You wanna come in?

Just in case you're interested, 

I took a few pictures of the parts of my house that are mostly done. 

Nothing is ever completely done, right?

Just agree with me. 

Nothing of Chablis' is ever completely done is probably a more appropriate statement. 

Suggestions welcome. 

Just know that:

1. I will not paint this house. If we are leaving in one year, it's not worth my effort. 

2. I've already spent too much money so unless your suggestion has the cost of a can of spray paint, it's not really welcome. 

The wall of pictures. 

My mom thinks it's cluttery. 

I had a look I was going for that is much more difficult to achieve than I planned. 

Luckily most everything on this wall is hung by the awesome command sticky strips so a massive redo is only the cost of my effort and time. (which costs A LOT mind you)

Henry and Chuggington add a special touch to the room. 

My poor piano got beat up in the move. 

sniff...

sniff...

A closer look a the wall of clutter pictures.

I spy my gorgeous grandma Trinnaman and the amazing gr8, gr8 grandma Sarah Suzanna Stone Lloyd.

The wall is not complete until I get a picture of my in laws, but I have lost my discs. 

I shall find a picture somehow. 

See that empty 8x10? That's for you Ron & Judy!

The kitchen.

Blah. 

Whatevah.

I need a chandelier and a rug of awesomeness...someday.

(and curtains, and a barn wood table, and)

This is not worth seeing, but I'll show you anyway because it has caused me great angst. 

The office/computer area. 

I hate it. 

It's in the kitchen. 

We need a desk. 

Plus, I let you see a peek of my room of doom, aka junk room.
You're welcome. 

A post about nothing

Random thoughts and facts:

* Through some major misfortune and horrible customer service we bought a washing machine that was brand new, but doesn't work.  The company doesn't care. It's been 3 weeks since I've had a working washing machine. Welcome to my new life:

(laundromat)

Do you feel bad for me? 

You should. 

I feel sorry for myself. You should see the looks I get when I lug in 5 hampers stuffed with clothing.

* My neighbor is adorable and today she told me she's known lots of "Mormons" and she's never known one she didn't absolutely adore. 

...here's to praying I don't screw up our score.

* Said neighbor took care of Zeusapoos for us while we traveled to Ohio for Scott's marathon. I bought her a candle to say thank you at this cute little shoppe along I-70 in Indiana, Warm Glow Candle Outlet.

*Of course I had to buy one for me too and I love the way it looks and burns. It's been burning practically since the moment we got home. 

* Scott ran an awesome marathon. Inspite of our horror movie replica of a hotel room the night before. 

Do I have pictures? No. 

One hour away from our house I pull out the camera to find the battery is dead. 

Flat lined. 

No pictures.

* I'm soooooooo close to being done with my house. I'm pretty sure I can't completely finish until I have a working washing machine. Scott has promised to threaten a law suit tomorrow. Exciting, right? I hope it doesn't come to fruition. 

Last minute photo opp

Because my brain works slowly, at the last minute I had the genius idea to have my dear and talented friend take our family photos before we left Utah. Because she's so sweet, she worked us in to her busy life. 

We were totally unprepared, yet somehow Michelle still managed to create some gems. 

I don't have all the proofs yet, but my sister does and so she emailed me a few of her favorites. 

9 1/2 years baby! 

This will probably be our Christmas card, so don't be dissappointed to see it twice. 

Thank you for gracing us with your talents, dear Michelle!!

Our first family outing in the mid-west

I'm back online people! 

(don't expect too much of me yet. Though the house is unpacked, putting up all the decor seems to be where the real work is and I'm struggling!)

So, one of the first things we did here in Illinois was visit the great St. Louis Arch:

It was gorgeous weather.

We ate a Panera Bread picnic on the grass and it was real fun folks!

(that's mid-western talk-I'm learning fast)

This face is irresistible, even smothered with peanut butter.

A few views from the top of the Arch:

Gracie and I were the only ones brave enough to make our way to the top. 

It's really claustrophobic, but the view makes up for that.