Project Basement Update

I can finally see a light at the end...no wait, we still have to do a second coat in the closets...poop.  Ben and I devoted our entire 3-day weekend to painting the trim, doors, etc. in the basement, and we're still not finished. I feel like we're going to be painting for the rest of our lives.  If we can just get past this part we will be home free, the rest should be a breeze!  Alright, time to throw on my paint pants, suck it up, and bust it out.  We got this!

Say S'mores!

Our first bonfire in "The Garden."  I have a feeling this will become a common thing 'round here.

We Love to See the Temple!

Payson Temple open house

Our TEENy Bopper

Lookout!  We've got a teenager in the house!  She's pretty much too cool for everything, except her sweet birthday cake....check it...

 



What a Lovely Mother's Day!

He loves to give lickery kisses

How am I not 300 lbs.?

Holly opted out of this one

 

 

My kids sure know how to make a mom feel loved, actually, Ben is teaching them very well.  They made me breakfast, gave me flowers, sent me on a treasure hunt to find treats and a range pass, wrote me notes, made me gifts, drew me a bath complete with rose petals and classical music, let me take a nap, gave me lots of sweet hugs, kisses and I love you's, and posed for some pictures (even though they weren't real thrilled about that one.)  We also got to spend the evening with my mom and family which was nice and topped it all off with a back rub.  What a lovely, lovely day!  It's good to be a mom!

My Hero

 

Ben is my favorite super hero....by far!

Up From the Pew..

(sung to "Up on the Housetop")

Up from the pew our two kids sprung
pushing and shoving to reach the front
they nearly pushed down one old dude
It put me in an anxious mood... 

but...Oh Oh Oh
Tiago went first
Oh Oh Oh
my heart nearly burst

Up at the mic he was so wise
I sure love that little guy.

Holly went next for her first time
The words she spoke were so divine
She spoke of Joseph Smith you see
and made me proud as I could be.

Oh Oh Oh
So glad they chose
Oh Oh Oh
to share what they know

It made me feel so very glad,
What a lovely surprise we had!

Sad, Sad Day!

The girls have decided to quit piano and it breaks my heart a little.  For three years we have put a lot of time, energy, and tears into piano and I somehow feel that it was all a waste.  I am holding out hope that someday they will want to take lessons again, but the reality is, they probably won't.  I feel a deep sadness today.

Money Ain't a Thang!

"In the Ferrari and Jaguar switchin 4 lanes, with the top down screamin out "money ain't a thang." Must be nice Jermaine and Jay Z.  Wish this was MY theme song.  I'd switch up the cars.... Ben would take a Lambo and I would take an Aston Martin,  but wouldn't it be nice to be able to scream out "money ain't a thang?"  Money, money, money, it's the great unequalizer.  I've had money and I've had little money, and I can attest that having money makes life much less stressful, and enables you to enjoy and explore so much more.

Since money IS a thang, I've got a budget for finishing my basement, but the subs I'm dealing with don't seem to get that.  When our finish carpenter's bid came in way higher than expected I had to make a tough call.  In order to remain financially responsible, I cancelled the painter and we're doing it ourselves. (deep breath) 

Sometimes it's tempting to go back to work.  I used to make decent money.  An extra 75 grand could go a long way.  But being home with my kids trumps luxury and adventure.  Someday I'll be able to say "money ain't a thang."  Until then I'll just try to be grateful for everything we have, which is a lot!