The big party

With as much as Evan had enjoyed yesterday he was looking forward to his party the most. Slightly upset at a point yesterday he asked when are my friends coming? Deciding what to do for his birthday was tough. In the end we pretty much just went with the traditional birthday party. Balloons, games, cupcakes, play time and fun pretty much summed it up.

We rented some rooms at the Y so we had lots of space and lots of parking. There is absolutely no way this could have been held at our house with all the construction and cars.

The kids started coming and kept coming. It was wonderful. We had 20 something little ones all together and it was loud!



Some of the parents were asking how can you stand it? Easy. I love kids and especially I love mine. This is making mine happy. But it was easy because they were not in my house and they were not all wanting different things at the same time saying mommy mommy mommy. Plus there were 14 adults there to help. That makes a huge difference and I could not have done it with out them.

We picked out tons of party games well over the few hours. Lots of games to keep the little ones busy and under control. There is a huge climbing structure there too and if we never would have had any games that would have been enough to keep most of them happy.

One of the games they played was finger painting clothes on a picture of Evan.



They did a good job. Smiley was the referee. At least he was not getting in the paint.



Evan's favorite part of the whole day was playing a guessing game. Where they reached there hand in bags and had to guess what were they touching. One bag was full of baby food. They all got there fingers covered in gross green baby food Evan loved it. It was fun to watch there faces when they touched it and pulled there hand out. They had a look of disquest, disbelief with many of them saying I can't believe you made me touch baby food.



They also got to decorate there own cupcakes. This was nice. It was one less thing I had to do before hand and they sugar loaded these cupcakes up. They got to top it with as much and as many of the sugary topping we had for them.


Aaron and Evan always together eating cupcakes


Gregory in the middle

One of my favorite parts was the unexpected guest we had.



He was invited as well as big sister, what a little hoot. She's not playing it up for the cammera.



I just did not think that my brother and his wife would bring there brand new 2 week old baby Jacob out yet. We were so excited when they came. I had not got a chance to get over to see him yet either. We were all smitten from the first smile this little guy flashed at us. Yes at two week he smiles. He is so content and happy. If you ask my very tired sister in law she will argue that but he was perfect that day even with all the noise.





I wish I would have had more time to hold him and love on him but that will come. Smiley took to him right away he just kept saying baby. He would mess with him and try to buckle him in and chance he could get near baby. I am glad you like him Smiley because guess what, we will any day have one at our house too.




All of my parents grandbabies for the moment. I do love pictures of all of them together I think a photo shoot in the next few months will be called for.

It was a great party. The kids had a blast and were so tired out by the end. I am so thankful to have it behind us. It was the last thing I really wanted done and out of the way before the new baby comes.

Whew another day out of our March Madness. A birthday yesterday with a party at school. A party today with lots of little ones. And ANOTHER birthday tomorrow! Yes it is Jays 44th birthday.

Happy 6th Birthday Evan

How many days can I play catch up on? I have so many thing I want to write about and if I don't get them down soon I will never remember. I do like looking back at my blog and remembering the times and what our family was doing, going through. I love having pictures with these events because to many times I have lost my pictures from my hard drive and am so happy when I can recover some from my blog or facebook. But life is to busy right now to sit and type. I try when I can.

More remodeling?

Okay. On Friday were two big events more remolding and Evan's 6th birthday.



I will break it up in reverse order and start with the remodeling.

Because of Evan's school birthday party the contractor did not come until afternoon. He came by himself today so Jay got to be his helper.



Which is fine with Jay, he loves to help them all and has. They started insulating. They wore masks and full clothing. The kids and I were not to much in that room and did not wear anything protective. We were all coughing later. He and Jay worked for hours cutting down old insulation and putting up new.



It was time consuming. Lot of measuring and cutting, stapling and other stuff. They did not finish. They got a good start one wall done.



They will resume Monday morning...early.

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HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY EVAN!!!!!


Six years old! I love you sweetheart. I remember your birthday well. His is the only numerical birthday I can remember because it is 3-4-05. This year only because he is 6 we have 3-4-5-6, interesting. Evan is the only natural baby I had. No epidural, I was not induced, almost no drugs. He is also the last baby I will have like that ;) All my labors are fast but with his I barely made it in the hospital doors. He was out within the hour. And such a cute baby. Such an adorable toddler. He was a heart breaker with his curly beach blond hair. Now he wears it short with no curls and looks like a little boy. Plus it has darkened quite a bit. He still has all his baby teeth and can flash you a wonderful smile and bat his eyes just so. He has me loving on his sweet little self. And I can't get enough of his funny sayings. He is wonderful, he is a true blessing, and I am so glad he is ours. He is also our easiest. But our most emotional and quite a bit whinny. However at the end of the day he just wants love and wants to show you his love.



He has an amazing day planned for his birthday. He picked out his clothes he wanted to wear. And to complete his out fit he got a BIG button and a birthday head band. They made him extra happy. And gave others a clue as he went to everyone "do you know what today is?"



He has been so excited for his birthday since summer. He has been counting down the months, days, constantly telling me who he wants at his party and who he does not. His brothers make the cut somedays and don't even come close others. That is his greatest insult to them "you are not invited to my birthday!"

We had to make this day special for him. Soon we will be receiving our new baby, our first girl and a BIG deal will be made. We do not want him to think he is not as important. We do not want him over shadowed. We want to celebrate him and show him how much we LOVE him. For a child who wants a birthday celebration more than anything in the world we had to and want to give it to him.

We took him earlier this week to order cupcakes for his school party. He picked them out he ordered what he wanted. They looked nothing like birthday cupcakes. They were all sorts of colors but red which he thinks he is allergic to with basketballs on top. They were delicious! He passed them out to his friends and teachers and everyone enjoyed them.



The class sat in a circle and they had the celebration of life for Evan. We were unaware of what this was. This was our first birthday party ever at a school. We thought it would be like all birthday parties and the class would sing and eat cupcakes. Basically that is what it was but a little different. As soon as we walked in the school we were greeted by assistants and they all had big smiles "you must be here for Evan's celebration of life. Are you excited, we saw his headband." Let me say it is always so welcoming to walk in their school.

So what is the celebration of life? It is a song.



The birthday child holds the earth and the children sing "the earth goes round the sun sha la the earth goes around the sun. And every time the earth goes around another year is done." The sing as he walks around a sun candle with the earth. One time for every year of life. When he returned back to the teacher he would talk about that year of life what he did, what he liked, and show his friends a picture of him from then.



Evan though it was great. I thought it was funny listening to him recall when he was 1 or 2. Or should I say just telling his class what his baby brother does at thoes ages with him name instead.

As far as Smiley goes he was there too. I though it would be easy to bring him since he would get a cupcake and get to see his brother but no. As always he was a handful. Evan kept a hold of him.



Actually it was very cute how he would always find Evan in the circle and sit next to him. He is also such a love bug that looks up to his big brothers. He wants to be just like them and always with them.

We spent a little time with Evan in his classroom. He wanted to show us how he could cut apples.



Yum. But not as delicious as the cupcakes. He also cut some pieces for Sammy.



Oh when Smiley saw him he was elated. He jumped and clapped so they took out the rabbit for him. He was so happy.



We were all having a great time but we did not want to interrupt there day any more so we left. Plus in just two hours the sugared up kids were having a pizza party. Birthdays are so special.

When the boys got home of course the first thing the wanted to do was open presents. He has been guessing at what they are and was touching them to feel for they shape so we had to move them out of reach. Smiley got him a special present. It was exactly what he wanted and he loved it.



So did Smiley. He thinks its his.



It was a pretty nice day weather wise. Warm and not raining yet. As another birthday treat the boys got to go outside and have a silly string fight. They had a great time. But someone did not. He came in crying. Sometimes it is hard to be the little one.



An exciting day for my birthday boy. When I asked him what was his favorite part it was having all of us at school with him sharing the cupcakes. What fun it was Evan we love you. Tomorrow is the big birthday party day so many more fun things planned. I love you birthday boy!!!!

An Electric Story

Up and running around in the morning, getting the kids ready for school. Tired because Wednesday nights are our latest in the week. The phone rings. It was the electrician. "I will be there in 15 minutes". Thank YOU for calling! I thought as I ran upstairs to get dressed.

It was Thursday the 3rd and it was the day the electricity is getting re-ran. Honestly this does not excite me like it does my husband so I grabbed the baby and went shopping.

Jay stayed home enjoyed hanging out with the electrician. But when I came home he was more than happy to tell me all about it. His excitement and favorite part lies in having the switch for the rooms lights moved from one side of the room to across to the other. As long as he is happy. I however have not got used to it and continually try to turn the light on in the wrong spot.



The picture also shows the height at which they put up all the outlets. Yes it is about a foot off the ground. A litle weird? I think so. They seem like floating outlets. But there are lots of them and they are all at the same height so it will all be good.

They added a bunch of can lights. We now have light in many dark corners where there was nothing. We have lights and don't have to waste valuable square footage with floor lamps. I hate those. Not in general but with little kids I do.



This one we debated about what to do. It is the entrance to the house and there was no light. So the praise is there is one now. The question was what kind to put in and what to run it from. Did we want it on every time the porch light was on? No not me. Did we want it on when the other rooms light were on? Seemed unnecessary but a better option. What we ended up doing was adding a separate switch at having it run independently. There was probably some reason why that was not in the choices before but I don't remember.



Wow doesn't that front door look old and horrible? Humm lets replace it! It will have to be at a later date but it is now on the list.

Another thing on the list is a new doorbell. But what to get? I would like a cool video one but for our non mansion that would be overkill. A chime one, a bell one, they even have mp3 ones. I don't know what to get. But I love the fact they moved the doorbell. It was right on the other side of the door, not very useful. We could never hear it only the person ringing it could. it needed to be moved to a more central location where you could here it hopeful now from anywhere. But for the time being the left a weird partial version of our old door bell sorta hanging up there. It will have to comedown when the drywall goes up I guess that is why it is like that.



Moving along thing are going pretty well tomorrow the insulation goes up and it is my son's birthday. We have a party planned at school so a busy day again, March Madness.

Wrapping up Wednesday

Yesterday I let you in to see our home remodel project what an exciting mess it is. Contractors coming in and out from early in the morning on. Well little did I know when I wrote that in the afternoon that was the easy part of the day. Yes really.

Another big March event is the AWANAS pine wood derby. Last year was our first year racing and my oldest son did fantastic! He took first place over the night. We were so happy for him. If you would like to relive that story you can find it here it was so memorable for all of us.




This year we have two clubbers so two cars to enter, two cars to make. The boxes have been sitting atop the large fridge since January. Out of reach for my boys to loose the parts out of the boxes and out of sight for my husband not to think about. But not completely forgotten. The boys have been reminding him every week he needs to build the cars and it always got pushed off to later. Well later is today the time trials! The cars need to be done for tonight!. Yesterday while the kids were at school he and I raced around town sanding the cars at a friends and buying accessories at the craft store.

He was not able to do them until he got home from work last night. But into the early hours he painted and played with their cars. They are not tuned and adjusted yet but they are able to be raced in the trials tonight. Then we have 10 days to make the modifications. I will let you know how they come out in 9 days.



The boys van got a flat on the way home yesterday. They were supposed to be home just after 3 so we can dart off to occupational therapy for my middle son. Well as 4 o'clock approached and they were not home yet I got nervous. I called the van driver to which she informed me about the flat and they were still at school. Wow poor kids. I called and canceled the therapist and waited for my big guys. It was half an hour later before they arrived home starving.

Running late and off our schedule the boys did not eat a real meal but quickly munched on snacks while they watched a little tv and then went over verses before we darted out the door to swim lessons. I figured I would feed them well after wards and a snack would be okay for the time being. Big mommy mistake. I wont do that again. We can be late to swimming or not go at all. Eating properly is much more important. The boys got tired and had a hard time keeping up in swimming. Gregory in fact broke down in tears in the middle of the pool. The instructor had to swim out and get him. After that he was done for the night. We hit the shower and headed home to dinner and bed time.

Welcome to today. A super busy construction halted day. They woke up excited to see the car started. Jay did not finish last night but will before he leaves today.
The boys got off to school fine and once they were gone baby and I took off. We wanted to hit a few store to pick up some birthday items and stop by my ob appointment.



I am now into my 36 week. It feels like it should be later but 36 it is. I am doing fine baby is doing. We are both growing large putting on a lot of weight. I keep getting asked that question every pregnant women just (enter sarcastic font) LOVES hearing "Your still pregnant?" or the other like versions "You haven't had that baby yet? When are you going to pop?" Grin and bear it is how I take it. They don't mean to be rude they just are surprised at my size and feel they have been staring at my pregnant belly forever. I understand friends.

After that we made it to Moes. Yum. Had a delicious lunch I could not even finish. I think it was because of my belly being full of baby. Jay thinks it was because I went through the drive through at Sonic before I went to Moes. Either way welcome to the 170 pound group. Yes its true.

The kids got home close to on time today. We made it to speech therapy. We made it home for a good dinner and we were set for the highlight of the day. The pinewood derby time trials.



Beyond excited the boys got ready to race. Each of them had a chance to run a few times and get weighed in. Neither car did exceptionally well but both were under weight. Now known are the modifications that need to made and there Dad will get the cars ready. There were a lot of fast cars this year. Competition will be tough. But in good sports man-ship they are just happy to be racing. Gregory even told Evan "if I will another trophy this year you can have it since I all ready got one." Way to go Greg! It is times like that I just give them the biggest smile and hug.





Tomorrow back to work on the house. Another crazy day in our March madness. I am taking it day by day, anything more and I would be overwhelmed.

And the walls came down

Life remains crazy and busy. Day are passing quickly now. Yea and oh my sum up my feelings on that. The last 365 weeks I have been saying how the weeks are going so slow I should have used that to my advantage. Now it is March madness at my house. There is not a busier month we have than March, It is crazy! Someones birthday or something big everyday and in many cases multiple things each day.


So why not start a remodel too?

We have been wanting a remodel of the front part of our down stairs since we moved in. It was bad. This was a foreclosure house and the last owners were such scum. They destroyed the home taking no care or regard for it inside or out. We walked into this home knowing the whole thing need remodeled. What we did not know is how long and how much money it would take. If so we probably would have passed it up. It was then the worst house on the street but in a great neighborhood.

The front room was bad it had painted wood paneling, mostly white but a tope in the spots of the missing items that were took upon eviction. The carpet was a gross, nasty brown. Some from the original color and some from the stained up petry dish it had became. The lights and windows were cheap. But all those are cosmetic things we weren't to worried and knew we could change it.

Years later that room still had not been touched. We just closed our eyes and walked through it. But with another baby expected any day we are tight on space. Tight is an understatement. We need this room redone now. We need the extra space and we need a new another bedroom. We have had the ball rolling on this for a while now. But to have the contractor we wanted we had to wait.

Finally we have officially started our renovation. The first part was demolition. Now that sounds easy enough but with this house it never surprises us what is found. We are not talking about a hidden civil war letter or other great find but layers and problems. There is always so many layers of flooring that leads us to uneven floors and old asbestos tile.

Due to a hole in the floor back in December Jay had to start working a little on repairing some of the flooring then. That story is here along with some before pictures. With ripping up the rest of the flooring we found more decorative flooring choices.



This flowery flooring was completely hidden and unknown underneath a stair case. The good part was enclosed in these walls was also a bunch of romex that will be able to be used in the electrical portion of this.

Speaking of electrical work... when the ceiling came down it exposed knob and tube wiring. Wow. It also showed us a lot of do it your self-er wiring jobs. What a mess. Junction boxes everywhere, plugs that made no sense, cobwebs. Anything but code. It is going to have to be redone. Plus all the old light fixtures replaced and additional lighting installed.



Besides the wiring under the ceiling led to many other revelations. The original structure of this house is a log cabin. The original logs were exposed looking nothing like the log cabins of today. They looked as if they just cut down a tree and stuck it up. They had knobs still sticking out of where they cut off branches. The logs were all shapes and sizes with many of these branches cut off. I supposed that is what they hung things on back then?



Something that shocked the contractor was they had applied a white wash cleaning techiqunique to the celing.



He said this was a technique that they used to use in barns to clean them or hide thing to pass an inspection. He had never seen it inside of houses and even went on to say they typically cleaned it off of the barns after it served its purpose.


The original logs are in horrible shape. They are ate through by termites. The wood just breaks apart it is not worth anything anymore, no structural support not at all decorative. The house has been reinforced by 2x4's. And insulated. Jay helped remove the millions of staples and nails in the ceiling, floors and walls. The insulation will also be pulled out and replaced with the new mold resistant good stuff.





It did not take that long for everything to be ripped down. What a mess though. We are left with bare bones and a house in shambles. We are not sure if this is actually better than it was. It is a step forward and everyday we are getting closer to it be done. Our next step is having the new electrical run.

Again we got the electrician we wanted too! It is awesome when you have the people you want to do the jobs able to do them, worth the wait. They are not by any means the cheapest but they are the best. They are good Christian men from and with good families. Their work is reliable and completely. They don't take shortcuts or "half ass" jobs. They do it right and trustworthy the first time always standing behind it. That is worth the expense to me. I have seen the jobs of shoty contractors we are trying to repair a lot of that type of mess in the first place we don't want more problems.

The electrician was out today and ordered the supplies for Thursday. So we are at a little stand still till then but it is only one packed full day away.

Here are a few pictures of the rest of our torn down room. And a baby unhappily gated unable to get in.