my two growing babies

I have seen lots of changes in James lately. He is getting much better at communicating. The other day, he said, "I eat now!" I was very impressed, because if it had been a month ago, he would've thrown an enormous fit to get me to feed him. Here he is with beloved monkey (or "hahe", as he calls it).

Ruthie is trying so hard to crawl, although instead of moving forward, she just moves backward. If you try holding her, she squirms and wiggles... she just wants to be MOBILE! I think that she can sit up by herself, but she won't sit still long enough to try.

A day in the life of a contractor...

This morning I woke up and thought, "oh good! I have a whole unplanned day! Maybe I can get some laundry done, take the kids to the park, hang out in my PJs for a while..." At 8:00 the phone rang. It was our welder, calling to say that his guys were on the way with our steel beam in tow. We weren't expecting them until Thursday. I asked, "well, is the inspector on his way?" After a pause he said, "oh, he'll drop in tomorrow and sign things off. If the city asks you, just tell them he was there."

Uh-oh. This guys was telling me to LIE. FYI- with any welding, it is a requirement to have a deputy inspector on site. To sum up the story, I threw breakfast at the kids, jumped in the shower, and spent the in between time frantically calling inspectors throughout the area. Things turned out, and I am so grateful that our steel beam is finally in.

I've learned the definition for contracting: nothing is definite, there are no peaceful days, and chaos comes with the work! On the other hand, I've been able to visit junkyards, lumberyards, sign big checks (not so fun), and meet some really interesting people. An added plus is the nonstop entertainment for two curious little boys.

Here are the welders in action:

Rewind a few days... This rebar forms the framework for the foundation. A work of art.

Finally, concrete! I could give you a story about his too, but I'll spare you the details!

6 months old

With all the construction and visits to the doctor, we almost missed this milestone: Ruthie is now 6 months old. While her arrival into the world was a big surprise, we feel hugely blessed to have this sweetheart in our family. She brings sunshine into our home, something the Lord knew this past year that we would need more of.

She definitely has her daddy's heart. I'm not sure he'll ever let her grow up and move away...

Remodeling time!

Here is the update of all the upheaval in our lives. After deliberating for many months on how to accommodate our growing family, we chose the messiest solution: remodel. I am the contractor, which means I have spent hours on the phone arranging demolition, steel beams, trash collection, roofing, etc. Though it has been a consuming project, we are really excited for the end result.

This was the saddest part of demolition. We are so sad to see this tree go.

The walls in front of our home are completely stripped, including insulation. If it weren't for good weather, we would freeze!

Interesting view from inside the garage:

When the project is done, this area will be part living room, and part bedroom.

Stay posted for more pictures! The foundation will go in later this week!

When your doctor prescribes a Priesthood blessing...

After watching Ruth struggle against what I though was a cold, I finally decided to take her to the doctor. It turns out that she has RSV and her oxygen saturation was only reading 89%. When she didn't respond well to a breathing treatment, TWO doctors came in to look at her. To make a long story short, she was on the verge of needing admittance to the hospital. I had no idea she was so bad. After a long pause, my doctor (who is LDS) said, "Well, has your husband given her a blessing?"

Ruth ended up coming home with me, along with two prescriptions. The very best prescription, however, was a priesthood blessing. Joseph and his dad met us at the house and administered a blessing of healing. We worked all evening and into the night to make her breathing comfortable. About 3:00 am, she turned a corner. I took her back to the doctor yesterday. He couldn't believe that this was the same child he saw the day before; she looked so much better. I know for a fact that it was a miracle. I am so grateful for the priesthood and for such an immediate answer to prayer. I have witnessed the Lord's tender mercy.

Below is a stirring three-minute video titled "Thought of You" -- a collaboration by two BYU professors

Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

Back to the grind

I must say, it is fun to watch these kids grow. James' vocabulary is growing, along with his ideas about the world. Here are two of his favorite things: monkey, and choo-choo. Looks like monkey might not fit into this train..

This is such a cutie! and sooo sweet!

This is her favorite thing: attention from her brothers, even if it is a bit rough and tumble!

Nothing beats blanky time.