...And to think he doesn't even watch HGTV

This seems to the be the season for us to do those long-overdue home improvements.
Either that, or all my HGTV viewing hours have somehow rubbed of on my husband.

You know, I do watch it late at night in bed... it all probably soaks into his subconscience as he sleeps blissfully. Then he wakes up thinking, "Must. improve. house."

In the last couple months, he has installed new downstairs carpets and floors, a new front door which he then promptly painted,
and this weekend...painted the entire exterior of the house!

Yes, my husband gets all the credit for actual work. I just help pick out colors and then make Home D*pot runs.
His one flaw yesterday was underestimating the amount of gallons needed.
So between taking the sprayer back, and several runs back and forth to get extra paint mixed, I was almost ready to just take up residence in their store.

The associates there saw me so much, I think we all started to become friends. They came very close to having me just pull up a carpet square and wait for my husband's next order, while we all had a good chat.
And the kitchen models with the mini-cabinets...even my daughters were drooling over the them when they went with me on one of my trips. (Amazing how early the love affair of a woman and granite counters can start.)

But back at the house, my husband was, indeed, slaving away. So in all seriousness, I was actually happy to run back and forth countless times.
Because, really...look at him. On ladders and everything.



He truly is not the kind of husband who is glued to the couch as you dust over him...instead, he's the kind you actually have to nag to slow down!





Plus, it was crunch time. He was on a race against the clock...and the rain clouds!
Those dark skies were pretty threatening, but according the weather predictions, it was going to hold off until 4 pm. It did sprinkle a bit beforehand, but then it stopped, giving him enough time to finish up before nightfall!



Today it's actually pouring off and on, but he is doing a little touch up where he can...and finish the trim as weather permits.

But though it's not completely perfect as of yet, it is exciting to have all those sad, peeling walls suddenly all gone, and a sleek new shade greeting us!

He still has a few other projects up his sleeve. But I think he'll be slowing down a bit soon. At least, if I have anything to say about it!
Otherwise, I may have to plead and bribe. If you listen in at our door- our new door- you just may hear things normally not heard at our house on an every day basis...

"Please Honey.... No, don't take out the trash- I'll do it. Just sit down. No, better yet, lie down. Have a blankie.
Oh, and here's the remote...yes, and a bowl of chips...I know I was watching House Hunters, but that's OK, you can turn it to whatever you want.
What- you want to watch Rambo VI- followed by Star Wars 18- The truly final chapter? Oh...OK. Um, of course...I'll watch them with you...Let me just put in Barbie Mermaidia upstairs for the girls and turn it up really loud. And find some ear plugs for myself so I can just doze un-traumatized here next to you..."

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Before I go, I have some special friends to thank- and am shamefully overdue, so please forgive me!
I wanted to thank my friend, Emom, at Chrysalis, for blessing me with another Thoughtful Blogger Award. I appreciate this so much, coming from you, Emom- thank you! If you haven't stopped by there, it is a wonderful place to get you thinking of relevant topics from a Christian perspective - and share your thoughts, as well! In fact, she is hosting Marriage Mondays- and I hope to join in next week! Also, thank you, Nadine, at Just Being Me! She graciously gave the "You Make me Smile Award" to all who regularly read her blog or are in her sidebar. Nadine, you certainly make me smile every time I stop by!


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A blessed rest of the Sunday and a wonderful week to each of you.

And in the meantime...does anyone know how to get white primer off of a black dog? ;)

1st Photohunter

I'm participating for the first time in Photohunt!
This week's theme was a tough one- Original.

But in my closet still hangs the original outfit I was wearing when my husband first laid eyes on me- on our blind date, on August 14th, 1993,

Here is a photo of me against the real dress...that photo was taken two years after that first date, standing on a pier at his Navy base. (Soon he'd be going on a six month deployment.)

I'd like to say that this outfit still fit perfectly, and that I didn't have to strain at the buttons when I try it on...but as you can see, I was a skinnie-minnie "back in the day"... before my babies...and when my metabolism seemed to run at high speed!

Still, I am hanging on to this outfit, just the same.

Works For Me Wednesday- Chore Tickets!

It's been ages since I participated in Works for me Wednesday, hosted by Rocks in the Dryer. But my husband has recently invented a fun way to help our little ones not only do more chores around the house- but actually get excited about it!

In days gone by, we tried the "chore chart", but they sadly fell by the wayside, time and time again. I know they work for some families, but for us, it's been too hard to keep them up consistently.

Enter, the Chore Ticket.

Yep, I do believe my husband was brilliant this time. But he admits, it was borrowed, in part, by our Sunday School's current reward system.
You see, the Sunday School at our church gives out homework- simply things like a verse to memorize or a puzzle to work through looking up some scriptures. If your child turns it back in all finished, they get a pretend "buck", good for purchasing things at the little booth that opens up just once a month.

A little incentive, plus it helps kids learn about purchase decisions...spend my one buck right away on these three pieces of candy, or save up and buy a "big-ticket" item.

So, my husband's little light bulb over his head went off one day and announced that for doing certain chores, both girls (ages 8 and 5) would earn appropriate chore tickets.
But here is where he used his artistic sense, taking it one step further...

They would each design their own chore ticket, he's scan them, and place a photo of each of them in the center like a president on a dollar bill.


Something about not only earning tickets, but simultaneously feeling as important as Thomas Jefferson that makes them actually eager to fold laundry...and even use the ..um...doggie scooper in the back yard.

Now, it's up to me who is home with them more to dole out the appropriate tickets for the tasks. And usually they get to spend them when they're shopping with their daddy at Winco. Although mainly a grocery store, they do sell toys...(And don't underestimate the lure of an extra 4-pack of pudding in those little plastic cups. Two tickets will let you plunk that in the shopping cart.)

We're not sure exactly how long we'll keep this little monetary system in play. But for now, it's teaching them some good old fashioned work ethic, and they're having fun, to boot. (Plus, I'm getting lots and lots of help!) Definitely working for us!

Oh, and in case you're wondering...six scoops of doggie stuff equals a ticket. Our lab just can't seem to turn 'em out fast enough these days!

Fall Reading Challenge

I am so excited to participate once again in Katrina's Reading Challenge! (Thank you again, Katrina, for this wonderful idea!)

I have to admit- for the past two challenges, I have not made it completely through my list. But that's OK, right? This challenge has always helped me stretch just a bit and probably read one or two more books than I probably would have otherwise.

Since we're on the subject of books, I know some have recently stated how they don't think Christian fiction is all that well-written. And that can be true, some of the time.
I know we all have different opinions (and some of these folks are actually blogging friends of mine and wonderful people, to boot)- but I have to respectfully disagree.
Sure, there is some real fluff out there, and I have read some of it. But there's fluff in all genres, as well.
For me, finding good Christian fiction is so worth it, because sometimes God can really use it to speak to me in so many ways.
Just like Jesus Himself used parables and stories to drive home a point, I think a good story can be an instrument truly used by God to teach and encourage, challenge and uplift.

And of course, it's OK to just relax and unwind, and even have a smile and a laugh, too!

Now, I'll tiptoe off my soap box...because I have to admit that I should really read more non-fiction than I do. And that is, once again, my challenge to myself this time.

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So, I'll be extra challenging and list my Non-fiction list, first:

1) Maria by Maria Von Trapp.
I read this one something like 20 years ago, and I though I didn't get to it on my prior challenge, I'm really going to try to re-read it again this fall!

2) Taking Care of the "Me" in Mommy by Lisa Welchel.
I was excited to see this at my church library and will be checking it out soon! (It was through Lisa's website that actually led me to blogging in the first place!)

3) Love Found a Way- Stories of Christmas by Ron Mehl.
We had the profound privilege of having this man as our pastor for several years. He is now with the Lord...but reading His words makes me feel as though I am hearing his voice once again. He was a writer of many books, pastor of one of the largest churches in the area, yet his tender and humble spirit was what you first noticed above all else.

I'm going to limit my must-read non-fictions to just three since I'm trying to be realistic for once! But there are a few others out there I hope to get to if I have time!

Now for the Fiction:

The Prince by Francine Rivers.
I really had hoped to get to this before now, but better late than never! I've only read one F. Rivers book so far, but judging from that one, I have a feeling I won't be disappointed.

2. Chateau of Echoes by Siri L. Mitchell.
I was doing some looking around on the computer last night and found this one recommended by another Christian author. So when I saw that my church library had it this morning, I decided to grab it! :)

3. Marley and Me by John Grogan
I've been wanting to read this for over a year...can't wait! (And now I see there are several children's versions available!)

4) The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
After reading The Wedding last year, I am so looking forward to this one!

5) Out to Caanan by Jan Karon.
As some of you know, I am working my way through the much beloved Mitford series. I am just a couple chapters into this one, the 4th in the series.
So, of course, I am going to have to add to my list....

6) A New Song by Jan Karon.
(And for those of you who are Mitford fans...did you hear the great news? She's started a whole new series, continuing on with Father Tim!!!)

There's several more I'd love to read this fall, but let's face it...I always bite off more than I can chew...it's will be closing in on the Christmas season...I'm a home school parent...um, and I blog.

Here's a couple read-alongs I plan on doing with my girls, too...

Pippi in the South Seas by Astrid Lingren.

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
(This looks like a wonder series, not unlike the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. I discovered this was written back in 1935 but surprisingly, I had never heard of this heroine before!)

Plus, it goes without saying that I'll be reading some non-fiction to them- and probably countless Kindergarten-age books to my youngest!

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Well, hmmm...do you see a pattern here? As in my fiction books outnumber my non-fiction by 2-1?

I'll also be doing a two different Beth Moore Bible Studies...one hosted by Myrna via her blog on A Woman's Heart, and also through a woman's study at church called Motherwise, we'll be doing Moore's study of Daniel.

So, it's not too late to get in on the challenge. Go on over and sign in...or at the very least, go see what everyone else is reading!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a good book....

Show and Tell Friday (#4)

It's that time again! Welcome to Show and Tell Friday, hosted by Kelli at There is no place like Home. (You can join in the fun by stopping by to view the others or find out how you can participate!)

Last weekend, I took the girls down to my mom's house to spend the night, where I had one last yard sale for her. We're going to be fixing up the old place a bit in order to put in on the market, and though we've already been in the process of helping her declutter, we decided to have... one last yard sale.
Truly! One...last...yard sale.

As I was rummaging through her garage, I found a few bags of paperwork that had made it's way out there. Most were very old bills and magazines...and hidden between all the old ads and phone bills, something pink caught my eye. I pulled it out, and found something that looked very familiar.
(My lighting wasn't very good...but you can click on the picture for a better look.)


I tell you, it was like stepping through a time machine. A little story that I made when I was about eight years old.
Only two pieces of blank paper, folded to make it look like a book...not even put together with any adhesive or staples. But somehow it had stayed together.

Now, I actually do remember seeing this off and on throughout the years. My mom and I had been saving it. But somehow, it had gotten lost in the shuffle, awaiting it's certain doom in to the recycle bin.

This one, if I remember right, was suppose to be like some of the children's books I had read when I was even younger. And according the price I wrote on the cover, I was not only trying to make it look real, perhaps I thought it had a market value of 5 cents.

I wrote countless stories growing up. Some I'd finish, but many others were "chapter books" that I'd keep starting and never finish.
Seems to be my trademark, since even today, I'm a wannabe writer, with a novel just "this close" from being finished. Sigh.

Some of those stories (and half-stories) that I wrote throughout the growing up years also somehow managed to be saved and escape the trash and survive our countless moves as a child. But finding this particular little book was meaningful because it was one of my very first story attempts.
I can almost remember writing it, and showing it proudly to my parents in that house in Kent...

And now, what makes this even more special is the timing. My oldest child is exactly the same age as I had been at the time, and I am just a little excited that she has a strong love for writing, as well! Her hand-writing is so similar to mine was at the time, and so is her style! (Only hers is a tad better!)

And for your entertainment, here's a sampling of this epic novel, entitled,
"May I have a cookie?" taken directly from this ancient manuscript, spelling errors, included...;)
Keep in mind, at age eight, I think I had high hopes of selling this to some eager first grader...

"One day Michael descuvvered that thay ran out of cookies. He told James. James said that they could get more tomorrow.
'We can get more, Michael, maybe tomorrow.' But Michael couldn't wait. He ran to tell his mother. (His father was in the Army.)
Mother said, "We can't go to the store today, I'm sorry."
So Michale looked for people who would give him a cookies, or two."

And then later, the plot continues...

"Soon Michael found a dog. In front of it was a man." Pausing to ask, OK, is this not humor at it's best, I ask you? ;) Michael asked,"May I have a cookie? He looked down. "You may not!" he said. 'What a unpolite little boy!"



I know you all are on the edge of your seat wondering if Michael ever got any cookies. But let me tell you, like all good stories do when you're eight, it had a happy ending.

But here is a picture on the first page. It's Michael, apparently, nonchalantly walking to the kitchen, completely unaware of the disaster of the empty cookie jar which awaits him...


(Hmmm...my artistic ability hasn't improved much- I kind of draw like that now.)

In all seriousness, not only was this a blessing to find and rescue because of my own personal memories...but it was so fun to share it with my family- especially my own little eight year old writer.

And this wasn't the only little gem I plucked out of the garage last weekend. There's more to come!

So...be careful when sorting your eighty year old mother's papers. Underneath her 1986 Woman's Day magazine just might be your own prize epic from third grade just waiting to be found.

Wordless Wednesday...Pumpkin time, 2003

For more WW, check out 5 min. for Mom or WW HQ.

Welcome to my neighborhood!

Hello, and welcome to the "Welcome to my Neighborhood" tour, hosted by Kathleen Marie! Thank you, Kathleen!


OK...the above picture is technically beyond our actual neighborhood, but it is on the outskirts!
It was taken on our Labor Day weekend berry picking excursion...when the weather was actually warm and gorgeous.
But today, we're not going far, even though I live in some beautiful country up here in Oregon. This time, we're just going to stay right here in our little neighborhood.

It's a little bit drizzly today, but being in the Northwest, we're pretty much use to that. So I hope you brought your umbrella...did you?
Good! Then, follow me, and we'll take a little walk...

We are blessed with some very tall, old evergreens in our neighborhood. I absolutely love them! You can hopefully see just how tall they are in comparison to some of the houses.
It does make me a little nervous during one of those big winter wind storms, though...when those happen, I peer out the window and eye them suspiciously as they sway and bend.
But they sure are majestic and beautiful, and definitely say Oregon to me!


As we stroll a bit further, we'll see the tiny walking woods. It's a bit dark in here today, so you may not be able to get a good look. But just to the left is a little bridge, under which flows a tiny creek.
I suspect that this is actually private property...but it sure is cozy in there! Our family has enjoyed trip-trapping over that bridge (quietly, of course) and feeling like we were in the middle of nowhere from time to time!


Now, let's walk a whole different direction.
When we first moved in, we had fields all around us (as well as forests!) But a new housing development sits on one of the fields now. Normally, I feel sad when this happens...I'd much rather have nature and countryside! But in this case, it provided us with some great sidewalks to ride bikes and for me to do my "power walks".

OK, these power walks have been few and far between lately, but let's try and stay on subject, shall we?

There's still a few fields nearby, though. Here's one of them...still holding out, but I think it may not have long for this world, either.


I love country and nature...but I also appreciate the little conveniences of life.
One of the local stores in the neighborhood is a common sight in the NW, and I frequent it a lot!

As advertised, it's my one-stop shopping. Have a need for a stapler, a new coat and a side of beef all at the same time? Go right in...
And it doesn't hurt that next door is another little favorite business...


(And to think, I'm not even being paid for these advertisements...)
If my husband's reading this, honestly, honey- I don't actually buy coffees here often.
Just once in a great while.
Most times, I just gaze at the sign longingly and let the caffeine fumes that are drifting outside fill my nostrils as I pass slowwwwly by.

But since we're here now...would you care to join me for a double mocha latte?

Yum...that really hit the spot, didn't it? Especially on this cool, drizzly September day. Glad we took the car over here, though...not only is it raining but I'm a little tired out from helping my mom with her yard sale over the weekend! (But that's another post...)

What? It's time to go on to the next neighborhood on the tour? But I haven't really shown you the best parts of my neighborhood yet! Well, alright...I guess we should, with the rain and all.
And my tired muscles.

But trust me, there's so much more to our neighborhood than we have time- or, uh, my energy- to see! And if you consider the outlining area beyond the picket fences- or in this case, towering pines- part of the neighborhood, then actually, there is SO much more to see.
Maybe there'll be a Neighborhood Tour Part 2 in the near future- on a day, preferably, when I am not recovering from a day of heavy lifting, long drives, and mental energy spent deciding what to write on all those little price stickers.
But I digress...

Right now, there's not too much in the way of flowery blooms or green grass on our street at the moment...not like in this picture taken back in May...


I suspect it's like this in some of your areas, too...kind of at the "in-between" stage...between the flowers and the beautiful autumn leaves everywhere.
No yellow leaves yet to show...only end of summer yellow grass! ;)

Still, I enjoyed showing you around the neighborhood just a bit and hope you liked seeing this tiny little corner of the Northwest.
Even in the rain.
In fact, did you know that our coffee tastes better when it rains? It does.
And our yellow grass likes it, too...(the rain, that is. Not so much the coffee.)

I hope you all have a wonderful week- no matter where your neighborhood!

Just passing through...:)

Well, as you can see by my lack of posting, this first full week back to school kept me just a tad occupied! But it's been actually a lot of fun, because both girls are still enthusiastic- and as most of you know, that's half the battle!

I was also gone a couple nights this week...it was the first week in a long time that I actually went out twice in a one week! It felt a little strange...but in a good way!
One was for book discussion group...this month was one of my favorite books which I had read earlier this year, Gardenias for Breakfast by Robin Jones Gunn.
The other night out was a home school group planning meeting...and of course, amongst the planning, there was some laughing and munching going on...it actually turned out to be a whole lot of fun!

I tell you, for some reason, I became almost a hermit lately...especially during the summer months when so many activities seem to take a hiatus. It felt so good to be out with other women again...it really helped me feel a bit more recharged. And two nights in one week! Wow. I'm so glad I'm blessed with a husband who knows how much moms need to have breaks and realized I was way overdue!

It's a good thing my battery was recharged, because this weekend, I'm off again to my mom's to spend the night with both girls in tow, to help her with a...gulp...yard sale. The girls have to go because my husband will have his handsome face under an engine all day tomorrow, fixing a car for some extra income.
Anyway, there will be lots of moving, carrying, lugging, sign nailing and afterward unloading to Salvation Army...so wish me luck- and energy! :)

I'll probably return with more of my childhood toys she's faithfully kept and I can't seem to somehow part with...
Of course, my girls will want to play with some of them. But I'm just now sure... after all, my 1972 Barbie Dream House might be worth a mint by now! If so, they can just gaze at it from afar...then I can sell it and buy them a whole passel of Barbie accessories from - like, this actual century.

So, a busy weekend for us...but I'll try really hard and be back to post again on Monday, for the neighborhood tour hosted by Kathleen Marie.
Hope you'll join me!

Blessings!

Wordless Wednesday...Lahaina, Hawaii

I like the one on the right...

A "just because" blessing

Don't you love it when you find one of those incredible yard sale deals?

Nearly every weekend or so will find me scouring the neighborhood for the perfect thing we've somehow been missing in our lives. But mostly for clothes.
I'm always on the lookout for "gently used" clothes for the girls, since they outgrow things so quickly.

Saturday was no exception, only we were just going to look for about a half an hour. We stopped at a few places where signs beckoned us, but without any luck.
Finally, as we were about to give up, we found one that looked promising! We got out, and I was happy to see a blanket on the ground with not only girl clothes- but in about the right sizes!
As I was looking through the clothing, the dad there was setting up some sort of play tent.

Yes, it was cute play tent, alright...and big. I quickly went back to the task at hand.
The girls, of course, had to go inside as soon as the dad walked away. When I walked on over, I saw the price tag.

Two bucks.

Yep, you read that right! It did have a rip in the tent door, but otherwise looked fine.
The mom and grandma must have sensed my amazement at the low, low price, so they grabbed the opportunity to exclaim from across the yard,
"It folds right up and fits into the little flat bag..."
"And all these accessories over here, too..."
I glanced over, and sure enough, there were four folding nylon play appliances such as a stove, sink, and washer\dryer. It had the low, low price of $2.00 for the set...a steal...but I only had enough for the tent with me. But before I could even tell them that, they said that I could have the whole shebang for the $2.

Ok, then...pack 'er up!

Just minutes after the dad finished setting it out, he promptly went back and packed everything up into the convenient carrying bag...and if that wasn't enough, when my girls each bought one item of clothing they also wanted with their own change, the mom began picking extra things out and saying,
"Here...take this too. You can just have it."

We walked away with a bag of clothes and a complete play tent (stackable washer\dryer unit and other appliances, included!) for a grand total of $2.90!

I know they apparently didn't want to make money as much as to just get rid of things...but I felt so blessed by their generosity. And I do think that sometimes God leads us to these little blessings in life for no other reason other than that He wants to see us smile.
Just because He loves us!


We set it up as soon as we got home and the girls played in there almost the rest of the day!

And guess what? We brought it into the livingroom the next day and they talked me into letting them sleep in it. Shhh...they're in there, right now, as I type!

I just love yard sales!

Busy days

Yes, I'm still here!

This has been an incredibly busy week for me. But I suspect that maybe it has for some of you, too....especially the rest of you who are in the "back to school" mode, whether it is at home or outside the home!
And then maybe, like me, it's a combination of a bunch of things, all adding up to BUSY!
Amazing what all of us accomplish in just a week, even if we only jot down the major points...never mind, the hundreds of things we cleaned, cooked and folded, and fed!

So, here's my little condensed version of the week:


Monday-
Drove with my family an hour away to help my mom with her house.
Dropped #1 daughter there, leaving her with her pink suitcase and lots of hugs and kisses.

Tuesday-
First wonderful day of Kindergarten with daughter #2! (See post below)


Wednesday-
A tiny bit of school work with daughter #2, then back down to my mom's to retrieve #1 daughter (this time I did the driving) and stayed all afternoon to help Mom do more organizing and discarding.
Drove back home, dropping off a box at G*oodwill on the way.
Stole upstairs after dinner to veg out and watch episodes of House Hunters.
Tucked in girls, lay down with youngest, and fell fast asleep there until morning.



Thursday-
First day of school with both girls. Overall, a good day.
A little less easy than schooling just one, but because we're all still fresh and excited about the new year, there hasn't been a lot of whining. (And the girls have had good attitudes, too!) ;)


Friday-
Babysat for the first time my new 6 week old nephew for a few hours. Enjoyed his smiles.


Changed his diaper...watched a fountain spray up in my unprepared- mommy to girls- face.

Rocked and walked the floor with the little guy as he is fussy due to acid reflux.
Finally got him to sleep and am so relieved... just in time for his mommy to return.

Did "school"with the girls in the afternoon, due to Baby Cousin's morning visit. Went to the store, and stopped at a special playground, where I ended up playing Hide and Seek with them...(and also with another little boy we met that really, really wanted to play!)
Ended up having loads of fun- yes, me...the mom!

Put Barbie band-aids on my oldest girl's knee. Listened to more renditions of High School Musical numbers, with many requests to stop what I'm doing to see her fancy footwork.

Watched as my just-as-tired husband kept his promise to the girls and took them swimming after work, then came home to work on a home project... and afterward fell asleep on the couch.
Gave him a kiss and meant it.

Ended my work week relieved that it was over, but so very grateful for each and every day of it.

God bless each of you- and have a wonderful weekend!

A little bonding time...

This was one of those good parenting days.

I had wondered what this day might be like, with her sister not here to play with her and entertain.
My 8 year old is staying (for the very first time- without me, that is!) with her grandma for a few nights for some special bonding time together.
Meanwhile, my five year old and I have had our own bonding time- and I have to say, it was wonderful.

In fact, we had our first official day of home school Kindergarten here at home- just the two of us. I wanted to take advantage of being able to focus all my attention on her, and let her first day as a Kindergartener be extra special.
She was so excited about it, and her enthusiasm was contagious!

She helped me make the finishing touches on a big classroom type calendar I made- with apples we traced and cut out for each day of the week.
You would not believe how excited she was over this calendar. It completely made my morning just to see the joy on her face over this one, simple thing.

We sat together in the little spare room-turned classroom while she did a couple simple pages in each of her workbooks...we sang songs together....went outside for some fresh air...she read to me from her beginner book (she's just now learning to sound out words and it's very exciting for her- and me!) and I read a book of her choosing to her.

It was one of those idealistic mornings- truly! I had so much fun spending this quality learning time with her...and I think she enjoyed having Mommy all to herself.

It wasn't just the official Kindergarten morning that went so well...

Later, we went to get a couple things at the store and I bought her some new sidewalk chalk that was on sale. It doesn't take that much for my little one to be thrilled. At five, the smallest of gifts is call for jubilation.

Afterward, my child continued to be wonderful. Yes, she did. She played a computer learning game while I washed up the dishes and started dinner and then after her daddy came home, he went outside with her to play with the chalk.



After dinner, since she didn't have her sister here to play with her, I sat with her for just a bit and played with the doll house.

And right before bedtime, her daddy and I were treated to a one-girl puppet\doll show. Our tickets cost $4 in imaginary, invisible money, but it was well worth it, believe me!

When we all took turns talking to her sister and grandma on the phone, it turns out that they, too, had some incredible quality time together. I can't wait to hear more about it!

I am so very thankful that my oldest had this precious time with her grandmother...as you all know, her grandmother is 80, so this is truly precious time they have shared.
And meanwhile, I am so blessed to have had this sweet first day of Kindergarten alone with my youngest.
Each of these opportunities are so rare- and to be treasured.

As every parent will attest to (and every home schooling parent, in particular) not all days are such complete perfection.
Some are both grand and horrible all at the same time. Or even a few have just plain hair-pulling moments from start to finish, whether you home school or not.
I know I have had my share.

But when we can have a day such as this come our way once in awhile, golden and satisfying, it makes parenting completely and totally worth every soiled diaper and ear-shattering tantrum we had to endure.

And when they are all too soon grown and moved away, I just have a feeling that the ones that will remain crystal clear in our memories will be these rare and golden times.
And what they will be remembering, too.

Week in Review...

I'm just taking a moment from our busy Labor Day weekend to check in....
I hope every else (who celebrates this holiday- is it U.S. only?) is enjoying the 3-day weekend!
Thank you to all of your sweet replies on my recent Show and Tell -and my parents' anniversary post. I know my mom read all of these, too, and those replies were a blessing!

So here's our week in review...

Our weather has been absolutely gorgeous!
I'm kind of sorry we weren't able to get away...the coast would have been perfect! But what have we mostly doing so far this Labor Day weekend? Laboring.

We're in home improvement mode again...both for ourselves and for my mom.
We're helping her get her house a bit more ready to sell...and we're picking out paint colors for the outside of our own home.
Our house desperately needed the exterior painted from the time we bought it over five years ago...and finally, it looks like we'll be doing it in a few weeks!

Oh, and we're taking advantage of the Labor Day sales and buying a new front door!
Funny, how when you're a grown-up, you get excited over things like this.
I can't say I reach the level of giddiness that my husband does, however, perusing the isles of H*me Depot. I think that store still has more of it's following with men...something about the smell of plywood that gets their engines revved and ready to hammer something big.

We're taking all of Monday, though, to do some odd jobs around my mom's house and I'll be helping her do sorting.
Lots and lots of stuff.
Decades and decades of stuff.
She and I are both pretty sentimental when it comes to stuff (as you might have guessed from my last post) but we are determined to do this. We both know she can't take all of this with her to her next place, so it has to be done!

For the past three years, we've been talking about selling her house and getting her moved closer to us...we're determined to finally make this a reality.
She's 80...it's time. Not to mention with her closer, it's more Nammy time for the girls!

We didn't want all work and no play this weekend, so Saturday we stole away briefly to go berry and picking and have a picnic right there on the premises.
We tried to pick corn, but it just wasn't quite ripe enough yet. Still, we had fun trying to find some...




That corn was as high as an elephant's eye! (OK, do you all know what song that comes from?)

We did a few other errands along the way, coming home to barbecue some hot dogs...which the girls and their daddy ate in their clubhouse!
(It was so cute to see the three of them in there like that...it just said "summer" to me.)

And nothing beats the end of a hot summer day like french vanilla ice cream topped with the blackberries you just picked!


Oh- and this past week ended the girls' swimming lessons.
I can't believe how far they both have come, and especially my oldest. Last year, she was so timid in the water- even at age 7. This year, she was like virtual mermaid!

On the last day of classes, they all got to don life jackets and take rides on boogie boards.
As you can guess, they loved it!


So now, this week, it's back to school. And for us, that means home school. And right now, we're all actually very excited about it all...a very good thing!
Especially my youngest. She knows that this year is her Kindergarten year, and since she has already started to learn to read, she is bubbling with excitement about being a big girl!

But we still have a bit of summer clinging to us all. Our cool weather is giving way to a bit of "Indian Summer" ...that, and the fact that all of the High School Musical tunes are constantly being sung around here.
Don't try coming over and asking for the time. Just don't.
Any questions such as, "What time is it?"
will promptly be answered by any of us, either in song or even better- in monotone by my husband...


"Summertime... It's our vacation!"

(If you have no idea what I'm talking about, it's probably just as well...)

So, anyway, I will try to visit everyone as I can this coming week, but it may it may take me awhile!

Because over the strains of Troy and Gabriella singing around the swimming pool, there's no denying it. It's the sound of school bells!