Living room makeover and other miracles!

November was the most amazing month. So many blessings and miracles. I'll start with the living room makeover. I've been getting my courage up for over a year because it was a LOT of painting. I'm talking Living room, dining, kitchen, down the stairs, and hallway. AND 13 DOORS. Even the ceiling was painted! Dax and I painted the ceiling Halloween day. It had to be done, because everything was green. And a total transformation ensued. The catalyst for starting this project was when I sold the big wall art I made back in 2012. A lady was on the search for a big modern piece to hang in her new restaurant/coffee shop she's opening in town and saw my ad just after I listed it. I feel like it was meant to be for both her and me. Once I had a giant blank wall that needed changing, the ball was rolling and there was no stopping it.

Here is before:

3 weeks and 3 days later, just before our Thanksgiving guests arrived, we were just putting the room together and touching up the last of the 13 doors and the trim down the stairs. There are still things to do; a few pictures to hang, a few places to touch up with paint, and a light fixture to build. BUT- I'm so happy with how it all turned out! It looks so different!
AFTER:

There will be more and better pics after the Holidays are over because I don't plan to keep things perfectly tidy while I have memories to make. We hosted Thanksgiving for Dax's family. The Saturday after, my son Mack was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was such a beautiful day. Two of my sisters and their families came plus my dear Mom and Dad. I guess I was due for a Mom visit; everytime I hugged my Mom, I cried.

Life has had its unexpected turns for our family but I can't explain how happy I've been. It makes no sense logically, but I've felt so peaceful and had such joy. I truly understand how the Nephites felt during all their battles and wars when it says in Alma 50:23 "But behold there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi". I've never seen or felt so many blessings in my life. My heart is overflowing with gratitude. I'm not saying stuff is easy, but I know the our Heavenly Father and our Savior have carried us through our trials. It's been amazing and humbling. The answers to my prayers have been innumerable. The feeling of joy and peace in my heart is indescribable.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Every year Christmas means more to me and this year is no exception. My faith in the Savior has grown! He can heal our hearts and help us be more than we are on our own. I love the testimony of President Ezra Taft Benson, "I know that the Lord lives. I know that He loves us. I know that apart from Him no one can succeed, but as a partner with Him no one can fail. I know that God can make a lot more out of our lives that we can."

I know that is true!

Tomorrow my Christmas Baby turns 14! It's been so fun to have her home for Christmas break. My house is bustling and fun and full. I love it! I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Sunshine in my Heart

Twelve years ago, I gave birth to my first son! My pregnancy with Hunter was moderately difficult, partly because of my physical discomfort, and partly because of our living arrangements. I had "afternoon sickness" almost every day at lunch. When I was 5 months along, we moved to Kanab, Utah for Dax's summer job with the BLM. Dax and I lived in a government camp trailer in an RV park with 1-year-old Preslie. The thin foam we slept on made my hips ache terribly. The trailer also smelled like stale cigarette smoke. Passing the days with a 1-year-old at an RV park in a small town was kinda boring, but kinda cool. Life was really simple. It was that summer we found out our baby was a boy. We were SO excited. We all were hoping for a boy and of all my pregnancies, finding out on this one was the most exciting. Perhaps living in a camping trailer makes you appreciate things more. But I just knew this baby was special and I loved him already.

Delivery Day! 10-18-03

We moved to Logan at the end of the summer to continue schooling at Utah State. My belly got huge and I got many comments, including being asked if I was having twins. Hunter made his debut in the afternoon on October 18 weighing in at just under 8 pounds-my biggest baby. He was such a sweet, calm, and pleasant baby from day 1. Even the pediatrician commented how patient he was at his appointment at 2-days-old, when Hunter had to get his heels poked for his PKU test. He barely cried.

Hunter is a delightful child. He is crazy smart; he loves to read and learn. He is my snuggler, still hugs me lots everyday and sleeps with a stuffed animal he got when he was a baby (cute!). He is aware of people's feelings and never wants to put anyone out. He loves little children and babies and tries to keep them happy. He is kind and doesn't have a bad thing to say about anyone. I love that the most about Hunter. A lot of people have really showy or obvious talents. Hunter isn't showy. He is just himself. He knows what is right and tries to do his best. His natural integrity and kindness is important and the talent that is most desirable in life.

Today in sacrament meeting, the opening hymn was no. 228 You Can Make the Pathway Bright. During the Sacrament, I read the words to that song over and over and they really sank in. I want to live in a way that there is always sunshine in my heart. Nothing would make me more happy than to see my kids do the same.

Hunter got called up to the pulpit by our bishop and we raised our hands in favor of him receiving the Aaronic Priesthood. He looked so tall and handsome in his suit (almost as tall as the bishop). I'm filled with sunshine, just thinking about what a good boy Hunter is becoming. He is making choices that will lead him to a happy life. I teared up thinking about how blessed I am and how much our Heavenly Father has guided me throughout my life and given me these wonderful kids. I care about them so much. There is no other way to raise kids than to turn my life over to Him and rely on his constant direction. Hunter was ordained to be a deacon today. What a stud.

At Hunter's request, we cooked the turkey that Hunter shot this past spring, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and rolls. Crumb cake for dessert.

I have a 12 -year-old son! It's awesome!

 

Nothing is concrete yet, except concrete.

Seems like forever ago that the kids started back to school. We surprised Dax's parents over Labor Day weekend with a visit. Their health has been sketchy lately and we hoped to cheer them up. When we arrived at their home, we Facetimed with them while we were standing on their front porch. Didn't take long for my MIL to say, "Are you on the front porch?!!" Wonderful visit. 

I have 2 kids in Junior high, now. Mack is enjoying 2nd grade.

Quinn started in my friend Jo's preschool. On the first day, she dressed herself and perhaps realized her leggings didn't quite go with the dress and said, "Sorry I wore these Halloween pants but they were just really pretty." I'm a fan of disregarding fashion/design rules when you think something is really pretty! Her teacher, my dear friend Jolona, lives out of town on a farm and has a huge garden. Her raspberry patch is impressive and she is so generous to share it with friends. We've picked and eaten over a dozen gallons of her raspberries. It's the best candy ever.

I made Dax his favorite deluxe cheesecake for his birthday. This year, we topped it with our haul from Jo's raspberry patch. Amazing. He said it was the best cheesecake he's ever had.

Lots of craziness going on at my house in the past 2 weeks. Like crazier than ever. Crazy good stuff and crazy difficult stuff. On the good side of things, we have projects going, finally! The back corner of our yard is like the last huge and annoying part of the yard that is unfinished. I've wanted a big patio forever. And Dax wanted a garage. So we are doing both. Here are progress photos from start to where we are currently!

catch all/eyesore

Footers poured for garage

forms for stem walls

stem walls poured, forms removed, backfilled, designing patio shape and leveling it

garage floor done, pouring upper patio

Finished! Love it!

Another angle BEFORE:

AFTER:

Dancing on the patio!

Waiting patiently for 7 years payed off! Dreams come true; time to party.

ramp for easy bike/scooter/wheelchair access to lower patio

And as always, when stuff gets cray in my life, my urge to redo rooms boils over. It's my way of controlling my environment in a small part. And gives me and out; something to focus on other than worries.

Mack celebrated his 8th birthday. He had buds over for burgers, dogs, and running games. He didn't love his birthday during General Conference weekend but he did get one message out of it. During Sister Neill Marriott's talk, he ran upstairs and said, "Mom! This talk is like our family. 'It will all work out.' Maybe not right now, but it will all work out!" Loved that moment. Love that kid.

healing and wheeling

Preslie did amazing at girls camp. We sent her one week from her tonsil/adenoid surgery and she was able to fully enjoy camp, staying up late gabbing with the girls and all. She was blessed to go and have the experience. When I picked her up after she got back, the first thing she said was, "Mom, I have a testimony now. I didn't know I had one!" Preslie told me about testimony meeting and how the spirit was really strong and she hadn't really felt the spirit like that before. She didn't even get death breath!

bus ride to camp

lake at Heber Valley Girls Camp

I had a glorious experience, while Preslie was at camp. Thursday, I attended the temple for Relief Society and Dax took the 3 other kids camping. I drove the 30 minutes to the temple alone and the car ride was so quiet and wonderful. I had time to think and pray about all that has been on my mind..which was a lot. It's a rare thing to have 30 minutes of quiet where you can't do anything but think. The ladies and I did initiatory work and after we were done, I found a family name in my purse that I'd forgotten my mom had given me. I went back in and did the initiatory for her. She still needed the endowment done so I asked when the next session was and it was in 30 minutes... Although I had planned on hitting the town all by myself and do some unrestricted shopping, I knew that this lady had been waiting for her work to be done and that there was nothing better to do that evening. Frances Parsens's work is complete! I stopped at Cafe Rio on the way home for a tamale and felt so peaceful and comforted just knowing things are going to be ok. And that wasn't the sweet pork talking, either. I know God is mindful of our worries and sends the Holy Ghost to comfort us! Anyway, after a disappointing trip to Wal-Mart (the only thing open that late), I went home to a quiet, dark house and tucked myself into bed. First time in 15 years that I had the place to myself. I LOVED IT. I woke up to the sunshine and went about my day. Totally refreshing!

Everyone was in attendance at the Warner family reunion/grandkid birthday party. 32 people which was a huge feat and a lot of calling/organizing on my Mom's part. I got to hold my new niece and grandniece. My parents took all the littles to Toys 'R' Us to pick out a present for their "birthday". The older grandkids who have grown out of toys got cash. My mom got the family picture she wanted! Can't wait to see how it turned out. My sister-in-law Kenzi is the photographer and has all the pics.

We took 2 nieces home with us late Saturday night to spend the week with us. The kids had a blast. We swam, went to Vernal, played at the park, at Cafe Rio ($5 Tuesday of course), Wal-Mart, ortho, and on the way home, stopped at the lake for a dip.

 We played board games and video games (Matisse and Hunter are my gamers...two peas in a pod)

 Wednesday we chilled out at home and by afternoon, the girls were like, "We're bored, there's nothing to do!" I told them they could each paint a section of wall in my garage if they wanted and they were like, uh, ok! Saryn said, "My Mom wouldn't approve of this!" I told her her Mom isn't here and that I approve. They had a great time letting out their inner artist.

  While Preslie was at young womens, these guys rode bikes to the ice cream shop but got distracted by a darling black puppy on the way. By time they got there, it was closed. There was a bike mishap on the way home so Dax took the trailer and went to rescue them.

 We found our way to the ice cream shop before the week's end!

7 happy kids

The girls' paint jobs turned out super fun. Matisse painted the top (pony), Preslie painted the middle (triangles) and Saryn painted the bottom (splatters). I love them all. 

 I had my nephew Wyatt this week, too. It was my last week taking care of him full time since he and Matt moved to Salt Lake on Friday. BOO hoo! I will miss them!

Wyatt and Quinn have been the greatest playmates for the past 14 months. Of course it's been crazy adding another kid to our lives, but it's been a great blessing for all involved, too. 2014 was the year from hell for Matt and the ripple effect was felt by all. He and Wyatt have come a long way and healed tremendously from the heartbreak and devastation they've experienced. Matt has found a girlfriend and has moved to Salt Lake to be with her. I pray that they can find happiness and have the things they need, especially for Wyatt! 

pizza break before we say good bye

 Dax bought us all pizza after we got everything moved out and loaded! I'm going to miss my big brother, and I know he will miss me. Heavenly Father has put us in each other's lives for a reason and it's been wonderful to have him and Wyatt close this past year. Looking back, I can see how God stepped in when things were going to get super crappy for Matt and led him to live by me. God loves all His children, even those that don't live a super religious life. He cares about us individually! I trust Him and know things will work out. Even before Matt moved, he said, "Things always work out for me. They just do. Even when I don't know how, they just work out." That isn't to say things are easy. No way. Matt has a lot of work to do and challenges to face still. We all do. I wish him and Wyatt the very best!

 Mack took this hug-fest picture. I love my girls.

The beginning of the summer, I was all gung-ho on finishing our basement and backyard patio/shed so I re-fied my house to get some cash out to do the projects. I was going to hire my brother and his boss to do the work for us: I got the bids and the financing done. Then Matt moved. So Dax asked his Dad if he could help us on a couple things and my FIL's skin cancer decided to come back so he's getting surgery this week. And then he'll undergo radiation and chemo. Thumbs down! Way more serious problem then deciding on tile.

 Things aren't going as planned, and maybe that's good, because the plentiful choices have me befuddled. Also, we are keeping a good perspective on what's truly important. I want the basement finished. But I want my family to be healthy and happy even more!

 Spur of the moment camping trip to Co-op creek. Stopped for gas and Preslie said, "I've always wanted my picture on one of those dinosaurs." Well, 2015 is a summer for checking things off your list! We camped with my dad, sister Trina and her fam. All the summer rain has the mountains in tip-top shape. The wildflowers were huge, colorful and thick. We saw a porcupine waddling up the road, plus deer and moose. Enjoyed riding 4-wheelers and breathing cool air.

 Could not get enough of the thistles. I know they're knoxious weeds, but they were gorgeous and also like 6 feet tall!

Mack loves his new cotton candy maker my parents got him at the cousin party. Can't think of a better fit for this kid than something that he can operate to make sugar treats.

Our neighborhood held the annual "Kill it and Grill it" party in which everyone brings a game dish to share. Dax brought grilled turkey-kebobs and there were no leftovers. That same day, Preslie and I started a 28-day commitment to love our bodies by eating better and exercising regularly. I passed on the cookies at the BBQ and wasn't even sad about it. I want to be strong and give my body what it needs and less of what it doesn't. At the end of our 28 days, we will check our progress and see how we feel! I'm predicting we'll feel amazing! We are already 1 week in and we're doing great! Dax joined us by lifting weights one day and a hilly bike ride the next! Junk consumption is way down and activity is up! The kids all start swimming lessons tomorrow so Preslie will be getting her workout in there. She's an awesome swimmer!

Sunday night fever

Sundays are exhausting. I also love Sundays. It is just a weird day because Church with 4 kids is inTENSE. But I love afterward having the whole rest of the day to cook good food, rest, and not have anywhere to go.

Today we attended our Stake Conference. For parents of young kids, that translates into 50 extra minutes of making your kids sit still and be quiet. But, we made it.

On Sundays, we have a no movies or computer policy so we are forced to interact and use our imaginations for entertainment.

The kids made a huge mound of blankets and pillows in the boys' room and jumped off the top bunk into the cushy pile. Here are some sweet pics we got..

The one of Mack above is our fave. (click to enlarge)