Sold!

If you haven't already heard through the grapevine, or seen my "sneak peak" snaps of moving boxes on my Snapchat, then let me be the first to tell you....
WE SOLD OUR HOME! 

It's been the CRAZIEST month of our lives as we decided, after much thought, prayer and careful consideration, that it was time for our family to move.  It was truly one of the biggest decisions Kevin and I have had to make this far in our marriage. We have absolutely loved living in Lehi and our neighborhood has HANDS DOWN been the best neighborhood we could have ever imagined.  We are so grateful for the three years we spent in this home and the house, neighborhood and neighbors will hold a special place in our hearts forever.
Let me do a little Q&A right now to answer the BIG questions EVERYONE has been asking! 
1. What made you decide to move? A neighbor on our street put their home up for sale and it sparked the question, should we move? This year has been the first time we realized how busy the street is behind our house. With small children wanting to be outside all the time, and a desire to want to entertain and have friends over for BBQs and summer bonfires, we knew it just wasn't possible!  We also had awesome equity in our home and really felt now was the best time to make this change before Hunter starts school next year.  PS. I don't think I'll miss the mink smell either! 
2. Didn't you JUST FINISH YOUR BASEMENT? YES!  It is a little sad we don't get to have our friends and family over to stay in our brand new "guest suite" (I think my mom is saddest about this) but it did help a lot with the equity in selling the home. Kev was surprisingly OK with leaving behind his hard work and has been looking at it as a great learning experience for him for future home renovations! 
3. When are you moving?  Our home is scheduled to close on June 16th.  Less then TWO weeks away.  We've had the final inspections and everything has gone smoothly so far, so we're hopeful everything will wrap up on our signing date! 
4. Where are you moving?  Without going into TOO much detail, we have a house under contract in PROVO, UT. Back to where it all started for Kev and I.  We found a beautiful home, in a quiet neighborhood, with great schools and close to everything we love about Provo.  Stay tuned for another post on the new place. (We're being cautious about giving too much detail publicly because you never know what could happen until papers are signed... That's Kevin's Commercial Real Estate Agent plug)  Here's a photo from the front steps of the new house to keep you happy! 

I love that my kids can see the "Y" on the mountain to which they automatically break out into harmonized chants of "B-Y-U! B-Y-U!" Apparently, they are their fathers children.
5. What do you need help with?  So far packing has been pretty painless and we have hired movers to help us out of the house on closing day.  I'm getting a little stressed the closer we get to MOVE OUT day, and may need help cleaning or watching the kids the week of so I can get stuff done, but if you're in the neighborhood and wanna stop by and give hugs and farewells, or bring me a Dirty Dr Pepper I won't say no ;) Also Prayers! Prayers of any kinds from anyone is always appreciated.  Prayers everything continues to run its course for us to be out of this house and into the next without being homeless! 


Thanks so much for the kind words and love we have received from our friends and family who did know!  It's been a blessing to be surrounded by people who love, support and help us through changing times. 
Xo Readers! 

The End of a Chapter.

Last week in my post I told you all that some BIG THINGS were happening and today I'm announcing the first of many changes for our family. I QUIT MY JOB!  When Hayden was born I went through a stint of postpartum and severe anxiety.  Feeling so overwhelmed with a new baby and an 18 month old, I knew I needed a little "mommy time" a few hours a week. My job as a Building Manager at the community center was awesome. I worked 11 hours a week just two shifts in the evening. It was the perfect part time mommy job. I absolutely love our community here in Lehi and have loved getting to know my city neighbors as I've interacted with them over the last couple of years. I am so grateful for the time, experience and friendships I have made.  Thanks to the City of Lehi and The Lehi Legacy Center for a wonderful two years. 

For now, we're excited to spend lots more time as a family, travel before Hunter starts school next year and make more time for blogging opportunities! 

MayDay!!

We couldn't let the WHOLE month of May pass by without dropping in to say hi to our loyal readers!  We're sure you've been wondering where the heck we've been!  If you follow us on any social media outlet, Instagram or  Facebook or  Snapchat - username:kyldawnford then you know we haven't completely fallen off the grid. However, there are some MAJOR things happening in the Ford family and it has pretty much consumed our entire exsistance the last month. Let the speculation begin of what fun things and changes could be going on, but I promise to announce one of them (honestly, probably the smallest deal) this weekend so STAND BY.
In the mean time, we are so grateful for all our followers who have stuck around waiting patiently for us to figure how we're gonna get everything balanced! 
Now, enjoy some photos of all of our fun May happenings.
We finished our basement.

 Went to the Tulip Festival with the Goold side of the fam.

 Hunter got a haircut. 

 Hunter finished itty-bitty baseball and started tot soccer! 

 We had some pretty awesome Family Home Evening activities! 

 We lounged in the backyard and watched our garden bloom. Holy Cilantro! 

 Princess Hayden had her Gymnastics Exhibition and rocked it.

 Hayden also attempted to semi-potty train. New panties! 

 Attempted to make some homemade donuts, that turned out to be muffins. 

 And ate lots of other yummy fun summer treats! 

PS. Is it Summer yet? I don't know about the sate you live in, but Utah has been CRAZY this spring.  Rain at least every other day.

It's sure gonna make for some full lakes and pretty green landscape but I am READY for the sun! 

Changes = my decision to work outside of the home.

Since before my husband and I got married I expressed to him how much it would mean to me to be able to stay at home once we had children. Kevin, being the incredible man he is, told me way back then that he had been working hard and preparing for that time in his life for many years. He also had hopes that his future wife would be able to stay at home and raise their children and not have to work. When Hunter was born I went back to work after my maternity leave, thinking I would just turn in my two weeks notice and be done. Surprisingly, that first day back I genuinely didn't WANT to give it up completely. I loved the company I worked for and what I did. This feeling of not wanting to give up my work shocked Kevin and I both. We talked and came up with a proposal for my manager that would allow me to continue working for he company from home. The next day I spoke to my manager and we worked out an arrangement that allowed me to work from home part time hours.  I was thrilled that I would get to be with my son AND keep an extra income for some Kyla "mad money."  In just a short month I felt overwhelmed with balancing time with my newborn, keeping the home, spending time with my husband and putting in 20 hours a week.  I ended up having to do most of my wok after my husband was home and late into the night and I was really bothered with the TIME I was sacrificing with my family.  At this point Kevin and I talked again and agreed that the time and stress was not worth the work.  I ended my part time, from home job. I felt so conflicted. I was excited that I could focus JUST on my son again and spend hours in the day playing with him, cleaning, shopping, trying new recipes and everything else of being a stay at home that I had dreamed of. However, I also felt a little defeated. I was sad that I wasn't able to juggle the working and stay at home mom aspect like so many women are able to.  I told myself that it was proof I was just destined to be a stay at home mom for the rest of my life!  I was OK with that.  It was after all my "dream job" that I had wished and hoped for for many years.
Fast forward a year. We are now expecting our SECOND child. A GIRL. $$$$$$$ I knew as soon as I found that it we were having a girl that I wanted to find a way for me to bring in a little extra cash for baby spending. (I did so well spending wise with Hunter but I KNEW having a little girl would break my bank) Again my husband and I counseled together to try and come up with a plan for me to make some money.  Nothing felt right for a long time. Hayden was born in February of this year and I was so excited to bring her home and to adjust to being a mother of TWO under 20 months!  The first month with two was going great (minus the fact my toddler was having trouble sleeping) and I was LOVING being at home with my littles.  In March I was browsing Facebook one morning and came across a post on the City of Lehi's page where the first line grabbed my attention: "Lehi City is hiring!" I curiously clicked on the link which listed several positions the city was hiring for for the upcoming summer. At this point I wasn't thinking about working and was just enjoying being at home. One job opening specifically sparked an interest. "Building Manager at Legacy Center - Part Time Hours" I called to inquire more information and was told that position was for Tuesday Nights 5-Close and a rotating weekend shift (Fri 5-close or one of the 3 Saturday shifts). The position also included a pass that allowed you to use the facility. I was immediately prompted to call Kevin at work and tell him about the job opening. After a short conversation on the phone, a lengthier discussion that evening and a couple of prayers we felt that I should apply for the job.  Within a few days I received a call to come in and interview.  I felt great about the interview and Kevin and I remained confident that this was the perfect opportunity for me.  Sadly, a week later I was called and told the position had been given to someone else. Again, I was heartbroken and conflicted. I really struggled with the idea of WANTING to work outside of the home and when this felt SO right that I applied and interviewed for nothing, I didn't understand. I felt as if I was being reminded that staying at home was where I belonged. Less then a week later I was SHOCKED by a phone call that offered me the same position on a different day of the week. I called Kevin before returning the call trying to figure out what this all meant.  Here I was again feeling bad for wanting to get out of the home for a few hours a week but at the same time so excited for the opportunity. Kevin is such a smart and loving husband and with his support I accepted the job.

My first day was last week and I could not be more excited. It really seems TOO good to be true.  Thursdays I work from 5-close and then I work Saturday mornings from 7-12:30 for the rest of the month. Both Kevin and I are so grateful for this blessing.
I remember hoping my whole life to be a stay at home mom and the truth is, it's a lot harder then it looks to raise children.  Being a mother takes every inch of your mind, heart and energy and sometimes when all of those inches are taken up it can be so overwhelming that you just break down and cry. (at least I do... but I'm a crier so that could just be me) I always felt so bad for those women who HAD to work or CHOSE to work instead of being at home but I can honestly say I understand those situations a little bit better now.  Don't get me wrong, I could quit this job tomorrow and never work another day in my life and be the happiest mother at home raising children but, I am very grateful that I do get a change in scenery for a few hours a week to clear my mommy head, talk to people who can actually have a conversation back and bring in some spending money which, lets be honest, I will most likely spend on spoiling my kids anyways! 
Thanks to everyone who has supported me in this new adventure. Thanks for the kind and positive comments.  Thanks to the women in my life who have shown me that it's OK to be a mom and work! 

What are your thoughts? Do you stay at home? Work? Both? Share your comments below!