Changes...

They say change is good, that it strengthens the soul...WHATEVER! Whoever said this obviously didn't make big changes every 2 to 3 years! So far in our marriage, Steve and I have made big changes about every 2 years. Well, this year is no exception!

After much thought, and more thought, and even more thought along with a bunch of other stuff, we have decided to move back to Utah for a bit. The kids and I are flying out the beginning of July and Steve is going to stay behind to finish up some projects on the house and then drive out.


Yes, this is all very sudden. We have been agonizing over this for weeks now and didn't "finalize" our decision until about a week ago. This has been a hard decision for us to make and is very bitter-sweet. We are SO excited to see family, adventure in the mountains, and eat REAL mexican food. But are very sad to leave the family we have here. We have met so many wonderful people out here and have made a lot of good friends. We can't tell you how much we have been blessed by the people who have welcomed us into their homes and into their lives. They have certainly left footprints on our hearts and on our souls. We will not forget you.

Before this gets too mushy (too late, sorry!), this is the latest news so far. We are not quite sure how long we will be in Utah, or where we are going to live or what we are "doing" next....That has yet to be determined.

So let the next adventure begin!

Little Paintbrushes everywhere...

A wise person once said, "I wish I was an actual artist (not just someone who appreciate art) because I really want to buy paintbrushes. And have jars of them around my studio." Ok, she posted it on Facebook...but this one's for you Coco!




I met Coco (and her awesome son Brock) while teaching at Hillcrest Jr. High in Utah. She is one of the most amazing people I know. I think of her often and especially lately as I'm packing up my house and finding these paintbrushes everywhere and in the most interesting spots.

PS: I photographed the brushes as I found them...none of them were "posed"...

The Merry Month of May

Despite the lack of postings in May, it was quite a busy month for us.

It started with the 1st Annual New London Dance Show on May 14th. Some how I got roped into performing in the staff number...as you can tell by the pictures of our practices, my "amazing" dance abilities were on display for the whole New London Community to enjoy. Oh don't worry, a video will be posted later...

While Molly and I were at the dance show, Steve and James enjoyed a guy weekend and went on the father and son campout with our ward.

Mother's day was wonderful with an awesome present of a trash can holder and a gift card for a pedicure. We bought the trash can holder unfinished and Steve did an BEAUTIFUL job staining and painting it. Steve could not fathom why I wanted this trash can holder. Well, let me tell you, all my friends who have seen it think its just wonderful and want one for themselves. I think it's a woman thing to want to cover up the ugly trash can that won't fit under your sink.

Next came a bittersweet event on May 22nd: Steve graduated! Sweet because we have waited 3 long years for this moment and it finally came...yeah we survived art school! And bitter because we are thinking: Now what???

Then came May 24th. I went up to Boston to fight a traffic ticket I got (that's another story!)...I won, then spent the next hour driving around Boston trying to get home! Steve has a much better sense of direction than I do. When I FINALLY got home, we received a call that James had fallen and hurt his leg. He was helping a little girl off a stepping stool when he fell and hit his shin on a rock. When we picked him up, we thought he had simply bruised his leg because there wasn't any swelling or anything. So we spent the evening running errands. Every once in a while James would cry about his leg but I was still convinced he was fine. Finally, around 10:00 that night Steve took James to the ER. James had fractured his leg. Yeah, I felt like a horrible mom! Anywho, he got a cast and is doing MUCH better.




May 25th was our 10th Anniversary...it kinda went uncelebrated as we focused our attention on James and his leg....

Finally Memorial Day came and we spent a lovely day with some friends enjoying the wonderful weather and of course: BBQ!