The tale of 4 Christmases

The "upside" to Leena having divorced parents (as well as Jeff), is all the christmases that come with it! We will have had 4 this year! First christmas was packing up my 2 babies, filling up the mazda to the brim with coats, hats, gloves, snow shoes, beanies, and 6 days worth of clothes and toilitries. And making the what used to be 8 hour drive, to Idaho. jerome, specifically. Leena did FABULOUS! She was such a sweetheart through it all. We had to stop obviously for gas and lunch, and she just watched movies and slept the whole way. Just asked ONE time how long we'd been travelling for, such a good girl! We met up with Jeff's cousins Lauren and her sister, Meagan in Boise. Then, for some reason, I forgot how FAR we were from our actual destination. In short, it was about, well a little less than 2 hours from Boise. Anyway, we left a little late because the passes were advising snow, and we needed chains for our car, and after 30 stores of calling around, no one, literally, on this side, had any. (I'll go into that story later) I think we left at 9:30, and got into Jerome (with meeting up with the cousins for an hour or so) around 10:30. Landon slept the whole time, almost. which, we forgot would come to haunt us. He was wide awake until about 2am. So, needless to say, it was a long trek, and we were tired. We stayed at Jeff's mom house. We hung out with Jeffs sister, Christy, and her cute little family (she has 5 kids, oldest is 12, youngest is 3) for a while, and laid low. Til Christmas eve. On Christmas eve, everyone got together for church, and then met at grandma and grandpa Daniels house. Which, was nice to see all the names with the face I've yet to match. We had a good time, and good dinner with family. The kids got an abundance of things. Some, are still in Idaho. We then went home and went to bed. The next day was Christmas! Forecasters had said it was going to snow, and I was upset that I was going to miss the white christmas in Seattle. Would've been my frist there! But! It snowed a bunch in Jerome, making it a white christmas anyway. We woke Leena up to her first white christmas. She was so excited, had breakfast and waited for Jeffs sister to come over with all the kids to have christmas with them. We had a good time and Leena enjoys all her presents Jeff and I got her. We have a good share of stuff now! (which were 3 things cause everyone just loves buying for her) We then bid then packed up the cars again, and drove teh long drive out to Gooding, where Aunt Phyllis lives. We then had Christmas dinner and opened up many presents, while Leena played her brains out with her new cousins, Elisha and Jonah. (They're 5 and 6) While we were at Aunt Phyll's house, I got a call from my parents..with my little brother cody on the line!!! I was so mad that I was going to miss my little brothers one call home on christmas while they're on their mission. but, my mom got the # to call them back at, and 3 way called me in! Thanks mommy!! He's doing great, and seems happy. He's done alot of good out there, and i'm sure touched many people in many ways. Cody had a huge heart, he always has. I'm sure he's blessed people. Cody knows he's in the right place, doing what he's supposed to. I'm so proud of him!! Mom did the same with Seth, 3 way called me in. His spanish is amazing! He rambleed off a few things to me, and I was like "I have NO idea what you said, but it sounds pretty darn authentic!" he said he hates the bostonian accents, you can't understand what they're saying. He also said, the lady next door, April, (who you can't even tell is a woman if it wasn't for her name) is a hoot. If she ever needs help with anything, she hits up those missionaries next door! He says, that she introduces them as her husbands, hahaha. Hee loves the people he runs into, and teaches. He is a minority in Boston. He also said it's alot of Dominicans, Venezuelans, and Uruguay cultures. which means it's pretty darn diverse out there. He has been snowed in for 3 days, and he and his new companion, were pretty bored of playing the same games over and over. Seth is a good guy, he's learning so much, I'm proud of him as well. Both of my missionary brother are proud uncles. Seth said he told some of the ward memeber that "I had my first nephew!", they do come forma family of alot of girls! I put Leena and Jeff on for both brothers, I can't wait til they're home! The next day, the 26th, was go home day. The night prior, as Jeff was tucking Leena in, she was saying her prayers, and started to cry. He tucked her in anyway, no questions asked to her. So, when he came out and told me she'd started to cry, I was a little alarmed. Leena can be an emotionally sensitive girl, so I wanted to know what was wrong, so I could console her properly. I go in there and ask why she was in tears, she looked at me and said "I don't wanna go home momma..." awww. This was the girl that didn't want to go at first, and we really had to tell her how much fun she was going to have, to get her to go. It was sad to see her cry, but glad at the same time taht she'd had that much fun, and learned to really like all of her new cousins, so fast. I told her we'd come back, and she'd see them again. That seemed to console her a little, but not fully. She was just so upset about leaving, I told her to take deep breaths and to close her eyes and she'd fall asleep. Within 5 minutes, she was out. We left at 8:40. It wasn't a bad drive really, til we hit WA. Of course, we'd been hit by 2 storms, the biggest since 1953, with 75mph winds and 15" of snow in places (IE my parents house!) We hit the pass, and it was dumping snow, and the speed limit was docked from 70mph, to 35. Crap. We lost momentum and had to pull over and put our cables on. We had them on for all of 2 miles, crawling at 20mph. Because our car is labeled a "sports car", it can't go regular speed with chains on. Anyway, after the sheer hell through Snoqualmie Pass, we FINALLY made it to my parents house, which had 14+ inches of snow!! I've NEVER seen it that much at their house! That was 8 more inches than what we had in Idaho! We dropped off Leena, and jetted to seattle (only after getting stuck in my parents driveway of course, cause of snow) and caught teh ferry, and after a long day, got home at 11pm. We got stuck outside of our house, adn said screw it. Took what we needed, adn walked the 7 houses home, with baby in hand. We woke up to a new dent in the car. Which, we don't know how it got there, but we think a snow plow maybe because when we left the car, they plowed around it. We have one more christmas left. My older sister and my 5 year old niece, Maleah, will be flying in on Tuesday, so excited! I haven't seen those 2 in about 3 years. I've missed them! So, we're having another christmas with them!

So much!

I think I have a couple things to blog about this time around!

I'll start off with Christmas.

I was rather pleased to see that ABC aired Charlie Browns Christmas. I think it gives us a reminder that christmas is mainly about Christ. Easy to forget with all the commercialism. And, I was very happy that they did air it, frankly, I'm sick of the "Merry Christmas Bans" because it's not politically correct. I watched a Jeff Dunham Christmas special on Comedy Central, and his puppet character Walter, was talking about that very thing. He literally said "ya know, I've been wanting to say this for a couple years now, screw you, It's Merry Christmas!". Thank you! Someone else said it besides me! Needless to say, the crowd cheered wildly. If you get offended by that, wow. You're going to have it hard on all holidays. I think people should be able to say what they want to wish someone a good holiday. That's all they're saying, is have fun. Just with fancy words.
Anyway, Merry Christmas!!

For Christmas this year, we're making the trek to Boise, ID. Jeff's home area. Well, he's from a tiny town called Jerome. Where it's full of stinker stations (which oddly enough, DO stink) and hills and cattle. Yup, small town america. He's so excited. I'm dreading the drive. It's supposed be be snowing pretty much across the WHOLE state of Washington come this Saturday, when we're due to leave.

However, He's almost giddy to see his family. He and I drove there for Thanksgiving last year. Only to have Jeff be a total mute on the 8-9 hour drive there because he got mono, his throat was in so much pain, he couldn't talk. (Didn't get it from me!) Needless to say, I DJ'd with the ipod the whole time. Little conversing took place that trip. So, it'll be fun to have little Landon and big little Leena with us this time. Not many have seen Landon from his dad's side, so Jeff is uber pumped to show him off.

I will say this, that drive is the most BORING drive! Anyone who's driven through Oregon, Idaho and Washington, knows what I'm talking about. Once you get on I-90, take 3 sleeping pills til you arrive cause there is nothing to see. All I can say is, I'm glad we spent the money for a DVD system for the car. I may have to watch PS. I love you when the kids are asleep.


House Hunting!
Our sweet agent, Natalya, has spent alot of time trying to find us a good home. We finally found one! We went to her office 2 days ago to do the offer, as she pulled up the listing...it then said "Subject to inspection". NOOOO! Someone beat us to it! I was totally bummed. It was a nice home in the small city of Spanaway. But, I guess that's an indication that it possibly may not have worked out. So, we're out looking again. You'd be surprised how many homes are in foreclosure. Seems like the half of what we've seen, were significantly priced lower, because of that. Which, we did see some OK ones, but I will be honest, fixing someones anger issue cause they lost their home, doesn't sound appealing. (some had punched holes in walls, doors, tried to 'injure' the house per se as they moved out) I originally didn't even want a foreclosed home, it just sounded like bad news to me. But, now that our time limit is coming up very fast on when to buy one, I don't have a choice but to include them now. Downfall is, if we make an offer on a bank owned property, it can take up to 2 months to get a response. We don't have that kind of time. We'll see! We're scouring the internet and looking everywhere. Ugh!

Lastly, I dont' know how many people have seen this, but WOW!

So long Stennis...

It's official! We have less than a month and a half, then Jeff is OFF the Stennis! (aka USS John C. Stennis) They leave for another 7-8 month long deployment mid January. Which, Jeff had said if he was single still, he wouldn't mind going on. I think they're touring asia this time around. He toured the persian gulf last deployment. Which was Jan 2007-Aug of the same year.

I'm not looking forward to the 5 weeks of him being gone in Pensacola, but it's better than a deployment! For all of you "civilian wives", be happy youre husband doesn't have the crazy schedule Jeff does. Don't take that for granted! Jeff is working a 24 hour shift, every other day. So, pretty much the morning he gets off work, he goes back at 6am the next day. Seriously, be happy your husband or partner is around!

The good thing is, Jeff will be working 9-5, come April when he's actually in the recruting office in Tacoma. Yay! A normal work schedule!

Which, means...we get to move..YAY! Yeah, totally kidding. I hate moving! I've moved like 4 times in less than 4 years! I'm praying this is the last time we have to move for at least a couple of years!

We've been house hunting the past week or 2. We actually went ahead and did all of the mortgage things first, and got pre-approved and all that, so we'd be considered serious buyers, because we are. And, with how the eceonomy is lately, that's a good idea, to show that you're stable and not going to go into foreclosure and all of that.

Props to our realtor, she's been very patient and has a good grasp on what we're looking for. I will say this, out of the 10 hours we've probably spent with her, and looking at houses and commuting places, I've seen ONE house that I like. Some were OK, and that's not bad. I"m just insanely picky, and if one thing is too small, it's instantly voided out. Maybe Jeff will cave and get the one that I did really love :)

We pretty much have 45 days to get a house, and have it close...NO stress at all! That way we can move out of here, stop paying for the place we're in, and get into the house before Jeff leaves around the 21st of next month. Blah! Oh well, stressful, but I'm hoping it'll be worth while!

6 weeks

It's been 6 weeks I had Landon, come Wednesday. I still get the "You just had a baby, you look great!" Whew, all that hard work of not working out, paid off! Hehe. I will work out, just after the doctor clears me to.

Overall, I think the recovery is definately alot longer, but I feel good! Finally! If anyone has had a c-section, you'll have the numbness. I still can't feel much on my abdomen, but I'm hoping it'll go away by the time he's one.

Landon is cute as can be. We just love him to bits! He's fitting some of his 0-3 clothes, and that makes me sad. He's already my little growing boy. Oh well, they do that! He's trying SOOO hard to talk, he's so close to smiling. He's flashed me a little one or two, but nothing long enough to get a camera and take a picture of.

I LOVE having Jeff home. He's good about getting up in the night with Landon. I will say this though, he has to get up early to go to work, and if I don't get enough sleep, I don't function properly and it's hard for me to do anything. So, we've run into the "no, you get up with him this time" a couple times. But, either way, Landon was well taken care of by a very groggy parent. He's finally on a schedule now.

Anyone answer me this. I just think this is weird. Anytime we give him his bottle at night time, at my parents house, and put him to sleep in his carseat, he sleeps for 5 hours, un-interrupted. (We put some rice cereal in his bottle because he was waking up once an hour) Yet, we do the SAME thing here at home, just put him in his crib instead, and he gets up every 2-3 hours. Is that weird? Or is he just a fan of sleeping in his car seat? I'm still lost as to why the big difference in sleep. I want him to sleep 5 hours at once at home!

Anyway, here are some random pictures from Fam Day with my family, and some of Jeff and the kids.



Jeff and Leena at my parents


Jeff giving Landon a bath, he didn't cry!



Jeff and Landon looking at the lights. Landon LOVES looking at them! It's so cute!


Landon admiring all the pretty colors form his bouncy.


Thanksgiving at my parents. A typical scene at their house. My mom, Jeff, Hillary and Isabelle. Isabelle lost her husband to liver cancer 2-3 years ago, on christmas day. She's been my moms buddy and visiting teacher for years now.


Leena and Papa Charles cuddled up


Me and Leena Beena!


We had a little mini christmas tree left over from my divorce with Leenas dad. (he hated Christmas, that was the biggest tree I was allowed to have, SAD!) so we put lights on it, and stuck it in Landons room. And funny enough, I was on the phone with my sister, Hillary.

What are kids REALLY learning in school?!

Leena is 7, going on 15.

I'm still deciding if this is good or bad.

I spent about 3 days at my parents house last week when she was out of scool for inservice and veternas day.

Anyway, she was in entertaining her little brother on the lovesac, while I stood face next to the mirror, putting on my make-up for the day. I hear my dad start to play with her because her brother had fallen asleep.

I'd just finished up my facial artwork, and walked into where my dad was playing with my daughter. Then I hear this "YOU CREEPY OLD MAN! NO PAPA! NOOOOO!" I was so shocked!! She just called her own grandfather a creepy old man!! That was not about to fly if I have it my way. I called her in to where I was and said "what did you just call your papa?!?" she kinda giggled and replied with "I called him a creepy old man". Somehow, my dad didn't seem too horribly offended by her 7 year old statement. My dad is far from a creepy old man! So, I nicely told her, not to call papa things like that. (Papa is the alternative for grandpa with the kids in my fam. None of them could say grandpa as toddlers, so Papa stuck instead) Then I explained to her that a creepy old man is anything but her grandfather. A creepy old man is someone who looks scary, and does bad things to people, like touch little kids where they're not supposed to be touched, or kills people. She got a serious look on her face. I think she realized, what I had just described, was anything but her beloved Papa. She knows he's not only far from that, but would'nt do anything to ever hurt anyone, or her.

My dad piped in somewhat quietly, "She's picked up alot of things from school this year". I couldn't help but think, do first graders go around calling each other creepy old men?! Then I realized, she does share the playground with all the big kids now, I bet that's where she got it from. Or a child in her class that has an older sibling. Something she doesn't have.

She's said a couple other things that I've wanted to cover my mouth with shock and dismay, but for some reason, I'm totally drawing a blank on what they were.

I guess it goes to show that there is more of a stronger influence at such an early age than we realize. Granted what she said wasn't as bad as some of the things I heard from Anita Brown in my 2nd grade class. (She'd going around calling every a Mother F'ing B****. At 8 years old!)

It could be worse, but it just goes to show, we have to somehwat worry early on. One thing as parents, we shouldn't have to do. But not all parents are like me, and have a strict policy of things Leena is allowed to say, and not to say.

I just hope she doesn't get worse!

To Jeff, Love, Me

This is Jeff little bit over a year ago, he was on deployment, before I'd met him ;)"Pre-Heidi".

Anyway, I get alot of thinking time when he's gone. Probably too much. And, with that, comes grattitude and feeling appreciative of a person. I guess you can attribute it to the absence makes the heart grow fonder scenario. It seems like I'm more grateful now, alot of it due to Landon.

So, Jeffy.. Thank you for..

-Being such a wonderful father to both my kids. I know you miss them, but soon you'll be home!
-Being a beyond amazing husband.
-Putting up with all of my whining the 8 months I was pregnant with Landon.
-Making sure that I am taken care of, as well as the kids.
-Having faith.
-Treating me very well, and with respect.
-Loving my family.
-Having a good relationshp with Leena.
-All those late nights with Landon. There are more to come, his life has just started!
-All those many drives out to Issaquah.
-The many bear hugs and "real" kisses.
-For always telling me you love me.
-Taking care of the things, that I don't want to deal with.
-For watching Ghost Hunters with me.
-For doing the lawn, I couldn't do it!
-Singing along to Jack's Mannequin with me in the car.
-All my peppermint hot chocolate drinks :)
-All our dinner dates.
-The phone calls home.
-Finding random DFS with me
-Being a good father figure to Leena.
-Being pushy, sometimes I need it.
-Being a friend, and human tissue if needs be.
-The many shows we have been to.
-My life partner.
-For putting up with me and my snappyness, when it does occur.

This list could go on forever, and take hours. I've always thought we've made a hell of team, and with time, I'm learning I was right when I thought that. Some may say we went too fast, but I think it was all perfect. You're my partner in crime. The one person who has a big enough heart, for me, my kids and everything important to me, and us. The one person who'd get teary with me as I cried because you were leaving me for a long period of time. Which, as sad as that moment is, it's also somehow sweet.

If I look back to not meeting you, how I'd be so different, and possibly unhappy. You're a wonderful person, inside and out. I'll always still be madly in love with you, because you are who you are. You always greet me with a smile, a hug and a kiss. Which is the best thing for me. I'll always love you, and only want wha'ts best for you. I love you Jeff!

Oh, the joys!

I can't believe Landon is 3 weeks, holy cow! It's so funny because I can't lift anything over his weight. So I have to carry him everywhere. Which, is sort of annoying because EVERYONE stops me asking me how old he is etc.

I think it's funny, some women really don't care about boundaries with strangers! I usully get asked "how long was your labor". And I have to smile and say "I had a C-section with him.." and their mouths drop and they reply with "WHAT!? You're walking already?!" Why yes. As far as recovery goes, it still sucks trying to get up off the couch etc. But I remember when I was in the hospital, I was so much worse. So, that's a big step forward.

Overall, Leena is crazy about Landon. (YAY!)

I spent the past couple of days at my parents, because Jeff is gone for about another week and a half. But, this is Jeff's last underway, yay!! Anyway, it was nice to spend a couple of days with my family and kids.

Leena had a playdate with her friend Emma today. She's a really sweet girl and she an Leena have alot of fun together. I'm grateful Emma has an older sister because Leena definately has oldest childsyndrome, very bossy. We will be working on that.

Overall, Sun-Tuesday was good! Here are some pictures. I think I actually got almost all of my family members (which is pretty much my parents and Hillary now) pictures.

So, here they are!


Hillary is moving to China again! She's going to Shanghai for 8 months in February.



Emma was my little helper!



My babies =)



Just missing Jeff!



My new favorite picture.