Home improvement: the driveway

Just in case anyone wondered, we also like big trucks around here... ;)

This week we had the old, beat up, barely-there blacktop dug out of our driveway...

This was the view out of the boys' window...

It was a four-day process to go from the old blacktop to a new, crisp and clean, concrete driveway...

We loved watching the whole thing, even though we were woken up quite a bit earlier than usual all week. I didn't get photos of the cement-mixer because I forgot to charge my camera battery, and I was still in my pjs when they finished anyhow.

Stay tuned to see new grass and plantings along the side of the house! I've been waiting 10 years to be able to plant roses here!

Fiber Arts Friday: Stitchin' Boys

Who says boys can't enjoy the fine art of stitchery?

Last week my older two were both inspired to pick up their knitting, and start new projects, after their friend across the street finished crocheting his first blanket.

I love seeing my boys knit. I love that it gives Eldest something to do in the wee morning hours when the rest of us would prefer to be asleep still!

This week, I got out a little surprise -- embroidery hoops, thread, and some burlap. Inspired by Soulemama and her awesome book, "The Creative Family," I thought this would be an even easier project, at least to start.


It's like drawing with thread! For several years, my oldest son's preferred art medium has been Legos. He has a personal aversion to most writing or drawing utensils.

But needles are cool.

For more Fiber Arts Fridays, visit Alpaca Farm Girl.

On our own and making plans...

"For I know the plans I have for you" --this is the Lord's declaration-- "plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
--Jeremiah 29:11

Scott left soon after dinner tonight for a long-awaited weekend away to practice his favorite hobby, so the boys and I are on our own for the next two days.

It's okay. In only one week, he'll be finished with school, and we'll have all summer together. This was an emotionally difficult year for him, so instead of taking on summer school, he decided to stay home. I know we're really blessed to say so, but the extra cash is just not worth the time and stress this year.

Even as I'm wilting with our recent heat wave, I am SO looking forward to the summer! It will be so lovely, just to have time to be together as a family, reading, playing, swimming, going camping, and getting projects done around the house.

This week I've been reading and praying, making lists and planning, gathering books and supplies, trying to prioritize and be realistic about what we can do. There are so many possibilities! I know summer's going to fly by, and I want to make the most of every moment.

And, of course, I want to share them with you. But tonight, I need to get some sleep. My vitamins are definitely helping -- praise God! -- but I'm still human, and these boys take energy. :)

In the garden: The fruit of our labor

It's a (nearly) wordless Wednesday...