Christmas Village

Yesterday, we took the kids to the Christmas Village in Ogden. They had such a good time! We waited in line FOREVER to have the kids sit on the lap of the world's grumpiest Santa! (Oh well, the kids didn't seem to mind!)











On Thursday, Logan had a Polar Express Party at school. All the kids got to go to school in their pajamas and they watched the polar express and decorated gingerbread houses. Here are some pictures of Logan's little gingerbread house.







Also here are a few of my favorites from October and November.





Feeding the ducks at the duck pond in Layton.









I took the kids to the Treehouse Children's Museum a few weeks ago. Logan got to take home "Licorice the bear" and he had to draw pictures of everything he did while Licorice was staying with him. He kept drawing pictures of "driving in the car" so I figured the trip was necessary!






This is the typical holiday at the Stephens house! On Thanksgiving, David found a laundry basket, and somehow decided it was a good idea for him and my kids to ride down the steps in it. *sigh*

New calling

Ok, so I got a new calling on Sunday. I am the new activity day leader for the 8-11 year old girls. I'm a little overwhelmed with the calling. I have no information about the program and I don't really know exactly what I'm supposed to do. Inspite of all of that, I'm so excited to have a calling and to have such a fun age group!
Logan got selected to take home "licorice" the black bear puppet. Licorice is supposed to go along with Logan for every activity. Because the first 3 pages of activites logan drew were pictures of us "driving in the car" and "us in a cart at the store" and "driving home from the store" I decided unless we wanted to appear to be amish boring, we had better do something fun this weekend. Logan and Jonah slept at grandma and grandpa's house on friday and they got in the hot tub. So that was a good picture for Logan to draw. On Friday, I went to one of my best friends fathers funeral. After that I took the boys to go to the treehouse museum and out for ice cream. It was overall a pretty fun day. (I'll post some pics of the kids and licorice.)
Just on a side note, the funeral for Donald Holman was a very difficult thing for me to attend. It was hard to see my friend suffer. It was so hard for her sweet little boys, but even more than that...it brought a realization that life is short, we are all mortal, and we can lose our parents or loved ones at any time. I am so thankful for the knowledge that families are forever. I am comforted by the plan of salvation and in knowing that we will all be a family in the life after this one.

Thundercats HO!

Ok, so I just wanted to talk about my favorite thing that Jonah does. Jonah has been fully indoctrinated with a love of Thundercats. Anything that is stick-like becomes the "sword of omens" and he'll pick it up and say "Thundercat, thundercat, thundercat HO!" It is just the cutest thing. I have been trying to get pictures of it for weeks to no avail.

Family home evening

I have decided that we don't spend enough time having fun around here, so last night for family home evening, we made home made rootbeer. It was delicious, but it made 5 gallons. I have no idea how I am going to consume all of this rootbeer!!! The boys had the best time watching the dry ice bubble this witches brew looking drink. Logan kept saying some weird chant from Thundercats which was pretty funny.
My kitchen is now a sticky mess, but it was a lot of fun! I have spent most of the day today working on our resumes.

Looking for a new job

So Robert and I have worked at Extend Health for the last several months, the problems are just two...1) We have to drive to 106th south every dang day. 2) They are requiring us to work mandatory overtime on satudays....so instead of driving to 106th south 5 days a week, we have to drive 6 days a week. So we're both in the market for a new job. Both of us are licensed in health and life insurance in about 10 different states and appointed by dozens of different insurance companies. Let us know if you know of anything open!!!

Weirdness

Ok, so I had the H1N1 garbage last week. That's really what it is, garbage. Seriously, I've been more sick pregnant for sure. (ok, ok I get the anti-pregnancy shot every couple of months, but still...the H1N1 shot is pointless!)
Anyways, Wednesday I started feeling really dizzy, it's just at times, it comes and goes and I can't really predict when it's going to happen. Sometimes I am standing up, sometimes bending down, sometimes laying down. It's honestly the weirdest thing. Well, last night I passed out and scared the begebees out of Robert. I woke up to him slapping my face and screaming my name at the top of his lungs. Good times. I did pass out two times today and it's really strange. I thought for awhile that it was my blood sugar, because I hadn't eaten much in the past two days, but I have eaten fine since this all started and it is still occurring. I also thought it might be orthostatichypotension (low blood pressure when you stand up basically) I suffered from that during my pregnancies when I wasn't able to keep down fluids. But I've been drinking tons (of water, thank you very much) and still I feel dizzy. I can't really explain it, but hopefully it will get better. I also thought that maybe it could be an inner ear infection because I have had some cold like symptoms, but my ear doesn't hurt....so all in all, it's a little odd...and I'm hoping for improvement.
On a more positive note, I'm really looking forward to the trunk or treat for our ward which is going to be tomorrow. I'm planning on carving pumpkins with the boys either tomorrow night or Saturday, I think that should be really fun. I'll try to remember to post pictures.

Yay for Tuesday

Tuesdays are usually my busiest days. I drop Logan off for school, try to get some work done around the house, and then dash to pick Logan up for school before Robert gets home from work, then I kiss Robert hello/goodbye as I go to my city council meeting (which can last into the wee hours of the night) Then, I have to be up for work Wednesday at 4 am. Yup, it's busy.
Today just started out bad because I woke up to the feeling that there was something or someone breathing on me. I looked up to see Logan leaning over me and he says "Good morning momma!" I looked around and realized that it was light outside already. Somehow, I managed to sleep until 8:35 a.m. Now, I know, that sounds fabulous, but it's not when you have to have your kids and yourself ready to drop Logan off at school at 9 am. I threw a pile of clothes at Logan and said "Hurry, get ready!" Then I jumped in the shower and got ready like a mad woman. We made it with about 4 minutes to spare. To add to the craziness, Logan's coordinator from headstart wanted to come and do a home visit today. I got Jonah in bed for a nap and by 11:30 he was asleep. The coordinator got to our house at 11:30 and instantly Jonah woke up (awesome!) So that lasted no longer than 1 hour, after which, I attempted to put Jonah back down for a nap (yeah, I know, wishful thinking) I decided to make some pasta for dinner because I have council meeting later tonight, and I figured making dinner would give Robert less of an excuse to go get a burger for dinner. So I start cooking meat and garlic and everything and I get done, cover the dinner with saran wrap and put it in the fridge, thinking that I'm just oh, so efficient. I look at the clock at it's 1:37 p.m. 7 minutes after the time that I was supposed to pick up Logan from school. That's right, I forgot my son! I grabbed Jonah, jumped in the car and drove like a maniac to the school. We get there to an empty parking lot. I get in the classroom and there's Logan, sitting on the floor waiting for his name to be called so he could go home (mind you the lights have already been turned off by the teachers.) Yup, it's official, worst mom ever.

Additionally, the coordinator asked if we would be willing to take a step parenting class through Utah State University (the same class we are currently taking for the second time) I told her we have taken it a couple of times already, but she said they want all of the families who are blended families to take it in January, so it looks like we get to take it again. It makes me laugh, Robert will be SO mad!!! Every time we go, he gives me the hardest time because he says I only take the class because they provide dinner and I don't want to cook. (Which IS a definate perk!!!)

RAWR!

So I did it yet again today. I went to church. I went, knowing that I was going to be ignored and unwelcome. I go nearly every week. (I've missed the last 2 because we've had swine flu in our house.)
It's never been easy. I used to look forward to the small glimmer of light I got every week at church. Now, I'm sorry to say that I don't look forward to it. I really dread it. I've been divorced now over a year.
That's when there was a big change. People went from talking to me in the hallways to ignoring me even if I do say hello. (Not all people, but more than a dozen. More than two dozen for that matter.)
I've tried to stay positive, laughing about it and saying that at least I know who my real friends are. That's the truth, my real friends have stuck by me. They've come and talked to me themselves when they've heard rumors, they've been great. It's those others that make me dread Sundays. It doesn't make it hurt any less when I speak to people who once acted as if they were my friend, and they look at me and without any sort of response, walk off.
It's so hard to be divorced, let alone divorced and mormon. It's like having the word "Loser" tatooed to your forehead. It's rough. There's the initial response that you get from everyone "What happened?" (which is none of their business!)
To a random judgement. I'm not sure if it's because I moved on and remarried quickly, or if they just resent me for recognizing that I was never going to be happy in my current situation. I really don't understand what exactly the problem is...but I know that I don't like it.
I really thought I would have the love and support of my ward. It is really hard to go through a divorce. It's not something you can explain in words. It's also even harder to blend a family. Those who haven't been there, will never truly understand what a hard journey that is.
There are a few individuals who have been very sweet, but on the most part, I feel abandoned.
I believe in the church with all of my heart. I know it's true. That's why I keep going. Why I get up Sunday and mentally prepare for what I am going to have to go through. I wish it could be different. I just keep trucking a long, and maybe some day it will be. I hope it will.

that's all, just had to vent a little.

Ok...I know, I know, It's time to update the blog!

Alright already, I get it. It's been a long time since I've updated the blog! So here we go




Logan has been in school for over a month. He is loving it.
This is a picture of him on his first day...

We have been down for about a week with the swine flu. Jonah has been pretty sick. I'm ok...I just feel blah.

Work is going well.

Robert and I have started taking another step parenting class. That's always fun and interesting. Those classes usually make me feel like a total over achiever as a parent. Our first day some guy in the class announced that he's there because "Kids have more rights than parents now, you can't just whoop their A**, so I'm here to learn a different way." Then he adds "Because apparently, even if it works...the RIGHT way isn't allowed."
Ok then. People are weird. The classes themselves are really helpful...but oh, how I wish they were taught in one on one sessions!!!!

Halloween is like 9 days away...and I still have no idea as to what to dress my kids up as. Logan wants to be either 1) Lionel (from thundercats) or 2) Robin (from Batman & Robin) but says "I'd prefer Lionel, because he's cooler." Does anyone have any ideas as to where to buy a Lionel costume?

yikes

Ok, I know it's been forever since I've posted anything. The days just seem to fly by. I passed my insurance test (for life and health insurance) I was pretty excited because 70% is required to pass and the average person has to take it 3 times (according to the place I took it) and I passed with 80% on my first try. I have completed my training and now sell medicare to retirees who have lost group coverage. It's interesting for sure. Logan started school, well preschool. He goes 4 days a week 4 hours a day. It's been sad and yet wonderful all at the same time. It has been hard to have him gone for so long. Jonah misses him like crazy. He says all day long "Pick up Mogan?" (Mogan is what Jonah calls Logan) What I have noticed is that I get a lot more one on one time with Jonah, and that has really been wonderful! I always felt bad because Logan got SO much attention when he was a baby because he was an only child, and I was a stay at home mom. Life has definately changed since then, but I feel like I'm able to devote several hours to Jonah. I love that.
On Sunday, before we took the kids to their dad's house, we stopped and let them play in the park. It was so wonderful to see them run and hang off of Robert. I sat and watched as he chased them around the swingset and went down the slide with them. (I wish I had pictures) Speaking of pictures, as soon as I can, I'll post some photos of Logan's first day of school.

Life is on Hold

For the moment, my life is on hold. I got hired by the same company that Robert did. I am studying to pass my state life and health insurance license test. Everybody pray for me! Hopefully I'll be back to the blogging world soon.

Best week EVER!!!

The last couple of weeks have been completely dedicated to studying. Robert has been studying for his insurance agent test. He recently got a job at an insurance company down by the point of the mountain. The job is going to be a really good thing for our family...but I tried not to count on it too much just because he had to pass this horrible test before he was actually offered his job. Robert really studied hard. He decided there would be no video games or tv until he passed this test. Thank heavens all of the work payed off! He passed the test this week. He was the only one in his entire testing group that passed!!!

Proof...It doesn't matter the era..I was born a dork

I've seen this around before, but one of my friends was playing around with this last night and posted a bunch of photos on facebook, so I figured I'd give it a try, since I've got nothing better to do. (try out your own nerdy photos at www.yearbookyourself.com)This pic actually looks a lot like my senior photo except my hair was shorter and my bra strap was showing.

24th of July

Yesterday, while I was making dinner, Robert said he wanted to take the boys outside for a surprise. When I went outside, this is what I found.











(this is the first year we have done fireworks or sparklers with the kids. They thought it was the greatest thing ever.)
Jonah kept trying to blow the sparklers out like a birthday candle. It was pretty cute.

Test

Wow, it has been so busy! Robert has been hired by an insurance company. We're really excited about the new job, but he still has to pass an insurance agent test. He has been studying his guts out, but the information is SO hard and so boring, so everyone pray for us!!!! It has pretty much been our life for the last week. We have until wednesday. Hopefully, after that, I'll have more time and be able to post more.
Over the past couple of weeks we have done some fun things. We went to the duck pond to feed the ducks and then we also went to a big family swimming party at my cousin Brian's pool. Here are some photos.

Kids are coming home

Wow, this week has been completely boring. I can't believe I haven't posted more. The kids went to Idaho for a week with their dad to visit their grandparents. Oh, how I have missed them.
I should update you on the cats. Yes, plural. A few weeks ago, we got a kitten, and settled on the name Molly. A few weeks later, the people we got the cat from decided to get rid of Molly's brother too. *sigh* I don't really know how it happened. Robert loves cats. LOVES. So we decided to take her brother too. We named him Monroe. He's a cute little guy and they really love each other.
Anyways, Robert turned 33 this week, Monroe was his present. We had birthday cake with his parents and brother Scott. It was pretty fun.
The kids come home tomorrow and I am SO excited!!! I have missed them SO much!!

wuv you

So Jonah is talking a little more each day. He has a few little sentences that he'll say. Mostly "Shut up," (Not the best, I know) and "Where are you?"
Today, I said "I love you honey," and kissed him on the head. Jonah said "Kiss again!" So I gave him another kiss and he said "Wuv you." It totally made my morning!

What I would tell my grandma.

My grandma died yesterday. I watched most of the day as the life seemed to fade from her body.

My Grandma Glanville taught me so much in my life, but the more I reflect on her life and her example I realize that there was one clear message, "There is nothing more important than family and religion." My grandma would do anything she was asked to in the name of her family or her God.
Grandma taught by example. When she was well, she was always (and I mean ALWAYS) baking cookies or breads, or something else delicious to give to her kids and her grandkids. After my grandpa died, grandma kept busy by making us her delicious treats. Her house will always smell like brown sugar and love.
I remember cherishing my time with her...both as a child and as an adult. Grandma loved all of her kids and grandchildren so much. There are so many memories she made with each of us. My favorites were when we would play "The old lady and the broom," or when we would have spook allys in her basement. I especially loved all of the family parties. Grandma's house was the gathering spot for most celebrations growing up.
Once when grandma was in her 70s, she came to Lagoon with our family. I remember that I wanted to go on the roller coaster so badly, but no one else wanted to go. Grandma said "C'mon Lauralee, I'll ride the roller coaster with you!" I will never forget the look on her face as we descended that first hill. She screamed the entire ride....as I think about it now, it still makes me smile.
In her later years when she could no longer care for herself, she came to stay with my mom. I will always be thankful for that time she spent there. My boys got to really know their "Grandma Great"
We got to be with her and cherish her in her final years, what a blessing!
Grandma was the queen of service. No matter how much she gave to all of us in her life, it was hard for her to finally accept the help of her family, but what a blessing it was to us!
When I got divorced, it was Grandma that let me stay in her beautiful house. It was such a wonderful place of healing for me and it was so great for me to make memories with my boys in a place that still holds such a special place in my heart.

Her final message to all of our family was to tell us all to always be close to the Lord and our church.

What would I tell her if I could say anything to her now?

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!

Thank you for the unconditional love and acceptance, thank you for your wonderful example, your service, and your unwaivering testimony. Thank you for being my Grandma!

at a loss

Ok. so about a week ago I took the cutest pictures of Logan helping Robert mow the lawn. Sorry
it took me so long to post them!



Now for other news, we had to get rid of Robert's cat because one of her favorite passtimes was biting my kids in the face. Robert has really been missing Katie (his cat) and so I got him a kitten. Now the problem is that none of us can think of a good name for her. She is a calico and has beautiful coloring. The only name that the kids have come up with is "poop stain" and the answer to that is still no. So anyone that has any suggestions as to what to name out kitty, leave a comment with a suggestion. Maybe we'll use it (unless of course your suggestion is poop stain...then the answer is still no!)