Category Archives: firsts

Back yard stuff

Keeping busy and slowly making progress on the back yard. A few months ago we decided to frame out the windows. We finally had the time and energy to get it done. The workshop has a super simple fame around its windows and so that’s the style we went with.
IMG_9691Parts of the back yard fence’s paint is chunking off. So getting the trim paint color matched was SO easy. I just walked over to the fence and yanked a chunk of paint off and then sent Jon off to Home Depot. IMG_9693  The simple frames make such a big difference. We love them! I used the nail gun for the first time on this project. IMG_9698IMG_9695I picked up this cute little wall art to put in my sitting area. And then backyard art kinda snowballed. Jon totally teased me about my initial piece. He was all, “It’s a back yard. Why does it need art?”  “Because it’s fun. That’s why.”

But then he WAY jumped on board with the idea of backyard wall art. “You know, I do have leftover plywood you can use……”

IMG_0893So the house in blue paint has two quotes from Harry Potter.

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I teased him about wanting a window flower box. But I’m so glad we did it anyway even though I wasn’t totally sold on the idea… The window box. I LOVE it. I’m so glad Jon had this idea and that we went with it.

IMG_0894The play side of the workshop has in purple quotes from The Princess Bride. And Regan calls dandelion puffs wishes so I had to…. IMG_0897

These two on the BBQ side of the workshop in green are Firefly quotes. Yet to be hung. IMG_0898 Jon also extended the play set shade and finished stringing the outdoor lights. Now the swings are always shaded from the devil sun. 😉

Kayleeism: on reading

Today is kinda big! Today Kaylee read 49 pages solo in under ten minutes!!!!  The past couple of years helping Kaylee learn to read in spite of her extra quirks that make reading more of a challenge have been long and hard.

Kaylee LOVES books and stories. I have read aloud to her since she was born. The library is a happy place.  I REALLY wanted her to LOVE reading too. But she was starting to hate it, because dyslexia and visual perception and tracking issues make it hard. And frustrating. And then she has her brother who can fly though books easily and she gets all down on herself.

Her previous celebrated record was 25 pages in 12 minutes. Last week. I am super grateful for her awesome Speech and Occupation therapists who have helped us get this far in just a year. I’m also grateful for Kaylee being so stubborn. She just doesn’t give up when she wants to learn/do something. Super persistent.

This time last year it was taking her about 20 minutes to get though an 8 page level 1 easy reader. It was painfully frustrating for all. So ya, we are SUPER proud of our little persistent lady.
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When she finished reading today I asked her how she felt. “I feel AWESOME!”

Then I asked her how she felt about reading. “It is amazing! And awesome, and fun!”

This book has always been one of my favorites. But today it’s officially the best book EVER.

 

V’s 5th birthday party

V wanted The Little Mermaid for her party theme. 🙂  Last year she would hardly talk to me about what kind of party she wanted. I was super happy to be able to throw a party for her. Her new family came and that was awesome!IMG_9455 IMG_9458 IMG_9460 IMG_9462 IMG_9465 IMG_9508

This kid was swimming in gifts. See what I did there? 😉IMG_9523

She was pretty excited to be the first one to hit he pinata.IMG_9547 IMG_9553

After the pinata we packed up kids for their first weekend at their new house.IMG_9558

Cousins stayed to play which was so nice.IMG_9564 IMG_9567 IMG_9572

Rebekah was raking me up.IMG_9573 IMG_9576The kiddos all played outside. I’m loving the cafe lights on the play place.