off to the next project...

We have the big Festival of Trees coming to our home in November and I need to get prepared.

Lots to do to prepare for that.

If you have unfinished home projects you need help with,

Give the friendly folks at Altobelli Peterson Construction a call at:

1-218-744-3350

or email me at speterson@abcironrange.com

Enjoy your day everyone

and

Remember, LET YOUR light shine every where you go!

To get the whole porch tour, click here:
http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/10/grab-cup-of-coffee-good-book-and-pick.html 

Shelby

A tour from "dear mom"!

 ..Happy Saturday Everyone!

Hope this Saturday is finding you feeling energized and well!

(Now that I have a 16 year old, I am never energized or well...I am hoping that subsides soon!)
Most parents say it really doesn't...

Speaking of Parents...

The other day I stopped over at "dear mom's" house

she had just finished decorating her mantel for Fall..

~The light bulb went off and I thought...

this has to be shared with you guys because my mom has a very unique and fun style!

It's cool how everyone has their own taste...
That's what makes decorating so fun!

With "dear mom's" permission...

I snuck some shots!

...Come Along on the "dear mom" Tour!

The wall hanging is from Firelight Galleries in Virginia, MN.

The Autumn garland, my mom purchased at an estate sale..

she did say Ben Franklin carries something similar.

It also looks like she added some small pumpkins to put the finishing touches on.

I hope you enjoy the "mantel tour"....I hope my mom inspired you!
If you see her..Don't Tell Her..
(ha, ha, ha)

In all reality, I hope you have a Great Saturday!!

If you are looking for some more fun Fall idea, check out these posts:

 My Front porch post:
http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/10/grab-cup-of-coffee-good-book-and-pick.html 

Fun Easy Halloween Projects:
http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/10/spoooooktacularly-easy-projects-for.html

 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/altobellipetersonconstruction?fref=ts 

Thanks so much you guys
and 
Remember...

Don't forget to call Altobelli Peterson Construction for all your
siding, roofing, gutter, deck, door, or window needs at 1-218-744-3350! 

Chow for Now,
 Shelby 

Halloween Decorating ALL for $1.00~Now thats Spooooktacular!

Boo!!!

Oh my, Halloween is creeping in!

Are you all ready to get your house spooked out?

I did some digging...

and

I found some...

Spoooky Halloween Ideas for Your Home

ALL FOR $1.00!!

yes, your heard me right...

$1.00!!

~No need to spend a lot of money on a season that is short!

Come Along on the $1.00 Decorating Design Day!

Tour Starts here:
This First one was found on Parenting Magazine.
All you needs is a pool noodle~which can be purchased at the Dollar Store.
Add some striped tights, black heels, and You have Witch Legs!
Directions Here:
http://www.parents.com/holiday/halloween/decorating/spooky-decorations/?page=2#page=2 

Second Up,

Is a Spook From My Past!

One Halloween, I decorated our window boxes as Tombstones.

Just gathered some fake body parts plus an old tombstone at the Dollar Store 

and

You are all set to go!

I know it's too scary to even Look at, just keep scrolling!!

This last one comes from 

www.theidearoom.net
Just buy glass bottles from the dollar store or ones you having laying around
&
Simply fill with "halloween treats":)
Add a little Label that says
"Potion" or "witches mix"
and you are good to Go!!

Well I hope you enjoyed The $1.00 Ideas!
Have a spooooooktacular Tuesday!

If you don't mind, please come follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/altobellipetersonconstruction?ref=hl

For more decorating on a dime, Check out this Fun Fall Post:http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/09/decorating-for-fall-on-dime.html

...Spoooooktacularly Easy projects for October!

October is here!

October sure is a fun month.

~It is a "sweet" time of year to have some fun and do some cool projects! 

Let's check out some Spoooooktacular projects and recipes! 

These are projects real humans can do!

You don't have to be supermom or Martha Stewart!

Let's Check them Out!  

This first one is by Juggling with Kids, the Candy Corn Footprint!

http://www.jugglingwithkids.com/2011/10/candy-corn-footprints.html

 "Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!"

"Trick or treat..smell my feet, give me something good to eat!"

..If you are Looking for something good to eat...

Try this amazingly delicious & Healthy Candy Corn Fruit Parfait!
Three Ingredients:
Mandarin Oranges
Pineapple
Cool Whip
Oh ya, plus the Candy Corn Top!

Recipe here:
http://www.suburbia-unwrapped.com/2014/09/healthy-halloween-dessert-candy-corn-fruit-parfait.html#iLX5rtuVWDxrXi7g.32

Last, But Not Last!

..Need a Last minute October Decoration...

Just Break out the Scrabble Game!

No credit available, Found on Pinterest
 

...Simple & Fun For the Whole Family....

Hope You Enjoyed the Post Today!

If You Missed Last Week's Porch Reveal, Click Here:

 http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/10/grab-cup-of-coffee-good-book-and-pick.html

..Another Fun One From Last Week, Was the Do it Yourself Stripe Wall!

If You Want to Learn How To Paint Adorable Stripes, Click here:

http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/09/stripes-stripes-stripesplus-mudroom.html

Happy Monday Everyone & Don't forget to give Altobelli Peterson Construction a call at 1-218-744-3350 for all your siding, roofing, gutter, deck, door, or window needs!

Shelby

Don't Forget to Follow us on facebook!

 https://www.facebook.com/altobellipetersonconstruction

Grab a cup of coffee, a good book, and pick out a spot to sit!

...FaNciFy FrIdAy...

Happy Friday Everyone!

Just stopping in to show you a couple fun Fall Pictures from my porch!

Grab a cup of coffee, a good book, and pick out a spot to sit!

Let's enjoy the Friday together!

 

I tackled the front door yesterday!

Grabbed two cornstalks from the farmers market~$5

Added a pumpkin~$3

A fun shovel from a talented friend~

and

then  used what I had around the house!

Can you tell I love Fall?

Fall has always been a peaceful time of year for me.

It just always brings back good memories of 

being outside riding wheelers, 

enjoying the woods searching for a grouse, 

or

just simply smelling the crisp air. 

Hope you have time to enjoy Fall this Weekend!

To see some fun ways to Decorate Fall on a Dime, check out this post:
http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/09/decorating-for-fall-on-dime.html

Thanks,

Shelby

Throwback Thursday...My cornstalk days! Plus an adorable porch reveal!

 Happy Thursday Everyone~

Hope this day is Leaving you well!

You know how when you find something really cool..you have to tell your friends!

Well, that is exactly how I feel about this front porch!

Are you guys Loving it as much as me?

Well, Let's do it!

All you need is:

1. Cornstalk 

2. Mums

3. Hay Bail

and

4th: A creative mind like this decorator from: 

http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2012/10/autumn-porch-ideas.html?spref=fb&m=1

In all Reality..

If we really want to make it happen~

We can do it!

Click on picture for original blog post:

 We just need to:

 ~set out that cornstalk by our front door.

~Buy a mum and put it in a crate.

~Get a hay bail and set some pumpkins on it..

and

Lastly,

Put a cute pillow on our wicker furniture and there we go!

Can I get a whoop, whoop...followed by a fist pump?

See  we can do it too...

We don't have to be "super decorator"

Add caption

 I am fairly confident mine won't turn out anything like this..

But,

You Just Never Know...

I also found a fun throw back Thursday for you...

 This is Pre-Collette, can you believe it?

So much has changed since then!

We now have a daughter

New home

New job

 but

one thing remains...my Love for cornstalk...and of course, my dear hubby!

Happy Fall Y'all!

Shelby

Stripes, Stripes, Stripes~plus a mudroom makeover under $100

Stripes, Stripes, & More Stripes..

Happy Monday Everyone!

Hope you all had a fun weekend.

My weekend seemed to fly by and I don't feel like I was very productive at home

But,

 it was one of those weekends were "we did fun stuff"

We enjoyed a birthday party for my father in law, we went grouse hunting (0/4), and we went to our church's Harvest party~I rode a horse for the first time, so that was great!

Anyways, I wanted to share a productive project anyone can do:

I did it a while back~actually a long while back..

But, it was so fun I wanted to look at it again!

Do you have one of those spaces that just needs something?

You don't know what..but you think it needs a "pop" of color.

Check out this mudroom Makeover for under $100.

It is from: 

The decor chick:

ttp://decorchick.com/mudroom-makeover-and-striped-wall/

She added a super fun striped wall and a cozy bench to create a super awesome space!

ttp://decorchick.com/mudroom-makeover-and-striped-wall/

ttp://decorchick.com/mudroom-makeover-and-striped-wall/

To see our mudroom, check out this blogpost:

http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/09/putting-mud-in-mudroom-come-along-on.html

Have you ever though about adding stripes?

In our first home, I saw this picture below and was completely inspired:

I loved everything about it...

From: Cozy Cottage Cute

So, I tried to create a hallway with Stripes!

My sister came over and we went to town!

Her and I were able to figure it out on our own and took just a few hours to do!

If you are looking to add a "fun touch" to your home, consider stripes!

Here are the directions:

#1. You take 7.5 inches from the top draw a line and 7.5 inches from the bottom draw lines.
~in my case "dear hubby" has a laser line shot, so that is what I used.

#2. Once you have those lines marked, measure 15 inches between them until you are done.
 Now, this is on my ceiling--which I believe is 7.5ft. not including 1/2 foot for baseboard.
 To decide the width of your stripes, measure the total height of the wall from the ceiling to the base molding and divide by seven. If you want thicker stripes, divide by five. If you want skinny stripes divide by nine or more.

#3. Now time to tape! Tape appropriately so you can do a different color every row!
Once you have taped, start painting! You do one color at a time, because you have to tape and then remove.

I am sure pinterest has way better directions..so follow them...LOL :)

But, you get the idea!

Hope you Enjoyed the Post Today!

Shelby

Putting the Mud in Mudroom. Come along on our mudroom tour!

Happy Wet Wednesday Everyone!

I thought since it was rainy and gloomy, let's do a gloomy & spooooky post.

You know what is spooky about our mudroom right now?

Two things:

#1. It's super clean

and

#2. It's super clean

In all reality it never ever looks this clean.

There is actually usually MUD in our MUDROOM!

but, today is different

it is clean , so come along on a Tour!

Don't kill me...

 but

 I have already put out some Halloween Decorations  because I love Halloween.

and the other great thing about Halloween decorating is..

when your house is gross, dirty, or muddy you can "pretend" that it is just decorated!

Come Along on Our  Mudroom Tour without the MUD!

 Most of you know, I love beadboard and baskets!

That pretty much sums up the mudroom!

A whole lotta beadboard & some fun baskets!

Two of the baskets were from the World Market & one is a milk crate from a rummage sale.

Then, "my dear mom", found this fun Happy Halloween banner at Herbergers!

 

QUICK SIDE NOTE"

I also put up a picture of each child above"their hook" to help them distinguish which hook to use..

unfortunately,

that is a very complicated process and we haven't quite figured it out yet!

...Maybe one day, Maybe one day

OKAY, back to the Tour at hand:

I  added a little cream pillow and black & white pumpkin to the bench for some fun!

...So, grab a hook....it doesn't have to be labeled and stay awhile!

There will be some more fun rooms to see!

BEFORE I GO,

I don't want you thinking that is how our mudroom always looks.

*This is usually the reality...

To be honest,

I really Love when it is filled with shoes and jackets, backpacks, and mud!

Hope you enjoyed my blog :)

If you are looking for a contractor to help you with your outdoor home projects,

Give the friendly folks a call at Altobelli Peterson Construction

a call at:
1-218-744-3350

Thanks so much!

Shelby