You Don't See That Every Day

Even though it was a stay-home anniversary weekend, I had so many blessings, so many highlights I want to share. On Friday my buddy from college, (whom I hadn't seen since my wedding I think!!) came for a quick visit. It was so great to see her and her little baby. I am so thankful for Facebook, not only because it keeps us connected, but it helped me get rid of a baby item, and helped her acquire one. On our anniversary, my sweetie installed a new bathroom faucet. Yes, I am easy to please! Actually the one that was in there before was so hideous, so icky, so probably-an-original-from-the-builder-36 years ago, that I was thrilled to have it replaced! We also got to go on a run together on Sunday, which was pretty nice, since it was 'only' 8 miles for me. (Never thought I would be saying that!) On Monday my Mr actually got the day off. In all of our married life he has not had that day off as a paid holiday from work. I love his new job. So we decided to give the kids a l...

It has been 17 years and a day since we said our vows. And what a ride we've had so far. We didn't have a chance to go out and celebrate yesterday, so we found time today to spend together. First we went on a run together. I am in the tapering mode now for the marathon, so while I only ran 8 miles, the Mr. kept going for another 4. After a nice, needed nap, I took the girls to the park and he stayed home to recover some more, with the boy, a movie, and food. We were blessed by our neighbors last night with meatballs, which became supper for the kids tonight, while the Mr and I went out for dinner at Applebees. Oh my, that burger was good!! We used a gift card we had, so dinner was free; then we went for dessert at Jamba Juice - mmmmmm. And again, using a gift card, we got free drinks. The entire date cost us 79 cents! Woohoo - I think Dave Ramsey would say that's a win. One other nice thing about our date - we actually did not go to Home Depot, or talk about Home Depot;...

When owning a house, one does not simply own a house. Sometimes it feels as if the house owns you. We knew there was a board in the front deck that needed to be replaced. We knew it had gotten wet and was soft and unsafe. We thought that maybe it was because water had pooled under the front door mat. We hoped that it was an easy fix. But when is it ever an easy fix? The Mr tore into the deck boards this weekend, and this is what we found:  Not only were the top 3 boards wet and rotting, the under supports were not even supporting the deck. We're fortunate that nobody fell through! So what we hoped would be a weekend project is turning into something much more exciting (!?) The Mr and son tore out the entire front porch and steps, leaving behind the dirt and nothing else.  For now the front access is blocked by a sawhorse. I will probably set our cowbell outside in case anyone comes to our front door. We get to pick out a new door, new decking and teach the kids how ...

Just a sneak peek at what is happening in our remodeling process. The kids have been upstairs for awhile now, and the bathroom is the last room to get attention. The Mr has been working on it when he has time, and money; this is where we are now - He put in the tile for the backsplash and shelf. The kids have been able to brush teeth and wash in there for now, which has helped alleviate the traffic jam downstairs a little bit.

Friday nights are often pizzza nights around here. By the end of a busy week, I just like to take a break. So when the Mr called yesterday and said Let's head out to the farm after work, I suggested a picnic. And so began the first pizza picnic at the farm night. I could make it a habit. The weather was gorgeous, the views were spectacular, and the company was pretty awesome too.  We 'tailgated' the picnic, which my daughter said was the best way to go  Then the girls had some free time to run around, and play in the dirt.  They made up some kind of story, which often happens when they are together.  This young one though, she likes to get into anything and everything. It's good thing she's cute .... There was also a little time to throw the football around after we ate; and then it was time to get some planting down. The Mr had the girls down in the dirt putting in the cauliflower and broccoli this time. I had to go and pick up the boy from track pr...

Friday night we stepped back in time. The Mr. and I had originally planned on doing a local scavenger hunt run by a local running store; but due to schedule conflicts and earlier-in-the-week-sickness, we decided to make it a family game night. After dinner I cranked out some chocolate banana peanut butter milkshakes and we had a rousing game of Aggravation. I came in 2nd to last ... yeah we don't just play until someone wins. We have to play it out all the way. So during the game, the Mr turned on Pandora to a oldies country station. And oh the good ol' memories that came flooding back with those songs. Songs my parents used to listen to, and songs I heard in college. As the kids watched in slight horrified fascination we sang the songs and danced. One that got to me was "Redneck Girl" - do any of you know/remember that one?! It was a favorite of mine!  At the end of the song, my daughter asked, "Can I get a belt with my name on it?" Score! The song live...

I feel like I could win bad parent of the week award. My son was signed up to help at a local kids race on Saturday. Two of our girls just happened to run in that race also, so we were all planning on being there for the morning. The boy woke up early with a headache and laid on the couch. It should've been my first clue. We figured he had just stayed up too late, wasn't drinking enough water (because it had been hot here the past week), and so the Mr. got Dash down to the track on time. I followed a bit later with the girls; we checked them in and sat watching the activity on the field. I kept looking for Dash, hoping we was doing ok. Should've been my second clue - trust the inner gut feeling. The girls each had their race - Dot and Squiggle ran a 2k in great time! We even saw the Boy run as a 'turtle' with a group of kids. (A turtle is the volunteer who brings up the back, encouraging the kids to keep going, helping them to know where to go. The one in the lead...

"I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt" "My sides hurt from laughing" "I was wiping my eyes from laughing so much"  ... just a few comments from my Friday night. And no, it wasn't because I was singing in front of people. The Mr. and I and some friends went to see a comedian - and learned the subtle difference between class clown and comedian. And it's so true. Tim Hawkins and his buddy John Branyan came to our town. Thankfully they had two shows so we were able to choose early evening, and some of my siblings went to the late show. And oh my, was it funny! If you haven't seen him, check out Tim Hawkins on YouTube. He has a cleaner sense of humor than most comedians. And we can relate to most everything he says.