One year later

It was exactly a year ago that we packed up the Honda, and Kyle left for Utah. All three of us were bawling as he drove away. It was a really hard day for all of us...not knowing for sure when we'd be together again and being STRESSED about selling our house (Kaden and I were staying in Oregon until we sold the house...Kyle was starting his new job in Utah and staying with his brother, Ryan)We have always sold our houses (yep, that's plural...our Utah house is #4) by owner and we really wanted to sell this one that way too...we knew it was a great house: practically brand new, lots of upgrades already done, and well taken care of...we just weren't getting any lookers. I had been posting an ad on craig's list pretty regularly when someone happened to see the ad. They came to look and we had a miracle! They wanted to pay full price, pay with cash, and wanted us out within 2 weeks. Kaden knew that we were waiting to sell our house before we could go be with Daddy. As soon as he heard that we were packing he grabbed a box, went into his room, and started packing all of his books and toys.

I gave my 2 weeks notice at work, got everything packed, and we were on our way.

Its been a really hard year, mostly for me. But, there have been some really fun things that we've been able to do as a result of being here:

like having SNOW on Christmas eve!

and being close to so many temples

and Kaden getting to play hockey!

Its been an adventure and we feel truly blessed.

"Ryree and Shuggie"

We are so excited that Riley gets to hang out with us for a few days when her mom is in Oregon (helping my parents pack up their house to move)! We picked her up from school today, went out to lunch, went to 2 parks, played lots, watched a movie, played the Wii, etc. Its been a pretty fun day and they are thrilled that they get to have a sleepover with each other "for 2 nights and 3 days".

Kaden (aka Shuggie...its a long story, but worth telling sometime) and Riley (aka Ryree) hung out together every day when we lived in Oregon. Its been hard for Kaden to not have her around much, but we're SO GLAD that they're now in Utah too...

I love how Kaden says that Riley is his best friend and how they have such a great time when they're together!

(One of) The Most Wonderful Times of the Year!

No, you don't need to go check the calendar--Christmas is still a few months away! :) Its time for COLLEGE FOOTBALL! I am so excited. I have been anxiously waiting for this week since January (after the last bowl game was over). My Thursday nights and Saturdays will now be busy with ESPN's college gameday and lots of football games! I have been known to watch 3 games at once, pace in front of the TV, and yes, even yell at the players when they do something I don't like.

Last year I had a drought and didn't go to any games. It was a real bummer after having season tickets with my dad for several years to the OSU Beavers!

The GREAT news for this season is the Beavers are coming to Utah to play the Utes. Guess who has tickets?! The game is being broadcast on ESPN that night (Thursday, Oct. 2nd), so you'll have to look for me in the crowd. :)

As any good mother would do, Kaden has been introduced/brainwashed into being a Beaver fan too! He can sing the fight song along with the best of them and will be happy to inform anyone that asks that "DUCKS EAT POOP AND BEAVERS EAT DUCKS!"

Since we're now in Utah, we're also going to be cheering loud for the Cougars (its not like we weren't before, but now its official)!

GO COUGARS!

GO BEAVERS!

One last note...if you care, I've added an ESPN top 25 to the bottom of the blog that will be there throughout the season ! :)

Say that it isn't so!

This is what naptime used to look like at our house:

Kaden has always been a great sleeper, and usually took a good 3 hour nap...well, that is until this past week. He has decided that he doesn't need them every day any more. WHAT?! How could this possibly have happened?! I LOVE naptime! Its my break during the day to catch up on blog reading, sit and read a book, or whatever else I want to do.

I admit that lately its been hard to get him to bed before 10pm. We had been talking about limiting him to an hour or so. But, to eliminate them totally was so NOT in my plans! My sister has been telling me that this day was coming, but I ignored her and said it wasn't so.

And, I have to say that they're not gone forever. He's adjusted to about an every other day nap, and its working....for him. :)

Remembering

Its funny how there have been a few blog posts this week about looking back or remembering a certain event. I, too, have been thinking along those lines. This week we were able to attend a sealing at the Bountiful temple. It was really nice to be there, and a really nice reminder to hear the words of the ceremony. The last sealing I went to was ours (having Kaden sealed to us) and I can't remember a word that was said! :) Anyway, I've been thinking about how grateful I am for that blessing in our lives and for the opportunity we have to be forever families. Here's a couple of pictures of our big day.

End of Summer Neighborhood/Primary Parade

Kaden was completely THRILLED to be in a parade today! It was really exciting for him to decorate and drive his jeep around the neighborhood. He also LOVED that a police car led the parade (complete with lights and occasional siren!). Thanks to those who organized it! We'll be talking about this at our house for a long time! :)

the decorating job

Kaden and Jack waiting for the parade to start (Jack lives across the street)

doesn't he look grown up?

Trying to be a money saving momma

My new mission in life is to utilize coupons more effectively. Carrie and Courtney are my heroes, and they were nice enough to share some of their secrets. Check out what I bought today:

4pk 60 watt lite bulbs $1.99 with $1.99 rebate = FREE

Pert Plus shampoo $3.79 with $3.79 rebate AND $1 coupon = FREE plus $1.00 overage

2 pkgs. of ballpoint pens on sale for 2/$1.00 with $1 coupon = FREE

4 bags of Hershey's Bliss Chocolates $3.00 each with $2 off 2 coupon (twice) PLUS 4 $1 coupons PLUS $5 rebate = FREE plus $1.00 overage

WAHOO!