Arizona Mountains

So when Chris and I flew out here to Arizona in December to look for a house, I was excited to look out my plane window and see beautiful mountains. We have all really missed living next to the mountains since leaving Colorado a few years ago. As we flew over them, memories of Saturday and Sunday drives came back to my mind. We loved to just have an immediate get-away vacation for the day. As I looked down from my plane window, there were portions that looked very green and others that looked a lot more brown. I have been wanting to go up to the mountains since we got here and smell the pine needles and feel the cool breezes.

Two Saturday's ago, we decided we needed a little break from unpacking and the chaos of life. I told Chloe earlier in the week that if we worked really hard all week unpacking and cleaning up, that maybe it would work to go up to the mountains. She was so excited to go on the "bumpy roads!" So that's just what we did. We headed out with our sack lunches and snacks for a day in the mountains. I knew that these mountains were going to be different than the ones I am used to in CO and UT, but never did I imagine it would look like this.....(enlarge picture to get the full effect)....

Cactus and sagebrush!!! Not pine trees and aspens!! Oh, the culture shock I recieved that day! It literally made me thirsty just looking at it!! I drank lots of water that day!

As we spent the day driving on "bumpy roads" (which Chloe ended up hating), we realized there actually is a unique beauty to this new scenery around us. (I am not the best photographer, so this is as good as you get to see this time)We saw many breathtaking outlooks over beautiful valleys and winding streams, a crystal blue lake, many caves and cave dwellings. Too bad it was a 3 mile hike up to this cave dwelling. (look closely or blow it up again)It said on the info. sheet that you needed good balance to climb parts of the trail up to the cave. I am thinking that my balance is a little off these days since I can't even see my feet!! The boys were bummed but plan on coming back to hike it and go exploring.

On the way back home, we ran across an old mining town. Bummer for Zach that we got there just after 5 and the mine had closed for tours. But we had fun walking around and seeing what was there. We thought that for dinner we should get some authentic mexican food - just seemed to fit for the days activities. But my heartburn wouldn't handle that, nor would Chloe. So we ended up getting some Mongolian bbq for dinner which hit the spot perfectly! (Zach loved the endless ice cream he got at the end!)

The End.

One trigger on my list....

So I have been doing a lot of thinking lately on what some of the triggers have been this time around for my going downhill on this rollercoaster of grief. I have done this thinking before, and there are many times where there really is no trigger that I can pinpoint. It just simply happens and I get through it and move on. This time, I think there are actually a lot of triggers that have caused it, but it took a lot of thinking and contemplating before I have understood and noticed them. I don't even know if I am noticing them all either.

There is one, though, in the big long list in my head that I wanted to write down. I have been really trying to get Chloe to stay in her bed at night. For about the last 8 months of being pregnant, I have gotten up 1-2 times a night to go to the bathroom, and then many of those times, I lay awake for quite a long time before being about to fall back asleep. It is tiring, sometimes exhausting, but I am sure not as tiring as it will be in another month or so when I have another little one to keep me up at night.

Chloe has been potty trained now for about 8 months, with the exception of night times. We tried it and I was sick and tired of washing bed sheets, so I decided she wasn't quite ready for the night time part of it. No big deal, right? Well, she now has been waking up when she needs to go to the bathroom at night, (most of the time) but she doesn't think she can do it by herself and then get back in bed. The problem is....when she wakes up, she either hollors for me, or starts crying and screaming. She wakes Zach and I up (lucky Chris can sleep right through it!!). Anyway - I got this bright idea that I needed to get her to figure it all out before the baby is born so that I don't have 2 kids waking me up at night. I bought her some more pull-ups and totally talked it up about what she should do (quitely get up, take care of buisness and get back in bed and pull her covers up) and that she would be such a big girl. And then of course, throw in a treat on top of it....she would get a starburst in the morning if she could do it without screaming and waking everyone up.

The other night, I was sleeping soundly when all the sudden, I hear my little 2 1/2 year old screaming and crying to go to the bathroom. I hollored back for her to get up and go and stop screaming. She did, but then had to bring me her pj's to help get back on. I put them back on and then asked her to go get in bed by herself. Then the crying started again. She wanted to lay by me for a bit. I don't know about you, but in the middle of the night when I am not fully awake and someone is screaming in my ear, it is so hard to be patient. I unfortunately got upset with her and sent her back in her room anyway - not so nicely.

Now here is where this is all going (sorry that little story turned into quite the explanation). As I lay there after she went back to bed, I felt horrible. I had just totally gotten upset with my sweet little girl and she went back to bed feeling so sad and alone. I know there comes a time where they have to learn to do that, but that night really hit me hard. I lay there almost in tears, now fully awake not able to go back to sleep, thinking about how my little Chloe must be feeling. As I laid there, I prayed to know what to do. I prayed and apologized for being a mean mom. I prayed for comfort because I certainly couldn't get back to sleep.

I laid there for about an hour. It was not long before I felt comforted by the Spirit. I also felt that Karleigh was near. But I had many different memories and different feelings come over me. One thing that I have LOVED since Zach was a baby, was to have my kids snuggle with me in my bed. I love to just stare at their profile as they lay sleeping on the bed next to me. I can still picture Zach as a baby with his little button nose. I thought about how Chloe has loved to come and snuggle next to Chris and I, and then felt very selfish that because I wanted a little bit of extra sleep, I made her feel like crap. (so in return, that extra sleep I wanted never happened) I thought about how Zach used to be such a cuddler and gave the best hugs and kisses. Now he is growing up and is almost too cool for that. But where have those years gone? He will be turning 9 in May!! I thought about how Chloe will soon get to that stage where she will be "too cool" for that....maybe not. But I don't want to take my chances of giving it up now.

Then many thoughts came of Karleigh. I remembered holding her all through the night. She would wake up over 10 - 15 times a night - almost every night - most of her 2 1/2 years on earth. Yes, there were many nights that I couldn't handle it - just like this night with Chloe. But I remembered holding her and cuddling with her and helping her feel safe and secure so that she could go back to sleep. I remembered the night before she passed and the time we spent rocking in the rocking chair to help her calm down enough to go to sleep. I can't do that anymore. I can not rock my little Karleigh and snuggle with her. I can't make her feel like she is more important than those extra minutes of sleep. I can't stare at her face and soak it in anymore. I can't bring her in bed with me anymore and hold her close, as that was sometimes the only thing she wanted and then would sleep all night. I can't whisper the I love you's in her ear and tell her how wonderful she is anymore.

So then I thought about my sweet little Chloe that had just gone back to her bed feeling totally awful and sad. And the thought came to me.....It isn't worth it! The feelings that I have caused in her tonight are not worth it! If something were to happen unexpectedly like they did with Karleigh, is this what I want her or me to remember? If I were taken tonight after sending her to bed feeling so miserable - that would be her last memory of me - the last thing she remembers. And, let me tell you - she has one heck of a memory!! (As I sat in her room rocking her in the morning, I apologized to her for getting upset with her through the night. She then reminded me of all the things I said and how upset I was with her and how sad she was!) I thought about the way I treat both my kids and my husband and how they or I could be taken in an instant. Have I acted today in a way that I would be ok leaving them with as their last memory of me? Not just today, but EVERY day?

Let me tell you, I have a lot of work to do!!! I hope that they know just how much they mean to me and just how much I am trying to be a good mom/wife for them. I hope they know by my actions how much I love them - not just by my words. I hope that I am a good friend and a good support to those around me. I hope that I can give more service and be a better person.

The next night, I told Chloe if she woke up, she could quitely come and tell me (without screaming) she needed to go to the bathroom and then I would tuck her back in her bed. (occasionally I will let her still snuggle by me) She woke up and did exactly that. I put her back in her bed with kisses and hugs and I love you's and went back to my bed and fell asleep quickly. That next morning she got her starburst and didn't have any "mean mommy" stories to tell me. =)

I know things are different with every kid and every family. We all tolerate different things. But for me, I may just not get a full nights sleep for quite a while. I hope on those nights where I want to just scream and tell everyone to let me sleep - I will remember this night. I will remember that I won't have my kids as kids for very long and that I want them to know at all times how much I love them. I don't want to take for granted the little precious times that I have with my kids (and husband) becuase there will come a day when I/they won't have each other here anymore. So, if Heavenly Father chooses to bless me with those special times in the middle of the night, I hope I will be more willing to grab hold of them and soak them in - despite my tiredness.

Just missing....

Grief is like a roller coaster. Although the ups stay up for a lot longer in between the lows these days, sometimes the lows come without warning and crash you pretty hard and pretty fast. I am just missing my girl today and wanted to post some pictures for my sake - no one else's.

On a walk in the little red wagon around the hospital after 3rd surgery.

At the pumpkin patch - Oct. 2004

2nd birthday celebration at Grandma and Grandpa Stimpson's house. She loved looking at the candles!

Happy, happy girl while we sit and wait for her dr. appt.

Moving day...

The packers got to our house on Dec. 29th and then everything was loaded into the truck on the 31st. We were amazed at the size of the truck that came!! They did a great job getting everything packed and loaded on time. I asked them if they wanted to stay and clean, but they nicely declined the offer! Bummer!!!

Have you ever seen Extreme Home Makeover? This picture reminded me of..."Bus driver, move that bus!!!

As you can probably imagine, Zach was in heaven being inside this big semi! The driver let him and Chris get in the front for a tour. They said it was like a mini apartment in there. Zach also got to pull the horn a couple times! WOW - talk about loud! The driver had a locomotive horn put on his truck! All the moms in the neighborhood with sleeping children were probably cussing us out since he was honking it right around naptime! Ooops, sorry everyone!

They had to take apart the recliner to load it in the truck. This became Chloe's new slide until they loaded it! She loved it!

This is a saying I had on the wall above the kids pictures. "The greatest things in life aren't THINGS." I started to remove it from the wall, and thought I would just leave it like this for a little while. Read closely. This is how I feel these days being big and pregnant!!

An empty family room!!! Chris and Baxter drove out a few days later headed for AZ. Aside from some really snowy and icy roads in places, for the most part, everything went great. I went to the closing on our house on the 5th, so now my house is no longer my house! It was a blessing to sell it so quickly, but sad at the same time. We really liked our house! The kids and I stayed and finished everything up in Indiana before flying out on the 6th. The Pini's were so kind letting us stay with them. I know it really threw off their schedules, but we are very grateful for their generosity. We had a fun time being with them. The kids and I, along with our good buddy Connor, went to the Children's museum for the last time. It was lots of fun!!

Zach by the Batmobile!!

The night before we left, TJ, Carrie and I were able to sneak away for a couple hours! A much needed break after a hectic day and it wasn't even until 9:30 at night!! So many laughs and yummy dessert!!
Luckily, the truck got here to Arizona the morning of the 6th and unloaded. So Chris was able to have all the beds set up and made by the time we got there that evening. Now we are just living in complete mess as we try to unpack everything.

Zach started at his new school yesterday. I was quite emotional as I dropped him off because I worry so much about him having to make new friends and fitting in. I said many prayers all day long that things would go ok. He is at the point that being with Mom isn't "cool" anymore, so it was almost torture for him to have to walk to school with me!! Oh, poor boy! We live right across the street from the elementary, so he will just walk to and from everyday. He can also ride his bike, which he is very excited about. Luckily, when I picked him up, he said that everything went well and he had a good day. He has made a couple friends already, which shouldn't surprise me because he is such a friendly guy.

I met my new dr. yesterday, and to be honest, was not thouroughly impressed. Hopefully it will get better. I absolutely had the best dr. in Indiana. She was the most caring wonderful lady and was more like a friend, not a dr. I am missing that a lot about this new dr. I have an ultrasound on Monday morning to check the fluid levels (they were a little low), but other than that, everything seems to be going fine. This poor little boy is not going to have a name though!! We can not decide on anything!!!

We are all doing fine out here in Arizona and hopefully will feel more settled soon. It would be nice to have a couple weeks down time before this baby decides to enter the world. I think I am really the only emotional one, but that is most likely because of hormones and exhaustion - and living in chaos. Thanks for the well-wishes and the phone calls!

Christmas 2008

We love Christmas time! It sure flew by extra fast this year though with everything that has been going on. Chloe and Zach were very excited for Santa to come this year and talked about it all the time. Along with Dad's help, the kids made cookies for Santa and his reindeers. Christmas Eve was spent at the Turner's house with many wonderful and fun friends. We had a good time talking, eating, nativity scene reinactment and playing games. When we got home that night, we had a little family time and talked more about the true meaning of Christmas. We also talked about Karleigh and what kind of presents we would have wanted to give her this year if she were still here with us. We missed her like always, but felt her presence near.
This year for Christmas we were all by ourselves without any family around. While we missed being with family, it was a very special day just being together and relaxing. It would be the last day to just veg-out in our house before movers came on the 29th. We woke up to Christmas morning to lots of fun new toys for the whole family. I love watching the kids faces as they see what Santa brought. We had orange rolls for breakfast and then hung out on the couch watching Chloe's new movie, Tinkerbell. Later that day, we met up with the Jorgensen and Pini families for Christmas dinner. Such a yummy dinner and just lots of fun to hanging out. After dinner we played Guitar Hero and showed off our moves....or in my case - my NON-moves!!

The very next day, the tree and decorations had to come down. I usually like to leave up the tree until the first part of January, but this year wouldn't work out that way. Oh well. While I cleaned up other stuff, Chris and the kids worked on taking all the decorations off the tree and getting everything put away. I really think I like this arrangement!!! I put it all up, Chris and the kids take it all down! It was SO nice!!! Perfect ending to a good Christmas! (hopefully they thought so too! =)

Dear Santa Claus

Dear Santa Claus,

My name is Zach. I am a boy and I am already 8 years old!! I live in the great city of Plainfield. But I'll bet you knew that!! This year I've been so good that I should be the angel on top of the tree!

Santa Claus, some things I might like for Christmas this year are:
- black BAJA motorbike
-P.C. and
-ZERO GRAVITY MICRO.

Santa Claus, I almost forgot to say...I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO MEET YOU AND I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO SEE ALL YOUR REINDEER.

Love,
Zach
_________________________________________________________________

HO!! Ho!! Ho!! Zach!!

Thank you for sending me your email all the way from Plainfield! Ho!! HO!! HO!! We get wonderful CHristmas emails from boys and girls aroudn the world but everyone at the North Pole sure gets excited when we get one from you, Zach!!

My goodness, Zach, I can't believe you're 8 years old already! You're getting to be quite a big boy! I'm really glad you still wrote me though because I'm sure some of your friends have said things about me. Of course, I'll bet they never got a magic letter like this directly from Santa Claus himself! (*wink*) I also hear you've been a REALLY REALLY good boy. (Of course, you won't mind if I do a little checking, will you? HO!! HO!! HO!!) I'm glad you mentioned the reindeer because they're all outside playing reindeer games right now. Did you know you can even vote for which reindeer will guide my sleigh this Christmas?

Let's see what you put in your letter for Christmas wishes: 1. Black baja motorbike; 2. P.C. and; 3. zero gravity micro. HO!! HO!! HO!! I see there's a bike on your list. That's a great present! Of course, you'll have to promise me you'll always wear a helmet and follow all the saftey rules. Now one thing about a bike is that its very hard to fit a lot of them into the sleigh. So, I hope you won't be too disappointed if we can't fit enough of them in for everyone this Christmas.

Well, it's time for Santa Claus to go do his chimney exercises. Up! Down! Up! Down! Have to be in tip-top shape for the big night! Take care Zach and don't forget to come back and visit me here at EmailSanta.com on Christmas Eve!! And remember...Only 7 more sleeps until Christmas!!

All my love,
Santa Claus

Gratitude...

It is roughly 5 in the morning and I have been laying awake since almost 3:30am. Just as I was trying to get back to sleep, my reflux started majorly acting up. It has been pretty bad the last few days. Even medicine isn't cutting it. Oh, the joys of pregnancy! Anyway - that pretty much woke me all the way up and now I just can't get my mind to shut off. After laying there for an hour or so, I decided I might as well get up and blog about the thoughts that are keeping me awake.

Gratitude. Mixed with some sadness. Let me explain. (lengthy post - read when you have time and interest)

About 2 weeks ago, we put our house up on the market. We honestly did not think anything would happen for a while. Well - Heavenly Father had different plans. Our first showing last week turned into a second and Sunday night an offer had been agreed upon for our house! Let me just say...amazing!!...given the situation in the economy and the time of year. We have been completely blown away with how quickly this has happened and how everything has just fallen in place. We are not quite sure why we have been blessed with an offer this soon on our house. We are so grateful and feel so blessed and watched over right now. So - as long as everything goes through until closing, we will be moving out probably the end of the month and closing on Jan. 5th. Right now we are trying to "calmly" panic and keep the stress level from making us nuts. Chris and I fly out to AZ on Thursday to look for a place to live. Another thing to be grateful about is that we have a wonderful support network here to help with the kids and the dog while we are away. I hope I can stand to be away from the kids for a few days.

I laid there thinking about all the people that I am so grateful for. All the people out here in Indiana that have blessed my life (which moving so far away from has brought me many tears!). All the people in my ward that have done so much for me. All the teachers and school workers that have helped my son succeed. I thought a while about my neighbors and what GREAT neighbors they are. We have about 58 houses in our neighborhood and we know almost everyone. It has been so nice to live in a small neighborhood and feel secure in my surroundings. Many of these neighbors have been so kind and helpful to me as my husband has traveled almost the entire time we have lived here. I always knew I could call any of them to come and help me in a moments notice. I am grateful for them. I am grateful that we were able to live here in this home - even though it was for only a short time.

I thought about all the people in my ward that have been such a support to me. I thought about when we moved out here 2 1/2 years ago, not knowing anyone. I was 5 weeks from having Chloe (same scenario this move too! yipee!), and didn't know what to do, where to go and didn't have a husband home to help. I was still pretty heavy in the grief of losing Karleigh - still not even a year earlier. I think about the amazing women in my ward that came to my aid before and after Chloe's delivery. They took care of Zach for me, brought us meals and brought me friendship - all to someone they had just met. I am grateful for their Christlike kindness and for their friendship over these past couple years. I am grateful that through their service, I have friendships that will last forever.

I am grateful for 2 friends in particular. I am not trying to leave anyone out. I have mentioned TJ and Carrie many times on my blog. Hopefully they won't mind me talking about them. They are two of the most amazing people I have ever met. They are 2 of my best friends and moving away from them has been one of the hardest things I have had to accept in this whole process. (cue the tears!! Here they come!) I just want to tell you about these two awesome people in my life.

First - When we first moved here, we had to move into an apartment for 7 months while we figured out where we were going to live. We lived on the bottom floor which made watching the people come in and out of my stairwell very easy. I noticed a beautiful brown haired woman coming in and out with her darling little blond girl. The thing that always amazed me was her patience with her little girl as they walked upstairs to their apartment behind mine. Her daughter would want to stop and look around in the grass, or look up at the sky, or just be an ornry little 18 month old that didn't want to go inside. This beautiful woman was Carrie! When my mom was out for Chloe's birth, I remember even commenting to her something like, "See that girl out there? She seems like the kindest, most patient and tender mom. She takes whatever time her daughter needs/wants." (I am often the "hurry please, we need to go" type mom!) I thought it would be nice to get to know her and I am grateful that I was blessed with that opportunity.

It was soon after that that we met outside and I knew I wanted to be her friend. Her husband, Ryan, seemed to hit it off with Chris. I remember Chris was out of town on my birthday that first summer and Carrie happened to find out it was my birthday. She made (yes, made) me a little gift (she is so crafty and talented) and asked the kids and I to come up for homemade angel food cake. I was amazed and so grateful. Here was this person I hardly knew making me a cake and gift and helping me not feel so lonely on my birthday. That was the beginning of unending kindness to me since we have lived here.

Then another huge blessing happened. We ended up building our houses right across the street from each other!!! How fun is that!! We could see each other anytime we wanted! It was fabulous! We both love to garden, especially Carrie, so it has been lots of fun to "egg each other on" (as her husband puts it) to go buy more plants and flowers! I also had the honor and privilege of watching Nissa as she lovingly and compassionately cared for her sweet and angelic little Mae. The same sweet tender mom I saw walking her cute Nissa home to their apartment, was the same sweet tender mom that cared for little baby Mae Mae. I am truly blessed and very grateful I had the opportunity to meet and hold such a special little spirit. Mae is a doll baby and is so special. Seeing a best friend go through the same kind of torment and pain that I had just recently experienced about tore me apart. Carrie and Ryan have been amazing through their trial of loosing baby Mae. I am grateful that I have a friend that "knows" how I feel and together we are healing. Such a tender mercy of the Lord in my/our life. The same sweet tender mom that I saw walking her cute Nissa home to their apartment has been that sweet tender friend to me. I love you, Carrie and am so overwhelmed with gratitude for all you have done for me while we have lived here. You are one of a kind and so special to me.

Second - About 3-4 months after we moved here, I remember sitting in Relief Society (the "all women's class") at church and looking back when they introduced a beautiful blond TJ who was holding a fantastically chunky little baby boy, Evan. I remember thinking to myself - "Ok, I need to get out of my comfort zone and introduce myself to her after class. I need a friend and she seems like a pretty cool person." So - I did. We introduced ourselves and figured out our babies were only 4 days apart but very apart on the weight scale! =) Months later, we were called into Young Women's together. She was the second counselor and I was the secretary. We both love working with the girls and each other. It was not an easy calling, yet many blessings recieved by serving with those beautiful girls (of whom I will miss dearly) and with the others in the presidency. I watched as TJ interacted with the girls and wanted to be "just like her when I grew up!" =) We went through many fun times and many trying times in that calling and I honestly know that I would have not made it through if I did not have the support from her that I had. Her concern for the girls well-being is something that I admire so much. She loves those she serves and gave (and still does) so much to those girls. She gave me so much strength in my calling - even after she was put into the stake YW's presidency.

I remember one of the first long conversations we had after a YW's activity (there were many - I will just tell you about one that is near to my heart). It was freezing cold outside. Everyone had left the church to go home. The parking lot was dark. We were just chitchatting outside of the car for what we thought would be a few minutes. This ended up to be a very lengthy conversation....all while shivering and going numb in our extremities. (yes, I know - we should have sat in the warm car) Anyway - I don't remember all of what the converstation started as, but I remember the part that has meant so much to me. TJ asked me to tell her about my daughter, Karleigh. The gratitude I felt knowing that she wanted to hear about my sweet daughter. Not hear with her ears, but hear with her heart. She didn't want to know because of nosiness - she truly wanted to know because she wanted to know who Karleigh was, what she was like, what I was feeling and going through. She let me cry and cried with me. For someone who has never lost a child, she is one of the most compassionate and understanding people I know. And this concern for me and my grief and my pain has never failed. She has consistently been there for me and has let me cry when I needed it. I am so grateful for that.

(it is now afternoon time....couldn't get this all typed early this morning)

We have had some fabulously fun times together! TJ can really make me laugh! Sometimes I think we act too much like sisters. You know the typical, "Oh get a life" type stuff that sisters do.....well, at least my sisters and I do. I remember while in YW's we had a water activity with the girls. What was supposed to be a more controlled activity, turned into a huge water fight - pretty much between TJ and I against the girls. Well - or so I thought!! She quickly turned on me and helped the girls gang up on me! How rude! =)

I am grateful for all the times that I have gotten to hear TJ sing. I wish I had a recording so that I could upload it so I can listen anytime I want! (hint, hint TJ!) She sings like an absolute angel - but often is too hard on herself. As I listened to her sing today, I felt pretty sad that this was probably the last time I would get to hear her for a long time. I just feel the spirit so strong as she sings. What an amazing talent she has been given.

I love you, TJ and am so grateful that you have stood by me through being a blubbering mess many times. Thank you for your unconditional love and for strengthening me by your example. You truly have a special place in my heart forever. I can never thank you enough for the hand of friendship that you have extended to me. You are a wonderful woman, wife and mother and I hope you will always remember that!

There are many others that I could write about. You know who you are. Although living out here has come with it's fair share of challenges, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and the wonderful people that have become a part of my life. So much kindness extended to our family and so much love has been felt. As I laid there this morning, I wanted so badly to make something for everyone and let them know how much I care about them and will miss them. I am most grateful to my Heavenly Father that he has blessed me with the good trials and the hard trials. I have grown in many ways and I wouldn't be the same person today if He had not given me these opportunities for growth. I am grateful that he has blessed me with such a wonderful family - immediate and extended. My husband is just wonderful and has been doing such a good job providing for us and trying to make sure we are comfortable. I am grateful that his new job has cut his traveling down considerably. I can't tell you how many prayers have been answered just on that one subject. I am grateful for all the blessing that I have been given and hope that I can continue to live worthy of the kindness HE has extended to me and my family.

Tracy

Thanksgiving...belated....

I know, I know - I have gotten very bad at keeping this blog updated! Things around here have been quite busy with getting the house white glove clean so we could put it up on the market. Now...keeping it clean....that's another story!!

This year for Thanksgiving, we decided to go out to Raleigh to my parents house. We haven't been back for Thanksgiving since Karleigh was a baby (if I am remembering right) and we wanted to get out there before we moved far away. We decided Thanksgiving would be best because at Christmas I will quite pregnant! We had a great time with the family. My older sister, Mindi, her hubby Ryan and their cute twins, Carson and Kamryn got to come down too. What fun. The twins are only about 3 1/2 months older than Chloe - so they had a great time playing together. And of course all the little ones thought that Zach was hilarious. Aunt Joy, my little sister, always wins out as the favorite aunt! She painted Chloe and Kamryn's toenails....of which Chloe is still showing off today! She LOVES it! If you couldn't find Zach, it was because he was stuck on the Wii! What a bummer for him he doesn't have one here at home!

Here are some random pictures from our trip! (lots of pictures for your viewing pleasure!!)

Chloe and Kamryn helping keep Grandma (and Grandpa) company in the kitchen while they were cooking! Starting to dig in to our yummy dinner. My dad made a fabulous turkey! It was nice to have all the "normal" food this year at Thanksgiving. (Normal meaning - food that we had every year growing up)

After dinner, Grandpa (my dad) chased the 3 little ones around the house trying to tickle them. What fun! The kids had a blast!

The day after Thanksgiving the whole family went bowling. It was quite fun, although....I lost! And guess who won....Kamryn! She is not even 3 yet! I guess it helps to have side rails up and the little the little ball hill thingy - whatever it's called! =) That night, my mom treated Joy, Mindi and I to a girls night out at the movies with Joy's best friend and her mom. It was quite fun and a nice break from the kids. The dads got to stay home and play with all the kids....which ended up being, "Hey guys - wanna watch a movie!" That's ok - at least the little ones were in bed when we got back. We saw Twilight (sorry TJ, I keep forgetting to tell you about that!). I have not read the books, but thought the movie was pretty good. Joy has read all the books, so after the movie she gave Mindi and I the run down on everything that happens.

Grandpa and Zach helping Chloe bowl.

Look at the pro! This brought back fun memories for Chris of bowling with his Grandpa Stimpson. He lived out in Idaho with his Grandparents on the farm for a while to help out. He and Grandpa would stop by the bowling alley almost every evening after farming and bowl for a little bit and then head home for dinner.

Hottness Joy!!

Saturday at the park. The weather had been cool and comfortable all week, until Saturday. It turned cold and rainy. But Chloe had her heart set on going to the park, so off we went!

Thanks Mom and Dad for a wonderful Thanksgiving!! We love coming to visit! I wish we could do it more often!! Thanks Mindi and Ryan for making the drive down. And thanks Joy for being an awesome sister/aunt! We love you all!!!! My house next year!!! Are you up for the drive? =)

Our new lawn decoration...

So.... it's official. See the blue sign in the front yard? Yep - it's a FOR SALE sign!!! Papers have been signed to put our house up for sale!! I can not believe it!! We definetly didn't think we would be moving this soon after building our house (it's been 2 years). We like our house and have many fun memories here and have done a lot of work on it to make it more "our" home.

For those who haven't heard the news...Chris got a new job about a month ago. It is a very good thing and he is enjoying it much more than his old job. It is actually a Canadian company, but we will be moving to AZ (not quite sure about those 120 degree temps!!!). The company has a big power plant that they will be building there. Chris will be working in the project controls side of things. He has been working now for about a month and has really enjoyed it. We have missed him as he has had to go to Canada every week since he started. BUT....we got some good news this week. He will need to wait for his work visa to come through so he gets to work from home for the next 2-3 months! YEAH!!!! I actually will have a husband home in the evenings!! (he will actually be home all day, but I am trying to mentally tell myself that he isn't - so that we don't bug him all day and also so he doesn't mess up my routines!! =) Anyway - It is a huge blessing and many prayers answered! So if anyone would love to help in sending many prayers up to heaven that our house will sell, that would be quite helpful!! We are sad that we have to leave so many fabulous friends here in IN, but know that this is the best decision for our family.

Autumn Family Picture Fun!

Thanks so much to Carrie for taking some fun pictures of our little family! You did a fabulous job, Carrie, even if we were running out of sunlight! These pictures are taken on the bike trail behind our neighborhood. We have spent a lot of time on this trail while living here in IN, so it is fun to have pictures on it!