I hate it when Ryan and I are apart, I always have. I remember whenever I would say say that, older married women would tell me, "Oh just wait, there will be a day when you'll be glad for the break!" Really?
We don't spend every minute of everyday together, but on the occasions when we do have a couple of weeks of vacation time or something, we love it! At the end of two weeks, I'm just wishing he could take another two off, I'm not secretly happy the two weeks are over. Maybe we haven't been married long enough yet? I hope that day never comes; I hope we never get tired of being together.
This Saturday will be our 13th wedding anniversary. Tonight, Ryan needs to fly home to Sacramento to spend a couple of days with family and to attend the funeral. It will only be two nights/two days but I miss him already and won't be really whole until he's back home Wednesday night. 13 years is definitely not long enough for me to welcome "breaks" from him.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
What matters most.
Ryan will be flying down to Sacramento this week to attend Grandma Cuckoo's funeral. In times like these, messages like this really hit home:
Saturday, September 26, 2009
"The oldest trees often bear the sweetest fruit." - German Proverb
Tonight I attended the General RS broadcast with some friends. It was wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have come home feeling the need to get on my knees and seek the Lord's help as I strive to fulfill my calling better. I kept being reminded of the covenants I've made and the assignments/responsibilities that I have accepted. But instead of feeling down for not doing all I know I should, I feel inspired and encouraged to just do better. I love our leaders, they are inspired and called of God.
After the broadcast, we visited with others there and helped with the humanitarian projects going on. We had brought toiletries to be made into kits which will be delivered to teenagers in shelters in our community. Many women tied fleece blankets that will be donated for humanitarian needs as well. As we visited with some of the other ladies there, we learned that one of our older sisters needed a ride home. I offered to take her but since my friends and I were planning on going out after, I invited her to join us first. She said yes! I have to be honest, I was a little surprised that she did. But we were all thrilled.
This woman is truly incredible and each of us have looked up to her and admired her for as long as we've known her. She lived in Germany during the second world war. Hearing of her experiences always humbles me and reminds me of just how blessed I am and how much I take that for granted.
Today, as we sat in Red Robins, she told us about the first time she heard of a hamburger and milkshake. She had just landed in NY, at 22 years of age. The person who was picking them up (I think a sister-in-law, or something) ordered her a hamburger and milkshake but she just couldn't understand why people would eat ice cream and meat together. She just couldn't do it! Back in Germany, they had not had much and only had enough food to survive, eating just what they needed, no more. But then she told us, now she likes hamburgers and milkshakes. :)
She told us other things, too. Like, she told us when her family was investigating the church in Germany, the members met at the branch president's house. She remembers sitting on steps in his house and seeing the older women knit and visit in the corner - that was Relief Society. She told us that when someone (I can't remember who it was - maybe a church leader?) came to visit, they had filled their suitcase with oranges, bananas, and canned milk to share with them. They each got just a little bit, so there was enough to go around.
Then she told us how she watched the girls walking when she first arrived in America, she saw that they all had a bounce in their step and she marveled at it. Later she realized, it was freedom. That was the bounce in their step. She hadn't seen it before.
I wish everyone had a Sister M. that could sit in the middle of a crowded, noisy restaurant with them and tell them stories that would make them realize how lucky they were just to be able to do that. A group of ladies, getting together, after having attended a church meeting for just the women, ordering whatever they want to eat, laughing and enjoying each other, and all happily returning home to our loving husbands and family. :)
After the broadcast, we visited with others there and helped with the humanitarian projects going on. We had brought toiletries to be made into kits which will be delivered to teenagers in shelters in our community. Many women tied fleece blankets that will be donated for humanitarian needs as well. As we visited with some of the other ladies there, we learned that one of our older sisters needed a ride home. I offered to take her but since my friends and I were planning on going out after, I invited her to join us first. She said yes! I have to be honest, I was a little surprised that she did. But we were all thrilled.
This woman is truly incredible and each of us have looked up to her and admired her for as long as we've known her. She lived in Germany during the second world war. Hearing of her experiences always humbles me and reminds me of just how blessed I am and how much I take that for granted.
Today, as we sat in Red Robins, she told us about the first time she heard of a hamburger and milkshake. She had just landed in NY, at 22 years of age. The person who was picking them up (I think a sister-in-law, or something) ordered her a hamburger and milkshake but she just couldn't understand why people would eat ice cream and meat together. She just couldn't do it! Back in Germany, they had not had much and only had enough food to survive, eating just what they needed, no more. But then she told us, now she likes hamburgers and milkshakes. :)
She told us other things, too. Like, she told us when her family was investigating the church in Germany, the members met at the branch president's house. She remembers sitting on steps in his house and seeing the older women knit and visit in the corner - that was Relief Society. She told us that when someone (I can't remember who it was - maybe a church leader?) came to visit, they had filled their suitcase with oranges, bananas, and canned milk to share with them. They each got just a little bit, so there was enough to go around.
Then she told us how she watched the girls walking when she first arrived in America, she saw that they all had a bounce in their step and she marveled at it. Later she realized, it was freedom. That was the bounce in their step. She hadn't seen it before.
I wish everyone had a Sister M. that could sit in the middle of a crowded, noisy restaurant with them and tell them stories that would make them realize how lucky they were just to be able to do that. A group of ladies, getting together, after having attended a church meeting for just the women, ordering whatever they want to eat, laughing and enjoying each other, and all happily returning home to our loving husbands and family. :)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Violinist
Today was Acadia's first violin lesson and she LOVED it! She came home and practiced until her fingers were numb... then beyond that, until they were purple! lol (They won't be using the bow for a couple of weeks at least, first they just "pluck" the strings to learn the notes.) What I loved was that she then taught me! I'm loving this sweet deal. :)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
He's still aliiiiiiive!
They say that cats have nine lives... our dog did always think he was a cat.
Simon is old. Really, really old. He has exceeded his breed's life expectancy; he is deaf, going blind, achy/sore, and always scratching. He's got skin problems, which are common for his breed and also his age, and we just learned today that he also has a heart mumur. Wonderful.
I took him to the vet, half expecting to not bring him home. But I didn't have the heart to tell them to just put him down, so instead, I came home with three different medications for him and the promise of two more once these are done. The two that will start at the end of these two weeks will be given daily for the rest of his life. Just what I didn't want to have happen. He's old. If we have to medicate him for the rest of his life just to keep him comfortable and from having these problems, maybe it's time to let go. I should have just told him that we were ready to let him go, but I felt too guilty doing it. It's such a grey area. If only he was REALLY sick, or totally blind, or in a lot of pain... that would make it an easy decision - time to put him out of his misery. But he's not. He's going blind, but can still see enough to get around and even though he's not comfortable, he doesn't seem to be in major pain. He's not doing well but he's not doing that bad either.
Ugh!!!
IF all these meds work, his skin will clear up and that will be nice, but it's not going to take away the fact that he's old, deaf, almost blind, and going to die sometime soon. I made the choice that didn't make me feel guilty today, but I just don't know if it was really the right one. :S
Simon is old. Really, really old. He has exceeded his breed's life expectancy; he is deaf, going blind, achy/sore, and always scratching. He's got skin problems, which are common for his breed and also his age, and we just learned today that he also has a heart mumur. Wonderful.
I took him to the vet, half expecting to not bring him home. But I didn't have the heart to tell them to just put him down, so instead, I came home with three different medications for him and the promise of two more once these are done. The two that will start at the end of these two weeks will be given daily for the rest of his life. Just what I didn't want to have happen. He's old. If we have to medicate him for the rest of his life just to keep him comfortable and from having these problems, maybe it's time to let go. I should have just told him that we were ready to let him go, but I felt too guilty doing it. It's such a grey area. If only he was REALLY sick, or totally blind, or in a lot of pain... that would make it an easy decision - time to put him out of his misery. But he's not. He's going blind, but can still see enough to get around and even though he's not comfortable, he doesn't seem to be in major pain. He's not doing well but he's not doing that bad either.
Ugh!!!
IF all these meds work, his skin will clear up and that will be nice, but it's not going to take away the fact that he's old, deaf, almost blind, and going to die sometime soon. I made the choice that didn't make me feel guilty today, but I just don't know if it was really the right one. :S
Another weekend, another update...
Saturday started out a little rainy, but that tapered off and we were left with a great day to work on the deck. Once again, we were aided by our good friend and neighbor, Stan. We have been so blessed to have friends that are willing and even eager to help us! It makes the job a lot easier!
The kids have been having fun watching/helping/playing around the work area. Smartest thing? Maybe not, but they've stayed safe and it's fun that they have been able to help in little ways from time to time. How many opportunities will they have to participate in this? Hopefully only this once! lol
(If you click on the collages, they will enlarge.)
Here is where the deck stands now, we need to put down the end pieces on the decking (the boards we have left need to be exchanged due to splits, knots, and bows, so we couldn't finish that yet), the railing, and finishing off the awning. Then all I have to do is clean and weather seal it and it'll be done!
The kids have been having fun watching/helping/playing around the work area. Smartest thing? Maybe not, but they've stayed safe and it's fun that they have been able to help in little ways from time to time. How many opportunities will they have to participate in this? Hopefully only this once! lol
(If you click on the collages, they will enlarge.)
Here is where the deck stands now, we need to put down the end pieces on the decking (the boards we have left need to be exchanged due to splits, knots, and bows, so we couldn't finish that yet), the railing, and finishing off the awning. Then all I have to do is clean and weather seal it and it'll be done!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Temporary Jungle Gym
This weekend, we finished getting the decking down (except for some end boards) but before that happened, the kids had fun playing around on the deck frame. Rori thought it was great fun to jump from the support boards to the deck:
Monday, September 21, 2009
Grandma Cuckoo
Yesterday, Ryan's step-father's mother passed away. I've been thinking about her a lot since we got the call yesterday afternoon.
From the very first time I met her, she treated me like I was one of her grandchildren. I remember how shocked and touched I was when she made me a Christmas present, a crocheted blanket, the first Christmas I knew Ryan. A few years later, that blanket was used in Acadia's nursery, it matched perfectly. :) But at the time, Ryan and I were just dating! Not to mention, Ryan isn't really her grandchild either. But that was the kind of woman she was. She thought of everyone and no one got left out.
We didn't see them very often, usually only at Christmas time, occasionally at other family events during the year, but always, when we did see her, she smiled, hugged us, and included us in whatever was going on. She was so sincere! Several years ago, she sent us a gift with a note, expressing her appreciation for the home videos we share with her each year. She was in the process of going through the family and giving everyone their inheritance early. She sent a little money, which we felt appropriate to use to buy a new digital camcorder since that was something we knew she enjoyed. I often think of her generosity when I use our camcorder and when we make our annual dvd to share with parents/grandparents.
When we were given her e-mail address, it was "grandma cuckoo", I loved it! It sounded like her, silly, fun, joyful. :)
A few years ago, her husband passed away. Though I know she loved being with her family here, I'm sure that she is thrilled to be with him again. I'm grateful for the lessons of kindness that I learned from her and I know that if I, who saw her so infrequently, learned so much from her, her family must have a lifetime of wonderful memories of her. What a great woman. We are sad to learn of her passing, it was a little unexpected, but we are so grateful for the spirit she has and that she can now be reunited with her eternal companion.
Goodbye Grandma Cuckoo, until we meet again.
From the very first time I met her, she treated me like I was one of her grandchildren. I remember how shocked and touched I was when she made me a Christmas present, a crocheted blanket, the first Christmas I knew Ryan. A few years later, that blanket was used in Acadia's nursery, it matched perfectly. :) But at the time, Ryan and I were just dating! Not to mention, Ryan isn't really her grandchild either. But that was the kind of woman she was. She thought of everyone and no one got left out.
We didn't see them very often, usually only at Christmas time, occasionally at other family events during the year, but always, when we did see her, she smiled, hugged us, and included us in whatever was going on. She was so sincere! Several years ago, she sent us a gift with a note, expressing her appreciation for the home videos we share with her each year. She was in the process of going through the family and giving everyone their inheritance early. She sent a little money, which we felt appropriate to use to buy a new digital camcorder since that was something we knew she enjoyed. I often think of her generosity when I use our camcorder and when we make our annual dvd to share with parents/grandparents.
When we were given her e-mail address, it was "grandma cuckoo", I loved it! It sounded like her, silly, fun, joyful. :)
A few years ago, her husband passed away. Though I know she loved being with her family here, I'm sure that she is thrilled to be with him again. I'm grateful for the lessons of kindness that I learned from her and I know that if I, who saw her so infrequently, learned so much from her, her family must have a lifetime of wonderful memories of her. What a great woman. We are sad to learn of her passing, it was a little unexpected, but we are so grateful for the spirit she has and that she can now be reunited with her eternal companion.
Goodbye Grandma Cuckoo, until we meet again.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Get Involved
I'm really pleased with Acadia's desire to be involved. She is always eager to participate, willing to take the lead, make a stand, etc.
Today, some of the students at her school participated in a student demonstration at a busy intersection near their school. A few parents and teachers, as well as law enforcement, took some student volunteers, including Acadia, down to the corner to hold signs and shout out things like "Watch out for me!", "Slow Down!", "Text Later!", etc. The demonstration lasted for about an hour and a half.
I had been hoping to make it down there during the demonstration to take a picture or two, but my day was just too busy. There was a news team there, and the newspaper too, and I hoped that they would catch her on film for me. The 6 o'clock news (KGW, channel 8) did show the story, but Cadi wasn't in any of the video. Bummer. But that's okay. I'm just glad that she was able to participate. :)
Today, some of the students at her school participated in a student demonstration at a busy intersection near their school. A few parents and teachers, as well as law enforcement, took some student volunteers, including Acadia, down to the corner to hold signs and shout out things like "Watch out for me!", "Slow Down!", "Text Later!", etc. The demonstration lasted for about an hour and a half.
I had been hoping to make it down there during the demonstration to take a picture or two, but my day was just too busy. There was a news team there, and the newspaper too, and I hoped that they would catch her on film for me. The 6 o'clock news (KGW, channel 8) did show the story, but Cadi wasn't in any of the video. Bummer. But that's okay. I'm just glad that she was able to participate. :)
Little Dancer
Today Aurora had her very first dance class! Rori LOVES music! Anytime she hears any music she likes, she dances around. Often she'll ask me if it's okay, I've never told her "no" and I think it's funny that she continues to ask. She dances along to her kid shows, commercials, movies, Acadia or me playing the piano, music on the computer, and sometimes just the music in her head. Now that she is out of diapers, I have enrolled her in a little dance class. She loved it! It is an informal kind of dance class, they learn a few dance steps but mostly they learn how to follow directions and how to remember dance sequences... and of course how to have fun dancing! Acadia took these same dance classes when she was little and had a great time, I know Rori will too.
Artist
Acadia is a pretty good artist. It's not something that she spends a lot of time on out of school, but she continues to impress us with the artwork she brings home from school. These two paintings impressed us so much, especially the self portrait, that we decided to frame them. The one of the left was painted last year (age 9) when they were studying asian artwork. The self portrait was painted in 3rd grade (age 8) and is our very favorite so far. I've hung these right next to her bedroom door so whenever she goes into her room, she'll see how proud we are of her talent. There is more room on this wall for new art; get painting Cadi! ;)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Liken the scriptures...
As we were having dinner, Aurora was being difficult. She was cranky and tired, and admitted it. She kept telling me she was tired and wanted to go lay on the couch, but I insisted that she eat her dinner first. (Too many times she has fallen asleep right before or during dinner and that is it for her - she ends up not eating anything. :S) She wasn't happy.
So, Acadia picked up a board book called "Hidden Treasures of the Book of Mormon", it's a "seek and ye shall find" flap book. She opened the book to one of the first couple of pages and began to read, adding commentary along the way:
"Lehi had a vision about Heavenly Father's plan for us. (Rori, Heavenly Father's plan includes that we should be healthy, so you should eat your dinner.) He saw that choosing the right will make us happy. (If you eat your dinner, you will be healthy and that will make you happy.) Because Lehi loved his family, he wanted all of them to choose the right... (Mom made this healthy dinner because she loves us)... but some of them would not. (Like you!)
"So the moral of the story is: Be righteous; eat your dinner!"
So, Acadia picked up a board book called "Hidden Treasures of the Book of Mormon", it's a "seek and ye shall find" flap book. She opened the book to one of the first couple of pages and began to read, adding commentary along the way:
"Lehi had a vision about Heavenly Father's plan for us. (Rori, Heavenly Father's plan includes that we should be healthy, so you should eat your dinner.) He saw that choosing the right will make us happy. (If you eat your dinner, you will be healthy and that will make you happy.) Because Lehi loved his family, he wanted all of them to choose the right... (Mom made this healthy dinner because she loves us)... but some of them would not. (Like you!)
"So the moral of the story is: Be righteous; eat your dinner!"
Rori and her Bath Time
Rori LOVES her bath time! Which is very good, because she also loves playing in the dirt. She asks for a bath multiple times a day and loves to "swim", be a mermaid, and play with her bath toys.
Deck Update
I love my husband. He is really working hard, trying to finish our deck. Last night, he worked until after dark. They stopped because they reached a point where they needed to cut some wood and they didn't want to be making all that noise when it was getting late. I also appreciate everyone who has helped him/us with the deck, especially my father-in-law, Farl, who flew up from Sacramento for a whole week to get the majority of it done.
I can't wait until our deck is done, but I'm also enjoying the process. It's fun to see Ryan working and creating something beautiful that we will be able to use and enjoy for years and years. It's fun to work with him and learn how to do some new things. And it's fun to enjoy time working with friends. I think when friends work together and help one another, it just strengthens your friendship in a way that nothing else can.
Here are a few pics I took last night:
I can't wait until our deck is done, but I'm also enjoying the process. It's fun to see Ryan working and creating something beautiful that we will be able to use and enjoy for years and years. It's fun to work with him and learn how to do some new things. And it's fun to enjoy time working with friends. I think when friends work together and help one another, it just strengthens your friendship in a way that nothing else can.
Here are a few pics I took last night:
Monday, September 14, 2009
Brady's Back!!!
He didn't really show up until the end of the game, but it was just in the nick of time! And since he did pull it off in the end, I'm willing to overlook the poor playing earlier in the game, this was, afterall, his first game back in a year. Cut the guy some slack, right?
But next week. Next week, we play the Jets and everyone and their grandmother knows that we HAVE to beat them. HAVE TO. So, none of this pansying around and waiting until the last minute to really play. They'd better bring it from the start. But if I know my Patriots, they will. :)
But next week. Next week, we play the Jets and everyone and their grandmother knows that we HAVE to beat them. HAVE TO. So, none of this pansying around and waiting until the last minute to really play. They'd better bring it from the start. But if I know my Patriots, they will. :)
Anticipation
For one whole year, I've waited for tonight. I remember how horrified I was to learn how long it would be until we could do it again. Sure, we had a subsitute to carry us through and he was good, real good. But no one does it like my boy does it.
Tonight he is back! Let's do this, Brady!!
GO PATS!!!!!
Tonight he is back! Let's do this, Brady!!
GO PATS!!!!!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
We didn't even know how deprived we were!
Today, while we were waiting for church to start, Acadia was reading a past issue of the Friend magazine. One of the things in it was a questionaire to ask your parent, to get to know them better. One of the questions she asked me was, "What things do we have now that hadn't been invented yet when you were little?" So I answered her: cell phones, dvd players, mp3 players, laptops... She looked amazed, "How did you ever survive?" lol
Help from our friends.
Here are some pics from our work yesterday.
We are blessed with friends who generously worked with us most of the day to help us get as far as we did. We're almost done now! What's left: finish bracing the frame, laying the actual deck, installing the railing, cleaning and coating with a weather sealer. Other than that, we're toying with our options on how we want to finish the awning. We will likely shingle it, and blend the shingles in with the roof. Ryan is also thinking about putting up a "ceiling" and possibly even installing canister lights in the awning. Whatever we do, I will need to paint the underside as soon as he's done, but for now I'm trying not to think about that. ;)
Since some of our neighbors came over to help/watch, I wasn't the only one taking pictures. I've tried to help throughout this whole process, though admittedly, what I have done has been really small compared to all that Ryan, Farl, and others have accomplished. But finally I have pics to prove that I helped build our deck! lol
This is what it looks like right now.
We are blessed with friends who generously worked with us most of the day to help us get as far as we did. We're almost done now! What's left: finish bracing the frame, laying the actual deck, installing the railing, cleaning and coating with a weather sealer. Other than that, we're toying with our options on how we want to finish the awning. We will likely shingle it, and blend the shingles in with the roof. Ryan is also thinking about putting up a "ceiling" and possibly even installing canister lights in the awning. Whatever we do, I will need to paint the underside as soon as he's done, but for now I'm trying not to think about that. ;)
Since some of our neighbors came over to help/watch, I wasn't the only one taking pictures. I've tried to help throughout this whole process, though admittedly, what I have done has been really small compared to all that Ryan, Farl, and others have accomplished. But finally I have pics to prove that I helped build our deck! lol
This is what it looks like right now.
Good Morning
As Ryan was leaving for an early meeting this morning, he called me and told me to go out and look at the sunrise. I figured if he thought it was good enough for me to get out of bed to see, it must be good enough to take pics, so I grabbed my camera as I stepped outside. It was beautiful! Unfortunately, most of my view was blocked by nearby houses. But this is what I saw:
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Slowly but surely...
We are making progress on the deck. Ryan has worked late nights this week, but we spent most of Monday and most of today out working on the framing/leveling/etc. Today, a few friends came over to help. Thanks guys! :) I have the ladies from church coming over for lunch on Thursday and I have been telling them we'll be eating on my new deck... so that's the deadline. lol The deck will definitely be built by then, I just don't know about the railing. And I doubt I'll have it weather treated yet. :S But it's all coming together and I'm very excited! :)
(I did take lots of pics today, but I haven't uploaded them yet. I'll post them soon.)
(I did take lots of pics today, but I haven't uploaded them yet. I'll post them soon.)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
To the woman who gave me life...
Today is my mom's birthday - Happy Birthday Mom!
For years my mom has put herself after everyone else. She did what everyone else wanted to do, when they wanted to do it. But this year for her birthday, she is doing what SHE wants to do. I hope she has a great time in Fort Bragg this weekend! I know it's pretty much her favorite place on earth, so I am certain she will. :)
Feel free to pop on over to her blog and say Happy Birthday, just tell her I sent you. ;)
For years my mom has put herself after everyone else. She did what everyone else wanted to do, when they wanted to do it. But this year for her birthday, she is doing what SHE wants to do. I hope she has a great time in Fort Bragg this weekend! I know it's pretty much her favorite place on earth, so I am certain she will. :)
Feel free to pop on over to her blog and say Happy Birthday, just tell her I sent you. ;)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Strings
I am so excited for Acadia!!!
5th graders have the option of participating in band/orchestra. The school teaches them how to play their instrument, but the parents do have to pay for said instruments. Acadia has always known she wanted to play another instrument, the debate was which one? Prior to this year, only band instruments were taught and she was leaning towards clarinet because she has friends who play it. I've always been a little bummed that the school didn't teach violin.
BUT NOW THEY DO!!!
Today, Acadia participated in a screening where the music instructor lets them try a couple of instruments of their choice to see which would be the best match. Acadia tried violin and clarinet today; she and her instructor both agreed that violin would be the best match!
I AM SO EXCITED!!! Besides the piano, I've always thought the violin was the most beautiful and elegant instrument (though I know that learning it first requires scratchy, not-so-elegant noises, lol) and I've always hoped Acadia could learn how to play it. Imagine the duets she and I could play!
It won't be cheap to buy one, but I think we can find a nice used one on Craigslist for a very reasonable price, and since I won't have to pay for lessons... this will be a great opportunity for her without costing us very much at all. :)
5th graders have the option of participating in band/orchestra. The school teaches them how to play their instrument, but the parents do have to pay for said instruments. Acadia has always known she wanted to play another instrument, the debate was which one? Prior to this year, only band instruments were taught and she was leaning towards clarinet because she has friends who play it. I've always been a little bummed that the school didn't teach violin.
BUT NOW THEY DO!!!
Today, Acadia participated in a screening where the music instructor lets them try a couple of instruments of their choice to see which would be the best match. Acadia tried violin and clarinet today; she and her instructor both agreed that violin would be the best match!
I AM SO EXCITED!!! Besides the piano, I've always thought the violin was the most beautiful and elegant instrument (though I know that learning it first requires scratchy, not-so-elegant noises, lol) and I've always hoped Acadia could learn how to play it. Imagine the duets she and I could play!
It won't be cheap to buy one, but I think we can find a nice used one on Craigslist for a very reasonable price, and since I won't have to pay for lessons... this will be a great opportunity for her without costing us very much at all. :)
Monday, September 7, 2009
Oops!
As Ryan prepared to start on the uncovered deck today, he and his friend, James, made a very unfortunate discovery.
This post is too short! It's a post we're using for the railing, and by code, the rail must be at least 42" tall.
Even when adding the top of the rail, it would only bring it to 35 inches. Not good.
After some brainstorming, we decided to sawzall the 4x4 flush with the frame, then mount a new 4x4 (the appropriate height) next to it. This moves the uncovered deck over 6 inches, but that's where I wanted it to begin with. (Ryan wanted a slightly wider walking space between the deck and tree, but I'm sure that 3 feet will be plenty.)
Now when they add the top board, the rail will be exactly 42 inches. *whew* Crisis averted! :)
This post is too short! It's a post we're using for the railing, and by code, the rail must be at least 42" tall.
Even when adding the top of the rail, it would only bring it to 35 inches. Not good.
After some brainstorming, we decided to sawzall the 4x4 flush with the frame, then mount a new 4x4 (the appropriate height) next to it. This moves the uncovered deck over 6 inches, but that's where I wanted it to begin with. (Ryan wanted a slightly wider walking space between the deck and tree, but I'm sure that 3 feet will be plenty.)
Now when they add the top board, the rail will be exactly 42 inches. *whew* Crisis averted! :)
Saturday, September 5, 2009
To be continued...
I've got to hand it to the guys, they've really worked hard this week! We're not done, but because it rained today, we were left with no choice but to leave the rest for another weekend. :S In the meantime, the guys have been taking the piles of old wood and yard debris to the dump today, which was much needed. :)
So, here is what we've got so far. On Wednesday and Thursday they framed, leveled, and laid the part of the deck that would be covered. It is 10x24 feet, with a step down in the middle, breaking it up into two even areas. Aurora was a little helper. She handed the guys screws, but was afraid of the noise that the power drills made, and would turn and run away each time, then running back to give them the next screw. lol
On Friday, they built the awning and laid the tar paper. We still need to put shingles on, a gutter up, and to paint the underside of the awning to protect the wood.
And here it is:
What's left to do is a portion that will come out and remain uncovered. It will be the same level as the lower portion and will be 12x16 feet. We also need to put a rail up around the half of the deck that is too high up off the ground. It's kind of hard to describe, but hopefully it won't be too long before it's done and I can just show pictures of it. :)
So, here is what we've got so far. On Wednesday and Thursday they framed, leveled, and laid the part of the deck that would be covered. It is 10x24 feet, with a step down in the middle, breaking it up into two even areas. Aurora was a little helper. She handed the guys screws, but was afraid of the noise that the power drills made, and would turn and run away each time, then running back to give them the next screw. lol
On Friday, they built the awning and laid the tar paper. We still need to put shingles on, a gutter up, and to paint the underside of the awning to protect the wood.
And here it is:
What's left to do is a portion that will come out and remain uncovered. It will be the same level as the lower portion and will be 12x16 feet. We also need to put a rail up around the half of the deck that is too high up off the ground. It's kind of hard to describe, but hopefully it won't be too long before it's done and I can just show pictures of it. :)
Friday, September 4, 2009
Clothes!
My good friend sent me a couple of boxes of clothes that her girls had outgrown, for Rori. This morning we opened up the boxes. Rori was very excited! She kept pulling things out randomly and then putting them on over her nightgown. lol
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Off with the old and on with the new.
We've been talking about it for years but this is the year that we're getting it done: We're painting the house and building a new and improved deck!
On Saturday, Ryan and his friend started to tear out the old deck. Then on Monday, Ryan's step-father, Farl, flew up to help us build the new deck. There was just a little more clearing away needing to be done when he got here so we could start fresh.
The wood for the new deck wouldn't be delivered until Wednesday morning, so we spent Tuesday painting the back of the house. We don't have time to paint the whole house this week, but I at least wanted the back painted before the new deck went up. I didn't want to get paint on my new deck! :)
Painting went very smoothly! The prep work took more time than the actual painting. First we powerwashed the house and then taped up the windows, water faucet, A/C, etc. and Ryan needed to remove a power cable that the previous owners had rigged up.
The girls LOVED the part where we told them they needed to close and lock the door and keep us locked out until we removed the paper over the door. I just know that locking us out was the highlight of Acadia's day! lol
With everything prepped, we were ready to paint. Thanks to our wonderful neighbors for loaning us their sprayer, we finished in no time at all! With the rest of the afternoon free, the boys jumped at the chance to get in 9 holes of golf and that's when I took the girls to get our nails done. :)
Then, first thing Wednesday morning, I touched up a couple of spots and painted the trim and gutters. Now we were finally ready to start the deck. And perfect timing, because that was right when the load of wood arrived! :)
On Saturday, Ryan and his friend started to tear out the old deck. Then on Monday, Ryan's step-father, Farl, flew up to help us build the new deck. There was just a little more clearing away needing to be done when he got here so we could start fresh.
The wood for the new deck wouldn't be delivered until Wednesday morning, so we spent Tuesday painting the back of the house. We don't have time to paint the whole house this week, but I at least wanted the back painted before the new deck went up. I didn't want to get paint on my new deck! :)
Painting went very smoothly! The prep work took more time than the actual painting. First we powerwashed the house and then taped up the windows, water faucet, A/C, etc. and Ryan needed to remove a power cable that the previous owners had rigged up.
The girls LOVED the part where we told them they needed to close and lock the door and keep us locked out until we removed the paper over the door. I just know that locking us out was the highlight of Acadia's day! lol
With everything prepped, we were ready to paint. Thanks to our wonderful neighbors for loaning us their sprayer, we finished in no time at all! With the rest of the afternoon free, the boys jumped at the chance to get in 9 holes of golf and that's when I took the girls to get our nails done. :)
Then, first thing Wednesday morning, I touched up a couple of spots and painted the trim and gutters. Now we were finally ready to start the deck. And perfect timing, because that was right when the load of wood arrived! :)
My 5th Grader
I don't know how many other places do it like this, but up here, grade school only goes through 5th grade, and then middle school is 6th-8th grades. Which means that this is Acadia's final year in grade school! I think next year is going to be a little hard for me to grasp. She surely can't be old enough for Jr. High! And thankfully, for this year, she isn't. :)
Acadia is a great student and usually enjoys school. This year she was excited for a couple of reasons. First of all, she is excited to have Mr. Diano (the kids call him Mr. D. for short) as her teacher! He is the teacher in charge of Safety Patrol so she has already worked with him for the last year and is excited to be in his class this year. Mr. D. is fun! He is just a big kid in a grown up body, but he knows how to get serious and get down to work, too. He also is great with the kids. I think this is going to be a fun and educational year for Acadia. :)
The other reason why Cadi is excited about school this year is that school starts later. The schools in our district all did a little juggling and while some start earlier this year than last, ours starts later. (I think it was primarily because of bus routes.) That means she doesn't leave the house until 8:45 am. Which means, she gets to sleep in an extra half hour. Of course, that also means she gets out of school later, but so far all she cares about is getting to sleep in. lol
Yesterday was the first day of this school year and of course I took pics:
The best part? Well, I had to stop painting to take her to school, so I dropped her off, stood out front waiting for her to come out for safety patrol, and took pictures of her with her teacher, all the while looking like this:
Haha! I love it! I believe it is my God-given right, and even my DUTY, to totally embarrass her from time to time. And this time, I did a pretty decent job of it. ;)
P.S. There's a sneak peak at the new house color! :)
Acadia is a great student and usually enjoys school. This year she was excited for a couple of reasons. First of all, she is excited to have Mr. Diano (the kids call him Mr. D. for short) as her teacher! He is the teacher in charge of Safety Patrol so she has already worked with him for the last year and is excited to be in his class this year. Mr. D. is fun! He is just a big kid in a grown up body, but he knows how to get serious and get down to work, too. He also is great with the kids. I think this is going to be a fun and educational year for Acadia. :)
The other reason why Cadi is excited about school this year is that school starts later. The schools in our district all did a little juggling and while some start earlier this year than last, ours starts later. (I think it was primarily because of bus routes.) That means she doesn't leave the house until 8:45 am. Which means, she gets to sleep in an extra half hour. Of course, that also means she gets out of school later, but so far all she cares about is getting to sleep in. lol
Yesterday was the first day of this school year and of course I took pics:
The best part? Well, I had to stop painting to take her to school, so I dropped her off, stood out front waiting for her to come out for safety patrol, and took pictures of her with her teacher, all the while looking like this:
Haha! I love it! I believe it is my God-given right, and even my DUTY, to totally embarrass her from time to time. And this time, I did a pretty decent job of it. ;)
P.S. There's a sneak peak at the new house color! :)
Girls Only
I like to take Cadi to get her nails done right before school starts. It's fun for us, we both love mani and pedis, and she gets pampered a little and feels pretty for her first day of school. This time I didn't get a sitter for Rori lined up and had to take her with us. It was fun... until Rori got too bored. I don't think we'll be doing that again for awhile. lol
They were busy yesterday! Normally, they do our manis and pedis at the same time, but this time they had to do us one at a time. I went first and Rori was fascinated! She sat on my lap and put her feet in the water while I was getting my pedicure. Then, while Cadi was waiting for hers, Rori started pretending to do it for her. lol It was cute! Rori didn't get a mani and pedi, of course, but they did paint her fingers and toes. Pink! That was special enough for her to enjoy it. But once her nails were done, so was she. She kind of terrorized the place until Cadi and I were done. :S
They were busy yesterday! Normally, they do our manis and pedis at the same time, but this time they had to do us one at a time. I went first and Rori was fascinated! She sat on my lap and put her feet in the water while I was getting my pedicure. Then, while Cadi was waiting for hers, Rori started pretending to do it for her. lol It was cute! Rori didn't get a mani and pedi, of course, but they did paint her fingers and toes. Pink! That was special enough for her to enjoy it. But once her nails were done, so was she. She kind of terrorized the place until Cadi and I were done. :S
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Some Assembly Required
WHAT?!?! It doesn't come pre-assembled?
Well, there's my deck! In a couple hundred pieces. lol
P.S. It smells REALLY good! :)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The post that made Rori smile and Ruth jealous.
It was our last day of vacation but we had to be out of the beach house by 11am. So, we headed down to Tillamook and spent some time at the Cheese Factory! :)
But first, we took a group photo:
We just LOVED our time at the beach house! We all wished we could have stayed a few more days and we're all looking forward to doing it again. :)
Even though we've driven by it before, we have never actually been to the Tillamook Cheese Factory before. Aurora was in heaven! (In case you didn't know, Aurora LOVES cheese!) We first sampled a few different cheeses, then went up to the observation decks and went on the self-guided tour. Afterwards, we went to the store to buy cheese - Garlic Chili Pepper Cheddar cheese... HELLO! Y-U-M!!! And what kind of trip to the Tillamook Cheese Factory would be complete without getting some awesome Tillamook ice cream?!?! (That's the part that makes Ruth jealous... but Ruth, maybe we can go there when you come visit next summer.) :)
We were going to stay in Tillamook and see the aviation museum but Matthew's mother was in the hospital back home and had just heard that she might have cancer again, so he was eager to get home and see her. We were okay with that too, because that way we got home at a good hour and were able to unload and unpack before we were super tired.
We had such a great time during our trip! It was a great way to relax, enjoy family, have fun, and end our summer break! Here are some miscellaneous photos that didn't make it into any of the previous posts:
But first, we took a group photo:
We just LOVED our time at the beach house! We all wished we could have stayed a few more days and we're all looking forward to doing it again. :)
Even though we've driven by it before, we have never actually been to the Tillamook Cheese Factory before. Aurora was in heaven! (In case you didn't know, Aurora LOVES cheese!) We first sampled a few different cheeses, then went up to the observation decks and went on the self-guided tour. Afterwards, we went to the store to buy cheese - Garlic Chili Pepper Cheddar cheese... HELLO! Y-U-M!!! And what kind of trip to the Tillamook Cheese Factory would be complete without getting some awesome Tillamook ice cream?!?! (That's the part that makes Ruth jealous... but Ruth, maybe we can go there when you come visit next summer.) :)
We were going to stay in Tillamook and see the aviation museum but Matthew's mother was in the hospital back home and had just heard that she might have cancer again, so he was eager to get home and see her. We were okay with that too, because that way we got home at a good hour and were able to unload and unpack before we were super tired.
We had such a great time during our trip! It was a great way to relax, enjoy family, have fun, and end our summer break! Here are some miscellaneous photos that didn't make it into any of the previous posts:
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