Mariah is ONE!

I had this post almost ready to go, but on Mariah's birthday was the exact day that Dave found out about his new job and relocation and everything has been crazy since then.  I guess that is the lot of a 3rd child!  We still love you SO much Ma-ya, even if we didn't post on your birthday!

 Height 31 " (100%)

Weight 22.3 lbs (80%)

Head 18.23 (80%)

Mariah has a squinty grin that melts my heart.  She laughs easily.  She loves her brother and loves to wave when he gets home from school.  She can walk with a walker and cruises around a bit, but she still prefers crawling.

We went hiking at the local park and Mariah enjoyed the ducks and the hiking backpack.

Some how we didn't get Mariah eating cake on camera.  She didn't like it, just like my other kids and refused to eat it... not very exciting right?  

Mariah is still such a joy for our family.  She is easy to put to sleep and likes to eat (mostly).  She loves to laugh and smile.  She likes to smile at strangers as long as they keep their distance, so people just love her and try to entertain her often when we are out.  I can't get enough of her grins, giggles, chubby legs and sweet open mouthed kisses.  She is a ray of sunshine and I love her in our family!

Moving To Texas and other occurances

We found out in Mid-April that Dave was offered a position with American Airlines and that we would, in fact, be relocated to Dallas area.   Since then, we have spent most of our time making decisions, looking at houses, getting a realtor and lender, figuring out how to rent out our home, packing boxes and talking about Dallas to anyone and everyone we know. Despite all the long waiting and speculation, it feels like it is happening really fast.  Of course, once the decision was made, I was antsy to know my future and started trying to make the many decision and planning.  I started looking at houses in the Dallas area even though I knew they would not be on the market long.  I hate the unknown and was doing everything in my power to ‘know’ what was ahead.  Many of our decisions were hinging on other decisions, so I felt for a long time paralyzed making a decision until we looked at houses.  (although we had to get pre-approved and know our budget well before that point.)

My parents and brother came into town for a weekend in mid-May.  We had so much fun hosting them.  We played games, BBQed in the gorgeous evenings, went swimming, ate at Organ Stop Pizza and talked to both of my sister missionaries on Mothers Day.  Our kids just love being with their cousins and grandparents.  And of course we had so much fun we didn’t take many photos.  It was a wonderful weekend.  My dad has not been feeling well, and that has us all worried for him.  I wish there was more we could do to help him.  It helps me realize how much I love and care for him and my mom.  They are amazing parents.  I am so thankful for them.

Jackson had kindergarten Graduation the same day as Tyler graduated law school.  Tyler and Kacey had their 3^rd baby Alyssa right before my family came into town so we weren't able to see them as much as we hoped.  My Dad drove back to Utah and my mom stayed in Arizona to help out with my kids while we went house hunting. 

Those few days planning for our house hunting trip were filled with anxiety, stress, decision and lots of prep and homework.  I was a nervous mess.  So glad my mom was around to help with the kids. 

Finally, I was in the airport headed to Dallas.  It was such an easy breezy security and plane ride.  I couldn’t believe how being alone feels so foreign, freeing and also lonely at the same time.  As soon as I hit the ground Dave and I  headed out to see our first home. 

Finding “our” home: 

 I found the home we ultimately ended up with 2 full weeks before our scheduled house hunting trip.  We had not been approved for relocation through HR, we didn’t have a realtor, lender or anything in place to actually buy a home, but I was browsing online for homes just to get to know the areas and price ranges.  Dave was camping one Friday night and I found a home I loved that matched up with so many of the things we wanted.  I sent Dave a text, “I found our home, MUST BUY NOW!”  I was anxious to get it and was scheming about getting to Dallas to make an offer (my friend said homes were only on the market 1-5 days, so I was in a rush… plus I thought it was so perfect, everyone else would too!).   Dave saw it and also liked it, but was more hesitant. I scheduled him a time to see the house when he was working in Dallas the next week.  After seeing it, he said he liked it, but still wanted to wait until we saw others.  At this point I was super anxious to get the house, but tried to calm down. I said many prayers that the house that would be best for us would be available when we went.  And also that IF this house was for us, that it would still be there. 

As it turned out, the house dropped its price and was still available when we got there.  It was the first home we saw.  We liked it, but the major drawbacks were the back yard was small with a tall retaining wall that I thought was dangerous for kids.  We liked the layout, the neighborhood, the cul-de-sac, the school, the closeness to work, 3 car garage and 4 bedrooms plus a den.  The price per square foot was good and we kept it on our possible list.  We chose the realtor who worked with the sellers of that home so we would have inside info if another offer was coming in.   The next two days we spent solely focused on house hunting (with yummy food and great hotels in between).  The first day we drove hundreds of miles and only saw 12 homes and only a couple that were a remote possibility.  The second day all the homes were much further away from work, but there were so many more that were in our price range in one area.  As we bounced from house to house trying to decide which one was for us, we learned that another offer was coming in on our first pick home.  We finished  looking at the homes in the neighborhoods and drove back to the original home to look again with eyes that had seen SO many other homes.  We could see ourselves there...for a long time.   The negatives didn’t look so bad when compared to some of the horrific homes we’d seen and the positives looked that much better.  We drew up an offer and I wrote a letter telling about our journey with the home and included a photo.  I felt very spiritual while writing and sending the letter.  We headed to the temple and continued to feel good (albeit nervous about the finances) about the home.  Apparently, the 2 offers they received were very similar but the letter was inspiring and they chose our offer.  I was happy, but not surprised, as I felt it would ultimately go to us.  I felt the spirit prompt us to that home from the beginning.   I feel like it is where we are meant to be.  I’m not sure why or all the implications of that prompting, but it is so nice to feel like we are in the path that God has in mind for us.   

After church, we had trouble getting out of Dallas and it made us worried for flying on American in our future.  We had to fly through Portland because we were anxious to get home.  6 flying hours later, Dave left his keys on the plane and after a mad rush back to the airport and a taxi ride to our car, we made it home.  It was long, but so worth it to be home. 

Mariah had hand, foot and mouth disease the whole time I was gone, but my mom was a good sport about being locked up in the house with the kids. 

A week later, we drove to San Diego.  We had planned a trip with a friend, even though the friend backed out and the flights filled up, we were still mentally prepped for a trip and decided to go for it.  IT made me realize that driving really is MUCH longer than flying… even with security and waiting for a flight,etc.  Driving took a lot lon

ger.  We had a great time at Sea World (even though it was uncomfortably cold!).  The kids loved the animals and Jackson was really into the rides this time.   We ended up spending from 10 am -8:30 pm in the park with a short break for lunch.  I loved getting rid of the stress of relocation, and spending time with Family. 

 I love those fangs in this sweet girls' grin!

Ultimate Photo bomb by Mariah... she grabbed the lens as I took the pic.

We love to see the temple!

 We made it back in time for a pool party with friends on Memorial Day.  We truly have wonderful friends here and our kids are so happy here, too.  We will miss so many people. And having so many members and friends so close to us.

12 on the 12th May

11.      We woke up this morning with my parents still in Town.  Shane and Kim came for the weekend and we had a great time playing, swimming, going to Organ Stop, cooking and being together.  They left and my parent stuck around for Tyler’s graduation and to see more of baby Alyssa.  Grandpa sure loves his grandkids and despite Mariah’s constant pushing away, he still tries to persuade her to like him.  Grandpa has been having severe pain in his lower back and despite lots of doctor visits hasn’t been able to figure out what it is.  We are all really worried about him and praying for his health

2.    

   Jackson had his Kindergarten graduation and Grandma and Gpa came to support him.  Gma is staying for 5 days to watch you while I go to Dallas with Dad to search for a house for us.  She is so loving to the grandkids.  She is active and physical with them.  She takes them to parks and plays rough and horsey.  She is patient and attentive.  She is a wonderful Grandma.

3.       I spent much of the day emailing realtors, property managers, lenders and other people to get ready for our house hunting trip.  I really an anxious about finding the right house in the right neighborhood and price range.  I am nervous about getting approved for a loan, getting a realtor to have full time attention to us, etc.  I am a normally anxious and nervous person, so when big changes come it really makes me have anxiety.

4.       Our beloved swing set.  We’ve had this a little over a year and the kids and neighborhood kids love this thing.  We are sad we are selling it and have to leave it behind.  The kids love to play mom and dad and rocket and other various games on it. 

5.       Hallie is cuddling with the new bear Jackson made at his field trip.  She learned to buckle herself in the car seat (Hallelujah!) and is still wearing her pretty pink dress, although not so often since I’ve found some suitable alternatives. 

6.       Jackson and his teacher Mrs. DeMarco.  She had a baby a few weeks ago so saying goodbye was a bit anti-climatic, but she came back to say goodbye to the kids for graduation.

7.       Daddy’s been traveling for work a lot and he was leaving again today, so he likes to spend time cuddling and kissing his kids before he goes.  He is a great daddy to them.

8.       More kisses from Daddy to Hallie at Jackson’s graduation

9.       Mariah looking at me from her car seat.  She is much too big for this, but it is still so convenient that I have a hard time moving her.

10.   Our family at Graduation.  I sure love my smiley kids and my happy family.  We are so glad to be going together to a new place.  At least I know we can have happiness together!

11.   Jackson and a few of the kids in his class.  We only got to know couple of kids outside of class.  Ava lived right around the corner from us, but unfortunately, never really got together.  We babysat Wyatt a couple of times.  And went to 3-4 birthday parties for school friends.  Jackson liked school and friends and he seemed to be well liked by others when I would go visit, but none that he feels is a best friend. 

12.   Every night I say to my kids “I love you today, I love you tomorrow, I love you forever!” and I found this jewelry in an ad on the airplane.  I 

Easter Weekend

We had such a wonderful weekend in Utah.  Dave and Jackson had Friday off, so on Thursday evening we headed to my parents house.  It was an easy short flight compared to our last two.  Mariah is getting tough on the plane, so it is much harder to fly long.   We spent Thursday evening talking and catching up with my parent.  The kids love their house and ALL their toys and games and puzzles.  Jackson was so angry he had to go to sleep (Thus he woke up at 4AM!! so he could get back to playing.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go back to sleep so it was a long day for me too). 

Friday Dave, my dad and I played racquetball.  I wish we had somewhere to play in AZ, I really like it!  We cleaned up and headed to BYU to see the Carl Bloch Art exhibit (Sacred Gifts).  I am SO happy we did this.  I felt the spirit and I felt close to the Savior through the art pieces.  It was a perfect beginning to Easter week, to turn our minds to Christ. 

 We then toured BYU campus. We bought books and shirts at the bookstore and then ate at the cougareat.  I have so many memories there and loved sharing them with my family.
We went to a small egg hunt in Lehi (by small I mean that each of our kids got 2 eggs).  Mariah was anxious to walk everywhere.  She is really getting it.  I'm so glad my sister came to hang out all day.  She is a great mommy and it is fun to see her with 2 little kids.
My mom spoiled us with a 7 course dinner and appetizers and dessert to boot.  They really treat us well when we come.

Saturday we woke up early to meet some friends for breakfast.  Dave and Joe were good friends in college and actually were with us on our first blind date.  Emily and I became fast friends and probably know more about each other because of social  media than our husbands do, but they pick up right where they left off (basketball) when they get together.  Our 3 kids are very close in age, so we have a lot in common.  The Morins came to Lehi for Egg dying (and painting and coloring and hiding) and lunch.  Once again, my parents spoiled us with amazing food and company.

We packed up and left for Bountiful and spent a wonderful evening with the Harpers.   There were 9 cousins all together (missing 5 out of state) and they had a blast searching for hundreds of eggs and running wild basically.  It was chaotic and Bethany and Tom were such gracious hosts.  Their home is so warm and inviting, we just love being there.  

Sunday morning the kids enjoyed new Easter clothes.  Shopping with Hallie was the highlight of my week.  She carefully chose her favorite, stuck with her choice and wanted to surprise everyone she knew with her beautiful sparkly dress. It was so fun!  I can see why mothers and daughters like to shop.  Jackson got in his handsome suit and asked if he looked like a sacrament passer.... Yes, yes you do... please don't grow up too fast!

We spent the morning watching Easter videos and eating an amazing breakfast and lunch (Thanks again Tom and Bethany!) 

Church filled my soul with gratitude and thanks to the Savior.  The music and the talks inspired me to live more like him and praise him with my life.  My life is what it is all because of Him.  Every blessing I have is because he lived, loved and taught me how to create a good life.  He helps me to try again and not give up.  He gives me hope for a better me and brighter future and a forever family.  I am so thankful for my Savior and His sacrifice in my behalf.  

So thankful for a wonderful life, good friends, amazing family and all that we have that blesses and enriches us.  

Conference in Virginia

Visiting Rich and Ashley is always a pleasure, but this time we had the added benefit of visiting Dave's parents who are serving a mission in the Washington DC temple.   

I made this new toy for Mariah to play with on the plane.  It is a combination of a ribbon pull, milk lid drop in and I also threw straws and popcicle sticks in because our baby likes to hold as many long items in her hands as she can and I didn't care how many of these got lost.  She didn't pull the ribbons like I was hoping, but liked the lid and the other items inside.  

This trip started off with another "will-we-get-on???" trip to the airport.  I was already all packed and had the girls locked in the car when Dave told me not to come because the flight was full.  When I saw that one more seat was added and I thought Mariah could be a lap baby, I decided we would risk wasting time and going through security to see if we could make it.  According to the website, there were not enough seats for us.  BUT when we arrived at the gate, all 5 of us had tickets and after boarding there were 9 empty seats on the plane!  Including one right next to me!  Crazy!  

Mariah is getting much more difficult to travel with.  She wants to walk, to explore and NOT to be held.  Restraining her in the carseat only lasts so long these days.  

Rich was kind enough to come get us at the airport although it was late and FAR.  Hallie fell asleep immediately (and snored the whole way home).  My kids were so excited to see Roxy (the dog) and their cousin Breckin.  Mariah was terrified of the dog and was shaking, but also a little intrigued, so I knew it wouldn't be long before she liked her. 

 We visited with Dave's parents on Friday morning and when they went to their shift at the temple, we headed to the national Zoo.  It was chilly, but we survived.  We saw most of the animals and Mariah was even able to spot them and watch them.

 Zebras

 Orangutans

 Then we spent Saturday watching Conference.  Thanks to our Aunt Lori, Jackson went to bed saying "Conference is going to be the best day of my life!" So I couldn't disappoint him!  We got snacks and prizes as well as coloring pages and activities to do during conference and Jackson was an angel!  He worked so hard on his pages, was quiet and could even tell us several stories after the talks.  I was so thankful to be able to listen to the prophets and feel of the truth of their words.  

Here are the silly boys headed to the priesthood session together.  Their dad went too, but declined the bowtie.

 Jackson also enjoyed our travel-sized conference board and was able to find most of the speakers and learned the names of all the apostles.

With flights not looking promising and knowing how quickly flights fill up around these parts, we opted to head home early on Sunday to get back to school and work by Monday.  Hallie immediately fell asleep on the flight (at 11 am... so odd for her.  She slept for 3 hours.  The annoying part is the flight attendants made us move her off the floor (she has slept on the floor MANY times before with noproblems).  We had less room and Mariah was so difficult on the flight.  She did fall asleep a couple of times (after fighting it for a while) but then only slept for 30 mins.  It was rough with her and after 5 hours of flying, Dave and I were pretty exhausted.  

Luckily, we came home to 2 more sessions of conference.  Jackson's enthusiasm was going strong, but this time Mariah kept interfering with his plans, which caused us to not be able to listen quite as well.  Still, I was uplifted, inspired and motivated to do and be better.  I know these men and women speak the words God wants us to hear.  I want to follow them.  If everyone in the church (or better yet, THE WORLD) tried to implement their teachings, we would have a much better place to live).  

Thank you Rich and Ashley for hosting us!  Thanks to Mom and Dad for serving a mission and being examples of sacrificing for the service of God! 

12 on the 12th April

a snapshot (or 12) of my life on a Saturday, April 12.

1. Dave helped Jackson make paper airplanes (my attempt was a complete failure... spacial understanding is a major weakness of mine).  Jackson was thrilled all day to play and fly planes created at 'his' hands.  We love having Daddy home all day on Saturdays!

2. Bath time.  These kids act like they hate baths then they get in an love it.  It only takes me getting one kid in before they all want a piece of the action.  They really do hate being 'cold' after the bath though.

3. I took Jackson to a friend in his school class' birthday party.  The kids got wet, had a big bouncy slide and watched "frozen".  It was nice to get to know a few parents of Jacksons friends, but mostly I felt like I wasted 3 hours that I wanted to be doing other things.

4.  I came home to re-realize that I married the best guy.  He spent the 3 hours I was out chit-chatting and being bored at the party, doing my cleaning to -do list.  The house was spotless!  Amazing feeling!  I am so lucky to have him! I ended up feel like I didn't know what to do with myself for the next few hours!

5.  Today's game was Guess Who?  The kids love games and that is my go-to when things are getting out of control and I have time to spend with them.

6. Hallie got new Jelly shoes (as did Mariah) Summer season has officially begun.  She was fun to take shopping the other day because she really likes shoes and trying them on was heaven for her!

7. Mariah... this ended up being the first of 4 baths today.  She was sick and with it coming out boths ends.  So sad, and yet she is still a happy loveable sweet-heart.  Laundry and changing sheets was common today.  She is taking 3-10 steps consistently now and it wont be long until she is walking (I am done with the crawling stage... she is ruining her shoes, getting so dirty and crawling on her summer dresses... I want her to walk!)

8.  Jackson found this book in my 'gift' closet and begged... and I caved.  I really didn't think he could read it since it seems to be written for 10 year old boys, but he LOVES a challenge so he read several sections (thus the paper airplanes) and now he is convinced I am buying arrowheads to make a bow and arrow....

9.  We got a babysitter and headed out to dinner with many friends in our ward/neighborhood.  We ate at Souper Salad and were the youngest people there by 30 years.  So funny!  I really enjoy my friends here and had a great time playing with them and my husband.   I over ate as always, but luckily it didn't affect my run later :)

10.  After dinner we went to North Scottsdale for the Blacklight Run.  Before the race we decked out in glow gear.  We walked a long way to the start line and waited even longer to start the race.  We were in the very last wave and started running at 8:30.  Nearly everyone on the course was walking (slowly) so it was an obstacle course to dodge people, trees, bushes, holes all in the dark with bright lights shining in your eyes periodically.  It was fun to keep a fast pace with Dave.

11. We don't go out together enough.  Dave would rather go alone the two of us and I am always up for big groups... so this night was all about my preferences.  He was a great sport and had fun... even when I wanted to go dancing.

12.  We ended up covered from head to toe in glow powder that shone in the black lights.  We danced a bit and enjoyed being with friends.  Such a fun night, we came home exhausted and dirty.  It was fun to have a multi-colored shower :)

Sea World San Diego

We got a ffantastic deal on season passes to Sea World and we wanted to make sure we at least got our value out of them.  The night before we wanted to go the flight filled up so we made other plans for our Saturday.  Mariah woke up crying at 5:30 so I gave her a binky and on a whim checked the flight.  It had SEATS!  We really wanted to go, but still hadn't resolved our broken stroller from our last flight.  Luckily, a friend was up and let me into her garage to borrow her double stroller, so in 20 mins we packed rented a car and made breakfast and lunch for the day.  

Jackson was so disappointed last night, so it was exciting to wake him up and tell him we were going.  I don't think he knew what to expect, but it did not disappoint!  The kids loved the shows, the rides, the exhibits (except the shark tunnel that terrified Jackson). and especially the Sesame Street Bay of Play.  We had such a good time wandering the park and seeing amazing things.  

 Jackson went on the Atlantis ride and was purely terrified (although brave).  I think it will be awhile before he enjoys the scary rides.

 Mariah learned to walk while waiting in line for these little rides... just in time too. the requirement for the ride was that the child had to be able to 'walk' (take 3 steps) so she got to come on as soon as she proved it to the attendant :)

Luckily Hallie and Mariah napped and Jackson fell asleep on the way to the airport for our late flight home.  It was easy with all the kids sleeping the whole way.  What a fun day!  We hope we get to do it again frequently!