A Week's Work

Okay so it's been over a week and I'm still not a hundred percent done, but I needed proof that I wasn't slacking. I know some of you have no idea what my house looked like before so maybe you won't, but those who do may appreciate these. I tried really hard to take pictures around the mess that still is here, so you could enjoy the new colors.
Dining room. I was going to get rid of my table but decided against it. Hopefully it lasts just a bit longer.
Living room. New chairs. And I think I'm going to need another bookshelf here soon.
View into the living room from the dining room.
My kitchen. No more red!!! Okay, so the color was pretty I will give you that, but NO ONE should EVER paint anything dark red!!! Not unless this is going to be your home for the rest of your lives. It's just cruel!!
Hyrum and Porter's room. They'll have a tent in there too when they get back from Oma and Opa's, at least until we can afford to buy a new bed. The blackboards aren't completely done yet either, but another coat should do it.
Another view of Porter and Hyrum's room.
Emma and Dan's room.
Another shot. The yellow didn't want to take very well in the kids' rooms so I did have to give up. I guess it didn't turn out too badly.
Upstairs bathroom.
Downstairs bathroom. I love this room now!! It always felt so tiny before. (It was kind of a dark green color)


Anyway, now it's all cleaning and organizing and doing everything I've ignored all week long like laundry-- so that I can pack and get out to Illinois for a few days. Let's hope that I can take at least a day off too before I go.

A New Playground

Well we have lived in this complex for about 3 years now, and even before hand they were promising a new playground. Finally it is here. I have to say, the kids love it because it's new, but I am severely disappointed in the appropriation of HOA funds. This is by far a sad cry from what they could have gotten for probably less than they paid for it. Seriously, our HOA is completely incompetent, but I digress.

The kids had a blast. And all I can say is that it's a good thing Dan is so brave or he wouldn't even be able to use the thing. There are no stairs to get up, just ladders.



Dan loved everything though. And at least it has swings now.



Porter still prefers to dig into the dirt. He also has issues with the no stairs thing. He gets up but doesn't particularly like slides and going down ladders is still scary for him, so he just gets stuck up top. He loves the new see saw though.


Hyrum had fun posing for pictures more than anything.


Ignore my shadow. Emma loves the new set up too. Especially the swings!!! That is the end all beat all for her.

I'm glad they had fun. Now if only it was a better playground and came with new neighbors. Then maybe they could play on it more often and not just at 8 in the morning :(

ENT

Well Porter gets to have a tonsillectomy!! Yippey!! Actually for me it was an easy decision. The child has tonsils that are a 3 plus in size, and he has sleep apnea. So it's between my child not breathing and surgery. Very easy decision. The only problem is that the doctor noticed a murmur, which his PCM has never said anything about. As a result, he has to have his surgery at Primary Children's Hospital in case of any complications. August 17th we go in, and I am truly hoping for a very uneventful day!! And then, a child who gets proper sleep, and perhaps eats a bit more, so that he doesn't blow away in the wind.

Splash Pad

So today we got together with our playgroup and went to the Splash Pad in Riverdale (I'm a total bum and put away the camera once friends got there, and neglected to take pictures then).
But before they got there the kids went mad around the pad, even Dan!!!! And I tell you what, that shocked the crap out of me. Every other time we've gone to a Splash Pad he categorically refuses to go in, and this time, he got royally soaked!! I was so proud.
It was a bit cold though!! That is so sad considering this is Utah and it's July. I personally LOVE this weather but it does make playing in water a bit on the cold side. Porter kept coming and going. He wanted to play but he was so cold.
Emma did the same thing. The girl was covered in goose pimples. But she did have a blast.
Hyrum was purple and still at it. He never wanted to leave. Especially, once their friends arrived. We were suppose to be there until 2:30 and we didn't get out of there until closer to 3:30. And, they would have stayed even longer if I'd let them.

Now hopefully I can remember to have the camera out longer on Thursday!

June 2010 Books

The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid 516

New series by Rick Riordan--you know the dude who wrote the Percy Jackson series!! Okay, so I loved Percy Jackson, big shocker considering I'm a sucker for any book that deals with the supernatural--well, at least usually. I'm sure there are some out there I would never read, but generally, I've always been fascinated by myths and legends and this new series doesn't fail me there. Instead of ancient Greek myths, we are talking Egyptian, which are equally fascinating. The only problem being that it's the first book and so I will be waiting forever to really "finish" this series. However, Riordan sure has a gift for creating a compelling story.

The Necromancer: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel 389

Author Michael Scott. This is the fourth book in the series, and this is another, that if you are as impatient as me, may need to wait until the series is over. I tell you though, he sure knows how to weave a story that makes you anxious for more. I started this book and it was over way too quickly. His books mainly deal with Irish/Norse mythology. And I can't wait for the next one. . .

The Keys to the Kingdom:
Mister Monday 361
Grim Tuesday 321
Drowned Wednesday 389
Sir Thursday 344
Lady Friday 303
Superior Saturday 278
Lord Sunday 317

Author Garth Nix. The nice thing here is that this is a complete series. They are very interesting books, dealing with the tools of making or the keys by which "heaven and earth" were created and what happens when those that are suppose to care for both go very wrong. Then a mortal boy of "no consequence" is randomly chosen to fix it all, and the path he must take to fulfill the will of the architect. It was a fun series with an unexpected end.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner 178

Author Stephanie Meyer. Okay, I admit I love Twilight. I'm not going to argue with you about it's merits one way or another. I'm sick and tired of hearing how lame people who love Twilight are!!! Totally, completely sick of it!! So if you don't like it, that's your business, but don't insult me!! Okay, that's my rant!!! Sorry, I really am tired of it. There are many things in this world that people like and others don't; I just don't get why people who don't like or understand something feel the need to condemn or make fun of those who do, especially when it comes to what people choose to read. At least they are reading. . . To me, it's the act itself.

Anyway, this novella wasn't very well written but it was an interesting insight into the previous books. You definitely feel for Bree even more than you do from what you get in Elipse. It was a quick read, and if you are a Twilight fan, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

The Book of Ruth 328

Author Jane Hamilton. This is apparently one of those Oprah Book Club books. Me, I saw it on Savers used book shelves and decided to get it. I'd heard it was good and plus, it's the book of me!!! ;) It was a rather an intense book, and very sad, but it was very well written, and a compelling book. If you grew up in a small town, you will really get this book!!

Stoneheart 450
Ironhand 386

Author Charlie Fletcher. This is a trilogy. (I actually finished the third book earlier today, but since it's technically July, that will be included next month) Really a fun series. The books are set in London, and deal with the supernatural as well. I love most books set in the UK, largely because I would LOVE to live there. I love the family aspect to these books. They were alot of fun.

Total for June 2010: 4560
Total for 2010: 28,883

Well, as always, if you have a question give me a holler!! I can't really tell you if you will love a book because we are all different, but I would be happy to answer any questions about anything I read.