Psych!

The job in AZ didn't work out the way we had hoped. But....Heath got a job offer in California so we took it! After packing our bags and heading to AZ, we learned of the job situation and packed our bags again a week later and drove to sunny California. Oh wait, it hasn't been quite sunny--it's rained the last 2 days. I guess that's what they call the June gloom. :) We are happy to be here with family. We are living with my parents while Heath commutes to Pasadena for an internship. We are excited to have a fun-filled summer with family and friends and lots of trips to the beach. wahoo!! So, I know, we are pretty hard to keep up with. I, too, can't keep up with it. But, now that we're here, I finally feel at peace. These last two months of uncertainty have been hard on me. I always like to have everything organized and prepared early. I guess something I've learned from this is no matter how much planning you do in advance, life will always through you curve balls. So, now that we are settled, I can finally start blogging about all the fun things we've been up to. Coming Soon: Jace's Birthday Party!!!

Can't Escape the Heat

So, the verdict is in.....We're moving to Arizona for the summer. We applied to jobs in Colorado, California and Arizona....and we ended up in the Valley of the Sun. Mostly, we're grateful that we have a job. In this tough economy, it's hard to find anything. I'm so going to miss CO though. The afternoon thunderstorms are starting this week and I love how much it cools down. The trees are all green again and wow, spring is beautiful here. All my friends are starting the fun summer activities soon that I'm going to miss :( It's amazing that we can actually do things outside during the summer here. That's a new concept and I guess one I won't get to enjoy it till next summer. :) We're renting our place out furnished so we don't have a ton of packing to do...but still some. I'm excited to see family and friends, go swimming (oh, that means wearing a bathing suit...yikes!), go to sewing night with the SSC, visiting family in CA, monsoon rainstorms, and camping in July.

So, I need some help!!!

Any of you Arizonians.....

Have a baby swing or exersaucer I can borrow for 2 months? We're only driving our Honda
Where are you doing swim lessons?
Anyone doing any fun sports activities for their kids?

THANK YOU!!!!!!! See you Arizona in a week. Fare thee well Colorado till August.

Cutest Bobblehead!!

When grandma comes to play!

My mom came to visit this last week and we had SO much fun! I sure miss living by family. She watched Camden so I could get a long overdue pedicure! I haven't had one since last June. Way too long!! She got me a book called, The Mother in Me. I already started reading it. It has reminded me of all the joys of motherhood and has helped me put this trial into perspective. I've had a more difficult time with this one than I thought I would. But, things are getting better. The weather didn't cooperate so we didn't get to do much fun outdoor activities. We did go to the mall but didn't shop. (to all those nearby mothers out there: I feel for you! Why in the world the Park Meadows Mall has no play area is a mystery to me! The kids just hang out at the Pottery Barn Kids. I couldn't believe it! There were girls playing tea, boys playing with trucks and others jumping on beds! This is a store! The crazy thing is, everyone does it and the store has no problem or so they say.)

Guess what.... I finally saw Twilight (sorry obsessed fans out there. this wasn't on the top of my list a couple days after having a baby. although I would've loved to go). My mom and I watched it while Heath sat in the background and laughed here and there. I have to admit, it was good, not great and corny. I still have a secret crush on Edward. I'm so grateful for my mom. She grounds me and gives me great advice. She reminds me... that I'm strong, to be faithful, to work hard, to be patient, that it's okay to have bad days and to appreciate the good ones that much more. In lieu of mother's day, I think you know Mom, how much I love you and appreciate everything you've done for me growing up and continue to do every day.

Pics: Mom, I just realized we didn't take any with YOU and the kids. Jace at the temple. he loves the temple! the boys chillin on grandma's bed. Grandma bought Jace a firetruck! He was so excited.

The true meaning

I loved Easter this year! As a family, we really wanted to celebrate the true meaning of Easter. We woke up to a rainy easter morning ( I love the rain), which I felt appropriate for easter...starting new...washed clean...helping the earth grow and blossom. We had a yummy pancake breakfast and then watched Finding Faith in Christ. Jace sat through the whole thing and was particuarly concerned when they took Jesus to the cross. He's watched it before but I wanted him to realize what Easter was all about. We did easter baskets, but nothing extravagant...mostly candy. (which by the way needs to leave my house bc all I'm doing is eating it) Church, was of course, spiritually rejuvinating and the lesson in RS was so powerful about being valiant in the cause of Christ. We came home to a yummy pot roast in the oven and the rest of the evening was just so nice spending time together.

The Hunt

We went to the Highlands Ranch Easter Egg Hunt for what Jace calls, "Rabbit Day" Good thing I had some of our coats in the car, because it was A LOT colder than we anticipated. In fact, Heath didn't wear a coat and he froze!!! His hands were like ice and the wind was blowing so hard. Not to mention, we had to hike a mile to get to the park. But, it was all worth it! There were SO many eggs. It was insane/ We had a great time and they were giving away free samples of the the BEST cake I've ever had.... nothingbundtcake. WOW! We went back for 2nds and 3rds. Jace wouldn't get near the easter bunny this year....who could blame him...he looked pretty scary to me this year. Aren't Easter Bunny's round and fluffy and friendly??? This one was emaciated and didn't look anywhere but straight ahead. Kinda creepy. :)

Just found this picture from last year.....what a difference! I can remember sweating like crazy that day.