Jeff is in Arizona and we are ONCE AGAIN living apart from each other. But THIS TIME, he TOOK OUR CAR!!! I am stranded, except for the sympathy of my mother who comes to take me out to eat and grocery shopping. I am having a harder time with it this time around. Maybe it's the holidays. On the other hand, he LOVES his new job. Now, if he could just find a place for us to live. I have been worrying myself sick about money. How are we going to pay for the move? How are we going to pay the bills ONCE we move? I am losing most of my students, and it will take time to get more. With Jeff's schedule being all over the place, it makes it hard to get a job for me! How are we going to afford Christmas this year?
As I watch my friends and family prepare for their Christmases by putting up their trees, and preparing their Black Friday lists, and even making goodies, I look around my empty NON-DECORATED house, and my heart breaks for my boys that are DYING to put up Christmas. I just can't get to the boxes with the decorations in them! But at night, we cuddle together, and I read them various Christmas stories while we talk about the true meaning of Christmas, all the while I am hoping that they understand why they each only get 7 little gifts under the tree.
I was feeling very sorry for myself last night as I sat in my bed surrounded by bills and talking to my husband about how we "can't afford anything" when I read a blog from a friend of mine. This Christmas, she will be spending it with her son at St.Jude's Hospital while he is treated for a tumor on his spine. I noticed another friend that had just posted pictures on Facebook. She had a big beautiful smile on her face while she hugged her little girl after her dance recital. I remembered that she lost her beautiful baby only five months ago or so. Suddenly, my tears changed from sorrow to gratitude. In all my teaching and preaching to my boys about the true meaning of Christmas, I was the one that was missing the message. I have a beautiful family, and we are all healthy and strong spiritually and physically.
I got out of bed and turned on the Christmas music from my childhood many years ago. I listened to the crackling music play and yearned for simpler times. I know it sounds crazy, but somehow, whether Jeff gets to come home this Christmas or not, or whether we find a way to purchase more toys for the boys, or whether we EVER get a tree up, I will not forget this Christmas season. It will stand as a reminder for me while I am snuggled in bed with sugarplums dancing, wishing for my Christmas Miracles, others are out there wishing for miracles of their own, and I will stand grateful that I don't have those miracles to wish for.
Merry Christmas to all of my WONDERFUL friends and family! YOU are my MIRACLE!
Cindy
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
FOR THE LOVE!!!!!
Jeff has been gone for 2 weeks! In that time, our car was broken into, my best friends mother passed away, and I have learned how to care for an acre of land with a garden, raspberries, blackberries, apple trees, a walnut tree, pear trees, peach trees, apricot trees, a cherry tree, many flower beds, PLUS a quirky sprinkling "system."
Well, I have TRIED to learn to do this on my own. See, the problem is, other things keep getting in the way, like- teaching lessons, potty training a 2 year old that "wants" to do his business in the potty, but only about 30% of the time, and cleaning the house.
I have yet to say that I am in my own "routine," but I can feel it coming. People tell me that once I get used to having Jeff gone, it will be so easy that having him around will be annoying and that he will just get in my way. The problem is, I don't want to have Jeff "in my way." I don't want him to be annoying. I just want him here. I want him to be a part of this family. I want him to celebrate Isaacs birthday with us- NOT two weeks later.
Other people also keep telling me to think about what military wives have to go through. The problem with that is THEY SIGNED UP FOR THAT!! Being apart this long was never in OUR family plan. I know that there are situations where couples HAVE to separate for financial purposes. And I know that with things like Skype, and telephones, I am very fortunate. But still, here's the thing, you can't tell me that ANY of those people WANTED to be separated. My mother has reminded me- time and time again- that my Omi and Opa did this for two years because they HAD to financially. All they had for communication were letters. I can appreciate that and I empathize that situation. Those were times when things like that were expected. And, I wonder, what their advice would be to me today in regards to my situation. Nevertheless, I am sick and tired of people telling me to "buck up." No matter the situation, I don't think that ANY couple finds it easy to deal with and so until you have to deal with it on your own for longer than a week, to you I say- SHUT UP, and talk to me when you are in this situation. AND, if you think it is helping to say things like "Oh, you'll find your groove soon." or "Think of what the pioneers had to do when they went on missions," or " now you know what it is like to be a single mother," it isn't!! So, to all those out there that have absolutely NO IDEA what it is like to be apart from your spouse for an extended period of time, quit acting like it's not a big deal, or that I shouldn't be missing him as much as I do- IT BUGS!!! Instead, say something like "wow, that must be hard. Let me know if you need anything." or, "I know people that have had to do that too, and it was hard for them, but let me tell you what I think made it easier for them....." instead of making me feel bad because "other" people do this for LONGER periods of time, so WHY am I whining!!! Whether it is 2 months or 2 years, or becoming a permanent single parent, the feeling of loss and loneliness is the same, just for different amounts of time. And to that I say, KUDOS to those that HAVE to do it longer than I have to, because I know it is hard! It's hard to care for a house and yard that isn't yours. It's hard to work and try to raise kids. It's hard to cook, clean, drive, do church callings, water the yard, care for the yard, prepare kids for school, work to earn money, and find time to shower!!! SO, hats off to you! I am grateful that I don't have to do it longer, but that doesn't make it easier for the amount of time that I DO have to do it.
On a brighter note, Jeff is doing well. He really likes teaching, and already has 4 or 5 students. His boss is also passing some students over to him over the next couple of weeks so hopefully, by the end of the month, Jeff should have 10-12 students. That should be good to help him make it through the winter months when business is slow. I have purchased tickets to go out at the end of August so that we can check out some places to live, talk to people in the ward about schools and other stuff, and all around just see if we would like to live there. I will only be there for 2 days, so they will be packed full, but hopefully, we will come out of it with a better idea of what our options are. By then, we will know how much we can expect financially from Jeff, and we can send out flyers to start drumming up voice students for me. My goal is to have 3 students BEFORE we move out there just ready to start right up. Both Jeff and I feel good about the prospect of moving out there, we just feel that it is a timing thing. Jeff says that they are working on a contract with a school that teaches aviation, and that would bring in a lot more students. PLUS they are working to become a Part 141 flight school (which is just a little more recognized.) If that is the case, Jeff would be hired on as an Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, and would get a base pay salary PLUS an hourly wage for teaching time. Things are looking great, and we hope that they progress fast so that we can once again bring our little family together.
Well, I have TRIED to learn to do this on my own. See, the problem is, other things keep getting in the way, like- teaching lessons, potty training a 2 year old that "wants" to do his business in the potty, but only about 30% of the time, and cleaning the house.
I have yet to say that I am in my own "routine," but I can feel it coming. People tell me that once I get used to having Jeff gone, it will be so easy that having him around will be annoying and that he will just get in my way. The problem is, I don't want to have Jeff "in my way." I don't want him to be annoying. I just want him here. I want him to be a part of this family. I want him to celebrate Isaacs birthday with us- NOT two weeks later.
Other people also keep telling me to think about what military wives have to go through. The problem with that is THEY SIGNED UP FOR THAT!! Being apart this long was never in OUR family plan. I know that there are situations where couples HAVE to separate for financial purposes. And I know that with things like Skype, and telephones, I am very fortunate. But still, here's the thing, you can't tell me that ANY of those people WANTED to be separated. My mother has reminded me- time and time again- that my Omi and Opa did this for two years because they HAD to financially. All they had for communication were letters. I can appreciate that and I empathize that situation. Those were times when things like that were expected. And, I wonder, what their advice would be to me today in regards to my situation. Nevertheless, I am sick and tired of people telling me to "buck up." No matter the situation, I don't think that ANY couple finds it easy to deal with and so until you have to deal with it on your own for longer than a week, to you I say- SHUT UP, and talk to me when you are in this situation. AND, if you think it is helping to say things like "Oh, you'll find your groove soon." or "Think of what the pioneers had to do when they went on missions," or " now you know what it is like to be a single mother," it isn't!! So, to all those out there that have absolutely NO IDEA what it is like to be apart from your spouse for an extended period of time, quit acting like it's not a big deal, or that I shouldn't be missing him as much as I do- IT BUGS!!! Instead, say something like "wow, that must be hard. Let me know if you need anything." or, "I know people that have had to do that too, and it was hard for them, but let me tell you what I think made it easier for them....." instead of making me feel bad because "other" people do this for LONGER periods of time, so WHY am I whining!!! Whether it is 2 months or 2 years, or becoming a permanent single parent, the feeling of loss and loneliness is the same, just for different amounts of time. And to that I say, KUDOS to those that HAVE to do it longer than I have to, because I know it is hard! It's hard to care for a house and yard that isn't yours. It's hard to work and try to raise kids. It's hard to cook, clean, drive, do church callings, water the yard, care for the yard, prepare kids for school, work to earn money, and find time to shower!!! SO, hats off to you! I am grateful that I don't have to do it longer, but that doesn't make it easier for the amount of time that I DO have to do it.
On a brighter note, Jeff is doing well. He really likes teaching, and already has 4 or 5 students. His boss is also passing some students over to him over the next couple of weeks so hopefully, by the end of the month, Jeff should have 10-12 students. That should be good to help him make it through the winter months when business is slow. I have purchased tickets to go out at the end of August so that we can check out some places to live, talk to people in the ward about schools and other stuff, and all around just see if we would like to live there. I will only be there for 2 days, so they will be packed full, but hopefully, we will come out of it with a better idea of what our options are. By then, we will know how much we can expect financially from Jeff, and we can send out flyers to start drumming up voice students for me. My goal is to have 3 students BEFORE we move out there just ready to start right up. Both Jeff and I feel good about the prospect of moving out there, we just feel that it is a timing thing. Jeff says that they are working on a contract with a school that teaches aviation, and that would bring in a lot more students. PLUS they are working to become a Part 141 flight school (which is just a little more recognized.) If that is the case, Jeff would be hired on as an Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, and would get a base pay salary PLUS an hourly wage for teaching time. Things are looking great, and we hope that they progress fast so that we can once again bring our little family together.
Monday, July 19, 2010
WHAT a WEEK!!
We have had quite the past week! On Monday, I was asked to sing the National Anthem for the Rita Moreno concert that was taking place on Saturday. I accepted, and was pretty excited to meet her.
On Wednesday, Jeff was offered a Flight Instructing job in Reading, Pennsylvania at New Horizons Aviation. After much deliberation, we decided to take the job. The catch??? He had to be there on MONDAY!!! WHOA!!! So, we had less than a week to book a ticket, pack up his stuff, and get him on his way. We decided to send him out there by himself to "test the waters" and see if this was a good enough job to support the family should we all decide to move out there. 2 1/2 months later, he would return and either 1) come to take us with him, 2) come home to stay because the job was terrible, or 3) come back and visit for a few days, and we would remain here until we felt that the time was right to move out there.
On Saturday, I sang the National Anthem. I did a good job and feel that it was a good performance. I received a lot of compliments from people in the audience. It made me feel really good. Rita Moreno gave me this advice before I went out to sing: "When you go out there, stand up tall, and don't do anything with your hands. This song doesn't need it!" After about 45 minutes of watching her and her band banter playfully, her manager try to feel important, and Ms. Moreno herself warm up vocally and do her make up (which included painting on a beauty mark,) I felt more than ready to go on stage. I was graciously received and could only look at the flag! It was a fun moment in my life.
Sunday, we went to church where Jeff taught a lesson on having clean thoughts to the 12 year old boys, and I taught Relief Society. After that, we were off to my sister Julie's house for a turkey dinner, and some good byes, a stop in at Jeff's brother Jake's house, and then home to pack. At 2:00 a.m, after family prayers, a blessing from Jeff for each member of our family, packing two suitcases, a flight bag, and a laptop bag, we were ready for bed. I think it was at that time that it finally hit me that we were going to be apart for 2 months. We have been apart for days at a time, but never months. On the BRIGHT side, we figure that if we can do this, we shouldn't have a problem being apart when he is an airline pilot or corporate pilot. Nevertheless, we both silently cried ourselves to sleep hoping that the time would pass slowly.
4 1/2 hours later........BUZZ!!!!!!! Time to get up! We packed up the car with luggage and children and made our way to the airport. The ride went by too fast. There was NO TRAFFIC at all, and we breezed on in. After some quick good bye's, the boys and I pulled away, leaving Jeff walking away from the curb. I held back my tears long enough to get out of Jeff's sight and tried to hide them from my sweet boys to avoid a domino effect. I lost the upper hand when my 5 year old Ethan said while choking on his own tears "Mom, I don't think we can have ANY fun without daddy! I guess we will just have to save up all of our family dates until he gets home......but I just know that I am going TO MISS HIM SO MUCH!!!" He burst into tears, I burst into tears, and Isaac sat in his car seat telling us both that it was going to be o.k, and to "look at the airplanes!" I knew I had to stop this, so I suggested to the boys that we "drown our sorrows" in some doughnuts from Tasty's....this promptly stopped all crying and we were drove the rest of the way home in silence, anxiously awaiting our "spoonful of sugar" that would heal our empty hearts.
In all of the madness that we have encountered this week, I have realized that the Lord does watch over us. We have had MULTIPLE witnesses that this is the right choice for our family. Everything from articles in the Ensign, to the topic of our lessons that we were to teach, to the unforgettable burning in our soul and peace in our hearts has added to our testimony that we have made the right choice.
I keep telling myself that other couples go through situations that are worse than ours. They are separated by military service, or even employment that brings in much needed income. But I can't help but think that THOSE couples aren't like US! And although I am SURE beyond any doubt that Jeff and I could do this longer if needed, I am also SURE that we won't if we don't HAVE to.....WHO WOULD???? I know that we will do everything that we can to keep Jeff on a forward path in his career and get our family back together as soon as possible.
Finally, the Lord has not stopped watching over me, and never will. As I was "drowning my sorrows" in doughnuts, the phrase from an old church musical that I was once in popped into my head- "Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and NOT upon the hole!" WELL SAID- and so I shall!
On Wednesday, Jeff was offered a Flight Instructing job in Reading, Pennsylvania at New Horizons Aviation. After much deliberation, we decided to take the job. The catch??? He had to be there on MONDAY!!! WHOA!!! So, we had less than a week to book a ticket, pack up his stuff, and get him on his way. We decided to send him out there by himself to "test the waters" and see if this was a good enough job to support the family should we all decide to move out there. 2 1/2 months later, he would return and either 1) come to take us with him, 2) come home to stay because the job was terrible, or 3) come back and visit for a few days, and we would remain here until we felt that the time was right to move out there.
On Saturday, I sang the National Anthem. I did a good job and feel that it was a good performance. I received a lot of compliments from people in the audience. It made me feel really good. Rita Moreno gave me this advice before I went out to sing: "When you go out there, stand up tall, and don't do anything with your hands. This song doesn't need it!" After about 45 minutes of watching her and her band banter playfully, her manager try to feel important, and Ms. Moreno herself warm up vocally and do her make up (which included painting on a beauty mark,) I felt more than ready to go on stage. I was graciously received and could only look at the flag! It was a fun moment in my life.
Sunday, we went to church where Jeff taught a lesson on having clean thoughts to the 12 year old boys, and I taught Relief Society. After that, we were off to my sister Julie's house for a turkey dinner, and some good byes, a stop in at Jeff's brother Jake's house, and then home to pack. At 2:00 a.m, after family prayers, a blessing from Jeff for each member of our family, packing two suitcases, a flight bag, and a laptop bag, we were ready for bed. I think it was at that time that it finally hit me that we were going to be apart for 2 months. We have been apart for days at a time, but never months. On the BRIGHT side, we figure that if we can do this, we shouldn't have a problem being apart when he is an airline pilot or corporate pilot. Nevertheless, we both silently cried ourselves to sleep hoping that the time would pass slowly.
4 1/2 hours later........BUZZ!!!!!!! Time to get up! We packed up the car with luggage and children and made our way to the airport. The ride went by too fast. There was NO TRAFFIC at all, and we breezed on in. After some quick good bye's, the boys and I pulled away, leaving Jeff walking away from the curb. I held back my tears long enough to get out of Jeff's sight and tried to hide them from my sweet boys to avoid a domino effect. I lost the upper hand when my 5 year old Ethan said while choking on his own tears "Mom, I don't think we can have ANY fun without daddy! I guess we will just have to save up all of our family dates until he gets home......but I just know that I am going TO MISS HIM SO MUCH!!!" He burst into tears, I burst into tears, and Isaac sat in his car seat telling us both that it was going to be o.k, and to "look at the airplanes!" I knew I had to stop this, so I suggested to the boys that we "drown our sorrows" in some doughnuts from Tasty's....this promptly stopped all crying and we were drove the rest of the way home in silence, anxiously awaiting our "spoonful of sugar" that would heal our empty hearts.
In all of the madness that we have encountered this week, I have realized that the Lord does watch over us. We have had MULTIPLE witnesses that this is the right choice for our family. Everything from articles in the Ensign, to the topic of our lessons that we were to teach, to the unforgettable burning in our soul and peace in our hearts has added to our testimony that we have made the right choice.
I keep telling myself that other couples go through situations that are worse than ours. They are separated by military service, or even employment that brings in much needed income. But I can't help but think that THOSE couples aren't like US! And although I am SURE beyond any doubt that Jeff and I could do this longer if needed, I am also SURE that we won't if we don't HAVE to.....WHO WOULD???? I know that we will do everything that we can to keep Jeff on a forward path in his career and get our family back together as soon as possible.
Finally, the Lord has not stopped watching over me, and never will. As I was "drowning my sorrows" in doughnuts, the phrase from an old church musical that I was once in popped into my head- "Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and NOT upon the hole!" WELL SAID- and so I shall!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
SpOrTs!!
I, Cindy, have NO CLUE how to play sports. JEFF, got kicked off of the football team because he was a punk kid that talked back to the coach. Combine the two of us together, and you get...... Ethan and Isaac. Let me explain...
Ethan is VERY sensitive and analytical. He thinks EVERYTHING through, and would MUCH rather build things with Legos and play with his trains than go outside and play ANYTHING. Jeff and I decided that Ethan needed to learn to be a "team player." He is so bossy and independent that we thought it would be good for him to play a TEAM sport. Thus, accomplishing a few things 1) He learns to be a team player 2) He makes friends that are his own age 3) He "toughins" up a little. So, yesterday, I spent some time explaining to Ethan that he was going to HAVE to play a sport. I gave him the option of T-Ball or Soccer. After watching a couple of youtube videos on both sports, Ethan decides that he will choose T-Ball. WHY???? Well, in Soccer, YOU have to HIT the ball with your HEAD. In T-Ball, you get to wear a helmet so that the BALL doesn't HIT you in the HEAD!!! Well.....at least he thought it through.
On our way to register today, I kept asking Ethan if this was his "Final Answer." After reassuring me that he was now excited for T-Ball, I accepted and walked into the registration office. The nice lady at the desk asked Ethan which sport he wanted to do. He promptly answered- T-Ball. THEN Isaac piped in and announced that HE would be playing SOCCER!! I explained to Isaac that he was to too little for soccer, but maybe next year. He shouted "I! AM! NOT! TOO! LITTLE!! WATCH!!" Then he ran to the other end of the office, RAN really FAST (well as fast as his little legs would go) and KICKED an imaginary ball! THEN, he did some sort of Karate moves and FELL flat on his BUM!! Of course, he started crying, and came to mommy for comfort. When I picked him up, he said to me. "I am too little for soccer." And that was that!
Now, I am off to Wal-Mart to find a glove, shoes, pants, and a T-Ball set to practice with! Thus starts my journey as a mother of BOYS!!!
Ethan is VERY sensitive and analytical. He thinks EVERYTHING through, and would MUCH rather build things with Legos and play with his trains than go outside and play ANYTHING. Jeff and I decided that Ethan needed to learn to be a "team player." He is so bossy and independent that we thought it would be good for him to play a TEAM sport. Thus, accomplishing a few things 1) He learns to be a team player 2) He makes friends that are his own age 3) He "toughins" up a little. So, yesterday, I spent some time explaining to Ethan that he was going to HAVE to play a sport. I gave him the option of T-Ball or Soccer. After watching a couple of youtube videos on both sports, Ethan decides that he will choose T-Ball. WHY???? Well, in Soccer, YOU have to HIT the ball with your HEAD. In T-Ball, you get to wear a helmet so that the BALL doesn't HIT you in the HEAD!!! Well.....at least he thought it through.
On our way to register today, I kept asking Ethan if this was his "Final Answer." After reassuring me that he was now excited for T-Ball, I accepted and walked into the registration office. The nice lady at the desk asked Ethan which sport he wanted to do. He promptly answered- T-Ball. THEN Isaac piped in and announced that HE would be playing SOCCER!! I explained to Isaac that he was to too little for soccer, but maybe next year. He shouted "I! AM! NOT! TOO! LITTLE!! WATCH!!" Then he ran to the other end of the office, RAN really FAST (well as fast as his little legs would go) and KICKED an imaginary ball! THEN, he did some sort of Karate moves and FELL flat on his BUM!! Of course, he started crying, and came to mommy for comfort. When I picked him up, he said to me. "I am too little for soccer." And that was that!
Now, I am off to Wal-Mart to find a glove, shoes, pants, and a T-Ball set to practice with! Thus starts my journey as a mother of BOYS!!!
Friday, March 26, 2010
For Tiff!
I promised that I would post something today.
Here is my problem. I have NOTHING to write about! I could write all day on my other blog. But I just feel like I would rather be spending the time with my kids than writing about them. Keep in mind that I am saying this as I look into the kitchen and see Isaac with his cereal bowl on his head screaming "ALL ABOARD!"
Here is the Irvine Family Update....
Jeff is STILL looking for a job as a Certified Flight Instructor. His goal? Gain more hours by teaching so that he doesn't have to PAY for them, get a BETTER job flying for a BIGGER airline, and work his way up the seniority ladder! In the meantime, he does scenic tours around the Salt Lake Valley.
I just closed "The Wedding Singer" at Layton High where I was the Musical Director. Over the past year, I have found a new passion for eating whole, healthy food, and jogging. I am not very good at either one- YET, but I am getting better and learning SO MUCH! For my birthday, Jeff got me an organic gardening book. I can't get enough of it. I am SO excited to plant our garden this year. A lot of what it says we already do, but it gave us some great ideas! You can read about my jogging adventures on my other blog. www.marathoncindy.blogspot.com- or something like that. In the meantime, I am also currently working on my Genie skills. I am trying to get to the point where cross my arms, and blink my eyes and my house is clean.....hasn't happened yet.....YET!
Ethan is 5. He is a bossy, but good older brother. He protects Isaac, and helps him with EVERYTHING. Even if that includes helping him climb on top of the bunk bed so that he can jump off with is Batman mask and cape yelling "I can FLY!" Ethan is VERY smart. In fact, last night, he explained the water cycle to me. He figured out all on his own that the water "steams" up into the sky, where the clouds hold it until they get full, then it rains or snows, and fills up our lakes and rivers, then, they take the water to the ocean- :-) He says funny things like "Oh, I'm sorry I interrupted you mom, you were saying?" and "As a matter of fact..." He keeps us laughing and I can't wait to see what he tells us next! Ethan LOVES Batman and trains. He can tell you everything about both!
Isaac wants to be grown up SO BAD! He thinks that he can do EVERYTHING that Ethan can do- and then some. He is constantly trying to show us how tough he is. He loves batman and trains because his older brother does. He jumps, runs, climbs, and throws! He is also the one that tests the limits. This morning, he pinched me. I pinched him back and told him that I would do it harder if he kept trying to pinch me. I also informed him that a "time out" would soon follow. With no trace of tears, he looked me right in the eyes, and slowly brought out his thumb and forefinger to pinch again. I said "no"....he backed off- a little. Then started up again...I said "NO" .....he backed off again. Finally, the third attempt. I showed him MY thumb and forefinger and said " Go ahead- pinch me. See what happens." He backed off and found a toy to play with. EVERYDAY is a constant struggle of authority. And, I am sorry to say, that there are days that he wins!
We are house-sitting for Jeff's parents while the serve there SECOND mission. It really is a blessing to be here, but I must admit that I REALLY want my own home. I think I want Jeff to get that job more than HE wants the job!
To Tiffany- I always keep my promises! I will try to get better at this. I just have to think of things to post!
Here is my problem. I have NOTHING to write about! I could write all day on my other blog. But I just feel like I would rather be spending the time with my kids than writing about them. Keep in mind that I am saying this as I look into the kitchen and see Isaac with his cereal bowl on his head screaming "ALL ABOARD!"
Here is the Irvine Family Update....
Jeff is STILL looking for a job as a Certified Flight Instructor. His goal? Gain more hours by teaching so that he doesn't have to PAY for them, get a BETTER job flying for a BIGGER airline, and work his way up the seniority ladder! In the meantime, he does scenic tours around the Salt Lake Valley.
I just closed "The Wedding Singer" at Layton High where I was the Musical Director. Over the past year, I have found a new passion for eating whole, healthy food, and jogging. I am not very good at either one- YET, but I am getting better and learning SO MUCH! For my birthday, Jeff got me an organic gardening book. I can't get enough of it. I am SO excited to plant our garden this year. A lot of what it says we already do, but it gave us some great ideas! You can read about my jogging adventures on my other blog. www.marathoncindy.blogspot.com- or something like that. In the meantime, I am also currently working on my Genie skills. I am trying to get to the point where cross my arms, and blink my eyes and my house is clean.....hasn't happened yet.....YET!
Ethan is 5. He is a bossy, but good older brother. He protects Isaac, and helps him with EVERYTHING. Even if that includes helping him climb on top of the bunk bed so that he can jump off with is Batman mask and cape yelling "I can FLY!" Ethan is VERY smart. In fact, last night, he explained the water cycle to me. He figured out all on his own that the water "steams" up into the sky, where the clouds hold it until they get full, then it rains or snows, and fills up our lakes and rivers, then, they take the water to the ocean- :-) He says funny things like "Oh, I'm sorry I interrupted you mom, you were saying?" and "As a matter of fact..." He keeps us laughing and I can't wait to see what he tells us next! Ethan LOVES Batman and trains. He can tell you everything about both!
Isaac wants to be grown up SO BAD! He thinks that he can do EVERYTHING that Ethan can do- and then some. He is constantly trying to show us how tough he is. He loves batman and trains because his older brother does. He jumps, runs, climbs, and throws! He is also the one that tests the limits. This morning, he pinched me. I pinched him back and told him that I would do it harder if he kept trying to pinch me. I also informed him that a "time out" would soon follow. With no trace of tears, he looked me right in the eyes, and slowly brought out his thumb and forefinger to pinch again. I said "no"....he backed off- a little. Then started up again...I said "NO" .....he backed off again. Finally, the third attempt. I showed him MY thumb and forefinger and said " Go ahead- pinch me. See what happens." He backed off and found a toy to play with. EVERYDAY is a constant struggle of authority. And, I am sorry to say, that there are days that he wins!
We are house-sitting for Jeff's parents while the serve there SECOND mission. It really is a blessing to be here, but I must admit that I REALLY want my own home. I think I want Jeff to get that job more than HE wants the job!
To Tiffany- I always keep my promises! I will try to get better at this. I just have to think of things to post!
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