Las Vegas update and some kind words

Mindy said that it would be nice for me to post an update on the internship. Things are going well so far here. I am enjoying the warm weather and it hasn't gotten too hot yet. I love that the sun shines most of the time. My classmate and I are living with a guy that we met playing basketball named Grant. He is a single guy that owns a home and wanted to rent out two of his rooms. I am very comfortable there and Grant is a nice guy. I work monday-thursday from 7-5:30 so we have to leave around 5:30 am to meet our carpool by 6:00 and be out to the site by 7:00. We usually get home around 6:45 pm, so it makes for some long days. I am learning a lot and getting more confident each day. It has been an adjustment since we aren't that busy. I'm used to retail where you are always on the go and staying active. This job seems like there will be lots of routines and lots of downtime where we are just sitting in the office reading procedures, etc. I just have to keep my mind busy with things and try not to get overwhelmed with all of the new information. The site is very cool. It is way out in the mountainous desert land 50 miles from the northwest part of Las Vegas. The site is roughly 1,400 square miles which is about the size of Rhode Island. One person said to me, "yah but Rhode Island is one of the smallest states." All I could think is yah but it's still a lot of land. We spend a lot of time in vehicles going to and from the different areas and so I end up getting carsick quite often. When I'm actually doing the routines and working with the different radiation detectors, I am really enjoying it. It will just take time to adjust to how slow everything is.

I am doing pretty well all things considered. I can definitely see that the Lord has guided this whole process. Everything from getting this intership to meeting Grant and feeling inspired to talk to him has been the hand of the Lord working in our lives. I'm starting to learn how to trust Him more. I am at peace with this process and I know that He is preparing a path for us and a place for us to land. I am so thankful for the Lord. He is ever mindful.

Now I would like to say a few words about being away from my family. It is like I am missing part of myself when I am away. I cannot feel whole without them and it's difficult. I think of them all day and I can't wait to get home and get on Skype just to hear their voices and to make them laugh. I know that this sacrifice will be worth it in the end. I am so blessed to have such an amazing wife. She is amazing! She is such a great mother and wife. I know that having three children so quickly into our marriage has been difficult but she has met the challenge and exceeded all expectations. I am so lucky to have this angel as my wife. It won't be long before we are back together again and I will be able to be a better provider. Until then we will be doing everything we can to see each other as much as finances and time permit. -Chris

Day 12

These pictures are in reversed order...but we started out the day with going to the greenbelt to feed the ducks with my friend Hayley, and a couple of her kids. For some reason, Addy was freaking out the whole time thinking the geese were always coming after her. Hayley's boy, Nicholas caught a baby duck 3 times I think. Sydney was so cute playing with Mason..who just chilled in his stroller. Afterwards, we went to the mall so I could find some maternity shorts/capris for Vegas this weekend. The kids were great and then Addy took off running for these toys. We finally had a break from the rain today and we've loved being outside again. Mason hasn't been feeling very well..he's got his bottom and top canines breaking through as well as his bottom molars. Poor boy..but he's still been so sweet and happy most of the time.

toys at the mall

caught one!

I had no idea we've had enough rain to start flooding the river!

There were so many babies!! They're so adorable!

Sydney giving Mason a hug

Sydney and Addy

Isn't she so cool with her pink glasses and purple dress! :) She's yelling at the geese.

Day 10 & 11

Monday:
*power struggles all morning long with a tired Addison, till finally she layed down at 10:30am. (yeah, she was tired)
*a very happy, well rested Mason was super cute
*trip to Verizon and Wal Mart for a phone charger and things for Vegas
*nap, dinner, bath and bedtime
*rain=cooped up inside

Tuesday:
*restless night
*a skunk sprayed outside during the night..woke me up at 2am- nasty!
*rained all night and day
*Mason threw up in his bed during the night and I had no idea, until I got him out of bed and there it was. I felt so bad!
*kids came to my Dr appointment this afternoon. When Addy heard the heartbeat she said,"McKinley's coming out!!" ( I wish )
*Kids played really cute together today, despide being cooped up.
*can't wait for Vegas weather this weekend!

Wish I has something to post on Chris, but he's been super busy and we haven't had much time to talk yesterday or today so far.

It's still raining???

Day 9

We had Stake Conference...a 2 hr Sacrament with little ones. I wish I knew from the start that they had a nursery set up so you could go let them run wild and try to catch a few words on the tv they had playing the Conference. I found out for the last 1/2 hour. My mom spoke..she did amazing, and I'm so glad it wasn't me:) My parents left right after for Arkansas. My brother Jake and his wife Alyssa had their second..a baby girl this past week. So my Dad got a run to Georgia and will drop my Mom off today to help out for the week. That night we had the Rose monthly birthday party. There were 4 neice/nephew birthdays and mine on the 31st. The Rose get-togethers are always a blast, and I'm so lucky to be a part of such an awesome family.

Preston getting ready to blow out his candles

group shot..I look so cool!! I had Addy blow out my candles since she kept whining about it needing to be her birthday.

Addy playing with the boys in the big blow up toy.

Believe

Have you ever heard a song a million times, and then one time you're listening to it and just hits you like a ton of bricks? Well, this happened to me on Saturday. It was a song by Hilary Weeks called "Who You Are." Obviously with all the changes lately, I've been an emotional roller coaster - but one of the struggles has been my role as a mother. I can't imagine how Army wives, single moms etc., do this everyday for so long. I'm so happy we made it through our first week..but at the same time it felt like forever and I feel so deflated when I think of how much longer we have to go. I'm more than excited to get to see Chris this weekend and then have him up the next weekend..but in the back of my mind I'm thinking of the 4 weeks that we'll be apart after his visit, with the next visit being when we have the baby the first week of July. And then another 4 weeks after that until we're done with this the first week of August. So with that on my mind and struggling to stay strong..this song was just what I needed to hear. I KNOW without a doubt that anything is possible when you're doing what is right and are praying for the strength of our Heavenly Father to be with you. It doesn't mean that he'll take it away or that you won't feel pain. BUT, you feel an inner strength, you make it through, and it makes you stronger.

Who You Are
I know you wonder
if you'll ever have a day
when the kids stay calm,
the laundry's done,
and the dishes are put away.
And sometimes you feel like
your days are spent and gone
and the question running through your mind
is what have I gotten done?
and when you finally have a moment to slow down
at the end of you day
I know Father would say

Believe in what you're doing
Believe in who you are
Hold tight to the truth
that you're a daughter of God
Believe in who you're becoming
Believe in who you are

It may seem simple -
all the little things you do
But the lives you touch
matter so much
And there's no one else like you.
And Father needs you
to stand tall and faithful
to be all you can be ,
Oh, if you could see what he sees.



Chorus



When it's hard to believe in yourself
and you feel like you're beginning to doubt
Remember
He believes in what you're doing
He believes in who you are
Don't lose sight of the truth
that you're a daughter of God
That he believes in who you're becoming
He believes in who you are.

Day 8

Today was a long day. Not in a bad way, we just did a lot so they didn't get normal naps or a normal bedtime. We went to the Farmer's Market, Library..a couple other stops. Then came home and Mason got a nap, Addy got to play with Grandpa on the trampoline and then she took a short nap. Which seems to be her thing this past week. After naps, there was more playing outside and then Chris's parents watched the kids at 7 so I could go to the Adult Session of Stake Conference. I knew it would be hard since that's Mason's bedtime and Addy's is at 8...but I really needed a spiritual uplift. I don't have my notes with me, but I'll come back later and highlight the things that I needed to hear.

They LOVE Batty our cat. Chris got him when we were dating and living in Utah. Luckily since we've been living in Idaho, my parents have let him stay out here.

Trampoline time with Grandpa! Addy loves to take breaks during jumping and have naptime..it lasts 3 seconds and she says..wake up the sun is up!!

Day 7

Woo- Hoo..we made it a week!! I would LOVE to be done, but at least I know now that we've made it a week, and we'll just keep making it one week at a time. I love seeing their faces when they Chris on skype, it's so priceless. I LOVE seeing him as well..it breaks my heart a little, but at the same time it takes me back to dating years and I fall in love with him all over again.

Today was a little better...their sleep schedules are still off, but I know to give that time. We went and had lunch and played at Arctic Circle, went to Wal-Mart for a rx for Mason's eczema(for some reason it's flaring up on his back), they threw fits at naptime and then we just played here at home the rest of the night. Grandpa came home from his trip, so they loved getting some time in with him. I'm anxious for the weather to be warm on a daily basis..so we can play outside all day, have Addy help with the garden, let them jump all their energy out on the tramp..etc. That's part of why I'm so excited to possibly move to Vegas..our family is so much happier when the sun is out and we can be outside. Being cooped up all day just drives us all crazy.

I'm getting to that point in pregnancy when the little things, like picking up toys, and carrying Mason up the stairs is making me exhausted and uncomfortable. I'm 34 weeks, so the contractions are coming more, I'm peeing every hour, and this baby girl loves to play all night..all that fun stuff!! This pregnancy has been a night and day difference thanks to Zofran - I now know what it's like to have a "normal" pregnancy and be able to live a normal life for 9 months. It's starting to feel a little more real and the fear of how I'm going to handle 3 kids 3 and under is setting in. There's so many days when I feel like I fail with 2..and I think; what am I going to do with another baby crying or if I'm feeding the baby and Addy and Mason are pulling each other's hair out?!? But, one thing I have learned is the blessings that come from the little things that I personally forget to do most days. Before kids, my blessings that came from personal prayer and scripture study were so different. Now, when I remember to start my day out with these things..I have patience, empathy, and a calmness inside. I focus more on what life must be like through their eyes and I react so different in situations. Why I don't do this each day, I don't know...but I'm trying to make them habits again.
But anyway..here's some pics from today.

they were racing around the house:)

Playing at Arctic

more ice-cream please

Day 6

Addy did a little better last night. She only got up once..but Mason woke up bawling at 5, he's getting his bottom canines and molars in right now. I thought Addy would be in a little better mood today, but no. We went to our friend Holly's house so the kids could play and she was still moody over there. I know it's a mixture of all the changes going on, missing her Daddy and not getting good sleep, but I'll be so grateful when she finally adjusts to it all. We've almost hit our first week mark! Chris is loving the Site so far. The entire Site is the same size as Rhode Island..it's enormous! The people he's met so far have been awesome and the job opportunity is still looking great. They met a guy at church ball on Monday that is single and owns a house. He's been trying to rent out 2 spare rooms at his place, and Chris and Brandon were going to be looking for a different hotel to stay at since this place hasn't been good. So they went and looked at it last night and agreed that it would be a great fit. The way things have fallen into place have been such a blessing. They save money this way, get their own rooms, it's in a gated community so they have pools, tennis courts etc. They also met a couple people at work that car-pool to the site each day and they've also started riding with them instead of taking the hour long bus ride..maybe longer. So we've been super happy and excited with how things are working out for him down there. The best news is that Chris's parents are taking the kids and I down there with them next weekend. It's Memorial Day weekend and we all miss him and want to go have fun in Vegas! I can't wait!

A couple things that Mason has started doing the past week:
*walking only holding onto one of our hands. His balance is getting so much better and he's definitely getting closer.
*he has a new wave. He's usually been just holding his arm up like he's saluting you..but a couple days ago he started turning his wrist and opening and closing his hand and he'll say buh-bye while he does it. SOOO CUTE!
*when Addy comes in the room, he says her name (Ahheee)....she LOVES it!

Day 5

I really have no desire to post anything for today, but I've made a goal and I plan on sticking to it! The day started way too early with way too little sleep. I had to start breaking a bad habit that the kids use to sleep last night and Mason was fine..but Addy got out of bed 4 times and was up for the day at 6. Not okay. I tried putting them down for naps at 10 and Mason went right to sleep..Addy took an hour. Not okay. I know that patience is not my strong suit, and I sadly had little today. So after they woke up we had lunch, went into town for the sake of just getting out of the house. It was time for afternoon nap when we got back and they were both having a fit..took another hour for Mason to get to sleep and Addy never did. So I put her on the couch to watch a movie to at least get some sort of rest. Then we jumped on the tramp, read books, colored pictures, had dinner, had a bath and now I'm just so ready for this day to be over and praying that they sleep good tonight. While I was getting Addy dressed after he bath, poor Mason hit his face on the tile and got a bloody nose and upper lip. So sad, but being the tough, energetic boy he is; was wanting to play again in about 5 minutes. I understand that all the whining the past few days is due to lack of sleep and frustration over all the changes in their lives right now...but I also feel the same way. This is just hard, on all of us. And my sweet little kids don't get the luxury of us adults of being able to talk it out to someone. I love them so much, and at the end of the day..even when they've driven me crazy...their cuddles, smiles and kisses are also the thing that makes it all worth it. I haven't talked to Chris yet today, but I'm hoping his first day at the Site went great. I love him more than
anything and miss him like crazy. I am so lucky to be his wife and so grateful for all he does for us.

"don't take my picture!"

Cleaning his plate:)

Random pics

Before Chris left, his Young Men's group had a goodbye party for him, his parents took us out for dinner, we fed ducks at the Greenbelt..and lots of playing outside. I found some other random pics I hadn't posted yet..so that's what this post is:)

Chris and his parents

Chris and some of his Young Men and other leaders

Mason emptying the drawers..completely!

Cute Addy in the car

My mom had some blankets drying outside on the line, and the wind was blowing which Addy thought made a fun game to run into them.

CHEESE!

This goose ate right out of her hand

Day 4

We had a warmer day today, so before dinner the kids had lots of outside playing time. They are truly the best of friends. They light up whenever they see each other. Sure, Mason torments her..and vise versa...but they love each other so much. Addy came and cuddled with me in bed and watched Dora while Mason took his morning nap. After he woke up, we had a picnic for lunch out on the trampoline. Then we went into the library to get her some more Dora books. She loves to push Mason in the stroller whenever we're in town. Then we came back home, they both went down for a nap and after that Addy had a Dentist appointment. If I knew it was going to be a "big kid" visit, I would have brought my camera. It was sooo cute to see her getting x-rays and laying on the big table. She looked so little on it! She did great and picked out a bracelet as a prize..and the first words out of her mouth were, let's go show Daddy! I don't want to sound like I whine on here everyday, but it is our journal..so I will say that, for me, it definitely doesn't get any easier by the day. But, I am so grateful for this time in our lives and I know that we've been guided down this path. Today was Chris's last day of orientation and tomorrow will be their first day at the Nuclear Test Site. I'm excited to hear how it goes and what he'll be doing.

I've tried twice to post an adorable video of Addy and Mason playing on the toy car, saying Hi over and over to each other, but it's not downloading. Hopefully tomorrow it will work.

Day 3

I'll have to post the picture of the day later, since I took it on my parent's camera and we don't have the converter to plug it into the computer right now.

I talked to Chris on his lunch break and he asked if Addy had been asking for him. She hadn't yet today, but sure enough- after her nap she's been saying, "I want to jump with Daddy on the tramp"..over and over. I try to explain what's going on again..and she just cries and says.."but I want to play with him Now!" It absolutely breaks my heart. As if it's not hard enough on me having him away..knowing the kids are missing their Daddy just makes it harder. She's so sweet though..after we talk about it, she always says.."it'll be okay Mommy." Chris and I talked again last night about the possibility of having us come down until I have to be back to have the baby. That was the situation we were trying to find a way to make work before they went down...but the costs to make that work just get higher and higher and I worry it would just be harder on the kids to have one more move in these 3 months.

The weather was a little cooler today, so we didn't play outside. Mason followed Addy everywhere inside..they played with the toy kitchens, barbies, cars and they took an hour and a half to fall asleep with their nap. After nap, we went into town and got slushes at Sonic and went shopping for some needed clothes for new baby and a few things for Addy and Mason. They sang to their cd's in the car..and it's so cute hearing Mason clap when B.I.N.G.O comes on. Right now, Addy is sitting under the highchair moving with it while Mason walks behind pushing it. It's in these moments when I sit and watch them laughing together that the spirit assures me that we'll make it through. One day at a time, focus on what matters and it's always one day closer to the days that we'll get to be all together again.

Day 2

It was really weird getting ready for church, loading the kids up and heading to church without Chris today. I had to tell myself many times in the car and at church to pull it together..there's a lot more of these days ahead. But, we made it through Sacrament..and by that time Addy was having meltdowns due to lack of sleep and wanting to go home and go to her own nursery. She's had so many changes lately and I think it's starting to catch up with her. So we went home and her and Mason went right to sleep. Luckily, Chris was able to finally get their internet working in their hotel room today. So we got to Skype with him this evening. Once again, when his face popped up I had to hold back the tears. It's great being able to talk to him everyday, but even better to Skype and have the kids get excited to see him. It took me back to our dating years, I kept thinking..man, he looks so good!! :) He'll start Orientation tomorrow and that will take 2 days, and then Wednesday and Thursday they should be starting work at the Nuclear site. I'm excited for him to start work and find out what the job is really like and get one day closer to getting a job.

As promised, I have pictures of the kids playing today. I love these 2 so much..it's so fun to watch them play together.

He uses everything that will move as a walker

He sits here many times during the day wanting to go out and play. I wish I could just let him out, but he'd crawl right off the deck.

Trampoline time w/Daddy!

So, after we got moved out of our apartment and into my parent's house for the summer...Chris took the last couple weeks off of work to get all the time in with us before he left for Vegas. The kids were in heaven. He played with them all day, everyday. I was in heaven as well - I love being with him every second I can.
My mom bought a trampoline a few days after we moved in...Addy and Mason have lived on it everyday. It was a pain to set up, but so worth it.

Cutest Daddy ever!!