We Moved Again

During the spring Dean and I were doing some work on the house.  We bought new bedroom furniture and I was getting ready to decorate our room when Dean shared some news.  He casually mentioned that he was looking a houses online.  This was a surprise to me because we had not been living in that house for two years yet. 

So after some prayer we talked to Abby about the possibility of moving and she thought it was great. 

We looked for a couple of months and had a couple of offers rejected.  There were also a couple we were put on the "if this offer falls though, you'll be next" list.

Well, at the end of July, a house we had put an offer on almost four months earlier had accepted our offer and wanted us to close in 3 weeks.  During that time a lot of things happened that made it seem we would not get the house but we just knew that everything would work out the way it was supposed to and it did!

We moved in the weekend after school started.  We did tons of work on the house.  We hired my brother Savino to work on the yard for us.  It was completely a mess and it took him two weeks working full-time and a Saturday of all our brothers/brother-in-laws laying sod it get it looking good.

Before

A couple of days after we moved in the selling agent came to the house to talk to us.  She told us that the house and been empty for three years and had several offers that had fallen through so it must be that we were meant to live in this house and I agree. 

First Day of School

This year Abby started the 2nd grade at Woods elementary.  She was so brave to start at a new school.  She never expressed any concerns just excitement.

Carter started his first day of preschool at Century Elementary.  He did great and was not worried at all when I left.  It helps that there was play dough.  

The Death of My Youth

So, it is true, today I turned 30.  At my birthday last year I was sure that turning 30 meant the death of my youth.  I figured everything basically was downhill from there.

Silly 29 year old girl.  Today I am 30 and I am happy with every part of my life.  My 20s were great I had a lot of experiences that have made me the woman I am today.  So, if my 20s were amazing I am sure that my 30s will be awesome. 

During my 20s I learned a crap load of stuff.  I learned that marriage is awesome and that I married basically the best person I know. 

I learned that my body can do amazing things.  I birthed and fed three children and that I am way stronger than I look.

I learned that I can have the kind of relationships I want to have with people.  It is okay to let some people go if it makes my life easier and less painful. 

I learned to listen and not say everything that comes into my mind, even if it’s the truth. 

I learned to let people be who they want to be and not try to change them because if they were going to change they would have done it already so love them for who they are and use my “crazy shield” for the stuff I can’t handle.  

I learned that I really love the gospel.  It is not just something I do but part of who I am.  The opportunities I have had to serve and people I have served with have changed me in a profound way. I learned to recognize the Lord’s hand in my life. 

Well, 30s here I am. 

Summer Lake Trips

This summer we didn't go up to the lake quite as often as last summer and when we did we took up the jet skis instead of the boat. 

Grant driving the jet ski

Carter, Dean and Cousin Heidi

Carter rowing Dean around the lake.

Throwing rocks with Dad

Most days we would take off in the early afternoon.   Dean would ride on one jet ski with Carter and Abby and I would ride on the other with Grant.  Grant would try to push my hands off the handle bars so he could drive or he would tell me, "Go fast Mom." 

We would ride to a good spot and swim, throw rocks and one time we even took the tube.  The kids always had a great time and we loved having the fun family time together. 

Swim Lessons

This summer the kids did swim lessons at Jan Thomas Swim School.  I was not planning on swim lessons but after seeing Carter's complete disregard for safety around the water (almost drowning at the pool at the gym)  I decided swim lesson would be a good idea. 

The kids all did very well.  Abby already had basic swimming skills and was able to learn some new strokes. 

Carter really liked his swim teacher.  One of the days we arrived at our lesson he said, "Where is my Sami lady?"  The swim coaches were so amazing and we really had a great experience. 

Carter and Grant learned how to jump in and swim to the side of the pool and how to float on their backs.  The kids had a lot of fun. 

Grant's Birthday

Thank you Aunt Sami for the cute cake.  

Grant's birthday gift was a kitten we named Hunter.   

After losing 3 cats in 3 years I was not wanting to get another pet but Grant loves animals.  All of the kids love Hunter.  He is a sweet cat and very gentle with the kids.  The cat is smart enough to hide when the kids are getting wild. 

Grant is doing well.  At his two year check up he was right where he should be with his development.  He is speaking simple sentences and has good large and small motor skills.  He gets along well with other kids. (Unless I try to hold another child, then that child becomes the enemy.) 

Grant weighed 30lbs (just over 75%)

He was just over 3 feet tall (95%)

Grant is out of his crib and no longer has a passy.  Just onto potty training then he will be a big boy. 

Carter is 4!

Obsessed may not be a strong enough word to describe how Carter feels about super heroes.   

Daddy likes them too  

Maybe its a family thing 

Carter is doing well.  He finished a year of preschool.  He is really good at and loves to play computer games.  He still has a speech delay but we are hoping to get some help for that.  Carter is also still struggling with going to primary.  He still wants to go to his "small class" a.k.a. nursery. 

At his four year old checkup he measured 95% for his height and 50% for his weight.