the roof

The roof is coming along. It should be done this week!

going to south africa

My parents left this morning for South Africa for 2.5 months. They will be working at a camp called Sunbury which is nearish to Durbin. I am excitd and nervous for them all at the same time. I know they will enjoy working, visiting with friends and seeing new territory. I also know that this is a WHOLE new experience for them. They have never left the continental United States. To go for the first time for so long is scary. But if your gonna do it then you might as well go big!

arriving at the airport:



checking in:
(mom tried checking in at the kiosk but it said she needed special assistance- we knew that already) :)



playing with Micah one last time:



The whole group:



no going back:

day 2

Still with the bathing suit (I am not ready for a public appeareance though)...

all for love

For those of you who know Reagan you are aware of how wonderful she is. She adds MUCH needed spark to this family. She has a flair that is uniquely her own. This package can only be complete with a strong-willed nature. We have struggled (especially the last 3 weeks) with trying to figure out how to guide her throughout her little (dynamic) life. We have begun to read the book "You Can't Make Me (But I Can Be Persuaded)" by Cynthia Tobias. It has shed insight into our little gift from God. ONE of our current struggles is with potty training. She has NO problems going potty. She goes all the time AND on her own. She is even dry at naps and throughout the night. If only that were all of it. She still is struggling to maintain control of her bodily functions via pooping when she is good and ready- and wherever she feels like going (mostly in her panties). This usually involves controlling mommy too. For the last 12 hours I have taken her to the bathroom 57 times all because she is "doing the dance" and claiming she has to go. Finally at 10:00 last night I said, "No, you do NOT have to go. You can wait until morning!" She got up at 5:30 am with the same claim. NO RESULTS. We began the same song and dance today. Then after lunch I was helping Luke get something when all of a sudden I realized that it was quiet. Most of you know how bad that can be. I yelled, "REAGAN!" From the other room she says, "mommy I have to go." At this point I could tell it was too late. With poop already in her panties I tossed her on the potty for her to complete the job. She still asked for skittles (which was denied) but knew better than to ask for the Elmo phone (which is her special treat for going ON the potty!) Sometimes I am ready to give up because I am frustrated with this child. But then she she does this.......



and I laugh and remember why I am here. To train this child- whatever God throws my way. I KNOW this is just the beginning and the easy part.

chi

Dale (with the help of Craig Walseth) has installed both garage doors. We are finally closed in on the 1st floor! Each step brings us closer to being finished (which, yes, I realize is still very far away).


I know it is hard to see but the roof on the dormer is on...


the garage door on the front just needs the hardware


dale installing the hardware on the back door


finished product

day 12?? (I have lost track...)

The brick is finished! (the roof is in progress)


the front


the base between the columns


the side (note the base of the window)


the back

future cubbie

Our sweet son turned 4! And even though the CUBS are not going to win the World Series this year we still had a CUBS birthday party. It was complete with ballpark food: hotdogs, nachos, cheese fries, peanuts and soda (yes, I know. SO unlike Amy). I did balance it with a fruit salad though. Luke picked a CUBS jersey cake. It turned out cute (even if I did finish it at the last minute). We had planned a game of baseball but we had a rainout. No big deal. Wait til next year....


Luke's new whirly wheel


opening presents is always fun


for everyone










Charlie enjoying cake (not soda because of dad)

day 9

They did ALL this today!! :)

day 8

The columns are done!


Inside the portico is done too!

day 6

It's amazing, God created the WHOLE world in 6 days yet 3 men cannot brick a small addition in that same amount of time. :) Despite that we still think it looks great!