Why, hello there!

I didn't realize how long it has been since I've blogged until I looked at the date of my last post last night. Things have been absolutely crazy around here, with moving and still remodeling, family functions, warm weather to enjoy, and the success of Dirt and Lace Shirts which has taken me by surprise and kept me pretty busy. But I am here now, determined to not let another 6 days go by before I post again!

Saturday, we worked outside almost all day. The exterior of this house, from the siding covered in green whatever the heck it is, to the gravel and underground roots where the landscaping will go, to the weed covered yard, the horrendous shed in the backyard, and porch with remnants of porch carpet and glue..... it's going to be a long process to get everything the way we want it. I mowed the grass and Joe weed-eated. We sprayed Weed-Be-Gone on the front yard. We used our power nozzle on the hose to spray the siding and get it as clean as it can be. We shoveled up rock and dug up roots. It's looking better already. Hopefully very soon we can get some things planted and fix up the porch.

We found a lovely surprise on the side of the house.

Yes, that is a huge Black Widow. It was dead already, but one black widow means more black widows. I think we may have to spray around the house. Ugh.

Yesterday was a really great day. We went to church to see my cousin Richard get confirmed. It was a great service. He did a great job! Summer and Camryn stayed in the nursery for the first time. They didn't mind at all when we left and seemed to have a great time! I hope that is a sign that preschool with be successful. After that we all went to my aunt Susan and uncle Paul's house for a party to celebrate the confirmation and also Rich's 8th grade graduation. We spent most of the day there, eating and having a great time outside. Susan had asked that all of the guests bring a quote, poem, song lyric, written advice, etc. that they wanted to share with Richard. She is going to put them all into a scrapbook for him. I put together a page of quotes for him, I'll share it here, because everyone can use some inspiration every once in awhile:

Richard,

HeRe aRe some quotes that Inspire me. Maybe they will mean something to you as well.

“Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” - William James

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” - Scott Adams

“God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest.” - J.G. Holland

“The aim of life is self-development. To realize one's nature perfectly - that is what each of us is here for.” - Oscar Wilde

“Everyone ought to worship God according to his own inclinations, and not to be constrained by force.” - Flavius Josephus

“Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values.” - Ayn Rand

“It's very dangerous to wave to someone you don't know because, what if they don't have a hand? They'll think you're cocky.” - Mitch Hedberg

Love, Steph

Today I plan on sorting through some boxes and cleaning the house a bit. I might paint some of the trim around the back door because it looks horrible. The girls are being very quiet, so I'd better go check on them. Have a great Monday!