IKEA Chaos

I always thought I was the one that enjoyed a good visit to IKEA. Now it's Justin. He dropped me off at the aquarium with Nolan's playgroup (very fun!) and headed over there to get the remainder of the desk items that didn't fit in the car two weeks ago. I was feeling the same about the desk as I previously was about the van: "Just make a decision honey; I'm tired of thinking about it." Well it worked out great with the van, but I'm not so sure about the desk. He came home with two desks ("I'm not sure which way we'll like it the best") and several optional extender pieces (like we have the space), and a whole lot of accessories (like 3 mouse pads because he didn't know which color I would want). Needless to say, we are definitely planning on another trip to make some returns! Last night I headed to our Young Women activity so we didn't have a chance to assemble anything. Here's a picture of the chaos I came home to:Aren't I the perfect example of a clean and orderly housekeeper? We've got 7 or 8 weeks until baby comes and by the looks of things, we may need every minute! I'm going a little crazy but I'm confident things will come together.

The good news is that there is one room (seriously, it's the only one) that feels put together. It's Nolan's new big boy room! Here are the official pictures after the paint job weeks ago, and hanging the crafts I made two months ago. The bed goes so cute with the green wall, but I couldn't capture both in one picture like the eye can. You'll get the idea.Here is a close-up of the print on Nolan's wall. It says: I'm Dancin'... and Life is my Music. It's just perfect for our little groovy guy!After much debating about colors and problems with the "linen technique" we chose, we have finished our family room accent wall. I originally wanted a warm, golden yellow but it turned into a cool, happy yellow that seems to work okay. Once again, I'm just glad to have it done!It's actually a little more vibrant than in the picture. Thanks for your patient help on this project, honey!

Almost a Soccer Mom

If Nolan were enrolled in soccer I'd be an official soccer mom because we now have the perfect van for the job! I haven't written much about the extensive research process we've undergone, but we're both glad that it's over. After two months of test driving, dealing with car salesmen, browsing the internet, and reading car reviews, we've finally decided on the Honda Odyssey. (Big surprise, I know.) It's a new white, 2008 that we found for a great deal in Logan. Justin had called around Reno, Las Vegas, St. George, SLC, and Idaho to find as good a deal as this one. He is definitely an engineer when it comes to researching purchases. It has all the trimmings that we never thought we would get (leather, power doors, heated seats, DVD player, sunshades, etc.) but since it had been at the dealership for over a year, we were able to get it for the same price as a new base model 2009. With the economy the way it is, used car prices are up so it was a good time to buy new. I realize this picture doesn't do it justice, but everyone either owns one of their own already or sees about 10 to 20 of them parked in their church parking lot every Sunday. We certainly didn't get this minivan because it is unique! ;-)

Justin was acting very strange the morning of "the buy." He wouldn't let me go with him to see it or anything (though I had test driven a similar one two weeks ago). It turns out that he really wanted to surprise me with the extra features it has. I thought it was going to be the more simple model. What a sneak! He was also afraid I would talk him out of it, I guess. We hope that we don't have to buy any more cars for a very long time. Justin will drive the Mitsubishi Lancer since it was time to give up his 1994 Saturn. What a great car that has been for us! I bet the carpoolers are very disappointed to see the Saturn go! I love the new van, though it seems strange to find myself in this stage of life already. Aren't I too young for a minivan?!

In other news, we're wrapping up moving the computer room into our master bedroom so that each little boy can sleep in their own room. What a fiasco! It all started with a trip to IKEA to get a desk and shelves. Naturally this turned into an all-day event as if we were at Disneyland (but without the rides). That place truly amazes me. After we finally picked out what we want, we realized there was no way it would fit in our car. Justin was so annoyed that we'd have to make another trip there. I think that is what really moved the minivan process along. Needless to say, we'll be picking up the desk tomorrow. Nolan is pretty much settled into his new room though. I'm so glad he adjusted well to the twin size bed. On top of all this transitioning, I just had to paint an accent wall in the living room. It was bad timing, I realize now. It has given us a little grief but I think it will turn out. I'll have to post pictures of our "remodeling" once we've got the house put back together.

Photo Session Giveaway

My cousin's wife, Errin, is a great photographer. She is having a contest for a free session and I'm hoping to win! It would be wonderful to be able to get beautiful family portraits done a few months after the new baby comes. Here's her link if you'd like to enter too.

http://www.errinandrusphotography.blogspot.com

Easter in St. George

We're happy to report that we had a nice week in St. George. I love having big family dinners on Sunday, going on walks, shopping with my mom, and eating out. Luckily, we did all of these things and more! I helped my sister, Keeley, judge a school lyp synching competition along with my other sister, Lacey. We went to the Arts Festival and I bought the greatest print for Nolan's big boy room (I'll share later). We test drove every minivan on the market and put new tires on my car. Nolan had a good time swimming with Dad and hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa. My mom even highlighted and trimmed my hair! Here are some pictures of the cousins playing with Grandma's new parachute toy and eating some dessert.
I'd been looking forward to the Easter picnic for weeks but unfortunately we didn't have the best weather. The rain didn't last too long, so we were still able to enjoy the train ride and egg hunt. Nolan rode the train over and over. What joy! I think he liked the egg hunt, but as you can see from his facial expression, it was serious business. He was pretty quick at stuffing those treats in his basket. It was nice that we had nearly the entire family there (except we missed Darian). Grady came late as soon as he got off work, but his darling girlfriend, Melissa, was there with her four kids. Chilly picnic, as you can see. Nolan had a good time checking out his Easter basket and finding treats and eggs hidden in the living room. Every time we give him candy he stuffs them all in his mouth at the same time. I think he's afraid we'll take them away before he can finish. My mom made the most delicious Easter meal complete with strawberry shortcake. It was a great trip... thanks, Mom and Dad!

A quiet week

Justin spent most of the week in L.A. on business so Nolan and I had a quiet week at home. We ended up catching colds so we spent time reading books and watching movies. It was kind of nice to be lazy. Nolan even slept in Daddy's spot while he was gone. Normally I'm pretty big on having him sleep in his own bed, but I couldn't resist this time. Having a new baby coming makes me want to enjoy every chance to cuddle that I can get! I have to admit though, neither of us really slept that well. He is quite the mover at night and he requires his puppy and blanket, too. I guess that's why he rarely sleeps with us. I can tell Nolan missed his Dad because at night he would call out, "Daddy! Daddy!"

We've been enjoying conference weekend so far. Between sessions we figured out how to fix our leaky kitchen faucet and toilet. I had to help Justin figure out how to get the handle off first (the hex screw is hidden), but then he was good to go. I'm glad that Justin is willing and able to learn how to fix things around the house. My Dad always did most repairs himself, so it's great that Justin is like that too. A regular handy-man!

Yesterday I had my 28 week OB appointment. I sure hate that glucose test. Yuck! I failed the first one with Nolan's pregnancy and had to do the 3 hr. fasting one. I am serious when I say that I pray that I don't have to do that one again. I'm feeling big and awkward, my back hurts, and I'm awake for 1 or 2 hours every night. Such is life when you're making a person, I guess. I'm just glad everything seems to be progressing well. I've gained 15 pounds so far, which is fabulous news for me. I only gained 18 total with Nolan.

Nolan and I are off to St. George for the week. We'll miss Dad but hopefully some sunny weather will keep us occupied. It should be a fun visit with the cousins. Happy Easter, everyone!