Do we ever make up our minds? Maybe!

Our family has made a lot of hard decisions lately. 

May not seem hard to some families but to ours deciding where to live and when to move has been

pretty crazy. 

It's official! Well, sort of...

This is what is the plan as of today,

We are moving to arizona.

We are hoping to move into a house different from the one previously posted on instagram

We are planning on now moving the 15th of January. 

(Not this upcoming Wednesday as planned before)

This new plan will save us money and we feel right about it.

We have been praying where to live for awhile. 

And recently we found a place that is not only affordable but in a safe location.

We know we were guided to find this place to live. 

The tender mercies of the Lord are everywhere. 

So grateful Adam was able to notice all the things that helped guide us in our decisions. 

We are so excited for our new adventure in sun and hot. 

We feel a bit like olaf asking for summer. 

Adam doesn't start school till August but we didn't want to wait till then.

Hopefully  by moving in January we will be able to prepare better for the Arizona heat!

This year has been a crazy year full of life changing events we are so grateful for our new opportunities and that Adam found a career he will enjoy before starting vet school. 

Thayne is fast as can be and while we were away searching for housing and jobs, he ran a mile and half with my mom! He is so smart and loves all things mechanical. 

Joslyn is growing so fast and is only 1 shoe size different from her older brother. She loves all things princess despite my best efforts. She loves singing and dancing to frozen.

I am still trying to wrap my head around being a mom. I love being home with the kids. It's a feeling I can't really describe. Its something that brings you the greatest sorrow and the most joy. All at once.

Really the only way to experience it is to try it. I feel so blessed I am able to do this.

I had a part time job cleaning apartments but I am still undecided if that will continue in Arizona. 

As of right now packing and decluttering is my job! 

Dear high school you were so 2007

We are having to down size again. We will be living in a 2 bedroom apartment with 2 kids for 2 years. Which isn't too crazy and we certainly aren't the only people doing this. But somehow it's surprisingly difficult to get rid of things in order to make it possible to fit into a two bedroom. I've started to go through sentimental things and create some very small boundaries there. 

One big thing I got rid of was my year books... I was in one picture in 2 years in a row. And then my senior picture didn't turn out in my last year book and check out this picture...

I'm in the middle crease. I'm not even by anyone I know. I went through my year book with feelings that I never wanted to feel again. Hurt, uncertainty, and feelings of low self-esteem among some of them. Sure high school happened and it wasn't my favorite. But I can save the pieces I do like and teach that to my kids. I saved two pages that I wanted out of my whole year books. I don't feel any remorse letting them go. However I do have personal pictures that I took of my favorite times. They take up way less space and bring back happy memories. 

My husband on the other hand was very involved in his school and had a great experience. I will keep his year books probably forever. And I actually want to attend his 10 year reunion. Mine is still up in the air. 

Have you kept your year books? Do people even buy them anymore?

Happiness is everywhere

I opened up my cash envelope at the register. I counted the dollars and gave the money to the cashier. I looked back into my envelope. All that was left was a dollar. I smiled and grabbed my groceries. I didn't want to start crying as that was the last dollar I had and there was still awhile to pay day. 

That's a normal scene for us. Probably normal for a lot of people right now. Adam and I got back into credit card debt. Not because we were buying fancy things but because it's all we could do to pay for the things we needed. 

I read a study that people like to appear wealthy to others. And that is especially true on facebook. Most people who meet us are surprised to find out we don't have much. So I'm here to clarify how life is. 

We had both cards almost maxed out. I had been praying for a solution and it came. I was able to start a cleaning business and that has almost gotten one card paid off and made it so we haven't had to go deeper into debt. Adam got accepted to school and is now seeking employment in Arizona. 

We are selling everything we can to earn money to move and to continue to get out of debt. But we aren't sad about it. 

I think that's the part that confuses most people. We are poor and happy. I've learned so many things I never would have learned had we bought a house back in 2011. I've learned to give because we always find people here who have way less than us. I've learned to let "things" go. The most important things in life are people. 

I also know that God has helped me. I couldn't be happy without Him. Every time I think we won't make it financially, the spirit will prompt me to sell something. Or donate something. And somehow we haven't missed one bill. I have gotten so much strength from this trying time. I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

How to NOT get your deposit back

I've grown up hearing about rentals. I've cleaned rentals, I've lived in rentals. I currently clean rentals and live in a rental. 

I think I know a thing or two about getting your deposit back. But as I tried to write a list of ways to get your deposit back they just seemed so obvious "Clean it!" Kept coming up. So instead of writing a how to I'm going to write a how not to. 

Ways not to get your deposit back:

1.Don't clean

-not a thing. This is the sure way to not get your deposit back

2. Put holes in the walls 

-the bigger the better. 

3. Make sure every light bulb is out

-nothing makes a land lord happier than all the lights out

4. Rub food all over the cabinets

-better yet leave some food in the fridge 

5. Try to fix things yourself 

-the more duct tape the better your chances

6.Don't pay rent for the month

7.Whatever you do, don't report the plumbing leak

-landlords love surprises like that

8. Avoid communication

-communicating problems could get your  deposit back so be sure to NOT talk to maintaince or manager or anyone 

9. Leave "treasures" for future renters 

- taking that couch to the Di when someone could get it for free??! 

10. Do all the above things and then demand your deposit back 

Ok but seriously. If you really want to get your deposit back. 

1.Ask your manager if there is a checklist for things they expect done before you move out. Solves a lot of problems then you both are on the same page. Be there for the walk through if at all possible. I ALWAYS get my deposit back that way we can talk about things ... "Oh I didn't know I needed to buy new drip pans..." Problem adverted. 

2. Talk about damages to apartment as they come along. 

Things go a lot smoother when problems aren't piled up. People are much happier to fix things when you are paying rent. 

3. Ummm pay rent 

Seriously someone asked me if they cleaned the place would they get their deposit back even though they didn't pay rent. 

4. Take your crap to the landfill or the DI. No one wants to haul it off for you except for a price. 

5. Ask if there is anything you can do if there are damages. Some things they might let you fix some things they won't. TALK TO THEM!!

6. Clean as best you can. They aren't expecting perfection but trust me I can tell the difference in efforts. 

That's it! Does this sound about right? I should make a list of what to clean for an almost guaranteed way 

What are we up to? Let me tell ya!

Its a common enough question for this mom and I'm sure many of you. Sometimes it might even seem I'm on Facebook all day, or just hanging out. But here is what we have been up to... 

Adam- has applied to 11 PA schools he has now heard back from 3 of them :) he has an interview in Arizona next month. He also is taking an online class and working as a CNA. Everyone at the assisted living center where he works loves him. They all go on and on about Adam. Good thing they are old ladies otherwise I might be in trouble ;) 

Thayne- has started joy school and loves it. He is learning so much and still loves being outside. Hopefully we have some good winter gear for him because he is going to need it. 

(Here he is at joy school) 

Joslyn- is starting to talk (what?!??) she is my girlie girl that knows what she wants to wear (or no clothes). Actually Thayne is quite the fashionista too. 

Me- well ya know... Just hiking with Adam. Teaching joy school, being a nursery leader, vt coordinator, and... I'm starting my own business!!!! I'm going to hopefully start cleaning apartments. Which is something I've do as since I was 16. Hopefully we will make enough money to cover extra travel expenses as Adam does interview and the time off he will have to take. 

Yup that's our lives right now. I have so much to blog about but for now this is a great update. 

Me in 2007 on Timpagonous, 2014 Adam in the same spot. This was an important picture because my cousin said I couldn't date a guy until he took a picture in that spot... Well obviously 5 years of marriage later we got around to it! 

Adams eventful birthday

I wanted to make Adams 27th birthday really special. Because he thought it was just another birthday. I'm grateful everyday that he was born so I could be with him. I know I'm selfish. I wanted to make sure this was a birthday he wouldn't forget maybe it will be maybe it won't but I don't think I'm what made it unforgettable...

So first off we ran a 1/2 marathon for his birthday.  Adam got 1st in his age group. Got a personal record and won a belt buckle. 2 goals he set to do. 

Garett won the whole darn race!!! And didn't even train all summer. 

Then he wanted a nice cream cake... Bam! Didn't even have to make it. This is a face he has made ever since he was little. It cracks me up. Thayne makes the same face. 

Then I had a gift surprise for him to try to help him get excited about his birthday all day. I set up 7 gifts (I didn't want to do 27) that he would start opening and 11:07 and open one up every hour on the 7th minute until all the gifts were open. I didn't get a picture of it though. Look it up on Pinterest you'll find it... Here is the reason I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted, exhibit a: boating. 

This isn't our first time boating and surely not our last but Adam does have a bad shoulder and although this picture is sweet he knew he shouldn't have done that last jump... But he did and ended up, 

In the ER with a dislocated shoulder. Not the first time dislocating it but first time it took two doctors to put it back in. He sent me this selfie by the way. The babies fell asleep on our way to the emergency room. So I sat in the car with them while I trusted my handsome man to the hospital staff in Ogden. Once the kids woke up we went in and took Adam one of his gifts. We tried to stick to the hour thing. You can imagine why I didn't get pictures. It was hectic! Oh and this crazy guy didn't want to be stuck at the hospital all day so all he had was Advil. He never sends me selfies so I thought for sure he was drugged up. Nope. He just manages pain like a champ. The last gift I gave him was this...

A giant picture of our family done for $30.00 I looked up on Pinterest about Engineering prints and had one printed out and then took it to hobby lobby and had them put a foam backing. It looks amazing. And for that price you can't beat it! I can't stop staring at it. Adam couldn't wait to get it up on the wall. 

Being married to Adam is the best thing I've ever done in my life. This man of mine is incredible. He works so hard in fact he went to work the next day of his birthday. He does everything without complaint. Even when I ask him to hand me something and I'm closer to it. He makes life so fun and enjoyable. He is close to God. He is an amazing father and husband. I don't know how I got so lucky to have him but I'm grateful to be the one he choose to spend his eternity with. I love you babe!! 

Oh and big PA school news, Adam finished his application we should start hearing about interview this fall :) 

Because I run like a girl

Lately I've been thinking about where I stand on things. Like everything. There is so much to be opinionated about these days. And I hate talking politics because really only two parties? I'll leave those posts to bloggers who love to argue. Luckily there is more than politics to be  opinionated about. I recently saw a video called #likeagirl. I had to watch it to see what it was all about. I was impressed.

You have to watch it too otherwise you will have no idea what I am talking about...

My mother and father raised me to believe I could do anything I wanted. In fact I spent many childhood days dreaming of being a pro soccer player. Although soccer nor volleyball happened in high school like I had thought I found out that runners were athletes too. I had unfortunate event happen to my body in high school that effected my speed and it did not increase my senior year. Even though my medley relay team broke our school record I still wasn't fast enough. I didn't tell anyone but I did want to run in college on a team. The amazing thing about running is that you don't need a team. I can always run. So what does that have to do with the video? I want my children to know what it means to me to do things "like a girl". To me running like a girl means pushing physical limits. Attempting to brush aside the want of chocolate... And then giving in and having to run with a belly full of chocolate. Running like a girl means no excuses. I have my babies and I run with them. Running like a girl also means being a proud winner but also a good loser. Adam can out run me any day. It's a fact. But that doesn't stop me from trying to keep up with him. In fact to take this picture he had to slow down and push the stroller...

Exercise is important to me. That's why I studied it in college. I love learning how my body works and how to make it stronger. I saw a quote on Pinterest that said "I don't want to be someone else I want to be me but healthier and stronger". That rings true for me as well. I'm proud to run like a girl. I'm proud to be a girl. I'm striving to have a positive outlook about my body. Sure it has flaws but it's all I got so I'm going to work with it. And I'm going to keep on running no matter who is passing me. 

Why this California girl loves Utah

Yup thats right. I love Utah. 

Go ahead and judge. 

I grew up in California as a child. I thought maybe someday I would return again.

Adam and I visited and as I went back to my hometown I realized 

something was missing. 

Home

It wasn't there at all. People thought my parents were crazy because we lived in

San Diego (actually in San Diego not on the outskirts) 

some people say they are from there but they aren't... 

anyway isn't that where people want to stay forever? 

Mild weather, the beach, laid back people, the beach, THE BEACH!!!

The funny thing about living in San Diego is that I got bored of the beach. 

My mom was so shocked when I was ok to move to Idaho as a sophomore in high school. 

From Idaho it was only a matter of time before I moved to Utah.

I feel like Utah gets a bad rep from a lot of people. Yes there are definitely some extreme LDS people (Mormons) out here and some judgey people (aren't there everywhere?)

But there are a lot of good people here. Even ones that aren't Mormon. 

I love the mountains, 

I love the snow, 

I love that people want to help each other,

I love the summers, 

I love the springs, 

I love feeling safe, 

I love that people migrate here, 

I love that I can hike and only travel 30 minutes, 

I love my new home.

I didn't get to mention we were able to be apart of a Marshall Island wedding, right here in Utah. 

It was a wonderful experience. These Marshallize (hopefully spelled that right) people have also come to love Utah as well. I love other cultures and learning from them. 

I thought I was doing good at minimizing until I met them, but thats another story for another day.

I don't know if we will call Utah home forever. In fact our lives are going to change in a year. 

Adam is applying to PA school this month. 

He is applying to 2 schools in Utah, 2 in Arizona, at least 5 out east, maybe 1 in Oregon, and maybe even a few more. 

I know our Father in Heaven guided us here to Logan, Utah.

I'm still learning the why we are here. 

We have met incredible people who have helped us learn and grow. 

I am guessing this must be why. 

I also know we will be guided to our next home. 

 I'm happy to have grown up in California, I'm also happy to be here right now. 

Miracles are happening in our lives everyday. 

All I can do is try to remember them all when I get frustrated. 

Heres to the future whatever it may hold. I may look back and smile at the past. But my heart lives for what is ahead. Even though it is completely unknown. 

Thayne's 3rd Birthday!

Thayne is now 3! While my mom was watching the kids apparently Thayne became

interested in their weed-wacker. And asked "Weema" for 

a weed wacker cake...

The anticipation is killing him

Grandma also brought some poppers that made both babies happy.

 Presents...

Thayne is in love with his new bike. He actually has to have it parked next to his bed

in order to sleep. After all that cake we had to get outside to try it out.

 Adam's parents were able to visit us for a short while we are glad they 

spent time with us and were here for Thayne's birthday. 

 Thayne had a great birthday. We tried to plan a party with friends but the weather pooped out. 

I feel like having a family party was just what he wanted anyway.

He was very worried about both sets of grandparents being there for his birthday.

This boy is teaching me so much. He enjoys the simple things and I would say is one of the happiest guys I know. If you ever need anyone to start the party he is your man. 

He makes everyday fun and helps me out in his own little way. 

Happy Birthday Thayne!

Havasupai trip. 5 year anniversary!

Back in 2008 I went on this awesome backpacking trip that I kept telling Adam about as soon as I met him. Finally I was able to take him for our 5 year anniversary.

Or he was able to take me really. 

Most people would probably go to a hotel or on a cruise. 

Nope not us. Backpacking is our kind of adventure. 

This post is kinda crazy because I actually started it while 

we were down at Havasupai. I hope it makes sense. 

Friday night we had to stop in at rei to get a few last minute things and we had to exchange an air mattress they shipped us that had a hole. Good thing Adam checked. Saturday we spent the day road tripping it up. We do have a few pieces of advice for anyone who is doing this trip... Whatever bloggers said peach springs has everything you need... Apparently has no idea what needs are. Stop in Kingman for food and gas. We drove to peach springs only to find out all they have is a hotel and restaurant. There is a tiny store but it closed at 3:00pm. So we didn't get to check it out. We did get to back track a bit but luckily we got some extra water. Which we desperately needed. Even if we had to pay extra. Made for an adventure. Another tip is to buy lots and lots of water at a grocery store. We stopped at the speedway exit at Vegas and got a huge jug of water. I wish we would have bought more water there. Or just had it already that probably would have been best. 

Expensive gas station water. We left a few bottles in the car for when we made it out. 

We slept in our car at the trail head. Here I am saying good bye to the babies for a few days.

Oh and sorry for the quality of the pictures. We took our nice camera but forgot to charge it... oops.

About to hike 10 miles with our backpacks on.

We made it down in record time. I wore my byu shorts. Aren't the cutest but definitely comfy. They came in handy while looking for a spot to camp. A lady stopped us and said that further down camp there were some heavy party people. "I don't know what they are smoking but wow. I noticed your byu shorts and thought you would like to know". 

I love that we had wrist bands obviously people were trying to stay without paying. That was a cool surprise. haha

We also got to go to church. We had a misunderstanding about the time change and thought we had a 1/2 hour to get there but really we had a hour and a half. We ran probably a mile (after already hiking 10 miles) and were so tired and luckily we asked a local for the time. We laughed as we hear 9:45 and not 10:45. Which was the time we thought it was. We got to spend an hour talking to a lovely couple from michigan. They told us of their love of backpacking and the adventures they had been on. I hope we meet up again with them tomorrow. The church meeting was packed! I was disappointed in the dress of some of the hikers. Some only wore swimsuits. I myself was not in Sunday best nor a skirt for that matter. But both of us tried to look presentable as we went. We met Lynda and Annamae. They were so sweet to us and told us to come back again to Supai. Lynda told us about a fresh spring that we could drink from. I won't tell you where it is. You have to get to know people. The speakers who spoke in church had to be helicoptered in. How cool is that? I wonder how many other wards that happens. 

After church we found this sweet spot to swim. I called it the natural swimming pool. This is actually Navajo Falls

Swimming at the famous Havasupai Falls. The picture to the right is going to Mooney falls.

Today we did the hike down to beaver falls. Getting to mooney falls is quite intense. And to be honest I almost chickened out. Adam was so sweet and patient with me. He didn't even complain when I said I didn't want to go. A youth group passed us on my way in and I told Adam that if everyone from the youth group did I to would go. They did it so we went. Thank goodness it was absolutely beautiful. A few pointers is that there is more than one way to beaver falls once you get to mooney. If you hang to the left of the river (as you face down the canyon) then you are probably on the right path. We choose a 5 mile way. And on the way back were shown the 2.5 mile way. Oops. Either way it was great. 

I did make a crazy fashion statement while I was there. A one piece swim suit. Yup. I wish you could have seen The looks I got. All the bikini babes looked at me like I was crazy. Boys gave me confused looks. (Do young girls even own those anymore?) I even caught one rolling her eyes. I don't have anything against different swimsuits in fact my main suit back home is a tankini. I just wanted to see what people would think of a one piece and it was lighter. I did hiking in it and I had zero problems. In fact held the girls down a heck of a lot better than most the other swimsuits I saw there. No one said anything but I wish I could have read minds. It was an interesting social experiment. 

beaver falls. (google pictures of all these beautiful places to get a better idea of what they look like)

This guy loved hanging around our camp site I had to get a picture of him.

We also moved camp after some bombarding campers tried to move in the area. And succeded. Here is our new camp which we are secluded and have an awesome view of the river

lots of crosswords to keep us busy.

4:30am Tuesday packed up camp and headed out. We ended up meeting up with our friends from Michigan and got to hike out with them. Adam had a goal to make it out at less time than 4 hours and 7 minutes. We made it in 4 hours and 2 minutes. Haha. That included our breaks.i had imagine dragons "I'm on top of the world" stuck in my head so I started singing it the last 1/2 mile. It felt amazing to accomplish backpacking our stuff in and out. No helicopters or mules. Just us and our stuff. 

At the trail head happy to be done!

We got to hike out with our friends Eric and Lynn from Michigan. Thanks for the good times!