Curious Cade

Cade loves animals...just ask him.  We're assuming that's the case anyway as he's always on the lookout for dogs and birds.  (Two of his twelve words).  Much dog-hunting took place at Grandma Jan & Grandpa Mike's house over the weekend.

Hello?

Cade had fun playing with Aunt Beth's dog, Juco, even through the doggie door. 

Mom, is this okay?

Cade and Lukas could not figure this thing out.

But it was quite entertaining to watch!

Cade is spending the week in the Bend...and we are not.  This is a big step for us me.  Luckily they've been sending me lots of pics and assuring me that they're not spanking him taking good care of him.  I'm sure he's loving all the attention he's getting from his grandparents and many aunts.  It's strange not to tip-toe around the house after 8pm or have toys strung out all over the living room.  I'm looking forward to his return on Saturday...but until then...I think we'll take in a movie tonight.  

Don't Do It June

June. Don't do it. Do not end. Why have you rushed in and out of our lives so quickly? Please just stick around a little while longer.

Wait a minute. I just remembered that July is actually my favorite month. It's my birthday month, it's pool weather, and there's no school. Okay, June. You can wrap it up and move on...but please tell July to creep by slowly.

List update...I've got nothin'. We've just been taking it easy this week.

My parents brought Grandma Sauder for a quick visit

An aerial view of Cade "working the room."

We've been hitting up the pool early and often. However, Cade is still less-than loving it. 

"I like coming to the pool as long as no one makes me get in the water."

"Not feeling it today, Dad."

Working on our band...RockBand that is

Clearly, I'm taking this too serious.

Cade rocks like no one else

Look out, Kenny Chesney.

And of course, nights with these two are always eventful! I can't believe I'm the first to blog about it. I'm NEVER first! Jamie was a lovely hostess, as always.

Action-shot of the TW

"Oh no, she didn't."

The night was filled with pleasant conversation and no shortage of fashion advice, blog-talk, and the Britney concert report. (Keeping with the topic of blog-talk...remind me to seek more help on Blogger In Draft. What is up with all the spaces between pics?!  Apparently you CAN NOT teach an old dog new tricks). 

Keep the beet, yo.

Jamie (and Drew?) made a lovely vegan meal of sweet potato fries, beet burgers, and peach pie. Wow, impressive! Of course, you'll want to see her for the specifics. I just snapped the pic and gobbled it up. I host next week...oh no. I'm still polishing my "8th grade level" cooking skills.
Catch ya' later...in July.

List Update

What's this? A table being painted?

Why, yes it is! Even Cade wanted to contribute to the projects on "The List".

Getting started wasn't too hard. We simply followed Audrey's instructions and were on our way. A table and four chairs would have made for a lovely project--but a table, 6 chairs and 2 barstools seemed to just drag on and on. I lost interest after about 3 hours and just wanted to be done. Turns out I'm not a DIY kinda girl--big shocker.

"Where is all the furniture that used to be in here?!"

Turns out Cade had to eat a few more meals with his chair on the floor than expected. It's funny to see some of his "quirks." For example, the sippy cup CANNOT sit on the tray. It must be sitting on the table next to the tray, or in this case, on the floor beside him. He's a freak about having only food on the tray. It's fine Cade, everyone has their quirks.

A reminder of the table BEFORE...

And AFTER

Just don't look too close. Overall we're very pleased with it. I went over it and over it filling in spots where I could see light wood showing through. Finally I just had to stop myself and vow to take a sharpie marker to any spots I find in the future. So far so good.

Now for the bar stools too. Phew, put a big fat check-mark next to that one!


Hang the deck lights, check!



Things not on the original list but added to the list (after completion of course) and check-marked

Windows re-sealed by this very excited DIYer. I swear if I pushed hard enough this whole window would pop out...but we just keep on re-sealing it. It's fine.


And finally, spruced up the decor on top of the kitchen cabinets on a whim. It's still a work in progress...but with the help of my mom (her taste is flawless while mine is still evolving) it's much better than before. These aren't the best pics but I know no one really cares about my cabinet decor besides me anyway so it's fine.
Wall 1 BEFORE

AFTER


Wall 2 BEFORE

AFTER


Wall 3 BEFORE

AFTER

I'm in search of the right balance between being too matchy-matchy and too hodge-podge. Ahh, the trivial worries of summer.

Here's to another productive week!

The List

Every summer there's a list. The summer to-do list. I'm pretty sure that most items on the list from last summer have carried over to this summer. I guess that's what having a baby can do to you. Last summer's list should have simply read: adjust to life with a baby. Anyway, that makes this summer's list a little longer.

See, it's not just a mental list. It must be written out. Items must be crossed out as they are completed. If something gets done that wasn't originally on the list, it is then added to the list and crossed out. C'mon, I know everyone does that.

Big things on the list:

#1 Paint the kitchen table and barstools black. This is the third summer for that to be on the list. It was moved to the top of the list this year to denote its urgency.


#2 Restain the deck. There's some discussion about this item. Matt wants to completely rebuild the deck so it's all one level instead of two so there's more usable space. I'm on board with the fact that it would be better that way. However, I think it's completely unrealistic to think we can pull that off. Can we please just try to get the stinkin' kitchen table painted?!


#3 Install the drop-ceiling in the basement. I haven't asked too many questions about this...Matt put it on the list. I'm just hoping he's planning to hire an expert for this...but I feel like that's probably just wishful thinking.


Not-so-big things on the list:

#4 Hang the outdoor lights on the deck that I got for my birthday (two years ago). I'm hoping if I get these lights hung that will put a kink in the whole rebuilding the deck plan?


#5 Send back swimsuit. I ordered a suit online which is a terrible idea, I know. Especially since their racing suit sizing is weird. I guessed my size. I guessed wrong. Doesn't this suit look tiny? Yep, apparently the strange sizing was children's sizing. Whoops!


#6 Install Cade's big carseat. That's right folks, we've finally hit 20 pounds! Now there's all this talk about keeping kids rear-facing until age 2...so I don't know if I should consider this one fully marked off the list or not?


Many of the other items on the list include setting up playdates, taking advantage of parks and rec stuff with Cade, and just in general to hang out with some of my favorite people...like Gibbystyle and Trophy Wife for example!


Playdate with Jessica and Reegan at Great Mall play place, check!




Wish us luck with our list...I'll keep you posted as to when (and IF) we get any of this accomplished!

I Wear My Sunglasses

Time to bust out all the summer toys Cade received for his birthday! Matt and I were jacked about this. We got everything ready and waited for Cade to wake up from his nap. I'll let the pictures tell the story. It was pretty much the best Sunday afternoon ever.



















It was time for Cade's second hair cut--this time a short summer do. He was covered in hair by the end of it so we pretty much just had to strip down for the ride home.

Thanks to my mom and the Hepkers this kid barely eats anything but goldfish and cheezits these days.

Not a well balanced diet.

Dumpster diving?


Ah, summer. Let the good times roll!