Trim Carpentry

The trim carpenter spent about 2-3weeks getting the house lookin' all good. He wasn't able to finish the downstairs because our interior doors weren't in. We ordered solid wood doors and were first told they would be in. But then when they were supposed to be in, we were told it would be an additional 3/4 weeks! AGH! Oh well, what can you do? Anyway, I was majorly excited after Jason, the carpenter, finished up what he could. Looks so good!

Keeping Room Ceiling

Front Porch

LOVE my carpenter! Showed him a picture of an organizer I saw online and he said, "Yeah, I can build that." I was relieved because I had forgotten about it when we were doing the cabinets.

pantry

mudbench

Maybe my favorite thing he finished today. I have stairs! No more plank. No more climbing up a pallet. Nice and safe.

Keeping Room window trim

Mantel and built-ins still in prorgress

Still waiting on the correct glass to be replaced. View into the backyard. 

Ship-lap siding. I was really excited about this one too.

One of the first things I knew I wanted was 5 panel doors. I just love, love, love the look of them. Couple the doors with the craftsman trim and I am in nostalgia heaven. 

Jason and I went back and forth on the size. I wanted 12. He disagreed and said 9. Still thinking they would be too small for the size and height of the porch, I plead my case and countered 10. He agreed, whether or not he really agreed or just didn't care, I'm not sure.

board and batten

Chunk of Wood

After lunch, Jack picked a treat out of the candy jar. He picked a small piece of chocolate Will got at his school Christmas party. Will wasn't thrilled about sharing, so in an effort to persuade him Jack said, "Will, I didn't get any candy at my party. All I brought home was an ornament, and a chunk of wood!"

Christmas Greetings

School Christmas Parties

Both of the boys had their school parties on the same day at almost the same time. Patrick came with me to see Jack sing and he stayed for the party while I drove to Will's school.  His class did a reader's theatre of the Gingerbread Man. Will was Narrator #2, and had a little party.

Jack did such a good job singing the songs, and watching his music teacher. I was so proud of him for being so brave. He had told me that morning that he was nervous, and didn't want to do it. I'm so happy he found his courage!

Will knew exactly when to stand and read his part. I was so proud of all the kids in his class. I could tell each of them had practiced their part. I loved seeing the confidence ooze from Will as he did his part. This was a great way to start off our Christmas break!

Will's 7th Birthday Letter

My Sweet Sweet William,

I always get teary when I write your birthday letters. You have had some hard challenges in your life, but you haven't let that hold you back! I love you so very much and am amazed by your hard work ethic and determination to accomplish things that are challenging for you.

You learned to swim this year and I know that was a challenge, but you stuck with it. That accomplishment paid off for all the hours you got to spend at the pool this summer.

You are an exceptional reader and you love to learn through reading.

You also love to try and teach Jack and Samuel how to do things. You are such a sweet big brother, especially to Sam. You came up with the nickname Hops for him and rarely call him Sam anymore. He has heard you say it so much he has started answering to that name now. I can tell you that a mother's heart is happiest when her children are loving and supporting each other. I hope as you grow older you find that what brings pure happiness, joy, and peace to our lives most in life is when we are taking care of one another, the way our Heavenly Parents intended.

This past year you have worked so hard on your hand writing. I know it has been hard for you. You get frustrated and sometimes want to give-up and give-in. But then you try again, and again, and again, and again. I hope you know that in those challenging moments and times during you life that you are enough. That I am rooting for you. That your Dad is pulling for you. That your brothers love and adore you. And that our Heavenly Parents and our Savior are ever mindful of you and your life, the good and the bad, the happy and sad, and the hard and the easy,  and They are close by watching and extending blessings at every opportunity. I hope you will stay close to Them. That you will know that they are close by and love you more than you or I can comprehend. Please pray to Him and seek His guidance often.

With all my heart I love you.  You made me a mother. Not just by your birth, but by the incredible love and patience you have helped to foster and create in me. I will forever be thankful for your part in that.

Your 1st grade teacher asked the parents to write a poem or a letter to each child and submit it. Here is what I wrote for you.

W ild and sweet, 

I 'm in for a treat.

L oving or 

L aughing,
I 'm kept on my feet.
A lways a smile on his face
M y William could never be replaced.

All my love,
Momma

Keeper of the Stairs

I think this boy loves the stairs as much as I do.

Brothers Sleeping

Will always begs for Sam to sleep with him. We have said yes a few times and Sam usually just gets up and comes to find us. Not on this night.

Sam and I have been walking down on the Greenway on days when the older boys are at (pre) school. After I walk, I take him to the playground to play for a little bit before we head home for lunch.  He loves playing in the tunnel.

Our Fireplace & Our Boys

Framing Finished!

Finally! So happy that piece is done. And I now have stairs! Yay!