The Good -

* Got the Living Room, Hall, Entry and Kitchen painted today!

* Doing more landscaping tomorrow

* Carpet should be installed next week!

The Bad-

* Not looking forward to getting a haircut this week

* Landscaping and Carpet will cost us some more bucks.. (luckily got that in budget though)

* 13 semester hours this summer :(

And The Ugly-

* Getting put in a group with 3 Jabroni's in my online Mangement Information Sytems class.  We have homework due Tuesday (and every Tuesday) and these meatheads have still not responded to my e-mails.  Hopefully they get their act together, 25% of my grade is group work! 

Let the Hazy Sage Roll....

Dave went to work today and I went to get the paint for our painting day tomorrow, Saturday. After I put Jaxson to sleep for his nap... in his crib!.... I just looked at the bag of rollers and trays, and watched the gallons of paint just sit there waiting to be opened up. So that is exactly what I did. I found a screw driver thingy, covered the floor and taped the baseboards, and went to town. Jaxson took a nice long nap and I got all of the green in the kitchen done. He woke up and he roamed with his pusher thing and I did the other walls in the entry way. He cruised and I rolled for about four hours. Now we have four walls painted and only have to do the tan tomorrow. It already looks sooo much different in here. I can't wait to have it all done and show off our new paint and new carpet to everyone.

Decisions Decisions...

When there are millions of colors to choose from, and they offer little samples of so many, this is what happened to our house. Nearly every wall has some sort of color on it.. you know so you can see the different colors in the different lighting, next to the couches, next to the woodwork.... and the list continues. I think we did find the right color but good thing I did splatter paint all over the house because the color we THOUGHT we would do was not the one we ended up using. Thank you Glidden samples! And the winner is Hazy Sage and Natural Linen. Looking forward to a fresh new look!

Taking care of Landscaping

We are beginning to understand why people would HIRE someone to put all of this together for them. Not only is it hard labor but it is nearly impossible to get everything to look good and have something blooming all year. This was a concept we weren't really researching when we planted the first half. This will be something that we will have to learn more about in the years to come... and maybe in the years to come we can just hire someone as well. AAhhh... wouldn't that be nice! :)

Garden

We are not done, and we will continue to change to make sure that we have blooms all year long but we are off to a pretty good start I think. It is definitely better than it was before. As we get better at gardening we may have a yard like Dave's Aunt Sue, or my Aunt Joanne. Someday many years from now :)

Dos Rios kind of Birthday

Dan Barry has hit one of the milestone birthdays, a milestone that many aren't excited about. The big 3-0. We had "tizers" at Dos Rios and then on to an ICubs game. Anne had a ice cream cake saved in the freezer at Dos Rios with Dan's baby picture and all right on the top. Dan didn't want to eat his face, so as you will notice in the pictures he ate around his funny little baby face. The rain didn't ruin the plans, just postponed the plans slightly and gave everyone an extra hour or so to enjoy beverages and some good guacamole.

Jaxson and Steve are friends again (Steve used to make Jaxson cry instantly)




Asleep for our walk ICub game, shoes in the cupholders.

Once we got to the game we did what most people do, not watch the game. The girls anyway. The ICubs were losing anyway, Chicago has taken all of the good players. We had pretty good seats but there was about 8 foul balls that were flying at us the whole time, one after another. One even hit a chair about 100 miles an hour directly behind our row. It flew right next to the last person in our row. I know baseball games were dangerous but I feel like last night was just not our lucky night because every ball seemed to be coming right for us. We left the game a little early since the rain delay but luckily we weren't missing any fireworks.

EEWW... Grass

We get to enjoy Racoon River park at least once a week to be there for Dave's softball games. Tonight there wasn't much of a crowd because of Memorial weekend but I was able to chat with Shena Isaacson through the first game and Carol joined with Charley for the second. Shena is due on Monday and was excited, anxious and full of questions. I remember what is was like when your due date is approaching. It was such an exciting time, something that you have been waiting for for nine months. Can you imagine looking at a present for 9 months and not being able to open it? I can barely last a few weeks seeing the presents sit under the tree. I know that with baby number two I will be just as excited, maybe more because I know all the wonderful baby things I get to enjoy but it won't have that same "firstness." Althought it may not be the same I know baby number two will be great in its own way. (disclaimer (from Dave) this is not to say that we ARE having a second baby) ( second disclaimer (from Dave) I don't want to sound bad that I DON'T want to have a second baby but that we haven't talked about having a second baby yet)

On the way back to the car we stopped in the grass so Jaxson could feel it on his bare feet. He was not that impressed to say the least. He would only put one foot down at a time and would have preferred to have both feet off of the grass all together. I sat on the grass with him and Dave was able to get some photos of us, which Jaxson trying to keep his toes as far away from the grass as possible.. so cute!

Shoes OFF!

It is finally done. When Jaxson was born, before he was crawling approximately 3months I brought up the idea of new carpet. Our carpet wasn't the best quality, and wasn't the best color, but it did the job. Unfortunately it was on the verge of being completely worn out. After much discussion and convincing we decided to just go look at carpet. Now Jaxson nearly 11 months we ordered new carpet. Either I am a horrible sales person or Dave is extremely stubborn, or both and it took nine months to make the decision.

Then the hard part, we had to AGREE on a color, style, look. After many months of deliberating we finally decided. We had to up our budget a touch to find something that we both would be happy with but in the long run its better carpet and neither of us can say I told you so! I will make sure I have some pics up when it is installed.

Everyone that stops by.. be sure to remove your shoes so Dave doesn't have a heart attack from you walking on his new prized possession.. the carpet.

Moving up in the world

I have had the same phone for what seems like forever. Dave always wondered why I never got a new phone, and I would always answer, "because this one still works." Then it finally happened, after nearly 5 years, my phone broke. It stopped charging and it was only a matter of time when it was going to be dead. I went to US Cellular on Saturday after our pictures and they looked at how many minutes had been used, an obnoxious amount like 300,00 (over 5 years though) and it surprisingly had no water damage. This surprised me as I have dropped it in puddles, snow drifts, you name it I have done it. I always kept a hard case on in from day one, that case was definitely worth the ten dollars!

I brought home a Banter. It is a regular phone with a flip our keyboard to text and other various things. I told the rep to not even take me over to the blackberry's because it is just too tempting. This new phone was just enough for me, an upgrade from what I had but not too far of a leap. Dave was quick to want to check out my new phone when he got in on Sunday and seemed unimpressed. Then he said those words... why didn't you just get a blackberry, this phone is pretty much the same size. I didn't need much convincing, I would take a blackberry but didn't know it if was really worth it.

We went to the US Cellular store and Dave thought it was an easy choice and we came home with a Blackberry. He was more excited than me I think. I was having to ask him to borrow MY phone to make a call. Then I had to have his help to figure out how to make a call. I am starting to get the hang of it a week in but still have a lot to learn.

I feel so connected to the world now. While at work with people jibbering on about late charges, or minimum payments I am roaming my phone. When it mine turn to answer or explain something I wasn't so sure what to explain.. oops. As soon as you see an email come in you feel the need to respond instantly. This may change as time goes on and I won't feel the need to reply as fast as humanly possibly. Although, one thing this doesn't change is me not paying complete attention to my phone as usual. On my way home on Tuesday Dave wanted me to stop for cheese for dinner. He called, then he texted, then he emailed, and I still came home completely cheeseless unaware of Dave's attempts to ask me this simply favor. Some things will never change!

Mother and Son Weekend

Dave went to Vegas this weekend so it was just Jaxson and I all weekend. He left on Friday which also happened to be Carol's birthday so we joined her, Lauren, and Lynne for dinner at her new condo. It was a nice, low-key evening. I ordered the a similar dish that they made at my wedding, that was nice to be able to enjoy it again because I certainly didn't eat much at the wedding. We came home late, let the dogs out and got ready for bed. Since it was a weekend all to ourselves I figured that Jaxson can just sleep to me every night. This was nice to cuddle with my soon to be toddler and this also prevented me from having to get out of bed when he wakes up at 3am and get him from his crib.

Then come Saturday and we met Leah, Aubrey, and Tyler at the farmers market. They had already been down there for a little while once we got there so they headed towards home shortly after we arrived. Jaxson and I walked back down the main street and along a few of the side streets together. We ate a potato thing together then enjoyed a pastry. He loved the pudding like creme that was inside of our peach pastry... and so did I. It was pretty windy and cold so we didn't stay much longer but it was nice to walk around without waiting for anyone and without feeling like your holding people up when off to look at something so uniteresting to them. If Dave doesn't get up on Saturday mornings Jaxson and I may do it again, just the two of us.

To occupy our afternoon hours we had pictures taken at The Picture People. They have a promotion to have a free trilogy, 1 8x10, 2 5x7 for free if you have three appointments. At each appointment you don't even have to buy anything but I get one free print each time so it will work out great. One visit down, two to go! I want to have some pictures for his one year birthday that is coming up next month!!

Saturday night we met Carol for dinner at the Bonefish Grill. I had tuna, it was so good. I got out of the habit of eating tuna ever since I have been pregnant and nursing. They say that you can eat it once a month and will be safely under any mercury limits, and I haven't eaten it but a few times since I have been preggos, which makes it that much more of a treat. It had a mango salsa on top and veggies and mashed potatoes for a side. Jaxson had some of the mashed and he was pretty impressed and wanted more, more, more!

We snuggled up for our last night together and then picked Dave up at 12:30 on Sunday. He was pretty tired but still was up for going out and about like any other Sunday. It was a nice weekend for Jaxson and I but it was nice to have Dave home.

Happy Mothers Day to ME

I woke up this morning and spent the day just as I would have on most Sundays with Dave making breakfast but I usually don't get to look at roses while I eat. This was special since it was Mothers Day. Soon after that Jaxson and I went out to buy some plants to begin our landscaping project. We circled the aisles with really no idea what to buy so I bought some inexpensive shrubs and other flowers I liked and we headed home. We propped Jaxson's pack and play in the yard so he could join in the fun and we laid out the landscaping fabric. That is when we realized, we have a ton of area!





So back to the store we headed, all three of us this time, and with both cars to load up. We circled the aisles but this time putting more in our cart along with 15 bags of mulch. We laid out what we thought looked good and by no means are we professional but it is definitely better than before. Hopefully we chose stuff that will grow good in the area and didn't make it too crowded. And really, if we did oh well.. we will just try again next year. I have a feeling it will look pretty good once it begins to grow a little and the flowers blossom.

Before
(this is the other side of the door but prior to prep this is what it looked like)

Prepped

The Plan

Almost Done

Don't miss a spot!!

Coleman's

We were the host tonight and it was a nice change. We usually are going elsewhere to grill, I am not complaining, but it was a nice change for the evening. Sara and Chris Coleman along with their daughter Essix joined us for grilling and enjoying the weather. The boys grilled up asparagus, potatoes, and steak, with a salad and cheese and crackers it was a meal from start to finish. Essix just finished her 6 month photos at Greenwood park so we thought why stop the photos and continued to take a few on our back deck. It is so nice that the trees are in bloom. I have already forgot what it looks like bare and leafless.










It was so interesting watching Jaxson "play" with someone who is younger than him, he is usually the youngest at gatherings. Jaxson actually tried to hit Essix on her head, this was his first act of violence. It made me feel a little worried but then I do have to realize that kids will be kids and part of that is learning how to be gentle, a concept Jaxson clearing doesn't know yet. Sorry again Essix. Even after many attempts we couldn't get a good picture of the two kids together but we certainly tried.

Cookie Monster

Elaine bought Jaxson some of these gerber cookies that Dave, Dan, and Michelle all used to enjoy when they were babies. Well.. Jaxson did enjoy them that is for sure, he enjoyed getting it all over his face and everywhere else possible. Hair, face, fingers, clothes, and highchair. It was everywhere!! Luckily he is still a baby and a baby with cookie all over his face is cute, I am assuming this eventually wears off. Despite the cuteness we took a trip to the bath directly from the highchair. Thanks for the new bathtub Leah and Aubrey!!

And he's off.....

He is off, on two feet that is. The last few weeks he has been getting around on his little push cart like nobodies business. He turns, backs up, pretty much picks it up and moves it to get around. This I believe has given him the courage to try it without the help of the his cart. On Friday I stood him out in front of me while I sat on the edge of the couch. He got his balance then just stood there for a few seconds, maybe ten or so. Then all of the sudden he just walked to me, two steps with his arms out. I tried it again and he did it again. I yelled for Dave hoping he would do it again, and he did. Dave was surprised, impressed, and surprised some more. Then Dave began wondering what exactly counts as his first steps. Two steps three times in a row definitely counts as his first steps. Unfortunately I tried to get him to do it again with the video rolling but he was being shy. He hasn't taken any more steps as of yet, crawling is still easier, but as soon as he does I will hopefully have the cameras rolling.

Bacon Explosion

You have not ate anything like it before, I am just sure of it. I thought it was an April's fools joke when Dave first mentioned it to me. But luckily for him and all the other bacon loving crazies it wasn't a joke at all. The bacon explosion is bacon, seasoned just right, inside of Graziano's italian sausage, then all wrapped in slices of bacon that are weaved together like a basket. All of this smothered in sauces and spices and smoked to perfection. I didn't take in the fun because I really don't like Graziano's sausage and am not a huge fan of bacon, needless to say I was a little hesitant. Everyone that tried it loved it, even Mary (Dave's cousin) who is one of the pickiest eaters I know. So if anyone is needing a reason to have a family gathering nothing better than to all be entertained by eating a bacon explosion. Good luck with all of your tummies later!

P.S. If anyone is really interested there is actually a YouTube video of exactly how to do it, including how to weave the bacon basket. Good Luck!

Here comes the bride.. but first the Shower.

On Saturday all of the girls close to Anne Harty joined at Bistro Montage for a perfectly cute wedding shower. We had great food, little hamburgers and an assortment of other dainty but tasty dishes. Although the desert wasn't served as small as the other dishes I still had two :) but really who is surprised. The most fun activity they did was a "newlywed" game, where Anne had to guess how Dan answered questions such as where was their first kiss. It wasn't very surprising that after nine years of being together that they did get most if not all of the answers correct. I wonder how Dave and I would do... I think I will wait until nine years and then give it a try!

Things that have annoyed me this week....so far

1.Jamie Pollard

2.Alopecia

3.Standard Definition(tv)

4.Late people

5.Selfish friends

6.Twitter

7.Finals

-Not in any particular order, I can't give Pollard that kind of credit!