Day 38

the STAIRS are in!

this is the view from our upstairs family room--looking east. the space between the big windows will be where our wood-burning stove will be. yummy--warm!

this is the back side of our home.

it's looking good! as we walked through it this evening it felt more like a house--there are walls, a roof, and it's easier to feel what it's going to be like. lots of FUN!!!

Day 37

View from the west--looking east. That lower opening is the one-car garage, and the two openings above are bedroom windows.

This is the view from the front. They haven't cut all the openings yet, thus no visible front door or window in Lehi's office (downstairs). The bottom window is in the living room, and the window above that is the master bedroom with the small window being in the master bath. The other window upstairs is in the family room. The house is facing north.

Our "kleenex box" house! And we love it!

They're moving right along! I think we need to stop praying that our home will be built "quickly"! We can't believe how quickly they're doing things--it's awesome!

It's almost completely framed. The stairs aren't in yet, and we can't wait to be able to climb them to see what our view is going to be like! I think it's killing Lehi to have to wait! You can see our home from the main road (not the highway), so that's kind of fun. I think it'll be even more visible once it's painted red!!!

We ordered our doors today, and decided to go with Autumn Red siding with Natural Linen trim. It should look pretty neat. Karson said we need to be ready to paint the soffit when they're done framing. I'm thinking we're going to have to be doing things during the holidays-that'll make Christmas nice and busy (since it never is!?)! But, we're excited!!!

We are the pilgrims . . .

Today was Eliza's kindergarten Thanksgiving program. I have to say . . . she was the cutest!! Her teacher got the whole class to memorize a poem, "The Pilgrims's Poem," and Eliza knew it well! In fact, she's been reciting it for people all weekend. I was pretty impressed that she knew it because I think it's pretty long! To hear her say it with the little lilt in her voice is so cute! I love my girl!!

We sailed on the Mayflower, over the sea
To a new land, America—where we could be free!
We built houses from freshly cut trees,
To help us keep warm, so that we wouldn’t freeze.

We worked in our gardens until the food grew,
Then we had plenty to make a fine stew.
We invited our Indian friends and all got together
For the very first Thanksgiving ever!

We had meat and potatoes, but the pie was the best!
After feasting three days we all had to rest.
We are the pilgrims and we want to say,
“Have a very happy thanksgiving Day!”

Blessed!

Tonight for family home evening we talked about gratitude--being that Thanksgiving is in a couple of days! After reading D&C 59:21, we decided to list some of our many blessings! So, with Kate at the chalk board, we all volunteered some of the things we're thankful for. Here's our list:

family

hugs

chocolate

the Priesthood

turkey

love

the scriptures

indoor plumbing

dogs

pie

shoes

ice cream

cornbread stuffing

the sun

horses

the Savior

friends

teachers

books

math

prophets

America

mom

Kate

Eliza

dad

being born in the covenant

Moe

caramel apples

brownies

cars

a job

light

fans

candy

toys

and many, many more things!

We are so blessed, and we are so grateful!!

Day 32

Aren't they cute? Both got gum in their mouths! They're standing in our entry way--in front of the wall of our half-bath! It's actually happening! Way exciting!!!

Got all four walls up! Woo--hoo!!

Day 31

just another neat picture Lehi took! these are some of the trees on our land--isn't it beautiful?

they started framing! and, the well is done, so we've got water!!

one wall is up--only three more to go. . . .

Wouldn't it be nice?

i need your help!

i 'm trying to find out which Walmart sells this mirror!!!

Day 27

Well, it was our turn to work today! When they cleared our land to begin building, Lehi asked our contractor not to haul away the trees. Lehi wanted them for firewood. Well, that meant we had to clean them up and cut them into firewood-size pieces. Lehi went and worked on that last weekend, but today the girls and I went and helped. I have to admit--it was actually a lot of fun (for me) to do some physical labor together, as a family, so that we can have a nice home. It felt very rewarding, and just fun!

We worked for about three hours--Lehi cutting with MY new chainsaw I got for my birthday and me and the girls hauling the branches to various piles. We had a "slash" pile for the stuff that's not worth saving and a "wood pile" for the stuff we'll burn in our wood burning stove. I guess the plan is to have quite the bonfire with the slash. That sounds like a lot of fun! We'll have to bring some marshmallows!!!

And, after the work was done we went and got ice cream! Great day!

Day 26

We're getting our well! Yesterday they started digging the well and I guess they hit water because when we went last night there was a big river of water running across our land! That's exciting! I don't know if they have to dig down further to be sure the well doesn't run dry, but the rig is still out there, so I know they're not done. Kinda cool, tho!

They also poured the cement for our front porch and back stoop, and the rest of the foundation was dry enough for us to walk on. So, yippy! It's moving forward! Altho we did get some not-so-great info yesterday. Originally, APS told us they would pull the electricity from the electric pole to our house because it's right on the edge of our property. However, yesterday they told us we have to pay for it. We haven't received the paperwork yet, but it sounds like it might be around $5200. Yah, like I have that just tucked away somewhere--between my boobs, maybe?! Ummm, no!

When we went out to the lot last night we found a box of Bashas donuts--Lehi's favorites! He and the girls were pretty excited. I guess the workers left it, and we figured they weren't coming back for the night. So, we picked them up. (There were only about 4 left in the box.) Needless to say, tho--pretty stale! We ended up throwing 'em away. Shucks!

Sunrise, Sunset . . .

You know the old adage:
Red in the morning, sailor take warning . . .

Well, by the looks of it, we're in for a doozy!

Lehi took this beautiful picture this morning. He's such a great photographer!

Day 25

The big pour!!! It happened today. Lehi went out this morning and saw the cement truck. And, when we went out tonight, it had been done and was lookin' mighty smooth!

I guess we're really doing this!

Day 24

So, for the past couple of days they've been preparing for the cement to be poured. Here, they were doing the rebar (I guess). That was yesterday.

BIG change!

Okay, so why was there such a long gap (about a week and a half) in our building process? Well, we decided to go a little bigger--not a lot, but a little.

We were going to do a huge garage, with a small (1100 square foot) apartment upstairs. It was a two-bedroom, 1 1/2 bath (with the 1/2 bath being in the garage). We figured we could get by with that until we could build bigger without going into debt. Well, to make a long story short, we ended up with a little more money in our loan than we had anticipated so we asked our builder if it was possible to build in the garage for that small amount of money. We decided to move the kitchen downstairs and add a small living room, opening up the area upstairs to be a larger family room, and allowing us to put a bathroom in the master bedroom. After getting some additional bids, and asking us to tile the 2 1/2 baths ourselves, our contractor figured out a way to get it done for us! We are so excited because that means we're going from a small 1100 sf home to a 1900 sf home--much more doable! And, it will make our home worth so much more, and we're saving money by doing it now rather than later down the road! So, we are ecstatic! He is such an awesome contractor!

Day 12 of the Build

Actually, day 12 happened about 12 days ago, and I haven't blogged about it. So, here's a little update on the progress of our home.

Because we have five acres we have LOTS of trees (as Lehi calls them) or bushes (as I call them) that need to be removed. Because we live where it gets cold in the winter, Lehi decided it would be a good idea to use those trees as firewood, so he asked the builder to not get rid of them. Instead, Lehi got the chainsaw I got for my birthday and he's been putting it to work on the weekends. That's going to be our weekend project this weekend, in fact! It's probably a very wise idea, but it sounds a little too much like HARD work for my liking! The girls aren't very excited for this Saturday. Kate said, "But, dad, I don't want to get splinters!" And I said, "But, dad, I don't want to get bit by anything!!!"

You'll notice in the above picture that they put the plumbing in--as well as the footings. So, now we were just waiting for the concrete to be poured!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . . .

We had our first snow today! Actually, it was last night, but there was still a light dusting this morning when we woke up.

Having lived in the Valley their whole lives, the girls were rather excited last night to see snow actually falling! And, I have to agree--when it falls, it falls beautifully! They were so excited, until the electricity went out--and stayed out for an hour!

Then this morning they couldn't hardly finish breakfast because of the anticipation of getting to ride in the car that still had snow on it! "Mom, you're gonna hafta scrape it off the windows!" It's so fun to see life thru the eyes of a child. I forget how awesome it is--life, the world, all of it!

Master, The Tempest is Raging

My mom (I love her!) sent me a great email this week! In it, she sent me a copy of a wonderful talk, given by Pres. Howard W. Hunter. I get the feeling that LOTS of people are feeling a tad concerned regarding America's future.

Pres. Howard W. Hunter gave a talk in 1984 about how sometimes we feel like the Lord has forgotten us. He retold the story of when Christ was asleep in the boat and there was a storm raging, and his disciples were afraid: "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" He rose, calmed the waters: "Peace, be still," and then he said, "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"

As I read this talk this morning, I felt great peace. I felt like it applies to the events of this week very fittingly! And, again, I'm grateful for prophets and their foresight, faith, and desire to help each one of us.

Pres. Hunter ended his talk with this thought:
"One of the wisest of the ancient Romans once spoke a great gospel truth and probably never realized he had done so. Speaking of Roman naval power and the absolute imperative to control the oceans, Cicero said to a military aide, 'He who commands the sea has command of everything.' (See W. Gurney Benham, Putnam’s Complete Book of Quotations, New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1926, p. 505.) Of that I so testify."
As do I!

Hayden's Toy Drive

I have a GREAT friend who is a fabulous mom! She and I have been friends since before we were born--I'm NOT kidding! Our fathers served missions together; our parents lived in the same town when we were born, and she and I were born one month apart. It's really uncanny how our lives have always been intertwined! I love her!

Anyway, she has a son (Hayden) who was born with heart problems seven years ago. He was taken care of at Phoenix Children's Hospital, and the people there did an awesome job! As a result, Hayden enjoys trying to do his part to help the children that have to be at that hospital during the Holidays. For the past two years Hayden has collected toys to give to the children, and he's continuing that tradition this year. You can read about it here.

For the past two years each of my girls have gone to the store and picked out a toy to give to Hayden's toy drive. It makes for a great way to teach them to give--to teach them the real purpose of the holiday. And, the girls really enjoy picking out a present and giving it away! So, if you're looking for a fun, easy, VERY beneficial cause for Christmas look no further than Hayden's Toy Drive! BTW, it's a PCH-approved fundraiser--that means you can use it as a tax write-off if you need/want to!

Hard times bring faith!

My sister called me last night and this is how the conversation began:
Phone: RRRIIIINNNNGGGG
Me: Hey! You're alive! What's up?
Krystal: We're screwed!!!!
Me: (laughing) 'Cuz of Obama?
Krystal: Why are you laughing?!
The conversation continued, and we talked about the state of our country--and what might be coming.

This may be a long post, and you may not want to read it, but since it's my blog; I'm the editor-in-chief, and this editor feels it's important to post her feelings. You don't have to read it, but I like to think it might make you think a little.

Am I scared? Yah, I'm scared. Do I feel like it's all going down the drain, like we're "screwed," as my sister said? No. This is America. This is the "promised land." This is the place the Lord chose to restore His gospel. Will He forget us? No! Has He forgotten us? No! But, have we forgotten Him? I think so! No prayer in the schools. No Pledge of Allegiance. Let's take "In God We Trust" off the penny, the state buildings, etc., etc.. In fact, let's make marriage between one man and one woman an issue so that we actually have to define God's law--a law that has been in existence since the beginning! Yah, I think we've forgotten Him. But He has promised He will not forget us--ever!

Life is going to "change" (Thanx Mr. Obama!), but the Lord doesn't change. His principles have been, are, and will be the same--always! His love NEVER changes. If we will straighten up (repent), have faith, live right, have charity--and above all, FOLLOW THE PROPHET we WILL be okay! Does that mean it'll be easy? No. Does that mean we won't have problems, trials--even major ones? No. Does that mean some of the righteous will die? Probably. But, it does mean that in the end we will be blessed. I also believe that we will be protected through the difficult times. We've been told to pay tithing (Malachi 3) (I don't care what church you belong to), and that by doing so our crops will not fail, we will not be burned at His coming, we will be protected. I take God at His word!

My younger sister, Arianne, had some interesting insight. As she watched Obama give his acceptance speech last night she noticed the people in the crowd. Their faces showed such hope, such longing--for a leader, even a spiritual leader. She, and I, hope (for their sakes) that Obama can deliver. Personally, I don't believe he will. Heck, within the first few minutes of his speech he said that "change is coming, but that change probably won't happen within the first month, the first year, or possibly even within the first term . . ."--already, he's backing out of the campaign promises he made! Man (and woman) cannot depend on the arm of flesh (man). We must turn to the Lord! He should be our leader. I wish that all those who think they need Obama to be their spiritual leader knew of the joy that comes from knowing a prophet of God is on the earth. That he speaks with the Lord, and that by following him we can be happy; we can have the joy, direction, peace, comfort that these people are seeking. It makes me think I need to be a better missionary.

What does Obama as President mean for me in my life? My first response is that (as I've said already) my family and I need to follow the prophet. We need to show gratitude to the Lord for the blessings we have. We need to have charity and serve others, and we need to live our lives patterned as closely to the Savior's as we can. I love the words to the Primary song, "If The Savior Stood Beside Me":

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example? Would I live more righteously,
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more reverently
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?
Would His presence give me strength and hope, and courage to endure?
Would His counsel guide my actions? Would I choose more worthily
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see Him there
And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care
So I'll be the kind of person that I know I'd like to be
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.

And, Obama as President means I need to be a better missionary! It means I get to teach my daughters the difference between fear and faith. It means I am being given the opportunity to strengthen my own faith, my own level of obedience and commitment to the Lord. It means many good things can come!

"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalms 46:10)

ps: The marriage protection amendments passed (in all three states)!!! At this point in time, I feel passing those was more vital to our country than who our president is! To me, them passing is an example of the Lord answering the many, many prayers of those who fasted, prayed, sacrificed, and campaigned for an issue so vital to maintaining values and morality within this great nation! Thank you, Heavenly Father, for helping us protect the divine sanctity of marriage!

Protect Marriage!

We're coming down to the wire and I just want to give one last plug for protecting marriage! I learned, from my sister-in-law's blog, that Elder Ballard announced a new church website the other night. He and Elder Cook specifically invited those with blogs and other internet groups to "go viral" with the videos and information on the website. :o) If you have a blog or website, including Facebook or MySpace, there are videos you can embed.

These propositions are not about intolerance but about protecting who we are!

Frightful Halloween Fare!

Okay, so I was feeling a little festive yesterday and I had some extra time, so Lehi and I decided to make each meal a memory! The girls woke up to this "biting" greeting!

Their responses were rather amusing!

"Uh, mom? What is this?"

"You better hurry and eat it or it might bite ya!!!!"

These were so simple! I found the idea here.

After their yummy apple bites, it was time to dig into some bloody pancakes!!! (Thanx to Lehi!)

OOOOOO, yum!!!

And, to finish off a very frightful breakfast, they found worms in their vitamin C drink! (I froze gummy worms in ice cubes--it worked like a charm!)

Cheese crisp ghosts for lunch, with a little blood (salsa) to dip it in!

Now, who wouldn't want that for lunch?

I think the highlight of dinner was our

putrid punch--complete with worms!

It looks nasty, but it tasted oh so yummy! None of us could get enough.

Eyeballs anyone? A lovely hors-d-ouvre!

What? You'll pass on the eyeballs? How 'bout some

frightful finger food?

And, for the delicious main course (drum roll please) . . .

WORMS ON A BUN! With a side of scabs (potato chips).

This one didn't go over so well!

Eliza thought the worms were great to play with, but they must've been too slithery 'cuz they wouldn't go into the girls' mouths! (Whoever heard of kids who don't like hot dogs? I just don't get it--it doesn't matter what kind I buy, expensive, cheap, chicken, beef, fake, they will not eat them! Even disguised as worms! I guess I should be grateful, huh? They're not the most healthy of meals!?)

And, we ended the lovely evening with a bit of trick-or-treating. Our neighbors came over and we played "Don't Eat Jack!" and watched "The Legend of Sleep Hollow." All in all, it was a frightfully delightful eve!