Move to TEXAS!!

We made it! We are finally here in Round Rock, Texas! After a 26 hour or so drive we made it! We started on Wednesday because my brother-in-law just can't sit still so we headed down. However, the weather was pretty bad and we were super sleepy so we made it to Pocatello. Not very far, we probably could have gone back, but oh well. The next day we woke up early and headed out for a long drive. Reesa got a bit car sick and threw up but luckily Leisha was in the car with me helping out. (Which meant she got throw up all over her! Poor Leisha, she's a trooper!) After that both the girls just did their thing...ate snacks, colored, watched movies. They were so good! It was a long day with about 11 hours. Then we stopped in New Mexico for the night and woke up early again. We wanted to go all the way this next day, but could only make it to some place in west Texas called Snyder. We stayed at this super nice hotel and went to get some steak at some place called The Shack. Yeah, it looks like it sounds but the food was awesome! We were worried but it turned out super yummy. The next day we had about 5 hours left and it seemed like it was the longest day. I was just so excited and it seemed like it shouldn't be too long, but it was crazy. We got here and sat down to some pizza and chit-chatted with Tad's brother and sister-in-law. It was so nice. They were sooooo sweet letting us stay here till we get into a house. We've got our own room and it has been so nice to have them around to talk to and show us the ropes around here. My parents showed up just a couple hours after us so that was nice too. We celebrated Afton's birthday that evening. Stacy was awesome and had a whole set-up for her...table cloth, balloons, presents, and ice cream cake! Delish!
On Monday we took my family down to UT campus in Austin and had so much fun. We all came back decked out in our Longhorns shirts and stuff. We went to this amazing place for dinner called the Saltlick. They are pretty awesome and have roast beef, sausage, ribs and turkey in this amazing sauce. They gave these huge portions and we were stuffed, rolling ourselves out the door. I had to say good-bye to my family that night, but it was for the better. My Dad had an interview at this place in Fort Worth. We are all hoping that he gets this job and is able to sell their house. If he gets it they'd only be a few hours away! How awesome would that be? So yeah, I was excited to hear about the interview but sad to say good-bye. Somehow it doesn't seem so bad as before because they are sooo much closer than before!! I don't have any pictures of the trip because I packed my camera! How smart am I? But it has been so awesome. Sadie, my 8-year old neice, just loves Afton and takes her around everywhere and plays with her all the time. During the school day she plays with Shane, my 4-year old nephew and they get along pretty well. So I feel like I'm down to one child. Even then, Reesa just follows them around and plays with all the toys. What a life?! Tad and I can't wait to get a house but hope that it will be close them Scott and Stacy and their kids! They are amazing and I am so grateful for their generosity. Stacy is the sweetest person and I have adult interaction all day! We have loved it so far and just hope that we don't drive them crazy! Well, I will post soon hopefully with pictures of Afton's birthday from my dad's camera.

Valentine's

Happy Valentine's Day! The girls and I had a small but good valentines. We woke up pretty early and got to making some yummy breakfast. I made some pink chocolate chip pancakes and bacon. We all gobbled them up, especially Reesa who let the floor have some too. After a little packing up I gave the girls their valentines and told them how much they were loved. We played around and danced to some music...and then went back to packing. I got a great gift from Reesa who let me hold her while she drank her bottle and fell asleep. She is usually not wanting me to hold her while she eats, but it was sweet. Afton and watched a little Wallace and Gromit and played around. It was so fun to just be goofy all day. Reesa's been so funny trying to tickle everybody and Afton gave me a nice hairdo today, brushing my hair while I relaxed. One of those moments you won't forget! Loved it! We went to the store to get some more candy, because I realized I had no chocolate on valentine's and that's just not right. So I got some on sale candy for us. After we got home Russell and Trish (Tad's brother and his wife) came and gave me a balloon and a box of chocolates! Who knew I had such amazing in laws who remember me!? It was so sweet! I'm so lucky! Tad and I got to skype for a little bit as well, so that was nice. It won't be long till we are back together. It's been a long, hard time without him (okay not that long but it seems forever!!) and I cannot wait!

Anyway, we'll be moving here on Thursday, so I probably won't post for a few days or more than a few...so next time I'll be posting we'll be in TEXAS! and I'll have pictures!

Happy Happy Birthday Poppy Dear

Happy Birthday Daddio!

What a guy, huh?! This is my dad...he doesn't normally look like this, in case you were wondering! Yesterday was his 48th birthday. I wish we could have been there for his birthday, but there's only so much that can go on so his 48-year-old heart doesn't get over-excited! (Hehehe) No really, I wish we could have been there, but a blog post will have to do.
My dad is an amazing person. I am so grateful to have had him as my dad. I'm not sure he'd say the same about me in my teenage years, but so it goes. I thought my dad was too tough and mean, of course, but hindsight is 20/20. I would not be the person I am today without my dad pushing me to try and be the best I could be. He set a high standard because he believed we (the kids) could meet that standard. I am grateful that he did because I learned to push myself. I've learned to never settle because there is always work to be done. Through your continual efforts and a Savior who was willing to sacrifice for each of us, being perfect becomes achievable. My dad not only asked that of us, but he was and still is a great example. One of the things that I've always admired in my dad is his integrity. I've never known anyone who was so true to their real self and I hope that that will be said of me. If it is, I know that it will be because of the great example my dad set. He is hard-working, loving, honest, funny, and determined. He is talented and smart, pretty much has it all! Apparently those gifts (plus an amazing mothers' talents) don't all come together in one child, but I sure wish they did. I guess they are something that we can strive for and hope to gain over time! Well, that's a little blurb about one of the most important men in my life. Love you Poppy! We can't wait to see you soon!

The tell-tale Dad eye-lid flip...still gross!

Not sure what to call this one? :)

Afton sure does love Poppy!

What a good Poppy! (My red-eye remover made their eyes look creepy.)

Can You Believe It?

I am so excited, surprised, grateful, every good word you can think about...at this moment. I cannot believe how the Lord takes care of us! We just received the news that Tad got a job! I think every one involved in this process was so inspired that it just had to happen this way. Tad's brother, Scott and his wife, Stacy, live down in Round Rock, Texas. They have a home teacher that has recently started his own business. Tad had just talked to Scott about us deciding to move to Texas and he passed out Tad's resume to a few people. He had asked this home teacher if they wore hiring and low and behold they just posted a position on craigslist. Scott gave him Tad's resume and told a little bit about what we were looking for. Well, last week Tad had a phone interview with this guy and the next day had another phone interview with his wife, who also has part in the business. They said that the beginning of this week is when they would let us know. Today, Tad called me on his lunch break asking me to check his email and he had one from this guy. They were informing him that after much prayer and consideration they felt that he was the best person for the job! I was shocked! It wasn't that I didn't think Tad could get the job I just didn't expect it all to happen so soon. What a confirmation to our prayers! We have felt very good about moving from Rexburg and have continued to seek answers in this process. Texas was always a good option and Tad felt especially good about it...so here we go! We are headed to Round Rock, Texas!! We will be much closer to both sides of the family and within a few miles of his brother and sister-in-law! (We can't wait Scott and Stacy! Oh and if we do happen to be in the same ward, I would love to work with you in YW, Stacy! That would be sweet, seriously!!) Not to mention, we will be able to go to a few Longhorns games! Boo-yeah! What a life!

Tad will need to start as soon as possible, which means about a week and a half. Our contract here is not up until April, but hopefully we will find someone to take it over. Who knows where we will live yet (hopefully a nice little starter home!) and what else will happen but what I do know is that we are watched over by a loving Father in Heaven. He has heard our prayers and blessed us with so much more than just our needs. In our time here in Rexburg, we have grown and been uplifted and strengthened. I can't imagine how our lives could have been any different and I am so grateful to my loving Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. I would not be who I am; I would not have a great husband who is willing to provide for this family; I would not have two beautiful daughters who teach me more than I could learn otherwise. We have met some amazing people and been blessed with great opportunities to serve and we have a temple within minutes of our home! I will miss this place, where I have learned to be the person I want to be, but I am excited for what is in store for us!

New Hair

Well I braved it! I had been thinking about Afton's beautiful locks getting the chop and decided it was time. I love her long hair with the little ringlets on the end but she really didn't like having to get her hair brushed and fixed every day. I thought she might like having short hair, easy to push out of the way and I wouldn't have to fix it every day. We can still do little hair-do's but it's much easier to handle. She seems to like it and I rarely see her anymore pushing out of her face. Tad kept telling her that she looked like her Aunt Lela all day. Eventually she quipped back, "No, I look like Aunt B!" We both laughed at that. I think it turned out pretty good for my first little girl haircut. I've only cut hair a few times but luckily my dad has tried to teach me some techniques and I just happen to love all those makeover shows! Hehehe! I did check out a couple of youtube videos on hair cutting. It all worked out pretty good and she was so good. She got pretty antsy at the end. Since she was so good we took her to McDonalds for dinner and let her play in the play area for about an hour. I can't believe what a little grown up girl she looks like now and only today did I actually want her cute ringlets and long hair back...only for a second. I'm just not sure if I'm ready for her to be such a big girl! I bought that dress for her and got a matching one for Reesa but of course I forgot to take a picture before church so maybe next week I'll have a picture of them both!

Our Christmas

So finally here is our Christmas update. It was so good to be able to start our first Christmas as our own family. The girls were so cute and loved just opening presents and spending time together. We loved every minute of the holidays, making decorations, putting up the Christmas tree and other decorations, playing in the snow, reading stories about Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus, doing our advent calendar every day and especially having daddy home pretty much every day! I am so grateful for this holiday and the extra time we are giving to spend becoming closer! 

Afton and Reesa in their matching pj's on Christmas Eve!

Afton digging into her stocking

 Tad showing off how full my stocking is! I'm so amazing! Hehehe...

 I don't really remember what Reesa is doing it, but it's too cute whatever it is!

 Tad is trying out his guitar...oh yeah!

 Here's Afton with  some of her presents.

 "Look at my husband, y'all!" He's a goober!

 She is sooo happy to have a full tummy!

 Reesa with her presents.

 Just playing

 Picture time!

 My presents...sweet!

 Reesa chit-chatting with someone on her new phone.

 Oh man what a hot baby! She loves wearing my necklaces.

 Afton, watching her favorite movie, the fluffy movie, or in other words Despicable Me.

 Tad watching his movie, Inception.

 Just chillin!

 Just a happy girl!

 Here is our Christmas dessert. I was quite proud. It was delicious but definitely needed a glass of milk!

Guess where?

Well, we have decided, I think... Tad and I have been praying and fasting about where we are headed to next. Yesterday, we sat down with our map of the US and started eliminating, quite fast. It came down to Washington, California, Colorado, Texas, and Georgia. After prayers and everything we felt, we have decided on...

Yes, that's right! Back to my roots! I love Texas so this is exciting. We will be looking for jobs within the next few months, plan our move, and hopefully be headed down to warmth in April. I will most likely be teaching for a little bit, while Tad takes the GMAT and gets into a program for accounting. We will also be looking for a job for him as well for some accounting experience. So if anyone knows of anyone looking for that sort of thing let us know! This is a recent decision so you never know what life will throw at you, but that's the plan and we hope it works out. We love this because it is a place where we could probably spend the rest of our lives. The housing prices are pretty good, the education system is awesome and the people are amazing, and not to mention they have the LONGHORNS! You know we be going to those games! (Even if they stink at the moment!) So this is it! I can't wait and am scared all at the same time. Who knows how anything and everything will work out in the next little while, but I believe this is what was meant for us. We have loved being in Idaho and have had amazing experiences here. We have been so lucky and we will never forget the memories we have made here! I won't say goodbye to everyone here yet. Anyway, that's that and I will post all about our sweet Christmas soon! (Gotta get the pictures uploaded!) 

Happy Holidays!

This was our sweet Christmas card! Hope it was a good Christmas for you all and hope this new year holds great things for you all!

An Amazing Woman

On Monday, Tad's Grandma passed away. I first met her when Tad and I were dating and I went down to his house for Thanksgiving. She was such a sweet, gentle person. She had alzheimer's and so it was always interesting to be around her. I remember one afternoon everyone was outside and we were just watching from the balcony. She and I were talking about different things and then the conversation turned to Tad. She kept saying what a sweetheart he was. Then she surprised me when she said, "Have you met his wife? She is a sweetie too. And his family is so sweet." It was pretty funny, for a second I had to reevaluate my relationship with Tad. Anyway, she was always working or at least trying to. That is one thing I have loved about Tad's Grandma and his mom. They are so determined and are always trying to do good. It has helped me to try to focus on being a doer. If you'd like to know more about her, I have her obituary below. (I know this is not the best picture, but doesn't she look like an angel?) We will miss you Grandma, but we are happy to know that you live on and are able to be with your loving husband and your son! We love you!

   


 Donna Mae Harrington MacDougall, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away Monday, December 6, 2010, in Utah where she has resided for the last four years and also spent her youth. For 65 of her 90 years her love of of Utah's mountains has combined with Carlsbad beaches, sun and wonderful people. Soon after being born in Blackfoot, Idaho on December 30, 1919, her parents, Reuel and Serretta Harrington, moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Graduating from high school at 16, Donna attended the University of Utah choosing a career as a teacher. Years later, as a teacher at Magnolia School, she became known for her proficiency in teaching children to read. The day she was introduced to a handsome football player from Seattle named "Bud" MacDougall is "when her life really began." Falling in love immediately, their courtship via mail culminated in a marriage rushed by WWII, on February 5, 1942. Years of war and separation ended in 1945 creating "delirious joy!" Life's center now became her husband, her four children and many dear friends. A love affair with the California coast began in Long Beach and ended with her favorite hilltop home over looking Carlsbad's ocean, built by her beloved husband, who passed away in 1985. Their Carlsbad experience began on a 40 acre chicken ranch in 1954. On her own, she expanded talents in photography, calligraphy, poetry and gardening and was a tireless supporter of family and community activities. A highlight of Donna's life has been her active involvement as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a widow, she determined to serve a mission for the LDS church in Little Rock, Ark., with much success. Returning home, she served 10 years working in the Los Angeles and San Diego LDS temples. She has provided her community, her church and her family with love and strength throughout her entire life, and has given selflessly in the service of others. We love and honor her. Now enjoying her greatest view, she is where she can truly "see forever." Donna was preceeded in death by her husband, Allan K. MacDougall; and her son, Bruce Duncan MacDougall. She is survived by a son, Dr. Allan B. MacDougall and daughter, Merrilee Dickerson, both of Carlsbad; and daughter, Lisbeth Ann Carluccio, Lehi, UT. She has 21 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. 

Oh Man I LOVE Christmas!

 Can I just say how much I love Christmas time?! Isn't it the most wonderful time of the year? No, really, I'm not just quoting the song. If that wasn't a song already, I might have written it myself.
 We went this past weekend to get a tree. After looking into a few different places we decided to go check out this small little place first. We got there and it was a small lot, but there were so many people there ready to help us the moment we stepped out of the car. We caved in and bought a shortish, chubby tree. After we settled on one, we found out the lot was run by a guy who was over all the priests in his ward. So all these 16-17 year old boys were there pulling out tree after tree for us to look at and hefting the tree on our van when we picked ours out. They were all so nice. All the proceeds were going to their quorum too. How fun for them! So we got it home after we stopped by the store for some hot cocoa and pizza and couldn't believe what had just bought. It is soooo fat! We've trimmed it up a LOT, but it's still pretty hefty. I love it! It's been hard to try and find a place for it, but we finally did and Afton and I have loved decorating it. She hung up half of the ornaments herself. What a good little helper.
 Also, this year will be our first year at home with our little family. We used to switch off between families, but this year due to expenses and time we will be having it here. I'm actually really excited because we get to be completely in charge of everything. We get to start our own traditions. We get to be super tired Christmas Eve night and get woken up at the crack of dawn to see some beaming eyes and smiles from ear to ear. Love it!
 I have felt very blessed these past few months and I can't contain myself. It's come out in Christmas cheer and of course I love giving presents. I have been able to come up with presents for the girls and my family that are not expensive, but still express how much I love them by the work I put into their gifts. I'm excited. I love giving gifts and I love being prepared and not having to procrastinate. It helps me to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. This year we have an advent calendar that shares a little message, song, and activity to do each day. It's been wonderful to read about Christ everyday to help remind us of Him during this busy season. We also have a little felt nativity advent calendar. Afton has loved putting up a felt character everyday and finding a little treat waiting for her.
 My goal is to be like this 365 days of the year. How awesome would a year be if this is what I thought about and experienced everyday?
 I hope you all have an amazing Christmas and don't get too swept away with shopping and stress, but that you are able to remember our sweet Savior who was born into this world to save us all!