Painting with a Twist

Look what I painted tonight!

HIMYIM

I finished season 2 of How I Met Your Mother. Anyone have season 3 I can borrow?

Edward Scissor Hands

I hate trimming the bushes because I am horrible at it. The bushes now look like a drunk, blind Edward Scissor-hands got a hold of them. This is why I only attempt this chore twice a year.

Less Successful

I need to finish trimming the bushes and I am having a really hard time motivating myself to go out in the blazing heat to do it. Even the promise of ice cream has been less than successful.

Motivation

Tonight I'm going to Painting with a Twist, tomorrow is the last day of L2S camp, and one week from today I fly to Florida!

Chicken Pictures

Mosquito Bites

I have 5 mosquito bites on one leg and 22 on the other.

Garden Update

Since I wasn't able to get pictures of the chickens, I took a few of our garden to give you an idea of how much it's grown.

Chicken Update

We caught the chickens, we built the coop, and today they were finally united! We have 1 hen and 6 chicks in our coop! I tried to get pictures, but mama hen is keeping everyone locked up tight in one of the roosting boxes. They'll get settled soon enough.

Mini-blinds

It's done. I finished the worst chore ever. I hate, hate, hate cleaning mini-blinds. I hate mini-blinds. I am thankful I don't have to do it again for another year.

Pen Pal

I have a pen pal. Her name is Ruth and she lives in DC. We were "set up" by our mutual friend Bisa, who was totally right- Ruth seems rather awesome. I'm really enjoying getting to know her through our emails.

Tile Complete!

So here are a few pictures of the completed front room (aka library). The tile is done. The walls and baseboards are painted. Now I just have to repaint the door/doorframe and return all the books to the shelves! What do you think?

Nobby likes the new tile floor. Hopefully the cats will not pee on it.

Ratatouille

Tonight we had delicious ratatouille made entirely from vegetables purchased at the farmer's market (plus basil from our own garden). I love ratatouille and not just because of the movie. It's the perfect summer food.

No Comments?

If pictures of our awesome (and apparently offensive) chicken coop don't generate comments I don't know what will. I may just have to abandon blogging... (yes, that is an ultimatum).

I can't say it enough

I *heart* NPH.

Castle No-Cock

This is our chicken tractor. We're calling it Castle No-Cock. This is the most awesome chicken coop ever.


Before Painting


No cocks allowed (obviously the boys' idea)


Also, we wanted the chickens to know this is a peaceful gated community: no fighting.


The roosting boxes

Now all we need is some straw (which we'll get tomorrow) and the chickens can move in!

Cakes and Coops

While the boys finish the chicken coop, I'm baking 3 cakes for camp tomorrow. Pictures to follow.

Gated Community

We got about half of our chicken coop done. We've decided that since we can't call these "free range," we'll call them "gated community" chickens.

Chicken Coop!

Time to try our hands at building a chicken coop!

Trim

The baseboard are painted and I added a second coat on the walls. Maybe I'll tackle the door and window frames tonight. I cannot wait for this project to be done.

Perfect Saturday Morning

A cup of coffee, listening to Weekend Edition on NPR, and plans to go to the farmer's market. When did I become this person?

Fresh Paint

This afternoon I painted the walls of the front room. If I can get the trim done tomorrow, the room will be done! Well, except for moving all the furniture back in and unpacking all the books... this feels like a never ending project.

Five Points to Ke$ha

On the recommendation of a trusted friend, I watch this video... and kind of liked it. Anyone who makes a music video with unicorns and James Vanderbeek (and makes fun of herself a bit) moves up a few points in my book. Add to that the NPR interview I heard her do a while back and despite how I feel about her music, I think I actually like Ke$ha.

Todd Cooks Dinner

After 2 rounds of camp, I made a quick trip to Grantville to see a friend's new house. While I was gone, Todd cooked dinner! Having your little brother living in your house has it's perks.

Camp Nurse

Today I got to be the camp nurse twice. The first time, a student fell off the porch and into a rose bush. I had to pull 4 large thorns out of his skin and then bandage up the scrapes on his hand, fingers, arm (wrist to armpit), knee, stomach, and back. In the battle of 5th Grade Boy vs Rose Bush, the shrubbery won hands down.

Impromptu Dinner Party

We found ourselves with a few friends over around dinner time so we invited them to stay and had a very enjoyable black bean and rice burrito fiesta.

Grouting Round 2: FIGHT!

We are just one final wipe-down away from being done with the grout. This time was still frustrating, but it didn't dry before we were done AND there was no crying so I'll count it as a win.

Sloooooow Internet

We are getting only 10% of the internet speed we pay for so I called AT&T today to cancel. They didn't even ask why we were canceling. Gotta love big corporations.

Not in Yoga

I behaved rather un-yogi-like during yoga class today by giving dirty looks to the new students. In my defense, these middle aged women chatted and laughed throughout the class. It's like talking during prayer time in church. Even if you're new, you should know not to do it.

Paint & Shed Organization

I decided that our new tile floor looks so good (minus the unfinished grout) that it makes the walls look bad, so I went to Ace and bought paint. Then I tried to find our paint tray and roller and ended up organizing our shed. It was icky, but at least I can locate the marshmallow roasting sticks now.

Camped Out

After a morning of working in a garden with 5 graders (camp #1), I spent the afternoon making keychains and playing tag with 14 neighborhood kids (camp #2). I'm tired.

Homemade Pizza

I'm making 2 pizzas for dinner: one plain cheese and one is pesto alfredo with spinach and tomatoes. Yum.

Sticky

Have I told you how much I hate everything sticky? I hate sticky children the most, but today I faced my fears and taught 45 kids (in groups of 15) how to make pancakes which they then ate with syrup. Thank goodness these kids were all old enough to go wash their own hands and faces!

Fannie Farmer

Today at L2S camp, we'll be learning about Fannie Farmer and then using her recipe and techniques to make pancakes!

My Sunday

After a wonderful breakfast and lunch with the Princesses, I took a nap on a church pew while Nate practiced his sermon. Then we went to the church service at the retirement home, had a meeting about the service, and then drove home. It was a very full, tiring, but enjoyable day.

Princesses!

This morning I am skipping church to have breakfast with my 3 girl friends from high school (aka The Princesses). I am super excited to be able to hang out with them!

Waves

I know I'm sitting still, but I feel like I'm rocking on the waves.

Sunburn

We had an excellent time swimming, grilling out, playing board games, and relaxing at our friends' lake house. I only wished that I had not underestimated my need for sunscreen reapplications.

Lake Martin!

Nate and I are off to Lake Martin to enjoy our friends' lake house.

Cooking Lunch

Today we are supervising 60 5th through 8th grade students in cooking their own lunch. The menu: quesadillas, homemade salsa and guacamole (my station), fruit kabobs, and ice cream. This should be interesting.

More Weird Dreams

Last night, I dreamed that I was "going out" with Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And the weirdest part was that's the whole dream. Me and Spike going to the mall together and then going to some party. Holding hands. So weird.

Wewahitchka!

Just booked my flight to Panama City so I can go and visit Genevieve (and Dan) at their new home in Wewahitcha! Yay for cheap, one hour, midweek flights!

Thai Basil Chicken

New recipe of the week: Thai Basil Chicken

The verdict: Flavorful and tasty

Note to self: DO NOT touch eyes after chopping up Thai chilies, even if you've washed your hands 3 times.

Recurring Nap-mare, Take 2

In today's episode of "Oh No, My Teeth are Falling Out" we discovered my teeth are falling out because I apparently forgot that I had those baby teeth pulled and fake teeth put in to hold the spaces for my adult teeth. It was also revealed that in my subconscious I'm still only 22 years old because I repeatedly said, "Isn't 22 a bit old for those teeth to be growing in?" Stay tuned next nap for what I hope will be the stunning conclusion of this recurring nightmare.

Travel Comparison

It is $4 cheaper to fly round trip to Panama City, Florida than it is to take Greyhound. Also, it takes 16 hours longer. I think I can rule out bus travel.

Harvest Salad

Tonight with dinner we had a salad that had lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers from our garden.

You Know What's Not Fun?

Going shopping at Walmart for a week's worth of snacks and a lunch for 60 students is not very fun. It's even less fun unloading the car in 95* heat.

Table Manners

In my class today at L2S camp, we talked about table manners. I had them act out skits of good and bad table manners. Some of them were pretty hilarious. I especially liked the one where the girls did the hair at the table and where a boy scratched his butt before serving everyone food.

Dictator

I realized something about myself today: I either want to be totally in charge or I want have someone else tell me what to do. Debating, discussing, and making decisions with other people is frustratingly slow. I guess this means I would be a poor senator, but on the bright side, I think I'd make a pretty sweet dictator.

The Feeling is Mutual

I discovered that I can view how many visits my blog receives by city. If you think reading my blog is like stalking me just remember I'm getting closer and closer to making it mutual.

Recurring Nightmare

I just had my recurring nightmare- during a nap. The plot is always different, but it becomes completely unimportant because my teeth are falling out. They wiggle in my mouth and then one by one they vividly come out with their little sharp edges and I wonder why my dentist didn't notice anything wrong at my last cleaning. It's unnerving.

Tile Factory Outlet

If you ever need tile you should go here. I called today and instead of yelling like I wanted to yesterday, I explained why I was upset and said that they were so helpful when I bought the tile that I just knew they'd help me with this problem. They talked with me for about 20 minutes sharing tips on using epoxy grout and they're shipping me another tub. Now if only spreading the grout will be as painless as that phone call.

Tony Awards

Just when I think I can't love NPH any more...

Learn to Serve Camp

Today's the first day of the college's Learn to Serve Camp! And you know what the best part is? I get to spend the first day serving at the soup kitchen with the 5th graders and Ms. Beth!

Baby Fever

In the last 3 days I've gone to 2 baby showers and held 2 new babies- one of whom is only 6 days old. I've got the fever.

Epoxy Grout

I effing hate epoxy grout. Why the hell would an entire bucket of grout become super hot and set in less than 25 minutes?! Who could grout a room in that time? Why didn't the directions on the bucket indicate this? Why didn't the guy who sold it to me tell me I wouldn't be able to do this myself? I had a total melt-down and the dude that sold me this epoxy grout will get a remix of said melt-down tomorrow when I demand a refund.

It's Worth It

Getting up at 6:30 to get ready for church is not very fun. Driving an hour and a half to church is even less fun. Knowing we're going to Brickstore for lunch makes it all worth it.

New Neighbors!

Our new next-door neighbors are moving in!

Blue Shoes

I want some blue shoes to go with this cute blue dress my mommy bought me. These are the first I found that I really like. What do you think? Should I spurge ($30) and get them?

Rain and Laundry

While I'm super excited that it's FINALLY raining, I'm a little bummed it had to do it while there was laundry on the line.

Laundry Marathon

I'm passing the laundry torch to Nate. In the middle of the 5 loads of laundry that need to be done I need to go to a baby shower. Good thing I have such a wonderful life partner.

Chickens

So yesterday, we became partial owners of 6 chickens- a mama and 5 babies. Here's how it went down. Some neighbors had chickens. Then they moved out and left them- just running around the yard. So we (the neighbors who we do the garden with) decide- let's get us some free chickens. We buy all the parts to build a chicken tractor and we're set to build it next week. Except now some kids are throwing rocks at the chickens. And there are baby chicks. And they're crossing the road (you know, to get to the other side). So 2 of the guys catch the chickens and stash them in another neighbor's coop. And that's the story of how we got 6 chickens.

Long, Long Days

Cleaned up the tiling stuff this morning. Tile cement was still wet so grouting will have to wait for tomorrow or Sunday. Summer camp in the early afternoon. Nate came home and then I left for a neighborhood baby shower. Tomorrow will be equally as long- full of laundry, helping our friends move, and another baby shower.

Restless Nights

I haven't slept very well the last two nights. I wake up in a panic that the cats are peeing on the unfinished tile floor. They haven't... yet. The cat who does will die.

Tiling Stage 2

Ron and I laid tile for 12 hours today. I am sore and tired, but man does that room look awesome.

Tiling Stage 1

Thanks to my father-in-law and all of his cool power tools, the subflooring is out and the cement boards are starting to go in. Actual tiling starts tomorrow!

Camp and Carpet

On today's agenda: my first day of neighborhood summer camp (salt dough and elbow tag today!) and ripping up the carpet in the front room.

Floppy Bunny

Summer Project Number One compete. Check out the super cute stuffed animal I crocheted! Which one of my friends who has recently or will soon pop out a baby is deserving of such an adorable baby gift?

Tv sucks

I know I shouldn't be surprised, but there is NOTHING on tv on Tuesday mornings.

Tv in Bed

I'm in a hotel room all by myself with an hour to kill before breakfast. Tv in bed!

Montgomery

After a few hours at work and then a meeting for summer camp, I'm ready to drive out to Montgomery to see Nate's family (his brother is getting ordained). I wish Nate was here, and not just because he'd drive.

Phone Manners

Me:  Hello.  May I please speak to Ms. X?

Child:  She's not here.  (click).

 

I guess some people don't teach their kids telephone etiquette.

Number Pads

Why is the number pad on the keyboard opposite of the number pad on the phone?  It's throwing off my groove.

Email Addresses

So I decided to email as many parents as I could find addresses for about these tickets.  I'm always amazed that there are adults who still have email addresses that are composed of something other than their names, but the one that takes the cake:  nastydogg@____.com  Really?!

Phone Calls

I need to go in to school this morning and call 65 parents to let them know the Six Flags tickets are finally here. The worst part of this is that I'm 99% sure that our band director could help me use some Google feature to do it half the time- too bad he's on vacation.

Blog-worthy

I was going to post about what I've done today, but besides church this morning (and a nap this afternoon) it's just been cleaning and yardwork. Since that's pretty much all I do during the summer, it doesn't seem blog-worthy.

First Sunday

This is our first Sunday at Nate's internship church. We'll have to leave every Sunday at 7:10 AM to get there in time for Sunday School. And right after church, Nate has to leave for a 6 day mission trip with 20 middle school students he won't meet until today. Talk about jumping in with both feet!

My Anniversary

Here's how we spent our anniversary:
We caught Scrawny Kitten and took him to the vet. We'll call on Monday to check on him.
We picked up a 15 passenger van that Nate has to drive to North Carolina tomorrow.
We went shopping for new tennis shoes, an airmattress, a Brave's hat, and sports bras.
We enjoyed dinner at Amsterdam Cafe and it was delicious.
Not the most romantic day, but I got to spend it with my wonderful husband and that makes it a really great day.

Scrawny Kitten

When I went out this morning, I found (with the help of Nobby and Mrs.) a tiny, dirty, scrawny kitten under my car. I tried to get it out and now I have a tiny, dirty, scrawny kitten under my front porch.

Happy Anniversary!

Today I've been happily married to Nate for SIX years.

Don't we look young?

Addiction

My little brother has helped me admit it. I have an addiction to sweets. So I think now that I have admitted I have a problem, I deserve a reward- maybe some Oreos?

X-Men and Pork Chops

Nate and I joined some friends to see X-Men this afternoon and then I made a delicious dinner of salad, mashed potatoes, and pork chops.

Ewwwww

The bruise on my thigh looks disgusting. So of course, I took a picture and decided to post it on the internet. I don't even care that my leg looks huge and pasty- I have proof that I got hurt and was totally justified in screaming like I was dying during what I will henceforth call "the tubing incident."

Bad Posture

I have the most horrible posture when I work on the computer at home. I sit cross-legged in the chair and then hunch forward. I've been working on lesson plans for the college's summer camp for the last 2 hours and my neck and back hurt. I might need a chair like this one. Also, I might need this haircut.

Nobby The Hunter

Nobby caught a bird this morning. He was playing with it under the window so I could hear it squeaking. I made Todd go get Nobby and bring him back inside. I really wish my cat (with no front claws) was not able to prey on small woodland creatures.

Busy B

In the summer, I like to clean and organize. I have a long list that includes, but is not limited to, cleaning the baseboards, washing all the windows (inside and out), cleaning out the refrigerator, shampooing the carpet, organizing the closets- you know all those things you'd only have time to do if you had off work for 2 months. How do people with regular jobs ever get their houses clean?

Paint the Town

Going to help paint a house in the neighborhood for the next three mornings.