Quick West Virginia trip

Tim actually had the weekend off this past Friday and Saturday, so we made a quick decision and decided to head to West Virginia for, well, it ended up being just a little over 24 hours. It was worth it though. My entire family was there except Marisa, who is still in Florida at college. I had a lot of fun playing with my two little nephews, and of course, seeing my sisters, brother-in-laws, and parents. We also made a stop in Columbus to look at another potential vehicle, but unfortunately, they wouldn't take our offer. Although, it was a former smoker's vehicle and I am pretty sensitive to that smell and know its about as bad as cat pee when trying to get it out of fabrics. Anyway, here are some of the pictures taken in West Virginia. Not very good quality, but I was more interested in just being there and being able to play with them to care.

Andrew, 18 months on Grandma and Grandpa's new swing set. Well, new to them anyway

4 of Andrew's 6 teeth!

The oh so cute, Daniel giving another one of his smile-on-demand smiles

This was cute because Daniel would start to do this little belly laugh thing

Then we put him on the BIG ball and he proceeded to look like superman and make car noises...typical boy

I loved this picture...two cousins getting to know eachother again after not seeing eachother for a couple months

I love Daniel's blue eyes...although, this picture doesn't show them very well

Story time with Aunt Shannon, cousin Daniel, cousin Andrew, and soon-to-be-here cousin

Daniel goes crazy in this jumper thing...its very funny

Then we put Andrew in and he pretty much went crazy too...Joanna wanted to take it home as a means of keeping Andrew entertained and confined. :)

Like, I said, it was a quick trip, but worth it. I wish we would have found a new to us car during the trip, but alas, that is still a work in progress.

Baby Crib!!

We finally got our crib today...we are SO excited about it and absolutely LOVE it! Here is a picture of it right out of the box...we still have to finish it. Now all we need is you Baby Schramm!!

Weekend in California

This weekend (which for us is Sunday-Tuesday), Tim and I headed out to California for one last trip before the baby is born. We love going out this time of year because the weather is perfect, the grass is green, and the wildflowers are just beautiful! Although, the trip was short, we had fun, especially Tim. He loved being able to romp around the hills shooting things with both his buddy Joel and his cousin Aaron...and his dad even joined in one day. I was glad he got a chance to be able to shoot because he doesn't get to much at home.

I will say that it wasn't quite as pretty as it will be in about 2 weeks...we were a little early for some of the wildflowers. But as you can see here, the hillside was just beautiful with the yellow flowers...there were some hillsides that were white and almost looked snow covered but with wildflowers.

My favorite, baby blue eyes :)

My redneck husband :)


I hope our baby has those dimples

This picture cracked me up...two burly men, their guns...and sissy dog coming home from a day of shooting


Also while we were out there, Tim, his dad, and his cousin Aaron worked on a project that I am VERY excited about. Tim's Great Grandpa planted a Sequoia Redwood tree back in the 1950's and just a couple years ago it had to be cut down. Tim's parents kept the tree with hopes that someone could use the beautiful wood for something. Tim's cousin Byron used some of it to make a beautiful conference table. Tim and I thought it would be awesome to make a cradle with it. So, Tim, his dad, and his cousin started the long and tedious process of milling the wood. It is going to be awesome to see this all come together from the very start like this.

This is just a little piece of the tree, but all we will need for the cradle. Very heavy, at least, it looked heavy. :)

cutting it down to boards...

the cheering section :)

Taking a little break. I think the dogs add a nice touch here too...and of course Tim's dad's hat :)

Then, after a day of play, Tim and his dad worked late into the evening actually making the boards to the size we would need them...approximately anyway


The picture doesn't do it justice, but here is a view of what the redwood looks like

Almost all the pieces required...so pretty

I can't wait to post pictures of the finished cradle!! That will be awhile though. Tim's parents are going to ship us the wood and we already have the plans drawn out for the cradle. Tim just has to build it. The best part is that its all free! Other than the shipping anyway. So anyway, thats a little summary of our trip. We got to see a lot of family and friends that we don't get to see very often and I think a good time was had by all. :) Now if we can only talk them all in to coming out here...

Babysitting fun

Last Saturday night, I had the opportunity to babysit Caleb, Olivia, and Esther so that their parents could go on a much needed date. Some of you know that I used to work and tutor Caleb who is now 5. He suffers from a pretty severe case of autism along with a long list of other medical problems. But I love him so very much as well as his 3 sisters! I only babysat the older 3 though because the youngest is still breastfed. Anyway, we had fun and by the end of the night, I was worn out! :) Here are some snapshots I got.

This was the only time I got eye contact from Caleb...he used to love this when he was younger and apparently he still does...all I am doing is touching his ear. It must be a ticklish spot for him. :)

I can't believe he is 5! Almost 6!

Then of course, there is 4 year old Olivia. When I stopped tutoring Caleb, she was only 2 and, well, in her terrible two's. She has now developed into a compassionate, loving, sweet little girl full of personality.


Esther was only 6-9 months when I left and is now in her terrible two's. :) She is starting to talk a lot and her little personality is beginning to show.




Of course, I wasn't able to see much of Annie, the youngest, but I was at least able to snap a few pictures of this beautiful little baby. She looks just like her momma, with the same dimples and beautiful eyes and everything.

and look at all that chunk!! :)

I had a great time and I think the kids did too. :)

Kitchen Remodel

Here are some pictures of our latest home project, another wall demolition. We already knocked out our closet wall, opening up the living room. Check here if you don't remember. :) Here is a messy view of before Tim did anything to the kitchen wall. This is standing in our living room looking toward the kitchen.

This is inside the kitchen...Tim had already taken out the closet that was in the corner there.

Making progress!

Taking shape...really opened up our living room/kitchen area.

Tim is mudding the wall here, which he hates. But he did a good job!

Here is a semi-completed picture...countertop on top of the wall looking into the kitchen. We LOVE it!

Here are the support brackets Tim made for the countertop. Very pretty.

You have to see it in person to really appreciate how much better it looks. (hint hint, come visit me!) But we really like it. Now to finishing the crib and dresser for the baby's room...