Settling In

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

It was soooo nice to have all our stuff back. We hadn't seen our things for about a month, I couldn't wait to get it all unpacked and get settled. We still lived out of our suitcases for a few more days, but gradually we got more and more organized. The girls were so excited to have their own rooms.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

I got a kick out of the packing job the movers did. I would pull out a big huge bundle like this . . .

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

and find teeny tiny things inside, like this. I found individually wrapped dress up shoes in tones of paper, seashells, plastic toys. They really made sure to do a good job. We must have had a ton of paper by the time we were finished unpacking, though.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

A very carefully wrapped seashell. (o:

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

The boxes made great forts and the kids had fun with them in the yard one day while I got some cleaning done. We still have some box "houses" in our basement. One fun memory for the girls, that I don't have a picture of because I was gone - was the day they were playing in the front yard with tons of boxes like these. Daddy was working on organizing and cleaning out the garage while they played in and on several boxes. Soon, neighborhood kids started to flock over and join in the fun. Hal* said he counted 13 little girls running around on and in those boxes in the front yard. It was a fun first memory for the girls in their new neighborhood!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Another funny thing that happened - could have turned out not so funny if the weather hadn't been so good the week we moved in. On our day of the move in - one of the guys had the brilliant idea to open one of the basement room windows to pass boxes through. We opened a window and took out a screen. I never really remembered seeing them use that window, now that I look back on it. We got busy doing other things and directing furniture placement, we forgot about it. Two days later, we were walking around the side of the house and found several boxes stacked by a window on the opposite side of the house behind our garage! Someone must have gotten mixed up as to which side of the house to take the boxes to and since the boxes could not be seen from the front or the backyard, they were forgotten. I'm so glad the weather held up or we would have lost a lot of books! Another down side to opening that window was that we were so busy that day we forgot it was open. We didn't notice until we came home late that night from getting dinner and realized the downstairs was freezing. Yikes! So much for that brilliant idea.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

We love the sidewalk that wraps around to our big back patio - perfect for riding bikes!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

One of the first matters of business after our move was finding violin and piano teachers for the girls and myself. We found a great violin teacher for Natalie at the high school right down the street, just a mile away. She is the orchestra teacher at Riverton. After Nat's first lesson, we came out and heard the marching band playing so we went to go watch them. They were preparing for state competition, I believe. It was fun to get to know the high school the girls will go to someday. It seems like a really nice school!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

This was a big project we had to get to before winter set in. You can't really tell from this picture just how many tomato bushes are in here. I think I pulled out about 10 huge bushes (toward the middle and back). We also pulled out several weeds, old potato plants, corn stalks and picked some delicious carrots. We are excited to plant in this great big garden next summer!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Now that looks like a "home sweet home" sort of picture!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

A house really feels like a home when friends and family come to visit! This is Angela's new friend, Abbi who lives two houses down!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Hosting our first football party with mom and dad! Hal* made his famous ribs. It was a stressful and exciting game vs. San Diego State. A nail biter for sure, but the Utes ended on an exciting note - 38 to 34, we were whooping and hollering and jumping up and down!! That was one of the craziest games I've ever seen with guys tipping the ball to the other team, blocking kicks, interceptions - all the stuff that makes college football so fun!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

A fun night with grandma and grandpa ended with a fun surprise - when we opened the door to say goodbye - 5 fresh inches of snow that fell during the game! Our first snow since moving into the house.

The Girls' Rooms

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Because we were going from the girls sharing in the old house to getting their own rooms in the new house, we needed to get a new dresser and a couple new pieces of furniture for their rooms. The first priority was a dresser so we could get Angela's clothes out of her boxes. After two weeks of living out of boxes, her dresser arrived! Before this new furniture arrived, my motivation to work on the girls rooms was minimal. I worked on other areas of the house. The day the furniture arrived, I worked hard to get all their rooms unpacked and arrranged. It felt so good to finally have them moved in and they were so excited to see the big "ta da" when they got home from school.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Nat loved seeing her bed pushed up against the wall. I had fun moving things around until I liked it.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Christine's Concert

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

My little sis has some amazing pipes. She discovered this talent during high school after taking private voice lessons and getting involved in her high school choir. Now that she's in college, she sings in the institute choir and works at Heritage Park during Christmas in a carolers group. I have missed more performances than I'd like to think about - and now that we are back, I am thrilled to get to attend some of her concerts and performances. One of her first ones after we moved, was a Thanksgiving concert at the U of U institute. I brought Natalie with me and we were not disappointed. It was beautiful! Natalie thought it was a little long. After just one song, she was ready to go up and give aunt Chrissy a hug. We loved it and it was so fun to get a little tour of the building with Christine. In my years at the U of U, I spent countless hours at the institute. It was my hang out spot with all my college and sorority friends. I LOVED the "tute" as we called it. I was a little sad because the building I knew had been torn down and replaced with this new building. It was fun to see what is now Chrissy's stomping grounds. The picture above is "her" calendar that she was keeping up last semester.

T-shirts

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

While shopping at Walmart for some new home necessities, I spotted this shirt in the men's department. I was in a silly mood and it made me laugh. I liked this "cool Yoda" shirt and pointed it out to the girls. Angela laughed, Natalie laughed, Sarah rolled her eyes. I told her I liked it enough that I might buy it. I like things that make me laugh. She didn't think there was anything funny about it. "But that's a boy shirt!" she pointed out. Plus, she thought it was dorky. Ok, I'm not arguing that. Then I had a thought and told her that maybe it could be the shirt I wear when I come volunteer in her classroom. Her face turned white - she was stunned and horrified. "No mom! That would be so embarrassing!" Oh dear, this only seemed to encourage my teasing. I don't know what it is, I couldn't help myself. I found myself buying the shirt within minutes of that comment. Sarah was seriously MAD at me for buying such an ugly boy shirt. Any time I bring it up (still) she gets freaked out. I haven't worn it to school yet, but when I wear it, she really pays attention to where we are going that day. Poor Sarah - we all get a big kick out of her hatred of my Yoda shirt.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

And speaking of shirts, this is a very cute, one of a kind shirt Natalie owns that can't be found at any Walmart. For one of her school assignments, she was supposed to design a T-shirt that advertised a mystery book she read. She read a Magic Treehouse book called, "Day of the Dragon King". On her shirt, she wanted to draw a dragon with fabric puff paints. I found a picture on google of a cute dragon and gave her the paints. I swear I did not draw a single line on this shirt. I could not believe how good it turned out! What an artist! This is now one of her favorite T-shirts to wear. I wish I had one my size. Guess I'll just have to wear my Yoda instead. (o:

Thankful

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Just a week after moving into our house, I got a scary phone call that my dad was in the hospital. He had an acute case of diverticulitis that had gotten to a dangerous stage and was hospitalized for several days until the doctors felt he was stable and beyond risk for infection. That first day, before we knew how bad things were going to be, I was so grateful that Bob* could take most of the day off and I was able to spend the afternoon with dad and mom. It was so much better than getting updates over the phone -which would have been the case if we were still in Oregon. And that is precisely why we came back. To be closer for the good and the bad times. I felt relief seeing that my dad still had his sense of humor and was able to joke around (although I could tell he was in a lot of pain). I also enjoyed going to lunch with my mom and visiting over Subways.

Unfortunately, the hospitalization forced my dad to miss the much anticipated home "blackout" game with TCU. I decided to come watch some of the game with him at the hospital to cheer him up. He had his Shakey "mask" above and all kinds of U of U paraphernalia in his room. Unfortunately, it was the worst game of the season for the Utes up until that point. Well, there was only so much cheering up I could do after that game. But at least he had someone to mope with.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Later in the week, we all came for a visit. The girls were very worried about grandpa too and were so happy to get to see that he was okay. We were all feeling very thankful that dad was okay and that we were close enough to visit him as much as we wanted. Love you dad.

The amazing thing was that the next week, dad was able to go on his much anticipated trip to the U of U vs. Notre Dame game in Indiana that he and my mom had planned months before. When he first realized how serious his condition was, I think he was more worried about missing that game than anything else. (o: Happily, he got to go . . . Sadly, it ended up being a terrible game.

But that's not what matters most. I still feel very thankful.

Just a Random Picture

From NovDecFavorites

No special events or anything, just an afternoon with my Ang. This really captures the unpacking mode we were in if you look all around. Hey the bed is made! There's a good thing! The curtains were still tied up from the carpets being cleaned and there are random things here and there.

These were some cute dolls Angela got from Mrs. B. for a going away gift.

Just taking a break and trying to make some memories in our new home.

VOTE!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

I had to give myself a pat on the back for getting out to vote the day after moving into our house. It took a little longer since I was a brand new resident, so it made Angela a little grumpy (thus the picture where she is forcing a "smile"). But someday she will appreciate my patriotism, perhaps. (o:

Moving Day!!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

It finally came! Monday, November 1st was our official move in day. I think it will be a new holiday for us! Even though I was frustrated having to wait through the weekend to get into the house - the weather ended up being so much better on Monday. We had a beautiful, sunny day! It was a little cool in the morning, but I think the movers actually appreciated that as they worked hard bringing in all our stuff. Having movers was such a huge blessing. We've always been the do it yourself kind of people when it comes to moving, so we felt very spoiled getting to just play the role of directors.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

The girls watched movies on my laptop and later went across the street to our new friends' house. It was the same family that invited us over for dinner a week earlier. They are an awesome family, the mom's name is Jen (so she must be great, right?). I just love Jen already - she is so sweet and thoughtful. The girls had a super fun afternoon at their house making movies in the backyard and dressing up!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Meanwhile we directed, organized, and decided where to put things.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

The best part was when our parents and Kelly showed up to help! It was a blast having our family help us move in. We laughed a lot, ate Subway sandwiches and got the whole kitchen unpacked and organized together! Kelly worked diligently and a little obsessively at organizing the spice cabinet. He noticed I had 2 or 3 mustard seed containers and teased me relentlessly, "You never know when you're gonna need mustard seed!" He was very proud of the job he had done and said he would come check to make sure I didn't mess it up.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Mom has helped us move into every house. She is a pro. Our first priority is always the kitchen and she is awesome at organizing. I have so many memories of her helping organize my kitchens. What a great mom! (O: She knows what a good feeling it is to have an organized kitchen in a new home. Bert's* dad worked hard at unpacking things and adjusting shelves in the cupboards and his mom helped put things away. Bert* and I so enjoyed this process with our favorite people! It was so much fun, especially knowing that it meant we would be spending a lot of time together with them in this house!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Having Home Sweet Home close to family is the BEST!

Halloween!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

We found some fun costumes this year and splurged more than usual since we had no access to all our dress ups.

Since Halloween fell on a Sunday this year, it was kind of handy being back in Utah. Everyone celebrates on the Saturday before since there are so many Mormons around here. (o: (We try to keep the sabbath holy by spending time with family, going to church and doing things that help us focus on the Savior.)

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Zeek's* costume. (o:

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Even though we had nothing in our new house, we really wanted to do the trick or treating experience in our new home and neighborhood! We lucked out when Abbi's mom and dad invited the girls and I to trick or treat with them in the back of their truck (just behind the girls). (Abbi, who is Angela's age, lives two houses down from us.) It was trick or treating in style and so nice because it was a very cold and rainy night. It helped us get around much faster! We had a great time getting to know our new neighbors and friends. It got us so excited to finally move in and get settled.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

We also got to go trick or treating at grandma and grandpa's house. This was uncle Andy's Halloween decoration he made.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Sammy is not sure what happened to uncle Zeek's* face!

Eating on the Floor

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

This has been a tradition in our past two homes - eating dinner on the floor before all the furniture arrives. We had pizza and soda and imagined our things finally being in our new home! It was a long time coming!

Halloween Fun

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

Gardner Village is an adorable little shopping village in Salt Lake that makes Halloween a HUGE event! I had heard about their celebrations and witches and always wanted to go - and now we finally could! We were not disappointed. This will be a tradition for years to come - what a blast!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

There are cute witches everywhere decorating the village. They are so cute and funny.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

We found this funny headband in one of the stores - it would be my Halloween costume this year!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

This hilarious witch greeted us as we waited to go on "A Ride to a Witch's House" It was a fun hay ride to a hilarious and entertaining tour of a "real" witches house. We had to pay with little plastic cocroaches that we got when we bought our tickets.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

The ladies who played the witches were so funny and really got into character. Apparently, there is a pageant sort of thing that women have to try out for - I think they make their own costumes and characters. There is a queen chosen and her royalty. The women chosen get to work at the village during October doing tours, etc. They were amazing!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

The details in the witches' house were amazing. These tea cups had all sorts of scary surprises.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

This is "Seven" the pet spider who is missing one leg. We were shown the extra lumpy bed, the wart cream they put on every night so they will wake up with more warts, the kitchen where they share all kinds of yucky recipes including dragon eyes, the garden with rotting vegetables and more that I can't remember.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

A lesson in making poisoned apples. (o: So creative and fun! We had a fabulous time!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

After, I let the girls pick a treat in the candy shop.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

It was a gorgeous sunset on the way home!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

It was so fun to actually dress up for Halloween at school this year! At their school in Oregon, it was downplayed quite a bit and the kids were only allowed to wear one part of their costume. In Utah they dress up, have parades and parties. Way more fun!

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

From Blog Favorites Sept.Oct.

That's Sarah after playing a mummy game in her class. (O: