EKjourney Backup

Our 3 weeks (2 weeks of flex time and 1 week of Spring Break) are almost up.  Mort and Alec will work an additional week but Phil is going back to work in April and we are back to our normally scheduled activities as well.  Hard not to get a little nervous that we are coming down to the wire.  We are moving fast and so much is getting done but what doesn't get done by the 8th, will fall completely on Phil's shoulders as Saturday work.  Our house here in Silverton closes toward the end of April so we will need to be completely moved out and there are things that need to be finished up here before we close. The children and I have been going back and forth between the two houses.  On rainy days, we stay here and school and then we head out late afternoon.  When it isn't rainy, we work on the property.  I make meals for everyone based on when I am out there, sometimes just dinner, sometimes all three meals.   The children have been good helpers. ...

Things got moving this week! Mort and Alec came down Tuesday evening and hit the ground running on Wednesday.  They are working 10 hours days and getting so much done!  Phil is making sure supplies are ready and working whenever he isn't errand running.   Poor Alec had a rough couple of nights.  First, there was some miscommunication about bedding so he didn't have anything but a sleeping bag until I found out about it.  We remedied that with camping mats, a rug to put down over the gross carpet, towels and a bath mat, and cleaning supplies for the bathroom.  He is convinced that our house is haunted and hears footsteps, knocks, and other weird noises.  Hopefully when we get everything closed up tight, insulation, a new ceiling, and new flooring, the creaks and groans of an old house not properly "finished" will quiet down!   Even though I want to be out on the farm so bad, I know I have other responsibilities right now.  This week was sure b...

First week out at the new house!  We loved it!  We started (and mostly finished) the demolition upstairs and did enjoy a rare sunny day outside, manning the burn piles and cleaning up the front yard.  I have been thankful for the rain because being outside is irresistible and if the weather was gorgeous, we would not be getting much done on the inside.   Let the demo begin! Knocking out the first bedroom. Second bedroom out and laminate flooring (and weird glued on foam stuff) torn out. Walls being colored on. Everyone helping. That glued on foam was a bit tricky to remove. Helping build the saw horse. Demo helpers. Trying out paint colors.  I think we decided on gold, turquoise, and orange for the kitchen.  I am a tad bit frightened but it is very fun and bold! All meals were eaten at the new house. Did I mention that all 5 children had the chicken pox this week?  First several days were rough....sleepless nights, fevers, itching.  Poor miserable...