A Happy List

Here are four things that are making me happy right now.

My aerobics class. It’s been years since I’ve been able to go to an aerobics class on a regular basis. I’ve finally been able to again and it’s my favorite. It’s certainly one of the silver linings of my kids getting older (Marlee is a kindergartner now, say WHAT?!). I love working out with these ladies.

3:05. That time when the big yellow B-U-S pulls up in front of my house. (Side note: Marlee is learning to spell all sorts of 3 letter words. She throws it out there all the time. “Did you see the C-A-T?” “M-O-M where’s D-A-D?” "Is the S-U-N up today?” It makes me smile.) Anyway, B-U-S time is my favorite part of the day.  I love watching my kids run into the house after a long day at school. I love hearing their stories from the day, looking through their backpacks and having them home again. They sorta make my world go ‘round. And they also drive me crazy…because, well, kids. D-U-H.

My eye covers. I have always had a horrible time falling asleep at night. And then when we moved into a hotel for 42 days (2 ½ years ago…I can’t believe it’s already been that long!) I invested in some sweet eye covers to block out the all night light of city dwelling. I haven’t slept a night without them since. They don’t cure insomnia, but they definitely reduce the symptoms. Plus, added bonus, they're sexy. Ha!

My husband. The older we get and the more life we live, the more and more I realize just how very lucky I am that he chose me to be his best friend. I’m pretty lucky, and he’s pretty dang amazing!

Rediscovering, A verb

I hear sometimes old embers can ignite new flames. This is my hope.

This is us {unedited}. 2018.

This is not a New Year’s Resolution. I feel like I should disclose that.

But maybe it should be. (???)

Did you make goals? It’s the 9^th, and mine are still a work in process. Maybe there is beauty in that, I’m not sure, but maybe. I know I have been thinking much more deeply about those goals and where I want to be at the end of 2018. I’m still undecided. I’m trying to be okay with that. I'm learning that sometimes life doesn’t need to be perfectly scripted and planned out. That’s a really hard concept for me to grasp, let alone celebrate.

But here we are.

We’ve changed. We’ve grown. We’ve trialed. Sometimes with error. We’ve felt defeated. And have conquered too. We’ve developed. And moved on. And held on. We’ve aged. We’ve laughed. We’ve unearthed some new passions. And kept developing some old as well. We've had some fun. We’ve traveled. And also willingly hunkered down at times. We’ve met new friends. We’ve missed old friends; and kept in contact with some along the way.  And, most importantly, we’ve loved! I think that’s my favorite part.

Maybe that should be my goal for the upcoming year?

Love!

I like it.

Spring Breakin'

Read it!

Who finished reading the Book of Mormon?

This family!

We celebrated yesterday with a much awaited family trip to iJump.

slip n' slide

#summergram2016

||slip n' slide, double the slide||

||#hadablast #lastweek, #cousins||

{b} family grandkid count

thirteen {plus} two more on the way {plus} one sweet angel, maycie laine

and also, add in one very loved aunt marie just for good measure

Birthday Girl

Happy 4th to my sweet Marlee Monkey.

Love you to the moon and back.

Can't believe your FOUR!

things she loves: dolls, the egg game, fruit, the trampoline, all things princess, 

alligator (gatorade), her doll house, magnatiles, music, play-doh and dorothy gail

Summers Swing

#summergram2016

||backyard rope swing||

||#waitedallday, #dadsaidyes, #canal, #ropeswing, #digusting, #askiftheycare||

...and that's a wrap || preschool

...and that's a wrap || 1st grade

P.S. Jace in Preschool II | Preschool I 

...and that's a wrap || 4th grade

P.S. Brynlee in 2nd grade | 1st grade | Kindergarten

She Cooks

#summergram2016

||brynlee made sunday dinner||

||#crepes #allbyherself #homemadewhipcream #delish #outgrewtheeasybake||

The Last Day!

Happy last day of school! Bring it on summer, we are oh so ready!

#summergram2016

||awesome day. no more school and he can now land on his feet after the flip.||

Old Friends

If I were to write a list of the things that I missed most about our old life in our old town, at the very top of the list would be our old house! Man, I miss that house.

And then tied for second would be our golf course walking trail, Costco, and the Coveys. We really miss the Coveys.

Oh, and Beth. I miss my friend Beth a lot too.

Today the Coveys surprised us and came over to play. It was a good day. Just like old times.

And although it will never be as convenient or consistent as it was when we were neighbors I'm hoping the summer allows for a few more days spent with the Coveys.

just keep swimming, just keep swimming

Brynlee and Jace had their awards party tonight for swim team. They did awesome at Saturday’s swim meet and I’m so proud of them.

Jace ended up taking first place in all four of his events: 25 yard freestyle, 50 yard freestyle, 25 yard backstroke and 100 yard mixed relay.

Brynlee took 1^st place in the 100 yard freestyle, 2^nd place in the 50 yard freestyle and 3^rd place in the 50 yard backstroke.

Yay! I’m so glad my kids are good swimmers (says the mom in the life jacket!).

And cousins make swim team so much more fun!

Why hello.

I think I’ve found my way back to this little space of mine.

I was hoping that eventually I would. But one can ever be too sure. I’m still not feeling confident enough to sign on the dotted line, but I will say that that for now it feels good to have signed in and uploaded a picture.

Baby steps.

We shall see what tomorrow brings.

Twenty-Fifteen

In January we spent the warmer days walking our favorite walking path around the golf course.

In February we spent time with some of our favorite friends.

In March we toured the Don Aslett Museum of Clean.

In April we watched base jumpers jump off the Perrine Bridge.

In May we visited Craters of the Moon.

In June we took a road trip to Seattle Washington.

In July we celebrated America and spent time with cousins.

In August we sold our house. Spence started a new job, the kids started a new school year at a new school, and we moved into a hotel.

In September, 42 days after checking into the Residence Inn, we moved into our new house. We also took a trip to Yellowstone National Park with the Wahlens.

In October we got a kitty and named her Cinnamon.

In November we started building walls and running electrical wires in our unfinished basement.

In December we celebrated our very first Christmas in our house in the country.

2015 - It was a year of change. Some very good times. And some trying, challenging times too.

And 2016, I am so looking forward to you. You are going to be a great year; I’m going to make sure of it.