Computer fixed! Finally!

Turns out the problem with uploading my pictures wasn't blogger- it was my computer! You know how computer problems freak me out but I finally took it in to Cybrac yesterday and Jason fixed it up. So today's post will be very picture heavy, mostly dirt, dirt and some cement.

Gene did the site preparation, took out the sidewalk and dug the trench for the footings and walls.

 

 

 Cute glasses there Trev!

 The Hoogendoorn Constuction back-hoe came in quite handy for the job.

 The orange markings are what will be the future Puppy Place room. Tazz likes it in there :)

 Joni and the boys came over to watch and take part in the digging. Levi loved diggin with Papa!
It rained some that morning ,enough to make it a big sticky mess. But we sure won't complain about the rain- it hasn't rained much since and it is very dry again, also very hot, 102 degrees today.

 Trev got his share of skidloader time.

 Levi was very busy with all that fresh dirt.

This week the cement guys poured the spread footings one day. . . . .

 

. . . .and the walls yesterday.

Nate Van Veldhuizen's new pump truck business came to help with the wall pouring.

 

Samuel is growing up so much the last couple weeks! Talking, being fiesty, picking on Levi :) Jeremy and Joni have a real strong willed one on their hands I think. He's such a sweet little guy, always wants to "come" to Grandma when he first sees me. He gives the best hugs and kisses too.

 

 

 

Alas . . . . .

Alas . . . .  school has started. Back to homework, routine, earlier to bed. It was really strange taking one high schooler for opening chapel. Not sure I like the feeling, there's something about watching your own elementary kids with their new school bags and supplies, clothes and shoes going to the front of the gym to meet their new teacher.

I even forgot to take the annual 1st day of school picture! I'll have to do a 2nd day of school picture.

Ty has officially started basic training now. Yesterday was the 1st day I really started to miss him. It feels very strange and quiet here, imagine that. We'll start the letter writing now as he called to give us his address Tuesday night. He won't be allowed to call for a few(possibly 5) weeks, only letters.
Chantel and I talked to him Monday night before basic training started Tuesday morning. He was so excited!! I've never heard him so excited before, really pumped up! A bunch of us were at Wild Water West Tuesday night and didn't answer our phones when Ty called with his address. When he couldn't get a hold of Chantel or me he called Gene and gave him the address. Gene asked how the 1st day was- Ty's answer . . .awesome, enjoying it. Silly boy.

Next up-
Progress pictures from the digging Friday night and Saturday.
Except blogger is not cooperating AGAIN!!!

Mom Hoog

It's About to Happen . . . .

 

What is that blaze orange thing?

 

The blaze orange thing is a flag on the top of a stake.

Yup . . . . that's right . . . . the digging for the garage addition has begun!!


Mom Hoog

The emotions I'm feeling . . . . .

It's not often I put my emotions out there for the whole world to read . . . . .but today I can't help it.

Yesterday my very multi- talented and strong-willed son got on a plane for Oklahoma City.

What am I feeling? . . . .

Relief- it's finally here- he/we have been anticipating this for a long time and we're glad it's finally happening.

Apprehension- how will it go? I haven't been too successful taming that strong will, can a drill seargent? The DHS would probably have taken him away if I would have put him through what he will experience in basic training the next 10 weeks :)

Scared- my little northwest Iowa boy hasn't been exposed so much to the big bad world out there. Will he remember his upbring?

Proud- He's dreamed of military service for many years. He's looked up to his brother/brothers-in-law and their military service and wanted to follow in their steps. While no mother wants to see her son in danger, I am proud of Ty and each of my son/sons-in law in their desire to serve their country.

I wonder what he will be like when we meet him in 10 weeks?? I am very sure the change will be remarkable- will he have more self discipline, self confidence, independence . . . . ?

will he still be "Tyler"?

will he keep his room clean?

will he manage his time more wisely?

will he be skin and bones with a lot of muscle? he's already thin, what will military food do to him?

Oh the thoughts in this mama's head today . . . . .

And I'm sure Chantel is feeling her own share of emotions today.



 (It took a lot of courage to put this picture on here. I think I'll use it for my "before" weight loss picture- hee hee. Seriously- looks like I need to lose about 80 lbs! )

As much as Tyler harasses Trevor, I'm sure Trevor will still miss him. It's hard to be youngest and be with the old foggies all the time. We get rather boring sometimes :)

See you later Ty . . . . we pray for your safety and hope to see you in 10 weeks.

Mom Hoog



Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Spaans and family Update

We helped Jeremy and Joni move to the new house last week. Out with the old . . . . . . .

And in with the new. . . . .

 And in the middle of the chaos they handed us all an envelope with this-Surprise!! A new little Spaans baby expect in February!

It's an awesome house with lots of room! They're gonna LOVE it.

Mom Hoog