A kind heart

I have to brag on Paisley a little, and the sweetness of her heart. We've been receiving a lot of holiday type magazines lately from places like Target, Justice and Pottery Barn. The girls love to look through them (over and over)...even Pottery Barn (teen) and circle the things they like. After Paisley was finished with the Justice (girls clothing and accessories) she brought it over to me to show me what she liked. Then she very seriously asked me what I wanted out of the book. I randomly picked a glittery jewelry box and told her I would like that. Then she replied, "OK Mommy, I'm going to buy you that with my monies for kistmas." Bless her little heart. But that isn't the end. Now every day for the past 5 days she has found that page and makes it a point to show someone (Jed, Jayda or me again) and tells them, "This is what mommy wants, and I'm going to get it for her."

It probably doesn't seem like much to most of you, but its more than a lot of adults do it seems liked. So her being 3, I am pretty impressed with her generous spirit and her ability to see it is also rewarding to "give," rather than receive.

My only regret.....

That it wasn't a book filled with diamonds that I had picked from :)
Next time!

We put up our tree this past weekend also. I was very seriously contemplating not putting one up this year since we have 2 terrorizing cats. But the girls were appalled that I would even consider NOT putting one up. Plus, Paisley couldn't really even remember our tree from last Christmas. So, of course, I drug it out and cursed it out for being a pre-lit tree and only one section of lights still working. The girls love putting all the decorations on and it was a new experience for Paisley, even though it really was her 2nd time helping! Afterwards she proclaimed, "I lub dis tree! It's so beautiful!" And every time Jed sits down she proceeds to ask him if he likes our tree. And says, "Isn't it pretty, Daddy?!"

So I suppose it was worth it. They both truly love it. And the cats haven't completely torn in apart. Just the bottom sections is sparsely decorated. Next year when we are in our "HOME" we'll go hog wild! Can't wait!

construction update

The end of the month is getting closer, I suppose it's time for a house update. Some days the progress seems very slow, and other days it seems like we are finally getting somewhere! Most days I wish I was a man(not really) but at least had the strength and building abilities to be more help. I keep telling myself, my time will come (to do my part). The garage floor was poured several weeks ago. Jed was pretty stressed out about that project, but it turned out fine. Next they got the roof up (yay)!! One dormer is done and the gable ends are done now too. Just one dormer left. It is the one that is open to the living room below, so he has to get some more scaffolding to reach it.

We have all of our windows and doors ready to be put it. I'm pretty excited to see those go in! Just to make it look real! Still need to get steel on the roof and garage doors. We are trying to do a lot of things local, but sometimes these local businesses need a real wake up call. I will not beg for their service. Either they perform or they lose my business. Sorry, but they act like there are no other options, and YES...there are.

Still debating on the kitchen, counter tops and bathroom cabinets. Don't have those set in stone yet, but are getting closer. We do have some flooring picked out and feel good about those choices!

Oh and if anyone wants to haul hay for Jed, you're hired!

Costume post

The girls dressed up as Minnie Mouse and Rockstar Barbie this year. I had told Jayda we probably weren't going to trick or treat this year, but I would allow them to dress up for their school and day care parties. She seemed OK with that. I ended up taking them down Foster road to visit all the old ladies who actually enjoy seeing them (and who we don't get to see very much). On our way home Jayda said, "That was actually more fun than going in Bison." I'm not sure if she was just being lazy and glad she didn't have to walk door to door, or if she truly enjoyed visiting with our neighbors. Either way, they got enough candy...candy we didn't need anyway. But even momma loves her some Reeses.

Progress

October updates

It's officially been a month since started our house project. Well a month since we got the check that allowed us to continue :)
At this point we have the log walls up, the second floor supports on the house section up and the second floor supports and floor above the garage done. Tomorrow we will pour the concrete in the garage. This weekend and next week we will get the second floor, plywood floor finished on the house section. Then they can start building the rear dormer that spans the length of the house and the two dormers on the front side of the house. Next is the roof rafters. Then plywood on top of those. Then tin on the roof. And then, and then and then! Of course the list goes on and on. But one step at a time progress is being made. And seen! I like the kind of progress that you can see!

I haven't ordered kitchen cabinets or bathroom cabinets yet. Getting that stuff set in stone is next on my list. As well as getting windows and doors ordered. I've had quotes done on the kitchen and have it all planned out, just need to decide who we are going to go with and finalize those plans.

So that's where are are with the house! If you want to know what we are up to on any given weekend, you can just about guess!

We also sold calves on Monday and tested cows on Tuesday. I think he's about done with cattle work and helping neighbors with theirs, for a while. Our calves looked great and we were able to sell them privately this year. Which means I didn't have to listen to Jed cry and stress out for a 3 week time period. Life is GOOD!