FYI before and after pics

We have had many people ask us about the remodel. So I decided to post before and after pics. Without the floor plan shown, it's impossible to show you the extensive changes that were made. However, I hope just a few of the pictures give you the idea. The "after" pictures were taken toward the end of the remodel so there were still a few things left to do at that point. For the sake of simplicity (and the aweful kink in my neck from uploading numerous photos), there are quite a few bedrooms and a couple of bathrooms not shown, along with the laundry and powder room.



BEFORE

and after

Nephew News

A new nephew-hooray! Jon called with the news this morning. I will leave the detail sharing to them but I am just too excited not to post about him. Anyway, I realize I am biased on this point, but this little one has come to a fun, passionate, and loving mom and dad. I hope he is naughty. I love it when my nieces and nephews are naughty. Nothing is cuter. Welcome little one-we love you already!

I love my girls!

I was going through my picture files on the computer and found this one. This was the Easter right before Seth was born. Time flies and kids grow too quickly.

Monday and mean man in a truck

I was a little surprised by this strange event and I thought I would post it. I think it's safe to say that most adults understand propriety in social situations. This would include resisting the urge to rudely comment out loud if it would cause offense. I admit that sometimes those great one-liners can be hard to resist. In such cases, saying them under your breath works best or in front of the bathroom mirror (add a boo-yah at the end of the really good ones for extra satisfaction).

Anyway, yesterday as I was walking the kids into the grocery store, a young man came barreling through the parking lot. I had almost completely crossed and by the way, had started to cross when no one was coming. He leans out the window and YELLS, " Move lady! Move you and your kids out of my way! Geeze! (yes -as in geeze Louise)." Then he leans back in, slows down, and turns on his blinker to leave the parking lot.

Now at first I thought maybe he was trying to be funny but then I thought about how his hair was disheveled in an -I play Dungeons and Dragons and make bombs for fun -sort of way and ruled out humor. I thought to myself for a minute of the great things I could say back, and obsessed for a second on the fact that he actually just angrily used the word "geeze". My kids shook me back from my little daydream to ask me why he yelled at us. All I could say was, "It is Monday, after all." They nodded and said, "Oh-O.K.". I normally would have used the opportunity to remind the kids that we should always be nice but why mess with it?

The last hurrah (before the vacation)

Shawn was able to come home for a short visit last week. The deployment prep schedule has been so crazy for them in New Jersey, we were grateful it worked out. I planned a get-away to Bear Lake so that he wouldn't come home and feel pressured to fill his time with projects. Those of you who know us understand that we thrive on projects, however, this time it was more important to relax.

Bear Lake is beautiful and calm this time of year. The kids pretty much wanted to swim every minute of the day. It made me think back to those fun days spent on Maui during the summer as kids. I had a moment of gratitude for the moms and aunts who so patiently took us swimming non-stop.

The owner of the boat shop in the marina became our fast friend and let us take his boat out for a couple of hours. Boating is one of my favorite things and something we don't get to do very often so this was an incredible treat.

The next day we went for a bike ride on an Italian bike built for the whole family. All of those years of laughing at tourists on very tourist-y contraptions in Hawaii earned me a seat in the most tourist-y contraption ever! It was silly but a ton of fun.

It was great to have Shawn home but harder than ever to say "goodbye" again. Each time he is gone I think of the Proclamation and about each of our roles. And no matter the size or style-families are an amazing blessing.

Hey Girls, I promised that I would show you where I lived and even though it is messy you can see the room I live in. Daddy needs to keep his bed made and his clothes picked up just like you do! I know its hard to have Dad gone so much and its OK to miss me, but don't be sad, because I always come home for tickle time! I love you girls.

My little creatures! The one with the girls is from the day before I left on deployment. They stayed attached to me like that all day.

Who would have thought that I would have been given these little blessings?

Here are a few pictures of Washington D.C. It was a great city to visit. Even better with a cute girl on my arm.

A new little nephew!

Melanie had the baby last night! The word excited just doesn't do it. I woke up to a picture text with his sweet little face on my phone. It was the best way ever to wake up! It kills me that I won't be able to hold him for a few months. But litte one- Aunty Jill loves you and will always be here for you. You have the coolest mom and dad. I think they're pretty neat people. A heads up for you- your dad is going to try to turn Halloween into Family History Day and there may be a philosophical conversation used to explain what a lawnmower does- so be warned. A healthy amount of "grin and nod" will do you well (love you kevin!). I would love to post the picture to buttress my bragging right, however, the new parents haven't been able to post photos yet, so we'll let them have the honor. How happy am I that in just a little while another little nephew will arrive?!

Camo is the new black

Here is my handsome husband in his body armour during prep training. We miss him!