I'm not sure what to do....

Does anyone look at blogs anymore?  Does anyone update theirs anymore?  Does anyone care?  Am I talking to myself?  Probably.  I'm trying to decide what to do.  I didn't blog for all of 2013.  I just barely finished blogging 2012 so I can print a book.  For 2013 I'm going to print my Instagram.  Then what?  Maybe I'll just stick with the Instagram thing until something else comes along.  I need it to be easy.  It seems sitting down to type up a whole blog post is almost impossible.  My 4 youngest kids are wondering why they don't have any scrapbooks of them.  There is so much to do.  To catch up on.  My goal is to get their books done at least through their first year.  It makes me sad to think I have dropped the ball.  I know there are a lot of good products out there and systems.  I just need to find the one that calls my name.  Good luck to me and you in your memory keeping endeavors!

Kitchen Remodel

We decided to remodel our kitchen.  It started with the thought of just refinishing our existing cabinets, but by the time I was done saying what I wanted added and changed we decided to just gut it and start from scratch.

BEFORE:

Let's ignore the big, fat pregnant lady.  This was the only decent and most recent picture I could find of most of the kitchen in one shot.

Here's the part you can't see in the other picture.  It was all just so yellow.  So much yellow.  I was so done with it.  I originally wanted a white kitchen when we built 10 years ago, but for some reason it didn't happen. I was talked into hickory.  Which is fine, but I kept dreaming of a white kitchen.

And so my dear husband began the process:

We were able to sell our old cabinets, counter tops and appliances on KSL classifieds and make a few bucks to put toward the cause.

 The kids loved the open space for a day or two.

We opted for tile in the kitchen area since the kids spill water non-stop from the fridge and it had warped the wood.  This was really hard for me to pick.  What if I pick the wrong tile?  What if it looks hideous?  Who knows if we'll keep the same wood floors forever?  So many things to consider.

The cabinets get installed:

Happy day!

Then the granite counter tops were installed:

I was in love.  The funny thing with the counter tops was I drove up to Salt Lake to pick them out.  I chose a specific slab.  I asked the guy if this exact one I was looking at was the one I was going to get.  He said yes.  I said thank you.  I went to our counter top guy's shop a few days later to confirm it was okay to go ahead and start cutting them out.  It was NOT the slab I chose.  BUT it was fine.  I am completely happy with how they turned out.  And I wasn't about to delay the install.  I needed them before Christmas.

Then we had a setback.  And a very big mistake.  We decided on a very simple travertine for the backsplash.  It seemed fine, but the more that got put up the more I hated it.  It would look fine then it would look peach.  Then I'd talk myself into it being fine again and it would work for a few minutes and then I'd hate it.  I didn't say anything because I was afraid it was just me freaking out.  Nate and I got home late from a party one night and he said so what do you think?  I was silent for a moment and asked him the same question back.  He said he hated it.  Phew!  I do too!  We ripped it out that night at midnight.

The next day we went out and bought subway tiles and haven't had a single regret.

And after the cabinet guys came back and put in the appliance corner cabinet we called it a success.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I was without a working kitchen for 3 weeks.  I'd say that's not too bad for doing a complete redo.  I didn't get a picture, sadly, but I had a ghetto kitchen in the dining room with a cart and a microwave and lots of cereal, microwave foods, plastic ware, paper plates, cups and bowls.  We probably filled up the landfill, but I'll let my grandkids worry about that.  Ha! ;)  It's a small kitchen, but with the changes we made I have more storage, a place for everything and it looks great.  I love it!

December Moments

 I can't resist this face!

 Brotherly love.

 Dancing in the car.

 Just drinking hot chocolate and helping mom pick out granite.  Two very important things!

Sitting solo. #misterroundbottom #practicemakesperfect

 Dec. 7th and they are out jumping on the tramp with no coats or jackets... and probably no shoes.  I don't remember, but it must have been a pleasant day.

 Still a cute thumb sucker.

 Just because.

 Fun evening chatting by the fire.  #thekidsarefinallyasleep

 Dinner- picnic style in the basement.  #kitchenunderconstruction

Open space= playground.  #funandgames #untilsomeonegetshurt #itwasTye

It's so sad, but so cute.  I don't know if I should cry along with him or laugh.

I should do the same. #nap #pianolessons

We love snow!  #snowangel

I've been so bad at doing very many traditions this year.  We'll try a week of Christmas stories to redeem ourselves.

I keep finding this little gift under the tree.  #bestpresentever #constantlysuckinghisthumb #armycrawlseverywherenow

 Need a smile?  We got 10. :)  #turnthatfrownupsidedown

My phone exploded!  The end.

New Year's Eve Party

We hosted a New Year's Eve party with the Swensen side of the family.  We played a lot of games and ate a lot of food.  Perfect!  Here's to a great 2013!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2012

I don't have much to say about Christmas besides I love it!  I love having family time that is meaningful and fun.  I love the magic of it all.  I love giving and making memories.  And most of all I love my Savior, Jesus Christ.  Merry Christmas!

Christmas Sunday

Eliza's 3rd Birthday

Eliza Joy's name says it all.  She truly is such a joy to have in our family.  Her big brown eyes can melt you in an instant.  She is a happy little girl and a bit shy, but once she warms up to you she will love you with all her heart.  Her hair is finally starting to grow out from the haircut Haley gave her and I just know this year will be a great one for her.  We love you, Eliza!  Happy 3rd birthday!

Swensen Family Christmas Party 2012

Visit With Santa

We try to find a Santa each year.  This year we found one that had plenty of time to talk to the kids.  So far so good.  They are all on the nice list!  Hopefully it will stay that way.  They are pretty great kiddos.