Healing properties

I am beginning to fully understand the healing properties of water. I have discovered that I drink way too much caffeine and that I really need to start cutting back. I have also discovered that on days when I don't have any, I get a little irritable and very tired easily. I guess you could safely say that I am addicted. I hate feeling like I have to have something, especially a substance of any kind. Realistically, I can quit, but part of me really doesn't want to... however, I am stronger than that! I will cut back drastically for sure. But I'm not sure I will eliminate it completely.

Additionally, I have discovered that I really enjoy drinking water. Days that I go without getting enough I feel... I don't know what the right word would be, but suffice it to say that I notice when I don't get enough. I have also discovered that I don't like the taste when it's out of a cup, but when it's in an Evian bottle... it's divine! =) I'm not sure what it is... maybe the psychology of thinking that it's actually Evian water even though I know it's just filtered from my tap... I don't know! But it's working out well for me! =)

SAHM (or Stay at Home Mom) =)

I read a blog recently that talked about the joys of being a stay at home mom and it got me thinking about the life that I lead. I am pretty happy with how things are right now. I enjoy the time that I get with Ender and how active and talkative he is becoming. It is so awesome to see the changes in him from day to day. I know that it's more difficult because I get to see him everyday and thus don't see the dramatic changes like so many others do. But I get to see the true changes, the discoveries, the epiphanies... the light bulbs =) It is so amazing to watch a child learn and grow.

So, thank you, MaryLynn for the inspiration and well placed ideals!

Writer's induced insomnia

I don't ordinarily blog about my sleeping habits, but last night was particularly difficult. I kept writing all of these different blogs in my head and was unable to clear my head long enough for my body to relax and go to sleep. I'm not sure what's going on... perhaps it was just the fact that it was the first night I had slept without ScottE in some time... or perhaps there is just so much stuff itching to get out of me into the blogosphere! =) Who knows... I guess I'll just have to retest the theory tonight.

I actually got to bed at a good time last night. I was in bed by 10:30 and had the lights out by 11. I was able to wash my face, brush my teeth, read my Scriptures and say my prayers, turn the light out by 11 and it still took me so much time to fall asleep. I chalked it up to perhaps too much caffeine throughout the day (I had a Red Bull and some Diet Mountain Dew because I had a BUNCH of stuff to do yesterday), but then I figured that it had been long enough since my last drop of caffeine that it shouldn't have affected me so much. Was I wrong?? I'm going to do some experimentation and see what helps. Perhaps if I had just taken the time to write out all of the ideas that were roaming around in my mind... I guess I'll try both approaches and see what shakes out. First I will try to not drink as much caffeine, and perhaps get up and write things out. Then I will try just getting up and not adjusting my caffeine intake. Wish me luck! =)

Weekends are tough... at least for blogging! =)

So, I have been way worse about this than I thought I would be. You would think that I could make a commitment for just 3 months, but I guess not! Part of why I don't blog on the weekends though, is because ScottE is gone so much during the week and when he's here we like to spend as much time together. Blogging isn't exactly interaction between the two of us! =) Either way, I will find some way to make it up!

What's been going on, you ask? Well, a lot and yet nothing at all! We got a new desk over the weekend and it is absolutely b-e-a-utiful. It's black and has a shelf for our printer/scanner and gives me more room that I really know what to do with! This is the first desk that we've gotten for a very specific purpose... for school and work orders. It's nice to have something so specific! It's going to take some time to get everything adjusted properly though... =)

I am planning to go out and see ScottE wherever he is working again this week. It's really nice to get that “ScottE - fix” in the middle of the week! I got so spoiled spending so much time with him last week that I don't think I could go a whole week again without seeing him...

Another class is down for me and it seems I still have so many more to go. I just finished a Foundations of Education course and will be beginning Childhood Development next block. I'm looking forward to it, but looking over the synopsis, it appears like it's going to be a lot of work; which is good and bad because a lot of my courses have been pretty easy so far.

In other news, I got my hair cut over the weekend too. I only wanted a bit of a trim, to clean up the ends and help it to grow longer and healthier. My stylist had slightly different plans and took off more than I really wanted her to. She took an inch off of the length and it feels like I'm back to where I was over a year ago. On the plus side, she cut off most of the blonde that I put in nearly 2 years ago! I'm still a little sad but I know it'll grow back... just like the grass... =) lol

I think that's all for now... I will do my best to write some tomorrow! :P

Post 23

It's only the second day of my promise to myself and this post is going to be one of those "today was pretty much the same as every other day" posts, although not entirely. Since we are still in Lancaster, we were able to go and spend some time with a family we hadn't seen in some time. They all got a major kick out of Ender (no surprise there!) and we had some fun. It was just an afternoon visit, but there's my day! =)

Until tomorrow! ;)

Here's to 100

I am sitting in a hotel room in Lancaster, and while I should be doing my final or perhaps processing work orders, instead, I am writing a blog. Last night as I lay in bed trying to get my brain to shut up long enough for my body to relax and fall into Wonderland, I had this aspiration of reaching 100 posts on this blog by the end of the year. A relatively lofty goal, seeing as I only have 21 now. However, after some calculations, I have realized that if I post something, even if it's just a picture or video, or little blurb saying that “today was just like every other day,” it's still something and it will get me there. So, here's to 100. Wish me luck!

There were so many other things rolling through my brain last night and I really wish that I could remember at least some of them... but alas, having children kills brain cells (it's true, my best friend told me so), and I have completely forgotten everything that I wanted to write about. Perhaps the added benefit of having the ability to blog on my phone will stint this phenomenon. But until that happens, or it's a night that ScottE is out of town, this will probably be a common note in my blog. =)

Life is going well. It's been a bit of a challenge all around to have ScottE gone a lot right now, but it is a sacrifice we knew we would be making when we moved to Springville. It is nice to be able to come and see him every once in a while though; even if it means living without some of our everyday amenities (won't be happening in the snow!).

Ender is doing phenomenally well with everything these days. He's eating so many new things but it's still a little difficult to find things that he can feed himself without making too much of a mess. He eats a LOT of macaroni and cheese! Hands down his favorite thing right now, next to bananas of course. One other thing that I forgot to mention earlier is that he says “dada” for please. It's so cute! I know that it's not actually “please,” but it's a heck of a lot better than him screaming or fussing for food!

Until tomorrow... we'll see how long I can keep this up =)

Nearly 14 months

For some time now, I've been wanting to write an update on just the antics of Ender. Yet, I find myself even procrastinating something so simple! I will (yet again) be making a better effort to record his life and that of those who will be joining our family in the future! (NOTE: this is NOT an announcement of any kind, just an acknowledgment that more children will be had in the future.)

So, what has Ender been up to?

1. He is FINALLY crawling and very much in the conventional sense of the word. I wish all of you could see him. He gets so excited when we put him on the floor and he gets to move on his own.
2. He is discovering his independence. He likes to crawl into the kitchen and see what he can get into. When I have to go to the bathroom, I usually let him know that I'm leaving, go ahead and do so, calling to him the whole time. Generally, by the time I'm done, he has found me and gets all proud of himself when he does so. It's pretty cute.
3. He loves to talk to Daddy on the phone. Unfortunately moving up here to Springville keeps ScottE away from home more so than before. We knew this would happen and is a sacrifice we are making for the time being. However, Ender gets so excited when I'm on the phone. Since it's usually Daddy, I will put it on speaker so Ender can not only hear Daddy, but can talk to him as well. I posted a video on Facebook, but you can see it here: 
    
4. He is eating all kinds of foods these days! I guess you could say that he's eating true “big boy foods!” He loves bananas (is he really mine? lol), scrambled eggs, hot dogs, grapes, stroganoff, spaghetti, peas and carrots, creamed corn, lunch meat... etc. He makes a pretty big mess partly because of what he eats and the fact that he refuses to let anyone feed him anymore (as shown below), but we are loving the learning experience! =)
   

   

   
   

   
5. He has FINALLY mastered a sippie-cup. He absolutely LOVES orange juice. We try to get him to drink at least some water, but it doesn't always work out that way. At least he is finally hydrating himself. We usually water the OJ down a little so that it's not totally concentrated, but that is pretty much the only thing he will drink!
6. He has so many teeth! I know for sure that he has 4, but I also know that more are coming in because it is growing increasingly difficult to brush his teeth at night.
7. He is saying a bunch of things:

• na-nana (banana)
• na night (to go to bed)
• momma
• dada (of course)

and making all kinds of other noises! His jabbering is so cute and I can't wait until some true words come through. He also can point at things to let us know what he wants. He will crawl across the room and point, usually at his juice, and scream or try some other way to get my attention. It's so cute, but I wish the screaming would stop. He really tries to mimic the sounds we make when we talk to him. Hopefully he'll find another way to communicate soon! =)

I think that's really all of his recent antics. I am so grateful to have the family near that we do, but I wish everyone was out here! The foliage is so beautiful right now... with so many colors it's unreal. The beauty created by our Heavenly Father is unmatched!

Chaos

Well, it's been far too long since I've written anything. I always forget how much I love writing, but with the move, things have been more than a little chaotic. Things are really starting to settle down now though. We are getting back into our routine and I'm really hoping this time around will include writing for me! =)

The house is really coming together a lot faster than any other place we have lived before. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we don't have everything here with us. We put a lot of things in storage so we have been able to just have the things that we need here at the house. It has made unpacking much easier... I think once I get the empty boxes out of here, things will really start moving along again. Unfortunately for Ender, things have been piling up in his room because it's the only room with any space...

Speaking of my little man =)... he is doing really well! He's been cutting all kinds of teeth lately but has be dealing with everything quite well. He sleeps a lot which has made Mommy's life much easier. He is becoming more and more mobile. He is almost crawling in the traditional sense of the word, but he also rolls around a lot. He is growing less content with just being on the floor, at least not when Mommy is in the room. He is becoming quite the Momma's boy! He eats so much these days and has started eating big boy food! =) He loves eggs, honey nut Cheerios, yogurt and pretty much anything else he can get his hands on! I've been trying to just give him things that will be easy for him to chew but he also doesn't always chew his food. A lot of the times he just swallows things whole, which is also kind of scary, but he does pretty well with not choking (at least not often enough for me to stop feeding him).

We don't have TV anymore, but we do have a home phone and Internet, which we haven't had in a very long time! =) It's been really nice to not have to worry about having to connect to someone else's network or using the air card from ScottE's work. It's been nice not having TV, but I've been watching a lot of movies. We really need to increase our library! I've already watched several and am getting tired of watching the same ones... hint hint =)

Our trip out to California was a lot of fun... it was really nice to go back and spend time with family and friends. I was really grateful to those who drove us around or housed us or fed us.

Not that I got to experience this when we were there this last time, but one of the things I miss most about California is fog. You know, the crisp, cool, refreshing fog of the fall? The first time I experienced fog in PA, I got so excited! I looked outside and saw the mist over the land and thought, “Oh, I'm sure it's gorgeous out there!” I walked out and was sorely disappointed... it was gross and heavy. I felt disgusting just walking around. Well, this morning, I looked outside and it was beautiful. There was a mist all over the fields around our place and it was cool and crisp outside!

I love it up here! =) The only real downside is that ScottE is gone a lot with work. He has applied for another job and we are very much hoping and praying he gets it. He'll be home a lot more and only working 40 hours a week. CAN'T WAIT FOR THAT!!

Life is good =)

Ender's birthday

A year ago today, I was holding the most precious thing in the whole wide world. Ender Kent was born and changed my life forever. He has been such an amazing little boy. I can't believe he's one already! We have all learned so much over the past year... so far, being a parent has been very easy. Ender makes things effortless. He is so content, happy and just a joy to be with all of the time.

Currently, he is sitting on the floor, playing with a book, squeaking and squealing. He looks over at me and smiles this big goofy grin. Yesterday, he spent the evening rolling all over the floor. He may not be actually crawling per se, but he is mobile! =) He can sit up on his own, but only does it sometimes. I often find him sitting up in his bed when I get him up from a nap or first thing in the morning. He doesn't really like to do it on the floor yet, but I'm sure that will start happening soon! He also pivots on his belly which is super cute. He claps his little hands and it is so adorable... we tell him, “Yay, little boy!” and he just claps away. It's darling, really. =) He talks all of the time... we've turned him around in the car. He looks around at everything. Surprisingly, he sleeps better in his “big boy” car-seat than he did in the other one. I can't believe how big he is now...

I'm looking forward to my trip out west. It is going to be difficult with Ender because he is getting to that point where he won't sit still for very long. It'll be interesting to see how he deals with the plane. ONLY 2 MORE DAYS!! =)

A new idea

While things are in a bit of a tumult right now for my family, I feel the most calm and collected that I have felt in a very long time. I feel relatively free, and though things are very uncertain at this juncture, I'm okay with that. I have begun to realize that a home is a necessary sanctuary, but in times of need, it is vital to have a grounded and gracious support system. I have been very grateful as of late to spend time with family and friends – people that I have not known very well until our recent decision to be house-less. I have also realized that even though we do not currently have a house, we are not homeless. We have been lucky to have a constant place to stay and I for one am very grateful for that, among many other things that have occurred lately.

I have been reading eat pray love in anticipation of the release of the movie. It has been a very inspirational book. I may not be experiencing everything that this poor woman is going through, but on several levels I can relate. Her story has helped me to realize many things about myself and has prompted, while not as in-depth as hers, a self-exploration of sorts.

Ever since I saw the movie, Julie & Julia, I have been wanting to develop some kind of blog that I would have to write or do something everyday. This has been a challenge for me because I don't like to get stuck in any kind of rut and I was afraid that something like that would cause too much monotony in my life. As I began searching (and reading eat pray love), I began to formulate what it was I wanted to write about. I have decided to develop a play on a prayer journal. I plan to write, everyday, three things that I am grateful for and three things that I need to work on. I plan to elaborate on each thing, so it won't just be 6 statements, leaving the reader wondering what it is exactly that I am talking about. I'm not sure if I will post it everyday or not, but I will at the very least take the time to write down my 6 statements everyday and then post them as I manage my time. I am hoping that I will be able to do it everyday, but we shall see. I guess I'm also looking for some feedback on this idea... let me know what you think! =)

Other than being house-less, things are going really well for us. We've been able to get a few things taken care of and are currently house hunting, which is stressful, but I think I've reached a place where I can be a little zen about it. Ender has been adjusting relatively swimmingly to the waves of change in our lives right now... still not crawling, but I'm not too worried about it. I can't believe he's almost a year old! Where did the time go??

Also, I don't think I mentioned this before, but our car was hit recently. Additionally, it was having some mechanical issues, but we just got it out of the shop this past weekend. It has been so nice to be able to drive the car rather than our pick-up everywhere. I did not realize how much I missed my car! Driving the truck was a little laborious. I am very grateful to have my car back... it truly is the little things that make life grand. =) I really should have taken some pictures to share, but alas, I forgot.

So, I guess I'm looking for a little encouragement on my new idea, but I think I will start the real work on it this weekend. Please, let me know what you think! =) For now, ciao!

Birthday fun and Moving woes

I had a feeling that after updating my few readers about the minutia that has been going on that I would receive a deluge of inspiration to write. While I haven't really written anything since that time, I have had the urge to do so. Just today I had this vision of myself sitting down in some hotel room and finding the strength and motivation to write each and every day over the course of the next month or so. I'm not sure why. I think part of it is because I won't really have much else to do, but the other part is that I really want to be writing everyday. I just don't have the motivation or energy to do so. I need to just buck up and do it! I know I have at the very least a series of short stories in me... perhaps even a short novel – a novella, or something similar. I'm not getting my hopes up about anything though. And I'm certainly not deluded enough to think that I will ever become a published author, but still I can dream right?

Things have been going very well with the move. We are very quickly learning what we can live with and what we can easily live without. It will be nice to be down to a very few simple things, but it is also very scary to not have everything we are used to having on a regular basis. It's going to be rather interesting to see how Ender reacts to the constant changes that will occur over the next month or so.

On a different note, my birthday has come and gone... it was a good day though! ScottE and I went out to dinner and a movie – Red Robin (YUM!!) and Knight and Day. We had a great time and are very grateful to our neighbor who came over to stay with Ender. She has watched him for us a couple of times now, but he's always been in bed the entire time! Not much of job, but he's such an easy baby anyway! What really topped my night off was when we got home, Sarah (our neighbor) had cleaned my kitchen! I had left a few dishes in the sink from the past few days – I was going to get around to it the next morning, but I was ecstatic that I didn't have to worry about it. Probably my favorite gift! =)

Also, a few months ago, ScottE got me an iPhone from a friend of a friend. But it was just a 2G (so first generation) and only 4GB. It was sufficient for me and I was thrilled to have an iPhone. But being the klutz that I am, I dropped it and the screen quit working. I was very sad, but there is this awesome place in Lancaster that fixes all kinds of electronic devices (we had taken my iPhone there to get unlocked because we have T-Mobile). Anyway, I took it down there to get the screen repaired and they decided it probably wasn't worth it, but offered us a 3G for the same price! So, we thought, repair the 4GB or double my storage space for the same price? NO BRAINER!! We decided to get the newer phone. There were a few issues with it at first, and I still don't get great Wi-Fi connectivity, but it's mine and I love it. Kind of a birthday present to myself... =)

Moving sucks

I've been wanting to post an update for some time now... just haven't found the motivation or even the energy. Things have been a little hectic for us lately – as you continue to read, you will better understand. I know there are some things that I have not written about (i.e. - Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and Father's Day), so I will update you on those things first and then get to the mayhem...

Mother's Day came and went for me this year. Nothing spectacular happened. The only real highlight was that Ender was saying “Momma” at that point in time. He has since ceased doing so. The only joy that brings me is the fact that I know he will say it enough over the course of his lifetime to make up for that lack of it now.

Memorial Day was wonderful. ScottE, Carter and I were able to go to Hershey Park. We had a blast. It was difficult leaving Ender alone for the first time, especially for the full day. But we all survived. We rode all of the roller-coasters in about 2 hours. It wasn't nearly as crowded as we expected it to be which was nice. But we did not go prepared to get wet – which we did because it was really hot that day.

Father's Day we spent in Springville with ScottE's sister and her family. We had a lot of fun, but it was a difficult weekend for me. ScottE had been gone all week and was needed to help with the chicken coop. Add to that the fact that Ender was refusing to take his naps and would not sit down without me, I was a little more than spent. But again, we all survived.

Okay. Recently my computer decided to no longer charge. Apparently the charge port has been damaged somehow. Which really sucks because most of our music is on my laptop, along with nearly all of our pictures from the past year (i.e. - Ender's whole life!). We are hoping to get it fixed soon, but with everything else going on, it's not likely for at least a little while.

The process of moving has begun. It is starting to get very bare in our home. We have already moved our dressers, couches, a desk, most of Ender's baby clothes, clothes we don't plan on wearing any time soon and a majority of ScottE's tools. We have a storage unit in Reading, which is nice, but here is where things get a little tricky. We aren't moving to Reading any more!! After our initial plan fell through, ScottE and I were at a loss for what to do. We were being really picky about where we moved to because we have moved way to much over the course of our 5 year marriage and we are both tired of it. Our plan was to get a very specific unit in Reading, live there for a few years, buy some property up near Jana and her family, then borrow against the equity and put a house on it, then move up there. Well, I guess you could say we're skipping a step.

After much prayer and conversation, ScottE and I have decided the best thing for us to do is to be near family. We are going to be moving up to the Springville/Tunkhannock area which is in northern PA. As of now, we are not entirely sure where we are going to be staying until we find a place of our own, but we are planning to buy a house within the next year (hopefully not that long). It's a little scary not really knowing where we are going, but we are trusting that our Heavenly Father will point us in the right direction when the time comes.

So, aside from the moving debacle, things are going pretty well. I've finally started some of my core classes, meaning my education courses. I'm stoked about that, but dreading the fact that it's been all math. However, there is a silver lining in that I'm getting them done now in the beginning so I don't have to worry about them later, which is really nice.

Ender is now 11 months old!! I can't believe it!! Where does the time go... Everyone told me how quickly it goes (I believed them, but still!). It seems unreal to me that he will be 1 year old here very soon. He is still not crawling, which right now is very much okay with me. Trying to pack everything and keep track of him would be way too much for me to handle everyday. But I'm not all that concerned about him not crawling. I read an article in which the author quoted a doctor who basically said as long as baby is babbling, he/she is developing fine. I can testify that Ender babbles constantly. I love listening to him and talking back to him. His smile and laughter light up a room...

Another big thing going on this summer is I'm going back to CA for a couple of weeks. Initially, ScottE and I were planning to stay in a hotel for a bit until our unit became available in Reading. Now plans have changed, but I'm still coming home. I will be there from August 12th through the 26th. I'm really excited! Ender has grown so much and I've missed my family.

Well... there has been some craziness and some exciting changes in our lives. I hope to not go so long between posts next time! =)

The early bird gets what... to take a nap?

I have never been an early bird. In fact, I've never really been able to get up at the time when I set my alarm. I simply hit that snooze button as many times as I possibly can justify and get those few precious moments of added slumber. Yet for the past few weeks, I've been waking up much earlier than normal – any time between 4:30 and 5 am – no where close to normal for me. What's a girl to do? Normally, I can just go back to sleep. But this morning, after getting up, using the toilet, getting a drink of water, shifting positions repeatedly, my attempts have amassed to nothing. And here I am, writing to you instead of doing what I would much rather be doing – sleeping!

For as long as I can remember, my dad has been an early bird. Regardless of what time he goes to bed, he wakes up before his alarm. I had always been lucky enough to be able to sleep in until I truly wanted to get up. Is this the start of a new me? Am I going to be getting up with the sun? I'm not sure how long this will continue, but until it changes (or doesn't, I guess), I'm planning to take advantage of it.

In addition to waking up early, the past few weeks have been full of intense conversations, between me and ScottE as well as with our best friend back home, Laura. I'm not sure what else is going on, but there has definitely been some kind of shift within me. I'm calling it “delayed postpartum depression.” I've been rather moody and difficult to get along with. I applaud those who have seen this side of me and have dealt with it rather skillfully. Both ScottE and Laura have been the brunt of my wrath over the past few weeks and for that I am sorry. I know I can be difficult to get along with at times... but I feel we are on the upswing of things as I finally have realized what's going on.

I feel like Ender is growing up, like he's not my little baby anymore. I know he is still very dependent upon me for a lot of things. I'm so happy to see him learning and growing. But a part of me feels like he doesn't need so much from me, or perhaps that our bond isn't as strong as it used to be. Maybe another part of it is the fact that we live so far from all of our family and I've been more than a little homesick. Maybe another issue is just that I don't get out of the house as much as I should (or even could). Maybe I'm just getting baby hungry. Or perhaps my body is just starting to get back to normal after not having its cycle for over a year and a half. I'm not sure what is truly going on, but I do know this: I am aware of it and am doing something about it.

I am very determined to get up at a decent time (which for me is anytime before 7). Yesterday was a hard day, but I know today is going to be better. In point of fact, it already is as I am sitting here rather than lying in bed.

I am going to get out of the house more. I know I've said this in the past, but I am going to set a schedule, and stick to it. I find when I do spend time with others, I tend to stay until they kick me out (or rather politely say they have other things they need to get to), or until Ender or I get tired. I won't do that anymore. I will stay for a couple of hours, then get back to what I had planned for the day. I am hoping this will give me the motivation to actually do it rather than just saying that I will. I don't think I will get as overwhelmed with things this way. Plus, if things are going well, it will allow me to be happy with staying longer periods of time.

I think writing on a much more regular basis will help me with things too. I already feel a lot better about life, just sitting here writing this. I'm not sure what it is but just knowing that at least a few people will read this helps me to realize that I'm not so alone in the world.

So, in addition to all of my emotional/hormonal issues, we are preparing to move. I am looking forward to this particular move with much more excitement than trepidation (at least right now). We are very much hoping that this will be the last move before we buy a house. We thought that about this last move, but financial changes make things more difficult. Things didn't work out here the way we had hoped. But that's okay. We've lived here for over a year already! It's hard to believe that this time last year was much more difficult. We didn't have any of our stuff from the moving company – I was pregnant, sleeping on a leaky air mattress; we had 2 dogs and ScottE was working mostly in VA so he was gone a lot. The changes that have occurred over the past year have been incredible. We really love it here in PA.

I'm not entirely sure what this new leaf is going to bring into our lives. But I'm really hoping that it's more happiness and fewer arguments. So, here's to hoping! =)

Other than the difficult weeks between me and ScottE, things are going really well for Ender. He is starting to sit on his own, though he's not pulling himself up quite yet. He talks all the time and I'm sure we'll have a real word here real soon! I love watching him learn and grow. I'm so grateful to be his mommy! I'm going to be posting pictures and videos soon... I promise!

Inspiration?

I've been wanting to write something “new” for some time. Perhaps my current creative writing class will provide me with some inspiration to write on a more regular basis. I keep wanting to get more organized, to do things I want/need to do but also to simply get more done. I don't do much of anything during the day and when the night hits, I want to clean! But then I realize that I should get up earlier in the day. So, do I stay up late and then sleep in? Or do I try to get to bed at a decent time and then get up early? I've never been much of an early bird. I keep thinking that will change as I have children but so far, it's not changing at all.

I have recently been inspired to do things differently. I want to have set days for certain things. Last week, ScottE had a night job on Tuesday, so he was home during the day. It was great having him home, but I was unable to do anything that I really wanted to get done. Then Wednesday, he had an afternoon job to make up for his night job the previous day. It was very difficult to get back into my routine of things to do. I'm not sure why, but it really upset me to have my routine so out of sorts. In a way, I blew up at ScottE and we had a significant discussion of why I was upset. I know he didn't really understand, but I tried my best to explain what was going on in my head. Does anyone else have this issue?

Ender is doing really well. We went to the doctor today and he, not surprisingly, got a clean bill of health. He is 19 pounds, 4.5 ounces and nearly 30 inches long! He is getting so big... I'm planning to post some pictures soon.

Speaking of pictures... this past Saturday, we went out to this beautiful mansion and a sister from our ward took pictures for us! I've gotten a sneak peak at them and I can't wait to get the rest of them. She is truly an amazing photographer.

A sad bit in our lives... we no longer have Charli. As most already know, we will be moving this summer (yay...). It just seems to be rather difficult to move with a dog. We've done it before, and it wasn't always a major hassle, but when you are going to be renting a place, dogs limit your options. We've found this incredible place just outside of Reading, but they don't accept dogs, pets really of any kind. We were very sad at first, but we've realized that this is something that is important for our family. Luckily (as I always try to find the silver lining), there is a wonderful family in our ward that was willing to take her. They have 5 children and Charli seems to be fitting in nicely. It almost makes it harder to see that she has been so well received. I know that I will continue to miss her, but for now, I am doing my best to accept the companionship of Ender. It's not the same because he doesn't cuddle under the covers or just sit next to me like Charli did – but I'm coping!

Another bit about Ender – he is such a joy! I love being his mommy...

• Whenever he hears music (or even when he doesn't), he moves his head from side to side like he's dancing! It is so cute – I think that's my favorite thing that he does lately. 

• He's beginning to roll all over the place. I know it won't be long until he's crawling and then I'll really have to get on top of the household cleaning!

• He recently discovered that he can yell. He's not usually upset, he just likes to hear his own voice. Not usually that big of a deal, but when we're trying to watch TV or something it gets a little frustrating.

• He nods his head yes! I don't think he's actually saying “yes” at this point, but it's a nice thought.

• He sticks his tongue out all the time.

• It's super cute to watch him discovering things. He holds things in his hands and looks at them, and then of course puts them in his mouth. But first, he looks at it, turns it over in his hands. He is becoming quite dexterous (as ScottE says).

• Whenever I say “mom-mom-mom-mama,” he gets this big goofy grin on his face. I just love it!

• He is beginning to sit up. You just have to sit him up first.

I think that's the extent of his milestones for now. I'll try to keep everyone more up to date. =)

Rumors and movies

In my haste to get something posted the other day, I neglected to mention a few of the amazing things that have been going on here. =) One of the major things I wanted to mention was that Ender loves to talk and sing. Unless he's laughing or eating, he's talking or singing. His little voice is so adorable. I love listening to him. =)

Upon reading some other blogs, I've begun to realize that I don't have to always have a lot to say or even something creative, I just need to take the time to write more often. =)

Anyway... to dispel any rumors that are going around in PA, our little family will be moving at the end of July. We are rather sad to be moving from our little community here, but we are looking forward to saving money. It is so hard to uproot our lives so often. We have moved way too many times in the 5 years that we have been married. I think we've decided that this will be the last until we buy a house. We are planning to stay in Reading for a long time to come. Hopefully, we will be able to get things together and save the money we need to finally buy a house.

I am hoping to get some pictures done of the whole family soon. A sister in our ward has offered to take some professional pictures of Ender and I'm hoping she will include me and ScottE!

ScottE and I have also been on a bit of a movie buying binge! I love having movies in the house and with us planning to turn off the Dish at the end of 24, we need some entertainment around here! Our recent acquisitions include: Wall-E, Avatar, the X-Men trilogy, Smokey and the Bandit, French Kiss, 9, Star Trek, The Italian Job and Chicken Run. We also recently recorded a few on our DVR – I went through a major Lord of the Rings phase recently as well. We recorded that a few months ago and I've watched it several times all the way through! I am going to miss having TV in the house, but I'm going to cherish the memories I make with our family even more. Movies are so much more fun anyway! =)

Ender is growing up!

It seems forever since I sat down to update everyone on what is going on here in central PA. So, here goes:

Ender is officially rolling all over the place. Just this past Sunday he rolled for the first time from his back to his tummy. It seems he is no longer content to just lay on the floor on his back. I'm grateful and yet terrified at the same time. It's been so nice that he's been content to be immobile. =)

He sits really well if he has someone/thing to lean against. I'm trying to get him to sit up on his own, but I don't want to force him to do anything he's not ready or willing to do himself.

I have to admit that I've been a terrible first-time mom. I haven't taken pictures of every waking moment of my firstborn's life! It has been some time since I took any major photos of our little boy. I promise you, I will make an effort to take more over the next few days/weeks and will get them posted promptly.

Ender now has 2 teeth! I noticed the first one a couple weeks ago and then went to show someone his 1 tooth and discovered he had 2! I can't believe it!! I know the next time I blink he'll have a whole mouth full! lol

I recently started doing ScottE's work orders for him. It has taken a lot of stress off of him. He has since been getting home at a reasonable time. Luckily, Ender takes a decent morning nap, so I'm usually able to get the work orders done then. It has been really nice for ScottE to be less stressed about his work. He is getting back to the point of liking his job! It was very frustrating for me to hear him constantly complain about getting what he called “a real job.” I tried to explain to him that he has a great job, he just wanted to work more normal hours. Well, with me processing most of his paper/computer work, he's been a lot happier. And that makes the rest of us happier! =)

Other than that, not much is going on here! I am tentatively putting together a story. I'm not exactly sure of my intentions with it yet, but it's been fun bouncing around ideas and writing something other than a short blog every now and then (which is still not as often as it should be!).

Solids =)

Well... I've done it again! I've let another month come and go without writing a whole lot. I'm working on getting this thing down. I've decided to make a lot of changes in my life. I'm working on getting a routine put together so I can do the things that need to get done along with the things I want to get done. Hopefully putting some kind of calendar together will help with this. Wish me luck!

So what's been going on here? A lot actually. Ender is now eating solids; Ender is nearly caught up on his shots; bills have been paid – taxes filed and returned; another class down and a seemingly ump-teen million to go!

Eating solids! - and loving it?

Things have been going really well with Ender. He's been eating solids for about two weeks now. I started him on rice cereal and have since tried peas, sweet potatoes and carrots. He did really well the first two days with the rice but then decided he didn't want to eat anymore. I gave him a reprieve for a couple of days and it seems to have worked out for the best. I feed him some cereal all of the time and he usually finishes everything. He's been eating really well. When I tried the peas, he did NOT like them. I was a little frustrated because I know babies tend to not like their green veggies. I'll probably try them again in a couple weeks and see how it goes. However, he LOVES carrots and sweet potatoes. I tried the carrots first and he had a rough time adjusting to the new texture and flavor, but he wasn't spitting it out like he did with the peas. I kept “forcing” it down his throat but since he wasn't spitting it out, I figured he was liking it – at least relatively. After the carrots, I tried sweet potatoes. He LOVES them!! I've even made some myself. He has a rough time with the texture at first (it's not as smooth as the commercial foods), but he gets over it and can't seem to get enough (THANK YOU SO MUCH JANA FOR THE GRINDER!!).

Today it seems like he's going a little backwards. He hasn't wanted nearly as much in the solid department – he's been wanting to nurse a lot. Perhaps he's teething and needing the comfort of Mommy? I'm not sure what's going on... he's sleeping a lot too – not that I'm complaining about that part though! =)

I took him to the doctor on Monday, the 15th. He weighs over 16 pounds now (and now that he's eating solids, growing more each day)! He's really long too – nearly 28 inches. The doctor suggested I start him on solids sooner rather than later – which I've done. They want to be sure he's getting an adequate amount of nutrients, iron specifically. They also prescribed him a vitamin and fluoride supplement. He has been doing pretty well with taking them. He's not particularly fond of his multi-vitamin (I give them to him with a dropper), but he's getting better about taking it. He doesn't spit out as much of it as he used to.

He has another appointment on the 15th of this month and he should be caught up on his shots then. I can't wait to see how much he weighs. He eats so much! I won't be surprised if he's gained at least a couple of pounds. =)

My next class...

I just finished my US Constitution course and will be starting my next class – Art Through the Ages. There is a lot of reading involved. I'm really going to have to set a strict schedule in order to keep up with everything. I know if I just sit down and schedule everything out, I'll be able to stay on top of things. I didn't do as well in my Constitution course because I got lazy. The thing that I struggle with the most is participation. I hate having to respond to people, especially when they don't really respond to me. This class has been nice though because most of my teammates were pretty chatty and responded to a lot of my discussion question posts. I hope this next class goes as smoothly...

Another month has come and gone... I'm hoping to stay on top of things a little bit better this month. I think that because I'll be getting up earlier (at least that's the plan) I'll be able to get more done throughout the day. And since Ender seems to take a good morning nap, I should be able to get the housework done during that time and then be able to write/read/get schoolwork done during his afternoon nap and when he goes to bed. I really need to take the time to set out my schedule for the next month. Hopefully that will help.

I think that's all for now. =) I wanted to upload some pictures with this post, but the uploader is being really slow and I don't feel like waiting for it! I'll try again tomorrow...

Writing for writing's sake...

I've discovered another reason I don't write more often. I don't think people want to read about the mundaneness of my everyday life. I also feel that unless I have something special to write about, what is the point? Everything just comes out the same as every other post and even I get bored writing it! It may not have been that long, and there may not have been much to change, but I feel the need to write – even if it's about mundane things! =)

Ender is doing well. I can't believe he is nearly 6 months old already! He has yet to roll over, but I think that's mostly my fault. He spends most of his time in his swing, bouncer, my arms or his crib. He gets very little time on the floor because of our dogs. I still am trying to give him tummy time everyday, but it doesn't always happen. Who knows? Maybe he'll skip the rolling over phase and jump right to sitting up! He enjoys standing already. I hold him up so he can put his feet down and stand. He's so cute... he just stands there and looks around at everything. I truly don't remember what life was like before he came into it. It's like he's always been a part of us, a part of the family.

While I'm not really looking forward to him being mobile, I love watching Ender learn. He reaches out and grabs things on a regular basis now. He is constantly hitting the rattle on his car-seat and he has even started pulling it down! It brings a smile to my face when we're driving down the road and all I can hear from the back seat is a rattle being hit and bouncing all over the place. He talks a lot too now and his little voice is gorgeous. It seems like he's practicing his eating too. He watches the food go from our hands to our mouths and then seems to mimic our chewing. He is just growing up so fast! I am definitely enjoying this time with him. He is so cuddly! Sometimes when I'm holding him, he just lays his head against me. I cherish those moments because I know they are fleeting!

I've had a few relatively sleepless nights. I'm not sure if there is just too much going on in my head or what. Last night was particularly hard. It was the first night without ScottE in some time. I got to bed at a decent time (which is around midnight for me), but Ender woke up at 3:30 and then again at 4:30. When he woke up again at 6:30, I had pretty much decided we should both get up, but I still didn't want to. I can usually go in, put his binkie back in his mouth and he'll go back to sleep. He wasn't really having that today. I really should just resign to getting up earlier. =) That is one of my resolutions for this year, but thus far has been unsuccessful. Wish me luck in the days to come!

ScottE and I also buzzed Ender's hair the other day! He had a bunch of long, straggly hairs and I was getting frustrated with it. I think it's super adorable now. We missed a few still but I'm sure we'll go over it again sometime soon. What do you think?

One big change that is coming soon is ScottE and I are giving Halcyon to Jana and Tyler. We're planning to take her up there this weekend. We've discussed it and, while I have mixed feelings about it, I am pretty excited for them to have a puppy. I know Halcyon has grown rather attached to Jana. I am definitely going to miss her as she is my baby... but I know I will be able to see her on a (close to) regular basis. We go up there quite often and are planning on moving up there at some point in the (relative) near future. I know she is going to a good home that will take care of her. It has been a little tough taking care of two dogs and a baby. The dogs aren't all that high-maintenance but I have to take them down our two flights of stairs a few times a day. One of the nice things about being at Jana's is we don't have to put them on a leash when they need to go out. We just let them go. They go outside, do their business and knock on the door when they are ready to come in. So wish we could do that here...

ScottE and I went and got our taxes done last week. We are so excited about our return! We are planning to get a bunch of our bills taken care of and getting a few toys for ourselves as well. CANNOT WAIT!! Also... I cut my bangs the other day! I'm still not sure how I feel about them and ScottE has yet to see them. What do you think?

Well, for not having much to write about, I sure wrote a lot! I really am trying to write at least once a week – we'll see how it goes! Until next time...

A list of firsts

It has been far too long since I sat down to write the goings-on of the Holman family in PA. I think I had let things lapse for too long and was feeling a bit overwhelmed with how much had happened since I last wrote. While not all that much has changed, there have been some minor milestones which we have crossed - i.e. Ender's first winter and holiday season. For the most part the holidays have come and gone without much change for us; but there are some specifics I want to get into, just for fun. ;)

I promised myself I would write more and here it is nearly the end of January and I have yet to post anything! I will be making a much better effort to not let things go for so long from now on!!

Ender's first Thanksgiving

Since we don't really have any family close by, ScottE and I decided to drive up to see Jana (ScottE's older sister who lives here in PA too – for those who don't know) and her family in northern PA. It's about a 3 hour drive for us, but well worth it. We had a good time helping out with different things.

ScottE, being the awesome brother he is, worked on Jana and Ty's car. However, we did not bring adequate tools for the job(s) he was performing. I suppose you could say we weren't exactly planning on him doing all that much work on the Explorer. So, he was out in the garage alone because it was too cold for me and Ender to be out there with him. Fortunately, Jana happened to be outside when it happened... but the truck fell on ScottE!! Jana came running in the house to get me and Ty to help do whatever we could. The three of us worked together and were able to get the truck lifted up enough to get it off of ScottE's chest. I was unsure of what to do and I was scared ScottE was really hurt. Fortunately, he was not. He had some major pain in his chest for some time. He took an extra day off of work because of it, but for the most part he is okay. Any time after that, I made sure someone was with him!

Thanksgiving dinner was delightful. I provided homemade cranberry sauce, candied yams, green beans with bacon and Severson creamed corn. It was nice to contribute so much this year. ScottE keeps wanting to have our own thanksgiving feast, but it's a lot of work for only a couple of people! Anyway... we all talked about what we were thankful for and got to know each other a little better that way. I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know Jana better... I feel nearly as close to Jana as I did to Jess when we were out in Cali. It is nice having family close – even if they are 3 hours away. =)

Thanksgiving... Hanging out with Daddy - smilin' =)

Ender's first snow

When we got home from Jana's, we got to experience our first real snow! ScottE got the great idea to go for a walk out in the snow, so we bundled all of us up – the dogs included. We put this adorable snow suit on Ender. We took the dogs out with us and put Ender in his stroller. The girls seemed to have a lot of fun. It's hilarious to see them jumping around in the snow. Ender seemed to be okay with the whole situation. You know how I know? He fell sleep in the stroller! I was semi-expecting him to get upset, but it just proves, once again what an awesome little man he is.

Ender in his snow suit and our complex covered in snow!

Ender's first plane ride

Ender and I got to go home to Cali for Christmas. I was a little worried about the traffic and dealing with a lot of people at the airport. It is surprising how helpful people will be when you are seemingly a single parent. People were constantly asking if I needed anything – a place to sit or help carrying stuff. I was independent and did things myself, but it was nice having the offer.

Originally, I had planned to keep Ender in our baby backpack for most of the trip. Come to find out, you can't leave the infant in the pack during take-off and landing. So, what's the point? Once I got onto the plane, I kept him out of it until our arrival. Even then, he wasn't really in it that much because I was also carrying a backpack with a ton of stuff in it. Needless to say, my shoulders were pretty tired after our trip.

Ender did really well on the plane. I was expecting some kind of issue during at least take-off and/or landing. But he slept through almost all of each flight! On our way out, we had a brief stop in Salt Lake. I took Ender off the plane so we could at least get off the plane and stretch for a bit. It was a bit of a pain getting back on but I was grateful when we landed in Sacramento.

My mom and sister picked us up. We didn't get home until late... and I'm surprised Ender wasn't more cranky. He had a bit of a meltdown in the car on the way to Mom's house, but I took a little time and fed him and we were back on the road. He is such an awesome baby...

Ender's first Christmas

Christmas was very bittersweet for me this year. I really enjoyed being home with all of my family and getting to see everyone's reactions when they met Ender for the first time. However, it was hard because ScottE wasn't with us. We simply couldn't afford the plane ticket. We are planning better for next year!

Anyway... Ender wasn't too excited about opening presents or anything like that. He is, after all, only 5 months old (although only 4½ at Christmastime). We got a lot of clothes for him, for which I am very grateful. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get everything packed in my duffel bag, backpack and new purse that I got from mom for Christmas. Luckily, Mom and Heath were willing to ship the things I was unable to fit (THANK YOU SO MUCH!!).

Ender also got a haircut on Christmas day! My camera died so I don't have any pictures yet. I had some family members take some pictures and I'm hoping to receive them soon.

Hanging out with Aunt Jo (above) and Uncle Ray (below) on Christmas Day

Spending time with Nana and Kevin the day after Christmas

Ender's first New Year

Our New Year was pretty uneventful. ScottE and I just hung out here at the house together and watched a couple of movies. Ender wouldn't be able stay up 'til midnight anyway!

Ender's second round of shots

I think that pretty much catches us up to present day. Last Thursday, I took Ender to the doctor. He got 3 shots and some kind of oral vaccine. He did pretty well – but by that third shot he was pretty upset. I picked him up and bounced him a little, ssh-ed him and he calmed right down. He now officially weighs 15 pounds, 10 ounces and measures 26½ inches – but who knows how much has changed since then! His next appointment is mid-February.

Cori's first degree

Well... we discussed all of Ender's firsts – now it's time for one of mine! I recently received my Associate's degree in Psychology! I was really excited to receive the actual degree in the mail. It is such an incredible feeling. I feel so accomplished. I wish I were done with school, but as of now, if I stay on schedule, I should be teaching soon – fall of 2012. I'm not sure what we're going to do with Ender as of yet, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I may look into charter schools or something like that so I can stay home.

My degree!

What else is going on...

Many asked me while I was in Cali, if my best friend, Laura, had moved out to PA yet. As many of you know already, no, she's not here yet. She's had some things she needs to take care of before she can move. As of now, she's hoping to be able to move with her tax return money. So, it's a waiting game right now...

Things with Tanknology are going well. ScottE has been having some issues with his truck. It keeps tearing through belts. He is supposed to be on his way home now, but his truck just broke the serpentine belt, again. He recently had the alternator replaced, but there is no telling what's going on. But other than the truck problems, things are good. ScottE couldn't be happier with his Ops manager and the office treats him really well out here. He's finally getting to the point of not wanting to be working when he comes home though (all that darn paperwork!). I think you could officially say he's burned-out. We're looking into other options, but for now, Tanknology is paying the bills.

One of my resolutions this year is to write more. Whether it actually gets posted or not is yet to be decided. However, I know I feel better about everything when I write. I don't realize how much I have bottled up inside until I sit down and put the proverbial pen to paper. I hope you all enjoy what I have to say... and the pictures too! =)

Also while in Cali, I was afforded the opportunity to learn how to knit. My Mom took me to her knitting store and I got to take a lesson from the owner there. I really like to knit! I have only finished one project but I've been otherwise occupied by reading and spending time with my boys. I'm hoping to finish more projects and as I do, I will keep you updated!

My hat!!

For now... I think that's all. There is so much more that I want to write about. I think for now, this is a sufficient update. =)