A Shout Out to My Dad

With this last weekend being Father's Day I want to give a SHOUT OUT to my dad. He's a pretty incredible individual and let me tell you a few reasons why...

1. He loves the Lord and will tell us about the saving grace of Christ daily, and you too if you met him!
2. Not a day has passed in all my years of life that my dad hasn't told me he loves me. The moment I'd walk out the door growing up I'd hear my dad yell across the room, "I love you Becky!" He'd whisper it in my ear or give long hugs that let me know how much he loved me. He'd always tell his kids that he understood the love God must have for His children because of the love he has for us, and that love, he'd say, is immeasurable.
3. My dad taught us the value of hard work. He modeled it in his own life and expected it from us.
4. He also taught us the value of the simple things in life, like a meal around the table (with lots of laughter, of course) and time around a campfire gorging ourselves in smores.
5. He is smart! He was a pastor, the chief firefighter in Arkansas, a first responder, a computer/technology guru (he owns his own business repairing computers and installing wireless internet service), and I think I'd run out of room if I listed everything he has done or can do. (Seriously.)
6. I've watched him endure some of the hardest things a person can go through and he came out of each event a better man concreted in his faith and hope in Jesus Christ.
7. Whenever there was a tragedy my dad was the first one I went to because he knew just what to say and how to inspire those around him. The funerals he lead were some of the most God glorifying, hopeful events I've ever attended. I was so proud to know him when I saw him handle the death of my friend Brian Pancau with gentleness, respect, and compassion, not only to Brian's family, but to his friends as well. He briefly spoke at the Middle Park 2002 graduation encouraging Brian's fellow graduates to celebrate their accomplishments, and that there is hope in the salvation of Jesus Christ. (Brian passed away in a car accident on his way to his graduation practice the day before he graduated from Middle Park High School in 2002.) When I found out the news that Brian had passed, my dad was the first person I called.
8. He loves his grandchildren. Lots. He is their Poppy. The way I see him with them, makes me love him that much more. "Beware" if you see him at a restaurant with his grandbabies, he will walk right up to your table just to show them off. I love it.
9. He is generous. Even if he had nothing, he'd do whatever he could to give us everything we needed and then some.
10. He is encouraging. I don't remember being ridiculed for my grades or my performance in sports (for example). He would always say something like, "Why don't you try this next time?" or "Have you thought of doing this?" or "I'm so proud of you!" or "Don't give up! Keep working hard!" and especially, "No matter what, I will always love you."

And that love he shows day in and day out, well, I can't think of a better place to end.

His growing family. This was when we added Hunter. (Haha, I say "we" but Mel did all the work.)

Dad, Kyle, Matt (the men in my life)

Kyle & Me, Matt & Sam (Matthew & Alexi), Justin and Mel (Gary & Hunter)

Celebrating Dad's 50th at a Rockies Game!

Poppy with Briella Bean

When he gave me away, he had the sweetest speech, it made me bawl like a baby.

Poppy with his Alexi, probably telling her how pretty she is!

Hiking up Adams Falls in 2012. Poppy, me (prego with Brielle), Justin (with Hunter), Mel, Kyle (Gary is hidden behind him), Mandy & David

I could not find a recent picture with him and all four of his kids (spouses and grandchildren included). We are getting together this summer, so that will have to change! (Especially with all the new additions!)

Fathers Day 2013

Last year on Father's Day I gave Kyle this little onsie I made:

"Daddy & Me Cheering the Huskers to Victory!"

My family will forever tease Kyle about being a loyal Husker fan, so I couldn't resist adding fuel to his fire by giving him something to show off his daughter wearing Husker pride! I can't believe that was a year ago already! It was a 0-3 month onsie so it's long ceased to fit Brielle, but I had to share these pictures.

This year's Father's Day was a flop. Kyle's gift didn't get here in time (I ordered it online) and he was sick. Not to mention, Brielle was coming down with something and was not in a good mood. At first I was super sad about it, but I realized that we can celebrate Kyle being a wonderful father any day of the week and multiple times if we want too! So when I get his gift in the mail and they get over whatevers bothering them we will celebrate Kyle.

We have so much to celebrate!

He is a wonderful father who works hard to provide for his family. Every day he tells us how much he loves us. Brielle's favorite time of the day is when Daddy walks through the door. She gets so excited! (I seriously need to get it on video.) I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Brielle loves her daddy. I can't wait to see their relationship grow and develop. He is kind, compassionate, and the ultimate leader who understands the importance of putting Christ first not only in his own life, but in every relationship. He is an inspiration to me. God has blessed us with an amazing man.

A Week of Projects: Day 5

Day 5 was not a good day. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong.

First, Kyle came down with something. He does not feel well and so I talked him into resting today (it didn't take much convincing).

Secondly, Kyle's projects did not go as he hoped. His frustration level was at an all time high. I felt so bad for him and there was absolutely no way I could help. I did get a picture of the vent he installed... otherwise I tried to stay out of his way and avoided pictures and any talk of "how are things going?"

Thirdly, the one way I could help him (food) flopped. I tried pizza in a crockpot (Pinterest) and it... was... terrible!

The day was so bad that Kyle reminded me, "If I ever get the urge to remodel again, remind me of this day!"

Okey dokey.

On the other hand, I did get a lot accomplished in painting the trim. The only part I could not accomplish was the parts I couldn't reach (Kyle was using the ladder).

Porch progress...

Finished back porch!

Progress...

...at the end of the day...

Why it needed to be done, yesterday!

Right now our week of projects were semi successful. I'll finish the trim next week. Kyle gutted the bathroom, installed a new microwave, completed the electrical work for the vent in the bathroom and other misc. outlets, completed the necessary framing in the bathroom, dug out sticker plants and created a lovely flower garden in the front and back yards. When I list those things it doesn't sound like much, but each project was a lot of work and took a lot of time. This week flew by without being able to check "bathroom complete" off our looooooong TO DO list, which looks like this:

• Office shelves above desk
• Office trim
• Downstairs bathroom trim
• Downstairs bathroom shelves
• Install door in downstairs bathroom
• Rip out "closet" in downstairs hallway
• Lay carpet on the stairs & hall way to bathroom (basement)
• Install new ceiling fan in Living Room
• Install new ceiling fan in our bedroom
• Vent covers in our bedroom
• Upstairs Bathroom (plaster, mud, paint, new floor, install vanity, mirrors/cabinet, toilet, &etc.)

I'm going to stop there... yes, the list is longer... (sigh)...

Today Kyle is down for the count. I wish he could take another week off for a much needed VACATION vacation. We can't afford to go anywhere, but he seriously needs something, even if it's disappearing in the woods with our tent and a cooler full of beer. Pray for him that he gets better and keeps his sanity, especially when he goes back to work on Monday.

The Fly Dance

I had to take a break from painting and various chores to share with you my irritation with our fly population. They're out of control! We always buy this fly catcher thingy and it works great, but it still doesn't make all the flies disappear. I can only imagine how bad they'd be if we didn't have it...

BEWARE!

The picture shows a disgusting amount of dead, stinky, maggot swarming amount of flies...

Yes... it needs to be cleaned out. Any takers?

The problem is that I'm doing projects outside like watering my flowers, or weeding, or painting trim or hanging laundry and every time I stand there doing one of these projects I do what I've now referred to as "the fly dance" and it goes something like this (I'm not sure if there's a tune, it's just how I picture myself "dancing" away the flies)...

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Shake your right leg here...

Shake your left leg there...

Shake your right leg in the air...

Stomp your feet and yell if you dare!

Swipe your face here...

Swipe your arm there..

Swipe your ear too..

Swipe at your hair do!

Shake, Shake, Shake...

Shake your arms...

Shake your elbows...

Swipe, Swipe, Swipe!

Shake your right leg here...

Shake your left leg there...

Shake your knees all about...

Stomp your feet and try not to pout!

Wiggle your toes...

Wiggle your nose...

Wiggle your fingers too...

Do what you gotta do!

Shake, Shake, Shake...

Shake, Shake, Shake...

Shake your booty...

Shake your booty...

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Yup, the fly dance rhyme is ridiculous! And I'm sure that's how I look - ridiculous! Stupid flies.

A Week of Projects: Day 3 & 4

These last two days have been a blur. This is the first time I've had a chance to sit down and blog, so I'm combining Wednesday and Thursday.

Wednesday Kyle finished gutting the bathroom. (WooHoo!)

And he installed a new microwave in the kitchen. He was thoroughly disgusted with the instructions, saying that they were horrible, BUT, he got it up and it works like a charm. It only took us 4 minutes to warm up roast, potatoes and carrots! With our old, old, antique microwave it would've taken 2 minutes (rotate) 2 minutes (rotate) 2 minutes (rotate)...  Plus we would've had HOT spots and cold, cold, icy spots. This new microwave is all fancy shmancy!

Old microwave before I painted it and the cabinets.

Old microwave after a touch of paint...

NEW microwave (with lots of buttons)!

I was working on painting the trim around doors and windows. I'm liking the turnout! I just wish it was a faster job. It's going to take three coats (at least).

I can't wait to show you all the before and after pictures of the house once this is done. I think it's going to look really nice (which means I need to hurry up and hit "publish" so I can get to work on it while Bean is still sleeping!). If she's not sleeping I rotate her between a sand box, her jumper thingy, and a tub of water (always last, can you imagine going from the tub of water to the sandbox? lol). By the end of the day she is a dirty dirty mess.

Most of the time these "stations" entertain her, however, there are times the only thing she wants is my attention. I'm okay with that, I knew that having children makes completing a "to do" list twice as long. It's impossible to work at the rate I worked before I had her. BUT, look at her smile and tell me it isn't worth it? :)

Kyle was disappointed with how Wednesday turned out. He was hoping to have sheetrock in place (or at least some of it) but realized that we needed to make a supply run. Since we live in the boondocks, a supply run could take all day. So he worked on one of the plethora of projects that need completed (like the microwave) and made our supply run Thursday morning.

Sure enough the supply run did take all day. So I felt like it was a wasted day, but Kyle told me later that he needed a sanity break, even if it meant a trip to the Menards in Cheyenne and lunch at Sonic. When we got home he worked on a few projects here and there. Like finishing the front flower bed...

Before...

After...
You can't really tell in the before and after pictures how much better it looks! So crisp, so weedless, so clean! We were over run with sticker plants and weeds galore. It was a needed project that took a lot of time and effort.

I painted some more and Kyle made it easier to get to stuff in his garage that is over flowing with garage sale items and remodeling supplies so he doesn't lose his mind as he works (quite frankly I don't blame him, I mean, imagine making dinner with an unorganized, messy kitchen?!).

Progress is slow and time flies by (it's already FRIDAY! Nooooooo!), but if you're remodeling that's one of the rules: (#4) It always takes longer than you originally thought it would. (sigh.) Fact of life.

The Lone Pea Plant vs. Crazy Quigley

If you haven't figured it out from my post a long, long time ago that Quigley is crazy, well, just know that stories involving this sweet, HUGE, goober of a dog will always be interesting.

To our everlasting frustration Quigley is a digger. If he has something that he likes, his way of keeping it is by burying it, thus it is hidden in his mind. I'll find random rawhides, for example, "hidden" (or "buried") in corners and couch cushions throughout the house. Welllllll, I made the mistake of putting my little potted garden by the hose in the backyard.

He dug in my peas.

We decided to smooth out the dirt and just wait. If I didn't have peas, I'd replant them. To my surprise they survived (they're a jumbled mess, but I'm not going to complain! It's an easy fix.).

This weekend my father came up to visit us and as we're BEEEEELAXIN (what my 3 year old nephew Gary calls relaxing) on the back porch, Poppy looks over and hmmmm's... "that looks like a pea plant!"

And lo and behold, in one of Quigley's holes, there's a lone pea plant in our backyard. We laughed about this for a while.

I decided to keep this lone pea plant there as a reminder of this crazy dog, who can irritate the fire out of me, and yet bring so much joy and laughter into our home and is most definitely teaching me a valuable lesson in patience.

I was trying to get a picture with him and Brielle but he was only interested in giving me kisses or sitting in my lap (we haven't told him that he's not Marley sized and we haven't told Marley, who's a miniature rat terrier, that he's not Quigley sized. Oi.)

A Week of Projects: Day 2

Two Days down of Kyle's vacation has proven successful. Granted, we didn't get as much done as we hoped, but that's what you should expect when remodeling (#4 in 10 Reasons I Hate Remodeling). Funny story about remodeling. Kyle shares my dislike. He said he'd add one more to my list, but for him it would be #1. He HATES destruction! The construction part he doesn't mind, but ripping out plaster and dry wall and old nails isn't on his "this is fun to do" list. So last night as we walked to Tuesday night Bible study, he casually mentioned that he never wants to remodel again. This was my response,

"REALLY?! YAY! I'm so, so glad."

We both agreed that we will be more picky about the purchase of our next home. We don't mind yard work (or work work period) but if a gallon of paint can't fix it, we don't want it. So we're praying that God provides the means to afford a home that requires no remodeling, just some elbow grease cleaning, painting, or normal home repairs (not a "-crap- we have to replace ALL of the plumbing?" kind of job). We have learned so much with this home about what to look for, what we value and appreciate, construction, destruction, and cost effectiveness.

Back to our projects yesterday...

We underestimated how big the backyard garden was going to be, so we're short a few bricks and day lilies. Finishing the flower bed project will have to wait. That's okay. We got the hard part done and that was pulling the weed mess. That's the whole reason we decided to do it.

How we started the morning...

What it will look like all done, we have 8 feet (ish) so I won't show you an after picture just yet...

Remember reason #3 in my "10 Reasons I Hate Remodeling" blog? If you're remodeling, expect a dirty mess everywhere. Yeah, this is my living room floor....

And then, because your husband has to use a sledgehammer to crack through a layer of plaster and a layer of drywall (BTW, Kyle said he'd like to meet whoever-so-kindly did that and ask him WHY!?!), you have messes like this...

Uh Oh...

Cockeyed L...

All better...

I am not kidding when I say the entire house was shaken up. There is a stairway between our kitchen and the upstairs bathroom and a crystal bowl (that was a wedding gift) that hung out on the shelving above the sink crashed...

Now... FUNNY story... that little black dot you see in the top left corner is a fly who was in the wrong place at the wrong time... HAHA.

When the bowl came crashing down into the sink it smashed the fly. LOL.

 Oh well, it's just a bowl. In the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter. Besides, the fly story is a good one.

Kyle is finishing the destruction of the bathroom TODAY (Day 3)! He can hardly wait to get it done and quite frankly, I do not blame him. Here's some pictures of what he accomplished...

When you walk through the door, this is what you see...

Bathtub...

Ceiling mid-day

Ceiling at the end of the day...

Bathtub at the end of the day (I'm not sure why it's all cloudy like that, sorry)...

We went to church utterly exhausted (Kyle more than me) but hey, we may not be getting done what we'd like to get done at the rate we'd like to do it, but we're working our butt off to finish the bathroom THIS WEEK! (Pray for us, especially Kyle!) 

Speaking of Kyle, one of my thankfuls this week is that I married a hard working man. I cannot even fathom the rate at which Kyle works on a daily basis. On a typical week he gets up around 4:30 in the morning so he can work out. He's at work by 7 and does not typically come home until 6ish. He has to work occasional weekends, and despite a 50+ hour week he comes home and works on the house without complaining. Now, he's using VACATION time to complete one (of many) jobs and is working HARD to complete it before he has to go back to work on Monday and start his 4:30 am - 9 pm routine. I admire this man and his work ethic. He inspires me.