Thursdays, painting advice... or not, the swings, and a pregnancy update

7/24/14

Happy Thursday!  Thursdays are one of my favorite days of the week.  Why?  Because I go to coffee time at my Aunt's or Grandma's and after that the kids and I can spend the day with my parents (or just one of them depending on who is busy).  My dad usually babysits for me while I run out and do whatever it is I need to do. For example, last week, I needed to get a car wash and vacuum out my van.  Isn't that wonderful?  And, tomorrow Ben has a Manitoqua board meeting, so I'm just going to go ahead and stay with my folks for dinner.  It's amazing.  Mom's making ribs, and I never make ribs.

As I sit here to write, both my feet are asleep.  Weird.

So, what's new in the Kappers' house you ask?  WELL, I've started painting Grace's future room.  I have successfully primed (THREE coats of primer) the woodwork and will soon be ready to paint it white.  Even with just the primer on it looks 100 times better.  As I've painted in this house I've noticed the previous owners' painting strategies.  I'll share them with you in case you're looking for advice... (NOT!)....

1. Don't tape the woodwork when you paint the wall.  It's ok to get different colored paints on it.
2. It's also ok and even good to get paint on the door/door frame.  It could be fun looking at your door in a few years and seeing all the different colors you've painted your room in the past.  Plus, maybe the people who move in after you will want to know what shades you've already picked.
3. Instead of taking the nails out of the walls, bang them back in the wall and paint over them even if they're a little crooked.
4. Feel free to splatter paint all over the registers on the floor.  Just be sure to put the bed in front of the ones that are REALLY noticeable.
5. Do not remove any type of screw-- painting over it is JUST fine and will ensure no one after you can take it off either.
6. If you have paint drips on the wall, just leave them.  They'll dry and add some texture....

I know. Pretty bad.  But maybe I shouldn't talk since I left the can of primer open all night and set my phone down in wet paint...
Moving on.... it's still summer (although today feels like fall), and so we've been at the park all the time!  I'm not really that adventurous when it comes to parks.  I pretty much go to two.  One is right down the road-- we go there most;  and the other is a few streets down.

Gracie LOVES the swings.  But really, who wouldn't? They're super fun.

And, she ALWAYS opens her mouth like that while she's on it.  She's the absolute sweetest.  Oh, also notice she's in a sweatshirt.... that's because today was cold. (WHAT?!)  I actually enjoyed it.  Having the windows open with the beautiful breeze-- I can handle that.  I couldn't handle it all summer though!

I've been letting Caleb and Grace bathe together the last couple of times.  I used to not do it because I was afraid Caleb would kill Grace-- or at least try to.  I remembered why I usually opt to do separate baths when Caleb said "MOM, Can I dump this cup of water on Gracie's head!?"

My response? "UM... no."

Caleb is lacking in the "I'm going to make a wise choice" department.  Like today-- while I was washing our dinner dishes, Ben had to rescue Grace because Caleb was completely laying on top of her... you know, all 38 pounds on his baby sister....   Really??  I know, he's only 3.... but, I also KNOW he has more brains than he's been demonstrating lately.

I’ve been trying not to lift the kiddos as much as I normally do since the ole backaroni is a bit weaker than normal.  SO, sometimes I ask Ben to take the kids down the stairs. HAHAHA =)  I know, Caleb can go by himself.  Sometimes I think he feels left out though.

And finally, a pregnancy update.  Little stinker #3 is kicking more and more all the time-- it's SOOOO fun!  She's also causing my bladder to fill constantly.  It seems a bit early to me.... seriously, I'm up like 4 times a night already and I'm only 22.5 weeks along! (I always include half weeks.... it makes me feel good).  Other than a little back pain here and there, a few headaches every once in a while, and heading to the bathroom often, I'm feeling great!  It's nice to be in this in-between stage where you feel good and your belly isn't huge.  I'm thankful.  God is good.

-Melanie