Sorry to the masses of bloggers plowing through busy internet signals to finally reach Chris and me at A Design Build Studio blog only to find nothing new. My blog-ability has been quite limited as of late. The whole family has been super busy working on the house trying to get it “livable” prior to Christmas. I have not bought or mailed out one single gift and it is looking like I’m going to have to take a day off work in order to fulfill my associate Santa responsibilities.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and for those of you who were unable to meet for the holiday at Shannon and Erina’s house, you were missed! Plus you missed-out; great food and company were in abundance. Also, Shannon almost set the neighborhood on fire, it was awesome!

Oh, the house! My cabinets and appliances are set, the kid’s rooms are painted along with the hall and the living/dining area and the bead board in the kitchen is up and it too is painted. It is starting to look like an inhabitable structure rather than a storage area and workshop.
We are hoping to get some clean-up started and the moving-in and around of furniture. The shower surround for the claw foot tub is ready to be installed and the plumbing on that bathroom will be completed this weekend. Remind me to never refinish an old tub and then try to find plumbing parts, hardware and a shower surround, ever again. Commit me first!

Next we will tackle the existing sheet rock (mud, sanding, and clean-up) on the addition and even though I said I did not want to move in until all the sheet rock was finished I’m going to anyway. WHATEVER! I’ve done a lot of things in my life that I really didn’t want to do, this too might as well go on my list.

Gotta run and we’ll chat soon!

More Renovations

Exciting stuff is going on in Belspring! We have or Chris has been very busy with renovations. Our exterior and interior door handles arrived and let me just pass this info on to you. We ordered our door hardware form ebuilder.com and paid just a fraction of the price that we would have if we purchased them from Lowe’s. So, if you are looking for new door handles, check out their web site. The hardware for our kitchen cabinets arrived, gorgeous, and the article in which gave me the very most problem regarding the decision making process, the counter top.
I agonized for almost two years over the counter top. I really wanted a solid surface but really did not want to invest the, at a minimum, 2 grand because of all the many needs of the project. So after much deliberation I chose a Formica brand laminate called Oiled Soap Stone. I love it! We chose a double rounded, flat edge cut that gives the laminate a real solid surface look. Chris hates those seams that you always see in a laminate.
The counter top itself looks like a chalk board that has been written on with white chalk and then erased. It is a matte finish and looks great with our white bead board cabinets. I’m not going to say much more about it because I want it to be a surprise when you come to visit. I do want to tell you about one more project. The window
Chris, when he was working at Balzer, did some design work for the Roanoke County Court House. Chris, somehow, got away with one of the original windows and has always said he was going to incorporate the window into the re-design of the house. I wasn’t so sure about this project but on Saturday we took the window to the glass shop and had the necessary repairs done and Chris went by to pick it up today.
What do you think, I think Chris was right. This window will go in the family room, which has a modified vaulted ceiling, above two sets of French doors. This window is about five feet in diameter and will just shower the room with light. We are going to finish the repairs and paint the window on Saturday and if it is dry, we will try to install on Sunday. Wish us luck!

Renovation

I know, I know, did you think I'd quite on you. No, I've just been super, duper busy. Chris and I are making that final push to finish the house. I know many of you think that our house is nothing more than an urban legend, well, your about to meet the Michael Myers of residential living.
Things are coming together quite nicely. We have, I think, everything needed to finish things up and soon. Our original move in date was Halloween but our sheet rock guy, Carl, who comes in at 9:30 and works until 12:30 has pushed back our date by a week or so. I’m not going to complain about Carl, he was one of the few willing to take on the job and he only smokes on the porch.
The counter top came in last week, very exciting! Chris and I or I agonized over the counter top for quite a while, like at least, two years. The door hardware and the hardware for the kitchen cabinets arrived and I have to say the kitchen drawer pulls are absolutely gorgeous.
It is the little things that make me happy, thank goodness, or I would be in sad shape.
Hope to see everyone soon!
And PS: Thanks Mom! You know what I'm talkin' bout.

A Rock Star IS Born!

The OK Feeling, featuring Elizabeth Owens

Busy, busy, busy! Chris the kids and I have been running here and there all weekend long trying to squeeze as much fun in as we can. The big news from this past weekend is Elizabeth performed with local band The OK Feeling at a small venue in beautiful downtown Pulaski on Friday. Her first public performance went GREAT!

Elizabeth was a little nervous, there were four other bands to go on before her and the OK Feeling, because they were the headliner, so she had to stand around and wait for the other performers to go on stage. The OK Feeling are four very talented guys, the drummer did not make this performance it was an evening of acoustic music, that Elizabeth has know since high school. Grant Back, lead singer, Gabe McFarland and Justin Doyle who both play guitar, were there and it was awesome!

The OK Feeling performs, mostly, original music and after they played three songs Elizabeth was brought up on stage to sing with them. Elizabeth sang four covers: Mary Jane’s Last Dance by Tom Petty, Love Is What I Got by Sublime, my favorite, Kurt Cobain’s, Where did You Sleep Last Night and the Foo Fighters, Everlong, Elizabeth’s favorite.

It was so much fun to see her up on stage and I think she was living a dream at that moment. I’m not really sure where she is going with all this but she isn’t quitting school or her day job anytime soon. But there was one promise I did make to her, if and when she receives a Video Music Award or any other for that matter, Mr. Kanye West will NOT be interrupting her acceptance speech!

Fred Sanford goes to Hillsville.

Doesn't the theme from Sanford and Son just play in your head when you see this photo? This is one of two truck loads of treasures we hauled to Hillsville. Along with the Expedition slammed to the point that when I tapped the breaks, Elizabeth had to hold her arm across the opening of the front seats to keep everything from going through the windshield.

A Change In The Way Things Are Done Around Here

Ok, ok, ok, for those of you who drop by every now and then to see what’s up, sorry. I’ve been super slammed with getting ready for our super duper yard sale and all. Doggie update, it’s a no go on Bugsy. Bugsy found a home much better suited for him; I hope he will be happy. Again, seriously, does that face just make you want to cry he is so cute?
Back to my excuses for not updating my blog, yard sale, oh yeah Thomy started his first semester at New River and Elizabeth, hopefully, will complete her last semester at New River but both are now back to the educational grind. That was a fiasco, but dealing with schedules and financial aid always are. So enough with the excuses, I have an idea to run by you. Chris and I have been chatting and I think we are going to separate. Don’t get too excited, one way or the other, separate our blogs that is.
When we first started our blog we wanted it to be a place where Chris could send his clients to review his sketches, designs, work, etc. It was also a way for people to look at projects we were working on, interesting “junque” we had come across and stuff like that. Instead it has become my little way of letting everyone know what we have been up to and a blow by blow of what Chris and I have had to eat that past weekend. So, the focus has gotten away from our original plan.
adesignbuildstudio@blogspot.com will be up and running until New Year’s Day, 2010 and at that time Chris will debut his new blog, as well as, mine. So make sure you check in at adesignbuildstudio@blogspot.com on January 1, 2010, to find out how to follow our blogs. My blog will probably be a continuation of our current blog but Chris will use his blog, more so, as a marketing tool. I hope everyone has been doin’ fine and dandy and the yard sale was a great success. The kids will have Christmas this year.
We would like to thank Mama Nita and Poppy Ed for the use of their yard, hope we didn’t make too big a mess. And I’m sure the two of them will be glad to know, that as of this moment, that will be the last yard sale I ever have. I’m getting too old for that s*!t.
Keep checking in, I’m still going to keep this blog up and running until the big move. See you soon!
Also, please remember 9-11.

Pray for the victims, their families, our soldiers and my cousin Brad.

I'M IN LOVE, I'M IN LOVE, I'M IN LOVE!

Guess what? I've fallen in love over the Internet. I know what your thinking, these things never work out but look at that face, come on now. Have you ever seen You've Got Mail? It worked out for Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.I want to introduce everyone one to Bugsy Malone. Bugsy is a French Bulldog and he is four years old. He is ready to be adopted and has relatively few medical issues that are associated with the breed. Bugsy has been in foster care awaiting adoption and when I saw him my heart just melted. Just melted I tell you and I can hardly stand it!Our home has been without a pet for over a year now, after Miss Kitty ran away to join the circus. I have heard that she rides on the back of a pony wearing a feather head dress and jumps through hoops of fire. How exciting for her, I guess she was a rambling kitty and needed to see the world, we were just simple country folks and she wanted more. Although, I am torn because we have been without "animal responsibilities" for quite sometime and it has been nice, I still miss having a pet.I am going to ponder this decision over the weekend and will try to convince Chris that we need another man around the house. I'll keep everyone updated as to what we have decided but seriously I could cry this dog is so cute!

Chris and I went to Steppin’ Out in Blacksburg on Saturday and although we didn’t feel as good as Billy Joel prior to rehab it was a close “natural” second. You know, actually, I think that song might be Movin’ Out, oh well! We saw so many fun things and interesting people. Artists, musicians, vendors, games and food, I know most of you probably think that my blog is about food because it always ends up Chris and I at some eatery or drinkery (whatever) and me talking about what we ate. Well this story is going to end up like that also, so let me stop you now if you’re tired of reading about the two of us eating.
For those adventuresome few my story continues. It took a good two hours to walk the square block that was a packed with all kinds of attention grabbing goodies and by the end of our walk it was, you guessed it, time for LUNCH, yeah! We decided to eat outside at a little pub called The Upper Deck. After climbing to the top of the stairs we were greeted by two smart asses who tried to card us. Chris took his hat off and said are you kidding? They laughed and said we could find a table anywhere we wanted because the place was still empty. It was only about 12:15 at this time and we settled at a corner table next to the street so we could people watch and listen to the community band that was beginning their concert as we sat down.
OK, I was a little skeptical at this point because I know the community band always plays the music for the local theater which I knew was performing Joseph and the Technocolored (sp, IDK) Dream Coat and Thomy performed in this play earlier in the year and I just wasn’t sure I could sit through the musicment again. But, to our most pleasant surprise, they did not. They played old TV show theme songs, some big band and a montage of the Little Mermaid and was accompanied by a professional, if there is such a thing, hula-hooper. CRAZY!
We chatted with a few people and ate some great BBQ, which we should have shared because there was just so much and took a few photos. We hope you enjoy the pictures!

FACEBOOK

Look for this crazy in yo' face photo of me on Facebook!

Hey everybody, I joined Facebook. My cousin Brad, as most of you know is in Afghanistan twisted my arm and I joined, he said that was the best way to communicate with him. So, I reluctantly signed-up, I initially accepted very few friend requests. That was about a month ago but now I’ve started reconnecting with old friends from Grundy and keeping up with family, it really is so much fun and addictive.

So, if you have been thinking about joining Facebook but are not sure, you should give it a try. Also, if you didn’t know I had joined Facebook send me a friend request but remember to look for Nancy Shonna Williams. Hope to hear from you soon!

A Day at the Beach

Chris, look out behind you!

An Apology

I know what you are thinking, what is up with those photo's? Well, I got a new phone and I know everyone is aware that I live and breath by the camera on my phone. I am sorry that the photo's that I posted are so dark but I wanted to share them with everyone anyway. I will get the kinks worked out soon, I promise!

Rescue 911

On Friday, Thomy and Elizabeth headed back home, to begin va-ca #2 and I got a call from my old Grundy pal, Summer. For those of you who do not know Summer, she and I have known each other since we were little kids. Summer’s dad, Tommy Joe and my dad Tommy were big buddies and in turn, as we got older, we too became big buddies also. Anyway back to the story, it was Thomy’s 19th birthday and we had taken him and his sister to George’s Restaurant in Sunset Beach for breakfast when Chris had just finished buttering Thomy’s nose in the parking lot that I received a call. It was Summer.

On the phone was Summer saying something about Tate (her 18 year old son who was born less than a month after Thomy) being stranded in Myrtle Beach with a friend and needing Chris and I to pick them up from the parking lot of a hotel and that the people he was staying with were leaving and heading back to Virginia. OK, inhale – exhale, inhale – exhale! No problem, Chris and I got our kids headed on their way and went to rescue Tate and his friend, Blase.

After we picked them up Chris and I stopped by McDonalds, which every rescue should include, fed two extremely hungry boys and headed back to Sunset where the two of them piled up on the sofa and slept for about five hours. Now although Summer and I talk to each other via, phone, text or e-mail a few times a week, I have not seen Summer in about three years so this gave the two of us an opportunity to meet and have dinner. Summer and her husband Bart met all of us at Barefoot Landing and we ate and talked and had an exceptionally good time.

I miss my Grundy friend Summer, as a matter of fact; I miss all my Grundy friends! It was great to see her and she looks GREAT, she says she isn’t but she is still as skinny as she ever was and still tries to be Claudia Schiffer when someone takes of picture of her.

(Check Older Posts for more exciting vacation moments!)

Birthday at the House of Blues

We’re back or at least Chris and I are. Thomy and Elizabeth have decided to continue their vacation with friends and won’t be home until sometime this weekend. We had a great time no major incidents that I am willing to elaborate on, saw some old friends, did a good dead and came back with a killer tan. Now that is what I call a great vacation.

As all of you know July 30th, was my 29 (again) birthday and Chris and the kids took me out to lunch. We went to one of my favorite joints, House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC. Thank you guys for the great day!

Headed to the Beach

Hey everyone, the fam and I are headed to the beach. I know what your saying, "didn't you guy's just get back?" Well, yes but we are south bound and down again and I wanted to let you know so you wouldn't be wonderin' where we were. I have a litttle something to share with you and hopefully it will make you feel like your sitting there on the beach with us. Enjoy, and we will be back home soon...maybe.

Follow this link and sing along!

http://www.cmt.com/videos/zac-brown-band/407684/toes.jhtml

A Walk in the Park

Yesterday afternoon Chris and I went for a walk in the park, and saw a few things that we thought were just fun. We met several puppies, which gave me dog fever, and ran into some people we knew and took a few photos. I wanted to share two in particular with everyone. The first is a photo of some wildflowers growing along the walking path and the second photo is of a sign that is posted on a tree. Chris and I have walked by this tree on several occasions but this is the first time we have seen this very sweet sign. The artist signed the photo, Always.

Thomy's New Girl

As I’m sure most or some of you know, Thomy got a tattoo after he graduated. I’m not too sure how I feel about it, but as most of you are aware, Elizabeth is well on her way to becoming the illustrated woman so I guess your wondering why so wishy-washy? When Elizabeth decided to get her first tattoo, it took a while to come to terms with her decision but afterward I was ok with it, so I guess I’m feeling the same way about Thomy’s tattoo. I’ll be ok with it just as soon as I get used to seeing it on his leg.

Thomy thought long (because I made him wait until he graduated) and hard as to what design he wanted “inked” and where on his body he wanted the tattoo and who, in regards to the artist, would have the honor. I don’t think it took him very long to decide that he wanted an old school pin-up girl that originated from an Alberto Vargas sketch. The Vargas Girls were beautiful renditions of women that could be found within the pages of Esquire magazine and were the inspiration for the pin-ups painted on fighter planes during WWII. These pin-up girls always remind me of Chris’ Uncle Bob who, until he passed away just a little over a year ago, kept framed pin-up sketches in his room at home and in his living quarters at the nursing home.

The Vargas sketch was transformed into tattoo form by Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins. Sailor Jerry was 19 when he joined the Navy and toured Southeast Asia where he was influenced by the cultures art and imagery. He only tattooed for twelve years but his designs were so copied that even now when you refer to his work, it is referenced as an Original Sailor Jerry design.

When I first saw the tattoo, I didn’t go with him when he had it done, I was very surprised at the size or how large the piece was. He said, “I told you it was going to be on the side of my leg.” I told him I didn’t realize how big his leg was and he responded, and I think he felt is was a consolation to me, “ Well Mom, her hair IS blonde".

Week-End Get-A-Way with Car-Lee

Back from a short but sweet va-ca at Sun Set Beach. As usual nothing worth having (or doing) is ever easy. No matter how much you look forward to or all the planning in the world can counter act the unforeseen forces of Murphy’s Law. We were off to a rocky start, to say the least, but after a melt down a postponement a tow truck a six pack and a borrowed vehicle from mom for Elizabeth (big thanks to mom by the way) we were finally off.

Quick question, have you ever downloaded an application on your cell phone? Well, on our way to the beach, which you know can be tricky we never go the same way twice; we decided to download the navigator application to my cell phone. For $9.99 we got the same instruction as a $100 GPS system that you would install in your car. I highly recommend this little application or at least give it a try prior to investing in a Garman or Tom Tom. The only suggestion I would make is you may need to get a car phone charger for any trip longer than four hours or the life of your battery charge.

Anyway, back to the beach, the weather was great on the 4th and we watched fireworks from the driveway but the rest of the weekend the weather just wasn’t cooperating. We did go out for some great homemade sugar-free ice cream one evening, out to an Irish Pub on the 4th and to the flea market on Sunday. If you didn’t know about ten miles north of Bare-Foot Landing you will find the North Myrtle Beach flea market. This is where Chris and I made a wonderful discovery, we found Ray Galoish.

Ray Galoish is a folk artist who’s many works are featured in and sold at the House of Blues Restaurants around the country. Mr. Galoish, to our surprise, displays and works out of a shanty at the flea market. I was shocked! He is a tall, slim man who is like a shadow in and amongst his artwork and ready available supplies that he utilizes, as well as, sells. There were no less than 500 hub caps and license plates chaotically organized in his catacomb of a display.

Mr. Galoish stood quietly in the shade talking with another vendor but when a patron wanted to speak with him, he disappeared back into a maze of short hallways built from chicken wire and 2x4’s which he used to display his artwork in the make-shift museum. His girlfriend, Car-Lee and yes that is how she spells it I asked, was more than happy to chat with you about his work and hers too. She was quite the character!

I would love to have taken home a few pieces of artwork but just because it’s a flea market don’t think you’ll be getting any bargains. Most of Mr. Galoish’s art work is priced around the $500.00 mark and I don’t think Car-Lee is up to doing much hagglin’. But, if you get down that way this summer you should stop by and enjoy, what I would consider, wonderful examples of distinctly original American Folk Art.

On Saturday Chris and I attended the Hillsville, VA “Cruz In”. We met at Mama Nita and Poppy Ed’s house and grabbed a quick appetizer at a great little eatery on main street called the Hardware Company which also includes an old fashion soda fountain. Shannon, Erina, McKinley and Madison drove up from Easley, SC and we were hoping Shannon would bring the hot rod but he said he may try to haul it up to the next car show scheduled for July 18, 2009.

There were around 175 cars participating, some very unique, and Poppy Ed let me drive his red 65 Mustang in the parade which precedes the car show. Chris rode shot gun and only used the break on the passenger side three maybe four times, McKinley and Madison rode in the back pleasing the crowd with their most perfect beauty pageant waves. It is really loads of fun, not to mention the vendors, the food, the beer and the band. Oh yeah, I almost forgot the guy in the “daisy dukes”, now that was really unique!

Wendy and Brad

Mamaw Emlie along with Madeline and Jackson

WELCOME HOME

My mom and I traveled to Bristol, VA this past Saturday to visit my cousin Brad who is home from Afghanistan. It was so great to see him and his family! My cousin Amy and her husband Jimmy brought their son Braden (oh my gosh, I wish you could see how cute this kid is) and our Granny Stiltner. Papaw Ronnie was there, I think it has been two years since I have seen him, and of course Mamaw Emily was there also.

Brad and I are both only children and only a few years apart, but he is older (ha! ha!). We used to get into all kinds of meanus. Is that a word, meanus? I think the word I’m referring to is actually meanness, but that sounds way to serious, so I’ll just stick with my Buchanan County languish tics and leave it at "meanus". We had a-lot of fun going to Coburn to the race on Saturday night with the top down on his jeep, we would just about freeze to death on the way home, even though it was summer time. Running down to Pikeville, KY, and that’s all I’m going to say about that or heading to the South Holston or to Lebanon where we’d all fish.

Elizabeth and Thomy were crazy about Brad, he was always around when they were little guys and I bet Brad has seen The Little Mermaid as many times as Elizabeth has. Brad got married and has settled in Bristol, VA, with his beautiful wife Windy and together they have two of the most seriously adorable children, Jackson and Madeline. Brad leaves again for Afghanistan at the end of the month so I hope everyone will remember to say a big prayer for my little cousin and his family.

CLASS OF 2009

Well, we made it! What a very exciting week we all have had. Thomy GRADUATED from Pulaski County High School. The week was absolutely crazy; Thomy had something going on everyday. If you check out the first few photos you will see that he and his art class participated in a ribbon cutting in Pulaski, where the Mayor was in attendance. The mural painted by Thomy and his friends is an assortment of landmarks found in Pulaski County; it was painted on the remaining structure of a gas station wall that was destroyed by a fire. Then on Friday, June 12, 2009, the big graduation took place. I know this is a terrible photo but Thomy is walking by the stadium loud speaker, he has just receiving his diploma. The next photo I though was great, no question about it, everyone was ready to get out of there! Then on Saturday we had a big picnic at Mom and Loren’s fish ponds. We had about 28 people to join in the celebration. Several of Thomy’s friends came and I thought the photo of Mama Nita and Delilah being driven by Thomas in “the gator” holding their purses was priceless.

I want to thank everyone for coming, Mom and Loren for all their hard work in getting everything ready at the ponds and to all of you who had to travel. We had such a great time and it would not have been nearly as much fun if everyone had not been with us to share in the moment.

Dancing, Eating and the Hot Rod or A Weekend with the Family

Chris and Shannon in the Hot Rod.

This past weekend Chris and I visited his brother and family in Greenville SC. Shannon is Chris’ younger brother and Erina is Shannon’s wife and together they have two BEAUTIFUL girls, McKinley (5) and Madison (3). The Mauck family has just recently moved from Augusta, GA to Greensville but the girl’s activities have not yet made the trip. McKinley and Madison both participated in a great dance program while they lived in Augusta and Shannon and Erina wanted to make sure the girls completed their lessons and perform in the end of the year recital. So, every Saturday for the past several months they have made the trip from Greenville to Augusta (about 150 miles one way) so the girls could participate in their lesson and rehearse for the big day. BRAVO to Shannon and Erina for taking on and fulfilling that commitment!
Chris and I arrived Friday night, too late to visit, but got up very early on Saturday to hangout with everyone before Erina, the girls and Erina’s mom left at 7am to attend a rehearsal prior to the recital. Shannon, Chris and I left about 10am and headed off to Augusta where we ate at Moe’s. Moe’s is a chain restaurant that is like the Mexican version of Subway. We have a Moe’s in Blacksburg but Chris and I had never eaten there, it was yummy! We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and while we were there Erina called and she, the girls and her mom were able to join us for a quick bite.
On to the recital though, this dance troupe is divided according to age and the girls were in two separate groups. Madison performed first in her white dress with red and black trim and enough tulle to make a 1950’s prom dress proud! She danced to How Much is that Doggie in the Window and was about the cutest thing ever. McKinley danced twice, the first was a classical ballet performance and the second was a tap dance to Elton John’s Crocodile Rock, I’m telling you it was adorable. After applause, photos and standing ovations the recital ended and off we went.
Everyone piled into two SUV’s (all that tulle required multiple units of transportation) and off we went to dinner. I know what you are going to say, “Are you eating again?” YES! This BBQ place that we ate at was delicious. We picked up two more for dinner, Shannon and Erina’s friend Sandy and her daughter Slone; it was such a fun time visiting and yes, eating.
On Sunday morning Erina fixed a Poppy Ed Award winning breakfast and then Shannon took everyone for a spin in his hot rod. Shannon asked me if I wanted to ride first, I said yes but it wasn’t until we got out of the driveway that I knew why I had been given the honor. Shannon looks and me and says, “I hope we make it to the gas station, we are completely out of gas.” Then I knew, if we ran out of gas I was going to be pushing this thing, thankfully we made it even though the first place we stopped was closed, I’m telling you, I was starting to sweat it a little.
After the ride, that took me three hours to get all the tangles out of my hair, we had to head back to beautiful Belspring. We had such a great time and if you would like to see Shannon and Erina’s new house you can visit Shannon’s blog at blackdogblogspot.blogspot.com. Thank you Shannon, Erina and the girls for such a great weekend.
P.S. On the way home Chris and I stopped at Hooters, yes Hooters. They have these awesome fried dill pickles; but I’ll save that adventure story for another time.

SHOUT OUT!

Big shout out to three new followers to our blog! Hello to Jason and April, April is Chris' sister and Jason is her hubby. Chris is currently helping out with a remodel of their home, maybe they will share some photo's soon. And a hi to my buddy Summer. Summer and her family live in Summerville, SC, how great it must be to live in a town named after you. Thanks for checking in with us and visit again soon!

Weee're Off to See the Wizard...

Thomy, will graduate this spring and on Saturday, May 24, 2009 he acted in his last high school play. Both Elizabeth and Thomy were very involved in the Pulaski County High School drama program and acted in many plays throughout their high school career. The PCHS Players are directed by Jeff McCoy. Mr. McCoy is one of those teachers who can really throw a program together, but I must say, there is as much drama behind the scenes as there is on the stage.

The Wizard of Oz was chosen for the senior play and Thomy played Dorothy’s Uncle Henry. There was a special significance to the performance, Mr. McCoy had directed The Wizard of Oz his first year teaching at PCHS and this was the 20th anniversary, so it was only fitting that this be the last play of the season. The last night of the senior play is also senior night and there are, as expected, those seniors who organize their own senior prank within the show. This is why senior night is always “packed-out” it keeps a predictable epic performance a bit more exciting.

I will miss the Drama Mama’s and their home made fund raiser treats, getting a little dressed-up, chatting with the parents of my children’s friends and the PCHS Little Theatre. I want to thank everyone that has sat through a three hour play, in an uncomfortable seat and drove hours to get there and home. So to all those adoring fans out there,
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!

SHOUT OUT!

We want to give a big SHOUT OUT to our two followers. Thanks Shannon, thanks Stephanie for checking out our blog! If you have stopped by to check out A Design Build Studio don't forget to sign in, that way Chris and I will know who has been by to visit.

Thanks again guys.

Happy Mother's Day

How wonderful it was to be together for Mother’s Day. We want to thank everyone who was there and let those of you who had to work or were too far away to join in the festivities that we all missed you! We met at one of our favorite local restaurants, MK’s Pizza. MK’s is located less than a mile off I81, exit 101, which also takes you to the Claytor Lake State Park. Chris and I always order pizza with the egg roll appetizer, our favorites. We wanted to eat outside, MK’s has a great patio, but it was a little windy so the large crowd of 12 was gladly accommodated inside.

As you can see by the photo Poppy Ed drove Mama Nita to the party in his Mustang and Aunt Delilah was able to be there also, I’m so glad she could be with us. My Granny Stiltner got the “I had to travel many miles to get here award”, she came all the way from Grundy, VA. My mom or Mamaw Rita, as she is known, and her husband and sweetie-pie Loren were there and I know you can’t see her but GG was there too. GG is hidden but she is sitting between Loren and Thomy. Thomy is sitting beside his mom, me and there beside me should be Chris looking all dapper in his pink shirt but he is taking the picture. Brother-in-law Jason and the "baby girl" of the Horton clan, April, is sitting at the end of the table. What a crew!

Thanks again everybody for being there, it was a great Mother’s Day celebration and the best gift for the occasion.