The Pantry

Boy, it's been a journey but I think we are just about finished with this chicken coop. We just have to add a little bit of trim under the roof, shingle the egg box, attach the run and touch up the paint. But the girls are in and out of my basement!!! Hooray! They even survived the 50 degree night and 100 degree day. How's that a change in temp for ya?  

 The boys were such good helpers and have been fetching tools and painting their little hearts out. Jake said, "Painting outside is my favorite thing to do, mom."

 Gotta represent. 84 Lumber is a local place that we got some of our supplies from. They even gave all of the kids aprons and pencils. David decided to borrow the apron.

 We made glass inserts that slide into the windows when it's stormy or cold outside.

 The transfer! The boys were so excited to put the girls (and one boy) into their new home! I think the chickies liked it too.

 Aren't they funny? I get such a kick out of them.

 I still need to paint a sign that says "The Pantry" to hang on the coop. We figured that since our chickens are named Ginger, Sugar, Honey, and Pepper that we needed to name the coop accordingly.

She's Number One!

 I have mixed emotions when it comes to my baby turning one! She has grown into such a beautiful, sweet little girl and it is so fun to see her learning new things every day. We are loving her big personality and love for life and exhausted from chasing her around all day Ü

 For her birthday, Emmy received lots of books, clothes and a nice purse that plays music and has special things inside. She loves to carry it around and feel important! Em, like her older brother, loves to read books. She brings them to me all day long and pulls on my leg until I pick her up and read to her. I don't mind. I love to snuggle with my girl! Her favorites are books with lions or tigers in them because she likes to growl. She also loves to turn pages.

Her birthday was also special because she got to share it with her Daddy for Fathers' Day. Both of them liked that, I think, and enjoyed spending some special time together.

 I love this picture. I think it totally captures my little Emeline Rose. She is always moving and always busy and totally adorable doing everything that she does.

 She aspires to become a choir directer one day! Anyone want to join?

Em loves, loves, loves to swing! I could swing all day with her and she would still be sad when we stopped. Oh I think she is beautiful!

Caleb's 8th Birthday

Caleb turned 8 on June 9th and had a great day. He started the morning by opening presents from his grandparents, who were so nice to send him some packages in the mail. He was so excited to get so many books this year and has already read some of them. He has become such a bookworm and can be found reading or listening to a book on his ipod most any time.

David and I were discussing how much Caleb has grown this year. Not only has he grown in intellect and spiritual strength, he has grown taller and stronger. He has really improved his ability to play baseball and can run like no body's business! He is the best big brother. I know I say that all of the time, but it is true. If every brother could be like unto him! He is a great student and a friend to everyone.

Caleb requested a chocolate, chocolate cake this year. There is a fabulous recipe on the back of the Hershey's cocoa box and it has become a family favorite. He was thrilled with the chocolate sprinkles on top too!

David took Caleb on his first trip to six flags. He had a blast! Literally. He was so windblown when he got home from all of the roller coasters and rides. He was so brave and rode his first roller coasters and it was all down hill from there!

After his day at Six Flags, we all went to Caleb's favorite sandwich place, JB Goods Eatery, and got some dinner. He likes things spicy and ordered a Pepperoni sandwich with Jalapeno peppers and spicy mustard. Then it was home for chocolate cake.

When they were walking out of the park, David asked him if he had had a fun day and Caleb answered by saying, "Dad, this is the best day ever!" You can't argue with that. 

Caleb was so excited to turn 8 so that he can be baptized a member of our church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He has been looking forward to this for a long time and has decided that this is what he wants to do and I am so proud of him for that decision. We thought it would be nice to combine his baptism with our trip to Utah so that all of his cousins and grandparents can be there. I will post all of the happenings then! Until then, Happy Birthday Caleb!

Caleb's Trip to the Post Office

For Caleb's 8th Birthday (post to follow soon) we decided to get him some chicks. He had no idea and I had the hardest time not telling him! Anyway, there are several different ways to get chicks and I chose to order them by mail, through Ideal Hatchery. They ship them through the U.S. Mail and they arrive, chirping in a box, at your local post office.
I waited all week for the call and finally, on Friday morning at 7:00 AM, the post office called to say they had arrived. I told Caleb that someone had sent him a birthday package that was too big to put in the mailbox and so they needed us to go and pick it up. He was somewhat confused but excited. So, wearing pajamas and flip-flops, we loaded into the van and drove to the post office. Here is what followed:

Here is your video, Mom

This is a video of Emeline walking about a week ago. She is now, literally, running around the house. She is so fast and thrilled when she can catch her brothers with their bedroom door open and play with their toys. She is very proud of herself and thinks she can now go up and down the stairs too. She is growing up way too fast.

Emmy-Wan Kenobi

The force is strong with this young padawan. She seems to be able to make me to do anything.

 "Your Jedi mind tricks have no power over me, Mom."

She's right. I just can't resist the whole cute baby thing. I might as well surrender now and save myself the trouble.