Made by Memilyrae

I just wanted to say a quick Thank You to all the fathers in my life…

My sweet Husband who is such a wonderful daddy to our two squirts – who plays with them when he comes home from work, who wrestles with then until he’s too warn out, who takes them to Costco every Saturday (which is the highlight of the week for them!), who works so hard to keep us comfortable in our lives and continues to work and go to school, who can get Evie to sleep at night when, night-after-night mommy fails to do so, who loves teaching our children (and me!) new things each day, who can calm both kids when mommy it at her wits end, who can be more understanding and patient when I’m tired (and so are the kids!) and who is all-in-all a wonderful man…Happy Father’s Day!

My dearest Daddy who helped raise me with a kind heart, a strong testimony of the true Gospel, a service-minded and Christlike manner, a strong work ethic, a knowledge of many things creative, technological, and wise, and who always tried to teach me to use my faith and knowledge to make decisions to better myself and those around me. Thank you for all that you do for us to help us along life’s journey and for the daily prayers you give on our behalf. Thank you for simply loving us! I love you daddy!

My wonderful Father-in-law who has shown me what a strong testimony in Jesus Christ will do to your life no matter what the circumstances and trials you face. He has shown me how to love those who make our lives difficult no matter what, how to serve anyone and everyone, how to always find the silver lining, and how to take care of those we love. And thank you, not only for helping raise the wonderful man that I married, but for showing us a beautiful example of a marriage without contention. And thank you for loving my little family and for all that you do for us.

And for those of you who are our friends, family members, neighbors, and leaders, who are each in your own ways a strength to my family, who are willing to give us help when needed and your friendship always. Happy Fathers Day!

Can I just say that sometimes the simplest things in life make me happy….the dimpled smile of my little boy, the “I’m so innocent” batting of my daughter’s eyelids, or even a little button that makes leaving and coming home a lot easier….yep, that’s right…a garage door opener.

Since moving in at the end of last month, anytime we left the house, Steve and I have had to get in the car, start the car, back up, get out of the car, close the garage door, get back in the car and then do the reverse when we came home.

When we moved in we did not receive the garage door opener which was kind of messed up. We bought one, which ended up being incompatible with the motor and tonight Steve bought a different brand. We were so excited when it worked, but even more excited when we were able to program our cars’ device (already built in to the cars) to open and close the garage door. So yeah…the little things in life can bring great happiness. 🙂

So I know I just posted about our new ward, but let me tell you…I miss our old ward too! I miss my Primary Kids, my Girls in the Primary Presidency and our neighbors. After 4.5+ years there, we sure do miss you guys! I felt very tender hearted when Steve passed on to me what our old neighbor said….the Shelley’s were our neighbors and our kids (and us adults) were great friends. But Evie and Cyana were the best little buddies “ever” (as Evie would say). I guess on Sunday when Cyana got to nursery and Evie wasn’t there, Cyana ended up crawling under the table and started crying “I want MY Evie!” (I might have that wrong, but it was along those lines I believe). How cute/sad/sweet is that?!?!?

Evie's bestest friend

So yesterday we finally made it to our new ward….after 1 week of not going to church (due to no gas for warm showers and the wrong plug for our dryer) and 1 week at our old ward saying our good-byes. We made it to church right before it started and was greeted by the RS President’s husband. Sacrament was really good…there is a couple who moved their family here from Argentina and the older parents do not speak English. Instead of going to a Spanish speaking ward, they opted to stay in our ward to be with their daughter. They gave talks and had their children translate. Pretty neat stuff!

I had to take Evie to the potty and when we walked into the bathroom there was another little girl there wearing the same dress as Evie. They were both 2, almost 3, and would be in nursery together. I asked if the little girl liked princesses and once Evie saw she did, she was so excited to have a new friend. (Although, she did ask if Cyana would be there too…poor thing misses her best friend so much!)

After sacrament was over, I had to go potty and so did Spencer. On the way to the restroom I asked a woman how old her son was. He was 4 and a Sunbeam just like Spencer. There was another little boy there who was also 4 and a Sunbeam. Spencer met them both and after using the bathroom, said he was excited to see his new friends. A woman asked if we were new and how old Spencer was. She introduced herself as the Sunbeam teacher! So now Spencer knew 2 friend and his teacher before he even got to Primary.

We met with the Bishop (really nice guy!) and then headed off to class. Evie saw her new friend and went to sit by her in Nursery…no problem! We took Spencer to Primary and found his class. He walked in  – no problem! Steve and I were a little shocked…and wondered whether or not we needed to do anything more. Typically our kids would be a bit more shy and want us to stick around. This was great though! So, we went to Sunday School and then split out for Relief Society and Elder’s Quorem. I do feel a bit younger than the majority there, but they all seemed really nice and welcoming. And luckily we know one family already – Eric and Jamie were our very first landlords when we got married. Funny, huh?

After church the Elder’s Quorem presidency stopped by to welcome us and chat with us for a bit. It was super  nice. All in all we are really feeling welcomed, are pleased with our children’s taking to it, and are still really loving our new area.

I stumbled across this on another blog and thought…eh…what the heck, i’ll watch it. SO glad I did! What talented fun people! enjoy! (the last minute is just mingling so no need to watch it.)

Best Wedding Toast Ever!!!! (Amy’s Song) – These bloopers are hilarious

Well, we did it. We put an offer down on a townhouse and it was accepted. It’s a bank-owned foreclosure in Spanish Fork and we LOVE it! We have been looking around online for a while, came up with a list for our realtors to look into and started driving around to tour them. One night we were lined up to see 4 homes. The first was too small/cramped feeling. The second one I had seen online and really didn’t care to see it. The third I was in love with from what I saw and read online. And the fourth looked like it needed a lot of work.

We were right about the 1st and 4th. The 3rd one that I loved so much was much smaller than it looked. The 2nd one was a completely different story though. As soon as we walked it (and then as soon as I found out that upstairs living area was not the only living area..it would have been too small!…) both Steve and I thought “this is the one!” I was shocked that we loved it instantly. But, when things are right, things are right. We really like the area and REALLY REALLY love the house. The next night we saw it again and this time invited Steve’s parents to come with us. They both really liked it as well. Other couples came inside to look while we were there and we were NOT happy that they left shaking their heads ‘yes’ with big smiles on their faces! We wanted this place – they couldn’t have it! 🙂 And they didn’t get it. We did. He he he he

So here are a few pics that I took while we were there for our second look. I also included my own drawn up floor plans (although I did notice I forgot a closet, the stairs on the top floor need to go under the master bath, and the area where the stairs are is a small blank wall … perfect for a bookcase or desk!)

We signed and closed and now we’re waiting for the bank (in Idaho of all places!) to send the ONE page they DIDN’T send with the other paperwork before we can get our keys. Uh! (PS – we’re moving THIS Saturday at 9 am if anyone wants to help! We could use it!)

Okay…so I know I’ve been bad about posting…we’ve had a lot going on (I’ll tall you about it soon)…but I HAD to post about this giveaway from my friend. She hosts Because Babies Grow Up and gives me so many great ideas about my kiddos and things we can do. THIS giveaway is one I really REALLY want! FOUR tickets to Discovery Gateway!!! I went to a children’s museum in Oklahoma a few years ago and I loved it (even without my own kids!) I would love to let Evie and Spencer explore this place! You should enter to win too! Thanks Amber!

K. So I got this recipe from Steph and Annette – who are, by the way, my heroes for giving me recipes to try – and I wanted to share it with you! I did not have any peppers and I did not do it on skewers like the original recipe says, but here’s my version that we are quite happy with (just minus the peppers and no skewers…so it’s not really MINE but it’s now in my recipe book)

Pork Loin and Peanut Sauce

INGREDIENTS

1  lb. boneless pork (such as loin or tenderloin), cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces

1  small red sweet pepper, seeded and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces (optional)

1  cup 1-1/2-inch pieces fresh pineapple

10  Tbsp. water

1  tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce

4  Tbsp. creamy peanut butter

4  Tbsp. finely chopped fresh pineapple

2  small clove garlic minced

1  tsp. ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat broiler. Place sliced pork loin on cookie sheet with pineapple chunks. Broil 4 to 5 inches from
heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until pork is just slightly pink in center, turning once halfway through.
2. Meanwhile, for sauce in a small saucepan combine remaining ingredients. Heat over very low
heat until melted and nearly smooth, whisking constantly.

PREP TIME 25 Min                                BROIL TIME 10 Min                                READY IN 35 Min

Original recipe yield: 6 appetizer servings

Just wanted to say a quick congrats to Brent and Katie (our neighbors) on their new baby boy! (I’m sure if it’s okay with them, I’ll post a picture in the future)