Monster Mud Pit Madness

I don't know if you can tell from these pictures but this monster mud pit is between 12 inches and 10 inches deep all the way around. That means 1) there is a TON of dirt piled up all around our backyard and I have no idea what to do with it and 2) there is about 8-9 inches of standing water in that pit. Yikes! Luckily, Stephanie's dad and I were able to siphon off most of the water and some gravel arrived today that might start helping to fill in the pit a little once I start wheelbarrowing it around the house. Many, many, many thanks to Stephanie's dad who helped me with the final part of what was called "the big dig".

BABY LOVES THE BATH TIME! (and momma does too!)

Baby loves the bath water! I am thinking that he will be a good swimmer for sure. Not only does he love playing in the water but he also has the same big hands and feet that I inherited from my grandfather DB!

BABYS FIRST CHRISTMAS!

What a wonderful day! We had more of everything than any one family could possibly need for Christmas. God bless everyone and thank you all so very much for the cards, presents, and love we received. Our traditional turkey dinner, mostly prepared by Stephanie, a little by me, and a little by Burrs BBQ (think fried fowl), was delectable. The fact that James decided to sleep all through our meal was a mini Christmas miracle. I hope everyones day was as blessed as ours was!

Random Pre-Christmas Pictures

Sorry for the slow updates but there is SO much going on and so little time to do this type of thing. Anyway. Here are some new assorted photos taken before Christmas. First one is one of four grandpas (LAKKKEEEEHIIISSSSSOUSE ROSS) holding little JD with love. Second one is little JD cracking himself up on his changing station. Oddly enough this is his favorite place in the world right now (except of course being next to his momma). Third one is JD experiencing his first taste of 32 degree temperatures this winter. Forth, its good to be a gangster!

The Cameras Keep A' Clicking

Not much to updated on really just wanted to post some new pictures!

finally! more baby pictures

I know, i know, its been too long. Sorry about that! Well, with all the excitement, all the patio work, all the lake house craziness, all the visitors. Anyway thats my excuse. Here are some more recent pictures of James. He is up around 10 and a half pounds now and keeps growing by ounces every day. His nickname right now is "lug nut" because of his size and density. Stephanie and I really appreciate all of the guests that have been visiting and care they have been providing all of us!

What was I THINKING?

For some strange reason I decided that right after bringing a new baby into our house would be the perfect time to try and install a 24 foot by 14 foot paver patio. Big mistake. The first phase of this project involves removing 12-10 inches of dirt and rock so that the foundation can be made ready. My good friend Jason Peppin is helping me move dirt the old fashioned way and Lucy is acting like a supervisor or goat depending on how you look at it... more to come on this one! This project should last a long long long time.

pictures, pictures, pictures - thats all i have time for right now!

YEAH! JAMES IS FINALLY HERE!

James David Evans was born this morning, 5:33am November 1st 2007 @ 7 pounds 9 ounces and 21.5 inches long. Stephanie did an unbelievable job and achieved her goal of a completely natural child birth. I love my family so much! Here are the first few pictures...

pregnancy portraits!

Grandpa Ross and Grandmother Nikki put together this wonderful photo shoot at their home studio a few weekends ago. These shots came out great and will be treasured forever by our family. Ross Anderson is a professional photographer - you can check out more of his work here. I am very envious because I always wanted to be an outdoor sports photographer when I was younger. I try to pick up hints, tips, and skills from him whenever I can.

Special thanks to our dear family friend, Dianne Morrison, who did hair, makeup, styling, and hair air. She is a professional hair and makeup artist working closely with Ross on his photo shoots.

new furniture and JDs room updated

YAY! After two long months of waiting our new furniture from Unfinished Furniture Magamart finally arrived. The finish looks great and I can't say enough good things about this company. All the furniture if VERY economically priced and is made from solid wood like oak, pine, and aspen. No MDF or furniture that falls apart at the sight of water here! You can get a great deal on this stuff if you are willing to finish it yourself. Anyhoo, here are several of the pieces... a dresser, bed, and bedside table. I love the distressed finish.

This allowed us to move our old furniture into the new baby room - check it out:



Notice my old dresser there with the changing station on top of it and Stephanie's old bedside table beside the rocker. Everything is coming together! We still have one book / magazine rack thing to hang on the wall and some pictures to put up but that will be IT! The baby room is almost complete...

Also, we went ahead and got the pack and play thanks to the advice of my mother and the fear that JD may arrive earlier than scheduled like myself. I like that this thing is a play pen, a changing station, AND a bassinet all in one! The only problem is that it will not roll or fit through our doorways. Hmmmmmm.