24th of July = Moving Day

So our 24th of July this year was tons of fun and full of excitement!....NOT! Our 24th (my day off) was spent moving into our new house. So I guess it had some excitement but I wouldn't call it fun. John ended up having to work that day because of several meetings that he had to attend. So I got the wonderful task of moving by myself. We hired movers so it's not like I had to move ALL our stuff up and down the stairs and to our new house alone. But there were still things I had to move myself, plus I had to direct the movers, make sure they got everything done, and deal with all the stress that comes with moving by myself. So I got up early that morning, completely loaded my truck to the max, drove to Starbucks, then drove to the new house and unloaded. I made it back to the apartment just as the movers got there. They arrived at about 10:15am and we finally left for the new house at about 12:45. It took them 2.5 hours to go up and down all 52 steps to load all our crap into their van. I was actually impressed. It would've taken us days. They even moved some other things that weren't originally planned so I took them to Rumbi and bought them lunch :) I know they were paid to move our stuff, but I still felt bad watching them move heavy boxes and furniture down 52 steps and then walking back up for more. Plus they were really great & funny guys and we actually had some fun. After lunch, my amazing friend Lynzie, who ended up getting the day off as well, graciously came to help & support me. It took the movers about an hour to unload all the stuff (no stairs) and Lynzie helped me unpack. When John got home we went to dinner at Famous Dave's to celebrate. It was a long day and I was completely exhausted. I couldn't have survived without Lynzie's help! Thanks baby!! It will be your turn to move into your new house next week and I'll be there for you :) (I was too busy running all over that I didn't get any pics of moving day. But pics of the new digs will be coming soon...after I get everything put together.)

The Christmas Box House

Earlier this year my work picked a few different charity organizations and then we voted on one charity that we would all be involved in as a group. We chose, The Christmas Box House, which is a temporary home shelter for abused and neglected children. So yesterday everyone from work went to The Christmas Box House in Salt Lake for a tour and to meet some of the staff. This is a wonderful organization and was inspired and founded by the author of the book "The Christmas Box". They provide shelter, all types of therapy services, classes, medical and dental care for kids up to age 11 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. These kids are often left alone to fend for themselves, exposed to a horrible lifestyle and an unsafe environment. Their motto "Every child deserves a childhood" is what the charity is all about. They strive to give these kids warmth, love, care and a chance for a better life. Most of these kids don't have the "normal" type of childhood that many of us take for granted. The Christmas Box House helps give that back to them. I'm very happy that my work has decided to do something like this and give back to our community. It makes me proud of where I work. I'm really excited about working with The Christmas Box House and everyone from work, to come up with a plan on things we can do with the kids and how we can help make a difference. This is something we will continue to do and be involved in throughout the year. (for more information on The Christmas Box House, you can visit their website at www.thechristmasboxhouse.org)

I loathe the packing

The countdown is almost up! About a week and a half ago John made a moving countdown chain with my scrapbook paper to countdown the days until we move. He is so excited and smiles each and every time he packs a box. I on the other hand realized, once again, how much I really hate packing. The only motivation for me to keep going and packing up all our crap is the excitement of the new house. I don't mind UN-packing, it's just the packing part that I can't stand. I'm reminded of how many times I've had to do this in my lifetime (8 that I can remember....not that I'm counting). And that doesn't count the few times we moved when I was little and don't remember, and the several times my brothers and sisters have moved and I've helped. I don't even mind the moving part so much (unless there are a million stairs like we have now), it's really just the packing part. I think it's because I'm such a perfectionist and I like things to fit just right and be organized a certain way that it takes me longer. John says I'm complicating the whole process. He grabs a box, puts whatever he sees in the box and tapes it up. It drives me crazy watching him because I want to tear it open and re-pack it. I guess he's right, I am complicating it. So in an effort to not be so complicated, we had to have a little fun with packing and tease the boys because they haven't been much help. They seem a little scared at what's going on. Only 3 days left!!

We found a house!!

615 E Greenwood Ave, Midvale, UT

We FINALLY found a house! After viewing several houses and being very disappointed and discouraged over and over, we finally were able to find a great house in a great location. It's in Midvale, about half way between my work and John's work. It's also close to his parents house, Ft Union shopping center, Harmon's is just down the street, and one of the best points...Marq & Lynzie are moving about 2-3 miles down the street! Now our dogs can play at the park together :)

We move the weekend of the 24th of July and I'm super excited!! Our boys finally get a big yard to run around and play in, we have a double garage for both of our trucks to fit in, there are 2 patio areas in the back, one covered and one not, plus a balcony from our master bedroom. But the greatest part...NO STAIRS!! Ok, I take that back, there's about two steps to get in the house, and there's about 4 steps to get from the living room to the bedrooms. But it's just like having no stairs compared to the million stairs, ok 52, that we have to climb to get to our current place. Needless to say, I'm glad we're moving and I can't wait!!

The Curious Savage

Last night we went to see "The Curious Savage" at the Hale Center Theatre in West Valley. One of the girls from work, Julie, is in the play, so our boss bought everyone and their significant others tickets. It worked out great because it was also Julie's birthday!! The play is about a wealthy old woman "Mrs. Savage, who is committed to an asylum by her spoiled children in their attempt to keep her from giving away their inheritance. Her cunning charm outwits them…her clever, caring heart disarms and heals her new found inmates. A tender, funny comedy by master playwright John Patrick. A sure sell out!" It was a wonderful, hilarious play, and Julie did an excellent job playing "Lily Belle", the spoiled daughter of Mrs. Savage. I recommend this play to anyone. I think I might go see it again with my mom :)

4th of July Weekend

For the 4th of July weekend we went camping with a bunch of my friends up Tibble Fork in American Fork Canyon. We left Thursday night and drove up with Marq & Lynzie, and Nate & Taylor. We were able to get some really good spots and got the fire goin. The weather was great over the weekend and even at night. So instead of setting up tents, John and I slept in the back of our truck. On Friday more friends, and dogs, came and joined us. I think at one point there were 8 dogs running around and we had no major fights or problems! The only issue was one of the little chihuahua's was following Taylor's big dog around trying to hump him. It was hilarious! But we all had fun walking around, playing in the water and hanging out. It was a little different not seeing any fireworks for the 4th, but we had a good time. We left very EARLY Saturday morning so John could go shooting with his dad and I spent the afternoon with my mom and brother Shane. We had lunch at Chili's and then we went and saw "Hancock". When I got home our boys were still asleep in their kennels. Even though I opened the doors, they stayed inside and slept. Camping really wears them out!

Good Times

Last Friday I went with a few of my girlfriends to the Arts Festival downtown. We all met at Taylor's house and then walked to the SLC Library where the festival was. I've never been to the festival so I was excited. We had a good time and there were a lot of cool things to look at, music and food. Afterwards we all went to Lynzie's where Marq was hanging out with some of his friends....including our old pal Nate. It's been a few "minutes" (as Nate put it), but it's actually been years, since Nate and I have been allowed to hang out. So it was a little weird at first. But Nate didn't skip a beat and it was like old times again. We all had SO much fun playin cards and messin around. I was laughing so hard I cried and my belly hurt. It's good to be with my friends again!