Happy Birthday to Me!

Before anyone starts freaking out that you forgot my birthday, take a deep breath, and relax. You didn't miss it. My birthday is still July 30th. But this past weekend, I got an early birthday present from Doug's mom and dad!

Check it out...

I wonder what it is?!?!
I got a "barn quilt"!!!

Dallas had to check to make sure it was strong enough to survive out here in Iowa.

Luckily, the weather cooperated with us on Sunday and we were able to tackle the project of actually hanging it.

Here's Doug drilling the holes for the bolts to hold it up...can't ruin that beautiful paint job.

It was quite a team effort to get this thing up! Thankfully, our neighbor had plenty of ladders for us to use!

Checking the level one more time...

I was able to help paint the bolts after the hanging portion was completed.

Doesn't it look AWESOME!?! The design is called "weather vane" for the quilters out there.

A family picture...yes, Dallas is in his socks and diaper. He had just woke up from a nap and it was hot that afternoon!

Thanks again Bob and Connie for the wonderful birthday present. We got our first compliment this evening from the neighbors!!!

Until next time...

Introducing...

my new kitchen!!!

While Dallas spent the week with Grandmas and Grandpas, Doug and I "updated" the kitchen. I love it! Some of the pictures don't do the new look justice, but you can see the difference.

So, I did these pictures in a before/after fashion. The wood paneling walls are the before and the yellow walls are the after.

And to end on...you just never know what you are going to find in an old house when you do a little remodeling. We found this wallpaper above the kitchen cabinets (hidden by the drop ceiling) The scary thing...the yellow that I just painted my kitchen, would match perfectly!!!

Until next time...

Happy 4th Anniversary!

I just wanted to write a note saying Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband Doug.
Even though he hardly ever reads the blog.


Our family then...and our family now...
Until next time...

Picture Time

As I mentioned in a previous post, Doug, Dallas, Gertie and I went to Indiana for the weekend. We had a wonderful time seeing family, friends, grilling out, and much more. I finally downloaded some pictures from my camera...so enjoy!

On Sunday, my past state FFA officer team had a mini reunion. Unfortunately, not everyone was able to make it...but here are the ones that did.Front row (L-R): Doug and Rajean, Erin, Kim and Jason; Back row (L-R): Pete and Karissa, Kyle and Jill

I would like to think that Dallas made a new friend. Kim's son Colton is about 6 weeks older than Dallas. Only, they really didn't want to sit by each other to get a picture.

They had other things to do...
At the end of the day, I took Dallas down to the lake at the FFA Center. He was a little timid at first...

Then he realized it was like a huge bathtub!

We were about ready to leave when Karissa's daughter woke up. Could Gabriella be hitting on Dallas?

On our way back to Grandpa and Grandma Robertson's, Grandpa had the idea to stop by Dairy Queen...never a bad idea!

To finish off the weekend, Dallas helped Grandpa Robertson feed the sheep.

We did spend time with Doug's family...I promise. Only I didn't have my camera battery at that time. So, I used Josie's camera...you will have to wait until this weekend to see those pictures!

Until next time...

Quick Update...

...before I head off to bed.

Monday, Doug and I made the trip back to Iowa after a wonderful weekend in Indiana. Dallas stayed in Indiana with Grandma and Grandpa Robertson! He spent Monday and Tuesday with them, and then the hand-off was made to Grandpa and Gram Bergman on Wednesday morning. Dallas will be staying with them for the remainder of the week, and he will then travel home on Friday when Doug's parents come for the weekend.

So...what have I been doing to keep my mind off of the fact that Dallas is not here?

Doug and I have been painting! Doug went ahead and took Tuesday and Wednesday off work so he could help me paint the kitchen. It took a little while to "empty" the kitchen and prep it for the actual painting. By the time Tuesday was over, we had painted two coats of primer.

Wednesday morning, I had a doctor's appointment for Gertie. Since, Doug was off work, he went along with. We heard Gertie's heartbeat, but I was too busy asking Dr. Smollen questions, that she didn't state what the heart rate was! Also, Dr. Smollen gave us the paperwork to set up another ultrasound. We weren't sure if we would have one half-way through this pregnancy since I had one at 8 weeks, but it looks like we will! So, look forward to more pictures of Gertie in another month.

Once we returned home, it was right to work painting. We finished one coat of paint, and then mowed the yard. After the yard work was finished, we put on a second coat of paint. I have some before and and after pictures, but I need to download them from the camera later. After we cleaned up our mess, we weeded in the veggie garden and picked some radishes! They are so yummy. I love the rewards of having our own garden.

So...that's what we have been up to.

Until next time...