More chaos than usual

Those who know me well would be surprised to know that it was even possible to have more chaos than usual. But, let me assure you--it is.

Anyone who has ever cooked (or even been in!) my kitchen has said something along the lines of "If I ever win the lottery, I am redoing your kitchen!"

The kitchen does have some flaws.

There are the functionality flaws:

*It is very small--think "Galley Kitchen"
*No dishwasher.
*A 1950's era single sink.
*Cracks in the lathe and plaster on the back wall (the wall that faces the prevailing winter winds) means that during all the long winter months, every time you open a drawer or cupboard, you get a breeze stiff enough to blow your hair around--no joke.

Then there are the design/aesthetic flaws:

*Rusty metal 1950's era metal cupboards and counters (I like the functionality of them--I am just not a fan of the rust--and honestly the long cupboard that spent decades in the basement does look like it has a fairly advanced case of leprosy.)
*The Vent Hood From Hades (seriously--so ugly, it doesn't work, it collects greasy dirt the way Lady Gaga collects crazy, it sticks WAY out and it is at the perfect height to bash all of our heads against it).
*Horrible gray asphalt tile floor with big (dirt holding) spaces between the tiles.
*Horrible floor was redecorated by SmallDaughter.
*Decorating by the crazy woman who lived here before us--did I mention the algae colored paint that clashes with the '80's green and cream plaid wallpaper?


Well--the good news is--you don't have to win the lottery for me to get a new kitchen!!

We are working on it RIGHT NOW!

My awesome hubby surprised me with it, and my dad is doing the supervising (and the lions share of the work). We went shopping last week and have TONS of supplies ALL OVER EVERYWHERE. Everything that was in all of the kitchen cupboards had to be emptied into boxes so those cupboards can be removed. And the cupboards that have quietly resided in the dining room and office (quietly filling UP), had to be emptied into boxes so they can be installed. And then... all of those boxes had to be put somewhere. Well, truly--they got put everywhere.

This project happened WAY SOONER than I thought it would, and I was not the calm and organized creature that I aspire to dream of despair of becoming.

NOTE: We are currently experiencing technical difficulties getting the @#$%^&! pictures off of the !@#$%^&*!!! camera. Pictures coming soon.

We hope.

Exciting News Day!

I am just adding all of the exciting news in to this one entry--so re-read it, even if you read it yesterday!

Breaking News:

Cutie sister A (mom of the 3 cutest girls in the Mid West) has made the Dean's List and gotten PERFECT ATTENDANCE at her Culinary School!

It is OFFICIAL:

AUNT A PASSED THE BAR EXAM!

They don't release grades or averages, it is just pass/fail, but
we know she kicked butt! Seriously, it is like living with Hermione Granger!

Our BigGirl is BACK! She arrived home yesterday, inches taller, curvier and more grown up than ever! She also cut her hair, in the shortest "do" she's ever had.

When she was in 1st grade, she decided to cut her long hair off to donate, so she got it cut in a "bob". She grew it out again and donated it at the end of 3rd and 5th grade. But each time, it was chin length. This time, it is a short little "Pixie" cut, which is adorable on her.

It feels good to have our family "whole" again!!

Also, I am taking LargeBoy in an hour to get his hard cast on. He still hasn't decided between black and glow in the dark. Since this is his 3rd time breaking the same arm, he has plenty of experience with this process.

Several people have asked if I am upset or angry with him (since it is the third time!), and actually, I'm not. The first time he wrecked his bike, and both of the other two were falling out of trees (not the same tree). I'm glad that he is outside playing active games instead of vegging on the couch, even if broken bones are a natural consequence.

This time, I am also relieved that only broke his arm, when it so easily could have been his head or his neck! (and it really wasn't carelessness--one of the branches was rotten inside--but looked fine on the outside!).

All in all, a red letter day!

Also--big thanks to SAHMinIL, for helping me with the darn computer issues--Look! I made it work! (But I won't tell you how long it took me!)

Love is in the air!

For those who have been waiting--it is now OFFICIAL! Joe and April are engaged, with a date set for August 14th. I now have 2 weddings to decorate this summer, and 2 other people I love are engaged. All of them are marriages that I can support with my whole heart, with no misgivings. One of my main happinesses in life is to see great people find each other, and follow their hearts wisely.

I believe that the head should rule the heart--to a point!