EUWWWWWWW!!!!

I got the first tile out of the shower to see what was going on behind it.........



Is it just me, or does that look scary to anyone else?

Need Advice

Okay friends, I have some questions for you all......

1. What is the best top of the stairs hardware mounted baby gate? We have a very small area for this to open into the hallway and our bedroom door is right there as well, so not sure what to go with...... any suggestions would be appreciated.

2. The black printer nozzle in my printer either is broken, or very very clogged. I have changed the cartridge 2x and it still won't work. Hence many of the things that I like to print, won't print. So I have now exhausted the other cartridges and wondering what to do....... Do I take it to be "repaired" (if that is possible), or do I just bite the bullet and buy a new one? If I do get a new one, what would you recommend. I want a printer/copier/scanner and possibly fax? Color and BW and the a decent scanner would be nice (scanning old photos). Also does anyone know a good one that likes generic/or recycled ink cartridges?

3. Anyone ever have to gut their shower and replace it all? Apparantly we have a lot of water damage behind our tiles and not sure where it is coming from yet, however we do know it has to be dealt with. Not sure if it will be covered by homeowners yet. Wondering what to expect $wise and also how horrible of a job it will be.........Kind of looking forward to the demo :)

4. Anyone ever had a door jamb replaced? We were just going to replace the door and everything, but with the shower project, that isn't possible. Any advise?

Thanks
Dani

update

Well, I figured I should probably say something of my own.........just not sure what :)
Update of Foster to Adopt situation:
We had a home visit last night from our new social worker(s). We have waited since Dec. 9th to hear back from anyone (and yes, I have left numerous messages).
The girl who called said she would only be there a few more weeks, but that she would "get us started"---hmmm thought we did that last September?
She sent me a huge packet of forms to fill out (hadn't I already filled out a ton of forms), so I spent a day or so getting all that together for her and ready for our visit last night.
She arrives just a few minutes early (really?), but oh well, the house wasn't going to get that much better anyway. But she has someone else with her!! Yeah! Our new worker who is taking over for her!! Yeah, we actually know who she is and won't get lost in the transition again!
So we thought we were prepared, but there were a few curveballs (of course, nothing can be easy!)
1. We have to put a backing under our bench on our porch, hard to explain, maybe I'll take a picture. Not a huge deal, just a small project. Hopefully we don't have to put a handrail around our whole porch--that would not be cool--we like our deck the way it is thank you very much.
2. We need to tighten up the swingset---been meaning to get to this anyway
3. Appantly a foster child would not be allowed in our basement, except in severe weather emergencies (tornadoes) since it is not a walk-out and there is no fire exit. (yikes, really?)
4. We have to install a mounted gate at the top of our 3rd floor stairs (the basement has a door). I understand why, but if we have an infant, why the gate? Can't we just use it when we need to (I asked and the answer is no, it has to stay up always).
5. We had planned on putting a child in with Jakob, but apparantly, to share a room, kids have to be within 3 years of age and can only be opposite genders if they are under 5. (we have the office, but----it's the office.......)So looks like every child will have their own room....talk about spoiled. (we can keep an infant in our room until 12 months......)
6. We need to get shelves in the garage to get the gas, paint, chemicals and tools up higher. We had planned on this (when we had the money), but it hasn't gotten priority yet......
Everything else is no big deal stuff (lock up medicines, put more outlet covers in (even tall outlets and basement, even though child won't be allowed down there :)

So that is what is going on with that. At least I have something to report. I was a little bummed after the visit. I mean, they WANT people to foster, right? Could they make it any harder? or Ridiculous?

School is coming to a close, May is always a busy month around here. Trying to get our garden in, but need Steve to get compost tomorrow (in the meantime all the starts we got 2 weeks ago look dead :(
Soccer every Friday night and Saturday morning. Field Trips and art shows, violin concert, Scentsy party, premier jewelry party, Suzanne and fam here (just passing through) and garage sales---fun!!
Mother's Day---what to get the mom's? My mom is in New Zealand, so i have decided she will get all her birthday/Christmas/Mother's day gifts all at once---when she gets home :) Poor mom.
We will be with Steve's mom....I had some great ideas for her, but I honestly can't remember them....need to make more lists! So trying to remember.......help?!

I am hoping to have my cataracts fixed this summer, that is my goal, that and getting the refined junk and sugar out of our house!! I feel so much better when I don't eat it! (and that is the only way I can lose weight also).
My family will just have to come along for the ride........and tips and suggestions here are appreciated :) I have pictures, but haven't uploaded them yet from the camera--next time.

Very interesting information about SWINE FLU

Just read this ARTICLE. I know a lot of you are skeptical about "natural" medicine and what not, however...what he has to say does make you think....a lot.
Take a minute to read it......

MSG The silent killer!

Read the ARTICLE
It will explain why I avoid MSG at all costs. I consider myself allergic, although I am probably just "very sensitive".
In addition to the side effects listed, I know many people (including myself) who have to find a bathroom very quickly only a short while after eating something with MSG in it. (and plan on camping out for a while in there too!) Sorry---TMI

Why Mormon's Build Temples

Mormon Student interviewed by journalist at Harvard

This video is great. I found it on another blog and had to copy it over to mine. This is Rachel Esplin, a Mormon student at Harvard getting grilled about her religion by journalist Sally Quin. I was so impressed with how articulate she is at age 20.


Day of Faith: Personal Quests for a Purpose - 3. Rachel Esplin from Harvard Hillel on Vimeo.