Projects

We've had a few projects going on around these parts. 

Project 1: Hydroponic Garden

Erik and the kids are growing lettuce, kale, and cilantro hydroponically. 

In the beginning:

3-4 weeks later:

Project 2: The Smoker turned Grill

We found a smoker by the side of the road labeled FREE. The smoker part was completely rusting out, so Erik hacked it off and turned the grill part into a functioning grill. Now we can reinstitute grill night in our own backyard!

Before with the helpers:

After the paint job:

(Taft got spray paint in his hair. Our neighbor told us that the first thing Taft said to him was, "Did you notice I have spray paint in my hair?)

Project 3: Kent's Duplos

This was just cute. "Ook, mama, ook!"

Project 4: UT Shirts

We made matching UT shirts for the whole family with a 3D printed stencil and fabric paint. We're going to wear them when we celebrate Erik's graduation which is in MAY!

Project 5: Wildflower Bouquet

Texas has some pretty amazing wildflowers. Alyssa and the boys gathered these from our yard before we mowed it for the first time. She made a beautifully arranged bouquet out of them!

 

Alyssa turns 10!

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

Alyssa turned 10 this year! I can't believe 10 years has passed since she was born! So many things have happened since then. April 2020 - April 2021 was a big year for Alyssa. I have seen her grow, change, develop and mature in so many ways! She is learning how to do so many things like crochet, sow, play the piano, cook, bake, care for children, read, write, and develop her faith! She has read and listened to an astonishing amount of books over the last year. She is a wonderful helper at home. She loves all of her crazy brothers and is a peacemaker and comforter in our home! She lost 6 teeth in the last year and has almost regained most of them! Alyssa is amazing! 

We love you!

(As this message Taft wrote for her in the bathtub proves.)