A New Family Favorite!

Nathan got to go bowling with his preschool class a few weeks ago a just loved it!

A picture of Nathan's preschool class at the bowling alley with his "student teachers".

We decided it would be fun to go as a family...so that Nathan could be the "expert" and show us how it was done.

A cute team working together!

Our New Home--Round 2

Last Thursday as Greg was traveling up to Michigan, I decided to do a little more research on our "new home". I read some reviews from tenants living in the complex and found out that it was recently converted to subsidized housing and that many people from downtown Detroit had since moved in. Crime...including car theft...had increased in the area, etc. That, and other factors, helped us decide to have Greg look into options one more time while he was there in the area.

We have now cancelled our hold on the previously posted townhome. And...are posting here the new plan! I've not seen the place before in person...so you're seeing as much as I have and/or will until move-in day! This one is a two-bedroom townhome.

This is still in the same ward that we found before and have felt really positively about. About 10 minutes from church and a 30-minute commute. In addition to what you see on the floor plan, there is also a full, unfinished basement. (I hope the basement is HUGE, because whenever we can't quite figure out where we'll put something...we just decide that we'll put it downstairs!) =)

A Lifesaver!

Last weekend Greg had to head up to Michigan to work...Friday and Monday. This meant I would be left alone with a move to prepare for and Nathan, who was still having a very difficult time after his tonsillectomy.

By an amazing "coincidence" Greg's sister, Emily, was on a business trip in Michigan and was able to rent a car and drive down to spend the weekend with us. We know it was no coincidence--but really a blessing that we got to spend time with her and didn't have to do those days alone.

Thanks so much Emily!

Grin and Bear It!

It's been a big morning for Nathan...and for all of us! Nathan just got his tonsils (and adenoids) out! He's been just amazing! What a trooper! Our dear friend in the ward "Grandma" Rogers came and took care of Joshua, so that both Greg and I could be there. All went well...and the doctor commented that it really was a good thing to have done...both tonsils and adenoids were really substantially blocking airways. This should really help both his eating and sleep. The doctor anticipates a growth spurt to follow shortly. But, for today we'll be content to watch movies and eat Popsicles and recover.

It was quite a picture to watch our 4-year-old boy be wheeled down the hallway to surgery bravely clinging to his "Bear." I think it's made all of our faith grow as we've experienced Nathan's sweet faith and trust.

Our New Home

We've been blessed to find a good place to live. This is a picture of our new town home (taken from inside the van because we think the current tenants are still in the process of moving out). =) On the left is our front door/entrance. It is two story...so about all you see is ours (we believe). Right behind the bushes on the right is a small walkout patio (cement slab). We actually won't see the inside of a unit similar to ours until the day we move in to ours! YIKES! Thank goodness we've got a floor plan. (See below.)

It seems to be in a really family friendly neighborhood. There's an elementary school right across the street with a fun playground we've already enjoyed. It's tucked between a golf course and cemetery...pretty ideally tucked away. But, the shopping is about 3 minutes away...just a nice long strip of stores. I knew it was a good omen that the closest store to our place is JoAnn Fabrics.

But, just in case you think this sounds too good to be true...we can say that the place that initially it reminded both Greg and I of most was Purdue Village! Older buildings, we definitely appear to be in the ethnic minority, and a lot of little neighbor kids running rampant in the grassy areas!

We are definitely banking on the peace we've both felt several times as we've settled on this spot. The ward and stake it's in are honestly about #1 in our reasons for making this choice.

We're Moving!

Nathan and Joshua and I have spent the last two and a half days in a hotel (and nearby vicinity) while Greg starts his new position. That meant we had plenty of time to play in the pool! The boys thought it was a great vacation!

This is Greg at the entrance to MOPAR. A happy man! Glad to be on to new things! It's been a really positive couple of days for him...as he's met people and found out more about what he'll actually be doing. The opportunity really is "priceless".

The building where Greg will be working. He'll park in this lot and work just inside the lowest angled windows. So nice to be in a real "office building"!

Best Friends

Finally a picture that captures a bit of what I feel like these two share in love for each other and enthusiasm for life! It's no coincidence that it happened in the bath tub! It's one of their favorite places to be.

General Conference Treats

One tradition started by my mom is making "Conference Treats" some time during General Conference weekend. Ingredients include: tube biscuits, marshmallows, cinnamon and sugar, and butter. Doesn't get much better than that!

A great helper (and snitcher)!


There's nothing like a mouth full of marshmallows!


My favorite is the look on Joshua's face. This is the story of our life...Nathan doing his earnest best and little Mr. Mischief on the verge of making diligence very difficult for Nathan. =)

Watching General Conference

Greg got strep throat this weekend, so some of General Conference was spent getting him help at Urgent Care. But, we did get to watch several sessions here on our computer.

We just love conference!!

Outfit for Chelsea's Wedding

Greg's sister Chelsea is getting married on June 18th in the SLC Temple! We are so excited! Mom Franson sent me this outfit...to see if it would work for wearing to the occasion. Mostly we took these pictures for her...but as I've realized how rarely I'm the one in front of the camera instead of behind, I thought I'd make the most of it and post it.

Chelsea's colors are burnt orange, olive green, and ivory. It's fun to see what unfolds with Mom Franson's classy taste.