Manda's Monday Musings

So I guess it's been another week. Where the time goes I have no idea. But I have decided to get better about posting and I guess weekly is good enough right?!

So I'll start with the current status of our family and then get on to the good stuff. For those of you who didn't know (because we didn't make a big deal out of it) the company that Tj was flying for filed for bankruptcy in July. This left Tj without a job and playing Mr. Mom. The boys have been loving it! However, we are happy to say that we have accepted a new job. Tj did a much better job of describing it here. So in a nutshell we are moving to the other side of FL. I have learned a very important lesson regarding prayer in all of this. You see for the last 6 years I have been praying that the way would be made for us to move West. Well apparently I wasn't specific enough because while we are moving West (approximately 280 miles West) it was not exactly what I meant. I will now be providing map coordinates in my prayers to move West. (lol kind of). But really this is a great career opportunity for Tj and we really do feel like it was an answer to many prayers. This also means that I will be retiring from Gambro where I've been employed for the last 6 years and will try my hand at being a full time SAHM.
In the meantime that means we're now looking at quite the list of "To Do's" before December 1st (Tj's official hire date). Included in that is finding a renter for our current house, finding a new place on the other coast of FL, packing and moving, and getting ready for the holidays (including hopefully at least one trip out "West" to see family and friends). It will be an exciting time for us! We're very fortunate to have Tj's parents and they will be making this adventure (and move) with us! So we will at least know two people when we move. It'll be good.

So on to the part that you've all been waiting for- Joel and Vance updates.

So you would think that in a week there wouldn't be THAT much to update but there is. These boys are so funny. I think kids in general are funny but when you're around them 24/7 and are constantly exposed to their antics you start to think that maybe just maybe your kids are the funniest kids.

Anyhow, Vance is a full fledged swimmer. I swear this kid is going to drown himself. In the bath tub he throws himself back in the water and starts kicking his feet and splashing his hands (see photos below). There is no stopping him. He has also figured out the door handles (stupid lever handles!!) although he hasn't quite figured out how to push or pull when twisting the handle (until next week). He continues to add words to his vocabulary and has added nodding his head when you ask him a question he is answering yes to. He also loves to wave bye bye. He continues to be our shoe-a-holic which normally wouldn't be a bad thing except he insists on eating shoes. It really grosses me out. For being such a picky eater he will put just about anything in his mouth. He continues to get more teeth and currently has four top front teeth, 3 1/2 bottom front teeth, and two top molars. He is such an easy teether though. He constantly makes us laugh and LOVES to be the center of attention.

Covered in bubbles! Bath time is his favorite time of day.

Swimmin'


Mean momma making him sit up.


Reaching the front door handle.

Joel is our laid back child. He makes me smile every day. He likes to get into "Love you" wars where he'll tell you "Love you" and then I'll tell him "Love You!" and we go back and forth. He loves "Dino Bites" and cheese. He continues to love trains and Thomas and Friends. Luckily he also is starting to like Bob the Builder and Curious Buddies. Thank goodness for variety! He loves music and is starting to get his own taste in music. He loves playing Nama's piano and singing Primary songs. He is constantly singing and loves when I introduce a new silly song. He loves keys and loves figuring out how to lock and unlock things with keys. He also continues to be my number one helper- especially when it comes to running the electric sweeper. He loves that! He's so easy to please. One of his favorite "treats" are MM's (that is what he calls them- skips the &) and using "Mommy's blankie" (a NAP blanket from Brookstone). Potty training continues. He does really well at home and at Nama's house. Anywhere else it's hit and miss (literally). He's really starting to love trucks and Pa bought him a new remote control dump trunk last weekend. He is really enjoying playing with it! We also had a friend whose son had outgrown a Thomas the Train fold out couch so they gave it to Joel. He LOVES it. Anyhow I think this pictures explains Joel to a "T".

Joel Hanging Out.

And what about Tj and me?! I've started trying Birkham Yoga. I guess I'm going back to my AZ roots. Hanging out in a 100 degree room attempting to contort my body while finding my inner zen. Really though there was a good introductory rate and so my MIL Cindy and I are trying it together. (Although at the end of the trial month I think I'm going to retire from Yoga.) Tj is also trying out new hobbies and is blogging and becoming quite the cook. Tonight he made us White Chili. It was really good. I'm hoping that his interest in cooking dinner continues. : )