Life As We Know It

It's so crazy to think that just a little over a month ago we were living in our green house and life was simple. We were getting a routine and things were "normal." The kids loved their school, we were finally getting the house to how we wanted it, Mike had a pretty good schedule. He came home for lunch almost every day and wasn't traveling much anymore. We both loved our callings and were pretty busy just working away at all the things we needed to do it them. We were living the life:)

We now live in St George and everything has changed. Crazy to even think about it and how fast things changed. It all started when the grandparents were visiting for Aurora's baby blessing. Grandpa Phister saw a couple of my wood crafts I'd made with my friends and mentioned that a guy he knew in his ward started a business doing unfinished wood crafts almost two years ago and are doing very well. I told Mike a couple days later about it and thought it was kind of cool. He called Steve about it and they thought it would be cool to do something like that (they are always talking about doing some kind of business together).

 

When we went down to St George last month for Colby and Juli's sealing, we stopped in Ogden to stay at Grandma Phister's overnight. I had called the guy who owned the business a couple weeks before to see if he'd talk to us about their business and an idea of what they do and set up an apt. So on our way to the sealing, we were both kind of whatever about the apt (and almost canceled) and weren't too interested anymore, but decided to go anyway since we made the apt. It was so cool! They wanted us to franchise with them and do it in St George. The store is called Wood Creations.

 

It was one stressful "vacation" after that meeting with them. Deciding to quit/pick up and leave your life and move was a HUGE one! After a lot of thinking, discussing, praying, and contemplation in the temple, we decided it was the right thing to do. Mike's last night of work was a week ago last Friday. We made two big trips down to St George to bring all our crap we've accumulated over the last six and a half years.

 

We had our good friends Colby and Juli over for dinner to tell them the news that we were moving just after we officially decided we were doing it. It was sad:(  Later that night she text me and said they would buy our house if we sell it. In the end... we are in contract right now and its looking like it will close May 10th.  No realtors, saving $14,000! Crazy! Our house is empty and ready for them to move in. (Oh my, packing the house on my own was a lot of work! We had movers when we came to Casper so this time, blah! It was nice to get rid of a bunch of stuff, but a lot of time spent packing and neglecting children. Laurie, my wonderful Relief Society President, and the sister missionaries came and helped me clean the house. I will really miss Laurie!)

 

Everything has been working out so well, we are sure this is the right move to make. Juli is buying our house, her sister's boyfriend is buying their house, Mike found a store front/warehouse to manufacture in a great spot. Gary is retiring and Steve is quitting as well so they can all do this store together. We are going to live with Gary and Susan for a few, or more, months till we can find (and have some income!) a place to rent. During the decision process of whether we should do this, Mike got an offer to go back to Rock Springs to be the district manager there. It just reassured us even more that it was time to move on. (and so many people have told Mike that if things don't work out, he's got a job with Weatherford or other companies.) And the kids are just super excited to get to live with their grandparents for a while. (Luckily with the kids, school was almost over and their first soccer game was canceled due to a blizzard so we were reimbursed for that, woot woot!)

 

So yes, it sounds like we are bums right now... unemployed, homeless, living in parents basement, limbo. This is exactly where we are supposed to be, crazy as it sounds:)

 

They will be signing the papers on Monday for the business and they can get going with everything. Life will be stressful, we'll be tight on money for a while, and we'll be living in someone else's home, and I'm sure there will be plenty of tears shed, but we are excited for the adventure we get to be on.

Spring Soccer Finally Gets Quoi!

Sequoia has been waiting and waiting for her turn to FINALLY play soccer with her big brother. They even get to be on the same team. (I know it was super rough when these two were babies, but I love how close in age they are!) They had their first practice last week, and their first game is next week. So excited to watch them play together.  I did notice during practice that Lincoln favored her more than the others, "Sissy, here's the ball!" Love them!

 

After practice... priceless:)



 

My Chunky Monkey

My monstrous pile of laundry (and baskets full) that I have the wonderful opportunity to fold once a week:)

 

We had the best snow storm all season a week ago.  It was beautiful. Non-stop snow for a couple days. It worked out perfect because Lincoln got sick during general conference (puking and super weak) so we didn't have to go anywhere. Then when the snow storm hit, I got sick. (I got the other end!)

Ok, so funny story... The night Lincoln starting throwing up he came into my room, I gave him a bath, got the room and everything cleaned up, and brought him into our bed with us. He ended up puking two more times. I left the room to clean the bowl, when I came back I could smell him. It was something awful. Poor boy, we just thought, "Wow, his breath reeks!"  It pretty much smelled like acidy vomit. We love our son regardless, so we cuddled him the rest of the 3 hours of the night. 

In the morning Mike could still smell him so he brushed his teeth really good to see if it would help. Then decided to just give him a quick shower. Well what do you know!? He had pooped his pants. We had no idea. Cuddled... all night...   Oh how we love you sweet boy:)

So I thought it was a hilarious story and told a couple of our friends. We laughed and carried on. I have now learned my lesson when telling stories of my children. (Have I?;)

I started to get a tummy ache a couple days after this incident. I was just sitting on the couch, minding my own business when what do you think happens??  Yes, I did. I ran straight to the shower. I'm so sorry my little man. Mommy won't laugh at you any more. 

Daddy made them the perfect little area to slide down.

 

Mike was wonderful while we were sick. He came home Monday after lunch, and didn't go back to work till Thursday so he could help me with the kids and house. (Yes part of him "helping" me with the kids involved letting them sit and watch him play X-box with Ty in Seattle. Um hmm) At least he was home and I could yell down to him when I needed something, right?  I love you sweetie!:)

 

I ended up getting super weak on Wednesday morning. I couldn't even get out of bed. Mike took me into the doctor a couple hours later. I was dehydrated. My blood pressure was low and my pulse was super high (114). I joys of nursing, the baby drains all the fluids when you're sick. I didn't want to go to the ER and pay a ton of money just to get an IV, so he sent me home with an oral hydration solution. I couldn't eat for 24. There is not many things I hate more in this world than not being able to eat. It's been a few days now. I'm still tired and need a nap and sometimes a bit weak, but I'm feeling way better now.  Hope you enjoyed the awesome story!!;)