Finally...

Though it has been rainy, cold, and/or windy practically every day this spring, we planted a garden this week. I decided it was time to live optimistically--to believe the sun would come out soon. We planted three heirloom tomato plants, lots of different peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, beans, two kinds of lettuce, cabbage, and carrots. Surely things will grow before summer is done. Let's just cross our fingers that we can actually harvest something before a hard frost in October...

Animals, Animals, and Tractors

Wheeler Farm is the place for Watson. I swear he has a little Grandpa Bee in him--he is attracted to tractors like nothing else. He loved to see the animals and even braved petting a lamb and a goat. He knows what a horse says, a cow says, and a sheep says. Just ask him. We tried to feed the ducks, but apparently they are fed all the time. Nothing would come close to us. Watson and I had a great time wandering the farm and watching all the animals.

This is Fun!

After seven years of brown and yellow tile, a big blank wall, and a weirdly deep shower with a seat, we have finally begun remodeling. I can't believe I never took a "before" picture. What was I thinking? Oh yeah, let's rip this baby out and make her new and shiny. We were able to remove part of a wall, this opened the L shaped bathroom significantly. We relocated the shower drain and the toilet so we could fit in a full sized bathtub. At this point the plumbing and electrical are done. So far it is halfway framed. This should be finished, along with the sheetrock, this week. Yeah! Progress!

The vanity stays in the same place but will get a sleek cabinet and sink.

We had space to add a built in shelf for towels and extra storage. We love extra storage!

Scott and I plan to do most of the tile work ourselves. It should be, at the very least, interesting. So far the project has been fun, partly because we don't have a hard deadline. But, boy, it will be great to have a second bathroom again!

The Big 1-1!

Happy, happy birthday Chandler Dear!

The day-o-Chandler started with a yummy breakfast by Dad and then a quick flag football game. He got to open a couple of presents, one being an official Boy Scouts of America shirt and cap.

 After hanging out for a bit we had a little dinner of sliders with cheese and sweet potato fries then a family party at Grandma Nettie's house.

Chandler wanted a BYU themed party so we put on our Cougar shirts and made blue and white cupcakes. He also requested his "own" birthday cake along with his favorite ice cream, chocolate chip cookie dough. We rented Sumo Suits and set up the mat in Grandma's backyard. It was really funny to watch and participate in the "fighting." Chandler and Brooklyn were the first competitors and made it so everyone wanted to try it out.

 

This year Chandler couldn't guess what was in the box.

He couldn't wait to wrestle!

Happy boy and his dad!

He ate half of it by himself!

It is such a privilege to be Chandler's parent. I love him in so many ways. He is generous and loving to his little brother, helpful so much of the time, and really a great kid. He is sensitive and thoughtful to others and really tries to do his best. I'm grateful for being a part of his life.

Baby is Broken...

 This is Baby...according to Watson.

This is broken baby...according to Mom.

It was time, I could feel it in my bones. He was 20 months old in a couple of days, we've had sleepless nights and lots of searching and picking up from the floor. I think he knew it was time. He didn't really suck on it anyway, just chew, throw, and play with it.

So far, so good. No screaming, or tantrums, or wailing at night. He still has it, tries to hold it in his mouth, but doesn't require it like I thought he would. I know this transition marks one end of the "baby" era for my sweet B. A single tear has been shed.