Christmas 2012, Daven's birthday, and new calling Ah!

We started out Christmas break 2 days early due to a snow storm that finally gave us a white Christmas.  It was our first Nebraska snow storm.  I was grateful for the extra hands to help me get more chores done at home and have less structure of places to go.  Corban was going to shovel himself a pile of money.  I think he got one driveway done and decided that was enough work.  My other kids played outside in the blowing snow just enjoying it regardless of the cold. 

My sister Pam flew out for Christmas.  My kids were counting the days until Aunt Pam arrived rather than Christmas.  It has been fun for her to be here and helpful to have an extra set of hands at this busy time.  I think everyone was happy with gifts, but I think I overprogrammed myself.  I could have been a textbook example of President Uchtdorf Jenga example where the tower keeps getting higher and higher until it topples.  I toppled, a few times actually.  I talked to one of my other sister's on Christmas day.  Her day sounded similarly exhausting.  I talked to a friend a few days later who expressed her weariness she felt on that day.  I wonder if that is just what Christmas is for moms.  I have made my first resolution of the year 2013 to have a better Christmas.  We will see how I do. 

Daven had a good birthday.  He is such a funny buddy.  He has been talking about his birthday since spring and waiting not so patiently for each season to pass.  He finally made it to Christmas and then his birthday.  When he woke up, I said, "Happy Birthday Daven!"  He said, "No, it's not today.  Trust me."  I laughed.  I think he has heard no so many times that it he was convinced it would never come.  He finally agreed it could be his birthday if that meant he could open his presents.  Waiting until Dad came home from work was TORTURE! He asked me every 20 minutes (no exaggeration) what Dad was doing at work and if it was time for him to come home yet.  Then he was unhappy his party was the next day and not ON his birthday.  He had a good birthday party, too.  I had a hard time planning it because the guest list kept changing and the itinery kept changing.  I made cupcakes using fondant (my first time).  I was impressed with the visual result but no one is eating them :( .  I am not sure I will do it again.  We will see. 

I just was sustained today as the relief society president in our branch.  I am overwhelmed.  I really like being a follower.  I guess it is time to get out of my comfort zone.  When our we talked with our branch president before we moved here, he was very anxious for us to move into the branch.  I told him, "You must need a relief society president."  He confidantly told me that he had just called a new one and didn't need one.  Times change.  I have had peace that it will be okay but my natural man keeps freaking out.  I am grateful my 1st counselor has served many times as a relief society president.  I know who the Lord calls, He qualifies.  I had a lot of gap to fill and my eyes keep focusing on that gap.  It will all work out.  It always does. 

Christmas letter 2012

Some of this may be redundant from items I already posted on the blog, but here goes anyway!
Dear Family and Friends,


2012 has brought many changes for our family, first of which was a move to Nebraska. Bridger accepted a position as a claim team manager with State Farm in Omaha, Nebraska. We found out in February, and by May we were gone. We were blessed to be able to sell our home quickly and find a home that would work for our family. We are in a small community outside Omaha called Gretna. It gives us a small-town feel with all the benefits of a big city very close. We have been very pleased. Our kids have done pretty well adjusting to new schools and making new friends. Bridger is enjoying his new job responsibilities, and attended the Idaho State/Nebraska football game.



(Cindy continues to be the light of our lives and the glue of our hearts. She stays busy running children to activities, serving in the young women, and caring for our home and family. Her greatest achievement this year is successfully relocating a busy household 1000 miles east of Pocatello. She hosted 14 family house guests in July, and applies her writing talents when time and demands allow. If you want to see where she’s been, where she’s going, or what’s for dinner, check Facebook, Pinterest, or her blog for scrumptious details.) Bridger's addendum



Corban turned 12 this summer and was ordained a deacon. He said his highlight of the year was going to an indoor trampoline facility called Defy Gravity for his 12th birthday with some of his cousins. The local pool is close to our home and the kids enjoyed being able to walk to the pool many summer afternoons. Corban and Kjerstin decided to continue swimming by joining the swim team at the YMCA. They have both done well and improved on their personal records so far this season. It has been fun to go to swim meets and cheer them on. Corban also got braces this year and is doing well not eating all those foods that are now restricted while he has braces on.



Kjerstin has really enjoyed swim team and all the clubs available at her school. Her highlight of the year was her birthday because it was all about her. She is in the 5th grade choir, the book club, the make a difference club and has especially liked being able to do pottery in the art room at the school.



Brynna turned eight this fall and was baptized. She said it was her best moment of the year. She also got a cat named Henderson for her birthday. This is our family’s first cat attempt; I didn’t know how it would work out. We got him from the local humane society and he seems to be made for our family. He is great. She has been doing gymnastics at the YMCA and is really making progress.



Daven has been busy, too. He did a leap off a sofa and ended up with stitches to sew his lip back together. This made it necessary to get rid of his thumb sucking habit. He has also started preschool this year at the local elementary school. He goes 4 days a week for a little over 3 hours a day. He really enjoys it. His teacher told me that he is ALWAYS so happy at school. He is a happy little boy. He said his biggest achievement of the year is getting his chores done.



Even though Gideon isn’t in swim team or any clubs or school, he has been the busiest of all. He has overflowed our upstairs bathroom sink 3 times! The last time, it was right after his dad finished fixing the ceiling from the previous time. He loves his siblings and was not happy to be home alone with Mom. It has been good that I have started babysitting a little girl Gideon’s age to keep him company during the day. He is a sweet boy and has a smile that can melt mountains.



These sweet children are our life and keep Bridger and me on our toes and in our cars. We are grateful for them. We send our love and wish you all a very merry Christmas.

.

You may have a Gideon if...

You may have a Gideon if....

-you wake up at 4 in the morning to hear Angry Birds being played in the kitchen on your phone
-you try and hide your phone on the fridge and he climbs to the top of the fridge to get it
-you leave a cake and come back and it looks like this

-you find 2 apples with one bite taken out of each one
-you have problems with bathroom flooding
-you have problems with bathroom flooding again
-you have problems with bathroom flooding AGAIN!
-you play foosball with an apple
-you find yourself running down the halls at church chasing an escapee
-you see this smile and all the above melts away from your mind.

Halloween 2012

I think we are finally done with Halloween.  It lasts a while when you have class parties on different days, church trunk or treats, and then the actual holiday itself.  We got our Halloween sugar cookies made and decorated.  We roasted pumpkin seeds. I redeemed myself this year by actually getting our pumpkins carved. It didn't happen last year because there were too many things going on.  I heard about it for awhile, too.  It is always fun while it lasts but I am always glad when it is over, too.  Corban (no photo available) was all of The Avengers.  I thought it was pretty clever for him to come up withon his own.  He had an Iron Man mask, one hunk hand, a meat mallet/Thor hammer, a bow and arrow made from a stick and sting for Hawkeye, and a cardboard Captain American shield.  He wore this to the trunk or treat but decided he was too old to trick or treat.  Kjerstin was a bag of jellybellies.  She kept loosing jellybeans, though.  Brynna decided to be a witch since she now has the black cat to go with it. Daven was Mario (of course).  He talked about being a fireman and Iron Man and Spongebob but when it came to getting dressed it was always Mario.  Gideon was Luigi.  He was SO cute.  When he says "trick or treat"  it sounds like "Christmas tree"  He always said thank you and "Happy Halloween,"  too.  He even blew kisses (unprompted) to some of the people.  My kids insisted on trick or treating the whole neigborhood.  They had fun.  We went with our neighbors who live 2 doors down.  That night they were good and tired.  As Bridger checked on everyone before he went to sleep, he saw their overflowing pumpkins and their "visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads."  Daven has been on a candy diet for a day or two.  I will be glad when it is all gone.  I am glad they had fun, though.  The kids had no school last Friday so they helped me pack the Halloween decorations away and get the Thanksgiving decorations out.  On to the next event!

Braces and Swim Meets!

Corban's favorite meal that I make is homemade macaroni and cheese.  I don't make this often because not everyone feels the same way as he does about it.  I made it last Monday night.  What was the occasion you ask?  Corban got braces on.  Memories of my junior high years where for days after my adjustments, my diet was limited to very soft foods is flashing through my mind.  The thing was, even my homemade macaroni and cheese was too painful for him to try to chew and it was difficult to swallow due to an appliance they placed across the top of his mouth.  He asked me to blend it up for him.  That is how difficult it was to chew/swallow and how much he likes the homemade macaroni.  I feel like we are getting more official as having a teenager in the house. 

We also had our first swim meet.  We got up at 5am Saturday to drive to Beatrice ( pronouced Be-at-rice).  We dressed, loaded and left at 6 to get there by 8am.  We set up a camp of sorts in the gym at the YMCA there.  We laid out a blanket, camp chairs, our cooler and stuff (clothes, toys, books, electronic devices to occupy the day).  We were told to expect it too last until 6 pm.  We were done at 2 since one team didn't show up.  It was most interesting to watch and observe.  I was tired as can be though.  I went to bed after midnight and less than 5 hours of sleep was not good for me.  Both Corban and Kjerstin were a little nervous but both did well for their first swim meet.  One Saturday a month until March, this will be our life.  The kids were out of school on Friday so we went to the YMCA to swim for fun.  I did a few laps.  I was surprised how tired I got and it gave me much more respect for them. People in our house seem to like to swim.  We were talking about New York City the other day.  Corban said it would be so cool to go there.  When asked what he would like to do if he was there, he said, "Swim."  It is the most exciting thing to do wherever we seem to go so we make the best of it!  Cannonball anyone?

Baptism

Brynna was baptized yesterday.  I remember when I was eight, I had to wait for a month before my grandparents could be there so I could be baptized.  That is what I remember most about my baptism.  I am sure Brynna feels similar (maybe not, our kids are supposed to be better than us.) Time moves so quickly for adults and so slowly for children.  I know she has anticipated this day greatly.  The program was a bit of a stress.  I felt the counselor in the bishopric was unhappy with the way we had done things although he approved it all.  People were trying to swap assignments so they didn't have to do this or that.  The morning of the baptism, Kjerstin and Brynna were fighting.  I finally got mad and I think the spirit departed from me.  The was a quibble about the refreshments to be served as well, and they didn't have a child size jumpsuit for her.  I was very stressed.  Seeing her baptized was beautiful, though.  In a way, I wished I could go back and be so clean again.  I know I can repent but I am afraid there are sins that I have forgotten that I committed that I never repented of and I just don't know if I will ever be as squeaky clean as when I was baptized.  I liked the comment in general conference thought that partaking of the sacrament weekly gets us more clean each week so we can finally really be clean when we die.  I think with events like this, Satan is trying to distract us from what is really important.  I am usually gullible enough to fall for it everytime.  Seeing her baptized brought it back, though.  I was grateful for a father who was worthy to baptize her.  I thought of the promptings in the temple that is was time for another child.  I thought of being on bedrest with her and delivering her in the hospital with the epidural worn off.  I love that child and I am grateful I am one step closer to helping her make it back to Heavenly Father again.  (I will post a picture later :)
I cried when I heard the announcement about missionary work.  I am excited for all those sisters who can now serve missions at younger ages.  It was a life changing event for me and I am eternally grateful for it.

Quick Update

I can't believe it has been so long since my last post!  We now have a new member of the family. Brynna received Henderson for her eighth birthday present.  Bridger told me yesterday he got his first cat when he was eight and it was also black and white.  Kind of a weird coincidence. 

This is the cake she wanted.  She wanted a picture of her dad baptizing her.  I can't believe she is already eight.  She had a cake boss birthday party yesterday and she and her friends decorated aprons and cakes.  It was a delightful time.  I can't believe September is almost over! 

Out of the mouth of babes

I am almost a week slow doing this! As we were pulling into the church parking lot last week (late), Kjerstin asked if we were late.  Daven responded, "We are ALWAYS late."  Out of the mouths of babes.  Speaking of out of the mouths of babes, it is a good thing I don't get my self esteem from my kids.  Sometimes it can be tempting like when Daven tells me I look beautiful or that he loves me.  He can be so sweet.  Daven has school Monday through Thursday and LOVES it.  He comes home and puppets the rules his teacher tells him and sings me the songs he learns.  He is really loving being big enough to go to school.  Last Friday he didn't have school.  I tried to make it exciting we went to run some errands and went to the library and to the park.  I was still told that it was the worst day of his life.  He asked how many more days until he could go back to school.  I AM NOT EXCITING!  Gideon wanders around from room to room while Daven is at school saying in a very sad voice, "Daven's gone."  I try to be exciting.  But is it also nap time while Daven is gone.  That makes me even more of an enemy.  He doesn't want to take a nap and I want him to take one.  He is not too fond of me during the day.  I don't get the lovey "Mom is the best" feeling.  It is a good thing I don't get my self esteem from my kids! It is once again Friday.  We are going to the library again then off to Costco.  They boys like the samples from Costco so hopefully it won't be a strike out day for me.  There is some mopping I need to do though.  Maybe if I tap dance while I mop that will be entertaining? 

Back to School Downpour

Tuesday night I put Gideon and Daven to bed.  I knew they were super tired.  I went down to talk to Bridger because I really had not seen him all day.  I heard water running.  I told Bridger I better go check on it.  Daven and Gideon had gotten out of bed. Gideon went into the bathroom and turned on the water and put his feet in the sink which closed the drain.  The bathroom flooded.  I heard Daven yelling for me but it didn't sound urgent and he always yells to ask me additional questions that are usually silly and I usually tell him I will answer him in the morning.  I figured it was the same.  The bathroom was flooded the drawers were full of water there was water in the cabinet under the sink and in the entire hall out side the bathroom.  It was dripping out the ceiling in the family room on the next level on the floor.  We had water pouring, not just dripping, out of our ceiling for 2 hours.  It was a mess and we are still recouping.  I think I will get a new ceiling.  THEN, Saturday after dinner he did it again.  I was doing dishes and (I thought) all the kids had gone down to the basement.  I turned off the water and still heard water running.  Water was pouring out of the ceiling again.  I think the damage has been minimalized other than that.  I got a lock for their door now and the bathroom door.  In addition to that the next day, the toilet on the main level overflowed 2 times.  It was running and not filling the tank and over the bowl.  I think we have got that under control, too.  When it rains, it seems to pour here!
The kids started school last week. I think they are all doing well and enjoying it.  Daven started today. Poor Gideon cried when we left Daven at school. I think he missed his big brother. I had to take him to the park to show him being with Mom can be cool. 
Bridger is starting to work the kind of hours I anticipated that he would work.  He came home after midnight one last night and went into work at 4am next day.  It is not fun but at least it was anticipated. 
We are postponing swimming to deal with other water issues :) 

Dog Days of Summer Done and Dog sitting,

The pools are closed.  Isn't Labor Day the end of summer?  Isn't that when the pools are supposed to close?  August 13 and the pools are closed.  I am not into this Omaha start school in August thing.  My mindset is still summer and I am having a hard time transistioning.  I will be grateful for the cooler temperatures.  My power bill was $350 for the month of July!  I thought June was a new high.  Little did I know how much it could go up.  I have asked around and it appears my power bill is on average with others in the area so it is not just me.  I didn't even turn on the a/c yesterday.  It remained a balmy 80 degrees.  Who thought 80 would be balmy?  In the morning when it was 70 degrees my kids had jackets and hats on to take the dog we were dog sitting for a walk.  In Idaho they would have had shorts on at 70 degrees and asking if they could go swimming. 

We did dog sit.  Brynna's birthday is coming up.  She dearly misses her aunt's dog.  Our neighbors just moved who had a dog.  They often let us "borrow" their dog.  It was very nice.  She thinks she wants a pet for her birthday.  We do not have a good dog history.  I thought, "Maybe a small dog will be different."  She was a very good dog.  But she still got in the garbage, barked, and "did her numbers" in inappropriate places.  I didn't enjoy being tied down to a dog.  I don't think a dog is going to happen.  We need another pet idea.  My kids loved having the dog here and it was fine.  But I am glad it was short term.  She woke up barking at 2am 2 out of the 5 days.  The other days she was still up early barking to be let out.  Any suggestions would be welcomed. 

The Unwanted Gift

I didn't get a post up last week.  I was still tired and it was so busy!  You know those gifts you receive and you are not sure if you need that gift or even want it?  Then somehow you learn to use it and you love it? I feel like moving has been that way.  We have 12 days until school starts.  We have shopping still to do and we have a list of things we still WANT to do this summer.  Starting school in the middle of August feels early to me.  We went to a church musical called "Welcome to Kanesville" yesterday.  I had seen advertisements to participate when we first got here. I tried to get the kids interested but they were a no-go.  I am kind of glad we didn't.  It was neat, but it was a 30 mile drive to get there.  After daily for 3 weeks of that drive, it would not have been so much fun.  We also tried a new water park here.  We had heard lots about it.  Also, they dropped their rates so it was only a quarter per child to get it!  It reminded me of Ross Park.  We also went to a sprinkler park.  We have been trying to redeem as many of the library rewards as we can.  We have been to Pizza Hut and out for ice cream.  It has been fun and I am not sure I want to fun to end just yet! I think it will be good for the kids to get in school and make more friends.  It felt foreign and my kids were driving each other crazy because they had no friends. But it has been so nice to see them form better friendships with each other.  It has been a fun summer and I am starting to feel settled in.  I guess that is why it is time for school to start.  Settling in is never part of the plan.  It is growth and change and development.  I am not sure I love it here yet.  It was hard to have a nephew return from a 2 year mission in Africa and not be able to go and see him.  I am not sure when we will see him again!  As I was laying in bed this morning and everyone was still asleep and quiet, I looked around my room and asked myself, "Does it feel like home?"  I think it is starting to.  That is a good feeling. 

Guests

Well, our guests survived and so did we!  It is a win win situation!  We had a wonderful time!  I think everyone stayed up late every night just trying to enjoy as much of the time together that we had.  We went swimming, did water balloons in the yard, board games, went to the zoo, went to an indoor trampoline facility called Defy Gravity, watched movies, did a puzzle, and ate and ate and ate.  My kids will tell you it is the best part of their whole summer.  As I came in my basement this morning, I was in the habit of not turning the lights on so as not to disturb all the little bodies lying all over the floor.  I was sad to see the floor empty and kept the light off anyway just because.  I am trying to catch up on cleaning and laundry and exercising but am oh, so tired.  I told Bridger someone needs to come up with a sleep-cation which is required after any vacation or holiday.  It was sad seeing everyone leave.  Little Gideon collapsed on the ground and just started crying when his Grandpa Critchfield pulled out of the driveway.  He walked around the house the next day, saying, "Gamma Becky?"  I am still eating leftovers. At least it will help me cope with how empty the house feels :)

We have furniture!

Our new furniture was delivered this week!  It is starting to feel like this house is coming together.  It is like a puzzle that the picture is slowly coming to life.  I found this article about puzzles and faith.  http://segullah.org/daily-special/faith-reason-creativity-and-missing-pieces/%22   
It is a great read if you have time.  It reminds me the scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants,
"Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;"
It makes me feel not so guilty about taking so long to get this house in order.  I am doing this for a greater reason than appearances which I hope family who is about to descend on us will understand.
Isn't it interesting that we grow up with these people and can go months without talking to them but they are the people who we always come back to.  Family is always there.  We originally had my parents and Bridger's parents coming. Then one by one, the rest of his family decided to come (omiting one cousin and brother in law).  It will be a houseful.  I wanted to get this post up before I get swept away.
Corban had his official birthday yesterday but we'll celebrate all over again this weekend.  It's time to put this furniture to use!

4th of Wow!

Holy cow! There is nothing like celebrating the 4th of July in America's heartland! On the 3rd we had a branch activity and I watched fireworks going off over a giant field of corn. On Wednedsday the fun really began. The illegal fireworks in Idaho are legal here so everyone gets them. We sat in our front yard and had fireworks 360 degrees around us. It was awesome! My kids commented, "People here really take the 4th of July seriously!" It was a fun day and we spent the next few days trying to catch up on sleep.

Being Brave

I had a good birthday. It didn't start out that way with lots of whining and fits from kids. Out of the blue, I had a sister in the ward text me and ask if I wanted to go to lunch with her. It made me cry because I think it was a tender mercy from the Lord inspiring her to invite me to lunch. It reminded me the Lord is watching out for me and loves me. There is a friend I usually had birthday lunches with. I think the Lord knew and cared about something so silly as that. Bridger sent me flowers and got oodles of bonus points by doing so. It made my day when they arrived and I saw he had done something he normally doesn't do just because he cares. I got phone calls from relatives throughout the day. It was nice.


Swimming is over for us now. Daven did so good! He proudly can do a bob easily now and even jumped off the diving board. I was so proud of him! He still doesn't like to go to swimming and complains when I say it is time to go swimming but he is doing better. He says the sweetest things to me like, "Mom, you look pretty today" or tells me randomly that he loves me. He sure knows his Mom's soft spot! I think Gideon is getting close to potty training. I am not sure I am ready for the patience and mess associated with the whole potty training process. Thus we haven't started yet. I need to get brave.

I went furniture shopping last night and came home empty handed. I was sad about that because I don't think I will get Bridger to go with me again, so I am making the decision solo. He says he trusts my judgement. I just like another opinion. His work is going to get pretty busy this month and he will be working a lot for an upcoming change that is happening at the end of July. I hung up some pictures this week. I am proud that I got it done. I am not sure I am sure I am happy with it all. I need to go to Hobby Lobby and have time to spend just browsing and thinking and playing with ideas and spaces in my head. It is not as much fun by myself. Once again, I just need to get brave and do it even though it is not as fun!

Our branch president has a huge house with a pool. He invites the whole branch to his house for the 4th of July for a BBQ, pool party and fireworks. He spends quite a bit of money on it. People have told us it is really fun. I think we will go to that. My parents and Bridger's parents are coming out for Corban's ordination to the priesthood. His birthday is the 18th and he will be ordained the 22nd. It will be good to see family. I am a little worried about keeping everyone happy and entertained. I am going to try to get the house as ready as I can before they get here.
It has been really hot. Bridger would correct me and say humid. I was at swimming on Thursday and sweat was just pouring off of me. My face, my arms, legs--I came home as sweaty as I do when I am done exercising. It was in the 100's and high 90's several days this weekwith humidity that made it feel like it was 120 degrees. I think this is just the start of what July and August will be like. I have seen lots on Facebook and email about the fire in Pocatello. It is a claims nightmare and I am glad Bridger isn't there now.

Fathers Day

Bridger told me he had a nice Fathers Day.  I am glad.  I am grateful he is the father of our children.  On Sunday, he had taken Daven out of sacrament meeting to go to the bathroom.  When they came in, we were ready for a prayer.  Daven ran in.  Bridger was waiting in the back until it was over.  Daven got up to the front and didn't know what to do.  He saw Bridger standing in the back and ran back to him.  He knew he would be okay if he was standing where his Dad was.  I hope he remembers that feeling and can always trust his Dad to lead him to safety.  We went to the Wildlife Safari Adventure on Saturday.  It is a place where you drive your car around to look at animals.  There were deer, elk, moose, cranes, wolves, eagles, bears, etc.  It was pretty cool.  That is what is in the Pocatello zoo so I wasn't too excited.  But I have never been in a car driving so close to them in their natural habitat.  We then took Bridger out to dinner. We can say it was for me but I feel just as blessed for not having to cook and do dishes.  Sunday we made him a special breakfast and dinner.The kids gave him gifts and cards.  He got a massage ( a tradition in our house on Fathers Day).  I think it gives the kids an opportunity to serve their Dad.  He also got a nap.  Any day with a nap is good with me! 

Progress

We got both cars in the garage this week!  That is not to say we are done, but still making progress!  I heard someone compare moving and trying to find the place for everything in a new house like Tetris.  I think it fits!  I am not very good at that game. Maybe that is why it is taking me so long.  I also did some yard saling last week and got some more items to make the house more the way I want it.  It is so funny how many little purchases you have to make to fit the new space you have.  They all add up!  I had a friend tell me how awesome the yard sales are here and she did not lie.  It was amazing.  In one neighborhood alone there were over 60 yard sales!  I hit my yard saling budget before I was ready to be done.  It was fun to get out and see some more of Omaha, too! 
I got my hair cut.  I am not sure that she is as good as my last hairdresser.  When I asked people here for referrals, their hairdressers were not taking new clients.  It will probably be fine, but I may try someone else out next time, too.  We also made our first trip to the pediatrician here.  I am sure we will make more.  Schools want all children to have their well child before school starts.  I think that is crazy to have all school age kids trying to get in for a well child in a 3 month period during the year.  We hit the pool this week.  The Gretna pool is small and lacks the bling of fancier pools but still has created a daily request to go to the pool.  We signed up for swim lessons, too.  That starts next week.  I took the kids to the zoo again.  Corban was less than thrilled.  We still haven't seen everything!  We will go back but I will be convincing him that we should go.  With five kids, it is hard to please everyone all of the time.

Fireflies

"You would not believe your eyes if ten million fireflies lit up the world as I fell asleep..."  When this song came out I thought it was catchy and had a dreamesk quality to it.  I feel like I am living in a dream.  Last week, my husband noticed little sparks of light in the sky.  Never having seen fireflies, it it quite a sight to sit and watch for the light and where it will show up next.  I was enchanted.  One night as I opened the window to let some air in, a bug that was caught between the screen and the window came in.  I quickly squashed it and threw it in the toilet.  I turned off the light to go to bed and saw a phosphorescent glow in my toilet.  It was a lightening bug!  They don't quite look so magical when we look at them up close!  I guess life can be like that, too.  Do we enjoy the glow or do we look up close and dissect the beauty and in the process ruin it. 
In other news, the daily battle of getting chores done to do fun stuff continues.  It is a natural wonder to me that my girls can find all sorts of things to do and play at our house when there is work to be done.  But should there be no work to do, they are bored to tears.  One would think I would want to constantly have work for them to do, but the constancy of never getting them to complete their chores is a drain on me as well.  Thus the war wages on, victories and defeats on both sides. 
Kjerstin had her 10th birthday and is now officially in double digits.  I think of Elizabeth Smart always on her birthday becuase she had just been abducted that day and was all over the news when I was in the hospital.  I thought, "What kind of a crazy world have I brought this sweet girl into?"  Elizabeth's strength through and beyond adversity is a testament to me that good will prevail if we let it.  I hope my daughter will follow such examples of strength to make it through each year of her life as her challenges become more complex and double digit. 
Kjerstin chose a friend to take out to lunch, to a bowling alley and play laser tag with.  She had a panda cake ( which I think was inspired by our recent trip to the zoo).  She had a good day. 
We also met Bridger's relatives who live in Iowa.  His grandfather was married previously and had a son  (Jack) who lived here in Iowa.  Jack has died but his wife Eileen lives here.  Eileen's daughter Pam and son in law Joel Bane came to meet us as well.  It was fun to see them and talk to them.  There is just something about knowing you have family nearby.  It may have to do with the fact that I had such a good family growing up, and knew that they would be there through thick and thin. 

To end on a high note, there are no more boxes in my basement!  That is not to say there are still boxes waiting in other areas of my house, but I feel a bit of a victory.  Last summer I had my kids set a project or goal they wanted to work on in the summer.  This summer I told them their and my goals were going to be finding our home in this house we are living in and finding our way in Omaha.  I am one step closer to my goal!  To celebrate, I am going to go dance with some fireflies!

Memorial Day Weekend

Well the week ended well.  I was a little frustrated at the beginning of the week.  We had a termite inspection before we purchased the home.  It was guanteeded that the home would be free from termites, carpenter ants, etc.  that are damaging to the home.  I had seen 3 large ants in the basement.  We called the company that did the termite inspection and they agreed as a courtesy to come out and spray.  While they were here spraying, I mentioned in passing that we had problems with other ants as well.  As he was spraying, he told me he figured out why we were having problems with other ants.  He showed me where the siding in the back of the house had water damage and allowing ants (a line walking in) to enter.  I was frustrated.  It should have been caught by the home inspector.  We are trying to get him to come and look at it so we can start tearing out siding (and possibly drywall) to get the repairs done.  Just what makes you really feel like a home owner, repairs! 

The kids got out of school and I have been trying to establish a routine for them.  Brynna told me that her teacher told them their assignment was to have a fun summer so she was unable to do chores because they aren't fun.  She should be a lawyer!  After 2 unsuccessful assembles of one of ten shelving units, I finally have one together. Only 9 more to go!  My goal is one a day.  Bridger and Corban went on a scout campout on Friday night.  The kids and I joined Camille Chamberlain's sisters and parents for a bonfire at a local campground.  Kjerstin was sure I was driving the wrong way the whole way there and home.  I guess I don't inspire a lot of trust.  Kjerstin and Daven each caught a little fish (2 inches long).  It was perfect!  They are so kind and so nice.  I am so grateful for them.  Monday we went to the zoo, and it did not disappoint! We didn't make it through the whole zoo so we have plenty to go back and see.  It was well worth it for a season pass.  It was a good weekend.  It is nice everytime we get to have time to get out and explore a little more of what our surroundings offer.  I hope that is what will happen this summer, if I can convince Brynna to get her chores done first!

Being Good Enough and Change

Last week we went out to dinner with Bridger's boss.  He said he would either take Bridger and I to a nicer restaurant or the entire family out for pizza.  Bridger had heard that he talks to me or the kids the whole time and thanks us for letting Bridger do what he needs to do for State Farm.  I didn't think I could pull off a successful "your welcome" so I opted to let the whole family go out to dinner.  Can you tell I am still bitter about the move?  He did tell the kids there would be times when Bridger would need to work a lot.  He gave all the kids a personalized handwitten note thanking them for moving to Omaha and a $2 bill.  It was nice. They were better behaved than they normally are at a restaurant, and I didn't have to fake a your welcome. 
Bridger and I went on our first date here in Omaha.  We went to Maggie Moo's for ice cream and then went to a bookstore to look at books.  There is so much to do here in Omaha! I love all the stores, I just don't have time to go to them.  It is a nightmare taking the little boys with me, so unless I am shopping by myself, it isn't so fun.  It was so nice to get away and do something fun and not have kids for a little bit of time.  We let the kids watch themselves.  Kjerstin and Brynna have recently brought their sibling rivalry to full on physical level.  It was a gamble letting them watch themselves.  It will have a steep learning curve.  I read so many blogs where women say they take their mothering seriously.  It makes me feel guilty wondering what more I could do to be a more conscientious mother.  I don't feel like it comes naturally to me.  I then read this which seemed to be an answer to my inadequacy.

"Julie Beck blew me away with this statement.
“And for all you women who say you’ll never be enough? Well, that is true.”
There was a long pause and then she continued, “But it’s okay. Because we have the Atonement in our lives. And the Savior makes up the difference for all our inadequacies and imperfections, the things we miss and regret, the things we need help doing. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and his power in our lives, will get us through the difficult journey.” So maybe we ought to stop saying it. That we’re not enough.Because she’s right. We’re not. And we won’t be. And that is okay. We give it our best go, and most of the time, it will be good enough." 

I went to several graduation open houses this week.  This is an event I have previously never heard of or attended so I was unsure what to expect.  I am still experiencing things totally new to me. I seem to be looking for something similar so I can find my footing on the same ground.  I need to open up my palate so to speak to experience the wide range of new flavors Omaha has to offer!

One more week

  I got lost in the Costco parking lot yesterday.  I have no mountains here to help me figure out which direction I am pointing.  I totally thought I parked in another area of the parking lot and thought someone had stolen my car.  I called Bridger and then started walking in another area just so I could say I checked the whole lot and I found my car.  Can you say embarassing? 

I have had ants in my house, too which is driving me crazy!  I spend some time everyday battling them.  I have sprayed the foundation outside our house.  I think I can add exterminator to my job description list as a mom.  My kids pray at night that we won't find any more ants in our house.  Our neighbor said he has some every year but this year is worse, probably due to the mild winter.  The spiders are icky, too.  They are bigger and hairier-maybe I just imagining that, but it seems everything grows well here. 

Bridger surprised me by taking the day off on Friday to help me (for my mothers day present- who would want that besides a organized crazy like me :).  We went to the DMV.  I got some unpacking done while he watched the boys in the afternoon and he was home early enough so we could go to the elementary carnival that night. I remember my "first real mothers day."  It was awesome!  Bridger totally pampered me, then a reality sunk it that, "Crap, I have to do all THAT for fathers day now!"  I have totally backed off now.  I don't want to sit and enjoy if Bridger can't sit and enjoy with me so I try to do it very simple. 

One more week done in Omaha.  It goes fast and slow.  I feel like we have been here forever but it still doesn't have the same comfort level for me.  Kjerstin said she is starting for forget what our house in Idaho looks like.  I still break down and cry at least once a week, too.  Bridger told me to expect a year and a half adjusting time.  That makes me wish it would go faster so it would be easier.  I will enjoy having the kids out of school in 8 days to keep me company during the day.  Their last day of school will mark a month, another milestone to cross and say we have made.  That is good!  Just like passing each mile marker on a marathon.  I will get there eventually!

A Culture Lesson

This week has been a cultural experience for me.  It started Monday.  At 9pm, our doorbell rang.  We went to the door and found a container of popcorn and candy with a note that said, "Happy May Day!"  Bridger went to work on Tuesday (May 1st) and found a mug full of popcorn and candy and note that said, "Happy May Day!"  Brynna brought home a bag from school from a friend full of you guessed it... popcorn and candy with a note that said, "Happy May Day."  Bridger asked a co-worker about it.  I guess in Nebraska May Day is a big deal.  Wikipedia says, "May Day was also celebrated by some early European settlers of the American continent. In some parts of the United States, May Baskets are made. These are small baskets usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The giver rings the bell and runs away. The person receiving the basket tries to catch the fleeing giver. If they catch the person, a kiss is exchanged."  I am glad we didn't catch our mysterious givers!  It is so interesting to see the customs of a certain area.  I think when I was a kid I danced around the May Pole at school once or twice and that was it! 
That evening we were given a light show in the night time sky which has continued every night this week.  Bridger then gets up in the morning and checks the internet to see what joys the storm has brought with it that are associated to his job.  It is very interesting.  The humidity has set in.  It is between 70 and 80% humidity and temperatures are in the 80's.  I caved in and have been running the A/C non-stop.  It is so humid that people mow their lawn here twice a week!  I don't know if I can keep up with that! 

I also made it to the little tiny grocery store in Gretna.  It will do in a pinch but I need to brave Omaha so I don't pay $3.50 for a gallon of milk.  I got to help with the Young Women's fundraiser this week.  I will teach for the first time next week.  I have bookshelves assembled!  Now I need to fill them up!  That should help eliminate my basement of boxes.  I also cleaned (deep cleaned) for the first time).   For me, there is nothing like cleaning something that makes it feel more like it is yours.  Lucky for me, with 5 kids, it always needs cleaning!  I will soon feel so at home that I will need a vacation to Idaho! 

The Good Life

Well, we made it.  We are in Nebraska.  I find it ironic that the state motto is "The Good Life."  It is like it has been here waiting for me and I didn't even know it z(my maiden name is Goodliffe).  The kids did AMAZING on the trip!  Gideon never cried because he was sick of being in the car.  Having 2 cars to divide the kids worked wonders.  Kjerstin screamed as we drove across the Nebraska border.  She is also quoted as saying, "I forgot to take my last breath of Idaho air."  I have to say, the things I have heard about Wyoming are all true.  There is not much to look at (at least along the freeway).  It has been nonstop since we got here.  I am wondering if I will ever get this house unpacked.  The storage space is different (as it is with most houses).  We purchased $500 in shelving to put in, but it didn't make it in and I am not sure Bridger will have time with his work duties.  I think I will have to do it! Ah!  I am uncertain about my building abilities.  I have already received and been sustained as the Beehive advisor in our branch.  I have also decided that I think I prefer to pack myself.  The packers did a great job and we have found few broken items, but I can't find anything.  I couldn't even find a pencil for the kids to do homework the first night.  Both Bridger and I commented that it has never been this bad unpacking.  I don't know if that is because we have more kids and more stuff or what the reason is exactly.  The kids seem to be doing okay in school and adjusting.  It is interesting how different schools are everywhere.  I am impressed with the longer school days, dedicated music and art class rooms and having these classes given more often.  Kjerstin complains that she only has 1 recess right now before lunch.  But I think that is small complaint (as is my different storage areas complaint).  She was disappointed that she did all of Idaho's test and now she and Corban have to do Nebraska's since they are enrolled in the school district in the month of April.  We have met some very nice neighbors.  We have made our first Costco trip and our first Walmart trip.  I even drove to the airport without getting lost.  I think we are settling in.  It is Sunday and I had to take a nap today.  I think the unpacking demands are more than I realized.  I swear I am taking more steps daily in this house.  I don't know if it is just because I am unpacking or because the house is bigger but it feels like everything is so far apart. There are some boxes in every room that are misplaced and we have to move them to another room.  Everytime I leave a room, I have to think what does not belong in that room and try to multitask my walking and walking.  I think the kids like the house.  I am surprised how well they are doing without cable.  I still miss my friends and my family.  I think we will be okay here.  I even said today, "We are happy to be here"  (if I say it I will start to believe it, right?).  

Third Person

I sat in a Relief Society lesson yesterday and just wanted to cry. I watched a sister teach a lesson on temples. When this sister moved into the ward she was inactive and I was assigned to be her visiting teacher. She is not currently endowed. I read the lesson beforehand and was a little worried how she would feel about teaching it. She did so beautifully and it has been a pleasure of mine to watch her grow and flourish in the gospel. I am going to move and going to miss seeing the continued growth in her life. I am going to miss her friendship.


Two of my sisters drove to Idaho over the weekend to say goodbye.  They are trying to help me stay positive and excited.  My one sister said, "Think of this as a new chapter in your life."  I have heard and mayve even uttered this phrase before in my life.  I also love to read but have never pictured myself in the story so well as now.  As a reader I am always anxious to get onto the next chapter to see what lays in store for the heroine.  I have never wanted to stay in the same chapter in a book.  I don't know why I want to stay in this same chapter in my life and cannot express more excitement of the unknown adventure that lays before me.  I need to start thinking of myself in the third person to more accurately get a view on things in my life.  I think I am too close to the picture to see things accurately.  Cindy is going to help her little boy do a puzzle then will then clean the freezer out! (I don't know if this is working but as the song says, "Let us all press on!")

Stitches.  Daven has had stitches twice in his short 4 years of life.  His first time he was just barely one, holding onto the railing by our stairs.  He fell and hit a corner on his eyebrow.  Last week he jumped off the couch at his grandma's house onto a TV table.  The table collapsed and somehow he cut a nice gash in his lip.  We were in the ER while he was stitched up.  He will have a nice scar on his lip but everyday it looks a little better.  I guess on boys scars are battle wounds-signs of valor and courage.  From the looks of things, this little boy is going to be one decorated soldier!

The last dance

The kids had spring break last week.  It was a good opportunity to let them have one last time doing things they love.  One Monday, their Aunt Pam took them to the movies for one last time.  On Tuesday they went to their Grandma Critchfield's for one last time working on their scrapbooks with her.  On Wednesday, we went to Outer Limits with one of my friends and her kids one last time and then drove to Rexburg to see our neighbors who moved there.  On Wednesday we got together some of our other neighbors who have moved.  On Friday they got haircuts and played with friends again.  On Saturday, their cousins came into town and they got to spend time with them which was probably the best part of the week for all of them.  Bridger and I had a gift certificate to use at at local hotel with theme rooms.  We took advantage of that on Friday night and stayed in the room under the sea and watched the morning session of conference laying in bed there.  It was a good week.  I don't know why I have such a hard time with change.  I always think things are the best they can be here and I don't allow the Lord to show me what more he can give me.  I have always been blessed with more than I thought possible and need to exercise faith that once again will be the case. 

Eye of the Storm

I feel like I am currently in the eye of the storm, where life is peaceful and calm for a brief moment. We have things kind of settled for our home purchase in Omaha. We have a contract on our home here (so I don't need to clean like an insane woman and drive my kids crazy for being kids). I have quit my paper route and mystery shopping so I would have time to do what needed to be done. They are releasing me from my calling, too! I honestly haven't been this non busy in almost 2 years (maybe longer). I have time to read again. It makes me feel like I am being lazy. I should have something more productive to do. I feel like there is something I should be doing to prepare for the chaos my life will enter but I don't know what that thing I should do is! Bridger is crazy busy at work which makes me feel even more guilty for not being busy. I wish life wasn't at such extremes most of the time. It is either too busy or not busy enough. Or maybe it is me just not being present enough in the moment to enjoy what that moment has to offer. Maybe a little bit of it all. By the time I get used to not being busy, it will be busy again. I guess this is plateau training for my soul. It better be getting in great shape!

Moving

The last day I posted was 2/13. On 2/14 Bridger came home at lunch with flowers. Ahhh. I said, "You didn't have to do that." He said, "It's not for Valentines Day." He has been applying/ interviewing for awhile waiting for that right job to come along. He finally got it! He told me we were moving to Omaha. I think I was in a state of continual deep breathing for weeks to try to calm my nerves. I had a headache for 2 weeks and ended up in the ER to treat the headache that had gotten so bad that I was vomiting, dehydrated and couldn't keep any headache medicine in my stomach. We have been in Pocatello for almost 7 years. It is the longest we have been anywhere. I grew up saying I didn't want to stay but now I see what a nice place to raise a family it is. I was not very excited. I know it will be great for Bridger. Instead of being a claim rep, he will be managing a group of about 9 claim reps. It means more hours he will likely be away from us. I think that is the part that I just don't want to swallow. I am sure it will all work out. I think I am just one of those people who have a hard time with change and I drag my heels all the way. When I get there it all seems okay. We have a really great relocation package. We have now sold our house, and have found a house in Omaha (actually in a little community outside Omaha called Gretna). Here is the link: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/441-Brentwood-Dr-Gretna-NE-68028/6639064_zpid/ . I think it will do for our family. I found another house I liked better but we felt this was where the Lord wanted us. I wanted to say, "But I don't want to move to Nebraska, can't I at least have the house I want?" I am sure there is a reason we are supposed to be there. I just can't wait to find out!

Gideon's 2nd Birthday Belated!

We are entering our final round of the terrible two's (I don't think the two's are so bad-three's are much worse in my 0pinion). Gideon had his second birthday this last week. Two years ago on February 10th, I missed Corban's 4th grade program because I delivered a baby that day. This year on February 10th, I made it to Kjerstin's 4th grade program. She did a great job! She sang a song with 2 other girls. She is in the above picture with her bonnet and glasses. They are studying Idaho History this year in school and the play was called "Go West!" While watching her perform on Gideon's birthday, I had many memories drift back through my mind. I remember the superbowl coming and passing. I remember thinking I would be pregnant forever! Fast forward two years and Gideon has brought so much joy into our lives. He has done things none of our other kids have done. Kids are so unique, and although I know this it is a surprise each time. He is full of smiles. I had a lady ask me this morning if he always smiles. He is a sweet boy. We celebrated the 12th because Bridger was out of town. He had a baseball cake because he really likes cars, balls, and Baby Einstein. I was glad he recognized his cake was a ball. The red frosting and I were not friends. He is saying new words everyday and growing by leaps and bounds. My heart already feels full just thinking of what a special little boy he is. This is ready to springboard me forward to Valentines Day to show all 5 little monkeys living in this house (and their Dad) that I love them very much! Kjerstin is making a purse for her Valentines box for school. We will post photos when it is done.

Just a bit about me. I set a goal to read all of the standard works cover to cover this year. I am so struggling with the Old Testament. While I know the Old Testament is important, it makes me so grateful for the Book of Mormon. I am stuggling to keep my schedule on track. It is just too hard to force myself to read Law of Moses some days. I had whined to Bridger and those in a close enough perimeter. I have also used many biblical metephors to those in a close enough perimeter. So you may want to keep your distance.

I decided I needed a new look. I cut my hair short again. Bridger is a peach. When he met me, I had short hair. It isn't his favorite but he never says anything. I just needed a change. I need to post a picture of that, too!

Groundhog Day

The other night, "Groundhog Day" was on TV after the kids went to bed. I was folding laundry and sat up and watched part of it. The thing is, sometimes I feel like my life is Groundhog's Day: get up early to deliver the newspapers, wake the kids, get the kids ready for school, hurry them out the door, get the house picked up, laundry, exercise, pick the house up again, homework, dishes, extracurricular activities, etc. I could understand his insanity with the same crazy things happening over and over again. Some nights I go to bed so tired and think, I get to get up and do this all over again tomorrow! It is not a comforting thought! Yet I loved how he found his purpose in serving others and bettering himself. It helped him be at peace with his situation and find happiness. It gave me a gentle reminder that it is the little stuff that is the big stuff in life. It is sitting down and connecting with my kids for that one moment I have with them. It is sitting down to read a book if I get a chance. (The above pictures are from many of my groundhog days. The last time I downloaded pictures from my camera to my computer, there were 28 pictures! It had been a while!)

Being Ordinary

I read this post and loved it and thought I would share! Corban has recently asked me to give him 10 reasons why he is fun. Brynna told me her only talent is being crazy. I personally struggle when asked my talents. An online survey I took told me my talent was being humble. After reading this post about being ordinary, I think I need to share it with my kids and feel more confident in my ordinariness.
On a side note, my most recent accomplishment is finishing 2 books I wanted to read! Go me! Now on the the things I have been neglecting to do so!
http://segullah.org/daily-special/on-being-ordinary/