Na Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na, Hey Hey Hey, gooood-bye

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! We're moving!
















My parents got an offer on their house (yeah!) but the catch is that they wanted to close in two weeks. Which means we are now down to 10 days left for us to find a place of our own. It wouldn't be too difficult if we knew exactly what we were looking for, but unfortunately we don't. Schools and neighborhood are a BIG deal to me. I don't want to rush into the house just b/c of our time dilemma. So for now there is a short sale home in north Ogden we will be pursuing but it causing me more anxiety then I anticipated. If that falls through then there is a town home we will rent in Brigham City (so I can be close to my family) while we look for something in North Ogden area or we are now really liking the Syracuse area. I am just a BIG planner, not knowing is KILLING me! But oh well, like the phrase says "the show must go wrong" ;) I mean..uh..the show must go on. Also, I have sold most of our furniture on KSL. I am no longer lugging around furniture with me JUST because we have it. It's not THAT expensive, especially when I can sell off some of what we own. So far I have sold my bed set which included my kind bed (not mattresses) armoir, dresser, night stand. Also I have sold a love seat, our huge outdated tv, and our kitchen table. I am still waiting to hear back on our couch and chairs, but I am not as desperate to get rid of those. So a lot going on for us right now. Oh, and to top off all there is to do...both of our cars have the check engine light on, the Jeep needs new tires and needs to have tags and registration done by next week. Super.

Emma had her little dance recital last night. It was darling and PERFECT for her little age group. Cheap monthly tuition, affordable costumes, and no recital fee. I am very happy with it, but I will say that you get what you pay for. Assuming we don't move too far away I might even drive up to the valley to bring her back next year, we'll see. The highlight for Emma....having her dad buy her a very special rose. She told me "every time I look at that flower I remember how special my dad is and how much he loves me." My dad gave me flowers for Mother's day and that was a highlight of my day as well, I don't know what is with the sentiment but I think a little girl never outgrows the affections of her father.

We enjoyed our Thursday finale shows last night and are looking forward to LOST on Sunday. Wrap it up already, I'm pretty over it, but I will still enjoy every minute of the 4 hours!

Lydia went to the G.I. Dr. for her food allergies and the Dr. was just as baffled as we are. They drew her blood to do some testing for foods and we are waiting to hear back. Lydia's little face is covered in scabby sores and I have tried EVERYTHING! Aquaphor, Cortizone, Vaseline, Eucerin...it's so sad. I am thinking it is a side affect of the food she eats but who knows. That girl still puts EVERYTHING in her mouth, today I pulled out a dead wasp!! Grrrrreat! One more thing to worry about. She is a little snuggle bear and just the best part of my day.

Emma is a little helper and I tell her all day long "what would I do without you?!" It fuels her to be even more helpful and I truly mean it when I gush over what a good girl she is.

One funny thing about Lydia...she LOVES popcorn, just like her dad. She found a piece on the floor and ate it and then whined and whined until I finally figured out she wanted more. What a nerd ;) But Ryan loves their bonding time as she sits so still on his lap just waiting for her next piece.

Spring catch up

Lydia has become more mischievous than ever. She loves to crawl into tight places, she puts anything and everything into her mouth, and she has mastered the art if silently disappearing as I run through the house to find her. I know she is just a baby, but she can sit so still and quiet and finds the best hiding spots that it really does give me a fright for a moment when I don't know where she is.

We try to have a "Family Night" every weekend. A couple weekends ago we went to see our friends, the Millets, who had just had their first baby girl, Brecklyn. Then afterwards we went to Pizza Factory where Lydia enjoyed every bite of her cinnamon sugar breatstick. Then we headed to the mall to try to find Bundy something new, but no dice. So we settled for our most favorite, favorite ice-cream ever....cotton candy from TCBY!! Made my day!

I tried something new with Emma's hair. I stumbled upon this concept by mistake but loved how it worked out when I did it on purpose. Bless her heart for sleeping with all those buns on top of her head. Sure turned out cute for church.

We went up to my parent's house last week for Ryan to work in Logan for a couple of days. My mom is such a good hostess. She had our bed turned down, with a magazine and blinders on our pillows. Then by the side of our bed was some fresh made cookies, treats, and a little cup of water for each of us. My parent's fridge never has much food in it, but I do love how my mom makes room for there to always be fresh flowers sitting where the food should be ;)

For Christmas this year we did a "service" white elephant game. I won the service of bringing up 4 of my friends to have dinner at my parent's house. So invited my old "foofs" group. Foofs stands for Focus On Our Friends. We enjoyed a yummy Mexican Haystack dinner and then my mom gave us a great little housekeeping seminar, complete with demonstrations and handouts. Thanks mom! You're the best! Oh, and that's my friend Holly in the middle. She is 8 months pregnant, and you can't even tell!

These photos are just random photos. We had a ward reunion of our old marrieds ward with our first Bishopric whom I just ADORE! Anyone close to me know how much Ryan and I loved our ward there. It was so fun to see the Bishopric and a lot of our old friends. It's been 4 years now but I still have such fond memories of those times. The photos of Emma and the little girls are of her and some of her old nursery friends.

I like to drive with Ryan in his work truck b/c Lydia can sit up front in between Ryan and I and I love sitting by her in the car. She is such a ham bone. Emma likes taking the truck too, why, I'm not sure, but it works for us. We only take it when Ryan drives to Logan for work and drops me at my parent's house, but it is something out of the norm and makes it fun for the whole famdamily.

We've loved living up in Liberty as the snow has begun to melt. The hot tub is still divine and we love going down to the river to throw rocks whenever we get the chance. Emma loves to ride with Ryan on the lawn mower and I love letting Emma play outside ALL day and not worrying about her safety.

A couple weeks ago we had my parents and my uncle Paul up for dinner. It was so nice to visit with them and we all enjoyed a trip to the river bottoms and then a nice hot tub soak. Oh how I wish Paul lived closer, but it was nice to see him, even if just for the weekend.

To a wonderful woman

I want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to this beautiful woman. She is not my mother, but is my dear sweet aunt. I consider myself so blessed to have her example and influence in my life. Ever since I was a little girl my Aunt DeNae (Lydia's namesake) and uncle Paul have been such fun role models in my life. As I've grown older I have developed a friendship with them that I value so much. They never wavered in their support for me to marry Ryan, they especially didn't back down when he was on his mission and I was dating other guys. What a privilege it has been to share my children with them and to watch my little girls adore them the way I did as a child. So DeNae, Happy Mother's day. Thank you for having such a zest for life, service, and laughter.

My New Life

Perhaps many of you have seen this ever so inspiring video. I was very moved by it and my throat was very tight for the whole 8 minutes, it is still a little tight right now as I write this. Which in translation means that I am on the verge of tears. All of us have trials of some form or another. I used to dismiss mine and not give myself much credit because in the past mine had never been as big or difficult as others that I knew. But the fact is that trials, no matter how big or small, are what makes us strong. I just reread two emails I have saved that my parents wrote Ryan and I about a year ago when things weren't going our way. It brought back so many emotions and I am so thankful for the chance to take an honest look at who I am, who I want to be, and how very very much I need the Savior to get me there. I know this saying has been said before, but it rings so true... I have never stood more tall, then when I am on my knees.

Ummm.....hello! That is ONE beautiful baby!

So what can I say that these pictures won't say themselves? Not much really. I am definitely going to hell, because I think I have an unhealthy amount of pride in my sweetest little "treasure." But can you blame me?

Let the party planning begin!

I LOVE parties. Especially themed parties. My sweet little baby turns one is two months and I have begun to consume my spare time with planning her birthday. I know she is only 1, and she won't know the difference, but I think it is fun. Plus I know my little nieces and nephews (assuming they even come) will enjoy the activities and prizes. So instead of sulking over the snow today I have decided to head into town and start some of the projects that will be needed. Obviously there will be more photos to come soon!

Spring has sprung

We have been keeping rather busy lately.  We've had company come to town the last few weekends and I enjoyed going to Logan for a few days to help my Aunt Lee with some projects.  Usually she is always helping me but it was nice to serve her for a change.  While I was there I did enjoy leaving Lydia behind as I met my friend Staci and her two boys for baby animal days.  It was super crowded but not a problem at all.  We never had to wait in line and we were able to spend 3 hours there without ever getting bored.  It was a perfect way to kick off the Spring season and I loved taking Emma on an adventure all by herself.  She is such a good girl and helps me out so much and I know I need to be better at giving her more rewards.

 

These were just some random photos I took of Emma and her friends Katie who are in the same dance class.  Katie has been a life saver this winter since she lives just down the street.  On Tuesday their dance costumes came in so I let them wear them after dance class and I tried some new settings with my camera and photo shop.  I am clearly still learning.

These are the photos I took while staying in Logan with the Jensens.  The whole family is so good to play with and watch the girls for me.  While Lydia was in the tub/kitchen sink she had a little bowel movement.  I had the dry heaves so Lee and Jessica were good sports to "take care" of the situation.  Nope, I'm not pregnant or anything, I just have a strong gag reflex.

Lydia LOVES to pull herself up on to ANYTHING and everything.  This little window sill is just her size.  It was so cute/sad to see her watching the other kids play outside.  Some day Lydia, some day.

Meanwhile, back in Liberty, I am trying to let Emma have more play dates.  Addi came up for a whole afternoon and it was Heaven for me and her mom.  Margo (Grandma) gave Emma the cutest children's cook book for Easter and we have been trying some of the recipes.  The little banana catepillar is one that we have all enjoyed.  I also have been letting Emma take more photos of our family and so those ones of Lydia and I are some of Emma's most recent work.  We loved having Julie and her boyfriend come and stay with us for an extended Easter weekend and I can't thank her enough for how she spoils my kids and what a great aunt she is.

I don't know where the blasted spell check button is.  So please excuse my spelling errors :)

A good compromise

So much for starting an anti-narcissism movement. I got rid of comments so that I wouldn't care so much what people thought. Yes, it worked. However, in the process I feel like I lost touch with a lot of family and friends. So I feel that a good solution to this little problem I have is that I will compromise and allow comments every 5 posts or every month if I fall behind.  This way, we all win :)  P.S.  I updated to the new and improved blog layout, and I don't like it, not one bit.  It actually puts me in a pretty bad mood when I try to upload photos or find the blasted spell check button.  Darn you blogger for making us feel like we NEED you!

The month of March...and a little of April

Most photos I take of the girls are more along the lines of the photo above. It takes a lot of patience to get one like the photo below, but it sure is worth it when I can make it happen.

Easter Sunday was pretty low key for us. We had a thick layer of snow on the ground and this was the first year we haven't spent it with my family. Instead we had Ryan's sister Julie staying with us so it was a great reason to mix things up as far as traditions go. We still stuck with receiving Easter baskets (Ryan and myself included) and an Easter egg hunt and also the coloring of the eggs and a yummy dinner.

The girls have both been sick lately but I have been so proud of them, especially Lydia, for not even skipping a beat and both keeping such happy dispositions.

Ryan's parents and his sister and niece came to stay with us for the weekend and it is always such a special treat when we get to see them and host them in our home. They adore the girls and are such doting grandparents and such great company.

Emma was in heaven when I watched my friend's little boy Canyon. He is nearly two years older than her but she did let me know that she wants to marry him. Heaven help me! Actually, I think it's cute. Heaven help Ryan though, he's not ready, nor will he ever be, to hear his little girl talk that way.

St. Patty's day we had our green french toast with green syrup and Emma was quite delighted with her new green shirt. We left mushrooms out for the leprechauns the night before and enjoyed the plate of gold (rolos) they left for us in exchange.

Finally going back to Emma's birthday (March 1st, a month ago) we went out as a family to Texas Roadhouse and she thought it was pretty sweet to sit on the saddle and join the girls in the line dancing. We're so thankful for what a good natured little girl Emma is. I asked her what she is most looking forward to this year and she said a Daddy Daughter date to go hiking. What a champ!

Eden to Paradise

By now everyone should know that we are living in my parent's house in Liberty/Eden (the town border each other, it's an Eden address but Liberty boundaries to the locals). They have it up for sale and kindly invited us to take advantage of their empty house. Meanwhile they sold their AZ home and have purchased their dream home up in Paradise, in Cache Valley, near Logan, for those of you who aren't familiar with the area. I like to tease that my parent's have it real rough moving from Eden to Paradise, both town names fitting for the place they call home. Here are a few highlights from each home. Liberty, where we are living, can outshine any home in the summer time. I will do a special post on what we are looking forward to another time. But for now these are just simple photos of the inside. My parents are empty nesters but LOVE to host family parties and really want somewhere that we all feel comfortable spending our Holidays and the weekends. They now have 13 grandchildren and it's nice that we won't have to be on top of each other.


Liberty Kitchen


















The view from the kitchen window. That's right, I took this April 1st. Notice the snow.

Master Bedroom

Family Room

And now on to Paradise...

Entry way

Kitchen

Living Room

The Golden ticket- The grand kids play court

The Dorm Room- This is where the grand kids sleep. It has two queen beds and soon to have a twin and also plenty of room for sleeping bags if need be.

Down stairs Family room- with heated cement floors

The views

Other random photos- My favorite bathroom, my mom's long awaited personal office and scrapbook room, and one of the guest rooms

Fun times for all!