Monday

Keeping it simple. And we will not be a green family this month. I bought huge things of disposable bowls and plates at Costco. Please don't judge me.

Peter was convinced he could be a help with the demolition. I am sure he would have been. Here he is ready to saw down the wall.

I really hope we don't have too many of these meals. : )

Time to get away from all the noise at home.

His nap was totally compromised.

Hannah was pool hopping today - first Lulu's then ours. She swam all day.

This is what I get when I say smile.

I know not everyone is interested in the kitchen progress....
All these pics are for my dad who loves all the details.

And here's what we found at home...
(here are the before shots)

So far, I love it. I'm pretty sure the brickoleum gets ripped up tomorrow.

Kitchen Update

My new microwave, sink, disposal, faucet in the basement.
What do you think?

The range and fridge patiently waiting in the garage.
We spent hours deciding on these two.
And another disposal - delivery mishap.

Two weeks ago while making dinner
the front of the door came off in my hands.
Yep, it's time.

Monday was going to be the big day. But already we are in a delay. Now it's next Monday. We'll see. I think I have made every necessary decision. Except for cabinet hardware, which is proving to be difficult. I didn't like any of my options, so I'm on my own.
I'm sure the kids will love being dragged from store to store knob shopping. : )

To Do : Summer

This list may be too much for one summer (with no kitchen) and 3 little kids, but I'm just dreaming here...

* Get photos organized. Order prints, put them in albums, write details. Let go of scrapbooking. Realize I can't keep up. Give myself grace.

* Organize the kids' clothes. Put them in those big bins and label clearly. Pass Hannah's clothes down to our little friend, Naomi. Salvage what little boy clothes I can for cousins.

* Get the world map and US map framed... the ones I have had for at least 3 years rolled up in the basement. Put them up in the school room.

* Paint the "craft cabinet" and get new hardware (hinges, knob).

* Paint Hannah's bookshelf.

* Paint the toy box.

* Find and buy new bedding for Hannah. Buy her a mattress. (She will be getting a double size bed soon - my childhood bed.)

* Move Hannah's bed into the boys' room. Move Peter out of his crib (gulp). Pray that he still takes long naps.

* Fix Hannah's broken window shade.

* Put shelves in Hannah's closet so she can use her bookshelf for books, not hair accessories and boxes full of "treasures."

* Keep up with the public library's summer reading program for the kids. Be there on the days they get prizes.

* Buy a giant bulletin/cork board for school room. Hang it.

* Plan school year... at least the first semester.

* Make a school day schedule. Begin praying that I will not be a slave to it.

* Make a monthly meal plan (when the kitchen is finished).

* Teach Will to swim.

* Enjoy ice cream, but not as much as I have been. : )

* Keep the kids up late to watch fireflies.

* Go to free outdoor concerts. Especially Jazz in the Garden (in the Sculpture Garden - National Gallery)... at least once.

* Get sitters! and go on dates with my husband.

* Play often.... and enjoy my children.

Whew!

We are going through one of those I've said yes to too many things seasons. Today feels like the grand finale. *Must learn* to start saying no. Yeah, I'm sure I will never be good at that.


I realized I never posted the picture of all 3 kids. Not perfect, but better than almost every other attempt...
Next week the kitchen remodel starts. Monday is demolition day! Stay tuned. : )

Capturing Peter

I sat the three kids on the front steps before church this morning in hopes of getting a good photo for a Father's Day gift. Will and Hannah were very consistent. Here are the faces I got from Peter.... Cutie.

Ahhh...Summer

Hannah's last day of school! All the girls took off the shirts from under their jumpers. It's the schoolgirl version of loosening your tie, I suppose. An ice-cream truck was waiting outside of the school. That guy knew what he was doing! A very appropriate beginning to summer... ice cream sandwiches.

Strawberry Picking

This morning, I took the boys to Imagination Bethesda (a street festival for kids). Fun, but waaaay too hot. The boys were melting.

Decorating cookies. Imagine the stickiness.

Peter is trying to enjoy his pizza.
Look at his red face!

Seriously, Mom, it's time to go.

Kindergarten Graduation

Today was the big day! First, the students gave us a review of the year... showing off their stuff. Then we played a short game of Are You Smarter than a Kindergartner? I'm afraid I am not. Each student's name was called. One at a time they added their signature to the class list, rang the school bell, shook the headmaster's hand and made the ceremonial "walk across the bridge." A very, very big deal. : )

Then it was lunch time. I was one of two room moms for the class and it was our job to put on a nice, outdoor lunch for 90 people. Did I mention I was at the beach this past weekend? : ) Well, it all worked out... my sweet husband skewered fruit all morning.

My little girl.... becoming not so little.

Jersey Shore

This Florida girl had never been to the Jersey Shore before this weekend. I was pleasantly surprised. It was really nice. Who knew? My brother-in-law planned a beach weekend to celebrate his 4oth (and my birthday, but 40 clearly deserves more celebrating). Great party! And my kids got some rare cousin time.

The 58 degree water didn't stop Will.

Peter and me - on my birthday.

The Cousins.
And the Birthday Uncle in the background.

Nana and Papa and the kids performing the "Birthday Hat Dance."
Written and Directed by Nana and Hannah.

Aunt Amy and Will

We really should make this an annual event!