Front porch fun

I wanted to add a touch of Americana to house so I moved the freshly done chairs to the front porch and added some tissue paper pompoms for a touch of decor for Memorial Weekend. Of course Fred the Cat had to make a cameo.

 

The farmhouse is full of creatures. Like this turtle while I was mowing the lawn.

I also had some fun sitting out by a fire and watching fireflies this weekend. We had a Relief Society sleepover for thevYSA group and then headed into St. Louis to the Zoo.














 

Standing in Line.

Small life win. Instead of being an isolated robot standing in line at the post office yesterday, I decided to "leave someone better than I found them" and complemented the woman in front of me on her beautiful floral orange dress. She then told me all about her vacation in Hawaii where she got it and several other people in line next to us joined in the conversation. Everyone had smiles on their faces including the postal workers - where before everyone was just blah. Sometimes I forget the power of human connection and how easy it is to ignore the people standing next to you and how easy it is to be intentionally kind. The wait in line was the same amount of time, but a simple 'I love the color of your dress, it's so cheery' brightened a room full of people's day. This was a great reminder to me of the power and positivity that can come from overcoming my introvert side and pursuing intentional kindness with strangers. I hope I can continue to improve on this. 

Have a seat!

I could say this is the only reason I haven't blogged lately but then I'd be lying. Finally got these chairs done. 

Gross - encounters with the enemy.

Most of my belongings have been stored in a garage while renovations were finishing up. It seemed like a good idea until mice. Mice don't scare me- but they really gross me out. They are the nastiest things. Each box I unpack may or may not contain a disgusting surprise of a (thank goodness empty) nest. Each one grosses me out more and more. Nothing has been safe (even my camping chair and bag was made into home. Many books have been eaten, and a few were a lost cause. There are a few things left to do around the house like put the Threshold plate on for the front door. A draft stopper has been there but of course it didn't keep out my enemies. Last night, I watched one emerge from under my bookshelf inspect the books (to eat) spot me and wriggle back out the front door. Boards are filling that gap now. 

I was really excited to go to St. Louis and visit the temple, but I fell back asleep for a few hours and the last session is early on Saturdays, so it was on to plan B. All the moving meant mouse poop in my car. Since my original plans fell through and it was a warm day I went to vaccum. They found my emergency snack food in the console. And I wanted to vomit. Yuck. As I vacuumed I had the thought to lift the covering in the hatch where the spare tire and tools are. Not only did I find another empty nest, the stupid things ate the freaking car. 

So, stay tuned for an update about my new cats in a week or two. I'm going to take a bath in Lysol. 

PS still love this house - but must enialate the wanna be roommates.