Good News, Working for a General, Oh Yeah!

FINALLY, something great has happened for George and his career in the Air Force! After countless opportunities offered to him and then given to someone else because of bad timing or a other circumstances, George has finally been given an opportunity that makes all of his hard work worth it. He interviewed last week to be the aide-de-camp to a 2-star general and he was selected, much to our surprise!

This is really good for his career if he decides to be a lifer. The only downside to this position is the time he will have to spend away from all of us. He is essentially the personal assistant to the general and must go everywhere the general goes. At least it will be about a year-long position and we will have a nice comfy home to live in.

Dallin Turned 2! An Interview with the Incredible Youngster

I sat down recently with this young amazing two-year old and asked him a few questions about turning two, his best memories during his short lifetime, and some of his favorite things.

Me: Dallin, what did you like most about your birthday? Seeing your daddy after a long absence, being with your cousins, opening presents and eating cake, having two birthday parties, or going to Chuck E. Cheese’s?

Dallin: “Daddy!” (He exclaimed this emphatically while jumping up and down!)

Me: That’s wonderful! You’re dad will love that answer! So, what’s it like being two-years old? Is it better than being one?

Dallin: 2!

Me: So, being 2 is twice as much fun as being 1?

Dallin: Yeah!

Me: I hear ya there buddy! But, you must admit you did have a lot of fun as a one-year old? You were able to see all of your extended family, fly on an airplane, learn to crawl, walk, climb and run, swim with your friends at the pool, visit Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, go to the zoo for the first time, really trick-or-treat for the first time, and spend Christmas at your grandparents’ house. Not to mention, you have someone to cater to your every need and push you around in a stroller when you want to go somewhere.

Dallin: Yeah.

Me: So, tell me some of your favorite things. I have it on good word that some of your favorite foods are strawberries, watermelon, apples, cheese, fruit snacks, chocolate, yogurt, pancakes, and doces (candy). Sounds like you have a little bit of sweet tooth, huh?

Dallin: No.

Me: Hmm. Well, I hear you love to read. Is that true?

Dallin: Word World.

Me: Oh, you like to watch Word World? Is that helping you learn to read?

He doesn’t answer. He just looks away and giggles.

Me: Do you want to watch Word World?

Dallin: Yeahhhhhhhh!

Me: Okay, well I suppose my time is up with you! Let’s just sum up a few things, shall we? So basically, you are like many two-year old boys? You like trains, planes, and cars; you love to build blocks; you love to play outside; you love animals; you love your family; you love long walks; you love bath time. What makes you so amazing and unique?

His attention span gone, he just points to his cheek. I suppose he means that he’s amazing and unique because there is only one Dallin in the world who can melt my heart when he says “Mommy”, only one Dallin who is the best cuddler in the world, only one Dallin who makes me laugh when I should be upset, and only one Dallin who amazes me with the things he says and does every day. This next year should be a fun one for all of us!

Sorry, If You're Wondering What Happened...

So, last week we were planning on moving out of the TLF (temporary living facility) on base and move into an unfurnished apartment or condo. The reason for the move was essentially because we're cheap and we were trying to save as much money as possible so that we can finish our backyard and/or our basement after we close on our house. But, the condo we had lined up fell through and all the other rentals I called about want a 6-month lease at a minimum. So, we have decided to remain at the TLF, which is better for us anyway since there is furniture, cookware, etc. Plus, I'm 7 1/2 months pregnant and sleeping on an air mattress can be a little uncomfortable. So, instead of saving hundreds of dollars on our housing allowance, we'll save only about $70.

I haven't been able to post any photos because the laptop does not have a memory stick reader like our other computer, and the internet connection is horrible, so uploading would be a nightmare. I have so many photos of the kids, Dallin's birthday, and our house as it's being built. I wish I could share them, but it will have to wait.

On another note, my sister had a baby girl today. Sadie Sophia is her name and I have yet to see any pictures. She was born with the cord wrapped around her neck so my sister didn't even get to hold her baby until about 4 hours after she was born. She was taken to the NICU right after birth but she is doing good now. I can't wait to see her.

Phew, We Can Finally Catch Our Breath

Well, our family is together again and we are finally not living out of anyone else's basement or a relative's home. To those who helped shelter us, we cannot thank you enough for your kindness and hospitality. We really did enjoy our visits and hoped you didn't mind us crashing for a time while we've been going through the transition from our old home to our new home, which we have yet to live in. We sure miss everyone and Jaren keeps requesting to go back and see his cousins, grandparents, and aunts and uncles.

We are still trying to figure out things, but I believe the hardest part is over and we can finally begin a new life here in Cheyenne even if we aren't able to settle into our home until June. I'm very excited about what the future holds for us here--new home, new baby, new ward, new friends and a fitness center that will accommodate myself and the kids. I had to throw that last one in because I went to the fitness center on base and was finally able to work out while the kids played in a contained area. There were cool toys, a TV and DVD player, a playhouse and the biggest plus, the kids couldn't escape but could see and talk to me the whole time. It was so easy to get in a half hour of elliptical. I'm still giddy about it.

By next week, I should have some photos up from our visit to Utah. We had a lot of fun while we were there and wished we could have stayed longer, but Wyoming was calling us! Oh, and did I mention that we have a 2-year old boy now? I'll need to get caught up with Dallin's birthday and a few other things as well but that will have to wait until the next time I can catch my breath.