Working again

When I found out we were moving to Japan I decided to close my home based child care to work on getting the house and ourselves ready to go. I am glad I did because just getting all the paperwork done took almost all my time and I barely touched the house.
So fast forward to now we know we are not going and won't be going anywhere for a bit. So I decided to reopen. It has been somewhat of a struggle this time around to find families looking for the particular care that I give. I have had to revamp a few things and lower my prices a little (which kills me a little) and take more of the younger age than I am used to. We are doing less preschool type activities and more playing with toys and naps now. I forgot how much work it is to have smaller guys. I am glad I doing it though and did miss it a bit. As with everything that I do, I am learing all I can and trying to do the best I can for these kids. The ones I have now, honestly, are a little rough. Not used to sharing an adult with others and somewhat emotionally needy. There is a lot of crying, which is stressful, but we have moments of a lot of fun too. Yesterday we fingerpainted. Because I have littles now, I didn't want them to eat the paint so we painted with plain yogurt and kool aid instead. It lasted all of about 6 minutes and clean up was over double that time. It was fun though and I don't think that the kids have ever done anyting like that. I know my kiddos enjoyed it. So for now Ms. Leah's family child care is open again and accepting new families.

Also because now I am not leaving the house again, I am starting to sell Pampered chef. I am so excited about it.My launch party is in 2 weeks and I am so excited to get to out of the house and cook, which I love to do, with other people and talk to them about products that I have loved for years and years.

So I am going to be super busy but I do well that way! Here's to new/old adventures this spring!

Just Kidding

So turns out we are not going to Japan. We are here in NJ for a bit longer. Not sure how long. Obviously we have more to learn and do here. When I first found out I got a text from Ed. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This has been a long emotional journey but it will all be ok and I know that. I am disappointed but at the same time I am glad. We have great friends, church, and schools here so it is not sad just disappointing.
 Editing here to add more:
As I told Anya when I picked her up from Girl Scouts today she burst into tears and told me how sad and upset she was that we aren't going. My heart broke for her. My little gypsy soul girl who wants to see the world and experience all it has to offer her. How do you explain that it all works out in the end? That she gets to keep her friends and her teachers, when her response was," I was going to keep my friends Mom I just wanted to add more." Kevin on the other hand is freaking thrilled. And Daphne has no idea what is going on!

Patience

Sometime the Lord wants you to learn something.
I think the lesson I need to learn right now is that I have no control.

I am a self titled control freak. I hate spontaneity. I hate chaos. I hate not having a plan. Seriously ask my BFF about the Christmas meltdown of 2010!

Right now my  life is all of that.

We are supposed to be moving to Japan in 2 weeks. We don't even have "real" orders yet. So far it looks like we aren't going. Ed is having some medical complications (nothing serious, or unfixable) So it looks like we may be staying here in NJ for longer than we had planned.

I thought we had it all under control, we got all the paperwork in, got the dog all her shots and a new microchip, a flight kennel, got the kids records all set. Started asking around for people who wanted to buy our cars and rent our house. We had it all lined up and now it looks like it is all falling apart. I am a huge believer is everything happens for a reason. I have to admit. I am a little upset. It would be really exciting to live in a part of the world that I probably wouldn't go to if I wan't moving there. But at the same time. We have been here 8 years. We have friends, we have "family". Our kids have amazing schools. So I am ok staying for now. I just wish I knew for sure what was happening so I could plan.

For now I am living in limbo. I feel a constant sense of anxiety yet at the same time I know that it will all be ok. And if it's not ok, it will work out anyway. The Lord has a plan for me and my family and I'll go with it. I just hope I know that plan sooner than later so I can be calm again!

Gifts from my book club going away party

Frame of date and names of my kiddos. I mean really so cute.

And this is also one of my favorites. A Christmas ornament and on the back is the info on when we lived here with a personal message that we would be missed.


I have amazingly talented and thoughtful friends!

Last fall on the east coast

This could have possibly been our last fall on the east coast. When I realized that I completely stopped bringing our leaves to the street for pickup and grabbed my camera. We have all oak trees so the leaves aren't gorgeous but I think these came out pretty good. And I will be so sad, and miss the falls in the north east. There is nothing else like it. 

P.S  The fact that they are not in birth order in driving my slight OCD insane but I will leave it to prove that OCD doesn't run my life. I will probably have to edit it at 2 am!

My brush with famedom

I know I said I wouldn't catch up but I have been looking through photos on my computer lately and there are so many things I don't want to forget.  Frankly, I lied.

The first being my awesome trip to NYC with my friend Jen. It went completely wrong the entire time but we had a blast and it was totally worth it. We headed up and first of all it rained, we went to lunch and decided to try french food. We sat outside because the temperature was nice, it was covered, we stayed dry. Until Jen spilled her drink all over, but that is besides the point. When I sat down I glanced behind me and noticed the woman sitting behind me looked a lot like Melanie Griffith, well I'm in NYC it could be anyone. So we ordered lunch, I tried pate, which tastes like cat food. (not that I have ever tried cat food!) And the longer Jen and I sat and enjoyed our lunch the more we realized the table behind us was Melanie Griffith and her friend Goldie Hawn. We tried to play it cool and I didn't go up to them and say how awesome they are. But I did take some ridiculous stalker photos.

Pardon my wet, frizzy hair. And my trying to look natural face. Great day with a great friend and I am glad that we were able to get away. I hate that all my best friends live in different states scattered throughout the USA.

Bittersweet

The best thing about being in NJ for so long has been the fact that I have made some really amazing friends. Some have moved away and we are just as close as we always were. When I lived in FL I belonged to the MOMS club of Gulf Breeze. It was a great way for Anya and I to get out of the house and meet some people in the community. When I moved to NJ after I had Kevin I looked to see if there was one here, and right in my town was one, and a really strong and flourishing club. I was so excited. I threw myself in, play group, Mom's night out, crafts for the kids, field trips, speaker meetings, and my favorite thing of all..... Book club.
I have been going to MOMS club book club for the last 8 years. Even when I was working 60 hrs a week and taking 2 online classes I would make sure I made it to book club. I rarely missed it. Good food, good books(sometimes), good discussion, and wonderful people. It hasn't been the same people over the past 8 years they have changed out somewhat. Just Cheryl and I have been the only completely constant. But nonetheless it is my most favorite night of the month and I try to never miss it.
Tonight I went to book club all ready to discuss a pretty crappy book called Sh*tty Mom. Funny, but really I wouldn't recommend it. And I show up and there is a full Asian fusion spread on the table and everyone is there with gifts for me and everything. They threw me a going away party. I tried really hard not to cry. We talked and laughed and ate food, and of course talked about things that we ONLY talk about at book club. They gave me really thoughtful and amazing gifts and it hit me that we are leaving in just a few short weeks. When I got home I showed all the gifts to Ed and I totally teared up. I am ready to leave NJ but not ready to leave the friends and family that I have made here. I will miss it all so very, very much. This place has become another home to me.
I think that the good part about the military life is that I make homes everywhere I go. I meet amazing people who influence me and teach me and love me. I in turn learn to love them and help them and call them true friends. I have learned so much from the people who have come into my life here in Jersey and I will be sad to leave. I cried when I found out we were moving here and I will definitely cry when we leave. Until then though we don't talk about it. I 've reached the denial stage of grief.

Catching up

I am not really a believer in catching up on blogs and stuff, it takes entirely too long and really who wants to read old news? But I realized my babies are not babies anymore. I mean really..... My youngest is almost 3 (when did that happen?!?!?!?) So here are some photos to catch you up on my children.

Thoughts on my Dad

My Dad passed away 7.5 years ago. I was 9 months pregnant with Kevin and had a 2.5 yr old. We had just moved to NJ to be closer to him in CT and we practically lived there. I was the closest with him out of all my siblings( I think) and I have very fond and vivid memories of him. As my children get older I am seeing more and more of him and the things he loved in them. Things my Dad loved, he loved to read, he was ALWAYS reading. I remember he had a rotation a book for fun, a book for growth and a church or spiritual book. I am also an avid reader. I read about a book a week give or take, and so are my children. Anya has to read for school about 2 hrs a week and do a report on what she read on Thurs for school. When I went in for teacher conferences I asked her teachers if I should encourage her to read harder books because she is devouring books and reading about 3 a week. Her teachers were very impressed! As Kevin becomes a better reader I find him sneaking under his blankets and reading in the closet after the light is turned out. I hate it and love it at the same time. I love that they are learning the joy of exploring other worlds and as Anya gets older I love being able to discuss books with her!

My Father loved sci-fi. We watched Star trek all the time as a family. Come to think of it I can't remember if my Mom watched. My children have formed a love of all things "geek".

When I was a child my father sat on the floor in our bedroom and read us The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien. I remember sitting in my bunk bed just imagining the world of hobbits, and elves and Golum. It was magic, he even did the voices! I now read books above my kids reading level every night so that they can have those awesome memories. The other day Kevin asked if I could read them The Hobbit. I nearly died. Memories of my Dad came flooding in. The bedtime story, the advice and car rides and everything I did with my Dad. He wasn't around a lot when I was younger because he worked full time, went to school full time, taught adult education, had lots of hobbies. I miss my Dad but am so glad of the time I did have with him and all that I learned from him. I hope he is smiling at my kids and wishing he could play Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and introduce them to all sorts of other cool sci-fi/fantasy things. Until I get to see him again I will see the world through the eyes of my children and see joy and imagination

Big move

It has been a tremendously long time since I have posted, but thought I would share it here first. Looks like we are headed to Japan in Feb. So I am crazy busy selling all our stuff, stocking up on home decor items, downsizing all our furniture, shed/garage items and toys. We will be moving to a house about 1/2 the size we are in now. Or so I am told. We may not bring any cars with us and we will live in housing provided. I am freaking out but am also totally excited! The part I am dreading the most is packing up the dog and 3 kids and flying 18 hrs!

Deployment 2012

Ed is on another deployment. We will miss him terribly. Now that the kids are old enough to have an opinion on family matters we give them a choice to skip school and drop him off or say good bye in the morning before school. The advantageous children they are they always choose to skip school. This time wasn't bad. I am not pregnant this time so it was a little easier to keep my emotions in check. Daphne did not want anyone else to hold her besides Ed the whole time we were waiting for him to leave on the bus. Kevin kept asking if we could go to lunch when he left and Anya seemed ok. Anya always had the hardest time when he leaves. We all said our last good byes and Ed got on the bus. Kevin waved to him, just like we do to him, when Kevin goes to school. Daphne waved too, it was a bus after all. And Anya LOST IT. Hysterical crying which then got me crying because it is so sad to see your child THAT sad. The commander of the unit Ed deploys with came over and asked if we were ok and if this was his 1st deployment. I then explained it was his 4th and I was ok it is just hard to see your child that upset. He was so nice, he even walked us to the car, and said if we needed anything to let him  know, even though Ed is not in his squadron. So here is to another deployment. I am determined to make this one good.
I WILL BE A NICE MOM
I WILL BE A FUN MOM
I WILL GET ENOUGH SLEEP
I WILL NOT TAKE ON MORE THAN I CAN HANDLE
I WILL ASK FOR HELP

Now we are counting down until he comes home. Got a while but at least the clock is ticking away already and it is that much sooner he comes home. For now we have a skype Papa, but that will do for now.

Anya's baptism

Anya turned 8 this year and was baptized. She chose to have her Step Grandfather, Randy, baptize her. So Grandma and Randy and Natalie flew out from Utah for the weekend. Grams and Grumps Florian came down with Auntie Emmy for the day to be there too. It was really great to have so much family there. All the pictures are on my Moms camera so hopefully I'll get copies of them someday. But here are the professional ones we had done, by Jessica Cooper Photography.

My sweet girl on your baptism day I want you to know how proud I am of you. I know that sometimes it is hard for you to like church but you always know what is right and what is wrong. I love that you know if you ever need anything that all you have to do is pray and Heavenly Father will make it all better. You are such a good example to your brother, sister, Father and me. You bring our family so much joy and you are so much fun to have in our family and you are the biggest help ever! I love you so much and am so glad that Heavenly Father let your sweet self be in our family. I know you are making a good decision and that the Lord will bless you in your life if you take the time to look. I know that our church has the fullness of the gospel and that if you live it to the best that you can our family will be together forever and you will always live a good, full life. Study the scriptures that Grandma Webster gave you. If you do Jesus will become your friend and you will learn to rely on him and you will never feel alone or VERY sad. I love you more than you will ever know and am so proud of the little lady you are turning into.
Love
Mom

1st day of school

2nd grade

 oops sorry it's sideways - she picked her own outfit this year.

Getting on the bus. See ya later!



Kindergarten

 It was raining by the time little man got on the bus.

so excited to finally be going to school and riding the bus.

I sniffled a little as he left but at the same time I am glad to have the break every afternoon.

Family photos

After seeing how awesome my nursing photos came out I booked Jessica Cooper again and did a family shoot. If you are ever in the NJ, Philly, Delaware area seriously look her up. She is super talented! Here are my favorites from this one.

 This describes their relationship perfectly

 10yrs and still going strong

 Sisters, Anya always has a goofy smile

 Anya-bug

 Kevin-dude

 The family

 He loves his sisters

 All of us

Daphne - doodle

Baby and Mama

My friend Thalla introduced me to this awesome photographer. Jessica Cooper, she was doing mini nursing sessions and I signed right up. What a great time to remember. The lighting was perfect and so was our outfit.(tulleforus.com me and homemade - Daphne)Here are some of my favorites. They are only babies for so long after all.

Couldn't you just eat that face?

Summer

only 5 months late. I think we finally got all the computer kinks worked out!

 Sammy and Daphne hanging in the tent at Ocean City

 5th birthday cupcakes

 hanging out

 blowing out that candle

 Ed and Anya being crashed by waves. the next one wiped them out good.

 Boogie boarding

 wiping out too, Kevin was good at it this year too.

 Our friend the Soden's came for the day and Jason "watched" Kevin for us

 Anya learned to change a cloth diaper

 We made a new friend who has aquarium passes, The kids got eaten!

 Daphne loved the shark tunnel

 Daphne, my first child to truly love food.

playing in the rain while the rain was still warm.

We did lots of other things but I am horrible at taking pictures. That is one thing on my goal list for 2013.

Thanksgiving 2012

This year for Thanksgiving we went up to CT. We stayed with Ed's parents and their lovely new renovated house. It was unseasonable warm so we spent a lot of time out doors, the kids had fun rolling down the hill (Which we are seriously lacking here), playing on the swing set, and hiking in the woods. We were also able to take the kids hiking at a local state park where there is a waterfall, covered bridge and old water tower all in the same place. It was a great time. Even Daphne had a good time looking at all the great sites while hiking. I am so Thankful for family that lives in such a beautiful part of the country and that we are close enough to visit on a fairly regular basis. I was also able to catch up with old friends and get a lot of reading done, it was heavenly to not have to worry about daily chores for almost a week. Ed leaves for his deployment soon so we are catching as much time as family together as possible. This week was a nice time to be together and have a great visit.

Kevin turns 5

I can't believe my little man is turning into a little man. He is now 5 and is such a sweet boy. Since his birthday is in July is coincided with our beach vacation so we just celebrated all week at the beach, and with Spiderman cupcakes. Photos will be in the vacation post. Here is his birthday interview:

1. Favorite color: red
2. Favorite toy: Buzz lightyear and cars 2 jet
3. Favortie fruit: apples and bananas
4. Favortie thing to ear for lunch: hot dogs
5. Favortie outfit: Skateboard shirt and red gym shorts
6. Favorite t.v. show: transformers
7. Favortie game: (he took this as board game) checkers
8. Favorite snack: I don't know
9. Favorite animal: tigers and snakes
10. Favorite song: Book of Mormon Stories
11. Favorite Book: Froggy Let's Go
12. Best Friend: Sean, Logan and Lyle
13. Favorite cereal: Multigrain cheerios and panda gogo puffs
14. Favorite thing to do outside: Swing on the swings and jump on the trampoline
15. Favorite thing to drink: juice, water, milk
16. Favorite holiday: Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night: bedtime toys
18.  What is your favorite thing for breakfast: cereal
19. What do you want to do for dinner on your birthday: Cupcakes
20. What do you want to be when you grow up: a Motorcycle driver.

Hiatus and notes to self

feel free to ignore this post...........

I went to update a few days ago and am pretty sure my computer has officially crapped out. So until I can transfer photos to the laptop you will have to do with what I tell you! Here is what I need to add
1. Kevin's birthday
2. vacations
3. Mid life crisis
4. projects

2012 Talent show

Getting ready to go on. She was so nervous. The whole school plus families!!

I can never get videos to upload, ugh!! Any ideas would be great! I guess I'll have to figure out how to get it on Facebook.

She did a great job! She sang Down by the Bay and did 4 verses.
Did you ever see a cat wearing a hat?
Did you ever see a cow kissing a plow?
Did you ever see a goose kissing a moose?
Did you ever see a bear combing it's hair?

I was so proud of her independence. She picked what she wanted to do and came up with the verses on her own. She did GREAT!!