This weekend we headed back down to P-town to head to the local county fair and rodeo. It's become another one of our family traditions and the kids just love it. We left Friday night, thinking we'd be going to the carnival that night, but it was too hot and so we just hung out at the house.
We also brought with us 2 doggies to my parents farm, Dakota (see previous post) and my sister in law's dog Kacie-a yellow lab. Dakota had actually been doing much better not getting on my nerves, but lately she and Oreo just hadn't been getting along. Kacie had been with her owners for the last 6 years, and was the 2nd of two dogs, that were just needing some space. So now my parents have 4 dogs total. Dakota was pretty freaked out the first night, she ran down the road about 1/4 mile, and Seavie had to go get her. When she calmed down and realized this was her new home she did much better. She gets to eat like royalty, and can roam wherever she pleases. We also discovered that she is a super fast runner. We left the house a few times over the weekend, and she took of barking after the car, and we clocked her at 20 mph. Each time she would stop at the next farm over and head back home. Kacie is a water dog, and found my parents pool and jumped right in the first night, and was content finding her new spot to sleep under the front porch.
So Saturday we hung out at the house, and my sister and her husband came down as well. We had lots of good conversation. Saturday morning we took the kids into town and went to the local Library to pick out some books. Then we stopped by my "dream home" (see previous post last summer) that actually tragically burned completely to the ground a few months ago. I was devistated. It was a beautiful 3000 sq.ft.+ Queen Anne Victorian, beautiful woodwork, stained glass, pressed tin ceiling- and was all destroyed from an electrical fire. Seavie, Mr. Practical said good thing we didn't buy that house, or we'd be out of a home. So after driving by where the beautiful home once stood, took the kids to the local park, which is in the town square, with gazebo and all. And while my mom and I were chatting on the gazebo, Grace decides to try out the monkey bars (which were about 7' in the air) all by herself, and she's never successfully made it across. She slipped and wiped out on the gravel/rock base that was below the playground. Who thought that was such a great and safe idea for a kids playground anyways? So it knocked the wind out of her, and she got some major gravel burn. We ended up taking her to the Dr. there to make sure she was okay, nothing broken, but still a little sore.
Saturday night we headed to the Fair. We had the most yummy dinner made by the local church ladies- Chicken and Noodles on Mashed Potatoes, baked beans, green beans and homemade apple pie. It was delicious! After that the kids were ready to go on the rides, and their nice grandparents got them arm bands, so they could go on unlimited rides. And go on unlimited rides they did. They both went on a mini-rollercoaster and loved it; carousel; carpet slide; fun house, this list goes on and on. Sweet Braden told me that he wished these rides could be in our backyard to play on whenever we wanted, and I told him I agreed that would be a lot of fun. The rodeo was fun to watch-cowboys wrangling cows and barrel racing. Even got to see a dancing horse. The kids did even more rides after the rodeo, and were out like a light as soon as they got in the car, they were so exhausted.
Sunday morning we went to church with my parents again, and got to have fun with small town worship. They had the youth band singing/playing, and they were in desperate need of some help to stay on pitch and couldn't sing harmony. My dad was less than thrilled, starting joking about it, which made me laugh. I really miss CRCC worship! I ran into a college friend that lives down in P-town and got a chance to catch up with her, so that was fun as well. We stayed for lunch and then headed back home, after another long weekend with the family.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Five Love Languages
We just finished up reading this book for our small group at church, and it was a lot of fun. I was amazed that when Seavie and I took the quiz we actually got 20/30 same answers. So our love languages are pretty similar, but I think it also helps that we've known each other almost 12 yrs. I don't know what we'd do if we weren't so compatible. We met a lot of other nice couples in our class that we didn't know previously, and it was a little entertaining to hear all their fun stories.
Through this study, it's also been interesting observing others relationships, mainly our parents. Spending a week with the in-laws and then 2 weekends in a row with the parents, can definitely be a test of patience for both of us. We love our parents dearly, but are also so glad for some space.
This year more than any other, I've come to notice those little quirks and temperments of our parents. Things I like, or can't stand. Take my parents-my mom is generally quiet, and rarely one to raise her voice. My dad gets upset when the house isn't clean, or lunch or dinner isn't ready on time. Growing up I butted heads with my dad-I'm very stubborn and strong willed, and wasn't about to be told what to do, when I disagreed. Basically I didn't back down about the things that I felt so strongly about. I'm still like that today :) So my dad's upset that dinner isn't ready and my mom starts getting all nervous. I tell my mom, "why don't you tell him to make it himself- you're not the only one who knows how to cook in the house," and I also made a point to tell her that if Seavie ever dared to talk to me like dad does to her, that he knows that I would probably smack him. My mom gave me the funniest look-like would I really treat my husband that way. My mom isn't a doormat, but I've never heard her make her opinion known. So I'm sharing this with my new small group, as well as how I can't stand controlling men(which my dad isn't-he just has a temper) and with clients who have boyfriends that way, and the leader said, "do you think that has something to do with how you were raised and your relationship with your dad?" and it totally made sense. My dad was never abusive-just a bad temper and lots of yelling-a little intense at times. I love my dad. I told my mom I can't wait to see them both together 24/7 after they retire, and see how much more loving they'll be too each other. Bold comments from me that day, I'd never said anything like that to her before. But it's the truth.
On the in-law side, I'm not a fan of critical attitudes. Or critical people in general. Having a critical spirit can totally steal your joy. Not that they are critical all the time, whether they mean to or not, it just happens. I'm not as patient with this criticalness as I used to be. I used to brush it off, but now it's a little irritating. I'm not a child at almost 30, so I don't need all these issues picked apart anymore. If they have something critical to say, it would be better to keep it to themselves.
Through this study, it's also been interesting observing others relationships, mainly our parents. Spending a week with the in-laws and then 2 weekends in a row with the parents, can definitely be a test of patience for both of us. We love our parents dearly, but are also so glad for some space.
This year more than any other, I've come to notice those little quirks and temperments of our parents. Things I like, or can't stand. Take my parents-my mom is generally quiet, and rarely one to raise her voice. My dad gets upset when the house isn't clean, or lunch or dinner isn't ready on time. Growing up I butted heads with my dad-I'm very stubborn and strong willed, and wasn't about to be told what to do, when I disagreed. Basically I didn't back down about the things that I felt so strongly about. I'm still like that today :) So my dad's upset that dinner isn't ready and my mom starts getting all nervous. I tell my mom, "why don't you tell him to make it himself- you're not the only one who knows how to cook in the house," and I also made a point to tell her that if Seavie ever dared to talk to me like dad does to her, that he knows that I would probably smack him. My mom gave me the funniest look-like would I really treat my husband that way. My mom isn't a doormat, but I've never heard her make her opinion known. So I'm sharing this with my new small group, as well as how I can't stand controlling men(which my dad isn't-he just has a temper) and with clients who have boyfriends that way, and the leader said, "do you think that has something to do with how you were raised and your relationship with your dad?" and it totally made sense. My dad was never abusive-just a bad temper and lots of yelling-a little intense at times. I love my dad. I told my mom I can't wait to see them both together 24/7 after they retire, and see how much more loving they'll be too each other. Bold comments from me that day, I'd never said anything like that to her before. But it's the truth.
On the in-law side, I'm not a fan of critical attitudes. Or critical people in general. Having a critical spirit can totally steal your joy. Not that they are critical all the time, whether they mean to or not, it just happens. I'm not as patient with this criticalness as I used to be. I used to brush it off, but now it's a little irritating. I'm not a child at almost 30, so I don't need all these issues picked apart anymore. If they have something critical to say, it would be better to keep it to themselves.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Table Rock Lake Vacation
Our family recently returned from our annual family vacation at Table Rock Lake. We were there the first week of August, with our family, Seavie's parents, and his sister, her hubby and their 2 kiddos. This is our 6th year going on this family vacation together, and this year seemed to be a little different than the rest. Our families all love the water, and before kids we would be on the water all day, which was fun at the time, but not once you start adding kiddos. So this year we worked out a pretty good balance, that we'd be on the boat in the mornings, and then the kids would have nap time in the afternoon, and then go swimming or boating after naps.
We arrived Sunday late afternoon, after eating a yummy lunch at Braum's, and then relaxed for the evening. Monday we were out on the boat a lot, and by Tuesday morning, Seavie and I were in need of a break from the rest of the family, so we took off to downtown Branson to do some antiquing/flea market shopping. This is something that we love to do together, and we each have our things that we look out for. I'm not a fan of anything touristy, or the cheesy boutiques, so we steer clear of anything related to that. We had lunch at the always amazing, Farmhouse Restaurant, which I highly recommend if you're ever down there. They have great homestyle cooking. We both had pot roast with mashed potatoes, brown gravy, a biscuit, green beans, and my favorite of all-fried okra! And for dessert the most amazing blackberry cobbler. We even saw a t-shirt there that said vacation calories don't count, so that's good to know :) On the way back through town we stopped at Cooter's because they have the General Lee replica out front. For those of you who have no clue what I'm talking about, it's from the Duke's of Hazzard. Of course Seavie got some good pics with it. Then once inside they had a mini museum of sorts, so at my suggestion, because I knew he couldn't resist-took his pic with the Daisy Duke cardboard cut out, and then I had my pic with Bo and Luke-too cute. Of course all the pics of our vacation our on our cell phones, so we'll have to get them off eventually. I really wanted to go ride go carts, but it was over 100 degrees, so that was out of the question. That night we went back down to Branson Landing with the whole family to meet some of his parents friends who live down there for dinner. Then after dinner watched the fountain show and got some yummy ice cream. So Tuesday turned out to be a great day. Wednesday we went boating in the morning and found a quiet cove for all the kids to swim and play in for the afternoon- where they saw a turtle and a lot of large fish swimming all the way around the boat. Thursday was a rainy day which was fine with me, just taking it easy and relaxing.
By Friday morning Seavie and I were ready to go home. The kids had a full week of jet skis and tubing and they both even tried knee boarding. Then when we weren't in the lake, we were hanging out in the swimming pool, which they had a blast at. By the middle of the week both kids were running and jumping off the dock and loving every minute of it. So we packed up Friday morning, and stopped in Springfield and had lunch at Braum's of course! Then we headed back through Pittsburg, so we could stop by PSU to show the kids where daddy went to college. They got to run around the football field, and take pictures on giant concrete Gus Gorilla. Seavie showed Grace the library, and she thought that was so cool. We had to make one last stop at Braum's for ice cream on the way back home. We stopped through Ft.Scott so Grace could see one of her besties Aunika, who moved there last summer. So they got to chat for about 30 minutes, and were both so thrilled to see each other again. By late Friday afternoon we were in P-town where my parents live, and spent the weekend at the farm. Got to go to the Demolition Derby Saturday night, which I just absolutely love :) I found out that they had a raffle to actually drive a car, so next year I'm definitely buying some tickets-yee haw. Seavie and my dad always love people watching because it's quite interesting. Gotta love small towns though. We went to church with my parents Sunday morning, and then headed back home after lunch. We were all ready to get back home to our own house and some much needed peace and quiet after a week with all of our families.
We arrived Sunday late afternoon, after eating a yummy lunch at Braum's, and then relaxed for the evening. Monday we were out on the boat a lot, and by Tuesday morning, Seavie and I were in need of a break from the rest of the family, so we took off to downtown Branson to do some antiquing/flea market shopping. This is something that we love to do together, and we each have our things that we look out for. I'm not a fan of anything touristy, or the cheesy boutiques, so we steer clear of anything related to that. We had lunch at the always amazing, Farmhouse Restaurant, which I highly recommend if you're ever down there. They have great homestyle cooking. We both had pot roast with mashed potatoes, brown gravy, a biscuit, green beans, and my favorite of all-fried okra! And for dessert the most amazing blackberry cobbler. We even saw a t-shirt there that said vacation calories don't count, so that's good to know :) On the way back through town we stopped at Cooter's because they have the General Lee replica out front. For those of you who have no clue what I'm talking about, it's from the Duke's of Hazzard. Of course Seavie got some good pics with it. Then once inside they had a mini museum of sorts, so at my suggestion, because I knew he couldn't resist-took his pic with the Daisy Duke cardboard cut out, and then I had my pic with Bo and Luke-too cute. Of course all the pics of our vacation our on our cell phones, so we'll have to get them off eventually. I really wanted to go ride go carts, but it was over 100 degrees, so that was out of the question. That night we went back down to Branson Landing with the whole family to meet some of his parents friends who live down there for dinner. Then after dinner watched the fountain show and got some yummy ice cream. So Tuesday turned out to be a great day. Wednesday we went boating in the morning and found a quiet cove for all the kids to swim and play in for the afternoon- where they saw a turtle and a lot of large fish swimming all the way around the boat. Thursday was a rainy day which was fine with me, just taking it easy and relaxing.
By Friday morning Seavie and I were ready to go home. The kids had a full week of jet skis and tubing and they both even tried knee boarding. Then when we weren't in the lake, we were hanging out in the swimming pool, which they had a blast at. By the middle of the week both kids were running and jumping off the dock and loving every minute of it. So we packed up Friday morning, and stopped in Springfield and had lunch at Braum's of course! Then we headed back through Pittsburg, so we could stop by PSU to show the kids where daddy went to college. They got to run around the football field, and take pictures on giant concrete Gus Gorilla. Seavie showed Grace the library, and she thought that was so cool. We had to make one last stop at Braum's for ice cream on the way back home. We stopped through Ft.Scott so Grace could see one of her besties Aunika, who moved there last summer. So they got to chat for about 30 minutes, and were both so thrilled to see each other again. By late Friday afternoon we were in P-town where my parents live, and spent the weekend at the farm. Got to go to the Demolition Derby Saturday night, which I just absolutely love :) I found out that they had a raffle to actually drive a car, so next year I'm definitely buying some tickets-yee haw. Seavie and my dad always love people watching because it's quite interesting. Gotta love small towns though. We went to church with my parents Sunday morning, and then headed back home after lunch. We were all ready to get back home to our own house and some much needed peace and quiet after a week with all of our families.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The perfect princess movie for your daughters
I took Grace to see the premiere of "SweetPea Beauty" this morning at the local Christian book store. She got coloring sheets, balloons, a sticker and a sm.poster, and got to see the best veggie tales movie I think I've ever seen. We all have seen the classic Disney movies with the princesses -Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella (out of all of them Cinderella is my favorite, Snow White's voice annoys me to no end-I don't do well with super happy perky people, and Sleeping Beauty has too much sorcery). SweetPea Beauty amazed me at how they perfectly portrayed this message of real self worth and inner beauty comes from the heart. All the while being loved by the heavenly father who created you. It featured an adaptation of Cinderella- a girl who had glasses and braces and frizzy hair, who still after becoming beautiful said that she didn't feel loved or cherished, until she changed back and the king (God) told her how he made her perfect in his image and how he loved her the way she was. It was very touching. The rest of the story is an adaptation of mainly Snow White and a little Sleeping Beauty. Focusing on the vain stepmother who's inner heart is transformed to her outward appearance making her ugly, and how she realized it wasn't looks that counted. It portrayed a great message to girls that beauty comes from within the heart. Obviously I loved it so much that miss G will be getting it as a b'day present in 2 months.
Sadly, or not so sadly, however you view it, I'll be getting rid of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty from the house. I know they are classics but they don't get across these messages that every girl should know.Of course Belle, Ariel and Cinderella princess movies will be kept-they're magical, but not supernatural and I think that makes a big difference. I just love how veggie tales portray a wholesome biblical and moral message, and yet have fun with it. As some of you know I had also tossed out Pinnochio a while ago, because parts of it really creeped me out, so replaced it with the veggie tales version of the same story, that portrays a better message (which will be mr. B's b'day present along with another Minnesota Cuke dvd) Just trying to find the perfect balance of wholesome messages with fun and fantasy and imagination. Trying to re-prioritize what they should be filling their minds with, and learning great life lessons in the mean time.
Sadly, or not so sadly, however you view it, I'll be getting rid of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty from the house. I know they are classics but they don't get across these messages that every girl should know.Of course Belle, Ariel and Cinderella princess movies will be kept-they're magical, but not supernatural and I think that makes a big difference. I just love how veggie tales portray a wholesome biblical and moral message, and yet have fun with it. As some of you know I had also tossed out Pinnochio a while ago, because parts of it really creeped me out, so replaced it with the veggie tales version of the same story, that portrays a better message (which will be mr. B's b'day present along with another Minnesota Cuke dvd) Just trying to find the perfect balance of wholesome messages with fun and fantasy and imagination. Trying to re-prioritize what they should be filling their minds with, and learning great life lessons in the mean time.
Kitchen Re-design!
The kitchen table before.....
This was my source of inspiration. A real set for sale on CL for $1600. It looks like a set out of a designer magazine. I have always wanted a farmhouse table, and thought this would be an elegant way of going about it. Since we don't have a formal dining room I wanted to really dress up the kitchen and make it formal instead. It has a dual function as front entry and kitchen/dining area, so there is a degree of formality to it.
I know that I'm supposed to be focusing all my re-design efforts to the master bedroom, but have now focused some energy on a little facelift of the kitchen. As most of you know, I repainted the kitchen 2 months ago, to the Toffee crunch, and am loving it. As you also may know is that I have the most hideous upside down ceiling fan in that room that I despise. So to remedy the 70's table and upside down fan, I've been doing some shopping CL style. I tend to have expensive taste, but could never afford it full price, so that's my shopping outlet for now :) See the light pictured above, only $15 on CL, but retails brand new for $100-and the same light- higher end brand retails for $300.
I love this new table set because it can easily fit 8 people, so that means I need to find 2 more parsons chairs :) but really, I would love to entertain more and having extra seating allows for that. The table also doubles as my kitchen island per say. A cook/prep area that can easily be used for pretty much anything. And the bonus of the chairs being more formal and totally comfy, is that they can be used in the living room for extra seating, and would coordinate well with the living room decor.
The kitchen table after....
This was my source of inspiration. A real set for sale on CL for $1600. It looks like a set out of a designer magazine. I have always wanted a farmhouse table, and thought this would be an elegant way of going about it. Since we don't have a formal dining room I wanted to really dress up the kitchen and make it formal instead. It has a dual function as front entry and kitchen/dining area, so there is a degree of formality to it.I know that I'm supposed to be focusing all my re-design efforts to the master bedroom, but have now focused some energy on a little facelift of the kitchen. As most of you know, I repainted the kitchen 2 months ago, to the Toffee crunch, and am loving it. As you also may know is that I have the most hideous upside down ceiling fan in that room that I despise. So to remedy the 70's table and upside down fan, I've been doing some shopping CL style. I tend to have expensive taste, but could never afford it full price, so that's my shopping outlet for now :) See the light pictured above, only $15 on CL, but retails brand new for $100-and the same light- higher end brand retails for $300.So what do I do, but find a similar pine plank table with six parsons chairs for $125!!!
Which I calculated evens out to: $80 for the table, and around $7 a piece for the chairs.
BEFORE-Green faux painted legs and pine top in need of some tlc
AFTER-Painted black legs with sanded top in walnut stain, and 2 layers of clear coat
BEFORE
AFTER
Add some elegant chocolate brown chair covers (at $15 a chair) all while staying within a very modest budget.
Which I calculated evens out to: $80 for the table, and around $7 a piece for the chairs.
BEFORE-Green faux painted legs and pine top in need of some tlc
AFTER-Painted black legs with sanded top in walnut stain, and 2 layers of clear coat
BEFORE
AFTER
Add some elegant chocolate brown chair covers (at $15 a chair) all while staying within a very modest budget. And in the meantime, I sold our old kitchen table set for $50, an antique library table for $65, and still trying to sell an antique kitchen table to use that $ towards our kitchen re-design project.It took a lot of convincing to Seavie, who was still very fond of our first purchase as newlyweds-the 70's maple table. But he's been won over :)
I love this new table set because it can easily fit 8 people, so that means I need to find 2 more parsons chairs :) but really, I would love to entertain more and having extra seating allows for that. The table also doubles as my kitchen island per say. A cook/prep area that can easily be used for pretty much anything. And the bonus of the chairs being more formal and totally comfy, is that they can be used in the living room for extra seating, and would coordinate well with the living room decor.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Happy Forth of July!
We started off the 4th of July weekend, by going to the annual parade Sat. morning that just so happens to be 2 blocks W of our house. It's been our tradition the last 8 summers we've been here. The first year we found it, it was by accident. We didn't know about it, but saw lots of people parking and walking over that way, and ta-dah a tradition is born. They have marching bands, and floats, classic cars, tractors, and all that fun stuff. The kids got their share of candy, and we got front row seats in the shade, so we couldn't have asked for a better morning. (though we narrowly escaped having wild kid on a leash, and the 2 obnoxious jazzercise kids sit by us) thank goodness for my new sunglasses, which block a good portion of my face :)
Sunday, we went to church, and then headed down to see my parents on their farm. We had a great day of yummy food, and great conversation. I got the chance to have a long talk with my mom about my rollercoaster of emotions lately-in regards to being a stay at home mom, etc-and she gave me a lot of good advice. I think she'd be a great counselor :) but then again she is an amazing school teacher. So since then I've been in better spirits. Monday, Seavie had off work, and so we had the whole day together with the family. I got my butt in gear, and finally organized Grace's room. Her closet was a disaster area! We were up there for several hours, organizing, throwing things away, or in the donate pile. We brought back a desk from my parents that my Grandma Billie had given her, and she was thrilled to get it in her room and all set up. I even angled it in the corner, so she could have a secret hiding spot to read books in. I think that's part of my problem lately, that I've been so wrapped up in doing what I want to do, and not making the effort to spend as much quality time with the kids. So it was great to have that time with Grace, and see how excited she was.
As one of my mom's suggestions, she had said it might help my attitude, if I was to actually wake up before the kids, and have quiet time before they come downstairs. Suprise, suprise, I'm not a morning person, and Seavie usually gets them their breakfast. But I've really felt motivated, by myself, and the rays of sunshine coming through my window at 6-6:30am (since I took down the drapes awhile ago-since it made me too sleepy in the mornings). Seavie and I had a nice quiet breakfast, and then the kids came downstairs. So that was a good step for me in the right direction.
Now I'm working on priorities. Putting God first, then family, then house, and myself. As some of you may know, my computer crashed almost a month ago, and hasn't fully recovered. It's back to IE 6, and as of about a week ago, stopped letting me get onto facebook. GASP! I know I was having major withdrawl, for this is probably the longest time I've gone without it in the last few years. Not that God caused my computer to crash, but it's served as kind of a wake up call to me, to see where my priorities lie. I generally am only on the computer, when the kids have their nap time during the afternoon. And the mornings and evenings are spent with family. But it was the time on the computer that I could have been doing more productive things, like bible study, or organizing the closet (which I'm almost done with). Putting the computer first over pretty much any type of housework. So at church this weekend, they were talking about the tower of babel, and idols in our lives. Yes, I would say the computer has been an idol of sorts in my life, especially the fb part of it as of late. Not that I would spend more than 20 min. at a time on it, but just the daily routine of it, just like checking my e-mail.
Another thing I've realized is that I need to get back into doing more things that I loved to do. Things that make me happy, and make me, me. Like writing-as you can tell I've been writing a lot more in the last week, since I've been kicked of fb. And playing the piano more. I got to play on my mom's grand piano, and that was so soothing- ironically the page was turned to "His eye is on the sparrow" which is just what I needed right now. I used to be an avid photographer, and still love it. I've gotten so far behind on printing and organizing pics, that I need to catch up on all that as well. My mom gave me back my old volleyball from HS, and my rollerblades, which I haven't used in 12 yrs, but I loved. In fact in almost made me cry. I have no idea why, but probably because they were things I loved so much, and they've been pushed aside all these years. So look out, next time Grace has a school skating party, you can find me out there in my rollerblades :)
Then I need to start working on more focused activities with the kids. We have a daily structure, but generally they play by themselves for a few hrs every day, while I read, or check stuff on the computer etc. Going on more walks, playing outdoors, soaking up sunshine. Putting the joy back in our lives. I'm so thankful for the long talk with my mom-she's probably worried sick about me now, but I'm such a different parent than she is. She was amazing, and as a teacher, had all these fun learning things planned and activities all the time, and great meal planning etc. What I'd like to be someday, but am working on. She freaked out a few yrs ago when she found out I wasn't making my kids homemade breakfasts every morning. They do just fine on cereal and breakfast bars. But I know at least this week I'm going to use up some frozen banana's and make some banana bread for breakfasts.
So here's to a new happier me. One that is content and joyful and at peace with her life. Please pray for me that I continue to make this a focus in my life!
Sunday, we went to church, and then headed down to see my parents on their farm. We had a great day of yummy food, and great conversation. I got the chance to have a long talk with my mom about my rollercoaster of emotions lately-in regards to being a stay at home mom, etc-and she gave me a lot of good advice. I think she'd be a great counselor :) but then again she is an amazing school teacher. So since then I've been in better spirits. Monday, Seavie had off work, and so we had the whole day together with the family. I got my butt in gear, and finally organized Grace's room. Her closet was a disaster area! We were up there for several hours, organizing, throwing things away, or in the donate pile. We brought back a desk from my parents that my Grandma Billie had given her, and she was thrilled to get it in her room and all set up. I even angled it in the corner, so she could have a secret hiding spot to read books in. I think that's part of my problem lately, that I've been so wrapped up in doing what I want to do, and not making the effort to spend as much quality time with the kids. So it was great to have that time with Grace, and see how excited she was.
As one of my mom's suggestions, she had said it might help my attitude, if I was to actually wake up before the kids, and have quiet time before they come downstairs. Suprise, suprise, I'm not a morning person, and Seavie usually gets them their breakfast. But I've really felt motivated, by myself, and the rays of sunshine coming through my window at 6-6:30am (since I took down the drapes awhile ago-since it made me too sleepy in the mornings). Seavie and I had a nice quiet breakfast, and then the kids came downstairs. So that was a good step for me in the right direction.
Now I'm working on priorities. Putting God first, then family, then house, and myself. As some of you may know, my computer crashed almost a month ago, and hasn't fully recovered. It's back to IE 6, and as of about a week ago, stopped letting me get onto facebook. GASP! I know I was having major withdrawl, for this is probably the longest time I've gone without it in the last few years. Not that God caused my computer to crash, but it's served as kind of a wake up call to me, to see where my priorities lie. I generally am only on the computer, when the kids have their nap time during the afternoon. And the mornings and evenings are spent with family. But it was the time on the computer that I could have been doing more productive things, like bible study, or organizing the closet (which I'm almost done with). Putting the computer first over pretty much any type of housework. So at church this weekend, they were talking about the tower of babel, and idols in our lives. Yes, I would say the computer has been an idol of sorts in my life, especially the fb part of it as of late. Not that I would spend more than 20 min. at a time on it, but just the daily routine of it, just like checking my e-mail.
Another thing I've realized is that I need to get back into doing more things that I loved to do. Things that make me happy, and make me, me. Like writing-as you can tell I've been writing a lot more in the last week, since I've been kicked of fb. And playing the piano more. I got to play on my mom's grand piano, and that was so soothing- ironically the page was turned to "His eye is on the sparrow" which is just what I needed right now. I used to be an avid photographer, and still love it. I've gotten so far behind on printing and organizing pics, that I need to catch up on all that as well. My mom gave me back my old volleyball from HS, and my rollerblades, which I haven't used in 12 yrs, but I loved. In fact in almost made me cry. I have no idea why, but probably because they were things I loved so much, and they've been pushed aside all these years. So look out, next time Grace has a school skating party, you can find me out there in my rollerblades :)
Then I need to start working on more focused activities with the kids. We have a daily structure, but generally they play by themselves for a few hrs every day, while I read, or check stuff on the computer etc. Going on more walks, playing outdoors, soaking up sunshine. Putting the joy back in our lives. I'm so thankful for the long talk with my mom-she's probably worried sick about me now, but I'm such a different parent than she is. She was amazing, and as a teacher, had all these fun learning things planned and activities all the time, and great meal planning etc. What I'd like to be someday, but am working on. She freaked out a few yrs ago when she found out I wasn't making my kids homemade breakfasts every morning. They do just fine on cereal and breakfast bars. But I know at least this week I'm going to use up some frozen banana's and make some banana bread for breakfasts.
So here's to a new happier me. One that is content and joyful and at peace with her life. Please pray for me that I continue to make this a focus in my life!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The joys of summer
The kids just finished up 2 weeks of swimming lessons today, and they had a blast. It was nice to get into a routine of the same thing every morning. They both passed-Braden completed Level 1, and Grace, Level 3. She'll start Level 4 in a few weeks. Since today was the last day of class, they all got to do fun stuff with their classes. The pool turned on all the water works and fountains and water slides, and the kids just had a fun day. Grace went down the big slide in the deep end, and gained some new confidence. They both went down the curly slide, and loved it. But the thing that brought them, and me, the most joy, was watching them run around in the fountains for about 25 minutes. The joyful screams, and smiles as wide as can be. Pure bliss. It made me wish I could be running around through the fountains too :) It was nice to see them so happy and carefree-not that they aren't every day, but something about being in the water makes them even happier. We still don't have a pool pass this year, but will definitely be getting one next year. It's hard to believe my babies are growing up so fast!
The jaded stay at home mom
So I was out the other day and met with some new friends, who also happened to be stay at home moms. They had kids who were younger, ages 1 and 3, and 1 1/2 with a baby on they way. One of the moms was talking about playgroups and playdates, to both of us, and the other mom was so excited because that's just what she had been looking for (and it very well could be exactly what they need in this time of their life right now) but me, the jaded mom is thinking, "yeah how exciting" in my sarcastic inner voice. Not that I don't love getting together with friends and their kiddos, because I do. I think that's the difference of being a long time stay at home mom vs. the new mom. It's almost like a certain naieveness of how cheerful and happy the life of a stay at home mom is. I am just not that perky, super happy, mini-van driving mom. I have no inclination to spend every weekend or weeknight at kids sporting events. I don't think I ever will be. I love my kids and my life, but I'm just not that person. I am the independent, sometimes free spirited, SUV driving mom. And I like driving my sporty 4 door car around-it makes me feel young again. I'm not super hands on, but still love to play games and crafts and not afraid to have fun. I'm totally okay with my kids not being in sports yet. I'm cool with just dance and awana's. Like any mom, I need my break everyday, to relax and have me-time. No one's life is perfect, and neither is the life of a stay at home mom. Everyone has their moments, and their stressed out time with kids, but all in all at the end of they day, the kids know they are loved and everyone is happy.
Crazy dog
So for those of you who don't know, we have 2 dogs. Oreo and Dakota. Oreo used to be 2nd in command (we've had her since Feb.2007) when we had Princess, who passed away after having a stroke in Dec.2008. So thinking that Oreo needed a companion, we searched and found a free playmate for her on CL in Feb.2009. She was a lab/shepard mix. Well it's been almost a year and a half that we've had her, and I'm at about my wits end. For those of you who know, I've always been a real animal lover. I worked at a vet clinic from age 14-18, and then worked at PetSmart for a few summers during college. I've loved my dogs I grew up with and babied them. I loved Dakota for the first 6 months or so we had her, she was quiet and shy and needed love. She was sweet and snuggily. Well, all that changed a long time ago. She's still sweet, and is great with the kids, not agressive at all. But she has been getting on my last nerve lately. She has the appetite of a horse, she has the bark of a large german shepard. But it's the barking thing that is driving me crazy. She barks at 6am right outside our bedroom window, and then almost on a daily basis, she gets a stupid squirrel stuck in the tree and barks at it all day. Being spanked with a shoe doesn't even phase her anymore, and she's even had some water dumped on her. But then the next day, it's like groundhog day all over again. I know, you're saying well why don't we take her to training classes. She's good on basic behaviors, it's the barking issue. And did I mention when we first had her she destroyed our backyard digging up everything that I had planted! I don't even feel like it's worth the $35 dollars for a bark collar.
So it's come to the point that I am seriously thinking of taking her with us this 4th of July weekend and giving her to my parents at the farm. They take in dogs from friends, and have even taken a dog from us before that didn't work out before we had Oreo. They go through so many dogs out in the country. Some will wander off, others have gotten taken by people driving by. One even was just re-united with it's owner. And some have "bought the farm" due to whatever circumstances, sickness, old age etc. My parents treat the dogs like royalty. Giving them large amounts of food to eat, and 160 acres to roam around on. Who wouldn't like that life? I'm thinking that Dakota sure wouldn't mind. She's made my great grandma afraid of her, because she's a relentless jumper, and she just doesn't mind. Oreo, who is a border collie, is a smart, bright, intelligent dog, and trained easily, even though she didn't have formal training per say. Dakota chases her around and nips at her backside and roams around the perimeter of the yard eating bugs. She's a shepard/chow/lab/terrier mix of craziness, and I have really had enough. I feel no affection, or attention whatsoever to her. I have never felt like this to a dog that I've owned in my life, and I honestly love dogs. And it's like at this point I don't even care what happens to her. I think it's just time for us to be a one-dog family for a while.
So it's come to the point that I am seriously thinking of taking her with us this 4th of July weekend and giving her to my parents at the farm. They take in dogs from friends, and have even taken a dog from us before that didn't work out before we had Oreo. They go through so many dogs out in the country. Some will wander off, others have gotten taken by people driving by. One even was just re-united with it's owner. And some have "bought the farm" due to whatever circumstances, sickness, old age etc. My parents treat the dogs like royalty. Giving them large amounts of food to eat, and 160 acres to roam around on. Who wouldn't like that life? I'm thinking that Dakota sure wouldn't mind. She's made my great grandma afraid of her, because she's a relentless jumper, and she just doesn't mind. Oreo, who is a border collie, is a smart, bright, intelligent dog, and trained easily, even though she didn't have formal training per say. Dakota chases her around and nips at her backside and roams around the perimeter of the yard eating bugs. She's a shepard/chow/lab/terrier mix of craziness, and I have really had enough. I feel no affection, or attention whatsoever to her. I have never felt like this to a dog that I've owned in my life, and I honestly love dogs. And it's like at this point I don't even care what happens to her. I think it's just time for us to be a one-dog family for a while.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
If these walls....
I'm reading a great book right now that I picked up from Turnstyles for $1, and I'm loving it. It has been too long since I've taken the time to read, and especially a good read. The book is called, "If these walls had ears: The biography of a house." He details the previous 7 families who lived in his house, and how their lives all changed through the eras and how it affected their sense of home etc. In the process, it has gotten me thinking again about my old 123 yr old farmhouse and all the history these walls hold.
About 7 years ago, when I was back finishing up my degree, I did an Independent Study on Historic Preservation, and it mainly detailed researching my house and documenting all the history involved in it.
In the summarized version, this is the story of our house.....
*In 1854, G. Daugherty, a Shawnee Indian, purchased a large parcel of land from the US Government as part of their land giveaway.
*In 1874, 40 acres of that land was purchased by Mr. Brickley, and he owned those 40 acres until 1887, when he sold them to his son in law, Dr. Bower.
*Dr. Bower was the owner that built the house in 1887 on the 40 acres of land.
*In 1899, he sold 18 acres to his neighbor to the East.
*So he was left with 22 acres from 1899-1906, when he sold off 6 acres in 1906 that was platted as our subdivision.
*Owner #2- 1909-1910 purchased for $250, and sold it for $700.
*Owner #3 - 1910-1914, and sold it for $1600.
*Owner #4 - 1914-1923, and sold it for $4100.
*Owner #5 - 1923-1961, and sold it for $5000.
*Owners #6,7,8- 1961-Dec.1963. At a time when you bought and sold a house, you would assume the other person's mortgage and in the process the house became repossessed and all 3 owners during that time went to court and lost to the bank. The house was auctioned off at the local courthouse in Jan. 1964, for a purchase price of $5895.95, which was a few hundred over what was owed on the loan.
*Owners #9,10 lived there from 1964-2001. And it sat empty from 2001-early 2003. So it was owned by the same family for almost 40 yrs.
*We've owned our house since May 2003.
It amazes us that out of the 123 yrs of homeowners, that almost 80 of those yrs were lived in just by 2 owners. Our neighbor behind us has lived in her house for 62 yrs, and raised her 6 kids in a 1000 sq. ft, 3 bedroom bungalow. Our neighbor to the E has lived in his house for 40+ yrs, and the neighbor across from him for 30+yrs. We're just a bunch of youngins' relatively speaking. Buying the house at 22, and 23 yrs old, we hope to grow old here together and watch our kids grow up, and have grandkids over to visit someday. Who knows maybe we can be here at least 60+ yrs. Writing that it seems like an eternity away. It's crazy to think at the end of that time that our house would be 183+ yrs old. Almost a 200 yr old house. Yikes!
So on to more info on the previous owners....
Mr.Brickley (who owned the 40 acres of land the house was built on) was born in 1812. He was a business entrepreneur, and a VIP in early town history. He along with his son in law, Dr.Bower, bought most of the town lots N of the railroad tracks in our town. There are brief accounts that the town even used to be called Brickley, in honor of him. He passed away in 1894, at the age of 82.
Dr.Bower (who had the house built in 1887) was born in 1831. He was married in 1865, and he and his wife had 6 children together (3 of whom passed away as infants). He located to our town in 1869. He was a State Senator in 1871 and 1872. He was our town's first physician and lawyer. He also was involved in a court case in 1895 that went to the State Supreme court, over an issue involving the fencing off of an alley way. I just found the hilarious. The judge dismissed the case. He passed away in 1919, at 88 yrs old.
I haven't been able to find much information on the next 3 owners.
The couple that lived here from 1923-1961, were 45, and 54 yrs old respectively when they moved in to our house. The husband was born in 1869, and the wife in 1878. They both passed away within a year of each other in 1960 (@90) and 1961 (@83). Our neighbor behind us was friends with the couple, and has given us a wealth of information on them....
She told us about how the kitchen used to have a hand pump next to the sink for the cistern water; how the house was laid out; that they canned there own food from the 1940's on, from their large garden; that they had a cherry orchard and had several cows on their 2 acres adjoining the house. They used the front parlor, as their bedroom from the entire time they lived here. That they used the well and cistern. And most importantly, that they hardly ever used the upstairs, which accounts for how well preserved it was.
About 7 years ago, when I was back finishing up my degree, I did an Independent Study on Historic Preservation, and it mainly detailed researching my house and documenting all the history involved in it.
In the summarized version, this is the story of our house.....
*In 1854, G. Daugherty, a Shawnee Indian, purchased a large parcel of land from the US Government as part of their land giveaway.
*In 1874, 40 acres of that land was purchased by Mr. Brickley, and he owned those 40 acres until 1887, when he sold them to his son in law, Dr. Bower.
*Dr. Bower was the owner that built the house in 1887 on the 40 acres of land.
*In 1899, he sold 18 acres to his neighbor to the East.
*So he was left with 22 acres from 1899-1906, when he sold off 6 acres in 1906 that was platted as our subdivision.
*Owner #2- 1909-1910 purchased for $250, and sold it for $700.
*Owner #3 - 1910-1914, and sold it for $1600.
*Owner #4 - 1914-1923, and sold it for $4100.
*Owner #5 - 1923-1961, and sold it for $5000.
*Owners #6,7,8- 1961-Dec.1963. At a time when you bought and sold a house, you would assume the other person's mortgage and in the process the house became repossessed and all 3 owners during that time went to court and lost to the bank. The house was auctioned off at the local courthouse in Jan. 1964, for a purchase price of $5895.95, which was a few hundred over what was owed on the loan.
*Owners #9,10 lived there from 1964-2001. And it sat empty from 2001-early 2003. So it was owned by the same family for almost 40 yrs.
*We've owned our house since May 2003.
It amazes us that out of the 123 yrs of homeowners, that almost 80 of those yrs were lived in just by 2 owners. Our neighbor behind us has lived in her house for 62 yrs, and raised her 6 kids in a 1000 sq. ft, 3 bedroom bungalow. Our neighbor to the E has lived in his house for 40+ yrs, and the neighbor across from him for 30+yrs. We're just a bunch of youngins' relatively speaking. Buying the house at 22, and 23 yrs old, we hope to grow old here together and watch our kids grow up, and have grandkids over to visit someday. Who knows maybe we can be here at least 60+ yrs. Writing that it seems like an eternity away. It's crazy to think at the end of that time that our house would be 183+ yrs old. Almost a 200 yr old house. Yikes!
So on to more info on the previous owners....
Mr.Brickley (who owned the 40 acres of land the house was built on) was born in 1812. He was a business entrepreneur, and a VIP in early town history. He along with his son in law, Dr.Bower, bought most of the town lots N of the railroad tracks in our town. There are brief accounts that the town even used to be called Brickley, in honor of him. He passed away in 1894, at the age of 82.
Dr.Bower (who had the house built in 1887) was born in 1831. He was married in 1865, and he and his wife had 6 children together (3 of whom passed away as infants). He located to our town in 1869. He was a State Senator in 1871 and 1872. He was our town's first physician and lawyer. He also was involved in a court case in 1895 that went to the State Supreme court, over an issue involving the fencing off of an alley way. I just found the hilarious. The judge dismissed the case. He passed away in 1919, at 88 yrs old.
I haven't been able to find much information on the next 3 owners.
The couple that lived here from 1923-1961, were 45, and 54 yrs old respectively when they moved in to our house. The husband was born in 1869, and the wife in 1878. They both passed away within a year of each other in 1960 (@90) and 1961 (@83). Our neighbor behind us was friends with the couple, and has given us a wealth of information on them....
She told us about how the kitchen used to have a hand pump next to the sink for the cistern water; how the house was laid out; that they canned there own food from the 1940's on, from their large garden; that they had a cherry orchard and had several cows on their 2 acres adjoining the house. They used the front parlor, as their bedroom from the entire time they lived here. That they used the well and cistern. And most importantly, that they hardly ever used the upstairs, which accounts for how well preserved it was.
The next 3 couples that lived here right in a row, were the ones I've been told that were responsible for the trashing of the house. I guess that seems to be a common thing in general that people trash a house when it's in the process of getting repossessed for whatever crazy reason. They punched holes in the plaster walls down stairs and did who knows what else. All I know is they are the reason that the downstairs lost the original trim and plaster, because it was all replaced with drywall and cheap builder grade trim when the next owners moved in. These couples also had the kitchen painted turquoise, and the trim upstairs was painted lime green and burnt orange. Totally psychadelic...
The next owners for almost 40 yrs, were the grandparents of the man who sold us our house. I don't know much about his grandparents, but have been told by all the neighbors that their son, was a painter, and when he got bored he painted, or replaced woodwork-which we have come to learn that he wasn't very good at. He's the one that is responsible for tearing down the porch on the E side of the house, and tearing out the beautiful gingerbread trim off the front porch, and replacing it with some ugly 2x4's slapped together. He's the one who poorly re-built the window seat and did a half-a job on the bathroom when it was last remodeled in the 1980's. We've just come to realize going into a project, that we'll run into something crazy un-expected because he didn't do it right the first time. This coming from my hubby the woodworker. We still keep in contact with the couple that sold us the house, since it was a fsbo. I kind of like it that way. I think it would be harder for me not knowing the past of the house, and not hearing all these fun stories about living here. They haven't been back for a few years, but are due to come over soon to see the new bathroom remodel.
It's a hard line sometimes, because you love the house, and you know that they loved the house they way it was, and that acceptance of new things. It was the same way when I went back the house I grew up in, and the owner was complaining about this and that, where I was grasping to some glimpse of how it used to be. The only thing left was the kitchen wallpaper was still the same and the cabinets. It's funny how we, or at least I, hold on to those things from the past. Of eras gone by, and how we grew up during those times. I tend to get easily attached to places- mainly being my home. I think I would have the worst time of it, if we ever had to leave, and someone came and destroyed everything we had worked so hard for. Luckily, we can't forsee that ever happening, and we happened to be lucky enough to find our dream house the first time.
Granted it has a long way to go, it's still a long ways from where I can envision it perfectly in my head. There is a back patio, with flowing landscaped walk way. A restored porch on the E side of the house, or possibly a master suite addition? Removing all the shingles, and restoring the original siding. Replacing the roof, re-painting. Tearing up the hallway for my loft/attic project. A beautiful kitchen, a playroom in the basement. A 2-car garage.The list goes on and on. For now I'm being patient, which can be hard at times with all these pictures and ideas in my head. I know it's all with time and with money. If we're going to do it, we're going to do it right, and wait till we have the funds to do it the way I am envisioning it. Until then we're enjoying our 1/2 renovated house, and can't wait for the new things we learn about it everyday.
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