Common Sense Trumps Hubris

Wanna know a secret? I suffer from an overdeveloped sense of determination when it comes to home improvement projects. If there's a job to be done, I will go to great lengths to handle it myself rather than ask someone else to do it. Allow me to illustrate.

This is possible:

because I installed all of this:

 

True, it took two days, three trips to the plumbing supply store, and four pages of step-by-step illustrated instructions from the This Old House web site to make it happen. But the important thing to remember is that it did--finally, after much effort--happen. Why, you might ask, am I telling you all of this? So you'll understand the significance of the following image:

Tile. In my kitchen. Lovely, isn't it? Sadly, I didn't install it. I know what you're thinking: "Why didn't you lay your own tile? You said you were going to. It's not that difficult." Right? Ordinarily, I'd agree with you. But as those of you who have been to my home know, this wonderfully quaint, century-old farmhouse has, um,  . . . quirks that require creative problem-solving skills (and experience) to achieve results like those you see above. Skills (and experience) which I lack. And so, I swallowed my pride (who am I kidding: I was happy to let someone else take over!) and called in the professionals.

By the way, here's another reason I didn't do the tile:

Relax, it's Cameron's leg, not mine (long story, involving evil footwear and a lapse in parental judgment). For those of you keeping track, this brings the Carling broken limb tally to three this year (four, if you're counting individual bones). I didn't completely bail on the tile project, though; I'll be doing the grout. Watch for updates. When everything's finished, I'll post before and after pictures of the kitchen--and the leg.

Parker was ordained an Elder by his Grandpa Carling last Sunday. He'll be filling out his mission papers soon. He's applied for a passport; that way, if he gets called to a foreign mission, he won't have to wait as long. He served as a camp assistant at our stake Aaronic Priesthood Encampment; it was a great opportunity for him to sharpen his leadership skills.

Hayden attended the above mentioned camp, too. Between the whitewater rafting, fly tying, fishing, creek floating, and other activities, he really had a good time.

Cameron and Jacob got to hang out with Chloe (and Brandi and Tyler) while I was in Cedar City. The only thing they broke was a light fixture. Cameron was thoughtful enough to wait 'til I got home to break his leg.

July 25-29th marked the Third Annual Darla and DeLynn Shakespeare Pilgrimage, but this year we had company: Mom and Dad, Danette and Jim (our sister and brother-in-law), and Chelsey (Darla's daughter-in-law) came for the plays on Monday. They all went home on Tuesday (party poopers), but our sister-in-law Sherry and her mother stayed until Thursday and saw all the plays--all of which were wonderful, by the way--with us. 

Every year I look forward to this trip, for many reasons. Each time, I either see someone I know from home (Hi, Mindy!), or meet someone who knows someone I know (Debra, we met your neighbors, the Marlers, and their niece, who lives in Rexburg). I always come home feeling invigorated: mentally, emotionally, yes, even spiritually.  Probably the 6 1/2 hour therapy sessions on the drive to and from Cedar City have something to do with it. (Thanks, Darla!) But I also firmly believe I need art and beauty in my life to make me a whole, balanced being. And speaking of beauty, on our way home, we stopped at what can best be described as decorating and organizing Nirvana. I LOVE YOU, IKEA! If I promise to visit you often, will you please move to Rexburg? Or at least Idaho Falls?   :o)

FYI:

hu·bris  \ˈhyü-brəs\ n [Gk hybris] (1884) :  exaggerated pride or self-confidence