The Nitty Gritty

Since we've lived in Tempe, we've had to adjust being together ALL the time. Isaac and I are both off for the summer and Will and Van don't have playgroups or preschool so lets just say we needed a road trip to get out of the house and not drive each other crazy. San Diego was the perfect getaway because it's only 5 1/2 hours away and we have family and friends there to see and stay with. We spent Friday with Aunt Caroline which was a great blessing because she was able to help me with my  tension headache--chiropractic massage, neck stretching, and ice packs. It didn't get rid of the headache but it definitely relieved some of the pain.  We spent the night in her studio apartment which was quite spacious because we all had enough room to sleep comfortably. The next day we went with her to Encinitas beach and met up with our friends the Gibbs. We ate at Swami's cafe and played in the ocean all day. Will was so brave and tried boogie boarding. One time the wave c...

Our last weeks in Utah, in some ways, felt like I was planning my funeral. Everything I was doing I kept thinking "This is the last time..." I wanted to go on a hike in the mountains because it seemed like I would NEVER get to do it ever again. I wanted to spend as much time as possible with family and friends because I would NEVER get to see them again. I realized about a week before we moved that I will still get to do lots of things in Utah because I will return there to visit and hopefully live there again someday. I will see family and friends again, not as often as I'd like, but I will see them more than once a year in person. I don't think I've ever cried so much in a month as this past month, but it was therapeutic and I'm grateful that I was able to let myself feel sad and grieve over this huge change in my life. Once we started on the road toward Tempe, I naturally began looking forward and dwelt more on what lie ahead rather than what I was leaving ...

This year on Christmas Eve, we attended the Workman party. Grandma Mary sewed knight costumes for the grandsons. Will LOVED it! What a good idea for a gift. After the party, I was hoping to read the Christmas story in new Christmas pj's, but Will had a meltdown (look at Isaac's shoulder covered in snot and tears) and we managed to get him happy long enough to shoot some cute pictures. squeezing in for a family Christmas eve photo Probably the best part about Christmas this year is Van got to meet Grandpa Steve and Grandma Dana for the first time. We had a lot of fun playing games and visiting. It's always sad to see them go. I wish they'd move back or at least visit more often (hint hint). Happy Birthday Aunt Abbey! Abbey's birthday always gives the family another opportunity to get together again after Christmas. Hooray! Van & Grandpa. He always got Van to sleep holding the pacifier in his mouth and bouncing Van in his lap. Van & Grandma Dana....

With the Thanksgiving holiday, I get the chance to really think about what I'm thankful for in life. These things have been on my mind a lot lately: Firsts and Lasts Firsts: I'm so thankful for our FIRST home. I love having a 2 car garage on these cold windy days when I can just walk into the house without bundling up my kids and shielding them from the wind. I love having a backyard and a large driveway where we can kick the balls and draw with chalk. I love the big open playroom downstairs where William can run around and scatter his toys. I could go on and on about our house because there are so many things I love. We love the area, our ward, and our neighbors. I'm so thankful for our real estate consultant for life Terry Bickmore who made this dream home a reality for us and for getting us and the rest of his clients tickets to the premiere of Harry Potter on Thursday. Isaac mowing the lawn this past summer. Will enjoyed the chore too! Isaac is grateful the law...