YouTube Tutorials

If there is one thing I have been spending time watching lately - it's YouTube tutorials.  Anything from toddler tantrums to how to fix a bi-fold door.  The list is quite long:​

​Pom-Pom tutorials (for some future knitting projects), how to roast and prepare spaghetti squash, chalkboard painting, how to screen windows, you name it...

With all the tutorials, I needed a break from fix it's and advice.  Soren and I snuck out for some fresh air yesterday and it felt great.  Our honey bees are buzzing and doing well and Soren was happy to get out and collect some sticks.  I wonder if there is a YouTube tutorial on how to get rid of pesky mosquitos…?​

Morning Snuggle

This morning, Soren snuck into our bedroom (he actually tip-toed!), well at least he thought he was being sneaky - I watched him as he carefully walked around the bed.  He crawled on to the bed and nuzzled himself into my shoulder, of course - with his trusty blanket.  My heart absolutely melted.  Motherhood is the best, isn't it?  Love that little guy so much.  Rick just turned over and smiled - you know... the smile that proud papas give their wee ones.  My heart melted even more (if that is even possible!).  On a cold morning, welcoming fall - this was the warmest way to wake up.  Happy Fall and Happy Wednesday.​

View fullsize

Why August?

'Why August?' I asked when I first met my future best friend.  The kids said her color reminded them of fall and fall, to them - was in August (to Elementary students it is, since fall means they go back to school…).  She was so small.  15 pounds with a beautiful fawn coat and the cutest little snout with a white heart on her forehead - sweet as can be.  Even sweeter now if you can believe it.  She was a PARVO pup survivor and only about 3 months old.  We met, I went home and did some calculations and heavy debating.  But none of it mattered - I wanted to bring her home that day.  Her mother was a bating Pitbull survivor and her dad - a VERY spunky Sharpei/Pit mix.  The owner of the litter had saved her mother when he turned a dog fighter in to the police.  August is no different than her mom.  Complacent and kind.  Her mother studied me the whole time I was there with her pup - eyeing my every move.  But you could sense her kindness and see the scars of her bating days.  I picked August up the week after our first visit.  I had to carry her all the way.  She was frightened and very dependent.  LIttle did I know - that would never change.  ​

5 years later and she is still the dependent pack animal she's always been.  Cuddles tight when she's cold and watches over us with big alerting barks (even when I 'd prefer her keep it a quiet whimper…).  Watching she and Soren grow into best buds has been so heart warming.  He howls at her and she howls back.  He crouches down in play position and she mimics him. His sweet little pats on her back end in a puppy kiss fest.  She's a great pup and I will never forget the day I got to bring her home.

Monday Night

A very late, post weekend, Monday night post (we had a busy evening last night…left for another post). Our weekend was filled, well - with adventure I guess you could say.  Soren and I had a great Friday as we wrapped up the kitchen project and Saturday was nothing short of a good time.  We hung out with family - Soren and Rick's nieces are ABSOLUTELY adorable - so mad at myself for forgetting the camera.  The day was topped with some delicious Indian take out for dinner.  Sunday, we had a lazy morning and met Mamaw at Heritage Festival down at the Train Depot Park. 

View fullsize

The festival was a blast and Soren went crazy for the petting zoo.  It was awesome!  He is getting so big and brave - running from animal to animal, giving them a pat and making their animal sounds - quacking at the ducks, mooing at the cow, even baa-ing at the sheep!  

View fullsize

Speaking of big boy!  This lil' guy needed some new shoes for his Godzilla feet, so we rounded out the weekend with some sweet kicks and a cake, well - just because.  This week I am back with the CSO and into the regular season.  Here's to hoping it's a smooth transition!​

View fullsize

Final Friday - My New Kitchen

Friday was a day to put some final touches on my kitchen project.  We officially ​have a chalkboard wall, fresh painted cupboards and lightened look for our kitchen.  Amazing what literally a few quarts of paint can do!  Thanks to my family for the support and understanding.  Especially when I mentioned a HUGE chalkboard wall.  I didn't have many before(s), because I didn't really enjoy the look of our kitchen until now. 

View fullsize

and after a lighter paint job, new coat on the cupboards...

View fullsize

​and the chalkboard!

View fullsize

and a couple other favorites - my all clads, cutlery and boards.  The things that make cooking for my family easier.​

View fullsize

Apartment living isn't the easiest - but not the worst either.  We have the opportunity to save, but fight the battle of 'how much should we do?  what renovations should we invest in?'.  Well - paint is a simple one.  There are so many VOC varieties at all costs and colors to pick from.  It's quite the time investment...but well worth it!​

​Dig in!