Again, More Boring News on the House

Our house so far:


The back of our house so far:


I was pleasantly surprised since my last post. The house all sheet rocked, and they are mudding and taping it now. The shingles are on, and they surprised us by putting up our brick. I can't wait to see what they do next week. Hopefully it will be the driveway and sidewalk. I am happy to say that in my own private race with the neighbors I don't know, we have pulled ahead and may get to move in before them, even though they started before us. I am so anxious for this house to be done. I can't imagine how much less stress I will have then. (Probably just find something else to worry about.)

On another note. Petunia is having such a hard time in Pre-school. It breaks my heart everyday to take here there. I am not sure who was happier it was Friday me or her. I started coming the first half hour or so with her and she seemed to do better. She wants desperately to ride the bus, but doesn't understand that it can't happen until we move into the house. I think one transition at a time is good for her. I will probably end up riding the bus to school and then walking home the first couple of weeks we do that.

Petunia's first day of school:


Petunia being a beautiful dancer:



Chunk has learned some new words....Pop tart being the latest. I am embarrassed that he knows that word, but it is one of the easier breakfasts we have. Well, I think I will sign off now and let the hubby have some time on the computer.

Chunk on his bike:

More progress on the house!

--Originally posted on August 29, 2007

Things here are moving along...just not as quickly as I hoped they would. We had our walk through on the house on Monday for framing. That means that framing is done, wiring, plumbing, and the duct work. We also have our stairs in our garage and out the back. It looks like a house with no walls. It does get exciting to think about moving in. They tell us it's an average of 90 days after this walk through (which puts it too close to December for my liking.)

In the next week and a half they said the dry wall will go up, the shingles will go on, and we will finally have windows. Those will be BIG things. I can't wait! I will appreciate the space so much, and maybe my kids will learn to be a little nicer to each other with more space.

Petunia started pre-school on Monday. She looks so cute in her backpack and all ready for school. She loves school even though she already has gotten in trouble (she just needs to learn to listen a little better.) She wants to ride the bus so badly, and doesn't understand that I have to drive her until we move into the house. It's a teary end to everyday, but it makes me happy we won't have issues with being scared of the bus.

Chunk is signing a bunch now, and is talking a little. It's so cute to see him sign that he's sorry after he body slams you. He is a boy through and through. I am going to have a rough houser on my hands, but it's quite cute to see.

Well, best get back to life!

The house

--Originally posted on July 18, 2007

So progress on the house is moving on. I am so proud of the contracters this week as they have done something every day this week. We now have our foundation, and they have waterproofed it and have plumbed the basement. They also filled in around the hole they dug. It looks better than I imagined. Next step is to fill in the basement with cement, and then framing!!!!!

We leave for Durango on Monday without the kids. I am so excited to have a vacation with no responsibility, but am also anxious to leave them. I hope Petunia does all right. I think Chunk will do fine as long as there is someone to love him up.

Speaking of Chunk, he turned one on the 13th!! I can't believe how fast this year went. I think back on what we were doing a year ago, and there was no thought in our minds about selling the house and moving. So much can happen in a year. It's all exciting!

FINALLY!!

--Originally posted on July 3, 2007

Finally they dug our hole for our house!! It was 3 weeks late, and seemed like it was never going to happen, but now it feels like we are really moving. They say it will be done by mid-November. I can't wait to get out of the apartment. I have a new appreciation for the people who raise families in apartments. I can barely take care of two kids under the age of 3 here, I have no idea how it would be with teens. Thankfully I will never have to find out. Tomorrow we head up the the hubby's parents for the 4th of July parade and such. I hope there is a petting zoo there so Paige can do that or pony rides.
Well, best get Chunk to bed.

Wow! A new kind of life

--Originally posted on May 23, 2007

Wow! We moved from our 2000 sq ft home last week into a 850 sq ft apartment. Can I say a shock to the system? I can't believe how crapped life has become and how next to impossible it has become to keep anything in it clean. (I somehow thought it would be easier to clean less square footage, but it just gets messier faster) I end up sweeping the floor twice a day, doing dishes constantly, and I made the hubby carpet clean all the carpets because I thought they smelled like dog. The music pounds against our bedroom wall until at least midnight every night. I can't say how much we will appreciate moving into our new home.

The new home should start the beginning of June. We are just waiting now on approval from the zoning committee. They tell us we will be in no later then the end of November, and more likely by mid October. The home we are building is 3450 Sq ft, but only 1700 ft are finished. It has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The things I love most about it is that I get my solid surface countertops, and a grand master bath with a wonderful tub! I am already looking for great landscaping ideas, and can't wait to go to the Parade of Homes this year.

Moving on, Petunia is starting a weekly play group with five other children. This will be so great for her. She will learn so much from them, and in September she will start preschool. Oh how she is growing up. Chunk is so close to walking , he just keeps getting bigger everyday. We are working really hard to get him weaned for our trip to Durango this summer. The kids get left in Tre-town with the grandparents. This will be my first kidless week in three years. I haven't been away from the kids for more then a day ever. We'll see who it's harder on.

On another note, I just started a diet. We are going to lose this baby weight if it's the last thing I do. Probably just in time for the final kid to come along. I am just glad I have a supportive hubby that takes the junk food to work, and a mom that calls every night to see how the day went. I'll be skinny again before you know it. It's amazing how my views on skinny have changed over the years. I would give anything to be back to the way I was in High school where I thought I was the fattest girl in the school (size 8). Incredible. I hope I can raise my daughter to have a more positive self image then I had. Will write more later!

My crazy life!!!

--Originally posted on April 20, 2007

So, I have never felt so scattered in my whole life. That's saying a bunch because I have had my share of crazy days. The house sold, and they gave us until the 12th of May to move out. I have no idea how I am going to get things into place. We found an apartment to live in. Boy going back to apartment living is going to be a stretch on my patience, or it will make me love the kids even more then I do. It is closer to the home we are building though so it will be easy to go see the progress on the house.

Packing is an adventure. We are putting everything we won't need for six months into storage. Hopefully we pack right because we are not going to be digging through the storage shed every other week.

All that said, I am really excited to pick out the colors and stuff that will be going in the house. It will be a fun day. They give us about 4 hours with a designer and we pick out everything from carpet to shingle colors. I think the only thing that The Hubby and I will clash on will be the color of the brick on the outside. We'll see who wins that one.

Chunk during these last few weeks has learned to crawl, go up stairs, put anything and everything he finds on the floor in his mouth, and to not want to eat anything except what he can feed himself. He makes an exception for pudding because he loves it so much. He is such a good boy, I just wish he'd sleep through the night.

Petunia is a sweet girl as well. She has taken to shoving her weight around literally with Chunk because she can, but other than that, they play well together. I justr wish she'd learn to talk a little better. She is so good at sign language though, and that makes things a little easier.

Well, better go, lots to do today.

This home thing sucks!

--Originally posted on March 29, 2007

So here I am in the middle of the night, not being able to sleep because I have soooo much on my mind. I tell you, I get this racing mind thing and think I just might be going crazy. Oh well, I guess everyone does it once in a while right? So weird but I can't get high school out of my head tonight. I think it's because I just got an e-mail from an old friend. I keep thinking about the class reunion that was like 2 years ago, and then it leads into the class reunion that I got hussled into helping plan in what like 10 years. Crap, I am not going to stress about this for the next however many years. (Thanks Kel)
The other thing on my mind big time is this stupid house selling thing. My home has been on the market for 23 days with 14 showings, which I guess is pretty good, but the keeping my house clean enough to show it at the drop of a hat is making me crazy....It's impossible with two kids, both now mobile and curious. I think I am going to tell my agent to just drop the price so I can get out of here faster. We are going to build in West Haven, and it will be great out there. Not so big as Layton has grown. I am sure in the coming years it will boom, but I have begun to think about trying to talk the hubby into moving again when he retires. I think it would be great to live in Box Elder County again when the commute didn't matter any more.
I am excited about the home we are building. It will be almost double the space we live in now, and I don't think there is a better time. There are 4 bedrooms on the main floor with 2 more to grow on in the basement. We can't afford to get everything that we want now, but in the years to come we will get to put in our tile and fire place. Can't have everything at once.

Well maybe I should go lay down again now that it's 2:00 maybe I will fall asleep in time to be jarred awake by a screaming 8 month old that should have been sleeping through the night 4 months ago. Ah the joys of parenthood.

Building a new home

--Originally posted on March 8, 2007

We decided last week to build a new home!! It feels like everything is moving so fast. We put our home up for sell and the next day signed the papers for our new home to be built in West Haven. I love the new house, but everything right now seems to be focused on getting our old home sold. Can I say stress. The thought that people will be judging the way my home looks and feels about makes me nervous. This will be our last move though, and that is a nice thought.Having the same people around us and having our kids not have to change schools is a nice thought. Hopefully everything will move along smoothly and we will happily be in our new home by December.

Not so lucky!

--Originally posted on February 8, 2007

So, sweet Petunia has been puking for the last 3 days, thanks Angie!! I forget how horrible it is feeling helpless when your kids are so sick. She can't even keep down Tylenol for her fever. Such a sweet little thing, she's being spoiled terribly, and I hope it helps get her through this.

I am trying to keep Chunk as far away from her as I can. So far so good! Being sick sucks......kids being sick sucks even worse!

Let's see if we're lucky!!

--Originally posted on February 3, 2007

Tomorrow we are going up to Logan where my sister is blessing her new little baby girl. Now, I love my sister and her family very much, but they were all throwing up yesterday!! I was sure they were going to reschedule the blessing especially because Angie, my sister, had broken her arm on Thursday (a day at the ice skating rink with scouts gone mad!). Anyway I was quite shocked to here it wasn't canceled. I guess this means that either all of us will get sick or we will be pert darn lucky! All in the name of family!

On Monday we are meeting with a financial planner to see how we are looking for retirement in the years to come. Hopefully we will be living the high life vacationing when we so desire, or maybe even be living off a cruise ship!! Yeah right! I just want to be secure and living a simple happy life surrounded by family that loves us......which brings me full circle as to the reason why we have to go to the blessing tomorrow. Family gotta love it!

Volunteering

--Originally posted on February 2, 2007

Well, I am up late tonight, and I just can't fall asleep. I told LDS Family Services today that I couldn't take a job with them. I am so sad about this because it's what I have wanted to do for along time. I think working with adotive families and birth mothers would be a very rewarding job, but I feel even more strongly that my kids need me right now and they are the most important thing to me. Luckily, LDS Family services feels that children are the most important priority as well, and I think that when I feel the kids are ready there will be a job for me there.

I am still volunteering for them though, and they gave me my first thing to do tonight. I am going to help a birth mother who is due soon to get through the next few weeks. I am really nervous about this, but I just have to keep telling myself that I am a great social worker, and I can do a wonderful job at helping people with this sort of thing.

I think the most important thing for me to do is to empower the people that I am working with, and help them feel in control of their own lives and the decisions they are making. I feel very strongly when you are making a decision on whether or not to give a baby up for adoption, that it should be an informed decision that only that person makes. I can only start to imagine what a huge decision it would be to give up a child. All I know is that there are people in this world who would give anything to have a child, so the world is not lacking in wonderful placement options.

I am glad that I can volunteer though and use the skills I have so they don't get rusty. It always feel good to do things for others, and I have found that when you are helping others that you kind of forget the things that seem difficult in your own life. It's a motto that I have let slide in the past few years, but one that I am determined to put back into practice. Wish me luck!

At last the weekend!

--Originally posted on January 19, 2007

Doesn't it seem like the weeks in January move a little slower than the weeks leading up to it. I always wonder why. I think it's because we get so busy in December.

I am excited for this weekend. We got a babysitter for Petunia and we are going mini golfing with some friends. It should be fun, it's 18 holes of black light golfing. I know I feel like I should be too old to be excited about something like this, but it's been a long while since I have been able to go on a semi-date with the hubby, (I say semi because Chunk is coming with us). I think though that I appreciate the time I get to spend with the hubby even more now that we aren't as able to get out like we used to. Sure I miss the spur of the moment trips to Vegas, and Cali, but I guess we'll get to do those again in 17 or 18 years.

It is freezing here right now, and it really stinks. I am the type of person that loves to be bare foot, but my toes get cold so fast that I have to wear big huge socks to keep them warm. Even turning up the heat doesn't help. I can't wait for spring! I love the green, new baby animals, Easter, getting out and walking again with the kids, just being able to do more than stay in doors. This year Petunia will really enjoy the zoo, and I can't wait to take her to see all the animals. I wish I knew someone who had animals that I could take her to see up close and personal, but she will just have to do with my mom and dad's dog and cat.

Religion-Why do people care?

--Originally posted on January 15, 2007

The other night I was bored and was surfing around on the internet and ran across an article in a newspaper. It was about Mitt Romney and his run for president. The article was basically about how he was a member of the LDS Church and how a lot of people were reacting to that part of his life. The article as a whole was very non-biased, and, I thought, was pretty spot on. At the bottom of the article was a place where you could post comments about the article. It was full of people trashing the LDS Church.

I am a member of the church, and it made me really irritated that people would write such negative things. I have never in my life said anything bad about other churches or other people's beliefs. I think that every person has a right to believe in their own religon and why should it matter in a campaign for president. The comments that were made were completely false. Even if you have had a bad experience with someone from a certain church, at least get all the information before you start bashing that church. I couldn't believe some of the things I read. I had never heard some of the stories before, and I thought I was up on what the outside world was thinking. Horns? Come on....we don't live in the 18th century. Really, has anyone ever seen anyone with horns......And please...the polygamy thing hasn't happened for well over a 100 years. I don't think I could ever do something like that anyway, and my husband thinks the same thing. How could a man put up with more than one boss?

Another thing that bothers me a little is that people don't think we are Christians. We believe in Jesus Christ. All you need to do is ask and we will be willing to tell you what we believe. Or, you can go out to all the anti mormon websites and get the wrong information from someone that wants you to believe the worst about us.

Anyway, I guess I just don't understand where the hate comes from. The LDS Church is always one of the first to help people in emergency situations. The church helps us be good people. I know there are people out there that are "bad" mormons, but I also know a lot of people out there that are of other religons or aren't of any religon that are "bad" too. I have been to many different churches with my friends, and at each one I find something that is wonderful. I think when people worship God it helps them to want to be better people.

I guess all I am trying to say is that, why does what people believe have to be judged. You don't have to believe what I believe. I won't hold that against you, but can't I believe what I want? Can't you look at me and see an honest person trying to do what's best for me and my family? All I am trying to do is raise my children with values that will help them be better people.

Baby Time!?!

--Originally posted on January 5, 2007

So, I have been thinking a lot about having one last baby. My youngest is only 6 months, but I really want to be done having kids. I'm 30 and I don't want to have kids when I am older. I tell my husband that I want to be retired just with him, and not with kids still at home.

I think I want to start trying to have another baby in about three months, that would make the kids 18 months apart. I know it seems close, but my mother had four of us that close, and I had a really great time growing up with my siblings that close together......I know Chris, you were the tag-a -long and we love you for it.. We have struggles anyway getting pregnant, always ending up taking clomid so I figure if we just let things take their natural course and end up pregnant it will be a grand thing. If that doesn't work in 6 or 8 months we'll go back to the doc and get the pills.

I think I will log for posterity and the rest of the world all of the ins and outs of having a baby. It will be a fun thing to blog about. Anyway, I guess I had better discuss things with the hubby before I make any decisions, but 3 months sounds good for me, a little overwhelming for the first few years, but then really nice to have them that close together. When they all are a little older, Disneyland will be a riot!

After Holidays....Now What?

--Originally posted on December 29, 2006

I am already hitting the after holidays now what mode. You hit January and it seems like there is nothing going on. All the parties stop, the contact with old friend who you only get a card from once a year.....Everything just seems a little blaw. I think the thing I hate most about January and the months ahead are that I don't have an excuse to keep my hubby at home with me. It's back to work for him. I really enjoy our time together when there is nothing to worry about except getting up, eating, and doing what we want. At least we have a few more days to do what we will.

I did clean my laundry room today.....WOW! who knew so much junk could accumulate in 3 years. Yes it's been three years since I cleaned that darn room. Probably won't clean it again until it's time to move. Maybe in two years or so.

Christmas Time Already

--Originally posted on December 18, 2006

I can't believe it's already Christmas Time. It seems like yesterday that it was October and I was ahead of the game on all my shopping. Now, I am going to be pushing to get it all done.

This year for me, Christmas has felt more materialistic then ever before. My husband and I have tried to down-grade the gift giving to a reasonable level, bit still I haven't been able to get into the Christmas Spirit. Maybe it's because there's no snow, I'm not sure. It just seems like I am doing things I HAVE to do. We are going down to see the lights at Temple Square tonight, and that should be good times.

Christmas will be fun though with Petunia this year. I wrapped all her presents and put them under the tree last week, by morning, there was only one wrapped under the tree. Don't ask me how, but she knew it was clothes. Smart girl.Now they are all re-wrapped, and hidden away until Santa can bring them back. Live and learn I guess.


My best friend is due to have a baby girl anyday. She's misrable. I can't help feeling great that I finished that part up five months ago. It's hard to think about doing it one more time, but I guess you put up with the discomfort for the end results. Three is it for me!

Well best be off for the day. Lunch time for Petunia then blessed naptime for both Petunia and Chunk!

Chunk

--Originally posted on December 12, 2006

It has been five months since I had my baby, and I look at him everyday and he is so different. I can see each new hair that grows on his somewhat bald head, and I am just loving every minute of seeing him become a little person. Chunk is always laughing and smiling, and wants to cuddle and be held all the time. I think it's endearing to be wanted that much.

With my daughter it felt a little different. I think that since she was my first I was more stressed out about how to raise her and make sure she had everything that she needed. I always questioned whether or not I was doing all the things that would make her a smart baby. I don't think that's the most important part of raising a little baby. This time I am just enjoying the time I have with him while he is little, hanging on by the seat of my pants and letting things roll. I like this way better, and I think little Chunk is happier for it.

I am also appreciating the fact that I hung in there with the nursing too. Now during the holidays I have an extra 1500 calories that just get burned right off. Bring on the junk food!!!

I don't know how my parents raised me and my siblings. There were five of us close together, and it didn't seem to be much trouble to them, but I can't even imagine having four children. I think three is my limit. Either my parents were completely amazing parents, or they were extraordinarily lucky, because we all turned out not having many issues in our adult lives.(I think that's saying a lot these days). I have a lot more to say on that issue, but that will wait for another day.

New Things

--Originally posted on December 10, 2006

I am new to this blog thing, but I decided that since I no longer write in my journal, the least I can do is talk though things on the internet where the whole world can see and enjoy if they so desire. What a novel concept. How weird are we all for enjoying something like that.

Well, I best get back to the kiddies as the littlest one (we shall call Chunk, yes he has earned this nickname) is shouting that he is in desperate need of attention. This is why I no longer write in the journal.