Motorcycles

"You can't eat goldfish on a real motorcycle because there isn't a cup holder. And you can't put it in the backseat to eat it."

- Martin

His motorcycle. His goldfish are in the white bowl. 

New Addition to the Bedtime Routine

A couple weeks ago we tried to give Martin a piggyback ride to his bed.  He cried. But now he begs for one almost every night. I'm not sure what changed. 

And of course, Warren can't be left out.  He's got to do whatever his big brother does. 

Bathroom Update

I finally took pictures of the bathroom!

Here is after taken standing in the shower. 

The walls are painted grey on the top. 

Jared installed wainscoting and moulding on the bottom.  

We bought new towels because the old ones were purple and stained (we were going to get grey, but these blue ones were on the clearance rack - and we were able to get 3 for the price of 1 grey one). 

The & is from before. 

The pictures are new. 

These are from a local artist. We originally bought 8 and were going to choose our favorites, but they are slightly bigger than 4"x6" prints. So, when we went to frame them, the words were cut off on some of them.  These are the only four that fit the mats. The top left picture of Oxford is the inspiration for our bathroom. We really liked the grey of the water paired with the white fence. 

Alright, here is before.  Bleh, purple. Bleh.

And here is after. 

I didn't think to take photos until Jared had already started working. Thus, why I didn't get a picture from the shower to the door. As you can see, the cabinet used to be brown.

After: we painted it white and it looks so much better. 

Before: The whole wall was purple. It was too much purple.  The purple was a bad color.  When it got wet it would turn pink. Some of the wall stayed pink.

After: the wainscoting breaks up the wall and gives it a much cleaner look.  I love the way it turned out.  It is hard to take good pictures of a small bathroom, but these should give you a good idea. We are really glad we updated the bathroom (for the third time).  I think we finally got it right this time! :)

New Project

While waiting for Martin to pick out fabric for his new pillowcases, which is scheduled as a post in two Fridays, I wandered over to look at other fabrics. These caught my eye and I knew I had to make something out of them. Something simple. Something quick. Sometimes you just want to sew for fun and finish a project quickly. 

I spent about an hour on them Tuesday. Yesterday I had jury duty. It might get finished this weekend. If it does you'll see pictures of it in a few Fridays.  I'm trying to schedule craft and house projects on Fridays and work ahead to have about a month scheduled in advance. 

I've really been in a sewing kick recently. Reading has fallen by the wayside. I think I realize that once the baby comes I will be able to read while I nurse, but not sew. 

Happy Thursday! The big bathroom reveal is set to post tomorrow. :) 

Holy egg, Batman!

Martin checked for eggs yesterday. He found one in the first nesting box. Then he checked the second one and said, "Oh! There are two in here."

It is super exciting every time a new chicken lays an egg. So, I rushed over to look in. This is the third egg... What?!?

I am wondering if one of my other variety started laying. The other eggs have come from two of my Black Stars. Maybe this is from a Buff.  But no matter who laid it, that is a HUGE egg for a first egg. 

Here is a comparison to a store bought white large egg. Crazy! 

God Hath Not Promised

Jared sent me this poem many years ago when I was in school.  It has always been a favorite.  I know I have published it on my blog, but it has been many years.  I am so thankful for its reminder of God's provision.

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river, turbid and deep.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

Hooded towels

Martin was given a hooded towel at his baby shower.  We use it for both boys because they are small and one towel can dry them off fine.  But we thought as they got older they would appreciate their own towel. I had to return a few duplicate things after baby three's shower and I used the money to buy them both their own towels and washcloths.  I spent about 30 minutes hemming and sewing the washcloth to the towel and had custom made hooded towels! 

We really don't like baby towels around here. They are made of some thin material that doesn't dry. Real towels are the way to go! :) Plus, they can use them for longer.  

Warren's was going to be green, but Target didn't have any darker green towels.  Martin choose blue.  The only thing that I didn't realize was that the original design used a king size washcloth, not a regular size.  So, the hood is a bit small. The boys don't seem to mind.  They both love having their own towels.  We will pass the original towel down to baby three.

Updates (tooth, chickens, room, etc.)

Tooth update:

While I was having my tooth out, the boys enjoyed waffles and whipped cream at my parents. I think they had fun. Also, I need to make my parents some bibs for their house. They have enough grandkids now. 

My tooth is doing remarkably well. I haven't taken pain medicine at all today.   I am still eating all soft foods, which is getting old. I made myself a strawberry spinach smoothie this morning because  I was craving green stuff. And I am more tired than normal, but that could be the baby. I've gone to bed early the last two days.  

I have noticed that I don't wake up with the dull headache that I often had several times a week. So, once the spot where the tooth was heals up, I should be great!! 

Boys' room update:

The boys' room is coming along nicely. The mattress is supposed to come today.  It was free in-store pick up by yesterday or free shipping to your home by today. We thought we could wait one extra day. We have a couple pictures to hang back up, a pillow to buy, and then I will take pictures and post them. We also want to get a LED strip light to put under the bed so they can turn it on when they are playing under there. But that will probably come later. 

I told Jared I'll try not to invent anymore projects for a few months. :) He's been quite busy since March when we started the chicken house, then the bathroom, and now the boys' room. Good thing he is so handy. 

Book update:

I'm halfway through my second book in August. Maybe if I ever get called in to jury duty I'll get to read more. 

Jury duty update:

I've still only been in once in 17 days. I might have to go in next week... Maybe? 

Chicken update:

One chicken is laying every day. She is now my favorite chicken! 

One chicken has laid two eggs in the last five days. Her eggs are bigger, so maybe it takes more time to make a bigger egg. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. 

The rest are eating lots of food, but not yet producing. 

Tooth Extraction

I don't have any pictures for you today. It was a typical Monday, mostly. We went  grocery shopping and put the groceries away. The Boys are getting better at carrying in groceries and putting them where they go. :) It is slow progress, but will be worth it someday. 

Warren took a nap. Martin and I read Beatrix Potter. Any suggestions on kids' books I should start reading to him? He has a great imagination and I want to build it more. He's too young for Narnia. He likes the old Winnie the Pooh books and The Father Chrismas Letter by Tolkien. I'd love ideas for good books that are longer than just picture books. He doesn't mind lots of words. 

My parents came by and watched the boys while I had my tooth taken out. I am glad to finally be over and done with this tooth. It is a long sad story. I had a root canal on it six or seven years ago. It required a crown. The crown fell off over ten times and had to be put back on. It was insane. Jared told me I should just have it pulled. Ha. I should have listened. Finally, it stayed and was a pretty good tooth for four years. 

However, last October it cracked and had an abscess. Went to a dentist. Said it was cracked and needed to come out. Went to an oral surgeon (in January because his wait list was so long).  He didn't think the tooth should come out and sent me back to the endodontist who did the root canal.  He also agreed the tooth was fine and it had been just a gum abscess. Hooray! I get to keep the tooth. 

Four months later... Another abscess. The endodontist sees me again that day (and doesn't charge me either time - I highly recommend him!). Says he can now see a crack (on the x-Rays) and the tooth needs to come out. 

I drag my heels because who wants to have a tooth taken out. What fun is that? Plus, my parents are away for almost all of June and I wanted them to help with the boys. Finally, I call in July (after a third abscess) to set up an appointment. Because I am pregnant I can't have any drugs or anesthesia, which actually saves me like $500. So, I guess it all works out. 

Had the tooth removed today. From the time I sat down in the chair, to being numbed, to have the tooth yanked out, to post instructions it took less than ten minutes!! What? Jared and I both really like this oral surgeon. I highly recommends him too. 

So, now I sit here with a sore, numb, swollen face waiting for my ice cream maker to finish my first batch of homemade ice cream.  I can only eat soft foods the next two days. 

Oh, and did I mention that it is hot outside?!? I am looking forward to autumn. It is my favorite season. I've had enough summer. 

Weekend recap: Fire trucks, bibs, and a new egg

Today was open house at the fire station. He was a bit excited to go! Thanks to my Mom for taking us so that Jared could work on the bunk bed in peace (which he finished today - pictures once the matters arrives next week). The tour of the fire station was super cool (and was air conditioned) and the boys adore climbing all over trucks. I love being the mom of boys. 

10 bibs and 2 burb clothes. Quilted. Washed. Ready for future showers.

See the egg on the front right? Our biggest chicken started laying eggs today. Her egg is way bigger than the other chicken that has given us 15 eggs so far. Also, note how from one chicken we have gotten lots of shades of brown eggs. So weird. 

 

A Sewing Break from Books

I had high hopes for the end of July and August for my reading goals. I was on such a good roll in June and July. Sewing and cooking have taken the lead in the pass few weeks though. 

And Jury Duty hasn't done anything to help my reading goals. I've gone in once and am excused to possibly go in next Wednesday or Thursday (if my number comes up). So, two times in 20 days... That won't add up to much reading. 

One of my sewing projects...

Made from some fabric Jared and I found on our trip to Denver a few years ago. And look, I used snaps!!

They are reversible strap covers for my ergo. Warren chews on everything. He left watermark stains on both straps. I meant to make these for him, but never got around to it. Thankfully, I washed my ergo last week and all the stains came out. When you look close the fabric is more worn around those parts. This should help. 

I've also:

* made 11 new bibs

* made 2 burb clothes

* replaced 2 diapers' elastics

* converted 4 diapers from Velcro to snaps

* started a new quilt top (it is about halfway finished) 

I'm working on cleaning up my sewing room by completing half-made projects and scraps of fabric that were sitting around. You probably couldn't tell a difference, but I can. 

I'm almost 2/3rds through converting my diapers from Velcro to snaps. I have five diapers left with failing Velcro. The last third has Velcro that still works. So, it is scheduled for replacement in another 12-18 months or so. 

So, maybe I'll be back to books in September. :) 

Tamales (and menu for the week)

Look! I am trying a new ATK recipe. I rolled all my tamales for dinner tonight. It is clear why people cheat and make tamales pie. Rolling these is so much work. It is probably easier with the dried corn husks, but we ate corn last night and I couldn't resist using the green husks. 

I'll be serving these with homemade pico de gallo and guac. 

Menu for the week

Monday - Grilled Peach and Jalapeño Chiken thighs, spinach salad, watermelon, and corn. 

Tuesday - Tamales, guac, pico, watermelon. 

Wednesday - Grilled Kelbasa, onions and peppers, corn, spinach salad. 

Thursday - Tacos

Friday - Homemade Pizza and watermelon

Saturday - Pancakes and Eggs

Sunday - Brown Butter Fish, potatoes, and green beans. 

Not a Baby and Jury Duty Update

He's not a baby anymore. We call him by his real name. He loves to pitch in and help (carrying trash cans, loading dishwasher, putting clothes in dryer, etc.). He is entering the terrible twos and showing his independent streak more than ever. Overall, he's a sweet little boy. I'm so thankful he loves to play with his brother. 

Also, sidenote, if anyone ever sees these Fisher Price Trio Blocks at a yard sale or consignment shop, please buy them for me. The boys love them, but when I wet to buy more they are discontinued and super expensive. :( so sad. 

Jury duty day one update: There were two trials. Before we even made it upstairs to jury selection they both pled guilty. We were sent home. Boring. I'll be going in next week again sometime, hopefully.  

Two complaints: 

1. Women my age showing up to jury duty in yoga pants (especially ones with see-through panels on the side) and a t-shirt (which is specifically not allowed in the rules they send you). You have to own some sort of professional clothing or a dress or something. 

2.  People complaining about jury duty.  It is free time to read a book. Plus, most jobs pay you for your time at jury duty.  Also, if you choose to play games on your phone while you wait, please, please, turn off the sound. 

Bunk Bed Project in the Boys' Room

New babies inspire us to start new projects. 

With baby 1: we painted our room, the baby's room, and the bathroom. 

With baby 2: we tore down the wall In the kitchen and repainted. We also repainted the bathroom. 

With baby 3: we are building a custom bunk bed for the boys. Oh, and we painted and redid the bathroom (those pictures will come soon). 

More pictures when we finish in a few weeks. And by we, I mean Jared. I just dream up this stuff. :) 

A few before photos to intrigue you while you wait. :) 

Chickens and Mystery

Spot all five chickens. 

Hint. The three black stars always hang out in a group. Spot one and you see them all. 

They are eating something out of the rain spout. Apparently, there are a lot of Bugs around our house. They have spent most of the last two days eating things right outside the door. 

Jared had a haircut after work tonight and so we had pancakes and eggs for dinner. Martin told me that we had to try the brown eggs to make sure they were good. So, the boys had the first half dozen of eggs, scrambled with cheese. 

We are still only getting one egg a day (come on other four chickens!!), but it is super exciting to find the egg each day. Martin loves it.  And as much as I would like to be the one that goes out and gets the eggs, I am letting him because he takes such joy and pride in picking it up and carrying it inside. 

It is the same feeling as when bread rises or yogurt ferments or you pick produce from your own garden. There is something magical and mysterious about it. It doesn't get old. It is a marvel. Ask Jared, I still get excited every time my bread rises. :) 

I guess it is a good reminder to be amazed and awestruck at the provision and wonder of God. He has provided so much for us and in incredible ways. We lose sight of that while grocery shopping. An egg is just an egg. It seems so much crazier that a chicken lays an egg almost every day to provide for you. It is unbelievable. It is crazy. 

It seems as if you were trusting God to make a chicken lay eggs and a cow make milk and grain to grow in your fields, you'd appreciate the verse about God always providing for the birds and clothing the flowers. Why worry? He just made a chicken lay an egg!! What! That is crazy. An egg that can be used to make bread more delicious and sweet cakes and that you can whip into meringue. The God who can do that can also provide everything else you need. His provision is beyond imagination. He is  all powerful and wonderful. Be in awe of His mighty works. 

Praise God for chickens and eggs and the simple lesson to trust Him more. 

We spend a lot if time watching the chickens eat and walk around the yard. It is way more interesting then you'd think. 

...That is until they eat your thyme and hostas and you have to chase them away.