I like the idea of New Year's resolutions. I love the opportunity of raising the bar and challenging myself to be a better person, always improving. I love the feeling of acheivement. In recent years, life seems to have taken over - shuffling my resolutions to the bottom of my priority list, getting buried in the back of my mind - only to induce guilt later for not having accomplished my goals. I'm starting to understand why so many people hate making resolutions. But it's tradition! - and, in my opinion, a very valuable one. So as 2009 looms before me only three days away, I find myself pondering on this last year. What a roller coaster it has been! I am drained in every possible way. I often feel like an emotional wreck, on the verge of a mental breakdown, and spiritually empty. At times, these feelings overwhelm me so that I feel like I am literally suffocating.
To become whole again, I feel like I need to give time to myself. I want desperately to feast in and study the scriptures, instead of the mundane flip it open and read a verse, or the occasional conference/ensign article. What would it be like to exercise without two small bodies literally hanging onto my legs? Or to shower every day; to have my legs shaved regularly; and hair, makeup, nails always in place? All I'm asking is for 3 hours a day to myself! Is that too much to ask for in a 24-hour day?! I used to think the solutions were easy: get up an hour or two earlier, utilize your infant/toddler's naps by having it at the same time every day, incorporate "quiet time" as they outgrow the napping phase, put them to bed at 7, develop your talents and hobbies ... all it takes is organization and self-discipline, right? If only it were that easy! Laci is an early-bird who wakes as soon as she hears the first noise of the day - whether it's at 4 or 6 am; Jacob is a night owl. Laci naps in the afternoon, Jacob naps sporadically, most often in the morning. He follows me like a shadow, wherever it may be around the house. He literally cries, not just when I leave to go somewhere, but the entire time I am away! The solutions are not simple, and I literally have no time to myself!
As I move forward into 2009, what goals do I set? - with two young children to raise, a husband to support, callings to magnify, people to meet, friends to make, family relationships to nurture, current friendships to maintain, a house to keep clean, meals to prepare, grocery shopping to do, date night to retain, one-on-one time with each child to set aside? ... the list is never-ending, even when I take myself out of the picture! There are never enough hours in the day, and I want three to myself?! um, yeah right!
So, all these thoughts were swimming in my mind this morning as I opened up Elder Perry's talk, Let Him Do It with Simplicity, from this last general conference. The following quote seemed to lift right off the page:
When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic. Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike, we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds: “The best is yet to be” (“Rabbi Ben Ezra,” in Charles W. Eliot, ed., The Harvard Classics, 50 vols. [1909–10], 42:1103). We can’t predict all the struggles and storms in life, not even the ones just around the next corner, but as persons of faith and hope, we know beyond the shadow of any doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come.
So, I still don't know what my New Year's resolutions are for 2009, and I don't know how I am going to ever accomplish everything I want to. But I have the peace of mind knowing that I am a person of faith and hope, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true ... so, why shouldn't I believe that the best is yet to come? - whether my legs are shaved or not!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
New Favorite Christmas Carol
So last night after I putting the kdis to bed and cleaning up the kitchen, Jason was still at work salting roads. He took over for a guy on vacation this week. It means working longer hours for Jason and single motherhood for me, but we are definitely glad for the extra money! Even though Jason has a job now, our budget has been really tight since we've been doubling up car payments and other expense from when he didn't have work, and hospital expenses from when we had Jacob, and the list seems to get longer and longer with two growing kids. Anyway, I won't bore you with my financial stresses.
After getting the kids to bed and a clean kitchen, I was really excited to have some time to myself. I turned on the TV, and as I was flipping through the channels, came across Faith Hill's Christmas concert. She sang a song that has become a new favorite of mine. I've added it to my playlist; you can go to the bottom and click on it to listen. It's called A Baby Changes Everything, and captures what Mary might have been feeling during her pregnancy and the birth of our Savior.
After getting the kids to bed and a clean kitchen, I was really excited to have some time to myself. I turned on the TV, and as I was flipping through the channels, came across Faith Hill's Christmas concert. She sang a song that has become a new favorite of mine. I've added it to my playlist; you can go to the bottom and click on it to listen. It's called A Baby Changes Everything, and captures what Mary might have been feeling during her pregnancy and the birth of our Savior.
Monday, December 22, 2008
SEVEN
... pancakes. Jacob ate 7 pancakes!
My first reaction: where does it all go in his tiny little body?
Then, that's my boy!
My first reaction: where does it all go in his tiny little body?
Then, that's my boy!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Calling all addresses!
Hi All -
I am so excited to actually send out Christmas cards this year! It's rather embarrassing that it's taken me so long to get organized enough to accomplish such a huge undertaking. But I'm going to swallow my pride for a minute, so that I can ask for your addresses.
Just email them to tiffinidenham@yahoo.com, and then watch your mailbox!
I am so excited to actually send out Christmas cards this year! It's rather embarrassing that it's taken me so long to get organized enough to accomplish such a huge undertaking. But I'm going to swallow my pride for a minute, so that I can ask for your addresses.
Just email them to tiffinidenham@yahoo.com, and then watch your mailbox!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Gratitude
Thank you for those of you who left comments on my blog. This mothering thing is hard, and sometimes I wonder where I went wrong! But it helps to know that my friends have days like that, too. Thank you, Stacey, for the spiritual quote. I'm going to look up his talk today.
So, today I turn 25. I have been DREADING this birthday. I'm not sure why. Maybe because it's halfway to 30? Or because I still feel 18 at heart? And, now I have to mark the "25-30" category when I fill out paperwork? I know, some of you are laughing hysterically because you passed this birthday years ago. And, sometimes I think I'm just being silly for getting myself worked up so much over it. I'll embrace it soon enough.
I'm definitely embracing my relaxing morning: Laci actually slept in past 5 am; in fact, it's almost 8 and she's still sleeping! Jacob played, instead of clinging, at my feet while I worked on my Christmas cards. Jason didn't have to go into work before 6:30 am. These are the perfect birthday gifts!
So, today I turn 25. I have been DREADING this birthday. I'm not sure why. Maybe because it's halfway to 30? Or because I still feel 18 at heart? And, now I have to mark the "25-30" category when I fill out paperwork? I know, some of you are laughing hysterically because you passed this birthday years ago. And, sometimes I think I'm just being silly for getting myself worked up so much over it. I'll embrace it soon enough.
I'm definitely embracing my relaxing morning: Laci actually slept in past 5 am; in fact, it's almost 8 and she's still sleeping! Jacob played, instead of clinging, at my feet while I worked on my Christmas cards. Jason didn't have to go into work before 6:30 am. These are the perfect birthday gifts!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Yesterday
Okay, so yesterday was extremely hectic as I was busily making cupcakes, frosting the cupcakes, cleaning the house, and making dinner for Jacob's birthday. Sure, he's only one, and he won't remember that the house was clean or what he had for dinner, but I wanted to get it all done early so I wouldn't feel rushed at the close of my day. I wanted to enjoy the evening without wishing the house was clean or feeling frazzled.
We had homemade salsa and guacamole with tostadas. We're big Mexican food fans, maybe living in Arizona has something to do with it? :) I managed to vacuum and mop. However, despite my best efforts, at the end of the day I was still frazzled.
Laci was on one all day yesterday! My independent, will-of-iron 3-year-old would not let up! I'm not exaggerating when I say she spent the majority of her day in her bedroom. Poor girl. (My neighbors were probably on the verge of calling CPS, because she does not stay in time-out quietly.) There was screaming and kicking of doors, wailing, and nashing of teeth! Sigh. Sometimes, I feel like I'm failing tremendously as a parent!
We had homemade salsa and guacamole with tostadas. We're big Mexican food fans, maybe living in Arizona has something to do with it? :) I managed to vacuum and mop. However, despite my best efforts, at the end of the day I was still frazzled.
Laci was on one all day yesterday! My independent, will-of-iron 3-year-old would not let up! I'm not exaggerating when I say she spent the majority of her day in her bedroom. Poor girl. (My neighbors were probably on the verge of calling CPS, because she does not stay in time-out quietly.) There was screaming and kicking of doors, wailing, and nashing of teeth! Sigh. Sometimes, I feel like I'm failing tremendously as a parent!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
1 year ago...
Jacob was born!
My sweet Jacob, you bring so much to our home. As I contemplate on this past year, I think how difficult your first months of life were, as you dealt with nearly 6 months of colic. It was hard to watch you struggle so much with the pain. Mommy was your only comfort then. Now, you chase Laci around the house, sometimes playing with her for hours. You've put up with a lot from that little girl! Yet, you never seemed to care much. Somehow you understood that "rough" is just how Laci is - and now, you welcome the rough and tumbles.
Daddy looked forward to your birth ... someone to play trucks with, take to a football game, and perhaps someday, watch your own. How he loves you!
Thank you for your warm smiles and tender hugs. As your mother, I marvel at your quiet strength. Your inner peace and quiet dignity fill the room as you enter. I feel so honored to be your mother, and I can't wait to see what wonderful things the Lord has in store for you.
Happy Birthday! We love you.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Speech Therapy
Well, Laci completed her first week in speech therapy. She has a tendency to leave out consonants at the end of most of her words. Sometimes she leaves them out in the middle of words, too. Needless to say, she can be very difficult to understand, even for me, since I usually serve as her translator.
So, after speaking with a nursery leader about whether or not she is ADD - which still needs to be determined - I had her evaluated by the school district. They examined various developmental skills along with her hearing (passed hearing with flying colors...whew!). She is still too young to be evaluated for ADD, which is best diagnosed around 5-6 years of age. Since I have siblings with ADD, and she is incredibly active, I had always planned on getting her evaluated when she started kindergarten. I knew she was struggling with pronounciation, and naively thought she would have to wait until she started school to see a speech therapist.
Well, after her evaluation we found out that Laci could attend speech therapy (free of cost!) because she was in the "severe" category. Okay, so some of this was hard to hear. As a mom you never want to hear that there is something wrong with your child. But, as a mom, I also have the responsibility to help my kids be as successful as possible ... no one else is going to do it for them!
And, she is doing great! We practice a word worksheet 2-3x a day, and of course, I give her a reward after each time she goes through it so she'll stay excited about practicing. It's only been one week, but I am thrilled to see Laci's progress!! (Maybe now I don't have to worry about my baby being made fun of when she does enter kindergarten.)
So, after speaking with a nursery leader about whether or not she is ADD - which still needs to be determined - I had her evaluated by the school district. They examined various developmental skills along with her hearing (passed hearing with flying colors...whew!). She is still too young to be evaluated for ADD, which is best diagnosed around 5-6 years of age. Since I have siblings with ADD, and she is incredibly active, I had always planned on getting her evaluated when she started kindergarten. I knew she was struggling with pronounciation, and naively thought she would have to wait until she started school to see a speech therapist.
Well, after her evaluation we found out that Laci could attend speech therapy (free of cost!) because she was in the "severe" category. Okay, so some of this was hard to hear. As a mom you never want to hear that there is something wrong with your child. But, as a mom, I also have the responsibility to help my kids be as successful as possible ... no one else is going to do it for them!
And, she is doing great! We practice a word worksheet 2-3x a day, and of course, I give her a reward after each time she goes through it so she'll stay excited about practicing. It's only been one week, but I am thrilled to see Laci's progress!! (Maybe now I don't have to worry about my baby being made fun of when she does enter kindergarten.)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Saturday Jobs
Laci is my doer. She never sits still, even to read a book! She squirms the entire time or wanders around looking for things to do as she listens. It's very annoying and frustrating to me in this situation, but for the most part, I admire her energy and capacity.
She is also very self-motivated. She was maybe 18 months when she first carried her folded clothes to her room after I finished doing the laundry. I've never had to ask her to take them to her room since! (yes, that was a jaw-dropping experience)
She is my adventurer! She LOVES experiencing and learning new things, regardless of what it is! So, even though she is only 3, I've assigned her some Saturday chores. Of course, it requires a lot of help from Mommy, but I'm impressed at how well she does without me! Here is her job list:
1. Wipe window sills in family room and kitchen with wet rag (I follow behind and dry)
2. Wipe down fireplace glass (she added this one herself!)
3. Straighten and vacuum playroom and bedroom (she does pretty well with the straightening, and I only require her to vacuum along the walls until she gets the hang of it...thankfully, we have a really light-weight vacuum)
4. Clean entry floor (since it's only a 3x3-foot tile area, it's a great size for teaching on! My cute girl, enjoyed it so much, she wanted to help me do the much larger kitchen tile ... Jacob wanted to join in, too!)
She is also very self-motivated. She was maybe 18 months when she first carried her folded clothes to her room after I finished doing the laundry. I've never had to ask her to take them to her room since! (yes, that was a jaw-dropping experience)
She is my adventurer! She LOVES experiencing and learning new things, regardless of what it is! So, even though she is only 3, I've assigned her some Saturday chores. Of course, it requires a lot of help from Mommy, but I'm impressed at how well she does without me! Here is her job list:
1. Wipe window sills in family room and kitchen with wet rag (I follow behind and dry)
2. Wipe down fireplace glass (she added this one herself!)
3. Straighten and vacuum playroom and bedroom (she does pretty well with the straightening, and I only require her to vacuum along the walls until she gets the hang of it...thankfully, we have a really light-weight vacuum)
4. Clean entry floor (since it's only a 3x3-foot tile area, it's a great size for teaching on! My cute girl, enjoyed it so much, she wanted to help me do the much larger kitchen tile ... Jacob wanted to join in, too!)
Laci is a wonderful big sister, and sets an amazing example for her younger brother!
We are proud of you Laci!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Broken Toe?
So, I still haven't figured out my picture situation. I need Jason around. He's far more tech savvy than I am! Pictures to come soon...
This morning, as I was hauling Laci off to her bedroom for time-out, she wiggled in front of me and my toe jammed into the back of her heel like a head-on collision. Of course, I was worried about her foot - especially because if it hurt anything like my toe did! - and yet, she wasn't phased in the least! Pain shot through my entire foot and up my leg! So, here I was hobbling along, pulling Laci beside me - as if it's not hard enough to "man-handle" her anymore - she is now half my height! Somehow, I managed to get her to her room, close the door, and back into the kitchen to look at my toe.
I refuse to go to the doctor and sit through xrays for a toe. What can he do that I can't do myself - besides the xrays? I'd rather buy a $2 toe-splint and take care of the problem myself. Is it broken? I may never know ... but I sure have a lovely bruise and fat toe!
This morning, as I was hauling Laci off to her bedroom for time-out, she wiggled in front of me and my toe jammed into the back of her heel like a head-on collision. Of course, I was worried about her foot - especially because if it hurt anything like my toe did! - and yet, she wasn't phased in the least! Pain shot through my entire foot and up my leg! So, here I was hobbling along, pulling Laci beside me - as if it's not hard enough to "man-handle" her anymore - she is now half my height! Somehow, I managed to get her to her room, close the door, and back into the kitchen to look at my toe.
I refuse to go to the doctor and sit through xrays for a toe. What can he do that I can't do myself - besides the xrays? I'd rather buy a $2 toe-splint and take care of the problem myself. Is it broken? I may never know ... but I sure have a lovely bruise and fat toe!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Frustrated
Okay, so I have more pictures to post on my blog. A few of them are sideways, and I can't figure out how to rotate them. Last time I posted pictures there was a link on my toolbar for that purpose, but now it's not there this time. I promise I didn't dream it up last time; is there another way to do it? Help!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Feeling Guilty
So, I had an eye-opening experience in my earlier post under "8 Things Jason Did For You Today So You Didn't Have To." I cracked a joke, implying that he does nothing to help me out. But, then I felt guilty all the rest of the day because: 1) am I really so oblivious to the little things? 2) how ungrateful I sound! 3) he really does a lot! So, here are some things he did yesterday so that I didn't have to:
1. went to work
2. took out the trash
3. called about car insurance
4. started the kids' bath water while I finished dishes
5. straightened our bedroom...
6. ...including making the bed (huge service to me! often our room comes last on my list)
7. read Laci and Jacob bedtime stories
8. turned off the light when we went to bed
1. went to work
2. took out the trash
3. called about car insurance
4. started the kids' bath water while I finished dishes
5. straightened our bedroom...
6. ...including making the bed (huge service to me! often our room comes last on my list)
7. read Laci and Jacob bedtime stories
8. turned off the light when we went to bed
Thursday, November 6, 2008
8 Things Tag
So, my cousin Sara tagged me... but I actually enjoy reading these because I always learn something new about my friends! So, please humour me...
8 TV Shows I Enjoy Watching (no specific order)
1. Prison Break
2. Law and Order
3. Lipstick Jungle
4. Today Show
5. What Not to Wear
6. Rachael Ray
I never regret watching her show; she's really creative with her recipes and has some great money-saving tips!
7. Dr. Oz on Oprah
8. HGTV
LOVE getting inexpensive, do-it-yourself decorating tips...although, I could save myself an hour in front of the TV and call Mariley for ideas instead :)
(Okay, that was a stretch...I really don't watch that much TV; most of these shows are hit and miss, except for Prison Break. We are die-hard loyal fans!)
8 Things That Happened Yesterday
1. woke up
2. family scriptures
3. straightened our rooms
4. Laci watched cartoons
5. checked blogs
6. ran errands
7. gave Laci and Jacob baths
8. personal scripture study
9. went to bed
8 Things I Am Looking Forward To
1. Thanksgiving in AZ
2. our families coming for Christmas
3. my birthday
4. Jason's Christmas bonus
5. having date night again
6. losing all my baby weight
7. crepes for dinner
8. soaking in a steaming bubble bath
8 Things Jason Did For Me So I Didn't Have To
Okay, that one is funny!
8 Things On My Wish List
Can I skip this one? There really are too many things to count after 6 months of unemployment. In order to stay happy, positive, and cheerful, I simply don't dwell on it!
8 People I Am Tagging
Stacey
Lara
Mariley
Audrey
Brooke
Alacey
Holly
Terin
Katie
Sarah
(Okay, that was 10)
:)
8 TV Shows I Enjoy Watching (no specific order)
1. Prison Break
2. Law and Order
3. Lipstick Jungle
4. Today Show
5. What Not to Wear
6. Rachael Ray
I never regret watching her show; she's really creative with her recipes and has some great money-saving tips!
7. Dr. Oz on Oprah
8. HGTV
LOVE getting inexpensive, do-it-yourself decorating tips...although, I could save myself an hour in front of the TV and call Mariley for ideas instead :)
(Okay, that was a stretch...I really don't watch that much TV; most of these shows are hit and miss, except for Prison Break. We are die-hard loyal fans!)
8 Things That Happened Yesterday
1. woke up
2. family scriptures
3. straightened our rooms
4. Laci watched cartoons
5. checked blogs
6. ran errands
7. gave Laci and Jacob baths
8. personal scripture study
9. went to bed
8 Things I Am Looking Forward To
1. Thanksgiving in AZ
2. our families coming for Christmas
3. my birthday
4. Jason's Christmas bonus
5. having date night again
6. losing all my baby weight
7. crepes for dinner
8. soaking in a steaming bubble bath
8 Things Jason Did For Me So I Didn't Have To
Okay, that one is funny!
8 Things On My Wish List
Can I skip this one? There really are too many things to count after 6 months of unemployment. In order to stay happy, positive, and cheerful, I simply don't dwell on it!
8 People I Am Tagging
Stacey
Lara
Mariley
Audrey
Brooke
Alacey
Holly
Terin
Katie
Sarah
(Okay, that was 10)
:)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Partners In Crime!
Jacob has crossed over to the dark side ...
So, I come out of the bathroom and things are way too quiet. Not only that, but Laci and Jacob are nowhere to be seen. Then I hear little sounds coming from the pantry. So, I apprehensively open the door because you know it can't be good. The two accomplices were covered in powdered and brown sugar, as if one just wasn't enough! And, of course, Jacob was eating it!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Cookie Monster!
Jacob doesn't just like food; he LOVES it. (Thank you! It's nice to get a repreive from Laci's picky eating habits!) These are a few pics of my little cookie monster...
i love cookies!!!
mmmm!
gone already?
do I have chocolate on my face?
i love cookies!!!
mmmm!
gone already?
do I have chocolate on my face?
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Are You Rude?
President Hinckley's encouragement "to stand a little taller, be a little kinder, be a little better, each of us, than we have been..." sticks out in my mind as I take this quiz:
Are You Rude?
1. Are you chronically late?
2. Have you ever typed an email while talking on the phone?
3. Have you ever interrupted a face-to-face conversation to take a non-urgent cell phone call?
4. Have you gone through a supermarket express lane for 10 items or less when you've had more than 10 items?
5. Have you let your dog relieve him/herself on your neighbor's lawn?
6. Have you ever stolen someone's parking spot?
7. Have you ever gossiped?
8. Have you ever taken someone else's food or drink from the office refrigerator?
Brigham Young:“… seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom"
Standing for Something: 10 Neglected Virtues that Will Heal our Hearts and Homes by Gordon B. Hinckley
Choosing Civility: The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct by P.M. Forni
Are You Rude?
1. Are you chronically late?
2. Have you ever typed an email while talking on the phone?
3. Have you ever interrupted a face-to-face conversation to take a non-urgent cell phone call?
4. Have you gone through a supermarket express lane for 10 items or less when you've had more than 10 items?
5. Have you let your dog relieve him/herself on your neighbor's lawn?
6. Have you ever stolen someone's parking spot?
7. Have you ever gossiped?
8. Have you ever taken someone else's food or drink from the office refrigerator?
Brigham Young:“… seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom"
Standing for Something: 10 Neglected Virtues that Will Heal our Hearts and Homes by Gordon B. Hinckley
Choosing Civility: The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct by P.M. Forni
Monday, October 13, 2008
Life, Faith, & Family Video
This was forwarded to me by email, and I thought it was so neat that I wanted to post it on my blog. (Just click on the picture to the right of this post.) Enjoy!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Salt Lake Temple
Today, Jason and I attended the temple sealing of Raul and Rosa Hernandez. Raul is one of Jason's crew members for Intermountain Plantings. The couple is from Puebla, Mexico. They have three children, but were only sealed to the youngest today because the other two are with their grandma in Mexico. Because of the expense, they couldn't afford to bring the entire family to the States for their sealing. Since their youngest is two, he lives here with his parents. When they go back down to Mexico, they will be sealed to their other two children. All these reasons were why Raul invited Jason and I to attend the ceremony. Even though it was all in Spanish, the spirit was strong ... and I think I bawled as much as Rosa did! :) I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a special experience in their lives.
First Snow!
Okay, so most people we've asked when to expect the snow have told us that the first snow usually comes the week of Halloween. Then snow doesn't start sticking until around Thanksgiving.
Imagine our surprise when we woke up this morning to the first snow fall ... on October 11th ... that's 3 weeks early! We all ran out onto our porch and watched it come down, all the while Laci is screaming, "Sled, sled, sled!" (That's all she remembers about snow from our visit to my grandma's house in Spanish Fork, UT this March.) We had to explain to her that there isn't enough snow to go sledding, yet. It wasn't enough to stick or anything, but tomorrow forecasters are predicting up to 6 inches!!!
We Arizonans aren't ready for this stark change in weather ... um, I cut up my only pair of jeans into shorts last winter when I was pregnant with Jacob! Looks like we're going to have to do some serious shopping, and soon!
Imagine our surprise when we woke up this morning to the first snow fall ... on October 11th ... that's 3 weeks early! We all ran out onto our porch and watched it come down, all the while Laci is screaming, "Sled, sled, sled!" (That's all she remembers about snow from our visit to my grandma's house in Spanish Fork, UT this March.) We had to explain to her that there isn't enough snow to go sledding, yet. It wasn't enough to stick or anything, but tomorrow forecasters are predicting up to 6 inches!!!
We Arizonans aren't ready for this stark change in weather ... um, I cut up my only pair of jeans into shorts last winter when I was pregnant with Jacob! Looks like we're going to have to do some serious shopping, and soon!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Trujillo, Peru
Jason had his mission reunion Friday night. Oh, it was so great to finally get faces to names - some actually looked the way I had pictured them! We swapped stories, sang songs in Spanish, and ate Peruvian food. President Jensen and his wife were wonderful!
Everyone brought their kids. Laci immediately became best friends with one sweet little girl. They hid under the food table ... with Jacob following close behind. Laci was officially the candy hoarder. You would have thought one of two things: 1) she's addicted to candy because we always give it to her, or 2) we never give her any candy, so she's taking every opportunity to get her fill. Neither, of course, are true.
We had a great night! It's making me look forward for the next one, and the possibility of serving our own missions together.
Everyone brought their kids. Laci immediately became best friends with one sweet little girl. They hid under the food table ... with Jacob following close behind. Laci was officially the candy hoarder. You would have thought one of two things: 1) she's addicted to candy because we always give it to her, or 2) we never give her any candy, so she's taking every opportunity to get her fill. Neither, of course, are true.
We had a great night! It's making me look forward for the next one, and the possibility of serving our own missions together.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Icing On The Cake
Just some background info, so this story will make sense.... When I was about 9 or 10 years old, a high school girl came to live at our house. She was a new convert to the Church, and needed somewhere to live. My parents had a couple of extra bedrooms in the basement, and offered her a place to stay. She stayed rent-free, and truly became a part of our family. I was barely 12 when she got married, but she wanted me to be one of her brides maids. Over the years, we've really only been able to see each other once or twice a year.
Well, at the beginning of the summer, she and her husband announced that they would be moving to Eagle Mountain, Utah. Since the name was unfamiliar to me, it kind of went in one ear and out the other. Then Jason mentioned the name after coming up for his first interview, and the light bulb in my head turned on, and I said, "I think that's where Scott and Jennie are moving to! Let's try to find a house there."
After moving into this house, I felt really lucky to at least be in the same city as Jennie. But, it's about the same size as Gilbert - maybe a little smaller - so she could still have been 20 or 30 minutes away. After we moved into our house, I called her up and told her where we lived; she said,
"Tif, we're right across the street! We're in the subdivision across from you!"
We're on the first street in our neighborhood, and they are on the first street in their neighborhood. I can literally walk there in less than 5 minutes! It has been so fun; we get together about once a week.
What are the odds?!
Well, at the beginning of the summer, she and her husband announced that they would be moving to Eagle Mountain, Utah. Since the name was unfamiliar to me, it kind of went in one ear and out the other. Then Jason mentioned the name after coming up for his first interview, and the light bulb in my head turned on, and I said, "I think that's where Scott and Jennie are moving to! Let's try to find a house there."
After moving into this house, I felt really lucky to at least be in the same city as Jennie. But, it's about the same size as Gilbert - maybe a little smaller - so she could still have been 20 or 30 minutes away. After we moved into our house, I called her up and told her where we lived; she said,
"Tif, we're right across the street! We're in the subdivision across from you!"
We're on the first street in our neighborhood, and they are on the first street in their neighborhood. I can literally walk there in less than 5 minutes! It has been so fun; we get together about once a week.
What are the odds?!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Homesick
Up until the last couple of weeks, I really haven't been homesick. Oddly enough, it's kind of felt like we've been on vacation. But now that we've been here long enough to settle in, I've been missing our families in Arizona. I used to go over to my parents' house once a week to teach my brothers piano. We would see Jason's family just about as often. Now with the holiday season quickly approaching, and trying to make plans without our families around, it has felt like pouring lemon juice in an open soar!
I've been really sad not being able to see my brothers. In fact, I left a message with my family on Saturday to let them know I would be calling Monday night, and to pick up the phone even though it is family home evening. It was so wonderful talking to my brothers, and hearing about their classes, sports, and music activities!
Then my Grandma Tew, who lives about 45 minutes away from us, came to visit us Tuesday afternoon. Were gas prices not so high, I'm sure our visits would be more often, but 45 minutes eats up quite a bit of gas! Laci especially loved seeing GG (short for "Grandma Great").
On Thursday, Laci, Jacob, and I went to play at Jennie's house. Because of our busy schedules, we hadn't gotten together for a few weeks. Her house always feels like home to me. Sure, she's a familiar face; but as second of 10, I think it's really the hustle and bustle of seven kids running around!
Also on Thursday, Grandma Solomon - Jason's grandma - came up to Salt Lake City for a missionary reunion. (She returned from her mission to Sidney, Australia in February.) We had such a wonderful evening with her.
And, today, I (Laci and Jacob, too) spent the entire afternoon with my two sisters, Heather and Ashlee! Heather drove down from BYU Idaho for the Conference weekend; she will be staying with GG. Ashlee lives in Springville with husband, Chase, and is attending BYU Provo; even though she lives so close, she's a busy student and newlywed (as of August!). So, as much as I would love to spend time with her, I understand she has a busy schedule and hubby that get first priority. You can imagine, though, my excitement getting to see them both in one afternoon! (Our fun would have been complete if my mom was with us...we'll all be together for Christmas.)
I've been really sad not being able to see my brothers. In fact, I left a message with my family on Saturday to let them know I would be calling Monday night, and to pick up the phone even though it is family home evening. It was so wonderful talking to my brothers, and hearing about their classes, sports, and music activities!
Then my Grandma Tew, who lives about 45 minutes away from us, came to visit us Tuesday afternoon. Were gas prices not so high, I'm sure our visits would be more often, but 45 minutes eats up quite a bit of gas! Laci especially loved seeing GG (short for "Grandma Great").
On Thursday, Laci, Jacob, and I went to play at Jennie's house. Because of our busy schedules, we hadn't gotten together for a few weeks. Her house always feels like home to me. Sure, she's a familiar face; but as second of 10, I think it's really the hustle and bustle of seven kids running around!
Also on Thursday, Grandma Solomon - Jason's grandma - came up to Salt Lake City for a missionary reunion. (She returned from her mission to Sidney, Australia in February.) We had such a wonderful evening with her.
And, today, I (Laci and Jacob, too) spent the entire afternoon with my two sisters, Heather and Ashlee! Heather drove down from BYU Idaho for the Conference weekend; she will be staying with GG. Ashlee lives in Springville with husband, Chase, and is attending BYU Provo; even though she lives so close, she's a busy student and newlywed (as of August!). So, as much as I would love to spend time with her, I understand she has a busy schedule and hubby that get first priority. You can imagine, though, my excitement getting to see them both in one afternoon! (Our fun would have been complete if my mom was with us...we'll all be together for Christmas.)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
We're in Utah!
So, now that we're a state away, I thought this would be a good time to join the blog world. It's quite an amazing story that brought us here, but one that I would never want to relive.
Anyone in the construction industry will tell you that there is a natural slump in work every year from the end of October till mid-February. The holiday season is probably the main factor. After four years of being in the business, we had the foresight to plan ahead with a budget and savings. In November of last year, Jason took on a partner who brought in concrete and painting in addition to Jason's stucco, landscape, and general contracting. We changed the company name to Denham-Jagger Construction. Jason and Dean split up the work: Jason ran the crews and checked the job sights while Dean bid upcoming jobs and took care of the books. With our fifth year in business coming up, we thought 2008 looked promising. Nothing prepared us, however, for the slow down in real estate. Add to that the immigration issues in Arizona, and work has almost come to a complete stand-still.
When we weren't awarded any work by the end of February, Jason started looking for a temporary part-time job around Casa Grande. By March, he was submitting resumes for full-time positions. Come June, Jason had submitted 800+ resumes and still no job (not to mention nearly $20 million in unawarded bids); we were feeling rather desperate. Another sickening blow came when 3 companies we had already done work for - and still owed us money -notified us that they were filing for bankruptcy.
Around this time, a friend of ours called Jason up and offered him employment in Utah. He wanted to start a new company there, and hire Jason as general contractor. After a priesthood blessing from his dad, Jason scheduled an interview for the following week. Jason's brother, Spencer, happened to be moving to Utah that same weekend, and offered Jason a ride. So, Saturday morning, bright and early, we met at my in-law's to see Jason and Spencer off. Um, to describe my feelings at this point: sick, hopeful, anxious, sick, desperate, and, yes, sick! Did I mention the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach? I watched Jason step into Spencer's truck with our last $100 in our pocket - to help pay for gas, hotel, and food - thinking, what are we going to do? Jason needs a way back to Arizona. By Monday, Jacob will need diapers, and I haven't been grocery shopping in almost four weeks! I felt like I was on the verge of breaking down. I asked my father-in-law for a blessing, and was comforted. Then the miracles started pouring...
Jason arrived for his interview. Since we've been around the block two or three times at starting a company, we know that profit doesn't come right away. So, he opted to find a job and work the general contracting business on the side until the profit started rolling. Our friend provided Jason with a couple numbers: one to a stucco company; the other to a landscaping company. Jason gave them both a call, and was offered a job with the stucco company over the phone to start as soon as we were able to move to Utah. He then scheduled an interivew with the landscaping company for two weeks ahead. Our friend also paid for Jason's flight home Tuesday night.
We found renters for our house in Arizona within the week.
Upon preparing to move, Jason reserved a 12x6-foot trailor. (We gave most of our furniture away to his cousin, since she would be getting married in August. Our dining table, hutch, dresser and night stands (family heirlooms), entertainment center, piano, fake plants, and more. Our $8 DI couch finally found its way to a dumpster. The piano was hard to let go; but it is extremely old, and it would have been ruined had we moved it so far a distance. Jason's cousin is a wonderful pianist, so it's heartwarming to know that the piano has found a good home. So, after getting rid of all that stuff, we thought, Sure, we can fit everything else into a 12x6-foot trailor. (Until we started packing...um, our whole years' supply would have filled the trailor!)
So, when Jason went to pick up the trailor, it had already been rented out. A disgruntled customer had come in the day before and demanded it; so of course, he got it. The rental company offered us a 17-foot truck for the same price of the trailor. (We're talking a $600 savings, folks!) When we loaded everything into that truck, you couldn't have slipped anything larger than a centimeter between our stuff and the door!
We packed our house in 1 week!
We left a couple of days before Jason's scheduled interview with the landscaping company, spent one night in a hotel on the way up, and another night in a hotel once we arrived in Utah. Between gas and the $50/night hotels, we were out of money the day Jason interviewed ... which meant we needed to find a house, so that we would have a place to sleep that night.
Jason went to the interview while I waited in the truck with the kids. Two hours later, Jason comes walking out of the building. The company wasn't hiring. However, due to his credentials, they wanted him to start on Saturday. Since it was Thursday, he asked if he could start Monday, so that we could move into our house over the weekend. (The house we still hadn't found!)
That afternoon we started driving around the Eagle Mountain area. When Jason had come up a week before, he had stayed at Spencer's friend's house, and really liked the area. So, prior to our move, we had looked on craigslist for rental homes in the area and had narrowed it down to three. We figured, from what was listed, we would be able to drive around and see a lot of rental signs up and pretty much choose a house we wanted. During our search, we recieved a phone call from Spencer. His friend - whose house he and Jason had stayed in the week before - would be moving to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks, and was willing to rent his house to us. Since he and his wife were away on vacation, we could move in that night. We could stay there rent-free until they could pack up their stuff. We moved all our stuff into their garage that afternoon.
We were given a job and a house all in the same day!
Our understanding has deepened in the Lord's promise: "ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" (Ether 12:7). Looking back, this is quite an amazing story. In the middle of it, we really didn't have time to think about what we were doing; we just knew we were putting one foot in front of the other. Now that all is said and done, we feel truly blessed.
Anyone in the construction industry will tell you that there is a natural slump in work every year from the end of October till mid-February. The holiday season is probably the main factor. After four years of being in the business, we had the foresight to plan ahead with a budget and savings. In November of last year, Jason took on a partner who brought in concrete and painting in addition to Jason's stucco, landscape, and general contracting. We changed the company name to Denham-Jagger Construction. Jason and Dean split up the work: Jason ran the crews and checked the job sights while Dean bid upcoming jobs and took care of the books. With our fifth year in business coming up, we thought 2008 looked promising. Nothing prepared us, however, for the slow down in real estate. Add to that the immigration issues in Arizona, and work has almost come to a complete stand-still.
When we weren't awarded any work by the end of February, Jason started looking for a temporary part-time job around Casa Grande. By March, he was submitting resumes for full-time positions. Come June, Jason had submitted 800+ resumes and still no job (not to mention nearly $20 million in unawarded bids); we were feeling rather desperate. Another sickening blow came when 3 companies we had already done work for - and still owed us money -notified us that they were filing for bankruptcy.
Around this time, a friend of ours called Jason up and offered him employment in Utah. He wanted to start a new company there, and hire Jason as general contractor. After a priesthood blessing from his dad, Jason scheduled an interview for the following week. Jason's brother, Spencer, happened to be moving to Utah that same weekend, and offered Jason a ride. So, Saturday morning, bright and early, we met at my in-law's to see Jason and Spencer off. Um, to describe my feelings at this point: sick, hopeful, anxious, sick, desperate, and, yes, sick! Did I mention the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach? I watched Jason step into Spencer's truck with our last $100 in our pocket - to help pay for gas, hotel, and food - thinking, what are we going to do? Jason needs a way back to Arizona. By Monday, Jacob will need diapers, and I haven't been grocery shopping in almost four weeks! I felt like I was on the verge of breaking down. I asked my father-in-law for a blessing, and was comforted. Then the miracles started pouring...
Jason arrived for his interview. Since we've been around the block two or three times at starting a company, we know that profit doesn't come right away. So, he opted to find a job and work the general contracting business on the side until the profit started rolling. Our friend provided Jason with a couple numbers: one to a stucco company; the other to a landscaping company. Jason gave them both a call, and was offered a job with the stucco company over the phone to start as soon as we were able to move to Utah. He then scheduled an interivew with the landscaping company for two weeks ahead. Our friend also paid for Jason's flight home Tuesday night.
We found renters for our house in Arizona within the week.
Upon preparing to move, Jason reserved a 12x6-foot trailor. (We gave most of our furniture away to his cousin, since she would be getting married in August. Our dining table, hutch, dresser and night stands (family heirlooms), entertainment center, piano, fake plants, and more. Our $8 DI couch finally found its way to a dumpster. The piano was hard to let go; but it is extremely old, and it would have been ruined had we moved it so far a distance. Jason's cousin is a wonderful pianist, so it's heartwarming to know that the piano has found a good home. So, after getting rid of all that stuff, we thought, Sure, we can fit everything else into a 12x6-foot trailor. (Until we started packing...um, our whole years' supply would have filled the trailor!)
So, when Jason went to pick up the trailor, it had already been rented out. A disgruntled customer had come in the day before and demanded it; so of course, he got it. The rental company offered us a 17-foot truck for the same price of the trailor. (We're talking a $600 savings, folks!) When we loaded everything into that truck, you couldn't have slipped anything larger than a centimeter between our stuff and the door!
We packed our house in 1 week!
We left a couple of days before Jason's scheduled interview with the landscaping company, spent one night in a hotel on the way up, and another night in a hotel once we arrived in Utah. Between gas and the $50/night hotels, we were out of money the day Jason interviewed ... which meant we needed to find a house, so that we would have a place to sleep that night.
Jason went to the interview while I waited in the truck with the kids. Two hours later, Jason comes walking out of the building. The company wasn't hiring. However, due to his credentials, they wanted him to start on Saturday. Since it was Thursday, he asked if he could start Monday, so that we could move into our house over the weekend. (The house we still hadn't found!)
That afternoon we started driving around the Eagle Mountain area. When Jason had come up a week before, he had stayed at Spencer's friend's house, and really liked the area. So, prior to our move, we had looked on craigslist for rental homes in the area and had narrowed it down to three. We figured, from what was listed, we would be able to drive around and see a lot of rental signs up and pretty much choose a house we wanted. During our search, we recieved a phone call from Spencer. His friend - whose house he and Jason had stayed in the week before - would be moving to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks, and was willing to rent his house to us. Since he and his wife were away on vacation, we could move in that night. We could stay there rent-free until they could pack up their stuff. We moved all our stuff into their garage that afternoon.
We were given a job and a house all in the same day!
Our understanding has deepened in the Lord's promise: "ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" (Ether 12:7). Looking back, this is quite an amazing story. In the middle of it, we really didn't have time to think about what we were doing; we just knew we were putting one foot in front of the other. Now that all is said and done, we feel truly blessed.
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