Bathroom Renovation

Our bathroom renovation has been long in coming but just take a look at the difference!

Before...remember the toilet was behind the door, people often would open the door and ask where the toilet was.

That space is now a very large much needed closet, yet to be filled.

Doing what I do best in the realm of home renovations.

Before...

and afterOur wonderful dual flush toilet.

Child potty seat built right into the toilet seat. Its magnetic so when you lift up the lid child seat stays with the lid. Great idea...much thanks to whoever invented it!
Here the kids are having there first try on the new potty seat!
And here is a picture looking the other way toward the door, the door would be to the very right of the picture as you see in the mirror.
Phil did a great job in tiling the floor... his next challenge is the shower, pictures will come when its done.

Dad is hooking up the sink with two excited grandchildren in his lap.

Aniticipation...

Our family gift exchange was much anticipated by all of us...there is just something about those wrapped unknown gifts that it's too much to contain. We did it in on two different days, that way the kids didn't get too overwhelmed as they so quickly can.


A new car carrier truck

A new doll and stroller for TiaShe got right into the Mommy role and shared her cheerios.

Instead of a car carrier for Daddy we got him a wood carrier.

I think it was 2 years ago now that I attempted to sew some stockings for our family...I have fond memories as a kid opening stocking gifts, great fun! We finally were able to enjoy it this year with the kids.

Tia was more interested in the candy then anything else.
A new child's dishware set
As we hear the train whistle everyday Silas needed a train shirt.

Getting ready to learn how to spell.

Mommy's new enamel cast iron pot....love it!

This was the best of all, a Keurig coffee maker for a special and well deserving husband.

Meet the new little one...

"...For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mothers womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!..." Psalm 139:13-17

at 20 weeks

enjoying his thumb

and waving hello.

How awesome our Creator God is!

Our Christmas Trip to the Farm

A typical scene as we work in the kitchen.
All bundled up for the barn. It is so bitter out there ... and the wind! We had to relearn the meaning of the word "cold".And no, we don't have a full-out, warm snowsuit for Tia.

The new cheese house in the making...the inside is being insulated and sheet rocked right now.

Rub-a dub-dub three kids in the tub...

The kids help open Grandma's new bowls.

I make a calendar for the VG family every year...great memories!

Tia all-wrapped-up and loving it.

Oooh a new DVD from Grandma.
"Bible Adventures" by Moody ... great old fashioned lessons/story telling.

Tools Tools Tools for Jonathan

A collector truck for Caleb ... he was as excited as he looks.

Dad's new ear muffs for some peace and quiet at home.

that even the noisemakers can enjoy.

Flashlights for Seth

Jeans, without holes!!!

I gave you the easy ones ... now you tell me what this is.
Prizes will be announced Friday at 4pm.

Oh so much fun at Grandma and Grandpa Moo's

Pantries are so much fun.

Joy to the World...

We had a joy filled afternoon on Christmas day at Paul and Carol's. It was great to spend time with Ed & Cyndi and the kids...we missed all you who couldn't make it! Here we are on skype with Steve, Yolanda and Lucas; we had just called Lawrence, Ellen and the boys...at least they were part of all the fun for a little while! The adult gift exchange is great fun, each of us buys one gift, we pick numbers, #1 picks a gift first, opens it, and so on... once all gifts are opened, we start with last # and they can trade with whoever they want, obviously #1 gets the best chance at getting what he/she likes.
This sheepskin was one of the gifts I loved and ended up with.

Here Dad is opening another with wine, gift certificates for eating out including an envelope with the tip money!

Tia and Jordanna

Each cousin had another cousin to buy a gift for and Silas got these puzzles with a tool set from Boaz. He is already working hard on those puzzles!

Jordanna's gift was wrapped so thoughtfully by Uncle Phil, first in a clothes box, then a CD case, then a pack of gum which held the cash...great laugh!Tia adores her new doll...such a little mother!