Potty Training

Lucy wants us to start potty training her. She's always trying to one-up Harrison. I have a friend who tried toilet training her cat . . . I never found out if it worked.

Bargain Hunter

I found this wicker rocking chair at a garage sale on Saturday morning. I was able to snag it up for a whopping 9 bucks. It was painted bright white so I'm in the process of toning it down to a cream shade. Since I have a toddler alarm clock who usually wakes up at 5 something, I'm able to hit the sales early. I thought it would look perfect on our front porch.

Goodbye Ivy

Ryan deserves a couples of points for this one. Now we have to figure out how to get the dead ivy from the trees. Ryan-11, Kudzo-999,988.

Ding Dong

Here's a view of our new door, dontcha love the arch! It could use a fresh coat of paint but I might just have to add it to the list. Only 34 days until we get the keys.

Hmm...Stucco

Any ideas on how to remove the thick stucco from the walls? As you can tell from the photo it's really heavy. Sanding it down? Layering it with mud then orange peel spray? Hanging new dry wall? Putting up horizontal wide plank wood paneling then painting it? It's in our living and dining rooms. Help?!

Inspection Time

We had the home inspection today and there wasn't too many repairs for an older home. Although we're going to update the electrical work which should be an adventure. I've never heard of knob and tube until today. On a brighter note, I love the oak hardwood floors and the original glass door knobs.

Flip Flopper

This week's daily activity involves putting on my flip flop and walking around. He seems to enjoy it on the opposite foot and luckily is only wearing one at a time. I better hide all high heels :)

Ahh, Summer Time

It's summer time which means humidity and heat multiplied by a million. Our air conditioner is my new best friend.

We got it!

We are officially first time home owners! It's been a whirlwind weekend and we came out on top. I felt like we were on HGTV and our time was limited. There were several other buyers interested but we were able to sneak in there and get the first offer to the seller. Our realtor is awesome and we owe her many thanks.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day! This is one of my favorite images of H and R from this time last year. It's really hard to believe Harrison was ever this small. Thank you R for being a wonderful father to our little baby.

Move Over Mozart

I'm not sure if Harrison was more fascinated with the sounds of the keys or the movement of the strings. He's really been enjoying dancing to music lately :)

Mmmm, fresh salsa

Have you noticed the tomatoes lately? Definitely a benefit of summer time. I don't like to eat plain tomatoes but I'm a big fan of fresh, homemade salsa. If anyone has a salsa recipe, it would be great if you would post it . . .

Battle with the Kudzo

Ryan's latest battle (since the squirrels aren't an issue here) is with the kudzo (some say it's English ivy). It's covering most of the trees in the yard and has gotten completely out of control. Here he proudly shows off his "catch" after a a fight that involved at least 5 different tools and a half hour of chopping. Ryan-1, Kudzo- 999,999.

Under Control

Harrison decided he could feed himself with a spoon and doesn't need mama's help. For some reason, food taste much better when smeared on the tray first.

Where's the Booth?

On my way back to see my boys, I stopped a fast food type restaurant. I thought it was really strange to have a phone at the table to make collect calls. Hmmm, can cell phones take collect calls?

We'll Miss You, Grandma

-IRISH BLESSING-

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sunshine warm upon your face.

The rains fall soft upon your fields

and until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow

of His hand.

Small Town USA

Off the highway is a small town with a population of 324. My sister wonders if it's a good place to raise a family, I'm sure it's reassuring to know your neighbors and their life stories.

Here's To You

This was my grandmother's favorite restaurant and the whole wait staff knew her well. Tonight we dined and toasted bloody mary's to her. I'm glad we could all be together at this time.

On The Road

The Interstate. Nine Hours. Car Talk. 80's Music. Nevada and Oregon = Cities in Missouri. A Fly As A Companion. Am I There Yet?

Baby Time

I have several friends and relatives who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their new little ones. In the weeks before there's so much anxiety and excitement; everything always works out fine :)

Moving On Up

I've always thought it is funny/strange/weird when people move their entire house to a new location. I guess they can leave everything inside and feel right at home immediately. I'm not sure how the plumbing and electricity situation works . . .

Pool Side

This is Mr. H's new daily activity. He doesn't sit down and relax, he tends to walk the perimeter and use his watering can to cool off. He's still working on the tan.

Sizzlin' Offer

Check out the sign . . . that must be some really hot wax!

The Reveal

Ta Da, it's finished (minus the corner you can't see with all the extras stashed in it)! It's amazing what a can of paint and rearranging furniture will do to a room. I've got the makeover bug now :)

Pillows

The boys discovered the best pillows in life are each other. 

While You Were Out

I used to watch the show "While You Were Out" and thought it would be really cool to surprise someone with a room makeover. Well we found a bedroom to update and started at it tonight. Unfortunately, we were busted and the person walked in on the room torn apart. We made her leave and got back to work.

Mouse on Pad

Mouse pads are a miniature piece of art for your work space. I always use laptops and am without an office right now so mine is built in. We were touring this house and they had the classic oriental rug mouse pad. I wonder if they use the dust buster on it . . .

Bib for Bib

Harrison noticed no one else was wearing a bib at dinner so why should he? After ripping it off, he passed it over to daddy to wear. I think it might be a new look for Ryan.

Play and Learn

We decided to enroll Harrison in a Play and Learn type class. As you can tell, he had a blast and was climbing on everything. Check out his bump on the forehead, poor guy had a lesson in cause and effect. Stupid concrete floor just jumped out at him.

Secret to Longevity

Every time I see Mr. Bubble I think of my Grandma. She's 88 years old and has used Mr. Bubble for decades (maybe since they invented it). Plus, Mr. Bubble's smile is contagious.