Remodeling?

A couple weeks ago, our neighbors stopped in at our house. As I opened the door she kindly asked, "Are you remodeling?" It took me a minute to figure out what she was saying, then I took a look at myself. She's very kind, but yes- new to the neighborhood. Since we've now lived here for more than a year, any other neighbor wouldn't even have blinked an eye to see me covered in paint, sawdust and anything else I picked up while working in the garage- I'm a mess! Oh how, I'd love to be the put- together wife and mom with my make up just right, cute clothes and hair done everyday to meet and greet my family and anyone else who would happen to stop by! Fact of the matter is- 99% of the time I probably look like I am remodeling.

Our latest project, along with our business, little guys, football and 12-hour work days for Jim just about every day- we started on our basement trim work. First, I owe my brother-in-law a huge apology. I need to build up the courage to call him before they come for another visit and he sees what we've done. We bought oak trim and doors for our basement last year. I assumed we would stain them, and on a visit in January Mac spent HOURS getting us started. I was so excited to see the work in progress. He really did a great job- and got the first coat on ALL of it- so much work!

As soon as they left, my mother-in-law came for a visit and immediately said we needed to do light trim to brighten the basement. You know- dark stain is so "out." This put the thought in to my head and until this last week- we didn't know what to do. In the end, stuck with this expensive (and now stained) trim, we sanded it all down, primed it and painted it. Mac, I'm so sorry! Of course, Jim had to go Amish on me and insisted that we had to hand sand it ALL... the palm sander would have blasted through the grooves. I was willing to take the chance, but opted to work together on the whole thing. I'll post soon on what we've been working on!

What a Soccer Clinic

In our house, it's tough being one of the little guys. With ten years between the big boys and little boys. Coleman and Caden are constantly trying to be just like their older brothers. They have practice, and play coach. They catch the bus and go to school as well- all in their creative minds and daily imaginary play. Seeing a soccer clinic for ages 3-6 I was able to sign the up for their own "practice." Of course, they each had to have their own Gatorade- just like the big boys. Yesterday was the first of four Saturday mornings and while it was mostly chasing a ball around, they had fun!

We're working with Caden that you can't touch it with your hands... only kick it!

Maybe, he'll be a goalie.

Chimps and Penguins

With clear skies and 80 degree temperatures, it was the perfect combination for a September afternoon at the zoo. The little guys and I couldn't resist! It was just beautiful. After a quick tram ride around the whole zoo, we spent most of our time watching the chimps then on to the penguin cove.

The best part of having a membership is not having that urgency to hurry through to see every single animal. It was a nice, relaxed afternoon. This zoo is organized by continents. As we strolled past Australia we thought of our family down there!

We miss you guys!!!

Fall Blooms

I just love bulbs. It's no secret that tulips are one of my favorite things in life. There's the excitement when planting them, then they magically appear months later. This last two weeks, we've been down with a horrible flu. It started with Ty and Justin, then slowly knocked the rest of us out one at a time. It was a terrible reminder to me that I really don't have time to be sick.

The other day, I walked outside only to notice that the dahlias that I planted this Spring have started to bloom. What a fun surprise! My rose bush is still blooming as well. Simple joys for an Alaskan girl who would normally be bundling up about right now!

One Win- One Loss

After the first week of games, Tyler's team is 1-0 while Justin's team started with a loss and a the record is 0-1. It's tough to lose. Maybe even harder to watch your kids lose. Of my four boys, I'd say Justin is the most competitive and HATES anything but first place in pretty much anything- especially sports.

After a quiet ride home from the game and a quiet dinner... I finally told Justin I was so sorry that they lost- especially being their first game. His response, "Mom- they weren't good." That makes it even worse- knowing you're the better team and coming up short. Sounds like a life lesson... "it's not whether you win or lose..." Maybe next week will be better! While both boys actually do play, sideline shots are much easier for a mom to get sitting up in the stands!