My Sweet Wife....Happy Birthday

Merideth

You are turning another year older today and it seems like yesterday that were both in our early 20's and in love. Standing in the front of a church excited, scared, and happier than we had ever been. All we had were each other and that was more than enough.

Now we are in our early 30's, four strong, you have different titles like...mom..but all I see when I look at you is that pretty young girl that I fell in love with and made me laugh like no one I had ever known. Only now you are stronger, wiser, and still just as beautiful. You are also a strong Christian woman and trust him with you life.

I get to see you with our kids and how you love them, take care of them, are patient with them. I also get to see when they make your facial expressions. Learn new things with you and laugh with you.

You are so much of what I am not...and I think that is what makes us a good fit. God knew that I needed someone that would take the Old man out of me and push me to try new things and not be so conservative. You are so gifted in ways that I will never be.

I guess what I am trying to say is that YOU ARE SPECIAL. Everyday I thank God for you being in my life. You are more than I could have ever hoped for in a wife. I love you very much and I look forward to growing old with you.

Have a wonderful birthday.

Love Derek

Band Aid Moment

This morning was anything but sunny in the Shaw house. I got up extra early and made the boys eggs and toast. I set the table, poured the juice and put the hot food on the table. I lovingly woke the boys to tell them that their breakfast was ready with the hopes that they would gobble up their food, put on their clothes and be ready to let my grandmother help them put on their clothes by 7:30 so we could be out the door by 7:35.

I'll spare you all the details of what happened next.
Bottom line- our morning was anything but sunny.

So, in order to keep my heart from continuing to break all day, I surprised Tate at school and had lunch with him. When he saw me walk in, his smile took up his whole face and he sat up in his chair so high, that I thought hey might float to the ceiling like a bright red balloon! Oh, I'll never forget that sweet look of surprise and sheer joy on his face.

So, we ate taco meat, macaroni and cheese, corn, salad and water. I held his hand and kissed him and reminded him that no matter what, I'll always love him. It was a Band Aid moment for my heart and his- it was the best lunch I've had in years.

Tuesday 2/24 Day 6

Looks like the gravel was brought in today and the stakes were laid for the pouring of the walls. Rain is in the forecast for the end of this week...

I see dirt- Under Construction Week 1

Yep, the day that we have been waiting 6 months for finally arrived on Tuesday, February 17! I must admit I was overwhelemed by emotion as I realized that our dream of a home in the middle one of the most peaceful places I've ever been is finally on its way to becoming a reality. So, what does the construction of a home look like to someone who thinks "silt fence" is actually called "silk fence"?

Tuesday 2/17 Day 1

3 months of land hunting, 1 home sale, 6 months of houseplans; 1 construction loan processing; 5 building permits and 1 month of EPA persuasion later, they finally break (a little) ground and put the double silt fence up by the pond to prevent construction erosion from getting into the water.

Wednesday 2/18 Day 2
It Rained

Thursday 2/19 Day 3

13 trees are lost; grading begins

Friday 2/20 Day 4 & Monday 2/23 Day 5

Grading is halted by irate Home Owner's Association President. Wires had been crossed and the approval of our plans is up in the air. An hour later Derek and I present plans (again) and talk the HOA President off the ledge. He apologizes profusely and grading resumes. The culvert under is installed and the driveway is graded.

Side view of the house and The driveway

The front of the house and Front of the house, different angle

Derek and I went out this evening and measured the stakes. We took a pretend tour of the house, visualizing which room would be where and laughing that its hard to imagine an entire house based on a rectangle in the dirt. We are so excited we can barely stand it! The plan is to complete the grading tomorrow, pour the footings on Wednesday/Thursday and pour the walls on Friday/Saturday...weather permitting.

The 3-Day Birthday Bonanza

I've been a bad mama for the past 2 years, never giving a Britton much more of a gathering of family to celebrate his birthday. This year we were determined to do anything we could to make him feel special- thus the three-day Birthday Bash:

Day 1:

Jan 30th- his reald birthday. Gram made him a cake and he got to open presents!

Day 2:

Build-a-Bear and ChuckECheese

Day 3:

A birthday party with our closest friends