Arrived

Sitting at my new desk. Just unloaded my first load from the dishwasher. Inaugurated my new oven/stovetop for a humble dinner. Looking out the window to the park, where Jon has the two olders playing for a pre-bedtime get-the-wiggles-out frolic. Baby (really not a baby! 2 yrs and counting!) is slumbering in her crib. Getting used to new quarters. It's been a bit of a doozy of a day, but I'm counting my blessings.

40% off everything at Darlybird

Even though this is my personal blog, I thought I'd mention that the store, Darlybird, is having its biggest sale EVER. 40% off everything. Enter HAPPYSPRING at checkout to get this offer. Lasts until Wednesday.

Happy Spring!

I Blinked My Eyes,

Or so it seems, and my world changed. The past 8 months has taken my little family on an interesting journey that I would have never ever have anticipated. It started with Jon's job loss and the uncertainty and jaw-dropping reality that comes with something that monumental (and quite-honestly, painful). And then the "what-in-the-he**-are-we-gonna-do" phase, and then the sometimes distinct, ever-questioned impression that maybe, just maybe, we should up and move nearer to family in good ole Utah.....and the indecision, the indecision, the indecision. And the leaving the fabulous friends and support network we had built in Sacramento? And the home we had come to love and make our own? And Jon's burgeoning career and list of California contacts? Can I just say that was a hard phase?

My first fear when I heard that Jon lost his job was that we would lose our home. I couldn't even let my heart internalize that possibility for the first few weeks. But, bit by bit, I realized it didn't matter. Money is nice, a comfortable home is great, but all that really matters is family. (And since I'm an open book, I'll just add that for part of that tumultuous time, family seemed to be fading slightly, too.....it's heinous how in the midst of trials, you can really lose your footing and direction. Thanks be to a good counselor who helped us see beyond the petty little things, and realize we have something great going on. Something very worth fighting for and holding on to. I love the counseling profession. I'm going to be a lifelong recipient of good counsel from outsiders. So helpful. You should go, too.) Back to the money thing, one night I had the image of a circle come to my mind, while mulling over the impending doom of our home. I realized there would be other places, other homes, other money. The large chunk we lost on this home didn't matter. It was a bummer, but it didn't matter. Not one bit.

So we moved to Utah. And Jon was still wondering if it was the right decision while driving the Penske across barren Nevada . . . . and I had moments of doubt myself as I crossed the great divide (or is it the Great Basin?---I think both are apropos.) But here we are. And I would be an absolute loser if I didn't catalog the blessings that have come from that leap of faith and oft-seeming idiocy.

I'm not going to detail what has happened in the past few months. BUT, I want to catalog the upshot of what has happened. I almost can't believe how blessed we are! It seems like this story could be an infomercial for The Effectiveness of Faith and Prayer. Almost cheesy and moralizing! But it is what it is, and I'm thrilled that we've been the recipients of so many of your prayers, so much love:

*Our home in Sacramento went through the short-sale process in a near-record 3 months. We had an offer the 2nd day it was on the market. And we sold to a young family, so I'm happy that the joyful noise of children will continue at 4957 Tufts. I hope they have dance parties in the "Peace Room."

*Jon was offered a contract job working for a water firm in Irvine, CA, but is able to do it long-distance. We were excited, but realized that this was not a long-term solution, since it wasn't necessarily a great career move. But, it is money!

*We found and fell in love with a home directly across the street from a park and the elementary school that Leah is going to. We didn't think it was wise or possible to make this jump right after the loss of our other home. But, after lots of trepidation and inspiration, we made an offer, and it was accepted. The best part is that this home has a basement apartment that we can rent out. Our mortgage will be much less than renting something similar. And, it has been vacant for 4 years. I think it was waiting for us to come. Really.

*Jon got a call from a SLC water attorney a few weeks ago that he was interested in talking with him. The email stated, "No suit required." Really? At an attorney's office? Long story short, Jon basically came home from the "meeting" with an agreement that he'd start working part-time until he passes the UT bar, and then he'll start on a more full-time position. And for those of you who know Jon, he wasn't pleased about the commute. We had just offered on the home in Provo, and felt really good about it. Well, SLC said he could come up 2-3 days a week, and work the other days from Utah County, i.e. from our basement. And eventually, even move his practice to Provo permanently. What? Utah water law? Work at home? Low billable hours? We had toyed with the idea of Jon signing on with a different attorney in California whose billable hour requirement was beyond insane. His paycheck would be, too; I wasn't even tempted. Not a bit. I want my husband to be around. He wants to be around and help raise our girls. This new job is beyond what we could have ever hoped for. He starts on Monday.

*We closed on our "new" (code word for somewhat crusty, outdated, but fabulous bones) home without any major hitches. We're busy working and painting and doing some minor changes.....it's fun to try and do as much as you can with a tiny budget. Lots of elbow grease. Lots of compromises that bring about good things. I always intend on taking before and after pics, but guess what? We've already dismantled kitchen cabs to paint them, and taken out the linoleum and took nary a picture. Oh well. Why change habits this late in the game?

*Phoebe Laura turns 2 on Saturday. We will happily celebrate her and our new leaf in/lease on life.

I guess all of these miracles attest to me that God is in the details. He wants to bless us, and will. There might be a lot of agony along the way, but holding out is well worth it. And, it ain't over yet. We've still got miles to go.....

Playing with the Dollhouse

Happy girls on Christmas morning. It's awesome, because all three can play with it at once. And, there are enough things to do at different levels of ability. Phoebe loves putting Barbies in and out of the beds. Esther loves making up stories for her characters and moving them around in the space. Leah loves reorganizing the kitchen and all the fun accessories. Speaking of the kitchen, it's probably my favorite part of the house. The kitchen is fully functional; all of the drawers actually work and store pots, pans, plates, china, etc.

I will post (someday) my sources and ideas for making one of these. It was months in the making, and now delights me as much as my girls. (Even Jon has been seen to take part.)

The Doll House

There's a long back story to this Christmas present, but I'll spare some of the details. Suffice it to say, I had a blast making this for my girls. I seriously delighted in every little detail; it was hugely therapeutic: as I mourned the loss of our home in Cali, I rebuilt a new home for my girls. And, they love it!

Merry and Bright

Lolly and Grompin's (my parents) house made a fine repose for our first real Utah Christmas. Thanks grandma Jane and Grandpa Bill for the fun presents as seen in the pics, opened on Christmas Eve. (Note: Esther's gumballs are gone already! Who would've guessed?)

Photo Essay: Esther in the Bushes

A few days before we flew the Sacramento coop, we had delightful help from neighbors and ward members who came to our house to watch the kids while we packed. While putting the finishing packing touches on my office, I got a call of distress and laughter from Mary, who informed me that Esther had thrown herself into one of our bushes and wouldn't come out. I don't remember the exact impetus, but I'm sure it was the overwhelming moving trauma. I had to get my camera. Darn! They uploaded in reverse order. Oh well.

Last Hurrah in South Overbrook!

My dear neighbors, oh how I miss you! This was a going away party for us truly, and the hosts couldn't have been more amazing or charming. I don't know if I'll ever have neighbors this delightful......unless we move back to 4957.

A few pictures to catch you up

Jon on his 33rd. He requested Lemon Bars. I'm always happy to oblige that request. Isn't he handsome?


Our birch tree fell down in the latest storm of unusual winds. Actually, just one of three stumps fell down. But with each wind, the ground would swell and peel back, so the rest of the stumps had to go. Jon shimmied up the tree with a chainsaw to top off the limbs. We were on a blanket across the street in the neighbors front yard watching. Hoping that my children wouldn't witness their father falling to his demise, chainsaw in hand. It didn't happen. Now the question you're really wondering about: Why is Jon wearing a sweatband? To keep his glasses on. Couldn't find his CHUMs that I incessantly tease him about.


Candid photo of our back yard and back of our home. I decided to start documenting it in its lived-in state. This home will always hold a place of happiness in our hearts.

Zinnias from Esther's cutting garden. We actually have about 15 out there right now waiting to be cut.

My eco thrift polyester quilt is perfect for all sorts of occasions. For Tahoe, it was just right. I am mad about the vintage fabrics, and the leisure-suit feel of it all.

Do you just want to eat up this little darling?

Phoebe in phlight.

AWAY WE GO

I have been avoiding my blog lately. Busy? Yes. Distracted? That too. But the real culprit has been dealing with the unknowns. (Many of them.) We've toyed with so many options over the past few months that my brain is tired. But, we have finally come to a conclusion. The Penske has been rented; the realtor has been contacted. We are making our way to the Beehive State on November 8.

The decision has been anything but easy. No burning bush or still small voice. Just baby steps of recognition . . . we do feel the hand of God in this decision. And while I've never really felt that Sacramento is THE PLACE, saying goodbye is going to be harder than I imagined. And while we're moving into the arms of family and friends, we will sorely miss the life we've built here----the family we've made out of once-strangers. The world is full of good people----I have found so many of them here in our little corner of the world.

We still don't have many of the answers. There is no job awaiting us in Provo. There is a home. There are people. But, we're going to have to figure out the rest of the details upon arrival. Which is scary, but exhilarating.

We're on our way.

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make CREAMY DELIGHTFUL!

So, this summer's been a bit of a bust. Let's just cut the crap and get it out there: Jon has joined the ranks of the unemployed. I've had my share of bawl-a-thons, but in the end realize that there are better things in store for us. What? We're not sure, yet. But, we are sure that we are loved, taken care of, and we'll survive.

So, in the midst of all this, Jon has lost 8 pounds. WHAT THE? He's a skeletor to begin with, but the stress hasn't helped matters in that department. Me, on the other hand.....hmmm.....let's just say I don't own a scale for a reason. I'm chubbier than I've ever been in my whole life, with the exception of being 9 months pregnant. 7 months? Let's not go there. That's not good news, friends, but things will change. A time and a season for everything.

Anyway, I've been attempting to eat better during this crisis. No baked goods. This is certainly not a foolproof plan, as evidenced by what I'm going to share with you. I felt a hankering for brownies the other day. I don't even love brownies, but I love my mint brownies, ala becca claire. But I didn't have mint, and I didn't really feel like mint anyway.

So I baked the base brownie, then added a chocolate cream cheese frosting. A to-die-for combo. Esther had one bite, and then kept saying, "Please, can I have some more creamy delightful?" I loved the name and had to adopt it. I think Creamy Delightful is so darn delightful.

Here's the recipe.

CREAMY DELIGHTFUL
Brownies:

2 c. sugar
1 c. butter
4 eggs
2.5 c. flour
4-1 oz unsweetened choc squares---melted
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
2 tsp vanilla

Mix ingredients together (Do the whole wet and dry thing if you believe in that. I don't.) Bake at 350 for an undisclosed amnt of time. I usually do it for about 25-30 mins. But then again, the recipe says 300 for 20 mins. But that's just way too gooey. ***THIS TIME 27 mins was perfecto!

Creamy Delightful Frosting
1 8 oz block cream cheese
1 c. semi sweet chocolate chips, melted
a few cups of powdered sugar (sorry, i never measure)
a bit of vanilla (1-2 tsp?)
some skim milk or other liquid of the milky variety...enough to moisten.

whip the heck out of it, and spread on cooled brownies.

And I have a perfect picture of skeletor Jon eating creamy delightful, wearing a shirt with a short bus on it that says, "i believe in you" which i do. I know he'll find gainful employment soon . . . and perhaps it will mean I can return to my motherland. But my camera will not upload said picture right now. Go figure. Hopefully later.

A Great Birthday

Had a birthday yesterday. 33. Monumental. But not really. It was a lazy-ish day {for me}. Jon broke the Sabbath and bought me a jelly donut for breakfast. I felt so happy that just because he's now in the Bishopric of our local congregation, he still isn't too good to get a donut for his wife on her birthday. When I thanked him last night and told him how I felt, he said, "5:30 am doesn't count as the Sabbath." Agreed.

When Leah finally woke up at 8:15, she came up to me and said, "what are you doing up? This is your birthday." (Nevermind that Jon left the house at 5:30 to retrieve my donut, and then went straight to meetings after the drop-off. And Phoebe woke up promptly at 7:12....what's a birthday mom to do?) So Leah took Phoebe out of the room, and Esther too, and shut the door. I pretended to sleep for 5 minutes so she could feel she had done a great job. And she had. Talk about melt-my-heart-cute.

He made my favorite roasted green bean tomato salad, and some rosemary bread that is to die for. For dessert, we had FAMILY FONDUE. Fruits, pound cake, and marshmallows to dip into milk-chocolate and non-allergenic chocolate for Leah and Phoebe. Phoebe's favorite part was fingerpainting with it. Leah's favorite part was biting marshmallows in half and sticking them on everyone's foreheads. My favorite part was chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, and family, family, family. Jon finished off the night by doing the dishes and playing fast Scrabble with me. {This all took place in between my obligation to speak at another ward's conference and his youth fireside, and my birthday nap. Somehow, it all fit in.}

A short and sweet thank-you note:

Thanks, Jon, for the splendid day!

Lots of love,

The 33 year old.

Just a Few of NYC

Darlyblog is replete with NYC photos. Enjoy! I certainly did . . .

I'll be back soon with some new goals, thoughts, etc.

More of My Phoeberoni

She is a total ham. Knew just what to do when I whipped the camera out. I always said that my my 2nd and 3rd children would have as many pics of them as the first. Doh! I blew that promise. Better make up for lost time.

After a New York Minute, I Came Home to This

Just returned from one of the best trips of my life to NYC with gal pal Lindy Lou. Let's just say it was incredible. Pics can be seen at darlyblog, if you please.

I'll post a few here, too, plus someday in the future I'll download why this was a life-altering trip. This is my personal blog, right? So I can do that here.

One of my highlights of the trip was coming home to my 3 sleeping daughters. I especially missed Phoebe, since I've never even spent a night away from her in her short 16 months. I missed her morning breath, her kooky smiles, her "mama" whines, her love of blueberries, her dancing, and just about everything else about her (minus the blueberry-poopy diapers). So last night while Jon took the older gals to swimming lessons, I had a little Phoebe Photo Shoot. She's so sweet!

Growing Up

I decided I needed to catalog lovely Leah on her last day of 1st grade. She is getting so old; for her birthday, a friend gave her 7 books from the Weather Fairies series, and she has read them ALL this week. What the? She wasn't interested in much independent reading until then, and now has gone berserk! I love it. For each book she finishes, I bank $2 into her book fund. She's already at $18 in a week. I better lower the ante or I'll have to get a job. Since I don't already have one. ;0

But, here she is with her sisters....I hope they are always best friends.

We Love Cuzzies

Why didn't I get more pics when Ben, Becca, Bella, and Peter were in town? Because I'm a doofus on the roofus.

We had lots of fun with our Harmons. We spent some quality time chillin', spent some good times at the zoo, Ernesto's, EcoThrift, a bit of shopping, some crafting with Becca, some more quality time on the couch, and also had our selves a few Beverlies (44 oz-ers for you not in our beverage circle. A visit with Ben wouldn't be a visit with Ben unless a few drinks were had. Smiles were had, too, and so were tears, and laughter filled our hearts and warmed the air. Reference, anyone?).

Harmons, please come visit again.