Around Here

I had a new kitchen sink and faucet installed earlier this week.  I am in love.

The sink is black granite/resin composite.  It's supposedly scratch, chip and heat resistant.  I mostly like it because it's black.  *wink*  The faucet is a Delta touch on/off model.  LOVE IT!  It's been two days and I'm still doing a happy dance.

I've given myself a break on home projects to play in JulieWorld.  I needed a sympathy card for a friend (the teacher I subbed for earlier this week) so I decided to make three.  I'm glad I did.  A favorite uncle of mine passed away earlier this week.  He was a very hard working, generous man and even though its been many years since I've last seen him, he will be greatly missed.


Here is the card I gave to my teacher friend....

And the one I sent to my uncle's family....

And my remaining card.  I sincerely hope that I don't need it any time soon.

Yep, School is Back in Session

It may only be the second week of school but I've already been called upon as a substitute.  I spent Monday and Tuesday this week in a third grade classroom. Many of the kids knew me from last year so we were off to a great start and we had two very good days.  

My little buddy is back again this year and I've already met with his teacher.  I will be volunteering on Thursday mornings, first with him (now a 3rd grader) and then with Michelle's first grade class and I'm really looking forward to both.  Meg is also volunteering in Michelle's classroom three times a week.  She helps out beginning at 7:15 and then heads to her middle school at 8:30. (School begins at 7:30 at the elementary level and 9:05 for middle schoolers.)  Of course this means that she requires a ride to school but I'm sharing that duty with a friend whose daughter is also volunteering in another classroom.  

Speaking of Meg, she is loving all of her teachers and classes and I can't begin to tell you how much smoother our year will be because of it.  My goal for this year is to instill (and enforce) good study habits.  So far, so good.   

I'd like to leave you with a photo of her latest hairstyle.  (My apologies...it's a very bad photo taken indoors, at night, with my Iphone)  She refers to it as "Katniss style."  I really love it.

And yes, that's tape on my wall.  I'm trying out new paint color swatches.  More on that in another post.  

Well, Whadaya Know?

This post is for all of you non-believers, you naysayers, you skeptics ... all those of little faith.



It's taken 17 years but by golly, I finished what I set out to do.



Yes, I know.  All of you Doubting Thomases need to see it with your own eyes.  I get it.



Behold, a thing of beauty.....

For those of you wondering, no, blue-gray is not my favorite color in vehicles.  It just happens to be how it worked out.   The story goes like this...

My convertible was purchased used a few years ago so its color was pre-determined.  A few months ago while new car shopping, we came across a great deal at Volvo.  This SUV was "brand spanking new" but happened to be the last of their 2013 model year.  With a parking lot full of 2014's they were very willing to deal and honestly, money speaks far louder than color.

The only section of the garage yet to be finished is Randy's tool corner.  He has a huge (and very messy) Craftsman tool box that needs to be purged and organized as well as a few boxes and 5 gallon buckets full of misc power tools and the like. Have no fear, I'll keep hounding him until it's finished, but I think we've accomplished enough for one morning.

We have lived in this home for 17 years and I'm quite serious when I say that this is the first time EVER that two vehicles have been in the garage simultaneously. I'm so happy right now, I'm giddy!

First Day of School

It's official, Meg is now an 8th grader.  As per family tradition, she has to pose for her annual first day of school photo.

What she didn't know though was that Mom stalked her from the drive with her zoom lens.

There are only three of them at the middle school stop this year.  Apparently there is unwritten rule that boys take one side of the street and girls take the other.   The tradition made much more sense in years past when there has been a nice gender mix however lone boy seems determined to stick to it.

 

Thankfully Meg came home in a very good mood.  Unlike the start of last year, she came home loving her schedule and her teachers.  (Yay!)  This has everything to do with the fact that she's slowly moved her way up from all on-level classes as a sixth grader to all advanced (with the exception of math) as an eighth grader.   We are crossing our fingers for a good start to a great year.  

I Have a Secret

A very big secret.



A secret I've kept since Mother's Day.



A secret that's growing bigger and bigger every day.



I'm going to be a grandmother!

Is he not gorgeous?  Just like his parents-to-be ...

And now that we know Little One is Little Guy, it was time to share the wonderful news.

Little Guy is due to make his grand appearance on Dec. 31st and we couldn't be happier or any more excited!  Life Is Good.