Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Cubstruction

Josh and his friend Noah at Cub Scout day camp. Josh and 3 other boys went to camp. I drove them to Eudora, MS everyday for a week. The things you learn about boys when you are stuck in an enclosed area for 45 minutes each way!
The last day they had a program for the parents. Josh and Noah were supposed to do a puppet show, but their leader cancelled them. So they will do it in the fall for their pack.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

We finally get a permit!!!!!


Well Joel was finally able to pull a permit for his property. He will start moving dirt around on Monday and that is as far as he gets to go...I didn't say he got a building permit. We hope that by the end of this week he will have a building permit. As some of you know it has been a big struggle with the city of Olive Branch. Now the battle is over having to pave in the back and putting in a glass door. You'd think the city would have better things to be concerned about, but apparently they do not.
This will be the last time this section of the 6 acres will look like this!

We plan to document the process with pictures so check back often!

When the kids are away the parents will play...

As most of you already know the kids spent 10 days in Michigan with their Grandparents. While they were gone Joel and I had a nice relaxing vacation filled with dinners out, long walks, late nights talking and watching movies...If I knew how to make a screeching sound with words I would insert that sound here and then rewind the last paragraph to the part that say, "While they were gone..." Well while they were gone we worked out butts off redoing their rooms. We emptied everything out, painted the walls and the trim, floored both rooms, ordered furniture and decorated. It was a crazy week and one I hope to never repeat when my children are away. Even Joel looked at me, the man that is a workaholic, and said, "this feels like work." Here are the finished products. We didn't finish hanging Josh's stuff on the walls because we wanted his input so we will finish that this week.
His bunk bed and stairs that go to the top. Lizards are on his quilt. The bottom part is like a little club house and he has decided to put his no girls sign there!
On the left bottom side is his Lego city. You can barely see it, but he was happy to see it still in his room.
Josh was completely shocked and we sudden became the best parents in the world. They had no idea we were doing this. We had them pick out the furniture, but they had no idea that it would be there when they got home.
I have to say I love her room. The pictures on both rooms don't do them justice. I love her colors.
She starting running around the room like a nut!
Those that know Belle know she either will love it or not notice it. She walked in and said, "What the heck!" (Which I absolutely hate) Where is the green stuff. I thought to my self the money is all at the store:) (She meant the sage green paint she used to have) She was all kisses and loved her room. She loves the color lellow!(no that isn't a typo)
They are happy to be home, but had a ton of fun and were filled with lots of stories. Belle's favorite part of her trip...going to Target and buying the dog a treat. (She is crazy) Josh loved the airplane museum that he went with Grandpa and Uncle Todd. Joel and I enjoyed or time alone. Next year we'd like to do something fun, but we both have a feeling that we will be working on our new house. We get our preliminary drawings in about 10 days. Cant wait!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Michigan

The kids and I drove to Michigan this week. They are spending a week and a half with their Grandparents. The kids enjoyed visiting the town I grew up in. We drove by my old schools and houses. Nothing has really changed. They still have the signs that my dad carved in our old subdivision. It was neat to point them out to Belle. Of course she said, "I miss PaPo, he was such a nice man." She cracks me up.

We also were able to visit with a handful of friends. It was nice to hear stories of my parents that I have never heard before this week. The kids loved swimming in the pools, hot tub and of course Lake Michigan. It was a great trip. After dropping off the kids, I was able to visit with my great friend Brandy. It was wonderful visiting with her and her awesome little girl Devi. We plan to do it again next year. Now I am enjoying some much needed alone time! The drive home was long, but nice. Imagine listening to any music or talk radio that you want! Now the fun begins. We are redoing the kids rooms while they are gone. We are trying to get the house prepared to eventually go on the market. Joel and I are looking forward to dinners alone, maybe a movie and our visit with the architect on Wed. The house is awfully quiet around here.

St. Joe had all of these Safari Stampede animals. Belle had to pose with everyone we passed. Check out the foot. She definitely knows how to work the camera
I basically had to bribe Josh to take his picture! Notice the sweatshirts. Yes it was the beginning of July and it was absolutely freezing! Upper 50's lower 60's, but don't worry we still spent time at the beach and the kids actually swam.
Silver Beach - St. Joe, Michigan
BRRRRR!!!
They experienced a wonderful sand storm Monday night when we went to check out the Lake. They did not enjoy it at all, but it don't stop them from wanting to go back the next day.