Carpet Cleaning Mission

Fueled by yesterdays realization of how bad the rug really is, and knowing that Nora's room and Lincoln's room could both use a little carpet TLC. So, today after church I convinced Kyle to help me tear into the Bissell in hopes of solving the lack of spray mystery. After opening the whole thing up and checking everything out we didn't make much progress, I ordered a new pump so hopefully we can switch it out and I can clean some carpet!!

Contrast

Today was a rare solo day out and about. I hit a bunch of stores and while browsing rugs at Homegoods I came across this...yep, this is the rug we have in our family room. I'm acutely aware of how dirty and beat up our rug is, but nothing hammers it home like seeing the clean version hanging in a store. Temptation to bring it home was nearly overwhelming, but I promised the next rug for that room would be bigger, soooo I held out. It was a productive day that left me pretty exhausted but I managed to get things done that I've been meaning to and the kiddos got to spend some QT with their dad at the Science Center.

Snuggles & Struggles

While Nora has been extra feisty lately, Lincoln has been clingy and cuddly, especially after naps. While there are times that it's less than ideal, this afternoon it was a welcome break at the end of a looong week to sit and relax with the little guy while Nora was snoozing on the couch. I do kind of wish there was someone here to have taken our picture because he kept resting his head on my belly, which would have been a cute image to have. Oh well! In other news I had what was supposed to be my last dentist visit for a while today to finish out the ongoing teeth project I've had going and get my crowns. I was in and out, primarily because when they were checking the fit of one of the crowns she popped it off with the floss by accident and it went down my throat...like all the way to my stomach. Yep, that's right, I swallowed it. No harm done, but soooo frustrating. So, back I go in two weeks to try again. It's never going to end!

Shugs and Shrubs

Another step in the direction of being done with the yard project. The bushes that will some day be a hedge arrived and were planted today. There's still a bald spot in the yard due to a hold up a the sod farm or something. This project is dragging out a lot more than we were hoping but hopefully it'll be done soon and we can make it our own.

Double Trouble

Although there is a fair amount of bickering that occurs each day these two do have moments where they play nicely together. Usually it's instances that involve destroying something, trashing something or getting into some sort of trouble...take coloring on the windows for instance!

Lightbulb!

It is so much fun to watch how Lincoln's play is changing everyday as he starts to mix in more imaginative play in talking to stuffed animals and mimicking "real world" things like talking on the phone and even cooking. Today he finally figured out his wagon. After months of pushing it, this morning he casually loaded up a couple of stuffed animals and spent a good chunk of the morning (afternoon and evening too) pulling them around the house. As far as the lawn, the guys took an unexpected (by us anyway) day off. We had more sod delivered this morning but it's sitting on pallets not laying on the ground. Just because the guys weren't here working doesn't mean these two weren't...

The trucks were out and working in full force today, I had to guide where the dumping was happening as a few rogue loads found their way to some less than desirable place, but Nora was having a blast loading up the truck below and driving it over the grass/dirt combo up above. I feel like we need to tell the landscaper to leave us a nice dirt patch for play purposes somewhere because these kiddos are going to miss the mess!

Grassy Birthday!

When I found out that Monday was plant day and Tuesday was grass day I was super excited that I'd be getting grass for my birthday, completely convinced that my birthday was on Tuesday. Kyle informed me otherwise...but look what came this morning!!! I got birthday grass afterall!!! With a whole flatbed of pallets dropped off the guys got to work laying lots of sod. By day's end, the backyard looked like this from the porch door!!

Anyone else have the urge to do grass angels??? Nora and Lincoln have been running around as though they've never seen or been on grass before and when the sprinklers were running this evening it was almost more than they could handle! While aside from the grass it was a pretty status quo, school, swimming lessons kind of day, we did close out with dinner from PF Changs and of course...

what has become Kyle and my birthday tradition Lemoncello Creme Torte from "Cheeseycake Factory" secured by Nora & Kyle. After the kids were in bed Jessica stopped over and surprised me with a funfetti cake and balloons for the kiddos. All and all a birthday with surprises and best of all MUCH LESS DIRT!! I think it's safe to say my 35th year is off to a good start! Thanks to everyone for the happy wishes, cards and love!!