Tah Dah!!!!

How in the world did I neglect the documentation and celebration of the completed downstairs bathroom remodel? We are lucky enough to have two bathrooms in our little home. Growing up with one bath and three siblings taught me real appreciation of this luxury. However, from the moment I moved in 8 1/2 years ago I couldn't wait to eventually tear the downstairs bath apart and create something fantastic. So, last spring Scott and I worked with a neighborhood contractor to rip things apart and begin anew. We removed everything to the studs, moved plumbing for the shower and toilet, pushed back a wall, created built in shelves, and created storage space under the stairs with laundry room access. It was an amazing transformation! This little room moved from being a scary, creepy, deep showered spot to an open and bright room. Yes, the subway tile took me four days to put up. It would have taken longer without Challey's help. But, it was completely worth it. Scott's great experience helped the floor tiling go smooth and everything looks pretty good, if I do say so myself. I am now proud to show people to the bathroom, when nature calls...

The before included a deep single shower with dark brown tile and yellow accents.

Pics of family vacations to different beaches remind us of our fun times together.

More Time...

January 6, 2012 marked the sixth year of Scott and my eternal marriage. All I could think about this special date is that I want more time together. I want to spend more time doing good and productive things together. To continue to talk about and work on goals and dreams together. To remember the feelings from the beginning of knowing we are a team and a unit that will continue to be strengthened as we move forward toward great things. I wasn't super young when we met, I knew work was required to make marriage happy for both of us. But, I didn't know everything. Scott has taught me so much about what it means to care for someone and be an unconditional support. I love him. I love him with all that I have. I am grateful we have each other. I am grateful we have more time to be US.

Then

Now

Lots of Christmas Fun

It seems there was always something fun to do as a family this month. We were able to do some traditional activities--Chandler's Christmas school music program, gingerbread house decorating, neighborhood food drive, looking at Christmas lights, ice skating outside, Larry H. Miller Family Sing Along downtown, Temple Square, and Christmas tree shopping.  We missed out on a trip to see Santa-but did get a letter sent to the North Pole. Things seemed to be more fun everywhere we went if there were goodies to eat and hot chocolate to drink. We also were able to squeeze in a fun Hoopes Cousin party and a trip to see Zoo Lights. It was all busy, but incredibly fun. I am grateful for the time we had to spend together as a family and with our family and friends. What a blessing to be surrounded by so many fantastic people! It has been a great season.

Can you find him? The cute one in the back.

Watson got to put the star on top this year.

Headed to the Arena downtown for the Sing Along.

Settled in for some good music together.

Chandler is happy because he got 3 donuts!

Love the lights and reflection pool.

The licking didn't happen until the very end of the house's life.

Watson wanted to ride this train really bad.

Always on the move.

A B C D E F G....Christmas is here, Yippee!!

Christmas Eve was spent together with Grandma Nettie, cousins and aunts and uncles. We ate yummy food and relaxed together until it was time to go home. The boys looked so cute together in their new pj's. Both boys were thrilled with gifts from Nana, Santa, and us. Chandler repeatedly thanked us. Watson couldn't wait to try everything, especially Dad and Brother's helicopters.

Our New Arrival

After years of Chandler asking, and Scott asking, and me thinking, we added a new member to our family. Yes, we got a dog. His name is Sparky. He is a West Highland Terrier, aka, a Westie. We got him from a family in Logan. He is a year and a half and very playful. Chandler loves to snuggle with him on the couch and have him close at night. Watson loves to run around the house while Sparky chases. I think he is cute, cute, cute. It has definitely been an adjustment for me--thinking about what he needs and when, but it's worth it. The timing was great, just in time for Christmas. We love our little Sparky.

Happy Birthday to Him!

December started off quick with Scott's birthday. He got to spend the morning with his buddies at his fav-o-rite place in Orem, Callie's Cafe. After a bit of time at work we had a special dinner and ended the celebration with homemade German Chocolate cupcakes, another Scott favorite. Watson helped blow out the candles, open the presents, and eat the candy. I'm so grateful to know and love Scott. He is amazing in so many ways, always ready to help anyone in need. He is the best father I know and loves to do anything and everything with his boys. Happy Birthday Honey!

Simple Gratitude

Thanksgiving. I have been thinking about what that means quite a bit through all of November. I was able to fill two and a half journal pages with the many blessings I count. I'm sure I could have filled more had I taken more time. At the top of the list is my family.

I am blessed, or lucky, to be married to Scott. He is my best friend. He is such a great father. He is true to the core good person. I am also blessed to be a mom for Chandler. He teaches me so much and plays an integral part of my training to live a more Christlike life. I am blessed to be Watson's mother. He makes each day interesting and fun. He also allows me to have brief glimpses into heaven and feel a fraction of what Heavenly Father feels for me. Yes, these are my greatest blessings. Of course, there are a gazillion other blessings each day. For that I truly feel simple gratitude.
Our Thanksgiving morning started early as Chandler and I ran the Utah Human Race 5K. It was Chandler's first race and he was happy and proud to finish it. I was happy and proud he finished it too.
We continued the festivities at Grandma Nettie's with most of the family with great food and our annual Bingo game.

The day ended with Scott and Chandler hitting Black Friday deals at several stores all through the night. We spent a lot of good time together last week. I'm grateful to be where I am and doing what I'm doing. I am so blessed.

A Little Outing with the Birds

Tracy Aviary is the local bird place around here. Watson and I visited this with Chandler and friends a couple of years ago. Then he rode around in his car seat in the stroller completely unaware of the rodent eating birds directly in front of us. This time, he saw everything, even the 29 pound roaming free condor. We met up with a friend of mine with her 3 kids plus a cousin. The kids had a great time pointing out the ducks, watching the peacocks and imitating the flamingoes. We will be back again, maybe after the construction is complete.

Photo Card

Initially Merry Christmas

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Just ordered our Christmas cards--will arrive at your house soon!

Look Who's a Big Boy!

It was time. The all night sporadic crying, the "who knows what time it is" bedroom visits, the climbing out of bed while all is asleep so he could play with cars in the dark, had to end. Scott and I had no idea what to do to make things better for Watson. So, one day the thought occurred to me that moving him to a toddler bed might be the answer. Heck, things couldn't get worse, right? I think it was inspiration because from the first night Watson has happily gone to bed. He loves it! I've been shocked that the transition was this easy! Since the first night, he has had one or two rough moments. All in all, he has adjusted great, he even (thankfully) takes his nap every day. I'm amazed he is becoming such a big boy so fast. I suppose this is how things are suppose to work--it is so hard for me to let my baby grow up.