They say a picture is worth 1000 words.  Well, I'd love to just let the pictures do the talking but I can't.

First, this bathroom was absolutely disgusting.  The paint was peeling, the walls had small holes from where old things hung, and of course, not to be outdone, the door knob made a huge hole in the wall when we removed the bottom molding 3 years ago.  (forgot to put it back.  BAD MOVE)

The shower also is getting new caulking and a DEEP SCRUB.  Just in case you were curious.

Here is my eldest son, not quite 13 yet, patching holes and painting the bathroom.  I have included a picture of my mad scientist looking husband as he taped up the wires and measured for a new fixture.

Today they will finish the south wall and the west wall for sure.  The east wall (the one with the window) is almost completely done now... I need new pics)  The North wall still has some patching and stuff to do.)  Then they'll go get my beadboard!

Nolan has been creating weapons.  He and his friends turned the girl's playhouse into a medieval armory!  With rolls of duct tape, electrical tape, card board boxes, and other household junk... er treasures, they've created a weaponry shop worthy of the most dedicated warrior.

I'm considering buying him a few million paper clips to create "Chain mail".  What do you think?  Is he ready?

If you've ever seen Patton, you know the speech I'm talking about. It opens the movie with Patton addressing troops that you never see. Just a HUGE flag behind him.

Here it is if you want to watch it but please note... Patton obviously has a big heart for illegitimate children and their dog mothers. He also likes goose dung and a few other things like that. This is part of why my story is so funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u7qswjJEA4


Now when I was a kid, my dad had me listen to this speech every year or two (everytime it came on!). The movie would come on at 8 pm right at my bedtime but my immovable bedtime was always shoved back the 6.5 minutes that it took for this speech. I know most of it by heart still.

However, my kids have never seen it so I decided that at almost 13, it was time for Nolan to wtch it. I sat him down and the half-winces on his face at every inappropriate word were both heartening (I don't want my kids to ever be immune to foul language) and a bit comical.

About half way through, he quit wincing as much and sat up a bit straighter. Then his chest started to swell a bit. By the end his hands were clenching and this look of raw American pride was clearly etched on his face. He turned to me and said. "That was a good speech. Too bad he has such a limited vocabulary."