Check out my Slide Show!

RAINY DAY TO DO LIST

Okay, I have no excuse NOT to tackle a few projects today. It's raining so NO beach or vegging allowed. My lists hold me accountable (but only b/c I imagine you ALL are reading and coming back to see what I've crossed off LOL). So here goes - my list for today:

1. Photograph 10 items, edit photos and upload to Photobucket for Fall Ebay. DONE


2. Clean and organize shipping area in basement. Lots of extra boxes, bubble plastic etc. DONE


3. Fold all clean laundry and put away (this never ends does it?) DONE


4. Hang prints in master bath - they're hanging now, but with the tags and packaging still intact until I decided to keep them or not -- I am! DONE


5. Start new Garage Sale bin for next year (Got rid of 9 bins of stuff this year - YAY ME!) DONE


6. Put a fresh top coat on my toenails (laugh if you will, but I want my $$$ pedicure to last) DONE


7. Clean out pantry closet and throw away excess bags of old snacks, expired meds etc. DONE


8. Recycle away stored boxes in master closet (the kind from purchased items you save until you know you're keeping the item) I hate this type of clutter. DONE


9. Clean basement (this will mostly be the kids reorganizing their craft area and putting toys away), vaccuum and wipe down surfaces. MOSTLY DONE


10. Buy vanilla ice cream and make banana shakes for kids as a treat. They have a kids' cookbook and have selected this as a treat to make. This will be their cleaning reward today for a job well done! DONE

Check back later to see how much I've accomplished!

**UPDATE 10PM** okay, not so bad - The unfinished business will carry over for tomorrow as we're expecting rain again. So stay tuned for Rainy Day, Part Deux!

De-Sanding Protocol

• Rinse all sand toys, put into bag and place carefully on chair so as not to get more sand on it;
• carefully shake out beach towels so you don't re-deposit sand on everything you just rinsed;
• fold towels and stuff into bag (funny how they all fit on the way TO the beach);
• rinse feet and carefully (this is tricky) step into shorts without getting sand on them;
• take folded towels back out of bag when you realize car keys are at the bottom;
• grab cooler, beach bags, loose towels, empty bottles and shlepp in a juggling fashion, much to the entertainment of passersby;
• walk like this all the way to the opposite side of the beach from where you parked b/c there is no shower on that side (don't ask why);
• rinse shoes first, place on floor, rinse feet and carefully place into shoe without touching dirty floor first;
• re-schlepp all the way to the parking side of the beach and out to the minivan where it's parked in the next zip code;
• dump everything into the back hatch of the minivan and drive home where you:
• warn everyone within an inch of their lives to put their shoes directly into the laundry tub for scrubbing and give instructions on showering order;
• try to muster up a somewhat healthy dinner (or ask the kids if they want cereal to which I know they'll reply yes!);
• clean the kitchen
• despite all the de-sanding efforts, vaccuum out the sand from the minivan;
• start all over again tomorrow! (note font is in a pretty shade of SAND)

The Mom!

This is my favorite You Tube classic!

With summer here, I thought it would be fun to have a refresher course on all the little pearls of wisdom we're passing along to future generations. Click play!

And! For those who would like a karaoke sing-along? The lyrics are printed beneath the video.

Get up now;
get up now
get up out of bed!
Wash your face;
brush your teeth;
comb your sleepyhead!
Here’s your clothes;
and your shoes;
hear the words I said?
Get up now! Get up and make your bed!
Are you hot?
Are you cold?
Are you wearing that?
Where’s your books;
and your lunch;
and your homework at?
Grab your coat;
and your gloves;
and your scarf and hat!
Don’t forget! --
you gotta feed the cat!
Eat your breakfast;
the experts tell us it’s the most important meal of all
Take your vitamins so you will grow up one day to be big and tall!
Please remember the orthodontist will be seeing you at 3 today.
Don’t forget your piano lesson is this afternoon so U must play!
Don’t shovel;
Chew slowly;
But hurry;
The bus is here
Be careful
Come back here
Did you wash behind your ears?
Play outside;
Don’t play rough;
Will you just play fair?
Be polite;
Make a friend;
Don’t forget to share.
Work it out;
Wait your turn;
Never take a dare.
Get along!
Don’t make me come down there!!
Clean your room;
fold your clothes;
put your stuff away!
Make your bed;
do it now!
do we have all day?
Were you born in a barn?
Would you like some hay?
Can you even hear a word I say?
Answer the phone!
Get off the phone!
Don’t sit so close;
Turn it down;
No texting at the table!
No more computer time tonight!
Your iPod’s – MY iPod
If you don’t listen up!
Where are you going and with whom;
and what time do you think you’re coming home?
Saying thank you, please, excuse me;
makes you welcome everywhere you roam!
You’ll appreciate my wisdom;
someday when you’re older and you’re grown.
Can’t wait til you have a couple little children of your own!
You’ll thank me;
for the counsel;
I gave you so willingly.
But right now;
I thank you;
not roll your eyes at me!
Close your mouth when you chew;
we’d appreciate.
Take a bite, maybe two;
of the stuff you hate.
Use your fork;
do not burp;
or I’ll set you straight!
Eat the food I put upon your plate!
Get an A;
Get the door;
Don’t get smart with me!
Get a grip;
Get in here;
or I’ll count to three!
Get a job;
Get a life;
Get a PhD!
Get a dose of --.
I don’t care who started it!
You’re grounded until you’re 36!
Get your story straight and tell the truth for once for heaven’s sake!
And -- if all your friends – jumped off a cliff – would you jump too?
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said at least a thousand times before.
That you’re – too old to act this way!
It must be – your father’s DNA!
Look at me when I am talking;
Stand up straighter when you walk;
A place – for everything;
and everything must be in place!
Stop crying or I’ll give you something REAL to cry about!
Oh!!
Brush your teeth!
Wash your face!
Put your PJ’s on!
Get in Bed!
Get a hug!
Say a prayer with mom!
Don’t forget;
I love you.
And – tomorrow we will do this all again;
because a mom’s work never ends!
You don’t need a reason why!
Because! Because! Because! Because!
I said so! I said so! I said so! I said so!
I’m the mom – the mom – the mom – the mom – the mom!!
Ta da!!

and for those dads who were feeling left out...

S-P-L-A-S-H Into Summer!!!

Using a water balloon to cool off

(as demonstrated by N2's friend)

N3 proving the theory

If at first you don't succeed...

TRY.....TRY....AGAIN!

SUCCESS!!

Of course Sis has to try too

Such a girlie reaction!

A Graduate's Prayer

Dear Father, I come before You as this ceremony begins.
Be with me as I march into a new life,
and bid bittersweet farewell to teachers and friends.

Adorned with this cap and flowing gown that I now wear,
I pray that wherever my future takes me,
I will always find You there.

I step into the aisle as I hear them call out my name.
Escort me to the podium that looms before me, Lord,
so that I may receive my diploma, for which I came.

Before an audience my tassel is turned.
I hear the music of clapping and cheers,
and I am thankful for this honor that I have earned.

I glance over at my classmates as we stand in line.
We will soon be going our separate ways,
but I will not be leaving my Guidance Counselor behind.

The graduating class gathers one final time.
As our caps soar through the air,
our voices tease the skies with a victory chime.

Thank You, God, for bringing me this far.
I pray that You will continue to lead my way,
as I venture out in search of my own star.
Amen.

Cake Trifecta

7

12

18

May Event List

• 2-3: City-Wide Garage Sale DONE
• 5: My grand-niece's birthday DONE
• 7: My daughter's birthday DONE
• 9: Wedding ATTENDED
• 11: Mother's Day DONE
• 11: Party for the girls DONE
• 18: Graduation Party DONE
• 19: Last Bunco night for the season PLAYED
• 22: 1st grade's school play ATTENDED
• 24: Teenager's birthday SURVIVED
• 24: Party for boys DONE AND HAD A BLAST!
• 25: Memorial Day DONE
• 28: Middle DS's Birthday DONE
• 29: 1st grade end of the year picnic DONE
• 30: See Sex and The City with my sister DONE
• 31: 25th Anniversary party for friends DONE

Signs of Summer

Chalk Art

My first attempt at growing Strawberries!

The lawn in all its glory!

Finding Greener Pastures

The kids took Scooter for a romp in the yard

Once Upon a Time in a Galaxy Far Far Away...

...I had a baby boy.

We were living in Sacramento at the time

He was two weeks late

I was miserable

They scheduled an induction

I woke 2 hours before my alarm went off

Because my water broke

Off to the hospital

15 hours of labor later and one Emergency C-Section

Our first child was born

8 lbs, 2 oz and 21 inches

ALL BOY!!

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Fast Forward 18 years!

He's 6'2" and wears a size 12 shoe!

We had a party for him on Saturday

Here he is (on the right) with a good friend!

Happy Birthday

You're becoming a fine young man!

'sniff'

Porch Update

I posted a year ago about our Porch Improvements here

http://robinsnestful.blogspot.com/2007/06/invitation-to-relax.html

Wow! I'd forgotten how horrid the 'BEFORE' porch was - why did we buy this house again? Oh yeah, we have that thing called 'vision'. Well, at least my dh does. Thank goodness I trust him.

We installed one fan last year.

Notice, our new neighbor made some improvements of his own. He just had that new retaining wall put in to replace the old deteriorating railroad ties. Much nicer.

So this year we completed 'Part Deux', and added some furniture at the opposite end.

I LOVE these chairs (they recline).

Next, came the table that converts to a fire pit. It only uses propane and lava rock so no worries about burning the house down!

Then we installed the matching ceiling fan to the one we installed last year. And by we I mean my husband. Oui' (I'm French) LOL.

If you look closely into the window you get a peek at my laundry/mud room. I should do some pics of that room since I spend so much time there! ;-)

The second fan 'we' (there's that French again) installed this year.

Future plans include a new entry door. This one will do for now. The storm door is a different color because we replaced the old fly-a-way-in-the-slightest-wind one with a sturdier full view and plan to install a darker (wood) entry door.

Another closer look and you get a glimpse of my 1980's entry wallpaper (installed in 1991). I haven't begun de-papering the first floor yet. Oh I take that back; I did strip the powder room of MORE floral paper (had to rid ourselves of previous owner's DNA).

My goal was to give the porch that 'extended living space' feel. I underestimated how ginormous the space is. Any ideas on how to fill in the gap between the two seating areas or are we good?

I'd love for you ALL to stop by for a visit and have a sip of lemonade! (only in this case, lemonade is French for wine).

We have lots of ideas for future improvements so stay tuned (it may take a year. . . . . or FIVE) LOL

High above the chim-iney tops...

Same rainbow

Left and Right side view

I tried to get the entire thing but it was too large and disappeared quickly

Golden Day

Happy Golden Birthday

Sweet Baby Girl

I 'Heart' You!

I hate when I find exactly what I want.....

And it's too spendy! This is my idea. The boys have a great area in their room that I want to turn into a 'lounge' space. It's a corner right between their bunkbeds and one of their dressers. I have bookshelves there now that are going elsewhere. There is a window there now with great natural light so my idea was to have a lounge area with a double bean bag chair where they can sit/lay and read or draw. I have a french memo board to hang there and want to do a write on board there as well as something with magnets to display their many drawings - etc.

So I find the perfect bean bag chair that will fill the entire corner and it even comes in blue camo. But I may just go with denim so there isn't too much camo. Anyway, by the time you add in the liner, shipping tax, etc. it was nearly $300! I cannot find one cheaper online. Any ideas??

I love the structure of this one - more like a mini sofa and not just a blob KWIM?

OMG!!!!! Do you know what this is????

It's a brownie pan that bakes EVERY piece with edges. Everyone knows the end pieces are the BEST! - would I be a total dork to ask for this for Mother's Day? My Birthday?

3rd Grade Batavia 'Drama' Report

newsman Nicholas

Time for a To Do List

Appears I've been on an unplanned break! Here are some things that have happened and my mundane 'To Do' list that I need to attack in the next week or so.

HAPPENINGS SINCE MY LAST POST

1. Attended 2 wedding showers
2. Lost a few more pounds
3. Saw my BFF's dd in their middle school production of Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
4. Helped my youngest ds film a school project (will post later).
5. Got Fifth's Disease (oh joy) but feeling much better!

TO DO LIST

1. Finish tagging garage sale items for this weekend. DONE
2. Attend 3rd grade open house tonight - bring lemonade! DONE
3. Set up for sale tomorrow, get change ready, bags, etc. DONE
4. Fri & Saturday - City-wide Garage Sale! - proceeds towards N's graduation party! DONE
5. Pack up all NO SALES for donation - I want it g-o-n-e! DONE
6. Find earrings for Princess (I want tiny gold hoops for her golden birthday - 7 on the 7th). DONE
7. Visit a nursery to figure out what to plant this year (I have a brown thumb) HELP! DONE
8. Buy tomato plants, strawberry plants and fresh basil. NEED TOMATOES AND BASIL STILL
9. Find chair covers for front porch furniture. STILL LOOKING
10. Find bean bag chair for boys' room - do they make double sized ones? NOTE: I found one ... for $300! YIKES!!

Why such a Chip on your shoulder???

Weekend To Do

1. Wrap shower gifts DONE
2. Saturday Morning Cleaning DONE
3. Buy materials to make Sophia's b-day gift (hair pretty holder) DONE
4. Get Nathan's Senior Class picture framed DONE
5. Attend bridal shower DONE
6. photograph auction items DONE
7. get items listed DONE
8. Begin pricing garage sale items
9. bake breakfast quiches DONE
10. clean out garage fridge

The Sky is Falling!

Well, nearly the kitchen ceiling anyway. The kids overflowed the toilet in their bath late last night and I didn't get summoned until I heard strange water sounds and found my two older boys tossing bath towels onto the floor like a bucket brigade during a barn fire.

They weren't trying to soak any of it up. Nope, they just tossed and let the towels do all the work (sigh). EIGHT towels later and a soaked pair of pants (mine not theirs) I got the floor wiped up, the toilet plunged and the towels thrown into the laundry room only to discover leaking water on my table in the breakfast nook.

The darker line on the ceiling you see is where the drywall has buckled from the moisture. The two holes are where dh drilled seepage holes so it would drain. Ironically the water decided to take a different route and drip down the light fixture instead so he had to detach that from the ceiling as well.

The water did decide to pool in the ceiling about 3 feet away just in front of the table where it is also buckled up. Loverly!!!

Dh says it will take a few weeks for it to completely dry out before assessing the damages or attempting to repair it.

In the meantime, he has installed a new shutoff valve on the toilet and has given individual instructions to each child on how to use the shutoff valve and to turn it off at the slightest concern of overflowing.

Just what dh needed was another project!