Pretty much the same.

Life is pretty much the same around here as the last few weeks. Minus the sickness that is. We are all better! The only thing is that Marlie can't seem to keep anything besides mommy's milk down. I called the doctor today and she's going to call me back. Very interested to see what she says.

There are a few things worth mentioning.

To say that we loved conference weekend would be an understatement. It really was wonderful. They whole weekend was so peaceful. Both girls were angels. I printed a conference activity packet for nursery age for Madi. Let me tell you, it was brilliant! She absolutely loved it. David and I have decided that she is going to be very talented musically. She is so drawn to music and especially the Tabernacle Choir. She freezes in her tracks the second they start singing. I love that about her.

The mail man brought a few special deliveries the week too! He must like her more than he likes me because she got hers first :) This doll hasn't left her side since.

Also included was our very own copy of the newest disney classic Tangled. There is nothing better than discovering the magic of disney through the eyes of your little princess. To be honest, we saw it the day it came out in theaters, rented it the day it came out in redbox, and now we own it thanks to my wonderful momma! I may have already memorized most of the songs.

My package came yesterday. I'll spare you the details, but times are tough. So, I sold my camera. My baby. My deal finder of a hubby found a great buy and now I once again have a DSLR in my hands. Oh how I missed it. It was a bummer, especially when Madi's 3rd birthday came around and all I had was my point and shoot camera, which is lovely. It's just not the same though. Let's just say the photographer in me was very excited for the arrival of my new baby. Having no camera is kind of bad for business, so don't tell. I was just renting cameras for the time being. It worked.

Oh how I missed creamy clear pictures like this.

Momma

Madisyn is asleep. I am doing a little blog hopping. This is what I came across. I really needed it. Thanks Sam!



With all the new things going on right now, I've been feeling very excited mixed with feelings of being anxious and unsure. I'm sure my fuse has been a little shorter toward my little princess lately. She's so curious and questions EVERYTHING. If she's not questioning it with her words, she's busy exploring it (getting into it...making a mess). I don't think it helps that I'm less than 3 weeks from giving birth to another one of Heavenly Father's little princesses.

How am I going to set up a new house, keep that new house in order, give Madi all the love and attention she needs, give baby all the attention she'll need, cook dinner, run a business, make time for myself, make time for David and I, and everything else that goes along with all the rolls I play right now? The only way it'll all work out is by including the Lord. I know that. It's a no brainer. It's so much easier said than done. I need to recommit to reading my scriptures and praying regularly. That's the only way I can find joy in all these wonderful things I have. It just gets to be way too much without Him.

I am so blessed.

David the love of my life.

Madisyn the most wonderful princess any momma could ever ask for and more.

A brand new baby girl to smother with love and cuddles.

A new place to live. A fresh start.

A new ward filled with young families to support one another.

My testimony. The gospel.

My family.

My friends.

That's just the beginning of the list.

I love where I am in my life right now. It's really tough sometimes, but the blessings far outweigh the struggles.

I just have to keep reminding myself of that.

Here's to finding all that joy that's to be found in "momma hood".

Conclusion..The House Saga

After all was said and done, we decided to forgo buying the home.

The final decision was made about 2 weeks ago. At the time we had 2 solid reasons to say no. Since then, I have discovered a handful of more reasons that our decision was the right one.

Hindsight really is 20/20. Especially right now.

The night before we had to make our final decision, David and I did the math. We included living expenses as well as "house expenses" (all the fixing and TLC the house needs). It just was not looking so great. The down payment was high and the numbers weren't where we wanted them to be. So, we said no and I almost waited for that "oh we should have just done it" feeling. It never came.

In fact, I couldn't be more thankful to be where I am right now.

During these past few months, David's job has not been as stable as we'd like it to be. It would not be wise to take out a loan for a house, without the reassurance that we will be able to make the payments on it, right?

There are many more reasons which are in the works as we speak. Without spilling our financial guts out on this blog, lets just say, if we would have purchased that house, we would be in a very sticky situation right now. But, even just a few weeks ago we would not have known that.

So, the new plan?

Find a place to rent, and move out sometime this summer. Pay other things off and buy a house in a year or so. Oh boy does that plan feel wonderful. I am so at peace :)

One more wonderful thing that came from all of this...

David and I have had in the back of our minds the fact that we need a car with room for 2 car seats by September. Quite frankly, I just thought we'd have to get really squishy in our current car and make it work somehow, because I couldn't see any way that we could afford to get a decent, inexpensive car right now (or anytime soon for that matter) without taking out a loan. That's the last thing we need right now. I HATE dealerships and buying cars. There's just too many unknowns and its just more debt!

Well, I'm very happy to say that the money we put aside for the down payment will now be used to purchase a vehicle fit for a family of 4! What a blessing. We would not have had that money set aside had it not been for the house. Heavenly Father is really carrying David and I through this tough financial time in our lives and it really shows. I am so grateful that I can look back and really see that. The whole house situation was very stressful and many tears were shed over making the right decision. How wonderful it is to look back and see that it was all for a reason. Each time David and I are faced with a life changing decision we turn it over to the Lord and it not only brings us closer to Him, but it also brings us closer to each other.

And so the next chapter isn't all that certain, but I know that we'll have a car, a place to live, a family of 4, and the rest will all fall into place as it always does.

Answers

You know how I said we put an offer on a house in this post? Well, it's been a long windy road of ups and downs since then.

Get ready for a long one........

We made the offer and it was accepted by the seller, who happens to be a bank in this case. It's a short sale, which by the way does not mean that it will sell in a short amount of time or anything. That would make sense, but it's actually the opposite. If you really want to know what a short sale is click here. Otherwise, it's pretty much an alternative to foreclosure. The bank is getting shorted on money and therefore, they are not very willing to do many negotiations as far as closing costs and all that stuff goes.

Ok, with that said, our offer was accepted by the bank and the next step was for us to get all our financials together and get the loan approved. The only problem was the amount we would need to put down for closing costs. It was a couple thousand more than we had the means for. So, our realtor drew up another document asking the seller for that extra money toward the closing costs. That's where everything got stuck. The bank didn't reply, and they may never reply as far as we know.

We thought, ok maybe this is our answer. Lets look at other places and see if there's something else out there for us. Yet, we had both felt that this home was meant for us. Sometimes the Lord wants us to prayerfully make a decision, and move forward with that decision even if there isn't a huge flashing sign that says "go this way!". David and I searched and found a few different possibilities. We even went out to the properties to with our realtor to take a look at them, but none of them felt right for one reason or another. Keep in mind, this whole time, we still have that offer on the table for this other house.

So, yesterday we went to check out a nice little condo on the water. It was in great condition, great price, very close to the hospital where the baby will be born, and the neighborhood was a bit run down, but that didn't bother me very much. David and I pulled up next to the place I thought would end up being our next home.

It had been about 10 minutes of waiting in the car (we were waiting for our realtor). We were just taking the opportunity to watch the activity that goes on around that area for those 10 minutes, when this ruff looking guy walked past our car, with a very curious look on his face that almost made me feel uncomfortable. He just kept walking until we couldn't see him anymore. The feeling of unsafety soon passed and we continued to observe and discuss what we saw and how we felt. Nothing too alarming that told us to leave and not consider living there. Well, about 3 minutes later this same guy comes walking straight towards our car. The funny thing is, I never felt afraid, but a little uneasy. He walked up to David's window and looked us right in the eye. David opened the door and the guy said "why are you guys just sitting here?". We proceeded to tell him that we were looking to live around here and we're waiting for our realtor. The guy took one look in the back seat and said "with that little one (meaning Madisyn) you don't want to live here." He was very soft spoken and was a voice of warning. David then proceeded with the conversation and said "oh really, is this not a safe place to live?" The guy just simply shook his head "NO". David thanked him and told him to have a nice day and he simply turned around and walked away.

Right at that moment, the realtor pulled up. Wow! Should we even go inside to look? Well, we got out of the car and went in with our realtor. It was a very nice condo. Much nicer (meaning it didn't need very much tlc at all) than the house we originally put an offer on. Yet, all of that didn't matter much. We did our walk through and as we were walking back to our cars, I asked the realtor "what's the best way to see how a neighborhood is? Is there a website or what?" He said that the best way is to just simply ask someone who is outside their home on that street. David and I both look at each other and David replied, "well, we're 0 for 1 on that one". We told that realtor about our conversation with the ruff looking guy earlier. He reassured us that he's sold many condos over there recently and had no complaints. As soon as he was finished talking, David asked "so, is the other house totally out of the picture now?" The realtor responded absolutely not. All we have to do is come up with that extra money toward closing costs and it's ours pretty much.

At that moment I felt a rush of peace flow through me like nothing I had felt up to this point (there are tears running down my face as I type this). This was our answer. We did what we thought was best and exhausted pretty much all other options. Now, here we are back to where we started, but this time we know without a doubt it's right. It's more money up front, but it's a home with property and our return in a few years will be much greater. It's the best choice financially for the future, but it needs a lot of TLC. It needs appliances, paint, flooring in some parts, we have to rip out an addition that wasn't built to code, and I could go on and on really. Despite all of that, I know it's right and that with some work (ok a lot of work), it will be beautiful.

What a journey it's been so far, and yet through all of it we got our answer. I am so thankful for the understanding David and I have come to in these 4 years of marriage that when you have a decision to make, big or small, you do all you can to live righteously. You make a decision and move forward with it, all the while being very prayerful even if it seems like there's no answer coming any time soon. The Lord will stop you in some way or another if it's not right. This is not the first time we've made a decision and gotten a HUGE stop sign after all of the effort made to make that decision work. Remember this? Which ended up with this. Which is why we are where we are right now.

It sure is hard while it's happening because you just want a flashing light answer, but it's so wonderful to look back and see the Lord's hand nudging you in the right direction every time.

So, we're back to our original offer and we'll see how it goes! We're going to do a walk through of the house one more time tonight so we can take notes on exactly what needs to be fixed before we move in. We have to work it all into our budget somehow for the next couple of months. It will all work out and we'll have what we need.

As far as I'm concerned, we have till the baby is born to make it liveable, which is totally doable. Especially, with the help of family and friends close by. It will be a fun project and it will be ours!

Stay tuned because this is just the beginning of this story....I'm sure of it.

ps. this picture is from easter weekend (which i have yet to post about) and i figured if you read that whole post then you deserve to at least see a picture at the end.

We're happy :)

Young Women

Since the beginning of the year, I have been serving in the Young Women's organization at church. I was called as the Young Women's Personal Progress Leader as well as the Ward Girls Camp Director.

Honestly, I was so excited to receive the call! I have been in Primary for quite some time and this is a very refreshing change. David is in Young Mens and Kathy (my mother in law) is the Young Women's President. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful group of people to serve with, could I?

We have a wonderful group of girls who are so strong. I look up to them. Honestly, they are light years ahead of where I was at their age. It is so amazing to see these girls "stand for truth and righteousness".

We had a great activity a few weeks ago. It was titled "Personal Progress Poluck Pizza Pajama Party". We had lots of treats that started with "P" and everyone wore pajamas. We made "personal progress pockets". That's the cleaver name we came up with. Basically it's a cloth booklet holder. It has a place for a personal progress book, the journal, a pen, and a for the strength of youth booklet. They turned out so cute!!

I am loving getting to know these girls :)

Back In Action

If you're not progressing, then you're regressing. This is a simple principle that I know all too well. Lately I've been pretty idol. I think I just got stuck in my "stay at home all day " rut. Madi and I play and we have a great time, but sometimes I just don't know what to do to spice things up. Or, even worse if I know what to do, I just don't actually do it. Sheesh!

So, the other day (Madi's sick day) I put Madisyn down for her nap around noon. She had already been asleep for about 1 1/2 hours. So, I figured she'd be waking up soon. I was about to grab the remote and find some meaningless show to watch, but then I thought (ok this is going to sound funny) why don't I read Twilight? Reading is much better than watching TV and I need to do it more...ok A LOT more. I've been told several times by several people to just read the first chapter and I won't be able to put it down. No, I haven't read Twilight! Don't judge me! haha :) Anyways, I went to ask my sis in law where the book was and she said to look downstairs in a big wooden cabinet. I made my way downstairs and opened the doors of the cabinet where I expected to find the book, pick it up and get lost in the world of vampires and werewolves. I didn't see what I was looking for, but this bright red book jumped out at me....

I've had a few impressions to pick this book up in the past, but I never followed through. I just figured I should probably just read the scriptures and skip the extra stuff. Nevertheless, I picked it up and started reading. Madi slept for another hour or so, which gave me plenty of time to read. I love this book! It gives me that extra kick in the pants that I need to make progression in my life. How could getting to know my Savior better not make me want to be more like Him? Alright, so now I found the motivation I needed to continue my spiritual progression. *pat on the back*

So, onto the next thing which probably seems totally random, but for me it's all connected. I'm not making any progression as far as exercise goes either. Therefore I'm regressing, which means inches are being added in places I don't want! My lack of physical activity is starting to catch up with me! I used to go walking with my girls (I miss that SOOOO much) at least 4 times a week as well as doing my work out video every other day, for the most part. Even when I was just walking, I didn't realize how much it was helping me stay in shape. It's so important to be healthy and I've never been a workout nut or anything. I just feel so much better when I'm doing SOMETHING most days of the week. As winter is soon approaching, the cold weather is keeping Madi and I inside most days (mostly by choice). I just need to be motivated and I think I have a way to do it. Starting is the hardest part for me. So, I had David dig through our dvds (which are in the garage for now) to grab my trusty Turbo Jam video. Can't wait to be back in shape and I'm sure Madi will appreciate having her energetic mommy back! When I don't exercise, I am the biggest lolly gagger all day long. I'm getting out of my rut! Starting tomorrow morning, I'll be jammin and getting healthy again.

Here's to progressing!!!

Hope

This is just such a beautiful message that I came across this morning. We could all use a little hope every now and then :)

Really looking forward to General Conference.

Life Is Good

Things are fabulous! We are all moved in and doing great. The Lord really has guided us throughout this whole move.

Here's the series of events from packing day to moving day...

-friday, pick up truck at noon

-bring back and start loading up!

-pack the kitchen (with the help of David's cousin KaLynne) thanks you!!

-collapse on the air mattress at 10pm

-wake up at 7 am sat morning...forget to eat breakfast

-run to good ol Fred Myer for 3 more boxes

-wake madi up and stick her in her high chair with some cereal and 1/2 of a banana

-throw the rest of the junk in boxes and toss them in the truck with 2 minutes to spare before the "cleaning crew" arrived

-10 am my amazing friends arrived...David and Madi took off in the truck.

-10:40 am the house is SPOTLESS! amazing I must say.

-11am Mark came over and did the walk through...I handed the keys in and said by to my sweet home in Ellensburg.

-met my dear Lindsay for a much needed lunch at the Valley Cafe. DELICIOUS!

-began the 2 hour drive to my new home.

-here's where you can start paying attention....

As I was driving out of the town I called home for a year and a half...where I had made friends with so many amazing women and had great experiences...I had the most incredible wave of peace come over me. I just couldn't help but wipe the tears from my face. I was filled with love for David's family and for the Lord for opening this door for us. Yes, He closed EVERY other door...but he left the right one wide open and rolled out the red carpet. I know without a doubt that this is where we're supposed to be. For what reason I know not, but I know it's right. I am so grateful for that sweet conformation from my Heavenly Father. I am so excited to see what He has in store for us here. For those who don't know we're living with David's parents. We lived with them for a year while I was pregnant with Madi. Here we are again, but here is where we're supposed to be.

Just to add some flair here's some pics of the move :)

Here's the truck that we filled pretty much to the top!

Love this girl in motion. What a sweetheart!

The Bigger Plan

Yes it's sudden, but it's about time. We're moving on!

After much time, many doors being slammed in our faces, and one great opportunity, we're leaving our wonderful little town.

You're probably wondering, "what happened with Pittsburgh??" For those who don't already know, I'll make a long story short. While we were on vacation in CA we got an email from the school that flipped our plans upside down. Honestly when I read it I was almost relieved. I knew that wherever we ended up would be wonderful. The thought on being on the other side of the US was a little daunting, but I knew that if it was right it would be great! The Lord has always lead us down the right path and we've had great experiences in these past few years. This is not the first time that we've had a plan A, B, & C and all three have been flushed down the toilet no matter how "righteous and reasonable" they may seem. Bottom line is that they just weren't right for us. I can always look back and see why or why not later on down the road, but at the time it's really hard. I am starting to get the hint that following the Lord's plan for us is going to always be our "test" is this life.

With that said...new plan (#100 or so)!

I'm really going to miss my home! I've never lived anywhere that I've made so many wonderful friends so fast. I'm kind of glad the whole "moving thing" came though so suddenly, because I don't have very much time to think about leaving :( We found out the job was for sure on Friday, put our furniture up for sale that afternoon, sold it Saturday morning, and we're moving this Thursday or Friday. Wow! We're moving to Snohomish once again. We're going to live with David's parents until December, while we "build up our reserve" (the one that's been completely depleted from having no job this whole summer). Then, we'll move into our own place somewhere around that area. David will be working for a construction company...first in the field, then in the office. He said to me "I didn't get my degree so I could go into construction, but this is a great opportunity to get on our feet." All I have to say to that is AMEN! It'll be great because that's where the Lord wants us.

More now than ever, I can't express how grateful I am to know that there's a bigger plan for us. I love knowing who I am, where I came from, and where I'm going (well not really but I will!)

Life is great!

Oh How I LOVE Conference Weekend

These three men, along with all the other apostles and leaders of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, are incredible.

Humility and meekness radiates as they give us guidance and council. They speak with conviction and are filled with the spirit. I feel so blessed to be a member of this church. I absolutely LOVE and wait in anticipation for General Conference. 

(deep breath)......I am so ready to get out there and do my best to be better! I love this gospel :)