Graham cracker bliss

I've figured out that when Chloe's throwing a fit, all I have to do is give her a graham cracker and she shuts right up. I'm going to try and use that technique sparingly because I don't want to reward bad behavior. But sometimes I just need a little quiet.

We went on a walk today to my favorite store ever: The Home Depot. Well, I actually like Lowes better, but it's all the way across town and my Home Depot is just a few blocks away. It was beautiful when we left- overcast and perfect temperature, but of course by the time we headed home the clouds had lifted and it was pretty darn warm. Good thing I put sunscreen on Chloe before we left because she can reach the canopy on her stroller and she insists on having it open at all time and she won't wear hats either. She has figured out how to point and as we were leaving Home Depot she was pointing at everything. I think she was trying to tell me she wanted a bottle because she started to point when I bought a bottle of water. The other night she was crying and I took her to the kitchen and she pointed to her empty bottle. I like it when she points because her finger curves up and doesn't point in a straight line at all.

I have a truck lined up for Friday. Kathryn and I are going to borrow this guy's truck because she has to take stuff to the dump and I have to pick up my cement board and plywood so I can get started on my tile project. That's pretty much all I need to get started. I'm excited. I'm going to go lay out some options for the backsplash and take pictures and I want anyone reading this to vote for you favorite. For real, let me know what you think. If you're unable to leave a comment, send me an e-mail to let me know: misslilybell@hotmail.com.

Ok, I just tried a whole bunch of different layouts and I only like two of them:



What do you think? If you would change the colors you can just keep that to yourself because that's not negotiable. I may end up not using quite so many colors, but that's not the focus of this exercise. I'm pretty sure the one with the line of color tiles across the top will be easier to install.

I have really noisy neighbors next door. Pretty much every day I want to go over there and scream at them to turn the damn music down and stop smoking pot right next to my house and quit throwing beer cans all over the place, but I don't because I know I can use them. They own a remodeling business which means they have lots of tools. I would never hire them to remodel my house, but I would ask them if I could borrow tools. Last night I didn't even have to ask. Once Chloe fell asleep I went outside to put primer on my windows which are right next to where the party is always taking place next door. I was using an old crusty brush and my neighbor brought me two new paint brushes and a roller and a bucket to make my painting easier. And he let me keep them! That's why I don't call the cops on them or ask them to turn down the music unless it's late at night. I don't want to burn bridges with a good resource, plus I have to see them every day and I don't want to be the "wicked bitch next door".