House Update

Today was another beautiful day here so we took advantage of it by visiting the site of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition again. A lot had happened since Saturday morning!! It is almost done. Tomorrow is the big reveal to the family. However, the plan is not to go. I know it would be exciting and fun, but the forecast is for rain, cooler temps and my trio wouldn't be able to see a thing - not to mention just how crazy it will be with all those people there. So this is our final view of it before the family comes home and we see it on TV sometime in May (rumor has it).

In some ways, it almost seemed like there was more going on today. They were laying concrete for the patio in the back, moving in cabinets, painting (the wood columns in front were nearly painted by the time we left). Plus, it was fun just to watch it all come together. There are only 24 hours left! In case you're wondering, we did get a brief glimpse of Paige Hemis decked out in her pink hard hat, pink gloves and pink tool belt. We also got to shake hands with the builder, Bob Cook, from Bob Cook Homes. He told us it was the best vacation he's ever taken (working on this project).

Tomorrow it will all be over when Ty says those famous last words, "Welcome home, Hall family! Welcome home!"

Big Operation!

Thanks to the this volunteer who stood in front of me and had no idea that I took a picture of his shirt. He posed pretty well don't you think?!

The house is just to the left (as you look at the pic) of the cement truck.

Yes, it's true. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is in town. I've been wanting to go check out the site for a couple of days, but couldn't find info on where to go. So, today I just decided we were going over there and figure it out. After a short goose chase or as I told the kids "treasure hunt", we finally made it to the parking area for spectators and the shuttle ride to the site. The shuttle ride was even a big event since riding on a school bus is such an adventure for them!! Anyway, we there were only about 10 spectators there when we got there so it was great even if it was just a bit chilly. The kids could see and that was what mattered. Luke thought it was a pretty neat place to be!! He was okay with leaving when we did, though. I think it was because it was chilly and yes, there was tons going on, but it still wasn't moving super fast. Anyway, we might have to go back in a couple of days to see how they are progressing.

Oh, in case you are wondering, Ty Pennington was not around. He was in another state doing a reveal for another house. I didn't see any of the other members of the cast either. As we were riding back, I did see their work tent and it was sitting a good block from where the actual house was. They could have been in there working or in their bus that was also parked nearby.

All I have to say, it takes tons of space and is really an amazing operation to see in action!

Mud, Mud and More Mud

I have never, never been one to like playing in mud. I don't think my sister really enjoyed it either. So having a couple of boys that think the mud and water in our back yard is the coolest thing this spring is a brand new experience for me. I have to admit, though, that it has kept them entertained for quite some time the last couple of days. Mind you, today is the first day that our snow has been completely gone. So, it is not warm water. They don't seem to mind...

As you can see, they've had a good time today and almost didn't make it to bed with their eyes open. At least that was the case for the boys and not necessarily for our little Energizer Bunny named Hannah!

Zoo Trip #1 of 2011

Tram Ride (of course!)

Watching the Flamingos

Baby Camel - who knew they were white?!

Ah, they were so happy. These individual pictures were taken moments before a brief disaster occurred. Hannah was holding onto Luke on the big lion. I went to get Andrew. As I looked up, Luke was getting off, Hannah was still holding onto Luke and then it was like slow motion as they both landed on the ground. Needless to say, they were both crying. I'm sure it hurt!! However, we made up for it with the tram ride.

We love to go to the zoo and frequent our local one quite often - sometimes even once a week when the weather is consistently nicer. However, we had not been to the zoo since sometime last fall. So, today's outing was met with much excitement. We just couldn't pass up this beautiful day!! We had a good time. I enjoyed the new baby camel that was born just a week ago. I believe the kids enjoyed the tram ride the most. It was also super fun to run into several people I knew. Like I said, no one wanted to waste today :)

ps. Today was 95 degrees warmer than it was just one week ago. It was then that we broke a record low temperature for the day at -17. Today, we broke a high record with 78. CRAZY!!

Donuts and a Phone Call

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Valentine's Day has always been one of those holidays for me that is just OK for me. It's not a bad holiday and I do like the sentiment behind it, but I think prices are greatly inflated and I'd rather spend our time and money on things we enjoy doing together. However, I do think it's a fun holiday and we can do little things that make the day rather special.

Today, I decided to take the kids to get donuts. That is their new found treat/outing that they just love - probably because we rarely go. So, today we ventured out to a new local donut shop that a friend had told me about. The place made my day! It is run by a little asian lady and she made me smile from the moment we walked in the door. Some of her first words were, "you can have whatever you want for $2". Well, she held true to her word. We walked out of there with 8 donuts and 6 donut holes for $2! We only picked out 3 donuts - the rest she just threw in the deal. The kids really liked her and we definitely enjoyed the donuts (not all of them - we saved some for later).

Shortly after we returned home, I received a phone call from a friend I haven't spoken to for several weeks (how does time pass so quickly?!). She called to wish me a happy valentine's day and to let me know she was thinking of me. Her thoughts and sentiments were so sweet that it brought tears to my eyes.

It's the little things that I enjoy about Valentine's Day, but not just today - any day of the year!

Valentines

Last Friday, I took a few hours and enjoyed our monthly craft night at church. So, my little trio enjoyed a few hours with our babysitter. She did a wonderful job!! When I got home, this is what I found. She'd helped each of the kids make valentines for Chris and me. I loved the cards and the sweet sentiment behind them!! So thankful for a good, thoughtful and trustworthy babysitter and my little valentines!

Construction Worker

If you were to ask Luke today what he would like to be when he grows up, he would say "construction worker". If you've been around Luke for any amount of time, you know he absolutely loves his trucks and tractors and spends hours putting together complex construction areas. So, it is no surprise that Luke went to work constructing a road with our latest 8 inch snow fall. Unfortunately, he couldn't spend hours outside since the temperatures were quite cold and this is NOT the north so we don't have the really, really warm snow clothes. However, he made the most of his time each afternoon working on his road. I'm not sure how much longer he'll have with the snow melting (the bottom picture was from today & it's melted a lot!), but he certainly enjoyed it while he could.

Jesus Calling

I don't often recommend books for a variety of reasons - mainly because we all have such different personalities and most likely enjoy reading different things. I made an exception for today.

I was recently given a copy of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. We are currently using this as our devotional for MOPS. Honestly, when I first got it, I wasn't thrilled. I don't usually get much out of just a couple of paragraphs written each day with a few verses at the end. Even though, this book is set up that way, I have LOVED it! It is set up to just take a few minutes each day, but the truths are written in such a way that have been thought provoking and stuck with me. It is also written from the point of view of Jesus speaking directly to me. I've included one of the days below that has meant a lot to me (and this isn't the only one!). Enjoy!!

Follow Me one step at a time. That is all I require of you. In fact, that is the only way to move through this space/time world. You see huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you're going to scale those heights. Meanwhile, because you're not looking where you're going, you stumble on the easy path where I am leading you now. As I help you get back on your feet, you tell Me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead. But you don't know what will happen today, much less tomorrow. Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from those mountains. There may be an easier way up the mountains than is visible from this distance. If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb. I will even give My angels charge over you, to preserve you in all your ways.

Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My Presence. Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you.

With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.
Psalm 18:29

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Psalm 91:11-12

We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

Mission Accomplished

Before - yes, that is our driveway somewhere under that layer of snow

After - so much better!

Like I mentioned in yesterday's blog, we got another round of snow this week. I think these storms think they can only arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday. Anyway, this time around I think we got a bit more. I'm guessing around 8 inches, but there are places that drifted that have much more snow than that. So, like last week, my project for today was to clear the drive. For some reason, it was much more fun the first time around :)

Tow Trucks

Well, we're in the midst of another snow storm. So much for my nice clean driveway. I enjoyed it while it lasted - about a week :) Anyway...

Usually, when there is bad weather in the forecast, I hunker down and don't go anywhere. Part of me thinks this is a bit wimpy. However, the other part of me thinks that it is being a good steward of the gifts God has given me (maybe I would have better feelings about it if we lived somewhere further north....). Today, though, I had to be out in this stuff. I needed to go get the kids who were staying with a friend on the other side of town. To make a long story short, God protected us on the snow covered roads and very slick overpasses (super slick!!). I saw numerous fender benders and my fair share of police cars, fire trucks, tow trucks and news cameras. The kids were also taking all this in. When we got home, Luke crafted his own tow truck out of legos. Evidently Andrew's truck (yellow one) needed to be rescued and Luke's truck (gray one), of course, was the one to do it! He's taken good care of it all afternoon. Hopefully, we won't have to put a real one to use!

A Memory Revisited

Growing up, there was a card game we loved to play as a family - Dutch Blitz. We haven't played it as a family in years, but I have fond memories of gathering around our kitchen table numerous evenings when I was in elementary school playing this fast paced and competitive game. About the time I was dating Chris, I played a variation of it with him and several others. He wasn't a big fan although he loves games. Fast forward a few more years...the ladies in our small group at church have gotten a few chances to get together and play games. Dutch Blitz has been the game played the most. They are competitive, too!! I have loved playing and enjoyed remembering the fond memories. One day I'll have to introduce this game to my trio and enjoy some fun family competition.

Lunch Time!

Luke made sure we had everything for lunch

(in case you're wondering...those are their middle names on the cups)

Tasting is an essential part of fixing any food...

This was my sandwich. I must admit that I did go back and add some of the good stuff, but they did a good job of getting a bit more on their sandwiches. It's the thought that counts!

Last week, we spent tons of time at home and were in need of any type of entertainment. One of those days, Luke insisted that he wanted to fix lunch and could do the whole thing. I decided "why not" even though I'd just cleaned the kitchen. It could be cleaned again. They pretty much did everything. It may not have been the most well rounded meal, but I can't complain when they fix their lunch as well as mine!! I think they enjoyed it and Luke has asked to do it again today :)

Today's Project

Isn't that driveway pretty?! OK, I know this blog entry may sound a bit prideful and I apologize in advance.

We received about 6 inches of snow yesterday. I know that's not much in comparison to what some of you received. However, that was plenty for us with all the wind stirring things up. Thankfully, God sent the wind and it blew about half of our driveway dry. The other half was left for me to tackle.

It has been years since I've shoveled snow and I must admit that it felt really good to have that physical workout. Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't want to do it everyday, but today it felt good. It was a must that I get out and shovel it. I don't know that you can tell from the picture, but we have a very significant incline to our drive (I don't know how that happened when most of this state is pancake flat!!) Regardless, that's the way our house is and the drive faces north, which makes it horrendous to deal with in the winter. Incline plus little to no sun is a very bad combination. Since I really had no other options in terms of how it was to get cleared, I set to work on it. In the past, we've either rented, lived in the south (ahhh!!) or my dear, dear husband conquered the task. This time it was up to me. It had to be done before we went anywhere because driving on it just makes a bad situation worse. It's just easier to do it before anything or anyone has driven or walked on it. Anyway, it's done and I'm happy with the outcome. It's also amazing how much work the sun does even when the temperatures are still in the single digits. Now, if it would just not snow or ice anymore this winter, I'd be in great shape.

Any guesses as to how sore I'll be tomorrow?!

Snow Ice Cream

I was talking to my sister this morning and she told me about a recipe for snow ice cream. Well, thanks to the near blizzard conditions, we have more than enough of really cold snow to put to good use. So, for an afternoon snack, we tried it out. I added a packet of hot chocolate and it nearly gave it the taste of a Frosty. Well, kind of (maybe a bit more chocolate was needed), but it was about that consistency. We all enjoyed the yummy treat and Hannah has put in a request for "white" ice cream the next time around...

In case you'd like to try...

1 cup of milk (some suggested evaporated milk. I used what I had in the fridge.)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
4-5 cups of clean snow

Mix the first three ingredients until the sugar is dissolved. Add snow and mix. Enjoy!!