It's All About the Samples

I still haven't decided on a paint color for the boys' room. Well, it might just be J's room at this point...since we have split them up at naps and at night in an attempt to get some more sleep-for them and for us. Anyway, I was set on blue...but now I am not sure...their bedding is navy with darker colors so I am wondering if I should do a brown color...that way the room stays neutral...and gives us the flexibility to change the bedding or the room function down the road.
I need help...if any of these scream at you (good or bad) leave me a comment. Maybe you are thinking of something I am not. I really like the "fig" color in the middle top row but it may be too dark for the whole room. But I defintiley want to use it somewhere in the house.

All different shades of blue...

And we are pouring of samples of shades for the windows...

We have got to get something up...the 4-8 p.m. hours are killing us...the sun shines in and we have sun in our eyes while eating dinner or trying to use the computer or watch a movie in the evening. But there are so many different considerations...the ones we want are too expensive but are the most energy efficient...the best price shades don't have the top down/bottom up option for our size windows, or the shade size is too small, argh....so we are awaiting three more sets of samples from different companies. We did purchase a tiny honeycomb shade for our laundry room window to see how we like it.

So we are making progress...slow progress but progress. We are getting very close to finalizing shades for our master bathroom so we can take down our classy Florida beach mats from the windows!

Strong-Willed?

This past weekend the boys and I went to a track meet for kids. Since Geoff had a work weekend it was great to get out for an activity on Saturday. One of the local high school's track coaches put the meet together. It wasn't anything fancy...it wasn't too crowded...or too long...it was just right for little ones.

I signed the boys up for two events...the 25M and the shot put (the coach was brave enough...I mean, nice enough to let the kids under six try the shot put event).

If this doesn't illustrate that our twin A and twin B are strong-willed and will pretty much do anything BUT what you ask them to do I don't know what will.

Me: "You get to race! You will start at the line and when he says "go" you RUN as fast as you can to the finish line."

Troops getting warmed up. They sure look like they mean business don't they?

Game faces on. Love the hat.

The six sprinters are ready...the man is about to say the magic word. All are listening intently.

GO! Uh.....go...run...go!

We will walk.

We will walk. Even if the starting man is trying to assist us to run. We will walk. Thankyouverymuch.

Ahh...fifth and sixth place...at least with smiles.

Hold onto your hats though...we may have a shot-putter-er...on our hands though...look at that form!

Landscaping Reveal

Here are the "final" pictures of our landscaping project...although I can't really say "final" because the landscapers have to return to do some plant, tree and sod replacing....and we still have a fence to complete. Some plants and trees just didn't do well in their new home...but we have a one-year warranty so the company will replace anything that doesn't thrive during that time. You will see that the grass isn't as green as in my previous pictures (as some of you predicted) and some sod will need replaced. We are still working on the best watering times and learning our sprinkler and drip line zones so hopefully we will figure it out soon. Here are the before and after pictures in very random order.


Garage side (yikes):

More garage side (just makes you want to cry doesn't it?)

Not anymore!

Top of terrace (sob):

Now...weeping...a weeping tree that is:

Terracing before (ouch):

Ahhh...

Front (so very sad):

Smile:

Looking from front to back:

Oww:

WOW:

Back photo (it really helps that the sky is so blue in the "after":

Another view of back (I know you are green with envy people):

Two of the trees in the foreground will be replaced:

Column by front door:


Looking from deck to the front (not so lovely):

So lovely:

More backyard (speechless):

We have chicken wire up for the dogs right now until we get the full yard fenced. This is a really tricky part of the yard. Too slanted and shaded for much use...so they cleaned it up a bit and planted a few plants.

Back of home:

Isn't the sky SO blue here? Can't get over it!

Looking up from down the hill (a little spooky):

Another view of boulder wall:

Top front of our yard:

Goodnight! Hope you enjoyed the before and afters (I just love before and afters.)

Egg Replacer

I have been meaning to do a post on egg replacer and when my friend Leslie asked about it...I figured it was time! My mother-in-law bought a box of this "ENER G Egg Replacer" over a year ago before the boys and I came to visit so she could make pancakes, waffles, etc. It works great. I had to just get past the fact that the box looks like it is straight out of the 70's. Doesn't it?
Really.

It is a cornstarch-like texture and is gluten free, wheat free, nut free, cholesterol-free, no preservatives, artificial flavorings or sugar added. So you ask--what is in it? The ingredients say "potato starch, tapioca flour, leavening, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (what?), and methylcellulose." I mix 1 and 1/2 tsp with 2 Tbs warm water to replace one egg. It mainly serves as a binding agent in baking.


So it might be something to try if you watch your cholesterol but you could also just use egg beaters. Only 15 calories for one egg. I try to just stick with recipes with one egg to replace for best results...which is why I was very happy that the zucchini bread turned out when I replaced three eggs.


We have found that 1/4 cup of applesauce works well in many recipes too. Mostly for pancakes and waffles. Geoff has made muffins using applesauce vs. eggs and they taste fine...but fall apart easily. So I try to stick with this "ENER G" egg replacer for baking quick breads, muffins and cakes. Just a lot of trial and error.

Oh Sleep Fairy

Dear Sleep Fairy,

Where are you? It has been almost four years and you have been elusive in our lives. Please please return soon.

We are only asking for six (maybe seven eight) hours of solid sleep a night...for us. Please?

Us