Friday+snowday=Good times
That morning, we discovered the Mr. Iworkataplacethatdoesn'tcareaboutmywell-being had to work. After trying (and re-trying) to light a fire with the formerly sleet-covered firewood, I decided I was going to head over to my parents' house while he was at work in case the electricity went out on us. We made it to the end of the street, around the corner, out of the neighborhood...
Once at the closest intersection, he made a quick phonecall to a co-worker to see if they were going to work. His words were somewhere along the lines of, "It's not worth my wife and kids losing me to get out on the roads for one day." Therefore, we turned the truck around and headed back to the neighborhood. While driving, we received a call from the neighbors that we were invited to a neighbors' dinner party. We picked up a double-batch of brownie mix for the party and a movie at the closest 7-11 before going back to the house.
I cleaned house, did laundry, played with the puppies, and baked the brownies while Mr. I'mdeterminedtogetsomethingfinishedonthishouse was done hanging some drywall over the top of our fireplace. Then, we headed across the street to meet everyone.
Altogether, there ended up being about 11 neighbors over while we ate homemade lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and brownies. After dinner, the kiddos slipped into the living room for a movie while we the adults played Barbie Uno, Uno Attack, and talked about "big-people stuff". When the movie was finished, we turned on the Wii and put in "Just Dance".
I don't think I've ever had so much fun dancing with friends. Talk about blackmail-worthy, we were all getting into it as we followed the movements on the screen. Then, we added karaoke to each of the following songs...and much more!
-Pump the jam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbuhhYJTAl8&NR=1&feature=fvwp
-Can't touch this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zdez7o-op4&feature=channel
-Eye of the tiger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w93Ozzl3Vx8&feature=channel
-Girls just wanna have fun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvfVucZGM7Q&feature=channel
-Cotton eyed joe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqAFAXanXtY&feature=channel
-Ring my bell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7I_N-Oizxc&feature=channel
-Hot n cold
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta8BfGekGeA
Hours later, we finally called it a night, and headed out into the cold...brrr.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Winter Nights
Thursday morning I got up and around to head off to class for the morning. As soon as I got to my car, I realized the ice had already encased one side. Negative. Then, the battle played out in my mind like this:
1. I wait for my car to de-ice, hop in, drive on the soon-to-be-very-slick roads, get to class, go to one class for the day, turn around as the ice hits and when school is closed, possibly get in a wreck...
OR
2. Call-in, cuddle up in my pajamas, fix a warm breakfast, watch the ice and snow from a comfy/cozy/warm home, and enjoy a few extra hours without the risk of life-threatening roads.
Yep...no brainer.
So, I curled back into bed and waited until my mental alarm clock told me to get up.
Then, Mr. Alwaysthinkingofme decided to drive to our local convenience store to pick up what was left of the bundles of firewood in case the electricity went out and left me without heat. While we were there, we grabbed a movie to prepare for my boring night and headed back to the house.
Mr. Ihavetogotoworktomakealiving decided to brave the roads and started his pickup. After an hour of scraping snow and ice he headed off to work. I decided to walk over to the neighbor's house. A few minutes into the nail-painting of a five and seven year old, the phone rang. Mr. I'mheadedhomebecausemymeaniebossdidn'tcallandletmeknowthatworkwasclosedtoday had successfully made it to the parking lot (an hour later) and realized the entire plant had shut down. He, being the youngest at this job, was the only one to not receive a personal phonecall to let him know this valuable information.
I wrapped up the pretty nails and decided to let the girls come over and bake some sugar cookies. I forgot how much fun that age is. We made ginormous snowman cookies and shaped while we started a movie and popped some warm popcorn. Too bad we were out of sprinkles...that's just colored sugar, right? Wrong. After borrowing some sugar and tubes of food coloring to make our very own sprinkles. *drip, drip
Note to self: Gel food coloring does NOT mix with sugar...and adding water...makes sugar slush.
Well, no one said experiments have to turn out successful. Instead, we took water bottles with colored water outside to draw in the snow (which was really just sleet at this point). As one of the girls pointed out the similarity to snowcones, the idea sparked in their fun-filled minds and they decided we should make snowcones out of the ice. I'm not one to hinder an educational experience, so I went along with it. We used blue and red food coloring to make purple ice, and added in some strawberry flavoring. Then, we ate it.
Yes, I ate it (and I made Mr. Tryitforthegirls eat it too).
After the movie and experimental festivities were complete, I walked the girls back over the their house and decided it was time to enjoy a much-needed evening in.
1. I wait for my car to de-ice, hop in, drive on the soon-to-be-very-slick roads, get to class, go to one class for the day, turn around as the ice hits and when school is closed, possibly get in a wreck...
OR
2. Call-in, cuddle up in my pajamas, fix a warm breakfast, watch the ice and snow from a comfy/cozy/warm home, and enjoy a few extra hours without the risk of life-threatening roads.
Yep...no brainer.
So, I curled back into bed and waited until my mental alarm clock told me to get up.
Then, Mr. Alwaysthinkingofme decided to drive to our local convenience store to pick up what was left of the bundles of firewood in case the electricity went out and left me without heat. While we were there, we grabbed a movie to prepare for my boring night and headed back to the house.
Mr. Ihavetogotoworktomakealiving decided to brave the roads and started his pickup. After an hour of scraping snow and ice he headed off to work. I decided to walk over to the neighbor's house. A few minutes into the nail-painting of a five and seven year old, the phone rang. Mr. I'mheadedhomebecausemymeaniebossdidn'tcallandletmeknowthatworkwasclosedtoday had successfully made it to the parking lot (an hour later) and realized the entire plant had shut down. He, being the youngest at this job, was the only one to not receive a personal phonecall to let him know this valuable information.
I wrapped up the pretty nails and decided to let the girls come over and bake some sugar cookies. I forgot how much fun that age is. We made ginormous snowman cookies and shaped while we started a movie and popped some warm popcorn. Too bad we were out of sprinkles...that's just colored sugar, right? Wrong. After borrowing some sugar and tubes of food coloring to make our very own sprinkles. *drip, drip
Note to self: Gel food coloring does NOT mix with sugar...and adding water...makes sugar slush.
Well, no one said experiments have to turn out successful. Instead, we took water bottles with colored water outside to draw in the snow (which was really just sleet at this point). As one of the girls pointed out the similarity to snowcones, the idea sparked in their fun-filled minds and they decided we should make snowcones out of the ice. I'm not one to hinder an educational experience, so I went along with it. We used blue and red food coloring to make purple ice, and added in some strawberry flavoring. Then, we ate it.
Yes, I ate it (and I made Mr. Tryitforthegirls eat it too).
After the movie and experimental festivities were complete, I walked the girls back over the their house and decided it was time to enjoy a much-needed evening in.
Monday, January 25, 2010
But the Fire is so Delightful...
So, progress on the new house is coming along...slowly, but surely. Over the past few months we have torn out all the flooring, scraped "popcorn" ceilings, ripped out cabinets, rewired some electrical work, pulled off wood paneling and baseboards, taken down wood beams, destroyed a bookshelf, stripped wallpaper, worked on plumbing, updated appliances, and replaced some locks/doors.
After our first blizzard together (and no heat) we decided we needed a fireplace...just in case. Not knowing whether the fireplace insert we had was safe to use, we had a good neighbor come over and help pull the insert out of the wall. Ironically enough, there was a large arch sculpted in the brick behind the box that had been cut out into in order to fit the insert. We pulled out each of the 300+ bricks out of the existing hearth and saved them for later use. After an old friend came over and fixed our brickwork, we decided to start looking for fireplace ideas.
After much thought and planning, we both fell in love with the idea of a stacked stone fireplace with an oversized wooden mantel. This is our inspiration:
As for Sunday, we woke up first thing and headed off to church. There was a wonderful sermon on Margin and making a lifestyle change with our spiritual mentality and finances. Wow.
We grabbed a quick bite to eat at our local IHOP and made use of my coupon-clipping skills. Then, straight to the house to get to work. I started on my studies while Mr. I'llgetrightonthat changed and started measuring the existing fireplace. He cut the plywood to size and started to drill into the concrete. No go. He spent a good hour trying to make the basic drill and bit he had work. Finally, we asked a neighbor for a hammer drill. Oh my goodness! It took seconds (literally) to drill a hole. A little while later, all 15holes were drilled into the wood and brick for the lefthand side.
After I finished my classwork, I attempted to lend a helping hand on the fireplace work. As hard as I tried, I didn't feel I served as much help. Shortly afterwards, I fell asleep on the nearby couch.
Hours later, I awoke to Mr. I'msohungryIcouldeatahorse asking me to get up and around so we could get dinner. We met my parents at the pizza place and went back to their house for our weekend excitement with the fam. Before we knew it, time had passed and I was aware of the need to wake up at 6:30am the next morning for work. Bum deal.
Yet again, a weekend flew by.
BUT, this time next week...we'll be finishing up with a brand new fireplace to cuddle up to for our anniversary.
After our first blizzard together (and no heat) we decided we needed a fireplace...just in case. Not knowing whether the fireplace insert we had was safe to use, we had a good neighbor come over and help pull the insert out of the wall. Ironically enough, there was a large arch sculpted in the brick behind the box that had been cut out into in order to fit the insert. We pulled out each of the 300+ bricks out of the existing hearth and saved them for later use. After an old friend came over and fixed our brickwork, we decided to start looking for fireplace ideas.
After much thought and planning, we both fell in love with the idea of a stacked stone fireplace with an oversized wooden mantel. This is our inspiration:
With the exception of the white woodwork, we have mimicked this fireplace in our idea book. While stone-searching, we came across a beautiful color called "alderwood" and placed the order this last Saturday. To celebrate one of our first final decisions together, we grabbed some yummy chocolate donuts and headed over to our weekend stopping place...Lowe's.
As for Sunday, we woke up first thing and headed off to church. There was a wonderful sermon on Margin and making a lifestyle change with our spiritual mentality and finances. Wow.
We grabbed a quick bite to eat at our local IHOP and made use of my coupon-clipping skills. Then, straight to the house to get to work. I started on my studies while Mr. I'llgetrightonthat changed and started measuring the existing fireplace. He cut the plywood to size and started to drill into the concrete. No go. He spent a good hour trying to make the basic drill and bit he had work. Finally, we asked a neighbor for a hammer drill. Oh my goodness! It took seconds (literally) to drill a hole. A little while later, all 15holes were drilled into the wood and brick for the lefthand side.
After I finished my classwork, I attempted to lend a helping hand on the fireplace work. As hard as I tried, I didn't feel I served as much help. Shortly afterwards, I fell asleep on the nearby couch.
Hours later, I awoke to Mr. I'msohungryIcouldeatahorse asking me to get up and around so we could get dinner. We met my parents at the pizza place and went back to their house for our weekend excitement with the fam. Before we knew it, time had passed and I was aware of the need to wake up at 6:30am the next morning for work. Bum deal.
Yet again, a weekend flew by.
BUT, this time next week...we'll be finishing up with a brand new fireplace to cuddle up to for our anniversary.
Friday, January 1, 2010
No...Year, Happy No Year
Being the indecisive couple we are, Mr. Idon'tknowwhatwecoulddo and I discussed for days what we were going to do to celebrate the new year. We finally decided we would grab dinner at our favorite place and get back to watch movies until midnight.
It wasn't until morning had rolled around on the day of New Year's Eve that Mr. Fullofsurprises informed me that I needed to be ready around 6 o'clock that evening to go. Knowing me, I asked him what we were going to do. He replied, "McDonald's has a special going on that if you dress up you get free chicken nuggets."
-So...can I wear nice jeans and boots? Or...do I need to wear a dress?
"A dress."
-Well, are boots okay? Do I need to wear high heels?
"Not boots, that's how you get the free shake."
I giggled and asked him what he had to wear since he couldn't wear heels.
"A suit."
What in the world? A suit? It was too cold outside for me to wear my little-black dress. After tearing through all of my dresses, I found it in my best interest to go ahead and hit some of my favorite stores within the upcoming hours. I threw on some comfy clothes and was out the door.
First store...no luck.
Second store...(As I'm in the dressing room) *Ring, ring*
'Yes?
"Have you found anything yet?"
-No. I'm trying on a few right now.
"Just make sure it's nice, nice, nice...and let me know what you find so I know what color suit to wear."
Moving on then...third store...two dresses to try on. (Hope for the best.)
Ding, ding, ding...we have a winner!
I rolled my hair in my hot roller, swept some bangs to the side, applied my makeup, teased my hair and slipped in my favorite bump-it :D, and added some darling new pins for the final touch.
Zzzzip. Dress...check. Jewelry...check. Pink 4 1/2" high heels...check, check.
I was officially ready to go (to McDonald's, right?)
Mr. Handsome looked perfect in that pin-striped suit of his. As we loaded into the pick-up truck, we passed the local McDonald's on the corner. Then, we pulled to a stop in front of one of his old friend's house.
Brrr...it was freezing outside! Literally. Ice was still adorning the local streets, and I could see my breath as we walked to the front doorstep.
Chocolate fondue...ymmm. Mr. WearesonotgoingtoMcDonald'stonight introduced me to all of his old friends as we sat and enjoyed snacks until everyone arrived.
Reservations at 8o'clock. We were going to the Petroleum Club downtown for dinner and fireworks.
-Smoked salmon, chilled shrimp, portobello mushroom, and scallion
-Fresh spinach salad
-Filet mignon with carrots and celery in burgundy sauce
-Chocolate pyramid mousse with truffles and fresh fruit
What a blast! We sat around and enjoyed each other's company and talked. The food was amazing! We listened to a live band and danced when we could. Hours later, the countdown began.
5
4
3
2
And, I started off a New Year with a sweet kiss, a sip of champagne, a gorgeous view of downtown, and a front row seat for the local fireworks.
Goodnight 2009. Thank you for the bittersweet ending to an old dream, the ability to move forward with my life, a happy beginning with someone I love, and all of the many, many precious memories we've shared together over the year. I am blessed.
It wasn't until morning had rolled around on the day of New Year's Eve that Mr. Fullofsurprises informed me that I needed to be ready around 6 o'clock that evening to go. Knowing me, I asked him what we were going to do. He replied, "McDonald's has a special going on that if you dress up you get free chicken nuggets."
-So...can I wear nice jeans and boots? Or...do I need to wear a dress?
"A dress."
-Well, are boots okay? Do I need to wear high heels?
"Not boots, that's how you get the free shake."
I giggled and asked him what he had to wear since he couldn't wear heels.
"A suit."
What in the world? A suit? It was too cold outside for me to wear my little-black dress. After tearing through all of my dresses, I found it in my best interest to go ahead and hit some of my favorite stores within the upcoming hours. I threw on some comfy clothes and was out the door.
First store...no luck.
Second store...(As I'm in the dressing room) *Ring, ring*
'Yes?
"Have you found anything yet?"
-No. I'm trying on a few right now.
"Just make sure it's nice, nice, nice...and let me know what you find so I know what color suit to wear."
Moving on then...third store...two dresses to try on. (Hope for the best.)
Ding, ding, ding...we have a winner!
I found a black satin dress with pleated details on the skirt and side-pockets, plunge neck-line, and belted waistband. On sale! It fit perfectly!
I rolled my hair in my hot roller, swept some bangs to the side, applied my makeup, teased my hair and slipped in my favorite bump-it :D, and added some darling new pins for the final touch.
Zzzzip. Dress...check. Jewelry...check. Pink 4 1/2" high heels...check, check.
I was officially ready to go (to McDonald's, right?)
Mr. Handsome looked perfect in that pin-striped suit of his. As we loaded into the pick-up truck, we passed the local McDonald's on the corner. Then, we pulled to a stop in front of one of his old friend's house.
Brrr...it was freezing outside! Literally. Ice was still adorning the local streets, and I could see my breath as we walked to the front doorstep.
Chocolate fondue...ymmm. Mr. WearesonotgoingtoMcDonald'stonight introduced me to all of his old friends as we sat and enjoyed snacks until everyone arrived.
Reservations at 8o'clock. We were going to the Petroleum Club downtown for dinner and fireworks.
-Smoked salmon, chilled shrimp, portobello mushroom, and scallion
-Fresh spinach salad
-Filet mignon with carrots and celery in burgundy sauce
-Chocolate pyramid mousse with truffles and fresh fruit
What a blast! We sat around and enjoyed each other's company and talked. The food was amazing! We listened to a live band and danced when we could. Hours later, the countdown began.
5
4
3
2
And, I started off a New Year with a sweet kiss, a sip of champagne, a gorgeous view of downtown, and a front row seat for the local fireworks.
Goodnight 2009. Thank you for the bittersweet ending to an old dream, the ability to move forward with my life, a happy beginning with someone I love, and all of the many, many precious memories we've shared together over the year. I am blessed.
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