K … Kids (Ours)

Would you like to meet mine?

I love definitions Have you noticed?

7 Definitions of Kid -
n. – A young person of either sex
n. – ~~Soft smooth leather from the hide of a young goat~~
n. – ~~English dramatist (1558-1594)~~
n. – A human offspring (son or daughter) of any age
n. – ~~Young goat~~
v. – ~~Tell false information to for fun~~
v. – ~~Be silly or tease one another~~

My oldest … has such a fun personality, loves to watch silly movies, and laugh. Loves Christmas ALMOST as much as his Mom Has more talent in his little finger than I could ever dream about. He truly is an artist and is an Art teacher for a Middle School along with coaching football, baseball, and soccer. On his way up to being an assistant principle and yes, I am so very proud of him. He is a spectacular Dad to 3 littles and married to a woman who loves them all dearly. If I had one wish in this moment … it would be that he still lived here in Minnesota. (I miss them daily!) He is a HUGE Viking and Twins fan even when they are not playing well. A mark of a VERY loyal fan!

Just seeing his handsome face in this photo brings tears to my eyes!

My baby … is the most kind, caring, smart, shy-er than her brother, bestest friend a Mother could have. She loves July 4th more that any other holiday, has a gift of organization, and is a social worker turned stay-at-home Mom for a very special little (Miss Precious) and is married to a man who adores his two girls. My realist daughter has a little who loves to play pretend and it gives me delight to see them pretend together. I am blessed that she lives close and enjoy every minute spent with her and her family.

Mr Man’s oldest … is an amazing base ball player, loves the Giants (California baseball team), is very adventurous, and has a love of life rivaled by no other. She is taking college classes, working full time, and still has time for family and friends. I don’t know how she does it all! Single but in a relationship (does this sound like a singles ad?) LOL, we wish she lived in the same state! She is also an Aunt …

And last but NEVER least is … an amazing Mother to a little, works full time, and is so incredible sweet and loving. She has the heart of an old soul I think, as she loves the written word. She is always the first to send a card in the mail and she loves to buy gifts that are personal in nature. She really knows us. She too is in another state. What is up with our children?! Yes, they grow and have their own lives and we are happy for them. We still miss them!!!

Tomorrow, will be L … for Littles

(Can you guess what it will be about?)

Hugs,

J … Japanese Maple

I have wanted to buy one for my yard since I saw it in a garden at “The House on the Rock” in Wisconsin, last summer.

Have you seen one? Delicate, breezy looking, and red vibrant color.

I was in love at first look!

Hang on … I will find you a picture

Japanese Maple Tree

What I learned …

I want the dwarf variety and think ‘Fireglow’ is the one I want.
These trees thrive in warmer climates but you can find varieties that will do fine in colder climates. (I did see it in Wisconsin after all!)
I want to plant it by Miss Precious playhouse (the one I am building her this summer)
I need to research it more, before I buy one, to make sure it will survive our winters.

For those of you who are really into plants and their botanical names I am including the information below. Me? I read blah, blah, blah.

‘Fireglow ‘Japanese Maple is all I need to know

Hugs and a BIG thank you to Mr Man for covering for me yesterday while I took medicine and went to sleep!

I Love that man!!!

Bloodgood’ 5-7 meters, upright red palmatum
‘Chikumano’ 3-5 meters, wide spreading palmatum deep, rich dark purple red, orange in fall, medium sized tree of spreading habit
‘Fireglow’ 4-5 meters, upright red palmatum
‘Italy Red’ 3-4 meters, upright red palmatum, description: This plant is very similar to ‘Bloodgood’ in leaf and habit except that it is slower growing and only reaches half its size. ‘Italy Red’ is very sturdy, tolerates wind and sun, and eventually forms a small upright tree up to 3 meters tall. It is worth considering for gardens in which ‘Bloodgood’ would be too large. It is thought to have been received from an Italian source, hence its name. This cultivar has also been misspelled ‘Haly Red.’  (This one may best fit a dwarf ‘Bloodgood.’)
‘Curtis Strapleaf’ 3-4 meters upright red linearilobum
‘Ko murasaki’ 3-5 meters, upright red matsumurae
‘Nigrum’ 4-6 meters, upright red palmatum
‘O kagami’ 4-6 meters, upright red palmatum
‘Shojo’ 2-4 meters, upright red matsumurae
‘Sumi nagashi’ 4-6 meters, upright red matsumurae ‘The Bishop’ 4-6 meters, upright red palmatum
‘Tsukushi gata’ 4-6 meters, wide red amoenum
‘Vandermoss Red’ 4-6 meters, upright red matsumurae

I … Instructions

They say there’s no “I” in Team, but without a Team there would be no “I”.

Bj is under the weather so I get to “guest host” for just one day.

(She will be back for “J”)

I … Instructions:

Some people, when using a new product or tool for the first time, will do this one thing first. They actually read the instructions. People like Bj. Then there are people like me. People who occasionally make the mistake of throwing the instructions out with the packaging before they realize they need them.

Bj will also keep receipts, manuals, and warranties on products that were purchased 20+ years ago. I know this because when I go through that rather large box it includes “instructions” on items we haven’t had for years, and more than likely on items that are no longer made. “Instructions first” is probably a good policy, but I must admit old habits are hard to break, so it’s a good thing I’m married to Bj.

She is also the “creative” one, and when she’s involved in that process she doesn’t always have instructions. She in fact, writes them down as she goes. On the floor, on the wall, on a 2×4 stud, on a napkin, on her hand, on her computer, or anywhere else that seems convenient. That’s part of the beauty of DIY projects. You get to do it the way you think it should be done. No (one else’s) instructions necessary.

So one of the lessons I’ve learned being married to Bj that last 7+ years, is that if in the beginning, you follow the instructions and learn how to use the tools of your trade, when it comes to being creative, your “instructions” are the only ones that really matter.

It’s just too bad I didn’t come with any.

Mr Man

H … is for HOME

There is nothing that I love talking about more than HOME!

It conjures up feelings of safety, warmth, family, relaxing (or not).

There is nothing that I love to do more than ride around with Mr Man and look at homes.

I love to look at the structure, the curb appeal (or lack thereof) and think, dream, create.

My most fun job ever (if I am allowed to dream for a moment) would be to add touches to a home to add to the beauty.

Nothing extravagant, that would break the bank of the homeowner … just inexpensive things and hard work that would make it more welcoming.

This is the type of home that I would love to help change …

Cute, cute home but could be ever so much cuter with some landscape, shutters, and different sidewalk. The door could be a different color too!

Courtesy of Google Search

Do you see my vision?