“You Can Do It, We Can Help”
Or, rather, in my case, “They Can Do It, I Can Watch”. I am having my bathroom entirely revamped, redone, repainted, and remodeled. At first Coie told me (as she stood on my bathroom counter scraping the ceiling), “You got a good deal, mom — we’re even cheaper than illegal aliens”, but then on second thought she realized that not only was she and ryann doing all the work (for free), but she also forked out the cash for the paint, etc. The Coie
The Ryann
I’ve got a pretty good gig running. And no, you can’t borrow them. At least not until they’ve worked thru the rest of my never ending list. I hope Coie’s husband is willing to live in our basement, because honestly, I am not sure I can do without the girl. Speaking of which, geoff started giving her these pre-courting projects to do. Her first task is to write out an essay listing everything she should want in a husband, complete with reasons why and biblical references. And the other day I caught her working on it, and then we started chatting a little about her future marriage, etc, and I totally broke down and started crying like a walrus. I really don’t think she’s going to be allowed to leave before I die, my poor heart just won’t be able to take it. I’ve actually been praying that God does not send anybody for a while. Is that mean? I can’t help it. I really don’t want anybody to come and take her away. In other news, yesterday Dippy wrote his very first sentence. He brought a piece of paper and asked if I would write the word “stung” in the middle of it. Then he brought it back about 15 minutes later with the following: “the fat be stung a fat dad”. And that made me cry, too. I think I must be going thru menopause or something. What a sap I’m turning into. And yes, I did tell him that he needed another ‘e’ in ‘be’. Lastly, I finished The Six Wives of Henry the VIII two nights ago. *Very* fascinating, intriguing and overall worthwhile – not to mention the longest non-fiction book I’ve ever read. This morning Geoff the Great took me to the library and I totally binged. I found The Children of Henry VIII, by the same authoress (Alison Weir), plus a book on Thomas Cranmer and the English reformation, plus another random book on the 1500’– 1600s called Renaissance Lives, plus two books by Anthony Trollope. I will not have to leave the house for the next six weeks. I am in nerd heaven. |
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January 28th, 2008 - Posted in Uncategorized | | 24 Comments 24 Responses to ' “You Can Do It, We Can Help” 'Leave a reply |
on January 28th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
crying all the time
Hi Jen!
Just thought I'd stir things up a bit around here…
You're awfully young to be going through menopause. Whenever I get really weepy-eyed like that, it's usually just the opposite of "the change" and means "bun in the oven". Something to think about???
Love in Christ,
Christine
with 7th bun in oven, which equates to another glorious arrow in my dear husband's quiver
on January 28th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
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Want to know how to get me to heaven??? just move to—-
Then I'll be in heaven. Actually, that's the closest to heaven we're going to get. (Pastor said so)
on January 28th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
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Oh, by the way, I thought of that because you said "I'm in nerd heaven"
Dad nearly killed me because he reminded me that it MAY not be God's plan for us to move down there. That wasn't as bad as the second part–it MAY be God's plan for us to go to a Church in Morristown…I almost started crying…
on January 28th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
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Hi! I haven't commented in a long long time, but I still love "visiting" you guys regularly. I'm glad you're in nerd heaven, and I'm sure, with your nerd glasses, you're the coolest nerd there, but I am concerned for Coie and Ryann. Not because I think they are working too hard or something, but because I think it very likely that that popcorn ceiling of yours has asbestos and the girls are just breathing it in with every scrape. And Ryann wasn't even wearing goggles either! Really, if your house was sprayed before 1980 it for sure has asbestos, and even if it was later than that, it's also very likely, and they could get really sick. Just wanted to let you know, becuase I know understand that you want to keep them around for future projects! 🙂
on January 28th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
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WOWzers – those are some talented young ladies you have there! I agree – keep them around for as long as you possibly can! 😉
Michelle
on January 28th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
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bummer, and they are done now; i did not think of asbestos otherwise i would have made them wear masks. i will remember that for the next project… thanks for the heads up
on January 28th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I need a Coie and a Ryann
Our bathroom is desperately in need of an overhaul. I think my oldest is about 10 years behind your oldest. I don't think the bathroom can wait that long.
Blessings,
Karen
on January 28th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
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Just a side note: I read somewhere that it is more than a mask you'll need to wear if that stuff is asbestos. I strongly encourage some research on that. I hear there are companies that come and test those popcorn ceilings for free. I've even heard there are companies that come and remove it for free because it is such a hazard. Not meaning to scare you and the girls…just be extra careful for the next project, k?
on January 28th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I'm with Christine…
crying like that usually = bun in the oven—- ASK ME HOW I KNOW!!! :0
on January 28th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Not sure why
I came up as Anonymous…it's just me!!
on January 28th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
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can i borrow your child workers? i promise not to marry them off.
on January 29th, 2008 at 1:16 am
I'm starting to wonder about the menopause stuff too
Not for you, but for me… I've got books – I should probably read them. In fact I've already read them. I just forgot what they said. That's probably not a good sign is it? :O)
Congratulations on the Dippy's first sentence and the bathroom makeover. My guys are repainting our bathroom now too. They may never use enamel paint again. That's all I'm saying…
on January 29th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I Am In The Same State of Frealing Out Over My Daughter
My oldest dd is turning 18 in March, and I've been crying way too much about her growing up (not so bad), being courted (not so bad), and moving into a home with her husband (that's where I lose it). I will look at her and start crying, especially when she tells me she wants The Lover's Waltz played by her friends at her wedding, and she plays it often and watches to see if I'm crying. Very unkind. And the songs on her playlist are getting more romantic. Yikes. She'll kiss me goodnight, and sometimes that will set me off, thinking of when she won't be here everyday anymore. And I'm still in my thirties, so I don't think it's menopause, just a general crisis. So, I totally laughed at your post today, and read it out loud to all my children, so they would know others go thru this too, and they shouldn't worry too much. Also, my friend Carla S. says she knows you. Please give Carla a hug for me when you see her. 🙂
on January 29th, 2008 at 11:30 am
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You should laminate Dippy's first sentence… because that is a sweet moment indeed. Homeschooling is the best because I would totally cringe if my boys' first note was to the teacher instead of to ME!
As to Coie and courtship, I think the precourtship projects are an awesome idea. Don't fret about her future hubs. The right husband will be a blessing and not just to Coie, but to your entire family. He will COMPLEMENT (not just compliment) the Ig's and not be a burden. But it is a lot to pray about, isn't it?
Love,
Marshie
on January 29th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
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You are *so* hilarious with regards to your choice of words… "nerd heaven." What a hoot!!!
Sorry you've been doing a lot of crying lately… pre-menopausal, as you say. If so, I'm having the other symptoms of pre-menopause — hot flashes — ugh! LOL
on January 29th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Way to go!!!
What hard workers those girls of yours are!! Yippee!!
I can relate to your story on the previous post about your friends coming over and staring at your dad! My friends not only wanted to stare at him…. they also wanted to hang out near him, the WHOLE TIME!!!! I thought that was soooooo weird!!!! But, boy, my dad is really hunky, too!!!
Love you!
Angie:)
on January 30th, 2008 at 9:58 am
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I love the books you've been reading. I need to find some time to read them. I love your new look with the glasses. Your too funny about the IQ. I would cry too at both things you mentioned here. Your daughter seems too wonderful to let go.
Ruth
on January 30th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
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"They can do it; I can watch" is my theme song. There's a reason I had five kids – cheap labor. Except that it's really not cheap once you factor in food, clothing, health care, college. On second thought, what was I thinking?
I've tagged you for a meme that you can do while your house is being remodeled for free. Come visit my blog for more info.
Karen (bensrib)
on January 30th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
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You have the MOST talented girls ever! you better switch back to DSL or Satalite by the time I have kids so I can call you when I have questions about how to raise them. I can't never ever get a hold of ya anymore! 😉
love Jess
Oh, and why doesn't even Ryann call me anymore?? I miss that kid! 🙂
on January 31st, 2008 at 7:58 am
Asbestos info
Jen,
My husband works in the building/remodeling industry. He said that asbestos was widely used to spray ceilings. By 1974, it was all phased out. It was spayed mostly on commercial jobs. He did some work at one of the local colleges, and the asbestos was sprayed heavily on the ceilings. They did this as a fire-retardant, with the purpose of slowing a fire between floors. Prior to 1974, the material purchased for home remodeling could have contained low levels. If you have other ceilings that need scarped, you could take a sample into an environmental lab for testing. Hope that helps!
Michele
on January 31st, 2008 at 8:01 am
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Yeah, yeah….I know, it's supposed to be scraped, not scarped!! Where's spell check when you need it!! lol
Michele
on January 31st, 2008 at 8:31 am
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thanks Michele, that makes me feel better. and our house was built in the early 80s, so i'm hoping that also makes things better.
🙂
on January 31st, 2008 at 1:40 pm
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Is it just me or are you ignoring all the "bun in the oven" comments?
Also, I'm amazed that you used the intolerant term "illegal aliens" in your post and didn't get any "You are mean!" comments like I did on this post: http://smockityfrocks.blogspot.com/2007/10/citizen-of-library.html
Myfriendconnie
http://www.smockityfrocks.blogspot.com
on August 20th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
.