FHE

Our open house went well today even though we had terrible wet weather. There were 5 different parties that came through. Our agent, Marie, was impressed to have that many on such a dreary day. We keep telling ourselves we only need one. We only need one. 

Since the open house was shortly after church we ate lunch in the car. We had cold rotisserie chicken, rolls, and cookies. The boys were not excited for the chicken. Once we settled in to watch our movie they went on and on about how good the chicken was. I had to laugh. When will they trust me?

For FHE tonight we played LIFE. It was a fun, no pressured game. The highest salary card made it around to everyone. ;) Brian ended up winning. His life cards pulled through for him. 

I made a new treat and it was a hit! The brownies had a layer of cookie dough on top. We all love cookie dough, right? We all ate more than we should that's for sure. 

changes

This is a first for us. With all the many homes we have sold we have never done major renovations in the home once it's been put on the market. Our home has been on the market 3 weeks and we've only had two showings. Wednesday we decided to drop the price $25,000 and update two bathrooms. 

Thursday I put the first coat of paint on then Saturday the fun really began. Here are a couple before pictures. We changed everything except the floors and shower.

Brian leaned against a freshly painted wall. We both continually touched wet walls. Saturday we stared around 9. We replaced the toilet and sink plus the light fixture and towels rods. We were finished around 4:30. We then had to get the house completely cleaned up for a open house scheduled Sunday afternoon. It was a busy day.

 I really like how it turned out. I hope this update helps find a buyer. Next week we plan on putting granite in the boys bathroom and replacing the towel rods. 

a beautiful Sunday

Today has been a wonderful day. We had Stake Conference today and during breakfast Mason mentioned he wanted to attend at the Stake Center since he had friends in the choir. The boys were quick to get ready and we were able to arrive there at about 9:15. There wasn't a lot of pews left but since there was only three of us we found a spot on the cushioned benches. 

The Spirit was so strong for me. From the youth speaker talking about temple recommends and attending the temple all the way through President Boswell and him sharing his experiences of attending church in Peru this past month. As I sat there and looked at the youth choir I was surprised with all the kids that I knew. I'm surprised of all the individuals I know in the Stake because of my calling. I had a Stake calling in Texas but I never knew individuals there like I know them here. I've enjoyed this calling for many reasons. I'm going to miss it when I'm released which probably will happen in June. 

After FHE I took the dogs for a walk. I miss walking with Brian. It's always been a great time to visit and catch up. With him in Oregon we often chat while I walk but it's not the same. I sure miss him. 

We talked again later this evening as we both have been searching for houses for sale online. The house on Emily fell through. We were both disappointed but not concerned that we don't have a house under contract yet. It's comforting to find new listings that we love. We're trying to be patient as we've realized it might be better to wait for our house to be under contract. Knowing what we'll get for our home might make a difference of which home we choose. There are currently six homes that we are considering. They vary in size as much as in price. They are very different and we like them for different reasons. I hope we can choose, and not keep second guessing, when it comes time. 

loving these spring flowers

I'm loving my tulips! They are looking great!

My favorite road on our drive home from church.

I planted these tulips last fall. The sure look great along the sidewalk to the front door. Curb appeal!! 

Come on house, sell already!

she's a keeper

Cali is a diva most of the time. She barely tolerates our dogs. She prefers to use the front door. If we forget to close our bedroom doors she has a tendency to pee on our beds. She's needy and demands when she wants to be pet.

With all that said it makes me so happy to catch her hunting. She has brought mice to the door a few times. A few days ago she caught a bunny. I was shocked! I'd rather her not catch bunnies because they're cute but they do eat my garden. It's a necessary evil. Keep up the great work Cali! Be nice and let us love you!

concert day

Thursday evening was Carson's last orchestra and band concert for the year. He plays so well. I truly enjoy listening to him practice. February is probably my favorite month as they have a challenge to practice every day. He met the challenge! This is his third year playing the viola. He has every intention continuing to play in Oregon. 

He has only been playing the trumpet for one year. He tells me he doesn't enjoy it as much as the viola.  He loves band because of his friends. To be honest that's why I played band as long as I did. Because of the friends. 

Here he is with Jackson and Alex. Alex couldn't find his band shirt so he improvised. I think he did a great job with the tape. 

sunny days

When we got home Monday afternoon from the airport I was loving the beautiful weather. We got the pets taken care of and luggage put away and I headed out for a run. I ran 3 miles and it was heavenly. The clouds were perfect!

As I headed out for a run this morning I saw our first tulips. The rest are close to bloom as well. I'm surprised these new bushes, below, didn't bloom more. But that's ok.  

With Brian in Oregon I'm the lucky one that's gets to mow. I wasn't even sure where the edge of our yard was. Plus, it wasn't relaxing like Brian promised. It was work. 

CJ gave me a break and he mowed part of the back for me. He's hoping I'll pay him. 

Tonight Brian has a meeting with Greg, his boss, in Newport. He said this is his view from the restaurant. It's beautiful! I can't wait till I can join him there. 

The sellers countered our offer today and we've already countered back. I hope they come back with something more reasonable. They only came down $4,000. We should know more by Thursday. 

Easter

With us being in Oregon we had to do things a little different for Easter. Thank goodness we were staying in a suite so we could still color eggs. We only did a dozen though. We'll leave them with Brian since he'll be staying here for the next two weeks. 

On our way to Oregon Mason's carry on bag wheels busted. He ended up carrying the bag half the time. No fun! I wasn't about to bring Easter baskets so I thought outside the box and they got new carry on luggage and used that as their basket. At first the boys didn't understand it was new luggage for them.

Now they understand. They we so excited!

Looking for eggs. See that egg above the picture? That was one of the last eggs they found. Hidden in plain sight.

Easter morning turn out better than they both thought it would. Whew! 

We attended church at our potential new ward. It turned out well. Both the boys liked their classes and and said they were looking forward to the new ward. Everyone was friendly. 

When church was out at 2 we drove the scenic route to Randall and Noelle's and it was beautiful! Vineyards, orchards, and rolling hills everywhere. Some of the tallest trees I've seen and lush greenery too. I just can't get over the beauty. We ate dinner at a restaurant near the temple that might become a regular spot for us. It was delish! 

We walked around the temple with Randall and Noelle after we ate and just soaked up the beauty.

The boys ran and played. They have too much energy. 

We went back to their house for dessert and just hung out. After awhile Skylar, Amanda, and their little one, Madelyn came over. It was fun to be with family. I'm really looking forward to living closer to family. This will be nice.