Anthony P. Richards (APR)

I never thought it would be this hard

If I have learnt anything from my 'blogging vacation' during the construction of the church, it's that when you get out of the habit of doing something, it's hard to start all over again. Without wanting to be too deep, it has made me think about other areas of my life where I need to be habitual. I am really a slacker at some things that 5-10 yrs ago I had no problem fitting in to my life. So, as I'm about to hit a milestone in life, I think it's time to start some good habits.

No more flooded basements!!!!!

Today we had the pine tree removed that had been clogging our drainage system each summer causing our basement to flood. Now that the ground has thawed out we were able to have it removed. I can't say I'm excited to experience the first thunderstorm post-pine tree but at least I wont have to unclog the gutters and downpipes in the middle of the night anymore.

Friends, Food & Wedding Rings

We had some good friends over for dinner tonight and enjoyed lots of pizza and ice cream...great combination. We love just chilling out with friends on a friday night, relaxing, telling stories, laughing, being laughed at, etc. During the night, my mate told me how he lost his wedding ring this week. As I was expressing my incredulity, my own wedding ring slipped off my finger down the side of the chair. After fumbling for 10 mins to find it, I finally turned the chair upside down. Eventually it appeared again and I felt safe once more. All in all a fun, relaxing night where nobody left hungry!

No snowman.....Sorry Nancy.

Well, we just had 6-8 inches of snow yesterday and I'm really hoping it will be the last dump of the year. I have already been given a hard time by Nancy for not building Emma a snowman but I have to be honest the last thing I wanted to do was touch the stuff. I think I've shovelled nearly 50 inches this year and that's enough for me (please, no old-timer stories...I get it, it's nothing now compared to the old days).

Bike Riding and Snow

Today Emma begged me to ride her bike so she 'kitted-up' and away she went. She had a balla nd george and I watched from inside. Then we went and played some 'hoops' with her new basketball. She particularly liked it when I held her up to the ring so she could dunk the ball! Another fun day with Emma and George........and then tomorrow we're going to have the biggest snow storm of the year...yay for living in Minnesota.

Haircuts

This afternoon we took Emma for a haircut. She wanted it short just like her friends but when we reminded her she could have braids and her friends couldn't, she changed her mind. It was fun to watch her enjoy the whole experience.

Daddy Daughter day

Yesterday was my first Friday in a long time to myself (it's normally my day off but during construction there wasn't much 'off' happening). Anyway, I spent the day with Emma doing all the things she likes, which just so happens to be going shopping and eating junk food. So, we went everywhere she asked to go....Costco (she loves a bargain just like her mummy), ToysRus where we bought some balls, McDonalds for lunch, Target where we bought another ball, Dairy Queen for a chocolate dipped cone and then Barnes & Noble where we read some books. It was a fun day and I'm glad to have the chance to build those memories. She is a wonderful little girl and I'm scared she's growing up so fast. Quote for the day from Emma (said with hands on hips) "I really need a big ball too daddy, I'm really serious, I'm not joking, can't you tell!"

I'm back!!!

Well, the construction project is done, we're down to the touch-ups, and I have just had my first 'normal' week in a very long time. Not quite sure what normal is anymore but hey, we'll find out. I got so much satisfaction last weekend just watching people coming into the building and gasping 'wow' as they realised their church experience is now going to be different from now on. I'll post some pics in a day or so BTW. I thank you for your patience in waiting for me to get back to blogging and I also thank those who sent me encouraging (& threatening) messages that if I didn't start blogging again.....I'm back OK! (Not mentioning any names but Katie has really been on my case).

Life is good at home. Emma, George & Mandy are all well. George is a beast and eats like one. Emma has grown an inch on the last month and Mandy got a promotion at work. She's now the Director of the Neuro Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.  To say I'm proud of her would be an understatement. She is a champion and I'm so glad she signed our Marriage Certificate!!!! We celebrated 10 yrs of marriage of March 7 (sorry for the blurry photo, our baby sitter took it). It wasa great time to reflect on God's goodness to us in those 10 yrs and how we could never have predicted where we'd be right now...life is an adventure. 

Sorry.....again.

Sorry for being a slack blogger once again.  Mandy has just gone back to work after 3 months Maternity leave and Construction at RVC is at a frantic pace to make sure we hit our Easter deadline. So I appreciate your grace in understanding my poor blogging. Some prayers for our family would be very much appreciated - Mandy, Emma and George have all been sick in the last 2 weeks ...fortunately I am keeping healthy....it's all that extra goodness I have stored around my middle section that helps me at times like this.

More walls down!

These are from yesterday.