Life's little joys

Through the eyes of a toddler

Saying "boos" (balloon) nonstop at the grocery store until mom buys you one and then playing with it for the next 2 days

Saying "mmmm!" after licking nutella off the bread dad gave you

Asking for cookies (in this case, ritz crackers with pb) and then proudly marching around the house with the cookie in hand for 5 minutes without taking a bite

Bouncing and shaking your hands with joy when you surprisingly hear your favorite song, "Shake your sillies out," playing over the speakers at gymnastics free time

Seeing your "Bapa"s and a host of other family members on Google+ hangouts

Scarfing down an orange after mom convinces you to eat it by saying "WOW, that's a big boy orange" (and it is big, compared to the baby clementines you've been eating)

"Driving" the car any chance you get, and trying to lean into the front seat every time mom puts you in the car

Seeing a temple in real life after you've been admiring the "toe toe" on the wall for the past 2 months

Riding a toy truck with one of your buddies

Playing hide and go seek with another one of your buddies and enjoying a good lunch together (only one booster seat... guess who got to stand up at the table?)

Loving the first day of church nursery and not missing mom and dad AT ALL. Who wouldn't be happy playing for 2 hours instead of being pinned down and "sshhh"ed?

Thinking it's hilarious to wear mom and dad's t-shirts around the house

This is Seth saying "cheese"

Meeting mom's cousins who play with you and give you their undivided attention... and necklaces :)

Brushing pigs and goats at the zoo

Riding the "choo choo" at the zoo

Chilling on the balcony, eating cookies

That (not-so) occasional moment when mom gives in and lets you watch a "show" ("shows? shows? shows? shows?... etc."). Watching it in your book basket 2 feet away from the TV is awesome too.

Climbing in daddy's side of the bed and being so proud when you pull the covers up on your legs

Kissing your doggie every morning

Finding the picture of Jesus (& Joseph Smith on the other side) in the front of the Book of Mormon and ripping it out. Then asking "help?" everyday when you open the book and can't find Jesus!

Through the eyes of his mommy

It is nice to look at the few pictures I managed to take this past month and realize how much fun Seth has been having. 

Our challenge during May has been having Seth wake up at 5:00 or 5:30 am almost every day. After trying to adjust bedtime and having him wake up at the same time, we let him cry in his crib every morning for a week and a half. He never fell back asleep and he continued to wake up early. We have now resorted to turning his light on at 5:30 and letting him read books, drink water, and play with his dog in his crib until we get out of bed at 6:00. Stephen and I are still tired, but a lot happier to not listen to a crying toddler for 30-60 minutes every morning. This past week I think his body started to realize how tired it was and he took several 3 hour naps, so at least I got to rest in the afternoons!

Note to moms (or anyone who is tired!): This scripture has helped me a lot.

Despite this challenge, I still love my little Seth. I've been trying to spend more time singing, dancing, playing ball, coloring, and going outside with my buddy. I'm glad to be his mom to observe and guide him in such a fun stage of his life! And the adventure wouldn't be complete without my best friend (and husband of nearly 5 years!!) by my side.

Next Big Step

First comes love,

then comes marriage,

then comes baby in a baby carriage.

After that, ya'll should know

It might be time to buy a home!

...............................................................................

But before we reveal our lovely soon-to-be home... 

a little tribute to our prior residences, all of which we have loved

1st we lived here, the Cozy $450/month (spider-infested) Basement

 (Well technically we first lived in Stephen's parents' basement for a month or two. His grandma gave up her room and shared with her teenage granddaughter- what a wonderful lady! And after the Cozy Basement we lived in my own parents' basement for about a month. THANKS Parents!)

Then here, the One Bedroom on the Third Floor (with stairs) by the Train Tracks

And here, the Two Bedroom with an Elevator(!) and View of Six-Lane Traffic

Followed by here, the Two Bedroom on the Third Floor (with stairs AND a toddler) with Deer in the Backyard

And in about a month we will be living...

HERE! Our First Home

We've spent the last several months looking at homes and contemplating whether or not to buy. After researching renting and buying, walking through many homes, and praying for guidance we decided that buying would be best.

We found a great realtor who understood our need to be both frugal and in a safe neighborhood. Finally our search led us to this beautiful home. It is the perfect size for our family and has been maintained very well for its age. It's a super short walk from a library AND a park which Seth and I are thrilled about. We feel like it will be a great place for our family for the next few years.

Unfortunately it's not within the boundaries of our current church congregation, which we are heartbroken about. The people at church demonstrated true kindness and friendship from the get-go. They are the biggest reason I fell in love with San Antonio so quickly. We are sad to be a little further from our new-found friends, but glad we found a good home for our family.

We'll post pictures of the interior once we move in (and take down the weird wooden ribbon thing in the dining room☺).

Any advice on in-town moves or home maintenance for first-time buyers?

Grandma Jean

Stephen's Grandma Hutchings passed away last night. His biological grandma died before he was born so Grandma Jean has been the grandma he's known his whole life. I had the brief opportunity to get to know her for the 3 years we lived in Provo.

The Hutchings' cousins in the area had a great tradition to hold family home evening at Grandpa and Grandma's once a month. While it was difficult to coordinate student schedules I'm glad we were able to be a part of so much fun, laughter, and spiritual strength. For those who were there my favorite memories were Grandpa's prayer about horses and when Shaun played the wrong chime at the end of Silent Night. I'm sure there were a million more fun times too.

As time went on, the cousins in the area occasionally took turns (some more than others I'm sure!) helping Grandma and Grandpa get ready for bed on Sundays. It was neat to help Grandma. Even though she moved very slowly and spoke very quietly, I never felt frustrated by her because of the patience she had with HERself and her limitations. She had great reason to be depressed and cranky, but instead she was always ready with a smile and a sincere thank you. What an example of enduring to the end!

It was difficult for her to speak loudly enough for everyone to hear but every once in a while she would feel strongly about sharing one of her experiences with us. I also remember that she would give compliments and ask questions about what was going on in our lives. I loved to lean down to her chair and have a hug from Grandma Jean before leaving because of the love and acceptance I felt from her.

I'm glad Seth got to meet his great-grandparents (he has met 8 of them and we LOVE each one! )

Since this blog post will help us tell Seth about Grandma Jean someday, I wanted to include what Stephen's mom said: "My feelings are bittersweet - sad, because I will miss her and sad for my father who has lost 2 wives - but also happy for her that she is released from the infirmities she has endured so well and patiently. Thank you Mom for being such a great mom after I lost my dear mother! I love you!"

And also some of Stephen's memories: "She lived a wonderful, long life full of family and dedication to her faith. I bet some of her proudest accomplishments are her 70 or so grandchildren, opening LDS missionary work in Zaire, and her awesome seashell collection!"

This tribute wouldn't be complete without this picture, taken a few days ago, which has been understandably circulating among the Hutchings on facebook. What an example of devotion and love!