Hillbilly

Miles is so close to losing one of his two front teeth. He is enjoying his snaggle tooth and entertains us with his hillbilly antics.

House Update #5

Early May: the house is framed and we can walk around through the "rooms." Everything is braced so it's not real easy to move around. Adam is meeting with the electronics people this week (the only thing he cares about). I scoped out some house colors and rock styles this weekend.

Baseball Buddies

Owen's team has already played in two tournaments and a league double-header and I have no pictures to show except for goofy ones of the boys and their families enjoying dinner at Red Robin. The boys have been playing very well (until a looonnngg inning on Sunday) and now that we've had a bit of warm weather it's starting to feel more like baseball season!

House Update #4

Mid-April: the basement and garage floors have been poured and they should be able to start framing soon. Owen and Miles will both have egress windows so Miles tested them out for us.

And You Thought Basketball Was Over...

Owen played in his first 3-on-3 tournament today with a couple of teammates.  The rules were a little different but once they loosened up and figured out the flow, they played really well.  5-0!  

House Update #3

Early April--we have basement walls poured and some plumbing lines in.  A lot of the rock that they didn't haul off was used to fill in around the outside of the walls.  I'm guessing they will pour the basement concrete next, but what do I know?

 Basement--filled with pebble-sized rock...

 Garage--filled with sand...

Front yard--filled with dirt...

Fortunately the kids stayed in the car or I'm sure they would have been climbing and digging.  Even I was tempted to take off my shoes and walk through the sand.

Happy Easter

After the early mass this morning we headed to Lebo to spend the day with family.  We were so lucky to have such a nice day--Miles had been worried about where we would hide eggs if it was raining.  The boys made out like bandits!  The Easter Bunny actually brought them each a practical gift (baseball bag or shoes) since he knew how much candy they would get elsewhere.  Grandma Jean scored points by finding them more Nike socks in some cool new colors (and in sizes for Miles).  Aunt Nancy came prepared with 150 Easter eggs full of candy--not to mention the baskets from grandparents and aunts/uncles.  

 Graham totally understood what to do this year and managed to fill his bucket twice.

 The boys and cousins, McKinley and Maggie, waiting for the official "Go" to get started hunting eggs.

 This is as fancy as we get around here--neon collared shirts for Easter Sunday.

 Scoping out the next egg...

After emptying out the eggs, they played "Egg-Pong."

House Update 2

Mid-Late March:  We have footings.  Lots of metal rods sticking up everywhere.  I think I can see the shape of the house.  They have to put in a concrete wall on the lower side (to build on) due to the soil being looser than they expected.  

This will be the garage.  The white house in the background is where one of Miles' good friends lives. We've already discovered that they can yell across the way and easily make plans to come/go to each other's houses.  When I had the boys over looking at the hole, Aiden saw us and right away asked if Miles could come play.  I have a feeling there will be lots of trips across the "prairie."

Basement?  

Taken from the back looking to the front.  The house across the street (on right) is where one of Owen's best friends lives, so you can imagine he's excited to get moved in.

House Update 1

Early-Mid March:  We broke ground and as expected, hit rock.  A lot of rock.  Fortunately most of the excavation costs were planned for, and we weren't too far over this amount.  According to our builder, this should be the only flexible expense, unless we decide to make changes to the plan.  They dug the hole and removed the rock in just a couple of days.  The kids enjoyed climbing on the rocks and would probably be happy if we left a pile of it in our back yard.

Maybe we could have saved some money by having these guys remove the rock :)

Spring Break

The first half of spring break has been very enjoyable. No big plans which has actually been nice given our normal routine of being constantly on the go. Ryan and Kelli invited us over for tacos and KSU vs KU basketball over the weekend. The boys enjoyed baby Eli.
We met my mom in Topeka on Monday for some shorts shopping and playtime at Going Bonkers.
On Tuesday the Stockwells came to Manhattan and the boys did their best to wipe out the Pizza Hut buffet. Too bad the weather didn't allow us to go to the KSU baseball game as planned.
Wednesday was national "shred, file, or trash every document sitting on your desk day." I love those days! Now to get cracking on the school work I wanted to get ahead on...

Spring?

80 degrees on Friday! First sunburns from lots of outside time at BLAST. Too bad this weather isn't here to stay. I will keep my fingers crossed that it warms up while we are off this week.

Man Trip

Adam and Casey took Owen and Miles on a little man trip this past weekend.  They headed out early Saturday morning to cheer on the Cats in Stillwater.  Unfortunately the game didn't turn out in K-State's favor, but they still had a great time.  As you can tell, they were a little early for the game :)

 After the KSU game, they drove to Oklahoma City and stayed in a hotel with a fun pool so that they could go to the Thunder game on Sunday.  This was their first NBA game.  I don't think they were expecting so much entertainment throughout the game (music, blimp, contests, etc.).  They must've suckered Adam into these new T-shirts.

It sounds like there were lots of laughs on this road trip.  Although I don't want them to grow up, it's nice that they are old enough to go on fun outings like this.  I have a feeling this might become a yearly adventure.  Meanwhile, Graham spent the day with Grandma and Grandpa in Lebo while I shopped WITHOUT KIDS in Kansas City.  And I came home with a carload of freezer food that mom made for us while I was out spending money.  How's that for a good day?

Runner Up

We spent the weekend in Kansas City watching the last tournament of the year for the 4th grade Wildcats.  They called this tournament state, so the boys thought it was a pretty big deal.  The kids played great all weekend against tough competition.  They came up 3 points short in the championship game and had to settle for second place.  It was a fun season--kind of amazing how much they have changed throughout this season.  Owen loved every minute of it!  I think he'd be really sad now if he didn't have the end-of-season party to look forward to on Friday.

This tournament offered fun little contests during the down time.  Here the boys are competing in the team 3-point contest.  An official timed them to see how long it took for the team to sink 30 3-pointers.  Owen chose free throw contest (made 7/10) for his individual contest.

Owen had his own little fan club cheering him on.  My parents, brother and SIL, and Sharla/boys/Marcella.  I told Owen we were going to start cheers--he'd be totally embarrassed if we did.

These are the cookies my mom brought (and I pretended like I made, just kidding, but I have done that before) for the team.   They didn't last long.

During the two games on Saturday the opposing coaches chose a game MVP.  Owen was excited to be selected during the second game.  As you can see, Miles comes suited up as well.  He stays courtside and runs out for a couple of shots during time outs and halftimes.

Stacy told Miles to throw salt over his shoulder for good luck.  He was convinced this was a sure-fire means to win, so we grabbed a handful of salt before we left the restaurant to head back to the gym.

I'd say 2nd place is pretty darn good, but you can't tell from the looks on their faces here.  Great season Wildcats!  Now...batter up!

More Hoops

The boys and I (Adam had to go to a class for work) spent the weekend in Newton so that Owen's team could play in a big tournament.  Adam's parents were able to join us which made the boys (and me) really happy.  I forgot my good camera again (one more chance in KC next weekend), so you'll have to take my word that the kids had fun playing ball, splashing a little in the pool, and hanging out with their grandparents and friends.  For whatever reason, Owen's teammates are very interested in Graham.  They love to ask him questions, hold him, take him to the restroom, etc.  Fine by me!  The boys also think Carson (older brother of a teammate) is the coolest kid in town.  Miles was pretty much attached to his hip at every game.  He even bought the same sweatshirt this weekend.

Baby girl...

...no, not in this house.  My friend Lori just had Baby #4.  She asked me to help her decorate the nursery, hence the trip to Omaha over Christmas break.  While the kids played we trekked around town for thrift store finds, fabric, etc. and then holed up in the baby's room and got to work.  I love to do home projects, but this was especially fun since it was for a baby GIRL!  Here's what we came up with in two days' time, without spending tons of money.  We tried to go for something a little vintage, not too matchy, not too babyish, fun colors.  I couldn't share until now since Baby Stella's name was a secret.

Ruffles are popular...bedskirt is from Pottery Barn.  Polka dot sheets (everyone needs some polka dots) are from Land of Nod (matching changing cover).  

We found this little half bird cage on clearance at Hob Lob--it had an ugly bird and quote on the frame which we pulled off and covered with burlap instead. $6!

I'm a sucker for chalkboards and bunting!  We painted the board onto the wall and made our own frame  (complete with distressing) with some trim from Home Depot.  I hope she wrote the baby's name on the chalkboard.

This collage wall is above the changing table.  The most expensive thing was the $9.99 "S".  Everything else was practically free (thrift store finds).  I should have taken some before pictures of these once ghetto frames.

 Burlap lamp from Target.

 Can't pass up a fur pillow, also from Target.

Tissue and felt flowers, also cheap but super cute.  

Thanks Lori for letting me help you get ready for little Stella.  Can't wait to meet her in person.

Snow Day (x2)

The boys enjoyed a snow day and I tried to be patient with all of us stuck in the house.  I actually managed to get a ton of school work done, make a meal (which has been a rarity these days), clean bathrooms, and finish a book.  Only about a hundred of these: "Mmmoooommmm, he's (fill in the blank with hitting me, copying me, following me, annoying me, etc.)."  

Sold!

It's official.  We are out of the house and into the rental.  I secretly hoped, but never expected things to move this quickly.  Rewind.... Adam came home in November and out of the blue said something that can be summarized as, "If you are still wanting to move, then we need to buy a lot tomorrow.  Here are the lots you can pick from, here's the budget, I need an office and a TV, but otherwise this is your project so get working and let's get it over with."  You don't have to tell me twice!  We purchased a lot on a cul-de-sac, lined up a builder, picked out a house plan, and put our house on the market in about five minutes.  We sold our house only a few days after putting it on the market, only to have the buyers back out when it came time to make a commitment.  Of course, I was bummed out since (mentally) I already had us moving into our new house.  The very next day we had another showing and another buyer--and a closing date six weeks away!  We've spent the last few weeks cleaning, repairing, writing checks to plumbers, electricians, landscapers, etc., filling a storage unit, moving to a rental, awaiting appraisals, and filling trash cans and the backs of our cars.  Add in parent teacher conferences, kids' activities, 5 basketball games every weekend, and our full time jobs that seem more than full time right now, and you have a very busy family!  I figured I would be sad to move from Laurel Point, but there just hasn't been time for that.  

It was a great house for us, and the location was unbeatable, but we were simply outgrowing it.  Leaving great neighbors was probably the hardest part (especially for Newman).  But I am excited to get started on the new house--can't wait to pull out my "house ideas" folder and Pinterest boards!  The kids are excited to be neighbors with some of their best friends.  And while I'd like to think Adam is looking forward to his new office space, in reality he's probably only thinking of the $$$!

Hoops

Another weekend filled with basketball games:  Little Dribblers, Wildcat League, St. Mary's tournament, and KSU vs. Baylor!  Owen's team continues to rack up the wins.  They are playing great ball right now--it's a lot of fun to watch them.  They finished league games today and have two tough tournaments left.
Miles is having fun with Little Dribblers, even if it is a little boring to him (no defense outside the lane). He had a whole bunch of rebounds, a basket, a steal, and seemed to be rolling on the floor after the ball much of the game (no wonder he has so many bruises).  He was excited that Grandma Jean and Aunt Nancy came to watch him.

 Bad pic, but needed to include something...

 Still don't have a picture of the whole team smiling at the same time.

Graham is actually really good at the boys' games.  He has his own buddies to hang with.  If he isn't playing with Bodyn, then he's following 7th grade Carson around.

Will Pee for Starbursts

I think he's getting closer to being potty trained... he definitely likes his Starburst rewards.  Needs some work putting his underwear back on (by himself).  

Did Someone Say Basketball?

One first grade basketball practice--check.  Five fourth grade basketball games--check.  One KSU game--check.  Good thing we all enjoy basketball.

Graham was excited to watch the band--and search the arena for Willie.  We have a deal that he gets to stand on my lap and dance every time out.  

Weakness

It seems that as soon as Christmas is over, the shelves in stores begin to fill with Valentine's candy.  I'm not a sucker for anything chocolate, but I could eat Sweet Tart hearts by the bag.  This dude seems to have inherited the same trait.  He's pretty easy to bribe with a couple of "hearts."

2012--Check!

Okay, I just wrapped up my 52 weeks of Pinterest projects post, let's reexamine my other 2012 resolutions.  I think I passed.  Will have to think on my 2013 resolutions.

1.  School--Finish revising all my units (first semester done) and decorate my new room.  Yes and no.  I started over on this goal this summer and really went into detail for all of my units this year.  One semester down, one to go.  LOTS of time and effort, but really pleased with how everything worked out.  I moved rooms again in May, so my once "new room" was now my "old room."  I love my "new-new room" although the decorating part is still in the works.  High school rooms aren't nearly as conducive to fun decorating as elementary.  My kids are packed in!

2.  Fitness--Run five races (10K or longer) and incorporate other types of exercise to hopefully help my knee last longer :)  Already have Nashville booked for April, with a couple of others in mind.  Yes!  Ran the 5K Color Run in KC, 10 mile trail run in Manhattan, 10K Brew to Shoe in Manhattan, half marathon in Nashville, and full marathon in Tulsa.  Worked in other types of exercise too, thanks to Kitra's and Angela's morning workouts.

3.  More organization in the kitchen--I love to organize anything, except for meals.  I hate planning what to eat as well as grocery shopping.  But I'm going to work on it.  Maybe if my planning is better it will make the shopping more bearable and less frequent.  This was a little streaky.  When I made a plan, I was better, but I didn't always have a plan.  I liked making things from Pinterest, but just once.  Everything lost its appeal the second time around.  Maybe I will change this goal to "quit buying clothes and hire a chef."

4.  Pinterest--I've pinned a bunch of things, but what good does it do if I just "like it"?  Considering all of the recipes, tutorials and tips I've collected, I'm going to make myself make one thing each week.  Maybe I'll even post what I've tried.  Exceeded!  

5.  Date Night--We are so busy that it's very easy to let this slide.  Doesn't have to be just us, just no kids allowed.  Fail!  Although we did squeeze a few date nights in here and there.

6.  The maybe's:  Might be the year to go short (hair).... Or pierce my ears.... Or both?  Yes!  I got my ears pierced--finally.  Not sure why I waited so long as I love shopping for earrings-- and I don't feel so lame wearing my hair in a ponytail now.  Short hair?  Getting closer.