Encore.

Even though my Pinterest Project Week is over, I have obviously been bit with the bug, as today, I could help but make these, another Pinterest find. And boy, am I ever glad I did.

A few months ago, I was deeply saddened by the sudden closing of the PretzelMaker in Polo Park mall. I hit that stand up often, as a soft pretzel is the perfect snack when lunch isn't possible. Although a similar vendor opened in St Vital Mall, I don't frequent that mall enough to get my fill. I knew that I would need to learn how to make my own and when I saw this recipe on Pinterest, I was reminded of this desire. I don't think I have ever made anything that tastes so similar to the one that can be bought at a restaurant. They were almost identically delicious. These will most definitely be made again. And again. And again.

Things are really shaping up on the exterior of our home, and like we set out to do a few weeks ago, many things have been crossed off the list. A lot of the projects we had to complete on the exterior were ones that simply took a lot of time and a lot of effort and I am so glad to see how beautiful the end results are. The biggest transformation has been to the front "yard". Because of the way our road was built, the large pile of dirt to the left of it has been sitting there for the past year waiting to be dispersed throughout the front. What started with this just after the winter melt...

Progressed to this weed infested mess as the summers heat boiled us all...

And now am left with this, thanks to a BIG help...

It feels great to get it cleaned up and smoothed out, with lots of time to spare before the snow covers it all. The plan is to seed it next spring and then let things grow as they may. I can already see the football and baseball games that will undoubtedly break out at a moments notice in the future years.

We were also able to get the deck built and floor completed. All it needs now is a railing, to be completed in the next few days, along with a step from the house down to the deck. Next spring, we will build the steps that will go down to the eventual grass on the north side of the house, and hopefully add some furniture so we can enjoy long summers nights out there.

Yup...it's pretty good around here right now. I am feeling great about where the house is in terms of completion going into fall, work and school. Of course there is still a lot to do on the inside, but I know that it will all happen in time.

In a few days, Colin will be one. ONE. I am busy party planning as we are getting ready for a BIG celebration over here. Colin on the other hand, doesn't seem too worried about it as he is just as happy and energetic as ever. Just for the record, he climbed in there himself.