They make me Shutter!!

So we finally got the shutters installed yesterday on the windows in our master bath. And if I must say so myself it looks 100% better than I thought they would. Wait let me back up a bit...

When we moved into our house in February I ordered blinds for all the upstairs windows in the house, with the exception of the master bath. I knew we needed privacy but I didn't want to spend a fortune so I ordered the cheapest ones I could find. And they work great. But I also knew I wanted something different in our bathroom and I didn't want to spend even more money on blinds that I would take down shortly anyway. But the problem is, is that we live on the side of a hill. From looking out our bathroom window we look directly at the top of the hill where our neighbor's house is. And if they ever stepped out into their backyard, well let's just say they could get quite a show if we ever turned on the lights! To give you an idea, here is what it looked like on closing day.

That was back in February and yes there was snow on the ground. But you can see the back of our neighbors house so you know what I mean. Maybe this will give you a more accurate picture of what it looked like up until yesterday.

If you look really closely you can see another house on the top of the hill facing our window.  That house wasn't there in February.

So there has been lots of showers in the dark, thinking I was reaching for the shampoo and grabbing my husband shaving cream instead.  It was not fun and I had had enough! So out to Lowe's we went and I ordered beautiful plantation shutters for the window. The only problem... it will take 4-6 weeks for delivery. So we wait and continue to shower in the dark. And I continue to get more crabby and my hair is starting to smell like shaving cream. So after what seems like an eternity Lowe's called and they had my shutters! Oh!! Happy!! Day!! And yesterday they arrived and installed them. So now it looks like this...

Ta Da!!!

With the slats open!!! (excuse the darkness, my camera is not the best)

Open in all their glory!!

And closed!!  So much better!!

And once I figured out that I could turn the light back on!!  hehe

It kinda makes the window in the commode look a little sad. Maybe that is the next one to get the fabulous shutter treatment! I guess we will have to wait and see.... (wait, did I just blog about our commode to the entire world?? well, I guess I did). Anyways, in case you couldn't tell my all the exclamation points, I am pretty excited about this new turn of events. And my neighbors are thankful too!!

Out of the mouth of bees...

Addy: Hey Mom, did you know that I am going away for 12 months?

Me: Where are you gonna go?

Addy: London

Me: London?  What's in London?

Addy: Underwear!

Of course...Now why didn't I think of that!

The Ants Go Marching (Right on out of my house!)

So apparently we have a slight ant problem. This morning the girls were playing and noticed a few crawling on the carpet in our dining room. I picked them up and disposed of the tiny buggers and before I could even get back into the room, they found some more. And then some more... and some more. I got tired of disposing of them and quickly pulled out the vacuum and started sucking them up. Although that night I had visions of the little critters crawling back out!

But I knew that wouldn't solve the problem so after a while I turned to the trusty internet for advice. I am amazed at what you can find out there. I googled natural ant remedies and several options came up from apple cider vinegar to cinnamon to black pepper. Since they were crawling on our carpet I didn't want to use any liquids for fear of staining the carpet. So I went the black pepper route. You are supposed to sprinkle it at the spot where you think they are coming from and apparently they hate it so much that they will retreat, as in march right back to where they came from. Here is in in all of its glory...

And the verdict? Yeah, not so much. Although they would scatter far away from where I put the pepper, those little buggers are smart and figured out that if they crawl around it, it won't bother them. I guess I was wrong on where I thought they were coming from. But what I do know is that now I am sneezing like crazy from all of that pepper. I just can't win....

Memorial Day Fun at Dutch Wonderland

Our Memorial Day weekend was mostly spent enjoying the nice weather and getting work done around the house. Sounds like fun, I know...  So when Monday rolled around, we were sick of hangin' out at home decided to explore our surroundings. After much deliberation as to what we could do on a short notice it was decided on we should check out Dutch Wonderland. (Yes I was out-voted on this one. I personally am not a huge fan of theme parks and would have preferred to go shopping instead and get in on all the Memorial Day Sales going on, but alas it was not meant to be).

For those of you non locals, Dutch Wonderland is an amusement park for kids somewhere in the age range of 3 to 10 located right across from the Lancaster Outlet Malls on the outskirts of Lancaster PA.  From the outside it does not look to be all that big however once you get inside, it is a completely different story. And might I say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Warning: The following contains more photos than one of my Aunt MeDonna's photo albums. Prepare to be amazed!

We started off by taking a train ride thru the park. The girls loved it and it gave us a chance to see what was actually there without having to walk thru the entire place.

Did I mention that it was hot that day?  Yeah, like 90 degrees. Notice how not sweaty we are.  That doesn't last long.

After the train ride, the girls decided they wanted to go on the first ride they see.  Here they are all ready to go.

Lookin' super cute, not knowing what to expect. Addy especially is thinking this ride is going to be lame.  Boy was she wrong!

Just look at those smiles!!  I love it!!

Needless to say, we were hooked! We checked out the Flying Trapeze, the roller coasters, bumper cars,  log rides, boat rides, diving shows, and ice cream! They have rides for kids Reese's age and rides just for Addy's age, rides that Mommy and Daddy can go on and rides the kids could to themselves. It was so much fun! Everyone had a blast and despite the heat it was a perfect day.  

Reese driving her own little train (with Daddy's help of course)

Driving the boat!

Notice the sleeves rolled up?  Yes, the heat was starting to get to us!

Roller Coaster Fun!

"The Princess and the Dragon" Diving Show

The Court Jester

The Wizard and his evil Minions

The Princess

I wish I had pics of them doing their amazing dives but since we were sitting in the splash zone, I didn't dare get my camera wet.

Posing on the horse and buggy just outside the dive show.  Check out the wet hair!  Yes, it was a good time.

Bumper Cars!

After several hours of fun, food and getting soaked, it was time to go home. They also have a whole separate water park that we didn't even get a chance to go to. Mental note for next time, we will have to check it out. Especially if it is another 90 degree day. The girls haven't stopped talking about it since we got home so I must concede that it was much better than any Memorial Day sale out there.

No, Dutch Wonderland did not compensate me in anyway to write this post.  (Although it would have been nice if they did!) It is just me, writing about a family fun day that we truly enjoyed!

Happy Memorial Day!

This link was shared by my hubby's uncle.  It brought tears to my eyes this morning and I thought it was too good to pass on.  Please check it out and remember those who have bravely served so that we may be free.

http://www.jensensutta.com/slideshows/RTB/

God Bless America!

Update

Ok, ok, so I have been a little lazy when it comes to blogging lately and I really have no good excuse.  But what can I say, life happens and stuff gets put aside for another rainy day, including my blog.  Although we have had enough rainy days here to drive me crazy but I digress.  So this post is a bit of a brain dump if you will and its completely random.  So here goes....

Ticks, Ticks, Slugs, and other Bugs!

Ok seriously, the bugs out here are outrageous!  Yes, PA is a densely wooded state with beautiful hills, mountains, etc. and when we first drove out here I thought that the scenery was gorgeous and that it would be a nice change from the openness of the midwest.  However what I didn't anticipate is that with woods comes bugs.  Lots and lots of bugs.  And they are HUGE!!  And some I have never even seen before.  Now at one time I would consider myself an outdoorsy kind of gal and that stuff like that wouldn't bother me.  Um yeah, nice try....

Case in point, wood ticks!  I have since found 4 in the last few weeks either in our house or crawling in our girls hair.  And my neighbor mentioned that her husband was bitten by a deer tick just a few weeks ago so now I really paranoid.  I am on constant look out and have to search my girls every night to keep those little suckers at bay.  So naturally I am online googling wood tick repellent and they mention that you have to keep your grass cut short.  Soooo, my trusty husband goes out and mows the gigantic hill in our backyard.  The grass was knee high and it needed to go.

Yesterday I was out, raking up all the extra grass, the girls are outside and Addy is playing in the empty field next to our house.  As I am raking, suddenly I hear a blood curdling scream and look up to see Addy running as fast has her little legs would carry her calling for mommy.  I run over to her and try to make sence of any English that was coming out between sobs.   From what I could understand, she picked up a piece of garbage in the empty lot and noticed an ant hill was underneath it.  Then she looked down and saw ants crawling on her feet.  She freaked out!  I couldn't help but laugh smile and tell her that everything was going to be ok.  We turned around to go inside and get her cleaned up when I noticed a small yellowish slimy thing on the back of her shirt.

Now a cool, calm and collected mom would have quietly wiped away the tiny creature and not said anything but again, I am not that kind of mom.  Now it was my turn to freak out! And then Addy freaked out!  It was not a pretty scene.  After I retained my calm stature, we removed her shirt and I disposed of the thing.  Only to find out later that it was a slug.  A what?  Yeah, you heard me, a slug.  You know, it looks like a snail without its shell.  Yeah, pretty much never seen one before.  Ick!  Those things are gross.

Fortunately we have been spared bites from anything too serious, at least for now anyway.  But I will still be checking for ticks every night, and any other creepy crawlies that may come our way.

Easter

Our Easter was really nice.  It was just the four of us so we didn't do the traditional big dinner.  Instead we opted for an Easter Brunch at The Columbia.  The girls were up bright and early to see what the Easter bunny had brought.  And sure enough he didn't disappoint.  After the initial candy high started to wear off it was time to get ready for church.  Here are the girls, all dressed up and ready to go.

And a close up just cuz I can't resist...

Church was wonderful, the cantata was awesome and the girls behaved which is always a plus in mommy's book.  Brunch was fun and a much needed family time.  The girls even got to have fancy drinks!  They loved it.  After our bellies were full we came home and pretty much crashed.  Especially my hubby. Easter is always a busy time of year for him and he got some much needed R and R.  It was just what the doctor ordered.

And speaking of doctor...

I have been sick the last few days and I hate it.  It is never any fun for anyone when mommy gets sick.  Especially if daddy has to work.  I have a stuffed up, runny nose, and a headache with pain that radiates into my teeth.  Sounds like a sinus infection to me but I am no doctor so I hope to let this one run its course.  I guess time will tell and if I don't feel better by the weekend I will have to make the dreaded appointment.  So say a couple prayers for me so that won't have to happen.

I think that is all I have for now.  Really, I like to think that our lives are more exciting than this but as of late, this is what you get.  Maybe tomorrow I will get chased by a a wild boar, or save the planet from certain doom.  But until then I will have to settle for being a bug killer extraordinaire. 

Happy Mother's Day

Because this sounds exactly like my mom did! And because it sounds exactly like me!  Happy Mother's Day out there to all the wonderful mom's. Especially my mom, I love you!