Here begins a tale of life post work…at least for now. I quit my job (April 22nd) and almost immediately bought a 5 gallon bucket of paint. Flashback and remember that 3 years ago we built this fence in 100 degree heat, out of previously used salvaged fence. At the time our goal was mostly to get it standing. I… Read more →
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A Work in Progress
Something about getting through the holidays and starting a new year gets me itching for some new projects. 2025 kicked off with updated desks for the upstairs. Pro tip: get a small sized child (Andrew) who loves to build things and can fit inside most of the IKEA flat pack furniture. He’s my right hand man! Next came a… Read more →
Fall and Winter 2024
Summer ended with some normal end of summer things (like back to school) along with a few surprises. The unfortunate surprise was that just as my dahlias got going, a mid-summer spider mite infestation nearly killed them all dead. The flower season was pretty much a bust. You win some you lose some and this year, between the late snow… Read more →
Summertime and the livin’ ain’t easy
Just as we wrapped up a particularly challenging spring/school year, summer presented its own challenges. Within days of school getting out, our dear elderly Kiki had what I believe may have been a stroke or a seizure. We went off to the emergency vet straight away, but by the time they were able to see us she had mostly recovered… Read more →
Time Flies (when everything’s a mess)
When last we left the Baxter family they had just finished a major basement bathroom renovation. The good news is that in hindsight it was well worth the trouble. For whatever reason it quickly became the boys’ preferred place to shower. With a middle schooler showering before school every morning it really cuts down on the morning bathroom chaos in… Read more →
Christopher is 10!
Christopher has turned 10, and with that another birthday season has come to an end. Christopher continues to be a sweet kid and a goof. He’s got big feelings and I can only imagine what the tween years are going to bring with this one. He’s a bid distractable but to make up for it has the best giggle on… Read more →
Andrew is 8!
Me and this boy made it to 8. 8 whole years of boy energy. 8 years of growing and learning and wreaking havoc. 8 years of tormenting his brothers (especially Chris). 8 years of having Dad wrapped around his little finger. 8 years of knowing exactly how to turn on the cute. I’m glad we’ve made it this far, but… Read more →
William is 12!
William, who is now solidly a middle-schooler, turned 12 this spring. He’s come out of his shell a bit this year (as much as any introverted, anxious, perfectionist can). He started participating in chess club after school and was able to represent his middle school at the district chess tournament. He won 4 of his 7 matches and had some… Read more →
Deck the Halls, or another project of your choice
As discussed in the prior post, I got a new job in September, which left me working 2 jobs (by choice) until Thanksgiving. It was essentially the equivalent of a full time job for 2 months, but it definitely didn’t leave time for much else. Upon cutting back to one job, I got thinking about the new year coming up… Read more →
Back to School and other new beginnings
Back to school is a time of great excitement and anxiety for me each year. I’m always happy to have the kids back learning and seeing their friends, but also a bit anxious about how they will enjoy school each year. Will they make friends? Will they like their teachers? What sort of crazy germs will they bring home? Will… Read more →