Spot Cleaning

Really.

It's not a creative metaphor for some big revelation in my life.

I need help.

With spot cleaning.

Remember these kids?

They make spots. Lots and lots of spots.

And I never told you this before... but I do laundry. Lots and lots of laundry. You don't believe me? Take a look at this:

(I think this was just about the worst it's ever been. Man, my laundry room is dreary)

So, I know I desperately need a new washing machine. My husband is quickly jumping on board with my undercover plan to get a front loader. This might be due to the fact that he had the whole thing apart this past weekend trying to figure out where the dead possum smell is coming from (sorry for that mental picture, it was the first thing that came to mind after reading this post). While it does smell a bit better now, the poor thing is almost 20 years old. It needs to go to washing machine retirement living or something. It's worked long and hard enough.

Anyway, back to spot cleaning. You are all aware of my obsession with ironing. I'm almost as obsessive about spots - and getting my whites bright. Neither of which I am having much success with. And you know who I blame? The phosphate haters. That's right folks. I recently read that it was those glorious phosphates that caused our grandmothers' laundry to shine bright. And mine? Phophate free... and dingy and spotted. Grrrr.

I would love to be able to use these clothes for at least a couple more children. Not to mention the fact that I don't feel I can freely iron these clothes until the spots are out. Crisis!

So what do you use? Help please!

For Amy

Wedge Heels

(because sorry, but I am not wearing them to the pool at 8:45 Monday morning)


New Hair

(because it never looks quite as good when you do it yourself)

Open House: Saturday August 2, 2008

I got this great idea from Stacy over at With Great Joy. And since the last sip of my mojito is gone, Justin is in bed and I still don't feel tired I thought I would have a go of it. Enjoy!

Listening to...
Nothing. I realized lately (a bit surprised at myself) that I really do ok with no noise.

Thankful for...
Aside from the normal husband, children, home etc.... I'm thankful for cute new brown wedge heels on sale from Macy's. VERY ESPECIALLY grateful for an awesome new hair stylist (Yay Coleen! We finally found someone! For months Colleen and I have been lamenting over the fact that our stylist moved to Iowa... but that's a long story for another time), a new hair cut and a facial today gifted from my husband.

In the kitchen...
Stacked up on the counter or food wise? Food wise - leftover tacos and burritos from the taco truck. Stacked up on the counter? Dishes and mojito fixins.



Working On...
A fall schedule for Jazzercise. Boring, I know.

Reading...
Books about raising chickens. I think we're going to buy a few at the fair the week after next! I am absolutely so excited!

In the yard/garden...
My vegetables are growing faster than I can use them. My tomatoes are getting huge and I'm starting to wonder if I need to pick some and put them on my window sill. My first ever dahlias are about to bloom!!

Looking forward to...
The fair and having the Quichua Mashis guys over for lunch for the 4th year in a row.

Praying for...
Chelsea and Jordan
Baby #3 for us - gonna get that adoption profile in again soon!

Excited that...
The fence is going to be done soon and is looking SO great thanks to my wonderful husband who somehow figures out a way to actually do something with all the crazy plans I make.

On my ipod...
Lately? The Mary Poppins soundtrack, The Voetberg Family and Adele. And a little FYI - the lyrics are "In my hometown, memories are fresh..." and not "In my hometown, me and Maurice are friends..." as I once thought. I liked Maurice better....

Tomorrow...
Church and a bridal shower for my friend Carol's daughter-in-law to be. Three children married in 7 months - big kudos to Carol!

When Mama goes to Jazzercise....

Otherwise titled: What happens in the dirt pile, stays in the dirt pile. (and on the camera for Mama to find later)

Swimming Success

Does this look like the face of a boy that cried the first 2 and a half days of swim lessons?

We've actually gotten used to the 8:45 start time every morning.
(ok - so maybe it's an 8:50 start time for us)
Look how chipper Steele is - John Deere goggles and all.

Can't cry for too long with a cute instructor like Elsa.
This session Steele and his buddy Ethan got to be in the same class.

Poor Elsa has 4 squirrely boys this time around.

This girl, on the other hand, would have jumped in head first on the first day if she were old enough.

Rainy Day Fence Building

While many have been dismayed by the rain we've had around this week, I've relished in it a bit - it reminds me of the fall that is coming. I love fall. I took full advantage of being inside - I made soup and cookies, baked honey oat bread and zucchini cake - had the neighbors over for a little red wine to go along with it all. I put on sweatshirts, socks and cozy pants. I didn't have to water my garden. Justin, in true pacific northwesterner style - continued work on our back fence.

We have yet to buy a rain jacket for Adia Moon so we put Steele's old ski jacket on her. Boots on both and they headed outside to help Papa.

This is what Adia does lately when I ask her to smile.

This one reminds me of Sasquatch.

One More Parade Picture

I love this picture. It shows 4 of the 7 fabulous instructors that teach for me. The three in the front from left to right: Alina, Danita and Elena. Behind Alina on the left is my "greenest" instructor Michelle. Who knows what they're laughing about but they sure are having fun - imagine being in their classes!

Just a side note about Alina and Elena - they're sisters. Alina is the youngest child of 14. Elena is the oldest sister in the same family. Elena (on the right) has 5, yes - you read that right, 5! kids. I'm so fortunate to have such a great team of ladies work for me.

Ha! I just remembered what they were laughing about! See Elena there on the right? She could NOT get that move for the life of her!! Every year she has trouble with one - can you see her pouting about it? Too funny.