Wednesday, February 1, 2012

random thoughts

So in an effort to post more and keep others updated more I am writing today without pictures and without a clear vision, so if you want to skip feel free.

there has been quite a lot going on lately.  Not much exciting just normal day to day stuff with a little more mixed in.  There has been very slow progress on our bathroom remodel.  We now have the light switch installed and the fan sorta hooked up.  We bought a timer switch that turned out to be bad and so had to go replace that and Joseph also discovered that we will have to move it all to have the door frame fit.  He did get the last sheet of drywall up on the ceiling this past weekend. 
We also learned in mid January that the guy buying our mobile home passed away.  Rather than deal with any grief and non-payment etc issues we decided to take the house back.  We got the keys back last night and went down to Salt Lake to take a look.  It is pretty much in the same condition we left it in 6 years ago, except it is grungy and smells of smoke.  I think after a thorough cleaning a few times it will be better.  Anyone have a great idea for getting a smoke smell out?  The guy did do some upgrades on the house like put a new roof on, put in a new furnace and water heater and air conditioning and also put in an alarm system.  The flooring could all use replacing, and the counter tops updated, but we don't have the budget for that; especially since we don't have the budget for the house in the first place!

The kids are plugging away at school.  None of them are enjoying it much.  Andrew hasn't complained a whole lot this year.  BJ continues to struggle with math (mainly just not doing it); Alex is frustrated with her split 2nd/3rd grade class.  There is always quite a bit of drama among her friends as well.  Parker has had a tough time with all the changes of teacher.  He does seem to like his new teacher though.  Will is enjoying preschool and playing with his friends.

I have insanely agreed to do a wedding cake for a family in our ward.  I am VERY nervous about getting it done and them liking it.  It is somewhat intricate and will take making about 500 flowers.  Hopefully all will work out well!

Well those are my random thoughts for now.

7 comments:

Barbara said...

I like your random thoughts--nice update. Good luck with your cake!!

Austin's Mommy said...

Good luck with your cake and everything else. Maybe cleaning the ducts would help with the smoke smell?

Sandy Brunson said...

Can't wait to see pictures of the cake!

Lynda/Mom said...

Hang in there! Sounds like life--challenges galore. If we could just keep focused on the reward! Aunt Lynda

Grammyzanne said...

Enjoyed your random thoughts.

New roof, heater, AC & water heater are nice bonuses. Sounds like your going to have to wash down all the walls and ceilings, probably with a baking soda solution. The carpets are probably holding a lot of the odor also. I know this sounds crazy but you might try leaving some pans with kitty litter in each room. And perhaps some coffee grounds. Both of those things help absorb odor.

Robinson Family said...

Good to hear from you. Life sounds busy. I hope you'll post pictures of the cake, and I'm sure it will look great!

Lynda/Mom said...

Joanna, I responded to your post on my blog and decided it might be more appropriate to respond on your blog since I don't think I have an e mail address. Scott and MaryAnn might want the car. I should hear back soon. If he doesn't, I'll let you know. I would love for someone in the family to get some use out of it. Aunt Lynda