My parents left today after a 4-day visit. They help us with fixing up the house (again) and it is always nice to have them here. I wish we could spend more time relaxing instead of working but they've expressed that it makes them happy to help. This morning my mom pulled out a bunch of genealogy items and we talked a little about some of our ancestors on her side. I'm amazed at the amount of work that has been done and yet how much can still be done. Talking reminded me that on my last visit to California I visited the headstones of family on my dad's side for the first time. My family hasn't made a tradition of visiting grave sites these days yet we have several ancestors all buried in the same cemetery. Both of my grandparents passed away fairly recently. I love how their headstones look together. Visiting the cemetery with my parents prompted stories and memories of them and other ancestors (some I'd never heard much about) and it was a meaningful time for me.

My parents lost their second child the same day he was born. I remember going as a family to his headstone on his birthday for several years. I remember considering what our family dynamic might be like had he lived. On this visit my mom told me that this section of the cemetery was called "Slumberland." I don't think I realized that all the headstones were for children and babies until this visit and it just broke my heart.

Big Cottonwood Canyon for Vicki's birthday.

American Fork Canyon for hanging out with the Clayton family.

California and swimming with these cute little bodies.

This room was going to be Justin's studio...a couple of weeks ago he moved everything to another room and gave it up for Jack. Poor Justin.

This mobile (from a yard sale) originally had stuffed toys with a sports theme.  I just really didn't like it so I bought these little elephants ($0.49 each at IKEA) as replacements. The other toys are now in a "toy bin" and our niece, Kyla, loves to play with them when she comes over.  The little brown/orange bear in the crib was Justin's when he was little. His mom gave it to me a few years ago.

I imagine with all houses there are constantly things that need fixing up, changing, repairing, cleaning, etc. Especially with our house which just always seems to have small and major projects that are waiting for us to start on them. Once it seems like they're almost done there is something else like painting the baseboards or framing art. Our home is much more comfortable now and we're loving it. For now, here are some "befores" and "nows." I'm hoping to complete those small projects for the living room eventually.

Justin took this of me as I was headed out the back door for work. I've had some requests for pictures of my belly but I just haven't been taking any. I mostly like this picture because you can see the hardwood flooring we had put in. I just love it.