My Problem Room

I've never been a fan of laundry, so my laundry room was never a top priority. Just paint it white. A nice glossy white so that it looks clean. Add some vegetables for that extra touch...done. What an ugly room. It had been untouched for nearly 15 years. It still had some of the kid's artwork on the walls.

I figured this would be a nice little "something fun to do" activity while Mike was on his fishing trip. I usually surprise him by working on a home renovation task while he's gone. Well Mr. Mike, consider this my final solo project. Last year I constructed a raised flowerbed, along with a pathway with steps and a small patio. I thought hauling yards of sand and topsoil was difficult, not to mention loading and unloading truckloads of heavy pavers. It was a cake walk compaired to this project.

It's still not finished, but it will do. I want to bring in some accent colors but that will wait until we remodel the downstairs. The brown is going to be the accent color downstairs. I thought it would blend in nicely with the rest of the downstairs (when we get around to tackling that project). I was going to rip up the flooring, but I decided to quit while I was ahead. Wise decision. That room is evil.

I encountered just few obstacles: The room flooded at least 5 times, It took 4 coats of paint (and it still feels tacky), The 4 drawer file cabinet took a tumble off the hand truck (resulting in a nice hole in my newly painted wall), reinstalling the shelving was a complete nightmare (thank you for helping me, Daddy), my car wouldn't start while out getting supplies, and while buying storage baskets I was asked if I was over 55 (I'm sure I looked it at that point) Oh, and throw in a couple of trips to Urgent Care along with a bonus trip to the ER. It's been a real pleasure.

Wanna know the funny part? I told Mike not to expect any surprises when he gets back this year (I honestly had nothing planned). His response was, "good. I hope you relax while I'm gone. Just scrap and play with your camera all week."

Am I stupid or what?

Poor Little Hercules

Saturday Mike and I heard a bunch of crows squalking like crazy. It went on and on for the longest time. A few hours later Mike went to investigate and came home with this little fella in the palm of his hand. A baby squirrel!!!!!

We have a few squirrels that hang out in the trees by our house. I love watching them run around the yard, and the way their little noses twitch while eating nuts.

Anyway, Mike spotted a nest where all the commotion was taking place, then he looked down and saw this poor baby. Either the crows had it and dropped it, or it fell out of the nest. Mike brought it in the house to show me. He said it was going to die. He felt bad for it and wanted to put it out of its misery.

I insisted on trying to keep him alive (he was a boy...yes, you can tell!) I searched online and got some information. I also contacted the Wildlife Federation and got some contacts. I found out that WA state has no contact person that specializes in Squirrels, but I did get emergency instruction from the website. I made a little incubator by using our heating pad and wrapping it around a little box. I also made a mixtue of water, salt and sugar to keep him from becoming dehydrated. I had no syringe, so I cut a tiny bit off a little zip lock bag and dripped the water mixture into his mouth. It took forever to get him to swallow anything worthwhile, and he made a little chirping sound when he got mad.

I named him Hercules. He was quite a little fighter, and he needed a strong name.

That evening we went out to dinner with a bunch of people that Mike works with. Mike's warehouse manager is dating Libby's friend, Courtney, who I've known for years. I couldn't belive my luck! She works for a pet store. She owns and rescues every type of animal under the sun. I told her about Hercules and she offered to take over. I was so relieved because I knew he would die soon without this special formula he needed.

I kept Hercules until Monday morning, then went to the Pet store where Courtney works. We made the exchange. Whew! I felt better knowing that he was with someone who knew what they were doing. My entire family kept looking at me like I had two heads. They couldn't believe that I was so wrapped up in keeping this squirrel alive.

Mike would come home from work and give me a Hercules report. I heard that he was really doing well and gulping down the formula. Mike came home with sad news yesterday. Little Hercules died Wednesday night. I guess Courtney was pretty upset. She had saved 4 other squirrels, and she really gets attached to the little critters. He did have a large bump on his side (probably from the fall) and who knows what type of internal injuries he may have had. I was so sorry to hear the news. But I also knew we did everything we could for him.

RIP Little Hercules :(

My Baby Is 21!!!!

Happy Birthday Patrick!

I always drag the kids out to be photgraphed on their Birthday. Problem is, I'm always dragging someone around the yard trying to get a good shot. Why do I always decide to take pictures at the worst possible time of day???? I had no choice because we were heading out for his celebration. Next year. I'll get better shots next year.

All of a sudden he's a man. How did that happen???

Deep Sigh

It's hard to face the fact that he's no longer a little boy. I must admit that he's grown up to be a fine young man.

...and I am truly blessed to have him as a son.

A Lesson Learned

Back up your photos. NOW!

Yes, I have learned my lesson. 5 years worth of photos lost in an instant. I'm still sick thinking about it. And irritated with myself. I knew better.

So, I decided to reshoot some pictures of Jessica. Look how much she's changed in the past month? Isn't her new hair color and style the cutest?????

Funny story: She called me a couple of weeks ago in a complete panic. Some friends threw her in a pool. Apparently there was an extreme amount of chlorine in the pool because her hair turned green. Jess is a drama queen and always exaggerates. I figured, "well, maybe a little green" WRONG! It was GREEN, like in St Patrick's Day Green!!!

She tried everything....tomato juice, vinegar, you name it. NOTHING worked. Thank goodness she has a good friend who has a nice sister with a kind heart. Sometimes I think things happen for a reason. I think it looks adorable! I kept telling her that she should go a little darker.

Right again!