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!