Monday, October 18, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Forever!
I titled this blog "Forever" because that's how long it's been since my last update! I haven't posted since we left Florida, I feel bad about that. Honestly, I have been avoiding posting because so much has happened, I just can't fit it all in, and if I tried, I would fail miserably and leave you all thinking that my blog sucks. LOL
I have lots of pictures from my trip, but I haven't uploaded them yet. It was hot, the kids look flushed, and I even took a picture of the thermometer thingy in our car reading 108. Did I mention we had no air conditioning? Not because we don't have air conditioning, but because we were pulling a trailer and the head gasket was going out so we couldn't use the A/C or our car would overheat. That's basically the trip in a nutshell.
If I try to say much more, I won't do it all justice. Just know that everything fell into place, just as it did the first time we moved to Salt Lake. I got a job managing an apartment community (out of our home, I don't go to an office-the apartment is sort of the office), which gives us free rent, utilities, and salary. I love the company that I work for. It is small, and family-oriented, but they operate as a big company (as in, rules, regulations, things are streamlined, organized, functional, efficient, etc). So it's been great.
I found this awesome preschool for Nate. I have been intending to homeschool, but now that I'm working, I just don't have the time to teach him the things he is SO ready to learn. Fortunately, through the gals at my church (who teach there), I found this little school to put him in. They call it a "homeschool based" school because it's Pre-K thru 12th grade, but even grades 1-12 only go a half day, they learn pure academics, and leave the rest for the family to teach. His class is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-12, and he is learning SO MUCH. He's like a little sponge right now, and I'm go grateful for the opportunity he has to learn. The preschool class is small, about 8 kids, and the teacher is great. We had parent/teacher conference already, and she said he was doing so well, even though he came in to the year late. He is even a "contribution" to the class, and that it's better with him there! His natural desire to be obedient helps the other kids, I guess. He must get that from me. Although that trait didn't show up in me until adulthood. I was a rebel as a teenager. But maybe all teenagers are...
Anyway, back to the point. Kid updates. Ben is...a handful. Don't get me wrong, he is the cutest baby I have ever seen (maybe even giving Nate a run for his money) and he is SOOOO happy. He loves everyone and thinks it's always party time. However, he doesn't sleep well, and is into EVERYTHING. I really have my hands full with this one. He's a joy to be around, but WOW, he's a pain in the rear right now. LOL I'm sure he will grow out of it a little bit. Or maybe it will get worse...Oh boy...
He is going to be walking any minute. He is 8 1/2 months old and is already walking while holding someone's hands. Oh, and he has 2 very cute bottom teeth. :)
Steven is doing well in school. He doesn't like any of his classes, but he is getting through. He's taking mostly general ed classes right now, Math, English, Computer Literacy, and his Diversity requirement "Film and Culture." It could be a cool class, but it started off in the horror genre, and as some of you may know we do NOT enjoy horror and gore, and he was forced to watch a lot of it. Next up, the "diversity" portion of his class was all about homosexuality, and he had to write a 6 page essay on a gay-themed movie. You can guess how much he *loved* this part of class. There are other teachers that teach different things to fulfill the diversity requirement, one teaches more about black films and culture, and one about Asian film and culture (I think), but he had to get "the gay one." Poor guy. LOL
I am doing pretty well also. Even though I work at home, it takes up pretty much my whole day Monday through Friday 9 to 5. But it could be worse. I'm at home with the kids and I'm making money. And I hardly have to do any housework- Steven does all of that (except dishes, I still do that-and we don't have a dishwasher)! It's a nice break. Although the change in roles has taken some adjustment for both of us, and we could really use a vacation. Haha! But again, I love my job. Wow, that's something I don't know if I have ever said before! Also, I am going to start taking classes in the spring. Just one or two at a time. But at least it will get things started. I have been helping Steven learn his math, and I figure I better go ahead and take those classes while it's all fresh in my mind. I think I am going to major in Music. I have tried to decide on other things, and I just don't feel as passionately about any of them as I do about music, so why wouldn't I just do something I love?
What else is going on...not much. My overall weight loss has been good. I am finally back to the size I was when I got married 8 years ago. Of course, things don't look the same as they did then, if you know what I mean. It's hard to believe that the tag on my pants can say "6" and I still have cottage cheese thighs and a flabby tummy. But oh well, I am not complaining!! To clarify, not all my pants are 6, some are 8, but again, I'm just thankful for that! Not complaining!
So far, the weather has been great here in Salt Lake. I hope we are still just as happy here when the snow comes. Actually, it was the end of April/beginning of May snow that was depressing. The beginning of winter snow is fun and exciting. Am I really talking about the weather? Sorry!
For now, I don't know what else to say. I'm sorry if this has been boring, but at least I finally caught up (sort of). I will try to post pics and videos soon.
I have lots of pictures from my trip, but I haven't uploaded them yet. It was hot, the kids look flushed, and I even took a picture of the thermometer thingy in our car reading 108. Did I mention we had no air conditioning? Not because we don't have air conditioning, but because we were pulling a trailer and the head gasket was going out so we couldn't use the A/C or our car would overheat. That's basically the trip in a nutshell.
If I try to say much more, I won't do it all justice. Just know that everything fell into place, just as it did the first time we moved to Salt Lake. I got a job managing an apartment community (out of our home, I don't go to an office-the apartment is sort of the office), which gives us free rent, utilities, and salary. I love the company that I work for. It is small, and family-oriented, but they operate as a big company (as in, rules, regulations, things are streamlined, organized, functional, efficient, etc). So it's been great.
I found this awesome preschool for Nate. I have been intending to homeschool, but now that I'm working, I just don't have the time to teach him the things he is SO ready to learn. Fortunately, through the gals at my church (who teach there), I found this little school to put him in. They call it a "homeschool based" school because it's Pre-K thru 12th grade, but even grades 1-12 only go a half day, they learn pure academics, and leave the rest for the family to teach. His class is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-12, and he is learning SO MUCH. He's like a little sponge right now, and I'm go grateful for the opportunity he has to learn. The preschool class is small, about 8 kids, and the teacher is great. We had parent/teacher conference already, and she said he was doing so well, even though he came in to the year late. He is even a "contribution" to the class, and that it's better with him there! His natural desire to be obedient helps the other kids, I guess. He must get that from me. Although that trait didn't show up in me until adulthood. I was a rebel as a teenager. But maybe all teenagers are...
Anyway, back to the point. Kid updates. Ben is...a handful. Don't get me wrong, he is the cutest baby I have ever seen (maybe even giving Nate a run for his money) and he is SOOOO happy. He loves everyone and thinks it's always party time. However, he doesn't sleep well, and is into EVERYTHING. I really have my hands full with this one. He's a joy to be around, but WOW, he's a pain in the rear right now. LOL I'm sure he will grow out of it a little bit. Or maybe it will get worse...Oh boy...
He is going to be walking any minute. He is 8 1/2 months old and is already walking while holding someone's hands. Oh, and he has 2 very cute bottom teeth. :)
Steven is doing well in school. He doesn't like any of his classes, but he is getting through. He's taking mostly general ed classes right now, Math, English, Computer Literacy, and his Diversity requirement "Film and Culture." It could be a cool class, but it started off in the horror genre, and as some of you may know we do NOT enjoy horror and gore, and he was forced to watch a lot of it. Next up, the "diversity" portion of his class was all about homosexuality, and he had to write a 6 page essay on a gay-themed movie. You can guess how much he *loved* this part of class. There are other teachers that teach different things to fulfill the diversity requirement, one teaches more about black films and culture, and one about Asian film and culture (I think), but he had to get "the gay one." Poor guy. LOL
I am doing pretty well also. Even though I work at home, it takes up pretty much my whole day Monday through Friday 9 to 5. But it could be worse. I'm at home with the kids and I'm making money. And I hardly have to do any housework- Steven does all of that (except dishes, I still do that-and we don't have a dishwasher)! It's a nice break. Although the change in roles has taken some adjustment for both of us, and we could really use a vacation. Haha! But again, I love my job. Wow, that's something I don't know if I have ever said before! Also, I am going to start taking classes in the spring. Just one or two at a time. But at least it will get things started. I have been helping Steven learn his math, and I figure I better go ahead and take those classes while it's all fresh in my mind. I think I am going to major in Music. I have tried to decide on other things, and I just don't feel as passionately about any of them as I do about music, so why wouldn't I just do something I love?
What else is going on...not much. My overall weight loss has been good. I am finally back to the size I was when I got married 8 years ago. Of course, things don't look the same as they did then, if you know what I mean. It's hard to believe that the tag on my pants can say "6" and I still have cottage cheese thighs and a flabby tummy. But oh well, I am not complaining!! To clarify, not all my pants are 6, some are 8, but again, I'm just thankful for that! Not complaining!
So far, the weather has been great here in Salt Lake. I hope we are still just as happy here when the snow comes. Actually, it was the end of April/beginning of May snow that was depressing. The beginning of winter snow is fun and exciting. Am I really talking about the weather? Sorry!
For now, I don't know what else to say. I'm sorry if this has been boring, but at least I finally caught up (sort of). I will try to post pics and videos soon.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Our time here
Our time in Florida has been a very humbling experience for me. I didn't want to come here, but I knew my husband had righteous motives-to work through some family things, and he hoped for progress in that area-to be closer to his family, but we didn't understand exactly what that would mean.
When we got here, I tried to adapt, but found it very difficult, so difficult in fact, that I accidentally sabotaged my social life. Is that a contradiction? Is sabotage supposedly intentional? Anyway, it happened. It kept me from church for a few weeks, which has also been humbling and a learning experience. It also helped me get to know my neighbors, who turned out to be a family that we will always remember, and thanks to Facebook, probably never lose touch with.
Things didn't turn out exactly the way we anticipated with one side of Steven's family. Actually, it turned out to be a disappointment. But last night, a surprise phone call came and a dinner was planned for tonight with the other side of the family. We had no clear intentions of hooking up with Steven's dad's side (including a younger sister, age 10-she shares a b'day with Steven, and her mom, and wonderful woman with whom I would love to spend more time). However, GOD INTENDED US TO RECONNECT WITH THEM.
We all went to dinner tonight, and although I can't describe exactly how the whole thing felt, I can say it was very healing and fulfilling. I'm having a very hard time choosing words here. I just want to say that I have a little bit better understand of how normal families must feel toward each other. Like no matter what, you are always family, and it all comes together in the end. I feel that they are truly there for us, they care about us, respect us and love us. And it's mutual. (I have that with my dad, but no one else that I am related to by blood. I think Steven has desired it with his mom, but she has never been able to really fill that role.) What a wonderful feeling to experience after all these years of disappointment.
I think Steven would say "that's enough about feelings now!" LOL
My cup runneth over. We are truly blessed. The Lord has provided for us and will continue to do so. I know that to be true.
So, I think we have made enough expensive mistakes moving back and forth across the country. We are finally on the right track, and it feels good. I think as long as we continue to put family first, we will be okay.
When we got here, I tried to adapt, but found it very difficult, so difficult in fact, that I accidentally sabotaged my social life. Is that a contradiction? Is sabotage supposedly intentional? Anyway, it happened. It kept me from church for a few weeks, which has also been humbling and a learning experience. It also helped me get to know my neighbors, who turned out to be a family that we will always remember, and thanks to Facebook, probably never lose touch with.
Things didn't turn out exactly the way we anticipated with one side of Steven's family. Actually, it turned out to be a disappointment. But last night, a surprise phone call came and a dinner was planned for tonight with the other side of the family. We had no clear intentions of hooking up with Steven's dad's side (including a younger sister, age 10-she shares a b'day with Steven, and her mom, and wonderful woman with whom I would love to spend more time). However, GOD INTENDED US TO RECONNECT WITH THEM.
We all went to dinner tonight, and although I can't describe exactly how the whole thing felt, I can say it was very healing and fulfilling. I'm having a very hard time choosing words here. I just want to say that I have a little bit better understand of how normal families must feel toward each other. Like no matter what, you are always family, and it all comes together in the end. I feel that they are truly there for us, they care about us, respect us and love us. And it's mutual. (I have that with my dad, but no one else that I am related to by blood. I think Steven has desired it with his mom, but she has never been able to really fill that role.) What a wonderful feeling to experience after all these years of disappointment.
I think Steven would say "that's enough about feelings now!" LOL
My cup runneth over. We are truly blessed. The Lord has provided for us and will continue to do so. I know that to be true.
So, I think we have made enough expensive mistakes moving back and forth across the country. We are finally on the right track, and it feels good. I think as long as we continue to put family first, we will be okay.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Happy Birthday-4 yrs old already??!!!
I tried to document the day the best I could. Here we have the favorite breakfast: french toast with fruit. (I'm so happy that he likes cantaloupe, because I don't! lol)
A little rough-housing with Daddy!
We did whatever he wanted today, and one thing he wanted to do was play soccer in the backyard!Here he is swimming in the neighbor's pool. This is the first time swimming all by himself-he's not scared anymore!!
Eating lunch-hot dogs, watermelon, and party mix. :)
Here is baby brother chowing down on watermelon (or trying...)
Here is baby brother chowing down on watermelon (or trying...)Lighting the candles:
Here we are singing, and birthday boy blowing out the candles:
Here we are singing, and birthday boy blowing out the candles:First piece cut, this is the best pic of the cake-do you get the half chocolate/half vanilla thing? (light side/dark side-Yoda and Vader were the only ones that would stay up on the cake).
After cake, a little fishing (he loves fishing!) There's no hook on it, but you should see this kid's cast!!
He wanted a dragon so badly-here it is courtesy of the neighbors (they are awesome!)
Totally pooped! After I took this picture, he asked me to go get his presents and bring them in his room for the night. He's silly :)
Also, as a side note, (because this day truly was all about the birthday)- the baby crawled for the first time first thing in the morning. I tried to catch it again later, but he wouldn't do it. Here is a video of him trying-he was much more tired at this point in the day!! This was taken at the neighbors' house, with their parrot squawking in the background-it's pretty funny-he says all sorts of things!
After cake, a little fishing (he loves fishing!) There's no hook on it, but you should see this kid's cast!!
He wanted a dragon so badly-here it is courtesy of the neighbors (they are awesome!)
Totally pooped! After I took this picture, he asked me to go get his presents and bring them in his room for the night. He's silly :)
Also, as a side note, (because this day truly was all about the birthday)- the baby crawled for the first time first thing in the morning. I tried to catch it again later, but he wouldn't do it. Here is a video of him trying-he was much more tired at this point in the day!! This was taken at the neighbors' house, with their parrot squawking in the background-it's pretty funny-he says all sorts of things!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Toys
I'm having another one of "those days," and I just don't know what to do about it. I feel like we are standing still and it's driving me crazy!
Do you find it odd that I am braiding my Barbie's hair? I am trying to "lighten the load" so to speak, and prettying up my dolls to try to get some moo-lah for them. Actually, I'm really just doing it for fun. It makes me feel nostalgic. The dolls aren't worth anything.
I'm having a little hard time parting with the Barbies though. My grandmother made some dresses for them. She was a mean lady, but I think she liked me back when I was the only grandchild (I was first). Not that she ever disliked me, but my dad is the black sheep of the family, so I kind of got the shaft because of that.
Anyway, it's not that I think I'll ever have a little girl to pass them down to, and I don't particularly like the idea of Barbies anyway...it's just what they represent, ya know? A happy time in my life.
Here I go rambling again...it's just one of "those" days.
That's right, the original black Barbie. I did not dress her in the maid outfit, she came with it. That always blew my mind...
Also, we have Pizza Party Ken, complete with little cardboard pizzas, sodas, etc (not pictured).
The dolls are sitting in a Barbie and The Rockers case, worth about $20 on Ebay. But I'm really too lazy to sell it on Ebay...
I guess while I'm at it, I'll show you a picture of the My Little Ponies and Trolls.
I do not know why the Trolls are sideways, and I can't figure out how to turn it. Sorry!
Do you find it odd that I am braiding my Barbie's hair? I am trying to "lighten the load" so to speak, and prettying up my dolls to try to get some moo-lah for them. Actually, I'm really just doing it for fun. It makes me feel nostalgic. The dolls aren't worth anything.
I'm having a little hard time parting with the Barbies though. My grandmother made some dresses for them. She was a mean lady, but I think she liked me back when I was the only grandchild (I was first). Not that she ever disliked me, but my dad is the black sheep of the family, so I kind of got the shaft because of that.
Anyway, it's not that I think I'll ever have a little girl to pass them down to, and I don't particularly like the idea of Barbies anyway...it's just what they represent, ya know? A happy time in my life.
Here I go rambling again...it's just one of "those" days.
That's right, the original black Barbie. I did not dress her in the maid outfit, she came with it. That always blew my mind...
Also, we have Pizza Party Ken, complete with little cardboard pizzas, sodas, etc (not pictured).
The dolls are sitting in a Barbie and The Rockers case, worth about $20 on Ebay. But I'm really too lazy to sell it on Ebay...
I guess while I'm at it, I'll show you a picture of the My Little Ponies and Trolls.
I do not know why the Trolls are sideways, and I can't figure out how to turn it. Sorry!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
baby!
Here's a few new pics of the baby. I got this highchair for $5 on Craigslist! And our neighbors gave us this tub thingy which I tried as a baby tub because we can't afford to buy a real baby tub, and he's getting too active for the kitchen sink! However, it didn't work out quite as I had hoped. Also, every time he looks toward the camera, he blinks from the flash, so his eyes are partially closed in almost every picture! Enjoy...
And here's a video. I gave the baby carrots -his first solid food. He hasn't "officially" started solids yet, but I thought I would try it out, and he sure loved it! I plan to make my own baby food soon, but I am having an easier time finding organic baby food than organic fresh produce to make it! Not sure what to do about that...
And here's one of the big kid:
And here's a video. I gave the baby carrots -his first solid food. He hasn't "officially" started solids yet, but I thought I would try it out, and he sure loved it! I plan to make my own baby food soon, but I am having an easier time finding organic baby food than organic fresh produce to make it! Not sure what to do about that...
And here's one of the big kid:
Friday, July 9, 2010
Much to talk about
So, I have been wanting to blog for a few days, but I haven't had much to say. Or so I thought...I guess it's just been building up this whole time.
First, I want to make a couple quick notes about my kiddos. I write in my paper journal about them too, but for those of you that aren't near and want the little updates, here you go.
Ben is now able to sit unsupported for several seconds, without falling over. I find this amazing since he is not quite 6 months old! Also, we are still waiting to start solids. I sort of caved the other day and pureed some banana to try with him, but he was still using his tongue to push it out, so I know he's not physically ready. Thank goodness! I'm not ready! I know with the cloth diapers, things will change when we go from exclusive breast milk to solids, and that's a change I'm not looking forward to. Don't tell me to switch to disposables, because even if I wanted to, there's no way we could afford diapers right now...
Aside from that, he is the light of my life, the apple of my eye. Sometimes, it annoys me when he needs to go to sleep and it takes longer than normal. But the tremendous amount of satisfaction I get from all the smiles, laughter, and snuggles I get from him the rest of the time, make up for it!
Nate is growing so fast. He even told me he was growing up. I said "No, you're not allowed. Stay little and be my little boy." To which he replied "I am your little boy!" He is my heart. He loves the heck out of his baby brother. He says cute things all the time, and I am embarrassed that I can't think of any to share with you right now. He suddenly doesn't like to be alone, which I have read is typical for his age. So before, when I could put a movie on, tell him it's quiet time, and go sneak a nap, yeah, those times are over. When we put him to bed and leave the room, he says "but I will be alooone..." just like that with the drawn out "o."
He is also a little sponge. He wants to learn everything right now, and I just think it is so great! I don't mind explaining things to him, and telling him what things are, or how they work. He wants to learn Spanish and he does simple math. He loves to be read to, and is beginning to learn how to read.
On the parental front, Steven is losing his mind working yet another "temporary" job. By temporary, I mean that yes, it pays the bills, but it's not what he really wants to do, so he goes to work every day miserable. I guess there are people in the world that work at a job they hate for 20 years just because. My husband is not one of those people. So...here goes. Back to school for him! We will make it work. We will probably have to move back to Salt Lake City since he already has residency there, and the University of Utah is one of few schools with the degree that he REALLY truly wants which is Meteorology/Atmospheric Sciences. I like to joke with him that he will be the next Jim Cantore. :)
That's not really an official announcement of us moving to SLC, but right now, it's in the works. Money has to happen before that can happen.
How is Hannah doing? Oh, I don't know. Same old I guess. I enjoy my family. I got a piano, and that's what I'm doing for me right now. My goal is to write a song or two, just to get some creative energy flowing. My weight is sitting in the same spot. I do well with my diet (by "diet" I just mean what I am eating) while Steven is working, but on his days off, I can't stick to it. I eat cookies and junk, and whatever pleases my tastebuds.
Oh! AND we got a surprise visit from a couple Tennessee friends who were up in Tampa to see family. It was so great, and it was sad when they left. Not enough time.
That's about it today. Not very exciting, but it's the latest.
First, I want to make a couple quick notes about my kiddos. I write in my paper journal about them too, but for those of you that aren't near and want the little updates, here you go.
Ben is now able to sit unsupported for several seconds, without falling over. I find this amazing since he is not quite 6 months old! Also, we are still waiting to start solids. I sort of caved the other day and pureed some banana to try with him, but he was still using his tongue to push it out, so I know he's not physically ready. Thank goodness! I'm not ready! I know with the cloth diapers, things will change when we go from exclusive breast milk to solids, and that's a change I'm not looking forward to. Don't tell me to switch to disposables, because even if I wanted to, there's no way we could afford diapers right now...
Aside from that, he is the light of my life, the apple of my eye. Sometimes, it annoys me when he needs to go to sleep and it takes longer than normal. But the tremendous amount of satisfaction I get from all the smiles, laughter, and snuggles I get from him the rest of the time, make up for it!
Nate is growing so fast. He even told me he was growing up. I said "No, you're not allowed. Stay little and be my little boy." To which he replied "I am your little boy!" He is my heart. He loves the heck out of his baby brother. He says cute things all the time, and I am embarrassed that I can't think of any to share with you right now. He suddenly doesn't like to be alone, which I have read is typical for his age. So before, when I could put a movie on, tell him it's quiet time, and go sneak a nap, yeah, those times are over. When we put him to bed and leave the room, he says "but I will be alooone..." just like that with the drawn out "o."
He is also a little sponge. He wants to learn everything right now, and I just think it is so great! I don't mind explaining things to him, and telling him what things are, or how they work. He wants to learn Spanish and he does simple math. He loves to be read to, and is beginning to learn how to read.
On the parental front, Steven is losing his mind working yet another "temporary" job. By temporary, I mean that yes, it pays the bills, but it's not what he really wants to do, so he goes to work every day miserable. I guess there are people in the world that work at a job they hate for 20 years just because. My husband is not one of those people. So...here goes. Back to school for him! We will make it work. We will probably have to move back to Salt Lake City since he already has residency there, and the University of Utah is one of few schools with the degree that he REALLY truly wants which is Meteorology/Atmospheric Sciences. I like to joke with him that he will be the next Jim Cantore. :)
That's not really an official announcement of us moving to SLC, but right now, it's in the works. Money has to happen before that can happen.
How is Hannah doing? Oh, I don't know. Same old I guess. I enjoy my family. I got a piano, and that's what I'm doing for me right now. My goal is to write a song or two, just to get some creative energy flowing. My weight is sitting in the same spot. I do well with my diet (by "diet" I just mean what I am eating) while Steven is working, but on his days off, I can't stick to it. I eat cookies and junk, and whatever pleases my tastebuds.
Oh! AND we got a surprise visit from a couple Tennessee friends who were up in Tampa to see family. It was so great, and it was sad when they left. Not enough time.
That's about it today. Not very exciting, but it's the latest.
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