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! 

Mommy StayCation.

"mom!! Mom!! MOM!" The cry, yell, screech, happy sound that comes from my children's mouths all day everyday.  I've said it before and I'll probably say it a million times, that being a mommy is hard and sometimes the constant work it requires, 24 hours a day, seven days a week can be overwhelming and exhausting.

This year for Valentines Day, Kev surprised planned a Mommy Stay-Cation just for me. I was so excited, and a little nervous to leave the kids with Kev ALONE, OVERNIGHT, but luckily I was only 3 miles away, which eased some worry. 
My Mommy Stay-Cation was just what I needed to focus on me for a minute, relax and recharge so I can continue being the best wife and mother.
One night in a hotel, $100 in cash to spend on WHATEVER I wanted, hours of un-intrueuppted shopping, dinner and Dirty Dr Pepper funds plus The American President with Annette Bening on cable made for one of the best 18 hours I've ever had to myself. 

Kev was able to find a great deal at a local hotel for a Friday off peak weekend stay.

A great way to find deals and specials is to sign up for emails from your favorite hotels. 

We are on a couple email lists for a handful of our favorite places and it's great for any last minute traveling or quick one/two night stays. 

 I didn't buy either of these outfits, sad day for me, but sometimes window shopping is just as enjoyable. 

Lets be honest, I was so excited to be in a dressing room without screaming toddlers peaking under the wall to the next stall over. 

ALWAYS find a hotel that includes a FREE breakfast with your stay. Especially with kids, that extra meal can take away some $$ from your vacation budget.  My breakfast was AMAZING at the Hyatt Home 2 I stayed at.
Thanks so much to my AWESOME hubby for sponsoring this StayCation.  StayCation's can sometimes be better than real Vacations. I am always amazed at what there is to do and see right here in my own town.
Are you a StayCation person?  What are some of your favorite StayCation activities? I would love to hear!