William's Kindergarten school program

Last Tuesday the Kindergarten classes at William's school put on their annual school program. My friend's son, Anthony, watched Paulie and his sister, Lydia, so that I was able to attend with just William. It was wonderful to give all of my attention and videoing time to just him. And the second best part was not having to chase Paulie around the school. He so loves going to William's school. Here are the videos of William from the night's production. Enjoy it - I know I sure did.

Our visit to the ATL for Auntie Sara's SURPRISE 30th birthday party!

I meant to post this last week and time just got away from me. Me and the boys made our way south to Hotlanta to spend the weekend of May 1st with Auntie Sara! It was Auntie Sara's 30th birthday party and me and her mother, Pamela, were throwing her a surprise 30th birthday party. It was great fun visiting with Aunt Sara, seeing her workplace, meeting all of her great friends and her father. The boys had so much fun we needed a full week to recover! Here are some photos from our trip. Video of the pinata breaking to follow soon!

Of course, Kyra, the world's most patient dog....even more patient than Lisa.....had to wear a party hat and was William's best friend during our visit. She also took a liking to Paulie, but I think was because Paulie would try to sneak his food to her.

On Saturday night, we took Sara out to dinner under the guise that we needed to be home early because Pamela was tired and needed to get some rest. Here we are at Ray's on the River enjoying our drinks and meal.

Sara and I before I pulled the biggest prank yet! To get Sara home, her mother called me and "pretended" there was a problem. I told Sara that Bonnie (her other pooch) bit Paulie. Blood was gushing everywhere and her mother needed us home right away. Now mind you, Sara fell for this immediately because Paulie and Bonnie had been eggin' each other on all weekend. When we got home and I opened the door, Sara followed behind and was surprised so that she threw her pursue across the room and yelled out "FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!" as loud as possible. Paulie came out from behind the people with a smile saying "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy". She knew we had gotten her good. It was great.

Auntie Sara and her loves.

This is the precious face that Auntie Sara awoke to everyday.

This photo is so funny and NOT what it appears to be. Sara was putting check out for William to give her a kiss and he was so excited about something he was waving his fist in the air. The camera caught the photo at the perfect moment it looks like he is going to clock her.

I asked William what he was going to give Auntie Sara for her birthday and he responded with all seriousness "jewelry and make-up". So we went to Belk to get her some jewelry and like a good boy, he walks straight up to the diamond counter and starts looking. Too funny! I gently guided him to some other racks where we proceeded to try and find some earrings that would match Auntie Sara's style. William's idea of her style and reality are not the same thing.....but with some gentle guiding he picked out two beautiful pairs of earrings. Here are some photos of her opening her presents that were picked out with love.

Happy Mother's Day, May 2009

It really has been more of a Mother's Day weekend for me and the boys. We have had such a great weekend. Friday was kicked off to a great start with some BEAUTIFUL flowers from Daddy. Daddy sent Mommy some gorgeous red tulips and a wonderful note that brought tears to Mommy's eyes! Daddy sure is a great guy. We do miss him everyday!



Then a few hours after receiving my tulips, a second present arrived. This one was for the boys. Daddy bought them a tree!!!!! Seeds of Life tree - an Oak actually. William was so excited to receive his tree. He kept saying over and over "Daddy bought this all the way from the desert!" We quickly planted our tree so that the roots could take shape. When Paulie awoke from his nap we told him about the tree. He ran out to the kitchen and started saying "Daddy tree, Daddy tree, Daddy tree!" It was so wonderful to see their excitement to receive something directly from Daddy! Here is the Daddy Tree....roots taking shape. We will plant this in our front yard when Daddy gets home.

Our weekend has continued to be filled with fun and friends. The Heinauer boys (well two of them, Anthony and Nick) came over to help us with lawn work. Um.....of course for some little extra spending money. They did an amazing job mowing the lawn and helping me weed out the dandelion weeds....which I am learning may be the state weed in North Carolina and are very difficult to get rid of. We then met up with the entire family for some shopping and lastly dinner back at our home. Today I am having my friend Mandy and her daughter, Meagan, over for Mother's Day dinner. We are actually cooking a nice meal and will enjoy some wine. It has been a wonderful weekend. Now all I need is an email or phone call from Daddy. If not, at least I have my tulips! Hope you are all enjoying your Mother's Day celebrations.

Paulie and his friend, Dora. Um, I mean Lydia

Paulie loves, loves, loves, loves the Heinauer family. Keith and Kevin work together and while they have been away, Gina and I have become very close. Their boys get along really well with William and Paulie is in heaven with all the children around. Whenever he sees them he runs and gives all of them hugs. It is cute to see Paulie display pure joy, love and excitement for them. Lydia, their youngest (at 3), is his little buddy. She loves to come over and within one hour of being in the house they always end up in the bath. She loves to boss Paulie around and Paulie just loves to follow her direction....most of the time. Typical man/woman relationship dynamics. Paulie often refers to Lydia as Dora.....I guess she looks like the cutie pie to him....and you can't blame him....Lydia is a cute! Here they are in their first bath of many.

Both crying because they were throwing bubbles at each other.

Lydia smiling as asked.....Paulie saying "No, no, no no no no!" His new phrase - though he never says it to her.

Progress

We have a roof....well, sort of. This is a photo of the house this afternoon. I am very hopeful that they will complete the roof tomorrow and then begin working on the inside next week. Time is flying by and so is the house....mostly. Enjoy the picture.

Half-way there

The basement portion of the house is completed framed! This is the work from Monday night. The boys were so excited to see walls. And, so was I.

Here are the pictures from Friday night's visit. You can see what they did on Monday...moving the dirt and finishing the walls. Today (Tuesday) they should be framing the top story. Exciting!

Yesterday's progress... more framing

Jarrett and his team are really kicking out the framing on the house. Here is the work from yesterday.

This is the front guest bedroom.

This is the storage room attached to Kevin's workshop area.

A side view of the house with more framing.

A front view of the house with floor joists going on.