DIY Backyard Project

For a while I have wanted to extend my back patio. The patio was a little small before and it made it hard for all of us to sit around our firepit to toast marshmellows. We were lucky enough to be able to salvage some pavers from a couple of places (thanks Misi!) and get some sand for free so this whole project didn't cost us much by way of materials at all.



My Mom and Dad came over and we spent a whole day laying down the pavers. I have to say that my Dad did most of the work but with a little help from the reat of us, we got it done. It looks amazing! We have used the new patio several times and it makes it so nice to be able to sit comfortably together as a family and enjoy the outdoors.

Thanks Dad and Mom for all of your help! Couldn't have EVER done it without you!

Our New Addition is HERE!!!

Our new baby puppy, Maya got here on Thanksgiving Day. She is so cute! Everyone had to take their turn holding her and getting their picture taken. She is so tiny but sooooo fun. Even Carter (our Cocker Spaniel) doesn't mind having her around. Thank you so much Shawn and Jean! She is everything we could have wanted in a baby girl puppy!

Happy Birthday J-Bear

At the beginning of November, J Bear celebrated his 4th Birthday! It's hard to believe that he is already 4. This last year or so he talks about being Spiderman almost every day. So nothing could be more appropriate than to have a Spiderman party.

He is such a big boy and I am so proud of what he has become so far in his young life. He is such a sweet, loving little man and I don't know what we would ever do without him. Happy Birthday SPIDERMAN!

You Reap What You Sow...

Don't these green beans look yummy? This whole sink full of deliciousness came from our backyard garden. After washing, snapping, and pressure canning, we now have 15 pints of green beans to enjoy for this year. Yummy!!!

Pumpkins...

Halloween came and went so quickly that I didn't get a chance to talk about it much. We had a great time trick-or-treating with the kiddos and our friends. However, I failed to take pictures of the event. I wish when life was crazy and we were rushed that the camera would be something I remembered to bring, but alas it is not. My friend Mindy took some so at least the event was photographed. When I get a our copies scanned in, I will share ;)

Here's me carving my pumpkin. I have the concentration face on... not my favorite look but it gets the job done I guess.

And here's my final product.

Here's Matt and J Bear working on their pumpkins. J Bear is forever sitting on counters and tables. Maybe this is how he thinks best.

And here is Matt's pumpkin...

And J Bear's.

Peanut carved his own pumpkin this year. He had a few pointers from me but he mostly did it on his own. He drew out the face first and then using the most awesome safety knife EVER... he did it all by himself.

And as you can see he couldn't be any happier about his final product.

We bought our pumpkins at the Farmer's Market and they were super cheap!

What a fun time we had!

Shameless Plug...

So here is my shameless plug for my new favorite band... The Jeff Hunt Band

Some of our friends have a great band and we have had the chance to go listen to them a few times and they are amazing! If you get a chance, check out their website http://www.myspace.com/jeffhuntband

And for those of you who know any of these talented people and haven't yet had a chance to hear them... shame on you ;) Head over to their website and you can see when they will be performing next so you can come!