Settling in

We've been in our new home for over 3 weeks now, and it already feels like home. It took me a good six months in our last house to feel like we were really living there. The ward is very welcoming. I found out that I am NOT the oldest person on the entire street, and I'm enjoying the social aspect of having excuses to go out and meet new people. It's one of my favorite things to do; I love to meet somebody and have a name and a face to match to a previously unnoticed home.

Matt managed to wait a week before he planted a garden (It's 30'X20') It seems to be doing well. He also used a neighbor's tractor to pull out some brush, level the back, and get ready for the landscaping we will someday do. Watching his grin as he hauls dirt reminds me of the boys while they play on the Wii. It's sheer delight.

Life hasn't slowed down for us, but the activity is pleasant and exciting. Matt, his brother Mike, and a man named Travis are finishing the basement. They hope to be finished early next month. It's going quickly, and I love to walk down when they are finished for the night and try to figure out exactly what was added in.

The thought of teaching preschool is a dream come true for me. I've missed teaching for so long. I have one class completely filled, and the other two are very quickly getting filled up. The thought of teaching a preschool and having two of my own in the room is so exciting. Dallin is so smart, and I worry that right now he is so unmotivated. He will blossom this next year, and spending time with Mom who is not sidetracked on the endless phone calls that come from Real Estate will be a huge change. We are preparing for the changes by revamping our schedules and working on regular chores, homework, and having the family work together and do meaningful activities.

We have a 15 year old girl named Beth who comes and spends lots of time with our family. She is here most Mondays, and occasionally comes to spend the night. We have enjoyed our time iwth her, and discovered today that she loves fishing. It was 100 degrees outside, but we trecked to the trail by the river that flows 2 blocks from our house. We fished under a bridge that had complete shade and a slight breeze. No fish were caught, but we had a lot of time to relax and play.

Matt has been swamped with all his projects. While he is still working at Reams, he bails me out when I get overwhelmed with Real Estate and takes the files over once we near closing. I don't know how it would work if he didn't take th e stressful situations and make them work out. I prefer to work on the computer behind the scenes, show homes, and write up the offers. It's a great partnership; one that I never believed would work so well. He 's also doing the basement, tyring to work with the investment company he and a friend started two years ago, start the yard, increase our garden size, play with the kids, and still give me a break when I've had enough craziness for the day. I don't know what I would do without him. He's the Sunshine behind the raincloud that always comes through. As a result, he is my best friend and my favorite person on earth.

The kids are adjusting slowly. THe lack of established friends has been hard, but they are quickly adjusting. As soon as Sierra is in activity days and Matthew is in Scouts, I think they'll do better. Scotty, Dallin, and Nicole have children on teh street to play with, but still prefer to stay home.

All in all, I am feeling so blessed to be here. I love our house, our yard, our quiet street, our neighbors and ward, the peace the permeates throughout the neighborhood, the safety we feel as we go walking, the trail that is so close by, and the fact we have a three car garage that will eventually be used for both cars. Most of all, I'm at peace. More than I've felt in many, many years.

We are almost finished unpacking the basement boxes, and my two biggest projects are to put up blinds and finish setting up the preschool. I'm excited about having worthwhile, fun things to do with Dallin and Nicole next year so they aren't bored.

Please come visit. We're ready adn look forward to sharing our room with neighbors, family, and friends.

Love,

Heather