SHUT UP!!!

I know it's dark,

But look at that Beautiful sight!

PUMPKINS!

And they are TOTALLY on my very own porch!

Can you believe it?!?!?!?

I love pumpkins and my hubby knows it.

I think he thinks I am crazy...cause when I go to the store to buy pumpkins, I have a hard time leaving any for anyone else.

I want them all.

Now, my husband has more control than I do with the pumpkins. No doubt.

In fact he could completely do without a single pumkin for the rest of his life without complaint.

In the past, he has agreed to to offer his muscles, going to buy them with me...

Yeah, but he didn't love it.

That's okay.

I know I was hard on him...

"OH! And that one, too. AHH! Look! Grab that one, too, babe. Please! One MORE!?"

His lot is a tough one.

But the SURPRISE of having two simple pumpkins placed perfectly on my front step when I came home was the most pure, unselfish act of love I have EVER experienced!

EVER!

- sigh, teary eyes, gulp -

THE END

A Day's Work

For our family, Saturday typically means a 'work day.'

This work day was a centered around making freezer meals.

Eldon got busy on the grill, making spicy pulled pork. Jacob made up a game of 'catch-the-shopping-bag-on a windy-day.'

I'd say that's hard work...wouldn't you? (wink)
Hannah is scooping a bazillion meatballs.

All three kids gathering ingredients for Quaker Garden Meatloaf. Yum!

Check out the fruits of our labors...

109 Meals total in one day!

21 Pulled Pork

24 Meatloaf

27 Meatballs

20 Taco Meat

16 Chili
1 Pancake

I Wrote a Story Today...

Weather is a casual topic, SURE. But I seriously CAN NOT remember the last time I was so confused about it.

-------

Here's a story about weather...

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Every morning I look out my bathroom window to see if it's windy. This tells me if its a 'pony-tail day' or not. There are days (many, in fact) when I secretly hope for the wind...it's great justification for an easy hair day. Today was quite calm. So, for me, that means I should really TRY to pull off a GOOD hair day. It takes longer, no doubt. But what could I do...there was NO wind?!?!

I then try to determine whether I need to cozy up or show a little arm skin. Yes, I am really that daring. Arm skin. That's about all I'm flashin' these days. It appeared at first glance to be a tough call. I actually walked all the way downstairs and out the door to get a good feel for the temperature. Actually, it was a very easy decision, today! It is DEFINATELY an arm skin flashing day!

Finally, I'm ready and out the door to my first destination, where a client asks me when the air conditioner will be installed. I get it. It's hot! Very hot!

I leave that location and head to my second stop. It starts raining. My arm skin is now wet. What-ev, at least it's not cold right?

OH, BUT WAIT!!!

THE COLD-CHILL-SHIVER WINDS COME ROLLING IN!!!

But the rain stopped.

I call my husband and ask him to bring my jacket from home where we will meet for my next destination. "See you in ten minutes, babe!"

(I think to my self 'Please don't forget that jacket! My naked arm skin is suffering!')

By the time he gets there...I'm totally hot again. No need for the jacket.

And the Wind is still going!

And then rain strats up again and is pounding down on me.

I'm all for surprises and adventure, but GOOD GRIEF.

Thankfully, all of my errands are done for now, so I head back home.

When I get there...It's amazing and bright and sunny and warm.

This is what I find outside shortly after...

Awwwwww! Elijah is having a nap on the lawn. He was out there for a Realllllllly LOOOONNNGGG time, too. It's like a story book moment, right???

Aw.

I loved it.

I took a picture. (Actually, three.)

Somehow, he must have known. He woke up and caught me in the middle of my third shot.

He was happy.

I loved it.

I watered my flowers while Elijah looked at the pictures I took of him.

He loved them, but insisted he take a picture of me.

I'm wind blown and rained on, my arm skin is hanging all out, but looking at this pic....

All I can think about is...

Why did I think green and pink was a match?

Maybe tomorrow I should focus on rainbows.

OH WAIT!

There is a rainbow outside this very moment...

And it's raining again.

How about that?

-The End-

Unexpected Changes

So much can change in the blink of an eye...

See that truck up above?

Thats my truck... it represents HUGE changes.

I wasn't ever planning to own a home building business. But,

I fell in love

with it while working with a local builder.

That door slammed shut...suddenly.

There is a song on my iPod with a line that states "with friends like bee's, who needs enemies?"

That about summs up the first week of December '09 for me.
I was crushed...I cried it out for three days.

Then I got busy.

In less than a month the new company was official and accepting new contracts.

I named the company

VALIANT HOMES

VALIANT: 1. possesing or acting with bravery or boldness. 2. marked by, exhibiting or carried out with courage or determination.

See, it's the perfect name!

This picture is of a project I'm currently working on in Kennewick.


PROJECT FACTS:

3909 sqft

Rambler Basement

Amazing Views

PRE-SOLD!

(I'll share completed photos soon.)

This pic is of a home that we just closed on in West Richland.

PROJECT FACTS:

1745 sqft

Two-Story

Spacious Floor Plan

PRE-SOLD!

(Hurray, I have photos to share!)

I have a front door obsession. All front doors should scream

Welcome!

I also have strong opinions about coach lights. They

MUST, MUST, MUST

conceal the light bulb!
And be adorable.

And be energy efficient.

(All of my homes are Energy Star Certified.)

A heavy dose of curb appeal is never a bad idea.

I'm Lovin' the shutters, window detail and the PAINT COLORS!

This kitchen is all Standard issue with Valiant Homes....

Solid Quartz Counter top

Stainless Appliances

Full Tile backsplash (this one happens to the a personal fave...slate)

Granite Composite sink

Beautiful Cabinet Hardware.

20' floor tiles

Ahhh...custom trim work.

So fresh and crisp.

Master Bath with all the essentials.

This buyer had some fun with color in the guest bath.

I'm a big fan of HOOKS!

They are a great way to add attractive and useful storage to even the tightest of spaces.

Again the buyer made a bold color choice in a bedroom, but it works! It sets off the beautiful white doors and trim.

This is one of my personal favorite door styles.

I love the big open spaces within this plan. This room is an extra gathering/entertaining space upstairs.

Some people have a love for golf or tennis or shopping or sewing.

But for this girl, I have to say...

Building homes truely is my passion.

I have two more projects about to start and

I am counting my blessings.

I'm so greatful for a husband who is completely supportive. I couldn't do it without him.

Thanks Baby! (kiss-kiss-hugg-kiss)

SURPRISE TO ME!

I am totally excited!

My hubby called some professional peeps to come hang Christmas lights this year...

It's always been a mutual understanding in our marriage that if I'm not willing to risk the health of my neck by going up on the roof, that he shouldn't be expected to risk his either.

.

Fair enough.

That agreement has alway worked well for us.

I simply purchased some candles for the windows and have been quite happy...

But deep inside, I get so excited for Christmas lights...

I am such a kid about these things.

So the surprise Eldon gave me of having lights hung be a third party willing to risk their neck on my behalf is SOOO stinkin' great!!!

You will see our display next week....

OOOOH, I can't wait!

.

(I'm not skipping Thanksgiving...

But for now and today, Its all Christmas.

So no dis-ing, please.)

MCMXLIV

I got this interesting email today from the Band teacher at Desert Hills where two of my children attend school and band...it was copied to all of the teachers at Desert Hills and in the subject line it stated "To Math Teachers Only". It reads:

Hey: I got this arrangement and it apprears quite old (Battle Hymn of the Republic) and I can’t remember my roman numerals all that well.

What year is MCMXLIV?

I have a 7th grader (Elijah Monson) who was the only one who thought he knew (out of 85 kids) that it is 1944. I say it is 1964. Who is correct? I owe him a bottled water, if he is correct.

Ron Pasma
Desert Hills Bands
6011 West 10th Pl.
Kennewick, Wa.
99338

Well, this is my email reply to all:

WOW!

Elijah never ceases to amaze me!
He is totally right!
It's 1944!

Check out this website that converts numbers to roman numerals and vice-versa... http://www.novaroma.org/via_romana/numbers.html

Pay up Ron! :-D

Stephenie Monson
Proud Mama

Summer's Over???

I'll miss you SUMMER!

Here are a few fun memories of our big summer events I was able to capture with my camera...

We started out by flying to Vegas where we took the kids to see the very entertaining Blue Man Group. It was WAY better than I thought it would be.

Then we flew to Ohio to visit my family.

Eldon and I were able to attend
my grandmother's Financial Peace University Graduation. (GO GRANDMA!)
(If you don't know what that is check out http://www.daveramsey.com/, it'll change your life.)
My favorite part of visiting Ohio is hanging out with my cousins.
I used to love Donatos pizza, but with our last stop...I'll pass in the future.
We spent a bit of time at Gameworks where even Hannah and my mom had a blast!

Elijah napped about everywhere we went...here he is on the floor in the middle of the mall.

Old Man's Cave was a major highlight! We took in the stunning sites!

And we enjoyed amazing trails.
And the people were so friendly and they had the cutest southern accents.

I love that.

I wish I could have bought one of those accents for myself as a souvenir.

I'll keep my teeth, though. :o)

Just look at it!

Jacob was right in the middle of the firework action at my family's 4th of July BBQ.

My family is smaller than Eldon's family...you'll see.

We visited this home where my grandpa was raised. My uncle lives here today.

The best part is that up on the steep hill behind, there is a family cemetary where generations of my paternal ancestors are buried.

This revolutionary public toilet and I met in Illinois...I'm a fan.

If a public toilet is all you've got, I hope it's this kind.

The seat liner automatically rotates and disposes with every flush.

We met Eldon's parents and siblings in Nauvoo.

Where Eldon learned to dance the pioneer way...with a real life pioneer.

Then, we enjoyed more family at the annual Monson Family Reunion.

We didn't have to travel very far this time...my house.

Water Fun!

A bit of Shade!

Scavenger Hunt!

Water Balloons!

Talent Shows and Education!

YUMMY SNOW CONES!

Over 100 family members in one place... did I mention it was at my house?

For 3 days...

We lived to tell about our adventurous summer...

and now it's time for school to begin on Monday...

my, how time does fly.

You've All Been So Patient..HAIR RESULTS

- Side One-

I did go with color C. But while in the chair getting my color, I was flipping through celebrity gossip magazines and I was LOVING all of the long hair. I counciled with my hairdresser and I think her advise was wise, "Get used to the color for a while and if you still want to go short, you can always do that later." I was really comfortable with that idea, so we went with the bold color and styled my old do up a bit and this is the result.

( FYI - I seriously love the doors in this picture. I have lived here over a year and a half and I still get giddy over my doors.)

-Side Two -

I am still getting used to my new hair. Today I wore it straight to church and I liked it, but after church I was trying to find some travel size stuff under my master vanity and Hannah pulled out some straight hair balm...I put a little of that on and I really liked it.

(Another FYI for you - we are leaving tomorrow for Las Vegas. We will be there 2 nights and we will see the Blue Man Group with the kids, then we will visit my family in Ohio for 6 days, then we will head to Nauvoo to have a mini-reunion with Eldon's Parents who are just completing their mission. That's why I was looking for the travel size stuff. I'm excited even though I still have oodles of packing to do. gag. blogging is a great stalling tactic!)

- Back-

I do really like the color.

- Front -

Hannah took the other shots, I took this one bfore she saved the day...it's tough to take your own pic. I was glad she was there to help. :o)

This is a pic from Hannah's Surprise Party. She turned 11 on the 26th...what a lucky mom I am. (she is the fourth from the left). We went to the Crush Salon for Girls and they were all treated to fancy hair, make-up, painted fingernails and a mini-pedicure.

(FYI - This is the last picture taken with my old hair. I'm the top left...in case you were wondering. :o)

Hairstyle Vote - HURRY!

It's time for a change.

.

Hair is always a good place to start, right? I've had this same hair for long enough. (see pics pasted on this blog?) So, I found three styles that I love, but I just can't decide. Tell me which one you like...

.

Style A - Medium Length & Choppy
Style B - The blonde style on the right w/ Bangs


Style C - Short & Trendy

As for color, I'm open. I love the highlights and lowlights of Style C, but going with some red mixed into deep browns sounds fun, too.
.
I can't wait to see what you think, but please hurry...
.
The itch for change needs to be scratched very soon!
.
(oh, and when I'm done getting my new hairstyle, I may be looking for someone to punch me in the mouth so I can have awesome-full-pouty lips like all of these models!:o)