Needing a Miracle

Today, we had our umpteenth open house.

I really have lost track. I am sure I could tally it up, because I think since the house went on the market, we've only had 2 Open-Houseless weekends... but all of this cleaning has my brain hurting. Blah.

Honestly, considering the way the market is, we've been lucky to have as many showings as we have... But it's so hard to not get your hopes up. We've had a couple of people interested in the house, but nothing has happened. I know I am just being impatient, but. well. I just want something to happen! Like NOW.

So, today, I decided it was time to bring out the big guns. Faith. Superstition. Whatever you want. I decided it was time to call on my little friend, St. Joseph.



Perhaps you've heard about this little trick before, but in case you haven't: It's said that burying the statue in your yard will help your house sell faster. Of course, it could all be a coincidence, but I do know someone who did this recently and their home sold soon afterwards. So I thought, why not?



I know we've only been on the market for about a month and a half, but I'll take all the help we can get.



So, there He is. Buried in my yard. I truly hope this works.

After yesterday's Wildcat loss, We need some positive news around here...


(Eli, devastated.)

I think I can officially say it...

... Eli is walking.

Up until today, he was only really taking two steps here, or four to five steps there. Tonight, he just let go and we lost count. It's so cute. I promise to get video of it as soon as I can.

I am sure this will whet your appetite - these were taken a couple of nights ago.

Finally, an update.

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I posted last. I've had several reasons to post, just no time to do it.

There have been a lot of changes around here in the last few weeks. Number One being our house going on the market. We love our little house, but that's just it - it's little. It was perfect for us for almost 4 years, but with Eli and all of his things, the walls seem to be closing in. We officially go on the market tomorrow, so send good vibes our way.

There is other news on the horizon, but we'll wait to post on that until things get rolling a little more. We are very excited about it, though.

Weekend Update.

well, I've really been a slacker this week. Eli's been home with me, which obviously consumes all of my time, and any down time I have has been spent trying to recover from the weekend.

Why are vacations so exhausting?

Today we had a babysitter for the majority of the afternoon. Dave and I have so much on our to do list, we jumped at the chance to have time to cross a few things off. So, we spent our day cleaning up the front yard. We're working hard to update the curb appeal of our home. Since I was not able to do much last year, we had a lot to catch up on. We actually started Saturday morning, while Eli napped. We trimmed the hedge on the side of the porch. It had grown SO tall over the last couple of years.

It could have swallowed Dave alive:



It looks much better now:



Here's a shot of the landscaping after trimming the bushes, but before the new edging and mulch:



And after edging and adding fresh mulch today:



Here's a shot straight on. I should have used the wide angle lens:



We still have a few things to do yet, but it's looking pretty darn good right now, if I do say so myself.

Happy Easter!

5 Months

Eli,

Wow. I can't believe you are 5 months old now, little man. You're growing so big, mommy can hardly carry you. Before we know it, you'll be graduating from high school, and entering your first year at K-State!



You're getting pretty good at sitting up with support... I don't think it will be long until you are able to do it all by yourself. You've outgrown your bouncer because every time we put you in it now, you strain to pull yourself up.



You've also got tummy time down pat. You are a pro at rolling over in either direction - we were surprised the first time you purposely rolled over to your belly, because you usually hate it. I think you've figured out that being on your belly makes it easier to get around, and have even started to army crawl! Daddy and I better start baby-proofing!





Your new favorite game is Peek-a-boo. You give us huge smiles when we pull the blanket away, and sometimes you'll even give us a chuckle!



We've been giving you solid food regularly now. Every night you get a little bit of rice cereal, and here in the last few nights we've introduced some Sweet Potatoes. The first night, you looked at us like "what in the world did you just put in my mouth?" but each night you've eaten a little bit more. Next up: Peas (much to mommy's dismay).



You seem to be working hard on getting some teeth. You are constantly drooling, and are only happy when there is something in your mouth.



Last week, Daddy and I decided it was time to start sleep training. You've been waking us up several times throughout the night since Christmas (too many times for mommy to count many nights). You must have been just as tired as we were, because it only took one night for you to figure it all out. The second night, you slept for 11.5 hours. Mommy feels like a new person, I've slept more in the last week than I have in the last month!



I know I say this every month, but I really can't believe how fast these 5 months have gone. You have changed so much. Daddy and I were going through the pictures of you after you were born, and I can't believe you were ever that small. (But really, you weren't ever that small, hehehe. You're mommy's little Chunk.)



Love you,
Mommy

O, Christmas Tree...

This is the last year for this tree. We plan on buying a new one next year... We need more room for all of the ornaments we have!

The Nursery

Another new addition to our family!!!

We're still working on a name...

A photo journey...

Today was a pretty busy day in the Ali and Dave household. We got up. Grabbed some lunch (baby and I were VERY hungry). Headed to Sur la Table... where I came across the cutest tealights ever. I had to have them (and the place mats to match).


After that, we were on the hunt for Mario Kart. Everywhere we stopped, they were sold out. But, I did find this:


If the baby is a boy, we'll definitely be registering for this. :) (We did see the new Indiana Jones yesterday. I enjoyed it very much!)

After a few more stops, we decided to go home and take advantage of this wonderful May weather. The MINI car wash was closed yesterday due to the holiday, and Roxy hadn't taken a bath in almost 3 weeks (Gasp!). It was time to hose her down. But first:

Warning: Bellies are Larger than they appear!


Doesn't she clean up well?


Here's Dave, giving Roxy a much needed pedicure.


After ensuring Roxy was spotless it was time to sit down and relax. What a long day!


Hope you all are having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Indiana in May

Now all we need is an Indy Car, right in the middle...

The weather is here...

... and it's here to stay. The last couple of weeks the temperatures have been way below freezing. Currently it's 7 degrees, but the wind chill is well below zero. But can you really feel a difference when it's that cold?

We're gearing up for our 5th annual Groundhog Day party. It's on a Saturday this year, which gives us plenty of time to let the chili stew and get extra tasty. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I am not sure I can wait a week and 2 days. Until then, I'll just have to stare into this picture that we took over Christmas. Mmmmmmm.

Other than that, life has been busy for us. What we think is going to be a restful weekend usually turns into running around here and there, visiting with friends, and surviving the Indiana winter. I, for one, will be happy when Spring comes around. Here's to a dark, cloudy day on February 2nd.

Now with 100% more presents!

We finally began wrapping gifts tonight...

and by We, I mean Me. Though, David did help pick out the paper and bows. :)

---------------

The other day, David and I decided to hit up The Fresh Market just down the road from us. We thought we'd go ahead at pick up the traditional peppermint candies, and just browse the rest of the goodies they have. Just before heading to the register, we ran across a display of holiday teas. A sucker for anything Christmas-related, and on a nightly hot tea kick, I talked David into letting me pick up a box. Not a fan of gingerbread or candy canes, I chose the box of Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride - Holiday Herbal Tea.

Who wouldn't with a box like that, right??

It wasn't horrible, just completely different than anything I've ever tasted before. I don't know what I was expecting, but, wow. It tasted just like a sugar cookie, with perhaps a *hint* of tea. Or, more like, a not-quite-sweet-enough sugar cookie. I took two sips of it, and couldn't drink any more. I am not sure if I can bring myself try another cup. So, don't be completely appalled if you find a box of holiday herbal tea in your stocking this year (minus two bags, of course).

:)

Looking out the window this morning.

I invite you all to click on this photo and take notice of the outside temperature.
Brrrrrrrr.

First Tree Picture of the Season!

Announcing the Newest Addition to Our Family!

Roxy came into our lives on Oct. 20, 2007, at 5pm

Weighing 2,634 pounds

Measuring 145.6 inches long

She's Sassy. :)

Perfect night.

Yesterday marked 7 years of Ali & Dave... And what better way to celebrate than our own personal fireworks show?!?!!

Ok. It wasn't so personal.

Every year, our little community has a little celebration complete with food, live bands, a civil war reenactment, hot air balloon rides, and fireworks (among other things, like gelato). It was supposed to have been held last weekend, but I guess it rained and poured that day (sorry to have missed that). So, the hot air balloon rides and the fireworks were rescheduled for last night.

And what a perfect night it was.

This is why I love where we live...

Just another Indiana Afternoon.

ugh, our grass looks horrible!!

That's why I shot more driveway than lawn. hehehe