House update

For those of you trying to keep up with our big summer project, *aka building a house* here is a little update. These pictures were taken about a week ago. Since then the brick guy has finished the brickwork in the front, and the drywall has been finished and textured. Trim and doors are in the garage waiting for Joe's special skills, and after that Carrie and I attack the place with a paint sprayer. I can't believe how fast the whole process is going. It has been very fun and stressful all at the same time. But in the end, we will have a beautiful and comfortable place to call our own. Thanks to everyone who has so generously donated their time, blood, sweat, and resources to help us out!

Summer is here! *finally!!!*

Summer finally decided to show up, and with it came all the outdoor activities we have been itching to do for months now. Here are some pictures of our first few days of sunshine.
Caitlin and Spencer (the next door neighbor) are only 4 days apart. They both LOVE to swing! Giggles and smiles all around with this arrangement.

Andrew and Lincoln (also a next door neighbor) are just a couple months apart. They held hands all the way to the park and back singing their own versions of silly songs and taking their own sweet time.

We have never done the "summer buzz" before, but around here it seems you can't find a boy under 15 with hair on his head once the sun comes out. So we decided to join the crowd. What an adventure - I keep wondering who the little bald boys are in my yard till I realize its my own children!

Out comes the sidewalk chalk. I'm sure the next rain storm will wash it away, but that's all part of the fun, right? The boys and I had a blast coloring in the cool of the evening.

A Week of Joshua

Pinewood derby week is always an adventure at our house, but this year it was really special because Joshua is now a cub scout! I don't think I have ever seen him so dedicated or passionate about something as he was about this car. Yes, Mike and I helped him alot, but he did most of the work himself. And guess what? It was a winner! It was fun to see Joshua enjoy being the very best - hands down!

A Week of Andrew

Andrew had a very busy week. Friday night was preschool graduation. I am proud of how well he has done in preschool this year - he is so ready for Kindergarten! And then we had the spring dance concert. His group did a wonderful job on their routine. They have been working hard on it for a couple months now. What a sweet, talented, and smart little guy I have!

Best. Cookies. EVER!

For my birthday my friend Andrea sent me the Cake Boss cookbook. I was so excited! I thought those recipes were top secret! Anyway, yesterday I made the chocolate chip cookies, and oh my goodness are they good. I just had to share with everyone what a delight a super tasty cookie can be. I can't wait to try the canolis and the cakes.

Mike brought this home for me yesterday. Somehow he knew I needed to laugh at my own stress levels. This little guy is my new best friend. I think I'll give him a squeeze first thing every morning for a little perspective on life!

lets play catch-up

Eclectic mishmash of photos coming your way! It's been a great couple of weeks for the Barlow's, and now you get to experience the condensed revised edited version via a very eclectic and random blog post that goes on and on and on...

I caught the cat in the crib the other day which is quite a feat since she isn't even allowed inside the house. It was either get mad, or get the camera. I chose the latter.

Easter Sunday we went to my Dad's house for dinner. Jon and his fam and Joe came as well and we had a pippin good time! Janet is the best cook and takes good care of us crazy Jaussis.

Carlie and Josh have always been really close. The girls each had a giant Easter Teddy bear, and they all cuddled together while watching "The Wizard of Oz" at Gr. Jaussi's

Clair and Clair - I swear they look allot alike.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let the pipping begin!

Mike had the winning egg. "The Torpedo" *sniff* *sniff* I'm so proud of my man! Ironic isn't it that the Italian won the Swiss contest that is probably actually Greek.

We went to the new Gunnison fire station this week with our neighbors to pass off a scout requirement. The boys got to talk to firemen, tour the house, look at equipment and even play in a fire truck. What fun!

And of course, another year for me. 31 this year!

The house is moving right along. I was totally surprised when Mike sent me a picture yesterday and the roof was on. We weren't expecting trusses til Friday. So the shingling party is officially set for the 14th. Wear good shoes, the roof is steeeeeeeep!