Thanksgiving 2012

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone without me collecting one single photo. Thanksgiving day is traditionally a very busy day for me with all the cooking and preparing for 15 minutes of face stuffing delight.

This year we had a great Thanksgiving! We had Crystal, Jayson, Jacob and Carson, Kimberly, Pat, Jordan and Torrin, Kevin's mom Becky and her caregiver Carly and her son Michael. I can't remember a better Thanksgiving. It could have been because of the fun traditional project I do with the grandkids to make a center piece for the table. Or maybe it was the shots of Fireball we had in the kitchen just before sitting down to dinner. Or was it the hilarious game of Catch Phrase we played later after the kids and grandkids all returned from dessert at Harwood's. I think it all combined to make a great day.

Here is the only picture I managed to get to remember the day. It is the beautiful center piece the grandkids helped me gather items from the property for and put together with the flowers Torrin got at the store.

Fall Project

I can't figure out why I always underestimate how much work my little home improvement projects will be. This weekend's project is to paint the bathroom. This is the second phase of the total bathroom overhaul. Phase one was the toilet and floor vinyl replacement. Phase two is paint the walls and replace the shower curtain, window curtain and mirror. Maybe replace the fan if I can get help from my reluctant assistant. Phase three will be replace the counter and sink and maybe refinish the cabinet.

So, you might think that painting the bathroom does not sound like that much of a challenge. Well, it is because I have to first sand down the outdated textured walls and ceiling. This is where I underestimated how long and difficult the project would be. The challenges include an unbelievable amount of dust, very slow process of sanding the bumps flat, and sanding overhead with the orbital sander. It gets heavy after about 5 seconds.

I was thinking I would create a marble look finish but changed my mind after I applied the white coat of paint and discovered how lumpy the surface still was. So I decided to go for the stucco look.

After I finished with the paint I put up a new mirror and towel rack. I had a picture frame which I plan to fill with pictures of Kim and the girls. Stay tuned for that painting project. Once all the walls were painted I could see what a horrible job I did matching the shower curtain to the paint. I had to return to the store for a new curtain. I really like the way it all turned out. Now I have to plan phase III, the counter and sink replacement and cabinet refinishing. Ugh.

10th Anniversary Party

It is amazing how time seems to just slip by while you are busily immersed in the activities that come together to make a great life. I can't believe that it has already been 10 years since I stood out in our back yard on the carefully manicured green that Kevin had so meticulously prepared for our wedding.

Ten years ago our family joined us as we committed our lives and love to each other.

Ten years later our family joined us as we celebrated our 10th year together, but things looked a little different.

Just to make things a little more interesting we decided to have a Halloween themed anniversary party. Kevin was Frankenstein and I was the Bride of Frankenstein. (the little sweet blond angel sneaking into the picture is Carson, our grandson)

Our friends and family came in costume, in most cases, to enjoy an evening of lots of wine and Kevin's home brew. It was tons of fun! Thank you to everyone who traveled great distances and put on ridiculous costumes to celebrate with us.

 The Remfert Super Family

 Angelita and Ashley

The Grandchildren, Jacob, Torrin, Jordan, Carson

 The cutest kitty

 This was actually a mink stole that my mother owed and WORE! Freaky.

I love my sisters.

Now that is one stylish witch!

Rarely seem photo of Batman flying.