Backyard

A couple weeks ago, we asked a couple companies to come out and

give us an estimate of how much it would

cost to landscape the backyard.

The verdict?

WAY too much.

We thought if it was $3k or less, we might

be able to swing that.

But it wasn't even close - double that figure and then add some more.

So we're going to do it ourselves.

 You can't really tell in these pictures, but all that dirt is higher up than the weeds.

The back fence is about 28 inches or so higher

than the ground level where the weeds are growing.

 And here's the base of the one lonely tree back there.

It's not my favorite, but it's staying.

 Pavers that prove that someone at some point thought about

landscaping back here.

I would've thought it might have gotten a little farther along in the process, since

it's apparently in the CC&Rs that the

backyard must be landscaped within one year of purchase.

But, I guess it's true that when it's out of sight, it's out of mind - 

our house was built 6 years ago.

Here are the before shots, when Kidney Bean grabbed a hoe and 

started hacking away at some of the weeds. 

It's not a big backyard, but it sure is (was) full of weeds.

Wish us luck!

We have been enjoying it so far, and you'd better

believe that we will not be spending $8k back here to get what we want!

Revamp

When we had to switch over to the new blog, I had intended to change the look and the names of family members.  BUT it took a while, as you can see.  But I did get it done, and here is the big reveal.

First thing's first - the name Stanley Pie.

What is it?

No one has asked me, which was a little surprising, but it's what I

named a food dish that didn't have a name.

My mom tried it out years ago, and it was delicious, and when we would

eat it, it was 'That noodle thing' - you know, with the sour cream and cheese.

I first made it for my husband when we were dating.

As I pulled out the ingredients, he was

trying to figure out what we were having for dinner.

It sounds really strange, but is actually DELICIOUS!

 So one day I decided to name it, and that's 

when it became 'Stanley Pie'.

Next, since we use pretend names on here, I thought we could change those nicknames to

match the different ingredients in Stanley Pie.

You can find the names and pictures on the left of the blog.

And in case you want to try eating some Stanley Pie,

this is what you do:

Cook some macaroni noodles.

Drain.

Add a can of kidney beans, drained.

Add a can of stewed tomatoes.

Add a can of olives, drained.

Stir together and cook on low until heated through.

Serve in bowls, topping with

dollops of sour cream and shredded cheddar.

Diaper Rash?

Back in January, when we were living in our free temporary housing as part of the moving package, the girls were sharing a room.  I wasn't ready for it, they were certainly not ready for it, but the options were slim, and we weren't about to refuse the free housing simply because of this inconvenience. 

Bedtime took a long time those days.  We didn't have them sharing a bed (luckily), but Cupcake learned how to climb out of the playard we were using, and the door handles were the kid friendly kind, so both girls had the ability to get out of bed and try to stay up late.  

But, it didn't work out to their advantage. They were (sometimes) repeatedly put back in bed, and on occasion lost the nightlight in their room.  Which I think was a good thing, since it was so bright in their with it - they definitely went to bed easier when it was just outside the door.

One night, the girls were playing and being loud, so Daddy went in to put them in bed again.  I heard a reprimand and the words, "Go show your mother."  I didn't know what to expect, but this is the girl that greeted me as her dad followed her out, trying not to laugh: 

Poor thing!  Her sister had grabbed the Caldesene (seriously the BEST diaper rash prevention) and dumped it all over her and the playard.  So I grabbed the camera and stuck this girl in the tub.  

And tried to keep a stern look on my face when I was near Tooty.  That was the toughest part of the whole thing.

Sweet Baby

This little boy has us all enthralled.

Such a darling, sweet boy.

He is a good eating, the best sleeping baby we've had - has often gone

more than 8 hours at night, and even went

12 a few nights ago...before the latest growth spurt hit and now he's eating around the clock.

 The sticky-up-hair is all natural.

Some of the people at church have commented on how much their older sons

wish their hair would stick up like this cute stuff.

And of course he's all smiles until I pull out the camera, then 

he is all serious.  This boy has a great smile and laugh.

He always has one for this older sisters.

On the way back from Idaho, we were able to stop and see Daddy's grandpa.

It was great to relax and be comfortable while

I fed the baby.  And of course, we all enjoy

seeing Grandpa.

 

TV Console

As much as I love our couch,

my favorite thing in the front room is

our tv console:

We started building this right after we moved here,

and it was done just before 

our son was born.

And for some sad reason, I forgot to post it.  This is the surprise from the garage

that I talked about when I posted pictures of our

first floor.

We got the plan for it free from Ana White.  We will use it like 

this until we are ready to complete it, at which time

it will look similar to the one she made here.

We liked hers so much we used a similar paint color.

And one great thing about the hundreds and hundreds of plans on her site 

(in case you've never been there):

they are all FREE!

Best Couch Ever

We bought a couch from some family friends.

And it might just be the best couch you've ever seen.

I know it's my favorite.

And it can seat a TON of people.  

The first time I saw it was at a party at said friend's lake house.

There were a bunch of women for a ladies night/sleepover

and we were able to fit quite the crowd around and play games

and talk.

And talk and talk...did I mention it was a bunch of women?

I will quit stalling and share this beauty with you.

 The girls obviously love it.

And the two ends that have no back have wheels, which enable you to move them away or

into the center, for a full half circle!!

And it fits perfectly in our large front room.

It's quite strange for the house not to be so empty, since we 

moved our other couch into the fireplace room.

But I'm sure we'll adjust just fine.

Why We LOVE Stephanie

My sister is a superb aunt.  She teaches the kids all about having fun.

We had a great two weeks visiting my parents & Stephanie

while Daddy was in Boise, Idaho with the Army.

 Tooty and Steph washed the cars.

 Do you think she likes it?  No doubt, especially after watching her below.

I don't mind the screaming when it's 

because the kids are delighted - it sounds totally different

when they are angry, even though it's basically the same scream.

 She's willing to read and read and read.

 She lets the girls do her makeup.

 And had a tea party in the backyard, complete

with fancy dresses.

I was talking to Papa during the party, so I was just able to snap a

few after shots.

Thanks Stephanie!  

We love you!