Jace took me on a boat ride. And a house progress report.

Last night as we were skimming across the waters of Saguaro Lake at dusk, the warm wind in our faces and hair, five children were laughing trying catch their breath, as our boat crashed up and down thru every wave and ripple in the water. Shadows from the looming red rock walls had darkened the waters and relaxed our squinting eyes.

A "David Hasselhoff" reference was made about the handsome, shirtless man navigating the boat thru the waters. I know he won't mind that his co-captain this summer is not of the Pamela Lee variety but of the Kim Seaman type. I felt just like my beautiful Mom sitting in the upper passenger chair next to my husband, holding the baby, passing out towels, life jackets, and nourishment to any empty belly. My swimsuit wet only from splashing children and wet towels.

There was a time when I would have been racing Addie to the back deck of Mike's boat to jump off into the icy waters. Grandpa Don would be there in the deep waters teaching us to swim, float, and then to water ski. There was also a time I would have been racing Jessica to any boat that would pull us around on a wake board. My Dad was the best driver. He would cuss, instruct, and zoom past us in the water after a fall. The rope handle would land in our hands again and he would pull us up out of the water again and again.

"Ready? Ready?," He would yell.
I would nod, then yell, "Ready. Let's go."

We weren't allowed back into the boat until we stopped crying, cussing, or until we conquered.

There is no better way to enjoy Arizona. I love to live here. Swimming in dark, cool lake water is fine. Feeling whiplash for days after a tube ride is great fun. Wake boarding is a thrill. But without a doubt, the best part of a lake trip is the boat ride. The smell of the vinyl upholstery, gasoline fumes, the hum of the engine, cousins, siblings, and the wind made my heart very happy last night. I should know better than to let Jace take me on a boat test drive.

Mr. Boatman, I think you have yourself a deal.



Long overdue Progress Report on the house:

We are living in it. Our temporary residence rolled out of our yard last Friday. I wish I could say my heart wasn't jumping for joy but it was. The night I have to sleep in a 5th wheel trailer again will be a night too soon. We have been scrambling to finish to house, therefore still kind of camping. Things are slowly coming together....and just like usual I'm waiting on the plumber. He's up to his eyeballs busy, so I try not to complain. He built me the finest barn posts yesterday and hooked up an R.O. system (AND took me on a boat ride). Stayed tuned for the big before and after photos....even Jace and I are astonished. Until then you can check out these:

Need I say more about the deep windowsills? Or the Ikea open shelving in the kitchen?

Every home that was once a barn should sport barn lanterns in the dining room.

Irrigation. Trees. Green grass. Swing.

White bat and board walls to match the exterior. Worn leather furniture. Need I say more about the deep windowsills? Ok, I will. The original barn was constructed out of 8" cinder block, then filled with dirt for insulation. When the original owner decided he wanted to try living in the barn he turned 2 x 4's on edge to frame, insulate, and sheetrock the original block walls. In turn the downstairs stay cool all day long and makes for some lovely, deep windowsills. One of many of the great perks we found as we demolished and revonated.

More pictures coming soon.