To The Rescue

 

Papa Jake came to the rescue. Cook top is installed!

 

A Glimpse at the Madness

 

Since moving into our new heavily used home we have been dealing with lots of home improvements. There is a reason people hire general contractors to oversee large projects. Coordinating every piece of the puzzle is a full time job. When we purchased the home it came with a home warranty from American Home Shield. We've now discovered that the "warranty" is a complete joke. We've filed at least 6 claims and a fraction of our expense has been covered. Here is just one little project that we've been dealing with:

 

When we moved in the gas cook top would not ignite so I was using a Bic lighter to light my stove. We opened a claim with American Home Shield and they sent a repair person. The repair guy needed to order a part. The part is not available so winner! winner! chicken dinner! we got a completely new cook top out of the deal. The warranty company provides the cook top and will install as long as there are no modifications. Highlighted in yellow ALL MODIFICATIONS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE! So, last Tuesday our cook top was delivered and the delivery person took one quick look and said they couldn't install it. We'd have to call someone else. ($$$) We called someone else and they came to install it yesterday. But guess what? It doesn't fit! So, now I have to call someone else to cut my counter top to the appropriate dimensions to fit the new cook top. ($$$) P.S. the cabinet drawers underneath also need adjusted now ($$$).

 

There's a 2" gap between the cook top and the wall.

Top drawer won't fit back in properly due to new size.

This is where the counter top needs cut.

This is the spec sheet I emailed my Dad begging for help because I like his hourly rate of $0.

 

Papa Jake is coming to the rescue Saturday afternoon. Let's hope he can get the job done!

Potty Party

We've been making Evy spend some extra time on the potty. She's been rushing and not getting "everything" done that needs to be done. We let her play with my iPad during her extended sessions and that seems to help get "the job" done. During her last session I peeked in and saw little sister playing along!

Kids Choice

 

I have my grocery shopping and meal planning down to a science. I plan our meals every Wednesday night when the Hy-Vee ad arrives and then grocery shop after work every Thursday afternoon. If I plan poorly I occasionally have to stop off for some fresh fruit or more milk, but for the most part I stick to my once a week shopping plan. Evy asked if we could plan a Mac 'n Cheese night this week. "We never have Mac 'n Cheese for dinner!" she stated while pleading her case. I agreed and prepared a perfectly kid pleasing meal of Mac 'n Cheese, chocolate milk, and fresh fruit last night. Dinner time should have been a breeze. But, I found myself saying "sit down and eat your dinner" at least 25 times and getting frustrated at the drawn out ordeal--no different than when I pick the meal. Back to mom's choice next week.

Biker Chick

For the second time ever, tonight Evy asked to take her training wheels off. Within 15 minutes she was riding unassisted, but would freak herself out and stop pedaling immediately. She eventually convinced herself to keep pedaling once Scott let go and she had it mastered. Well, not actually mastered but pretty darn good for only her second attempt!

Keep pedaling!

Look at her go!

Coming to a stop.

Gaining Speed.

"I've got this!"

Not to be outdone, Charlie jumped from wagon to stroller to trike to scooter to ride along!

Just Another Manic Monday

Sometimes I feel like I've ran a marathon before I get to my desk at 8 a.m. Of course, some people do wake up around 4 a.m. and literally run half marathons before work...that's not what I'm talking about in this instance. I'm not that crazy.

This Morning...

-It is crazy hat dat at school so both of the girls were sent out the door with hats. Check.
-Charlie needed a new supply of diapers. Check.
-Evy is starting dance today. We're doing a carpooling system with another family so Evy had to leave with leotard, tights, ballet shoes, tap shoes, hair brush, and headband. Check.
-Evy had finished homework to return to her teacher. Check.
-I need to purchase milk after work. But I'm not going straight home after work and it's 98 degrees. I needed to remember to bring a cooler. Check.
-I am picking up Evy and her friend from dance so I needed an extra booster seat in my car. Check.
-We are pinching our pennies because our money pit of a house is draining us so I have pledged to pack my lunch. Check.
-I need to bring a voided check to Evy's dance studio to set up auto pay. Couldn't find the checkbook in the house. Luckily, I caught Scott while he was still at daycare and he put a check in Evy's backpack. Check (literally).

Now, on to the easy part of my day.

Hawkeye Tailgate

 

Again, I have camera envy. Love the expressions that were caught in these photos. Do you think Evy was having fun?

 

After the tailgate Evy got to go to the game with Scott. They made it to halftime, which is the longest Evy has stayed at a game! Evy was happy to get popcorn and a hot dog, but was disappointed that they couldn't find any cotton candy in Kinnick stadium. She was super excited to see the cheerleaders carry Herky onto the field, but got a little shy when it was time to give touchdown high fives. 

Motor Boating

We've had a great time on the boat this summer. We've enjoyed some adult only cruises with friends and had plenty of time to enjoy the water with the kids. Evy loves tubing, although she doesn't like going very fast! And she is so brave jumping off the back of the boat and swimming on her own in the lake water. Charlie always wants to be in the water too and loves to float in her boat. These pictures are from last weekend--generously passed on by a friend who has a high quality camera. I have a little camera envy.

 

Party Time

On Sunday we celebrated Charlie's 2nd birthday and Scott's 30-something birthday.

Charlie had to immediately change into her new fleece footed pajamas as soon as she opened them. I was sweating just looking at her.

Two year old! We had the Elmo cake pan on hand from Evy's second birthday

Since this was also Scott's birthday party I did buy his two favorite candies to put in the jars. He got cupcakes and that was about it. It stinks being an adult!

Charlie with Papa Dick and Grammy Sherry. Such a fun party with so many family members in attendance...20 family members in case anyone is keeping track.

Football Frenzy

The annual season kickoff photo is becoming a tradition.

Luckily, another tradition is free babysitting services provided by Grandma Joan and Papa Jake. Now, if the Hawks winning would just become a tradition we would really be in business.