The Week WE Painted

...well, I actually only played a tiny part in the painting, but certainly was right in the midst of the upheaval that painting your whole living area brings.

You see, I have an AMAZING, talented, energetic, giving Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Peter who have always loved to renovate, paint, decorate etc.

So when we built our home 8 years ago, this dynamic duo, volunteered to come down and help us out. They installed all our hardwood floors and ceramic tile upstairs; all the window trim, and hung the doors; painted the bathroom and installed the wainscoting, and painted our bedroom. I also sent down a box of fabric with my mom (they live in the Niagara area) and she made curtains for the living room, valences, and coverings for 2 closets. (I'm not a big fan of doors on closets so I've hung curtains in front of them).

While chatting at a family function earlier this year, Aunt Evelyn came up with the idea that our house should probably be ready for a paint job, and offered to come up and freshen things up for us!

Well, I wasn't sure what I was getting into but yikes! painting really upsets things.

Our house is very open, and it was all getting painted, so everything had to go. This is our living and dining room. The wall on the right normally houses 2 floor to ceiling, 4 foot wide, bookcases.


Good thing it was a sunny week! Bookshelves and the contents of the front closet were stored on the porch.


They not only tear things up, but they also, won't leave until things are pretty much back in order...hanging the last curtain in it's place!



I'm not sure this is the best representation of the colour, but it is quite a chameleon colour, that changes with the different light projected on it throughout the day. In normal daylight it is a soft straw colour. Note the empty shelf on the book case...major purging!


Yes, we let our dog sleep on the couch (but he's supposed to be on the blanket). He's 86 in people years...he gets a few perks.

And we need a new coffee table.

This picture is especially for Uncle Pete. He'll know why. You are amazing!


This is our desk area. Of course as you put things back into place it all gets a fresh look. Do I really like this here? Do I really like this at all? Many things got the old heave ho; including the random piece of lumber that was being used for a desk, replaced by a custom built (by my amazing husband) desk and pantry. Doors to follow.


Blessed indeed!!!

Saturday...

BUDDIES...Zach and Justus. CHECK!

BOOTS...ready for any terrain, (left all over the entry way when done). CHECK!


BACKPACKS...loaded with spy gear and ammunition of all kinds. CHECK!


BOLD AND BRAVE...Bring it on!


BIONICLES...because the day wouldn't be complete without a little down time. CHECK!



BLESSED WITH THE BEST OF BUDDIES...DOUBLE CHECK!

Celebrating Brent

As a family we decided that when our children turn ten years old, we'll no longer have a birthday party with their friends, but instead they will get to spend some special time with Mom and Dad, just them, no other siblings, doing what they would like to do.

Since we were in Nova Scotia on Brent's actual birthday (August 29) he has been (very patiently) waiting for his special day. We were finally able to squeeze it into our schedule on Friday!

Brent loves golf, so Mark, being the great party planner that he is, (have I told you the story of my mom's 65th?!) suggested we go to the glow in the dark mini-putt in Ottawa. Turns out, they were having a special tournament for CHEO, so Brent was allowed to renege on his promise to go easy on us, to see if he would qualify for the playoffs. The helpful lady at the front desk snatched our score card (to enter in the contest) before we could total the score, so we're not really sure who won. But we know it was pretty close, and we had a lot of fun. I'm pretty sure my score of 8 on one of the holes put me out of the running!

After that it was off to The Works for dinner. CLICK HERE to see their website. A super great place for fantastic burgers. With 67 toppings and 469 combinations, there is a burger to fit every palate.

Brent had the San Fransico Treat with Kraft Dinner and cheese (ON the burger, not as a side).
Mark had the Malibou Meltdown - beef burger topped with a crunchy onion ring, beechhouse sauce and 3 cheeses: havarti, gouda & brie.
I tried treat my heart a little more kindly, and had the Pesto Pizzazz: pesto glaze, chopped sundried tomatoes, black olives & brie cheese on a turkey burger.

Oh, and did I mention their spicy die-cut chips are AMAZING!!!!!

The waiter says that dessert is a very low selling item on their menu!

Thanks Brent for turning 10, and picking such a great place for dinner! It's a real joy to spend time with you, and we look forward to many more "special" days.

(Sorry no pictures were taken of this spectacular event)