So Rand and my Dad have already left and are currently on their way to Nebraska. They left this morning, a little later than they had hoped, but it's always a little later than hopped. Rand needed some more clothes washed and they couldn't get the straps to hold the van on the truck to work etc, etc. It's always something but so far so good. We know we are already being watched over in our travels. Today after the men stopped for lunch they hoped back in the truck to continue their journey, when Rand felt like he should just check the van. Sure enough one of the straps holding the tires of the van on the trailer had come completely off. It would have made for a pretty exciting show to have a minivan rolling down the freeway full of goods, wouldn't it? We are praying that all continues to go well.
As for Mom and me we are trying to take it easy today. I spent the morning finishing a few things up at the "old" house and having the carpets cleaned. Poor Jane has been struggling. She has been rather neglected the past little bit, or almost month for that matter and I think she is learning that screaming and crying works to make someone pick her up and hold her. She breaks my heart, she really deserves the award for patience through all of this.
I can't say the last month has been my favorite. My brain is dead, and so is my body. I actually got a nap today and when it was over, and way too soon I might add, I felt like I could sleep for another full week. I'm grateful at this point we now have a few days to lay low before we fly out on Wednesday morning for our new home, town, church, friends(hopefully). The reality of the move really hasn't hit me yet. I have said my share of "Goodbye's" and they aren't my favorite but it's a necessary evil. I guess it's not really goodbye because I know that those we really love and those who really care about us we will see again.
When it came to getting the truck loaded I think we set a record. In just and 1 and a half hours we were completely done. I think we may have been able to do it in an hour except we had more truck than we even needed so we had to finagle things to take up the entire length of the truck so things wouldn't be sliding and shifting around for 2000 miles. We were really lucky to have so many friends and neighbors help us out, so Thank you!!!
So there it is, the beginning of our new journey. I'm hoping my next stop is my bed in about 30 minutes.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
2 years ago today...
2 years ago today, we were moving into this home where we have lived longer than any other home. In just 7 days we will move out. At the time we kind of planned on just being here a few years to get some equity (ya right) and pay off some student loans etc. and then move on to somewhere else like Orem or Draper even? So not the case. I don't think the reality of this move even taking place and how far we are actually going has really hit me yet. I'm glad about that though. I know when it does I will be thousand's of miles away from both our families and so many of our fabulous friends. We brought baby Jane home to this house. We have good memories here. Even though we knew this wouldn't be forever it feels strange and yet totally normal all at the same time.
I hate to say this but I am tired, exhausted even. In some ways I think I am more tired then after I gave birth to Ms. Jane. I'm not getting much sleep at night and when Jane wakes to eat my mind start's going like a run away train and it's rather difficult to get it to stop and fall back to sleep. I've tried to keep a paper by the bed to write things down so I don't have to try and remember, but it's not working. Then I work all day packing and cleaning. Thankfully I'm nursing or I might not sit down all day. I know it won't be long and this will all be over and settled but right now it feels like we live in an eternal mess, and I don't do well with that. Even Randall the other night said the house was driving him crazy. He said this only hours after coming home from being away for 5 days. I wasn't overly sympathetic. In fact I decided I deserved a little TLC so I booked myself a much needed massage for Monday. I am sooo looking forward to it. And my brother and sister in law are nice enough to watch out kids tomorrow night so we can go on a much needed date. It's been awhile and will probably be awhile before we have the chance for another. The only problem is Randall and I have been asked to speak in church Sunday. Speaking is always stressful for me but now, on top of everything else I have to do? Really? I have spent a little time and I usually like to spend a lot of time preparing. I'm nervous it will be an all nighter tomorrow to make sure I feel prepared. Randall is away tonight with Ethan for the Father and Son's camp out. If I didn't think this was important and Ethan didn't really need this one on one time I would have said no way, you can't go, but he's a good boy and really craves that quality time, and there has not been much of that going around lately. I hope they have a good time and don't come home tired and cranky. Tomorrow we have more sorting, packing and painting to do. Wish us luck!
I hate to say this but I am tired, exhausted even. In some ways I think I am more tired then after I gave birth to Ms. Jane. I'm not getting much sleep at night and when Jane wakes to eat my mind start's going like a run away train and it's rather difficult to get it to stop and fall back to sleep. I've tried to keep a paper by the bed to write things down so I don't have to try and remember, but it's not working. Then I work all day packing and cleaning. Thankfully I'm nursing or I might not sit down all day. I know it won't be long and this will all be over and settled but right now it feels like we live in an eternal mess, and I don't do well with that. Even Randall the other night said the house was driving him crazy. He said this only hours after coming home from being away for 5 days. I wasn't overly sympathetic. In fact I decided I deserved a little TLC so I booked myself a much needed massage for Monday. I am sooo looking forward to it. And my brother and sister in law are nice enough to watch out kids tomorrow night so we can go on a much needed date. It's been awhile and will probably be awhile before we have the chance for another. The only problem is Randall and I have been asked to speak in church Sunday. Speaking is always stressful for me but now, on top of everything else I have to do? Really? I have spent a little time and I usually like to spend a lot of time preparing. I'm nervous it will be an all nighter tomorrow to make sure I feel prepared. Randall is away tonight with Ethan for the Father and Son's camp out. If I didn't think this was important and Ethan didn't really need this one on one time I would have said no way, you can't go, but he's a good boy and really craves that quality time, and there has not been much of that going around lately. I hope they have a good time and don't come home tired and cranky. Tomorrow we have more sorting, packing and painting to do. Wish us luck!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Another Miracle
It's hard to believe that only 3 weeks ago this move became a real option for us. In just two more weeks we will be out of our house. It has been miraculous from day one how well and FAST things have fallen into place. In the last 3 weeks we have leased our home (in 1 weeks time), I had some out patient surgery and have recovered very well and fast. We found a home in New Jersey in the perfect location. And today we posted our Jeep to sell on KSL, and within 5 minutes we had a text that someone was interested and would call. An hour later they called and coming up Wed to pay us cash for it. Wow! As much as there are moments I can hardly breathe feeling overwhelmed with what is still left to do,we have no doubt in our mind this move is "right". We are feeling extremely blessed right about now. Oh, and did I mention the house is probably half way packed?
Friday, July 16, 2010
We got it!
We got the house! Only catch we start our lease the 1st of August, not the 15th. So that means we have to be out of here now by the 1st. Rand leaves for NYC tomorrow for 5 days and by the time he gets back on the 21st we will be packing the truck 9 days later. I'm thrilled about the "house" but truthfully feeling a tad overwhelmed now at all that needs to be done and knowing that basically I get to do it all by myself! Wish me luck. Anyone want to babysit so I can pack?
P.S. Randall says he will help at much as possible at night and all night if he needs to when he gets back. So I guess I won't have to do it all by myself :)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sweet Things
This morning I was downstairs nursing Jane, when I heard Kate up stairs saying "I love you, I really love you, I just do!" I thought it was the cutest thing ever. I don't know if she was randomly telling that to Anna, or if they were playing "house". I hope they were playing house and she was portraying herself as the mother.
As I continued feeding Jane I was talking and smiling at her. I usually take that down time to read, or watch t.v. or leaf through a magazine. Today I was taking the time to just enjoy our one on one time. Jane was eating and then suddenly paused, completely filled her pants, then gave me a huge smile and then continued eating. It was hilarious. She is the sweetest, most even tempered baby ever! It's cute little moments like these that I feel so blessed to be a mom.
As I continued feeding Jane I was talking and smiling at her. I usually take that down time to read, or watch t.v. or leaf through a magazine. Today I was taking the time to just enjoy our one on one time. Jane was eating and then suddenly paused, completely filled her pants, then gave me a huge smile and then continued eating. It was hilarious. She is the sweetest, most even tempered baby ever! It's cute little moments like these that I feel so blessed to be a mom.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Brownie bandit
I told the kids today if they ate all their lunch they could have a brownie. I precut a reasonable size brownie for each of them and then went in the other room. After they had each finished their lunch they asked if they could have their brownie. I said yes, and that I had already cut them each a piece to have.
When I went back later to cover them up there were the three small pieces left and the whole rest of the pan was GONE! I asked Ethan what he had done and he said he had cut them some brownies to eat. Apparently he didn't like what I had cut and cut new HUGE pieces for himself and the kids. I probably shouldn't have been mad but I was. Yes it's better for me because I won't be tempted to pick at them, but come on, that's just a little ridiculous don't you think? Someday I feel like a failure as a mother. I either fly off the handle, have too high expectations or who knows what. Hopefully one day I'll get it right and hopefully it won't be after all my kids hate me and have horrible memories of their terrible childhood.
When I went back later to cover them up there were the three small pieces left and the whole rest of the pan was GONE! I asked Ethan what he had done and he said he had cut them some brownies to eat. Apparently he didn't like what I had cut and cut new HUGE pieces for himself and the kids. I probably shouldn't have been mad but I was. Yes it's better for me because I won't be tempted to pick at them, but come on, that's just a little ridiculous don't you think? Someday I feel like a failure as a mother. I either fly off the handle, have too high expectations or who knows what. Hopefully one day I'll get it right and hopefully it won't be after all my kids hate me and have horrible memories of their terrible childhood.
Miss Manners
Like a lot of mother's, I try really hard to teach my children manners. Manners about table etiquette, bodily functions :), please and thank you's and a plethora of other things. Today I dropped Ethan off at a friends to play while I took Anna to the eye Doc. As I dropped him off I reminded him "please remember your manners". Each time any of my kids go anywhere I remind them, and when I pick them up I ask "did you use your manners?" and the reply is usually..."I forgot". It makes me crazy. I know they are just kids but still. Anyway, today as I dropped Ethan off I said "Do NOT ask to play video games. If they offer you can say yes but do not ask." So when I called my girlfriend to tell her I was on my way she was laughing and said when Ethan got to her house he said "my Mom told me I CANNOT ask to play video games, but I would really like to". Good one Eth!
On another note, Anna's eyes have improved a tad since last year. She is still legally blind without her glasses but for the first time ever they were able to get one of her eyes to 20/20. The other they could only get as good as 20/25 but that's great! Thank heavens for glasses.
One of the hardest things for me as a Mom, and with my overly particular personality is letting my children make their own choices. Anna tried on several pair of glasses today and we narrowed it down to two. I loved both of the frames and their color but when they were actually on Anna's face one just was much more flattering than the other. I felt like I should let her choose though since she has to wear them and like them. But of course she chose the ones that weren't very flattering. Her eye brows are totally straight across so if she picks frames that are straight across they make her to appear sad or mad. On the other hand if you pick a frame that goes up slightly like a smile shape somehow it makes her face appear to be happy. Not to mention the frames are bright red and with her hair and dark eyes she looked darling. The other pair was light blue and just ok. It was killing me that she chose the blue pair. I tried to encourage but was trying to stick to my guns and let her make the choice. Even the guy helping us was going a bit far saying he like the others a lot more and they looked better on her. I didn't want her feelings to be hurt, and wanted to ultimately let her choose. I had paid and we were ready to go when she changed her mind to the red, more flattering pair, Hurray!!! I hate that about myself but they really are so cute on her and not just because they are my favorite color. She was really sad that she couldn't take them home today but in a week when we get them back we will show off our cute little girl in her new fashion glasses.
On another note, Anna's eyes have improved a tad since last year. She is still legally blind without her glasses but for the first time ever they were able to get one of her eyes to 20/20. The other they could only get as good as 20/25 but that's great! Thank heavens for glasses.
One of the hardest things for me as a Mom, and with my overly particular personality is letting my children make their own choices. Anna tried on several pair of glasses today and we narrowed it down to two. I loved both of the frames and their color but when they were actually on Anna's face one just was much more flattering than the other. I felt like I should let her choose though since she has to wear them and like them. But of course she chose the ones that weren't very flattering. Her eye brows are totally straight across so if she picks frames that are straight across they make her to appear sad or mad. On the other hand if you pick a frame that goes up slightly like a smile shape somehow it makes her face appear to be happy. Not to mention the frames are bright red and with her hair and dark eyes she looked darling. The other pair was light blue and just ok. It was killing me that she chose the blue pair. I tried to encourage but was trying to stick to my guns and let her make the choice. Even the guy helping us was going a bit far saying he like the others a lot more and they looked better on her. I didn't want her feelings to be hurt, and wanted to ultimately let her choose. I had paid and we were ready to go when she changed her mind to the red, more flattering pair, Hurray!!! I hate that about myself but they really are so cute on her and not just because they are my favorite color. She was really sad that she couldn't take them home today but in a week when we get them back we will show off our cute little girl in her new fashion glasses.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Good news
The good news we think we have found a house. Ok, so it's actually a duplex but that's fine by me. It's in our price range, in a family friendly neighborhood and we have a "large" family so that is good. Thank heaven's we don't have pets. That's what our real estate agent in Jersey said after she found out how many kids we have :) It is 5 bedrooms and 2, yes I said 2 full baths, which is basically unheard of. That makes it possible for Rand to have an office to work at home a few days a week, not to mention a place for visitors.(hint, hint) It is all newly renovated with hard wood floors through out and new paint and appliances. It is a quick walk to the train station, a walk to the kids school, 6 min. drive to the church, and a half mile to the YMCA. Which we use as our "gym" when we are out of state. Oh, and the kids school is on Tulip street. It must be a sign because we all know how much I LOVE tulips!
All of this good news came just as a neighborhood boy literally rang the doorbell say 16 times in a row during naptime. Good thing I had just received good news about this place or he may have been the lucky recepient of more than just a good ear full about how incredibly rude that is... Wish us luck!
All of this good news came just as a neighborhood boy literally rang the doorbell say 16 times in a row during naptime. Good thing I had just received good news about this place or he may have been the lucky recepient of more than just a good ear full about how incredibly rude that is... Wish us luck!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Thoughts
I'm tired tonight. Tired of wondering who will rent our home? Where will we live exactly? When will we leave, exactly? Will it be a good neighborhood, with a good school for the kids? Will we make friends? Will we be happy there? Will Randall enjoy his commute? Can we get by with just one car? Will I like having only 1 bathroom to share among the 6 of us?
But then I remind myself that we feel good about things, and we think we have found a renter for our home. I love NYC and am excited to be so close to all it has to offer. New Jersey has good schools,and the kids will be fine. Of course we will make friends. Having 1 car means less maintenance and less money out of pocket every month. There's Trader Joe's. So much history and culture and places to explore. One bathroom makes less clean up for me, and we will be happy there, just you see. And just think how cute and curly Kate's hair will be with all that humidity. Maybe next year on the 4th of July we will celebrate with the hundred's of thousand of other people at our nation's capitol. Just you wait and see...it could happen.
But then I remind myself that we feel good about things, and we think we have found a renter for our home. I love NYC and am excited to be so close to all it has to offer. New Jersey has good schools,and the kids will be fine. Of course we will make friends. Having 1 car means less maintenance and less money out of pocket every month. There's Trader Joe's. So much history and culture and places to explore. One bathroom makes less clean up for me, and we will be happy there, just you see. And just think how cute and curly Kate's hair will be with all that humidity. Maybe next year on the 4th of July we will celebrate with the hundred's of thousand of other people at our nation's capitol. Just you wait and see...it could happen.
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