Another Person's Garbage...

...is very often my treasure. I love to dumpster dive - and I don't have a problem admitting it. People (myself included) throw away so many useful things without thinking about it. In the late winter of 2008 I found this in my next door neighbor's trash pile:

It's a child's desk. It was painted white, and there were decals, stains, cut marks, and all kinds of filth all over it. I figured that we could simply repaint it and use it for Gabriel. Jon and his Dad (pictured above) stripped the desk last fall and discovered that underneath the 452 layers of white (and then brown) paint was a sturdy desk constructed from solid maple.

Jon decided that with Gabriel going into Kindergarten he would use the summer to finish what he and his father had started. So we took the desk with us to PA. Jon did all of the sanding, I did all of the staining.

What do you think?

I think it turned out beautifully! The top of the desk is so smooth...and it looks like satin. I love it! It's the perfect size for The Boy's room. It has built-in pencil holders and the shelves on the side are perfect for his books. Instead of buying him a cheap piece of faux-wood junk, he has this. A beautiful piece of furniture that should last him forever. And it was FREE! (Well, we did have to buy stain and extra sandpaper, but the $20 or so spent on that was totally worth it!)

I'm Baaaaack!!

The week was fantastic! I won't go into detail now (cuz I'm too tired), but I'll add pics sometime this week. I took so many pictures I literally had to go buy more SD cards for my camera. It was one of the best weeks I've ever had. And I know the Hosers loved it, too!!

Checking In...

I'm in PA. And having the best friggin' time EVER!! The kids have been having a blast playing...and playing...and playing. They have been outside every day, all day...it's been amazing.

I'll update and add pictures when I get home. I'm going back outside with my hubby!!

I'm Copying...

I love reading posts from other SAHMs. They make me feel so normal! Today's post is totally unoriginal. I stole the idea from Lisha and Debby...because they're in the same boat I am. And they rule!

I'm a talker. I love to talk. I will talk to anyone. Including myself. And that's how I feel most of the day...like I'm talking to myself. Because my kids? Don't listen. AT ALL. I repeat the same stinking phrases and ask the same questions over and over and over.......

Why are you doing that?

What are you doing?

Will you please leave your brother/sister alone?

Are you trying to make me angry?

Do you need to potty? If you don't potty, you're going to have to wear one of Sissy's diapers. (This is only directed at Elliott.)

Janna, are you a dog?

Will you please use your fork?

Are you listening to me?

No, you can't have any gummies.

Because I said so.

Gabriel - you are NOT the voice of reason.

That's it.

I'm done.

Go to the corner.

NOW.

I'm calling Daddy.

If you can't play nicely, then you can't play at all.

Do you want me to take all of the toys?

Do you need to go in the playpen?

Does Mommy... climb on the tv stand? (...jump on the couch? ...spit? ...whatever?)

I love you...but you're making me nuts!

Who wants to talk to Gramma?

I luv ooo, too, Jawa.

Who wants a smacking? (No, I'm not abusing my kids...they line up in front of me and ask me to smack their buns like bongo drums. Then they ask me to pinch their heiney cheeks. It's actually really funny!)

Does someone need to be tickled??

Elliott - your girl parts are showing.

Good job, guys.

Thank you!

No. Mommy doesn't need help in the bathroom. And no, this isn't a diaper.

Yes my coffee is still hot.

I love you very much. Now go to bed.

The Hosers are "napping" right now, so I have a short reprieve from having to talk to them. But in less than an hour they'll be down here again. And if you're anywhere near my neighborhood, you just might hear my shrill voice saying some of the above.

Just In Case You Were Interested...

...here's more about my fourth favorite subject - Me! The lovely Miss Lisha tagged me in her latest post - and if I don't respond, she will probably come up here and beat my sorry ass senseless. So, as not to cause her any embarrassment (come on - we all know I can totally take you Lisha!!), I'll give in....

"I have to admit 7 personality traits about myself. I can accept this award with the following conditions: I must list 7 personality traits about myself and I must pass this award onto 7 other blogs that deserve such fine recognition for the personalities that they share with the blogging world." FYI - since I don't read 7 other blogs, I'm only tagging 3 of my homies!

1) As we all know, I'm aggressive. And I'm ok with that. I don't have a problem with confrontation. I like making people uncomfortable. If you don't like it...I honestly don't care.

2) I'm extremely impatient. I hate long lines, holding on the phone, poky walkers, drivers who come to a completely unnecessary stop before turning (you're not going to roll your SUV - just turn the damned thing!), wishy-washiness, whiny kids...you get the idea. Those things are a waste of my time.

3) I'm loyal. I may not always be the nicest friend you have, but once you have me...I'll be there forever. Even if you treat me like garbage. Even if we don't talk.

4) As tough as I am, I'm also very thin-skinned. While I really don't care what people think of me, the nasty things they say do hurt my feelings. But after licking my proverbial wounds, I hitch up my Big Girl pants and move on. This is a trait I have picked up since I had kids. I wasn't like this when I was a teenager.

5) I'm funny as hell. Go on. Try to deny it. You know you can't.

6) I'm selfish. I don't think I need to elaborate on that.

7) I have a wicked memory. I remember everything. Lyrics to obscure songs, random trivia, what I wore to school on the first day from 2nd grade through senior year, what Jon wore on our first date...all kinds of useless stuff.

** Here's a bonus. Even though isn't exactly a "personality trait", I'm going to add it. My Mom and husband call me "Princess Tender Nose". I have an overactive sense of smell. It's crazy.

So...there you have it. Most of those traits are probably no surprise to you. I am who I am.

So...my tags.

Erin, Cheryl, and Katie.