Deck

So we have a rotten deck.  Not just in looks, but actual rotting wood.  The kids have to wear shoes on it as they've ended up with big splinters in their feet.  We (Josh) is digging out for an egress window in the basement.  That way Hudson can officially move his bedroom down there in a few years.  We (I) thought a stamped concrete patio would be pretty awesome.  We have the guy that did our driveway coming tomorrow to give us an estimate.  If it costs more than we would like then Josh and I will put a new wood deck down.  Here are some pictures of the process:

Marshall and I are inside while demolition takes place.  Marshall is cooking the books while I make the chow.

I'm working on my camera a little more & thought I'd share some more pictures of my test subjects.

Hudson had a crazy hair day today.  This is as crazy as his hair gets!

Don't get me started on Audrey's hair!  It is getting so long and unruly.  It is actually very fun to "do".

Marshall is teething.  I did pick him up right after I snapped this picture.  He looks so sad!

Have a great weekend!

Lovely Days

We had a few beautiful days last week.  The kids and I took advantage of the great weather and were outside a lot.  When it was time for me to do "my jobs" (cook, check facebook, clean) Marshall and I came inside while the older two rode their bikes out front.  I had to put a baby gate across the front screen door because Marshall likes to press his whole big body on it.  He also uses the gate as a teether!

We love sidewalk chalk on our new driveway!  

Hudson had a field trip to the Nature Center last week.  They showed the kids how to tap the maple trees and boil the liquid down to make syrup.  This is old hat for Hudson as Josh tapped a maple tree in our backyard last year.  We had a constant pot of liquid boiling on the stove.  Some of the syrup turned out good and some turned out smelling like feet....  We didn't do it this year as we've stuck with Aunt Jemima.

Josh's Dad, Aunt, Grandma, and Pop Pop came for a visit on Saturday.  We had a great time!  It was nice for family to see where we "city people" live.  We didn't venture out of the house as the kids were entertainment enough for us.  We had a DVD of old slides that Josh's mom converted.  It was fun to watch the family look at really old pictures of themselves and relatives.  I liked the below picture.  You can't really tell who was shooting the gun.  I'm not sure if there was a consensus on who it was.

I'm looking forward to the weather turning a little nicer again.  I loved throwing the doors and windows open.  I also loved shooing the kids outside to play!!  Hope you have a great week.

Hudson's School Video

Hudson is the "star of the week" this week.  He had to bring in pictures that described his hobbies, family, and interests.  Today was the day that Josh and I had to write a letter to the class to describe Hudson and maybe tell a funny story.  We could also include a video.  Josh and I made this video that originally had a great punk rock song on it.  Due to licensing issues I can't publish this video anywhere.  I had to "create" a song on the Mac to use...it just isn't the same, but the video is fun.  His class had a good time watching it TWICE today!!!

This isn't on You Tube so the only way you can see it is from this site.  This is a disclaimer for the people that are in the video (or their parents).  Hope you enjoy!

T-shirt, Cuteness, Soccer, and Party

I thought Audrey needed a new St. Patrick's Day t-shirt.  I didn't want to buy one...because I'd rather try something different.  I had Josh look through his white undershirt stack for two shirts that were worn out.  I cut them up and sewed Audrey a 3/4 sleeve t-shirt.  I had green dye left from this project three years ago (isn't Audrey ADORABLE?):

Audrey and I then used the freezer paper method to paint on the writing and shamrocks.  She loves the t-shirt and wore it to pre-school today.  Hudson is upset that I don't make him any shirts.  I'm working on an idea to recycle some men's t-shirts into a baseball like shirt for Hudson.  I'll post pics when I get it figured out and done.

Here are some pics of Marshall.  How could I not include them?

Hudson has started indoor soccer and he really enjoys it.  He is on the "Orange Crush" team:

This past weekend Josh and Hudson spent some big boy bonding time up north.  Audrey had her first Pre-School birthday party on Saturday.  She had a great time!!

  

Hodge Podge

We've doing a lot of the same around here.

Here are some little things that are new with us:

Hodge Podge #1:  I walked into Hudson & Audrey's room to find a human skull top (toy) with a plastic sandwich bag sticking out.  I looked in it and knew why I loved Hudson so much.  He is just like me...he keeps EVERYTHING!

(including dead bugs he finds)

Hodge Podge #2:  When searching for my tooth fairy pillow that I used as a child I ran into the original snuggie that I used when I was a little younger than Audrey.  We lived in an old drafty house so these worked well while watching TV & eating popcorn (our Sunday night dinner).  There is a zipper in the very bottom of the bag that will allowed Audrey and I to walk around or zip it up and stay warm.  Audrey really likes it and I'm thinking about making one for Hudson.

Hodge Podge #3: I made three twirly skirts this week.  One for Audrey and the others were for two of her friends.  This is an easy skirt & it really twirls!!  Great for dance class.

Hodge Podge #4: Audrey's constant kisses and hugs have caused Marshall to retaliate.

Hodge Podge #5: Marshall looks so much like Hudson!!  SO BALD!!