Santa Claus is coming to town!

Santa really stepped it up this year!! We went to his totally sweet crib built by Renaissance Homes down at Bridgeport Village. In fact, it was so cool that they had snow machines blowing snow from the rooftops. You felt like you were in the North Pole... except for all the outdoor heaters.

All by myself!

I am pretty excited about my tree skirt! I have always wanted a nice skirt, and can never justify buying those really cool ones from the store, so I decided to copy Crate and Barrel and make my own. Personally.. I'm much more excited that I made it myself.

Hard work!

We have GREAT friends!!! The best thing happened, two AMAZING friends came over bright and early in the morning and helped us put our ceiling up. We could not have done it without them. Here they are looking like real contractors. Thanks guys!

Emile has been working so hard to get this addition done. We are both sick of living in a construction zone, but with the sacrifice of time, his raw hands, sore arms, and late nights with no sleep, we are almost there.

Here is Emile finally blasting through the wall that used to go outside. It now opens nicely to our future bedroom.

Tagged?

I have never been "tagged" before, and as I was blogging this morning... i noticed... there it was. Plain as day, my name... tagged! So, here's to you Seth!

7 interesting things about myself.

7. I have a public bathroom phobia! I would rather find a nice quite hidden spot than sit on a yucky toilet! AHHH!!

6. I have this heart condition that I use to my advantage at times in my life when I don't feel like over exerting myself. This works well because no one can really question if it is really bothering me or not.

5. I am scared to death to have 2 kids! Why you might ask? Dunno... just freaked!

4. I have broken my nose 3 times, and had it surgically fixed twice. Once while playing baseball, once while rafting, and the final time... i got kneed in the face during a friendly tickling match with a flirtatious fiance! (yes... it was Emile)

3. I was on a high school varsity ski team

2. I am a terrible arguer! I don't like arguing, I can not think fast enough to bring up good points to win a darn thing! I usually loose, and for the next several days I run the argument over and over in my head and think of all the great things i SHOULD have said. I failed my debate class!

1. I'm going to have elective surgery someday to clip this little vein in my neck that makes me stop blushing! I turn beat red in the face even if I'm not completely embarrassed! The worse thing is when someone MENTIONS it too! Don't tell me what I already know... yes... i look like a tomato, my face is pulsing, and no I am NOT hitting on your husband, or that cute guy in the corner. (i can't wait to clip this stupid thing!)

We're getting there!

We are so excited and thankful for the help we've received on the "shed" raising! Emile's brother and dad came over to help us before the rain, and we got tons done! Even Trenton got in on the act. Thanks boys!!!

Prego pictures!

I can't believe that I allowed pictures to be taken of myself. But.... I did, so I'm dying for a little feedback, and I'm sure Shonda is too. Thanks to my talented sister, I'm not too embarrassed to tell you to go and check them out.
What do you think?
Shonda's blog: http://barlowphotog.blogspot.com

Cement is down!

We are so excited to have the cement laid! It came on Monday, and Emile and his Dad got it all flat and beautiful. Emile has been loosing sleep wondering how it would all come together, and here it is. Finally! Great Job Emile and Dad!!!




I thought this was the cutest.... Trenton couldn't get enough of the big truck! He was so excited he had to show his cow and his ducks all the action.

Cupcake gamboree

Gobble gobble!! I can't wait to make these crazy little guys for Thanksgiving. I had to give them a test run to see if I could actually do this.... and I think they turned out pretty cute.
Really? Who would have thought that I would be making cupcakes, sewing, and being so domestic a few years ago? I never would have thought it was SO MUCH FUN!

I did it again!!!

So, I'm stoked! I made another banner for a friend having a birthday. I am pleased with the way it turned out, and I just had to share it with everyone. Happy Birthday Jen!!!

So we broke ground....

... but not without some help.
Emile broke his back all morning (hence the back brace), and after a few hours, finally let Trenton help. Eventually he called his dad to help with the rest of the shoveling. Thanks for your help!!!

Plans change...

Our dream addition.....

So, we have been dreaming and scheming for quite some time. We hired an architect and sent the city on a run for its money with us. They are the most difficult city to work with and with a few tears, and sad realizations that our big addition just isn't going to happen, we are settling for a new plan of attack. From nearly 800 additional SF to a little over 100 SF, we figure a bedroom will suffice for now.

To reality...

Potty time!!!

What I was really hoping to show you was Trenton sitting on his new bean bag chair that Mommy made for him. But instead, you get to see the real joy of him sitting on the most important seat in the house. The POTTY!!! Yesterday we had our first success! I know Trenton might kill me later for showing this picture, but what mother isn't a little proud of potty time?

Ok... so here is my little pride and joy. I can't believe I MADE IT!!!! Trenton loves jumping and laying on it most of the time, so I'm pleased.

Happy Halloween

What a fun night as a wizard! We started at my old work visiting Gma & Papa. Then off to a "trunk or treat". I think we scored with good friends, lots of candy, and fun games. Then, we headed off to go door to door with cousins.




You can click on this last picture to see Trenton bolting into some strangers house to see their Thomas the Tank engine toys. We had to haul him away kicking and screaming. His poor princess cousins didn't know what happened to him. They were just happy they got chocolate.

Look at what I made!!!

I made a banner and I'm super proud of it. It took a little while, but I can't wait to have it hanging the entire month of November!

Fun in the leaves

We had to play in the leaves when we got home from the pumpkin patch. Isn't it fun to see those smiles and inquisitive looks as they discover how cool leaves are?

Fir Point Farms

Trenton loves his best little friend Avery. So, we ran off to play together in the pumpkins this morning. I LOVE pumpkins, and I LOVE sunny October days. I'm so glad we got out this afternoon and enjoyed it.

Ghosts, haunted houses and friends

We couldn't take the greatest pictures, but we had a fun night out with friends at Fantasy Trail in Oregon City. It was a new place for us, and fortunately not too scary for Trenton.

Look at this cool bouncy bridge

Finally....

Home.
To the best... sweetest... most loveable little boy. Words can't express how much I missed him, and how grateful I am for the trip.
But... there is no other place I'd rather be than with him.

Last stop...

Venice.
This again, managed to blow me away. This is a much larger city than I thought. Much more beautiful than I could have imagined. Everyone said it was a smelly city... but maybe we hit it right.... it was wonderful.