First Pumpkin Patch of the Season

Due to all three of us having caught the same cold at the same time we have yet to visit a pumpkin patch. Booooooo! Instead, we have all been hacking, achey and cranky while being cooped up in the house. But luckily today was the first day that Lennon and I didn't feel too bad (and we're now definitely not contagious). So we met our playgroup at the E.Z. Orchard Pumpkin Patch while Daddy stayed home to get a very long, quiet nap. Awwww....how nice. : )

This year I found it virtually impossible to keep Lennon clean and free of mud, pumpkin guts and goat saliva. C'est la vie. I guess the plus side of it all is that it could have been a lot worse if she had noticed the tractor race track, which was essentially a pool of mud filled with pint-sized tractors. Although our little Beastie was very protective of any animal and/or pumpkin she touched, I am proud to report she didn't make anyone cry and actually played well. It got a little hairy though when she noticed her friend Maddy had a lollipop clenched in her little fist. Let me tell ya, it took all my will power to keep Lennon distracted and away from it. Victory!

Lennon had the worst time trying to pick out 1 pumpkin. There were just too many to choose from. I guess she's got a bit of an indecisive streak. I have no idea where she picked that up. She did finally settle on "Baby", her teeny-tiny little pumpkin (pictures posted later). I cannot get over how much she has grown since this year she was able to run after anyone and anything, while exclaiming "EWWWW!" all the way as she avoided stepping in pumpkin guts.

We finished our excursion with a shopping cart ride with Maddy in the E.Z. Orchards grocery store, where Lennon shared her pumpkin donuts. Alas, Maddy did not share her lollipop. Thank you Maddy!!

All in all, it was a fabulous day since it didn't rain. Lennon fed the goats, screamed "BAA!" in the sheep's faces, chased Lu-Ann the wild chicken and almost made out with a baby calf. But she has better etiquette at a petting zoo than her mom---I was once known to have stuck my finger in or around a goat's tushy. Talk about "EWWW!"

Ruge (Pronounced Roo-gee) House, Continued

More pictures, coming soon...

Ruge (Pronounced Roo-gee) House

Here they are folks: Pictures of the brand-spanking new house! Well, our new 72 year old house. Keep in mind since it's our first house it will always be under construction. Just be glad neither of us lives under the Slum Lord of Corvallis's roof.

Hopefully I will not need to label what each of the rooms are, but you will notice there are no pictures of the bathroom, master room, basement or backyard. That's because they are so pitiful at the moment you definitely don't want to see them. Oh just wait...you're in for a treat with the basement! Please sign us up for a home makeover, specifically for basements. : )

P.S. Note our brand new skylight in the kitchen (that unidentifiable sheet rocked hole picture). Josh made this with his booted foot while insulating our attic---solo. So if you're interested in insulation, attics or cramped tight spaces feel free to let him know. He'd love an insulating buddy!

Chef Beastie

I finally have the time to post more (hence the next few posts bearing the date October 30, 2009). Woo hoo! What better way to start my posting frenzy than with Lennon AKA Chef Beastie.

When Mimi was here to help with our big move she brought along Lennon's Christmas gift. Yup...a Christmas gift. About two and a half months early. Once I saw it I knew she wouldn't have been able to wait until Christmas to see Lennon play with it, and frankly it's saved my butt a few times here at the new house. : )

Well to get to the point: Lennon has become master of her very own spiffy kitchen. This is the kitchen of all play kitchens. Compartments for everything, top of the line microwave, stove, oven and fridge. If only it could really make ice! Thank goodness we haven't put batteries in this thing yet, otherwise I am sure Josh and I would have chucked it out the back door by now. But Lennon loves it. She marches over to you (if you're not already made a hostage), says "Come!" while pulling you into the kitchen, then shoves you down so that you can sit and enjoy her home cooked meal. She mostly cooks ice cream. That's my girl!

Lennon's Room

We've finally taken pictures of the house, but as I was looking through them I realized that the only room that is in decent shape (aside from the carpet, trim, windows, closet/closet doors & molding) is Lennon's room. Which is funny, since it's the room that is used the least. Lennon would rather be rolling around on top of you, using your body as her own personal jungle gym, or "helping" you get tasks done. Go figure. : )

So for those of you who have been waiting to see pictures of the house we will start with Lennon's bedroom. Speaking of those of you who are checking out our blog....who are you? Josh and I have made sure to spread the word about the new website, but I have a feeling that no one really looks on here much. So basically we are just talking-typing to ourselves. Sad....

Start reading this darn thing! : )

We Are Home Owners!!

Well ta-da! The Sweet-Wong's are now officially home owners. We spent the last very long week and weekend moving into our new home. Hopefully now that we have an internet connection again we will be posting pictures of the new place. Remember: It is a work in progress...no judgment! : )

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how well things turned out and I am sure it's due to all of our family and friends who helped out...and there were many of you. And kudos to Josh for installing our brand new toilet and vanity! Who knew he was so handy outside of car related fixes? I mean I've seen him do some general handy work, but my golly that shocked me. It's the best toilet I have ever sat on (apologies for the TMI). You will all have to visit to experience the wonders of our new commode. : )

Josh and I want to recognize everyone that helped. We couldn't have done it without all of you! We are completely indebted and owe you at least 2 favors for putting up with us (mostly me, since Josh seems fairly laid back and cool when it comes to moving--unlike myself). We appreciate all of you so much! These thank you's are in no particular order. We love you all equally. : )

Thank You!:

Julia: For going above and beyond what any friend will do. That's why you're a best friend! I especially want to thank you for making sure Josh and I didn't kill each other throughout this entire process. We can't wait to have you and Chad over for some cold beers, yummy food and Apples to Apples. Oh! Please thank Chad for our early wake up call and for our new bathroom faucet. I will think of him every time I wash filth off of me and I know that Josh will lovingly look at the caulk and remember their Home Depot trips.

Mimi: For reminding Josh and I too eat, by cooking and buying tons of food. It was so helpful! We're still eating pot roast. You're the greatest! Also, thank you for watching Lennon and spoiling her rotten (I have almost passed out from blowing up that dang ball pit!) Knowing that she was being pampered and cared for made our job of moving so much easier.

Angela, Dan & Tesslyn: For getting down and dirty and helping clean and prep the house. I know it's not the best way to a family weekend together, but we so appreciated your help and had fun getting to see you three. Also, thank you Dan for tackling some handy-man jobs. Everyone needs a contractor in the family. : ) Thank you Tesslyn for your awesome painting and cleaning jobs. Hopefully we didn't bore you too much and I promise to make sure my inappropriate comments do not leave my mouth until you are out of ear-shot. : ) Finally, thank you Angela for giving me the biggest laugh of the day by jumping and falling out of Lennon's bedroom window and for the gorgeous kitchen towels. You have excellent taste...as always!

Nick and Michelle: For taking time away from their beautiful baby to expertly clean everything they touched. The stairs and stove probably have never looked better! Now if only we could convince you to clean our oven. : ) And without you two we wouldn't have a gorgeous new fridge to stock full of....well nothing right now, but we hope to have it stocked soon. We are so glad to have the three of you in our lives and appreciate all the encouragement, excitement and support you give. We can hardly wait to root you on and help you move into your next new home. Don't hesitate to ask.

Barb, John & The Rest of the Sweet Clan: For taking such expert care in watching Lennon (and for so long!). We never worry when she's with you guys and it made it much easier to get all of the moving done. We hope we didn't monopolize your time. She has such a great time at your house, even though she only talks constantly about Abbey (woof-woof), I know that she loves spending time with each of you. We are so thankful that you are willing to fill your already overflowing plate with another child. You two are such an inspiration to Josh and I, especially on the days we feel overwhelmed with one. Also, thank you John for fixing our dishwasher! It made my day and I don't know how I'd live without one! Thank you also to Renee and Scarlet for their help unpacking, cleaning and tidying. I am sure it's not a fun way to spend your free time but I am sure we will all be helping you move into your first place in the future. : )

Keys!!!

WOO HOO! Holy cannoli! We've got keys people. Yup, keys! We finally received the keys to our new house. Unfortunately it was anticlimactic seeing as how we were supposed to get them a week or two ago, and we've only got one set. Boo. But by tomorrow all the sets will be ours. All ours! Moowah-hah-hah-haaaa! By now you've probably noticed how crazy this whole house thing has made me. Just wait, there will be more....

Josh's 30th Birthday

Today is Josh's 30th Birthday! Although he is getting crotchety and miserly in his old age, he is still the best partner and Daddy anyone could ever ask for. When asked how he wanted to spend his big 3-0 it was a resounding: "Beer, Taco Bell and mindless entertainment." Although this may sound lame-o (and if it were me, I'd be capitalizing on the fact that it is MY BIRTHDAY) it has been a wonderful way to spend an evening together. Now if only we had a birthday celebration like this every week.