Interesting filled day

Today as been an interesting day....full of random acts. So here is the fun facts...

Our office space was finally approved so we are moving offices. A whole lot of the Loan Officers in the dungeon starting moving their stuff today. I even got my office key. I am not entirely sure when I'm being moved over, but it will be nice to have an actual desk and file cabinet again. And two monitors. I wondered when I first started why everyone had two or more. Now I know...makes life easier. At least I don't have 10. There are some who do. However, I think I am going to kind of miss being around my little dungeon family. I've learned a lot down there and have made some good friends.

I was checked stats on my blog for fun today. This will be my 540th post. I've had a grand total of 12,090 page views since the birth of this blog! It's interesting because I first started this to keep my family not living near me updated on our family happenings. It's also served as a venting area to get things out of my mind and as a journal of sorts. And now...there are lots of people reading! The post with the most views of all time has been Stop Eating With Your Mouth Open topping the charts at 118 views. The runners up are posts about my lack of love life and Mormon Messages. I think that is soo interesting. My top viewers are in the United States obviously, second runner up is Russia followed by Malaysia, Canada and Germany. I've had quite a few hits from India, the UK, Brazil, Australia, and China. Hi Internationals! Granted given the fact that a few of the traffic sources are websites, my guess would be some of those are spammers. Some of the keywords that have been searched and brought up my blog are also pretty humorous. Such as "Boy Painted Toes" and "Soooo Tractor" although I'm not sure how either of those got my blog, but whatever. Funny all the same. So hooray for fun stats...I always find it intriquing to see whos checking me out and where ya'll are from. Thanks for reading the blog!

Back at the beginning of July I got entered into a drawing to get free Birchbox every month. I didn't win but decided I wanted to give it a try anyway and see what I came up with. The Birchbox is $10 a month (free shipping) and has samples of high end products and fun things just for gals. After many shipping issues (UGH) I finally got mine today for July. I can tell you that the samples they give you are not as big as pictured on the website, but they aren't too shabby. I got a new set of Skull (?) earbuds and some music downloads, samples of Larabar Uber bananas foster bars, Jouer lip treatment, Stainiac tinted lip balm, Ada Cosmetics Peach Bronzer, and Harvey Prince Hello fragrance (smells like lemon, maderine and grapefruit mmmm). Each box has a theme to it too which is kind of neat, so the boxes have different things in them each month. So really...it wasn't exactly what I was expecting but I would say it was worth the $10. And it's kind of fun to have a little surprise waiting for me in the mail. :)

The great debate of when to move may have been resolved today. On a whim, I used my lunch period to go look at a little apartment community I noticed when the fam went to Grandma M's house a couple weekends ago (the entrance to them is right across from the entrance to her community!). I didn't think they would have any openings but alas they did. The owner was extremely nice and seemed excited to get me in there. I just need to fill out an application and put down half the deposit to hold the unit for me if I choose to rent there. The apartment is a little bit smaller than the one I'm in currently but they are nicer. The grounds are kept up very well, have some great amenities and it's right behind the elementary school so the kids could walk to and from school every day. If you want to check it out...look here. And one of the daycares that I was looking into is right down the street as well, so my morning commute wouldn't be too bad. So tonight I make the decision....move in a week and a half or stay here until Decemberish. We shall see.

I also got my first approvals this week at work which means I'm going to have loans closing soon woohoo! That means the big paydays will be rolling in soon which makes me feel better about moving as well. The only hardish time I would have is the month of August. That might be workable.

Lots of happenings today thats for sure.

Mormon Messages Monday

I have fervently fasted, prayed and asked many people for advice on this whole moving situation. I appreciate the comments. Most people have the opinion that I need to trust my feelings and my gut... that I wouldn't be having them for no reason and I have to agree....but I don't know quite how to decipher them. I still wonder what is best to do and don't have a concrete answer yet. So the Mormon Message for today was extremely helpful to me. Not only in this decision, but in my life.\
More than once I have felt like that poor family. Right when I get going on a journey... my engine blows up so to speak and then I have to backtrack. And then I start fresh again and bam my engine blows up again. So I wonder if these feelings are a warning that my engine is about to blow up and I just need to have patience, the good times will come, as long as I just keep trying my best. I have to have faith that I will be steered into the right direction for my kids, our finances, our well-being...and I still haven't felt that concretely. But I think I'm getting closer.
Anyway, I hope this touches ya'll like it did me today....Good Things to Come.

Having some debates.... I don't like debates

The closer it gets to August the more unsettled I'm feeling about moving. It don't know if its stress because I haven't found a place, worry over my finances, concern for the kids and how they will adjust, stress over finding a daycare that doesn't have 403482872 bad tags on it from the state.....
Or if it is the fact that I worry about the change and how I'm going to manage everything. I know I'm meant to be down there.....my stress is coming from deciding when.
Mom suggested that I possibly commute until Christmas break when I know better what my finances look like and could start the kids in school after Christmas break down there. The only downfall is the gas and wear on my car. Its expensive and I'm starting to worry about my little Nissan. I don't think it's handling the commuting too well. Granted, I'm looking at getting a pretty good paycheck for the next couple months so it might be worth it to pay off my car and buy a new one with cash (I hate making car payments....would be nice not to have to do that anymore)...a Hybrid that gets amazing gas mileage maybe?
Or do I move down there in 2-3 weeks, have a REALLY rough month or two financially until I get adjusted...have more stress over moving records in time for school and finding daycare last minute....
Could someone just give me an answer? I don't like making this decision on my own. I know I need to, but I really don't want to. But I can't shake the unsettling feeling that I'm not meant to move yet.
Being a grown up sucks.

My New Love!

.............is a song!
I know I know I'm sorry, I got your hopes up for an awesome prince charming story right? Ha yeah probably not. But I thought I was pretty sneaky right there! :)
On the commute to/from work I listen to the alternative-indy-rock-whatever station. I love it...they play Mumford & Sons who I love, Naked and Famous who I also love, and similiar offbeat types of bands. Well I have been hearing this song FOREVER and never caught the name or the group. And of course the songs that drive me crazy play 20 times a ride but the ones that I love rocking out to (song below) don't play NEAR enough. And when they do, I never catch the band or song name. So tonight I Googled and Youtubed every phrase from the song until I finally found the right song. And.... I did! This song makes me want to get up and start dancing. And of course blare the words out at the top of my lungs. So I have to share. Enjoy!!

Some Nights - Fueled by Ramen (FUN)

How adorable is the lead guy....I have a tiny celeb crush on him. How could you not? :)

Disappointment

So....I didn't get the house. I really thought I was going to, but I do realize that what's meant to be will be. I'm not so much disappointed that I didn't get that particular house, I liked it but wasn't in love. I'm more disappointed in the fact that I have to keep looking and time is starting to dwindle down at a rather rapid speed (gotta be out on Aug 10-11, get school records transferred, find a daycare...actually get moved....). I'm also feeling a bit frustrated because you basically have to qualify to buy a house in order to rent down there. There is a reason I'm not buying yet rental companies....believe me if I could I would. It would be cheaper. And my own investment. But no (I got denied for the house because I haven't been at my job for as long as they felt comfortable with). It is soo frustrating. So here is crossing fingers that the right place comes along. Or a miracle happens. Or both. I just need someone to throw me a bone and I wouldn't disappoint. Ugh. I'm crossing fingers and praying that I will find a place sooner rather than later.
On another note, I got my work pictures back and boy can that girl work some magic. She improved them tenfold and they really look fantastic. I don't know if I have the rights to post them yet, so I will have to do that later. I think they are still in edit phase right now. But you should check her stuff out.... www.joiemadison.com. She really is awesome.

Well, thats about all for now. More to come I'm sure. Have a good evening ya'll.

Mormon Messages Monday

There has been much debate about whether or not Mormons are Christians. Well in my head...the name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints....which would mean we believe in Christ. Thus Christians. However...this Mormon Messages explains it far better and more lovingly than I. Enjoy.......Are Mormons Christians?

Flooded OUT

Today started as a normal Saturday. We stayed in bed late, lounged around too long and eventually got our house cleaning done and laundry started. All was good. We were about to head to Nate's lawn mowing job when bam down comes the rain. It was literally like someone opened the clouds and just started dumping water out in waves. Within 10 minutes the gutters were overflowing and rivers of water were halfway in the streets and flowing quickly. The poor folks below me were having a yard sale and the rain started soo suddenly that their stuff all got drenched as everyone hurried to get things into dry areas. We even had some lightening strike our carport. And then....
The rain came inside. The shingles AND tar paper are missing on one section of the roof right above my apartment and it's caused a drip previously but today the water was flowing inside about as hard as it was outside. And it came from not only the crawl space area, but also the vents, smoke detectors and light switches in the hallway, kitchen, hall bathroom, dining room and Nate's bedroom. We counteded 9-11 leaks. My managers thankfully live downstairs and were able to come check out what was going on but there really wasn't much to do besides rotate towels out and empty pans. I normally LOVE the rain. I'm the type that would love living somewhere like Seattle because I just love love love the rain. But not inside. I am grateful we will be moving soon to a drier climate into a house that (hopefully!) doesn't have a leaky roof.

This Week

Phew what a week. Have you noticed in the last two weeks (or more) I haven't had time for much blogging? Or...social media. Or anything really. I kinda feel like a grown up. I used to check Facebook three or four hundred times a day, blog every night, check my personal email a couple times a day....etc. Now...I'm lucky to get on any of this stuff once a day. If that. Things are just too busy with work and that is where I'm spending my time. And if I'm not spending my time with work, I'm with the fam. I think it's a good sign though. I feel grown up. Like I'm actually doing something good with myself. Life is good. So whats been going on??
Work is awesome. I now have 33 loans (total of over 6 million dollars woot woot!) in my pipeline with 15 expected to close before the end of August. This makes me happy as I get paid per loan and that will give me an awesome paycheck. And...that paycheck couldn't come soon enough, but more on that later. I'm finally getting it all down and I am determined to be the best processor there. I'm learning something new with every loan and loving the adventure and intensity. Granted...I put in long hours and generally eat breakfast and lunch at my desk itty bitty table I share (I'll be sooo excited to have my desk back when we move offices) and most my night is used for catching up on the admin stuff after the kids go to bed...but I feel good about it. I feel productive and that is awesome. In other words, I love my job. And I love the people I work with. They are soo welcoming and kind. They want me to succeed as much as I want to.

We have officially found a place in St George....app is in and they will have a decision on who to rent to in a few days. Fingers crossed....it's a cute little house that is affordable and in a good neighborhood. If you pray...say a little prayer for us! It really would be a great house and would decrease my stress as I would finally have a place which means I could start moving the kids' school records down to the school (that is like 2 blocks away...score!) and finding Ry daycare....which have been major points of stress for us.

Remember that whole excitment for loans to close? That is because money would be nice. Commuting is expensive, I have a huge unexpected daycare bill, my lawyers bill and of course moving....so it's going to be tough to keep my head above water. The sooner I can get these loans closed, the better off we will be. I don't know quite how commuting/moving/managing bills is all going to work the next month or so...but I have to have faith that it will. This decision feels like the right one for us so I just need to have a little faith.

The boys had a blast today....they came down to St George and visited the splash pad at town square with their Grandma, aunts and cousins. I walked over on my lunch to see them and they were having sooo much fun! That is definitely one thing I look forward to when we move down there, sooo many fun things for the boys to do that are free! They went swimming at Grandma Margarets house as well and had a whole lot of fun there too. I'm soo grateful for a family that loves and supports my boys... I have a pretty good life that I give due credit to them for.

Well....I think that is it. There is my week in a nutshell. I missed out on Mormon Messages this week and I will make sure I get that done next week. Those posts generally populate the most page visits which I absolutely love! Have a good weekend ya'll!

Ugh

We had work pictures done last Tuesday to put on our website/business cards/etc and got the proofs today. They are not edited yet, we are just supposed to choose 3-4 we like and she will edit from there. So...what if I don't like any? Not because she did a bad job (quite the opposite, she is a really fantastic photographer) but because I don't look like me. At least how I think I should look. Ugh. A good day just went south quick. I need to get my butt moving and start losing weight.
And thats about all today. I will post my Mormon Messages post tomorrow.

Thoughts on Religion

Today my dear little Tyler duped me out of going to our own ward, claiming to be sick. To his benefit, he had a bit of a croup cough this morning, which is the only reason I gave in. However by about 10 am, he was fine so we (meaning I) decided we were going to Grandpa and Grandma's church. Much to Tyler's dismay. I think he had a fun time though.
There were a few thought provoking moments. During Sacrament Meeting, one of the gentlemen was talking about how his son and son's girlfriend had gotten into drugs pretty bad. The girlfriend died of a Heroin OD and even after going to rehab and cleaning life up, his son eventually got back into the lifestyle and died of an OD as well not too long afterwards.
This was thought provoking to me because it made me realize how much I have been blessed throughout my life. I've put myself in situations that could've really ended badly for me. Very badly. And although I've gone through my fair share of adversity, I have not had to go through the more painful consequences that could've resulted from my choices. In other words, I got off easy. I know people personally who have died as a direct result of their choices, some of which were not too far off of my own. I can't help but wonder why I was so lucky?

We also had the same lesson as I had in my own church last week about being truly converted to faith, with an open heart and mind and being able to do missionary work as members of the church. I learned of a beautiful scripture... Alma 29: 1-5.

O that I were an angel and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

Yea I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.

But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.

I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.

Yea, I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knowth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.

I hesitate to share my thoughts on religion with people because I truly don't know what my thoughts are most of the time. I don't know what to believe and have faith in. And its tough. But I do know that when I see friends who struggle and express how much they wish all of the pain could just be taken away, the first thing that pops into my head is the atonement. I know that they could be freed of their pain and suffering if they could just hand it over to the Lord.
I know that if someone is struggling with something in their lives, if they could just have the faith to say a prayer diligently and be open to recieving the answer, they would know the right way to go.
So why can't I say it?
There is fear involved. Not wanting my friends to think I am pressuring them or preaching to them. There is also a lack of knowledge. On times that I have been questioned about my faith, my answers have been slow and awkward. I don't even understand it so how could I explain things to someone else? On the flipside, how selfish is it of me to hold back something soo precious and sweet, that I know could benefit someone else's life immensely?

So...thank you to everyone (my family especially) for hanging in there with me through my tough times. Your an example to me in the way I want to live my life, have dealings with others, and how I want my future marriage to run. I can't thank you enough for your part in the whole deal. Moving onward and upward always....

Exhausted

Work is crazy. I have had days where I really wonder if I'm really going to get all of the terms and nit picky things down....but then days like today come along where I totally kill it and love life. This business is sort of exciting. In a nerdy way (for me anyway....who thinks paperwork, deadlines and high stress situations are fun?! Me.). But....it leaves me absolutely exhausted. And apparently it's showing. My mom called me a Momma Tiger this week with my kids and after looking back, she was right as much as I don't want to admit it. So I'm taking her advice (kinda...sorry mom). Need to eat meals every day (I've been skipping breakfast and lunch....too much to do and not enough time to eat) and get to bed before midnight (Mom thinks 10 is good, I can't sleep that early). The commuting and workload is most definitely exhausting, so I do need to start taking better care of myself or I will be on permanent exhaustion mode. So tonight, I sleep. Tomorrow...I catch up on my housework, laundry, hanging out with kids, clean the car, and actually go shopping for food (I haven't been in about 2 weeks)! I will be very excited to get moved, I think that will help with the exhaustion. No more driving for two hours a day. But alas, the search is not going well. Who knew that pretty much everyone in St George renting properties do not have great bedside manner....that is if they actually answer the phone or respond to email. However....the Craigslist scammers are answering diligently. Thanks scammers.
And now I sleep. I'm tired. To end the night...a pic I stole borrowed from Nate's scout blog. They were locked up!

Mormon Messages Monday

As I was going through the different videos, this one popped out and although I think I've watched it before and have probably shared it before, I needed to hear it again. I at times feel as if I've lost my identity and forget what I'm here for. I let worldly issues, things, feelings, etc get in the way. If I were to die tomorrow, I would not feel at peace. I would not feel as if I'd lived my life to the best of my ability, serving others and doing what I know is right. I needed a reminder of what I am trying to accomplish, and this was it. I know we are a constant work in progress, but my goal is to know that when I meet my maker, I can say with all honesty that I tried my very best to do his will in this life.
 Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them.

The House Hunt Ensues

Dad and Mom drove Ryder and I down to St George today to look at some rentals. We started off in Hurricane and saw a few that were ok but they were far enough out that I might as well just stay in Cedar. And the one that wasn't far out was just very wierd. The most odd floor plan I've ever seen. But we had better luck in St George. After looking at quite a few, I narrowed it down to three that I think I would like.

via Rim View Properties

This was Mom's favorite. It is right in the middle of town, super close to everything. 3 bed 2 bath for $800/mo. We didn't have a chance to go look inside but the location is great and it looks like the complex is pretty well attended.

via Craigslist

This one is out in Bloomington Hills. Its a very nice nieghborhood that is about 10 minutes from downtown. 3 bed 2 bath and there are a few for rent that vary in price from $800-$950. The schools are right across the street and it has a pool, fitness area and big splash pad not too far away. I'm personally learning towards one of these if there is one available on the lower end of rent.

via Craigslist

We didn't have a chance to go by this one but I've been inside them before and they are nice. Also very good sized. 3 bed 2 bath for and the prices vary between $875-$950. This one is also about 10-15 minutes away from downtown in the Terrah Dawn community. It would be a third choice I think.

I have been a bit stressed about this whole moving thing, but it kind of feels like things are coming together after we drove around a little. Now I just need to see if I can get into one of them. Cross fingers, say a few prayers and send good mojo my way if you can. Hopefully soon we will be moving. And I tell you what, it will be very nice to finally get down there. I'm looking forward to a fresh start.

Oh! And another totally awesome thing we saw while down there....

This is by far the biggest dust devil I have ever seen. It was pretty awesome. Ok off to bed. Happy weekend all.

New Favorite Song

This has been a great week. Its been busy. I've been a little stressed about money especially when I got yet another daycare bombshell of a bill today. Ugh. But I have to have faith this will all work out. It will, right? In my pipeline (including all of the loans from the various loan officers) I have broken 3.5 million dollars. Thats pretty awesome. Thats about a $9000 paycheck (give or take depending on when they close). I just need them to close now. Cross fingers and say a prayer they will....heaven knows I need the moola. And I think the stress is finally getting to me. Stress of trying to get a new job down and perfected, trying to move, make sure kids are okay, get bills paid on little money until loans start closing, and on and on. But its managable. I just need to start not being an insomniac. Thats going to be hard.
The older boys are gone for the weekend. Going to miss them. It will make things a little easier for the prospective St Geezy househunt tomorrow but I will miss them all the same.
So on with the weekend. Watching my Hollywood crush Channing Tatem in 21 Jump Street.

Seriously.....look at those eyes. The jawline. And the body (which is not presently shown but very nice!)!

And to take us into the weekend, commuting has done one good thing for me. I listen to a lot of music and have found a new favorite.

Young Blood by The Naked And Famous

Happy Independence Day

I don't have a whole lot to say today...so I'm pic overloading. Heres the pics from the campout and today.

The boys at the parade today. We had a prime-o spot

Nate got a cool sword...that lasted all of 5 minutes after the parade

Ry at the beach yesterday

Nate at the beach yesterday

Tyler at the beach yesterday

Nate and I at the parade with the awesome sword

Playing at the beach

The windsurfers....very cool

Grandma Margaret playing with the boys at the park

Ry and LJ holding hands trying to sleep on the campout

Ry sleeping at Sonny Boys

The campout spot

via google images-
Freedom isn't free so on this wonderful day of celebration I want to give thanks to the many men and women who fight for our freedom. Its definitely not easy, but they sacrifice so much just so that we can live a free life. We take advantage of that often and need to remember the ones who give us the freedom we enjoy. Thank you to all the troops out there...and happy Independence Day!

Mormon Messages Monday

With Independance Day speedily approaching, I thought it was appropriate to think about all of the Freedoms I have.
I am grateful for the freedom to live my life the way I choose, instead of having someone else choose for me. I know there are many women in the world who do not share this with.
I am grateful for the freedom to speak my mind, to let others know freely what I think and feel without fear of injury or death.
I am grateful for the freedom to vote- to have a say, even if its a small one, in the way my country is run and who serves in the government.
I am grateful for the freedom to be able to practice my religion with little to no recourse from others. Many are not so lucky.
These are only a few....and really when it comes down to it, no matter how much I really dislike whats going on with the politics of the country right now and the way leaders are showing their colors, I can't complain too much because I have more freedom here than many other countries have. We Americans have it fairly easy.

So for Mormon Messages Monday....The Freedom To...