Kitchen Update - IN PROGRESS

I've heard many times that home improvement projects ALWAYS take longer than expected. Well, we definitely proved that theory right! My sister and I are what you would call "planners." When the project began, we got out our calendars and marked the weekends that we would work on the kitchen along with what we wanted to accomplish on those designated days. Our intentions were great, but reality set in quickly...a month long project turned into a two month project! Let's just say I have a few new best friends at Lowe's!! :)

We couldn't have done this without some dear friends: Mark, who had way too much fun knocking down my wall. Jamie, who had all the right tools and experience to make it all happen. Steve & Cathy, who were grouting fools as our birthday party deadline was looming. Lori, who lent her painting talents. Casi & Matt, who offered the budget and manpower. And Alf, my husband, who dealt with the process! :)

Enjoy the "in progress" pictures! Be sure to check out the "before" pictures too!

Kitchen Update - BEFORE

In September, my awesome sister surprised me in a HUGE way! She offered me a budget to update our kitchen. Of course I said YES! There were loud screams and lots of tears...I couldn't have done this without her giving heart.

Here are some "before" pictures so you have an idea of our starting point:

Happy Birthday, Lynsey!

I wanted to send a little bloggy love to my dear friend, Lynsey, on her birthday. Because I love her, I will refrain from revealing which birthday she is celebrating today. :)

I had the privilege of spending the morning with Lynsey catching up over an awesome breakfast neither one of us had to cook. (In my personal opinion, food always tastes better when you didn't have to cook it!) As I looked across the booth this morning, I began to think back when I first met Lynsey. You know me...I have to be real! The first time I met her, her physical beauty took me aback. The real beauty is that her heart and passion for Jesus Christ and for others far outshines her outward appearance. I have yet to meet a more natural servant. She is always the first to offer prayer and encouragement in any situation. We have had numerous conversations about our struggles and even more about what God is teaching us and what God is doing in us. I am truly honored to call her my sister in Christ and my friend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I LOVE YOU!

Meet Mr. Toast

For the past week Trey has been learning all about "occupations" at school. It has been a great experience for him as most kids his age still think that being a superhero is a viable option for employment. Along with reading books about occupations, a few parents came to class and made presentations explaining their job and how education plays a role in their success. One day last week a bread delivery man came to visit Trey's class. That was it! No more discussion! That is what his heart is set on when he "gets to be a daddy."

To celebrate all they are learning, the Kindergarten and 1st grade classes had a Community Helper Parade this morning all over the school campus. The kids came to school dressed up and ready to proudly proclaim their new found occupational epiphanies. It really was TOO cute!

I would like to introduce you to "Mr. Toast." Trey was VERY specific when we began planning his "uniform." Who knows what Trey will REALLY be when he grows up? I can't wait to watch his journey and cheer him on!

I knew there was a reason...

...why we don't have a nice yard!

Welcome to Wakeboard Church! This is what my yard looks like each and every Thursday night. I must point out that Summer is over and it is getting cooler...you wouldn't believe my yard during May - August!

Alf and I talk about one day having a nice, manicured lawn with a porch and a driveway. I must admit that those visions are glorious! But then I think...where will everyone park??

My First Race!!

I ran my very first race on Saturday! Go here to read all about it!

Mini Date Night

Lately it seems like Alf and I just keep missing each other. We absolutely HATE it so we sat down last week to find a solution. We are already pretty diligent about protecting our calendar...I even color code our appointments so we can make sure we aren't unbalanced in how we spend our time. Another issue we run into is childcare. Our budget is pretty tight, so when we do have money for a date, we might not have enough to pay a sitter or vice versa. This week, however, we found a solution!! On Tuesday night we did our evening routine as a family like normal. We got the kids into bed at around 7:00pm and had some great conversation without their sweet interruptions. At 9:00pm two of our wakeboard friends came over after work and hung out at the house. Once they got there Alf and I headed out. Since the kids were asleep, all the guys had to do was be there in case of an emergency and watch TV or do their homework. We definitely didn't want to eat dinner this late, so we headed to Baskin Robbins for some $1 scoop ice cream. It was a great little break and easy on the budget. Problem solved!!!