Oh, there are so many things to update on, so I will just start with our life lately.
Chris: He works so, so hard. He loves his job, and is doing amazing things for the college. We are so grateful he has a good job that supports our growing sons. He baptized Anden this summer. I am so grateful he can do that! He is such an example of a loving, hard working man. I hope our boys grow up to be just like him.
Me: I'm not gonna lie. I have been struggling lately. I am dealing with some tough emotional issues that have come to a head lately. Life just seems so hard sometimes, almost too hard to deal with. I am blessed in so many ways, and feel so ungrateful for even feeling this way. Things are looking up, though. I am just so lucky to have the husband and kids that I do!
Braxton: He is such an amazing kid! He is a hard worker. His grades are amazing. His teachers want to literally adopt him. He is such an awesome example to his brothers. He just got braces and has grown like a weed lately. He is the quintessential teenager. I am loving every minute of it!
Calvin: He is hilarious! Cal & I have such a special bond. We are so alike it is not even funny. He has good grades, and gets hugged by every 8th grade girl...every day (he's in 6th, and his older brother is pretty jealous!). The older girls think he is "adorable". I tell them they have to give me a hug before they can hug him.
Anden: Boy has this kid grown by leaps and bounds! He is an amazing reader, and loves to play outside. You'll never catch this kid in front of a video game! He got baptized this summer. He loves the gospel with all his heart! He's such a tender hearted kid, and has the cutest "jack-o-lantern smile".
Roy: My baby....He has my heart and he knows it! He is a reader! He totally wears his heart on his sleeve, and I love it cuz I am the one he loves the most. I'm eating it up while I can.
Man, I love being a mom. It is sometimes hard to remember that my family is number one. They teach me so much. They spoil me with attention, and I love them so much! I am soooooo lucky.
I can't get a pic to load, so I will just leave you with a whole lot of words.
Love~ Sarah
Friday, November 2, 2012
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Goals
I am posting this here because I want to stick myself to it. I was reading from a couple years ago how great I felt while doing triathlons. I miss that soooo much. I miss the wind in my face while I rode my bike, and the feeling of being in great shape. I miss the friendships I made while pounding in mile upon mile of training. I miss everything about it....except for the time away from my family.
I am in terrible shape now. I feel myself sinking into a depression, and I don't want to even go there (I've been there before). I think the best thing for me to do will be to sign up for short triathlons. That way I can get in shape, do something for myself, yet still have time for my sweet boys. That's it....I am going in search of a race for me to do in the early spring of 2012. It will take me that long to get ready, but I'm going to do it!
Life has been really rough lately (when is it not?). I haven't been sleeping at night, and am get over-the-top anxious about all these trials we are having. I want to share them with you, but I am scared people who I don't want to see will inevitably see, and they will be used against me like so many times in the past. They are so tender. I don't know if I could take it!!! Can I just tell you that I thought I would get some reprieve when we moved back to Rangely, but that is not the case.
I have been so overwhelmed lately with all the suffering in the world. Everywhere I go there is pain, and death, and more pain. Last Sunday, it seemed I had witnessed so many friends and people going through hard times, then I slammed our little kitties foot in the door and she screached out in pain. I broke down! I just don't understand it. It seems that happiness is elusive, and really hard to attain, and what about animals and innocent children who suffer, purposely or accidentally, from the actions of others. All I can say is that this Heaven must be really wonderful for all this to be worth it. Actually, I do know that it is. I think it's time for an attitude adjustment for me!
I am in terrible shape now. I feel myself sinking into a depression, and I don't want to even go there (I've been there before). I think the best thing for me to do will be to sign up for short triathlons. That way I can get in shape, do something for myself, yet still have time for my sweet boys. That's it....I am going in search of a race for me to do in the early spring of 2012. It will take me that long to get ready, but I'm going to do it!
Life has been really rough lately (when is it not?). I haven't been sleeping at night, and am get over-the-top anxious about all these trials we are having. I want to share them with you, but I am scared people who I don't want to see will inevitably see, and they will be used against me like so many times in the past. They are so tender. I don't know if I could take it!!! Can I just tell you that I thought I would get some reprieve when we moved back to Rangely, but that is not the case.
I have been so overwhelmed lately with all the suffering in the world. Everywhere I go there is pain, and death, and more pain. Last Sunday, it seemed I had witnessed so many friends and people going through hard times, then I slammed our little kitties foot in the door and she screached out in pain. I broke down! I just don't understand it. It seems that happiness is elusive, and really hard to attain, and what about animals and innocent children who suffer, purposely or accidentally, from the actions of others. All I can say is that this Heaven must be really wonderful for all this to be worth it. Actually, I do know that it is. I think it's time for an attitude adjustment for me!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
It's been a long time!
Here are some pics of what we've been up to. We have had so many miracles in our lives lately, and I want to share them with you, but first let me show my cute kids off.
Andy was a wise man in the Christmas nativity. We had to improvise on his costume since most of our stuff is in storage, but he was so cute and took his role VERY seriously.
Cal stuck his tongue to a pole when it was 16 degrees outside. He quickly found out that, yup, his tongue would stick, and it would rip his skin off too!
Roy is our new Rock Star. He LOVES music, and is constantly asking me to play his favorite songs: Dynamite, Crazy Frog, and Love is Like Oxygen.
Andy has lost 4 teeth and none have grown back! Don't you think he looks so cute with his little heart?
Andy was a wise man in the Christmas nativity. We had to improvise on his costume since most of our stuff is in storage, but he was so cute and took his role VERY seriously.
Cal stuck his tongue to a pole when it was 16 degrees outside. He quickly found out that, yup, his tongue would stick, and it would rip his skin off too!Roy is our new Rock Star. He LOVES music, and is constantly asking me to play his favorite songs: Dynamite, Crazy Frog, and Love is Like Oxygen.Andy has lost 4 teeth and none have grown back! Don't you think he looks so cute with his little heart?Braxton had a birthday last week. He was ordained into the Aaronic Priesthood today. He is such a good big brother, and I can see God's divine plan in sending Braxton as our oldest. He has helped me in so many ways over the last year of Chris being in Colorado. His brothers look up to him so much. He is so fun to talk to, and is turning into such a loving, kind young man! Yup, I'm a proud (in a good way) mama!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Funnies
My Little ImpI just have to record some funnies from Roy:
1)When Roy goes to time-out, he screams like a school girl and slams the door over and over again. Nothing I have tried has worked in getting him to stop this, so today as he was screaming and slamming, I was at the end of my rope and said, "Roy if you slam the door one more time your going to get a spanking."
He stopped slamming, put his mouth at the crack at the bottom of the door and sobbing said, "mom, that's not nice. Jesus doesn't like it when you say that."
He's right, Jesus doesn't like that. Please help me Jesus, to find something that works!
2)Roy asked me if we have a hole from our mouth to our bum. I said we kinda did and gave him the long explanation. He listened intently, which he hardly ever does, then exclaimed, "AWESOME!"
Boys and farts and poop and burps. They love to talk about them. We have poop conversations several times a week, and Roy says that boys fart and girls toot.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Pain
For the past few years I have had weird things going on with my body. It all started when Calvin was a baby. I had numb, tingly spots on my back. They kinda felt hyper sensitive, like I could feel everything touching them, and it hurt. I went to a doctor in Provo, and he wanted to get an MRI done. He mentioned it could be Multiple Sclerosis. I was scared, but didn't think I would ever have anything like that. We didn't have any insurance, and really couldn't afford an MRI, so I just pretended that the numbness was normal.
Fast forward to a couple years ago. My feet and hands started going numb and I still had the numb spots on my back. I started really feeling the need to get the MRI done, but again, we were at a job with no health insurance.
Last year we finally had health insurance, and the numbness had progressed to weird electrical feelings in my legs. Plus, I would feel a lot of pain in my legs sometimes too. My bones just really ached. I finally decided to get the MRI. Nothing was there. They said I had arthritis in my neck, and maybe it was Fibromyalgia. I was happy, but frustrated at the same time. I felt like maybe I was making it all up, and it seemed that people thought I was too.
All last summer the pain increased into my abdomen, back, and joints. I just ached, especially by the end of the day. I had constant pain in my kidney area. I went to a doctor who told me I was just dehydrated. I didn't believe him, but I drank tons of water for 3 months and the pain was still there constantly.
I went to another doctor, and she scheduled an abdominal ultrasound. Nothing. I don't want anything to be wrong with me, but my pain is real. I feel like no one thinks it is valid unless there is a diagnosis stuck to my pain, and a mass growing in me somewhere.
So after an MRI, ultrasound, and numerous blood tests, I decided to empower myself and take matters into my own hands. I have been a vegetarian for 8 years. Some of the time I have eaten extremely healthy. Other times I was a potato chip vegetarian. I really didn't pay attention to vitamins, minerals, etc. I know person can abstain from meat and still be healthy, I just wasn't doing a good job of it. I discovered that I was probably deficient in several vitamins. I found out that many of our foods are depleted because our soils are depleted. I also found that we need tons more vitamins than the FDA recommends. Doctors scare us that we can overdose on vitamins, but the truth is that the drugs they prescribe are far more scary than vitamins. I also found that the vitamins I am most likely to be deficient in show the exact symptoms I have been feeling.
For the past week I have been mega dosing on vitamins. I am a girl who hates swallowing pills! But I have been taking 15 pills a day, and guess what? I feel good. Most days I can't feel the pain. It still comes back, and it took a few days to notice a difference, but I feel markedly better!
While I know this isn't a good long-term plan, it is helping more than anything else has. I am making a more conscience effort in planning the food we eat. If I am having these symptoms it makes me worried for my children. It took me 8 years to build up to this, so I am sure it will take a while for my body to get all the nutrients it needs back.
I think vegetarianism is a good thing. I don't think I will be eating meat anytime soon, but I do think we need to be more aware of our food and how nutritious it really is. I think many symptoms people have are related to the food they eat, but they just don't realize it. Doctors don't get much training in nutrition, and when they do blood work, they rarely check vitamin and mineral content.
Food for thought.
xo
~Sarah
Fast forward to a couple years ago. My feet and hands started going numb and I still had the numb spots on my back. I started really feeling the need to get the MRI done, but again, we were at a job with no health insurance.
Last year we finally had health insurance, and the numbness had progressed to weird electrical feelings in my legs. Plus, I would feel a lot of pain in my legs sometimes too. My bones just really ached. I finally decided to get the MRI. Nothing was there. They said I had arthritis in my neck, and maybe it was Fibromyalgia. I was happy, but frustrated at the same time. I felt like maybe I was making it all up, and it seemed that people thought I was too.
All last summer the pain increased into my abdomen, back, and joints. I just ached, especially by the end of the day. I had constant pain in my kidney area. I went to a doctor who told me I was just dehydrated. I didn't believe him, but I drank tons of water for 3 months and the pain was still there constantly.
I went to another doctor, and she scheduled an abdominal ultrasound. Nothing. I don't want anything to be wrong with me, but my pain is real. I feel like no one thinks it is valid unless there is a diagnosis stuck to my pain, and a mass growing in me somewhere.
So after an MRI, ultrasound, and numerous blood tests, I decided to empower myself and take matters into my own hands. I have been a vegetarian for 8 years. Some of the time I have eaten extremely healthy. Other times I was a potato chip vegetarian. I really didn't pay attention to vitamins, minerals, etc. I know person can abstain from meat and still be healthy, I just wasn't doing a good job of it. I discovered that I was probably deficient in several vitamins. I found out that many of our foods are depleted because our soils are depleted. I also found that we need tons more vitamins than the FDA recommends. Doctors scare us that we can overdose on vitamins, but the truth is that the drugs they prescribe are far more scary than vitamins. I also found that the vitamins I am most likely to be deficient in show the exact symptoms I have been feeling.
For the past week I have been mega dosing on vitamins. I am a girl who hates swallowing pills! But I have been taking 15 pills a day, and guess what? I feel good. Most days I can't feel the pain. It still comes back, and it took a few days to notice a difference, but I feel markedly better!
While I know this isn't a good long-term plan, it is helping more than anything else has. I am making a more conscience effort in planning the food we eat. If I am having these symptoms it makes me worried for my children. It took me 8 years to build up to this, so I am sure it will take a while for my body to get all the nutrients it needs back.
I think vegetarianism is a good thing. I don't think I will be eating meat anytime soon, but I do think we need to be more aware of our food and how nutritious it really is. I think many symptoms people have are related to the food they eat, but they just don't realize it. Doctors don't get much training in nutrition, and when they do blood work, they rarely check vitamin and mineral content.
Food for thought.
xo
~Sarah
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
OCD
Ok, so I'm talking about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. No, I haven't been diagnosed, but I have this theory that it's human nature to be obsessive about things. Some people are obsessed about their looks, while others may be obsessed about germs. I know it is extreme for some people and it really is a hard thing for them, but I do think that obsessing is part of our "natural man".
I was thinking about my obsession this morning as I was folding laundry. I am OCD about laundry. When I wash, I have to wash everything. I will scour the house, looking under beds, in the car. Every towel that is out, even the kids shoes are not safe. I have to do my laundry all in one day because I have to have it all done at once. And if I don't get it done that day I restart the whole routine the next morning to get everything again.
Now let's talk about folding. Everything must be folded just right. Corners lined up, and the hem of shirts must not be folded up. And the kids have to put their laundry away NICELY so as not to mess up my work of art!
I love everything about laundry: the smell, the whir of the washer, and the feel of warm clothes fresh out of the dryer. I love clean sheets. I love to do laundry!
I realize I probably sound like a nut job right now, but my point is that we all have SOMETHING we obsess over. I wanna know what yours is! Spill it!
My sister's name is Teala, and her husband calls her O-C-Deala. She is obsessive about vacuuming. She loves the lines the vacuum makes in her carpet. You can be in the middle of a conversation with someone and the next thing you know, she has the vacuum running between you. The time of day doesn't matter either. The woman LOVES to vacuum.
I think obsessing is our way of controlling something in our lives. And I don't think people who are obsessive about things hold other people to their expectations. I don't think other people should fold laundry like I do, and my sister could care less if I have vacuum lines in my carpet. Humans are weird creatures. We're a bunch of animals!
I was thinking about my obsession this morning as I was folding laundry. I am OCD about laundry. When I wash, I have to wash everything. I will scour the house, looking under beds, in the car. Every towel that is out, even the kids shoes are not safe. I have to do my laundry all in one day because I have to have it all done at once. And if I don't get it done that day I restart the whole routine the next morning to get everything again.
Now let's talk about folding. Everything must be folded just right. Corners lined up, and the hem of shirts must not be folded up. And the kids have to put their laundry away NICELY so as not to mess up my work of art!
I love everything about laundry: the smell, the whir of the washer, and the feel of warm clothes fresh out of the dryer. I love clean sheets. I love to do laundry!
I realize I probably sound like a nut job right now, but my point is that we all have SOMETHING we obsess over. I wanna know what yours is! Spill it!
My sister's name is Teala, and her husband calls her O-C-Deala. She is obsessive about vacuuming. She loves the lines the vacuum makes in her carpet. You can be in the middle of a conversation with someone and the next thing you know, she has the vacuum running between you. The time of day doesn't matter either. The woman LOVES to vacuum.
I think obsessing is our way of controlling something in our lives. And I don't think people who are obsessive about things hold other people to their expectations. I don't think other people should fold laundry like I do, and my sister could care less if I have vacuum lines in my carpet. Humans are weird creatures. We're a bunch of animals!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
My New Journal
Okay, so I'm going to start this blog thing again, but I think I'm going to be journaling more than anything. I don't want to forget any of the fun and cute things the kids do and say.
We decided not to do a Christmas tree this year. I know it sounds sad, but it's actually going to be a good thing. Our cute fake tree is in storage, and I don't want Chris to have to rummage through everything for it. Plus, the trailer is small, and we really can't fit all 6 of us in there, let alone a tree!
Here is the good news. I had this wonderful idea to make a Christmas tree so kids aren't completely without something. We are making a tree out of our hand prints. Every time we think of something good or something someone did for us or something we are thankful for, we trace our hand on green paper, cut it out, then write our good thing on it. Then we curl the fingers, and put the handprint upside down on a big sheet of white paper taped to the wall. We'll slowly shape it like a tree as we work our way up. The goal is to have a full tree by Christmas. I'll take a picture and show later. I was feeling pretty bad about not having a tree for the kids, but Anden said, "this is going to be the best Christmas ever because of this tree!"
Then, of course our stockings are packed away, so me and the kids brainstormed what we could use instead. Socks? No, not big enough. Hmmm...they finally decided on their snow boots. Pretty ingenious, huh?
I actually really like struggling through this year. I am learning so much and so are the kids. We are getting pretty good at improvising, and we'll always remember the Christmas in the trailer.
xo
Sarah
We decided not to do a Christmas tree this year. I know it sounds sad, but it's actually going to be a good thing. Our cute fake tree is in storage, and I don't want Chris to have to rummage through everything for it. Plus, the trailer is small, and we really can't fit all 6 of us in there, let alone a tree!
Here is the good news. I had this wonderful idea to make a Christmas tree so kids aren't completely without something. We are making a tree out of our hand prints. Every time we think of something good or something someone did for us or something we are thankful for, we trace our hand on green paper, cut it out, then write our good thing on it. Then we curl the fingers, and put the handprint upside down on a big sheet of white paper taped to the wall. We'll slowly shape it like a tree as we work our way up. The goal is to have a full tree by Christmas. I'll take a picture and show later. I was feeling pretty bad about not having a tree for the kids, but Anden said, "this is going to be the best Christmas ever because of this tree!"
Then, of course our stockings are packed away, so me and the kids brainstormed what we could use instead. Socks? No, not big enough. Hmmm...they finally decided on their snow boots. Pretty ingenious, huh?
I actually really like struggling through this year. I am learning so much and so are the kids. We are getting pretty good at improvising, and we'll always remember the Christmas in the trailer.
xo
Sarah
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Happy Summer, Sad Fall
We have had such an amazingly happy, busy, eventful, and short summer. I can't believe it is almost over for us. Chris starts work again next week. He is going up by himself, and we are going to miss him like crazy. We don't have a house yet. In 3-4 weeks we may have some very good news on that front.
The kiddos and I are staying in Glendale, and I am going to put on my happy face and be a single parent for a while. I am scared, but Chris is so unhappy about the situation that I have to be the brave one. Hopefully by Christmas or Spring we will all be together again.
We just got back from Meagan (Chris' sister) and Michael's wedding. It was so beautiful and fun. Montana is gorgeous! After the wedding we spent a few days in Yellowstone. We hiked until we couldn't hike anymore, and saw soooo much wildlife, including 2 bears.
I had one of the most spiritual experiences ever on one of the hikes we went on. There is a hike that goes to the brink of the Lower Falls in the "Grand Canyon of Yellowstone". It is quite a steep hike down to the very top of an enormous waterfall. At the very top of the falls the water is eerily calm, and then suddenly, whoosh, falls over the edge in a massive explosion. The water sprayed so far up on the cliffs below that it created small streams flowing back into the river. So many little things went into this one whole beautiful creation. I thought of our Heavenly Father. I marveled at the many beautiful things we have to enjoy here. The wonder and amazement that our Father created all this for us...all us sinners and imperfect humans, constantly making mistakes, yet he wants us to have beauty and joy. Words cannot express the joy, wonder, excitement, and happiness I felt in this miracle called a waterfall!
I love nature. I think that is one of the reasons I love riding my bike so much. On the bike I see things so much more intimately than in a car or even running.
I have had spiritual experiences like this before and I cherish them. It is exactly what I needed at this time in my life. I have had prayers that I have felt have not been answered of my Father. In a way I felt like I deserved certain things, but I didn't realize this until recently. I felt like they were "righteous desires" and He should bless me with them. When I didn't get what I wanted I was devastated. I felt abandoned, and overwhelmed with sadness. I really want to be content with where I am here, now, and at this moment. This is a struggle for me, but I think finding the things I am thankful for and realizing that I am blessed and I have so much is the key.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Camping Fun
We are camping! Chris needed to come back up to Rangely to work yesterday, so we all decided to tag along. Rangely has a cute little camp park with a pond and lots of shade. Summer had definitely set in, so it was sure to be a warm weekend.
Well, it ISN'T! First off, we started the 6 hour trek way late, plus we had to stop at the store for some food. By the time we got to the Loma exit off I-70 it was starting to get dark, and we still had a hour and half left to get to Rangely. So, we decided to stop at Hyline State Park and camp there for the night. We barely got the tent set up before dark, and all the kids slept in the clothes they wore that day.
The next morning Chris had to be in Rangely by 9:30am, so we had a early start. We packed right up (kiddos still in their same clothes), and headed out. Chris got there 10 minutes late, but, whew, we made it!
I went to the campground and got the tent set up with the help of Braxton and Calvin with only a little breeze. It was a gorgeous day! All day the kids played, fished, and got dirty. By night time the wind really started to pick up, but we still roasted marshmallows and hot dogs.
At bedtime, the wind was howling and the rain started coming. I prayed for the Lord to temper the storm and not let our tent fall down. Well, our tent didn't fall, but it sure was COLD. The rain never seeped in though.
It is still raining, and we are trying to figure out what we will do today. Right now we are at Chris' office playing (thank goodness he has a Bionicles collection). I just hope and pray our Target tent will keep the rain out tonight!
Well, it ISN'T! First off, we started the 6 hour trek way late, plus we had to stop at the store for some food. By the time we got to the Loma exit off I-70 it was starting to get dark, and we still had a hour and half left to get to Rangely. So, we decided to stop at Hyline State Park and camp there for the night. We barely got the tent set up before dark, and all the kids slept in the clothes they wore that day.
The next morning Chris had to be in Rangely by 9:30am, so we had a early start. We packed right up (kiddos still in their same clothes), and headed out. Chris got there 10 minutes late, but, whew, we made it!
I went to the campground and got the tent set up with the help of Braxton and Calvin with only a little breeze. It was a gorgeous day! All day the kids played, fished, and got dirty. By night time the wind really started to pick up, but we still roasted marshmallows and hot dogs.
At bedtime, the wind was howling and the rain started coming. I prayed for the Lord to temper the storm and not let our tent fall down. Well, our tent didn't fall, but it sure was COLD. The rain never seeped in though.
It is still raining, and we are trying to figure out what we will do today. Right now we are at Chris' office playing (thank goodness he has a Bionicles collection). I just hope and pray our Target tent will keep the rain out tonight!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Lots O' Stuff
It's been way too long since I've posted. We are alive and kicking. Chris survived his first year here at CNCC. We decided to move away for the summer and just travel and have fun. We are planning on moving back here in the fall, but at the beginning of June we'll hit the road for some fun. Some of the things we have planned are:
- Hike Timp caves
- Go to 7 peaks
- See Meagan and Michael get married in Montana
- Yellowstone, Jackson, and the Tetons
- Hike Angels Landing
- Camp, camp, camp
- Family reunions
- Triathlons
- Bryce Canyon
- Grand Canyon
- and anything else we want to do
On another note, Braxton got his Arrow of Light award last week. He also earned all 20 of the activity badges in Webelos. It is the 1st time his scout leader has ever seen this happen. I am so proud of him.
Calvin just finished up the wrestling season, and tore it up! He competed in 3 tournaments and got 3rd, 1st, and 2nd places. That kid is a gifted athlete...straight from his dad, not me.
There is so much for I'd like to write about, but I don't even know where to start. I love you all, and miss you so much!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Dang Cold!
Ok, so do you think it's cold where you live? Well think again! We didn't know what we were getting into when we moved here. Yesterday as I was driving Anden to school it was -22 degrees. Yes, that is NEGATIVE TWENTY DEGREES FAHRENHEIT!!! Chris ran that morning and almost froze parts of his body off. The snow on the road won't melt, so we have been driving around on white snow covered roads for the last 6 days. I just can't believe people live in places this cold. I seriously feel like we live at the North Pole. Thank goodness we have a garage.
Ok, I'm done complaining now. I actually kind of like it this cold, because then I can brag about it.
Ok, I'm done complaining now. I actually kind of like it this cold, because then I can brag about it.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Gettin' Better
Okay, so things are definitely getting better. I have been working at the rec. center in the mornings while Chris gets the kiddos off to school, and that has really helped boost my spirits, believe it or not. We are settling in here, and really starting to like it. We've found a great fishing hole for the kids, and have already had some friends up to see us.
Chris is headed to St. George this weekend the run the marathon. Go Chris!
Braxton and Calvin are starting to like school more, and Anden has always loved it. Chris really like his job, so that is good. He found out the classes he is teaching next semester, and it's going to really test him. The good thing about teaching is that he learns so much. He has to know the material inside and out. He really has a love for learning, so it has been fun watching him get excited about learning all over again.
Our house is under contract, meaning we accepted an offer on it. We'll see if it actually goes through. The closing date is at the end of this month. I'll keep ya posted!
If anyone wants to come visit northwestern Colorado, PLEASE COME VISIT! WE MISS YOU!!! WE PROMISE TO COOK YOU LOTS OF GOOD FOOD, TOO!
Chris is headed to St. George this weekend the run the marathon. Go Chris!
Braxton and Calvin are starting to like school more, and Anden has always loved it. Chris really like his job, so that is good. He found out the classes he is teaching next semester, and it's going to really test him. The good thing about teaching is that he learns so much. He has to know the material inside and out. He really has a love for learning, so it has been fun watching him get excited about learning all over again.
Our house is under contract, meaning we accepted an offer on it. We'll see if it actually goes through. The closing date is at the end of this month. I'll keep ya posted!
If anyone wants to come visit northwestern Colorado, PLEASE COME VISIT! WE MISS YOU!!! WE PROMISE TO COOK YOU LOTS OF GOOD FOOD, TOO!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Rangely Greetings
Hi everyone. I figured I would give a quick update. And it will be quick cuz I am at a library computer and they close in 5 minutes! We are doing ok. We don't love it here yet, but the people are generally nice. The kids have had their nights of tears and so have Chris and I. We really really really miss Blanding and all our awesome friends. It really is so different here. People are different, the store is different, the church is different. I really WANT to like it, but it really is taking some time. I have grown so much from going through this experience though. I can truly see why Heavenly Father wants us to step outside our comfort zone. It is so we can learn and grow and become more like Him. It's not that we have to move to achieve this growth, but I can see His purpose in my life. I'm going to try to update more frequently now that we are on a school schedule. And, we may have good news on the sale of our house. I'll keep you posted!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Moving
I have so much to catch up on, and I really wanted to not leave anything out since I wanted to make my blog into one of those cool books especially since I don't scrapbook. But, since we are trying to move, and since after the move we will be simplifying and eliminating all unneeded expenses, I am afraid this may be my last post for awhile, although I will update when I can. This may be short-term depending on if and when we sell our home.
Chris' last day of work was yesterday. It was sad for him and me. Joe has been the best employer Chris has ever had, and I don't know if he'll ever get one that good again. Joe gave Chris the room he needed to grow into the accountant he is today. He trusted Chris and was extremely flexible, allowing Chris to leave work whenever he needed to.
Here is an update on what we are doing:
Chris is unemployed!!! Yes, I am excited about it. It's only for a week, though. Today we are going on a much needed family trip. We'll come back to Blanding on Tuesday, and pack up Wednesday and Thursday. Then on Friday we will drive to Rangely and get settled in our rental home.
We have seen the Lord's hand work in so many ways in the past few weeks. I was praying that we could stay together as a family. Yes, I want our house to sell too, but staying together is far more important to me. Well, I got a call from someone at Colorado Northwestern saying that she knew of a rental house that was available. I told her that we were on the bottom of the waiting list, and she said that if you knew someone, they would bump you to the top of the list (talk about small town politics, but we're used to it). Well, she was that person we needed to know.
The very next day Chris and I drove up there to look at it, and low and behold they had 2 rental houses we could pick from, both the same price. We chose the nicest of the two, of course. The house is fabulous. I am really scared of making the rent payment (which is double our house payment) and our mortgage at the same time, but we did find someone to stay in our house until it sells to offset the cost a little. He's single guy who just got off a mission. His parents live in Monticello (20 min. away), so it won't be that big of a deal if we do sell it, he'll just move back home. He'll take care of the yard, and let the real estate agents show it whenever they need to.
I really see the Lord's hand in my life right now. I don't understand why our house hasn't sold. It may not be for any reason at all, but I do know that I have learned alot from this whole experience. I have learned that even though I thought I was pretty humble, I wasn't. I thought being humble meant acknowledging God in all things, that without Him, I am nothing. I knew that without question, but my actions weren't showing Him that. My daily praying had diminished, I was a terrible mother most of the time, and forget personal scripture study.
This trial in our lives has helped me be a better mother (although I do need tons more help). I have learned so much from the scriptures, too. When this first started I was in tears most days, sometimes thinking that this was more than I could bear, and that my family would be better off going through this without me (I know, crazy, huh?!) My window of eternal perspective was small, maybe 5 minutes a day. I was constantly anxious. I wanted this burden to be lifted immediately.
Over the past several weeks my eternal window has increased a hundred fold. I know that it will all work out. If the worst thing that happens is us losing our home...I really don't care! I've got 4 boys and a man that loves me. I have found HUGE comfort in reading the scriptures, especially the New Testament when it talks about our Savior's ministry, and in the Book of Mormon when He visits the Nephites after He is resurrected. Jesus told his apostles that God knows our needs, and we shouldn't worry about tomorrow. I need to make good choices today so that tomorrow will be okay, but my Father in Heaven is ultimately in charge.
Paying the bills will be hard until our house sells. BUT....I have my family, and I will find joy in my life.
Our time in Blanding has truly been the best years of my life. I think of the person I was when I came here, and I have definitely changed for the better! The people here are amazing. Even if I don't know you really well, you have touched my life more than you will ever know! I am terrible with goodbyes. My tendency is to NOT say goodbye and just leave without saying anything at all, yup, I avoid pain like the plague. I want to tell all you Blanding folks that this isn't goodbye! Our paths may never cross again in this life, but I know in the life after this we will see each other. I'll look you up and see how life was for you!
Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog, even if I don't know you. I'll still check email at the library, and occasionally post an update
Chris' last day of work was yesterday. It was sad for him and me. Joe has been the best employer Chris has ever had, and I don't know if he'll ever get one that good again. Joe gave Chris the room he needed to grow into the accountant he is today. He trusted Chris and was extremely flexible, allowing Chris to leave work whenever he needed to.
Here is an update on what we are doing:
Chris is unemployed!!! Yes, I am excited about it. It's only for a week, though. Today we are going on a much needed family trip. We'll come back to Blanding on Tuesday, and pack up Wednesday and Thursday. Then on Friday we will drive to Rangely and get settled in our rental home.
We have seen the Lord's hand work in so many ways in the past few weeks. I was praying that we could stay together as a family. Yes, I want our house to sell too, but staying together is far more important to me. Well, I got a call from someone at Colorado Northwestern saying that she knew of a rental house that was available. I told her that we were on the bottom of the waiting list, and she said that if you knew someone, they would bump you to the top of the list (talk about small town politics, but we're used to it). Well, she was that person we needed to know.
The very next day Chris and I drove up there to look at it, and low and behold they had 2 rental houses we could pick from, both the same price. We chose the nicest of the two, of course. The house is fabulous. I am really scared of making the rent payment (which is double our house payment) and our mortgage at the same time, but we did find someone to stay in our house until it sells to offset the cost a little. He's single guy who just got off a mission. His parents live in Monticello (20 min. away), so it won't be that big of a deal if we do sell it, he'll just move back home. He'll take care of the yard, and let the real estate agents show it whenever they need to.
I really see the Lord's hand in my life right now. I don't understand why our house hasn't sold. It may not be for any reason at all, but I do know that I have learned alot from this whole experience. I have learned that even though I thought I was pretty humble, I wasn't. I thought being humble meant acknowledging God in all things, that without Him, I am nothing. I knew that without question, but my actions weren't showing Him that. My daily praying had diminished, I was a terrible mother most of the time, and forget personal scripture study.
This trial in our lives has helped me be a better mother (although I do need tons more help). I have learned so much from the scriptures, too. When this first started I was in tears most days, sometimes thinking that this was more than I could bear, and that my family would be better off going through this without me (I know, crazy, huh?!) My window of eternal perspective was small, maybe 5 minutes a day. I was constantly anxious. I wanted this burden to be lifted immediately.
Over the past several weeks my eternal window has increased a hundred fold. I know that it will all work out. If the worst thing that happens is us losing our home...I really don't care! I've got 4 boys and a man that loves me. I have found HUGE comfort in reading the scriptures, especially the New Testament when it talks about our Savior's ministry, and in the Book of Mormon when He visits the Nephites after He is resurrected. Jesus told his apostles that God knows our needs, and we shouldn't worry about tomorrow. I need to make good choices today so that tomorrow will be okay, but my Father in Heaven is ultimately in charge.
Paying the bills will be hard until our house sells. BUT....I have my family, and I will find joy in my life.
Our time in Blanding has truly been the best years of my life. I think of the person I was when I came here, and I have definitely changed for the better! The people here are amazing. Even if I don't know you really well, you have touched my life more than you will ever know! I am terrible with goodbyes. My tendency is to NOT say goodbye and just leave without saying anything at all, yup, I avoid pain like the plague. I want to tell all you Blanding folks that this isn't goodbye! Our paths may never cross again in this life, but I know in the life after this we will see each other. I'll look you up and see how life was for you!
Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog, even if I don't know you. I'll still check email at the library, and occasionally post an update
Thursday, July 9, 2009
I didn't sign up for this.
My heart is breaking. When we decided to move to Rangely, we knew it was the right decision. We prayed about it and felt like it was the right decision for our family. Well, if it's the right decision, things are supposed to fall into place, right? WRONG! It's not that things haven't worked out. The problem is that I am a worrier. I worry over everything and it drives me crazy. I almost can't stand being in my own skin when I feel like I do now.
Our house has been on the market for about a month. Not a terribly long time, but we have a time crunch here! Eight people have come to look at it, and we have gotten one offer, which we turned down because we just couldn't even work with it. I will admit, our house needs a little work on the inside. The outside looks good, but it could use some new flooring, and when people buy a house, they want it to look good!
I am so bummed because I talked to a local contractor the other day, and he said instead of taking a really low offer we ought to re-do the kitchen and flooring, then up the price significantly. While this sounds like a good idea because we will probably make some extra money on the house, it really makes me sad. If we did that it would mean Chris and I would be separated. He would go work in Rangely, and I would stay here with the kids to sell the house. When I even so much as think of the words, my eyes well up with tears. I never wanted to be a single parent. I know how hard it is. I was raised my a single mother. I see moms struggle everyday in raising their kids by themselves. I honestly don't know if I can do it. Then the thought of Chris traveling that long drive by himself scares me too. There is a mountain overpass, and it really freaks me out. I didn't sign up for this!
We have prayed and fasted and gone to the temple. I know Heavenly Father is mindful of us. I know He can see the eternal perspective. I know I will look back at this and it will be a small wrinkle in my life. I know there are others out there who would be grateful if their worst worry was selling a house. But at the same time my stomach is in knots all day long. I am constantly in a state of worry and anxiety, and just to warn you, don't ask me about it if you see me because I break down at the drop of a hat.
Our house has been on the market for about a month. Not a terribly long time, but we have a time crunch here! Eight people have come to look at it, and we have gotten one offer, which we turned down because we just couldn't even work with it. I will admit, our house needs a little work on the inside. The outside looks good, but it could use some new flooring, and when people buy a house, they want it to look good!
I am so bummed because I talked to a local contractor the other day, and he said instead of taking a really low offer we ought to re-do the kitchen and flooring, then up the price significantly. While this sounds like a good idea because we will probably make some extra money on the house, it really makes me sad. If we did that it would mean Chris and I would be separated. He would go work in Rangely, and I would stay here with the kids to sell the house. When I even so much as think of the words, my eyes well up with tears. I never wanted to be a single parent. I know how hard it is. I was raised my a single mother. I see moms struggle everyday in raising their kids by themselves. I honestly don't know if I can do it. Then the thought of Chris traveling that long drive by himself scares me too. There is a mountain overpass, and it really freaks me out. I didn't sign up for this!
We have prayed and fasted and gone to the temple. I know Heavenly Father is mindful of us. I know He can see the eternal perspective. I know I will look back at this and it will be a small wrinkle in my life. I know there are others out there who would be grateful if their worst worry was selling a house. But at the same time my stomach is in knots all day long. I am constantly in a state of worry and anxiety, and just to warn you, don't ask me about it if you see me because I break down at the drop of a hat.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Braxton's Trip
Braxton really had a blast on his trip out East. I was afraid that he was going to get homesick, but he really didn't. His teacher said he could call as much as he wanted from her cell phone, and at first he did. The very first thing he told me after he landed in Boston is that the pigeons were HUGE! He took about 100 pictures of birds throughout the trip. In fact, we have more pictures of birds than of anything else. Even though the pictures he took may have been different than the ones I would have took, it was fun to see the trip through his eyes, and to see the things that he thought were cool and picture worthy. I really needed those pictures too, because as the trip went on he called me less and less, and in true 10 year old fashion, he hasn't told me hardly anything about the trip. It's been like pulling teeth to get information. Luckily, his teacher forwarded me all the pictures she took, and I had a long conversation with her after the trip. What a truly exciting thing for him to do. I am so thankful we were able to let him have this opportunity!
Picture of one of the HUGE pigeons.
Here is a pic of Braxton by a Paul Revere statue. Paul Revere must have really impressed Braxton because he is one of the only things Braxton has talked about.
I was so proud of Braxton. This is a pic of him on top of the Empire State Building. His teacher said that he was so scared that he was in tears on the way up. He slowly went out on the deck, and was able to conquer one of his worst fears. He is DEATHLY afraid of heights!
This is Braxton and his two friends in front of the White House. I'm sure it was taken by another 10 year old. Sorry lady who we don't even know with the cute white hat, fanny pack hiked up around your waist, and weird look on your face, but you will forever be engraved in our picture albums.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Cute things
On Cal's birthday a couple days ago, we were doing "heavy, heavy hang over", and Calvin wished Roy a motorcycle for his birthday. Well, several days later Roy still remembers it. This morning he said, "me get motorcycle for birthday, drive it to store, get milk and candy, and crash." He's always talking about this motorcycle he's getting for his birthday. Hmmm, how am I going to get around that one?
Today Braxton wanted to look at the blog. He saw the picture of himself playing soccer, and said, "wow, my hair looks really stupid long mom." This is coming from the kid that wouldn't let us cut it, and when we finally did, he sobbed as if you'd just cut his arm off. I felt bad, and told him he could grow it out, but now he's decided he doesn't like it. He says his hair looks like a "pudding bowl" (whatever that is), and he wants it cut short.
Today Braxton wanted to look at the blog. He saw the picture of himself playing soccer, and said, "wow, my hair looks really stupid long mom." This is coming from the kid that wouldn't let us cut it, and when we finally did, he sobbed as if you'd just cut his arm off. I felt bad, and told him he could grow it out, but now he's decided he doesn't like it. He says his hair looks like a "pudding bowl" (whatever that is), and he wants it cut short.
Ornery Old Goat
I'm an ornery old goat. Anden even said so. I told him whenever he thinks I am being too mean he can tell me to stop being an ornery old goat. I'll admit, over the last month or so, every since we found out we are moving, life feels so out of control, and I have not been very fun to be around. I seriously feel bad for my husband and kids. I wouldn't want to be around me.
Today as I was thinking, which I do way too much of, I started thinking about why I feel like I need to control so many things in my life. It seems like the more I feel out of control, the more I try to control the little things. Like what my kids take to the pool with them...."don't forget your goggles...that towel is too big to carry while riding your bike....stay close to each other....play with each other....watch for cars....come back right afterwards....blah, blah, blah." I feel so bad for them. Then when they don't do what I say, and I am feeling stressed the poor kids get berated..."get off the wall....that's how you got hurt before...don't you remember....what are you thinking." I have been trying not to be like this lately, and praying really hard that I am not damaging my kids for the rest of their lives. I keep saying that as soon as we move I won't feel like this, but I know I need to try harder now.
I wish I could just let it all go, and say, "who cares if the house is messy when someone comes over to look at it, my kids feel loved. So what if Roy made a trail of mud all the way to the bathroom to wash himself off, at least he knows he can count on mom to help him. Who cares if we eat cold cereal for dinner, at least my kids know that they are #1 in my life." I am going to commit to try harder. I don't ever want my kids and husband to doubt that they are loved, and right now, I don't really think they feel that way. It's time for me to stop wallowing and start loving.
Today as I was thinking, which I do way too much of, I started thinking about why I feel like I need to control so many things in my life. It seems like the more I feel out of control, the more I try to control the little things. Like what my kids take to the pool with them...."don't forget your goggles...that towel is too big to carry while riding your bike....stay close to each other....play with each other....watch for cars....come back right afterwards....blah, blah, blah." I feel so bad for them. Then when they don't do what I say, and I am feeling stressed the poor kids get berated..."get off the wall....that's how you got hurt before...don't you remember....what are you thinking." I have been trying not to be like this lately, and praying really hard that I am not damaging my kids for the rest of their lives. I keep saying that as soon as we move I won't feel like this, but I know I need to try harder now.
I wish I could just let it all go, and say, "who cares if the house is messy when someone comes over to look at it, my kids feel loved. So what if Roy made a trail of mud all the way to the bathroom to wash himself off, at least he knows he can count on mom to help him. Who cares if we eat cold cereal for dinner, at least my kids know that they are #1 in my life." I am going to commit to try harder. I don't ever want my kids and husband to doubt that they are loved, and right now, I don't really think they feel that way. It's time for me to stop wallowing and start loving.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Braxton found his calling!
Braxton is really good at soccer! He loves it too, and has a blast playing. The position he is best at is goalie. He sacrifices his body for the ball, and really excels at it. This year at his last game the score was tied when the time was up. Each team got a kick off. Braxton's friend Kolemen kicked the ball for their team and made it! Then Braxton was the goalie and blocked the shot kicked by the other team. Braxton was ecstatic and it really made his day! I'm so glad he has found a sport that he loves and that he is good at.
Having a blast being goalie
Having a blast being goalie
Update
I have been way too busy, so of course my blog is the first thing to suffer. Here is a short update:
We made these paper hats one day, and the kids looked so cute in them, but the real reason why I put this picture up is to document Roy's hair. My sister Jilyn came down a few weeks ago and cut Roy's hair. It is still long, but just shaggy and shorter (I'll show a pic once Braxton gets back from his trip with my camera), and he actually looks like a boy now. I never really understood why people called Roy a girl, since he clearly looked like a boy to me, but looking at this picture makes me realize just how long his hair had gotten and that he DID kinda look like a girl! I do miss his wavy golden locks, though.
We are feeling a little better about our move. It is slowly starting to sink in and feel better. We have been fixing things in the house to get it ready to sell, and it ticks Chris off that we are making it nicer for someone else. :D Our house isn't officially on the market yet, but we have a few people already interested. Hopefully it sells quick so that will be one less thing we have to worry about.
Here are some pics from the last few months:
Here's Roy covered in mud and snot. It's so blurry because I was trying to take a picture of this sad little mess, and he was so mad that he was hitting me away!
Anden graduated from Pre-School. I'm so sad! I'm going to miss my little buddy when he goes to Kindergarten!
Here's Calvin having a blast at soccer. He really likes it and does well. He's the kid in the yellow. Check out the determination on his face!
We made these paper hats one day, and the kids looked so cute in them, but the real reason why I put this picture up is to document Roy's hair. My sister Jilyn came down a few weeks ago and cut Roy's hair. It is still long, but just shaggy and shorter (I'll show a pic once Braxton gets back from his trip with my camera), and he actually looks like a boy now. I never really understood why people called Roy a girl, since he clearly looked like a boy to me, but looking at this picture makes me realize just how long his hair had gotten and that he DID kinda look like a girl! I do miss his wavy golden locks, though.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)