Everyday errands

Running errands just became a lot more fun!

Choose your weapon

All is quiet on the homefront, meaning the baby is asleep, so it's time for our first installment of *duh duh dum*

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON

Today on choose your weapon,  our weapon of choice is this

My mission: To get as much done with those tools in 20 minutes as possible. 

The starting point? The bathroom.  The loose toilet seat, to be precise.  You're welcome for the lack of picture.  And, yes, this was a fail, so all I did was learn I needed different tools.  But the gaining of knowlege can be it's own kind of success.  Anyway, I thought I was going to tighten the screws on the toilet seat, and after some confusion (why does it keep turning and turning? Where's the other end of this screw?) I learned that the plastic... wingbolt!..... is cracked so that's that.  The other side lacks a wingbolt altogether.  So we'll keep on slip sliding around on that joy ride!  Hunter, I see you shaking your head.  Thanks for loving me even though I can be a bit slow sometimes.... It's ok!  I'm a limo driver!

The clock is still ticking!  I moved on to Archer's bedroom.  Last week, when I would ease the door shut, it would shift at a certain point, and make a loud thud, juuuuust as I was sneaking out quietly after putting him down at night or naptime.  Any mother knows that's a recipe for disaster, so I made a note to fix that loose hinge right away.  So this afternoon I eased open the door, tools in hand, and tested the door.  Nothing.  I tested all the screws.  Nothing loose.   ............?............  I eased the door closed.  Guess that one fixed itself.  *scratches head, shrugs, moves on*

The guest room doorknob is our next test subject.  This has had a loud, grating SQUEAK in it since forever, maybe since we moved in 7 years ago.  This room has been the main guest room for years, and I bet my in-laws will be happy to have this handle fixed.  I know it has made them cringe as they get up in the middle of the night and try their best to be quiet little bunnies.  I unscrewed the doorknob, went and retrieved my special can of WD-40 that I try to keep in my own cubby in the laundry room (it has been borrowed by Hunter a couple of times, but to his credit has remained in the house instead of landing in the barn) and squirted up the inside of the doorknob.

Simple.  Done.  Gave 'er some twists and screwed it back together.  And, when I was almost done, the timer went off.  By now my brain was jumping ahead to what else I'd like to accomplish so I put my tools away and called it good. 

All in all, I'm calling it a success.  That squeaky door has driven me nuts, too, since it's right by Archer's room and holds his room's heater controls. 

I believe in doing this kind of stuff myself, if I can.  Yes, I could nag Hunter on evenings and weekends to do it.  He HATES projects like this, but he'll do them on the right day.   But they're easy enough, so on the other hand, if they're so easy, why don't I do it?  Good question.  20 minutes at a time, I bet I can. 

Blue 32

I'm turning 32 today.  In my head, I keep hearing (football style) "Blue! 32! Hut!"  Do you hear it?  No?  Just me?  I got those same looks at the dinner table when I told Hunter that'd been going through my head, too.  Ah, well. 

So, a birthday.  How do I feel?  Honestly, I feel like this is going to be a really great year.  I'm not one to have age crises...crisis'....?  Because Archer changes so much from day to day, everything is always new.  It will be neat to take him out for lots of "firsts" this year as a family, and I'm looking forward to taking him fishing and hunting this summer and fall now that he's sturdier and better able to handle all those new environments. 

I'm in a really good place in my life.  Happily married.  Happy kid.  Happy home life.  Awesome friends nearby, hobbies that fulfil me, good health.  Seriously, there is so little drama in our life it's ridiculous.  We're so blessed.  I feel like I should be ashamed of my joy, or like I should downplay how happy we are or make some apologies for sounding like I have a perfect life, but why?  Why SHOULDN'T I be proud of the life we've built?  Why can't I embrace this great time in our lives, and acknowlege it for what it is? 

  I'm glad I had the five years at my government cubicle job so that I appreciate being out of that cubicle.  I was good at what I did, but it was a huge downer to go to my office everyday.  I gained a lot of insights about human nature, though, and it feels good to know that I can get, and keep, a good job like that.  That may sound so basic but every day I met people who could not for the life of them achieve something that is so necessary for everyday survival.  Just to keep a job.  To show up day after day, and get along with people.  I digress.  *squirrel!*  My point is, I'm glad I had the years I did in the work force to gain credibility and professional skills.  I hope I am able to find opportunities during these years at home to maintain those skills and stay relevant in the professional world.  I hope I'm open to opportunities while maintaining my immediate focus at this time, which is to raise and nurture our son, and keep a nice home for my husband to come home to every night.

There are days now where I could get tired of that constant task of "keeping a house": days where I get tired of going up and down the stairs for diaper changes and laundry delivery and the millionth toy pick up.  But every time I turn around I see something to smile about.  The cute baby babbling on the floor.  The dogs running out the door on deer patrol.  The horses lounging in the sun on a rare warm day.  The cats trying to sneak up on a bird outside.  I hope I remember to sock those memories away, and realize this time is precious.  I hope I am purposeful in making this coming year of my life the best one yet.

Happy Birthday, me!

Dressy Western Fashions

Recently, Hunter surprised me with a trip (that deserves it's own post, so more about that another day) out of town.  While we were gone, he took me to a western-wear retail store so I could get something suitable to wear for our mysterious destination.  I needed a nice western shirt.  As you know, when you have a baby, your body shifts.  While I'm lucky to almost have my old body back, my upper half is still blessed with *ahem* extra body, so my old shirts still don't fit.  With Hunter's encouragement, it wasn't hard to convince me to shop a little. 

Show of hands for anyone who's been in a western retail store?  Anyone?

Ever wondered what on earth is going on with "dressy" western wear?

Bling.  Crystals.  Ruffles.  Lace.  Drippy, drapey, ruffly, blingy EVERYTHING.  EVERYWHERE.  On butts.  On boobs.  Across the back.  Down the leg.  EVERYWHERE.  Think for a moment about the average woman who's shopping here.  Typically, the "western woman" wears her jeans for most occasions, owns a few pairs of boots, and can hold her own, physically, to get some work done or keep up with a man.  She probably prefers carhart workwear, and owns work gloves that actually have to work. She may be able to jump from the back of a horse on the move (don't look at me!), throw a 60 pound haybale (me on a good day!)  or shoot a gun or a bow.  (me too!)  She is probably A-Ok with getting dirty, going camping or skinning a deer.  So why, pray tell, would this woman then morph into this crazy ruffle-wearing, look-at-my-butt rhinestone sporting, oh here's-a-whole-PILE-of-jewelry-to-wear-as-well person when she gets dressed up to go somewhere?  Will someone please pose this question to the buyers at these western stores?  (I'm looking at you, Boot Barn!)  Or, better yet, will someone please design some classy western wear that doesn't include dry cleaning bills or really unflattering hemlines?  Maybe some nice shirts long enough to tuck in? 

What'd I get, you ask?  Well, after much dithering, and several shirts that fit everywhere but my biceps- ain't no skinny arms on this baby-totin mama- I bought a beautiful brown plaid shirt with gorgeous embroidery.  And rhinestones.  Yep, you read that right.  You really can't avoid them, and I was on my way to somewhere cool.  Hunter thought it was an awesome shirt, and off we went to the checkout counter. 

A view of the back- beautiful embroidery!

The best part of this story is that I'll always keep this shirt and remember how we bought it on our way to seeing George Strait, live, in Salt Lake City.  Hunter surprised me in a big way, and it was a big, big show..... and he's husband of the year 2013.  Love that guy.

One of the (many) reasons I love my husband

There are a million reasons I love my husband, and in honor of the approaching V-day holiday I thought I'd reflect on a few.  So, be warned, it's about to get sappy around here! 

We usually keep Valentines Day pretty low-key; in the past, we've done lots of quiet "dinner and a movie at home" nights or gifted each other with small things.  On numerous occasions we've decided on a purchase for the house together and called it good with that.  This year will be the dinner and a movie route, and if I don't make it to town before Thursday, it might be minus the movie!  But the beauty of that simple routine is that, if Valentines Day for Hunter equals him coming home to his wife and child, enjoying a nice dinner and some quality time with said wife and child, I know he'll go to bed happy and contented.  If there is one thing I can say about my husband, it's that he knows how to love his family. 

And really, that makes me a lucky, lucky, woman.  During our marriage, there has not been a day that I have not heard the words "I love you."  We waited 8 years before having Archer, enjoying lots of adventures together and acknowleging that while we wanted a child someday, we weren't ready yet.  When Archer came along, we were ready to be parents together, and ready to embrace a new lifestyle that numbered 3 instead of 2. 

I'll tell you this about my husband- he LOVES his boy.  And I know that Archer will always know he is loved.  Hunter is a man's man: he hunts, he fishes, he is passionate about being in the outdoors.  He hates city life and its associated hustle and bustle.  He likes to tell people that to get to his office, he doesn't have to drive "into town"- there's just one stop sign and a 10 minute drive between here and there.  But he doesn't have that macho, annoying "I am a man and therefore have no heart" side to him that so many macho men feel like they have to have.  He will tell anyone, without shame, that he loves me and Archer.  That we're the best things in his life.  That he would do anything to keep us safe.  That he's lucky to have us. 

What's cuter than a dude having the time of his life talking and singing silly high pitched songs at a little baby!  At a guy stumbling up the stairs, tired after listening to his baby crying during the night, getting up to go to work, and his face lights up at seeing said baby.  At seeing the man you love come home from work, and, when those little arms go out and around his neck hearing him say, "ohhhh you just made my day."

I love that about him.  A man who cherishes his family?  That's a real man in my book! 

Teepee Time!

Nope, not that TP.
This Teepee. 

 

It's simple and classic and ready for so many adventures!  I love the simplicity and sturdiness of this design.  Although it's tall and measures 4 square feet on the inside, it's easy to fold up and lean in a corner or closet when not in use.  It'd be perfect for cooped up windy days in Casper !  I finished all the inside seams with bias binding, so it looks nice and tidy inside, as well.  It would be fun to drop a strand of white christmas lights inside and clip them around to the seams with clothespins or something!  In fact, I should do that for my next photo session....
Here are a few more perspectives

Although these are for sale, the baby nephew is not included!

Choose your weapon

Every day, my mind swims with things I should do, rooms or corners I should clean, and chores I have yet to accomplish.  My mind swims so much that, before I know it, I've crossed the english channel and have nothing to show for it!  (what does that even mean?  I have no idea)  So, in an effort to hold myself accountable, I'm going to occasionally do something called "choose your weapon."  The name comes from a show my husband, Hunter, watches on the outdoor channel named the same or something similar, where the hosts choose a favorite gun for a certain hunting situation and then test it out in different scenarios to show why it's better or best.  Anyway.  I digress.  In my personal, household "choose your weapon" challenge, I'm going to choose a weapon- screwdriver, WD-40, drill, caulk, etc. and go around the house for 20 minutes with my weapon fixing the myriad small, seemingly insignificant things that need fixing that nag at my mind a million times a week that I never just go FIX ALREADY.  Sound good?  Ok.  So, once in a while, I'll be choosing a weapon and letting you know what I get done!

6 month baby

My darling boy
Today you are 6 months old! Your dad and I think you are the smartest, cutest, most amazing thing we've ever seen. We love watching you grow, even as we hold you tight knowing precious moments are slipping away forever. This month you really learned how to babble, and hearing you talk in your crib in the morning puts a smile on both of our faces. You love to lay on the floor and yell, trying out all of your newly learned vocal ranges. You study your toys very, very intently, and you teethe like nobody's business. No teeth visible yet, but they're comin! You love rattles, crinkly textures, and your soft teethers like sophie the giraffe and the orange teether ball. You also love to chew on knit textures, like the blanket Jane made for you. You are 29 inches long and weigh close to 15 pounds. You wake up around 7 every morning, and you need naps every 2 hours. When you need a nap, we snuggle in a chair with a blanket and your pacifier, and you fall asleep almost instantly. You love to be swaddled but we are weaning you off of that during the day. You can roll very deliberately from your tummy to your back, and you are so close to rolling back to front we can almost taste it! It's a joy to watch you as you rapidly develop and grow. You love to stand up; you plant your feet proudly and grin big! You are constantly drooling. This month we have been practicing sitting up and you get better every day. You like to be upright these days so you can see the world, and especially, see the dogs! They make you grin when they run by. You've become very attached to me and you cry or yell when I leave the room. That has made it a lot harder lately to get things done around the house! You eat cereal twice a day; usually in the morning before naptime and late afternoon. You gobble it down and are disappointed when its gone, but we've learned we can't give you all you'd eat because it makes your tummy hurt later. Your daddy works hard and puts in a lot of overtime at his job, so when he gets to see you in the morning or at night his face lights up sooo big- so does yours. You think he's so funny. Weekend mornings when you get to snuggle next to him for a long time are a highlight of our week.

I have not slept a full 8 hour night for over 6 months, and in some ways I'm more tired then I've ever been. I have never worked so hard in all my life. There are no days off, and weekends have gone away. But every day, at some point, I am overwhelmed with a fierce, deep, love. I wrap my arms around you tight and I breathe you in. I close my eyes and let my love for you wash over me; I love my job. I am so lucky to be your mommy!