Hunter's Sliver

I hate getting slivers. Who doesn't? Hunter has gotten his fair share of slivers already, but none quite compared to this one. He hit the mother-load! I don't think he realized that he even had one on his heel...

He and JP were playing on the trike on the deck. JP pushed Hunter around for a while (not that Hunter can't pedal himself, but because JP actually likes it!) After a short while, I told the boys it was time to trade places so JP could ride on it. Hunter hopped right off and walked *normally* over to me and asked if I could get his sliver out. He was taking about the one on the balls of his foot that Perry thought he got out yesterday. 

When I picked up his foot, I was completely shocked! He not only had one on balls of his foot, but he had 2 in his heel totaling about an inch and a half long! And then one more stick straight out! How many times this past week did I tell them they needed to have their shoes on? Too many....

I brought him inside and set him down on the bathroom counter and pulled out my manicure sliver-remover set and began to work. 

Pretty sure this is what made Hunter start crying. He knew it must have been serious if mommy had to get "the kit" out.  

Here's what we were looking at getting out :

Perry and I worked and worked at it for quite some time. I eventually had to give Hunter a Popsicle to take his mind off of it, and to make him stop wiggling! That thing was in there deep! After enough finagling, Perry got it out....because I fainted.

Yep. Haven't passed out for at least 10 years. And then I hit the floor. Luckily it wasn't a big fall (like when I passed out while climbing out of the grain truck...) because I was already kneeling. I'm pretty much an expert when it comes to passing out, so I knew it was coming... I started getting really sick to my stomach, then my face turned white. At that point I told Perry I was going to pass out, and he just shook it off. I however couldn't stop what I was doing to lay down and avoid the whole thing because at that point we were both digging at the sliver. Gotta save the kid!

So daddy became the hero while mommy was seeing stars...Now I'm just taking it easy on the couch. Eating saltines with my feet in the air...Ugh. What a night!

Land Mine in the Backyard

Let me first start out by saying, again, we're still working on getting the kinks out of potty training with Hunter. Some days he's a rock star, other days are, well, other days. 

Today was clearly an other day.

The four of us began our day by taking a trip downtown to the Farmers Market. So many people down there! So many vendors! Lot of jewelry, lots of clothes, tons of food! But I didn't find the booth that I specifically went there for, which was a HUGE bummer. We then meandered to the "Dragon Park" as the boys call it. They've been asking to go everyday for the last few weeks. We let them run around for a little bit. When I say little bit, I mean, Perry was tired of watching them after about 7 minutes...so we took them to ride on the carousel. Which they love! And I love to grab the rings. Again, had the last one (which gets you a free ride) and it slipped out of my hands...but before we rode, we had to change *someones* pants. 

As soon a we got home, Hunter was instructed to go use the potty, which he did. Mommy made lunch while Daddy ran into work. After lunch, the boys were allowed to play until Daddy came home. In the mean time, I worked on the deck by digging out the crap that was jammed between the floor boards. My back hurts from bending over. 

On one of my breaks, I looked up to find Hunter with his pants down. I quickly reminded him that if he need to go potty, he needed to come inside to do it. He instead pulled up his pants and ran off and I went back to work. A short while later JP was throwing a fit so I got up to go break up WWIII. 

I found JP sitting on their battery operated car with Hunter squatting down, facing him, in front of it. I initially thought he was purposely trying to stop him from going forward any further. Much to my dismay, he was actually dropping a load...So yes, he was being a road block for JP, but only because he was busy doing #2 on my grass. It's my guess that when JP was yelling "Stop it! I don't like that! Stop it!" he very well could have been referring to Hunter pooping in inappropriate places. 

Here's how it all played out :

Mommy spots son taking a poop and proceeds to walk over to him.

Hunter sees his mom walking towards him.

He stops, backs up a bit (probably to get a good look at it, because that's what boys do), and quickly pulls up his pants. 

With mommy getting closer, Hunter tries to run off like nothing happen. Forgets about the dump and steps right into said poop.

The look of disgust covers his face. 

And JP? My little tattle-tale said nothing along the lines of "Mom Hunter is pooping on the grass!" until I had already seen what had just happened. He did let me know that "That's not Roxy's poop!"

As Hunter and I were cleaning up from our little "incident", I asked him : Hunter, where do we go to the bathroom at?

Hunter replied sounding ashamed : In the bathroom.

To figure this kid out, I then asked : How come you didn't go inside like you normally do to go poop on the potty?

Without misssing a beat : Cuz Roxy goes poop on the grass. 

Well played Hunter, well played my child....

Learning Patience

Over the last several months, whenever the boys threw a fit about something, I have been quick to remind them to be patient. Whether they are hungry and have a melt down because lunch isn't ready NOW, I've been telling them to be patient. For the most part, they are pretty good at calming themselves down because they know they're not going to get what they want when they are having a temper tantrum. 

We finally gave in and unpacked the air conditioner for the house. Before we turned it on, I had both of the boys sit down in their circles on the rug so we could discuss the rules for it. I explained that no touching was allowed and went over the consequences of doing so. They both sat quietly listening right up until the end when Hunter jumped up and ran off. I calmly said "Hunter you need to come sit back down. We're not done talking yet." Without missing a beat, he chirped back, "Just be patient Mom! I'll be right back!" I'm pretty sure my mouth dropped, which is when I just started giggling to myself. He grabbed his stuffed animal and sat back down. "I told you I'd be right back. You just have to be patient!" 

I'm so glad he's understanding patience! Bless his little heart!

Thursday Thrills

I seem to never get anything done around the house on my days off of work - mostly because I try to keep the boys out of the house so Perry can sleep. Oh the joys of having opposite schedules...

Hunter *for the most part* is doing awesome with potty training. The last few nights though, he's been wetting the bed, which he only does every so often, not nights and nights in a row. So Hunter and I made a deal : If you can stay dry at night for 3 nights in a row, we'll have ice cream for breakfast. We had breakfast today followed by a breakfast dessert for Hunter! Mommy was very proud! And then shortly after while I was getting ready for the day in the bathroom, he came sprinting in, threw the potty seat onto to the toilet, and pulled his pants down just in time to make it for #2. I promptly left gagging...never has this kid made me gag before. Never before had I been so disgusted, so proud, and oh-so thankful at the same time!

 I've promised the boys we'd go on a bike ride multiple times...but then I'd remember the tires needed air. Before lunch yesterday, we made the exhausting bike trip to the gas station (which was uphill) about 4 blocks away, with fairly flat tires. That sucked. The way home was easy though! Today we finally went on a bike ride to the park. They are getting so heavy...

 You get JP in a swing and he refuses to get out..."Push me higher! Gimme another dog!" He and Hunter sure do love getting under dogs!

 Normally he doesn't, but this time, Hunter went down the slide and shot off the end onto his bottom. I love when that happens! The look on their faces are priceless! 

They also enjoy riding in the rocket together...sometimes Hunter goes a little overboard on the rocking part...to the point that JP can't keep up and his little head is smacking the bar...

 Because I'm around them so often (clearly, cuz I'm mom!) I don't realize they're growing up until I look at past pictures of them...weren't they cute?!

 But as always...JP is left picking his nose.

 Once we made it home, we had an Otter Pop and then had Mac & Cheese for lunch. I made Butterscotch pudding for dessert once they finished lunch. I have never seen them eat so fast! With all the early morning playing, nap-time was clearly needed. I laid in bed with Hunter for a while and then went upstairs once he was asleep and gave JP a stern talking to about staying in his bed and taking a nap before I left. Didn't hear any noise for a while, so I also laid down for what I thought would be a little nap...I woke up at 4 in a panic thinking my boys were up tearing the house apart without me...Turns out Hunter was still sleeping. JP however was missing from his bed...I looked and looked and looked all over the house...and then started panicking. I roamed the house again yelling for him, when I finally found him passed out on under a blanket on the couch in the basement...naked. I promptly brought him upstairs to use the potty since he was still dry. I checked on him a minute later...

 ...and he was passed out on the floor. Both Hunter and I tried to wake him up for 20 minutes. He'd just turn his head over and go right back to sleep. I even had Hunter bring me an ice cube to put on his back to wake him up...He just pouted and made himself comfortable again. He finally got up when I left saying, "I guess only Hunter and mommy are going to have Popsicles"...then he came running...naked.

After a late Father's Day dinner with Perry's mom, we spent the rest of the evening playing in the backyard.

 JP finally agreed to swing on the big kid swing. He did great!

 I went inside for 1 minute to grab a couple things and return to some half naked boys chasing our little dog, Roxy, in yard. And then only a short while later, they were fully naked... JP sees Hunter do something and instantly copies him. The nakedness was short lived as I knew the neighbors' 4 year old little girl was out playing, and though our yard is just about completely surrounded with trees and scrubs and such, it'd be our luck for her to walk by...

 I can't believe this kid is already 3 1/2! 

And I really think JP got my golf skills....which is none. Hunter however just may turn out to be the next Tiger Woods! 

Picnic in the Park with Friends

I'm a little late on this little adventure we had two weeks ago! My dear friend Mandy (the one whom Perry and I met through) was home visiting family and friends for a month. She is currently living with her family in Germany so I haven't seen her in at least 2 years! I'm so glad we were able to get together! 

Mandy and I had the same idea for the day - picnic at the park! It was so much fun! We packed peanut butter and jelly (or Jim & jellies as we call them at our house!) sandwiches for everyone to eat. I was surprised as to how well all the boys behaved! They were all so eager to go play!

We had perfect weather too! Lately it's been quite rainy so we really lucked out on the sunshine!

This is the park we took the kiddos to play at. (I'm really making some serious headway on the "15 different parks this year" goal!)

 JP loves slides! Most of the time he comes shooting out the end and lands on his bottom! I'm pretty sure when it comes down to it, I'm thinking he must live by the phrase "The bigger the slide the better the ride." There is no slide this kid won't go down!

 Of course, Hunter was being Hunter....I can't believe how often this kid gets hurt! This time he was running from the little toddler park to the big kid park and tripped while he was running on the sidewalk. See the band-aide on his hand? There is one more on each of his knees. Not convinced all were necessary.... Kudos to Hunter though on staying dry the entire trip! (Okay, well we had one accident when we first arrived at Mandy's parents house, but it wasn't because we didn't try! I think he was just shy and didn't want to go in a "strangers" house.) Otherwise he did awesome!

 We took a short snack break once this little angel woke up from her nap.The boys loved her! JP  gave her this bottle of sunscreen to play with....how thoughtful?

 Hunter loves babies. He actually asked Perry tonight at dinner if he could have a baby sister so he could be best friends with her. (He and JP mutually agreed earlier that they weren't each others best friends, and both want a sister...so does mom!) 

 I had figured since Ayden and Hunter are only a few months apart in age that they would be all buddy buddy and JP would be left out. Completely the other way around. Hunter didn't want much to do with him. But I think JP enjoyed making a new friend!

 We took a nice little walk to go feed the ducks, except there was only one around. And it wasn't really having it. I get so nervous with the boys around water. In my head I can just see them falling in and me having to jump in after. I had a dream like that not too long ago actually...

But anyways, after our attempt at feeding the ducks, we let the boys run loose for bit. I tried to show them how to roll down the hill but they were more interested in what at the top of it, which I believe was a tennis court. 

After a few hours at the park, we took the boys our for frozen yogurt before we started back home on our 2.5 hour drive. Of course, once they got in the car they passed out on our way for dessert. And then stayed awake watching Mickey Mouse and Bob the Builder on the way home. But boy were they tired when they got home!

Remodel of the Deck: Update 3

The other week Perry worked away on the deck despite his ear infection. He was set to go back to work on Sunday night. Unfortunately, when he woke up Sunday morning, his eye was swollen shut ended up going to the doctor again. Turns out he had pink eye...which led to him missing four days of work. Now in the last week, he's missed 1.5 days of work due to his ear infection, then had 4 days off, then missed 4 days because of pink eye, and then had 4 more days off...And I've got a deck that's made serious progress!

 He torn down the roof and completely started over.

 This boy sure does love his tools. And "helping" build with daddy.

 He's just too cute!

 In a matter of a few days, he had the frame to the roof put up. In doing so, he had to cut into the roof. Good timing on our part...not! It rained quite a bit! Unfortunately, some of the rain came in the house by getting under the plastic Perry put down. As of now the past few days, I've been out a kitchen sink light and have a nice little hole above my dining room door. Water crept in and was filling up in a previously filled hole so it had to be punctured to get all the water out....I guess...I was at work for most of this!

But we've had nice days too and have made tons of progress. Perry spent most of Thursday sanding getting the actual roof on its frame. After I returned home from work on Friday, we made a quick trip to Home Depot to pick up a few more sheets of tin. The top of our roof will be tin because *as far as I know* the roof doesn't have the correct pitch to it, so the tin will not allow water to stick to it as wood does. Of course we had to take my rig. I hate taking my car to haul "big" things. By the time we got home, I had one piece of tin folded in half because I drove too fast. But really I was going slow....

He's now working on the railing for it. It looks great so far!

See Update 4 here.

Sign of the Cross

Tonight at bedtime we read "Noah's Ark" and the boys really enjoyed it! We talk about God fairly frequently, but not frequently enough. So after our bedtime story, we also said our prayers. We used to be really good about it with Hunter until he just started refusing to say them with us. Perry and I have recently started them again with JP and he simply loves it! 

Once prayers were over, I decided to try to teach Hunter the Sign of the Cross. This is how it went :

Mom: Okay Hunter touch your forehead.

*Hunter touches his forehead*

Mom: Now touch your chest.
*Hunter touches his heart*
Mom: Touch your shoulder.
*Hunter touches his shoulder*
Mom: And your other shoulder.
*Hunter touches his other shoulder*
Mom: Okay let's do it again. Forehead...
Hunter interrupts and busts into song: Heads, shoulders, knees and toes, knee and toes. Eyes and ears and mouth and nose...

And this is why I have a hard time being serious...Oh these boys!

My Husband is a Sleep Talker

I've been known to sleep talk here and there but nothing comes close to my darling husband! Sometimes it's nothing but gibberish, but more times than not, I'm cracking up at 2am because of the things he says. I seem to wake up every time he starts talking so I rarely miss anything.

I never used to be such a light sleeper. Then I had kids and now I hear everything! It's kind of annoying actually! I can hear little footsteps sneaking up the stairs when my door is closed. Granted that's one of my favorite sounds, but still... I also get the pleasure of sleeping next to a snorer. Also annoying. But his sleep talking makes up for it.

The other night I woke up, sweating profusely, at 1:30a to find myself sandwiched between Perry and Hunter. The past week or so I've routinely woke up with a kid in my bed. He climbs in without me knowing, which is odd. Maybe he is just becoming sneakier? Either way I was on a mission to get this kid back to his own bed so I could sprawl out. When I rolled over do so (as much as you can when you're sandwiched) my hair must have tickled Perry's neck or shoulder. He immediately sat up in bed and started yelling "get it off of me!" and then a few more variations of it, all while flailing his arms around like a mad man. This went on for about a minute. Of course because I think it's hilarious, I often times attempt to talk to him to see if he'll say something back. Nothing new time though... When he was done with his little skit, he just laid back down and went to sleep like nothing happened. I told him in the morning what happen and he just giggled to himself. : )

There was also a night about 3 years back when I was pregnant with JP that I really enjoy telling. It was late-summer and our house was HOT. We don't feel having air conditioning is completely worth it, though I thought so when I was pregnant! Each night we'd open the windows and in the mornings before it got too hot out, we'd close the windows and draw the blinds closed. For the most part it worked. But it's a different story when you're having hot flashes and such! I woke up one night, again, sweating profusely. I sat up to take the covers off and Perry, who I didn't realize at the time, was dead asleep. He somehow managed to put the covers back on me as soon as I laid down. We went back and forth doing this a few times before I got so irritated and finally said "Stop putting the covers on me! I'm hot!" Without missing a beat he responded with a smirk "I know...!" I was so mad but could help but smile...seriously. He just hit on me when he was dead asleep...that takes some serious skills!

I don't how he does it, but he never remembers any of his dreams. This is mind boggling to me as I seem to remember every one. At least for a while after I wake up. Needless to say when I tell him these stories, he often responds with "No I didn't." Uhh, yeah you did, I was there. Oddly enough, there has been a couple of nights when he'll start shouting "No! No! No! Nooo Hunter!" These ones confuse me because I always figure Hunter is roaming around doing something, when he's actually sleeping soundly in his bed. I wish I could see what he was dreaming about when he starts jabbering away....

I'm anxious to see if my boys will sleep talk!

My 100th Post!!

When I started blogging, I never thought I'd make triple digits in my number of posts before I gave up!  I've received SO much feedback from everyone. I cannot thank you all enough! Each outing I have I'm so eager to hope on and blog about it! I love to keep you all informed! 

Anyways I'm super excited! Almost as excited as I was when I reached 1000 page views! I've put off writing this post for a couple days because I had no idea what I wanted to write about. I couldn't think of anything one thing that was more blog worthy than the next so I've decided (for you new readers!) to review my top 10 blog post so far! Thanks for all your support! Keep the feedback coming!

10. Stove Top Burns

Poor little JP had the unfortunate accident of burning his fingers on the stove. Poor little guy!
9. T-Shirt Scarf

A HUGE thanks goes out to my little sister Robin for helping with this! 

You make such a great model!

8. Skull and Crossbones Cake

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy making cakes? This one was so much fun!
7. Reserve Street Wreck

Late last December I was awoken early in the morning because of possible evacuation after a propane truck was involved in a wreck. Our hearts go out to the family who's daughter died!

6. No Sew Cardboard Box Cover

I loved making this! It was so simple to do, and looks fantastic in my closet! I need to make more of these...

5. The Poop Song

How many times have I overheard Hunter singing this song in inappropriate places? Too many to count...And yes, church is on the list... 

4. Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2011

This one really surprised me that it not only made top 10, but top 4. And still gets views?!

3. 90's Toys

I just love and miss my 90's toys...I might do a follow up post on this...There some that I can't believe I missed!

2. Tool Cake for Our 2 Year Old!

How can you not love boys and their tools? This kid was so excited for his cake, and frankly so was I!

1. Summertime in April

Most frequently searched blog post. Boys peeing on tree. When you gotta go, you gotta go!

Leave me a comment below on your favorite blog post and/or some ideas for new blogs posts! Thanks for following! 

Have You Heard of Flirty Aprons?

I cannot tell you how much I *love* Flirty Aprons! I debated and debated what I wanted to give my bridesmaids for helping me out at my wedding until it finally hit me! Aprons! To me it seems like everyone has more than enough kitchen stuff, but no one has an apron. These ones are soo cute - you can't say no! I bought 4 for my 'maids and was so envious that I strongly hinted to my husband to get me one for Christmas (which he did!).

ANYWAYS! Now's the time to get yours! They're having an "Irregular Apron" sale, *while supplies last*. All the aprons go through rigorous quality inspection - most flaws are minimal and difficult to notice. Some common irregularities include: restitching, loose seams & pockets, and minor print flaws. Irregular Aprons Sale, savings from 54% to 81% while supplies last.

Showing My Age

Am I showing my age? I don't know, its hard to say. When I was in high school, I looked like I should be in elementary school, and in college I looked like I should be in high school. And then I had kids...

It funny how that ages you, a lot. I hardly ever tell anyone my age because I find it to be quite fun listening to people guess. Those who don't know me guess in the 20-22 range. Its odd how when you tack on that you're married, your age increases. I know quite a few people who were married at a "young" age. Love is love. But boy am I aged when they know I have not only one, but two kids! Now I'm guesstimated between 27-32. I find it really surprising!

Often times when I'm asked how old I am, I generally always have to stop and think about it. I'm so used to hearing what age people think I am, that I forget how old I actually am! But do I feel like I'm in my mid-20's? Not at all. My mind has me stuck in my early 20's. Because that's when I had kids? Maybe so. Its strange to say, but I think that holds me back from a lot of things because I don't feel like I'm old enough. We've got a great MOPS (Mothers Of PreSchoolers) group here, but I feel so out of place, solely because of my age. Most moms are in there upper 20's and 30's. I feel so young, kind of inexperienced. Because of this I find it hard to make mom friends. Really frustrating! 

In the reality of it though, I'm glad I'm a young mom. I am *so* excited to have both of my boys out of the house by the time I'm 40...not that I want them to be gone already though! Being as young as I am, I have the energy to chase them around and Perry will be that young hot dad on the field coaching and I won't have to worry about him breaking a hip! And then once we're "done'" (are we ever really done?!) with their teenage years and such, it'll just be Perry and I at home. Most likely I'll be that parent that cries when they leave and will want them to come visit all the time...but still! Can you say hello free time?

Words My Kids Say Incorrectly

I love hearing my kids talk every day! The things they say just blows me away! And of course, its even funnier when they mispronounce words.

Little JP has been talking since he was about 20 months old and has been using 3 and 4 word sentences now for quite some time. He impresses me! He can't, however, pronounce his "l"s. He changes the "l" sound to a "y" sound. Instead of "hello" its said "hey-yo". Blanket get changed to "bwi-ket". This kid is so cute when he talks!

Hunter was some what slow to start talking, probably because of that drat binkie he lugged around. I know he didn't say much at 2, but was finally getting some words together by 2 1/2. Hunter kind of struggles with his "w"s. We never get to go swimming, its always "slimmin". But what gets me every time is when he says "wagon ride". He can say the words individually, but when he puts them together it comes out "ragon ride". And armadillo gets mispronounced too..."armadildo".

Growing up, I had an extremely hard time with my "ir" sound. Girl was always "gil" or "grill". I remember practicing that word over and over on my way to bed one night, when I *finally* said it right. And squirrel was always "squil". I had to go to speech class in the 1st grade because of my "ir"s. We came across a picture of a squirrel, and I knew I couldn't say it right so I played stupid and said I didn't remember what it was called but that I saw one when we were in Yellowstone (which was true!). To this day though, I can't say "Swiss". I love the cheese, but I always opt for American because of my tongue! I absolutely LOVE Swedish Fish candy, but I always say it slow because it'll come out "Swish fiss" if I'm not careful!

Remodel of the Deck: Update 2

The work continues...

We now have most of the lumber needed to actually work on the deck. It took us a few days to get it because we don't own a truck with a trailer or a combination of the two. Luckily we have some awesome neighbors who helped Perry out. I helped out by taking the boys out of town for the day!

 Needless to say, our garage is full and Perry says he still needs some more, but this is the most of it....I can't wait for the bill...

 We've had a few set backs in the last week or so.
#1. Perry got a nasty ear infection. He had a bump behind his ear that kept getting bigger and bigger last week. Of course I told him he needed to go get it checked out, but typical Perry, who hates the doctor and any sort of medicine, refused - that is until he came home at 1:30a on his break with a swollen jaw which prevented him from eating. Only at that point did he go to the doctor...Turns out it was just a really bad ear infection. He was told to stay in bed until Friday and try to do as little as possible. That lasted all of 2 days.
#2. Pretty sure it only lasted 2 days because it was raining for both of them. We've had lots of rainy days lately. Sort of odd for this time of year!

Now our deck is roof-less and for most of the morning, I've had to listen to the squealing sound of him cutting into roof. Like nails on a chalkboard... He has all day today and tomorrow to work on it then he's back to work for 4 days. And I'm left with this mess of a yard!

See Update 3 here.

My New Guest Room

I love green. I don't love green on my walls. At least this kind of green! I have no idea what the people were thinking when they painted this house...I mean, check out the orange kitchen!

When we first moved in, we rented out the basement to some friends of ours. The friend that lived in this room, moved in before we had the chance to re-paint it. It was the only room that didn't get new paint. So for the last 3 years, we've had this bright green room...that I hated.

I finally broke down and painted it when I finished painting the laundry room. I love how it turned out! I was a little nervous about the grey color because when I had first picked out the new shades, it was supposed to be more brown. But it's not like you can return paint once it's on the wall so I kept going and ended up liking it! I picked neutral colors because the comforter for the bed was turquoise and I really wanted it to pop. 

I created these floral arrangements to spruce up the room a bit more. Originally I was going to leave the wheat out, but seriously, I grew up on a little ranch...what'd ya expect? The vases turned out great - thanks to an afternoon of shopping without kids!

I think this room turned out great! I'm not embarrassed anymore to have guests stay the night!

What do you think? How'd I do?

Remodel of the Deck: Update 1

We've now owed our home for just under 3 years *already*!

This is what our backyard looked like when we first bought it...kind of a piece of work! 

May 2010

 In those 3 years, Perry and I have done a bunch of work already to the yard. But mostly Perry since he's pretty handy...He took out the garage door that led to the backyard and moved the back entrance to the garage door to the other side. And we actually have a yard full of grass! Anyways...this post is about our deck. We knew when we bought it that we were going to need to do something with the deck. The roof doesn't have enough pitch to it so, as you can see below, sort of, its kind of rotting. 

May 2012

 We've discussed working on the deck recently but nothing came of it...until Perry woke me up the other morning to let me know he had most of the deck taken apart. And kudos to him for taking before pictures! (He must have gotten in trouble for not doing that before or something....)

 He worked for most of the morning on it, coming in of course when it rained. Probably why his cold got worse - because he didn't come in soon enough!

 And these boys just cracked me up! I was doing my own thing while keeping the boys insight when Hunter walked over to me with the bag of popcorn from the kitchen counter. Hesitantly I told him he could have some, thinking he'd sit down with JP and watch some cartoons... Instead, he and JP sat and watched dad work out the window while snacking on their popcorn! It was so darn cute! And the commentary from Hunter! "Oh look at that! ... He's bangin'! ... See Jim - he had his screws! ... Look at him fixin' it!" 

 Daddy was like their very own Bob the Builder! I of course saw this photo-op and snuck outside to capture their faces. They were just amazed! It was like their own 3-D movie!

He's made a lot of progress on it so far! I however didn't think we'd start this until later this summer...see what I know!

Memorial Weekend Wedding

I am SO happy for my sister Kile and her husband Chris who just tied the knot last weekend on May 26, 2012. They are so perfect for each other! The entire day was simply perfect, despite the wind and rain!
Unfortunately for me, I didn't get very many pictures of the wedding because I was in it. Perry managed to get a couple when he wasn't video taping. 

*Most of these pictures are from Dax Photography *[Check out his site - some of my wedding pictures are on it too!]

They were married in a beautiful Catholic church! They had a wonderful service in which my other sisters, Kim and Robin sang a duet, Chris' two brothers read the 1st and 2nd readings, and I read the intentions. Hunter followed me up to the podium - I promptly had to return him to the front row as I was pretty sure he was going to unplug the microphone and I wasn't about to yell!

They had 5 bridesmaids...

...and 5 groomsmen in their wedding. Isn't this one of the coolest pictures you've seen of the guys?! They're in a tunnel - who'da thought?!

And of course I don't have to say it, but I'm going to, my sister was so beautiful on her wedding day! She just beamed with happiness! 

After the wedding, everyone joined them for a fun-filled reception at a hotel nearby.

There was so much dancing! And so many people dancing too! It was great! I was so happy to see so many people that I hadn't seen in years! Family, cousins, friends... I wish the night was longer so I could have spoke with all of them!

Of course there was a family picture! My mom was sure to get one this go 'round as it got missed by accident at my wedding in September. Oops! Did I mention it was freezing out? Maybe I'm just too critical of myself, but I think I'm the only one that looks cold!

And what were my boys doing during this wedding?

Well, JP and Hunter were the ring bearers, but only JP made it to the front by himself. Hunter was supposed to walk with him, but had a meltdown once I headed to the front. He chased after me when I was halfway down the isle and latched onto my leg. Hunter carried a sign that read "Uncle Chris, Here comes your Bride!" Unfortunately, not many were able to read it because of his little melt down. It was still cute though!

Although I missed most of the boys' activities, I did catch some of it. This is little JP under a table picking up his spilled cereal. I find it cutely funny that this table was in the "bar" area. He and Hunter enjoyed rolling golf balls around the floor too!

 

By the end of the night, these little guys were TIRED! They slept in until 10am the next morning. They'd have slept later but Perry woke them up so they could go to the farewell breakfast.

They were lucky enough to get kisses from the bride at bedtime too! So sweet!

I can't wait to hear about their honeymoon!