Merry Christmas Eve!

I cannot believe it's Christmas Eve already. Where did this month go? It doesn't help that we haven't had any significant snowfall yet. However, that should change tonight! Snow is acceptable and very welcomed when I am off work and for the Holidays. After that, I'd rather not have to deal with it and only want it in the mountains.

front door views from yesterday

Anyways! It's Christmas everyone! I sort of slowed the settling in process to do more seasonal things like cookie baking, attending holiday parties, and working extra. For the surgery world of nursing, it's our crazy time- boy it's been crazy. Lots of over time but that also meant missing out on somethings or being very late. Not much progress of late to the house, our pictures are still piled along the walls, waiting to be hung. The basement is all but forgotten except to run down and do a load of laundry. Once I get it a little more set up, there will be a house tour. Today's post is mostly to let you know we are still alive out here in Utah.

I've been feeling good during this phase of pregnancy. I am still not showing a whole lot.  I am measuring about on target. We had a big ultra sound a couple days ago. Davis got to see the baby for the first time. Well, it's the first time either one of us has seen him/her outside of the gummy bear- looking stage. I am beginning to feel more movement. It's been a little delayed because the placenta is anterior and blocking a lot of the punches and kicks. As far as we know, things look good. It's exciting and a bit unnerving to be somewhat in charge of helping this little life flourish and yet there still is so much you can't do.  We have a few pictures from the ultrasound, most still make little one seem somewhat alien-like. We got to watch some punches, kicks, and very cute yawns. It's pretty amazing. It still doesn't seem that real in the coming year we will welcome this child into the world. After Christmas, we'll start really focusing on getting ready. We haven't done a thing yet, other than tell Ingrid she is going to have to get used to being the big sister :)

caught mid "yawn"

20 week "bump"

Davis' work party was at the aquarium this year. Excellent location for a work party, if you ask me! Dressing up provided an opportunity to take picture of the "bump". I think it just looks like I ate too many burritos. At some point, I'll cross the line of looking definitely pregnant.  Davis also took me to The Nutcracker ballet last night. It was the most professional production I've ever seen. It was so lovely, every bit of it. We want to check out their performance of Alladin in the spring.

the living room

Ingrid modeling the new rug

my family

This is the best I have for pictures of the inside of the house. But I figured a little taste might be nice. Today I want to bake some more cookies, Davis' favorite german cookies. Davis is helping with music during the Christmas Eve service tonight. Additionally, I need to get a chicken in the crock pot and take Ingrid for a walk. She has been a bit neglected due to crazy schedules and rainy days off.

I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas. Such a beautiful but hard time of year for so many.

It's been a whirlwind around here lately. Forgive me for being a slacker. I know you were desperate to catch up on our lives.

I honestly am not sure November even happened it was such a blur. It was one of those months we never could catch our breath. The light at the end of the tunnel is here,  soon I'll try to update a little more in depth.

We just got internet back today. We moved into our first home that we bought or technically are renting from the bank. It's cute and cozy with fantastic mountain views from the kitchen window.

That is just one of the pieces to our lives lately. I'll save the rest for later. Now I need to run to errands quickly before a friend comes to help unpack more.

our first home

The listing called it a "cottage". We like it a lot. Yes, I took the picture from website because it's rainy today and winter as taken the leaves from one of the bushes.

from one of kitchen windows

It's not the best shot of the mountains, there are clouds obscuring the peaks. It's a pretty view though. I am always amazed at the beauty of Utah. I love these mountains even more with snow on them too.

gratuitous Ingrid picture

Ingrid enjoyed a rainy morning nap after a long night of sleep. Oh to be a dog! She is enjoying her new yard and sniffing a house that once at cats in it.

Well, I'm off to run those errands. Hope everyone is enjoying this Advent season.

a youngin' a comin'

a fall tree in our yard

It's been awhile. I have somewhat been a slacker when it comes to writing. We haven't been up to anything spectacular so it seems there have been less things to write about.

I had my first experience with the dreaded jury duty. Well, I guess I didn't have to serve on the jury but I spent my morning telling these law people and other poor folks called in all about myself, who I know, what I do and so on. In the end, I guess I wasn't the sympathetic female for which they were looking. Seven other unlucky ladies and one man were chosen... seems a little fishy to me.

Davis has been having a good fall. His alma mater's football team, Mississippi State, is ranked currently #1 in the country. I think it's the first time ever. He used to play in their marching band and sat through several bad to mediocre seasons. He is excited to finally have some good recognition. Fingers crossed they can keep it up.

Ingrid managed to need another unscheduled vet visit. Somehow she cracked her dewclaw in half. She acted as though she were dying, she is a bit dramatic. I am sure it hurt though. She had to be sedated and fixed up. She is a cute and pathetic little patient.

little pink bandage for this gal

We have been in full swing with youth group. We started meeting weekly instead of bi-weekly. It has really helped build familiarity and continuity with the students. It has been an interesting challenge starting a multi-church youth group from scratch. I have never felt particularly gifted for helping in this role but we are trusting God for the fruit of this joyful yet stretching experience. We are working through Romans and have made it all the way to chapter 9.


I guess we haven't had an uneventful late summer and fall. It's been a big one for us. Late August we found out we are going to be parents. There is a young one coming in early May. We've told family and some friends. Since my 13 week appointment was yesterday, I suppose it's time we can let everyone in on our secret. I won't have updated ultra sound for another month.

9 weeks, gummy bear-like baby
(sorry it is side ways)

We are both extremely excited, scared, and thrilled to be given such a gift. I have no idea what I am supposed to be doing to prepare for such a huge life change. We are just going day by day. Depending on how I feel, some of those days are great while other ones are full of nausea and fatigue. I tend towards being an anxious busy body, so I am trying to take a step back and relax more. I am hoping these coming weeks brings a  better appetite, less nausea, and more energy to start actually preparing for this huge transition. We know our life is about to change drastically. The days of "just the two of us" (plus Ingrid) are numbered. However, I can't imagine the different kinds of trials and joys we have yet to experience. It's pretty exciting.


So, in case you want to know, I haven't had hardly any cravings except for lemonade and mustard. However, not together. Just thought I'd share that tid bit.

We are eager for advice, prayers, encouragement, wisdom, hand-me-downs...  :)

Autumn thus far

The leaves are changing, the air is getting cooler, and the days are shortening. Autumn is here and life continues to fly by at break neck speed. I do love fall. So, I am happy it is here.

Since our last desert adventure, a lot has happened. Davis' dear Gran passed away. Thankfully he was able to make it back to Mississippi to celebrate her life with his family. I stayed at home and snuggled with Ingrid. It was an expected passing and we are all thankful she is no longer in her frail body in this broken world but finally made complete for all eternity.

I have had my 28th Birthday recently. I spent it in Virginia with most of my family, post wedding festivities. Everyone treated me to all the tapas I could eat and fancy desert. Davis missed out on the partying since he had to fly back to SLC early for work. I can't believe how much closer to 30 I am getting. I am not really sad about it, it's just way crazy. Davis and I met when we were just 20. A significant portion of our lives have now been spent together. There isn't a thing you can do about getting older, might as well celebrate it and be thankful. I guess so far I am aging well, most patients and co-workers still guess that I am in my early twenties.

One of the biggest things of recent is a little wedding at a beautiful winery in the Virginian country side. My younger brother Daniel (finally) married his sweetheart, Ashley. She has basically been in the family for four years now, but now she is more stuck with us. It was such a beautiful but chilly day to celebrate their union. I love watching people's faces as they make such glorious, life changing promises. Their faces were precious as they went from tears of joy to beaming smiles. We literally celebrated all night long, these two throw a good party.

Perks of being family, front row seats.
Don't they look like barbie and ken? They are too pretty to be real

Vows exchanged, rings on, kiss complete. These two walked down the aisle to the Star Wars
theme. Can't imagine anything more perfect :) (Really... they are too pretty!)

We clean up nicely. Isn't this view fantastic? Oh green Virginia. You are lovely.

Davis and Trey may have eaten more than their share of the
raw oysters.

My cute sister, Sarah, and her boyfriend, Trey. We FINALLY got to meet him.
They are adorable too.

Older brother, Richard, and my sister, Angel, (in law but she is my sister) at dinner.
Gosh, my family is pretty  and awesome.
(Little foot baby niece or nephew coming in Jan!)

These are my fantastic parents. Sweet mom and rad dad.
They got down on the dance floor. Party on!

We sent the happy couple off with a shower of glow-sticks (light sabers?).
We collected them off the ground and had a little post partying rave. Davis
is a neon peacock here :)

It is just so sweet and comforting to be with family and celebrate adding more wonderful people to the clan. There were a lot of overt hints that we should move back east. My heart is torn and yet so full. I am astounded at the friends and family we have been privileged to "do life" with whether near or far and for a season or lifelong.  Ahhhh...  Happy Fall y'all!

Into the desert

We planned several months ago to meet up in Moab with some of our dearest Colorado friends. Well, the time arrived last weekend for some quality camping and desert exploration.

The Newell and Ware (or 818 family) second annual camping trip overall was a huge success. Lovely time with lovely people. You should check out Libby's blog for a much better recap of the trip. Her pictures are way better, she is a professional after all.

After a nights rest in our tents, we shared breakfast before checking out Canyonlands National Park. Of course, bacon was involved. A great start to a great day. We have been to the Moab area a couple of times now but had never check out Canyonlands. It doesn't get the attention it deserves. It was breathtaking. We wandered all around the park, taking short hikes to vistas. Often stopping at the view for a good conversation. I've yet to go to the Grand Canyon but this canyon area of Utah surely was a pleasure to explore.

Davis taking it all in

simply breathtaking (scenery and husband)

After a long day in the hot sun, we stopped for appetizers and beverages at a local Mexican joint before heading back to our campsites for the night. We enjoyed a bit of star gazing before the moon came out and cast shadows due to its brightness. Davis showed us the Andromeda galaxy through his fancier binoculars.

Sunday we were treated to a delicious breakfast made by Libby before heading into Arches National Park. Our day had to be shorter to due traveling back home but we saw much of Arches while still leaving reasons to come back.

landscape arch

another arch ... maybe it has a  name

We forgot our camera (again) and I only took a few pictures with the i-phone. But it was a fun, hot day of exploring. We were all tuckered out at the end, so unanimously it was decided milkshakes were a must. On the way out of town, we shared a meal of burgers, milkshakes and way too many fries. Such a great, quick trip. We are very blessed to have friends travel so far to spent a few days with us.

hello September

Well it seems crazy we've rolled into September. Fall is rapidly approaching. I love fall. I don't love that it leads to  cold, grey, and dark winter months. The nights have been getting cooler and the temperatures seems to be staying lower on most days. We still have a few hot ones here and there.

Let's move on from chatting about the weather, let me update y'all on things.

The second house we were farther along in the process with fell through. There were some structural problems on top of normal problems and the sellers seemed oblivious and/or unwilling to fix anything. The structural problems were the kind that the lender wanted addressed and fixed before we could even get the loan. Since the sellers didn't seem to want to do that, we let it go. I think that house is already under contract again. I can't help but wonder what they will do about the structural issues with these buyers. Maybe they'll cave in and do something about it. But wondering does nothing, we are back at the beginning of the process again.  I think I am getting a little calloused to the house buying shenanigans now. We have expanded our search to include suburbs south of Salt Lake City. However, I would prefer a lifestyle where you live/work/play/shop/worship in the same neighborhood. It doesn't seem that will be as possible with our budget and the houses available in our price range. So, there is that. It was a busy long few weeks dealing with the house, so it was disappointing to have to start over.

We just had family here for ten days. Our house was full, loud, messy, and fun. It's nice to finally have the space to ourselves again. When people come visit it's like being on vacation in our own town. However, driving the party bus, so to speak, was our responsibility. Sometimes it felt like a lot of pressure to continue to impress. Thankfully Utah is amazing and very interesting. It was not to hard to keep everyone busy, maybe too busy at times.

We took a few days to venture to southern Utah. It's a whole other world from the Salt Lake Valley. We finally got to go to Bryce Canyon National Park. Last time we attempted this for my birthday, the government shut down the all the parks.

We did a short but steep hike down into the Canyon and then back out. It was fun to see the Hoodoos from above and below.

this picture doesn't do justice to the color contrast of
blue sky and orange rocks

back up, Davis carried Parker part of the way

After the descent/ascent, everyone but Davis and I took a break at the hotel for naps and relaxation. Davis and I drove to the end of the park and also hiked a few miles of the rim trail.

rim trail vistas (and getting my sunburn on)

Mars? is that you?

I love how far the eye can see in the west. If we ever move back east, I'll miss the sky and wide open spaces. I do miss green cozy forests of my native lands though too. This country is a beautiful diverse place. After Bryce, we took the back roads home to stop at Capitol Reef. We ate some pies, picked some fruit from the orchards growing in the valleys between red cliffs, and took in the amazing scenery. It's a great spot and it's not as far away from SLC as some of the other parks.

peach pie for this guy in our picnic spot

until next time, Capitol Reef

We also explored around Salt Lake City more with our guests. Sunday after church, we went to Oktoberfest up at Snowbird in the mountains. We walked to our local awesome park, Liberty Park. We ate at a few of our favorite restaurants. All of us checked out the Museum of Natural History. Overall, we had a great visit.

Now, I have to play catch up on the chores and yard work we neglected. I wonder how big our zucchinis grew over the past week? Yikes, I am about to find out.

fully committing

I will refrain from talking about busyness. I am feeling ahead of the curve a bit, it's before 11am and I have some red beans and rice simmering in the crock pot. Well, just the red beans part. It's an experiment but hopefully it will turn out well since I sacrificed a very delicious bell pepper from the garden for it. Beans and rice are not our usual fair around here. I used to eat red beans and rice a lot in college and do love the stuff. But have not had much of it in years. We are officially under contract on a house as of now and in anticipation of moving expenses and dumping all our money at closing, we are reigning in spending. Beans and rice are not expensive and we have a frozen ham bone just waiting to be slow cooked for hours to complete the meal.

So, yes, we did make the giant leap into the great unknown (to us) of being home owners. Let me back up, my last post I was admitting to being fearful, still am, but that was over a different house. The first house we put an offer on we saw twice, walked by it, drove by it, talked about it endlessly,  and stared at the pictures on the internet for over two weeks. When I finally was comfortable enough to make an offer, we found out the day before the homeowners had filed for bankruptcy. So we let that house go, for we did not want to wade into those even murkier waters. I have been trying not to think of "what if we had just decided a day sooner". However, we did pray that it would be an obvious yes or no. And we got an obvious no.

We spent a few more weeks looking at houses. The pickings are slim and the good ones go fast. All the cool kids are moving to Salt Lake City. I kid. There was not a whole lot we wanted to afford or could afford. We looked a nice craftsman/bungalow, I need to research the difference, and decided that this house was quite nice, in our price range, and maybe we should go for it. Overall, I like it better than the first house. So, we are under contract. However, nothing is official until it's official. So, I am holding back some excitement until it's all finished. This means we are fully committing to living in Salt Lake City for the foreseeable future, which was also a long prayerful discussion in the Ware house.

What else have we been up to you ask? Well, living life I guess. Our garden is out of control. Davis planted all these squash varieties that think they own the world. We have not bought but maybe ten dollars worth of other vegetables this summer. Majority of our food comes from our yard. Therefore, we eat a lot of zucchini. I am becoming a master at hiding it in everything. Actually, we have spent more than ten dollars on vegetables. We are suckers for cold-pressed veggie juices from the farmers market. Those are special treats :)

our furry shadow as Davis waters the tomatoes with coffee in hand

picking more tomatoes beside one of the squash giants

wall of zucchini, Lebanese squash, and Ute squash

The weather as been warm but not as hot for as long compared to last summer. Still, we spoiled our fur-child with a five dollar kiddie pool from target. She was hesitant at first but now as soon as we are finished with our walk, she jumps right in to cool off.

I mean, it's really adorable. She is a cute pup to begin with, then she plays in her pool and my heart melts. I'd let her eat all my socks. I might be a push over whenever have children. But honestly, I think Davis is way more tenderhearted than me.

playing his new-to-him accordion, audience not impressed

Davis, being as tender hearted as he is, frequently volunteers to play music for church. He has an old accordion acquired during our Ridge Haven days. It is definitely on it's last leg. We took it to an accordion repair shop here in SLC, yes there is a whole place for that here. The guy said it would take about three thousand to fix and then it would be worth less than a thousand once it was fixed. Obviously, that would be dumb to do. Apparently, accordions have finite life regardless of how well they are cared for and it's less than 100 years. Davis had been wanting a new one for awhile and fixing the old one is pointless, so we bought this classy looking used one. He is a quite the happy fellow. It sounds so much better and is much easier to play. Good-bye belt for hand strap!

We have been trying to get out and about to enjoy summer. There is so much going on sometimes we just give up and stay at home to garden. It always blows our mind that we can do a beautiful hike after work and be home before dark. Two weeks ago, we went up on a Friday evening to Little Cottonwood Canyon to take in the wildflowers on a 3+ mile hike.

I like to try to look shorter :)

up to lake Catherine, nestled between Brighton and Alta

Lake Catherine

kept stopping to look at flowers

for the beauty of the earth...

Lord of all to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise

I mean, this is fantastic. The lighting, the temperature, the colors, the scale, the contrasts... everything so wonderfully crafted. The vistas may have helped us be satisfied with living here for longer :)

houses and hiking

I think every update starts with "we've been busy". I am beginning to wonder if I just exaggerate our actual busyness or if we really are busy. But, alas, we have been a bit busy. This time it's been looking at houses to buy. Can I just say, this whole idea of buying a house is quite scary to me? I know it's like renting from the bank and hopefully we can at least get some of the money back. It's hard for me to commit to any place and sign my name on any line. We've seen a handful of houses of varying quality. The housing market here, at least the area we want to live, is challenging. It's more expensive per square foot here than the southeast but it's cheap compared to California. But a lot of people in our buying range are trying to purchase here. We found a little house built in 1907 that is in good shape in the general area we want to be. Everything is walkable and there are plenty of parks and large old trees. I guess you could say the area we can afford is "in transition". It can be a little hit and miss in ascetics due age and growth of suburbs in the past. But as with most of Salt Lake City, it's pretty darn safe. As more young folks move back into the city, it definitely can get much better.  Overall, I want to feel confident and care-free about committing. We will be here for at least three to five more years due to work. I know other people do this sort of thing all the time. That is great for them. I am still scared. I realize I am asking my confidence to be based on knowing with certainty the future.

I'll update y'all on the final verdict on this matter in time. But what I am going towards is how desperately I think knowing the future will give me confidence and peace. I think it would be gracious of God to give me foreknowledge in all life matters. When I think about that, I realize knowing would really limit the present moment. Already, a struggle is to not look to the future calendar and count down to the next big thing planned. If I were to know all things, would I really embrace the grace, love, mercy, and joy provided in the moments of life? I doubt I would. I am hoping I can see this need to trust God as a form of mercy and grace in my life. That goes not just for home buying, but all the things I worry that could happen or desire to happen.

There are other things we are realizing that we thought or wish we could control and plan that is ultimately not up to us to make happen. This also is driving me back to Jesus. Trusting. Trusting in a constant, loving, covenant God who is present with us moment by moment.

We always talk about how much there is to do here daily. We often are worn out come Saturday, we rarely go out to enjoy it. Sundays have become with busy with a ton of church responsibilities. However, this Saturday after getting good sleep, we skipped the farmers market and headed for the mountains. We had a lovely hike in the Uintas trekking Lofty Lake loop. Below are a few of the sights.

meadows with streams flowing

 Ingrid is about to take off sniffing

snack break with a view

snow patch, Ingrid flipped out
she loves to run around in snow and stick her nose in it

wildflowers, glacial lake, and rocky mountains. incredible.

So, that is where we are currently. Hope everyone is having a lovely summer.