Walking on the Mendenhall Wetlands

Today was so beautiful here in Juneau I decided to go for a walk. Justus was at preschool playgroup at Rachel's house. So I took advantage of the fact I only had 2 children to tend to. We saw helicopters, float planes and even an Alaska Airlines jet fly over us. Matthias had a fun time and pointed out every plane or helicopter. Orion didn't really like the walk because of the wind blowing in his face. In fact I had to carry him for the last 10 or so minutes of the walk. We have really been blessed this week because of the weather. My children are just loving this wonderful weather and so am I. I am planning on going on another walk tomorrow. I plan on soaking up as much of this good weather as I can because when it's gone I won't know when it will come back. I heard someone say today finally spring is here. Then someone else commented spring I think this might be our summer. I am so hopeful this is not the last of the good weather for this summer. Here are some pictures from today.

Rafters Are Done

Shawn and David were able to finish hanging the rafters today. I am so thankful the work has gone smooth so far and for all the work these talented men have accomplished. And thankful for the continued prayers on behalf of our family. They are working and I am seeing Gods hands on this project. Have a beautiful evening.

David and Shawn taking their "UNION BREAK."

Roof Progress

We have had some beautiful weather for our roof project. God has truly shined on us this week and last. There has been a lot done on the roof already this week. Monday started with Chris and Luke helping David remove the metal from the front and back of Jon and Jeannie's side. They were able to even get the rafters up on the front yesterday. Shawn is here today helping with the removal of the back of the house and putting up the pony wall on the back. I am unsure if they will be able to put up the last of the rafters. Hopefully this will get done today also. David is hopeful that the first week in May he will be able to sheet the roof with the plywood. And then be able to go on a bear hunt the second week of May while the metal is being shipped up. Again I am so thankful for the men who have been helping David. This is still a HUGE Blessing.

Baseball Has Begun

I am so excited that baseball has begun again, I really enjoy watching my boys play. Although this will mean our Saturdays are going to be full until July. And probably some of our evenings too because of practices. Like last night. Joe had his practice at Auke Bay School. I took advantage of the hour and a half practice and went on a walk with Orion. I even walked and got a decaf mocha and the Waffle House. I haven't gotten a good cup of coffee because Jon is out of town again. So my coffee was a real treat. And the weather was super wonderful so I had a nice evening. The flowers are starting to come up and even the skunk cabbage. I am so hopeful for a great summer.

9 Days Apart

While Luke W. has been helping David I have gotten to watch Owen. Owen is such a sweet boy and has really been no trouble to take care of. Matthias and Owen have gotten along really well and I am so thankful for that. They have even been giving each other hugs. We got to go out side and play in the front yard and play in puddles. Went for a short walk. Tried to play at the playground, but the big kids almost ran them over. We have made messes in the house with the toys. And even taken naps at the same time. I am looking forward to watching him again next week. Hopefully we can play outside some more.

Honest Boys

This morning I walked over to Glacier Valley Elementary School because they were having a garage sale. While looking around Luke and Trey Vaughn found a wallet and in the wallet was a $50.00 bill. They went and turned it in to the ladies without even talking to me first. I am so thankful for their honesty. And because they were so honest they were rewarded with $5.00 each. This makes me so proud of both boys.

From Tree Houses to Roofs

As David and Luke W. were working on the roof yesterday it reminded Jeannie of the days when they were younger. In the back yard they would make tree houses together. I was told later that they would take wood and just look at it and say "this one looks like it will fit." Thankfully they are using better measuring skills this time. They were able to get the front of our unit and over the garage done. Today they are working on the side of our house. Lots of banging and sawing going on at the Paden's. So come on over and join the party or playgroup (Kevin H.) we're having lots of fun.

Last night when David got home from his meeting I checked the weather forecast. It said their was a 40% chance of rain so this prompted David to cover our roof. He didn't come to bed until 11:00pm. It is a good thing to because it started to rain this morning.

My New SkyLight

I hosted play group today and since David was/is tearing the front of the roof off I decided to use the annex. When I came home I noticed I had a new skylight. What do you think?

Justus/Attic Room

We have several tubs of toys that we rotate periodically so the boys don't get bored with what is always in the toy box. One of the tubs we have is wooden train. David has always been fond of trains so of course we have several train items. Any way Justus has come to love to make the tracks for these trains. I think for a 4 year old his tracks he builds are pretty impressive. So I took a picture to share with you. What is something your children have done lately that you are so proud of them for?

This is the attic room David built for Katie when she was about Justus age. We took a picture before it was demolished because of the roof remodel. I am a little sad that our little boys won't be able to use this room. Katie, Joe and Luke I hope will one day have memories of this room. In fact once Katie was writing a paper in school and it asked her where she lived and her answer was "in the attic". I think she even wrote a poem about her attic room.

Sunday Drive

Yesterday was beautiful here in Juneau. So we loaded up the kids and headed out the road for some family time. One reason was to finally let the boys launch their rockets we got for them two Christmases ago. And the other reason was to let Katie have some driving practice. She is doing really well. She even did well with all the distractions that she had because of all her little brothers.

The rockets were fun. Luke's rocket was first; we couldn't find the right engine for his so we tried what we could find in town. All went well until the wind carried it into the tree. So much for that one. Joe's was able to launch 3 times. The last time it blew all the way across the beach and landed into some cotton wood trees. Luke attempted to climb the tree and free the rocket, however he wasn't heavy enough to shake it loose. So guess who attempted the tree next. Yep, you guessed it. David!!! He climbed up the tree and then just broke the branch the rocket was stuck in. The boys tried to fool me, but my eyes are to good. I say David climbing the tree. David's comment was "us girls are just to smart for us boys." I hope he doesn't forget this statement.

Signs of Spring

It was a beautiful day and an enjoyable time with my family.

To Quiet

After returning from Jeannie's for a quick visit; my house was to QUIET. Especially when there is a 22 month old wondering around. I called for Matthias and he didn't make a noise. I looked in the bedrooms, he wasn't in there. Then I heard this faint sound from the living room and this is what I discovered.

He was just reading a book under the table. He loves to read books.

Roof Progress

After not feeling well Thursday or Friday, David was able to start working on the roof again today. He has so far taken the back part of our roof off up to Jon and Jeannie's side. He has to build up the roof and make it even before he can put the rafters up. I am thankful that David is feeling better and the progress he has made today. And a big THANKS to Jon (Dad) and our boys for helping. Joe and Luke's job was burning the old roof; I am sure before the new roof is up they will be tired of burning. :-)

They even have help from the neighborhood kids. I hope their parents don't mind them coming home smelling like smoke. Showers are a sure thing tonight. I am super proud of my boys for helping their dad and not complaining (to much).