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.

Painting Siesta

There's still work being done on the house, but not much that I'm too involved with. Most of my painting projects are on hold- waiting for other things to get done (texturing, new doorways, wall removal.) I am currently working on repainting our inherited jungle green entertainment center. It's a time consuming job, but I think it will look nice in black.

So instead of dragging Hudson over to the new house, we've been spending more time at home. I've done a little scrapping. Here's the latest.

Hey Pappa

Just a few suggestions for my upcoming birthday:

*A larger implement for my Big Scoop.
*A banister for my new house.
*A swing set.

I might be asking a lot, but a kid can have high expectations for such an awesome Grandpa.

Progress

Despite all the work left on our new house, we have been making progress. Slowly, but surely. I have Hudson's room, the office, and my laundry room painted. I'm now working on repainting the jungle green entertainment center we inherited. The footings were poured yesterday and by the end of today, there won't be any more of the nasty old carpet left. We backed Brent's semi up to the front door and have been throwing all of the junk inside. I think we could fit our entire trailer house inside his commodity trailer, so we should have plenty of room to make only one trip to the dump.

On a different note, progress is being made with my pregnancy. I have felt decent for the past week, I feel the baby moving around, and I'm starting to get a little tummy. I suppose "Progress" is all in the eyes of the beholder.

Bye Bye Pappa

Hudson loved being with "Momma" and "Pappa" this weekend. When we got in our car to come home he just kept saying, "bye, bye, pappa." He doesn't get to spend a lot of time with them, but he sure enjoys the attention they pay him. Thanks family for the fun weekend.

Choices

I have been overwhelmed by the amount of choices we have for our remodeling/rennovation project. Since Brent and I are completely opposite kind of decisions makers, it's been a little. . . interesting. Brent will overturn every rock and possible option, while I on the other hand- have a general idea of what I want and just want it now. So although we still haven't decided on the hardwoord flooring or carpet we'd like, we have decided on a floor plan for our addition. Weather permitting, they should begin a week from now. I'm just afraid that all of this rain is going to make for some treacherous conditions for the cement truck (no, I really don't want one sunk to it's axels in my backyard.)
I also solidified some of my paint choices with a trip to Home Depot yesterday. I took Nik along so she could have the last say. Looks like I'll be getting my spring green laundry room after all.

Growing Vocabulary

Hudson has been eating like a horse lately. I think he's gained 5 lbs in the last week. He's becoming quite a solid little kid. At mealtime or snack time, "mo?" can be heard quite frequently followed by "cheez" (his version of please) and "tan tu" (thank you.)

While watching his favorite tv show he often comments, "George" and makes other silly monkey sounds.

When seeing you for the first time in a room he'll greet you with a big "hi."

"Bubbles" are synomous with bath time.

"Hot" is his way of saying something is uncomfortable. Food, smashed fingers, fire, and dirty diapers can all be hot.

"Mo" while opening the fridge means his sippy needs refilled. "Juice" or "milk" are his only real options.

While running to our french doors or sliding a chair to our back window "Pappa , Tractor!!" are excitedly exclaimed when Hudson hears the tractor coming to feed the cows.

"Ruff-ruff" is used to describe things that are small and run around- baby calves included.

"Um. . ." "Um. . . " "Mom." fill our days of playing tractors and reading books.

While singing along to Jodee Mesina's "If Not You . . . " he questions "Who!?"

He insists on wearing his John Deer "hat" around.

"Boots," "gloves," and his "coat" are a must when going out to help do chores.

I wondered if he'd ever learn more words than "tractor." I guess he can. I only wonder what he'll be saying in a week or two.

Moving In

We started moving into our new house today, but not like you probably imagine. Instead we rolled in with pry bars, sledge hammers, air chisels, and an air compressor. We decided not to waste any time before getting the rennovation underway. Well . . .we took a few minutes to snap some "before" pictures. We're hoping that after ones are a night and day difference. Brent attacked the main fireplace hearth and started tearing down the ugly rock. I went after the tile in the entrance way. It's cathartic to get things ripped up. I get tired thinking of all the work ahead of us, but get excited to think that it will be our HOME.

Making Me Happy

I woke up feeling good today and that made me happy. I'm hoping there are many more days of feeling good since I am now in my 2nd trimester. We had German pancakes for breakfast, topped with strawberry yogurt and fresh strawberries. MMM. . . how can you eat that and not be happy? I'm lovin strawberries, they're a symbol of spring.I went shopping yesterday and found some fun things for cheap. That tends to make me happy. I found a funky pair of shoes at DI. In addition, I found a big glass vase/urn and a bunch of daffodils. Kmart had this cool red bowl on Christmas clearance for 99 cents. I put some apples in it for an easy table decoration.All of the little primroses at Fred Meyer made me happy. As a matter of fact, on begged me to take it home. I'm rather glad I did. They're just so cute. What's making you happy?

Chore Buddy

The end of January always marks the beginning of calving season for the Hillman herd. This year is no exception. Calves were tagged and sorted on Friday and here it is Tuesday, and we're already tagging another 25 calves. I enjoy being able to get out and help tag. It reminds me of all the early mornings doing chores with my dad. I have myself a little chore buddy. Hudson rides in the tractor with Grandpa while they feed. He helps us round the cows up on the 4 wheeler and today he went with me to help tag.
As soon as tractors, cows, or ruff-ruffs are mentioned or heard, he heads for his boots. It will be nice when it's warm enough to send him outside without boots, coats, overalls, and mittens. I think we both will enjoy warmer weather and the freedom of not being in the house all the time.

Feel The Love

Just sharing my latest Valentines goodies with you. Eye Candy. I made the mailbox out of chipboard, packing tape, and hot glue. I found the take out boxes at JoAnns and decorated them up with AdornIt's stuff. Valentine's decor makes me happy. The colors are so fun and refreshing after the long, cold winter.

Mo' Please

Hudson loves cereal. It doesn't matter what kind; Honey Combs, Raisin Bran, Honey Bunches of Oats, oatmeal- you name it, he'll eat it. He won't even eat his yogurt without granola in it. I guess it's a good thing he doesn't mind cold cereal or yogurt because he's been getting it an awful lot lately. I keep thinking one of these days I'll feel like cooking, but then again, why cook when you can throw your kid a carton or yogurt and call it lunch?