On the Road Again...

We're off (finally) to St. Louis. Leaving town is always more complicated than expected. No matter how much you plan ahead of time, something unexpected always arises! For instance, this morning while loading the car, my father-in-law (Phil) got stung by a wasp on the back of his head. Really God? Today? Poor guy!

Then Cameron had his hopes set on eating at Ozzie's before we left town. We pull up and walk in to see people backed up to the door waiting for a seat. Seeing as how we were already behind schedule, we opted for Waffle House instead. Never been to the one in Norman, but it seems to be the regular Hot Spot for the locally famous. Rumor has it that Bobby Stoops is a frequent diner - but today we sat two booths from Ashley Paris and the gang!

We filled up the tank before we left town at the West Side Wally World. It doesn't mater what time of day you choose, that place is ALWAYS busy. And if you are out and about looking to be annoyed, go ahead and stop by to use their new automated cashier at the pump... Sigh.

But now all is well, all buckled in and toodling down the road. Cameron already pulled out the PSP and we're not even through OKC yet!

I think we're all finding something to do to keep our minds from dwelling about tomorrow. Surgery is at 2 tomorrow. Pray for steady hands, alert minds, and peace for us in the waiting room!

More updates to come...

I Love My Life Group

.. and I'm not just saying that because I know they will read this! Tonight our Life Group met us for a "surprise" dinner at the Mont. We had the best time telling stories (thanks for the nursing stories, Karen) and just chatting. They all came to hang out with Cameron and I before we leave for St. Louis.

Out of the blue, Cameron and I were presented with the biggest bag/cooler of candy I have ever seen (it's one of those bags that is insulated!) Our friends know us well because they understand our obsession with candy. When I lived with Kristen, she witnessed several "candy runs" to the store. They got us a gift card to help with gas, an iTunes gift card (so Cameron can FINALLY download the Steve Miller Band album he has been patiently waiting for), some must have Dr. Pepper for the trip, a variety of puzzle books, and much to Cameron's glee - a PSP loaner equipped with games. He will be one happy camper in that hospital bed!

It's times like this where I feel truly blessed. Not because of the material gifts, but because I know we have friends that really know us and want to take care of us in a time of need.

Pictures from Painting

Cameron showed me how to get pictures off my phone onto my computer! Here are the before and after pics of our weekend project.

BEFORE:

IN THE MIDDLE:



FINISHED!

The "Must Haves" for a long night of painting

• Someone to talk to (otherwise you start talking to yourself or the dogs)
• Classic Rock music station on TV (least likely to replay a song in the 6 hour time period)
• A ladder (I'm not as tall as I think I am)
• Painter's tape (it's expensive but worth it, and no, masking tape will not do)
• Caulk (no matter how much you try, the paint will not stay in the nail hole by itself)
• A curious dog (inevitably they will get paint on their face and it will make you laugh all night)
• A wet rag (as it gets later, the drips on the floor get bigger)
  
• And last but not least, a Route 44 Diet Coke with Lime!
  

It's Really Up to You

The bug has hit us again (no, not for kids) - it was home improvement weekend! That's right - the kind of weekend that takes 4 trips to Lowe's, 2 trips to Forest Lumber, 31/2 trips to Home Depot (once just to the parking lot to be reminded that they close early on Sunday), and 2 trips to Wal-Mart. We are exhausted, well physically obviously not mentally because I'm still up at 3am!

Cameron realized that this weekend is his last opportunity to put down baseboards in our bedroom before it gets cold outside. He will be basically non-bendable for the rest of the summer! First we had to decide what base to get.... this is where I use my coin term "It's really up to you". I have learned that no matter how many opinions I have about how we should remodel the house, it doesn't matter because I married a visionary who has his own grand plan already in mind. I do realize that most women thrive on the fact that they get to design their homes, but I've surrendered to my husband. He's really better at it than I am! Usually if I decide, it's just the easiest or cheapest way to design (thanks Dad).

Now don't feel sorry for me thinking that Cameron is overbearing or doesn't care about my thoughts. Truth is, he does ask me what I think - I just know that in the end he will do it his way, so why stick my heels in the ground about it? And, by letting him design the house with his "vision" I feel totally blameless if problems arise. It wasn't my idea! I'm guilt free. See the beauty?

As we were applying the 3rd coat of paint, we both decided that although it's really cool to get to design your house, it's A LOT of work! Next time I pick out base, I hope it's with a home builder who will install it all for us!

Somehow I don't think that's in my future. Cameron has too many tools that would get lonely without some frequent use :)

Of course installing the baseboards prompted several other projects that have been long overdue. Once you get out that saw, you just can't stop! Hopefully we will get everything wrapped up tomorrow... I am writing from my bed that is currently taking up every square foot of free space in our living room. I will try to post some pictures soon.

The Dryer Saga

So just as I was getting motivated to get the house clean and get caught up on laundry, I hit a major set back. I had some towels in the dryer and when I went to take them out, I noticed they were still damp. Not too unusual because they are thick towels, so I put another 20 minutes on the dial. Came back, same story. Huh... one more time. Nope, still damp. I realized that the dryer is running, but not putting out any heat.

Wonderful, now I'm mad - I hate it when things don't work. I come into the living room, interrupt Cameron's MLB baseball game (cardinal sin of marriage, I know) to throw my little fit about the dryer not working. He gives me this priceless look with his hands up in the air. "Um, Lori. I'm not an appliance repair man! What do you want me to do about it?"

Fix it, that's what I want - I want my husband to fix it! Well, he's right - he's not an appliance repair man and has no idea how to fix it. I'm just so used to him being able to fix everything! So finally I start calling around to different repair places to ask what the problem might be. We think it is the heating element that went bad. To Cameron's defense, he did take off the back panel of the dryer and at least attempt to find the problem :)

After contemplating whether or not to have it repaired or invest in a new dryer, we decided to have someone come out and fix it. Good dryers are expensive! (Especially when you want a pretty one!)

So the sheets that were in the washer waiting to be dried had to air dry and are now nice and crunchy...

I caved...

Just as predicted, I caved and we bought a new TV yesterday! I'm actually very excited now because when Cameron is playing video games I can watch a good TV. I know... I'm spoiled. Cameron says he just bought me an excuse to stay in bed all day. It will come in handy when he has his surgery because he can hook up the Playstation and his computer to the TV and do everything from bed!

Cameron went and gave blood again today. He is banking his own blood to be used during his surgery. Did you know you have to pay to bank your OWN blood? Highway robbery if you ask me. Hopefully insurance will reimburse us, but if not I feel better knowing he is getting his own blood back. One less thing to worry about during surgery.

We are starting to get everything ready to go to St. Louis in a couple of weeks. This sounds strange, but I am getting that "nesting" feeling most women get before they have a baby! I want the house to be perfect for when we get back. Not sure why, but I guess cleaning is my way of coping.