Friday's Feature Room

Hello all. I decided to feature my new kitchen today. It was the most work, considering that "it" didn't exist before the addition. The previous kitchen was tiny and stuck in a little corner. We have transformed that corner space into an area that will become a little sitting room. Just a run down of the components: door to outside (which will one day be our patio) Kenmore Trio fridge- love it, appliance garage in the corner, JennAir double oven- dual fuel, pantry. In the island, Bosch dishwasher, Moen Stone black sink, massive water faucet. The cabinets are a rustic cherry and painted alder (black), countertops are a laminate Bella Noche. Once again, the flooring is natural heartwood hickory with sculpting. It is so fun to have some counter space. Thanks for looking.

Homophone Challenge

Last night Hudson was looking at a book when he ripped one of the pages. I told him to run and get the tape so we could fix it. As I sent him off Brent said, "I don't think he understands everything you say." We heard pitter-patters to the mud room. I told him the tape was in the office. Soon he came running back, huge smile on his face, and a measuring tape in hand. "Tape" he said as he handed it to me. He was right, it was a tape, but not the same tape I was thinking of. What an enthusiastic little helper I have. Homophones can be a bit tricky for a two year old.

As Promised

It's hard to believe that it's Friday already. It's been a busy week of packing lunches and dinners for Brent who is right in the middle of planting corn. Today we should reach the 1/2 way point! It's quite a push, as Dale and Travis have been helping to plant around the clock.

A day or two ago, we finally got the furniture set for the family room that we ordered back in January. Long story, suffice it to say -- JOKE! Now that it's here, I decided to feature our living room today.

And as a bonus, I threw in the laundry room too! Enjoy.

I Have A Condition

I don't know what you term it, but I know I have problems. And it's not even cancer this time Mom. For the last 3-4 months (probably longer) I have become even more aware of my condition. I cannot sit down, chill out, take a breather whatever you want to call it. That would be great if I were getting lots of things done, but it seems like I'm just spinning my wheels. To do lists seem to get longer and there are never enough hours in the day. People- I need your help.

Woke up a Farmer

I know what you're all thinking. . . Hudson has been a farmer since he was born. This may be true, but today he is a bonafide farmer. We had to go help work some ground today so he reached for his John Deere hat. After asking him to go and get his shoes, he brought back his boots instead. (I think we might have to get some more breathable boots if the obsession continues.) What is a farmer without his hat and boots? Oh yeah, and don't forget the lunch box. That makes for a long day- trust me. If the farming thing doesn't work out, I suppose he could always be a John Deere salesman.

Relief

For the last month now, the Hillman household has been undecided about what to do with our new puppy. Hudson became a recluse and wouldn't step foot outside if he thought Makita might be out there. This meant no more sandbox playtime, no walking outside- Mom had to carry him around the entire time we were outside. At about the time we considered getting rid of Makita , Hudson decided that she was okay and that she wasn't going to eat him. Now their best buddies. He saves her food at mealtime. He starts calling her name (okay- his version of her name) when we get close to being home. She is a good puppy and can usually be found on our front or backstep once we've come inside. Here's a picture of them riding in the bike trailer together.

Happy Friday

I decided to surprise you all with a comparison of our upstairs family room. Before and After. I know it's only one room of the house, but I'll keep posting a room a week. The pictures from before and after aren't from exactly the same angle. Pretty close though. In the last set, we added the window and took out the wall around the stair well. It opened the room up a ton. One day we will get the railing up that Dad made for us. Make sure to come back for more.And since it's Friday, I decided to leave you all with a sweet treat. Nikkala introduced me to these bundles of goodness from Downtown Bread Co. in Blackfoot. I just had to see if I could recreate them in my own kitchen. Enjoy!

I love a Rainy Day

So I can go and play. (For you Standards fan, are you singing along yet?)
I've had this rain jacket since last year and since it finally fits Hudson, we decided to put it on today. Hudson ran to get his boots, and then he was out the door. He loved splashing in the puddles. Makita came and tried to play with him. That quickly ended the fun until we locked her up. Once I was soaked, I made him come in. I think he'd still be out there if it wasn't for me dragging him inside.

Letter to my Fans

Dear Fans,
I apologize for my absentee blogging status lately. It seems as though the move greatly disrupted my blogging routine. Rest assured that all is well. Most of the boxes are unpacked now, although nothing is hung on the walls. It still looks very empty, but nice to finally be in.
On a different note, I went to the chiropractor today. I kept telling Brent I would go once we were all moved. She hooked me up to the electrodes and smothered me with heat pads for 20 minutes. It was heaven. I've never heard my bones crack quite like they did today. I guess I was in need of a good alignment. I'm feeling better already . . . now if I can only convince Hudson to come and snuggle with me for a nap.
Cheery-O!
Karisa

Happy Easter

Over the past few days, Hudson and I have managed to escape from working on the house long enough to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. We met Nik and Bentley at the park and had a little picnic. Hudson loved the slide and swings. We also burnt ditch banks (have I ever told you how much I enjoy doing thing?!) Yesterday we attended our 1st Firth Easter egg hunt and I was quite suprised. Maybe now I'll claim the town. Each egg was sponsored by a local business. At the end of the hunt, you took your name to the business and they gave you your treat. And I'm not talking little dinky smarties or anything, but regular sized candy bars, chocolate bunnies, or boxes of peep. I know, you'll all be headed to Firth next year. We alsopulled out the grill and cooked steak.
Meanwhile, Brent has been laboriously finishing our hardwood floor. It turned out to be a great deal of work- more than we anticipated- but they look beautiful. He applied the last coat of finish last night. Hooray! Carpet should be installed Monday and Tuesday and then I guess we're ready for the big move (across the driveway- but a move nonetheless.)
Hudson was better at finding the eggs at home than at the egg hunt yesterday. I think he was overwhelmed by all of the people and just wanted held yesterday. Through out the day, he'll hand Brent or me an egg and say "huhn" meaning he wants to hunt.
We wish you all a Happy Easter!

*I know what you're thinking about the family picture- Who lets their child wear socks with sandals. Let me explain. They are the only church shoes this kid has since his feet are sooo fat. So I put the sandals on his barefeet this morning and he immediately wants them off. We decided socks and sandals were better than no shoes for church at all. We'll work on it.

Makita

After working on the house all day Saturday, we headed out for Burley at 7:30 p.m. We enjoyed the visit, good food Mom fixed, and watching conference. Then at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, we headed back. . .
I guess I'm leaving out a few minor details. We picked up the handrail that Dad had fabricated for our new house and got a puppy on our quick visit. She's a cute, spotted Mutt-Akita mix. So we're naming her Makita. I was a little nervous to bring her home. I know I shouldn't be afraid of the responsibility since I have a child and one on the way, but I did feel a little overwhelmed. I mean, I've never had my own puppy to raise and nurture. I am happy to report that we're getting along just fine. Hudson got on his boots this morning and we braved the wind to get little Makita fed.

Heaven Revisited

Tonight while I was eating dessert I was reminded of how much I love fresh strawberries dipped in a mixture of sour cream and brown sugar. It is delish! I highly recommend you get yourself a bowl full.

Two Year Old

Well, I don't have a great subject to post about like Myron- but I also have a critter born on St. Patty's Day 2 years ago. Hudson is living up the the "terrible" part of a two year old. Yesterday all I heard was "NO!" The funny thing is that I can tell him "Hudson, say yes" and he'll say "yes" not really realizing what he has just said. He has also decided that it is fun to assault me. I hope that it is only a stage and he turns 3 tomorrow. ;)

Sneak Peek

It seems like we're never going to be able to move in. Our sheet rock guy won't be here until Wednesday. Argh! Even though I'm waiting on him to finish things up so I can complete my painting, I still managed to find plenty to paint today. I spent all day painting doors and trim- tedious. I don't know if the painting will ever end. When I find myself getting discouraged, I take a look at the "before" pictures of the house. No wonder there has been a lot of painting- the house was pretty scary. I know it will all be worth it, I just have to remind my tired, overworked, pregnant body of that sometimes. On a happier note, we did get all of our cabinets installed today. Hope you enjoy the pictures! The kitchen pictures aren't from the same angle, so they're deceiving. The new kitchen is a result of the add-on.

Celebration For A Two Year Old

The celebration got off to a start bright and early. Grandma and Grandpa Parish had spent the night and were anxiously waiting for Hudson to wake up that morning. Grandma was itching to give him Mater, which he gladly accepted. After breakfast we headed out the door, greeted by a beautiful and sunny morning. Where we were headed so early in the morning? Ah- yes! The new house for a full day of work.
Later that morning we were joined by more volunteers. Todd, Nik, Chod, Bentley, Deidra, and Chris also came to help us on our "project." We couldn't have asked for nicer weather or better help. We stopped for a picnic lunch of sloppy joes and potato salad. During the course of the day, the crews accomplished a lot. We got the upstairs painted, (to the point of the newly added dormer and still unfinished ceiling --where we ripped the wall out around the stairs) drop cloth removed and thoroughly vacuumed. The wood for our floor was beveled, lava rock completely removed from basement, crawl space access completed, upstairs trim primed, and main family room primed and painted. The first rows of wood flooring were also laid. In short, we got a lot done. Thanks for everyone's help!
Party time rolled around awful fast. We scurried over to the upstairs family room for the Monkey Party. After a quick round of "Name that monkey," we dished up banana splits and monkey cupcakes. The cousins couldn't wait for Hudson to open presents, so we did that right away.
Here's the run down:-Chris & Deidra - magic farm book and band-aids
Westerns-Curious George Coloring book and an outfit
Dalton- his old John Deere baby blanket (This won as the most thoughtful gift of the evening. It's worn around the edges, but Hudson was delighted to get it. Dalton and Hudson are best buds. We were glad that Western's were able to come to the party.)
Grandma and Grandpa Hillman- Lightning McQueen car and jacket
Melanie and Todd- bubble wand and kite
Nik, Chod, & Bentley- insulated cooler, complete with snacks
Grandma and Grandpa Parish- work bench, blocks, and tools
Mom and Dad- tricycle, due to the excitement we forgot to give it to him at the party
An older couple in our ward also stopped by and gave Hudson a big-wheeled lo-lo (loader for all of you who don't know.) He was so excited Deidra couldn't get it out of the package quick enough.

It was a busy day, but Hudson wouldn't have it any other way. He got to play with Mamma and Pappa Parish all day, be around all of the construction and tools, play in the sandbox with Bentley, ride in the tractor to feed cows with Grandpa Hillman, play with all of his cousins, and eat ice cream. It was a day fit for a two year old.

Easter Buckets

I finished these up this morning and thought that I'd share. Nothing too fancy, but a lot of fun to create.

Reunited at Last

After a cold and long winter, Hudson has once again been able to return to his sandbox and the great outdoors. Ahh, what relief. Yesterday he played in the sandbox practically all day.

"Hudson, you need to come inside for lunch."

"No," as he continued to play.

And he didn't. I finally made us a picnic lunch to enjoy outside. He only ate a few bites since he had to get back to playing. Finally at 3:30, I drug him inside (yes, kicking and screaming the entire way) so he could take a nap and give his little body a rest.

I predict the little tow head will return and be as will be as bright as ever. I also think any semblance of a chunky little boy will quickly melt away with long hours of play and lack of interest in food. We'll see. Hope you all were able to enjoy some nice weather like Hudson did.

More Fun Than A Barrel Of Monkeys

The renovation continues on the house. We are making some progress. Sheet rock is going up in the addition, rock is going up on the upstairs hearth, and we've gotten the mantel sanded down and in place. I finished fauxing the guest bedroom this morning. As far as I'm concerned, the "fun" part is about to begin. Everything should start coming together. Once the walls are textured I'll have a bunch of painting and then we can start laying flooring. Then the cabinets can be installed, counter tops put into place, appliances moved in, and then one day we will move in. Our little project has become our life and consumed our days. We spend about every waking minute there, so it will be nice to officially move.

In the mean time, I've managed to complete a different kind of project. I made Hudson a sock monkey and he loves it. The monkey's name is George of course, and he likes to carry him around. It's kind of like a doll, but masculine enough to be cool. Now I've just got to find a minute to embroider some banners to tie around our Easter buckets. Stay tuned.

Thinking Spring . . .

And hoping pink. I went to the Dr. yesterday and we took a look at baby. He said I should start buying a lot of pink. I'm hoping he's not wrong on this one. We're excited for a little girl.

It was such a nice day, definitely ushered in spring fever for me. Nik and I took Hudson and Bentley on a walk in the wagon. They loved being outside! It was therapeutic for everyone.

Green For A Reason

I never really wanted Hudson to be born on St. Patrick's Day. I remember crying all the way home from the birthing center on the 16th (when we were scheduled to have him, but they had no empty rooms.) "He'll always have stupid green cupcakes to share with his class!" But now I am beginning to realize the significance of his birth date.
Yesterday we met up with Grandpa Hillman and Dale for Bonneville County Implement's customer appreciation lunch. He never stopped pointing or saying "John Deere" or "tractor" the entire time we were there. If I didnt' know better, I'd say the kid bleeds green. He is a JOHN DEERE boy through and through. I think he'll enjoy taking John Deere cupcakes to his class.