Projects!

If you know ANYthing about Cami, then you know that she has always got a project going on.  Well, right now it is more than one that she is trying to balance...so it causes some craziness.  :)

Project One:  The Kitchen

We have replaced the old ugly counter tops with a gorgeous hard-surfaced one.  We LOVE it.  But then we had to do something with the backsplash.  We decided on glass tiles with travertine mixed.  Thank HEAVENS for Cami's parents who cut and masted the whole thing!  (This picture should the tiles before grouting.)

Next step - Grouting!  Lesson learned...FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!  Cami had told me that it would be a cinch to do this part of the tiling...and I believed her.  I read the directions and then something got lost in translation because instead of wiping it off about 10-20 minutes we started wiping after about an hour!  Needless to say, we were trying every possible way to remove the excess grout - razor blades, edge of a screwdriver, even a sander.  It was an 8 hour nightmare!  But I don't think we will EVER forget how to do it correctly.  :)

Here is the after picture!  It really did turn out great!   - It just took way more time than it should have.

P.S. to be continued - next step - paint the walls.

Project Two: The Trees

Cami has a huge pet peeve - dead or odd limbs.  Each year she ends up climbing at least one tree to satisfy her obsession.

This picture does not capture the craziest moments of this project.  The best was when she had climbed up the tree (she was about where that big branch is behind her head in this picture), and was sawing through a large branch that overhung the street.  Just as it was about to break through, the branch fell back on her saw making it impossible to move.  So we attempted to get it several ways including me throwing up a different saw, but to no avail.  With the help of some neighbors, we decided to tie it to my car and pull it off.  Eventually, it worked!  And somehow she didn't get seriously injured from it. 

This picture was the last couple of stragglers she had to remove.  Of course, I was helpful!  I held the ladder. 

P.S. I made her promise to not cut (or climb) anymore...for a while! :)

Project Three:  Her Book

Since the release of her children's book, Cami has been doing some things to help get the word out.  We have found out that it is difficult to get a published book at retailers like Walmart, and that bookstores are surprisingly NOT the way to get your book sold.  So...that leads to more creative avenues.  This month she has spent many, many hours at schools talking to students and spreading the word. 

Here is her at our Breakfast Bookclub at CHS:  The kids were hanging on her every word.  And of course, eating their yummy breakfast!

She also has 2 more public book signings and readings (currently).  The first is June 4th at the Balance Rock Eatery in Helper.  Then on June 18th, she will be in SLC at Trolley Square.  

This book is a keeper!  And (may I add) so is she.  :)