Mary and Katie

Mary and I became friends when I was in.. 2nd grade, I think. She was in 1st. We met in Florida. Both of our parents came from NY and were living in Florida at the time. (Crazy, fun, story!) Anyway, after 25 or so years, we are still great friends!

We are prepping our home to rent/sell, so I am taking down pictures. These pictures were in a broken frame. So, when we get a new house, they will get a new frame! Since I had them down, I thought I would share them with everyone.

The beach picture was taken in (you guessed it!) Florida-- West Palm Beach area. The second is at my wedding in '99.

Blogging

Today I want to actually blog a bit.

I just heard about a cool book about babies in utero.. Thought I would share it with you all. I have not yet seen it!

I got my hair cut this week. It is nice to have it thinned and a little shorter-- but I think I have to relearn how to 'do' it each day! I'll include a pic.

Other than that-- the big news is that we are trying to buy a house! A big one!
James and I have dreamed of having a country home for our kids. A place for them to have outdoor pets (Emphasis on OUTDOOR!), to dig holes, run around, climb trees and just BE BOYS! Now is a good time to buy-- especially with baby #7 on the way. Our home is getting a little crowded! Also-- we are homeschooling everyone next year, which means all 6 boys will need a place to run and play (other than in my kitchen/living room) in the cold of winter.

So, the adventure begins! Last night we went to look at 4 houses. I learned a few things to do/ not to do when showing your house.

1)Don't be there. It's just weird. Let people do their looking while you go out for coffee. Really.

2) Don't leave entire loads of laundry sitting on your kitchen table. We don't want to see your underwear. We don't even want to see your socks. Stick them in a basket and hide them!

3) Don't let your puppies loose to chase my kids. Not all kids are fond of dogs. Some kids even CRY when being attacked by pit-bull puppies. Go figure.

4) Put the cats and dogs outside. Animals And animal dishes just inside the door are not pretty! Give yourself a CHANCE of selling the house by at least PRETENDING you don't have animals peeing everywhere!

5) Don't leave party-ing young adult children in charge of showing your house. They may not be sober enough to remember that they are supposed to show the house. And, they may have the house REAKING of smoke. And, they may think it is fun to release two pitbulls on your young children.. one which MIGHT PEE on the floor right in front of your kids. And your young adult child might not even be smart enough to clean it up. She might just laugh about it and let your REALTOR step in it. (OK, I don't think he did.. but, hey, he could have!)

6) Basically, try reading the books. Libraries are wonderful! They have lots of books to TEACH you how to declutter/clean and show your home! USE THE BOOKS for crying out loud!

Yes, yes. I am available for 'getting your house ready to sell' consultations. Please don't knock down my door. Be patient. I will release all of the secrets one by one. LOL!

Like I said, it is an adventure, and we are having fun!!!

Patrick at the variety show

Some of Michael's One Year Pics! (Portrait Innovations)

Michael is learning to Walk!

There is some pain involved.. but he is doing great! Listen for his cute giggle when he gets excited... and the pursing of his lips when he gets hurt.. but doesn't cry. Tough baby!