The windows are IN!

Certified Home Services gets 5 gold stars and two thumbs up from me. From Joe explaining their patented glass developed by a Lockheed Martin Employee (and that argon only remains in the windows for 18 months - 2 years like John suspected) and importance of virgin vinyl ... to John calling to update us on the progress of the production ... to Tony and his crew installing in record time, I AM HAPPY!

It took 2 full days to remove and install. I took photos of the progress and will post those soon, but I wanted to tell the world how beautiful the windows are and what a HUGE difference in efficiency.

Tony and his crew replaced all of the windows in the basement and part of the main floor on Monday. AT 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, I placed my hand in front of a new window and then moved to one of the old windows facing the same direction and on the same floor. WOW. What a difference. I am anxious to see the difference in the heating (and cooling) bills.

I had put film up on the windows to protect the furniture and floors and to keep the heat down in the summer (gila film). I can't believe how bright our home is now with the new windows.

Thanks Certified Home Services (Joe, John and Tony!) ... one very happy family here!

Today is the day!

The windows have arrived! They will begin installing shortly ... and should be done in 2 to 3 days. 34 windows - they will be busy!

I'm Home!

I know when Kerst comes home from school ... no matter where I am in the house ...



He LOVES to play and practice the piano. We also know when Kerst wakes up; he is down playing the piano.

Paris Original

Julia is "Paris Original" ... and a few other parts ... in her musical.

Good Luck Julia!

Been Busy

Musical.

Need I say more?

It has been fun helping. I painted two of these signs. Donated paint/discounted paint is great for the budget ... but not for time. It took me 5 hours to paint each one of these signs (One sign is 8' x 3', this one is about 5 1/2' x 3'). The cheap red paint took 10 coats. It was still a lot of fun to do!


I have also been taking photos of the dress rehearsals.


This is a really cute show ... a comedy.

My Favorite Photos (I've Ever Taken) 2 - Julia

My Favorite Photo (I've Ever Taken) 2 Brickfish

Go vote for Julia!!!

I think I can

Trying to get organized. Again. It seems like the story of my life. It feels good.

I found some handy bins with handles to put in my cupboards. That helps keep the chaos to a minimum. (nuts, baking supplies, cookie decorating supplies, and creamers ... for strawberry Dad-a-ccinos)
I came across this rolling shelf idea for rotating canned food on foodstoragemadeeasy.net and decided to try it. John and I shuffled things around in our storage room. I wish I had a before picture ... just take my word for it, it was cluttered. We moved the misc storage items to the back wall and the food to the front shelves. It is easier to get to now. With this arrangement, Jaley is more likely to go in and grab some cans of food (she doesn't like the storage room - it is scary (: ).

Next the closets ... any suggestions on how to organize teenagers? The only thing that works for me currently is to close their doors (and expect a clean room by noon on Saturday).