First Day of Middle School

First day of middle school was a big transition for all of us.  Michael and Jacob were out the door by 7:15 AM.  The house was too quiet for me and I did not know what to do with myself.

This was the best I could do with my iPhone.  Hopefully we can take some better pictures in the future. It is a nice school and everything is so new.  Jacob survived his first day just fine.  The ice cream sundae he got after dinner helped too.

August Round-Up

August is by far the busiest month of the year for us and with the remodel and a new puppy it has been doubly busy this year.

This cute couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

We all went out to dinner to celebrate the anniversary and Hank's birthday.

I made a Red Wine Velvet Cake from my Smitten Kitchen Cookbook.  It was decadent and delicious.

Michael's birthday is the next celebration of the month.  We all thought we took a picture this year but no one can find the picture.  This is from last year.  Funny thing is that Michael asked for a cake again this year with coconut.  If I find the picture I will post it later.

Jacob is the last celebration of the month.  He enjoyed his 11th birthday party and a rousing game of Apples to Apples.

You can see what I want to do now and Hope too.  Happy August and here is to school starting soon!

My Life in a Zip-Top Bag

The flooring company is doing their utmost best to keep dust at bay.  I feel like the boy in the bubble or living in a zip-top bag.

On Wednesday when all this went up, I was caught off guard.  I told them I needed access to food as Jacob and I were home.  They left a zipper access to the kitchen but the island was sealed off on both sides before I could get any utensils.  I gave up eating from home and ordered pizza, we ate in Jacob's bedroom.  Thursday we all had a respite as I went to work and Jacob and Hope went to Brentwood for the day.  Silly me I thought they would be done by Thursday.  When I came home from work and it wasn't done I wanted to cry.  Friday I was more prepared for life in a bubble.  I packed up a cooler full of food and drinks knowing we would be trapped until their lunch break.  Taking the dog out for a break was the only reason we needed to leave the bubble.  I am crossing my fingers that they finish today.

Life Under Construction

Life under construction is complicated this week.  We are replacing our hardwood floors and remodeling our bathroom at the same time.  Our furniture is dispersed throughout the house.

It took the crew of 3 all day to remove the old hardwood from this room alone.

We ate dinner on our towel covered dinning room table on the patio last night.  

Hope seems unfazed by the whole affair.

The Bathroom Project

The Zwangs, not wanting to stay idle too long decided to remodel their downstairs bathroom.  

We, I mean Bill, took out the bathtub. We will be moving the toilet and putting the laundry in the house!

Toilet anyone?  As Bill says extra seating.

Our backyard is beginning to look like a flea market.  I will post pictures as we go along.  Or you can come for a visit, just expect dust.

Summertime

Best of summer, ice cream sandwiches with my son on a Wednesday just because.

Explaining the red fingers, red lips and tongue from the red velvet cookies to the allergist, priceless.

Happy Summer.

5th Grade Culmination

They played pomp and circumstance for the kids to walk in.

There was a recorder and drum song.

The handshake.

I will miss the principal, he is excellent.

The kids danced and sang to Happy by Pharrell Williams.

Everyone was happy by the end.  We will miss this little school down the street that has been our home for the past 7 years.  Jacob is looking forward to new adventures.