Aug 27, 2008

Things people say...

Lately there's been a lot of political lawn signs popping up. One of the many around our district is for Karla Bigham. So all of a sudden, Amanda asks "why are they selling BIG HAM?" It took me a minute to realize what she was saying and then we couldn't stop laughing. Very creative, Amanda!!!

Then yesterday while finishing dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, they started playing "Born to be Wild". When we were leaving, Abby started saying "born to be wild". That's my girl, the wild child. It was so cute and very spontaneous; she has been kind of a quiet girl until lately. You know, the older one usually talks for the younger one. So true.

On another note, tonight is Open House for my big 3rd grader, Amanda. Next Wednesday we have it for the new H.S. sophomore, Ashley.

Aug 14, 2008

WHERE did summer go?

I am partially referring to the calendar, partially to the weather. Although the days remain warm and beautiful; and greatly, a little less humid, the nights have sure been cooling off. And we don't even have a "cooler by the lake" effect... Yesterday I put the little pool out for the girls and figured I may as well water the grass in the back at the same time, so I turned on the in-ground sprinklers. Abby had a blast. It was funny watching her trying to run away from one spray only to get hit with another. So while she was happy playing, I pulled weeds and dead leaves from my garden. My lilies have diminished in my front garden, but these have been going wild in my back garden:


Today I took the little girls to the "beach'. It's a county park with a sand-bottom pool which is also surrounded by sand and gigantic beach umbrellas. So we spent a couple hours in the water and it felt great. Unfortunately the rain clouds were rolling in, so I figured we had better leave while it was still dry out. We hadn't been home for more than 10 minutes and it started pouring! Last Saturday we attended the Irish Fair. In the past it has fallen on the same weekend as the Pig Roast. It was so much fun. I felt like I was in Ireland without leaving St. Paul. David & I each had a pint and the girls enjoyed roasted corn. Before we know it, the Great Minnesota get-together will be here; a sure sign to summer ending. :(

Aug 3, 2008

reflecting

1 year and 1 week later. So hard to believe....

"But none of them- none of the 5,000 soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota National Guard-came back unchanged by their 22-month deployment, and their sojourn into the cauldron of Iraq." Their time at war won a commendation in Congress as "the longest continuous deployment of any United States ground combat military unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom." (source: Associated Press)

David has been back to his "real job" for just under a year now. He loves it and they love him. He made it to the next "level", obtained a new job title, received an achievement bonus, and a raise. It was very nice to hear his boss sing his praises at our housewarming. That really means a lot.

Still in the guard, presently at the Duluth unit. Hoping for a transfer to a unit in the cities due to the distance factor. That should be effective starting in October.

The last year has really flown, but I still get emotional when I think of how long he was gone. So , hoorah to the men and women who defend our freedoms, and Godspeed!


Jul 9, 2008

birthday blessings

The day was quiet and relaxing; as it should be. My first "bonus" item was a large Andes Mint cooler from Caribou. Way yummy! Then for dinner we decided to head for Buffalo Wild Wings, as my birthday just happen to fall on 40 cent wing night! We asked for outdoor seating, which had a great view of a peaceful fountain. The weather was perfect. Sometime during the dinner Amanda went to the restroom and managed to tell the server it was my birthday. (aw, so sweet!) It's kind of funny, because when I GOT CARDED for my Blue Moon, she didn't notice. So when she brought our dinner, she asked if it was really my birthday and said I'd get a free dessert! Cheesecake with raspberry sauce was shared and enjoyed by the girls and I.

Not to mention, I got phone calls from mom, Stacy, dad (who sang to me) and my friend Sheila-whose been staying in Texas since June. And the many Facebook messages made it all complete. It's the small things that make me happy!

Jun 24, 2008

new house photos, part III

The master bedroom: hopefully someday I will paint over the "leaf" border. Also on display, the beautiful quilt mom made as a welcome home present when David got home last summer.


The master bathroom: "on suite" to the master bedroom on the lower level. Pretty basic bathroom except shower stall is larger.

The master closet: all of you ladies can appreciate this. It's actually about double this size.

The deck: with our lovely patio set. Not to be forgotten; the Dora table set as well.

Our back yard. Garden in right back corner.


Close-up of the garden.

Another view of the back yard.




Jun 19, 2008

house pics, Part II

Last weekend I was busy painting Ashley's room PURPLE. I thought the color was a little too dark, but it turned out really pretty and she loves it:
More house photos as well:
Amanda & Abby's room


Ashley's room (before painting, after border was taken down)


Main bathroom: light purple
Family room: with gas fireplace, built-in bookcases and tv armoire (love it!)
Family room: one the other side of the room "divided" by the couch is David's office. I told him this was the area he could hang all his awards, diplomas and photos.

Jun 14, 2008

what color?

I'm debating about painting my kitchen; the question is: what color???

My dining room area is open to the kitchen. So, I will paint my entire kitchen, and one wall of the dining room. The other wall of the dining room is tan. My curtains (in the living room and dining room) are a cranberry color with an off-white curtain behind. I love the color cranberry, but I think painting my walls (even in a small area) would be way too bold for me. The possible colors I have thought of are: pumpkin, olive green, or a shade of darker yellow. So please help me! Post a comment with any ideas or suggestions you have.


The kitchen cabinets are a lighter oak color with white and gold handles. I will likely be update those as well, possibly to brushed silver.