Oh, what a project our bathroom/ laundry room/ hallway floor has came to be. 

I keep telling myself.... It NEEDED to be done.  We are not doing this---I am not putting my husband and family through this--- because I am selfish and wanted sheet rock that was not water logged, a tub that wasn't chipped, a tub surround that wasn't rusty, and all of the tile to match.

The back plaster of our old 1920's house NEEDED to come off... for insulation and heating purposes. 

I am not selfish, right?

We don't have a draft upstairs anymore.  And our bathroom is turning out more beautiful than imagined.

It's hard to believe that two years ago we started saving and gradually purchasing items for our bathroom.  Porcelain and glass tiles, granite topped vanity, jacuzzi tub.  Little did we know that our plan for starting our remodel last January would be foiled by a snowmobile accident. 

But now Aaron is plumbing and tiling and grouting like a mad man. 

I don't care if he grumps at me when he is upset with himself.  He can't bend and lift and pull like he used to.  Staying up all night working and munching on coffee grounds is now a thing of the past. And I don't care if it takes him until this summer to finish the bathroom, the laundry room and the hallway.  It is just nice to see him do it. 

And it is even nicer when big brother travels 3 hours and stays several days to help little brother complete his goal. I know that I have said it before.... but.... what would we do without Aaron's brothers?  We are so fortunate to have Aaron's other big brother, big in multiple senses of the word--- older and a gigantic 6'7"---- live right down the road from us.  He also gave a helping hand flawlessly cutting tile. 

Miss crazy hair also came to stay with us!  She and Abram had a blast while their dads were working.

The bathroom is almost complete.  Next is the laundry room floor and the hallway.  But that may have to be delaying because the construction of the chicken coop is in our near future.  And Abram has been driving us crazy with chicken talk!

Happy Alive Day

Today is the day.  One year ago, Aaron was in a snowmobile accident that changed our lives.

I wish that I was feeling better today--- so I could go to work.  I hated to call in sick (especially today.)  Work would keep my mind busy.  But, I have been under the weather since Saturday, and decided to stay home today (after dragging my kids to church yesterday and then leaving before Sunday school started because I got ummm... "sick".... during fellowship after church.  I'll spare the details.)

Instead, I am home accompanied by two snoring dogs, a crazy cat, and my thoughts about our journey through the last year.

I think about the frigid cold of last January and the snow that covered the ground.  Bucking icy roads, hurrying to get to the hospital Aaron was flown to--- two hours away from home.

I can't believe this our winter last year!

Get on your knees and be thankful you can stand~~ Irish Proverb

Sitting in the waiting room while Aaron was in surgery... waiting for a total of 18 hours in the same room.  Then, sitting on the hard wooden chair in ICU and crying for helplessness... for my husbands life... for being exhausted. 

And then the journey to recovery began.

Nice socks.

Not only the physical aspects of recovery... but relearning each other.  We both are different people now.  So, we had to rediscover each other and our new normal.  It was going to either strengthen our relationship or break us.  And I am happy to say we are stronger than ever.

This journey has tested us to the max.  But faith, family, and close friends have guided us through.

Happy Alive Day Aaron!!!

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."  ~~Mignon McLaughlin

A Car Ride Conversation

I picked my little guy up from school because he had a stomach ache.  An ache he had complained of to me before heading off to school--- of which I ignored rationalizing that it was a combination of post winter break jitters combined with anxiety from having to wear his back brace to school--- and sent him to school anyways.  But, the ache persisted...the teacher called... and then we were on our way home. 

One thing I love (out of many) about Abram is that he likes to sit in the car, listen to music, and watch the empty fields roll by.  He would rather have the car DVD player off--- usually opposed by big brother.

On this particular day, it seemed little brother had several things on his mind.  He made a mental list, even numbering the items in his mind.  I wonder where he gets that from?!

He started off by saying, " I have a few things I want to talk about."

"1.  When are we going to get chickens?  We need to get baby chickens to grow into big chickens, and a rooster."

"2.  When can Boomer have puppies?  I'll have to give her extra treats when I get home."

She looks so sweet and innocent... looks are so deceiving!

"3.  I am mad at the weather.  The snow is never going to come!" 

Abram has been so conflicted lately... obsessing over chickens and puppies and baby pigs.  He drew detailed drawings of plans for a "chicken house" including a rooster to protect the eggs. 

So, his persistence has paid off.  Mom and dad agreed to finance a small chicken coop (his request for 52 laying hens and 2 roosters was denied,) we will allow Boomer to attempt to have puppies--- but we will not keep any of then, one short hair is enough. 

Unfortunately darling, there is not much I can do about the snow.  I am hesitant to encourage Abram to pray for it... because we all know God answers prayers. And not having snow and basking in above average temps is fine by me.