Ugly, Unscripted Photos of a Very Real Week

The last few weeks have been a doozy. Instead of offering you a perky post about 10 Ways to Make Your Own Christmas Cards (which, actually, I would have to outsource, because I know one: fold a piece of red paper in half and decorate with stickers.)

Back to the point, though. This week started on the horrible note of Todd’s wonderful grandfather, “Granddaddy,” passing away. He was the most wonderful man. Ninety-three years old, and just over a year ago, finished one of his many 5Ks. He was a remarkable man in every way.

The week began with that. Then it snowed, then we got the flu…few of us have seen the outside of our home. We don’t even brush our teeth anymore.

So instead of a trite little “how-to” post (and in keeping with my recent promise to you) I thought I’d offer you a precious, highly desirable real-life glimpse into the Smartt Household.

Highly desirable, people.

Are you jealous of this? Hubby, if you’re reading this, please just quickly scroll down. Thank you.

Yes, this is me. Working out. Sam took this picture while I was doing Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred. It’s working pretty well, as far as I can tell. It’s been 30 days, and I’ve done it once. I’m not sure that’s what she means.

I will say, though, I didn’t need to work out for a few of those 30 days days. Following my ravenous desire to redecorate, we shipped the ugly bookshelves upstairs, and dumped out all 1,226 of our books and 486 puzzles and games into the center of our living room. Then I lugged each and every excess item in this picture up the 16 stairs in our home.

Each item. Like a diligent ant. My thighs hurt like I had run a marathon.

Sidenote – isn’t that picture just a warm, calming rush of gentle waters to your soul? Me, too.

Here’s the “after” once it got all cleared out. Two things to note.

1. The drying spackle (sp?) on the walls, which will be the sole mural on the wall for at least three months.
2. Sam. He is in this position for upwards of 95 minutes every day. I think he needs a job.

That’s not to say we’re not busy, though. Here’s “The Band.” Sam saw someone playing a banjo and makes Ty hold his guitar like this.

Speaking of “Banjos,” this is the real “Banjo.” Everyday, twice a day, I scour the landscapes searching for this dear dog/bear/we’re not sure. Ty cannot sleep without him, which is unfortunate, as he hides him daily in random shoe boxes, the piano bench, the silverware drawer, in between the cushions, in the dryer, shut in the pantry, etc. etc. (Note: those are all actual locations in which I have found this creature, after much prayer and petitions to the Lord.)

I had pretty much just finished pseudo-organizing the house when some form of the flu struck our household.

It’s important to stay well-nourished during this flu season. Yesterday we ate chicken chowder made from from-scratch bone-broth. Today, I served us this nutritious meal.

Same thing, really.

So that’s the news at our house. What’s new with you? 🙂

 

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