A Ton of Bricks

Not a ton, really, but a lot.

We are finally working on the brick wall project. We had planned on buying brick veneer, which is a thin slice of brick that you can tile with. Z Brick is sold at Menards and is created to look like real brick, but honestly, I don't like the look of it. And we wanted the look of an old brick wall.

We found a company that sells thin brick in Chicago and had considered driving there to pick it up. But it was, all together, like $700-800. A little pricy for a decorative addition to the house.

We had even looked at making bricks. Thave used-brick molds that you mix concrete, color it and pour. You have to play with the color to achieve the different variations, and paint some of the interior of the molds to get the different whites and black hues. Translation = a TON of work, pun intended.

Frustrated, the fireman had went to visit another brick store and found these real bricks.

Why I Ride

Last year, I took the Motorcycle safety class offered by the local community college. I thought I'd still be too afraid to ride by myself.

I wasn't. I loved it.

I bought this beauty. A 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 800.

Memphis

So, last Saturday morning we woke up early to take the girl to meet her dad in Memphis. Normally, we meet a little closer for us, but we thought it'd be fun to spend the evening in Memphis and see the sights. We love Memphis Beat, Jason Lee's new tv show. Ironically, it's shot in New Orleans and not Memphis, but they do throw shots of downtown Memphis in occasionally. Something about the state taxes.

Friday morning after work, I took the girl to Chuck E Cheese and let her blow $10 worth of coins on the games. She had a blast, then we went to The Olive Garden where we shared a Chicken Parmesan. Yum! Then we rented Gnomeo & Juliet and went home to pack and snuggle with the movie.

I had to do some major girl fun with her before she left! Gnomeo & Juliet rocks socks. Way fun. Elton John songs throughout. And with voices by James McAvoy (wow, what a sigh-worthy voice), Jason Statham, Emily Blunt and Patrick Stewart. They threw Shakespeare tid-bits in, but it was mostly this fun, campy movie. We loved it.

So, back to Memphis. We dropped her off at her dad's hotel around 6pm. It was seriously hard, but she was excited, so that helped. It was a long drive and she had slept a lot of the way, but we got some snuggly time on the road.

I'm gonna miss this girl.

The Girl

The girl is spending the next 5-6 weeks at her dad's in Florida. My fireman and I are driving her to meet him in Memphis, TN tomorrow. I will miss her so very much. I think it'll be harder on me than it is on her.

But while we are in Memphis, hubby and I are going to stay the night instead of drive home. That way we can grab some BBQ on Beale St and maybe see Sun Records or Graceland.

Hubby is a big Elvis fan. Really big.

So today, she went with me work and we're going to do a lot of fun things this evening, just the two of us.

I'm thinking Chuck E. Cheese and a movie.

Wish me luck.

Chicago with Kids

Last weekend, we took the two youngest to Chicago. The oldest boy had to work and had school, and I'm not sure he was that keen on running around Chicago with us, so he stayed. The middle boy had driver's ed. driving days and is still recovering from a sprained ankle, plus I'm not sure he wanted to be cooped up with us either. Chicago's really one of those cities where you all have to stay together. And you do a lot of walking.

So, no biggy. We are planning another short vacation at the end of the summer and both older boys said they planned on coming with us then. So, we still had a great time.

We took the train bus to Chicago. Turns out, the tracks were down for repair, so they switched us to a bus. Seriously? A bus?

Family Business

First of all, because I never got around to it. I'll post a final photo for our roof job.

I think it looks great! I love it.
We're still planning on repainting the house sometime this summer/fall.

The Windy City

Tomorrow morning, the fireman and I are taking the two youngest (8&14) to the train station for a trip to Chicago!

We are going on foot, with backpacks strapped to our backs.

We are visiting the Shedd's Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry.

We are going to eat somewhere fun, somewhere cool. Hard Rock Cafe? Rain Forest Cafe? Who knows?

We are staying at the Palmer Hotel in South Loop, within walking distance of, well, everything!

Crazy Weekend

The girl is now 8 and I'm kinda freaking out about it. I did not expect her to grow up so fast. Where's my baby?

Her party went great. She had a great time. The kids were crazy, but they all had fun, too.

My sister and her two kiddo's flew up from Georgia and I had a great time with them. They're staying at my mom's and came to the birthday party. My nephew is 4 and my niece is 9 months. It was the first time I got to meet my niece! I was so excited!

My sis got to see the roof, which is now finished thank-you-very-much, the garden, and the new beams in the living room. The house is a work in progress!

The Cake

Last night, I made this cake.

 It's pretty psychedelic.

Birthday Boy Pics!

I know these pics are really blurry, but unfortunately, I didn't realize that until I loaded them onto the computer. I think I need a new camera. Youngest boy is wearing the alien 'hat' upside down to cover his face.

He's hilarious.

Birthday Boy

Last night, we finally got to party with the youngest boy, for his 14th birthday! He wanted to go to Buffalo Wild Wings and it was kids night, so there was a balloon guy there. The girl was soooo excited and got a flower and the youngest boy, he was young enough for the night to go with an alien balloon. It fit it's arms around his head and sat on his shoulders with green balloon legs sticking out near his face.

Hilarious.

He's only going to enjoy things like this a few more times. I'm surprised he let himself feel young last night. Middle boy was already old enough not to want a fun shaped balloon, on his head or otherwise.

The Garden & Blueberry Pie

Pictures of the garden are finally here.
I know you were all waiting anxiously.

The girl, doing her best 'Ol Farmer' impression.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ok, so if you all recall my last foray into baking the chocolate chip cookie goodness did not turn out into goodness. It was kinda badness. Chocolate chip cookie badness is very, very sad.

My loving mom brought me these if you remember.

I'm pretending that she was being wonderful and helpful. Not teasing me in my inability to cook the perfect chocolate chip cookie.