March 30, 2010

Old-Fence, De-Fenced, Pre-Fence, New-Fence



On our list of "Home-Improvement" Projects has been to install a new fence. Ours had become increasingly more wobbly, so much that the kids could move it back and forth in a worrisome way. We decided to have a vinyl fence installed before the baby comes and before the garden gets underway. After a lot of negotiating and working with our neighbors and the fencing companies, we made it work.


Ganon and some very kind neighbors tore out the old fence while I was at a meeting (Ganon didn't want to put me into labor). They had fun using a jack-hammer, grinder, and chain-saw along with some new fun tools that I bought. I was limited to the hammer and shovel. The hardest part was the walnut tree that we had to chop down and remove. Luckily no one was hurt (much).



The fence posts were installed and left to set for several days. They provided some semblance of a fence so the patrons next door were less likely to see our yard as a park. (I only actually had to shoo kids out once). The installers finally came this morning to set the last two posts and installed the pickets. I think it looks great. We have increased privacy and increased safety. It looks very clean and has little or no maintenance. Once the weather clears we will have a party in the backyard.




















March 12, 2010

Nesting Part 2


I finished the other half of my sewing project last night. The girls look so cute in their matching outfits. If only it was warm enough to wear them outside.

I've also been working on my garden. I haven't been able to do too much outside yet, but I actually have life growing in my "greenhouse" downstairs. I have a few lights hooked up that I turn on for about 12 hours each day. The plants are on the table next to the furnace. The kids enjoy watching the little sprouts come up. So far we have pumpkins, watermelon, cucumber, zucchini, and tomatoes. No sign of any peppers yet, but we haven't given up hope. My dad is going to come and help get my garden started outside when the baby comes. I'm so excited!

(Pumpkins: front, tomatoes: back)

March 11, 2010

Nesting Part 1



I am 35 weeks pregnant today and am counting down the weeks until we become a family of 6 (4 wks 1 day). I have been nesting, but not in the usual way. I have not been wanting to wash the dishes or get the baby's stuff ready. Instead I prefer to spend my time sewing stuff for the girls or working in the garden. Here are pictures of my current project. Rebecca is very excited and has been helping me sew her new dress and pants. (I am proud of myself for actually using and following a pattern- it worked pretty well). More nesting pictures will be coming soon.