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.