Happy Fall!

I never really liked Autumn. Possibly because it meant going back to school. Don't get me wrong - I loved school! It was just all-consuming for me so I never took the opportunity to appreciate the change of seasons. Now, I absolutely ADORE the Fall. The colors, the weather, the recipes! We've already had 2 batches of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and I'm sure many more will follow. Celebrate we will - and with cookies!

I was instructed to write a blog that was more than 25% text (less than 75% pictures). See the thing is, my writing tends to be a little boring but pictures... pictures are always fun. I'll see what I can do with this blog anyway.

It has been about 2 weeks since the last post so what have we done? Peter bought me flowers. We had dinner with our neighbors and I made an apricot, almond & pinenut cake (super yummy). We saw "Burn After Reading" with friends. We enjoyed the season opener of "House" (swoon). Our realtor and his wife took us to Olive Garden. We went to Macaroni Grill with our small group. I went shopping with one of my college roomies. We hosted Small Group at our house.

I think the most exciting thing to happen though, was having someone else paint our hallways and stairwell yesterday. I met a guy through my work who has painted as a side job for a few other people I know and came highly recommended. He got it all done in one day! It looks fantastic. It is a very subtle color - "Napery" - but trust me, it looks better than primer white with scuff marks.

Not much else going on. This Sunday we're planning a day trip to Maryland to spend the day with good friends :) I'm planning a baby shower for the following weekend and a Pampered Chef party for October 19th (you're invited!). So life is a party at the moment.

If you're the praying type, you can keep us in your prayers. We would greatly appreciate it!

Lots of love,

Amy

What we've been up to...

We need to stop waiting for something big and interesting to happen before we write another blog entry. Life has settled into a nice predictability and we're not complaining.

What happened last week? Peter managed the cat shelter by himself Monday because Amy wasn't feeling well.

Tuesday Amy had devotions at work and was scheduled to bring in snack for break too. After all the baking for the housewarming - she phoned in snack with some help from Weis *hangs head in shame*. Peter went out with the boys for the evening to play manly games at Messiah.

Wednesday we were going to take Panera to Messiah for a picnic but it rained so we picniced on the living room floor, then went shopping for new swim trunks for Peter. Nobody has swimwear any more! Stores are preparing for back to school already. We found a sweet suit (that was not an XXL) for only $9 at Aero. Amy was thrilled.

Thursday we bought a flower box, soil and miracle grow to plant some flowers we received at the housewarming. They look awesome on the front porch. We bought some beach supplies at Target too (and a new clutch purse for Amy - it was necessary).

Saturday we hung out with our small group (after sleeping till noon!). The boys hit the driving range and the ladies picked up "21" and "No Reservations". We ate pizza and watched "21". Peter and I watched NR later. Both ok movies - not particularly excellent but worth seeing.

Sunday we taught Sunday school, went to church, then headed to Chris and Michelle's to help paint the nursery. It took a little longer than expected but it turned out really nice. I believe the color is called "Nectarine Fizz".

This week Amy had a workshop at Roxbury camp Monday and Tuesday. She felt fine each day but was sick each night so yesterday we went to the Dr. It seems to be a bug and not food poisoning and last night was pleasantly uneventful so we're assuming she's on the mend. We don't need to bring a bug on vacation! Peter got a haircut and Amy got a pedicure last night. We're almost ready for vacation. More packing tonight and we're ready to go!

Happy 4th!

Thursday Tim and Jeff spent the night. Friday we made our pilgrimage to Jared and Juliane's. Fun times. Today we painted our 3rd bedroom "Optimistic Yellow". Love it!

Painting Thus Far

Before and After: Living Room, Powder Room and Laundry.

Living Room (before, seller's stuff) - Builder's White

Living Room (after) - Bagel

Powder Room (before) - Aqua?

Powder Room (after) - Latte

Laundry (before) - Builder's White

Laundry (after) - Latte

Tonight we move on to the master bath! Wish us luck.

Free at Last

Life was just sort of plodding along last week but now WOW have we got big news. The good word - we quit our job at the paper route. "But I thought you were doing that for another 15 days!", you might say. And you're right - that was the original plan. With mixed feelings we decided to quit after Amy extensively injured her knee. Tear, pull, strain - whatever this is, Amy has been dealing with it for a few weeks but yesterday it got much worse. So, we thought it prudent to rest now and heal it before our vacation. Following WebMD orders - it is rest, ice, compression and elevation till we can get in to see the doctor on Monday.

In other news, Peter turned 28 last week! Amy's mom has a very humorous photo of Peter on a saddle next to a person dressed up as an armadillo on his birthday at Texas Roadhouse. Unfortunately, she still has the photo. Once we get it, we (Amy, ha) promise to post it here. Amy made a wicked good triple chocolate birthday cake and Peter got a free cake at Texas Roadhouse! Lucky boy.

We bought house paint last week too. Nine colors in all - Optimistic Yellow, Interactive Cream, Bagel, Napery, Latte, Blonde, Jubilee, Coastal Plain and Languid Blue. Amy is so incredibly excited to paint! We start immediately after vacation. And vacation, by the way, is less than 3 weeks away. Hott.

Peter had his car inspected last week - always a scary process. Unfortunately there was a problem with the suspension so we spent more money than we ever like to put into the car, but we're good for another year and it could always be worse.

We saw Ironman this morning. We were 2 of about 8 people in the theatre at 10:45 am. Turns out, tickets are only $4 each on weekends and holidays before noon! Sweet. It was a very enjoyable movie. Superb effects and we both agree, Gwyneth Paltrow has never looked better. Can't wait for a sequel.

Have a great weekend!