Monday, May 30, 2011

looking back and moving on

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”
-Ecclesiastes 3:1

It is hard to express in words my feelings about leaving this home in the country. This home I designed for my family and built up from the dirt on which it stands. The home I always dreamed of. It is difficult because I have so many conflicting feelings. I feel sad to leave, but happy to move on. I feel blessed to have had the experience of living here among the trees and ponds and cattle. We raised little ducklings and set them free. We have “moo-ed” at the baby cows and watched tall beautiful birds go fishing in our ponds. We were visited by turtles. The tree out back held a swing that my boys used to swing in as babies. The pond is full of fish that we have caught and let go. We have celebrated numerous birthdays, Independence Days, and Christmases. Kyle took his first steps in this house and the boys had their first camping adventure here. We had a toddler and a newborn when we moved in and now we are leaving with two boys and a baby girl. These will be cherished memories and I am so grateful for the unique experiences we have had because we have lived here. This home will always hold a special place in our hearts and minds.

Living here has taught me so much about myself and life. I have learned that my marriage is strong. Strong enough to survive the construction process and I am proud of this testament to our relationship, not to mention our own blood, sweat and tears. I have learned that true friends don’t mind a taking a long country drive to see you. I have learned that I can accomplish great things that I once thought were out of reach. I have learned that living in the country does not magically give you more time for the simple things. I have learned that when you are running late and on a country road, you will, without fail, get stuck driving behind farmer john on his tractor. I have learned that there is a season for everything, and sadly, right now is not the season for us to live in the country.

I am excited about moving closer to friends, kids’ activities, doctors, restaurants and shopping. I am excited about living in a neighborhood where we can go Trick or Treating. I am excited that when we decorate the house for Christmas, others will see it. I am excited to throw more parties and not worry that no one will come because we live so far away. I am excited to make new friends and neighbors. I am excited to volunteer in a way that I have been unable to due to my lack of proximity. I am excited to have reliable internet access! I am excited that Cody will have more time to spend with me and the kids and less time commuting and maintaining acreage.

Since I was very young, I have always wanted to design and build my own house. I think this is something I had to do. Had I not had this experience, I don’t know that I would be content living in another home. I think the most important thing I have learned is that time with my family and friends is more important than living in my dream house.

Whether the five of us were in the 800 square-foot, 2 bedroom apartment while building, or in a 5000 square foot house on 82 acres, we just want to be together. This home holds many cherished memories that we will take with us.

Here’s to a new chapter in our lives!

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Friday, May 27, 2011

Barrett graduated from preschool

Barrett just graduated from preschool! There were tears...happy and sad. I am so proud of Barrett and thankful that his first real experience with school has been such a happy, welcoming place with such dedicated teachers. He truly loves school. I am sad that this chapter of his life is over. I still remember his first day of preschool when he brought a teddy bear for comfort and then dropped it at the door and ran in excited to play!

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Here's Barrett on his first day of preschool.
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Sunday, May 22, 2011

100% boy

I was swinging outside with the boys and Annabelle and I noticed that both boys had holes in their jeans. So I bribed the boys to let me take a few snaps.

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Saturday, May 21, 2011

Interviewing boys

I like to ask the boys lots of questions each year. I think it will be fun to compare from year to year.

Interview with Barrett
What is your favorite color? Blue…and red
What is your favorite animal? Cheetah
What is your favorite food? Steak
Favorite song? Zachaeus was a wee little man
Favorite cartoon character? Phineas
Favorite toy? My bike
Favorite holiday? Christmas
Who is your best friend? Ian
Tell me about girls… "yuck" (covered his face, and ran away)
What is your favorite thing about school? Recess
What do you like to do for fun? Play on the playground
If you had $20, what would you buy? A race set
What is something Daddy says a lot? "Fantastic"
What does Mommy say a lot? "Stop it."
What is your fave shirt? Red shirt with lobster and my fireman shirt
What are your fave PJs? Guitar pants and white shirt
What do you want to be when you grow up? Policeman

Interview with Kyle
What is your favorite color? Green and blue
What is your favorite animal? Cheetah and tiger
What is your favorite food? Cinnamon rolls
Favorite song? Twinkle, twinkle
Favorite cartoon character? Freddy
Favorite toy? All of them
Favorite holiday? Christmas
Who is your best friend? Dylan
Tell me about girls… I like all my favorite girls
What is your favorite thing about school? Playing outside
What do you like to do for fun? Play pretend
If you had $20, what would you buy? Lego Rocket
What is something Daddy says a lot? No
What does Mommy say a lot? No and think about it
What is your fave shirt? Superman!
What are your fave PJs? Buzz Lightyear
What do you want to be when you grow up? Super Jim

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

a bad day made better

Kyle had a bad day at school. He sounded just like Alexander in the book Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day. I asked what would make his day better and he pathetically wimpered "ice cream." I realize the precedent I set and I fully expect for him to suddenly have more "bad days". Which is why I talked to him (while he was licking the ice cream dripping down his arm) about other ways to make a bad day better. But I love that the kids are still young enough that their bad days CAN be made better with a little ice cream. They are innocent and worry-free and and that's exactly how they should be at this age.

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"What? Do I have something on my face?"
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