Moving

Yeah, we're moving this week. Yeah, I kind of forgot how much I hate it. I think eventually - When the old house is clean and empty, and the new house is clean and full - then I'll have that funny amnesia and forget all about how sucky this part is. Until then, I've got a hundred more boxes/baskets to unpack (and find a home for their contents) so that I can refill them and start over again. Yay!

But really, things are moving along pretty well. We are at the point that we are staying at the new house with most of the essentials (minus furniture -that is coming tomorrow). After that, it will just be getting those odds and ends, and stuff that "needs-to-come-eventually-but-I-won't-die-if-I-don't-have-it-today". So, we're getting there. But, I really want to start crafting and decorating, and can't yet. That's the part that's killing me.

In the mean time. I'm looking for ideas for paint. This new place is screaming for some color. Anyone have some favorites that I might not have thought about yet? Thanks!

Casa

We're moving. Here. Next Week. Yay!

Monster!

Something bad has happened at our house. Someone has taken over my sweet baby and turned her into a screaming, fighting, tantrum throwing, nap-avoiding monster.

The problem is...No one believes me.


I'm very worried for when she is actually 2, instead of just acting like it.

Faith

Have you ever had a lesson taught to you the hard way? I have.

This week, I been taught (extreme) patience, and faith, and faith during trials - the hard way (by experience). I have also learned trust, and the importance of getting over myself when things don't go my way. I have learned to trust the guidance of the spirit, even when the outcome isn't what I wanted, or think I wanted. And, I've learned that prayers are always answered, just not always exactly our way. I know even more strongly now that God will always provide. And, that he loves us - even though we're (I'm) very imperfect.

In the end, the result is good. I am feeling VERY humbled, and very blessed.

And, on a side note - we finally have found a new home. (pictures coming soon)

Fun Idea?

A facebook friend posted this and I loved the idea (I know it's been out there before, but I've never yet participated). So, I decided to participate. I've posted this there, but I'm adding it here too.

Pay it Forward 2011: I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment here. They must in turn post this and send something they make to the first 5 people who comment on their status. *The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011.

So, obviously in this case it's not status comments, but post comments. I'm super excited, and hopefully will get people to participate (that means you). Plus it's an excuse for me to make more stuff, and give it away (ie: it won't be cluttering up my house this way). So play along!

Our Christmas - A Few Pictures

There's a lot of new here, so be sure to scroll all the way down.

But first - here are a few from the last few weeks, for the Grandparents.

The Girly getting nog-faced on Christmas Eve. She is a fan.

Christmas eve Peppermint bark. Mmmmm. We made Peppermint homemade Oreos too (no pictures, but they were amazing). Maybe I'll share the recipe.

Love this dress. Don't love how "big girl" my baby is getting. She is growing up too fast.

Our Christmas - The Crafty

New Christmas Jammies. Super happy with how these turned out. The only disappointment was the lack of plain t-shirts in Sister's size. I finally, in a pinch, raided her onesie supply, only to realize after I'd added the applique that it was (much) too small. So, a little tight -but still very cute. That is the cutest Christmas fabric ever.

New flannel snuggly blanket for my husband. Threw my shoulder out making this one (I powered through the whole thing in like an hour) but it was so worth the surprise. He had no idea.

And, new coordinating blankets for the bunk beds. You can also see their new pillow-pets. Another thing that they super-love. (obviously not home-made though ; ) )

These were made last minute, with supplies I had laying around, but the Sister (who has a real passion for all things "blingy") thinks they're great.

And last but not least... The farmhouse doll bed. I have to let my husband share credit for this one, he did a lot of the work, but it was so much fun, and I think it is just adorable. Especially with the scrappy blanket I made to go with it. Of course the plans are Knock-off wood (ana-white.com) There is a link on my sidebar.

My crafting has been on hold for a couple of weeks now, but I have a few new ideas brewing, and hopefully will have more to share soon.

Our Christmas - The Toys

So, by the looks of it you would think that there were some very good kids at our house this year. (Well, actually Santa found some great deals, but don't tell them that.)

The Mega-box-o'lego's. Not a big hit at the beginning, but it has staying power. It's what has been played with most since Christmas.

Zhu-Zhu and Kung Zhu (the surprising big hit of the day. It's what they asked for, and surprisingly, to me at least, the really actually loved them.

Sister's Kitchen. I know she's probably too young, but "Santa" couldn't resist, and she is having fun playing with it and her doll bed. Another one with staying power I think.

Mommy's new toy (and only Mommy's). Finally no more lost files, and I LOVE that it is portable. Really excited to use it for blogging (like I'm doing right now), more crafting with my wonderful silhouette, and I've even thought about picking up digital scrap-booking. I've only ever had desktop computers before, and I've gotta admit that I've been missing out hugely. This is wonderful.

Mom's other new toy - Wii fit plus. I was a little nervous about this one-it was actually a huge surprise to me. Once you get over the fact that the balance board talks to you (and has a super snotty attitude) the games are actually really fun, and the husband and I have been putting it to good use. I'm hoping adding it to my usual workout will pay off.

And not to leave out the husband - this is his new toy. It's a speaker bar, for the majority of you who are probably wondering what the heck it is. He received a cash award at work early in December (not super common, and a big deal - I'm way proud of him) and this was our compromise on a surround sound system. I'm pretty impressed with the improvement on our sound, and I love that it sits nicely in the entertainment center, rather than hanging on my walls.

I hope you are all enjoying your new toys too.

Our Christmas

The kids are back in school, I send my husband back to work tomorrow, and I can officially get back to normal after my two full weeks of chaotic-routine-smashing-bliss. We had a great Christmas vacation, with lots of time with friends and fun outings, and fun staying at home time too. I kept things really simple and didn't over plan too much, and it went fantastically well.

On the last day of school, I got to go help out in the Buggster's class for their hot chocolate/polar express party. It was really fun to see him in his classroom. I wish I could help out more.

We made a couple of trips to Jump Planet, and a couple of trips to the Children's Museum (so glad I bought that membership). We've got to go out to eat, and go shopping, looked at lights, played video games, watched it snow (and attempted to play in it, but it was too cold) and got to spend time with friends. Santa came, and was especially nice this year, with everyone getting what they wanted - and there was much time spent by all playing with new toys.

And on the house front - We have a buyer! We went under contract around the middle of the month and now are just waiting for bank approval (because we are taking a loss/selling for much less than we bought for - the bank has to approve the sale). This could take some time, but they are committed, so we finally feel comfortable looking for a new place to live. Our main criteria is that it is a house within our ward boundaries. We've looked at a lot, just haven't found the right one yet. Hopefully soon.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas too. I love the Joy that this season brings as we celebrate the birth of the Savior and His life. It is such a wonderful thing. One of my goals for the new year is to keep that Joy, and keep my focus on Him more fully throughout the year. I can't wait!

Thankful 2010 - Part 6.1

• 12/31 - A great end to a great year. It was a pretty crazy year, and it had a few rough spots, but the good (as always) outweighed the bad, and I am looking forward with hope of better things to come in 2011. I am extremely humbled and grateful for the enormity of my blessings. I have so much!
• 12/30 - Jump planet! Never fails to burn off pent up energy.
• 12/29 - Snow days that make for a lazy stay at home (and not do much at all) day.
• 12/28 - Being able to teach again. I love having music as a part of my life again.
• 12/27 - The way something simple like lunch at Red Robin, can make my kids so excited.
• 12/26 - The joyful feeling associated with Christmas, and the reason we celebrate.
• 12/25 - My beautiful family. And the chance to celebrate the birth of our Savior with them.
• 12/24 - I know I've used this one a lot, but I can't emphasize how thankful I am for all of the great friends that we have made that make it so much easier to be far from family.
• 12/23 - My Husband who always manages to win brownie points right when their value is at it's peak.
• 12/22 - My Dad!
• 12/21 - Facebook birthday wishers. It's amazing how such a silly little thing can brighten your day.(and yes, I am old now)