The Lure of the Creek

Behind our house is a culvert that is used to direct the overflow from the lake across the way.  Several "tributaries" empty into the part that runs along our backyard.

Officially, it's a culvert.  Unofficially, it's our creek.

The place that we have paper sailboat races, watching as they race to the finish line.  Sometimes we find creatures in our creek (frogs, snakes, fish, worms, skating bugs).  There is a pair of Mallard ducks that returns every spring to nest in the woods, coming to the creek each morning for their "bath".  Once in awhile, there is even a blue heron that comes to visit...

While I love our "creek" and all the adventures it provides, I hate the things that go along with it.  Muddy shoes, wet and muddy pants, muddy footprints in my living room...sigh.  Mud, mud, everywhere, and not a drop to drink (wine, that is, I'm all out).

Guess I just need to get over myself here, because the kids love the creek so much that I wouldn't dream of making it off-limits.  Better just buy some stock in Oxi-clean and Resolve...

One project down...

a hundred more to go.

At least, that's the way it feels.  Always a project going on in a house with a handy husband and three growing kids.  The next ones on the list are the master bathroom (halfway done) and the family garden (can't wait for this!).

But now, introducing Gabe's completed room.  A mix of little boy and big kid...Legos and Hot Wheels and whimsical prints, along with a desk for "homework" and video games.  Holding onto that young part of my last baby... I'm not the only one, though.  Gabe goes from loving his new digs to missing his old Thomas bed, in a matter of minutes.

Living up to my goal of frugality, I tried to re-use as much as possible from his old room and other parts of the house.  The curtains are the same, as is the chalkboard.  I bought the wooden letters, three white frames and a pack of Basic Grey scrapbook paper.  The desk and the bed are new, as are a few of the containers for holding toys.

Okay, enough talking, on to the photos:

Joe built this closet with the pocket door when we converted this room from a loft to Gabe's room years ago. We don't have a dresser for him; the drawer system works great to be able to see what clothes go where, and helps Gabe pick out his clothes.  I got rid of his bookcase (which took up a lot of room) and moved the books onto this shelf.

Although he does talk about missing his Thomas bed, Gabe really is loving his new loft bed from Ikea.  I love having the space beneath for his gazillion Hot Wheels!

This was such a fun project (other than scraping off that wallpaper) and we're all happy with the results.  Even Elijah and Isabel are a bit envious of the new bed, although it's way too "kiddish" for them to want it in their own rooms.  It's okay, though; Gabe is willing to share with them and host a "campout" in his room over spring break :)

TGIS (Thank God It's Spring!)

Warmer weather, the chance to play outside without coats and gloves and hats, greener grass and flowers blooming, cleaning and purging and painting...spring has definitely sprung around these parts!

A quick summary of the "Gabe-room" project.

Before the makeover began...

And after the application of one coat of primer, two coats of "Plantation Moss" and one coat of white high-gloss to the trim.  Brighter, bigger and much more soothing than that loud Pooh-yellow!  Next step, the bed (which is put together) and the wall decor (not yet purchased).  So far, so good, although Gabe does miss his Thomas bed (change is so hard for kiddos).

The warm evening beckoned to us yesterday, and we headed over to the YMCA and hiked the nature trail, spotting deer and raccoon tracks, crossing creeks and climbing trees...it was a great way to spend some family time!

I love my babies, though they're not so much babies anymore.  How on earth did that happen?

I finished up my work week yesterday morning, and now I'm off for eleven days!  Big plans to spend lots of time with the kids, Joe and friends; Tastefully Simple party, New Moon slumber party, Taylor Swift concert, Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie, card-making with my sister, more hiking adventures...most important, being together and enjoying the spring.  Oh, and finishing up Gabe's room (I love the decorating part!).

What are you doing this week?  Any big spring-break plans?

Busy bees

Apologizing in advance for being scarce this week...

We are busy bees.  Working, laundry, kids, cooking, cleaning; the normal stuff, along with...

Remodeling our master bathroom and Gabe's room at the same time (what were we thinking?!).

Needless to say, I won't have much computer time until these projects are done.

I'll be back soon, with lots of pictures.

Spring fever has officially hit!  My house won't know what to think (you know, if houses could think).

What do you do when spring fever takes hold?

Fragments

* This week has flown by...with the sunshine and warm temps, we've been outside as much as possible every day.  I cannot wait to buy some flowers and plant our garden!

* I survived my first college class!  This past Tuesday was our final, in which I had to answer three essay questions about the history of American cinema.  Joe is amazed that I managed to finish a (mostly) online class without breaking the computer (I don't have the best of luck with things technical...).

* My next class starts on March 30th.  Mind you, I am getting my Bachelors in Nursing.  For a cultural diversity credit, the class is "Spanish Film and Culture".  Another film class?  By the time I graduate, it will be Heather K, RN, BSN, Cinematographer :)

* We are in the middle of Gabe's extreme room makeover.  Took me four hours to scrape off the old wallpaper border, and now Joe is patching some holes and putting the primer on.  The color we chose is "Plantation moss", a soft tan/green.  Much calmer than that bright yellow; hope that helps!

* No big plans for this weekend, again.  This is probably the last quiet weekend for awhile; spring break starts next week, and baseball will be soon after.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE watching Elijah play Little League?

* Isabel starts piano lessons tomorrow morning.  I'll be interested to see if she likes it.  The girl is good at anything she puts her mind to, so I hope she does.  I'd love to have a musician in the family!

* Off to the gym for Muscle Max class, then lunch with a dear friend, then to work til midnight.  Hope today is a great day for all of you!

Yesterday

Yesterday, I ran around our neighborhood (approx one mile).

Today, I plan to sit in the sun.

Yesterday, I worked in the yard, cutting down old ornamental grass and sedum, raking leaves, moving logs.

Today, I am sore even after three ibuprofen.  (It's a good sore, though.)

Yesterday, I had a great day with my kids, spending individual time with all three of them at some point during the morning, afternoon and evening.

Today, I'm planning on some me-time.

Yesterday, I fell short of being the Christian I know I should be.

Today, I thank God for His grace, that I can wake up to a fresh new day and get the chance to start over.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,

 for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:23

Pinch me

Are you wearing green today?

Even though I have some Irish blood running through my veins (thanks, Papa Conley), I often forgot to wear a verdant hue to school for St. Patrick's Day.

You know what that means.

Yep, if you weren't wearing green, you were open game to be pinched by anybody who was wearing green.

No fair saying you had on green underwear, either.  That didn't count.

Man, I hated getting pinched.

As part of my motherly duties, I made sure each of my kids was wearing green this morning.

Do kids still get pinched at school for this disregard of St. Patrick?  I'm not taking any chances.

Did you get pinched, or was that just an Ohio thing?  Or did you always wear green?  Are you wearing it today?  Any green beer in your future?