Mother's Day

Mother's Day is often a difficult day for me, for many reasons. I don't hate Mother's day, as I've heard some mother's (or those who wish to be mother's) do. It's just a difficult day with so many mixed emotions. This year, with everything going on I knew that this one would likely be my toughest one. But thanks to my wonderful husband who was sensitive to my needs, it wasn't as difficult as I expected. What would I do without him by my side, I hope I never have to find out.

One reason why Mother's Day is usually a challenging day is that it is one of the busiest day's of the year (outside of the Christmas season). This year was no exception. My new store was one of the tops stores (very likely the very top). With a big Mother's Day signing event, featuring 11 artists there was a lot to do to prepare. A lot of work paid off however, and it was a success. Work however usually leave me physically and mentally drained by the end of the week.

The past two weeks have been emotionally trying at work for other reasons outside of being busy, but even more so on a personal level. I don't blog very often, and don't know who even reads my blog, but the reason why this year was going to be more difficult is because the past two weeks have been difficult. Two weeks ago, my mother had a stroke. My mother, whom I love dearly, is still in the hospital. The stroke affected her right side, but has also affected her vision. Things that were once easy things that everyone of us take for granted now are something to re-learn and overcome. Her life will never be the same. To see and know how much your mother's life has changed and to see her struggle is heartbreaking. But to see the progress she has been able to make in such a short time, shows how much dedication she has to overcome.

Mothers day, as many other days, is a day where I reflect on my wishes to also one day be a mother myself. As one who has always loved children, it sometimes makes my heart ache. I however rely in faith that there will be a time where the Lord decides to bless us, and that only he knows that time.

Thank-you to my wonderful husband, for making this difficult day today so much easier. For the wonderful roses you brought to my work yesterday and for the delicious coconut french toast in bed. Your companionship each day brings me so much joy and love. We truly were meant for each other.

Thank-you also to my mother, grandmother, aunts and other amazing women who bless my life. I come from an amazing family, and while things aren't always easy, I do love my family and am grateful for who I have become because of their examples.

Our Home!!

What an amazing few months it's been. We've moved from St. George, lived in temporary housing for 3+ months, and just days before Christmas received the news that the offer on our favorite house had been accepted. The road to buying a house has been a long one, as we looked at many in St. George over the years and were in the process of working with a builder to have one built when my work made the offer to relocate back to Salt Lake and open a new store in South Jordan. After seeing the location of the store, and driving through the nearby community of Daybreak (where the new Oquirrh Mountain temple is located) we decided that we could see ourselves moving to Salt Lake.

We looked at hundreds and hundreds online, saw at least 75 in person, put in offers on 7 (some short sales, some bank owned, some regular). Each had things we loved, but the house we loved most is the one we were lucky enough to get.

We did look outside of Daybreak, and the first house we put an offer on was actually in Lehi, but something about Daybreak always felt like home. For those of you who have never heard of Daybreak it's a new community in South Jordan, UT that's based off of homes in the Avenue's (almost all of the houses have nice porches). There is a huge lake, many community centers and parks, and a large lake. All of the homes are also built energy efficient, and fiber optic internet is included.

The house is about 2100 sq feet. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths. 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom and a loft are upstairs. The master bedroom, 1 1/2 bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, dining room, living room, and office are downstairs. It is fully upgraded and everything we needed and wished for in a house. The house was a "short sale" which allowed us to get a great deal on it. It was built in 2007, and had been on the market for about a 460 days. (Nothing about a short sale is short). The house is about 1/4 mile from the lake, and also from the temple. It's wonderful to drive home from work each day and get a gorgeous view of the temple as I turn down the street.

Here are a few pictures...

The front of our house, as it looked when we first saw it.


The first thing about the house I fell in love with. Solid surface counters with an inset sink and an AWESOME faucet.


Beautiful cabinets with crown molding, and tons of them!! The kitchen is amazing.


The shower in the master bathroom not only has great water pressure, but nice water jets to massage your back. The master also has a nice large deep soaking tub.


I hoped for a fireplace, but didn't think I would get one. I can't wait to decorate next Christmas!!

The Master Bedroom has nice built in's, we have yet to put much in them, but I'm sure we soon will...


The nice loft area upstairs. It now houses our old big screen and we call it the Wii room.


I really wanted a half bath near the front of the house for guests to use... and I got it!


A house that is smart wired, a geek's dream. This picture is in the "yellow" room upstairs, bet you can't guess why. Paint is in the future for that room, but the white walls in the rest of the house need paint first we just need to decide on colors.


We've lived here for a few weeks and are slowly getting moved in. We plan on being here for a long time, so we're taking it slow. However, we can't wait to show off our beautiful house and are planning an open house. The open house will be on Saturday February 27th from 4-8. We're working on invitations, but not sure when we will get them done or mailed out, so this blog is serving as an invitation to those who read it.

Post a comment with your e-mail address and we'll send you a map.
We hope to see you!!

Mama Said...

When I was a child, my mother had us memorize several poems, one came to my mind today as I was leaving work. As can be expected when trying to open a store during the busiest time of year, it's a bit hectic at work and a lot more to juggle than normal. With trying to buy a house and living in place temporarily with most of our stuff in storage, my brain seems to be on overdrive.

Today was a good day at work, not anything especially hectic, however I couldn't seem to remember to grab my jacket when leaving to go home from the day. Every time I would get to the door and step outside to a beautiful, but cool fall day I would head back in and end up grabbing something else, only to get outside and be reminded that I forgot the thing I intended to get. I think it took about five times before I finally remembered, and laughing as I left I couldn't help but recall this poem from my childhood.

Mama said I'd lose my head
If it wasn't fastened on.
Today I guess it wasn't
'Cause while playing with my cousin
It fell off and rolled away
And now it's gone.
And I can't look for it,
'cause my eyes are in it
And I can't call to it
'Cause my mouth is on it
(Couldn't hear me anyway
'Cause my ears are on it),
Can't even think about it
'Cause my brain is in it.
So I guess I'll sit down
On this rock
And rest for just a minute....

~Shel Silverstein



As I was typing this it also reminded me of another poem. (One of her favorites I think.) It's not that I needed my jacket to drive home, but I need it in the morning. It's a bit chilly and it takes a bit for the car to warm up. I'm enjoying the fall weather while it lasts and am not looking forward to snow all that much, but I guess I'll weather that weather when it comes.

Whether the weather be fine
Or whether the weather be not
Whether the weather be cold
Or whether the weather be hot
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather
Whether we like it or not.

Who would have thought poems I memorized as a child would stick with me for so long and pop up at the strangest times to make me smile.