Progress on House

Progress is being made on the restoration of the kids house. These photos were taken at the end of August.

This is what it looked like before the fire. This picture was taken when they bought the house in 2017. 

It's obviously not the same angle but I think you can tell that the roof pitch is different.

The back of the house looks very different.

This is the back when they bought the house in 2017.

The insulation has been blown.

Kennedy and I went over to their house on September 29th.

The sheet rock is up, tape and bedding done and painting taking place.

This is Kennedy in the doorway of Korin's room.

Do you recognize this area? The little step up and doorway to the right should be a clue.

We are looking through the dinning area toward the kitchen. The fireplace is gone (it was on the right). The door way leads into a space that they used for Keannon's office as well as the hallway to the bedrooms.

This is an addition. Vanessa now has a laundry room! It used to be in the garage. The opening in the wall is for a doggie door. This will open into a dog crate that will be under a table for folding laundry. The area next to the doggie door is a dog wash. The washer/dryer will be to the left of the dog wash.

New front door and larger porch area.

Side view looking toward the front door to show the woodwork.

Vanessa's goal is to be in the house by the 1st of November. She says they will be in the house even if they have to sleep on the floor! Cabinets being built will be delivered in a few days. It has been a really long journey but it will be so nice when it's done!

Have a good one!

Mother's Birthday 9-1

 Mom had a mile stone birthday on Thursday. The big 8-0! WOW! I had been thinking for several weeks about whether to hold a big blowout but she's not really a big party kind of gal and with COVID...well it wasn't feasible. Vanessa even spared her the signage like she did for me. (I think Mom was very grateful about that!) 

Kennedy spent the night. I called Mom and we sang happy birthday to her over the phone.

I took her to lunch at her favorite Mexican Restaurant Pulido's. Their dining room is now.

Mom goes to friends twice a week to swim (well, she "walks" the pool). The woman's husband has MS and the pool helps him with physical therapy. It's indoors and heated so it can be used year round. Several of the ladies from Bible Study come. Dru (the woman who has the pool) planned a small birthday celebration with a salad and fruit supper. I love how she put the number "80" in the fruit bowl. 

She also got some gifts and cards. I actually took this pic too early. She had several cards and some gift bags.

This was the card I made her. On the inside it reads "you're only old once...Enjoy!"

Here are the ladies. the one at the end of the table is Dru. Clockwise Julianne, Mama Irene (Dru's mom), Mom, Sally McCarley and a new comer Karla McKimmey.

I managed to get some of me in the photo!

It was a fun time. I think Mom felt celebrated.

Have a good one!

First Day of School 9-1-2020

 

Public schools in our are began in class/on-line learning August 18th. The Christian school where the kids go began September 1st. Because the school is private and much smaller they don't have to abide by all the guidelines that were outlined for the local schools. That is not to say they aren't doing what they can to keep our kids safe....they are!

Kennedy (10) 5th grade. Korin (almost 6) kindergarten and Kashton (7)  2nd grade.

Kashton and Korin are going to school. Vanessa is choosing to home-school Kennedy.

They were eager to go to school!

As I write this they have finished the first week of school and have a 3 day weekend. All is good so far.

Have a good one!

Visiting Addison and Kai 8-1-2020

 Addison and Kai came to Texas to celebrate her birthday July 22nd.  She headed back home on Saturday and came through Mineral Wells on her way.

 
It's harder to get Mom to look at me than kids!

Kai turned 18 months on August 5th. He's very active as most kids that age.

He saw me taking pictures and came for a closer look!

I thought you guys would enjoy this picture. This is Scarlett (Taylor's little girl) who turned 4 in May and Kai. Family genes are strong!

We enjoyed our visit with Addison and Kai.

Have a good one!

Saying Goodbye is Never Easy 7-23-2020

Remi's summer vacation with us went way too fast. Thanks to Covid we hadn't seen her since Christmas!

We are planning for her to come when the kids move back into the house but we will see. If not, it will be Christmas again before we see her!

Vanessa got these pics of the kids with Grammer before Keannon and Kennedy took her to the airport.

I went over to visit before she left. They were playing Canasta. Remi and her Dad were partners while Vanessa and Kennedy were partners. 

Remi and Keannon were losing....badly!

Have a good one!

Another Grand Learns to Stamp 7-20-2020

I discovered she knows how to hand sew! She made some tiny pillows. She has quite the imagination!

I showed Korin how to stamp a couple of weeks ago. Now every time she comes over she wants to stamp!

Remi came over too! She loves to be crafty.

Have a good one!

Riding Bikes 7-18-2020

Kashton wanted to ride bikes to the cemetery so off we go.

The ducks greeted us at the pond.

We go explore the rose garden. Kashton stood on the sun dial in the middle of the rose garden.

Here is a clip of Kashton jumping a dirt pile.

Kashton (like any boy) wanted to climb the large dirt pile across from where he was jumping his bike.

And of course he had to slide down it!

Have a good one!