This Is Strange For Me To Say...

...but I am actually starting to enjoy housework. Or more specifically, the feeling I have once things are clean and in their place. I've been struggling with this whole housewife thing since, well, I became a housewife. From the age of 16 and on I've been working in some form or fashion. Settling into Microsoft and the hours of work that is needed to be successful there was easier than this: not working at all. The other thing is that we haven't lived in this type of house before and it is more difficult to get things done. Cleaning here is like this: up the stairs, and back down. Repeat 15 times. Where was I keeping this or that? Was it the 2nd floor or the 3rd floor? Or was it the garage? It's almost like I need a master list to remember where everything goes. And the toys coming out of our ears - don't get me started. Anyway, the point is this: I'm getting into a nice groove. I'm enjoying the peace that comes from a clean house.

Most importantly, I would be so ungrateful if I didn't give credit where credit is due. Pete, my good husband, you give me motivation and inspiration to continue with what you have started or have done. Thank you for your hard work around our home. I love you!

Anyway, thought I'd share my little break through that has only taken me years to achieve. :)

Happy Birthday/Father's Day, Hubby!

Pete, you are amazing. Not that I can show you how much I love you through gifts, but I wanted you to know that I love you by spending time on making something for you. Even though you only got this one thing from me this year for both holidays, hopefully that doesn't distract from that fact that you are the best husband ever!

And thanks for being so excited about your gift. :) You're so sweet, love.

(I poured out the liquid in these bottles and then filled each one with different candy. Of course, the gift wouldn't be complete without girlifying it with scrapbook paper and graphics like a lawnmower, a hammer, a fishing rod, etc. Thanks for the idea, Jaynee!)

Care-fey Gus, Gus!

Once he got up...

He couldn't get back down!

One Little Monkey

One little monkey jumping on the bed.
He fell off and bumped his head.
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed."

But Jack's a rebel, so back to jumping he went!

Splish, Splash!

Molly Novak and her boys invited us to go play in the fountains at the Redmond Town Center the other day, and it was just what the doctor ordered! Jack loved the little fountain the best, was a little intimidated by the middle sized fountain and definitely wouldn't go near the large fountain.

Thanks for such a fun day Molly, Jamie and Travis!!

Click here to see our pictures!

Bubbles and Grandma

What else would be more fun than Bubbles and Grandma on a hot, very hot, summer afternoon?

It's All About The Yogurt!

I found some old pictures, taken in March, from the first time I decided to let Jack feed himself yogurt. If I'm being completely honest, I really just wanted a good laugh that day. :0)

Take a look here.

Lucy's Hidden Talent

Little did we know that when we adopted Lucy, we also adopted an interior designer. While we were out one day, Lucy decided to do some remodeling. First thing was the molding on the door. Guess she didn't like it, so... she took it off!

And she, apparently, didn't like our french doors, so she was starting in on those when we got home.

The best part of it all was how innocent she tried to look. She even tried to use Jack as a tool to convince us how nice she really was. Look how sweet she is looking and laying next to Jack:

You're not fooling anyone, dog.

Our Last Minute Getaway!

We had a fabulous time at Long Beach, WA with the Schmalle's this past weekend. It was sort of a last minute getaway and it really worked out great. The first couple of days were cold and windy, but Memorial Day was beautiful! We spent every minute we could on the beach that day. There are SO many pictures that I loaded them here. When you have a minute, go through them: I put captions on most of the pictures so it's like a picture book. :0)

Cool, Dude!

Jack loves his new sunglasses! He even tried to get Lucy to try them on, but her nose kept getting in the way.