Look Who's Here...

Look who's insulating the house...I hope Al gave us a good deal. There aren't any of his boys working here today. Those that are here are working hard. It sure is quiet in here.
The wall between the kitchen and the garage is insulated. It doesn't look nearly as big now as it did when I took the pictures yesterday...

Getting Closer!

Here's how the house is coming along...The covered porch is up and the front door is on. We had to make a minor change to the porch and raise it up a bit so we didn't end up with places on the roof where snow would accumulate. It makes a nice place above the door to hang a wreath! They have also dumped about another 40 loads of fill- Cool... stuff for mud! This is a view from the far corner of the great room. The stairs are on the left. You can see the front door and entry from nearly anywhere in this area. To the right is the kitchen area- the pantry is framed (top and nearly the center in the picture). The bright light to the right side is the garage area.

The master bath has the tub platform framed in. We ordered the same tub for the new house as what we put in the old one. We liked it so much, we didn't want to leave it! So we decided to make it the same.

What Wes Will Never Do Again...

First, Let me apologize for not posting all week. Getting everything ready to sale the house and working a full time job is really taking up a lot of my time. So the next few posts will be catch-up from the last week. (At least I've posted a few times since Mindy did last!)

Ok- So Wes sent me to get furnishings for the small front entry. The goal is to make it appear welcoming and functional. Simple right? Have you seen this small space??? Not as easy of a task as one might think! Oh, and Wes seems to think that you can buy furniture for a room for about a hundred dollars! Does he think we live in the 1930's????

Anyway, he thought I should buy three chairs to go in the room. I did find three wingback chairs- unfortunately, they were a bit out of my price range, and a bit large! So I found this absolutely darling red gingham set-It was a deal too! I only purchased the love seat because that is about all you can fit in the room. Isn't it cute??? I also purchased a white rocker for the other side of the room. I did pretty well too! I figure for the price that the three chairs would have been and what I paid to purchase the love seat and the rocker- I saved roughly $150.

Was Wes happy???? Absolutely NOT! He does not like the love seat and thinks I spent too much. I think he actually thought it was possible to purchase a room of furniture for under $100! (OK maybe that is possible- But I don't want to make this place look like a college dorm room that a bunch of boys share...Even if wood spools for electrical wire are cheaper!)

I can use this piece in the new house as well. I'm happy and that's what counts right???? I don't think he'll send me out shopping for furniture by myself again : ( What do husbands know about decorating anyway?

Race Day

Up to now, I have worked every race day this year. As luck would have it, I was off today for the Dutch Masters III Futurity Finals. So, we packed up the kids and all their junk (DS, games, extra clothes, shoes and jackets) and headed north.

Forty miles into the ride I turned to Wes and announced that it would be a cold day in you know where when I decided to take the three kids in back to Disneyland via car. Traveling anywhere with my kids is a trial. Someone is always touching someone else...

On the way there, we braved a hail storm that sounded like it may rip the top of the truck off. There was about 2-2 1/2 inches of hail on the road and Wes had to slow way down. Great, extend the trip with the heathens in the back!

When we finally got to Jerome, I was disappointed that it was only @ 55 degrees. So much for the first day of summer! Sparky was in the ninth race. We made our way to the grandstands about the eighth race to find a good spot for pictures. Here is Sparky in the post parade...looking good! (He's the three.)

Here he is just before crossing the finish line......and here is the rest of the pack a length and a half behind him! Woo Hoo! The only race I'll probably get to go to this year and I got to get my picture in the winners circle. Not bad for a day at the races!

Happy First Day of Summer!

May your summer be filled with lots of flowers and sunshine!

Happy Fathers Day

A tribute to all the great Dads!

The Silent Honor- Joseph Jensen

This world has seen many fathers

Who have performed many great and noble things.

Strengthened a nation,

Silenced fears,

Relieved suffering

And changed the course of history.

Yet the most great and noble father I have known

Lives within the walls of my own home.

He performs no extraordinary tasks,

No miraculous feats;

He just does what is right because

It is right.

He needs no adulation,

No praise or glory of men.

He just goes about doing good because

That is how it makes him feel.

But there are those that see his goodness.

They are his children.

Indeed, they may not always see

But they know

That this silent honor is what they will pass on

To their children.

They know that true greatness needs no praise

It is found in the day-to-day living of unwearied goodness

They have seen their father give.

Such goodness is truly a remarkable thing,

Far greater than any glory found in the annuals of history.

For one day the child will say:'He is my father'

And know it is an honor.

Me and my Dad- Bet he still wishes he had that much hair!

Kate and Ryan love their Daddy too!

I don't have any pictures of my wonderful Father-In-Law to post, but it's important to note that I consider him a great Father too. He has raised a wonderful son who I love dearly. He is also one of the best Grandfathers (Poppas) I know...

Happy Fathers Day!

Grandpa's Navy Pics

Here are the pictures that my Mom asked me to post. I thought I had another, I'll keep looking.

The new quote to the left goes well with these pictures. Hats off to all of the men and women who has sacrificed so much so I can live free in this great country.

Pics From The Train Tour Day

Ryan waiting in the shade. The picture is pretty cool because you can see the mountain in the window and he was looking at me!

Katelyn steering the caboose backwards!

Ryan trying to out do Katelyn with her steering job- always a competition with twins!

House Update-

The house is still coming along well. I have the best looking electrician in town- But, he won't let me take pictures while he works. What a party pooper! If you haven't already guessed, Wes is doing the electrical work. He thinks he'll be done soon and then I can get a picture of the wires in the trusses. OHHHH just what everyone wanted to see, right?

It's a Lovely Day For A Train Tour

Today we toured. I took Ryan and Katelyn to see the Disney's A Christmas Carol Train Tour. We were very happy that it was a nice day. I had intended on getting up at 7:00 am to be there early. That didn't happen! We were on the road at 11:45- getting these two out the door is certainly a chore. When we got to the train station, the line was nearly three hours long. WOW! We waited anyway...
Ryan and Katelyn enjoyed looking at the trains while we waited...and waited...and waited! A cast member told me that it wouldn't had mattered if we had been earlier. The line to wait actually started a bit before 7 am. Boy- I'm glad I slept in! Three hours and two sodas later, we finally made it! Here it is...It was pretty neat to see. Ryan and Katelyn both touched the train and we got pictures. Unfortunately we can't post everything! AND...In Disney fashion, it was snowing in line near the train. Here are Ryan and Katelyn just before we entered the train...ticket in hand. Inside was really cool and not just because it was air conditioned. We learned how the movie was made (fascinating! I never would have guessed that the actors actually "acted" out the entire script and then that was used to generate the film). We saw costumes and some Charles Dickens pieces- (letters and books). The letters written by Dickens were neat to look at.

Here is the last thing you see as you leave the train. The windows were animated and the snow was falling! After that, we got to see a sneak peek of the film in 3D! Katelyn even enjoyed the preview wearing the 3D glasses over hers. The title for the film had snowflakes falling. Both Katelyn and Ryan were reaching out and trying to catch them...too funny! Can't wait for the film to be released in November- a must see!

We enjoyed the train tour a lot. If you get an opportunity-go see it. Especially if you're a Disney fan. But, I do recommend taking treats, drinks, sunscreen, and an umbrella for shade!

To All My Dedicated Friends Riding in the Tour de Cure

I have many friends more dedicated than I who are riding in the Tour de Cure tomorrow. They're a really great group of people whom I admire a great deal. (You all know who you are!)

It's such a great cause you've decided to ride for.
Many cheer you on- grateful of your choice.
To ride for the cure means more than a beautiful ride through the countryside.
It means HOPE.
HOPE for a cure.
HOPE for a future.
HOPE for life.

And, I can't end without a little humor!

You've trained really hard, pedaled morning and night (or at least some of you have).
Here's to hoping that you cross the finish line- upright!

Hope you can walk on Sunday!

Oh What Do You Do In the Summertime?

When all it does is rain?
We do not have school,
It's too cold for the pool.
We're driving our Mom insane!
Is that what you do? We love rain!

Our Mom says come here I've got something for you
to do to get out of the rain.
Come here, over here. And do not complain,
Or you will go straight to your room!
Is that what you do? We love rain!

Mom has a sweet treat just for us to eat
As soon as we make them look great.
Red, yellow, pink, blue,
We can mix them up too!
Oh we love to make little cakes!
Is that what you do? We love rain!

Flowers on our cupcakes to make it feel like it's really supposed to be warm outside.

So Much Rain!

It seems like it has rained non-stop for the last week. There are puddles everywhere! Ryan and Kate have been begging to go outside. Today when the rain let up we ventured out for a bit.Rain attire- Ryan and Katelyn style! Cowboy boots and flip flops! As long as you have an umbrella that counts as rain gear, Right?

Practicing the "Singin' In the Rain" umbrella spins!There's been so much rain here that even the planters are flooded...

...and the entire lawn is covered in mushrooms. Katelyn asked if they were the kind from "Alice in Wonderland". She thought it would be nice to be taller than Ryan. I'm going to have to watch her when she's outside...

Hidden Mickey For Mommy

Love, Ryan and Katelyn

Shingles and Windows

Well, the shingles are on the roof... Most of the windows are in too... Everyone tells me that the progress will be slow from here on out. Wes is working hard on the electrical and is determined to finish it by the end of the week. He's such a hard worker : )

What A Cute Little???

Anyone remember this one? I thought it was too funny not to post! Hunter is welcoming you to post any smart alec comments you may have!

A Little Curb Appeal

I DON'T like to garden. Truth be told, it's the last thing I want to do...allergies play a HUGE part in my opinion of gardening. I don't like to get dirty, I don't like bugs, and I prefer to breathe easily! I did find it necessary this year to add a little curb appeal since the house goes up for sale next week.

Lots of pink and purple petunias, white daises and geraniums for the front.

Ryan likes yellow, so we also added a small planter with pansies. Only one little purple pansy for us! Wes also planted the garden: corn, peas, beans, tomatoes, zucchini, watermelon and radishes!

To The Movies We Go!

We promised Katelyn and Ryan that we would take them to see "Up" for their birthday. On Friday, we finally fulfilled that promise. We loved it- all but Wes, but he doesn't like ANY movie unless it's Bond, Die Hard or Rush Hour!

We went to see the 2D version because Katelyn wears glasses. A friend at work mentioned to me that people who wear glasses have a hard time with 3D. I'm glad he said something- I wouldn't have thought about it and taken Kate to 3D!

Back to the movie- if you haven't already seen it, GO! Oh, and make sure that you take tissues with you. It brought a tear to my eye more than once. The message of the movie is great too!

Two thumbs up from Katelyn!

"Up" gets two thumbs up from Ryan- SQUIRREL!!!

Sorry It's Been a Few Days...

I've been working extra hard to get our house up for sale. Packing and staging- yuck! Anyway, here's a peek at how the new place is coming along.

The windows are all framed- it's starting to look like I'd imagined! The shingles are ready to go on. Here's the view from the back- they still need to cut out the rest of the master bath window. They are starting the deck early next week as well.The arch to the library is done! It's going to look so awesome...I can't wait! Framing is all but done and Wes is starting the wiring this week.

First T-Ball Game of the Year

Ryan and Katelyn's first game was full of excitement and laughter. It's funny how they can forget everything that the learned last year in just a few innings!

This is Katelyn on first base. She was so proud that she made it there before the ball. It probably helped that she could actually see the base this year!

Here she is running for home! She's so fast that the camera couldn't focus quick enough-or-Mom is still camera challenged, take your pick!

Ryan hits the ball and runs to first!

A few more batters and he makes it home!

This is what the third inning was like...Katelyn playing shortstop. Watching the clouds...was that thunder???
Ryan playing third...entertaining the other teams runner. "So, how's your summer?"

I can't wait for Wednesday's game!!!

Raising the Roof

Monday, they finally put up the trusses. Ryan wanted to stay and watch the crane when we took these pictures. Notice the clouds gathering in the sky... We got a HUGE storm later that day.





Wes and I went to go make sure that the duct work to the furnace was covered last night. Lo and behold, the basement had 1 1/2" of water in it from the storm! I always dreamed of an indoor pool when I was little...this isn't exactly what I had in mind. We hurried home and called the contractor- they were pumping out the water this morning : )