piano and sandpaper

My ever-so-kind-and-sweet mother-in-law gave me her piano - which originally belonged to her mother. I love that she gave it to me. The piano needed quite a bit of work, though. I called around to piano shops and restorers and it was going to cost around $5,000.00 to refurbish it. Yikes! So, Bruce and I decided to do some research and figure out how to do it ourselves. So we did. And it was A LOT of work. And we never want to touch a piece of sandpaper again. And now I love the piano all the more :)

Before:

After:

What do you think?? Should we quit our day jobs? :)

i love to see the temple

Bruce and I have set a goal to take our girls to the temple at least twice a year. Just to be there. So, that's just what we did! My mom and cute preggo sister came along since Bruce had to work and it was a wonderful morning. On the drive there, Grace said, "Mommy, I'm so happy my daddy and you got wedding in my temple!" (Bruce and I were actually married in the Houston Temple.) Oh, and that morning as I was fixing Haylee's hair, she said to me excitedly, "Mom, I really can't wait to see the temple today and also see Jesus!!!" I love these kids :)

Grace is such a mommy.
This photo is Haylee to a T.

Mom, Janelle & Ava....oh, and little baby

Haylee twirling

Love the crazy Ava hair!!

hummm...can't remember what captured all of our attention....

let's play

We are loving our new neighborhood for lots of reasons, but mainly because there seems to be a pool, park, or splash pad on every corner! It's fantastic! Now that the weather is warming up, we've been taking bike rides to the parks. The little girls run around and squeal while Bruce chases them pretending to be a dragon. So much fun :) I love my little family. A lot.

the garage a.k.a. Bruce's girlfriend

Bruce loves his girlfriend. He spends a lot of time with her. I don't think she's half-bad myself. From making custom shelving and a custom workbench to doing epoxy over the concrete...this garage is a happy one for sure :)

happy birthday to me :)

Yep. The big 31. Just for the record, turning 31 is more depressing than turning 30. So, for all of you young pups out there (my hubbie included) just keep that in mind :)

My birthday actually fell on a Sunday this year which was really nice and relaxing. My parents and mother-in-law (who are all in the same ward) go to church in the morning and we go in the afternoon. While we were still at church, they all came over to our house, cooked up homemade enchiladas and a beautiful salad & had it all ready and waiting when we got home. Yay and yummy!

We had cake, opened presents (I had lots of little helping hands!) & just spent time together. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.

18 months big

Can my baby already be 18 months old?? Time flies when you're having fun! Ava is just the sweetest and funniest little angel. She has been our easiest, breeziest child. She is just happy and placid all the time....but don't get me wrong...she's got a sassy little personality for sure. We love this baby to pieces!!