More House Updates

So you might ask why I post every little update to my house. Mainly, because I value my mom's opinion when it comes to my house. I have called her countless times to ask questions on colors, decor, and everything in between. I figure she should get to see the final product. And then she tells me how much she likes it and I like it all the more. Funny how mom's words work that way :) Here they are.

Jacob got the chair rail installed in the bathroom and built the frame to go around the mirror. I think they look great. I need to go back and cover the nail holes and then those projects will be completely done, but you get the gist. I have bought some fabric to make a shower curtain. That is the next project in the bathroom.

I painted the bathroom on the main floor. It is kind of hard to tell in the picture but it is a nice soft green. You know what they say about green bathrooms. (If you haven't seen the movie Hellfighters, ((John Wayne doing something besides cowboy)), then you don't know what they say about green bathrooms). I don't think you are allowed to put double parenthesis in sentences the way you do in math. Ah well, my post, my grammar rules. Anyhow, I painted the vanity white as well and added some green knobs for a splash of color. The idea was to tie in the sink as it has soft green swirls in it. I think it worked.

Finally, I made some purchases. For about a little less than a year I have been keeping an eye at the stores and scouring craigslist for three things. 1 - A bed frame for our bedroom, 2 - A clock for the living room, and 3 - a mirror for the dining room. I had determined in my mind when I started looking what I was willing to pay and have been patiently waiting for the items to appear. And appear they finally did, and all within 2 weeks of each other. And here they are.

The clock matches the lamps perfectly. You would have thought they were bought as a set. I couldn't be more delighted.

I love this mirror. Jacob hung it yesterday and I just can't get over how much it opens up the dining room.

And finally, our new monster of a bed. Isn't it huge. In decorating sense it is to big for this room. However, the whole purpose of wanting a bed frame was so we wouldn't be leaning up against the window to watch tv. This bed has plenty of leaning space on it, feels great on my back, and is super sturdy. Kristian has also discovered that he likes to watch tv with his legs hanging over the baseboard. It is his new favorite place to chill. I have cut out fabric to make a valance for the window so we can take down the one that is temporally there. Oh, how the projects just keep on coming. I complain, but secretly, I really love working on the house and am so happy to see it transform and become ours.

The 4th and the 4th

We had a great 4th this year. It was crazy busy but oh so much fun.

The early morning was spent trying to get Spencer to gain control of his new big bike that doesn't have training wheels. He had only had 2 previous lessons on it that didn't go so hot. There were three times where he and dad came it, dad frustrated beyond words and Spencer crying in despair. Each time he let me know that he had decided he would just rather walk in the bike parade. Each time I or Jacob calmed him down and convinced him to go out and try one more time. About 30 minutes before the bike parade he was able to ride down the street, turn, and stop without falling off. He decided that was enough for him.

At this point we all loaded up and headed over to our friends house for their community bike parade. The kids all follow behind the fire trucks on their bikes which makes for a rather quick moving parade. Jacob ran beside Spencer the whole way who (to mine and Jacob's relief) never crashed. The rest of us quickly fell to the back of the parade.

Jessi decided that she wanted to ride on Spencer's old bike in the parade. She was very proud of the fact that it wasn't Spencer's bike anymore because it was now pink with princess stickers. (that was a fun spray paint project.) So she started pedaling with all of the other children. Within about 10 seconds I realized I was in big trouble as Jessi had no chance at all of keeping up with the other kids and I had my hands full with Kristian and Kamryn in the double stroller. Luckily, some of our friends had family in town and were able to spare an adult to basically pull Jessi along the entire parade route. (Thanks again John!!!) She was very proud that she "rode" her bike through the entire parade.

Kristian and Kamryn rode in style through the entire parade and Kristian especially enjoyed waving his flag along the entire route. At the end of the parade there was hot dog and chips for everyone and the kids got to spend some good times in the fire truck and the police car.

After the parade we headed home to start some dutch oven cooking. Yummy potatoes, ribs, and cobbler. Jacob is such a great outdoor cook. When the dutch oven finished cooking we headed over to the Brady's for their annual 4th of July BBQ. Not even the rain could spoil this great BBQ. Lots of food and fun was had by all and we even managed to get in some fireworks when the rain slowed. All in all, a great Independence Day.

Two days later we celebrated another 4th. Jessica's 4th birthday that is. I opted for something a little quieter this year so we had dinner out as a family and then cake and ice cream with presents at home that evening.

I tried to make her a pink castle cake. To me it looks a little more like a pink temple but Jessi was thrilled with it and that is all that matters. It took 4 blows and I think a little spit to get the candles out. She was very excited about each of her presents. All in all, pretty low key but Jessi still loved every minute of it.

Jessi is such a sweet part of our family. She loves anything that has to do with princesses and loves to dress up in her dresses and jewelry. She is getting smarter by each day and is growing into a beautiful little lady. We love you Jessi!!

Moses and the Evil Horses

For those of you who are not LDS the first half of this blog may not make too much sense. This past Sunday was testimony meeting in church. Last month Spencer decided he wanted to share his testimony and having taught him a little about testimonies we felt good about letting him do this. He shared his belief about Jesus Christ and about the prophet Joseph Smith. It was a short and sweet child's testimony. When he asked me yesterday if he could again share his testimony I of course agreed thinking he would do a repeat of what had happened the previous month. I was sorely mistaken. He strolled up to the pulpit and the following ensued:

Spencer: "Today I'd like to talk to you about Moses. Moses was a man. He helped the slaves in Egypt. He crossed the red sea....."

I'm not sure how long this actually went on but to the guy with his head in his hands it felt like at least 15 minutes. It appears we still have some learning to do.

And now with the Evil Horses I give you Naderman. We are big Transformer fans here.



For comparison purposes.

Deck and Garden

I finally finished the deck complete with a step that Melissa wanted. Below are pictures of the garden and newly stained deck.