Overheard

Stephen: "You don't get paid because you don't work very hard."

Well, Well

Jonathan to the nursery workers, "Momma is having a baby.  Two babies.  Two Spanish babies."

One Step Closer

When the boys and I noticed the Estate Sale sign yesterday, I never dreamed we'd find this.

 

I considered it's darling spindles.  I reflected on the shortage of beds in our house (considering one child is currently sleeping in the floor of a closet).  I knew it would be great for a certain little girl.

I haggled over the price; it seemed high; I drove off.  But uncertainty was in my mind.  I finally declared that if I returned after all my errands and it was still there, it was a sign.  This reasoning was confirmed by my mother.

And low, and behold, it was there.  And it turns out I know the owner.  And she was so excited to know our little girl would be sleeping there.  It was meant to be.p

One question still remains: to paint or not to paint?  What do you think?

20 Things for 20 Weeks

It's hard to imagine that I'm halfway on my waiting to meeting the newest baby.  And that means it's about time to make a plan for the next few months.  The items are only grouped by subject matter not by priority (except, maybe, for #1).

1. Remodel the bathroom.  This sounds pretty lofty, but with some recent water problems, it is a top priority that means calling up a handy contractor.
2. Buy a new mattress.  All things have limited lifespans, and my back can attest to the fact that ours is past its prime.
3. Paint the kitchen cabinets.  Huh?  It sounds really crazy and maybe I will change my mind, but the dings and scratches (not to mention missing pulls) accumulated over the last 9 years are starting to bother me.
4. Add a backsplash.  This wasn't really on the list, but a dropped comment from a friend and a brilliant idea from a blog collided as a sign that this would be a relatively quick and easy update.
5. Paint the hallway bookshelf.  Must decide on a color - not my strongpoint.
6. Paint the master bedroom.  Since it is connected to the bathroom that needs to be remodeled.  And I'm tired of red.
7. Paint the halls. 
8. Paint the dining room.
9. Paint the big boys' room.
10. Paint the little boys' room.
11. Find a spot for the baby.  Unlike many friends and bloggers, we have no extra room, walk-in closet, or alcove.  Creativity is a must.  (That and earplugs).
12. Start planting the garden.  We're all looking forward to early peas, lettuce and spinach.  Then onto the really good stuff like tomatoes and peppers.  Spring, come quickly.
13. Plant hand-me-down blueberries and the leftover blackberry bush from last summer.
14. Paint or stain the seesaw.  An awesome birthay gift to Jonathan from the inlaws.
15. Make a baby quilt.  I'm waffling with several patterns.  I must decide soon and get to work.
16. Wrap up another baby quilt (long overdue!!!).
17. Bind a third quilt for an upcoming baby.
18. Organize The Closet.  My pride restricts me from publishing pictures of the state of The Closet at the moment.  Suffice it to say, it is beyond embarrassing and is testimony that one does become like one's mother.  In my defense, the shelves are fixed and not really convenient for what I need (that, and I need too much!).  There is a solution, however, and I will find it.
19. Make school plans for 2013-14.  It never ends, but everything runs so much more smoothly with a plan.
20. Have fun with the kids.  There has always been a sense of mourning while expecting a new baby - mourning for the old routine that will be lost, the time spent with just 1 (or 2/3/4/5).  Fun outings, activities, and one-on-one time helps. 

I was reminded of The Gameplan I made when expecting Josie.  My concerns seem to have shifted  heavily to the Home Improvement Category, but like before, I'm sure some will be completed and the rest will fall to the wayside to be forgotten or simply pushed aside to a more convenient time.  We really do have all that we need and can just anxiously await this little one.

What Wondrous Love is This

Andrew is 9

Happy Birthday to my first born boy!

Eat My Words

It had been a busy morning despite the early morning wake up call by Miss Josie.  There was the usual housework and schoolwork and an added paper-mache volcano in the mix.  I quickly made lunch and then had approximately 7 minutes in which to make myself presentable before taking two of the kids for well-checks with the ped.

I ran to my room, and having learned from previous experience, locked the door.

While the hair dryer was going, I heard persistent banging on the door.  I finally stopped and yelled asked, "Is the house on fire?"

Stephen replied, "No, but you left one of the eyes of the stove on."

Thank you, Stephen, for being ever-so-observant.

The Blue & Gold Banquet

The annual Cub Scout banquet was tonight.

 

Parents were requested to bring two dishes per scout, and seeing as I have a kids who can't eat run-of-the-mill desserts, I think I will forever be the one assigned to bringing allergy-safe desserts.

 

Two-and-a-half dozen Wacky Cupcakes dressed in none other than blue and gold.  And eagle eye Stephen spotted a perfect candy mold at Hobby Lobby this morning which provided the finishing touch.

 

 

And just to make sure, our resident taste-tester approved the treats before they were sent out the door.

Snow Day

We don't see much snow around here so any little bit is cause for celebration.

 

 

Matthew didn't even take time to get dressed; he donned boots and a coat over his pjs and headed out.

 

 

The Official Measurement read 1", but it was enough for a few snowballs.

 

 

It was truly the perfect snowfall.

 

 

It came and went in a matter of hours, leaving no slushy, ugly mess, just a lot of good memories.

LEGO: Racetrack

The fans in the stands.

 

 

The racecar.

 



 

The champion.

 



 

Emergency personnel on hand.

 

 

Can't forget the concession stand

 

 

complete with drink dispenser.

 

 

There's even typical weeds growing up behind the stands.

 

 

The finish line.