Something you can learn about me....

I LOOOOOOOVE March madness!  Don't ask me why for sure, but I have always enjoyed the competition and rivalries, the comradery and unified feeling of watching a game in a community.  And certainly, Jimmer Fredette's superhuman abilities are contributing to my extra special feelings toward my alma mater (did you WATCH last night's game?!?!).  For me, there is just that innate desire for people to come together and be unified in a single purpose.  And sports isn't a bad place for that to happen.  Though, I'm not as big a football fan (as my husband), I do feel that sports can contribute to disciplining, uniting, and adding a sense of enjoyment for many people--though, I would much prefer basketball/soccer to any other (I don't at all like golf).  Not to mention, I have seen the great amount of bonding shared between my husband and his siblings through playing sports, as well as the fun I have had with my own family, so I certainly see their use.  I also LOOOOVED intramurals at BYU (I really just loved BYU period).  I miss them terribly!  It was such a good form of exercise and social fulfillment for me.  It's was just so nice to get off my butt and go DO something with the body Heavenly Father gave me.  Sports are fun family outings that are little to no money, which is always a priority for us.

I HAAAAAAAATE sewing!  I really thought it was just because I was in a small apartment for the last several years.  But nope.  I really just don't like sewing.  At all.  I even have a sewing machine and all the accessories.  My mother-in-law paid me to fix a whole pile of clothes several weeks ago.  Luckily, I got paid, because I have decided that short of earning money, I will not be sewing for fun.  Between the broken needles, rethreading bobbins, cleaning up tiny pieces of thread and fabric that make themselves comfortable around the entire house for weeks, wasting of thread, and just my utter distaste for the whole process (it is NOT relaxing for me....therefore=not fun), I have decided it's just not worth it to do on a regular basis. Sure, I love the finished product, but the process to get there is hardly ever worth it to me. I much prefer repurposing furniture and such to sewing (P.S.  Watch for it--the old fashioned table and chairs I bought recently are about to get a makeover---Okay, perhaps AFTER we move to the new home we will hopefully get {made an offer MONDAY; now just waiting for bank approval. Could still be months}).  That is what I enjoy.

I DOOOOOOONNNN'T like taking pictures.  I like being in pictures just fine, but I will never have the desire to make my picture taking skills equate to a photographer's.  It just isn't in me.  SOOOOO glad I have my sissy poo, JaNae, to take care of that department for me. Please, move closer to me ASAP!  (Otherwise, we may just be missing a big chunk of Camden's life--and perhaps several more children to come).  I just can't get in that good of a habit, unfortunately.  I did long for the habit of being able to take ANY pictures (that being separate from taking any GOOD pictures), but maybe that will still occur one day.

I will NEEEEEEEVER make time to paint my nails.  Not fun, smelly, and I peal off my fingernails anyway, so that would just draw attention to things undesirable to look at.  Further, if nails are short, I think they look goofy painted.  I am just not able to grow out my nails--piano playing (and nervous habits of pealing prior to playing in front of people) will do that to a person.

I am EEEEEEEECCCCCSTATIC to be teaching piano again!  My students are doing FABULOUSLY!  I just got so lucky to have obtained some naturally talented young ones, and we are just having SO.MUCH.FUN!  A nice bonus, is that I can get paid to do what I love, and Camden has luckily done very well with it so far.  I can control my hours and how much I work at it, too, so all around just a positive experience!  I can't wait until we get to the point of doing recitals!  They are AWESOME!  I have missed my intimate relationship with music.  Having music in my home is very important for my family.  It is one of the priorities of priorities for me and will certainly bring the Spirit into our home.

I LOOOOOVE cooking/baking, but only if I have my own kitchen stuff and I know where everything is.  I spend a great deal of time planning my meals for each week, as well as the grocery shopping I need to do (I keep my grocery shopping to a max of once per week and sometimes try to do it more like every other week).  I have been staying with my brothers-in-law this week and cooking has been more challenging because I don't have the kitchen items I am used to, but it is just so satisfying when people can sit together, eat dinner/lunch/brunch/breakfast, chat and be satisfied.   Plus, baking is the way I have decided to gift people for their birthdays, mother's days, etc. lately because it's an inexpensive way to give a gift, while still putting effort into it; especially when you're dealing with people who already have everything they need. (Plus, I REALLY don't like Bath & Body works kinds of things as gifts and that seems to be the alternative.  It's just an expensive cop out in my opinion.)  Anyway, I don't really like eating a lot of food, but I sure do like feeding other people a lot!! :O)

I THRIIIIIVE off of writing in my journal and reading the Ensign.  During my last 3 years of high school, and my first few years of college, I wrote in my journal every single day.  I never missed a day and I ended up having several books full of records.  When I got married, I kinda lost that everyday habit.  Journal entries became few and far between.  I have started to get back into the habit and it really does wonders for my disposition and happiness.  It is something I truly enjoy--it's just making the time to do it!  The Ensign has had some wonderful, wonderful articles (as usual) and I just love to read all of the stories and prophecies given by our church leaders.  It is a wonderful blessing to have that magazine!  There have been some articles lately that have specifically helped me during our house search.  It has been a real blessing to receive the inspiration while going through the experience.  I am grateful the Lord watches out for me personally.

A few updates:

-Camden is going to nursery now. He has definitely needed an adjustment period.  We're not there yet....
He also says a lot lot lot of words, but tries to combine them and it doesn't quite come out right.  He will be quite the talker though, when it all comes together for him.  He LOVES being in Las Vegas with his grandparents and some uncles.
-I have been spending a lot of time working on things.  My mom is now paying me to clean her house twice per month, piano lessons, and watching my down syndrome brother-in-law, Calvin.  Camden has a blast with all of this because he loves to be at Grandma's house, wants to learn the piano, and enjoys the fun sounds Calvin makes at him (as well as all the TOYS Uncle Calvin has!). 
-Devin is doing well at work.  He enjoys his job and the hours are certainly nice for him.  He has been doing a great job and the company is keeping regular work, so we are grateful and happy!

Who knew? Today I'm grateful for...

My mom wrote this post today on her blog and it really got me thinking.

Many don't know this history, and it's actually quite relieving to see so much joy entering my mother's life as she begins to open up and share her life (and what an amazing life it is).  What a blessing the internet can be that way. 

It also got me thinking about the answer to her question....why does God allow suffering?   Such a difficult, overbearing type of question to answer; especially when I feel so inadequate to share my own thoughts.  Often, I look at my life and wonder to myself, "when is the despair going to hit? When will I  have to suffer like 'her'?"  I hope I never have to, because really, my life has been so great.  For me, however, there have been difficult things--things I'd wish on no one, but do wish more had a real understanding. 

Though my griefs are not mine to share, so never will I open up this way in such a public way. The last few weeks, however I have found just that--some understanding.  The supposed ailment/problem/painful annoyance of TMJ, turned into a great, great blessing as I have been able to go to the DENTIST (yes, you read that right) for relief from not only my physical pain, but also some of my spiritual aching. And it has helped tremendously to have new found friends/cheerleaders in my journey. 

So, sometimes, I think God allows us to experience aching in order to create an opportunity for us to find healing.  Sometimes, He allows it to create more gratitude for our lives as they were or will be...or even as they are.  Sometimes, He allows it so that we will turn to Him more fully  (as we do that, our lives will be increasingly blessed).  And sometimes, He allows it, so others can learn these things vicariously through others experiences  and find the beauty-full in our own just a little bit more each day.

This perspective keeps me moving some days.  So today, I'm grateful for the dentist.

How to

How to eat pizza:

Suck on it.  Just suck and suck until you can't suck anymore.  That way, you burn calories WHILE you eat, and you get so tired of sucking, you won't finish it anyway--it just takes TOO long.  This is how I prevent myself from gaining any weight at all.  But, mommy can sometimes convince me to chew if she breaks my food into small enough pieces--then again, I still want to wait until I am in the mood to chew.  Sometimes, I just swallow pieces whole.  In fact, this eating process can make me so exhausted, I fall asleep in the shower. Mom then takes embarrassing pictures of me in a doggie towel (which I love, but won't admit to anyone).

A lip or tu

I woke up from my *lovely* Sunday nap to these beauties.

(yes, flowers for the day before Valentine's Day, because I asked to not receive flowers on Valentine's Day this year)

Tulips, of course!  There's a story behind them.  You see, when I first entered Young Women, we had a new beginnings program in which the parents of every new beehive were to share a flower that reminds them of their daughter.  Most of the flowers chosen were extremely heartfelt and sentimental.  One friend received a rose from her parents because of her exquisite beauty inside and out.  Another, a lily for similar reasons and virtue and grace.  Perhaps a daisy because of how much sunshine 'she' brought into the lives of others.

For me, my mother chose tulips.  Why?  To remind me to always keep my "two-lips" clean and pure.  Apparently I wasn't excessively dainty, exquisite, beautiful, virtuous, or graceful, because my mother basically called me the biggest flirt alive, right in front of everyone.  If you know my mother, she's a jokester, so I would never have put this past her, however, I realized while she was talking (and she even said) that she had no idea she was to choose a flower that really "fit" me as a person, but rather, just choose a flower for me period.  She figured most girls would receive a rose (as most did) and wanted me to be a little different.  As is her way, she was able to create a very effective teaching moment through her humor, and it has certainly stuck with me.

Continuing through the years, the tulip became my favorite flower for more reasons than just this anecdote implies.  Not only can I realize the magnificent beauty of this flower, but I also realize something priceless.  These flowers stay open and REACH toward the sun.  I hope I can do that--always remain stretched toward the Son.

Now, I also realize that the tulip tends to describe me a bit as a PERSON.  This blog may say it best, "You think that when you see a tulip wrapped tight, just admiring the outside of it, you’ve seen the best that tulip has to offer.  After all, when you think of tulips, you think of them with their petals closed.  I was thrilled when this purple beauty opened to show there is always more beauty on the inside.  Same is true with most every person I know."

What a great reminder for me, and for everyone, I suppose.  You can find true beauty deep within people, and yourself, as you and they open up to show it.  Now, I'm just grateful that my husband can share in my love for tulips as well.  You see, although he often can't remember my birthday, or my middle name for that matter, he does and will always remember that tulips are my favorite flower of them all.  So, I guess my mother continues to make an impact in all the little facets of my life.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to the LOVES of my life!!

 And just because he's getting to be the biggest cheese ball...

 

What a dream...

Normally, I've been pretty anti-girl....as in, I don't really want to have one*.  I'm not a flowery, too-big-of-a-bow-for-the-top-of-THAT-little-girl's-head type of person, but today, I had second thoughts.  Not that I'm going to convert to the bows, but perhaps it would be good for my husband to have the same experience I've seen many of my other male friends having with their daughters--being ABSOLUTELY smitten and wrapped around a little girl's finger must just be that priceless.  It is probably good for all men to have that experience--the experience of having a precious, virtuous, fragile daughter of God that sort-of belongs to him. That he doesn't have to raise to be "a protector" but rather, "a nurturer."  That is his forever to maintain and protect and spoil rotten.  And the true desire to never see another man hurt her at all; under any condition, ever.  I think it does something for a daddy's heart that perhaps a boy might not be able to do. Yes, I do think that every man should have that glorious opportunity after all.

*As an editor's note, I must add that never, under any condition whatsoever, ever, EVER, would I love or desire a daughter any less, I've just normally secretly hoped I had all boys.

Moving Week

So I guess it's time to offer the details, although probably most of you know them by now.   With December 17th (BYU's December graduation) looming in the near future, we weren't sure that we were going to have an income for much longer.  Devin had exhausted most of the referrals he'd been given, but I wasn't worrying yet.  Not sure why the Lord decided to bless me with so much patience and serenity, but it was so, and I will forever be grateful.  Here's the long story, broken down into a MUCH shorter story:

December 4, 2010--Devin and I are babysitting my cousin's kids and she and her husband tell us they've heard of a job opening in Las Vegas, of all the impossible places, for a project manager position with a paint & drywall subcontractor.
December 3, 2010--Devin has an interview with a company based in Alamogordo, New Mexico for a superintendent job.
December 9, 2010--Devin has an over-the-phone interview with the Las Vegas subcontractor
December 12, 2010--Devin finds out he's been offered the job in Las Vegas.  I get assigned to plan and decorate the Ward Christmas party.  I contact my friend from high school to have her send me some apartment links.  Over the next couple of days, Devin and I go back-and-forth between whether or not we should buy a house or rent an apartment for a few months and then do so, or live with our parents for a few months before we buy a house.  Poor Adria had to continually send us different types of real estate listings depending on which decision we had made that particular day.  But she was a trooper and we appreciated ALL of the help!
December 13, 2010-- Devin realizes the company in NM isn't going to tell him their decision quickly enough.  He decides not to make the Las Vegas company wait any longer and accepts their offer.
December 13, 2010--I start rearranging our entire lives!  I list, show, sell our apartment contract over to someone else, nanny my last day, ask my cousin to take over some of the nannying for the remainder of the week, shuffle through the rental listings sent to me via email, bring order to the elderly finances, switch over our mail from every place I can possibly think of, cancel our utilities, etc. and start packing.
December 13-17, 2010--LOTS of help from siblings to get our stuff packed up! (Thanks to ALL of you!) And I planned and decorated (with the help of my good friend Joannie) the entire Christmas party.  Luckily, I didn't have to do the food, but it was certainly quite a task anyway.  I'll just say, by Friday night, I was exhausted.  Still, I didn't feel like I had reached my limits.  The Lord really, REALLY blessed us that entire week; especially because Devin was studying for finals and couldn't be around to help with Camden, packing, or the party very much.
December 18, 2010--The Elders Quorum, and Kyle, picks up all our belongings and loads the moving truck.  Devin drives the truck down to Las Vegas.  Camden and I stay behind to clean the apartment.
December 19, 2010--I play the piano for one musical number, sing in another, and train the new Relief Society Secretary.
December 20, 2010--Devin starts the project manager position at L.&R. Integrity, Camden and I drive down (in quite the snowstorm, I might add), stop by to see Devin's sister who is in pre-term labor and on bed rest, do some grocery shopping, and we all stay the night at Devin's parents house.
December 21, 2010--I go apartment shopping.  We find a place to move in, with the help of Adria.
December 22, 2010--Fill out all of the paperwork, get the money order & cashiers checks for deposit, negotiate with the landlord to do month-to-month and bring down the rent a little, get the keys, move in.

So, that pretty much, in-a-really-short-and-completely-undramatic-and-not-even-able-to-do-it-justice sort of way, sums up the move. Devin enjoys his job so far, and I am reacquainting myself to life in Vegas.  And surprisingly, really missing Utah.  But, of course, that will be for another time.  To all of my Utah friends, just know, I miss and love you all!  I am sure we'll be back to visit frequently.

P.S.  Whoever you are that blessed us with the food to eat on my previous post, you will never know how much it got us through moving week; especially with Camden and I being sick the entire week prior to that one!  Thank you, again from the bottom of my heart!

You won't believe it!!

We got a job offer!  Details to come...

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.

 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!)

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)

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.

Click here to view these pictures larger

(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