Our First Baby (March 2004)

Greer's Ferry Lake Here We Come

summer 2004 Cove Creek Property
helping hands...golf buddies...true buddies

heave hoe....



Aug 06 foundation complete
June 08 siding complete
Aug 06 loft area
Aug 07 loft area; bathroom separates 2 rooms
Aug 08 loft area

kitchen area Aug 06

kitchen area Aug 07

kitchen area June 08family room view Aug 07 complete with Coney Garage Doors

family room view June 08

June 08 custom doors built by Mr. Handyman himself

Feb 08 tin roof ceiling installed by his truly

A LONG TIME COMING.....



For those of you that didn't know, we invested in some lake property on Greer's Ferry Lake (for a steal) in March of 2004. We decided to take on a project since our lives didn't seem to entail kids at the time, even though we wanted that to happen more than anything since 2000! Let's put our minds to rest with something new!!!!!!!!!!! We weren't sure if we wanted the land for camping, a mobile home, or a small cabin that Mr. Handy Larry could build. We purchased the land and got started clear cutting, bulldozing, etc. I was lifting boulders, piling tree logs, grading pathways, you name it! We had cleared it enough to have our first BBQ on site during Spring Break of 2004. A few days later, we made a big discovery! I was expecting.........WoW!


Well, needless to say, the property was put on the back burner about 9 months later and then again a year and a half later! What happened........2 beautiful baby boys entered the picture! Handyman Larry wanted to take on the challenge to build a "SMALL" cabin....800 sq ft...Okay for those of you that know my husband, he doesn't do much that's small, I believe he doubled that! Yes, I am truly amazed by my husband's talents. He has put his heart and soul into this place....going up 1 or 2 days a week for the last 4 years. He has missed out on a lot of weekend family life here and there in order to create for us this wonderful luxury! He did 80% of the workload, to include the huge foundation beams/structures, paint, tin ceiling, trim, plumbing, electrical, flooring, cabinets (going in now), bathrooms, and lots lots more that I'm not even aware of that's needed for a home! How lucky are we? Well, we got to stay our first night with about 75% completion, as of Memorial Day weekend! What a triumph! I am so proud of Larry! I am humbled by his masterpiece as we soak in all the new to do there!

Above you saw the before and after shots and now 4 years down the road, we can finally enjoy the lake life! Now we just need a boat! The boys have a grand time in the "country," they call it! Their favorite thing there is to get wet out on the deck w/ their small pool or sprinkler!

Below the picture you can see a short video of the sweet brothers enjoying their new territory!

5/26/08 Our 1st weekend to enjoy the premises....Larson and cuz, Brady having a splash!

Click on the play icon in the middle to view this video:

Bubby Talk

I have to give credit where credit is due.....

My friend Shannon started a "Child's Language Blog" and posts her little darlings' cutest sayings periodically. We were talking the other day and she commented that I should add something funny that Larson said to my Blog. So every now and then I will add "Kids' Cutest Sayings" section. Thanks goes to Shannon for this great idea! What a wonderful idea to cherish the baby talk that will fade ever so quickly, I know!

I have shared this cute saying of Larson's over the last 2 weeks........
Larson is my outgoing, entertainer, welcome wagon, flamboyant type

Larson went w/ me to take Layton for his 18 mo. Dr. well check. All was fine until Layton got his hands shut in the clinic room door while waiting to see the Dr. Layton continues to whale the entire visit. To my surprise they've added a new shot to this appt. (which means I would have not taken Larson to witness this)! :D As the shot nurse arrives with a needle held high and Layton still whaling....Larson takes a big look up and shouts, "OH BOY, I GOT A BAD FEELING ABOUT THIS ONE!" I don't know where he picked this up, but it was so hard not to bust out laughing as poor Layton was fussing!

Larson's favorites at age 3.5:
~riding bikes
~riding his scooter
~swimming
~wacking golf balls in the yard
~playing with friends in the yard..Noah and Parker
~fixing things w/ daddy, using his play tools
~being with cousins Brady, Collin and Timmy
~building structures w/ Lincoln logs or Mega blocks
~weekend trips to the cabin


Layton's my observer....quiet, funny, sneaky explorer type
He's started talking in a few 2 word combos, but usually likes to sign or direct our attention to his acknowledgments. Within the last few weeks, he has started pitching balls (like a shot put) and saying "Bye ball," which we think is precious. Some new words that are more or less mummbled and "caught" not always purposeful: Elmo, Say Say (Sadie dog), Lar Lar, Hey Da da, roar sound w/ a claw sign, side side (outside), shewwz (shoes)-loves shoes!!!

His favorties: at 18 months old
~anything big brother is doing
~climb and stand on chairs or anything he can-yikes
~rub his finger over his lips for a mouth harp--he does this to entertain himself when bored....especially long car rides--who needs a toy
~CMT videos and music-he brings me the remote about 8am every AM
~Mom's mops, brooms, dust pans, etc.
~trying on anyone's shoes left for the taking
~pushing little cars around the house w/ motor sounds
~toting a golf club and ball around the yard
~pushing a kiddie rider around the yard as if he's mowing w/ mommy

Welcome Summer 2008 Portraits

I wanted to share some pictures that my Dad and I took at Hendrix yesterday.

My boys tolerated posing (somewhat), but had a good time with the water and scenery of course. Nano is in the mix of pics, as she was a big help getting them to pose. I didn't think these turned out too shabby, compared to the studio status and prices!

Larson is now 3 1/2 yrs. and Layton is 18 mos. They truly have so much fun together at their stages of age right now. Mom and Dad are having a bit of fun too! :D