2014: page two hundred thirty-two

Ah, back to normal life. The past few days were so much fun! I will admit, though, that I was so ready for a day to just stay home. If only Ryan had the day off, too...

And really, I didn't do a whole lot today. I'm worn out. Pretty sad to be that worn out after 4 fun staycation days. Oh well. Ryan fixed dinner and then he and B went over to Jeremy and Crystal's new house to help out and see the remodelling progress.

The highlight of my day was talking to my sweet friend, Lys, on the phone. It's been way too long since we've had a chance to chat. So happy to spend over an hour talking with her!

Oh, and here is the finished (at least for now) entryway wall!

2014: page two hunded thirty-one

STAYCATION DAY 4

For our last day of staycation, we stayed really close to home heading to the golf course for a little golfing. If you can't tell from the pictures, B was pretty excited to go golfing. She has been asking almost everyday for a while, mostly for a ride in the golf cart. :)

Then while B napped, I went to the store and the coffee shop for a final (at least for a little while till I get a better hold on my health) delicious "Marilyn Monroe" blended coffee. :)

Worship practice rounded out our day. Since Karlie headed back to college, Petra watched B at the house. While they were playing outside, they jumped on the trampoline and got a little wet. So, when we got home Petra already had B in her jammies. What a wonderful babysitter!

2014: page two hundred thirty

STAYCATION DAY 3

A trip up to Flaming Gorge and a stop off at Little Brush Creek Cave, which is Utah's longest cave, were on today's docket. We ate lunch at the Flaming Gorge Resort Restaurant, then journeyed on down across the dam for B to see. Once across the dam, we stopped at the view point where we could see the dam, the reservoir and the Green River far down below.

Driving back towards Vernal, we ventured off the main road to find the entrance to Little Brush Creek Cave, which we did find. However, I wasn't really prepared for the hike down to the entrance in my flip flops. It's pretty steep and I'm not sure how I would have done climbing down even wearing hiking boots. Ha ha! Maybe someday we will go back more prepared to venture down in there and probably without B.

Once back in Vernal, we found the new Christian bookstore and wandered around a bit. Then Ryan hit Sportsman's Warehouse while B and I went to Joann's.

This evening, I received a message back with the results from my blood work that was taken a couple of weeks ago. Hypothyroid. Wasn't really what I wanted to hear. :( Guess I shouldn't really be surprised since it tends to run in my family, but still. Ugh. Although, it is good to have an answer as to why I've been feeling the way I have both physically and mentally.

Finished the day off with leftover pizza at home for dinner.

2014: page two hundred twenty-nine

STAYCATION DAY 2

A trip to Dry Fork Canyon was on the docket for day 2 of our staycation. But, first, a stop in Vernal to get the oil changed and grab some grub. While Ryan took the truck for the oil change, B and I wandered around Wal-mart and grabbed some snacks. I also scored on finding some clearance summer dresses for B for next year! Love me a bargain. :)

Dry Fork Canyon was really pretty and I've never been up there before, so it made for a pretty drive and some fun hiking around. At the bottom of the canyon on the cliff face (as you see in the pic below), an American flag with the words "Pearl Harbor," "Remember the Maine" and a few other things have been painted about 100 feet up. I am still trying to find the significance of why it's painted there, but it's pretty cool. I did find an old picture online of men painting it, but not much other information.

As well, there's the McConkie Ranch up there with a trail that has a bunch of petroglyphs, but unfortunately, B was sleeping when we passed by there. That just means we will have to go back sometime.

She insisted on wearing boots today. Nothing else would do, so boots it was. :) At least they make for good mountain shoes. 

It is so hard to hear her in the video, but she is introducing herself to the little tree. Saying something along the lines of, "My name is Briella. Can you say, B-B-Briella?" Too funny! I so wish that the audio was better.

 Yep, going potty in the woods. :)

 

Pretending she's a dog crawling around.

Once we had made our way back down from Dry Fork it was dinnertime. We ordered pizza online, picked it up and headed to the park for food and playtime. Playing on the playground was especially fun because we had it all to ourselves!

 

Going down the slide all by herself for the first time! Up until now she has been a little afraid of slides. Ryan took the video in slow motion until the end.

 

Oh, and we had to change her clothes after the mountains because they were no longer wearable. Thankfully, I had purchased those clearance dresses. Ha ha! After putting one on her, I realized they probably won't fit her next summer after all, because this one already hits her at the knee. :/ 

2014: page two hundred twenty-eight

STAYCATION DAY 1

We actually started our first day of staycation out by helping a lady from church move. I know it doesn't sound very vacation-y, but it was important. Originally, just Ryan was going to go help. Then I thought that B and I could catch a ride over with him and shop at JoAnn's, Petco, Sportsman's Warehouse, etc until they had finished packing her house in Vernal.

After further thought and discussion with Ryan, we decided that B and I would help with the move. While we wouldn't be of much help (her because she is 2 and me because I'll be chasing her around. Ha.), some valuable lessons could be taught to B.  Lessons such as the importance of helping others, giving of your time to others, doing it all with a cheerful hear, etc. B already loves to help and was ready to jump right in once we got there. She carried a few things out and "helped" me carry other things out. Although, her favorite part was pushing the button to open the automatic doors. :)

We finished helping with the move around 3:00 and then we hopped in the Jeep to head over to Fruitland and the base of Tabby Mountain. Part of Ryan's Dedicated Hunter program requires that he help cut down small trees that start growing in order to encourage the growth of plants that the animals eat. The three of us had a little picnic, walked around together for a while and then he took off to find small trees to cut down. B and I hung out around the Jeep, played in the dirt, drew pictures, and more.

2014: page two hundred twenty-seven

Started another home project today by pulling the cabinet doors off the hall bath vanity. Let the painting begin! In reality, I would like a new vanity, but at this point we don't want to invest any money in that. So, painting it is. If we are still in this house a few years down the road, then will invest in a new vanity.

And this evening our Staycation begins!!! Yeah! We were going to head to Capitol Reef for a few days, but due to a series of events decided to stay home and vacation here. Ryan has a plan and is in charge! Should be a fun few days! We started off with dinner at China Star. :)

2014: page two hundred twenty-six

Well, today was pretty unexciting since I had a pretty bad headache for a good part of it. Once B went down for a nap and I rested also, it finally mostly went away. A bonus was that Ryan came home from work a little early to help out since my head hurt. :)

In the evening, we headed over to Jeremy and Crystal's new house to check out the renovation progress. It's coming along nicely.

I got mine and B's artwork hung up on her wall. :)

2014: page two hundred twenty-five

This morning, B and I were outside and I went inside for a quick minute while she blew bubbles on the front porch. When I came back out, she had yelled across the street at the kids and told them to "come play in my yard!" Ha ha ha! So, there they were. :) Then their mom, Casey, came over and we chatted for a bit. I really need to get to know my neighbors better.

For some reason today I was feeling the need to just get away from the house for a bit. So, off to the park we went, first with a stop at Arby's to grab some grub to take with us.

Picnic!

Learning to climb up the slide!

2014: page two hundred twenty-four

This morning, Jayla and Jenna came over for a few hours to play with B and to give Crystal a break. She's been having back issues with this pregnancy and the past few nights it's been especially bad resulting in not much sleep last night. Being pregnant itself is not easy, let alone add in a couple kids and back problems. Hopefully, this little break was good for her. :)

In the evening, we headed to worship practice (definitely one of my favorite times of the week), which has officially been moved to Tuesdays. Praising Jesus with others through music is such a joy to me!

2014: page two hundred twenty-three

Another Monday, although, it will be the last Monday that Petra can watch B since we will be gone next Monday and then school is starting for Petra. I've really enjoyed these Monday times for myself and am thankful for them!

Ryan and I met up at the golf course clubhouse for a lunch date. Then in the evening we headed over to his parents, so he could help his dad with a water leak that was found under their house. B and I hung out with Crystal and the girls, while the men worked.

2014: page two hundred twenty-two

There's no easy way to talk about today. It was rough. Finding out that my uncle died during the night last night was a difficult thing to hear this morning. Even though I hadn't seen him in many years, I was saddened to hear of his passing at such a young age (56). He had lived a rough life, battling addictions and living on the streets at times.

My mom only learned a few days ago that he was dying of liver failure, when she found out that he was in the same care center as my Grandma Tall. He had been in there for about a month and we're not sure why they didn't notify anyone until this week. Thankfully, both my mom and aunt were able to go see him a couple of times after hearing of his condition. Unfortunately, he was sleeping really most of the time. Oh, how she wishes she had known earlier and could have visited with him when he was awake more. All in all, such a sad ending for my uncle.

Needless to say, I cried through most of church. I ended up napping for a while after church and missed the first part of Jayla's birthday party at Bottle Hollow, but drove out there for the end of the party. Looks like all the kids had fun swimming and running around.

Watching kids having fun is somehow therapeutic. So, I'm thankful for that and some fresh air to end the day.

Jenna and B chillin' on a rock at Bottle Hollow.

2014: page two hundred twenty-one

Headed to the SLC today to celebrate Dadda's birthday!

All of us were there (except Stacey who wasn't feeling well and needed rest), including all the Huffmans. Ryan grilled, we all ate, kids played and had fun, all was good. Ha ha!

All the cousins!

2014: page two hundred twenty

Painting today- a fun activity that will become wall décor. :)

 

I had four blank canvases, two big and two small, so I painted two and she painted two and then I'm going to hang them on her wall! She had a blast painting (and to be honest, so did I) and now I'll finally have something to hang on her wall! Yay!

 

Since it's Friday and we wanted to celebrate Ryan's finishing employee reviews AND getting his (outstanding) review from his boss this afternoon, dinner was at Marions tonight. Oh so yummy!

 

Happy, happy Friday!

2014: page two hundred nineteen

Another work-from-home day for Ryan so he can finish up the dreaded task of employee reviews. Poor guy. They are due tomorrow, so no more procrastinating. :) I am thankful, though, that he takes them seriously because he knows they go on an employee's permanent record and he doesn't want to use words that could be damaging in that regard. I love who my husband is!

With Ryan working from home, B and I left him to some peace and quiet by going to the park with Crystal and her girls. Eating lunch and playing at the park made for a wonderful late morning/early afternoon for us.

A stop at the coffee shop completed the before naptime part of our day. I got a blended coffee and got Ryan an all natural peach smoothie, which was mighty delicious. I thought he might need a treat for all his hard work so far today and to give him an afternoon pick-up. He enjoyed it. :)

After he finished (yippee!) the reviews and work for the day, he headed over to help Two Sticks with his roof, since he fell off his roof yesterday and broke his arm in half (can you say, ouch!!!). With lightening in the area, that didn't last too long and we finished our day off by watching the first Broncos pre-season game. Yeah for a new football season!!!

2014: page two hundred eighteen

Crafting.

Wreath on the front door! The burlap wreath is
something I made a while ago, but finally
added the flowers!

Laundry.

More crafting.

New wreath for entryway wall!

 

Not the greatest picture, but here is the
wreath on the entryway wall in it's
beginning stages. So much fun!

More laundry.

Oh, and a new vacuum! The things I get excited about as an adult. Ha ha ha!

2014: page two hundred seventeen

So, I pretty much spent most of the day doing crafts. :) Oh, and laundry... Ha ha. Pictures to come soon (of the crafting, not the laundry).

One of my favorite mom moments came today. B and I were playing and she looked at me and said, "I have a secret." I said with a smile, "What is it?" She leaned in and whispered, "I love you, momma!" MELT MY HEART! So, of course, I told her that I had a secret and leaned over to her and said, "I love you, too!" I will cherish that moment forever!

Then off to worship practice in the evening. Melanie and Alex came and contributed their skills to the team! Pretty cool!

Love seeing my hubby in action! :)

I just really like the lyrics to this song.

2014: page two hundred sixteen

Ryan started the day off by working at home, trying to get employee evaluations done. Soon, though, he decided to head to the golf course club house to continue working, since both home and work were full of too many distractions. :) Turns out that task is his least favorite of everything he has to do.

Since it's Monday and Petra came to watch B, I ran a few errands and then joined Ryan at the clubhouse to do some reading and Bible Study while he worked. We enjoyed lunch there together and then both headed for home.

After taking Petra home, Ryan got back to work on evaluations and I got B down for her nap, then took a little nap myself. :)

This evening was the first craft night with April! Yippee! While we didn't actually get any crafting done, we did make a trip over to Vernal to get supplies from Joann's. Now the crafting can begin!

2014: page two hundred fifteen

Another typical Sunday with church and eating lunch at Pelican with some of Ryan's family. While we were waiting for the others to arrive at the restaurant, Ryan and I (B had gone with her auntie, so it was just the two of us) discussed a big decision that we have coming up (more on that to come). We topped of the day with a walk around the neighborhood in the evening.

Some exciting news, Melanie and her son Alex came to church today! Praying that God is working in their hearts and drawing them to Himself! They were a little freaked out by some of the things that we do at church that are very different than anything they are used to, but I don't think any of it scared them away. :)

2014: page two hundred fourteen

A change of plans (late last night) for today. We were going to go out to Salt Lake today to celebrate my dadda's birthday, but considering how much Ryan has been out of town in the last couple of weeks he's pretty worn out. And, truthfully, I'm feeling a little tired myself.

Instead, we just hung around town, dropping some stuff off at his mom's yard sale, eating at McDonalds, and then heading to UBIC for the Keith Anderson concert (with openers: Kindle Creek and The Farm), which, of course, includes more fair food. At least it's only once a year. :)

The Farm performing

Poor B took a bad spill on grandma and grandpa's porch and banged up her chin pretty good. :( Of course, she needed a Band-Aid. Ha. And, of course, the Band-Aid didn't last long. I'm sure it feels funny wearing one on your chin. Thankfully, playing with cousins helped her forget about it. Oh, and the trip to McDonalds.

2014: page two hundred thirteen

When you are a big girl and go get blood drawn.

Then you go get this!

:) Yum!

Anyway, April watched B this time and I ended up hanging out over at her house for a little while when I went to pick B up. It's been way too long since we've spent any time together, so it was great to hang out for a bit. And we planned a bi-monthly craft night that will hopefully start next week. :)

Ryan made it home shortly after B and I did. Then it was a rush to get the house cleaned for some dinner guests. One of the ladies Ryan worked with at the hospital along with her husband and son came over. Using our home to host people was great and something I've wanted to do ever since moving in and just haven't really done. Thankful that they were able to come over and, more importantly, talk about Jesus stuff. Praying that God is working in their hearts!

2014: page two hundred twelve

B went over to Crystal's today, while I had my annual doctor visit. Yippee... Anyway, it's over and done with for the year and he's sending me for some blood tests tomorrow to see why I've been feeling so "crazy" lately. Ha ha ha. But, other than that, everything's good.

After grabbing at treat for myself as I do every year after that appointment, I headed over to Crystal's for a bit. Late afternoon, we came home so B could nap. Then off to UBIC to watch Ahlyvia, Aryka and Ambrie dance. Fun times! Oh, and yummy fair food. :)

2014: page two hundred eleven

Ryan left for Colorado for a few days and I'm still feeling funky.

So, instead of wallowing in that, I'm going to list some things I am thankful for:

• our now unobstructed picture window
• a house, that although most the time messy, is a place to call home and share with my family
• God's grace, mercy, and love
• a beautiful, sweet, funny, full-of-life daughter
• a loving, hard-working, fun, God-seeking hubby
• food to eat
• clothes to wear
• amazing, giving, loving parents
• perspective when I need it
• sleep

2014: page two hundred ten

Laaaaaazzzzzzyyyyyy Day :)

I couldn't get out of bed this morning, because I felt so tired. So, I slept in until B woke up sometime after 8:00. Sorry Ryan for not making you a green smoothie this morning.

Needless to say, I didn't do much at all today other than finish painting the windowsill. And then we headed to worship practice in the evening.

Thankful for a super duper hubby who loves me even on days like this. :)