The siding project

When we bought this house 2 years ago, we knew the siding was "marginal" and that it would have to be replaced. This is the summer for that project. It's ironic, or we're gluttons for punishment, because this is the second siding project we've had to have done. In our Lynnwood townhouse we had an ASSessment (meaning, required to pay) to fix the defective siding installed by the builder of the condos/townhomes. We learned the hard way to never buy a townhome. Benefit from our mistake and just don't even think about buying from Sundquist or anything built by them, unless you want to get repeatedly *bleeped* up the *bleep*hole. Anyway. I guess this is pretty common of townhomes and condos, unfortunately.

Our current home has Weyerhauser siding, which is downright a defective product. It seriously flakes off in layers. Louisiana Pacific built a similar product and had a class-action lawsuit filed against them about 15 years ago. Weyerhauser company learned from those lawsuits and rallied a bunch of protection so they didn't get sued (I think, I don't quite understand it). So even though our house has defective siding, the previous owners couldn't (or just didn't) get any compensation to fix the siding. We knew this going into buying this house, and it's a good investment so it's easier to swallow than the snake pit situation we were in a few years ago.

So here's what's going on so far.

Day 1- Scrap container and Honey Bucket delivered. Also the siding and materials were delivered, apparently to someone named "Abbie Gerlock." She doesn't live here, sorry. They ripped out the deck walls which used to be solid.





Day 2- Finished deck! They added rails and slats. We will hopefully use the deck more often now!



Day 3 (day 1 of siding repairs)- Almost the whole back of the house is done! A bit of dry rot was found and repaired. The shed that had been added on looks skeletal but was done by the end of the day. We love that there's no more blue!



Dry rot See how the old siding is all layered? The project manager said it's like cardboard.




The new-looking wood square under the vent is where they repaired the dry-rot areas.

Same here, new wood under the window. In the dry rotted area the plywood easily flaked away. They said it was because of the bad caulking under the window. This is the kitchen window.




It's been an exciting and noisy week so far. The kids are fascinated with "the siding guys" and like to wave through the windows.

Bonus video (because you know you want it)! She makes car noises!

Latest Shoreline blog

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Bonus photos from some fun stuff we've been doing!

Library Carnival with friend Fiona

Everett Children's museum

My working husband

Bill never stops working. After a long day at work, he stops on the way home to get paint at Home Depot, then paints an entire room in one evening. He thoughtfully chooses what to do and how to do it. Here are the latest projects, the mud room and the new office.

The mud room during...
The mud room after!


The office after!


There are no "office during" pictures posted because Bill wouldn't want them broadcasted to the world. Sorry!

Holy Yummy Fish Tacos Batman!

I quickly wanted to share an amazing recipe with ya'll. I've made this a few times in the last month and it's so awesome! Check it out here. We usually skip the deep-frying to save on calories and time. Tomatoes are a yummy addition, as would be avocado or onion if you're into that sorta thing. Serve with Heidi's potato fries, a side salad and you're golden!

Fries- peel and slice sweet, red, or russet potatoes into sticks, then toss with olive oil (for lower fat just spray a tiny bit of oil on the cookie sheet, then spread out the sweet potatoes, and spray again on the tops - a small amount is enough), and sprinkle with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, rosemary and thyme. When they come out of the oven I usually sprinkle again with kosher salt for a little salty crunch.

Today we did something that I've been dreading for 3 and a half years. But it was time. We got Caley's hair cut. I was tempted to do it myself, but for a first-timer that probably wouldn't have been the best idea. So we left it to the professionals and Caley was a super champ at the salon. She sat so nicely and calmly, even after waiting 30 minutes for her appointment. The hair cut looks great!

Jewel eye forth part wun

I wonder if the majority of Americans celebrate the 4th of July the same way every year (get together with family, go to the same fireworks show, etc) or change it up every year. We fall into the "we have no clue" category, and usually plan our 4th ON the 4th. We went to a parade in Bothell, and here are a few shots:








More to come in "part too", where we hang out with family and friends on a boat in Lake Union for the fireworks!

Composing Compost

I just had to throw away almost a dozen eggs (because one broke on the bottom layer of the Costco 5 dozen pack and goobered all over the others and made them stick to the paper and they broke when I tried to take them out) and I'm not even mad. That's because I threw them away in my new compost can! The whole deal with groceries and gas (and everything!) getting more expensive has made me think of ways to cut corners a bit and do things the way people used to. So I'm going to get the garden ready to grow vegetables for next year. This summer I'm focusing on making the soil super healthy and planning what vegetables would work best.


So this week I went to Walmart and got some trash cans and a small flip top garbage can for under the sink scraps. I drilled some holes in the big cans and layered lawn clippings, garden soil and kitchen scraps and stirred it up and watered it. This whole week I've looked forward to cutting up or peeling vegetables and putting the scraps in the can under the sink. I'm such a nerd! I was even excited that I got to throw the dozen eggs in the can. Hopefully it will work and we'll have bunches of tasty vegetables in the spring and summer next year.

We're Golden

Ecclesiastes 9:9 "Enjoy life with your wife, all the days of this meaningless life."


We've been married for 6 years. 6 years on July 6th means we're golden. Hopefully we'll be able to celebrate our actual golden anniversary in 44 more years! Bill pulled a fast one and stealthily planned a night at The Ocean Lodge in Cannon Beach, Oregon to celebrate. I grew up in Astoria, but spent very little time in Cannon Beach so it was fun to be a tourist for a bit. I never understood the draw of Cannon Beach until now! Beautiful views, cute town, so romantic! Pictures to come. We had a very relaxing time, and although I didn't have to get up to take Caley potty or nurse Amelia, I still woke up at 4am a little disoriented. Thanks to Mom and Dad Bales for watching the girls! We hope you are caught up on sleep by now!

my SUPERSTAR wife

Ok, she's a superstar regardless, but last night she totally blew me outta the water. She went running last night and came back 90 some odd minutes later and had run 8.3 miles!!!!! I'm talking Mukilteo hills running. Addie, that's amazing.

I'm not worthy!!!!!!