Life is Good!

"Did you like the waterslide, Bella?"

It's coming!

While we had our mini-get-away a friend came to shingle for us! Here is a view from the back with the bump-out walls up (the transom window is framed in) and shingles on!

And here are the interior walls, which are also framed in! Jake is standing in the shower... on the other side of the wall to the left of him (as we see it in the picture) will be the toilet and across from him will be the sink. I'll try to get better photos of this all!

Promised photos

Sometimes this whole internet/digital camera stuff still amazes me. I was outside two minutes ago, took these photos, and now I will have them online to be viewed around the globe in moments. Can you imagine sitting down with even a brilliant man of our past, say, Benjamin Franklin, and explaining that whole process to him?

Here are the photos!

Photos from Sunday

Well, I'm a bit behind on posting the progress, but this is what things looked like on Sunday afternoon. If it weren't 10:30pm I would be out there with photos from today, because man does it look different now!

Dawson and I took off for a couple hours Sunday with Daddy's truck and a baggie of change. Now what little boy raids their piggy bank to buy leeches? Mine. That's who. We got a dozen leeches and headed to the local dam to fish for a couple hours. Here are my favorite shots of the day. Eat your heart out... I could gobble him (and his cute little fingers) right up!

I'll post new photos tomorrow. I assure you there is a big difference! :)

Weekend update

You know you live in a small town when your lumberyard delivery comes tooling down the road on a fork lift!

Two walls up! (This is taken from the back of the addition... the wall to the left with one window is the east wall (our bedroom) and the wall in the center with two windows will face the street.)

All walls are up! You can see the bump-out in the back where our bed will sit(walls will be built when the roof trusses are up), as well as the door to the backyard (Deck/hot tub of the distant future!)

Roof trusses are up! I will go out and take photos to post later today!

Tearing down the walls

See? I told you it wasn't pretty! :)

We had final measurements done for the roof trusses on Tuesday. Jake mentioned he would like to work towards putting trusses up this weekend. The lumber-yard guy said, "Oh. Well, the truss plant is only a block away but they usually want two-weeks to fill an order. They have been known to do favors, though, so I'll see what I can do."

The trusses came an hour ago. :)
God is so good

My dad is up "visiting-" with Jake at least- as they rip the side of the house off. I will share photos... Just as soon as I find the camera under all this dust! I think that old houses get their smell from the nasty blown in dust(insulation) that is in the walls. Our house smells like a grandma house or an antique shop, or a dusty ol' attic right now. Mmm... You're jealous, aren't ya? :)

I am content feeding the masses with a fridge that has never been fuller. I invited friends over to play, and ya know... It's been such a blessing to me. They are playing outside on bikes, doing treasure hunts and all around just doing exactly what kids should do on summer vacation. It's a beautiful breezy, sunny day and God is good.

Have a great day... I'll share photos of our de-construction soon!

Our weekend in pictures

I was called off of work last night and we scooped up the opportunity for a family night. We started a campfire early enough to have hot dogs and s'mores for supper (nutritional information unavailable). We then had the kids all take baths as I ran out for a "surprise" and did a family movie night. Here are the boys thoroughly enjoying their dogs at the campfire:

(Yes, Noodle's hair is VERY shaggy. I am making an appointment with my hairdresser this week to have him "shaped up.")

And after a dry early spring, God has been blessing us with more rain than a builder cares for! Jake did finish the sheeting and got a majority of the floor trusses in place this weekend. He also started to put the floor sheeting on. The next step (unfortunately) is to cut into the house to finish the trusses.
The dust factor is on the rise, people!

And this last photo shows just how big and responsible our eldest is getting. He mowed the lawn for the first time yesterday and did a bang-up job! (We thought we'd break him in this year while half of the yard is dirt... His job will double next year!) For those of you alarmed at his lack of footwear- easy, easy. The mower is not on in this photo! I had him pull it out of the shed for a photo after his protective shoes and yes, even safety glasses were put away!

I will have one more photo of joy for you as soon as Doodle and Jaker return with their on-loan summer toy!

End of May photo update

Isn't she just cute? (It's juice, not coffee)


Doodle and Bella enjoying sprinkler time on a hot Spring day...


Noodle and I visited the Wilderness Walk on a third-grade class field trip. We had such a fun day together!

I'm just going to quote "Baby Center" on the baby's growth for the week...

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)

I get to visit the doctor on Monday... I am supposed to (only) have gained 10 lbs. by this point... we shall see.

I spent the day at a friend's house getting ready for a moving sale. We got it pretty much organized and will be ready to open tomorrow morning. I am very much looking forward to an evening with my husband tomorrow night! :) (They have been rare lately due to his hard-working and my exhaustion by 9pm!)

Love to all our far away family. We miss you all. Bella was comiserating that she didn't even remember what her cousins look like anymore. We send hugs to one and all!

A fun day was had...

Well, the kick-off to summer is behind us (Yet Noodle and Jake have 7 1/2 days of school remaining). We had such a fun day! We got to enjoy a day of watching softball (me), climbing on the playground with friends (Bella), fishing from start to finish (Doodle), and fishing mixed with a horseback ride (Noodle). Jaker got to play in the softball tourney (and did mighty well if I do say so myself!) and they finished 3rd. We ended the day with a good ol' Memorial Day picnic and campfire with friends. The kids ran through the sprinkler as the adults sat around the fire. When the smores came out twas not such a relaxing fire as the marshmallow/ graham cracker/ chocolate assembly line was buzzing with demands!

Today is laundry, cleaning and at-home time. The two little ones are putting away clothes and doing chores as I contemplate my next move.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Progress!

Despite the much needed rain in the past couple of days, Jaker has been working hard. We have gone from two basement walls to four with most of the sheeting up. The next step is to caulk the seams and staple plastic to the walls.



We are looking forward to yet another day off tomorrow- the annual softball tournament and a cookout! I love summer. Even if it's only impending. :)

My sweet little zucchini

No, we are not having twins.

The baby has reached the small zucchini stage- about 9 oz. and 6 inches head to rump. Makes me wonder why the legs don't count, as they are the most invasive part of this little wonder. I feel him/her kicking a lot now, especially when I am in this chair or in bed at night.

I think we have reached a decision on names. If it's a girl it will be Kennedy (Tessa is our back up name) and should it be a boy I think we're going with Caden (or my preferred spelling, Caeden) much to Noodle's dislike. He likes Justin and can't understand why we don't just choose it and be done with the whole discussion. I remember being opinionated on the topic when my brother was born when I was in second grade, and even more so when we talked about names later with my mom... "should there have been another sibling." We'll see. We did a last minute change to "Doodle" after our long-planned name was taken by a friend less than a month before he was born.

The construction is going well. Jaker is working his heart out. I got what is left of our yard mowed yesterday- just in time for the rain! :)
Praise the Lord for the much-needed showers! :)
I'll leave you with a couple photos of the less-than-beautiful stage of construction we are in!

Noodle's Favorite Position

Spring soccer season is in full swing, and Noodle LOVES to play goalie. The boys are both enjoying the season despite the crazy Wisconsin weather!

 

Bella's booty

Last week brought morel hunting with Grandma Joyce. We brought the kids and three dogs on a two hour hike through the woods and found beautiful mushrooms (well, as beautiful as a dry year can produce!)! Here's Bella with one of our treasures:

 

First Grade Graduate

I realized today how long it has been since I posted photos of the kids! Wanna know why? I haven't emptied my memory card for A MONTH! Yep. A month. So, without further a-do...
Here is Doodle's biggest news of the month thus far...

 

... He is a first-grade graduate! Doodle, we are SO proud of you and all you have learned this year. Here ends our formal teacher/student relationship (at least at this juncture) and, ya know, that is heart-warming, and makes me sentimental all at once. You are going to do GREAT in public school, buddy. I love you!

Well yesterday was extremely productive- Thank you, Lord!- so Doodle, Bella and I are off to visit Jake's parents and brother at the farm. While we are gone, Lord willing, the forms will be built and concrete will be poured for the basement. When I get back I am hoping to photo document the process, thus far, here at Doodles. I know, edge-of-your-seat excitement and FREE!

For those curious, tomorrow the baby will reach 5 1/2 inches (the length of a large sweet potato) and about 7 ounces. I can feel her/him flutter kick when I lay down at night (my still moment of the day) and there's no questioning whether or not I am pregnant. I just popped right out over the last week. Thank you to my sweet sisters in law (Laura, Cori) for the maternity clothes! I settled them all in the closet yesterday and I am set, thanks to you two and a few good garage sales!

Take Care, all! We'll catch up in a few days!

In the wake

Well, my plate is full today.
I have a two-yr-old visiting for the day.
Yesterday's excitement is over, but left in its wake a pile of undone laundry, dirty floors, boxes to be gone through, dirty bathrooms, dishes, clothes sorting and more.
Floors and dishes are done and I'm praying for the Lord to direct the rest.
What is it YOU want done today, Lord?

Monday, Monday

The good news?

The excavator is here!
I have been meaning to clean and purge our utility (storage) room for a couple of months now, and I have the opportunity!

The bad news?

I HAVE the opportunity because a line was accidentally hit that brings water our to our wood boiler. Our utility room is under 2 inches of water. The lines broke right above the shelves that hold our camping gear (sleeping bags, tents...) and our keepsakes from childhood. What does the Bible say about holding loosely to the things of this world?

I'll be downstairs until further notice.

Walla Walla, anyone?

So today the baby has reached the size of a large onion. Approximately 5 oz. and 5 inches long. However, to this point, I have gained 5 pounds total. (Where's the justice!?) Seeing as how I am 17 weeks along out of 40 total weeks, I figure I will gain a grand total of 11.76 pounds. You know, when you cross-multiply and divide. ;)(insert snickers. Or Snickers... yum.)
The tough news is that I have had my heart set on finding out the gender via ultrasound which our doctor has always done between 18 and 20 weeks. Yesterday he informed me he would do it at 24 weeks... which is late June/ early July. That's a long time, people!

I have felt the baby move just a few brief moments. I really don't sit still very often, so I am sure it moves more frequently, I'm just not paying attention. Sometimes I can see a baby belly plain as day, and other days I can't even tell it's there (usually in the morning). That's about all the news I have for you on the gestation front.

Tomorrow is the long awaited "Garage sale day" (insert angelic "Ah-ha's"). I will share a portion of my list with you, though like last year, I am sure I will find many treasures that I am forgetting I need until I see them. Here goes:

1.Shoes, shoes, boots and more shoes for all three kids.
2.an umbrella stroller (never had one, believe it or not. Spoiled baby of the family. :) )
3. a hot thermos
4. a bigger cold beverage thermos (1 gal+)
5. rollerblades for Noodle
6. a bathroom scale (again, never had one!)
7. bedside lamps
8. Little House books
9. an aluminum bat (or a few of them)
10. brown dress sandals for me
11. sawhorses
12. a sled (or a few of them)
My youngest SIL os making her maiden voyage with us, and seems to be up to the rigors of the day. :) She and her family should be arriving later tonight.

God has been so good to us. I am so thankful for health. For friends. For family. For the beauty of His creation. For new life. For the joy children bring. For this new little life inside me. Thank you, Lord.

Dances With Skunks-Now on DVD

Well, due to the precious avocado I am incubating, I will not be able to join friends in doing the May Day weight loss challenge. I do however, hope to control the weight gain with this pregnancy, and hope to not retain "our little caboose" with a big ol' caboose of my own.

So, with that in mind I set out for a walk this morning, met up with a friend for a bit, and then parted ways to head to our own homes. I walk a little frontage-type road and was admiring all the new green life in the ditch when out of the corner of my eye I saw movement. About 5 feet away in the middle of the road was a skunk, precariously tiptoeing on it's front feet- rear in the air. I took a quick step back, then side stepped slowly along the road, trying to look as non-threatening as I could. Without the release of any aroma, he started waddling away. He took the opposite ditch to the nearest culvert with me crossing to watch him until he was out of sight.

So there you have it. My brush with nature on a lovely Wednesday morning.

I made delicious mango/banana smoothies for breakfast- just the fruit and milk. Oh, were they good! Now off to do the bills in which I will sweat off any water weight I am carrying. :) I have a baby check this afternoon. Stay tuned for the produce update tomorrow!

Ahhh...

Do you hear the satisfaction in that sigh?
Doodle, Bella and I spent a good part of the day purging their toys. We started with a messy, overflowing, disorganized basement family room and now have a clean, orderly place where, hey, ya know, I think they could actually PLAY with the toys that remain.

We sorted movies and books. We consolidated toys and re-containerized what remained. I wish I had before and after pics. Honestly, though, my first reaction upon going down there was to throw up a little bit in my throat, not to grab the camera.

A good vacuum and dust will complete the makeover.

*** Note, speaking of vacuum, my dear husband fixed our saggy-belted vacuum that has been stinky and non-effective since he was out east! It now purrs like a kitten and sucks like, well, a Hoover.***

I am officially getting in on a garage sale in early June. I have a pile accumulating and today's booty doubled it.

Not to tackle that wretched utility room. Inspiration- come find me!

Another fabulous Mother's Day gift would be...

I would just love for someone more techno-savvy than myself to design my blog! I've got it all envisioned... but I'll save the details for later. Good Luck to all! :)

10 things meme

OK, I was bad at posting the last meme De(de) threw my way so I am going to do this one so she doesn't hold a grudge forever (he he... you have to read her list to get that one!).

I am to list ten facts about me or habits that I have, and then am supposed to tag ten of you to play along. I haven't done this for a long time, so I may repeat, and I don't think there are ten of you out there who read this blog and have your own (or haven't already been tagged by De), so if you want to play along, please do, and leave a comment so I can read them!

1. I hate feet. Especially other peoples feet. I even wince when I have to trim the kids toenails. The boys both do their own now. Dry feet are the worst... On me and others. ugh.

2. I go through deodorant very slowly. Though I DO wear it daily, Jake goes though 2 or 3 sticks to my one. (Let me know if you are a friend who has noticed I don't put enough on. I do want to know.)

3. There are only 4 foods I don't like (I think). Milk, cake, frosting and coconut. I am a very adventurous eater and will try just about anything that isn't in the "Fear Factor" realm.

4. I love hiking and walking. I would take a hike daily if time allowed.

5. I was adopted at 2 months old. I have found my birth mother, but once my curiosity about her was fulfilled I am no longer in touch with her. I have a GREAT God-given family and have no desire to pursue a relationship with my birth mom. There are many more emotions to that all than I ever knew existed. I still don't understand them all! :) I DO know that I am very full with all God has blessed me with.

6. I *LOVE* garage sales and most of what I wear is from them. Not everything... but at least an item a day.

7. I get carsick when I am not in the front seat. Be warned. :) It's manageable... I usually just need to open a window and get air when I start to feel queasy.

8. I can't stand waking up to a dirty kitchen.

9. I love to shower and take L-O-N-G showers. Daily.

10. I took 8 years of piano lessons. I also played the oboe for 8 years with stints on the cymbals, alto sax, and bass drum for marching band.

There you go! Probably not new for most of you. Play along!!! I dare you.

Have I mentioned I love contests?

This would be a fun Mother's Day gift! Good Luck!!!

Happy Trails!

This bloggity lady is packing up and shipping out bright and early! I get to board an airplane- NO KIDS- just my MIL and I and we are headed west. Gonna get ourselves a homestead. Oh, no wait. That's On the Shores of Silver Lake, the book I'm reading with Bella. Well, we're headed west anyway and greeting the tiniest member of the Dahl family. Not that I'm counting, but we leave here- KID FREE- in 15 hours.

So Hasta La Vista, all. I will report sometime next week how the travels of a cooped-up-mommy went. :)

Disclaimer: I love my children beyond words. I WILL miss them. They are well cared for and loved immensely. Just clarifying.

The Welcome Wagon

Whoo Hoo! We have Daddio back home at the Dahl house- Welcome home, Jaker!

And a big WELCOME to our newest neice, born today in the Wydaho region (I'll wait for her mommy and daddy to introduce her)! I can't wait to give her Mommy a big hug for a job well done! See you Thursday, Baby girl! Your Auntie Molly, Uncle Jake and all your Wisconsin cousins love you already!

Hallelujah!

I just have to say praise the Lord for 75 degree weather! Despite the dreadfully dirty laundry it produces, I love it. Clorox II, Biz and Oxydol on on the top of my Walmart list this week.

We have my wonderful college roomie's kiddos here for a couple days and at about 10am the girls came running up to me and said, "We loved having a bubble bath together last night, so we're trying to get really dirty so we need another one tonight!"

I was truthfully able to say, "Mission accomplished. Now you can play cleaner."

Ha!
Sandbox, trampoline, sandbox, trampoline, sandbox, trampoline... You get the picture.

Back to the citrus fruits!

Ahh ha! I was sadly mistaken! The citrus comparisons continue. We have two more whole weeks of edible comparisons before I need to storm the produce section with a tape measure.
So the baby is lemon-sized this week. We have officially begun the second trimester, which I am sure is much more of a milestone if you are nauseated. I am pretty sure I have felt baby move the past two days. I think it is the love of Hot Mushroom Dip inspiring him/her to dance. Right, Jaker?
We have had a productive week at the Dahl house. I have much of the yard raked and finished the "Big Clothes Sort" for yet another season. No, shorts are not officially in their dressers yet, but it looks as if they may make an afternoon debut over the weekend as temps will soar (We ARE in Wisconsin, folks) into the 70's! Whoo Hoo!
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our newest niece out in the Idaho/Wyoming border area. Next week my MIL and I get to fly out and make her acquaintance. Pray for her anxious parents as they wait on their firstborn!
Well, the weather is beautiful and I have a date with my Doodle. (Noodle is at school and Bella is at a playdate, so Dood and I get to walk to the local ice cream parlor for a treat!) Sorry, friends, but a momma's got to have priorities!

I think I may have had a craving. I don't like to blame things on pregnancy a lot, but yesterday morning I woke up and realized I had been dreaming about a hot mushroom dip I made one time. Throughout the day I thought of it and by the kids bedtime I was chomping at the bit to make it. Besides, Jaker is not a mushroom fan AT. ALL. What better time to make it? We loaded up, I got what I needed and while the kids watch part of a movie I threw it together. I got them in bed and came down to warm, creamy fungi heaven.

Here's the recipe:
(If you are looking for low fat, pass on by... nothing to see here.)

Hot Mushroom Dip/Spread
4 slices of bacon, diced (I've gone to using the Real Bacon Pieces in a pouch- Quick and not so messy!)
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, chopped
1 med. onion, chopped finely
1 clove garlic
2 T. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. soy sauce
1 (8oz) pkg. cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tsp. Worchestershire sauce

Cook bacon until crisp, drain all but 2 T. of drippings to saute mushrooms, onion and garlic in until tender. (Or, just saute in a little olive oil and dump in the easy bacon pieces at the end)
Add flour, salt and pepper, cook and stir for a minute until thickened.
Reduce heat, Add cream cheese, sour cream, and both sauces. Cook on Med low until cheese is melted.
Stir in bacon and serve warm with *Wheat Thins* or veggies.

YUM.
And you've gotta love this packaging, right TA? My favorite words... combined with mushrooms! Heavenly!

Dear Daddy,

We sure miss you. We wanted to write to tell you that everything is going well at home. Doodle has become a "reader rabbit" while you've been away. He read 2 whole books yesterday!



Bella has been strengthening her leg muscles continually...



Noodle has been climbing higher than ever...



And lots of things are growing, like the plants:



and Mama:



We can't wait for you to get home. Mom makes us work a lot more than you do.
Love,
Noodle, Doodle and Bella

High Aspirations

So in school the past couple of days Doodle and I have been talking about jobs. Yesterday we focused on how every job is important. After all, what if garbage collectors and firefighters didn't do their job?

Today we talked about how there are some jobs that most anyone is able to do such as a store clerk, dog walker, or cleaning person. We talked about how some people have to have a lot of specific training for their job such as a nurse, electrician or teacher. (I'm not meaning to start a fight over which jobs are harder or anything... after all ALL JOBS ARE IMPORTANT!!!)

So they had a page where Doodle then had to draw a picture of a skilled field he may want to work in someday. Their examples were a dentist, juggler (Special talent/skill?) and a police officer.

He came to me with pride in his eyes and said, " I came up with a really good one. I really want to play football or work in a bait shop, but if I have to go to special training I want to work here!"

And showed me his sweet little drawing of a red building with golden arches.

"Cause not everyone knows what a double cheeseburger is!"

Our Weekly Update

I promised a break from the fruit venue and here it is... the baby is a jumbo shrimp this week. Three inches from crown to rump. I'm sad to say that I think this is where BabyCenter breaks from the food analogies and just gives length and weight approximations from here on out. We'll continue to keep you updated, as I am sure Thursday brings anticipation throughout Blogland as to the development of our little fetus. :)

In other news we had a great Easter!


Though the boys look less than enthused, I assure you their Easter baskets were found, and not filled with coal, or rabbit pellets, or whatever the bad Easter omen would be.

We are headed into the weekend again! Where does the time go? I'm off to tidy the house. And that only makes it sound like a small, pleasant job.

Happy Thursday, All!

And the fruit salad continues...

Well, the fig has now hit lime status, but I guess not the girth of a lime, but rather the LENGTH of a lime (Knowing our Dahl babies, it very well COULD be the girth of a lime as well). All is well. Still haven't had a lick of "morning" sickness (Thank you, Lord!) and am not to worried about it hitting as we begin week 12! I see the doctor next Tuesday for the first of many in and out visits, Lord willing. Stay tuned as next week we break out of the fruit comparisons!

In other news, the rumor is true and I turned 31 on Tuesday. I have great friends and a great family and that's about all I have to say on that.

We are excited for the coming Easter weekend. A time to see extended family and celebrate the Lord's resurrection! Bella and I are having a packing/laundry extravaganza tomorrow as the guys all party at school. Doodle was invited in to our friend and Pastor's wife's 1st grade classroom for the day. He is thrilled. He and Noodle both get to attend a birthday party following school. Can the day get any better? Jake has to say farewell to his first student teacher tomorrow. He was thankful to have him and I'm sure will be sad to see him go.

We wish you all the happiest of Easter weekends! Travel safe, enjoy family and eat the ears first!