Demo Continues...

Time flies when you're busy remodeling a house, planning a trip to Europe, and raising four active kids! So here is a belated update on the house...

Once Caleb, our contractor, took over demo it flew by! He would destroy by day and we would clear it out by night, with hot chocolate as reward.

Spencer sweeping away!

A view up the stairs into the construction zone.

The center of the "big room" is actually the kids bathroom. Behind it to the right is our sitting room, then the master bedroom is behind it to the left. There is a walk-in closet in there somewhere too.

This is my favorite! Glen removing the old bathtub single-handily. He likes to draw as much attentions to his muscles as possible!

Canadians may understand the reference he made to some canoe guy while escorting the tub out. Bye, Bye, yucky tub!

Well the demo is complete and progress towards rebuilding has begun, but it doesn't look that different yet. We are actually having a lot of fun with this project and look forward to seeing all of our ideas come to life. When we get back from our trip we should have walls, yippee!

Awesome Video

Pause the Music First...

McBride Demolition!

We bought this property mid-December but from the beginning we knew we wouldn't be moving in immediately. There are quite a few cosmetic changes we have in mind, but we also had some serious issues, such as no heat due to old/inoperable furnaces and a water leak in the lower hall from an upstairs bathroom to correct before inhabiting.

Below are some of the projects we had fun taking on ourselves:

The kitchen banquet was more country than we signed up for! The fabric, a lovely country blue, was definitely original and had seen it's fair share of spilled milk, something to cry over! The idea of having to slide out every time someone wanted a forgotten ingredient in the kitchen brought on unfortunate memories of the Chuck-O-Rama Buffet booths (a table is the only way to go!).

So, one Saturday later, the well constructed booth was removed. Leaving behind original wallpaper (pale thin country blue lines) and gaping holes in the hardwood. How much did they really save not taking that wood the extra foot to the wall?!

Then there was the beautiful glass and brass shrine at the entry of our home. Since we do not have any trophies or small statues to display, we removed it.

Growing up Glen was apart of the family demolition team while his father hired skilled professionals to rebuild. We are using the talents given us and saving pennies along the way.

Now to Glen's pride and joy, his new trailer! Who knew a trailer could be admired so much, but Glen expresses his appreciation of it every time we fill it up and haul our demolition debris of to the local landfill. It has been mighty useful!

The highlight of these Saturday family adventures is the meeting in the kitchen to warm ourselves with hot chocolate when the work is done. The kids have all had a part in transferring debris from upstairs down to the trailer, sweeping up smaller bits, and throwing what they could heave onto the dump's floor. A family adventure to remember and take pride in.

Until next time...

Finally! The New House

So those of you that are living close to us know the CRAZY adventure it has been obtaining this house. The short story goes something like this: Glen is a real estate junkie and as a family we spent a lot of time driving around looking at potential "new homes". I had fun touring around looking, but never saw anything worth relocating for....until this home!

The house itself is no great prize, built in 1987 and full of all the glory that decade entailed! It was built on a 1.65 acre lot however that remains partly undeveloped. We hope to have a large garden, fruit orchard, chickens, flowers, trees and a large field of grass with soccer goals.

We found this home in May of 2008 in Short Sale status and "won" the opportunity to buy it with the highest bid. Thirty days later our contract expired and we lost it due to our lack of confidence in the banking institution we were dealing with. We were sad to loose the house but felt right about the decisions we had made.

Several months later our realtor called us back and informed us the house was available again, so we made another verbal offer, lower of course, just to see what would happen. Weeks later we got a call saying we could write up an official offer in that amount. We did, it proceeded as normal, we signed the final closing papers, were handed the keys and ate the Key Lime pie our realtor brought us in celebration. The next morning we received a call saying our closing wouldn't go through because of a concern the lender had with a roofing issue. WHAT!

At this point the house was to go to Auction and with the Thanksgiving holidays everyone was in lock down. Well we decided to get yet another mortgage lender involved and proceed, taking more money off our offer. This time we signed everything, collected our celebratory pie (Banana Cream) put I refused to eat it until I got word the records had been filed with the county.....and they did!

This beauty of a renovation project became all ours December 10th, 2008! (A full seven months after we first saw it.)

As you've looked through the pictures, taken in June 2008, you'll see things that need work and we will keep you undated here. The front is landscaped, the back is not. The house is painted in muddy colors and accented with brass at every turn, but it has potential! Currently it has four bedrooms upstairs, including the master, three baths, formal living and dining rooms, and great big kitchen, family room, office, huge laundry room, bonus room above the three car garage, and an unfinished basement.

The highlight of the tour is the Master bathroom! Peach everything! Yes, even a peach bidet.

Well now that I've officially broken the news on the house I hope to be more timely with our renovation blogs.

We have almost completed the demolition of the master bedroom/sitting room and two upstairs bathrooms, sorry the bidet is gone. We have hired a great guy to be our general contractor on this and we are doing anything we can ourselves. On Saturdays, or during the week when we can, we take the kids over to the house, fill up our trailer with debris and run it to the dump. Since the heaters were on the list of things to be replaced the work is rather cold. We have counteracted this by serving warm hot chocolate in the kitchen when we're done. It's a fun memory we are making and that is what this move is all about!

Stay tuned...

Christmas is Over for Another Year

Okay, so I have finally faced the music you might say, and I'll now admit the Christmas season has passed us by. The problem is, it takes do much effort to decorate and prepare for the holiday, it's hard to energize yourself to put it away and clean it up!
Well, my house still has pretty lights on outside, much to the neighbors dismay, and the interior is still covered in red and green, but I have removed the happy music from my blog. I was going to change the background too, but I figure with Valentines Day around the corner I could get a little more wear out of it.
I had plans of sharing our Saturday renovation projects with you in this blog, but it took to long to pick some soothing classical music, so it will come later.
I hope everyone else is moving forward into 2009 with greater ease than myself, till next time!

Merry Christmas

Christmas day has come and gone, but the spirit remains.
We had a very quiet and peaceful Christmas. We had the fun and business before with school choir productions, friend get aways, family Christmas Eve dinners, and present purchasing and wrapping.



But at the stroke of midnight an Christmas Eve not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse (we hope) as we waited for Santa to bring us gifts and the opportunity to celebrate the most important birthday of all!

Christmas morning did come of course and children of all shapes and sizes enjoy a good present, but the girls of this family put a little more excitement into the opening of them.
Tayler can make any present seem like the best, she can be quite enthusiastic!

Bailey loves a new toy to destroy and any possibility of undivided attention.
Emele won the award for quickest unwrapper!


We all found things to enjoy, but the best gift was being together!

As for gifts shared between mom and dad, we have a new (old) house awaiting us full of promise and projects. More blogs on that to follow!

Flying Glen

Winter Fun

I've been on a computer vacation and having fun doing other winter/holiday activities. So now it is time to share some of the fun with you!

Before Christmas we were invited to share some winter fun at a cabin just outside of Heber, Utah with our friends. (Many Thanks Friends!!) Below are pictures of the kids enjoying slip-sliding snow covered fun and other cabin amenities!


















My friend Heidi has an interesting way of going down the slops! Always good for a laugh!


In the following blog I'll share a slide show of Glen's awesome moves! He didn't want just an ordinary fast hill, he had to add a bone crushing jump to it, which I insisted on encouraging him to go on again and again while I strove for the perfect shot. Poor guy, I'm sure the most impressive shots were well used up before I even got the camera out. His 35 year old bones took a beating and just kept going!

Merry Christmas USA

On December 10th the United States received an early Christmas present when Glen and 205 others became citizens of this lovely country!



As we left our home Wednesday morning we were greeted by flags and signs in celebration. The Bishopric or our ward borrowed the flags and put the signs declaring the citizenship change on our fence. We have some of the greatest neighbors around!



These sweet girls (with the help of their mother) brought over a congratulatory cake. We received many calls and visits to wish Glen best wishes and congratulations. He told me he was surprised by all the attention this has brought him. I tried to remind him of the great honor it is to be admitted to this amazing country (I'm not biased at all! Ha, Ha!).

We arrived in Salt Lake City at 8:30am for the ceremony we were told would begin at 9:00. However they wanted to give one final reminder of the waiting involved in this long process by starting at 10:00am. It began by opening the session of court, followed by a flag ceremony, some patriotic songs, and then the official swearing in of the 206 new citizens. The participants (from 55 countries) all sat together with friends and family sitting separately in the balcony or back of the theater.

After the swearing in a microphone was passed to allow the new citizen to express their thoughts and feelings. Ten men and women shared with us the events that led to their arrival here and their immense gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of this great country. Many of them thanked a Heavenly Father for the opportunities and direction that brought them here. One women shared a brief part of her experience surviving and escaping from Ruanda where she watched 13 members of her family killed, leaving only her and her sister which were separated and found years later. One young man was excited to enlist in the military and defend this country he loved and believed in. A woman from Iran expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be educated and live with equality. A woman from Brazil shared that her husband, an American, could not be there to witness her great joy because he was serving in his third tour of duty in Iraq. Although she missed him her pride for him and the country he defends far out weighed her grief.

Following these "US testimonies" the judge gave his concluding remarks were he encouraged participation by voting, learning English, and being the best person you can be. The entire ceremony was very reverent and special. It made me wish every citizen born here could participate and be reminded of the great privileges we sometimes take for granted. I love the United States of America and I thank my lucky stars to be a citizen and live in the land of the free!

Christmas Music!

Does it get any better than Christmas music?! The first Christmas decorating I did this year was on my blog, it was so easy. I didn't have to clean first or get any boxes out of high places, just click a few buttons on the computer. Now I have happy, jolly Christmas music any time I want!

I know Christmas music would loose it's effect if we had it year round, but I can't help but be happy when I hear it! I am so grateful for the spirit that is felt by so many during the holidays. I know there is a lot of hustle and bustle that can be distracting, but there is also a greater sense of helping others and giving shared by a larger portion of the population. It's no wonder Satan puts so much energy into distracting us with fights over which holiday a store should sponsor and how much money should be spent.

I pray that we may be able to enjoy the holidays for their pure intent. Thanksgiving, to give thanks for all of our many blessings. Christmas, to celebrate the miraculous birth of our Saviour and his charitable example. New Years, to celebrate the beginning of a new time span where we can make new goals and renew ourselves to become all we can.

This turned out to be more than intended, can't seem to stop the wheels from spinning once they start. Hope your holidays are wonderful!

Tagged?!

Heck if I know what this is all about or how you really participate, but I'll give it a shot. Since I was "tagged" at the beginning of November and I'm only now following through, I think it is safe to say I'd have lost this little game.

Six quirky things about me:
1. I want a new post from all the blogs I follow each day, but I'm too lazy to do the same for you on my blog.
2. I share the same pet-peeve about toilet paper being put on properly (rolling over the top)as some of my friends. I really hate when someone leaves it empty, just who do they think they are to leave that job for the next person?!
3. I sleep with three pillows. I like to cocoon myself in.
4. I can't share a drink with anyone, even my husband, because of the possible backwash and germs.
5. I do a crazy number of loads of laundry because I can't stand to mix colors. There is no such thing as darks and lights for me. It's red and pinks, browns, blues and greens, blacks, off-whites, whites, and so forth.
6. I can't throw away pictures. I have every picture sent to me by friends and family at the holidays, even if I don't keep in contact with them anymore, because I can't through away a picture. Maybe I'm part Indian and I think I'm throwing away their soul.

So I was only asked to share six quirky things about myself and I'm sure I have only confirmed how weird I am with these, but anyone that really knows me, knows this doesn't even begin to scratch the surface! It was fun, so thanks Deena for playing this little game with me. Since my blog world is small I'll only tag Amy C., Megan B., Karen F., and Mitzi M. Love to All!

Miracles

A wonderful friend of mine taught a beautiful lesson in one of my church classes today about enjoying all of life's experiences, even those that bring us sorrow. She shared an experience she had reading a family members blog that caused her to ponder the miracles and blessings in her life. She concluded with challenging us to search out the miracles in our lives, write them down, and then return to our lists in times of need. So here I intend to share some of my miracles....

First, the very miracle of my existence! The creation of my spirit and the opportunity to receive a body here on earth to grow and learn in. For the parents that co-created me.

The miracle of receiving a strong healthy body that has so far shown great patience with me as I learn to care for it properly. The miracle of each unlabored breath that I try to appreciate often so the common cold is not thrust upon me as a reminder of what the alternative could be.

The miracle of a free education. I was given the great opportunity to attend safe, well maintained, and award winning schools as a child. Later I was allowed the privilege of attending Ricks College in Idaho where I was instructed with care and diligence.

The miracle of living in a country where I'm free to be who I want to be. I can educate myself, speak and share opinions with others, obtain greater quality of life with work and determination, and I can bring about change where I see fit if I put my mind and efforts to it. I can dream here in America!

The miracle of being surrounded by some of the best people on earth! As an only child I have had many opportunities to be alone in this life. The Lord has always sent the right people to me at the right time! I tease that I have been creating my family as I gather friends, but it is more the truth than not.

The miracle of finding my Best Friend! My husband is the only person on this earth that continues to show me unconditional love through the good times and the bad through pure choice. No life experience is complete until I have shared it with him; from a funny joke to a heart crushing loss. He has boosted my self confidence simply by believing in me and helped me to be a better person by sharing his example. It's a miracle to be loved by him!

The miracle of four healthy, growing, beautiful children! To be given the privilege of raising four of Heavenly Fathers choice spirits is humbling. Each one has a distinct personality that brings me different joys and sorrows. I consider it a miracle each day we survive each other. I have much to learn and I'm grateful for their patience with me.

The miracle of the Gospel in my life. I know who I am, where I came from, and where I'm going. I know what is expected of me in this life and where my blessings come from. I know I am loved and encouraged to succeed. I know where I can turn to in times of doubt and sorrow or great joy. I know where to find instruction and how to seek council. I love the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

There are countless other miracles in my life, but I'm grateful to share these few with you. I hope you will find reason to reflect on your own great blessings as we get ready to celebrate the thanks our early settlers found in discovering a new land and having something to fill their tummies with.

Twilight Mania!

Talk about a phenomenon! I was indeed apart of the crazy crowd that bought tickets weeks in advance, arrived three hours early, and attended a movie starting at 12:03am, all because I read a book series I fell in love with. However, I am very proud to say I was attired in nothing resembling Prom wear or homemade bedazzled bling! (I did however make some serious changes to my hair the night before that could be considered extreme and fitting with the movie, but that was unintentional, simply induced by the fall weather and the need for change.)

I don't want to ruin the excitement for anyone out there that wasn't at a movie theater in the wee hours of this morning, but I will say going with friends made the experience what it was! The movie was no Oscar contender and if you hadn't read the book I think you would be lost, bored, and/or in shock that people would go to such lengths to view it. That being said, I've heard they signed contracts to make movies from the remaining books (who wouldn't with the theater sell out the likes of which I've never heard) and I'll go see them!

The movie theater we attended had a movie starting each minute past 12:00am in separate theaters and while I was out retrieving goodies I saw them rush in the 12:20am crowd. We arrived at 9:30pm and waited outside in the chill until 10:15pm when they efficiently ushered us in to our theater. Most of our large party was seated together allowing the laughter and movie dissection to flow freely. We were "shushed" from behind once or twice by Twilight die-hards, but for the most part the entire theater erupted in laughter or surprise at the same moments.

In the end thoughts were shared and the consensus was basically unanimous in the half successful character casting, lack of impressive wardrobe, missing scenes and awkward romantic interludes, but we had a great time!

Go Vampires! Bring on the Werewolves!

Veteran's Day

This picture was taken in 2006, but I wanted to pay tribute to my dad and all those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so much for our beloved country!
Both of my parents gave service to this country with time in the military. I can't speak for them or their patriotic feelings but I couldn't be more grateful to live in a land where I have the privileges I do.
Sometimes our greatest blessings are pushed aside by the frustrations of the day, especially following a heated presidential election, but I hope a day of remembrance like this one can bring us back, even for a moment, to remember the souls that have worked so hard for the joys we experience each second we take a peaceful breath.
I love America and all it trys to be!

Proud to Be An American?!

Well at least the campaign craziness will go away...but I'm still not sure how I really feel about the results. I'll talk politics with anyone that wants to listen, so I won't be bashful here.
I can sum up this election by relaying a story...When I showed up at the polls Tuesday afternoon my neighbor (and the woman that takes my children to school in the morning as a part of our carpool) looked at me with surprise and said "I can't believe you're here, your kids said you wouldn't come!" She went on to share some of the funny things my children and the others told her on the short ride to school. The best was the statement from my youngest son that we would move to Canada if Obama won. Well he misunderstood, that action was reserved for Hillary, so we will not be moving(Yet!). I did indeed vote, for I feel it is a privilege not to be taken lightly, but I took the "road less travelled" when it came to presidential candidates and wrote-in my choice.
Later I was talking with friends about the crazy things our children were relaying back to us about this election. Our public school was a breeding ground for pushy opinions and craziness. At our home we tried to explain the importance of choosing someone based on qualifications and representation of the values you hold dear instead of popularity swings, color pigmentation, or gender. Luckily they have a while to mature before putting their choices to action.
One last thought on this subject then I'll get off my soap box and push forward like the patriotic American I am...I turned off my TV after the semi-official declaration of Obama's success was broadcast because the only thing that seemed to matter to anyone was the color of his skin. I hope the media gets over that fast because I really don't think that has anything to do with how the job gets done! The media has their prince so I better not hear anymore complaining, they might actually have to do some work and research on stories instead of spouting opinions about what a bad job the Republicans do with everything.
I still love my country and the freedoms I enjoy due to the sacrifice of many. I'm grateful for the ability to express my opinions here and welcome your comments both pro and con, because that is what America is all about!

Halloween '08

 

Tis' that time of year again when the ghost and goblins roam from house to house asking for candy!

Our theme this year may look familiar to some of you....Pioneers! I love a good homemade costume, but I don't love sewing. So with the hours spent preparing clothes for our church pioneer trek this summer came the birth of the 2008 costumes as well. I only sew like that once a year!

Last year the 50's theme came from a previously planned activity, and the pioneers this year. Both sets of costumes left something to be desired for the boys so they have been given the option of choosing our 2009 theme. So far it seems they are leaning towards something to do with BYU, not that it should be much of a surprise living so near to Cougar Town!

Family Blessings

It has been a while since I added the dramas of my life to the world wide web! Life seems to complicate my desire to do everything and nothing at once. I have included pictures of my latest family fun.

We (my family of six) were given the opportunity to care for my little nephew and niece for a week. With about 24 hours notice, this was a last ditch effort by their parents to make their previously planned vacation cruise. When their original arrangements for their children and four other options were exhausted, they contacted us, and my husband graciously accepted. To some this might seem offensive to know that I was so low on the list, but then again you don't know me very well if you think I was even slightly surprised. I am quite open about my inadequacies with children. I love my own flesh and blood and can't imagine life without them, and I find great joy in watching others enjoy their own children, but I'm glad to tell anyone and everyone that I'm maxed out with the four precious spirits that call me Mom!

Having said all this I do find these little guys quite cute and very flexible considering their flight across the US with their aunt, who passed them off to my husband at the airport, who just happened to be returning from business in San Francisco the same day after a three day absence. Its not every day you pick-up luggage and two additional children in baggage claim.

Having cousins is always fun and my children were so excited to welcome theirs for the visit. Saturdays arrival went well, Sunday church took some extra snacks and quiet toys, but went well, Monday Family Home Evening was fun, as noted in the second picture......Then Tuesday morning the dam broke and all the water and then some flowed (quite literally!)

My husband would love to give the details of discovering his nephew throwing-up all over our basement sofa in the early hours of Tuesday morning, but I'll leave that to your imagination. Needless to say this altered the rest of their visit. The poor little guy was miserable one moment and bounding with energy the next, as only a sick three year old can be. I did lots of laundry and avoided potentially staining foods as the week progressed and he continue on with his unpredictable pattern of becoming sick.

Because their parents are readers of this blog I will be kind in simply saying I was not sad to send them home Saturday afternoon. I love my nieces and nephews, but I like them a lot better when they travel with their parents!

As an only child I have made leaps and bounds personally to be a mother to four beautiful children, and after this little experiment , I feel better about my decision to stop there.

Conference Quiet Time

Every six months our family enjoys "Conference Weekend". We stay home Saturday and Sunday to watch two sessions each day of The Church of Jesus Christ's General Conference, broadcast on t.v. During this time the children are encouraged to listen but aren't expected to be perfectly reverent for two hours straight at a time. I have made special games and activities that they only get these two weekends a year and we eat specially prepared meals, so all in all it goes pretty well.

My daughter however has invented her own quiet time routine of styling hair. I am the first in line for a good head rub but she often wants to take it farther, that is where the men of the family become the happy victims. It is amazing to me what they will put up with to have their hair played with. Here we are featuring the latest styles for father and grandfather. Beautiful!

Conference was wonderful! My personal favorite talk was given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, stressing the importance of laughter in our lives. He shared one of his favorite sayings of his mothers, which is now one of my favorites, "Come what may and love it!". Life is too short to harbor hard feelings for our trials, let us learn the lessons, grow our faith, and thank the Lord for our many blessings. I'll be working on that in my daily life, until we adjourn again...

Excercise Resumed

For those of you who might be worried about my becoming a couch potato due to the week long closer of my fitness center, I thought I'd put your minds at ease. The fitness center reopened the following Monday morning as promised and I was there! Yippee!

After a year of committing myself to this daily exercise thing I actually miss it when it's gone. I do appreciate my Sunday, day of rest, and the occasional Saturday is skipped for family sporting events, but Monday thru Friday I'm there.

I think I would have appreciated the old days when exercise was a built in part of life instead of something you have to make a conscious effort to include. Walking to the local market for fresh produce each day, riding a horse for further distances, kneading some bread, you get the picture. Of course I can say this because I don't actually have to live it, but there was something good about the way things were.

Until I retire to the Montana wilderness to enjoy the simple (but physically hard) life, I'll enjoy my daily trips to the fitness center. Happy Exercising!

School Picture Day

Picture day is an annual agonizing obligation. There is the search for the perfect outfit that will be engraved in the history books for everyone to look back on and with more than one child hanging on the picture wall, those outfits must coordinate (of course). The need for a hip, yet classic hair do so your children that follow decades later don't torment you too badly, though completely avoiding that is impossible! And of course the fact that payment for these famous pictures is received before the results are seen only adds to the suspense of it all.

So with the knowledge that my children are in complete control of their own appearance once they go out my door I tried to take some nice pictures before they left. This year I saw the angels and teddy bears they can be in the split second it took my camera lens to capture them. They sure are cuties!

Summer Vacation '08