ARIZONA

This past weekend we went to Arizona for my new niece, Stella's Baptism and to visit my brother Ryan's family.  It was a BLAST!!  We left bright and early on Friday our of Omaha at 6:00 am so the boys and I went into Omaha early evening and Jared came later(he had a volleyball game).  I just was worried with boys getting no sleep and then on a plane for 3 hours 45 min.  Well, Landon didn't get much sleep because he had not been feeling well and didn't sleep well and was up for about an hour, which is really rare for our boys to be up.  Then both boys were up by 4:30am and our the door to get to the airport by 5:00.  We were a little rushed but we made it and all went pretty well during check in and such.  Our friends let us borrow a umbrella double stroller which was nice and light and easy to pack.  We didn't check bags so that was nice too!  The flight was not to bad the boys got antsy but I would say for almost 4 hours they did GREAT, with no sleep!  Yep that's right neither boy slept the whole flight even after getting up at 4:30 am.  We were lucky to have 3 seats instead of only 2.  Lots of snacks, books, and different games and singing to make the time go by. 

Landon and daddy ready for some fun in the sun

The boys loved the window on both flights there and back

Sitting in Arizona airport waiting for uncle Ryan...snack time only 6:30am

We got in to Arizona about 6:30 and Ryan picked us up to take us back to their house.  It was so NICE to see Ryan again I haven't seen him since July of 2011!  We hung out a bit and then went to the park.  It was so nice to see everyone Danielle, Ryan, Caden, Mabel, Stella...we have missed them oh so much!  When I say park I mean BIG park, it had a little splash pad, slides, things to climb, sand, grass area, paths to walk, ponds, and a train!  It was so much fun and the boys loved it!!  Then we went home for lunch (we grilled) and boys went down for nap.  I was afraid if we didn't get naps my boys would be bears!  After nap we played out side and went for a gem car ride(my brothers car:)).  The boys loved it most of the time!  Landon was a bit crabby on Friday actually a lot crabby.  That night wewent out to diner at a Mexican place, it was really good but I spent most of the time outside walking around with Landon.  He was not happy and did not want to sit.  He was just real fussy so Danielle and I thought maybe we should take him to doctor.  So I decided in the morning I would take him to Urgent care so if there was something it wouldn't be a really long weekend with no meds.

Jared and Ryan in Ryan's car(makes me laugh)

Tristan and mommy on the splash pad

Saturday once we got up and ready we went into Urgent Care to get Landon checked out to rule out ears.  Everything looked good but he had three eye teeth coming in and I think he was just over tired!  But after that he acted ok and had a much better day.  Saturday we didn't do a whole lot because I didn't want to run the boys down with not much sleep.  The guys (Ryan and Jared) went to a couple garage sales.  Then once the boys went down for nap Danielle, Jared, and I went shopping at the outlets, it was awesome!  I can't tell you last time I went shopping without the boys and could actually look.  It was nice and got some good deals!  Jared was not happy because our carry-ons were pretty full now but that is ok.  Saturday night we made homemade pizza's and just hung out which was yummy and fun! 

Sunday was Baptism for Ms. Stella, by the way she is absolutely adorable and so precious!  On a side note for the four days we were there I don't think she even cried maybe let our a whimper once or twice but that's it!  Baptism was after the mass which got a little long for the boys.  My boys hardly made it through church.  The Baptism was VERY nice, the deacon did a GREAT job!  Landon was snoring through most of it and Tristan was spilling cheese-its and running around.  I felt really bad but then again not a whole lot I could do about it and Ryan and Danielle didn't care, thank goodness.  After Baptism and some pictures we went back to the house for some  more pictures and then boys had a little lunch and went down for nap.  Everyone else had some cake and ice cream, it was yummy and the cake was cute!  After boys got up we went to the Splash Pad for the kids to run around in the water and play.  It was really fun for all of us big and small.  The guys (Ryan and Jared) were obsessed with getting a football and Frisbee off a roof in the splaspad.  We played at a park right next to the splash pad for a bit before heading back home.  Sunday night we went to Happy Valley( a little town south of Anthem) and ate dinner and met up with an old high school friend of mine, Sarah Reil.  It was so so nice to see her and her family.  I have not seen her for 15 years and we were really close in high school.  It is such a small world because Danielle and her meet at a park during a play date.  I just think that is crazy there are so many people in this world and only 54 in my high school class and my sister in law is friends with one of my high school best friends...small world! 

Tristan with no shoes during Baptism

Godparents and parents

The boys LOVED Stella (aka baby)

Proud BIG brother

Can you believe we got Five kids under the age of five looking at the camera AND smiling!! 

Monday was a short day because we flew out at 12:35 so we wanted to give ourselves enough time and feed the boys at the airport before getting on the plane, so maybe they would sleep.  So we got up and packed, got ready and headed to the airport.  One thing I do not like is being rushed when flying, it just makes me nervous.  The flight home was even better than the way there after the initial freak out.  They both were tired and BOTH wanted to look out the window by themselves and did not want brother by them.  They were pushing, pulling, scratching anything to get the other one and both wanted mom.  But after that they were good and played nice and slept.  Landon slept about 2 hours and Tristan only an hour before we had to wake him up to hold him on our landing.  Once we got in Janet picked us up from the airport, it is always so nice when we fly because we stay at  Jared's parents the night before (because our flights are usually early) and then they pick us up or bring our car when we get in.  We then went to Braeden's football practice and dinner with the family and got on the road about 9:30.  Another long day but was worth it to see everyone in Omaha too! 

Jared didn't think he would get wet:), but you never know when the water will go on and off and when MR. Caden will spray you:0, we had a lot of fun!

Loving getting wet (mommy and Landon)

Guess who put Caden up to this...up the jokesters themselves Ryan and Jared

Mabel and Landon in a serious talk

Tristan Mabel and Landon drying off

boys LOVED the splash pad

Our weekend was not filled with stuff we were doing running here and there and everywhere but it was spent with family that I have missed oh so much and was so glad to just hang out with them!  The weather was nice not too hot and obviously not too cold:).  Jared and I hope we can make it an annual or every other year deal to go out there and visit.  It was so nice that the cousins got to play lots and Caden and Mabel shared their toys so nicely with the boys.  There were not many fights and the ones that happened were between my boys:).  Caden was an awesome big boy by when the little boys would knock down what he built or try and play with Caden's toys he was a big boy, thank you!  Mabel was such a sweetie playing with all boys.  Stella was just precious and so peaceful and I got my baby fix for awhile.   I couldn't love them up anymore I gave them lots of hugs and kisses for I know it will be a long time until we see them again.  As all of you know I am a HUGE family person and wish I could see everyone both sides(Jared's and I's) every day or weekly but our lives all lead different paths so when we get the time I eat it up and LOVE IT!!  Caden had asked, "when are you leaving on Saturday?" and we said Monday.  Danielle felt bad how he asked but he is a four year old and I understood he just "wanted" to know:).  So I will leave you with the sweetest thing, Monday morning when I was in the kitchen Jared and Ryan packing the car Caden comes out and says, I am going to miss you."  Made me sad but glad he will miss us:).  Makes me cry writing it because even a four year old understand we don't get to see each other much.  He asked his parents a couple times, can we go stay with Jill and Jerry (aka Jared, how Caden says it soo cute). SO as he understands we don't see each other he doesn't understand how many miles are between us. 

Landon above and Tristan below...tired boys

Midweek Slump

So today I post just to put my thoughts down on paper(computer), some of you may have no interested to read this post and that is ok.  I have lots going through my head today and some that I won't even write but am thinking.  Where do I start?  Well this week has been different at work because Jamie had an emergency appendectomy on Friday night so he has been out all week and I have been "running the show".  To be honest with you at this time of the year especially not a whole lot different! We are in our pre season, so it is just running, lifting and playing once a week.  This week I have thought many times, I could do this, I can do this...be a head coach!  I have never thought I could or really have any interest in being a head coach.  I really like my role as an assistant coach!  As it has its ups and downs too but what job doesn't?  I get a lot of the shit work and sometimes don't get the respect I deserve but all in all good job!  But this week I have thought I could do more.  I have been in a "funk" a lot lately, my friend and I call it a funk because you are down and not always happy about life and just want to get out of it.  Sometimes I think a change in career would get me out of it, but would it?  I love what I do but sometimes when I am getting shit on I say man I could be home with my boys!  I know all jobs have their ups and downs. 
So onto home life man can our lives get crazy (Jared and I's), but who's don't right!  I have felt on my own a lot these days!  Jared is just so so busy at work right now, who am I kidding 90 % of the year he is.  For you that don't know he is that Associate Athletic Director at Briar Cliff so he stays super busy.  He is in charge of so many things that I won't list them all but here are a few fundraising, Sports information(all the web stuff, stats for every game, etc.), game management, etc.  So needless to say he is awful busy from August-June and sometimes busier then I would like in June and July.  He is so nice and wants to help everyone else out sometimes guess who gets put on the back burner...yep ME!  Now I don't want this post to sound like poor Jill I just needed to write, it helps me sometimes:).  So if you don't like this STOP reading!  Jared does a great job trying to be around boys as much as he can but a lot of the times he will be on his phone or computer working so as he is home he is still working.  Then there are nights especially lately after boys go to bed he goes back to work.  I have never been the girl that NEEDS a lot of attention but lately I would like some attention.  I told him we need to try to go on dates but we don't because we don't plan, find a sitter, and make the effort.  That is why I am looking forward to Friday...we are going to Arizona to visit my brother Ryan and his family and I can not wait to just "get away" the four of us!  We get to meet their new baby Stella and are blessed to be her godparents.  As I am sure Jared will still be working many many miles from Sioux City we will be away and together. I also have so many projects I want to get done at home some are small and some are big but we never seem to get them done. I know most of them I could do alone but that's no fun. But I've come to realize if I don't do them or start them they will never get done which sucks. So last night I bought paint to paint the office and start my wall collage, I will post pictures when done, hopefully it will be sooner than later.
You know I have been posting  a lot about my mom lately and the ups and downs of things but I often think about something could happen to anyone at anytime so I need to not dwell on all the negatives of mom having Alzheimer's.  It's an awful awful disease but there are so many awful diseases out there!  There are also things that are unexpected that you don't see coming and hits you right in the face.  For example, yesterday an old friend of mine died unexpectedly, as I haven't talked to her for years it hits home to make me be thankful for what I have.  I am thankful for what I have even on my midweek slump days! 

More Grandma time...

We are so blessed that grandma Janet can help us out so much.  Our sitter was gone Tuesday and Wednesday so Janet came up to help us out and stayed until Friday morning so the boys and grandma hung out Tuesday-Thursday.  We all loved it and had a great time.  Jared was really busy getting things ready for the first home events of the year but the boys, grandma and I had so much fun!  I am sure grandma was tired by Friday but they had a great time.  It is so fun to watch the boys with grandma Janet, the boys just love their grandparents so much!  Even though neither of our parents live in town the boys don't seem to mind once they get warmed up they can't get enough of them!  Janet is always so great helping us out and any of her kids with the grandchildren.  She would do anything for any of us! 
Janet and I have a great relationship, as hard as it is on me that I can't call up my mom and have her come stay with us to watch the boys because she just can't do it anymore.  Janet is the best mother in law I could have ever asked for.  She is so helpful and always there to listen or "talk" which I miss so much with my mom.  My mom and I talk a lot still today but our "talks" are just different now unfortunately!  It kills me that they are but it is the reality of life today as opposed to 15 years ago.  Janet is always there for me, to get motherly advice from, help with the boys or helping in different areas that my mom can't help with me anymore it is so much more than I could ask for.  I feel the God has blessed me two time with not only the BEST mother in the WORLD but I have two BEST mother's in the WORLD! 

Home Sweet Home

This past weekend we went back to my hometown for my class reunion and to hang out with family.  We got home Friday and went out to dinner to the Hillside (a golf course in Wesley, IA).  My brother Mike and Owen were home so they joins us and mom and dad.  I was so glad my brother Mike mad eit home I haven't seen him in awhile and was so good to see him and Owen.  For as late as it was and tired and hungry as the boys were they did great and Landon only fell once.  That boy he is always falling you will hear in the next few min. 

Saturday was my 15 year High Class Reunion, yes 15 years, I know I am getting older but I don't feel like it has been 15 years since high school.  So much has happened since then, sooo much with not only me but my classmates.  It was so nice to see everyone who was back and catch up with them all.  In the morning a some of us mom's went to a park in Algona to meet each other kids and let our kids play while we caught up.  It was so nice to see everyone again.  Then Brandon and Cassie were having a house warming party so we stopped by that for lunch and then home for naps for the boys.  The boys fell asleep on the way home and when we put in their beds they wanted to play and talk, so no nap for them.  We then got them up to get ready for church so we got in the shower and this is where Mr. Landon AKA "Crash" fell again.  We have now given him the nickname of "crash" because it seems pretty common for him to have bumps, bruises, and scratches.  I had gotten out and the boys were still in with no water on and he fell and hit his head and yes he got a black eye.  That night was my class reunion at the Train Wreck in Algona (a winery)  it was nice to see 23 of our 54 make it back and catch up.  Crazy what 15 years can do to some people!  Some look the same, some different but we are all the same good hearted people from a small town/small school!  We did a lot of reminiscing about "the good old days".  Some people never change and if makes me laugh!  We had a lovely surprise that one of our classmates was pregnant and due in a week and her water broke and she had her baby girl in Algona, baby and mommyare doing great!  Jared and I left early around 11 or so because I got a really bad migraine and felt AWFUL!! Right after Katie's water broke we left and went home.  When we got home poor little Mr. Landon was up, had a night terror and was confused where he was and mom and dad were gone.  My mom was there thank goodness but it was hard for him to settle back down because he was confused where he was I think.  My mom felt so bad and kept asking if we are ok and I assured her we were all fine, Landon just had a bad dream.

Sunday was just hanging playing at the park some more with cousins!  Jared had a paper he had to get done so he was working on that most of the day.  The guys (Mike and Steve) wanted homemade taco's so we made them.   They were so good and it is funny no matter how many we make always seem to be short in the end.  We had them two nights in a row, can't get enough of them!  The boys didn't think the taco's were that great:), they ate them but not like the adults and older cousins.  Sunday was pretty low key but lots of hanging with family and that is what is most important to me!

Monday, was Labor day so we got to stay home an extra day... YAYA!! It was really nice and we didn't leave until after supper about 8 which is really late for us since we had a 3 hour trip ahead of us, but was worth staying late.  Today we went to the park again with most of the cousins then after nap we went out to the farm to see the animals and tractors.  The boys were excited!  Tristan at first was not so sure about the tractors and cows.  I think the size of how big everything is compared to them is scary at first.  They didn't cry just were unsure but they LOVE LOVE animals and anything that goes, so this was right up their alley.  Both boys got to ride in a tractor, Tristan and I with Uncle Steve and Landon and I with grandpa.  They were just in awe of everything.  Jared and I talked about how they never really smiled and such but you could tell they had a good time.  Riding on the tractors, playing with their cousins, seeing all the animals, riding on the Mule and Cub...so much fun.  I miss the farm as I grew up there and loved the simplicity of it!  If you don't want to get ready you don't have to, because your neighbor wouldn't have to see you.  If you wanted to be dirty and muddy it was fine because you were on the farm.  With the farm came a lot of work too, chores for the kids and mom and dad, we all had to help but I wouldn't of had it any other way!

So it comes to leaving on Monday...VERY HARD to leave this time.  My mom didn't have the best day and that made it really hard but I always have a hard time leaving but this was really hard.  I just worry what the "next time" will bring but as much as I worry about that I can't change what we have at hand now.   I just love spending time with my parents, brothers, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews-all my FAMILY!! They are such a blessing to me. We just all have so much fun together!  One thing I love so much about us is we can sit in a room of silence or of chaotic kids running around and either way be happy inside and out! 

VERY BLESSED!