I often find myself getting pulled into the spiraling vortex of self-deprecating envy toward others. It is always so easy to think someone else is far above and beyond where I find myself! So, while looking at pictures of a truly amazing birthday party some acquaintances of ours threw for their son, and looking at the immaculate condition of their home, and the modern decor, and on and on, I started feeling bad for myself. (This was just the most recent instance, it happens all the time) I asked myself, "Self, why don't you do ________ like they do? Why can't you organize yourself as well, be as 'fun' as they are?" and so on, feeling like a general lame-o failure. It is common knowledge, after all, that our family would be placed on the scale of entertaining somewhere between having a skin graft and getting a prostate exam. We'll never be the life of any party. Well, perhaps a dullard party.
After these thoughts roiled around inside the hollow space between my ears for a while, I thought back on my own childhood and family. I never had big parties for my birthday. We didn't take exciting, extravagant vacations to exotic locations, unless you consider being sucked under a floodgate in the high Uintah mountains exciting. We always have been simple folk who care about each other deeply and value whatever time we spend together no matter the time or place. Is that necessarily a bad thing?
At this point in my life, I really don't expect being coddled anywhere, especially not at work. I'm not a flight-mileage laden vacation-goer, I don't ask for time off when I know it would be hard on my coworkers, I don't complain (much) if I have to work some holidays. That doesn't matter when I'm simply grateful to have a job that can put a roof over my family and food on our table. When I get home from work, even if the kids have destroyed any semblance of order and cleanliness in the house, I am deeply and truly happy! What I feel could be one of the best lessons I can teach my children, something that will serve them abundantly throughout their life -- to value what you have and learn to be happy with it without entertaining even an ounce of bitterness about what you don't have. The love and joy we had in a simple yet comfortable home, with furniture that didn't match and a scorch mark in the dining room carpet from a freak firework incident, is something I will NEVER forget. To this day, I love stepping through the front door of the house where I was raised, the house where I knew I was loved even through those painful teenage "I hate you!" years, even though I didn't get my own car when I turned 16, even though we never have taken a cruise to Mexico together, and even though we drank reconstituted powdered milk to save money.
Sure, I could be more fun. We could throw that amazing party that our child(ren) will most likely forget by the time they turn 14 and start complaining about how they think we hate them, and they never get anything they want. Perhaps there are small ways that I will change along those lines, but one thing will always remain - I absolutely love my family no matter what! I have faith and hope beyond hope that this is one value they will learn, make their own, and cherish throughout their lives.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Bathtime Fun!
We aren't the only family in the world that struggles with bath time. That's my frail hope, in any case. Each bath night I am reminded of Bill Cosby:
Minus the kids showering together (that would definitely be a disaster for us), that's a pretty good idea of what goes on regularly. Well, we don't beat the children, and I am the towel popper. Most nights, it's our oldest that seems to cause the most trouble. We don't run things like the old days, where the firstborn had birthright claim to the hot water. Each child in descending order bathed in turn until the youngest was left to chip at the forming ice layer just so they could sit in the washbasin (thanks to my dad for always reminding us of his childhood when we complained about not having enough hot water for everyone in the family).
So, the oldest child typically bathes last in our house based on our oft-failed goal of getting the youngest bathed and in bed before the real fights start with the boys. He starts the process with anticipation, making ridiculous claims of cheetah-like bathing speed. This leads right into the toy distraction, when 10 minutes of bath time have passed and the child is found naked playing with cars on the bedroom floor rather than in the bathroom. Once that skirmish is quieted and he is actually in the bath water, his attack plan alternates between urgent potty matters and requests for bath toys or a parent to sit in the room during his bath. For a 6-year-old, he's remarkably skilled at delaying. Quite the prodigy. 20 minutes later, we find him sitting in cold water, hands and feet wrinkled almost beyond human possibility and yet his hair and body are as dry as my personality. The screaming usually starts at this point, and the rest of the evening is carried by the attitude avalanche.
I bring this up because today it was our normally quiet, good-natured bather whose cooling system failed and went into meltdown. The evening had started out so peacefully, and ended normal. I guess I should thank the good Lord for providing some predictability and order in family life.
Minus the kids showering together (that would definitely be a disaster for us), that's a pretty good idea of what goes on regularly. Well, we don't beat the children, and I am the towel popper. Most nights, it's our oldest that seems to cause the most trouble. We don't run things like the old days, where the firstborn had birthright claim to the hot water. Each child in descending order bathed in turn until the youngest was left to chip at the forming ice layer just so they could sit in the washbasin (thanks to my dad for always reminding us of his childhood when we complained about not having enough hot water for everyone in the family).
So, the oldest child typically bathes last in our house based on our oft-failed goal of getting the youngest bathed and in bed before the real fights start with the boys. He starts the process with anticipation, making ridiculous claims of cheetah-like bathing speed. This leads right into the toy distraction, when 10 minutes of bath time have passed and the child is found naked playing with cars on the bedroom floor rather than in the bathroom. Once that skirmish is quieted and he is actually in the bath water, his attack plan alternates between urgent potty matters and requests for bath toys or a parent to sit in the room during his bath. For a 6-year-old, he's remarkably skilled at delaying. Quite the prodigy. 20 minutes later, we find him sitting in cold water, hands and feet wrinkled almost beyond human possibility and yet his hair and body are as dry as my personality. The screaming usually starts at this point, and the rest of the evening is carried by the attitude avalanche.
I bring this up because today it was our normally quiet, good-natured bather whose cooling system failed and went into meltdown. The evening had started out so peacefully, and ended normal. I guess I should thank the good Lord for providing some predictability and order in family life.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Waxing... philosophical, that is.
Funny thing, how at times relatively tame events cascading down the slope of life can suddenly go frantic, tearing away at what should be a firm, strong and stable foundation, leaving you gazing helplessly at the roiling waters wondering how it all got to this point and what could possibly be done to tame them.
Just in case that doesn't make sense (I'm not all sure it does even to me), what I really mean is I'm spent. It's not just because my MUCH better half has been gone for over a week and won't be returning for a handful of days yet. It's not just because I'm solely responsible for taking care of the kiddos when, no matter how I might try, something always comes up to viciously stuff my plans and schedule down the garbage disposal. It's not just the threat of long-term medical treatment for Dylan. But when you add all of these things together and put them in a pack, it feels heavy today. And when I get to thinking about things of this sort, I wax. A lot. Philosophical waxing. Much less painful than the ordinary type, but takes a lot more time and tends to irritate those around me more than normal waxing irritates the skin.
It's always been difficult for me to positively focus on the future instead of wallowing in the mistakes of the past. I'm not particularly good at many things, but I have mastered self-criticism! All this makes parenting ... difficult. I believe that being a parent is the highest Earthly calling, and fulfilling this calling well is a formidable challenge indeed. And it's a darn good thing that God cares about all of his children, including the ones we have been blessed with, because I'm sure not going to be able to raise them well on my own.
Well, now I've pitied myself enough. On to tackle something that needs done!
After dessert.
Just in case that doesn't make sense (I'm not all sure it does even to me), what I really mean is I'm spent. It's not just because my MUCH better half has been gone for over a week and won't be returning for a handful of days yet. It's not just because I'm solely responsible for taking care of the kiddos when, no matter how I might try, something always comes up to viciously stuff my plans and schedule down the garbage disposal. It's not just the threat of long-term medical treatment for Dylan. But when you add all of these things together and put them in a pack, it feels heavy today. And when I get to thinking about things of this sort, I wax. A lot. Philosophical waxing. Much less painful than the ordinary type, but takes a lot more time and tends to irritate those around me more than normal waxing irritates the skin.
It's always been difficult for me to positively focus on the future instead of wallowing in the mistakes of the past. I'm not particularly good at many things, but I have mastered self-criticism! All this makes parenting ... difficult. I believe that being a parent is the highest Earthly calling, and fulfilling this calling well is a formidable challenge indeed. And it's a darn good thing that God cares about all of his children, including the ones we have been blessed with, because I'm sure not going to be able to raise them well on my own.
Well, now I've pitied myself enough. On to tackle something that needs done!
After dessert.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Ch-ch-ch-changes!
Turn and face the strain! I often wonder what life would be like without changes.
Actually, now that I actually put that line down "on paper", I imagine it would be like going in to work every single day. All day. And doing the exact same thing each time. And that would drive any person insane, which is precisely why I am borderline crazy.
At least we have the children to keep things lively. Today Dyl and Cameron managed to break the passenger-side window motor in the truck. Of course that never happens when the window is in the up position, so I have to spend money we had allocated for other things to send the truck somewhere for urgent repairs. I think it bothers me only because we're planning on selling the house this fall, and I still have so many unfinished projects and only one day per week in which to do them all that it pains me to take the truck to a repair shop and lose an entire day. Oh well!
Life is wonderful indeed. The family is growing up so quickly I don't want to blink for fear of missing something important. We're getting ready for a visit from Mom and Dad Evans later this month, right when I have to go off for 5 weeks of mandatory training. Sounds like some in-law bonding time with Bren is in order.
I also would like to say how much we appreciate all our friends and family, near and far, and the many ways they have influenced our lives. There are those we've known for many years, and those who have stayed only briefly, but we always feel better for getting to know them, and without fail we find traits we respect and would like to emulate. There are also those who have passed on- we look forward to the day when we will see them again on the other side.
To close, in honor of Easter being right around the corner, I leave you with one of my most loved quotes. I was introduced to this by our uncle Dave, who read this portion of Elder Bruce R. McConkie's last General Conference address while we were learning a choir number based on the same passage:
"And now, as pertaining to this perfect atonement, wrought by the shedding of the blood of God—I testify that it took place in Gethsemane and at Golgotha, and as pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that he is the Son of the Living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself independent of any other person.
I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears.
But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way."
Actually, now that I actually put that line down "on paper", I imagine it would be like going in to work every single day. All day. And doing the exact same thing each time. And that would drive any person insane, which is precisely why I am borderline crazy.
At least we have the children to keep things lively. Today Dyl and Cameron managed to break the passenger-side window motor in the truck. Of course that never happens when the window is in the up position, so I have to spend money we had allocated for other things to send the truck somewhere for urgent repairs. I think it bothers me only because we're planning on selling the house this fall, and I still have so many unfinished projects and only one day per week in which to do them all that it pains me to take the truck to a repair shop and lose an entire day. Oh well!
Life is wonderful indeed. The family is growing up so quickly I don't want to blink for fear of missing something important. We're getting ready for a visit from Mom and Dad Evans later this month, right when I have to go off for 5 weeks of mandatory training. Sounds like some in-law bonding time with Bren is in order.
I also would like to say how much we appreciate all our friends and family, near and far, and the many ways they have influenced our lives. There are those we've known for many years, and those who have stayed only briefly, but we always feel better for getting to know them, and without fail we find traits we respect and would like to emulate. There are also those who have passed on- we look forward to the day when we will see them again on the other side.
To close, in honor of Easter being right around the corner, I leave you with one of my most loved quotes. I was introduced to this by our uncle Dave, who read this portion of Elder Bruce R. McConkie's last General Conference address while we were learning a choir number based on the same passage:
"And now, as pertaining to this perfect atonement, wrought by the shedding of the blood of God—I testify that it took place in Gethsemane and at Golgotha, and as pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that he is the Son of the Living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself independent of any other person.
I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears.
But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way."
Friday, June 11, 2010
Summer!
Well! It's been a year since we arrived in Georgia. And it's hotter and just as humid than we remembered. At least we're more used to it now. And our family is growing, which makes each new day more interesting (and at times trying) than the last. Aubrey is doing very well, she's such a girl already. Dainty, cute, and demanding. Hopefully Brenda doesn't find out I said that.
At any rate, the boys are getting ready for birthday season. Cameron turns 3 soon and is acting the part expertly. Thankfully Dylan is mostly out of the 3's and has moved on to telling lies. ... My trial of patience continues. We're grateful for our home, our friends and family. We thank Heavenly Father daily for the many blessings we enjoy at His hand!
At any rate, the boys are getting ready for birthday season. Cameron turns 3 soon and is acting the part expertly. Thankfully Dylan is mostly out of the 3's and has moved on to telling lies. ... My trial of patience continues. We're grateful for our home, our friends and family. We thank Heavenly Father daily for the many blessings we enjoy at His hand!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Big Day
Well, tomorrow is the big day we've been impatiently waiting for almost two months to see - we close on our house in the afternoon! (hold for applause) Tomorrow morning I have an appointment with the base legal office to make a will; the commander has ordered that all Air Force servicemembers wanting to operate a motorcycle on base have an active will, and attend a safety briefing.
Our stuff will be delivered to the house on Wednesday. Tuesday we'll have the fridge delivered. Monday evening the carpet cleaners will do their magic. Tuesday morning, the painting starts. In about three weeks, give or take, the rest of the big stuff will be done - a new counter, sink and faucet installed.
Dylan will be starting preschool this year, hopefully within the next month or so (there are waiting lists for every pre-K program in our part of the district). He is so excited! He asks almost daily if he gets to "go to school tomorrow".
That's it for now. Happy Birthday to Mark and Trish!
Our stuff will be delivered to the house on Wednesday. Tuesday we'll have the fridge delivered. Monday evening the carpet cleaners will do their magic. Tuesday morning, the painting starts. In about three weeks, give or take, the rest of the big stuff will be done - a new counter, sink and faucet installed.
Dylan will be starting preschool this year, hopefully within the next month or so (there are waiting lists for every pre-K program in our part of the district). He is so excited! He asks almost daily if he gets to "go to school tomorrow".
That's it for now. Happy Birthday to Mark and Trish!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Dodging Fingernails
Brenda is clipping her nails. Not very noteworthy, I know, but this is a special occasion - she is clipping her nails in a hotel room in Augusta, Georgia. And the clippings are traveling across the room at nigh unto the speed of sound with every click of the clippers. They're the acrylic nail overlays plus her regular nails. Quite amusing until one catches my eye.
Enough of that. We are in Georgia. It has been warm. I'd take back the West Texas heat any day in exchange for the humidity, but we'll adjust eventually. An aquaintance said recently, "People say that southern girls don't sweat, they glisten. I tell you what, I've lived here 47 years, and that just ain't right." I think I saw our van sweating the other day, when it was something around 102.
So far we're enjoying the South. It's similar to Texas, people seem more friendly, more relaxed. So far. Well, I should say others seem more relaxed, we on the other hand are more high-strung than ever. Searching for, and going through the purchase of a home has proved a daunting thing, and more stressful than basic training. At least we don't have someone yelling at us every few minutes. We're living out of hotels at the moment, draining our bank account on a studio-apartment like "suite". It does have a kitchenette, dishes, cookware and a dishwasher, so we can prepare meals instead of always going out for food. We are really hoping and praying that the purchase goes through quickly and easily, and we can move in shortly after the first of July. A little optimism can go a long way!
The boys are healthy as always, and Cameron is turning into a chatterbox. When he's not chatting, he's sleeping or screaming at his brother or his parents. Dylan's "defense mechanism" was sulking or closing his eyes and pretending to be asleep. Worst case scenario he would run away. Cameron just screeches. At everything. Doesn't get water handed to him fast enough? Screech. Asks for fruit snacks ten times after finishing one packet, and Mom says no? Screech. Dad tries to buckle his seat for him? Screech. And so it goes. Of course we tolerate it, because he's so dang cute when he sings "Happy birfday to yous, happy birfday to yous..." and that balances the irritating/cute scale, even tips it in favor of "cute".
Love to family and friends, and to all fathers we say "Happy Father's Day!"
Enough of that. We are in Georgia. It has been warm. I'd take back the West Texas heat any day in exchange for the humidity, but we'll adjust eventually. An aquaintance said recently, "People say that southern girls don't sweat, they glisten. I tell you what, I've lived here 47 years, and that just ain't right." I think I saw our van sweating the other day, when it was something around 102.
So far we're enjoying the South. It's similar to Texas, people seem more friendly, more relaxed. So far. Well, I should say others seem more relaxed, we on the other hand are more high-strung than ever. Searching for, and going through the purchase of a home has proved a daunting thing, and more stressful than basic training. At least we don't have someone yelling at us every few minutes. We're living out of hotels at the moment, draining our bank account on a studio-apartment like "suite". It does have a kitchenette, dishes, cookware and a dishwasher, so we can prepare meals instead of always going out for food. We are really hoping and praying that the purchase goes through quickly and easily, and we can move in shortly after the first of July. A little optimism can go a long way!
The boys are healthy as always, and Cameron is turning into a chatterbox. When he's not chatting, he's sleeping or screaming at his brother or his parents. Dylan's "defense mechanism" was sulking or closing his eyes and pretending to be asleep. Worst case scenario he would run away. Cameron just screeches. At everything. Doesn't get water handed to him fast enough? Screech. Asks for fruit snacks ten times after finishing one packet, and Mom says no? Screech. Dad tries to buckle his seat for him? Screech. And so it goes. Of course we tolerate it, because he's so dang cute when he sings "Happy birfday to yous, happy birfday to yous..." and that balances the irritating/cute scale, even tips it in favor of "cute".
Love to family and friends, and to all fathers we say "Happy Father's Day!"
Monday, June 1, 2009
Transient
So, we're officially homeless. Really. We don't have an address anywhere. I packed up everything in Texas, it's sitting in temporary storage just like the rest of our belongings in Cali, and we're visiting family in Utah and Colorado. Brenda and I both agree that while moving on is good, it sure will be nice to have a place we can call home again!
This last week has been a lot of exhausting fun, we spent time with our families over Memorial Day, paying our respects to those servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate price, and visiting the graves of family members. We've spent more time in the car than I care to count, and next week will be worse (minus the kids though... might make for easier cross-country traveling).
Having some down time has been a good break, and it's allowed me the opportunity to reflect on the last 2 years, time spent in the Service. I'm very grateful for the friends we have made, and the people who have made a profound impact on me and my family. I've earned a great respect for many, and have a deep loathing for a few. I've witnessed the blessings of God to Brenda, myself and the boys, and to the extended family around the country.
Thanks to everyone we call family and friends! We love you and wish all the best for you always. This week, we'll be visiting as much as we can - we may not be back "home" for a year or more.
This last week has been a lot of exhausting fun, we spent time with our families over Memorial Day, paying our respects to those servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate price, and visiting the graves of family members. We've spent more time in the car than I care to count, and next week will be worse (minus the kids though... might make for easier cross-country traveling).
Having some down time has been a good break, and it's allowed me the opportunity to reflect on the last 2 years, time spent in the Service. I'm very grateful for the friends we have made, and the people who have made a profound impact on me and my family. I've earned a great respect for many, and have a deep loathing for a few. I've witnessed the blessings of God to Brenda, myself and the boys, and to the extended family around the country.
Thanks to everyone we call family and friends! We love you and wish all the best for you always. This week, we'll be visiting as much as we can - we may not be back "home" for a year or more.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
I never realized how boring I have become in the last four years. It would seem it's been a gradual, steady process since Dylan came along in 2003, I just never noticed how bad it was until this week. Brenda and the boys are visiting family, I'm finishing up school and am stuck here by me onesies until later this week when I can join them. So, I'm bored. I've been packing everything up gradually, eating whatever I can find out of the pantry and watching the second hand's relentless plodding. Being miserable builds character, I guess. :-)
Texas is good. I wouldn't mind living here in the future. *This comment has not been reviewed or cleared by Brenda* That's all I have for now, since Bren has the camera.
Texas is good. I wouldn't mind living here in the future. *This comment has not been reviewed or cleared by Brenda* That's all I have for now, since Bren has the camera.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Counting Down
Well here it's been too long since I last took time to write an update. In the meantime, I've managed to kill someone's pet cat during our trip to Sea World in San Antonio, avoided strep that has taken out three people in my class, missed the deadline to be eligible for early promotion (thanks to California), saved the recycling program here on base, learned a lot and enjoyed my time with the family too. Now I'm counting the days down until graduation -- 28, to be exact. Bren and the family will be going to Utah next month to visit family and attend Eric's graduation and Corrie's wedding. Sadly I'll miss them both. I will hopefully be in Utah the week after Corrie's wedding for about 2 weeks before heading off to the great SouthEast! Wish us luck, we may be looking at buying a house near Evans in Georgia.
With every day I learn something new about my job and about other opportunities available to enlisted folk. Unfortunately it means that I have to make decisions now about what I will be doing for the next 4-6 years, and set a course for only one of them. Three options sound incredible, it hurts to have to single only one out as my future.
We also had computer issues and spent over 200 with the Geek Squad in an attempt to fix them all. Most of the issues are gone, but we have a few still lingering. It is almost time for a new computer anyway...
With every day I learn something new about my job and about other opportunities available to enlisted folk. Unfortunately it means that I have to make decisions now about what I will be doing for the next 4-6 years, and set a course for only one of them. Three options sound incredible, it hurts to have to single only one out as my future.
We also had computer issues and spent over 200 with the Geek Squad in an attempt to fix them all. Most of the issues are gone, but we have a few still lingering. It is almost time for a new computer anyway...
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Shift Work, Baby!
Howdy again, y'all.
Just a quick update, we're feeling settled in now, and are getting into a somewhat comfortable schedule. My work starts in the afternoon between 3:30-4:00, and goes late - sometimes until 1:00am. On the upside, I LOVE being able to spend the morning and early afternoon with the family, I can't get enough time with these boys. They are so much fun!
Today we went downtown, to a really neat all-wood playground. It's a big playground, set up like a miniature fort with different bridges, passages, slides and swings. Dylan loved it of course. I think I enjoyed it just as much as he did. One day I will live out one of my dreams and build an adult-sized playground so I won't have to hit my head on another tunnel roof. One day.
Our camera is on the fritz after Cameron threw it across the living room. Twice. So we're in the market. Any suggestions or advice welcome, I'll take my 2% with glee. San Angelo is still drab and dry, but offers some spectacular sunsets and no fishy bay smell. Just rotting roadkill. I believe skunks outnumber Texans 3:1, maybe more.
Last weekend we drove 95 miles or so to Abilene for Stake Conference, only to find out that the Conference was actually a multi-stake, district conference broadcast over the satellite and we could have stayed home and attended our own building, and not forgotten our Sunday dress clothes. We had a great time anyway. We took the boys to the zoo on Saturday afternoon, and tried to stay warm and out of the wind. They had a neat reptile house, and we saw one of the reptile handlers working with the rattlesnakes. It's a very small zoo, and quite a few displays are under renovation. We may go back in a couple of months. We also stopped at Dyess AFB for lunch. I want to go back just to walk along the main road and look at the two dozen or so planes they have on display all along the sidewalk. C-130's still fly out of Dyess, and maybe B-1's, which may be one reason the base is in such great condition compared to some of Goodfellow's buildings.
That's all for now!
Just a quick update, we're feeling settled in now, and are getting into a somewhat comfortable schedule. My work starts in the afternoon between 3:30-4:00, and goes late - sometimes until 1:00am. On the upside, I LOVE being able to spend the morning and early afternoon with the family, I can't get enough time with these boys. They are so much fun!
Today we went downtown, to a really neat all-wood playground. It's a big playground, set up like a miniature fort with different bridges, passages, slides and swings. Dylan loved it of course. I think I enjoyed it just as much as he did. One day I will live out one of my dreams and build an adult-sized playground so I won't have to hit my head on another tunnel roof. One day.
Our camera is on the fritz after Cameron threw it across the living room. Twice. So we're in the market. Any suggestions or advice welcome, I'll take my 2% with glee. San Angelo is still drab and dry, but offers some spectacular sunsets and no fishy bay smell. Just rotting roadkill. I believe skunks outnumber Texans 3:1, maybe more.
Last weekend we drove 95 miles or so to Abilene for Stake Conference, only to find out that the Conference was actually a multi-stake, district conference broadcast over the satellite and we could have stayed home and attended our own building, and not forgotten our Sunday dress clothes. We had a great time anyway. We took the boys to the zoo on Saturday afternoon, and tried to stay warm and out of the wind. They had a neat reptile house, and we saw one of the reptile handlers working with the rattlesnakes. It's a very small zoo, and quite a few displays are under renovation. We may go back in a couple of months. We also stopped at Dyess AFB for lunch. I want to go back just to walk along the main road and look at the two dozen or so planes they have on display all along the sidewalk. C-130's still fly out of Dyess, and maybe B-1's, which may be one reason the base is in such great condition compared to some of Goodfellow's buildings.
That's all for now!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Long lost us
Hi everyone. It's been a long time since I wrote anything new, and I just found a draft that could almost have been finished. So I posted it anyway.
Here we are in lovely Texas, where everything is bigger - The speed limit is 80 on some stretches of freeway, the trucks are more numerous and have fancy deer-catchers on the front bumpers, and yes just about everyone wears a cowboy hat. We have enjoyed a partly sunny, 75 degree day, an 80+ degree day, and today a cool, windy 46 degree day. There's no telling what will happen next, except that it probably won't rain - hasn't in over three months. Goodfellow AFB is small by Air Force base standards, but the facilities are pretty nice and I am among people I already know. My supervisors and instructors all seem cool and less overbearing and DB-y than some I have dealt with in the past.
Our trip went by pretty smoothly, the van did an exceptional job of pulling about 3k pounds (surprise! We only wanted to take 2200), and the kids even though they had moments where we would have been happy to leave them at a truck stop (on purpose, Dad) they were both really good during the four day marathon drive. Bren keeps saying that she can't believe we brought so much stuff, yet we still have such an empty apartment. I agree, although we're adding to the things we brought with us daily, with little luxuries like a toaster, and an internet connection. I'm about to snap with some of these projects, it seems like every time I come across something that sounds good, it ends up being too good to be true. Like an internet connection.
Today we took the kids up on base and visited a few of the static fire trucks that are on display there. Of course Dylan was enthralled, and I hope to get him back up there another day so we can see the rest without needing a pair of gloves and a coat. Thanks to all of you for your prayers, I believe that they are what carried us here so smoothly, and has helped us get settled more quickly than we have at any of our other moves. We love you all!
Here we are in lovely Texas, where everything is bigger - The speed limit is 80 on some stretches of freeway, the trucks are more numerous and have fancy deer-catchers on the front bumpers, and yes just about everyone wears a cowboy hat. We have enjoyed a partly sunny, 75 degree day, an 80+ degree day, and today a cool, windy 46 degree day. There's no telling what will happen next, except that it probably won't rain - hasn't in over three months. Goodfellow AFB is small by Air Force base standards, but the facilities are pretty nice and I am among people I already know. My supervisors and instructors all seem cool and less overbearing and DB-y than some I have dealt with in the past.
Our trip went by pretty smoothly, the van did an exceptional job of pulling about 3k pounds (surprise! We only wanted to take 2200), and the kids even though they had moments where we would have been happy to leave them at a truck stop (on purpose, Dad) they were both really good during the four day marathon drive. Bren keeps saying that she can't believe we brought so much stuff, yet we still have such an empty apartment. I agree, although we're adding to the things we brought with us daily, with little luxuries like a toaster, and an internet connection. I'm about to snap with some of these projects, it seems like every time I come across something that sounds good, it ends up being too good to be true. Like an internet connection.
Today we took the kids up on base and visited a few of the static fire trucks that are on display there. Of course Dylan was enthralled, and I hope to get him back up there another day so we can see the rest without needing a pair of gloves and a coat. Thanks to all of you for your prayers, I believe that they are what carried us here so smoothly, and has helped us get settled more quickly than we have at any of our other moves. We love you all!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Nota whole lotta
Well, here we are after the holiday season, back at home and thankful for our 75-degree weather while considering the frozen plight of a large part of the country. We did find out recently that we will be moving to Georgia this summer, it's nice to at least have some semblance of a plan for the future!
The boys are doing great. It is so much fun to watch them play together at those rare moments when they can do it without too much fighting. Cameron is talking more every day. It appears something triggered while we were visiting family over Christmas, and now he can string a few words together. Especially when he wants something off the kitchen counter.
School is almost over for me, I'll be graduating in February. Mom and Dad Evans are coming down to visit and attend the ceremony.
Brenda is doing great as well. Her reputation in the kitchen is becoming well known, she gets email requests from people in the ward asking for advice or some kind of lessons on baking from women who consider themselves baking noobs.
--- END TRANSCRIPT ---
SIGNAL LOST
The boys are doing great. It is so much fun to watch them play together at those rare moments when they can do it without too much fighting. Cameron is talking more every day. It appears something triggered while we were visiting family over Christmas, and now he can string a few words together. Especially when he wants something off the kitchen counter.
School is almost over for me, I'll be graduating in February. Mom and Dad Evans are coming down to visit and attend the ceremony.
Brenda is doing great as well. Her reputation in the kitchen is becoming well known, she gets email requests from people in the ward asking for advice or some kind of lessons on baking from women who consider themselves baking noobs.
--- END TRANSCRIPT ---
SIGNAL LOST
Friday, December 19, 2008
Dylan's Christmas Carols - Jingle Bells
Dashing thru the snow, fru a one end horse open sleigh. Thru the fears we go, laughing all the way (ha ha ha).
Bells on rapteds ring, making spirits bright. What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing sooooong tonight.
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle mall the way. Oh much fun it is to ride foo a one end horse open sleigh, hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle mall the way. Oh much fun it is to ride foo a one end horse open sleigh!
Bells on rapteds ring, making spirits bright. What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing sooooong tonight.
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle mall the way. Oh much fun it is to ride foo a one end horse open sleigh, hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle mall the way. Oh much fun it is to ride foo a one end horse open sleigh!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Battling the Monster, and Rediscovering Christmas
Alright, let me preface this by saying I don't like poo. It's messy, it stinks, and it's difficult to get out of clothes and carpet. However I, like many others, don't mind going poo. So, when in our parenting we started actually making potty-training progress with Dylan, we were very excited at the prospect of not having to change his messy diapers anymore, and just worrying about poo logistics - what happens if we're out at a store when he has to go, for example - rather than wondering which of the boys was stinking up the house. Dylan was making great strides on our third attempt at getting him out of diapers for good. Then we hit the much feared proverbial brick wall. He HATED HATED HATED going poo. Anywhere. Would not do it in a car, would not do it near or far. Would not do it in a potty, would not do it nice or naughty, would not do it in a diaper, would not do it ... with something that rhymes with diaper. Toilet time was becoming battle royale on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. We were losing sleep over it by sitting in the bathroom with a very agitated and in-pain boy for hours on end, sometimes until 11:00 at night. We researched what we could find from both parents and physicians online. We were giving Dylan gentle stool softeners, increasing his fiber, encouraging, begging, bribing, fighting... nothing worked. So, we took him to the doctor.
That visit was possibly the single most unpleasant doctor's office visit I've been to. It had been 4+ days since Dylan had a bowel movement. He wasn't even trying to get it out, he would try as he had been for weeks to hold it in as long as he could. He would whimper and sometimes yell while he stood stiff-legged and butt-clenched trying to not go to the bathroom. Anyway, the doctor helped him with an initial cleaning (I am NEVER going to the doctor for that visit, I don't care what's going on), and prescribed a pediatric laxative to help get Dyl into the habit of actually going #2. Fast forward five more days. Dylan had gone once since the doctor's office visit, with the help of a laxative, and had miraculously managed to overpower a laxative three days later (that's some gol-durn strong willpower in my opinion). Our bribes had become even more lucrative but not any more enticing for little Mr. Stubborn. He had gone right back into the pattern of holding it in until the urge passed, repeated over days.
Brenda and I had reached the end of the rope. I was falling even farther behind in my studies, there was constant battling going on in the house, and we weren't getting sleep. Sunday afternoon we were waiting for a visit from our Home Teachers and we decided to give Dylan a blessing. The thought our home teachers shared with us was about the Savior not only atoning for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane, but that He took upon Himself all of our temptations, our pains physical and emotional, and experienced everything any human could possibly experience over any lifetime... and all over the course of His suffering in one evening. We also talked about the Lord's soft heart for little children - He especially does not want them to suffer. After we gave Dylan a blessing, the home teachers left and another battle started with Dylan still struggling to hold in what wanted to come out, although both Brenda and I had our Parental Patience reserve recharged by the HT visit. We gave up fairly quickly in favor of getting Dylan to bed. We put a diaper on him as is common practice until the night wetting improves, and sent him to bed. At about midnight he woke up distressed again, and I braced myself for another round. Instead of having to worry about that Dylan told me "I pushed the poo into my diaper." Indeed he had, and it was pretty impressive (as gross as that sounds). Since that night, we have had only short periods of time when Dylan fought the urge to go. For the second day in a row he has gone, and once on his own (without a proclamation to the world).
Brenda and I are extremely grateful for the tangible blessings that the Gospel and the Priesthood bring into our family! At this Christmas season we wish all of our family and friends a Merry Christmas, and encourage everyone to remember that Christ is the heart, soul and spirit of true giving and service. God bless you all, see you soon!
That visit was possibly the single most unpleasant doctor's office visit I've been to. It had been 4+ days since Dylan had a bowel movement. He wasn't even trying to get it out, he would try as he had been for weeks to hold it in as long as he could. He would whimper and sometimes yell while he stood stiff-legged and butt-clenched trying to not go to the bathroom. Anyway, the doctor helped him with an initial cleaning (I am NEVER going to the doctor for that visit, I don't care what's going on), and prescribed a pediatric laxative to help get Dyl into the habit of actually going #2. Fast forward five more days. Dylan had gone once since the doctor's office visit, with the help of a laxative, and had miraculously managed to overpower a laxative three days later (that's some gol-durn strong willpower in my opinion). Our bribes had become even more lucrative but not any more enticing for little Mr. Stubborn. He had gone right back into the pattern of holding it in until the urge passed, repeated over days.
Brenda and I had reached the end of the rope. I was falling even farther behind in my studies, there was constant battling going on in the house, and we weren't getting sleep. Sunday afternoon we were waiting for a visit from our Home Teachers and we decided to give Dylan a blessing. The thought our home teachers shared with us was about the Savior not only atoning for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane, but that He took upon Himself all of our temptations, our pains physical and emotional, and experienced everything any human could possibly experience over any lifetime... and all over the course of His suffering in one evening. We also talked about the Lord's soft heart for little children - He especially does not want them to suffer. After we gave Dylan a blessing, the home teachers left and another battle started with Dylan still struggling to hold in what wanted to come out, although both Brenda and I had our Parental Patience reserve recharged by the HT visit. We gave up fairly quickly in favor of getting Dylan to bed. We put a diaper on him as is common practice until the night wetting improves, and sent him to bed. At about midnight he woke up distressed again, and I braced myself for another round. Instead of having to worry about that Dylan told me "I pushed the poo into my diaper." Indeed he had, and it was pretty impressive (as gross as that sounds). Since that night, we have had only short periods of time when Dylan fought the urge to go. For the second day in a row he has gone, and once on his own (without a proclamation to the world).
Brenda and I are extremely grateful for the tangible blessings that the Gospel and the Priesthood bring into our family! At this Christmas season we wish all of our family and friends a Merry Christmas, and encourage everyone to remember that Christ is the heart, soul and spirit of true giving and service. God bless you all, see you soon!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Hiking near Hollister
Here are some of the picures from our hike up Fremont Peak, near Hollister and Gilroy. It's the highest peak in the area, and you can see for miles in all directions... if we weren't in foggy and smoggy central Cal. It was still an incredible day, and view! Dylan and I had a blast throwing rocks over the edge, it was tough to pull him away when it was time to go. 
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Getting caught up... maybe.
Hey everyone. Since the last post, we've had quite a bit happening. Of course Brenda's birthday was fabulous, even though I was forced to decorate her cake. ("I don't want to, it's your birthday and you're the expert. Make a cake you will be proud of!" "Right, it's MY birthday, so YOU'RE decorating my cake!") So, as you can tell, I winged it (wung it?) and ended up creating some freakish faux landscape including a sprinkly waterfall. Oh well, at least it tasted fantastic, Bren spared nothing to make sure her cake tasted better than any other!
We spent the evening with family and friends, we barbecued, and we had a wonderful time in spite of screaming children rampaging through the house and yard. Dylan got hold of Bren's food coloring gel set when we weren't paying close enough attention to what he was doing, and he mixed up his own concoction of decorative sprinkles and food coloring gels. Not sure how it tasted, but it didn't seem to deter him.
I also had the chance during the last few weeks to go on a real mountain biking trip (one that we had to travel farther than 20 minutes from home to get to) in Santa Cruz, on the Wilder Ranch and Enchanted Loop trails. It was fantastic, and I came out of the trip without intimate contact with the trail. Much better than the last trip I went on with the same people (Jon and Dave). Here are a few pictures.
I love biking up here because of the huge variety of terrain and wildlife you can get, even in just a few miles of riding. We started out in a grassy, open field, rode down an access road to the single track through a dense redwood grove, and ended up on another access road through a recently control-burned field overlooking the central California coast. Since we had a few minutes before our drivers (our wives) showed up with the vehicles, we finished the trail all the way to the bluffs and cliffs over the Pacific. Not too many places you can get that variety all in under two hours. We ate lunch at a little hole in the wall diner in Santa Cruz, then headed home and spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the Del Monte center shops. Dyl was really acting up in one of the stores, and before we could herd him out he fell while playing on the bottom of the escalator. I've always wondered what escalator steps do to fingers if they get caught, and I must say it's not pretty. He didn't need stitches but it sure messed up his middle finger for a while.
That's it for now. Once I get some of the pictures and videos from the previous biking trip I'll put them up for your enjoyment.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Quick update
Hi all. Nate here, quick five-second update. Not much new going on. Brenda celebrated her birthday with family and friends, including an all-expenses-paid trip in a Cessna down to Big Sur and back. According to the passengers, it was nothing short of incredible, and they couldn't have asked for better weather. We've been enjoying sun and hot temperatures for this part of California, breaking quite a few records last week. The water in the bay was even tolerable without a wetsuit Sunday.
I take the first part of the final exam in three weeks, the rest after the start of the new year. That's it for now, sorry we've been waiting so long between posts! I vow to do better.
BTW for anyone else on facebook, we finally set up.
I take the first part of the final exam in three weeks, the rest after the start of the new year. That's it for now, sorry we've been waiting so long between posts! I vow to do better.
BTW for anyone else on facebook, we finally set up.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Living in a Petting Zoo
Well, Brenda has pushed me to post again, even though she still shies away from writing anything herself. Whatever. At any rate, we live in a sort of petting zoo lately with all of the small mammals that are trying to take up residence close by. I asked property management about the problems and was told that we could take whatever measures we deemed necessary to keep animals out. Barring, of course, a rifle or shotgun from the house. (shame) So, the next time we heard something climbing around our garbage can, out came the bb gun and all the stops. I loaded before I opened the door, but missed having a clean shot in the light. I chased THREE raccoons out of the carport and into the side yard, where I got off one pot shot (there was a solid wood fence backdrop, so it was safe) but missed. So I went for the hatchet. By this time, there was only one 'coon left in the yard, a huge one. He was standing on his hind feet on the front lawn watching me, but he took off as soon as I started toward him.
Fast forward a few weeks to last night. Brenda was watching The Sound of Music (yawn) while I comfortably dozed on the couch. She paused the movie suddenly and sat forward on her seat listening. "I think something is in the garbage cans again."
"So go get it," was my lethargic reply.
"Uh... no? You go get it. Hurry though!"
So, before I even looked outside, I put my shoes, jacket, and gloves on, ready for a fight. The only thing I had handy was a claw hammer and my trusty Crosman pellet gun. So they came with me. I opened the blinds and turned on the light, which normally at least gets their attention and allows me to find out what's eating our trash. Nothing moved into view, but we could hear whatever it was munching on something. I opened the kitchen door and started toward the garbage can when I heard that the munching noise was coming from the carport, just to the side of the open door. As soon as I turned, Brenda grabbed my jacket and said "It's a SKUNK! Get back inside!" I was happy to oblige.
The culprit was a very young skunk, his body minus tail was probably only 11 inches long, give or take. And he kept munching away right there next to the motorcycle. Not to be trodden on like that by a rodent, I went out the front door and lined up a great shot. Then I started thinking about what would happen if I for some crazy reason missed and shot out the window of our neighbor's car, and reason got the best of me. I put the gun away. Since he was still pridefully eating in full view of where I was standing and I still have a fence between myself and stench-ridden torment, I opted for a less-harmful deterrent. I fixed a nozzle on the garden hose, and turned it on all the way. The noise didn't seem to bother him, so I opened it up. I think the panicked retreat was worth not being able to shoot it. He scurried under the motorcycle backwards, almost folded in half, and I heard his now wet claws scurrying all over the pavement. The most odd thing about this was that we couldn't smell him at all during the entire event. But I must say I'm glad I didn't get involved in hand-to-gland combat, since I know I would have lost that battle.
Rodents-4, Me-2 for overall garbage matches now. I hope we have a rematch soon.
Fast forward a few weeks to last night. Brenda was watching The Sound of Music (yawn) while I comfortably dozed on the couch. She paused the movie suddenly and sat forward on her seat listening. "I think something is in the garbage cans again."
"So go get it," was my lethargic reply.
"Uh... no? You go get it. Hurry though!"
So, before I even looked outside, I put my shoes, jacket, and gloves on, ready for a fight. The only thing I had handy was a claw hammer and my trusty Crosman pellet gun. So they came with me. I opened the blinds and turned on the light, which normally at least gets their attention and allows me to find out what's eating our trash. Nothing moved into view, but we could hear whatever it was munching on something. I opened the kitchen door and started toward the garbage can when I heard that the munching noise was coming from the carport, just to the side of the open door. As soon as I turned, Brenda grabbed my jacket and said "It's a SKUNK! Get back inside!" I was happy to oblige.
The culprit was a very young skunk, his body minus tail was probably only 11 inches long, give or take. And he kept munching away right there next to the motorcycle. Not to be trodden on like that by a rodent, I went out the front door and lined up a great shot. Then I started thinking about what would happen if I for some crazy reason missed and shot out the window of our neighbor's car, and reason got the best of me. I put the gun away. Since he was still pridefully eating in full view of where I was standing and I still have a fence between myself and stench-ridden torment, I opted for a less-harmful deterrent. I fixed a nozzle on the garden hose, and turned it on all the way. The noise didn't seem to bother him, so I opened it up. I think the panicked retreat was worth not being able to shoot it. He scurried under the motorcycle backwards, almost folded in half, and I heard his now wet claws scurrying all over the pavement. The most odd thing about this was that we couldn't smell him at all during the entire event. But I must say I'm glad I didn't get involved in hand-to-gland combat, since I know I would have lost that battle.
Rodents-4, Me-2 for overall garbage matches now. I hope we have a rematch soon.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Beginning of the End
Cameron is walking. Not just walking, he started running today as well. Add on top of that some molars breaking through, and you have one 13-month-old screaming meemie disaster. At least he still goes to bed easily.
Not much new on this home front, just the normal daily grind for me with tests every 3-4 weeks and daily improv briefings on how much more effort students need to be putting up in order to succeed here and for the rest of their career.
Brenda is getting ready for a baby shower (not her own, mind you) and was voluntold to bake cupcakes. Her baked goods are a hit with my coworkers - whenever I bring anything home-made to the school people will flock from classrooms down the hall to get a bite before it's gone. She's considering trying to make some money baking, but has her hands full with the boys as it is.
Speaking of Brenda having her hands full, we just celebrated our 5th anniversary by taking in a matinee of Hancock and dinner at El Torito, overlooking Monterey Bay from Cannery Row. Five years of torture for her, and five years of happiness for me. At any rate, a car show must have been scheduled for the next day so we were able to enjoy watching some fantastic classic cars cruise by right up until we realized that we would be sitting at the parking lot exit all week if nobody was kind enough to stop for us. And now I want to pick up a '69 Camaro. After I get my helicopter (Brenda - "And after I get my Mustang"). We'll see.
Not much new on this home front, just the normal daily grind for me with tests every 3-4 weeks and daily improv briefings on how much more effort students need to be putting up in order to succeed here and for the rest of their career.
Brenda is getting ready for a baby shower (not her own, mind you) and was voluntold to bake cupcakes. Her baked goods are a hit with my coworkers - whenever I bring anything home-made to the school people will flock from classrooms down the hall to get a bite before it's gone. She's considering trying to make some money baking, but has her hands full with the boys as it is.
Speaking of Brenda having her hands full, we just celebrated our 5th anniversary by taking in a matinee of Hancock and dinner at El Torito, overlooking Monterey Bay from Cannery Row. Five years of torture for her, and five years of happiness for me. At any rate, a car show must have been scheduled for the next day so we were able to enjoy watching some fantastic classic cars cruise by right up until we realized that we would be sitting at the parking lot exit all week if nobody was kind enough to stop for us. And now I want to pick up a '69 Camaro. After I get my helicopter (Brenda - "And after I get my Mustang"). We'll see.
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