Spring is my best friend

A new place for Abby and Stella to hang out. They're confused to what's going on.

Dalton likes the new skylight's rays of sunshine (and so does E.T.)

I am loving this warm weather and I'm so happy Spring is here! Jack is continuing to do a lot on the house and we are getting excited. There's something great about seeing spaces transform into something new. Dalton continues to love seeing what Da da is doing next-drilling, hammering, climbing a ladder... I love seeing his eyes go back and forth, you can almost see their minds working. Jack took out the old windows in the future kitchen area to size down for a smaller window to go over the sink. He put in one of the skylights in the future kitchen and there will be one more to go in over the future eat-in area. The natural light makes a huge difference and do I have to tell you that Dalton loves looking at the clouds, no.  We also got a new driveway that you are all now aloud to drive and park on! It's so much more convienent for people to have an easy access to the front door and the dogs can't get to them. It also goes to the back of the house and eventually will be next to the back porch and the mud room entry.
Not having a job will speed up renovation process, why didn't we do this before?! Ha, just kidding. Jack has gotten three job offers in the last week (!) and we are thankful. He's been doing a lot of small jobs for friends, family, and neighbors. Our neighbors next door, who we love, have helped Jack get several jobs since he switched from his own business to a regular job. He no longer has time to do construction work, so he gives the jobs to Jack. We've also had two women drive up to our house to ask who did our front porch and ask if they can hire Jack. Creepy and great all at the same time.
I've been busy cleaning up nails, dry wall dust, and installation from the main floors to keep Dalton from eating them. We are excited about Dalton's one year party coming up... okay, I am. I'm having way too much fun planning it. My friend, Lindsey, is coming in town just for it! I'm also trying to get his last theme picture done this week. Sniff sniff. Anyone have a red hoodie?

Crankin' it out

Jack is on a roll-this weekend he kicked Dalton and I out to McMinnville to take out the kitchen ceiling. We had a very relaxing time and Jack's mom, "Lee lee", had a great time with Dalton. I came back to this:

It's amazing how open it feels. Jack found some old records, a letter from a soldier, and Monkee trading cards! Can you believe the luck?! Davy Jones just passed away and that means we are cashing in on these little jewels. (I'm kidding. I'm keeping and framing them)
He also put shingle siding on the front porch and tomorrow we should have our new drive way.

These will be painted. Not much for the yellow, red, and gray color scheme.

Why? Because I can.

Whew. Lots of changes, but super exciting!

Kony is so hot right now

For those of you not on facebook or twitter, please check out this website. There is a campaign to stop the crimes of Joseph Kony. In case you hadn't seen the invisible children documentary (these are the same guys), there is a group of guys who have been trying to do something about the Lord's Resistance Army for years. The website will tell you the history of the war in central Africa and how joseph kony is absolutely horrible. Some of you may remember the stories Jack and I told when we went to Uganda of meeting the former child soldiers and sex slaves as CHILDREN! Tragic. Their stories were devastating. This website will tell you how we can stop him. Who's in with me on April 20th?! An all nighter. Hadn't done that since college. Let's do it!

63 ax handles high

(That's 94.5 ft if anyone is wondering)
It's March and that means winter is coming to an end. Paul Bunyan takes spring and summer off and modern day Paul is getting harassed for ruining the environment with all his tree cutting. 
Paul Bunyan trivia (more you ever wanted to know about giant Paul). Did you know?
*It took 5 storks to carry little infant Paul
*When he was old enough to clap and laugh, the vibration broke every window in the house. 
*Paul and Babe the Blue Ox, his companion, dug the Grand Canyon when he dragged his axe behind him.
*Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett were said to give Babe to Paul Bunyan
*There's some discrepancy of how the folklore of Paul came about. Some say it was the French Canadians, others say it was created for a 20th century add campaign

No Babe's horns are not accurate, hasn't E.T. been tortured enough?

Dalton is also referred to as a giant, so it only made since to be Paul Bunyan

Pretend axe courtesy of Jack

Money shot

You can't tell, but those trees are giant trees in the background.

Babe, you silly ox, you.

Get this off of me

11 months of awesomeness

Dalton turned 11 months on Saturday! I can't believe he will be a year next month. Craziness.
He's really into biting feet. I'm not sure what this is about. He lays on the floor and tries to bite them. He has also found his tongue, sticks it out, and leaves it there (eventually puts it back in). My mom says he walked yesterday, but I kind of think she's making it up. He is taking one or two steps, but not walking quite yet. I would say Dalton is very cautious in his movements, but not so much when ramming his firetruck into your feet. Ha. He still loves to sing and is cracking us up when he repeats us. Loves lights, which is great since we only have light bulbs in the ceiling-no fixtures.
Dalton is such a joy in our lives. One of my favorite things is to put my face next to his while he's sucking his thumb and take in his smell. I'm so thankful for our little miracle guy.

He's loving to swing but still cautious (notice the death grip)

Music class involves a lot of tasting the instruments. 

Blast!

I'm mad I didn't think of this first. Maybe year two can be reenacting movie scenes once a month.
Call me naive, but I still think Katie Holmes really does like crazy Tom Cruise.

Worth it. Oh yes, I am.

I made this balsamic chicken with pesto and mozzarella tonight (may I add that mine was prettier?!) and it was fantastic! I've been trying to mix in a little meat, but do a couple of vegan dishes a week. This is totally worth eating the chicken and cheese. I love mozzarella and this balsamic glaze is mmm, mmm good. Jack said it was fabulous. You know how guys don't really give you the response you think they should if they really like something? Well, I did not have to give him an example of being excited about the chicken, he gave it on his own. There was inflection and joy in his voice as he said the chicken was "great. wonderful. it's a keeper". This will be on dinner rotation for shizzle. A++ Bonus: it is easy and quick. So simple. I'm not just saying this, it's really really true!