So many things, so little time... The Sandbox Saga

I am feeling inspired and very random. I have a to-do list a mile long and no plans to actually complete any of it... I'm tired and excited and a lot worn out. Visions of great and amazing things to do to my home and yard dance in my head - driving me a little crazy because I don't quite know how I can get it all done.

This weekend I want to build a sandbox. I've drawn a plan, calculated the sand we'll need and I've marked off the area in the yard where the sandbox will be built. I'm -->thisclose<-- to building it.

And it scares me.

I'm a real, live grownup. I own my home and I'm free to whatever I want to it. This scares me a bit. A lot.

I think it scares my husband even more. He likes my vision - he just doesn't like being the one has to execute it.

We aren't "handy", really, we can figure out just about anything we set our mind too but sometimes the attempt takes a couple of trips to the home store to buy parts. Twice.

Our latest endeavour is my wish to give our son a sandbox. I've got it drawn (in three dimensions even), calculated the board feet, planned a lid (as our neighbour has seven cats) and started to dig out the area. My husband even purchased a wheel-barrow so that we move sand and dirt as needed.

The weather forecast is agreeable, we have the desire.. Will it result in a sandbox?

I love you Mama, you are the best...

"I love you Mama, you are the best!
You cut up snacks and made me a vest."

TroubleMaker sang me a song at bed time tonight. It's a "thing" we do. Sometimes I sing to him.

"Angel sprite, angel sprite, light so bright my angel sprite!" (sang to Greensleeves)

Then there is the "Black and Grey song"... Technically, it's "Amazing Grace" but that names seems to evade him so he made up his own title and it works for us.

"Hush, little baby" and "Go to sleep, little baby" are part of our regular repertoire too but more frequently, he and I both make up little ditties to sing to one another. Sometimes they make sense, more often, they do not. What they do is comfort, cheer and warm our hearts. It brings us close and sometimes, they make us laugh.

Last night, for example, he tried to rhyme "apples" with "snuggles". It sounded so very cute, in seconds, I was laughing so hard, tears were rolling down my cheeks. It delayed bedtime substantially I am hopeful it's moments like these that we will both remember with fondness.

Happy Mother's day - the greatest gift, for me, is my beautiful son. He is my sun, my star and my moon. I love you, Brennan. Now, always and forever.

We-Design-Day: The Evaluation

This week, I've got my document started! Having never done one for a home before, it's a big job. I'm still working on the format and as I move my field notes. I'm finding that I may end up doing it by room instead of by discipline.

Here is a link to the spreadsheet!

Blue Door Interiors Home Evaluation Spreadsheet

While doing my research, I found a couple of good resources that share the average life expectancy of various parts of your home.

Svistun Inspections

National Home Builders Association

I hope this information helps you get moving forward! I'll be working on this over the summer but I'm hoping to get back into design projects in the next week! With home improvement season approaching, I need get moving! Thanks for stopping by today and see you again soon!

Menu Plan Monday (On Tuesday)

This week kind of got away on me... But we still need to eat and having take-out three of the past four nights is just more than I can handle... My honey has graciously agreed to do the shopping tomorrow so I'm pulling it together tonight!

Wednesday: Homemade sub sandwiches
Thursday:  Pancakes & bacon
Friday: Quasadillas
Saturday: Hamburgers
Sunday: Grilled pork chops w/ raspberry salad
Monday: ??
Tuesday: Enchilada Rice
Wednesday: Egg Wraps
Thursday: Chicken Caesar Salad
Friday: Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Pot Roast

I've not been hungry much lately (except for delicious things like chips and bars of chocolate) and I find it very difficult to plan a meal. I am very thankful for the Internet or my family may only eat cheap steak cooked in mushroom soup...

We-Design-Day: Checking in!

How is your study going? Mine kind of got stalled... My husband occasionally works out of town and last week, he was gone and took my computer... And I ended up working last Wednesday putting a project schedule together for a grant submission.

With summer approaching and projects needing to be addressed, I really need to get this put together!

While trimming our cedars in front of the master bedroom window, I had a chance to examine the odd insert under the window I mentioned here... It was solid and intact. It is likely just heavy condensation causing the bubbling paint... Good news!

I'm going to continue with my evaluation and get my document together. The next phase is going to be applying numbers and getting a timeline together based on the findings. Remember, the plan is to get the study to the 'living document' phase - where it can be updated and changed as needed to fit your life, the needs of your home and your budget.

Next week, I'm going to share my document and show you how we can start putting this all together.

Thanks for checking in and see you again next week!

Menu Plan Monday - April 30, 2012

Saturday Nachos
Sunday Slow Cooker Orange chicken, fried rice, stir fry veggies
Monday Potluck Playschool "graduation" ceremony
Tuesday Tuna Melts
Wednesday Pantry Surprise
Thursday Macaroni & cheese
Friday Grilled steak with veggie kebabs & roasted potatoes

I have to say, I'm really liking the change to my menu planning. After spending many years struggling to do a "Monday to Sunday" plan, changing the order a couple days have made it so much simpler! I've got a renewed sense of organization just from going Saturday to Friday!

For more inspiration, check out the Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday! Thank you for stopping in and see you again soon!

Menu Plan Monday: April 24, 2012

This week, TroubleMaker and I are on our own - my husband is out of town for work... Easy, quick meals are a must when I'm doing this solo!

Saturday: BBQ Hot dogs and macaroni salad
Sunday: Homemade Pizza
Monday: Ravioli and Caesar salad
Tuesday: Farmer's Breakfast
Wednesday: Freezer Pizza
Thursday: Chicken Nuggets and fries
Friday: Chicken salad sandwiches

For more great menu planning and dinner ideas, check out the Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday! Thanks for stopping by!