August 15, 2011

The Summer Happenings in the Calaway Household

Sorry I haven't updated our lives lately! Life's been super crazy what with moving back down here to Salem from the Tri-Cities, getting ready for Grad school and trying to figure out all the craziness that goes along with that. But we've had an amazing summer and we're so excited for this fall!

At the beginning of July we went to Priest Lake with Dallin's family and had a blast. We were only there Sunday through Wednesday though, because we had a family reunion with the Mathew's family (my mom's side) Thursday through Saturday. Priest Lake was so much fun and we were so glad we got to see Blaine, Hillary and Colton! We miss you guys!





About to wreck...

REALLY about to wreck...

Wrecked!

Poor Andrea had some horrible falls that trip! She always came up smiling, though!


















I didn't take any pictures at the Mathew's Family reunion because I knew my awesome cousin, Amy J would be taking tons of pictures. I haven't gotten those yet, but I can't wait until I do! I'll be sure to share once I get them. The reunion was great, as always. Thank you to the Rawlin's crew for putting on such an amazing event! We loved every minute of it!

Since all of my siblings were going to be in town for the Mathew's Family Reunion, we took the opportunity to get a family picture, because the last full family picture (in-laws, nieces, nephews, etc.) was at Dallin and my wedding, almost 3 years ago! And we've had a few additions since then, my daughter being among them. :) Let me tell you, trying to get 3 babies, all under the age of 18 months, to cooperate for a picture, is impossible. Just in case you were wondering. I think we have one picture of all of us that includes Savannah and Claire with bottles in their mouths and Tara nursing Andrew. True story. So awesome. When my mom and dad choose the shot they love best, I will make sure to show you on here. Until then, if you really wanna see all the wonderful shots (and have a good laugh!) click here.

The rest of July was fairly uneventful until the last week. I moved back down here to Salem and set up shop while Dallin was "roading" multiple balers, tractors, rakes and stackers down here from Pasco. It was a loooonnnnggg drive for him! Tractors only go about 26 mph. Needless to say, we're glad that's done. He's been working his little hiney off ever since and school starts for him, tomorrow! YIKES! Grad School, here we come! I'm excited and nervous for him and am anxiously awaiting the day when we are officially done with all educational endeavors. I know, it's pathetic! We haven't even started and I'm ready to be done! I'm so proud of Dallin for taking this step though, and getting out of his comfort zone to finish his education. He's amazing!

Last week we had the Henry Family reunion with all of my dad's family and it was a blast. We went to Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond, OR and enjoyed ourselves immensely! Sadly, because of work, Dallin and Chad couldn't make it and Sarah had her Pioneer Trek for our church. We missed all three of you! We also missed Laurie, Mike, Jenna, Justin, Grayson and Nicole! Thank you, Uncle Dick and cousin Pat for putting forth so much effort to make this reunion a success. We had a blast, it was so good to see everyone, and we definitely need to do these things more often. We'll make sure to plan the next one, and soon!

These pictures are in no particular order!
















And one last thing. I've lost 14 lbs this summer. HOLLA! I love that my clothes fit the way they're supposed to now! Goodbye baby weight and good riddance! :)

So, that's life for us right now! We're doing great, loving life and we're so grateful for the Gospel in our lives that gives us hope, peace and keeps us grounded.

August 13, 2011

Done. Finito. Finis. Terminado.

Finally.

I am finished!

Finished painting Claire's crib, that is.

Hallelujah!

It was a pain in my rear-end. And in my back. Literally.

9 cans of spray paint later... I think I'll be blowing off-white crud from my nose for the next 10 years. Too personal? Sorry.

I thought this was going to be a fairly easy task, painting her new-to-me crib to match her dresser and toy chest. But oh, how wrong I was. It took forever, what with feeding, not long enough nap times, and other chores like laundry, cleaning, vacuuming, dusting etc.

Can I just tell you, though? This crib turned out pretty fargin' amazing. (I hope you don't mind I just stole your word, Karen aka PRP!)

So, without further ado, here she is, in all her off-white/stained glory.









See all that distressing where the real wood is showing through? Well, the spray paint kept making this weird bubbling effect when I would paint and I was getting so frustrated because it looked AWFUL. But, then when I was adding the stain, the bubbling rubbed off to make it look like it was distressed and I could not be any happier with the results! I think it looks awesome!

I got these two frames at a yard sale in Pasco earlier this summer, for 25 cents a piece. I absolutely loved them and knew I wanted to use them for Claire's room, so I bought me some "ballet slipper" pink spray paint, painted em up real good and got a picture of the Columbia River Temple and Christ with the children and made them circular to fit in the frames. Now I just need to figure out where to hang them...


My next project for her room... white? Pink? Green? Not sure yet! I'll let you know how it goes!

August 2, 2011

She Looks Like Me! She Actually Looks Like Me!

It's true. After months of being told that I have a 100% Calaway baby, I have proof to offer you that my daughter does in fact look something like me. What a miracle :)

Me as a baby






Claire






Who knew she would actually resemble me at some point :)