Deck progress day 2 & 3

Day 2-Well the guys have been moving steadily along. They hit tons of water (imagine that in our backyard swamp) so it delayed their progress a bit, but the tubes are in and will dry overnight. They can start framing tomorrow!

Day 3-Wow what a difference a day makes! Day 3 was a huge success! We can really see what it will look like. Paul constantly looks at the guys working and says, "I am so glad that I didn't do it myself!"

With 3 guys working hard for 8 hours each day it makes such a difference!

So instead we did yard work. Anything to stay outside on a 71 degree day in MARCH!

The kids played in the mud, stream and on the rocks- 3 sets of clothes today!

and Lola chewed on sticks and happily enjoyed another beautiful day outside!

Deck progress day 1

Can I tell you how much I LOVE progress? Finally now that the nice weather is here we have been making steps towards progress and today it is STARTING!! After getting several quotes for a chain link fence and the deck we decided to have the deck built and do an invisible fence ourselves. The chain link was just too expensive for the area that we wanted covered. Paul was originally going to do the deck himself but after much consideration we decided to have it done. And today's the day they are starting! Woo hoo for progress! I can't wait until it is done- which should be by the end of next week! We are adding an additional 20 feet one way and 30 feet another. It is going to be HUGEEEEEEEE! It will be the entire length of the pool and extend wrap around the left end. YAY!! I seriously can't wait until summer, but for now I am more than content with progress!

Here are the current pictures of how it looks.

The deck will run the entire length of the house and connect with the pool.

This side of the pool will have the deck wrapped around.

This side which faces the driveway will have a bit of the deck wrapped around the corner.

1. PROGRESS

2. Guys who build decks

3. Beautiful weather

Happy Birthday Grandma Sandy

This weekend my mom, Grandma Sandy, came to stay and play. It was so nice to have her here for 3 days. Yesterday my sister and her boys came up so that we all could celebrate Grandma's 65th birthday. We had a great time visiting, eating lots of cake and hanging out together.

Look at the kids in the background blowing the candles from a far.

We all got a good giggle at Grandma putting the cake on the plate upside down. It will be awhile before we let her forget this "senior moment!"

Happy birthday Mom! Here's to many more great years ahead! We love you!

1. family

2. a wonderful mom

3. a fun weekend

A new lunch lady!

While HAPPILY doing yard work on Saturday Alyssa comes out midway and asks what is for lunch. I said maybe you could do it? And this is the delicious results!

1. In a few months yard work won't be so much fun, but as of now it is so nice to be outside in the semi warmth.

2. a helpful daughter and a son who shares his oreos

3. snow melting

4. double stuffed oreos with a pretzel in the middle - yum!

Pinewood derby

This year for the pinewood derby Alyssa decided she wanted to make a butter car. So with Paul's creative help they make a great looking butter mobile.

Xander wanted something sleek and fast looking. I dubbed it the silver bullet.

His car came in 4th place but he won the Sportman's ship award for clapping and cheering everyone on.

This is his serious loot that he received for the award. Way to go Xander. Of course in true sportsman ship manner he shared with all of us.

He also did a great job earning belt loops. He got 6 that night to make 11 total!

We had a fun night and my favorite part was seeing the kids have a great time. Oh and I have to rave about all of the wonderful desserts my friend Laura made. I am so grateful for people who work so hard to ensure that the kids have a great time and adults have yummy dessert!

Bored?

How Lola solves her boredom issues-

she goes into the pantry and gets the recycled paper and chews it into a zillion pieces!

Really how could a face like this

and this

create such a mess?

Oh well I'd rather her destroy paper than furniture, pillows or something really important.

1. oven is fixed!

2. getting out for a run in my new shoes

3. happy kids

Today is a the Price is Right day. Whenever the kids are home sick I turn on the show. They enjoy guessing the prices and playing along with the contestants. For me it is nice to watch (or listen) to something other than cartoons or the Disney channel for a bit with them. I have always watched it in the past when sick or recovering from surgery.

Poor Lissy came into our room last night at 3:00 am and proceeded to throw up every 20-30 minutes like clockwork. She kept saying, "Why does my stomach hate me?" Thankfully she is feeling better and hasn't thrown up since 7:45am. I think almost 5 hours of barfing is more than sufficient!

Paul and Xander were taking guesses as to whom is going down next. Xander thinks it will be me since I took care of Lis all night long. Paul held the dog in the bed so she wouldn't "join" us in the bathroom. Who knows who'll be next....only time will tell. At least Alyssa is over the hurdle and Paul will be home ALL WEEK LONG. Maybe unfortunate for him, but very fortunate for me!

1. old memories

2. my car getting fixed for under $400

3. so looking forward to my bed tonight hopefully I'll get to stay in it ALL NIGHT LONG!