Rearranging

I've rearranged furniture again and in the process decided to create this little corner. I love it, the kids love it, it is so perfect!! A lovely place in front of a sunny window. The kids have spent a lot of time sitting, playing, reading, etc. the last few days. And to think, all it took was a little rearranging.

Neverwhere

I finally finished it!! Funny story. I checked out this book from the library. When I got home I opened it and noticed that it was written in comic book format. I thought it was interesting, but Melissa told me it was very different then any book she has read, so I figured I was just seeing the differences.

When I finally started reading the introduction I noticed that it was the comic book version of the actually book. I headed back to the library and finally got the actually book. It sat for a little bit before I started reading it.

It is a very interesting story. I'm not a huge reader of fantasy, but it looks like many of my family members really like them. This story is easy to get into, lots going on, lots to entertain. Throughout the book I was often wondering if this man had truly entered a different world or if he had somehow lost his sanity. The ending left me with the same question. What did you think Melissa?

A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle is next on my list. I don't have it yet so hopefully I will get it and start reading this next week.

My original booklist is here.

Just A Simple Note.

A few nights ago I found this on my desk after I put the kids to bed. This is the first time
Jakob has left me a note on his own. What a sweet thing to see as I sat down after a full day with the kids and a bunch of bills to work on. Just a reminder that he really does love me. He reminded me that it doesn't take much to brighten someones day.

Reporting - Week 1

So, this last week I stayed on track with my new eating/exercise routine. My only downfall was eating more servings of bread. I forgot this last Monday and had three servings of bread. Then on Saturday I made homemade whole wheat bread and couldn't help but eat 3 pieces of bread throughout the afternoon. I made sure I counted it into my daily calories.

My biggest success was going out to eat with Steve last night. We went to dinner so I had to save my calories throughout the day. I ordered blackened salmon, grilled vegetables, and a baked sweet potato (no butter or brown sugar). So yummy! I ate it all,was so full, and stayed within my 1200 calories!!

Really, it was easy to stay on track. I'm use to eating this way throughout my normal days. Like I said in my earlier post, its the going out to eat/celebrations that throw me off track. Knowing I was accountable made it easy to make the right choices.

An Amigo??

I asked this girl what she wanted to be when she grew up. I thought she would say a mom. She is always playing she is a mom and playing and taking care of her babies, stuffed animals, and Jack our Kitty.
Well, she responded, with great enthusiam, that she wants to be a cowboy or a three amigo. Really, that is what Isabelle wants to be when she grows up.

I guess thats what you get for letting your three year old watch The Three Amigos. (It wasn't me really, it was Steve.)

She already can do the "My Little Buttercup" dance. She'll do it for you when you come and visit. She loves to perform. You should come to visit us just to see her do the dance. Its worth the trip.

Watching.

I really do love living in this place. Most of you know that if it were my choice I would have chosen a nice new/newer home with a good size backyard. Steve has always wanted land and found this place very appealing. I wasn't so excited about it at first and needed some convincing. I didn't want to deal with a fixer upper and found the property (1 1/2 acres) to be very overwhelming. Finally I agreed to take the plunge. Was their times that were really difficult as I struggled with having an ugly house and yard?? Yes!! Is it still difficult? At times, yes it is still difficult, but for the most part I have learned to appreciate what we have.

We have seen deer, raccoon, hawks, snails, snakes, a rabbit, bats, chipmunks, mice and shrews (sp?), and birds and squirrels are part of daily living. We live right in town but it feels like we are out in the country. The kids have so much room to play and love to be outside. I can do projects outside that I could never do in our townhome. The house is coming along, slowly, but it is moving in the right direction. There is so much potential and it will be beautiful when it is finished.

I have been amazed at peoples reaction when they have seen our home. They are so complementary. Where I see an overgrown yard, they see a wonderful place for the kids to play. Where I see an old porch and deck, they see a place to enjoy the view and our beautiful sunsets. Where I see an old house that needs so much work, they see an open floor plan for entertaining and the possibility to have the house just the way I want it. They have helped me see it. Now, for the most part, I have stopped apologizing for my home when people come to visit. I'm truly grateful for what we have and for the choices we have made. I'm far from perfect but I feel that I'm headed in the right direction. Photos like the one above help me to see why we chose what we chose and live where we live.

The Latest

I actually scanned these on the computer with my scanner. They didn't scan that great, I need to figure out how to do it better, but I thought I would still share them with you. It feels SO GOOD to be scrapbooking.