announcement

so....

 

We're moving to Portland!

 

 

We've studied out and weighed all our options, we've done research, we've planned and prepped and prayed about it. And we feel like this will be the best move for our family. We're moving May 24-25 and Justin will start the history graduate program at Portland State University in the fall.

 

We're really thankful for the opportunity that we have for Justin to go to graduate school. Most programs are pretty competitive to get in. Also, we're excited for a change of scenery and to continue along this path that we hope will bring security for our family's future in the long run.

 

So, right now there is a huge stack of empty boxes in our shed that keeps getting smaller and the pile of packed boxes in the corner of our living room keeps slowly getting bigger and bigger. I have exactly 11 lists that I'm constantly checking to make sure that I don't miss anything.

 

And....

 

Congratulations to Justin!

He's decided not to walk in his graduation ceremony because technically he graduated back in December (a semester early!) and then was accepted into the graduate program here at ISU and has been working hard already at the graduate level for a semester. He's slightly uncomfortable with the spot light sometimes. So, to commemorate I forced him to put on his cap and gown, his cords FOR GRADUATING WITH HIGH HONORS and his stole for being the PRESIDENT OF PHI ALPHA THETA and take some pictures. In case you couldn't tell, I'm so proud of him.

 

Also, thank you Justin, for the example that you're setting for our children. Although we both already had associates degrees, I love that you're continuing and getting your BA and masters degree. Education is so important and I love that Audrey and David will remember seeing their Dad work so hard for his and that they'll always have these pictures to look back on.

 

 

baby Natalie

 

Beth  and her husband, Justin, had their little baby girl, Natalie, on Friday night. I was able to be in the room for the birth and it was an amazing experience. The feeling that was there when she was born was so wonderful. My Mom and I just kept crying and hugging each other. Thanks so much for including me Beth and congratulations!

The Nutcracker

 

Awhile ago I found a video of the Nutcracker Ballet and picked it up thinking Audrey would enjoy it. Enjoy it is an understatement. She loved it. So we picked up a Nutcracker book at the library. She loved it. So...when we saw that there would be a live performance of the Nutcracker at ISU, we had to get this girl there to see it in person.

 

Justin stayed home with David and let me go with Audrey since I've always wanted to see it as well. And, well we knew Audrey would love it but the surprising thing was how much I loved it too. Turns out I love ballet. Like, really love it. Who knew?

 

Audrey whispered in my ear through the whole thing. "There's Uncle Drosselmeyer!" "The Mouse King!" and then when the lights came on and the curtain came down for intermission she turned to me horrified and said, "Mom, it can't be over yet!"

 

 

It was a great experience and we're big time fans.

Definately seeing it again next year.

 



first day of school

 

It's happened. I blinked and now she's in kindergarten.

Her dad gave her a blessing the night before and while I sat on the couch listening to him pray over her this thought kept coming to my mind: "She is special. Take good care of her, she is so special."

Justin was in tears when he was done and I know he felt it too.

 

She loves school. There was no fear, just excitement. She loves her teacher and is eager to learn.

I know she's going to do great.

 

When Davy and I picked her up we snapped these pictures and then I heard about every detail of her day.

 

She's pretty proud of herself. And she's not the only one.

Audrey the photog

I've always sort of rolled my eyes when I checked other people's blogs and they posted pictures that their children had taken. I guess every parent thinks that their child is the most clever or funny. (That bias certainly exists in my case). And if you're like me and think it's silly then go ahead and skip this post.

But Audrey's been snapping some pictures on my phone lately and I have to admit that it definitely is fun to see her point of view and what's important to her. So far it seems to be: me when I'm not aware she's taking a picture, her brother, some toys, her new pet fish, and her shoes. (That last picture is how we know that she's related to Aunt Lyric)

Yellowstone Trip

We know that our time here in Eastern Idaho will be brief. There are some days that I'm really grateful for that. But while we're here we want to take advantage of everything that there is to see and do here. One of the items on our "things to do while we live in Pocatello" list was to visit Yellowstone National Park. And Saturday we happened to have an open day and Justin had read in the paper that all national parks had free admission that day so... we very spontaneously packed up and headed out. Every once in awhile Justin gets some crazy scheme like this going and I've learned to just sit back and let it happen- it usually ends up being a lot of fun.

buffalo! (Audrey kept calling them buckle-oh)

SO happy to be out of the car

We bought Audrey a pair of toy binoculars and a toy camera at the gift shop. She was quite the tourist.

Old Faithful Lodge

Can't go to Yellowstone without seeing Old Faithful

 Davy discovered a new found love of vegitable beef stew at dinner. He gobbled two bowls full.

Glad I married this crazy guy

A's first field trip

It's been a busy few weeks for our family. It's the end of the semester for Justin which means finishing up all projects and papers, studying for finals, and presenting his thesis on Thursday. It's also getting close to the end of Audrey's school year which has meant parties, reading programs, "under the sea" day at school and field trips.

(Also- May 7th is coming fast and plans for a rainbow birthday party are in full swing. Audrey's counting down the days)

Today Audrey got to ride the school bus (so excited to ride the bus!) and go to the fire station (so excited to see a fire truck!) to learn all about firemen and fire safety. I was able to volunteer to help and I've got to say, watching my daughter with her friends, learning and having new experiences is definitely a lot of fun.

She even got to take home a bright pink fireman's hat.

I wasn't going to take a hat until one of the fireman plopped one on my head as we walked past him. Turns out it's a good thing that we got a spare: