First Day of School Jitters

Getting ready for school has taken up a lot of time this last month. From getting a GINORMOUS list of school supplies, to school clothes shopping, and getting that perfect Elena of Avalor backpack and lunch bag, we’ve spent a lot of time preparing. We can’t forget Olivia’s monumental 5-year-old/back-to-school photo shoot and meeting her new teacher! We’re all really excited around here!

My gal pals and I are going to a Boohoo/Woohoo Breakfast at Cracker Barrel after we drop our kids off at their first day of school. I’ve been having trouble deciding which side I’m on. Part of me feels like crying.

            This stage in life is a BIG one! It means no more spontaneity of the day. My life will no longer consist of planning fun things to get us through the week, at least not in the same way. It means no more sleeping in during the week! The 7:30 AM tardy bell basically demands that I get up by 6 AM, if not sooner. It means homework and being tired and packing lunches. It means my oldest and my first child is growing up and is starting her arduous career as a student. It means that my baby isn’t a baby anymore. So that is why I want to cry; because summer is over, and the years go by so fast, and because I’m going to miss my time with my Livy.

            And yet, there are many reasons to rejoice. It is a time when Olivia will find her first school “best friend.” It is a time for her to meet new people and make new friends and learn what it is to be kind and loving and loyal. It is a time of learning independence, of discovering things you’re good at, and how to work hard. She’ll discover the fun of going to an assembly, play tag at recess, and enjoy school lunch with her friends. She’s SOOOO excited to ride the bus home! I am SOOOO nervous about it, but I trust that it will go well. I’ve walked her to the bus stop that is right on the corner of our street and she knows the way home, but I am also SOOOO excited to see how happy Romney is when we meet his sister at the bus stop every day. He will love having her home again.

            Olivia is more than ready to go to kindergarten. I contemplated holding her back another year, since her birthday is a later one and she’ll be younger than a lot of kids, but I know I’d be doing her a disservice. She is so eager to learn, eager to explore the world around her. I hope school will give her that environment. I hope she’ll always have good teachers who will guide her and help her along, and mold her into an even better person. I am scared for some of the experiences ahead. School can be hard, and cruel, in more ways than one. It can make you feel like a failure, kids can be mean, and to them it seems like the end of the world. But I know that if we can get through those hard parts, they will really help Olivia to grow into a lovely human being.

So yeah, I’ll probably cry after leaving Olivia at her first day of school. It’s an emotional day, but I am thrilled for Olivia. She will do wonderfully and I couldn’t have more confidence in her. I am so proud of the person she is already. Olivia, have a wonderful first day at school! Mom and Dad love you so much, and Romney will miss you, but we’re rooting for you! 

Romney's 9 month check up!

Romney is 9 months and he's officially been out of the womb as long as he was in the womb! It's crazy to think how much time has passed and he's now closer to a year old than a newborn baby! He has SO MUCH personality and not a day goes by that I'm not grateful that he's a member of our family! He is now 19 lbs 6 oz in weight (31%) and 27.9 inches height (39%), head circumference 17.6 inches (32%).  

Favorite Foods: Pretty much everything! He's not that fond of the texture of bread, but he loves tortillas and pancakes. For dinner he normally eats what we eat as long as it's easy to gum. Last night he had refried beans, rice, and avocado for dinner and he was yelling at us to give him more! I'm so glad we've had positive experiences with eating so far. 

Words he says: Ba-ba, Da-da, Ma-ma. I don't think he's actually referring to Jordan and me as mommy and daddy, but he is babbling a lot more! He is very loud and vocal and loves to sing, especially at church. Yesterday everyone turned and looked at us because Romm was yelling so loud at church during one of the hymns and they thought he was so funny! 

Skills: Pulls himself up, cruises on the side of furniture, uses pincer grasp, crawls EVERYWHERE, able to feed self. 

Likes: His muslin blankets, still being swaddled with arms out at night, his sister, going places with mom and dad, toys that make fun sounds when you shake them, and smiling and laughing when mommy and daddy tell him "No!" He LOVES getting into mischief!  

Dislikes: Being thrown up in the air, when mommy leaves the room, when Loki (our dog) licks his face, when he gets stuck in a tight place, waiting for food.

There is one small health issue I should mention, over the last month Romney has developed a lazy eye. He'll have an appointment with an ophthalmologist in the near future and we'll start discussing exactly what needs to be corrected and how to go about that.  

Above all, he loves playing with his sister and having a friend around all day! He's going to miss her a lot when she's gone all day at school! 

Olivia's 5th birthday!

I can hardly believe it, but I am now the mother of a 5-YEAR-OLD little lady! We got back from our trip to Utah the night before Olivia's birthday, but life had to go on! I stayed up til almost 3 in the morning decorating and then the next day it was ALL OLIVIA ALL DAY!

Since Jordan had to work, it was just Romney and me celebrating with Olivia during the day. We took her to the McKenna Children's Museum where she got to pretend to be a doctor just like Daddy and all sorts of other professions. It was a fun time and she had a blast. We went home and met up with Jordan and decided to take Olivia back to the restaurant that we had went to last year for her birthday. Capparelli's Italian Food and Pizza didn't disappoint! Olivia loves their pizza and they even remembered her from the previous year.

Olivia's H-E-B store cake!

 A spirograph because Olivia LOVES making designs

Olivia claims Wonder Woman is her FAVORITE superhero right now! 

 A barbie doctor for babies!

 Olivia loves her new Ariel dress! 

Grandma Holli and Grandpa Dave have been waiting a long time to give Olivia this present! She LOVES her Frozen tea set and uses it all the time! 

She has told us it was her best birthday EVER, but the fun didn't stop there. We love to celebrate and Olivia wanted to a have a friend birthday party, so we invited a few of her new friends over for a Minnie Mouse themed party! Here's her invite:

Hot Diggity Dog! Olivia is turning 5 and wants to celebrate! Come on over and have some fun inside our clubhouse as we put on our mouse ears and cheer for Olivia! Your parents can drop you off and we'll feed you lunch so come hungry and ready for a good time! Remember, "Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional!"  

This cake had me nearly in tears the night before the party! The frosting I made was too runny and my rosettes were running down the side of the cake. It reminded me of the scene in Sleeping Beauty when Fauna tries to make a cake and it's falling over. Fortunately, I didn't have to start all over and I was able to salvage it, but a cake decorator I AM NOT! 

 The girls decorated bows from Minnie's Bow-tique to use for the game "Pin the Bow ON Minnie"

Outside we braved the heat and played a fun game of Minnie Mouse Hopscotch 

 For lunch we had pink lemonade, Hot Diggity Dogs (pigs in a blanket), Cheetos Puffs (Olivia's favorite) and grapes! The girls also made necklaces to accessorize!

 Present-opening was a joy and Olivia was so grateful for the candy lei necklaces, mermaid barbie, and dress from her friends! Thanks ladies! 

Names of friends left to right: Chelae, Sylvia, Olivia, Aubrey, Lillian

 Olivia said that when everyone sang to her was her favorite part and that she couldn't keep from smiling! She was so happy to have her friends over to celebrate! 

Party favors included strawberry laughy-taffy, Minnie Mouse sticker books, Minnie Mouse cups, lip gloss and bracelets! The girls seemed pretty happy about their goodie bags, and we were so happy to have them over! 

For Olivia, making friends has always been pretty easy, but it's never easy starting over and we're so grateful that she's already made some cute friends to play with! My wish for Olivia is that she can have friends who love her and lift her up, encourage her to be a better person, and make her feel special. Jordan and I are so grateful to be this 5-year-old's parents and we can't wait to see what this next year brings to our little girl! Happy Birthday Olivia! You're one special gal!  

P.S. I can't believe that I have no pictures of Jordan at the party, but I will say that I could not have done it without this man behind the scenes! He helped me with EVERYTHING and I'm so grateful he was able to be off of work to make Olivia's party a success! 

The Kindness of Strangers: Chronicles of kindness while flying solo with kids

So my last blog post I talked about how I flew on a plane for the second time solo with my two kids. I mentioned that it was the kindness of friendly strangers that got me through those flights and I firmly stand behind what I said. I will again say that I have met far more friendly people on flights than negative and I'm so grateful for my positive experiences flying. I've seen a lot of articles about women flying alone with their kids and there's always some nasty villain in the story and a brave hero (most of the time) who steps in and helps the very grateful and distressed mother. A lot of these articles makes it seem as though there are a lot more people unwilling to help and I just want to clarify, that at least in my case, that is just not true. I want to take a moment to recognize the many men and women who helped me get through the airport in an effort to show that there is such a thing as human decency in the world and I have been presented with it many times, sometimes multiple times in a day.
We flew on four planes this last trip to Utah. My friend Amanda drove the kids and me to the airport and then offered to walk me in and help me get our luggage checked in. When you fly Southwest and you have a lap-sitter, you're required to go through the full-service check in line to check your infant in, making it one more line you have to wait in. It was a bit of a long and hot walk into the airport from the parking lot and I'm super grateful for Amanda's help! It made the beginning of my trip much easier.
Getting through security wasn't easy, but I tried to pay if forward as I waited for my liquids to be checked by TSA, and helped the mom in front of me who was getting searched by TSA, by entertaining her two kids that were with her. She was so good-natured about the whole ordeal that it made me breathe a little easier and realize that if this mom could do it, so could I.
Our flight was delayed an hour and everyone at the gate sitting near me was extremely helpful. They let Romney grab their bags and crawl over to their chairs, they picked him up and played with him. At first I was a little bit of a germ-a-phobe, but my need for the help of others to entertain my children overrode my fears that my kids would catch some random illness from one of these strangers. One older man specifically approached me and asked me what boarding position I was in. He was in A and offered to save some space for me if I needed and said he would help me in any way he could. He seemed to get emotional as he spoke to me and I was really touched by his sincerity and willingness to help. Every person that helped me didn't necessarily fit the bill of a kind stranger willing to help. That man really threw me for a loop, as did the tattooed woman who kept swearing, but was so nice to my children. This lady even held Romm while I ran to the bathroom with Olivia before the flight. I know! Stranger danger! But honestly, we'd been sitting with these people for a good long time, and no alarms were going off in my head. I trusted that all would be well, and it was. They all insisted that I deserved to be in the front of the line since I had two kids and was doing this by myself, but I was in the A group to board and it really wasn't necessary, but they were all on my side. The tattooed lady even stood in my spot so no one would try to push in front of me since I couldn't fit my stroller back to that side of the line.
I'm lucky to have two well-mannered and easy-going kids. Olivia was entertained by her iPad and Romney slept for most of the flight. I can't remember who sat by me on that flight, but I do remember that it was a nice person who didn't mind sitting by a mom with two kids.
Since our first flight had been delayed, we had to run from one gate to the next, even though they were holding the flight for us. I nearly bowled one woman over as I ran past her with my one-seater stroller shoved with both of the kids inside, and she yelled at me and I yelled back behind me how sorry I was as I continued to run...and then ran past my intended gate haha! I saw her again as I walked past and I apologized for my rushed and rude behavior and explained my situation. Immediately her face softened and understanding replaced her anger. She forgave me and I hurried on. The flight attendant held the line as I checked my stroller in so I could board with family boarding. One young girl held Romney so I could collapse my stroller at the gate and not have to put him on the ground.
A young Korean mom with three kids, who were not with her on the flight, sat by me on the next flight and she pretty much held Romney the whole time while he squirmed and struggled to fall asleep. We talked and her company really helped me pass the time. It amazes me when a mom, who is getting a break from her own kids, offers to help another mom and ends up holding someone else's child for the entirety of a flight! It was a nice break for my arms and my mind. When we got to our destination, she walked with me through the airport and helped me pick up all my luggage from the baggage claim area. My sweet parents picked me up from the airport and we were soon on our way to their home.
On our return trip home to Texas, my in-laws stayed with us through check-in and we said our goodbyes and then I was off on my own again. A family helped me get my items through security, and when I failed to take my baby food out of my bag, the TSA lady was really pleasant to talk to while she checked everything. Our first flight was only an hour, but again, another mom sat by me, her kids old enough to not have to sit next to her on the plane, and she played with Olivia and helped her get items out of her bag during the flight because Romney was really squirmy. He wanted to be all over the place and having someone with eyes on Olivia really helped me concentrate on Romney.
Our next (and last) flight was also delayed and we had to wait a little longer. A teenage girl talked with Olivia while we waited and they became fast friends. People spoke encouraging and kind words to me about being a mother travelling on her own with two kids and I don't remember receiving one unkind glance from a person.
We boarded our flight and amazingly we had the whole row to ourselves! The lady in the seat across from me offered to watch a sleeping Romney while I helped Olivia use the airplane bathroom, and the couple behind me played peek-a-boo with Romney from their seats when he'd lean over and look at them through the arm rest space. After we got off the plane, the same couple held Romney and helped me get my stroller set up.
I haven't mentioned everyone who helped me or every little act of kindness, nor can I remember it all, but from my count, well over ten people helped me while travelling with my kids. I personally want to recognize these people and memorialize them in my mind, as they made my travelling experiences so much easier. They helped carry my burdens, brightened my day, and made me feel more confident about travelling alone with my kiddos.
I hope that I can continue to have positive experiences as I travel, which includes the kindness of strangers, understanding, patience, and charity. I know I'll be making many more trips like this by myself and each trip will be different and there will be different people travelling with me. What I don't want, is to give up on expecting kindness from others. Chivalry is not dead and courtesy and kindness have not disappeared from the world. I think what my experience shows is that mothers don't have to fear doing things on their own with their children. I think, generally, people try to understand and truly want to help. Sometimes I think we forget to ask for help and strangers don't always know what you're comfortable doing. I think more people would help if we gave them a way. I think also, that we should always accept offers of help. In that way, it encourages people to keep offering and helps them to feel good about themselves. Kindness begets kindness. We should also realize, that if people are being rude or impatient, that it is their right to those feelings, and in that case, we should take a deep breath and Mom On.
I am happy to report though, that most are sympathetic to the job of being a mom and people are generally happy to help. It helps when your children are cute though, so really play that up! I hope everyone can have good flights in the future, and I promise, that if you're a mom...or a dad, travelling alone with your kids, I'll raise my fist in the air to you and encourage you on, but even more, I promise I'll help make your flight experience with your kids a positive one, so you can keep taking those family trips and so you can feel like the world isn't against you. You'll have a friend and ally in me. It really does take a village and I'm grateful for my village.

 

Trip to Utah: Riley's Farewell

Ahhh Jordan! That man is sure fond of surprises. At his insistence, we secretly booked flights back to Utah in order to attend my youngest brother-in-law's missionary farewell. Elder Riley Gisseman has been called by the Lord to serve the people in the Netherlands/Belgium mission. He will leave his family and his home for two years to share his testimony of Jesus Christ and to help bring them happiness by declaring there is a Savior who died for us and because of Him, we can return to live with Him again in Heaven if we follow the Way the Savior has set for us. I am beyond amazed and humbled at what this young guy is giving up as he leaves everything he knows and puts his faith in Heavenly Father, that he will be taken care of, and that he will find people willing to listen to his message of glad tidings.

Since Jordan could only come for a couple days, I felt like it would be more worth it for the kids and me if I stayed a week, splitting the time in half with my family and my in-laws. This is the second trip I've taken with two kids by myself and I was more than a little nervous. It was an evening flight and my first flight out of San Antonio was delayed by an hour. The kids were spectacular on the flight, but we had to run from one gate to the next to make it to our connecting flight (which they were holding for us). It was pretty stressful, but once we were on, both of the kids fell asleep and we soon landed in Salt Lake City. I am nearly convinced that there are fewer problems on morning flights and I've vowed that next time, even if it's an early morning (I shudder at the thought) flight, that I'm going to try that instead.
My parents picked us up at the airport and we headed back to my home in Ogden. My parents were in the middle of renovations and it was fun to see the improvements that were happening. I'm so excited to go back again and see how the house has changed! My parents so deserve this!
I hung out with my sister Nicole and we took the two girl cousins to Tona (an AMAZING sushi restaurant where my oldest sister Chantelle happens to be the manager), and then to the Treehouse Children's Museum, where the girls had a blast running around together.
We went over to Chantelle's new house in the evening and had fajitas that she whipped together. It was so nice touring her new home and seeing how happy she and her family were living there. They were also due for an upgrade!
The next day we took the kids swimming at a public pool and wore them out nice and good! I loved playing with Lily and Olivia! Those girls adore each other and I love seeing all the cousins play together! They all love to hold Romney and they make Olivia feel so big and important! I'm so grateful that they could have time together and for the insta-friends Romm and Olivia have with their cousins! Unfortunately, I couldn't take too many photos because my phone battery is on it's last life and pretty much has to be plugged into the wall at all times. :(
On the last day, I went out with my Mom to Farmington Station for some shopping. We had some Costa Vida and tried The Baked Bear (a delectable ice cream cookie sandwich shop). We rushed back home and picked up my Dad so we could all go out to the Lodge at Maddox together where I had a savory filet mignon steak and soft, buttery rolls. (Can you tell we're big foodies in this family)?
Back at my sister Chantelle's home, we had cupcakes and sang "Happy Birthday" to Olivia since her 5-year-old birthday was only days away. They gave her a super soft, luxurious pink blanket and a hip cat pillow. This girl is definitely spoiled by her aunts and uncles and grandparents!

 Romney LOVED Bear! But most of all he reveled in riding him like a Stallion! Bear's such a sweet dog for allowing Romney to fulfill his dream of becoming a true Texan Cowboy.

 Brent and Romney were pretty much best buds on this trip. Brent may look a little tuff, but he's a big softy when these babes come around! 

 At Maddox with the family! Sorry you couldn't be there Nicole, but thanks for suggesting we go so I could finally share in this deliciousness! 

She sure is loved! 

That night, Jordan flew into SLC Airport where Jake, his brother, picked him up, clandestinely, and took him back home where he walked into his parents' bedroom and surprised them! There was screaming and hugging and crying (so I'm told) and everyone was thrilled by his arrival. Truly, Jordan knows how to make a big surprise. We were so happy we could make this work out and that we could be here to support our family.  The next day, I came over to the Gisseman home and got to be there for Riley's open house! It was a big affair and he had so much support from family and friends and neighbors. Holli and Dave served Belgian waffles in his honor and they were gobbled up! Riley is loved deeply and I know there will be many prayers said for his safety while away and for a safe return home in two years. I'm so grateful for Brittany Palmer, the woman behind the camera, who captures such beautiful moments! These picture don't show the half of the people that came to support Riley.

 Incredible support from his friends! 

 Jake is solid. You want this guy on your side! He's loyal to a fault.

 Brothers AND Pals = Recipe for success!

 These guys have been through thick and thin together. Daniel Bytheway will be serving a mission in Peru!

We went to Riley's farewell address on Sunday and he spoke like an experienced missionary! He thanked his family for their love and support and sacrifices and then after, his whole extended family came over for cookies and to say goodbye one more time. This part of the trip had been especially emotional for all of us as we realized that we wouldn't be seeing him for a long time. Jordan asked Riley to give him a blessing and Riley complied. There was a sweet spirit in the room as the youngest brother laid his hands upon his eldest brother's head and spoke in the name of the Lord. Words were spoken of Jordan doing well in his residency and being a good father and husband. They said a tender goodbye and I took Jordan back to the airport with his parents, while I stayed back in Utah for a couple more days. We played games in the evening and had a nice time being a family.
The next day was a state holiday (Pioneer Day). We went to support Grandma Goosie, as she walked the 10K for the 5th year in a row at 85 and a half! It was a little scary as she crossed the finish line and she was leaning heavily to one side, being supported by her daughter, but she made it through and she's healthy and A-OK. This will very likely be her last year walking and I can't believe how strong and determined she is! She's a powerful lady and the sweetest person you'll ever meet! I'm so glad I get to call her mine!
We went swimming with the extended family at Randy and Deb's pool and the kids really enjoyed themselves! Olivia even refused to get out of the pool because she knew she wouldn't be coming back for a while and she didn't want the fun to stop. I can't blame her!
Dave and Holli took the kids and me out to dinner and Olivia was able to watch some fireworks being set off at the neighbor's house! She and Doniel (the neighbor boy) are thick as thieves and they love seeing each other when Olivia comes into town!
The next day we packed up, stopped by to see Grandma Goosie once more, played outside and drew on the table with water with Dallin while we waited for our ride to the airport, then hopped in the car and drove away. Holli, Dave, and Riley took us through the check-in line (which was crazy long), and we said our tearful goodbyes. Olivia was most distressed and cried all the way through security. Every now and then she'd get a little choked up as she thought about leaving her Utah family. She loves with all her heart! I love that little girl of mine!
On both flights, I met extremely nice people who helped me out! I've met WAY more nice people than mean people at airports (I'm ecstatic to report) and I couldn't travel alone without the help of these friendly strangers. People hold my baby for me, get things out of bags for me, play with my kids, help me through security, grab my stroller for me, among other things! It warms my heart to come into contact with so many nice people!
On our last flight during the descent, the flight attendant announced that it was Olivia's birthday and that she was turning 5! We got in at midnight on her birthday! The attendant had us all turn on our assistance lights, and then we all sang "Happy Birthday" to her and they even made her a little cake out of pretzel bags! It was too cute and so considerate and I'm sad to say Olivia slept through the WHOLE THING! That girl wouldn't wake up if there were jets flying right next to her ears! She is the heaviest sleeper I've ever known.
Jordan picked us up from the airport and we went home! It was so nice to see Jordan again, even though we'd only been apart for a couple days. I'm just not complete without him. Everything is truly better when we're together! He helped me put the kids to bed, then I worked on decorating the house for Olivia's birthday (even though it was past midnight), because I'm crazy like that! Romney had jet lag, so he stayed up until 2:40 a.m. with me until I was done decorating, and then I insisted that playtime was over and he HAD to go to sleep now. I'll talk more about Olivia's birthday in my next blog post!
I'm so grateful for the opportunity I had to return back to Utah. I felt the bonds of family so strong and I truly am lucky and blessed with the family and friends that God has put in my life. It was a nice, but short, trip and I can't wait to see their faces again! God speed Elder Gisseman and bless you on your journey! We love you! You have matured and grown so much and I can't wait to see the person you grow into on your mission! You will be an incredible missionary!

 Goosie coming to the end of the Race! 1st and only in her age group! 

 Grandma Holli will go wherever this girl asks her, even into tiny houses.

 These kids adore Dallin and Caitie! 

Cousin buddies Olivia and Brindslee! I loved hearing them play mermaids and half the game was them describing what their hair and tails looked like! 

 

Nothing better than a snooze and books with Grandpa! 

Time for Grandpa's nails to be done again! He waits for Olivia to come because she's the best nail stylist. 

 Riley gave Romney the bib and Olivia a Jazz stuffed Hedgehog! He's so thoughtful! 

 We had the row all to ourselves! A rarity and a treat! Romney slept in the middle the WHOLE TIME!