May your holiday be merry and bright!

Wishing all my dear friends and readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I am keeping an eye on the weather, as we are traveling Wednesday night.  Say some prayers please!  Last time we tried to fly at the holidays we were grounded by fog and then decided to drive for two days to avoid getting stuck in a winter storm.  I have a busy few days as I try to clear out the fridge and pack and get last minute items in order.  Take care all and I will be posting regularly again in the new year.

Tiny Dancer

Ballet outfit

Tap outfit

Last weekend was Ainsley's dance dress rehearsal of their recital.  She has never had dance before so we went and since this was an optional performance she danced with a different class than normal.  Both intro classes have the same routine.  All of the girls in Ainsley's regular class had other commitments that day being so close to the holiday's.  Ainsley did very well!  I was so proud of her.  I thought she would be nervous, but she was not at all.  I imagine she will do even better this coming weekend in the official performance.  I did sign her up for the next dance class but we may switch dance studios in the fall.  I love the convenience of having her dance at the Y, but the program is very disorganized.  As an example, dress rehearsal is at 2 pm and at that point they are still handing out tutu's and skirts to students.  In my opinion costumes should have been handed out at least a week in advance.  Ainsley's tutu fits well, but the skirt for tap was quite large.  I at least received her outfits the day before during her class time.  Apparently parents have complained and changes are being made to the program to prevent problems such as this in the future.  Costumes are paid for along with registration fees and will be ordered early in the class schedule as opposed to the final weeks before recital time.  Ainsley has had a blast, learned a lot and loves her teacher so that is the important thing.  On a funny note, B gets a look at Ainsley before we leave for the mall and says, "Is she wearing make-up?"  Yes, just a little.  "I don't think I like that at all!"  Oh well.  She only had a little purple and pink sparkly eye shadow,  a little cheek color, and pink sparkly lip gloss.  She looked very cute, not overly made up.  I don't like make-up on her either, but this was something special.  She has a sweet peaches and cream coloring naturally and it is something that she grows to cherish.

I am hoping to get at least one or two more posts in before I sign off until the new year.  We are traveling this holiday and leaving right after school next Wednesday.  Tons to do before then but I have a bad weather related headache and plan on taking things easy today.  Have a great day everyone!

Finishing unfinished projects...

Stuck at home on Sunday with a sick child can lead to productivity.  I set up my sewing machine area and got to work.  I had finished the top to this quilt before we moved and had pieced the backing together and even had bought the batting.  I have ignored this for a while as I have not been in the right mood.  Finally I decided to dust off the machine and put it together.  It is throw size so it went together quickly.  It is a winter quilt as the three center squares running vertically in this photo have snow men.  I will keep this one out until at least February.  Very happy with it!  Not the greatest sewing as it was one of my early block of the month sets and going back to it now I was a bit rusty.   Need to get back in the swing again and maybe start earning a little money with my sewing.  Could be a possibility.  Off to bible study potluck  so have a great day everyone.

Happy Birthday to me!

Earlier this month I celebrated a birthday.  The last birthday of my 30's!  Gah!  It is better than the alternative so I am keeping a positive outlook on my age.  The family made me a lovely red velvet cake creation.  So yummy!  My cake matches my table and curtains.  Must coordinate you know.  No, I really am not that crazy.

I was blessed with a replacement mixer which husband gifted me before Thanksgiving so that I could use it to prepare holiday desserts.  I should take a picture because it is truly a thing of beauty.  I made the investment  into a more heavy duty Kitchen Aid mixer.  Love love love it.  And it is red!
Hopefully more pictures and posts a bit later this week.  I downloaded everything off the camera and need to get to the phone.  Trying to wrap up some unfinished crafty projects as well.  One is done.  The other will not likely be done before we leave town for the holiday, but you never know.  Pictures of the finished project to follow.  Have a great week all!

Pictures!

As promised finally I will be posting some pictures of the little people.  The last two weeks have held Christmas concerts for us.  Ainsley's concert had some traditional carols sung as a family sing along.  So much fun!  I was surprised at the song choices considering this is a public school we attend.  Not that I mind the carols at all, just pleasantly surprised.  Aidan played Santa in the 4th grade choir program.  He was so cute and did such a good job.  Not nervous at all!  My hubby has the pictures of the boy in his Santa suit, but I have the one of him in his dress up duds.  I actually have Aidan home this morning.  He has been battling a cold/cough all week but this morning he was running a low grade temp.  I am actually taking him to see a pediatrician today to make sure this isn't turning into something more serious.  This is my child who rarely gets sick since having tonsils and adenoids removed.  Not usually anything more that a sniffle and never a fever.  So to the doctor we go.  Have a good weekend everyone.

Morning Dialog

Me..."Ainsley, time to get up."

Ainsley..."No Mom, it is time for sleeping and dreaming."

Sigh...this is the start of a great morning.  Hope everyone has a great day today.

Long time no blogging...

It is tough to write blog posts and mess with pictures when you have company for a week and a half!  Starting to get my home back in order this week after the folks left Monday.  Not that they or my other guests were messy mind you, they are not, it is just difficult to dust and haul around a vacuum cleaner when you have company.  Fortunately, it was pretty easy to stay on top of laundry with my one load a day method.  My parents came in the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and stayed until this Monday.  Prior to that a family from Wisconsin came to visit for the weekend, arriving Friday and leaving Monday.  I turned around the basement bathroom and sleeping area quickly to accommodate my guests.  I felt like a hotel for a bit there!  So, like I said.  I have been spending the week playing catchup and preparing for Christmas.  We are traveling this year so I have to get my shopping done early.  At least I will go into the holiday ahead of the game in that respect.  We will be spending some time with my parents and the rest of the time with my hubby's family at my SIL house.  I am grateful as well that I will be getting to spend Christmas day with my family.  Selfish of me, I know, but my SIL is spending the day with her significant other's family so I could do nothing but comply.  No arguments about it at least for another couple of years.  Sometimes it is nice when something is decided for you and it works out in your favor.  In the mean time I am trying to remember the reason for the season.  I promise I will post pictures again soon.  I say that in every post lately, but I am working on it.  Well tonight is a busy one as we have Ainsley's Christmas Concert tonight.  It will be very crowded, but cute.  Once again I am off as I need to do the school run here shortly.  Have a great weekend everyone.  Birthday celebrating at our house...what to do what to do.  Red Velvet cake for me!

Have you ever...

had a day where everything just felt wrong?  Not a bad day perhaps, but wrong.  Election results not what we would have hoped.  Bible study discussion of some issues from before I arrived.  I was aware that there had been some discord, not among the ladies currently attending.  Joe Pa's retirement and abuse allegations occurring at Penn State.  I had originally wanted to go to college there, but when I realized that  my parents would not pay out of state tuition I quickly changed my plans.  Praying and hoping for better feelings ahead.  Just feeling wrong and wonky and out of sorts. And what is this on the news about a Christmas tree tax?  Seriously people...

And the saga continues...

per our vet...

discontinue anti-inflammatory medication as it may be aggravating stomach issues.  Anti-inflammatory prescribed for arthritis in hips.

growth on her leg is an infection, antibiotics required.  Call office when stomach issues are resolved for prescription.

injury issue with her back leg is a torn ACL ligament in the knee.  Only remedy is surgical.  Is it worth having a 14 year old dog undergo surgery in light of all her other issues?  Do we want to incur this expense?  Not sure what it will cost so I will need to check with the office on that.

Oh my word!  At least she is currently not vomiting.  She is still struggling with the other end, but we have not had any more accidents as yet.  And, today she did eat some of a bland diet.  I prepared some steamed white rice for her and added a bit of kibble as per bland diet I found on line.  Are you kidding me...did I actually just cook for my dog?!?!?!?!

Not the way to start a Monday...

Our elderly dog has been ill recently.  Something started with her on Friday.  Vomiting.  Her issue has since migrated to the other end and last night she apparently had an accident where she sleeps.  In my laundry.  My husband had an early flight out and could not clean up most of the mess so he woke me up to tell me what was going on.  The dog is in the crate in the garage and in need of a bath.  He cleaned up the floor but it still stinks in there.  I had so much to do today that I do not have time deal with this!  I feel like I will never make forward progress because of so much other "stuff"  gets in the way.  The hubby did take her in to the vets this weekend for other issues.  They told him to feed her cottage cheese as a bland diet, but he hasn't been to the store yet to pick any up.  He took her in because she was also struggling to walk up stairs after she hurt herself somehow last weekend.  In taking her x-ray to see what is wrong with her leg, they also discovered a tumor on her leg.  I told him under no circumstances are we doing cancer treatments.  I know that may sound heartless, but I can't manage her as it is.  I can't lift her and carry her around.  She is too big.  I can't even get her into the car anymore so taking her anywhere is solely on my husband and work does not allow him to be running her to the vets constantly.  Sorry to vent, but I am annoyed this morning.  When the day warms up I will be giving the dog a bath and back to the crate for her.

Halloween Cuties...

Only non-scary costumes here at our house.  We were recovering from a weekend with the in-laws this week.  Monday night though, the kids were ecstatic to have trick or treat time.  It is so nice to live in a smaller neighborhood and recognize all the kids and not feel as if you are going to go broke at Halloween.  My two kiddos are sweetness and light here in this photo and so excited.  Ainsley took off and ran house to house several times leaving Daddy behind.  Needless to say he had to fuss at her for that, but otherwise all was good.  More pictures to follow.  We had another busy weekend as well.  Friday we had a spagetti dinner with Aidan's football team and Saturday was their Superbowl.  Aidan's team was not in first place, but all the teams get to play a game on that day regardless and the game is played at the local high school field.  So much fun!  And the Raiders won!   As usual, pictures to follow.  Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

Quick update...

on our comings and goings.  This is the last week of football!  It has been wet and soggy.  Aidan loves it but I tell you I am ready for this to be over.  Next week is their Superbowl, but with the wet weather and field conditions, I am not sure how the league plans to work this out.  We are getting ready for Halloween and Fall parties.  Aidan's fall party for his class is on Friday.  Ainsley has a dress up party for dance class that evening.  Monday is Ainsley's class party and parade.  Also, did I mention my in-laws were coming.  What a weekend of nasty weather they are getting!  Not sure if they are going to want to attend Aidan's game but we will see.  Last weekend we stopped at a local farm to get pumpkins and run through their corn maze.  It was fun but very crowded.  We miss our little farm that we visited in Wi.  I am going to scout our some of the smaller places for next year.  I also finally was able to sell our very large entertainment center that has been sitting in the garage since we moved.  A Mom bought it for her daughter who just bought a house and has a very tall ceiling and large wall in her living room.  I am sad to see it go as it is a piece I have loved, but the hubby picked a house that does not have the necessary large wall.  I tease him that he did that on purpose just so he could hang the TV on the wall.  I don't love that situation, but not much I can do about it.  Ah well.  At least the piece is going to a good home.  Well, have a great week all.  I have to get off this computer and get to work with the last clean-up.  I have basement floors to vacuum and bathrooms to clean and then I call it done.  Pictures to follow another time!

Silly Miss Scampie Pants...

I find it amazing how much this little critter has weaseled her way into my heart.  We had a big scare with her this weekend.  B and I actually had a date night.  Instead of using a traditional sitter, I had signed the kids up for parents night out at the Y.  Once a month they offer 4 hours of childcare to include swimming, dinner, games and crafts all at our local YMCA.  We all had a fun evening.  As the kids were getting ready for bed, I fed the cat and called her to no response.  She usually comes running when she hears me at her food bowl.  So, I get the kids into bed and I realize the front door is standing slightly ajar and it dawns on me the door was open like that the whole evening we were away.  At this point I start to lose it.  To make a long story short, after a sleepless night, I found the little stinker sheltering from the cold in the garage.  I had left that door open in case she came home in the night.  Now, I do live in a very quiet neighborhood and suburb, but we still need to close and lock our doors at night.  We were very fortunate that no one decided to come in and walk away with anything.  I fussed at everyone that we need to be more careful about the doors as this seems to be an ongoing problem for both the kids and the hubby.  Little Scamper is home with us safe and sound and I will say that I spent most of Sunday being snuggled with by the little toot.  She must have decided that she did not like the cold and missed her family.

Sorry it was so long between posts.  I have been having difficulties getting everything I want to get done during the day.  I will get there one day.  Have a great week all!

On a lighter note...

I have been a little down this last week.  Lost of loss for people around me.  One friend lost her father, one friend lost her grandmother, a neighbor lost her father, and a friend has cancer and had a mastectomy yesterday.  Sometimes I wonder what is going on in this world, but I just realize that I am at a age where my peers parents are aging and getting ill.  Ahh well, such is life.  I will leave you this week with a photo of our most recent backyard visitors.  A flock of wild turkeys.  They just made their way through they yard and into the neighbors yard in slowly into the woods.  They were so cute!  Have a good weekend all and know that I am praying for you.

Devastated...

A dear sweet friend of mine from Wi sent me a note this morning via Facebook.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer last month and is going on Wednesday for a mastectomy.  This sweet lady is not much older than I am, just 4 years.  Please please please cover her in prayer especially on Wednesday and for her recovery after.  I asked her to keep me posted on how she is doing and I will try to do my best to pass this along so I can better direct prayer for whatever she needs.  I am so upset that I am not there with her right now because she lived so close to me before, just on the street behind me, that I could have easily taken her meals or just stopped by to help her in some way.  I feel so useless to her here.

This has been a long week.  The hubby has been in Germany and the kids school germs finally got me.  Nasty cold since Tuesday.  Missed my new bible study this week and I have spent the last 2 days in bed trying to rest and drinking tons of hot tea.  The hubby is coming back today so hopefully I can get a little break this weekend.  My troubles seem so minor now in comparison to my friend.  Sorry to be such a bummer, but I am bummed.  Have a good weekend all.

Migraine City...

Day 2 of my migraine and I can't just crash at home after taking little people plus one to school.  (Plus one is a neighbor kid I drive in the mornings as well).  Today I have some shopping I have to do as we are starting to run out of many items so off to Target and Costco I go.  When I am done I am going to crash until I have to do the afternoon run and take Ainsley to dance.  Happy Friday everyone!  I will leave you with a photo of my football playing fool.  This picture was taken after their game last week.  The rain stopped but the field was a giant mud puddle as we had the second game of the day.  Go Raiders!

Gnomes and Kids

We had a great time at the Holden Arboretum Gnomes in the Garden exhibit.  We had seen the movie Gnomeo and Juliet earlier this summer and it just seemed fitting that we go see the Gnomes in the park.  All were decorated in different ways by mostly local artists.  I believe only a few were from out of state.    I added just a few pictures of some of my favorites.  The one I am photographed with was Lil'  Monet.  He was located near a small lake that was full of waterlilies.  Fitting I think..

This last picture was the only one that we did not get close to simply because of a warning sign in front.  Notice the plant...Danger Poison Ivy.  We stayed clear of this one.  My husband is highly allergic so I am not taking any chances with the kiddos.

Still dragging this week.  A headache has developed today, but I will tell you.  I was brave!  It could be a contributing factor to the headache.  I went to that bible study I mentioned earlier this week.  There were only about 10 ladies there.  It seems like a nice group and I am hoping to develop some friendships that I so desperately need.  The study is Max Lucado's The Gospel of Matthew.  I am jumping in on the 3rd week in the book.  They had started the book before taking off for the summer.  I will be spending some time doing some catch up, but the chapters are short so I think I can manage.  Daring to hope for some great things!  Hope everyone is doing well the middle of this week.  Would you mind also doing me a favor and cover my husband in prayer.  He will be traveling to Germany this Saturday until the next Friday.  Last time he was overseas, his return was postponed due to the eruption of a volcano in Iceland.  Not that I think anything like that will happen again this time, but I would give me some peace of mind to know that others are covering him in prayer.  Thanks bunches!

Flowers

as a gift for our 15th wedding anniversary.  We had talked about taking a trip, but so much money was spent on the basement we decided against it.

I am checking into getting back into bible study this fall.  Study at our new church doesn't work exactly like my old church so I am checking to see if they are taking new people.  They are continuing a study of Matthew so I am not sure if I can just jump in.  Not good at just jumping in but I am never going to get to know anyone if I don't try.  I will let you know how it goes.  Wish me luck!

It is a busy week and I am just dragging with tiredness.  Ainsley is tired.  Aidan is tired.  Hubby is away until tomorrow, but has had to get up super early so I am guessing he is tired as well.  Praying for some relief from this tiredness.  More later!

A new groove...

I haven't quite found it yet.  I have hopes for next week as it will be more normal, full week of school, full week of football practice, and dance class.  This past week was a long one, but we enjoyed our Labor day weekend immensely.  Saturday morning was spent at Aidan's exhibition football game.  They ended up losing, but some valuable practice was gained.   Aidan had a hard time knowing which opposing player he was supposed to cover.  Some training with the hubby helped a bit with that.  Saturday was ridiculously hot.  The coaches tried like crazy to keep everyone hydrated...only 2 players had problems.  I covered them in prayer during the game for injury but I did not even think to pray over them about the heat.  Sunday was our normal church, lunch, and relaxation.  Monday we headed to the east side of town to go to the Holden Arboretum.  They have a gnome art exhibit that I had wanted to see for some time.  The day was damp and chilly compared to Saturday, but the kids had a great time searching for all the gnomes and seeing all the trees and plants.  Also, the visit ended up being free!  I will post pictures another day as they are still on my phone.  I am so bad about downloading photos!

I have declared September as my month of decluttering/organizing.  After we moved, I spent a ton of time sorting and boxing items up for goodwill.  The finishing of the basement prevented items that we are keeping to be stored properly, holiday decor, camping gear, etc.  This week I have worked on clearing out the kids school papers from last year and starting a sort of clothes.  I have been saving clothing for my nephew, but what I have will not fit him yet.  Anyway, I am making some serious progress!  My kitchen counter is decluttered (and has been for 3 days)!  I warned the hubby when he came home and started emptying his pockets of what I had done and that I needed him to take the few minutes to put his items in their "homes".  If our things do not have a "home"  then they do not need to stay.  Working toward simplifying life requires cooperation.

Aidan has his first competitive football game today and considering our rain, Ainsley and I are sitting this one out.  Our other plans for the day have fallen through so I am not sure what we will do if anything.  This rain is souring my mood.  These are the kind of days that I like to snuggle up with a quilt, cup of tea and a good book.  Have a good weekend all, and I promise to post pictures soon!

Backtracking...Summer Zoo trip!

How I enjoy the Cleveland Zoo.  This year they opened the Elephant Crossing Exhibit.  So nice.  We the kids and I had a great time and the temperatures were relatively cool.  We did however need a cold frozen treat before our ride home.  Not a bad day at all.

Back to School...

Both kids were back full time this morning.  Aidan had his first full day yesterday while Ainsley had orientation.  Aidan had a great day.  He loves his teacher, especially that math is her favorite subject and area of specialty.  He was also very happy to run into old friends and make new ones.   I am hoping for an equally nice day for Ainsley.  I am spending my day playing a little catch-up before getting more into full swing mode for myself tomorrow.  I will be heading to the gym and running some of my big errands without little people in tow.  I am torn though.  I enjoy the time to myself, but I miss them during the day.  Ah well, that will be it for now and I will leave you with some first day of school finery.

First day of 4th grade

First day of 1st grade

Busy week...

getting ready for back to school and otherwise chilling out before the mayhem is in full swing next week.  Football practice started this week and besides the obvious reasons for my dislike of the sport as it involves my child the practice schedule is going to kill me.  They are practicing 4 nights a week for the next 2 weeks and then I guess they will see how much practice they need.  Oh my word!  Not happy Momma and hubby knows I am not happy about this.  He keeps trying to reinforce all the positive that comes from football...the exercise/conditioning, the learning to work as a team, etc.  I am hoping that as the evenings shorten and as the season wears on that Coach will cut down the number of practices a week.  This kind of schedule is tough for the only parent available during the week.

This week we also celebrated our 15th anniversary.  The hubby was away this week as well.  Last minute trip.  His travel schedule is wearing on me.  Block party this weekend in the neighborhood and other pictures to follow!  Happy Friday everyone!

Dance...

My dear friend Miss J will laugh when she reads this post.  I was thinking of her as I wrote this.  My dear Miss Ainsley has finally asked to take dance class.  In our previous residence I was scared to sign her up because I was afraid of the teacher.  The problem came from hearing the tales of many of the mom's of her students.  Anyway, then we moved so I did not sign her up in Wi.  We move to Ohio and still she wants to take swim class which is perfectly fine with me.  Then a few months ago she decided that she wants to take dance class.  She specifically asked to take ballet.  Well, I had originally wanted her to take classes at a studio in a shopping center right near my neighborhood and classes start in the fall.  I have been keeping an eye on their open house situation when I realize that they do not teach ballet for her age.  The ballet specific class is for age 7 and up.  She can take tap or jazz there only.  Not what she wanted to do!  So, I did some more checking and signed her up for dance at the YMCA, a 12 week class for 5-6 year olds called Intro to Dance.  The class includes ballet and tap for 1 hour once a week.  Perfect!  So I mention this to her and she throws a fit!  I could not believe it!  Well, she has warmed to the idea, especially after getting tap shoes.  This way we can see if she likes it and if she wants to continue dance then next fall I can sign her up for the ballet specific class at the studio near my house.

Now if I only knew what the football schedule was going to be like this fall...

Splash Pad

We have spent a bit of time this summer trying to get to know our area a bit better.  We noticed our local park had a splash pad so we went one of the hottest days of the summer to check it out.  The kids had a really good time.  Unfortunately, they do not have much seating in the shade.  Plenty of seating available, just most of it is in the sun.  We found that if we go early it is less crowded and Mom can grab a seat in the shade.

Fun time was had by all and we have been back several times since.  The water is really cold though so it is only really fun on hot sunny days.  Have a good weekend all!

Another lost tooth...

Sad face because she thinks she looks silly

Angry face because I insist on taking her picture,  Nice gap!

Finally a smile

She will not be toothless long as new teeth are already coming in.  3 teeth lost in one month.  July was expensive for the tooth fairy!  Getting ready for school this past few weeks.  Bought school supplies last week, did clothing shopping this week.  Still need long sleeve clothing for Aidan, not much is out yet.  I was able to buy jeans for $10.  Awesome deal as I needed to get him 3 pairs!  Like I said, he still needs fall shirts and Ainsley needs a few to match some jeans and slacks that she has but I can get those as we get into fall when warmer clothes are more readily available.  Next week I am planning to take girly in for a haircut.  The following week will be Aidan's orientation and the following week will be the start of class.

Cooler temps here in Ohio after some storms yesterday.  I thought we were supposed to get more rain today, but it is gorgeous so far.  My plan will be to take advantage of the cooler temps and take the kids to the zoo tomorrow.  Shhh!  Don't tell, they don't know yet.  I am going to be brave and head into the city alone!  I only have been over to the Science center myself and am comfortable getting there.  Not really sure where the zoo is as we only went when we were here house hunting last summer.  Thankful for the GPS!  Well,  I have photos for another post this week so I am hoping to get on here one more time this week so I will not say have a good weekend yet.  Happy Wednesday though!

What does one do...

with a child who never wants to leave the house?  This is a dilema I have been dealing with for years.  This year I think it is starting to drive me crazy.  I guess it could be because of the move and lack of real connections here yet.  Aidan is my problem child.  It is a battle to get him to get dressed in the morning.  It is a battle to get him to go anywhere even when it is some fun kid related activity.  This really started when he was in 1st grade or so.  After going to school all week he feels that he does not need to go anywhere else during the weekend.  This is not to say that he does not have a good time once we are out.  The situation is frustrating.  I let him have as many at home days as I can, but some days I even have to force him to go outside to ride bikes.  This is the same kid who likes to play sports and ride bikes and all kinds of activities...once I get him out of the house.  Suggestions?  I have on occasion not allowed him to play video games until we have gone some place and used that as his reward for getting dressed and out the door.  That doesn't always work as he asks me to use his daily allotment of time before we even have breakfast most days.  While I am fairly organized, I do need a good bit of time to get things started in the morning before breakfast actually makes it to the table and he is quite aware of this.  I probably just need to put my foot down and on days that we need to go out say you can't play video games until we go to wherever it is we need to go.  Problem with that is though that we do not always need to leave bright and early either.  Need to come up with a good system!

On other news fronts... some little person in this house has lost yet another tooth.  Pictures to follow once I download them from the camera.

Aidan's room...

Aidan's room is blue blue blue!  I still have to hang up his sports pennants, but otherwise his room is done.  I finished his room just before our house guests arrived the last week of June.  I am still trying to catch up on old photos and such so just bear with me.  Summer is just passing by so quickly!  Next month will be getting ready to go back to school.  Sigh...  Anyway, I did score in one respect.  I cashed in some loyalty points at my bank and got a $100 dollar gift card to Target!  School supplies will hopefully be covered with that I will use whatever remains on clothing and incidentals.  With the size of Aidan's school supply list this year, I don't expect too much to be left over.  

VBS starts tonight!  I did not volunteer and I am starting to feel guilty about that.  I just needed a few hours away from the kids.  The hubby's travels have been rough on me this summer.  He is traveling again this week and Friday we will have a few hours for a mini-date while the kids are at church.  I originally thought he would be in town so that we could hang out more, but Friday will have to do.  Ah well, have a good week all.  I think I am going to spend my free time at the gym this evening.  It has been months since I have been so it will be rough.  For sure sore tomorrow.  

Construction Complete...

down the basement steps

Open living space

Open living space and door to workshop

Bar area in the nook by the stairs

built in fridge space under the stairs

eventually home gym and door to storage/AC/Heating

More storage off of home gym space

New bath off home gym space

Construction has been done since the last week in June.  All inspections passed.  Now we have been furnishing the area.  Currently looking for a small dining/game table and some end tables to flank the couch.  So blessed that we have been saving this money for several years, but it all goes out so quickly causing me much anxiety!  Well, just wanted to show what the finished undecorated product looked like.  Off to prepare some dinner.  Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

Losing more teeth!

This is the summer of Ainsley's lost teeth.  Last summer she lost the bottom 2 and there was nothing further until recently.  On the 4th she lost one of the top ones and last week she pulled out the bottom one that was loose.  She has the other top one to go and I am hoping we will get a reprieve.  She is having difficulty taking bites out of anything!  Thankfully the new tooth on the top is already growing in so she will not be toothless for long.

In other family news, Aidan's well check went very well.  I really like our new pediatrician.  She did the standard well check and also did the sports physical as well since he is involved in sports.  I am glad to have all the bases covered.  I also had some questions answered about his face.  He has had some little white bumps on his face for a few years now.  They seem to get worse in the winter, but they don't look like acne either so I finally asked about them.  Apparently they are called keratosis pilaris and are hereditary.  My husband has these bumps on his upper arms.  She recommended some products for him to use and he may outgrow the ones on his face as he gets older.  Regardless, in his teen years he will probably be using acne products anyway so that should keep them in line.  In the mean time I am going to have to make moisturizing  a habit for him.  Well, not a bad thing to start early.

We are still trying to beat the heat so we will be making an early trip to the splash pad again this morning.  Hopefully I will remember my camera this time.  On track for the weekend...I have a neighbor little girl who is coming to watch Ainsley for a few hours in the afternoon and we will be taking Aidan with us to see the final installment of Harry Potter.  Excited to see it and sad at the same time.  Those books were such a fun read and the movies are really well done.  Ah well, all good thing must come to an end.  In the final words of JK Rowling in the last book of the Harry Potter series, All was well.  

Wringing water out of a dry towel...

Beating the heat.  Mom wishes we had a bigger pool!

sometimes that is how this journal writing feels.  A few weeks ago we went to visit old friends at our previous home.  It was so fun to see everyone.  Coming home was great because we once again had our own space and home cooked food.  We were blessed a few evenings with good home cooked food during our visit.  One sweet friend had us over for a spagetti dinner, and on another evening we had a cook out with our old neighbors.  Both were so much fun!  It was also hard to be back because we do not yet have a strong network of people here.  I need to get connected at our church as it seems our neighborhood does not have many Mom's at home.  So getting back to my lack of writing and updating folks...I don't want to get on here and continually write posts that sound depressed because really I am not.  The kids and I are keeping busy and exploring new things.  Yesterday we went to the local splash pad.  It is very cute and we will definitely go again so I will get pictures next time.  Today we are staying pretty well put trying to beat the heat.  The news is saying 107 with the heat index and actual temperature of 95.  All I know is that I stepped out to water some plants this morning and it already feels like an oven.  The mug factor is just huge today!  Aidan also has his annual well check.  The child rarely gets sick anymore so it is important that I get him in to meet the Dr that I have taken Ainsley to see.  So I guess that is it for now.  Stay cool folks!

Recent adventures...

We have had a busy few weeks and I do not have photos of everything.  I will post some later because I have yet to download anything on my phone.  My sister's-in-law came to visit for 5 days then we headed to our previous town with B on his business trip.  We spent our days visiting with old friends and playing around our old stomping grounds.  I really miss our home in Wi.  I had planted some roots there and I have many people that I never want to forget.  It is good to be home though.  We missed our kitty, doggie, and just having our own space, kitchen, etc.  I always struggle with the thought of housekeeping coming to clean up after us in a hotel.  I actually straighten up for them.  Yes, I am a lunatic that way.  Beyond keeping our belongings picked up, I clean up the bathroom and make the beds.  Crazy I know.  I also think the kids missed playing with their new friends here.  They liked seeing so many of the old ones, but these new friendships are growing.


While my SIL was in town, we went to the West Side Market in Cleveland, Melt Bar and Grill, and Cedar Point.  They also made a stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and I took the kids over to the Great Lakes Science Center which was much more interesting to them than the RR Hall of Fame.  So I will leave you with a silly Aidan photo since I posted one of Ainsley yesterday.

Ainsley was the photographer hence the crazy face.  

Belated 4th of July...

My girl lost her first tooth of the summer on the 4th of July!  She has 2 more loose ones so it should make for an interesting corn on the cob season.  It was soooooo snaggly!  I am glad it finally came out.  It would bleed every time she ate, but refused to let anyone touch it.  She would not even let the dentist touch it when we were in a few weeks ago for cleanings.   Well, I have more photos and stories of our goings on to come later in the week.  We just got back from being away for the week and I am trying to catch up on wash.  Tata for now!

Summer Chemistry Fun

My son is a huge fan of the TV series Mythbusters.  The crazy host try to prove/disprove common myths by using scientific principles.  Lots of Chemistry, Physics, explosions, crashes, robots, all kinds of things he loves.  One easy experiment we could do at home was the Mentos candy added to Diet Coke experiment.  The addition of the candy to the soda causes tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide to form causing a geyser to erupt from the soda bottle.  It goes to quickly for me to actually get a picture of the geyser, but I caught this one of them afterwards.  Aidan had so much fun!  Ainsley too.  She loves it anytime she is included in things that Aidan does.  Yes, Aidan is wet.  He was directly over the soda bottle when he added the candy and did not get out of the way in time.  Next time they want to make a volcano.  The common adding vinegar to baking soda experiment.  I may have to google instructions for that one next!  In case I don't get a chance to post tomorrow have a good weekend all.  Tomorrow I am having the carpet installed in the basement.  I think the electrical and plumbing finish out is happening as well because we have the inspector coming out Monday.  I will post pictures once the construction is done.  We won't have much furniture down there for a bit, but I am hoping at some point soon to be able to start moving things that are stored in the garage down into the storage areas at least.  Ahh, finally, things seem to be coming to a close and I will have my freedom once again.  Later taters!

Oh so pink!

Ainsley's room before the toys get moved back in

I finished painting Ainsley's room.  I just painted a few hours each day while they were involved in other activities or had them help me a bit.  It turned out cute, but a little too pink for me.  My little girlie loves it though and that is the important thing.  I haven't started on Aidan's as yet.  The hubby is out again this week and I forgot to have him move Aidan's armoire before he left.  Not sure when I will get started.

The basement paint is finished.  Tomorrow we are having the bathroom flooring installed.  Carpet comes Thursday.  Electric and plumbing sometime this week as well and inspections scheduled for Monday.  Then we pay the contractor the rest of his money.  Wow, this has been a long time coming!