Our newest project...

As most of you probably know, we have 6 acres that we keep our horses on.  The adjoining 4 acres, barn and house was recently foreclosed on  so we decided to purchase it.  We are closing on it at 9 a.m. in the morning and going directly over to start renovation on the house.  It is a 4 bedroom, cape cod style home that was built on 1916.  The home has been badly neglected so we really have our work cut out for us!  We already have a renter waiting to move in so our goal is to get is livable within a few weeks.  I am really excited to get started, I absolutely love fixing up old homes.  Here are a few "before" pictures to give you an idea of what we are starting with!

 This is the dining room.  I will be painting this room and having new carpet installed.

 This is the living room.  I will be painting this room as well, and having new carpet installed.

 This is the kitchen.  It actually has custom, amish-made cabinets so I expect that they will look very nice when I get them cleaned up.  I had to have 2 replacement drawers made because the former owners took them when they left.

 This is one of the downstairs bedrooms.  I will be installing new carpet in this room and just doing some general clean up.  The upstairs has 2 attic bedrooms in it.  We have to insulate due to the fact that the home has absolutely NO insulation and we also have to build closets in these 2 rooms as well as paint them.

This is the front of the home.  For now, general clean up is all we are going to be able to do because of the bad weather.  In the spring I plan to power wash the siding and paint the shutters.

Sam's Sleepover!

Sam had her 3 best friends over for a sleepover.  We ordered pizza then treated the girls to a night of pampering at our "spa!"  We did mani/pedi's, foot soak, facials, make-up, and hair.  A very special thank you to Janice and Chrissy for helping me!

 We draped the furniture in white sheets, sprinkled 200 rose petals all around the room (yes... 200!) and lit tons of red and white candles.  Each girl got their own robe, pillow and a gift bag full of beauty essentials.

 We served sparkling grape juice, chocolate covered cherries, and chocolate cream puffs.

 Chrissy is a hairdresser and was nice enough to do each girl's hair... they looked beautiful!

Sledding... Again!

We have to make at least 1 trip each out to South Lake for some sledding, well, BJ and the kids go sledding... I just stay in the car with the heat cranked snapping photos!

Some of our friends showed up and Alex had a playmate to go sledding with.

Christmas 2010

Well, despite the fact that I was sick all day Christmas, I did manage to snap a few pics.  Christmas was really different this year.  This was Alex's first year not believing in Santa.  Also, my girls are notorious for waking me up at 3 a.m. to open presents... they slept in 'till 8:30 this year!  I am not complaining though, I was so sick that I really didn't want to get up at all!

They both got a new pair of cowboy boots, which I have to return because they run way bigger than most.

This is Sam and BJ shakin' it to the new Wii game, Just Dance 2!

Christmas Eve Traditions

Each year I let the girls open 1 gift on Christmas Eve.  I said that this year I wasn't going to because they got so much today from the Hagans.  Is it wrong that I bribed them with a gift to clean my kitchen after the cookie fiasco?  Yes, I said fiasco.  The annual tradition of baking cookies with dad turned into making dog treats with dad.  Next year I suggest they stick to the chocolate chip recipe on the bag!

They each got a new robe.  Sam got some pillows and slippers too, because we like her better... just kidding, Alex is getting a more expensive gift tomorrow so Sam has a few more items.

Christmas Eve!

Twas the night before Christmas...

We started our day be celebrating with our wonderful neighbors, Richard and Janice Hagan.  They are the greatest neighbors and friends. 

Arianna and Joseph, Richard and Janice's kids, got the girls webkinz, always a hit with my girls!

 Janice got the girls aprons, which they will put to good use this evening for their annual tradition of making cookies with their dad.

Janice has a fuzzy scarf, and Alex has insisted that she get one just like Janice's!

 Alex also (very appropriately) got "coal!"

And of course, the ever popular "pillow pet!"  Now Alex can retire her homemade pillow pet that Sam made her!

Notice how I stand inside and take pictures of my children shoveling snow!

We decided to build a gingerbread house this year...

It actually wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.

Drumroll, please....

"Donuts with Dad"

On Alex's last day of school, they had "Donuts with Dad."  The kids take their dads to school and the school provides a donut breakfast.  BJ took time off of work so he could go with Alex.

Don't the girls look festive on their last day of school?

Christmas Program

Tonight the girls had their Christmas program at school.  Alex's group sang and Alex had a speaking part.  Sam's group played their instruments.  They both did a great job!

MAP Achievement Ceremony

CONGRATULATIONS SAM AND CLARA!!!

Tonight was the annual MAP (Missouri Achievement Program) Testing Awards Ceremony.  Kids that score advanced get awards.  They test in 3 categories, Math, Communication Arts, and Science.  Sam scored a trophy in EACH category!  We are very proud of her!  Clara also earned an award in 2 categories!  Clara got 2 medals that she can put on her letterman jacket.

 There was only Sam, and 2 other students out of the entire 6th grade to get a trophy in all 3 categories!

Make room on your letterman jacket, Clara.  These medals will be waiting for you when you come home in April!

The first snowfall!

This Saturday was the first snowfall of the season.  I had my family Christmas party at our house.  I have a much smaller family than BJ, so it isn't too difficult to have everyone there.  BJ's family has to rent a banquet hall to accommodate everyone!

The snow actually stuck, so BJ and the kids spent Sunday afternoon playing outside... I stayed inside where it's warm with my camera!