A New Bed for Gus

This posting is mainly for Doug, since I know he's missing Gus as well. I've finally found and purchased a suitable bed for Gus. The most recent bed he'd been sleeping in was actually made for a cat and even though we call Gus our little kitty (because he sleeps all the time) I decided it was time to find something more appropriate. Most important this bed is just the right size, as if it were made specifically for him. Sweet dreams!

Too Cool for School?

Today is the last day of school for the boys. They've been attending Cloud Nine in Portland since February 2006. I'm dreading picking them up from school this afternoon, since I've been told there will be tears (from the staff) and I should be prepared. I feel that we've been so lucky to have found such a great place where the boys can grow and learn and be in such a loving environment. It's so hard to leave the people who have spent so much time with our boys are love them as much as we do. This will be our first wave of good-byes as we prepare to move the end of May.

Where's Daddy?

We miss Doug!! He left for Montana on April 17 and started his new job on April 19. We're in the process of closing on a house in Whitefish, but we don’t take possession until May 25. Doug’s staying in a furnished condo until then. Even though he really likes his new job and being in Whitefish he misses us – what’s not to miss? Thankfully he’ll be headed home for a visit May 4-6. We’re all keeping it together, though I do not recommend this long distance stuff. Thankfully the boys and I talk with Doug daily, sometimes multiple times a day. As you can see I made a sign for the boys to hold, and of course here’s what they did to it afterwards.

The Protégés

For Jack’s birthday the Hovdes gave him a harmonica AND recorder. Both the boys have mastered the harmonica and Will’s been working on the recorder. They are very talented!

Pink House

front

living room

kitchen

back

I just got back yesterday from a house hunting trip in Whitefish. I’m happy to say I found an amazing home that I’m so excited about and cannot wait to move into. I saw it Wednesday afternoon, we wrote up a contract, emailed it to Doug to sign in Portland, he faxed it back to us, we sent it to the listing agent and it was accepted, all within three hours. How’s that for efficient? Some details: it was built around 1930, possibly earlier and apparently has some Whitefish history attached to it (we’re hoping the owners will supply the details). There are many original details throughout the house. Lots of built-ins, beautiful wood floors, period light fixtures, and original moldings. The huge basement is finished with two bedrooms, a den, bath, large laundry room, workshop and another narrow space that would easily be converted into a wine cellar! The main floor has a living room, formal dining room, den with french doors, a small bath and master suite. The entire house is just less than 3000 square feet. We’ll be making some updates and cosmetic changes, of course painting the exterior, but over all it’s an amazing house. The home is located in a smaller neighborhood just outside of the downtown area. We have a view of Whitefish River from the master desk and there’s a creek that runs behind our house. The lot is close to 1/3 of an acre, there’s plenty of space for the boys to play and for us to entertain outside. We’re hoping to build a two story garage with guest space shortly after we move. Overall, I’m thrilled with the purchase and don’t think I could have thought up a better house for us if I had tried. We look forward to having visitors so we can show off our great find!

Easter 2007

We had a great Easter. We celebrated in the morning with the McAuliffes. We opened gifts for Jack’s birthday and the boys enjoyed an indoor Easter egg hunt. Between Marcie and me we put together so many eggs! I think I’ve learned that not every egg (the plastic kind) needs to have something in it. Sometimes the hunt is the best part. Also, I didn’t get a picture of it but Cousin Matthew is a pro! He found so many eggs his basket was filled to the top. Will did well, but Jack kept getting distracted, I’m sure he’ll be more into it next year. Later that day, we had dinner with the Peppmeiers and opened birthday gifts for Jack. One of his favorite gifts was a yellow baseball cap that said Big Fish. Chris thought it would be perfect for Whitefish.

Trip to Prineville

We recently took a weekend trip to Prineville to see Mick and Chris' completed "cabin". The amount of work and craftsmanship that went into this home is absolutely astounding. We had such a nice time relaxing and enjoying each others company. Doug and Mick went for a quick round of golf on Saturday while the boys played with the trucks and pile of gravel. We all had such a nice time, including Gus, as I’m sure you can tell from his photo.

Jack Turns Two!

My baby is two today. As I type my eyes well up and I’m amazed at how fast the time has gone by. Jack is such an active and busy guy he doesn’t even give me a chance to dwell on the past. Most impressive thing he’s doing? Talking in sentences – usually four words and occasionally five. If I correct the way he says something, he’ll usually try and say it correctly. He’s silly, such a clown and such a joy. Usually he’s fearless and interested in new surroundings. Running everywhere as if walking were underrated. He loves Will and wants to be wherever he is, however he’s starting to fight for his toys and doesn’t give things up very easily. He says “do it myself” when it comes to putting on socks, shoes, undressing for bed or brushing his teeth. Loves to be read to and rocked before going to sleep. Sleeps with his fuzzy blue blanket called “Blanket” and his stuffed duck named “Duck” (the lack of original names is totally my fault). He is such a fun child. The other night I was putting him to bed and I asked “are you a baby or a big boy?” He smiled and said, “baby” I asked if he was sure and he said, “baby”. He knows being the baby is a good thing.

Pictures above are from a recent get together with the Hovdes and Knights.

Love of Books

We have two young book lovers on our hands. I have to think that reading to both Will and Jack everyday has helped steer them in this direction. We have tons of books in our house TONS! I have to remember to keep rotating them just for my own sanity. The pictures are of an early book reading session as well as a picture of Will taken WAY past his bed time.

Other news...looks like we've sold the White House, phew! We received a very good offer on Friday which looks great. There will be a house inspection later this week, I cannot imagine anything bad coming up and we'll be closing the end of the month. As for the LO house our neighbor is interested in it for his mom. Since he doesn't have an agent and we'd love to sell it to him, we're letting him have an inspector come by this week (I would never recommend this to a client, not without an offer!). Doug and I are very curious to see exactly how much work needs to be done and if it will be a deal breaker, so we're keeping our fingers crossed!

Doug leaves for Whitefish on April 17 and starts work on the 19th. He thinks he's found the place he wants to stay and has worked out a deal with his new employer to cover some of the costs. If both houses close by the end of the month AND we're able to purchase and close a house in Whitefish I can see myself and the boys moving hopefully by mid May.