SOOF Wednesday

Since many of you emailed and asked, (and when I say many, I mean no one), why there were no posts last week, it was because we were busy.

When I asked the younger members of my family a short while back to list what makes them think "Old Fart", they all sent me several examples. I chose from those, but Shannon sent hers in too late for the post.

However, her comment must be addressed, because it is true. She said, "The inability to do more than one thing a day." I am afraid she may be right.

I don't know when this happened, because I used to do A LOT in one day. I worked, juggled three kids and their schedules, cooked, and cleaned, just as other moms and dads do.

Now it is an all day affair to do the laundry or clean up my office. How did this happen?
I know Shannon was not just talking about me. Several of my retired friends and I have talked about this oddity that takes place during this time of our life. Why one of the old fart authors himself couldn't write last week because he was spending time with his grandchildren.

Too busy to write a post
Pat and his granddaughter

Isaac and I headed to the coastal region of Texas.

Well, spending time with my grandchildren is my excuse too. I was in Houston with Lucy and Ava. We were busy and there was not much quiet time for writing.

Lucy and I mugging for the iPhone camera.

Ava turned four last week. I brought in gifts from Miles and Michelle and us.

The microphone was a big hit-with Ava. Joanie said, "Ava, we will have to write Aunt Michelle a special thank you note for this gift."

Do not let this face make you think Ava didn't like this Little Pony DVD. I meant to destroy it before I left Houston. I don't know why the makers of these children shows have to make the voices so irritating. Are they just trying to make grown people and puppies cry? The government needs to use this to torture prisoners. Or, maybe I was just past doing my one thing a day limit.

Lucy was too busy juggling calls and looking chic to bother with those Ponies.

I figured if ponies were popular, we might as well do them right. So off we went to the carousel. (actually, Joanie suggested it)

Oh the joy! 

So even though spending time getting one thing accomplished a day, or even a week, does SOOF, it can be very rewarding.

Media Monday-NOT

Our Fourth began by picking up Scarlett. She was staying with us for a few days. Ben was spending a few days with Shannon's parents, (Gene and Diane), and Scarlett was staying with us. Later in the day, we met Miles and Michelle over at his parents house for swimming, food, and fun.

Scarlett and sparklers-

Scarlett and Cora

Cora and her Fourth of July costume. I babysat Cora a couple of weeks ago and put her in this hat. Let this be a lesson to her parents to be careful with whom they leave their baby. (poor kid)

Barry happened to have a couple of days off during this time, so he, Scarlett, and I took an overnight trip to Houston.  Barry had not had a chance to see Jacob and Joanie's new house.   

We arrived Thursday.  Scarlett and Ava had huge hugs for each other.  We spent the afternoon swimming and playing. Sounds idyllic doesn't it.  That's because I totally forgot to tell you about some tantrums, competitiveness, hunger, and exhaustion issues, and a summer virus that developed. (and I might not just be talking about the kids.)

Ooh, and, of course, the car trouble. Friday, after a morning at the pool, we were off to lunch.  Barry and I were going to follow Joanie and the kiddos and leave for Mansfield after eating.  Everyone was loaded into their car seats, but Barry's car wouldn't start. Since he was parked behind Joanie, we had to push him out of the driveway.  Joanie and I were very impressed with our strength  when we kept the Tahoe from rolling forward. Then Barry pointed out that at that point he had the break on, so that burst our strength bubble.  

Once the Tahoe was out of the way, and we were back from lunch, Barry spent the rest of the afternoon, removing the battery, going to buy another battery, and putting it in the car.  

All of this could be a precursor to our family' trip.  Just add one more kid, a baby, and four more adults to the scenario.  Probably you should throw in some extra humidity and tiredness. When the time comes, a fun time will be had by all. 

Paint and Poop

Cabinets Before

Before the ice and snow hit the metroplex, we had the new house painted and made a quick trip to Houston. My lips are also chapped but that has nothing to do with this post.

The Paint Part:
Last week, Southern Painting, spent the week painting our new house. They did a great job and were very patient with me as I still had some colors to try out. Luckily, the weather was good, and, as always, they got the job finished in a timely manner. 

Dining Room

Living room looking through to breakfast area

Kitchen

This is the inside of the pantry door with a chalkboard for notes.

The Poop Part:

On Friday, Barry, Bingo, and I headed to Houston to babysit Lucy and Ava. Jacob and Joanie had a wedding and were busy Friday and Saturday. We left on Friday and drove the RV, aka, Cozy Cottage to Houston. Joanie no longer has an extra bedroom, and the RV needed to be driven. We parked it in their driveway, and mainly only used it to sleep. Of course, we had to hang out in it a little with Ava every day. She soon knew how to turn on the lights and the television. It is amazing what a two year old can learn in a few minutes.

Lucy and Barry spent a lot of time together over the weekend. She seemed to really like her 'Poppy'.
I do believe the feeling was mutual.

Barry, Ava, and Lucy were playing in the backyard when Barry and Ava stepped into some poop. Since Barry was holding Lucy, I was the lucky one that got to clean their shoes. Ava had a brand new pair of tennis shoes that are very cute but have a million little crevices in the soles. I am not sure Barry changed any diapers either.

Great Uncle Mike visited too.

Ava attended a birthday party. A magician did some magic for the two year olds, and she came home with this hat. She and Barry spent some time practicing magic tricks. "Where's Ava?"

 There she is!

Even though we hated to leave those cutie patootie girls, we headed home on Sunday. 

Then, of course, the bad weather hit here and chapped my lips.