Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Building again


When Vern was here in Ohio last week he said he really missed construction posts. This isn't just for him, :), but Kris was busy today. He is working on the connector...the future main entrance to our house. It will connect both buildings. We are excited about being able to put a load of laundry on without a winter coat. I am also anxious for this to be done after seeing 2 coyotes 2 nights ago near our garden spot after putting clothes in the dryer.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Post Christmas Greetings
















I hope you all have had a wonderful time with your families! We are unpacking from going a few hours away and remembering fun memories as we reorganize. Best wishes for a wonderful week and New Year.



Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Night Shift

I am very blessed once again to work with people that I admire. Not only do they make me laugh, this talented group juggles family, working, and a host of other things while providing excellent care. Of course all are not in this picture. They deserve more then just a night out but all would probably agree that what we would really like for Christmas is sleep.







'oh the weather outside...'


Merry Christmas Eve! I am posting a picture of our current building project. There is a reason most of it is under tarps. Kris is having a hard time trying to build in cold, icy weather. I hope you enjoy your Christmas!




Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Kinseys visit







We were excited to be able to spend some time with the Kinseys. We didn't have FL weather or even any snow but the kids were able to skate on our tiny frozen rink and hang out together once again.

Staying busy...staying warm







Saturday, December 20, 2008

Standing guard


It's hard to tell if Smudge is pretending to be a present in this picture or guarding them! :)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

15 years ago

Sometimes I wish I could have a talk with the bride and groom pictured above. In days filled with dishes, laundry, homework, work, sawdust, and schedules it is hard to remember days that were filled with planning for a single day. While they may have had a few dreams for the future I wonder if either of them could imagine today. :) Probably not.
With joy and wonder I pause today to reflect on a remarkable journey. Kris, thank you for sharing every step. I cherish our marriage more every day and am so very blessed. I love you and look forward to many more years of reflection. Happy 15Th Anniversary.
Thank you, God, for yet another wonderful gift.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

An icy day

The kids had a one-hour delay today and Susan had the entire day off of school. She watched Isabel for me so I could spend the day asleep. We are having some interesting driving conditions. I hope those of you in FL are enjoying the sunshine today. :) I am off to battle the roads once more and go to work.

Monday, December 15, 2008

the good life


When Kris asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas this year, the older two asked for and Ipod. Isabel asked for a rubber ducky. Guess what she loves? :)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

A Night at the Zoo

We joined most of Columbus and went to see the lights (and some animals) at the zoo. They had a rink so we tried that out as well. We went to dinner at some new friends on Sunday. It was a nice weekend and I hope you all enjoyed yours as well.





Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Bible reading


Last night Kristianna was reading her Bible in her little cubby closet while I was cleaning up their room. Isabel was playing with dolls and I didn't catch on right away that she was reading a little Bible to Samantha (doll). If you click on the picture you will see that it is upside down but the funniest part was to hear what she was reading. It was a twist on the Christmas story that I have never read before. I am not sure what verse recorded Mary telling Joseph to change his clothes but Isabel read it. Kristianna and I were cracking up! :)

Thursday, December 4, 2008

A season's fragile start


I have put up Christmas trees with children in my house for 12 years now. We have had a few decoration-related incidents but today has to have been the most damaging. Isabel went with Kris and I to pick up a living tree. She was SO excited and had such a hard time waiting for the kids to come home from school to decorate it. She also had made ornaments at my friend Karen's home a few days ago and was waiting to hang them on the tree. She did get to help and be involved but my girl who normally is so careful ended up breaking 3 ornaments and a snow globe! I hope tomorrow is a bit better. The poor girl was the most upset. She so hates to do anything that may be seen as wrong. I hope your day was a little less exciting.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Thankful living






Today is one of those days that I love...not much of an agenda, a bit of snow, and lots of happy memories to replay in my head while I tackle the mundane. We had such a great time with the Knaus gang this past week. The week began with Susan's birthday and my cousin Melissa's visit. My in-laws came up for dinner on Tuesday and got to see the house after we moved in. My mom was here to help prepare for the arrival of everyone else on Wed. night. We were surprised with a flower delivery on Wed. The Gayers came for dinner on Wed. night. The house was filled with smells of baking and sounds of family catching up.



It seems hard now to think that our poor home has only been a "house" for 3 weeks now. It feels like part of the family now. The dishwasher and the coffee maker seemed to be the most-used appliances. While there are still projects we are working on, it is so good to be in our home and able to host a very special event.



I wanted to update all interested on my sewing machine cord. As most of you know, it has been missing since our move from Cedarville to the garage (1 year ago). We had searched through all of the boxes and did not find it. Kris happened to look inside the video camera bag and found it this week! YEAH!!! We have moved all of the sewing things into the basement and I cannot wait to begin to set it up and use my old friends. There are a few projects that were waiting for that cord. :)



I hope all of you were able to have a wonderful Thanksgiving. As we anticipate a season of giving yet ahead, I remain so thankful for the gifts with which I have been so richly blessed. You are in that list! Thank you for your friendship and for following in our journey.



Thursday, November 27, 2008

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

"Build me a stone wall."

Before...

Planning....




Labeling....


Assembling...


Finished...



Kris was quoting a line from Facing the Giants to Bel as he built!







Saturday, November 15, 2008

Snow and friends


We had several guests come over after enduring some winter-like conditions at the National Christian College Cross Country meet. It was so nice for some of the same people who came last year as we were just moving into the garage to come back and see us moving again. Today was the first day I have seen Kris actually sit down since we have moved. Our kids were THRILLED to see a bit of snow. As I am writing this it has all melted but the sounds of excited voices and the feel of cold fingers trying to make a snow ball are still echoing through our log walls. We hope you are enjoying your weekend.





Friday, November 14, 2008

"Impressive" trash







This post was inspired by the guy picking up our loaded dumpster. He told Kris that he aught to take a picture of how neatly and evenly Kris had stacked things up. Apparently he has many loads where he has to charge people because they have overfilled. I was also thinking of the many questions we get asked about our home. I hope this shows the other side of building and being your own General Contractor. :)
Proverbs 14:4

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The shuffle

I am sorry for the lack of posts lately. We spent the night in our new home on Friday night and I was scheduled to work for the next 3 nights. Needless to say there hasn't been a lot of time and it is only today that our computer is set up in the log home. We are unpacking boxes that were put together 2 years ago. It is a happy sort of chaos here right now! :)
I am a bit surprised to see the things that were very special to me 2 years ago and hope to find the women who enjoyed tea, sewing, and running soon. I think I miss her. :(
Off to put the kids to bed and unpack another box now....goodnight.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Moving...

We are in the process of moving to the house. I can't tell you how strange it is label our living spaces now. A few times we have asked one of the kids to put a tool in the basement only to find it in the garage! Bear with us as we try to settle in. I will post pictures when there is something more exciting then dust bunnies or piles of clothing! :) We are excited.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

From anxious waiting....




To celebrating!!!
Our final inspection was today and I am relieved to say that we can now thinking about moving. There is still trim work and a connector to be added but we are excited to have this hurdle behind us.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Family and friends

We have had an enjoyable weekend. Not only has the weather been beautiful, but we have been able to hang out with some special people. Skating, a party, church, and a visit from the Williams' grandmas have made for fun times.
We will keep you updated on the house's progress. It looks like it should be an exciting week!



Friday, October 31, 2008