summer project

above. BEFORE
below. AFTER
This is our summer project. Long story short, there was a crack across our patio that was leaking into our foundation. We needed to fix it...we could patch it or totally change the look of the whole thing for the same amount of $$.

well, its almost done...I would like to stain the concrete myself but I have to wait about 2 more weeks and the electrician needs to do wiring for fans and fix some lighting things.

We're on the lookout for a good deal on 2 love seats or sofa and some good chairs. I'm so not opposed to picking up something off the road and giving it a facelift with paint. Let me know if you see any outdoor furniture on the curb or know someone who is ready to upgrade and getting rid of some. I'm hoping everything starts to go on major sale soon...

G has projects planned for like the next 10 years..He's so exicted about adding sound systems, tvs, kitchens, misters, fireplaces. ..endless possibilities

the salesmen was telling me what he thought would look good and he kept saying his goal was to give my concrete sex appeal....I couldn't stop laughing.... So, Yep. I have sexy concrete now!

4th of july

cutie flag she made at school...it traveled with us to the lake to celebrate the 4th

watermelon

must have a flag cake...

and love the boat parade every year...but we haven't jumped into participating yet

attempted ribs for the first time and they were awesome!

and swimming at "glitter beach" AH's own personal heaven, where the water looks like it has glitter in it...I'm sure i should be worried...its probably polluted or something

trying to keep this cute bald head covered all the time

and just relaxing

awesome holiday

AnnieBoo

Oh where to begin, this precious little one thinks shes 16 already..there are SO MANY STORIES
(no time to write them right now...but soon, I promise)
She's a great big sister and is thrilled to be home with all her toys. She filled out a little questionnaire and told her teacher that her favorite place to eat was AT HOME. AnnieBoo has lots of new dance moves that need to get on video. If you missed single ladies, your totally missing out :) She even has her own playlist on my ipod.
height 38 5/8 . weight 31 .

Catherine

I could kiss on this sweet little thing all day long! She LOVES life already and we are all so in love with her! She definitely has more "preferences" than her big sister. She seems to HATE rice cereal and we're still dealing with the whole milk thing. She makes gagging noises and laughs at cereal or when her bottle isn't the correct temp! No teeth yet, but if drool is ANY indicator...they're quickly on their way :)
26 3/4 long. 16 pounds. head 42

picture update

our best family pic

playing in the boxes...whoo hoo...NO MORE BOXES!

sister love

we get this serious/confused look alot.

A Symphony in the Dark

I keep thinking I'm "over" being sad about the little ones of mine who are in heaven now. We had a rough week as I realized my baby catherine is not so much in the itty bitty baby stage anymore... and she's NOT the little one I lost. I really DID have a baby I never got to hold and kiss and I'm really not over it fully yet. I hated going through every part of it, but I get calls almost everyday of someone just wanting to talk to someone who understands and has walked that path. It's a little ministry that I would have never really chosen, but am so thankful God can use me to help others going through a hard time.
Here's another book I haven't read yet, but I know it will be awesome. "A Symphony in the Dark" I've been following her sweet story of Molly for awhile and am so excited she was able to get her story on paper. She was so very open and real about what she is going through AND it SO pointed me to Christ every time I read about her struggle. She was saying aloud what my heart was trying to communicate to others. Her words are SO MUCH better than mine but I could feel everything she was going through. She understood me, and I wasn't crazy and alone with what I was feeling. It's wild how you can bond with someone you never even met because of your circumstances. (that kinda sounds like I know her or have even talked to her...I haven't...it sounds a little stalker I know... I promise I'm not totally going nuts on ya'll. I am half way normal..I might not know her, but I'm pretty sure our little ones are friends in heaven :)

It REALLY helps to have someone to talk with while your processing...I totally understand that. I'm pretty sure this book would be super to give to a friend who is dealing with loss. Don't forget "Empty Arms" is a great resource too!

Here' s the link...
Read more about A Symphony in the Dark.

LOOONGG MONTH

We're in the process of moving HOME! I'm sure I'll have a reflexive post soon but it has been the longest month EVER!

Below are the best and worst of the first couple of weeks in May.
It's been wild; not even counting that we're not so great at transition and change!
Our house is awesome, but it is totally revolting us right now. I can't even begin to tell you everything that has gone wrong...the worst stuff is the melting of some important wires on the new hot water hear that gave us cold showers for a bit. (i pretty much cried on the phone to the repair people and they came right out)
the 2nd is all the rodents and gross things that keep following us around
I'm sure if you were listening really close you could hear all the girls in our family screaming
It's a stinkin jungle around here.

The girls
AH is good. Excited about being in her old room and all her toys.
CC has been a trooper...she developed salmonella and who knows what else. We're seeing a gastro DR to figure out why her tummy still hurts. They have recently put her on $25 a can nutramigen formula. If you have connections on any of that formula..hook me up!

For sure more to come, after I catch my breath...