The Butlers

New Year, New Look

2010-01-12T14:11:00.002-06:00

I will now be posting here. I have wanted to change my blog for a while. I have high hopes of putting the last few years into a hard copy. I've added that to my growing to-do list. Happy belated New Year!

A Funk

2010-01-05T14:53:00.003-06:00

I think this weather has put me in a funk. It's too early in the winter and the year for a funk! I just feel blah. My early morning Y partner and I have agreed to start meeting again tomorrow morning. Maybe that will help. I'm still working on cleaning, organizing and a long list of projects. Crossing things off my list may help too. It's just one of those days.

One of My Favorite Pastimes - DECORATING!

2010-01-01T19:08:00.006-06:00

I love to look at decorating magazines, read blogs about decorating, and try new ideas in my home. I love our home being our place to get away from the craziness of life and relax and have fun as a family. I am thoroughly enjoying having the room to entertain and decorate our new home. I was a little slow getting the Christmas decorations up. Next year will be a piece of cake now that I have done it once. I wanted to particpate in the Nester's tour of homes but wasn't done in time. Some of these ideas are mine, others I have seen somewhere else. Either way, I love to do it!

Our family room - I used mesh in the greenery. I used to always use ribbon. I LOVE the mesh!

The mirror in our entry - I had peacock feathers and decided to try them in the tree in my music room. I love them with some turquoise, brown, and beige ornaments against the red wall. I used the turquoise and red in our entry.

I also used the peacock feathers, turquoise and red on the banister.

My music room tree - I felt like I was really stepping out on a limb to get this black tree but I love it!

I found this photo holder at Pier One for $5. It works great to display our Christmas Cards.

The little village I inherited from my mom.

The tree in our family room. I have always done a great big bow on the top of the tree with ribbon woven throughout the tree. I was trying to get away from the "country look" this year with our move. I used picks and feathers in the top of our tree.

The top of the hutch - sorry it's a little blurry.

Another picture of our family room with a cozy fire and Craig asleep on the couch :)

The chandelier over the dining table - I'm not crazy about the ornaments hanging - I need to work on this for next year.

Our table for Christmas dinner. I had the flu for a couple days before Christmas and still didn't really feel that great on Christmas Day. The table isn't at all what I had envisioned. I wanted to make a table cloth out of leopard print but didn't get it done. I have Craig's grandma's red glass dishes. I love them and they are really pretty mixed with so many different colors.

Chair swags tied with leopard ribbon.

Christmas plates on the counter. I also like to use colored balls in bowls and vases to add Christmas color all around the house.

Ornaments

2010-01-01T19:05:00.002-06:00

Each year I want to give my piano students Christmas gifts, and I'm ashamed to say, I haven't always gotten it done. It is difficult to think of something worth giving without spending a fortune when I have 20+ students. These ornaments were fairly inexpensive and easy to make. They turned out pretty cute. I think they would be really cute if you filled them with the brown or tan shredded paper and used leopard print ribbon with lime green or orange letters for monograms.

First Play In The Snow This Year

2010-01-01T19:00:00.001-06:00

Santa

2010-01-01T18:53:00.002-06:00

Even though, we emphasize Jesus' birth being the reason we celebrate Christmas, we don't ignore Santa for now. Jack wanted to go see him. He was really excited the entire time we waited in line. As soon as he got to Santa's lap, he froze. Santa asked him what he wanted, and Jack shrugged his shoulders. There was an elementary age boy taking the pictures. Santa was trying to talk to Jack and Jack was more interested in the boy. He pointed to the boy and said "what kind of camera is that?" Yes, Jack loves electronics and any kind of gagdet. Maybe Santa got the idea even though Jack was too nervous to talk to him.

Happy Birthday Jesus

2010-01-01T18:47:00.003-06:00

We have talked a lot about how Christmas is Jesus' birthday the last few weeks. Jack wanted to make him a cake. He also wanted to use his #3 candle from his last cake for Jesus' cake. He helped me make the cake, frost it and put sprinkles on it. We also had to sing and Jack blew out the candle. I think the frosting is his favorite part :)

Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T18:31:00.004-06:00

"Yeah! Games for my Leapster!"

Tinker Toys

Trying the remote control car with Daddy

Seeing what's in the stocking

A remote controlled car

Cap guns

New jammies

We had our last family gathering for Christmas today. Jack has had so much fun. We have too! Now that he is old enough to anticipate and get so excited, it has been fun for us to watch him. I am ready to put away Christmas for another year and clean and organize. I have a LONG list of projects for the new year. Most are just a continuation of settling and organizing our home since moving. I have a lot of pictures, so I'm not patient enough tonight to wait on our computer. I'm going to leave the red-eye for now. :)

Blogslacker...Again

2009-12-19T14:21:00.002-06:00

When I get super busy and feel totally overwhelmed, blogging is one of the things that just falls by the wayside. We're still here. Today I am trying to finish decorating for Christmas. In a new house, it has taken longer, just trying to decide where to put things. I also had some new ideas I wanted to try and have had to wait until I could run to Hobby Lobby or Michaels to get a few things. I am also trying to finish shopping, wrapping, baking, and making ornaments for my piano and flute students (super cute and super easy, I will blog them when I'm finished.) Tomorrow my students are playing at a local nursing home. I can't wait! They all do such a great job! We're also having a plumbing problem which we hope is minor, and my car is leaking power steering fluid. Craig has been working on the car all day and has given up and is taking it to someone who knows more. It's been a crazy couple of days. Maybe later tonight, I can post some pictures.

Heartsong

2009-12-11T08:56:00.006-06:00

When I was in college at Cedarville University, I had the privilege of traveling with a worship team. Almost every weekend and during breaks from school, we would travel all over the country leading worship in churches and leading activities for youth groups. I made some of the best friends I've ever had on my teams. I'll have to post some of our team pictures. Our hair and matching outfits are hilarious now. I recently received the latest CD of this group today. They recently recorded a live worship CD. It is great! I have it on my iPod and listen to it every morning at the Y - well, almost every morning. I haven't left the house in 4 days now. The music is so encouraging and I love starting my day with a workout and worship. There is something really great about both together. I knew a couple of the team members on this CD when they were toddlers. One is from Iowa and his dad's youth group did things with my church youth group when I was in Jr. High and High school. Another is the worship team director's son. He was 3 or 4 and would come with his dad to some of our rehearsals sometimes. Really enjoying their music!

It's Coming!

2009-12-08T09:04:00.004-06:00

We have a little snow and more is coming today and tomorrow. I have been telling Craig that I would love to be snowed in at home with he and Jack. I love the idea of the Christmas lights glowing, the scent of Christmas candles, a fire in the fireplace, and the three of us being at home together with no where to go. It sounds like that just might happen tomorrow. Craig will still have to do some work from home, but it will probably be a short day for him. :)

I plan to finish decorating today. I have had the boxes and tubs sitting in the dining area for a week now. We had a very busy weekend and I didn't get to it. The tree has been up, there is just nothing on it. I love to decorate so it should be a fun day. It just takes a little longer with a 3-year-old's help!

Morning Funny

2009-11-30T08:06:00.002-06:00

I got a new phone yesterday. I have needed one for quite a while. It just so happened that this weekend U.S. Cellular had phones for free with a rebate. I waited until yesterday afternoon hoping there wouldn't be much of a wait. There still was. The place was packed. Anyway, my new phone does a lot more than my old phone did. Jack LOVES anything with buttons. He wanted it this morning. I explained that he couldn't play with it. He said, "but I just want to listen to music." I don't know how he even knew that it plays music. I told him, "there isn't any music on it yet. I don't know how to put it on." He said so matter-of-factly, "You need to download some...that's the problem!" How did he know that? We're constantly amazed at things he knows and says.

New Fun

2009-11-29T21:15:00.002-06:00

Grandpa and Grandma came yesterday and brought a trailer-full for us. Grandpa picked up a swing set at a garage sale for Jack. The weather was great yesterday and today for playing outside. He loves it!

A couple weeks ago I found a computer armoire on Craig's list. It was too big for Craig's pickup. It would have hung out a little bit and we weren't crazy about hauling it home on the interstate that way. It was in Des Moines. We met my dad and step-mom there. My dad has a trailer so, he took it home and brought it with the swing set yesterday.

I've been watching Craig's list for a coffee table for my music room. I had looked at one downtown at a furniture store going out of business. They really tried to convince me that it was a "steal of a deal," at a very low $300. I found one on Craig's list that is almost identical for $30. It was located right off the interstate in Des Moines on my dad and step-mom's way here. I talked to the seller just before they were to have a truck come haul it away to charity. I was thrilled and it arrived here yesterday with the armoire and swing set. Oh what fun! I love Craig's list! :) Hmmmm...what else can I find in the Des Moines area so we can see Grandpa and Grandma more often?

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-27T14:18:00.003-06:00

Our kitchen has a great spot for a buffet line.

I found cloth napkins we received as a wedding gift - I wasn't sure if we should really use them, but if you don't use them, they stay in a drawer forever and then what's the point of having them?
It was so fun to make the table festive!

We had a great day yesterday. We had some of my family and some of Craig's family. I have been waiting for so long, to have the room to host family get-togethers. It's truly something I like to do. It has been like Christmas for me the last couple months. As we have been unpacking, I've been finding wedding gifts that we hadn't used because there was no need to use them at our first, small house. Yesterday I used several gifts as I set the table and prepared the food.

Today Jack has been helping put away the fall decor and get out the Christmas stuff. We haven't gotten very far. Craig and Jack are napping now and I'm going to push through the urge to nap and try to get some things done. I don't do Black Friday so we are having a nice day at home.

My Sweetie

2009-11-25T08:32:00.004-06:00

I Should Be....

2009-11-25T08:28:00.002-06:00

getting my house and the food ready for Thanksgiving. I'm procrastinating. The weather makes me want to curl up on the couch with Jack to read books or watch a movie. I guess if I'm going to serve something more than cold cereal or peanut butter and jelly, I'd better get going. I still need to run to the grocery store to pick up a couple things I forgot. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Really Trying

2009-11-24T14:37:00.003-06:00

We have been working on the potty. Jack tells me often, "Mommy I have to go the bathroom." We go and he will sit for a VERY LONG time and do nothing. Like Craig says, he probably won't go to the prom in pull-ups so we don't need to be too concerned.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-24T14:15:00.003-06:00

Jack wanted to be a pickle for Halloween. When I asked him why, he said, "because I like to eat pickles!" I looked for a costume. We found one online for $40. I didn't want to spend that much, thought about making one and really just ran out of time. The morning of the 31st, I asked Craig what we were going to do for the poor little fella. He said, "I'll take care of it." The pictures speak for themselves. You would have guessed Craig put the costume together.

Oh My!

2009-11-24T14:09:00.004-06:00

I can't believe it has been almost a whole month since I posted. I think I'll do some catching up today. I have a lot of pictures. Here is the problem; neither Craig nor I, are technologically smart. There is some sort of glitch in our computer that is making it extremely slow. We do know that we need to add some more memory. When I download pictures and try to edit them, it is taking almost 10 minutes per picture. I don't have the time. I will go ahead and post some today. Just ignore the red eye. We'll get it figured out. I also moved our computer upstairs to the main floor. It was in a basement room that is Craig's office/craft room/catch-all room at the moment. I run down to switch loads of laundry but didn't very often stay to be on the computer. I found a great computer armoire on Craig's list. I'm going to paint it and the computer will be in the music room. I hope to become a regular blogger once again. On with the long past due posts!

Shopping With a Purpose

2009-10-27T19:47:00.002-05:00

The Water 4 Christmas Etsy shop is now open for business! These items are all hand made. Items are selling quickly but more are being made too! What a great way to give gifts with meaning to friends and family! Hurry and take a look!

Baby Toys

2009-10-25T15:01:00.003-05:00

While sorting, I came across a tub of Jack's baby toys that had been packed away. He has played and played with them the last few days. It has kept him very busy (which I love! ):)

A Few Pictures

2009-10-25T14:54:00.003-05:00

I really need to make a point this week to take pictures of our house and post them. I just get busy and forget. Here are a few --- (they weren't taken intentionally to show you our house, so they really aren't very great pictures. I'll take some more soon :)

The fireplace in the family room.
The formal living room in the front of the house is my music room - it is still a work in progress.
The family room - where we seem to be spending most of our time.

Loungin'

2009-10-25T14:53:00.002-05:00

I thought it was so cute when I saw Jack on the couch with his legs crossed while playing his games.

For Colorado Relatives

2009-10-25T14:51:00.001-05:00

Here is Jack in his new Denver Broncos shirt. He got it for his birthday and loves it. He wants to wear it all the time:)

Catching Up Today

2009-10-25T14:45:00.003-05:00

Today, I'm trying to catch up on some long overdue blog posts. I'm still working on unpacking, painting, and settling. I've decided that is probably going to be ongoing for about a year and I'm fine with that. We have unpacked everything we use and a lot we don't. I had resolved when we moved here to go through everything we own and get rid of what we don't need. We have gotten rid of A LOT and it feels great. We had a garage sale a couple weeks ago. I wanted to do it yet this fall and thought surely the one of the first weekends in October would still be nice enough weather for a garage sale. It was VERY cold and snowed! Today is beautiful. Oh well. We still sold a lot and made a little extra money to get some things we need for this house.

Are You Ready?

2009-10-05T09:12:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Jack!

2009-10-01T10:38:00.003-05:00

Jack celebrated his 3rd birthday Sunday. We had fun. Jack requested a Curious George party. The last couple days he has been asking me, "Where's the Yellow Hat?" I tell him we ate it and just like in all other discussions he says, "Why?" (everything is "Why, Mama?") We had a lot of family here. I think several of us shared illnesses of some kind. Jack and I are finally feeling a little better today. Here's a couple pictures and I'll try to add more later.

2009-09-23T10:44:00.005-05:00

Here is another great opportunity to give to clean water! I have a little time today to be on the computer and am trying to do a little catching up. Craig and I are so excited to be a part of something so great. For our friends and family that haven't heard us talk about water yet, here it is. Our good friend Jody, has a passion for water. She has helped to open our eyes to the need. You can see more statistics, information and ways to be involved here. We are getting ready for some exciting events in the next few months. I will share more opportunities for you to be involved as they come. Tom, spray painting in the video, is our neighbor. I'm off to email him that we want water on our driveway! Consider how you might provide water.

This Season

2009-09-23T09:57:00.002-05:00

I know this is just a season, but I don't seem to be handling this season very well. Last night I had another meltdown, about all that needs to be done, and how I don't seem to get enough done. I'm trying to sort through almost everything we own and get rid of what we don't need. I'm planning a garage sale for one of the first weekends in October. When I look out in the garage, I want to slam the door shut. It seems like a huge, insurmountable task at the moment. That along with still putting some things away, painting, trying to find curtains, hanging things on the wall, organizing, the regular home maintenance (laundry, cleaning, meal planning, buying groceries, paying bills) potty training, giving piano lessons, getting up at 5:00 every morning to go to the Y, and getting ready for company and Jack's birthday, are wearing me out. I don't feel like I am balancing things very well. Craig told me to stick to one thing until it's done but when I look at my list, I don't think it will really work like that. A lot of my list is connected with another part of my list. I'll just keep trying to take it a day at a time, but if you know the secret to balance, could you please share it?

Just Going With The Flow

2009-09-11T10:48:00.003-05:00

Craig and I have been talking about how humorous our moving goals were. My original goal was to have all the unpacking, painting, and decorating done by September 1st. Ha! I wanted it done before my schedule became crazy with music lessons. That didn't happen and it's OK. Piano/flute lessons are going really well. I'm slowly learning to just do what I can do each day and let it go. I'm finally realizing that it might be winter before I feel like we're really settled and in a routine. This weekend and coming week I am getting ready for a garage sale. As I have been unpacking, I have done some major purging and it feels GREAT!!! There is a huge pile in the garage for me to mark and organize this week. I'm hoping to make enough to get some bar stools I like at Target for our kitchen. I would also like to decorate Jack's "big boy room." We had waited until we moved to put him in a twin bed (it was just easier with everything else that was going on). He loves it. He told me yesterday he wants red and blue in his room. That should be easy enough.

The next week I will be trying to get ready for company and Jack's birthday. I know people know we moved recently, but I would like the downstairs to look put together and not like we just moved.

Tomorrow we'll try to find something fun to do for Craig's birthday. I love the weekend!

Still A Lot of Chaos!

2009-08-27T14:28:00.003-05:00

I feel like we are still living in complete chaos. Most of the unpacking is done. I have most of the downstairs painted. I keep seeing places that need to be touched up after I put the paint away. I have a HUGE garage sale pile in the garage. I just feel like it will never be done. I am TIRED. I am trying this week, to get organized for piano lessons. I had several students take a break for the summer and they are all returning next week. I have so many great ideas that I wanted to implement this fall. I needed about a month to get ready and I have had a few hours this week. I feel like I am barely keeping my head above water...BUT we love our house. I daily thank God for this blessing and will just keep taking it a day at a time. I have something on the calendar almost every day in September. It will fly by and then it will be time to start thinking about the holidays. Oh my!!!

Tee Ball or Golf?

2009-08-27T14:22:00.002-05:00

Maybe it's both!

Lost Cars

2009-08-27T14:19:00.001-05:00

How else would you look under the stove for lost matchbox cars?

"I Work Hard, Momma!"

2009-08-27T14:08:00.002-05:00

We hear this from Jack a lot. He is saying a lot of cute things right now. He loves to be in the garage with Craig working on "their projects." These pictures are at our old house. Jack was making a "kitty house." I think it is something he saw on Caillou.

Frustrated

2009-08-21T12:37:00.002-05:00

I hope you're still with me out there. I'm having trouble with our computer. Last night I tried for over an hour to download pictures to post some to my blog. There will be some soon!

Maybe Tomorrow

2009-08-17T21:00:00.002-05:00

I won't be getting to pictures tonight. I am tired and there is a huge pile of clothes on our bed that I have to go put away before I can sleep in the bed. I did accomplish a lot today. Maybe I will finally get to pictures tomorrow. My day seemed to fly by very qickly.

Trying

2009-08-17T11:16:00.003-05:00

I've been trying to find some time to make it to the computer. Tonight, after Jack goes to bed, I have it on my schedule to catch up on paperwork and the computer. I will post pictures then. I have a few hours now without Jack, and need to finish unpacking today!!! That will be wonderful!

We Are Moved!

2009-08-10T14:08:00.002-05:00

We are moved to our new house. We love it! We got a lot unpacked and some painting done last week, the first week in our house. We are still working on it. I will have to post some pictures soon, when I find the camera cable for the computer. There are several things I haven't located yet. Jack has adjusted extremely well and loves the house too. He doesn't ever want to leave to go anywhere. He says, "Stay at new house!" Craig and I are both extremely tired. I think that we've just both hit a wall and have been able to relax a little bit now that our other house is sold, and we have actually moved. I still feel a little stressed as I want the house unpacked and painting done before the beginning of September. I have several new piano students starting then, and my schedule will be full. Well, I better get back to unpacking while Jack is napping!

Almost There!

2009-07-28T17:53:00.002-05:00

I have just two sections of my kitchen cupboards and the bathroom left to pack. The upstairs is completely empty and cleaned. Craig and some friends just left for the garage of our new house with the piano, hide-a-bed and wardrobe boxes. Our closing on our current house is at 10:30 on Friday and then the closing for the house we are buying is at 11:00. Then we get to move everything from the garage into the house! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's been a long week!

Getting Closer

2009-07-19T15:08:00.002-05:00

I know I have done a terrible job of blogging lately. I've been busy packing and organizing. We are moving most of the big furniture into the garage of our next house this coming weekend. The owner wouldn't give us early possession, but is letting us into the garage. Craig and I will move the rest of the boxes and little things (whatever isn't done next weekend) the next week. We close on the 31st. My plan is then to go in and clean that afternoon and do some painting over the weekend. I hope to revamp my blog after we move. I need to post regular pictures and post more updates on Jack. He is so funny! He made us a little nervous Friday. He loves McDonald's ice cream. I had gotten him some and we brought it home to eat. He was eating it and I heard a loud crunch. He had bitten the spoon. When he took it out of his mouth, there was a piece of the spoon missing. I asked him if he swallowed it and he said he did. I called the doctor and they advised taking him to the ER. As soon as we walked into the ER, they started testing the fire alarms. They were SO LOUD and kept ringing for about 15 minutes. Jack started crying because it was so loud. I was trying to fill out paperwork and comfort him at the same time. Thank goodness Craig came before they took him back for X-rays. He was definitely not thrilled about that either. They didn't see any damage from the jagged chunk of spoon he swallowed. They sent us home and told us to watch him and watch his diapers for the chunk. Lovely! He seems to be fine now. Today I am relaxing a little and am trying to get motivated to do more packing.

How Many Days...?

2009-07-05T14:10:00.003-05:00

We are counting on closings of the house we are selling and the house we are buying on August 3rd. It could happen sooner. I'm praying nothing else happens, that requires a big purchase, before we have to move. Our oven quit just a few weeks ago so we had to buy a new one. When we were painting the 3-season porch, one of the big windows was broken. Our next house may need a new furnace soon. This is turning into quite the pricey adventure. We're hoping it's smooth sailing from here to our next house. I am enjoying the new oven!

New Leaves

2009-07-05T13:58:00.003-05:00

I hope that once we are moved and settled, I can turn over several new leaves. Things have just seemed so unorganized and chaotic for months. I don't function well in chaos and it is taking a toll on me. I'm trying to hang on for a few more weeks. We have been working hard to finish the list of projects requested by the buyers of our house. My job most of the time is to keep Jack busy so daddy can climb the ladder and paint. I did quite a bit of painting too during nap time. There are so many things I can't find right now. Craig keeps telling me they will show up as I pack or unpack. I have grand plans for great organization in a house with more space and more storage. We'll see what happens.

Our 4th of July was eventful. I will spare you all the details but will share hightlights. We went to the wedding of the owner of the company Craig works for. It was out in the country at his house. It had been raining all day. Jack hadn't had a nap (just the way it worked yesterday.) Craig had to take his company truck to bring back a piece of machinery. Lots of things happened between home and the wedding (even before we left home.) When we got there, the guy in charge of parking, told Craig to park in a back field (I guess because we had the big pick up.) The field was one big mud hole. I walked in mud up to my shins holding up my pants to a wedding. Lovely!!! Needless to say, I was not a happy camper. Jack hadn't had a nap and was wound! This made for such a wonderful evening. It will be a day to remember for sure.

Really...You Just Have To Laugh

2009-06-26T12:49:00.002-05:00

I just got a call and the inspector for the FHA appraisal is coming in 2 hours. What?!!! I didn't get any warning. I took Jack for a quick ride in the car, because I knew that would put him to sleep. He is sleeping now in his bed and I am racing to pull the house together! We are in the middle of several projects. I will just have to explain what is going on. Gotta love it :)

Projects

2009-06-24T08:32:00.002-05:00

We've been working on BIG projects. After the inspection of our house, the buyers wanted all peeling paint scraped and painted because they knew that FHA would be picky about that. We had wanted to get that done anyway. All day Saturday and Sunday, Craig's mom, and her friend Henry, helped us scrape and paint the inside and outside of our 3-season porch. We took off all the screens, scraped and painted the 12 storm windows and the rest of the porch. Craig's mom and I are still working on the screens. We worked yesterday until it was just too hot (100+ degrees) and will start again this morning. Craig has been working on the the other windows around the house and any other peeling paint he finds. The FHA appraisal for the buyers is all that is left to do. We are praying it goes well. July will be a busy month. I think Craig and I will both be ready to relax for a while once we are moved and settled. I'll try to get some pictures of our projects today. Jack has been a great helper too.

Monotonous

2009-06-17T08:11:00.003-05:00

I know my posts are all about our house and the process of selling/buying. Sorry, if I'm extremely boring. It's just where we are right now. We finally heard yesterday, our current home doesn't have radon and the inspection went fine. Our realtor will get a copy of the report tomorrow. Now we are just waiting to hear about closing dates. It was depending on the buyers of our home getting their financing. They are pre-approved but getting an FHA loan. I've heard that can take a little longer.

This weekend I'm playing for a wedding. I practiced with the vocalist yesterday. I'm still giving a few piano/flute lessons this summer. Jack and I are going to try to go the library and the Y this morning. I have felt so unorganized. On my crazy days, it seems to be trips to the Y that get cut. I know that should be the last thing I cut. I've been struggling to stay motivated or find time lately. If anyone is looking for a walking partner (early morning or after kids' bedtimes - let me know.) So glad the sun is shining this morning!

Not Really Any News

2009-06-13T07:00:00.002-05:00

We still don't know anything about the inspection of our current house. The guy that did the inspection has been back two times to set up a different radon test kit, because they haven't been working right. Our realtor said we might hear something Monday. I just hate all the waiting. We had the house we are buying inspected and that went fine. We might be looking at new furnaces though. Ugh! The list of things requiring large sums of money, just keeps growing. I bought some used furniture at a sale. We are heading out this morning to go get it. I need some things as the house we are buying has quite a bit more room. I will be able to have a room for music lessons, and need a place for waiting parents and siblings to sit. I'm also looking for a dresser for Jack. I bought the furniture after Craig's mom sent me an email with pictures. We'll see what it looks like!

Nervous

2009-06-09T14:43:00.002-05:00

The inspection of the house we live in now, is tomorrow. Craig doesn't seem worried at all. I am nervous. I'm just praying that they don't have a long list of things they want us to fix. We want to put all of the money we have saved toward the downpayment of our next house. I'm also hoping that since they are having the inspection tomorrow, if everything else is ready to go, we could move up the closing date. I'm ready to move!!!

Ready Already

2009-06-07T21:49:00.003-05:00

I'm so ready to be moved and settled. I know we've come a long way to get an offer and have an offer accepted on the house we want, but it seems like there is so much to do before we can be moved in and settled. The next hurdle is the inspection of our house. It makes us nervous. Our house is VERY old and there are some things we can't do much about but we know they could be "turn offs" to the buyers. When I think about all the packing, cleaning, painting, closings, etc., etc., it's a little overwhelming right now. Just trying to take it one day at a time and remembering my other friends trying to sell houses.

The Longest Week

2009-06-04T12:39:00.003-05:00

This last week has felt SOOOO long. We sold our house and then began the process of deciding what to do. My dad and stepmom came last Friday and looked at houses with us. Craig and I have prayed and prayed and prayed. We decided on a direction to move. We made our offer. The seller wasn't willing to come down much. Then we doubted our decision and struggled some more. I looked at more houses. There just wasn't anything else we liked or felt God was telling us to move towards. We counter-offered. The seller countered again a little lower than his first counter. As of this morning, we agreed on his last counter and he threw in the new washer and dryer with the house. We are excited but a little hesitant to talk about it much. Something could still happen with inspections or the buyers of our house. We pray that things continue to move forward smoothly. I really do want to jump up and down and scream today!!!

3D

2009-06-02T13:29:00.003-05:00

We tried the 3D sidewalk chalk. I'm not sure Jack understood what he was seeing through the glasses. I don't think it was worth the extra dollar for the glasses. I had a good laugh when he put them on though.

Summertime!

2009-06-02T13:18:00.002-05:00

A couple weekends ago, when it was warm all weekend, we filled Jack's pool. He LOVED it! We were outside for a couple hours and he still cried when it was time to go in the house. Our summer will be busy but fun! Even though our house is "sold," it's not a done deal until closings. Craig keeps reminding me that something could happen with the buyers between now and then. We're praying it doesn't. We have made an offer on a house and are waiting to hear from our realtor. I'm trying to enjoy the whole process now, and not wish away my summer. I'm ready to be settled and moving on to things that I've been wanting to do like, sewing, new ideas for my piano/flute students, potty training, moving Jack to a "big boy" bed, etc. Craig has a lot of things he would like to be doing too. We're getting closer!

As Of 4:05 pm Today....

2009-05-29T16:20:00.002-05:00

our house is SOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now we just have to figure out where we are going. Craig said we can always live in a tent for a few months since it's summertime.

Trying To Catch My Breath

2009-05-29T08:12:00.002-05:00

We are still here. This week has been crazy and eventful. I don't have time to explain it all now. I will share pictures and details later.

Daddy's Shadow

2009-05-18T13:18:00.002-05:00

As soon as Jack hears Craig's truck pull in at night, he runs to the back door yelling, "Daddy home! Daddy home!" He wants to spend every minute with Craig when he is at home. This makes getting yard work and house projects done, quite a challenge. Jack loves to help us both. He is my little helper with dusting, picking up toys, unloading the dishwasher, and making cookies. Yesterday, Craig trimmed the bushes and Jack helped rake the trimmings and haul them to the transfer station. He had a great afternoon with Daddy!

Redneck Games

2009-05-18T13:15:00.002-05:00

I think riding on a sled in the grass while wearing a bike helmet could qualify as redneck fun!

Our Comedian

2009-05-18T13:10:00.004-05:00

Jack is constantly making us laugh. Craig will ask him, "Are you being funny?" He will chuckle and say, "Yeah!" During some recent nice days, he insisted on wearing daddy's bike helmet while playing. These pictures just make my heart smile. (He picked the yellow Crocs himself. I was voting for navy blue or black, but he insisted on BRIGHT yellow :)

That Much Time Already?!!

2009-05-13T07:38:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that much time has passed since I last blogged. Life is just passing too quickly! Right now, I'm procrastinating getting ready for a showing. It could be a very interesting day as the weather could be severe and someone will be looking at our house just at the time they have predicted the severe weather. With the heavy rain comes a lot of water in our basement which is wonderful for a house showing! :) They are also talking about the possibility of tornadoes which is great with elementary age kids and piano lessons.

We had a nice Mother's Day. Craig's mom came over after church and we took her to lunch. In the evening, Craig, Jack and I went to Dairy Queen and ate our ice cream outside. Jack thought this was pretty neat and has wanted to do it again every time we've driven by DQ since.

Craig is taking a week of vacation the last week of May. He told me the other day I need to go do something fun. He thinks I need a break. Leaving town to visit friends would be so fun but it's just too difficult to get away. That is also the week before my piano recital, so I can't leave town because I can't miss any lessons. There is also that minor detail of possible house showings. I'll have to keep thinking and see what I can find to do.

These pictures were taken a while ago. Jack loves my makeup, headbands, bracelets, etc. Craig wonders if we need to be concerned. ;)

Refreshed

2009-05-04T07:27:00.008-05:00

I had to get a picture with Mandisa :) She is truly as beautiful on the inside as she is outside.

I was able to get away Friday and Saturday with a great group of women from our church. We attended "A Grand New Day," in Des Moines. It was as wonderful as we had expected it to be! I was reminded of so many truths. We heard great music from Steven Curtis Chapman and Mandisa - two of my favorites. Steven Curtis Chapman shared genuinely from his heart about the journey their family has been on this past year after losing their daughter last May. I loved Mandisa and her spirit after seeing her first audition on American Idol. I have kind of followed her since. My iPod is full of her music and makes the treadmill not seem so bad most days :) While listening to all the speakers and music, I felt God so clearly speaking to my heart in so many ways. So thankful I could go and so thankful Craig was willing to let me go and hold down the fort at home.

Summary of The Last Few Days

2009-04-28T08:41:00.003-05:00

I know I'm boring the few of you that read my blog. It's always about the house. Here we go again... We had showings Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday last week. Thursday's and Fridays were early morning showings. We stayed at my grandma's house the night before each of those so I could just come in, turn the lights on, and vacuum. Saturday's showing was a second showing for a young couple that was very interested. They wanted to look at the house with their parents. Every time the phone rang yesterday, I jumped and ran to see if it was our realtor. We didn't hear anything yet. They were interested in two houses, and I'm guessing they went with the other house since we haven't heard. I'm just so tired - literally. I went to bed early last night and still fell asleep on the couch a little while ago while Jack was watching Curious George.

Other excitement from the weekend: Jack pulled the fire alarm at church! Thank goodness church was over and people were just visiting with each other. I was in the bathroom and hurried out to find everyone quickly leaving the building and one of our pastors (Bruce) holding Jack up in the air. This scared Jack and he started crying and reaching for Craig. Craig said it happened so fast it was like slow motion. Just as Jack's hand reached for the alarm, Craig's was right behind but didn't reach Jack's hand in time. I'm pretty sure Jack didn't know what it was or that pulling it would do anything. I also want to know why a fire alarm is low enough on the wall that a 2-year-old can reach it?!! While we were eating lunch a friend left a message on my phone posing as a cop, saying we were to call him back immediately to report the incident or it would result in a misdemeanor. Very funny!

I'm hoping for a little more relaxed week. We shall see. Friday morning, I am leaving early with some friends to go to "Women of Faith," in Des Moines. The speakers will be wonderful but I am most excited about he music - Steven Curtis Chapman and Mandisa! I can't wait. I just hope there are no showings on Friday or Saturday because Craig will be in charge.

My Life Is...

2009-04-22T13:42:00.002-05:00

basically house showings and music lessons. I really feel like that is all I'm doing and trying to fit in a little time with Jack. It has been so crazy. Last week, I agreed to a showing an hour from the time the receptionist at the office called to arrange the showing. It was so stressful! I asked yesterday, and we have now passed 30 showings. We had one yesterday, have one today and one Friday morning at 8:30. I won't at all be surprised if there are a few more in between now and Friday. I'm thankful for them, but it's exhausting and stressful. I don't feel very well today and I know it's due to lack of sleep and such a busy schedule. I am just so ready for our house to sell, so we can be settled and not feel like we are in such limbo all the time! I guess we are just paying for our mistake in buying this house. All other home buyers are a lot smarter than we were, and realize that this house would be a poor choice I guess.

Jack and His Blankie

2009-04-13T21:24:00.003-05:00

Jack has two blankets that are his favorites. They are both knitted blankets and were given to him as baby gifts. He can't go to bed without them. They go lots of other places with us too. He LOVES them right out of the dryer when they are still warm. Lately, when I check on him after he has fallen asleep, they will be over his face. I move them so I'm sure he can breathe. A couple weeks ago we were on our way to meet Craig's mom for lunch, and this is how he went to sleep in the car.

Music Lessons

2009-04-13T21:17:00.002-05:00

When I am giving lessons, Jack often wants to play with my student and me. It keeps him occupied for a little while so that I can teach :)

First Fishing Pole

2009-04-13T21:13:00.002-05:00

Craig gave Jack his first fishing pole as part of his Easter basket. He loves it. He wants to play with it in the house which doesn't work so well.

Hunting For Eggs

2009-04-13T21:08:00.002-05:00

Easter

2009-04-13T21:00:00.003-05:00

We Are Still Here

2009-04-06T08:14:00.003-05:00

I know my blogging is so sporadic. I got my camera out this morning with the intention of taking some pictures this week! Jack is growing like a weed. He wears almost all 3T clothes right now. Some pants are a little long so I think his height is from his waist up, like his mommy.

Saturday I played for two of my flute students at high school solo/ensemble contest. They did great! They both received I ratings. For one of them, it was her first time to play a solo anywhere. She has come so far in just a few short months. I was so proud of her and excited for her. When I get to work with students who enjoy music and want to practice, I love it!

Yesterday we had another showing. It's funny because the potential buyer looked at our friends' house the day before. We were comparing notes with them at church yesterday as we do every weekend. We both have the same realtor, so he told us it was the same looker.

Today, Jack and I could stay home all day until lessons start at 4:30. We may go to the Y. I'm tempted to stay in. We'll see what happens. After all, I need to take some pictures.

Madness or Endurance

2009-04-02T14:07:00.002-05:00

Not sure what to title my post for today...

5:15 get up to get ready for day and finish getting house ready for 9:00 house showing

8:45 leave for mom's group Bible study at church

11:30 go to my grandma's to bring Jack home, he didn't want to come home which actually will turn out to be good later

12:45 go home for piano lesson, listen to voice mail on the way home to hear message from realtor, call him back to hear that he wants to show the house at 3:15

1:00 give piano lesson

1:45 answer phone and talk to receptionist at realtor's office to hear that they want to show the house again at 7:00 tonight

2:00 - 3:00 eat lunch, check email, write this post, make sure everything is spic and span, all lights on, spray some more room fragrance ( I don't know if this helps or not) leave so I'm not home for showing (maybe go check on Jack who should be up from nap by now)

3:45 go home

4:00 - 6:30 piano lessons, spray a little more smelly stuff and leave again

7:00 house shows again for the 3rd time today, Craig will be with Jack at grandma's by now (she deserves a medal today) I might try to go to the Y to exercise off some of my stress :)

I really think God is trying to teach me endurance.

I Feel Better

2009-03-27T14:13:00.002-05:00

Craig talked to our realtor today. We just wondered if we needed to re-word the listing for our house. We have had SO MANY showings. We wondered if people were expecting more than we have here when they come to look. Our realtor said we have had an unusual amount of showings and he is very surprised there haven't been any offers. He said the showing yesterday was a 2nd showing, but the couple went with the other house they were looking at. They didn't like our basement. He said our house shows really well and we don't need to change anything. That's kind of a weight lifted for me. I have been worried that there were things that were turn-offs when people looked. I know it will happen at just the right time. I have a better outlook on the whole thing today. :)

I'm Really Trying...

2009-03-25T21:37:00.005-05:00

to take it one day at a time! We have house showings almost every day or every other day. I think I might just lose it! Do people read the sqare footage on the description on the internet? We hear more often than not, that "they really liked the house but it is too small." It also seems that I can't just have a day where I get ready for a showing and leave the house. At least three times, Jack has been sick. I have been fortunate to be able to run him to my grandma's while I finish getting ready most of the time. Today I couldn't do that. It was a little stressful. I did run him to grandma's right before the showing, ran back home to make sure all the toys were put away, and ran out again just in time. Just after I got back to my grandma's house, I was playing with Jack and he tripped over a ball. He fell and hit his head HARD on the corner of a book shelf. He cried so hard, was pale, was trying to vomit, did not look well and was scaring me. I didn't know what to do. I finally took him to the doctor. She said he was fine, but to keep an eye on him for the next 24 hours. I don't believe in luck or bad luck, but what is going on? As if getting ready for showings isn't enough, why is there always something else to add even more stress? After all that, I got home just in time to give 5 piano lessons. I then crashed. I now feel remorse for not going to the Y tonight. Oh, and my realtor just called and we have a showing tomorrow...:)

Another Week

2009-03-23T14:39:00.002-05:00

I don't have anything earth shattering to post. I wish I could tell you our house has sold. I think we had 4 showings last week. I've stopped keeping track. I told Craig yesterday, that when we started this process, I was so optimistic with each showing. Now I don't expect anything. I feel like it's my job every couple days to just stage our house for strangers to walk through it. This weekend, I was having a really difficult time having a good attitude about it. I am thankful that Craig has a job and we have a place to live.

Jack and I have been enjoying the warmer weather. We have spent a lot of time outside in the last week.

Craig and I celebrated 6 years of marriage yesterday. Those 6 years have flown by!

Catching Up

2009-03-16T13:27:00.003-05:00

The last week seems kind of like a blur. A week ago yesterday, was my birthday. After church, we went out for dinner and to the mall. Jack had gotten tokens for the carousel at the mall for his first Christmas from his grandma. We still hadn't used them. He LOVED it. Every day this last week, he kept asking, "Go mall?" It was a fun day to get away as a family and have fun.

The other question we keep hearing from him is, "Go park?" We hear this SEVERAL times a day. We have been going to the park a lot. Yesterday he saw a boy with a kite. When we were getting some groceries last night at Wal-Mart, we bought a kite. Jack and Daddy have a date at the park tonight to try the kite.

Last week, we thought we were getting an offer on our house and the person changed their mind. We had some more showings this last week. We are very thankful for all of the interest. It's just a lot of work to get ready each time. I also can't find several things. I am constantly hiding things at the last minute and then can't find them later. I also need to start several projects, but don't know if I could finish them quickly, if the realtor would call and want to show the house. We also have been having a lot of water in the basement as a result of the recent heavy rains. I am learning that there really isn't such a thing as "getting back to normal," but we are ready to move and close this chapter of our lives.

This last weekend, I attended the National Hearts at Home conference in Normal/Bloomington, IL at Illinois State University. It was wonderful! I learned and lot and had a lot of fun.

Jack and I were outside almost all morning today, and plan to go out again after his nap. The sunshine feels so good! I think Spring is here.

First Spring Trip To The Park

2009-03-06T08:21:00.002-06:00

The weather was beautiful yesterday! When Craig got home from work, we went to the park and had so much fun!

Finally...Haircut Pictures

2009-03-06T08:18:00.002-06:00

Monday

2009-03-02T13:21:00.002-06:00

We had a fun weekend. We spent a lot of time together as a family. I went to a couple open houses of houses for sale. I saw one I LOVED, but is a little out of our price range. Jack got his first haircut Saturday. He did so well! We talked about it a lot before we went. He is a little ticklish, but still did well. I will post pictures later. I am getting ready for a showing now during nap time.

Gearing Up For The Week

2009-02-23T13:10:00.004-06:00

Today, I am trying to catch up from a busy weekend. The kitchen needs to be picked up and cleaned, the laundry is piled high, I need to pay bills, get ready for a showing, go to the Y, and of course give flute and piano lessons. Jack has been sick while I have been getting ready for the last two showings. One was a couple weeks ago and he had a stomach bug. This last week, I was getting ready, and he was acting more miserable the entire time. I ended up taking him to the doctor to discover he had bronchitis and sinus infection. I'm ready to not have to get ready for showings any more. :)

More Pictures

2009-02-17T09:35:00.003-06:00

Jack wanted me to take some more pictures of him with his new buddy, Ernie. Jack took the pictures of Ernie in the rocking chair. In the second picture he is upset that we put the camera away.

My Little Shopper

2009-02-13T13:10:00.003-06:00

Jack received some money in Valentine's cards from a friend and grandparents. I explained to him that we could go to the store and spend his money. He was such a good shopper! He would point to things and I would tell him that we didn't have enough money for that. As we walked up and down the aisles, I pointed out things he could afford. He kept saying, "No, no..." He pointed to an Ernie doll. I told him he did have enough money for this and asked if that's what he wanted to buy with his money. He was sure he did. We went up to the checkout and he pulled his money out of his pocket and gave it to the cashier. He was so proud of himself. He hasn't put Ernie down since we brought him home. Ernie is turning on the TV, eating lunch, going potty, and sleeping right now.

Waiting Patiently

2009-02-11T09:43:00.004-06:00

I think Jack is finally on the mend. His bug was so weird. It came and went. Just when we thought he was fine, he would have a nasty diaper or vomit. Saturday, we went out to run errands and he threw up all over the car, which is always pleasant. Monday, Craig was home sick, with the same bug. I was trying to clean up (in case of a call for a showing-which is also so much fun,) and Jack threw up again all over the carpet. Anyway, I think we are past that for now.

We are trying to wait patiently on our house selling. Our realtor said again this weekend, that the economy and the market are really are "messed up." We are thankful we've had a lot of interest. We have heard back that it is too big and that it is too small, but a very cute house. Just waiting for it to be the right size for the right buyer. :)

Needed Changes

2009-02-08T23:12:00.003-06:00

There are many things I need to change and one of them is the look of my blog. I have been experimenting tonight. It may change several more times before I decide if I like it or not. I've had to try several things to figure out most of what I can do on the computer. I still can't figure out how to have a collage of pictures at the top of my blog. I'm sure it's not as difficult as I am making it. I will work on it some more tomorrow. I am going to bed. Craig seems to have caught Jack's bug. He hasn't felt well today. I need rest so I can hopefully be the healthy one to take care of the other two :)

Today

2009-02-04T22:01:00.003-06:00

There's nothing quite like trying to get ready for a house showing with a toddler that is vomiting and having bad diapers. I'm not really sure what Jack had. He didn't have a fever and acted just fine. We heard him trying to vomit in bed early this morning and then he did it a couple more times before 11:00. He hasn't since then. Tonight, he seems to be just fine. I'm very glad that he is well, but talk about a stressful few hours. On top of my regular "get-ready-for-a-showing" routine, I did three loads of laundry and scrubbed regurgitated gold fish crackers out of the carpet. I will laugh if these are the people that buy our house.

February

2009-02-03T08:24:00.002-06:00

It is already February which is good, because that means spring is closer. It is also bad because it means that I don't have all the things in order yet that I wanted to get organized in January. There's always a lot going on, but probably nothing to exciting to mention here, so I will leave you with a few pictures.

Mr. Jack

2009-01-27T13:41:00.003-06:00

Jack keeps me more than entertained! He is doing so many cute things. He understands everything we say. His talking has just been taking off lately. Over the weekend, he heard some music playing and said, "bluegrass!" It was in fact, bluegrass music. Yesterday, I asked him if he wanted to help me make cookies. He ran to the kitchen and put pot holders on. He constantly wants to help with dishes, laundry, dusting, pounding nails in the basement, putting clothes away... Oh what fun!

Monday

2009-01-19T11:24:00.002-06:00

I don't really have anything extraordinary to share today. I am tired of scooping snow. I'm glad there is sunshine today and warmer temperatures predicted for the next few days! I tried the McDonalds Lattes this weekend, and they were surprisingly good. A cute story from the weekend: Jack loves to go to Kidszone at church. When Craig picked him up yesterday and they handed him Jack's paper, Craig noticed that there were just 2 cornflakes glued to Jack's picture of the Noah's ark. Craig noticed that the other kids' pictures had lots of cornflakes glued to them. The high school helpers said that Jack preferred eating his cornflakes instead of gluing them to his ark and wondered if we feed him breakfast. Jack was very proud to hang his ark with two cornflakes on the refrigerator when we got home.

A Few From Christmas

2009-01-16T00:43:00.004-06:00

I didn't do a great job taking pictures during Christmas get togethers. I was usually too busy making sure Jack wasn't somewhere he shouldn't be, or into something he shouldn't be into. My step-mom, shared a few. We were at my dad's house for four days. My brother, Marc, and his wife Nikki, drove up from Texas and were there too. We had a great time! We don't see them often enough. On Sunday after Christmas, we gathered with one of my dad's sisters and her kids at my cousin's home for dinner. I think a good time, was defintely had by all!

Jack and Mommy playing with Play-Doh
Craig, Jack, and I, my brother, Marc, and his wife, Nikki, and my dad, Russ, and step-mom, Ann
My dad, one of his sisters (my aunt Marilyn,) and my step-mom, Ann.

My brother and I with three of my cousins that we hadn't seen for a couple years. We grew up close to them and saw them often. We are all close in age and have have lots of memories of family get-togethers.

Ugh!

2009-01-15T14:14:00.002-06:00

My scale doesn't lie, but I really wish it did! Not good! I'm very tired of this struggle/battle today. I'm trying not to let it consume my thoughts and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Whew!

2009-01-12T13:58:00.002-06:00

I think Craig and I both feel like we are trying to get caught up from last week. He is feeling much better, but work has been really busy for him. I got the house ready for five showings and an open house last week (which included all the snow scooping since Craig can't for six weeks), had all my regular piano and flute lessons (some had to be moved to another day or place because of showings,) and I'm also trying to finish up some other temporary part-time work. We'll be glad to get back to some sort of a normal routine again, soon!

The Patient

2009-01-08T07:46:00.002-06:00

Craig had minor surgery on Tuesday. He was still put under and cut on, so to me, that's more than minor. He came home that same day. He felt ok on the way home, but as the drugs wore off, he didn't feel so great. He was pretty nauseous. My step mom had been told to use oatmeal for nausea. We tried it and it did settle his stomach. Now he is just sore, but doing well. We are slowly trying to get things in order for 2009 - health, budget, organization, house sold, house bought, and several other loose ends from 2008. It's taking longer than I wanted it too. One day at a time!

Breathe In, Breathe Out

2009-01-05T21:20:00.002-06:00

I had to keep reminding myself to breathe today. It was a little crazy. I had two piano lessons this morning, had to get ready for three house showings this afternoon and lessons during the showings. I found another place to give the lessons. Craig was able to sneak in between showings and turn lights back on for the next. Getting the house ready with a toddler is also a challenge. I am so ready for my bed tonight! We are thankful for the interest in our house! :)

A Full Heart

2009-01-04T16:37:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I met three of my best friends, Val, Laura, and Rhonda, in Iowa City for lunch. We became friends during my first teaching job at BGM elementary school in Brooklyn, IA. We always get together during their Christmas break, exchange gifts and catch up. I always look forward to seeing them! Even though we're at different stages in life, we get along so well and it seems like we truly just pick up where we left off the last time we saw each other. We talked yesterday for about four hours, but I probably could have talked to them all night. I'm so comfortable with them and just feel so full when I leave them. I wish we lived closer.

For The New Year...

2009-01-01T21:40:00.000-06:00

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Christmas At Home

2008-12-31T21:35:00.002-06:00

We had our Christmas at home on Christmas Eve. We were going to leave for my dad and step-mom's house on Friday, after Christmas. Thursday was the only day the weather looked like it would be decent. We had our Christmas, and then when Jack was in bed I packed and cleaned just in case the realtor would call for a showing while we were gone. It was a little stressful. :)

More Fun In The Snow

2008-12-31T21:28:00.003-06:00

Jack has already outgrown the snow boots I bought him this last fall. This was a Saturday before Christmas, when it was snowing heavily. He wanted to go outside so badly. I really did not want to go to Wal-Mart because I knew there would be a crowd. I tried a consignment store and Farm and Fleet and did not find boots. I did end up at Wal-Mart. I knew it was bad when the door greeter told me they were out of carts. I hurried to the back and picked up the last pair of boots in his size and back to the Express Lane where I waited for about 20 minutes. By the time I got home it was getting dark. We played for a while anyway. He loves snow!

Last Day of 2008

2008-12-31T15:59:00.002-06:00

I can't believe we are a few hours from 2009! We had a great Christmas. I know we are all tired. I will share more pictures and details tonight after Jack goes to bed. I have been working the last couple hours on editing all of our Christmas pictures (Jack and Craig always have red eye.) While editing pictures I have discovered: 1) how much Jack doesn't look like our baby anymore and 2) how much I can't wait to get the treadmill that a friend is giving us :) I don't really make New Year's resolutions but do enjoy the feeling of a fresh start! I'm looking forward to 2009 and what it holds for our family. Happy New Year!

Caution: Hyper When Tired!!!

2008-12-18T22:23:00.000-06:00

Jack The Carpenter

2008-12-18T22:13:00.003-06:00

Tonight, while I was getting supper, Craig took Jack to the basement for the first time. Craig has been trying to build a work bench. Jack wanted to assist. Our house was built in the 1800's and the basement is basically a cold, damp, cellar. I don't really like to go down unless the tornado sirens are sounding. I could hear Jack laughing and I could hear lots of pounding. I went down to see what was happening. Jack was having so much fun! He was pounding and pounding. Every time I asked him to smile, he smiled with his mouth but then squinted or closed his eyes. Craig knows that if he goes to the basement at all from now on while Jack is awake, he won't be able to go alone!

Busy People

2008-12-15T13:22:00.002-06:00

I've heard that busy people get more done. I think it might be true. I don't have any lessons this afternoon, which gives me the rest of the day to get a lot accomplished. I'm having trouble getting started. See, I'm not as busy today and I'm not getting a lot done. Jack is napping which is why I should be working at lightning speed. I'm hoping to get out and run some errands when Craig gets home as we are supposed to get 4-8 inches of snow tomorrow. I like being snowed in!

Jack is just so fun! He is learning new words everyday and often surprises us with something he will say. He loves to go to church and Kidzone. He is often busy playing with cars, balls, legos, and Play-Dough. He loves Barney, Franklin, Elmo and Curious George. He is very sensitive. Usually when sitting in time-out he cries and cries. We can tell he is very sorry. We always talk about it when he can get up. I always say, "You have to obey Mommy and Daddy," to which he will reply, "Yeah!" He then gives us hugs and kisses. He's so sweet. I think he is going to be neat and tidy as he always wants to put things away and help Mommy and Daddy with household chores. I'm still trying to decide what to get him for Christmas. I think I better decide soon!

Our Helper

2008-12-07T22:13:00.003-06:00

Jack was glued to Craig all day today. He helped Craig take out trash, put a lamp together and clean bugs out of the light fixtures (which is what he is doing here.) He was so proud of himself. He insisted on wearing his pajamas all day today. Each time I changed his diaper, I would say, "Let's put your clothes on." Each time he said, "No, no!" He knows what he likes :)

Our Tree

2008-12-06T23:02:00.000-06:00

For Sale!

2008-12-06T13:23:00.008-06:00

Great Room/Living Room and Dining Room

View from the dining room to the living room

Four Seasons Room/Toy Room

Bathroom

Main Floor Bedroom/Den/Office

Open Staircase

View going up the stairs

Jack's Room

Our Room

Our house is for sale as of Tuesday, this week. I am excited to be able to move to a house with more space, definitely more storage, room for more children, a yard where Jack can play, a little less rowdy neighborhood, parking for our guests, room to have company for meals and overnight stays and the list could go on. I will be a little sad to leave our house too, if it should sell. This is the first house we bought after we were married. This is the house where we brought home our first baby. We have spent a lot of time, trying to improve it and make it our home. Craig says he won't miss it at all. :) (I just realized I don't have a picture of the kitchen, but I just made lunch and need to clean up the mess before I take a picture)

Gone To See Willie

2008-12-03T21:26:00.002-06:00

Craig is in Waterloo tonight, with his long-time friend, Mike, at a Willie Nelson concert. They had front-row seats! I'm sure they are having a great time. I am trying to catch up on paying bills, replying to emails, ordering some Christmas presents, etc. I am craving junk food, so I'm staying clear of the kitchen. It must be the weather. :)