Kiersten’s Blog

Last year I did a fitness challenge headed up by a friend from college. This year she’s doing another one and I’m committing to it once more. I used to be really good about getting up and going walking or jogging in the mornings. I would push the kids in the stroller. They would be happy because they got out, and I would be happy because I got out and exercised. Lately, though, our routine hasn’t been so routine anymore. I have a stroller that needs fixing. I also have a daughter that hast to be at school 3 days a week. Then, of course, we have moved so I don’t have an established route yet. Anyway, enough with the excuses. I’m jumping on the fitness bandwagon starting Monday (incidentally my birthday). You’re welcome to join us too. Check out the challenge on Jenni’s blog. Let’s all get motivated together!

Four years ago, we spent a week and a half at my parents house for Christmas.  It was London’s first.  We had a good time, but decided after that, that from then on, we would have Christmas at our own house, with our own little family.  I was excited this year to get a house for Christmas.  The problem was, it wasn’t done in time.  So Christmas was a little crazy for us this year.  We were staying with Taylor’s parents and driving back and forth from their place to our new place (close to 100 miles each way) daily, as we worked on the house.  Luckily for us, the kids were able to stay with them, which was a huge help for us in getting work done.  Because of all the craziness, I wasn’t even able to do my Christmas shopping until Christmas eve.  Even so, we had a nice time.  It was fun to spend time with family.  The kids had a great time.  London loved the advent calendars at Granny’s house, and she even remembered that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday.

On Christmas eve, Santa (Papa) showed up and brought the kids their traditional Christmas eve books (which I bought earlier that day because the ones I bought on the after Christmas clearance last year are still packed away in some unknown place).  Miraculously, neither of the kids were afraid of the bearded man.  Ashton just couldn’t stop looking at him, and London was excited to get her present.

The next morning, Santa left them a wagon, amongst other things.  Ashton’s favorite gift was his little pair of Crocs.  He likes how they squeak when he gnaws on them.  London’s favorite gift, by far, was the princess treasure chest filled with princess costumes.  For the first week or so, she changed her clothes no less than 50 times a day.  My favorite part of Christmas this year was taking London to the 99 cent store, where she picked out gifts for everybody and then wrapped them herself.  She was really excited about that part.  All in all, we had a nice time and I’m glad we got to spend it with family.  I am excited for next year when I can decorate my own house.

Most of my kitchen cabinets were in pretty bad condition.  I bought a bunch of shelf paper and my mother-in-law and I went to town.  Some of them we just covered over the existing paper, but if it was peeling up, we pulled it up and re-covered the shelf.  There were three layers.  I love to see the changes in the paper from decade to decade.  I’m guessing the first one was added in the 70s sometime, maybe when the place was brand new.  The next, I’m guessing was in the 80s, and the final layer (walpaper) was probably added in the 90s.  Lovely.

London really wanted to help with the flooring.  She was excited that it fit together like a puzzle.  She found scraps and placed them together so she could help Daddy.  She was so proud of her work.  She’ll probably always think that she actually did some of the floor all by herself.

What a difference two weeks makes.  And what a crazy two weeks it has been.  Thanks to Taylor’s family, we were able to move our stuff in a couple of days ago.  His mom stayed the night to help with the kids and she also organized London’s room, which was a huge task.  That girl has way too many toys!  We cleaned and cleaned and cleaned.  Have I mentioned how gross this place was?  I can’t mention it enough.  It was DISGUSTING!!!!  I spent a lot of time chipping off dried on food and who knows what else from cabinets and toilets.  I did a lot of scrubbing.  My fingertips were so sore I couldn’t use them anymore.  For some reason, they’re also swollen.  We’re still living in a bit of a mess, but I do feel accomplished.  I LOVE what we’ve done with the place, but I will say that I NEVER want to have to move anywhere else that I have to do so much work to make it live-able.  That said, I’m glad we could make it our own and choose exactly what we want.  So, without further ado, here are some pictures.  I’ll post more later when we’re more done.  We’re still living in a work in progress.

Dining room