Rock Creek Elementary

This past May we completed our elementary years at Rock Creek Elementary.  The twins were fortunate enough to get to start at Rock Creek (in fact they were the first K class to start there) and end at Rock Creek (first graduating class that completed all years there).  While it wasn't how we imagined it to end... we were blessed!  We were blessed EVERY YEAR with an amazing teacher.  These ladies were exactly what my kiddos needed during that year and they are the reason they were successful that year.  They helped set them up for Middle School and I'm so very grateful to all of them!  

We had to do some virtual end of year photos.... This was a fun day driving around too see their lovely faces and capture these special photos!  

 

it is finished

VERY DELAYED POST, but I want to remember these dates to remember our journey with the basement!!!

We have finished our basement!  Man.  It's been a long journey.  We bought this house in July of 2011 and knew we wanted to finish the basement space quickly, but didn't quite know when we'd be able to start, what it would cost us and how long it would actually take.   Here is the breakdown..

July 2011 ~ we moved to this house

July 2016 ~ we met our waiter at a restaurant in Ankeny and learned he used to build houses in Ft. Dodge and that he was willing to help us out.

October 2016 ~ I sent him an email trying to get this whole process started.  We received quotes and gave the green light.

March 2017 ~ we ACTUALLY started construction.  We began framing and setting up the plumbing in the bathroom.

May 2017 ~ Framing begins full time.  Electricity is also roughed in.

June - August 2017 ~ framing is taking place, heating and cooling installs vents.

September 2017 ~ drywall, mudding and completion of electricity

October 2017 ~ trim, dry bar, completion of bathroom, paint and FINALLY carpet


Here are some pictures of the LONG journey we took to get to this point.  We still have a few finishing touches we need to do before this space is totally complete, but I already know it was totally worth it!

LIFE

Life is funny sometimes.  Our family is always on the go.  Between our jobs, 3 kids, 2 bands, church, baseball, volleyball, cross country, dance.... the list goes on and on....  However, 2020 has provided us a unique opportunity to STOP.  To just be the 5 of us.  We were so scared at first what it meant to be in quarantine.  What we learned is that it meant family meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), lots of books, movies, bike rides, side walk chalk, bubble dance parties, learning to cook, some school work... I could go on and on.  Slowly the fear slid away and we realized what a gift this time was.  One we may never get back again.  We have had our struggles, but man I'm so grateful that we're in this together.  You'd think with all this extra time we've had on our hands I would have found time to document life a bit better on the blog.  Sadly... NO!  Anyway, here are a few (I have hundreds more) photos from the past few weeks!  Enjoy!