Yard Improvement

We haven't really done anything significant to our yard and lawn, but I think it looks amazing compared to when we first moved in last year. I think we've simply maintained it and Jason has cut off a lot of limbs from the trees so you can actually see the house now. Before, if seemed like you could barely see the front door. Cutting the branches has made a huge difference. We got a swing set for the kids and a little trampoline and it's been a great place for them to play. We keep our back gate locked up so it's nice to know they are safe when they play. Also, there are two mature trees in the back as well as out front so we are nice and shaded in the summer months. I'd really like to get a picnic table so hopefully we'll have one by next summer. So far, it's been really nice to have firepit to roast marshmallows and hotdogs. With a picnic table and a new grill the possibilities would be endless for fun at our house!

I hope that we can do some real landscaping in the future. Maybe some flowers, herbs and bushes. Next year we do plan on gardening and if you look in the backyard photo's we have a great garden area in the back behind the white fence. We're both learning as we go and we have a lot to learn. But we love having a house and making improvements in and out!!

April to Early July Pictures

Here are some of my favorite pictures taken from April to early July this last year. Mostly, the kids are just playing around in the backyard and around the house. They both look so much younger than they do now. It's crazy because I don't see the changes where I see them everyday, but it's so evident in the pictures. Kyle has gotten a lot taller. You'll notice that his brown pants are rolled up a ton in the pictures, but now I don't have to roll them up anymore. I also included some puictures of our dog Jasmine. She's a beautiful Red Heeler and we love her and she seems to enjoy living with us. Enjoy!

April to Early July Pictures pt. 1

April to Early July Pictures pt. 2

Franklin County Fair

The fair was just this last weekend and so these are the most recent pics I have of the kids taken on Thursday of the fair. They loved the fair!!! They saw cows, pigs, horses, sheep, rabbits and all types of different chickens. It was a completely new experience for me. I will say that much. Would I have been there if I didn't have kids?? The answer would clearly be NO!!!! Heck NO! Walking in muck and mud and stuff like that isn't me. But the kids loved it. It was a first time for all of us to see all those animals up close. When a pig did #2 just two feet infront of me... I had to turn my head away. But there I was surrounded by people raised in the country, (as am I partially-- but I never adapted to it)and I bet I looked pretty silly. It was fun though-- for the kids. Will we go back next year? Most certainly! We went back again on Saturday and that time the Car Show was there. That was more my thing, walking in the grass looking at all types of cars old and new and all classics. I love the old ones best!

Kyle's Birthday- May 2011

I'm soooo behind on pictures!! But here are some from Kyle's 2nd birthday this last May. We had a Buzz Lightyear party. I should of taken pictures of my party favors but I didn't... Dang it! and more pictures of the party... Again, dang it! I always get so busy hosting. It was great though! It did however rain right after Jason and I got the backyard all set up and looking nice, so we just cozied tigether in the house. Kyle loved his birthday! He loved all the presents and got a Buzz Lightyear, Woody on RC, Slinky Dog, Stoy Story Alien and many more toys! What fun it was!

Smile! You're Saving Money

I'm getting better at this posting thing! In fact I feel a little bad if I don't post something weekly!

Last week was a super successful shopping/couponing trip! I hit 4 grocery stores and spent $230! At Smith's Marketplace alone, I watched the bill go from $260 down to $125! Yippee!!! I love couponing! Some of my spoils included:

10 boxes of toaster strudels
18 chex mix
8 Bugel snack bags
8 boxes of Betty Crocker
gushers, fruit by the foot, fruit roll-up
6 gallons of milk
8 loaves of bread
6 lbs. of chicken breast
7 packs of Yoplait yogurt delights
1 pack of trix yogurt
2 lbs. fresh deli turkey meat
2 40 oz. boxes of Bisquick pancake mix
12 cans Progresso soup
15 cans tuna
6 boxes of Texas Toast ciabatta bread or
cheesy bread sticks
24 rolls of toilet paper

And of course there were other things like diapers, cooking oil, croissants, fresh fruits and vegetables, paper towels.... to name a few more, It was just so fun to reap the rewards of couponing!

In our home, we currently have an abundance in cereal, around 40+ boxes, paper towels, toilet paper, Fabreze, laundry detergent, bbq sauce, Chex, toothpaste, deodorant, pancake mix, fruit snacks, tuna, frozen chicken, salt, ketchup, sugar and I can't think of the rest......

Our family eats better with couponing. Not to mention we eat a wider variety of foods because we're always trying new stuff. Some of the things were hooked on now is Silk soy based milk-- vanilla and chocolate flavor. I love this stuff because it's loaded with a lot of vitamins and has 50% more calcium than regular milk. We also can never go back to regular potato chips or Dorito's. We've fallen for kettle baked potato chips-- any brand really as long as it's kettle cooked.

In more news, out home is getting more and more energy efficient! I guess it all started with the purchase of a brand new refrigerator a few months ago when our old one checked out. But we had Right Now Heating and Cooling in Idaho install a water heater, heat pump, and power box this last weekend. Now what is a heat pump? A power box, well, I'll give you my own definitions then I'll post some links...

Heat pump-- it is a secondary source of heat. Not to be used as main source or backup, just works with your furnace to distribute heat evenly in the home and more efficiently. Instead of your furnace working 100% of the time. It only works 25% of the time and the heat pump works 75% of the time. And it's more efficient and costs less than running the furnace by a long shot. There are some limitations, like if it gets below 40 degrees then we need to turn it off and switch over to the furnace completely. Also, this cost's more than an air conditioner. I called a company in Logan we did work with a few months ago just to get an idea of how much it would cost us to go with them and I was quoted 8- 10 grand. Ouch! We paid a little over $6,000. Now for the air conditioner bit. the heat pump doubles as an AC in the warmer months. It turns on reverse and is now airconditioning! It cost's roughly 13 cents to run an hour vs. our window unit that was least 65 cents an hour.

We were going to replace the furnace and add an AC unit, but this was better for us in the long run. Plus our furnace is actually newer and top of the line models so we didn't need to replace it. A heat pump is pretty cool. So, check it out!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_pump

What is a power box? It's a device that stores electricity instead of sending unused electricity back to the power line-- then you repurchasing it again when you turn something else on. Basically, when you uses something in your home, you get electricity and there is always unused amounts of it. Instead of sending it back to the power line because you've purchased and paid for it already, it saves it in the power box for you to use again. so you're not paying for electricity twice. This little baby cost us $800. But it's soooo cool and it's Jason's favorite. I think he checked out of the heating and cooling conversation when he heard power box and wanted that more than an AC when he first heard our agent telling us about it. Here is a link:
http://www.usaveonelectric.com/

Those are the best links I could find. If you are interested, and you live in Idaho or Utah (they are currently working on certifying in Utah) contact Right Now Heating and Cooling. We paid a little over 6 grand, but that included an FREE energy saver water heater, and we ended up getting the power box free too. They saved us 4 grand based on my one price comparison with one of Cache Valleys well known heating and cooling companies. How? I'm not quite sure, but I know that they own all there equipment so a lease can never be put on your home my the manufacturer of the AC, furnace, water heater for the company not paying them. The one technician said his boss orders so much he gets it discounted and he just has soooo many jobs. Don't forget to pitch my name out there if you call them and they do work for you! You know me, I love freebies! And they have a referral program. Thanks a ton in advance!
http://www.rightnowheatcool.com/

I hope you enjoy some of our money saving tips from the Viator Home. Also, believe me, this adds value to your home. We figure we can add on somewhere between 10-12 grand on resale value. Because we got the heat pump at a discounted price with their special and basically $1800 FREE from power box and water heater, we easily get our money back at resale of the home. Not to mention and then some.

Links did not work, so copy and paste it in your URL.

Charity and A Jar of Apples

Tonight is one of those nights I cannot sleep! And I would truly LOVE to be asleep right now-- believe me! But I'm not, so I might as well make the most of it. So I'll share something that has been on my mind for some time yet. I'm not sure how organized I have my thoughts but I'll give it a shot anyways.

Again the topic is- My Kids! I have to wonder sometimes if I'm doing a good job being their mom. And most the time I tell myself that because I wonder it so much I must be doing a decent job of it... I hope that makes sense. There is just so much that I want to teach my kids and instill in them that it scares me to think that I might be forgetting something, or not putting enough emphasis on some things as I should. The Gospel is important to me and I hope they see and feel that. Education is important to me. Keeping a clean home, cooking meals, family time... the list goes on and on. One of the things that I have felt a need to teach them lately is charity. I don't think there is a respectful age to teach that and I think the earlier the better.

There is an older gentleman in our ward and he is extremely well educated but socially awkward-- a genius... And I noticed him a few months ago shortly after he moved in. He dresses humbly and lives alone, doesn't talk much and seems to like to keep to himself. When I first saw him he struck me as someone who was so alone and I didn't even know how to approach him. I also wondered about his welfare and if he had the means to feed himself. I felt strongly that my family needed to reach out to him and share some of the things that we had excess of (thanks to couponing, I can do this). So the kids and I went over one day and gave him a few bags of groceries. I was afraid he could of been offended, but I braved it and I was scared. But he took it graciously and offered that we come back and pick apples from his apple tree when they ripened. Now, I know the church has resources t help those in need, so I did contact a member of my bishopric and they are looking after him. Because I could not continue providing groceries on a regular basis. So there is a little bit of background there. To make a long story short, the other day the kids and I walked past this older man's home on one of our strolls and I noticed a Free Apples sign. A few days later our whole family, Jasmine our dog included, went over to pick some apples. Again I brought some groceries with me as a gift and thank you for apples. The kids thought it was so great to pick apples from the tree. They had never had that experience before and were so excited.

When we knocked on this man's door the first time, there had been no answer, so I left the groceries on the front steps and we went and picked some apples. After we finished, I went and knocked on the door again. This time he came to the door and I thanked him for the apples. He told me to pick as many as we wanted and to come back again. I found out they were baking apples and he told me a few things that I could do we them. I handed him the groceries and again he took it willingly and so I felt encouraged that it was the right thing to do. But this time, something else happened. It was a split moment feeling, and it was gone before I knew it. He turned away from me and said he had something for us. When he came back, it was a large jar of preserved apples. It didn't look clean. I'm not going to lie, it's not something I would of trusted to eat or give to my kids, but it was touching all the same. Here was a man who is a loner, socially awkward, but very gentle giving me and my family something that meant a lot to him- something he had spent time preparing and preserving. For all I know, perhaps that was all he had in his home, apples?? I felt in that moment we (my family) were shown the greater of the charity offerings. A jar of apples, and the gentle, kind spirit of a man who was terrified to reach out but did. In that one moment he turned away, I saw excitement in him, a need for him to share with us. I want to say that this is the start of a beautiful friendship. But I don't know that... I think it'll always be this way a little give and take between my family and this grandpa of a man. But he has found a place in my heart and I feel responsible to look out for him a little.

Lily asked me, "Mommy, why did we give that man our food?" And I told her, "Because we share what we have with others." On the walk home, Lily kept on insisting she carry the bag of apples or the jar. And Kyle had fun throwing an apple and picking it up again all the way home. My family walked away with so much more than just apples that day. I'm not sure I've written my thoughts down correctly. It's really hard to put into words.

When we got home, I washed some of the apples, sliced them up and placed them in a baking dish with butter, oatmeal, cinnamon, and sugar. It was delish! And it was a nice way to end that day for my family.

Summer Fun

This last weekend was The Famous Preston Night Rodeo bonanza! For three whole days, starting on Thursday there was the parade, rodeo and carnival! And we live just a block from the fairgrounds and two blocks from main street so we got to enjoy it all without having to venture out of our yard really. It was soooo much fun! We were all so worn out and exhausted but it was oh so worth it! The parade was really fun for the kids! They loved catching candy and I must say for a 2 and 3 year old they did pretty good! Three nights and they caught 5 lbs. of candy... Yowzers! It waw like Halloween all over again! Saturdays parade was the best! Gosner from Logan even came out and was handing out flavored milk boxes! We scored 5 and felt pretty lucky! We love Gosners!!!! Yummmmm!

Next year we will try to plan better for the carnival and spend more moolah... but this week insurance on both our vehicles is due so that put a damper on a want to splurge weekend. We don't generally splurge-- Jason and I are pretty practical and responsible with our earnings, but with a carnival that comes once a year, we figure we can go a little crazy especiallly since we're not a vacationing family as of yet and what is money spent if it puts a huge smile on you childs face? For $20 te kids got to play two games, each go on a ride, and get a snow cone and bag of popcorn. Talking about the rides, Lily is so hillarious! She wanted to go on the caterpillar roller coaster ride and she was so excited, but once it started she had this complete look of terror!! The guy running the ride even stopped it to ask her if she as okay and if she wanted to get off. But she said she was having fun! I wish I had my camera! It was classic! Kyle went on a train ride. He was pretty angry that he didn't get to ride the caterpillar with Lily, so the entire time he had a scowl on his face. Jason and I made faces at him when he rode by and still he tried so hard not to smile, but eventually broke! Oh little boyfriend. He's such a little goose! I love him!

Last weekend Preston also had fireworks for Pioneer Day! That was awesome! Again it was at the fairgrounds and just so close to us that wewalk down. I recorded it on my camera and we watched it last night on our tv. Preston is a fun place to live and really quite family friendly. In two weeks the fair will be here so again more festivities! We're looking forward to seeing baby animals!

In other news, I've been making felt books for the kids with velcro pieces they can move around. It's been a lot of fun and they are turning out really cute, but it is time consuming. The kids love it and I think they'll really enjoy having it at church during sacrament. We've used sticker books and magnet books but with the felt books they got to help make it and pick out their colors so it's just that much more fun for them! I'll have topost pics when they are finished. I should post pictures soon! Period!

The kids are sure growing up! Lily starts pre-school this Fall and we're also looking into putting her in clogging. I think she'll really love that! Not to mention she'll look so darn cute in the outfits! She's such an outgoing, happy girl and I think getting her into these activities will really nurture her natural talents. Kyle is getting big and strong! I cannot believe how strong this boy is! I'm just amazed when I watch him. This kid even helps me carry groceries into the house! The other day we went to the mall and got some pretzel maker (yum!) and then we went over the play area they had there. Lily was trying to climb up onto the foam cupcakes and icecream blocks and couldnt quite make it. Kyle got up right behin her and hoisted her up like a big tough guy. Jason and I just sat there amazed.... Stunned..... Surprised. He's an awesome little brother to Lily. Always trying to help her, ask her if she's okay when she falls, and yes he's even defended her with other kids. One time a little boy and Lily weren't getting along and Lily Lily started crying. Kyle went up to her and asked her, "You okay?" Lily continued to cry and then he gave her a kiss on her head. Then I watched him go up to the boy, yell something in jibberish, pointing at him and then saying, "No! No!" Then he walked back over to Lily and sat down next to her. And vice versa... Lily also defends Kyle. If she sees another child take something from him, she'll say, "Hey, Kyle had that first! You need to give it back!" or "Be nice to my brother!" They love eachother, and having them both is wonderful. As hard and challenging raising kids can be, Jason and I wouldn't want it any other way!

Life is great! We're enjoying being able to spend time as a family. I'm not looking forward to Jason starting up at USU in the Fall again. But it's for the good of the family. For now, the kids and I are just loving having him around. He's an awesome dad and husband!

Hello Again

It's been ages since I've felt motivated to blog or have really had the time to sit and blog. It seems like there are always other things more pressing or things I want t do more than blog. The sad part is, there is so many wonderful things going on with my family and especially my kids that I haven't documented and they are growing fast-- with that said. I am so behind! I'm not going to try to play catch-up because that'll be the blog end of me and I'll feel overwhelmed and disappear off blog world again, so I'm jut going to simply pick up where we are today, and maybe capture some of this last 4th of July events and activities.

For Starters:
I just turned 28 yesterday. Not fond of getting old. But at 28 I have two children and a great husband and I am where I've always wanted to be. Jason is 30, Lily is 3 soon 4 this October and Kyle turned 2 this last May. It's been a while since I've blogged nd mostly it was when I was preggers with Kyle Bug... Once he was kicking in my tummy while I typed and now he's quietly sleeping next to me... :) Heart him!

When we first moved to Preston, shortly after that we got a dog named Chester. He was an 11 yr old German Shepherd/Border Collie,blond with brown. We had him for about 6 months when he passed away due to a heart attack. He was gentle dog, and loved to lay around. He passed just a week before Christmas and that was hard on all of us, especially Lily.

We do however have a new dog, Jasmine. She is robust and full of energy. She recently turned one in human years this last February and on top of that she is a Red Heeler-- TONS OF ENERGY! But we love her and she has become very protective of the kids and I'm convinced she thinks that the kids are her siblings. She watches over them and follows them around the house and backyard. With as much energy as she has, I love to see her sit next to the kids on the sidewalk while they draw with chalk. It just goes to show how much she loves her kids and will sacrifice running around just to be next to them.

In the last three months I have have gotten into couponing! YAY! And I loe it! I'm not an extreme couponer, but I do pretty good and have began a decent stockpile at home. It gives me a rush and I feel like a child on Christmas morning when I find out how much I saved, how much I got and see that I stayed within budget! It's als taken the stress off of needing to build a decent food storage for our family. Being a young family and only married for 4 years and some months, we haven't really had a chance to purchase many items for food storage. Couponing has allowed me to save money, get more for my money, and build a storage that I know my family will eat. I like this soooo much better than buying big bulk cans and not feeling even sure how to prepare them or know if we'll like it or not. I always figured with food storage, we'll eat it if we have to, but with couponing, we'll eat it and replace it and most likely have a good supply of it.

In other Viator news, Jason is doing well. He's in Summer break right now and we'll apply for the teaching program this next semester. He is so ready to be done. He can see the finish line and this break (as nice as it is) is a bit frustrating because he'd rather just keep going. We'll get there.... Surely even though it seems endless at times.

We still enjoy living in Preston. But to be honest, I haven't ran into anyone my age or similar situation. I miss the friends I had in Logan and the easy conversations I could have with them. It's a completely different dynamic here and it feels like everyone keep to themselves. So, sometimes I feel lonely, and sometimes I mind it and other times not. I remind myself of all the rewards of having a home and it's been so wonderful for my kids, and that's why we moved was to give the kids a home! Also, it was right then, and it's still right now. A year simply can't be enough time for me to determine if this is the right place to be. Jason and I felt right about this move, and still do. I just wish there were people with my interests and age around here.

My latest pride and joy as far as being a homeowner... my lawn! My grass is green! Jason mows it and whatever else he does and I am the water nazi! I rotate hoses all the time and I am proud and happy to say that between Jase and I we have improved our yard and backyard. Jason has also trimmed the trees in front and in the back. Boy did it need it! And the garden area has been tilled (but I think we'll garden next year) and so no weeds are protruding allover the place like last year. I love this house! I really do! And we are overall happy here! For now, goodbye. Hopefully I'll blog again soon! And add pictures too!