new windows :)

We are in the process of getting all new windows in our house. When we moved into the house, it had single-pane, alluminum windows. We quickly found out this winter that single pane windows do not keep the cold air out ;) So, we decided it might be time to put in some new windows :) (in the hottest part of the summer) we also decided to move the back door exit to the dining room instead. We used to have a sliding glass door in the living room. Now we have french doors that open into the dining room (onto tile floor, instead of carpet). Chris has plans to eventually put a deck in the back yard right off of the dining room

so as of right now, we have new doors in the dining room, two new windows, and half a wall in the living room. what's left is- two more windows, and the dry wall/texture in the living room. I am posting some before and after (in the process) pictures below :)

dining room before (with window on the leftt)

dining room after (the picture is too dark and doesn't do it justice)

living room before

living room in progress (and again very dark)

view from outside before

view from outside (in progress)

Summer Lovin'

It has been FOREVER since I last posted...but for a reason. I always feel like I need to post pictures with my blogs, and I haven't taken any pictures in a long time. So, I have felt like I have nothing to blog about.

I have been out of school/work for a couple of weeks now...and it is WONDERFUL. I am always worried that I am going to get bored really quickly, but I have found so many things to do :) I am helping to coordinate VBS at my church this summer, so that has kept me uber busy. I have been trying to figure out a cheap way to make t-shirts, and have been making posters to advertise the event.

Last week I went to Dallas to visit one of my best friends, Stephanie. She went to grad school with me in Dallas, and we spent A LOT of time together during our two years there. I am so happy that we have both been working hard to keep our friendship up. We talk at least once a week, and have been able to see each other every couple of months. While in Dallas, Steph and I got to visit our other friend, Krista. Krista got married several months before me, and just had a baby in February. So, I got the privilege of meeting Krista's baby, Gracie. She is beautiful.! However, it was slightly weird to see Krista with a baby. I am used to being around babies/small children, but none of my close friends have had babies yet. I still think of myself as too young to have children, so it was kinda surreal.

What else have I been up to?....hmm...I wake up, check my email/blogs/facebook, work out, work on VBS stuff, read, take a nap, and make dinner. That's about it...and its great!!

Jennifer is graduating from her master's program in July, and the whole family is headed up to Vermont to see her walk. Chris and I decided to make a vacation out of the trip as well. We will be flying into Boston,and will stay there for several days. Then we head to Vermont for graduation. Finally, we will drive to New york City and stay there for the remaining three days. Of all the states I have been to in my lifetime, I have never made it that far up the east coast. So, needless to say, I am VERY excited. We have booked our flights and hotels...but I still need to do some trip planning. I should probably get on that, since we are leaving in a few short weeks.

Next week (July 4th weekend) we will be going to San Antonio to spend time with Dad's side of the family. All of Dad's brothers and sisters will be there, and many of the grandchildren as well...so, hopefully I will have some updated pictures to post in the not so distant future :)