A Plan

Most of us have one. I'm not talking about where we came from and where we are going. That one we have figured out. I'm referring to raising children, a career, college, retirement, etc. Eric is big on having a plan and setting goals. I am big on getting my "To Do" list accomplished by the end of each day. We try to meet in the middle with our family plan. Of course, things don't always go as planned. We learned that this week as Eric found out he is no longer employed at his job. Our plan was to finish up the year at The Grandview (his place of work) and then transition into something else. The news of his job came on the same day our house closed. We know this wasn't a coincidence. It's part of a plan. It's part of the Lord's plan.

After the initial shock of everything wore off, Eric and I felt a peaceful feeling that everything was going to be alright. The environment Eric worked in was most of the time toxic and didn't allow him many Saturday's or Sunday's off (as I've talked about lots in my blog). But that weekly check just kept him going. Time share is like a drug. In order for that chapter to end, someone else stepped in and we can see that it's for the best.

We are not in a state of panic or desperation because Eric is a planner. We can take our time and find something that is right for our family. Lots of offers in the time share industry have come forward since Tuesday, but that is not the direction we want to go. We are firm in that belief. We are looking at every opportunity with eyes wide open. I know it won't take long. Eric is like no other when it comes to sales and already has a few strong leads.

Eric was able to go to Boston's soccer game today. This is the first one he has been to in two seasons! He has hooked and unhooked two dryers this past week (dryer issues). He has moved furniture, looked at furniture, organized the garage, read a book, went for a walk, ate a late breakfast on the patio, picked the kids up from school, took Leighton to the doctor, helped make party hats for the ward party, and much more, and he has done all of this without hesitation. I really like the new Eric and I know he feels much better too.

Now...we just have to come up with a new and improved plan.

The Migration

(I am going to be brutally honest on this one.)

Moving really is for the birds! Last weekend we migrated half a mile from our house on 66 Ancient Hills to our new abode at 1557 Blue Sierra Court. I thought I was prepared for the event. I was wrong. As of today, I am on my second cold sore, Jackson is recovering from an infected finger caused by serious nose picking where a cold sore was living, Leighton currently has a fever, Boston is taking on the baby role like no other, Eric is overwhelmed and Kennedy is officially the mature adult in this household. Today, after getting the kids to school, I came back and napped until 10 am. So did Eric.

All things aside, our new place is just right for us with very little to worry about - no pool, no landscaping, no vaulted ceilings, no maintenance. We're living the new American Dream, "Renting!" Our home officially closed today so we are moving on (literally). Thank goodness. Next chapter here we come????

Love Day!

The kids wanted to make their own Valentine's this year and this is what we came up with. Now that Kennedy is in Jr. high, Valentine cards a thing of the past. Although, a boy did ask her to be his Valentine and she said, "sure!" I asked her what that meant and she said, "It's no big deal. You're just his Valentine for the day." Okay...I guess.

Our home teacher came over last and Jackson was so excited to show him his cards. Bruce's response, "Nothing says, LOVE like the expression on your face." Jackson responded, "What...I'm Boba Fet. I'm supposed to be tough."

So Happy Valentine's Day from some tough lover's!

Night Out

A few weeks ago Dan & Sadie watched our kids very last minute so we could go to San Diego with my parents. It was no small task so we felt the least we could do was take them to dinner and for a little reflexology. The guys decided to enjoy some man time together in their own room while the ladies were treated in their own space. Dan was very nervous about someone touching his feet but I think in the end, he liked it. This hour long session included the whole body with special focus on the head, shoulders, back and feet. Eric, Dan and Sadie said their backs were walked on but I missed out on that one. Although it was slightly painful, we all felt renewed after.

The booth at Cheesecake Factory proved to be too small for the 4 of us so we were moved to a table with chairs. Dan said to the waiter, "This place must not be for fat people?!" The guys squeezed into these chairs and showed their talent of lifting them off the floor without any hands. It's never boring when we get together. We cherish our friendship and are grateful Dan and Sadie were willing to watch our kids. Thank you! Thank you!

Through a 6th Grader's Eyes

If you ask Kennedy what her favorite class is, she'll tell you SCIENCE! While most of the kids were grossed out by taking a frog apart, Kennedy dug in with both hands. She doesn't get it from Eric or I.

He/she looks too alive to me.

She took all these pictures with the hope that I would post here. I was quite impressed with her "get down and dirty" attitude. When I was in high school, someone stuck a dead frog in my book and when I opened it up, I went crazy! I was also very dramatic back then.

Kennedy is also involved with a service club called "Teen Md." Each month they serve in the community. She was repairing books here. She loves to be involved and help others.

Her friend painted her nails and she thought they were picture worthy because there were about 10 pictures of them, and even a video. I'll spare you that one. To be 12 again...

San Diego Get Away

My parents reserved a time share in Oceanside, California, a year ago and asked us if we wanted to come for a couple days. We don't pass up an opportunity to go to Southern California. The kids were left in good hands with dear friends and Eric's parents. We left Saturday afternoon and came back Monday night (January 29 - 31st).

9 pm we had reservations at Jake's of Del Mar. It sits right on the ocean with lights that shine on the ocean, very romantic as my dad put it.

We even went to church there. I was hoping we'd run into one of Eric's old girlfriend's but no such luck. Just a great sacrament meeting in a very nice building. My dad notices things like that.

My mom called me before we arrived to tell me that the place was spacious but a little dated and that our room had twin beds. Woo hoo! I get a bed to myself! Just kidding (kinda). Eric says he slept in it like a pig, wallering in his pen. In the middle of the night he woke me up to cover him and all I could find was the comforter. I was disgusted but couldn't locate the sheet or blanket. Poor guy. The next night we slept on the Murphy bed in the living room, together.

We spent most of Sunday at Balboa Park. I've been there 10 times but only the science center and Imax show. This place is full of culture and beautiful architecture that I was yet to appreciate.

And randomness.

I thought this museum would bore us all but we spent the most time in here. I think we're all maturing.

Interesting art sculptures too. I especially like the humans posing on it.

Mexican dinner in Carlsbad.

Monday we started the day with an apple fritter that didn't disappoint and then headed downtown for the trolley and toured the entire area. Mainly my parents just wanted to get a lay of land to see what the town had to offer. Their friends from home were flying in that evening and they wanted to know where to take them.

The view of my mom's hair. She warned us it would be interesting.

It was great to get away and spend time with my parents. They were probably a little disappointed in Eric and I as we were ready for bed at 9:30 Sunday night. You would've thought we were the "old folks." They really are young at heart and ready for an adventure. Next time, Eric and I will drink a 5-hour energy so we can keep up with them.

Officially Moving

February 20 we will bid farewell to the house we have called home for 4 1/2 years, the longest we have lived in one place. Friday we got a phone call with the exact date and the planning/packing began. We are excited to be moving forward but sad to be leaving. It's a bummer how you have to know the good to know the bad. In the words of a wise soul, "this too shall pass." We know there are great things on the horizon.

(I know, I sound like a Hallmark card...just trying to be positive)