Tribute

Between packing, moving, driving, unpacking and organizing, I finally have time to give an update on what's been going on. First things first, I have to give a big SHOUT OUT to all my friends and family in Mesa! Our last weeks there were so fun and wonderful and I really felt like I was able to have some good times before we left. I had a brunch with the girls from my ward, hung out with the Barney's at the new complex (which isn't opened yet) But it will be a hit when it does! Went to dinner with Heath's two best friends and their wives, which is always a good time. I just wish we could've seen each other more often. Had one last big family dinner at the Reeds and had a great party at the Bodily's (again, THANK YOU!) Heath and I really wanted to say goodbye with some cookies and ice cream party with our good friends. We already miss you!

The day of the move was hectic. I was so grateful that Heath's parents took Jace for the day. Then, Amber and Helena and Stef helped me get some cleaning done before everything was moved out. We had a HUGE turnout to help us load the truck. Truly, I couldn't believe it! THANK YOU TO ALL THE ELDERS QUORUM MEN! We owe Brad a steak dinner for helping us fit everything in our 16' truck. It was a miracle that it all fit. What a blessing. Thank you again! I feel so blessed to have so many people show so much love and support for us. Amber arranged for the young women to come help me clean after everything was out. I can't even believe how much they helped..vacuum, baseboards, refrigerator, sweeping, mopping, freezer, cabinets...etc. They were heaven sent! I seriously would've been there into all hours of the night. A BIG THANK YOU!!!! It was so generous and kind of the leaders and everyone. I felt so loved. I, of course, was a big blubber baby when I said goodbye. I hope the girls know how much I love them. Plus, Amber, if you read this, I hope you know how much I appreciate all your help and love and friendship and for helping me get things together for weeks before the move and for all the boxes, the lunch trips, car talks and late night movies. You have been such a good friend. And our home teacher came later that night and helped Heath with some small loads and cleaning and vacuuming and running errands. Thanks Scott! We'll be thinking of you and Jenna when we watch Psych.

This is getting long....sorry...but I had so many people to thank. We've been so blessed.

NOW....COLORADO

So far, we like it! We sure miss our friends and family so much though. It's def. going to take some getting used to. Our place has so much storage, which I love. The garage is a major blessing. Things are tight in here but I really am starting to like this town home. I LOVE that it's one story. I LOVE our deep kitchen sink. I LOVE our window seat in the family room. I LOVE Jace's huge bedroom. I LOVE the HUGE patio! We have found a great beautiful area and everything is so close including the Parks Meadow Mall, which we had our first family trip to yesterday to buy me some jeans. (I know, I didn't have one maternity pair...who needs them in AZ?) The light rail is walking distance from our house. Jace and I went to a fun park today and even met someone from our new ward there by chance! The weather is absolutely gorgeous and I love how the storms roll in late afternoon and cool everything down. I'll take some pictures as soon as my camera gets fixed :(

The best news of all is Heath got offered a job today with the city of Centennial! HOORAY! Things do seem like they're falling into place. Jace has seemed fine with the transition. It really helped to have his Mimi and Bumpa here for the first days. They drove over with us and helped SO much to get our place in order and play with Jace. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! WE LOVE YOU!

I'll def. keep everyone updated with the latest. We love you and miss you.

Just couldn't wait!

My friend, Christie and I were pretty anxious to get our hands on the last book in the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn! We went to Barnes and Noble at midnight for the release party. When we got there, there was a huge mass of people all wanting one thing...the book! And we felt a little old...it was mostly teenagers and young kids. And, yes, we have sleepy eyes. We attempted a picture of the momentous occasion. Thanks Christie! It was so fun!

Happily and surprisingly we only saw a couple people dressed up. We had reserved a copy so it only took us a few minutes till it was in hand! I haven't even finished the first chapter yet because I have to PACK! Ugh! Seriously, I'm trying to contain myself because I know I won't be able to put it down once I get into it. But, so far, so good. Can't wait to keep reading. Maybe I should take this one in strides, so I can savor it instead of reading all 3 first books in 3 days. Happy reading to the many Twilighters out there!

Oh, I forgot to mention we even got complimentary stickers!! ha (I thought that was pretty funny) :)

Stepbrothers

If you want a good laugh, check this out! It's just another reason why we might name our next little boy, Nash :) Please enjoy!! Seriously, check out his moves.

http://www.ibeatyou.com/entry/afde0b/boomdizzle-and-me-stepbrothers-in-santa-monica

It's no secret that we are a family that likes sports and meeting Steve Nash a few years ago was certainly a big treat!! He really is a great guy and so down to earth. This video just confirms the fun side he has. Plus, check out his web site, he is doing some great things for the "green" movement and making a difference in a lot of communities. http://www.stevenash.org/

Open Wide!

I took Jace to his very first dentist appointment last week! We prepared him all week for this adventure! I told him what they would do and showed him pictures of dentists and the masks they wear. (he's weird about masks) I was SO proud of him! He did amazing! He let them clean his teeth and floss and then when the dentist came he was completely calm and let him look in his mouth and poke around. I was so impressed with the dentist, the office and the hygienists. My first thought was, I hope I can find something just as great in Colorado. If not, we'll come to AZ for his dentist check ups :) Also, the best part of all.....NO CAVITIES!!! The dentist was very pleased with his teeth brushing skills. When we left, Jace got a goody bag with a new toothbrush and I didn't realize it until a second later, but he started his brushing his teeth in the car on our way to go swimming! He walked out of there, very proud of himself and he said "I'm a good boy." I was so relieved to have a positive experience. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist, I would highly recommend this office, Valley Pediatrics.

Oh.....

Mamma Mia! I went to see this movie with my good friend, Amber. It was a pretty cute film. Definitely some corny parts and once you got past the shock of Pierce Brosnan singing....it was really enjoyable. We had a great time and the music is AWESOME! (ABBA) I want the soundtrack now. The acting was great, too. I laughed so much! You walk out of this movie feeling 10 years younger and realizing that you can have fun at any age!! So, for those of you out there that can handle people breaking out into song in mid-sentence, go see the movie!

Getting Nice and Dirty

We had so much fun this year on Heath's annual family camping trip! I like camping but seriously, I do it for Jace because he loves it so much! He had a blast being with his cousins. They took trips to the Fish Hatchery, played rounds of baseball, (notice Jace as the catcher) roasted marshmallows and just got real nice and dirty! We had quite an adventure this year when a HUGE storm hit our camp. Within 5 minutes of rain, thunder, lightning and hail, our canopy was collapsing on us, water was past our ankles, we were huddled together in a ball because it got so cold. The temperature just dropped so fast!

I was very impressed with the men--they knew just what to do. They all went out in the pouring rain and dug trenches and a draining system around our whole camp to drain it. What boy scouts! I just know if it was us women, we would've been piled in our cars waiting for the storm to pass. It was a pretty traumatic experience for the kids. Jace still talks about it and how daddy saved us. What a memory. Oh, and lightning hit the camp site right next to us--that's just a little too close for comfort. It's always so great to get together and just enjoy the outdoors. It's beautiful out there and I am grateful Jace gets the opportunity to take part in this tradition. Hope we can come next year.

The Pains of Cravings

I absolutely am craving Pinkberry yogurt right now. It's the most refreshing frozen yogurt I've ever had. I even bought yogurt and freezed it hoping it would taste the same--not even close!!! But, seeing as my craving is miles and miles away, I don't think I'll be able to quench it tonight. I just looked up the locations in hopes of one being in CO--it's not! Only California and New York! I guess it's true.... absence makes the heart swirl fonder...and for me, that will be until December. Until then Pinkberry.