Free Corn

So I was outside working on the swing set stuff yesterday (which is coming along nicely) and was interrupted by my neighbor's father. He came up and asked if we like corn and if he could give us a bag. I said sure and thank you! A little bit later when my neighbor came out we were chatting out by the trailer his dad was towing (that's where the corn came from). They asked if we wanted more and that whatever we didn't take was going to the horses. I asked if we could give him anything for it and he promptly declined.

I went inside to ask Heather if she wanted to process a bunch of corn and if she did, to come out and help me get some. We stacked many ears of corn into our wheelbarrow to the point where it was heaping and then went inside to call Mom & Dad and Nate & Kirsta. We all got together in the afternoon for a couple of hours and went through the process - shucking, soaking, blanching, cutting, and bagging. At the end of it all we wound up with close to 60 bags of corn with about 3 cups in each. Quite the haul and best of all it was free!

Important Poll

POLL: Which swing set would your kids prefer?

It's about time I make good on my Mother's Day promise to my mom. We're ready to buy materials and build a swing set for her back yard. We want to include a slide, a rock wall (my kids' request), and space for 3 swings off the main beam. We plan to have at least 1 regular swing, a horse swing, and a tire swing. We could easily exchange a trapeze, infant swing, or another glider, etc. in any of the swing locations. For that matter, we could always add on to the swing set in the future (swings off both sides)

I'm looking for your thoughts on the following basic designs:

Option #1 - custom design similar to what you see in this picture.
Cost = about $1000 and time to measure, cut, drill, assemble, etc.
The first design features a 4' x 6' deck with an open area underneath. Under the playset is open (about 4 1/2 ft clearance), leaving extra area for running, adding a round tire swing, or a picnic bench. We might come up with other ideas for underneath. I'm thinking about getting rid of the rope ladder. The down side is definitely the custom nature of the project. We have to measure and cut most boards.

Option #2 - a box kit
Cost = about $1400 for the kit and materials
This second design costs a little more. It features a multi-level deck (4ft and 5ft) and has more of a playhouse feel. The area underneath the decks is a little smaller and confined due to the posts - the kit suggests a sand box. The advantage here is the speed to get it set up. But it costs more.

In the end, we're putting up a swing set - very soon. Please let me know if you have any strong preferences on the design. I'd like to start on the project this week if possible.

Also - particularly to my siblings - if you'd like to contribute to the cost knowing that your kids will also enjoy, we'd appreciate anything you'd like to throw our way. Please let us know if you'd like to pitch in.

Late Night with Friends

While Caleb was in Germany the kids asked if they could have a "late night." I figured why not so we went ahead with it. The girls picked a movie to watch with their friends downstairs while Bryant picked a movie to watch with his best bud, Dave, up in his room. All together we had about 11 children, counting my three that participated. It wasn't as bad as I thought it might be and the kids had a blast!!! Anyway, here are some of the favorite pictures.

Old Dresser

After years of sitting in mom and dad's garage, and after months of sitting in pieces in my garage, I can finally say that this project is complete. All the boys in the family (except maybe Scott?) took a turn with this dresser. Now Bryant gets his turn.

The dresser was in bad shape when I picked it up. Worse shape as I disassembled the entire thing. A mess in my garage after sanding. I wound up replacing the bottoms of all the drawers, the panel on the door, the shelf inside the door, and some pieces in the back as well. I wish I had taken a before and after picture...