Kids Academy Co. - Kids Puzzles preschool math games for girls and boys

I was chosen to review "Kids Puzzles preschool math games for girls and boys - Toddlers learn 123 tracing with paint sparkles draw drill - my first coloring book" as part of a Sverve Campaign.  This app teaches children from ages three to six their numbers and the sequence. The fireflies and tracing of them makes it visually appealing.

I like how you can make different profiles for each child. This makes it real handy if you have more then one child, grandchild, or babysit for more then one child the same age. 

Another wonderful feature is how they reward the child for getting answers right and completing tasks. It adds fireflies in a jar as the reward feature. 

You are able to also keep track of your child's progress in the app.  This helps you work in areas they need help with, and shows you how they are learning.

The only thing I can say I am not real happy about in the free app is how it only covers number one, two and three. However, the paid version goes all the way up to ten and I really think it would benefit your child to get it. To give the free version a try for your child download it here. 

 Disclosure: I received compensation for this review through using Sverve. All opinions are completely honest and my own, based on my own experience.

Kid's Academy Co. - Preschool & Kindergarten Learning Kids Games Free For Toddlers and Preschool Children

I was chosen to review "Preschool & Kindergarten Learning Kids Games Free For Toddlers and Preschool Children - All in One Montessori Based Brain Kid' Puzzles" as part of a Sverve Compaign.  This app helps with reading, writing, and arithmetic skills for Preschool and Kindergarten levels.

The app is a lot of fun and eye catching. There are a variety of worksheets in this app to keep them busy. I think the fireflies are really cute in this app, making the children want to continue to work towards the learning. 

I do wish in this app that they went farther on how high they can go before having to order the upgraded version. I do however, think once you try this app you and your child both will want to spend that little extra money for the upgraded version. To get your free app for your child go here. 

Disclosure: I received compensation for this review through using Sverve. All opinions are completely honest and my own, based on my own experience.

Kid's Academy Co. - Learn To Read & Write Kid’ Puzzles

I got chosen to review "Learn To Read & Write Kid' Puzzles - Educational Drawing For Kids Puzzle Games Free For Curios Girls & Boys"  as part of a Sverve Compaign.  This app is a wonderful for toddler and pre-school children to get prepared for kindergarten. In this app they work with uppercase and lowercase letters, fine motor skills, all through fun games and songs.

My son is eight years old and he particularly liked the mazes. While he already is past this level of learning I had him give it a try to tell me what he thought. This app has two different levels and also works with vocabulary and rhyming words in mazes. Both myself and my son highly recommends this app for toddlers and pre-schoolers.  You may get it by downloading it here.

Disclosure: I received compensation for this review through using Sverve. All opinions are completely honest and my own, based on my own experience.

Just in Time for Easter Giveaway!

Welcome to the Just in Time for Easter Giveaway!

We are happy that you stopped by the blog today. And, it's your lucky day because we want to share with you this fun giveaway. Our friends over at Christian Personal Finance are proud to be hosting this $250 Visa Gift Card Giveaway... Just in time for Easter!

At Easter time I love getting the little ones new outfits, outside toys to go with Easter baskets, Easter egg hunt, and of course getting together with loved ones and friends to celebrate Easter with a dinner. This would help towards all those things.

A little extra cash always comes in handy. And, we hope that an extra $250 is something you can use. Are you ready to WIN?!? It is super simple to enter for your chance at winning. Just use the Giveaway Tools form below to start earning entries. Please note that you must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the US to WIN this giveaway. The giveaway will begin on April 7th and will end at MIDNIGHT on April 20th, 2014.

Best of Luck to all who enter!!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: A Blessing in Disguise, nor any of the other participating bloggers, are responsible for the prize fulfillment. All entries are optional. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media site. If you should have any questions regarding this giveaway, please contact Dawn@Pin-N-Tell.com.

Beautiful Bracelets to honor Children of Abuse

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and a topic that hits close to home for me. Not only am I a survivor of Child Abuse but so is my son. He was abused by his biological mom and biological son of my husband. On July 30, 2009 the adoption for him became final. For you that would like to read his story, here is a video for you.

Few Statistics I would like to share

• More then four children die a day 
• 70% die before age four 
• About 30% of survivors abuse their own children
• In 2012 80% of perpetrators what the parents
• In 2012 53.5 % perpetrators was female, 45.3% was male

 I also started a group which is not 501c3 to honor children of abuse, their families, and all the angel children who lost their lives to child abuse, Baby James Foundation . Every year we host an event to children of abuse. This year the event is moved to May and will be adding Missing Children as well. Janny's Storybeads (Unique Charmed Designs) has teamed up with us to make this event possible. This is where we need all of you as well.

During the month of April Janny's Storybeads will be donating 20% of all proceeds earned from the sale of these Child Abuse Awareness Bracelets to the Baby James Foundation to help aide in their fight for Child Abuse Awareness.

So Join me to help Stop Child Abuse!

Each bracelet is $35.00 Payments will be accepted via PayPal or Debit/Credit Card and $2.95 for Shipping & Handling.
Please allow 2 weeks for processing and delivery.

May is also Missing Children's Awareness month so check back for new bracelets for Missing Children's Awareness. Click either picture below to join her group to order.

>

Thank You for all your support

Baby James Foundation

and

Janny's Storybeads

No stopping her now

The life as a child for Teagan Urzendowski would change when she turned six years old. This is when her paternal Aunt and Uncle would start abusing her. They would over the next course of four years abuse her physically, mentally, and sexually even raping her. DCFS came involved, but as in many cases with no physical evidence they walked free.

Teagan would start at eight years old self-injury and it would continue till she turned nineteen. She would do it once or twice a week, and up to twice a day when she did. It was her way to release her emotions and pain. Self-injury would snap her out of the flashbacks. People would ask her what hurt, she would just point to her new injury. She now realizes this is not the coping skill she once thought it was.

She has attempted suicide four times, hospitalized for mental illnesses over ten times both outpatient and inpatient hospitalizations.

Teagan is diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Dissociative Identity Disorder both related to the abuse. She as well diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder Depressive type, which was triggered from the abuse. These are controlled on Paxil, Prazosin, and Risperdal, as she is seeing a psychologist. At times they do EMDR ( Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help reprocess a memory, to keep her from bringing out negative thoughts. It has been a long process getting her on the right medication for her, trying many different types.

I asked her who supported her through all of this. She stated, “I have a lot of support from friends, family, and my dog. I just recently started opening up with my family about all that happened, but they have always been there for me every step of the way.”

When we got to speaking on inspiration and who inspired her, her response made me very happy to hear. “The first person who inspired me was myself simply because I was too stubborn to let them win. When I first attempted suicide it was my best friend who pulled me back from the car I ran in front of. She saw something in me that I couldn't see and since then has been a huge source of support. Also, my family inspires me. After all we've been through together they don't give up so they help me realize I can't give up either,” she stated. This would show me that the blame is not of herself, like many survivors do and has to learn it wasn't their fault.

Teagan did not let this abuse and her diagnosis' stop her. She started attending University of St. Francis and living in a dorm, working towards Associates Degree in Human Services. However, it ended up not being a good place for her. She didn't let that stop her though. She would go to finish her associates at Argosy University. November 11, 2012 she completed her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She is determined to be disabled as of right now. This does not stop her from using her degree helping others. She states,”Helping others is all I want to do with life, even if not getting paid for it.”

I asked her what she would like to tell other survivors. “The main thing I would like to tell other survivors is to never give up and dream big. Nothing is impossible in life. Success to me isn't measured by achieving alone, it also includes all the times you were pushed down, got back up, and tried again. Never stop trying!”

I first met Teagan on Myspace when she was having a very hard time in her life. I then would start a chat blog where she would soon start blogging about her feelings. We watched her change right before our eyes in this blog. I then got the honor of meeting her in person at a Child Abuse Rally and Vigil in Chicago we was hosting. I would then get to meet her again at another event. For a period she was a member of Baby James Foundation, a group I started for children of abuse and their families. I hope at some point she is able to join us again. She is one remarkable lady that has went through a lot not letting it stop her. I want to close with a song that makes me think of Teagan, because she never let anything stop her.

Blogger Opp- $250 Visa Gift Card

Our friends over at Christian Personal Finance are proud to be hosting a $250 Visa Gift Card Giveaway just in time for Easter!
Everyone gets a FREE Pinterest link on the giveaway form in exchange for posting the announcement post and posting and promoting this great giveaway.
The best part is that the top blogger referrer will get a $25 Visa Gift Card! Whoo hoo!
So, sign up below and share this giveaway with any other blogger-friends that you have :)
You can find the announcement post HTML here- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-dmuVBmuxMVNj27iCXQ-4IrIuRx8BDg4cSzn7v04eQc/edit?usp=sharing
Please report your announcement and giveaway links here- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17MyeV3E-DTrGdLO_noP3TgSktskRPTRoVAbDDDe3i1c/viewform
For updates and announcements, please be sure to join our Facebook Group Pin-n-Tell Giveaways- https://www.facebook.com/groups/492183794179631/

Sverve Find My Color Sweepstakes

Sverve has teamed up with Madison Reed to offer this awesome sweepstakes.

It is all pretty easy to enter and 5 prizes of $50 Amazon Gift Cards will be given away.

 Go ahead and give it a try by clicking on either of the pictures. You don't want to miss this one.

Purex Crystals Limited Edition Fabulously Fresh Review and Giveaway

Purex Crystals Limited Edition Fabulously Fresh Review and Giveaway

“ was provided with the featured product in order to give an honest review.  No other compensation was received.  My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.”

I was so happy to be able to try Purex Crystals, especially seeing that it was the Limited Edition Fabulously Fresh scent!

The picture on the bottle immediately had me dreaming of how Spring is so near. I was dying to open up the bottle and give it a try.

Sure enough the smell was just to die for. I could just let the crystals set out all day long. In fact a friend of mine told me she put some in her warmer and they smelt so good. Even my son loved the smell and didn't want to put them down.

The new Purex Crystals Limited Edition will...

• • Leave clothes smell Fabulously Fresh for weeks, not days
• • Does not reduce the absorbency of towels
• • Safe for all loads, including children's sleepwear and athletic wear

Not only am I offering my giveaway, but you can enter to win a $1,000 shopping spree and a year's supply of Limited Edition Purex Crystals Fabulously Fresh directly from Purex by just going here.

Now here is your chance to win the new Purex Crystals. Three lucky winners will win a coupon for a free bottle of the Purex Crystals Limited Edition Fabulously Fresh. To enter you do not have to do all options, it just gives you more chances, after entering your name and email address. Be sure to come back daily for more chances to win.  Giveaway begins on March 20, 2014 and ends on April 20, 2014 at 11:59 PM central,  in which winner will be notified by email within 24 hours of closing. To enter you give the right for me to share your name as winner (no other information will be given). Winner must respond within 48 hours of when email is sent.

This holds the company harmless in the event that the prize or sweepstakes in some way negatively impacts the winner; this is often done alongside the certification of winner, where the winner must furnish proof of identity, address and birth date to win the prize, and at the same time sign the liability release

Entry-Form

Friday Blessing in Disguise, The story of Charles Stecker and Lil Eddie

Charles J. Stecker Jr. and his little brother, Edward J. Stecker, were removed from their birth parent's home because of founded reports of abuse. What should have been safety for the two of them however, sadly didn't turn out that way. On February 28, 1967 just 13 days after arriving to their second foster home, in the care of Lillian Bedford, 2 year old, Eddie was murdered. He died in his brother Charles's arms. Charles was only 4 years old at the time. Charles also was injured, his left elbow was shattered and to this day he is unable to fully extend it. What is real concerning is the fact that there were red flags that should have been seen in the home of Lillian Bedford. Just ten months prior to the placement of Charles and Eddie, another child died in her care.

Charles states that after recuperating at the hospital and leaving the rehab for his shattered left elbow he was placed in an orphanage where he was reunited with his birth sister. A short time later they were placed together in a home where they remained from August 1967 to July 1973. Charles credits that foster home for giving him the only truly stable years of his childhood. As happens in many foster home situations, unfortunately he was not allowed to remain there. After the death of his brother Charles would remain in the Philadelphia Child Welfare System's care for another 9 years. During Charles' 10 year stay in the child welfare system he had been placed in five different foster homes, two orphanages along with a rehab center. He was returned to his birth mother in 1976, she was who caused the original abuse that caused him to go into foster care. He would go on to live with her throughout his teenage years, dealing with even more abuse then he ever had before.

In 1981 Charles was finally able to escape his birth mother's abusive home. Charles stated, “My life began a slow gradual positive turnaround and is still in that process to this very day.” Charles has devoted his life to not only finding his own life answers, but helping others find theirs as well. “My past experiences have equipped me to assist others who have experienced negativity of any form in their life, especially in the areas of abuse” Charles stated.

He has formed two organizations, The International Child Abuse Prevention Task Force Inc. and Chahlie's Angels Empowerment Programs Llc.

• International Child Abuse Prevention Task Force

About

The International Child Abuse Task Force Inc. is comprised of a diverse group of child advocates who take a pro-active role in protecting children within their families, community and beyond.

Mission

The International Child Abuse Prevention Task Force Inc. works to enable as well as empower individuals and groups devoted to eliminating crimes committed against children. Through our diverse membership we implement and promote programs which protect children, helping to create a safer world where they may grow and thrive.

Description

Our members come together to share ideas, resources and tools allowing one another to contribute effectively to cultivating a safer world for our youth. We work together to generate solution based preventive programs, promote positive public policy and integrate the children's family members into the plan for the child or children coming from these abusive situations. This aids in reducing risk to our young. Helping to achieve our goal of eliminating crimes against children, while offering the education they require to internalize ways they may also protect themselves.

General Information

We believe that protecting children is about reducing risk. When we disrupt the cycle of violence we help prevent predatory crimes against children. Therefore ICAP Task Force Inc. focuses on integrating and implementing programs which safe guard children by offering the resources and support necessary to avoid exposing them to circumstances which consistently contribute to abuse.

• Chahlie's Angels Empowerment Programs

About

 Charles offers "FREE" Seminars via Webinair or in Person.

Description

Are you seeking a deeper sense of purpose in your life while being authentic and real? Do you want to be able to accept your imperfections and continue to grow? Would you like to make choices and choose options in your life that would bring action to your passions? Does bringing success to others bring enthusiasm to you? Are you ready to take responsibility for your life while breaking the grip of fear on your ability to reach out for support? If you answered, "YES" to any, all or just a few of these questions then you, your organization, group, church, company or event need, him to teach, mentor and support "YOU" in becoming All that "YOU" Can Be. Look for an Upcoming "FREE" Webinair that he will be offering. For Personal Appearances he will need transportation, lodging and meals provided, Along with a managable appearance fee. Charles is not looking for money to be overspent on him. He will travel in Coach Seating on a Plane, he has even sat on a Bus for 2 to 3 days to get where he was needed. He enjoys Home Cooked Meals, he will eat Boxed Lunches. Sleeping on the Floor, Couch, Guest Room or Tent is what he'd prefer instead of a hotel room. Charles says, "I'd rather NOT have big money spent on my needs. I'd rather have that additional money be invested into the needs of the child or children and their families that we are empowering. Expect a Life Changing Breakthrough... After attending one of Charles's Seminars you will be afforded a One on One Opportunity with him being being the facilitator in your process to change your life. Think of him as your Mentor

Charles has short term goals of getting both of his companies fully up and operational within the next 12 months. However, his goals don't stop there. His mid-term goal is to get his records from his childhood and write his book.Perhaps even writing a movie script. That goal he hopes to complete by 2017. His long term goal is, “To leave this world with a legacy of children being free from the crimes that have permeated the lives of children for centuries while also empowering themselves and others for generations to come” He needs all of our assistance in order to achieve these goals.

I had the pleasure of meeting Charles when I hosted a Child Abuse Prevention Rally and Vigil in Chicago. He was a huge inspiration, and became a wonderful friend to our whole family, especially my son and S.B.S. Survivor, James.

If you ever need a speaker or know anyone who does I highly recommend you contact Charles. You may reach out to him on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Servant.of.Truth

He has also set up a petition asking that the City of Philadelphia release all records pertaining his brother's murder. If you would please read, sign and share this petition it would be greatly appreciated. http://www.change.org/petitions/r-seth-williams-release-all-records-relating-to-my-brothers-murder

When I asked Charles for a closing thought to share with fellow survivors this is what he had to say “During our childhoods or while in the midst of an abusive situation in our adult lives, choices were made for us that weren't always conducive to a positive outcome, some of those choices were our very own, while most weren't. In and or during our adult lives when we become free from those negative experiences of our past we should do all we can to make choices that will lead to a better outcome than what we were freed from. “

Friday Blessing in Disguise, Glenda Torres Talamantes and her new life

 

At the young age of seven, Glenda Torres Talamantes was placed into foster care due to physical and mental abused caused by her biological mother. Glenda says the abuse made her feel unwanted by many. As many abused children she had a hard time trusting individuals that came into her life. She had a low self esteem because of feeling rejected from the abuse. By the age of eight years and nine months she was placed in adoptive care. This is when her life as she knew it would change forever. 

Mr & Mrs. Torres already had children, however Mrs Torres wanted another baby and was unable to have one. This is when they went to the foster home where Glenda was. Before this day they never knew Glenda or even met her before. This was the first time they would learn of her life. At the age of eight years and nine months she was officially adopted. These are the ones Glenda considers her parents to this day. 

The Torres family gave Glenda a chance to another life, and able to live as a child. Even with everything that came along with raising an abused child they accepted her for her. Glenda states, "They accepted me with all my flaws and made me a part of their family. That was the best thing in life they could have done for me. I could never THANK them enough." 



Personally I have grown to know Glenda through about six years of social networking. She is a very spiritual, caring, loving woman that I myself has turned to. I would say the Torres family has raised a very remarkable young woman. I am sure when they first came into her life she never knew how much of a blessing they would be and remain today. 


 Friday is blessing day here on Blessing in Disguise. Each Friday will be featured a new individual who has been blessed in some way or is a blessing themselves. In hopes through these individuals others will be inspired. If you would like to be featured or know someone who would like to be please email me reneehutchinson1968@gmail.com

Must have to make money online

I have had individuals come to me and ask how I go about making money online. While there are several ways to make money online I think it is important to start with what is needed to make earning a success. While some of these are not needed right up front for all programs, there will come a time it is very important to make even more of that money.

Yes, making money online is legit, and yes there is scams out there. However, anything I will be posting will be confirmed by me as being legit. Meaning it will be proven that I was paid by anyplace I post. I am posting this on my blog because money is needed and is a blessing for any of us who are struggling to make ends meet. For me this extra cash will help not only make ends meet but also getting my home turned into my dream home.

So what is needed?

1. Paypal - Paypal is very important if you want paid by cash and not by gift cards. I usually choose paypal route when possible because I need the cash and it tends to get to me faster.  It is very important that you follow step by step when you sign up. You must be sure to verify your account with paypal. If you do not it can cause issues when it comes time for a company to pay you.

2. Social networking sites - These sites are important when it comes time to share links, articles, reviews that you need to share. Why do you need to share? Sharing gets you clicks, clicks gets you more money. Sharing gets the companies noticed, them getting noticed gets you money.

Here is a list of social networks I highly recommend. For me these are listed in order of my preference. There are many others out there but these are what I find is used a lot. I would for sure get the first three right off.

Another key point on social networks that is important. Don't just jump in it and sign up to share links. You will soon get the image of being a spammer. Build each network to be about you both around what you do to make money, and you as you. No one wants to be friends on a social network with someone that clogs their feeds with nothing but links that really has no meaning to them.  When you share attempt to write a little why you find this link important and may be of interest. Share a little about you, post things that has nothing to do with your online earnings but about you and your life. Get friends and as many as you can. No don't just start clicking away to bring in friends, it won't work. But friends who shares your interests.  On facebook you can also make a page just for your online purpose. The key is you must work at it, it is nothing you can do over night. Stay tuned and you will see more on how I make money online, the legit way.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Google +
• StumbleUpon
• LinkedIn
• Tumblr

Tossing around kitchen idea

While we was at Menards looking around today we was looking at flooring for our kitchen and bathroom. To first explain what we are thinking of doing.  We are going for the rustic, barn look.

I found on Circa Dee this back splash idea. I am thinking of doing this on all the kitchen wall.  

I also found this painting idea here .  Except I am thinking of painting it using barn red instead of the green. I have found the technique and how to do it in several locations.

The floor I am tossing several ideas, what ever it is it will be something natural looking to go with the theme.

We found this vinyl and while it isn't set in stone it is a couple ideas we both like. The colors didn't turn out exactly how they really look.

This one is actually more of a darker brown color.

 

This one is more of a brown, with grey and brick cast in it. 

 

I wish I could of found these online but I wasn't able to. They both are around .89 for square feet. Which means while it don't sound like much it adds up. If we find a solution that we both like, that will hold up we may decide on it. 

One other idea that just may be a possibility is the paper bag floor which is found on Momdepot. There are many different techniques and tips on this just do your research. From what I seen it costs around $1.30 a square foot. However, if I could find the supplies on sale, or on some other location cheaper I just may be able to cut the cost.

 

Which one do you all think? Any other suggestions for flooring? 

Our $10 on 2 Gallon Paint

We decided today to run by Menards to take a look around and get some prices. When we is the paint area we spotted the area of reduced paint. This paint is paint people has returned for some reason of another. On the shelf was a gallon of white, and a gallon of lined white silver. The lined white silver is more of an off white color. We looked at the price $5 a piece. Now this brand of paint ranges from $19 up to $28 for a gallon depending on what you get. Both of these are paint and primer all in one. With the them we are going with I knew we could use both of these colors so I grabbed them. Now isn't that a great deal?  Have you found deals on paint? Where did you find your deals?

 

 

Hot Dog Stew

From time to time I am going to be posting items on this blog to show you how you can save a little here and there. Saving money helps make those bigger blessings possible.  Well I was given this recipe from a friend. My son loves hot dogs, its healthy dish, serves a lot, and inexpensive.

Ingredients

1 1/2 boxes of chicken broth (make sure you use the box)

1 envelope of onion soup mix

A can of diced tomatoes (I used one with garlic and onions)

2 sm or 1 lg bags of mixed vegetables (You can also use 2 lg cans instead)

1 or 2 packages of hot dogs (I used 2)

1 onion

Seasoning to your preference (I used garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper)

 

If you use canned vegetables make sure you drain them but don't drain the tomatoes. Cut up the hot dogs and onion.

Mix and simmer

 

Tada! 

 

The vote came in yum yum good!!

 

First purchase for new home

I was browsing through craiglist when I spotted these lights.  He wanted all three for $10.  That is a little over $3 for each one. Can't beat that and one thing on the list to fix is lights. Hoping to find few more that match these.  Also hoping to find some good deals on ceiling fans that has gold to help match these.

How it began

My husband and I have moved many times in our seven years of marriage. The dream of owning our own home is something we always wanted, coming close a few times for it to fall through the cracks. I am also one who loves older homes, loves DIY projects, and always had dreams of redoing out own home from nothing. Living on disability and husband out of work the odds of that happening was slim to none.

Our present landlord is a blessing in herself. And if you ever need a rental property in Decatur IL hit up Pam Swinford with Swinford Investments LLC. She will treat you good if you treat her good. She is one of those landlords you can only dream of having.  They take foreclosed homes and make them into something.  I had shared with them how I would love something bigger, as to own my own home.

Then she told me about a home she had. She didn't really have the time to put into this one and was willing to sell it cheap. How cheap? Lets try $1500 that is how cheap. It is a four bedroom, garage, fenced in back yard. The catch? As many foreclosed homes it needs work.  The last rentals in this home was filthy, then some individuals started to move in turning cats loose in the home to just crap all over. Well we looked at the home and seen what the city said needed fixed. The plus in this the furnace is new and updated, and the repairs are all pretty small just lots of them. With a lot of work this home could turn into a blessing in disguise for our family.

More good news? Pam agreed to let us remain living in this home while we get that home to meet the cities requirements for us to move in.  Again another blessing in disguise.

Now you ask how are we going to do all of this on just my disability? Well, we have already started looking on craiglist, on resale sites in this area, freecycle any place and every place that we can get deals. Also, I am doing all kinds of sites online to get gift cards, and extra income to go into the home. Yes we are going to be asking for help, and doing lots of praying along the way. But all and all God has already blessed us not only with this home but a wonderful landlord.

I found this and it fit me so perfect, and with the help of some friends that is where the name for our blog started.

Now ready to see our Blessing in Disguise? Hubby took these pictures today so I will take better ones when I go over. He isn't the photographer type and there are other things I wish he would of got so I can show you. For one is the wood floors I really want to redo. 

This is the kitchen which you walk into from the back door. The door to the left back of this picture leads into a room that is a small bedroom. It has two entries into it so this door will be closed off so we can add more cabinets for the kitchen. That room will also become a second bathroom and utility room since our bathroom is on the top floor.

 

These next two pictures is the dining room, and leading upstairs. In the first picture you will see the entry to the right of the room I told you about that is intended to be a bedroom that we will be making into a bathroom and utility room. Yes an adult did that "art work" on the wall.   Rest assured its going and going quick. In the second picture the door is just one door that leads to the foyer.

 Here is the foyer that leads to a closed in front porch. 

You go through the dining room and you get to the living room. The doorway also leads to the foyer.

This is the room that is going to be the bathroom and utility room. It is right off the dining room before you head up stairs.

All of this carpet on the stairs has to be pulled. As I said the cats left us a nice mess. 

The first room we come to upstairs is what will be James' room. It also connects with a doorway to the next room which will be his playroom. 

 Here is his playroom. No the roof isn't leaking.

 

Here is the bathroom.

 And then we come to our room.  None of that carpet is hooked down which made me very happy.

So welcome to our home. As I said lots of work needs done but it truly is a blessing in disguise.