Dirt

Not too long ago we had this idea to make over our front deck.  If you’ve been to our home you know that our yard is a work in progress…and there hasn’t really been much progress.  The grass is, well, not grass-pretty much only weeds.  About 95% of the property is extremely sloped.  Andrew wears soccer cleats to mow the grass and has tipped the lawn mower over on more than one occasion.  The only flat portion has these cement holes leftover from some kind of structure that’s no longer there. 

So, the deck seemed like a tackle-able project.  And you know, sometimes in life you need the satisfaction of completing something. I guess right now is one of those times because I am so excited about our “new” deck.

Recently I posted a picture of the front of our house.  Here is your “before” view:

There’s the front deck and there’s really nothing more to it than what you can see here.  See those slats in the railing.  Well, when we moved in last year they were unpainted. Our first project was to paint the slats.  That happened last Friday.

Then we made and hung these planter boxes:

The idea was for an herb garden.  So we’ve got mint, sage, chives, lemon balm, thyme.  Then an Arcelia for color…

Ok, pause, I just saw a woman shoot an arrow…like a bow & arrow, with her feet and get a bullseye. On TV, not in person.

Um, where was I? Then we decided to hang this planter that I used to have in my office in Houston.  I clipped some ivy from the only other presentable area of our yard (a small bed under our stairway that we have paid no attention to). 

Of course, Wade helped every step of the way:

This was pretty much his first experience to play in the dirt on his terms not ours and I’d say he enjoyed it.

Then we had to walk down the driveway to check out the streetview of the deck.

Oh, ya, here’s the view:

I know the rest of the yard will slowly come around but for now we’ll just enjoy our peaceful front porch and not look down at the yard!

Ummm….

Wade pooped in the bathtub tonight. Just thought I’d share.

It’s a…

I mentioned Andrew’s been working on my anniversary gift this week.  Well, he finished it this morning.  And even though tomorrow is technically our anniversary, he couldn’t wait to give it to me.  By the way, this happens at every gift giving occasion…sometimes I make him wait, but he was too excited about this. So here it is…

A birdhouse, that looks like our real house!!! How cool is that!?!

Have you ever made a dish explode in the microwave?

I have. Twice. Really? Well, ok, the 2nd time (tonight) the dish had been out of the microwave for several minutes before it spontaneously combusted.  I think that actually exemplifies even more super power on my part. 

The first time I was cooking bacon in the microwave which I believe is a fairly normal thing.  I cook it on a dinner plate all the time.  I believe that’s what the instructions on the bacon package say to do.  I heard a strange noise and then bam…my plate busts into a gazillion pieces.  The craziest part is that I took the broken pieces into Target, put on my best puppy dog face and they actually opened another set and gave me a new dinner plate.  Amazing.  I have new hope in Target’s return policy. 

So I got this great recipe from www.allrecipes.com for homemade potato chips in the microwave.  I would share the exact recipe link but I don’t want you to go exploding a dish (but you could just search potato chips and find it).  It says to cook potato slices on a plate in the microwave for 5-8min.  Not wanting to break another plate and having to risk Target not exchanging a second one (which, by the way, said “microwave safe” on the bottom) I decided to use a Pyrex glass casserole dish.  Surely Pyrex can withstand the power of my microwave.  So they cook for about 8 min.  I take it out and am taking the chips out one by one when suddenly shards of glass fly across the kitchen.  Did I mention I had also made hamburger buns from scratch? Yah, the dough was sitting right next to the Pyrex dish when it exploded. 

Of course, Wade had been hugging my legs right before it happened making that new sound I (do not) LOVE so much, how do I spell it for you…I don’t know the right letters.  You know, that sound pre-speaking toddlers make when they want something.  My super-mother instinct shot into action and I grabbed him out of the way so no one got hurt.  Except my dinner.

Poor Andrew tried to clean it up and salvage the hamburger bun dough but the glass was too hot to touch.  So, we put up the baby gate so Sammy couldn’t eat the glass (which he probably would have…not kidding) and abandoned ship. 

Anyway, we’ll see if Wal-mart measures up to Target on returning the Pyrex dish…which clearly states on the bottom (and that piece is still intact) “microwave safe”. 

On another note, sorry I haven’t shared many pics of the Wadester lately.  Next post…pictures only.  Maybe a few words. 

Guess it’s off to bed for me.  Andrew is downstairs in the basement working on my anniversary present.  I am totally clueless as to what it is.  He’s been working on it every night this week.  He’s using a saw and some other power tools.  He also asked where he might find a paint brush.  And he only spent $8.  And he said he isn’t following any kind of instructions.  Guess I’ll let you know Sunday!

Does he want a mint?

Curious title, huh? There were other considerations…among the finalists were:

• “Thank you Lord that I restocked the wipes this morning”
• “I used to pack an extra change of clothes in the diaper bag but he hasn’t had an explosion since…”
• “I’ll give $5 to anyone who can locate an item that does NOT have poop on it”
• “Birth Control”
• “Should I have tipped that Chic Fil A girl?”
• “Chic Fil A should have an outdoor hose available to customers”

Yes, my friends, we had a MAJOR diaper explosion at Chic Fil A today.  Moms of tots, take heed, lest you thought those days had passed. We met my friend Kelly (who has no children) for lunch today.  We had all finished eating and were chatting…when I smelled it.  After a quick peek, I could tell it was contained and decided to change it in a few minutes, right before we left the restaurant.  Mistake number one.  Several minutes later Wade got antsy and was asking to be held.  As I pulled him out of the high chair I noticed that there was something on his leg.  Further investigation led me to conclude that this substance was also on the high chair, his shoes, the floor and my diaper bag.  Shortly thereafter I put 2 and 2 together.  We rushed off to the bathroom.  Of course a nonhandicapped, non-baby toting young lady was using the big stall with the changing table.  So I stood there hold my son on his stomach across my arms.  All the while he is alternating between a cry and “vroom vroom”, still holding the purple car in his hand (this would be the only item that did not have poop on it if you were looking to collect $5).  For the first time in my life I used the strap provided on most public changing tables.  Here is where I proclaim “Thank you Lord that I restocked the wipes this morning!”.  Of course I used every last one.  I’ll spare you the details but I’ll just say this is when I was thinking about suggesting the outdoor hose concept.

All the while, I’m pondering what my friend Kelly is thinking (probably “well, that was enough birth control for the next 5 years!”).  And I’m also anticipating the mess that is waiting for me.  Well, praise God, Kelly had summoned a Chic Fil A worker (the one I probably should have tipped, or offered to pay her college tuition next year).  This girl is calmly and thoroughly cleaning every surface (including my diaper bag)…what a doll. Of course I thank her profusely to which she replies “no big deal, it happens pretty frequently” (really? hmm).  So, I’m standing at the table trying decide the plan of action when the Chic Fil A princess offers me a mint for Wade.  Hmmm, interesting offer.  The obvious is that a 16 month old should probably skip the hard candy for now.  But I’m really curious why a mint…of all the things to offer, why a mint?  She sees my puzzled expression and adds “for his breath, you know…in case he wants to get that taste out of his mouth”.  Huh? Oh dear. Sweet, sweet girl.  I glance at Kelly and it is evident she is coming to the same conclusion I am at the exact same moment. You think you are cleaning up throw up.  Do I enlighten her? Which is worse - cleaning up vomit or poop? Can I poll the other Chic Fil A customers? .  Vomit: 5; Poop: 20.  Let her live in oblivion.  We’ve got to get the kid, the poopy diaper bag, the dirty clothes and ourselves out of here ASAP.  Gathering it all up we make it to the car…Kelly’s face still looks as though she’s seen a ghost.  I buckle Wade in his seat then Kelly and I chat outside the car for 10 minutes.  By the time I get in, Wade has fallen asleep.  I didn’t have the heart to wake him up for a much needed bath when we got home.  So he’s currently sleeping in his bed…at the first signs of waking he will be commandeered to the bath tub for a scrub down and sheets will be washed…and bleached. 

Ah, the joys of parenthood.  Funny, as I was getting my hair cut this morning I was telling Jarrod about Andrew & my weekend away and how fun it was to golf and hike and tube and just do what we wanted when we wanted.  We agreed that doesn’t happen too often with little ones around…the list of outdoor hobbies that are kid appropriate is pretty short.  I guess Wade heard me and wanted to remind me how adventurous life with a toddler can really be!

P.S. Sorry this post doesn’t include pictures….really, though, you should be glad. 

I’m a Big Kid Now!

Yesterday we went to the Creative Discovery Museum since it was supposed to be rainy all day.  Wade wants to walk everywhere he goes now so the adventures were pretty much endless at the museum. 

All ready to go…and realizing exactly how cute he is!!!

  Listen, GiGi, this is a new recipe.  I promise this banana will taste great baked!

 

Gotta go pick up my girls! (yah right, in like 30 years)

Ok, I need everyone to act real serious.  See the minimum age on this toy is 3yrs… so just don’t mention that I’m wearing a diaper. 

Theoretically this smock will keep me completely dry…unless I sit down in a puddle. 

Walk this way!

Yesterday Wade turned 16 months old…and started walking!!!! We have been waiting for this day for months.  There were days when I kind of questioned whether he would ever walk! It’s been about a 2 month process but the other night he just took off…I think he actually surprised himself. 

So, we went to Bruster’s to celebrate!

I do have to give credit where credit is due.  GiGi came in town last Saturday and they have walked MILES together (holding hands) since then.  I really think her coaching gave him the confidence to start walking on his own!

Bienvenedos a Summer

The fountains are on at Coolidge Park so summer is officially here! Wednesday we spent the morning enjoying the sun and water. Wade had no fear when it came to the water.

Wade & Sydney playing in the water

He loved playing on the stone animals!

Cousin Callie chillin’ in the shade

Who needs a double stroller?

Longest (photo) Post Ever

As usual, pretend you have heard from me more recently than 6 weeks ago.

In no particular order, here’s what’s been going on in our corner of the world.

• We have been biking a lot.  This awesome kiddie trailer was a steal on Craig’s List.

I promise he enjoys it more than this picture shows.  We’ve been doing about 10 miles on the Riverwalk a couple times a week. 

Andrew sold his mountain bike a few weeks ago so we could get the kiddie trailer.  The plan was to downgrade a bit on a replacement bicycle.  So, today he bought this $8 beauty at a garage sale.  He has completely disassembled it and cleaned all the rust off.  Currently he is mumbling things like “what have I done?” and “guess I’m learning how to assemble a bike tonight” as he tries to get it back together.  It needs a new seat and handle bar tape and pedals but  it should be a great bike for around town. 

• Wade met his Great-Grandparents on Thursday.  They came through town on their way back to Iowa from Charleston.

 

Not sure what they’re laughing at but this picture is priceless.

Of course it is impossible to get a picture of all the grandkids looking at the camera but this is the best shot.

And I have no idea how this happened but here is a picture of the whole bunch and not one person has their eyes closed.

Wade and daddy waving to mommy below.

Wade and cousin Sydney (who is FINALLY growing some hair).

Wade is still not walking independently but he refuses to be carried very much so he either crawls on the pavement (doesn’t seem to bother his poor knees) or walks like this.

 

• The Dragonboat Race was a couple weeks ago and this year Andrew got to participate with David’s company. Obviously David was taking it a little more seriously than Andrew…haha.

 

Here they are racing. Let’s just say they had a good time, the weather was gorgeous, the company was entertaining…so what if you can’t get 20 people in a boat to synchronize their paddling to the beat of a drummer. 

Wade had a good time playing in the rocks anyway.

• We are almost finished redecorating our dining room.  If you remember we got a new table and I decided to recover the seats.  Well, then we decided the light fixture was a little overpowering for the room.  So, we, of course, sold it on Craig’s List and went a bit retro with the new look.  We also created a photo wall.

Also, I made some new shade toppers (I’m certain that is not the correct term but you get my drift) for the kitchen.

What else? Let’s see. Last time I posted we were about to have houseguests.  Well, Ben & Andrea lived in our basement for about a month or so and are now trying to get settled in their new home.  They were wonderful guests and we were grateful for the chance to get to know them better.

In 4 weeks GiGi (my mom) is coming to town for a week! Plus while she’s here Andrew and I are going to get away for a couple nights and let GiGi spoil Wade.  I’m really having trouble thinking about anything else!

School is almost out which means my tutoring schedule will be changing (praise God!).  So far I’ve got 5hrs. lined up on Tuesdays and the rest of the days will be free!!!!

Ok, I can’t think of anything else to type that’s worth your reading.  Andrew has given up on the bike for tonight and is sleeping on the couch beside me.

Hopefully you’ll hear from me in less than 6 weeks but I’m through making promises about that! 

Wade's First Haircut!!

Zoo Pics

The previous post contains photos from our trip to Lowry Park Zoo in Florida.  Photobucket has a fabulous new “one-click” album share feature.  I urge you to persevere through the entire show.  It will be worth it.  Your payment will come in laughter.  There is a shot of me where it appears I am trying to poop in my pants while picking up Wade.  Since this “one-click” feature just puts your whole slide show in an album and sends it to Blogger I didn’t realize till it was already posted that this lovely shot of me was included.  So, enjoy. Don’t laugh too hard.

scharffstory

Your Instructions

I only have a minute (I did not forget about the pictures).  But I need to tell you something.

1. Go to Walgreens.

2. Pick up 2 Softsoap Essentials bottles of bodywash.

3. Go to the register.

4. Purchase 1 bottle of Softsoap (use coupon from 3/30 inserts if you have).

5. Register will spit out a Register Rewards coupon for 1 free Softsoap Essentials Bodywash (like the other one in your buggy).

6. Smile at cashier and ask sweetly if you can go ahead and use your coupon for another transaction (not advised if there is a line. if long line of angry, impatient looking folks just quietly take your stuff to the beauty counter to checkout)

7. Hand cashier your Softsoap and Register Rewards coupon.  Pay $.37 in tax (if in TN-even less if you’re in another state, like FL)

8. Hold your hand out because the cashier is going to hand you ANOTHER Register Rewards free Softsoap Essentials Bodywash coupon!

 

I have no shame so I went back and picked up another bodywash and, I kid you not, it spit me out another Register Rewards free coupon! Because my sweet husband was home caring for Wade I decided I should resist the temptation to spend the rest of the afternoon purchasing free bodywash.  But I have 6 more days to work this deal.  I plan on “buying” the North Chattanooga Walgreens out of Softsoap!

Hi, my name is Robin…

and I’m a blog slacker. 

But I’m back.  I guess a whole lot has happened since Feb. 21st.  I’ll admit, my absence has been largely due to laziness. But perhaps partly due to apprehension of sharing this new thing.  Let me introduce myself again.

Hi, my name is Robin and I’m a Premier Designs Jeweler.  Probably most of you are thinking this doesn’t really fit me; the other half are asking “what does that mean?” When I explain it, you will join the others in their opinion.  So I shall ‘splain it to you.  Premier is basically a direct sales company for whom I am an independent distributor selling jewelry through home shows.  A la Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, etc. 

Here’s how it happened.  Right around Feb. 21st, I guess, I was presented with this opportunity through a friend.  We have become die hard about paying off our debt.  Like most of you, we’ve pinched here and cut there but there just isn’t much extra to make a debt snowball with.  So this idea peeked our interest.  As my friend explained the details I was also reminded of a prayer I had been praying earlier that week.  My daily schedule has to be pretty strict in order to get Wade’s nap in before we have to leave at 2:30pm for me to tutor.  This and other aspects of being a stay at home mom have left me feeling like I spend a whole lot of time consumed with my family.  Which is good and Godly, I believe.  But I also believe I am supposed to be loving and serving others too.  So, I had asked God to provide an opportunity for this.  Getting to be in womens’ homes, extending my circle, I would get to love and serve them.  So, after prayer and consideration, we decided to jump in.

(I don’t know where this fits but it’s paramount to the story: as I considered this opportunity I was very cautious that I would never ever want to communicate to any woman that purchasing this jewelry would make them beautiful.  Especially after my time in youth ministry I have witnessed so often that we as women try to secure our beauty in everything but the truth of who God has made us to be.  I am passionate about this, to say the least.)

Then I got real discouraged.  I’ll save you the details but I felt an unspoken pressure to become the “saleswoman” that I am not.  But God is so faithful.  Over a period of a few days I sensed that He was saying “Robin, now that you’ve committed to this thing, let me tell you what I want for you.  I want you to go into these women’s homes and communicate My truth about beauty.  Don’t be “preachy” or a “Bible-beater” but speak from your heart that beauty comes from Me.  Do not be concerned about selling jewelry.  I will be your Provider.  That is my part.  You just share the words I have put in your heart.  That is your part.”

This is SO exciting to me.  I get to share God’s message with women.  A message that is so dear to me.  And I don’t have to be concerned about selling stuff.  Sure, I believe I can mess up God’s plan for provision- but that will probably mostly come from me trying to take over that part of it.  The most awesome part is that I feel like this is me. 

So, there you have it.  I am just now getting comfortable with telling people that I am a Premier Designs Jeweler but I really don’t like to say it unless I can share my heart behind it. 

My battery is at 12% here and it’s too late to plug this thing in and paste all the pictures in.  So, hold me to this, I will post pictures for you within the next 48hrs.

Stuff to come in future posts:

-our houseguests for the next month

-Wade & my trip to Florida

-my losingest loser March Madness bracket

-recovered dining room chairs

-getting snowed in in Spartanburg the weekend of my birthday

-oh yah, my birthday!

Ok, I was just told (by the computer) to plug it in or shut it down. C-ya!

Zoo

Wade fell asleep on the way to the zoo. So that was a good start. But we convinced to him to wake up to see the goats.

(This goat was not actually 5ft. tall; he’s standing on a rock)

 

Checking out the big cats.

 

It is night #3 without the paci.  Wade is doing great!!!!! The first night was, of course, a little rough.  But it could have been much worse.  Last night he went down without a peep.  And there was sweet silence until 6:30am! That has not happened in a LONG time, even with the paci.  It went so well that we ditched the paci at naptime too.  Tonight he whined for about 10 minutes and then fell asleep. So, I’m pretty sure we’re done for good…no turning back.