THE BASEMENT

After almost 3 years the basement is FINISHED!! When we had the house built we had the builders frame the basement. It has been 80% finished for probably the last year and half or so but most recently we put in the mini kitchen, projector and the shelving around the screen. Kyle kind of designed what he wanted around the screen and then had a cabinet maker/carpenter build it. It exceeded our expectations and we are soooo happy with it. Kyle, my dad, father-in-law and friends did most of the basement but we did hire out for some of it. Now I don't know what I will harass Kyle about doing around the house :) I have to say the kids have spend a lot more time down there since it is complete! I had planned on doing before/after pictures but the only "before" pictures I have are those of it framed....nothing inbetween. Also...I realize the bar stools don't match. They are from our former house here in town and we will be replacing them soon :)

Sewing

Faith started taking sewing lessons right after Christmas. She has made a couple of bags, a scrap caddy/pin cushion, pillow case, apron and is now working on pajamas. Everything has been so cute and I am really proud of her. I used to love to sew...yes, it is true. It has honestly been 12 years or so since I have sewn. Well...my interest has been renewed! The Young Women in our ward did a silent auction to raise money for girls camp this summer and they each had to donate a service or something they made to the auction. Faith donated the black polka dot bag (pictured) that she made in sewing class. She and I, together, made the other two bags to donate. They turned out so cute. I almost hated to part with them but am going to make some more very soon (although I am not sure what I will do with them). I am also going to attempt to make some clothes for Eden's American Girl Dolls. Hobby Lobby's fabric dept. has become one of my favorite places.

Stuff

I have so many things I want to blog about I am not sure I will ever catch up but here is an attempt....in no particular order.

Faith received a dwarf hamster for her b-day and named her "Baby Gaga." She has been an excellent, very low maintenance pet! She has never bitten and even lets Beckett hold her. Faith loves to play with her and we have a ball that is very fun to watch her run around in.

G-pa Gary also recently bought the girls this purple scooter. The three oldest can ride it really well and love it. I can even ride it and am thinking I need a bigger version. Beckett LOVES to ride on it with Faith and thinks he is big stuff!

Kyle is 39!!

This means I have less than a year to decide what to do for his 40th!! For his b-day we had steaks on the grill with sweet potato casserole (his favorite). Faith made him brownies. My parents were over that day so they joined us! We will be celebrating again on Easter with both sets of parents. Kyle always goes overboard on my b-day and other holidays and he always gets the shaft. That just proves how much better he is than I am and I love him for it. He really, truly is the best daddy and husband ever! Happy Birthday, Kyle! We love you!!!

The only two pictures I took in Chicago!

Chicago

Two weeks ago I went to Chicago for TWO WHOLE NIGHTS with my very good friends, Kristen and Jenny. We took the train on Friday morning and came back Sunday morning. We stayed in a very, very nice hotel down town that was funded by Kristen's, husband's, hotel points. Our friend, Kira (who now lives in Wisconsin) met us. We had a great time and all we did was shop and eat...and talk...and laugh. We ate at "The Melting Pot" which was delish! I was also bound and determined to buy some "Garrett's Popcorn" while there. This popcorn is some of "Oprah's" favorites. We waited in line for an hour at the end of the night and did manage to get some cheese popcorn cause they didn't have any caramel left. I am so mad that I didn't take a picture of us standing outside in the line waiting. I have been friends with these girls for around 10 years (since our oldest were toddlers). Love them all!

Catch Up!

Fun at an Extreme game. This is indoor arena football. Faith's choir ensemble sang "The Star Spangled Banner." Beckett did great...this was one of those moments when we realized we can start taking him more places!!
Faith at her band concert. Daddy and Eden went but mommy was home with sick boys! Faith doesn't "love" band so we will see if she decides to continue in 7th grade.

Sawyer and Grayson at their Chess Banquet! Sawyer loves chess and is now with a private teacher year around. He improved a lot this year and we are looking forward to next season!

My little camera man "recording" Eden at the talent show...see below :)

Eden, Nicole and Delaney performed at the school talent show. They tried out and made it! They hula hooped and jump roped to "You Spin Me Right Round" by the Chipmunks. It was all their own idea although the moms help "refine" their routine for the show. They did great!