New Casa, New Life

Whelp! I've made time for everything else, now I think I'll update the ol' Blog-er-ooskie. (Thank you mom for teaching me to add "er-ooskie" to the end of words.)

So yes. UTAH is upon us now! Goodbye 90 degree weather and behold - SNOW! It actually flurried today. I have mixed feelings about this. I love cooler weather and I thoroughly enjoy not being sweaty. On the other hand, I also enjoy a happy baby who gets to enjoy herself outside. It's gonna be hard to stay out long, once the really cold weather gets here. It snowed in the mountains and it's beautiful!


Some wonderfully happy news, since being settled in for 10 days now - Bella is sleeping through the night! Can I get a big HAAAA-LLE-LUJIA! Yes. I am a bit happy about this. And rested, too! Imagine that! Once we got back from vacation, it was easier to let her cry in the night...and VOILA. She's fixed. From 8pm to about 7:30am the busy bee slumbers.

We went to church for the first time this weekend and I love our ward already! Bella made a quick friend, who she followed around all over the hallways (and swiped her snack from. Stinker). I met quite a few people there and loved seeing so many elderly people! It made it feel like home! I think there is a retirement community in our ward or something, because it was a good 50/50 split. I am excited about that actually. Maybe I'll find a sewing friend to learn from! You never know!

So...Just thought I'd share some perks about having The Husband work from home:

1. He changes the laundry while I run errands.
2. He helps bring groceries in when I get back.
3. He's with us for breakfast and lunch!
4. He enjoys having more time with Bella
5. And I can't think of any more right now, but those are the big ones.

I thought it would be harder having him home, but it's wonderful!!!!

OH yeah. So an update on the hubba-lubb-lubb. He is negotiating a contract right now with IndiePub to get his GAME PUBLISHED! WOOO HOOO!!! Shortly after he flew to Texas for GDC, he got in touch with IndiePub, and they asked him if they could publish his game! Totally sweet!

Ty actually reminds me of Panda Po from Kung Fu Panda. And no, not because he's a little round and hairy. LOL.... But because he realized there was no secret ingredient!! Panda Po doubted his ability to be the pre-destined dragon warrior, until he realized all he needed to do was believe in himself. SOOO good!!! The message just really hit home as I thought about how Ty is reaching his dreams and aspirations because he truly believes in himself.

I guess, to any and all reading this - You Can Do Anything. Anything. I am convinced. It starts with faith - just believe you can. Then ACT. And don't stop until you reach it! I think the same goes for those people who say they can't, or something is impossible. They are right. It is, but only because they believe it is.

I have my own secret dreams I'd like to accomplish, and thank you honey buns for reminding me I CAN!

Now that I gave my sermon of the day, I think I'll retire to bed. G'night!

Updates

BELLA

Bella has been holdin' out on me! She acts like she doesn't talk, but she's got all kinds of words up her sleeves!

Two days ago, we picked up her Aunt Savanna, and Bella bursted out, "Nah Na! Nah Na!" We couldn't believe our ears!

She said "Dog" and "Bella" yesterday, and this morning said "Choo Choo" and "Noo-Doh" (noodle). "Bee Opp" means Clean up, and usually we sing this during the diaper changing. Very exciting. Thank you Barney for that song.

She still does sign language for the essentials (Please, Help, Eat, Drink, All done), but she's started to use her words and it's so exciting!

HUSBAND

Ty made it to Utah in 4 days with all of our belongings! Whew! He's so happy to be done with that trip, and happy to be in our new home!

Also, last week he went to Texas for the Game Developers Conference (GDC) where he showcased his game at a booth, and received "Staff Pick" for the IndiePub Competition! Read what they wrote about it Here.

He had a great time networking, making new friends and getting live feedback for his game. He was really impressed with the IndiePub staff and had a great time getting to know them.

Ty is back in Utah now and we are missing him a lot! Bella misses her Daa-DEE!!!

Ty explaining his game.

Giving pointers.

ME ME ME

The 3.5 hour flight yesterday from Orlando to Denver was long, but we survived. The DVD player was awesome in THEORY, but unfortunately it only lasted about 10 minutes. BUST.

Last moments in the Orlando Airport with Grandma Judy.

Luckily we sat next to a really sweet and tolerant lady (because she has a granddaughter Bella's age). She let her tug on her earphones, climb all over her, and lie on her comfy jacket in the middle seat. Thank you dear Nice Lady!

A sucker and a movie - only lasts 10 minutes for Bella.

The second flight to the Springs was only 18 minutes and a very bumpy 18 minutes! She made a sweet little friend named Grace who is 2yrs. They tried playing with a ball I brought, but it was more like launch-it-at-passing-strangers. I loved watching the lack of coordination between the two of them!

We arrived safely in Colorado Springs and have a full 9 days ahead of us! Bella has warmed up to her Grandpa Randy really quickly (who she hasn't seen in a year) and she loves playing peek-a-boo and retrieving randomly thrown items for him. It's hysterical.

Bella hangin with Grandpa Randy.

My sister Madi took off work today, so we'll spend some time together, along with my cousin Amber and her kids. Sunday we drive out to Nebraska to see my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...the who shebang. I can't wait to see everyone!



Crunchy leaves, crisp air. I've missed you.

Change

Change can be kinda hard.

Coming here to Florida was a huge change. Leaving the comforts of my Utah life and the wonderful people I had grown to love there, wasn't exactly easy.

But it didn't take me long to realize how wonderful that change was. My family and new friends have made this past year my most memorable, without a doubt.

Now leaving Florida to go back to Utah will be another huge change for our family, but I'm convinced that there is nothing equal in value to that change.

Change brings challenge, but challenge brings change. Inner change.

With the natural challenges of living in a new state, making new friends, and of course, living with your parents again, it's hard not to do some soul searching. At times I found myself going, "I don't like who I am!" I guess I'm saying I've learned to love myself, even with imperfections. This year has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and explore. And for that I am grateful!

My family has been so wonderful and I am so grateful for this year I got to spend getting to know them all over again. I love you!

I will miss all of my dear friends and my Longwood ward! You are truly wonderful individuals and I love you all!

I feel an overwhelming gratitude and just want to say thanks to everyone who has made this year so special!!!