Class of 2020

My kids are in fourth grade and second grade. I try to live in the moment and not think too much about where we'll be in the next few years. This morning, I was forced to think ahead. At the end of Jacob's second grade program they held up a banner that said "Class of 2020" as they sang "I'm Proud to Be an American". Wow, class of 2020. It will be here before we know it. That's only ten years away. Joshua is ten. He will be in the class of 2018. When I think how fast the last ten years have flown, it is overwhelming to think how quickly the next ten will pass. Yes, a few tears were shed as I realized how quickly they are growing up.

Guess what time it is

It's time for a new home improvement project. Like so many of our projects this one started simple enough. We set out to purchase a bed for Joshua's room. He currently has an antique set that belonged to John's great grandparents. It isn't in the greatest shape, so we decided it was time to upgrade. The original plan was to get him a full size bed since we already had a full size mattress set and a nice chest of drawers. That plan didn't materialize. As we were browsing the furniture store, the nice salesman informed us that they had a special going where you could get a free mattress and box spring if you purchased a bedroom set. Did he say free? Wow, we must buy now.

Can you guess what happened next? We caved and bought Joshua a whole new bedroom suit. It is a queen size bed with a dresser, mirror, and night stand. Wait, it gets better. Due to this awesome deal, we decided to go ahead and buy a new master bedroom suit as well. Don't try to make sense of our logic. Just go with it. We rationalized that we could pass our current bedroom suit down to Jacob. Now all three bedrooms will have queen size beds. This will make it easier when we have overnight guests. I realized the holes in the logic, but humor me.

Anyway, at this point we realized that the kids will need new bedding since they are getting bigger beds. Off to Kohl's where bedding was on sale. I love sales. The boys each picked out a comforter set and we made a trek to Lowe's for paint. We chose a paint color that would work with both to make the project a little easier. Now both kids have fresh paint, and the furniture will be delivered this week. I still have to get new curtains and curtain rods. Also, we are going to put a new ceiling fan in Joshua's room. Not too big a project so far. We decided to wait to repaint the master bedroom. I didn't want to rush to pick out bedding and paint. That will most likely be a summer or fall project. Our next slated project involves lots of digging, installing drainage, and laying sod. We are all about the fun.

And another week goes by

I really have gotten behind on this whole blog thing, so I guess now is as good a time as any to play catch up. On February 15th, my Joshua turned ten. We had a small celebration on his birthday, and then he had a party with friends this past Sunday at Gatti town. Candy Lee sang to him, and then they all danced. After that they dispersed into the game room and everyone did their own thing. Jacob was making me laugh because he only wanted to play the games that gave you tickets. Everyone seemed to have a good time, and I would definitely recommend Gatti town for parties. Happy Birthday my handsome Joshua. I love you.

Another reason John is Awesome

He put the washing machine up on blocks and fixed it. He is the greatest. Yesterday as I attempted to do laundry, it started leaking. It began as a little leak, and quickly became a big leak. I decided to call it a day, since washing one load produced another load of towels from cleaning the mess. Today, my strong, handsome husband came to the rescue. The pump was replaced and we are back in business. A $55 pump was a whole lot easier to handle than a new washing machine, although I wouldn't mind having a new front load washer. John told everyone that I have been washing bricks while he's not home so that I can get one. I guess I'll have to try something else. It's hard to score a new washer when he's so good at fixing the one I got.

Jacob's so funny

Learning to play

I must admit, I am not good at just playing. That being said, I was excited about having a day at home today. I was plotting all the things I intended to accomplish. Lots of laundry and ironing, cleaning out closets, mopping floors, sorting through paperwork, filling out Joshua's birthday invites. The list goes on and on.
As the morning progressed, I started all my fun. Around 7 I sent John a picture of the water seeping out from under my washing machine. I told him I would be needing to purchase a front load washing machine this weekend. He didn't go for it. He seems to think that the washer is leaking because of a loose connection. He said he would fix it this weekend. I am still using it. It is only leaking in the front, and it is still washing fine. I only have three load left and then I will be good for a few days. On to the ironing. When I plugged the iron in this morning, it would start to heat up and then it would just start spitting out water and making a mess. It wouldn't stay hot. I decided to take it apart and see if I could figure out the problem. I learned that it is made of really cheap plastic, so it is now in the trash.

As the morning went on I started to think about a sermon I heard this week. The man spoke about God's Will for our lives. He talked about God speaking to us through providential circumstances. I decided God was telling me to go play. He gave me a gift today. I get to spend a day at home with my kids. I get to see their joy as they play in the snow. I get to just slow down and enjoy my blessings. I had no intention of going outside to play, I had too much to do. I am so thankful that God slowed me down and changed my focus. Life is good, ironing can wait.

It's Saturday! (also known as day 13)

We have become thankful for Saturdays because it means we get to sleep in at least to 7 or 8. Last night was twelve nights of workouts in a row, and I think I'm starting to see some results, but it may just be wishful thinking. Either way it keeps me going.

This afternoon I will get the smoker ready and put on about 115 pounds of meat to cook for the game tomorrow. I don't really have a preference who wins, but we are situated in Saints territory, so that is where most people's allegiance lies. Our house will be one of two watching party locations for our church tomorrow, so we have to get ready for that.

Not a lot more to say this morning, maybe we'll get around to posting some pictures soon. It's just too easy to take them and put them right on facebook.

Happy Birthday Kristina!!

Today is my wife's birthday. Happy birthday to the one that keeps me on track, keeps me motivated to do better in all areas of my life, and to the one that pours out her love to this entire family without stop. I hope that you have a wonderful day!