general update, specifics later

First and foremost, we've been in our new house now for about three weeks. We have a phone and internet (hence the post) and are feeling a little more settled each day. Though my penchant for painting has been drastically reduced since we've moved in, so the day when things actually are done may get further and further away. Still, we are enjoying having our own place and having Calvin sleeping through the night and in a different room than us, and the kids are loving having all their toys back and daddy is loving the inherent mess (NOT). I will post more detailed pics about the house and its progress later, but here's a decent picture of our new abode. Visitors welcome!!

John celebrated moving in by buying an "efficient" lawn mower... ie, no gas, no electricity, just good old human effort. Good thing he's perfectly happy to mow the lawn himself. :) He was actually really excited to get it, so excited he didn't even change out of his work clothes before trying it out. And getting the kids excited about mowing too... it's pretty cool, Calvin can about push it himself. A fact that will be exploited repeatedly in the future, I'm sure.

John was so excited this year to be able to take his son to the church fathers and sons campout this year. John's dad and brothers went too and they had a good time. Gary found a dead cow on their hike so he was happy, and documented the fact thoroughly on our camera (thanks, Gary). I'll refrain from posting them here.

Anyway, John got to indoctrinate Calvin on the joys of hiking, sleeping in the tent, and eating mounds of toasted marshmallows, so it was a good weekend. I think they even slept a little...

We celebrated Memorial day with a fun breakfast up in the mountains with John's family and some of their friends. They let us tag along, and it was a fun day. Pancakes and eggs cooked outdoors are always better for some reason, and they got in some volleyball and frisbee and bocci ball as well. One man who came was an "old soldier" as he called himself, and it was neat to have him there while we recited the pledge of allegiance and sang God Bless America. The kids had fun at the playground, and then John dragged us up the mountain on a hike. :) It was actually very pretty, though dragging tired kids up a hill (it was a mile, for heaven's sake) got more tiring than the actual walking for me. Emily was complaining about sore feet before we even got to the trail. But we distracted them sort of successfully by finding different colored flowers and periwinkle butterflies. A thunderstorm cut the fun short, and we hustled down the mountain and got to the car just as it started pouring. Needless to say, the kids were pretty tired on the drive home.

So, things are coming together. More slowly now that we're living here, ironically, but we are happy to feel like life is moving along again and we are were we are supposed to be. There is still a ton of work to be done, but we have a great many things to be thankful for. And we are.

We're In!!

We are officially in our new house! We have no blinds, stuff is everywhere, kitchen cabinets are shelf-less, but we are in! The girls love sleeping in their bunk bed again, and we love that Calvin is in his own room and not in our closet. There is still tons to do, but it's exciting to be self-sufficient again. A billion thank yous a billion times over to Mom and Dad Butler for taking us in for nearly a year. I am so blessed to have such generous, kind, sacrificing, helpful, hard-working in-laws. We could not have done this past year without you.

not yet...

I was all set to move in last weekend, but we didn't get enough done. Even after three straight days (all day) of being at the house painting I still don't have the cabinets done. Almost. Well, that's not counting the doors that will wait for warmer weather and us actually living there. It is depressing that even after all the work we've done we will still be moving in with a family room with no flooring, a kids bathroom with half the wallpaper removed, a half bath with all the wallpaper still there, and a master bath that we haven't even touched and needs a pretty dang good overhaul. All the bathrooms have these ridiculous "recessed" lighting boxes over the sink that do absolutely nothing and I want out, which will involve knocking out more drywall and studs and patching and texturing and painting and getting new light fixtures... And all the doors and cabinet doors to paint. And then there's the yard...
I just reread "The Fire of the Covenant" by Gerald Lund and he mentions how people on the trail would get overwhelmed by "seeing the elephant" or looking at the 1500 mile journey across the continent all at once. I think that is what I am doing.
That book is a good one to read every so often to remind myself what our ancestors have done and sacrificed in being obedient to the Lord and gathering to Zion. While fighting thoughts of depression of being such a reprobate while having such an easy life, I am reminded that I have also covenanted to give my all for the kingdom, and wonder how well I am fulfilling that covenant. How well am I doing at being my brother's keeper? How well am I doing at being humble, selfless, and patient, and relying on the Lord? Not at all well, really. And while I know that perfection is nothing near attainable in this life, I do need to be at least moving forward on the trail.
The Willie company had one of their hardest climbs and most deaths after the rescue party came to them. Even though the Saints from the valley sent/brought food and clothing and helped where they could, the emigrant Saints still had to pick themselves up and continue on. Their climb up Rocky Ridge in subzero temperatures after a month or more of reduced rations was a horrible fight for them. And I ask myself, what is my Rocky Ridge? What is it, or will it be, that when all my strength, all of my temporal crutches are completely exhausted, will teach me to turn to the Lord and say, "I can't do this, I just can't on my own. Please help me." The thought frightens me, but also makes me want to try harder to be closer to the Lord now. The emigrant Saints could in full confidence turn to the Lord, for they knew they were doing His will. Can I say the same?
The other thing that struck me in reading this book was the quote at the beginning of one section from Elder Maxwell (I believe), that talked about how the Lord could have stayed the weather, he could have tempered the awful winter storms that hit the handcart companies, but the responsibility for caring for the Saints was on the shoulders of the Saints in the Valley. The Lord most often cares for his children through the hands of his children, that both the helped and the helpers may learn. Grand miracles were not needed. A lesson in charity, in faith, and in responsiblity was needed far more. We have covenanted to care for each other, to lift each other up. How often do I life my head up out of my daily activities, and open my eyes to the needs of others around me? I can say that I am a young mother, and have my hands full of fulfilling needs, but still my conscience is pricked and I have to admit that I do not do this as well as I should either.
More and more I am thinking that the experiences of those early Saints are as much for us as they were for them. Their trek across the continent is an analogy of our own lives. Can we face them, and continue pushing on, with the same faith and courage that they demonstrated?

Happy Birthday Kimmie!

Kimmie turned four years old last week! She's getting so big. For her birthday she wanted a caterpillar cake and a party at the park. Fortunately the weather cooperated so we had a fun night at the park with grandparents, three uncles, and next-door neighbors. Earlier, I took her to the Build-a-Bear factory to make a special stuffed animal for her. She, of course, chose the sparkly pink unicorn. I warned her that we would not be able to get any clothes for it if she chose that one, but she didn't really care. Both she and Emily like it a lot. Our neighbors gave her a soft bride doll, that she absolutely loves and takes with her everywhere. The two girls are allowed one toy to sleep with at night and they have been taking turns with those two things ever since Kimmie's birthday. So, here's pictures:

Dinnertime

The birthday girl

Cute sisters!

Three munchkins, impossible to get all three looking forward at the same time!

The birthday haul. There were stick-on earrings and a cool lollipop and a disney princesses balloon in there too, but it's obvious what the favorites where...

10 things about Kimmie, age 4:

1. Spunky: she knows what she likes and it not afraid to let it be known.

2. Observant: Kimmie is very visual and picks up on the littlest details. Not much escapes her.

3. Frank: she will voice said observations exactly as they appear in her head. If you want an honest opinion, she's the one to ask. If not... well, she might tell you anyway.

4. Friend: she plays so well with both Emily and Calvin. Calvin adores her and it is so fun to listen to the two of them giggling over who knows what. She and Emily will play for hours with their stuffed animals, usually some variation of mommies and babies.

5. Mischevious: Kimmie will dare to do things that the others will not. In some ways she and Calvin are a troublesome pair because Kimmie will think things up and Calvin has no fear in following and taking it a step further. If those two are together and it is quiet, then there is definitely trouble.

6. Sweet: Kimmie loves bedtime stories, songs and hugs. She always wants me to kiss her on the forehead after she gives me a kiss goodnight. And sometimes, she just needs a hug.

7. A flair for fashion: Kimmie always notices what earrings I'm wearing or compliments a dress I'm wearing. She loves skirts and jewelry. She has a definite taste in clothes that I have yet to figure out. She has some pants she wears all the time, and others she refuses to, and I am not sure what the system is. Maybe there isn't one, and it's just little girl capriciousness.

8. Games: She loves games. She loves to play them with you whenever you can. This I am not very good at. Sorry, Kimmie. I will try to be better.

9. Eyes: She gets comments on her sparkling blue eyes wherever she goes. And she has the Butler eyelashes that set them off perfectly. And the dimples. Man, Daddy better be ready when this girl is ready to date!

10. Kimmie is just, Kimmie. There is no one like her in the world. I love her laugh and her spunk and her wrinkled nose expressions that she saves just for me. She is as stubborn as I am which spells trouble sometimes, but I also love that she knows her mind and what she wants. I love you Kimberly Ann!

house update 2

As for the house...
Ceilings are done. John and I finished up the painting of ceilings late one night last week, I don't even remember which night. I just came home with white hair and paint all OVER myself, and aching shoulders and neck. Upstairs bedrooms are painted, except and master and the hallway, which I haven't actually picked up the paint for yet. But the trim is done, thanks to Dad, John and Gary. I am most definitely not a patient person: I did one room's trim and got so frustrated with how slow and tedious it was I had to go do something else--namely sanding down kitchen cabinets. I bought an electric hand sander, and it is SO much better than trying to do it on my own! The cabinets have this old, gummy-feeling finish on the inside that takes forever to get off and gums up the sandpaper, but it went a lot faster with the electric one. So, we have painting and more painting of walls upstairs, fixing of leaky faucets, painting the insides of cabinets, a deep cleaning of the carpets, general cleaning, and then I think we can move in! The rest of the painting downstairs, the outsides of the kitchen cabinets, bathrooms wallpaper removals and other home improvements (like a floor in the family room) will have to come more slowly.
Here's a few pics, although they were just taken with the camera phone so they are kind of fuzzy...

The girls' room, painted green. You can't really see the color, but I love it! At some point here I'm going to paint a pink and white border around the room. Calvin's is the same color, but his will have a blue border, maybe brown too.

Front door and hallway, ceilings are done. The stairs are just to the left of the door, the front room to the right, and the bathroom is that doorway you can see.
Hole in the kitchen ceiling is patched, and painted! 30 year old stove I dream of getting rid of but will have to save my pennies for a new one. That window over the sink is like four feet long, maybe five. I had this idea of doing pendant lighting over it.. would that look weird or get in the way over the sink?

Family room, I think the ceilings look so great! John, you worked so hard and it looks fabulous! Thank you thank you thank you, I love you! BTW, that's the fireplace under all the plastic.

Tag-ged... ABCs

Since this is the first time I've ever been tagged (by my sis) I thought I'd actually do it.

A: Attached or Single: Attached

B: Best Friend: John, followed closely by mom and sisters

C: Cake or Pie: Cake, even if it's just for the frosting. Though cherry pie drenched in vanilla ice cream is pretty darn good too.

D: Day of Choice: the day the house is done and we are moved in. Or Sundays.

E: Essential Items: sleep. Oh, items? Uhhh.. diaper bag, I guess, if I remember it.

F: Favorite Color: plum

G: Gummy Bears or Worms: depends on my mood. I like them both

H: Home Town: Ferndale, WA

I: Indulgences: far too many, too often, of late. dove dark chocolate, blue bunny ice cream

J: January or July: July, definitely. I hate being cold!

K: Kids: Three, though sometimes it seems like more. Emily is 5, Kimmie almost 4, Calvin 20 months.

L: Life is incomplete without: family

M: Marriage Date: Dec. 22, 2001

N: Number of Siblings: 4 — 2 sisters, 2 brothers

O: Oranges or Apples: apples, honeycrisp or pink lady. good oranges are just too rare.

P: Phobias: housefires, any kind of major disaster

Q: Quote: The one about how life is supposed to be full of joy by Pres. Hinckley.. I'm too tired to look it up at the moment.

R: Reasons to smile: three little monkeys, Calvin's cute voice saying "nee-nock" (his word for donkey) or "kiss, Kimmie? Kiss, Em-lee?" at bedtime. John trying to be funny, spring flowers, the pretty green paint in the kids' new rooms. The fact that my own home is about a week or so away.

S: Season: spring in Kentucky, I miss all those gorgeous blossoms, especially the weeping cherry trees, and my tulips! It was even worth all the allergy problems!

T: Tag: Brianne, Amber, Wendy, Lisa... if you want to.

U: Unknown fact about me: I don't like pudding. Or Jello, or yogurt.. or anything of that particular consistency. Are you supposed to drink it or eat it?

V: Vegetarian or Meat Eater: Balance, mostly. I suppose I should be eating more veggies.

W: Worst Habit: Procrastinating everything I don't want to do but need to.

X: X-rays: umm... what? Maybe when I broke my arm as a kid, maybe lungs since then. I dunno.

Y: Yummy favorite food: Yeah, that would be pizza. I made this delish pesto pizza with lemon chicken and mozz. cheese and fresh tomatoes. Better than papa johns, except it takes two hours for me to make and 15 minutes for them...

Z: Zodiac sign: Leo, though what that's supposed to signify, I have no idea.

photos!

My friend Meredith took some pictures of the kids while we were in Washington, and I wanted to post a few of them. I think they are so cute! But then, I am sort of biased...

Washington

The kids and I went to Washington for a week and a half to see my parents. It was a great trip, I very much enjoyed it. It is also good to be home with my hubby again. I think he missed us. :) Emily came running to him when she saw him in the airport and I swear I saw tears in his eyes. Kimmie broke into the biggest grin ever when she saw him, and even Calvin dropped everything and started yelling, "Daddy, dada-dada-daddy!!" and gave him a huge hug. So did I, by the way.

Anyway, I did enjoy seeing my parents and the ocean and believe it or not, the rain (which there was plenty of, and snow too!). In this case pictures definitely speak louder than words, so... here's a bunch.

Dancing with grandma

Participating in the little girls class--for a little while anyway

A video of dancing with Grandma. They loved the one on one time, but the whole class together was a little more than they could handle. I don't think they are used to that much chaos... 8 4-5 year olds in tap shoes on a wood floor. Though it actually went really well. I am a little worried about Em in kindergarten, she doesn't like loud noise at all. I guess we'll see.

At the ocean: Grandma, Kimmie and Grandpa

Calvin found a shell!

Me and the kids (it was windy, bright, and a little cold)

Calvin and I playing in the water

Kimmie was having fun digging her shoes into the mud

Grandpa and Emily watching a flock of birds on the water

Calvin had fun just tromping around on the wet sand. He looked like a little old man out on a walk. :)

Emily stayed pretty close to Grandpa the whole time. She wasn't feeling good and Grandpa was only too glad to hold her. Thanks for taking some time off to come with us, Dad!

Much to Mom's chagrin, we had a little get-together (NOT a party) to celebrate her birthday. Doesn't she look thrilled to be the center of attention? ;) Love ya Mom. The black forest cheesecake was yummy, too.

Can you hear Calvin saying, "See Coby doggie?" Grandpa earned Calvin's affection by being willing to take Calvin to see the dog whenever he asked. It worked so well that at the airport Calvin went to Grandpa and waved good-bye to me!!

Kimmie plays hide and seek

Calvin, Em and Grandpa watching the dog. You can just see the top of Coby's head at the bottom of the window. He loved watching the dog, but refused to go within three feet of him, even through the window. He prefers to love dogs from afar. He got jumped on and licked once by a dog, and that ended that.

This one is after we got home. I thought it was funny because this is where Calvin settled himself in after I told him it was time for bed.

Sidenote: I saw this blog background and thought it was perfect. I have three little monkeys who love to jump on beds, the youngest of which is the biggest monkey of all! Fitting that it's also his favorite animal.

house update

So here's the progress on the house:

John and I are both frustrated with how slow it is going, but John really is putting a lot of time in and working hard, with the Butler work crew pitching in when they can (thanks a billion guys!!). It's just slow-going right now. So far, he's ripped out the nasty calcified-pet-urine-stained subflooring in the family room and replaced it with new plywood (just a couple of large spots, not the whole floor), sealed it with primer, and painted it quite a few times. They've scraped all the old popcorn off of the ceiling, patched it in places upstairs, and as of this weekend have sprayed the new texture on the upstairs. There's a couple spots to go over again, but over all I am thrilled with it. It looks so so SO much better!! Next up, the downstairs. And then the painting begins.

I believe I have decided to paint the kitchen cabinets white. I just think they will look a lot better. I am going to try to go for a french countryside effect, or at least that's what I call it in my head. A sophisticated cottage style, with white beadboard-ish cabinets, bronze or wrought-iron hardware, and hopefully someday a dark wood floor. With plum and sage accents and beige walls. Hopefully some darker brown accents in a backsplash as well, if I can figure that out. Anyway, that's the idea right now. I am a bit worried about having white cabinets and a white countertop (though the counter has a wood border to separate it a bit) since we're not going to be replacing it for a while, but hopefully it will look all right it the meantime. Someday I'm hoping it will be a light brown marble look. We'll see.

So... pictures!

Before picture: Nasty floor

Middle picture: hole in the floor

After picture: painted floor (we haven't decided what to put there yet)

Before picture: scraping the popcorn (go Richard!)

Evil popcorn, say goodbye!

Middle picture: the drywall exposed

Middle picture dos: spraying the texture (go John!!)

After picture (sort of, it's not painted yet): the finished texture--you can sort of see it...

Tulips!! I'm so excited to have tulips! John says there's a lilac too...

One of my favorite parts of the yard: the giant willow tree in the back corner (if you can see the red shed in the background, that is the yard of the big noisy evil dogs--one's a doberman. We will be putting in a higher fence.)

In like a lamb...

I can't believe it's March. No, I'll rephrase that: I can't believe it's March and we are still not moved into a house of our own. What the heck were we thinking in buying a house that we'd have to spend a month+ fixing up?!? Oh yeah, we got a good deal... d: Meanwhile, John is trying to spend evenings over at the house ripping out disgusting subflooring and putting in new stuff, continuing the popcorn battle, and hopefully having the family room ready to move all our stuff out of storage and into that room on Saturday (yeah, that's the one that currently has holes in the floor and views down to the basement). I'd like to be up helping, but hauling three kids up there just incapacitates someone so they are watched over, so I may as well stay home with them. Meanwhile, Calvin has a cold that developed into croup and after a couple of days nervously watching him I took him into the doctor and got some meds. He's breathing much better, though still has a cold, which I have now caught. Probably because he hasn't let me out of his sight for a week. Meanwhile, we're enjoying 75 degree weather and the kids spent all day yesterday outside... hallelujah. Weird to be worried about sunburns in March.

Here are some random pics of the kids, just for kicks:

The girls at the lake in Feb.

This one really was taken in January, we've had a weird winter.