Update on the party we didn't go to

Well, we survived the backyard birthday bash yesterday. Since it was an absolutely beautiful day with the sun shining and a gentle breeze blowing, Jen and I decided dear daddy needed a day to float in the pool (like I had the other day). He has been so busy at work putting in long hours so we can go on vacation after the 4th of July. He has a HUGE project going on at work that needs to be launched before we leave...Anyways, he's majorly stressed and needed a mental health day. It was good for the three of us to just hang out. Besides, today it's raining, so it's a good day to finish up those little things at the studio after church.

The neighbor's party wasn't too bad...early on anyways. 'Kota's band started "warming up" at 9 pm. (poor 80 something yr. old Frank next door...don't they know elderly people turn in early?) The warm-up session seemed to be all they were going to do...(and it was baaaaaad) Then they came out with one tune that they played okay...but no vocals, just the music. (and I couldn't tell ya what the song was). Then more screwing around warm-up stuff...then they played the same song. (do they only know one tune?) Then they played Heartbreaker by Pat Benetar...(believe that? I actually recognized it.) This went on until 10 pm and we had all we could stand so we went inside, shut all the windows and watched some tv to drown out the noise. It was still going on with all the hootin' and hollerin' when we went to bed at midnight. I think the band finally stopped playing by then anyways. Phew. Thank goodness Compound Man only turns 50 once in his lifetime. (last year's party was 'Kota's 16th)

Well, I'm going to sit in the hot tub before church...and then we're off to the studio to do a little work. (little stuff, nothing major) I'll be back to post pictures. For sure this time or Jen will be on my sh*t-list. (should I say that before I go to church?) ah...God, ya know I'm just havin' fun with it.

No music today. Just an awesome You Tube video link that seriously stands the hair on my neck. It's like goin' to church before I go to church. Click and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud0kaWLHEd4

COMPOUND-FEST 2008

...just in case you didn't know...COMPOUND-FEST 2008 has begun. They kicked off festivities last night by stretching a very long extention cord back to the MAN-SHED where they commenced to par-tay-ing late into the night. (Don't know if it was Pa and pals or 'Kota and the gang) Hey, they were quiet anyways...
Keep in mind it was raining so there were no outdoor activities going on...no all night bonfire, no hootin' and hollerin'.

First thing this morning they were out scampering about putting up their tents and awnings like friggin' carney workers on a mission. Don't forget the flag! Yep, you read that right...they crawled up on top of the MAN-SHED the other day and put up their flag poster (on the roof) and strung a red, white, and blue banner across the porch of the MAN-SHED. Quite festive. The best part? Ohyea...the porta-john. Uh-huh...When we saw that we dropped to our knees and knew we were in the presence of sumthin' speshul. Compound man is turning 50! (I do hope someone gets him a manly colored pair of crocs.)

We were officially invited to the par-tay back during the time when Compound Man was out buildin' the MAN-SHED....of course, that was before I freaked about the vines, and before we found out he be-friended other said redneck neighbor with the obnoxious barking dog that threatened to SHOOT Pat because we had the nerve to call him and ask him to shut his dog up or we were going to call the cops. (long story there, folks...but I'll save it for another time.) Needless to say, Compound Man and "the Ry-guy" have daughters that play together, so we have been officially un-invited in a silent-snubbed-kind-of-way. (harrumph)

Well, the sun is starting to shine...Compound-fest-ers are comin' early to get their seats. We are wondering where the band will set up. (you heard that right...these folks know how to throw a par-tay.) I just hope it isn't a repeat of 'Kota's 16th birthday when 'Kota brought out the guitar and amped up... singing the same obnoxious burning in the pits of hell tune all.night.long. I seriously wanted to hang myself...okay, I'm exaggerating...but Pat did have to go out at around 11pm and request that they obey the township noise ordinance. Come to think of it...I think that's when they started snubbing us.

We decided instead of hanging around all day (pouring salt into an open wound) we would go out to the studio and finish the last bit of details in Jen's office, put up another brick and aluminum wall (you'll see pics soon) and have dinner at the "Hotel". (which is really not a hotel but a bar and grill with the best bar burgers around.) Hey, come to think of it...Saturday nights are Karaoke night. We could almost have as much fun there with the rednecks as we could have at COMPOUND-FEST. Hmmm...what to do?

song of the day: Redneck song by the Greaseman

Friday randomness

Hmmm. Is this what an "empty nest" feels like? This morning Josh went to his friend's cottage, Jordanne, Dustin (groom-to-be), Jake, and Duke (our dog) headed up to the Mackinac Bridge to go camping, Ryan, of course, has already moved out, and Jen is at work. We will only have one kid at home all weekend and she'll be working. Wow. This is rare, rare, rare. We have decided that within one year, we could actually be down to having just one kid at home (Jake is only going into 10th grade). This is like taking the empty nest thing for a test drive...and it's so weird.

Random shift in thought:

My garden is growing nicely despite the fact that I just planted it a week ago. With all this rain, it's looking good. Oh, so much better than last year's pathetic sorry excuse of a garden. I mean, really...last year's garden did.not.grow. Not even the weeds grew. No lie. So I decided that we needed some serious compost because the nutrients in my soil were completely depleted... and so far, it looks like it's working. Let's hope I can make salsa this year. There's nothing like it.

I wanted to blog about something that happened last weekend that deeply touched me. Okay now before you think I'm all weird and sappy...Let me just say little things mean a lot to me. So last Sunday...(you know, the day that Pat said was God's way of telling me I needed a day of rest?) Well when I was laying on the bed reading a book I told Jordy I wanted the last sugar free orange crush popsicle in the freezer. Either she didn't hear me or she ignored my request, but I did not get the last orange popsicle. Call me lazy...

Ten minutes later, Pat came walking in the bedroom eating that orange popsicle. I was like, "awwwwwwww, NO FAIR!!!" (in my best whiny voice) "I soooooo was looking forward to that orange popsicle". Now mind you, Pat had been eating this (and he luuuuuvs orange popsicles more than I do) but he walked over to me and handed me the popsicle. I.was.deeply.touched. It was such an unselfish gesture! I knew there was a reason why I loved that man. To pre-lick the ice crystals off the very last orange popsicle and give it up so freely...well, it just made me feel like the luckiest woman alive! I was like, "aw honey you didn't have to do that!"

He, on the other hand...just dug deeper in the box and found the last one, unwrapped it and walked away thinking I was a nut.

song of the day: Popsicles and Icicles by the Murmaids

One of those days...

Ya ever have "one of those days"? Now before you jump to conclusions...I don't mean one of THOSE days...I mean one of those days that you just feel like the brain has been sucked right out of your head...and you just cannot think about tackling anything BIG (like going through a stack of bills or cleaning a closet, or organizing your cupboards)...you just know there are a million of those projects to tackle... waiting for you, taunting you, calling your name...but you cannot bear the thought- so you just laze around on the deck drinking coffee enjoying the birds and the sunshine...or float around in the pool.all.afternoon reading a great book like "The Pilot's Wife", sipping a can of diet coke with lemon. (a shout out to one of my peeps Debbie in Blogland who got me hooked.) Okay, so maybe once in a while I eat bonbons but it ain't often...I'm just sayin'...today was one of those days. (I really have no clue what a bonbon is)

I'm coming clean here. It was one of those days that I was thankful that I can be a slug and not feel one.bit.guilty. for taking advantage of a beach day. Hey, I deserve it...I've given birth 5 times... I've had 3 kids in 3 years (was I crazy?)...I breastfed, did cloth diapers (for one), heck I parented 5 teenagers for goodness sakes... sacrificed to put all 5 of our kids in parochial school k-12 (because it was something we believed in)...Had 3 kids in college at the same time...okay, okay...get to the point, right? Well, my point is that I think every now and then ya just gotta allow yourself one of those days. Call it a mental health day or a breakdown day or a beach day...maybe you call it a BONBONS AND DIET COKE WITH LEMON DAY! We all need one now and then. And today was my day.

After my walk this morning, Jordanne colored my hair for me. (blonde highlights, people...I don't have many grey hairs to color over). I am proud to admit that I taught her how to foil and she's darn good at it. So this started my day of pampering. I loaned her my car (because we are still playing musical cars) so I figured I was stuck at home for the morning anyways, why not take advantage of the fact that my teenage sons are lazy-good-for-nothin' pigs (was that out loud?) I meant to say I was taking advantage of the fact that the girls were gone and the boys were still sleeping. I put on my swimsuit and had a great afternoon enjoying the sunshine. I went to get my hair cut at 1:45...(more pampering) and when I came back I put the swimsuit back on and floated in the pool some more. What a wonderful mental health day.

No wonder my dinner was so delightful. It was all I had to do. (I lied. I hung two loads of clothes on the line and folded them too. woot!)

Now tomorrow will be back to business.

Fear Not, for I am with you...

I really don't even want to say it out loud but this is my online journal where I've been documenting happenings in our lives...so with that being said let me cut to the chase. Basically I got a phonecall from my doctor while we were in Ann Arbor yesterday. The message she left was asking me to call them. Hmmm...what would they want to talk to me about? Well, I did just have my yearly pelvic exam and a mammogram...go figure. I guessed that if all was well, they would have left a message telling me as much or better yet...sent me the postcard that states: EVERYTHING CHECKS OUT FINE. period. end of discussion.
Needless to say this message unnerved me just a tad. Okay, I freaked. I hyperventilated and had a slight panic attack and then I cried my eyes out. You see, it's just a little too close for comfort. Currently I have two very good friends going through the big C... well... need I say more?

So it was probably the longest night ever...a restless sleep with tossing and turning, sleepwalking, etc. I woke up at 6, packed Pat's lunch, went for my morning walk, had a cup of coffee, and watched the clock strike 9 before I could call. The nurse told me that there was a slight change in the density of my right breast and they wanted to repeat the mammo with an ultrasound. Okay...now what do I do? I told her I'd cancel my dentist appointment today, but apparently that wasn't needed since I have to wait until July 1st so they can do both tests simultaneously.

In the meantime, I figure I've got a week to pray like heck. I've already called my friend and had it put on the prayer line...not to mention the prayers of my kids and Pat. I called my mom and talked it over with her. I recalled her having a similar experience which proved to be nothing more than a reason to watch it closely...which is probably what my doctor will do.

The homily in church this weekend was about fearing NOTHING. "Fear not..." will be my mantra throughout this very long week.

A new brace!

Today we went to U of M for Ryan's follow up appointment. He has graduated to a new full flex brace and he couldn't be happier. He was given the go ahead to start putting all his weight (as tolerated) on the new knee...only use one crutch and within 2 weeks he should be walking without a crutch at all. He still has a l.o.n.g. way to go, but he's taking it one day at a time.He had a hard time wiping the smile off his face. Just having a less confining brace alone was HUGE! Those dr. appointment days in Ann Arbor seem to take forever though...we got home in time to throw some brats on the grill and eat dinner.

What a beautiful night tonight. Everyone is hanging out on the deck enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Gotta go.

okay, so I lied

After my Sunday post... right before I was going to hang laundry...the skies clouded up and the rain came. Being thankful for a beautiful day was overrated and short-lived. Pat said it was a good indication God wanted me to "Keep holy the Sabbath"...so, I tossed the load of laundry in the dryer, dashed my plans of trimming the hedges (who wants to get electrocuted?) and finished a good book I've been reading. (Open House by Elizabeth Berg) Don'tcha love how forgiving I am of myself? Hey, I made a delicious dinner anyways...and besides...everyone needs a day of rest now and then.

So today was that beautiful day I was prematurely thankful for yesterday. I went for my 3 mile walk...hung my sheets on the line, weeded my garden, and did some more laundry. I do not know where the day went. Time to make dinner again. Man, eating is overrated.

Did I mention that I'm raising a herd (farrow?) of piglets? Can you tell me exactly how many times a parent must tell a child (teenage piglet) to do a few simple tasks? I'm not asking for much here...I mean, I realize they have to get their required 14 hrs. of sleep and all...I know it's difficult to make a protein shake and take a shower...there must not possibly be any more energy left in them to say, clean up their mess in the kitchen or (heaven forbid) pick up after themselves in the bathroom? "Oh Mom, I'll take the empties back when I get home from working out..."(or driver's ed)...(did I mention I give them a PORTION of the money from the empties as payment for doing me a favor?) Right now (5 pm) I have a 15 yr. old sleeping on the couch after his hard day of driving and the other one is at the gym working out after a hard day of sleeping. Did I know this before I had them? I seriously think all teenagers should be required to come with their own separate owners manual with a satisfaction guaranteed...money back-if-you're-not-satisfied-refund. I think I'd consider a refund.

Yard work and laundry

It's a beautiful day today and I'm thankful for a day to hang clothes on the line and sunshine to warm the pool. (it's still under 70 degrees...brrr. too cold for this girl to swim)
I'm going to trim the hedges and pull weeds this afternoon. I'm sure I'll also be extremely thankful for our hot tub tonight because my back will be aching.

What? Two posts in one day?

you ask why the pink crocs? read on to find out.

Okay...the long and the short of it...I've got two funny neighbor stories to add today:

My 79 yr. old neighbor showed up this morning in our back yard (alongside the chainlink fence) while Pat and I were sitting in the hot tub, drinking our coffee and enjoying the birds. Yikes! (this is the neighbor who did and said something EXTREMELY inappropriate to me and I abruptly stopped visiting him in February because of it.
Anyways... I nearly screamed because I soooooo was not expecting anyone to just appear by our fence...especially not him. I even said, "omygosh you startled me"...as I sunk down deep into the hot tub and pushed my chest against the edge so he could not even catch a glimse of major cleavage in my very plunging bathing suit. Yipes! He was a little sheepish too...( I don't suppose he expected to find us in the hot tub?) but as he stood there muttering something about bringing me some magazines and "ohbytheway...(looking at Pat) do you still have my posthole digger?"

I nearly laughed out loud at his gumption...Ironic how old people conveniently have
NO RECOLLECTION of what.the.heck they could have possibly done to chase a nice neighborlady away, but he remembers that 3 years ago my husband borrowed a clunky old posthole digger and never returned it? oy vay. Obviously we forgot about it...As if Pat had any intentions on running off with his precious posthole digger since it's worth soooooo much money all rusted out and stuff.
Yeppers. This is just one more dose of weird in my already goofy life.

Needless to say he was mumbling about how he can't get anything done anymore and something about the rain (it just happened to start raining when he walked up). Pat told him he'd send one of the boys over with it and he just walked away. Odd.very.odd.

In my heart I know I did the right thing by putting a lot of distance between us because things were getting pretty creepy. That's all I'm gonna say. Trust me. It was the right thing.

Our other neighbor (the "renter" who lives behind us) was prancing about his yard today wearing bright pink crocs. I kid you not. I nearly laughed.out.loud. You'd have to see these folks...they are like having a life sized ant colony to watch. We call their yard "the compound" because they are constantly moving something in their yard (and yes, they have a LOT of stuff in that yard to rearrange)...Okay...picture lifting a large rock and finding an ant colony underneath...how they are scurrying about carrying those precious eggs all frenzied... Got my visual? This is what we see every day behind us.

Anyways...There is always something goin' on at the compound. He is the only guy I know who lights a campfire every.single.day in the summertime (he doesn't have a job) as if he's camping in his back yard and is using the flame to boil water for his coffee. (he doesn't really, but you'd think he was.) Nice folks, don't get me wrong...but funnier than shit to watch because our grapevines block out their torsos so all we can see are feet scurring and prancing back and forth all day...and then when I saw him in PINK CROCS! I just had to laugh. Pat said my grey crocs were more manly than his....and we giggled like little kids. Don't think I'm mean or shallow or anything...I mean, I gotta laugh at the ironic things that happen in my crazier than shit life. Laughter is medicine for the soul.

So I got my garden planted this afternoon. (And I got to witness "Prancer" and his little vixen in action.) They weren't very friendly today. Probably because I totally freaked out at him yesterday for cutting (what I thought was) my vines. I have had problems with the landlord every time that house becomes vacant because he wants to kill my grapevines (which we have grown for PRIVACY). For 2 of our 3 graduation parties he has killed them even though I ran out there to tell him NOT to touch them...he cut them off at the base of the plant and all the life drained out of them. Talk about a lovely look the day before our graduation party. Who had time to go pull wilted vines off the back fence?

So anyways..."Prancer" was out cutting and hauling brush from behind our garden shed and I saw him and his boy workin' on the compound and the smoke was billowin' out of the campfire burning all that green stuff... I'll admit I was overtired and very cranky and coming down from a major caffeine overload...but I was trying to find his face while I smashed down the vines to see over the top of the fence...I was like , "excuse me...um...you're NOT cutting these vines are you? I mean... we like these vines for privacy (and I'm sure you enjoy having your own privacy too?)"

He assured me he wouldn't cut the vines, he was just cutting this weed-tree-thingy that really has no purpose anyways and I guess the only reason why we haven't already cut it down was because it gave us some privacy before the vines came in. So I am quite sure he's not talking to us because I was a little psychotic to him and turned quickly on my heel. I did laugh at myself when I got back in the house. Hey, blame it on the caffeine withdrawls. I.was.not.over-reacting.

showin' off some muscles

Jen and Jake (my oldest and youngest...23 and 15) showing off some of their hard work...and being crazy like we can get at this house.
Random information:
Jen's first official studio session went well. The pictures turned out great and the kid was one of those "no fuss" types. All he wanted was one outfit, all inside shots. He brought his drums and wanted them in the pics. She was relieved to have that "first" out of the way. More sessions scheduled next week.

Jordanne and Ryan's cars both decided to act up this week and are making us crazy with car repairs and playing "musical cars"...Unfortunately I was the one left standing twice this week (without a car). It looks like we'll be having to dish out some money to help them out...and our coffers are already pretty empty.

Pat and I went out for some beers and appetizers last night. It was nice to unwind and get caught up with our thoughts. (it's been so busy at work and home that we hardly have had time to talk). When we pulled into the driveway I saw Sheila out walking Spike so I invited her over to have a "fuzzy navel" (or two) on the deck. It was nice to sit and visit although Spike took the prize with his famous disappearing act. You see, Spike is deathly afraid of fireworks noise and some of our lovely neighbors were setting off some of Pre-Fourth-of-July celebrations. Spike ended up cowering under the deck and we had to spray him with the hose to flush him out. I must say, the Duke was like, "what the heck got into him?" (okay...he didn't say that but I know he was thinkin' it... ) Anyways...it was nice to hang out and chat.

Jacob passed his driver's ed test so he will officially get his permit on Monday. He plans on driving a lot when we are on vacation at Grandma's house.

I am baking a Texas sheet cake today for the first time in eons. I happened to have some sour milk (which the recipe calls for) and of course, I didn't want to waste it.

Now that it's out of the oven, I can finally plant my garden. I'm so far behind...although last year I planted it early and had the worst.garden.ever. Nothing grew...not even the weeds. I've planted my garden on the 4th of July before and had an awesome garden...so go figure. I just hope this year's garden is decent. I want to make salsa again.

Josh finished his 3rd football camp this week. Monday he went to Bowling Green, Ohio, Tuesday was at Western Michigan, and Friday was at Michigan State University. He's been getting excited for football to start again and has been working hard to train.

Ryan goes for a follow up exam on Tuesday. He's hoping to ditch one crutch and put some more weight on his new knee. He is eager to get back to normal. This has been really difficult for him...since he's such an active guy. At least his spirits are better. He was so down for awhile I was worried about him.

I went to my annual dr. appt. this week and got yelled at for skipping my mammogram last year. (I didn't even tell her I also missed my yearly stress test and check up with my cardiologist) Man that woman is bossy. I guess I need someone like her to shock me into doing what I need to do...I tend to be overly relaxed when it comes to taking care of me. So I swore on my children's lives that I would leave there and make my appointment. (and I did) I went on Friday to get "squished"...and now I'm good for another year. (yay!) I have an appointment on July 22nd for my cardiologist appointment.

...and on that note...I'm heading out to plant before the rain comes.

Testing, Testing

Sneak Peek at the bride-to-be. Jen tested out her studio lighting and her little sis was more than happy to oblige. These were only taken around midnight...and Jordy still looks beautiful ! What a fun dress rehearsal for BOTH my girls.

Well today the backdrop support finally showed up. Jen and I went out to the studio early and kicked some major butt on all the "little things" that needed to be done while we waited for Jordy to come by with a zillion little things we forgot and especially the UPS box we've been waiting for. (you have to keep in mind the studio is about a half hour drive from our house. The nice thing is that it's centrally located... but a long drive to run back home for a level and an iron to steam out the wrinkles out of a backdrop.)

I was so thankful Jordy showed up to assist Jen in all the technical stuff (since she too is a photography/graphic design major). Between the two of them, they got all the lighting and backdrops situated, testing the lighting with the light meter, etc. Jordy brought her wedding dress and Jen shot a bunch of photos, testing the lighting and getting comfortable in her new place. In the meantime while they played...Cinderella was painting and caulking and waxing floors. We didn't leave there until 1:30. We are so beat. It's been a l.o.n.g. day.

...Tomorrow (or should I say later today?) is the first studio session in the new building. I'm so proud of her and wish her God's blessings upon this new and exciting endeavor.

Now I'm hitting the hot tub to relax my weary 44 year old achy joints/muscles/bones. I may just have to take a little nap today. Some cool pics of the studio to follow but Jen is too dang tired to send 'em to me right now.

Bathroom cuteness

Showing off a little of Jen's creative photography here....this is the little boy she babysits for once a week. Now you have to keep in mind...teenagers babysit for extra money but 23 yr. old young women babysit for the sheer enjoyment of "practicing motherhood"...haha. (Yes, she loves the extra money but she luuuuuvs this kid to pieces.) Won't these pics be adorable in 11x14 frames hanging in that adorable blue bathroom at the studio?

after all this...

After all the scrambling to get the studio ready...The Backdrop Outlet LIED!!!! Jennifer contacted them from Chicago today before she boarded the train to make sure the backdrop support would indeed be here on time...and the foreign people they hire (no offense intended here, but- does anyone hire English speaking people anymore?) told her that "YES, Ma'am...it will be there today"... He told her he was looking at the UPS tracking number right now. So here it is...nearly 7 pm and I told her to call back and GET the tracking number because UPS has not delivered it yet. So she speaks to yet another foreign man and he tells her the tracking number.

I looked it up on the UPS.com website... I don't know what country these people are in but HELLO????? June 18th is NOT TODAY! It is the 16th today...This order was placed in the beginning of JUNE! Of course they are oh so apologetic...and when she told them to cancel the order (last week already) they promised her they would have it here on Monday and would give her a FREE backdrop for putting up with the huge delay. Um...this is beyond reasonable and now she has to cancel her first appointment tomorrow because it is not here. ugh. This is not a good start to a new business endeavor.

**update. Jen called and cancelled the appointment and offered the woman a free 8x10 for the inconvenience. She was totally fine with it...
In the meantime, the Backdrop Outlet called and said they are currently "out" of the "free" backdrop they offered her. Wow. I cannot believe this company!

Going the extra mile

Well, God has some sense of humor is all I can say. Jen left on the train Thursday morning and despite my intentions of spending all day Thursday and Friday afternoon out at the studio...my body had every intention on staying home. You see, I think God was telling me I needed to s.l.o.w. down. After my 3 mile walk Thursday morning (keep in mind I didn't get to bed until after 2 am and I was up at 6 am to see Jen off)...my body decided to make a statement. I was suddenly hit with major back spasms. I do have herniated discs/arthritis and have been plagued since my mid 30's with it but have maintained by daily walks and regular activity. (And cortisone injections) Of course, over activity probably was my downfall.
You know what they say: "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans"...
So...I was an obedient child- I stayed home on Thursday and laid around all day. Oh sweet Lord how do I turn off my mind when my body won't comply? Friday morning was filled with back to back hair appointments, and since I was standing on my feet all morning, I was fine. It's when I sit/lay down that makes it excruciating to stand back up straight.

So here it is...Saturday morning and I've already soaked in the hot tub for 2 hours, took a vioxx (despite the heart attack warnings and the fact that it was pulled off the market) and drank a half pot of coffee with a banana for energy. I'm off and running to Menard's to get my supplies for a long day ahead of work. Let's just hope the body is willing to go the extra mile.

Pictures of Progress

...random locker fronts. We haven't figured out how to use these yet. She also got a tall locker (not pictured.) the changing room needs some furniture. Right now it is filled with random chairs painted in fun colors.

Finally there are pictures on the wall in the chartreuse green bathroom.
a view into the studio from the back hallway.

The $2 chair that was just waiting for someone to unleash it's "wild side" in red.
Stations of walls and flooring...none of it is completely finished yet...but you get the idea. Work in progress.

...I'm too tired to say much other than Jen is leaving in the morning and Pat and I still have to "wrap up" a bunch of things. We finished early tonight because she wanted her hair done too. We got home at 10:45 ish and I was coloring her hair at 11:30. I cut and styled it/straightened it too. I told her she's a brave soul to allow someone (who is as exhausted as I am) to be doing her hair after midnight. I was just plain "tapped out" as far as my creative juices go...but the new 'do looks awesome and chic...

And here I am going to bed at 2:00 a.m. again.

Drama filled morning

Well, I survived the stripping of the VCT tiles. There were layers of wax and dirt on those floors. She probably should have sprung to have them done professionally but right now she has more free labor than she does cash...and I've done it before so I was the prime candidate for the job. Unfortunately my back, knees, arms, hands, and knuckles (I wore them off scrubbing and scraping) are feeling it today. 44 yr old bodies just cannot withstand a day like that without at least grumbling a bit. Mine decided to speak out around 3:30 am.


We worked until midnight again last night and by the time we got home it was 12:30...I sat out in the hot tub for an hour to unwind...went to bed at 2:00 again. My lower back was hurting so bad that my delusional, weary mind was convinced I had kidney disease or bone cancer in my spine. Yes, it hurt that bad in a drama queen sort of way. Man, it's hell to get old.

So I sprung out of bed this morning at 7 am to get my boys moving. (no rest for the weary) Josh got a slight concussion in the hockey game last night so he wasn't able to study for his exams. (excruciating headache) I called him in "late" and made him go take his 2nd exam...I guess he'll make up the math exam tomorrow. He had to finish his art project this morning and that required ME finding the materials and offering suggestions on how to clothe a papier mache hockey player. (...nothing like the last minute...I have been hounding him all week to do this!)Then I had to give him a crash course in hand stitching so the hockey player was wearing hockey pants instead of a kilt.

In the meantime, Jordy was in a snit because she was showing me a "prototype" photography project mounted on foamcore (put together with gorilla glue) and I was saying something was crooked and I accidentally knocked something off. OMG!!! The drama.of.it.all... Apparently I wrenched the piece off (as in "on purpose"?). Tears and slamming ensued. I swear I heard tires squeal and gravel spray.
*note to self: NEVER TOUCH, COMMENT, ASSIST on any type of art project.ever.again. My job is over. Apparently passing the art gene on genetically is all that is required. period.

Jen and I raced off to Lowe's to pick up more materials because she works today from 10-2. Pat took a vacation day so we will pick up a few more materials at Menard's, pick up the boys from school and head out to the studio. We're also picking up some old school lockers that our high school donated to Jen's business. The crunch is on...and the background support STILL HASN'T SHIPPED! I have no clue how she will be able to keep this appointment on Tuesday without it. I think I'm freaking out more than she is.

Since it's Pat's vacation day off, he of course must "work out" before we leave. After the sh*t, shower, and shave...I'm certain he'll be hungry... Then the boys will be hungry... Oh man, we'll NEVER get out there. It's already 11:30

Scrubbin' floors at the studio

Yes, I'm scrubbin' floors on my hands and knees today while Jennifer works at her "big girl job" at Victoria's Secret. I will be playin' Cinderella while Jen gets to fold panties and pricey brassieres. I'll be back later to give report...hopefully with some updated pictures.

Ever have "one of those days"?

...Well I had one today. I just felt discombobulated all day from the moment I finally dragged my ass out of bed. To begin with, I stayed up way too late the night before...we were at the studio until 12:00-ish...I could not shut my mind off...so I stayed up doing some research online and finally plopped into bed around 2:00. Needless to say I was useless today.

I skipped my walk this morning because the boys had a late start...Josh ended up driving to school because they only had a half day and I was tethered under house arrest waiting for the repairman to come fix my ice maker. I love how they think we have nothing better to do than to sit around all day waiting for them to grace us with their presence. They call you first thing in the morning to tell you they will be there anywhere in a window of time from 8:00-12:00. Yeah...whatever. I have NO LIFE ya know...

I knew Jen was babysitting all day so I fit in a few haircuts and met Jordy at the Bridal store at 4:30 to pick up her wedding dress. I came home to make dinner and like Jesus, I performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes to serve dinner. (I never know anymore who will be here for dinner so it's a crapshoot)...I had 8 big fat ground sirloin burgers and a bag of frozen potato wedges and a fresh watermelon. There was ONE burger for everyone and it was first come, first served on the potatoes. The rest of us had chips. It makes me chuckle because it's such a rarity that we are all home at the same time on a MONDAY, no less...and me totally unprepared for the feast. Miracles of miracles...we were all fed and were quite satisfied.

After dinner Jen and I went to Menard's to diffuse our anxieties. We were both feeling stressed at the idea of all this studio stuff needing to be done with so little time to do it. Nothing like spending a little money to ease your mind, huh Jen? I think Sheila calls that "Retail therapy". Of course...after thinking and concepting all throughout the store...I get home and cannot sleep. I just tossed and turned in bed...with visions of backdrops and floor options dancing in my head (in every square inch of the studio.) Um...yeah...so I came out to discuss my ideas with Jen...who just happened to still be up researching online...unable to turn her mind off too.
Like mother like daughter.

I gave her some homework to do...I expect to see a drawing in the morning of exactly how she plans on laying out the studio.

I sure hope we're both not useless tomorrow morning. It is already 1:00 am.

Surprise visit

Jen booked her first senior picture sitting for June 17 and it's all studio shots. She's leaving for Chicago on Thursday, flying to Salt Lake City on Friday, driving to Elko Nevada to attend a wedding on Saturday, flying back to Chicago and taking the train back on Monday. Tuesday is the 17th. She's still waiting for the frame for the backdrops which hasn't even shipped out yet. One of the lights they sent was faulty so she's also waiting for that to be delivered. Yikes. This is going to be close.

Today we had Pat come out to build some pillars, do some electrical work, and hang a mirror in the bathroom. We had a surprise visit from the "landlord". We have just been dying to see his reaction to the major overhaul on his building. I'm not gonna lie...it was pretty gross. Needless to say, he was very surprised...I think he was almost a little embarassed that a couple of chicks could accomplish as much as we did and make that place look so good. It was priceless. He told Jen he'd pay the electric bill this month and she could take the price of her materials off the next month's rent. (which, by the way...is a great deal). He told us the realtor came by to take her sign back (he took the building off the market because it never sold) and she told him the place looked amazing. I'm sure he was curious to see what that meant. We're so glad he took it off the market...wouldn't that be great if all the work we did was only to help him sell his building?

We spray painted a bazillion chairs today. I have a "huffing" headache. (not really...but my kids jokingly say I'm a huffer because I love, love, love to spraypaint everything.) I'm pretty sure my headache is from being exhausted...anyways, we painted one chair red, one is navy blue, one is chartreuse, two are white as well as two white children's chairs , and the stool is black. It was a very productive day. I hung a mirror in the bathroom, Pat hung the medicine chest in the other bathroom, Jennifer hung pictures in the changing room and small bathroom, and we arranged the office. I swept all the floors again and organized our tool area. It's so nice to walk in and have it all orderly.

The boys have exams tomorrow. I sure hope they studied tonight because I didn't even get home until after midnight which was too late to ask. I feel like I haven't seen them in days. This studio just has to be done by this week so we can resume our lives back to normal.

...what I'm thankful for today? ...sleep, precious sleep.

...our walk in the woods.

Jen and Jordy giving their best Steve Irwin (the crocodile hunter) impression.

Jordy was required to pose next to the Bullhead (creek) sign.

The turtle family was caught basking in the sun lined up on a log.

Three hot chicks in the woods.

These are pics from our little walk in the woods the day Jordy needed to shoot a roll of film for her photography class. Even though we only had one hour to "escape" from the city life...we sure had a great time giggling and laughing out in the woods... Until Jen thought she heard a snake and we squealed like pigs and ran like heck. Yes, we all have the fear of snakes thankyouverymuch Grandpa!

more studio pics

Jen got the window decals on the other day. She needs to add more stuff in the windows...this is just a start.

This is the little nasty bathroom that was full of bugs and dampness. Check out the abhorrent craftmanship on the drywall. Who on earth cuts drywall to fit around a toilet?
...the first coat of chartreuse. I'm not gonna lie...I told her it looked like the stuff Linda Blair spewed in the Exorcist.

A new paintjob and a new floor is certainly a good start to making these bathrooms "usable". I'll post finished pics when we're all done. I have no doubt it'll be awesome. We sure do love colorful walls.

One word: Stanley

Oh yeah, baby...how 'bout them Redwings? I know my daddy's smilin' down from heaven that his favorite hockey team won the cup...again. Ya gotta love those Redwings.

What an exciting series. I'm so glad this game didn't go into triple overtime like the last one. I'm not gonna lie...I fell asleep after regulation gametime and woke up when Pat was spitting at the tv. (okay, slight exaggeration, but he was PISSED!) It was quite interesting around here because Josh and Jake were actually cheering for the Penguins. (Jacob idolizes Sydney Crosby) Is nothing sacred? Why wouldn't you root for your own state's team? Their reply? Uh...pretty sure none of the Redwings are actually from Michigan. Yah...whatever.

working at the studio

Click on pics to enlarge.
This is the studio bathroom before we worked our magic. (that eerie face in the mirror is me) Take note of the grossness around the toilet and trim.
...painted and primed the bathroom and applied floor leveler compound around toilet.
We painted the upper half of the room a fun color blue we just mixed up on our own.
... applying flooring. I taught Jen how to make near perfect cuts. Wow, what an excellent student! You can tell she's an artist!
This is the bathroom near completion. We have a few minor "details" to finish up but what an amazing transformation. Will post the final pic when we're all done.

Jennifer and I put in a full day's work at the studio yesterday. We got home at 12:30 this morning after finishing the flooring in the bathroom, painting the sink base, painting the other bathroom (chartreuse) and the white trim. I will post pics later of that bathroom transformation. I tell you, that landlord is going to die when he sees how awesome this place looks when we're through.

Unfortunately she's a bit behind on her expected "grand opening" for the studio. The plan was to open for business by Monday, June 2nd. Officially her advertising mailers have been sent out on Monday and the website is "live" as of last night.

She met a guy out there today to put the window decal on the building and of course, she's transforming the other bathroom without me. I'm so jealous...she just jumped out of the nest and is flying solo. What an amazing kid she is. Stay tuned for more pictures.

I'm a W-O-M-A-N!!!

Today was a typical "work day". I started off by making Pat and the boys a hearty breakfast of fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit, I ran out to the clothesline and hung a load of laundry on the line, raced the boys off to school, went for my 3 mile walk, swept the sunroom and the kitchen floor...I did an updo on a young lady for her 8th grade graduation. (This 13 yr. old girl had way more hair and boobs than any one person needed....I'm just sayin'...) I did several back to back haircuts... in between, I had to run to the school to pick up the boys, raced Jacob over to Driver's Ed, came home and helped Jennifer put stamps and mailing labels on her business postcards, did another haircut, whipped up dinner, wolfed down dinner, buzzed Ryan's head, and I finally just finished the last haircut of the night. It was so nice to come upstairs to see that at least the dinner dishes were done. (Thanks, Jen!)

(...but I'm pooped.) Woven in here were phonecalls to make an insurance claim, I ordered a new screen for my ipod, ($100!!! can you believe it?) called the car saleswoman to discuss my early release on my lease and made some more hair appointments for Wednesday. Wednesday will be a repeat of today. I'm only doing one appointment tomorrow for a cut and color and we'll be heading out to the studio to work our butts off painting and finishing the vinyl flooring. (I promise I'll post pictures of the progress!)

I think I'll go make a nice pot of coffee, soak in the hot tub and turn on the Redwings game...that's IF I don't fall asleep before then.

...gosh I'm gettin' old.

By the way, Sheila...the Helen Reddy song was for you...I think you need to start a "Spike's mom" blog of your own...it's cathartic.

I'm seeing RED!!!!

See this cutie patootie? Yup...I got it for my birthday 6 months ago. I've hardly had the chance to use it because Jacob swiped my headphones. (he broke 2 sets of them) I also got an i-trip...but Joshua swiped that so he can listen to HIS ipod in my car. I haven't seen it in months...it just sort of disappeared. The reason why I'm seeing RED? Well, I just discovered my ipod out of it's ihome with a broken screen. Yup...one of those wonderful family members I was just gushing about broke my ipod and didn't tell me. Have you ever been soooooo mad you cried? That's me right now. It's 1:00 am and I cannot stop blubbering because I'm soooooo mad. Yeah...I know, I know...it's just a thing. But it was my thing and I just don't have many things of my own. I seriously want to take everything back I said about having good kids and how thankful I am for them. Because right now, I'm MAD! I want to wake them all up and interrogate them. Someone will pay for this!

Random things I'm thankful for...

...I'm just sayin'...this grouping is not crooked on my wall, it's that I'm a crooked picture taker.

As I sit here in relative silence, finding myself a rare moment to reflect on life...I decided to put down some random things I'm thankful for today. Sundays seem to be a good day to do this.

Despite the fact that Jordanne and Josh argued over "who was going to drive" my new car to church... I'm thankful that they do go to church...but I let Jennifer drive. (Me, Pat and Jake went this morning.)

Ryan just walked in (on his crutches)...of course, I was curious as to why he wasn't at church (because he usually goes to 5:30 mass). Apparently he had lost his keys at his house and just found them. But I'm thankful that his mobility is improving and that he's learning to adjust to his (temporary) limitations.

I'm thankful for the obvious: health, happiness, a roof over our heads, food on the table, being blessed with a good husband and good kids.

...but today, the one thing I'm most thankful for is FAMILY...and the fact that all five of our kids are home tonight for a Sunday dinner. I'd better get busy whipping something up before they get back home. I think I'll make broccoli/chicken alfredo with a big salad and a loaf of crusty bread.

Acts 2:46

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts...