I can't find my shoes...: Holy mess, Batman...

I have never been accused of being a neat freak (except by my kids, and that speaks to their lack of neatness not my uber neatness!) but there is nothing relaxing about living in a house that is being torn up and worked on in every single room. Trying to make food on a tiny sliver of the only counter that you were able to clean, cook in a toaster oven on the floor cause the outlets are being worked on in the kitchen, having to move my bed from room to room so painting can be done or the electrician can install new overhead lighting or switches or outlets...I'm exhausted! However, it is exciting to see the slow but steady progress. Two rooms are completely painted with new overhead lighting, wiring that is up to code and switches rather than dimmers. Both rooms are painted in the same colors as the Ashlee Dr. house so it makes me happy to see those colors again. There have been setbacks but also some pleasant surprises as well, all in all it's a pretty typical home renovation project. Walls will need to be re-sheetrocked in some rooms and the floors need work. The important stuff is getting done, plumbing repairs, electrical and wall/ceiling repairs and then we can tackle the other projects like fencing, windows, and adding a shower to the 1/2 bath downstairs. The first week Caitie and I were here she spent most of every day down at the library so it was just me and the workers getting stuff done, now I have both girls home as well as the dogs and cats...making things a little more challenging. Luckily I can crate the dogs upstairs away from the work being done and the cats can be locked in there too, not ideal but it's the safest option.

The week in Maine was gorgeous weather! We missed the scorching temps here and even though it was nearly as hot there, it was by the ocean so, not so bad! The water was really nice and refreshing. Caitie spent two whole days in the water on her boogie board or swimming in the waves or snorkeling. When Steve came we all played in the waves, well, Steve held my hand while I got hammered and nearly drowned by the waves but it was still fun. We had a lovely night for fireworks in York Village and the display was really great. We had originally planned to have Steve go up to Bar Harbor to pick up Rylie and then bring her back to York but it turns out she had an opportunity to be involved in a photo shoot with a National Geographic photographer for some photos for his portfolio and for AIO (her camp) to use for promotional materials so we decided to all drive up on Friday, pick her up and then spend the night in Bar Harbor so she could participate on Saturday morning. It was nice to spend a little more time in BH, it's a beautiful place.

We picked up the dogs and cats on Sunday and were pleasantly surprised to hear how great they all did and how much the staff loves them, ALL of them! Even crazy Sadie and grumpy Sherman got glowing reviews. Although, Sadie may be bouncy and loud but she is definitely a sweet dog, so I'm not that surprised that they loved her. They are all adjusting to the new house and all the new sounds, smells and activity. Jojen is actually more stressed than Sadie but I am giving them all Rescue Remedy and trying to establish some normal routines to help. I'm hopeful by August the house is in much more livable shape (all our belongings come this Sunday, YIKES). I'll just keep breathing and looking forward to when Steve comes back and we get to spend a couple days in Boston for our anniversary!

Enjoy some pics!

Our little cottage in York