My Mom

Can I just tell you that my Mom is awesome?!

She worked tirelessly last week to help me set up the Sun Room. She brought in plants and even gave me (at least I think she gave it to me) a nice quality CD player and tucked it in under some of the greenery to play soft jazz music. I give her all the credit for that one room.

She understands how important it is for women to have their own space. This room is where I work on my bible study. It's where I make phone calls and I can just sit there in silence and renew myself.

As a matter of fact, right now while Ellery naps I have that soft jazz music playing, clipping coupons and absolutely LOVING my room.

Thanks Mom!! :)

To The Gym...

I am embarrassed to admit I have not exercised since the marathon in November.

Life has been too hectic.

But I feel like I'm running out of excuses now. A friend is gently asking me to run the local 10K race with her in about a month. Therefore I have decided that today is the day I will try out my emaciated legs for the first time in 3 months. If I can get a decent run in (at the gym while E is in childcare) then I might seriously consider doing the race. Something about running socially can get my little booty in gear.

In an effort to motivate myself even more, my first order of business this morning was to put on gym clothes instead of the typical jeans & long sleeve t-shirt uniform.

Thankfully the treadmills at the Y have TVs so I can catch a cooking show while working the aches and pains out of my muscles. Side note: when I go too long with out working out my body tells me by giving me an achy back and "crazy legs."

Off to the gym I go!!

The House

Okay.

So since we've been working so hard to get this house in order for the birthday party this weekend I figured it was in good enough shape for some before & after pictures!

I needed to get these shots while the house was still clean and Ellery's toys were put away!

You might agree with us that this place is COMPLETELY different!

It's been a lot of hard work but we are so thankful that the Lord provided so much for us to be able to complete these renovations, live through it and STILL remain married.

Cheers!!

The Foyer

The Living Room

The Kitchen

The Sunroom

A Nap

Wow. For the first time in what seems like forever I napped this afternoon.

Ellery was dedicated at church this morning and as soon as she went down for her nap I took one as well.

I think I actually moaned when I laid on the couch and wrapped myself up in a blanket. My nap lasted her entire nap, about an hour and a half.

So this week I anticipate it being a bit more relaxed.

Story time on Monday
Find some toddler books (like how to raise them and discipline them)
Write some cards
Make real dinners (Courtney shoot me some of those recipes!)

Nice slow week ahead. Yep, that's what I'm looking forward to!!

Bookcases

Cary and Josh worked all day on Saturday and Sunday.

Here's Josh...



Here they are as of tonight!


More painting is needed obviously, but we are so excited!!

Another Project Weekend

Cary began the built-in book cases on either side of the fireplace today!

Here are some before pictures....





I hope to post some "after" photos tomorrow, but we'll see how far they get.

It's amazing to me how much work gets done around this house when Little Miss and I are gone all day! I was so happy to walk in tonight to see several little projects completed as well as the bookcases going up. So fun!

Warm Weather Needed

I am ready for Spring.

Something about seeing the MILLION runners in the neighborhood jog past my house makes me want to get out there and move!

There are 2 problems: 1-I hate cold weather & 2-it's kinda difficult to run with a baby in the jogging stroller when there are ice patches on the road and all the roads around my house are very hilly.

Yes. Those excuses are enough to keep me inside and longing for warmer weather.

By the way, EVERYONE played in the snow these past few weekends. I DID NOT.

Again, using the distaste for cold weather and a baby as my excuse. However, I am a bit sad about this because I believe Richmond will not see this much snow again for another 20 years, which means next time I'll be too old and decrepit to play in the snow.

Bring on the warm weather!!!

Productive Day

Wow, was today productive! (sigh) There is something about feeling like we've accomplished several things on our "to do" list that makes this house feel a bit more like home.

We sat down this morning and came up with a list of things that needed to be done before Ellery's birthday party (in 2 weeks). So my first move after this discussion was to call my dad and see if he could come and help.

I do not know what we would have done with out his help. Having him around really gives us the ability to focus. We all took turns to paint and play with Ellery and work together to accomplish our "list."

Painting all the doors was on the top of our list. I really wanted to get the hardware on all of them, but that is a time consuming process so we have a few more doors to do, but still...at least having hardware on our bedroom & Ellery's room is great!


My dad LOVES to feed Ellery. I gave her lunch and before I knew it he had her out of the highchair and she was eating his soup and grilled cheese sandwich (which she loves)


Little Miss found her birthday invitations!!


First thing I did this morning was to put a pot roast in the crock pot. Nothings better for dinner on a cold snowy night!


Later this afternoon homemade chocolate chip cookies were a must!




So now we are eating dinner and finally ready to relax.

Yep. It was a good day!

Not a lot going on here.

Or maybe it's too much going on.

Either way I don't feel like posting much these days.

Sorry to be selfish, but I just want to keep to myself for a bit.