Monday, December 27, 2010

Merry Christmas ** Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
We have had a wonderful December.  We have tried to focus on the birth of our Savior by listening to Christmas music every day and trying to serve those around us.  I really enjoyed December, and part of me is sad that Christmas has already past.  But now we are on to a New Year and new adventures.

In November we moved to American Fork.  Jon's parents went on a mission to the Philippians and we moved into their home to take care of their home, plus we get free rent...we thought it was a pretty good trade.  It has only been about a month, but so far it as been an adventure.  The water heater broke, Dad Goss split his pants and asked us to do some shopping and send him new ones, there is countless mail to sort and take care of, and we have a new roommate.  Jon's brother Brendan is also living there.  It is definitely different, but it has been a good move for our little family.  It is a really good neighborhood.  We are having fun getting to know our neighbors and the ward, and I look forward to getting a calling and getting to know everyone better.
Josie is O-SO-CUTE!!!  I don't know what I would do without her sweet personality.  She is even learning to talk and sign language.  When she was about 11 months she started screaming for things that she wanted, and it was trying my patience.  I understood why she would get frustrated though, she had no way to communicate with us.  So I started teaching her how to sign things like  "more" "please" "milk" "food" and "puppy", she picked it up so fast.  She can say "Momma" "Dadda" "mo" (more) "mio" (milk) "sease" (please) "arf arf" (Puppy) "yes" "NO", and probably a few other things ... she seems to learn something new every day.  Ever since she has learned these few simple words life is so much better, and we have a happier baby.
In the last 17 months of her life, not once have I wished the time away.  I have always enjoyed each stage ... but every Sunday for three hours I desperately wish for her her to be 18 months so she can go to nursery.  It is really hard to enjoy church when you spend the whole time chasing a your child and trying to keep her happy ... so I am thanking the nursery leaders in advance for holding such a noble calling so us crazy parents can enjoy church.  ONE MONTH TO GO!!!
Jon is still searching for a job, not much to report in that area.  I am still working for the state, not much to report in that area either.  I think part of the reason I haven't posted anything in the last 4 months is because I feel like we are kinda stagnant.  Nothing is really changing in our lives, and because I am still working full-time, my free time is limited.  I love that I am able to provide for my family, and I love that there is stability and security in our situation.  But both Jon and I are ready to switch roles ... we know that someday it will happen, but in the mean time we know that our situation is helping us grow.  And in the future we will better understand each other and we will be a stronger family.
**I know pictures are always the best part of people's blogs, but I don't have any available to me right now.  I will try to add some soon.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Quick Update

I cannot believe that it was over a year ago that we held Josie in our arms for the first time.  She was born on August 2nd weighing 9.2 lbs, 21 inches.  One year later she weighs 19.13 lbs (25th %), 30 inches (80th %).  She is such a joy to have around.  She is always smiling and on the go. 
It surprises me how much I personally have grown, and that Jon and I have thoroughly enjoyed this past year.  Some weeks and months were harder than others, but that is life.  I wouldn't trade this year for anything.
**I really want to post some cute pictures of Josie, and even some video of her walking, but Josie is waking up.  Maybe...just maybe I will get to it later :D

Since Jon graduated he has taken the History Praxis test, and he is still looking for a full time teaching job. The job market is not a happy place as many of you are aware, especially for teachers.  For the first time, ever, Utah has become a destination for teachers from other states to come to teach.  The teachers market is totally saturated, so we are working on getting Jon some substitute positions as well as taking some pedagogy classes to better his resume.
I am still working for the State.  It is not my favorite job in the world, but I am still grateful for a stable job where I am able to support my family.  On a more personal note, I will be having an outpatient surgery on Aug 18th.  It is a personal problem that I would rather not post on the Internet, but if anyone wants details you are more than welcome to call me.  While I am not delighted to be having surgery, this is a problem that I have been dealing with since Josie was born, I am grateful that I am getting it taken care of.  Please keep me in your prayers.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Graduation and More

Congratulations Jon!!! He graduated from BYU on April 23nd. It was a great experience because his Dad is the Assistance Dean for his college and he was able to give Jon his diploma. It was a fun day, and we really appreciate everyone celebrating with us.
For Jon's graduation he asked for braces. He had braces when he was in high school...but that is a long story and well...he needs and wants them again. We found a place in West Jordan and does cosmetics only, meaning they don't worry about jaw alignment or anything else, just straightening the teeth, which is awesome because he will only have braces on for 6 months and it is WAY cheaper.
Jon's Grandma, Verda Mckee Kitchen passed away on April 21st. We knew she was ill and when she took a turn for the worse we weren't surprised, but still watching your loved ones suffer and then leave this life is never an easy process. She was such an amazing women, I have been taking the time to read her biography, and I am so impressed with her, I look forward to getting to know her better some day. She had 10 kids ... and a lot of grandchildren. She had such a profound impact on her family that there were only 6 people out of all her decedents unable to attend her funeral, 2 had previously died, 2 were on missions, and the other 2 had obligations they were unable to get out of. I felt so privileged to see this family come together and be apart of the occasion. This is also the first time that all of Jon's siblings have been together in about 13 years. This meant that I I was able meet Jon's sister Rebbecca, it was so fun to meet her and be with his family. I know we all feel blessed for the experiences we shared together.
In addition to these two huge events Jon's nephew Kimball received the Arronic Priesthood, My brother Brian and his wife blessed their baby Olivia Daniels, My sister, Brenda and her husband bless their baby Nichole Stacey Keizer, and my brother Greg came home from his mission. Oh, and let's not forget that my brother Steven got engaged and I was able to meet his fiance Allison, who is a very sweet girl. With all of the huge life events surrounding me at the same time I realize how blessed I truly am to have my family and the gospel such a part of my life.
Life is so wonderful and amazing, it has been a busy but amazing month.

Josephine! Josie is now 9 1/2 months, when we went into her 9 month appointment she was 18.5 lbs (50th) 28 inches (75th) and 50th in her head. She is crawling everywhere and even cruising along the furniture. The other day she tried to climb up our computer desk to reach for something ... Jon and I are constantly amazed with how big she is getting. She knows how to wave Bye-Bye, say YEAH! by clapping her hands, and when music comes on she start smiling and dancing. She is getting better at anything and everything she attempts to do. She is such a sweet heart and we love having her in our family.
Jon is staying home with Josie while I am working full time. We both are trying to enjoy our current rolls, but once Jon gets a job we will both be more than happy to switch.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Can I Finish A Blog?

The last three posts were written with good intentions but never finish or published. I decided to publish them so you can see my intentions are good ... but I seem to lack the ability to finish them. So, we are going to make this post short and sweet ... and of course it will all be about Josie.

Josie is now 8 1/2 months old and has such a cute personality. She is becoming so fun and dangerous to have around the house. She started crawling a few weeks ago and now she will not sit still. Especially when we change her diaper ... it is war! She has learned how to wave "Hi" and "Bye" especially when she wants attention. Grandma Goss was kind enough to teach her how to say "uh oh" when she drops something, and it has become a favorite game of hers. When I am holding her and she throws something it usually takes me a few times to realize that she isn't just dropping it on accident. Her latest version of the game to pick something up and throw it while saying "uh" and then crawl after it. Josie is an extremely happy baby. Josie has been sick for about 2 weeks, half the time I forget she is still sick because she still has a lot of energy and she is still smiling and laughing.

This video is from when Josie first started learning to crawl. We no longer need to coax her into crawling the length of the carpet, she is happy to crawl anywhere and every where.


This video is one of my favorites, although kinda gross.

This is only a glimpse of our wonderful daughter, hope you enjoy! We love you all.
**I finished!!!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Before I had Josie I was sure I was going to be one of those mom's who couldn't stop posting cute pictures and gushing about their adorable baby. Well as you can see I haven't posted since New Years. Many fun and cute things have happened that part of me wishes I posted for all to see, but another part of me doesn't care because I was able to spend my precious free time watching Josie grow up. Since I am working sometimes it makes me sad to put Josie to bed because I am not quiet ready to stop playing with her....but I definitely don't want a cranky baby so the Mom in me persists.

This is an exciting time for our family, Jon has 2 weeks of school left, and Josie is crawling and learning so much.

Jon had a surprise half way through the semester and was told that he needed to take 2 more general credits. So we opted to take an online course instead of a block class or waiting for spring semester. Unfortunately this meant he had to finish the whole class by April 2nd. He was told that Teaching of the Living Prophets was the easiest class so he signed up and started working. He finished the whole class in two weeks which included writing 15 pages (1 page for each living prophet and apostle), 3 pages of something else, finding 100 quotes for 5 topics in the last general conference issue and typing them up, along with another random assignment, and 10 quizes plus a final. I will admit that I helped him out with a few of the assignments because they were so long and tedious, but I am very proud of him for working so hard to make sure he will graduate in April. He only has a few more assignments and tests left for his other classes, and I know he is getting anxious (so am I).

Now to the cute part of our family...

Happy Easter

I can't believe that it has been 4 months since I have posted.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Life is going by so quickly and I can't believe that Josie is 6 1/2 months already. She is sitting up, pivoting in circles, and moving backwards. I swear she must be the happiest baby, she is always smiling and laughing. Jon and Josie come and visit me two times a day (so I can feed Josie) and she always greets me with the biggest smile.