Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend was so great! Friday, Jeremy and I went out to eat with his parents and came home to watch "The Bee Movie" with Jack- although I couldn't get past Seinfield's voice! All I could picture whenever the bee spoke was Jerry.

Saturday, my sisters and I treated my mom to a "Spa Day". We all got together and went in on a mani/pedi for my mom and took her out to lunch. It was the first time in years that the 5 of us have done any sort of "Girls Day Out" together, since one of us is always out of state for college or away for some reason. I also completed the apron for my mom and finally remembered to take a picture (this is the fourth one I've made!) I still need to make myself one, one of these days.

Sunday was the usual, church and then family dinner. This week, we went over my moms since it was Lindi's last Sunday at home.

Monday, Jeremy went rafting and tried out the new raft. I stayed home and worked on projects. I got Jack's "puppy" quilt all pieced .. so I'm slooowly getting there. Then we barbecued (of course!) and Aaron and Debbie came over with the kids and played for a little while outside.

Today we went to the Zoo with all the cousins, Steph, Tina and Grandma Vicky. Jack loved the animals of course, and doesn't care that the Alaska Zoo is mostly full of Alaskan animals. We had an elephant for a while, which for Alaska was a big deal ..but it was recently transferred to an Elephant sanctuary. It was still neat to see all the bears, moose, musk ox, caribou, etc.

Still Alive..

and pregnant. I feel like so much has happened since my last post. I will get better at this once the baby comes, I promise! We have had closet installs every weekend for the last 3-4 weekends and Jeremy is still a stranger. His last class is June 5th, and then it's just lots of flight hours and outgoing money from there. We are hoping to have his private pilot's license by the end of summer. He is still doing great, and is at the top of his 6 person class;)

The weather has been beautiful and the days are LONG (in a good way) The sun is not going down until about 11 or so, and it's amazing how much more energy I have.

I had a doctor appt. May 12th, everything is still going great. The doctor "informed" me that the baby was far up into my ribs.. which is a lot like informing someone an elephant is stepping on their foot. Umm, pretty sure I know that Doc!;)

Jack's cousin JJ had his 1st birthday 2 Saturdays ago. It was the first pool party of the year (possibly statewide since our requirement was only that it had to be 50 degrees or above. We're toughening up these kids!) But it was sunny and warm and the kids loved it.

See how much fun Jack's having? Bryce and JJ were the only two to jump right in.

He really did end up liking the pool (all 6" of it ;))

The birthday boy

Mother's Day was great. Jeremy got me Cala Lillies which I LOVE and a big box of Junior Mints, which is pretty much the key to my heart. This year he outdid himself and got me 2 cards, one from Jack and one from him. I also got the GREATEST stroller in the world, which was going to be a Mother's Day present from Jeremy but it ended up being an early baby gift from my mom and my grandma. I LOVE, LOVE this stroller!

Saturday Jeremy and I finished an install in the morning and then went shopping, out to eat and to the movie "Ironman". It was an early "Birthday" date, and we went with our friends Dustin and Melinda (who's birthday is the day before mine).

Sunday, we celebrated my birthday at my moms. She made Cafe Rio salad which, needless to say, was amazing. Then of course I was spoiled with all kinds of wonderful gifts.. I am so lucky to have such a generous family with great taste.

Yesterday for my "actual" birthday, Jeremy gave me Photoshop Elements. Vicky made me this sinful cake that was on the cover of Paula Deen's magazine- chocolate edition. This cake is seriously the kind you would pay $6 a slice for at a nice restaurant, except this cake tasted even better. There is literally 6 layers of cake and mousse filling with frosting that could be sold separately in a chocolate shop. Seriously amazing.

So, what else has been going on with the Hustons? Our raft came in! I really wanted to go rafting with Jeremy on Memorial Day, but apparently they frown on that when you're 9 months pregnant? And yes, we did go buy an electric pump for this baby.

May!!

Yesterday I bought some $4.88 flip flops and have been smiling ever since. There's something about the first day that I can wear my sandals every Spring that makes everything else in life look up!
Jeremy wasn't able to go fly his maiden flight Friday because of the wind, so his first flight was tonight. He said it was nerve-wracking with so much to think about- but he liked it. School has been intense- I feel like I never see him, even though class is only twice a week. He's either at work, at class or locked away reading at ALL times. But I'm so glad he found something that he likes (so far!) He's going to stay working full-time as long as possible. We're rethinking our building strategy- we're thinking we may go small with plans to add on later. Between the shaky market and Jeremy's schooling we'd hate to build too big and end up financially regretting it.
I haven't really been up to anything other than chasing Jack and wondering WHEN I lost control! He's a good kid but really knows how to test the waters these days. I think he senses that pregnant, working mom= pushover. I'm still working on the discipline thing. I'm due in 6 weeks but I'm fine with him coming in 4!
I've also spent a few hours here and there brushing up my Photoshop skills (I have it on my work laptop). I've asked for Photoshop Elements for my birthday later this month and have even downloaded quite a bit from ShabbyPrincess (besides the free stuff) in anticipation to start digital scrapbooking. I'm throwing in the towel on the whole traditional scrapbooking thing, too much time, money and work!!

First days of spring

Jack and his cousin, Bryce. This is how far they made it before both decided they were done climbing. If Jack could, he would sleep with those boots on. He loves them! He really was meant to be an Alaskan boy.

Both feet in...

I am finally feeling human again today after being sick all last week and especially this weekend. I don't know if it's just because pregnancy takes a toll on the body or if there is something seriously wrong with my diet (OK, I did find out I'm low on iron but I don't think that alone could cause this) but I feel like I have been SICK constantly this winter. My immune system is lame and it is getting SO annoying! And Jeremy never seems to get sick, at least not in the way I do.

Jeremy found out Sunday that "ground school" for his private pilot's license started Monday so he started school last night! It happened very fast- he is in class twice a week for 3 hours and apparently the work load is comparable to a 5 credit college course. More exciting though, he is going out on his first flight on Friday! I am so excited for him. We have no idea how much this will cost but if likes it, it'll be worth it.
Jack amazes me every day with how much he is talking. It's kind of sad when you suddenly realize that you do not have a baby anymore, but a little boy- however I couldn't be happier with him despite his new interest in mischief. I am probably not as good at disciplining him as I should be- but then again, I've always known that I'm a softy. Thank goodness Jeremy does a better job than me in this area.
I still have all kinds of unfinished projects looming over my head. I wanted to finish up his quilt this past weekend but I just didn't have the energy. Hopefully this weekend if I don't get sick again!

I went to "Tastefully Simple" party last night- has anyone else been to one of those? I would love suggestions of things you ordered and loved. I liked most everything I tried and didn't think the prices were too bad until I read that shipping was 25% of your purchase. What a rip! Anyways I would love to hear comments on it if anyone has experience with their food!
Speaking of food, I'm making Cafe Rio salad tonight for dinner! My hands smell like cilantro and I guess in a wierd way I am loving it!

My Boy...

Loves hats.

Loves to wear hats sideways or backwards.

Loves the color green.

Loves dinosaurs, moose and elephants (he usually sees 1 of the 3 when we drive anywhere.. although the moose is still by far the most common sighting)

Is ALL boy.

Jack is loving the warmer weather and that he can finally play with his trucks outside. The grass is still brown (recovering from winter) and the trees do not green up until May here.. but Spring is most definitely in the air.

The sun is out until 9 pm and each day is getting longer, I'm loving it!

We had a great weekend. My sister and I went to the Parade of Homes and I got a few names of some builders that I was impressed with. Jeremy is thinking more and more about being owner-builder but I need a back-up plan just in case. Jeremy's also thinking very seriously about becoming a commercial pilot, which would change EVERYTHING because it would be years before he finished up all the schooling, flight hours, and certifications that he would need to really start making some money. In the meantime, our income would cut in half so obviously we wouldn't build. Not sure what route we would go at that point- maybe buy a small house with a little mortgage to live in while Jeremy's in school? Anyways, we're still figuring out our future and what we want to be when we "grow up"!

Despite our uncertainty of when we're building, Jeremy and his friend Dustin spent some time on Saturday moving some trees and 4 wheeling around the property. Of course, now Jeremy says he needs a chainsaw and is at Sears as I type this. Jack and Dustin's son, Xander, went with them to "help" so I packed hot dogs and all the fixins so the boys had themselves a little campfire going on top of the lot. You really could feel like you're camping on our property- that's what I love about it!

10 weeks left!

My close friend Becky asked me the other day how many weeks I was and I couldn't even tell her. It's funny how things are.. different with your second. With Jack I knew every day how far along I was, what day of the week my "week" changed, what exact fetal developement was expected at that stage. With thischild, Jack has me too busy to worry much about any of that. It's sad in a way, although I know this child will be loved with all the intensity I have for Jack. So, yeah.. I checked today and I'm 30 weeks.
Not only is the big change of being a mother to 2 looming over my head, I am also quite aware of another large change for me-- not working. Don't get me wrong... I realize 2 kids is a lot of work-- one almost does me in on a regular basis- but this will be the first time in a loong time that my obligations will fall mostly with myself, my husband and my kids. I do worry about boredom, or maybe the lack of self-fulfillment that I've heard other mothers warn about. I have to set goals for myself that I will not stay in my pajamas all day just because I can. I will try not be a hermit or an internet junkie.
Despite my worries I am looking forward to this season of my life!
I finished "New Moon" this morning over breakfast. (Thanks again Debbie!) I'm eager to start "Eclipse"!
Questions for you all:
I would love tips from any stay at home moms.. what keeps you from feeling discouraged at times?
Have you read the "Twilight" series? What did you think?

Snowed In!

Yes, it's April and I didn't go in to work today because of the snow! My boss called this morning and told me not to come in, and it's a good thing because minutes later my sister called and said she got into a wreck (another one!) I told her to call Jeremy since he STILL hadn't made it to work (after being on the road 1.5 hours) so he rescued her, took her to get some breakfast and dropped her off at work. Her car was towed back to Jeremy's parent's shop and we're waiting to hear whether it's totaled. Luckily, she hit the median and not another car or pedestrian! My dad JUST took her studded tires off this past weekend so I guess that was jumping the gun. It never snows like this, this late in spring..ugh!
Jeremy and I have discussed what we want to do when the baby comes, we decided that I am going to stay home (I have been going into the office M/W/F) I told my boss that I will still do some design work on the side, from home, but that I wouldn't be able to drive in to the office, meet with clients etc. I think it will just be too hard and I really am looking forward to being a full-time mom.
We STILL have no name picked out.. it kind of drives me crazy since I am such a "planner". Jeremy says we'll name him in the hospital but I dont know that you can really tell by looking at a newborn what they "look like" they should be named. It's not like a dog where they end up with names like "Wrinkles", "Snowball" or "Hershey", right? Anyways, we'll see! We still have a couple months to decide!

Conference Weekend

We are finally getting organized and ready for spring, summer recreation and the baby! There has been nothing exciting going on, but having the extra bedroom and bathroom for Jack has been nice so I 've done some decorating in the bathroom and am trying to figure out what to do with the boys' room. I also started Jack's blanket this weekend and have it almost pieced. Jack already has a favorite "gwanket", an old raggety Tigger blanket that was Jeremy's as a baby. I am not holding my breath that he will like my blanket better but I thought the kid should have at least one blanket made by mom. It's puppy themed- Jack LOVES our dog, Buddy, and "puppies" in general. (The only animal he probably loves more however is a moose, which he "sees" about 3 or 4 of them everytime I drive him somewhere.)

Just when we thought Spring was here to stay it snowed a couple of inches this weekend. I don't think it will stick but it sure has brought us all down from cloud 9.

This weekend has been nice and relaxing. I didn't do anything productive other than sewing while I watched conference. Jack had most of his cousins over all weekend- again NO pics!

Easter

Once again I dont really have an excuse for such a long delay in my posts other than maybe that I'm pregnant and exhausted all the time! We had a great Easter this year. It was unusually warm and filled with activities the whole weekend. Jeremy's grandma came in Friday (Grandma Huston) for Easter and for Matt and Laurel's "Alaska" reception this Friday.

On Saturday she wanted to take all the girls shopping for Easter dresses so we all went and got some new dresses (Jeremy's mom wanted to buy us all one too.. How lucky are we!?) Saturday afternoon we went over to our friend's house for a barbeque and Jack's first outdoor Easter egg hunt. (Actually, it was a first for many of the older kids even because it usually is not warm or dry enough to hunt outside) Of course my batteries were DEAD in the camara, heello!I'll get this whole "mom" thing down one of these days!

Sunday morning Jack was so excited to wake up to his "Spongebom" fishing pole. He is such a funny two year old, he still says "Thank You" all the time so we heard it quite a bit on Easter. The first egg he opened up he looked inside and said cheerfully "All gone!" I grabbed the egg and sure enough, I managed to give my kid an empty easter egg in his basket (Which only had like 4 eggs in it anyways! Once again, the mom thing.. working on it!) After church we went to my parent's house for another egg hunt, and later that evening back to Jeremy's parents for a hunt. (Both houses do money instead of candy in the eggs.. nice!)

Tuesday

Sorry for the blah title but I just didnt have the energy to come up with anything else. I have been sick since I got back from the wedding..man, I even got the immuno boost from my beloved Jamba juice and everything! The plane always does me in.

I thought Id post a few pics from our FAST whirlwind of a trip.. it was so fun but way too fast, I didn't get to do everything I wanted to do and see everyone I wanted to see (and would have liked MORE time with the very few I did see!) We were literally gone just for the weekend and spent a lot of time doing wedding stuff but it was so beautiful in Utah and I had never been in the Mt. Timpanogos temple.

Jack stayed with my mom so we missed him like crazy and I swear he learned about 50 new words in the couple days we were gone.

Here's some pics from Park City (can my belly get any bigger?!):

It must be the winter

I have been a horrible blogger these past few months. Not only have I barely recorded anything that is going on in our lives, I haven't taken any pictures either! The few I have taken have been on other people's camaras so we all know how that goes. I am home today from work and then we leave tonight for the weekend to go to the wedding. Today is laundry, packing, and maybe somewhere in there I'll get dressed. Jack is staying with my mom, I'm so so thankful for family nearby!
It has been so nice here, just the first few promises of spring have put me in a better mood. I loove Alaskan summers.
We are supposed to hear from the builder any day now, I am seriously so anxious to see what he has come up with! I don't know how I'm going to be patient through this whole home-building process!
Jeremy and I have been watching "Prison Break" at night on DVD. Did anyone watch that series? It is so good!
Have a great weekend everyone! I'll have pics next post!

Is it Friday yet?

This week has been one of those weeks that I just want to go to bed and wake up when it's over. Not that there hasn't been some great things happening.. Matt (jeremy's brother that's getting married next week) received his endowment last night so we went to the temple. It was a nice break from the world for a couple of hours. Vicky must have been so happy and proud to have all 5 of her kids in the temple together.
Work has just been busy and I've had a lot of problems at job sites. I hate it when there's multiple kitchens of mine being installed at the same time. I feel like I spend all day putting out one fire after another. I ordered 2 cabinets wrong so my boss has been joking that I must be wanting to do that finish in my new home. (Our cabinets are high end so 2 cabs are easily worth around $1500) Of course I feel terrible about it.
On Tuesday I went to the hospital (just to the radiology center..not the ER) for a doppler on my leg because my left leg/foot has been swollen for over a month now. When it first started, it hurt to walk on the leg and now the pain has gone away, but the swelling has not. They were worried it could be a blood clot but apparently it's not (although I still don't know for sure WHAT is going on with my foot. Ugh.)
Last Sunday was Stevie's farewell Open House (Jeremy's OTHER brother.. are you keeping up?;)) It went really well, we spent all day preparing food so we were really happy to have a good turn out. He leaves tomorrow night to visit family, go to the wedding, and then goes into the MTC on March 5th.
The weather has been so nice, it finally warmed up. It has been in the high 30s/low 40s which is about a 50 degree temperature swing from last week!

Such a slacker..

This past week has flown by, I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted. We have been really busy (okay.. like everyone else on the planet, right?)
Jeremy's lasik surgery went really well.. he is totally Bono with his shades on all the time (He has to wear them for a week, EVERYWHERE) because the shape of them keeps him from rubbing or touching his eyes. His vision improved 8 lines on the eye chart and he now has 20/15 eyesight! We were at the office what seemed like all day on Friday but the actual surgery itself took less than 10 minutes. Oh yeah, I finished "Twilight" amongst all the waiting. Looved it (Thanks Becky! BTW, I still have your present I need to get out! Sorry) I am looking for "New Moon".. but can't seem to find it in paperback? (yeah.. I'm cheap)
Thursday was our 4 year anniversary (Sorry, I just didnt have the energy to post that day but if I were a good wife I would've done something very touching and cute. Let's just pretend I did;)) Wednesday night Jeremy brought home some Keen winter boots (which I love by the way) and said "Happy Anniversary!" So as I was happily trying on my new boots there was this little plastic round container in one of them. I immediately threw it on the counter thinking it was trash and continued to love on my boots. Jeremy kept asking me what the plastic thing was and I kept saying "I dont know!". Finally I said "it's probably trash, throw it away!" The poor guy was trying to get me to open it because inside was an anniversary band! It's beautiful, though you can never go wrong with diamonds!
The next day, Jeremy surprised me by leaving work early and coming home to pick me up, go shopping, and go out to eat. It was a great day, and I'm so glad I married him.
Saturday we met with a custom home builder and went over floor plans, our lot layout and walked through one of his homes. We are getting so excited even if it is a long way off. We told him our budget and then proceeded to tell him all the MANY luxuries we want.. I'm sure he was rolling his eyes behind our backs and when we get the pricing we'll have to cut some things.
Jeremy's sister also had her baby on Friday. He's a big boy.. 9 lbs. 10 ounces and has cute red hair. Holding him made me more excited for my own little guy.
I still have no idea what we're doing for Valentines Day.. I never know what to get Jeremy.. men are soo hard to shop for on this holiday! He's not really a "sweets" guy, wouldn't want flowers obviously.. any ideas?

Another busy weekend

Jack always opts for the dancing part when anyone plays "Rock Band"

Friday night after work Jeremy and I went and put a down payment on a raft for this summer. It is a 14 footer and will hold 10 people. Jeremy is SOO excited to take it on the Kenai this summer and go fishing. I most likely will not be able to go this summer because of the baby.. I'm certainly not taking the baby rafting and it's always an all-day thing so that doesn't really work with nursing. I've been saving my christmas bonus for it and it was half off at the boat show so we got a great deal!

On Saturday my sisters, my mom, and I put on a bridal shower for Laurel, who is my sister's close friend and my soon to be sister-in-law. She came up with my sister Holly "just for the summer".. and ended up dating Jeremy's little brother. You know she must be in love to stay in Alaska through the winter for him. It has been the coldest winter I remember for a long time. Today at church they actually had a 5 minute break in Elder's Quorom 15 minutes before church was out for the men to go start their cars for their families. It was much needed... at 9 this morning it was 19 below zero, when we went to church at 11 it had warmed up to 13 below and by the time we got out it was a balmy 3 degrees. I know I shouldn't complain.. I live in Alaska.. but this is unusually cold even for us.

Today was the Super Bowl Feast.. the day we sit around watching (or, in my case, pretending to watch) football while eating ourselves into a coma. What do you all do for Super Bowl Sunday??

Last week's projects

Last Thursday and Saturday morning I worked on this blanket for my sister-in-law, Stephanie. I used Vicky's quilting machine and quilted blue minky to the back. The front has monsters on it playing sports so I drew up a little monster pattern for the quilting design. It turned out cute, especially if you don't look close! The binding was my first ever so I had quite a few spots that I messed up on.. turns out I'm not so good at accuracy...

Jeremy made this headboard for us on Saturday. We had seen a Cherry sleigh bed at Costco for $800 that we almost bought but we are really trying to restrain ourselves a little! The wood only cost $55 and he made it in one afternoon. He painted it black and "distressed" it to match my temple portrait which I got for Christmas and I Loooove. We did have a black rod iron headboard from Pier 1 that I got when I was single but it's a Queen and we've gone King size (and never going back!!)

The results are in....

After much anticipation on my part, I finally had my ultra-sound yesterday. Everything is looking good, baby is healthy and of course measuring big!

It's a ...BOY!!!

I'm so excited that Jack will have a little buddy, that they can share everything (whether they like it or not.) I have to admit, I do want a girl someday..but I don't care when she comes. My big dilemma now is the name. I have such a hard time with boy names! The problem is that most of the names Ive loved for a long time are all on the top 10 list (Jack is like #8??! I didn't even know when I named him that!) and I don't really want to do that to my kids. Not that I'm looking to name my kids "weird" names either. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

On February 8th, Jeremy is getting lasic eye surgery. I am so happy for him.. it's kind of a now or never thing since we pay out of pocket and don't have mortgage right now. It will be wonderful that he won't need glasses anymore!

We're still getting settled. I have been soo busy.. I made a quilt for Jeremy's sister whose baby shower is tomorrow (well, it's not pieced but it is flannel and minky quilted together) this week. I have to do the binding tonight, except I just remembered we're not going to be home tonight until 11 p.m....so maybe it will have to be in the morning! Jeremy's little brother Steve is going to the temple for the first time so we're doing a session tonight with him. He leaves for his mission next month to Phoenix, Arizona.

I have so many pics to post..I know I keep making promises.. but we finally have Internet in our room so I will post some this weekend. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Our first week as gypsies..

So I have to clarify.. the house we're living in is actually quite LARGE, just our bedroom is 200 sq. ft. We are still living out of boxes for now, but we have ordered more shelving (kind of nice to own a closet business right about now!) Jeremy installed a built-in desk today in the room and we are slowly making our little space feel like home.
We closed on our house Thursday and it was fun to see all that money in our bank account..for the whole 3 minutes it's there until it's immediately transferred to paying off credit cards, student loans, cars, etc. We are going to pay off the land last and plan on moving into our new house with ZERO debt and a small mortgage (in case anyone was wondering why are moving into Jeremy's parents after 4 years of marriage) I have been researching builders online and am getting SOO excited to start the building process. We want to build the house we want, and be able to raise our family there for years to come..not feel like we've grown out of it after 5 years.
Jack is loving it.. Grandma and Grandpa give him so much attention and he sees his cousins, aunts and uncles every day.
Today I went to a knitting class with my sisters (I'm such a grandma!)- it was basic knitting but my end goal is to do felted bags. I also want to make some baby booties and this Thursday I get to find out whether I need to buy pink or blue yarn! I'm so excited.. I honestly don't know how some of you girls can wait the whole 9 months to find out!
I also made an apron this week for Vicky (Jeremy's mom) for her birthday Tuesday. I need to get a pic of it, it turned out so chic! I'll also take pics of our room once I dig out the camera.

We've Moved!! (And I'm back online finally!)

After a very long, grueling weekend we are completely out of our house and moved into Jeremy's parents. We went from almost 2,000 sq. ft. to less than 200.. so needless to say we are a little cramped right now! Jack is currently sleeping in the laundry room, but after Jeremy's brother gets married next month, Jack and many of our belongings will move into his room, so we'll have twice the room.

As luck would have it, we picked the COLDEST weekend to move. The average temp. this weekend was 5 below 0! It was fridgid, and made me happy to be cleaning bathrooms rather than loading/unloading the trailer. We filled up my dad's 8 place snow machine trailer and several trips with our smaller trailer. Amazing that just 5 years ago I was moving into a condo with only a bed to my name.. no TV, no chairs, no table.

I have so much to do so I will write more later this week and CATCH UP on everyone's blogs!!

Our Christmas, the MOVE and 2007

Jack dancing along to my little brother's "Dance Revolution" -Christmas Morning
I have been so busy packing, purging and coughing that the thought of sitting down to blog was a little overwhelming. Still have the SAME cold from Thanksgiving, just when I think it's gone it comes back full force. Jack and Jeremy have basically been sick non-stop too. Maybe we need to change our diets or something?? Become vegan or organic freaks or whatever it is that supposedly means you are healthier than everyone else? Anyways, despite being so SICK Christmas we had a great one. My motto: Take 2 Excedrin and Buck Up. (Except, I'm pregnant so I have to take Tylenol which is a very poor substitute)

Jack got his little 4 wheeler which was kind of a bust. He is scared of it because it makes a loud noise and takes off with a little jerk. Poor Jack got MY bravado (or lack thereof I should say)- he is quite a bit more "cautious" than his father ever was. Oh well, maybe that's why I've never broken, sprained or twisted anything?

Luckily, both sets of grandparents provided more than enough spoilage to completely make up for Santa's dud. Jeremy and I did okay ourselves, but mostly I felt lucky to be able to spend the day with family and once again reflect on all that I have.

Since Christmas, I have spent all of my free time packing or THROWING AWAY so much that we've collected in the almost 4 years we've been married. Jeremy and I are CONSUMERS to say the least, we have a lot of STUFF. I am not the type to have just one set of nice dishes.. I need everyday fall dishes, everyday spring dishes, special occasion dishes, Christmas dishes, Asian style dishes (just in case we're having Chinese).. you get the idea. I'm working on this. I'm not a pack rat (I HATE clutter), I just like variety. I can't tell you how many large black trash bags we've hauled off though. It feels SO good to throw away (or give away.. we've given a lot to Salvation Army too) I'm not the type to hold a garage sale to try to get 25 cents for a set of plates. I would rather just give stuff away...

2007 has been a year of big changes for our family. The biggest being this move.. taking these humbling steps... not trading what we want most for what we want at the moment. My word for the year will be "Perspective". I need to remember to keep perspective of all that we are trying to accomplish... I know it will be so challenging but even more so rewarding.