Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thank you, dear friend
I had the most wonderful thing happen to me tonight!!
I admit, things have been tough on us lately. For various reasons, and nothing grandiose like a death in the family or anything like that. It's just a bunch of those small things--and a few pretty serious things--that add up and make it a little difficult to not feel overwhelmed by everything.
I know you all know Camden and I have been sick this last week. That's not the half of it, but a great contributor to our madness. I had all these great plans for Christmas, and haven't been able to accomplish many of them because I've been fairly exhausted. Which of course, makes it difficult to feel productive and successful, which may or may not put me even more down in the dumps. We have had some very good moments too among those hard things (I feel like I've been down on the blog a lot lately) so here is one of the great blessings we have received.
Last night, I was contemplating all of the things I still need and want to do (this week and before Christmas). There was a long list of things, but I knew some of the more important included grocery shopping for the next week and getting the info for my other job so I could complete payroll before Monday. We need the work and the money, so we can cover the bills and try to make it go toward the coming year if Dev doesn't get a job, and I wasn't able to work my nannying job most of this week because I didn't want to infect the other little kiddos, as they certainly agreed. :O)
Lo and behold, as I was right in the middle of the previous thought, we get a ding-dong. I bound into the bedroom so no one has to see me in my sick clothes (read, a robe) and Devin goes to answer the door. No person is there, but there is the following on the doorstep.
Recipes for MEALS (FOUR to be exact--just the number I needed)! And all the ingredients needed to make them! Which means I no longer have to go shopping for the next full week (we'll just pick up a few minor things like milk--Devin can even do that pretty easily)!
I broke into some serious tears (which I still continue to do every time I think about this). From the bottom of my heart, I could not be more grateful! It was the perfect gift at the perfect time. The Lord is truly watching out for us through some angels right now. It means so much to me to have someone put that kind of thought into us. We've had some wonderful friends who have done so much for us this year and for that, I am just so appreciative.
I remember when I was younger, we used to do something similar to what was given to us tonight. I loved that tradition and am excited to bring that tradition back into my own little family so we can pass it on. It truly touches people's lives more than I ever thought possible--so Christlike and service-filled at this special time of Christmas.
Thank you, dear friend, for your thoughtful gift.
(And Camden sure thinks it neat, too! He is really enjoying taking the things in and out of the bags, tossing his ball inside--to make a basket, and stacking the canned food items on top of one another)
I admit, things have been tough on us lately. For various reasons, and nothing grandiose like a death in the family or anything like that. It's just a bunch of those small things--and a few pretty serious things--that add up and make it a little difficult to not feel overwhelmed by everything.
I know you all know Camden and I have been sick this last week. That's not the half of it, but a great contributor to our madness. I had all these great plans for Christmas, and haven't been able to accomplish many of them because I've been fairly exhausted. Which of course, makes it difficult to feel productive and successful, which may or may not put me even more down in the dumps. We have had some very good moments too among those hard things (I feel like I've been down on the blog a lot lately) so here is one of the great blessings we have received.
Last night, I was contemplating all of the things I still need and want to do (this week and before Christmas). There was a long list of things, but I knew some of the more important included grocery shopping for the next week and getting the info for my other job so I could complete payroll before Monday. We need the work and the money, so we can cover the bills and try to make it go toward the coming year if Dev doesn't get a job, and I wasn't able to work my nannying job most of this week because I didn't want to infect the other little kiddos, as they certainly agreed. :O)
Lo and behold, as I was right in the middle of the previous thought, we get a ding-dong. I bound into the bedroom so no one has to see me in my sick clothes (read, a robe) and Devin goes to answer the door. No person is there, but there is the following on the doorstep.
With the following note
Which reads:
Merry Christmas, Romneys!
We would write this in a poem, and wrap everything up
read cute, but we're not that talented.
So, Instead we'll just say:
We got a little something for adults only!
Great for a night out.
Some things for the little guy
(and gift receipt in case they're the wrong size or style)
And ingredients for some meals and treats we love.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Love,
a few secret elves
(Devin proceeded to yell "Thank you" as loud as he could for whoever-it-was to hear. I hope they did!)
I broke into some serious tears (which I still continue to do every time I think about this). From the bottom of my heart, I could not be more grateful! It was the perfect gift at the perfect time. The Lord is truly watching out for us through some angels right now. It means so much to me to have someone put that kind of thought into us. We've had some wonderful friends who have done so much for us this year and for that, I am just so appreciative.
I remember when I was younger, we used to do something similar to what was given to us tonight. I loved that tradition and am excited to bring that tradition back into my own little family so we can pass it on. It truly touches people's lives more than I ever thought possible--so Christlike and service-filled at this special time of Christmas.
Thank you, dear friend, for your thoughtful gift.
(And Camden sure thinks it neat, too! He is really enjoying taking the things in and out of the bags, tossing his ball inside--to make a basket, and stacking the canned food items on top of one another)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Take 2 of 2
I don't do Christmas cards.
Maybe that makes me an awful person, but there are very few reasons I actually like them; especially nowadays when technology has allowed us to become so consumed in other people's lives throughout the year that it no longer seems logical to send out the same information via Christmas letter. Not to mention the fact that when I get a whole stack of Christmas cards, I just don't know what to do with them. I hate clutter, and I hate throwing things away. True, it is my own personal weakness for which repudiation is needed, but seriously, they become momentos to me that I....(choke) treasure. I have to hang them on my refrigerator and then--a few months later--convince myself it's time to take them down, and worse, load them into my scrapbook, special box for special items (which I never view again until it's time to fill it with MORE), or some sort of journal.
(I do like that most people are converting to e-mailed Christmas letters--considering it lessens my refrigerator load, but still allows the wonderful creativity which is CHRISTMAS)
Everyone sees a little too much of my family through Facebook, this blog, (and perhaps even in person) to really justify sending out MORE anyway. But I still want to get pictures taken EVERY year (this not being something we ever really did growing up--not regularly anyway) because I think it is so fun to document and laugh at all of the funny styles we thought to be so very fantastic at the time! Plus, isn't it wonderful to see how your kids have grown and multiplied through the years (or your dog--because at one time, I did want to take family pictures with my little Scruffy--too bad Devin didn't like him--or anyone else besides me, for that matter).
This post is documenting take 2 of 2 for Camden/Family pictures 2010 because the first time failed miserably. Not by any fault of our photographer, mind you. I had everything all ready. Props in the car. Camden carefully dressed and combed--his hair a tad shorter at the time--happy, and even in his car seat. Driving away, JaNae and I hear the sound all mothers dread. Gagging, vomiting, spewing, and sopping-wet-falling-down. Camden was vomiting. All.over.my.car, his car seat, clothing, props! We turned right back around, cleaned up, and didn't attempt going out again as he continued to vomit all over my family room, his bedroom, blankets, and replacement clothing (on both our parts).
Fast forward a few weeks and here are our family pictures taken for this year (and probably all of my future years for decades to come) by my fabulous sister, JaNae! Not quite as carefully planned, but still turned out fabulously--DUH because if she's fabulous, that's the only way they COULD turn out! JaNae has a real talent--one I wish she'd pursue more, because this is what she does without any training--AT ALL! (And we are no easy bunch to shoot--on this second attempt, Camden wasn't quite as pleased to be taking pictures). Anyway, without further adieu, our 'The Romney Clan 2010' photo album, specialty of JaNae is LoveLee Photography.
(DUDE, this shutterfly slideshow thingie really does some distortion damage! Click on the link to make it larger and it does a better job. Because, I just can't allow you to believe that is the type of work JaNae really does, nor is it what we really look like; and I don't have time to save each file individually in the nice format they should be in order to repost them here. Excuse my laziness, but don't you be lazy) :O)
Ok, but seriously, keep sending your paper Christmas cards our way anyway. I'd hate to miss an update of people who are so dear to my heart (and sometimes the e-mailed versions don't work, as I've come to find out)!
P.S. Turns out, when you're sick, you have lots of time for blogging, so be sure, if you're interested, to note this is not the only thing I posted today
Maybe that makes me an awful person, but there are very few reasons I actually like them; especially nowadays when technology has allowed us to become so consumed in other people's lives throughout the year that it no longer seems logical to send out the same information via Christmas letter. Not to mention the fact that when I get a whole stack of Christmas cards, I just don't know what to do with them. I hate clutter, and I hate throwing things away. True, it is my own personal weakness for which repudiation is needed, but seriously, they become momentos to me that I....(choke) treasure. I have to hang them on my refrigerator and then--a few months later--convince myself it's time to take them down, and worse, load them into my scrapbook, special box for special items (which I never view again until it's time to fill it with MORE), or some sort of journal.
(I do like that most people are converting to e-mailed Christmas letters--considering it lessens my refrigerator load, but still allows the wonderful creativity which is CHRISTMAS)
Everyone sees a little too much of my family through Facebook, this blog, (and perhaps even in person) to really justify sending out MORE anyway. But I still want to get pictures taken EVERY year (this not being something we ever really did growing up--not regularly anyway) because I think it is so fun to document and laugh at all of the funny styles we thought to be so very fantastic at the time! Plus, isn't it wonderful to see how your kids have grown and multiplied through the years (or your dog--because at one time, I did want to take family pictures with my little Scruffy--too bad Devin didn't like him--or anyone else besides me, for that matter).
This post is documenting take 2 of 2 for Camden/Family pictures 2010 because the first time failed miserably. Not by any fault of our photographer, mind you. I had everything all ready. Props in the car. Camden carefully dressed and combed--his hair a tad shorter at the time--happy, and even in his car seat. Driving away, JaNae and I hear the sound all mothers dread. Gagging, vomiting, spewing, and sopping-wet-falling-down. Camden was vomiting. All.over.my.car, his car seat, clothing, props! We turned right back around, cleaned up, and didn't attempt going out again as he continued to vomit all over my family room, his bedroom, blankets, and replacement clothing (on both our parts).
Fast forward a few weeks and here are our family pictures taken for this year (and probably all of my future years for decades to come) by my fabulous sister, JaNae! Not quite as carefully planned, but still turned out fabulously--DUH because if she's fabulous, that's the only way they COULD turn out! JaNae has a real talent--one I wish she'd pursue more, because this is what she does without any training--AT ALL! (And we are no easy bunch to shoot--on this second attempt, Camden wasn't quite as pleased to be taking pictures). Anyway, without further adieu, our 'The Romney Clan 2010' photo album, specialty of JaNae is LoveLee Photography.
(DUDE, this shutterfly slideshow thingie really does some distortion damage! Click on the link to make it larger and it does a better job. Because, I just can't allow you to believe that is the type of work JaNae really does, nor is it what we really look like; and I don't have time to save each file individually in the nice format they should be in order to repost them here. Excuse my laziness, but don't you be lazy) :O)
Ok, but seriously, keep sending your paper Christmas cards our way anyway. I'd hate to miss an update of people who are so dear to my heart (and sometimes the e-mailed versions don't work, as I've come to find out)!
P.S. Turns out, when you're sick, you have lots of time for blogging, so be sure, if you're interested, to note this is not the only thing I posted today
I'm a leaf on the wind
I am SOOO covered in snot right now. Wishing this virus of Camden's (and now mine) would go away for good. Didn't we just get over this, like 3 weeks ago?!
Poor little Camden. Took him to the doc yesterday and did a swab of his throat for strep. (We've seriously been to the doctor to do said swab tests no fewer than 6 times in the last 3 months). His throat was so bad, the swab came back with blood. But still, no strep. He's never had strep...no, not once, and I have to admit, I sometimes come away a little disappointed that it isn't. At least with strep, you can get antibiotics to aid in gaining full health. With this virus, all I can give him is tylenol and ibuprofen--for the fever, and another type of medicine to numb his throat while he rides out the sickness.
We're still managing to have a little bit of fun. With pretzels, no less. Still, there are some unhappy faces. His lack of clothing= too high a fever, so we need to keep it down+more cuddles for MOM :O)
I will spare you the pictures of me :O)
On another note, Devin has a few interviews this week. Hopefully, one of them will produce a future career (and by future, I'm talking, in the next two weeks, please). Construction management is a tough field, as are many, in obtaining a job right now. All in all, I am not sure what we will do if he can't find one quickly. I think I've mentioned he will lose his current job because he will no longer be a student (GRADUATION IS IN SIGHT, BABY!) and so there aren't many options for us. We do have a few, which is better than some people, I know. Because of that, I haven't been too worried overall.
Yesterday afternoon, I had my first semi-panicky moment. I have otherwise stayed unbelievably calm for my personality type in this situation, so I am quite pleased the Lord has blessed me with peace. I do feel, however, that He wants me to feel SOME urgency, hence the semi-panic yesterday--in which case, I started getting on Devin's e-mail to write to potential employers I know he hasn't had time to contact yet. (No, I didn't actually send the e-mails)
I have mixed emotions. I love the friendships I have gained, am currently gaining, and could possibly gain here in Utah (add to that the self-improvement I've measured), so I would love to stay here--not to mention how WONDERFUL I would feel to be able to continue our close proximity to so many of Devin's and my siblings. We just love them! (And a few more will probably be added next year) But I would also like Camden to be near his grandparents. A job opening in LAS VEGAS (and if you knew how bad their economy is right now, you would certainly see this as a miracle) and a slight POSSIBILITY that we could end up near our family there, kind of increases my desire to live there too. But I, believe it or not, have learned to love Utah. Note: I should pull up some of my journal entries prior to moving here (they didn't have blogger then) so you can know HOW MUCH I loathed the idea of Utah and coming here for school. That is also one of the many miracles of miracles. I may just miss it here. (But I'll save that for another post--IF we end up leaving after all).
I guess I just need to learn from that experience that I will love anywhere I go. Ultimately, it may take some time, but because I love people and culture, and my family, anywhere I go will be desirable-ish :O) Even if we end up in Afghanistan (REALLY! He applied for a job THERE this past week!!). I think I'm not quite THAT desperate...yet
Poor little Camden. Took him to the doc yesterday and did a swab of his throat for strep. (We've seriously been to the doctor to do said swab tests no fewer than 6 times in the last 3 months). His throat was so bad, the swab came back with blood. But still, no strep. He's never had strep...no, not once, and I have to admit, I sometimes come away a little disappointed that it isn't. At least with strep, you can get antibiotics to aid in gaining full health. With this virus, all I can give him is tylenol and ibuprofen--for the fever, and another type of medicine to numb his throat while he rides out the sickness.
We're still managing to have a little bit of fun. With pretzels, no less. Still, there are some unhappy faces. His lack of clothing= too high a fever, so we need to keep it down+more cuddles for MOM :O)
I will spare you the pictures of me :O)
On another note, Devin has a few interviews this week. Hopefully, one of them will produce a future career (and by future, I'm talking, in the next two weeks, please). Construction management is a tough field, as are many, in obtaining a job right now. All in all, I am not sure what we will do if he can't find one quickly. I think I've mentioned he will lose his current job because he will no longer be a student (GRADUATION IS IN SIGHT, BABY!) and so there aren't many options for us. We do have a few, which is better than some people, I know. Because of that, I haven't been too worried overall.
Yesterday afternoon, I had my first semi-panicky moment. I have otherwise stayed unbelievably calm for my personality type in this situation, so I am quite pleased the Lord has blessed me with peace. I do feel, however, that He wants me to feel SOME urgency, hence the semi-panic yesterday--in which case, I started getting on Devin's e-mail to write to potential employers I know he hasn't had time to contact yet. (No, I didn't actually send the e-mails)
I have mixed emotions. I love the friendships I have gained, am currently gaining, and could possibly gain here in Utah (add to that the self-improvement I've measured), so I would love to stay here--not to mention how WONDERFUL I would feel to be able to continue our close proximity to so many of Devin's and my siblings. We just love them! (And a few more will probably be added next year) But I would also like Camden to be near his grandparents. A job opening in LAS VEGAS (and if you knew how bad their economy is right now, you would certainly see this as a miracle) and a slight POSSIBILITY that we could end up near our family there, kind of increases my desire to live there too. But I, believe it or not, have learned to love Utah. Note: I should pull up some of my journal entries prior to moving here (they didn't have blogger then) so you can know HOW MUCH I loathed the idea of Utah and coming here for school. That is also one of the many miracles of miracles. I may just miss it here. (But I'll save that for another post--IF we end up leaving after all).
I guess I just need to learn from that experience that I will love anywhere I go. Ultimately, it may take some time, but because I love people and culture, and my family, anywhere I go will be desirable-ish :O) Even if we end up in Afghanistan (REALLY! He applied for a job THERE this past week!!). I think I'm not quite THAT desperate...yet
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