Job Hunt

The hunt is on for a job. Lately the kids have been driving me insane and I told Jeremy that I can't wait until Bailey starts school to look for a job. I need a job now. Jeremy is very supportive of this decision because he's tired of seeing me so miserable anyway. I've already met with a counselor on base who is helping me spice up my resume and giving me advice. Unfortunately there isn't much around here in the fields I want to work in. Most of the jobs being offered are in the I.T. or medical fields. But if I can just get in the federal system starting with anything then I can move to something more interesting when it becomes available. Though I don't want to work directly with kids again, I might have to for a little while. Kinda defeats the purpose of leaving my kids to go work, but if that's what it takes then so be it. I love my kids. I just don't want to spend every minute of my day with them. To be fair I think I annoy my kids as much as they annoy me. So hopefully I will be a working women within the next few months, and my kids' days will be filled with exciting activities and new friends. Until then my kids will just have to deal with me.

At War with Mice

So we discovered a mouse reeking havoc with our guests back in November when Jeremy's family came for Thanksgiving. Housing maintenance came and placed sticky glue traps around the house but the mouse was too smart and just maneuvered around them. Useless. I finally bought the old fashion snap traps at the recommendation of the ACE employee and within two hours of setting we caught the mouse. Summer sausage seems to do the trick. Well then last week I heard a rattling noise coming from the pantry while watching a movie. I said "Jeremy, something is in the pantry, come get it." Of course it was another mouse. We set our trap again with more sausage and the next morning checked for carnage. Meat gone and no mouse. We tried again the next night and again the mouse outsmarted the trap. Then I put peanut butter on the trap to stick the sausage to it. Poor mouse never had a chance.

But that's not the end. This morning I discovered yet another mouse! They seem to be coming from behind the oven. Maybe the gas line? I don't know, it's driving me crazy. Most of our food is on lock down in the fridge. I'm constantly cleaning the kitchen and Koa doesn't let any food be left behind on the floors. I don't get it. Wish I could rent a cat.

It's a New Year

It's a new year and for a lot of people it's time for resolutions. I asked several people what their new year's resolutions are and I got the same answer, "My resolution is to not make any resolutions this year." At first I thought, "Wow, there is nothing you want to do or change about yourself." Then again, I guess you don't need a new year to start change.

The last few years I've tried to keep mine obtainable so as not to disappoint myself. Getting in shape is always at the top of my list but that is something I'm always striving for year around. It's just that I always get out of shape around the holidays so January is a good time to get back into good habits again. Now for me resolutions are more about inner change anyway. It forces me to really face what I don't like about myself. I use to promise myself to paint more, write more, smoke and drink less, or take more walks outside, but life always seems to get in the way (mainly kids or husband's T.D.Y's). I use to think that I would grow stronger to temptation as I got older but I've found just the opposite. Maybe because there is more stress in my life now, I give in to the comfortable even when I know it's not good for me. Hey, everyone has their excuses.

There are always going to be things I want to change for the better in the coming year. We could all use new beginnings; it gives us hope and motivation to keep trying. Why not let the "New Year" be the time to start? Here are five that I'd like to share:

1. Find more happiness in the mundane (well at least more content).

2. Find more humor in the kids' daily annoyances.

3. Bring more intellectual challenges to my life.

4. Find the self-confidence to take on a challenging career in whatever I choose.

Christmas Magic

I was making Bailey practice her writing yesterday, which I haven't done in a while. She gets so frustrated if it's not perfect and always starts to whine and cry. When I told her to just do the best she can she tells me "Mom, I'm only four! I need to get bigger first!" Ha! So dramatic.

Foster has taken to hiding our stuff in the couch and chair cushions. Today we found the TV remote, a sippy cup, my cell phone case, and Jeremy's watch. He also has taken to hitting and throwing heavy objects at people. I recently took a sippy cup to the eye. Ouch. We've started putting him in time-out but I can tell already he's going to be a challenge to discipline. He doesn't take his parents very seriously. It's so hard to stay stern with him smiling and hugging you and saying "Mommy".

It's going to be a quieter Christmas this year. It's just the four of us for Christmas day but we are excited about skyping with the family. Christmas eve we'll have our neighbors over for a ham dinner. I wish there was snow but it doesn't look like that's going to happen so we may even drive up to the mountains for a little snowball fight. I can't wait to watch the kids open their gifts. I probably went a little overboard but I just found so many things that I thought they'd like this year.

Ahhh, the magic of Christmas. One of Bailey's friends has been raised to believe that there is no Santa Claus. He told Bailey that Santa wasn't real. It didn't phase her though. She even asked how Santa was getting into the house since we didn't have a fireplace anymore. I told her he'll just come through the door. In a world that is obsessed with reality I fully intend to fill my kids heads with dilutions of elves, flying reindeer, giant egg-hiding bunnies, and tooth fairies. I see absolutely nothing wrong with feeding the fantasy. Some people may call it lying but I think it's just creating a magical world full of fun and happiness. Kids figure it all out on their own with time and aren't damaged by discovering truth. At least I never was. I was grateful for all those stories and memories. I'm thankful for my parents putting the effort into keeping that magic alive for us. It's tradition; it's building imaginations; it's just plain fun. That "little kid magic" is only alive for such a brief period of time in our lives. I plan on enjoying it with kids a second time around.

Overdue Update

Okay so I know it's been months since my last post. I have been so far behind on all kinds of things as well as communicating with family and friends. Ever since we moved to Denver I feel like my life has been a crazy whirlwind. It hasn't been all exciting, just busy. I also finally got to catch up on three months worth of posts on Kristy's blog. So while Foster is sleeping and Bailey is watching cartoons I'm going to give a little update.

Bailey- She's now in pre-school half days, five days a week. She loves it and gets to do lots of art projects. On Wednesdays she has a ballet/jazz class for an hour. There will be a dance recital sometime in June. On Thursdays I take her and Foster to a playdate with other mom's in base housing. We do a craft with the kids, gossip and drink coffee. In her free time Bailey likes to play with the neighbor's kids, play video games, watch movies, and eat snacks. I've now got enough confidence to allow her to play outside with the kids without my constant supervision. She's only allowed in our next door neighbor's house, the driveway, backyard, or playground. I just check on her every 15 minutes. Of course none of this would work so well if we didn't live on base. And it helps that I know almost all the kids, where they live, and who their parents are. I've become so close to my neighbor that we babysit for each other for free so that we can have a date nights.

Foster- There is always something new going on with him. He never stops eating. His favorite new word is "snack". He can only say a few words (that I understand), but he understands almost everything I ask him and answers with a yes or no shake of the head. He now tells me when he has a dirty diaper, usually when he has a cloth diaper on. I'm going to introduce him to the potty after the holidays. He's curious and dangerous. He loves to climb furniture, jump off furniture, and fall off furniture. Even when he hurts himself and gets back up and does it again. He may be little but he's agile and strong. He gets into every cabinet, drawer, and electronic device in the house. It's been a little manageable until recently, because he can now open doors. And every time I get on to him for something he smiles and gives me a hug (little manipulator). Trouble, trouble, and too clever for his own good. As fast, fearless, and stubborn as he is, he still is so affectionate and quick to give hugs and kisses, especially to his sister. It has become close to impossible to take him anywhere anymore. At the store he just wants to run around. If I put him in the cart he just screams and cries. At the restaurant he throws his food and fusses in the highchair because he wants to get down and explore. Oh well. He's really fun though, and there isn't a day that goes by when he doesn't make me laugh at least once. He also has this fascination with the toilet the last few days and I constantly have found him playing in it. Yuck!

Jeremy- The job he came here to do has changed a few times and he almost had to be reassigned. But it looks like they are able to use him in other ways and he now has work to do. He's been gone TDY (training) at least half the time since we moved here. His schedule is better now and can now be home for all three meals and holidays. He's brewing beer again and recently made his best one yet (in my opinion).

Me- I've been busy with the kids and house. There hasn't been much time for else. I feel like all I do is clean and the house always seems like a mess! Foster keeps me busy by me keeping him out of trouble. I did buy a snowboard but haven't got a chance to go to the resorts yet. I'd have to find someone to go with me because Jeremy would have to stay home with the kids all day. I was running regularly but a string of sicknesses since October has thrown a wrench in my energy. I did run my first 10 miler back in September with excellent results. Hopefully I can get back to that soon. I take the kids to the zoo once a month and usually meet up with an old friend from Up with People there. As a family we are planning a Disney Cruise for April. There are a lot preparations, as you can image with 20 month old, which is exciting and nerve racking at the same time. Now with Christmas around the corner I'm just trying to get it all the shopping and shipping done in time. Doesn't look like I'm going to make it this time. Sorry everybody. Time is relative these days, right?

Playdates

Why is it that every time I buy something for Bailey, Foster ends up taking it over? I bought Bailey a pair of Tinkerbell pom pom slippers, she's going to be Tinkerbell for Halloween, and Foster snatched them right up to wear on his hands and crawl on the floor with. In fact he does that with all of our shoes. He loves to put them on his hands, no matter what size, and then walk on his hands. Bailey doesn't seem to mind though. She has just as much a fascination with his toys. They might as well trade completely. I don't know what these toy makers were thinking when they decided on the audience for each toy, but from my point of view they got it all wrong.

Bailey and Foster couldn't be more brother-sister right now. He loves to pull wads of her hair out. She loves to make him laugh. And they both love squealing and rolling all over each other. Bailey has turned out to be more patient than I could imagine, especially when Foster is clawing at her eyes and face. The only thing she can't stand is when he's getting more attention or more snack than her. I have had them sleeping in the same room together but last night I let Bailey sleep in the guest bedroom. Foster has been getting up around 5:30 a.m. and Bailey has been lacking in sleep. She usually needs a good 11 hours a night. Foster seems to only need about 9 hours. I'm trying to cut back on his naps to only one 2 hour nap a day. Hopefully that will help.

As far as living here on base, the kids and I couldn't be happier. They have made so many friends. With two kids (ages 4 and 6) next door, a 4 year old girl two doors down, and a multitude of kids on our circle, there isn't a lack of playmates. I take the kids to a playdate once a week at our community center, but most of the time we just go outside, sit in the driveway with the garage open and the music playing and the kids just flock to our house. Most of the kids here have free rein to the neighborhood but I can't quite trust Bailey to do the same. She's not familiar with her surroundings just yet or with listening to my directions to stay in the yard no matter where the other kids are going. She's a crowd follower. She thinks everyone would be pleased to have her tag along. Of course she's finding out real quick that most boys only two years older than her find 4 year old girls to be uncool. I'm making lots of friends too. I've made more friends here in 4 weeks than I did in 4 years at Charleston. It's a good thing too because Jeremy is going to be TDY a lot from now until Thanksgiving. The only thing to do now is find a great babysitter for the kids so Jeremy and I can have our playdates.

Surgery, Company, Tampa Wedding, and House for Rent

No doubt it's been a long time since my last update. With so much going on it's hard to keep up with things like blogs, facebook, or even picture taking. Here is a quick update on the family happenings and the Menglings progresses.

April:

I drove to Destin with the kids leaving Jeremy behind and stayed with my mom along with Erik and Kristy and their kids. While my family helped take care of the kids I had an abdominoplasty. My abdominals that had been pulled apart and skin stretched to excess due to having extra large pregnancies needed to be repaired. I won't sugar coat it; it was a very difficult and painful recovery. But my family was so supportive and I was able to heal right on time and with no complications. It was totally worth it and I couldn't be any happier over my new belly.

Bailey had a slight set back in her behavior and reverted to a two year old, tantrums and all. But I bought a discipline book called "1-2-3 Magic" and we now have her back under control. It's an awesome tool for anyone who is having trouble with a child's annoying behaviors (whining, talking back, arguing, and fussing). It works great for meal times too which have also been troublesome for us. Foster started signing while we were in Destin and even said a few words mimicking me, like "all done".

May:

I slowly regained my strength and routine back at the house in Charleston. Molly came to visit for a few days and we had a great time walking around downtown and playing with the kids. Foster started walking and Molly was there to witness his first steps. He is so proud of himself but can still get around faster by crawling. Even though Bailey's Birthday was June 1st we celebrated on her last day of YMCA playschool with a huge Tinkerbell cake and her playmates. When they are 3 and 4 years old it's not so much about the presents, it's all about the cake. It was sad to say good-bye but for the month of June she was ready to start a real pre-school for the summer.

June:

The first week of June we had the Bryants come stay with us for a visit. It was so nice to have company to do the things I like to do with the kids. We went the water park, the beach, the playground, and Michelle and I even had a night out at the local piano bar. It was a great time. Even though Morgan is 7 years old he had fun playing with Bailey. And of course Bailey followed him around like a puppy.

We also started showing the house for possible renters. This has become a challenge since I have to keep the house cleared of clutter and clean at all times. The realtors just call up and say they want to show the house, then I run around picking up everything, gather the kids, get in the car and leave for a while. It's still not rented. Not because they don't like the house but because they are worried about the neighborhood. I admit are neighborhood looks a little rough around the edges, but we have never encountered any crime or issues in the four years we've been here. Oh well, I'm still not worried though. It will get rented. We've also encountered an issue with our brand new floor which will have to be replaced again. Reason is still to be determined.

Then our most recent event was going to Tampa for Ricci and Steve's wedding. It was an event that started on Wednesday for me and we all made it home exhausted but in one piece on Sunday. I was the maid of honor and did my duty as well as I could even though my hangover from Wednesday night lasted until Monday. And the bachelorette party wasn't even until Thursday night. Ricci was a beautiful bride and so gracious and hospitable. Bailey was the cutest flower girl ever. When she threw those petals down it was with such power and determination she had everyone giggling. It was a family reunion for me as well with my cousin Heather, aunt Pat, mom, brother and his family. I even got to see my old friend John. Lovely, it was all so lovely. I just wish I could have had more time with them all. But I treasure all the quality time I was able to have with Ricci.

Now Foster is starting to walk more than crawl and he is so very playful. He loves to be thrown in the air and tossed on the bean bag. In the water he's fearless and will dive right in, not minding his face getting wet. His eating is very advanced, in fact he eats more than Bailey. He still loves his bottle and he won't drink it unless it's warm. He also has a paci he has become attached to and can't sleep without it. Sound familiar? Recently we have noticed a heightened awareness in him and ability to understand commands as well as words such as foods, diaper change, bath, or sleepy time. Bailey has also recently turned a corner in maturity. Her sentences are more complete and her understanding of conversations, directions, and social norms have become more complex. She can act like such a little lady sometimes. Though she tends to get jealous of the attention Foster gets, she still plays with him constantly and keeps him out of trouble. As for Jeremy and I, we have been busy getting ready for our move. We've made a lot of little repairs and touch ups as well as drop offs to goodwill. Then there is planning the trip itself. So much to do! I better get off this computer and get back to it.