Learning Curve

The computer is great, working, and all is fine here. Photo workflow is still working out kinks. Particularly regarding blogger, which may be a past-tense experience shortly.

Most of the focus has been on the Peru work, which was (mostly) reviewed yesterday by the editor, which is why I haven't been able to focus much on new photographs of the kids or anything else with learning the new system.

I need to figure out a good photograph workflow. Here are the needs: something where I can quickly scan and weed out photographs (finder seems fine here); something that will let me create an archive file to have around short term for blog-entries and then upload to our archive -- AND -- will see photos after I've done edits from Photoshop (iphoto is breaking down for me on that last part). Also, I made a mistake by not shooting everything RAW and am not sure how to incorporate current shots and future RAW conversion in this workflow...

And I can't figure out a smooth way to get photos from iphoto to blogger, which is why I haven't blogged in a few days. This may be the straw that breaks my back and forces me to move out from blogger to one of the URLs I've been holding for a year. Time to download wordpress...?

Not quite confederate money

Our neighbor Weezie was interested in the original nails -- handmade -- from the original house construction. So Paul has been careful to preserve a few. Apparently, they can break easily so keeping them intact takes a little bit of care. Here are what some look like:
That 50 coin? We have no idea what it is. We're hoping someone might know? It was inside the original wall. It's not quite wood, but it's not plastic either. I'm hoping that it's identity is more interesting than that of a poker chip. (We're still waiting to find the vault of confederate money.) It has sort of a purple color to it and the lettering it sort of golden. Anyone have any ideas?

Will Picasso

Will (wearing Kate's cowgirl hat) poses beside his drawing of a mermaid in the ocean (see the waves?) with the sand beneath her (see the tan sand?)

Back at work on a new masterpiece.

Part way through his next creation: Mardi Gras Float. Fuzzy thing to the left is beads. Green person to the extreme right corner is a person watching and catching. Notice that the float has several layers and wheels.

Mardi Gras Season Update, 5 days 'til Mardi Gras Day

The kids, as captured by Dad. This wasn't even after a parade... it was yesterday after school, taking a detour to the 'burbs on the way home to get felt and paint at the craft store. (We did attend Pygmalion last night, though.)
The float, current state. Fixins' added tomorrow.
Boots, Paul's and Will's. I'm so very much in love and feel strongly that we all may need golden boots.
The ladder. Decided to keep it simple.
The Mardi Gras Superhero emblems. Hooray for felt. Hopefully, the costumes (which are more franken-costumes than actual costumes) will come together!

New business idea: online store that sells MATCHING COLORED universal garments. Matching colored t-shirts, sweats, leggings, tights, hats, turtlenecks, and more -- from infant to XXL Super Tall. Finding the same color clothes for matching outfits for all of us was IMPOSSIBLE. So my fingers are crossed that the scavenger hunt over the past month is going to come together.

It's official: we're Mardi Gras fantantics.

Paul is making a float for Friday's Krewe of Abeona parade. He used scrap wood we had in the back from the renovation/addition. Wheels came from the hardware store, although Paul isn't quite happy with them and designed it so that upgrades may be made in the future. While it is made currently to push, he's going to attach ropes to the front if folks want to pull it instead. (It works sort of like a shopping cart when pushed from the back and is actually pretty agile, all things considered.)

A few key pieces were supplemented from wood we use to cover the front door transoms when we evacuate during Hurricane season. He figured there was something... appropriate... about using Hurricane protection materials for a Mardi Gras float.

Here it is, before trim.

While he finished trim, I primed the top of our ladder. No idea what we're going to do with this, decor-wise, but I thought it needed paint nonetheless.

Then we worked together to prime the float before going to pick up the kids. (How could we not knock off a few minutes early to enjoy the gorgeous weather? Not that everyday hasn't been like this lately!)

After dinner, while I got Kate ready for bed, Will and Paul put on the first coat of purple paint.
It's now almost 11pm. Paul just left to go to the out building to put the second coat of paint on the float. We're trying to get the big coats of paint on and done so that they have plenty of time to dry and we have plenty of time for blinging out the rest of the contraption!! We should have stocked up on battery powered lights after Christmas...!

The things we do for our kids.

It's a wrap

So the back is wrapped. There is a great deal of discussion going on regarding how to deal with this soffit.
Detail of the inside ceiling.
The inside.
The outside. Yup, that's mildew on the existing siding. Yum.
Closer look at the wrap.
The back.


Update: remember all that doom and gloom over the hardiplank? Well, there is a reason Paul named his blog "This Old Grouse." It is because his first response to things is, characteristically, not particularly cheery. Usually, I censor here with the knowledge that things will be fine, he just needs to take the best after preparing for the worst. Disaster scenarios have been a constant to each part of the project... it just happens that I blogged about the hardi-disaster scenario because I honestly thought, at least for a moment, that it could be true. See how hard this do-it-yourself stuff can be?

A quote of $6200? Not quite. Some misunderstanding was involved. Paul thought the quoted price was by board foot -- it was actually by board. We did some foot work. Bottom line: the hardi will cost us less than $1000. Maybe up to $1200 when we include all the specialty trim pieces, cutting tools and saw blades. Crisis averted.

We've got other issues more pressing, anyway. Turns out that the windows we got are wrong. Not our mistake or even the mistake of the company we ordered them through -- the factory didn't follow the order and installed J-channels on the sides of the windows. These are channels used in vinyl siding installation and not used in hardiplank. The bottom line is that we can't install the windows... and have a 3-4 week lead time for the next to come in. There is no guarantee these next windows will be correct (although the warehouse folk were as shocked as us, "Simonton never gets an order wrong!") My darling Grouse is in a knot, as would be expected, and working out each scenario of disaster. It really sucks, since he's been so incredibly on top of things in this whole stressful process.

New plan: start to gut the existing laundry/bathroom while we wait for the windows. This will be a rougher phase as we have no where to put the "stuff" in the existing space (which mostly includes tools, off-season clothes, wrapping paper and other assorted storage items, small luggage, linens, and laundry/cleaning supplies.) I may take the kids out of town for the weekend so that Paul can tackle the project (which includes shutting off water and electricity for awhile).

That whole Curmudgeon thing is really a cover.

At risk of sounding uncharacteristically sappy, I want it documented that my husband is the real hero behind all of this degree stuff. The reasons are too numerous to count, but include things like... coming to my practice defense on Tuesday; letting me sleep in this morning while he got the kids fed; going out to buy the goodies for my committee (presenters tends to bring snacks and beverages to defenses); driving me to my defense because it was pouring rain (and I was in my fancy clothes, with a ton of stuff to carry -- all of which would have been destroyed in the walk from parking to building); cleaning the house and doing a load of laundry while I defended; thinking about dinner... then agreeing to a last minute babysitter to take me out to a Very Nice dinner instead (and yes, JoAnn came by and said congratulations).

This is all while working so hard to plan for our renovations, which Paul has been single-handedly completing with the kind of skill and detail that most professionals would envy. Did I mention that last weekend, while I took the kids to Mobile for Will to attend the Holiday concert with my parents, Paul *JACKED UP THE HOUSE,* repaired several old termite-eaten feet, and took off (and replaced) the entire back of our house? And he did all of it alone? Not to mention all of the reading, asking questions, and legwork for lumber. So far, we are incredibly under-budget. Some of that is a group effort on finding windows and doors (more on that... I keep thinking Paul is going to write about it) but really, the bottom line is because of Paul. He is really working so hard on making this renovation spectacular, pouring every bit of love and detail into it as he gives to us... which (trust me) is boundless. Thank you, Pancho!

New Year's Presents... They're all the rage!

This time of year always feels rushed... not enough time for anything. But this year -- this year makes all the other years look like a cake-walk.

So I'm letting go, or at least trying to talk myself into it. I have enough presents for my children to pass for Santa's arrival on Christmas morning. (Normally, we would just have Christmas another day but Will has an advent calendar this year and has been pretty savvy with it.) I did manage to (finally) write thank-yous with Will for his birthday, and that is about all I can handle. Everyone else? Think about the fun of opening presents and cards in the New Year!! We love you enough to not be rushed.

Our quick update:
-- Foundation is poured, piers and flashing installed, ground level, debris and dirt cleared. Dumpster is ours until next Monday, so Paul started gutting the back today. All the siding is off the back of the house, Will says that "Daddy took the skin off the back of the house."
-- All official paperwork has been submitted and accepted in the Dean's office. No going back now: I'm defending the prospectus next Thursday. The defense is being advertised throughout the school... I'm afraid I'll be haunted by the post in the elevators for weeks. Practice defense is Tuesday.
-- I'm working to have the next draft to committee by Monday. This is a major feat, since I'm tried, stressed, and distracted by my duties as the one who makes holidays happen in the household. We've got a Christmas tree up and decorated and stuff on the house outside... that is as much as I can fight for right now. The kids seem to appreciate it.
-- The final happened and class is done. An appeal on my behalf was made to the department chair to not cap my hours and pay me for the full time I worked on the class (roughly 50% more than "allowed"). It would amount to several hundred bucks we weren't expecting (the hourly rate is less than we pay our babysitters; to have it capped is just insulting). So I'm really hoping that it gets put through. I did really, really enjoy doing it though... despite getting a parking ticket on the last night.
-- Took family portraits of Valerie (my friend/mentor from Lima) and her husband and new baby this past weekend (up on the FLC site); great visit with them this weekend.
-- Kate needs a blood test as part of her check-up from Nov. 28th and I have to find time to take her to Children's for the draw. So far, no time has seemed suitable. And where is that doctor's order, anyway?

Four Leaf Clover Photography

It's official. I'm calling myself a photographer.

An offer of a semi-reoccurring photography "gig" (am I hip enough to use that word?) came through a few weeks ago, so I had a choice to make. Be official or let the offer slide? I decided to throw caution to the wind and put myself out there. I'm not sure why I hesitate to use these official words. Maybe I feel uncertain about putting something so personal into a business model (typing the words made me cringe). Or maybe I hate being pigeon-holed and "photographer" sounds so specific and defined. Either way, odd though it may sound, this was a big deal for me, the choice, the commitment, the stake.

But I did it and now it's so. Introducing... Four Leaf Clover Photography. It's still pretty basic (be kind). Website tweaking once the world stops spinning (or I get some help from my favorite web-minded folk).

Maybe I can actually have a hobby that is self-supporting?

The first official venture was a fundraiser for the school. For a donation to the school in lieu of a sitting fee, I offered to photograph kids/families before the holidays. The whole thing came on a little last minute, but a few families took up on the opportunity -- and it was great fun! I'm happy overall with the results and learned a lot. I'm hoping to have the opportunity to do this more often and continue to learn. To that end, suggestions welcome.

Benefits Put to Use

Thanks to the thoughtfulness of some of Paul's coworkers, he is getting disability for last week and this week -- a welcomed relief since now he is not eating through his precious vacation time as he recovers. This has made us feel so much better; Paul may not be able to drive or work long hours, but he can catch up on little things... like pulling the family video off of tapes and burning it onto disc AND drawing up plans on graph paper for the back of the house. We're trying to look at this as an extra bit of time to get really prepared for the renovation (since we are seriously delayed at starting it)... pricing out doors and windows, deciding on materials.

Paul's Mom left this morning and we are officially on our own. We were really lucky to have her here; if Paul had to loose his appendix, we're glad it happened the day his Mom was scheduled to arrive. One more pair of hands offers many moments of respite for me... they let me sleep in little two mornings and have generous time in the bathroom to do things working Moms only dream of... like brush my hair and floss. I'm the only driver now which brings one more logistical issue to the already overwhelming mess of kids, class, guest speakers, assignments, and grading. Through on party-planning, holiday prep, house plans, Paul care-taking, and general things like laundry and meals... wow. I have absolutely no idea how single parents manage. Thank goodness I have the Abeona Village helping out with the kids each day.

The assignments I had intended to turn back in tomorrow? Five are graded out of the two hours I worked on them. I've got 38 more to go. I'd really like to finish them on Wednesday before family arrives. I have high hopes for down time this holiday weekend!

Twelve Turkeys

In the chaos of the past two months, we had completely dropped the ball with Will's 4th birthday planning. Actually, maybe that is not quite fair... we had been thinking about it and researching/discussing options, but not made any choices. We knew that any party had to offer decent bouts of physical activity. Ideally, it needed to include Kate. Because we didn't want to be limiting in our invites, we wanted it to be flexible and open enough that the kids from the school could attend. We also wanted to limit the amount of work we had to do to a minimum -- in the party planning, party hosting, and kid-watching departments. The weather is typically beautiful in November, but can turn on a dime... is it safe to plan an outdoor party, we asked? Do we want to rent a big inflatable and put it in the park? (We nixed this for the logistic, kid-watching, ease of event issues.) Maybe at a local gym? We've been to one of these and it was great -- although it is sort of limited to a set number of kids. (We nixed this for time -- too close to the date -- and my inability to commit.)

Finally, we decided on Gymrompers. We attended a great 3-year old party there last year and it is a great place for a party... but maybe best for 2s and 3s? I am having a hard time with feeling like a bad Mom (are we choosing a place better for Kate than for Will?) but am hopeful it will be fine. Our worry is that Will (joined by older classmates) may descend into The Crazies and be too much for an indoor space (although it is a big indoor space.) Paul noted that this could be the case anywhere, so we shouldn't sweat it. I think that I will feel guilty and second-guess myself no matter what I do.

Gymrompers was booked solid for weeks -- but suggested the Friday morning after Thanksgiving. This sold us: family in town, folks wanting something to do, and two days after Will's actual birthday. So, we finally have a date, time, and place.

Thank goodness I remembered the invitations. Without Paul's reminder last night, they may not have gotten made!

Will made some fantastic TURKEYS -- of the hand cut-out variety. On the back of each is the party information. He took great pride in decorating each individually.

For example, this one is happy (note smiley face) and has a tail. (Or is laying an egg, depending on your interpretation.)
This one is happy, has a nose, and one foot.

This one is sad (note frown), has three legs, two tails, and ten eyes ("his name is 'Ten Eye.'")This one is both happy AND sad (note smiley and frown), has a belly button, and one very big foot.
This one is also happy and sad (although the frown does look a bit like a nose) and Will tried to write the name of his friend "JAMIE" on it. Will prefers to write backwards, which is why he wrote the letters he remembered (JME) from right to left.
Here he is, hard at work with Nana. He did a GREAT job making his invitations!

Painting Crackers

A few days before Will was born, I finished a painting that now hangs in the kids' room above Kate's crib.
I was really into making "birth art" during my first pregnancy and this painting was suppose to be a series of two pieces -- the second one never got started because Will came early -- inspired a bit by Pieta-ish motherly love and based on the work of the whimsical artist, Nancy Thomas. (Whom I never should have googled to find a weblink. Oye! Those plaques! So great!)
This piece is still my most favorite painting. When I look at it, I think of how I felt painting it... I remember my picturing myself holding my little baby and felt great anticipation for how that moment would feel. In short, it is a very sentimental and important thing to me.

So you can imagine how I felt when Will told me that Kate calls the painting "MaMa." Sure enough, she toddles back, points up her little finger and says "MaMa" right to the painting.

It is important that she induces these moments of unbelievable, unimaginable heart-swelling joy. Particularly because there are other moments, like when Mommy has to do something important. Like blink. And this happens:
Do you see the mini-rice cakes -- each with one bite out of them -- spread all over the floor? The water can? It's out there as a crushing device. And to push crackers under the ice maker.Sticky rice cakes on her butt. Crazy Kate.

Levee to the left, levee to the right

The control of water. It's the story of many households, but especially poignant when you add the context that you're trying to control water in the city of New Orleans.
But that is actually a little dramatic. We're just trying to improve the runoff around the house. The strip of city property between the sidewalk and street in front of our house has been sinking for a long time. As it dips, it washes away everything we try and plant there, as well as plenty of dirt. Not good.
So, Paul is building up a concrete curb, complete with drainage system, that will be almost level to the sidewalk (if we did it level, folks wouldn't be able to open car doors) so it's going to be a more graduated system. To withstand the inevitable poor parking job that puts a tire up on the curb, Paul is putting in many hundreds of pounds of concrete -- at driveway required depth. Just like we did with the front steps and walk, he's using the old bricks we dug up from the sides of the house, power washing them, and will mortar them in on top of the concrete. He is also using rebar to help hold the curb in place.
The kids have been helping. Will, in particular, has been chomping at the bit to help with this. And Kate... well, Kate does not like being left out of any event. When I try to take her inside so that I can make dinner (so as not to be eaten alive by mosquitoes), she is Very Unhappy.
The evenings are finally getting cooler (temps in the low 80s/high 70s) so the neighborhood is starting to emerge again. More lingering talks on front porches and visits with pets.

To keep Will occupied, Paul gave him two tasks: to keep the bucket full of water for mixing, and to hammer as many stakes as he wanted into the ground. Will LOVED both.

This is my favorite picture. I took this right after he told me he needed to "look at what he was doing" and "concentrate."

Helpers bring more fun and more work

Cleaning up all that crepe myrtle (aka: crappy myrtles) mess in the front yard. Kate wanted to help Will (you can see him trying to explain to her exactly what he felt she should be doing):So Kate decided to help Daddy instead. She was actually quite helpful in picking up leaves and putting them in the trash bag.

Will was really dedicated to hole-digging. Paul has been wanting to build up the curb and lay down a foundation for sod. He mentioned the project to Will (who heard words like "dig" "big hole" and "concrete") and The Little Man talks (almost) about nothing else.Kate was content to stick with bagging.

Boo!

Will's post-dinner activity with Mom: Halloween crafts. We hung them on the front door. Although the photo quality limits enjoyment of it in this view, my favorite part is how Will drew the witch's "straight teeth".