Friday, April 6, 2012

Which Color Do You Like?

I would love to re-do the front door of our new house.  It is currently green and Neal likes it, but it's not my favorite. I have no idea what color would look nice, and what would actually match the rest of the house. I'd love to hear your thoughts...let me know which color you like best, or better yet if you have any other suggestions!
















Sunday, April 1, 2012

Adjusting

We did it! We closed, packed and moved. It has all happened so fast I feel like it isn't real yet. We have been in our new house for a week now and it is still a mess. I keep looking around and wondering how in the world we got here! It is a funny experience because I know we are supposed to be here, but that doesn't mean I really want to be here. But I don't want to be at our other place either. I hate being in between...I hate adjusting, even though I know it is good for me.

The kids seem to be doing well and love our new house. Our backyard is currently open (I can't wait to build a fence!) and they have made many new friends. It has been fun to see Joseph out playing basketball everyday and running around like crazy. I am so grateful for the blessing this new house will bring to my children. They finally have the freedom to run, play and explore without their old mom following them around worrying all the time.

We met the Bishop's wife a few nights ago and she acquainted us with a few people in our neighborhood. She told us she is so glad we are here because their Ward had been praying for a new strong family to come. I know we are here for a reason and I know it will take time, but we will adjust!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

We Bought A House!

 

Here's a good exterior shot. From this angle it looks like the garage is detached, but it isn't.


Some vital statistics: Four bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, 2350 sq. ft., 1/4 acre plot, built in 1999. It doesn't have a basement, but it does have a four-foot high crawl space as big as the house above it.


We don't have many good shots of the yard, but here's a shot of the side yard. We love gardening, and this home features four raised, irrigated garden beds. The yard also features a wooden playset, a trampoline pit, and an adjustable basketball standard in the driveway--complete with breakaway rim and glass backboard.


The entrance and staircase are definitely two of our favorite features. To the right is a small living room and to the left is a den.


The living room.


The kitchen. It's kind of small but there's lots of cabinet space, and please note the COMPLETE lack of fluorescent lighting. Also, the owner is leaving their fridge for us. Woot!


The dining area. It's kinda small, but we like the bay window.


The family room, right next to the kitchen and dining area. The picture doesn't show it too well, but it's pretty big. Our favorite feature in this room, however, is the surround sound setup. Aw yeyah.


The master bedroom. Gotta love the lofted ceilings.


The master bathroom. We dig the two sinks, but we prefer for the loo to be in a water closet. Oh well. There's a huge walk-in closet adjoining the bathroom.


This would obviously be Olivia's room, and we're obviously going to repaint :).


Another bedroom.


We absolutely love this upstairs loft/bedroom above the garage. We're especially fond of the wooden shelving. The whole house features custom shelving in each closet.


Another shot of the loft. We dig the little closets. The drum set, unfortunately, is not included :).


I can't believe this is actually happening, but after looking for a new home since December, we found one that we absolutely adore! We signed our lives away on Friday, are pending approval on our loan (which was guaranteed to be approved) and move in at the end of March. Surprisingly, our new house is in Provo. We had been looking in Lehi more than anywhere else, but I just kept having a strong impression that we needed to stay close. Like close to where we are now. As much as I wanted to stay in Orem, Neal and I feel so good about this location. Although it will be hard to leave our current incredibly convenient home, Ward and friends, I feel so happy about this new adventure in our lives. And we will still only be 7.5 miles from Super Target.....

I feel so truly blessed. I feel that the Lord knew what we needed, when we needed it. I need to remember to always trust in the Lord's timing, and when I do, good things always happen!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Favorite Moments

Last night I went to bed way too late, but before that I did have a wonderful outing with my good friend Natalie. We talked about kids, houses, friends and just life in general. We both needed to be away from our homes (and kids) for just a little while to refresh and relax. One of the days favorite moments.

Neal and I hung out for a little bit after I got home and before we new it, it was midnight and we were exhausted. It seems like those moments together lately keep diminishing because, life is just so busy. But, when I get them, those are my favorite moments.

My #1 favorite moment of the day was when after only being asleep for an hour, Joseph came into my room and with his soft little voice said, "Mommy, I can't sleep." He grabbed my hand and held it. He has such soft hands, I could rub them forever. I got out of bed and we walked back to his room. I tucked him in and he was cold so I piled a bunch of blankets on top of him and snuggled them up all around him. And then we sat there for a while and tried to figure out how to get him back to sleep. I finally gave him an idea he liked and he said he could go back to sleep. I turned on his music, the same CD of lullaby's he's been listening too since he was 10 months old. I bent over and kissed him and stroked his face and told him I loved him and he said "I love you mom."

I really love those moments in the middle of the night. Neal asks me how I can stand it and even said this morning he doesn't like it when the kids wake me up at night. But I do love them. They are quiet and tender and a chance for me to spend a moment with a darling kid who needs me. I know those few minutes at night are fading fast and I will only have the memory of them in a few years, so for now they are my absolute favorite moments.

Friday, January 6, 2012

What We've Been Up To in 2011, Part 1



Joseph got baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints August 6th. It was a very special day and Joseph was surrounded by many friends and family that love him so much. He is such an amazing kid. Unfortunately, these 2 pictures are the only pictures of the day. We were so distracted and busy we forgot to document his special day!



We finally updated our family photos in August. My good friend Olivia took them and we loved being with her. I hate having my picture taken, but she made it fun and I love all of the pictures. I just wish I weighed about 20 pounds less.....



Joseph turned 8! I can't believe he is getting so old. He got his first suit and had a super hero birthday party. His party was so much fun and he had tons of kids come to help celebrate the day.



Visiting with awesome cousins from Texas!



Awesome cousins from Colorado. We had a lot of family visit us this summer. It was great to see all of the cousins playing together and getting along so well.



Joseph went to his first Scout Camp and got to shoot a real gun! (Well, a BB gun.) It was one of the highlights of his summer!



Olivia graduated from her home pre-school program. I had the privilege of being one of her teachers during the year.



Neal is still in the Bishopric and this is what he looks like when he gets home from Church. He really does love his calling though!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

O Holy Night - An Irreverent Post

I'm sorry. I just have to post this video. This song is one of my favorites, but this version of it had me laughing, crying and almost peeing my pants. Enjoy it and have a Merry Christmas!


Thursday, December 1, 2011

Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them

I needed to hear this message as I struggle with some things. It is beautiful.