Pictures and such around here

Some pictures of what we've been up to around here lately. You may remember last year we painted a similar bird house for our tree out front... it has since been demolished by the wind and rain. However, the boys wanted to make another one and we reinforced it with special glue. We figured we'd all paint one side and then send it to V for his birthday. They have a HUGE play area with lots of trees that it *could* be hung on. 

We got our USCIS, which is now just CIS approval in the mail. Here's me reading it, and explaining it to the boys. 

The boys with their new pool.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I mentioned in the last post that we have annoying birds that like to start singing as early as 4am... Here's one of them... the beauty of it ALMOST makes it bearable. Or not.even.close. I am SO NOT a morning person, please pretty little early bird, go sing somewhere else.

The wreath I made from goodies found at a Michael's bargain sale. Altogether it was right under $10.00. Works for me, and noone else will have one like it. 

We had to delay our planting of flowers as the weather went back and forth on us. And then of course as soon as it was warm again, Darren's work schedule was hectic so... anyway, here is us planting a few of the flowers we've got planted in just a tiny little section. I'm hoping we'll get the rest finished this weekend. I'll post a finished picture if we do.

So glad that the sun seems to be sticking around and the weather is warm enough to be outside again! Glad the school year is almost over and I'll have the summer to be with the boys. Thankful for family time and enjoying the simple things in life. More pictures to come in the days ahead! Hope you're enjoying your Spring!

First Day of Spring

I've got to admit, I'm still a little skeptical.
Taking into consideration that Columbia has seen not one but TWO snowfalls this year-which is TOTALLY unheard of.

But.... I do think today the weather took a turn, and (hopefully) there is no going back (this wishy washy weather is driving me, and my old lady knees CRAZY)!

How did we celebrate this momentous occasion? Well, it started technically I guess at 2am when Asher crawled into bed with us, and then proceeded to keep me awake for the next 45 minutes until I conceded and gave up my half of the bed and moved to the couch.... at which point I was awakened by either trains every hour or so, or the really annoying early (literally) birds that like to sing outside in the yard-I'm talking like 4am, these birds are crazy!

Once everyone was up, it was breakfast and then time to head to the gym. After a really REALLY lousy workout (I was not opperating well on 5 hours of interrupted sleep) we headed to the Nursery up the street who was having their annual Spring Sale. We bought some GORGEOUS Dahlia's, snapdragons, Petunia's and something else I can't think of right now. Oh and two bags of potting soil. Everything was 25%-50% off for the sale so we made it out of there for about $65.00. I can't wait to plant everything tomorrow after church!

From the nursery we headed to Fed-Ex to send off our Criminal Clearance checks for the adoption, had lunch at firehouse subs and then because I wasn't feeling so hot we headed back to the house. I laid down and slept for about an hour, while the boys and Darren put together their new swimming pool and gave it it's first official use. I got up in time to see 'em play for about another half hour. This is by far the coolest "cheapy" plastic pool ever, it's got a built in slide and hand rail, and two steps... so cute! Asher LOVED it.

We got the boys dried off and packed up the cooler and headed back to the van for a drive to the Gaffney outlets. I had a 30% coupon and the boys really need a spring jacket/hoodie type thing. First of all, the Gaffney outlets STUNK it up, I was sooooooooo not impressed and will NOT be going back, but at least now I know. We looked at several stores, Tommy (I feel in love with some amazingly cute bright colored polos for the boys, but passed) Children's Place (did get a pair of shorts for all three boys) Crocs, Carter's, Osh Kosh, Gymboree, and Gap (where the boys each got one t-shirt and Aidan got the jacket we actually went looking for). So, although dissappointed in the selection today that just means I get to go shopping again in a few weeks =)

I did make some other GREAT finds this weekend! Yesterday Michael's was having an AMAZING sale. I got some fake flowers for a $5 vase (clearance from Walmart) I have had sitting on our dresser for weeks. I bought 10 clumps and they were 60% off! I also got some materials to make a spring wreath for the front door, cost about $10 to make (versus paying $35-$50 for a premade one) a decorative thingy for on top of the kitchen cabinets (50% off) and two placemat school things for Aidan at $1 a piece. Made it out of the store for $50!

Old Navy was also having a sale, and with my 30% off coupon it made the deals even more amazing. Since both Darren and I are at the gym 5-6 days a week (when things go our way) we are always in need of gym clothing. What's funny is I have plenty of gym bottoms, but all my shirts are stretched out (maybe from carrying kids around for the last 6 years?) stained or are so worn their becoming a little too thin for comfort, so it was really time to get some gym shirts. Darren on the other hand is just the opposite, he has plenty of t-shirts, but his shorts never seem to last, they either rip, shrink or disappear, so currently he has 2 pair, only one of which he actually wears. So I was able to get myself 5 new tanks/shirts a sports bra, and a pair of shorts for Darren for $35! What a steal!

So... that's been our first weekend of Spring! What have YOU been up to?

I'll have to post pictures of my finds/creations/yard tomorrow after the flowers are all planted!