Utah in a nutshell...

Dang it all...

I wrote a cute poem to summarize this part of my massive blog catch-up.

I clicked to add another line, and POOF.

Literally, POOF! My entire post was gone.

Just an empty post with nothing to show.

Ahhh!!!

So, instead of trying to dig down in my braing and figure out what I already wrote, (and for the sake of time...or LACK of time) I will just do a run through to get caught up.

After the long, long drive, we stopped in Utah late at night and stayed with my Uunt Kathy and Uncle Dave. My cousin Nicia was in town (holding the baby) and my cousin Justin and his wife Stephanie stopped by and had breakfast with us the following morning. It was SO fun to see them and their cute new baby!

I didn't have much time for visits--I truly need a couple weeks to visit everyone I want to see in Utah! But I did manage to see a couple dear friends who were willing to meet up last minute.
My friend Rochelle--gotta admit, this was our first time ever meeting in person. She's a blogger friend I've just LOVED getting to know her. She runs---and is TOTALLY inspirational. She's got me wanting to do more than I have. She's super cute, and SOOOO nice. :)

And then we got to meet up with our dear friend Parris--she served as a missionary in our area in Ohio, and we just absolutely LOVE her. It was fun to catch up and see her--even if only for a few minutes.

We started the drive towards Idaho, stopping in Northern Utah to see another dear friend and let the kids play. Lisa was one of my first friends when we moved to Idaho when I was a teenager...and I love that we are in touch and our kids have a great time playing together. :)

(I'm getting tired of my black shirt at this point...aren't you?!)

Carter got to swing--probably for one of the first times ever. When we lived in Ohio, he was too young--or it was too rainy--or a combo of both. And when we moved to Texas it was TOO HOT to try. He was pretty scared at first--but soon relaxed and just giggled and smiled.

We made it to Idaho that evening, and just settled in at Brandon's parent's house for a few days. Carter met his cousin Carson, who is just 5 days younger, and they hit it off the way babies only can.
Cracked me up...

The kids played in the sandbox--and could for hours. They've begged me to get one once we get home, but after seeing the amount of sand that ended up in beds, bathtubs, and bodily crevices, I am just not so sure about that.

Stay tuned for more Idaho adventures...coming to a blog near you, soon.

All is well...

I had a really special experience today, and felt I should write it down.

I found it ironic that after traveling for a whoppin' 2 1/2 days straight, mile after mile, feeling like it would never end, that we ended up getting here in time to celebrate Pioneer Day.

I was sitting in church today with my exhausted and cranky munchkins who were acting, well, exhausted and cranky. The topics of the talks today were obviously about the pioneers--their sacrifices, the struggles, and what it means for us now. I was listening to the speaker and it hit me that I too had just come on a journey, quite different from theirs...

We had our own set of struggles, make no mistake of that. Vomit and diahrrea, exhaustion, little space to move around. We got lost a time or two, and the roads seemed to stretch out far beyond what the map indicated.

I thought we would be driving forever. FOR-EVER.

It felt, in fact, like we had been.

And there was some whining on my part--when I was feeling D-O-N-E with listening to the crying from a restless baby who had to be in a carseat, and kids asking for snacks again, and tired from not really being able to sleep cramped up in a car and driving all night and day.

BUT, we also had a portable DVD player. My kids sat in comfy carseats and had sugary snacks handed to them on demand. We had a map--and a GPS just in case we got lost. And we knew there was an end in sight--at least within a day or so...

We had air conditioning--and when it was time to eat, we just pulled through fast food or dined in--where food was prepared to our liking and served hot.

And while we did have to limit the items we brought, it was nothing like leaving behind almost all our possessions for good.

So when we sang the song, "Come, come ye saints", I could barely hold back the tears.

31243, Hymns, Come, Come, Ye Saints, no. 30

1. Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;

But with joy wend your way.

Though hard to you this journey may appear,


Grace shall be as your day.

’Tis better far for us to strive

Our useless cares from us to drive;

Do this, and joy your hearts will swell—


All is well! All is well!




2. Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?


’Tis not so; all is right.


Why should we think to earn a great reward


If we now shun the fight?

Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.


Our God will never us forsake;

And soon we’ll have this tale to tell—

All is well! All is well!



3. We’ll find the place which God for us prepared,

Far away in the West,

Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;

There the Saints will be blessed.

We’ll make the air with music ring,

Shout praises to our God and King;

Above the rest these words we’ll tell—

All is well! All is well!



4. And should we die before our journey’s through,

Happy day! All is well!

We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;

With the just we shall dwell!

But if our lives are spared again

To see the Saints their rest obtain,

Oh, how we’ll make this chorus swell—

All is well! All is well!
Text: William Clayton, 1814–1879
Music: English folk song

I just felt so overjoyed--that despite our own little struggles and setbacks, not just on our journey to Idaho, God is watching out for us. He knows us, and our struggles. And that with Him and the courage He grants us, we can persevere despite the circumstance that surround us.

I love those verses--such strength, such courage, such CONVICTION. "Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?", asked by those who left everything to travel to a place they had never been--across uncharted territory pulling handcarts and wagons...who had to set up camp and cook meals for large crowds, and sleep on the ground in freezing temperatures. This from people who bore children...and then buried them...who lost parents and spouses and suffered illnesses of all degrees.

I feel such great strength today--such courage to see what I did see as a MOUNTAIN, now as a molehill. I feel such a great sense of perspective and such gratitude for those who established this land and especially the Salt Lake Valley.

And most of all, I feel SUCH admiration for ANY who made a trip the distance we just came--total, 100% admiration.

I feel inspired to chase away those doubts and the fear that comes with trials...and to press forward, knowing there will be a great reward someday...

Today...

ALL IS WELL, my dear friends. All. Is. Well.

There's just something about Idaho in the summer...

There is just something almost magical about Idaho in the summer...

Driving past the rolling hills, the lush acreage, and the sparkling lakes.

There is something about the tractors...who drive right along thinking they're a car too.

And the sprinklers over the crops, dancing with the sunshine to spray rainbows across the fields.

And there's something about the smell at night.

It is crisp. It is clean. It is so very familiar.

There is something about grandparents...and cousins...

and sandboxes, sleepovers, and smiles.

Lots and lots of smiles.

And memories.

And love.

And there is even something about the weather.

I had almost forgotten what cool breezes at dusk felt like.

But tonight, I stood outside--on the cool green grass.

I looked up, into the beautiful blue sky.

I took a deep breath of the air that reminds me so much of home.

I closed my eyes and could picture myself, spinning around and around--

{picture Maria on the Sound of Music--but with my face--and in a field of potatoes}

I felt the grass tickle my feet, and heard the giggles surround me, and breathed a deep breath

(and a huge sigh of relief for FINALLY being out of the car)...

And I realized that despite the loooooong winters and crazy weather and whatever else one may complain about, there is just something so wonderful--spectacular even...about being in the place we call home.

IDAHO, here we cooooooome!

This summer has gone entirely too quickly. With the move, and the unpacking, and furniture hunting and painting...and everything else in between. Now, we're heading off to a family reunion and when we return it will be time to think school supplies and teachers and backpacks, and a 2nd grade girl who will go to school with a kindergarten little guy...and that's all just too strange to think at once.

And so, we're heading up North--to see our family and friends...

Speaking of which...for any of you reading or in contact with anyone from the BYU- 11th ward while we were there, we're having a mini reunion on July 30th...email me if you would like more details! It's gonna be fun! :)

And please send quick travel vibes our way. This is one instance I would give anything to snap my fingers and just be there already! :)

ONE YEAR AGO TODAY....

I began my official weight loss journey.

I know it sounds silly, to remember this date as I would a birthday or anniversary. But to me, it truly is just as important.

The past year I have learned so much about myself. And I am FOREVER grateful to have taken the steps necessary to get myself healthy. Shortly before we moved, I went for an annual physical--which really was a "first time in the 4 years we have lived here" physical. :) I had blood drawn, tests taken, and when I got my results in the mail, I smiled. Totally clean bill of health. Soon after, Brandon was tossing some old papers and came across my results. He went to throw them away, and I insisted we keep them. I wanted that proof--that hard copy that showed that my body is working well. My weight is in the right range. That I had achieved my goal.

It is strange to look back at pictures and see my old self. While it is tempting to say that I am the same me as I was then, the truth is, I am not. I am changed. And not just physically. While there are definitely parts of me that remain the same, the things I learned and the pride in accomplishing something so big has made such a tremendous impact on so many areas of my life.

It's just a day in history that feels good to me. It's a day to celebrate life and change and new beginnings.

So a quick recap...
I found this picture of me with my brother, 2 years ago almost to the day.





And me today...




Total lost to date: 69 pounds
Bummed that I didn't lose that 1 extra pound to make it a solid 70!

You can read about my weight loss journey by clicking here.

And some other days are....

Beautiful...Bright....BETTER.

Some days you find that steal of a deal on a set of bikes that come complete with a bike trailer and child seat

--$60 for the whole set...now that makes a girl smile.

Some days Brandon gets off earlier than expected...

and we manage to sneak in a couple hours of family fun at the waterpark.

Some days there's a babysitter waiting to watch my kids...

and an actual date to check out a Chinese place and pick out paint for our bathroom.

Some days there's a wonderful new friend who offers to toss my garage-filling junk into her garage sale.

Some days I get stuff done. I cross stuff on my list. I make things happen.

And even though it's not everything and it's not perfect,

it feels like enough.

Some days are good.

And yesterday was just that.

Some days just are...

LoNeLy.

Overwhelming.

Frustrating.

Draining.

Some days there are...

way too many dishes in the sink.

Way too much stuff in the garage.

Way too much stuff to get done.

Some days...

Babies get sick.

Computer viruses happen.

Long hours drag on and lonely feelings creep in.

Some days my world feels like it crashes in...

and my voice can hardly make a sound to call for help.

I stand in the shower and cry...but there are no tears.

Just aches.

For the feelings of today to go away...

So tomorrow can feel a little better...brighter...than today.

Snip-Snip!

The little man, with his big birthday and all,
was in desperate need of a trim.
His whispy hair, shot out at the back--and the side--and the top--
and looked like a mad scientist of sorts.

Jenna begged...PLEADED for the first trim.
And so I let her (after firm instruction that she would not under ANY circumstances cut anything else without me being there). And she was SO happy.

In her sweet mind, she was a stylist.
She rocked his little haircut like a pro.

And he was happy...
sitting on the toilet seat like a big boy.
Feeling the scissors and clippers run over his whispies and make him a clean cut boy.

A clean cut BIG boy.

Happy Birthday sweet Carter boy...

My Sweet Carter...

I've said it a million times.
I just cannot believe how quickly time has flown.
I cannot believe that today you are 1...
and that it's been 12 whole months since you were born.

I laid in bed with you yesterday, you snuggled me close--which is rare.
Usually you're too busy looking for adventure, to lay still for much longer than sleep at night.
But last night...oh what a gift.
You laid there on my chest, just like you used to do when you were a newborn.
Your body is much bigger now...and your legs stretched out long onto mine.

And I wondered...
When did you grow up? When did you turn from a newborn to an infant to a little boy?
How lucky I feel to be blessed to be your mother...That I am able to be with you for this time in your life and see your sweet smile, watch your whiny tantrums, and listen to your silly laugh...
Oh for that, I feel so blessed.

You're a special little boy. And we cherish life with you--you've taught us so much.
You taught us what it's like to live on little sleep again--preparing us for residency life. :)
You taught us to be prepared--when I had to start carrying a fully stocked diaper bag again.
You taught us to cherish every moment--as we watched your time as a baby fly by.

 At one time, there was only thought of 3 little people in our family.
We thought we were fine with that number.
But seeing you born and watching you grow...
We absolutely cannot imagine life with you.

It is impossible to picture life without a terrible mess by your spot at the kitchen table, because you insist on having your hands on every single thing that goes in your mouth.
It is impossible to picture life without you getting into every cupboard, cabinet, or open door.
I have found you so many times, hidden away in a closet in a closed bedroom, or in the pantry, or sitting inside one of our half empty cupboards--because you just had to explore and could get in, but not out.

It is impossible to picture life without seeing the pride that just radiates from you when you do something new-from trying to stand on your own to sitting in the pool. You just think you are the hottest thing in town!
And it makes us laugh. Every. Time.

At 12 months, you have ditched the all night sleep that finally came last month. We still get an occasional glimpse, but it's kept us guessing what you need to get back to that happy place. :) You like most food--but I have found lately you don't seem to have any interest in hot dogs, which surprised me!

You clap, a lot. I adore watching your chubby hands and big smile.
You're so close to standing on your own--and I can tell the walking will come soon after.
You follow the big kids around all day...you love them.
And they absolutely love you.

LOTS...

We all do.

And we look forward to many more years and many more birthdays with you...
Love, mom

10 potentially useless facts about my life right now...

Photo taken at our trip to Amish Country last year and has nothing to do with this post except that I thought a list of random facts needed something pretty to accompany it...

FACT #1...

Things stop smelling much of anything but sweaty when they're hot all the time.

People too.

FACT #2...

It gets hot in Texas. REAL hot. Most days I don't mind.

Those days are the ones we're at the pool or inside.

FACT #3...

I haven't worn a real pair of shorts for YEARS and years. Only owned a couple pairs of capris...

And now I can't get enough of them. NEED MORE SHORTS.

FACT #4...

I have shaved my legs more this past month than I did all last year.

Blame it on the long winters...and then reference the previous fact.

FACT #5...

I have lost 7 more pounds since I last posted about weight loss. It's baffling to me.

But true.

FACT #6...

I never thought I would see the day that 5 minutes at the park would wipe the kids out.

Today that happened.

Refer to fact #2

FACT #6...

I am still not sure the 4th of July really ever happened.

We've only had a sprinkle of rain in the past couple hundred days or so...

So they put the kabosh on any celebrations that may cause fire.

So there was no parade, no fireworks, no sparklers even.

It was very strange.

And the only thing that tells me that day came and went is the calendar.

FACT #7...

I made snickerdoodles today.

I LOVE snickerdoodles.

And yet, this was my first time making them. 

How weird is that?

FACT #8...

Due to my inability to sleep deep in the wee morning hours, I have been carrying on a resident doctor's schedule. Some mornings Brandon's out the door at 4:30 a.m. Some mornings it's 5:30. On a real late day it's 7 a.m. And then there are the middle of the night pagings (thankfully only once)...

I feel less than chipper right now.

I'm not mad or complaining--we're doing just fine.

Just wish more than anything that I could sleep long after he leaves the house...

and it has me in awe that he can stay awake for so long and still be functional. :)

FACT #9...

I'm in complete disbelief that Carter will be 1 in 3 days.

There are no words for how crazy this seems to me.

Fact #10...

I am coming to Idaho in about 3 weeks.

Anyone still there that wants to get together?

ALL worth it...

I was doing dishes today (p.s. LOVE that my kitchen is right next to the playroom) when I glanced over and saw this...

Not IN the fireplace. But NEXT to the fireplace. Looking through books and having a great time.

THIS MADE MY PROJECT ALL WORTH IT... :)

The built-in (or out). BEFORE AND AFTER of our fireplace turned bookcase

You know that "something-wonderful-happened-and-I've-got-to-tell-somebody" kind of feeling? Where you race over to your best friend's house and rush through whatever it is that is spilling out and you have to repeat yourself again afterwards because your friend didn't understand a word of what you said?

Well, here at my house, the words are gushing all over my mind..and I just had to rush over to share my latest project! IT FEELS SOOOO GOOD to create again! To paint and build and see something before completely transform....oh how this has been good for my soul! And while my living room sits waiting for it's turn, the playroom is finally taking shape!

So here's the scoop...
Our house has this lovely fireplace. It's beautiful, really. And I love the charm it adds. However, it is also in the room we are using as a playroom. I didn't think anything of it at first because the 3 oldest kids don't bother it one bit. But the little guy...well, he thinks he is H-O-T stuff to go over and play in it.

Problem, right?

I had this idea strike me a few weeks ago...a solution...a permanent temporary fix.
A cover up that would serve double duty.
And so, I went to work. I had seen this style bookcase and wanted to make my own. I worked up a plan, I figured out my own measurements. And I went to the hardware store and did more math in one hour than I have done in the last 10 years. Holy moly my brain hurt.
There was a lot of trial and error, since we were winging it with this. (Thank you Brandon for assembly help!)
BUT, I am proud to announce, OUR NEW BOOKCASE IS FINISHED!

Bookcase, you ask?
Why yes...

We made it specifically to fit the fireplace opening--so it's shimmied in there pretty tight. This bookcase is like a pair of skinny jeans, and let me tell you, it takes some good tugging to get this out.
However, that being said...
when we go to sell this house, it is "easily" removable...so that someone else who might like a Texas fireplace can have their fixture to enjoy. And if they're a family like us, with a mischievous 11 1/2 month old little man who wants to play in it...well, by george, they've also got a solution for it.

It truly makes our playroom so much more functional! I LOVE it!!!

At the end of the day, I am covered in paint and sore as can be. AND IT'S NEVER FELT BETTER.
Today I created.
Today I transformed.
And today, I am one step closer to finishing a room in my house. :)

Doing a paint-covered happy dance...