Dear March,

Weston
3 years

I anticipated your 31 days to drag, but you proved me wrong in so many ways. You happen to be one of my favorite months not only because you are the month my baby was born, but March is the start of the "green" season, the budding of trees and flowers begin to bloom again. You also allow us a much needed break from school, in which we were able to go home and enjoy the AZ sunshine. Although it was a week of mixed emotions, I learned during that week how much I depend on Diet Coke. It has become a stress reliever for me (much like a chained smoker--how sad!) So much that Doug was asking, do you really need another one?--it became comical. Yes, honey I did! (I'll spare the ounces per day I consumed). Spring break felt like a blink of an eye. Literally. We chose to drive back through the night to allow our kids to experience the annual Clouse egg hunt with all of their cousins.

Bringing home WAY too much candy. It felt like Halloween deja' vu. We left Arizona feeling ready to be back with family and ecstatic we were able to find a home close to "perfect" for our family. (For those who are interested you can email me and I will be more than happy to send you a link to photos and our new floor plan. My photos didn't turn out so well).

The week after spring break I went into selling mode and getting our house ready. I spent the week touching up paint, power washing, painting our front trim, front door and even managed to drag Angie into my "preparation" process. We spent our creative Friday putting mulch in my front and back flower beds. We were so black from dirt--I can't believe I forgot to take a photo). Afterwards, we quickly moved furniture so that Gilbert the chem dry man worked his magic on my 6 year old carpet. I was pleased at the results and it really looks like we put in new carpet. (I was skeptical about doing it--but glad I did).


Saturday the 27th of the month was the official day the sign went up. I wasn't worried about the house selling, but now the doubt is setting in. Will someone really buy our house? The tricky part about selling is keeping it looking like a pristine "model" home.


I am a clean person, but to have the vacuum marks, the laundry washed and put away at the drop of a hat really is exhausting. If only we could "freeze" the way our house looks. Ha. The kids are now into the thick of baseball. I am actually enjoying it more than I imagined. The only trouble is that we have 4 games a week between Taylor and Jared (with all the other activities), making our schedules just a little tricky.

Yesterday we had our first call for a showing. The bummer part was we were at church and it also was fast Sunday. Our dinner plans quickly changed to sandwiches (instead of tasty grilled burgers) and some family time at the park.

We even took the dog to Raymond Rimkus Park

It was nice to get out, but at the same time I feel as though we are prisoners in our own home. I know so many can relate because you have either been there or have recently sold a home. But, we are managing and March really has been good to us. How can we complain after finding a home, spending a week with family and coming home to great friends? The downfall on the other hand is we STILL don't have our Honda back. That is another post within itself.


blessing: a car to drive

Life Doesn't Stop

Happy St. Patty's Birthday (3) Weston!

I sat and pondered about how I could recap my trip. So much occurred in such a short period of time. I thought about back logging by dates, but just couldn't find the time or energy to do so. (but still need to do that for personal reasons). My baby's 3rd birthday came and went. Spring break over. Easter gone. I sometimes feel like my life is flashing before me. I never believed my mom when she said time travels much too quickly. (And argued with her on numerous occasions about this subject matter) I am beginning to feel those pangs as my children are getting older by the second. Yes, I am still trying to recover from our 2 hour time zone change and get my groove back on. I am finding it hard to balance life right now and some how fit in my hobbies (blogging). Since we have been back I have frantically been trying to get our house ready to be placed on the market. I have been busting my tail (hence my lack of posting), and hopefully my sweat will be paying off. Photos seem to be my "easy" way of telling a story, so here it goes.....

I had the opportunity to chat with April (who is also in my inlaws ward) on two different Sundays.
I love reading her thoughts if you haven't checked out her blog you are seriously missing out!

Eating at Oreganos
Seeing how much weight Justin has lost (he looks so great!)


Going over to my best friend Courtney of 25 years home to chat.
Time may have passed, but our friendship has not.

Picking oranges at Grandma and Papa's house

Playing at Grandma Hughes' in the backyard

Grilling hot dogs with Dad C in beautiful weather


Spending time with my mom


The Easter bunny treated us well

soaking up tender moments


Realizing that trying to take photos on Easter of your kids proves to be challenging.
What is up with pirate Luke?

Is her hair really that long? Holy cow!



watching all the cousins grab over 200 eggs

Still trying to wrap my mind around buying this piece of dirt.

Celebrating our 12th Easter together, selling our first home and FINALLY moving back to our roots,
it really is surreal!

blessing: having a happy marriage

Color

Thanks Natasha, Becca and Elizabeth (it came this time) for the good mail!

Long over are the posts of black and white. I haven't had a chance to upload all the photos. So more to come soon. As for now I am feeling the jet lag (or should I say car) of being up all night driving on Sunday-Monday. Trying to recover and get back into early mornings, baseball, dance, cub scouts...well you get the picture. Stay tuned........

blessing: having a comfy bed.

Five For Friday

Kitchen/Family Room area

1). All the stars aligned yesterday and we were able to go forward with the house!! Since the house was still in the “building” phase we were able to go to the design center to pick out tile, carpet, etc.

Talk about overwhelming! It was fun, yet exhausting. We were there for nearly 7 hours. And that is no joke. They had amazing floor models of full size kitchens, bathrooms, lights, you name it. I am just hoping that the little squares I chose will look okay once they are installed.

Taylor posing in front of San Tan Elementary

We are looking to close at the end of June. My kids will start school July 28th (I need to get them registered.) I am starting to gear up for year round school. I can’t believe how close that is!

2). My in-laws have seriously been saints all week. They have offered and taken my kids each day full time while Doug and I have been traveling back and forth to sign paperwork and get other things ready for his new office. Taylor and Jared have had a blast playing with cousins and learned a new game with their grandparents (toss-up). They have made bread, cooked ribs and a few batches of cookies.

Making cookies with grandma Dorothy

3). We made it out to the Easter Pageant Wednesday night. I invited my dad, his wife, Justin and my grandma to attend. It was a treat to be able to go since it has been nearly 20 years since I saw it last. It is pretty impressive to see such a large crew put on an hour show.

It was a live production of the church movie Jesus the Christ. I thought it was a great production, but got a little long towards the end. Due to the late start time (8pm) my kids were conked out before it was over.

Tired folk walking back to the car.

4). After driving around the past few days getting our barrings for our new area, I discovered we are only 10 minutes exactly away from my sister’s house, 10 minutes from a mall--Chandler or San Tan (depending on the direction) and 5 minutes from grocery stores. Another bonus is Janet has a pool—which we wont' have for another year. Yippee!

(Sunday before Easter)

5). I can’t believe we are less than 2 days away from Easter. I feel that we were robbed the month of March with three major holidays St. Patrick’s Day, Spring Break AND Easter. It will be bitter sweet this year since we will get to spend Easter with our family, the downside is we will also be loading back up in the car after Grandma’s egg hunt to drive home. BUT, this is the last trip we will be driving just to vacation. I can’t believe I am writing that June is right around the corner.

blessing: getting qualified for our house.

Unwanted Speed Bumps

Weston and Daddy hanging out sick on the couch.

I have always been a visual learner. Reading text with explanation just never has clicked with me. I am afraid that journaling is the very same way. So much has gone over the past couple of days, I even did my SPT, but it's on my camera--*sigh* (I didn't forget Lelly) Unfortunately, it has also caused me not wanting to document our happenings in just words. I am not the best writer, and often use my photos as a "cover up" However, life does go on and I would be kicking myself if I didn't document it. I would like to butter our trip up and make it sound like everything has gone off without a hitch. Except, that we have had a few minor bumps in this journey we call "vacation". A few hours previous to our family coming over for Weston's birthday, he was playing on the Sports Court at the neighbors house. The kids were having a little too much fun (you know where this is heading)

Ouch.

The boys watching a movie.
Doug had to place this bandage on to stop the oozing.
Needless to say, it didn't stay on long.

Weston decided to fall backwards off one of the bikes ending up with a nasty head wound After much consoling and liquid band aid he was back to our lively little boy again. Family arrived with present in tow. My MIL and Doug make a darling #3 cake. The birthday gathering was a success. Weston was ear to ear in smiles. Many thanks to our family for making his birthday a wonderful one!

Weston turns 3!

Monday was house hunting with my sister and her husband. We powered through a dozen homes in just a few hours. It was definitely clear on which homes did not work for our family. The house shown below was already under contract (so we weren't even able to look at it) I was a little bummed, but knew deep down that a two story really wasn't the home I was looking for. Our last house was a spec home that we really liked, but weren't sure about the location of the house (it was off the main street in the subdivision).

Janet and I

We explored different options with that home and decided to sleep on it. Just as we arrived back to get the kids, we got an unexpected phone call from Doug’s old mentor, JC Jackson. We have always looked up to their family and he is actually was the one who encouraged Doug to go into medical school. (I am not sure if that was a good or bad thing–ha!) Anyways, we hooked up with his wife and their two beautiful daughters for the evening.

Carrabas
Jenny, Weston, Doug, Luke,
JC, Lynn, Hannah, and Cami Jackson

Tuesday Doug and I went to a 7 am temple session hoping for some answers about the home we liked. I am never good with the inspiration thing, but Doug always has been. We decided to take the kids out to the area and drive around to get a better feel for the area. It’s a Fulton neighborhood in Chandler (those familiar to the area) and off of Ocotillo and McQueen. After driving the streets for what seemed like an hour to my kids. The house we thought we liked yesterday didn’t seem just right. So, we went and talked to the sales person to see if there were any of the same model in just a different location. It turned out there was just another spec home three streets back (that was huge for us) and another bonus was the back yard was about 1000 sq bigger (bonus for Doug). The elevation level of the home wasn’t necessarily the one we would have chosen, but the inside allowed us to choose our own carpet, tile, cabinetry, etc. We felt good about all of the above and ran it by Aaron (my BIL–aka Realtor) He did some major negotiating for us and came back explaining that the builder wanted a sum of money for the earnest deposit. A deposit that we don’t have. I went home feeling frustrated, angry, sad, upset, and in tears.

One of the Spec Homes at "Geneva Estates"

Wednesday (today) is that we are going to see if the builder will work with our situation. Deep down I don’t see what they have to loose there are over 3000 homes for sale in the valley and only 4% of those homes are selling. But, I can also understand that they also don’t want buyers to be serious, pick out there stuff and back out. The next step is talking with the lenders, builder and play the waiting game. I am crossing my fingers it works out, this home is only a few miles from Janet and and a football field away from Doug's brother. The best thing to do is look at it in a positive light. If it doesn’t happen it obviously wasn’t meant to be right? Until then we will hopefully overcome this speed bump, because I don’t want to come across any more this month!

blessing: Doug and Weston's health is restored

Mile Markers

As I said in my previous post we decided to leave Friday evening after Doug got home from work. I managed to pack up the car so that Doug was the only one who had to throw in some last minute items. We headed out around 7:30pm and drove and drove AND drove. I purposely pumped my system with caffeine so I could drive as long as I could. Surprisingly, I made it to nearly 2 am. The last hour was the hardest. I found myself playing mile maker games with my self and air drumming to songs on my ipod (I am sure it was a sight) to stay awake. We had intentions on stopping in El Paso to sleep, but 3 of the hotel offices were dark so we kept on driving. Doug took over for a while and then pulled off the side of a gas station to get a power nap. He was still feeling crappy. I am beginning to think the flu is never going to end! I noticed that Weston was feeling a little warm and have concluded that we have another sick flu member in our family. We arrived in town a little before 9am. It was definitely rough being up all night traveling, but on the flip side the kids slept the entire way making it worth it.

Mom and Dad C. have been treating us like royalty since we have arrived. We basically lounged around all day yesterday, took a much needed nap (I am still seeing mile markers in my head), ran to the store to stock up our mini pharmacy and had a delicious barbecue chicken dinner. We are now pretty much settled for our upcoming crazy week. Monday and Tuesday is house hunting. Wednesday we are trying to make an early temple session and Easter pageant later that night. We just found out our niece is one of the 10 virgins in it. Not sure what Thursday entails, but Friday we are heading to a Padres spring training game. The bummer part is I just realized that I forgot my pillows (aka my blanket) and my cord to upload photos to the computer. I told Doug I may be making a trip to Best Buy for a cord. He thinks I am nuts and said it can wait a week (I beg to differ) So hopefully I will be posting pictures soon. Tonight we are having a birthday celebration for my St. Patty's day baby. I am hoping to check back soon....Oh, and I forgot I just got 6 months of my blog printed. So cool!! I am now loving blurb.com.


blessing: arriving to AZ safely.

Five For Friday

1. We narrowed our housing search to 5 homes in Gilbert and 6 in Chandler. Any city is fair game. This is one of the homes that peaked our interest. If any doesn't dazzle us we decided that renting is always an option. I guess we will find out Monday and Tuesday!


2. Doug came down with the flu after Weston's asthma flared up this week. It has been a sad state of sickies for the past couple of days. I can't recall the last time Doug has been this sick. It boggles my mind that he continues to go to work (without choice). Ah, the beauty of a fellow aka grunt worker. I am praying that the z-pac works fast or I may be driving the entire 15 hours. Yikes.

3. These cheery things came in the mail this week. Tasha sent a bunch of gold good luck coins due to our dreary February. And Carlo sent a sonic card (as well as a card last week---not pictured). Both came at a perfect time. Thanks gals--it really meant a lot!

4. As I was walking Angie out to her car this afternoon I noticed Weston playing around in the rental car (I wasn't paying attention) When I walked back to the garage to start packing Weston had locked the keys in the car (yep and both keys were in there) !$@#$ I was seriously bugged. Luckily, Angie once again came to the rescue and called her AAA (which I need to get) and the lock smith was there in a jiffy. Phew! Note to self: don't leave keys around!!

5. We decided to leave tonight for our trip and are getting ready to head out the door. I am grateful that we were able to get a car, but having to drive different cars has seriously messed with my mojo. Our Honda has several car charger outlets and this car only has one. What in the world? This may be a long trip after all......such is life. I am hoping to update later. Until then, happy Friday!

The Royals

We had our second game tonight and I just hope we don't follow the same footsteps as the major league "Royals" team. I had one sad little boy this evening. He comes from a long list of competitive Clouse boys, I think I better start gearing myself up. (they don't seem to taking loosing all that well) Jared did have three base hits, but unfortunately that wasn't enough to carry the team. Better luck next time bud!


blessing: having great afternoon weather

SPT--Welcome Home

Does this look confusing??!

If i came to visit you next week, how would i know which doorbell to ring? Do you have a formal entrance? Should i come to the front door? Or do you prefer your guests to come around back? (Would you be surprised if i came in through the garage?!?)

View from the front

As much as I love my home I think my front door definitely is not the selling point. (can you tell I am ready to put it on the market?) I feel a bit like Vanna White here. As you can see our garage door and front door are pretty much side by side. Kind of odd if you ask me. Most people that come to my house ring the front door bell. But, if you are a frequent visitor you would likely be using the garage. We don't ever use our front door to come into our house now that we have a key less entry on the outside. It makes it super convenient unless of course the electricity goes out. Any friends are welcome so if you plan a trip to San Antonio our front door is open!

View from the garage (thankfully newly painted)

blessing: having a home that provides shelter

Word Of The Week

querulously: /adv. /with complaint. grumblingly, huffily or irascibly. peevishly. petulantly. testily. acting sour, whiny or thin-skinned.

I am beginning to think we are the family that borrows cars.
Meet the Ruby Suby!

querulously /adv./ 1. I didn't mean to be so vague on my public transportation. I feel as though my posts have turned quite querulous not only for the month of February, but now into March! I normally take my kids to school in the morning because 7:03am seems a little over the top for elementary students (they don't start until 7:40am). I couldn't have been more thankful for school transportation last week since we have been solely relying on it each morning. It hasn't been all that bad other than getting up a tad earlier. Friday my dilemma of getting Jared and Taylor to point A and B was solved thanks to the help of great friends. Angie trekked out and picked up Taylor from school to take her to dance & softball practice. Ellice offered us their extra car so I wouldn't be without and could take Jared to baseball practice. Who knew one item would be such a blessing until you are without one.

Dogs can't speak.
But, if I had a word to describe not going for a walk querulous would be best.
It's his only outing of the day. Sorry Bones.

querulously /adv./ 2. Our morning ritual for the most part is the same. I get the kids ready and out the door to school followed by placing the boys in the jogger for our exercise. Luke is my child who thrives on schedules and when we deter from it, things sometimes don't end nicely. We woke up to morning thunderstorms and heavy rain, obviously to wet for our ritual walk. Luke being Luke querulously came up to me and said, "Mom why aren't we walking today?" I explained to him the obvious weather conditions. And in the most ebullient voice proclaimed, "BUT it's only a little rain and we can wear a jacket." Luckily, Little Einsteins saved me. (one of his favorite programs) I am forever grateful for the Disney Channel.


querulously /adv./ 3. Last night we sat down for our family council to do our weekly schedule. It's no secret that life is busy with kids (we all can attest to that). This week seems to be much more than I bargained for. I have been known to be a little more querulously than normal about my church calling. I am not sure if I am checked out mentally or it's the whole moving soon thing. At any rate, I have absolutely no excuse. I am required to do a weekly email and attend enrichment night to help set/clean up for the activities. Easy right? Unfortunately, it just adds more of my to do list this week. It never fails that these things occur before trying to leave town. I feel overwhelmed in guilt about borrowing our friends car (but thankful at the same time). Does that make sense? Bugged I am having to rent a car for our drive home and remind me why we signed two children up for baseball? I am beginning to think I am worse than my children with my querulous remarks.

querulously /adv./ 4. I rolled over querulously this morning remembering how much I detest "springing" ahead my clock. Who started day light savings anyways? One less hour of sleep or trying to get your kids on a schedule is hard. It seems ridiculous to me that now I am driving my children to school in the dark and when I try to get them to go to sleep at a decent hour it's still light. Oh, well such is life. It is the last time I will be changing the time. Arizona and Hawaii seem to only be the smart ones. Yippee!

This attire will be taking a back seat in a few days.

querulously /adv./ 5. Doug is a hard worker and rarely complains about getting up at the crack of dawn. I say rarely because last night was the first time Doug querulously spoke about work. He expressed how excited he was about the next two weekends just being able to veg and have no other responsibilities. (I beg to defer on that one...isn't looking for a house stressful?) Poor guy it is the first time in several months he has had an entire weekend off. I think it will be good for the whole family.

Hopefully we will be doing more of this next week.
I can already smell the orange blossoms!

blessing: much needed rain we are getting today.