Settling In

Wow. So, its been a LONG time since we updated! We didn't send out Christmas/New Year cards or letters, and a lot has happened in our lives lately...I think its about time to update this thing!

So, We moved again! This time we moved out of Ben's parent's basement into our own space! We were looking to buy a home, but the market here, during this time of year is just pretty much dead. We also were just sick of the whole process. After looking at dozens of homes, making 4 different offers on different homes, and coming up short, we decided to just rent for a while. I think all the road blocks were meant to be, because now we live in the most perfect rental house! Isn't it funny how the Lord answers our prayers in ways not expected? It is way nicer and bigger than any of the homes we were considering buying, and it is in the area we wanted/felt like we needed to be in also (Salmon Creek/Mt. Vista area). We moved in at the beginning of December and we're just now starting to feel "settled in", slowly, but surely.

Anyways, we are so happy to be on our own, not in an apartment complex, not in someone's basement, but our own space. Our house is actually a townhouse, but the only attached wall is the garage wall attaches to the next door neighbor's garage wall, not even noticeable!

As we've been 'settling in', I started teaching again at the beginning of the year! I am teaching private piano and guitar and my private student time slots are already full! I am excited to also start teaching Let's Play Music, and Sound Beginnings in the fall.

Ben has been enjoying his PR job and his bus commute to Portland, where he has time to read, ponder, or watch the crazies on the bus. He's also taken on a few other side PR ventures in his spare time. He's been staying active by joining an indoor soccer team with Aaron and Hoku. Its been fun to see the Brewers totally kick butt on the field! We also have a babysitting arrangement with Aaron and Hoku every other weekend so that we can go out on dates. Its been SO nice to get out together on dates, and also fun to spend time with Aaron and Hoku and their girls before they leave us in a couple months. :(

I'll play a little catch-up, since I've missed posting about some major holidays and some major cuteness going on!

OCTOBER
--Halloween activities and fall fun!

 

NOVEMBER
--Maura's Birthday, Thanksgiving, Jesse's Wedding in LA, Alice finally starts walking (17.5 months old)!

 

 

DECEMBER

--Move into new house, Christmas

We went with Ben's parents to get their Christmas tree at an AWESOME tree farm in Washougal. The girls were very good helpers.

 Merrilee was the 'Angel' in the Brewer family Christmas program

 

JANUARY

--Ben's birthday, Maura starts teaching studio business

 

Snow on New Year's Eve!



We love Portland!

 

 

FEBRUARY

--Merrilee turns 3, feeling settled in.

 

Merrilee's 3rd Birthday was really fun. We had both sets of grandparents over and Aaron and Hoku with their girls. Merrilee loved having everyone there! She was so excited about all of her presents too! So excited, in fact, that while opening one of them, she had a pee pee accident! Yes, we are still in the throws of potty training with her. Its been a long, hard battle, but things are getting a lot better now on that front.

 

 

 

MARCH

--Alice and Merrilee both get big girl beds (they were sleeping in a pack and play and a crib mattress on the floor). They both love playing the piano and singing all the time. Here's a funny video of their rendition of "Happy Birthday to Everyone".

 



We do miss some things from Utah, but we have felt so incredibly blessed these last few months since we've moved back to the Northwest! We are grateful everyday to be close to family, friends, and the luscious green NW scenery! Hopefully we can get back to keeping this blog updated more often from now on (no promises, though)!