Saying goodbye...

Last week was one of the hardest weeks I have had in a very long time. I knew that is would be tough for us to say goodbye to everybody, but wasn't sure it would be as hard as it was. There are so many people that came to help us load up, lots of people stopped by an empty house to wish us well, and then the drive began. It was a long thoughtful drive. Thinking of all the loved ones behind us, and all the many friends, and adventures ahead of us. I took most of the pictures, because if you have ever seen my cry, you know... ITS NOT PRETTY! So, since my thoughts are as disorganized as my house, I am going to post the pictures, and add captions/stories that go along with the pic.

This is one of my activity day girls. Karyna! She came over on moving day with her dad, and little brother. They brought Nora the cutest little Travel Bag, with all sorts of fun things for Nora to do, and snacks too. They are so super, and I heard that there is a trip being planned....? Maybe after mom has baby number 5!

My great friend Jenni, makes dresses, and asked Nora to be her VA. representative. We had to try out the dresses in Michigan just to make sure they were worth making the trip.... SOOOOO ADORABLE!

On moving day, Joel assigned 2 captains... they were the ones organizing the process, and it looks very efficient! Well done boys!

We had one yummy lunch with Nana the day before the move. She is constantly cooking, and spoils up rotten. We are going to miss those lunches FOR SURE!

To get her mind off of all her things being packed up in boxes, we moved her around too!

Nora will for miss her most favorite, bestest, babysitter ever. Hayley... we already miss you. I hear there may be a trip planning in your future for you too? Maybe I can fund a cute, righteous surfer boy.... hmmmm?

Hayley's sister, Chewy! Nora has already been asking for Alli... "I go to Alli's house". We miss you! We won't even recognize you next time we see you, with braces and all! Can't wait!!!!!!!

Nana gave Nora an angle. It was so precious, and she loved it. Nana always has some little thing that she has to give the kids when they leave. Nora named the angle "Nana". Very appropriate.

Uhh... wait a minute... what happened to the orginization? YIKES! We almost needed a bigger truck!

Cousins playin for the last time before we leave. Here is one of the other things I hear, everyday, sometimes two or three times, "We go to Kys house... right now! I want to see Marley. Marley needs me!" Alie is so great at sending pictures, and videos, and they made us this super awesome picture book with loads of great pictures of the kids. Honestly, this was the hardest part of leaving. These kids are so amazing! I already miss them like crazy.

Their mom, she would be almost as amazing as her kids, if she would OPEN HER EYES, and smile for the camera. Instead, she insists on either closing her eyes, or making a goofy face! I love you Alie, you are so freakin awesome!

Nora had to go around her room that papa painted for her, and kiss all her friends goodbye. It was such a sweet moment for me. She loved this room soooo much, and misses all her bedtime friends. There is plenty of room on her walls here in VB.

Oops, one more of the Jensens! Weston was probably Noras first crush. And with those pearly whites, who could blame her?

These next few pictures get a little out of order... sorry. When we got to VB, my mom couldn't find her sunglasses, so she used the 3D ones that were in Noras toy bag. She is such a Lulu!

When Nora learned that Lulu and Papa were going on an airplane to go back to Michigan, she ran in her new room, and cried. It was too cute not to grab a picture!

Closing the door of our first home, as a family. We made some great memories there, and will always cherish the time we spent so close to my parents.

Noras BFF Avery came to say goodbye... Nora was sleeping, and since the drive ahead of us was going to be a long one, I chose to let her sleep. I said Goodbye to Avery for her. She is such a doll. We miss you Ave!

Nora loves when Uncle Matt scruffs against her lips! She thinks it is so "shunny", (funny)!

Here is the new property manager himself... leaving for his first day of his new job. I tried not to embarrass him, but I knew I wanted to blog about it. I took a few random pictures, without him realizing what I was doing, but I couldn't really ask him to pose for me. I am so proud of him! He has worked so hard, and wants only the best things for his family. I think he is so hot too! Mommy and Nora are so happy, daddy!

Having our first dinner in our new house! Not exactly living the good life yet! The Chinese place that the GPS gave us... NOT GOOD! We are going to have to do some exploring for a good Chinese place here! Jade Garden... C-!

Here we are! Everything unloaded! Now we just have to find what we need! We are 3/4 of the way done! What a process. I should probably be doing that now, nah.... blogging is more fun.

Nora was playing in the truck, and really wanted me to grab something for her. Why, my loving husband thought this was the right time to snap a shot... well, maybe he liked what he saw?

We had my dad take a picture of us in front of our new house. Note to self: 50 years old= not able to focus! Anyway, here is our little family, ready to take on the world! The window behind us is in perfect focus though!

GPS in one hand, Blackberry in the other... knock em dead baby!!!

MY 1 year BLOGEVERISARY!

I am three days too late, but I have been blogging for a WHOLE YEAR! And I am not even tired of it! WOO HOO! I think tonight we will celebrate as a family!!! Coming up, a plethera of pictures!

Coming to you from VIRGINIA BEACH!!!!

Is anyone out there? I know it has been a while, but we had some computer issues during the move, and a few pieces of the computer didn't make it. I was able to use the laptop when Joel was home in the evening, but most of the time I was so stinkin EXHAUSTED, that did what I needed to get done, then passed out. I must say, that when moving to a new city, the internet is a must! Come to find out we were driving 30 minutes to get to a Lowe's, when there was a Home Depot right around the corner. Ugh! But, all is well now. Even if there are still packed boxes everywhere, and I haven't done any laundry in over 1 week, things are great here! We love it! The weather has been a little overcast, but still nice. We have some great people that live in the neighborhood, and some people from the ward have stopped by, and called to say hello! We are sooo excited for all the fun things to come.

Nora took a few days to get adjusted. When we unloaded the doll house, she was like a kid on Christmas morning. Then after a few days, she grew bored of that, and so we unpacked the princess dresses, now, we have a few days of her being happy again! Every day she asks, "I wanna go to Ky's house." I tell her, "We will go to Kys house, but he lives far away now, so it is going to be a while." Nora says, "Why?" I say, "Well, because we moved to Virginia, and now we don't live close to our family anymore." She says, "Why?" I say, "Remember when we used to say our prayers, and we would ask Heavenly Father, if we should move to Virginia, well, he answered our prayer, and said, Yes, we should move. So, here we are... in Virginia!" She says, "I wanna go to a different A-ginia." I really don't know what she is thinking, all I can rely on is the spirit to comfort her, and bring peace to her mind. She asks me "WHY" about two and a half million times a day, so, we have lots of learning opportunities.

Other then that, I have pictures that I will post later today. I just wanted to put up a post hoping there are still some readers out there. I am back, and over the next month, it may be slow blogging, but I PROMISE.... there are lots and lots of fun things to do here, so I will have lots to blog about. We live right between two GREAT beaches! Near Busch Gardens, an amazing aquarium, great water parks all over, lots of parks. Lots more, so the blog will be filled soon with all these fun things. We would love to have visitors too. Everyone is welcome! I don't know how you can't not love it here! Just let us know when you are coming!

AHHHH... STOP THE MADDNESS!!!

Last weekend was such a whirl wind! Things have started getting so busy. I am ready to just be done. This week we are going to be home all day, JUST packing! I have some of the greatest friends ever, that are coming to help, take Nora for the day, bring dinner! From the bottom of my blog, thank you guys so much!

I have been documenting our lives this last week we are here. I have to blog about it now, because this may be my last blog post in Michigan. I don't know when we are cutting the Internet, and packing up the computer, but I do know it will be the last box on the truck, because I need it to be the first box off the truck!

Wednesday was the last Activity Days activity. I loved being in this calling so much. (In church, I was the leader of the girls from 8-11) They are such darling girls, who love the gospel of Jesus Christ, and who desire to feel the love of our Savior. I learned from them, that happiness is given to us, by living and loving the teachings of our church. These girls exude happiness, and I will miss the special spirit I feel when I am around them.

Friday we had a "Good bye party". It was given by two girls who I love sooo much. My better than life sister-in-law Alie, and the happiest girl I have ever met, Jenni! It was so amazing to see all the people who love us come out to say goodbye. We are so loved, and there is nothing that feels better then to be loved! We are going to miss these people so much. But we are so blessed to have known so many wonderful saints while we were here. May we never forget Jean and Travis:



Who could ever forget those crack ups?!!?

Whats a party at the Jacksons without ROCK BAND!

Joel is easily embarrassed, and this is one of those moments, that we couldn't resist

Jenni and I: she is contagiously happy!
Lanae, and I sportin our new hair!
The amazing, talented hair stylist! And my very best friend, Katie!!!

My super sister-in-law, we chose a black and white polka dots as the theme!
It was such a fun night. And we are so blessed for all those that came out! Thank you so much. I will look at these pictures often, and realize how wonderful everyone is! (Julie Barb, I don't know why, but I don't have one single picture of you and I! I know I took a million, but where the heck are they? Can you send me some?)

Saturday we had to get ready for an open house that the realtor held at our house. We have lived in this house for almost 2 years, and had to finish a few things before we moved! Joel and Nora worked together putting up the trim. I think Cinderella helped a lot too. She is however the one that does all the chores at her house!

Then we went to Dundee, Mich. to play with our cousins, and Grandma and Grandpa Kennedy at the indoor water park! What a blast! We got to say goodbye, AND play! Phew... what an exhausting day! But soooo fun!

SUNDAY was the last day of teaching my Sunday class. They are delightful kids, and I wanted them to know how much I love them, but even more how prayer is always necessary, so I told them the story of "US" (Joel and I). I made them a special treat, that was adorable, and yummy! (so, maybe I didn't really have time for this in my life right now, but they earned it!) Aren't these lil cakes cute?



That evening, the two bachelors in our life came to say goodbye. We had a yummo lasagna dinner. The last time I would cook in my kitchen... had to document that of course! I will for sure be missing this kitchen! Joel was my paparazzi in the kitchen! I love garlic, parsley, and EVOO! It is rather magnificent! Just look at the sags in my eyes! It has been a while since we had such little sleep!!!

Uncle Dan always knows how to win over his niece! She loves him!!!! And she is going to miss both her Uncle Dan, and Grumpa Evans!

10 More Days

Till we move to Virginia Beach... should I think about packing?

She needs creative help...

Here's my problem:



Since she is wearing underwear now, (that also never stays on her, unless she has on pants, that stay up) there isn't a diaper to help her non-existing bum! I can't find belts her size. I can go down in pant size, but then they end up too short, and she can only wear extensions on her pants so many times before she looks like Carmen Miranda! We went to JoAnns today to find the heavy ribbon stuff and make her those adjustable belts, but the problem there is the hefty ribbon/belt material, is too wide to fit in the tiny pant loops! I'm thinking it might be easier to take in the elastic band in all her underwears, and make her wear dresses all the time. Or, maybe she just saw papa bend over a few too many times, and thinks this is the new style!

New Private Noraisims...

The other day, when I started a post, with "Soooo Hilarious", my intention was to go on about how Nora has been talking my ears off all day. And I was going to mention some of the funniest things that she has said. Then I remembered I had a private blog for that. Since we are moving, and aunts, uncles, grandmas, lulus, and papas want to hear Nora updates, and co-workers, friends, old college roommates, and random bloggers really don't, we created a private blog for Noraisims. I will probably still randomly blog about Nora on this blog, but it will be about other things too. So, if you are interested in joining the "Noraisims" blog, please send me an email at kirstynnlq[at]yahoo[dot]com. Since google readers don't update private blogs, I will post on this blog when I make a post on that blog. I of course would love anyone to read her blog. So as long as I know you, or know someone who knows you, you are all welcome to read her blog. Just email me, so that you get the invite. I have heard there are some freakishly people out there who stalk blogs, (yeah, maybe I am one of them), and I am fine with people stalking my blog, but my blog of my little girl, should really be a private one, in my opinion.

I will however leave you with a cute picture, and Noraisim from the weekend:

If you have never heard Nora's voice, you may not think this is funny. I am going to get some videoage of her tiny, soft, high, little voice on her private blog soon. This picture os from the Hands On Museum. We went there this weekend with my dad. And since she is about potty trained, she was very interested in the toilet, and where the peepee and poopoo goes. So here is a picture of Papa explaining it to her. Then on Sunday we were at some friends house for dinner, and she needed to poop, so I put her on the potty. As always, she used all her strength and all her might to get this poo to pass. It finally did. When she stood up and looked at it, she said, "That is all chicken mommy!" She was probably right too. This girl loves chicken! I'm not sure if she thought it looked like chicken, or she knew, all that chicken she has been eating ended up in the toilet.

I'M FINE...

Three calls in 17 minutes... I am not crazy... I am tired, and overwhelmed. But, I am fine. I am happy! I am human! Life could be so much harder, and so much more stressful. I will be fine. Thank you! I love those that care about me, and my sanity.

Sooooo... NOT HILARIOUS

Addition to the post:

I may have mentioned a few weeks ago, that I never read the post before I post it, I just post it. HOwever, this goes to show what a freak I am... the title has nothing to do with the post... NOT HILARIOUS AT ALL! Sorry, I'm tired!

Sooooo... HILARIOUS!

So this last week has been OVERWHELMING! As a mother, as a wife, as a friend, and as me... Kirstynn Evans! YIKES! Having a husband that is extremely up to his eyeballs in his work (this is his last week at work in Michigan) he has little to no time to work on the "honey do" lists, and even less time to spend with the fam. The best part about this move is, it is soon going to be over. I feel that I can handle two more weeks of stress. I am sure that when we get there, we will still be stressed for a little bit, but it will be a refreshing type of stress.

We have also hit HUGE milestones with the toddler. We are about 50% potty trained. We can leave the house in panties. We can hold it when we have to go, but aren't close to a potty. We still wear a diaper at bedtime, and we always need to tell mommy when we have to go potty. We can't do it alone yet. (Probabally not the right time to talk in 1st person... when I say "we" I mean NORA) So the potty train has taken off, and the trip should be over soon. We also took away the binky. I didn't think it would be as heart wrenching as it was... or is... I really believe that I have one of the "Happiest Kids on the Block". It takes very little to make her happy, and she oozes cheer and happieness. That is until that stinkin fairy "Tinkerbell" showed up and stole Noras best silacone friend! The first night has been the easiest. We told her that Mulan was having a baby, and the Tink took her binky for Mulans baby. She was not good with it, but wasn't too bad. Then the next day, she asked for the bink all day. I told her it was gone, to Mulans baby. So then we watched crying babies on youtube. And talked about how they need binkies to be happy, and Nora needs treats to be happy. LOTS of treats that day. That night... she was in her room, kicking walls, screaming, tearing her clothes off, tore her diaper off, acted like a monster. I didn't know my little muffin was even capable of such destruction! This went on for 4 hours, then she gave in, and fell asleep. Today, everyone she meets, she tells them, "Tink-a-bell took my bibi, for the blue baby." Hopefully tonight is better then last night?

I'm really bored with this post... not good... I think I am at that stage where I talk baby talk all day, that at the end of the day, it takes me a minute to get into grown up talk. I do have some pictures to post soon, and more NOra talk. More moving talk, and all that great stuff. Now, I just need to sit. Not talk, not listen, not even process! Talk about random, and rediculous! Ahhhh...

Picture 569

Picture 569
Originally uploaded by kirstynnlq

DISNEY on ICE!

My parents took their grandchildren to see the Magic on Ice! Nora was sooo excited all week. She told everyone she was going to Disney World. I don't think she knew any different, except she really wanted to see the castle. I didn't go, so of course I don't have my pictures, but while we were waiting for the magic carpet to come pick her up, I took some pictures. Looking at these pics, she looks sooo grown up. It is a little sad. Her and I have actual conversations these days. She remembers things that happened a week ago. She understands her emotions. It is all very weird. While we were sitting on the potty the other day, and I was waiting, and waiting, and waiting for something to happen, she could tell I was frustrated. She said, "Mommy, are you sad?" I told her, that we had to leave, and she needed to either "poop or get off the pot, literally." She said, "Will that make you happy mommy?" How do I stay sad, after the sweetest little voice says something like that. The only way I can describe it, is the more stressful and frustrating being a parent is, the more rewarding, and gratifying it is.

Beeeeeee-ch BUM!

The week in Va. Beach was very fun. It was the first time all three of us have been on a vacation together. It was the first time since Nora was a baby, that Joel had to spend the whole week with us! I could tell that he was stressed out about a few things, but it was great as a family to be there for eachother. Nora absolutely loved the beach. She could not get enough. She calls it the "beeeeeeee-ch".




We told her today, that she is going to have to get used to the beach, because she will be seeing it a lot more. Not from our back yard, but from a distance. We are moving into the house in the neighborhood. Which means we will have room for a visitor or two. And our stuff! We have a few things to work out, but hope it will all work out!

WE HAVE A HOME!!!

Wow! What a week! Last Friday we were notified that Joel's replacement was hired. We needed to go to Virginia to find housing. So in one day, we planned a family trip down to "The Beach" with a prayer in our hearts, that we would find the home that would make all our dreams come true. We set up a million appointments to look at houses, condos, apartments, townhouses, everything but the campground! There is one little problem to renting... No one really wants a dog to live in their house. I don't blame them, I really don't want him either. But he makes Joel and Nora sooo happy, that I can't imagine our family without him. Joel understood that Barkley may be a deal breaker for us. So, we were looking at houses that accepted, and didn't accept dogs. Looking for houses is quite humbling. I would never consider myself to be high maintenance, or spoiled when it comes to my house. Especially if you have been to my house, by looking at it, you would never think that I have high expectations. But, man, this week taught me a thing or two about what I need in a house. My first priority is, surprise surprise, my kitchen. I am very lucky that I have a great kitchen with lots of cabinet and counter space. And I have a DISHWASHER... ultimately, that was a deal breaker, No dishwasher, no deal! The other deal breaker... a wall mounted oven from 1968. I have worked in some OLD apartments, with Harvest Gold, Avocado Green appliances, but I have NEVER seen anything this old before. If we were purchasing, I MIGHT have been able to work with it, because it was in such a great neighborhood, but between that, and no dishwasher, I couldn't justify it. The bathroom was fit for a little girl too. Pink ceramic tile, pink sink, pink tub... wow... if only pink bathrooms would come back in... (no offense to anyone with a pink bathroom, I just see enough pink in my world, I don't need to brush my teeth, and bathe in it!!!) So, no deal to a great neighborhood with not a great house.

Our 2nd option was AMAZING... A small 2 bedroom condo, the back yard was the best... Beautiful private beach! Gorgeous sunrises, beautiful sunsets... the owner offered his personal jet skis. The neighborhood is mostly retired millionaires with fancy cars, toys, houses. The FANCIEST 7-11 I have ever been in. Great area. Not too crowded, or too busy. We spoke with a couple of locals, and they loved the area! People running their dogs on the beach was a plus. Let me reiterate for everyone who would come visit, VERY SMALL! We would be leaving 2/3 of our belongings here.

The third choice... a very cute practical 3 bedroom house! The neighborhood was a little tight, but so is almost every hood down there. There are soooo many people there! The house had almost everything we were looking for. Unfortunately the back yard was a little different,
But the new kitchen helped a little bit.

We narrowed it to the obvious 2 choices, 2 and 3. Knowing that the first choice was so out of our entire lifestyle, we really wanted it! We only have one child. If we don't take this condo now, we may never get this opportunity again. They didn't want Barkley there, but heck, with a view like that, Barkley who? (I am not a dog lover!) Even if it meant getting rid of our fun things, like sewing, tools, toys, most of my cooking/baking stuff, it was all worth it.

The house was so practical for us. So cute! Right by the bases, so there is a lot of jet noise, but the adorable inside of the house was worth it. We hadn't talke about the dog at all, and thought it might be our of the question for them to consider the dog. Joel's thoughts were, if we can't have the dog, then I need to be on the beach. The house also had a fence down in the back yard, that Joel could fix. The owners live in Ca. and are managing it themselves. Since both Joel and I have experience in property management, we pitched our proposal- let us have the dog, and take a few bucks off every month, we'll fix the fence, and not call the second something breaks. We sent the email. If it comes back a "No" then we are moving to the beach. If it comes back a "Yes" then we know where we need to be. After over 24 hours of not hearing back... I was sweating... but we did hear back... wanna know what the answer is? STAY TUNED!!!!

03/29/09

I have been a little emotional to talk to anybody about our move. So, in keepin it real, and real simple our moving truck will be pulling off Clyde Rd. on Sunday, March 29th. Joel will be starting his job on April 1st. He has this next week off to find housing, then he will train the "new guy" for 2 weeks, then he has another week and a half off to pack, drive, unpack, you get the idea. I really can't explain what it feels like. It has been coming for so long now, that talking about it seems like a waste of time. We are looking forward to a family vacation. Just the three of us. We are going to take a few fun days to drive to Virginia Beach. Spend a few days finding our new house, then come home. We need a little time to be together as a family. We are very excited.

Scary, fun!

I haven't been blogging, because I have been shooting! I am not sure if this will work, but I have been playin with codes, and stuff. YIKES!

OPRAH ANNOUNCEMENT!

We weren't allowed to bring any cameras into the Oprah studio, but Katie managed to sneak her point and shoot into her coat pocket, which was checked and left in the coat room. We did get a few shots of us posing at the Harpo Studio sign. I haven't gotten those pics yet, but when I do, I will post them. The show that we saw taped airs tomorrow, Wednesday. Check your local listings for the "Lisa Ling Special Report, Tent Cities."

There was very little audience interaction, so I would be really surprised if we even make it on tv. However, the funniest girl I have met in a REALLY long time will be very visible in the audience. She has long dark hair, and is wearing a bright orange shirt. She was in the "HOLDING ROOM" with us, then got seated right in the isle where Oprah enters, and got to High Five Oprah. I think it is because I was telling her our story of "will, and hope". I am wearing a black collared shirt, and Katie has on a white sweater, with turquoise, black, purple, green. So keep an eye out for us!

Dear Oprah

... and staff,

My friend and I recently attended a taping of your show. When I received the phone call from Julie on the "Audience Team", I was MORE then excited to be able to accept the tickets that I had "willed" the day before.

I love Chicago, and to be able to go to the city, and see you, was a big deal for me. My friend and I got new outfits, facials, fancy dinner in the city, all in preparation for our exciting event! We were "Hoping" and "willing" for a great show. The audience members always look like they have a great time while in your audience, so we were practicing our "expressions". We wanted to look natural, but not scary so that the cameras wouldn't break. While in the "holding room" we met other women, who also were practicing their expressions. We had so much fun getting to know these HILARIOUS girls. We also enjoyed all the clips of past Oprah Shows that were shown. It pumped us up for a great show! We got seated, watched the staff scramble to get everything together, then were also pumped up by a producer. We were ready... this was going to be great! We were excited! We could not wait!

Then, we heard the topic... "Special Investigative Report by: Lisa Ling, Tent Cities". Ugh... For real? So, we sat, and listened to the stories of Home Foreclosures, Homeless Families, and other people struggling in this awful economy. The show was to say the least, A DOWNER! As I watched the family that carried everything they owned around in big garbage bags, I felt rather shallow for my new outfit, and my new cute hair color and all the other things that went into bringing me to see your show. Then, there was a very special woman in the audience that could barley stand up to tell you her story. She was old, tiny, frail, and beautiful. She talked about her amazing triumphs in her life. The huge hurdles she has had to jump. I could feel of her beautiful spirit. I took a piece of her with me. It brought tears to my eyes as she was escorted to your side on the stage, and then you hugged her, and posed for pictures. I could tell, that when she leaves to live with our maker, she will happily say, "I met and received a hug from Oprah". Was I disappointed that I wasn't on the episode where you give away all your favorite things? Yes, of course I was. Was I depressed during the show, because my husband and I are trying to sell our house in this economy, and you weren't giving away mortgage pay-offs? OF COURSE! But I, was touched by you, and your beauty, inside and out. You are a special person, and have touched so many people. In this case, I was also touched by someone, who I am sure you have touched before, which I wasn't expecting. Thank you for your grace! There are so many amazing, happy, and uplifting stories in this world, and I hope to return to your audience in the future to participate in a show of joy, and peace.

Love, and regards,
Kirstynn Evans

TEXT Cha Cha!

This is new to me, and I LOVE IT!!! Whenever you have a question, dumb, or not! you can text Cha Cha (242242) your question, and you will receive a text back with the answer.


So, my friend and I were on our way to Chicago, and we were talking about Sara Palins daughter, and her new babies name. We didn't know it, so we texted Cha Cha! Sure enough, Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston. They suggested places for us to eat while in Chicago, where to park for cheap, why "October Road" went off the air. We were a little bored, so we asked lots of dumb questions. The sad part was, you only get 4 free questions in 72 hours. That was the buzz kill of the trip.

It is almost as cool as texting Google (46645) for a business phone number.

The Evans Factor

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