A *new* patio set!

We finally got rid of our old backyard swing - the one that the top shade cover broke off of during a wind storm, and the cushions that were weather trashed beyond my repair. We posted it on freecycle, and within less than 24 hours had twelve different people wanting it. In it's place James found a used but still in great condition patio table/chair set - just what I've been wanting for 2 years! It was so nice to sit outside for dinner tonight - here's the family enjoying our good fortune!


And to make room for it, we decided to move the playhouse to the dirt area next to the garden shed. And of course, the first thing the boys did was figure out how to climb to the top and perhaps next climb to the shed roof. I just can't win for losing!

Happy Father's Day!

Today we had a big day for Father's Day. Church in the morning, and then James stayed in Spokane with Austin to attend the Father's Day car show at our new church site, while the kids and Gram and I headed out to join the rest of the family at Diamond Lake for the day. We had a great BBQ steak dinner, the dads played with the kids and opened presents, and topped it off with a Father's Day tie cake that Gram made.

Happy Father's Day to my hubby - a great daddy to our kids and an adoring huband! And to my Dad - thanks for all you do - you are a great dad and a fantastic grandpa!

Time to organize

I've been looking at the kids' messy corner for way too long! All their puzzles, games, coloring box, playdough, etc. etc. etc. just keeps piling it up. I don't really have a closet to put it in, and I really don't want to hide it all away in a box because the kids play with it all so much. But it was high time to get a handle on it.

Here's my before - can you see why I was frustrated!!

And here's my after - isn't it much nicer!

The shelf I used is one made for shoes to put inside a closet. But it was perfect for this little space. I didn't want any permanent shelves, so this one sits nicely without having to be secured to the wall.

Looking for more ways to organize? Head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie

to see lots more ideas!

I really want a bike....

I've been wanting a bike again for a while now. My last bike, a mountain bike, was stolen from my yard when we lived at our first house. Such a bummer, too. I used to ride it to work in nice weather, and it had a nice padded gel seat, a good bike helmet, freshly tuned up - and I was a dummy and left it in the shadow of my house between my yard and my neighbor's. I thought for sure it was well hidden, but I guess not. I guess I should have listened to my hubby when he said "you should really lock that in the garage".

Well, I've found something new that I would like, and it would be perfect for the kids. Click here



and see what I mean! It's pretty darn awesome.

My Pretty Girl!

Today we went to a friend's house for a playdate. It was beautiful weather, so I thought a pretty summer sundress would be perfect for Gretchen. She is such a beautiful child - and you can see so much of her personality in her expressions. I just love her to death!

Back from my blog break

It's been a couple of weeks since I last posted, but those weeks have been super busy. I served as chair of the Relay for Life event this year, and the event was May 29-30. Lots of last minute planning and meetings and just plain busy work was done over the last two weeks, so my blogging had to take a break! But I still took lots of photos and we did other things besides Relay, so I plan on catching up and backdating some posts over the next week. It's a good thing that I take tons of pictures of everything we do, or I would forget the details! Seeing a picture helps me remember. Is this just a sign of old age??

Relay for Life went well, and was not as stressful during the set-up and the event as I thought it would be. I'll give a full report later.

For now, it's off to a morning at the park with MOMS Club friends and kids, and then lunch, naps, and a little rest for me. I'll be back!