Main floor reno

SO, towards the beginning of summer, we decided we wanted to do a bit of work on our main floor.  We have a quad style house, and had an eating space in the kitchen (pictured below) and a dining room next door.  We were finding though, that if we ate in the kitchen with guests, we were constantly banging our elbows on the wall; and if we were in the dining room, we couldn't move the chairs on the carpeting to get in and out.  Since our family is growing, and we like to have people over and sit in the same room as them, we decided the wall had to GO.  

Here's the dining room below.  I should also mention the carpet was really really really really really bad.  The Kappers + light carpet = HORRIBLE disaster.  You can see some of the stains in the picture even.  But it was getting to the point where I was embarrassed to have people over because it was so disgusting. (Hello Kedzie)

So one day the wall got knocked down.  It was CRAZY! 

And we got rid of our kitchen table because I didn't want to have two tables. (although I did love that table with all my heart).  We decided to get new flooring throughout since I wasn't in love with our kitchen laminate (it was the 69 cents a square foot kind and terrible to clean), and I didn't want to put it elsewhere in our house.  

I didn't take a before picture of our living room, but I do have pictures just from us living in it.... So here's a birthday party picture from a while back! 

Then it came time to choose a paint color that would be ALL over.  This was highly stressful.  I ended up choosing Revere Pewter, which is a Benjamin Moore color I had matched by someone else.

We painted the trim around the windows white, and painted all the walls in the kitchen/living/dining/entry areas.  Our hero Dean Kuper even came to help, and he DOMINATED the ceiling line once again.  Thanks Deano!!! (and his daughter Anna helped too.)

Then it came time to have the floor put in.  When they moved my piano, THIS is how disgusting the vent was. AHHHHH!!!!!!!!! It was INSANE.

There was also a surprise under our laminate flooring in the kitchen.... TILE! 

We had recessed lighting put in our living room too, so I had to empty out the pantry in order to have access to our attic.  The mess was overwhelming. 

We lived in chaos for a week or so and started eating meals in the family room at a little white kid's table.  And it was when Ben was gone.  Lucky Ben. (And hello again Kedzie)

I thought I might lose it, but I didn't.  That's the good news.

Then, it was done, and we could put our stuff back!! I LOVE the wall down!! I love having ONE eating space, and I like how open it feels now.  (Like the lighting?) 

I love our light fixture.  Ben found it.  He rocks.

I'm still working on curtains, but feel pretty good about finding pillows, an area rug, and accent chair I love! (Old Time pottery is the bomb.com) 

I still need to do a bit of cleaning next to my piano... 

Ben picked out those pictures above the couch in the picture below.  I love them because they just seem to tie the whole business together. 

I am absolutely loving the change, and I'm so glad we finished it before the baby came!  I have some curtains ordered online that are coming in the mail, so we'll see if we like those and can get them up in time, but I kind of doubt we'll manage that.  Overall I feel like we have more space, and I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE the new floors!!!!

I think we'll take a break from home projects for a little while, but I'm so glad we went for it this time!

Catch up

Yikes! I just looked at how much has happened since early June.  It's a lot.  Don't worry, I won't bore you with all the details, but I'll point out a few highlights.

First things first.  I know I've said this before, but my dad and Caleb are BFF and ever.  I mean, really.  It makes my heart so happy.  And I'm posting this picture because it's my dad's birthday tomorrow.  Happy Birthday dadsy! Thanks for being a great grandpa!!

Then my second born turned THREE.  This is the cake I made. I have no problem with my birthday parties being low key and not very pinterest worthy. I do however LOVE when other people have pinteresty parties.  I have no issues with that, and I find it more inspiring than intimidating.  So, keep on you amazing mothers out there. (see Kedzie's mouth right there?! He's SO lucky he didn't jump)

Gracie got a doll and some accessories for her birthday, and she LOVED it. 

In fact, she loved it SO much that she didn't want to eat any cake.  

We took a trip to the beach, and it was a blast!  All the kids loved it.  My parents came along and my dad took Anna for a nice walk when she got fussy, so that was SUPER handy! 

Caleb started swim lessons a few weeks ago (twice a week), and it has helped TREMENDOUSLY.  In case you forgot, Caleb is terrified of water.  He's ok in like a kiddie pool walking around, but actually going in a pool where his feet can't touch or his head might get wet-- no way.  I decided it was time for us to get over this fear of water (and of getting his head/ears etc. wet), and so I put him in swim lessons.  Day 1 he clung to me screaming while the teacher pried him off my legs.  Then, another teacher carried him around the pool, through the showers (which was also traumatic) and he was hysterical through the entire lesson yelling "MOOOOOOM! I WANT MY MOM!!!!"  His teacher made him do everything everyone else did and dunked him underwater about 1,000 times.  Parents watching their kids kept looking at him and then back at me with sympathetic smiles.  It was awesome.  The good news was that when we got home he made it seem like he had the best time ever. ????? Day 2, he went in screaming and needed back up once again BUT, he stopped crying for the actual lesson, and I even saw him LAUGH!  It was incredible.  From then on, he's been GREAT.  Seriously, he's over it and not crying at all and looks forward to lessons.  I CANNOT BELIEVE IT.  The other day we swam at a friend's house, which I thought would be a real test of how he's doing.  And, although he's still uncomfortable in the water, he was loving it and keeps asking me if we can go back.  He even swam in just his puddle jumper for a few minutes, which I'm telling you, is HUGE.  And he jumped in the pool.  Which, he may have had a puddle jumper AND inner tube on while doing.... but we're talking about progress ;) 

I treated myself to an iced coffee a couple times during lessons (the 99 cent deal at Dunkin Donuts) since I also had to endure trauma.  AND because with Ben gone, I've had to bring the girls with too. Thankfully they've done well overall. Although Grace keeps asking if she can go in.  How do you explain to your 3 year old, "No Grace, you can't go in because mom doesn't want to fork it over for you to have expensive swim lessons. I plan to give you the cheapest lessons out there when it's your turn." HAHAHA ;) 

My favorite brother Alan came out for the 4th weekend, and we had a blast! We miss him terribly having him all the way in Iowa and were very glad for the visit. 

I gave Kedzie a haircut all by myself the other day!  I need to get around his eyes better, but I'm afraid I'm going to poke his eye out. I need back up.  I used the scissors for the whole thing because the loud clippers makes him FLIP out, and I didn't have the energy for that. 

I made chicken broth! Is there a real trick to it? It seemed pretty easy, but I had some floaties in it even after I strained it.  Is that normal?? 

Oh! We have been working on our house the last month or so.  We got a wall knocked down, got new floors, painted, got some new lighting.  Anyway, I'll post pictures of it soon when it's all done.  I REALLY want to get it all figured out before the baby comes. 

Which speaking of the baby, I'm having a baby soon.  When people have babies, they have big bellies.  They have big bellies because they have babies in them.  When mother's have babies in their bellies they can get crabby when people make comments like, "Are you due tomorrow?", "WOW, you're REALLY REALLY pregnant"  "Were you this big with all your babies?" 

I totally get it when guys blow it with the comments because they're fairly clueless and have never had children in their bellies.  However, I have less patience for the women who have carried children and seem to forget that feeling like a whale and then being told you look like one, isn't that great or helpful.  ANNNNND, I'm about to start getting real nasty up in here.  So beware because if you carry on about how huge I am, I might start making fun of how many big macs you must have eaten for breakfast.

I can't figure out how to rotate this picture.  But I just want to say you're welcome to Hershey's.  I ate a bar today, and appreciated the thank you on the back of the wrapper. I DO feel like I made a difference. 

This week I had to take Caleb and Grace for their 5 year and 3 year annual check ups.  I brought Anna too of course, and everyone was doing just fine the whole time.  Truly, I was very proud of them because they were cooperating very nicely.  Well, except when the nurse was asking Grace questions like, "Who are your friends" and she had answers like, "Legos".  Anyway, it came time for shots, and they both needed one.  SO... before the nurse even came back Caleb was freaking out.  And his freaking out made Gracie freak out, so they hid behind the chair in the waiting room.  THEN when it was time for the shot, Caleb went first.  He had to lay on the table, and I had to hold his arms down while they shot him in the leg.  He was completely hysterical before during and after. I mean, screaming at the top of his lungs.  Grace was second.....and, when your bro is screaming like someone set him on fire, you don't really want to go where he was. Amen?  So, Grace was also hysterical when I laid her down and also behaved as if she was on fire or got her legs cut off.  Since Grace and Caleb were screaming like lunatics, Anna decided it would be a good time for her to do the same although she had nothing to cry about.  Anyway, by the end of it all I think Anna was probably crying the loudest, and I started laughing.  I think it was a coping mechanism.  We got Wendy's for lunch and to associate shots with fun.  I'm sure it worked.

Anyway, I'll leave you with this sign I saw at Hobby Lobby the other day.  I had a friend over the other day making fun of the way I "fold" fitted sheets.  This sign really resonated with me.

Have a good weekend!

-Melanie 

  

Curlers, zoo, flat, graduation, & Cub's game

A couple weeks ago I tried giving curlers a go on my Beaners.  I bought them at the dollar store.  That was my first problem.  My second problem was that I didn't I didn't know what to put on her head to keep them on,  so I had to use one of my scarves... and I think it was a bit heavy/bulky.  Thirdly, although she sat nicely while I put them in, I'm pretty sure she had taken them out before she even went to sleep.  Her hair was straight as can be in the morning and the curlers were next to her bed completely taken apart (thank you dollar tree).  Maybe next time.  She looked pretty cute though didn't she??

My goal is to fit a bunch of outings in before the baby comes, so the other day I took the kids to the zoo.  My parents were kind enough to join us. It's hard for me to go to the bathroom with all of them by myself, and since my life revolves around the bathroom, I need help. Plus, it's nice having someone else push the stroller and hold hands... oh and park the car down the road where it's FREE.

Isn't this a sweet picture?  I don't even know why I went along. ;) 

The other day I was driving with Caleb and my low tire pressure light came. I didn't think it was a big deal till I felt the car pulling to the right, followed by some serious shaking.  Since I've blown a number of tires in my lifetime, I figured I had a flat and pulled over.  After determining the tire was indeed flat, Caleb jumped out with the air pump and said "MOM! I'll fill it up!!!"  Awww

Since 1. I don't know how to change a tire and 2. I'm quite pregnant and there's no way I'd be laying on the ground even if I DID know how to change the tire,  I called my darling Ben to come rescue me, and he did!  

Then the other night Caleb GRADUATED from preschool.  I can't believe we have a graduate ;).  Unfortunately for Caleb, I didn't bring him anything as a form of congratulations nor did we have a party.  The good news is that during the little performance the kids did, Caleb managed to stay up front the whole time.  The bad news is that he didn't participate.  Oh well, maybe next time.  NOT! YOU ONLY GRADUATE FROM PRESCHOOL ONCE! Just kidding, I'm really not upset.

Here he is receiving his diploma

Here's his official graduation picture.  I know, AWESOME attitude!

 Gracie ran up to Caleb afterwards and said "GOOD JOB Caleb!" It was really sweet. I asked them to take a picture together.  You can see Caleb's killer attitude here too.

This is actually the best picture I have.

 Grace was having the time of her life at graduation.  She even sang Jesus Loves Me from the seat with the preschool class. They are total opposites.  I'm not sure how to parent total opposites.  I think that's why I'm exhausted all the time.  ;)

The other day I drove through the Dunkin Donuts drive thru to get myself a $1 iced coffee (mocha with cream if you're wondering... delish!).  Anyway, I was in a GREAT mood, probably because I was getting the coffee, and after I finished ordering....

Drive thru worker: Is that all?

Me: (chipper) Yeeees ma'am!

Drive thru worker: It's yes SIR

Me: (silence)........ uh sorry

It was awesome, and I learned a good life lesson.  I also started laughing like a maniac.

Ben and I decided to go to a Cub's game the other day.  It was so fun despite the Cub's playing the worst game they've played all year.  It just totally figures.  Here's me and Ben on the bus to the stadium.  We love FREE parking in the city. 

Like I said, we had a great time.  The only bad part besides the Cubs only getting one hit and getting their butts kicked was that somehow I managed to get TWO mosquito bites.  Seriously. I bet there were only two mosquitos in the whole stadium.  Mosquitos love me. They love me the most and will find me no matter where I am.  It's sick.  I was saying I was glad it was only two, and Ben said something along the lines of "I can't believe you got two mosquito bites in a place where there were no mosquitoes"  It was ridiculous.  Oh and then last night I wanted Ben to SEE my mosquito bite on my foot because it was just proof that I ACTUALLY got bit.  And when I showed him, do you know what he did???!?!  Just think about what you would NOT want someone to do if you showed them a mosquito bite.  

HE TOUCHED IT!!!!

I flipped out.  

I asked in horror why he would do such a thing and then went on to say, "What's the WORST thing you could do to a mosquito bite!?!"  (it was a rhetorical question) And he responded with "Itch it" and "Well, I suppose you could dump gasoline on it and light it on fire"  Yes. He nailed it.  I guess touch it isn't the WORST thing.  But seriously, show some mercy.  Don't touch someone's inactive mosquito bite.  Amen?! 

That's all for now.  Until next time.

-Melanie

Dog, birthday, & blanket hog

I can't believe I last wrote in early March!  Time has FLOWN.  I just read back on my last blog to see where I left off, and I cannot believe how TINY Kedzie looks!!  Our dog is huge.  And, much more manageable now although he really really really likes to jump on guests.  The good news is that he rarely jumps on the kids. Caleb is TOTALLY unafraid now.  It's amazing.  He no longer climbs along the kitchen chairs to avoid the floor when Kedzie is around.  Now, he bosses him around and is very willing to be in the same room as him.  Anna Sue still wins the prize of being the dog's BFF though.  She is fearless and likes to be close to him.  Really close.  Actually, preferably on him.  We think he likes her best too.  Grace has been trying to ride him like a horse lately, so we've had to crush that. Kedzie handles their attacks on him well though, which I'm very thankful for.

You can see here he's a bit bigger than before...

She was sitting/standing on him Mother's day morning.  See how he just sweetly takes it?

And before our vacation to North Carolina, we had Caleb's FIFTH birthday bash.  I can't believe my little boy is 5.  I love him growing up though.  On Mother's Day he unloaded the WHOLE dishwasher for me. (I asked him to empty the silverware).  I was so proud of him. He's also started letting the dog out, filling the dog food and water, and is just generally more capable around the house.  

For his Birthday, I visited Dollar Tree for a few essentials.  Ok, maybe not.  But I HAD to get this killer party hat.  Check it out!! I decided that this is the Birthday hat.  I love fun little traditions, so I told the kids that when it's their birthday they get to wear it.  And they can only wear it on THEIR birthday.  

And, in case I've made it seem like Kedzie is just totally chill and never annoying.... here's a typical scenario. ( I think Kedzie thought it was his birthday because he wanted to wear (eat) the party hat) Notice how Caleb isn't thrilled with him. 

My mom and dad got Caleb some squirt guns for his birthday, and he LOVED them.  It's perfect that there are three because he can let his sisters play too OR his neighbor friends.  

OR even dad

Lately I've been telling Ben his blanket stealing is getting OUT OF CONTROL.  The last few nights have been ridiculous.  I mean, we're talking about him stealing ALL of them.  Last night when I woke up to go to the bathroom for the 9th time, I noticed I was freezing and had no blankets.  So, I decided to take a picture for proof of how insane the situation is.  I didn't think Ben had a clear understanding of what I was talking about.  It's not just like a "he has more blankets than me"  issue.  

Please see below. Now, in case this picture confuses you, I'd like to clarify.  The spot that has a white sheet is mine.  Notice, there are NO blankets even CLOSE to that spot.  Notice also that Ben is almost stealing the blankets from himself.  How does this even happen!??!?

Oh, and know how I know this wasn't my fault? Because when Ben is gone, my bed is practically made when I wake up.  

So there.

In other news, I'm 27 weeks pregnant now and can hardly believe it.  This baby is going to be here so soon. AHHHH!  I am in full blown nesting mode.  I know it's kind of early, but since I have a desire to clean out every little spot in my house and work on millions of home projects, I'm labeling it nesting.  I'm still leaning towards thinking it's a boy, but you never know!  We don't have a name yet, and are kind of planning on having a couple of names for each gender and deciding once the baby arrives.  We have NEVER done anything like that before, so I think it's kind of fun =) BUT, it also makes me nervous. Like, what if we can't agree?!?!? No, it will be fine. Probably. 

I've been feeling like our kids are good ages right now.  Caleb and Grace are seeming bigger and more able and Anna is USING A FORK!!  I have been filling a plate and giving it to her, and it's SUCH a relief.  She and Grace still need help, but aren't nearly as needy as they were.  Anna is also ditching her morning nap, which makes it A LOT easier to go places in the morning. (the park, zoo, beach etc).  I'm excited for summer to come and for us to get a lot of fun outings in before the baby comes! 

Alright, time to start folding laundry before the kids (and dog) wake up.  

Adios,

Melanie 

Puppy, snow, mittens, bacon, book, and memory

In case you're one of the 147 people who have expressed their opinion on how I shouldn't have gotten a dog, or how I must've lost my mind, or how if I haven't lost it yet, I will soon.... Ben and I decided that we wanted our kids to have a dog, and that we wanted one too.  Ben loved having a dog, and I felt a bit lame for never ever having one ever.  And although it will be more work, more money, more whatever, we decided that was ok because we wanted a dog.  Is that ok with everyone? Maybe we can discuss how many children we should have next since that also seems to be a juicy topic.  Feel free in the comments to decide how many children you think I should have.... especially now since I have a dog. ;) HAHHAHA.  I'm cracking myself up.  But really. I don't care if anyone gets a dog.  I don't even care if anyone gets a SHEDDING dog.  I might even come over and sit on your couch so long as you have a lint brush in the vicinity.  So if you get a dog, and really really hear about it, we can start a support group together.  Also, we can have a support group for those of us who have many children close in age.  It's really not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.  I think you're completely exhausted if you have 2 or 5. You just learn to handle (or not handle) whatever you have.  That's life. Amen? So don't say, "I could never do that" because you could.  You just didn't.  And that's ok too. 

In case you aren't a dog hater, and want to know how our dog is doing, I'll fill you in!  He's a chewing monster.  So we yell "no" a lot.  He's getting much better at paying attention to us, and better at not playing tug of war with everything we own. And, the other good news is that he's nearly house trained.  I'm SO proud of him!  Sometimes the girl's feel really bold and go under the table with him.  I'm pretty sure this particular instance ended in him knocking them down. 

 

Anna and Kedzie are total BFFs.  It's the sweetest.  I'm actually regretting not getting a dog sooner because then maybe Caleb wouldn't be such a crazy lunatic with the dog.  He's really good with the dog OUTSIDE but he's horrible inside.   I think it's because his body is protected outside-- you know, big boots, snow pants, gloves, a heavy coat.  He's less vulnerable.  Maybe the solution is to wear outside clothes inside.  Interesting.

The other day it snowed, and my kid's loved watching it.  They don't seem too disturbed by the Winter/Spring/Winter/Spring weather we've been having.

I loved the last time it snowed because it was fairly warm outside.  That's SO perfect for little kid's playing out there.  Also, notice Grace's green mittens.  These mittens are the best thing of my life.  They are Snow Stopper mittens.  Sorry to be telling you about them so late in the year, but they are AMAZING.  HERE is a site, so you can see them. I actually can't remember where I bought them, but I know they weren't ridiculously expensive. They never come off... my kid's cannot get them off.  And, they never have snow on their wrists or have cold hands.  BRILLIANT I tell you.  I should really get another pair because all three of them will need them next year.  They are a worthy investment, and although I rarely ever buy my kid's anything new, I never regret buying these.  Of course, if you could find a used pair, that'd be ok too. HA! ;)

There's one thing I've wanted a lot of during this pregnancy, and that's bacon.  I made this DELICIOUS BLT sandwich for myself the other day and boy did it hit the spot.  I tend to favor articles like THIS which don't make me feel bad about consuming bacon.  Think she's crazy?  Maybe a little, but then again, so am I.  

I just finished a parenting book called "Childwise" (since I'm passionate about the subject if you haven't noticed. I just feel like parent's are drowning and obedience is a thing of the past even in the church) It's one of the Babywise series books.  I think most people think there's babywise and then it's just done-- but really there's babywise 2, toddler wise, preschool wise, child wise and so on.  The author's are Christian and have a whole class for Christians, but these books are really for anybody.  I like them because they are super practical, and I've read so many "christiany" books on parenting, I feel like I can easily combine them.  Anyway, it's a quick, easy and helpful read.  I'm glad I read it. 

Since I did a lot of snuggling yesterday with the girl's since they are sick, I was able to finish that book and work on my James' memorization.  I found a few other pastor's wives who also wanted to try and memorize James with me. It's been fun, and we're almost through chapter one!  I want to make memorizing more of a priority, so I needed some accountability.  When I lived in Jackson, MS, a few friends and I decided to memorize 1 Peter.  Ever since then, I've wondered why I haven't done more of it.  Memorization is for everyone-- it's not like you have to have this superb memory in order to be able to do it, you just 1. have to want to, 2. be disciplined.  God gave us amazing minds, and why not use them to memorize his word?! Plus, it's a good mental exercise.  It will keep you sharp.  I think. ;)

Alright, I better go let the dog out.  I'd like to say I'm going to go have a snickers, but we ran out.  DRAT!

Melanie 

Haircut, personal retreat, puppy, & dry clean only

So the other day G baby got her first hair cut!! She sat SO still. I was so proud of her.  We got haircuts together, so that was pretty fun.  A little mommy daughter date ;) 

After we were done she kept asking if we could get another haircut. She has been seeming so grown up lately.  She's POTTY TRAINED!!!!  Well, I have to remind her to go, but she'll hold it for a long time, and she hasn't had an accident in a looong time. 2 down, 1 and a puppy to go! ;) She's also been saying this to me lately. "MOM! I hava tell you sumfin" Usually it goes "Yes Grace?" And she says: "Umm, umm, umm, umm" It's really neat.... 

I posted this book on Facebook the other week.  It's so good.  It's just such a great reminder of WHY it's important to take time to spend with the Lord (even when you have three kids, are pregnant, and have a puppy).  In this book they talk about taking a personal retreat a couple of times a year.  They encourage you to take a morning, a day, or even going overnight, whatever you need in order to regroup, recharge, and make a plan of action.  It's a time to spend with the Lord and to reevaluate what you're doing and how you're doing it.  I told Ben I needed a personal retreat, and, since he's the best ever, he said "go".   

I left Saturday morning and headed to a restaurant all by myself and sat there for over TWO hours.  I sat in a back corner, and it was very, very nice.  I prayed, read the word, and answered some questions about my priorities that they outline for you in the book.  I wrote down the things I want to work on in myself, and the things I want to focus on in my children.  Each child has different areas to work on. For example, with Caleb I want to work on being grateful, being content and being a truth teller.  With Grace I want to work on "yes mom" after instructions, first time obedience, and teaching her to obey authority (other than me).  With Anna, I want her to begin to follow instructions like "Come here Anna".  I wrote down ways to get better at this and to teach these things-- like ME being intentional about being grateful and content. Praising Caleb when he tells the truth instead of just scolding him when he doesn't. Practicing with Anna, "come to mom" and turning it into a game. (I've done this with all my kids, and I'm telling you, it's the best. Caleb and Grace STILL like playing it.)  I was able to assess what we're doing and make a plan to make it better. AND, make a plan for how to be even MORE intentional with my kids. In the parenting class I'm taking, Betsy Corning says she would take an hour per week with each kid-- just you and them spending that time together. No distractions.  Right now it's doable, so I'm going to do it.  Caleb is going to get an hour on Thursday afternoon. He gets to pick what we do, and it will just be US time.  He's already looking forward to it.

It was seriously so refreshing to get away.  I highly recommend if you are feeling weary, or if you feel like you're losing control in your house, take a morning (or afternoon, or whatever!) to REGROUP.  If your husband can't watch the kids, maybe ask another mom to help you out! I know I'd be willing! 

After I sat at that restaurant for forever, I ran a few errands and then landed at Panera for lunch. Doesn't this meal look glorious? I ate it all by myself while reviewing the notes I made and praying for wisdom and discernment in moving forward.  It was a sweet time, and I'm so thankful Ben was so willing to give it to me.  Did I mention he's the best? And he had such a happy heart about it, which made it a guilt free time.  

In case you missed it, we got a puppy!  He's the cutest.  Life will improve once he's house trained.  I once said if I ever got a dog, he would need to not bark or shed.  This dog doesn't shed and HARDLY barks.  I'm hoping that never changes.  He also doesn't wake me up in the morning. Say what?!?! Not sure how I managed to get such a great little dog, but I'm thankful.  I also ordered a book on how to train the dog.  You know.... to get him not to jump on everything, and bite everything, and not come when you say, "come here".  Hopefully we can get on that ASAP.  I'm going to need a dog that listens, or I'll go nuts. (Kind of like I need children who listen, or I'll go nuts.)

Today we played outside.  The kids were LOVING it. I'm SO excited for Spring/Summer.  Anna loved splashing around.  She didn't like falling in it, which she was doing constantly.  

We had Kedzie (our dog) out there with us too.  He wasn't tormenting the kids too badly, so that's good!  We're working on that with our dear pup.

And lastly, this is the tag that was on the suit Caleb wore for Ben's sister's wedding.

Awesome.  The ole machine wash/dry clean only routine.  Um, anyone else getting mixed signals?! I asked the lady who sold it on Etsy,  and our conversation went like this..

Me: The tag on the suit says machine wash and dry clean only; I'm wondering if I can wash it or not?? 

Etsy lady: "Ya, you can dry clean it"

Me: I figured, I'm mostly wondering if can wash it in the washing machine, since it also says that, and it's cheaper.

Etsy lady: Yeah that's good thinking. Let me know if you have other questions.

Me: I do. Can I wash this in the washing machine?

Etsy lady: Please dry clean only instead. 

I LOVE wasting my time on things like that... bhahahhaha! Seriously. Can we just answer the honking question!??!  

I'll leave you with that. 

Oh and a reminder, don't forget to sign up for the True Woman conference!! http://www.truewoman16.com

Melanie