Day 5

Hello! Did you have a great day? I sure hope so! I texted you a few times, and you sounded very busy!

Things here went well today! This morning the kids joined me in bed and we all cuddled for a bit. Harrison keeps trying to coach "Fina Enchilada" into saying his name before any other words. He can be found drilling her like this, "Say, Harrison! Now GO!" It was probably a coincidence, but today when Seraphina woke from her nap she cried out, "Maaaaa Maaaaa!!!!" it was totally adorable, coincidence or not, and I rushed in and was greeted with her happy gummy smile.

We had cinnamon rolls this morning. Gotta love those Udi's products! Yes, it was another lazy morning, and I loved it! I didn't get a picture of Carter with a cinnamon roll because he inhaled it!

 We finished schoolwork rather early today- the boys were desperate to play Wii. Funny thing though, after they finished school they ended up running around outside, and didn't get to the Wii until just before dinner time! Hahaha! They stayed out for a fairly good length of time, and got so muddy! The snow is melting so everything is looking icky.

Your dad spent most of the day here - he completely replaced the garage door mechanism, and then tried again to work on the light, and then did some odd-jobs that needed tending to (replace outdoor light bulb, smash ice on the walkway, etc). It was nice! The kids loved having him around, and checked on him often. They are such good "helpers" as you know (which means they steal your tools and run off).

I made barbecue pulled pork tonight. Your parents came over and had dinner (it was the least I could do for your dad, who slaved here all day!!!). The kids loved having them over! Tomorrow your mom is going to come over for a bit and hang out. Harrison has big plans for her. Both of the kids asked me if they could do school early and then play Wii with grandma tomorrow, lol! Your poor mom!

The kitties got fed today, and they got the fatty and ugly parts from the pulled pork. So, they are happy fat kitties. The door to the garage was open for a lot of the day so your dad could have some more light, and the kitties enjoyed being in the garage. Only one cat managed to sneak into the house, can you guess who? That's right- Keyten!

I am probably going to town tomorrow as well. We need to offload some of these library books and get new ones (did you see how well we are doing, by the tracker on the side of the page???) and I need to pick up parchment paper and (at Carter's request) more olives.

Today was the first day that it really hurt to have you gone. I cried for a few moments when some sappy love song came on the radio. I miss you a lot. Tonight, the boys both prayed for you, and I teared up then too. Harrison cried. Skype is nice, hopefully you will be able to do it again tomorrow. Tomorrow's scriptures will be 1 Nephi 17: 48-52.

Going to get on cleaning up now. It is already 8! The hours pass quickly, don't they?

As I type this, this is what Carter is up to:

We love you, and miss you so much. Thank you for working so hard for all of us. We look forward to being together again soon!

Day 4

Today was a big day for you! Today was your very first official day at work! How exciting for you!

My day started somewhere in the middle of the night. Little Fina just didn't want to sleep. It got to the point of being comical- so I finally gave in, and the first time I let her get out of bed and join me in the living room. She watched me fold laundry. Later in the night, I turned the light on, and snapped a few pictures of her. FUNNY girl. I am thankful that I ended up passing out so early the night before, because she was up a great deal.

Yup. That's her. In the first picture she was thrilled to be awake. She thought it was the best thing EVER! In the last picture she is unhappy that I will not let her get out of bed. You can practically see her thinking, "It's okay... I will just cuddle with my only friend..." So sad! 

Breakfast! We were lazy and had Honey Nut Chex with coconut milk. Too tired to cook breakfast!

You took this picture of you in your new coat. Hey good lookin'!

 

The kids heard your dad in the garage, and went out to "help" him!

I made chicken soup today, here is the chicken stock I simmered.

Your dad and Uncle Mark came over to look at the light outside.

 Carter read Harrison a book.

 Seraphina loves her playgym!

 For phonics we reviewed the digraph "oo" by watching a "Between the Lions" episode.

The boys took about a dozen things out of the machine shed and built a new Batcave.

The day went really well. Better than I could have hoped! The kids did all their schoolwork today (admittedly we finished math at 6pm, but all that matters is that we finished, right?) and I printed and read my class syllabi and finished the only two assignments that were due for the week. I ordered my textbooks. The kids fed the kitties. I did some laundry. We got our books read for our 1,500 book challenge. We played with Seraphina. The kids played outside. The kids had showers. Everyone had at least three meals, and full tummies. Amelie was fed and watered, and Blackie Gimmely's cage was tidied and stocked.

After dinner I asked the kids to pick up their toys and tidy their rooms. They did, and because they completed their tasks I allowed them to watch one of the Scooby-Doo movies my mom sent them. They love Scooby-Doo! The DVD had multiple episodes, so it kept them entertained until bedtime (by the time they had finished cleaning up, it was 6:15pm, so they watched 45 minutes of the DVD). While they did that I gave Fina her bath, and I nursed her and put her to bed. She went down happily, she wasn't used to being up so late!

The kids turned off their DVD without complaint, and went to bed. I had brushed their teeth before they had started the movie, so they didn't have an excuse to linger in the bathroom! I had given them their "Curious George Snack" right after dinner, so they didn't have an excuse to linger in the kitchen! I read them a chapter from the Mercy Watson book, and after they said their prayers they snuggled down and went to sleep. Carter only got up once to use the bathroom, and went right back to bed.

With everyone asleep, I turned on Delilah (I am not a huge fan, but she reminds me of Christmases with you, so it works) and I finished the dishes, cleaned the kitchen, tidied up the rest of the rooms quickly, and sat down. It was only about 8:30pm and I felt GREAT! What a productive day! And, I didn't feel overworked, I felt good! So, I decided to reward myself by streaming Downton Abbey season 3, episode 1, from the PBS website. I popped some popcorn, grabbed my water bottle, snuggled with a blanket, and watched the program! Fina woke at the end of the episode (good timing, baby!) and so I fed her, called you, and went to sleep. Excellent day!

I didn't get to talk to you much, or for very long. but it sounded like you had a great day. I hope you have another wonderful one today! Thanks for understanding about my delay in blogging. I needed to take some time for myself, and feel greatly refreshed for it!

Love you so much!

**Side note: I have been finding my white pipe cleaners twisted and all over the house. I was upset about it and lectured Harrison about asking me before getting into the craft supplies. He insisted it was not him, so I questioned Carter. Carter insisted it was not him either. Frustrated I put the pipe cleaners on another shelf and told the boys they were not to touch them! Later, I found Amelie, on the shelf, pulling pipe cleaners out of the bag, tossing them on the floor, stepping on them to make them bend, and then attacking them and playing with them. BAD KITTY!

Day 3

Last night I had allowed the boys to stay up a bit late... something I have learned I need to cut out... and when I finally got dishes done and sat down and posted pictures, Seraphina woke up. So, I ended up falling asleep right after I fed and comforted her. 11pm! Where did the day go?!

Little Fina had a hard night. She was up every three or so hours and would stay up for at least an hour each time. Not normal behavior for her, hope she is feeling alright! She had me up at 6:40, but I just couldn't manage to get out of bed. So, she and I cuddled and I dozed on and off until 7:30 when I heard the boys up. I knew I needed to get out of bed in order to get to Church on time, but I just couldn't do it. The boys actually came in the room and joined me in bed, and we all cuddled until 8. I sat there, cuddled in my bed, and thought about just staying home. Oh how tempting! But then, I quickly realized that I would be denying myself the blessings that come from being fully active at Church- the many blessings that come from partaking of the Sacrament, from hearing the beautiful testimonies, and from teaching the little ones. I got out of bed and started my day with a smile!

I got up, threw my hair in a bun, tossed a bit of makeup on, and got dressed. I fed the boys, the Fina, and myself. And we left for Church. The boys had picked their clothes out the night before, so dressing them was easy. We were late, yes, but we arrived! The boys were assigned to their new Primary teachers today- Carter is in my class!

After Church we visited your parents. The kids had fun! Seraphina is trying so hard to sit up, she sat up even further today than she did yesterday!

At your parents' house, Carter put on one of your ties (you had left one in the car, and Carter had stashed it) and insisted we address him as you. His impression of you is quite funny! I managed to get Carter, er... um... I mean, Kurt, to do a great deal of things around the house because, "That's what Daddy does!"

Thank you for Skyping with us so much today- it was neat to see you- and the boys really loved looking up and seeing you frequently. I know it will not get to happen often, so it was really awesome to do it today! Tomorrow morning, please let me know when you can sit down for scripture study with us. I would love you to be a part of that!

The boys had a really hard time today. I am not sure if it is missing you, or gluten contamination, or some combination of both- but they were just crazy out of sorts. I ended up putting them in bed with some books at 5:45 tonight- we all had a family meeting and they agreed they should probably be in bed. When it was 7pm their light went out... although I had forgotten their "midnight snacks" before bed, so of course they got out of bed for those, and then re-brushed teeth, etc etc. I feel like I am living that If You Give a Mouse a Cookie book! But now it is almost 8, and they are still in bed, and I am starting to feel the rest that typically accompanies a blissful Sabbath day!

I hope your first week at your new ward went well! I hope you feel rested and refreshed, and ready to tackle the day tomorrow!!!

I love you, miss you, and am excited for you! Have a GREAT GREAT GREAT day!

(Sorry for the lack of pictures today. I snapped the one at Church, and then was busy in Primary. We went to your parents' and your mom took a picture or two, and then we came home and skyped with you so there wasn't really a lot of time or opportunity for pictures. I will do better tomorrow!)

Day 2

My Dearest, Kurt-

It felt like sunrise came too quickly, despite my having gone to bed at a good hour. So, forgive the lack of text on today's journal. I will post pictures, they are much cuter!!!

Seraphina is trying so hard to sit up on her own! Look at her use those little abs!

I cut Carter's hair. He is itchy and annoyed I wanted a picture, lol!

3 babies!

 Seraphina grabbed a toy today!!!

Carter got a package- it was a Kindle from Grandma Joyce and Grandpa Russ! See Harrison's face? He wants one too!!! I told him I would get him one once he started reading chapter books like Carter 

=)

Loves to read!

 This display is still at the grocery store. The boys asked me to take this picture, lol! Grocery shopping, without your help, was finished in three hours. 
=(

 Tonight I let Seraphina try some rice cereal. She laughed at me and spit it all over the place. As you can see from her other picture, she enjoys sitting and thinking about you.

I have to go now. Fina just woke up and I am so exhausted, I know I will sleep once I feed her. Tomorrow I will write more- but not until after Church.

 I love love love you!

Day 1

Dear Kurt-

Even though I saw you 10 hours and 22 minutes ago (not that I am counting...) I miss you like crazy!

As you know, Seraphina decided to thwart your plans to leave quietly at 5am. (Seraphina outfit #1, right here, when she woke up!) No, no. She decided to wake up and coo (thus keeping yours truly from going back to bed) at 4am, so she had no chance of missing you. So even though you were supposed to be the first up, she beat you. She and I were showered and ready for the day when you got up (Seraphina outfit #2)! It was nice to see you off- and bittersweet to see you leaving, as we start our next adventure. (I am now ready for a nap, though... bet you are too!)

Just after you left, I had to call you... I wasn't going to talk about it on here, but you thought it was funny and would be a nice and embarrassing story for Fina's future husband, so- here goes: You pulled away and I went to change Fina's diaper. As I was switching diapers from under her, she jet-streamed pee all over herself. When I say all over, I mean ALL over: outfit, face, hair. She had JUST been showered! Ugh! So, she was rewashed. (Seraphina outfit #3)

The boys were up at 6:30, and dashed through the house to find you. I am not sure why, but they seemed under the impression that your "move" was an elaborate ruse on our part, just for their entertainment. I am not sure what that says about us as parents.... hm.... I am thankful for mobile phones, because they needed to hear your voice in order to calm down!

Breakfast, for you, was at McDonalds. Thanks for the picture, I liked knowing you ate (because you tend to forget...)! I, in return, sent you a picture of our breakfast: hot rice cereal (for Harrison, of course), banana pancakes, and hot cocoa.

Bonus points are awarded for me completing the dishes immediately after breakfast (you know they are my least favorite chore)!

This picture is Seraphina in outfit 3. It was changed less than 1 hour later, because she drooled so much it soaked to her little belly button!

(Side note- it took three separate sessions to blog that far ^^^ things are very busy!)

We did the kids' homeschool. Started pretty early today, and we were interrupted by deer that walked along the side of the house. By the time I took a pic (okay, okay, by the time I found my phone, and THEN remembered how to open the camera and take a pic) the deer were much farther, but I thought you would appreciate the view!

Okay, honesty time, I sorta failed at Harrison's school today. But, that said, Carter's was finished, so that has to count for something. I asked a few of my homeschooling friends (through text and online) about an issue I was having with Carter's math (mainly, the issue being I expect 100% every single time, and am reluctant to go forward if he gets 90%) and the responses were very helpful. I am going to get over the perfection and move on, as long as I feel like he "gets" it. (It was the first time in a long time I typed something on Facebook and then walked away without browsing other things too... so odd- just logged, typed, and left- it felt so strange! But I got over the feeling quickly, as I was needed by one of the kids for something.) Anyway, I talked to Harrison and he agreed to do schoolwork tomorrow. As a reward for being so flexible, I was flexible and allowed them to stay up an extra half hour and finish watching Batman. No, no... not the Christian Bale Batman, or even the Michael Keaton Batman- the Adam West Batman. Gotta love it! (Harrison had to wear a blue pajama shirt to bed, because he is Batman. Carter needed red, as he is Robin!)

Carter and I burned trash today. Carter carried all the garbage bags for me! He guarded the door too, so the kitties wouldn't come into the garage or the house. He was so helpful! If I thanked him he would smile and say, "I'm the man of the house!" When I asked if he was excited about being the man of the house, he smiled and said, "Yes! Now, I am the daddy! That means I get to stay up late and watch movies, and sleep in your bed!" HAHAA! Harrison had already cornered me and asked if he could sleep with me too! Thankfully I have the perfect solution of, "Sorry boys, I sleep with Seraphina!" And both boys seem to accept that as a valid answer without questioning me further.

Carter is not cold, although it appears he is in the picture. What he is actually doing is attempting to blow the barrel's smoke another direction. 

We went into town today. I was craving chicken soup, so I wanted to make some- but I needed a chicken! My phone flashed me an update of Keri, and I read her family is sick! So, I thought I would make a bit more soup and bring it over to them. Chicken and fresh veggies bought, roasted, and stewed! Harrison was angry because he wanted to stay and play with Keri's kids. I explained they are sick- he said, "They can just cover when they cough- I want to play with them!" Carter wasn't helpful as soon as he realized that they were the "Halloween Friends!" Funny boys!

Here was our dinner, hope you had dinner too, Mister! Actually, this was my dinner. Harrison and Carter just wanted roasted chicken with applesauce as a side. Harrison did end up eating a large bowl of soup a few hours later though.

Here we are, outfit 5... I put this one on her for you!

Your parents came by. Your mom held Seraphina while I finished up the soup (and rocked her while I drove it over to Keri's house! Oh, you will be so proud- I took those boxes of baby clothes over there too! They are officially out of the house, so they can be checked off the "Things we don't want to accidentally move!" list!) It was hard to leave Seraphina, even though I only drove a few miles down the street. I don't think I can do it again, I was sort of a mess the whole drive!

Your dad looked at the garage door, googled about it, and attempted to troubleshoot- but in the end couldn't get it to work. When I came inside the house your mom was rocking a happy baby, but soon Fina was super fussy (this was at 6:30 or so- you can imagine how exhausted she was!!!!). Your mom walked over to me and Seraphina put her tiny arms out and reached for me!!!! It was the sweetest thing, and melted my heart!

I won't lie, I am pretty sure some of Fina Colada's late-day fussiness was because she missed you. We both know who is her favorite! Carter was great and held her for me today, he even read her a book without me asking him! Harrison tries to help, but is a little too enthusiastic for Seraphina's taste, but he still tries!

Thanks for calling the kids at bedtime- they really loved hearing you read to them! It was really sweet of you to think ahead and take pictures of their book!

I miss you, I love you, and I hope you had a wonderful day!!!!

Dear Self...

Self-

You are about to undertake a new chapter in life! You are about to start an adventure! While all adventures have their exciting moments, they also have their trying times. So, here are some tips and tricks to make your journey more comfortable, happy, and stress-free:

Yourself:

There are things you must to for yourself every single day. Yes, it is important to wash the diapers, do the dishes, and complete schoolwork, but there are other things as well- things that tend to get pushed aside, neglected, or cut short when there is a lot going on. Like...

• Take a shower or bath, every single day, not necessarily to be clean, but to relax. 
• Take at least 10 minutes on your appearance each day, something as simple as tinted moisturizer and lip gloss can really boost your mood and make you feel more human.
• Read. Yes, you have 1,500 unique books to read for homeschool. Yes, you have over a thousand pages you will read for your semester at the U. But take the time to read something fun, something nice, something mindless- something just for you. Maybe try Twilight, Harry Potter, or the Wizard of Oz books. Whatever it is, keep it simple and fun- the goal is to unwind.
• Study your scriptures, every single day, multiple times per day. One of your goals is to read the entire Bible this year- you can do it! You also co-lead your Good Morning Girls group. You also teach Primary. Each of these things has brought you blessings, and will continue to bless you if you would just start and finish your day in God's word. ALLOW the peace to come!
• Make sure you are drinking enough, and eating healthy foods. Do not allow yourself to lose energy because of junk you don't want or need anyway.
• Move your body, every day. You are in a group for this- hold yourself accountable, and allow the group to help you. Start simply- and work your way up. Don't do it to lose weight, do it to relieve tension and stress, and make yourself stronger.
• Light a candle, play soothing music, and pray for peace in your home.
• Attend Church weekly, and go to as many events as possible.

For your Family:

• Skype with Kurt every day- be sure he sees every single child, every single day!
• Journal or blog every day, be sure to take pictures so Kurt can stay involved.
• Send Kurt care packages- he needs them!
• Attend playgroups, go out with friends, meet people- get out of the house.
• Go to the library at least 1x a week.
• Budget, and live within your means- remember: the sooner you hit your financial goal, the sooner you get to be with Kurt in Utah!
• Menu plan- and use freezer meals, crock-pot meals, and eat your leftovers!
• Play week 1 by ear, but then create a schedule, stick to it within reason.
• FLY with the FLYlady and never worry about housework. Have the kids do their share!

If things get hard:

• Take a walk. Change of scenery may do some good. Bonus points if there is sunshine!
• Take a nap. Sometimes rest can make all the difference!
• Call a friend. Many friends have offered a friendly ear!
• Write a letter. Maybe even draw a cartoon!
• Snuggle the babies! Invite all the kids to crowd into your bed and read, talk, or watch a movie.
• Declare the day a holiday. Take the whole day off, scrap the plans and do something else!
• Pack something (or reorganize), and think about happy things while you work!
• Look at pictures of Mexico and dream of your vacation- count down the days!
• Ask for help: call a friend, relative, or sitter to come help.
• Sign onto WoW/GroupMe/FB Messenger and chat briefly. 
• Bake something. Bonus points if you make enough to share with someone!
• Do some yoga. Take deep breaths. 
• Call your loving husband (after office hours, if at all possible), ask him for "Kurt Power!" and a pep talk.
• Open your "Blue Box" from your mom (Mom sent it for a day where you felt a little blue!).
• Give service to another person or another family- it helps keep things in perspective. 
• Take a day trip. (If things are really bad, plan a longer trip, and GO).
• Paint, draw, color, or build something. 
• Cry. Go to your room, shut your door, and cry. 
• Play with the kids. Stop whatever chore you are doing, get on the ground and build some Legos.
• Go onto Google and type in "funny cats" or "homeschooling cartoons" and browse images for a bit. Share them with the kids! (Panda Cheese commercials are always good for a laugh!)
• Go into Netflix's comedy section and watch something funny together!
• Listen to Dr. Laura, the 50's channel, or the 80's channel (because that one is Kurt's favorite!). Dance around together!
• Re-read your Christmas cards from friends. Show the kids the pictures. 
• Make some herbal tea, and cuddle up with a book for a bit. Alone time may be helpful.
• Play a game! Board game, video game, computer game- get the kids together and play!
• Go outside! **Briefly, if it is too cold for Fina.
• Take some time to read your favorite blog writers. Good Morning Girls, Women Living Well, Sally Clarkson, The Better Mom- read and remember your goals!

Pray. Always. Continually. PRAY. This is a brief moment in your life, and just an instant in eternity- yes, this will be difficult, but it will only make you stronger. Every time you feel sorry for yourself, think about the women who live like this daily, while their husbands are fighting overseas. Every time you feel out of touch, remember the Pioneers who would often be separated from their mission-serving husbands. You are so lucky. You are so lucky to be able to attend another semester at the University. You are so lucky to be able to stay home with your favorite little people on earth. You are so lucky to have a vacation scheduled, booked, and paid for to look forward to. You are so lucky to live in a beautiful, warm, and safe home- surrounded (literally!) by loving family members who care deeply about your family. You are so lucky for your husband to have a job. You are so lucky to be on your way back to Utah, where you wanted to be! YOU ARE SO LUCKY. Count those blessings. When you feel low, try one of the suggestions above. If you are still feeling low, try another. If you feel pretty down- STOP what you are doing and grab your scriptures and your journal. Read your scriptures (or listen to them on CD if necessary! or watch a Conference talk if even CDs will not work out!) and then WRITE. Write 100 ways you are blessed. Then write your feelings. Finish your journal entry by writing a prayer to Heavenly Father, write it so you can see it. Pour your heart out to Him. Allow His peace to come! If things do not look up, talk to your Bishop. THIS WILL BE OKAY! This will be MORE THAN OKAY- this will be WONDERFUL!

Enjoy this chapter of your life, because these days will never come back! Enjoy your family, they are the loves of your life! 

Get ready for your move, and always remember to "Grow where you're planted!"

**Any other suggestions are welcome!

New Year, New Job!

Remember that job interview that Kurt flew to? The one where he missed his flight, and a family he didn't know bought him another ticket? Well.....

HE GOT THE POSITION!

Kurt was offered the job!

He cannot release full details yet, but we are thrilled about it!

He is going to be moving back to Utah! Specifically, he will be living in Sandy! We will be here on the farm with the extended family (they literally surround us, kind of a neat feeling!) while he sets himself up and dives into his work.

Very thrilled, very happy, very blessed indeed!

(Yes, a picture of a happy dance was necessary!)

While I was in Uganda, I kept a journal for Kurt. Each day, sometimes multiple times per day, I would write to him. My goal is to do the same now, only with my blog. So, for the next however-many-days I will be trying to post to Kurt. My posts will be simple, mostly thoughts on the day, pictures of the kids, and sentiments of mushy-love to my husband- but I think it will be helpful, as it will aid me in expressing my feelings as well as be an easy way for him to see what we are up to while he is gone. I guess this is my way of warning blog-readers that the posts to come will be quite different than my usual posts.

While we hope to be together sooner but as of now April 1st is our whole family move date.

Pep-talks are appreciated! I am finishing my last full-time term at the University of Utah, homeschooling the boys, still nursing and caring for our little Seraphina, and will be missing my best friend like crazy! But, we know it is for the best!