Finding Routine...

We are slowly settling back into a routine around here, in our new home.  Each day it starts to feel more like home, as we make memories, unpack, decorate and do life together in our space.   

Hudson farmed/worked with his Papa Ed a lot this summer and he used his earnings to purchase this much anticipated fire station LEGO set.  It has 919 pieces.  

Showing off his completed masterpiece.  

Roy got a new grill for Father's Day and Hudson loved helping to put it together.  

The kids have enjoyed more convenient foods like Happy Meals, mac and cheese and Lunchables this summer (than I would prefer) and they are thrilled with it.    

One of their favorite things about the new house is the "tub with boosters."  

Enjoying a few moments of rest on the front step, even though there is lots of work to do.  

I spent probably 4 hours scrubbing the grout with a toothbrush in the master bathroom.  I have been on a huge cleaning mission, taking one space at a time and am so grateful for the progress and the feeling of a clean house.  

Summer popsicles on a hot day are so refreshing.  

It was time for Hudson to get a new pair of tennis shoes.  I can't believe the rate at which he is growing.  6 1/2 is just a few days away.  

 Mimi came for another visit.  She helped with lots of painting, cleaning and played with the kids so I could do a long list of errands.  We love Mimi!  

Getting back into the grocery shopping routine.  Greta checking out all of the ice cream options.  

We enjoyed Pizza Ranch with Mimi and Nana on "Kids Eat Free Night."  

 Having time for friends is what summer is all about.  

Hudson and Thomas have matching blue Trek bikes.  

Greta dressed up as a princess with our friend Hannah whose family spent the night with us.   

Moving Day

Moving Day was Saturday, July 8.  Roy had some help loading the truck on Friday night out at his parents house so Saturday morning we were ready to roll with the first load.    

Hudson ate breakfast in the moving truck on the drive in.  

We are thankful for friends who shared their summer Saturday to help out.  

A few of Hudson's buddies also came to help.  We used Mrs. Ingrid's (our relator) free moving truck for both moves, which was such a blessing.  

We provided lunch for the moving crew, which was about 20 people.  Thanks to my mom for making the food ahead of time to feed the hungry workers.  

I tried to keep everyone busy, whether they were carrying boxes, cleaning, 

or helping pick up sticks around the yard.  

By 3:15pm we had everything in!  We are grateful for the prayers, support and love of so many who brought us to this day and this place.  Now...let the unpacking begin.    

July 4th

We started off our 4th of July with homemade sweet rolls courtesy of Ed and Sue.  Served with summer berries made for a delicious start to the morning.  

After breakfast Mom, Roy and I headed to the house to continue with the painting.  Nana packed us a picnic lunch and we enjoyed it at the park near our house.    

A yummy picnic lunch in the shade on the 4th of July, it doesn't get much better than that.  

Hudson went to the 4th of July parade with friends.  

We headed back to Nana and Papa's house that evening in time for the kids to do some sparklers and for Roy to blow off some bottle rockets.  

New House

Friday, June 30 was a much anticipated day...the closing of our new home.  I came into the day with great excitement and anticipation, yet feeling very overwhelmed of all that work that was ahead of us.  I keep reminding myself that this is a marathon, its not a sprint.  Its a journey and takes stamina, grace and patient.    

Ingrid, our realtor was such a blessing and an amazing support along our house search process.       

The kids enjoyed a morning playdate with friends from church on the morning of our house closing.  We are thankful for the support of many who cared for our kids and blessed us during this time of transition.  

We spent the next week working in the house.  Our first major task was to paint all 4 of the bedrooms.  Hudson was an eager helper and got in some painting practice in his new bedroom.  Roy is so patient, guiding and teaching Hudson on how to use the paint roller.   

My mom came for 4 days and we got 4 bedrooms and 4 closets painted.  Her willingness to serve is such a blessing.  Nana Sue helped out with lots of childcare and did cleaning and painting too.  Where would we be without the support of our parents?  They have been such a gift to us along this journey and we are grateful.      

We used Benjamin Moore paint and Balboa Mist was the color of choice in all 4 bedrooms.  

We set up the bounce house in the middle of the living room for the kids to play in while we worked.  

That first week Greta took most of her naps in her pack n play.  She transitioned well into her new space, which was such a blessing.  I found her sleeping like this for her first nap in her new room.  

Hudson was excited about having his first afternoon quiet time in the toy room.  

After all the painting in the bedrooms was done our next job was to rip out the carpet.  We got new carpet in the entire upstairs (minus the bathrooms of course) on Friday, July 7.  Roy and a friend from church did all the tear out.  We vacuumed up a lot of dirt and it feels great to have it clean and fresh.  

We wrote some of our favorite Bible verses on the floors in the bedrooms, hallways, up the steps, in the closets.  

We hope to fill every space in this home with God's love and truth.  

Saturday, July 8 was moving day...

Six or Sixteen?

During our stay, Hudson and Papa Ed worked together to build a "spring" for the cattle out in the pasture.  It was their special project and Papa let Hudson take some ownership in it.  Hudson learned to drive the Ranger out in the pasture and Greta and I got to go out for a ride to see their work and for Hudson to show off his driving skills.  He is so proud of this all, just grinning from ear to ear.  I am grateful for Ed's guidance and encouragement, his investment in Hudson.  Enjoy the ride...

Well Loved * Sweet * Refreshing * Blessing

Our time of living out at Roy's parents is coming to a close.  If I were to describe our time here in four words they would be...well loved, sweet, refreshing, and a blessing.  Ed and Sue have graciously and generously opened their home and schedule to us, providing us a home away from home during our 7 weeks of transition.  They have extended lots of grace, received lots of hugs, cared for our kids, and we have made precious memories together.  We will hold this time near and dear to our hearts.  They allowed their home to be a blessing to us, and for that we are grateful.  I am confident we will miss sharing our days with them and doing life together, yet we will all welcome getting back into our own routines again.  

Hudson did LOTS of farming with his Papa Ed and loved every moment of it.  He even earned some dollars for helping, which he already spent on a new LEGO set.    

This picture was taken just two weeks after the photo above.  It was a beautiful time to live out on the farm and see the corn grow.  When we moved here at the end of May the corn was just emerging from the soil and now it is tasseling.     

Papa has given Hudson some driving lessons.  They worked together to make a "spring" out in the pasture for the cows.  

Pictures like this would come as a text when Hudson and Papa were "farming together."  I'm not quite sure what to think.  :)  

Daddy, Papa Ed and Hudson took in an Iowa Cubs game together.  

3 cheers for a night of baseball and Cubby Bear.  

Nana, Greta, Hudson and Papa enjoyed a picnic together with cousin Louise.  

 Greta girl has warmed up a bit more to her Papa Ed.  She still isn't handing out kisses, but she does at least sit on his lap now.

This girl enjoyed life on the farm too, but she said her favorite thing was taking a tubby in Nana's tubby.  

Hudson and Papa rode their bikes together to and from the shop.  

Hudson did some sewing on our last morning there.  This kid can do it all!  

We enjoyed a summer feast on our last evening together...grilled hamburgers, sweet corn, pasta salad, strawberry lettuce salad with brownies and ice cream.  

A few of my favorite blessings from the past 7 weeks...

1. Hudson farming with his Papa Ed

2. Sleeping in a king sized bed

3. Cooking in Sue's kitchen and her well stocked pantry and fridge 

4. the beautiful view to the west of the house  

5. seeing the stars at night

6. all the space to play and explore outdoors 

7. going for walks with the kids and playing at Redfield Park