First let me apologize beforehand if this entry is quite lengthy. There is simply no other way to explain.
I've been meaning to get back to the last sentence of my previous blog. You know, the one about starting work. First of all, I've never worked a day since my first child was born. I've been with my kids all day, every day for their whole lives. I love being able to stay home with my kids and watch them grow up (it happens so fast). But, as every mother knows, sometimes I just need a little break away from them so I don't go crazy. I've been thinking the last couple of months that maybe I should get a part-time job just so I can change up my days a little bit and interract with other adults. Well, before I knew it, a great opportunity came up last week. My husband let me know of a technical writer/editor position opening up at Scientech, an engineering company
based in I.F. that builds operating systems for nuclear reactors around the world. (What the ?)
I don't know anything about nuclear reactors, engineering, operating systems, and anything else in the technical field. How in the heck was I going to write manuals and documents explaining stuff I had no clue about. But....my degree is in professional writing/editing and I have some editing experience so Jim prodded me to go for it. To make a long story short, I submitted my resume'; they called me the next day (Friday) at 9:30, wanted an interview at 10:30(I hadn't even showered and it was my daughter's first week of Kindergarten); and hired me at 11:30.
OKAY!!! So now I have a job, need a baby-sitter, am going camping in like three hours, have our house on the market and must keep it clean for unexpected showings, and start full-time on Monday morning. What just happened to my freedom of being lazy all day, every day if I want. Yes, they want me 40 hours this first week to train ("and I've never had to leave my kids all day?" RIGHT-I cried the first morning trying to leave). The first day by noon I was thinking "what the heck did I get myself into" and wanted to bag the whole thing as I sat crying in my car, eating lunch alone and missing my kids. Did I mention that my husband, who found me the job in the first place and pushed me to get it, was out of town my first two days. Aahhh!!! But today went much better and I feel way more confident in my abilities and a little more familiar with their computer programs and systems. We'll see how the next few days go. After this week, I only have to work 20 hours a week, which is perfect because I get to set my own hours. The pay is amazing and I still can spend all morning with my kids, take my daughter to kindergarten on my way, and be gone while my other two are taking their afternoon nap. I found a great baby-sitter who will come to my house, and her first day (today) went great. The kids love her! Yes people, I realize I am trying to justify becoming a working mom, but the situation couldn't be any more perfect for me. Oh, except that I still don't know much about nuclear reactors.
We went camping the last couple of days with our little family. It was a lot of fun, and of course I forgot my camera. I'm such an idiot! We took a 16-mile 4-wheeler ride up in the mountains and after surviving quite a rough, steep trail(with all of us on one 4-wheeler) we found a beautiful little lake at the bottom of the trail. The surroundings were amazing, and I was reminded how awesome nature really is. We saw lot's of butterflys, dragon flys, chipmunks, a grouse, and even a doe with her fawn along the trail. The kids loved it! It was a fun trip and we even got some swimming in(kid's favorite), and some smore eating in(my favorite). We wanted to get in one more trip before the cold settles in and the busy schedules take over. Did I mention I start work on Monday morning.....aahhhhhh!!!!
I always hear of these Moms who cry uncontrollably and can't let their children go on the first day of school. Well, Ashytn's first day of kindergarten was today, and I sent her off with all smiles and a hallelujah. Not that I'm cold and uncaring, but knowing how excited she was made it easier to let her go. She's been counting down the days for the last month, and we've been playing at her school playground pretending she's at recess. Ashtyn is the easiest child who will adjust to anything. She has the sweetest disposition and loves everything. Her teacher told me today how Ashtyn tried to comfort a little boy in her class who was crying by sitting by him and rubbing his back. She was born a nurturer. I know I am playing the proud mom, but it is so nice to have such a caring, easy-going child. I need to enjoy her all I can because I can't say the same for her two younger sisters.
I went to a retreat with some women from my ward to a cabin in Island Park this weekend. It was so much fun to get away. The pransker in me came out and suggested an idea to scare all of the girls. I rode up with a friend from the ward who also has a cabin just down the street from the one we stayed in. I've stayed at my friend's cabin a few times and inside they have a full bear mount. We snuck out and brought the bear back (with a little help from some guys who were staying at her cabin) and placed it (quietly) outside one of the windows. We went inside and a few minutes later, the guys started growling near the open window. The girls started freaking out and when they looked up and saw a bear at the window (claws up, mouth open) everyone started screaming and scrambling across the room. A couple of the girls actually got scratches and rug burns from the other ladies climbing over them. It was pretty hilarious! By the way, there have actually been three real bear sightings on the island in the past week. I couldn't have picked a better scare!
Just a few pictures I have since my Grandpa moved here two years ago from California. It was so nice to have him close his last couple of years and let my children get to know their great-grandpa. This last week has been hectic with all of the family in town for his funeral. It was so nice to see all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins. The funeral was so nice and everything turned out just right. We had military rights for Grandpa at the cemetery. It was so touching to see those elderly men (knowing there are not many left) showing respect for their fellow comrade.
Grandpa wanted me to give his life sketch, and I was honored to do so yet dumbfounded why he'd want me. I can only think that he heard me speak at my college graduation a few years ago and was so unimpressed that he wanted to give me a second chance at public speaking, or he was so impressed that he wanted a scholar (ha, ha) to speak at his funeral. Whatever reason, I was touched. Now that things have calmed down and the company has left my house, I'll try to be a more frequent blogger to all of you who can't get through their day without knowing what I've been up to (I only wish I was that popular). Anyways, a hard week to get through but one that brought family together to share in our love for a very dear grandfather.
What a great man. President Faust has always been one of my favorites because of his quiet, gentle, caring nature. Maybe his path crossed my Grandpa's en route to eternity.
"When you are born, you cry, and the world rejoices. When you die, you rejoice, and the world cries." Tibetan Buddhist saying
My Grandpa passed away tonight. He's been wanting to go home for some time. I know he was met with love and open arms from a very proud and loving Heavenly Father. I was so blessed to have the chance to see him yesterday and tonight only 15 minutes before he died. I was able to tell him I love him and sit by his bed and hold his hand. I know he knew I was there. I will cherish those last moments with him when he was so close to his Savior. I love you, Grandpa.
For all you bloggers out there, how in the heck do I get that little tool symbol on my sidebar off? I cannot figure it out, and the little thing all over my page is driving me crazy. Please help an unsavvy-computer-mom!
