Gather

Hoarder no more

I am astounded. As gross as A & E's Hoarders can be, I really do have some of these people's weaknesses. The main dumping ground for me is Matt & I's bedroom. Sad, because it had been a year since it was free of all the clutter. Alarmed to say the least, I've set some goals for myself, re-prioritized, & set about getting it done. Yesterday was a proud day, to see stacks & piles sorted out. Making room for rest & romance, that is truly the bedroom's job.

"It is a story about us, people, being persuaded to spend money we don't don't have. On things we don't need. To create impressions that won't last, on people we don't care about." Tim Jackson

Love that! Found through this guy who issued a 100 things challenge. Very inspiring for those of us fighting the good fight against stuff.

Also, a few weeks back the boys were having a grand old time with their Auntie when the dining table came crashing down in two bits. We have been using 2 round tables we had in the basement for storage ever since. I think we may stick with it for awhile. It feels so good to make do with what you have. For sure the checking account appreciates it.

Man Time

The Cardinals did not come through for my boys in Seattle on Sunday. But the loss or even the torrential downpour, could not damper the mood. Matt & Parker had a time they will remember for a lifetime.

Fresh in Seattle

backyard spruce up

Our little fixer upper got some outdoor summer lovin' this year. Matt & Grandpa Ken worked to put in a small rock patio where we could never grow grass. Now the grill has a permanent home & I got my much desired fire pit. Yipee! We have had far too few s'more sessions but I think we can remedy that easily.

4 boys & the dog make for one patchy yard. We tried to give the grass frequent attention & it is beginning to show. I am hoping that spreading some seed + cooler temps=spring lawn perfection.

Kaleb helped me nurture a small garden in a new spot this year. Like I posted earlier, it is a learning process.

Jake is happily enjoying her spiffed up space.

Happy Halloween

found here

We'll talk about you growing up later

Matt & Parker drove away this morning to Seattle for the weekend. Parker turns 11 *gasp* in January. But his beloved Cardinals are matched up with the Seahawks tomorrow afternoon, in Seattle. We thought the timing was right for his birthday gift. This will be the first NFL game for both Matt & Parker. They have hardly slept for the past week in anticipation. Their seats are in the End Zone so I hoping I will get a glimpse of my favorite football fans on TV. Go Cards!

End of summer photo shoot

Figuring it out

I am home with this boy while the others are at school all day. It is a change of pace. Collin wants to play Ninjas & punch me in the face, then there is blessed nap time. Bliss.

But nap time it is quiet. A new kind of quiet 'round these parts. It has me thinking about my first born starting middle school next year, & short haircuts, & ways to nurture Kaleb's adventurous spirit better. So it's pretty much torture, to ponder all the things undone in our life. But then the little beast wakes & it's back to sword fights & cheetos.

Can you tell what I am thinking about?

I really want a family portrait session. Matt says April looks good for him. Boo.