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

The day fear won!

Friday Fear Won.

I had to make a decision,

a BIG decision.

I would need to decide if I would travel to Uganda with our Pastor and fellow church member

for two weeks this June.

We would work with organizations that provide clean water to villages & also visit the orphanage that you and I have been sending supplies to these past few years.

For a few years now the country of Uganda has 

had a special place in my heart & since then I have felt compelled to help.

So when the opportunity came up that I would have a chance to travel their and visit..

 of course you would think I would jump on it.

For months, in preparation of purchasing the ticket, I was very extremely anxious.

I kept shoving the anxiety and fear down in my heart praying that God would help give me some clarity and peace on the decision.

However, 

the fear & anxiety remained and it got harder and harder to sleep at night!

The anxiety got so bad, I felt short of breath at night.

I would toss and turn and ask Travis to open the window to allow me to breath.

I eventually would calm down and fall asleep only to wake up with the nervousness and stress of the decision I needed to make.

I didn't want to let anyone down..

Not God,

Not my Pastor,

Not my church members,

Not my husband,

Not the organizations we were helping

Not the children who need us

I just wanted to find a way to make this trip work!!

I want the fear to be replaced with excitement.

As the time grew closer to make the decision, 

of me going..

I started to just tell myself that I was just going

&

I needed to be obedient. 

Nightly I was praying that God would make it clear.

I was reading missionary books, listening to Christian speakers, and asking people I trust their thoughts.

BUT..

ultimately it came down to only me & faith.

So, this past Friday,
 when I had to make a decision
wether I would travel to Uganda 

 leaving behind my three sons, daughter, and husband for two weeks to travel to the unknown...

FEAR WON..

Fear of leaving the children.

Fear of the unknown, 

fear of uncertainty, 

fear of getting hurt, 

fear of traveling

fear of terrorism

fear of what I would see

fear of never coming back

Anything one could fear, I feared.

Those of you who know me
may know I struggle with anxiety.

Anxiety is a real problem in my life.

Problem enough that it inhibits my life in many ways.

However,

this time,

Anxiety and Fear won in a way I never would have imagined.

For that, I am sad and broken hearted.

However,

I know that this story is not over.

I know that this dream is not dead.

I know that God will turn this story into something bigger for me.

It may be an important lesson or it may be my biggest regret.

I just pray that the Lord will still use me.

Maybe the Lord can use me here.

Maybe I can help from across oceans.

I do know I will remain home
&
tend to my family.

I have son with Autism that needs his mom
& 

a five year old daughter who needs me holding her hand.

A place has called me at this exact moment at this exact time..that is home.

Fear may have won..

but 

I believe in a Forgiving, Grace Giving God who can turn my brokenness into a new story.

If you too have let fear won,
know that your story is not over.

God can still make something out of our lives.

God can use us.

God can forgive us.

and

God will redeem us!!

Have a blessed Sunday!

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

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
  

..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

...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

Let's take a walk down Project Lane....Wait, Detour...

...Fire Up, Fire Up~Up~Up!!!

Sparks are flying, because we are trying to fire up...

Fire, Up, Fire  Up, Up, Up!!

Spring is Here Everyone...

Aren't you all excited?

Before you know it our swimsuits will be out & the sun will be shining!!

www.shabbychiccottage.com

It is Time Ladies &Gents...

to 

Start doing those outdoor jobs we have been waiting ALL winter to do!

Let's take a brief walk down....Project lane :)

~DETOUR~
TO ELECTROCUTION!

Okay, that is not a walk...that is electrocution and I had to put this in here so you all know I was once electrocuted!

OKAY, back on track!!
It's my ADHD :)

Projects that we may wish to be tackling this Spring/Summer!

HERE WE GO: 

*Landscaping projects

*Finally putting on That Addition you have always wanted

*Adding a deck 

*Building a shed for those extra bikes & lawnmowers

*Re-Siding Your home

Did you know we carry Seamless Steel Siding?

Have you seen the amazing colors & styles :)

Example of Log Steel Siding

*Re-roofing

Have you ever considered a metal roof..comes with a Lifetime Gaurantee?

Courtesy of Vertex Roofing

*New Windows

We carry Renewal By Anderson

*Adding a patio door..

For that beautiful deck of Course

The List Goes On and On.....

But, Don't Look at it as stressful or negative...

be positive & excited about the changes!!!

~May I let you in on a little "construction secret"?

There are many contractors who claim they can provide a service for
 "cheap"

 in

 "half the time for half the price"!!

..Let this be a warning to you!!

Good Products and Services are never "super cheap" and "Quick, quick, quick"

Travis frequently gets calls from customers who chose a different contractor because of those two reason...(cheap & quick)

Unfortunately, the products and quality of work was very poor or not finished completely

and Now, the homeowner is in a terrible bind!!

..A lot of times there is nothing "dear hubby" can do, but completely re-do the project!

WE DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO YOU!!

Call Altobelli Peterson Construction 1st & Get it Right the 1st time!!

In a contractor you want: 

great craftsmanship

honesty

timeliness

top of the Line Products

and

Dependability

Can I get a whoop, whoop? Followed by a fist pump :)

So...Fire UP & CALL US@

1-218-744-3350

OR
Facebook message us
OR
another fast and easy way to reach us

email me @ speterson@abcironrange.com

Happy Monday!!
Shelby