This past month was a pretty incredible month for our family as we completed a pretty major remodel of our new home. It was unbelievably stressful for all of us, but we are so happy with the outcome. Our house feels like home now. What did we do and how did we do it? Ryan and I were laughing the other day that people must be wondering if we hit the lottery. Not quite, but we did get an influx of unexpected money (taxes were kind to us and we sold our Marriott vacation ownership). Of course we couldn't let the money sit, so we quickly attacked our house goal list. We found an amazing contractor, who besides creating beautiful work, is an honest and hard working man. Here's what we did:
- New 6 inch baseboards throughout
- Window casings and ledges and door casings
- Beautiful multi-layer wainscotting in the the living room and beadboard in Chloe's room
- Crown moulding in the family room and kitchen
- Built in media cabinet and bookshelves in the family room
- Built in desk in the kitchen
- Brand new kitchen cabinets
- Granite countertops
- New appliances
- Beautiful new hardwood floors
- New tile in the laundry room and downstairs bathroom
- A vanity in the downstairs bathroom
- A new bar area with a granite counter, new cabinets, and a space for a wine refrigerator
- We removed the small wall that the separated the kitchen from the family room
- Repainted the exterior
- New landscaping in the front and backyard
- Refurbished the backyard patio cover
So, needless to say all of this required us to be out of our house by 8:30 every morning and we couldn't return until bed time. Many nights the workers worked until 11 o'clock. How the babes slept through the noise is truly miraculous. We camped out at my parents house nearly every day. As much as they love us, I think they were ready for peace and quiet again. Somehow Ryan and I managed to coordinate the work, pick out all of the materials, and still tend to our children's every needs. It was hard, but we are so thrilled with the outcome. Home sweet home it definitely is!
What's up with our busy toddlers? Well, they are our world, literally. Overnight both children have transformed. They've developed some really great qualities, but oh my, some very difficult qualities too. From hard core tantrums, to zero patience to super independence, Clayton and Chloe have us on our toes. Mommy has been doing a lot of reading, researching, and reflecting in order to meet the new changing discipline needs of C and C. She thinks she has a new approach figured out, but who knows how long it will be effective! Regardless, Clayton and Chloe bring us immense joy. Sadly, when I look at their curious blue eyes, I see a little boy and little girl. They're not babies any more. They're kids. My kids and no matter the challenges they pose, they are mine and I thank God each and every day for my sweet children.
March 31st was Easter Sunday. What a joyful day Easter is. We did some fun Easter-y activities in the days prior do Easter, but not as much as I would have liked due to the remodel. Ryan came home from work Easter morning. The babes were thrilled with their baskets and we all enjoyed a delicious breakfast. I found a fun idea on Pinterest to teach the story of Easter that I plan to do with the babes next year. We then headed to church in our Easter finest. It was a beautiful service and for the most part all three children did great. My family was all there. My mom was definitely in awe looking down the row at her four beautiful grandchildren. God has been good to us. Papa Louie and Grammie came over after church and assisted in the big backyard egg hunt and spoiled Clayton, Chloe, and Easton with some special goodies. The kids had so much fun playing with their Papa and Grammie. After naps we headed to Papa Jim and Nonnie's house to celebrate with yummy food and Uncle Ky Ky, Auntie, and Jett Jett. We went in the jacuzzi, played, and ate. It was a beautiful day!
Here's some pictures from our month...
Clayton and Chloe's first time at the dentist.
They did great and the dentist said that their teeth are perfect!
St. Patty's day fun in the church nursery...Chloe hammin' it up!
Today was a bittersweet day as we dropped off Clay and Chloe's pre school registration paperwork. They got in! Messiah Lutheran, here comes trouble times two!
Easter fun at Irvine Park Railroad
Mommy's little cutie...won't be long before Little E is off and running!
Spring time crafts...C and C love painting!
Kids + Water = Several minutes of pure joy!
Good times with the Kline's and McKinney's--late nights and drinks to toddlers and bed times!
TROUBLE!
Clayton learning to shave--growing up too fast.
Chloe, our little fashionista gets herself ready every day after her nap. Here she has dressed herself with some bright pink pants (purple leggings she had on earlier are apparently not in style right now), a puffy faux denim skirt, boots, and pretty jewels. Oh, I can see the battles now!
Our favorite afternoon activity...
Easton loves bath time!
Little garndeners
Bike riding! Clayton LOVES his Strider bike. He can go super fast, pick his feet up, and turn corners. Chloe has transitioned from hating her bike to going really fast too.
Happy Birthday, Daddy!
Why, Mommy forces her children to take this picture, nobody knows,
but here we are with the big bunny!
Dying Easter eggs
This picture prompted me to really reflect on how far we have come. This same time nearly four years ago, I was in the lowest depths of my infertility struggle. Here I am a few years later with three perfect blessings. God is good and I am eternally grateful for the gifts He bestowed upon us.
Easter egg hunt with Grammie and Papa Louie
Princess Chloe Grace
Helping Daddy barbecue
Celebrating our sweet Easton James on his FIRST birthday!
