37 Days (Odds and Ends)

We are 37 days into 2012 and I have no idea how we got this far without my noticing it!  At the beginning of the year we decided to make some changes to the house.  We have spent 3 weekends rearranging the basement and we're just about there.  For some reason, the last 10% of the job always seems to take the longest.  We have successfully moved the toy room into the old TV room and the TV room into the toy room.  Moving the electronics took the longest, but we're done.  Finally!  Reid even worked it out so that the wiring is all inside the walls, even for the surround sound speakers.  It looks very nice.

Also in these 37 days, we have had many home repairs.  First, there was the gas dryer that went out.  Then my car battery.  Then we moved on to the dishwasher.  That, unfortunately, will have to be completely replaced.  A new dishwasher is coming on Wednesday (at least I'm hoping so!).  And now, our TIVO has broken.  I thought it was only supposed to come in 3's.  Please don't tell me we've started on a second set of 3!  At least to help offset the cost of these repairs, we have completed our taxes and are now just waiting for our refund. (Update:  Our TIVO isn't broken--yahoo!)

While today is day 37 of the year, it is also day 28 for Finn and his antibiotics.  Yahoo!  We made it to day 28.  I will be thrilled as I throw out that bottle tonight.  The first 14 days weren't bad, as he was on Bactrim and that doesn't seem to mess with his tummy.  These last 14 days have been on Omnicef, though, and that has torn his poor tummy to shreds.  After doubling his probiotics last week we were able to cut his dirty diapers from about 8 a day to 4, so that was better.  But still, I'm happy to be done!

This weekend we also received another large Colorado snow storm.  Actually, the weather stations were calling it a blizzard.  I was really nervous about the winds, but it wasn't as bad as they had expected.  To me it seemed like a normal large Colorado snow storm.  I can deal with that.  Reid worked from home for a few hours on Friday, but other than that the rest of us stayed in jammies all day.  I even let Kai watch a movie (he chose Peter Pan) which is something we don't do often.

Saturday we ventured out to play in the snow and for the second time in 5 winters here, Reid shoveled the driveway.  We talked about how we seem to be having a bit more large snow storms this winter, however it's still be a dry winter.  With storms like this, though, Reid might just have me sold on the idea of a snowblower. But will a snowblower help you build a snow cave like this?

Our Front Yard

I went to check the mail.  Somehow, there was actually mail in the box!

An example of all of the drifts that we had

Building the snow cave

The finished product

So cute!

Finally, we renewed our team for the Great Strides walk.  Last year we were just getting our feet wet, and I'll admit I'm not quite sure how it'll go this year.  But I do hope to do a bit more this year.  I've been working on a video for Finn and I'm planning on some cute Thank You cards for everyone who participates.  I'm also hoping to make some team shirts.  I actually feel really bad about not sending out Thank You cards last year.  I was just so new it never occurred to me.  But don't you worry, I'll make up for it.  The love and support of our friends means a lot to me and I hope you all never question that!

Of course, Valentine's day is coming up and I really want to make it special for the boys.  Kai and I planned out his class valentine's yesterday, so now I just need to plan out my things for the boys.  I'm glad I still have 8 days to plan.  I may be slow on the uptake, but I will figure this out by the time Kai is 18.  I will find ways to make life special for my boys.  I will put time and effort into planning events for them.  I may even actually get good at parties.  But I can't guarantee it!