Tip of the day: If you think you need more space in a room, try pulling some of the furniture out a foot or two and leave it like that for at least a couple of weeks. When you push the furniture back in place you will be amazed at how much space you have!!!
Today I FINALLY painted the two walls that our computer desk sits against! The desk has been pulled out about 2 feet from the walls for at least a couple of weeks. I painted the molding way-back-when and then put the family room on hold while I finished the other rooms first. And today was the day to get back to it! I've now pushed the desk back up against the wall and I can't believe how much room we have in here!
I need Ryan to remove the huge mirrors in the dining room (hopefully tonight???) so I can finish painting - and then I'll be DONE!!! Can you believe it?!? I can't!!!
Again, I LOVE the new color! It looks great with the furniture we bought 2 years ago! I can't believe we have waited this long! But I guess other things had to come first...ah, the memories. We've actually done quite a bit of work since we bought this house. Two remodeled bathrooms and a new pantry. Not to mention the paint and new flooring in three of the bedrooms.
I'm trying to decide if I can afford to buy window coverings for the family room now. I haven't actually decided what to do though. The veritcal blinds do look nice, but what we have needs to be replaced. I've been thinking about the accordian style blinds. I guess I should look around and figure it out. I also need to start looking for specials on laminate flooring for the living room. The only criteria is that it has to match the built-in bookshelves. Hmmm...all at once I feel broke again!
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Knock, Knock... Who's there?
As I was sitting here on the computer, I heard a tapping on the sliding door. My first thought was that I needed to let the dog in. When I remembered that I had already let him in, I thought that Ryan was playing a little trick on me. He should be at school taking a test, maybe it was cancelled and he came home early and was now trying to scare me by making noises at the back door.
I got up to see what it was that was tapping at my door and found a robin flying off in a hurry! A little later, the tapping resumed. I snuck around to where I could see the door without the bird seeing me. I thought maybe it was trying to "steal" the shoelaces off of Ryan's boots that were sitting next to the door. Nope, it was just sitting there knocking on the glass! After a minute it tried flying into the door. But then it went back to standing on the deck and knocking.
I hope it is okay. Normally when a bird repeatedly tries to go through a closed window, something is wrong. (Or that's what I think - I am no bird expert, so maybe I'm wrong.)
Acadia wanted me to let it in! "Just for a minute...?" "No, birds do not belong in the house!"
But it was cute!
P.S. Happy Birthday, Miriam!!! We hope you are feeling better! XXOO
I got up to see what it was that was tapping at my door and found a robin flying off in a hurry! A little later, the tapping resumed. I snuck around to where I could see the door without the bird seeing me. I thought maybe it was trying to "steal" the shoelaces off of Ryan's boots that were sitting next to the door. Nope, it was just sitting there knocking on the glass! After a minute it tried flying into the door. But then it went back to standing on the deck and knocking.
I hope it is okay. Normally when a bird repeatedly tries to go through a closed window, something is wrong. (Or that's what I think - I am no bird expert, so maybe I'm wrong.)
Acadia wanted me to let it in! "Just for a minute...?" "No, birds do not belong in the house!"
But it was cute!
P.S. Happy Birthday, Miriam!!! We hope you are feeling better! XXOO
Come to the House of the Lord
Our stake did a really neat thing today - we decided to "create a stake" - a stake in heaven. We were challenged by our Stake Presidency to make whatever sacrifices necessary to spend today at the temple. We were specifically asked to attend at least 3 sessions (of whichever ordinances we want). The idea was to do enough work to create a whole new stake in heaven.
I've been fighting a sore throat since Sunday and I just prayed and prayed last night that I would be well enough to attend today. When I woke up, my throat felt 10 times better. I knew that the Lord wanted me to go to the temple today and I was so grateful to be able to do it! Ryan and I went as soon as Acadia was on the bus and we finished a little after 4. Ryan then ran off to take a mid-term and I came home to collect Acadia from our neighbor who watched her after school.
It was a great experience, being in the temple all day. Most of the sessions were completely full! The spirit was very strong! It was especially nice to see so many people from our ward there. We feel blessed for being able to participate in it!
I've been fighting a sore throat since Sunday and I just prayed and prayed last night that I would be well enough to attend today. When I woke up, my throat felt 10 times better. I knew that the Lord wanted me to go to the temple today and I was so grateful to be able to do it! Ryan and I went as soon as Acadia was on the bus and we finished a little after 4. Ryan then ran off to take a mid-term and I came home to collect Acadia from our neighbor who watched her after school.
It was a great experience, being in the temple all day. Most of the sessions were completely full! The spirit was very strong! It was especially nice to see so many people from our ward there. We feel blessed for being able to participate in it!
Saturday, May 7, 2005
Mother/Daughter Brunch
This morning Acadia and I went to her Daisy Girl Scout troops Mother's Day brunch. It was fun!
We started with a scavenger hunt. We each got in our cars and drove around finding answers to the clues we were given. We even got some free potato chips from the convenience store and a free round of golf from the miniature golf course. Cadi and I won second place! She got a diary for her prize and I won a "Mommy and Me" key chain.
Next was the yummy brunch! We had fresh fruit, muffins, bagels, and a delicious breakfast casserole. We had orange juice and hot chocolate to drink.
When we were done eating, the girls gave us the gifts they had made for us. I'm posting a picture of it. It's a little wooden flower with their picture on it and a butterfly and watercan sticking out. They painted the pictures and did a great job! They also made us flowers from tissue paper - very pretty.
Finally the girls got to play one last game - drawing a picture of their mom while they kept their eyes closed! It was pretty funny! They all got a prize - Cadi's was a watch.
It was a fun time - and here are some pictures...
RaeAnne and Acadia getting their plates.
Acadia giving me my gift.
Acadia, RaeAnne, Avery, Sierra, and Emma
We started with a scavenger hunt. We each got in our cars and drove around finding answers to the clues we were given. We even got some free potato chips from the convenience store and a free round of golf from the miniature golf course. Cadi and I won second place! She got a diary for her prize and I won a "Mommy and Me" key chain.
Next was the yummy brunch! We had fresh fruit, muffins, bagels, and a delicious breakfast casserole. We had orange juice and hot chocolate to drink.
When we were done eating, the girls gave us the gifts they had made for us. I'm posting a picture of it. It's a little wooden flower with their picture on it and a butterfly and watercan sticking out. They painted the pictures and did a great job! They also made us flowers from tissue paper - very pretty.
Finally the girls got to play one last game - drawing a picture of their mom while they kept their eyes closed! It was pretty funny! They all got a prize - Cadi's was a watch.
It was a fun time - and here are some pictures...
RaeAnne and Acadia getting their plates.
Acadia giving me my gift.
Acadia, RaeAnne, Avery, Sierra, and Emma
Friday, May 6, 2005
Sir Posts-alot
Well, not Sir, but you get the idea...
Okay, it's better late than never - here's the Friday Five:
1.) Do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not? Yes and no. I believe that to really love someone, you have to know them. And that requires more time than just "first sight". But, sometimes you can tell there's a connection (more than just physical) right away. It isn't the same as love, but it can be a pretty strong feeling.
2.) What physical feature attracts you the most (romantically) to another person? Hehehe... It's hard to pinpoint one thing that "attracts me the most". Back in the day, I think it was broad shoulders- though that was just part of it, really I just liked good-looking, clean-cut guys. And it's been awhile since I've really paid attention to being attracted romantically to anyone besides Ryan. However, the features that catch my eye now-a-days (romantically or not) are gorgeous eyes (I LOVE Ryan's eyes!) and a great smile.
3.) What do you think is the biggest benefit of being in a romantic relationship? Knowing that you have someone that loves and supports you. You know that you are never alone because there is at least one person who is on your side.
4.) Biggest downside? You're vulnerable. It's easier to get hurt. When you've given your heart and soul to someone, you are at risk of having it all broken.
5.) Has your idea of love and romance changed? If so, how? Of course. As you live life, especially in a relationship (ie. marriage) with someone, it evolves. It constantly changes - hopefully always progressing. You learn more about what love is and what love does as you experience more together. Each "hard time" you go through together changes what love means to you.
My idea of love was always based on the same things it's based on now, but it means more now. Having someone to count on. Being able to share every part of me and my life with the person who is most important to me. Having them trust me enough to share all their secrets with me. Going through life's experiences together, facing trials and getting through it together. Knowing that he knows me better than anyone else - and he still loves me!
When we were dating and newlyweds, my idea of romance was a candlelit dinner and roses. Now, romance is in the little things. It's just spending time together doing something we both enjoy. It's hearing him pay me a compliment - especially when he's telling someone else. It's when he reaches for my hand when a favorite song comes on the radio. It's when we say the same thing at the same time - or finish each other's sentence. It's those moments when I realize again how perfectly meant for eachother we really are.
Okay, it's better late than never - here's the Friday Five:
1.) Do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not? Yes and no. I believe that to really love someone, you have to know them. And that requires more time than just "first sight". But, sometimes you can tell there's a connection (more than just physical) right away. It isn't the same as love, but it can be a pretty strong feeling.
2.) What physical feature attracts you the most (romantically) to another person? Hehehe... It's hard to pinpoint one thing that "attracts me the most". Back in the day, I think it was broad shoulders- though that was just part of it, really I just liked good-looking, clean-cut guys. And it's been awhile since I've really paid attention to being attracted romantically to anyone besides Ryan. However, the features that catch my eye now-a-days (romantically or not) are gorgeous eyes (I LOVE Ryan's eyes!) and a great smile.
3.) What do you think is the biggest benefit of being in a romantic relationship? Knowing that you have someone that loves and supports you. You know that you are never alone because there is at least one person who is on your side.
4.) Biggest downside? You're vulnerable. It's easier to get hurt. When you've given your heart and soul to someone, you are at risk of having it all broken.
5.) Has your idea of love and romance changed? If so, how? Of course. As you live life, especially in a relationship (ie. marriage) with someone, it evolves. It constantly changes - hopefully always progressing. You learn more about what love is and what love does as you experience more together. Each "hard time" you go through together changes what love means to you.
My idea of love was always based on the same things it's based on now, but it means more now. Having someone to count on. Being able to share every part of me and my life with the person who is most important to me. Having them trust me enough to share all their secrets with me. Going through life's experiences together, facing trials and getting through it together. Knowing that he knows me better than anyone else - and he still loves me!
When we were dating and newlyweds, my idea of romance was a candlelit dinner and roses. Now, romance is in the little things. It's just spending time together doing something we both enjoy. It's hearing him pay me a compliment - especially when he's telling someone else. It's when he reaches for my hand when a favorite song comes on the radio. It's when we say the same thing at the same time - or finish each other's sentence. It's those moments when I realize again how perfectly meant for eachother we really are.
This is my husband...
I got a call from Ryan’s supervisor today. This never happens. I was worried and asked if Ryan was okay. Greg said, “No.”
He then went on to tell how they had just gone out to lunch. Now, before I continue I need to tell you what happened last week.
Last Friday the “big bosses” were in town and the office went out to dinner. Apparently, Ryan ate all his dinner, plus the leftovers from a couple other guys, then ate his dessert AND a couple more. He came home extremely full, quite uncomfortable, and vowed not to overeat again for at least a couple of months.
All this week he has been eating really healthy.
Unfortunately, this is a normal pattern for Ryan. He pigs out, then gets on a real healthy streak for a couple months, and after awhile he splurges again for a day or two before starting his healthy eating again.
So, after swearing off “binges” one week ago, we find Ryan suggesting to his co-workers that they should all go out to lunch. Where should they go? Only to the same place that he ate 3 monster (and I mean MONSTER) burritos a few months back. (He ate 3 because one of his co-workers said they had never seen anyone able to eat more than 2.)
Of course, his co-workers don’t help. They urge him on, dare him, whatever they can to see him “perform”. And he can’t seem to let them down. (Note to self: We need to have a Family Home Evening lesson on peer pressure.)
Back to the story… So, they go out to lunch and like I said, his co-workers dare him to eat more than he should. His record had been 3 monster burritos, so he decides he needs to set a new “personal best” and declares that he is going to eat 4 this time! It took him 45 minutes just to eat the last one!
And that brings me to the phone call I got today. Greg told me that Ryan was in so much pain that he couldn’t get out of his car! He needed to “rest” before he could get out and go in to work. Greg and the guys decided I should know – partly so they could get Ryan in trouble. But also to encourage me to make a big dinner tonight – preferably Mexican food.
And you know, I am going to do it too! Serves him right! Chicken Enchiladas anyone?
He then went on to tell how they had just gone out to lunch. Now, before I continue I need to tell you what happened last week.
Last Friday the “big bosses” were in town and the office went out to dinner. Apparently, Ryan ate all his dinner, plus the leftovers from a couple other guys, then ate his dessert AND a couple more. He came home extremely full, quite uncomfortable, and vowed not to overeat again for at least a couple of months.
All this week he has been eating really healthy.
Unfortunately, this is a normal pattern for Ryan. He pigs out, then gets on a real healthy streak for a couple months, and after awhile he splurges again for a day or two before starting his healthy eating again.
So, after swearing off “binges” one week ago, we find Ryan suggesting to his co-workers that they should all go out to lunch. Where should they go? Only to the same place that he ate 3 monster (and I mean MONSTER) burritos a few months back. (He ate 3 because one of his co-workers said they had never seen anyone able to eat more than 2.)
Of course, his co-workers don’t help. They urge him on, dare him, whatever they can to see him “perform”. And he can’t seem to let them down. (Note to self: We need to have a Family Home Evening lesson on peer pressure.)
Back to the story… So, they go out to lunch and like I said, his co-workers dare him to eat more than he should. His record had been 3 monster burritos, so he decides he needs to set a new “personal best” and declares that he is going to eat 4 this time! It took him 45 minutes just to eat the last one!
And that brings me to the phone call I got today. Greg told me that Ryan was in so much pain that he couldn’t get out of his car! He needed to “rest” before he could get out and go in to work. Greg and the guys decided I should know – partly so they could get Ryan in trouble. But also to encourage me to make a big dinner tonight – preferably Mexican food.
And you know, I am going to do it too! Serves him right! Chicken Enchiladas anyone?
The joys of parenthood
I got a call from one of Cadi's friend's parents just before Cadi came home from school. The friend had an "interesting" haircut and claimed that Acadia had cut her hair.
I was shocked! Acadia has never played with scissors that way and we've talked about not cutting hair. When she got off the bus I started to talk to her about it. She claimed she never cut the hair.
Then the parent called back. Now the friend admitted that she had cut her own hair, but it was Acadia who told her to.
Acadia did not answer when I asked if it was true. I told her that a good friend NEVER tells someone to do something they know is wrong. And that it is just as bad to encourage someone to do something wrong as it is to do it yourself.
I also explained that not only is her friend in trouble AND she is in trouble, but that the parents are not likely to want their child to play with someone who is a bad influence on them. She needs to make sure that she does not behave in a way that parents don't want their children to be with her.
Acadia then admitted that cutting her hair was her idea. I told her that I was going to ground her for one week, but since she told the truth it is now reduced to one weekend. (We are also reinforcing the importance of always telling the truth.) I told her what her "sentence" would have been, but that it was reduced because she was being honest and telling the truth.
We have heard (from the same family) that supposedly Acadia will say things to this friend like, "If you don't give me a strand of your hair, you aren't my friend." or "If we don't have a playdate, then you don't want to be my friend." When I've asked Cadi about this, she says that she has never said it. She says that some of the other girls in class talk like that, but she doesn't.
I want to believe her, but when I hear it repeatedly, it's hard to. Could the friend be not telling the truth? Could she be confusing Cadi with someone else? Is Cadi not telling the truth?
I don't know how to teach Cadi that this type of behavior is unacceptable. I've talked to her, explained it to her but I don't know if she's "getting" it. I don't even know if she has a problem with it in the first place. How do I know? How do I teach her, if it is a problem?
Any suggestions? Greatly needed and appreciated!
I was shocked! Acadia has never played with scissors that way and we've talked about not cutting hair. When she got off the bus I started to talk to her about it. She claimed she never cut the hair.
Then the parent called back. Now the friend admitted that she had cut her own hair, but it was Acadia who told her to.
Acadia did not answer when I asked if it was true. I told her that a good friend NEVER tells someone to do something they know is wrong. And that it is just as bad to encourage someone to do something wrong as it is to do it yourself.
I also explained that not only is her friend in trouble AND she is in trouble, but that the parents are not likely to want their child to play with someone who is a bad influence on them. She needs to make sure that she does not behave in a way that parents don't want their children to be with her.
Acadia then admitted that cutting her hair was her idea. I told her that I was going to ground her for one week, but since she told the truth it is now reduced to one weekend. (We are also reinforcing the importance of always telling the truth.) I told her what her "sentence" would have been, but that it was reduced because she was being honest and telling the truth.
We have heard (from the same family) that supposedly Acadia will say things to this friend like, "If you don't give me a strand of your hair, you aren't my friend." or "If we don't have a playdate, then you don't want to be my friend." When I've asked Cadi about this, she says that she has never said it. She says that some of the other girls in class talk like that, but she doesn't.
I want to believe her, but when I hear it repeatedly, it's hard to. Could the friend be not telling the truth? Could she be confusing Cadi with someone else? Is Cadi not telling the truth?
I don't know how to teach Cadi that this type of behavior is unacceptable. I've talked to her, explained it to her but I don't know if she's "getting" it. I don't even know if she has a problem with it in the first place. How do I know? How do I teach her, if it is a problem?
Any suggestions? Greatly needed and appreciated!
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