What Ana Does

I blame it on my Instagram stream. Here's my secret wish ... I want to be a homemaker. Okay, and not the homemaker you're thinking. This one: But maybe. Because I do these things on weekends and spotty over the week, but I want to be dedicated. I want to master these things. I want to make more food from scratch . Bread. Yogurt. Cheese. Ketchup. Granola bars. Cheese crackers. Tortillas! My heroes are those bloggers who do this. The cookbooks that they put out. I read them with awe. I try but I'm no where near where I want to be. I dream about spending time preparing meals for my family ... now that the kids are older and we can just about enjoy the same food. And having the time to really plan and prepare. Soak beans and make the tortillas from scratch. Stuff like that. I think half of what we buy around the house is because we didn't know we already owned it. Nothing is in the right place. We need to organize and get rid of things we don't need/us...

We're now calling it SUPER DECK because it's so much grander than we thought it would be. Though, it's exactly how we plotted it out. The pergola came out perfectly and we were just so delighted to walk out this this morning to call in the dogs for breakfast. Of course, it's going to be chilly, rainy and overcast through the weekend, so we're not sure how soon we'll be able to enjoy it! Still, it's there. Waiting for the summer days. It is slightly HIGHER than I envisioned, so there's some discussion about adding a step down the to backyard in the near future. We're having a bunch of people over to the house this weekend, so we'll take an informal poll. Super Deck is Super Awesome! This is our largest construction job that we've done so far, so we learned a bit about inspections and being patient and how weather can change a schedule. But, it's all worth it in the end. PS. The contractor we worked with is going to submit an e...

This weekend, Dave and I spent Sunday morning trimming everything that was out of control in the backyard. Even after three hours, we only just made a dent in the madness -- but we created a HUGE pile of twigs and roots. Accomplished!  Despite a bruised knuckle, it was well worth it to see this back landscaped area cleaned up. Related posts: More "backyard" news

After the second week, that was highlighted with some inspector drama and the addition of the pergola, we're almost there. The guys are coming back Saturday morning to finish the framing for inspection. And, if the weather cooperates, add the decking by Tuesday.

First, I know from past experience (and HGTV) that a contractor will tell you "three days" in an estimate and go well past that once he gets started. It's the same thing when you tell a potential employer your current salary and add 10%. We all KNOW you do it. Keeping that in mind, we're about half-way there. We had some holdups with the city and permitting, then weather, and then turkey hunting season. Yes, my deck builder left yesterday to hunt wild turkeys -- because I live in the midwest!! Regardless, the stairs were demoed and the holes have been planned. It all comes together next week. Holes on Monday (which need to be inspected by my town), supports are built (also need to be inspected) then, finally, the decking can get into place. With any luck, we'll be done by Saturday!!

Trying to decide if I need a haircut. It's pretty darn long.  Though, all my favorite HGTV stars * have long hair, and if they can rehab a 100 year building with long hair, why can't I do my office job with the same?  So I'm debating.  Hello Ends - Did You Make Like a Banana and Split? * The hairstyle of my favorite HGTV stars should have no baring on my own hair. But, alas, it does.

I had various scenarios for my birthday weekend that got changes several times when Dave's trip to Paris was cancelled and my out-of-town brother and girlfriend arrived at my surprise party (a very happy surprise). And in one scenario, I had thought spending time at Ikea on my birthday might be loads of fun. Besides, I told Dave, that second bench in the entryway has been on my mind for at least a year. I'd love to get the second one, get them painted together and check that off my house to-do list. And Dave looked at me funny and asked why I haven't just ordered it and have it shipped like everything else in the house  -- from toothpaste to paper towels. And I frowned and said I didn't want to pay the shipping charges. But I went on to the Ikea website anyway and decided $24 to ship a bench that I haven't been able to rearrange my precious weekend schedule enough to commit to the hour-drive to the nearest Ikea and deal with the loading lot (nightmare, right?!) ...

As you stare at this BEFORE picture, let's remember it's early spring and it's been raining for the last six days. Also, please notice the crumbling brick stairs and sinking pavers.

Yup. 40. I know. I'm doing just fine with it, actually. You can't stop the flow of time, it's ridiculous to deny the years, but you CAN make the most of your days. Isn't there a poetic saying about that somewhere? Dave threw a SURPRISE birthday party for me on Friday night at my favorite restaurant. It wasn't something I would have done for myself. But I loved it. It was fun and great to chat with friends all night and eat pizza and drink wine. And not have any of the stress of planning it. Perfect. And now I know why Dave thought next weekend for Leah's party made more sense. heh. It's My Party! I love birthdays and the weekend was so fun. And the next year will be just as exciting. Besides, I always like even years better. 

This girl is now a whole decade old! Where did those 10 years go? She's bright and sassy and confident and makes the best of any situation. And it Snowed On Her Birthday! The morning of her birthday I hid her gifts and created a 10-clue scavenger hunt around the house. I did this a few years ago before she was a good reader, so we had picture clues. Much easier to write them out this time. Morning Scavenger Hunt with Alice