Keeping Up

Since returning from our vacation I've been doing a whole lot of just trying to keep up. Even as I type I'm watching our little monkey boy climb on our Wonder Horse (the old style that I grew up playing with that has the old springs, you know, the GOOD kind. Not the new, modern, "safe" model). Shad has taught himself how to climb and nothing is off limits in his mind; I often catch him on top of our counters now. A few things have been broken (one of my glass vases, for one) but all just "things", no limbs...yet. He's a busy boy!
We got the kids a new toy for outside-it's SO COOL and they can't wait to have cousins riding on it with them! The teeter-totter airplane actually seats up to 7 kids!

I'm extremely glad I treated myself to a nearly clean house BEFORE we left for Hawaii-it was so nice coming home to such a clean house, almost from top to bottom, rather than an explosion that so often takes place when packing. In keeping with that mode I was steaming my tile a couple of weeks ago and decided to do the grout. Why I hadn't done it up to that point is beyond me; I'm a little disappointed with myself for not doing it when we first moved in, but it's done now, and what an improvement!

The diamond border is the cleaned portion-the dark, is dirty-gross, I know. SO glad it's clean now!

Sandy's been busy just trying to keep up as well. He hasn't had a single weekend home since we got back! Between drill, scouts, 2 weekends in Blackfoot, and work/business trips he's been pretty busy lately. We figure sometime in July he might have a weekend home. We went with him for his most recent drill because a good friend, and Sandy's mentor, was retiring. It's always fun going with him to drill now since we get to see Tyler and Laurie; the kids LOVE their time there! Tyler even got to change his first diaper (Shad made it a good one, too!).
The retirement ceremony was really nice. I've never been to one before so I enjoyed getting to see it and the fact that it was Wes's was just awesome. What a neat guy, and family!

I'm really disappointed with this photo, but when you've got a Wiggle-bum Livi on your lap I'm afraid it's actually the better of 3 I took :(. You get the idea-Wes is the one on the right.

His retirement flag that was given to his wife. Tyler is on the left holding the flag.

I love this pic! Cheese-face Sandy (my hottie in a flight-suit) and What-a-look Wes

One day while Sandy was working in the pasture he had me come out to one of the trees. This little baby owl was just sitting there. We have a pair of owls that have been here since we moved in and this is their baby this year. Momma and Daddy bird were close by encouraging the cute little fuzz ball along with little "chirps".

Can you see it's talons?! Literally close to the size of my fingers!

Last week I got a bug to clean my pantry. It was on my goal list for the year and I'm happy to report that I can check it off-and I'm REALLY pleased with how it turned out! I'll have to admit the kids had sort of taken over and the little room was just a mess, but what's an "after" pic without a "before"? I'm hoping the organization will help my kiddos out as much as me. Now if I can just get my laundry room finished...that I've had torn apart since January...and have had the paint sitting since then, too...and had the wainscoting in the shop for almost as long....hmmm...

Be afraid, be VERY AFRAID! So much junk!

SO much better!

The subtle design on the wall was me trying out a technique I saw on Pinterest. Glossy paint over matte paint of the same color. I wanted to try it out on an inconspicuous place to see if I liked it before doing a bedroom wall. I love how it looks!