Here are a couple of things heard today:
As we were waking up:
Jeremy: I'm hungry
Peter: No. You not hungry. You need play with me.
Later in the afternoon Jeremy wanted to know why Norman (the cat) was under the car in the Grandma's garage.
Grandma: He probably just wants some space right now.
Jeremy: That's good. That means I can ride my bike lots as long as Norman stays out of my way.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Contact With The Outside World!
Up and running!
I knew the cable man would be here today to set up our internet service - I didn't know he would have to replace all the wires to do it... so a little long, but all in all, it's here and it's working!
I also didn't know I'd have phone service today - we signed up with another VOIP - NOT Vonage (we'd had our share of problems with them). Doing more research, wanting to be certain to have a local number (something we never did get with Vonage) and knowing there were better ones out there for less money, we decided to try out Phone Power. Anyway, I expected to recieve the unit sometime next week, it arrived today!
So, Cable up, Phone Power up - and here we are running smoothly so far! And for $30.00 less than when we were in Maine!
For all you friends out there - feel free to call, especially during the work week. It will be nice to touch base with people again. I'm still unpacking and that will continue, but we're functional in the house now, so I won't mind the break to chat!
If you need our new address, emails and/or phone number, just email me at butterfliesandbugaboos@gmail.com!
I knew the cable man would be here today to set up our internet service - I didn't know he would have to replace all the wires to do it... so a little long, but all in all, it's here and it's working!
I also didn't know I'd have phone service today - we signed up with another VOIP - NOT Vonage (we'd had our share of problems with them). Doing more research, wanting to be certain to have a local number (something we never did get with Vonage) and knowing there were better ones out there for less money, we decided to try out Phone Power. Anyway, I expected to recieve the unit sometime next week, it arrived today!
So, Cable up, Phone Power up - and here we are running smoothly so far! And for $30.00 less than when we were in Maine!
For all you friends out there - feel free to call, especially during the work week. It will be nice to touch base with people again. I'm still unpacking and that will continue, but we're functional in the house now, so I won't mind the break to chat!
If you need our new address, emails and/or phone number, just email me at butterfliesandbugaboos@gmail.com!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Trip Part 2
Okay, so we're here... all of us. Bob and Gabi arrived very late Sunday night (or rather very early Monday morning). They were able, with some help, to completely unload the truck Monday in amoungst the rest of the "checking in" and then drop off the truck all while picking us up at the airport on Tuesday. Gabi is "done" with long trips - I don't blame her, but she really enjoyed the time with Dad.
We got through the weekend, did rather well. The kids were really good about running up to the apartment to be loud instead of being in "the big house". We even had Papa get out his guitar Monday night and play and sing for us. I managed to recorded several of the songs. It was nice.
Tuesday was the big - me and three across the country - trip. Nanny took us to the airport, and thankfully she was able to get a pass to go through security to help me and the kids on to the plane. I say thankfully because Jeremy put on quite the show!
He doesn't handle waits and lines well - and he was eager to get on the plane to get his snack bag. He didn't like waiting for everyone and kept trying to shuffle ahead of people. Peter was already in a harness leash and Jeremy got a warning. But, he went on with a full size (and over grown) tantrum. Screaming and Yelling as I trapped him and forced the harness on (because he wouldn't stay with us). Nanny took him, screaming, trashing, hitting and all, while I gathered the rest of our stuff off the belt and the other kids. It was a nightmare.. I was red in the face from embarassment, all the while waiting for security to come over and remove him from me.. that's when he started yelling "I hate you, Mom!" and "NO! NO! Mom, NO!" At which point I at least knew everyone around would know I really was the mother. I glanced over at security only to find every single one of them trying hard not to laugh. (I'm sure they've seen it a million times!)
The airplane was much better. We were blessed to have wonderful flight attendants who love kids and were totally understanding of the boys climbing on everything. Though we didn't have to change flights, we did have a stop in Chicago. Up to that point the kids were perfect. After that the boys were just too jittery, but really did great! When we arrived, we were 15 minutes early, but Bob was running late because of fingerprinting for his new teaching job. So he still had the truck to drop off! I managed to get the baggage off and onto a cart, sent Jeremy and Beth in to potty, then tried to take Jeremy back in with me to change Peter. A security officer ended up standing beside Beth and Jeremy and our lugage instead. Then we waited for Bob - what a wonderful relief to be together again!
We got some food then ran over to Great Grandma's to visit before heading on the hour and half ride to our new house. It's good to be here - good to be together.. but we have a lot to do.
We have a new address and new phone number (the number will be usable about midweek next week) and the internet goes in this Friday! We're making head way, just slowly. If you need our address and or number, just email me and I'll be happy to pass it along!
We got through the weekend, did rather well. The kids were really good about running up to the apartment to be loud instead of being in "the big house". We even had Papa get out his guitar Monday night and play and sing for us. I managed to recorded several of the songs. It was nice.
Tuesday was the big - me and three across the country - trip. Nanny took us to the airport, and thankfully she was able to get a pass to go through security to help me and the kids on to the plane. I say thankfully because Jeremy put on quite the show!
He doesn't handle waits and lines well - and he was eager to get on the plane to get his snack bag. He didn't like waiting for everyone and kept trying to shuffle ahead of people. Peter was already in a harness leash and Jeremy got a warning. But, he went on with a full size (and over grown) tantrum. Screaming and Yelling as I trapped him and forced the harness on (because he wouldn't stay with us). Nanny took him, screaming, trashing, hitting and all, while I gathered the rest of our stuff off the belt and the other kids. It was a nightmare.. I was red in the face from embarassment, all the while waiting for security to come over and remove him from me.. that's when he started yelling "I hate you, Mom!" and "NO! NO! Mom, NO!" At which point I at least knew everyone around would know I really was the mother. I glanced over at security only to find every single one of them trying hard not to laugh. (I'm sure they've seen it a million times!)
The airplane was much better. We were blessed to have wonderful flight attendants who love kids and were totally understanding of the boys climbing on everything. Though we didn't have to change flights, we did have a stop in Chicago. Up to that point the kids were perfect. After that the boys were just too jittery, but really did great! When we arrived, we were 15 minutes early, but Bob was running late because of fingerprinting for his new teaching job. So he still had the truck to drop off! I managed to get the baggage off and onto a cart, sent Jeremy and Beth in to potty, then tried to take Jeremy back in with me to change Peter. A security officer ended up standing beside Beth and Jeremy and our lugage instead. Then we waited for Bob - what a wonderful relief to be together again!
We got some food then ran over to Great Grandma's to visit before heading on the hour and half ride to our new house. It's good to be here - good to be together.. but we have a lot to do.
We have a new address and new phone number (the number will be usable about midweek next week) and the internet goes in this Friday! We're making head way, just slowly. If you need our address and or number, just email me and I'll be happy to pass it along!
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Trip - Part 1
Well - so much to write, but there are pictures I'd love to post too.. that will have to wait until we're all set up in CA. In the meantime, I thought I'd give a basic update.
I dropped Bob off to get the truck on Monday - he ended up waiting 6 hours before his truck arrived (they were suppose to have it there two days in advance - their policy). Needless to say he got a really deep discount. Also needless to say, he lost a lot of time at the house. He did have some friends help him out and was still able to leave on Wednesday. Our showing Monday probably didn't go so well - haven't really heard anything, so that's an assumption. But I can't say as though I blame them... we left things not really ready thinking Bob would be back in time to tidy up some (whatever tidying up you can do around all the stacked boxes). Oh well.. I know the Lord will provide at the right time.
Aside from that, I got the kids to the temple (that was nice) then on to the Boston Science Museum. We obviously didn't do a whole lot there - since it's huge - but they had fun. The over to my friend's to spend the night. Peter (having slept most of the day, being car sick and all) was wide awake at 2am - which meant I was too. Finally, at 4am I got us up and decided that since I wasn't sleeping I'd hit the road. Almost wondered why it took me so long to make that decision. But, the ride Tuesday was generally better since all the kids did some sleeping. It wasn't too bad - though I was truly exhausted when I arrived about 1:30-2:00pm.
Wednesday night around midnight (so really Thursday) Bob pulled in. The kids enjoyed seeing the big truck while Bob, Papa and I rearranged things and got the van loaded up. Gabi and Bob hit the road around 10:45am and headed out to Indiana. They were on the road again this morning around 8:30am and will hit Kansas - Marie, watch out! Where, if they get in soon enough, they will have a little time to spend with cousins. They intend to be up and out bright and early tomorrow for Utah (that will be the longest stretch of the whole trip). The following day they will arrive in California.
If the energy remains and timing allows, Bob will unload the truck Monday so that he can bring it back to Reno on Tuesday when he picks up the kids and me! We're really looking forward to being reunited and getting settled.
As for the kids and I, well, the kids are really loud. They don't have much else to do - the toys around here aren't really for kids their ages and I obviously didn't really pack any because we'll be flying. I help out with Jeani while Papa and Nanny are working. And then I take the kids and their noise up to the "apartment" to be out of the way for the bulk of the afternoon. Seems to be working okay for now. I'm hoping they (and myself) will get rested before we fly. That would be one less thing to worry about when we arrive!
So, so far so good... we're all alive and doing well. The travel is going well - so we really can't ask for more!
I dropped Bob off to get the truck on Monday - he ended up waiting 6 hours before his truck arrived (they were suppose to have it there two days in advance - their policy). Needless to say he got a really deep discount. Also needless to say, he lost a lot of time at the house. He did have some friends help him out and was still able to leave on Wednesday. Our showing Monday probably didn't go so well - haven't really heard anything, so that's an assumption. But I can't say as though I blame them... we left things not really ready thinking Bob would be back in time to tidy up some (whatever tidying up you can do around all the stacked boxes). Oh well.. I know the Lord will provide at the right time.
Aside from that, I got the kids to the temple (that was nice) then on to the Boston Science Museum. We obviously didn't do a whole lot there - since it's huge - but they had fun. The over to my friend's to spend the night. Peter (having slept most of the day, being car sick and all) was wide awake at 2am - which meant I was too. Finally, at 4am I got us up and decided that since I wasn't sleeping I'd hit the road. Almost wondered why it took me so long to make that decision. But, the ride Tuesday was generally better since all the kids did some sleeping. It wasn't too bad - though I was truly exhausted when I arrived about 1:30-2:00pm.
Wednesday night around midnight (so really Thursday) Bob pulled in. The kids enjoyed seeing the big truck while Bob, Papa and I rearranged things and got the van loaded up. Gabi and Bob hit the road around 10:45am and headed out to Indiana. They were on the road again this morning around 8:30am and will hit Kansas - Marie, watch out! Where, if they get in soon enough, they will have a little time to spend with cousins. They intend to be up and out bright and early tomorrow for Utah (that will be the longest stretch of the whole trip). The following day they will arrive in California.
If the energy remains and timing allows, Bob will unload the truck Monday so that he can bring it back to Reno on Tuesday when he picks up the kids and me! We're really looking forward to being reunited and getting settled.
As for the kids and I, well, the kids are really loud. They don't have much else to do - the toys around here aren't really for kids their ages and I obviously didn't really pack any because we'll be flying. I help out with Jeani while Papa and Nanny are working. And then I take the kids and their noise up to the "apartment" to be out of the way for the bulk of the afternoon. Seems to be working okay for now. I'm hoping they (and myself) will get rested before we fly. That would be one less thing to worry about when we arrive!
So, so far so good... we're all alive and doing well. The travel is going well - so we really can't ask for more!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Here We Go...
It's been pack, pack, pack for days - weeks, okay, months now... in one form of another. These last few weeks have really been hard on everyone - especially kids with no real schedule. I hit that panic mode two days ago and thought for sure we'd never make it. Then the miracles started pouring in once again - I guess I ought to have known that would happen!
Over the last two days I've had 10 helpers - a few of which were older children accompanying mom. I also had some very little playmate helpers too - great for helping my children to feel loved and like boredom isn't as bad as it seems! All in all, I feel great - my mental-emotional state is in happy and peaceful mode again. We'll be leaving Bob at least where we wanted and I'm pretty sure it will be better than we had thought! So excited... so relieved... and so very grateful! We're not done yet, Bob and I will continue after the kids get to bed - though I hope we get enough sleep to enjoy our Sabbath Day.
Tomorrow, church (a part of normal for a change) - then off to friends to visit one last time until we come back for vacation, followed by dinner at other very wonderful friends. It will be relaxing and enjoyable - though at the end it will be sad too. Then home to bed - sleep well - up and out of here around 6:30-7:00am to head to Boston (stop at the temple, then the science museum) a night at AJ's then on to my dad's in the morning. About a day and a half for Gabi, then Bob picks her up and away they drive across the country. The rest of the kids and myself will continue our visit, then fly on the 25th! That will end our travels and then we can start to settle in!
Please keep us in your prayers as we go through this part of the journey - we will miss many of you, look forward to being near to others of you, and will continue to keep our family adventures posted for your enjoyment and connection!
Over the last two days I've had 10 helpers - a few of which were older children accompanying mom. I also had some very little playmate helpers too - great for helping my children to feel loved and like boredom isn't as bad as it seems! All in all, I feel great - my mental-emotional state is in happy and peaceful mode again. We'll be leaving Bob at least where we wanted and I'm pretty sure it will be better than we had thought! So excited... so relieved... and so very grateful! We're not done yet, Bob and I will continue after the kids get to bed - though I hope we get enough sleep to enjoy our Sabbath Day.
Tomorrow, church (a part of normal for a change) - then off to friends to visit one last time until we come back for vacation, followed by dinner at other very wonderful friends. It will be relaxing and enjoyable - though at the end it will be sad too. Then home to bed - sleep well - up and out of here around 6:30-7:00am to head to Boston (stop at the temple, then the science museum) a night at AJ's then on to my dad's in the morning. About a day and a half for Gabi, then Bob picks her up and away they drive across the country. The rest of the kids and myself will continue our visit, then fly on the 25th! That will end our travels and then we can start to settle in!
Please keep us in your prayers as we go through this part of the journey - we will miss many of you, look forward to being near to others of you, and will continue to keep our family adventures posted for your enjoyment and connection!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
It's 6 o'clock
That's Peter's new favorite saying. He thinks he's so smart and wise and all that simply because he can say "o'clock". Why it's six every time I have no idea, but this is generally the way it goes.
When there is light outside:
"It's 6 o'clock. That means it's still morning."
When it's dark outside:
"It's 6 o'clock. That means it's really late."
So folks, it's 6 o'clock, and that means my little boy is growing up too fast!
When there is light outside:
"It's 6 o'clock. That means it's still morning."
When it's dark outside:
"It's 6 o'clock. That means it's really late."
So folks, it's 6 o'clock, and that means my little boy is growing up too fast!
BIG DAY COMING RIGHT UP
Th BIG DAY is almost here and I'll admit I'm at the point of feeling overwhelmed. I was telling my sister-in-law last night that we needed a miracle... we have one, if the weather report is right. Great weather until we leave! That means it's easier to just push through everything instead of working around the rain.
I'm still overwhelmed - I think emotions and not sleeping well play a large part in there - and I'd still love some help with packing. I'm going to spend a little time this morning making some phone calls and seeing if I can send the kids away for Friday and Saturday and get a few hands up here then. That would be the most helpful at this point - and the least stressful.
We are all looking forward to moving on - because then the chaos slows significantly!
I'm still overwhelmed - I think emotions and not sleeping well play a large part in there - and I'd still love some help with packing. I'm going to spend a little time this morning making some phone calls and seeing if I can send the kids away for Friday and Saturday and get a few hands up here then. That would be the most helpful at this point - and the least stressful.
We are all looking forward to moving on - because then the chaos slows significantly!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
HELP, PLEASE
Looking for a little help on Thursday. I'd love to have couple people here to help with packing and someone available to watch kids so more packing can be done without interruption. If you an help and want to help please call me. I'm gone today but will certainly call first thing in the morning to confirm. I'm looking at the times between 10am and 2:30pm.
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Official Moving Sale
Time to tell everyone you know to come on over to the Nielsen's... you might need ot give them directions...
Friday and Saturday, this week only, is our Official moving sale! Rain or Shine (we have a barn) and everything available has to go! Anytime from 7am on... let's be reasonable at bedtime, though... please...
We leave Monday - that's the end of it... so come up and see what we have... Saturday evening what's left gets boxed up to give to charity!
Remember: FRIDAY and SATURDAY only!!!!!!!!!!
Friday and Saturday, this week only, is our Official moving sale! Rain or Shine (we have a barn) and everything available has to go! Anytime from 7am on... let's be reasonable at bedtime, though... please...
We leave Monday - that's the end of it... so come up and see what we have... Saturday evening what's left gets boxed up to give to charity!
Remember: FRIDAY and SATURDAY only!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Babies - $8.88 Or Less
Moving is certainly an adventure... and we haven't even left yet. The packing has brought multiple stories, wishes, comments and such. Sometimes pleasant and sometimes nothing short of a horrid headache.
Today I attacked the attic once again -this time to try to finish it (which I nearly did). In doing so, I pulled out the infant carrier car seat and set it aside in the "packing room" while I went about sorting outgrown clothes to give away.
While I was working on that, Peter (who calls himself Pee-tor) noticed the seat. He got a puzzled look, pointed and asked "What's that?"
Me: That's a baby car seat. It was yours when you were first born. And before that, it was Jeremy's when he was first born. And before him it was Bethie's when she was a baby and Gabi's before her.
By now Peter is laying in my lap, so I cuddle him like a baby.
Me: Is that silly?
P: Yeah. We need to go to Walmart.
Me: We do? Why?
P: We need to get one at Walmart.
Me: A baby?
P: Yeah. We need to get one at Walmart.
Me: Oh, well you don't get babies at Walmart.
P: We get one from church.
At this point I'm smiling and nearly laughing as I explain that a mommy and daddy with Heavenly Father's help create a baby and it grows in mommy's tummy until it's too big and then it comes out for the mommy and daddy to love and cuddle and feed and take care of together.
Me: So, no, Peter, babies don't come from Walmart or church. They come from Heaven.
Today I attacked the attic once again -this time to try to finish it (which I nearly did). In doing so, I pulled out the infant carrier car seat and set it aside in the "packing room" while I went about sorting outgrown clothes to give away.
While I was working on that, Peter (who calls himself Pee-tor) noticed the seat. He got a puzzled look, pointed and asked "What's that?"
Me: That's a baby car seat. It was yours when you were first born. And before that, it was Jeremy's when he was first born. And before him it was Bethie's when she was a baby and Gabi's before her.
By now Peter is laying in my lap, so I cuddle him like a baby.
Me: Is that silly?
P: Yeah. We need to go to Walmart.
Me: We do? Why?
P: We need to get one at Walmart.
Me: A baby?
P: Yeah. We need to get one at Walmart.
Me: Oh, well you don't get babies at Walmart.
P: We get one from church.
At this point I'm smiling and nearly laughing as I explain that a mommy and daddy with Heavenly Father's help create a baby and it grows in mommy's tummy until it's too big and then it comes out for the mommy and daddy to love and cuddle and feed and take care of together.
Me: So, no, Peter, babies don't come from Walmart or church. They come from Heaven.
Moving Party
Okay - so that sounds like we're asking for people to work =)
Actually, we'd like to have a little going away party for the kids on Thursday August 13th. This is an invite to all the kids' friends and their families - and if you don't have kids but are great friends and feel the dying urge and have the time, feel free to stop on by as well.
NO CRYING ALLOWED - We're all having a hard enough time, we really want to leave with memories of smiles!
Come prepared to get a picture as the kids are putting together picture address books for writing penpals!
Oh - and there just might be water balloons (please, don't bring water guns)!
So pass it on....
Thursday, August 13 - 3pm-6pm - HERE
Bring Your Own Drink
Bring a Snack to Share
Hots Dogs Provided (if you call by Tuesday)
207-692-0270
Actually, we'd like to have a little going away party for the kids on Thursday August 13th. This is an invite to all the kids' friends and their families - and if you don't have kids but are great friends and feel the dying urge and have the time, feel free to stop on by as well.
NO CRYING ALLOWED - We're all having a hard enough time, we really want to leave with memories of smiles!
Come prepared to get a picture as the kids are putting together picture address books for writing penpals!
Oh - and there just might be water balloons (please, don't bring water guns)!
So pass it on....
Thursday, August 13 - 3pm-6pm - HERE
Bring Your Own Drink
Bring a Snack to Share
Hots Dogs Provided (if you call by Tuesday)
207-692-0270
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
House Showing - The Absense of Normal
We had our house shown... the first couple ended up with some delays and finally postponed until next week. The second couple was really only the wife, her husband is in the national guard and was on his two week duty. She liked it enough to say they would come back for a second showing when he gets back into town. She thinks it "has it all"... I think I said that in an earlier post =)
Anyway, miracles happen... maybe not as fast or in the way we think... but this might be our miracle in the making... we'll just wait and see. I'm just happy that the showing went well.... since we're in the middle of packing and the "clean" in some rooms is more of a "out of the way" then clean.
Back to packing tomorrow... I need some energy - I might just need to finish the "baby clothes" in the attic and call it a day - then spend the rest of the day being a mom... our poor little ones are really holding together well considering, but they definately need "stable" "normal" and "Mom" back... Two and half weeks and we'll finally be settling into our new home - can't wait!
Anyway, miracles happen... maybe not as fast or in the way we think... but this might be our miracle in the making... we'll just wait and see. I'm just happy that the showing went well.... since we're in the middle of packing and the "clean" in some rooms is more of a "out of the way" then clean.
Back to packing tomorrow... I need some energy - I might just need to finish the "baby clothes" in the attic and call it a day - then spend the rest of the day being a mom... our poor little ones are really holding together well considering, but they definately need "stable" "normal" and "Mom" back... Two and half weeks and we'll finally be settling into our new home - can't wait!
Monday, August 3, 2009
1998 Toyota Sienna
Since we're moving, we're thinking about selling the van... if there is someone interested.
It's a 1998 Toyota Sienna XLE (with leather seats and moon roof). It's white. It's a Canadian model, which just means that the miles are listed under the kilometers instead of the other way around. $4800.00
If you're interested, or know someone who would be interested, please contact us at 692-0270.
It's a 1998 Toyota Sienna XLE (with leather seats and moon roof). It's white. It's a Canadian model, which just means that the miles are listed under the kilometers instead of the other way around. $4800.00
If you're interested, or know someone who would be interested, please contact us at 692-0270.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Free Baby Girl Clothes
I have size newborn - 12 month baby girl clothes from two little girls just a season away in birth. They are free to anyone in need... please contact me!
(There are 4 kitchen size trash bags full)
Thanks!
(There are 4 kitchen size trash bags full)
Thanks!
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