2 Weeks In

I know its not exactly two weeks into November but I have had two solid weekends of it with some pretty good weeks to go with it, so for me two weeks in is good.

The first weekend in November, my friend Stephanie Skeens came for a visit.I met her at BYU-I when I was a Senior and she was in her first semester. She was originally going to come Friday, but ended up coming for Saturday and about 1/2 of Sunday. So, she was officially our first non-family guest to stay over night. SWEET! To be truthful here, I was really nervous about her visit because she has a very strong personality and is kind of hardened person. Plus, the last time she came to visit we went to the temple open house together and she was pretty much anti-the church. She is still trying with all her might to figure things out, and to do the right stuff, but doesn't have a whole lot of good examples and just struggles sometimes. Anyway, I was kind of worried, but at the same time I very much wanted her to come here in hopes that she would be able to visit a place that accepted her where she was. Where we didn't back down standards, but she could still be herself and be comfortable. I think she enjoyed our company. We didn't do anything excited as I was alone with the 4 kids that day because Jason had to work. So, she brought in her huge comfy blankets from her car and helped the girls build a fort. We ate and chatted a bit. She got us to go outside and throw a frisbee around. She played steamroller with my girls. Helped me clean-up meals, and we watch Big Fat Liar that night. (I know this is a terrible title for a movie, but really its good and clean, promise) Then Sunday she went with us to church, helped with the kids. Then after lunch she loaded up and went home. So, it was short, but I feel like it went good. My kids loved her. They loved her sense of humor and the fact that she included them in just about everything. It was a very enjoyable weekend.

Me teaching Tia how to throw (photo credit Stephanie)

Tia, Kylee, Me, and Gaupp (twins in stroller) on the way to church. Photo by: Stephanie

My crazy house

These two besties (Kylee and Tia) photo by: Stephanie

Kylee and Stephanie

Stephanie and Me.

Tia and Stephanie

This past weekend was really nice weather. We got a bit of a cold spell and some snow earlier, so good weather was a nice break. Since games were cancelled on the 2nd, everything was rescheduled for the 9th, and it worked out great except that Kylee got sick and had to miss her last game, which was a huge bummer. But on the plus side, I think it help Gaupo see how much we all like soccer and how good its been for our family, so Spring soccer might be in the works. (I am both excited and worried about this) Anyway, it was a great day for soccer. Tia's game was at 9:00 and you could tell we hadn't played for a couple weeks, but I think the kids still had fun and it was good to play a 'last' game. After Tia's game, we went to the doctor because we thought Kylee had step. Turns out our doc doesn't do walk-ins anymore however, a nurse was willing to do the throat swab for us, so we didn't have to go to urgent care. The receptionist said we should go buy a lottery ticket now because they NEVER do that. I was so glad they did especially since it came back negative, grrrr. Anyway, since it was negative and we were on the right side of town with some target gift cards I needed to spend we went pants shopping for the girls. Once again we struck rich, and found Kylee 4 pairs and Tia 2. We really needed that many so I am glad we could find them and have gift cards to help us out. Then we went home and had lunch and rested. Then later in the afternoon we all went for a family bike ride. It was a good ride we all enjoyed the ride and the little play at the park. Then I made chicken noodle soup for dinner and we just kind of relaxed into the night. It was a busy but fun day. I really wish I had more pics of the girls playing soccer, but between twins and coaching, no such luck.

As for the weeks, I totally planned to just get a little started on my Christmas projects, but then apples went on sale-ish. I mean they were on sale, but not a normal like I have to can these sale. However, our family is out of applesauce and I bought some and it was just gross, so it was a need and they were a pretty good deal. So, Veteran's Day Gaupo helped me can 56 pints and 3 quarts of applesauce. Today I prepped apple slices to can tomorrow, prayers that that goes well for me. It has made for some tire some days though. Canning is a ton of work. I give major applause to those who do a bunch year after year. Plus to those pioneers before all the nifty helpful stuff came about. I mean its not easy, but it is tasty and I am so excited to have my jars full again!

Applesauce was this week, but last week I decided it was time to start Christmas projects. So, I got the house cleaned. I promise it was although, now it doesn't look it. Except the bathrooms aren't revolting, so you know it happened. Anyway, part of the clean-up was the guest room and turning it into my craft room. After that was all squared away, I cut out pajama pants for the kids (I hope they fit) and got the stockings for Kade and Abby cut and sewn, plus buying all the supplies to stitch on them. It was kind of a lot of stuff, but it feel so good to have projects and things to work on. I love taking breaks, but I have been on one for awhile, so its good to be back to work.

One more bit of news is that last week we talked to a realtor about selling our house and buying another. I really would like more space in the kitchen to work and have people work with me. We could also use a living room where you can actually see the people you talking to instead of having to tilt your body on the couch. Bigger bedrooms for the kids would be nice too. So, anyway we have our work cut out for us. We aren't 100% sure we will move because if we don't find something better for us than what we have then we might as well not move. Our house has so many great aspects to it, but its flaws are kind of glaring right now. Although, last night while cuddling Abby, I thought of all the things we have done and the things I like about this house and if we move it will be hard because so many memories have been made in this house. It will always be a tender spot for me.  Yep, it been quite a couple of weeks for us.

Here are some pics just because I like them.

Tia pretending with horse and blocks.

Kylee's duplo castle

Gaupo and the twins.

Abby in a super cute dress.