Official!

It's OFFICIALLY our home!!

We move in next weekend and will definitely need some help.

(Expect phone calls, family members, :].)

I am really looking forward to getting in and getting settled. Everyone who has seen the house just adores it and we are super excited that it's ours. Did I mention it has 3.5 bathrooms?! Holy cow!! We are so used to sharing one bathroom between the 6 of us that this is truly a blessing. Not to mention my bathroom has a ginormous tub! (EEEP!) Other exciting features; the completely fenced yard, (So excited to have that!) The beautiful gas fireplace, (Well it will be beautiful after I remodel it a little!!) and the attached garage (never had one of those)!! I am really grateful we were able to find a home that meets our needs and budget. Things will be a little tighter then they have been lately with the increase in our house payment, but I am super excited for this new journey!

~~~~~

With that said, we are so sad to leave this ward. Several of you that read my blog are our ward members. I just want you to know that we will miss you guys tons! We have made so many great friendships over the past few years with several of you. Thank you for your kindness, love, help with my kids, and friendship. We are truly blessed to have known each of you. We know that we will be able to keep in touch through facebook and blogging--and hope that you will keep in touch with us too!

~Hopeful~

Well, my Dad's house is in the current process of being sold. Which for us meant, it was time to quit dragging our feet and find a house. We have spent the past several months searching and searching for a house. After one failed offer and lots of "potentials" we finally found one. Our offer has been accepted. If all goes well with the inspection and everything else, we will be moving to our new home shortly. Here is a sneak peek of what it looks like...

I Can't Find My SD Card!

Like so many of you, I too, have put blogging on the back burner this summer. It just seems like every time I want to blog--I get busy! Now I can't find my SD card. :/ NO BUENO! However, I will try to do my best to explain in words the past month!

-WEST VIRGINIA/VIRGINIA-

I got to spend 2.5 weeks, kid free, in West Virginia. Isn't that awesome?! My Dad and Step Mom offered to pay for me to come out and visit--if I would be willing to fly out and entertain my step siblings for a couple of weeks. It was a wonderful trip. I got to go to MY home ward. I got to visit friends from High School. I slept in. I ate like I was 14. And I only got myself ready for 2 weeks. I think every Mom deserves a break like that. Plus, it was just awesome to spend time with my Dad. I have posted a ton of pictures on facebook. If you are one of my facebook friends go check them out!

-Back to School-

The boys started back to school this week! YAY!! My most favorite thing about back to school...the fact that they are both there all day now! My other favorite thing... the fact that I have to leave work right on time now!!! I pulled so many long days all summer--since the kids were with me! The boys are very excited. Preston is in Mrs. Christensen's 3rd grade class. Tyson is in Mrs. Coleman's 1st grade class. The boys seem to be loving being back, walking home with the kids from church, and eating breakfast at school again!!! (They think that rocks!) They have back to school pictures on facebook too! When I reminded Tyson that he would be staying all day...he said, "Ugh! That's going to be so boring!" I hope he changes his mind. Or it may be a long year!

-Back to Reality-

-Reality hit me like crazy the past few weeks! It was like I stepped of the plane and jumped right back into insanity! We are still in North Ogden...we haven't found a house yet. However, I am just enjoying still being here.

-I signed Addyson up for Cheer Camp at Weber High this week. I am really excited to see how she interacts! If she does well--it may be time for dance!! Is anyone else doing Cheer Camp?

-And the big news... Well I started back to school myself this past week. Am I crazy? Yes. Do I have time for this? Probably not. It's always been my dream to finish school and have my college education. I have been making excuses for years. Then my Dad said to me... "Celeste, if you never try, it wont work out." It was sort of like a slap in the face. He is right. So I am trying. I am sure it will take me longer then the norm to finish. I think that as long as I keep trying--I will excel! I have decided to Major in Family Studies. Which is a combination of both my love for children and psychology. I haven't decided on a minor--but I do have some thoughts on that. I was enrolled at SLCC. Then as I was trying to finish up enrollment I changed my mind! I am attending WSU. Right now I am trying online classes--we will see how this works out. I just didn't know how to go to school and take care of the kids. So wish me luck--and if I don't keep up on my blogging you will know why! I will try to keep posting pictures on facebook though!

Scratch That Idea & Sorry We've Been Busy

Well you probably all thought I fell off the face of the earth lately. I am still here. I figured I would catch my blogging up to the point right before the 4th of July. Then I will resume my catch up from that point.

We have been super busy this summer. I have been working some crazy hours. I hate it. That to me is the worst part of my job! It's been a weird summer and they can't seem to keep me on a consistent schedule.

The house we made an offer on didn't work out. So we are scratching the house from our list. I guess it keeps us in our ward that much longer. Now it's back to the "House Hunting".

Hope you guys are still having a great summer!

Oh, has anyone had trouble with blogger lately? When I post pictures and try to space them it goes all funky. Then I can't fix it. And at the top of my page it says 'Sign In' instead of 'Dashboard'. It's just really weird.

A Hunting We Will Go...

...House Hunting that is!

(And other news...)

I had forgotten how stressful this process was! I just need to vent so I am putting it here. I feel like Clint and I can't agree on anything when it comes to what we are looking for. Older vs. New, Fixer Upper vs. Time, Less Home vs. More Money, Schools vs. Schools!!! I am about ready to throw in the towel and wait for someone to make me leave this house. We have now seen close to 10 homes and I just can't decide. We found one this weekend that Clint really loves. I will admit for the lot size alone it's worth it. I feel like the house is lacking though. The kitchen was recently remodeled, but they didn't do a great job. Will this be the house for us?! I was comfortable just staying in my Dad's house until Clint finished school. Our rent was cheap, our wards been great, and I love our boys' school! Decisions, Decisions.

In other news...Clint was in the home stretch of school. Only needing 5 more classes. I was so excited-- then they hit us with a bomb! They wont let him minor and major in psychology anymore. (Which they have let others do in the past) So he has to take more classes now! Ugh, so annoying. The dept. head did say they would try to work with Clint. I can't wait!! I know we still have lots of school left. I just can't wait until he is done!

Our 10 year anniversary is coming up in June. I wasn't going to be here for it, but it looks like I will be now. Since I have the time off from work-- I want to do something fun!! I deserve it after being married to Clint for 10 years *laughing*. Does anyone have any fun suggestions or ideas??

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Um, here we go again. I have really been slacking in the blogging department. I was supposed to finish this yesterday—but it didn’t happen.

Day #23: A Picture of Your Favorite Book.

This would have to be an all time favorite. I really need to read it again.

Day #24: A Picture of Something You Wish You Could Change.

Well that would have to be the amount of money I had in my bank account!! :)

Day #25: A Picture Of Your Day.

My day starts with getting ready, taking care of kids, going to work, taking care of kids, coming home, taking care of kids, doing housework, while taking care of kids, and if I am lucky relaxing.

Day #26: A Picture of Something That Means A Lot to You.

This ring belonged to my Grandma. When she died my Mom gave it to me. It was my 20th birthday gift. I love it because it reminds me of my Grandma. It also reminds me of when I was a little girl and I would dress up in her jewelry.

Day #27: A Picture of You and A Family Member.

I couldn’t pick just one family member. This picture has several. My Dad, Step Mom, Husband, Brothers, Mom, Aunt, Uncle, and myself. We were at the temple together. It was a nice time to see David prepare for his mission.

Day#28: A Picture of Something You Are Afraid Of.

Normally I would say that I am afraid of the Unknown. Which is true—I hate not knowing. That was kind of hard to take a picture of and the internet pictures were freaky. So I picked the next thing: one of my biggest fears is that Clint will give up on school and will never graduate. I think it also scares me that I will never be able to finish my degree. It’s for sure something I plan to do, just when I will have time is the fear. Maybe I should just quit being wishy-washy and just do it already!

Day#29: A Picture of Something That Always Makes Me Smile.

Pictures of my kids. They always make me smile. Always.

Day #30: A Picture of Someone You Miss.

My Grandparents. I miss them so much. I wish they were still here with us. They both died of cancer and it was very hard to see them go. I have complete faith that I will see them again one day. Laugh with them and talk with them.

Our Week...

Wow! This week has been a doozie! I am not even sure where to begin.

Clint did work this week. Yay! However, he is not full time yet. They can't bring him on full time until all their certifications have come through. This has absolutely nothing to do with Clint, it's just how new businesses start. So things are still not normal around here. It's kind of frustrating. I am glad that he has a job, but I am so ready for him to work the 9 hour day then come home. You know...like a normal life?! Yes, normal. That would be nice. Since he isn't working full-time we still do not have a full-time income coming in, so I have been pulling crazy hours again at work. I am exhausted, more then usual. I think the stress of all of this is catching up with me. (But I guess I have been saying that for a while.)

We did have some fun this week, though.

Monday: We were busy! Work. School. An appointment. Then I found a killer deal on a dress at the Down East Outlet in Ogden. I am really starting to LOVE that store. It was on the clearance rack for $7.00. So I tried it on, loved it, checked out, and it was an additional 20% off. I only paid $5.98 for it! That was exciting.

Tuesday: Work. School. Cub Scouts. Babysitting. I hate loading all 6 kids in the car to take Preston to scouts. Just to come home and unload. Then turn around and do it all again in 45 minutes. It's really annoying! Since the weather is warming up (hopefully) I think we are going to make this our Tuesday routine; Take Preston to scouts, hang at the park! It's so close to his scout leader. It was so nice to get the kids out of the house too! We played tag--and even I had a blast!Wednesday: Oh, that day was fun! NOT!! One of my co-workers didn't show for work. Which meant they had to cover her. I spent all day at work--literally. I even had to pick Preston and Tyson up from school and take them back with me. Which never happens. Oh man! I was tired. After work, I had to help a friend pick some things out for a project, so I didn't get home until 9:30pm.

Thursday: Same thing...work. School. St. Patrick's Day! We had a little Leprechaun visit our house. He got green paint all over my floor. I haven't even mopped it up yet! He left the kids little pots of gold chocolate and green candies. The kids all got to wear green and have class parties. We had broccoli cheese soup and homemadeLee's made green oreo cookies. (Don't judge---please. I really wanted to do festive green food. I was even going to make it. It just wasn't happening this week!)

Friday: More work. School. Craft Night!! Okay, so that project I was helping my friend with...turned into craft night. Some co-workers came over and I was able to teach them how to make those cute blocks. The ones with scrapbook paper and vinyl. She was making them for a baby shower gift. They turned out adorable. With everything we made for the baby shower...we were up until 2 am. I am too old to stay up that late! It was a lot of fun. Her blocks turned out great and so did her other projects. I didn't have a chance to finish mine until Saturday, but I still loved the way they turned out. I am addicted to those things. I think I am going to be making more!!

Saturday: Relax. Well sort of. I had a huge mess to clean up from craft night. I babysat. Then we spent Saturday evening searching for white bunk beds for the girls. I hate how expensive furniture is. I just don't know what to do!! Spend a little more for better quality and cuter style VS. Cheaper and uglier. It shouldn't be that big of a debate...but in my head it is!

Sunday: Church. Babysitting. Catching up on this blog of mine. Can't wait to watch a movie and lay in bed!!

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Day #22: A Picture Of Something You Wish You Were Better At. That would have to be losing weight! I don't know why it is so hard for me to just stick to eating healthy and exercising regularly. I have done better the last 8 months, but I still don't feel like I always do my best! I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we are ALWAYS on the go.

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge

Day #21: A Picture Of Something You Wish You Could Forget.

I wish I could forget about being stressed! :)

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Um, I got a little behind. Here we go again….

Day #14: Someone You Could Never Imagine Your Life Without.

I have so many friends. All types of friends. I couldn’t pick just one. Now a days I spend most of my “keeping in touch” with them through facebook. However, I couldn’t imagine my life without friends.

Day # 15: Something You Want To Do Before You Die.

This is so ironic, because I just watched The Bucket List for the first time. (Loved it, too!) I have started making my “list”. Honestly, I would love to write a book before I die. I have several topics in mind to write about, too. I don’t know maybe it will never happen…but at least I have written the story about daily life around the Ferguson household.

Day #16: A Picture Of Someone That Inspires You.

I think there have been many people in my life who have inspired me. Young Women’s leaders, ward members, friends, family members, etc… I think those people have always been in my life at the right time and place. Someone who inspires me today, would be, my brother David. He is serving a Full-Time LDS mission. I love hearing his stories, about his mission, the baptisms. He is not a powerful man, just someone setting a righteous example. Someone who is trying to share the gospel and teach what he believes. I wish I could be more like him and be a better example to people. I am so grateful for the blessings of getting to be a “missionary mom”. (I say that because I have spent several years raising/living with/and teaching David) I am so grateful for his work, dedication, and love for the Lord. He inspires me to do better.

Day #17: A Picture Of Something That Has Made A Huge Impact On Your Life Recently.

Definitely the ECONOMY! Between unemployment to rising gas prices…this makes a huge impact on life.

Day #18: A Picture Of Your Biggest Insecurity.

Obviously if it’s my biggest insecurity I’m not going to take a picture of it! I will tell you though. I hate the inner tube that sits on my waist! It can be a huge factor in how I feel from time to time. Other times I am more patient and know…There is always surgery! Hahah! (Just kidding)

Day #19: A Picture of You When You Were Little.

This is me with my cute baby brother, A.J. I think I was probably 3 1/2 or 4…it would have been sometime in the mid 80’s.

Day #20: A Picture Of Somewhere You Would Love To Travel.

Again, Hawaii! I want to go there so badly. Most people want to go to Paris, Italy, Africa. Not me. I am content, at least for now, going to Hawaii. Or even different States. We have so many cool things to see and do in this country!

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Day #13: A Picture of Your Favorite Band or Artist. I don't really have a favorite band or favorite artist. I love all sorts of different ones and different types. The CD's in my car right now are; Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Glee, and the 2010 Primary Songs. My ancient i-pod has everything on it too. (I say ancient because it wont play without being in the i-pod dock) I have a great love for music.

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Day #12: A Picture of Something You Love. I love interior design. I can't even tell you when this obsession started. I believe it was at a young age. I would sit in my classroom, friend's rooms, other peoples homes, etc... and I would re-arrange them in my head. I would think of things, random things, of how to make that space better. Maybe if I wouldn't have done it in school--my grades would have been better. Then my senior year I was able to take concurrent enrollment interior design classes and knew then it would be one of my greatest hobbies in life. I do not by any means think I have a beautiful home, but have enjoyed the challenge of making things functional and creative with 4 kids, a husband, 2 brothers, and myself. I think if we weren't on a budget I would go "HOG WILD". One thing I have loved about living in my Grandma's house is watching it go from "their" style to "mine". I think she would have loved it, too. I also love to go to Lowe's/ Home Depot-- I go to the back and look at the cupboards, tiles, paint ides, appliances, and idea books. I just love it!

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Day #11: A Picture of Something You Hate! This picture is just a symbolization of how my closets and cupboards look. And I hate. HATE. when they get left open. I think it's a little bit of OCD I have. It makes me crazy. I think I like them shut, because then I don't have to see the mess. Therefore the mess does not exist. :)

○Thirty Day Pciture Challenge○

Day #10: A Picture of the Person You Do the Most Messed Up Things With.

Ding-Ding! We have a winner...it would with out a doubt be my brother, A.J. When we get together...it is trouble! I have the most fun with him though.

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Day #9: A Picture of the Person Who Has Gotten You Through the Most. EEK!! This picture is and isn't my favorite. I love it, because my Dad and I are taking one together. I don't love it, because camping just makes people look weird! ;] I decided that through my 27+ years of life my Dad has always been there for me. I am a huge "Daddy's Girl". Clint often tells me, "You need to cut the umbilical cord now." I miss my Dad so much--it's only been a few weeks since he left--but we talk almost everyday. He inspires me to be better, to do better, to love everyone, be forgiving, and to remember what is truly important in life. He has influenced my life and is my Hero in sooooo many ways. I love you Dad!

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Day #8: A Picture That Makes You Laugh. This picture always makes me chuckle. It was the summer of 2008. We were having family pictures done with my Mom. Clint, the boys, and myself got a little bored and we started to wrestle. The photographer couldn't help but snap a few shots. It is the picture that sits next to my bed--I always see it. It reminds me to try to keep life light, filled with fun, and to be joyful.

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Day #7: A Picture of Your Most Treasured Item.

Okay, so picked my computer. I figured when it says "item" it means something you can't take with you when you die. (Lol) My computer is always going...checking/sending emails, looking up information, paying bills, keeping in touch with friends, blogging, googling things, etc... I couldn't live without it!!

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Day #6: A Picture of a Person You Would Like to Trade Places With for a Day.

I debated between a famous actress, some powerful women, and my kids. Why did I choose the kids? Well because...I would love to be carefree, have energy, and get to do all the fun things they do everyday! But mainly for they're ENERGY! :]

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Day #5: A Picture of Your Favorite Memory.

I couldn't chose just one, but I narrowed it down to four!! Preston's Birth
Tyson's Birth

Addyson's Birth

and Kaitlon's Birth.

○Thirty Day Picture Challenge○

Day #4: A Picture of Your Favorite Night This one was hard for me. I think my favorite night would have to be the night before Christmas. Not just one, but all Christmas Eves. It's just so much excitement and anticipation. Plus, it's my all time favorite Holiday. As much as I love getting Christmas presents--there is just something amazing about being the Mom and watching your kids!!