where are my pants?

I was sitting in my room on the computer, when Jacob came running in and shouting something (At 2.5 years sometimes he's really hard to understand.)
Anyhow, he runs in the room and says"where my pants?" about 3 times.
I finally looked up at him and found this.
Apparently the girls had gone to play outside, and he knew he needed pants on to join them..lol

Our rental

A few of you have asked about our rental here in SF. It was quite the transition from a 3100 sf feet house to a 1200 sf house, let me tell you!
I like the house and am grateful to have a roof over my head, and our rent is actually not that bad for this area. My only beef with this house, is the kitchen. It is a galley kitchen. You walk through it (let me rephrase that) you step through it. It only take about 3 of my steps and you are out the kitchen, into the garage!
there is one area of counterspace that is about 2.5 feet long. I'll share some pictures with you. Dont you love the mini pantry and the counterspace between the fridge and stove? lol...

luncheon with the ladies.

Today was a nice day. Two ladies that live in the cul-de-sac behind us, had 40th birthdays in December, so they all got together and had a luncheon for them. It was quite fun to sit around and listen to the ladies talk, and get to know them better.
Two of the ladies are in the Primary Presidency, and I could clearly see why. They are both very fun, and outgoing. It was nice to take a break from un-packing and cleaning.
The satellite guy and the garage door guy came today to replace the non-working units, so now I have my fav shows back, and I can drive into my garage!
Yea- because the wind is blowing and it's cold today. Tomorrow we are expecting snow. My kids are still amazed that the snow from 2 weeks ago is still on the ground. I keep telling them it's hard and crusty by now, but they just can't wait to get out in it. I'm sure my neighbors think we are strange. Yesterday about half of the Achievement Day girls came over to pick up Lydia for AD. It was quite the group-like 20 girls total! It's nice that the church is only 1 house down from us.

Tonight the Elders Quorum Presidency is coming over to meet us...uh-oh! No, people seem really nice here, sometimes I wonder if its fake...lol..
I still miss Arkansas and my friends, but we are slowly acclimating here.
More later...

first day of school

Well, we made it through the first day. After a confusing drop-off this morning, I think I finally understand the procedure..lol. Lots of rude Utah drivers though, wont go there for now.

Lydia has joined the Drama club. She is really excited, and made a new friend today at school. Also a neighbor girl invited her to a birthday party on Thursday. Tomorrow night is Achievment day from 4:30 to 5:30pm. The AD leader is very nice and there are actually 2 leaders. It cracks me up that there are 2 people for every calling!

Kate enjoyed her first day and is anxious to go back tomorrow. Lydia said one boy kept saying to her" hey Arkansas!" she didnt like it of course. I kept telling her that if he really didint care, he wouldnt say anything.

It hit me today, I now know we are in Utah. Derek was outside shoveling the sidewalk and 3 kids stopped to help him break up the ice/snow combo and shovel it off to the side. They worked for like 30 minutes and got the job done.

we made it

Wow, what an adventure.
We started out Sunday morning about 7am and drove straight through to Santa Rosa, NM. Even with the time change we still didn't arrive until about 8pm, which meant 14 hours on the road. I have to tell you, it about killed me driving that long and not having anyone to switch out on the driving. The caravan pretty much went like this, Derk in the front with the uhaul and trailer, me with the kids in the van, and Damon behind us in Derek's car. We all three had our own vehcile to drive because of a mix up on the moving van..oh well. We made it with absolutely no weather problems, or vehcile problems, except for Derek locking the u-haul keys in it, at Weatherford Oklahoma. He was pretty upset, but since our moving van was new, it was under warranty, and Ford came out and unlocked it for us. It was only about an hour delay, so I was grateful for that. Our second day we drove form Santa Rosa to Moab Utah. I was sick that day with a killer headache, and intestinal problems. In Farmington NM, we stopped for lunch, and I was so sick I just went an laid down in the van. I really felt I couldn't go on, but we did persevere, and made it to Moab. I was so happy to stop, you just don't know! The next day was relatively easy drive of 4 hours, to Spanish Fork. Let me tell you though I-70 is desolate!
So, now we are here in Spanish, day 2 of being in rental house. It's not bad, typical rental, white walls, fairly ugly carpeting, but it could be way worse. It's a very quiet neighborhood, as a matter of fact 7 men showed up form Cambridge Ward to help usmove in. I met my neighbor Sister Evans(cant remember her first name) that's what Ward list are for...lol...everyone was very friendly and helpful. I even found a lady in my Ward who teaches Cello! She plays with the Utah Valley Symphony.
Today we are off to get a fridge( found one for 50$ online,perfect!) and groceries and to take the girls down to the school to have a look around. Then off to take the Uhaul back and get some lunch and check out the local Library.

Will share more later.

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