Home Sweet Home

I have so much to catch up on but with out further a do I thought I would bring about the news of our new home! On September 22 we officially planted our residential feet in Riverton.  For the past 3 1/2 years we had been renting a town home in Draper.  We loved the area, especially the ward, but it was time for us to move on. The biggest reasons have to do with Riley.  The town home was two stories and all the bedrooms and the bathroom was upstairs.  It was becoming too difficult to carry Riley up and down the stairs.  Our options were limited on housing because 1: we needed a rambler with everything on the main level. 2: we wanted to stay in either Canyons or Jordan District and absolutely not Granite District. 3: No short sale because they are not worth the hassle.  So when we plug in our options there were like 10 homes to choose from in our price range.  Our first choice was to stay in the Sandy area so Riley could stay in the same school district.  With Riley's nursing care and special needs programs we are picky on which districts we want him in.  We checked out a few houses but they either needed a lot of work inside, outside or both.  So we decided to try our luck on the other side of the valley putting us in a new school district but still a top on our list.  We went and checked out a few and didn't get good vibes. And then our realetor sent us info on this beauty and about a month later we signed our lives away!

It has a big yard with lots of trees. The best part is the fire pit in the back yard. The previous owners built up this pretty impressive garden which we are reaping the benefits. There is also an apple tree, a plum tree and grapes...mmm. When we signed and got the keys my mom insisted that we paint before everything got moved in. I'm really glad we decided to do it.  I went bold and went with yellow.  I didn't want any browns/tans or greys. I wanted something bright so yellow it was. We ended up with way more paint then we thought so everything upstairs got painted yellow with the exception of our room and Riley's room.  Here's some before and afters...

kitchen

front room

hallway

Riley kicking back and watching some shows...he was a big help hehe

Riley's room before

AND AFTER

Riley's room. I love the shelves that they installed.

Kithchen

Goof ball! He really likes his new room

It's now been a couple weeks and while we are all moved in we are definitely not put together. It's hard when you have to work and get back to reality.  It will be a while but one room and one box at a time.  We are so excited to finally have our own place and to start a new chapter to our lives.

Lagoon

A few months ago my mom planned a big Lagoon day with all the grand kids.  For those of you not familiar with Lagoon it's Utah's version of let's say Six Flags. Growing up we lived for Stake Lagoon Day. Everyone would pack their coolers and hang out at there from sun up to sun down.  Stake Lagoon days seem to be fading in the distance so my mom discovered that there was an IHC (the company that I work for) had a Lagoon day so this meant discount tickets.  I hadn't been to Lagoon in years and so I was excited to go and see what was new.  The have expanded the kid rides and they are much more intense than the kid rides I remember.  There were a few new roller coasters that I hadn't been on before.  Nick and Lauren are pretty adventurous and would go on just about everything.  I drew the line at Wicked, this roller coaster that has a drop that is insanely vertical. Sorry Nick maybe next time.  Riley even got to go on a few rides.  We took him on the Tilt a Whirl and that about did me in! Marc does not do most of the rides, mainly the roller coaster.  He did however ride The Bat and the look on his face when it was done was priceless! The best part about the whole thing was watching all the kids and how much fun they had.  There's nothing like a day of roller coasters and motion sickness!

On the Tidal Wave...I promise Riley really did like it.

TJ scarfing down an ice cream

after riding the Tilt a Whirl. He didn't know quite what to think during the ride but after he was all smiles

He was mesmerized watching the Screamer ride he looks unsure if he wants to ride it

Friendship

On Monday afternoon my dear friend Jen was critically injured in a auto accident. I will not share details of this horrific accident for I only wish to express my thoughts about this friendship that has spanned over 15 years. I met Jen in the summer of 1997. She had just moved into my friend Bryttin's ward. Bryttin and I were walking down the street and we were walking past Jen's house to which she had just moved into. For what ever reason I asked who lived there and Bryttin said that it was a new girl who was our age.  Well, let's go say hi I proposed. It's all history from there. We all became instant friends spending hours talking on the phone, listening to countless hours of Celine Dion's hit "Our Hearts Will Go On" (after seeing Titanic for about the 100th time!) while driving around in her awesome 4 runner! Through out high school Jen and I had a tradition of watching the hit Thursday night shows Friends and ER. We would sit on her bed glued to the TV laughing histaricley at Joey and Chandler and then be captivated by George Clooney's good looks and amazing medical abilities! Jen and I also were early morning seminary buddies. Every morning I would attempt to pick her up at 6:30 am only to be waived on because she was still asleep. LOL love it Jen! She became one of our family. Joining us on vacations and road trips. She even got the big brother teasing from my brother Brock.  Jen is a very talented soft ball player and I always thought she should try out for the high school team but instead we signed up for county rec together and that year our team went undefeated. More thanks to Jen...she could really hit the ball and was an excellent third basemen. I on the other hand got put out in right field because I would day dream half the time and not pay attention. Jen is very musically talented with the violin and piano. I loved to hear her play and wished I could pick it up as easily as she did.  We moved on from high school onto college. We saw each other off to marriages and to starting families.  Jen married a wonderful man, Nathan, and became what she always wanted a wife and mother.  I still can't believe she now has 4 kids! She is a sweet, kind and loving mother who wants nothing but the best for her family.  She is strong and dedicated to her faith of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I've always admired her dedication. Once she puts her mind to it she just does it.  Jen is a wonderful example of charity.  She is always the first to step up and help.  A few years ago we were in desperate need of a van for Riley.  Jen wanted to help in what ever way she could.  She offered her home for a Saturday and coordinated a HUGE yard sale.  She welcomed anyone who wanted to donate and they stocked her garage full! I will be forever grateful for this selfless act.  Jen, my heart is heavy for you and your family at this time.  I still can't even believe that this has happened.  You are a remarkable person and an example of strength and courage. You have overcome many challenges in this life and have endured it all with your beautiful smile and infectious laugh.  I admire you in so many ways...and I've always been jealous of all that incredible hair! You are facing a tremendous challenge ahead and I have no doubt you will endure it well.  I pray for you and your recovery.  I can't imagine this life with out you.  Love you Jen!