The stockings are hung on the bookshelf with care
the monkey bread is rising in the warm AZ air
the cards are all sent, if you didn’t get one it’s sad
but I can’t lick another, it makes me feel bad
But horray for blogs
and singing frogs….
For the christmas cheer is all here!
Heartwarming viewing pleasure
So difficult to measure.
Merry Christmas everyone!
 |
| The “good” photos are from the amazing Shannon Montez |
December 2011
We have truly been the recipients of great education. BYU, great high school and elementary teachers and we have loved our children’s school, but this year taught us a lot of lessons. Come, learn with us.
Never think you’re out of the woods. Hilary received a layoff notice just before Christmas in 2010. She ultimately re-signed for that same job and felt a small sense of relief. She was sorely mistaken.
Doing a good job doesn’t mean anything to the union. Frankly, I think this one is self explanatory, but for any of you who didn’t follow this year’s drama on Hilary’s blog — Drew was laid off in mid March 2011, the day before he took his band to Ireland. Quite a going away party, no? His job was ultimately given to a Jr. High teacher who refuses to do marching band. Oh unions. You’re lucky I’ve decided to stay off that soapbox during this letter. Really lucky….
Sometimes the hard parts are easy. Sure we’re in a recession, but that doesn’t stop us from thinking we can get a job within a couple of months of when we receive layoff notice! And the funny part is, we both did. Within 3 months of Drew’s layoff notice, we both had jobs that seemed like home.
People are wishy washy. We went through 3 full offers of our home before one finally stuck. I wish the world was like Ebay where we could’ve given them all poor reviews.
Sometimes the easy parts are the hardest. Sure, Arizona has 4 million billion houses for sale. Did Hilary want any of them in the 2 months she looked for houses? No. We bought the house and signed within 15 days. We like to cut things close. Especially Hilary she LOVES that kind of stuff. Loves it.
Sometimes everything is perfect, even if it’s different and it sometimes makes you cry. We love our home, our ward and our schools are great. We can’t imagine being more blessed. Well, we could — but then Demi and Ashton got divorced and well… maybe nothing’s perfect. 🙂
But enough about us. Let’s talk about the real trials in our lives, our kids!
Conner, age 11 has started Junior High this year. It’s been a serious reality check of responsibility and that perhaps he’s not the smartest human that God has ever made. We’ve lost “our” flash drive at least 20 times, and the fact that he actually needs to put his name on papers, in order for him to receive credit, is slowly sinking in. He’s loving being in the jazz band and being a boy scout. He’s recently added babysitter to his resume and his parents couldn’t be happier (ok, we could be, but what are the chances Conner could be Mr. Clean without shaving his head, and getting his ear pierced?).
Spencer, age 7 was pretty sad to leave his sweet gig in California. He seemed to be the most bothered by the move. He has slowly made his mark on the new school here by announcing quite frequently that he is a genius. Yay. Everyone loves that kid. So glad we could bring him here. He is really liking the new school and the fact that he gets to ride the bus and doesn’t have to share a room with Paige anymore.
Paige, age 2 decided to accompany Hilary’s layoff with a bout of severe separation anxiety which gave Hilary companionship anxiety. The people of Tempe have already taken a shine to our little curly headed wonder. She love purses, princesses, and cuddling and drinking milk on the couch. She’s moderately likeable when not performing a tantrum. We like her alright. Ok, she’s downright adorable. I, most of the time, vacillate between wanting to squish and kiss her and wanting to sell her.
Drew and Hilary are both loving the new jobs. Drew was insanely busy during marching band season with the new addition of him getting his masters at ASU, but we’re done with that part. Frankly, after the first of the year Hilary has slowly come around to the idea that there are worse things then Drew not being home. We love our new home and it comes complete with a Guest Room! As you’re freezing your tukhus off while reading my jaunty little letter, you could be here basking in our 80 degrees backyard completed by winter grass. It’s a shame that you’re not here, isn’t it? We’re taking reservations for the winter months already at 1-800-hot-life. Catchy, right?
There are times you realize that god puts people in specific spots to do specific things. In essence, Drew is the Mary Poppins of the band world, and we are just tagalongs. But, God has watched out for each of us and our needs. Our kids have great schools, Hilary has a kitchen in which she and Drew can just make wistful glances at each other across it instead of full body contact while trying to get drinks of water. Which is good, because hydration is key here. 🙂
So grateful for the blessings we have come bounding our way this year. Many friends have crowded around us with their love, some we miss and some we have welcomed into our hearts. So grateful for the little babe who was born so long ago which will ultimately bring us all together. Here’s to hoping that your family is feeling the peace of the season and enjoying being together. We miss you and we hope you’ll come visit!
I must admit I get a little sad thinking about all the traditions I’ve left in California. But, there’s new ones here, and I’m trying to keep excited for the new chapters of our life. I hope you’re enjoying your new chapters too. 🙂
Leave a Reply