My latest projects

The past 10 days my mom has been out to visit, which is great--because life's been pretty hectic. To add to the craziness, we decided to work on a few 'projects' (as if I don't have enough to do!). It was fun and exciting anyway. Here's a glimpse of what we did.

We 'refaced' our fireplace. With the help of my mom and the input from my little sister for colors, we painted the mantle black, along with spray painting the brass fireplace surround with a black enamel. Andrea also decided we needed to change the color palette in our front room a while back... so we changed from the pale greens to a warmer goldy tone (colors she had put in her husband's study). Then she suggested we change the white brick around the fireplace to 'sandy cove' the lighter of the two goldy shades we put on the wall. The result was great. Have a look.

As you can see, we also got the Halloween decorations out. The boys are always so excited to decorate for the holidays. When it's time to put the decorations away, they are always quick to ask what the next holiday is and how soon we get to decorate for it.

Some of the "fruits" of my labors aren't pictured here... ie. 100 jars of jelly + 36 jars of strawberry jam! --I know, I'm crazy! :)

Happy Birthday, Nathan!

Well, it's official... Nathan is an old man. He's... well, nevermind. We are just excited to celebrate all those wonderful years of love, laughter, and lunacy wrapped into one. He is a wonderful husband and incredible father to 3 doting sons. I am so thankful for him. He keeps me steady when I feel ready to fall on my face (and picks me up if I take a crash landing). He makes me happier than just about anything. I suppose that's why I married him! :) I won't get too mushy about how great he is, but wanted to write a little note to let him know he's loved. Hope you have a Happy Birthday, Hubby.

Soooo Busy!!!

This blog thing is great at keeping a journal and keeping up with people... if only I could spare a few minutes to actually write something! Naw... I'm far too busy playing with my mom who came to visit, redecorating our front room, getting holiday decorations out, calling people, going to bookclub and trying to avoid my obnoxious little sister who won't stop calling at all hours. I should probably give her a little slack. After all, she lives in Kentucky and that would drive me batty too.

The way a child's mind works...

I'm constantly amazed at the workings of a child's mind. My own kids make me laugh with thier logic quite often. While at the park the other day, Liam was thirsty and went to the drinking fountain, only to find it didn't work. Liam promptly announced, "Mom, it needs new batteries!"

Nate thought he would make Daniel happy the other night by taking a coin from his pocket and putting it on the table for Daniel. When Nate called his attention to it, Daniel looked up and exclaimed, "Thank you, Heavenly Father for dropping this money!" If only it were so easy! :)

"Where did you hear that?"

Being a parent is full of lots of surprises and laughs... particularly by some of the things your kids say. A little while back I was driving with the boys in the car when Daniel exclaimed, "He cut you off! He's a jerk!" I was in shock. Remaining calm, I said, "That's not a very nice thing to say. Where did you hear that?". Daniel replied, "From Daddy." I then told Daniel that we might need to help teach Daddy not to say things like that. Daniel sighed and said, "He won't learn." Ha, ha.

After returning from Scout camp with Nate, Daniel came home and used the word 'crap.' Once again I tried to explain that it was not a word we should use. When I proceded to ask Daniel where he heard it, he said, "On Curious George." Yeah, right! Admittingly, it is pretty funny, but I had to remain composed when I told him, "Well, if they say things like that on Curious George, we won't get to watch it anymore." What next??? :)

Such sweet big brothers

I know this is backtracking just a bit, but thought I would post some of my favorite pictures of Caleb as a newborn. The reaction from Liam and Daniel since his birth has been great. They love thier little brother and dote on him constantly. Daniel likes to tell him about trains (his love) and Liam loves to touch and cuddle with him. It's sweet to hear them talk to thier new little brother. Liam has a little voice and giggle reserved just for talking to baby Caleb. It doesn't get much sweeter than this... Although I'll admit three can be quite the handful at times.