A Quarter of a Century

I have to admit that my 25th birthday wasn't spectacular.  I had to work from 3-11pm and since Zack works 8-5 it's tough to do any celebrating.  25 is kind of a big deal though so I was expecting some sort of surprise.  When Zack turned 25 I threw him a surprise party with all of his friends.  I didn't need a party, but I wanted something.

I was kind of expecting Zack to make me breakfast, possibly even breakfast in bed.  I had told him several times that I wanted Madbrook donuts instead of a cake on my birthday so maybe he'd even pick those up?  He came into our room while I was still sleeping and said he had to go into work early.  Then he left.  No breakfast.

Berkley came in and woke me up by saying, "Happy birthday Mommy!"  That was cute.  (And surprising that she remembered because Zack had told her to say it when he left a half hour earlier when she was still mostly asleep.)

I spent my morning making jam (apricot raspberry, which didn't even set up right so I had to toss it) and playing with the girls.  I thought I might find a note or gift somewhere.  Nothing.  So I went to work feeling a little sorry for myself.

Zack brought the girls to Bountiful and we went out for a quick dinner on my break.  That was nice but he wasn't really off the hook because I told him to do it.

A little while later my sisters came in (along with their ridiculously tall male friend) and serenaded me with happy birthday and brought gifts and treats.  That was a good surprise and put me in a better mood.  I have some pretty awesome sisters.

When I got home around 11:30 I noticed a green tinge on the garage floor and it smelled like paint.  I thought Zack had painted Berkley's dresser or something.  (I've been wanting to do that for a while now.)  I walked in the house to this card.

Very cute.

And then I went up to our room and found this.  Zack was in bed pretending to be asleep but couldn't keep the smile off of his face.

A little background info:  When we bought our house (a year and a half ago) all the walls were white.  We were able to paint the family room and an accent wall in the living room before we moved in with the intention of painting the rest soon after.  I complain about the white walls often.  I've even bought paint for several of the rooms but we just don't have time.

Zack had come home just after I left for work.  His Mom watched the girls and his Dad came to help.  They painted the entire bedroom and he spray painted our lamps (somehow finding time to come take me to dinner.)  It was a huge surprise!  I didn't see it coming at all.

Not only that but he had a dozen Madbrook donuts waiting for me on my pillow.  I thought he forgot about the donuts.  He didn't.  He had even pre-ordered them.  He's pretty great.

I had wanted to do a nice grey in our room and this gallon of paint was in the oops section at home depot for $5.  It looked like a good grey so I bought it.  Can't beat $5.  Well, it turned out darker than I expected and looks a little more purple than grey but I still think it looks nice.  Better than white.  Zack chose the lamp color on his own.  They used to be dark red like this.

Now I feel like I just need a fun new bedspread to tie it all together.

Side note:  My Mom gave me a shark steam mop and it might be the best thing that ever happened to me!  (Ok, not really but definitely the best thing that ever happened to my kitchen floors.)  Seriously though, if you don't have one you should get one.

New Job

You're looking at the new Assistant Superintendent for Nilson Homes.  (Along with his new office.)

Zack wasn't seriously searching for a new job yet but this opportunity happened to presented itself.  His boss at Out of the Woods made a tempting counter-offer which made it a tough decision because he really did like his job there.  In the end we decided that the new job would make him more well-rounded in the construction industry and would give him the experience he needs to get his General Contractors License. 

He started in June and they gave him a little Ford Ranger for his work vehicle.  Just this week they traded it for this sweet full-sized van.  Pretty awesome huh?

Bear Lake

We went to my Grandparents' condo at Bear Lake for a weekend in July.  I love that place.  We swam, boated, played at the park, relaxed, played games, and just enjoyed one another's company.  I took way too many pictures.

Berkley showing off some dance moves.

I'm on a boat!

Twinners!


My Dad is hardcore.

Merrisa:

Misty's sweet moves.



Me. (Not too bad after having two babies.  One of which was 3 months old.)


We call this move 'bumming.'


I love how blue Bear Lake is!  I didn't even edit these pictures.



The ride back put this little girl right to sleep. 

Bocce ball.



Shannon and her kids came to join in the fun.






Some hardcore frisbee action.


Berkley has excellent form.

Acting like crazies.

 Oh, and Peyton was there too.