Don't let Perfect be the enemy of Good

Now this is perfect, but I don't have control of it, I can capture it and remind myself that I am NOT perfect.  

Perfection has been speaking to me lately - mostly because I think I shrug it off WAY too often.  I seems to accept a very low standard of perfection....  But it does get in my way of starting things... often.  I don't start things because I may want to be perfect, I put it off because I don't have the right stuff..

Well Birthday party #3 is right around the corner and we best get started.  Forget the perfectly printed invitations and the silk-screened T-shirts.  Nick helped me with all this stuff and I love his irregular cutting, his handwriting and mostly his involvement.

I loved working beside him

One more note on Perfect as this serves as a constant reminder to me.  Gretchen's voice (as if it was a book on tape and not the book that is forever at my beside....)

Here's her words....

I was inspired by an observation by Voltaire to make my resolution, “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” In other words, instead of pushing yourself to an impossible “perfect,” and therefore getting nowhere, accept “good.” Many things worth doing are worth doing badly.

I have a friend who never exercises unless she’s training for a marathon; as a consequence, she almost never exercises. I never push myself when I exercise, and although I suspect she scoffs at my wimpy work-outs, I’ve managed to get myself to exercise several times a week for years. If I’d tried to have a more ambitious work-out, I’m sure I wouldn’t have exercised at all.

Along the same lines, I told a friend that one of my happiness-project resolutions was to “Remember birthdays,” and so I was sending out happy-birthday emails. He said, “Oh, you shouldn’t email! You should call or write a hand-written note, that’s much nicer.” True – but I won’t. And it’s better to get something done imperfectly than to do nothing perfectly.

That applies to my daily life in so many ways - whether is getting the kids dressed (not perfectly) planning a party or taking a new life direction.  Yes, details are important but perfection isn't everything and I often feel I feel worse or more frustrated when you try to get perfection.  

Today I was reminded.  God is perfect - I took this photo to remember.  

He did this, I could never.  So I should just be good.

The BIG project

Here is our house from the front - Shady right??  would be great for Texas - not so good for the chilly winters of CT.  If feels so good on a cold winter day to just feel the sun stream through.....

We may have never considered getting rid of these white pines....  Until we discovered our neighbor has an awesome tree cutting business.  He gave us a quote and we set aside $$ (shall I say, our Honda Odyssey set aside $$ for us, meaning the loan was paid and during the move we unknowingly kept paying on it - so with the balance becoming ++ we found just the place to put the cash - into saw dust!

No need for 'TIMBER' with Presicion Tree - the wrap the tree with a strap that is hooked to a crane.  

Once the chain saw breaks through the trunk, the crane lifts the tree up and transports it directly to the woodchipper.  Jeff lobs off a few branches here and there and off it goes.   MULCH.

As the were taking the tips of the trees off I could literally feel the sunshine coming in.  So worth every penny

My father was fascinated by the entire process and I tried to video tape what I could.  They were wildly efficient.  3 Guys, a crane, some chainsaws, a bobcat and a wood chipper.  7 HUGE white pines and 1 day!!  GONE.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD24j1BlpAg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIf7QLEaKwk

Here is the 'after'  Its as if the gravestones represent the old trees.  Can you just feel the sun streaming in?  Ahhhhhhhhh.......

Project #..... this one seems to go in pieces....  

Step 1 - remove horrible 1980s shelving unit.  Step 2, buy piece of furniture from craigslist that JUST fits - but doesn't look right (re-purposed to the dining room where IT is much happier)

Step 3 paint

Step 4 mount TV

Yes, 1980s mantel, you should be nervous, you are NEXT....

Halloween here we come

The monday before Halloween was a 'dry run' as the Canton shops hosted a kids trick or treat with a canned good donation.  The kids were excited to suit up and here are my camera experiments.

Love love love this hammer head shark (and the costume) made with Love by Shannon's mom and handed down to us.

Camera fun of the kids with the best hair in the family.

Now he is dressed and ready.

Here we go boys.  My collectable halloween photo.

On Sunday we made gravestones with the boxes our sleds from Grandma came in.  The perfect kid project.  They weren't perfect, but they were spooky=)

Candy anyone?

I was shocked that Nick was the only Tom Brady - FROZEN was WELL represented

off they go.

Brinkerhoff/McDermott/Leadbetter together family wedding (no we didn't all get married, but gosh we all feel like family!

The weekend quickly became hectic as Saturday morning Nick and Chris rushed out to soccer while Drew Shane and I prepped for a wedding and weekend away (you all know Drew and Shane are awesome 'preppers' right)  So with the car packed and Nick finished with soccer we loaded up and headed to the Diane and Sara link up spot.  (initially in the wrong direction - typical...) Diane so seamlessly grabbed our boys and headed back to her house, while Chris and I hit the pedal to the metal and headed the OTHER direction to Easton CT (No, I don't know where that is either, amen to the GPS)

We arrived at the hotel just in time to change and hug our fam as they boarded the first wave of shuttles to the church.  Chris and I got to chill and breathe for a second as we managed to be part of shuttle run number too (plus I had to resupply miller lites - which were a HUGE hit on the shuttle!

Since we FORGOT to take photos last time we were dressed up at my reunion I vowed to NOT let that happen again - so maybe there are too many this time - but that's ok too!

We made it to the church ontime!!  I snapped this photo of these 2 cuties just before the priest told me to set my camera down - leave it to the professionals I guess.

Meanwhile, in a town far far away, Diane in all her amazingness brought 6 kids to a pumpkin fair

meanwhile at an adult party across the way - 

We got all dolled up and feel beautiful and kid free

These 2 cuties made it all the way from Tahoe to celebrate - loved catching up with their lives.

The happy hour and reception were at the house that the bride Jessica was raised in.  BEAUTIFUL.  So wonderful to enjoy an evening with this beautiful couple on such an important place in her life.  Look at the photogenic two

yup, table #4 (the cool kids table) was rather drafty, even for this Tahoe resident. (that is sally's jacket!)

Glasses are clinking - so I guess its time for a smooch

told ya - even these 2 are super cute tonight

see the camera was out all night grabbing favorite photos

Helps to remember the night too

love being included in the Brinkerhoff family adventures.  

We were sitting down together to get caricatures drawn 

results- close right??

Shocked these 3 didn't sit down for a drawing?  At least I got a photo of the handsome line-up.

Cake time for the handsome bride and groom.

Matt is Jill, Pete and Jodie's cousin (Jeannine's twin sister's son - you following??)  He is a photo journalist that has always been 'edgy' in my mind, whether it was riding a motorcyle and solid boots, running into 9/11 to capture amazing photographs, mouthing off to Rachel Ray, he has always pushed the envelope.  Now he found the woman he will spend the rest of his life with.  We are so lucky to be here to celebrate with you.  

A little Sparkler send off - Love this!!

Here we are at the end of the night - a bit chilly and waiting for the shuttle to take us home.

Successful evening!

oh wait, its not over??

we had to get 3 plates of fries for room service and Marc snagged 2 pizzas and a total LIFE saver.  We much say, we were happy that we went to bed, eventually

Sunday morning we slowly got up (stacie, Jason, Chris and I shared a room) and went to a nice brunch.  We had to wait in line which I almost rejected as an egg mcmuffin would have been wonderful from McDs - but I was out voted and thankful looking back.  We got to spend extra time with just Stacie and Jason which we NEVER get to do.  It was truly a wonderful finale to the morning.

But this is what you look like after having 6 kids for 24 hours...

Diane planned a 'haunted' drive in at her house for our arrival.  Too much!!

Here they are

recognize these scary two??

schocked that this guys snagged a nap on the way home - go for it buddy!!

While at the wedding after a few beers I got into the 'don't let this end' feeling and begged everyone to come over Sunday afternoon for brats on the grill.  We arrived home after grabbing the kids 6 minute before everyone else arrived at our house (they were all fully napped!)  Thankfully everyone pitched in by grabbing brats, snacks and a pumpkin pie so we could all jsut enjoy each other.  I love having the kids to see our 'grown-up' house.  We hope to host you guys here MANY times.  Thanks for letting us continue the celebration.  Here is a quick try at a family photo for them.

Maybe??

Stay tuned as I send this out to the Brinks in search of more photos I will try to add it here.  Thanks Matt and Jessica for including us in your beautiful wedding celebration.  We wish you both all the best in this adventure of married life.