Argument Administration

Sun-kissed faces and pork loin-what a great day!
We made it to church (and not late!), had pizza at Tim's for lunch, made our way home, then when Ethan went down for a nap, I took the kids out to swim while I played outside. Ches was busy mowing (which might be why Clay and I can't breathe through our noses tonight), and I cleaned up the deck, moved the table-not heavy, I promise. I made a big pile of all the stuff I wanted thrown away or moved to the garage! I cleaned up out by the pool too. I hate when it's all messy and the vacuum hose is piled by the table. It's just wrong. I also got to talk names with Mom for a while. : )

This evening I borrowed my friend, Jenifer's, power washer. We're going to wash off the deck, stain it, and then add a new rail (with metal railing). I'll post some pix when it's all done. I'm hoping my dad will help me. I called to bug him today, and I think he'll give in. He can do almost anything, and when he just tries, it's always perfect. I need this project to be :Over: so I can move on! It's been the bane of my existence all summer! : P

I'm still cleaning all the little things. There are so many. I am beginning to wonder if I need to start cleaning the kids' rooms while they are at school! They shove stuff under their beds, leave their dirty clothes till I want to scream, and the shoes? They leave them everywhere! Right now, I make them do everything, but they aren't so good. It's okay, but it takes them time, and they don't have as much when school is in session! I know it's easier to do it myself, but I'm trying to teach them cleanliness and responsibility. They are starting to balk less when they have to put away their laundry. Finally.

I came in from pool-sitting (including jump judging, argument administration, and swimming/safety supervision) only to realize it was dinner time! I had a pork loin (you simply must try the preseasoned ones!!) in the refrigerator, so I wrapped it in foil, and put it in the oven! I managed to keep the drippy kids on the deck with some popsicles, crayons, and notebooks. It lasted a good thirty minutes!! A mountain of time that I used to get dinner ready!

They swam more this evening while I ran over (well, drove) to Jen's to get the power washer. I ReALLy want to use it, but they recommended Ches do it. I just love power tools, and anything with a motor is FuN! I promise to rein it in, so don't worry. I can't promise not to get involved with the deck rail though! : ) I can't wait! (But I've never cut iron before...will that be necessary?)