Frenchie! Slidey! Lovely!

Once upon a time (a few days ago), we had french doors. With broken blinds. Attractive.

They were also metal doors, on the west side of an un-shaded house. Sadly, they warped. Even sadder, they were not installed correctly, missing some exterior trim, so they were drafty around the edges, and along all sides of each door. Awww, sad doors.

Now, you know that Doug could never allow any door that made our electricity bills go any higher (again, not that they are very high, honestly). He looked into a ton of options, brought out someone for a custom quote (nixed), and finally decided to go standard at the Home Depot.

We deep-sixed the french door idea - the custom quote guy noted that any metal door on that side of the house will eventually warp. Also, there isn't really a way to keep insects at bay when they are open, so we have had to choose: air flow with insects, no air flow and no insects. The latter usually won. But we really like opening the house. So, we decided on a slider, and to make it a little more stylish, went with the french sliders. Essentially, a wider trim around the windows.

Another big decision: the current doors were a custom size. To use a standard size, we (Doug) would have to build in the opening a bit. We went with standard: way easier to change out later if we decide on something different in 15 years. Or 10. Or 5...

The built-in area to house the new door size

We ordered it, and expected it two weeks later. Three-and-a-half weeks later (!), we picked up the door...

and Doug installed it.

Mostly. True to form, it's not completely done...there's still siding to install and a lot of trim to do. But the house is much more comfortable, being less drafty.

Exterior shot - yes, those stairs also need attention

Interior shot

The kids are also thoroughly excited to have something new to try out. Heaven help us.

Progress on Pants

Finally, Bonnie acquiesced. She modeled her new pants, the ones that she is convinced she will never wear:

Personally, if I spent so much time on them, she had better wear them. At least once. Especially since these specific pants have such a great line, making her legs look longer, her waist thinner, and generally looking like a real set of trousers. As opposed to the workout clothes she generally wears.

I'll keep hoping - if she decides to actually wear them, I'll make her another pair.

Malena also decided to get into the act, having tried on her own skirt now that Sophie has relinquished hold of it:

She actually wore this to church yesterday, so at least something is getting used! Gotta love girls and their being picky about clothes!

Birth of Chaos

Early morning phone calls freak me out. Usually bad news. On Sunday, usually bad news or someone asking you to substitute at church (which could also be bad news, or good, depending).

So I was a little worried this morning at 7 am when the phone rang. It was Doug's brother, calling to say "Today was the birth of chaos!" Chaos = Doug.

Yup, happy birthday, honey! In celebration, I decided to put together yet another collage. I love these things! This is all the kindergarten pictures of the kids juxtaposed with Doug's picture from kindergarten. Ooooh, so cute!

Don't you think Jack is the spitting image of his dad? With the red hair excepting, of course. Obviously, Sophia hasn't had a kindergarten photo yet - and I couldn't find Collin's - so those don't exactly fit the pattern. This was the youngest picture of Doug I have, though, so you'll forgive the inconsistencies, yes?

Here's to another great year with the love of my life!