2 things you should know when selling a house

#1 you need to keep the house clean.
It's seems virtually impossible to keep a house clean, spotless and ready to show when you have children. I must say as frustrating as it can be or has been, my girls have been so good about helping me. It's definitely taken it's toll this summer, I feel like I'm always on my toes reminding them, but all and all we have survived...so far.

#2 (& I think the worst part) you're going to get kicked out of your house...a lot.
It's more than frustrating to be going about your day only to find out you have to leave the house, in the heat, for a couple of hours (aside from one week there has been a showing everyday). The girls haven't been able to have as many play dates because I'm afraid we'll have a showing and working on projects seem virtually impossible. So I guess you could say it's been a challenge to find things to do inside and outside our home this summer to occupy our time.

But, like all things, we've managed. We went out of town to get away from it, we've been swimming, gone to the bookstore and library, enjoyed more than one snowie, played at the park, roamed target (which is never good for your wallet), went to lunch/picnics, enjoyed cool movies, etc.

For example, today when we had to be out in the middle of the crazy 100 degree heat we went swimming. What else can you do?








[In true megan fashion, she's sporting the latest in bandaid technology...waterproof. I don't think we've gone a day this summer without one on.]



It's seems we've been busier than usual outside our home, but what I've realized this last week is our spur of the moment outings are giving us ample quality time together we may not have taken otherwise. So for that reason alone, selling my home has been a welcomed diversion. Don't get me wrong though, I am ready to be done.

camping: a photo essay

Heber Valley: July 17-18, 2009

sunday departure

This morning instead of attending church like usual in our regular building we were fortunate enough to do like the Pioneers and attend our meeting at This Is the Place park. It was an enjoyable departure from the norm, but also a wonderful experience to have while honoring our heritage and the Mormon saints who sacrificed so much to travel west.

Among the talks I heard one thing that stood out to me was, we all have a story to tell and have the responsibility to share it. I guess it was validation to me as to why I spend time to remember moments on my blog, take everyday photographs, and write down my thoughts in my journal. It's not so much that I want to be remembered by my children, grandchildren, and so on, it's that I want to be able to make a difference in their life through the things I share about my life, about today and the time I live.

I believe we all have a purpose to our lives, but it wasn't until today that I thought part our purpose could be beneficial to those who come after us. It's strange to think one day the life you lived will be important to one of your great great grandchildren. It's actually quite a daunting thought, but I love it still. It's definitely given me a push to continue and make sure to be better about sharing the woman I am with my children today and for future generations.

Do you think about telling your story?

Megzilla is 5

We call her Megzilla because there is so much of her. She's goofy, in your face, chatty, not afraid to be loud, tender hearted, matter of fact, quick to feel bad kind of girl. Even though she has her moments, don't we all, she is such a delight in my life I don't know what I would do without her to snuggle with in the mornings, as my lunch buddy who dominates the conversation, or my partner in crime. My dad tells me she reminds him of the way I was. I'm not sure if I should be afraid or grateful...I guess I'm just lucky she's mine.



She has such a way with expressing herself I thought I would share a few classics with you to celebrate who she is on her fifth birthday.

She got out a sucker when there was only one left. I said she couldn't have it because there wasn't enough for everyone. Then she said, "I don't want it for everyone!" (6/4/07)



"Oh, that granola is really healthy." (said after eating homemade granola and then throwing it away in the trash. 9/7/07)

"Mom, my poo smells terrible." (11/1/07)



"Mommy, when I'm grown up I will miss you." (1/1/08)

"I'm now four and I know everything." (7/26/08)



"I'm serious about this and I'm not even lying." (7/26/08)

"Mom, I don't know what I want, I just want it." (2/7/09)



Me: "Wow, Meg you have lots of money."
Meg: "I know I got if from you."
Me: "What do you mean you got it from me?"
Meg: "From the plastic bag."
Me: "What plastic bag. I didn't have a plastic bag full of money?"
Meg: " I know, cuz I took it." (3/22/09)



"Do I even know what I'm in here for?" (said when she walked into the laundry room looking for something. june 2009)

"I knew that because I'm a practical little girl." (june 2009)



Happy Birthday Megan! Luv you.

giveaway winner

Sorry it's belated. We went camping this weekend and I wasn't able to get to it done before I left.

According to random.org kg you are the winner. Congrats!

Please email me (upper left sidebar) your address so I can send it to you.

5 hours, 0 kids, and 1 apron

You wouldn't believe it, I actually sewed today. I can't even remember the last time...I think it must have been Christmas. Anyway, I had a day to myself, thanks to Jill who has my girls, this cute fabric on hand and an apron pattern just waiting to be used.



Five hours later (it always takes way longer than you think) and a couple of British movies watched, thanks to instant play at Netflicks, and I have a cute apron at my disposal.

Now I just need a reason to wear it.

july giveaway

It felt good to wake up this morning excited to actually make something. I decided to give away another small 4x5.5 inch notebook I sewed together and bound with ribbon.



To win just leave a comment and I'll post the winner Friday.

Have a great day!

30 days

enjoyed slurpies


experienced the best weather ever at an amusement park


put our house on the market, but you knew that


read, especially during the first couple weeks of rain


multiple trips to the pool


sleepovers


days at the park


sought solace at the bookstore and/or library


listened to her talk about her birthday everyday


went through my paper trail


a getaway to St. George with my parents


had playdates....


and tears


enjoyed a weekend away with Jill, Robyn, Lori, and Kathy


played games


lazy evenings watching the day fade

12of12

[friday, june 12th]

Our house went on the market this day in June, which meant we spent most of it away from home. We went to the bookstore and spend the evening with our friends. I spent the morning going through papers I should have been filing away while the girls occupied themselves with games and were very helpful keeping the house clean while we were here.

Sick to death of selling.

welcome back

I woke up to a quiet house this morning, Adam had taken the girls to breakfast as per usual, and I lay deep in thought perplexed by my own lack of desire that has loomed over me for months. I have lost a part of what I love about living and it appears I almost don't ever care. My studio door is shut, my desk clean...no longer appears to have been used, a thin layer of dust has formed and some how I'm ok with that.



This morning, though, after weeks of suppressing the urge to care, I wonder what it is or rather why the change of heart? After mulling over ideas and reasons, fear is what was left looking back at me.

I actually believe fear is a great motivator to help us fight for what we want. Sequichie Comingdeer said, "the death of fear is in doing what you fear to do." In fact, that's exactly what put me on the path to run a 1/2 marathon. I have never in my life been a good runner and I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, that I could face my fear and win. Unfortunately, and I think this is where it all began, I hurt my back and running my race was no longer a part of my immediate future. In my mind fear had won. I gave into those feelings and let it take hold of me. I let it happen because let's face it, life is easier when you are not propelled to become your best.

So I have been aimlessly walking. Hoping, I would, at some point find my way back when I knew, subconsciously, it was me all along that was keeping me from where I wanted to be. How can you have the answers, but not know how to use them? Because it's hard. Because it's uncomfortable. Because it doesn't come naturally. Because.....

"If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always got." -anonymous

I have a million excuses, don't I. The fact is I will never peel away the layers and find the core until I get uncomfortable, do what I think is impossible, and have faith that my efforts will be worth it.

Sigh.



In truth, as we know, this is not the first time I have expressed these feelings so why do I think today is different? I don't know that it is. But I do know that I have a renewed sense to get out of the place that I'm in and move forward. I guess, sometimes, that's all you need. And today it feels like enough. It feels good to believe that anything is possible again.