Sometimes we just have to scrape & scrape the old chipped parts of ourselves, to make way for something new and brighter!

This past weekend,

I decided to repaint Collette's playhouse in the backyard.

The paint is chipping and needs a fresh new look for Spring.

The "old" Shelby would have

just started painting right away,

but,
I took my time.

I knew if I didn't take off the old, chipped paint..

the new paint job wouldn't stay or look as nice.

It is a long, tedious project..

but 

as I spent the afternoon

scraping away at the old paint.

I couldn't help 

but

think of how it reflects my own life.

As I try to become a more faithful, Christ like follower.

God is having me evaluate each layer of myself.

He wants us to identify our "icky" layers

that need to be chipped away

and 

make into something new, something brighter.

A better version of ourselves.

It isn't an easy job.

It takes lots of work.

We must not get frustrated.

Sometimes the old  "paint" comes off right away..

other times,

the "old paint" need lots of work & scraping.

Over & Over..Over & over

You continually work at that most difficult "section"

Sometimes you just want to give up and paint over it,

but
you know it will always be there..

Under the new stuff

&

Eventually it will peak it's ugly head through.

You must face it & work at it.

For me, personally, I still have a lot of scraping to do.
Layers of Yuck that need to be worked on.

The more I scrape,

the more room I have for something brighter and new.

For me personally.

I am quick to react, quick to anger.
I have no patience.

Its the "icky" layer of me.

I'm working on it.

I'm praying about it.

I'm scraping away, trying to get rid of the yuck.

 

As for me.

I'm still scraping.
Sometimes, I can slowly see it moving away..
other times,
the "icky" parts look me square in the face to remind me they are still there.

I cannot be discouraged.
I know a finished product takes times.
So, I'll keep scraping
&
scraping!

As for the playhouse.

It's complete & painted.

Took me all day but it came out looking really nice!

When all was said and done,

I showed "dear hubby" the completed version and he says

"Looks nice, but I think this weekend I am building her a brand new one..

With a slide & Fireman's pole & deck..

We can bring this one to the dump!"

"the unpainted version"

Oh....Okay..

That's my luck...

Love ya,

Shelby

P.S. If you guys are looking for an adorable planter..
Check out this awesome, affordable galvanized planter :)
Just ordered one!

Galvanized metal planter

The magnetic force of the $1.00 section led me to the perfect sign!

Happy Terrific Tuesday Everyone!

The Sun is out, let's Spring into a project!

If you remember last week..

I talked about the ways you can decorate

with the ever fun....

6 ft ruler!

If you didn't get a chance to check it out!

It was a fun Do-it-yourself 6ft ruler project!

Link to post here:

 http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2016/04/rulers-rulehow-do-you-think-these.html

Well,

I have been trying to incorporate my ruler on our front porch

&

I think I  may have found the perfect sign to add with it.

It says: Let Love Grow

and was 

$3.00 at Target!
 (you know that section right when walk in & the magnetic force of the $1.00 section drags you in)
 oh, you have been there too!
You can't even walk by it without instantly being hypnotized by all the lovely finds.
Oh, only a $1.00..
I need this, this, this, this, and this!
By the time you get to the checkout, the hypnosis has worn off & you sneakingly put back a few of those items before you check out!

Please tell me others have done that or I feel like a dork!

Anyways,
where was I?
Oh ya,
 I added that "special hypnosis sign" to the ruler and so far..
It's a start & once it warms up..
I'll add Flowers around it, try to make it a little more festive!

I have been trying a few different pillows to see which one looks best!

What pillows are you guys liking better?
 Let me know in the comment section!!

I need some advice!

Well Happy Tuesday Y'all.

Don't forget to give Altobelli Peterson Construction a call for all your:
siding
roofing
decking
door
window
or
Gutter needs!!
1-218-744-3350

Super Sunday Cereal Savings....$1.16 for Rice Krispies/Frosted Flakes

Sometimes on Lazy Sunday days..

I do some "serious" couponing

 then..

I take my finds

and

share them with my awesome blogger family.

This Super Saving
is
 for those of you who have a Super One available to you!

This past week,

there is a coupon for 

Kellogs Cereal & Pop Tarts for

$1.66

(that's already a great price)

Now,

go to

https://www.kelloggsfamilyrewards.com/en_US/coupons.html

 and

 Print the .50 cents off Coupon for Frosted Flakes/Rice Krispies

 

That brings your Cereal Price to:

$1.16

You have a Super Cereal Sunday Saving!!

If you Like this Saving
Pay if Forward
&
Share it with your Friends!!

We can all use a great deal!!

If you didn't have a chance to read my Do-it-Yourself Project
Check out the link here:
http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2016/04/rulers-rulehow-do-you-think-these.html

#Screen Porch Envy!

Happy Friday Night...

Hope this lovely night finds you snuggled in at your favorite spot.

If you are not,

I found a space we could all enjoy together.!!

Isn't is perfect!!??

Okay, close your eyes..

Now OPEN!

Source: http://www.adelto.co.uk/luxurious-hospitality-at-the-uxua-casa-hotel-brazil/

Let's all be envious together...

Okay, are you ready?

1, 2, 3.

 Screen porch envy!!

Okay back to reality!

To be honest, a beautiful screened in porch is not a far off dream !

The awesome crew at Altobelli Peterson can make your dream a reality!

We have options galore that you can choose from!

On the Tour
#1.
Loving this one from: 

http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2015/01/clean-design.html 

 Isn't is perfect!
Love the Turquoise furniture!

#2.
This next one would sure help keep those pesty MN mosquitoes out!

#3. how about a rustic cabin look?
Looks like an awesome spot to enjoy a summer evening..
with a book of course!

source: https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p171096vb#photos

Well Hope You Enjoy this Friday Night #screenporchenvy tour!

..Remember your dreams can be your reality with the awesome crew at Altobelli Peterson Const.

Give us a call at 1-218-744-3350 for all your siding, roofing, decking, door, gutter, or window needs!

If you didn't have a chance to read the fun Do it Yourself Project Post..
Check it out here:
http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2016/04/rulers-rulehow-do-you-think-these.html

Goodnight Y'all!

Shelby

Rulers Rule...How do you think these measure up?

 Happy Wednesday!!

How's your day measuring up?

The only thing I see measuring up is the snow accumulation.

Enough about the Snow!

Let's cheer ourselves up with a fun project.

Are you ready?

The Do~it~Yourself....6ft. Ruler!!

What's that you ask?

It's a fun way to show off your growing child, plus it adds a fun design element to any room.

First Up..We have this cute "Artwork display Area"

By: Home is what you make it!

They have the 6ft. ruler,

Next to it..

They have clipboards for displaying kids artwork..

You can just switch it out!

H

Source: www.homeiswhatyoumakeit.com

Next Up,

We have this adorable Spring Front Porch.

My dear neighbor made me one a few years back & this is exactly what I'm doing with mine!

The designer from: Cottage in the Oaks

Added some adorable Lanterns, Mason Jars, flowers, and a cute chalkboard to make it complete!

Source: www.cottageintheoaks.com

This next one even looks adorable in a living room!

This Chevron Ruler from:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124898698/growth-ruler-distressed-grey-and-creamy?ref=shop_home_feat

Will run you around $67.00 but is Oh so Cute!

 A more affordable option from Etsy is the Burlap Version

Love how it just lays nicely next to any door, taking up little space!

Like what you see?

Want to try to make one at on your own?

 Follow this Link for the Easy Do it yourself Instructions:

http://adventuresindecoratinganddesign.blogspot.com/2012/01/ruler-growth-chart.html 

Looking for a Different Color or Style:

This one would be adorable in a Nursery

&

It's easy and affordable!

Source here: http://www.thepinningmama.com/5-30-minute-wooden-growth-chart/

If you are like me and need to watch something to learn how!

Here is a great tutorial :)

Not sure your Ready to "do it yourself"

You can purchase them on Etsy!

These are from:

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/153130893/painted-ruler-growth-chart-wood-growth?ref=related-0

They are adorable with the names on them & run around $67.00 

Hope You Enjoyed today's Do-it Yourself Project!

When it comes to home improvement

Altobelli Peterson Construction measures up against all the rest!

Give us a call for all you Siding, Roofing, Gutter, Decking, Window, Or Door Needs

at

1-218-744-3350

or email me at speterson@abcironrange.com

Looking for more DO-IT-YOURSELF projects

Check out a previous post,

A plank wall for Under $100

 http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2014/04/i-got-promotedplus-awesome-diy-plank.html 

Thanks,

Shelby

Well Played Dad, Well played!! Here are some last minute April Fool Pranks!

Happiest Friday

&

Happiest April Fools Day!

I was going to paint my son's nails this morning

 (my good friend did this to her son and he was mortified all day), 

I had this big plan...

sneak to their rooms in the middle of the night and paint them bright red..

But...

 I just couldn't do it!!

The torture they would have to endure all day was enough to make this mama feel guilty.

So..we couldn't let them off scott free

Travis, instead, decided to aim the shower head facing out..

so when they turned on the faucet, that cold shower blasted them square in the face. 

As each kid took a turn,

 I heard "dear hubby" laugh hysterically

The boys even agreed, 

"Well played dad, Well played!"

I just LOVE April fools...

However, I can never think of any way ahead of time.

I have heard a few funny ones already this morning!

If you haven't got a chance to trick your family..

Try one of these fun April Fools Jokes

1. Cream cheese replacing deodorant!

Now, that is a good one.

Found on Pinterest! No direct link.

2. MACARONI AND CHEESE ORANGE JUICE

3. Swap pudding for Mayonnaise

4. Cover a hallway with cups!!

5. Paint a bar of soap with nail polish

I hope these Inspired You!

The Kids might not think your cool...
but now who looks the fool!!!

On a more serious note, Come Visit us at the Iron Range Home and Boat show in Virginia!
We for sure will not fool you with our prices!!

Enjoy Your Friday!
Shelby

Last Minute St. Patricks Day Treat!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!

Hope you  have "the Luck of the Irish" on your side today.

I wanted to take just a few minutes

 to show you a fun, last minute treat

 you can enjoy with you family tonight.

They are LIME Sherbert Floats & they Only need two Ingredients!!

Yes, TWO INGREDIENTS

Lime Sherbet and Lemon Lime Soda!

 Scoop in the Sherbet & Add the Soda!

  And there you have it!

Amazingly delicious treats!

 

 For the whole Family to Enjoy!

We can thank

 http://homecookingmemories.com/lime-sherbet-floats-green-recipes-st-patrick-day/

for this awesome recipe!

I think we "struck gold" with this fun, easy recipe!

~Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone~

Hi ho, hi ho...off to the store I go!

 Enjoy your day,

Shelby

"Tackling" the Easter Basket on a Budget!

"Hoppy" SNOW DAY everyone!

I'm thought since everyone is snuggled up at a home..

I would do a fun "Easter basket" post.

For many of us..

it can be challenging finding "fun, affordable ways" to fill Easter Baskets

 without going overboard.

   

We don't want to take away from the true meaning of Easter

It is a celebration..the Resurrection of Jesus!!

What a glorious day!

I wanted to share with you some fun Easter basket Ideas for Kids of ALL ages!

This first one can be enjoyed by all...

The tackle box basket!

~Filled with Swedish fish, gummy worms, Gold Fish, Tackle, & Bait!

Credit: Found on Pinterest (no direct link)

Most of those above items can be found at the Dollar Store & Will Not "break the bank"!

This next one is basic but totally great:

Fill a hat with some great treats Like Pringles, beef jerky, and Peeps

You are all set to go!!

Pinterest

For that little one in your life:

Fill up a basic sand pail with some bubbles, stickers, and Barbie from the $1.00 store

and you will be hopping out of there happy! 

(This can be done in Superhero or Ninja Turtles..or anything your heart dreams off!"

http://madamedeals.com/kids-easter-basket-ideas/

For my Final One...

The "movie night" basket...

A five dollar movie, some popcorn, and a few snacks!

Your kids will be excited to enjoy a family movie night together!

Pinterest

Hope these Ideas will help your Easter be more enjoyable.

Remember the True Meaning of Easter and Don't overwhelm yourself Financially.

 Rejoice in the Day!

Have a "hoppy" Snow day!

When kids come home they just "dump" and run!

HaPpY wet Wednedsay Everyone!

Hope you guys are enjoying the warmer temps!

The warmer temps are sure nice, 

but 

the mud and water that gets tracked in can sure drive someone crazy.

What tips have you guys been using to keep your house "puddle proof"?

This is our back entry and the dumping grounds for everything!

I mean everything...

From American girl to Karate uniforms.

When kids come home they just dump and run.

 I'm working on a few things to prevent the dirt and water from entering the whole house!

#1. Purchasing a nice floor mat by the door!

that way dirt and mud don't land right on your floors

#2. Baskets for shoes. 

Buy a few affordable baskets~I usually try inexpensive ones from TJ MAX

BUT

~I have been known to find a few at Goodwill~

Then kids can just pull out the basket and drop shoes in.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

#3. One or two daily swipes :) 

I have been trying to sweep once or twice a day to prevent that icky sand from entering the home.

#4. Undress in the garage before entering

This is for those extreme cases when they have puddle jumped all day and are wet head to toe

I just get a kick out of my little girl~puddle boots backwards! Why not?

On a side note!

Have you jumped in puddles lately?

If not, you must take one hour and just go slam around in puddles!

The relief you get from dancing in the rain & slamming your feet in puddles is priceless!

 

On one more side note...

Water can cause a muddy mucky mess around you home.

If you are having water problems at your home consider:

 

Installing new gutters~ 

Altobelli Peterson Construction specializes in steel Gutters

New roof~ 

are you having roof issues? Get a quote on a metal roof~Lifetime gauranteed

Windows~ 

are you windows leaking? Look at installing new Anderson windows.

   Give us a call at 1-218-744-3350 for a free estimate today!

 

Enjoy your wet Wednesday!

Shelby 

Yesterday, I was one of "those ladies" in the grocery line~DOUBLE COUPONS OH MY!

Happy Tuesday Everyone~

So happy to be here blogging with you today!

I have some Super Duper Exciting News to share with you guys today!

It has to do with SAVING MONEY...yes, SAVING MONEY

..Are you ready?

Yesterday, I double coupon-ed and for the first time..
I saved $60.00 on my grocery bill!
Can you guys believe it?

 I was one of those ladies that held up the line with all those coupons.

The register just kept clicking and clicking and clicking..

Subtracting & Subtracting & Subtracting.

I immediately texted a few of my friends to tell them what just happened!

I have always used coupons here and there..

BUT~

I have never taken the time to sit down and coupon match with coupons on-line.

It took some time & organization but overall it was well worth the hour I spent.

Let me share with you my Couponing Strategy:

1. Get the Super One ad in Sunday's paper and Plan Dinners!

(Planned my meals based solely on what was for sale this week)

~Buns, cheese, and fries were on sale, so that means Cheeseburger Night

~Kielbasa was Buy one Get One free so we had that yesterday w/ home made cheesy potatoes

~Garlic Bread was on sale so one night it's Italian

#2. Cut out the Super One Coupons you need!

This is simple stuff, just cut out the coupons you are using!

Don't buy an item just because it has a coupon.

Buy what you think you need!

#3. Download the App: COUPONS

~This app gives you coupons from Manufacturer's and THEY WORK!

~Kellogg's Cereal

~Pizza Rolls

~Go Gurts

..The List goes on and on.

You just hit the "clip button" and then email it yourself!
I CANNOT BELIEVE I NEVER KNEW THIS EXISTED
&
I NEED TO SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD.
Now...

Match those coupons with your Super One Coupons (or whatever grocery store you use)

~Cartwheel from Target or Wallmart 

AND YOU HAVE DOUBLE COUPONS!!!

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

MY EXAMPLE:

My kids love Corn Beef Hash 

Super One has it on sale this week for: $1.99

Coupons app has an additional Hormel coupon: $1.00 off

Corn Beef Hash is Now just .99!!!

That is big saving!!  
I will NEVER pay full price for cereal again!
I got boxes of cereal for .99 also!

I'm sure that there are tons more ways to get even more and more savings..
This is just the beginning for me!
I want to be more cautious and save more at the grocery store.
When I arrive there unprepared and hungry...
it makes for an expensive grocery store trip!!

If you have any advice or suggestions please comment so we can all help each other out!
Share the Joy of Saving.

I'm trying to be a good steward of God's money.
2016 is a year of change for~
If you haven't already checkout my "Exercising resolution" position!
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8283245838551790135#editor/target=post;postID=5346377180284021476;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=10;src=postname 

Change is on the way for me.

Also, don't forget to give us a call for all your siding, roofing, decking, window, door, or roofing needs this Spring!
1-218-744-3350

Happy Tuesday Everyone,
Shelby
  

...Come around the world and back again :)

Happy Map Monday...

Map Monday you ask?

Yes...maps...Follow me this direction..and I'll show you the way!

There is this new "trend" I have been seeing

and

I am really feeling inspired!

http://honestlywtf.com/home/classroom-maps/

In my home, we have a blank wall in the living room 

and I am contemplating adding a map!

They add a vintage, unique look.

This next picture is from:
http://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2013/06/where-in-world-have-we-been-map.html

They purchased the map from Ikea
They take bulletin board pins and pin places they visited..
You could always pin...
places you dream of going
or
Places you are praying for (a child you sponsor, or a country in crisis)

You can also use a map to "hide" different elements in your home.
In the picture below, they used a antique map to cover a flat screen tv.

You can even purchase map wallpaper from any paint/wallpaper store!
You can wallpaper the wall & frame it in.

Love this picture below from:
 http://theinspiredroom.net/2013/05/07/map-wallpaper-for-walls/
She created map wallpaper for a small hallway!

http://theinspiredroom.net/2013/05/07/map-wallpaper-for-walls/

Thanks for coming "around the world" decor tour with me!
I will keep you posted on our map project and show you guys pictures along the way!

Hope you feel inspired today!!

Shelby