Ordinary Days....

Wow. I'm actually writing alot lately. Today I just want the world to know that I am greatful for ordinary days, because it can change all too quickly. A friend of mine found out that her 2 1/2 year old neice was diagnosed with cancer, her poor family just thought that she had a stomach bug of sorts.... its stage 4 and all through her. So sad. Ty is just 6months older than her. At what point is it that you look at your children & say ahh.... it okay, your a healthy happy child & you will grow up to be a happy healthy adult, then suddenly as you can snap your fingers it changes.

Then today I get the news that a co-worker of mine from Dr. Poulin's passed away. He was in his early 50's & had a heart attack on his way in to work. He was such a super person... really nice, fun, always smiling.
I can't imagine, starting out my day... getting ready for work... rushing out the door & dying alone on the way. Its tragic, but we all do it. We rush here, rush there, are sure that we'll return to the same monotonous day later & take it all for granted. Its like some sort of false sence of security that we all fake. We hurry out, becuase something else takes precedence, which is fine... that's part of life, but really, I think we all take for granted that things will be the same when we get back. I'm greatful for my family, for the fact that in my head I've decided that I will not die alone in my car, on my way to work. I am greatful that I have ordinary days, where life isn't constantly crazy, that it is in a sense Ground hogs day... & we repeat the same old same old... because someday, whether we choose to believe it or not, it won't be. I am the first to admit that I hate change, though lately its dawning on me that I have to get used to it. Change is inevitable, whether I like it or not. So I might as well, not take this life I have for granted.

To work or not to work.... that is the question

So, ordinarily I don't post this much, but since Ty is napping (I hope) & I had something on my mind, I thought I would... besides this is my "journal" right?

Anyhow... I got called into the office yesterday, my boss has pretty much stated that she wants me to go full time. She's pleased with my work, and could really used my help etc..... For most people this probably would be a great thing, especially since work is so hard to come by for so many people. But... for me its a bit harder than that. I'm not so sure that I could handle it. I sound like a bit of a baby, but I haven't worked full time since Scott & I were married nearly 7 years ago. On top of that, with all that I went through to have Ty I know that I need to treasure the time that I have to spend time with him. There are perks to going a full 40 hours though, Great insurance, better retirement, more money coming into the house which will help us immensely. I just am worried about the toll it will take on my family. I'm not so sure how Ty would handle being with a sitter that often. I feel like until Scott's job situation stabilizes that this might be the blessing we've been waiting for, though I'm concerned that it could also be a test to see which I'll choose, work or family. Until now, I've felt that working part time was really the best of both worlds. I deal horribly with change, but am afraid that its an opportunity that i can't afford to pass up right now. The good thing is, it wouldn't begin until August, so that will leave me most of the summer (a month and a half) to spend with Ty.

I really feel as though I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. It would be great if this change were to happen next year, when Ty would begin Pre-K for half of the day, but that's not the case.

I suppose I have a hard decision to make.... I just hope its the right one. Wish me luck~

Oh, here's a more recent picture of him too... he's not paying any attention, my sister in law took it at a family BBQ.

Primary

Well, I survived. I know it probably sounds dorky but I was feeling nervous about it all week. Ty refused to go into nursery so he tagged along with me, which may not be so bad since he'll be in there in December. I'll be his sunbeam teacher... that may be tricky since he's so clingy with me, but it may be a good transition for him.
Singing time was neat. They teach the kids one line at a time, so maybe I'll learn some of the primary songs. Then we did a little craft with them for fathers day. I'm not sure if this is the norm, so just because it was a special day. After that we went to our individual classes. I learned that 40 mins is a long time to occupy small children, this is probably going to be the biggest challenge for me. There are about 4-5 kids that will be in there, one of the little girls took me right by the hand, which made me feel great, since I've never thought of myself as someone who little children are drawn too. After the lesson we went in for closing exercises with all of the children from Primary, that again was nice, They had new children so they sang some sort of Welcome song, that everyone seemed to know. I actually felt out of place, then they sang happy birthday, so I thought great... I know happy birthday... but not this version, that's when I wanted to cry. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it & feel better soon. I'm going to search online for ideas for the kids & the neat thing is that I have Ty & we can learn together. There is a great presidency so that will make it nice. They are all women that I feel very comfortable with, they all have great personalities and are so sweet to the children. Like anything new it just takes time to adjust. With team like that I'm sure I'll love it before long. :o)

Father's Day

So, Father's Day.... it was interesting. Ty woke up early all on his own, which was miraculous since we'd been out WAY to late the night before. He was so sweet.... he went into our bedrooms with his cards in hand & woke up his Daddy. Here's the funny part, he climbed up on our bed & said "Happy Mother's Day Daddy" of course, I got quite a kick out of it. Scott said what did you say? Again Ty proclaims "Happy Mother's Day Daddy!" I proceeded to laugh even harder. Once again Scott says's do you want to give it one more try? Again Ty says's "Happy Mother's Day!!!" I was laughing hysterically by this point. Perhaps no one out there besides me thinks that this is comical, but he was so sweet & sincere wishing his dear 'ol dad a happy day. I took him into the store to get Father's Day cards & it really made me notice just how big he's getting... he picked out the card all by himself. The two of us looked so funny there in the card isle, laughing at the cards & each other. It would have made a great commercial for hallmark.

On another note, a sadder one, this Father's day was difficult for me at church. One of the speakers spoke about her father who had passed on, while she was young. This really tucked at my heart. My Dad is still alive, but My step-dad, the man who was so active in my life & does all things that dad's do isn't, unfortunately it was by his own choice. I was 7months preg. when I got "the" phone call as to what had happened. Most days are good, & I don't get chocked up like I used to, but listening to that talk really got me. Scott was sweet & drove me by our old house on our way home from church. My sister's and I will usually put flowers there. The odd thing is that when we drove by Ty said... "That house is bad" Its almost like he sensed it all. At times I fell like I'm drawn too all that though, and all of the sad memories. Like I'm going to somehow discover all of the answers I want. Though the fact of the matter is, its not going to happen. I suppose the time has come to put all of that in the past. Its sounds so much easier that it actually is. I try so hard to understand... but I'm not sure that I ever will. SO I focus on Scott & Ty and try to appreciate them being in my lives. I am so grateful for them, they bring so much happiness to me & cloud so much sadness.
I know the Lord put them in my life to help me through such difficult times, & for that I am truly grateful.

Excited but Terrified

Well, I've felt a feeling of change recently where church is concerned. So, I wasn't surprised when I was called into the Bishop's office & asked if I would accept a new calling. My current calling has been a teacher in the Relief Society, I've had that for about 5 years???? I've loved my calling. I remember the first day I stood up there shook like a leaf, and lord knows that I've shed more than one tear standing up there in front of the class. I am so sad that I'm being released. I'm also sad that I'll no longer be sitting in Gospel Doctrine class with Scott. I've really enjoyed just having him next to me. It seemed that for so long I was by myself in there, and now that he's joined the church I feel whole. I understand that so many people are separated while spouses are doing callings and serving one another, but now I'm part of that group, and change is so hard for me. I'm sure that the day will come when I'm released from my new calling and will be saddened over that too.
So, my new calling.... is in.... Primary... AHHHHHHHHHHHHH... is it crazy that I'm petrified? I'll be teaching the Sunbeams? I think? its the first class out of nursery. I didn't go through primary, obviously, so I have no clue what the songs are, what sharing time is, etc. etc... I'll be Ty's teacher next year, so that'll be interesting. Wish me luck!

Too Cute

Ty's been cracking us up lately. It must be his age & the fact that his wheels are constantly turning. Yesterday we went to Grandma's after church, his Aunt Jodi was getting a glass of Ginger Ale, which Ty loves though he gets it rarely. I asked him if he would like "a little" he replied. "No, I want a big one" it may not be that funny to the rest of the world but the way he said it and his mannerisms really got us laughing. I love those kind of days.

Its funny too the way his mind is constantly working. We were playing on his bed the other day & he tenderly reached over to touch my eyebrows, and asked. "Mommy does Heavenly Father & Jesus have eyebrows?" I explained that they do, and that we look just like them. What a great teaching opprotunity.

I've noticed several of my other friends have such nice blogs. I need to figure this whole thing out a little better. Not that I really believe too many people are reading it & are disappointed in my layout. :o) Maybe someday I can figure out how to print it into some sort of book & then have it as my journal, since I'm not so good at keeping one of those.

Well, life for us lately is pretty routine. We've planted our garden (the first one since we've lived here) & have been enjoying the nicer weather. Ty's loving the fact that he can pee outside. He's truly a country boy. The other day Scott was doing yard work, Ty was out with him (of course) & some people were driving by waving & smiling. Scott turned around to find Ty with his pants down to his ankles peeing & waving proudly to the people. He cracks us up. He waves to everyone & loves when they wave back. or when the occassional semi will toot their horns. :o)

Ty's is growing so quick & has such a sweet personality. On days when I don't have to work he'll usually hollar out to me & say " mommy... come wake me up" he loves when I run in & kiss him all over. I may have already written this but I just love it. So I apologize if that's the case. :o)


The other neat thing is that he really is paying attention to things lately... both the good and the bad. While we were making cookies the other day he says..."Mommy, Heavenly Father & Jesus love me." I said glowingly "Yes, Ty your right... who else loves you?" he replied "Daddy & Sister Garry" . Sister Garry is our ward Primary President, & I believe Ty's new crush. She has 3 young children & they all love coming to our house & playing in the pond, but I have a feeling that Ty enjoys it more. A few weeks ago we had a similar converstation. We were riding in Scott's truck so we were all in the front & Ty was holding my hand, I told him that I loved him, & he said . "I love you too mommy" I said... who else do you love, I assumed he might say Daddy, or grandma you know the usual... instead he says "Sister Garry" I had quite a chuckle.

On another note, Ty goes to my Great Aunt & Uncles house 1-2 per week. Poppy as we call him has all kind of "great" things to teach Ty. For instance, when Ty began going there if he did anything inappropriate, he'd say "Excuse me" now Poppy has taught him to say "That's a good one" while holding up his thumbs. Nice huh? And that's not all. Ty spent the evening with Grandma & Grandpa the otehr night. When he asked Grandma Sue what happend to her screen she explained that the neighbors cat had climbed up to it & put several small holes in it. His reply "Damn Cat" That's right... our dear Poppy has taught Ty to say just about anything in that context... "Damn________fill in the blank (cat, dog, people if their riding in the car etc.) The worst part is that he does it so inoccnetly. I its pretty hard to repremand him when all you want to do is laugh. What's a mother to do? :o)

Scott & I have been doing well too. He hasn't heard anything about the Sherriff's Dept yet, but we know that if its meant to be it will. He's back working at the Lumber mill. He was off for a few weeks & enjoyed some needed vacation. We went camping with our friends for Memorial day & If I were a much better mom I would have remembered the camera.
I've been trying something new too. Grinding wheat. For alot of people this is probably nothing new, but I like it. I've been making all of our bread & even made whole wheat half moons & took them into work. They loved them.

I haven't written in a while, becuase lucky for us life seems pretty routine lately. Personally I find that to be a good thing. Its finally spring here & were're loving every minute of it. I love when the trees begin to bud. Its so refreshing to see the bright green again. We've decided to have a garden this year so we (Scott) :o) Tilled the ground & were were pretty excited to see topsoil which for most people isn't a big deal... but were we live your more apt to see rocks. We ordered the plants for it yesterday from a local nursery & for mother's day I just said that I'd like some herbs to add to some chives that I have. Scott went to take his test for the Sheriff's department today & on his way home he stopped & bought me herbs. I was tickled pink... It was so sweet of him to stop & think of me. Especially with having his test on his mind. He said that the test went pretty well. We're keeping our fingers crossed that it continues in the right direction for him. He should hear by September.
Ty is growing more and more every day. He's so sweet... today he said " Thank you, thank you mommy for making me this sammich" he also said the same to Scott as we planted the herbs... " Thank you, Thank you daddy... that was very nice of you to bring us these presents." I hope that he always stays so sweet & thoughtful... I'm sure there will be times he definitely won't but for now I'm enjoying every moment.

Kids say the darnest things...

So, I thought that I should update this, since it really is the only journal I'm writing. Maybe someday I can figure out how to print it all into an actual book... who knows if that's even possible.

So much has really happened since I wrote last...


Ty is potty trained. I happened pretty quickly, I chose a day & told him that all of his diapers would be gone. I woke up early, took them all out of his room before he woke up . When he woke up I told him they were gone & that he had to wear his underpants. It was about a 20min struggle, but he said he would wear them if he could go to Grandma's house, so that's what we did. Unfortunately for grandma our family rises a bit earlier than she does. We roused her out of bed~ But she was gracious & very pleased that Ty had on his big boy underpants. We celebrated with breakfast.


Ty has been a great joy to us lately. He personality is really revealing itself. I have a feeling he is going to continue to have his good nature. He's usually in such a good mood & loving following Scott around. He LOVES his daddy & anything Scott's doing Ty isn't far behind.... literally. We went for a walk the other day, Scott stopped fast & you guessed it... Ty ran right into him. I just love the bond that they have, it really puts a smile on my face. A few days ago Scott was heading down stairs to work out, of course Ty asked him what he was doing. Scott's response was "Going to the moon" Ty said how he was going to run to the moon too. He headed for his boots, jacket & gloves & said the he was going to the moon "Alright Mommy... you can't go. You stay here" I laughed right out loud. He cracks us up. Apparently Scott wasn't moving quick enough & Ty went over & told him to hurry up that they had to get to the moon.



Here's another one.... My cousin Mark must have called him a "GOOF BALL" & Ty reply "Yes, Mark, I am a GOOSE Ball" again all we could do is laugh & say yes Ty you're a GOOSE ball alright!



Here is a recent picture of my Goose ball "mowing" the lawn ... sorry the pics are lousey... I need a new camera.

He's growing up way to fast... I know how Corney that sounds but I just wish one thing we could have more of is time. He is my miracle!

On another note, Scott has applied to take the County Sherriff's exam, he's pretty excited about it & we are hoping that it all works out. He'll take the exam in May & we should know by November, its a ways down the road but we have a good feeling about it.

Blessings

Things have been going pretty well for us. I think last time I wrote, I mentioned that I was going to put school on hold for a little while. That was a very difficult decision, especially since I seemed to really be on a roll. I was pretty proud of my grades & the accomplishments that I made, though I honestly feel that everything happens for a reason. Things were kind of up in the air as far as Scott's job went, and truthfully that hasn't changed. The lumber market isn't the greatest, but really what is. It sounds so cliche, but with the economy what it is, everything has begun trickling down to middle America AKA the Williams family. We are actually doing well. I haven't quite figured it just how, but our bills are paid & we aren't doing without what we need. We even have enough to get Ty his favorite things on occasion.
We're being faithful, paying our tithing and trusting that everything will turn out for the good. It seems that everyday my testimony of being a Tith payer gets stronger. I recently ran out of potatoes & since we live near a potato farm this is a bit unusual & if for some reason it happens, I just have Scott pick them up for me. Well, as the price of everything has begun to rise, so have those. I was thinking in the back of my mind that I needed to remind Scott that we needed potatoes. A few days later I was walking in our local supermarket. (I usually only buy what I absolutely need to since it the only store in the small town & prices are high) Anyhow, as I was walking through the produce area I noticed a HUGE box of red potatoes that was marked down to $4.99. Apparently the bag had ripped open & they needed to sell them. The perfectly good potatoes were marked down so low, it seemed as though they were giving them away. It must have been about 40-50 lbs of them! It seemed as though they had a neon sign over them that said ADJA HERE IS YOUR BLESSING! I know that this is probably a Corny little story to most people, but to me it proves that being faithful & at times frugal really pays off. I'm sure that our little family will have difficult times & easier times, but for now we're 'holding our own'. Perhaps if I had been over occupied with school & work, along with being a mom & a wife, I wouldn't have time to really find those type of "good buys" that seem to really help our family. Nor would I have time to really notice the true blessings that our family has. I am so grateful for these moments.

The times they are a changin'

Well, I haven't written in a while & like the heading states there have been a few changes lately.

First off , Ty Turned 3. It is so hard to believe, the time has more or less gone in the blink of an eye. We had a party for him & of course he loved it. We have so many great people in our lives that dropped what they were doing & decided to be here to celebrate with us. I made Ty's PB & Jelly cake (though,didn't look like it one it certainly did tasted like one) Here's a few pictures.

I just love this one... My friend Ginny was running the camera & she took it at the perfect mometnt. I was off to the side getting choked up. What can I say... I'm a sap. =o)

Here's one of the whole family...

Paisley, Myself, Scott, Ty, & Sabrina

I just had to post this one because I thought it was so precious... I love these kindof moments. I can't believe how tall Ty is though, its funny how he's just hanging there. =o)

On another note, I'm no longer a college student... at least until fall. Scott's job is a bit uncertain right now & he may have to work out of town for awhile, so with he schedule up in the air for now, I need to be more flexible with my time. So, for now, college is on hold again. I'm excited that I'll be able to finish book 9 of a series that I'm reading (The work & the glorgy- its a great series) I'll also have time for my Knitting projects & most importantly I'll have extra time to spend with Ty.

Oh, and this is completely off topic too...but so far this year we've had 252inches of snow, once again my kitchen window is nearly covered up & I can't see who's pulling in the driveway. =o) I'll have to take some photos & post them soon.

The Poem I wrote for my family for Christmas

Our Family gathered at mom’s house this year
All of us full of holiday cheer
This year had been a full one
Many changes had gone round
Yet through the good & bad times
The most precious gift was found

It wasn’t a gift with a bow wrapped sweet
It wasn’t something to you’d trip over with your feet
We each had someone to snuggle with at night
To hold us and make our world feel bright
We all were together, healthy, & glad
So truly the best gifts were already had

We didn’t exchange stuff we really didn’t need
Instead we had dinner, played games & laughed indeed
We learned that Christmas is a feeling
Showing genuine love,
And giving your family a great big hug

So this year & those to come please know
As your running & romping & playing in snow
It isn’t about presents and eating good treats
It’s about kindness & showing appreciation for those you meet
It’s about a Christ child & your family, to me that what’s neat

Our Lord gave us the best gift of all
He sent down his son-who was born in a stall
Remember the Babe born that December night
who filled up the world with his love so bright

There are many gifts that don’t cost a dime
Sometimes it’s only the giving of your time
It’s just not the kind that you buy at a store
For me Christmas is so much more.

Its hugging your children ever so tight
And tickling their toes as they giggle with delight
Its saying “I’m here for you” to those who need a lift
It doesn’t have to be a very lavish gift
Its remembering the blessings that you received through the year
Its being appreciative for the family you hold dear.

We all have our quirks, our own way of doing things,
Yet remember family of course, is the most precious of things.
Remember to say I love you, even if you don’t see the need,
This family is ours, ours yes indeed.

Its been awhile

Well, I spoke to my mom today and she mentioned that she'd checked my Blog & that I hadn't written lately. I forget that this isn't just my personal journal & that there actually is someone out there reading this occassionally. So, the holiday's were great. We had a great time with Ty & spending time with all of our family. We certainly do have alot of family, & I only wish that we could see them all much more often. Scott mentioned that this was our best Christmas that we've had together. I think part of it was that we're trying to get back to the basics & that Ty is so much fun. He really enjoyed opening up all of his gifts. Something else that was totally to cute for me was explaining to Ty the true meaning of Christmas. I had said that Christmas was when we celebrate Jesus's birthday. Let just say that Ty is very literal & doesn't forget anything. He thought that we should have cake & the whole nine yards. =o) I think that maybe next year we will make a birthday cake. The super cute part is that when we were getting ready to go to church Ty told me that Jesus would be there for his birthday party. I tried to explain it all but it's pretty much impossible to reason with a nearly 3 year old.

It was also nice to see so much of Scott during the holiday's it may sound crazy but he works so much that we don't get to spend as much time with him as we'd like. This year Scott was off between Christmas eve & New Years. Needless to say he was stir crazy. I had to work several of the days, so that left he & Ty to spend the day's together. I came home one afternoon to find my house spotless, vacumed, dinner started, he was doing dishes & (yes there is more) he had finished putting the second coat of paint on our living room wall & put everything back in its place. I was astruck. I could certainly get used to that.... who couldn't. =o)

On another note I've finally signed up for my classes at my new college. I went to orientation but felt completely out of place. There was a gentleman who was 65 entering the same education program as I was, so that made me feel like maybe I wasn't too old & too busy to be making changes.

A Quote from Ty

Well, I had to laugh this morning. As we were preparing for my father's side of the family to come for our Christmas party I ask Ty to come in the bathroom so that I can brush his hair. His response... "No mommy, you already did it... Yesterday." I laughed right out loud, I supose he still doesn't understand that some things just need to be done daily. It reminds me of the saying... "Real cowboys don't take baths." I think that it'll just be one of many of those moments when I get a good chuckle out of things he says, & besides, it was pretty nice to take time & laugh instead of stressing to make everything perfect for a party.

2008 Christmas Photos.

This was quite an adventure, for some reason I had it in my head that as Ty got older it would be a bit easier to take is photo for our Christmas card. Needless to say I was wrong. He certainly has his own ideas on how to do things. Who knew that an almost 3 year old would care about what to wear & how to sit, but Ty does. He cracked me up. I think that they acutally turned out pretty nice, the hard part now is just choosing which to use. =o) I took them in color but LOVE black & white, (if you haven't noticed that yet) so I changed them all.


Here's a some of our favorites....

I'm a college graduate! Holy Cow!

Well, its been a long time coming & truthfully by now I could have been a doctor. I just finished my last class yesterday, aced my final & became the first college grad in my family. None of my Great grandparents, grandparents, parents or siblings have finished. I like to think of it as me changing our family tree. Education is so important & though it took me years to complete, the point of the matter is that I did. I could have shouted yesterday as I left the campus. I hope that as Ty grows older he understands the importance of it. Many thing seemed to have been put on 'the back burner' lately, but it will all pay off in the future. My next step will begin taking classes in Oswego in January. I have hopes of becoming a teacher, I'm not quite sure what type of teacher... but I feel that as long as I continue to prepare myself I will be lead to what is appropriate for both my family & myself. Honestly the whole thing kind of brings me to tears. I feel that this is just the first step in my journey.

Having some fun in the Snow~

Some fun in the snow!

Oh, Yes the date is correct... Winter came early here in Upstate NY!

Making Sugar Cookies

Here are are cookie making pictures... we had a great time.

He took his job very seriously.

An interesting start to my day

Today started out pretty interesting. I woke up dreaming about Igneous rocks... pretty interesting stuff huh? Let me explain; I'm currently enrolled in a Geology class and I had an enormous test yesterday; apparently it was still on my mind. =o)

Then, as I was coming out of my groggy stupor, I realize that my darling son is standing over me telling me that I need to wake up and make "me and daddy eggs peeez mommy" "wake up mommy... go cook". I roll over to discover that its only 4 am! I've come to realize that we all have roles in our family and apparently mine is to make breakfast in the wee hours of the morning. Needless to say, I didn't give in to his request. Scott came in about 5 when he was leaving for work and informed me that I still had a very wide awake son, and that I should probably get out of bed. Ty is definitely a morning person like his daddy. I thought I was a morning person as well, though I'm more 7am than 4am morning person.

Along with waking up to my bright-eyed- & bushy-tailed son, I woke up to 2 feet of snow and counting, it seems odd to have so much snow this early in the year, though it really does look pretty (as long as I don't have to drive in it). The School District decided to have a snow day so Ty was able to play outside with his cousins Mitchell & Mark, they are in 4th & 6th grade, but are so sweet with Ty.

We also decided that we would make some sugar cookies, since we were kindof getting in the holiday mood. Luckily for me; the dough needs to chill for at least an hour, which is the perfect amount of Ty to take a nap.

Well, I suppose that I should take full advantage of him "resting" as we like to call it.

Perhaps I'll even walk out to the edge of the driveway and take a few photos of our Winter wonderland to post.
=o)

Ty & his big sister Sabrina aka "Breena"