Just some fun posts from this summer, getting posted late.

My two nephews got excited about my idea for a Harry Potter Birthday Potter.

Apparently this summer Harry turned 33 on July 31st and we celebrated.

So, these boys and I got really excited about throwing a back yard HP party.

 Either way, pinatas are always fun and in an interesting twist of fate, no one was strong enough to break the pinata, and so the nephew who defended Dobby is 16 and was the one chosen to finally bust him open.

A few even dressed up!

Luna and Mrs. Malfoy

It was pretty fun throwing a last minute white trash Harry Potter party, I think we'll be sure to do it again for his 34th next year.  

The house moves on.

The framing was important and stressful!

We designed the floor plans and had over a year to think about them and mentally walk around in it and so we had some small changes, which the framers didn't like.

It was by far the most stressful part so far,

Where the walls and window holes end up is so important, and even things on the plans were framed in wrong,

I realize having the wife as the general contractor is a pain, and then one that cares about losing 3 inches on a wall and noticed is especially annoying.

At one point the framer said "You're killing me!  Take this hammer and hit me in the head and just kill me!"

So it's been an adventure fighting for getting things right, and I did feel manly having to deal with it all...everything was how we hoped it would be for the most part and I was glad when it was over!

 During framing, we had two huge rain storms that left lots of mud in the basement, and big puddles of mud for the kids.

We never get this much rain in the desert, and it was frustrating!

I like having the sickle and hammer in shimmering gold because when my body is approaching the breaking point and my head starts to fall, it is the first thing I see and it reminds me of my goals and it ignites my determination to keep hitting. It reminds me that there have been women who have survived wars, raised families, and become truly strong and I believe I can do it too.


So, here are the shorts and pants. There isn't anything particularly special about them, they're just the exact fit that I like: high waisted, semi-slim leg, and the length a little above the knee. I'm going to start sparring any day now and if I make it to a real fight I have a beautiful idea in mind for a robe. Wish me luck!