Twas the day AFTER Christmas..

Ray ended up having Monday the 26th off of work too! We said our goodbyes to my in-laws, and just lounged around the house all day. Ray is having way too much fun playing his xBox I forced him to get off so we could take Dax sledding for the first "real" time.
Seriously, how cute is this kid?..





He wasn't a big fan of going down where the snow would fly into his face. But he LOVED watching Dad go down with Molly.

Christmas

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone. It was such a great weekend. We were so excited to be able to have Ken and Julie come and spend Christmas weekend with us.
The in-laws got here about 3:30 on Christmas Eve, just in time to go to dinner at the Carlsons' where we feasted upon Prime Rib and Crab Legs (minus Carolyn & I) and lots and lots of other yummy stuff. We exchanged gifts between families then ventured home so Santa could come. Dax got to open one present on Christmas Eve, which is always PJ's! I love getting Christmas PJ's. Even when I was young, I loved getting to open a present and knowing it was PJ's.
Poor Dax; I bought his PJ's in October this year when 2T actually was a little baggy on him. They now are almost outgrown and we have bumped up to 3T. So, his Christmas JamJams are a little tight and snug. Oh well, good thing they are just PJ's.


A super special Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa Phillips all to himself. He was in heaven!
I haven't been able to sleep much lately, so I wake up about 5:30 or 6:00. Of course I woke up that early on Christmas. Maybe I was just so excited for Christmas. I haven't changed much. So, I woke up Dax myself.. I knew I was in trouble, but I couldn't resist.
Santa brought Dax a Cars Bike and a Helmint (as Dax says)which he asked for and was soo excited for it. I think it will be even better once he can petal himself.
He was pretty spoiled. In his stocking he received: An iPod Touch, pillow pet, some tractors, helicopter. He also got from his grandparents, a apron and a train pull along puzzle, an easel with markers, crayons, and paint, and a leapfrog storybook pad. He received from his Mom and Dad a Little Wheelies car port thing, a couple transformers, a Tag Jr reading story book, a few Tag Jr books, The Lion King DVD, and Winnie the Pooh DVD, Elefun Game, A pair of K-Swiss shoes, and a couple outfits. He was one spoiled little boy. It seems to me that we need to get crackin on a sib so that the budget can get spread around a bit. ;D
As for Ray, he received a xBox 360 with a Mortal Kombat game from Dax and I, some K-Swiss shoes (matching Dax's) and some clothes from his parents he got an apron and from my mom he got a xbox 360 controller and a basketball game. I received a new camera and case from Ray and Dax, and a Shark steam-mop, and a couple books. From my mom I got canning stuff, and from the Phillips' I got a apron.
We are especially grateful for the people we got to spend this Christmas with, and our health. I cannot wait for this next week and to ring in the New Year. I can't wait to see the adventures that 2012 have in store for us.

November 24th

This is my last post, for Thankfulness. I am thankful for Holidays and the way they help change your train of thought. I am thankful my husband's job and the fact that he gets off work to spend time with his family for this joyous holiday.

Reading over my posts for the last month, I realize I have so much to be thankful for. We are all healthy, we have a roof over our heads, and we are happy. What more could we ask for. This is the time of year where greed can play a big role in peoples lives. If just once everyone could take a step back from their "wants" and focus on what is really important, they would discover that they have much more than they could ever need.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!!

November 23rd

I keep getting behind, which I think makes it harder on my part.. I am so thankful for running water. We never realize how much we rely on little things like running water and lights until they are taken away from us. While fixing our bathroom we had to turn the water off multiple times for sometimes hours upon end. I would forget that the water was off and go to use the sink to rinse a dish or wash my hands and the water would be off. I can't imagine what it was like way back when they had to go to a river or lake and fetch a pail of water. We have so many conveniences at our fingertips, it's so wonderful!

November 22nd

I am thankful for the priesthood, and the blessings it brings to our family. I am thankful that I have a worthy priesthood holder in our home at all times. It's so comforting to know that in a few short words we will hear a blessing from Heavenly Father for comfort or for healing or whatever we may need. I am so glad that my Husband chooses to be worthy to be able to be of this type of service for our family.

November 21st

I am thankful for the little things in life, such as a kiss or a sweet hug for my little boy. They are becoming more rare, which makes me sad but when he gives them to me my whole face lights up. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

November 20th

I am thankful for the medications that are helping my Mother-in-law fight her battle with cancer. I wish it was easier on her, watching her suffer through these last couple of years have been tough. But because of these medications we have been able to see her for two more years and pray that many more follow. Julie, you are an inspiration. You are such a strong woman. I hope that I have your strength when I need it! We love you Julie Phillips!!

November 19th

I am thankful for my parents. They both do so much for me and my family, they are the greatest! I am glad that in the premortal world I chose them. I wouldn't want them to be anybody else. I love you both Gary Poulsen & Lorie Matthews!

November 18th

Today it is white outside, and I love it. So, today I am extremely grateful that we have a vehicle with four-wheel drive. It assures me just a little bit more when I am on the ice packed roads.

November 17th

I am having a difficult time narrowing down my "Thanks". It could be that it is 1:30 in the morn... I am thankful for books. & for the people that write them. What amazing people to be able to sit down and think up things to say, and make sense (most of the time) through the whole thing. I tried writing a book once, I think I got 10ish pages before I started jumping all over the place, and having to end because something tragic happened to everyone in the beginning.. I was Twelve. I haven't tried since. This blog is the closest thing to a book for me, which will have to do.

November 16th

I am thankful for the Prophet of our Church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am thankful that we have such a great example to look up to. I am thankful that there is someone holy enough to be that close to the Lord. To help guide us in the right direction back to our Father in Heaven.

November 15th

Getting behind again...
For Thankfulness number 15 I am thankful for photography. I am thankful that such a tiny picture can explain a thousand words. That we don't have to just relive our memories with our minds but that we can relive them with visuals as well. Daxton is growing up way to fast for my liking and I am not quite as much a picture taker as I used to be, but the ones I do have I am so grateful for.

November 14th

Today I am thankful for my Eternal Marriage. I am soo glad that Ray and I get to meet each other on the other side when both of us pass. I am especially glad that we get to meet our son also. I couldn't imagine my life without Ray. I have to agree, the most strenuous years on a marriage (at least so far) have been the first 3. We just celebrated our Numbero Cinco on July 15th. Our worst fights were those first 3 years, honestly sometimes I thought we were going to be a statistic. Since we were married at 18 the odds were against us. I am so glad we didn't call it quits. I am not saying we don't argue. We definitely have our difference of opinions, but they haven't been quite as bad. In 8 months we will have to hold up 2 hands to show how long we have been married, and I am soo excited!! I love you Ray Sheldon Phillips!!

November 13th

For Sunday I am Thankful for my home. There are sometimes I sit and complain about my house. It's too small, there isn't enough room, it's old, nothing is level, ugh! I could go on, and on, and on, and on!! Then I think to myself, it may not be just how I want it quite yet, but it keeps a roof over our heads. It enables me to put a hot meal on the table every night. It is more than affordable, and we get to customize it to our liking. Thinking possitive isn't always easy when you are using the bathroom and looking at the green dry-wall and having to wash our hands in the kitchen because we have yet to put our sink in. But it's getting there and it will be totally worth it once it's finished. I am proud of our love nest, we bought this just after a year of marriage being 19. We have had good times and bad times in it. We brought home our First Born Son in it. I can't wait to see what the next few years in this home brings to us.

November 12th

On Saturday (& today) I am thankful for forgiveness. Forgiveness for the fact that I am now a couple days late on my Thankfulness Posts. Also,I am thankful for repentance (same difference right?) Without it I wouldn't be where and who I am today.

November 11th

on 11-11-11 I am thankful for the veterans. I am thankful for their sacrifice and ability to go over seas and give me this wonderful country that I live in. I also want to thank the families to those veterans. I couldn't imagine having to send my son to a foreign country and pray that I get to see him again. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!

November 10th

I missed yesterday due to a busy shopping day. But for the 10th day of November I am thankful for my husbands job. If you know me I complain a lot about his job. When he was in N. Dakota I complained that he worked too much and that we didn't get to see him, and now that we are back he is working 1/4 as much and we had to switch our mindset financially. We don't get to go as many places and take as many trips, but we get to see Daddy more. Which is what Dax and I need more than $$..

November 9th

Today I am thankful for simple things such as toothbrushes and toothpaste. Ray may have an abscessed tooth, from his cavity falling out. He brushes his teeth constantly and luckily all three of us have been blessed with fairly good teeth.

I can't imagine what it was like 200+ years ago when things weren't so "in reach" what pain and agony they had to go through. While for us it's a simple phone call and things can get better within days.

November 8th

On this glorious day in November, I am thankful for Disney Movies. Such as The Fox and the Hound, Peter Pan, and the Jungle Book. These are some of Daxton's favorite movies. Without them, I wouldn't get some of the things I accomplish accomplished. Thank You Walt for your creativity and desire to hold a toddlers attention for 45 minutes to an hour!

November 7th

Today I am thankful for my beautiful son. He is the reason I wake up everyday.. Literally. Without him, I wouldn't be who I am today. I am thankful that he doesn't judge me. & No matter how many times I put him in time out, he will love me the same.

November Thankfulness

I know we are now almost a week into November, but I feel like I need to do a "One a Day, the Thankful Way" (Yes, I just made that up, that is how awesome I am)

November 1st- I am thankful for Birthdays.
November 2nd- Modern Technology aka Internet & Cell Phones
November 3rd- Grocery Stores and their abundance of yumminess
November 4th- My beautiful Sister, she is one of my best friends
November 5th- My wonderful husband, he works so hard for us and hardly asks for anything in return
November 6th- Anti-depressants. Without them, there would be more people in the psych ward (meaning me) than on the streets. I haven't taken mine in about a week, and oh man yesterday I was CRAZY!!

A Letter to My Baby.

Dear Baby,
Today is the last day of August right before your 2nd Birthday. There are a few things I want to talk to you about.
Your Daddy and I wanted you before you were born, & even more the first time we held you. You were so cute. A little stubborn at first, and well, not a lot has changed. You loved your Mama then and I don't think the amount of love you have for me has decreased. You loved when we would cuddle all day long. I never wanted to put you down. We had a lot of rough nights but the glorious days made up for it.

Baby you are amazing. Every day you amaze me. I can't get over the fact that you are 24 months old and say some of the stuff you say. You crack your dad and me up all the time. You have a memory like I have never seen.

You have an amazing friend, her name is Micalyn. You love her! Everyday you ask me if you we can go to Mica's house. At Mica's house there is a little girl named Chrislyn.. You are not so much a fan. I feel bad for the poor girl. You will share anything and everything with Mica but when it comes down to Chrislyn your "only-child" syndrome kicks in.

I am so glad that I get to spend every waking moment with you. Somedays are better than others. I was hoping that you would miss the memo of "terrible-twos" but you sure didn't. You are sassy, bossy, cute, fiesty, kind, loving, bossy, chattery, whiny, oh and did I mention bossy? It's ok though baby, your sweetness makes up for it. The way you randomly give me kisses or hugs and the "I love you, Mama" melts my heart everytime.

Baby I hope this next year brings your joy! I am so excited to watch you go through this 2nd year of your life and be able to see you discover new things. I want you to be yourself. And remember one thing.. NO MATTER WHAT your Mommy & Daddy will love you forever and for always!

Love,
Your Mama

My New Job!

Yay! Every once in a while I think about doing some type of work from home of course. There isn't a whole lot to choose from. But every now and then the thought of being a Scentsy consultant goes through my head. Well today I applied and am going to receive my supplies in the mail in a couple of days. I have to say I am so excited! You can contact me directly via text or phone call or you can go online and order off of my website it is pwphillips.scentsy.us! I personally LOVE all of the Scentsy products.

No more complaining!

So since Ray and I have been married he has asked, and asked, and asked for a Bowflex. Well, today is the day. I broke down and ordered one. He does so much for us, & he sacrificed a anniversary gift for himself so that he could get me this..

We from the beginning and since we wed right out of High School couldn't afford much of a ring, agreed that when we could afford it would get me a bigger ring. I catch my self admiring the huge rock on my finger! Thank you babe!!
Anywhoo, back to Ray.. The last couple weeks I have been amazed at how skinny my husband is. It's almost sickening!! He is smaller than he was in High School. Well, when I commented on his "scrawniness" he mentioned a Bowflex for the Umpteen-millionth time. So hopefully soon (but not too soon) we receive this..
I sure hope he likes it. I also hope it works, not just for Ray but for me. I love you babe!!

Great Way to End June

So today is the last day of June. We have been waiting.. and waiting.. and waiting.. and waiting [Yes really that long..] for the State of North Dakota to approve Ray to test out for his Jouneyman Electrical Lisence.
Today when Dax and I went to the post office to grab the mail, I noticed inside that there was a letter for Ray from the State Electrical Board. I was a little nervous to tell you the truth. Ray would be devistate if he wasn't approved. Well, we arrive back home and I pick up the letter, debating whether of not to wait until he gets home to open it.. I am just as anxious as he is. Well, I can't wait for him to get home we still have HOURS! So I opened it!!

I instantly text messaged a picture of it! He is approved to test! YYYIIIPPPEEEEEEE!!! That means a little longer here in N. Dakota than we want but it will be worth it. He will have many many more job opportunities with this under his name. So the next couple of months we are going to cramming for the test!

Please keep us, especially Ray in our prayers because it's known that alot of the people that test don't pass it the first time. I am hoping that is NOT our case. I know he can do it! He deserves to get it the very first time. I love you babe and I am so so very proud of you!!! I know that Daxton is just as proud of you too!!

Turning Past into Present

The 4th of July happens to be one of my FAVORITE holidays! It has been since I can remember. I love everything about it. The noise, the smell, the company, the food, the crowds, the colors EVERYTHING!!! When I was little I remember we would wake up and go to the Lions Club Picnic down at Porter Park followed by a parade. We would always try to sit infront of Subway (which is now New York Burrito in Rexburg) Mainly because my mom was a stylist and that spot was right down from her work. After catching candy and making sure we recieved PLENTY of chocolate milk, we would head back to Porter Park to play games and have lunch. Soon after we would make our way down to Idaho Falls, to watch the 1 million dollar firework show! We would set up "camp" at Veterans Memorial Park and play frisbee and catch, and rollerblade, and bike around IF. Then at dusk, we would all sit out on blankets wrapped up in sweaters with my parents, and sisters, and most cousins, aunts, and uncles, and grandparents! I loved looking up into the sky cuddled up to the people I love listening to the song "I am proud to be an American" (I'm not sure really what the title is..) When everything was over we (my parentals) would pack everything up, and we would trek back to the 'Burg *I say trek because there were THOUSANDS of people trying to get outta there and sometimes it would take HOURS!! Atleast I think, because I usually was asleep before we even got out of the parking lot.
I was in LOVE with the idea, that I would carry on that tradition with my children when I got older. Thinking I would NEVER leave Idaho. But, here I sit. In North Dakota. With my loving husband and wonderful son. The 4th of July is in 6 days, and oh how I wish I could share the joy I had when I was little with my boys.
Since it takes a day to drive back to home, that is outta the question. The last couple of weeks I have been trying to figure out what in the world we are going to do. I want to have fun on the 4th, afterall isn't that what this holiday is about?! Celebrating?! I also want it as close to how I celebrated when I was a child. I got a paper today and found out that a little town called Sidney, MT has a pretty good celebration. It is about 45 minutes from Watford City. The have a breakfast served from 6am-12pm and a parade at 11am. Festivities at the park into the afternoon. With a lunch, and dinner and finished off with fireworks. I'm thinking we will probably be there well into the afternoon, then Dax will need a nap. So we will head home. Then when he wakes up we will head to Arnegard, ND to finish the off the night with dinner, and fireworks. I'm sure we will have just about as much fun as we would if we were in Idaho with the exception of not having family. I am so excited for this holiday and I cannot wait to have a fun filled day with my boys! I hope everyone has a fun and safe Independence Day and I will let you know how everything goes!!!

Post since N. Dakota

Let's start with me.. Hahaha
First of all I absolutely LOVE our 5th wheel. It is homey, and spacious, and small enough that it doesn't take ALL day to clean. I absolutely LOVE it!! I jokingly said to Ray that I hope we sell our house so that we can buy some land IN KEMMERER and park our trailer there (just as long as Dax doesn't become a big brother)
I also LOVE our RV lot. It is grassy which allows us to be able to go out and play. I DON'T love the lot rent. It is outrageous!!
I also DON'T love N.Dakota. Personally I think the people are rude. They never have anything working (car washes) and UGH!! I absolutely HATE it. I hate semi's they are all over the freakin place!! Especially here.
Ok, I am super glad that we are here. Even though Ray works 12 hour days and he's not home until 7:30 at night, I love being able to see him every day.

Now an update on Daxton..
We got rid of his bink almost a month ago. He has done sooo good. We also started potty training 5 days ago. He has done MARVELOUS!!! I am so proud of him. He does have problems with going #2 on the big toilet but it's a work in progress. He wears underwear all day except at nap and bed time. He is also saying sentences. Little stinker! My little baby is going to be 2 in just a few months. It's so hard to believe. He loves saying his prayers, and his misses his friend Mica back at home. His new little favorite is the movie "Cars" but it changes quite a bit. He has been super DUPER grumpy lately. I hope either A-He is teething or B-Terrible 2's are kicking in and they end SOONNN. He's being a turd and get's into trouble ALOT!! But at the end of the day I can't help but love on him.

Last but not least Ray..
He is amazing. He works so hard and puts up with a lot of crap (including me when he gets off work.) I am so thankful for him. We are hoping that in the next few months they can get him back to Wyoming. We miss being home. I am grateful for him.

Well, I just want to give a shout out to all of our family and friends that have helped us. Whether it is emotional support, helping with our large dogs, or sending things that I forgot to pack or unavailable to us. We love each and every ONE of you! We couldn't thank you enough for taking time out of your lives to help make things a little easier on us.

Who can fit through the Laundry Shoot?

Never thought that I would have ever had to ask myself that question before. It was Thursday morning and I was going to load our laundry in the car so we could go to the Laundromat. Before I put the clothes in the car, I went to go start it. Then can back to the door and discovered Dax locked in the trailer. He is only 21 months old. I started to panic. {And maybe said some swear words under my breath.} I couldn't call Ray out at work because my phone was locked into the trailer with Dax. After talking myself out of breaking down the door a light clicked on. [Ray's co-worker lives next door, and him and his wife have a 3 year old little girl. The only opening into the trailer that wasn't locked of some sort is the laundry shoot] So, I went over and knocked on the door. No one answered, so I started panicing a little bit more. Hoping and praying that something would work. I got told to try their trailer again, so I did. Little Ariah was sleeping but Vanessa woke her up finding out what had happened. She told her, "Ariah, you need to go and help your friend, he is locked in his trailer and he is all alone." I kinda giggled at how awful that sounded. Luckily a little 3 year old body fit through our laundry shoot. She got in!! Woohoo!! But, it took her a little while to come and open the door. I think that she got distracted and her and Dax played "parent-free" for a couple of minutes. But once she opened the door, Dax was sooo glad to see me. Poor guy had tears running down both cheeks. Needless to say, he doesn't let me leave him in the trailer anymore, and who can blame him?!
On another note, everything is going good. We miss our family and friends like crazy. But, we are together as a family and that is all that counts. The weather is very interesting, somedays its really humid and hot and others it's windy and freezing. We have gone to the parks here and found our favorite one right on main street. We also can't wait for it to get a little bit warmer so that we can go to the little water park they have here.

Goodbye dear Friend!

Best Friends at first suck...

So yesterday I went with a friend to a WIC appointment, and when we got into the WIC Dr room she asked me how old Dax was and I said 20 months, and she mentioned "the bink" I know, I know. He is getting big but it is his BEST FRIEND. Well, ever since I was slightly "harrassed" about his bink I decided to try to get rid of it, cold turkey. We have tried in the past but I would get sick of the whininess and such that I stuck it right back into his mouth. But, not today. I cut the tip off of the one he had last night (we have done this in the past but he just kept on sucking) and I let him have it. He kept telling me it was broke. I felt HORRIBLE!! All my baby wants was his bink. But I stayed strong. He ended up getting frustrated at the "broke bink" that he threw it. I'm not quite sure where it went, so I told him it was lost. To tell you the truth, I didn't really look too hard for it.
After many tears shed, I decided it was time for a nap. It hasn't been this hard to ever put Dax to sleep EVER!! He has done good since he woke up from his nap, he only has asked for it when we were in the car. I have faith in my little buddy that he can do this. Hopefully tonight isn't too bad. I want to show his Daddy just how big he is getting next week!!

Thankfulness

Today, I feel like I need to post about everything my family has been given.
First of all, I am Thankful to my wonderful, strong, and hardworking husband. He liderally is my knight in shining armour. He lives HOURS away from us, doesn't see us too ofter and still has strength to wake up in the morning and go to work to provide for us. He has also helped me live my dream as a stay at home Mommy.
I am also Thankful for my beautiful baby boy. Even on bad days he can melt my heart by a random kiss or hug. I am Thankful that he loves for me to cuddle and sing and rock him to sleep. I can and will do that until he begs me to stop. Next on my list is our home. Besides the fact that it is torn apart and has been for 8 months now. It is our home, it is where I brought Dax to when we came home from the hospital. Daxton and myself is happiest at home. I am also Thankful for the Gospel. I am Thankful for the teachings and the knowledge that I have of it. I am Thankful for the plan of salvation and that my little family can be together forever. I am Thankful for a living Prophet of the Lord. That Pres. Monson is here to help guide us to a rich and wealthy life and after life (& I'm not meaning monies) I am Thankful for our Parents. My mom is AMAZING and is there for my family and I whenever we need her. My in-laws are such strong people also. My MIL has been battling with cancer since Dax was born. My Dad is grand too!! He knows how to keep Daxton entertained and wrapped around his finger. I am Thankful for my Best Friends! One of which is my sister. We used to HATE eachother and suprisingly enough I couldn't see my life without her as close as she is to me!!
I am Thankful for warm weather. It always cheers up my mood.
I hope that this post has inspired you to take a moment to think about the things that you are greatful for. Take a moment to ponder all of the blessing that you have been given.

Decisions,,

So, as I have said in previous posts, Ray has been in North Dakota since the beginning of October. As of the moment we do not know when he will be able to come home. I have looked for places to rent where he is for our family, but have not been successful. So, we continue to hope and pray for a way to bring our family together again.

A couple of years ago when Ray and I first moved to Wyoming we had no other choice but to buy and stay in one of these.
It did get old really quick!! But, we were newlyweds, and in a bind.

Well, we are kinda in the same situation. But now we have been married for 5 years, have a 1 1/2 yr old, have been apart for over 6 months, make more money, and may very well be purchasing one of these beauts I am hoping to find one with atleast 3 slide outs, a master bed room, a tub in the bathroom, washer/dryer hook-up, and bunk beds. We may have to sacrifice, but I am hoping for a great out come. I mean, we are going to live in it, we might as well get one worth living in.

Motivation..

Seriously?! I have absolutely NO motivation to lose this "baby" weight.. I'm not even sure if I can call it "baby" weight, because I was more fit after I had my baby than I am now.. I can't seem to get a hold on eating right. I know what to do, and how to do but there has to be something in my brain. I EVEN PRAY!! I mean come on!!! I don't need someone to tell me what to eat or how to exercise. I had lost almost 50 pounds when I was 14. I just need someone to kick my butt!! Not just for my physical appearance, but for the health of my future babies, and to have more energy to play with Daxton. Since I can't watch Biggest Loser over and over again all day every day. Someone needs to come and give me a good shake.. GRR!!!!

March, & April

So, this post may be rather long. It's been a while..
In February Dax & I had the opportunity to spend a month in Idaho with my family. We left shortly after Valentines day and ventured home around the 20th of March. While we were there we got to visit most of our amazing family!! But, most of the time we were busy helping plan & pull together Kami & Garrett's wedding. Yay!! I said that I would be in charge of making cake balls for the reception. (I am NOT a baker, I will cook anything, but never again will I bake!!) You can give me a roast, and a few seasonings & you will have the best 4 course meal you could ask for. But, if you give me some flour, sugar, and a spoon it will end in a catastrophe! Anywho..
Some cute pictures of my baby. He was helping Grandma bake something.. maybe cheesecake, not sure, and he saw her hand on the mixer. Well, he put his hand on the mixer thinking he was "helping"



So here are some pictures from Kami's wedding. The bride looked absolutely stunning. I love my sister to death and I am so excited for her happiness!!





I'm not quite sure why I stopped taking pictures, but I did. I only got ones of the ceremony. My poor baby had a fever that day and only wanted to be held. Luckily for me, Ray was able to make it so him & Daxton cuddled all day long. Literally. Ray helped out so much by taking care of Dax so that I could be where I needed to be. Helping out where needed. Congrats again Kami & Garrett!!!

So, this last weekend my Amazing Mother & Step-Dad came & helped me work on our living room. Ray & I tore it apart last summer and got it gutted and cleaned up most of the way before he had to take off to North Dakota.
That is one of the walls as of today, but when Ray left, that is what ALL of my walls looked like.
Then little by little they started looking like this...
When Ray was able to come home he got some of the insulation up on the walls and put in a window. My step-dad put in the other window, it was the first one he has ever installed, and he did a great job!


While my Mom was here we got the whole ceiling sheet rocked and one wall.


I cannot wait for our living room to be done!! It already seems so much bigger than what it was.
Thanks Mom & Rob for coming out and taking up a weekend for us!! We love you!!
In the mean time while I wanted to be doing something to the house but couldn't do much more to the living room, I decided to pull off all of the cupboard doors and repaint them. Pulling the off & sanding them, & painting them wasn't the hard part. Replacing the old contact paper with new stuff (Thanks Carolyn) and getting them hung where they would fit was another story.
I only got 4/6 sanded and repainted and put back up so far, it's like putting together a jigsaw puzzle!!
I didn't realize that I should have done them in order because they aren't all the same size and now the are offically "custom fit" cupboards!!

The white is what they used to be, they showed EVERYTHING!! So, I decided to go darker.. A LOT darker. I was unsure of the color at first, but it is growing on me.


Well, that is all for now. I think I am caught up on all of the happenings lately.