I can't find the cords...

I can't find the cords that connect my camera to my computer so all I can post tonight are pictures from Nathan's iPhone.

THE HOUSE

We love our new house. In all honesty it's bittersweet. There is so much work to be done that it can sometimes cloud our thinking but over all I'm reminded daily of what a blessing it is to have a HOUSE. Especially the yard. While our dinning room table is still under boxes, we've been able to eat almost every meal on the porch. Harrison loves chasing Bentley around and Bentley loves it even more.

The hardest part about being here is that the construction has slowed down tremendously. With balancing work, Harrison's naps with construction noise, Harrison awake and wanting to get into everything, it's been hard. It was easier to keep Harrison at the townhouse while Nathan could be here completing projects. None the less, we are blessed. When I'm struggling I just repeat to myself "I survived 3 weeks in Africa, I can survive months of this". Which also reminds me that there are millions of people living through out the word with MUCH MUCH less then we are. What's really that horrible about trash bags as window coverings? Really? Not that bad. Taking a shower with only a washcloth and the water in a Nalgene (Africa), now that's roughing it.

This is how we accomplish working on the house with occupying Harrison's attention and curiosity:

Here is the best picture that we have of the kitchen so far:

Yes, Nate installed the cabinets, moved the pluming, resized the window, built a wall, moved electricity and installed the tile all in a month and a half while working full time and finishing other projects on the house. Unbelievable... We'll take more pictures as things become more finished.

The granite was a last minute move. We got several quotes on what we thought would be the cheapest counter top, laminate. As we received the quotes though we were amazed at the prices and how long it was going to take to install. A friend told us to call the guy who did his granite and we worked out a pretty good deal that could be completed within 5 days. Having a complete kitchen sooner than later was appealing. We went with it and we are more than satisfied with our decision. It looks really good. You can't tell from these iPhone pictures though.

I wanted to share this little blessing with you all:

Banana bread from our neighbors Tammy and Shane. They've also blessed us with their tile saw and they mowed our lawn that desperately needed it. A week after we bought a used lawnmower from the neighbors two doors down and then mowed it again this week. The lawn is mostly (ALL) weeds.

HARRISON

I am trying my best to treasure this time in life with Harrison but he can be pretty strong willed (not Dr. Dobson's definition, but mine... I guess every parent at one time comes face to face with "their" strong willed child AKA a toddler). The worst part is parking lots and our cars. Last Monday he actually darted for the road and I was so thankful we were on a cul-de-sac with no traffic at all. As for our house, there's a ton of traffic and all of the cars break the limit by at least 10 if not more. Now I make him hold my hand on our way from the front door to the cars and he tries to wiggle his way out, when he cant he screams bloody murder and drops to the ground, which is always fun in the church parking lot when I have my purse, his bag and my Bible and journal in my hands.

Here he is in the $3 pool. We upgraded to a $8 pool yesterday :)

When he's happy though it melts your heart. He has this huge smile and snorts when he laughs. He's very much a little boy now and very clever. He reminds me everyday that he would like to go to the park and he also takes care to look out for Bentley every time we're in the backyard. He gets nervous he'll run off or is doing something bad. He often reprimands Bentley (Bentley NO!) or commands him (Bentley MOVE!). He's moved from one word to two words like "Milk Please" and "Daddy Uh-oh". Uh-oh is his most used word. Last week at church we were keeping an eye on him as he made his way to the front doors. We then realized, he now knows how to open them via the handicap button (WAY TOO SMART for a 21 month old, I think). A friend of mine was luckily there to redirect his attention back to the sanctuary and us.

He also sings, mostly while in the car and falling asleep. There are no words but lots of sounds to some sort of notes that are playing in his head. It's way too cute!

Lastly, he know the right keys to the car, the Jeep and the house and he must try to get them in the key hole as often as he can.

THE BABY

Harrison swam around in my tummy 22 months ago, this baby does kick boxing, jumping jacks, gymnastics and some tap dancing. I remember my mother-in-law saying just a few months ago "Harrison is so reserved compared to his cousin Zion. I hope you guys get a Zion." I'm scared God is going to far exceed those hopes this time around. Right after Harrison was born I told friends I could have four kids, now, with the fear of an even more energized child, it might be two. :) We find out if it's a boy or girl on Thursday July 7th. Two of my friends at church are due within days of us and they already know what they are having (both girls) so everyone has been asking us when we find out. We can hardly wait either!

NATHAN AND LIBBY

We are happy to be living under the same roof again. Nathan has been spending every waking moment with Harrison, working for PF or working on the house. He is the hardest worker I know. Two days ago I asked him if he was tired of this yet and he said he wasn't tired in the least. WOW.

I am hoping for a great replacement at CCU so that I can be done come the end of July. We are also hoping that Nathan gets word on a promotion by then as well. HOPING! PRAYING!

We'll try to post more pictures once I find those camera cords. Wish me luck :) Sorry again for such a long blog post...

Love,

Libby