From House To Home

I thought the hardest part about building a house would be building it, not living in it. We have spent about three weeks in our new place and I still feel like I'm living in a strangers house. Adjusting to the changes that have come from our move has proven difficult.

For those of you who are familiar with Cache Valley you understand that the trip from Providence to Logan takes forever! Like 15 minutes! That's forever in Cache Valley. Had I just moved here from Salt Lake I wouldn't bat an eye at a 15 minute commute but after living here for a few years I've become accustomed to everything being accessible. We practically lived in the Wal-Mart parking lot and now I'm a good ten minutes from any grocery store.

It's not just the distance to the grocery store it's the distance from my bedroom to the front door. When you move from 1000 square feet any place seems huge. We built our home with the intention of filling it with a family. Right now our dogs are our only family and since they are never more than ten feet from either one of us we have rooms that are never stepped in. It takes me twice as long to get anything done. Cooking, cleaning, getting ready in the morning, even my bed seems to take longer to make. We have yet to create a place for everything and even if we do we forget where it is.

"What do you mean I have to walk all the way downstairs to get

(insert anything here)?"

I know it's snotty to complain about a new house but I can't help but occasionally miss my carpet-stained apartment. It was old and tiny and right next to everything. I didn't care if I dropped something on the floor, or if the dogs angered the neighbors. Now everything we damage is our problem.

I guess it's all a product of growing up. Everyone can list something they miss about being single, childless or mortgage free but would anyone really want to go back to that place? I hate cleaning up after my dogs but would I want to live without them? No way. I know we will eventually get accustomed to everything, the commute, the quietness, the added stress but as of right now I miss 1504.

A New Address

I'm going to completely bypass the fact that I haven't blogged in almost a year and get straight to the goods.

Adam and I have been in the process of building a house. We began last August by putting an offer in on a lot in Providence, Utah. I'd like to say this is the reason I haven't blogged but I would be lying. This answer to that question is Pinterest.

This was taken approximately 30 days after the foundation hole was dug.

And here we are at completion. We are still moving things in so I haven't had a chance to really take any decent photos of the inside. As soon as we get a little more settled I will blog photos of the interior.

The dogs have really taken to the place especially the back deck. We have yet to get Charli to go up or down the hardwood stairs on her own. We designed the home for a family as well as company. So if you find yourself longing for a visit to Cache Valley you are welcome to come stay!

Walter Kirschman

Adam's grandfather passed away suddenly and peacefully on April 7th 2011. Although he was suffering with pneumonia it was rather unexpected. Walt, or Pop Pop as he was commonly called lived a colorful life. For those of you who attended our wedding ceremony you may remember him as our temple sealer.

Before I met Walt I was cautioned about his unorthodox approach to life. When we met for the first time at Adam's childhood home I thought he was adorable. Wearing a plaid beret he resembled a 19th century golfer and although he seemed somewhat oblivious to social norms he was genuine and devoted. I unfortunately never met his wife Linda, she passed shortly before Adam and I started dating. Even years after her death Pop Pop would sign Christmas and Birthday cards, "Love, Walt and Linda." She never seemed to be far from his mind. Even though we are sad to lose him we take comfort in the fact he went peacefully and is now with his love, Linda.

Having lost my own paternal grandfather only a few months ago the importance of living a full life is again brought into focus. Both men had a sincere appreciation for hard work, family and faith. These qualities mold a great life but can sometimes get overlooked as we move from day to day.

Florida!

The first week of March I flew down to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida to visit my sister Cami and her husband Aric. Although I hate flying the promise of family, beautiful white-sand beaches, great seafood and shopping won me over. That, and Adam was going to be in Japan and I didn't want to be alone for ten days.

One of the first stops we made was Cami's work, an adorable beach side toy store called Duckies.

I love this print! If it looks familiar you may have seen it on Modern Family, it's in Lilly's room.

I had seafood every night for dinner. The craw fish were a lot of work for not much meat. They aren't my favorite shellfish but it was fun to try them!

Another fun shop although not quite as "classy" as Duckies.

Cami and Aric have two dogs, a Great Dane named Marley and a Yorkie named Gigette.

Gigette was my alarm clock a few mornings. I didn't mind because c'mon, look at that face!

I thought Cami was one of the few Cook family members that didn't own mass artillery. I was wrong. Sarah Palin watch out!

This was taken on the last day of my trip. It was hard to leave but I know I'll be back, this time I'll take Adam along.

Background Change

I understand a background change does not constitute a blog post. This post is to prepare you for the totally awesome post I plan on posting when I get home.

Christmas Morning, Part Two

After Adam and I opened presents we headed over to Kari and Steve's house for family gifts.

The Kirschman's are known for big Chirstmas's and 2010 was no exception.
Evelyn was very excited about giving Max and Adam their gifts and she insisted they go first.
Evelyn gave Adam a set of Westhighland bookends for his office, very cool.
I prefer the original.
I found these fun blankets at Sam's Club. They're like "cute" Snuggies for kids.



When it came to "best gift" Kari won. She sewed Evelyn a Mulan dress which she kept on most of the weekend.

While Evelyn channeled her "inner princess" Sophie channeled her "inner hobo."

Apparently you can purchase an entire bag of just white Tootsie Rolls.

Molly is very artistic and creative so it seemed only natural to get her a knitting starter kit. Now I can look forward to hand-made gifts!

Kari has great style so I never worry about getting an ugly sweater I have to pretend to like.
After all was said and done Max was well equipped for Beaver Mountain.

After opening gifts we always go over to Adam's aunt and uncle's house to eat great food and play games. This year each family brought a food from a different country. Kari choose Brazil and made some delicious meat skewers.

Another successful Christmas!

Christmas Morning 2010

Merry Christmas!

Puppy stocking time!

After the puppy's stocking, Adam and I opened our stockings and gifts.

I gave Adam a Christmas ornament that looks just like Charli

(Adam's favorite of the three).

In exchange for the amazing Christmas ornament Adam gave me an iPad.

It may seem uneven but that's because the picture doesn't do the ornament justice.