Life Goes On...

As in, it's been way too long since I've updated this thing... Mainly because after Conan was unemployed, life got really tough and I just didn't know quite what to say! "Life sucks right now?" I don't even let my kids say that, so it's not really appropriate for me to say, right? On the plus side, my sister Renee' came to visit last month! She surprised me with a day's notice due to crazy communications issues. She had moved from Denmark, spent several weeks in Sardenia, then went on the Bulgaria, and stopped here in the USA on their way to Spain(their move to Mallorca)!!! Yep, it's right on the way... It was the BEST!!! The funny thing was, we were both being totally frugal by necessity, and were both really exhausted, so we mainly hung out with the kids and talked and laughed!!! We found out two major things while she was here- one, our landlords needed to move back into their house (in a few weeks...), and two, Conan got two job offers! The first one he accepted, as a systems engineer outside of Baltimore, MD, working on the UAV (unmanned air vehicle- Army), the second one came a week later, which he turned down, in Pittsburgh. That one would have required him to travel 80% of the year... No thanks... More money, but at too high a price. We are just so grateful that he didn't have to wait it out too long. Reading the news and about rising unemployment, I was preparing myself for the long haul... But praying and hoping for a short one! Tender mercies..

A few strange things happened, including a major change in moving plans (not by our choice) one week before we had to move... and my cute nephew coming to visit, out of complete necessity when he found out his passport was missing in D.C. right before leaving for the airport to go to Spain.. So, Conan picked him up, then back to D.C. a few days later to the passport office, all while we had basically 2 days to find a house to rent... It was CRAZY, INSANE!! The rental business is so completely weird and abnormal here, it's very difficult and time consuming to find anything worthwhile (meaning, not a rat hole!!!). What it came down to was that a family we didn't know very well, but heard about our plight, called us and offered to rent us their house that was empty and had been on the market since May. The downside; though only five miles north of our previous home, it was in a completely different school district and church ward... the kids were freaking out... Heck, I was freaking out!!! But NOTHING was panning out, so after much searching, unanswered phone messages, and constant prayers, etc., we made the decision to accept the offer. Then I spent the next 2 and a half days withdrawing the kids from the old schools and signing up for the 3 new ones... I had one day left to finish packing before we had to be out, then moving day, then one day later Conan started his new job!!! And, the kids started their new schools...and we celebrated Emma's 10th birthday!

So, here I am two weeks later... Meanwhile, Conan spent last week in Georgia at an Army base while I got really sick, dealt with several major meltdowns (I confess to one of my own...), unpacked the house, started chauffeuring kids to their various after school activities (guitar lessons, ice-skating, church youth, gymnastics), not to mention the before school early morning seminary class... Wow, I kind of feel like a super mom right now! I left out the part that I have had NO energy left for cooking, so way too many trips through the drive through... We all hate fast food now!!!! (except Christian who wanted to go to Mc D's after eating three bites of my beef strouganoff the other night- whatever!!!)

Life goes on... and on! I'm ready to get back to exercising, and doing some fun projects. I unpacked and decorated Emma's room for her birthday, now hot pink and black! I have a few pictures, which I have to find the camera to updoad! Somehow, we will all adjust and manage these crazy times.... A lot of praying on my part... And gluing on a happy face... and laughing when I feel like crying... Life is just like that right now. I am so thankful for the blessings, Heavenly Father's love, family hugs (near and far), and the energy to keep going.

American History!

So, I guess when you are unemployed and it's summertime, you go to all of the free sights nearby... For us that means AMERICAN HISTORY!!! It's really what I would prefer to do, but the kids have to grumble a little until we actually get there. (They are bemoaning the fact that we didn't escape to Hershey Park last month when we actually had a j0b...) Then, after the first 20 minutes they are completely into it and have a great time. Last Saturday we visited Fort McHenry in Baltimore, which was really great- we got to see (and HEAR) an 1800's cannon being fired! It is at the tip of the harbor, where the British tried unsuccessfully to take back America. (Part of the Battle of 1812). It is where Francis Scott Key watched the "bombs bursting in air" from a ship in the harbor and penned the "Star Spangled Banner." That flag was ginourmous (as Elizabeth would say)!

On Tuesday, we hopped in the car and drove over to Philadelphia to finally see that old city, with all of it's amazing history! The best experience by far, was the tour of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. What heroic men... It's inspiring. It's such a great city; we could have spent days there! We've decided that when the kids are grown and on their own, we'd love to live in the city somewhere for awhile (Conan picks New York). For now, we'll be content visiting! I finally had my passport picture taken... With Renee' and family in Europe, I don't have any excuses! They are moving to Spain from Denmark in the next few weeks. I miss them tons and can't wait too visit...

Did I Really Say That I Loved Summer???

How many weeks has it been since school's been out? It feels like about 6 months, but who's counting? The first problem was that I got a really awful cold/ flu thing at the end of the first official week... I actually lost my voice entirely for two days! I'm sure my kids were heartbroken... After sleeping in until 11:00 every morning for a week because I'd been up half the night coughing, everyone thought they could do whatever they wanted all day (meaning, no work, all play!). The second problem is that my sweet little fifteen year old boy has a "girlfriend"! That really just speaks for itself... The third and now most prevalent fiasco of the summer is that the Defense Department released it's program cuts on Friday and Conan's was one of them... Translation, yesterday was his last day at work. That is just a tad bit inconvenient...

So, no matter how prepared we are, life just has to shock us now and then or we'd be way too comfortable, right? For some reason, I see a pattern in our lives of humbling circumstances having to do with MOVING!!! It's actually not all that bad, really. I'm starting to get the moving fever when things get on a good schedule and we start making great friends. (Did I really say that?) Who knows, maybe we'll end up staying right here... WE SHALL SEE!!!

On a positive note, we had a great time on Saturday renting boats at the local lake! Conan and Christian got a canoe and the girls and I had a great time building up our leg muscles in a peddle boat! I didn't actually take the camera out on the lake, but I did get a few pics.

We're trying to decide if we should try to experience the July 4th festivities in Washington D.C. We'll definitely take the Metro if we venture down there! Anyway, what ever we decide, life has just gotten way more interesting and exciting!!!

Summer Is Here!

I welcome summer! I LOVE summer!!! The amazing thing about southern PA is that it isn't hot yet... It's been soooooo nice here! Our last day of school was Friday, so we had a celebratory marshmallow roast at our backyard fire pit! Yesterday, Elizabeth got to pack up and head to Girls' Camp at Camp Tuckahoe for the week. Driving in there reminded me of a Disney movie.. It's beautiful- a lake with canoes, a huge pool, in the middle of the woods! She was only concerned about the bugs... I'm sure she'll survive!!!

Last week Elizabeth and Emma made these funny alien cupcakes! They are so cute! They are the reason I messed up on my diet...!

Christian misses school already (the friend/social part...). NO WAY!!! He's now praying that we won't move again. I told him that all of the months of praying that we WILL move back west might cancel out the 3 weeks of praying to stay... hmmmm... who knows?

Conan is working on his resume- we'll see what happens!

I have a list about a mile long of all the places I want to go this summer... Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown settlement, Boston, New York, Philly, Baltimore Aquarium, Hershey Park... Next week I'm picking one and just GOING! I'm also getting our passport applications in- for sure! With a sister in Denmark (she just found out they may end up in Spain...), no excuses! We have missed them this year... Anyway, I'm ready for those lazy days with no schedules to follow, lunches to pack, and school projects to help finish... Ahhhhhhh! SUMMER!

Vacations and Returning

I know it's been a few weeks... We have had two great weekends in a row, so I better write about them! On memorial weekend we totally lucked out (more like a blessing) with renting the most beautiful vacation house possible in Bethany Beach, Delaware! After the grueling 5 and a half hour (usually only 3) drive down there (car accidents and D.C. traffic...), we pulled up to this gorgeous home that we had found online the day before!!! It was like walking into a dream!!! Some friends of ours have a beach house down there, too, so we hooked up with them and hung out at the beach, took walks, had BBQ's, swam in the pool, played games... all while the weather was a perfect 75 degrees and sunny! (It finally started raining the day we left...!) It was glorious!!! On the downside, our refrigerator went out while we were gone, but fortunately my mom was here house sitting and she was able to save some of the food, and keep our house from smelling like rotten garbage when we got home!

After unpacking for two days, then a day to pack again, I got to get on a train to New York City with my mom early Friday morning and hang out there for the weekend! She had a book convention, so I went for fun! We had the BEST time!!! It was so weird to be alone, not used to that, but nice to walk and walk around different parts of the city. Friday I walked around midtown Manhattan, where our hotel was and took pictures and shopped! Aside from spending a few hundred dollars in a matter of a few minutes... (well, maybe hours), it felt really good! I love people watching! Friday night we went to the top of the Empire State Building then ate a delicious, non kid friendly dinner at the rink restaurant outside, Rockefeller Plaza! The weather was beautiful! Saturday morning, I had time to myself again, so I went to lower Manhattan, SOHO, and walked up and down the cobblestone streets wandering in and out of some amazing home decor/design shops. I was definitely inspired... Wow, what amazing design. I wandered up into Washington Square park, listened to some great musicians, then took in all the STUFF for sale at the Saturday morning market just bordering the park. I was really just looking, when an extremely persistent Chinese woman grabbed me and told (ordered) me to be still while she gave me a minute shoulder massage... OKAAAAAY.... After that, I was history. I sat right into her chair and endured (how can that feel so good???) a ten minute, very intense- and much needed, may I add, massage!!! It was worth every dollar! My mom and I met back at the hotel to walk up to Broadway for "The Phantom of the Opera." It was kind of a last minute decision to look for tickets online, but somehow we ended up with 2 front row, center orchestra seats for way CHEAP!!! What an incredible show. The power of music always astounds me... We ate another non kid friendly dinner that was delicious, then walked up to Central Park and over to Lincoln Center. We had yummy desserts that probably canceled out our walking, then fell into our beds exhausted and happy! We went to church on Sunday morning and were both so touched by the music in Sacrament Meeting. A beautiful woman with an equally beautiful voice sang the most incredible arrangement of "Amazing Grace", accompanied by cello and piano, that I have ever heard. It really touched me to the core. After our church service, we visited Ground Zero, and the Episcapalian church standing across the street, which was pivitol in the relief efforts during the aftermath of 9/11. It was deeply touching as well, to read about the service and sacrifice of so many and see the exhibits there. It was so amazing to me to find out that that church is the oldest Colonial public building in New York, still standing (it still has George Washington's pew). We were so enthralled in the exhibits and feelings of that sacred place that we missed our train coming home. It was well worth the two hour wait in Penn station...

Upon arrival home, I was so overjoyed to be in the arms of my family again. As wonderful as the trip was, there's just no place like home!

Temple and teens!

I have a few minutes before the teenagers get home and monopolize the computer...!

We've had a great week so far! On Tuesday evening we drove down to Washington D.C. to the temple to do baptisms. We were able to take Elizabeth for the first time, and also our own family names. It started out as a test of patience for us because the youth group that they put us with never showed up at 6:30! So, after driving for an hour and a half, we sat in the baptistry and waited quietly for over an hour for the next group to come. Since the temple is the most peaceful place on earth, I didn't mind it much, but it was beginning to be a stretch for Elizabeth and Christian! So, after what seemed like forever, the other group came (they had driven over 4 hours on a school night) and we were able to be baptized for several family members on both my parent's sides. It was a beautiful experience. It really puts things into an eternal perspective.

Yesterday was Christian's fifteenth birthday, which seems quite impossible! We did the best we could to celebrate in the midst of youth activities and Conan having to stay at work late for a Pacific coast meeting... Christian got a guitar for his birthday and is anxious to learn how to play. Emma and Elizabeth decorated and were so happy for their brother! What sweet children we have. Now, if I survive teen-hood, it will probably be a miracle... Too bad it feels like I was just there a few years ago! Am I really equipped??? Oh well, there's no turning back now...

Marriage, money, and broken TV's...

So, it seems I have let a few weeks go by without saying anything... Last week Conan got to travel to northern CA for his job and I just couldn't think of what to say! That must mean that he inspires me! Actually, he does! He deserves a medal for loving me so much and for so long. I really hate it when he's gone, and not just because I can't sleep very well without him... I did put some chairs under the knobs of the outside doors (which a few teenagers in my life- I won't mention names, really had to make fun of...) and Maya, our dog came upstairs and slept next to my bed! I didn't even ask her to!

I've been pondering the milestones in my life- married for 17 years, which we recently celebrated at the beach in Delaware and Maryland, Elizabeth turning 12 in February, and now Christian, our first born, will be turning 15 next week!!! No way! Now I get it when "older" people say things like, "where has the time gone?" or "life just goes by too fast!" I don't really feel that old, some days I feel like I am still about 10... When those fears hit and I'm too scared to want to be the mom; the responsible adult setting the example. This past week I hit the library and ended up reading several books. I specifically felt drawn to the finance section and ended up with three books on getting out of debt and then one in the motivational section entitled something like "Sugar Addiction is Real"! I did manage to read the money books, but couldn't quite get past the second chapter of the sugar addict's self help one... No, it's not denial... The point is, I know where my weaknesses are and I'm really trying! REALLY!

Back to the milestones... the best thing is to look back and see how far I've come, how much I've really changed for the better. The absolute worst thing is to look back and see how much I haven't changed and how many years have gone by without realizing how much better I could be if I would have... Make sense??? ( Oh well, it's my blog so I can say anything I want to!)
The greatest thing of all is to see how amazingly blessed I am, how much our Father in Heaven has given to me. I don't always feel or show my gratitude, especially when I get whiny about things, but I really am overwhelmed with thanks for everything and everyone in my life. My life really is good and I'm making a huge effort to treat myself better (more exercise, less sugar, less spending, more laughing and hugging...).

Oh yeah, our ridiculously expensive 50" plasma TV broke last week (along with my camera which had broken the week before), so I had the satellite turned off... (HUGE!) so we're watching way less television now (as in NONE), which doesn't seem to be inflicting too much pain! Yesterday Elizabeth manufactured a treasure hunt for Emma to go on- how long has it been since that happened last??? Over the weekend we actually played games for hours (as in board games, remember those?). It's all good! Yep, I'm still grateful..