365Project.2013 | Week 17

And the weeks march on ...

 

Day 113. Mommy was quite surprised by the stream of water running down her neck. Peter was obviously delighted to have gotten Mommy. Mommy was glad she had the camera out for more "normal" pictures and was therefore able to capture his delight. :)

Some six months after renewing my efforts, I have finished the last of the formatting I needed to do for Missions for Kids, my children's church program. Now I need to pursue permissions for the materials I've included from online sources, and then it's on to figuring out how to sell it. #onestepatatime

Day 114. Flying high!

Or hanging upside down ... take your pick! :)

Day 115. At least someone enjoys using the dog house ...

Day 116. Have I mentioned that this young man loves. to. work.??? He just heard me mention the idea of putting rocks around the flower beds, and then surprised me one afternoon with the project nearly completed!

Day 117. This little guy was rather tuckered after a long day of basement project and a late dinner ...

Day 118. Our first "after" picture, taken in the wee hours of the morning.

And another taken at a more sensible hour. Counters are on order, and the ceiling is obviously yet unfinished. Other than installing doors however, this project is pretty near done. :)

And for a good dose of perspective, here's a before picture taken when we first moved in. Let's just say that the picture makes it look a lot better than it was ... Between then and now, the cement block walls and concrete shower were torn down, a window was installed (or uncovered???--can't remember), plumbing was redrilled through concrete, walls were reframed with 2x4s (including an incredible linen closet), and then the normal bathroom fixtures were installed from there, including tub, flooring, cabinets, vanity, etc. We are all very excited about the end results. :) And so thankful for the multitude of folks who helped along the way--especially in the early stages.

Day 119. Taking time to teach your kiddos is effective when you're juggling projects + work responsibilities. Hannah continues painting pieces for the closet shelves while Daddy handles a work call ...

He's Six!

And close on the heels of his brother's big day, this young man turned six! If he could live outside, he would. He's my full-of-energy, never-stop-moving, bundle of blessing.

He began his day with a special breakfast of French Toast.  Benefit #3,271 of homeschooling. One can enjoy such things without the stress of having to get up insanely early or rushing through it to get out the door to be to school on time. His special dinner of choice was Chicken Veggie Alfredo--another one of Mommy's Sunday dinners. I think my boys like Sunday dinners.

He enjoyed opening some of his gifts after lunch once Daddy got home from work ... after looking through Matthew's pictures and realizing how few gifts I caught on camera, I tried to be a bit more thorough for Peter. ;)

Airplanes are always a sure win. Thanks, G&G!

Hmmm, Grandma must be having trouble with losing puzzle pieces ...

At least this one had all the pieces ...

Can I tell you how much fun it is to decorate a cake when you get such an over-the-top, excited response upon presenting it? :)

If his love for soccer continues, those candles will circle the ball some day!

So glad that Kate and her family--friends of all of us--could join us!

A few more gifts ... thanks for the Legos, G&G!

And yes, he's VERY excited about the extra $$ for the BIG Lego kit he's saving for ...

But it was also very nice to have a kit to put together the very next morning. :)

We rejoice to see you growing and learning each day! We love you, Buddy!

He's Three!

For the benefit and blessing of family who couldn't be with us to join in our birthday celebrations, I share some of the highlights from Matthew's special day. ♥

 

Matthew's dinner of choice was strawberries, watermelon, and grapes. After a bit of encouragement, he also chose a main meal of carrots and chicken. We interpreted that to mean Mommy's Sunday meal of Creamy Chicken and Carrots. :)

And he chose cheesecake for dessert. I had never. made. cheesecake. Ever. After receiving an overwhelming response to my Facebook post requesting recipe suggestions, I chose a 3-step White Chocolate-Raspberry (turned Strawberry) Swirl Cheesecake. Three-steps seemed about right for my first attempt. :)

Eating cheesecake covered with strawberries is very serious business. :)

His new Duplos from G&G were a definite hit! :)

As was his jumbo-sized, Toddler-friendly John Deere Tractor. :)

But this gift was a puzzle ... literally. Where's the rest of the pieces, Grandma?

Thanks for joining us, Miss Joy! ♥

And thanks for the glow-sticks! They made an excellent collar for Matthew's new Spot puppy!

Happy 3, Monkey! We love you! ♥



365Project.2013 | Week 16

Pschew. I feel as if I ought to be using a dust cloth. My apologies for my long silence! Many thanks to those who have continued checking for updates! Without further ado, here's what we've been up to ...

 

Day 104. Somebody turned 3! Not sure who gave this Monkey permission to do so, but 3 he is. What joy and laughter he brings to our home!

When asked who he would like to have join us for his birthday dinner, he immediately responded, "Miss Joy." We are so glad his Sunday School teacher was able and willing to do so! :)

And yes, my 3-year-old requested cheese cake for his birthday. And he loved it.

Day 105. The day after birthdays are nearly as much fun as birthdays themselves, since there's brand new toys to play with!

Day 106. Daddy took some time off work and in-between emails and phone calls, we made much progress on our basement bathroom! I am so thankful for this amazing man. Not only is he willing and able to tackle nearly any household project--big or little--he takes time to include the kids where possible and teach them some of the basic skills of home ownership. Mommy's role? Along with wielding a paintbrush and keeping everyone fed and clean, Mommy is the official runner of errands.

Day 107. Speaking of errands, Toby-girl had a spa-day!! A Living Social deal resulted in a free bath/grooming for our pooch, and the results were a.m.a.z.i.n.g.

Day 108. Remember that bathroom project? Daddy mildly resembled a snowman after an hour or so of sanding. Thanks, Honey! ♥

Day 109. But sanded walls mean it's time for paint! Woo-hoo!!! :) Daddy moved into a supervisor role for the lower-half of the walls. Since this bathroom will be the kids' bathroom, they were very excited to be involved in finishing it.

Day 110. Cutting the subfloor ...

 Aren't they cute!?!? ♥

And laying the vinyl flooring!

Day 111. So what do you do when you're ready for church a few minutes early? Well, Peter likes to build a chainsaw out of K-nex. If you're looking for ideas. ;)

 

And this is what spring + sunshine + rain accomplished with the landscaping we planted last fall! :)

Day 112. And then another birthday! Somebody else turned 6! This young man is a blessing in so many ways. He has a tender, caring heart, and works harder than most adults. So thankful for the privilege of being his momma.

A new puzzle from Mommy and Daddy and a cool t-shirt from G&G were the highlights of morning gifts. And yes, Baby Raar (or Taggy Lion) is still special to my boy!

Peter's guest of choice was his friend Kate from church. :) We're so glad that she and her family were able to join us for Peter's celebration!

 And that my friends, was ONE of the weeks for which I am delinquent in posting ...

More to come ...