Connection Group pictures- The Chili Cook-off!

Saturday night, our Connection Group competed in a chili and pie cookoff with other Connection Groups at our church. Every table had to have a theme, a chili, a pie, and a competitive edge! : ) We displayed a Honda Shadow and A Valkryie- we revved them up in the church when the judges came out! It was a lot of fun. I think it was the first time in our churches history two motocycles rode in through the front door. Our pie won 2nd place, thanks to Amber McCash, our neice. She made three beauitfully delicious chocolate pies. Our table was called the "Road Hog Cafe", and my parents and aunt and uncle even came out in their leathers to support us!

More from Connection Group Chili cook-off!

David is ice-skating!

David is ice-skating in the new master bedroom after the ice storm- he is a goober! : )

Connection Group

Random pictures from tonight's Connection Group meeting. Tonight, David talked on the belief system of Hindus, which was quite interesting. They really need the Lord! Although we were missing a few couples, we still had a ton of fun. Amber baked a fresh apple pie that was very tasty! Thanks Amber!

Making Baby Shower Cards!!!!

I am helping host Lyndsey Froud's baby shower and have taken over the baby shower cards (of course!!). They are completely gorgeous! I schemed and looked at several stores until I found the perfect combinations of ribbon and paper. I am very happy with the size I chose, as they will fit into a business envelope, which is more affordable for me. David was involved as well as he found that Kinkos carries the most affordable cardstock around (250 sheets for only $9.00) He was quite happy with his contribution. I have warped him, I'm afraid. I would love to do this full time... Maybe someday! : ) Until then, I have to make 70 invitations for her shower!!!!!!

Plumbing has started!

The weather is slowing down the framing! Our back deck is going to be covered, but the framers can't finish it out until there is a slab behind the house. Because our main living floor is really the second story, the slab is needed to build the deck up to that level. The slab can't be poured until it's warmer. Vicious cycle.... : ) Rinse and repeat. The good news is that plumbing started today, despite the freezing weather. David has been ice skating in the house from room to room. He is loving the whole process! We bought a swanky dining room table! I'll have to post those pictures soon! : )

David's Going Away Party

David was promoted to the Wedington branch, and so the Train said good-bye by holding a luncheon in David's honor. They had pizza, and a yummy Rick's cake. The family celebrated at home with the leftovers! : ) Yummy!

Mommy loves Bichon!

Dormers are framed!

On Sunday, the crew put the dormers in. We swept and cleaned up trash from the property that the wind had blown this way and that.

Roof rafters are up!

David and I have been trying to clean as much as possible to avoid the steep $10,000 cleaning bill we will pay to have a crew come out and do it. Anything we can do to help that doesn't take away from our school/work time we allow. Originally, we had wanted to do a lot of self-contracting to save money, but the honest truth is that builders can get it done faster and have the connections we don't have. Time is money at this point in the game. Lots of people ask us how we have managed to stay stress free and I think it is because the builder does all the running, leg-work, and negotiating. We are having fun watching it happen! On Saturday afternoon we swept and picked up nails. The roof came up on Friday, the day before.

Playing Boggle with the Hickmans

Saturday night we had dinner with Zack and Amy and played Boggle. Amy smoked us all! Her baby nursery is really taking shape! The bedding is still a work in progress, but what her mother-in-law has made looks so handsome! The mural writing is done and looks fabulous!