Preparing the new home....

We're moving in a few weeks to our new home, and are feeling excited and nervous. It was very exciting to choose all the options when we went into contract. We did not realize the lot size was that big until they put the fence up. As we toured the home on our walkthrough, we stared at our big backyard, wondering what on earth we will do with this space. I turned to Rob, and saw his wheels turning at the thought of a vegetable garden, fruit trees, a basketball court, playground for the kids, and an area where we can sit and relax. I'm tired just thinking about it!

So, this is what it looked out when they were framing the home. The home took 2 months to complete. Hard to believe there was just dirt in December! The construction manager said that because of very little rain, they were able to speed up the process. How lucky we are!

I think one of my favorite places will be the kitchen area with the

big island and spacious counters.

 I'm also excited that our kids can eat at the island and

not have to move in order for us to get to the fridge!

 And now for the backyard....

 So I'm taking the picture above from the patio door.

Yasy's running in the background

 I'm standing at the very back of the yard, taking the picture.

This is the right side of the yard.

 This is the left side of the yard.

 This is the center of the yard. Kai and his cousin, Adrian

were playing tag.

 I'm on the second floor, taking a picture of the entry hallway. The tile did not come out the

way I had hoped, but it still looks good.

Looking down from the top of the stairs. Kai and I are already planning FHE night to be sledding down these stairs with sleeping bags or mattresses. Of course, there will be tons of padding at the bottom of the stairs! I know...the crazy things we think of!

Feeling renewed with purpose.....

Malachi, Rowan, and I got to spend a few days in Utah with family and attend Ben & Claire's wedding. It was a wonderful couple of days as we spent time with the Steele family. I also enjoyed just spending time with Kai and Rowan. There's something about Utah that makes me feel that I am home the minute the wheels of the plane touches the ground onto Salt Lake International Airport.

Being at the Salt Lake Temple and then on temple ground was such a wonderful experience. I feel renewed with purpose of why I'm here on earth.....of why I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, why I'm a wife and a mother. I was reminded that I can live in this world but I don't have to be caught up of the worldly things. I see the big picture and will not worry about petty things or what is beyond my control. I'm grateful for my blessings.

It was also great to see Malachi enjoy his time with cousins. I know he's excited to return to spend more time with them all.

 Some other memorable pictures of the trip....

 Kai in front of the Salt Lake Temple

 I had wanted to get the whole temple in the picture so Rowan

 and I were a little far away.

 The beautiful bride and groom!

 Kai and Rowan in a great mood! Kai was so helpful with Rowan

while we were there. I'm so grateful for him.

 Rowan and his cousin, Annie. Annie was so cute with him--she always came up to him

 to talk to him even when she was just passing by.

 Kai and Rowan were playing peek-a-boo with me to pass time

while waiting for pictures.

 "You're funny, Kai!" said Rowan.

 Rowan with his Aunt Jen

 After family picture-taking with the bride and groom, the rest of us went to Crown Burger to grab a late lunch before heading home and then to the reception. Malachi was in burger heaven, eating his Pastrami Burger and Fries with Fry Sauce--only in Utah ;)

And my mookamookas got to eat his first cracker with

ranch dressing at Crown Burger