Our 1910 Colorado Bungalow:

Busy January...

2012-02-01T17:25:00.002-07:00

This little doggie decided to treat himself to a jar of wood putty that was sealed, wrapped in an additional plastic bag and stored temporarily in the basement in Jon's workshop area. He had to come in early this morning and without a treat because he was having a rather loud barking conversation with another dog down the street. Within five minutes he found the "special treat" and brought it up to his bed to enjoy. I was racing around getting ready for work and happened to notice a funny smell...which prompted me to totally freak out and stick half my arm down his throat to see if he had eaten any and smell his breath and call J frantically and try to force him to drink a bunch of water. Always a nice way to start the day!

Speaking of wood putty... Jon decided it was high time that he got this window trim painted. We have enjoyed the extra window coverage provided by the painter's tape for the last four months...

Didn't want to rush things you know ;)

It looks awesome (and MUCH bigger)!!

We renewed our CSA from Venetucci Farm this week. We are still eating potatoes, carrots, onions and much more harvested last September! Selected the Choice plan this year and are looking forward to delicious veggies and fruit as well as farm raised beef and pork. Mmm bacon!!

This is finally happening!! Great news for the historic school and for the Ivywild neighborhood!

Photo c/o Gazette

Hey, I know those guys... So, so, so excited!!

photo c/o COS INDY

New Year's Dinner/Last Night's Dinner

2012-01-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

New Years 2011: Surf and Turf goes best with french fries and the "Champagne of Beers", eaten in our pj's and at the senior citizen dinner hour of 5pm. We were watching movies by 6.

Every year a group hikes to the top of Pike's Peak to do a fireworks show that starts at 12am. Managed to stay up long enough (without an alarm!) to see it. We are too close to the mountains to get the full view, so we watched out of the big corner windows in the back room.

Last night: Spicy Peanut Stir Fry- two thumbs up!

I'm actually cooking at home most night's of the week. All by myself. So proud :)

Had to pan out so you could get the full view of what I'm working with...

Summer Flashback 2011- Roses

2012-01-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how I haven't killed these yet...

Check out the awesome "soil".

Two new Forsythia (need to move one of them to a new spot with more space).

So excited to see the BRIGHT blooms!

Love the bright orange!

This bush doubled in size this year. Need to set up some lattice so I can train them to grow over the house. You can see the vines growing around the front in the winter photos.

Nice shot of my neighbor's house...he painted it this summer. I forgot how special it looked BEFORE :) You rock Harvey!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

I can't stop lighting candles!

Cards hanging.

Jingle bells.

OJ and cinnamon rolls (and chex mix!)

Presents under the tree :)

Realized we have really long stockings...yes!

Zeb destroying his Christmas present.

Chino borrowed Zeb's new blanket. Kitty was probably hiding by the heater vent.

1st annual Christmas Hike: Zeb on the edge, wearing his new coat (spoiled).

The view. Nice.

Great, new tradition :)

Christmas Dinner, Yum.

White Christmas

2011-12-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

I hung this on our door and then...

this happened!

Zeb running around like crazy in the snow.

1st round of snow and shoveling for the week. Good job Jon!

The rest of our Winter decorations. I love the shadows they make!

Everything is in the mail!

2011-12-22T14:26:00.002-07:00

My tree looks so empty now!

Everyone at the post office was worried. I was really fast though ;)

Christmas Tree Hunt 2011

2011-12-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Christmas tree hunting in the Pike National Forest.

Got one!

Profile

We decorate around the random cabinet and extra furniture stash :)

Close-up

Jon's stocking

Emily's stocking

Christmas painting.

Gratuitous Zeb photos

2011-12-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

Spoiled. Go Badgers!

Thinks he's a lap dog.

He was cold after hiking to get the Christmas tree. This was our solution. He stayed in his sweater for hours!

I'm sure that none of his issues come from his parents ;) And of course by parents, I mean Jon and me. Wow.

We've been sorta busy...

2011-12-02T15:03:00.001-07:00

Before:

Middle:

Almost done:

Hoping to be done by New Years!

Ivywild News: Now cooking, first element of new Ivywild project- COS INDY

2011-07-12T21:07:00.000-06:00

http://www.csindy.com/IndyBlog/archives/2011/07/11/now-cooking-first-element-of-new-ivywild-project

POSTED BY MATTHEW SCHNIPER ON TUE, JUL 12, 2011 AT 10:30 AM

I attended last night's Food for Thought tasting at Bristol Brewing Co., described below.

But before I get to talking about Blue Star chef de cuisine Andrew Sherrill's savory eats and Blue Star pastry chef Alicia Prescott's dessert plate, a little news on the Ivywild project and some surprise changes at the Blue Star.

First, the reason Andrew Sherrill provided last night's eats was because after only six months,Daniel Gerson and the Blue Star parted ways last Friday.

As indicated in my May review of the outfit, not everything was running smoothly under Gerson, but after the lengthy search process that brought him here, many of us assumed that the menu would eventually find the right balance at his hands.

Blue Star owner Joe Coleman magnanimously had only positive things to say to me about Gerson as a person and a chef when we discussed Gerson's departure Monday night. But it was clear in that discussion that Gerson simply wasn't the right fit for the Blue Star, which like all restaurant kitchens has its particular quirks, challenges and a "crazy owner" in Coleman's words.

Sherrill, who's been with the outfit for five-plus years, has resumed the leadership role in the kitchen for the time being. We'll keep you posted when we hear whether another head chef search will be launched, or whether Sherrill will perhaps finally be tapped to move up.

As for the Ivywild project, everything's chugging along according to plan, says Mike Bristol, and the partnership could close on the building as early as September, but possibly as late as October or beyond.

Certain design features are having to be reworked around budget concerns, he says, and the planned greenhouse will likely have to be a phase-two addition after the initial bakery and brewery are opened.

Now, on to last night's dinner: As I said below, the meal was sort of a focus group, where guests were given pen and paper to make notes on the food as well as the food/beer pairing. Bristol beerocrat Laura Long and I discovered some additional beer pairings that worked well, including Black Fox Brewing Co.'s Don't Call Me Wit beer, whose light Belgian body worked beautifully with the courses' sweet whitebreads.

Bristol, Coleman and crew say they'll take this gathered criticism to heart when designing their tasting room menus once the move's been made across the street.

Here's some photos with course descriptions.

MATTHEW SCHNIPER
Two long tables of critics, who paid $20 for three small plates and three beers.

MATTHEW SCHNIPER
Two open-faced sandwiches: a grilled flank steak with caramelized onions and a horseradish vinaigrette, and a BLT of cured pork belly, roasted tomato and an arugula-asiago spread. Both were paired with a nitrogen-charged Compass IPA.

MATTHEW SCHNIPER
A pretzel sandwich with honey-roasted turkey, pickled red peppers and dijonaise, which was paired with Bristol's flagship Laughing Lab.

MATTHEW SCHNIPER
Bristol's Beehive honey wheat was paired with Alicia Prescott's sweet dessert sandwiches. The first was banana bread with peanut butter, marshmallow fluff and bacon. The second was a chocolate sandwich with a house Nutella version mixed with homemade raspberry preserves.

——- ORIGINAL POST, 4:29 P.M., MONDAY, JULY 11 ——-

We reported this time last year on a collaborative project to turn the old Ivywild Elementary School into a bakery as well as a brewery and greenhouse operation.

MATTHEW SCHNIPER
Alicia Prescott and crew are getting all their desserts in a row prior to hopping across the street to Ivywild.

But before Bristol Brewing Co. and theBlue Star's baking outfit set up shop — and other community groups such as Pikes Peak Urban Gardens begin tending a greenhouse and gardens on the site — those involved in the project want your feedback.

One way in which you can participate is to visitThe Old School Bakery's Facebook page, where you'll find info on tasting days and a Tasty Pastry Card that'll get you items like a white cake with raspberry filling and lemon buttercream or teacake lollipops dipped in white chocolate. (For sale at the Blue Star.)

Executive pastry chef Alicia Prescott and team are asking for feedback on these creations that they can take to heart before the move.

A second way to partake is with Bristol Brewing Co.'s Food for Thought series, which is sold out for tonight, but still open from 6 to 8 p.m. on July 25 as well as Aug. 8 and 22.

A $20 entry gets you Bristol beer samples paired with small plates prepared by Blue Star chefDaniel Gerson.

After tasting, you're invited to critique the food and let the staffs know what you do and don't like. Think of it as paying (versus being paid) to be part of a focus group. But hey, at least there's beer involved.

Happy 60th Birthday Dad! We love you!

2011-07-08T14:15:00.000-06:00

Good bye Orange! Hello Blue!

2011-05-24T06:36:00.000-06:00

The Orange wasn't too hard to cover.

Oooh, blue!

Looks good with the tile and NEW trim (thanks Larry & Dad)!

Finally...somewhere to hang things up!

Still working on the trim.

I'm even excited to have a toilet paper hanger...it's the little things ;)

Our Bathroom Does NOT Look Like This!

2011-05-20T20:19:00.000-06:00

Almost no one looks good in orange... not the best choice for the ONLY bathroom!

Big Dog Zeb and His Friend Otter

2011-05-19T15:28:00.000-06:00

Brothers aka "World Peace"

2011-05-18T07:43:00.000-06:00

Our Computer Died, so here is a cute picture of Baby Zeb

2011-05-17T16:00:00.000-06:00

Weather Report: P&L Construction Week

2011-03-29T16:35:00.000-06:00

Nice.

Construction: Meals

2011-03-25T21:14:00.005-06:00

Marinated Pork Tenderloin, Fruit Salad
Venison Burgers, Spicy Pickles
Homemade Pizza
Frozen Pizza
Grilled Cheese/ Grilled PB&J
Scrambled Eggs and Toast
Cereal
Cheese Curds and Triscuits
Steak and Salad
Borriello Bros. Pizza delivery
Yogurt Parfaits
Ice Cream Sundae's for Jon
Reese's Eggs

Sneak Peak (or I'll get grounded!)

2011-03-24T17:53:00.000-06:00

Kitchen

Back room

Bathroom

Kitchen Destruction- 3/5/11

2011-03-24T17:42:00.000-06:00

sag

all cleaned out

one wall

dust guard

chimney/lath & plaster

used to be useless drawers (L) & pantry area (R)

bye, bye cupboards.

Jeff taking down another wall.

Jon with more clean-up.

Nice Saturday's work, still light out!

Kitchen everywhere!

2011-03-22T21:57:00.000-06:00

I already forgot what it looked like...

Kitchen pack up time

3/2/11

Too many appliances/Wow. Carpet.

3/2/11

Lonely stove.

3/2/11

Temporary Kitchen Storage

3/4/11

Ummm, we were in a hurry?

3/5/11

Ditto.

3/5/11

Dust guard.
3/5/11

More crap. (and lunch)

3/5/11

No, it doesn't still like this (mostly...)

Kitchen...all that's left.

2011-03-21T18:25:00.000-06:00

Daughter Tour 2011: Best help we could ever ask for...

2011-03-21T18:08:00.001-06:00

Far above Cheyenne Canyon
Colorado Springs, CO
March 2011- Day "off"

All quiet on the Western blog.

2011-03-04T00:52:00.000-07:00

Many, many exciting things happening here... maybe I can get some photos up before they change again...

Shredding, recycling, purging, organizing, scrubbing, dusting, vacuuming, rearranging, emptying, taking apart, talking, preparing, testing, learning & celebrating.

Soon to be smashing, bashing, scooping, dumping, wiring, plumbing, permitting, insulating, dry-walling, Mexican food eating, driving, hosting, visiting & fishing.

The stars seem to be aligned and we are trying to take full advantage of all of our opportunities. Will be off the blog (I'm guessing) for the next two weeks... devoting all extra time to either the kitchen, back room, bathroom, etc.

Exciting things to come for Ivywild!

2011-02-19T15:05:00.002-07:00

Revival could start with cake, beer city, dream, citizens - DREAM CITY - ENCToday

This just makes me smile! Lots of activity on the Ivywild Neighborhood Facebook page. Feeling very fortunate to have other residents that want to connect and build community in Ivywild, then again, that's why we chose to live here!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions

2011-02-06T23:13:00.000-07:00

Championship Belt right there... Oh yeah!

February 5th & 6th: Best weekend of 2011!

2011-02-05T14:21:00.001-07:00

Finally gave in and plugged in the fridge.

I have been scoping out the best price and then buying regardless of if we are ready for the appliance.

Hence why we had the refrigerator, washer and dryer in the dining room.

The Freezer

Go Pack Go!!

Super Bowl XLV

Spring in January

2011-01-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

It's been in the 60's the past few days.

We could have snow and teens Tuesday.

Typical winter in Colorado Springs.

This shelving is the major dumping zone when walking in the door. Even cleaned off, it is LEANING and going to tip over. I want to drill it to the wall, but... carpet needs to come out, floors freshened up, etc.

Would it be really annoying to drill it in now and then take out when we pull the carpet out, then reattach it to the wall?

Hi Kitty/FDR/Mr. McKittelsworth/Frank

Our neighbors are getting their trees trimmed!! Yeah!! It looks so good and will cut down on sticks littering our yard by 1000%. Jon will have so much less work ;)

I will post photos. It looks great!

New Year, New goings on...

2011-01-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

I couldn't post b/c I was too superstitious/busy/obsessed with the SUPERBOWL BOUND PACKERS!!!

Here is a photo of the back room all torn up:

And here is a photo because I have no shame:

(good thing this is pretty blurry) (zeb is really tiny in this photo- now he's 45lbs?)

think this is me eating a waffle (upon further review, could be chips and salsa...more likely)

and not working on the back room.

also, i'm sitting in the dining room, that has all the stuff that needs to go back there

(washer, dryer, all my clothes, vacuum, hidden pile of papers/office)

I was claiming reno depression, but now i'm so insanely happy about my team...

hmmm...

weekend with no football?? hmmm...

I am making a list NOW

Does going to the Laundry count as a post?

2010-12-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

from

IT'S NOT THIS BAD....and unlike college, i'm bringing CLEAN clothes home :)

To Do List

2010-12-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Laundry
Pack clothes
Organize Presents
Wrap up at work
Clean out car/Pack car
Kennel/Dog Bed for Zeb
Oil Change/last two tires
Pack Zeb stuff
Get cat stuff together
Clean out fridge

Movie Night

2010-12-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Dude...man...

Going (went) to the Zoo!

2010-12-20T00:18:00.001-07:00

scary Mountain Lion

Started Christmas shopping today. Everything will be shipped to Marinette.

Went to the CC Hockey game.

Watched the Packers lose, close game... can't stand Tom Brady.

We've had snow for 2 days!

2010-12-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Zeb licking the snow.

We went somewhere: (Rosie and Emily) Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio Spurs

2010-12-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

What NOT to do when you have guests over...

2010-12-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

blurry blackberry house photo

Don't get locked out of your house.

Don't kill the battery in your car that is NOT a stick shift.

Don't have three appliances + office+ closet in the dining room.

Don't have ONLY gatorade, vitamin water, juice and milk in the OLD fridge.

Don't have a puppy run down to her room and jump on her FACE while she's sleeping.

Don't have a big pile of papers on the floor from a project in process.

Hmmmm....

what else?

Rhoades Girls

2010-12-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

Fun night

2010-12-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

Paying bills
Setting up Rosie's (air) bed
Zeb to myself
Granola and juice for dinner
Craving the Bux, but not spending $$ this week!
Nice Clause/Rhoades/Bevill/Richards/Kornely Family photo

Wow, I'm lame :)

A year and month ago: Wow, makes me feel better!

2010-12-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

THANKS DAD!

Finally stripped and resealed the shower tile!

2010-12-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

Zeb's Puppy School Graduation

2010-12-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

He knows he is very handsome and he always lets people fawn over him, but he was very embarrassed about the hat and scarf!

December 10th???

2010-12-10T14:39:00.004-07:00

all we have left to do before Christmas:

christmas shop for everyone
~~do the laundry-this weekend~~
buy a new kennel for Zeb
buy a new dog bed for Zeb
~~do the dishes-this weekend~~
buy two new tires for the element
buy a new wheel for the element
get an oil change
buy spices and tortillas
plug in the refrigerator
get rid of the old refrigerator
~~take zeb to puppy graduation-this weekend~~
~~clean up the house for Rosie~~
rearrange the house- for Emily
decorate the tree-tonight
~~find someone to watch the cats~~ THANKS MEGAN & ELLIE!!
~~grocery shop for Rosie's visit~~
send Christmas cards?
re-seal the slate in the shower
~~supervise officer transitions for DG~~
go to birthday party
go to

T-15 days

Am I too old (boring) for a dream Christmas List?

2010-12-09T17:20:00.001-07:00

1) external hard drive
2) sunset magazine subscription, books, itunes gift cards
3) Canon t2i
4) funny Badger Rose Bowl t-shirt

5) funny packer (matthews, rodgers) t-shirt,
6) maid, dishwasher
7) gap gift cards, clothes, jeans
8) sheepskin boots
9) flat, pointy work shoes
10) HELP ON OUR HOUSE!!

Christmas Candy

2010-12-08T19:47:00.003-07:00

Yummy!

Homesick

2010-12-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

Disaster Dining Room

2010-12-06T09:18:00.002-07:00

Go Badgers!

2010-12-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

Porch Squirrel- they ate the whole thing!

2010-12-04T14:18:00.000-07:00

Back Room/Laundry Room/??

2010-12-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

Needs windows

And Insulation!

No Door Refrigerator

2010-12-02T18:28:00.002-07:00

Zeb and Nasty Kitchen Carpet

2010-12-01T17:31:00.002-07:00

Just listening to some music: Winter-y Songs

2010-10-27T20:02:00.000-06:00

We went somewhere: BlackDiamondSkye: Red Rocks Ampihtheater, Morrison CO

2010-10-24T22:13:00.006-06:00

Lets start with a little CHINO!!

DEFTONES!!

JERRY CANTRELL!!

(all above photos credited to Westword)

RED ROCKS AMPITHEATER
(lots of stairs...and very high and scary!!)

(see the cars?? we are very high on the rocks!!)

(J took this, I stayed way lower!!)

CRAZY MASTADON (see Moby Dick on screen below!!)

(I couldn't take many photos b/c the music was so loud it was shaking my camera :)

DEFTONES!!

CHINO

listen

DISCO BALL STARS

(I couldn't take too many photos b/c I was hypnotized by my favorite--DEFTONES, all the best and rarest!)

(We did NOT fit in!!)

ALICE IN CHAINS

JERRY CANTRELL

LAYNE

ENCORE

10/4/10

(long overdue... we've been busy, working on the house :) Jon finished the insulation, winterized the yard, made a cat door for the cats to escape from Zebulon (in the basement empty room), cleaned the carpets and we're starting on the back room!! I bought the curtains i posted previously and hopefully will hang them some time before spring :) Also, we've been cooking Turkey day classics, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and seeds, carving pumpkins... with only two, we eat only mashed potatoes for dinner :)

We went somewhere: Great Sand Dunes Park and Preserve

2010-10-07T17:58:00.000-06:00

THE CAMPSITE...

Zeb relaxing,

then guarding

& helping set up camp

Close-up!

neck scratch

THE DUNES...

three views from our campsite

THE DUNEFIELD...

Zeb checking it all out.

BACK AT THE SITE...

10/2

Hunting is over!!

2010-09-28T15:43:00.000-06:00

Time to have some fun and work on the house... until snow hits the mountains...

Here's a puppy photo of Zeb (when he was still allowed to come to the office!)

Mourning the loss of summer...

2010-09-20T13:35:00.001-06:00

Here is an awesome new thing for our wall (doodled and signed- THANKS to Jermaine Rogers)

and something to cheer up about fall...

http://www.redrocksonline.com/CalendarEventDisplay.aspx?id=43243

We had Soooo much fun at Jana's beautiful wedding (held at a totally Texas ranchette, stone buildings and twinkle-y lights...) Rounding out our Labor Day weekend with Whataburger, hanging out by the pool, Lonestar & family! Zeb came with and he was pretty great the entire trip. He learned about water and swimming pools and loved his aunt Jesse!

(after accidentally jumping in the pool!)

This is just funny.

Here's where I've been spending my evenings- the NEW-ish DG house at Colorado College. Having fun with the girls and helping with recruitment.

Zeb Heavy Post (Sorry phone pictures)

2010-09-19T20:08:00.002-06:00

This cute, little, sleeping puppy is getting MUCH bigger!

Stretching NOT sleeping.

Eating his new BIG chewy. His tail was wagging the whole time!

The ONLY time Chino is brave... Can you see Zeb?

Welcome Zeb (Zebulon Pickles Pike) 14er bound!

2010-08-07T15:59:00.000-06:00

I know what happened THIS summer...

2010-08-02T17:24:00.000-06:00

We sat outside, grilled, played canasta and cribbage...

We got the washer, but it's still in the dining room...

We got the stove, we're eating at home! (one of these things is out of place...)

We had greenish grass...

We spent time in the Garden...

Made new friends...

Went to the top of the Peak...

J climbed 14er's (Emily had coffee...)

another one...

grilled!

smelled the roses...

made a huge mess when gutting the back room...

the beginning...

more to come

Good (blog) Reads

2010-07-27T18:56:00.000-06:00

arabsvip.com

grapesandgrainsnyc.com

We've been wanting to do this for a long time, (thanks parents :))

Then, Sarah sent me THIS!

She is a teacher at one of Sarah's schools in Seattle!

Self.com

I like this blog. And now, here's a book about her other blog. It's getting lots of press, here and here.

In blogs and in REAL life, everyone's on the move. Like last year, we haven't been going on many adventures. Finding and renovating is keeping us busy! Looking forward to a trip to TX for JANA's wedding, fall trip to the Midwest (is best!) and a BIG trip to the East Coast to see two sisters, three friends, five hubbies, two brothers, two sisters, a Grace and a Vera!

YHL

Doesn't this look familiar?? (same tile, same shower tile, same vanity-ish, same light-ish, weird!)

We've been busy around the house and will have photos soon!

Kitchen Mock-Ups

2010-07-23T14:34:00.000-06:00

Planned to Update, BUT

2010-07-07T17:04:00.001-06:00

I FLOODED THIS (awesome) KITCHEN!!

Don't ask...

yes, it does look like the carpet is soaked with blood

NOT ours :(

Help is on the way!!

2010-06-09T13:53:00.000-06:00

maybe our kitchen will look like this?

We are so lucky that we have family that chooses to spend their vacation time coming to visit us in Colorado!! We have visitors coming in a few days. I'm excited to show them around our new neighborhood, home and work on some fun projects.

Wanted: Bedroom Curtains

2010-06-03T17:32:00.000-06:00

I want these curtains, I need these curtains, I would love these curtains in a bold red and creamy white (too much to ask...)

Little Green Notebook did it! Maybe I can too...

upcoming deliveries: washing and cooking

2010-06-02T17:32:00.001-06:00

washing machine

stove

What Happened to April??

2010-05-06T16:40:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I have updates... not as many as I may have hoped... I will post them this weekend!

Been crazy-busy with the nice weather and fun trips.

Super duper excited to go to Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me tonight!!!

We're in the planning stages of making a balanced calendar for the summer so we're not just working on house stuff like last year's house hunting!

Trips to the Sand Dunes, Mesa Verda, Rocky Mtn, and Black Canyon National parks, Jackson Hole (???)as well as some fly fishing, camping etc. NEED TO HAPPEN :)

Progress: What not to talk about at 7:00am

2010-04-06T17:01:00.000-06:00

I've been sick since last Thursday and spent the entire weekend on the couch, hacking and sneezing. We tried to go to Home Depot to get some ideas on the layout of the kitchen. I made it there and then had a total nasal meltdown and had to go home. Thus, I didn't get the dishes done (my turn) or do the laundry (my job) or finish the paper de-cluttering (I started last weekend). I have a problem where my anal retentiveness is either all or nothing, I get overwhelmed and just add to the problem. I know I should try to get more done during the week, but as soon as I get home it's crash time-- I've been volunteering as an advisor for my college sorority (Delta Gamma!) and get home LATE on those nights... ooooh, excuse central. We had a discussion this morning (J's up early for 7am start time) and I was just waking up... icky... bad idea...

Here's what J instant messaged me when I got to work (I think/hope the article is supposed to be funny):

How to Get Your Wife to Help Clean the House
By Alicia Bodine, eHow Contributing Writer

It use to be that women stayed home with the children and cleaned the house. Men went to work all day to support their families. Nowadays it often takes two incomes to be able to survive financially. That means that both the husband and the wife have full time jobs. When they come home from work it is only fair that they split the housework as well. If you wife isn't helping you clean, there are a few things you can do to get her to start helping out.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:

•Music

•Marriage counselor

Step 1 Ask your wife to help you. Let her know in a loving manner that doing all the housework is becoming a little too much for you. It may be that your wife isn't helping because she believes you enjoy doing it or that you can handle it. A little communication may be all you need to get your wife to help you clean.
Step 2   Make a cleaning chart and hang it on the fridge. Divide all the chores up between all of the family members and then your wife won't feel like you are singling her out. This may sound like something you would just use for your children, but it is an excellent motivator.
Step 3   Play some fun music and demonstrate to your wife how the upbeat music makes cleaning fun. Then start cleaning together. Work on one room at a time and take time to stop and dance here and there. This will make cleaning time something to look forward to.
Step 4 Call your wife's mother for some insight. Her mother may be able to tell you how she got her daughter to clean before she married you. You can then use that to get your wife to help you clean.
Step 5 Bring in a marriage counselor. The marriage counselor can do two things. He can find out why your wife isn't helping you clean, and be a mediator between the two of you. He can help you find a compromise.
Step 6   Let the house go. This means that you don't do any cleaning. By going on a cleaning strike your wife will start to notice exactly how much of the housework you have been doing. She will then begin to appreciate all of your hard work and begin helping out more.
Step 7 Romance your wife. Try spending some time winning over your wife's affection. She will then want to do some things to please you such as keeping the house looking nice. It may just be that your wife is going through the day-to-day motions and you need to awaken her to life again.

Tips & Warnings

If all of your attempts fail and you just can't continue doing all the cleaning yourself, hire a maid..Never resort to physical violence to scare your wife in to helping you. This is against law and you can land yourself prison time.

Favorite these days...

2010-03-24T21:51:00.003-06:00

Haven't had anything exciting to post, lots of cleaning, purging, spring fevering...

gearing up for the kitchen demo and rebuild...

Listening to old Liz Phair like it's going out of style...

here

7

2010-03-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

(here)

Update: Living Room

2010-03-02T15:15:00.001-07:00

Finally... it's like we live here!

To Do: rip out carpet, fix windows

hang photos

Update: Bathroom

2010-02-28T13:08:00.001-07:00

The mirror is up!

Can you see some things that need to be done?

(Trim around the shower)

(caulk around door frame)

cats hiding in the built in...

For JAR & Warney

2010-02-23T17:08:00.002-07:00

If you have a baby boy I hope he's just like this...

AND

if you have a baby girl -- UPDATE: IT'S A GIRL!!

YOU'RE IN TROUBLE!!

(W- at least you've known JAR since she was JAB)

Friday: I love this today

2010-02-19T17:11:00.005-07:00

PHOTO from the captains dead

Because it's Friday... and I am a dork and miss Dollhouse!

updated: I just got home and put this on and J says, "Is this Mazzy Star"

...his first guess whenever I have new music on :)

What I've been up to...

2010-02-09T19:20:00.002-07:00

A LAST MINUTE TRIP TO

NUEVO VALLARTA, MEXICO

(about 20 min north of PVR)

I met up with these two:

(by andrea)

Here's where I stayed.

(this was almost exactly the view)

THE POOL (look for the ocean...)

(the condo was literally steps from the ocean...)

(by andrea)
SUNSET... beautiful every night!

Went to the spa and got massaged & scrubbed. Seriously... Check it out... AWESOME!!

FABULOUS DINNER (on the beach) AT

Cafe des Artistes Del Mar

(by andrea)

All around restful and relaxing time!

Just in time to get cracking on some big projects at the house.

Jon didn't go on the trip and did a few things around the house that I need to post.

Happy 6 months anniversary in our house...
Next thing is a BIG LIST!

This weeks (lack of) progress...

2010-01-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

(mom relaxing in 60 degrees Dec08)

We haven't done much this week (again). Still settling back into the routine. I have, on the other hand, been relaxing and re-energizing. I saw this on Independent Lens last night and the songs have been in my head all day...especially this one. I might have to add it to my latest playlist. Meetings in Denver all day tomorrow, making a big list Friday and will have project photos very soon!

STUCK...

2010-01-12T17:41:00.001-07:00

I'm ready to get back in the swing of things, but I'm stuck. I am ready to cover the walls in the living room but I'm not sure how I'm going to blend the different styles.

Here's what I have:

Can't change anything on this one.

Could change the mat and need to change the frame.

I would call the overall style I'm going for as mid-century/natural. We're going with bold accents throughout the house and a neutral base.

Here's what I like:

(miro)

(calder)

On taking a break...

2010-01-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

We saw a lot of this,

We saw this Baby Santa and many more kids,

We drank some beer with these dorks + 6 more,

And, we ate some delicious burgers and malts

HERE

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Painting the Living Room

2009-12-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

IN THE SUN

JON DOES THE DETAIL

Getting into the Christmas Spirit!!

2009-12-21T18:31:00.002-07:00

Hello...testing...is there anyone out there??

2009-12-18T18:18:00.001-07:00

We've been crazy busy painting, working, being sick (it's been a bad year), and getting ready for a much needed break. Here are some photos of what else has been keeping us busy.

OUR CHRISTMAS TREE!

Deer crossing right in front of our car on our way to Pike National Forest

Mission Accomplished!

Chino & Kitty love to hang out under the tree and drink kitty gin (pine tree water).

The tree is up and notice...

WE FINALLY PAINTED THE LIVING ROOM!

The tree in all its glory.

Even though we're heading back to Wisconsin for some time with our families, we have to go on our annual hike in the forest to find our tree. Unfortunately, I wore the worst boots and ended up laying in the snow for most of the morning.

Next step: DINING ROOM...

Sick, sick, sick... and an awesome headboard!

2009-11-29T19:55:00.003-07:00

Since I was sick all weekend, including being in bed all day Thursday and Friday, I have made little progress on the painting. I'm working on a list to motivate us to get some real progress done before we leave for our Christmas trip to Wisconsin.

In the meantime, here's a headboard that I'm dying to add to my bedroom! I need to get some color going so Jon will quit asking why everything is white :)

via oh happy day, design sponge

Oh, and thanks to Haley for the new header!! Still working out some other tweaks to the format.

Hope we finally make these this weekend!

2009-11-20T19:59:00.002-07:00

Weekend Schedule- Updated

2009-11-13T16:29:00.011-07:00

We have a super busy weekend ahead, so much so that I am considering drinking some pop tonight to get an extra burst of energy.

Friday night:

1) Pizza?? Test Wooglin's? Perhaps Il Vicino? (Seems like a great idea) Luigi's on South Tejon-- after driving by this a million times since we moved, we thought it would be a good idea to check it out. Short wait, great table by the fireplace, yummy pizza and unlimited Dr. Pepper...yes!!

2) Clean up the million of piles around the house (ok, probably just bedroom, bathroom, closet-room) FAIL

3) Wear pajamas DONE

Saturday:

1) Paint, paint, paint (no slacking this weekend!) Cleaned up tons of crap throughout the house, now it seems like we really live there!

2) Have friends over for grilled meat Snow ruined these plans.

3) Use Bristol Brewery gift certificate (been keeping since 12/08 for a special occasion) Big check mark...met Benny, A&J there for a quick game of shuffleboard (I don't know if it's called that if it's on a table??) and a beer before the RD festivities.

4) ROLLER DERBY at the City Auditorium with Jon, Benny, Eddie, A&J Fun, but not a crazy as last time!

Sunday:

1) Jon's hitting the slopes at A-Basin Lots of snow, tested A-Basin, but ended up at Keysone for a BIG fall and $1 tacos.

2) Girls over for champagne & pastries brunch at the house?? (no dining table yet!!) change of plans, pj's, and online TV

3) Make Carmel Apples FAIL- need to accomplish this week before Jon eats all the carmels!!

4) Relax & watch Project Runway online Awww, yeah...

Whew...

What are your plans for the weekend?

Hopefully, some fun updates Monday :)

Paint and Shower Tile

2009-11-06T17:34:00.008-07:00

new paint
Originally uploaded by emilyrhoades

Built-in with paint color

2009-11-06T17:34:00.007-07:00

new paint and built-in
Originally uploaded by emilyrhoades

Bathroom Updates: Light Installed and Paint

2009-11-06T17:33:00.003-07:00

flash
Originally uploaded by emilyrhoades

2009-11-04T17:55:00.002-07:00

Waiting to pick up delicious Boriello Brothers pizza to feed the workers (Jon snd Benny) putting in the light above bathroom sink. Now all we need is a mirror!

Primed Bathroom and Built-in

2009-11-03T22:02:00.002-07:00

11-3 house 044
Originally uploaded by emilyrhoades

Bedroom Windows

2009-11-03T22:01:00.002-07:00

11-3 house 047
Originally uploaded by emilyrhoades

It's a MUCH warmer color

2009-11-03T22:00:00.001-07:00

11-3 house 045
Originally uploaded by emilyrhoades

Can't you tell?? Jon can't...tones work against him :)

Painted the Bedroom too!

2009-11-03T21:59:00.001-07:00

11-3 house 050
Originally uploaded by emilyrhoades

Bleached Linen on the walls and ceiling and White on the trim... both by Behr. Moving in to bedroom little by little, hard to get used to sleeping upstairs :)

Jon getting the high parts

2009-11-03T21:58:00.001-07:00

11-3 house 053
Originally uploaded by emilyrhoades

Thank Goodness Jon is much taller than me... I didn't have to do the high parts!

Mom Cutting in with Primer

2009-11-03T21:56:00.001-07:00

11-3 house 036
Originally uploaded by emilyrhoades

Cutting in sucks!

Bathroom Primed

2009-11-03T21:55:00.001-07:00

11-3 house 039
Originally uploaded by emilyrhoades

Bathroom Update: Almost there!

2009-11-03T21:54:00.002-07:00

11-3 house 026
Originally uploaded by emilyrhoades

Well, we're about 90% done with the bathroom!

Mucho thanks to my Mom for spending her "Teacher's Convention" weekend in Colorado painting!

We had finished the tile before she got here and installed the shower hardware so it was FINALLY possible to take a real shower... no more "man showers" or "guerrilla shower tactics" needed :)

We used 12x12 ceramic tile for the bathroom floor and 6x6 slate for the shower floor an edging. We know most of the folks at the Southgate Home Depot by name as we have a 100% Depot supplied bathroom!

We painted the walls Cheyenne Rock by Behr. Jon picked it out...yes, he is color blind...but I love it! It is a little darker than I expected, but with the white trim, built-in, sink & toilet it balances nicely. We made a deal that he can go fishing/snowboarding, etc and I get to pick the paint colors for the rest of the upstairs.

Friday was a big day as we now have our internet functioning at the house. Also, City Glass came to measure for an estimate on a glass enclosure for the shower. As for now, we have a great shower curtain (thanks for the housewarming present Mom!)

We need to finish the trim, window, install the light and mirror over the sink and build the vanity/shelves in the old doorway.

Taking it easy this week and back at it hard this weekend!

Our Neighborhood: Ivywild, Colorado Springs, CO

2009-11-03T12:15:00.001-07:00

We love our new neighborhood. When we were searching for our new home, we ONLY looked in a few locations, Downtown Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Patty Jewett/ Bonneville & Ivywild.

To read more about our neighborhood CLICK HERE!

The overview tab is the funniest to read :)

So much progress...

2009-10-31T22:39:00.003-06:00

We have been working so hard this week preparing for our help from WI to arrive!! Now that my Mom is here we are making real progress on the bathroom and anticipate moving into our bedroom by the end of the weekend. No more Aerobed!! Will update with lots of photos ASAP.

Bathroom Updates: Shower Tile

2009-10-22T18:44:00.001-06:00

It might seem like we have been working on this for way, way to long (Haley) but we actually are making some progress. H1N1 got us down last week, but we've managed to get back on track this week. In the future, I might reconsider a project like this without fitting in a few days off to get the bulk of the work done. Just so you remember where we started:

SEE, WE'VE REALLY MADE SOME PROGRESS... REALLY...

Here's the first wall: Saturday

We had to take a mental break and go scream at the Pikes Peak Derby Dames. It was super fun and exciting even if we didn't understand exactly how it works. I think I could get excited about watching competitive paint drying and asked our friend Benny (who has a personal connection to the team) if he was embarrassed that he brought me because I was the only one yelling (a lot) in our group. We are definitely going back!

Sunday progress-- saving the hard cuts for Monday because our neighbors hate us enough already!

Monday-- still waiting for the hardest part.

Any suggestions on what to do with this window?? We meant to keep it b/c it brings more light into the bathroom even though it has become an inside window after an additon was added to the back of the house (many years ago). I want to just load it up with outdoor, water resistant paint and then etch the glass a little for privacy. I am sure that there are other options of what should be done by other residents! Hopefully, we can reach a mutual decision with out too much debate :) Yes, drinking the champagne of beers while tiling helps to expidite the process!

The next step will be painting. Jon picked out the bathroom color-- the second from the top. I'm hoping it's not too dark, but we will have lots of shiny white trim and white built in. It's not the color that I probably would have picked, but I like it and I'm saving my battles for the colors I'm determined to have in other rooms.

We've been lost in a construction site...

2009-10-22T18:15:00.001-06:00

BEDROOM

Colorado Balloon Adventure

2009-10-15T16:44:00.000-06:00

Check THIS out!! Exciting times in Colorado!!