Who gave us a GOAT??

Very early in the morning, someone (who is quite sneaky) chained and padlocked this cute goat to the entry gates at the feedlot! Derek was less than thrilled. He had to take the gates off the hinges to get in. Someone took a lot of time and money planning their prank because it happened before 6 am! The joke is on the joker because we sold it within 6 hours to a little cowboy that needed a pet goat! Haylee & Alexa thought it was cute (and it was). But the Sandman's don't do goats, just cattle.

House Construction Phase II

I'll call this phase II, but there are so many to this project. Here you are looking at the enclosing of the additions. As you can see, we were constantly fighting the weather. These photos are (from top): southside looking at master and garage and to the far right is what will be the girls room and main bath; just the addition; west side; just garage (looks like it is next to a lake); and finally the roof is near completion to meet up with the old (still next to the lake).

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Alexa's 3rd Bday

More Initial Construction

Here are the photos of the trusses and the bits of the old addition coming down to reveal the new house. I remember the cold January day that the crane arrived it was a gorgeous morning and by noon it was snowing. The crane couldn't make it up the drive. By evening we had at least 6 inches on the ground. It is really amazing to look back at these now and see how far the house has come. The photos are from top: north side; up close of the old addition without the roof and about to come down; and 3 from the north.

Initial Construction

Once the foundation was set, the conractors began the decking and outer walls of the house. Photos from top are: looking at garage and office from the west; looking at master from the south; looking at south side of garage & master; decking on the north side of house which will be the kitchen & dining; and looking at the laundry & office from the north. We will eventually take off the old addition you see in the last photo to incorporate the new to the old.

Mud Fun

Just having fun in the mud after a huge rain.

House Foundation

Here are some photos of the foundation process. We hired Derek's cousins husband, Kent Gerih of Gerih Concrete to do the work. As you can see we are adding on quite a bit to the house. The photos are from top: northwest corner (to be office & laundry); west side (garage); another garage photo; and from the south (master).We will also add out to the front (north) of the house. And put on a kitchen and dining area too on the northeast corner. We will be taking off the old addition which was the old kitchen. Those who saw the house before couldn't imagine such a large kitchen, but it wasn't functional. So we were able to see through it and have a vision for our new home.

Baby Noah's Arrival

Here are some very proud sisters of their new baby brother, Noah Ross Sandman. He arrived a few weeks early on March 12, 2007. After 2 days of labor, he came emergency c-section. Therefore, Mom is still in the recovery room. Noah is truly blessed to have doting sisters that never leave him alone. He loves every bit of the action!!

Feedlot Kittens

We love kittens. The Mama kitty at the feedlot had 6 little kittens. We couldn't make enough trips each day to see them. They have since grown up and are wilder then snot!!