may fourth

Levi and I have just applied for the loan to buy the crazy Seventh Day Adventist turned residential living space (complete with 5 ft. deep, toothpaste blue, jetted tub font *ooh aah*) here in La Verkin. We're excited and a little nerve-wracked. We won it at auction for 108K, and while it needs plenty of cosmetic work, it was a steal of a deal for a 2400 ft^2, 3 bed, 2 bath home on .5 acres with a nice shed and a separate 900 ft^2, 1 bed, 1 bath man cave/mil house.

It is everything I was looking for in a house change - okay, almost - it really needs a new kitchen- antwho, it is the right price, has two bathrooms (yeah, we only have one currently and that has GOT to change!), a very open floor plan, larger bedrooms, more property, but most importantly it has a separate space for the children to play and for me to have a business if I'm so inclined.

And so it is that we finally get to the main topic of this post. May 4th is the day we know if we'll have three mortgages to pay or not, if we need to move or not, and if I get to start a preschool/math tutoring center in the fall or not.

Yes, a preschool and after school math tutoring center! I'm so excited about it. It's something I've been thinking about for years and it seems like this is exactly what my current life needs - something to be excited about, a way to get busy and social, a channel for feeling successful and creative, and way for me to be the mom I'd like to be for my children. The best part is that I get to control the hours and environment and everything! Mwa ha ha ha. Okay, so I'll never be able to completely control the children, but it's good to have a certain amount of unpredictability - it keeps ya on your toes. That, of course, is the other best part - being with children and singing, working with paper, running around etc. My heart rate increases just thinking about it!

That's the hard part about waiting until May 4th. I have to keep pulling the reigns in on my classroom/business preparations until I know I actually have a building and lifestyle that will permit it. So while I can't go out and buy that all-in-one laser printer or that AWESOME readiness program (okay, so I caved and bought chairs; I just couldn't resist!), I try to content myself with reading up on preschool content standards, and dreaming of fun-fantastic interior designs, business logos and advertisement.

So, there you go. That's what's been on my mind lately. If anyone has any input about preschool pricing/hours/prospective students/whatever or know of people who are looking to rent a 3 bed/1 bath/ 1300 ft^2 home in LaVerkin for $750 feel free to share!

Wearin' O' the Green

Or in this instance - plaid. Aren't these two just so stinkin' cute in their kilts!

I made the kilts (well, kilted skirt for Hazel - it has a wider pleat if you couldn't tell :) from a plaid DI skirt lasterweek, and the children wore them on St. Patty's Day and to the Springdale parade. As I had inwardly hoped, everyone was kind enough to ooh and aah over them. Strangely, I also got a lot of, "are they twins?" Okay, so I get that all the time - go figure.

Anywho, we had some good St. Patrick's Day fun as we observed the 15th year of this random family tradition. After all, what could possibly bring a family together better than wearing kilts; spotting silly leprechauns, beautiful rainbows, and disturbing belly-dancers; getting bag-loads of candy; and hearing Scottish bagpipes at an Irish event? I can't think of anything, except maybe wearing privateering attire and talking like a bilge rat or scurvy dog.



I'm afraid this post has been rather meandering in theme and style. I'll blame it on the fact that my mind is anxiously engaged in avoiding the vast quantity of preparations I must make for Sunday - ugh! Anywho (again)...

excitement!

I am a-twitter with anticipation for Monday to arrive and with it 36 hours of child-free, girl time! Can you just imagine the pure, unadulterated joy?! This blissful escape has been brought to me in part by: Katie D.'s adventurous spirit, the beauty and accessibility of Zion's trails, and a borrowed Gregory backpack.

Yes, we're going backpacking. I have never been backpacking. Luckily, it's only 10 miles round trip and we're only staying one night, so it shouldn't be too strenuous and no one will have to call in an emergency helicopter to life-flight my rotting carcass out of the park.


We'll be taking the Chinle Trail which starts in Rockville. It'll be fun to see a part of the Park that is off the beaten canyon trails. It will also be fun to spend time with other female adults and get a little fresh air and exercise.

Now I just need to make it through the weekend and all it entails: parade, ward party, RS formatting, talk on hope, lesson on Joseph of Egypt, etc. STRESS!