Buying a House!!

   So we are moving again...BUT this time I KNOW it's the last move for a long time! You see we were lookin at our finances and realizing we are doing way way better than we were expecting so soon out of school. We have been so blessed! J has made some contracts with the Tribe and some of the colonies in the area and now doing custom orthotic. We are helping so many people it's just so fantastic!

  So we had an opportunity to go to the temple...together! Love when we get that opportunity. And went through with the question of should we do it? SHould we look for our own house or keep renting? And it made even more sense to shop for our own place. We were really set on building, but wanted to look at a few options in town too. SO we looked at 4 houses and talked to a builder. And we were like wow a year to build? OK well we can work on that and keep our eyes open. Eyes open indeed. The next day we found it.

THE HOUSE!! I didn't think it would be so tough to find a house with all the bedrooms on the same floor. That was my number one. My kids are little..and needy...I don't want to travel flight of stairs in the dark. This is the only one I've found for sale. And I love it more every time I get to go there. Know what else?! It has a fenced in backyard...and a garage!! I can literally add anything else I might think of wanting but those three things were what I wanted to move into. And I found them. I am beyond thrilled.

  Everything has fallen into place so well, and so much faster than anticipated! I barely got to say goodbye to my 2nd ward friends! Not that I wont see them anymore, It's a pretty small town and I like to keep my friends :). We move this week!!! I have about 7 boxes packed..some of which were never unpacked when we moved here.. but I have gotten all of our things off of the walls minus the calendar and clocks, lets face it I still have to function before the move. It's only 4 blocks away, I don't feel stressed about it. Know what stressed me out? The only thing out of this entire process...was if the oven would be big enough. it's pretty small..it'll do..for now. One day Im gonna replace it and probably update the whole kitchen. And put an addition above the garage. But there is plenty of house.

We are going over this week to switch a few things like light fixtures and maybe a little paint. and We are scheduled to close on friday. I will post photos when we are settled in a bit!
 Best part?! PLENTY of room for VISITORS!! Even spare beds.

And here's a few photos from Our last family session. It's not a post without photos!

Canada

We have made it to Canada! I know I know I have completely skipped like a year of our lives and even over our cruise and graduation...I'll get there. This one is on the beginning of our journey here in Canada! Graduation was friday afternoon, so we of course celebrated with some Texas Roadhouse (ate WAY too much, but so so delicious) we then went home to pack the trucks. We were able to get everything we had left into two pick ups and one tow behind uhaul. and suitcases in the van, we sold a LOT. It took three days to drive from Davenport. We stopped in Sioux Falls and saw some family on Saturday after graduation. It was great to see friendly faces while traveling (isn't it always). Our second day drive was definitely our longest. We drove Sioux Falls to Billings. Took us about 10 hours and eventually everyone got to the same hotel.
Monday we got began the final leg of our journey! Only 6 hour drive, took a little longer with potty breaks of course. The last and final anxiety was crossing the border. It took me 6 months to fill out the paper work for immigration for myself, and like 30 minutes to get everything ready for the girls stuff. But I sent it in and in April they received it and put it into the system. When we got to the border Jesse had all of our documents in the truck with him and I had nothing, Liberty had hers at least. The officer was not too pleased with me. So he made sure I knew to not leave my documents in different vehicle again... He also gave me a hard time for crossing at the border we did! Kept saying they are not an immigration crossing because they are so small and if anyone came to the border we would not be given any priority. I wasn't expecting any priority actually so I agreed. We pulled off to the side and parked. We then ventured inside to go through whatever was instore. At this point I was about to cry, I already felt I had done so many things wrong and he was gonna make me turn around and go to coutts. Jesse saw the look on my face as I walked into the building with both girls and I could see got a little concerned. At this point they'd been quite pleasant to him! Saved the scare tactics for me, the one who is terrified of getting in trouble! He went and parked his truck before joining us inside.

Inside they gave me a hard time again saying I needed to do my research I was moving to Canada! Then asked me to sit while he pulled some things up on the computer. So I sat and tried not to cry. I was shaking by this point. He proceeded to search for my info on the computer. When he found I was already in the system everything about the way they talked to me changed. PHEW Which was also when Jesse walked in..I had my list of everything we were bringing and estimated values and we filled out some forms and had a little interview and then we were on our way. I just need to do a couple things to get the van imported but man did they shake me up at first! All it took was them to realize I DID do my homework! But I was polite and let them do their jobs so it went pretty well.

Now we are in Cardston working on growing the practice G has already started. J is working on marketing and getting a new sign up and seeing where we can share what we know and love about Chiropractic!

thanks to Joyanne Miller for digitizing our logo that Jesse drew!

Why I'm dehydrated.

When this mom wants a drink, she remembers to use her water bottle.
So She runs upstairs to get it, while she's there she remembers she didn't finishing putting those things away and quickly finishes the task.
Returns to the kitchen water bottle in hand, opens the fridge and sees that the water jug is empty.
I'll just fill it up, right?
Then she notices the sink is full of dishes so she can't fit the pitcher under the faucet.
So she proceeds to do the dishes.
When they are finally finished and the sink is clear she notices the smell...
What is that? so a quick spray of the sink and surrounding countertops and checking how full the trash can is..the smell is the dish clothe.
She'll just run this down to the washer and put that stinky thing where it can't be smelled.
After getting downstairs she realizes she left some clothes in the washer, so she folds whats in the dryer and stacks it to bring it upstairs to put away. Then notices that the washer has not finished the cycle and the clothes are just sitting there...which means the washer is broken.
So she brings the clean things up to be put away, and places them on the stairs behind the baby gate, for protection, while she looks up the number to call maintenance.
When she finds her phone it is sitting next to her empty water bottle which reminds her she was supposed to leave for the gym 45 minutes ago and this whole fiasco began because she needed a drink of water before she left.


This ever happen to you? 'Cause I can't be the only one.

There Was A Time I Pinned A Pin

So here is the original song

And here is my Mockery of it I found it very fun and will sing it for my next post...I just need to find my courage...might be under my bed..


There was a time I Pinned a pin
And Pinterest was insightful
and the words motivating
There was a time when I Pinned blind
and the Pins were a song
and the Song was Exciting!
 There was a time
Then it all went wrong

I dreamed a dream in times gone by
When hope was high
and life ambitious

I dreamed that time would not fly by
I dreamed Hot Glue would be forgiving

Then I was young
 and unafraid

And crafts were made, and used
And Wasted

There was no Ransom to be paid
No game un-played
No food Untasted

But the Toddlers wake at night
with their voices soft as thunder
as their tear your mood apart
and they keep you sleep depri-ived

I pinned for a summer in my stride
I created games of endless wonder

It took my time up
by and bye!!!!
And fun was gone whence Autumn came

And still I dream the Recipess
that we will share the years together

But there are pins that Should Not be
And there are crafts we should not weather

I had a dream my pins would be so much more fun
than this Stress i'm feeeling
So different now than what it seeemmed

Reality has killed the Pin I dreamed         

The Balloon

Last night we went to Red Robin. One of our favorite spots :) Maia LOVES it because of the Big Red Bird Daddy, the Mac and Cheese and that if she eats all her dinner she gets a balloon. Balloons can be great motivators, I previously had NO idea how powerful they are to children.

After dinner we went to our friends house to spend some time with them before they move next weekend. There were other kids there so we put the balloon in the car because fights were breaking out over who got to play with it.
After we left she was very excited to get her Yellow Balloon back to be all hers! When we got home she forgot that it was no longer tied to her hand after getting out of her car seat and as we crossed the street she let go and away it went. J jumped up for it but as helium often is it was much too sly and quickly it was bopping up past the trees and into the night.

Maia.was.devastated. She was so unbelievably sad! It broke my heart to see, her Daddy told her "It's okay Maia the balloon is going up to be with Heavenly Father now."
To which she responded "Well...I want my Heavenly Father then!"
And again my heart just ached for how sad she was. After about 15 minutes of inconsolable tears about missing her balloon we were able to talk to her about what it means to go to Heavenly Father. She has already impressed us so much with her ability to understand Gospel principles like prayer. We told her how one day we can see it again, Heavenly Father will take care of it for her until it's her turn to go and be with Heavenly Father.

She understood, all of 2 years old and she could understand that it was not the end for the little yellow balloon. She asked us if we could say a prayer to Heavenly Father and ask him to help her feel better about her balloon being gone. (How old is my kid again?! How do I have such a smart girl, it blows my mind I am so grateful that she is mine, I learn so much from her!) We did say a prayer. And she felt better.
Then we did our bedtime routine and read a scripture story, sang a primary song and said family prayer. And Jesse and I were both very impressed with our daughter and her ability to overcome such a sad state while being able to learn such a wonderful principle.

It reminded me a bit of a memorial my dear friend had at the services for her children after they returned home early. They released one colored balloon followed by several white ones, representing those lost and those to follow. Now maybe we wont see that same yellow balloon again (trust me there will be another yellow balloon) but there are some people that we wont get to see for a while. I bet they'd watch over our little yellow balloon for us, and keep it safe until it's our turn to be with our Heavenly Father again.
I know these things to be true.

Please feel free to ask me more about what I believe.

My Dad taught me that Ice Cream is Chocolate, No alternatives.

I got this email from my Dad today and it made me laugh out loud. He's hilarious, if you only listen. Or in this case read. In my original email I sent him I mentioned the ice cream I was eating while typing and said well Dad thanks for teaching me that chocolate ice cream is the best one. And this was his reply :)

And you're welcome for sharing with you my vast knowledge and wisdom on how to enjoy the good life through that frozen aforementioned culinary delight. The knowledge and wisdom that I've gained over a long and hard 51.9 years. Yes I'm talking about that dark creamy, chocolaty frozen concoction of which I derive vast amounts of happiness and pleasure, strength and understanding of life itself. The nectar of the Gods that, the life giving elixir that can solve all know problem and cure all know diseases. Yes, you know that of which I speak. Bow your head as I say the words, "Chocolate Ice Cream".  And know a moment of silence...    

That's long enough, I must now elaborate on the subject. Any brand is good but there are a few, that I might say, can increase the euphoric experience exponentially. (Did you notice the three "e" words. Kind of like Shakespeare when he wrote "headlong hurled the hags").  I'd like to mention a few brands if I may. First, and probably my favorite for a plethora of reasons, is the King Soopers brand (unfortunately the name has eluded me for the moment) which is always on sale. Then there is the Baskin Robbins brand, but make sure to get the "Deep Chocolate Fudge", it's far better than the plain chocolate which is pretty darn good as well (I just noticed that the letters "rn" in the work darn can look like the letter "m"). There's always Hagen Daz but a little harder to spell and you tend to pay a premium price for it. Ben and Jerry have put together some pretty good alternatives if you can't find plain chocolate. Unfortunately, they tend to mix in a lot of extra unnecessary stuff which can distract from the experience. Yet you can often still come away with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Then there's the soft-server. Although this is really a subject for another time and place and I really don't have time to go into it now, I will say here that it really chaps my hide when people think that it is acceptable to offer only vanilla. Vanilla! please. Vanilla isn't even a flavor. It's like offering only water at a soda fountain. When I go to a soda fountain I expect to come away with a beverage that satisfies. I want something brown with flavor. Something that is bad for me, something that will dissolve rust instantly or take the paint off your car. I don't want to settle for water. Likewise, I don't want to be forced to settle for vanilla ice cream. Yes water is the major ingredient in soda like vanilla ice cream is a major ingredient in chocolate ice cream and yes I suppose water can quench your thirst like vanilla can fill your stomach. But then what? You're left empty, unsatisfied and wanting for with no hope in sight.  You're outlook on life goes down the toilet, you become depressed, grouchy a pitiful excuse for a human been. And seeing that you're stomach is now full of this vile, unholy and outright  yuchy alternative, (and even if you're not actually full, even if you spewed forth the evil substance before totally consuming it, you still feel like you are full)  you can drink/eat no more, you are left like that retched creature Golum in this awful, hopeless state of unhappiness. Left to wallow in the pit of despair,  for what sometimes seems like an eternity.

Now don't you think it is worth making the correct choice the first time and saving yourself from the nefarious consequences. When you come to a vanilla only establishment, put your hand up and to shield your face, utter the phrase "get the behind me false oppressor", and walk away, far away. Do not allow yourself to surcome to the villainous advertisements of the evil one, who shall not be named. Make up your mind now to make the right choice and when that inevitable time comes the decision will be easy. You won't have to make that decision over and over each time. It's already made and that's it. Teach your children so they too can avoid that most lamentable mistake. Even though the world may think it is an acceptable alternative we know better and hold ourselves to a higher standard.

And that is all I have to say about that.

You're Welcome

Clearance Picture and a lil moment

I have a love hate relationship with the clearance racks at JoAnn's. You see they have such cool stuff and I don't need it but when precut fabric goes on sale it...just makes me so excited! This time around I also saw some adorable coasters for $0.97 so I though what the heck, the last coasters I had are hanging on the wall in my hallway maybe I can use some more :)

I am working on a Fathers Day present so the whole purpose for this trip was to get 1-2 pieces of scrapbooking paper and a canvas. I walked out with a little more than that thanks to them handy clear ace racks. But I did make way into the store leaving some things on the clearance shelf on my way...
They were of course having scrapbook paper 50% off so I got a few extra pieces.  When I made it to the canvas's and frame section I could hardly decide what size then noticed that they were ALL also half off!!  Thank You!!! So I got the idea to make these:

Yeah I love them.

So here's all I used: 

• 12x12 frame  (2)
• 12x12 scrapbook paper (2)
• Double Sided Tape
• Paper Trimmer
• Cork-board Coasters

Trim Paper to fit frame.

Apply double sided tape and arrange how you like.

TA-DA!

It's cute right?!?

But they look so small above my bed, I think I need to add more...

Maybe one more?

Or maybe long set of black/white and sepia photos over top?

And here is an updated photo of my littlest monkey

Look at those darlin cheeks! And her cowgirl boots fit! for now...

And for a Maia story:

I have been trying to teach Maia more primary songs lately and its been fun. Also been telling stories about saying prayers and Heavenly Father love us etc I love it. 

The  other night we were getting her jambes on and singing this song:

Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day.

Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayers each time I pray.

Faith is like a little seed:

If planted it will grow.

Faith is a swelling within my heart.

When I do right, I know.

She asked me to repeat this verse 3 times, on the 3rd time through I noticed she had her hand on her heart. I said "do you feel that warmth Maia?"

M-"yes"

"do you feel happy inside?"

M- "I do mommy, can we sing that some more?"

"WE sure can. Do you know what you're feeling is the spirit? It's Heavenly Father's way of letting you know he loves you"

M- "and Jesus. He loves me. And They love you too mommy!"

It's so very very true.

It was a wonderful little moment I got to share with my big girl :)