Project of the day - Painting the patio

I don't know why everyone made this seem like such a big deal! We had this really ugly patio. Does anyone relate? The people who lived in this house before we did painted it peach. (With a gray house? REALLY!) It was covered in greasy dirt and just trashed.

It was also Super SLICK! When the kids came running out of the pool area and it was wet, watch out!

Since we will be renting the house out, we though it would be nicer looking and a lot safer to repaint with outdoor patio paint. The kind full of texture and sand to give it a grip.

The guy at home depot said we had to get all the old paint off first or the paint wouldn't stick. So we first bought the suggested paint paint remover.

Didn't work.

Next we were told the high pressure water sprayer. When I went to rent it, the guys told me no way. It won't work.

So we went to Lowes. Same song and dance. Paint won't stick. Try this etching cream. Guess what?

Didn't work.

Next...we bought a heat gun. Bingo. Didn't work.

Finally we went to Sherwin Williams. GUESS WHAT?? Their paint was not only on sale for cheaper than the other 2 stores, but it can be used over painted surfaces!! 2 weeks of wasted research for an easy 2 hour project! Thanks Sherwin Williams!

I'll post some more pics when the landscapers come on Wednesday and we OFFICIALLY list the house for rent. (I'm a bit nervous...)

Citizen of the Year!

Ainsley and her teacher Mr. G

Ainsley won an award this year at school. (Big shocker? She is always winning something!) She was picked as citizen of the year. We attended an assembly where her teacher said some nice things about her...
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Great job Ainsley! We are so proud of you!

And the winner is...(drumroll)

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today. Between this cold and the fact that there is no Desperate Housewives to watch tonight, the only thing I have to look forward to is picking a winner!

So enough with the stalling.

Using Random.org, and with 17 comments, the winning number was #10

Congratulations Brittany C! You won! Make sure to check your email the next few days because CSN will be emailing you your $40 to use at their stores! Hope you pick something fun!!

1st GIVEAWAY: $40 giftcard to CSN Stores

Did you read that right? Yes! CSN Stores has offered a $40 giftcard to one of my readers! Feel special?






Featuring products from over 200 stores, CSN carries everything from kids toys to hobo bags, as well as everyday needs such LED lighting or cookware.






I picked out a few of my favorites that you may like:

The Elmo Potty Chair would be a great pick some time this summer for Alexa

Or this Big Barrel of Colassal Crafts. I can see it coming in handy on a hot summer day.

Or this Rachel Ray Porcelain Enamel 12" Open Skillet in Orange. Might as well pick something for yourself!

Enter today for your chance to win a $40 Gift Certificate towards your favorite CSN Stores product.

Entering is easy! Simply leave me a comment letting me know your interested in winning! If your info is not on your blogger account, make sure to leave me your email address so I can notify you if you win.

Want an extra entry? Go over to CSN Stores and pick something you would pick with your giftcard. Then come back and let me know what it is.

Third entry? Let me know that you are a follower in a separate comment. Or become a follower if you aren't.

That's it! This giveaway is open until Sunday night, May 23rd at 8:00 pm PST when I will pick a winner from randomizer.org

Good luck!

Ainsley at the talent show

Ainsley had her talent show last night. She did a GREAT job!!

Mothers Day Funny's

Such a sweet boy...But Ainsley...such a smart aleck. Where does she get it from????

Of COURSE that is what I daydream about. Thus the word DREAM.

hmmm. Maybe for an afternoon of babysitting, but not long term.

She was freakishly accurate on the height and weight. Wow!

And what kid puts (2) for my mom has ____ eyes?

I guess that says it all!

On a lighter note...

A little overwhelmed

With all the fun projects I am usually working on and all the fun days I enjoy with Alexa at home it's unusual for me to feel so overwhelmed.

But, this is my gripe post, so don't read it if you don't want to hear it! :) And FYI Ryan just may kill me for putting this stuff on here. But I need validation, so feel free to share.

Some of you may know we are moving. We made an offer on a great house about 4 miles away and are still waiting to hear back from the bank. It is apparently a long process. Why are we moving? Well, we came here 4 years ago to start the bank - that failed. In the height of the real estate market we paid way too much for this house. So we lost all our money in the house and in the bank investment. All of it. And we were turned down for a loan remodification because we make too much. haha.

We have to pay lawyer fees from this crappy bank stuff, and now that we made an offer on a house, we are feeling nervous that if we have future attorney fees our money will be stuck in a new house used as a down payment. Should we pull our offer?

We are planning on renting this house out. What if it doesn't rent?

The kids? Should I drive them 15 minutes to the same school or hope they make friends and adjust? They are feeling very down about having to leave behind their friends.

And the stupid smoke detectors all went out at the same time and we have to replace the whole freaking system. What? Who came up with the plan to manufacture smoke alarms that only last 7 years?

I need some love so share it with me!