The house continues to move along...fast! We stopped in the house last night and wow does it look different!! They sprayed the walls with the pre-texture primer and then textured all the walls and ceilings. It looks AMAZING in there!! Really looks finished now!! I guess the garage isn't done with the texture so they will probably finish that up today. Not sure if the painter will be in there this week or if they will wait and start on Monday. One week from today they are suppose to start flooring...yikes!!!!
Outside the rock work is moving along too. They should probably finish up with the outside of the house tomorrow I think. Then they have to do both fireplaces and also the mailbox. But, once the outside house rock is done, the siding will be started. It is really coming together now!
Sorry....computer still broken so no pictures. AND, the good camera broke too and was sent off for repair yesterday. Not a good time! :(
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The worst thing...
The fire is being called the "Cascade fire" because it started close to the Cascade campgrounds. This is close to Basin campground...and Wild Bill lake (where we go fishing all the time)...and close to the cabin. If the fire continues down the canyon like the crews think it will, it is headed towards the cabin. Chris and Doug got two big truckloads of belongings out on Sunday, then on Monday Chris and I got another car full, and then Clay and Marjie came to get another truck full. There is still so much inside there. It seriously makes me sick to think of this place going up in flames. Not just the cabin..but the mountains...the other homes...the animals...the beautiful trees. This is where we spend our time away from home. This is why we moved to MT...to be close to the mountains. This area that is burning...this is Chris' favorite place in the entire world....it is part of him...it is part of all of us now. And now it is burning.
The kids keep asking if the fire is out. Hailey keeps asking about the cabin. Ryan wants to go up there as he said he can put the fire out (we all wish you could put it out buddy!).
Please keep the crews working on the fire in your thoughts and prayers. I will post updates when I can. I do have some pictures from the cabin yesterday...but the home computer is still out of commission!
Please pray that the fire is out soon...
Here is a picture of Wild Bill from last year -> pretty place
And, one from July 4th weekend (again at Wild Bill) ->
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Posts and weather
First, when I went to get ready for this post I noticed something. Last nights blog entry was #200!! Two hundred posts already?!?! It doesn't seem like there are that many out there, but must be. :) Just proud of myself for keeping this up. There have been times when I have wanted to stop...but keep it going. :)
Second, last night we got a doozie of a storm. I was actually working on my laptop and had the home computer on as well (nothing unusual at all). The storm hit...and the power went off, then on, then off, then on...then off one more time and on again. Nothing too major....except.......now the home computer won't turn on!!!!!!!! The monitor works, everything else works. I tried to plug it in another spot, and nothing. So, there won't be any pictures posted until Chris gets home and figures out what is wrong with it. I hope it is an easy fix :) I will try to still update and will add pictures once things get working again.
Second, last night we got a doozie of a storm. I was actually working on my laptop and had the home computer on as well (nothing unusual at all). The storm hit...and the power went off, then on, then off, then on...then off one more time and on again. Nothing too major....except.......now the home computer won't turn on!!!!!!!! The monitor works, everything else works. I tried to plug it in another spot, and nothing. So, there won't be any pictures posted until Chris gets home and figures out what is wrong with it. I hope it is an easy fix :) I will try to still update and will add pictures once things get working again.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
House update (7/22)
Well, I got to go inside today...all thanks to the realtor that called to show the "old" house! I had 15 minutes to vacuum the main floor and upstairs, open all the blinds, clean the kitchen counters, sweep the floor, take out garbage, turn on all the lights, pick up any mess around the house, and load the dog up! I was out of breath when I got in the car ON TIME! :) No news on the showing, but still happy to have a showing! :)
The new house is cruising along like usual! The rock is now finished on the front-street facing side, and started around the south side too (see picture 1 and 2). I LOVE how this looks! I went inside and saw the guys busy working on the sheetrock. They are FAST...I told them to slow down again too :) Poor guys...it was 100 degrees OUTSIDE...and well over that upstairs!! At least they were working in the basement when I was there. There are two pictures of the progress inside(my office and the kitchen/dinette)...that is all I had time for or patience for as it was so hot in there! :)
The new house is cruising along like usual! The rock is now finished on the front-street facing side, and started around the south side too (see picture 1 and 2). I LOVE how this looks! I went inside and saw the guys busy working on the sheetrock. They are FAST...I told them to slow down again too :) Poor guys...it was 100 degrees OUTSIDE...and well over that upstairs!! At least they were working in the basement when I was there. There are two pictures of the progress inside(my office and the kitchen/dinette)...that is all I had time for or patience for as it was so hot in there! :)
Monday, July 21, 2008
VBS
This morning the kids got to go to something new....Vacation Bible School (VBS). The church where they go to preschool offered it this week...and even Ryan could attend!!! They have that from 9am-12pm every day this week. I wasn't sure if Ryan would want to stay, but he did and he was so excited when I picked him up today. They both just had such a wonderful time, and Hailey was singing songs all night long!! :) What a fun summer activity for them...and they both listen a little more when I threaten to make them go to daycare instead of VBS this week! (I know...naughty mommy...but if you know these two you understand where I am coming from!) ;)
Here are a couple pictures of them when we first got there. I didn't stay so there aren't pictures of any activities, but trust me they will tell you all about them if you ask!
Here are a couple pictures of them when we first got there. I didn't stay so there aren't pictures of any activities, but trust me they will tell you all about them if you ask!
House update (7/21)
After Chris' softball game we went out to the house. Nice progress today on the outside rock...we love how it looks and the colors of it. However, they put a door handle on the garage door and locked it so we couldn't get in the house!! We looked in and saw that they had started on the taping and mudding...looks nice. Most of the main floor looked like it had one coat. With it being in the upper 90s today, the mud will sure dry fast!!! :) Hopefully tomorrow they put the combination box on with a key in it so we can go inside. At least I got a few pictures of the outside! :)
I don't know what it is, but every time we go to the house both kids feel the need to go potty in the "outhouse" they have out there. It never fails!!! Man, the day they take that away both of them will be so upset! I am sure they are thinking that the nice blue outside potty is going to be there forever....and I am not going to tell them otherwise yet! :)
I don't know what it is, but every time we go to the house both kids feel the need to go potty in the "outhouse" they have out there. It never fails!!! Man, the day they take that away both of them will be so upset! I am sure they are thinking that the nice blue outside potty is going to be there forever....and I am not going to tell them otherwise yet! :)
Friday, July 18, 2008
Swimming lesson finale
Last night the kids finished their first session of swimming lessons for the summer. Hailey did fantastic...and is continuing to improve. She will stay at Starfish next time ... and needs to work on her breathing, etc, but the teacher said that Hailey LOVES to float and does a great job at it too! :)
Ryan did FANTASTIC for his first real time in swimming lessons!! In fact, he gets to move up from the Goldfish level to the Sunfish level next time!!! Way to go buddy!! :) He has no fear of the water, but would much rather do his tummy float than his back float and will suggest that to you if you ask him which one he wants to do! :) He started to wear his goggles...but I think they were on a little too tight if you look at the marks on his little face! :) He still did good, but was disappointed that lessons are over (but will start again in 2 weeks :)).
Ryan did FANTASTIC for his first real time in swimming lessons!! In fact, he gets to move up from the Goldfish level to the Sunfish level next time!!! Way to go buddy!! :) He has no fear of the water, but would much rather do his tummy float than his back float and will suggest that to you if you ask him which one he wants to do! :) He started to wear his goggles...but I think they were on a little too tight if you look at the marks on his little face! :) He still did good, but was disappointed that lessons are over (but will start again in 2 weeks :)).
House update (7/17)
Today the sidewalk and the patio were poured...and they look great!!! The first picture shows the entire driveway and the second picture shows the sidewalk too. :) The 3rd and 4th pictures are of the patio. The kids wanted to step on it, but of course we won't let them! :)
Also...more sheetrock done too. Now the whole house is done along with my garage. The only thing left is Chris' garage....and cleaning the place up! :)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
House update (7/16)
I didn't get a chance to go see the house...so I am going off of what Chris said and what pictures he took. :) The most noticeable change today was that we have a driveway!! They also framed the rest of the walkway to the front door, the steps at the front door, and the back patio. They are pouring those tomorrow morning!! There was more sheetrock put up too. I think the basement is finished, and they also did the master bathroom, closet, bedroom, the kitchen, and not sure exactly what else. That is what I have pictures of! :) Tomorrow they will either tackle the living room and the vaulted ceiling or the garages. I cannot believe that is all they have left!!!
Kitchen ---> 
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
House update (7/15)
Fun day today!!! :) We drove up to see the driveway forms up and ready for concrete!! They still need to finish forming the sidewalk and the back patio, but then it will be poured!! The garage doors are up too (I guess they were done on Monday, but I didn't see them). Inside the sheetrock crew was busy. They got the main floor ceilings all done (except the vaulted living room) and then went to the basement. They got all the ceilings done down there, and also have Chris' office done, and about 1/2 of the living room down there too! They don't waste any time that is for sure!!
(1) The driveway and garage door (Chris' side).
(2) Master bedroom ceiling.
(3) Basement living room.
(1) The driveway and garage door (Chris' side).
(2) Master bedroom ceiling.
(3) Basement living room.
This is for my dad........... Here is a picture of out on the highway overlooking the Ironwood subdivision. Click on the picture to make it larger and then you can see where I circled it.
This picture is when we turn off the highway, looking into the subdivision. Still can see the house...but it is in the new construction part (there are a few parts of new construction). Again, enlarge and then you can see the pink circle around our house. See, we aren't alone out there! :) There are TONS of houses!!
More swimming
More swimming pictures from Monday and Tuesday night. They both just LOVE every minute in the pool. Thursday will be tough...the last night. I sure am glad I registered them for another session!! :)
(look at Hailey's arms in that last picture....PERFECT! :) She is really practicing!!)
(look at Hailey's arms in that last picture....PERFECT! :) She is really practicing!!)
House update (7/14)
We have..............SHEETROCK! Despite it being in the mid-90s and working upstairs with no air, the sheetrockers got both kid's rooms, the bathroom, and the landing area all done yesterday. They also worked on the trenching for the light pole, and all the insulation is complete as well. The upstairs sure looks different now!!!
Here is Ryan in Hailey's closet (trying to open the window), and a picture of Ryan's room (his door is on the left and his closet on the right).
The kids being silly (this was after swimming lessons) and the back of the house (I just love how it looks :) ).
Here is Ryan in Hailey's closet (trying to open the window), and a picture of Ryan's room (his door is on the left and his closet on the right).
The kids being silly (this was after swimming lessons) and the back of the house (I just love how it looks :) ).
Monday, July 14, 2008
Nice, relaxing weekend
We had such a nice, relaxing weekend at the cabin....it was great and very needed! It is wonderful to get away from the house and everything else and be up there!
Friday we ended up having two showings. The first one (planned) we found out the couple were just in town to decide if they want to move to Billings or SPAIN! Okay...so might not be a tough decision, but they weren't really looking too much at the house. Oh well, it was another realtor in the house and they did say the house showed very well.
Then we had another showing on Friday afternoon. We haven't heard anything else on that one...hopefully something today.
We didn't get to the cabin to later on Friday night (thanks to the showings :) ). We still had a fun time by the fire. It as nice...the four of us sitting by the fire...waiting for the stars to come out. We even had marshmallows and smokies (Hailey loved the marshmallows, Ryan loved the smokies). Ryan didn't like it when Chris had his marshmallow catch on fire. He told Chris that if he did that again he was going to be in trouble and will get soap in his mouth. :) It was a late night, but worth it!
Saturday Chris and Clay went on a loooong hike! The kids and I did NOT go! :) We spent a little time at the cabin in the morning, then went to town. We ended up going to the farmer's market, then to the park and finally to the grocery store to get lunch to have a picnic at the zoo! :) We had fun...but it was time to get home and nap!! :) In the afternoon we went on a little walk, then just played around the cabin. It wasn't until LATE that Chris and Clay got back, so that resulted in another late night for the kids.
Sunday we slept in a little, then spent time cleaning and playing. The kids went on a looong 4-wheeler ride with Chris and we all just relaxed! :) We didn't leave until 4:30 ... there was an open house in the early afternoon. A fun Hailey moment -- instead of a nap, she got to go on a looong hike "around the hoop" (we say "around the loop" but the kids say "hoop") with Chris. They were gone for a long time, but she did very good. They even went hiking again before Ryan got up from his nap. Great job Hailey!!!
We ended the weekend with a trip to Frosties for ice cream and a trip to the new house. It is all ready for sheetrock...it should be nice and HOT inside there today for those guys. Maybe they will start in the basement or garages!?! :)
Friday we ended up having two showings. The first one (planned) we found out the couple were just in town to decide if they want to move to Billings or SPAIN! Okay...so might not be a tough decision, but they weren't really looking too much at the house. Oh well, it was another realtor in the house and they did say the house showed very well.
Then we had another showing on Friday afternoon. We haven't heard anything else on that one...hopefully something today.
We didn't get to the cabin to later on Friday night (thanks to the showings :) ). We still had a fun time by the fire. It as nice...the four of us sitting by the fire...waiting for the stars to come out. We even had marshmallows and smokies (Hailey loved the marshmallows, Ryan loved the smokies). Ryan didn't like it when Chris had his marshmallow catch on fire. He told Chris that if he did that again he was going to be in trouble and will get soap in his mouth. :) It was a late night, but worth it!
Saturday Chris and Clay went on a loooong hike! The kids and I did NOT go! :) We spent a little time at the cabin in the morning, then went to town. We ended up going to the farmer's market, then to the park and finally to the grocery store to get lunch to have a picnic at the zoo! :) We had fun...but it was time to get home and nap!! :) In the afternoon we went on a little walk, then just played around the cabin. It wasn't until LATE that Chris and Clay got back, so that resulted in another late night for the kids.
Sunday we slept in a little, then spent time cleaning and playing. The kids went on a looong 4-wheeler ride with Chris and we all just relaxed! :) We didn't leave until 4:30 ... there was an open house in the early afternoon. A fun Hailey moment -- instead of a nap, she got to go on a looong hike "around the hoop" (we say "around the loop" but the kids say "hoop") with Chris. They were gone for a long time, but she did very good. They even went hiking again before Ryan got up from his nap. Great job Hailey!!!
We ended the weekend with a trip to Frosties for ice cream and a trip to the new house. It is all ready for sheetrock...it should be nice and HOT inside there today for those guys. Maybe they will start in the basement or garages!?! :)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Swimming lessons -- week 1
Both Hailey and Ryan started swimming lessons on Monday at the Gymnastics center...they have a WONDERFUL swimming program, GREAT teachers, and a warm outdoor pool. The go Monday to Thursday for two weeks. Hailey is a "starfish" this time, and Ryan is a "goldfish".
This was Ryan's first real swimming lessons without us in the pool with him so I was a little nervous on how he would do. I had NOTHING to worry about!! He LOVED it from the first minute!! His teacher, Dennis, is so good with the kids too. If you ask Ryan about his teacher, he will tell you "I don't have a teacher, I have a teacher-boy." In just four days, Dennis has got Ryan to swim on his back, put his entire head in the water, and so much more. Ryan is very disappointed when it is time to go. Not sure what he will do when I tell him he only has 4 more times left. Good thing we have one more session this summer!!
Our little fish Hailey of course enjoyed her lessons as well. She is working on all her strokes and is now retrieving rings from the bottom of deeper water!! She loves to be in the water, and is happy that her friend "the other Hailey" is in lessons with her too!!!
More swimming pictures next week!!
This was Ryan's first real swimming lessons without us in the pool with him so I was a little nervous on how he would do. I had NOTHING to worry about!! He LOVED it from the first minute!! His teacher, Dennis, is so good with the kids too. If you ask Ryan about his teacher, he will tell you "I don't have a teacher, I have a teacher-boy." In just four days, Dennis has got Ryan to swim on his back, put his entire head in the water, and so much more. Ryan is very disappointed when it is time to go. Not sure what he will do when I tell him he only has 4 more times left. Good thing we have one more session this summer!!
Our little fish Hailey of course enjoyed her lessons as well. She is working on all her strokes and is now retrieving rings from the bottom of deeper water!! She loves to be in the water, and is happy that her friend "the other Hailey" is in lessons with her too!!!
More swimming pictures next week!!
House update (7/8 - 7/9 - 7/10)
Oh the house is getting closer to being done!!! On Tuesday, July 8th they finished up electrical, low voltage, mechanical and a few pieces of backing for the bathrooms (places to put the towel bars, etc.). We had a walk-through with Scott to make sure everything was set before insulation. It was!! :)
Wednesday, July 9th was insulation day!! What a difference that makes!!! Our current neighbors across the street own the insulation company and wow did they do an excellent job!!! He told us he has his best crew out there...with over 100 years experience. It really shows...it looks great. They even put some insulation in the 'window wall'...in between all those boards!! I couldn't believe that! Our front door is also on (but no one can use it...and they better not hurt it as it is PRETTY!!) and the service doors are on too.
Thursday, July 10th was a little more insulation and the delivery of sheetrock. I thought there would have been more, but I am sure it is more than enough for them!! :) Glad those guys will be doing it...because hanging sheetrock in a new house with NO AIR and you cannot open the windows as they are covered to keep them nice and it is JULY does not sound like fun to me!!! Today we also had a meeting at the house to figure out closet organizers, lights, the backyard patio, the front sidewalk and light, and measure for the cabinets!! It is getting serious now!!! The last picture is just of some of the many wires in the house. Everyone kept telling us "wow you have a lot of wire in here!"
The kids had fun at the house tonight too as they got to see a baby bunny and kept looking for it as it went into the garbage container. First picture you can see the bunny and the kids are just seeing it too. Second picture they are looking for him. Third picture they even got Chris and Karl looking for it too!!
Either tomorrow or Monday they will start hanging the sheetrock! YIKES! And the next Monday they start taping. Whoa...good thing I am sitting down!!
On anther note...we had one showing on Tuesday and just got a call for another one tomorrow (Friday). Not too bad since this is a very slow time, but we really want something to happen. Any positive thoughts would be greatly appreciated right now! :)
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