backyard project

We have a "little" :) backyard project going on right now. We are putting a play set in the backyard and it requires quite a bit of work. Last Sunday Chad got everything mapped out and a few screenings put down for the retaining wall. Hopefully this weekend we can do all the dirt moving, sod cutting, and build the wall, but we'll see how far we actually get. Then next weekend we can haul in the rocks/chips for a base for the kids to fall on, and the weekend after that, get the play set built. Realistically, it will be at least 4 weeks before the kids can enjoy their new set. Plus we're going to re-side the house too so busy summer.

I hope to take pictures of the backyard project and post them so everyone can see our outlandish project! The kids are worth it. Every penny.

spring!?!?

Is it? Isn't it? One can never tell in Wisconsin. It's actually been pretty nice lately. We've all been outside a lot lately, which is nice.

Jack chooses his own footware to go outside in, and he almost always picks snow boots. Mom and Dave got these for Jack for next winter, but I don't know if they're going to make it that long! He comes inside and says, "My feet are all sweaty." No way! Really?

Here's a few picts of our outside fun...

Can anyone guess what that is in Alexs' mouth? No? It's a GIANT chunk of fat from the steaks we had the other night. And yes, he took a huge bite and chewed it. I laughed and grabbed the camera, Chad was all, "no, get it away from him." I had him spit it out (after I took some pictures, of course).

i love a man who cleans

My grandma B. got me a Swivel Sweeper for my birthday and I finally put it together. Let me just say this may be the best invention since Valium! It's great for the in-between vac jobs and everyday meal/dirt/sand/play dough crumbs not to mention THE KIDS ACTUALLY HELP WITH SOMETHING! Jack especially loves to get it out and use it. Score! He thinks it's fun and it's one less thing for me to have to do. Thanks Grandma (and the Swivel Sweeper people)!

Jack decided to take a nap on his own terms today (and slept 'till 7 PM) and I caught him sleeping with his arm just like me! I had no idea he sleeps like this. It's kind of neat to see what little quirks your kids get from each of you!

I will leave you with this tonight:
Jack (holding a magnifying glass): "Hey Mommy, bend over."
Me: "Um, no."

grrrr...

OK, so here are the pictures that didn't make it the last post. I have no idea what the deal is, but whatever. That's what I get for not being computer savvy. They are not in order.

Jack had a good one the other day. He kept saying Momma, Momma, Momma... and I said "Could you just give me a minute?" So he sticks out his hand and says, "Here's a minute." Sassy. I told Chad and he thought that was a good one.

bad blogger :(

I know, I know! I'll be better, I promise! Finally got the camera out again after weeks in mothballs. The first one is from a few weeks ago--enjoying one of our 'teaser' spring days...

I think he was trying to sample some of the sandbox sand :)

Not quite sure what he was doing in this photo (which is not great, by the way) but I think it's cute and shows some sort of movement! And don't even ask me why he's wearing winter boots on a 70 degree day. That's 'Just Jack' (Anyone going to get that?)

And lastly, one of the two remaining tulips finally in bloom, or it was earlier in the day.

We've been doing really good around here lately. I really believe it's the weather getting warmer and we're not crawling all over each other in the house all day. I love the days that I can fully enjoy my children all day when we don't get on each other's nerves!

Jack did pass swimming lessons!!! Yea!! I think it was for skill, not by default! He did really good, but with the life of the pool in the air, who knows if he'll be taking more lessons anytime soon. Have to wait and see.

Chad taught Alex to say "Hi" so he's saying it all the time! It's so cute--if you don't say hi back, he'll keep saying, "hi, hi, hi, hi.." He still isn't 'talking' yet, but does have new babbles. I'm not worried, but I think I will bring it up to his pediatrician on his next visit.

We have so much to do around here this summer--re-side the house (which, in order to keep cost low, requires us to pitch in and help), put up the new play set witch requires a ton of dirt removal, assembly, retaining blocks, and 11 yards of pea gravel, plus Chad hasn't planted any corn yet this year (or ever, for that matter) or hauled the 90 million loads of manure that has to be done first. Oh, that boy is busy. He needs to clone himself! Sleep is for the weak. One of these days I'll have something new and exciting to post about about me, but until 2023, this is what I got!

a better day

Swimming lessons again tonight--getting better! It's hit or miss with him but today went fairly well (with some bribery with nilla wafers). I don't feel so bad doing that since the mom sitting next to me was using ice cream as her bribe! I do the best I can and if anyone thinks they can do better, your more than welcome to try!

Lisa and I are having a rummage sale this weekend so that's going to be interesting. I just hope all of our stuff goes so we don't have to lug it back in the house!

Alex has cut a few teeth now and it didn't go too bad. He's such a good boy! Unless he's feeling especially feisty! He keeps running across the neighbor's yard. I have no clue why! He looks at me, smiles, and takes off. Stinker! The weather has been so nice the past few days, we've just been living outside the whole time. I think our kids will be full up on their vitamin D!

There's quite a buzz around Chad's work about starting a union. Very mixed feelings about this. Since Chads management, he's not eligible but he (we) still have a vested interest in what's going on. Could be good, could be not so good--have to wait and see.

My mother reminded me my 365 pictures are slipping. I know, I know. I made it a couple of months, anyway. I haven't had the camera out a lot lately. Sometimes I'd rather be living the moment instead of capturing it. I need to get it out and take picts outside, but I'm so nervous that something is going to happen to the camera. Pretty sure Chad's not going to buy me two of 'em! When I get it out again, I'll be sure to post some shots!

i'm baaaack!

Hello again. I guess blogging is like excersize-once you get out of the groove, it's hard to get back into it! Well, it looks like it's finally spring. The boys have been playing outside a lot lately. Jack actually got a sunburn yesterday. He helped me clean up the yard and get my plants back in order. I love to spend all day outside. One downside is my indoor house cleaning doesn't get done, but what else is new.

Jack has been doing a little better in swimming lessons. Last week he did really well. This week was ok. Once these lessons are done, we're not waisting anymore time or money until he is ready to listen and participate. Maybe when he's 20 :)

Alex is cutting 4-8 teeth right now. Four on top for sure, 2 on the bottom and possibly the bottom molars as well. He's actually doing quite well with it all. It's been 3-4 weeks since it started and they are not close to being through yet. We got a ways to go. Jack just went to the dentist and has two cavities :( The dentist also said he can already tell he will have crowding issues by the bone growth yadda, yadda, yadda....start saving for braces is all I heard. Chad just went for his cleaning too, and was told (again) that he needs his wisdom teeth out. I really want him to get them out otherwise he could get infection. It might be an expensive year for teeth!


Since it's been so nice out and Jack got a new umbrella for his picnic table, he wanted to eat his lunch el fresco (is that even how to spell that?)

Alex has learned to pull one of the small chairs over to the table and climb up on it. Nothing is safe anymore! He's getting too big, too fast!