Kitchen remodel

As I write this, my kitchen is being stripped and sanded down. Primer will go on later today. We are all going to be high as kites off of the fumes! A huge plastic tarp has been draped from ceiling to floor. I feel like I am living inside a fish tank. I can't handle the mess. I have lost my patience more than one time with my boys as they are shimming under the plastic to get to the garage, or complaining about why we they have to eat outside (no kitchen table, it's full of STUFF from countertops).

The Ashton's came over and helped us paint 'til 1am on a spontaneous Sat night. So grateful to have good neighbor's who loved surprising Jared like I did! Dustin worked quickly in 2 hours to get it done, and had to run to 2 Home Depots for the right paint. So glad they came through for us.

(1 month later) The final pics are beautiful. People have said how open, larger, brighter and more inviting our kitchen now feels. We really feel like this was a great investment. We spend 85% of our time in the kitchen and I am so glad that we can enjoy this beautiful room together.

Sleepover with Isaac and Gpa Lowe

(phrased from Gpa Lowe that I asked him to write after having a sleepover with Isaac)
A joyful time with Isaac:

1. he explains he doesn't want hotcakes or toast at the cafe. "Later"
2. he does want to have a morning walk with g-pa.
3. he points out the moon and a christmas tree with lights at one house entryway.
4. g-pa passes gas and he observes it is "nasty" with hand gesture....he passes gas and says "excuse me."
5. he returns home with a flower for his mom.
6. he learns that fire hydrants are to stop fires and that water comes out.
7. no matter how much I pushed him to one side of the bed he moved a lot

(back to mom)Isaac is Mr. Independent too. At 3 1/2 years old he on his own initiative will: wash his black feet with a baby wipe, put toothpaste on his toothbrush and bring it to me without being asked, make his bed with pillows and stuffed animals on top, get dressed and put away his pjs, put his dirty clothing inside the washing machine (and one time even turned it on), wash his hands and face every time he eats a meal "dooty," gets out his cereal ("wife") with bowl, milk and spoon, will climb into pantry for crackers and get out the cheese, and turn on the tv with remote control.

Fishing in Eagar

It was a boys camping weekend! "Fishies" is what the boys found as they camped out with Pipa and dad. Highlights:
Isaac: "Dad, is this great?" "My belly hungee. I want wife (Life) for wunch (lunch)." Looking at worms.
Wesley: hanging out with older cousin Joshua
Austin: building a gun out of sticks, ordering a huge plate of spaghetti
Jared: irrigating with Gimpy the horse
Mom: lots of one on one time with a sick Levi (puking) and catching up on blog book, getting house organized from the kitchen remodel
Levi: a bit bored, but enjoyed the quiet moments crawling around

Homegrown veggies

Thanks to pipa, our boys were able to grow a garden this winter/spring. I was surprised at what a little manure, dirt, sunshine, water and love can do. I had never eaten a homegrown tomato and it sure beats anything store bought!