Fireplaces and Jammies

Right now Collin is in Denver participating in the 911 Stair Climb....his knee has been bothering him so I am hoping that he makes the climb without problems...He was also interviewed for the local paper and there is a really nice article about him and the other guys from Cheyenne that go to the 911 Stair Climb in Denver every year........

Jammie's....Dylan is so cute in his new Jammie's....all summer he wore only shorts to bed since it has been so warm....but a couple of nights ago we started putting him in his new Jammie's since it has cooled down enough at night to wear them........his Nain got him two new pair of Jammie's....they are so cute on him.....I am going to pick up 3 or 4 more pair for the winter....he loves them.....Dylan is also putting so many words together and has decided that he likes food again which is a relief for us......he is so much fun...and today I am off so we are going to spend the whole day together...

Projects....well the house is going to be pretty much a disaster zone starting tomorrow for the next 3 weeks or so.....so here are the projects....some are more exciting than others

The family room is getting a face lift....a new fireplace...ceiling is being torn out and we are installing can lights and fans and new trim....and then finally a new paint job....the sheet rock alone will create a lot of dust and mess but I think we will really enjoy it and it will finish out the room nicely...

Our bedroom is getting several windows ripped out and 2 new windows installed...right now the headboard sits against windows....it looks kind of dumb so ripping out the windows behind the headboard and installing one on each side of the headboard should look nice....we are also getting a french door in our bedroom it is replacing the old patio door.....this was not a planned part of the bedroom but there was a mistake on one of our new construction homes so we are getting a pretty pricey french door pretty reasonable and the old one really needed to be replaced anyways......of course more sheet rock work so lots of dust and mess and then we will need to paint once the bedroom project is done....

We are also getting several plumbing and roofing repairs taken care of.....our plumber is adding a couple of outdoor faucets to make it easier for watering...he is re installing a heater we have in our shop and adding some safety shut offs and thermostat features so that it will be more economical and the dogs and mooks will love it in the winter....the big plumbing improvements are that they are installing washer and dryer hookups in one of our master bedroom closets...it will be so nice that we don't have to go downstairs to do laundry any more...of course we will still keep the 2nd washer and dryer in the lower level....they are also going to disconnect the gas line at our gas fireplace in the front living room.....we are going to turn that back into a wood burning fireplace....this was a huge compromise for the Moody family....Collin hated the gas fireplace in the front room because it offered no real heat and was pretty much just for looks and cost money with no real return except for my personal enjoyment....I loved it well because I liked the way it looked and loved the ease of having a fire with a push of a button.....so the compromise was that we would turn the front fireplace back into a wood burning fireplace....so a true heat source at little to no cost and I would still have a pretty fireplace to look at...but we also agreed to install the gas fireplace in the family room so at a flip of a switch I will have pretty fire....the good news is the fireplace that we picked is actually a furnace rated unit ...so it is designed to put out some serious heat and was pretty darn efficient...it will be the primary heat source in the family room and is actually thermostatically controlled.....there is a old gas heater on the side of the family room that was put in to heat the room...it is old and kind of dangerous with a little one....it also looked out of place since the family room had a different heat source....so need less to say I am very excited....we have known that we have wanted to do these improvements since we have moved in so it is nice to be able to get them done and cross them off the list.....

Today....Dylan and I are going to head down to the farmers market and then head over to the park....Collin should be home sometime this afternoon so we are hoping to have a relaxing evening and BBQ this evening and burn a fire out on the patio tonight.....

Updates

Lets see life have been good...busy but good....business is good...Dylan is oh so wonderful....talking so much....though I can't always understand what he is saying... he is talking all the time......he is such a special little man that I just can't get enough of him.....we are fairly relaxed parents ...so far it seems to be working......but I guess I am waiting for the back lash of bad baby behavior....if it comes I guess we will adjust at that time....for the most part we enjoy his art and attempts at manipulation.....I must say though when we do get serious and put our foot down he usually falls in place with what we are asking ....it is amazing to watch him carve out his place in our family and the world......to watch him grow and become his own unique little person...with likes and dislikes...with little quirks....and his very own concerns....most days we don't sweat the small stuff...perhaps a blessing of being a older parent.....I guess only time will tell.............

So we got our new bedroom set....and we are really enjoying it so much...have bought a couple extra wall sconces that hold candles.....the windows should be done here in the next 2 weeks or so...then we will pick out window coverings....paint and call it good

Last week we attended a benefit auction for one of Collin's good friends.....I am glad that I have been so busy...it allowed us to be the winning bid on a autographed baseball bat from one of the star players of the Rockies...we are super excited to be able to get it for Dylan....we also managed to be the high bid on a 2 night getaway to Estes Park...at what looked like super luxury accommodations.......

Family is here for the weekend...Grandpa Moody got in yesterday....we headed to Fort Collin's today to pick out a new fire place for the family room....get me a much needed purse at the outlet store....pick up some new Lego's for Dylan at Toys R Us and rounded out the day with lunch at 5 guys burgers........yummy good and took Dylan to go play at a Jump House Play Ground...where he jumped, jumped, ran, climbed and jumped some more......for a good hour and a half....little boys and their energy....right now he is still running, jumping, climbing and jumping some more......Dylan seems to have boundless energy........

Tomorrow Aunt Carol and Uncle Herb should be arriving in the late afternoon.....we are planning a Saturday afternoon BBQ for friends and family.....Collin and his Dad are going to the opening college football game for the Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday night....a colleague of mine has pretty good season tickets and offered us her tickets for the game....only 2 so we thought it would be nice if we made it a father and son night....Monday we are thinking about heading up to Estes Park....and I believe I am going to be taking the whole weekend off....I have to work about a 1/2 day tomorrow....otherwise I should have the whole weekend off.....I am really looking forward to the time off with family..... well with that until next time

road trip

I actually got home fairly early today at 6:45....tomorrow evening will be somewhere around 8:00 and my day will start somewhere around 5:30 am...but then I will have all day on Wednesday with Dylan...I love it when we have all day together....he is so stinkin cute right now....this evening he tried on his new wet suit with foam padding and his rain boots....he now loves his rain boots....which is thrilling for Collin and I since 3 months ago he screamed every time we put them on....now we can't get them off of him....we are getting excited for our trip to Las Vegas at the end of September...we are looking forward to the road trip...the first day on the road will take us to Provo Utah....we are planning a little swimming at the hotel pool a little investigating the community then off to Vegas on the second day....we are actually staying outside of Vegas at Lake Meade....both grandparents from California our meeting us at Lake Meade for the weekend...we will stay in Vegas (lake Meade until Monday morning) while we are there we are hoping to take in quite a few kid friendly activities....I think they have a old train station in Boulder City, a candy factory tour in Vegas, a children's museum in Vegas, and a couple of other activities....and of course we have to cheer on dad for the triathlon and spend much needed time with grandma's and grandpa's...on our way home we are stopping in Glenn wood Springs Colorado and actually have booked a 2 day stay there at the lodge that has the natural springs....and the best Italian food ever at the Italian Under Ground...we are also hoping to visit a state park by tram and take a tour of some underground crystal caverns....we will end up at home on Wednesday......
until next time....

by the way we are having a small celebration here at the Moody household....we are pretty much debt free again except for our mortages....we were able to get Collin's truck paid off today..........and we are still on track for a new fireplace keep you posted

Friday night

Right now Dylan and I are hanging out upstairs in our bedroom....we got our new bedroom set last week....and wow we really like it....Collin made a comment yesterday that it finally feels like a bedroom....we still are waiting to get the new windows installed in the bedroom and still need to order new window treatments...but wow it is just turning into such a enjoyable room to hang out in.....I have been going back and fourth on what to do with the bedding....but we have decided to stick with the clean crisp look of a white down comforter....I also bought a beautiful cable knit dark brown Ralph Lauren blanket to flank the bottom of the bed.....I also purchased the most beautiful white pillows that are embroidered with fire flies and birds.....they are whimsical and yet so beautiful in detail and yet kind of simple...they add just the right amount of color to balance out the bedding....since the bedroom set has such large massive heavy and formal pieces I wanted to lighten the mood with simple bedding...I am really quite pleased

Scary news....our next door neighbors came over yesterday to inform us that they have had someone snooping around their home the last 3 nights and Wednesday night someone actually came in their home.........how scary is that..especially since I am home alone with Dylan quite a bit and always leave windows and the back door open for the dogs to go in and out....so tonight...everything is locked and Dylan and I are barricaded in the upstairs bedroom...we enlisted Jackson to sleep in the bedroom tonight....he is a great barker so at the very least I will have a little warning....it is kind of scary being up here in the bedroom...because if someone decided to break in downstairs I would never hear them until they were right in front of us...especially with the air conditioner going now.....Collin doesn't really seemed to worried.....I guess not since he will be at the fire station...he reminds me that I have 3 dogs.....we also are wondering if the neighbors are imagining things....since they didn't call the police until the next day...and you would think the police would come through the neighborhood and warn everyone but who knows.....it is probably just as well that we are more careful....I just don't want to be scared....
Dylan has finally made his way to enjoying movies I know we probably shouldn't be proud of this...but we recorded Dr Seuss' Horton Hears a Who......he really loves Horton...it is so fun to watch him giggle as he watches the movie.....our little guy is talking more and more and he understands everything........last night we were taking a bath and I asked Collin to grab the shampoo.....as soon as I did Dylan tried to get out of the bath tub.....he knew exactly what was coming.....
Tomorrow morning as long as no one gets us in our sleep tonight....we are going to head to the farmers market in the morning...then I have 3 open houses for the rest of the day....oh and did I mention I actually am going to get a whole day off on Sunday....
Collin has been training for his triathlon, mowing, working and I think is ready for a break....he has the whole month of September off and I think he is really looking forward to it....well with that until next time.......

off

Oh my goodness I had a full day off today...what a treat and I am truly enjoying it with Dylan...slept in to about 8 or so...enjoyed reading the paper...and absolutely loved the cool morning air....it has probably been the first sign that fall is just around the corner....I am so looking forward to fall....since summer just zoomed by....it has been a prosperous summer but I can't really say a enjoyable one....Dylan and I headed to the farmers market this morning....we managed to come home with a loaf of cranberry nut bread, home made tortilla chips, some chocolate cookies Dylan eyed early on.....I wanted to get some peaches but they just weren't very sweet yet...we then stopped by the fire station to say hi to dad.....Dylan loves the fire trucks and went back and fourth between two of them climbing all over them....how cool is it that your dad is a fireman....lucky boy.....as we headed back across town we stumbled upon a craft fair in the park and made our way through the booths....kind of a mom and pop type craft fair.....I almost bought a giant wooden Frankenstein for the outside for Halloween but decided against it.....we then made our way to Hobby Lobby which I managed to drop a little cash....we then headed over to Lowe's....where I dropped a little more cash on some more perennials for the yard....the front yard is looking well......I am though a little disappointed with my pots in the back patio....some have died, some look kind of leggy....the inpatients I planted are doing beautiful in the back patio...next year I am planting all inpatients they seem to manage well with little sun and are happy back there....well I guess its just part of a learning curve with a new house.....after Lowes....I stopped by TJ Maxx and picked up some wonderful soaps and goodies for our upcoming guest.....I love beautiful soaps.....such a indulgent treat...Dylan usually enjoys our outing together like this...he loves to run through the stores.....and absolutely loved playing at the craft show....it was quite interesting though when we were at the farmers market he stayed close to me and in fact reached out to hold my hand....it was packed full of people.....anyways we played ball in the front yard this evening and I also ordered a bedroom set that Collin and I have been eyeing.....we are doing a small remodel job in our bedroom...I absolutely hate that we have windows over our bed....that means we have little to no head board and draped right above our head.....I had Mike our trusty handyman come over and give us a bid on getting rid of all those windows and replacing them with just one on each side of the bed....this will make room for our new headboard and bed.....we purchased a bed, two night stands and a dresser....they are huge beautiful carved pieces with marble tops on the night stands and dresser ....we have a pretty large bedroom but this set will easily fill it...hopefully not overly....it is a pretty taste specific piece of furniture and kind of looks like a king should be sleeping in it... it will go well with our era of home.....anyways needless to say I am super excited to be getting it...we are also going to move forward and get Collin's truck paid off here this month....we haven't fully decided on the fireplace for the family room yet....we need to get some firm cost before we move forward on that project......well with that I am going to sign off for now....until next time

Saturday

I am enjoying a Saturday morning with Dylan....we baked cookies...watered the flowers...played a little and now he is taking a break from me and me from him with a Little Max and Ruby....it is such a sweet children's show about a baby brother rabbit and his sister rabbit and the Grandma rabbit I love the fact that Dylan loves it..................jeez we just really have a pretty good time together.....he is talking quite a bit more and saying all kinds of words that we didn't know that he knew....it is amazing watching him grow up....lately he has been taking this little red wooden wagon with him everywhere....he puts his drink cup in the back of the wagon and pulls it everywhere he goes.....
Spending money....well being so busy at work well has kept me from spending money......don't worry I am sure I will find time to get some spending done here shortly.....a couple days ago we took a 1/2 day off or so and headed to Fort Collins and stopped by to see Penny in Eaton....we headed to REI....where Collin picked up some leg protectors for mowing ( i can't think of what they are called right now) anyways while we were there.....I noticed the most adorable down REI jacket for Dylan....it was a little more than I wanted to spend but it is pretty practical for the winter.....it wasn't bulky at all and I think he will wear it quite a bit...it is fairly light weight down jacket.....we also headed over to Old Navy and picked up some armless t shirts for Dylan, a couple of long sleeve t shirts and 2 pair of jeans......I am not crazy about their stuff....but for the t shirts I don't think you can go wrong...the jeans I don't know yet we will have to see how they wash and wear...I still like Gymboree....their clothing wears well.....I have though fallen in love with a new catalog called Chasing Fire Flies......and have found 4 or so pieces I am going to order for Dylan....it is kind of pricey stuff....if they had a actual store I am sure that I would have at least those pieces plus 4 more....but it is tougher for me to actually purchase things online.....I look at the catalogs over and over again....pick and re pick what I think he needs...then I add it up.....have a moment of shell shock and think that I probably shouldn't be buying it....this will go on for at least a month or so ...over and over again.....then I will come to a moment wear I decide that after 2 months that I am not going to buy anything from that over priced catalog and chuck it into the garbage...or I will decide that I was so lucky that they decided to put me on their mailing list and that how could I ever let Dylan live without these wonderful pieces....and how I have worked so hard to be able to buy these indulgent pieces and that by the way Dylan is our one and only son.....I will never have this moment again to enjoy these wonderful little works of art on my son......and with that being said I find a 5th piece that I can't live with out....hold my breathe add everything to the cart and try not to look at the total as I hit send.....at this very moment I am not sure whether Chasing Fire Flies catalog will get chucked or ordered from....with over 8 closings that means size able checks coming in the next 6 weeks I am thinking it might be that I will become one of Chasing Fire Flies newest and best customers...
With that being said business I guess has been amazing....I am just so tired...and slightly over whelmed....I was hoping for a lull in the action starting this next week....but that doesn't look like that is going to happen....I had 3 new listing this last week and have 2 more for next week....it also looks like we have to bid out another $450,000 house, most likely will have our spec house under contract this next week..and are almost at a green light with another $530,000 project we have been working on....I have 8 closings by the end of the month and 2 more at the beginning of September and we are at a critical framing and ordering stage on our over $515,000 custom built home....so lots of clients with lots of needs....lots of emotions....lots of small problems that always need fine tuning..whether with appraisals, repairs, banks, overages, financial problems....or just the plain old stress of buying and selling a home, I have to be the emotional rock for these clients the problem solver the positive force when things don't go as planned.......there are times that I don't want to show one more home....or take the extra hour to make sure they feel good about their new home.....or hold there hand as they go to the bank...or go look at lots for the 5Th time to figure out which one will work best for their dream home...or help re design the floor plan for the 8Th time...or to listen to how tired they are after they worked 8 hours today...and they don't realize that I am on hour number 12 for the day when they say this and all I want to do is go home and see my boy.....but this is the reality of being successful at what I do......I am hoping that perhaps in 2 weeks or so things will slow a bit....who knows I will keep you posted....it is a wonderful blessing to have this kind of business and I think if I can manage a full day off here sooner rather than later I will be more appreciative than I seem right now.....well until next time........it is time to cuddle my little guy before I head out for the day....

God wants me to have a new fireplace

That's the only logical thing that I can come up with.....God must want me to have a new fireplace in the family room.....business doesn't seem to be slowing down like I had hoped this week....I picked up a new client via a referral earlier this week.....I was suppose to show 7 or 8 mid range family homes on Sunday maybe a few more on Monday and most likely put a deal together...as we meet today I am advised that they will actually need to buy 2 homes by Tuesday for investment purposes somewhere in the neighborhood of $550 to $600 for both.....I know I know.....great news right.....except this now means that I needed to show properties pretty much all day today.....good portion of tomorrow and on Monday...this means once again no day off this week....I was hoping for little down time for Monday because I pretty much booked the rest of the week.....Dylan got to go with me today to help show houses....tomorrow I am going solo....he slept most of the time.....we still managed a nice mommy and son day and made our way to Sam's Club, Wal Mart, and a play area...tonight I am going to indulge myself with a cup of hot tea, a hot bath and some of my $2.99 Wal Mart bubble bath....I love the stuff.....at $2.99 it is a completely guilt free pleasure...I don't worry about waste or to many bubbles at $2.99 for a giant jug of the stuff I just pour it in and enjoy.....I will also light my $5.00 Wal mart candle for a little ambiance.....and dream about how wonderful our new fireplace will looking in the family room this winter.....well with that until next time

Crazy

Life has well been kind of crazy busy the last 3 weeks or so...financially very rewarding...quality of life well it pretty much sucks....we have though managed two adult evenings out....that would be the 3rd since Dylan was born....we were all ready to get wild and crazy at the Kiss concert ...we had a great time....enjoyed several beers each...but were both ready for home by midnight or so.....we took in another concert the very next night....we had terrible seats with all the old people ....we fit right in with our soda's and taffy candy and couldn't be happier....we bee lined it home right after the concert and were happy to do so.....Frontier Days has been going on know for about 7 days or so...so parking in front of our house has been tough.....being just blocks from all the action is pretty cool....would be cooler if we weren't so busy and could take more of it in....Dylan made it over to the carnival with us one night with his Nain(Collin's mom)....I think he enjoyed the carousel, the train ride, and this giant slide....Dylan also got to ride in the parade again this year with Dad, Mom, and Jackson on the fire truck.......lets see we made our way to Estes Park for a much needed break earlier this week.....geez what a beautiful great place...the drive well it is just really pretty...we started the day off with a mini amusement park....Dylan hated the giant slide this time....but loved the jump house and really loved riding and pretend driving the go carts with his dad.....after we experienced all the fun we could take we made our way down town....took in a little pizza for lunch, shopping, and finished the afternoon off with a big ole ice cream.....Dylan is doing so well....and is really talking quite a bit.....lots of words.....he knows a lot more than he says...earlier today he was at the office....and one of the secretaries asked Dylan what color he was coloring with he said green.....she asked me if he knew his colors...I said I didn't think so...but obviously I am wrong....he is such a cool kid......it is kind of disappointing though that he really doesn't like his dogs.....he always tries to push Winston out of the way and shut the door on him so he can't follow us...he does the same thing with Jackson.....lets see what else.....well since business has been so good...we have decided to possibly splurge and get air conditioning this year......Collin actually brought it up...amazing huh....otherwise I am guessing we will still put up our iron fence...that was suppose to go up earlier this year....we might get a new fireplace this winter.....otherwise we are going to throw it all in our savings......I think we are going to be able to buy another rental here sooner rather than later....which means as soon as the rental is bought ....then I get to start saving for our kitchen remodel......I also got a new children's catalog in the mail...it is fabulous and outrageously expensive....I think though I am going to splurge and by Dylan a couple of pieces for fall.....they are just to cute to pass up.....they also have the coolest dinosaur sleeping bag that I am going to get him also......well with that....as much as I appreciate all the business....I am ready to slow down a little bit and try to take in what is left of summer....getting home before 7:30 or so at least two or 3 times a week would be awesome.....I really think that things should actually slow down this next week or so....this last week I put 5 homes and 2 lots under contract...2 new listings...next week 4 more listings, and 3 under contracts for new construction....the under contracts are all pretty high end new construction....I think this year we will have one of the most expensive custom homes slated to close in December...possibly the most expensive....next year we have even a bigger project slated to close in April.....both are pre sold custom homes.....well with that hoping you are all enjoying your summer......until next time

One of my favorite pictures ever......

Dylan working in the yard

4th of July, Baseball, and Fireworks

Wow we had a wonderful 4th of July...well it was actually the 3rd of July...but it was great...we started the day off with getting the garage cleaned and our sauna room cleaned out...yeah now we can use it...we then headed over to our old neighbor Carl for his 80th Birthday...and then for the grand finale we made our way to the Rockies for a Baseball game and fireworks....we had incredible seats....and sat in club level seats...geez it is so nice...so much more room for Dylan to run and roam without all the heavy crowds...no lines....the seats are padded and have quite a bit more leg room....they come and take your order if needed and deliver your food...they were great with Dylan's stroller....just over all a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience with a 2 year old.....well worth the extra money and really the way we will go in the future....the game was great...lots of action...unfortunately the Rockies lost but it was a action packed high scoring game....Dylan was a champ for most of the game and loved the fireworks right after the game.....Dylan and Collin also made the jumbo tron...it was very cool....they were on the big screen for quite awhile....this is Dylan's second time on the big screen at the Rockies....on the 4th Collin had to work...so Dylan and I took in a long lazy day together.....today was filled with pretty much of the same..it has been nice to have time to just kind of hang out....especially when all 3 of us get to do it together....

I'm back...for a moment

Wow the word busy really doesn't quite describe the Moody Household this last month or so...work well has been swamped..last week was crazy and this week well kind of insane....but have managed to be able to take today...except for a couple hours at the office later today...all day tomorrow...all day Sunday and Monday.....and with not a ton of projects lined up....this morning the whole family got up and headed out the door with 40 or so other agents to place flags through out Cheyenne....this is the 3rd year we have put flags out...the first year Dylan was only a couple of days old...last year he went in his stroller and this year he rode in the truck with Dad...we are hoping this will continue to be a family and company tradition for many years to come.........I usually always decorate for the 4th...but literally this year we just seemed to busy....but I think today Dylan and I will go ahead and put out some decorations out front for the 4th....Collin has to work on the 4th but tomorrow afternoon we are heading to Denver for a Rockies baseball game...and stopping by a mid day birthday party for one of our old neighbors.....I am guessing for the 4th we will hang out at home...perhaps BBQ and lay low for the day..by the way Dylan is doing great....lots of running..more running...some talking...and the terrible 2's have arrived....he has this more unbearable fake cry that he tries to use it seems like all the time to manipulate us and to get his way....it doesn't work and most times we really don't get that upset over it and often find great amusement in his efforts....hopefully the little guys doesn't want to grow up and be a actor....because well he just sucks at it...I am excited to spend the whole day and weekend with my little guy...he is pretty good company most of the time....until next time..........

Taking a break

I have been thinking about taking a summer break from blogging...but I really don't want to commit to a full break...in case I want to blog about something awesome or important....and sometimes well....I just like to blog....I guess just to be blogging....kind of like talking for really no reason....anyways so here is a post
Dylan turned two on the 23rd....we had a family party last Saturday with cake and ice cream and afternoon lunch...Grandpa Moody made the trip from California that was very special to have him here...Grandma Moody (nain) came from Eaton and we had several old neighbors and family friends make the celebration....on his actually birthday Collin had to work so we stopped by the fire station and Dylan got to share a chocolate shake with his dad for his birthday....tomorrow we pick up Grandma Davis who is spending the weekend with Dylan...I ordered a small ice cream birthday cake from Baskin Robbins for Saturday...we are also going to go to Super Day at the park on Saturday ....it has concerts, craft fairs, and a children's carnival...should be a good time....Dylan went for his 2 year check up today....all is well...he is 30% percentile for his weight and still 90% percentile for his height......which is good...he should be a tall thin boy.......he got all kinds of wonderful presents for his B-day and has played with most of them with great enthusiasm....he is such a wonderful boy.....we got him a Lego's set that he is really enjoying....it is so enjoyable watching him play and how he goes about figuring out all his toys....
Fathers day was spent relaxing at the house and I think we had a fire in the new outdoor fireplace that night....it was nice having both Dad and Grandpa here for Fathers Day....we did little shopping as Sierra Trading Post....Dylan scored some new shoes, I scored a new shirt, and Collin scored a new pair of shorts and a pair of sunglasses and I think Grandpa got a new Wyoming t-shirt....Collin also got a new windshield and some kind of motorcycle stand for Fathers Day also.....so it was a pretty good Holiday for everyone....
Right now Dylan is playing with all of his trucks....he plays so well on his own.....oh by the way I finally got the iron flower boxes that I have wanted....they look pretty nice.....I might have picked out something different had I been able to see them in person or if it wasn't going to cost me a small fortune to return them for something different...but they are really nice and even if I could try out a different style of flower box it is still very possible that I would end up with the same ones I have now........well with that until next time

Almost

After 4 trips to two local tool rental shops all in a matter of 5 hours or so 4 machines later....2 layers of glued down carpet and lots of hard work...we actually have a concrete floor in our sun room.....and it is almost all done...I have hated this room with a passion since the first time we ever looked at the home...in the last 6 months or so it never really grew on me...I could never figure out what to do with such a useless and awkward place...those of you that have visited know exactly what I am talking about...the rest of you think oh sun room how nice...not really....well I must say that I am actually getting excited and that it is really coming together as a nice sun room...it has lots of windows just really not much sun so not sure if it is actually a sun room....anyways I think it is going to be much nicer than I had ever envisioned...and I think we will actually use it and enjoy it...the design is kind of rustic shabby chic summer camp....we are painting the floor a warm light brown....we wanted to stain it but I don't think the stain would take correctly since it is still pretty blotchy in color...I am going to try a antique glaze over the top of it to hopefully add a little depth....we bought a couple of inexpensive rugs... we are going to use Penny's old picnic table and bench for the dining table...Collin made a very cool 6ft long cedar and slate coffee table that will go with the 2 wicker rockers I found on sale...and in the fall we will have a small wood burning stove....for now we will have the air hockey table in place but this Christmas it will be changed out with a pool table....I also bought 3 ferns to put up on the windows between the garage and the sun room...we centered each one on each window it looks pretty cool instead of going with window coverings which were way to expensive...I am going to put 2 black and white pictures of Dylan in the room and well there you go...we now have a shade room.....

Jackson

Oh my goodness I have fallen in love with this dog....Jackson has been a wonderful addition to the family...and I am falling in love with him more every day....besides the destroyed vacuum cord and the death of a couple of pair of shoe strings...he has been as close to perfect as a puppy can be...all of our concerns about the dogs getting along...about the household being to hectic just hasn't happened....Maggie, Winston, and Mooks treat him as if he has been part of the family forever....Dylan loves him...and he is so good with Dylan...he just fits right in...Maggie has been a huge help and he pretty much does whatever Maggie does....he is pretty much potty trained...he is kennel trained and sleeps in his kennel at night...and the last week or so we have been going on walks and he walks beautifully....we have been working on his healing and he does great....he seems to really enjoy healing and walking and if I stop he stops...if I turn he turns...no pulling he intently watches me and seems to really enjoy working.....he ignores other dogs other walkers ...he is in the zone....I am thinking that I will take him through obedience and see how he likes it....some dogs enjoy working some don't...he definitely likes working and having a job to do....which makes me excited... I wanted to take Winston through obedience and conformation classes for recreation purposes...but he hated it....and after he took a giant dump in the middle of the show ring....it was obvious that obedience and show was not his thing....his thing is riding in the wagon and sleeping on the couch....he is outstanding at these activities.....anyways we absolutely love Jackson....right now he is asleep at my feet as I type this....he has gotten so big he is close to as big as Maggie and his coat is so soft and curly...he is quite different than Soloman....Soloman was all alpha dog....Jackson is more mellow...of course there is a pecking order but it is a pretty mellow pack of live and let live....Winston rightfully so heads up the pecking order if not by force by my force :)....Maggie is so nice that she just concedes to Jackson..though she puts him in his place from time to time....and mooks well mooks is loved by all the dogs...especially Winston and I must say Jackson also loves to play with Mooks....I am so glad that Jackson is apart of our family.........

Sunday

What a beautiful morning here in Cheyenne...yesterday was spent playing catch up...catching up on the watering, weeding, laundry, cleaning and so on...I worked non stop most of the day into the evening...it was the kind of cleaning you really don't notice...cleaning out drawers and closets...throwing away old magazines going through stuff....we got our front door back yesterday...we had it refinished....it really looks nice...we also had the original lock worked on and had a new deadbolt put on ....the original lock set was still on the door but wasn't working so we had that fixed...over the years the original dead bolt must have broke and it was replaced with one that did not match the original lock set so we ordered one that was a closer match to the original lock set....it was kind of a emotional thing....as cheezy as it sounds...the door looks so nice now...it is as if the door and the house said thank you...thanks for taking care of us...it feels good just looking at it...and knowing that we didn't just replace it but gave it a new life...let it be the proud entry way to our home.....now I can't say that we will be doing the same with the kichen cabinets...I think they are sceaming just let us go...we are done with life...just end it....I must say that I have no problem ending their life and inviting in some new handsome cabinets into the kitchen....infact the entire kitchen is sreaming to be completely blown out.....expanded and dressed up....the 2 items we will keep from the kitchen is the old fashion aluminium foil dispenser and the can opener that attaches to the cabinets....these will find their way into the new kitchen.....of course this will be years from now....we are hoping 2012....anyways back to today...Collin is out mowing but should be home by 10:00....we are hoping to get the shutters made and up today..and one other small project...then we are going to head to the park...and maybe a bike ride and a afternoon BBQ....if we are up to it this evening we will start tearing out all the carpet in the back sun room and getting it prepped for the concrete grinder that we rented for next weekend.....we are looking forward to getting that back sun room cleaned up and looking good.....since you have to go through it to get to our great back court yard now...lets see Dylan is doing great he is eating a lot more and his vocabulary is growing by the day....he loves his new puppy....and has gotten really good at helping pick up his toys or helping out with whatever we ask him to do.....he is a very easy and happy child for the most part......he also loves to read....but he loves to pretend to read by himself more than anything....he will grab a adult book and start going through it.....very cute.............well with that have a great Sunday

yeah its Friday

So no open houses this weekend....since two of my listing went under contract...yeah for us....Collin got all the lawns mowed today...I was able to catch up on everything at work...we are going to enjoy a little pizza and beer ...I have tomorrow off......all day....I am going to work in the yard and do a little laundry and take Dylan to the park...I am sure that we will also make our way to see Collin at the station....Sunday we are going to take it easy at home with just a couple of projects........life is good and back to normal

Busy

It has been a busy week....coming back from vacation there is always a lot to get caught up on....the grass continues to grow...so Collin has been trying to catch up on mowing...in my business...well business doesn't stop because you are on vacation and unfortunately at times it doesn't wait for you to get back...in this case it just kind of piled up...so with only a 4 day work week this week....off of a week vacation and Collin had a quick over night motorcycle trip...he left on Wednesday morning and got back last night....it has been a little crazy...the good news is I was able to put two of my listings under contract and it all went well.......Dylan went to a office meeting with me yesterday....and was the star of the meeting....he was absolutely perfect for a hour or so....not a peep out of him...he watched his DVD the entire time and ate brownies....one of the agents took a quick picture of him and sent it out to the entire office...he is talking more and more....he really doesn't have conversations but had adding lots of words to his vocabulary....Collin had a good ride on his motorcycle and I think enjoyed himself....he is off this morning with the lawns...I have Dylan's dentist appointment at 11:30....and then I have to head to the office at 1:00 for about a hour...then I will come home and Collin will head out again to try to finish up the mowing for the week....I am hoping he is able to...that would leave us a day at home together on Sunday....not a do nothing day...but it will be filled with projects for ourselves and time together...we will attempt to keep Sunday a low key day....I think our entire family needs it.......lets see we have a new baby sitter....her name is Sally and she is absolutely wonderful with Dylan...she is one of the fireman's daughter and is going to come and babysit twice a week or so for 4 hours at a time...it will help out with work, mowing, and trying to find time to work out............Dylan loves her and she thinks Dylan is pretty great....so we feel really good about it....the best part is she plays with him the entire time....and he loves it

Back from Vacation

Ahhh back home...I don't know why I am such a home body....but it feels so good to be home....we really enjoyed our trip to Delaware and Washington DC....Dylan was his usual champ most of the trip...the 2 hour time difference put a slight wrench into the whole sleeping thing...but sleep doesn't seem quite so important when you are on vacation...no work to worry about the next day....just more well vacation...some of the trip highlights....
We decided to make a detour into Baltimore on our way to Delaware for BBQ ribs....bad idea....we had plenty of warnings that this was not a good idea...but Collin and I decided jointly to ignore all of them....

First clue this is a bad idea---Phil told us don't stop in Delaware at night it is not a good idea
Second clue this is a bad idea--The restaurant we picked off the GPS was Ribs and Fish....really if a place does good fish...they probably don't do good Ribs
Third clue this is a bad idea--once we get off the exit in Baltimore we are greeted with a Popeye's Chicken on the left and 2 Gentleman's club on the right....
Most logical people would say ok lets turn around..........not us
Fourth clue this is a bad idea--we know proceed past a dunkin donuts with 5 or six guys passed out on the side of the buildings, all the gas stations have bars on the windows....only 2 miles to Ribs and Fish so we drive further into the city...
Fifth and final clue that this is a bad idea--we are the only white people in the neighborhood....no more gas stations but make shift grocery stores with bullet proof glass....ladies of the night on the corners and down the side streets we could easily have ordered a little crack and possibly got our car jacked at the same time....we were definitely in the middle of the projects......3 white people at 9:30 at night in a obvious Buick rental car with out of state plates.......not good folks...yes we finally decided to give up the Fish and Ribs and made a u-turn and made our way out of town....30 minutes later stopping for some good ole Wendy's....

We finally made it to Delaware and enjoyed our visit with Phil, Brenda and the kids, Travis and Marissa also made it to visit from New York....it really was a great time....we took in a ferry ride to Pea Patch Island, Philly Cheese Steaks, Phil made us some weird Delaware food in the morning...I can't remember what it is called but basically pig left overs ground up with stuffing....it was actually pretty good if you didn't think about how it was made....Dylan loved playing with Emma and Lukas...Delaware is a great place and land of the big yards....as Collin and I drove away we talked about how Collin could make a fortune mowing lawns in Delaware....

Washington was great...it is always good seeing family...Collin's Aunt Carol and Uncle Herb arranged for us to stay at their friends apartment in their building...they live right in the middle of all the action...we must have walked 3 or so miles everyday just looking at all the regal and wonderful homes in their neighborhood...they live nestled among many of the Embassies....Grandpa and Grandma Moody from California came in for the visit also....along with Cousin Scott from Hong Kong...we made our way to the zoo, took in a couple of museums and the highlight of the trip was the National Cathedral....it was just amazing and there were the most charming Bishops Gardens....I fell in love with the gardens and could have stayed there all day....Uncle Herb treated Dylan to a photo session in the gardens we can't wait to see the photo's...Dylan finally figured out that we were taking pictures of just him and started really working for the camera...just way to cute...
We made our way home yesterday...Vacation's are great but it feels so good to be home.....Jackson has grown quite a bit in just a week at 17 weeks or so he is almost as tall as Maggie already....his coat is getting curly and jeez he is such a nice dog....Maggie and Winston were happy to see us....and by the way Winston became a father of 5 during our trip....I think Dylan is happy to be home and to play with all his toys....today Collin headed to work....I worked around the house and did a little gardening...tomorrow I am having open houses and Collin is mowing most of the day...we are hoping to get a couple of small home improvement jobs finished up tomorrow night....Tuesday we will order our iron fencing........so exciting with that have a great day

Dylan

under the weather

All the sun and the blooms are finally coming out....so are my allergies...I worked in the office this morning made it home about 1:30 and Collin headed out to go mow lawns...we were hoping for the afternoon together finishing our planting but it is suppose to rain on Wednesday....Collin's next day off and we head out on Friday...so lawn mowing trumped planting the back yard....I am going to make my way to the back yard here shortly to get a little work done....a pollen alert is out for our area....and I can feel it....my eyes have been watering all day, my nose has been running all day and I have a congested head and pressure headache behind my left eye...I guess feeling fairly miserable....Dylan is being a champ...took a 2 hour nap with me and has been playing with his puzzles and coloring....he will enjoy going outside for the evening...

A Good Weekend

Wow the whole family spent the whole weekend together.....super good stuff....yesterday we spent most of the day at home planting a ton of perennials....I counted 91....it is alot but it doesn't look like that much since most of them are small plants....by the way this was just in the front yard and side yard...we still have probably 30 or so more plants for the backyard....and then I have my annuals to plant in my pots....the yard is finally coming together....it has been alot of work...it started out with
cutting down 3 pick up loads of junipers
trimming and removing trees 2 pick up loads
renting a stump grinder to get the roots and stumps out
2 pick up loads of dirt from the 5 flower beds dug out by hand
rototill all 5 beds
3 pick up loads of bark for the beds
1 pick up load of hand picked moss stones for the flower bed boarders
countless trips to the local home improvements stores for plants-over 130 to date
countless trips moving the plants from inside the house to the outside due to the weather and it has been to cold to plant them
as of yesterday 91 holes that I am on my knees in the mulch finding the perfect place to plant ...Collin shoveling and me planting only 40 or so more to go
oh and of course a new fence for the dogs
a new outdoor coffee table Collin made
numerous lanterns, planters, flower boxes , shutters, post, and canopy put up
the above all our own hard work
below the hard work that we had to pay others to do
a new shed
new patio
painted windows and trim for the exterior
still to come....
a new iron fence that Collin and I will install later this month
another canopy off the bedroom again Collin and I will install
and ripping out the indoor out door carpet in the sun room and repairing the concrete floor again Collin and I
the front door being refinished...we are leaving this to the pros
new storm windows....again leaving this to the pros
and a roof repair.....you guessed it the pros
and with that we are out of money :) ....thank goodness we are tired

Today Collin headed out with Jackson and Maggie to go and clean up our local green way...Dylan slept in and Winston kept me company as I read the paper and got everything ready to go for our big outing to the Rockies game today....my office had another listing contest....the team I was on did not win...but we were offered one ticket at no cost and just had to pay for one ticket.....so off we went....the company I work for reserved a suite again...which is just a awesome way to watch the game....first class all the way...no waiting in lines, no crowds, nice restrooms, wonderful food, waiters, awesome leather seats....fully protected....super nice with a child...Dylan had a blast and was such a well behaved little boy....it was super cool he also got his picture taken with Dinger the mascot and Dinger also signed a baseball for him....it was very nice because Dinger comes up to the Suite levels to do a meet a great...so no long lines to wait in.....and so much fun taking in the game with friends and co-workers....we are heading to another Rockies game on July 3rd....we are hoping to get there early enough that we can take Dylan's ball and have it signed by a player....we have super nice tickets for that game also...we are sitting at club level seats which is just one floor down from the Suites....not quite as exclusive but still less traffic and nicer facilities.....it makes it so nice with little ones....well with that I am going to call it a night.........

Score

Collin and I have been looking TVs for the family room for sometime...we almost bought one over Christmas but resisted....we have pretty much planned to buy one for Christmas this year...well I guess you can say Christmas came in May this year....I really am not that big into TV technology I can say that Collin pays more attention to it....anyways he eyed a Hitachi 55 inch LCD TV at Sam's club for a pretty aggressive price....he did some research on the TV and it had great reviews online and the cheapest price online was like almost $1600.00 this one was like $1115.00....so today he decided that we probably should get it...they are also offering 6 months same as cash so its kind of like getting it for Christmas since that is when we will have to pay for it....anyways as I went in....the price was $1015.00 I didn't think much of it since this is kind of Collin's thing anyways I just figured we transposed the numbers in our head and it was a better deal....so I went to customer service...verified that it was not the floor model and allowed them to pull my credit so I could get the 6 months no interest thing....I then proceeded to the check out and was advised that indeed the floor model was all they had left....I went ahead and purchased the potting soil I had in my cart...exited the line and asked for a manager....I was a little frustrated I would have never let them pull my credit or go through all this trouble if I knew it was the floor model....remind you I have a 2 year old son running around and nice friendly clerks that didn't really have a clue...that just lead me through a 45 minute mess for nothing....I explained to the manager that everyone was very nice and helpful but that I was frustrated since I originally asked if that was the floor model and would have never gone through all this trouble and getting credit with them....I asked if he could check surrounding stores for the same TV....he offered to do that but also offered a %20 discount on the display model....I thought that was more than generous and went forward with the purchase....so with a 3 year extended warranty we paid $885.00 for our TV.....Collin was thrilled ...it is a pretty screaming deal....he has been watching the TVs at Sam's pretty closely and I guess this model has only been there for the last month or so at the most.......so all is good..........with that Merry Christmas

to much

We have been debating on whether or not we will be having a big birthday party for Dylan....I think we have decided to keep it low key this year and have a big party for him next year...part of me feels extremely guilty over this...not sure why...I guess I just feel I should have a big party for him...but I think next year he would really enjoy it more....and the last month or so it has been like his birthday every week....he has a new riding tractor and yesterday we got his new DVD player and headphones...he loves it.....and honestly he has so many toys, books, cars, just to much stuff....I am thinking we are going to buy him a mini bounce house, perhaps a outdoor mud pie kitchen, and a backpack oh and of course some little boy clothes for me...bake him a cake have family over and call it a day.....I guess I kind of feel guilty because we have been putting so much energy into the house and getting it ready for summer...next year we will have minimal planting and that should be it for the outside....next year just would be better to have a large party at the house...and I will have more time to plan and budget for it....and I think he will be big enough to really enjoy it......yesterday was a pretty awesome day...snow and all...the whole family spent the entire day together...well needed and enjoyed....Dylan helped me bake banana bread and really had a good time....I am off again today....amazing....so Dylan and I will probably do laundry and perhaps some more baking today...since he enjoyed it so much yesterday...tomorrow I am slammed with like 4 appointments and floor duty....I will be running all day.........well with that until next time

Bad Parenting Part 2

Collin and I had another episode of bad parenting....I am sure that we have them daily and we just don't notice them or get caught with a hurt child ....last night we got our new treadmill set up....the one we bought 4 months ago....anyways....Dylan of course wanted to try it....and most reasonable parents would have said no...not us....I think if either one of us was by ourselves we would have said no immediately...but together we just don't think very clearly I guess...anyways Collin was in front I was right behind Dylan....Dylan loves the treadmill...and was quite impressive as he kept up with the speed of the treadmill....he would at times slow down or stop and I would be right there to pick him up...it never entered our mind that he would fall forward....well he did...and now today he has a big rub mark on his head and a good size bump....in our defense he didn't really fall that hard and in fact wanted back on the machine within minutes....boy that is a stupid defense....anyways it is really quite amazing that two old parents would do such a irresponsible act knowingly......crazy
Snow we are suppose to be getting snow tonight.....I am good with it...I guess...the 10 day forecast after Friday is good....so we will be finally planting this weekend :)...
Had a great day on the business side of life.....a million dollar house deal finally got signed off today and we will be going to engineering on Friday.....this has been a 8 month process....I will finally get paid sometime in December of this year....it is a 1/2 million dollar house that I will get both sides of making it a million dollar deal....1/2 million dollar houses in this part of the country are quite substantial.....we also got final approval from the FAA today and will negotiate the final contract here in the next 2 weeks or so....another million dollar deal...this has been in the works for close to a year and a half....I think this one I will get paid over a course of a year.....so it's not like I get this big check dropped in my lap....well I do just not today....but it is coming....I wasn't planning on these two deals coming together....they were both tough deals to put together....so we are planning on paying the truck off with the funds from the FAA....and the other check I am sure will be slated for savings and buying a rental next year....
Tomorrow I am taking the day off..........the whole day to spend with Collin and Dylan it has been like forever since we have had a whole day off together.......I think it will be filled with laundry, carpet removal in the sun room and snow....suppose to get lots of snow

The day after

This morning Collin is off mowing lawns, I am baking cookies for the endless open houses I have today....Dylan is playing with his new red tractor....last night we spent the evening at the Men's Culinary Cook Off...the team Collin was on won people's choice award...I must say it was well deserved...and lucky us we have a rack of ribs to go with our BBQ chicken we will be having this afternoon...I did not realize that they would be having a auction at the event....I love auctions ...I love the part of getting what I want...taking it from someone else...isn't that evil...so evil and competitive....the competitive part of my personality works very well in business....thank goodness because it helps off set the times like auctions when I get caught up in the moment and well lets just say that part of my personality can cost us a little money at times.....the good news is it all goes to charity.....right...as Dylan and I were reviewing the items at the silent auction nothing really jumped out at me.....this is a good sign....until we came across a child size old fashioned red metal tractor.....Dylan immediately went to the tractor and began touching it and wanting it.....I know he wants everything all the time...everywhere we go....but remember I love auctions combined with my motherly instincts and competitive nature well you might as well wrote sold on that little red tractor right then and there...there was no need to wait out the 2 hours of silent bidding Dylan would be the owner of that little tractor ...especially since Collin was off cooking and had no chance of reasoning with my judgement......initially the bidding was fast and furious on this little red tractor...once the bidding got to $100.00 in $10.00 increments I decided I needed to show these other bidders that I meant business...so I quickly put in a bid of a $150.00....and a hour later Dylan was the proud owner of a new red tractor...I visited with my mom this morning...she was concerned about what Collin thought of the purchase...I replied that my husband knows me well....and that he was just pleased that the tractor didn't cost us $250.00.....by the way Collin also loved the red tractor and was happy that we were able to get it for our boy and was fine with the $150.00....if the bidding had gone higher than a $150.00 I would have had to discuss the bidding with Collin....though once again you must remember I am a professional sale person so I think he would have gone the extra mile to get our son this wonderful red tractor.......well with that being said..I need to get more cookies in the oven and jump in the shower....off to work

Friday

Geez the whole family has been so busy....as soon as I think I might be able to take a afternoon off...something always seems to come up....it has been terribly windy and cold....ugghhhh I hate it...just one nice day with out cold and wind would be nice....I still haven't been able to plant due to the weather....perhaps next week....it is still suppose to snow maybe this weekend....but business has been awesome....I have some great listings and quite a few pre solds that are going for new construction...realistically we have maybe 3 more homes that we can fit in for the rest of the year and that would be pushing it....I am relieved that the builder I work with is pretty well booked for the rest of the year....I feel such a responsibility to keep business coming in and the books filled with building....the mowing season has started and I think Collin has somewhere around 15 lawns to take care of....mowing has turned into quite a profitable but busy 2nd job for Collin....we picked up rocks the other day for all of the borders around the flower beds.....we picked up close to 3/4 quarters of a ton of good size small moss boulders and miscellaneous rocks for the beds...I think once we get all the flower beds planted it will look really nice....we are going to order the iron fencing at the end of may...yesterday as we were picking materials at Lowes...this beautiful solid wood front door stopped me in my tracks....I thought it would be spectacular on our home....that was until I saw the price tag of $3000.00....I immediately stopped dreaming of it for the front of the home....the price tag shocked me right back into reality....though as I was cleaning the front screen door this morning...I began to admire our very own front door....it is also a solid wood front door though 80 years of weather and use are evident.....I would say that it would stop you in your tracks but really not in a good way....the actually door has beautiful details and raised panels.....I called a company that does wood working and refinishing....for a mere $540.00 they will refinish our old front door and bring its original beauty back ....I believe they can also make a new threshold that will also match....we are very excited....Dylan and I are headed out to a Men's Culinary Cook Off this evening....Collin is on a cooking team and helping our good friend George fixing ribs and brisket....last year George's team won so it should be a good time....Dylan is doing great and got to go to the mall this afternoon and play in the play area.....he has become such a pro on all the play equipment at the mall.............way to cute watching him run around so confidently.....

cold and windy

We are ready for warm weather here in Cheyenne....it has been cold and windy it seems like for the last week or so....Dylan didn't sleep well last night so therefore I didn't sleep well either...such is life......business has been busy....Dylan is napping on his own right now...gosh I am just so in love with this little guy.....I love that he loves to cuddle...and his little vocabulary is growing everyday...just way to cool...I have made a decision the other day that I have resigned myself to breastfeeding another year or so....we have limited Dylan's breastfeeding to 3 or 4 times a day....breastfeeding 2 year old boys in Cheyenne Wyoming isn't the most acceptable or popular choice....I think I put a 2 year limit on breastfeeding because first and foremost it would be nice to be done with it and number two I think I somewhat feel the pressure from outside sources....those are not the right reasons for myself or for Dylan....I think Dylan of course would be fine and get through it if we had to quit breast feeding....but the truth is that we don't have to....the truth is that he loves it....and gets so excited and happy when he gets to breast feed....I have done a little research on weaning children Dylan's age....most of what I read stated that they will usually wean themselves if you have breast feed them to the age of 2 sometime between 2 and half years old to 4 years old...especially if they are not drinking from a bottle, have a blanket, or using a pacifier it is way for them to soothe themselves....breast feeding your child beyond 2 years old is the norm pretty much everywhere else except in the United States.....it truly has been a amazing bonding and loving and very natural experience for both myself and Dylan....if you had asked me before I became pregnant if I would ever breast feed my child much less breast feed my child until he was 3...I would tell you HELL NO not happening here....so I understand the judgement that is out there...jeez I was one of them....but for Dylan it is the right thing to continue....so far I have parented from my motherly instincts and from my own values...the last couple of months I have had concerns about putting a time limit on the breast feeding....but I was also looking forward to having my body back....now that I have made the decision to let the breastfeeding completely wean sometime over the next year I feel so much better about it....I feel like I am giving my child what he needs and what makes him happy and in turn it makes me happy....I think over the next year we will limit the amount of nursing and once we feel Dylan is emotionally ready then we will wean him for good.....

Progress

All the outside projects are moving along and the home is looking better and functioning better...we still have quite a bit of work ahead of us the next 30 days or so but it is really starting to look nice....our new storage shed is awesome and was put up in one day....so worth the extra money....Garth, Justin, and Ryan did a great job it is built just like a mini house....very well built and is quite attractive....a good decision...Collin put the finishing touches on the 6ft cedar privacy fence on the side yard for the dogs...it also is built to last and looks great....all of the beds are mulched and begging for flowers....soon my little beds soon...the back patio is looking quite nice and I mulched all the beds in the back earlier today and moved rocks...hopefully this week we will get the lanterns hung and the canopy for the grill up....I am also ordering my iron flower boxes in the morning and Collin is going to make some shutters for the front window and a flower box for a back window....I am also going to try a wood platform under one of our front windows....you drill large holes in the platform and clay pots fit into them.....it looks pretty cool and will be perfect in front of one of our windows.....we are definitely doing a iron fence...I am just trying to decide on what material and how big the post will be....I am thinking we are going to wait until our trip to DC...it is filled with wonderful old homes that might spark some ideas for us....we have to wait to order the fencing until we decide on the post.....I must say that I am feeling a little cash strapped...like I have been working for nothing....it is easy to forget that things cost money especially once they are finished...it just kind of becomes apart of the home and you forget that you had to pay for all of those projects.....the only two large ticket items that are a must for this summer are the fencing which is already budgeted for and to rip up the carpet in the back sun room.....we are hoping that we will be able to salvage the concrete underneath if we can't we are looking at another $2000.00 or so.....otherwise we are going to call it good for the exterior....the good news is really besides general upkeep and adding small extras the exterior should be good for many years to come (well that is kind of a fib....in a couple of years I want to add a wood burning outdoor fireplace and pizza oven but that is only a dream for now)....I am so excited about the storage shed...it is going to allow us so much more storage....it will be nice to get the sun room back to a sun room instead of a storage area....the back patio is so nice it is a shame that you have to walk through the sun room to get to it in its current state....well that is enough about the yard
Dylan is saying so many new words everyday and fully understands everything we say....he enjoys working and playing in the yard.....he has a new show that he likes very much it is Ni Hao, Kai-Lan.....he loves it.....we are also getting Dylan his very own DVD player with his very own CD's......though we haven't had any trouble on plane trips with Dylan as of yet...we think he would enjoy it when we travel...especially when we travel to South Dakota......Dylan also loves his puppy and his cat......the cat really likes Dylan since Dylan and Winston provide him with most of his attention he gets....it was funny yesterday Dylan was throwing a fit and Collin asked him if he wanted to be a big boy or a baby as he was crying.....Dylan responded that he wanted to be a baby.....well with that until next time

To tired to move

There is nothing better than a super hot bath after a super long day working in the yard....you can almost feel the hot water soaking into your sore tightened muscles...it is a feeling of a good days work....as I woke this morning...my mind wanted to get out of bed....my body wanted to linger in the comfort of a soft bed..the mind won out....and after hobbling down the stairs and getting the dogs day started my body began to loosen up and get aligned with my mind....we have another long day in the yard ahead of us....today I am hoping to get all the flower beds that we dug out by hand...thanks Penny and Collin....rototill and mulch in them...I have one more flower bed to dig out..then we will be done....we have a trip to the dump....we need remove the dirt from the fence that Collin built for the dogs....it is really quite nice...all that is left is to put a latch on the gate....the dogs are loving the side yard....I am leaving the doors open so they can roam from the sun room ( I guess that is what you would call it) to the back yard to the side yard...the back yard is now all patio and we were able to get all of our furniture on it last night...it is really going to turn out to be a special place the canopy on all the trees are awesome...not so good if you want grass but wonderful as a shaded area outdoor area....I am hoping to get the front yard and side yard furniture in place today....perhaps hang our outdoor lanterns and maybe buy a couple of more plants....the shed materials are coming today....this project has well gotten a little out of hand...we originally purchased a $900.00 shed at Lowe's...I think our original thought was that Collin would put the shed up with my help....we had a concrete pad poured and this is where Collin would store his motorcycle, snow blower, and lawn mowers and shovels....we purchased a barn style roof shed which honestly was the ugliest shed they had....I don't like ugly and home together...so this was a big conflict for me...but it would get us overhead storage that the other sheds could not do.....well we decided that maybe the builder I represent that his hired hands might want to make some extra money and that we could pay them to put up the shed....it would take Collin alot of time and for the cost of $500.00 probably well worth it....So our builder went to go look at the shed that his guys were going to build....he quickly called me and nicely let me know that it was really not very well made...and I know he was thinking really ugly....he offered to design and build one for us...he thought the material list would be less expensive and it wouldn't be ugly and we would have all the storage we needed...a win win....well the cost of materials came in somewhere around $1200.00 so this shed that we budgeted a $1000.00 is now somewhere around $2000.00 once we pay the labor and the poured floor...of course it will be the best build shed in town...probably better built than our home.....but I guess in the big scheme of things we would rather have a well built shed for the extra money...the exciting news is it will be done in one day....Saturday...well for some reason I am in a chatty mood this morning but really I need to get going...until next time

Good Morning

Good Morning everyone....wow it is amazing how good you can feel after a deep solid sleep...I feel so rested, happy, and eager to start the day....I really should get up extra early more often...I just feel better when I do...perhaps now that it is getting light so early I will start having to do so....Collin slept downstairs last night....he was just plain exhausted and needed some sound deep sleep with out interruptions....Collin, Dylan, Winston, and Mr Mooks are still in bed....Maggie and Jackson are up with me....have I mentioned how much I adore Jackson....he is the best puppy ever....all of our pets are so special to me....they just make me smile from the inside out.....right now I am baking cookies....we have a office tour every week....I bake cookies for all of my new listings....it is a good little gimmick that gets the agents to the houses....we will probably have something like 15 houses or so so on tour this week so it is something extra to get them to tour my homes....there is something powerful about having 5o or so agents tour a home in a hour period....especially since our office sales close to 70% of the homes in our market place and I think even a higher percentage of the higher end homes.....which is what I predominately list at this point....lucky me....Dylan has been jabbering up a storm and is adding new words daily....one of his recent additions is coo chee coo chee....and then he attempts to tickle us...gosh I love that kid.....I am hoping for a short day at the office so we can focus on taking advantage of Collins good night rest and his 4 days off and work in the yard....Dylan is so fun to work in the yard with...he is such a trooper and is happy pretty much following us around and helping.....Decisions....I have to make decisions on our fencing here in the next week or two....we are doing a wood privacy fence for the dogs...and have settled on a iron fence for the front...I am just deciding if I should have brick, stucco , stone or iron fence post....of course the iron would be the most affordable and I think we will use regardless....but at the corners and at the gate perhaps something with more presence would be appropriate...of course post made out of anything besides iron are going to be quite expensive....but we are spending a good chunk of change on the iron.....so putting the finishing touches with nice post seem like the best way to go.....if we can afford it....of course I don't want it to be to busy and take away from the home....since the home is going to have shutters and window boxes on it....hmmmmmm...decisions decisions....I must say that I am leaning towards some type of post besides iron.........I will keep you posted.............get it.......

Flower Power

Dylan and I spent the morning taking the flowers back outside and getting them watered...I then planned were I was going to plant most of them....made a list of the flowers and plants that I needed and we headed out to do a little shopping...31 plants later we made it home...believe it or not we still will need about 20 or so more....everything I bought was perennials except for a couple of shade annuals for the back yard..so the good news is that next year I should only have to plant annuals for the most part....we also bought 12 bushes yesterday.....and I have somewhere around 30 or so plants that I bought before we headed to San Francisco...I am thinking in about a week or so I will be able to plant them all..I will probably need to wait 2 or 3 weeks to wait for the warmer perennials to start being shipped to the nurseries....to fill in the flower beds....I know what I want so it is just a matter of waiting for them to come in locally....Dylan and I have had a wonderful day tinkering around the yard and playing with the dogs......he is growing up so quickly and is so much fun....well with that we are going to head back out...until next time

Neglect

Our poor home was obviously neglected the last couple of years before we purchased it....it just wasn't kept up and properly maintained.....It has been rewarding watching it come back to the home it once was....though the years have added wear to our home it has also adds a special character to the home....perhaps that is what I enjoy most about old homes....the challenge of taking something odd or out of place and transforming it into something special.....after the morning snow storm we were able to work in the yard this afternoon.....I am beginning to get excited as it is beginning to transform into something special.....the back patio will be awesome....the front yard is coming together...I am going to pick up mulch tomorrow and Monday we will get all the flower beds designed and prepped for planting....I think probably Monday or Tuesday we will start on the dog fence and get that done....then we will move to getting the iron fence ordered and have Collin make the shutters and some special design treatments for the home and get my long awaited iron flower boxes hung.....the back patio I think will really be a special place....it will go from one of the worst outside areas to probably one of the coolest.....we are also making a outdoor coffee table out of this giant flat rock that was a part of stepping stone in the back yard....it is to large to move out of the back area and Collin came up with the idea of turning it into a table....the rest of the rocks found a home around the giant pine tree in the front yard....I am also hoping to salvage a old ladder and wheel barrow and turn them into unique planters...they are remnants from the previous owner....our lanterns will find a home on the brick wall and looking forward to putting our furniture out...well with that Dylan is ready for bed and it is time to go........

Rain Rain go away

It has been raining slash snowing for the last 2 days pretty much non stop and is suppose to last until Sunday.....it has caused a little stress...we got the backyard patio poured....it will be awesome but it leaves no place for the dogs to go potty that is fenced....so taking the dogs out in the rain to go potty and having to chase after a puppy in the rain is getting a little old....we will have the dogs yard fenced in this next week on Collin's 4 day....so that will be a lot easier to send them out and not have to chase after them or wait for them to go....speaking of dogs....Jackson is really a pretty awesome puppy he is so mellow, smart, and gets along so well with both Winston and Maggie...and is such a lover...loves to be cuddled and is now going to the door to go potty.....did I mention that Mr Mooks really likes the puppy and is constantly rubbing up against him....I don't think Jackson realizes that Mooks is a cat or what a cat is....he doesn't really give Mooks much attention but seems to like it when he rubs up against him...Dylan's vocabulary along with his appetite seems to be growing everyday....lets see was home today...it was a good day to be home the weather was cold and dreary...and well when you want to be getting ready for summer and out in the yard it is slightly frustrating....tomorrow I have 2 open houses and need to be in the office early to get caught up on some work...if the weather clears on Sunday or Saturday afternoon I will head out to buy the rest of the perennials that we will need to plant for the flower beds........right now I have 30 or so plants sitting in the living room......we will just watch the weather...........Collin and Dylan I think have a couple of errands to run but otherwise should have a day off together to enjoy..........until next time

Fits

I have a incredible ability to forget when things don't always go so well.....I guess it is probably a good thing for the most part....but I did want to share 3 fits that we had while on our trip in San Francisco.....Dylan was only responsible for one of them....
Dylan's Fit----truly Dylan was a champ for most of the trip....on the plane ride home Dylan slept most of the way and woke for the landing....at that time we tried to put on Dylan's croc's (his favorite pair of comfy sandals) he didn't want his shoes on...so to avoid a melt down at landing we didn't push it....fully understanding that this was all about control ...he loves these shoes...he just wanted control and was testing us...as we got off the plane and knowing we couldn't carry him through the airport that it was time and necessary to put his shoes on....we got his shoes on and he immediately started to scream and cry....Collin took his shoes off....I was like seriously Collin you didn't just take his shoes off....we discussed our dilemma and decided that Dylan needed to put his shoes on....we stopped at a passenger waiting area and I held Dylan as Collin put the shoes on this screaming and crying little boy...once the shoes were on Dylan proceeded to throw himself on the ground...his usual fit throwing position...we stayed next to him...explained to him how he has to wear his shoes and offered to carry him....the good news is Dylan's entire fits last about 2 minutes at most...but in the corner was this most awful woman ever.....she was completely appalled at our parenting skills....she of course only caught the tail end of the entire ordeal...she caught the holding the child down and putting on the shoes part.....of course we both already feel terrible and really didn't need her to make it even worse....within 45 seconds or so...Collin was able to pick Dylan up and off we went within another minute or so he was begging to get down to run to the unmanned golf cart and to check it out....the fit and hating wearing his shoes long forgotten.....the mean old terrible woman etched in our minds for sometime

Fit #2- that would be my fit....driving in a city that you don't know...much less one as busy and congested as San Francisco can be very stressful....Collin was driving so I am not sure why it was so stressful for me but it was....we are preparing to return the rental car...and the gps and the road signs aren't matching....well they really were...but I was reading them wrong...so they were not matching up in my mind....anyways I got very stressed because I told Collin to turn and he didn't turn....he didn't turn because the GPS told him not to turn...I got angry and asked him why he didn't listen to me...that he was suppose to turn....he then got anxious...well because I was stressed and anxious because I thought we missed the turn..he made a complete detour and tried to follow my directions...and just as he was about to turn where I told him to turn.....as we read the sign correctly it was obvious that I was wrong....very wrong....he will never admit it but I know he was very pleased with me making a entire ass of myself...I laughed nervously and completely apologized...he followed up with the comment that if we were on The Amazing Race I would get tons of hate mail for my behavior....he is probably right I would have....but with the next fit....he would get some mail himself

Fit #3- Collin's fit.....yes he has fits....he isn't as perfect as all of you think....though pretty close....
anyways we are making our way to the airport on our final day....we just got off the cable car bus and headed downstairs to the subway....we make our way to the ticket counter----let me remind you that we live in a city that has approximately 10 major intersections on 4 main roads....so we are not very familiar with subways.....as we get situated drop our luggage and car seat..we figure out that this automated ticket machine does not take credit cards but it states that one down the way will...we head down the hall to the next set of ticket machines....we figure out how much we need the ticket for our trip fares.....Collin begins to try to work the machine...and gets totally frustrated and starts yelling that the dumb thing doesn't work and threatens to hit the machine.....yes he has these crazy moments of outburst...as he takes a moment to calm down...I begin to play with the ticket machine and figure out how it works....as I am getting the tickets he decides to re engage and goes to hit the wrong button...I tell him don't hit that button....he actually has enough nerve to tell me that I didn't need to yell...though he just finished yelling and screaming and having a melt down because he thinks the machine is broken....I would imagine that this would make pretty good Amazing Race Footage....I can see them showing Collin having a mini melt down yelling and screaming and threatening to break the machine and then cutting to me getting the machine to work and him getting made again and telling me not to yell when he tries to help and is hitting the wrong buttons..........I quickly added a quick comment that his behavior might get him some unfavorable Amazing Race commentary of his own....thrilled and relieved that we got our tickets we both had a quick laugh and made our way on to the subway.......

Were Back

It is always good to go away...since it makes coming home feel so good.......well we thoroughly enjoyed our trip to San Francisco...It was great to see Jeanie and her family.....it has been way to long...it really has been a wonderful friendship...Jeanie and I became friends in 7th grade when she moved to the states from China....we have always remained close through the years....she married 5 years ago and has a little boy Cameron who is 3....most of my grade school classmates have children that are much older....so it has been extra special that we are in similar places at the same time in our lives...

While we were in the Bay Area we were blessed with good weather....we flew in on Saturday visited and let the boys get to know each other...Sunday we headed out to the Oakland Zoo....took in the animals and they had children rides at the entrance to the park...Dylan loved the carousel and loved riding the train through the Zoo....we finished the day with afternoon BBQ and ice cream....Monday we made our way into San Francisco and took in Pier 39, rode the Cable Cars, rode the most beautiful double decker carousel on the Wharf...watched the seals..fed the Seagulls which Dylan called Bock Bocks....we call chickens Bock Bocks....so he thinks all birds are Bock Bocks....makes sense to me....we also enjoyed some great fresh seafood....we ate right on the wharf off of the food carts.....I also managed to eat a entire loaf of San Fransisco Sour Dough bread...absolutely the best and well missed here in Cheyenne...we said good bye to Jeanie, Paul, and Cameron and spent the night at the Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf....we took in a little In and Out for dinner and made our way to the hot tub to end the evening....we got up Tuesday and headed out for breakfast and to pick up a couple of small souvenirs...we left the rental car at the airport on Monday since parking in San Francisco is fairly outrageous....we had a pretty good time and adventure making our way to the airport on Tuesday....we started out on a cable car bus....then made our way to the subway from the subway we made our way to terminal train at the Airport and then finally to the Airport.....Dylan handled the entire trip like a champ and had a great time running his way through San Francisco....we packed fairly light....one suit case, one back pack, and a car seat...so it was easy enough maneuvering through the city...Jeanie was shocked with how light we travel with a child....I guess it just works for us....I don't think we would go as much or enjoy it as much as we do....and Dylan doesn't seem to notice or miss anything...in fact I think for our trip to DC we are going to pack even lighter for Collin and I when it comes to clothes but we have decided to invest in a cheap light weight fold up stroller for Dylan....


I really enjoyed visiting San Fransisco but don't miss the fast pace or crowds of California. though I wish we had more cultural diversity in Cheyenne...I am glad to be raising Dylan in a community such as Cheyenne....I love the sense of community and the size of Cheyenne....I really don't ever see myself living in a community any larger than Cheyenne....realistically with Collin's career we will spend the rest of our lives here in Cheyenne...and that is just fine with me.....

Well our patio is finished and looks good....they have a little more work to do then we can start putting furniture on it and getting it decked out for summer...Collin is hoping to get our storage shed up this weekend and then the fence for the dogs on the side yard sometime next week.....since the dogs don't have a fenced area to go potty until this is done....which is ok...just more work and having to be with them when they go out....I have also bought some additional annuals for my pots and for those wonderful window boxes I still need to order....I won't plant anything for another 2 weeks or so just in case of a last minute freeze or snow storm....well with that it is time to go

San Francisco here we come

Tomorrow morning we will make our way to San Francisco....I am finally getting excited and looking forward to a break...we are going to see friends for Saturday and Sunday....I think take in a local zoo on Sunday and then head back into San Francisco on Monday morning we will be staying at Fisherman's Wharf on Monday night and hoping to spend the day at the Aquarium and take in Pier 39...I am very excited about visiting Boudin's Bakery and having some fresh hot sour dough bread....we are traveling home Tuesday afternoon so we will have the morning to spend taking in some sights....The puppy is doing wonderful...work is slammed....Dylan is eating more.....lets see I bought some shade perennials for two of the flower beds in the front yard...so we will plant those when we get back....our patio is suppose to be poured while we are gone....we have decided that the old sprinkler system will work with some minor repairs and this will allow us to splurge on a iron fence for the front....I always wanted a iron fence for the front but it was just way to expensive to justify....Collin did a little checking on the Internet and found a iron fence company that was 1/3 of the cost of what I was finding...we received our quote back yesterday and have decided to move forward with it....it will be probably $2000.00 or so more than a wooden fence but we will be saving just around $2000.00 on the sprinkler...so we decided to go for it.....so we still need the fence, outdoor shed, storm windows, planters, shutters, and design and plant 3 more flower beds in front of the home and then well I have to sell more houses if we want anything else...we have been planning and budgeting for the above improvements since we bought the home....I think though after these improvements we will probably call it good for a year or so.....next year we need to invest in another rental property so we won't have any cash for extra home improvements....but that's ok....our home is way livable as it is.....I am glad though that we are getting the yard done so that it will function better for our family and look nicer also.....I think after this spring and summer we will be ready to take a break this winter on home improvements ...well with that until next time

Update

Lets see so much has happened since our last blog....first and foremost we have a new addition to the family....Jackson a Bernese Mountain dog puppy...........I know I know....what were we thinking....why did Collin agree to such outrageous irresponsible behavior....blah blah blah and more blah....by now most of you should know me well enough that I am just a little out there...and well I like it that way....up until almost 2 years ago I always had 3 dogs my entire adult life.....and well I liked it....once Ardie and Solomon died I think Collin thought that we would not be returning to a 3 dog family....to ease all of your minds.....I have never had 4 dogs.....so we will be stopping at 3.....anyways Jackson is a delightful and very easy puppy....he has fit into the family quite well.......I think Collin is even surprised how smooth things are going....all 3 dogs get along wonderfully and Dylan really likes his new puppy.....we will have to get pictures up....I think Collin has put some on face book.........lets see work has been busy busy and very busy....



Aunt Megan and Avery made a quick trip to Colorado and came to Wyoming to spend the day.....Avery is a delightful little girl and so smart....Avery and Dylan played some together but really needed more time to warm up to each other....it is nice that Dylan has a cousin so close to his age....it will be fun to watch them grow up as cousins.......



Dylan's piano showed up yesterday...thank goodness it arrived broken and we can return it at no charge.....it was very disappointing ...not the broken part just the piano in general...it won't be replaced......



Collin and I went out on the town for a evening for the first time since Dylan was born....we went to the Fur Ball a charity auction and dinner fundraiser for the animal shelter....we had a wonderful time....thanks to Penny.....we also have found one of the fireman's daughter to come and babysit for us this summer to give us a additional break from time to time.......



Crash...Dylan decided to ride his peddle trike off the front porch...ouch he landed lip first....after lots of blood and crying and a trip to Emergent Care....all is well mostly bruised and hopefully no more Evil Knievel tricks out of our little guy



Saturday we head to San Fransisco.....we have been to busy to be excited yet.....



The weather is beautiful here today....Dylan and I went to bed at 6:30 last night....we were both exhausted.....I am not working today since Collin is working....so we are going to make the most of the good weather....play in the yard...start to figure out my flower beds and head to the park....tonight we are also going to head to a community children's carnival and get all the laundry done.....



Tomorrow will be another long day at work...........but all is well