How To Turn a Floor Into a Friend

Yesterday, we laid a laundry room floor for one of our customers.  This is not something we have ever done before, and he was WELL aware of it.  However, we did our research, chose a great product, and sent our proposal for the work we completed.  He called to accept, and we set yesterday as the date to complete the work.

Not only did Paul and I arrive on the job site, but our kids came along too.  You see, Howard just loves them, and they really enjoy spending time with him, as well.  Paul and I worked to tear up the old vinyl floors (2 layers) which went very fast.  We cleaned to floor, and then took a break for lunch.  Howard spoiled the kids with cookies and ice cream after their sandwiches!

We went on to begin laying the new vinyl tile floor.  Setting the first course was very quick, as the tiles literally peel and stick.  Around the edges, we had cuts to make, but even that went well.  It was getting late, and Howard offered to buy us all dinner.  Mandy and Andrew went with him to Taco Bell to order our food, and we had a nice dinner with Howard.

After dinner, Paul and I grouted the tile, creating a BEAUTIFUL finish that you would never think was vinyl.  It looks like a ceramic tile floor, except it will be much more durable.  We replaced his washer and dryer, got everything all set for him, and got ourselves ready to go!  Here he is, our client, and he has turned into a great friend, as well. 

I really love the work we are doing.  Building relationships with people you would otherwise never meet is a great way to do business, for sure.

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

12 years ago today, my life changed forever.  My baby Andrew was born, bringing never-ending love, joy, and happiness to our family.  Since that day, our family has changed a lot.  But one thing will never change.  I will love this boy all the days of my life, and beyond.  He will always be my baby, no matter how big he gets.  And he will always be the one who made me a mother.  Thanks, Andrew, and happy birthday!  I love you more than you will ever know.

The Goodbye

They were getting ready to leave, those two men of mine.  Andrew was in the car while Paul completed a few last minute tasks before their weekend away.  Mandy took this time to speak to her brother.  It was all very secretive.

As they pulled out of the driveway, we watched and waved our goodbyes.  Then, Mandy turned to me to tell me what she said to her brother before they left.  "I told him that it wouldn't be the same without my best friend," she said.  My heart melted a bit as my girl revealed her feelings for her older brother.

Then, I smiled as she told me his reply.  "But I'm your brother.  How can I be your best friend?" 

"Andrew!  You may be my brother, but you're also my friend!"

Sweet, this little relationship they have.  I hope it lasts forever.

Special Moments

They're gone for the weekend, father and son.  And so I am left with my two younger children, to play and have fun.  We all need this special bonding time, I think.  Not that we are not bonded with our children, but it is different to have one parent to yourself - or almost to yourself.  You can do things you normally wouldn't with everyone around.  Possibilities open just a little wider.

The boys have their weekend planned out for them, but we are free to do what we please.  While the possibilities may be endless, we will end up being mostly practical with our time, I think.  Already, cleaning is being done, a special breakfast has been eaten, and the day begins in a nice little harmony.  We are all at peace, even though we miss each other. 

Life is good.

The Never Ending Battle Against Clutter and Dirt

I clearly did not inherit the cleanliness gene.  How many generations does that skip?  Because I did not inherit this, I have to train myself to follow certain routines in order to create and maintain a reasonably clean house.  The only problem is that I am too impatient for a slow but steady approach.  And then, on the flip side, I am too overwhelmed by the "clean it all today, and then keep it that way forever" approach, as well.  So I end up cleaning it all today, then letting it sit for a while until I can't stand it anymore.  Not a great way to approach house cleaning.

I am sure my issue is shared by many.  How can we, then, conquer this problem?  I have already tried Flylady.net multiple times.  I am frustrated by her "shine your sink for a week straight before we add in anything else" approach.  Not fast enough results for me.  Maybe I should just focus on one room for a week.  Get it clean, and keep it clean every day.  The next week, I'll add another room.  And so on.  I think I will begin with the kitchen, as this is the most essential to keep clean.  Then, I'll add in the living room.

So today it begins.  I will keep my kitchen very clean and neat every day this week.  I will begin by decluttering my counters, which definitely gather much clutter in our home.  Keeping the dishes out of the sink will be another challenge.  The rest is not so bad.  I do have a large kitchen, so this will be a chore for me.  I'll try to add some before and after pictures so you can see my progress.  With a bit of dedication, I will have this room clean and ready for company every day of the week.  The rest of the house...??

The Pile

5 baskets, filled to the top.  Washed, dried, folded, and put away.  I thought it was over, but I was wrong.  Where there is one, there are surely many more.  It can not be left alone, for it only seems to multiply.  I know I am not alone in my never-ending quest for peace from this daily task, yet there are none who willingly battle alongside me.  The fight, for now, is mine alone.  I will survive and conquer.  It just might take me some time.  Today, the battle is won, but the war is far from over.

The Ride

"I'll mow the lawn," I used to say with pure excitement.  Anything for a chance to drive that big, red tractor.  I knew I would be riding and driving for about an hour.  It was a chance to experience driving before I was ever allowed to drive behind the wheel of a car, something I used to practice by steering the tire iron from the backseat.

On a recent trip back home, he got to experience the thrill, as well.  On our last full day, Grandpa got the tractor running.  He climbed up into the seat, that look of pure excitement plastered across his face.  After a few minutes of instruction, he was set free.  You could see the joy in his face.  There is nothing like a boy (or girl) and his tractor.

Welcome, Baby Anna!

Yesterday, my little sister welcomed a new baby girl into her already wonderful family!  Congratulations Sandie and Sam!

Hanging On

With temperatures still in the 90's here, summer is fighting to keep its grasp on our area.  Fall is going to have to duke it out with Summer sometime in the very near future.  I can't wait to move back to an area where summer is the weaker season, and fall comes out on top.

How's It Going?

Things, as always, remain hectic in our household.  Mandy and Andrew are doing awesome in their school work, having some easier days, and some harder ones as well.  Mandy is zipping through her math, as she is currently repeating 2nd grade math only.  She will be in 3rd before we know it.  She is such a smart, attentive little girl.  Andrew is learning to take responsibility for his learning, as he does most of his work on his own.  I check up on him, and discuss what he has learned on a daily basis.  We are really loving Calvert.

Illness seems to be spreading in this house, as well.  First, Jeff was sick for a couple of days.  He actually refused to walk, which had us concerned, but is now back to normal.  Mandy then came down with a fever, reaching up to 104 at one point.  She is all better now.  I actually had a low grade fever yesterday, but seem to be on the mend.

My most pressing concern is, as it has been for some time, the health of my dad.  He really needs a lot of prayers.  Currently, we are praying that he is accepted onto a transplant list, which will be his best chance.  I know I should not pray for something specific like this, so I pray that God's will be done, and that He gives us all the strength to handle his decision.  Each life on this Earth has a purpose, guided by the hand of God.  I am not ready to say goodbye to Daddy, so I hope and pray each day for a positive outcome.  It really does not seem fair that he has his condition, and to see him struggle chokes me up.  It is so hard being so far away at this time.  I wish I was there to lend a hand every day.

That is what's up here for now.  I look forward to updating with better news in the very near future.  Please add our family to your prayer chains.  Miracles do happen.

In The Mail

I walked out to the mailbox in a drizzling rain, wondering what might be in the box.  Of course, the only thing that ever is in our mailbox is junk, or a bill.  Today, there was an invitation for Andrew to join People to People and travel to Australia next summer.  It all looked very impressive, and made it seem like Andrew was privileged to be invited.

As I did a bit of research, it turns out anyone can go.  All you have to do is fork over $5,500 for the trip.  Wow.  We are feeling really special for having the honor of paying for a vacation to Australia for 2 weeks at the bargain price of $5,500!  Can you tell?

There has to be a better way to see Australia.  That's all I'm saying.

A New School

This year, as I think you may all be aware, we have enrolled Mandy and Andrew in a Charter School here in South Carolina. Because we felt the local school they were attending was not meeting their needs, we have enrolled our children in the South Carolina Calvert Academy.  After our orientation today, we feel we have truly made the best decision!  We can't wait for school to start on Tuesday!

Today, Mandy and Andrew made some friends in their classes, met their teachers, and have their new school t-shirts to show their school spirit.  We got to attend orientation in Columbia, at the South Carolina State Museum.  It was officially their first field trip, and school hasn't even begun yet.

Best of all, this school will teach Mandy and Andrew how to take control of their own learning.  They will have much responsibility for their learning, as they have not before.  I think it will be a great experience for them, and for us as a family, as well.

A Whole Bunch of Random

I looked into Jeffrey's mouth today while I was changing his diaper and it became quite apparent the is cutting 4 teeth at one time! Poor baby.

Andrew was an awesome big brother today...he bought Mandy a treat from the ice cream truck with his own money. His friend next door did not do the same for his sisters. In fact, this friend was willing to let his sisters have nothing at all! I was proud of Andrew for being a great big brother when it would have been easy to follow the example set by another and be mean to Mandy.

Mandy was pretending to talk to Grandpa on the phone today. "How are you feeling?" was one of her questions. The other? "So, Grandpa, how's that magic coming along?" She is so funny!

Paul sold his first car yesterday! We think #2 is coming back in today. Not bad for a weekend. It did mean, however, that instead of coming home at 5 yesterday, he wasn't home until after 9. And we had friends over to celebrate his birthday. Oops. But hooray at the same time! Good thing our friends are really friends and very understanding!

That's all for now! Bye!