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.

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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)