Dad...

Here is some pictures of my Dad.  He is always doing something for the grandkids. Here he is making walking sticks for each of them.  It is certainly something they will always treasure.  They use them for hiking and for war outside, also it has been a flag holder, sword and probably a brother hitter. 

Dad testing it out.  It has to be strong...  like him.

I love how the kids flock to him and watch his every move.  They are surely learning how to be a worker. 

My dad isn't a man of many words.  My mom and I talk enough...he probably gave up trying to get a word in long ago.  I love him.  He is a fighter, he is strong, he is noble.  He is honest and trustworthy.  He teaches about life through his quiet example.  He is never boastful or prideful. He always is willing to spotlight someone else.  I love the way he is trying and doing new things.  I wish I was always more appreciative of his quiet manner and his love.  I know he loves me and I hope he knows how much I love him.  We just aren't very good at saying it all the time.  I am going to try and get better at it.  Happy Father's Day DAD!  I love you!

One more step closer...

Here is some pictures of the basement.  It is coming together.  I didn't get a final picture yet, with all the furniture in place.  I will I promise.  We still have to save up for some more flooring on the other side near the washer and dryer...btw the washer still isn't fixed...We plan on putting down vinyl, but it looks like wood.  It comes in strips.  Hopefully it will look good when we get it done.  Steve is going to do that part himself.  I can't wait to be finished.  Now we have to find some more space in the garage for some of our "stuff" that just needs to be out of the basement.

Anxiety, Laundry, and Messes

I am up tonight at about 4am...why? Because of anxiety, laundry and messes!  I am prone to anxiety...but what does not help in the least...is piles of laundry out of control and messes all over the house.  The last two days or so I have gone into hiding mode.  Which never gets me anywhere, but sometimes I just can't deal with the clutter.  It makes me insane and I just want to pull the covers over my head and pretend like it doesn't exist.  So I do.

Now I am up and more ready to take on the world today.  I did one load of laundry and now my washer isn't working.  My beautiful 4 year old front loading washer...it won't turn on.  Yes I checked the plug.

Now what...oh Steve is going to be upset and I really don't want to deal with that today.  I really don't want to have to wait for a repair man to come look at it, and I really don't need a repair bill.

The kids are officially out of school.   Yeah!  Now comes the hard part...keeping them from the computer games all day, every day...I have tried lots of tactics...open to ideas.  We have timers with codes etc.  They either disregard the code or they team up and stay on all day long. 

I hate being a mean mom.  Why don't they just listen and obey?  Wouldn't life be much easier?

I am going to have to be mean I guess.  They don't pick up their stuff unless asked 10 times.  They leave crap everywhere.  I have systems, they know them...there is a place for everything...they just don't care...or they wait for me to do it.  I can't do it all.  I get overwhelmed by all the stuff.  Why is it hard to hang a coat and bookbag on a hook?  Why can't you put your shoes where they belong?  If you want to keep something...put it in your room, not on the dining room table right before dinner.

I just want to have a fun and happy life for my family.  If things were picked up around here, we could be more free to do other things.  Why do I have to threaten and yell?  Well, ok I don't have to yell but I do...they don't hear me or acknowledge me otherwise.

Why do I have to be in a bad mood because I have to be mean to get things done around here.  I am growing resentful and ticked off in general. 

I know I am telling you all and I should be telling them...I have and I will continue, but I don't think it is sinking in...or ever will.


I can't believe my washer is not working...I am going to cry...I am not kidding. I feel sick to my stomach. 

I would love to leave you with optimism...and how today will get better...but it just isn't in me...I am going back to bed...so much for getting a jump on the laundry mess.  Well at least sorting is done...for all the good that does. 

Pray for my washer...I hope it heals itself.

Blueberry Covering

I made a nice post with all these pictures.  I knew I had a limited amount of time. And poof they were gone.  So now you will have to just enjoy the pictures.  Steve is calling.  We are still putting up the chicken wire fencing down the sides.  Those blueberries are not escaping this year. **wink wink***