Edem Up

Naked Baby

2011-07-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, she wasn't completely naked. Thankfully Aunt Ney had an extra swim diaper we could use. We had a great time Saturday swimming with the Edem's (minus Eric). Lily is a water baby through and through. She loves to splash and have water all over her face.

Look at that chunky baby!

Xander got this shark in his Easter basket. It is a little tricky to ride.

Lily splashing Gramps.

Lily floating around with Dadoo.

Uncle Eric got back from a missions trip to South Dakota that he helped chaperone with a group of teens from Apex. We all met for lunch on Sunday at Doubleday's to hear about his trip. I had my favorite, large salad and potato soup...yum!

Kole and Lily had a great time attacking Xander. Xander liked it too. :)

Lily loves her Uncle Eric.

Sunday afternoon Jason and Xander headed over to Dan Ernst's house to help him install a new garage door. Jason assured me that taking Xander would be no problem and that he could watch him. I had my doubts. As it turns out I think Dan's son, Jake, ended up really watching him. Hum...it all worked out though. Lily and I met Jason and the rest of the garage door installing crew for dinner at Chipotle. After dinner we headed to the new frozen yogurt store, Yoba, where our sweet Hannah works. She did a wonderful job serving us. I had the cranberry yogurt with cheesecake and berries on top.

Heat Wave

2011-07-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

It was beyond hot here this week. Everyday the temperatures were in the 90's and the heat index was well into the 100's! Yuck! We tried to make the best of our week.

On Monday I noticed that Lily's very first tooth had just popped through (bottom left middle if you are looking at her). She's a little over 6 months old, so she is getting teeth before Xander did. Every reminder that Lily is getting bigger is so bittersweet. She was just as happy as ever, so I think the teeth working their way up through the gums bothered her more. I think she will have her second tooth coming up soon.

We also headed to the library. Xander is halfway done with the summer reading program. Isn't it nice that the paper is upside down. He got his sheet stamped and a Greene County Library sippy cup. :) He likes it, so that is all that really matters. Oh, he got to pick a little toy from a prize box.

My mom was able to stop by this week. Luckily for her we were making chocolate covered strawberries and bananas. My friend Mary recommend this awesome melting chocolate from Krogers. It was so good!

I had to throw this one in there because Lily is nawing on everything! If she doesn't have anything in her hands she will stick out her tongue and chew on it.

On Wednesday Mary and Christina (along with all the children) came over for a play date. The kids had fun playing in the pool, water table, and sprinkler. I also bought these squirt bottles from IKEA for 99 cents and the kids had a great time squirting each other. Lily even splashed in the water table. It was so hot that by lunch time we all came in.

My parents were also able to make it to see one of Xander's last t-ball games for the year. It was over 100 degrees with the heat index. I thought sure they might cancel the game, but they didn't. Xander was a trooper and he played well. My dad even took us for pizza afterwards.

Friday night we had the Comers over for dinner. The boys had fun (as always). Lily is now 6 months old and Amelia just turned 3 months. It is the only time in their lives where Lily will be twice her age.

Like I said earlier, Lily will put anything into her mouth. She even tried to eat Amelia's head.

So cute, right? Even though Lily looks spooked she was actually trying to reach for his head.

Henry's Birthday Party: Cars 2, Cupcakes, and Dinosaur Bones?

2011-07-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Henry's really fun 3rd birthday at Delco Park.

I like this picture because you can see Lily's long swirl of hair in the back blowing in the wind.

Xander got Henry some monster trucks...shocking I know.

We had a bad storm come through the area a few days before and it uprooted quite a few pine trees at the park. You can kind of see one in the background of this picture. After the party was over the boys were digging in the dirt and they uncovered a tree root. They started yelling that they had found a dinosaur bone! They spend quite some time digging out the exposed "dinosaur bone". The next day when I asked Xander what he liked best about Henry's party he said, "hum...the cupcakes and finding the dinosaur bone".

Lily and Amelia also had a simply delightful time too.

Water Lily, Small Miracles, and the Weekend

2011-07-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

I love the weekends! It means that Jason is home from work and we can actually get stuff done. I love getting stuff done!

Friday night we went out to eat with Jason's parents and then went to their house for some swimming and a campfire. It was Lily's first time in the pool and she loved it! I wasn't sure if she would since the water was chillier than a bath tub. She loved to pat and splash the water. Xander would even put his head down near her so she could splash him.

Jason's parents recently took one end of their raised bed planters and turned it into a sandbox for Xander. Xander could dig in dirt all day long. He loves this articulated dump truck.

Gramps adding some more new sand.

I love campfires. I had two s'mores. I could have eaten at least 5, so I consider 2 using self-control.

Saturday a small, but glorious miracle occurred in the Edem household. Lily woke up at 7:00. I nursed her and she actually went right back to sleep, so I did too. Xander came into our room at 8:30 and snuggled with me and he went back to sleep. He woke up again at nine, but I turned on Thomas on PBS and he watched that in our bed and when it was over went to his room and read books. Jason and I both got to stay in bed until 9:50 when Lily woke up. Even though it wasn't the best sleep ever (for me at least, Jason was sound asleep the whole time), it was so nice to be able to just lay there. I can't even tell you the last time this happened. Although the rest was needed, it also made me feel behind schedule when we finally got up and got going.

Saturday afternoon we all headed to Menards "to save big money". Jason was all excited it was Lily's first time there, so I took a picture. We got some shelves for the garage and two more pieces of Easy Tracks to hang stuff on the wall. Jason was able to put it all up.

Jason also assembled a small table I bought at IKEA last weekend for our guest bedroom. Now Erin has a place to put her phone and chargers when she comes to stay with us!

Sunday night we headed to the Schuler's for a cook-out. The older kids had fun playing pretend in the basement. They were pretending to be firefighters. Brinley also loves to play with the babies of the bunch. She does such a great job. I am pretty sure she is one of Lily's favorites.

Amelia is tall her for age and Lily is on the shorter end, so they are about the same height!

Crazy Fun 4th of July!

2011-07-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

We knew our fourth of July weekend was going to be crazy and fun. Jason's parents hosted a Harrington Family Reunion at their house. At one point there were 22 adults and 13 kids all sleeping at Jason's parents house. I also knew that our fun pack weekend would be exhausting. It would have been exhausting pre-kids let alone with two little ones out of their element. Lily also decided throw us an extra curve ball by running high fever and sending us to urgent care (don't worry she was fine...just really grumpy all weekend).

So here is the run down of events:

Thursday:

Tour of a Sawmill in Wilmington (We are so dorky!)

Brinley's 5th Birthday Party at Miamisburg Pool

Friday:

Spent all Day at the Creation Museum in Kentucky

Arrived Home to Discover Lily at a Fever of 102.9...yikes

Saturday:

Headed off to Canoeing

(after canoeing Jason and I took Lily to urgent care)

Sunday:

Lily's Baby Dedication at Church

(You know she is not our first baby because she was still not feeling great, but I thought "hey we can stand up there for a few minutes, so we are proceeding as planned")

Monday:

4th of July Picnic at Cruz's with awesome slip and slide

(Jason left Xander in the dust!)

Headed straight to the Comers to finish off the weekend with fireworks from their front yard.

Whew! I am tired just writing the summary. It was a lot of driving, dragging kids around, wrangling kid stuff to and from places, and work in general. Why is even fun work with kids? It was all worth it though in the end. Oh and if are concerned about Lily she is fine. After the nice urgent care dr. looked her over, she concluded that it was either a virus or her teeth and they really couldn't do anything differently than we were already doing. Wouldn't you know it but her two bottom teeth are pushing their way up. I think Lily owes us 50 bucks...we will just put it on her tab.

Xander Meets the Dentist

2011-07-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

Xander went to the dentist for the first time shortly after his 3rd birthday. I prepared him as much as I could. I had a teeth cleaning the week before his appointment and I took him with so he could watch. Dee, my hygienist, was so good and showed him the tools and talked him while she worked on my teeth. He even got to meet Miss Leah, his hygienist, for next week too. I still wasn't sure if he was going to want them to use any noise making tools in his mouth. I love everyone at our dentist office and they told me that unless I had concerns they never pushed kids to do anything at their first visit. He was a champ though. It was one of those moments where he was so mature about everything and I was just so proud. (I am going to let all the nice people at the dentist think he is that way all the time.)

Listening to Miss Leah explain what is going to happen,

Miss Leah counting his teeth. He even let her clean and polish them with the electric brush.

Look at those sparkling teeth!

Dr. Holzinger coming in for the final check.

All done and looking great!

Thank you Dr. Holzinger's and Dr. Seller's office for a wonderful first trip to the dentist. A big thank you to the wonderful hygienist, Miss Leah. If you decide to quit this job you would make a great preschool teacher!

Happy Birthday Henry!

2011-07-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

There are not many people who can say they have been friends since they day they were born, but Xander and Henry can. Henry I have enjoyed watching you grow these past three years along with Xander. Even though you boys have your own personalities they seem to complement each other nicely. I love watching you guys play together with your crazy banter that I assume is normal for three year olds. I have also enjoyed (kinda) your weird boy humor that is seemingly emerging. I can't say that I really understand it, but your dads don't seem too worried about it. My prayer for both of you is that you grow up to men of integrity who love the Lord (and selfishly your wonderful moms too). I hope that each of you will be a positive influence in each other's lives.

Happy 3rd Birthday Henry!

Xander and I visiting Henry on the day he was born!

One of the few pictures where Xander is noticeable larger than Henry.

Their first easter egg hunt.

Xander's 1st birthday party.

Just last week

Xander and the Potty

2010-09-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

I can't honestly say I had officially begun to potty train Xander. We knew we were going to be traveling over Labor Day weekend, so I knew I didn't really want to start until we were going to be home. Xander seems to have the type of personality were he at least has to think the idea to under take a larger project is partially his idea and lets face it I really needed him to be on board with this one. A few months ago I decided to begin what I lovingly call the "brainwashing" portion of his potty training. I headed to the library to collect any and all books and DVDs they had on making using the potty seem like the best idea ever (which by the way are painful for any adult to watch). We read the books and tried to watch one of the DVDs everyday (brainwashing). We bought a little potty that he liked to sit on, but not use. Than on Monday night while Jason was watching football and I was in the other room on the computer Xander emerged from the bathroom, diaper-less and pant-less, proclaiming he "put his pee pee in the potty". Jason, who was kind of suppose to be the one watching him, says he became increasingly nervous as to what he would find in the bathroom (because if there was pee all over my walls I probably won't have been happy). Nevertheless Xander had apparently made it to the potty, taken off his clothes, and peed all in the potty all by himself!

It's A Girl!!!!

2010-08-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

I was in complete shock when the ultra sound lady told us. Jason says I asked her recheck 4x (I didn't realize it was so many at the time.) We are very excited though. Xander is looking forward to "giving the baby rides in my dump truck". I am sure she will love it. :)

The Building of the Edem Sandbox

2010-07-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

Jason decided to build Xander a sandbox. He followed the directions off another dad's blog that he found. He decided to make the sandbox a little bigger (8x8 sand area 10x10 including bench around the edge).

Picking out materials at Lowes.

We had to bring in some dirt for around the porch. The box sits off the porch to the right.

Building the Frame

You can see the fame with top behind Xander. I painted it with a tinted deck stain.

Ready for the top to be painted.

Filled with sand and being enjoyed.

**These are older pictures. We built the sandbox in the early spring. Xander had been enjoying it all summer. **

Baby Edem #2

2010-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

We are very excited about welcoming a new addition to our family on (or before) January 14, 2011!

Gram and Gramp's New Pool

2010-07-08T18:00:00.001-07:00

So the new pool is a big hit. Here is Xander having fun with Dadoo and Uncle Eric.

Fun at the Park

2010-07-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

Headed to the park with friends for some summer time fun!

It is always funny what ideas kids come up with that they think are funny. I have entitled this video, "Put Your Bum On It" because that is what Brin and Xander kept saying.

Happy 2nd Birthday Xander!!!

2010-05-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

Xander had a great construction themed birthday this year. He really liked helping me get ready for his party. Even though I stuffed the bottom of the truck with towels it still took me two boxes of brownie mixes to achieve my desired look.
Left to Right & Bottom to Top: Claire, Layna, Cooper/ Jack, Xander, Henry/ Brinley

I can't believe my kiddo is 2 already. I know ever parent thinks their kids are the best, but Jason and I often say that we really couldn't ask for a better boy. He defiantly has a personality all his own, but some of the traits we admire the most about him are the ones that drives us the craziest at times. I can't wait to see what the next year brings.

Xander's Birthday Morning Interview

2010-04-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

There is no greater thing a parent can do than video your child first thing in the morning on their birthday.

Roller Skating Baby

2010-04-26T13:22:00.001-07:00

We were invited to Ashton's 8th birthday party at Skate World. I had Ashton's older brother, Zach, in my class when he was in first grade and became friends with the family. I never had the opportunity to be Ashton's teacher because Xander was born the spring before she entered first grade, but Ashton still loves Xander.

I wasn't really planning on letting Xander skate, but as it turns out he loved it. It took him about a minute to realize he could do it on his own and then he refused to hold my hand anymore. He really loved being out on the real skate floor.

Check out Xander skating:

The Zoo

2010-04-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

We headed to the Cincinnati Zoo today with Emily, Mary, Christina, and Courtney (and all subsequent children) for a really fun spring day at the zoo. The weather was perfect and the kids had a great time.

Xander and Henry getting their diapers change (defiantly going in at least one of their high school graduation slide shows).

This is a Penetrometer (it measures the toughness of a leaf). Xander loves anything that looks like a tool.

How many bugs does it take to weigh as much as Brinley, Caden, and Xander?

Watching the Polar Bears Swim

Brinley, Jack, Caden, Henry, Xander (yes he is eating), Layna, and Claire

Fun at the Edem's

2010-03-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Jason and Xander had already been doing this awhile before I took the video. I would also like it noted that Xander is not crying because he got hurt, he is crying because Jason stopped. :)

COSI Video

2010-03-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

This was Xander's favorite thing in the kid area. He would run to get the balls and put them on top of the blowers.

Xander and Caden ran in and out of this tent a ton of times. Xander would look at Caden and say, "hey" (translation, "This is fun lets do it again.").

COSI

2010-03-29T16:28:00.001-07:00

Some friends and I recently headed to COSI, the children's museum in Columbus, for the day.

Xander playing at the water table.

He really like the wheelbarrows and was finding lots of things to put in it.

This one you could have two balls race each other down, but Xander really just like watching them role down.

Classic Sliding

The small child's area was set up like a little town. He liked flying the helicopter.

Xander, Caden , Jack, & Claire

Xander performing an operation.

Xander playing in a submarine. (I think he liked the buttons.)

In the gadgets area he would fill each hole with a screw. Then after he did that he started moving them over one by one to another rod. He was really interested in what that dad and son behind him were building.

I had to at least get one picture of the two of us.

Because That's A Good Idea...

2010-03-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

I find myself thinking and saying it often (and then Jason reminds me that Xander doesn't really grasp sarcasm yet). Xander went to go get his water cup out of his diaper bag in the mudroom. When he didn't return I went looking for him and found this. He had poured some of the water out onto the bench and was lapping it up like a cat (no idea..we don't even have a cat).

Newport Aquarium

2010-03-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

Emily & I took the kids to the Newport Aquarium on Friday. We took them in July when our friend Tracy was visiting and decided to buy passes since you could more than make up the cost in 2 visits. The kids loved it, probably Jack the most since he wants to know everything about every type of fish. The tunnel tanks were Xander's favorites. When we went in July Xander really liked the floor tanks, not this time. Check the video out at the end. He would stand at the edge and say, "no no fall down".

The kids also really liked the penguins. The aquarium was not very crowed and all the kids would run along the tank and "chase" the penguins.

Why Did I Buy Him Toys For Christmas???

2010-02-27T17:50:00.000-08:00

We moved into our house the day after Christmas. These pictures are how Xander occopied himself while we were unpacking. (He did actually get that hammer or "my boom boom", as he calls it, for Christmas.)

Sometimes Friends.....

2010-02-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

wear matching headbands....

and sometimes they wear matching hats...

and sometimes you are just trying to help entertain each others kids at mall so you can take turns shopping. :)

Operation Christmas Child

2010-02-23T18:26:00.000-08:00

* I am attempting to go back and blog about some past events for my own personal records. Things got a little crazy with the house building project towards the end and I didn't get a chance to add things to our blog, plus Jason's parents had slow Internet so updating took forever. *

I want to start making Operation Christmas Child a holiday tradition in our house and with our kids. It is a wonderful program run by Samaritans Purse to provide toys for needy children around the world at Christmas time ( http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC).So, we filled our shoebox for a little boy Xander's age. I want Xander to understand the true meaning and spirit of giving of Christmas. Anyways, here is how it went explaining it to a then 17 month old.

The day I set aside to shop for our shoe box was a rainy November day, but I had already decided that this was the morning were going out. We went to Target, Wal-mart, and the Dollar Tree as I keep saying, "We are buying toys for a little boy who needs some" (I am sure he understood). Anyways, as a I walking out of one of the stores Xander was holding my hand saying, "Oh no, Oh no, Oh no" when we got back to the car and I noticed he was missing a shoe and his sock was completely soaked from walking in the parking lot.

Then came wrapping our shoe box and packing it. I really wanted Xander to help, but he really just wanted to sit in the shoebox. So, he ended up crying and Jason and I finished packing the box after we put him to bed.

Chick-Fil-A in Beavercreek had a day where you could drop of boxes (you got a free chicken sandwich). When we got there I was still attempting to include Xander in this process. I asked him if he wanted to help me carry the box over to the people. Well, Mr. I Want To Do Everything Myself did not want me to help him carry over the box. However, the box was way to large and heavy for him to carry...so once again this ended in crying.

I am excited to this again next. We tracked our shoebox and it went to Togo.

Xander's 1st Haircut (By Someone Other Than Me)

2010-02-11T11:21:00.001-08:00

I wasn't really sure if Xander was going to be game for sitting in chair and letting someone cut his hair, so I took along Jason and a bag of Hersery kisses. He actually did pretty well. He made the funniest faces watching the girl cut his hair.

A Toddler In the Kitchen

2009-11-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

Xander helped me make some chocolate chip cookies the other day. Xander is very good at stirring and adding ingredients. I have to say, I think more dough ended up on it by the time we were done.

Trying to scoop out the chips

Forget the scoop, I'll just use my hands

The chips never made it to the dough.

Getting Closer...

2009-11-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

Here is the kitchen (minus appliances and countertops and a pantry door). The downstairs 1/2 bath
The hallway bathroom upstairs (I call it the kid's bathroom). That is why the mirrors hang lower.

Xander watching the driveway being poured.

The House

2009-10-19T00:08:00.000-07:00

These photos are already out dated. We have been working on the house so much I haven't had time/energy to update the blog.

The hardwood floor is officially done. It covers all of downstairs THANK YOU to everyone that helped!

The house currently stands with upstairs trim/painting done. Really the upstairs just needs some carpet. The downstairs floor, trim (almost) is done. Now we just have to get stuff in: cabinets, toliets, sinks, ect...

The House Continues

2009-09-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

Over Labor Day weekend we graded, tilled, and planted grass seed in the backyard. Last night Jason's parents, Xander, and I prepared the front and side yards for seeding and this evening will plant the backyard. Jason should be home from D.C. late late tonight.

The dry wallers are still dry walling. They are now saying it should be done by this coming Thursday. We are having some trouble with it drying since we have had cool nights and we have quite a bit of shade at our house. So, hopefully we can begin painting soon!

2 Boys + Finger Paints = FUN!

2009-09-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

Xander headed over to Caden's house to give finger painting a try. It was a first for both boys.

They had a great time shoving each other's tag boards into each others and screaming/laughing...who even needs paint? The "slapping" painting technique.
Can you say "artistically gifted", just look at them. :)
Time to get serious
A big stretch and done!

Xander and Caden had a great time and they were ready to get down and play again after maybe 10 mintues.

Holy Drywall Batman!

2009-09-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

Drywall was delivered on Wednesday and they have it 95% hung by end of day on Thursday. It is so awesome to walk through a house with walls. I am super proud of all of Jason's hard work so far. We are hoping they will be done by early next week so we can begin painting. This weekend Jason is going to work on planting grass and moving some dirt in the yard.

Family Room (the door goes into the playroom)

Looking back towards the kitchen
Looking into the master closet
From the family room looking towards entry way.

Formal Dining Room

Lots and Lots of Insulation

2009-09-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

The insulation is done and passed inspection! The drywall was delivered today to the house (and we are not putting that up)!

Everyone putting up insulation & Xander mowing the garage floor.

Xander "helping" out.
The outside of the front of the house (mostly done).
The ceiling of the back porch (mostly done too).

Playing With Chewie (the cat..not the blanket)

2009-08-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

This cat loves Xander (and people). He is still a barn cat, but he will sneak in the house when you open the door. He follows Xander around like a puppy when we are outside.

Picking Corn with Grandpa

2009-08-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

Xander helped his grandpa pick some corn from the garden last week. Grandpa would hand it to Xander and he would put it in the wheelbarrow.

"Is this thing full yet?"

Disney World-Thursday

2009-08-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Looking for Lizards

Our last morning at the pool and Xander spent his time looking for the little lizards that liked to sun themselves on the lounge chairs.

Disney World: Wednesday (Evening)

2009-08-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

When Jason returned in the evening we thought we would take a walk around. We only made it
right outside the door to our room. Who needs Disney when there are perfectly good rocks and dirt outside? There are also these little lizards everywhere. Xander laughs when the run away.

We decided the walk must continue. We were mainly bored of just standing there. As we passed the path Xander and I turn on to get the pool in the morning he stopped walking, pointed to the path, and did his little sign language please. We said to follow us and he just stood there doing it. So he had a little meltdown and the walked continued.

Unfortunately huge thunderstorms rolled in. Jason said he was sick of paying the touristy prices, so we headed out of Disney for some Cracker Barrel (Eggs in a Basket). Anyways, this was the sign on their door. I think it is good to let thieves know this, so they can weigh their odds on getting caught and decide if it is worth it.

Disney World: Wednesday (Morning/Afternoon)

2009-08-13T11:01:00.001-07:00

It was back to the pool in morning for Xander and I. We got there around 9:30, but around 10:00 two other little kids his age showed up. It was nice because then he had other kids to play with. He would throw his little plastic frog and then crawl after it.

We headed to lunch with Jason at noon.
After lunch we went back the room for Xander's nap. When he woke up he walked to the door and said bye-bye. I wasn't really up for heading back to the pool, so I drove back to Downtown Disney. It is not very far from the resort. So we basically walked around, played with the stuff in the stores, and I took random pictures. It was nice because it wasn't very crowed at all.

We headed back into the toy store.He saw the container of ball again and got so excited. I am a total sucker because I bought him one. I know...but it is his only souvenir so far (that is how I am rationalizing it).

Disney World: Tuesday (Evening)

2009-08-12T18:30:00.001-07:00

After Jason got out of his conference we headed over to Downtown Disney for dinner. I thought Xander would enjoy eating at theRainforest Cafe. If you have never been to one it is like you are eating under the rainforest canopy and they have huge fish tanks and large fake animals that move. Every 30 minutes the lights go down, the animals come to life, and there is a fake thunderstorm. He did not enjoy that part too much. He would whine and want us to hold him. Jason said we were paying to traumatize him. He did like the fish and animals though.

We spent the rest of the evening just walking around Downtown Disney.

He did a dive for the container of balls. I am glad Jason had his legs.

Disney World: Tuesday (Morning/Afternoon)

2009-08-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

We went to the Magic Kingdom on Monday and I took way too many pictures. I am planning on posting about Monday later once I go through the pictures. (It bothers me too that the days will be out of order, but oh well.)

Xander and I went to the pool area in the morning. He played mostly in the kiddie pool, but he kept pointing to large pool and doing "please", so I took him in. When we got in to the 4 foot water he started saying, "down down down". Seriously kid you can't swim!

We met Jason for lunch at Pepper Market in the resort's main building. The convention center were the conference is at is also in this building. Xander likes all the fountains.

The resort is centered around a large lake. It has lots of pretty paths and bridges to walk around. After lunch Xander and I stopped to to take some pictures with the resort in the background on the way to find the playground.

Playing in the sandbox at the playground

That brings us to now...nap time for Xander!

Disney World:Sunday

2009-08-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

If Xander takes a long enough nap everyday I will try to update the blog daily. We are in Florida for a "semi-vacation". Jason has an engineering conference at Disney's World's Coronado Springs Resort from Tuesday-Friday, so he will be working during the day and let's face it moms never get a real vacation unless you leave the kids at home. However we are really excited to be here.

We arrived at the resort Sunday late evening. We pretty much got checked in, went to the store to get some milk and other refrigerated items for Xander, and ate at Wendys. Ok, nothing too exciting.

Xander looking at books in the car.

Xander in his first car wash...loving it (My old car has not been taken to car wash years.)

Us outside the hotel

Xander more excited about the rocks outside the hotel entrance.

Things I Question

2009-08-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

So we are heading to Florida from Atlanta today. We needed to stop for lunch because Xander was having enough of sitting in his car seat. The sign on the highway advertised an Arby's so we decided on that. When we get off the exit it turned out the Arbys was attached to a Pilot travel station (which I feel should be indicated on the sign:)). I don't know what it is, but to me it is like eating at a restaurant attached to a giant restroom. I don't care how nice the travel station is I just don't like eating at restaurants attached to them. I mentioned this to Jason as we were pulling in. He thinks I am little nutty about this type of thing because I also do not like eating at "combination" restaurants either. You know the ones: A & W Rootbeer/Lee's Chicken, Wendys/Tim Hortons, and the one that bothers me the most Taco Bell/Long John Silvers. A few years ago these restruants started popping up everywhere with no rhyme or reason to the combinations. Let's take a closer examination about the oddities of these establishments (after all I am in the car and Xander is sleeping and I have nothing better to do). First of all one could argue the virtue of these type of restaurant's which I suppose would mainly be variety. I would gladly give up variety over leaving a restaurant smelling of both taco bell and Long John Silvers. What would that smell even be? First of all upon entering the restaurant you are still plagued with question of which restaurant you will eat from. So the whole time you are in line you are riddled in your head with, "Do I feel more like tacos or fish?" Once you decide which restaurant you will order from you are overwhelmed by the menu. There is way to much going on and you have to order combo meals with a letter and number code. For instant if it is from the Taco Bell menu then you would order a T3, but if it was from the LJS menu you would order a LS5. I hate to even mention those individuals who think it is cool to order off both menus. I am sorry but a nacho grande should not be eaten with fried fish and hush puppies (People who choose to do this remind me of a third grade boy who thinks it is cool to mix every flavor pop from the fountain together.) If you can make it through to this next step then with your tray in hand you wander out to find a table to eat at. So one side looks like a Taco Bell with cushy vinyl green seats and the other half has wooden booths with a nautical theme. So if you order Taco Bell do you go sit in the Long John Silver "side" of restaurant? It seems slightly unnatural to me. So, am I saying I will never ever eat at one of these restaurants..no. I have before and I will probably again. Will I let Xander order off both menus when he gets older...I guess. I will probably have to at least give him a "come on really" look though.

House Update

2009-08-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

So, these photos are already outdated because the stone on the front is already done and the siding on the front is maybe half done. So...more pictures to come in a week or so when we get back.

The inside is coming along too. Jason has most of the insulation up, just the garage needs to get done. We are out of town this week (We are all going on Jason's business trip at a Disney World resort:).) Then we get home Sat. and Jason flies out Sun. night for a week in Washington D.C. (Xander I are not going with.) Anyways, he hopes to finish insulation in the 24ish hours he is back in town inbetween trips...crazy!

A New Car For Me....Yipee!!!

2009-07-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

That's right friends the Plymouth Breeze has died! You can mourn its loss if you want too, but after dying at the beginning of July and driving Jason's truck when I could, I was more than happy when we finally made a decision on a new car for me. If I drive this car as long as I drove the Breeze I can get a new car when Xander is 10 and 1/2 .Anyways, after test driving different cars, MANY dealerships later, and me not really wanting a mini-van we finally decided on a 2009 Chevy Traverse. Then Jason went on a hunt for the best deal. He is crazy when it comes to searching for the best deal, he takes it as personal challenge. So here is my new car....

It has dark gray leather interior and it has a ton of great features (Which makes me laugh because my old car had just a tape deck...anyone have any good tapes?). I am still so nervous driving the car though I am afraid to change the radio station while moving, so who knows when I will figure out what all the other buttons do. We also got the bucket seats in the second row, which I really like because it allows easy access to the third row. Oh and my most favorite feature so far is the power lift gate. I can open and close the back with a push of a button (a very nice feature for the vertically challenged). Here are some pictures of Xander and I trying to keep busy while the last of the paperwork was finished up.

Hay Baling

2009-07-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

Jason's parents planted 6 acres of orchard grass to feed their alpacas. Jason took a night off from working on the house to help with the baling. Xander and I decided to help too. (I am so farmy :)) We drove the truck behind the baler while the others picked up the bales.

Dayton Dragons Family Day

2009-07-19T14:18:00.002-07:00

On Saturday Xander and I, along with Mary and Brinley and Emily and Jack, headed down to the Dayton Dragon's Fifth Third Field for family day. There were all sorts of games and inflatables set up around the field. The kids could also meet the players and run the bases.

Free Dragon's Hat

Going Through the Obstacle Course
Using the Corn Hole as a Slide Playing Games
Bouncing in the Little Bounce House

Is that a Dayton Dragon's Player?

Waiting for the Large Slide

I climbed up the large slide with one kid and came down with two. When I got up there she was just sitting there and I asked her if she needed some help. She said in the cutest little voice, "The slide is awfully big." Then I realized her mom and dad were calling her name from down below. Anyways, she end up coming down with Xander and I and from the look on her face she ended up loving it. Xander liked it too. We went twice. He kept pointing to it saying, "down, down".
A Great Morning

The House

2009-07-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

The question we get asked the most is, "How is the house coming?" My standard response is, "It's coming." It is still a work in progress. Right now we are in the midst of inspections before dry wall: electric, HVAC, framing.... We are doing pretty well. This is a big relief to Jason since these are all things that he has done (not the framing though). While Jason is working inside, we hired someone to do the siding outside. Here are a few pictures of the siding and window trim.
We are putting stone on the garage and under the front porch and shake shingles on the peak with the window over the garage and the second peak on the second story. The shingles will be the same color as the siding. The house and windows will be trimmed in white.

Cincinnati Zoo

2009-06-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

Xander and I recently headed down to the Cincinnati zoo with a group of moms and kids from our Sunday school class at church. Xander enjoyed the zoo animals as much as a 1 year old can. He liked the manatee tank and growling at the bears. However, the highlights of zoo for Xander were pointing out every golf cart that we saw (these are the ones the workers drive around) and the motorized wheel chairs. The kid likes anything with wheels. "Vroom Vroom" as Xander calls them.

All the kids (notice everyone has something in their mouth) in Emily's mini-van on the way down. (I can't believe I am writing about kids and mini-vans...when did I get old?).

Walking Around the Zoo (very independent :))
Attempting to get a picture of all the kids...this is not even all of them. Xander was playing in the mulch.

*Thanks Mary for the pictures...I left my camera in Emily's car.

Memorial Day

2009-06-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have to back track to Memorial Day weekend. Erin's big sister surprised her with a plane ticket to Ohio for the weekend! Yeah, I had not seen her since October and even though we talk several times a week on the phone it was nice to spend time with her in person for a couple days. Erin and I meet during Getting Started (freshman orientation) at Cedarville. She was a kindred spirit from the beginning.

I picked her up from the airport Friday and we headed straight to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Since there are no Chick-Fil-As in New Hampshire we had to squeeze in eating there Friday and Saturday. We went to the mall and shopped. Then on Friday night we went to Longhorn with most of the Edem bunch. Saturday Erin helped me pack...I know she a great friend! We also made several trips to Lowes with Jason and I ran some ideas for stuff for the new house by her. Then we headed to the Greene for pedicures and dinner at Panera with Andrea and Cathy some great friends from work. (After Cedarville Erin and I both taught at Pathway together until she moved back home last August.)
Sunday we hung out watching T.V., talking, and reading magazines. Then we walked around Target just for fun. Then Monday morning Xander and I drove her to Columbus so she could spend Monday and part of Tuesday with her cousin Kim and her girls before flying back to New Hampshire.

Xander's New Friend & Car Troubles

2009-06-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

Living out at Jason's parent's farm seems to agree with our little boy (He is his father's son!). There are alpacas, dogs, cats, lawn mowers, tractors (vroom vroom as Xander says), and a large driveway covered in rocks! They had two baby alpacas born last week (I'll post some pictures soon.) Someone is Jason's brother's house church needed to get rid of the last kitten from a litter. Jason's parents will sometimes take in new barn cats. This one is really cute and LOVES Xander. We go out and play with him everyday. Now when we go outside he will follow Xander around. He didn't have a name, so Jason and I decided to name him Chewie after Xander's burp cloth he chews on (and the kitten chews, so it works on some level....right?) It is a barn cat...I am just hoping it stays away from the road!

On a separate note Jason's truck and my car both broke last Thursday. Isn't that weird? Jason pulled into the base and went to pull away from the gate and it just stopped. It turns out my car was leaking break fluid from the back right drum break. Jason usually does all our car repairs himself, but with two not working he decided to have his towed to a shop and fix mine himself. He ended up replacing the drum break and break line in the rear tire. It took him the better part of Sunday afternoon and evening, but Xander, Chewie, and I kept him company for part of the time.

Crazy Times

2009-06-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

Hum...where to begin. Around the beginning of May I posted our condo for sale or rent on Craigslist. Within 2 weeks I had shown the condo to 7 people and on Mother's Day we finalized with our renters. They are a couple in their late twenties. He is in the Air Force and starting his medical resisdency at Children's and the base hospital. The only catch....they had to move in June 5th! So, I looked at the calender I formulated a plan for packing around me working 2 days a week and Jason still working on the new house. A family friend owns a storage unit place and is letting us rent a large unit at a great rate. We will be living with Jason's parents until our house is done. Not only did we have to move out, but had to so some minor home repairs, patch holes, tough up paint, clean carpets, ect.. So we moved out a little over a week ago and Chuck and Lauren moved in this past Friday. It has seemed like an organized whirlwind of a few weeks.

Xander enjoyed playing in the cleaned out kitchen cabinets. Xander was a very helpful packer (and unpacker... he must have been practicing for later.)

Xander helping out putting the last few things into our storage unit.

I have to say too that I am going to miss our 1355 square ft condo! We lived there almost 7 years and it was home. It is the home we brought Xander home too. After I cleaned the condo to get it ready for showing it I took our video camera around to each room and I am glad I did.

Swimming Class

2009-05-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Xander and I recently completed a 4week 8 session mommy and me swimming class at the Kettering Rec. We both had a great time and I'm a little sad it is over. We took the class with my cousin, Heather, and her son, Cooper. Basically the babies practiced "jumping" in the water, laying on their backs, swimming towards an object, kicking, going to another person in the water, and going under water. Xander liked the tiny slide the best.

You had to toss the plastic egg and have them "swim" to it.

practicing kicking

Xander and Cooper at their last swim class.

They passed!

Party On Xander

2009-05-05T16:23:00.001-07:00

Xander's 1st Birthday Party

@Grandpa and Grandma's Edem's

Using the sucker antenna to dip into the frosting

"Nana look at me!"

Xander loved all his birthday "baboons" (as he calls them). He liked carrying them around. Opening gifts (Jack is checking it out). I forgot what gift it was, but Jack said, "Ohh that is nice."

When you push its hand it says, "Hi I'm Xander Xylophone."

Jason found this blow up ball pit/soccer field in the clearance section of Target probably 4-5 months ago ($11.48!). We finally blew it up and gave it to Xander for his B-day. The kids liked it.

Xander and Henry

Getting out myself...no problem (getting in looked the same)Emily & Claire Me & Xander
Xander, Brinley, Henry, and Layna
"Auntie" Andrea and Xander (They have the same B-day!)

Happy Birthday Xander!

2009-04-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

If you had told me a year ago that I would feel a tinge of sadness on Xander's 1st birthday I would have told you, "No way!" Delivering a baby, no sleep, and a drastic change to my daily life seemed endless a year ago. However, he sleeps through the night now and my day-to-day life as a semi-stay at home mom seem to fit more comfortably. What can I say, my baby is growing up and it is going by too fast.

Xander 1st bithday was an interesting one. His birthday fell on Tuesday, which is my day to work, so that made me a little sad and then we found out a little while ago that Jason would be out of town (leaving Xander's birthday morning). So, Xander's birthday party with cake and such is on Friday. But this is how his actual birthday went...

1. Mom takes picture of Xander first thing in the morning! Happy Birthday!

2. We snapped a quick family picture before Jason left for Cleveland and I left for work.

3. Jason's mom (who watches him Tues.) brought him to my class for lunch/recess. I brought in Popsicles for my big kids (kindergartens). The kids were so good with him and he loved walking around the room. We took a serious picture before this one, but this one fits them better.

4. I came home from work and Xander and I went to swim class at the Kettering Rec. He loves it by the way!

5. Grandpa and Grandma Edem took Xander and I out to dinner. They brought him a bowl with a lot of whip cream!

What happens when you take it away!

It was a great day!

Tip-Toe Through the Tulips

2009-04-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

This past Friday we headed to Cox Arboretum to take some pictures of the kids in their huge tulip patch.

Xander liked picking up the mulch pieces and putting them inside the tulip.

He also enjoyed playing with the rocks, dandelions, and straw pieces he found on the ground.

Here is Xander with his Friends (Brinley, Claire, and Jack) (Layna was their too)

Easter

2009-04-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter weekend!

On Saturday we headed to a local church with some friends and kids for an Easter egg hunt and other activities. Xander really enjoyed just hitting the eggs together.

Xander had even more fun with the eggs at home. He would shake them and then he got one open. He was so excited and I think surprised to find something inside. Then he wanted to take them all apart. Luckily he has no concept of candy yet, so he just played with candy inside.
On Sunday morning we attended the first service of our church's Easter program. Then headed to Jason's parents church for their Easter program. Jason's dad was the narrator. When Xander noticed his grandpa he pointed at him with both hands, stood up, and started "talking".
Then we went out to lunch at Outback (very Eastery I know) with Jason's mom, dad, and brother Eric. Xander got a very large stuffed dog and a "secular" (as Jason's dad says) board book that plays "Here Comes Peter Cottontail. So, if Xander doesn't turn out in the end we can all blame his "secular" Easter book. :)
That evening we headed to my Aunt Barbie's house for the Hunter side of family Easter dinner. We had an Easter hunt with all the great-grand children (9 kids total). Xander's eggs were all orange. My parents got him an Easter basket with play doh (I know :)) and a board book. He loved them both. He also liked hitting the table with spoon with my Nana (a favorite activity) and now semi-traditional holiday picture with his (2nd) cousin Cooper.

House

2009-04-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Updates on the house:

1. The front porch poured.

Xander and Grandpa (Xander approved the front porch.)

Xander helping dad put in the front porch posts.

All done

2. The garage floor poured.

3. Plumbing almost done.
4. All outlet boxes in and up stair outlet boxes mostly wired.

5. Canned lighting/overhead lights being put in.

Kids Really Do Change Everything...

2009-03-12T16:48:00.000-07:00

Here was our fun filled family Friday night last week.

Made a trip to Lowe's to buy more PEX tubing. When we go to Lowe's it is usually for a while. (Although not as long as when we go to Menards.) Jason has a list and check's things out (prices, etc.) on whatever he needs or thinks he will need for the house. I keep Xander occupied by making laps around the lighting department. I took a video. He wasn't quite as excited as he usually gets, but you will get the idea.

After we got home Jason and Xander did this. They play this "game" every night.

The House

2009-03-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't updated the house status recently, but that doesn't mean stuff isn't being done. Jason and his dad go out every night after work and the weekends. It is more like stuff is being done that is not that exciting to take pictures of (at least in my opinion). It is nice that the weather is getting nicer and the days longer.

1. Jason and his dad finished all the duct work for heating and air. (Not bad for two guys who watched an instructional video Jason bought on the Internet.)

2. The PEX plumbing has all been run and Jason mounted the water heater tonight. There is still some crimping to do on the plumbing, but the runs are in the wall and to the right places.

3. The yard has been graded and is ready to be tilled and seeded sometime.

Here are some pictures of the duct work(not quite done in the pictures):

We also bought some real hardwood flooring at an online auction. Jason and his brother, Josh, drove up to Youngstown in my dad's van to pick it up. We got enough to do all of downstairs (70 boxes) and we got an excellent deal.

Xander checking out a piece of the floor.

Oh to be so loved...

2009-02-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

that people will act foolish for you. We went out to dinner last night for my brother Tim's 16th birthday. Here is how my family acts with Xander and remember we were in public and this continued for awhile.

Cruisin with the Edem's

2009-02-13T13:28:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a wonderful 7 day cruise on the Carnival Splendor (their newest ship) in mid-January with the Edem Clan for Jason's Grandma's 80th Birthday. There were 13 in our group altogether. It was nice to get away from the cold and the house project for awhile. We left out of Ft. Lauderdale and made stops in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas. The weather was in the 70's for most of the trip, which was fine with me but others thought it was too cold.

Xander enjoyed the cruise. He was able to meet his great-uncles and aunt and his great grandma Edem. He discovered a passion for cheerios. He enjoyed taking apart the towel animals that were left on our bed each night. He liked the splash park and pool on the boat. However, I think he mostly enjoyed all the attention he got from fellow passengers and the staff.

Windy Day in Ft. Lauderdale

The Muster Drill (Xander hated the life vest, so they let him take it off.)

This is in the ship's theater for an after dinner show. We thought it was funny.

The first of many towel animals that he took apart. The crowded streets of Puerto Rico. We could barely get the stroller on the sidewalk. Our room on the boat (St. Thomas Day) An iguana in the wild in St. Thomas. It was pretty big. The splash park on the boat. Xander loved it! About ready to take apart the towel turtle.

Horseback Riding in the Dominican Republic

That was a towel monkey.

Most of the group (minus Gary and Terri)

Bahamas

Jason burying Xander's feet in sand.

On the way and back from Ft. Lauerdale we stayed the night at Brian (Jason's college roommate from Cedarville) and Bethany's house in Atlanta. This is Xander with Christine (their little girl).

Garage Doors

2009-01-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

Before we left on vacation (Jan. 14th) Jason, his dad, and my brother Will worked quickly to get the garage doors installed so the house could be completely lock up. If you have never installed garage doors before Jason described it as, "not hard, but very time consuming". It took them a couple 8 hour work sessions to get them done. They still need to put on the carriage style handles and decorations.

House Update

2009-01-04T15:18:00.001-08:00

I haven't update the house status recently because I haven't had any really interesting pictures. Here is what is going on now:
*DP&L finally came and hooked up the temporary electric....yeah!
*Jason and dad (mom too) have been working on the HVAC system. This is still a work in progress though, but is coming along nicely.
* Jason and his dad moved a doorway in order to make a space large enough to put some cabinets. The also made the pantry slightly larger, so we could put the frig. next to that wall.
*We pick up the garage doors later this week, which once we have those up we will be all enclosed!

A Holly Jolly Christmas

2009-01-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas Eve we headed to the candlelight service at church. Xander did great during the service and we even let him hold a candle (unlit of course). When we went to drop the candle in the box on the way out the door. There was a sizable wet chunk missing from the paper wax catcher. A little fiber in Xander's holiday diet.
After the service we headed to my mom's side of the family in Germantown. It was a little sad since this was the first Christmas without my Grandma, but my Aunt Judy bought my grandparents house. It was nice to be able to go there and keep with Christmas tradition.

We decided to spend the night at Jason's parents house this year, so we wouldn't have to drag Xander out in the morning. It was great. We spent the night there, ate breakfast, opened gifts, Xander took a nap while Jason and I got ready for the rest of day. Jason's mom filled Xander's stocking with left over wrapping paper...huge hit. I was actually really excited to see how much interest Xander had in opening his gifts.

Xander first thing Christmas morning! Xander got a train, activity table, lots of little things, and several books from the Creation Museum.(Jason's dad really likes the Creation Museum.)
Jason got a shop vac and remote control helicopter, which he loves.

At lunch time we headed over to my parent's house. Mom decided that it might be fun to cook a Christmas goose. (My mom is a super great cook, no idea what happened to me.). Anyways, goose tastes a little like roast beef. At my parents house Xander got a collection of Little People things.

This is probably one of my favorite pictures. My mom wanted to get a picture of all of us and the goose. Right when she said smile Will decided to try to get off the other drumstick. The little picture makes it hard to see the large knife in his hand and my sister's face is priceless.

Our little family(In case you were looking closely enough to notice: Xander Christmas PJ's came in a 2 pack, so I did a quick change between granparents' houses.)

In the afternoon we headed to my dad's side of family. Always a good time with lots of people and kids. The last few years the aunts have been tired of a "traditional" Christmas meal. Last year was soup and salads. This year was ribs and chicken...they called it 4th of July. (I am just glad they didn't go with hotdogs.)

The Xan-Man and Coop

And finally in the evening to Roger and Linda Overturf's house where we met up with all the Overturf's and Edem's again. (Side note: We played Settlers of Catan and I won!)

This was not the easiest picture to get. (Jack, Addison, Claire, and Xander)

We had a great Christmas!

Where did Xander go?

2008-12-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

Xander is still trying to master the art of crawling. He will get up on his hands and knees and rock back and forth, but has yet to really go anywhere. However, that has not stopped him from getting where ever he wants. He lays on his stomach looks at what he wants or where he wants to go and angles his body and then rolls or scoots. He continues this sequence of angle, roll a little, re-angle until he gets where he wants to go. He can get pretty much anywhere.

Xander rolled under Grandma E.'s tree to play with the gifts.

On Sunday night he kept going under the ottman and chair. It was really funny. He just kept doing it even when we took him out and moved him away from it.

He tried taking his toy with him.

All that moving wore him out.

We also took at trip to Menards. We have taken many trips to Menards (Tipp City) since the house building has begun and when we go we are there at least two hours and many times longer. This week we bought: 2 doors, ordered garage doors, and circuit breaker panel.

Xander helping Jason pick out a circuit breaker panel.

Yes Xander there really is a Santa Claus.

2008-12-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

At my Nana's church they have a Christmas lunch where Santa makes an apperance. Xander was not quite sure what to make of him. Lately he has really been studying the faces of the people he mets and Santa was no different.

Xander loved the paper placemat.

Xander is thinking, "Who is this guy?"

"Let me just give this beard a tug."

Xander and Cooper (My cousin Heather's son)

Xander is thinking, "I'm just not sure he is the real Santa."

Cooper is thinking, "Peace out people." (Check out his hand)

We Have A Roof (and Other Stuff)

2008-12-05T17:42:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of the front and back of the house since the last update.

Things that have been add or finished over the past two weeks:

1. The roof is done and shingled. (Who knew there we so many colors of shingles!)

2. A ledge between the two car garge and roof was added.

3. A second peak was added to the second floor.

4. The windows were installed.

5. The front door was installed. (I still love my door from the auction!)

6. The back porch roof was framed and shingled.

Other Things:

1. The gas line was installed from the road.

2. The water and sewer lines were hooked up.

3. The front yard was graded. (See picture)

4. The house was back filled.

5. The trench for the electric was dug.

Thanksgiving Wrap Up

2008-12-04T17:57:00.000-08:00

Pre-Thanksgiving

My kindergartens made turkey headbands, pie, and played pin the the feather on the turkey!

Thanksgiving Day

It would not be Thanksgiving unless we ate at least 3 meals in one day and drove all around. (We really do like it, even with Xander this year.)

The first stop is my mom's side of the family. We eat there around 1:00. In the picture is me, all my siblings, Xander, and our one cousin, Matson.

The second stop is my dad's side of family. There were around 30 people there this year. Here is a picture of Xander with his second cousin, Cooper.

Xander enjoyed sitting with Nana and playing with all the spoons on the table.

The third and finally stop was Jason's parents house with most of the Overturf clan. Here is a picture of Xander with Jack and Claire (very close to real cousins).

Post Thanksgiving

Jason's cousin Tina and her family spent the night at Jason's parent's house on their way home to Kansas on Sunday night. We always love to see them and the kids. Here is Joanna (who was our flower girl 6 1/2 years ago), Caleb, Eliana, Karis, and Xander. Karis is just a month older than Xander, so that was fun.

Xander's 6 Month Pictures

2008-11-23T12:39:00.000-08:00

My friend, Amy Henkel, from our church took Xander's 6 month pictures last week. She also took Xander's pictures when he was 2 weeks old. She does a great job (and is very reasonably priced).

Check out Xander's pictures at http://amyhenkel.zenfolio.com/.

Framing Day 7

2008-11-21T16:08:00.001-08:00

The roof trusses are installed! Looks more and more like a house every day.

Trusses from the inside (above playroom).

View towards the front door from family room.

Setting up the ladder so we can get a look at the 2nd floor.

Happy Baby, Yummy Feet

2008-11-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Baby

Yummy Feet

Fast Framing

2008-11-19T14:58:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday (Nov.18) the framers finished the first floor and the interior walls. This was a monumental day for me because I have a hard time picturing things from drawings with measurments, so to be able to actually walk through the rooms was awesome. I even measured a few walls to check on where I want to put some furniture. (I know I am way ahead of myself.) The first floor consists of a formal dining room, 1/2 bath, small study, a great area in the back that consists of the kitchen, breakfast room, family room, off the family room is a room with 3 large windows that the plans call a sunroom (but I am going to use it as a playroom), coming in from the garge is a dropzone area, and laundry room.

Looking into the kitchen/breakfast area (pantry in left corner)

This is the side of the family room, behind it is the sunroom (playroom).
Looking into the sunroom (playroom) from the doorway

On Wednesday (Nov. 19) the framers put up and framed most of the upstairs and the trusses were delivered.

Upstairs

Framing has begun...

2008-11-17T17:22:00.000-08:00

and things are changing quickly at the construction site. The framers started on Wednesday, November 12. They got the support wall in the basement built and the sill plate put on all around the perimeter of the house.

They did not come to the site on Thursday, but a lot of materials came.They were back to work on Friday and got the first floor subfloor all installed. It was exciting being in the basement with the floor overhead.
On Saturday, in the rain/snow, Jason, his Mom and Dad worked on putting in the pier foundations for the back covered porch posts. It was a miserable time, but it got done. They were walking in about 4-6" of mud and their feet would get stuck.Today (Monday) they began framing the garage and the first floor. I love seeing the changes day to day!

Xander's First Snow and Tooth!

2008-11-16T18:52:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that Xander is 6 (going on 7) months old already. His first tooth just barely poked through today! I am excited and a little sad because it is just another reminder of how fast this first year is going by. He also saw his first snow on Saturday! Here are some pictures from his life this week.

Playing with his Boompa.

Playing with my wooden spoon.

Watching his first snow! The flakes were very large and he could really see them.

Video

West Virginia with Teenagers!

2008-11-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we headed to Appalachian Bible College in West Virginia with the Sr. High Youth Group from our church for their fall retreat. We had 23 teens, 6 adults, and 1 baby. Theme of the trip was unity and on Saturday we did team building activities in the morning and the high ropes course in the afternoon.

The first stop Frazier's Bottom, West Virginia. We stop here every year.

This is video I took on my camera of Xander laughing at Nan Hieb (another youth worker). It is a little hard to hear because the teens are working on fitting everyone on a tiny wooden box right next to me. Check out Xander's awesome gloves. :)

Xander and Jason getting in on the action.

Everyone listens to the safety briefing before going up into the trees.

Jason swinging on the safety ropes.

Here is a picture of part of the high ropes course.

Xander takes a nap in his stroller during all the fun.

In the evening we had devotions and played games. Xander enjoyed watching from his blanket.

On Sunday we made our annual stop at the New River Bridge lookout for our tradition of taking a picture there.

The House Last Week (Nov. 1-6)

2008-11-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

THE BIG DIGGER
Last weekend (Nov. 1-2) Jason decided to rent a very large backhoe (or a "big digger" as I like to call it) to move dirt from the large piles created by the basement hole into the back yard to create a new grade. He also needed to dig the holes for the covered porch beams and do some backfilling. When he told me about his need to rent one these machines and do the work himself, I asked him if he could safely operate one of these machines and he reassured me that it would be no problem. (I have learned just to let him have his fun and pray for a safe outcome).

I dressed Xander in his digger shirt for the occasion.

The weekend went great and they had perfect weather. Jason and his dad accomplished all that they set out to do. Xander even got to help his dad move some dirt.

I even took that big digger for a spin and moved one bucket of dirt.:) Of course it was almost dark when they finally let me try.

THE GRAVEL
We also worked at removing gravel from the basement floor in order to prepare it for the pouring of the concrete floor. We had to remove 1-3 inches throughout. We would rake and fill 5 gallon buckets and dump them out the egress window. We moved around 250-300 bucket loads!

Here is D.W. (my brother) being helpful.

THE ROUGH PLUMBING
The plumber roughed in the sewer line, basement bathroom, and stacks for upstairs waste lines.

THE BASEMENT FLOOR
The basement was poured on Thursday. On Wednesday night (after work and before church) Jason and his dad laid the vapor barrier down over the gravel. Thursday they came and poured the concrete basement floor.

Building Materials Auction

2008-11-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I am still trying to catch up the blog a bit for my own personal records. On October 8th Jason, Xander, Jason's dad, and I went to a building materials auction at the Greene County Fairgrounds. They have these auctions all over Ohio. Jason and his dad have gone to several before. They have all sorts of stuff from tools to larger things like flooring/siding/doors etc. Jason said I needed to come to one because he was not going to make any large finishing purchases without me (good man). So, here is how it works. You go before the auction starts and look around the huge building. Jason's advice to me when we walked in the door, "If you see something you like do not get all loud and excited. Play it cool." (Please me loud and excited...really). Anyways, when the bidding starts the auctioner actually moves around the whole building and stands in front the item being auctioned and everyone interested just crowds around. If there are two similiar items, lets say trim, then the highest bidder can say how much they want of it and then the second highest bidder can say if they want any at same price if there is some left. Needless to say this process can take all day. So Xander and I came and then went to Jason's parent's house for awhile and then came back. Jason was there from 2:00-9:45.

Well, they had some great kitchen cabinets. When the bidding started I hid behind the cabinets and looked threw a small opening to give Jason signals on when to bid higher. We ended up getting the cabinets! They are cream and have a glaze that shows darker brown in the edges. We got a killer deal!

If that was not successful enough we also won the front door we were bidding on. Well, actually we thought we lost because someone else won the bid (100 more then Jason and Jason was stopping), but there were two doors (the other one was wood too but ugly) and the guy wanted the ugly door. Yeah!!! The bad thing was Jason and the other guy were just bidding each other up. Another killer deal!

We also got: wide baseboard trim for the downstairs, window trim for downstairs, and two rolls of house wrap.

To get home from the auction with our loot it took: Jason's truck, Jason's dad's truck with a trailer, my dad's Sprinter van, and a small portion of Jason's mom's mini-van.

While they were loading up the vehicles, Xander needed his diaper changed, so I just changed it there by the loading dock door and in the middle of changing him, he peed all over me. Other people there got a good laugh. Fun times!

Basement Walls-October 27

2008-11-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

For the basement walls Jason decided to use Superior Walls. He had seen them used in several Homerama homes and on This Old House. He decidecd to do some research, visit the site where they are made, and talk with some people who had used them in their own building projects. The walls came in on trucks and a huge crane moved the pieces into place. It took them only about 4 1/2 hours to set all the walls including the garage and front porch.

It was a rather cold day so Xander and I did some watching from the car window when we got too cold to stand outside.

The egress window...

The front porch area... Watch some video of the walls going in.

It all started....

2008-10-31T12:06:00.000-07:00

two years ago when we bought a piece of land in Beavercreek, Ohio in 2006. We had been looking for a piece of land in B'creek or Bellbrook that we could afford for about 2 years prior to our land purchase. We knew when we bought it that it would be awhile before we could start building, but our phrase that we say to each other is, "enjoying the process". Jason has always wanted to act as the general contractor and build a house. The land is a little over half an acre. The first 150 feet or so was heavily wooded, then there was a small clearing of grass, followed by another area mostly covered in underbrush and large weeds.

We have spent the past few years clearing the lot which has been a lot of work. The first thing we did was clear out the underbrush in the front.

This is us with our first "small" chipper chipping what we thought at the time was a large pile of sticks and trees. (Special thanks to Jason's Dad, Eric, and my brothers (who will work for Chipotle)).

Next, came the cutting of the large (60-80 ft) trees in the front. Jason admitted that he could not do this himself, but he was not going to pay any more than he had to. So, we ended up paying to just have trees "dropped" (which means cut down but everything else left). So, we had to do all the cutting, clean up/chipping, and removal. This took place over several months.

The people who came to cut the trees would actually climb up the tree to cut them. This is a picture of a guy who could climb up a tree with a chain saw strapped to his belt while smoking a cigerette...quite an impressive skill.

Here are a few pictures of us cleaning up the trees.

The land after the front clean up.
Now: Fill in the span of about 7 months where we finalized house plans, got quotes,composed a budget, got a loan, winter came and went, and we had a baby!

Back to the land...there were a few more trees in the front that Jason and his dad cut down and we needed to clear the back of the lot. In the back of the lot there was this huge vine growing out of the ground and up on the trees. It was so big we could swing on it. The back was more work than we thought it was going to be, but nothing like the front.

PRESENT DAY
Ok, now we are to present day. A few weeks ago we had all the stumps pulled (we hauled them away) and a construction driveway put in. Jason and his dad also put in the culvert pipes for the driveway and yard.

Even though we were paying to have the driveway put in Jason still helped out with the rocks.

Then a few days later we had the basement dug.

Xander liked watching the big digger.