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!

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!!!

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!

Living my Life

My father is just how you imagine "fathers" to be. He takes care of his family, calls his kids every so often to check up on us, and still lectures us- even when we don't want to hear it. He is a father by every sense of the word. When we are together, he pulls the "dad" card. He hugs, laughs, teases, and LOVES us. He works hard, worries about the economy, and volunteers his time in the community. I would say that for the most part, he is very happy and complete.

But every year, for his birthday, he rents a Harley for the weekend and just drives. He loves it. I suppose some would call it "mid-life crisis" but as we celebrated another year with him, I realized that this is a chance for my dad to be "free." For one weekend, he calls the shots. He drives in the mountains, acts as old as his spirit feels, and breathes. There are no sales calls, no demands, NO KIDS, and no responsibilities. It's just him, his girl, and his bike! He is living life!!

As with everything in life, there are two parts to every story. The other part of this one, is my mother. My mom, works hard to earn the money that helps her and my dad maintain the lifestyle to which they have grown accustomed....or that is what I used to think. I have since come to realize, that my mom works so that she can play. Because of her, they will have extra money for retirement and possibly that "mission" that she wants to go on. They will have money for Disneyland and Disneyworld. They get to have fun. My mom- never worries about things that she has no control over. She worries about the things that are here right now. My moms day can completely change with a phone call from a child or friend. She is a caring mother and wife, and plays "therapist" very well. She is doting Omi and mother. And is loved by most everyone that meets her. She find solice in the ocean and rythem of the waves. Her life is full and complete. I still think she is the happiest when she is holding tight to my dads waist, riding that Harley. A perfect setting for her would be riding the Harley on the beach by the ocean- she would do it in a heartbeat. Why? Because at that moment, both her and my dad would be living life. Her man would be happy, she would be happy, the roar of the bike and the smell of the ocean would make life feel complete.

When you put my parents together, you get interesting results....lets call them Julie, Cindy, and Paul.

Julie- I have learned a lot by watching my sister. Julie takes chances like she has nothing to lose. She is sometimes doing so much of what she wants that I wonder if she is too busy. She ALWAYS has some sort of project going on. She takes all of her "wants" and turns them into "needs." And somehow, it always works out for her. Her life is a life made for sharing. And she does. Her home (and pool) is open to any person, child, or animal that needs it. She has 4 kids, 2 dogs, 1 bird, 1 bunny, 5 chicken eggs ready to hatch, a pool, a large home, a minivan, a truck, and a wonderful husband. Her life is full and complete and she shares every second of it. She is happy.

Paul is a good mix between my parents. His life is full of laughter and for the most part, he glides through it. There are the occasional stress out modes- usually when he has deemed something as REALLY IMPORTANT. He doesn't waste time worrying about things he can't do anything about, but will spend time worrying about what he is going to do with the things he CAN do something about. He is very focused on his life and the things that are a part of it- namely, God, wife, child, work, play (the latest electronic phenomenon) . His focus brings him success and I believe happiness. I tease him about being self- absorbed, but for the most part- he has his priorities right where they need to be. Paul, like Julie, will decide that he NEEDS something and will obsess over it until he has figured out a way to get it. He is like me, where he will carefully plan it out and make sure that the decision is safe to make. Like dad, he will analyze the decision from every angle. Finally, like mom, he takes the leap. Paul is happiest when order is in his life. Himself, and those most important to him are safe and secure in the gospel, in their relationships, and therefore, in their lives.

I am similar to my dad. I worry- A LOT. I am ultra conservative in financial decisions, and actually in most of my decisions. I work hard, trying to please everyone. I am mother, wife, musical director (for free) and voice teacher! Still, watching my dad last night, I saw more than I expected and some things struck me. Six months ago or so, my dad told Jeff and I that we needed to relax and take more chances. I think that I "loosened" up a bit after that. However, last night, I realized that he is right. Jeff and I talked last night about taking chances, and living life. We are now going to ride our Harley, swim in the ocean, share our life with those that want to be a part of it, and focus on what is important.

When I die, I want to be in Heaven. Well, heaven won't be heaven without my family. First off, Jeff and I have committed ourselves to continue to live the gospel to its fullest. Next, we are committed to each other. We believe that if our eyes are both single to Gods glory, we will both be headed in the same direction. We decided to KNOW our boys. To spend time with them, and make sure that they know that they are loved by us and their Heavenly Father. We will surround ourselves with as much family and friends as we can, and last but not least, we will TAKE CHANCES for the chance to obtain those things that we desire most- which is to be complete and fulfilled physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Some of our endeavors may fail....some of our endeavors have already failed, but we are still here. We are still walking, and now we are going to live. No worries. No stress. No limits. Just love, work, and fun.

A life lived in fear is a life half lived. We get one life on earth and I am going to live it! Thanks Dad, Mom, Julie, and Paul. I now know why I chose this amazing family.

Magic is Everywhere!

Of the many things that I have learned from my children, it is that magic can be found in the craziest of places! Awhile ago, I was curling my hair when Ethan came running into the bathroom exclaiming that the garbage man had just picked up our garbage. "MOM! The garbage truck just came and it was shiny and blue and white! And it picked up our garbage and dumped it into its back! (Sigh) It was so magical!"

With this, I realized that magic can be found everywhere. So, I have been collecting my "magic" moments and am posting them for the world to see.


EASTER-
The Easter bunny hid eggs in our back yard this year. Now, I don't think it can get more magic than finding eggs in grass!!! Notice the look of surprise on the faces of these beautiful children! See......magic.


Next, I have always wondered how food can make it's way from a plate to a person and yet, NEVER make it inside the mouth.....must be magic.

We have told Ethan that he can go to Disneyland for his 5th birthday. Since his birthday is in October, this gives us a good 4-5 months of GREAT leverage. Ethan wanted to make his room like Disneyland to prepare himself for the experience. So we made a paper chain to countdown the days to "Disney Magic." We hung it up in his room and now every time he enters through the door he shouts...."Welcome to Disneyland!!!" It's magic for him, and excites him each night as we take a "link" off of our chain to become yet, one day closer!

Last, we decided to make cookies! As I walked into the kitchen, I found Ethan and Isaac peering through the oven door watching the cookie balls, turn into actual cookies! As much as this was magic for them, I realized that it was magic for me as well....see, they ACTUALLY turned out to be the most perfect cookies that I have ever made! Woo Hoo!!!

I am going to try and post more "magic moments" as they occur. It helps me to see the great things in my life.

Spring brings new life!

I have decided that I am setting a goal to change my life for the better. Don't get me wrong, my life does not stink-by any means. However, we are put here on the earth to constantly make ourselves better and more like our Heavenly Father. I have also heard that if you tell people about goals that you are making in your life, you are much more likely to achieve those goals. Here we go:

1- Physically. I have been doing Weight Watchers for over a year now. And, I have lost 35 lbs. Hooray for me! This seems to be working for me....when I do it. So, it is my new goal to "get back on the band wagon." Also, I find that when I look nice, I feel better about myself, and I eat less, and also get the urge to......yup, you guessed it....EXERCISE! My theory is that if I can do all of these things, I should be in pretty good shape for this summer.

2- Mentally. I have many "new" hobbies that I am going to do more of. I have spent most of my life singing and doing theatre. I love these "hobbies" however, I think I am ready to move on. So, I am taking a break from theatre this summer and I am replacing it with....
* Gardening
* Geneology
* Quilting
* and Creating the "Irvine Chronicles" which are sort of like scrap books that you create online, and then have them printed. I came up with this idea that I would like to go year by year and create a book of highlights for our family. That way, the boys can read them and watch our family grow.

Don't laugh by some of these ideas. I am actually quite good with all of these things! SO THERE! However, my other talents have been overshadowing these smaller talents. Now, those that know me may say "Cindy, you are not the quilting type" and to this I say- BAH! I am going to make myself a mother's quilt out of all of the baby blankets and baby clothes that I have left from the boys. See, a great idea that just needs a little follow-up.

3- Spiritually. I suppose that this one should have been first. So, let me make the statement now that these are in no particular order. My spiritual goal is to let my testimony of the Gospel shine through my example and spirit. I have a very strong testimony, and yet I am not sure that people know this about me. SO- they will now. From now on when you see me, you will be able to tell through my actions that I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

4- Emotionally. This one is a tender spot for me. Living with parents is very hard on a family. Jeff and I have been through some very tough times. I have perhaps spent too much of my time away from home instead of in the home. This Spring, is going to change all of that. I have a better attitude toward living with my in-laws. With times the way they are, I am very grateful to have a roof over our head at all. Also, I know that neither Jeff nor I are perfect people. We both have our downfalls. But one of the things that makes us perfect is that we fill each other's gaps. Where I am weak, he is strong and vice versa. I am set to be a better wife and mother. My boys complete me. They make me laugh every day- which I am sure adds more time to my life with them. We are not perfect individuals, but together we are perfect for each other. It is my goal to make sure that my small family knows that I love them and that they will ALWAYS come first.

Ok, so, those are my goals. I am certain that I can obtain them, but I might need help from my wonderful family and friends. That is where you come in. I NEED moral support. So, I would like to thank all of you in advance for that!

To my wonderful friends and family- I am so grateful for you! I love you all. And I promise to continue to become better every day so that I might be worthy of your love and friendship that I have aquired over the years.

Cindy

Ethan the Wise

I learn so much from my 4 year old! Every single day, he comes up with something new...over time, I will post some of the funny and yet, quite smart and insightful, things that he says. A while back, Ethan was sitting on Grand-pa's lap and I happen to overhear their conversation. It goes as follows:

G: Ethan if Heavenly Father gave us two eyes, and two ears, why do we only have one nose???

E: I THINK HEAVENLY FATHER JIPPED (sp) US!!!

The latest one just gets me...

Ethan, from the back seat of the car....: Mom, you have the BIGGEST little bum in the whole world! (Good thing I am doing Weight Watchers!)