The Sweetest Bloom
Style & Stuff, The Pea | Posted by Jannie on 10 February 2010 @ 11:45 AM 56 Comments
(Me & Chance — March, 1994)
In autumn of 1993 God came to Jim in a dream and told him to build planter boxes in front of our humble bungalow. And Jim did.
God told me to splash our bungalow’s dull grey trim with Bermuda colors, then try my hand at filling the planter boxes. And I did.
Spring bulbs came up!
Little birdies sang.
We drank much beer.
In early 1995 God sent Jim visions of a terra cotta / dark green paint combo for the bungalow. And it came to pass.
God told me to paint the door white. That too came to pass.
The shrubs flourished, I planted others. And trees! I dabbled in summer flowers.
We drank more beer.
In 1994 we started building our first addition, then a second in 1996. And later, a third — glimpses of which I showed you here. Sometime during the years of those first 3 additions, God also had us gut and remodel our kitchen and transform a spare bedroom into a dining room.
At some point the front door went green. (God likes to change things up.)
He saw that things were very good.
He gave us The Child. This one…
Sweetest bloom our entryway has ever seen.
Then…
God smiled and said “Jim, my son. You have done well with your own two hands. But you must build a 4th and final addition to the bungalow. Begin by taking out the planter boxes you built on the south side of the front yard. There you will build a whole new entry into a breezeway connected to a 2-car garage with a media room up over it. Build a half-bath at the top of the stairs. (A lean-to shed off the end of the new garage would please me too.)
Make sure a gilded wooden pineapple decorates the very pinnacle, that you take at least 8 years from start to finish of said project in your spare time, and that you also build this for The Child while you are working on Addition Four!
Oh — and paint the entire abode again (I like that new “Navajo White” with dark green trim I see folks using.)
But, Jim my son, please finish the interior of Addition Four by December 1st, 2010. Even though Jannie will one day find respite in something called “blogging,” which will ease her wailing and moaning over what she will come to dub “this fricking never-ending house remodel,” she’d really like the Christmas tree in there for 2010!”
So it was decreed.
Yesterday God told me to go out with my iPhone and take a photo of the exterior of the very lovely-but-still-unfinished pineapple-pinnacled addition.
And one of our entryway.
Yes, the Old Door is still where it was in 1994! The New Door is in the breezeway addition. We’ve had both doors for 5 or 6 years now. (We use the new one.)
The “tree” you see to the left is actually the one-same little pittosporum that was behind the tulips above!
God says that one day the Old Door will be magically replaced with a beautiful new window, one with finished stonework all ’round.
Fairies will dance and glazed donuts will pour down our street like tumbleweeds.
Yes, there will be beer for all!
And our sweetest bloom will continue to grace our every breath.
What’s your sweetest bloom (or blooms) in life these days?
xoxoxoxox
On 10 February 2010 at 12:25 pm Lynn said,
I don’t know, but if I could get beer and donuts for it, I will think of something!
On 10 February 2010 at 12:53 pm Caity said,
Oh my goodness what a sweet post. Jannie, you always find some way to make me smile and warm my heart. I think one day my children will be my sweetest blooms but I haven’t had them yet.
On 10 February 2010 at 12:58 pm Talon said,
Loved the photographic journey, Jannie, and the transformations of not only your home, but of your family.
Did you say glazed donuts??? My favs! I’ll be there shortly !
On 10 February 2010 at 1:01 pm Cookie said,
Great picutres to go with wonderful story. but 8 years is a long time! I remember my husband took on a major house remodel project. It lasted about 3 years and I was going crazy with that!
Beer is good
On 10 February 2010 at 1:08 pm jingle said,
15 year apart,
u look very fit and young,
now u look more beautiful and mindful!
smart people never grow old, they are young at mind and
wow,
what beautiful home you have,
it is like a garden,
garden home, right?
I lived on Austin, TX during 1997-2000,
in 5200 North Larmar, Pecan Grove apartments,
My younger son tom we born in Texas in 1997.
rich place,
rich people,
HEB is hot there,
Walmart is hot else where…
Have FUN traveling, Jannie!
Happy Wednesday!
On 10 February 2010 at 1:08 pm Lisa said,
Oh my goodness, that is an ADORABLE picture of Kelly!
That’s a long time to wait for a remodeling project, but my aunt actually has you beat — my uncle started a bedroom/bathroom remodel, oh, about 25 years ago. The bedroom was complete pretty quickly, but he JUST THIS YEAR finally finished the bathroom! They actually ordered the tub/sink/toilet DECADES ago, and they’ve been sitting in boxes in their spare room all this time. My aunt was SO happy to finally have her bathroom finished!
On 10 February 2010 at 3:25 pm Anne said,
I’ve been missing out on so much by not visiting your blog sooner. I love the images and the stories you share. I know exactly where I’m going if I have a bad day, right here to look at some photos and remember why I appreciate life!
The sweetest blooms right now are the images of the snow and ice on the landscape and spending lots of times with the kids as they are out of school [and have been for the past week and a half now]. I’m enjoying every bit of it as they grow up so fast and I’m sure I will be working a 9-5 once again very soon.
On 10 February 2010 at 3:26 pm Momisodes said,
Good grief you look gorgeous in that first pic! You’ve really kept your home so beautiful over the years. The new additions look amazing. If only my hubby could do 1/10 of what he can do
On 10 February 2010 at 3:34 pm Sami - Life, Laughs & Lemmings said,
Well BB, at least eating pansees won’t make you fat like beer and donuts. They might put you in bunny hospital, but they won’t make you fat!
PS. Your secret is safe with me. I promise I won’t tell your Jannie so long as you supply me with beer and donuts.
On 10 February 2010 at 4:50 pm Jannie said,
..
Whoo-super-hoo!!
So where was I? Oh, about to answer these awesome comments.
Lynn!! I will give you beer and donuts no matter what! And Snickers bars, meatloaf, lentil soup and crispy eggplant fries. We’ll crank up the Mendelssohn as Blue Bunny dances.
Caity!! Sweet Caity of my heart! Always a joy to see your pretty face at this humble place. Funny, but when I was your age the child dream was a far-off one. If you do ever have a child you’ll be one of the best moms ever! And boy, will you sing them some lullabys!
Talon!! As many glazed as you can eat in one sitting, hand made by Blue Bunny from his old family recipe. Followed by steak. And some of that special dark chocolate you’re so fond of. Followed by a walk in the woods for photos.
Cookie!! What’s 8 years in a the grand scheme of a long loving life, eh? And tho it’s been a thrill to create, there’s a part of me that has condo envy, a nice little finished one with a padded room for those emergency days.
Jingle!! I was fit back then yes, slimmer anyway. I’m about 120lbs now, and was 110 then. I got my workouts mostly on wilderness beer hunts and tournament caber tossing. You lived in Austin!! Then you know this fair town well. Young in my mind — yes I believe, maybe too young?
Never! I do not garden so much anymore, the child now being my garden now. Someday I shall plant again.
Lisa!! You mean the bottom one of Kelly, right? My little whipper-snapper had done given herself her 3-year-old haircut. Not quite as short as she did at age 4. 25 years on a bathroom!!?? TWENTY-FIVE?? No? Hearing that, I feel like I’m living like a queen here.
Anne!! And I’ve been missing out on your blog and chickens too!! Are your kids on an early Spring Break? Sometimes I just hug Kelly close or sneak in beside her at night and hold her as she sleeps, knowing she’s getting bigger and growing away every day. When are you back to teh 9 to 5?
Momisodes!! I was kinda cute back then, wasn’t I?
(Don’t you always seem to know that you never know what you got ’til it’s gone? 
Well, as I mentioned above to Jingle, I really have let my gardening slide. But one day I shall plant profusely once more.
Sami!! Please don’t tell BB, but I did read his comment below. He’s so funny, he thinks I never read his little messages to you guys. Oh, and I just Googled pansies, seems they actually are highly edible. And a natural laxative. Beer and donuts are on their way, Sami!!
toodles!!
xoxoxox
On 10 February 2010 at 5:57 pm Jan said,
So much love fills this house…A treat to view all your changes. Savor….
On 10 February 2010 at 6:36 pm Thomma Lyn said,
Oh, what a lovely post — gorgeous eye candy, sweet as those donuts, and with the sustenance of love and joy and sparkling with your happiness. You have the most wonderful way of giving warm fuzzies!
My sweetest blooms? My hubby and kitties. Art (writing and music) and friends. Hiking. Fluffy snow falling outside. And thinking ahead to spring planting — fun (and yum)!
xoxoxo
On 10 February 2010 at 7:11 pm J.D. Meier said,
You have a definite knack for shining the light on the good things in life and your attitude of gratitude serves you well.
Your ability to turn pictures into art + stories is a gift and I’m glad you share it with us.
On 10 February 2010 at 9:59 pm Rose said,
My sweetest blooms? My wonderful hubby who has been spoiling me.
Lovely photos and story by the way.
On 10 February 2010 at 10:00 pm Patricia said,
Sweetest blooms = 3 lovely capable daughters.
A loving story told here in pictures and words….but the falling donuts really got to me….yum yum…
Good words and honoring of hard work and endeavors accomplished….oh ye the house remodeling patience goddess
On 10 February 2010 at 10:28 pm Sean said,
Wow, the place is looking really good. Keep up the good work.
On 10 February 2010 at 11:48 pm cinderkeys said,
That house looks gorgeous. Makes me wish I had the ability and inclination to do home improvement projects.
On 10 February 2010 at 11:51 pm Sire said,
Sounds to me Jannie that someones been whispering in Jim’s eat whilst he’s been sleeping, but what the heck, whatever get’s him motivated right?
I prefer my wife to dance around the room naked, but there’s as much chance of that as God telling me how to remodel my home.
Must say though that your Jim is very talented and your young bloom is gorgeous. I hope you got Jim remodeling her room so that she won’t lower her golden locks for some passing Romeo.
On 11 February 2010 at 3:11 am SnaggleTooth said,
What an awesome pic series!
Your home looks grand indeed- Wish I could have me some of that big garage n space- You have good decorating skills too-
The last Kelly shot has such a soulful expression! She could make a charity millions with that look!
On 11 February 2010 at 3:45 am George Serradinho said,
You have a way of telling a story that just amazes me. I must say that I loved the beer in between here and there, made me lol
I am in the process of buying a house this year and hope God will come to me in my dreams and give me good pointers like he di with you.
On 11 February 2010 at 3:54 am LL Cool Joe said,
Love all the photos and the changes along the way. We’ve made a few to our house too. If I only I could get off this computer I might make a few more!
Where’s the beer?
On 11 February 2010 at 4:20 am Hilary said,
Hi Jannie .. what a wonderful selection and journey through 16 years .. yes – sixteen – but I guess you know that. Amazing what you’ve done to the house – and I note you call it a bungalow .. is that usual? I thought it was such an Indian / British name.
Tulips – brilliant bulbs .. one of my Mum’s favourites .. blooms = godchildren .. bless their little souls – except not so little now .. one nearly 40! The others 17 and 13 …
I could show you a remodelled house here – and remodelled today – snowed out .. white out – but so quiet = bliss and your CD is playing in the background! I woke up singing Hearts and Bones the other day .. let alone wedgies .. always keeps popping up!!
Have fun – I dread to ask how the child’s room – I wanna see Pengwins!! Love from us .. xxooxxoo
On 11 February 2010 at 7:16 am Jannie said,
…
Comments made me laugh! Off to school with The Child now, be back sometime today to speak to all the wonderful words you have left.
xoxo
On 11 February 2010 at 8:11 am Ching Ya said,
You look gorgeous now and then!
I thought the ‘Funsterland’ was the real board at first! Actually it does look good up there, doesn’t it? What a lovely house you have, the flowers, lovely family, adorable daughter and a cute dog, not to mention the fun and cheerful Mr & Mrs Funster who made it all happened, under God’s beautiful guidance *wink*.
Speaking of renovating.. my husband gave me a surprise during Christmas by redecorating the living room, I was in tears, feeling touched for I just got back from the trip, not knowing what to expect. He had everything done all by himself, but I suspected that he got a lot of help from God, or else it’s impossible he knew exactly what I hoped for. ^^
I think to count the blessings in life we’ll realize there are too many sweet blooms: even you, Jannie for bringing us the positive and cheerful side of life! You are the sweet bloom for us all.
@wchingya
Social/Blogging Tracker
On 11 February 2010 at 8:22 am Glenn Buttkus said,
BB must be karrfull, cuz consuming florals could lead to becoming a pansey one day. Are pansies sometimes orange like karrits? I love Sire’s comment,”someone has been whispering in Jim’s ear.” Hopefully that someone is Jehovah or Jannie or angel one, enit? After I retire in June, my wife and I have some big plans for modest remodels on our crib too. I get so damned envious of those men who can do the work themselves. I have the mechanical aptitude of a fruit fly, so I have to pay mucho dinero to those who can plumb, wire, hammer, saw, and putty their way through the miasma of projects.
Those pics of Missy K are off the hook for sure. She has to be one of the worlds most photogenic children. God smiles so often watching over her that his lips swell up. You have put a positive spin on all those years of sheetrock dust, and splinters, and chemical smells, and the whirr of saws, and the cacaphony of pounding, and the creak of lumber, and the smell of wet tarps, and the breeze blowing up your whatever before the glass gets put in, or the edges get puttied up–so yes, it must be a natural high and a wonder of wonders now that Funsterland has emerged, with you the queen of Funsterville, there in the hogan of the kind of Funsters, Sir James hisself, and the princess of mirth and inquiry, who-me-I’m-not-a-spoiled-only-child-just-ask-BB, missy Kelly.
On 11 February 2010 at 8:27 am Glenn Buttkus said,
Here I am poking fun at Sire, and I whip out a comment making Jim “the kind of Funsters”. He is of course “the king of Funsters, the lord of the hovel, the viscount of the village, the squire of the stable, the bighoncho of the bungalo. Kudos to ya, Jimster. Your ladies are now conjuring up a national, perhaps international reputation for loveliness and non-sense, and you, sir,
are the recipient of much envy, much smiling, much warmth.
On 11 February 2010 at 9:05 am sheila said,
Look at you all sentimental this week!
Very nice post Jannie! The new addition is stunning and little Kelly is so so sweet!
On 11 February 2010 at 9:22 am Mama Zen said,
God keeps sending my husband visions of an automatic sprinkler system. However, I receive only visions of new carpet. What should I do?
On 11 February 2010 at 10:04 am Nadia - Happy Lotus said,
Hi Jannie,
That is so cool. Thank you so much for showing all the pictures and how things transformed. By the way, the doggie was cute. What happened to the doggie?
You and Jim are both very creative people. I look forward to seeing how things will transform even more.
Lots of love and blessings!
On 11 February 2010 at 11:19 am Jannie said,
…
Ching Ya!! I gotta tell you that when you called ME the sweetest bloom, I actually got a little teary-eyed with your sweetness. YOU are a sweet bloom yourself, in so many ways. Speaking of tears, your husband sounds just as wonderful as you. God puts so much love there for us all to spread. Positive and cheerful? I try!
Glenn!! Our neighbor down the street used to eat pansies, so I know they’re safe. I think The Great Oneness has been whispering in all our ears forever, we just need to tune into it. Wow, in June retiring eh! That’s exciting. And coming soon. As they say, “Make sure you have something to retire TO.” Which I’m sure you do. The poetry you write, I hope? Which you did in your comment, poetry that is. I think I like the smell of sawdust best of of the whole thing!!
Sheila! And I didn’t even really plan on putting those pix of Kelly in, but I was going through an old album and there she was by the impatiens in her stroller by the front door. I used to laugh at her — EVERY time we came home from a walk she would pull off a flower and laugh at me. Then I was looking at all the pix off my recovered hard-drive that last one jumped out at me! Picking posies at age 3 with the new haircut she had given herself.
Mama Z!! I suggest hardwood, (if you treat carpet as we and our pets do, yikes.) Either way, carpet or wood, the flooring MUST come first. And your hubby can get one of those $10.00 oscillators at Home Depot and learn to set it up just so, to reach all parts of your plantings.
Nadia!! Thanks, it’s come a long way but we still have a long way to go on it. Dear Chancie is in heaven now. He suffered an attack by either some big dog or a coyote when Kelly was 2. Thanks for asking. I will love sharing more of our house developments, but don’t hold your breath on those, lovely lady.
It could be a while. All the love in the world and blessings to YOU too.
xoxoox
Cake! I want cake and tea.
xoxoox
On 11 February 2010 at 12:49 pm Jannie said,
…
Shoot, I just realized I missed answering all those comments up above from Jan to Hilary! What’s up with my brain!?! SORRY!!
here are your humble replies…
…
Jan! Yes, we are lucky in love. And cards! And we won $50.00 in Vegas! Perhaps yes, there will be savoring after this is all done, until we move to Canada and start it all again.
Thomma Lynn!! You are quite the sweet bloom yourself who does afford all of us with warm fuzzies. I hope the 4 bacalli are all well and giving pleasure. Spring planting, eh! Will you be trying your hand at any new garden fare this year? I look forward to following its progress again!
J.D. Ahhh, thanks very much. it is my pleasure to spread the donuts and beer around. And YOU have a definite knack and gift of shining and sharing all the best stuff there is on your blog too, one of the finest blogs I know!
Rose!! Why thank you, Ma’am! Sounds like you have a wonderful loving hubby. Is he a romantic sort?
Patricia!! I have waited all day for donuts to come rolling down the street but all I witnessed was rain, rain and more rain. Those donuts would’ve been too soggy anyhow! I think I’ll make some brownies!
Sean!! Well, it’s coming along, yes. Not too much further on the interior. We’ll pick up a hammer this week. speaking of whom.. Did you hear about the blind carpenter who picked up his hammer. And saw!
Sire!! Methinks someone has been shouting in Jim’s ear, and perhaps has also planted subcutaneous something or others on him that release a constant stream of “do stuff,” in his blood. Unfortunately Kelly’s room is on ground level, so she’ll have an easy hop out her window shouldst a young courter come a calling.
Snaggle!! Well, it’s a busted out bungalow indeed. Someone recently drove up to our place ans asked who owned “the place next door,” when in fact they were referring to the other end of our abode!
I think I’ve had it with house remodel pix for a while, tho. Seems that’s all I’ve posted of late. yes, i should have the kid out on the corner with that look on her face!
George!! When in doubt of what to write next — insert beer
Congrats on buying a house soon. e-mail jpegs, please and I’ll have Jim call you — he’ll no doubt have a raft-load of ideas he’d do to it. maybe he’ll even go over and lend a hand. 
LL Cool Joe!! Me too on spending a lot of time in front of computer. I’ve got Kelly’s room to be back at decorating! Beer! Coming right up. What do you fancy — lager, stout or something in between? I’m mostly a lager person myself.
Hilary!! Yes, 16 years indeed! Here a bungalow refers to a one-story house, from my experience in North America anyway! As opposed to a split-level, or a two or more story. Tulips! Yes, and so easy to grow. Our bulbs are only good for one or 2 years here tho, too hot for them usually to last over summer. have you many planted? And other bulbs? Sweet BIG godchildren now, eh?? Oh my goodness, you’re not sick of my CD yet?? you are so funny and sweet. Nothing new at all on the penguins. Scanning too many pix and surfing to many wonderful blogs of late. But next week — I shall be back to it!! With updates soon hopefully. Enjoy the snow for me!!
xoxoxoxxoxo
On 11 February 2010 at 3:34 pm Dot said,
Wow, I’m jealous! What a great house! And it really says Funsterlan d? Jim did all that singlehandedly? He must be exhausted! Your flowers are gorgeous, too. Kelly’s sweet with her bunch of flowers. And Chance is adorable!
On 11 February 2010 at 5:01 pm Sara said,
Jannie — I tried to leave a comment yesterday, but something went wacky. Your site closed on me and then I couldn’t get back…so here I am today:~)
I loved the pictures and seeing the changes in your life and your house! For some reason, I thought of the HGTV show, My Big Amazing Renovation! I looked it up and here’s the write up for the show:
“My Big Amazing Renovation captures the thrill of renovation when renovating goes to extremes, like when a small 1500-square-foot bungalow becomes a large 5000-square-foot dream home.”
Even if your bungalow renovation isn’t going from 1,500 to 5,000 square feet, it does sound like God wants you and Jim to keep busy! Perhaps ordering a bulk supply of beer and donuts might be in order:~)
On 11 February 2010 at 5:20 pm Heather Kephart said,
I am such a sap. I LIKE the old house with the planter boxes! You are so funny. Only you could make one of the most ghastly operations known to mankind entertaining and endearing.
On 11 February 2010 at 8:24 pm Paige said,
I can’t belive you still have hair in your head. Hey what does the back side of blue bunny look like, cause I think you have been pulling someone’s hair out.
bb needs a beer
On 12 February 2010 at 2:09 pm Natalia said,
What a lot of hard work you’ve put in this house! It looks great!
On 12 February 2010 at 3:52 pm Jannie said,
…
super-hoo!
Dot!! Thanks, but I’m jealous of your nice finished condo. Because this is not finished here. Nope, it had our house number up there where I put Funsterland. One would think Jim exhausted, but he actually seems to be energized by staying busy. He has had helpers over the years with framing, drywall and such, but he works along-side them, and mostly has done all himself. Yes, Chance was a wonderful wonderful dog. I still miss him.
Sara!! Yeah, I couldn’t get into my site a couple days ago either. Weird! Thanks for coming back , I appreciate it. Wow, 1500 to 500 – that is BIG and Amazing. Ours went from 1400 to 2700 and I thought that was a lot. Thanks, Sara. Looking forward to showing you finished pix one fine day.
Heather!! I was actually quite content with a cute no-frills little bungalow, but Jimmy likes to bust things out all over whenever he can. No going back now, tho! And it will be all done up nice one day.
Paige!! All my hair here. Blogging has saved my life and sanity! Therefore Blue Bunny’s butt is still nice an fluffy!
Natalia!! Why thanks, it has been a bit of work yes, indeed. And wait until one day I show you finished pix, with all prettie posies growing again.
xoxo
On 12 February 2010 at 4:40 pm jingle said,
Wishing u a happy weekend!
Happy Valentine’s Day on Sunday!
U look beautiful and cool
when u smile!
On 13 February 2010 at 1:03 am vikum said,
Hey Jannie,
wow.. This is truly awesome.What a nice place? When I saw the first pic which you are standing in front of the ‘Funsterland’, i remembered some story book which i read in my childhood. I love that pic. And are you a photographer?
That pic of your little angel wearing a blue dress is really artistic. You must submit it to an photo graphic exhibition.
On 13 February 2010 at 1:04 am BK said,
Thank you for sharing and bringing us through a journey in time of the development with your house. A magical journey indeed. Have a great weekend.
On 13 February 2010 at 10:31 am Josh Hanagarne said,
For me, it’s always my son. He’s about to turn two years old. He makes every day better, no matter what kind of day it was until I came home.
Kelly’s adorable, by the way, but you didn’t need me to tell you that.
On 13 February 2010 at 12:12 pm Davina said,
“And our sweetest bloom will continue to grace our every breath.” Now THAT is a photo finish Jannie. First God and then a little angel
My sweetest bloom these day? Honestly, I don’t have one right now. This too shall pass. Spring is coming…
On 13 February 2010 at 3:06 pm Tammy said,
Okay, is there anything you cannot do? You write poetry and songs, sing, play music, decorate, plant gorgeous flowers and apparently help design some of these rooms. I declare- that is some real talent all compiled into one person. I might have to apprehend you and auction you off on e-bay. Talent wise (metaphorically speaking) you are like a Wal-Mart super center…you got it all.
On 13 February 2010 at 3:52 pm kimmi said,
:giggles with delight: I love this, Jannie, such beauty, talent and hard work. a sweet day to you and yours tomorrow. <3
On 13 February 2010 at 6:43 pm Jannie said,
…
jINGLE!! sWEET wEEKEND HAPPY wISHER. sHOOT, ALL CAPS. Again, with the same feeling! Jingle — thanks, sweetie, I very much appreciate your weekend wishes. A loooong weekend, yay. You know I’ve been waking at freaking 5:30 lately. I will appreciate sleeping in the next 2 days. (Smiling here, and looking oh so very cool.)
Vikim! Hey and a hearty Funsterland welcome. I peeked at your blog and like what I see, lots of sunshine and love over there. Visions of Funsterland things do bring childhood feeling rushing in, I hear. Yes, I think I may be a photographer!!! I read a 2-page pamphlet once that mentioned lighting, the rule of 1/3rds and taking 100 pix to get a good one sometimes.
Well, thanks, I might just submit that last one someday, somewhere, you never know what my wild mind may get up to.
BK!! Yo, quite a journey indeed when I pieced this all together. And I’m going to take a photo of that room over the new garage in December, whether it’s finished, with Christmas tree or still full of sawdust and lumber ends, as it is now.
Josh!! Hey, aren’t you “dainty one” who lunches with Seth Godin!? (Yep, peeked at your latest post.) That’s so cool. What I’ve seen of Seth, he’s s real sweetie and adds a lot of value on the web. Ahh, 2 years old, I almost wish I could turn the clock back to have Kelly that old again, but time marches on. She’s almost 8 and a half now. See you soon on your blog!
Davina!!!!!! And that photo just popped up on my recovered hard-drive and there she was. (There was a lot of spaghetti sauce on her face I painted out of that shot, but just a little secret between you ‘n and me and the nearest water tower, okay?) Davina, YOU are one of my sweetest blooms. You really are.
Tammy!! I can’t sketch or draw, can’t raise the following plants without killing them… Boston ferns, bouganvillea, geraniums and African violets. I went to Ireland and was the worst on ate dancing those dances they do at the party pronounced Caylee (Forget the actual spelling, too lazy to Google.) Cayleigh? Not to disrespect my homeland folk that is. I am of 100% Irish descent. Please forgive What else can I not do? Ride a horse, milk a goat, knit, do underarm farting noises with my hand, or do the splits. I used to be able to do the splits pretty well, tho. Any other questions??
Oh, go ahead and auction me on ebay!! I’ll probably be as popular an item as cracked emu eggs.
Kimmi!! Smiles back and hugs you. Ahhhhhhh, shuchks. thanks!! How will my future posts ever compare to this one? maybe I’ll just leave this up for another week. But probably not! Actually I have NO IDEA what I’ll be posting next. But I’m sure something will come to me.
xoxoxoxxoxo
On 14 February 2010 at 7:47 am Tess The Bold Life said,
I think we should name your new book Conversations with Funsters and knock Neal Donald Walsh off the best sellers list once and for all. And we’ll all come and eat donuts and drink beer.
Bloommin’ sweetness would go to grandson Henri who tries to kiss the screen when Skyping, is just taking his first steps and had his first donut yesterday………………………………..
On 14 February 2010 at 9:56 am MiaHysteria said,
The metamorphosis of your home is as beautiful as the blossom of your life together.
And really…Jim can come here any time. We have lots of beer. He could tinker and we could get even more beer….
On 14 February 2010 at 1:33 pm Jannie said,
…
Tess!! Neal Donald Walsh, I’ll have to Google him. Oh, sweet little Henri! I bet he loves his granda-ma, crazy big much. I have yet to Skype, another fun thing to add to my list. Loved your latest post, Tess. Of course, I love them all. You are so generous and kind.
Mia!! Ahh, so sweetly said. Thank you, my dear. Jim and I will soon be embarking upon the Funsterment Blogger Home-Fest Tour, you are now 32nd in line. One home a week on our grande tour. Would you like an addition or a reno??
xoxoxo
On 15 February 2010 at 10:43 am Chris said,
God and beer provide you two much wisdom, vision and inspiration. It’s a beautiful combination, really. You’re house is absolutely gorgeous! Seriously. It makes me feel all happy and welcome, like I’m invited to smell your flowers and caress your trees, and enter your doors. Loved looking at all of these and reading your funny, funny words! XO
On 16 February 2010 at 2:20 pm Jannie said,
…
Chris!! Thank you lovely lady. God and beer provide all indeed. Well, leave out the beer part — God is IT 100%!! We do love our friends and welcome all to enter our Funstering portal!! maybe you’ll be one of them some day. The Canada house will be a welcoming place too, and it’s right across from the water — we can even build a nice little boathouse on the shore.
On 16 February 2010 at 8:55 pm Katie West/The Levity Coach said,
Jannie
As usual I was smiling the whole blog…love the story and can relate to the renovations. Looks great! And yes I too thought your house really had a sign that said FUNSTERLAND on it. most excellent.
After all of our years of renovations, the hubby and I have decided we want to live on a tour bus….and travel the country with the kiddos. Maybe we can tour bus to see Funsterland.
My sweetest blooms are asleep-ish right now. And your bloom, Kelly…sure is adorable!
On 17 February 2010 at 12:26 pm Jannie said,
…
Katie!! I think you all should totally hop on the tour bus (gus) and get yourselves traveliin’ free. That would be Most Excellent, and Funsterland will be waiting with open arms, maybe with a little drywall dust too, but always welcoming to you. Forever and a million days.
xoxoox
On 18 February 2010 at 9:56 pm Jeanne said,
Jannie,
Oh, it took me forever to get over here and comment but I finally made it! It has been a rough week…
I love the pictures! I had never seen your circa 1994 hairdo. How cute you are in that picture with your long dress amidst the tulips! The imaginary Funsterland sign in that picture kicks some a$$ too! That is a classic picture of you… the reigning Queen of Funsterland enjoying the royal tulip splendor.
Seriously, you’ve done LOTS of hard work and been VERY patient… and your house looks GORGEOUS!!
Kelly is so, so, so cute! As you know, I have my own “sweetest bloom” right here.
Jeanne
P.S. Were you quoting Joni Mitchell on comment #10? Did you know that they played “Both Sides Now” during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics in Vancouver? Yes indeedy!
On 20 February 2010 at 7:02 am Jannie said,
…
Hi Sweet Jeanne, now look who it’s taken forever to get to this comment. I bought that dress in Canada in 1987 and I’m sure I wore it 1000 times until it gave up the ghost. Yes, my hair underwent a less-than-desirable cut at one point, the lady kept chopping and chopping. Yes, you have one very very sweet bloom indeed, little snowman artiste.
Yes, I was quoting Joni Mitchell for sure and no, did not realize they played that at the opening games, how cool! Joni Mitchell has a house about an hour (or 2?) outside Vancouver. She bought it like in, 1970. xoxo
On 21 February 2010 at 8:24 am Renee said,
That’s pretty amazing! The remodel is LOVELY… but more than that, I want to know how to get God to tell my hubby he needs to vaccuum or do a little yardwork… Just a little….
On 21 February 2010 at 5:01 pm Jannie said,
…
Renee!! So happy to see your sweet funky folky eye back here again. I’ve missed you!!! I’ll have God send my Jim over — he’ll get your hubby motivated, I’m sure.
xoxo