Wow, it doesn't seem like 2 weeks since I last updated. Well, Mary is sick, again, the same snot ridden head and cough as before. I am told it's only a cold but well, I might be seeing the doc again soon. I took her and Houghton last week for shots. A flu shot for Houghton and Mary's one year stuff. They were great...Houghton cried before he even got the shot and when it was done said, "that was it??". I think he was being influenced by his sister. Her shots were in the arm and she didn't like it. We had a busy weekend and the soccer game was rained out. It has now officially gotten "chilly". I think if I said cold, everyone who lives where it's actually cold might want to hurt me. Lets say I need a sweater at night and we are eating dinner on the patio....except I am still getting bit by mosquitoes. (Only me!!) Paul is getting closer to his exam and I am getting nervous. I know he is too but I am trying to be supportive and not the "slave driver" He's been great though....For getting a little extra study time in the late afternoon, he makes dinner while I get the kids to the various activities!!! Besides...I usually pick something to grill....Then he has an excuse to have a beer!!!

My Hams

Mary loves to climb! (not walk climb!)

and Houghton cannot miss a photo op!!

But they are so photogenic!!

Homebound

As of last Monday, I am officially a stay-at-home mom! If you would've asked me 6 years ago what I thought....I would say you were crazy. So a little time goes by, another kid in the mix....and I LOVE IT!! Granted it's only been a week and a half, but I have big plans. I get to spend time being lazy, playing with Mary (who has the best giggles around!), take Houghton to various activities and even have play dates!! Being so busy this past week I wonder how I ever thought school would fit in. I haven't even found it a challenge to stay out of stores. I really don't have the desire to shop these days!!! OOOOOH!!! What was that .....yes and for 2 reasons...1)girls clothes, shoes etc, there are tooo many to choose from and Mary made out like a bandit for her birthday (thanks guys!!) She is sooo set for the fall/winter!! and 2) Yes, I am getting over being sick. I am still figuring out how to manage laundry, TTS, and dinner all in a days work....and I am still rebelling against my mom.....I hate housework!!! (but I do it anyway!)

The Sick House!

Well, to update, Paul came back from Chicago (actuarial seminar) and got everyone sick. As to whether this is true or not I am not entirely sure. Paul is now either sick again or it got to him finally. He has been a trooper, as much as men can, (I know how sexist....But it's true!) he is on the mend and I am on the quest to disinfect the house.

The Mayfield Drama

A little out of order but I think you get the idea....

This is what we have now...

This was after the big "rain"

This is pretty
much what our ceiling looked like after the first "sprinkle





Last week we (Houghton) discovered the small problem of a puddle where one shouldn't be. After calling the plumber and the insurance company we breathed a little easier. However, one week later (exactly), the aforementioned leak, was now a "burst". This I discovered at 4am when I thought the rain was really loud and went to check it out. Paul meanwhile was enjoying sleeping through the rain...until I yelled "OH CRAP" and while I could do nothing more than gape...Paul ran out and shut off the water main. After seeing the plumber (again) and calling the insurance co. (again) we now have a hole for a ceiling in the dining room. We have also seen the appraiser twice and I am scheming to see how much remodeling I can get out of Paul. (So far so good...but we haven't got an estimate on the kitchen yet!)

Thank you John!

Yes, thanks to Hurricane John (and the monsoon) we got even more rain!!
Both Houghton and Mary got to go and play in it...Houghton is the ham and Mary wasn't quite sure what to make of it.

The Big girl

Mary is so proud of herself here....she won't walk on her own yet...but she can climb!
This is Mary when we made her get down....not too happy!! (Don't worry, she tried again!)