Project completed!

Some projects you get to decide when to do and others help decide for you!  When we moved in last year we realized the retaining wall was leaning dangerously.  The winter rains did the demo this time!  We just got to pick up all the bricks, bang off the old mortar and start fresh.  This new all ain't going nowhere!

 We took wheelbarrows full of dirt all aroud the yard in order to make a cut out for the BBQ.  We even piped off the propane and ran it through the brick for the BBQ.

 Helpers hard at work.

 We wanted it to be sturdy and practical.  This section will provide comfortable seating during cook outs and entertaining.

 The project is fairly complete.  We need to add one middle section to the gate, pour concrete on the side of the carport, and plant!

Another big day...

Today began the changing out of the header in order to finish opening the wall up. 

 Two projects were running simultaneously. . .the entry and changing out the french doors for a window.

 Here you can see both happening.

 Done!  Well, for now.  The header is complete and the space is opened up.  We plan on having match the other opening arch into the living/dining area.  See above.

Paul and Rich finish up the window opening.

My contribution in our project today?  Taking the kids out to the park all day!

Another wall down...

Before taking out the pantry wall, we decided to save the dining room carpet. . .which meant relocating the bookshelves to their permanent home, displacing the computer!  Sarah get things rearranged while we rolled the carpet and pad and took it to the garage.  Before going into the boys' room, I had to box and empty the room. . .not bad for another day's work.

 Here is the pantry wall before it's demolished.

 What a great open view we now have of both the front and back yards. . .the dining table was moved to the dining room (what a concept) and the homeschool stuff as well.

 A next step is to put in a bigger header to open it all the way.  It will match the living room opening -picture to come later.

I can't wait to move the huge brown moose which obstructs all view and makes the kitchen so frustrating!

Kitchen Re-model. . .

And so it begins. . .I am pretty sure this is going to assist my sanctification!  While the cabinets are  not due to come in until early March, we went ahead and started tearing out the pantry section.  Nothing like sorting through boxes looking for dinner ingredients!

This is early afternoon. . .our friend who is helping said "let's take out the pantry!"  Yikes. . a quick pack-up ensued. ..

In process. . .

It really didn't take that long. . .but I was still vacuuming and mopping around 7pm when Paul arrived home!

The boys are busy pulling out nails.  We are saving what we can to use later (perhaps a clubhouse?). 

What made the chaos worth it today was the precious words of Jonathan who, while pulling nails, looked at me with a big grin, sparkling eyes and enthusiastic voice, "Mom, most kids just get to read about this stuff!"  I just grinned back, but thought to myself "most moms are smarter than yours and leave town when their kitchens are demolished!"

Naomi turns FIVE

 Naomi is very happy to hit five!  She had a great day enjoying the sunshine and feeling all those special feelings that come with being THE birthday kid! Including a mini photo shoot by Bekah. . .

 It's hard to believe that the pleasant little girl smiling above was once called the Beast... Naomi still reminds us that while she may no longer be the Beast, she is the "Bigger Butter Baby" and still LOVES butter!

The birthday kid got to change the calendar . . .

Just like Papa. . .

Rebekah Ruth took this shot and said "Joey looks like Papa!"

Our boy turned six months old today!  He is sooo kissable....

Joey and Papa both like to "ingest" the news. . .