Tuesday, February 25, 2014

It's been a big February

Well, starting with 3 birthdays and Valentines, February is big for us. But this one was bigger. We found a house! It is just as amazing of a story (to me at least) as our selling of our town home. I have been stressed sick about where we should live. We had zeroed in on a certain area and the prices starting increasing drastically. Like 30,000 dollars drastic. We still couldn't offer on a home because our lease isn't up till April and homes here sell in just a few days and then close a month later. 

Well, one day I was looking at houses and I thought of looking in a different area. Which I didn't really want to do.  Everyone has given us different opinions on where to live and I thought we were putting some of those opinions to good use. But honestly, I had listened to the conference talk by Elder Ellis about where to live and I truly wanted to know where The Lord wanted us to live. (Elder Ellis lived in North Houston and he and his family was very close with mine when I lived here.) 

Anyway, we went to look at a few houses, two in the area we had decided on and one in the different area I hadn't looked at very much. Well, we walked into the house in the "other" area and saw a picture of the temple! They were members! I thought,"Don't let this influence you, it's too big of a decision." I loved the house WAY more than the others and then we found out there were 4 other LDS families on that street from a member who walked by while we were looking. Wow. 

I thought,"This is worth looking into." But we couldn't even offer on the house yet. We decided we would have our realtor just check on their time frame. Our realtor called us back and said that the family was building a house and it just got pushed back to the end of April. What?! I toured the school. Loved it. After feeling like this is what we wanted and that we felt good about, we made an offer. They countered a little and we countered again a little and it was agreed upon. There have definitely been things we've had to negotiate on, and then again after the inspection. But I feel very grateful. They have been very sweet. The owner even got my email and told me how excited they were that we were buying their home. 

We have often asked again, doubted if this was right, and worried we were choosing away from the original location we wanted. It's such a big decision and no one else can know what went into the decision. But a lot went into this one and I'm very excited to have chosen a home and that we feel good about it. 

Katelyn's 1st Birthday

I can and can't believe Katelyn is 1. The timing makes sense but I just still think of her as my little baby. The little is still true. At her 1 year appt she was 
-16 lbs (4%)
- 27 inches (5%)
- head (85%) comes with those chubby cheeks I love


Katelyn is definitely growing up. She has started to climb stairs, chairs, and into the dishwasher. I'm constantly saving her from a tragic accident. She wants to keep up with her brothers and jump on everything with them. Still has 6 teeth and I'm starting to ween. She likes milk but not toddler cups. She wants to drink it out of a real cup. She loves to bend over and look through her legs. Hilarious. Still a little afraid of Liam but starting to laugh at him more. Her brothers make her laugh harder than anyone. She loves the vacuum. Starting to not like the restriction of a stroller (no!!!) Starting to sleep through the night (knock on wood.)

My mom was here when we celebrated her birthday. We loved having my mom here. Such a great example and uplifting in the faith. Katelyn is definitely a mommas girl but she was great with my mom when I wasn't around. 

I made her cake out of lemon and puffy white frosting. Apparently, it was the right choice for miss Kate. (My right hand is literally blocking Liam from blowing out the candle while we sang. We let him blow it out after.)



Grandma Jana and Katelyn. My mom bought those hats. So fun. Troy liked them more than anyone. Haha. 


I saw the cake in Betty Crocker. My first attempt at actually shaping a cake. Very simple, and more fun than I thought. 

Love you Katelyn girl. We can't get enough. Every time you wake up, everyone gets excited. Looking forward to many, many more birthdays!!!







Monday, February 17, 2014

Liam turned 3!!

Pancakes to start off the birthday right!


We just played in the morning at home and then went and got Grandma Jana from the airport!


She brought lots of little toys. The bubbles were a big hit. 


We went and picked up daddy from work and got pizza and donuts. Favorite of Liam's. 


Liam is very difficult to take pictures of. He never wants to sit still. Troy is trying to hold him down haha. Yummy donuts!!

Then we opened presents and he loves his toys and new clothes. Happy boy! Doesn't want to stop to take a picture. Just wants to PLAY. 


He thinks feeding Katelyn is SO fun. 


Liam talks up a storm. 

He is potty training still, He has #1 down but not #2. But he will get it eventually. 

Liam loves to sing. Mainly Book of Mormon stories. Sometimes he grunts it. 

After watching home videos in slow motion, he started to walk around in slow motion. 

Troy couldn't find the remote and Liam found it. Troy said, "Liam! You're a super hero!" Now Liam says, "I'm big n strong!" In a low voice. 

He will eat anything I make. And ask for seconds and thirds. Love it. 

He has a nightly run in our apt. He runs back and forth until it's time for bed. He climbs things that 4 and 5 year olds have a hard time with at the park. People always look at us like, "should he be doing that?" Likes to follow Troy and keep up. 

Super happy boy and we can't get enough of his sweetness. Love our Liam!





Sunday, February 9, 2014

Ben's Birthday

February is a special month for our family. 3 birthdays! Ben had an extra special birthday this year, because he is 30! and lookin good ;)


We celebrated Saturday, Sunday (his birthday), and Monday in different ways. Mainly because Sunday was a bit busy. Saturday we went to Studio Movie Grill, a theater where you eat dinner while watching the movie. Huge fan!!! Young parents, it's the best idea. Thanks to the Bowens for watching our kids!

Sunday was a morning celebration mostly. Yummy breakfast and presents!

Liam and Troy were super excited to give him candy (no ulterior motives..) and a singing card!


Liam never actually gave it to him. Haha. It was too funny to stop opening over and over..

Monday night, we made his favorite dinner (pizza rolls) and a banana bread dessert. Bens not a fan of cake, so this was a yummy substitute. 


Happy birthday my wonderful husband!!