Blame it on the rain

I wish I could blame our first major delay on the rain this weekend but what we discovered on Thursday was not nearly as entertaining as the 1989 hit. Footers were being dug when CLANK, the backhoe hit metal. Our house was built in the 1940's and at that time, homes were heated by oil.  The contractors literally uncovered an oil tank, and not where we were made to believe it was located.  When Jim bought the house, there was paperwork disclosing the tanks (yes two of them) and documents stated they were "environmentally sealed".  The inner tree hugger in me was very happy about this but come to find out, like Milli Vanilli, that was not true!  After a slight panic attack, disaster recovery mode kicked in.  Made lots of phone calls, including a professional geologist and the state department to understand what to do.  Got two companies out the next day for quotes and DeBruhl Environmental got us contracts this morning and will be here tomorrow!  The rain actually allowed him to bump our project up.  Thanks Mother Nature!

The first of many addition updates

Two days in and I already don't recognize our back yard. This is the view I came home to today.

Deck, back siding, side fence demo-ed and everything cleaned up.  Krause Renovations have been great - even moved the last of the tree mulch and transplanted some azalea bushes along the back fence!

While the work kept mini-me from really napping today, she did enjoy playing on the tractor.  (Wish I'd had my camera handy for that.)  Who operates machinery in a linen dress?  Well, a girl should always look her best and I do love a monogram!

Sisterly Love

"Thank you Lord for sending me the sweetest dog."

PINNED!

"Now, eat your veggies Teva."

Who needs the dog to play with, I have her kennel.

First day of spring

Other then pollen, I am fully ready to welcome spring with open arms. Playing outside makes for happy children - both the 4 and 2-legged variety. Springtime is better known as deck-season in our household. While I am excited to officially kick off construction it will be bittersweet to start because it means no more OLS. Yesterday, we moved everything to the attic or under a giant blue tarp in the back yard because... construction kicks off on Tuesday and I am excited about that!

Conquering Corporate Cup

This race has been a thorn in my side for the past few years. Third time's not necessarily the charm but it's a finish to hold my head up about. Next time I need to pace 15sec faster, which would insure I beat Jim's time and solidify my title as the running in this family. He is thoroughly enjoying the fact that he (currently) holds the best half marathon time while I don't think his experience 10 years ago is comparable. Yes, competitiveness runs deep in this family and no, it is not a trait I think I'd care to see carried on.

It really is such an energy boost, not to mention good feeling to have familiar faces (especially this cute one) cheering along the course. Thank you to all the supporters for coming out!

Perfect 10

Today was our weekly Parent/Child Gymnastics class. Each time, our cautious child comes out of her shell a bit more. This may sound silly but she left the comfort of my lap for song time today, even fully participated in the beloved jump up and down song. It is so much fun watching her discover her ability to do things and it warms my heart just seeing her have a good time!  big grin + happy squeal = priceless

I have every intention of signing the munchkin up for everything possible at least once but what activities will she choose? I admit I want my kids to be involved in some sport and it doesn't even have to be soccer, (although she is showing some early left foot skills).

Parents Gone Wild

The little miss went to Greensboro this past weekend and what did we do?!  The Kids Konsignment Sale at the Harris YMCA - shopped Friday and volunteered at it on Sunday.  Our weekend "off" would have been more exciting had my other half not gotten so sick. We did manage to get out and go to a movie - The Adjustment Bureau, which I recommend. It had just enough Bourne for the gents and romance for the ladies. :-) I cannot remember the last movie I saw in theaters but its been even longer since tickets were so cheap. I am slowly catching up with all the online coupon sites out there and picked up 2 tickets for $9!

Here is one of the consignment outfits I had to have. Hope my kids will get to experience the joy that is Camp Seafarer (& Seagull). Until then, a faux-middy and silly camp songs will have to tie us over.

The Giving Tree

Another push to start this blog was to track the upcoming addition, our second in this house and actually our 3rd project with a contractor.  Unfortunately, I think that takes away most of my right to complain since I know the dust and delays that lay ahead. Necessary evil I guess?!  Another necessary evil was the removal of the enormous tree from the back yard. It was like watching the childhood favorite book in action.  First the branches, then the trunk and finally the stump. While it has kept us from being able to really grow grass I loved it. However, I think Teva will miss it and her running track the most.

The following only took them about 12 hours!  Thank goodness, naptime still managed to happen in spite of all the machinery ruckus - sigh of relief!

Prologue

How do I open my story?  The communications major in me wants to establish a setting, give some background, tell a clever story to tie into whatever my main point is... just not sure there is one. This isn't my first attempt; that dream began and ended in January 2009. I found out I was pregnant but wasn't fully ready to share the news but wanted to capture all the emotion of those first weeks. Hoping to share with baby-to-be some day as well as the family I hoped wouldn't be mad at me for keeping quiet.  It was filled with stories of fake drinking, fibs to get out of playing soccer and wondering how good of an actress I could be and how to make telling family special.  I won't recap the past 2 years but per usual, I was doing more then there was time for and sayonara "Stretch-Marques".  I have loved reading the ramblings of my family and friends but the introduction of misprint was the final push to join the masses! Not exactly sure where we're heading but I hope you enjoy the ride.  Welcome to my life!  :-)