Jennie, Ted, Brooklyn, Maddux, Nolan & Payton

Jennie, Ted, Brooklyn, Maddux, Nolan & Payton

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!!!!


Here is our tribute to Halloween. It is funny because the kids wanted to watch this last night. Brooklyn is obsessed with the video and that is all she wants to watch. Maddux is not so into it. He didn't want to watch it yesterday although he ended up taking some peeks from about 20 feet away. Then last night when we put him in bed his stomach all of a sudden hurt and he needed to sleep with mom and dad. I think he was just scared of the monsters and didn't want to sleep by himself. I told Jennie that would happen but she insisted he watched it. Nolan was fine and also loves the video. I wish I could post the whole thing but it is over 10 minutes so I took the best part.

I was also lucky enough to leave work early today so I could go any watch Brooklyn's school Halloween parade. All the kids got to put on their costumes and then watch around the outside of the school with all the parents watching. I was surprised at how many parents were actually there. I took Maddux as he was bored sitting at home. Brooklyn was the only Snow Queen there but I guess you can only have one Queen.


Here is Brooklyn's friend Meghan who was dressed as a Panera worker.

Tonight we are off to Greg and Tacie's house to have pizza and trick-or-treat. The kids are very excited to hang out with their cousins and and also gets lots of candy. It is nice to have family so close that we can do these types of things together. We will put up some pictures tomorrow of the festivities. We hope that you and your family have a safe and Happy Halloween.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

One Last Game & a Halloween Party.

Well Maddux did get to play one last game; a make-up game that was earlier rained out and he went out with a bang. His team won 7 - 5 and he scored five goals. He also scored 1 of the other teams 5 to make things close. I don't mean to brag or anything but the other team also scored their 4 goals with him on the sidelines. They only had 6 players so Maddux's team had to sub and every time he went out is when they scored. When he was in there he had no problems catching up to the other players and taking the ball from them. It has been fun to watch him progress during the season. When he first started he would just kick the ball as far as he could and now he can dribble the ball up the field and takes his time. He is still faster than most the other players so he can also kick the ball down the field and beat everyone to it. He had a lot of fun and can't wait to play again next year.










I finally got one picture of him scoring. Here he is right in front of the goal kicking it thru for one of his goals. Every other goal I always seemed to miss or didn't have the camera ready but I finally got one. I felt bad for Brooklyn as her team was suppose to play this weekend as well but they couldn't get enough girls so they forfeited their game. She had a lot of fun this year and made a lot of friends. That feeling didn't last long as she was off to the first of two Halloween parties for the day. Her friend, Kirsten, had a Halloween themed birthday party and Brooklyn had a ton of fun. They had a magician and played lots of games. Brooklyn came home with a Ziploc bag full of candy. From there it was off to our Church Halloween party. Jennie was in charge of it and had to be there early so I picked up Brooklyn from her party and took her and the kids straight to the next party. There were lots of games and crafts for the kids to play. They got to run around for a couple of hours in their costumes with their cousins and really had a blast. It is kind of funny because we haven't even been trick-or-treating yet and we have 2 huge bags full of candy.


















Here are the kids participating in one of the many games. They had to eat a donut off a string without using their hands. Brooklyn had no problem with the donut and made very short work of it.















Maddux on the other hand never got the hang of it. He kept missing and having the donut come back and hit him in the mouth. After about a minute he finally gave up and the girls let him take it down and eat it with his hands. Maybe he figured he had enough treats and really didn't need to work for this one.
















They ended up having a fun filled weekend and are anxious for Friday to get here so they can go trick-or-treating with their cousins.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

The Wiggles!!!


Here are some pictures from our surprise the other night. On Thursday I took the boys out for a surprise. They had no idea what it was only that it was a boys night out. Jennie dropped them off after work and we first went to McDonald's for dinner. We then went to the show and Maddux thought we were going into a movie. It wasn't until we walked thru the doors and they could see the Wiggles sign that he knew what it was. Nolan didn't actually know what it was until they took the stage. This is the third time I have taken the kids to see the Wiggles but the first time that Nolan has gone. Both Brooklyn and Maddux loved them when they were little but Nolan has been the biggest fanatic so far. He could sit and watch them all day. It was kind of funny because I don't think that Nolan blinked once during the whole show. Both his eyes and mouth were wide open the whole show. It was the same way Maddux was the first time I took him 2 years ago.

We walked in and they could see the stage all set up and the big sign over but Nolan wasn't sure what was going on. He has seen them lots on TV but really didn't know what was going on. It was funny because they were playing music until the show started and every time a song ended he would say, "it's over", and I would just think to myself just wait, it hasn't even started. We had really good seats and were only 8 rows from the stage and had aisle seats. They could see everything up close and could stand up and dance if they wanted. Maddux would sing and dance but Nolan was just awestruck and just watched. It was funny when they first came out on stage in The Big Red Car because his eyes just got really big and a huge smile came across his face. I think it was then that he realized that they weren't coming on the TV this time. The aisle seats are good because they tend to run through the audience from time to time and interact with the fans. We were lucky enough to have three of the four run right down our aisle. They were all inches from us. Maddux stuck out his hands to get fives but Nolan had no idea what to do and just stood there in awe.
As much as I hate to admit it the Wiggles have grown on me. I remember hating them the first couple of times that I heard or saw them but now I know every song. They do put on a very good show and the kids absolutely love them. The show lasted about an hour and a half and is non stop the whole time. Those guys have to be in incredible shape. They then both got to pick out a souvenir after the show to bring home. Maddux picked a baseball cap and Nolan got a shirt. I think next year it will probably be just me and Nolan as Maddux will probably be a little too old for them. It is kind of sad that the last three concerts that I have been to were all the Wiggles. I guess that is what happens when you have kids.
Brooklyn, Jennie and Payton also had a girls night out. They went over to Jennie's parents and went out with Connie for dinner and Brooklyn's surprise. They ended up going to an art shop where you can paint ceramics and have them glazed and take them home. Brooklyn is quite the artist and had a blast. She got to make a Santa mug and really enjoyed herself. I was worried that she was going to be sad about not being able to go to the show but I haven't heard one thing about it from her. I think she is officially over the Wiggles.
Jennie and I love doing things with and for the kids and it is always fun to surprise them with things like this. I feel kind of guilty because I think I have just as much, if not more, fun than they do. It is priceless to see the expressions on their face when they finally figure out what they are doing.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The sweetest laugh you have ever heard.



Yesterday was Payton's three month birthday and she is growing up so fast. She is making all sorts of noises, smiling at everyone, and has the sweetest laugh that I have ever heard. We had to capture it on video and even though it is short it is one of the cutest things you will ever hear.

Monday, October 20, 2008

The kids last games of the season.


On Saturday Maddux had his second karate tournament. And like the first he finished in first place with the highest score. There were probably about 25 kids ranging in age from 3 1/2 to 7. He scored a total of 20.5 points and was the only competitor to score a 7, he got two of them. I don't mean to sound biased or anything but he was by far and away the best in his class. Even though he is doing so well I don't know if they will move him up for awhile because of his age. The other kids in his class are 6 and 7 and he is still 4. This may keep him where he is at for a little while. He loves it and we have seen a huge improvement over the last year. Here is Maddux receiving his medal for first place. He now has two first place medals to show off.






I felt kind of bad because Maddux's karate tournament and Brooklyn's last game were at the same time so I didn't get to see any of her game. They did tie 2 - 2 to finish the season 1 - 1 -6. Their last 2 games were by far the best of the year. I am also happy to report that next year Brooklyn will have a new coach. Apparently I am not the only one who thinks her coach this year was useless. Connie has graciously agreed to be her new coach. We were also fortunate to have Grandma Elaine come and watch Brooklyn's game.
I know that Brooklyn had a lot of fun but it is sometimes hard to watch her team play with little or no direction. Maybe I shouldn't worry about it at this age but I see the other teams they are playing and there is a huge difference. I don't want her to fall behind because one coach doesn't want to take the time to teach the girls. Anyways, it is over now and we will see if she wants to play next year.

From Maddux's karate we went straight to his soccer game and made it just as the game was starting. He really wanted to play so I am glad that we made it in time. He may have one more make up game this Saturday depending on the weather but also may not. His team has only lost one game this year and weren't going to end the season on a losing streak.
His team won 12 - 4 and Maddux had 4 goals. I think that is his most for the season. I felt bad for him because I forgot to bring a long sleeve shirt and it was pretty good that morning. I think he may have been the only kid in short sleeves. It was a hectic morning and I just forgot so I am crossing my fingers hoping he doesn't get sick. He also had a blast this year playing soccer and really enjoyed finally being on a "Team" and being able to wear a uniform. He has been jealous of Brooklyn over the last year watching her compete in different things.
His team had their end of season party tonight after a quick practice. They went to Dairy Queen and then handed out ribbons. We didn't get to stay very long as Nolan threw up all over the place. Both him and I were sick all weekend and didn't do much outside of laying around. I really felt bad for Jennie as I wasn't much help and she not only had to watch over the kids but also had to clean up Nolan every time he threw up. That poor kid must have thrown up 6 or 8 times this weekend. After everything he ate came throw up. The funny thing, if there can be something funny about this, is that after he threw up he was asking for more food. He just couldn't get enough. Hopefully the worst is behind us and everyone will be back to their normal selves.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Parent Teacher Conference



Today we had Brooklyn's first Parent Teacher Conference and it is official...she is a genius. Mrs. Becker said that Brooklyn is a very good student and that she does very well in class. She is a very good drawer / colorer and her handwriting has significantly improved over the last month or so. She is very happy with Brooklyn's progress and has no complaints about her. It was pretty short but I guess there isn't much to say about a first grader. Brooklyn really loves school and has become quite the artist. She is also reading very well and has even received an award for her math skills, she must get that from her dad. All in all it was a very good report and we are very proud of Brooklyn and her excitement to learn. This is her latest school pictures which a lot of you will be getting shortly.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Back in the First Grade.

With it being Columbus Day I had the day off work and was able to spend it doing things with the kids. I got to walk Brooklyn to school this morning and then pick her up after. I also was lucky enough to be able to bring Brooklyn lunch today, at school, and sit with her and her class and eat. I forgot how small those desks and tables are. I couldn't even fit both my legs under the table to eat. I did have a blast and I think all the kids thought it was cool that I brought pizza for us to eat. It was funny listening to their conversations and talking with them. We got to sit next to Emily, who is Brooklyn's jump roping buddy, Adam and Alex who are also in her class. I was asking them lots of questions and trying to make them laugh. I was asking them what they liked to do during recess and Adam replied that he liked to chase girls. I guess I know who I need to watch out for. The whole experience was really fun and I am glad that I got to do that. I can't wait for the next day I am off where Brooklyn has school because I will definitely go back.


After that Maddux, Nolan and I went to pick up some pumpkins. They each got to pick out their own pumpkin and then I got one for Brooklyn. I think we will wait to carve them so they last until Halloween. We found a good deal on some huge pumpkins that are going to be tons of fun to clean out and I am sure that it won't be the kids cleaning them.

Then once Brooklyn and I got back from school the kids helped me fill these little pumpkin bags with leaves so I could hang them from the tree. They love to decorate for the holidays and will help out wherever possible. I don't know if I have more fun or if they do. If we could just keep Nolan from playing with or taking everything down we could really go all out.

The kids had a blast picked up the leaves and can't wait until they all fall off and they, I mean Jennie and I, can rake them up so they can jump in them. I think that is their favorite time of Fall after Halloween of course. The neighbor has a huge tree in her front yard and because of how close it is to our yard we get a majority of the leaves. It is a pain to rake them up but the kids love playing in them so that makes it worth it. We will have some pictures of that once the leaves fall.

This last picture is a tribute to Spencer and his love for jump roping. The kids have quickly picked this up and do it whenever they can. We had to go out and buy them each a jump rope so they wouldn't fight. It is funny because everyday Brooklyn will jump rope on her way to school and then Maddux will jump rope on the way home. They are actually quite good considering they haven't been doing it for very long. They have already figured out the criss-cross and can run down the street while jumping. Maybe one day we will see them on ESPN and the contest that they run.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

A Saturday to Remember.

Well the kids had their last day of swimming lessons on Thursday and they have really made some progress. Brooklyn was passed on to the next level while Maddux will retake his same class. Not because he didn't pass but because he will not be old enough for the next class when it starts. They will most likely take their next set of lessons during the Winter and will hopefully become a little more independent in the water. Jennie and I are at least a little more comfortable with them in the water now and they seem to really like swimming.

This Saturday may have been Maddux's last soccer game as he has a karate tournament next Saturday at the same time as his game. They did miss one game due to rain but it would not be played until the last Saturday in October and the weather may not cooperate for that game. He did very well in this weeks game despite being sick the whole day before and throwing up at 6:30 in the morning on game day. He went to Liam and Carter's to play on Friday as he usually does before karate but just wasn't the same. He didn't eat any lunch and was lagging behind in everything he did. When they brought him back home he laid down and crashed for the rest of the night. He didn't eat dinner and was a little warm the whole night. We ended up skipping his karate that night as he was wiped out. I was awaken at 6:30 to the sound of him throwing up in his bed and crying. I got up and cleaned him off and he fell right back asleep but was still a little warm. By the time he woke up around 8:30 it was like nothing was ever wrong with him. His fever was gone, he had his appetite back, and was his usual self. We then went to karate and his soccer game right afterward.

He wasn't bad until about the second half when you could tell he didn't have any energy and was spent. He had to take quite a few more rests than normal and was not his usual self running all over the field wreaking havoc. His team did get back on the winning side of things after their first defeat last week and won the game 8 - 4. Maddux had two goals and one was very impressive. Both teams were down the field by his goal and the other team got the ball and started taking off towards their goal. Maddux ran in the kicked the ball all the way down towards the other teams goal, then beat everyone down the field to the ball. He then turned around and kicked the ball half way down the field towards his goal and again beat everyone to the ball. Then with one big kick he kicked the ball from mid field into the goal. I wish I would have gotten it on video. I think he really had a fun time playing soccer this year and I hope that his last game does get rescheduled so he can play one more. With him being old enough to play baseball next year this may have been his one shot at soccer.

The surprise of the day came later as Brooklyn's team took the field for their second to last game. They haven't been within 5 goals of any team this year and were in the cellar for their league. The game was a stalemate through the first three quarters as no one scored a goal. I would like to tell you it was stellar defense but I just think the two worse teams got matched up against each other. Then at the beginning of the fourth quarter Brooklyn's team scored a goal. There was a little controversy surrounding this goal as the ref ruled the goal didn't count because the goalie touched the ball as it went in the goal. I have never heard of this rule before and have not seen it called all year but for some reason they ruled the goal would not count. However, about 2 minutes later her team scored again to officially go up 1 - 0. The other team did score one goal before the game ended but we are counting that as a 2 - 1 win. I have seen Brooklyn get a leg or hand on the ball and the goal has still counted and don't know where this rule came from. This is as close to a win as her team is going to get and that is a bogus way to not count a goal. Despite what the ref says we know that they really won the game. Brooklyn also has one more game left and then one make-up depending on the weather. I know that she has also enjoyed playing this year although I think it has been more for the friendships she has made and the girls that she knows and has been able to play against. We will see if she wants to play again next year. If Maddux does baseball and not soccer she may not want to play.



After the game Jennie and I had a surprise for the kids as we took them to a pumpkin patch.

They had a giant inflatable slide that the kids could climb up and then slide down. It wasn't that fast for some reason but if you look at the picture of Maddux you can see him right before he goes head over heels down. He decided to jump at the top instead of slide and got down a lot quicker than he probably wanted to.



Brooklyn took her time deciding if she really wanted to go up or not. She actually played in the bouncer underneath before deciding to take the journey up and then back down.







Here she is at the top getting ready to go down. I don't know how she could see anything with her hair all in her face. The kids also had their faces painted while waiting in line for the slide. Brooklyn had a pumpkin put on her cheek and Maddux had a baseball put on his arm. There were also other games and crafts that the kids could do. Maddux tried his luck at balloon darts but was unsuccessful at popping any balloons.



Here are some of my favorite pictures of the day. We got a really good one of Brooklyn in this same tube last year but didn't get her in it this year. The boys however took turns and were more than happy to pose for a photo opp.




















Here are the boys perched in a tree house. They have this big tree which they have just built a house around with all the branches poking out of the roof and the windows. The kids can climb up in the house and then climb on most of the branches while in the house. It is really cool and can hold 10 to 15 kids and / or adults. Nolan loved being able to climb on all the branches.














While the boys were climbing trees and riding the pony Brooklyn was over doing some crafts. She is quite the artist and loves to draw, color, and make things. She made a pumpkin on a stick and did quite a good job. I think we are going to have to copy Kathy and Harvey's idea of framing some of the kids art. She is very talented for only being 6 and Jennie and I are constantly amazed at the art work she brings home from school. I guess she does have that running in both sides of the family.

Maddux then took a little ride on the pony they had for the children. Nolan was going to also ride but had second thoughts as I was putting him on the pony. He then decided that he wanted nothing to do with it. I thought for sure that he would like it but maybe another time.






We then decided to take some pictures of the kids in all the pumpkins. The first picture is all 4 of them surrounded by pumpkins.


Next we have Nolan with a pumpkin that is probably as big as he is.












I think we have this same exact picture of Brooklyn from last year. Look at those long legs.












Here is Payton in the middle of a bunch of pumpkins. She is not the happiest camper but I at least had to try. I really wanted a picture of her propped up on her belly lying on a pumpkin but she wasn't having any of that. We did manage to get one decent picture of her. Never mind the belly hanging out.

From the pumpkins we went to the giant corn maze that they have every year although this year the corn was not very high and you could see over the whole field. It is usually at least 6 feet high but not sure what went on this year. They have a bunch of stations set up throughout the field were the kids can play and look for small little prizes. They had to find a pair of binoculars, a snake, a compass, a hat, and a spider ring. The theme was around Indiana Jones and they were given a little map to show them where to go. After they found the five items they came to the finish and got to hunt in sand for dinosaur eggs. By the time we were done with the corn maze the kids were pretty spent and had had enough.


I did manage to get one last picture on the hill on our way back to the car. You have to park at the top of this huge hill and then walk down to where everything is. It is a gorgeous view of the valley from the top as you can see the whole set up. They have a huge apple farm that they also promote throughout the year.

From there we went home took a little nap and went over to Grandma and Grandpa Kerr's. We had our Stake Conference Saturday night and Bill and Connie were gracious enough to get a couple of babysitters to not only watch our kids but also Greg and Tacie's 4 children. I am sure that they had a lot of fun without the parents. Conference was really good as they talked about strengthening your marriage and your families. There were some really good speakers. We were then treated to ice cream sundaes afterward and then called it a night. Thank you Bill and Connie for doing that a giving us a night out without the kids.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Don't Try This at Home.

These pictures are for Grandpa Beard who would be proud.

Here are a couple of pictures of the kids helping me split the firewood this weekend. Saturday we had a guy drop off a truck load of wood. They were in 10 to 12 foot poles which I had to cut up with a chainsaw. I then borrowed the neighbors wood splitter and split the wood for burning. It took all day but the payoff will be huge. Last year we kept our house at a toasty 65 degrees and paid between $200 and $250 a month in gas bills. We had a wood burning stove put in the back room and hope that will help drastically this winter. We were able to benefit from it a little towards the end of last year and boy does it really heat the house. We are excited to be warm this year without paying an arm and a leg to do so.










The kids were a big help as they would load the wheelbarrow with wood and then push it back once it was emptied. It literally took me all day but will be well worth it. We are most likely going to get 1 or 2 more loads to make sure we make it thru the winter. After it was all done we ended up with about 1 1/2 cords, which for $135 is a steal. It seems to be good wood and should do the trick. The kids loved splitting the wood with the splitter and just helping dad.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

A Rough Day of Soccer for the Beard Kids.

Today was a rough day for the Beard kids and soccer. We started with Maddux's game at 10:00 and were lucky enough that Grandpa Kerr could come and watch for a little bit. I don't know if it was the pressure or the fact that Maddux seemed tired, but he had a rough game. You could probably put the tired blame on me. Maddux had karate last night and Jennie, Brooklyn, Nolan and Payton went to say bye to Rachel and the kids before they left so it was just Maddux and me. I let him stay up until almost 10:00 watching movies before I put him to bed. I really didn't think he would make it that long without falling asleep and while I was doing other things he just stayed awake.

They also played the best team that they have seen so far and maybe the best in his league. Most teams have one or two good players but this team had 3 or 4 that could play and when you are playing four on four that makes a big difference. Plus Maddux's team kept taking the ball the wrong way down the field and by the time they tried to turn it around it was too late and the other team would score. They started to game by going down 6 - 1 by half time. Their one goal was actually scored by the other team who kicked it in their own goal. Maddux did not want any charity so the next time down the field he kicked a laser into his own goal. That was his loan goal for the day. The team did make it respectable as I think the final score was 9 - 4. This was their first defeat and first real test.

I wish I would have taken this picture a couple seconds earlier. Maddux and the other kid got tangled up going for the ball and at the same time that Maddux went down a kid on the other team came in and kicked the ball into Maddux's face. I think it just dazed him for a second as he got right back up and didn't seem to fazed by it. He also did get into a little bit of a skirmish, with one of the other boys, and actually made him cry. They were both going for the ball and the other boy gave Maddux a little shove and then tried to grab Maddux's arm and hold on to him. Maddux immediately swung his arms around and knock the kid out of the way. I don't think the other kid was expecting that at all and didn't like the retaliation. It was nothing to serious, just enough to let him know that he couldn't do it to Maddux.

Here is Payton all bundled up for the game with her PJ's and little hat. If you look at the next couple of pictures of her you can tell how she felt about the game. She was wide awake at the start of the game but by the end.........











........she was fast asleep. She couldn't take it either.






From Maddux's game we went to Brooklyn's. It was kind of funny because she had three girls playing on her team who I had never seen before. I think the coach must have been called by some of the parents and figured that he wasn't going to have enough so he recruited a couple to play. They were not very good but at least gave them enough to play. As you will see in the following pictures the girls, Brooklyn included, were spent by the end of the game. I guess that is what no subs will do for you. Brooklyn actually started out at goalie for the first quarter and didn't fare to well. Three of the first four shots found their way past her. Every other team will have a coach standing right next to the goal talking to the goalie and telling them what to do. Brooklyn's team only has one coach and he doesn't do that much. He really doesn't say much during the game and doesn't give them a lot of instruction. Plus he has canceled the last three practices so the only time they do anything is on game day. We will try to get her placed on one of her friend's team next year as her dad coaches and actually works with them. Enough of me ranting....she did have a very good play at the end of the quarter that saved a goal even though I still don't think she had any idea of what actually happened. A couple of their girls were coming in to score with no one defending them. The girl kicked the ball pretty hard but did so right at Brooklyn, which is the only reason that it didn't go in. I don't think Brooklyn could have gotten out of the way if she wanted to but she stopped the ball, picked it up before the other girls could get it again, and then booted it all the way down the field. It was really impressive and happened so quick that even though she was just in the right spot at the right time, it looked like a very good play.




This is what Nolan likes to do during the games. He is always off running around somewhere, usually into the woods or somewhere we can't see him. Here he is rolling around in the grass just having a blast by himself. I am glad that he can entertain himself as I get tired of chasing him around.




These next pictures show the energy level of Brooklyn and her team as the game went on. In the beginning everyone was happy and running all over the place.


By about the third quarter they were starting to slow down and do a lot of watching and walking.


And by the fourth quarter there wasn't much running at all. I think all the goals scored in the game where done so in the first half. The other team only had one sub and also got tired quick. It was funny to watch everyone at the end of the game because no one really wanted to do anything. The ball would get between 3 or 4 players and everyone would wait for someone else to get it. Then they would dribble a couple of times and then kick the ball down the field so they could rest. The team Brooklyn played was her coach for last years team. She remembered him right away as did he. To show you the difference in level of play from Brooklyn's team to the rest; I overheard the other coach telling one of the parents that not only was this the first they won but it was also the first game they didn't lose by at least 5. Brooklyn's team did not score and so far has 3 goals total in 6 games. I guess it is good that she doesn't care about winning yet and instead just likes to be around the other girls. I am not a fan but have to remember that she is just 6 and there is still plenty of time for her to dominate.

After the games and some lunch Jennie took Brooklyn to get a haircut as she really needed something done. Nothing to drastic, just knocked a couple inches off and shorten it up. It really looks good and should be a little easier to keep up.








We ended the day by cutting up some firewood that we had delivered in the morning. We had my dad put a wood burning stove in the back room last year in hopes that we could drastically reduce our gas bill in the winter. The last couple of years we have been paying about $250 a month to live in 60 degrees. That gets old quick and the wood stove will be a huge help. We called all around and found most places to be between $235 - $290 for a cord of wood (we will need a couple to get through the winter). We finally found a guy on Craig's List who sells it in the log form for $135 delivered. I then borrowed Bill's chainsaw and cut it myself. It is well worth the extra work to be able to save money every month off the gas bill. I think we will actually probably get a couple more cords just to have.

The kids were a big help in carrying the wood to the back of the house and stacking it. Brooklyn didn't make it too long but Maddux was a trooper and stayed to help. We would put it in the wheelbarrow and then dump it and stack. Maddux loves to push the wheelbarrow and always had to be the one to wheel it back to reload. We also are borrowing a wood splitter from the neighbor for the logs that are a little too big. Most were perfect size for just putting right in but some will need to be split and I am all about not having to split it by hand.


So as you can see we had a very busy day and wore the kids out. They were all in bed by 8:15 and asleep by 8:30. There wasn't any chit chatting at all tonight. I guess if you play hard you also crash hard.