going away party..

Had a little shin-dig here at the house last night. My friend Michelle organized the whole thing. We had a lot of good food, and I enjoyed visitng with all our friends. I was bit sad thinking I wont be as close to our friends. Morrilton was such a good move for our family. We became closer to each other, and learned to enoy a slower pace of life here. Dont get me wrong, we love all our friends, but Morrilton will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Here's a few pics. from last night...

Christmas Day

Woke up to a nice dusting of snow on the ground. The girls were hoping for so much more. Unfortunately it didn't allow my sisters to make it for Christmas. Apparently Fort Smith got hit with ice and snow. We are disappointed, were hoping to see them before we leave AR next week.
As usual the kids made out like bandits: Lydia got a robe, a mood changing jelly watch, a locket, and a glow board and a gift certificate.
Kate got a Elefun game, a Melissa and David play Doh set(she loves these toys!) a
Ni-ho Kilan doll, and a Baby Alive.
Jacob got a Disney Cars play rug with cars, and a Tonka garage set. He is in heaven!
Derek was very good this year, and got a Wii, an extra controller, and for everyone the Batman Lego game. He was really shocked...I'm getting sneakier every year.
I got 2 shirts, a pair of jeans, and a set of Rachel Ray Bubbles and Browns set. If your a big Rachel fan, you know what I'm talking about!

We are about to have lunch/dinner in a bit. Made Petite Jean ham, scalloped potatoes, salad, and rolls, with apple pie and tropical cake for dessert. Hopefully I wont stuff myself silly! Dad and Derek have been playing on the Wii most of the morning. My Dad is just a big ole' kid!
Merry Christmas!

Christmas eve.

My parents got here a couple of hours ago, and after Chinese buffet for Dinner( in fine Christmas Story fashion)we decided to make Santa cookies. Jacob was really into using the cookie cutters, grunting and groaning with each cut. Such hard work!
Kate poured about a half of bottle of pink sugar crystals on one of her candy cane cookies. It actually turned out very pretty.
Jacob kept calling the deco sugar, sparkles. I wont sparkles on it!!!! Lydia was a bit frustrated, trying to do fancy deco job on her cookies just wasnt working out the way she wanted.. Imagine! wonder where she gets that perfectionist attitude from hmmmmmm.....
Here is some of the finished product. Hope Santa likes them.....

Jacob- yummy.

Here are a few pics taken after making a big batch of brownies. Jacob loves eat, but he especially loves to lick the bowl or spatula....

updates

I have actually accomplished a few things since my last post. Ive went through the whole house and pulled all the non essential stuff, and had a huge yard sale last Saturday. Took me about a week and a half to go through everything and price it. I was a little scared with having a yard sale the Saturday before Christmas. I thought people would be out buying presents or pinching pennies this year since the economy is suffering. Boy, I was wrong- we had so many people! It was great. Made a little money for our move, so that's always a plus.

Some days I can't believe we are moving to Utah. As each little piece of the puzzle falls into place, I'm realizing, this IS going to happen.
We have found a place to live. We decided on the house on 1400 E in Spanish. It's way smaller than our house now, but we will get by. We always do....
Ive got the girls pre-enrolled in a charter school there, now to go find some uniforms.
The moving truck is reserved and ready to go. Gotta make a reservation for a hotel stay during the trip.
BIL is flying out to help us move back.
Things are working out. I know Heavenly Father is helping us out and making these things possible for us. I feel blessed.

Next Sunday we have to speak in church. At first I said no, but Ive never said no to a church assignment before, so I called the Presidency member back and told him yes. Guilt is a good motivator in this case...lol
They asked Lydia to speak also, And I think we might do a duet for the musical number. No, not our cello and violin, but singing. At least that I know how to do!
Speaking of music, our Christmas Orchestra performance went well. The auditorium was packed. It was weird being on stage, instead of being in the audience like I normally am. I'm glad its over, and I feel good about the progress we have both made in our 12 weeks of class.
Well, gonna sign off, have lots to do today.

so much to do...

And so little time.I must tell you I'm a bit frustrated! It takes a lot of time, effort, and money to move! For some reason I though this was going to be easy. I knew Heavenly Father would provide a way for us to move , if it was a righteous desire. It is a righteous desire to be near family and many of our childhood friends right?
As always nothing happens on my timetable. I'm the kinda person that wants things done yesterday, so I can tackle the next big thing.

The first thing I'm frustrated about:
Housing. Wy is it so expensive in Utah? I the land any more valuable than here in Arkansas? Our rent will double with this move, and I'd be lying if i didn't tell you I'm nervous about that. We have it narrowed down to 2 places.
One a single family home in Spanish Fork, about 2 blocks from my brothers house. It'small 1300 sq feet with an un-finished basement,rents for 900 a month. I wish the yard was fenced, but I'm sure Utahan's are probably a little more conscientious of children playing, maybe not.It is 2 door down from our church, which is a big plus.

The second option is a newer home, full light basement apartment. 2000 sq feet with garage access. It has 3 bed 2 bath, and very nice finishes, granite counter tops, fireplace, tile in wet areas, and carpet in living areas. Has a killer laundry room with granite countertops & built in hang bars. A true laundry room. Kitchen is 3 times the size of the other rental, but you do have people living above you. rent is 900 there too. Decisions...Decisions....

Now onto schooling, as many of you know Lydia has been home-schooled the past 1.5 years, and its getting tougher each year. She is ready to go back, but a little reluctant. We have found a charter school in Spanish that my niece and nephew attend. I called to get more info, and was told there are no more 6 grade spots available. Kate's only option is 1/2 day Kindergarten. At this rate I will have to go to the school 3 times a day instead of twice. My brother children have offered to pick the girls up so that may be an option, I hate for them to do it, because it is a little out of the way for them.

Now onto money. Do you know how much a bare bones, do it yourself move, costs these days? Try about 2K. Between trucks and tow dolly's, gas for vehicles and hotel, and food, it adds up fast. Where is this money coming from? I don't know..i do know Derek's job will re-imburse us after receipts are turned in. Oh yeah and don't forget if you are renting a place deposits and first months rent.

With all that said, I know this is what we are suppose to do. Does it make it any easier? Not really...will it be worth it? Probably, but we will just have to take one day at a time.

the cat...

No, we don't have a new pet, but it is out of the bag. After much consideration, and prayer, the Thueson family is moving to Utah. Yes, I know we love to move, and maybe we are crazy moving in the middle of the winter, but it just feels right. We are so sad to leave behind my family, and our Arkansas friends who have become like a family to us. I'm excited and scared at the same time.

Derek has been offered a job with a IHC hospital in Provo, UT. We haven't live in Utah since we were first married, 17 years ago...lol I'm sure it has changed, but we are looking forward to being closer to Derek's family members and my brother Steve. There are many more schooling opportunities out there for our children,(much more family friendly) and it will be nice having a temple closer that 3 hours away.

With that said, we have appreciated all of the friendships and fun we have had in in Arkansas the past 14 years. We will miss you all very much!

almost december

Can't believe December is around the corner. Spent the weekend putting up some lights and getting the Christmas tree out of its box. As I was fluffing each section of the tree, the kids came swarming in to help. Jacob is so excited, he keeps calling the tree his "Christmas Carol" Don't ask me why..that kid is so funny!
I'm not feeling too well today, so I didn't go to church. Didn't want to infect all the kids in Primary. Unfortunately, sounds like I missed some great talks in Sacrament Meeting! Figures...

This time of year seems to be especially busy, and this year is no exception. Stay tuned to our blog for a special announcement!

bed wars

Okay know this about me, ever since my kids came home from the hospital after their birth, they went straight into their cribs. My mom gave me that piece of advice after my first. It has worked great, so far. Now all you co-sleepers, don't get me wrong... I know there are pros and cons to it. I just can't sleep at night with a hand in my face, or a foot in my back! Plus I don't think I would have had any more children after Lydia..lol

Ever since we have moved into this house, Jacob has had a rough time on his own. Derek thought he was insecure from not having rails protecting him, so I purchased a toddler bed and Disney Cars bedding set with the hopes of bribing him to say in bed. No dice! He kept crawling out a million times a night and in the morning I would find him in bed with Lydia. Her bed is a twin, and is not big enough for the both of them, so I decided to bring our spare queen-size bed upstairs from the guest room, and asked Lydia if she would sleep with him. I know, I know, she's getting older and needs her privacy and all that, but she is happy to help her brother out.
Fast forward to this week: I am prepping the guest room downstairs for Thanksgiving company, and I purchase a new bedding set. I'm setting the thing up and Jake hops up on it and says "jakeys bed" I said "you go right ahead!" I turned around for a moment and then found this:




that little bugger!

Petit Jean

Saturday was such a nice day, we decided to head up to Petit Jean Mountain. Apparently everyone else had the same idea too!Boy, was it crowded. Jacob enjoyed seeing a the dogs that were out talking walks with thier owners. Every other second, he would say "Doggie" and run up and pet them. Note to self... get that kid a dog!

The views were so pretty at the overlook, and the waterfall was spectacular with all the rain we have had. Some of the rock formations were pretty neat too.

beautiful Fall

Wanted to share some pictures of the backyard. The leaves are so beautiful right now. We have a rare Ginko tree in the back yard that is so pretty and yellow.

Lydia and Jacob enjoyed jumping in the pile of leaves they created.

Trunk or Treat

Today was the Trunk-or-Treat Activity at church. Quarterly Activities always stress me out, but they turn out so fun. Some of the kids costumes were so clever this year. We had a girl dressed like a whoopee cushion, Harry Potter, transformers, Little house on the Prairie...they were all really cute!

My girls decided a month ago that they wanted to be Geisha girls. They already had the dresses in their play clothes, so what could be easier? Derek put their hair back in a bun, inserted chopsticks and I did their makeup. Don't they look so old? That is truly scary....


Here's one of Jacob and I....I was a Hillbilly, and Jacob was Woody, from Toy Story.
He would not keep his hat on! We hope everyone has a great Halloween tonight!

Pumpkin Patch

Last Saturday, Derek and the kids went to Johnson's Pumpkin Farm in Greenbrier. It was windy, cold, and really muddy. Not the best conditions, but the kids had fun anway.

Once we got home all the tennis shoes, and coats had to be washed..lol

fall festival

Kids and Derek went the fall festival at the Primary school last night. It was nice of Derek to take them out for a bit, as I have not been feeling well the past 2 days(nope, no pregnant, just exhausted).

Here are some pics of the lovely face paintings they came home with..lol

You cant see Lydia's sunset, but it was shaded very well, and of course Jacob smeared his car..oh well. Kate got a rainbow with clouds.

this and that...ramblings.

Been pretty busy here lately. With Orchestra, church callings and never ending small crisis' that pop up, it seems I never have time to stay on top of everything. See, I'm a perfectionist. It's a terrible curse. I feel like I always have to have my house clean, and in order, and presentable, but then there are other areas of my life that stay in chaos. I guess I just place more importance on certain things. Lately some things have happened that have caused me to reflect on what really is important.

Without boring you to death, I wont bother you with the minute details of the story.
You ever felt really threatened? Like how someone who you thought knew, you, accused you of doing something you didn't do? How do you convince that person? It's a difficult thing. People are stubborn and prideful.The scriptures keep telling us not to be prideful, but the meek get run over by the prideful everytime. Do we just lay down and take it? My parents raised me to be independent, and sometimes that means fighting back . I do agree there are times, you must just turn the other cheek. Doesn't mean its always easy...especially when it involves your family.
I love my family, not just the my own immediate family, but my family I grew up with, the Harrison clan. We didn't say it much then, but we love each other , but yet somehow our relationships remained a bit strained. Sometimes I wish we could just remove all the pretense, maybe we need some therapy. Maybe we just need to let some things go of the past, and start over.
Anyhow, didnt mean to turn this into Psych 101 this morning..lol
Just want to let my friends and family know how much I love them, and I'm so glad that I'm not alone in the crazy mixed-up world!

give away

for all you scrapbooking fans, this website is giving away a free Gypsy machine. If you dont kno what it is, go on over to Provocraft.com.It works in conjuction with the Cricut machine....go enter at the site for a chance to win.

cuttingabove.blogspot.com

Houston, we have instruments...

We have finally purchased out instruments for Orchestra. I have spent hours online doing research on brands, New vs. Used, Chinese vs. European, buying vs. renting, and I'm exhausted.

I was looking for a 1/2 size violin for Lydia. I didn't want to buy a cheap beginner brand for her, but I wasn't willing to shell out 800$ for a decent one either. I suppose I probably could have rented, but I knew in a matter of 6 months of rentals fees, I could have paid for one. I finally settled on a used Sheryl and Roth, a copy of a Stradivarius. I think its good enough for a beginner student, and then some. I'm planning on keeping it for the other children to use at a later date.

Last weekend we went up to Springdale to look at a used Cello for myself. I didn't realize how hard it is to find a used 4/4 Cello, that doesn't cost an arm and leg! Anyhow, I got up to Springdale and the instrument had more blemishes that I thought. We left, without purchasing it, and it bothered me all the way home.

Yesterday, I decided I still wanted to buy it, so after calling the owner and leaving 2 messages, he called me back and told me he still had it for sale. Then like a God-send my friend called me, and told me her husband was actually up in Sprindale on business,and would pick the instrument up for me. He did, and later that night, I showed my instructor the cello. I was afraid she would say it was a piece of junk, but she said with a trip to a luthier(sp?), and a few minor adjustments, it would work just fine.

I was so relieved. We purchased 2 instruments, and stayed with the budget we set. Whew!

falling off..and country music.

Fell off the blogging wagon for a while. Been super busy with school, showing our house, and life in general.

Do you remember when you were a teenager and you would be riding in your car with friends and you would hear a song on the radio, that one you just loved? "oh I love this song!" Your friend replies, "you love every song!" Well that's simply not true. I hate country music.
Now before you all start bashing me, let me prove my point. Yesterday while cleaning my bathroom, I actually put it on a country station. We have a local station here called KVOM. I listen to it because, quite frankly, it cracks me up. Every day at 8:30 am they have this show called Trading Time. You can call in with your items you have to sell or trade. Some of the calls have had me on the floor. Some examples"
"I have a goat I need to mate"
"I'm looking for a free car"
"I have a donkey for sale"
Are these people for real?????

Anyhow, back to country music....I'm listening and a song comes on by Jessica Simpson. Is she still around? Well, apparently she is a country music artist now. I use the term "artist" loosely.....anyway, she is singing a song to a guy about how she needs/wants him now, and don't worry about putting your shoes on, just slide on some flip-flops and get over here.
Well, let's not beat around the bush shall we? This was such a lame song. Maybe I just picked a bad day to listen...lol

Friday Night Fun...

Tonight the kids decided to set up the dome tent downstairs and what naturally goes with camping? Smores! I broke out a can of sterno from our Food Supply, and fired it up. Jacob was obsessed with blowing out the flames on the marshmallows. He's such a boy....