Gazebo

Project one....put together the gazebo.

The reviews for this gazebo were good for sun shade which is what I wanted.  However, it said that putting it together is a pain.

I agree, it wants to fall apart as you are trying to put it together.  It took 7 of us to hold it together while we put the top on. The top holds it together. (Jason came out to help).  However, it is noticeably cooler under the shade.

Not sure if this is where it will stay as I am supposed to make a tiki hut in the back of that spot for Tasha's wedding party in June.

Project one complete.

Stuck on a Treadmill

Do you ever feel as though you are stuck on a treadmill?


That is how I have been feeling lately. 


Wash dishes several times every day yet the sink is never empty.  Wash clothing and it just multiplies.  Sweep floors and 30 minutes later you wouldn't know it.  Same with countertops, tables, entire rooms.  Everything seems to multiply and return.  I feel like I am stuck.


I can't seem to get ahead.


I can't seem to finish many projects.  I have small things that need done in many areas.  Something always hinders me.  Time, money or finding the supplies.  Sometimes even the motivation.


So this weekend I will work hard at finishing some projects and look for solutions to some of the problems that have been challenging me lately.  I will post as I finish each one....hopefully I will make many posts this weekend.

Tic Tac Toe

Still trying to cover all our sand in our backyard.  With no budget I set out to tackle this small spot.....

We have a lot of these pavers from an old patio and have put them to good use everywhere.  I am almost out of them.

I  had a 4 x 4, cement and one 2 x 6  left over from the patio build.

I cut a piece of the 4 x 4 into thick pieces and Larissa painted them on both sides.

 Tic Tac Toe

 

School is out May 30th for the kids.  They are ready for summer.  

Are you ready?  Anyone have big plans for this summer?

Progress

Our house is so much quieter.  The boys have moved to their grandmothers house along with the dogs.  Kim hadn't talked to her mother in 2 years and recently made peace with her.  Grandma lives a little way down the street.  This is a very good thing since grandma doesn't work and has more time for the boys.  We gave them a bunk bed as a parting gift since they do not own any furniture.


It is amazing how much quieter our house is!

Frustration

The new seizure medication is not working.  Larissa's seizures have decreased and are now very short in duration but they are not gone.  However, they have had an impact on her mood.  The above picture is a good example of how she feels these days.

I asked her if she was tired...no.

I asked her if anything was wrong....no.

She falls asleep all day long and seems very depressed.  She is very touchy and irritable.

It is so frustrating.  Her seizures do have an impact on her ability to learn and retain information.  They also impact her daily functioning because of her constants state of tiredness.  However, I will take those issues over the depression.  She is 8, she shouldn't be depressed.

May in Pictures

Not quite done but big progress.

Short term baby placement is now 2 months old (and very spoiled).

Built a holder for pool equipment.

Got my pool cleaner to work (Jason).

Jason baked a cake and took the first piece.

Working on lighting, path to back shop and John put in a garden.

Contemplating this sand pit/future fire pit area.

Working on hooking up the well to lawn irrigation.

The four kids getting along!

John's birthday and his usual german chocolate cake.

Chick Fil A Family nights....wondering who decided that the whipped cream goes outside the lid.

Soon to come recital and end of year school plays.  How is your May coming along?

Married

Our guests Kim and Dennis got married this last weekend. They were married at the local park.

 This was a very good thing.

Dennis is working at a local business making $12/hour working about 60 hours a week.  Kim has started a welding training program through the employment agency.

This is a good thing.

Dennis wants to have a 4th of July party at his own house.

This is a very good thing.