Happiness is...not moving

When Keith and I bought this house seven years ago, I was pregnant with Boy. We bought a 3-bedroom, 1 bath tri-level in an older subdivision. We figured we would live here for about five years, then move to something bigger. And we bought a house with three bedrooms because we had planned on having two kids. Little did we know, God had other plans for us! Having three kids means that two kids have to share a room. The twins have shared a room since day one. Well technically day 122 because they slept in our room for the first four months. Despite comments from certain people, the twins are still sharing a room. And they are so happy together.

However, our plan to move to a new home when Boy was five was no longer our plan. Recession, economy, and daycare costs for twins cut into our plan to move to a bigger and better house.  Not that there is anything wrong with our house - except there is no true basement.  Keith was able to build a fantastic bathroom, complete with fancy shower, on the lower level.  He added a coat closet on the main floor. He built us an office space on the lower level as well, that is sectioned off with a half-wall so there is a distinction between office and family room.

But still we struggled with moving or not moving? Do we have enough for a down payment on a new house? Could we sell our current house? Would I be able to give up my beautiful backyard that I find so peaceful? Do I seriously want to pack up an entire house while working full-time? (Ok, those last two were my own concerns, Keith didn't care.)

On Sunday, we talked about it yet again.  And decided that we are staying. We love the house, love the neighborhood, love the backyard, love the extra large 2 car garage (that's all Keith).  We are going to get our roof looked at for hail damage and maybe have it replaced. We need a few new windows because some have their seals broken. I'm getting a new front door! And....... after Keith finishes building my faux fireplace for the living room... and loft beds for the kids.... he's going to build me a screened in back porch! Perfect for reading on a hot summer night.

Here are some older pictures, but I wanted to show off my beloved backyard!

Be Happy

Today is not a good day. 

I just found out that someone plagiarized me. Like literally stole an idea from me that I blogged about in the past. She taking credit for it all over Facebook. Now, I know it's the internet, and anything I post can be used by anyone in the world. But seriously, don't be a "friend" to me and steal my stuff, then post about it like you created it. I can see your posts. At least have the decency to hide it from me. 

Maybe I wouldn't be so upset, but I'm sick. I've barely slept since Monday when this cough started. Prescription cough medicine does not help. One particular co-worker has felt the need to open my office door TWICE now while I'm having a coughing fit to ask me a dumb question that could have waited 10 minutes. My husband doesn't think I should be crabby towards him because it's not his fault I can't sleep.

All I want is a little sympathy. And for friends not to steal my shit.

But now, I've got to re-focus myself. Get back to being mindful.  This is just a little setback today. The weekend is here, and I'm leaving work soon. It's a sunny day, so I'm going to take my cough and go bask in the sun. And maybe get a blueberry-pomegranate smoothie. And give myself a homemade pedicure.

It's time to

From http://pinterest.com/livelovesoccer6/uplifting-quotes-for-your-bad-day/

See how easy that was to give credit where credit is due?

Dance Upon the Air - A Book Review

One of my all-time favorite authors is Nora Roberts. To be fair, I should mention that I've only read her series that have to do with paranormal type things - demons, vampires, fairies, ghosts, and witches. Oh, and Ireland! But also to be fair, how awesome is that she has so many series that deal with some of my favorite things?! 

And it's not just Ms. Roberts writing about magic... it's the magic in her writing. At the end of each book, you are smiling. And a little sad to see it end so soon. That's how it was with this book, Dance upon the Air.  Now this book is not a new book. In fact, the fact that the police officers still used pagers shows you how old this book is... but the time frame doesn't matter at all!

This story is the first of the Three Sisters trilogy. Nell Channing has come to Three Sisters Island to start over, leaving a tale of abuse and pain behind her. The history of the island is deep and mysterious; legend states that it was formed by 3 witches escaping the Salem witch trials in the 17th century. The three witches who are only known as Air, Earth, and Fire each had a tragedy in their lives. There is a legacy that is to take place once the three descendents of these witches return to the island. (The other sisters are Ripley and Mia, and books 2 and 3 are their stories, respectively.)

Nell begins her new life, and along the way, catches the eye of local sheriff, Zach Todd.  She is scarred from her previous life, and nervous about getting involved with Zach, but she soon warms up to him. The two of them embark on a romantic journey, which is sweet; however the reader keeps waiting anxiously, knowing the danger that is coming.

As usual Ms. Roberts' book is filled with just the right amount of  magic, mystery, action, and love. The endings of her novels sometimes seem a bit clipped... but I try to remind myself that this isn't the last we've seen of Nell and Zach. Book two, Heaven and Earth, is currently checked out at the library. I'm counting down the days until it's available!

What happened this weekend?

We read.  A lot.

 

We played in the rain!

 

We ate yummy food!

We played at the zoo,
and had a lot of family fun!!!