Trampolines

Ever since I was little, I wanted a trampoline. Although really, what kid doesn't? And like almost every kid, my parents said no. Sad times.

But one of the benefits of being a grown up is that you can get the things you want -- no parental permission required! So I decided that I needed a trampoline for my backyard. And I have to admit -- it is every bit as much fun as I always thought that it would be! Getting a trampoline is something I HIGHLY recommend. Because it's super fun.

It was also NOT EASY to put up. A friend of mine and I went to lunch with her girls, then decided that surely between the two of us we could manage to put up a trampoline without a problem. After all...how hard could it be?!

Answer: HARD.

It took us over five hours. In 90 degree heat. Although in our defense, we did have *help* from a 3 month old and a 6 year old.


But now that it's up, I can say that it was totally worth it.

Baby Kate was screaming unless she was being held. And since trampoline construction requires both hands, into the sling she went. Unfortunately, the sling I have doesn't fit her mother, which meant that I got to wear the baby. In the 90 degree heat. Oy.



We also had help from the dogs. Who were only too happy to make themselves comfortable on baby Kate's blanket. Since she wasn't using it.



After watching her mom and I mess with the trampoline for HOURS, Makayla was only too happy to test out our building abilities. I am pleased to report that the trampoline didn't fall over when she jumped on it :)






Garrett and Bennett are only too happy to come over and jump on the newest toy!

Backyard BBQ

Due to my school schedule, I work just about every weekend. At my hospital we work 12 hour shifts, and the night shift is 7 pm - 7 am the next morning. And, before you ask, yes -- working night shift is hard. And yes, you could do it too -- you get used to it, although it still makes you EXHAUSTED. But I consider myself lucky -- by working Friday and Saturday nights, it means that I only need to work a night or two during the week to keep my full time hours, while giving me most of my weekdays free for school.

But every now and then I am lucky enough to have a weekend night off. It's a rare treat -- other than the weekends that I have taken off for finals, I have only been off three weekend nights this year. I'm not complaining -- this is the scheduled that I have picked, and it's only for a few years. Or at least that is what I keep telling myself...

I was lucky enough to be off the Saturday night before 4th of July. And nothing says "summer fun" quite like having a backyard BBQ. And it was hot and there were lots of bug bites. But there was also s'mores. And laughter. And fabulous company.

And it was totally worth it.

This is what Baby Kate thinks about our conversation topics



Clearly we weren't quite interesting enough



Bennett and Makayla



There was water fun to keep cool.



Garrett



And the hose on the trampoline. Which turned out to be the most entertaining thing ever.



It's official...he can't deny this baby belongs to him -- she has his looks AND his personality!

Crafty Tuesday: MORE Burp Cloths

I know, I know. It's like I never make ANYTHING else. I do -- although I will admit that I make burp cloths more often than I make anything else. It's quite relaxing actually, and one of my favorite ways to de-stress. Not to mention, I think they are super cute. And they make great baby gifts!

For more crafty goodness, see what everyone has to share at Carrie's!

Bouncy

When I was little, I always thought it would be SO FUN to have a trampoline.

My parents did not really agree. Or maybe they did, but they still wouldn't let me have one.

The beauty of being a grown up is that now I can make my own decisions. That's right, I got myself a trampoline.

SO FUN!

I figured it was mostly just fabric stretched out with springs on a metal frame....how hard is that to assemble?

Answer?

Holy hell Harder than you think.

It took two of us almost six hours. In nearly 90 degree heat.

Of course the fact that a three month old and a six year old were "helping" might have made it a tad bit harder...

But still...it's so much fun, and totally worth it!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Lacrosse

I moved away from St Louis when I went to college, but most of my family still lives there. There have been a few visits from my parents or my sisters in the years that I have lived away from home, but not too many -- since I go home on the holidays that I am not working, I haven't had too many visitors. Which is not a woe is me thing, it's really just fact.

But my youngest cousin was in town a few weeks ago to play in a lacrosse tournament. Since the team only drove up for the day on the bus, most of the families (including my aunt and uncle) didn't make the trip -- not that I blame them, driving four hours each way to watch some lacrosse games doesn't sound too fun to me either. I was working all weekend, but luckily one of the games started at 3, so I could go before I had to head back to work...after all, I couldn't pass up the chance to see someone who actually came to where I live (even if it was only for a few hours!)


The pups were VERY excited that I not only woke up much earlier than I normally do, but that they actually got to go with me on a little car trip. And the weather outside was GORGEOUS!










And this is my absolute favorite picture from the game:


If you look closely, you can see the facial expression of the other player (in the white shirt), who is being slammed squarely in the gut by my cousin's lacrosse stick. Hey, sometimes agressiveness runs in the family...

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

Fleece Jackets. I have 15. Think I have a slight problem?



Scented Candles. I almost always have one burning. And I refuse to count them...I don't want to know how many I have. The one is Amber Cream...it smells amazing...



My label maker. LOVE. IT.



My DVR. I'd never get to watch anything without it.


What can't you live without these days?

Friday Favorites

I know, I know, everyone talks about their favorite things on fridays.

So I'm going to too.

And right now? I love this: http://milasdaydreams.blogspot.com

Have you seen it? Because if you haven't, you should. It's creative...and more than that, ADORABLE!

*****
In other news, this appears to be my 500th post. Who would have thought that after that many that I could still come up with random and mostly useless things to say?

Yeah, on second thought I'm not that surprised either...

Happy Friday!

Digging Out From Boxes

Contrary to what people might think, I haven't actually fallen off the face of the Earth.

I have been moving.

Which, in case you haven't moved in a while, I can tell you is A LOT of work. But being in my new house has been amazing.

It's like coming home when you didn't even know you had been lost.

There is still unpacking to be done and the walls don't have anything hung on them yet, but still. It's home.

And it's wonderful.

I'm Not Missing....

...but the weather is proof that God wants me to be happy. It's almost 65 degree and beautifully sunny outside!

The Perfect Remedy

It has been a long week. I'm not trying to complain, just making the general observation. And since it's been a rather long week, I was a bit of a grouch when I headed home the other day. And then I opened the mail box.

I got the greatest Pay It Forward gift ever from Jen at StickyFeathers!



It should be immediately said that my crummy photo does not do this fantastic gift justice. There was candy! There was a craft book! There was a $20 Target gift card!

This single handedly has convinced me that I can, in fact, survive another day. Have I mentioned that I have a tendancy to be a bit dramatic?

But seriously - thank you Jen, for the wonderful gift. You are too kind, and you couldn't have better timing if you tried!

**********

And because some of you asked, I will show you what I sent to Whimsy as the winner of my Pay It Forward contest. Whimsy, your gift should be there soon, but if you haven't seen it yet then close your eyes!



An outfit (have you see little Miss Alice...she is adorable!)
A reusable Target shopping bag...that folds into itself
A book
Handmade Cards
Post It Notes
A $5 Target gift card


And since I was the winner of the contests held by both Jen and Becky, I will be holding two more Pay It Forward contests in the next few weeks. The next giveaway will start on Monday, July 28th, so mark your calendars!