Friday, April 30, 2010

Before & [Almost] After

After nearly two weeks of having a couple of guys banging around on our house, we finally have new siding! 
If you've been by our house lately, you know what a huge difference it has made. If you haven't been by, here's a few photos of the before, starting with the freak hail storm from last summer that caused all of this...




Hail came fast and hard; most the size of golf balls, with a few closer to baseball size.
The damage was just devastating, and our house was not even the worst of it...


For our home, it was a blessing in disguise. We desperately needed a new roof, and because of the hail damage, a brand new roof was provided through our insurance!

Our roof before:


While the roof was put on right away, the siding company had a hard time finding someone to put the siding up (honestly, can you blame anyone for not wanting to deal with siding our house?). Finally, more than eight months after the storm, we have new siding! But to appreciate the new siding, you have to see a few more before photos...





And a couple more, just so I won't forget the artwork...



Now, for the moment you've been waiting for...








Now, like the title says, it's almost finished outside. We still need to paint the gables over the big windows (didn't want to lose all of the house's character) and all the do-dad trim (though, we may skip painting the one on the backside of the house- not worth risking life & limb for it!), paint some of the window frames (we still have a few older windows) paint the front door, paint the brick by the basement door, replace the lattice on the deck, paint the garage, put up pillar thingys around the posts that hold up the kitchen nook, and figure out what we're going to do about the retaining wall along the sidewalk.

Oh, and mow.



:

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Gone Fishin'

 Today marked a momentous occasion for the boys of this household!

The first fishing outing of the season!

Now, you might say, "There's only one boy in this photo! I thought you said boys!". There's a rather humorous explanation to that...

Trevor was recently given some clothes, and among them, was a shirt he saw, and immediately said, "I'm gonna surprise Dad with this shirt when we go fishing!" Since I wanted to take his picture with the shirt, Daddy had to leave the room, so as not to spoil the surprise. I wish I could be there with the camera to catch the moment when Trevor shows Dad his new favorite shirt:


Well, that's all for now. I have more laundry to switch/fold/put away, and dinner is right around the corner. That means I also need to get going on the mashed potatoes. I can't wait to eat because I threw a roast in the crock pot this morning, and have been refraining from eating much today in anticipation of a most yummy meal! Unfortunately, that means I've been smelling the delicious aromas all day long on an empty stomach; and everyone knows how torturous that can be!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Did I Do That??

 
 
It's "Not me!" Monday! This is not my first "not me" post, as I don't ever do these types things (seriously, I don't!). It is definitely not me who has been hooked on reading MckMama's blog ever since my aunt told me about it!
 
It was not me who kept my hubby & kids waiting nearly an hour in the van while I gabbed after church (in my defense, it wasn't all gab)!
 
I most certainly did not slack on my laundry last week, only doing what was absolutely necessary, and making my hubby & kids dig for matching socks in the [clean] laundry basket.
 
I absolutely did not laugh at my sweet little Abby when she smacked her eye with the Wii controller while playing bowling. And I would never take a picture of her new ouchie & post it on my blah'g!
 
 
I was not that mom who overslept, causing her daughter to miss the bus this morning! And I did not grumble at all during the 20 mile drive to drop her off!
 
And it is not me who has a list of things I did not do over this past week, but decided it would take all day to type out!
 
Nope! Not me!!


Saturday, April 24, 2010

Love & Happiness...


...were in the air today. At least until my kids became overly tired and in need of their beds.

Today marked a day of celebration for two little ones who have been prayed, hoped, and dreamed for. Both of their mommys are very special to me, and I am so excited to meet these two little miracles!

One of the celebrated little ones is Peyton Hope, who had her baby shower today in California. I was there only in spirit, as nobody seemed to want to buy me a plane ticket...

The other little one celebrated right here in Iowa is Baby Boy Swensen. His shower was today as well, and I was able to be the memory catcher for his big day.

(I'm not posting all the photos - just a few for family who couldn't be here ;))






Emily had some pretty sweet little helpers!



Though, apparently only helpers for the fun part! 
*Pregnant belly r-e-each!* ;)



Em & the hostesses; Jill, Kate, and Renee...

I kinda put Emily on the spot & forced her to have a couple maternity shots. :)

Grandma & Mommy to be...

Proud parents...

And you can't take maternity photos without the heart hands!



And as for love & happiness from our family...


Abby & Trevor after his soccer game this afternoon. Before they became cranky. ;)

What a blessed day!


Monday, April 19, 2010

...of Parks & Soccer

 The weather in these parts has been amazing! Lots of our time is being spent at parks now-a-days, and it feels wonderful to be out of the house and not freezing to death... at the same time! The only downer, but not enough of one to be a kill-joy, is the fact that showers are now a daily requirement. In the winter, kids can get by on an every-other-day schedule, but not when it's warm and they are out sweating in the dirt. That's kinda gross. :)

Sunday, after church, several families met at a local park. The weather was beautiful, and the kids played hard...



Trevor had his first soccer game this past Saturday, and it was so much fun to watch him! He didn't let the ball get by him once when he was the goalie, and his team finished in the lead, winning their first game! Trevor played hard and well, and I think he LOVED it!!

After the game, Trevor, Elise, and I went to the lake and walked around a bit...

I think it's easier being a great brother when there's only ONE sister around... ;)

Aww...

Trevor picked some flowers for Elise...


Flowers for Mommy...


Trevor came across a walnut that he broke open, brought it to me, and said, "Mom, I really love you."
Love it...

And just a couple shots of spring...



I'm so thankful for spring. Especially now that I have to survive the winters!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...