The big day...

About six months ago Adrianne went to the dentist. He told her she really needed to stop sucking her thumb at night. In the car afterward, we talked about being a "big girl" and how big girls who don't suck their thumb get to do other big girl things...like getting your ears pierced. Adrianne's reply was "I'll stop sucking today!" She really did quit just like that. We have had very few relapses, mostly it's the middle of the night that I might find her with it in. For the last few weeks, she has not had any times of sucking (I have been looking every night!). So it was time to fulfill my end of the bargain.
Her best friend Makayla got to come and get her ears pierced too which made it even more special. Adrianne wasn't nervous until they brought the "ear guns" over. She then changed her mind 3 times about which pair of earrings she wanted. Then at the last second before, she turned to me and said "Mommy, pray for me!!" When I was done, she turned and did it without a peep! She is now the proud owner of sparkly red earrings.

light the fire...

oh so close

I'm finally getting used and now we're almost done with the flooring, then it's off to the window trim...
the fireplace is up and running, and Floyd finished the stair rail and banister today wow they look great

half way done

time to lay floor !!!!

it's finally time to lay floors, yeah! my back is sore.

Baby MeatBlock

Stella has become attached to one of her babies. For awhile she was just calling her "hunny", but recently she has a new name...Baby Meatblock. We are totally cracking up at the name, but she is insistent that we call the baby that. In fact, tonight I said something to Stella, and she said:
"I not Stella, I Mommmmmmy MEEAATBLLOOCK!!!

Closer Still

We are hoping to be done in 6 weeks...I can't believe it is so close.

Beach Bums

We had a great vacation with my friend Michelle. We took her to Beverly beach for an impromptu camping trip. The girls dug and dug in the sand. We had smores and roasted brats and enjoyed tent sleeping! The next day we went to the tide pools and light house. Then off to the marine science center to see the sea lions and cool fish.

Progress

Windows are in and anticipation is building. We are longing for our own place...I can hardly wait for things to get finished. Soon electrical will be complete and we can really get going on the interior. I like the process, I just wish it would go FASTER!

Our trip to the Zoo?

Last Tuesday I was to meet Jonah's Mom and Sister at the Zoo...I knew we were in trouble when it took 30 minutes to get from the exit to the entrance of the zoo. I was directed to "overflow" parking a few miles away. When I pulled into the lot, there was a line a few HUNDRED people deep to get on the shuttle buses (old school buses). It was already 80 degrees outside and there was no way my girls (or me) would survive waiting for the shuttle. After a family conference, we decided to head to the swimming area at Silver Creek Falls. We visited Jonah at work and then headed back south for swimming fun. The girls had their first snow cones and were satisfied even though we didn't see the "ellies" or "ooh ooh ahh ahh's".

1st days on the job...

Jonah sent me this picture from his phone of his helmet at work.

So Proud!

Jonah was promoted to Apparatus Operator on July 1st. It is a big jump in responsibilities and he is excited by the change and challenges ahead. Clackamas had a great ceremony to honor all the guys who are moving up. The girls were funny, shouting "Hi Daddy!" while I tried to keep them quiet. We are so proud of Jonah and his success. God has truly blessed our family through this job.

1st Camping of the Season

Off to McIver Park in the Portland area for camping fun. We were there with our friends the Doty's to celebrate Kaden's 1st birthday. The girls love to get dirty and they enjoyed the digging and bug finding. Stella was in love with the "pata-do-do's" i.e. catapillers. Makayla & Adrianne had whole bug lives planned for their little friends. We biked and walked and played. Fun was had by all (except for bed time but that is a whole other story).

Sunshine & Flowers & Dirt! We love it!

Our favorite activities at Grandpa Tom's: collecting rocks, picking "flowers", watering plants, feeding the plants dirt & rocks and making mud soup.

Dreams coming true!

This is where we started just a few months ago. It was hard for me to even dream since my mind couldn't see where we are headed.




Getting water in the well!


It amazes me how each day there is transformation and progress. Now I can imagine my kids on the porch coloring or in the garden picking flowers. I can see myself looking out the windows at the wild dogwood trees. There is still a ton left to do, but it is fun to see my dream take shape.

Sun Dial Bridge

On our California Adventure, we had an overnight stop in Redding to visit my Great Uncle Joe (or as the girls love to call him...GG Joe). After a great Italian home cooked meal, We spent the following morning exploring the Sun Dial Bridge, which is a glass bottom bridge that spans the Sacramento River. On the other shore was an amazing garden and we had a great time tip-toeing through the tulips and other flowers!