The shed would have been helpful, but really if we got rid of all the crap we're just "storing" we'd have more than enough room for the things we actually use.
The Wii was heavily considered but, in the end, would probably have cost more than any other of our options after buying all the accessories we'd want for family fun. I'm not giving up the idea though...maybe for Christmas?
We had our wall painted.
Jeremiah and I discussed all three options and I ultimately made the decision to have the wall painted. I've had a paint chip taped to my wall for almost a year and although I admired the 2"x3" splash of color, it was time to have it cover the entire wall. We'd have done it ourselves, but it's a 14'x30' wall and that's a lot of ladder time, people! The painter came in and did all the prep work, painted 2 coats and the cleanup in less than 6 hours. If we'd attempted it ourselves I'm guessing we'd still be climbing ladders to hang tape. I'm really happy with the result and the fact that it is finally done. Bye-bye, paint chip!
And it was the least expensive of the 3, so I feel pretty thrifty.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Nothing That I Really Need...
Today, Jeremiah and I decided to finally spend money on something that we've been talking about for a while. Since we had 3 main things we were trying to decided between, I'm going to ask my readers what they believe was our final decision.
Did we...
1) choose to buy a storage shed so that we can move the lawnmower and lawn tools out of the garage?
2) hire someone to come and paint the large expanse of wall that is in our front room?
3) buy a Wii bundle for some family fun?
Did we...
1) choose to buy a storage shed so that we can move the lawnmower and lawn tools out of the garage?
2) hire someone to come and paint the large expanse of wall that is in our front room?
3) buy a Wii bundle for some family fun?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Signs of Spring*
The weather is finally changing over to Spring. Yesterday was so warm a beautiful! The kids and I went for a walk and played outside almost all day. In fact, I got a mild sunburn on my neck and Isaac's face is obviously sun-kissed. It was wonderful to be outside without puffy coats and footwear up to our knees.
We're right in the heart of the spring thaw. Jack was clever enough to find the stickiest mud on our property and wasted little time in sinking right in. He started to panic when both his feet got stuck and when I pulled him out the mud chose one of his shoes as a memento.
If you've ever been at my house for any occasion in warm weather, chances are I've served you BBQ riblets and grilled pineapple for dinner. Because it was so nice outside I decided to welcome spring by firing up the grill and preparing a feast! It may sound dumb, but after all that effort on the grill, the baked potato I served with it was what really hit the spot.
If you've ever been at my house for any occasion in warm weather, chances are I've served you BBQ riblets and grilled pineapple for dinner. Because it was so nice outside I decided to welcome spring by firing up the grill and preparing a feast! It may sound dumb, but after all that effort on the grill, the baked potato I served with it was what really hit the spot.
Another thing that signifies the beginning of Spring for me is the urgent desire to shop! I don't know if it's a side effect of the cabin fever and stir craziness experienced during the winter months or if it's because we have 3 birthdays, our anniversary and Easter in April, but man I want to $pend! In any event, I try to remain responsible when I hit the stores. But when my 3 year old daughter insisted on jelly shoes instead of the cute sandals I picked out, I threw sensibility out the window. Because every little girl needs jelly shoes.
*I began this post on Saturday afternoon, before our fickle Spring decided to relent to the bossy winter. We've had snow every day since!
"It's a Major Award"
The lovely and amazingly talented Tammy has just given me the Sweet Lemonade Blog Award. It's my first award and I'm so flattered to have received it, especially when it comes on the wings of my first "troll" comment. Thank you, Tammy!
Here are the rules for sending it along and sharing the love:
Here are the rules for sending it along and sharing the love:1. Put the logo on your blog post.
2. Nominate at least 5 blogs that show great attitude and/or gratitude.
3. Be sure to put a link to your nominees.
4. Let them know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you've received the award.
Hands down my first nominee is Katie at Our Own Private Idaho. Kate has 3 intelligent and hilarious children, 4 if you count her husband. Her blog is full of comedy but she also shows off her awesome photography talent and some of her writing prowess in short essays. I also have to credit her for inspiring me to start a blog.
I'd also like to give this award to Alisha at Now, What Can I Say When I Get Home Today? Alisha and I went to high school in a small town together. She obviously has moved on to a grander life, but stays grounded as she raises her young daughter who also happens to be sweeter than a marshmallow. She also asks thought provoking questions, such as, "How do you feel about your toes?"
My next award goes to Carole at South of Sanity. If ever there were a blog about making lemonade out of lemons, it has got to be this one! Carole shares the intimate details of a very delicate situation in a way that will make you laugh, cry and maybe even throw up a little in your mouth. Check out her blog and then buy her book!
My fellow foodie, Goldie, from Confessions of a Serial Baker, must also be recognized. She has some amazing recipes posted and takes the time to share some comedic antics and hockey love.
And last, but not least, Kelly at The Martin Family. Kelly is unexpectedly expecting her 2nd baby. Most of her posts talk about her adorable daughter and the fun things they do as a family. Kelly is hilarious when sharing her feelings about pregnancy and openly expresses her hatred for "stupid, happy pregnant women." I happen to fall into that category when I'm pregnant, but I still laugh.
There you go! Make sure to visit all these wonderful blogs and let them know they are great! Thanks again Tammy for the award. (I'll pay you later. :^P)
Judge Not
Don said...
You must really have no life if American Idol is your life-blood. I cannot stand the show nor do I really care about what these people do to get onto a show like this. I have a better use for my time than some kind of variety show.
What can I say, Don? I guess you're right...I have no life. Obviously you think the "better use for [your] time" is reading a stranger's blog and talking down to the author. That must be very rewarding. If only the rest of us could be so full of purpose.
I am sticking out my tongue at you, Don. *phbbbt*
You must really have no life if American Idol is your life-blood. I cannot stand the show nor do I really care about what these people do to get onto a show like this. I have a better use for my time than some kind of variety show.
What can I say, Don? I guess you're right...I have no life. Obviously you think the "better use for [your] time" is reading a stranger's blog and talking down to the author. That must be very rewarding. If only the rest of us could be so full of purpose.
I am sticking out my tongue at you, Don. *phbbbt*
Thursday, March 19, 2009
My Thoughts on American Idol
I don't normally post about TV but I just have to say this: I miss last year's American Idol contestants. This year's group kind of scares me. I haven't chosen a favorite yet and I have yet to vote.
Did you hear Adam Lambert's take on "Ring of Fire?" F.R.E.A.K.Y. I guess he didn't have much choice than to be all weird on country music night, it's obviously not his style. But still...
And I was surprised that Allison was in the bottom three. I really like the tone of her voice.
And then there are some people that sing well each week but for some reason I still can't remember their names. (Even though I can still tell you the top 10 from last season.)
Also, I secretly think the blind kid, Scott, is a recovering vampire. Have you noticed those fangs? Still, he seems like a nice enough guy.
I was sad to see Alexis leave last night. I liked her, too. That only leaves a few girls left on the show!
Anyway, apparently my life is boring, because this is all I have to say.
Have a great day!
Did you hear Adam Lambert's take on "Ring of Fire?" F.R.E.A.K.Y. I guess he didn't have much choice than to be all weird on country music night, it's obviously not his style. But still...
And I was surprised that Allison was in the bottom three. I really like the tone of her voice.
And then there are some people that sing well each week but for some reason I still can't remember their names. (Even though I can still tell you the top 10 from last season.)
Also, I secretly think the blind kid, Scott, is a recovering vampire. Have you noticed those fangs? Still, he seems like a nice enough guy.
I was sad to see Alexis leave last night. I liked her, too. That only leaves a few girls left on the show!
Anyway, apparently my life is boring, because this is all I have to say.
Have a great day!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
An Open Letter to the "Lady" in the Car Behind Me
Hello again. You might remember me from this morning. As you entered the parking lot behind me you chose to turn down the first row of parking, even though it was obviously going to be a tight squeeze with the large service vehicle parked in the middle of the lane. I chose to turn down the second row of parking, free from obstruction.
Because of the vehicle blocking your path you had to cut through the parking lot. I saw you coming and assumed you realized that I had the right of way, since I wasn't driving over any of those funny painted stripes that, for those of us with functioning brains, signify parking spaces. However, as your car approached mine, you barely slowed down and then had the audacity to honk at me as if I were in your way.
I have to tell you that I was filled with smug satisfaction when you then had to get behind me in line at the drive-thru. Don't think that I didn't see you glaring at me out your window. How could I miss it? (By the way, that is not a good look for you.) I was tempted to tell the cashier at the window to pass along a message, but I resisted. I didn't think you'd like to hear what I had to say. I also resisted the urge to flip you the bird as I drove off, because I am a lady.
Drive safely!
Because of the vehicle blocking your path you had to cut through the parking lot. I saw you coming and assumed you realized that I had the right of way, since I wasn't driving over any of those funny painted stripes that, for those of us with functioning brains, signify parking spaces. However, as your car approached mine, you barely slowed down and then had the audacity to honk at me as if I were in your way.
I have to tell you that I was filled with smug satisfaction when you then had to get behind me in line at the drive-thru. Don't think that I didn't see you glaring at me out your window. How could I miss it? (By the way, that is not a good look for you.) I was tempted to tell the cashier at the window to pass along a message, but I resisted. I didn't think you'd like to hear what I had to say. I also resisted the urge to flip you the bird as I drove off, because I am a lady.
Drive safely!
Sunday, March 08, 2009
A Match Made in a Messy Heaven
I decided to color with my kids on Friday afternoon. I was excited to open a brand new box of 48-count Crayolas, which, if I'm being honest, I purchased for myself. I was tired of the old melding pot of free crayons from various restaurants that were broken and had the paper torn off.
"Be soft," I said to the kids. "We don't want to break our new crayons." So after about 1/2 hour of coloring, I snapped a crayon in half. The only casualty to speak of.
Fast-forward to that night. Isaac invited his cousin, Teagan, over for their first sleepover. Both boys were really excited for the evening. I had already decided to make sloppy joes with potato chips and baby carrots. At the last minute I thought it would be fun to make some Kool-Aid since we rarely serve it.
I carefully poured a minute amount of Kool-Aid into 4 small plastic cups for each of the kids at the table. Jeremiah sat down and poured himself an extra tall cup of the sweet drink. Guess who's spilled. That's right. All 4 kids handled their drinks with care and every last drop of it made it into their mouths. Jeremiah's tall cup, however, was spilled all over the table and cascaded over the chair and onto the floor.
We truly were made for each other, don't you think?
"Be soft," I said to the kids. "We don't want to break our new crayons." So after about 1/2 hour of coloring, I snapped a crayon in half. The only casualty to speak of.
Fast-forward to that night. Isaac invited his cousin, Teagan, over for their first sleepover. Both boys were really excited for the evening. I had already decided to make sloppy joes with potato chips and baby carrots. At the last minute I thought it would be fun to make some Kool-Aid since we rarely serve it.
I carefully poured a minute amount of Kool-Aid into 4 small plastic cups for each of the kids at the table. Jeremiah sat down and poured himself an extra tall cup of the sweet drink. Guess who's spilled. That's right. All 4 kids handled their drinks with care and every last drop of it made it into their mouths. Jeremiah's tall cup, however, was spilled all over the table and cascaded over the chair and onto the floor.
We truly were made for each other, don't you think?
Friday, March 06, 2009
I Should Have Roasted Marshmallows
Today I did something I've never done before: I started a fire on my stove top.
I had just put on some rice to cook when I looked down and saw smoke creeping up all around the bottom of the pan. I leaned in close to see what was smoking and saw a small lump just under my drip-pan starting to char and turn red when *WHOOSH* the burner ignited. I turned off the heat and removed the pan from the burner. Then I opened the pantry to find a lid to try and cover it. All my lids are glass so I opted for a saucepan instead. I inverted the saucepan and placed it over the burner before I realized that the flames would still have an oxygen supply from the other 3 burners. Not sure what else to do I just blew on the flames. Luckily this was on one of the small burners so it only took a few deep breaths to extinguish the flames.
I was able to remove the burner and drip pan with a pair of tongs. Under the drip pan was that same little piece of charred whatever. I ran it under some water before dropping it into the garbage. I cleaned off the drip pan - obviously something that was long overdue - and then returned everything to the stove and finished cooking my lunch. It was exciting and uneventful all at the same time.
On a side note, I can't wait for grilling weather!
I had just put on some rice to cook when I looked down and saw smoke creeping up all around the bottom of the pan. I leaned in close to see what was smoking and saw a small lump just under my drip-pan starting to char and turn red when *WHOOSH* the burner ignited. I turned off the heat and removed the pan from the burner. Then I opened the pantry to find a lid to try and cover it. All my lids are glass so I opted for a saucepan instead. I inverted the saucepan and placed it over the burner before I realized that the flames would still have an oxygen supply from the other 3 burners. Not sure what else to do I just blew on the flames. Luckily this was on one of the small burners so it only took a few deep breaths to extinguish the flames.
I was able to remove the burner and drip pan with a pair of tongs. Under the drip pan was that same little piece of charred whatever. I ran it under some water before dropping it into the garbage. I cleaned off the drip pan - obviously something that was long overdue - and then returned everything to the stove and finished cooking my lunch. It was exciting and uneventful all at the same time.
On a side note, I can't wait for grilling weather!
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
What Do You Expect With 3 Kids?
Right before Christmas we went through the toys as a family. Each child picked out a few toys that they really wanted to keep and we made sure they all fit into their toy box - a small storage container. The rest we donated.
So a while ago we decided to take down the bed in the guest room so the kids would have a room to play. We figured it would be easier to set up the bed when we had company rather than try to keep the kids from jumping on it the other 99.99% of the time. Since that decision, the guest room seemed to explode with toys. Why bother putting them in the toy box when you can just shut the door, right?
Well last week we had company. Jeremiah had just bought some extra-large storage bins on clearance and put all the toys in one and placed it in the family room. I couldn't believe all the toys piled in there and overflowing! Hadn't we just gone through the toys and scaled down?
"How is it that the toys seem to have multiplied?" I questioned.
Jeremiah looked at me and replied flatly, "They obviously have more free time than we do."
So a while ago we decided to take down the bed in the guest room so the kids would have a room to play. We figured it would be easier to set up the bed when we had company rather than try to keep the kids from jumping on it the other 99.99% of the time. Since that decision, the guest room seemed to explode with toys. Why bother putting them in the toy box when you can just shut the door, right?
Well last week we had company. Jeremiah had just bought some extra-large storage bins on clearance and put all the toys in one and placed it in the family room. I couldn't believe all the toys piled in there and overflowing! Hadn't we just gone through the toys and scaled down?
"How is it that the toys seem to have multiplied?" I questioned.
Jeremiah looked at me and replied flatly, "They obviously have more free time than we do."
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
I Hope the Rest of You Enjoyed Your Sleep
Last night was one of those nights where you wish you weren't the parent. Kenley woke up at 1:30 AM with a headache that had her in hysterics. She couldn't calm down, she was restless, she was inconsolable and tired. In short, she was miserable. Which means anyone within earshot was miserable as well.
I didn't realize at first that she didn't feel well. I thought that she was just a little restless so at about 2 this morning I put Aristocats on and left her under a blanket on the couch. I was certain that she would fall asleep watching the movie and that she would just stay the night on the couch. Instead she strolled back into my bedroom some time after 3 and informed that the movie was over. She started to fuss again and complained that her head hurt. After giving her some medicine I tried to put her back in her bed which resulted in copious amounts of tears from my toddler.
We spent all night going back and forth between beds, chairs and couches in search of the perfect position that would allow her to calm down and relax. Kenley finally found the spot this morning at 7:30 as she curled into my lap at the table while I tried to coax Isaac into eating his breakfast.
She's finally feeling better. I threw her in the bathtub against her will. Poor thing protested throughout the entire bath but didn't have the energy to fight me. But after the bath she calmed down and agreed to take some more medicine. It's so hard when they don't feel well and you really don't know how to help them. What's worse is when it's in the middle of the night and you're struggling to be compassionate because you really just want to sleep.
I didn't realize at first that she didn't feel well. I thought that she was just a little restless so at about 2 this morning I put Aristocats on and left her under a blanket on the couch. I was certain that she would fall asleep watching the movie and that she would just stay the night on the couch. Instead she strolled back into my bedroom some time after 3 and informed that the movie was over. She started to fuss again and complained that her head hurt. After giving her some medicine I tried to put her back in her bed which resulted in copious amounts of tears from my toddler.
We spent all night going back and forth between beds, chairs and couches in search of the perfect position that would allow her to calm down and relax. Kenley finally found the spot this morning at 7:30 as she curled into my lap at the table while I tried to coax Isaac into eating his breakfast.
She's finally feeling better. I threw her in the bathtub against her will. Poor thing protested throughout the entire bath but didn't have the energy to fight me. But after the bath she calmed down and agreed to take some more medicine. It's so hard when they don't feel well and you really don't know how to help them. What's worse is when it's in the middle of the night and you're struggling to be compassionate because you really just want to sleep.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
