It's Our Turn...

for winter weather! I guess it is time for me to quiet my bragging about the moderate temperatures during the South Carolina winter. I have spent the past few months teasing my friends and family in the midwest about their rough winter and basking in the fact that I don't have to deal with it or drive in it. Well...it is our turn. We don't have any snow at our house, although many parts of Greenville county, the upstate of SC and western NC do - and some a lot of it. We are happy to announce all we have is sleet and freezing rain! The sleet was pounding on our windows so hard last night it kept me awake. As I write this, the rain is falling as well as our temps which promise to stay 30 or below today. I guess the silver lining is we usually don't get any of this type of weather, and if we do, it is very short-lived. Another nice thing is Matt is home from the hospital after being on call all night. He is upstairs catching up on all the missed sleep only to return tomorrow morning until mid-day Monday. At least he is off the roads and safe at home. My guess is it will all be gone by Monday and I will be back to bragging about how nice it is here and giggling under my breath at how cold it is where we are from. Enjoy saying "na-na-na-na-na" to us...

Speechless...

Believe it or not! I have been sitting here trying to think of a catchy headline, but I think I am too perplexed and mad to do so. Remember the post on our blog a couple of weeks ago about our sixth roof leak? The builder and his worker bees came by so determined this was the last time and they knew what to do to fix the leak, and then did so under our watchful eye.

Well, well. We have had several days of rain since then, and are currently having thunderstorms. Matt checked the attic this evening to find a puddle on top of a storage box...again. I haven't even looked at the master bedroom ceiling.

I post this because 1) does anyone have any advice for us? how to get to the bottom of this? and 2) we have realized we have documentation of all the house problems - particularly this one - on this blog thanks to my ranting! So, that is why I continue to do so.

Job Security

As I begin a new week, I am working an additional day and dropping Dane off at a new classroom! I am so thankful for the career path I chose and for the job I currently have. I have more flexibility in the days and hours that I work that you can imagine! I am working Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday now (which leaves me a 4-day weekend!) from 8:30am-1:30pm. I am able to drop off and pick up the boys from each of their schools, both places that I love and know they are having fun, are learning and are safe while I am basically doing the same!

Dane moved up to a new classroom and will continue going to early stay and late stay. He didn't seem to be affected at all when I picked him up. It is just another sign that he is growing up :( I can't wait to see all the new things he will learn and make in this classroom! His school should get a blue ribbon for creativity. The arts and crafts they do just amaze me.

I just wanted to give you all a little update in our lives. Matt's doesn't change much. Work, work and more work (and less and less sleep). I guess I should mention that Blake is putting 3 words together now! He has a few phrases that just sound great. I continue to be thankful for my job security in the current times, even with more fatigue, chaos and a messier home as I increase my workload.

Let it Snow...

Okay, so just a little and it is melting when it hits the ground. But, the white stuff is falling from the sky here in Greenville, South Carolina! It's 11:00pm...should I go wake the boys?

Not So "Old"

Most of you know I love the style known as "shabby," "vintage," "antique." You get the idea. I have spent many, many hours perusing flea markets, antique shops and various other shopping venues to collect little treasures that I use to decorate. I have also spent time refurbishing various pieces of old furniture and updating other things with fabric, paint, etc. Not to mention the pieces my Dad has handcrafted and painted all on his own that reflect this style that would put many large chain companies to shame. I absolutely love this style and treasure the memories I have finding each piece and the work behind it that made it mine.

So...I was thoroughly disturbed and disappointed when I saw the Pottery Barn catalog today. Titled "Farmhouse Style." I looked through it to find the exact style I have embraced for many years and spent countless hours trying to achieve. I saw similar baskets, vases, and other pieces that are EXACTLY like the ones I have collected. Of course, WAY overpriced and mass produced. Ugh. I still love this style and will continue to enjoy discovering quaint towns with small shops that house little collectable treasures, which I will in turn enjoy having in my home. However, I am sort of offended that Pottery Barn is attempting to recreate this style that others did on their own many years ago. I just wonder how many people will take these catalogs to their local Pottery Barn in the mall, buy each "farmhouse" piece and recreate the picture in their home. Just promise me you won't come into mine and refer to the Pottery Barn style of the moment.

I DIGRESS.

What I Meant To Say...

I HATE THIS HOUSE.

Here We Go Again...

The Hollenbeck house received a very exciting New Year's gift...another roof leak in our master bedroom and attic. Same leak, same locations, sixth time. A very friendly call has been placed by calm, rational me. Sense the sarcasm? Did I mention my thoughts about cookie cutter houses? Cardboard houses as our friends, the Barden's, describe them. Gosh, they are built with such care and finesse.

I am hoping for repairs soon. That is, if the builder is brave enough to come to our door when I am the one answering it. Even with repairs (that may not yet do the trick), we still are waiting for all the lots to be let go by the bank to go into foreclosure - wait 9 months for them to come out of foreclosure - and for a builder to bid to begin construction. We currently have dirt and weeds to admire, no pool, no street lights, no HOA and the model that is now on the market. Meanwhile, I dream about the older home in the established neighborhood with big trees, character and quality building to boot. Happy Monday!