Here is the before:
and after:
Monday, September 28, 2009
Before and After
Here is the before and after of my garage entryway. The last two homes we lived in had finished garages. I really like how peaceful it can make a chaotic garage. It isn't anything grand, but it definitely makes it feel more welcoming. I had to draw the line somewhere to stop painting. One of these days I just might continue on where I stopped.
Here is the before:
and after:
Here is the before:
and after:
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Something New
Yesterday I turned 33 years old. Normally I don't like turning an odd number, but this year is different because the number 33 is a palindrome (same forward and backward). I didn't mind turning 23, because my birthday is on the 23rd, so that was my 'golden birthday'. I don't dread turning older, as it is just something that happens, but when I am an odd number, I feel weird, like it is unbalanced or something. Odd numbers that end in 5 don't bother me, so I've got until my 37th birthday to deal with this issue! I know, I know...it's not the number that is odd, it is me!
It was a bit of a different birthday. I got my birthday gift last month (a laptop) and we didn't have cake. I didn't want a cake because I have made a dairy free/gluten free chocolate torte for the last two weekends and I've eaten about half of each one. My waistline is not appreciating my indulgences, so we didn't do a cake. Besides, making my own birthday cake isn't much fun. Daniel has make cakes in the past, but the whole gluten-free, dairy-free aspect is intimidating!
Anyhow, yesterday I spent some time in the garage painting the walls next to the newly painted door. I hope to get it completed by tomorrow, so I'll post pictures when it is done.
Two things I rarely do, but did yesterday: Took a long hot bath by candlelight (It is the first time I have taken a bath at this house- don't worry, I usually shower), and I shaved my legs (yes, Denise, you read that right! I shaved my legs!).
I painted my toenails blue. All of my nail polish colors have been some shade of red. Seth told me that I should paint my toes blue, so I went and bought some blue nail polish. On my 30th birthday, my friend, Larissa, tried to get me to do blue, but I just couldn't do it. I'm happy to announce that, three years later, I finally found the courage to do it. I even bought clear sparkly polish to put on top!
I conquered another activity that I have always wanted to do, but never had- until last night. I went to a movie by myself. Daniel was more than willing to get a babysitter and come along, but it wasn't what I wanted to do. I watched Julie and Julia and I loved it! I didn't feel strange going in alone, either. I really enjoyed it! I loved sitting and watching the movie and being able to focus solely on the movie. I didn't have to wonder if Daniel was enjoying the movie and I didn't worry about the boys at home.
Normally, I am concerned that the boys are doing well with their babysitter, or worried that Daniel isn't enjoying the movie. I sat there and completely absorbed myself in the movie. I think that I will do this more often. I will still go to movies in a group, this will be my method of choice when I don't want to make seeing the movie part of a social event.
Thank you for all of the birthday phone calls and gifts! I had a great day!
It was a bit of a different birthday. I got my birthday gift last month (a laptop) and we didn't have cake. I didn't want a cake because I have made a dairy free/gluten free chocolate torte for the last two weekends and I've eaten about half of each one. My waistline is not appreciating my indulgences, so we didn't do a cake. Besides, making my own birthday cake isn't much fun. Daniel has make cakes in the past, but the whole gluten-free, dairy-free aspect is intimidating!
Anyhow, yesterday I spent some time in the garage painting the walls next to the newly painted door. I hope to get it completed by tomorrow, so I'll post pictures when it is done.
Two things I rarely do, but did yesterday: Took a long hot bath by candlelight (It is the first time I have taken a bath at this house- don't worry, I usually shower), and I shaved my legs (yes, Denise, you read that right! I shaved my legs!).
I painted my toenails blue. All of my nail polish colors have been some shade of red. Seth told me that I should paint my toes blue, so I went and bought some blue nail polish. On my 30th birthday, my friend, Larissa, tried to get me to do blue, but I just couldn't do it. I'm happy to announce that, three years later, I finally found the courage to do it. I even bought clear sparkly polish to put on top!
I conquered another activity that I have always wanted to do, but never had- until last night. I went to a movie by myself. Daniel was more than willing to get a babysitter and come along, but it wasn't what I wanted to do. I watched Julie and Julia and I loved it! I didn't feel strange going in alone, either. I really enjoyed it! I loved sitting and watching the movie and being able to focus solely on the movie. I didn't have to wonder if Daniel was enjoying the movie and I didn't worry about the boys at home.
Normally, I am concerned that the boys are doing well with their babysitter, or worried that Daniel isn't enjoying the movie. I sat there and completely absorbed myself in the movie. I think that I will do this more often. I will still go to movies in a group, this will be my method of choice when I don't want to make seeing the movie part of a social event.
Thank you for all of the birthday phone calls and gifts! I had a great day!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Does That Help You?
I enjoy having piano lessons at our house because I become privy to little conversations between my boys and their teacher that I would other wise miss.
Last week Paul was working on sight reading during his lesson. His teacher could tell that Paul was frustrated, so he gave him a little pep talk that went something like, "Paul, don't worry, you are a beginner, so things will take a little longer to learn. Since you are just learning these things, you need to be patient. You are doing great for a beginner."
I couldn't see Paul, but I know the look he gave his teacher. Something of a blank stare, rolling of the eyes and a sigh. His teacher asked if what he just said helped him and Paul quickly said, "No, not really".
Paul delighted me with his simple honesty. I wonder how often adults try to help children with pep talks like that without realizing that it doesn't change the frustration that the kids feel.
Last week Paul was working on sight reading during his lesson. His teacher could tell that Paul was frustrated, so he gave him a little pep talk that went something like, "Paul, don't worry, you are a beginner, so things will take a little longer to learn. Since you are just learning these things, you need to be patient. You are doing great for a beginner."
I couldn't see Paul, but I know the look he gave his teacher. Something of a blank stare, rolling of the eyes and a sigh. His teacher asked if what he just said helped him and Paul quickly said, "No, not really".
Paul delighted me with his simple honesty. I wonder how often adults try to help children with pep talks like that without realizing that it doesn't change the frustration that the kids feel.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Girls Night Out
Last night I had a girls night out with two of my sisters, my cousin Kara, and my mom. We went to Cafe Rio for dinner, picked up a few supplies at Hobby Lobby and put together a craft at my house. I enjoyed the laughs, food and company. Thanks girls!
Debbie, Kara, Mom, Sherron and Denise
These pumpkins cost about $5 each set. It was easy and fun!
Debbie, Kara, Mom, Sherron and Denise
These pumpkins cost about $5 each set. It was easy and fun!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Primer
I am now a believer in the power of paint primer. A few months ago I painted my front door. I had to put 5 coats on plus a touch-up session. Yesterday I decided to paint the door that goes from the garage to the inside of the house. I had some primer from a previous project that was similar in color, so I primed first. I was able to finish the project in 3 coats (the last coat being more of a touch-up-and-cover-again-just-to be-safe-coat)
This project was far more relaxing and enjoyable than the front door project. Since I had the paint supplies out, I grabbed the white primer and covered the trim work around the door. It was bare wood and needed quite a scrub down to get it clean. I'm thinking about painting the walls in the entry area of the garage. Something about the unfinished state of it is unwelcoming. The beautiful red door now makes the walls look sad and unloved!
This project was far more relaxing and enjoyable than the front door project. Since I had the paint supplies out, I grabbed the white primer and covered the trim work around the door. It was bare wood and needed quite a scrub down to get it clean. I'm thinking about painting the walls in the entry area of the garage. Something about the unfinished state of it is unwelcoming. The beautiful red door now makes the walls look sad and unloved!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Just to Clarify
My last post made one of my friends think that she can refer to me with any punctuation questions. That is laughable! I say that because I struggle with knowing where to punctuate, so I got that book to help me. I figured that if I figured out one new rule from the book and remembered it that I was doing good. I really am not a punctuation vigilante. Well, I guess that I am, kind of.
There's a list of words that are misused that drive me crazy. These words, when used incorrectly, make me shake my head, grimace, roll my eyes or Since I know that y'all are just dying to find out what is in this list, I will share it with you!
there, their and they're
its and it's
whose and who's
I understand that they are homophones, but each word means something different.
My last grievance is the term "a lot". It is a two word term, not one word. So, "alot" is not a word.
There's a list of words that are misused that drive me crazy. These words, when used incorrectly, make me shake my head, grimace, roll my eyes or Since I know that y'all are just dying to find out what is in this list, I will share it with you!
there, their and they're
its and it's
whose and who's
I understand that they are homophones, but each word means something different.
My last grievance is the term "a lot". It is a two word term, not one word. So, "alot" is not a word.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Now I Know
I have been reading a few books about words and punctuation this week. Yes, people write books about origins of words and make them interesting! I have been paying more attention to words, syntax and punctuation because of these books. I am a bit nervous to write anymore, because I am sure that I am punctuating incorrectly; but I will try my best.
I discovered an answer to a question that I never seem to look up, so I thought I'd share this discovery with you.
I have always wondered why people have a fish symbol on their cars. I knew that it is a religious symbol, but that is as far as my knowledge extended. Now I know what the fish stands for! However, I do not know why they put it on their cars. (I'm not much of a car decoration fan; bumper stickers and those vinyl stick-figured family things drive me crazy.)
The information I am about to share comes from a book called The Word Snoop by Ursula Dubosarsky. Early Christians (along with other people!) used acronyms to save space and time in writing (much in the same way we do with texts LOL!). The way to say “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” in Greek is this: Iesous Christos Theou Huios Soter. Thus, the acronym is ICHTHUS, which is the Greek word for “fish”.
The explanation really is that simple! That is how the fish symbol became associated with Christianity.
Now I know- and you do too!
I discovered an answer to a question that I never seem to look up, so I thought I'd share this discovery with you.
I have always wondered why people have a fish symbol on their cars. I knew that it is a religious symbol, but that is as far as my knowledge extended. Now I know what the fish stands for! However, I do not know why they put it on their cars. (I'm not much of a car decoration fan; bumper stickers and those vinyl stick-figured family things drive me crazy.)
The information I am about to share comes from a book called The Word Snoop by Ursula Dubosarsky. Early Christians (along with other people!) used acronyms to save space and time in writing (much in the same way we do with texts LOL!). The way to say “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” in Greek is this: Iesous Christos Theou Huios Soter. Thus, the acronym is ICHTHUS, which is the Greek word for “fish”.
The explanation really is that simple! That is how the fish symbol became associated with Christianity.
Now I know- and you do too!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Infiltrated
I was helping Mark with a book report this weekend. He is giving an oral presentation about the book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I had him dictate to me what he would say as I typed it out for him to practice.
I had written the names Dumbledore and Voldemort and the spell check said that they were wrong. I ignored the spell check until I realized that Dumbledore had an 'e' at the end and I didn't put it down and Voldemort was with a 'd' instead of a 't'. I fixed the spelling on both names and the spell check recognized them!
I was amazed! Names from Harry Potter have infiltrated their way into the Muggle dictionary! Hermione wasn't recognized along with a handful of other names.
Interestingly, though, the spell check on Blogger doesn't have the names Dumbledore or Voldemort in the dictionary, but it does have Hermione! I was using OpenOffice.
I had written the names Dumbledore and Voldemort and the spell check said that they were wrong. I ignored the spell check until I realized that Dumbledore had an 'e' at the end and I didn't put it down and Voldemort was with a 'd' instead of a 't'. I fixed the spelling on both names and the spell check recognized them!
I was amazed! Names from Harry Potter have infiltrated their way into the Muggle dictionary! Hermione wasn't recognized along with a handful of other names.
Interestingly, though, the spell check on Blogger doesn't have the names Dumbledore or Voldemort in the dictionary, but it does have Hermione! I was using OpenOffice.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Tut Tut, It Looks Like Rain
I was reading my friend's blog about her playing in the rain with her little boys and I several rain related memories started playing in my mind. Thank you, Kimberly, for getting my brain rolling!
Growing up in Utah, long rainstorms are far and few between. I remember playing in the rain as a little kid. Mom would let us take the umbrellas to play with. I loved standing under the rain gutter that came off of the roof. It would make a loud pounding noise on the umbrella and water would spray everywhere.
Occasionally during a rainstorm, the power would go out. Mom would get the kerosene lamp out and we would sit around the table eating graham crackers and milk.
My first year of college (Rick's 1994) my roommates gave me a pair of goulashes. Theses goulashes were the most awesome things! They were my first pair ever of goulashes. I never had a need for them before. They were red and had Winnie the Pooh on the sides. I love Pooh Bear, so I instantly fell in love with them! (I think that my roommies found them at the thrift store!)
I remember several rainstorms that year that were a lot of fun to play in. I would come home soaked from splashing in the puddles. I loved that Teresa would play in the rain with me even though she didn't have Pooh Bear goulashes. Thanks, Tree!
When we moved to Georgia, I experienced real rainstorms. The thunder would shake the walls of our house, making me wonder if I was safe. I loved listening to the low rumble of the thunder. It was amazing.
A rainstorm in Utah normally lasts 5 minutes or so. Georgia rainstorms last for hours. I loved it! My favorite rainstorm occurred in January. It was cold and it rained all night. Then the temperature dipped below freezing and froze the rain. I woke up to see everything covered in icicles. The trees had icicles all over. The fences, mailboxes, cars, street signs, everything. It was beautiful. It was terrible to drive in and damaged a lot of trees because of the weight. But the frozen landscape was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
When we were living in West Jordan, right after moving back to Utah, we had a good rainstorm. I remember that I was getting the boys ready for bed and I looked outside to watch the rain. The gutters along the street were so full that they had filled into the street.
I told the boys to come outside. We played around in the water in front of our house. The water was warm and rather dirty because it had been a long time since the streets had been cleaned by a rainstorm. We wondered where all of the water went, so we got some boats from the bath toys and set them sailing down the water. The water system in that neighborhood was long. We went down three streets until the water poured into the big drain.
My pants were soaked and my hair was dripping wet. I was having a blast exploring with my three little boys. We were outside playing in the water for an hour. I know that I looked a bit foolish out there splashing in puddles and playing around, but do you know what I was thinking? I was thinking that I was a great mom.
I guess that it is important to have moments like that to look back on. Sometimes I get down on myself for not being the mom I want to be. But when I have moments where I am that awesome mom, it gives me hope that I can be her again!
Growing up in Utah, long rainstorms are far and few between. I remember playing in the rain as a little kid. Mom would let us take the umbrellas to play with. I loved standing under the rain gutter that came off of the roof. It would make a loud pounding noise on the umbrella and water would spray everywhere.
Occasionally during a rainstorm, the power would go out. Mom would get the kerosene lamp out and we would sit around the table eating graham crackers and milk.
My first year of college (Rick's 1994) my roommates gave me a pair of goulashes. Theses goulashes were the most awesome things! They were my first pair ever of goulashes. I never had a need for them before. They were red and had Winnie the Pooh on the sides. I love Pooh Bear, so I instantly fell in love with them! (I think that my roommies found them at the thrift store!)
I remember several rainstorms that year that were a lot of fun to play in. I would come home soaked from splashing in the puddles. I loved that Teresa would play in the rain with me even though she didn't have Pooh Bear goulashes. Thanks, Tree!
When we moved to Georgia, I experienced real rainstorms. The thunder would shake the walls of our house, making me wonder if I was safe. I loved listening to the low rumble of the thunder. It was amazing.
A rainstorm in Utah normally lasts 5 minutes or so. Georgia rainstorms last for hours. I loved it! My favorite rainstorm occurred in January. It was cold and it rained all night. Then the temperature dipped below freezing and froze the rain. I woke up to see everything covered in icicles. The trees had icicles all over. The fences, mailboxes, cars, street signs, everything. It was beautiful. It was terrible to drive in and damaged a lot of trees because of the weight. But the frozen landscape was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
When we were living in West Jordan, right after moving back to Utah, we had a good rainstorm. I remember that I was getting the boys ready for bed and I looked outside to watch the rain. The gutters along the street were so full that they had filled into the street.
I told the boys to come outside. We played around in the water in front of our house. The water was warm and rather dirty because it had been a long time since the streets had been cleaned by a rainstorm. We wondered where all of the water went, so we got some boats from the bath toys and set them sailing down the water. The water system in that neighborhood was long. We went down three streets until the water poured into the big drain.
My pants were soaked and my hair was dripping wet. I was having a blast exploring with my three little boys. We were outside playing in the water for an hour. I know that I looked a bit foolish out there splashing in puddles and playing around, but do you know what I was thinking? I was thinking that I was a great mom.
I guess that it is important to have moments like that to look back on. Sometimes I get down on myself for not being the mom I want to be. But when I have moments where I am that awesome mom, it gives me hope that I can be her again!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Genius
I want to share a conversation I overheard this morning. Paul was trying to load a computer game and was having problems.
Paul: Why won't this work?
Mark: Let me take a look.
Paul: Why? You're not a genius...yet.
Mark: Not yet, but maybe I'm smart enough now to help.
Paul: Oh ya? I'm going to be a scientist and I'll be really smart.
Mark: Oh ya? I'm ...
Mom cutting in: You're both smart. How about working on being nice now?
Mark and Paul: Sorry Mom.
I love that when Paul was ripping on Mark, he acknowledged the possibility of genius status. How cute is that? I knew that I had to intervene because arguments that start with "Oh ya?" get dangerous really fast.
Paul: Why won't this work?
Mark: Let me take a look.
Paul: Why? You're not a genius...yet.
Mark: Not yet, but maybe I'm smart enough now to help.
Paul: Oh ya? I'm going to be a scientist and I'll be really smart.
Mark: Oh ya? I'm ...
Mom cutting in: You're both smart. How about working on being nice now?
Mark and Paul: Sorry Mom.
I love that when Paul was ripping on Mark, he acknowledged the possibility of genius status. How cute is that? I knew that I had to intervene because arguments that start with "Oh ya?" get dangerous really fast.
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