Upgrades

We moved into our home almost nine years ago. When we bought the house, I was about extremely pregnant with Alex and desperate to move out of my parents' house (which we'd been living in for three months as we searched for a home). Call me crazy, but bringing home a new baby would be better in your own home. When we bought this house, I was...well...perhaps 'desperate' is too strong a word. Nevertheless, a two-bedroom, one-bath house was fine with us and considered a starter home. We figured we'd move up on a five year plan.

Nope. Wrong-o.

So we put it on the market once. No viewings. We took it down when we found out we were going to have Evie. Now we've currently had the house for sale for just under a year and have had zero interest - again. About a month or so ago, we decided to modify our plan. We're going to keep the house on the market, but we just needed a third bedroom to get by until we do sell it (fingers crossed). We can't afford an addition so we improvised. First step was to move the washer and dryer into our mudroom - a.k.a. "the cat room". Basically, it holds litter boxes and the feeding zone for our pride of cats. We moved the dryer first, courtesy of a friendly electrician named Bob. He was super nice and did a fantastic job. Next was a fun-filled weekend moving the plumbing around to move the washing machine. That was Josh's job. Lucky guy. He had to spend the entire weekend under the house in the crawl space. I didn't envy him. After this, it was all in my area of expertise. My mom helped and the deconstruction/construction began. One very messy, long month later, we are officially the owners of a three-bedroom house.

Alex moved into the new room and is happy to have it. He gets scared in there all by himself. He usually ends up sleeping in Evie's bed while Evie sleeps with us or sleeping on the floor by my side of the bed. But he we no longer have Evie's bed in our room so it's kind of nice to have some personal space again. That being said, Evie sleeps in her bed until about 2:00 a.m. and then joins me in bed. It's better than it was. Now for step four which is repainting the rest of the house and on to step five: Selling the house. Once again - fingers crossed.

Alex's new room without embellishments (i.e. posters, etc.). We had to do a rough bay window.

He picked the color for the accent wall.

The girls have new paint as well. Abby wanted pink for her wall and Evie wanted purple.

Crazy Jumpin' Fun

Josh's dad gave us a belated gift card for Christmas and told us to get the kids what they wanted. I vetoed the whole 'pick what you guys want to spend your money on' idea and gave them an option. I told them that they could get one big gift for everyone to enjoy and they decided on a trampoline. At first, I was a little hesitant. I mean...I do have a tiny two-year old who could get smashed on it. But then again, I was thinking about how much fun they could potentially have. So a trampoline it was!

Josh and I put it together in an afternoon and by the evening's end, three very happy kids were bouncin' like crazy on it. What we forgot to get when we bought it were some tie-downs so that it wouldn't blow away in the crazy mid-west wind we have. Well, needless to say...it was a priority. Just a couple of days into having that thing, there was a forecast for some pretty nasty wind and storms. We got some tie-downs, courtesy of my mom who was in town at the time, and tied that bad boy to the ground. Guess what? It barely held. That night we had a storm like nothing else I've seen in my days in this house. It hit fast and hard and within seconds the storm hit. We had no time to prepare and, honestly, when I looked outside, I was 98% certain we were in a tornado. I couldn't even see the backyard anymore. I was scared beyond words, grabbed my kids out of bed and we hunkered down in the bathroom until it passed...children terrified and shaking. Ah heck! I was terrified too! The next morning, I went out to assess the damage and it was pretty bad. Mr. Trampoline had his legs bent underneath and had moved across the yard, barely tethered to the ground by one remaining line that had been stretched beyond it's capacity. They said it was straight line winds, but I doubt it. Two homes were destroyed in our town and we lost half a tree in the backyard (amongst other things). I believe we had a small gustnado (if not a small tornado). Scared the bejeezus outta me! As you can see...the trampoline took a beating. But I fixed it and it's all good now.

Poor Mr. Trampoline

Barely connected to the ground

What's left of the last anchor.

Since then, we've readjusted our tie-downs and I think we'll be okay in the future. And now? Well, now three kids are out there (and me as well...Whew! What a work out!) nearly every day. They love it and it's great fun! Thanks, Grandpa (Paul)! What an awesome present. And just so you know, miss Evie, small as she is, holds her own on that thing. She's a pistol and loves to jump, jump, jump! I'm super-happy we got it after all.

The Chop

Levitation

The Dancer

The Stomp

The dive

The invisible motorcycle

Abby's 7th Birthday

 

My sweet little girl, miss Abby, turned 7 years old. Where did that time go? I keep thinking about how next school year, she will be in 2nd grade and, I kid you not, I am having trouble believing that. I swear that just yesterday I was pulling her off of my leg trying to get her to go to preschool. I'm going to blink and she'll be a teenager. Nope. Not going to think about that right now.

This year for Abby's birthday, we stayed fairly low-key. She wanted to have a big party with her friends from school, but I seriously needed a break from that sort of ordeal. It's been a crazy year so far, and I'm not exactly looking for ways to add stress to it. I asked her what kind of cake she wanted and she kept telling me that she wanted a rainbow cake. Not just a measly square cake with a rainbow drawn on it. She wanted a rainbow cake, with rainbow frosting, in the shape of...you guessed it...a rainbow. I told her I'd do what I could. Because, giant party or not, my kids are getting the cake they want on their birthdays. No doubt about it. I love doing it and the kids always love waking up the next morning to see what 'amazing cake' mom did for them overnight. I did not disappoint. I googled 'how to make a rainbow cake' and divided the white cake mix batter into six bowls and made her rainbow cake. Then I cut it into a rainbow shape. Then I frosted it with a big rainbow on it. Done, done and done.  She was beyond happy.

We celebrated with cake and ice cream. The only people here were my mom (Grandma) and Aunt Mandy, Greta and Wesley. It was quiet and very fun. She got loads of new things (all of what she wanted) and was one very happy 7-year old. All in all, it was a great day.

 

At 7 years of age, miss Abby is really coming into her own. I can see myself in her. She has my hot temper (not good, but unavoidable) and also takes after me with her artistic skills. She's quite good for her age. She's as sweet as can be at school and has come so far with her social skills. She enjoys going to school and is one smart cookie! I couldn't be more proud of her and I am so happy that God has blessed me with her. And speaking of God, she is so thankful for Him. She is always talking about God and Jesus and how important they are to her. This makes my heart just glow. She's definitely on the right path and I'm so blessed to be her mom. What a fun and joyous seven years it has been. Happy Birthday, Abby!

Sarcasm vs. Tooth

Abby takes after me in many ways. And I'm not just talking about the red hair. She's a spitfire. And as I've raised the kids with my sarcastic ways, they have learned a thing or two. Abby is by far my biggest mini-me. She has...well...a smart mouth on her. I hate saying it like that, but it's too true. She has a tendency to say smart-alec remarks that get me grinding my teeth or rubbing my temples in frustration. For example, I might tell her to pick up the crayons on the floor and she would reply with, "What's a crayon? Craaay-yon? Crablyon? I don't understand what you're saying." I usually reply with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms and she'll tap her foot and say, "What? Maybe if you said it clearer I could understand you." Oh man. She gets my goat, that one.

So little miss Abby had started to get a loose tooth a few weeks back. It really hadn't gone very far despite all her wishing it would. She was very eager to lose her first tooth like big brother had (who has lost 7 now). So two days ago, when I told her to brush her teeth, she had a very NOT loose tooth. Tooth brushing is a fiasco at night. I generally have to do a bit of yelling to get it done. When Abby was dilly-dallying in the bathroom after I'd already told her to get it done three times, I got mad and said, "Abby! Get your teeth brushed, now!" She then proceeded to whip out her attitude. She took the toothbrush in her mouth and started swiping downward and out (very hard) on her bottom teeth while saying, "I...AM...BRUSHING....MY...TEETH!" On the last word 'teeth', a small white thing flicked out of her mouth, glistening in the light, and flew through the air. We all just stood there and I said, "What was that?" Abby was standing there with a dumb-founded look on her face, blood trickling out of her mouth, and she said in utter shock, "My tooth."

I laughed so hard when I realized what had happened. In all her sarcastic glory, she had popped out her barely loose tooth. It wasn't ready to be pulled. She didn't cry until I told her that the good news was that she'd lost a tooth but the bad news was it wasn't quite ready to come out so it would bleed a bit harder. She is now very happy to join the ranks of the toothless. She's already excited to get tooth two ready for the plucking. The tooth-fairy visited and left her $1.25. She got the extra quarter for creativity.

Spring Sighting

It's not spring. But you know what? It sure feels like it. Today it reached almost 70 degrees outside. Granted, I was so tired from a night of staying up with Evie (not even kidding when I say all night long) that I didn't get to enjoy it all that much. But the robins are out in full force, bees were actually buzzing in the yard (sluggishly), and I killed a mosquito (huh?). I sent the kids outside as much as I could, but if two go out, then the third must follow...no matter how tired she is. And I had about enough energy to lie on the couch and keep my eyes open wide enough to keep track of the kids. Evie is sick...again. She just barely got over the last one. I haven't even gotten a chance to stop using the humidifier when *poof* she got sick again. This time it's a lot worse and involved a two day long fever. But nonetheless, she got to go outside and play. Another part of spring and summer I am looking forward to. The lack of the sickies. Ugh. So tired of the constant snot and gunk.

Alex had his first basketball game today and so that broke up our day enough that I could get a second wind. That's when I do my best with little to no sleep - when I'm backed against a wall. The more that is expected of me, the harder I push back, and the more I can accomplish. Annoying. I am, however, hoping that tonight Evie will actually sleep so that I can start fresh in the morning. Because guess what? Tomorrow it's supposed to be 71 degrees and sunny! I need some vitamin D...the natural way. I am pretty desperate for spring and these 'tease' spring days are getting me excited for the long haul. I am so ready to be out of this house all day. If it was socially acceptable to lie outside naked in the sun, I'd love to take part in it. Alas, it is not Europe and we are not at a nude beach. That, and I could never do it. I'm just not a naked kind of gal. Is anyone else as ready to escape their house as much as me? Happy sprinter to all. (Spring + Winter = Sprinter)

Terrible Twos

She may be in the heart of the terrible twos, but she's still my sweetie.

I have to be honest. I don't think I really remember Alex and Abby's true terrible two phase. I mean, I remember it was bad. I can remember taking video of Alex screaming and kicking the door for no reason whatsoever. I can remember the kicking, pinching, fighting and constant crying. But for some reason, I don't remember it driving me this crazy! I was thinking about it today. I think part of the reason that I don't remember things being so crazy back then, was because both Alex and Abby were going through it at around the same time. We all know that 'terrible two' really is a phase that goes well into the third and sometimes fourth year. And even though they had their bad days, they had each other to get them through it. A bored child does not help the anger and mixed up feelings that they get at this age. With Alex and Abby in school most of the time, Evie is home all day with just dear old mom. And dear old mom, as awesome as she is (ahem), just isn't all that fun all the time. I try. I really do. But after reading the 60th book for the day, I sometimes just need a break. That's about the time I go do things around the house or sit down and try not to do anything for a brief moment. Evie does not enjoy this.

I've been working hard on a literary program for the kids at school and it is time consuming. One of the tasks I've appointed myself is creating a "mascot" for the speech I'm supposed to give to the students. This is great fun for me. Not so much fun for a bored two-year old. So as I'm painting it, I gave her a board to draw on. It helps...for awhile. She helps me bake cookies. She likes to make her own oatmeal for breakfast (with help). She's a pro at finding all the socks in the laundry. But through it all, there are tantrums. Oh, the screaming! And pinching? Oh my goodness! That girl does three things that I find it very...very...difficult to cope with. She spits at me when she's mad and then when she realizes that the spitting isn't getting my goat, she pinches. And whilst pinching she says, "Pinch, pinch!" If the pinching doesn't work, she resorts to kicking and saying "Kick, kick!"

Fun for me. Not for Evie.

*sigh* I know that this will pass one day. And I will not remember the frustrating times. I will remember the sweet little girl who does super cute things, like lying on the floor with the cats. But some days, my sanity barely hangs on by a thread. And it's a very, very thin thread right now.

Sleeping with Luke in a box.

She is the cat whisperer. This is Leia. Leia hates everyone but Josh. And when Alex and Abby are gone, she loves Evie. She frequently curls up in her lap and purrs. Strange.

Healthy Goals

Last summer was the first time I've ever started exercising. I mean, really exercising. You know. The kind where you bust your butt trying to lose weight and get healthy? Yeah. I did that. I started out slow and worked my way up to very fast speed-walking/slow jogging. I did this at least five days a week and I sure felt like I was working the fat away. Strangely enough, I did this for almost three months and never lost a single pound. I know. Very annoying.

I didn't lose anything, but here is what I gained: A seriously messed up knee, a wonky foot, and some epic proportioned self-esteem issues. I was flabber-gasted. I mean, how can a person sweat their butt off without getting even slightly toned or, at the very least, a pant-size lower? And to top it off, by the end of the three month stretch, I couldn't bend my knee and was limping the last mile of every walk/jog. My knee got so bad that I had to quit. I went to the doc only to be told I needed an MRI. Well, guess how much an MRI costs. The answer is: Too much! I didn't get it. Lucky for me, I have a brother-in-law who's a doctor and can diagnose these things. He told me it was a torn meniscus and that I'd need surgery to fix it.

So here's the thing. I need to get healthy (exercise wise). I eat well enough. But I need to shed the pounds in the worst way! According to the BMI charts, I'm just a few pounds shy of obesity. What?!? I am not obese! *rolls eyes* (Wait. Am I?) I'm short. Apparently someone of my stature should have an ideal weight of 120 pounds. Yeah, right! In my bra! Ha! So here I am, needing to exercise but unable to bend my knee. So my goal is to get my body healthy and back up and running so that I can...ya know...get up and running. So far, I've gotten my scary neck lump checked. Good and done. My broken foot is never going to heal (don't ask) but I can deal with it. I went to a heart doc to make sure my skipped heart beats (PVCs) aren't anything to worry about. Good and done. And I have physical therapy going for my wrist that I sprained (while sleeping...figure that one out) so I can start with weights. Not good yet, but done. Now I have one thing left: My knee. I've got the MRI done and an appointment with the Ortho next week. As soon as they can tell me what the random floating object (probably cartilage) is in my knee, they'll fix me up and I'm hitting that pavement again! I am really trying to get myself taken care of. I'm a train-wreck and I need to be good so I can...ya know...be good. Does that make sense?

So this is me, trying to fix myself. I'm actually putting myself as a priority. I haven't done that in years. It sounds messy and no fun. And believe me when I say that it's been a wild past couple of months. But I feel like I'm accomplishing something. It's time to say bye-bye to almost-obese Jessica and hello to endorphine-loaded Jessica. Healthy goals - I have them.