April (?snow?) Showers

As a child I remember that one of my wishes after the birthday present had hit my head was that there would be such a thing as WARM SNOW. Then I could sculpt and play without the frostbitten fingertips. (The other wish was always a trampoline, which my parents promptly bought soon after I was away at college! No hard feelings though. My kids are now the thrilled recipients).

So today...it wasn't actually warm snow, but it was warm outside, and the ground was COVERED in snow! We had to build our snow family quickly before it collapsed due to the heaviness and heat.

Here we are complete with a crawling little Nathan.

Mom and Dad were headless ten minutes later!

Sweets Caroline

The first signs of spring were appearing in early March this year. We saw a robin in the backyard, we took a bike ride, we planted peas, and we got excited about crocuses appearing. Along with all of these sights was a certain magical sound. It came floating through the air one day just as Caroline stepped off the bus. She knew exactly what it was and screamed in excitement, “THE ICE CREAM MAN!!!!”

Her usual dawdling was replaced by wild sprinting straight through the house to her room where the Mason jar containing a few bills and coins sat on her dresser. Before I and the baby could reach the back door, she was out the front door panting and assuring me that she remembers my rule to stay on our street. This rule came about as a result of last years barefoot, three block ice cream man chase-down.

I looked at her and realized that no “You haven’t had lunch yet,” or “Aren’t you saving your money,” comment was going to stop her vigor today. So I went in the house to help Desi round up a few quarters of her own. Desi wasn’t actually as into it as Cara, I got talking with a neighbor, and before we knew it Caroline was back, and NOT empty handed. She looked proud as punch that she had waited and waited and FINALLY he had found her. She rubbed it in a little to Desi and went in to enjoy her spoils. I glanced at the wrapper and was surprised at the flavor she had chosen, coconut. Knowing of her distaste for this flavor, I began to question the selection but the stopped myself, not wanting to prematurely ruin it mentally for her.

She unwrapped the precious prize and took a lick. A lick was okay. Then a bite. Her eyebrows wrinkled. Her eyes widened. Her nostrils flared, and her lips transformed from an angry frown into a wide open wail! “It has COCONUT in it!” she screamed in disgust. If you have ever had something major and expensive break down like the day after your warranty expires, you may have a small inkling of the disappointment and outrage she felt. She was deceived. Shattered. Slighted. Jipped.

At this point phrases like “umbrella mom,” “logical consequences,” “impulse buying,” and “lessons of life” were swimming around in my head right along with the words “mercy,” “innocent mistake,” “heartbroken,” “rescue, ” and “love.”

“I’ll buy it from you honey,” I instinctively offered. But the question now was whether we’d be able to flag down the trouble causing truck again in time. I made the quick decision to leave Will home in charge of the youngins for a moment and told Cara to hop into the bike trailer. We took off up the road and luckily located him. Cara decided to buy from the dollar menu a rainbow popsicle that she remembered trying last year. A safe bet. And fifty cents less. She was learning.

As I pedaled home I wondered whether my rescue had been right. Then out of her mouth came as sincere a “Thank You, Mom. You’re the best.” as I have ever heard her give. She knew that I had saved her from her plight when she had not power to do so herself. I do want to teach her wise money management. It’s important for her to know that some sales are final, and sometimes in life you just miss the boat. But when we fall we need not despair, for if we humble ourselves and come unto our Savior, His grace is sufficient and his rewards are sweet above all that is sweet.

This year's cake was no disappointment. She was pretty excited. Happy 6th Birthday Sweet Caroline!

Rocking My Baby

-A Poem for Nathan-

At the sound of your coo I awake from my sleep
Refreshed by a slumber delightfully deep!

Your gaze is so eager; Contagious your smile.
Let's go to the front room and rock for a while.

My magazines, books, and the phone are right there
But I do nothing more than just rock you, and stare.

I smell your fresh breathing and touch your smooth skin.
We warm one another both outside and in.

After eating and burping, your diaper's a mess.
I guess I should change you, and get you all dressed.

But with you, this moment, the whole world has stopped.
So cuddle me close and together we'll rock.

Trumpeting Elephant

Hear ye, Hear ye, a message from my honored guest blog author (and hard working husband, personal finance consultant, and one true love) John Alden Whitehead… Many of you know that I work for Ivory Homes as a construction superintendent. Normally I’m the guy out in the field supervising the construction of new homes but today I’m trying to help get the word out to our friends and family about the great deals that our company is offering on new homes right now. You personally may not be looking to buy a new home right now, which is fine, but you may know someone else that is! My hope is that before any prospective buyer makes this very important decision that they would give Ivory a chance to show them why we’ve been the leader in the Utah housing market for 22 straight years.

Everyone is aware that last year was challenging in the housing market. However, Ivory has been able to successfully weather the storm. Ivory Homes had the 4th best year in the company’s history in 2008 by closing 718 homes. We also increased our market share by 47%. That being said, we recognize that we need to work harder than ever and are determined to do all we can to grow our business this coming year. To accomplish this, we have decided that our entire company needs to take a more proactive role in helping generate additional sales.

2009 will most likely be the year where housing prices in Utah will be lower than they’ll ever be again. With Ivory’s recent price cuts, home pricing is similar to what it was 5 years ago (in 2004). Many of you have heard that interest rates are going down to lower than ever. Right now in the mortgage market some people are qualifying for rates anywhere from 4 7/8% to 5 3/8% depending on the day. For those who close on an Ivory Home this year, rates are even better! By financing with Ivory Mortgage, our buyers are guaranteed a 4.5% fixed interest rate over the life of the 30-year loan.

You also may have heard that to help stimulate the economy, the government is offering a $7,500 tax refund for 1st time home buyers who close on a home before July of 2009. To take advantage of that opportunity a person would need to begin the process very soon.

The following example illustrates how monthly mortgage payments for a new Ivory home owner in this particular neighborhood are approximately 40% lower than they were just a few years ago.

There are many ways you or someone you know can get more information about possibly purchasing an Ivory Home.

1. Visit any of our MODEL HOMES and speak with a sales consultant. That would be the best way to find out specific pricing in any of our locations and they can answer any of your questions about buying a home. Be sure to let them know that you know John Whitehead so you can get the best deal possible.
2. Log on to our website at http://www.ivoryhomes.com/
3. Listen to a personal experience had by one of our recent buyers, Jill Stevens (Miss Utah 2007), when building her Ivory Home. http://www.myivorystory.com/
   Request your copy of our CATALOG OF HOMES to be mailed to you.
4. Find out more information about the LOCATIONS we are building in.
   Sign up for our free monthly email newsletter Ivory Insider.
   Email me at johnw@ivoryhomes.com and I’d be happy to answer any questions I can.

Thank you for taking the time to consider who you know that may benefit from what Ivory, and this current “buyers market” have to offer. Also, if you are thinking about refinancing, rates are in the low 5’s and Ivory Mortgage can work out a great deal to help any of you who currently have a mortgage with a high interest rate.

Anyway, if you know of someone we can help, please respond with their contact info. As you know, I’m not in sales (ie. I get no commission if any of you end up referring someone who ends up buying a home), but I am committed to doing my part and would appreciate your help.

Thanks,
John Whitehead

The elephant has trumpeted, so don’t delay. Pass on this message today!

Out With The Old

Since I am a wanna-be fly lady, I decided to take her challenge called the "twenty seven thing FLING!" I have done this in the past and found it to be invigorating and satisfying. It is, however, sometimes emotionally hard for me to "let go" of things. I didn't know what a pack rat I could be until my dejunking husband went on his first clean out spree. We have worked out one way to satisfy both of us when it is time to get rid of something but I may not be quite ready. We take a picture! Here are a few from the past...

Left: Me holding cases to camping chairs (John thinks they are useless) and his little league trophy.

Right: Me with an interactive writing poster that Brad Wilcox HIMSELF complimented me on when he popped in to my classroom one day.

I am sentimental. What can I say? So to ring in the new year I let my desire for order (as opposed to C.H.A.O.S.) overrule as I rummaged through the house looking for items that fit this motto: "If you don't love 'em or use 'em, loose 'em!" Here is what I came up with.

Oh, yes, and we are getting rid of one more thing...

I must say there was some role reversal when it came time to decide whether to part with this trusty ol' beast. After spending almost a full Saturday under the hood preparing to sell our '90 Suburban- covering himself with plenty of grime and a war wound between the eyes in the process- John has had a hard time moving on. Thanks Honey!

Christmas Greetings

Thought I'd post this on the blog for history's sake...

“Do You Hear What I Hear?”
(Whitehead Remake ‘08)

Said the Whiteheads to our friends and fam,
We’re wonderin’ how you be!
We are making holiday plans;
Our house is filled with such glee.

Our son, William, creating day and night,
K’nex and Legos are his delight!
He is learning to Choose The Right.

Says our little Caroline filled with joy,
“Do you know where I go?
To a classroom filled with girls and boys.
We play at recess in the snow.

Bus stop! Bus stop! It’s the place to be.
I am five now. I’m feelin’ free;
And I’ve even learned how to read.”

Says dear Desirée, “Dancin’s my thing.
I put on a sweet show;
Wearing leotard, gloss, pearls, and rings.
While Dad practices piano.”

Our son, Nathan, is beautiful to hold.
Grins and sleeps and does what he’s told!!!!
He is learning now he can roll.

For Mom and Dad not too much news to share;
We work and try to also play.
Pray for those we love everywhere;
That all may cherish every day.

And find the Child born that Christmas night.
He has brought such goodness and light.
May our hearts be filled with his light.

With Love,

The J .& J. Whitehead Family

LEGO Family Building Challenge

JUST INCASE we don't win the incredible Carribbean Sun family cruise from Norwegian Cruise Lines and get our winter scene published in Lego Magazine for all the world to see.. I thought I would post our cute creation here. The requirements were that we build a winter Holiday themed model using only lego pieces and accompany it with an essay of 50 words or less. Thanks Uncle Nick for taking the time to help us come up with a pretty nice entry.

Name of Model: Santa Visits Elf Village

Essay:
After working all year building toys the elves are now ready to enjoy the holiday season themselves.
Sammy Elf picks out a tree for his family to decorate. Andy and William Elf race down their favorite hill. Santa brings gifts. For the grown-ups… yummy food. For the kids…LEGOS!

Builders:
Ski slope & skier- Caroline
Sledder & Red house- William
Santa & Reindeer- Uncle Nick