Summer Cleaning

I got on a mid-summer cleaning roll today. I was determined to clean the carpets and while I was at it, I decided to wash curtains as well.

I found a carpet cleaner recipe online a few years ago. It calls for 1/4 cup Tide liquid, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 1/3 cup ammonia. I decided to give it a try today. I was a little worried that either the vinegar or the ammonia smell would be overpowering but when I mixed them all together, it just had a beautiful fresh, clean scent. I mixed them in a glas measuring pitcher and just used the amount the cleaning machine called for. It cleaned my carpets amazingly well! I knew it had to work fairly well because of the Tide but I wasn't expecting the good results I got. And the best part is, its so economical and my house smells so fresh and clean!!

Mid-Summer Notes

Here in the K.C. area, we have been in HOT weather for the past two weeks now. Mid to upper 90's. I'm focusing on staying cool. The air-conditioning went out in my car last fall and I was so hoping it was just a leak in a hose somewhere...It wasn't....it's the compressor and frankly, the cost of repairing it is far more than I want to invest in the car at this point. In the meantime, it makes for some long HOT rides. Come on fall!!

We are in the process of preparing our house for painting. We knew it was going to need to be painted when we moved in 7 or so years ago. It's been kind of fun picking out the colors and I'm finding I'm usually drawn to Cape Cod colors....gray-blues, clean whites, dark blues, and cranberry. So that's what we're going with. A gray-blue for the main house, crisp-clean white for the trim and porch rails, charcoal blue for the porch floor,and a dark cranberry for the front door. I can't wait to see it done!

My Newest Niece

If you are family, you've already met her.

If not, this is my newest neice, Emma Grace.

Born to my sister, Elizabeth, her husband, Paul and their 6 other children on July 6.

I can't wait to meet her! I LOVE all my neices and nephews and wish I didn't live so far from them.

Sometimes It's Hard

My sister, Elizabeth, and I have lived no less than 16 hours apart since we moved to Kansas 13 1/2 years ago. For the most part, life and time take over and you get used to the distance and you get on with your life. That doesn't mean I like it, it just means I'm used to it. But there are the days when I really get to missing my sister (who lives in Georgia) and my brother (who lives in Florida) and at these times I wish I could go have lunch with either of them or go see a movie or just hang out and talk.

Monday, July 5, is my sister's 44th birthday (yes, I'm telling her age because she would have NO PROBLEM sharing mine). On Tuesday, July 6, she will be giving birth to her 7th child. It's times like these when I really don't like the distance at all. In a way, I almost ache to be near her. I would be with her and support her as much as possible in the hospital if I could. I'd love on her precious new baby girl like the proud, doting aunt that I'd like to be. Yep, this one's a hard one. So Elizabeth, I know you'll read this at some point. Know that Tuesday you will be in my constant thought and prayers. I LOVE our bond of sisterhood!!!!! I love you!!

A New Phase of Life

Kids leaving home does have its advantages. I realized the other day that I have reached a stage of life that I haven't been in since Joshua was a baby...24 years ago.

When I clean my house, it actually STAYS CLEAN!!!!!

Blooming

The previous owners of our house sure did know what they were doing when they planted the flower beds in our yard. Something is always blooming. It starts in the earliest spring months with the little crocus flowers. We then transition into the daffodills, tulips, magnolias. Next comes the iris' and peonies then roses. Now we are enjoying tiger lillies. Josh added some new perrenials in a pond garden he and Cliff have been working on.

Moving Day

Having a little brother who is strong does have its advantages... She only had to buy him lunch!!

Having a little sister who is taller than you had its advantages too!!!

Miss Independent!!