It's getting complicated

It's just crazy how difficult some things can be when it's just not necessary!  We replaced our theater projector and screen downstairs last month.  The projector is great but it took forever for our installer Troy to get time to put it up and together and then they got to the screen and it's been a nightmare!!

Kurt thought this screen would be nice.  It's basically a frame with some type of special reflective fabric stretched over it...not so good!  The frame was made of plastic and by the time they got the fabric stretched over it, it twisted and warped the frame, rendering it impossible to lay flat against the wall!

Now we're working with the online company Projector People to get an RMA# to return the screen and hoping they won't charge us a 15% restocking fee...which is ridiculous after having to pay for the shipping to return it.  Either way, it will get done....soon I hope!

Ten Years...ago

Here we are into another year...now what were we all doing ten years ago??  Oh yes, worrying about the Millenium and if our computers will just all shut down!  It's hard to believe that we're all ten years older as well; I don't feel it, hope you don't either.  I'm not vowing nor am I resolving to do anything different this year as far as making empty resolutions and promises.  Just a personal promise to do more of the good stuff and less of the bad!!


Last year started out pretty brutal; what with the robbery right off the bat (keep in mind that that's never happened in the 20+ years we've been in business!!)  Then ending with Kurt's truck being broken into and his stereo ripped right out of the dash...disheartening!!  It was definitely the year of theft...,  I'm trying really hard to keep an optimistic outlook in all of humanity but..it's getting tougher and tougher!

However, without dwelling on all the bad, we also ended the year with a lot of good things and happenings.  Most important, the kids are happy and healthy, we love each other, a roof over our heads and our bellies full (maybe too full!).  You just can't ask for more sometimes, nor should you...but as usual I do!


Jared & Evan have enrolled in Karate again at the Parker Academy of Martial Arts.  We just started and they're really enjoying it.  Hopefully, it will give them a sense of discipline, responsibility and respect within themselves.  We're on a trial period right now; so hopefully we can keep it up!  Jared had some previous experience as you all know so they moved him up from a white belt to a purple after evaluation.  Evan's a newbie so he'll start on white but he's loving it, which is the important part!

 

We recently opened up a booth in a store called "The Parker Shoppes" out here in Parker.  This store has about 50 different vendors selling everything from clothing, home decor, foods and with us in there as "Diamond Mine"; we've incorporated jewelry into their selection.  It has low overhead and a lot of opportunity for big profit; another one of Kurt's brilliant ideas!

Christmas came and went, all the hoopla and build up...!  It was a great day and the kid's as usual got what they wanted from Santa!!  I'm grateful we were able to provide it...but can't help and wonder if we're setting up for failure but it's so hard not to spoil them!  Jared got his coveted "PS3" finally and there were tears of joy!!  We couldn't believe it...!

Tears of Sheer Happiness!!

Making Cookies for Santa

Gunny had the most fun opening his presents!! So Cute!

Evan's must have - Criss Cross Crash!

I was equally blessed and surprised...!  Kurt went and bought all new cooktop, microwave and oven for our kitchen.  I was so sick of the ugly, nasty, old appliances but I knew it was going to be a pretty penny to replace all of it.  He somehow made it happen...it is beautiful!!  The wall oven on the bottom is also a convection oven; just like the microwave!  We have been floored by the amazing technology in these appliances.  The oven can also dehydrate...!!??  Jerky anyone?  What can it NOT do right?!   It was completed with a ceiling pots/pan rack and all new cookware!!  What a great present!!  Couldn't have asked for more!!

Before - Cooktop...!  Ewwwww!!

After - Beautiful!!

Before - Microwave / Oven

After - WOW!!!

Touch Screens - Love it...fingerprints are a little challenging though!!

Coming Soon ...!

My sister Cindy and her family will be visiting us this Friday weekend!  I'm really excited to see them all; it's been a while since we've gotten together.  I'm glad they were able to carve out a little bit of time for us this summer.  Everyone is growing up and older so fast I didn't want our next visit to be at each others funerals or something!

Unfortunately Alexa will not be joining them as she is quite busy with school and life at BYU of Idaho in Rexburg.  She's doing so well and I dare say she may even been having a bit of fun!

We decided that we would take them on an ATV excursion for the day while they're here.  I talked to her tonight on the phone and they're gamed; which is great!  I wasn't sure if they would be interested.

These guys have managed to raise some decent kids in this crazy world of ours.  They're smart, courteous and loving children.  I wonder what their secret is?...

I still remember holding Alexa and Zane when they were itty bitty babes; now they're pretty much adults.

Time sure does fly... ♥♥♥