Friends

Friday dawned a clear day, with blue skies as far as the eye could see and the promise of temperatures above 70°. I was determined to get out in the newly-arrived summerness and enjoy it, so the kids and I decided to head to the lake to play in the sun. That morning, my friend Heather emailed and said she and her kids were heading out to enjoy the sun too, so I quickly replied with our plans. We agreed to join forces and meet at the lake.

It was a gorgeous day and the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They played so well together and allowed Heather & I to sit back and relax and snap pictures to our hearts content. We chit-chatted, snacked, and generally just enjoyed ourselves.

Brady and Sam worked together, creating some kind of intricate moat/waterway along the water's edge, digging with their shovels and buckets. Zoë and Natalie alternately snacked and played in the water. It was so fun to watch them, developing their own little friendship. Heather and I about melted when they walked, hand in hand, down to the water to dip their toesies.

After such strenuous play, they retired to the wagon for a picnic. Again, nothing cuter. Except maybe that Natalie, when she couldn't remember Zoë's name, would simply call her "Friend".

The boys, meanwhile, braved the cool waters of the lake. But only for a minute, before they came racing back out. It was pretty chilly.

It was an extremely pleasant day, even though Heather and I both ended up burnt to a crisp. True Pacific Northwesterners we are - at the first glimpse of sun, we rush right out to soak it up, failing to remember that our bare skin hasn't been exposed to such bright sunlight in about 7 months and may be a bit unprepared for such a extended dose of UV rays. I've been limping along for two days now, with shins that are painfully burnt and feel like they have been sliced with white-hot razor blades, so you can be sure I'll remember to slather the sunscreen on next time.

There really is no place better in the summer than our town. The temperatures are generally pretty mild, rarely hitting 90°, the days are extraordinarily long (the sun doesn't set until about 9:15pm and it's not truly dark until about 10pm), everything is SO lush and green, the air is clean, and there's always lots of outdoor activities to enjoy. There's really no place like it in the summer.

It's days like this that make the long, miserable winter a distant memory and will sustain me thru the next one to come.

A Solid Foundation

June 12th:

This is looking west. The foundation footing is all framed in and ready for concrete.

This is looking east and shows exactly how much dirt was moved. There are huge piles on all sides of the house, which will be used to backfill around the foundation. Any remaining dirt will be spread out to level off what will be our yard.

June 14th:

Again looking west. The footing was in and we've pulled off all the forms. See that pile of lumber in front of the van? That's what we pulled off.

This is looking south. The reason there is so much standing water and mud is because the soil has so much clay in it when you get down a couple feet. The top two feet are great but under that, not so great.

June 19th:

The foundation walls have been framed in. All these forms will have to be taken off and scraped to remove any concrete that has stuck to them. They are reusable and we rented them for the project. The blocks in the middle of the house are for the floor supports.

Look! Our mountain was out! Did I mention that it's a volcano?

June 22nd:

Ta - da! Here's our foundation after our efforts this weekend.

Notice how clean and debris-free the interior is!

See all the chunks of concrete in the bottom of the picture? We broke those all up and chucked 'em in there. For hours.

And that's where we're at! Today I'm heading out to go paint some waterproof sealant on the bottom half of the foundation walls. I think the lumber was delivered yesterday and I believe they'll be starting the framing today. Exciting stuff!

A Place Called Home

So, the weekend was spent working out at the building site. Saturday was overcast and muggy, but not too hot. We had quite the little work crew out there: hubby, myself, my dad and hubby's dad. We worked for about seven hours, taking the forms off the foundation and busting the forms loose from the poured concrete. Sunday the weather was sunny and breezy, so we stayed cool but got sunburnt. I am sporting a total farmer's tan (sunburn) which should be exceedingly attractive when it starts to peel. I'm hoping to smother it with enough Vaseline Intensive Care ultra moisturizer to avoid shedding like a snake. Oh, and I was smart enough to go invest in a pair of leather work gloves which totally saved my hands but also gave me a freaky tan line - red arms, white-ish hands. So attractive.

Boy, Sunday I did some of the hardest, most physically demanding work of my entire life. Busting concrete with a sledgehammer is not easy. But you know what? I kinda liked it. There was something gratifying about pounding on that concrete, raising that sledgehammer up over my head and driving it down into the rock over and over again, until it finally weakened and broke apart. At the end of the day, our building site was very clean and tidy and all the out-of-place concrete had been busted and chucked into the garage area (where it will be covered with dirt and a cement slab). I thought for sure I would be completely paralyzed with pain this morning, but really the sting of the sunburn is the worst of it. My right hand is a little on the tired side, and I don't have much of a grip left, but overall, I'm surprisingly okay. That too makes me feel pretty good. Maybe I'm in better shape than I thought!

I was telling a co-worker today that even if we could afford to pay someone to do every speck of the work on our house, and have it perfectly done and all landscaped and pretty, I'm not sure I would do it. There's something pretty special about throwing your blood, sweat and tears into the building of a home - the place we'll raise our kids, make a zillion memories, celebrate birthdays and holidays in, grow old(er) in, and call Home for many years. I think it'll make it seem so much more OUR'S because we'll have our grubby, blistered, sunburnt little hands in as much of the process as possible.

I'm already attached to the place and it's nothing but some concrete and piles of dirt. But being involved and doing what I can has completely done a 180 on my attitude. I will work more if I have to and I will fight tooth and nail to keep that place as mine. It's my home afterall.

Flashback Friday

My Zoë girl, June 2006.



And for a *bonus* flashback, here are some pictures from an impromtu camping trip we took we took that same month.

Looking back at my wealth of pictures reminds me just how incredibly blessed I am.

A Day at Home

Today I decided to just stay home with the kids. There were no swimming lessons to go to, the weather isn't that great, and every time we go somewhere it ends up costing an arm and a leg. Not just the gas used, but usually our trips involve some kind of shopping and/or snack. So today we're being homebodies.

After a pancake breakfast and tidying up, we decided to go for a walk. Momma needs a little exercise. I broke out the double jogger stroller and dusted it off. Of course, as I was doing so it started to sprinkle rain, but I was determined to go anyway. In this country if you let a little rain stop you from doing anything, you won't get anything done! And it's not like I'm gonna shrink if I get wet. Damn it. Fortunately it stopped after a few minutes and off we rolled. I'm a really bad judge of distance, but I'd say we probably went a couple miles. And up and down several steep hills. Hills that don't seem a big deal when I cruising along in my car, yet seem to stretch on forever and cause searing pain when I'm struggling up them and pushing 80 lbs of stroller & kids. I just kepting panting to myself "This is good for your butt, this is good for your butt..."

In the middle of our walk, we stopped at one of the many parks around here and the kids played and swang for awhile. I actually stole the swing from Sam once and took a turn. And the school-girl giggle that bubbled up and out of me surprised us all. But I couldn't help it! My tummy got that giggly, squirrelly feeling and there was no containing it. Of course, that pleasant little tickle quickly turned to near nauseaousness so I kindly gave the swing back to Sam. But it made me remember how much I used to LOVE swinging as a kid.

Back home we've had some lunch and now I should tackle the chores that are waiting for me: three baskets of laundry that need folding, several more loads to wash, the kids' bathroom is slightly scary, my floors needs a good scrub, and the carpets need to be vaccumed. Josh's dad, Grandpa John, is coming for a visit this weekend and I don't want to have to do cleaning while he's here. We'll probably be working out at the house anyway. Or drinking. Or both.

See? My Crack Vitamins are doing their job - I'm motivated and energetic without a ray of sunshine in sight. I even have dinner already planned: chipotle chicken taquitos with guacamole and salsa (all homemade), mexican rice, refried beans, and a veggie platter. The Dos Equis are cold and waiting for me too! Is it 5pm yet??

Hope you have a productive day too!

Catching Pollywogs

It's Wordless Wednesday!

Busy Days

So, here we are, in the first full week of Summer Vacation. Yay! Now if we only had some warm weather to go with it we could get outside and truly enjoy it.

I feel like I've been slacking in the Blogging Department, so here's a quick run-down of what we've been up to:

Saturday - The first part of our foundation had been poured so Saturday morning we went out and pulled the forms off. This required pulling nails, breaking wire with a claw hammer, and pulling the boards off the actual concrete. We spent three hours swinging those hammers and working away, then piling up the boards we'd pulled off. Then I headed home to shower & get ready to go to work. My poor hands were tore up, blistered and swollen by the time we were done, but I'm not complaining. Our efforts saved us having to pay the contractor $40/hour to do the same work. I was pretty wiped out by the time I got home from work at midnight, but my mind was a bit more at ease. Swinging that hammer and feeling the fruits of a day's honest work has gone a long way towards calming my fears and releasing some tension. Sore muscles and angry blisters will heal and if they contribute to keeping this project affordable, I say BRING IT ON. (Pictures of the progress to follow soon.)

Sunday - Hubby went to do a side job in the morning. The kids and I got ready and headed out to do some last minute Father's Day gift buying for Daddy and Grandpa. Then we had a nice BBQ lunch at my parents' house, along with my sisters, before I had to head to work. The weather was probably the nicest we've seen all year, and I, of course, was stuck inside working.

Monday - Sam started swimming lessons again so we went to those, then I let the kids play for a bit at the park near the pool. We squeezed in a little grocery shopping, then headed home so I could get ready for work yet again. It was a hellacious night at work - insanely busy, stressful, and no chance for a break. Fortunately, the charge nurse had ordered pizza for everyone in honor of a co-worker's birthday so I was able to wolf down a couple slices in between the relentless onslaught. It was a full moon, or darn near, and anyone who doesn't believe a full moon has any effect on things like that, come spend some time in a hospital and just watch what happens. It's been true of every hospital that I've worked in.

Today - Lazed around the house a bit in the morning, then ran to Costco for a few things, which quickly turned into a cart-full. Damn you Costco! The kids and I grabbed some quick lunch, then headed home. After putting all my treasures groceries away, we headed outside. The inside of my minivan was covered in about an inch of dried mud after being out at our property working (in aforementioned mud) and I couldn't take it anymore. So I cleaned it all out, vaccumed it, wiped everything down with disinfectant wipes (hanta virus anyone?), refilled the emergency snack box, organized all the various tools that now reside in my vehicle, restocked the kid supply (clothes, underwear, etc). I evicted R2D2 (aka the Shop Vac) from the van, as I'd been hauling him around for a few days, and used him to blow all the pine needles, twigs and rocks off the driveway. I also managed to do two loads of laundry, clean the kitchen, and change our sheets. This was all before dinner. Hmmm. I'd say my Crack Vitamins are helping.

Did I never tell you about my Crack Vitamins? A few months ago, I picked up some One-A-Day With Energy vitamins, thinking that I could use a little oomph, especially on days after working late. So I started taking them and BOY, did I feel GOOD! Now, if you know me IRL, you know I already tend to be a bit "high energy". I talk fast, I gesture with my hands alot, I can be kinda loud...I'm rather animated most of the time. So these vitamins probably made me look like the crazed, rabid Chipmunk sister of Alvin, but BOY, did I feel GOOD! I was so hopped up on these vitamins that I was having a hard time falling asleep at night - SO not like me. I initially attributed it to just being used to being up later, since I work swing shift. But there were nights that I'd go to bed, toss and turn for an hour and a half, then finally give up and go read on the couch for awhile. I finally started to put two and two together and decided I'd better read the label of these vitamins and find out exactly what was in there. Turns out they have a little bit of caffeine and a nice dose of guarana. Having no clue what guarana was, I Googled it. Yah, it's an herbal stimulant basically. From Brazil. Slightly addictive. Not harmful to you unless taken in large quantities or if you have an existing heart problem. With much sadness, I decided I probably should discontinue taking them so I put them way and went back to my plain ol' boring no-energy vitamins. But they've been calling my name from the cupboard, especially when I'm really dragging. So the last few days, since I've been working all weekend and still kind of physically tired from my labors on Saturday, I busted out the Crack Vitamins. BUT, I've only been taking half a vitamin (they're pretty big). And boy, do I feel good! A half is just perfect for me, and as long as I take it in the morning, I have no problem falling asleep at a decent hour. With our lack of sunshine, my late nights at work, and the stress of this house project, it's nice to have a little pick-me-up and be able to accomplish stuff and be in a good frame of mind. They are amazing little pills and now you know why I call them my Crack Vitamins. LOL

Father's Day 2008

Happy Father's Day Honey!

Thank you for giving me these precious babies and for caring for us all so lovingly and completely. I fell in love with you all over again watching you welcome our babies to the world. The joy and pride radiating off of you as you held your new child was intoxicating and is forever etched in my memory. Your tenderness and wonder in caring for them, even as tiny newborns, only endeared you to me more. I love how you love our babies, how dedicated you are to our family, how hard to work to make our dreams a reality, and how you've embraced parenthood. I couldn't have picked a better Daddy for my kids and I'm so thankful we're on this ride together.

We love you up to the moon and back.

Love,

Kate, Sam & Zoë

Guess Who's Blogging?

My pal Brooke (aka Whitey) has finally caved to the pressure and started a blog! She says it's to chronicle her summer adventures but I know it's really because she wants to be cool like me and throw her life out to the interwebs. I've apparently touted the addictiveness of the blogsphere to her one too many times and now she's been sucked in. If you get a minute, swing by and say hi to her and make her feel welcome! You can find her at http://www.thegatclanchronicles.blogspot.com/.

Brookie & I met almost three years ago thru our local MOMS Club. She had recently become a full-time SAHM and was looking for activities and friends to keep her busy and get her out of the house. When we met, our little ones, Dane and Zoë, were 6 weeks and 3 weeks respectively. As the months went by and we found ourselves at activities together frequently, I grew to admire and appreciate her razor sharp wit, her easy-going manner, generosity, and her overall joie de vivre. We soon discovered we had more in common than just babies the same age.

~We both adore being moms yet sometimes crave our old "freedoms".
~We both love to be on the go.
~We both were a bit wild & crazy in our younger days.
~We both like to dream big and shoot for the stars.
~We both love coffee and baked goods.

~We both have "Martha" tendencies (although I'll admit, she's a much better hostess than I).

~We both need sunshine and warmth and dream of living somewhere tropical.

The list goes on and on, but it all adds up to a really fun and special friendship. Being friends with Brooke is just easy. She makes me laugh, she's always ready to lend an ear, she's honest, she's creative and energetic, and she's comfortable in her own skin. She's a helluva gal and I love her. I know you will too.

I felt the earth move...

It was a rainy Friday when we began excavation. Fortunately, it tapered off after awhile and we were able to get out of the car. Raindrops on our heads should've been the least of my worries, because after an hour or so of tromping around, both kids were covered in mud. It was in this state of dishabille that I delievered Sam to school, having not had the presence of mind to anticipate mud and/or children who are naturally attracted to mud, thereby requiring a change of clean clothing. I might have been a little excited to finally see some dirt moved.

Two days later, on Sunday, we went out to check the progress. Because it'd been so wet and the ground so soft, they'd had to lay a road fabric down first before dumping the gravel. Otherwise, we'd of had to put about two feet of gravel down in order to get the road stable enough to support heavy vehicles, such as a cement truck, which I heard was going to be necessary.

It was a big job, this excavation. All the dirt basically had to be moved twice; once it was dug up, it was dumped, still within the outline of the house due to the limited reach of the trackhoe. Then that dirt had to be moved further away in order to dig out more of the foundation. The next two pictures show the building site partially excavated. I guess they don't work weekends. Must be nice.



As previously mentioned, my children are drawn to dirt like a moth to a flame. Good thing, since we seem to have an abundance of it in our lives lately. The way I figure, it's cheap entertainment and good for the imagination. Throw in some sticks, rocks and leftover lumber pieces and it's a kids paradise.

Since they are soon going to offcially be "country kids", I suppose a healthy love of dirt is a good thing. *sigh* But I fear for the state of my floors already.

Flashback Friday

It's been awhile since I've flashed ya (hardee har har!), so today we're flashing back to June 2006. Zoë was 9 months old and Sam rapidly approaching 4.

Happy Friday!

Wordless Wednesday

These beautiful girls dropped by for a quick visit when we were out inspecting the excavation on Sunday and kindly paused long enough for me to snap a quick picture.

For more Wordless Wednesdays, go here.

I'm still here...

I've just been uninspired and stressed out. I haven't felt like I've had anything worth reading to write honestly. I mean, I hear other blog authors say this very same thing and then somehow they write a whole post that I end up devouring because it's witty and entertaining. And while I can't pinpoint any particular theme or thought-pattern, it doesn't seem to matter. I'm not sure I'm capable of that kind of verbosity.

Things are progressing with the house. They started the foundation on Tuesday and should have it done by the end of the week. I spent an hour or so yesterday at the courthouse trying to get some papers filed and some tax stuff taken care of. Zoë was somewhat tolerant of the process, albeit not exceptionally quiet. Her tiny little voice was only amplified by the tomb-like silence of the office we were in. I temporarily placated her with a sucker from the secret stash in my purse (totally for the kids, not me - I swear), then some paper and a pen where she informed me she was doing "decowations, Mom". I wasn't able to get everything taken care of so today we get to go back and do it all again. Oh joy.

I've come to the painful conclusion and realization that I'm going to have to work a bit more in order to afford this house. It's been my biggest fear all along, but now that we're actively handing out money like Hickory Farms free samples at Christmas, the rate at which the money is coming in needs to be stepped up. I'm hoping that by being proactive and not waiting until the bank is threatening us that maybe it'll be easier. I'm only planning on adding one day a pay period, and it still needs to be approved by my manager, so nothing is set in stone at this point. But I am resigned to the fact that it's going to need to happen. And I'm just praying that it will be enough.

I had a small breakdown about it the other day, which is quite out of character for me. The dam ended up bursting right before I was headed to work, which resulted in red puffy eyes and fuzzy contacts, which then led all my co-workers to inquire if I was okay, which then sent me scurrying to the bathroom to ward off the tears again. SO unlike me. And horrifying. Anyway, I finally laid bare my soul to my hubby about my mounting fears about the project and it's financial ramifications on our daily lives. I managed to pour out how I already feel stretched by working the amount that I do, that I still have to do everything else around the house even though I'm working more than I ever have since having my babies, and that I just was generally terrified.

The result? I don't feel like such a pressure-cooker of emotion, my hubby got the chance to console and reassure me (something that doesn't happen very often - I'm too stubborn) AND he said I just need to tell him what needs to be done around the house and he'll do it. I think it was kind of a wakeup call to him that I'm really NOT SuperWoman, even though that's certainly an image and perception I like to encourage. I don't readily or easily ask for help, but if we're going to make it thru this with my sanity in tact, I've got to learn how.

In other news, Sam's last day of kindergarten is tomorrow. This year has flown by and frankly, I'm sad to see it end. I'm looking forward to having him home with me and all the summer fun we have planned, but it's just another reminder of how rapidly the time is passing and how quickly he is growing up. We've had such a positive experience at his school and I just adore his teacher so I'm sad to have the year end. Our new house is in a different school district so next year will mean not only a new teacher, but a new school. I am totally confident that Sam will do fine - he is such an outgoing, friendly, confident kid that I know he'll fit right in.

Speaking of the end of the year, I want to find a gift for his teacher. I'd like something she can keep and remember Sam by, not just a gift card or something. I'm thinking a nice vase with flowers in it (she loves flowers). What do you think? Do you do anything for your kids' teachers at year-end?

Have a great day everyone! Send some sunshine my way - it'd go a long way towards improving my mood, I'm sure.

Meet the babies!

Miss Avery Rene

Mr. Landan Paul

Mr. Braydan James

Miss Addison Jo

I already miss these little buggars, even though at times they wore me out. They're going to change and grow so much before I can see them again that it makes me sad. But I'm so incredibly grateful for the time I got to spend with them, and the fact that they arrived healthy and happy. I was a bit teary when I had to say good-bye but hopefully it won't be too long before I can see them again.