FMSC

With the last year of elementary school upon us for Regan, I'm doing as much as I can to stay involved in the classroom and with those cute friends of hers. I've already done my share of volunteer hours for the year and it's only November! 

Last week, I was able to tag along on the 5th grade field trip to Feed My Starving Children. 

With hairnets and all, we packed enough meals to feed 91 children for an entire year! Something like 30,0000 meals! We had a great time dancing and talking and laughing as memories were made. 

Thanks for letting me be a part of your day Regan! 

Halloween 2016

Before we get too far past Halloween, I need to quick post a picture of these 3, who had more than their share of fun on this candy-driven day. I'm not a huge fan of the whole trick or treating experience (I just think it's a bit weird), but when you toss in a little family time to our night, I jumped on board and tagged along. The kids had a blast: Greaser girl, donut and 'Baylor' (a golden retriever that we love) picked their own costumes this year and looked pretty darn cute! 

The struggle is real people

We are in week three of our renovation, and the tension level is running high. I'm not so sure anyone in the family likes each other anymore (well that's not entirely accurate but you get the picture around here). Emotions and kid behaviors are off the charts. We've moved around living spaces from section to section so the wood floors could be polished up. At one point, we had 4 couches and a fridge in about 30 square feet....it became unbearable. 

At the beginning of all this, I uttered to Ryan that this would be a test to our marriage. He now understands that comment...it's just so much darn work! There are days that I wonder why we hired a general contractor when my phone buzzes non stop from questions from sub-contractors. I've been late to work daily so that I can check in with the guys as they arrive and figure out the day's work. I'm just as late picking up kids after work because I stop home first for any updates or questions. There is a constant hum on my phone relaying updates to Ryan and ensuring he's a part of all the decisions. Of note, he doesn't give a hoot about paint colors, and it only adds to his crabbiness. 

And then there's the mess. Dust everywhere, a film across every surface no matter my efforts. New wood floors covered up with paper to protect from the stain. Countertops with 5 layers of protection which means we can't wipe them down...ever (gross!). I guess it's alright because I can't exactly "cook" anyway other than the microwave. On the positive side, our sink has remained in tact and for that I'm thankful. 

There have been deadlines which have been pushed out, supplies that were delayed, colors that had to be redone and budgets that have been blown. BUT...., I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. We are getting there. By this time next week we should at least have full use of every part of the house again. Tho it won't yet be completed, it will be very close. Eventually, we will look back and laugh, but right now, we understand why most folks move instead of renovate.