I don't know how my mother let go of the mess we kids made all the time. Our basement isn't really a basement...it's more like the "lower floor" and it pretty much belongs to the kids. That means that they truly have reign over 1/2 of the entire house. I think that Adam and I would like to spend more time down there, but, at least for me, the stress of looking at the mess all the time is enough to make me crazy. The entire place gets totally cleaned, on average, about once a week...and it's usually only clean for a day, or maybe a few hours.
I remember the days of no kids...back when Adam and I lived in an apartment. Even then, I likely vacuumed at least 2 times a week and kept a pretty clean house. Of course, vacuuming an 900ish square foot apartment is nothing compared to...well...triple that. Our first house was great. The entire first floor was covered in either hardwood or vinyl and keeping it clean was still a chore, but far more manageable than entire house covered in carpet. Our current house has carpet in EVERY room except for the kitchen. Even 2 out of our 3 bathrooms have some sort of carpet in them!! Who puts carpet in the bathroom!!??
Anyway, keeping this house looking clean has proven to be quite difficult. Because the kids have overtaken the downstairs, I try my best to keep all the toys down there as well. This can be hard sometimes, as my kids like to be wherever I am...and 1/2 the time I'm upstairs. The carpet issue is frustrating. We live in a split-level house...so in order to get anywhere from any entry, there is stairs. The stairs are covered in carpet! Ugh...try living in the sticks and trying to keep a purely carpeted house clean! Fortunately, we've developed at sort of system and the mess is getting a bit easier. We also try our best to heat our home purely with wood. We bring the wood in the basement through the slider and it's inevitable that the carpet is gonna get a bunch of wood debris on it. The downstairs carpet NEVER stays clean for more than a few hours because of that very reason. It always looks filthy. But, the biggest grievance I have is towards my one and only dining area. Toddlers make messes, spill things, etc. Ahh...don't even get me started on the dining room. Most mornings, Soren eats in the kitchen by himself while the rest of us eat at the table. I got tired of trying to find/clean up all the starchy cereal milk he'd manage to fling on the floor. And the carpet is the only reason Soren still eats in his chair with a tray. Sometimes the kids eat at that little table I got Soren for his birthday. Its in the kitchen so that the kids could actually have a "safe" place to color or use markers. Occasionally, I'll catch Synnove in the living room with crayons or markers...but hopefully, she's learned her lesson. She's having a hard time learning lessons these days...but that's a blog for another day.
Well, I suppose I should get back to cleaning. I guess I just needed to vent some of those typical stay-at-home-mom woes.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
What Are The Odds?!!
Earlier this morning I called Astoria Parks and Recreation to see if they saved the pictures from the Father Daughter Valentine dance. It was a long-shot, but I thought I'd try. A nice lady answered and I told her that my darling daughter had ruined the picture and was hoping that the photos weren't erased yet. She was pretty sure that they were, but thought that maybe some of them were still on the camera. She returned to the phone after a long 5 minute wait only to tell me that they were all erased. She then told me that there were about 5 that got printed out as duplicates...5 out of a couple of hundred photos! She asked me what my daughter was wearing and how old she was and she finished the description of the photo FOR me!! I couldn't believe it!!! The Valentine's day photo tragedy is redeemed...and the picture is in the mail!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Picture Spree and Hot Dogs
So, I went to download some of the pictures I took of the kids today when I discovered that the kids had gone on a picture spree of their own a few days ago. They took, not one, not 50, but 120 pictures!! It was quite comical. All of the pictures were taken downstairs, and every one of them is of something different. Synnove took pictures of her closet, books, her stereo, my stereo, things on the desk, toys, Soren's room, etc, etc. Synnove even managed to capture Soren's bare buns when he was trying to change out of his jammies and diaper on his own. The entire event must have happened while I was in the shower or something...how funny =)
Anyway, we spent the entire day outside doing work around the house. We split some wood and did some more clearing of the alder that was cut down a few weeks ago. We got it all clear and decided to try to burn the stump out. It was a decent day so we planned on having family over for a weenie roast. The weather sorta turned, and most everyone was busy doing other things anyway. So, it was just us. The weather stayed decent until we came in at about 7. Here's a few shots of my grubby munchies...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
I'm Having a Lazy Day
Things I've done...A survey....
Started your own blog – Duh
Slept under the stars – I have, but not for an entire night
Played in a band – From 5th grade till I was a Sophomore in college...clarinet
Visited Hawaii – Nah...I don't look too good in a bathing suit
Watched a meteor shower – Yes
Been to Disneyland/world – Disneyland twice, Disneyworld once, and EURODisney once
Climbed a mountain - You know, when I was visiting Austria I climbed the "mountain" to get to the salt mines...I think I'll take the tram next time.
Held a praying mantis – Uh...NO
Sang a solo - Quite a few unfortunately
Bungee jumped – Never
Visited Paris – Yes
Watched a lightning storm at sea – Never at sea...but near the sea...does that count?
Taught yourself an art from scratch – I learned how to cross-stitch...but that's pretty easy, and I don't really know if it's an art.
Adopted a child – No
Had food poisoning – I was at preschool...they took us on a field trip to McDonald's. 1/2 of us were throwing up on the way home. And despite many reports of food poisoning to McDonald's, they denied it.
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty – Saw her from a plane once
Seen the Mona Lisa in France – Yeah, but it's was amongst a huge crowd of people. Who knew such an ugly painting would be the most popular at the Louvre?
Slept on an overnight train – Twice. I wouldn't recommend it.
Had a pillow fight – I've been in a handful
Hitchhiked – no
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill – I think I might have used that excuse in College a couple of times when I stayed up way too late the night before.
Built a snow fort – Nope
Held a lamb – only petted one
Gone skinny dipping --Have YOU??
Been to a Broadway show in NY – I went to 3 in London
Been in three states at once - Nope
Ridden in a gondola in Venice – Naw...seemed like a waste of souvenir money
Seen a total eclipse - Yes, a total lunar eclipse...but I'd love to live to see a solar one someday.
Watched a sunrise or sunset – Seen many beautiful sunsets when I worked at the Shilo in Seaside during winter breaks.
Hit a home run – Maybe once or twice
Been on a Cruise – No
Seen Niagara Falls in Person -No
Visited the birthplace of your Ancestors – No
Seen an Amish community – No
Taught yourself a new language – No
Had enough money to be truly satisfied – Money-Shmuney...
Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person- No
Gone rock climbing – Not my bag
Seen Michelangelo’s David – Yeah, I was really impressed with how HUGE the statue was...I had no idea!
Sung karaoke - once or twice
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt – No
Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant – I recall buying a vagrant some Cheetos when me and some friends were stranded with a "nearly" broken down car in some remote central Oregon location.
Visited Africa – Don't really have a desire to go there
Walked on a beach by moonlight - Ahh...young love
Been transported in an ambulance- Sadly, yes...when I hurt my back 2 years ago. How humiliating.
Gone deep sea fishing – I'll leave that to the professionals
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person – I wanted to take a picture so badly...but was afraid of getting in trouble.
Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris – We made it on the last trip up for the night...it was lovely at dusk.
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling – Nope
Kissed in the rain -Adam and I enjoyed our young romance =)
Played in the mud – A couple of times as a kid...but, for the most part, I always liked to be clean.
Been to Grace Kelley’s grave in Monaco- Uhh...no
Gone to a drive-in theater – There was one in Newberg where I went to college...but I never went.
Visited the Great Wall of China- no
Started a business- no
Taken a martial arts class- no
Swam in the Mediterranean Sea- no
Visited Russia- no
Served at a soup kitchen- no
Sold Girl Scout cookies – yeah, but Girl Scouts fizzled for me after only 1 year
Gone whale watching-While on the fairy in BC I saw a handful of whales...we were on a high school band trip.
Gotten flowers for no reason – maybe once for no reason whatsoever
Donated blood, platelets or plasma – No...but maybe someday
Gone sky diving - Never
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp – Dachau in Germany...very creepy and sad.
Bounced a check – Never on purpose
Saved a favorite childhood toy – Not so much toys, but childhood mementos
Visited the Lincoln Memorial – No
Eaten Caviar - sounds yucky
Pieced a quilt – too tedious for me
Stood in Times Square- no
Toured the Everglades- no
Been fired from a job - laid off
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London – I missed that to go see Les Miserables
Broken a bone – only toes
Been on a speeding motorcycle – Of course.
Seen the Grand Canyon in person-no
Published a book- no
Visited the Vatican – Obviously, if I've been to the Sistine Chapel
Bought a brand new car - Nope
Walked in Jerusalem- no
Had your picture in the newspaper – yes
Read the entire Bible- I'd like to say yes...
Visited the White House – No
Killed and prepared my own meat – No, I let daddy and hubby do that.
Had chickenpox- I didn't get them till the 8th grade. Me, my sis, and bro all had them at the same time. I remember laying on the living room floor with a big blanket and lots of pillows and watching The Great Race over and over again.
Saved someone’s life – Maybe unknowingly!
Sat on a jury - I've always managed to get out of it.
Met someone famous - I met Randy Travis while in Vegas. And no, I'm not a country fan, he just happened to be in the hotel lobby.
Joined a book club- no
Lost a loved one- yes
Had a baby- yes
Seen the Alamo in person- no
Swam in the Great Salt Lake- no
Been involved in a law suit –No, but I did have to identify a suspect once. I didn't pick out the right guy...so they didn't ask me to testify. Thank goodness!!
Owned a cell phone- My boyfriend (Adam) bought me my first cell phone when I was a junior in college so that we could save on long distance charges. It was pink =)
Been stung by a bee- I only recall being stung once at the Regatta Parade back when I was like 10. It was totally unprovoked.
Started your own blog – Duh
Slept under the stars – I have, but not for an entire night
Played in a band – From 5th grade till I was a Sophomore in college...clarinet
Visited Hawaii – Nah...I don't look too good in a bathing suit
Watched a meteor shower – Yes
Been to Disneyland/world – Disneyland twice, Disneyworld once, and EURODisney once
Climbed a mountain - You know, when I was visiting Austria I climbed the "mountain" to get to the salt mines...I think I'll take the tram next time.
Held a praying mantis – Uh...NO
Sang a solo - Quite a few unfortunately
Bungee jumped – Never
Visited Paris – Yes
Watched a lightning storm at sea – Never at sea...but near the sea...does that count?
Taught yourself an art from scratch – I learned how to cross-stitch...but that's pretty easy, and I don't really know if it's an art.
Adopted a child – No
Had food poisoning – I was at preschool...they took us on a field trip to McDonald's. 1/2 of us were throwing up on the way home. And despite many reports of food poisoning to McDonald's, they denied it.
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty – Saw her from a plane once
Seen the Mona Lisa in France – Yeah, but it's was amongst a huge crowd of people. Who knew such an ugly painting would be the most popular at the Louvre?
Slept on an overnight train – Twice. I wouldn't recommend it.
Had a pillow fight – I've been in a handful
Hitchhiked – no
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill – I think I might have used that excuse in College a couple of times when I stayed up way too late the night before.
Built a snow fort – Nope
Held a lamb – only petted one
Gone skinny dipping --Have YOU??
Been to a Broadway show in NY – I went to 3 in London
Been in three states at once - Nope
Ridden in a gondola in Venice – Naw...seemed like a waste of souvenir money
Seen a total eclipse - Yes, a total lunar eclipse...but I'd love to live to see a solar one someday.
Watched a sunrise or sunset – Seen many beautiful sunsets when I worked at the Shilo in Seaside during winter breaks.
Hit a home run – Maybe once or twice
Been on a Cruise – No
Seen Niagara Falls in Person -No
Visited the birthplace of your Ancestors – No
Seen an Amish community – No
Taught yourself a new language – No
Had enough money to be truly satisfied – Money-Shmuney...
Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person- No
Gone rock climbing – Not my bag
Seen Michelangelo’s David – Yeah, I was really impressed with how HUGE the statue was...I had no idea!
Sung karaoke - once or twice
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt – No
Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant – I recall buying a vagrant some Cheetos when me and some friends were stranded with a "nearly" broken down car in some remote central Oregon location.
Visited Africa – Don't really have a desire to go there
Walked on a beach by moonlight - Ahh...young love
Been transported in an ambulance- Sadly, yes...when I hurt my back 2 years ago. How humiliating.
Gone deep sea fishing – I'll leave that to the professionals
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person – I wanted to take a picture so badly...but was afraid of getting in trouble.
Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris – We made it on the last trip up for the night...it was lovely at dusk.
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling – Nope
Kissed in the rain -Adam and I enjoyed our young romance =)
Played in the mud – A couple of times as a kid...but, for the most part, I always liked to be clean.
Been to Grace Kelley’s grave in Monaco- Uhh...no
Gone to a drive-in theater – There was one in Newberg where I went to college...but I never went.
Visited the Great Wall of China- no
Started a business- no
Taken a martial arts class- no
Swam in the Mediterranean Sea- no
Visited Russia- no
Served at a soup kitchen- no
Sold Girl Scout cookies – yeah, but Girl Scouts fizzled for me after only 1 year
Gone whale watching-While on the fairy in BC I saw a handful of whales...we were on a high school band trip.
Gotten flowers for no reason – maybe once for no reason whatsoever
Donated blood, platelets or plasma – No...but maybe someday
Gone sky diving - Never
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp – Dachau in Germany...very creepy and sad.
Bounced a check – Never on purpose
Saved a favorite childhood toy – Not so much toys, but childhood mementos
Visited the Lincoln Memorial – No
Eaten Caviar - sounds yucky
Pieced a quilt – too tedious for me
Stood in Times Square- no
Toured the Everglades- no
Been fired from a job - laid off
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London – I missed that to go see Les Miserables
Broken a bone – only toes
Been on a speeding motorcycle – Of course.
Seen the Grand Canyon in person-no
Published a book- no
Visited the Vatican – Obviously, if I've been to the Sistine Chapel
Bought a brand new car - Nope
Walked in Jerusalem- no
Had your picture in the newspaper – yes
Read the entire Bible- I'd like to say yes...
Visited the White House – No
Killed and prepared my own meat – No, I let daddy and hubby do that.
Had chickenpox- I didn't get them till the 8th grade. Me, my sis, and bro all had them at the same time. I remember laying on the living room floor with a big blanket and lots of pillows and watching The Great Race over and over again.
Saved someone’s life – Maybe unknowingly!
Sat on a jury - I've always managed to get out of it.
Met someone famous - I met Randy Travis while in Vegas. And no, I'm not a country fan, he just happened to be in the hotel lobby.
Joined a book club- no
Lost a loved one- yes
Had a baby- yes
Seen the Alamo in person- no
Swam in the Great Salt Lake- no
Been involved in a law suit –No, but I did have to identify a suspect once. I didn't pick out the right guy...so they didn't ask me to testify. Thank goodness!!
Owned a cell phone- My boyfriend (Adam) bought me my first cell phone when I was a junior in college so that we could save on long distance charges. It was pink =)
Been stung by a bee- I only recall being stung once at the Regatta Parade back when I was like 10. It was totally unprovoked.
Monday, February 16, 2009
What a Morning
First of all, Synnove woke up and pooped her pants. No, this isn't a normal occurrence...so I thought I had a sick girl on my hands. As if a sore throat, fever, stuffy nose, and throwing up in the last 2 weeks wasn't enough!!! She then proceeded to do it again....AND again within 20 minutes time. She's wearing a diaper today...but has told me she's feeling quite well.
I'm feeling much better this week and have decided to take on exercising again. I went on the elliptical for only 35 minutes, but at least it was something. I was interrupted twice during that time to wipe Synnove's bum. Anyway, it's a beautiful day, so I took a quick shower and have been waiting for the outside temp to reach a reasonable high so that the kids can play outside. I was downstairs checking my email when I heard a bunch of ruckus upstairs. It sounded like they spilled the crayons in the kitchen, so I yelled upstairs that they needed to pick them up before they got stepped on and broken. Not long after that, Soren comes downstairs with a wet shirt. Great. So, I went upstairs to find that Synnove had taken a spray bottle and sprayed most of the artwork and pictures that were on the refrigerator. It was only 2 hours before this dreaded event, that I decided to post Synnove's priceless photo from the dance on the fridge. I was so incredibly disappointed that I nearly cried. Normally, I wouldn't care so much...but this pic was likely the most adorable pic of Synnove that I have ever possessed. The look of pride mixed with excitement on her face was too cute for words.
I have no idea why she decided to spray all the papers and pictures, but she did. Someday I'll laugh about it, but today I mourn the loss of such a precious memory.
I'm feeling much better this week and have decided to take on exercising again. I went on the elliptical for only 35 minutes, but at least it was something. I was interrupted twice during that time to wipe Synnove's bum. Anyway, it's a beautiful day, so I took a quick shower and have been waiting for the outside temp to reach a reasonable high so that the kids can play outside. I was downstairs checking my email when I heard a bunch of ruckus upstairs. It sounded like they spilled the crayons in the kitchen, so I yelled upstairs that they needed to pick them up before they got stepped on and broken. Not long after that, Soren comes downstairs with a wet shirt. Great. So, I went upstairs to find that Synnove had taken a spray bottle and sprayed most of the artwork and pictures that were on the refrigerator. It was only 2 hours before this dreaded event, that I decided to post Synnove's priceless photo from the dance on the fridge. I was so incredibly disappointed that I nearly cried. Normally, I wouldn't care so much...but this pic was likely the most adorable pic of Synnove that I have ever possessed. The look of pride mixed with excitement on her face was too cute for words.
I have no idea why she decided to spray all the papers and pictures, but she did. Someday I'll laugh about it, but today I mourn the loss of such a precious memory.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A Valentine's Day to Remember
Valentine's Day started bright and early Saturday morning. I was set to leave for downtown Portland at 10 to attend a fancy "high tea" at the Heathman Hotel for my sis-in-law's 27th birthday. I was excited to go, but nervous for the trip. The car had been acting weird the day before, I was scared to drive downtown scary Portland by myself, and I was on a time crunch and needed to be back home by 4:30 at the latest. To ease some of my nerves, Adam kindly took the car in for a check-up and lube at 8:30 that morning. In the meantime, I got ready, printed directions off Mapquest, and said a few prayers for a safe and successful journey. Adam arrived back home about 5 minutes before I had to leave, and I was off.
It was a beautiful day, so that made driving much easier. And God heard my prayers because I made it into downtown without any major freak-outs and actually found a parking garage right across the street! I walked into the hotel at exactly 11:59...one minute to spare.
The tea was an intimate affair with just me, Faith, Patty, and Faith's life-long friend Melissa. Melissa's birthday was on the 12th, and her and Faith are only 2 days apart in age. At the tea I learned that they even shared their 1st birthday together =) The tea was very very fancy. We each got our own pot of loose-leaf tea in whatever flavor we wanted, and we each got to partake in a mountain of yummy treats. There were lots of flavors...deviled eggs, cucumber/watercress sandwiches, black currant scones, marscapone cheese spread, mini chicken salad pitas, salmon puffs, goat cheese with chives, devil's food cupcakes, homemade marshmallows, lemon bars, etc. It was purely divine. Of course, it all came with a hefty price tag...but it was a lovely time and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
We took our time visiting and exchanging gifts. Were there for over 2 hours. I left in a rush because I had to be home to see off Adam and Synnove for their Valentine's date. I sort of took a roundabout way trying to get out of downtown and finding I-5...but, again, I made it out with little panic. Hooray!! Below, Faith and Melissa make a birthday wish...
I got home just in time to help Synnove finish getting ready for the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance that was taking place at the Elk's Lodge in Astoria. Synnove was also very excited to be double-dating with Uncle Don and Heidi. They all had plans to eat dinner at the Pig 'n Pancake before-hand. On the day before, I had picked up an adorable pink carnation mini-corsage and Valentine's Day box/purse filled with lip gloss and pink heart tissues. She was set!
Adam said that they all had a smashing time. I guess it was a packed house, as usual. Don has been taking Heidi ever since she was Synnove's age. They didn't get home till 9:30, and I could tell that Synnove had a wonderful evening. She brought home a red carnation, balloons, and a priceless photo/memento. I would scan it in, but the photo is a bit dark.
It was a beautiful day, so that made driving much easier. And God heard my prayers because I made it into downtown without any major freak-outs and actually found a parking garage right across the street! I walked into the hotel at exactly 11:59...one minute to spare.
The tea was an intimate affair with just me, Faith, Patty, and Faith's life-long friend Melissa. Melissa's birthday was on the 12th, and her and Faith are only 2 days apart in age. At the tea I learned that they even shared their 1st birthday together =) The tea was very very fancy. We each got our own pot of loose-leaf tea in whatever flavor we wanted, and we each got to partake in a mountain of yummy treats. There were lots of flavors...deviled eggs, cucumber/watercress sandwiches, black currant scones, marscapone cheese spread, mini chicken salad pitas, salmon puffs, goat cheese with chives, devil's food cupcakes, homemade marshmallows, lemon bars, etc. It was purely divine. Of course, it all came with a hefty price tag...but it was a lovely time and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
We took our time visiting and exchanging gifts. Were there for over 2 hours. I left in a rush because I had to be home to see off Adam and Synnove for their Valentine's date. I sort of took a roundabout way trying to get out of downtown and finding I-5...but, again, I made it out with little panic. Hooray!! Below, Faith and Melissa make a birthday wish...
I got home just in time to help Synnove finish getting ready for the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance that was taking place at the Elk's Lodge in Astoria. Synnove was also very excited to be double-dating with Uncle Don and Heidi. They all had plans to eat dinner at the Pig 'n Pancake before-hand. On the day before, I had picked up an adorable pink carnation mini-corsage and Valentine's Day box/purse filled with lip gloss and pink heart tissues. She was set!
Adam said that they all had a smashing time. I guess it was a packed house, as usual. Don has been taking Heidi ever since she was Synnove's age. They didn't get home till 9:30, and I could tell that Synnove had a wonderful evening. She brought home a red carnation, balloons, and a priceless photo/memento. I would scan it in, but the photo is a bit dark.
So, Adam and I didn't get to spend Valentine's Day together, but it's likely the most memorable and special Valentine's Day we have ever had.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Breath of Fresh Air
The last week and a half have been rough with sickness. To top it off, Synnove caught a stomach bug yesterday. All of us have some form of a cold and I've just about had it. Last night as I was putting Soren to bed, we said a very long prayer. We prayed that everyone would feel better, especially Synnove, and that nobody else would get sick...but we also added that we wanted a beautiful sunshine day so that we could play outside and get some fresh air.
There's not a cloud in the sky today...and it's even in the low 50's! *sigh* God really does answer prayer =)
There's not a cloud in the sky today...and it's even in the low 50's! *sigh* God really does answer prayer =)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Construction and Deconstruction
Construction:
I was finally able to finish my first sewing project yesterday with my mom. Apparently, we took on a fairly advanced beginner project, but I think I did OK. I would say that this project took at least 5-6 hours. Granted, there was a lot of learning involved, so I went a lot slower than the average joe. I made a large two-handed potholder for taking things out of the oven. The pattern said to use pre-quilted fabric...but we pieced together scraps the old fashioned way with fabric and batting and I quilted it MYSELF!! I know...impressive =) I suppose the hardest part was putting on the final trim, but I managed OK. So, with 3 mother-daughter tutoring sessions, this is what I was able to make...and NO, my mom did absolutely ZERO sewing to help me out!
I was finally able to finish my first sewing project yesterday with my mom. Apparently, we took on a fairly advanced beginner project, but I think I did OK. I would say that this project took at least 5-6 hours. Granted, there was a lot of learning involved, so I went a lot slower than the average joe. I made a large two-handed potholder for taking things out of the oven. The pattern said to use pre-quilted fabric...but we pieced together scraps the old fashioned way with fabric and batting and I quilted it MYSELF!! I know...impressive =) I suppose the hardest part was putting on the final trim, but I managed OK. So, with 3 mother-daughter tutoring sessions, this is what I was able to make...and NO, my mom did absolutely ZERO sewing to help me out!
Deconstruction:
We purchased a travel trailer with some of the money we got from selling our house in Cornelius. We were so excited to bring it home and put it in our "new" 6-bay shop. The previous owners of our new home stored their travel trailer in the shop, so it seemed we could do the same. Well, we brought it home, backed it up, and realized that our trailer was probably a foot taller than the bay opening! So, here we have this HUGE shop, and we're not even able to store our trailer in it. We were bummed, but we weren't lacking options. We toyed around with a handful of ideas and finally resolved to just adding a lean-to onto the already gigantic building. We figured we would start building in the early spring. Then, while our dear friends the Carrolls were staying with us a couple of weeks ago, Jeremy suggested that we turn our animal stall into the new bay for the trailer. Duh...brilliant!
This was taken almost a year before we purchased the house. Left is the tree we cut down, and the animal stall is on the right.
I think we were just keeping the stall there because it was nice, and because maybe we would use it someday. I guess we just didn't see that as an option for us. That same day (all on Novie's birthday) my bro-in-law cut down the large alder that was in the way of the path to get the trailer into the shop. So, everything was coming together. We had a plan, and now we just had to figure out how we were going to convert the opening. Anyway, Adam began taking the stall down last weekend. It's quite a chore since it's put together with lots and lots of large nails. While he did that, I began clearing the fallen tree. Hopefully, we'll be able to have a nice home for our trailer by the end of spring!
The stall with about 90% of the roof taken down
We plan to use the lumber from the stall to build a loft in the shop, as well as a shelter for the goats we want to get someday!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Some Ramblings
The ups and downs have continued into this week. I blame it all on hormones. I lack energy and will power. I continue to have a positive outlook and don't plan on giving up. As long as I don't gain any weight, I will feel that I'm still being successful. I know this will pass in a few days and I'll be back to full steam ahead!
Synnove woke with a fever night before last, and a sore throat. She hasn't been feeling well ever since even though her fever was gone by morning. We still managed to have some friends over yesterday, and the kids got to play outside in the 65 degree weather! It seems as if Synnove just has a weird bug with a constant headache. She woke again this morning with a fever and her tummy hurting. I thought I would be in for a day of vomit clean-up, but it turns out she was just really really hungry. Her fever has gone, but she still has a headache. Child sicknesses baffle me sometimes, but I'm so glad that at least she's able to communicate her suffering. When she was a baby I would always spend time wondering, worrying, and trying to figure out the root problem. But, it has turned out many times that Adam's intuition is better than my own. Or maybe he's just able to assess child situations in a calmer manner?
I'm so thankful for my husband. He brings more to the table than just the bacon, and I certainly couldn't survive as well as I do without him. I honestly didn't think that a marriage could be so completely successful in every way. As we get older and continue to learn more about each other, life gets easier, and I fall more deeply in love with him. And do you know what the best part is? We're the only two people in the entire world that get to experience the kind of life that we have. And it's all because of God's grace and answer to prayer.
Synnove woke with a fever night before last, and a sore throat. She hasn't been feeling well ever since even though her fever was gone by morning. We still managed to have some friends over yesterday, and the kids got to play outside in the 65 degree weather! It seems as if Synnove just has a weird bug with a constant headache. She woke again this morning with a fever and her tummy hurting. I thought I would be in for a day of vomit clean-up, but it turns out she was just really really hungry. Her fever has gone, but she still has a headache. Child sicknesses baffle me sometimes, but I'm so glad that at least she's able to communicate her suffering. When she was a baby I would always spend time wondering, worrying, and trying to figure out the root problem. But, it has turned out many times that Adam's intuition is better than my own. Or maybe he's just able to assess child situations in a calmer manner?
I'm so thankful for my husband. He brings more to the table than just the bacon, and I certainly couldn't survive as well as I do without him. I honestly didn't think that a marriage could be so completely successful in every way. As we get older and continue to learn more about each other, life gets easier, and I fall more deeply in love with him. And do you know what the best part is? We're the only two people in the entire world that get to experience the kind of life that we have. And it's all because of God's grace and answer to prayer.
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