Updates

So much has happened in such a short period of time that it seems like nothing is new, however, I'm sure that something I'm about to mention will be new to some of you. This post feels a bit scattered to me, because I feel a bit scattered lately, so bear with me on this one.

E learned to whistle over the weekend, lucky me!

M has shown an interest in sitting on the potty, he has successfully hit his target one time.

5 Mondays ago A was offered and accepted a new job in Orange County, CA. My sister-in-law, Jodi, swears that A was created to perform this job, just look at him! For those of you who know the specifics about what this job is, please don't mention it in any of your comments, such as title, specific place, etc. Since then he has been living with his parents doing training, and working very hard. Meanwhile, I have been here in SoPhx with the boys, packing up our house, listing it for rent, screening applicants and generally losing my mind.
The move creates varied emotions for me. We have been hugely happy living in Arizona and would have probably stayed here for the rest of our lives had the economy not taken a ride on the porcelain express, and threatened our ability to provide food for our children, with A's previous job being directly related to the building industry. I have amazing friends here, a great ward, am involved in so many different clubs/groups, I love my house. But there are several things I will definitely not miss (look for a later post about the things I've learned living here).
We really feel like we have been guided by the Spirit to make this huge change and are trusting that we are doing what we have been prompted to do. A was raised in Orange County and it is where we met, fell in love, and married; so we have both always wanted to move back there, but never foresaw that it would be possible. The schools and opportunities of the area where we are moving are amazing for our children.

Having lived for almost a month without my husband has been a real challenge. I have no idea how single mothers survive and am even more astounded that anyone would choose this lifestyle, it is not pretty, and is clearly not what I'd signed up for. I've been hugely blessed by an extra measure of the Spirit in our home, have received enormous amounts of help from friends, and have only suffered one crying melt-down. But it is still really, really tough. There is a reason why Heavenly Father says there needs to be a mom and a dad. For those mothers out there who have lost their husbands through circumstances beyond their control, my hat goes off to you, I don't know how you manage everyday.
E has been amazingly well behaved, and has really strived towards obedience and has tried extra hard to help out. He is truly a blessing. He has deeply felt the absence of his father, but always looks forward to talking to him before bed and has even read him a story over the phone to help A go to bed. But by about 7pm every night I am completely done with the constant barrage of non-sensical noise that emanates from him. A 7:30 bedtime has been a real sanity saver for me. I am proud of myself, however, that I manage to keep a cool head and allow him to chatter at me to his hearts content, and respond in a positive manner.
M, on the other hand, would probably be an only child had he been my first born. Our first Sunday without dad saw me with a positive outlook about how the day would go: we were up early, the boys were both fed, bathed, and fully dressed, and I was minutes away from being ready, applying my make-up and we'd make it to church nice and early. I hear E yell: "OH MY GOSH!" So I go running out to the living room to see what is going on: M (fully clothed) is sitting on the bathroom sink, has it plugged up, water running out of the sink, onto the floor (at least 2/3 of an inch) and is soaking wet.
Fast forward two weeks. I'm showered, getting ready for a night out with my friends Jackie and Deidre, go walking back in to my bedroom, that's odd, I hear water running. M is fully clothed, in my bathtub with 3 inches of water and every diaper I had just purchased enjoying a little swim.
Moral of these stories is the old Arizona adage: watch your kids around water.
Seriously, I'm pretty sure that E was never this naughty. It's a good thing that M is cute because he'd be looking for a new place to live at this point, if he weren't.

There are exciting times ahead, and I can't wait to be reunited with my sweety! I will keep you all posted about what happens from here.

Mmmmm

I made a sandwich today and was a little disappointed. We don't have any pickles in the house and since we're moving soon, I hate to buy any at this point. I started thinking of all the food that I enjoy, no, am passionate about:
Pickles (Claussen, you can only find them in the refrigerated section, and they're a little more expensive than other brands, but they stay crisp and delicious)
Olives -- Any variety
Bacon
Tomatoes from my dad's garden
Avocados
Nectarines
Watermelon
Crusty sour-dough bread (it has to be true sour-dough bread or I won't waste my time)
Brownies
Cheesecake
Pesto Pizza
Oranges
Mango (not mushy, still a little bit on the un-ripe side)

I don't think life would be worth living if I couldn't have any of the above ever again. Hooray for SuperMarkets!

What are the foods that you could eat everyday and probably never get tired of?

Holla

For all you young mothers our there, I took one for the team today:

I was out getting lunch with my 2-year-old and the little boy I babysit after my son's Dr. appointment. I was ordering the food and the boys were behind me. M was tapping on the glass at the people outside and I hear a lady behind me say "He's banging on the glass!" So I turn around to see what is going on and this lady who is obviously past her child-baring years is giving me the dirtiest look I've seen in a long time.
My heart started pounding and the blood rushed to my face. I picked M up and looked at her and said, "If you've ever had kids of your own, please do not give me a dirty look," I turned around and walked away.
Whether you agree with my actions or not: It was hugely satisfying, and hopefully this bitter woman will think twice about giving one of you the evil eye when your children are behaving less than stellar.

Coupons

You know you're a coupon-a-holic when you're children are playing and one says to the other:

"Would you like some water? It's free with a coupon!"