beautiful things

Just the other day, an announcement came over the intercom while Hillary was in class. Turns out, we have ourselves quite the little poet at our house. Hillary won in the Literature category in the Reflections contest. Her entry will move on to the "council" level of judging. I was teaching in my classroom when I heard the good news. Let's just say that I was completely bursting with joy, pride, and happiness. What a fun moment!This is the poem that she wrote... all by herself. It is a beauty.
So proud of you, Hillary! Keep writing.

well deserved, boys

Big Henry went to bed last night with visions of sugar plums dancing in his head.

Well, you know what I mean. It was like Christmas morning for him when this happened...

Very happy boys


Lead in to the dog-pile on Robbie.

magnificent mid-fielder, sorta cute, too.

clutch.

double-clutch.

no pads, no helmets, right?

hot, but humbled.

Nick Rimando is a hero.
He was David against Goliath last night.

Our whole family had a blast last night watching the game at my folk's house. It was more fun than we ever would have had seeing it live, in Seattle. I'm so glad we stayed put.

Henry took Maddi (who is a true fan) and Bud Bud to the airport today.

Maddi got her jersey signed by Andy Williams again, and Little Henry picked up on all of the RSL chants. We are planning to venture out the the parade tomorrow.
Let's hope for another great season!

As far as home improvement projects go, I bet I'm the tortoise, not the hare.

Before...

Much later...

Bought this tile very early in 2009. I cannot resist a good deal. Even if the time is not right. I'm just funny that way.

After.

We bought this vanity in 2007. It was one of those, "Henry, I have to have this, even if you're not on board. We must buy it! And yes of course, shuggie, I know that we haven't even started the bathroom." He indulged my whim for the millionth time.

Ah, the dreaded hidden cost of the shower door. Thank you, girls for patiently waiting for us to pony up the dough to pay for it.

I know, it's a toilet, but it hasn't been peed on yet by certain males in the household. We've had it since 2004. Talk about your delayed gratification.



Oh, and then there's this. Not at all related to the new bathroom, but the tubbie concept is in line with the theme. And well, he's just so dang cute. Note: bubbles spilling over the edge.

Credits:

My dear, dear, brother-in-law Richard.
He has bent over backwards to help us out with many of our basement projects. Thanks to you and your trusty soldering iron. We love you very much!

My talented mother / in-house interior designer.
Thank you for your design help, tile shopping, and color-scheming. You are a life saver!
We love you too!

and...
Our dear friend, John.

He kindly installed the crown moulding for us. Rats! I didn't get it in the photos. It is lovely and really makes the room oh-so special. Thank you friend.

My little bucket-filler

Usually, it's the little comments from the 3 little people in my life that make it all worthwhile."Mommy, you make the best brownies in the world."

-Little Henry