My piano makeover

For YEARS now I have wanted to paint our old orange-ish piano. We bought it years ago, for a good deal. It's not an heirloom, has no significant meaning to anyone and is just not jiving with the colors I have going on in my home. After hours of youtube videos and online tutorials I decided to just take the plunge and go for it.

I am SO happy I did. It looks a million ca-gillion times better! Wish I had done it ages ago!

Before:

And the after:

I spent about $60 on chalk paint and supplies. I need to finish it by waxing it but I had to order another can of paint online since they ran out in the store to do some final touch ups. It looks so happy and cute.

Happy dance, oh yeah.

Family fun

Last weekend was great as we had family come to celebrate Dallin's big ordination. We had fun taking the fam to the boy's football games, hitting the Parade of Homes, taking them up to Rigby for some famous Stoplight Pizza, and playing at the Dunes. We had a great time and once everyone left I was feeling really homesick for family.  I usually hold up pretty well over here alone but having a little taste of family make me homesick for all of the support. The boys absolutely loved having everyone here. I wish it could happen more often.  Parker and Landon both had great games. And thank heavens the weather was perfection. Fun fun times. 

 My little convo with Bryan:
Me: "Hey Bryan, are you excited to go home?"
B: "Yeah, I need to get back to my Batman."
"And I can't be your boy because my mom likes me too much."
Cutie.

Happy 12th Dallin

Happy 12 years to my sweet oldest son! This weekend was one full of cherished memories as Dallin was ordained a Deacon in the priesthood. Nat, Robby, and her kids came, along with Uncle Jason, and both sets of Grandparents.
My baby is turning into a Young Man before my eyes. It feels like the years are moving more quickly as each one passes. I'm so blessed to have you in my life Dallin. You are a special boy who has always done things your own way. You are so driven and obedient. You are helpful, SO helpful to me. I honestly couldn't do everything it takes to run this family without you as my right hand man. You looked so handsome in your new suit this past Sunday and it was very special seeing all of the men who love and support you administer this sacred gift that you can use to help bless the lives of others. You are so talented and kind. I'm thankful for the things that you have taught me throughout your life. I'm excited to continue to stand back and watch you achieve your goals and dreams. I wish I could protect you and spare you from some of the evil things of this world but I know you are a kind hearted and sensitive boy who knows where to find peace and knows what matters most in this life. You have a sweet and simple testimony that will help you and will continue to strengthen and grow throughout the years. I love you my biggest boy. Its a blessing and privilege to be your mom.

Sun Valley

This past weekend was so amazing. Nate had his annual Conference in Sun Valley and I wanted to go so badly. I asked everyone I could possibly think of in my life who might be able to come and watch my kids and no one could....or wanted to I should say.

I decided that it just wasn't going to work this year and figured I'd just get some things done around the house while Nate went without me. Then, like an angel sent from heaven my friend Jessi offered to help me out. I honestly cried when she told me that she would LOVE to watch my kids and that she would be THRILLED and EXCITED to have the OPPORTUNITY to do so. Seriously, who says that!??

Alone time with my husband hasn't happened in 3 whole years. We've make things work dragging  a baby with us and leaving the boys but being ALONE....nope, its been awhile.  I hurried and got ready to go. Nails done, eyebrows done, new dress, jewelry, and more.

The whole weekend was marvelous. Fancy meals, great company, beautiful surroundings and some time to just focus on being a WIFE and not a MOM for a few days. Adult conversation and a time to reflect on how blessed we have been over this last year. It was so scary last year trying to decide if Nate should start his own law firm. It was 100% the right decision. It was the best thing to ever happen to us. And when I ran into Nate's former employer from Boise.....I let him know that. And I let him know that I forgave him for the hell he put me and my family through. It was a great moment. Seriously.....it was awesome.

I love that we had this special time together but I also love that both us us were so antsy to get back to our kiddos. I'm so thankful to Jessi for helping us out. A cherished few days and a much needed recharge for sure.

My handsome boys

6th, 4th and 2nd grade. I can hardly believe that this is the last year all 3 of them will go to the same school. It has blown by! I'm so grateful for the good young men they are. They make me crazy at times but I love them regardless. I love that they really are best friends. We've spent some really good quality time this summer together and even though I always look forward to getting back to a routine, I really will miss each of them during the school year.

Here's to a great 2014-2015 school year! Go get 'em boys!!!

 

Odgen Temple Open House

On our way back home from the cabin we stopped at the Ogden Temple Open House. In my mind I envisioned a spiritually uplifting, amazing family experience.

That wasn't the case though. Anna, who was lacking about 3 hours of sleep pretty much ruined the whole experience for me. Luckily, we were able to exit the temple quickly and relieve everyone of Anna's non stop crying, kicking and screaming. I was mostly concerned that my boys had a special time. Dallin told me he was glad we went because he felt like he had a better understanding of what we do there and why temples are so important. (Success!!)

 

Sigh. I just kept singing the words in my mind, "You're gonna miss this....you're gonna want this back, you're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast."

 

Such is life right now. Love this sassy little lady. Even when she is a drama queen.