Top 10 things I learned at the laundramat

1. That this is a harder word to spell than one might think.

2. Go early, beat the crowds.

3. That 10 loads in 2 hours can be quite a nice thing to accomplish.

4. That at $20 for 10 loads on a Saturday, saved over the course of 2 years could buy me my dream washer/dryer set:

5. 95% of the clientel there are men.

6. Not so smart to leave your detergent there, it won't be waiting for you when you return.

7. Bring your own reading material.

8. Bring your own snacks.

9. By leaving the kids home with dad, 2 hours of laundry alone can actually be quite relaxing.

10. And last of all, even laundramat dryer's eat socks!

As you can tell, from the important life lesson's I learned today, I spent 2 hours at the laundramat. We didn't have room for our washer and dryer on the moving truck, so we have to wait a few weeks before we get them. I've been doing laundry at my mother-in-law's house, which she was so kind to let us use, but it was still backing up very quickly. I guess that having 7 people (5 of which are still in the "use my clothes" for everything mode) means lots and lots of laundry! So, I decided to take a trip to the local laundramat and catch up!

Happy 4th of July

I am finally updating our blog!! I hope that everyone is staying cool, enjoying this wonderful day and spending time with families! I love the 4th! It has to be one of my favorite holidays. We even bought our grill and got it hooked up just in time for this festive day. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch of steak and grilled veggies!

We absolutely love our new home, our new neighborhood and everything about our new life here. The kids are adjusting well, making lots of new friends and in many ways it feels like we've been here longer than just a few weeks.

We had a wonderful weekend, last weekend for our family reunion. We got to see all of John's family, and it was the best. We hadn't all been together in several years. I love them all so much and enjoyed everything so much. From lunch at Training Table to the wasp adventure to taking pictures at the castle, it was all a blast! The highlight, though, was being present when Richard and Merilyn's baby was blessed. It was a very special moment. He is a precious baby and having all of us there together to celebrate the occasion brought tears to my eyes. I love you guys!

We're Here!!!

Well, we survived yesterday! It was long, especially for John, but we are all in Provo, safe and sound. The kids and I left Alamo around 9 a.m. yesterday morning. The drive went well, although I'm glad I don't have to do that too often. There is very little radio between Alamo and Provo, our CD player is broken and all the kids were in the back. I had been up since 4 a.m. so by the time we reached Fillmore, I was having a difficult time staying awake! We arrived at Umma and Poppy's house just after 4 p.m. Utah time. Sam and Olivia hadn't really napped the whole way, so after their baths, they both fell asleep on my lap by 7 p.m.

John left Alamo in the big ole' truck around 4 p.m. and went to his meetings in Caliente. He left there around 8:30 p.m. (utah time) and drove straight through. I made him call me as he arrived at each town along the way. I fell asleep around midnight and would just wake up when he called and then went back to sleep. He pulled in around 2 something, safe and sound. I'm so glad this part of the process is over. Now, we get our keys in a few hours and start the unloading! I hope to have lots of pictures by tomorrow or Sunday to show!

New Pics...

Okay, so I'm a few days late getting these photo's posted on here, but here is a picture of our new house and some random ones of the kids! Enjoy!

Chipper chilling in the backyard.

Sam and Olivia in our new wagon. It wasn't even all put together yet, but they couldn't wait!

I love this picture! They found a way to both enjoy the new toy, at the same time!

To the men in my life...Happy Father's Day!

I just wanted to take a moment and recognize the incredible men in my life! I am so blessed.

First of all, I want to write about my dear husband. I truly couldn't imagine my life without him. He is my best friend and my greatest fan! He inspires me and pushes to me to new heights on a daily basis. I owe so much to him! We have been married for almost 13 years. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. Here are two pictures of us:

the first, is on our wedding day and the other was taken by Abby 2 weeks ago. We've definately changed over the years, added a few wrinkles, gained a few pounds, but more importantly we have learned together that we can face any challenge as long as we have each other. We have spent countless hours in a hospital, with a sick child or walking the halls and discussing the "what if's". We've survived job losses and job changes and college and the Nevada Bar. We've experienced the joy of each new baby joining our family and rejoiced in the little miracles of every day. Thanks honey! I love you! Happy Father's Day.

Next, I'd like to write about my own father. I've always had a close relationship with my dad, and I think the world of him. One of my favorite childhood memories was going deer hunting with my dad when I was only 2 or 3. For those that know me, know that I have never been into guns or hunting of any kind. But, what made that trip so special was I remember us dragging a camera around. Maybe we had a gun too, I was pretty young and don't remember everything! But, I think I gained my first love of nature and the mountains from my father. He is a very talented artist and I remember so many beautiful paintings that he did. He has done a lot fewer in recent years, but as a young girl, I remember being mesmerized by his talent. I wanted to be an artist just like him! Not that my 6 year old watercolor paintings ever compared, I believed that I could be just as good as him someday! Thanks dad! I love you and Happy Father's Day! Here is a picture of him with Sam, who loves and adores his Bumpa!

Third, I would like to mention my wonderful father in law. I feel so blessed to have him in my life, as well. He is patient and caring and such a loving grandfather to my children. Recently, as I've watched him deal with some tremendous physical challenges, I am blown away with his quiet strength and strong will to keep going and never give up. He is a wonderful example to all of us. One of my first memories of him was right after John and I started dating. I was at their house on a Saturday, and they needed the lawn mowed. Well, I've always loved to mow lawns, so I volunteered. After coming back in, I heard him tell John, "if things don't work out between you two, we'll keep her." Sometimes I tease John that that was the only reason he kept me around! Happy Father's Day Poppy! Here is a picture of him a few years ago holding Abby!

Last, I want to write about the little men in my life. I have been blessed with three wonderful sons! They are so sweet and caring. Even my 11 year old, who everyone keeps warning me about those teenage years coming, he is always giving me hugs and telling me how much he loves me! I know that soon, he won't be so giving with his affections, but I'll take them for as long as I can! Each one of them are unique and special in their own ways. And the day that each of them entered my life, was an incredible experience for me! I am so blessed!