We made it to Chile, can you say culture shock?
The kids and I have been here two weeks, it has been an adventure for sure. It is a beautiful place to be and the people are so nice. (Even if I give them that deer in the headlight look when they ask me something in Spanish)
Scott is back to work full time this week. It is pretty sad for all of us. It has been nice for him to be home after lunch. The afternoons are usually pretty busy with looking at houses, shopping, figuring out the area, trying to get the kids enrolled in school. We have one car at the moment, and it's only a five seater, so going places with the whole family is always fun. Now Scott has the car all day, and we are stuck walking everywhere. Which isn't all bad. We are in a temporary apartment that is in the middle of town, so walking to the huge mall, grocery store, or restaurants is only two blocks away. I did decide that I am a small town girl. It's winter here and everyone keeps telling me just wait until summer the population goes up 10 to 1. People compare Vina del Mar to San Francisco, lots of hills, buildings on every corner, and tons of people.
Trying to get into a permanent home here is a little difficult to say the least. Finding a place is easy, we have 5 different places that would work for our family, but we have to have someone from the embassy to come and do a pre-inspection. Basically the place has to have an alarm system and a 6 foot fence with an electric fence on top of that. If it is an apartment, it has other requirements. After the pre- inspection the embassy will either approve or have a to do list of things that need to be done. They then have to approve a lease, and do a final inspection to make sure everything is done before we can move in. We are still waiting for our stuff to come, it didn't even get shipped until last week, so we are looking at October before we have our things. I really miss my stuff. The furniture in the temporary apartment is not comfortable at all, and the kitchen stuff leaves a lot to be desired.
I had a local lady come by last week to go grocery shopping with me and to cook. It has been really hard to find the things I am used to having, so I have to learn to cook a whole new way. Her name is Karina, and even though we don't understand each other very well, I love her. She is a great cook, and is just a really nice beautiful woman. She made my day when we went out and then showed me how to cook some local food. She only laughed at me... the whole time. I am sure she just feels sorry for me, but I am looking forward to her coming back on Wednesday.
Trying to get the kids in school here is a pain in the rear. I am hoping they will start the beginning of September. There is an all girl school, and an all boy school. We took the girls last week to drop of their applications and have a tour. They will go tomorrow for a placement test, which is a little weird to me since they will be repeating the school year that they just finished in June.They are British schools, that teach in both Spanish and English. The kids should be pretty fluent in their Spanish by the end of the school year. The school year here goes from March to December, and the days are long, from 7:50 to 4:00. The great news is that they won't have much homework, which is awesome. I hated that in the U.S., my kids would be in school all day, and then come home with a ton of homework each night. It is not common to have homework each night here, they like to complete stuff in school. How crazy is that? One thing I was disappointed with was the library, they are so small. Not like the libraries we are used to in the states.
I haven't really taken many pictures because we already stick out like a sore thumb, and I'm afraid my nice camera would be taken, or my phone would be taken out of my pocket. Crime on tourists is pretty high. Karina already told me I need to be more careful when I am at an ATM making a withdrawal, I'm grateful she was with me. I am the ultimate "gringo" and still have so much to learn. I do learn more Spanish each day, usually at the end of the day I have a huge headache, but slowly it's coming. I definitely can understand more than I speak, and that's not saying much. One of the rental companies tried calling to ask me some questions about a house we looked at, and I had no idea how to answer her, so I was calling to Emmi to come translate for me, and she didn't know all the words either. Looking back it was quite comical, but at the time very frustrating.
Well I should probably go find something for all of us to do today. We already spend way to much time inside watching TV, or on electronics. We live on the 22nd floor of our apartment building, so we sometimes run up and down the stairs, that last about 20 minutes and my knee's can't take much more of that. It's winter, so going to the beach is pretty cold, it is nice that it's only across the street. The kids don't mind the cold at all, it is in the 50's, so I guess I can't complain about the cold too much. Who knows maybe today we will brave the "cold" and get some pictures of our adventures. Until next time!
Monday, August 26, 2013
Sunday, August 11, 2013
The arrival
So I (Scott) made it to Chile. Jennifer and the kids will arrive in a couple days. I was able to find a temporary apartment while we wait for our personal items to get shipped here (could take a couple months). So far I am struggling with the language, but it has improved. I noticed at church today I was able to follow more than last week. This part of the country is absolutely beautiful. We are right next to the beach...I am actually listening to the waves crash as I type. There are hills all around, very much like where we were living in California. I am excited to be reunited with the family. I know we are going to have trials these first few (6 to 12) months while we adjust to life in another country but I believe it will be well worth it.
California
While in California we went and saw a couple cool houses. One in Fresno is underground, while the other, in San Jose, is enourmous.
A gentleman digging a root cellar in Fresno realized it was much cooler underground, so he kept digging and had plans of an entire underground hotel. Before parts of the land were sold and developed there were 50 rooms, a grand ballroom and he was working on the driveway and parking garage before he died. He even planted fruit trees underground and would graft the trees. He had one tree which produced seven different fruit.
The heir to the Winchester firearms spent her life (after the death of her child, then husband) building on her house. Construction took place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for something like 35 years. This mystery house was definitely a one of a kind. There are stairs that dead end into the ceiling, doors that open into an adjacent wall while another opens to the outside with no staircase, just a fall from the second floor. It is one mixed up house, yet very elegant too.
A gentleman digging a root cellar in Fresno realized it was much cooler underground, so he kept digging and had plans of an entire underground hotel. Before parts of the land were sold and developed there were 50 rooms, a grand ballroom and he was working on the driveway and parking garage before he died. He even planted fruit trees underground and would graft the trees. He had one tree which produced seven different fruit.
The heir to the Winchester firearms spent her life (after the death of her child, then husband) building on her house. Construction took place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for something like 35 years. This mystery house was definitely a one of a kind. There are stairs that dead end into the ceiling, doors that open into an adjacent wall while another opens to the outside with no staircase, just a fall from the second floor. It is one mixed up house, yet very elegant too.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Family reunion
Had a great, fun, hectic, crazy and tiring fourth of July weekend. Five siblings were able to make it out for our annual siblings reunion. The weekend included the aquarium, bike rides, beaches, the ocean, BBQ's and games. Thanks to everyone who made the weekend great, and a special thanks to my amazing wife who made things run so smoothly. Here are some pictures of the fun:
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Yes, we are still alive!
Wow, I can't believe that 2 months have passed since my last post. Things have been really busy here, and the last thing I want to do is be on the computer. I would rather be taking a nap, but since that rarely happens and I have a few minutes today, you get an update! YAY
February highlights:
I flew to Florida for my brother Michael's wedding, and was able to see my parents, brother Ben, Michael and his bride, along with my Aunt and Uncle again before we move to Chile. It was a good visit, short, but still good. I was very happy that Scott was willing to be Mr Mom for 5 days. Scott and the kids were VERY happy to have me home. Poor Scott, he has been super busy with school and didn't get much sleep when I was away. It is nice to feel so appreciated.
For Presidents day weekend we drove down to southern California to see some good friends the Laughmillers. It was so good to see them While we were there, Erin took our family pictures. It's too bad that her sweet husband was messing on the computer and noticed that the hard drive was getting full and moved all of her pictures somewhere, and now they can't be found. We are both very sad! Maybe they will be found and then I can post them for you.
Emmi and I were able to go to a Symphony. We had a great time, and I am amazed at all the talented musicians. We heard the middle school and High school Symphony, over all not bad at all.
Another weekend we all headed up to a place called the Mystery Spot. It was a pretty fun place to visit. After that we went to the boardwalk and spent some time on the beach eating snow-cones, in February! Have I mentioned before that I love living here?
March highlights:
Mia turned 8! She was so excited and had been counting down the days since January. She told me that once she turned 8 she wouldn't grow and more, or get any older. I always tell her she needs to stay my little girl, but have since told her it is ok to grow and get older. She had a great birthday, even if we didn't let her have a birthday party like she wanted. We still had some friends over for cake and ice cream though.
Mia is so happy to be baptized and will be on April 13th. I still can't believe how fast time flies, and that my baby is 8. I am going to be saying that every year with all my kids. Like Emmi, she is going to be 15 in a few months, I'm too young to have a 15 year old!
The kids had a two week spring break. Too bad it went by so fast, and we really didn't do anything fun. The first week was all Doctor and Dental appointments for our over seas screening. I had to break down and have a Pap. I hate going to the Dr, and this may be too much TMI, but your still reading and I have no sympathy for you. I haven't had one in 6 years. Let's just say my doctor chewed me out. I told her that everything was fine, I have no bad history, and if I felt like there was a problem I would have gone in. Well sure enough, everything was normal, so I told her I might come back in another 6 years, but probably not!
The second week of spring break we had one more dental appointment. We went and had a picnic lunch at the beach one day. Headed over to Fresno for a day and enjoyed an indoor trampoline park. The kids (Except Emmi who face planted within the first 10 minutes and got super embarrassed and spent the rest of the time moping in the van) Had a great time. Even I got in there and jumped. Let's just say that after having babies, the bladder isn't what it used to be. Scott told me to take depends, Thanks for the support Scott! I couldn't really move the next day, my back was killing me. I guess my body is telling me I am to old to be showing off with flips, and jumping in a huge foam pit. (that was so hard for me to get out of!!) We also spent a lot of time at the park, and taking walks around the neighborhood, and swimming in the pool. We all got new goggles, and Mia loves hers!
Easter weekend was fun. We had our friends the Loughmillers come up. We went to a church activity on Saturday. It was a blast. Pony and tractor rides, archery, skipping rocks, Easter egg hunt, good food, lots of friends and beautiful weather. Who could ask for anything more. Sunday was a great day focusing on what Jesus Christ did for us. All around a great end to a wonderful weekend.
Well that about wraps up our last two months in a nutshell. We are off to Utah this weekend for conference. Should be a good time. Can't wait to see family, and Kaleb is super excited to go to conference with his dad.
February highlights:
I flew to Florida for my brother Michael's wedding, and was able to see my parents, brother Ben, Michael and his bride, along with my Aunt and Uncle again before we move to Chile. It was a good visit, short, but still good. I was very happy that Scott was willing to be Mr Mom for 5 days. Scott and the kids were VERY happy to have me home. Poor Scott, he has been super busy with school and didn't get much sleep when I was away. It is nice to feel so appreciated.
For Presidents day weekend we drove down to southern California to see some good friends the Laughmillers. It was so good to see them While we were there, Erin took our family pictures. It's too bad that her sweet husband was messing on the computer and noticed that the hard drive was getting full and moved all of her pictures somewhere, and now they can't be found. We are both very sad! Maybe they will be found and then I can post them for you.
Emmi and I were able to go to a Symphony. We had a great time, and I am amazed at all the talented musicians. We heard the middle school and High school Symphony, over all not bad at all.
Another weekend we all headed up to a place called the Mystery Spot. It was a pretty fun place to visit. After that we went to the boardwalk and spent some time on the beach eating snow-cones, in February! Have I mentioned before that I love living here?
March highlights:
Mia turned 8! She was so excited and had been counting down the days since January. She told me that once she turned 8 she wouldn't grow and more, or get any older. I always tell her she needs to stay my little girl, but have since told her it is ok to grow and get older. She had a great birthday, even if we didn't let her have a birthday party like she wanted. We still had some friends over for cake and ice cream though.
Mia is so happy to be baptized and will be on April 13th. I still can't believe how fast time flies, and that my baby is 8. I am going to be saying that every year with all my kids. Like Emmi, she is going to be 15 in a few months, I'm too young to have a 15 year old!
The kids had a two week spring break. Too bad it went by so fast, and we really didn't do anything fun. The first week was all Doctor and Dental appointments for our over seas screening. I had to break down and have a Pap. I hate going to the Dr, and this may be too much TMI, but your still reading and I have no sympathy for you. I haven't had one in 6 years. Let's just say my doctor chewed me out. I told her that everything was fine, I have no bad history, and if I felt like there was a problem I would have gone in. Well sure enough, everything was normal, so I told her I might come back in another 6 years, but probably not!
The second week of spring break we had one more dental appointment. We went and had a picnic lunch at the beach one day. Headed over to Fresno for a day and enjoyed an indoor trampoline park. The kids (Except Emmi who face planted within the first 10 minutes and got super embarrassed and spent the rest of the time moping in the van) Had a great time. Even I got in there and jumped. Let's just say that after having babies, the bladder isn't what it used to be. Scott told me to take depends, Thanks for the support Scott! I couldn't really move the next day, my back was killing me. I guess my body is telling me I am to old to be showing off with flips, and jumping in a huge foam pit. (that was so hard for me to get out of!!) We also spent a lot of time at the park, and taking walks around the neighborhood, and swimming in the pool. We all got new goggles, and Mia loves hers!
Easter weekend was fun. We had our friends the Loughmillers come up. We went to a church activity on Saturday. It was a blast. Pony and tractor rides, archery, skipping rocks, Easter egg hunt, good food, lots of friends and beautiful weather. Who could ask for anything more. Sunday was a great day focusing on what Jesus Christ did for us. All around a great end to a wonderful weekend.
Well that about wraps up our last two months in a nutshell. We are off to Utah this weekend for conference. Should be a good time. Can't wait to see family, and Kaleb is super excited to go to conference with his dad.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Once a month blogging....
So it has been awhile since we posted anything on the blog, and I am sure everyone is on pins and needles just waiting for an update. Well today is the day.
So much has happened this last month. Scott has finished 3 1/2 weeks of class, and is doing OK. He had his first test last week and did well. He is in the middle of the class, and tells me almost daily that this is the hardest thing he has ever done. I believe him. It's like college all over again. I hated when Scott was in college, I never saw him, and the last semester he was sick every weekend from pulling at least one all nighter a week. He hasn't pulled any all nighters, but he also hasn't been getting enough sleep and has been sick since Friday. I told him to go to the Doctor today, because last night was one of the worst nights sleep either one of us have had in a long time. Good thing I love that sick husband of mine.
The kids are staying busy in school, and always have a lot of homework each day. They have never had so much homework in their life. I wish that they could have less so that they could be kids and play after school instead of coming home to another 1-2 hours of homework each day.
Emmi has started up on Piano lessons again, and is paying for them herself. Her teacher comes to the house and teachers her, and then on Friday nights she babysits for her. I think it is a fabulous deal. Emmi on the other hand, is fine with the babysitting part, but is having a hard time with all that her teacher is pushing her to do. Her last teacher just let her play what she wanted and never challenged her. Emmi is defiantly being pushed. I keep telling her she will appreciate it one day, she just rolls her eyes and me. I love that eye rolling daughter.
Kaleb is funny as ever. Yesterday before he was getting ready to walk out the door for school and I was giving him a hug and a ton of kisses. He was laughing so hard, telling me to stop. Secretly I think we both loved it. I can't believe how big he is getting. Sunday as we were at church we were comparing hands. His hands and fingers looked to be the same size as mine, so I took of my wedding ring and slid it on his ring finger. It went on really easy, but then got stuck. He was so embarrassed that he had my ring stuck on his finger, and Scott was telling him to hold his hand up so that the swelling in his fingers would go down enough to get the ring off. After about a minute and several not so silent giggles from all of us he finally got the ring off. Poor boy, but I sure love him.
Brody has been busy. He reads more than Emmi, I didn't think it was possible. Scott has gone in his room a few nights this last month and found him reading with a flash light instead of trying to go to sleep. He will grab any light he can, even the hallway night light just so he finish "just one more chapter." In Scouts he finished his bear award. He was pretty excited about that, he is even more excited that when he gets into Webelos that Scott and I will be his leaders. I love that non stop reading boy!
Mia, she is going to give me my first gray hair. She has had a hard time focusing on homework. Sometimes it takes her 3-4 hours to finish. We get into a lot of arguments, and is about to lose all of her crafting things. She loves to do arts and crafts, and unfortunately her homework doesn't consist of that. She is going to be the next Martha Stewart. Mia also has been loving the tree in our front yard, if you can't find her inside, she is usually up in the tree with either a book, blanket, stuffed animals or all of them. She misses gymnastics and really wants to start classes again. We will see how the homework thing goes the next couple of weeks. I love that crafty girl of mine.
As for me, I have no excuse as to why I haven't updated the blog except to say that I am lazy. I have been bored out of my mind here. All the house is unpacked, the kids and Scott are gone all day, and I am here all alone. I have a lot of things I could do, but nothing I want to do. I could study Spanish, practice the piano, read, but no, I just do nothing except clean the house and cook the meals. I need to find something that I enjoy doing. I think I have lost myself the last 15 years, and I need to figure out something that I enjoy doing, because sitting around doing nothing is not going to get me anywhere. I go to playgroup on Fridays with a friend down the street just to get out of the house. I always get asked what child is mine, only to tell them that none of them are mine, I just needed to get out of the house. My friend Laure, has got me a little excited about running, we went out yesterday. She is amazing, and is training for a marathon, and has convinced me that I need to do a half. So the first weekend in May is when I will be running my first half. I'm going to die, but it is on my bucket list of things to complete.
So every weekend we try to go out and do something as a family. One weekend we went to a mirror maze, it was pretty cool, but gave you a headache after a little bit. Another weekend we went to a State Park and hiked around for about 3 hours. We saw sea lions, and whale spouts, and found an awesome tide pool. Two weekends ago we took a tour of a light house. That was pretty cool. This last weekend we went to an art museum, and decided that was a bust, so then we headed to the beach to play. It was really cold outside, compared to what it had been like the last month, but the kids all got soaked and had a blast anyways.
Well that is what we have been up to this last month. I will try and be better about updating the blog, because really I have nothing else that is pressing.
So much has happened this last month. Scott has finished 3 1/2 weeks of class, and is doing OK. He had his first test last week and did well. He is in the middle of the class, and tells me almost daily that this is the hardest thing he has ever done. I believe him. It's like college all over again. I hated when Scott was in college, I never saw him, and the last semester he was sick every weekend from pulling at least one all nighter a week. He hasn't pulled any all nighters, but he also hasn't been getting enough sleep and has been sick since Friday. I told him to go to the Doctor today, because last night was one of the worst nights sleep either one of us have had in a long time. Good thing I love that sick husband of mine.
The kids are staying busy in school, and always have a lot of homework each day. They have never had so much homework in their life. I wish that they could have less so that they could be kids and play after school instead of coming home to another 1-2 hours of homework each day.
Emmi has started up on Piano lessons again, and is paying for them herself. Her teacher comes to the house and teachers her, and then on Friday nights she babysits for her. I think it is a fabulous deal. Emmi on the other hand, is fine with the babysitting part, but is having a hard time with all that her teacher is pushing her to do. Her last teacher just let her play what she wanted and never challenged her. Emmi is defiantly being pushed. I keep telling her she will appreciate it one day, she just rolls her eyes and me. I love that eye rolling daughter.
Kaleb is funny as ever. Yesterday before he was getting ready to walk out the door for school and I was giving him a hug and a ton of kisses. He was laughing so hard, telling me to stop. Secretly I think we both loved it. I can't believe how big he is getting. Sunday as we were at church we were comparing hands. His hands and fingers looked to be the same size as mine, so I took of my wedding ring and slid it on his ring finger. It went on really easy, but then got stuck. He was so embarrassed that he had my ring stuck on his finger, and Scott was telling him to hold his hand up so that the swelling in his fingers would go down enough to get the ring off. After about a minute and several not so silent giggles from all of us he finally got the ring off. Poor boy, but I sure love him.
Brody has been busy. He reads more than Emmi, I didn't think it was possible. Scott has gone in his room a few nights this last month and found him reading with a flash light instead of trying to go to sleep. He will grab any light he can, even the hallway night light just so he finish "just one more chapter." In Scouts he finished his bear award. He was pretty excited about that, he is even more excited that when he gets into Webelos that Scott and I will be his leaders. I love that non stop reading boy!
Mia, she is going to give me my first gray hair. She has had a hard time focusing on homework. Sometimes it takes her 3-4 hours to finish. We get into a lot of arguments, and is about to lose all of her crafting things. She loves to do arts and crafts, and unfortunately her homework doesn't consist of that. She is going to be the next Martha Stewart. Mia also has been loving the tree in our front yard, if you can't find her inside, she is usually up in the tree with either a book, blanket, stuffed animals or all of them. She misses gymnastics and really wants to start classes again. We will see how the homework thing goes the next couple of weeks. I love that crafty girl of mine.
As for me, I have no excuse as to why I haven't updated the blog except to say that I am lazy. I have been bored out of my mind here. All the house is unpacked, the kids and Scott are gone all day, and I am here all alone. I have a lot of things I could do, but nothing I want to do. I could study Spanish, practice the piano, read, but no, I just do nothing except clean the house and cook the meals. I need to find something that I enjoy doing. I think I have lost myself the last 15 years, and I need to figure out something that I enjoy doing, because sitting around doing nothing is not going to get me anywhere. I go to playgroup on Fridays with a friend down the street just to get out of the house. I always get asked what child is mine, only to tell them that none of them are mine, I just needed to get out of the house. My friend Laure, has got me a little excited about running, we went out yesterday. She is amazing, and is training for a marathon, and has convinced me that I need to do a half. So the first weekend in May is when I will be running my first half. I'm going to die, but it is on my bucket list of things to complete.
So every weekend we try to go out and do something as a family. One weekend we went to a mirror maze, it was pretty cool, but gave you a headache after a little bit. Another weekend we went to a State Park and hiked around for about 3 hours. We saw sea lions, and whale spouts, and found an awesome tide pool. Two weekends ago we took a tour of a light house. That was pretty cool. This last weekend we went to an art museum, and decided that was a bust, so then we headed to the beach to play. It was really cold outside, compared to what it had been like the last month, but the kids all got soaked and had a blast anyways.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
We are still alive and well
Wow, it has been a long time since I have posted on the blog. So much has happened in the last 6 weeks.
Scott finally came home on Friday the 7th of December. Things kept changing, so I never told the kids when he would be home, except he would be home by the 12th of December. It was really awesome to have him surprise them that day. We didn't really have time to relax and enjoy each other as a family, things just got crazier.
On Monday the 10th, Scott had to go into work and I was busy preparing everything for the movers the next day. Tuesday the packers came and packed most of the house, they returned the next day to finish with the packing. Thursday Morning the moving truck came and loaded everything up. Friday we spent cleaning the house and saying goodbye to friends. It was a rough day. We do have amazing friends though. By 6 pm that night we were on the road headed toward California. I got all teary eyed when we drove away from our home. We really liked it. I miss it everyday, I just wish it was here in Monterey.
We finally got into our hotel room in Monterey about 9 pm Saturday night. I was so tired, I slept most of the day away in the truck. (we just towed the van behind the truck) I think my body was tired enough I was able to get some sleep finally. (I have crazy insomnia) I was worried about Scott driving. His sleep schedule had been off all week and he wasn't able to stay awake past 8 pm except one night where we went to go see some Christmas lights, but as soon as he sat down he was out. I felt bad laughing, but he kept almost falling out of his chair. Anyways, Friday night he was able to drive until midnight and his sleep schedule has been fine ever since.
We went to church on Sunday and met some really nice people. It was a memorable experience. We were sitting in the back pew and a family walked in a little late, and their daughter puked right at our pew. The smell was BAD! Poor Emmi and Mia thought they were going to puke too. I have had enough puke to last me a lifetime! There was also a special musical number and a little boy started speaking in the microphone telling us all to stay seated, and at the very end he told us we could all get up, and something else. The mom promptly grabbed him and took him out. I was trying so hard not to laugh out loud.
Monday we looked at several houses and finally decided to move into Military housing. It is super small, but we got everything to fit, sort of. Scott still wants to get rid of most my couches, but I won't let him until he agrees I can get new ones when we get to Chile. :)
When we moved in we had a few air mattresses and sleeping bags. Our Things didn't arrive until Thursday before Christmas. On Wednesday we went a got a Christmas Tree (I asked Scott to bring all our Christmas stuff in the back of the truck) It took up half our living room, then add all the boxes 3 couches, piano and a bookshelf and there wasn't much walking room.
Christmas Eve we had a family come over to make gingerbread stables. They had just moved in the day after us, live 4 houses down and are in our ward. It was a lot of fun. It helped get into the Christmas Spirit a little more.
Christmas morning was good. I am always the first one awake and I wake everyone up, this is the first year in 14 that I was the last one out of bed. The kids woke Scott and I up at 5:30, but I asked them to wait until 6. They came in at 6:05 and told me that it really was time to get out of bed. It was a small, cozy Christmas, but one of my favorite. I was still catching up on sleep I think, and slept most the day away. I did make Cinnamon rolls, regular rolls and a ham though so at least the family was fed.
The next few days we were busy unpacking because my cousin Courtney was coming over for a visit. She stayed for New Years and we had a blast. We went to the aquarium, Cannery Row, Carmel Beach, and did a lot of touristy stuff, and swimming. We were sad to see her leave, but she left with promises of coming back. I did feel bad because New Years eve I was out by 11:30 and so were Emmi and Mia. I didn't welcome in the new year with anything but crazy dreams, and Scott, Courtney and the boys were left on their own to watch the ball drop on TV. All well.
This week the kids finally got back into School. Brody and Mia went for two days before the Christmas break, but Emmi and Kaleb's first day here was yesterday. They both were so scared, but came home with smiles on their faces, and today was an even better day for both of them. I am so grateful for kids that adjust so quickly. They are amazing.
Scott started back to work last Wednesday. It was a sad day for all of us. We sure have loved having him around so much. He starts his Spanish class tomorrow. Six hours of instruction, and at least two hours of homework on top of that, along with all his other work obligations. Good times.
So that is a few things that we have been up too. I will still try and get on our question of the day up and going again. Scott and I both enjoyed it. As soon as I find the camera I will upload pictures.
Scott finally came home on Friday the 7th of December. Things kept changing, so I never told the kids when he would be home, except he would be home by the 12th of December. It was really awesome to have him surprise them that day. We didn't really have time to relax and enjoy each other as a family, things just got crazier.
On Monday the 10th, Scott had to go into work and I was busy preparing everything for the movers the next day. Tuesday the packers came and packed most of the house, they returned the next day to finish with the packing. Thursday Morning the moving truck came and loaded everything up. Friday we spent cleaning the house and saying goodbye to friends. It was a rough day. We do have amazing friends though. By 6 pm that night we were on the road headed toward California. I got all teary eyed when we drove away from our home. We really liked it. I miss it everyday, I just wish it was here in Monterey.
We finally got into our hotel room in Monterey about 9 pm Saturday night. I was so tired, I slept most of the day away in the truck. (we just towed the van behind the truck) I think my body was tired enough I was able to get some sleep finally. (I have crazy insomnia) I was worried about Scott driving. His sleep schedule had been off all week and he wasn't able to stay awake past 8 pm except one night where we went to go see some Christmas lights, but as soon as he sat down he was out. I felt bad laughing, but he kept almost falling out of his chair. Anyways, Friday night he was able to drive until midnight and his sleep schedule has been fine ever since.
We went to church on Sunday and met some really nice people. It was a memorable experience. We were sitting in the back pew and a family walked in a little late, and their daughter puked right at our pew. The smell was BAD! Poor Emmi and Mia thought they were going to puke too. I have had enough puke to last me a lifetime! There was also a special musical number and a little boy started speaking in the microphone telling us all to stay seated, and at the very end he told us we could all get up, and something else. The mom promptly grabbed him and took him out. I was trying so hard not to laugh out loud.
Monday we looked at several houses and finally decided to move into Military housing. It is super small, but we got everything to fit, sort of. Scott still wants to get rid of most my couches, but I won't let him until he agrees I can get new ones when we get to Chile. :)
When we moved in we had a few air mattresses and sleeping bags. Our Things didn't arrive until Thursday before Christmas. On Wednesday we went a got a Christmas Tree (I asked Scott to bring all our Christmas stuff in the back of the truck) It took up half our living room, then add all the boxes 3 couches, piano and a bookshelf and there wasn't much walking room.
Christmas Eve we had a family come over to make gingerbread stables. They had just moved in the day after us, live 4 houses down and are in our ward. It was a lot of fun. It helped get into the Christmas Spirit a little more.
Christmas morning was good. I am always the first one awake and I wake everyone up, this is the first year in 14 that I was the last one out of bed. The kids woke Scott and I up at 5:30, but I asked them to wait until 6. They came in at 6:05 and told me that it really was time to get out of bed. It was a small, cozy Christmas, but one of my favorite. I was still catching up on sleep I think, and slept most the day away. I did make Cinnamon rolls, regular rolls and a ham though so at least the family was fed.
The next few days we were busy unpacking because my cousin Courtney was coming over for a visit. She stayed for New Years and we had a blast. We went to the aquarium, Cannery Row, Carmel Beach, and did a lot of touristy stuff, and swimming. We were sad to see her leave, but she left with promises of coming back. I did feel bad because New Years eve I was out by 11:30 and so were Emmi and Mia. I didn't welcome in the new year with anything but crazy dreams, and Scott, Courtney and the boys were left on their own to watch the ball drop on TV. All well.
This week the kids finally got back into School. Brody and Mia went for two days before the Christmas break, but Emmi and Kaleb's first day here was yesterday. They both were so scared, but came home with smiles on their faces, and today was an even better day for both of them. I am so grateful for kids that adjust so quickly. They are amazing.
Scott started back to work last Wednesday. It was a sad day for all of us. We sure have loved having him around so much. He starts his Spanish class tomorrow. Six hours of instruction, and at least two hours of homework on top of that, along with all his other work obligations. Good times.
So that is a few things that we have been up too. I will still try and get on our question of the day up and going again. Scott and I both enjoyed it. As soon as I find the camera I will upload pictures.
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