It only took about 3 months…. but I finally have a complete, fully functioning kitchen (And I have the pictures to prove it).  We purchased our new home a little over 3 months ago and it has been quite a ride.  We are FAR from being what I would consider “settled”, but we are making strides and this weekend was a big step in helping me feel more comfortable and set in the new pad.

When we first looked at the home, I knew immediately that the kitchen would need some attention to make it “mine”.  Although I appreciate some of the great things previous owner’s added to the kitchen, (granite counters with full backsplash, nice hardware, hide away cutting board, deep undermount sink, fancy faucet) I didn’t prefer the gray walls and black cabinets.  I also didn’t appreciate the fact that they took ALL the appliances with them leaving us with quite a bit to purchase.

After ordering and installing new appliances, painting walls, sanding (thanks Dad), priming (2 coats) and painting (2 coats) cabinets, putting hardware back on, putting cupboard doors up we finally have a finished product.  The only thing lacking is some decorating that I know my talented friends will help me with. 

Enjoy the pictures- I know I do!! 

Before….

?

And, my favorite, After!

May thanks to soooo many people who helped with this project!  I love you all!

Our Halloween weekend was filled with lots of parties, friends, family, candy, costumes, and…..Strep Throat.  Overall we had a FUNtastic Halloween.  I have posted pictures of our family in costume as this was the first year that we did a family theme.  Maybe the last since the kids had to BEG Marc to join us.  The only way he agreed was if the group costumes were PAC-MAN since he enjoys to play this nostalgic game on his Blackberry from time to time.  The kids have learned the love of the “PAC” too and were very excited all month.  I was excited, but overwhelmed because I have never made 6 costumes for one Halloween.  I did it the easiest way possible and was pleased with the results.  So when Halloween weekend finally arrived along with Gracie and Sophia suffering from Strep Throat, there was no way I was going to let ANYONE out of a photo.  Thank goodness for Ibuprofen and antibiotics, they made for a decent picture.

The Pac-Man Family

Ms. & Mr.

Inky, Blinky, Pinky, & Clyde

I guess the goal of posting a blog a day for the month of June was a little lofty, but I am impressed with myself that I did do as many as I did. That being said, I thought I would get back on here and put up some pictures of our July 4th Celebration. This year we spent the holiday with Marc’s extended family. Getting together with the Lara’s is always a good time. This time was especially nice because the Birch family (Marc’s sister) was in town from Denver and they were able to celebrate with the rest of us. YAY!  Even more YAY than that is fireworks are not illegal to purchase in Colorado so Aaron treated us all to a fantastic light show in front of our house Saturday night.  I think some neighbors and passers by were as impressed as we were.  Unfortunately my camera ran out of battery juice and I did not get any pictures of the fabulous show.  I was able, however, to get some pics of the kids with their sparklers which was also fun.

Sunday after church Audrey and Gracie helped me make a cute July 4th treat that I had seen online and had to try.  Look how great they turned out.  Way to go girls!!

How’s that for A Bald Eagle’s Nest?

This next picture is simply because Sophia is super cute and looks like a bobble-head from this angle.

Next, we were off to Casa Grande for dinner, a patriotic family home evening, a fireworks show, and of course, fun times with cousins!

Then off to the fireworks show!

It was a great way to spend our Nation’s Birthday!

Sophia’s latest play time involves taking her “baby” and tucking it in bed.  She chooses dolls, Barbies, Care Bears, or other random stuffed animals to take care of.  Since Carson’s bed is the only one that she can reach comfortably, she chooses his bed.  I find her tucking in the babies, giving them kisses and saying “night, night”.  She even will close the door behind her and tell everyone in the vicinity to “Shhh”.  I think this is the sweetest thing.

Can you spot a difference between this man…

and this man?

Evidently, Carson cannot.  Last night as I was changing channels, I came across President Obama’s speech and I stopped for a moment and asked Carson, who had just entered the room, “Who is that Carson, do you know?”  Without a blink of an eye Carson replied, “Yes, that is President Monson.”