moving

So, we're moving.  We've decided that, if we're ever going to make some financial progress, we're gonna have to cut expenses, and the most effective way to do that is to move to a cheaper place.  We found an apartment that will save us about $150 per month.  It's definitely smaller and older than the one we're currently in, but we're willing to sacrifice so that we can start working toward replacing our old vehicle and maybe someday buying a house.  Sacrifice is part of progress, I think, and though some people have to sacrifice more than others to make progress, I think it's worth it.

For some people, sacrifice is simply not buying the super cute sweater that I've just got to have!, while for other people, sacrifice is picking up a third job on the weekends to keep their kids fed.  Luckily, we haven't had to do that, but I think we've done a good job of being willing to sacrifice here and there to provide for ourselves.  We don't live the lifestyle that some other people are able to live, but that's okay.

The hardest part will be fitting everything in to the new place.  We've done a pretty good job of getting rid of what we don't really need to keep, so we've whittled it down, but it's still gonna be kinda tight.  Also, there's no dishwasher, so we're gonna have to be really good about doing dishes regularly.  Again, sacrifice.  But mankind somehow found a way to survive without automatic dishwashers for millennia.  I think we can do it for a while, too.

In other news, I finished my finals today.  That's a huge weight off my shoulders.  With those coming up, as well as moving and preparing for Christmas and a photoshoot coming up this weekend, things have been pretty stressful.  So now that I'm done with the semester, I have one less thing to worry about.

Now to just make it through the rest of this month....

roasting marshmallows

Earlier in October we went up to the mountains and roasted some hotdogs and marshmallows.  It was so much fun and I loved seeing the beauty of the mountains and all the many beautiful colors of the fall leaves. 

boys will be boys

We were helping Travis' mom with some yard work and she asked Travis if he could help break apart an old shelf and throw it out.  So he and his brother, Brandon, hopped on the roof and threw the shelf off of it.  They got the job done.

moving

It is always crazy around this time of year, but I love it!  I am getting so excited for Thanksgiving, shopping on Black Friday, and then Christmas!  I love the feel of this time of year.

To add to all of the craziness, we might be moving in the middle of Dec. to West Jordan.  We found an apartment that will save us $150 a month and that will really help us out while Travis is going to school.  I have mixed feelings about this.  I am excited and I know it is time for some change, but we have been living in our apartment in Taylorsville for 4 1/2 years and it is my home.  It is the first place me and Travis moved to after we got married, we had Lucy here, I've made some great friends here, and so many more special things have happened while living here.  It is hard for me to leave a place that feels like my home.

Things will be great, though and I know that if we move, there will be nice people in West Jordan. :0)

I will always consider Taylorsville to be my home and I hope that when we can offord a house, that we can move back there someday.
 

sadness

I just found out that a person I knew in highschool passed away yesterday of a sudden and short battle with cancer. She has left behind two little girls and her husband.

When I heard about her death it hit me so hard.  I'm not sure why, because I didn't know her that well, but I still consider her to be a friend.  She was always so kind to me and always said hi to me whenever she saw me.  I will miss her even though I never really got to know her that well.  I feel a saddness that I will never get the chance to get to know her better while on this Earth.  I feel bad because she has left behind such a new family.  I feel sad because she was only 25. 

It made me think about my life.  What would I do if this were to happen to me?  It makes me so grateful that I am sealed to my family.  If this were to happen to me, I know that I will be able to be with my husband and daughter again.  Even though death is so hard and sad, there is something so amazing waiting for each of us after we die. 

I know my friend is in a better place and it won't be too long before I can see her again and tell her thank you for being so kind to me and for being a Christ-like example for me.  Hearing about this news makes me want to strive to be a better person to others, a better friend to those in need, a better mom to my daughter and future children, a better wife to my husband, who I am so grateful for, and a better example of Christ.  It helps put into perspective of why I am here and what is really important. 

I will miss my friend, but am grateful for all of her kindness that she has shown me.

fall pumpkin

We bought a pumpkin and decided to carve a fall leaf on it to celebrate October.  It was Lucy's first pumpkin carving experience and she loved it!  I really like how it turned out.  All the carving credit goes to my amazing husband and his serrated knife skills.  Although, I did cut the top off and it looks pretty good, if I do say so myself. 

I decided to make pumpkin seeds from the leftovers.

Lucy got bored and decided to draw for a while.

We lit the candles inside the pumpkin and Lucy kept freaking out saying, "HOT! HOT!" and attempted to blow out the candles with her weak puffs.

happy october

It is now October and I am so excited!  We bought a pumpkin today to carve and put by our door.  I know it is early, but why not?!  I am excited for the cooler air, crunchy leaves, and all the smells that fall bring. 

We went to Macey's this morning and saw a little pumpkin patch at the front of the store.  We put Lucy on some pumpkins and took her pictures.  I got really excited for all the holidays coming up and all the fun fall things that are just around the corner. 

Happy October!  Happy Fall!  I hope everyone has an amazing time this Fall season!