Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Happy Birthday! I love you with my whole heart, thanks for letting me celebrate another birthday with you! XOXOXOX

Joy Ride

Hang on kitty, you're about to have the ride of your life!

Voices for Justice

Last night, Ryan and I attended the Voices for Justice, a music and poetry rally for the West Memphis Three. Eddie Vedder (who is completely AMAZING) and Johnny Depp (yes, he wobbles around on stage just like he's Captain Jack Sparrow) performed several songs together included "Society." The outspoken Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks, Patti Smith, and Fistful of Mercy (Ben Harper, Joseph Arthur, Dhani Harrison) all showcased their talents too.

Click HERE to read the story about the West Memphis Three.

Happy Birthday Katie

Happy Birthday Katie! Even though you're not physically with us, I know you're watching us all from above. I think of you often and miss you dearly.

Here's a funny Katie story. She loved, no she was OBSESSED with chocolate. I don't think she could make it a day without having it. I used to find spoons all over our apartment b/c she would squirt a dollop of Hershey's chocolate syrup on a spoon and it was heaven to her mouth. One day I came home from work and found six cupcakes in the trash can. I asked Katie what happened. She said she was on a diet and they wouldn't sell her one cupcake. She ended up buying all six then licking the frosting off one. Knowing her will power is low, the trash was the only option for the other ones.

Welcome to the Zoo

I'm always on the lookout for new authors/illustrators for Harrison's library collection. Children's illustrator Allison Jay is a fantastic find. In this book, Welcome to the Zoo, she guides the reader through a maze of animals. Since there are no words, the stories are unlimited.

Harrison is quick to point out the monkey snooping through the lunch bag. I noticed the giraffe taking a lick of the ice cream cone.

Visitors dressed to the nines in penguin attire, kiddos mimicking the penguin waddle and pearly-whites on the seal, who needs words?!

Grilled Cheese, Yes Please!

A restaurant down the street from us had THE BEST grilled cheese sandwich I've ever had. Unfortunately, the chef decided to move to greener pastures and THE BEST was no longer available on the menu. We recreated it tonight with a little something extra (you really can't go wrong with bacon). The bread was purchased for a local bakery (only 5 ingredients listed). Melt a small amount of butter in the iron skillet instead of coating the bread. Spread brie on one piece of bread then top with thinly sliced apple (next time we're going to try Granny Smiths for a more tart flavor), pepper bacon (yes, the pepper makes a HUGE difference), finish off with enough provolone to cover the apple and bacon, then add the top slice of bread. Once melted, remove sandwich, add more butter and return sandwich to skillet for toasting the other side. Simply delish!

Website Wednesday - The Hostess with the Mostess

If you're searching for creative party ideas, click HERE to be inspired by The Hostess with the Mostess. There are party themes for bridal showers, baby showers, holiday parties, special occasions, etc. Plus a section on gifts and recipes.

Aren't these cupcakes great? Click HERE for the blog which even more ideas!

YIKES!

I am not a professional, I repeat I am not a professional but maybe I should seek a professional? My mudding efforts have failed me. You can still see the seems of the drywall. Yes, this is a back laundry room and no one hangs out there but I would like it to look better. I called a so-called professional and his quote was $350 to re-mud the ceiling. Is it me but does that seem a little steep? It's kinda stressing me thinking about it . . . Any advice?

Clean Machine

Since everything is outta place back here, it was the perfect opportunity to clean behind the washer and dryer. The previous owners left a few items behind: a sock, a pair of panties (why is it called a pair?, two feet holes?) and a huge litter of dust bunnies. I'll return them if needed.

More Help

Bob and Ryan spent several hours hanging the sheet rock for the bathroom and hallway (not really a hallway I can't think of a word for it). When you have an older home, nothing is exactly square and walls/ceilings tend to shift over time which causes frustrations (aka headaches). What did we get ourselves into???

Ahhhh, More Work

I finished taping the drywall today and will start the mudding process tomorrow.

I had my assistant with me today. The blue tape is looking fantastic.

Grill Master

Ryan is starting to become quite the grill master. We found a few 20 minute recipes from Real Simple and they are proving to be pretty tasty.

Twilight

We're enjoying cooler weather this evening and the sky is cloudy with orange.

Website Wednesday - Mila's Daydreams

I'm blown away by the creativity on this blog. Click HERE to enter into Mila's Daydreams. Adele Enersen describes her blog as "This is my maternity leave hobby. While my baby is taking her nap, I try to imagine her dream and capture it." She only has a few minutes per picture, including creating the idea, implementation and editing, cause she doesn't want to disturb Mila's sleeping.

As I was reading the FAQ section, I learned most of the clothes were given by the Finland government. Mothers receive a "maternity package" which is full of clothes and the crucial items needed for a newborn. 

Are We Done Yet?

Here's the progress this week. The insulation is newly added, hopefully this will help with heating and cooling. Are we done yet?

Tators

When your child is quiet, it's time to check up on him. Here's what happened today:

Me: Harrison, Harrison, where are you?

(don't hear him, searching through the house, found him in the laundry room with Lucy)

Me: What are you doing?

H: Tators

Me: What?

H: Tators

At this point, he gives Lucy tators and looks at me.

H: Tators

Me: Okay, carry on.

For those who are not familiar with the terminology, see above.

Rollin'

How do you roll, over or under or it doesn't really matter? I never paid any attention until Ryan and I moved in together. Sharing a space with someone always takes some kind of compromise. For example, I prefer the bed to be made every morning and he requested the "over" roll which if you think about it makes more sense than under. After five years of this, I can't stand to see someone have it rolled under. Secretly, I'll switch it in unsuspecting bathrooms. 

Birthday Girl

This is one smart birthday girl . . . always check out the sack to make sure you didn't miss anything!

Monkey Time

Mimi, catch that crazy monkey, he's outta control!

Demolition Progress?

In addition to the laundry/storage area we're also tearing out the ceiling in the back bathroom. I thinking the saw in the sink is a nice decorative touch :)

Website Wednesday - Starts With A Bang

Today's website is Ryan's choice. Click HERE to read about this science blog from Ethan Siegel. "Ethan fell in love with learning about how and why the Universe works the way it does at a very young age, and has spent his entire adult life pursuing that end." The posting titled "How to Launch a Space Shuttle in 4 Minutes" is pretty interesting and has plenty of photos and a video. Enjoy!

Climb On

I haven't been to a climbing gym in years. I used to go and just watch Ryan as he dominated the 5.13s. Ryan, on the other hand, has a membership to the local gym and tries to go weekly. I've been with him outside but have gotten pretty nervous and the whole height thing makes me sweat just thinking about it. Tonight I joined him and actually had a good time. It was my first time climbing indoors and definitely had more confidence than before. Watch out, Lynn Hill here I come (okay, not really).

The Kid Has Style

You never know who you're going to see when you're mowing so you might as well look as cool as possible. Mission accomplished.

Laundry Room

Our laundry/storage room was starting to wear me out. It's just so unorganized and unfinished, I decided to tackle it today. First, I started painting the wall on the right (can't see it from this view). Then I realized it would be best to clear out the room before I did anything else. Little did I know, this opened a big can of worms. Now, we're caulking the window seals, tearing down the ceiling, re-wiring, moving the light fixtures, adding new dry wall, painting, organizing and decorating. 

Date Day

Harrison and I had a lovely afternoon hanging out at the Discovery Museum and browsing through Target. From this experience, I learned he's TOTAL boy. He spent 2 hours playing with the diggers and trains. While at the store, I saw a cute, little red purse.

Me: (feeling the purse) This is nice.

H: Mama, I like it.

Me: Me too. Should I get it? (asking was a mistake)

H: NO, MAMA. You have purses at home. No more purses. 

Me: Okay. (You would think I have a room full of them by the way he reacted!)

We're Melting

So last night, I was having hot flashes. I think I still have another 20 years before I'm supposed to get them but it's not the case. Then Ryan mentioned the heat too. We checked the thermometer and it was 84 degrees in the house! After a late night text to Bob, he came to the rescue in the morning. Harrison was more than eager to be his apprentice (although sometimes I think it's the other way around).

As we stood outside in the heat, the neighbors air conditioner stopped running. Harrison looked over said we need to fix that one too. 

Harrison just fired Bob and got it running within a half an hour. Way to go, buddy!

Funny Guy

Now that Harrison is getting older, his vocabulary is starting to explode. In addition to that, he's becoming quite the storyteller. He came into my office today and here was our conversation.

H: It smells GROSS!

Me: What smells gross?

H: Raccoon parts.

Me: Huh?

H: Raccoon parts

Me: What?

H: Raccoon PARTS.

Me: Okay. Where are they?

H: In the woods, at Bob and Mimi's house.

Me: What parts?

H: Raccoon masks.

Me: Oh okay, good to know.

H: They smell gross.

Website Wednesday - A Dog Photographer

Click HERE to browse through the charming photographs of man's best friend. "Meet Erin Vey. I am a dog lover first. A photographer second. By some random chance of fate, I was able to combine the two loves into the coolest job ever: A Dog Photographer." I really admire go-getters like her, chasing their dream and managing to successfully achieve it.

Before and After - Dresser

This dresser has been in Ryan's family for nearly 40 years! I found it in the garage, crying in the corner. So I took it home and shoved it in the closet for about 3 months. Every night as I lay in bed thinking of everything that is included on my To Do list, I could hear whimpers coming from him/her. Okay, okay you're next.

I'm thinking she's/he's looking rather stylish now. Only "hip-hip hooray" coming from this dresser.

A Completed Project!

Notice something different about the walkway? The long black railing is gone! I felt like it divided the yard in half and really wasn't necessary.

Another shot from above. I can't wait until next year when the grass is grown in and our flower bed is exploding :)

Step To It

Ta da, the pathway is coming to life! We were able to create it with some of the stone from the backyard. We're going to grow grass in between them so mowing will be a snap.

Here's the view from the front porch. We're getting closer . . .