old vs new

I am in desperate need of a new range. My current oven works it just has a few little quirks: the temperature is not accurate, it take 20 minutes to preheat, it does not cook evenly etc... For 2 years I have been debating what to get (still have not decided). I cook everyday and would love to bake more often. Clearly the best choice is a duel fuel range. My dilemma is: do I get a really great one that I know will last forever (like a Wolf) or do I go middle of the road (like JennAir)?

Regardless which road I take I was in need of a range hood. My kitchen is very small and heats up quickly and if I throw in one of those power burners I would be in a sauna. So, this month Dale took on the first step- installing a hood. Unfortunately for Dale nothing we seem to do is a "simple project." The range is on an inside wall so we had to vent it across the kitchen. Instead of ripping into the ceiling we decided to go old school and put an exposed pipe across the ceiling. We also took out most of our upper cabinets and put in custom open shelving. All of that added up to a paint job too (which I have been wanting to do forever)! Dale also did some work on our windows. It is not exactly finished but close enough to post pictures....

the old kitchen- what you see is what you get. I told you it is small.

this makes me laugh. couldn't resist posting it....
new color. new hood.
the pipe. (I clearly need a new range!)



Dale custom built the shelves. They match the cabinets perfectly- right down to the antiquing!

The decorating is a work in progress. More to come....

road trip

Yesterday, after my kids were packed up and shipped off to school, my mom and I got in the car and headed west. We drove down hwy 70 until we came upon an antique store. We ventured in, looked around, made purchases and headed out. We drove along the highway repeating this every time we found another store. Finally after several stores AND the passing of Jefferson City we turned around and headed home. We were gone until 6 pm. It was so much fun. We talked, laughed and bought antiques at our leisure. Just what I needed...

girl time

Sunday Reagan and I had a little girl time. She chose to get a mani/pedi. She has never done this before but has been intrigued for years. It took her a few minutes to get over the shock of someone else handling her hands and feet.

Then she proceeded to talk and talk and talk. The ladies kept asking her questions. Reagan would look at me for a translation (their accent is thick). I would re-ask the question and she would answer.

Finally she said, "Mom, I don't understand her. Is she speaking french or something." I politely replied no. I said that they were Asian and could speak 2 languages. Then to show her that she could relate a bit I said, "They are Asian like Mr. Walseth." She replied with wide eyes, "MR. WALSETH?! He's Asian? Is he adopted?!" The ladies shared a quiet laugh. Hopefully because Reagan is only 6 and has no shame or a quiet voice. I explained that Mr. Walseth is not, in fact, adopted. His mother is Korean. She smiled liked she understood but I held my breath a bit- not sure what would happen next.

Reagan just sat back and shuffled through a magazine while we finished up.

Thank goodness...

Afterward we went to Ihop for a chocolate chip pancake. It was a great afternoon.





the photos are courtesy of my iphone. :(

first game of the season

On August 13th we went to our very first baseball game of the season. It was Christian Day at the ballpark and we got tickets through our church for very cheap. It was a 6pm game and we even managed to stay til the very last out (a first for the Beachy kids). The game was terrible (the Cards lost) but we ate a lot and had fun with our friends!!

the first "week"

Today is the second day of school. It's HOT but we are happy to be back. Carsyn loves her class. She has 2 teachers this year. They combined the two 4th grade classes- Mr. G and Mrs. B are team teaching. Carsyn is excited about this. Her class is full of great kids. I am glad she is in the mix. Luke loves his teacher already. She is super nice. He has a sweet spirit and thrives under a gentle hand. Although he does not tolerate messing around in the classroom- it's all business. So far Reagan is loving 1st grade. She is excited most because she finally has PE and Spanish.

I am enjoying my time too. Yesterday I went and saw The Help with some friends. It was a disturbing, funny and well put together film. I enjoyed the book and was pleased with the movie rendition. I was even more pleased with the ability I now have to see a movie during the day!

Today I helped in the 3K classroom while the teacher had a parent orientation. After that I went to lunch with friends. When I got home I called Dale. We talked about our day. Then he said, "This is exactly what you need. You shouldn't take on more responsibilities this year so you can go and enjoy yourself."

Ummm. Yes, I agree. And FYI- you are an amazing husband.

I have throughly enjoyed my last 2 days. I realized I am a bit starved for attention. It will be nice to reconnect with girlfriends this year.

this summer I painted the kids bathroom wall with chalkboard paint. my goal is to use it as an encouragement tool...

each year we have a kids chosen back-to-school dinner and cake. the kids chose burgers, corn, grilled okra and a notebook paper cake...

a day of firsts

Oh Friends. Today is a day of firsts. Just a few. But they are important ones....

Today is the first day of school!! Carsyn is in 4th grade, Luke is in 2nd and Reagan is in 1st. They were super excited and a bit nervous this morning. Grandma and Grandpa Swank were here to wish them well, Daddy was home to take them to school and Grandma Beachy called to say have a good day. That helped make the start of their day special. Not to mention the hot breakfast I prepared this morning :)

We went early and as soon as we got to school they ran off with their friends to play. Except Luke. He played ball with Daddy. Dale has never been able to come to the first day because he is usually teaching. This year, however, his school doesn't start until Monday. Another first. We were so happy.

Another first: Reagan is in full day this year.

Shall I say it another way: for the first time all 3 kiddos are in FULL DAY SCHOOL!! Yahoo!!

I am a bit sad but as I sit here in a quiet house my sadness is dissipating. At noon I am headed to the movies (a little first day treat). Tomorrow I am going out to lunch with friends (a second day treat). I could get used to this...

Starting Monday I will get serious and work on projects that have been building for 9 years. So much to do. Not to mention by compulsion to volunteer for things. My days will be filled quickly. It is something I look forward to.

biking with bartels

Each year at our school auction the teachers donate "gifts of time". Carsyn's friend Hunter won "Biking with Bartels". Hunter invited 4 of his friends and off they rode on Grant's Trail with their super fun computer teacher (Mr. Bartels). They biked about 5 miles and had a treat at the QT. The kids had the BEST time.

Mr. B, Hunter, Lucy, Carsyn, Davis and Matthew...

tennis anyone?

Today Carsyn and Luke had their first tennis lesson. We were lucky enough to be able to use the new courts at Dale's school. They are fabulous! There are 12 courts that are on par with the US Open. We felt very official. The kids did an amazing job. They were focused and caught on quick. Coach Talley was impressed. Luke said, "Mom, I didn't think I would like it. But it is SO FUN!"