Uninvited project

A new project was dropped onto Brent's plate after the storm. Our awesome Bradford pear tree that gave us so much great shade needed to come down after some wind damage. This thing was so tiny when we moved in 9 years ago.1999...little tree on the left side of the house

These trees are known for getting really big and full. Also known for splitting easily.
2008...after Brent had already cut 1/2 of it away

I am mourning the loss. Couldn't plant much under this tree because it took all the light, but it was best thing for reducing the electric bill in the summer. We can already tell a BIG difference on these 85 degree days. I dread next summer!

Attempting to see the positive...

1) We have a new house. Okay, at least a house that can be seen from the street now.
While it was on the market last year, it was kind of funny to see the listed picture. You thought we were selling a garage with a bedroom above it.

2)We also have firewood...holler if you need some bonfire wood.

3) Brent is now a pro at running a chainsaw. He didn't lose any of his limbs, thank God.

Any ideas of things to plant in FULL sun?

What would you do?

We came home from soccer practice tonight to indulge in a meal that I had prepared earlier today. I left it in the oven on 200 to finish cooking and joked that I'd probably burn the house down. When we all returned with rumbling bellies, I opened the oven and felt no heat. The heating element/coil/not-sure-what-you-call it had burned out. I felt the dish and it was still hot, but noticed a type of film all over the oven. It sort of looked like there was a fire in the oven. I also noticed the clock was not working any longer...either the oven was completely dead or the breaker was tripped.

I called our knowledgeable neighbors to see what was most likely going on. She confirmed that the coil had burned out and that usually trips the breaker. She also said we shouldn't eat our meal, because of the possible contamination by fumes.

Normally, I invite any excuse to go eat out. However, I was craving this roast & it was too close to bedtime to think about going out. I also don't have a whole lot for back up in the house...that sounds appealing to this pregnant lady anyhow! So I didn't like the idea of throwing out a delicious (and expensive) roast. We considered that the lid was on and seemed to have protected the food. There was a film on the outside of the dish and it's lid, yet none on the inside rim of the dish.

Why is this such a tough decision for me this time around? I've done it before, but usually because I botched it up or burned it.

What would you do...would you risk it or chuck it out?

(We did end up loading up in the van and heading to the boys' absolute favorite place...Mickey D's. But I'll save the food, until I know for sure whether I'll be poisoning my family!)

Spots

Brent has had some spots appear on his face within the last couple of years. I'm sure it's just age, but we wanted to rule out any skin cancer possibilities, b/c they kind of looked like sunspots. He willingly let me schedule him an appointment with the dermatologist. Wow...that was amazing. I didn't have to argue with him over it. Men just love going to the dentist & doctor don't they? I think Brent has softened to the idea over the past years. He seems to have gotten over the fear of them...until today.

When I scheduled the appointment, I clearly stated that the spots were on his FACE. When he came home today, I asked him how it went.

"Did YOU schedule me for a full-body check?!?"

Ha, ha, ha!!!!! That was so funny. When the P.A. came in and handed him the paper robe, he said "I just need you to look at my face."

"You SHOULD do this once a year," she responded.

I don't think he cared what he SHOULD or SHOULDN'T do at that point. Thankfully, he knew he SHOULDN'T run out of the office at that moment. He endured it and the spots are enlarged oil glands. Phew!

We'll see if I get fired from my scheduling duties though!

I'm the biggest loser

Things have been up and down for me, emotionally, for the last few weeks. The hormone & other physical changes haven't been horrible, but slowed me down. We got away for a few days and it was a very refreshing break.

I had kind of a humbling experience while we were gone though...
We dyed eggs before Easter and Brent helped me measure out the water. I asked him to fill each mug with 1/2 cup water and I measured the vinegar and put the tablets in. After a while, we wanted more dye, so I filled one more mug with the mix. My mug had much less mix in it than all the others. We realized that Brent had measured 1/2 pint of water, rather than 1/2 cup. Oops! No biggie...but I had to make fun of him for sure!

Well, Brooks has been on amoxicillan for a few days. Instructions: 1 tsp twice a day for 10 days. Today, I realized we were running out of medicine. I also realized that I have been giving him 2 tsp. twice a day...for about 3 days. Oops!!! That made Brent feel much better about his measuring mistake and humbled me (and scared me for a minute) for sure!

I don't know what I was thinking in giving him that much. I will say I haven't been working with a full brain though. Don't try that at home...I'll be using much more caution in dosing my kids next time!