Yesterday was the first day we've had mail delivery since Dec. 23. There was quite a few Christmas cards waiting in there for us. Fun!
My in-laws had a great letter (even complimenting my craft and party skills) and we had several friends posing in front of their jets. There were baby announcements and family pictures. I also received a card and note from an old friend's mom. I haven't talked to my friend in years (not sure what happened, but things like that happen sometimes), but I learned that she's engaged and almost done with her master's degree. It's all the things I love about Christmas cards - great pictures and updates (and pretty, shiny cards, of course). Snail mail is wonderful. We should do more of that.
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Moose has a bad cough. Husband is taking him to the doctor in a little bit just to make sure everything is clear. I think he's fine, but if my husband wants to take him and can get an appointment, then why argue?
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I was checking out housing in our area online and was totally bummed to see two houses with the same square footage (and newer and on the end of a cul-de-sac) for sale at a lower price than ours was listed for when we bought it (we didn't pay the listing price, but we didn't pay ::that:: much less). It was so discouraging to see, especially after we've put so much time and money into our master bath recently. You never know, though, maybe prices will pick up in the spring and maybe someone will value our corner lot within walking distance of the school over a slightly newer home on a quieter street (hey, one can hope).
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More snow is expected today. So far nothing. Bean and I hit the grocery store this morning, though, just in case. We needed milk and eggs. I think the pantry challenge starts today.
Showing posts with label house. Show all posts
Showing posts with label house. Show all posts
12.29.2009
11.18.2009
Funk
So, the house is sprayed. Aside from a moth that flew in yesterday afternoon, I haven't spotted a creepy crawly (or a jumping, blood-sucking crawly ... whatever the case may be).
About a week in a half ago, I wore some shoes that I shouldn't (I have the feet of an 80-year-old woman). Anyway, the shoe dug into the left ankle and I've had a quarter-sized oozing sore there ever since. It is gross. I'll just leave it at that. It does, finally, appear a bit better today.
I found this new-to-me sit yesterday: Fly Lady. It's about household organization and all that fun stuff. Her first tip is to keep your kitchen sink clean. This is a task that Feng Shui also insists on. So, it's probably something I should start to do. The sink is currently filled with hot bleach water. I wonder how long this will last?
Moose is getting two new teeth! The bottom ones on either side of the front two. So, he's, um, less than pleasant lately.
Bean's favorite game lately is asking "What letter does ______ start with?" He loves when you "guess" the wrong letter and he knows the answer.
Oh, and I bought new flatware. It's a good weight (Husband doesn't like "too heavy") and there's plenty of it (16 settings). It's a neutral pattern, shiny stainless steel and some brushed. It also comes with butter spreaders and sugar spoons. (Please note that I did not pay that much for it. It was on sale at Kohls for a far better price ... but still enough to make my husband roll his eyes and say, "Why do we need new spoons? What is wrong with the stuff we have?" To which I say, I don't like it, I've never liked it, it's skinny and cheap-feeling, and we have two different sets that don't match, and I've wanted new stuff forever, and I found it, and ... no one is listening to much after that).
About a week in a half ago, I wore some shoes that I shouldn't (I have the feet of an 80-year-old woman). Anyway, the shoe dug into the left ankle and I've had a quarter-sized oozing sore there ever since. It is gross. I'll just leave it at that. It does, finally, appear a bit better today.
I found this new-to-me sit yesterday: Fly Lady. It's about household organization and all that fun stuff. Her first tip is to keep your kitchen sink clean. This is a task that Feng Shui also insists on. So, it's probably something I should start to do. The sink is currently filled with hot bleach water. I wonder how long this will last?
Moose is getting two new teeth! The bottom ones on either side of the front two. So, he's, um, less than pleasant lately.
Bean's favorite game lately is asking "What letter does ______ start with?" He loves when you "guess" the wrong letter and he knows the answer.
Oh, and I bought new flatware. It's a good weight (Husband doesn't like "too heavy") and there's plenty of it (16 settings). It's a neutral pattern, shiny stainless steel and some brushed. It also comes with butter spreaders and sugar spoons. (Please note that I did not pay that much for it. It was on sale at Kohls for a far better price ... but still enough to make my husband roll his eyes and say, "Why do we need new spoons? What is wrong with the stuff we have?" To which I say, I don't like it, I've never liked it, it's skinny and cheap-feeling, and we have two different sets that don't match, and I've wanted new stuff forever, and I found it, and ... no one is listening to much after that).
11.12.2009
Neat & Tidy
This should be my motto: If it's not one thing, it's another.
The dog. Has fleas. And brought them into the house. So, the house has fleas. I told the exterminator, "I don't care if the stuff causes cancer, I want you to KILL everything!" They will be here at 11 a.m. tomorrow, but they warned me that we'll still see fleas for another week or so. We need to vacuum every day, we need to keep things neat and tidy and laundered and cleaned, we need to give the lawn a good trimming and pick up all stray debris. You know, because between my husband's job, two little kids, and a half-complete bathroom renovation, we have loads of time to keep everything (inside and out) spotless! Are you kidding me?
But we'll do our best, because we have to.
I should mention that I am forever thankful that my husband is helpful with the house and the kids. Really, my in-laws should be very happy with the man he's become. It doesn't mean he's perfect, but he's a good man.
Moose is in good health and spirits. Bean, however, was hit with some sort of bug (no, not fleas) on Tuesday and ran a fever that night and stayed home Wednesday. He complained of body aches and a sore throat, but he's mended and is back at school today. Then he gave it to me. It was all body aches and sore throat - woke up last night every single time I swallowed (so, you can imagine the great night's sleep I got). After jumping through some hoops, I did see a doctor this morning ... to be diagnosed with "nothing." To sum it up, I have snot that isn't draining properly, which is putting pressure on my ears and causing the "irritation" on my throat. Lady, this is not irritation, this a fire. A fire in my throat! The nurse, who's been practicing for 25+ years, took a throat culture, but the doctor (who is my age) decided that was unnecessary and threw it out. I'm not an ageist, but ... whatever.
So, that's where we are at. We have tile floors, grouted and all, in the "new" bathroom. Oh, we also have an operating toilet. The cabinet/sink are in, but they're not attached (do not have the right parts) ... but it sure looks pretty (and is no longer in the bedroom). So, it's getting there.
I have vacuumed once today, but I need more vacuum bags (must change them after each vacuuming).
Goodness. I hate complaining this much. Please forgive me.
The dog. Has fleas. And brought them into the house. So, the house has fleas. I told the exterminator, "I don't care if the stuff causes cancer, I want you to KILL everything!" They will be here at 11 a.m. tomorrow, but they warned me that we'll still see fleas for another week or so. We need to vacuum every day, we need to keep things neat and tidy and laundered and cleaned, we need to give the lawn a good trimming and pick up all stray debris. You know, because between my husband's job, two little kids, and a half-complete bathroom renovation, we have loads of time to keep everything (inside and out) spotless! Are you kidding me?
But we'll do our best, because we have to.
I should mention that I am forever thankful that my husband is helpful with the house and the kids. Really, my in-laws should be very happy with the man he's become. It doesn't mean he's perfect, but he's a good man.
Moose is in good health and spirits. Bean, however, was hit with some sort of bug (no, not fleas) on Tuesday and ran a fever that night and stayed home Wednesday. He complained of body aches and a sore throat, but he's mended and is back at school today. Then he gave it to me. It was all body aches and sore throat - woke up last night every single time I swallowed (so, you can imagine the great night's sleep I got). After jumping through some hoops, I did see a doctor this morning ... to be diagnosed with "nothing." To sum it up, I have snot that isn't draining properly, which is putting pressure on my ears and causing the "irritation" on my throat. Lady, this is not irritation, this a fire. A fire in my throat! The nurse, who's been practicing for 25+ years, took a throat culture, but the doctor (who is my age) decided that was unnecessary and threw it out. I'm not an ageist, but ... whatever.
So, that's where we are at. We have tile floors, grouted and all, in the "new" bathroom. Oh, we also have an operating toilet. The cabinet/sink are in, but they're not attached (do not have the right parts) ... but it sure looks pretty (and is no longer in the bedroom). So, it's getting there.
I have vacuumed once today, but I need more vacuum bags (must change them after each vacuuming).
Goodness. I hate complaining this much. Please forgive me.
11.05.2009
Bathroom Pictures (BEFORE & DURING)
Before:
Shower stall after Husband jack hammered out the old pan:
New drywall:
We're quite a bit further then this now, but I haven't taken pictures.
Shower stall after Husband jack hammered out the old pan:
New drywall:
We're quite a bit further then this now, but I haven't taken pictures.
Pictures Soon!
OK, folks. I am finally downloading the pictures and will update soon. There is so much fun stuff - Halloween costumes, pumpkin buying, a torn apart bathroom, a sick baby, and more!
Moose is feeling better. The only thing still bothering him is the diaper rash - which no longer looks like a yeast rash, but just a run-of-the-mill diaper rash. It gets better, then it gets worse. I let him run around naked about an hour everyday. That did not end well yesterday ... I think he peed the biggest puddle I've ever seen (that coming from someone who has potty-trained an older child and owns a 35-pound dog).
Bean is doing well in school. He comes home with mostly green days now. This morning he told me, "Sometimes, Mrs. Wookus is not nice." I asked when. He said, "When she changes your crayon to blue." Well, kiddo, how 'bout you stop SHOOTING AT PEOPLE when she tells you to stop (his most recent altercation)!
The bathroom is coming along, but still far from finished. It seems like every time we think we're ready "for this," then "something else" comes up. We were hoping to get the cabinet in, but with the way it's designed, we needed to tile first. The new cabinet and sink sit nearly 6" taller than the old one ... so we needed some different pipes to make everything work. All the running around shopping takes a lot of time and there's no rushing mortar or plaster in the drying aspect. We'll get there.
Moose is feeling better. The only thing still bothering him is the diaper rash - which no longer looks like a yeast rash, but just a run-of-the-mill diaper rash. It gets better, then it gets worse. I let him run around naked about an hour everyday. That did not end well yesterday ... I think he peed the biggest puddle I've ever seen (that coming from someone who has potty-trained an older child and owns a 35-pound dog).
Bean is doing well in school. He comes home with mostly green days now. This morning he told me, "Sometimes, Mrs. Wookus is not nice." I asked when. He said, "When she changes your crayon to blue." Well, kiddo, how 'bout you stop SHOOTING AT PEOPLE when she tells you to stop (his most recent altercation)!
The bathroom is coming along, but still far from finished. It seems like every time we think we're ready "for this," then "something else" comes up. We were hoping to get the cabinet in, but with the way it's designed, we needed to tile first. The new cabinet and sink sit nearly 6" taller than the old one ... so we needed some different pipes to make everything work. All the running around shopping takes a lot of time and there's no rushing mortar or plaster in the drying aspect. We'll get there.
10.24.2009
Bathroom Update
Bathroom demo was going very well till we got to the shower pan. The tile practically fell off the walls and floor. It was fabulous! Then we hit the shower pan, where we found rotten wood and wet concrete ... so we had to jackhammer the sucker out and build a new one from scratch. It's not something we planned on having to do, and it sucks.
Thankfully, there was no mold and the foundation was fine. There was a few spots of rotten wood, but that was it. Husband did some research and, like always, was able to figure it out. Our new one is now drying.
The Shower Pan Fiasco of '09 put us way behind scheduled. Husband took off work, I had child care, and we really thought our new bathroom would be here this weekend ... no such luck. As is, we have a new shower pan and walls.
On the plus side, at least it looks sort of like a room ... it didn't look like that Wednesday night.
House of Toys returns from their Disney World vacation on November 15 - we hope to have it done by then. Maybe Husband can take a couple Tuesdays and Thursdays off and Moose can go to Mother's Day Out and we can bust out the rest of it quickly.
The progress has been like watching paint dry or water boil ... but we'd rather do it right than do it fast.
In nothing-to-do-with-bathroom news ....
Husband and Bean tested out their Halloween costumes on Friday (Bean's school was having a fall carnival), and they were ADORABLE! Their overalls and hats were just perfect.
Bean is wearing his glasses very well. Aside from a moment where he decided to take them off and BASH THEM INTO THE DVD PLAYER, he's done quite well with them. (Seriously, I pulled the car over and yanked him out of his car seat and was pretty livid. Sure, take your $100 glasses and bash them into the $200 DVD player ... OMG! Somehow, I resisted beating him and screaming, but he knows that DVD player will disappear if it ever happens again ... funny thing, the DVD player is rarely even on ... so why he decided to hit it while it was playing Thomas is beyond me.)
I went to garage sales with my neighbor today. I found some fabulous stamping stuff for super-cheap. I also got lots of inexpensive clothes for the boys and a couple toys and puzzles and games. I love other people's junk.
Thankfully, there was no mold and the foundation was fine. There was a few spots of rotten wood, but that was it. Husband did some research and, like always, was able to figure it out. Our new one is now drying.
The Shower Pan Fiasco of '09 put us way behind scheduled. Husband took off work, I had child care, and we really thought our new bathroom would be here this weekend ... no such luck. As is, we have a new shower pan and walls.
On the plus side, at least it looks sort of like a room ... it didn't look like that Wednesday night.
House of Toys returns from their Disney World vacation on November 15 - we hope to have it done by then. Maybe Husband can take a couple Tuesdays and Thursdays off and Moose can go to Mother's Day Out and we can bust out the rest of it quickly.
The progress has been like watching paint dry or water boil ... but we'd rather do it right than do it fast.
In nothing-to-do-with-bathroom news ....
Husband and Bean tested out their Halloween costumes on Friday (Bean's school was having a fall carnival), and they were ADORABLE! Their overalls and hats were just perfect.
Bean is wearing his glasses very well. Aside from a moment where he decided to take them off and BASH THEM INTO THE DVD PLAYER, he's done quite well with them. (Seriously, I pulled the car over and yanked him out of his car seat and was pretty livid. Sure, take your $100 glasses and bash them into the $200 DVD player ... OMG! Somehow, I resisted beating him and screaming, but he knows that DVD player will disappear if it ever happens again ... funny thing, the DVD player is rarely even on ... so why he decided to hit it while it was playing Thomas is beyond me.)
I went to garage sales with my neighbor today. I found some fabulous stamping stuff for super-cheap. I also got lots of inexpensive clothes for the boys and a couple toys and puzzles and games. I love other people's junk.
10.20.2009
Bathroom Renovation Begins Tomorrow
Yesterday morning, I said to my husband that we still had quite a few things to buy to start the bathroom renovation on Wednesday. I also asked him if he'd figured out how we were going to do X, Y, and Z. He tells me, "I don't need you freaking out, I need you to be supportive." From where I was standing, I was trying to get the project organized, so we weren't rushed and ignorant when we started it ... that is supportive. Perhaps he would have preferred hot tea and a cheer?
He later tells me that he's been "avoiding" making lists and doing research, because he's not looking forward to doing the bathroom.
So, did he think elves were going to pop into our bathroom and demo and tile? Nice *SA there, Husband. We have A LOT of tile in our garage. And two toilets. A vanity cabinet. A sink.
I twice offered that we could take everything back and just replace the toilets.
So, he had an out.
But he didn't take it.
Will post pictures.
Oh, and he said I could "knock our a couple tiles today." He specified, "A 'couple' means TWO, Melissa. Don't go overboard." Well, then he should have taken the hammers to work with him :)
*SA = Situational Awareness, something the military talks a lot about (the military and women's self-defense classes)
He later tells me that he's been "avoiding" making lists and doing research, because he's not looking forward to doing the bathroom.
So, did he think elves were going to pop into our bathroom and demo and tile? Nice *SA there, Husband. We have A LOT of tile in our garage. And two toilets. A vanity cabinet. A sink.
I twice offered that we could take everything back and just replace the toilets.
So, he had an out.
But he didn't take it.
Will post pictures.
Oh, and he said I could "knock our a couple tiles today." He specified, "A 'couple' means TWO, Melissa. Don't go overboard." Well, then he should have taken the hammers to work with him :)
*SA = Situational Awareness, something the military talks a lot about (the military and women's self-defense classes)
6.02.2009
Who Needs the Sears Repairman? Not Me! (And Happy Birthday to Myself)
So, I'm a year older today. Doesn't feel that different. Birthdays peak at 21. Perhaps 30 will prove more exciting. (I'm trying to talk my mom into a trip to Hawaii or maybe a resort vacation in Mexico. Her birthday is just a few days after mine, and she's also reaching a "milestone" birthday that year, so it'd be fun to do something together.)
It was a fabulous day, though. The kids were a bit ornery (yes, I used the word "ornery"). I was trying to get a load of stuff ready for the consignment shop and one was fussing and the other was bouncing off the walls, so I loaded them into the car and finished my work in the parking lot on base. I've discovered that I can legally tie them both up in the car and no one says a thing about it or even looks at me meanly. Tis a wonderful discovery :)
I got home and noticed my washing machine blinking. It did this once before. It took three weeks to get the Sears repairman out here. Let me tell you, having a young child, a mother-in-law coming to visit, and no working washing machine is not a great combination in the middle of the freaking summer. Anyway, so I waited for three weeks for a smelly guy to open up my machine and reveal a pair of my underwear that the washer ate. Luckily, I paid attention and attacked the machine myself this time around. It took an hour to take it apart and clean up all the water, but I fixed it all on my own. It was quite satisfying. I am also several baby wipes, a grommet, some lint, and 39 cents richer.
My friend E. sent me the best present in the whole world. She overnighted three pints of Spinach & Mushroom Etouffee from Yats, one of our favorite restaurants in college. Seriously, when I opened the package I felt like a little kid on Christmas Day. I was so happy. A few seconds later, though, the noise and demands from Bean and Moose brought me back to reality, but at least I got 30 seconds of pure bliss!
Husband got off work early and brought me lunch. (I saved the Yats for another day, so don't go thinking I'm a pig.) Then I got a couple hours to myself - got my toes done (blue, if you must know, with white flowers painted on the big toes) and wandered around Hobby Lobby. It was weird to be out in public alone, but it was much needed. We did pizza for dinner and then I open another great present ... he made me (yes, like from pieces of wood and nails) a shelf for all my stamp pads! The best news, my current stamp pads only take up about half the space ... so I have lots of room to grow.
I had a birthday brownie, which disappointed Bean. He seems to think a cake is completely necessary for a birthday.
Me: Today is my birthday!
Bean: No it not, Mama. You no have a cake!
Me: I don't have to have a cake. It's my birthday.
Bean: I have two birthdays, Mama.
Then he goes on to tell me about his Elmo party (for this third birthday) and his pirate party (which happened this year). All day I have tried to explain that you only get one birthday a year, but he insists that he has two. Exhausting!
We also discussed where Grand-Dad, Grandma, and Steffie live, where Grandma in the Blue House lives, and where we live. I need to get it on video and post it up here. It's pretty funny. "Teh-hiss. I live in Teh-hiss, Mama. Mama, you live in Teh-hiss?"
Also, people, enter my raffle a couple posts below! I feel totally unloved.
It was a fabulous day, though. The kids were a bit ornery (yes, I used the word "ornery"). I was trying to get a load of stuff ready for the consignment shop and one was fussing and the other was bouncing off the walls, so I loaded them into the car and finished my work in the parking lot on base. I've discovered that I can legally tie them both up in the car and no one says a thing about it or even looks at me meanly. Tis a wonderful discovery :)
I got home and noticed my washing machine blinking. It did this once before. It took three weeks to get the Sears repairman out here. Let me tell you, having a young child, a mother-in-law coming to visit, and no working washing machine is not a great combination in the middle of the freaking summer. Anyway, so I waited for three weeks for a smelly guy to open up my machine and reveal a pair of my underwear that the washer ate. Luckily, I paid attention and attacked the machine myself this time around. It took an hour to take it apart and clean up all the water, but I fixed it all on my own. It was quite satisfying. I am also several baby wipes, a grommet, some lint, and 39 cents richer.
My friend E. sent me the best present in the whole world. She overnighted three pints of Spinach & Mushroom Etouffee from Yats, one of our favorite restaurants in college. Seriously, when I opened the package I felt like a little kid on Christmas Day. I was so happy. A few seconds later, though, the noise and demands from Bean and Moose brought me back to reality, but at least I got 30 seconds of pure bliss!
Husband got off work early and brought me lunch. (I saved the Yats for another day, so don't go thinking I'm a pig.) Then I got a couple hours to myself - got my toes done (blue, if you must know, with white flowers painted on the big toes) and wandered around Hobby Lobby. It was weird to be out in public alone, but it was much needed. We did pizza for dinner and then I open another great present ... he made me (yes, like from pieces of wood and nails) a shelf for all my stamp pads! The best news, my current stamp pads only take up about half the space ... so I have lots of room to grow.
I had a birthday brownie, which disappointed Bean. He seems to think a cake is completely necessary for a birthday.
Me: Today is my birthday!
Bean: No it not, Mama. You no have a cake!
Me: I don't have to have a cake. It's my birthday.
Bean: I have two birthdays, Mama.
Then he goes on to tell me about his Elmo party (for this third birthday) and his pirate party (which happened this year). All day I have tried to explain that you only get one birthday a year, but he insists that he has two. Exhausting!
We also discussed where Grand-Dad, Grandma, and Steffie live, where Grandma in the Blue House lives, and where we live. I need to get it on video and post it up here. It's pretty funny. "Teh-hiss. I live in Teh-hiss, Mama. Mama, you live in Teh-hiss?"
Also, people, enter my raffle a couple posts below! I feel totally unloved.
5.30.2009
We're Done
I never understood how people made hundreds of dollars at garage sales. My neighbor claims to make at least $300 each year. Honestly, I don't think Husband and I have ever cleared $200 ... until today! Combined with House of Toys, we sold more than $500 worth of stuff! Both sides of our driveway were stocked with stuff (and our driveway is about twice the length of most neighborhood driveways) ... and there was little left in the end!
I have a stack to get rid of and several trips to the consignment shop ahead of me, but we have our new lamps AND Bean has his beloved Edward. Yesterday, Bean told me: "No, Rosie, Mama. Rosie is naughty." He settled on Mighty Mac instead. He's quite happy. (My friend, who has a baby girl, was appalled at the price of a small, wooden train. "Why do they cost so much?" she asked. "Because we pay it," I responded.)
We are all exhausted. We started pulling stuff out of the garage at 6:30 and people started showing up right about then. We worked it till 12:15 ... then our driveway was out of shade and the crowd died down. Then it was lunch, Toys R Us, and Lowe's.
Tomorrow is a birthday party at House of Toys. I have an ice cream cake to make ... not real clear how to do it, but I'll figure it out!
*I would also like to announce that I dominated in the lamp competition! Husband and I both brought lamps into our marriage - each rather disgusted by the other. Husband's sold first for $15. It took a few hours, but mine finally sold for $20! Thank goodness ... I never would have lived that down.
I have a stack to get rid of and several trips to the consignment shop ahead of me, but we have our new lamps AND Bean has his beloved Edward. Yesterday, Bean told me: "No, Rosie, Mama. Rosie is naughty." He settled on Mighty Mac instead. He's quite happy. (My friend, who has a baby girl, was appalled at the price of a small, wooden train. "Why do they cost so much?" she asked. "Because we pay it," I responded.)
We are all exhausted. We started pulling stuff out of the garage at 6:30 and people started showing up right about then. We worked it till 12:15 ... then our driveway was out of shade and the crowd died down. Then it was lunch, Toys R Us, and Lowe's.
Tomorrow is a birthday party at House of Toys. I have an ice cream cake to make ... not real clear how to do it, but I'll figure it out!
*I would also like to announce that I dominated in the lamp competition! Husband and I both brought lamps into our marriage - each rather disgusted by the other. Husband's sold first for $15. It took a few hours, but mine finally sold for $20! Thank goodness ... I never would have lived that down.
5.27.2009
Garage Sale This Saturday
Wahoo! The ad is placed and it WILL happen - rain or shine!
We will reclaim our garage ... finally. I pledge to no longer hold things for a garage sale and instead take them to the consignment shop once 20 things pile up. It's seriously ridiculous!
Spending money for California!
I also bought some soda and water for Bean to sell ... he can use the money to buy Edward. He'll be so happy.
We will reclaim our garage ... finally. I pledge to no longer hold things for a garage sale and instead take them to the consignment shop once 20 things pile up. It's seriously ridiculous!
Spending money for California!
I also bought some soda and water for Bean to sell ... he can use the money to buy Edward. He'll be so happy.
5.24.2009
Dead Birds & More
So, I often complain that my husband works too much ... but there seems to be a distinct difference between him working too much and him being gone completely.
I mowed the day he left, because he didn't. I didn't edge, and it looks quite terrible ... but I haven't had anyone knocking on my door asking to mow it (I had two knocks previously). Regardless, I still have a case of ghetto grass.
There is also a dead bird on the sidewalk.
There was also a dead bird in the play room thanks to Spike (the pug from House of Boys that I'm watching for the weekend) . I picked that one up.
The one on the sidewalk is still there (it's been two days).
I found a roach. A big, ugly roach. The first time I've ever found one in this house. (And before you think I'm the worst housekeeper in the world ... roaches are VERY common in Texas. Like so common that coming across one from time to time is completely normal.)
The front porch light burnt out last night as I turned it on. So, I got to go out in the dark and fix it.
All of these, I suppose, are easy enough to handle ... I just prefer not to.
I also ran out of bread. My milk went sour. I haven't cooked a proper dinner since Wednesday (and I usually cook most every night).
Did I mention that Moose is teething like a crazy person? He actually screams! I've even resorted to Hyland Teething Tablets AND Tylenol together. I even let him feed himself cottage cheese, because he was so antsy about it. I much prefer mess to noise. Let me tell you, cottage cheese is messy. I hoped the dogs would lick it up, but it turns out that neither heelers nor pugs are a big fan of cottage cheese.
I am in big trouble when the time comes for Husband to deploy (which, thankfully, won't happen for a few more years).
In relief news, however, I bought this:
Happy early birthday to me.
I mowed the day he left, because he didn't. I didn't edge, and it looks quite terrible ... but I haven't had anyone knocking on my door asking to mow it (I had two knocks previously). Regardless, I still have a case of ghetto grass.
There is also a dead bird on the sidewalk.
There was also a dead bird in the play room thanks to Spike (the pug from House of Boys that I'm watching for the weekend) . I picked that one up.
The one on the sidewalk is still there (it's been two days).
I found a roach. A big, ugly roach. The first time I've ever found one in this house. (And before you think I'm the worst housekeeper in the world ... roaches are VERY common in Texas. Like so common that coming across one from time to time is completely normal.)
The front porch light burnt out last night as I turned it on. So, I got to go out in the dark and fix it.
All of these, I suppose, are easy enough to handle ... I just prefer not to.
I also ran out of bread. My milk went sour. I haven't cooked a proper dinner since Wednesday (and I usually cook most every night).
Did I mention that Moose is teething like a crazy person? He actually screams! I've even resorted to Hyland Teething Tablets AND Tylenol together. I even let him feed himself cottage cheese, because he was so antsy about it. I much prefer mess to noise. Let me tell you, cottage cheese is messy. I hoped the dogs would lick it up, but it turns out that neither heelers nor pugs are a big fan of cottage cheese.
I am in big trouble when the time comes for Husband to deploy (which, thankfully, won't happen for a few more years).
In relief news, however, I bought this:
Happy early birthday to me.
5.20.2009
Pink Bread & More
I have a Tastefully Simple party tonight. It's actually Mrs. House of Toys party, but we're dumping kids off at her house and doing the fancy adult stuff here. I baked a beer bread with Jones Sugar-Free Black Cherry Soda. It's pink. I'm scared to taste it. I'm a girl that doesn't even eat green noodles, so you can imagine how I feel about pink bread.
The fireplace is looking good. Husband has one more side to trim in tonight and then I can paint out the trim and touch up the walls. I can't wait to post new pictures.
Poor Moose woke up screaming in pain. Teeth are dumb. He took a cat nap in my lap this morning and is down for his afternoon nap. I have an entire house to clean up for company tomorrow.
The fireplace is looking good. Husband has one more side to trim in tonight and then I can paint out the trim and touch up the walls. I can't wait to post new pictures.
Poor Moose woke up screaming in pain. Teeth are dumb. He took a cat nap in my lap this morning and is down for his afternoon nap. I have an entire house to clean up for company tomorrow.
5.13.2009
He Did Falls Asleep
My dear Moose did fall asleep. Finally. He slept for three hours. I told him he was tried. Luckily, Husband had a short break from work and was able to pick Bean up from school, so I didn't have to wake up Moose.
Much the rest of the day involved the boys from House of Toys. Mrs. House of Toys worked three hours on my fireplace yesterday and worked another three (or was it closer to four?) tonight. She knows the bricks on my fireplace quite intimately now ... her husband might be jealous.
The fireplace looks SO MUCH better. Hopefully, Husband and I will get the trim up this weekend, then we can all fully appreciate how much better the WHITE fireplace is compared to the grimy, dark red/orange fireplace, yes? It's bizarre how different it is. The whole room looks newer. Twas not a mistake after all!
While the Mrs. painted, I wrangled children. Goodness, that lady has a tough job. At this moment, I'm quite thankful there's a bigger age difference between my two. Those boys play and play and play and hard, hard, hard. I'm not sure how she does it day in and day out. I was ready to pass out the moment they left (OK, maybe a little before they left).
The biggest challenge seems to be that the three of them (R, C, and my Bean) cannot all three be occupied with the same thing at the same time - not even Thomas on TV. Two of them want to do something and the third always wants to go in the opposite direction. It's like they plan it that way. Also, it seems, that they only listen two at a time as well ("Come here!" and "Don't do that!") ... so then you have to say things again and again and by then one or two of the other ones has wandered off. Goodness.
We played in the sprinklers with the kids from House of Trees for a good while ... until the mosquitoes started to eat us alive. I don't enjoy the heat, but I can't wait for those suckers to fry up. They make being outside quite unbearable. Anyway, hopefully the boys from House of Toys were tuckered out for the evening. I know Bean went down easily (as did Moose) - both are sleeping peacefully in their room.
Much the rest of the day involved the boys from House of Toys. Mrs. House of Toys worked three hours on my fireplace yesterday and worked another three (or was it closer to four?) tonight. She knows the bricks on my fireplace quite intimately now ... her husband might be jealous.
The fireplace looks SO MUCH better. Hopefully, Husband and I will get the trim up this weekend, then we can all fully appreciate how much better the WHITE fireplace is compared to the grimy, dark red/orange fireplace, yes? It's bizarre how different it is. The whole room looks newer. Twas not a mistake after all!
While the Mrs. painted, I wrangled children. Goodness, that lady has a tough job. At this moment, I'm quite thankful there's a bigger age difference between my two. Those boys play and play and play and hard, hard, hard. I'm not sure how she does it day in and day out. I was ready to pass out the moment they left (OK, maybe a little before they left).
The biggest challenge seems to be that the three of them (R, C, and my Bean) cannot all three be occupied with the same thing at the same time - not even Thomas on TV. Two of them want to do something and the third always wants to go in the opposite direction. It's like they plan it that way. Also, it seems, that they only listen two at a time as well ("Come here!" and "Don't do that!") ... so then you have to say things again and again and by then one or two of the other ones has wandered off. Goodness.
We played in the sprinklers with the kids from House of Trees for a good while ... until the mosquitoes started to eat us alive. I don't enjoy the heat, but I can't wait for those suckers to fry up. They make being outside quite unbearable. Anyway, hopefully the boys from House of Toys were tuckered out for the evening. I know Bean went down easily (as did Moose) - both are sleeping peacefully in their room.
5.08.2009
More Laundry
I am still doing laundry today. I'm not sure how Jon & Kate Plus 8 only get away with two washers and dryers. I need two of each, and I have a quarter of the amount of children. I think the Duggars have four of each. I would need like 10.
People seem to like the painted fireplace better. I really think it does lighten up the room. Mrs. House of Toys really liked it ... I have also recruited her to finish the job for me by buying her a bike. (She is trying to get money/bike donations so all the kids with perfect attendance at the school she volunteers at can get a new bike.) So, everyone will win in the end.
I have 14 cloth diapers. This gets me through about two days. I wash them every other day (sometimes every day). Another 6 might be nice, then I could maybe sneak another 12 or 24 hours in there or at least have some while the others are washing and drying (I like to airdry the covers and on humid days that takes a while). We are making due, though.
I am so happy it's Friday. Mrs. House of Toys and I are planning on going to garage sales tomorrow morning, then her family is coming over Sunday for dinner. Mr. House of Toys is cleaning our air conditioner in exchange for a steak dinner. (Mrs. doesn't cook red meat, so this is a treat for him. Also, do you notice there's a lot of trading going on?) It's also Mother's Day on Sunday! Hopefully, all our cards and gifts arrive to our moms and Jonathan's grandma on time.
People seem to like the painted fireplace better. I really think it does lighten up the room. Mrs. House of Toys really liked it ... I have also recruited her to finish the job for me by buying her a bike. (She is trying to get money/bike donations so all the kids with perfect attendance at the school she volunteers at can get a new bike.) So, everyone will win in the end.
I have 14 cloth diapers. This gets me through about two days. I wash them every other day (sometimes every day). Another 6 might be nice, then I could maybe sneak another 12 or 24 hours in there or at least have some while the others are washing and drying (I like to airdry the covers and on humid days that takes a while). We are making due, though.
I am so happy it's Friday. Mrs. House of Toys and I are planning on going to garage sales tomorrow morning, then her family is coming over Sunday for dinner. Mr. House of Toys is cleaning our air conditioner in exchange for a steak dinner. (Mrs. doesn't cook red meat, so this is a treat for him. Also, do you notice there's a lot of trading going on?) It's also Mother's Day on Sunday! Hopefully, all our cards and gifts arrive to our moms and Jonathan's grandma on time.
5.07.2009
A Clumsy Day
The day started out well enough. I slept till 8 and both boys were still asleep! I read my paper and ate breakfast and then Bean joined me at 8:30. Moose followed at 9. That's when things went downhill.
Moose peed out his diaper - leaving another pile of sheets to wash. I started work on the fireplace two days ago and this morning decided "it's worse than ever," "I made a huge mistake," and "how on earth could it be uglier?" Then I spilled iced tea all over the inside of the fridge. Then I spilled my lunch all over myself and the floor. All this on top of Moose's regularly scheduled program of spreading his toast crumbs from his highchair to every surface in a 10-foot range. All of this on top of the everyday mess that I'm never on top of.
Also, Moose hasn't taken more than a 30-minute nap in three days (that's what happens when you "insist that you will nap in your crib).
It's rounding out to be a fairly rough week.
I decided the fireplace was just too much right now, so I cleaned up all the paint stuff, rehung the shelves and arranged the pictures. I reinstalled the screen (whatever it's called, the thing that goes in front of where the actual fire would go, should you actually have a fire). Anyway, while it lacks a certain uniform coverage, I don't completely hate it. Once the paint issue is resolved and the trim is put on, it might actually be an improvement. So, at least I'm feeling better about that.
For today, I think I'm just going to stick to laundry. There's enough of that to keep me busy. While I still love the cloth diapers, man, I am sick of laundry.
On the plus side, Husband got all the yardwork done yesterday ... so at least we don't have to worry about that this weekend!
I have lots of pictures. Perhaps I will get around to those soon.
Moose peed out his diaper - leaving another pile of sheets to wash. I started work on the fireplace two days ago and this morning decided "it's worse than ever," "I made a huge mistake," and "how on earth could it be uglier?" Then I spilled iced tea all over the inside of the fridge. Then I spilled my lunch all over myself and the floor. All this on top of Moose's regularly scheduled program of spreading his toast crumbs from his highchair to every surface in a 10-foot range. All of this on top of the everyday mess that I'm never on top of.
Also, Moose hasn't taken more than a 30-minute nap in three days (that's what happens when you "insist that you will nap in your crib).
It's rounding out to be a fairly rough week.
I decided the fireplace was just too much right now, so I cleaned up all the paint stuff, rehung the shelves and arranged the pictures. I reinstalled the screen (whatever it's called, the thing that goes in front of where the actual fire would go, should you actually have a fire). Anyway, while it lacks a certain uniform coverage, I don't completely hate it. Once the paint issue is resolved and the trim is put on, it might actually be an improvement. So, at least I'm feeling better about that.
For today, I think I'm just going to stick to laundry. There's enough of that to keep me busy. While I still love the cloth diapers, man, I am sick of laundry.
On the plus side, Husband got all the yardwork done yesterday ... so at least we don't have to worry about that this weekend!
I have lots of pictures. Perhaps I will get around to those soon.
2.16.2009
New Light
We have ceiling fans in every room of the house (except the bathrooms). They're all the same except for this lousy one in the kitchenette area. What the heck? Anyway, this baby found a new home via FreeCycle:
Do you see my husband hard at work?
I narrowed our new light down to two, and Husband chose this one:
Do you see my husband hard at work?
I narrowed our new light down to two, and Husband chose this one:
2.09.2009
Hallways are complicated creatures ...
Who knew that "the hallway" would present the biggest challenge in the world of interior painting. I suspect it's all the trim and tight corners. It's also an area where everyone must muster in and out all day, leading to bathrooms and bedrooms and back out to the main living area. It's narrow. Along with the trim, there's vents and lots of doors and the cabinets. It's cut in, all ugly wood is primed. So now it's time to roll the beige (ugh, I hate beige, but we have to think resale value ... I suspect no one would appreciate a home painted entirely Apple Green). After rolling, I'll finish off the trim. The cabinet doors will still be waiting for me.
Husband got the new lights up. I stuck one of our old fans on Freecycle, and the new owner claimed it yesterday. The other fan had to be hacked away and was, unfortunately, tossed in the trash. At least I kept one out of the landfill! He also got the curtain rods up in the boys' room and fixed the fridge door.
Oh, Saturday night, I went and got a pedicure with Mrs. House of Toys. We roamed the mall for a little bit and then ... we went to a bar. She never goes to bars. I haven't gone in, geez, nearly two years. So we sat and inhaled second-hand smoke. She asked for a lemonade and the waitress was flabbergasted and said they didn't have lemonade. When she asked, "Well, what do you have that is non-alcoholic?" The waitress didn't even know what to say. Seriously, she didn't even offer, "Soda." Mrs. House of Toys settled for water, and I enjoyed an ice-cold bottle of Bud Light (OK, a bottle and a half). We listened to live music, performed by some very grungy looking guys (we were thankful we were in another room and didn't have to look at them), and talked about things of yore. We smelled terrible when we left. I shampooed my hair three times before I went to bed. But it was a nice change of pace from the typical "lame stay-at-home-slob" agenda.
Moose is napping - has been since about 12:30!!!
I'm about two thirds of the way though Charmed Thirds (the third book in the Jessica Darling saga). I was devastated to learn that Perfect Fifths (the most recent JD book) won't be out till April 19! Stinks.
An odd thing I thought of today. My husband's birthday is on a 21st, my oldest son's is a 23rd - a difference of 2 days. My birthday is on a 2nd, my youngest son's is on a 4th, a difference of 2 days. Weird. These are the things I think about on my walk home from dropping Bean off at school. Perhaps this is why I'm better off surrounded by noise and chaos.
Husband got the new lights up. I stuck one of our old fans on Freecycle, and the new owner claimed it yesterday. The other fan had to be hacked away and was, unfortunately, tossed in the trash. At least I kept one out of the landfill! He also got the curtain rods up in the boys' room and fixed the fridge door.
Oh, Saturday night, I went and got a pedicure with Mrs. House of Toys. We roamed the mall for a little bit and then ... we went to a bar. She never goes to bars. I haven't gone in, geez, nearly two years. So we sat and inhaled second-hand smoke. She asked for a lemonade and the waitress was flabbergasted and said they didn't have lemonade. When she asked, "Well, what do you have that is non-alcoholic?" The waitress didn't even know what to say. Seriously, she didn't even offer, "Soda." Mrs. House of Toys settled for water, and I enjoyed an ice-cold bottle of Bud Light (OK, a bottle and a half). We listened to live music, performed by some very grungy looking guys (we were thankful we were in another room and didn't have to look at them), and talked about things of yore. We smelled terrible when we left. I shampooed my hair three times before I went to bed. But it was a nice change of pace from the typical "lame stay-at-home-slob" agenda.
Moose is napping - has been since about 12:30!!!
I'm about two thirds of the way though Charmed Thirds (the third book in the Jessica Darling saga). I was devastated to learn that Perfect Fifths (the most recent JD book) won't be out till April 19! Stinks.
An odd thing I thought of today. My husband's birthday is on a 21st, my oldest son's is a 23rd - a difference of 2 days. My birthday is on a 2nd, my youngest son's is on a 4th, a difference of 2 days. Weird. These are the things I think about on my walk home from dropping Bean off at school. Perhaps this is why I'm better off surrounded by noise and chaos.
2.06.2009
Three-Letter Words
Doing the crossword this morning over breakfast.
Me (thinking aloud): Bean, what's a fragrant tree, three letters, middle letter is an I?
Bean: Poo.
Me: While fragrant and three letters, it is not a tree. Nor does it have I as the middle letter. Good guess, though.
=====
Big events for the weekend:
Oh, and Bean went to the doctor today. He's complained his ears the last couple days on and off. His ears are fine. He also whines about his eyes when he cries (apparently the tears freak him out), but they looked at those too. He's fine, just dramatic.
Me (thinking aloud): Bean, what's a fragrant tree, three letters, middle letter is an I?
Bean: Poo.
Me: While fragrant and three letters, it is not a tree. Nor does it have I as the middle letter. Good guess, though.
=====
Big events for the weekend:
- New light fixtures for the master bedroom and eat-in kitchen area.
- Old master bedroom fixture being moved into office.
- Curtain rods and curtains in boys' bedroom.
- Hallway cabinets sanded and painted white.
- Hallway walls painted beige (same color as living room - not my first choice, but we won't live here forever).
- My Emma and her younger brother might spend some time with us Sunday afternoon while Husband goes to work.
Oh, and Bean went to the doctor today. He's complained his ears the last couple days on and off. His ears are fine. He also whines about his eyes when he cries (apparently the tears freak him out), but they looked at those too. He's fine, just dramatic.
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