We have a new addition!

     Yep, you read that right...we have a new addition to our family and we are all head over hills in love!
     When my son and his wife told me they were having a baby I was floored--I think my soul may have actually left my body! I had almost lost hope that they would have another child and while I was more disappointed than either of them knew, I had also made peace with the fact. So, opening my Mother's Day gift and finding the pregnancy test was THE best gift imaginable.

     And, a couple weeks ago baby K made his long awaited debut and he did not disappoint. He's beautiful and perfect. I have been sick with the flu so I hadn't seen him in a week so yesterday when we finally felt that there was no risk of him catching my sickness I rushed over for some cuddles and a photo session.
     While I am not a photographer and do not claim to be, I do feel I got a few great photos. And here are a couple of my favorites.

     Doesn't that just melt your bones?? Ahhh...I have to say that 2018 was a great year!
     Thanks for stopping by and I'll see ya next time!

To blog or not to blog...

     THAT is the question I'm left asking myself today. I actually blogged very little in 2018 and here we are on day one of 2019 and I have to wonder if there is even any point in continuing. Is there a purpose in this blog? Does anyone really care one way or the other? Is there even a slight chance that at some point in the future that someone might stumble upon this blog and find what they're looking for?

     I feel like if I could stick to one topic the blog might become more relevant. Unfortunately, I struggle with that because I want to share all my "adventures" and that includes home diy projects as well as scrapbooking and craft projects with the occasional life update tossed in for good measure.

    I guess if I'm being honest with myself--and any person who might be reading this--I'm just not quite ready to let the blog go. At least not yet. I'm not sure how often I'll be popping on but I guess time will tell. Not sure if I should apologize in advance for that or not, lol.

     So, there you have it...life at the tralace goes on :) So, I'll see you fellers next time! (side note: I actually DO say "fellers" in case you were wondering. I'm probably the closest person I know to a "hillbilly" and there's no shame in my game).



   

   

posting to maintain AND update

     So, apparently blogger wants you to actually post occassionally in order to maintain your blog. Unfortunately, I have been quite the slacker :/ Sorry, folks....all 2 of you, lol.
     I think I just reached a point that I felt irrelevant...boring, nobody really cares....nothing against anyone who actually DOES read.

     I did enjoy blogging when I was trying to post semi regularly. I think that's what I need to get back to...the day to day type stuff.

     And, in that spirit, let me update real quickly.
     We have been avid campers our entire married life. We camp very primitively...meaning that our favorite camp site has no electricity, no running water, no bath-house. What it does have is an amazing view across the lake with the mountains directly behind it.

     Years ago we had an old ugly rv that we had bought for $700 from some friends of ours. I loved having a camper because it made camping so much easier by not having to pack and unpack as much stuff.  We used that old mustard yellow and rust camper until it was falling apart and the motor gave out. And then we were back to tenting--which we were no strangers to. But, it was definitely more challenging and eventually we stopped going as often because of that.
     I guess around fall of 2016 we started tossing around the idea of getting another camper but, we didn't want to go in debt and we half heartedly looked at old used campers we could afford to pay cash for that were in decent condition.with no luck.
     Fast forward to summer of 2018 and we again were looking. And, this time we were seriously looking because when you're over 50, with bad backs and hips and overweight---well, let's just say that getting up down from an air mattress in a tent isn't an easy task lol.
     So, when we had looked at all the usual places for a few weeks--craigslist, facebook marketplace, etc with no luck so we decided to expand our search. We started making the rounds to local (within an hour and a half) rv dealerships. Found one we fell in love with but they sold it out from under us---another story for another day, lol. So, Camping World was out of the picture for us--I was not happy with the way they handled that situation. Luckily for us there is no shortage of RV sales in this area.

     Long story short, and after looking at what felt like a thousand campers (but was probably only about a hundred) we--or I--found one I loved. We could not afford to pay cash for it and even though we'd discussed going outside our price range we also decided on an amount of $10,000 or less. Well, I won't say how much this camper was but suffice it to say it was waay beyond our budget limit.

     She's a 32 footer that sleeps 8--really more AND there's room for air mattresses!

     I've slapped myself a hundred times for my weakness and for being a "debt free" hypocrite (since we're in debt up to our eyeballs now)...but we finally drove off the lot with that pretty girl in August of this year. And I love her! We've had several camping trips in her already and there's plenty of space for guests--especially grandkids--and that was our main purpose in purchasing such a large camper/travel trailer. She's really not all that fancy but she's family now, and I do love her.

This is the view from the door facing in to the left

This is the view from the "bedroom door"
The door you see to the left is the bathroom. The
door at the end of the hallway is for the bunk room.

the "master" lol...but it does have sliding doors that
that keep it separate and private from the rest of the trailer.

This is the view from beside the bathroom door toward
the right side of the camper

This is the view from outside the bathroom door toward the
left side of the camper with the slide out.

The right side of the bunk room.
*this table folds down into a 4th bunk

The bunk room on the left. Our granddaughter
has pretty much claimed that bottom bunk, lol. 

the bunk room....it's small but has a door
that separates it from the living space which I
LOVE.

from the sofa 

And this is our pretty girl sitting in our yard when we
brought her home. I'm amazed at how much bigger
she looks in the yard than inside the dealership where we bought her.

Isn't she lovely? But, seriously, we do love having a travel trailer. There are some cons but I think the pros far outweigh those. We're limited on where we can take it due to the size but I think she'll be around a few years.

     And, since this became longer and more drawn out than I intended I'll just leave it there for this update. I may just be back again soon though ;)
     I had intended to do a more thorough update but that just leaves more for another day ;)

     Thanks to anyone who is still following along or who took the time to read this.
Have a great day, y'all!

2018 kitchen "refresh"

Nothing major but I changed out some of my kitchen decor and I love the cleaner feel so I wanted to post a couple of photos :)
I loved my previous clock and sign over the sink but I feel that the new ones reflect my current style so much more accurately and I love the way the kitchen looks right now.
Although....as much as I love my countertops so much better than the original blue and white I am ready for a change so we'll see what the future hold in that department.

The sign above the window is new and also the sign in the
corner to the right of the stove is new since my last update.

The clock is new, I changed the flowers on the table and the
wooden star is also new(I'm getting another identical to go
underneath that one)

It's kinda crazy how just a couple of new things makes the whole place feel different.
Slowly but surely, friends, I'm finding my style and creating my perfect "tralace" :)
Have a great day!

What am I?

DISCLAIMER: This is going to be a long drawn out post...just so you go into it knowing what you're getting into. You'll probably reach the end and wonder what in the world you just read as there's no point to this post...no rhyme and no reason. You've been forewarned.....


Here I come again with another long overdue life update.

Gosh, you guys....I'm just sitting here with my fingers poised above the keyboard wondering where to start or what to say or even how to say what's in my head.
I think I'll start with a little background...sharing some things I've not shared here on the blog before.
This is something that I don't put out to the general population...not because I'm ashamed or unsure of who I am but rather  because not everyone understands the phenomenon. It's difficult to explain to someone who just doesn't "get it" and also I am just generally a private person.

But, here it is....I am an empath. Actually, I'm a pretty strong empath with mild psychic abilities. If you aren't sure what exactly an empath is then I encourage you to do some research. But, basically, just for the purpose of me getting this blog post down in black and white, an empath is someone who takes on the feelings and emotions of those around them...that is the barest definition and doesn't come close to fully explaining what an empath is or what it encompasses. It's something you are born with...and not something you just decide to be.
Note that there is a significant difference between being empathetic and actually being an empath.
From as early as I can remember I've known I was different and that I could see things in their barest truth. I always knew I could "read people" with an uncanny accuracy. It's all about the energy...I feel people's energy...I also feel the energy of SO many other things...almost everything puts off an energy vibe.
 It wasn't until quite a few years ago that I realized that there was a name for it or that there were other people just like me. And, since then I've done hours upon hours of reading and research just trying to learn and understand why I am the way I am. There is science behind it but I'm not going into all that.

The one thing I have not been able to get a grasp on is shielding...and that just means being able to shield myself from others' emotions.
I could sit here and tell you all day long how very difficult it is to take on the emotions of everyone around you and you will never understand. Heck, some of you may be shaking your heads and thinking that I've finally lost it.
You wouldn't be far from the truth. The past few months have taken their toll on me and my psyche.
I feel things strongly...not just the baggage of others but my own emotions as well. I tend to go all in when I love or care for someone. When they hurt or go through hard times "I" go through the same feelings. And, let's just say that the last few months have been a never ending barrage of worry, stress and heartache....and very little of it my own.
There was the stress of the holidays...2 of my boys laid off between Thanksgiving and New Years and obviously they struggled emotionally as well as financially. Our oldest son went through a heart wrenching break up that I feared would destroy him and myself along with him.  Our next to youngest made the announcement that he planned to move over 2500 miles away from and family. Then there was my own holiday stress of trying to make everything perfect for everyone. I've been sick 3 different times this winter and have a sore throat AGAIN. My oldest son switched from day shift to night shift so I have my 5 year old grandson a lot more often...and I love him and am so thankful for the time I get to spend with him, but he's exhausting. And then there was my brother who is a meth addict who has lived with us for the most part for just over a year now. It would be difficult to live with him in the best of circumstances but as an empath who feels his constant inner turmoil it became more than I could handle. He is diagnosed paranoid delusional not related to drugs or alcohol...he also suffers from an instituionalized personality disorder due to being in prison for so many years. He talks to himself a LOT...he questions absolutely everything, he comments on everything and he is always right. I think he likes to argue but it's mentally exhausting to deal with. His reality is on the opposite spectrum of mine and he refuses to budge...whereas a "normal" person knows that sometimes you have to make compromises and sacrifices in life.
On top of all that...which may not sound as bad as it's actually been....I had to deal with custody issues for my 17 year old niece. It was a lot more stressful and involved than I'd anticipated. I love her probably more than she realizes but she comes with her own set of emotional baggage.
As an empath...every single bit of this "stress" (for lack of a better word) is amplilfied exponentially. And, again, unless you ARE an empath you will not understand.
There are more...many many more... small stresses as well...but I'm not going to go down the entire list.
Heck, I don't even know why I'm even trying to put this all into words. Perhaps I'm subconsciously trying to put it into context for my own self.
My son did move away 2 weeks ago and to say that it has devastated me is to put it mildly. When he drove away it literally brought me to my knees and left me on the ground squalling uncontrollably until I vomited.  It's gotten better but barely.

I began to wonder if I was a freak of some kind because who really feels this broken and lost over a child moving away??
But, then I realized that it's BECAUSE I'm an empath...I become so emotionally vested in those I love (especially my children) that it amplifies every emotion. And, especially with this child because he and I have always had a strong bond. Unusually strong, in fact. And now there's a knot of emotion in my throat that refuses to go away. It is a physical hurt and the grief is unbelievable and unbearable at times.


You know...I don't even know where I'm going with this post. There's really no "point" to it. It's just a jumbled set of thoughts that may make absolutely no sense to anyone other than myself.

I just want to say that I'm getting better. I'm learning to focus and meditate, I'm working on growing spiritually because that is the root of all healing...both physical and mental.
I will come out on top of all this and I'll be happier than ever. But, for now it's a process that I am slowly clawing my way through.

I haven't crafted in months...not really. I did make a couple of Christmas gifts--they were quick projects and didn't even turn out that great.
But, crafting and scrapbooking make me happy so I'm going to do more of that.

Just bear with me, friends...I know I've not been myself the last few months. I've been a terrible wife and friend and not the greatest Mother or Nana....I've just let everything swallow me up. One thing I know is that I am a survivor and I will get through this "slump".  I'm not too proud to ask for prayers, good thoughts, positive energy...so send it my way.

If you've read through this far then you're either a saint or a very good friend...so, thank you!!

My thoughts on "older" trick or treaters

With tomorrow being Halloween I've seen a lot of posts on Facebook the past few days related to the holiday. Whether it be photos of the kids in their costumes--which I personally absolutely love--or just stories of their antics in choosing costumes or getting dressed, people love sharing. One of the things I see floating around every year is this:

"For those passing out candy this year on Halloween 🎃, when a teenager comes to your door, please give them candy without saying "aren't you too old to be doing this"?... at least they're not out drinking & driving, vandalizing, doing drugs, etc. I would much rather they knock on my door for candy. Also, please don't refuse a child candy if they aren't dressed up. Some families can't afford it or maybe dressing up is uncomfortable if not unbearable to some. One last thing, size does not always determine the mental age or special needs of a child. In your eyes you may see a "teenager" or "an adult" but their mental state may possibly be that of a younger child.

I copied this from a friend because I felt the need to share. Copy and paste if you would like to share."

This strikes a chord with me every time I see it. I find it extremely sad that some adults feel the need to make a child feel guilty or ashamed for simply trying to squeeze in another year or two of an all too fleeting childhood. And when I see posts like this one I am always reminded of the one year my boys went trick or treating around our small town. They were in their early teens and they wanted to dress up and I encouraged them! 

Along our route we stopped in at one of the local churches that was having Halloween activities. In order to get candy you had to go into one of the classrooms with the lights off where there was candy spread out on the floor. You had so many seconds to get as much candy as you could and what you got you could keep. I didn't go into the room with them for obvious reasons and didn't really think anything about it. But, later that night, we were at a haunted house hosted by another local church. There's always a campfire at this event and lots of local people. Well, there around the fire was one of the ladies from the previous church and while we were certainly acquaintances we weren't friends. We definitely knew who one another was though. So, she sees my boys and then APOLOGIZES to me because when my boys went into the darkened classroom for candy they (those in charge) had moved all the candy to the edges of the room making it almost impossible for them to find any. Why, you ask? Because they thought they were too old to be trick or treating and she didn't realize who they were. But, it shouldn't have mattered WHO they were...they were in a CHURCH where they should have been treated with love and tolerance, unconditionally. 

To this day my heart breaks every time I think about this. My kids didn't know...I'm sure they assumed it was the same for every child who entered that room. This was a CHURCH...a lady that I thought to be a "good christian lady" and as unjust as it may seem, I lost all respect for that lady that night. I have never looked at her the same and I believe I never will. This is a small town and I do see her out and about occassionally and I remember that night every single time.

Please, it's just candy and we ALL like candy...so, if an older CHILD comes to your door trick or treating...smile, give them candy and wish them a Happy Halloween! Let them hang onto this childhood tradition just a little bit longer :)

Mobile home remodeling and decor updates

 It's been a minute since my last post, oops...sorry! Just life, life and more life happening the last few months. Nothing too exciting on the remodeling front but I do have some updated decor photos I want to share. 
We did recently update the light fixture in the dining area. I think we also updated the blinds since my last home update post. I *love* my blinds but they are a headache to keep clean and dust free.

Just as a reminder to anybody who's not familiar with our home, we live in a 1997 16x80 singlewide manufactured home. We've been here almost 10 years now and our home has gone through several transformations along the way. It's probably not AS noticeable to outsiders but for me I see every tiny improvement as being one step closer to my perfect little home. Fancy it isn't but it IS paid for and I find tremendous comfort in that.
I love coming in my front door and having that feeling of "home" and I hope that no matter the shape and size of your own homes that every single person reading this feels the same when they open their front door.


These photos are in no particular order and I've left out photos of my scrapbook room, the master bath and also my son's bedroom (although I'll be sharing photos of his room very soon as we're about to do some updates in there!)

When you walk in the front door and look right this is your view.
The bathroom is there at the very end of the hallway. The first
bedroom on the left is my son's room and the 2nd bedroom
on the left is what is my scrapbook room. 

This is our dining area

I love this floral arrangement <3 I painted and glittered the
jars myself and added the jute twine. I got the flowers
from Hobby Lobby--I chose pink because 1. I love pink and 2. I
wanted the flowers to look as real as possible considering they aren't. And
3. I was looking for a good pop of color
The tray I picked up at Ross or TJ Maxx.

This is our laundry room...nothing too spectacular
but I like it :) 

This is the living room from near the front door--my
gallery wall is a work in progress...a slow process, lol. 

kitchen/dining area from the middle of the living room

One side of the living room from the middle of the kitchen

the back hallway taken from the doorway of the master
bedroom

The dresser in the master bedroom just as you walk in the door

Haha...yes, that's a pile of shoes (and my purse) in the corner...I'm
really bad about just tossing my shoes to the corner when
I take them off. I should get a nice shoe rack and put it to
use but, if I'm being honest, that's probably not gonna happen, lol. 

This looks horrible I know but I've just not gotten around to
painting that wall when we got our new bed a couple months ago.
Yeah, I suck like that sometimes, lol. 

hallway bathroom...the only thing that's changed in
here since my last bathroom update is the mirror and
a bathroom decor sign I got from Hobby Lobby that you
can't see in this photo

This is the wall on the other side of the living room...
right behind the front door. 

This is the cube shelf I just recently added to the
end of the hallway outside the bathroom and
directly across from my scrapbook room. These cube
shelves are my new favorite thing for storage, hands down!

This is the view from outside the hallway bathroom door.
You can see the door to my son's room on the right.

I know there's been nothing exciting in this post and I apologize but I really just wanted to get these photos posted.
You guys should have figured out by now that there's always another project in the back of my mind so be sure you stay tuned ;)

Gold glitter monogram

As I was on the school bus this morning driving my morning route I found myself feeling like I needed to constantly be rubbing at my nose and it occurred to me that to a bystander I probably looked like a crack head, lol. When, actually, I just had glitter in my nose.
While waiting for my son to get ready for school this morning before the bus route I was working on a gold glittered monogram for my scrapbook/craft room and that fine, powdery glitter just gets everywhere...including your nose, lol!
Kind of a random post, right? Oh well...it was in my head so there ya go :) Carry on...