Just wanted to let everyone know that we made it safely and that we got the job! Our thanks to all those that helped see us off in Colorado and know that we miss you!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sierra Vista!
We arrived to Sierra Vista, AZ on Thursday afternoon. Alex found out on Friday morning that he did indeed get the job we moved down here for. What a relief! Since then, we have found a place to rent and have begun to unpack and get things settled in.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Apple Farm
Yesterday we took our second (and I guess last) annual trip to the Pick Your Own Apples Farm. Our good friends the Schroeders organized the trip this year and it was really fun spending the day with them. We had fun trying the different apples that were currently ripe and trying to hunt down some decent Gala apples, which were all of our favorite and yet mostly gone from the trees.
This was Banana Girl's first time (on foot that is) and I can't say she was too thrilled. She loved eating the apples, but the weeds that we were trudging through were often half as tall as she was. Doesn't make for a happy camper. Princess M had a great time, especially being with one of her best friends. They had a hard time not picking every apple that was within their reach.
The farm we chose to visit had great apples, but they were not doing hay/tractor rides this year, so afterwards we visited the neighboring farm, just to have a ride. The girls really loved it. It was a very full day, and I was glad to get home and sleep when it was all over.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Setec Astronomy...
For those of you who recognize the movie reference, doesn't it make you want to go watch the movie right now? For those who don't, "Sneakers" is a really fun movie from 1992 that's kinda like a mix between Mission Impossible and The Burbs. In looking up this quote, I found a whole website devoted to lines from this movie. There were a LOT of good one liners in that film; it made me smile to browse them.
Anyway, you may be wondering what I'm getting at here. "No More Secrets, Marty." We've been living with some big ones for quite some time now and it's time to let them all out of the bag:
First off: Alex is (almost for sure) getting a new job. He'll actually be doing exactly what he does now, except that we don't have to worry as much about his contract disappearing and taking his job with it (Always a concern with government contractors.) The job security itself is worth the change, but it should also really open up his future horizons as well. We're very excited about it. This secret has been driving the secrecy of all the others. We didn't want to say anything until we had a firm commitment just to be sure it was really for real; but that was supposed to happen a month ago, and now due to some technical glitches, it looks like it'll be another month until we have it, at which point I may only have a week to pack. So I say to heck with waiting, I'm going to start packing now and risk the slim chance that I'll have to unpack in a month (it's complicated). Not to mention that since they released me from my calling today, everyone has pretty much been guessing that we're moving, and the secret is pretty much out of the bag anyway now.
That leads me to our next secret: We're moving. The job requires us to move back to where his company is headquartered, in Sierra Vista, AZ. This is where we moved from when we came to the Springs, so it's not an unfamiliar location to us. That takes all the trepidation out of moving. We're very excited to see some of our old friends again that we left behind; but we're also very sad to leave behind all the friends we made in our 4 years here. A very bitter/sweet decision.
We've already given away our twin kitties to a new loving home. (They didn't take the trip well last time, I didn't want to put them through it again. and besides, the home we're moving into may not allow pets.) It was very sad to say goodbye to Artemis & Krinkle; especially for Princess M. They've been part of our family for her entire life. She cried for several days when I first broke the news to her, but by the time we gave them our last hugs, she was already looking forward to the day when we'll be able to go to the pound and pick out some new little kitten.
I've promised Princess M a going away party for her to say goodbye to all her friends before we go. She's very excited about it. She's actually been taking the news very well. She's sad about leaving her friends, but she believes us when we tell her she'll make new friends. She likes to wonder out loud about what will change when we "move to the desert." I think she's expecting to be living in an old western movie or something with cowboys and cacti.
And our last big secret: I'm pregnant. Due on my own birthday in fact. How cool would that be? No, we don't know if it's a boy or girl yet. I haven't even seen a midwife yet due to secrets 1 & 2. There have been a lot of things in life that have now been put off until we get to Sierra Vista; like visiting a mid-wife. Morning sickness has not been too bad; I shouldn't complain. I know so many who really get it bad. I'm just exhausted; ALL of the time. It's like that feeling you get after spending an entire afternoon in the sun running a garage sale or something. You don't feel like you worked very hard, but the sun just leached all your energy away and any desire you might have had to do anything afterwards. That's how I feel everyday, all day. Not so bad, considering I could be puking everyday; but for someone like me that thrives (I mean really thrives) on getting stuff done, it's really hard to not be able to bring myself to do anything. Packing is going to be loads of fun in this condition. I can't wait until this blows over.
You know, I just read recently that the 4 biggest general stressors in life are 1. Relationships 2. Finances, 3.Health, and 4. Careers. Let's see, how many of these are in upheaval for us right now: check, check, check, and check. So am I stressed? A little; probably more than I feel. Actually I think I'm still in shock. Ask me in a month, and I'll probably be out of my gourd. At least I can talk to people about it now. No more secrets...it's a relief.
Anyway, you may be wondering what I'm getting at here. "No More Secrets, Marty." We've been living with some big ones for quite some time now and it's time to let them all out of the bag:
First off: Alex is (almost for sure) getting a new job. He'll actually be doing exactly what he does now, except that we don't have to worry as much about his contract disappearing and taking his job with it (Always a concern with government contractors.) The job security itself is worth the change, but it should also really open up his future horizons as well. We're very excited about it. This secret has been driving the secrecy of all the others. We didn't want to say anything until we had a firm commitment just to be sure it was really for real; but that was supposed to happen a month ago, and now due to some technical glitches, it looks like it'll be another month until we have it, at which point I may only have a week to pack. So I say to heck with waiting, I'm going to start packing now and risk the slim chance that I'll have to unpack in a month (it's complicated). Not to mention that since they released me from my calling today, everyone has pretty much been guessing that we're moving, and the secret is pretty much out of the bag anyway now.
That leads me to our next secret: We're moving. The job requires us to move back to where his company is headquartered, in Sierra Vista, AZ. This is where we moved from when we came to the Springs, so it's not an unfamiliar location to us. That takes all the trepidation out of moving. We're very excited to see some of our old friends again that we left behind; but we're also very sad to leave behind all the friends we made in our 4 years here. A very bitter/sweet decision.
We've already given away our twin kitties to a new loving home. (They didn't take the trip well last time, I didn't want to put them through it again. and besides, the home we're moving into may not allow pets.) It was very sad to say goodbye to Artemis & Krinkle; especially for Princess M. They've been part of our family for her entire life. She cried for several days when I first broke the news to her, but by the time we gave them our last hugs, she was already looking forward to the day when we'll be able to go to the pound and pick out some new little kitten.
I've promised Princess M a going away party for her to say goodbye to all her friends before we go. She's very excited about it. She's actually been taking the news very well. She's sad about leaving her friends, but she believes us when we tell her she'll make new friends. She likes to wonder out loud about what will change when we "move to the desert." I think she's expecting to be living in an old western movie or something with cowboys and cacti.
And our last big secret: I'm pregnant. Due on my own birthday in fact. How cool would that be? No, we don't know if it's a boy or girl yet. I haven't even seen a midwife yet due to secrets 1 & 2. There have been a lot of things in life that have now been put off until we get to Sierra Vista; like visiting a mid-wife. Morning sickness has not been too bad; I shouldn't complain. I know so many who really get it bad. I'm just exhausted; ALL of the time. It's like that feeling you get after spending an entire afternoon in the sun running a garage sale or something. You don't feel like you worked very hard, but the sun just leached all your energy away and any desire you might have had to do anything afterwards. That's how I feel everyday, all day. Not so bad, considering I could be puking everyday; but for someone like me that thrives (I mean really thrives) on getting stuff done, it's really hard to not be able to bring myself to do anything. Packing is going to be loads of fun in this condition. I can't wait until this blows over.
You know, I just read recently that the 4 biggest general stressors in life are 1. Relationships 2. Finances, 3.Health, and 4. Careers. Let's see, how many of these are in upheaval for us right now: check, check, check, and check. So am I stressed? A little; probably more than I feel. Actually I think I'm still in shock. Ask me in a month, and I'll probably be out of my gourd. At least I can talk to people about it now. No more secrets...it's a relief.
Mexico
Well, We're back.
We just spent a little over a week at my Mother-in-law's home down in Mexico. It's a beautiful place just outside the small town of Chapala, which is a beautiful lakeside community up in the mountains not too far from Guadalajara. She bought this run down old, but beautifully architectured home and has been restoring and remodeling it for the past year or so. It's looking really nice too. She's finally to the point of landscaping the yard and putting on the finishing touches and it's very exciting to see all that she has done.
She also has a little motor bike that Alex has always loved driving, and the girls had a blast taking rides on. I do believe that was one of their favorite parts of the whole trip. We also took a day trip to Guadalajara and visited a lot of the street vendors there. So many fun crafts and talents, and native art. It was really fun to explore. Most everyone also took a day trip up into the mountains (to pay some taxes actually, but I understand the views were amazing.)
Other than that, it was just really nice to lay back, enjoy the removal from our daily grind, and have some time with the girl's Grandma Lynda. Banana Girl lovingly calls her "Pamba." We'll see if it sticks. She was a wonderful host, introduced us to some great local food, and even took me with her to her monthly Bunco game with a delightful group of other expat ladies that also live down there. It was really fun.
Our last day, we took a whirlwind trip to the beach to let Princess M get her feet wet a little before leaving. I wish we had taken both girls earlier in the week, but now we have some more ideas of things to do next time we come to visit. It was really sad to say goodbye. We're all going to miss Pamba and hope she will come to visit us before too long.
We just spent a little over a week at my Mother-in-law's home down in Mexico. It's a beautiful place just outside the small town of Chapala, which is a beautiful lakeside community up in the mountains not too far from Guadalajara. She bought this run down old, but beautifully architectured home and has been restoring and remodeling it for the past year or so. It's looking really nice too. She's finally to the point of landscaping the yard and putting on the finishing touches and it's very exciting to see all that she has done.
She also has a little motor bike that Alex has always loved driving, and the girls had a blast taking rides on. I do believe that was one of their favorite parts of the whole trip. We also took a day trip to Guadalajara and visited a lot of the street vendors there. So many fun crafts and talents, and native art. It was really fun to explore. Most everyone also took a day trip up into the mountains (to pay some taxes actually, but I understand the views were amazing.)
Other than that, it was just really nice to lay back, enjoy the removal from our daily grind, and have some time with the girl's Grandma Lynda. Banana Girl lovingly calls her "Pamba." We'll see if it sticks. She was a wonderful host, introduced us to some great local food, and even took me with her to her monthly Bunco game with a delightful group of other expat ladies that also live down there. It was really fun.
Our last day, we took a whirlwind trip to the beach to let Princess M get her feet wet a little before leaving. I wish we had taken both girls earlier in the week, but now we have some more ideas of things to do next time we come to visit. It was really sad to say goodbye. We're all going to miss Pamba and hope she will come to visit us before too long.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Grandparents in Town
My parents and Grandmother came to town for over a week. Which meant that all the family in town got together just about everyday to be with them. We had a great time chatting, playing games, going geocashing, bbqing, and just being together with everyone. Here are a few events we had cameras at:
Hiking in Garden of the Gods.
Ok, it was more of a casual stroll, but still fun for the kids and a picnic lunch at the end.
Cow Appreciation Day (July 9th) at Chick-fil-a
They gave you a free meal for every person that dressed up as a cow. We had fun making our costumes and then actually going out in public in them. Great food too!
Hiking in Garden of the Gods.
Ok, it was more of a casual stroll, but still fun for the kids and a picnic lunch at the end.
Cow Appreciation Day (July 9th) at Chick-fil-a
They gave you a free meal for every person that dressed up as a cow. We had fun making our costumes and then actually going out in public in them. Great food too!
Cake
A couple weeks back, I was asked to make a cake for one of my good friend's baby shower. It's been a long time since I really had fun with a cake, so I decided to pull out the old decorating kit and really go all out. With a jungle theme and a little surfing on the internet, I came up with some ideas that I got pretty excited about. I was very pleased with how it turned out; although it was a little bit fragile. Big hit at the shower though!
Here are some details if you care to browse:
Here are some details if you care to browse:
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Missed last week.
Because I was gone... having fun... with my daughter... in California. My nephew got baptized a week ago, and Princess M and I decided that it was the perfect opportunity to go see family, celebrate a baptism, and spend a day at Disneyland while we were so close.
Here's M with her airline ticket right before boarding the plane.
And here's a shot M took of the parade in Disneyland.
I let her take pics on the digital camera, while I used the Flip camcorder. I need some time to edit those, so I'll have to post them later. (Besides, I'm having trouble loading video to this blog; it may take a while.)
It was Princess M's first visit to Disneyland (I've been using the trip as obedience incentive for a long time now.) We went with my brother's family that lives there, who also happen to have a daughter just a little older than M (as well as older and younger siblings). We only had time for one day, so we only got single park tickets. I was so disappointed to find out that the restaurant where you can dine with the princesses was actually in California Adventure Park, not Disneyland. So we had a lot of fun, rode a lot of rides, saw a lot of really cool characters, played with cousins, but were not able to find a single princess all day long! Even the parade, that we went out of our way to get right up close to, was princessless. They had Mickey and friends, Alice in Wonderland, and Mary Poppins, but not a single tiara in sight. There was NO WAY we were traveling to Disneyland and not letting Princess M talk to a fellow princess.
Finally, at 7:30pm we discovered a small attraction nestled away up in the corner by Toon Town called the Princess Fantasy Fair. Upon entering, we realized we hit the jackpot. Rather than being a "ride" of sorts, it was more like a wedding reception. Only it was one princess after another in succession that you waited in line to stand by, talk to, and then take a picture with. M got to see her princesses at last! And just in time too. Not 5 minutes after we were done, all the princesses gathered up their skirts and left. The attraction had closed for the day. Thank Heaven we got there in time!
I'll try to get the video upload working. M's first ride on the teacups was a blast! She kept wanting to go back over and over. And yes, she LOVED It's a Small World! You know, it's not half bad either when you're with a 4 year old who is having a great time!
What I didn't enjoy was the price of food there. OUCH!!! Seriously?! $5.00 for a 1/4 cup of macaroni and cheese that is so bad even my 4 year old won't eat it! Come on! My father and brother arrived in town around dinner time and very graciously met us outside the park with Little Caesar's Pizza. What a lifesaver!
It really was a lot of fun, especially being with my family, and their knowledge of the park and how each of their kids went out of their way to help show my daughter a great time. They are totally awesome!
The baptism was wonderful! My nephew J is quite the special boy, just so full of love and energy. It was great to be with family too. I found out that apparently everyone in the family, but I, knew about my parent's call to the Palmyra Temple mission. I'm so excited for them! We may have to go to visit the Hill Cumorah Pageant next year.
Aside from a few tantrums, we really had a wonderful week, and it was sad when it came time to fly home. REALLY sad (did I already mention tantrums?) ;) Thank you Art and Julie for putting us up for the week. You have a wonderful family, and we can't wait to see you all again.
Here's M with her airline ticket right before boarding the plane.
And here's a shot M took of the parade in Disneyland.
I let her take pics on the digital camera, while I used the Flip camcorder. I need some time to edit those, so I'll have to post them later. (Besides, I'm having trouble loading video to this blog; it may take a while.)
It was Princess M's first visit to Disneyland (I've been using the trip as obedience incentive for a long time now.) We went with my brother's family that lives there, who also happen to have a daughter just a little older than M (as well as older and younger siblings). We only had time for one day, so we only got single park tickets. I was so disappointed to find out that the restaurant where you can dine with the princesses was actually in California Adventure Park, not Disneyland. So we had a lot of fun, rode a lot of rides, saw a lot of really cool characters, played with cousins, but were not able to find a single princess all day long! Even the parade, that we went out of our way to get right up close to, was princessless. They had Mickey and friends, Alice in Wonderland, and Mary Poppins, but not a single tiara in sight. There was NO WAY we were traveling to Disneyland and not letting Princess M talk to a fellow princess.
Finally, at 7:30pm we discovered a small attraction nestled away up in the corner by Toon Town called the Princess Fantasy Fair. Upon entering, we realized we hit the jackpot. Rather than being a "ride" of sorts, it was more like a wedding reception. Only it was one princess after another in succession that you waited in line to stand by, talk to, and then take a picture with. M got to see her princesses at last! And just in time too. Not 5 minutes after we were done, all the princesses gathered up their skirts and left. The attraction had closed for the day. Thank Heaven we got there in time!
I'll try to get the video upload working. M's first ride on the teacups was a blast! She kept wanting to go back over and over. And yes, she LOVED It's a Small World! You know, it's not half bad either when you're with a 4 year old who is having a great time!
What I didn't enjoy was the price of food there. OUCH!!! Seriously?! $5.00 for a 1/4 cup of macaroni and cheese that is so bad even my 4 year old won't eat it! Come on! My father and brother arrived in town around dinner time and very graciously met us outside the park with Little Caesar's Pizza. What a lifesaver!
It really was a lot of fun, especially being with my family, and their knowledge of the park and how each of their kids went out of their way to help show my daughter a great time. They are totally awesome!
The baptism was wonderful! My nephew J is quite the special boy, just so full of love and energy. It was great to be with family too. I found out that apparently everyone in the family, but I, knew about my parent's call to the Palmyra Temple mission. I'm so excited for them! We may have to go to visit the Hill Cumorah Pageant next year.
Aside from a few tantrums, we really had a wonderful week, and it was sad when it came time to fly home. REALLY sad (did I already mention tantrums?) ;) Thank you Art and Julie for putting us up for the week. You have a wonderful family, and we can't wait to see you all again.
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