When I was a dance teacher it use to make me laugh when parents would say that I see their teenage kids more than they did. Well that has come true for me as well. Between drill, school, Stars, friends, and sleep---I hardly ever see my SiSi baby! I relish the weekends and days off from school so that I can spend at least a few uninterrupted hours with her. I remember being busy in high school too...but I think she is in overdrive. She manages to do it all, have fun, and still be such a good kid. I am so stinkin' proud of her!
Right now, Montana is enjoying hot cheetos and her first ever red slushee. She couldn't wait to rip into it, and now she has brain freeze and is covered in red cheeto dust. She's such a goof! I love it when she slows down for a minute for me to enjoy some time with her as well. She has been growing into quite the "tweener". Not a little kid, not yet a teenager= some where in between. And we have been feeling the growing pains this week. She is exploring her independance and parental boundaries. She made some new friends and has not been making wise choices this week. Not telling me where she is going, coming home late, fighting with me about being grounded for the previous. She doesn't quite understand why I won't just let her roam around completely unsupervised. It has been a rough week- but I hope I can get thru to her that I MUST know where she is, where she is going, and lying about it will only get you in more trouble. The fun begins!
Justice has always been very impatient & has a million plans in the works. There is never a dull moment with him. He has project after project lined up, and now that we are spending more time with my parents, he has projects lined up for them too. First it was make a pirate ship out of a milk jug, then rearrange his bedroom furniture, then rearrange it again the next day, draw a realistic race car, have a sleepover, help mom clean the carpets, vaccuum the dog bed at least once or twice a day, fill mason jars with water- do all kinds of floaty & mixing experiments, build a wood boat with grampa, ride his bike, play the Wii & computer games, jump on the trampoline, etc, etc, etc. We have accomplished 98% of this list because he is non-stop energy and bugs you about every detail until you make it happen! What a kid.
I will be happy for this 4 day weekend to come to a close...but then next week is a 5 day weekend for the kids. It's UEA for them and we will be squeezing all the fun we can into it!!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
A novel
Wow! I don't think I have gone 10 days without blogging in the last 3 years. I kept putting it off because not much was going on...now I have a novel to write to catch things up.
Today would have been my brother John & his sweet wife Amy's 20th anniversary. Amazing. They are both on my mind. I can't believe it has been that long...and yet it does seem like a life time ago that he was here with us. We miss him like crazy. Can't wait to kick his butt in the next life!! I love you bud & you too Amos!!
Justice has taken up piano lessons with my mom. I suggested that Montana take them and he ran with it. So he is plunking away every chance he gets now. I started looking for a teacher close by, but he insisted that Grama be the one to teach him. And she is fabulous. He is doing soooo good in school. He & his sister both are great at math and spelling! So we proudly display all the 100% papers they bring home. He is still riding his bike everywhere, and he especially loves riding it to school.
Montana is growing up so quickly that it is honestly like watching a movie on fast forward. She is very diligent about reading and keeping up with her homework. I don't have to even ask her to get started. Of all three kids she seems to be the only one who actually ENJOYS reading and can't wait to go to the library to pick out a new one. She runs around with a pack of girls. It is pretty funny because they can't do anything one on one...it's the 4 of them or none of them. They are good kids.
Sierra just attended her first high school dance. She went to Homecoming with Wesley, who is a cute kid, but despite all the great things I have heard about him, he is 18 and it makes me nervous. She also was FINALLY able to perform with the drill team, and twice in one day. They had a homecoming assembly in the morning and then also performed at the football game that night with the dance co. & cheerleaders. I am working on pictures and will post them soon. She is still dancing with Stars too so it is dance 24/7 with this chick. She absolutely loves it.
I am still enjoying my new job with Fox. It is challenging in every way but fun too. The people I work with are fantastic and make coming to work something I look forward to. I am getting sleep while the kids are at school and life seems to go on as normal. We are all still adjusting to mom working out of the home, and having to shuffle kids around while I work, but it will get easier. The kids have been great about it are learning more about life than I would like them to at their tender ages...but, it is something they would have to learn eventually. My parents have really been fantastic about watching the kids at night while I work, and helping get them to & from their activities when I can't be there. I am so thankful for them...they never complain and are willing to step in at a moments notice. What in the world would I ever do with out them.
On a sad note...I spoke with a friend today who's teenage child attempted suicide by hanging. Luckily he had texted a friend prior and his mom was able to rush to his side and help him until police & paramedics could arrive to offer medical treatment. He survived with only moderate injuries...however, of course the emotional trauma is insurmountable. I am having a flood of emotions for my friend, for her son, and their family. They are working with a counselor, medication, and family therapy as well. Even though I have lived through a very similar situation, it is so easy to forget how quickly our family can be snatched from us. Life is rough, icky, and downright dispicable sometimes. But we can not let it get us down. If we let it & work at it...life can be tender, fun, beautiful, inspiring, and full of love. My new motto is let go & let God! May He be with us all thru our ups and downs and carry us through the difficult moments when we think we can't go on. The sun will shine on us again, if we allow it! <3 <3 <3
Today would have been my brother John & his sweet wife Amy's 20th anniversary. Amazing. They are both on my mind. I can't believe it has been that long...and yet it does seem like a life time ago that he was here with us. We miss him like crazy. Can't wait to kick his butt in the next life!! I love you bud & you too Amos!!
Justice has taken up piano lessons with my mom. I suggested that Montana take them and he ran with it. So he is plunking away every chance he gets now. I started looking for a teacher close by, but he insisted that Grama be the one to teach him. And she is fabulous. He is doing soooo good in school. He & his sister both are great at math and spelling! So we proudly display all the 100% papers they bring home. He is still riding his bike everywhere, and he especially loves riding it to school.
Montana is growing up so quickly that it is honestly like watching a movie on fast forward. She is very diligent about reading and keeping up with her homework. I don't have to even ask her to get started. Of all three kids she seems to be the only one who actually ENJOYS reading and can't wait to go to the library to pick out a new one. She runs around with a pack of girls. It is pretty funny because they can't do anything one on one...it's the 4 of them or none of them. They are good kids.
Sierra just attended her first high school dance. She went to Homecoming with Wesley, who is a cute kid, but despite all the great things I have heard about him, he is 18 and it makes me nervous. She also was FINALLY able to perform with the drill team, and twice in one day. They had a homecoming assembly in the morning and then also performed at the football game that night with the dance co. & cheerleaders. I am working on pictures and will post them soon. She is still dancing with Stars too so it is dance 24/7 with this chick. She absolutely loves it.
I am still enjoying my new job with Fox. It is challenging in every way but fun too. The people I work with are fantastic and make coming to work something I look forward to. I am getting sleep while the kids are at school and life seems to go on as normal. We are all still adjusting to mom working out of the home, and having to shuffle kids around while I work, but it will get easier. The kids have been great about it are learning more about life than I would like them to at their tender ages...but, it is something they would have to learn eventually. My parents have really been fantastic about watching the kids at night while I work, and helping get them to & from their activities when I can't be there. I am so thankful for them...they never complain and are willing to step in at a moments notice. What in the world would I ever do with out them.
On a sad note...I spoke with a friend today who's teenage child attempted suicide by hanging. Luckily he had texted a friend prior and his mom was able to rush to his side and help him until police & paramedics could arrive to offer medical treatment. He survived with only moderate injuries...however, of course the emotional trauma is insurmountable. I am having a flood of emotions for my friend, for her son, and their family. They are working with a counselor, medication, and family therapy as well. Even though I have lived through a very similar situation, it is so easy to forget how quickly our family can be snatched from us. Life is rough, icky, and downright dispicable sometimes. But we can not let it get us down. If we let it & work at it...life can be tender, fun, beautiful, inspiring, and full of love. My new motto is let go & let God! May He be with us all thru our ups and downs and carry us through the difficult moments when we think we can't go on. The sun will shine on us again, if we allow it! <3 <3 <3
Friday, September 11, 2009
What happened?
It's Friday already and I haven't blogged for days!! That is a sin in my book! JK...life is moving at a much quicker pace now. Work is going well-a challenge everyday, but I am getting the hang of it and haven't had any major issues again. Sierra has been with her dad, and Justice & Montana have been busy with school, homework, and trying to squeeze some fun in.
For what it's worth, we are falling into a routine and feel like we are on auto pilot...which is good, but doesn't leave much time for fun. We went miniature golfing this week and had a lot of fun. Montana was really wacking the ball as hard as she could and it would fly four or five holes over...after some safety talk and coaching, she started to get a better feel for the game. Justice did really well and had a couple of holes in one! There is nothing more satisfying to me than spending time with my family. I am hopeful that I can squeeze more of that in this weekend. I would love to head to the fair--I heard that Boyz 2 Men is performing. I didn't know they were even still together! That would be a blast from the past.
Today is 9/11 and as I do every year, I feel such a lump in my throat. I love the way God can turn tragedy into miracles: 9/11=pure love for fellow americans...divorce=a true chance for happiness...Columbine=stronger bullying policies in school/Megan's Law...a heart attack=a new outlook on life. May we all take the opportunity to be thankful for our loved ones today, for our country, and for the breath in our lungs.
For what it's worth, we are falling into a routine and feel like we are on auto pilot...which is good, but doesn't leave much time for fun. We went miniature golfing this week and had a lot of fun. Montana was really wacking the ball as hard as she could and it would fly four or five holes over...after some safety talk and coaching, she started to get a better feel for the game. Justice did really well and had a couple of holes in one! There is nothing more satisfying to me than spending time with my family. I am hopeful that I can squeeze more of that in this weekend. I would love to head to the fair--I heard that Boyz 2 Men is performing. I didn't know they were even still together! That would be a blast from the past.
Today is 9/11 and as I do every year, I feel such a lump in my throat. I love the way God can turn tragedy into miracles: 9/11=pure love for fellow americans...divorce=a true chance for happiness...Columbine=stronger bullying policies in school/Megan's Law...a heart attack=a new outlook on life. May we all take the opportunity to be thankful for our loved ones today, for our country, and for the breath in our lungs.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Bear Lake/Labor Day Weekend
So much fun crammed into one weekend.
We spent 3 glorious days on Rendezvous Beach at Bear Lake, UT. The beach was really beautiful with millions of tiny seashells everywhere. The water was a beautiful turquoise blue and the weather was perfect. We were threatened with rain a couple of times but it only lasted a few minutes and then went back to being great weather again.
The kids played in the sand making castles, moats, holes, mudballs, and burying each other. The water was pretty cold but it didn't seem to phase them a bit. We had a few floaty toys but mostly they just ran around and had a great time.
We taught them to play "BLITZ" and they are all hooked. It's a really fun card game that's become a family camping tradition. Justice was having beginners luck and was kicking our butts! And he was loving it! He also beat me at Battleship! Little stinker!
We roasted marshmallows, sat around the campfire, watched at least 10 movies, and relaxed the days away. It was a much needed break for all of us. The dogs kept each other company and the kids got along so well. No bickering, they actually had fun together. It was a mother's dream! I took tons of pics and couldn't leave any out.
We spent 3 glorious days on Rendezvous Beach at Bear Lake, UT. The beach was really beautiful with millions of tiny seashells everywhere. The water was a beautiful turquoise blue and the weather was perfect. We were threatened with rain a couple of times but it only lasted a few minutes and then went back to being great weather again.
The kids played in the sand making castles, moats, holes, mudballs, and burying each other. The water was pretty cold but it didn't seem to phase them a bit. We had a few floaty toys but mostly they just ran around and had a great time.
We taught them to play "BLITZ" and they are all hooked. It's a really fun card game that's become a family camping tradition. Justice was having beginners luck and was kicking our butts! And he was loving it! He also beat me at Battleship! Little stinker!
We roasted marshmallows, sat around the campfire, watched at least 10 movies, and relaxed the days away. It was a much needed break for all of us. The dogs kept each other company and the kids got along so well. No bickering, they actually had fun together. It was a mother's dream! I took tons of pics and couldn't leave any out.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
This has been one of the hardest weeks of my life. I'm back to a regular job...where I have to leave the house, arrange for the kids to have babysitters after school and be taken to their activities & whatnot, and I hate missing precious time with my kiddos. It has really been hard...but next week I will get on my regular grave schedule and I will feel better about only being away from them while they are sleeping.
I got the news today that my second job (babysitting my nephew) has been down graded to "maybe" one day a week, and it was nearly full-time. They were able to enroll him in a Montesorri school and he can start right away- it will be so good for him. But, this is a huge blow for me. Being able to watch Skyler has helped keep me afloat during the last couple of years...it was a major blessing. I was so excited to finally get my finances in order, and now...it looks like I will need another part-time job to make ends meet. But I am praying that somehow it will all work out and I wont need to do that. I am trying to see the bright side of this...but to be honest, I am in a complete panic. So I am praying for another perfect job to come my way. One that I can do from home...so that I don't miss any more mommy time!
I don't know if I was overwhelmed from learning 8 million things at work or if my head was just cloudy with worry from the days affairs...but I made a MAJOR mistake while filming the news tonight and got my butt chewed on by several people and they weren't nice or giving me any leeway for being a trainee, and the F bomb was uttered three times! I was trying really hard to hold it all together. But after the tongue lashing I had to take a break and pull myself together. I know that everyday can't be sunshine & puppies...and I will learn from my mistakes...but I'm telling you I am so glad this day is over. Wish my kiddos were home to hug on! So I am really excited and so ready for our Bear Lake trip this weekend! It will be so nice to get away after all this drama! I'm praying tomorrow will be a better day!
Oh...I almost forgot! Sierra got asked to Homecoming tonight. He made a sign that said "It would be CHILL if you would go to Homecoming with me" then she had pop balloons that had an ice cube inside. Then she had to melt or break the ice cubes. Inside each ice cube was a letter. She then had to unscramble the letters to find out who was asking her! It was really cute. It was Wesley---she has been talking about him for a while now---so it wasn't a surprise that he asked her...but now it's official! So that will be in the next couple of weeks!! Yay! My babies first homecoming! He better be a good kid or we will hunt him down like a dog!!!
I got the news today that my second job (babysitting my nephew) has been down graded to "maybe" one day a week, and it was nearly full-time. They were able to enroll him in a Montesorri school and he can start right away- it will be so good for him. But, this is a huge blow for me. Being able to watch Skyler has helped keep me afloat during the last couple of years...it was a major blessing. I was so excited to finally get my finances in order, and now...it looks like I will need another part-time job to make ends meet. But I am praying that somehow it will all work out and I wont need to do that. I am trying to see the bright side of this...but to be honest, I am in a complete panic. So I am praying for another perfect job to come my way. One that I can do from home...so that I don't miss any more mommy time!
I don't know if I was overwhelmed from learning 8 million things at work or if my head was just cloudy with worry from the days affairs...but I made a MAJOR mistake while filming the news tonight and got my butt chewed on by several people and they weren't nice or giving me any leeway for being a trainee, and the F bomb was uttered three times! I was trying really hard to hold it all together. But after the tongue lashing I had to take a break and pull myself together. I know that everyday can't be sunshine & puppies...and I will learn from my mistakes...but I'm telling you I am so glad this day is over. Wish my kiddos were home to hug on! So I am really excited and so ready for our Bear Lake trip this weekend! It will be so nice to get away after all this drama! I'm praying tomorrow will be a better day!
Oh...I almost forgot! Sierra got asked to Homecoming tonight. He made a sign that said "It would be CHILL if you would go to Homecoming with me" then she had pop balloons that had an ice cube inside. Then she had to melt or break the ice cubes. Inside each ice cube was a letter. She then had to unscramble the letters to find out who was asking her! It was really cute. It was Wesley---she has been talking about him for a while now---so it wasn't a surprise that he asked her...but now it's official! So that will be in the next couple of weeks!! Yay! My babies first homecoming! He better be a good kid or we will hunt him down like a dog!!!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The New Job
Yesterday I was so emotional. I was so very grateful for finally finding employment, sad about not being home with my kiddos, worried about doing a good job, and excited that things were finally falling into place. The tears kept sneaking out and I wondered if I would be ok.
Once at work, I was thrown right into training. Most of it is very familiar and not too complicated. Mostly it's just new fangled machinery that does the work I use to have to do by hand...which is soooo nice and saves a lot of time. But there is triple the work! Then I started training to do the camera for the news. I honestly thought they would work with me for a few days and then I might try it for a few shots, and then go for it. But they were short someone who was sick, and so I was given instructions for about 10 minutes and then I was actually running the thing LIVE!!! Luckily, it really is easy to do. The hardest part is just following the list of camera shots/news stories, and listening to the director who is on the headset. It's very last minute and crazy--"scratch that story, camera 3 will now shoot story 39". During commercials everything is really relaxed, the anchors are super nice and were very funny. They all went out of their way to make me feel at home and chit chat with me a bit. I was a bit star struck watching the whole newscast unfold. Watching how they do the weather, toss to live reporting on the scene, patching in phone calls, getting the teleprompter prepared, setting up the lights, mics, etc. It was very exciting and nerve-wracking. Somehow I was able to do it.
So I was happy with my first day. I still have so much to learn, but I am feeling a lot more confident and excited about all I will get to do. No tears today, just a happy heart.
Once at work, I was thrown right into training. Most of it is very familiar and not too complicated. Mostly it's just new fangled machinery that does the work I use to have to do by hand...which is soooo nice and saves a lot of time. But there is triple the work! Then I started training to do the camera for the news. I honestly thought they would work with me for a few days and then I might try it for a few shots, and then go for it. But they were short someone who was sick, and so I was given instructions for about 10 minutes and then I was actually running the thing LIVE!!! Luckily, it really is easy to do. The hardest part is just following the list of camera shots/news stories, and listening to the director who is on the headset. It's very last minute and crazy--"scratch that story, camera 3 will now shoot story 39". During commercials everything is really relaxed, the anchors are super nice and were very funny. They all went out of their way to make me feel at home and chit chat with me a bit. I was a bit star struck watching the whole newscast unfold. Watching how they do the weather, toss to live reporting on the scene, patching in phone calls, getting the teleprompter prepared, setting up the lights, mics, etc. It was very exciting and nerve-wracking. Somehow I was able to do it.
So I was happy with my first day. I still have so much to learn, but I am feeling a lot more confident and excited about all I will get to do. No tears today, just a happy heart.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)