My Apologies...

I would just like to apologize for being COMPLETELY out of touch. I have been ignoring the blog world. Part of it was that we didn't have the internet for two months. Also, the holidays were scrunched in there. We've been busy! We had Nathan's whole family here in November. Nate's brother Derek his new wife Camilla came for their open house and everyone decided to come out for Thanksgiving instead of Christmas so that we could all be together. We had a lot of fun. Christmas was nice, but it was kind of weird because we didn't see any of our Utah family. We miss you all! Isaac was very cute with his toys and he ate a lot of chocolate throughout the day.

I have so many pictures to post. I'm embarrassed because the only pictures we've shared online have been from Nathan's I-phone. That isn't enough. We've taken a lot of pictures, but I haven't shared them online because I didn't have the cable to connect the digital camera to the computer. I think I know where it is now, and I'll be getting on that! Right now there are over 500 pictures on our digital camera... dating all the way back to June or July before we moved. I also have lots of little videos that I can upload. Wow. I've got a lot of back-blogging to do! I'm going to try to do a better job because I know that I have an obligation to keep grandparents and other family in touch with Isaac's development. I am so sorry!

So, what's new in our world? We are living with Nathan's Dad (Dover-Foxcroft, ME), and I have to say that it hasn't been too bad. I was WAY against living with anybody, but Pat and Reece are pretty easy to live with. The house that we live in needs improvements, but we won't be here forever so we've been pretty choosy about what to spend money on. That aspect has been kind of hard, but it's no biggie. We don't need a palace. We have food, clothing and shelter and we are having fun during this phase of our lives.

Nathan is currently serving as the Branch Mission Leader, and he's really enjoying working with the missionaries. He just registered to take a couple of classes next semester. He is applying for pharmacy school again this year, but he is also going to apply for the Respiratory Therapy program. He is ready to move toward a career and doesn't want to wait yet another year if he doesn't get into pharmacy school this year. And I don't blame him one bit!

I'm working with the Young Women in our branch as a counselor in the YW presidency. I've still been enjoying being a stay at home wife and mommy. I clean, cook, take care of Isaac, read, make crafty things, and hang out with my friends Elizabeth (awesome sis in-law) and Ivy (she moved here with her husband at about the same time we moved). I thrive on phone calls with my parents, cousin MaryAnn, and best girl friend Morgan. Sometimes I think I'm losing my mind out here in the middle of nowhere, but then I get in touch with a friend and I'm okay!

Isaac is SO FUN right now. His vocabulary is really exploding. He's got a great sense of humor and he plays hard. He has no fear! And my favorite thing about him is that he can be very sweet. Sometimes he'll just run up to me with puckered lips and kiss me right on the mouth. He'll be 2 in February.

That's the short version! I'll try to post some old pictures (and some new ones). Lots of love!

Dried Beans...

So, we're moving in with Nathan's dad to save some money. I've been packing boxes, and right now on our kitchen floor I've got a box full of pantry items. Isaac found some bagged dried beans in the box, and was flipping out because he wanted some and I wouldn't give him any. I tried to give him some other snacks, but he just wouldn't go for it. Finally, I decided to open it and let him try one so he'd know how yucky it was. It's a package with like 15 different kinds of beans, so there were tiny ones that I knew he wouldn't choke on. He ate one and went "Mmmm", nodded his head yes, and put his hand out for some more. This went on for a couple of minutes, and then I was able to divert his attention with some milk and crackers. I think I'll be seeing those beans in his diaper tomorrow! Nathan brought in the big bottle of blue wiper fluid the other day, and Isaac wanted some SO bad. He had some blue gator-aid the other day, so I know that's what he thought it was. I really don't want to make friends with the people over at poison control, so we got that hidden away quickly. This age is so funny. He's communicating better (thanks sign language! and speaking skills) but he is also getting so frustrated when he can't communicate what he really wants. The temper tantrums have really begun. I've found that what he wants more than anything is my attention. I feel so grateful that we made the choice for me to stay home and that it has been working out so far.

Overdue Update!

THE FACTS...

Is there anyone left who checks to see if I ever blog anymore? If so, here's an update. I've been adjusting to "Maine. The way life should be". That is a saying out here. You see it on signs, sweatshirts, and bumper stickers. So, how should life be? I'm still trying to figure that out, but I'll try to paint a picture for you.... The library still stamps the due date on each book, and has a larger VHS selection than DVD's. We have two traffic lights in our town. The police station (conveniently located right next to our apartment) has two police men. Most people leave their cars and homes unlocked all the time (we always lock up anyway). Everybody has a membership at the YMCA. There are several lovely churches and homes dating back to the early 1800's. Small business abound. It's actually quite a charming place. I don't feel like I really know very many people yet, but they seem to be quite friendly for the most part.

THE EMOTIONAL SECTION...

Sometimes I get really sad and miss people and things in Utah. And I guess that's a normal part of adjusting. I've actually been ignoring those feelings a lot. Plus I haven't been blogging or journaling like I should. Have I been depressed? I think 'depressed' is a strong word. I have been blue at times. But not all the time. I get up and get dressed in the morning and take care of business. I spend time with family. I'm making friends at church. I go on walks through our lovely town. I even joined the YMCA (although I have yet to use my pass). So, life is happening.

I don't love our apartment, but I really shouldn't get attached anyway because it looks like we won't be able to afford it for much longer. The pay rate is much lower out here, and that has led to us needing to live a bit more humbly. We'll probably be moving in with Nathan's Dad in the house Nathan grew up in. That will require some home improvements, but that will be something to keep us busy, and we'll still save money in the end. And once the improvements are made, it really will be a better place for us to live.

Oh, I never officially said this in our blog, but I need to say it because people keep asking... Nathan did NOT get into the pharmacy program this year. He is working on raising his P-CAT score and GPA a bit this year, and we're hoping for next year. Did it break our faith? Hell no (yes, I said hell). Did it test it? Sure. And we're showing the Lord (and ourselves) that our faith will be stronger for this experience. We're here for a reason. We know that we were prompted by the Spirit of the Lord to come. And come we did. We'll be blessed. And we'll be refined, too.

Autumn has been absolutely gorgeous so far. Here are a few pictures I took with my cell phone. They aren't the best quality, but you'll get an idea of a few of the things I see on my daily walking route. I'll post pictures from our real camera once I find the cable to connect the our digital camera to the computer.

We're here in Maine!

We arrived in Maine about a week ago. It's lovely here, but it's been pretty hot and muggy! Two days after arriving, Nathan got on a plane to go to England for his brother's wedding. He's having a great time and gets back this Tuesday. I'm so glad he got the opportunity to go, but it's an odd experience to have your husband bring you to a pretty foreign place and then take off for a week. If it wasn't for his sister Elizabeth and her family, I'd be feeling pretty forsaken. Instead, I'm having a great time. We've gone swimming a few times, we spent some time in Bangor, and we've eaten some wicked good food. It kind of feels like I'm on a long vacation with all our belongings. Strange. Anyway, I paid our first months rent for a little apartment yesterday. We won't actually get moved in until Nathan gets back in a couple days, but I'm looking forward to getting settled. Our apartment is quirky, but cute. And it's in a great part of town... convenient to the police station, library, post office, groceries, etc. I really feel like I'm somewhere between awake and dreaming. I haven't let this all sink in. I'm holding on to the strong feelings that we had before we came that this is what we are supposed to be doing. I feel a little sad and lonely, and I'm wondering why in the world we are here, but things will settle, and we'll find out what's in store for us. And I'm choosing to be happy. It is a choice, you know. Well, I just wanted to say thanks to our friends and family. You have all be so supportive of our decision to move here. I can't even tell you how much I miss all of you that are in Utah. We love you all!

Waiting List...

Well, Nathan is on the waiting list for pharmacy school. Of course we preferred to hear that he was accepted this year, but we refuse to let it get us down. For one thing, he could still get in if people drop out before school starts. That happens all the time. For another thing, it's not the end of the world if we have to wait another year. We are so excited about the future. Maine is going to be an exciting change, and we look forward to whatever is on the horizon for us. Getting bitter and angry about this won't do us any good. So, here's to optimism!

Exciting News!

NATHAN HAS AN INTERVIEW NEXT WEDNESDAY AT HUSSON UNIVERSITY! We are ecstatic. We had faith that everything would work out, and now we are watching it start to happen. Life is an amazing test of faith, and waiting to hear about pharmacy school has been quite the test in miniature. I can't even tell you how many little miracles we've seen. Nathan has been SO determined to meet this goal. We have felt the Lord's hand in our lives in so many ways. I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude right now. I know there are a lot of our friends and family who have been praying for Nathan's success. Thank you! I really feel like Nathan is going to do so well in his interview, and he'll be accepted into Husson University's class for this Fall.

Quick Update!

I've been awful about posting! I have been taking lots of pictures and video this summer, but I haven't taken the time to blog about them. And now I don't have the time! We've done a lot of fun things. We move to Maine in exactly two weeks (August 9th). I think that what will happen is that I'll do some serious back-blogging once we get settled in Maine. The important thing is that I took the pictures and video, right?

So, here's what's up. Nathan has been in touch with Husson University all summer about their pharmacy program. Since they are a new school, they have taken their time filling their class. They just received their pre-candicacy status last month, which means that they can start their pharmacy school this Fall. They told Nathan over the phone that they'd like to interview him, but technically he doesn't meet their requirements until he gets his higher P-CAT score and a higher GPA. The P-CAT comes in the mail anytime. He was one percentage too low last time, so we are certain he'll meet that requirement this time. (THIS JUST IN ON JULY 27TH: NATHAN GOT ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT HE NEEDED ON THE P-CAT). He's getting A's in his summer courses, so he's going to meet the GPA requirement as well. It boils down to the school having open spots so that they can interview and accept Nathan at the last second. We really feel like it's going to happen. As I mentioned in our previous post, we are moving to Maine either way. Leap of faith baby!

Oh, alright. I guess I'll post a couple pictures. We went to the zoo with Nathan's mission buddy Clifford and his wife Hillary and beautiful daughter Lilly (just one of FOUR trips to the zoo this summer). Here are a couple of the pictures we took while there. I plan on back-blogging the other trips later (wink wink).

Isaac and Nathan at the Elephant show:

Clifford, Hillary, and Lilly:

Isaac and Alyssa on the Carousel:

Waiting for the bird show:

Family photo in the primate building (how appropriate):

Maine is Calling...

We would like to officially announce that we are moving to Maine in August. Things are looking really good for Nathan to be accepted to a pharmacy school there. The school is close to where Nathan's family lives. It's called Husson University, and their program starts this year. Because it's a new program, they haven't had many applicants. The University told Nathan over the phone that they would like to interview him, but that he needs to score a little better on the P-CAT and keep his grades up during his summer courses so that he can qualify for an interview. Luckily, they still have open seats in the class (let's pray it stays that way) and will interview him as late as August (which is when his P-CAT scores will be processed... so last minute!) Here's the thing... we feel SO strongly that Maine is where we need to be right now regardless of Nathan being accepted to the program this year. This will be an adjustment. My family is here. We love our ward and have lots of friends out here. Most of Isaac's grandparents are here, including Nathan's mom who is moving out this next month. But we can't deny that these feelings are coming from the Spirit, and that for reasons unknown to us we need to be in Maine. The witnesses have been strong and many. And we are excited about the future.

It's not easy to leave friend's and family, but we are listening to the call and will be leaving in the middle of August. We believe in the power of prayer, and would be so grateful for any prayers that Nathan will be accepted to Pharmacy school this year.

Here is a picture of us freezing our tushies off in Bar Harbor, Maine

during December a few years ago.

Four Happy Years!

On Tuesday Nathan and I celebrated our fourth anniversary. He surprised me with these gorgeous flowers that day, and we are going out to dinner tonight. I love that man so much. He works so hard. Among his qualities are these: He's determined, optimistic, loving, spiritually strong, gorgeous, and downright funny. He has seen me at my absolute worst (emotionally, physically, and otherwise) and has stayed lovingly at my side through it all. We've been through a lot together, and we are stronger for it. Life is an adventure, and I wouldn't want to go through it with anyone else! Four years has just raced by!

I LOVE YOU NATHAN!

Bath Time

Nathan was getting Isaac ready for his bath the other night, and I heard him say, "Go to Ma ma and say, 'Ma ma, I'm ready for my bath!'" Isaac waddled out and said, "Na na" (this is his pet name for me... he can say Ma ma. "Na na, a duh suh bu du ba". It was so cute and funny. He jabbers all the time, and this proves what I suspected all along. He really thinks he's talking.

Our One Year Old!

My cousin Jill took Isaac's pictures a few days ago, and I love them! I can't believe how fast he's growing up. He's not as much of a baby anymore!

Waiting...

I haven't been a very good blogger lately. It seems that many of us neglect the Blog these days. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. I mean, we've got more important things to do, right? But it is nice to hear what people are up to sometimes. The sad thing is that I don't really have much to report right now. We are just waiting. Waiting, waiting, waiting to hear from pharmacy schools and find out who wants to interview Nathan. And then we'll be waiting, waiting, waiting to find out who's accepted him and where we'll be moving. I don't really like not knowing what's going to happen. I mean, if a move is necessary, it needs to happen in about 5 months. That's a scary thought. Five months is just not that far away. So we should be hearing something soon, right? Time for me to learn some patience.

Pay It Forward!

Read closely...this is how it works... The Rules 1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me. 2. Winners, you must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway! 3. The gift that you send to your Three Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count! 4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

Isaac is One!

Well it happened. Isaac turned one last Tuesday. I can't believe it's been a year! What a sweet little boy we have, and we are so grateful for him.

We had three parties for Isaac. One on Tuesday night with my brothers and sister and Grandpa Gary, another on Wednesday with Grandma and Grandpa Roundy and some other friends/family, and then another get together on Sunday (Grandma Mary missed Isaac's Tuesday birthday because she was stuck at the airport). Here are some pictures!

TAKE ONE:

Isaac's birthday cake

Isaac at dinner at Grandma Mary's house

Isaac and his cousin Jesse playing with some new toys

The big moment

Mmmm good.

TAKE TWO:

Isaac's second cake (earily similar to the first)

Opening presents

Grandma and Grandpa Roundy, and Great Grandma and Grandpa Booth

The Whitneys and Hodges

Messy all over again!

TAKE THREE:

Isaac with Grandma Mary

Playing piano with Uncle Glen

Chillin' with Uncle Donovin

Solvang, California

Trip to California...

I was in Solvang, California last week visiting my sister Amanda. Solvang is a Danish community, and I have to say that it's a very charming place. Unfortunately it rained almost every day we were there, but we were able to get around town a bit and take some pictures between storms. Amanda took the pictures in the slideshow, and really captured the feeling of the town. Our older sister Erin was with us for a few days as well, and it was so nice to have some sister time! Here are some more pictures...

Aunt Erin with Isaac at a pizza place

Erin and Amanda "pretending" to be sad

Isaac's idea of smiling for the camera

Edward just happened to be in town!

Ahhhhh. Miss you.

Isaac finally decided to have a nap just as we were about to go out again.

The big bear at AJ Spurs Steakhouse. Scary.

Eating some delicious grubs

Isaac and Aunt Amanda

And here are some cute shots Amanda took of Isaac...

I miss you Amanda and Erin!