Things that I love:
*Our mortgage, even with taxes and insurance, is less than rent for a decent apartment around here
*4 bedrooms (on the smaller side, but still 4)
*Living room PLUS fairly large separate family room
*Central heating and CENTRAL AIR!! (I have been turning on heat room to room since I started living on my own)
*All one level (one less stress with a toddler and future toddler!)
*HUGE corner lot, the back yard needs work, but is BIG
*Very quiet cul-de-sac
*Great elementary school
*Within walking distance of public pool, which offers inexpensive memberships and classes
*Very close to gym with same as above
Things I'll Accept:
*1 1/2 bath, with the 1/2 in the master. This will change within a few months to a full bath!
*Kitchen is on the smaller side and outdated. This is on our list over the next couple of years. It certainly will do the job, just needs some updating.
*Though the yard is HUGE, it needs some serious landscaping. Again, a project for the next year or more. We plan to weed, trim, etc. We also want to put in some raised beds to start a garden (this may wait a year, since I'll be busy with a new baby this spring...) and eventually a play structure for the kids.
*The crummy, small cement 'patio'. Again, in the next few years, we'd love a deck or something similar.
*Ugly, dirty family room carpet. Will be done in the next month.
Things That Need Attention ASAP:
*CLEANING. Seriously, I don't know what the sellers were thinking. They are so lucky we were able to see past their ungodly, hoarder-like housekeeping skills. Cleaners are arriving first thing Saturday morning!
*Removal of the 2 hornet nests in the crawlspace. (exterminator coming Tuesday)
*Furnace and ducts cleaned and serviced (Wednesday)
*All gutters replaced and roof cleaned (next week, hopefully)
*Painting the entire interior. Nelson and a couple of guys from church will start this weekend.
*Repair hole in living room wall (Saturday)
*Minor plumbing (will be done when we upgrade the bath, okay to wait that long)
*Minor electrical (within the next week; Nelson's dad is a certified electrician)
*Dishwasher needs replacing (within the next week)
*No window treatments. We are going to buy temporary blinds where necessary (this weekend) and I'll add curtains over the next couple of weeks.
So, all in all, things are looking GREAT! Hopefully we'll get a LOT done in the next few days and can move in ASAP. SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
A Berry Nice Summer
Being our in the backyard this summer can be summed up with one word: Blueberries!! My parents have five blueberry bushes in their back yard and they produce PLENTY of berries during July and August. We have to compete with five dogs, who LOVE to eat berries right off of the bush, but since they are all low to the ground, there are plenty left for the humans!
Kalaya loves to pick them, especially with Oma, and when she was visiting, Ma Ma (great grandma). She goes out and says, 'cmon Oma, get bucket/bowl and pick booooobewwies!!!' If no one is around to assist, she grabs her sand bucket and helps herself. Or, she just picks them and feeds them to the doggies. The funny thing is, she doesn't really like to eat them plain. She prefers them baked into pancakes or muffins or mixed into smoothies, yogurt or oatmeal.
Enjoy the pics!
Kalaya loves to pick them, especially with Oma, and when she was visiting, Ma Ma (great grandma). She goes out and says, 'cmon Oma, get bucket/bowl and pick booooobewwies!!!' If no one is around to assist, she grabs her sand bucket and helps herself. Or, she just picks them and feeds them to the doggies. The funny thing is, she doesn't really like to eat them plain. She prefers them baked into pancakes or muffins or mixed into smoothies, yogurt or oatmeal.
Enjoy the pics!
Helping Ma Ma
Helping Oma
(note the doggies eagerly waiting)
Admiring the bounty!
Happy helpers, who gain about 3 pounds from the berries every summer...
Helping Oma
(note the doggies eagerly waiting)
Admiring the bounty!
Happy helpers, who gain about 3 pounds from the berries every summer...
Upcoming Events
Oh boy, oh boy, oh BOY!! BIG and exciting things happening to the Sigrah family in the upcoming weeks! I will probably have less time than ever to blog, because look as this schedule:
This week:
Tues: Trip to the beach with my mom
Wed: SIGNING FINAL DOCUMENTS FOR OUR HOUSE!!
Thurs: Shopping and finalizing HS reunion plans
Fri: CLOSING and getting the keys!! (hoping our realtor can get cleaners in to deep clean the whole house!!)
Sat: High school reunion BBQ, hoping to get some priming and possible painting done on the house, start taking loads over.
Sun: Nelson and some guys from our church will hopefully get a BIG chunk of painting done
Next week:
Mon-Thurs: Finishing all painting, visits from exterminators, plumbers, and roofing/gutter guys. Take loads over every day of our crap.
Fri: (after Nelson works a full day....) Pick up U-Haul and move remainder of stuff from my parents' house and storage unit. Mainly just to get furniture in house, unpack a couple of boxes.
Sat-Tues: Camping at the coast
Note: We made the reservations to do this in MAY. Long before we knew what would happen. Yes, we've considered cancelling, but don't want to lose the money and actually are really looking forward to the time away together just the 3 of us.
Following week:
(Labor Day) Mon: My niece Allie arrives from Texas
Wed-Fri: Watch my niece and Kalaya while attempting to unpack our house.
Sat: My brother's girlfriend and son arrive from Kentucky. Luckily, Allie, Holly and Archer will be staying at my parents' house from this point on.
Sun: My brother is scheduled to arrive for his mid-tour leave from Afghanistan!!
Following weekend: Pendleton Round Up
Again, all good, exciting things, but WHEW!! We are going to need a vacation from all of this!!!
This week:
Tues: Trip to the beach with my mom
Wed: SIGNING FINAL DOCUMENTS FOR OUR HOUSE!!
Thurs: Shopping and finalizing HS reunion plans
Fri: CLOSING and getting the keys!! (hoping our realtor can get cleaners in to deep clean the whole house!!)
Sat: High school reunion BBQ, hoping to get some priming and possible painting done on the house, start taking loads over.
Sun: Nelson and some guys from our church will hopefully get a BIG chunk of painting done
Next week:
Mon-Thurs: Finishing all painting, visits from exterminators, plumbers, and roofing/gutter guys. Take loads over every day of our crap.
Fri: (after Nelson works a full day....) Pick up U-Haul and move remainder of stuff from my parents' house and storage unit. Mainly just to get furniture in house, unpack a couple of boxes.
Sat-Tues: Camping at the coast
Note: We made the reservations to do this in MAY. Long before we knew what would happen. Yes, we've considered cancelling, but don't want to lose the money and actually are really looking forward to the time away together just the 3 of us.
Following week:
(Labor Day) Mon: My niece Allie arrives from Texas
Wed-Fri: Watch my niece and Kalaya while attempting to unpack our house.
Sat: My brother's girlfriend and son arrive from Kentucky. Luckily, Allie, Holly and Archer will be staying at my parents' house from this point on.
Sun: My brother is scheduled to arrive for his mid-tour leave from Afghanistan!!
Following weekend: Pendleton Round Up
Again, all good, exciting things, but WHEW!! We are going to need a vacation from all of this!!!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
What I Wore Wednesday 8/17
Confession: I still watch Kate Plus 8 every week, even though their family went a little crazy. She's about the go off the air soon, which I definitely think it's time for, but I still like watching the kids. I am forever connected to that show, because I discovered it at the end of my first pregnancy and while I was nursing a baby late at night. The early episodes were sweet and I miss it and it will always be in my heart. : )
What that has to do with fashion is this: on Monday's episode, she made a statement that literally made me say "AMEN!" and clap for her out loud. "Mother's get a window until their youngest child is 5, where they are allowed to look frumpy, wear old clothes, tshirts, etc, because they're changing their clothes from messes ten times a day anyway!!!" (or something like that) While I applaud women who dress cute every day, it isn't for me. Heck, it wasn't even for me at the time in my life when I felt the most pressure to dress a certain way; high school. I wore what I felt like a lot of the time and that often meant super comfy and casual. If we leave the house, I usually try to at least get out of sweats, but not always. Nelson jokes that we often look homeless at the grocery store together. : ) I love my husband.
The last few weeks have looked like the pics below pretty much every day. I have had some cute looks, but was too busy to grab the camera. The good news is, these clothes are evidence of two MAJOR things: CLEANING and PACKING!!! I have been working on getting things ready to take to our NEW HOUSE, so these types of outfits are a beautiful thing!
(not that you care, but...)
shirt: Youth Group Mission Trip Summer 2010
shorts: Westview (my high school) Football shorts, stolen from my brother (shhhh...)
What that has to do with fashion is this: on Monday's episode, she made a statement that literally made me say "AMEN!" and clap for her out loud. "Mother's get a window until their youngest child is 5, where they are allowed to look frumpy, wear old clothes, tshirts, etc, because they're changing their clothes from messes ten times a day anyway!!!" (or something like that) While I applaud women who dress cute every day, it isn't for me. Heck, it wasn't even for me at the time in my life when I felt the most pressure to dress a certain way; high school. I wore what I felt like a lot of the time and that often meant super comfy and casual. If we leave the house, I usually try to at least get out of sweats, but not always. Nelson jokes that we often look homeless at the grocery store together. : ) I love my husband.
The last few weeks have looked like the pics below pretty much every day. I have had some cute looks, but was too busy to grab the camera. The good news is, these clothes are evidence of two MAJOR things: CLEANING and PACKING!!! I have been working on getting things ready to take to our NEW HOUSE, so these types of outfits are a beautiful thing!
(not that you care, but...)
shirt: Youth Group Mission Trip Summer 2010
shorts: Westview (my high school) Football shorts, stolen from my brother (shhhh...)
Friday, August 12, 2011
Ketchup
Lots and lots going on lately (it's taken me about 4 days just to finish this post!!), not been motivated to post! Here's a run down:
*Had another midwife appointment yesterday and everything looked great! I got to hear the heartbeat and it was good and strong. I've gained 4 pounds total and am measuring right on schedule. Blood pressure was great as well. I'm about 15 1/2 weeks and am definitely showing. The first trimester symptoms seem to be fading away (knock on wood), so I'm feeling better. I definitely have more energy and my tummy has been feeling a lot better. Some foods are tasting normal again, but not all. We have our ultrasound to find out gender the 2nd week in September, very exciting!!
*Had a very, very up and down emotional last weekend. On the positive, went to a bridal shower and bachelorette party with college friends and had a really good time. However, it was soured by the stress I've been getting for the last week about my high school reunion. I AM SO SICK OF IT. Long story short, I was part of a committee last fall, they ALL bailed on me, I scrambled to plan something any way, with the help of one other person, came up with (what I thought) were 2 nice events, priced VERY reasonably, put down a large deposit, got negative feedback and not enough RSVPs, cancelled the evening reception because of it, kept the day time BBQ (this was about March-May) and have JUST NOW started getting people who 'wanted to come, but now all of this is too last minute'. ARE YOU FRICKIN KIDDING ME??? People have been posting really, really rude things on Facebook, which I'm trying to ignore, but it's been hard. Where these people were a year ago when we started planning.....I've kind of stopped caring. The good news is SO many people have said very nice things to me and been very grateful and understanding, so I feel much better.
* We are so, so close to getting the house!! Our offer was finally approved a couple of weeks ago and we are scheduled to close on the 26th, 2 weeks from today! It is not completely move in ready though. We will be hiring cleaners BIG TIME and then painting the inside. The family room carpet needs replacing too. The inspection turned out some minor repairs, including replacing the gutters, minor plumbing and electric and needing a new dishwasher, so we'll take care of those as well. Plus, there are some hornets nests to get rid of. Luckily, all of this is in our budget, which is thanks to how long we've been saving, living at my parents' house. The house is a 4 br, 1 1/2 bath, but we can probably to upgrade the 1/2 bath (in the Master br) right away, which is totally awesome! So, the house definitely qualifies in the 'fixer-upper' category, but I'm totally excited. We went to Home Depot on Saturday and it was the beginning of a whole new world for me!! I have always loathed, hated, DESPISED that store, but now? I could spend hours in there, looking for ideas and inspiration. More about plans as we get further along in the process. I'm trying to decide on paint colors currently and am completely overwhelmed!! The good news is that the house had a lot of the major things replaced 4 years ago (furnace, AC, yes, central air!!, all the windows, floors), so the 'bones' are in pretty good shape, which saves us a lot of money.
*At 2 years, 3 months, Miss Kalaya has been enjoying the sun and summer weather we've been having. On warm days, she has a her wading pool on back and we've taken several trips to local fountains to play. She will be starting swim lessons almost immediately after we get into the new house. (long story why we've waited, but the short story is that it's cheaper this way!!) One of the things I am most excited about for the new house is that potty training will kick into high gear. She is beyond more than ready, just a few days of the diaper-free method is going to finish this process up, I'm convinced. I've wanted to do this for longer than the last 6 months, but didn't for 2 main reasons. 1. My parents have carpet that is fairly new and 2. I have heard over and over again that you should wait until after a major change like a move.
Some other favorite things these days are coloring (she can finally make the crayons do what she wants them to do, more or less), being read to, longer and longer 'big kid' stories, take walks, run around and explore rocks and leaves in the back yard, practicing walking the dogs on their leashes, pretending to cook a wide variety of foods, but 'rice and grapes' seem to be the most popular (neither of which I make too often....), eating 'melon' (water melon was a big success on the 4th and cantaloupe is too), practicing letters and their sounds, dancing, singing LOTS of songs, kissing 'mommy's baby', going to the park, getting stickers at Trader Joe's and Target, riding in 'Oma's new car', 'talking on the compooter' with family and friends, visiting 'Elena's new house', playing night night with all her animals and toys, watching 'Pig' (aka, Word World) and practicing 'let's build a word!!' on Saturday mornings (she only gets to watch TV on Sat mornings and Word World and Elmo's World and VERY occasionally Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) and lots and lots and LOTS of other activities. She is a little sponge, learning and soaking up SO much new information every day!!
*Had another midwife appointment yesterday and everything looked great! I got to hear the heartbeat and it was good and strong. I've gained 4 pounds total and am measuring right on schedule. Blood pressure was great as well. I'm about 15 1/2 weeks and am definitely showing. The first trimester symptoms seem to be fading away (knock on wood), so I'm feeling better. I definitely have more energy and my tummy has been feeling a lot better. Some foods are tasting normal again, but not all. We have our ultrasound to find out gender the 2nd week in September, very exciting!!
*Had a very, very up and down emotional last weekend. On the positive, went to a bridal shower and bachelorette party with college friends and had a really good time. However, it was soured by the stress I've been getting for the last week about my high school reunion. I AM SO SICK OF IT. Long story short, I was part of a committee last fall, they ALL bailed on me, I scrambled to plan something any way, with the help of one other person, came up with (what I thought) were 2 nice events, priced VERY reasonably, put down a large deposit, got negative feedback and not enough RSVPs, cancelled the evening reception because of it, kept the day time BBQ (this was about March-May) and have JUST NOW started getting people who 'wanted to come, but now all of this is too last minute'. ARE YOU FRICKIN KIDDING ME??? People have been posting really, really rude things on Facebook, which I'm trying to ignore, but it's been hard. Where these people were a year ago when we started planning.....I've kind of stopped caring. The good news is SO many people have said very nice things to me and been very grateful and understanding, so I feel much better.
* We are so, so close to getting the house!! Our offer was finally approved a couple of weeks ago and we are scheduled to close on the 26th, 2 weeks from today! It is not completely move in ready though. We will be hiring cleaners BIG TIME and then painting the inside. The family room carpet needs replacing too. The inspection turned out some minor repairs, including replacing the gutters, minor plumbing and electric and needing a new dishwasher, so we'll take care of those as well. Plus, there are some hornets nests to get rid of. Luckily, all of this is in our budget, which is thanks to how long we've been saving, living at my parents' house. The house is a 4 br, 1 1/2 bath, but we can probably to upgrade the 1/2 bath (in the Master br) right away, which is totally awesome! So, the house definitely qualifies in the 'fixer-upper' category, but I'm totally excited. We went to Home Depot on Saturday and it was the beginning of a whole new world for me!! I have always loathed, hated, DESPISED that store, but now? I could spend hours in there, looking for ideas and inspiration. More about plans as we get further along in the process. I'm trying to decide on paint colors currently and am completely overwhelmed!! The good news is that the house had a lot of the major things replaced 4 years ago (furnace, AC, yes, central air!!, all the windows, floors), so the 'bones' are in pretty good shape, which saves us a lot of money.
*At 2 years, 3 months, Miss Kalaya has been enjoying the sun and summer weather we've been having. On warm days, she has a her wading pool on back and we've taken several trips to local fountains to play. She will be starting swim lessons almost immediately after we get into the new house. (long story why we've waited, but the short story is that it's cheaper this way!!) One of the things I am most excited about for the new house is that potty training will kick into high gear. She is beyond more than ready, just a few days of the diaper-free method is going to finish this process up, I'm convinced. I've wanted to do this for longer than the last 6 months, but didn't for 2 main reasons. 1. My parents have carpet that is fairly new and 2. I have heard over and over again that you should wait until after a major change like a move.
Some other favorite things these days are coloring (she can finally make the crayons do what she wants them to do, more or less), being read to, longer and longer 'big kid' stories, take walks, run around and explore rocks and leaves in the back yard, practicing walking the dogs on their leashes, pretending to cook a wide variety of foods, but 'rice and grapes' seem to be the most popular (neither of which I make too often....), eating 'melon' (water melon was a big success on the 4th and cantaloupe is too), practicing letters and their sounds, dancing, singing LOTS of songs, kissing 'mommy's baby', going to the park, getting stickers at Trader Joe's and Target, riding in 'Oma's new car', 'talking on the compooter' with family and friends, visiting 'Elena's new house', playing night night with all her animals and toys, watching 'Pig' (aka, Word World) and practicing 'let's build a word!!' on Saturday mornings (she only gets to watch TV on Sat mornings and Word World and Elmo's World and VERY occasionally Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) and lots and lots and LOTS of other activities. She is a little sponge, learning and soaking up SO much new information every day!!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What I Wore Wed 8/3
Finally, I remembered to keep my camera near the mirror! It's been wonderful, perfect summer weather in the Northwest, so we've been outside a lot and enjoying the sun! I have realized I don't have a lot of summer maternity clothes (I didn't need them last pregnancy), so I have some mixes of maternity and non pieces this week. I'll mark those that are not. I'll also mark items purchased this year, incase someone out there just loves something! : )
Shirt: Motherhood (hand me down)
Shorts: Old Navy (hand me down)
Tank* and Bella Band* (not shown): Motherhood outlet
Shirt*, shorts*: Ross
This skirt is possibly the most comfortable piece of maternity clothing I've ever owned!! (my husband thinks it's hideous, but I don't care! : )
Shirt: Costco**
Skirt: Old Navy*
*Shirt**, *Dress**: Target
Shorts*: Ross
Shirt*: Old Navy
Tank*: Motherhood Outlet
*Shorts**: Old Navy
Necklace: Forever 21 accessory store
One last thing that helps me feel better is a pedicure. I go very infrequently and it's the only pampering I really do for myself. (I am not exaggerating. I get my hair cut as Great Clips and only with a coupon!!) It always feels so nice afterwards!
Shirt: Motherhood (hand me down)Shorts: Old Navy (hand me down)
Tank* and Bella Band* (not shown): Motherhood outlet
Shirt*, shorts*: RossThis skirt is possibly the most comfortable piece of maternity clothing I've ever owned!! (my husband thinks it's hideous, but I don't care! : )
Shirt: Costco**Skirt: Old Navy*
*Shirt**, *Dress**: TargetShorts*: Ross
Shirt*: Old NavyTank*: Motherhood Outlet
*Shorts**: Old Navy
Necklace: Forever 21 accessory store
*Purchased this season
**Non-Maternity
**Non-Maternity
The following outfit is proof of daily accomplishment. It means that I, as a pregnant mother of a toddler, was able to take a shower. It means my body, hair and teeth are cleaned. And THAT is beautiful every day!!!
One last thing that helps me feel better is a pedicure. I go very infrequently and it's the only pampering I really do for myself. (I am not exaggerating. I get my hair cut as Great Clips and only with a coupon!!) It always feels so nice afterwards!
I am linking up with That Kind of Mom.
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