well, as you can see Kristian had a wonderful time playing with Andy's dog "Cookie", she is adorable! Sandy and Mildred kept Kristian company while I did a little of this and that. Andy and Scott got things going tonight and tomorrow we will have a group of volunteers lend a helping hand. Once again thanks to the Howard's for all their hard work! =)

Today was a busy day at the house. Joe and Tyson got it excavated so that Andy could come and dig the footer. Scott grabbed his boots and shovel to give Andy a hand. "Thanks SO MUCH for all you do Howard's!" Sandy showed up after work to bring the guys cold drinks. While looking you can see where the driveway will be. Also, you can see where the garage, living room and porch will be. Looking forward to seeing it come together. Oh did I mention a gas line was hit the other day......well you can see it running through the NE corner of the garage. Hoping it gets shut off/ cut off before laying block. In the one pic you can see a gentleman with Sandy, Scott and Andy. This is Phil Liechty. He grew up on this property and has stopped by several times. He said the gas line had to be put in before 1940 sometime. His family never used it. Very interesting to hear the history of our property. He can tell back to the early 1900's. How fun!

Hello again...long time no see! Well, it's not that we have not been busy but mostly just with odds and ends. I have cleared out my storage, that has been full of stuff since our move 4 years ago. The half tree if finally down and what a mess that was. Also, the drain by that tree has been taken out and will be moved to the west about 40 feet or so. Unfortunately a gas line was hit while digging the trench but after praying and then going to the owner of the white building he said he didn't even know it was there and didn't want it. THANK YOU GOD!!! So it will be capped off and removed from our property. In the following pics you'll see the addition being laid out. Tomorrow the excavation will begin. The deck has been moved to the side of the house but until the garage gets poured Kristian will not be able to get in. The side ground is much to low stone had been put under the deck in front. I will take him by in the van to see the progress. We had a day of goofy pics in the van and ice cream at one of his favorite spots. He likes the little umbrella's they put on top. =) One day Kristian and I took his cousin Noah to the nickel arcade. They had fun and at the end of the day put their tickets together to get this dart board. We let Noah take it home after they played it all the way home in the van. The last pic is of the bear I put together for Ashlin's 21'st b-day on August 29, she will turn 21. In 1986 when she was born I was 20 but while still in the hosp. I turned 21. This was the t-shirt they put on her after she was born. Wow how times flies. I don't feel much past 21 myself. (no comments please) The cloud pics are cool but one person in particular will "get it." Oh happy Day to everyone and hope to see you all soon. We will start with volunteers soon laying block. Come one come all and join in on the fun! =)

Well, here we go with another load from the storage place. Kristian was watching to make sure Brooke was right behind us. We were all loaded up to make our piles even higher. I was hoping to have the addition started by now but where I'm trying to get the loan from has specific requirements and their own time line. Ultimately God is in control. The underwriter is wonderful and I feel she is really going to bat to try to get us a great rate. She will be back next tue.. As you can see we're really making a mess. I was/am hoping not to move any furniture or mattresses in until the addition was well underway.....not sure that will be possible financially. (God's knows) Last night I picked up my grandma's dresser that has been at my parents since my grandma's auction 6 years ago. (she died in March 01) I'm sure they will be glad to get all my "stuff" out of their house! I'll be glad to get all my "stuff" in the same place. Also, Kristian received a few more gifts for his horse room. They came and installed the pedestals for the w/d yesterday. Now Kristian will be able to reach them better, me to actually ;), the bad thing I will now need a step stool to get into my cabinets. LOL Still no water or electricity, can't wait to get things flowing soon)

ok...I didn't lie on purpose. I fully intended to put this off until a later date. Kristian slept until 10:30 today and I didn't want to pack more boxes so I went and bought more paint and repainted. I'm atleast glad it's done and happy with the results. =)

Someone bought this for Kristian from a garage sale. I decided to paint it black, like his furniture. After painting it I thought I should put a clear coat on to protect it. (I plan in having this in kristian's bathroom) Well, as you can see my nice black finish looks horrible. Looks like I'll be repainting but not anytime too soon. Also, the material I put on the seat is a leather like material. It is nice and would be wonderful if the clear protective coat (that is what the spray can said) would not have made the rest look terrible. Oh well.....

While I painted today Kristian chilled out watching video's (big surprise huh!) Here are a few things that will be in his room. Also, his closet entertainment center is nearly finished. He is excited about his new TV and DVD/VCR player. As you can see the TV fits perfectly in this space. There will be two shelves above the TV and the new turtle will go on the bottom shelf. He's really excited to move!