the mom report

Paint Emily's room - check

Clean Emily's ceiling fan - check

Paint kid's bathroom - check

Install light fixture - check

Paint master bath (until 1 am) - check

Continually pick up after four kids because they can't seem to grasp the concept of "we have to keep the house picked up so some one will want to buy our home" - check

Install toilet paper holder - check

Hang shelves - check

Keep me from having another total breakdown (Sunday was not pretty in regards to my mental health - why must selling a house be so stressful?) - check

The above was my mom's list for Monday - I'm sure I didn't even cover everything she did.

Today promises to be as work filled as the last few days (will it ever end?) but I do think we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.

when your mom is a work horse

First off...my mom is one of the hardest working people I know.  Derek and I along with the kids were gone for a good part of the day yesterday at the photo shoot with Jay Reilly (more on that in a minute)  My mom pounded through a ton more house projects and got so much done.  My pantry sparkles right now, my newly painted bathroom cabinets are amazing - why did I not paint them such a glorious "brown velvet" (paint name) before so that I could enjoy them?  She cleaned up our backyard - I think she wanted to help but more than anything I think she worked in the backyard so she could bask in the warm California sun.  She has been a tremendous help and we are just so thankful she is here.

Hanging out with Jay (like the hanging out phrase?  I'm sure he and I are best buds right now) was a lot of fun.  He is just a low key super cool kinda dude.  The kids liked him and they had a great time having him take their pictures.  We can't wait to see how they turn out!

I have a bit of camera envy - his camera was sweet.  I also have some house envy - not because of size, layout or anything like that but because his walls are covered with amazing family photographs that truly capture the feel of his cute little family.  I now have an idea for some creative family goodness to grace the walls of my new home but I'll share that idea later. 

there may be a serious lack of posts

I've been a little busy...

We have made the decision to put our house on the market and if you have ever done that before you know what it involves.  My mom flew down this morning to be my handy man for a week so that we can get our house listed.  Since about 1 pm today she has completely taken care of my boys room - took down bunk beds, cleaned out bookshelves, took down old blinds, puttied holes plus she cleaned my kitchen, painted my pantry plus a ton more.  I am so glad that she is here - we wouldn't be able to do this without her.

If you're in the market for a house let me know and I'll send you an email when it is finally listed (hopefully within a week)  If you are not looking just say some prayers for us - I'm not looking forward to following around my kids picking up after them so that the house can stay "ready to show clean"

the things one can learn

We love our apple peeler but we were always under the assumption that it was for peeling and cutting apples - hence the name apple peeler.  

On our trip Grandma showed us that this magical tool is not just for apples but you can use it to peel potatoes too.  Do you hear the angels singing?  We love potatoes but none of us is fond of the peeling, especially when you have to peel a ton of potatoes (I think Megan could sustain life by just eating mash potatoes - she is addicted).  Now with our new found knowledge we can eat away because the nasty job of peeling has just gotten a whole lot easier.  Thanks Grandma!

happy birthday grandma wood

more family good bye pictures

Here are a few more pictures of our last night with my family before they headed off to Utah. I love the dogpile picture above with Derek, the kids and my brother Garin. Someone in the dogpile got hurt - any guesses?

Derek doesn't do many horsey rides at home with the wood floors so this was a fun treat - lots of room and carpet in my parents empty house
Grandma Wood trying to convince Luke to give her a kiss. He is thinking about it...

carpet angels, cheerleaders and raising the bar

As part of our farewell to family night we went out to dinner but before we left we had some fun. We made carpet angels.

Found our inner cheerleader and made pyramids

and attempted our own Cingular "raising the bar" ok, so I realize I should have been standing over them to get the full effect but cut me some slack - the house was empty - no ladders or chairs to help get the perfect picture.

na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, good bye....

Last night we went to visit my family and say good-bye as they prepared to leave today for Utah. We are so excited for them and their new adventures in Utah but we are still sad to see them go.

Now we just need to convince them to start a blog so we can know what is going on with them.


a parting shot of my old room (although my brother Garin is the most recent occupant) When it was my room it was painted in everyones favorite 80's color combination - peach and green. Quit laughing you all know that was a hot combination.

it's not too far

Total Est. Time: 10 hours, 3 minutes

Total Est. Distance: 695.99 miles

So my family - parents and little brother Garin are moving to Utah. What's a ten hour trip among family?!?! We are sad to see them go but are so excited for all their new adventures. My kids can't wait to visit during the winter. Those poor California kids that dream of days playing in the snow.

My parents are looking for a home so if anyone has an opinion on the best places to live in Utah let me know. My brother is 13 and will be in High School soon so they want to be in a place with good schools. They are looking for a home around the $300,000 range. The sooner you pass on info the better - they are leaving Monday! They plan on renting until they find a place.

Thanks for the help!