Well I haven't blogged much, not that nothing is going on...because that is definitely not the case. We have been so busy outside that I haven't had time to blog. Between my stockings, furniture refinishing, blanket carriers, pacifier clips, and then the garden I have been exhausted!
We had a great garden last year, even though I was pregnant I worked in the garden with the boys and my dad and loved every minute of it. Well this year we really planned out the garden. Here is what we have achieved...my dad has done an amazing job and has put in many many hours of hard work!
These are the 16 rows of berries, raspberries and marionberries. You can't really see the berry starts but there are 3 per row.
The greenhouse sits just above the garden area.
The greenhouse has been awesome! It stays so HOT! My dad has it wired for electricity, there is a sink and he even plumbed a misting system inside, it has vents and fans...love it!
We planted 4 apple trees, 2 plum trees, and 3 pear trees along side the driveway. We also layeded sod around the whole perimeter of the garden...no more mud!
Dad loves strawberries and went crazy planting them! There are 200 strawberry plants and 20 blueberries bushes. We have planted bush beans, peas, spinach, lettuce, peppers all colors and varieties, cabbage, califlower, broccoli, carrots, cucumber, zuccini, squash, beets, brussel sprouts, yukon gold potatoes, russets, pumpkin, watermelon, canteloupe, and corn and 40 yes 40 tomato plants of all varieties! Anyone want some tomatoes?! We even have a Herb garden for my ma!
We were working on weeding the strawberries today...ah weeding the garden an on going process! Whenever the boys are just so full of energy that I just need to get outta here I head to the garden! They love it- they can weed, dig, plant, ride the tractor, they find bugs and worms. I have noticed they really use their imaginations and play so well. They never want to leave and often beg to stay.
We had problems with the deer coming in and eating the leaves off the fruit trees and pulling out the strawberries so dad is installing a fence to keep the deer out. We also replaced the arborvitae hedge.
The boys helping dad replant the corn. The greenhouse is nice and warm for Brody-it can be nasty outside with hail, rain, wind, even snow and it is nice and warm for the boys!
I love what the boys are learning, it is a wonderful opportunity for them to grow, learn, and explore and nothing can replace the memories they will have of working in the garden! Some of my best memories growing up are of working and playing in the garden...I hope they are some of my boys' best too.
I made Sean's cake, and we ordered a 6 foot long sub--no kidding the whole thing got eaten!
Ashton, Preston and Connor playing with the balls
Preston and Connor playing in the backyard during Sean's party
the boys drinking out of the house after Jim planted all my veggies...such a good husband!
He is tired...
Learning to share
I found this dresser on Craigslist it is solid hardwood early 1900's by Angelus Furniture Company. It is for a friend's little girl Bella. It has sat in my garage for a good month maybe 2 while we decided what exactly she wanted. Well yesterday we made decisions and moved forward. I wish I had before photos I am really bad about taking them, usually I just run out and get as much done as I can while Brody is napping. Just imagine it a Pecan stain. The top was really worn and in need of refinishing. We primered first with Kilz, then sprayed it with Krylon Satin Almond. I sanded the top and drawers weeks ago. Once all the painting was done and dried I stained the top with Minwax Special Walnut, I applied 3 coats of Special Walnut and let it dry overnight. This morning I applied the Ralph Lauren Faux Technique Glaze in Oxfordshire. I am absolutely thrilled with the results! I love the look the glaze gave the overall piece. I hope Ashley and Bella enjoy it as much as I do! ;) Thank you for letting me work on this piece for you...can't wait to see it in Bella's room!
Yes it is true, I love the dark stains...and hardwood!
This is Preston's favorite, he asked for a Yellow chick and this is her. He holds her a lot and pets her a lot...I hope she survives...
We still have to roof the coop...the boys are taking advantage of the ladder while its there.
This coop is so cute! You can gather the eggs without going inside the coop!
There is still work to do, but we are getting close.
The roof in progress, if the rain would stop for just a few hours...
We still have to paint it too...if the rain would stop...
I kept forgetting my camera when we would go over to work, so no pics of the chickens when they were all fuzzy, they are losing their fuzz and getting their feathers...it happens really fast!
They are 4 weeks old.
Nesting boxes and perch
So Preston begged Jim last night to take him to see the chicks, it was bedtime and we promised him that we would go tomorrow to see the chicks. Preston whined and complained and begged...but went to bed...and got up at 4 am came and woke us up and told us he was ready to go see Pa-Pa and the chicks! We sent him back to bed, he got up at 6am and was so excited, explaining to us all about the chicks, how they eat, drink, perch, hold their wings...
Connor kissing his chick.
Preston and his chick!
The greenhouse sits just above the garden area.
The greenhouse has been awesome! It stays so HOT! My dad has it wired for electricity, there is a sink and he even plumbed a misting system inside, it has vents and fans...love it!
Dad loves strawberries and went crazy planting them! There are 200 strawberry plants and 20 blueberries bushes. We have planted bush beans, peas, spinach, lettuce, peppers all colors and varieties, cabbage, califlower, broccoli, carrots, cucumber, zuccini, squash, beets, brussel sprouts, yukon gold potatoes, russets, pumpkin, watermelon, canteloupe, and corn and 40 yes 40 tomato plants of all varieties! Anyone want some tomatoes?! We even have a Herb garden for my ma!
We were working on weeding the strawberries today...ah weeding the garden an on going process! Whenever the boys are just so full of energy that I just need to get outta here I head to the garden! They love it- they can weed, dig, plant, ride the tractor, they find bugs and worms. I have noticed they really use their imaginations and play so well. They never want to leave and often beg to stay. 
We had problems with the deer coming in and eating the leaves off the fruit trees and pulling out the strawberries so dad is installing a fence to keep the deer out. We also replaced the arborvitae hedge.
The boys helping dad replant the corn. The greenhouse is nice and warm for Brody-it can be nasty outside with hail, rain, wind, even snow and it is nice and warm for the boys!
