It's been a busy month. I used to like busy. But several years ago I changed my tune.
Around Christmas Brian and I started casually looking at homes and even walked through a few. Well, you know what happens when you start looking for a new home...You find one you want. The walls in our cute little Pleasant Grove house are feeling tighter and tighter. And suddenly when we realized there was more out there we had the feeling of severe claustrophobia and couldn't get out fast enough. The past month has been a whirlwind. We found a house that we liked in January but they didn't want to accept our offer than was contingent on our house being sold. So we thought if we sold it really quick then they would work with us. So we worked fast and got the house cleaned up, took pics, and listed it at the end of February. Three weeks, 25+ showings, lots of lost sleep, and two offers later, our house in under contract and we are under contract with the house that we liked in the first place. Right now we are in the middle of repairs from the home inspection and waiting to hear what the appraiser says. We are hopeful and hope that things continue moving forward. In which case we will close April 15. So that's McKay's birthday, Jonah's birthday, a trip to Hawaii, grandparents coming home from their mission, and packing a house all in the next three weeks. Wish us luck.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Our life in pics...
I finally uploaded pictures from my phone and found these gems from the past couple months. Don't want to forget our simple times and happy days. Where is Brian??? Oh yes, he's at work.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
The latest
I just don't know how it's possible that January is almost over. Gavin is already more than halfway through Kindergarten and before we know it Brian will be getting ready for Summit graduation again and we will be off on our summer adventures. Crazy.
As per usual, everyone is sick around these parts. I don't know what it is with us and January - but really! We are on week four of someone being sick. And the rounds are just starting over again. We're just doing our best and hanging in there. It hasn't snowed much this winter. When the snow is fresh the boys have loved putting on their snow gear they got for Christmas. I just need to bundle them up more often and send them out back. Things get squishy in here - especially in the winter - so anyway we can get outside and moving is good. The Summit High gym and hallways and grandma and grandpa's front room have been our other play places.
Some days it's hard to enjoy what I've got right here, right now. Just today I was holding Jonah and telling Brian that these times will soon be just a memory. I kissed his chubby cheeks and made him smile in the mirror - one of his favorite things. What consumes my life right now and is the norm will really be over before I know it. And then we'll be in new stages. And on and on. I'm making a conscious effort to enjoy where I am now. I've decided a well-rested mom (or just a mom who gets an hour to herself everyday) is the key to that success. I'm starting to come to terms with the fact that I will just be tired forever. So I take my mom time, rested or not, and gear up and keep it going.
Right now is also tricky with Brian working three late nights a week. Buying into the Alpine Center was a good decision and I think will turn out to be profitable for us. We've been doing this crazy schedule for a year and a half! Two more years to go. Someday I will also look back and remember these days - I know it won't last forever. Thank heavens for good friends and family that I can bother in those last evening hours before bedtime. A quick trip Melinda's or having friends over for dinner is just what we need sometime to make the night end on a happy note.
Brian and I just booked our 10th Anniversary trip to Kauai. We are so excited! We are looking forward to six days in April. Then I'll be off to London in May with Mother and the other girls. Lots of fun trips to look forward to.
Gavin is learning to read and I cannot believe how much he has grown in the past six months. He is officially a big boy. He is super responsible at getting things to and from school and keeping track of hats and coats and gloves at school. Recently a sweet older man from our ward passed away. Brother Conley loved Gavin (and all the boys!) and he was sick the day of the funeral. I would have taken him with me. When he found out he couldn't go he said, "Mom, when you get back, will you tell me all about it?" And when I got back he saw the program and asked me what I had learned while I was gone. It was so so sweet. When we saw his wife at the grocery store he hollered, "I'm sorry your husband died!" as we walked away. Sincere as could be. And again, just tonight we went to visit a lady in the ward who lost her husband. On his own he grabbed one of his toys from his bin and said, "I want to give this to her little boy. It is one of my most favorite toys. I am sad that his dad died." He teaches me so much. These days he teaches himself songs on the piano and has the cutest laugh when he sees a funny part on a movie.
McKay has learned to write his name and is so close to riding a bike. Soon! He is so proud of himself and I am glad to see him interested in learning his letters and doing mommy school with me. I've been thinking about him so much. I feel like it is really important that I spend this one-on-one time with him while Gavin is at school and Jonah is napping. I felt that last year and I feel it even more now. He needs me. He loves to be with his friends and always wants to be going somewhere or be with other people. It's easy to ship him off and let him play at friends when they offer. He has fun and I get things done. But at the same time I keep feeling like I want him here with me. Like we need to keep our days simple and less filled with 'stuff.' He certainly still has his moments but I feel like we are nearing the stage where he grows out of his fits and anger when things don't go his way. It is much easier to talk and get through to him than it has been in the past. He is my bundle of energy and I love his hugs and constant kisses. These days his slumpy shoulders when he gets a 'no' followed with his eye rolls and "Are you kidding me???" are killing me. After I told him he would be in a timeout he sighed and said, "Ugh! Why did I make that decision?" So funny.
Jonah is loud and squawky! He is all smiles and crawling and getting all over the place. He is already pulling himself up onto the couch and chairs - something I know McKay didn't do until he was one. Jonah is almost 10 months. This month he weighed in at 24 1/2 pounds! I didn't think we could make a baby bigger than Gavin, but we have done it! He is busting out of all of his clothes so I had to buy him some new 12-18 month winter clothes and borrow some others. Tonight he is wearing 18 month jammies that FIT his 9 month body. Crazy! These days he finds me where I am and pulls himself onto his knees and grabs my pants. I love to see him sitting up in his crib and crawl towards me when I come to get him.
As per usual, everyone is sick around these parts. I don't know what it is with us and January - but really! We are on week four of someone being sick. And the rounds are just starting over again. We're just doing our best and hanging in there. It hasn't snowed much this winter. When the snow is fresh the boys have loved putting on their snow gear they got for Christmas. I just need to bundle them up more often and send them out back. Things get squishy in here - especially in the winter - so anyway we can get outside and moving is good. The Summit High gym and hallways and grandma and grandpa's front room have been our other play places.
Some days it's hard to enjoy what I've got right here, right now. Just today I was holding Jonah and telling Brian that these times will soon be just a memory. I kissed his chubby cheeks and made him smile in the mirror - one of his favorite things. What consumes my life right now and is the norm will really be over before I know it. And then we'll be in new stages. And on and on. I'm making a conscious effort to enjoy where I am now. I've decided a well-rested mom (or just a mom who gets an hour to herself everyday) is the key to that success. I'm starting to come to terms with the fact that I will just be tired forever. So I take my mom time, rested or not, and gear up and keep it going.
Right now is also tricky with Brian working three late nights a week. Buying into the Alpine Center was a good decision and I think will turn out to be profitable for us. We've been doing this crazy schedule for a year and a half! Two more years to go. Someday I will also look back and remember these days - I know it won't last forever. Thank heavens for good friends and family that I can bother in those last evening hours before bedtime. A quick trip Melinda's or having friends over for dinner is just what we need sometime to make the night end on a happy note.
Brian and I just booked our 10th Anniversary trip to Kauai. We are so excited! We are looking forward to six days in April. Then I'll be off to London in May with Mother and the other girls. Lots of fun trips to look forward to.
Gavin is learning to read and I cannot believe how much he has grown in the past six months. He is officially a big boy. He is super responsible at getting things to and from school and keeping track of hats and coats and gloves at school. Recently a sweet older man from our ward passed away. Brother Conley loved Gavin (and all the boys!) and he was sick the day of the funeral. I would have taken him with me. When he found out he couldn't go he said, "Mom, when you get back, will you tell me all about it?" And when I got back he saw the program and asked me what I had learned while I was gone. It was so so sweet. When we saw his wife at the grocery store he hollered, "I'm sorry your husband died!" as we walked away. Sincere as could be. And again, just tonight we went to visit a lady in the ward who lost her husband. On his own he grabbed one of his toys from his bin and said, "I want to give this to her little boy. It is one of my most favorite toys. I am sad that his dad died." He teaches me so much. These days he teaches himself songs on the piano and has the cutest laugh when he sees a funny part on a movie.
McKay has learned to write his name and is so close to riding a bike. Soon! He is so proud of himself and I am glad to see him interested in learning his letters and doing mommy school with me. I've been thinking about him so much. I feel like it is really important that I spend this one-on-one time with him while Gavin is at school and Jonah is napping. I felt that last year and I feel it even more now. He needs me. He loves to be with his friends and always wants to be going somewhere or be with other people. It's easy to ship him off and let him play at friends when they offer. He has fun and I get things done. But at the same time I keep feeling like I want him here with me. Like we need to keep our days simple and less filled with 'stuff.' He certainly still has his moments but I feel like we are nearing the stage where he grows out of his fits and anger when things don't go his way. It is much easier to talk and get through to him than it has been in the past. He is my bundle of energy and I love his hugs and constant kisses. These days his slumpy shoulders when he gets a 'no' followed with his eye rolls and "Are you kidding me???" are killing me. After I told him he would be in a timeout he sighed and said, "Ugh! Why did I make that decision?" So funny.
Jonah is loud and squawky! He is all smiles and crawling and getting all over the place. He is already pulling himself up onto the couch and chairs - something I know McKay didn't do until he was one. Jonah is almost 10 months. This month he weighed in at 24 1/2 pounds! I didn't think we could make a baby bigger than Gavin, but we have done it! He is busting out of all of his clothes so I had to buy him some new 12-18 month winter clothes and borrow some others. Tonight he is wearing 18 month jammies that FIT his 9 month body. Crazy! These days he finds me where I am and pulls himself onto his knees and grabs my pants. I love to see him sitting up in his crib and crawl towards me when I come to get him.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Christmas 2013
Christmas - from start to finish - was literally perfect.
McKay woke up at 7:00 bright eyed and the first words out of his mouth were, "How long do we have to do this? Lay in here and wait for Santa?" Like he was all bugged he had been up waiting for us forever. It was pretty funny. Gavin and Jonah were ready to go right at the same time. Dave, Karyn, and their kids were up and waiting so we headed out. We put wrapping paper at the end of the hall the night before so they couldn't see out. This was in place of the "chair of death" of my youth. I thought it looked and sounded a little more pleasant. They busted through the paper while Uncle Dave guarded the sharp piano edge.
Eyes were sparkly and voices were happy and busy for an hour opening gifts. It really was a happy time. Jonah was wide-eyed and enjoyed his first Christmas eating paper and watching all of the busyness.
Kids played while we got a yummy breakfast of aebelskivers, eggs, sausage, bacon, and orange juice. Then they were off to play before the cousins had to leave. Beyblade battles with accompanying songs lasted for hours. The Woolf's left just before 1:00. We were still in our jammies and went to Melinda and Justin's to say hi and see their new prizes. Headed home for naptime and lunch leftovers. Note: Honeybaked Ham turkey breast is ridiculously yummy! Rested, played, hung out. Still in jams. Went back to Melinda's to play games until bedtime. The kids went to bed - in the same jammies - happy. Still talking about Christmas Eve. "Wasn't that fun yesterday?"
A honest-to-goodness PERFECT day. I'm cataloging that one in my brain forever. December 26 @ 7:00 am - whining, bickering, etc. Business as usual.
McKay woke up at 7:00 bright eyed and the first words out of his mouth were, "How long do we have to do this? Lay in here and wait for Santa?" Like he was all bugged he had been up waiting for us forever. It was pretty funny. Gavin and Jonah were ready to go right at the same time. Dave, Karyn, and their kids were up and waiting so we headed out. We put wrapping paper at the end of the hall the night before so they couldn't see out. This was in place of the "chair of death" of my youth. I thought it looked and sounded a little more pleasant. They busted through the paper while Uncle Dave guarded the sharp piano edge.
Eyes were sparkly and voices were happy and busy for an hour opening gifts. It really was a happy time. Jonah was wide-eyed and enjoyed his first Christmas eating paper and watching all of the busyness.
Kids played while we got a yummy breakfast of aebelskivers, eggs, sausage, bacon, and orange juice. Then they were off to play before the cousins had to leave. Beyblade battles with accompanying songs lasted for hours. The Woolf's left just before 1:00. We were still in our jammies and went to Melinda and Justin's to say hi and see their new prizes. Headed home for naptime and lunch leftovers. Note: Honeybaked Ham turkey breast is ridiculously yummy! Rested, played, hung out. Still in jams. Went back to Melinda's to play games until bedtime. The kids went to bed - in the same jammies - happy. Still talking about Christmas Eve. "Wasn't that fun yesterday?"
A honest-to-goodness PERFECT day. I'm cataloging that one in my brain forever. December 26 @ 7:00 am - whining, bickering, etc. Business as usual.
Christmas Eve
A week before Christmas, Dave and Karyn called and said they would be driving through on Christmas morning to get to Karyn's family's house. I talked them into coming a day early and spending Christmas Eve and morning with us instead of being on the road. (That doesn't sound fun at all!) So they got there mid-day Christmas Eve and the kids spend a good hour or two out in the snow with their snow-deprived Arizona cousins building a snowman and snow fort. They came in wet and freezing, but happy. The kids had each other and their excitement reminded both me and Brian of our younger years. When you could hardly STAND to wait for the next thing...the dinner, family night, pjs, etc. When everything seemed to take FOR. EV. ER.
We had a yummy dinner of ham and potatoes, salad, jello, and Christmas cookies. We watched Luke 2 and opened up just ONE present. Our kids still haven't figured out the pattern here. Maybe next year they will guess what it is before they open it. They were pleased and punch with their jammies. Jonah lasted just long enough to get a family picture and then he had enough of his first Christmas Eve. Kids were jumping and wild and they settled down to get Santa's cookies and Rudolph's carrots on a plate and then watched a movie. Our three boys slept in our room with us. McKay was pooped right out and fell asleep quickly with me laying by him. Gavin was restless and excited and took a little longer. He knew he MUST go to sleep so Santa could come - but isn't that easier said than done?? I remember that too... But he finally gave in and they all slept soundly and dreamt of sugarplums I am sure.
We had a yummy dinner of ham and potatoes, salad, jello, and Christmas cookies. We watched Luke 2 and opened up just ONE present. Our kids still haven't figured out the pattern here. Maybe next year they will guess what it is before they open it. They were pleased and punch with their jammies. Jonah lasted just long enough to get a family picture and then he had enough of his first Christmas Eve. Kids were jumping and wild and they settled down to get Santa's cookies and Rudolph's carrots on a plate and then watched a movie. Our three boys slept in our room with us. McKay was pooped right out and fell asleep quickly with me laying by him. Gavin was restless and excited and took a little longer. He knew he MUST go to sleep so Santa could come - but isn't that easier said than done?? I remember that too... But he finally gave in and they all slept soundly and dreamt of sugarplums I am sure.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Birthdays, Christmas Prep and Other Happenings
Over the years I've toned down my need for a crazy birthday. While I've been high-maintenance in the past, things are getting easier and just a quiet day at home with no expectations is what I want most now. I must be maturing, in my 35-years. THIRTY FIVE! Why does that sound so serious?? I feel like I'm supposed to be all grown up. Some days I feel old (those lines on my face!, white hairs on my head that come out of nowhere, my back that kills after I've been sitting on the floor for five minutes...) but at the same time I feel like I'm just getting started! So the month started off with our Santa visit on my birthday. That's been my new tradition the past two years. A simple day at home, dinner with Brian, then take the kids to see Santa. It was freezing and had been snowing all day. After a snuggle day on the couch watching the first real snow, we were the only ones there to meet with the big guy.
We got McKay sick and better early in the month. Better sooner than later! Poor little guy. We had several days at home just hanging out.
Things were a little different with Grandma and Grandpa gone on their mission this Christmas. Our party going was minimal - just two the entire month. The extended Argyle family didn't do their Christmas thing because Judy is usually the one who heads that up.
Melinda pulled things together for the immediate family and we had our traditional turkey dinner at the mothership without Mr. and Mrs. Founder of the Feast. Shauna brought a little wooden tree to set the mood. Granted, it wasn't the way that grandma does it (fancy plates, glasses, napkin rings, chocolates and treats on trays all over waiting for us... but it was fun to be with everyone just the same.
We had such a nice time. The kids were excited to give and get their presents. Crystal about had a heart attack that I didn't put Jonah's name in the exchange. Luckily he was ok with it! Gavin got the Ice Age 2 movie, fruit snacks and spirit sticks from Landen. McKay got a Batman toy from Jorja. Everyone was happy and the feeling was good. We really love spending time with siblings and cousins.
Later in the month we got to go to Scott's party with Brian's childhood friends. They are always so funny when they get together. I love getting together with people that we love. Having just a few parties to look forward to, shopping done early, Brian home more... It's been a great month.
We got McKay sick and better early in the month. Better sooner than later! Poor little guy. We had several days at home just hanging out.
Things were a little different with Grandma and Grandpa gone on their mission this Christmas. Our party going was minimal - just two the entire month. The extended Argyle family didn't do their Christmas thing because Judy is usually the one who heads that up.
Melinda pulled things together for the immediate family and we had our traditional turkey dinner at the mothership without Mr. and Mrs. Founder of the Feast. Shauna brought a little wooden tree to set the mood. Granted, it wasn't the way that grandma does it (fancy plates, glasses, napkin rings, chocolates and treats on trays all over waiting for us... but it was fun to be with everyone just the same.
We had such a nice time. The kids were excited to give and get their presents. Crystal about had a heart attack that I didn't put Jonah's name in the exchange. Luckily he was ok with it! Gavin got the Ice Age 2 movie, fruit snacks and spirit sticks from Landen. McKay got a Batman toy from Jorja. Everyone was happy and the feeling was good. We really love spending time with siblings and cousins.
Later in the month we got to go to Scott's party with Brian's childhood friends. They are always so funny when they get together. I love getting together with people that we love. Having just a few parties to look forward to, shopping done early, Brian home more... It's been a great month.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Arizona Thanksgiving 2013
We were happy to get to warmer after the cold streak we'd been having here at home. We hadn't been to Arizona for a year, so it was nice to go back. After a quick stop in St. George for a night, the drive was pretty easy. Our boys are still good travelers. I don't know at what point we will stop saying that - but with treats prepared ahead of time and some DVDs, they are good to go. And Jonah was just a sweetheart, both ways. Bless him.
We stayed with Dave and Karyn and their kids. My family is always so nice to let this party of five crash their place for days on end. The best part about trips like these is how occupied the kids are. We literally hardly see them for days as they are off playing with cousins from morning 'til night. Gavin and McKay are at ages now where we could send them to the park with the other kids and I felt like they would be safe.
Thanksgiving dinner was at Grandma and Grandpa Woolf's house. It did not disappoint! While I do not have a picture of my race earlier that day, I ran a 10K with Allison and Karyn. It was hard. I was last. But that's not the important part. The important part was that I actually did it. The other important part was that Brian held Jonah after our yummy dinner so I could fully enjoy my piece of pumpkin cheesecake. The kids loved making gumdrop turkeys with grandpa and Gavin worked extensively on his drawing for the art contest. He won "Most Original" and was pretty excited about it.
Nate and Lynsey and their families came over to Dave's everyday so there was lots of playing and park time. I accidentally broke McKay's stick during the group picture, so he's was a little bent out of shape. Made for one of my favorite pictures of him ever! We did an adult date night with yummy mexican food and the traditional Bahama Bucks run. Dad rode his bike over and took the kids around the block a few times. We visited Mother. Ann and Steve Williams and their kids even drove over to see us for a bit. Steve took Brian to sushi and made his year complete. Seeing them was an absolute highlight. It was a wonderful, quick trip.
In a split minute decision, we decided to go home a little early and left at 7pm and got to St. George around 2am instead of leaving the following morning. I was grateful that Brian got us there in one piece since I am not always a reliable nighttime driver! As always, we were happy to get to our little home on 1010 West.
We stayed with Dave and Karyn and their kids. My family is always so nice to let this party of five crash their place for days on end. The best part about trips like these is how occupied the kids are. We literally hardly see them for days as they are off playing with cousins from morning 'til night. Gavin and McKay are at ages now where we could send them to the park with the other kids and I felt like they would be safe.
Thanksgiving dinner was at Grandma and Grandpa Woolf's house. It did not disappoint! While I do not have a picture of my race earlier that day, I ran a 10K with Allison and Karyn. It was hard. I was last. But that's not the important part. The important part was that I actually did it. The other important part was that Brian held Jonah after our yummy dinner so I could fully enjoy my piece of pumpkin cheesecake. The kids loved making gumdrop turkeys with grandpa and Gavin worked extensively on his drawing for the art contest. He won "Most Original" and was pretty excited about it.
Nate and Lynsey and their families came over to Dave's everyday so there was lots of playing and park time. I accidentally broke McKay's stick during the group picture, so he's was a little bent out of shape. Made for one of my favorite pictures of him ever! We did an adult date night with yummy mexican food and the traditional Bahama Bucks run. Dad rode his bike over and took the kids around the block a few times. We visited Mother. Ann and Steve Williams and their kids even drove over to see us for a bit. Steve took Brian to sushi and made his year complete. Seeing them was an absolute highlight. It was a wonderful, quick trip.
In a split minute decision, we decided to go home a little early and left at 7pm and got to St. George around 2am instead of leaving the following morning. I was grateful that Brian got us there in one piece since I am not always a reliable nighttime driver! As always, we were happy to get to our little home on 1010 West.
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