Mistakes in Motherhood

This summer we are hoping to get back to Colorado, but instead of the fast way, take the long way and make it a very long road trip. The problem with a family size of 7, is renting two hotels is expensive, so we like to use vacation rentals. So instead of $75 a night in a hotel x2, we got a 4 bedroom house with a pool for $100. So instead of trying to find hotels in Calgary, I would instead look for houses for rent in Calgary, etc. The difference is amazing!

Our trip this summer may consist of heading down the coast into southern California, then up through Nevada, over to Colorado, then heading back I want to go through Utah, Oregon, then back home. Out typical trip was Washington>Idaho>Montana>Wyoming>Colorado. Pretty enough, and it only takes 2-2.5 days, but after making the trip a dozen times, I am BORED of I-90 and I-25. Give me the path less traveled!!

No Comments | In: This is how I roll | tags: House Stuff, Sponsored, Vacations. | #

When we moved into this house 2 years ago, our bushes were so overgrown we could not get cars into the garage. My favorite tool soon because electric hedge clippers. Soon I had a stunning box hedge. I still struggle with the other hedge, because it lacks definition I always am at a loss of how to trim it. Yesterday was stunning weather, the kids and I were all stir crazy, and the teens were driving my crazy glued to electronics.

I decided it was time for some good old fashioned forced vitamin D and fresh air. I had finished about 1/4th of the top of the box hedge when my sunshine turned to clouds and blue skies started dumping hail. I unplugged my electric trimmers and started whacking at it with shears until the rain passed. My sunshine never did come back, but my hedge looks so good (except for the two bald spots, oops!) and we raked, swept, broke down boxes, cleaned the garage, the storage room, then swept them both. Within 2 hours my house was looking so nice again, until we finished and tracked mud all over the stairs. Oops!

No Comments | In: A lot about nothing, This is how I roll | tags: Domestic Diva, House Stuff, Parenting, Ramblings. | #

Thanks for the article from Laura Ryan

I’ve been checking out all the Dish Deals available right now, and I’m not sure what I want to do. I’ve really tried to become a much more local shopper, trying to support the whole Occupy movement. I get as much as I can at Farmer’s Markets, and from locally owned stores and restaurants. This past Christmas, my family challenged ourselves to purchase every single gift from a local seller. It was so cool to see what gifts people found. The items were so unique and special, and it was nice knowing we were supporting actual people and families, rather than a Big Box Boss. So, anyway, back to tv. The deals I am seeing now have some tie-in to Blockbuster, or other big chain video stores. I like to get all our movies from the little locally-owned video store, and never shop at Blockbuster or the like. I want tv for the shows, not the movies, and I definitely don’t want any of our money going to support the big chain video stores. Not sure what to do.

No Comments | In: A lot about nothing | tags: Sponsored, Technology. | #

In ten days, we will reach the milestone of one year since Bobby left for Afghanistan. I approach this date with mixed emotions. On one hand, we are likely over the hump. It could be any time within 1 to 14 months when a job opens up stateside and he comes home, more than likely, we have already passed the half way point. On the other hand, one year is such a long time for all of us. Seeing the possibility of another year on the horizon scares me a bit, but I keep telling myself we have done 25.5 months before and we all survived to tell. We CAN and WILL and ARE doing this!

No Comments | In: A lot about nothing | tags: A lot about nothing, Bobby, Family, Milestones, Ramblings. | #