Little Projects

First let me introduce our finally-able-to-swing-himself-high 8 year old. Samuel is very proud of this accomplishment!

As the big projects are completed, many little details continue to crop up - some more fun than others.  We buried an underground fence so our pup could have run of the yard.  While Rusty and I dug on our hands and knees, the kids took care of the excess mud...

  

...which prompted us to purchase an outdoor sink that Samuel graciously belly-crawled under the deck to connect to water.  The base is an open-bottom box with river rocks to stand on while rinsing the mud off (Pinterest idea).

We also took a trip to Tractor Supply - gasp - and spent some of our own money - double gasp!  You should have seen the guys face when he came out to load a round hay gate on the mower trailer being pulled by a mini-van with a woman and her two kids!!  Turns out that hay gates are cheaper than climbing systems, and I am VERY proud of this brainstorm.

  

Another natural addition to the kids' playspace was compliments of Charlie G's woodworking stash.  Balance was the original purpose, but the stump slices make great sidewalk chalk boards as well.

 

 Now to the inside.  We had a deep closet with a shallow door in the entryway from the garage/rec room to the kitchen.  Rusty and my dad cut a new door and  at least TRIPLED my pantry space.  WOOHOO for mom!  This might be my favorite project of all.

Before

During        

After

(Well, kind of.  I have to paint and put in shelves.  Will post the finished product later.)

Next week:  all new floors!

Some outside projects close to completion

The last six weeks have almost worn us out, but we are finally able to see progress in the back yard. As of today our fence is complete, the shop is painted and stocked with tools and tool storage, and the deck is only lacking s few details. Of course, IT wasn't useable until we experienced some cooler temperatures! We're still looking forward to Fall.


The deck begins

What we found when we removed the old door.

 

It was so hot we had to put the pergola together wearing gloves!!

No, I didn't cut off any fingers!

  

A little landscaping - in SEPTEMBER - and we'll be finished.

 

 The kids have been amazingly patient as we've dedicated much of our time to these projects. It's a constant dilemma - deciding when to spend our with them, and when to spend our time working for them. Of course this is a daily problem for most parents. Anyway, Samuel and Star have both helped with each task, sometimes willingly and other under great duress! All in all I think the memories of this journey will be more positive than not.

A special thanks goes to Charlie G, Tammy C (who isn't in the pics because she is taking them), and Zach S for their assistance with the deck. With Rusty having to be gone for a whole week in the middle of these particular projects, I couldn't have done it without you all.

  

 
Next phase is the inside floors and adding other elements to the yard.   Oh, and meet our new family member, Chip.

And one last particularly adorable view of the fence and deck step... 

Simon - my nephew - tests out the new hose...

Now it's time for US to get busy!

Thanks this weekend to Tammy C for help organizing and to Jeff D for getting electricity to the building. I am also grateful for a hubby who works six days a week and spent his day off working on home stuff!

Emptying the garage/rec room/workshop/homeschool room/exercise space...

Transforming Play Space and Work Space

Mama's Power Tools

Watch out - Mama has her OWN power tools!!

Here they come!!

The cards finally arrived - and were promptly deposited in a safe deposit box at the bank!!  In a rush of craziness before leaving town for two weeks, we bought a new mower and building, let the kids pick out the books they had been eying, invested in a new kitchen light and garbage disposal, and finalized the decisions on our storage building, deck, and fence.  (Of course, now that I have a good light in my kitchen, I DON'T like the color, so that project may have just been bumped ahead on the timeline!)

 

The kids and I returned home from a mission trip to a wonderful new playground, and tonight I saw the beginnings of the benefits of our "makeover."  Samuel and Star played and played.  Star was able to swing, jump, spin, and climb to her heart's content without getting in trouble!  Samuel was able try and try again on some of the pieces until he had success without anyone making fun of him.  The wide variety of motor skills and sensory input they can get from this set is immeasurable!!

We have decided to permanently finish off our garage for a rec room/mother-in-law apartment, but will only start on that after the outside is complete.

The Hard Part is Over

It's likely that my bloodpressure was off the charts this afternoon as I waited for the official sweepstakes presentation.  At 2 PM I was ready to be ill, and by 4 PM I was sweating bullets.  Not sure why, but I'm sure glad this part is over!!  Yikes!

Thanks to all our friends and family who stopped by to say hello. 

I'm sure our Mayfield Lowes management team

was happy you came!

 

Let the Promotion Begin

This Friday, April 20, there will be an official check presentation at the Mayfield Lowes store.  Anyone who would like to watch the festivities is welcome.  Start time is 4:00 PM.  Although this is not my favorite part, it's certainly worth the reward. 

As I told a friend of mine, "This face isn't cheap, but it can be bought for $100,000 Lowes credit!!"