Not really. We just wanted to check out the ward that we would be in if we manage to get the house we want. It is the Capitol Hill ward in downtown Denver, and I think we had a good experience today. It was definitely a different experience for me at least, because it is an urban ward, which means a) we had to navigate a lot of one-way streets b) the building has four stories and a parking structure and c) the ward will be much different (diverse) then our BYU-Idaho ward (in a good way). Everyone was friendly, but we were a little worried when 4 minutes before church was supposed to start and there was only 12 of us in the chapel. We did manage to fill up half of the chapel, but I guess about half the ward was out of town. I sure hope so, because I only counted 7 primary-aged kids. That's smaller than the class I teach!
The hardest part of the morning was Patrick. He is wonderfully friendly and not shy at all, but he is getting to that age of mobility and independence which is not helpful for church. I'm not used to having him the whole time because Reed takes him during Primary, and I am super grateful for what he must go through each week. Patrick is turning in to a handful! I love him dearly, but he WILL NOT nap at church, so he gets really whining and when he is the only baby around, it sounds really loud!
Anyway, we enjoyed visiting our hopefully-soon-to-be-new ward, and we are getting excited about moving on!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Our Rainy 4th
This year's 4th of July was . . . mediocre, but ended up pretty good. We really missed our friends, because the fourth is a really big day for us to be with our friends and cook good food, play games, and just relax. Well, our plans this year were really wishy-washy (mostly our fault), so we were lazy most of the day, had a movie fest, and skipped out on a barbecue. It was rainy most of the day, which didn't add to our desire to go do anything. Finally, we put Patrick to bed and decided to go find some fireworks so we could end our fourth on a better note.
We went to Highlands Ranch (another suburb of Denver about 15 minutes away) because we heard they were doing fireworks in the Town Center there. We weren't sure what to expect, and we were pleasantly surprised. We got there a little early, so we roamed around a bookstore there and found a great bargain children's book that looked really cute. They had live music, games, and carnival-type stuff, so we will definitely bring Patrick next year when he cares a little more. We found a nice place to sit on the grass and the fireworks show was much bigger and better than we were expecting.
Also, in this area it is really easy to find fireworks. There were probably 20 big fireworks shows around the area, and then lots of fireworks that people set off from their houses, so you could see fireworks just driving around. In Idaho, you pretty much had to go cram around the river if you wanted to see fireworks on the 4th, so we were really pleased that we have found somewhere to go that is really family-friendly, not crowded, but still a good show. So our fourth ended on a good note.
We went to Highlands Ranch (another suburb of Denver about 15 minutes away) because we heard they were doing fireworks in the Town Center there. We weren't sure what to expect, and we were pleasantly surprised. We got there a little early, so we roamed around a bookstore there and found a great bargain children's book that looked really cute. They had live music, games, and carnival-type stuff, so we will definitely bring Patrick next year when he cares a little more. We found a nice place to sit on the grass and the fireworks show was much bigger and better than we were expecting.
Also, in this area it is really easy to find fireworks. There were probably 20 big fireworks shows around the area, and then lots of fireworks that people set off from their houses, so you could see fireworks just driving around. In Idaho, you pretty much had to go cram around the river if you wanted to see fireworks on the 4th, so we were really pleased that we have found somewhere to go that is really family-friendly, not crowded, but still a good show. So our fourth ended on a good note.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Our House, Hopefully
I have mentioned that we were looking into buying a house. I haven't mentioned anything yet, because it kept going back and forth, but I guess I can give an update now that we have started the process.
When we decided to look for houses (and had no idea what we were doing), right away Reed's sister Amy told us about these houses that she knew about and wanted us to come to the open house. It was a Sunday afternoon and Patrick was asleep, so we just jumped in the car and went to check it out. There are 10 brand new houses that were built by an organization that helps low-income families. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an unfinished basement. With the basement, it is about 2000 square feet, which is much more than we thought we could ever afford, but this program pays for the down payment and closing costs. Of course, we fell in love with this cute little house, so we started talking to a lender right away. We know someone who is in our ward, so we asked him to help us figure out what we qualify for.
The last couple of weeks have been stressful (for me at least) because I was communicating between our realtor, our friend who is mortgage broker, and a lender that our realtor was working with. It seemed like every day it would go back and forth. Yes, we can make this work; No, I don't think so; Yes, I have another idea; You qualify for this but not that, etc. There were a couple of times I was very frutrated and just wanted to go get an apartment. But my loving husband calmed be down, called the realtor, got all the numbers figured out, and we decided to go forward with the process.
And boy, it is a process. First, we had to submit an application with the city to get our income verified to make sure we qualify for the low-income housing. (You should have seeen me trying to tackle the fax machine on that one!) We should hear about that in the next week or so. Next, we have to submit an application with the foundation for the down payment assistance. Also, we are applying for a second $25,000 mortgage from them in order to meet the asking price of $139,000. This is a tricky process because we have to prove that we are poor enough to get the house but not too poor that we can still afford to buy the house. I'm sure we are making this more complicated than if we just waited until we could "really" afford a house, but we just think this is a great opportunity for us.
So to make a long story short, I don't know if we are getting a house. The chances are good, or that is what we are told, but who knows, really. We are hopeful, but not too hopeful. I guess right now it is just a waiting game, which you all know if you have ever bought a house. I am hoping we can move in by the end of the summer. I think that would be the best birthday present ever!
Discovering Denver
Reed and I are really excited about living in a big metropolitan area with lots of things to do and explore. Of course, we are low on money right now, so we are starting with the free/cheap things and making our way up. Last weekend we got this magazine, 5280, that is all about Denver, and it lists all of the top things, like dining, shopping, activities, etc. We thought this would be a good resource for us to have.
Saturday we went to the temple first thing in the morning since it is closing for a couple of weeks. Then we came home, made a picnic lunch, and took Patrick to Belleview park, which is about half way between our house and downtown Denver. This park is really nice. It has a large pavillion, water park, playground equipment, and a creek (drainage canal) for everyone to play in. There is also a small train that you can ride on and a petting farm both for only $1! We didn't think Patrick would be interested in the train yet, so we just took him to the petting farm. He was semi-interested in the animals, which is funny, because he favorite book is a petting farm book! He looked at the animals and kinda touched them. The pig scared him a little because it stood up all of a sudden and took him off guard. They also had goats, sheep, a tiny horse, baby cow, ducks, chickens, and a turkey.
After lunch, we drove downtown to try and find a place called the Book Mall. It is on Broadway, which is a really neat street because it has all the little boutiques and thrift stores and that sort of thing that allows you to just walk around and explore. This Book Mall is a collaboration of several private sellers who get together to sell pretty much any book you want (used, mostly). We didn't buy anything because we were mostly just looking, and Patrick was trying to tear the place a part (definetly not kid-friendly). We enjoyed our day out, and look forward to many more weekends where we set off to explore the area we live in.
Saturday we went to the temple first thing in the morning since it is closing for a couple of weeks. Then we came home, made a picnic lunch, and took Patrick to Belleview park, which is about half way between our house and downtown Denver. This park is really nice. It has a large pavillion, water park, playground equipment, and a creek (drainage canal) for everyone to play in. There is also a small train that you can ride on and a petting farm both for only $1! We didn't think Patrick would be interested in the train yet, so we just took him to the petting farm. He was semi-interested in the animals, which is funny, because he favorite book is a petting farm book! He looked at the animals and kinda touched them. The pig scared him a little because it stood up all of a sudden and took him off guard. They also had goats, sheep, a tiny horse, baby cow, ducks, chickens, and a turkey.
After lunch, we drove downtown to try and find a place called the Book Mall. It is on Broadway, which is a really neat street because it has all the little boutiques and thrift stores and that sort of thing that allows you to just walk around and explore. This Book Mall is a collaboration of several private sellers who get together to sell pretty much any book you want (used, mostly). We didn't buy anything because we were mostly just looking, and Patrick was trying to tear the place a part (definetly not kid-friendly). We enjoyed our day out, and look forward to many more weekends where we set off to explore the area we live in.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Patrick's New Skills
I don't have any new pictures right now, but I thought I would update everyone on Patrick's new skills. He has developed quite a few in the last month or so.
- Patrick crawls everywhere now. He uses his knees, and he can now reach top speed.
- He can pull up to almost everything. It isn't terribly graceful yet, but it works.
- He is NOT afraid of falling. If he drops something, he just plops down on his bum.
- He can climb up the stairs, especially if he is motivated because he hears someone up there. Someone still needs to stand behind him though. Not interested in going down yet.
- Patrick can crawl under the bar stools to get something, but he doesn't know how to get out yet.
- He blows the BEST raspberries. He can go forever and cover his shirt with drool in no time.
- He loves the diaper wipe container. He pushes the tab, pulls a wipe out, and tries to eat it. He discovers that is tastes yucky, throws it away, and tries another one, etc.
- He can open Grandma's cupboards, although he isn't too bad about pulling stuff out yet. He mostly like to open and close.
- Patrick is so proficient at splashing in the bathtub that he can get water all the way to the door. Bath time in now a two-person job so someone can hold he legs while the other washes. While splashing, Patrick laughs like splashing is the funniest thing ever invented.
- He can also climb in to the tub. On accident. With his clothes on.
- He says "da-da," but mommy is "bob bob," or anything else he can say.
- Patrick can stand very well in his crib and it is very difficult to go downstairs and lay him down again when he is so cute laughing and smiling at you.
- He is very charming.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
New Phone Numbers
Our Verizon plan ran out and we switched to AT&T because it gets better reception in Colorado, and we can get a cheaper plan. So, here are our new Colorado numbers!
Reed: 303-956-4135
Chelsea: 303-956-4137
Reed: 303-956-4135
Chelsea: 303-956-4137
Monday, May 18, 2009
I Almost Forgot!
Patrick is finally crawling! Well, he swims. He does a great breaststroke on the floor. He is determined to crawl his own way and not the "normal" way. But he is finally, slowly moving around the floor--if something motivates him enough. Yeah!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Fun in the Sun
Patrick has discovered a new favorite pastime: the swimming pool. Grandma has a small kiddie pool that we put in the backyard with an umbrella for shade. We go out about 4pm (because as most moms know, that is the worst time of day) and he sits and plays while Mommy soaks her feet. He LOVES the water. He can't wait for the water to warm up, but he doesn't seem to notice that the water if FREEZING COLD! Yesterday he stayed in for about 45 minutes and his legs were white and cold when he got out. He just plays and laughs and watches Grandma and Grandpa work in the yard. At one point I turned the hose on to put more water in and he started squealing and grabbing for the hose. He grabbed in and started lapping up the water. Patrick didn't even notice the cold water running down his belly! I hope to have pool pictures soon, but we are shopping around for a new camera right now.
Last Saturday we went garage-sale hunting. Of course, Patrick made out because it is harder to find good grown-up stuff. He got some 18 mo clothes, a Baby Einstein play table thing, a push car with balls, and a toy that blows the balls up and they cycle around and around, and a blow up floating swimming ring thing. All of this was under $20! Score! He loves all of his new toys.
The other interesting thing we did this week was go to a Spanish Ward's Mother's Day party on Friday night. My sister-in-law Amy and her husband Marco go to the Spanish ward. They invited us to the Mother's Day party since we were going to pick up Mom and Day from the airport, and it was close, etc. I felt a little uncomfortable because our Spanish is more than mediocre. But everyone was nice, the food was tasty, and the entertainment was great. The bishop does "interpretive poetry readings," they had karaoke, and a group of women did line dancing to the spanish version of "Achy Breaky Heart."
We are excited for summer to be here. Patrick and I go for a walk everyday at 1 o'clock. If mommy had the energy, he would be out there all day long. It is good for the both of us, but I think I might be getting too much sun this week because I have quite a headache tonight. But we enjoy the warm weather!
Last Saturday we went garage-sale hunting. Of course, Patrick made out because it is harder to find good grown-up stuff. He got some 18 mo clothes, a Baby Einstein play table thing, a push car with balls, and a toy that blows the balls up and they cycle around and around, and a blow up floating swimming ring thing. All of this was under $20! Score! He loves all of his new toys.
The other interesting thing we did this week was go to a Spanish Ward's Mother's Day party on Friday night. My sister-in-law Amy and her husband Marco go to the Spanish ward. They invited us to the Mother's Day party since we were going to pick up Mom and Day from the airport, and it was close, etc. I felt a little uncomfortable because our Spanish is more than mediocre. But everyone was nice, the food was tasty, and the entertainment was great. The bishop does "interpretive poetry readings," they had karaoke, and a group of women did line dancing to the spanish version of "Achy Breaky Heart."
We are excited for summer to be here. Patrick and I go for a walk everyday at 1 o'clock. If mommy had the energy, he would be out there all day long. It is good for the both of us, but I think I might be getting too much sun this week because I have quite a headache tonight. But we enjoy the warm weather!
Monday, May 4, 2009
WOW!
This morning Patrick pulled himself up on the dishwasher! I had put him on the floor in front of the sink so I could clean up breakfast. He was trying to lean and get the dishwasher. I was a couple feet away putting the silverware in the drawer, when I saw him start to pull himself up. I dropped the silverware because I thought he was going to fall hard. But he didn't! He just stood there looking so proud of himself. Reed was walking out the door and saw him, so we both clapped for him.
He will finally scoot around on his bum now. He still avoids his knees, but he loves to stand and he will turn and maneuver around on his bum to get things.
My last post said that we are healthy and happy. We are still happy, but not all of us are healthy. The morning after I posted that, Patrick got a runny nose and cough, and the next day gave it to Reed. So I was at church by myself yesterday while the sickos stayed home.
I have to tell you the funniest thing that Patrick does right now. He puts an empty Mr. Potato Head bucket on his head. My mom got to see it last night when we were on the web cam, and she thought it was very cute and funny. He does it all the time to show off.
He will finally scoot around on his bum now. He still avoids his knees, but he loves to stand and he will turn and maneuver around on his bum to get things.
My last post said that we are healthy and happy. We are still happy, but not all of us are healthy. The morning after I posted that, Patrick got a runny nose and cough, and the next day gave it to Reed. So I was at church by myself yesterday while the sickos stayed home.
I have to tell you the funniest thing that Patrick does right now. He puts an empty Mr. Potato Head bucket on his head. My mom got to see it last night when we were on the web cam, and she thought it was very cute and funny. He does it all the time to show off.
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