CrAzY BaLlOoN MaN!

My husband has many talents. One he developed shortly after we married was the ability to make Balloon Animals. Lately, he has decided to share this talent with our kids and the kids he works with. At first I thought, Great. Share away! Now that my house is filled with Balloons, I am thinking otherwise. Here are just some of his creations... This is a swan. Preston actually made this one. Clint walked him through it.
This is a turtle. Hopefully you can see it. The head/neck, shell, feet. It actually slides on to your wrist.
And a motorcycle. Every little boy wants one of those.
The two love birds in a heart.

With everyone trying--I decided to try. Here is my attempt at a dog. I don't enjoy doing them. I was afraid it was going to pop every time I twisted. Plus, that scrunching noise, it makes me cringe!

I went to the movies with my brother on Saturday evening. When I got home Clint had made these for me. I can honestly say I have never received balloon flowers before this.

We went to Lehi on Sunday to welcome my Sister-In-Law home, from her mission. He started making them at the little luncheon. I laughed and told everyone he was a clown. You should have seen the amount of people waiting for balloons. I felt bad--kids were leaving in tears, because they hadn't gotten one. I am seriously considering "Renting" him out for parties.

And the "Wife of the Year Award" goes to...

....ANYBODY but me!!

Oh ladies, do I have a story for you! (I say ladies---because I don't think many men read this blog.) Before I get into all the details of the story--I need you to FEEL what I was feeling, and try and see my point of view! Believe me when I say this is obnoxious and packed full of drama! While reading... try to imagine these things: that your husband had been out of work for over a month. You are picking up extra hours in hopes to bring in extra income. Saving, being frugal, and spending the bare minimal! Worried that NOTHING is going to work out. Now imagine your tax refund coming. What would you do if you were in my situation? Well, I, of course stuck it in savings--with no intention to touch it!! Keep these things in mind...

Here is the story of our new washer and dryer.

I come home from work on Tuesday to do some household things, one of those being checking our bank account. Where I noticed that part of our savings had been withdrawn. Naturally I am freaking out!! I wanted to know what happened. Before calling the bank in a panic, I asked Clint if he knew what happened. He smiles and says, "I bought you something." I knew right then and there what he had bought! Most women would be overjoyed. Especially if their husband had said, "I can't always get you what you deserve, and you deserve these. I love you and want to treat you like you are a "Princess". You work so hard for our family, and I know these will help take some of the burden. Plus, this is the first time in years we haven't had medical bills or other things that have needed to be paid...so I wanted to surprise you. Since I just got my new job--I didn't think you would mind. And we need a new dryer, I can't fix the one downstairs." Very sweet-huh?! But what do I do? I FLIPPED!! I will admit it. I freaked out! I was upset and frustrated. I demanded that he take them back!! It caused a pretty big argument. He went on to school and I started to think about things a little more rationally. These were my thoughts: We do a LOT of laundry, I can't keep up waiting for 3 cycles of drying for the clothes to get dry, it is energy efficient, and the features are cool, plus I can do bigger loads of laundry, Clint is right they will last a long time, but the MONEY!! I called to apologize and tell him I was sorry and would rethink things...BUT it was too late. He cancelled the washer and dryer and re-deposited our money. :( After all that freaking out--now I was sad. Which then caused another argument. Where I was the one saying the "I'm sorry". The next day was a rough one. I wasn't feeling well--I even stayed home from work. We still hadn't solved the "what are we going to do about our broken dryer?" issue. After some much needed rest I got online to search for the cheapest dryer I could find. Ladies, dryers aren't cheap! Even the crappy ones. I would have still paid close to $400 for the end of the line dryer. I debated KSL and refurbished shops...but you just never know what you are getting. I did some other research and seriously rethought about Clint's argument. Re-visited our finances. Then I did the worst thing ever!!! I asked him to call the salesman and see if we could still get the same deal on the nice ones. (I know ladies, I give wives everywhere a bad name!) Clint wasn't happy! The salesman was very nice, he said he had been married for 35 yrs, and he understood! He was able to still get Clint the sale price on a new set of Energy Efficient, front loading, Whirlpool washer and dryers, with a few freebies, and around $200 in mail in rebates. So even though I had a crazy wife moment--I am looking forward to catching up on this mess....using these....

I am also very grateful for Clint. That he puts up with my wacky mood swings, my frugality, my anxieties! That even after all of that "making him look like an idiot" stuff that he would go out of his way to try and please me. I haven't felt in years that he really understood how much laundry I do. I mean I HATE, LOATHE laundry! It was very nice to see that he does get it and that he is willing to try and lift some of that load! I love you, Clint. Thank you for letting me have such a great gift!

I don't want to JINX it...

...BUT....

Clint received a job offer today! It was the same job he interviewed for last week. I am really excited, but there are some minor details that need to be worked out. When he interviewed they told him he would only be hired on as "on-call" to start. They also told him that the pay he would receive would be $2.50 less then what Clint was making. However, when they called today to offer Clint the job, they offered him a different wage--which was $2.00 more. (So over all we are taking a .50 cent pay cut) They also told Clint they were going to hire him as a FULL TIME Lead (I assume that is like a shift manager). I really hope all the little details work out. This would be a really great experience for Clint. I especially like that it's something he wants to do. Plus, it will benefit his career and education. I will let you know if it all works out!

Update...

I am sorry to be such a slacker, but I haven't really known what to say. It's been over a month since Clint was laid off, and it's been exhausting. I wont lie. I am stressed, irritable, and not sure what the future holds. After a huge (I mean huge) bawling session, in my shower, we got some positive news. I will not call it good news, because I am not sure anything good is coming. Clint got his first job interview. I am not real sure where this lands us, or if it will work out. I was happy to know that not everyone replies with:

"Dear Clint,
Thank you for your interest in our company. Our HR Department is currently reviewing your qualifications. We will be in touch.
Sincerely,
Company"

Job searching is a blast :/ .In other news...my Dad is moving to West Virginia. *sobbing*. Yes, I know. I am a grown adult, I have been married almost 10 years, I have 4 kids. I shouldn't be crying over the fact that my Dad is moving away. I am a huge Daddy's girl though, and can't help it. I do have mixed feelings. On one hand, it's many future trips closer to "Home" (Well, I consider Virginia home. Even though I technically wasn't born there.). Two hours from some of my dearest friends!! On the other hand, it's not like I can run down and visit when I miss him.

The joys of being a grown up! :]

???

I am not sure what to title this post, but I figured it would probably be good to document this experience. Not sure why. Maybe to look back one day and be grateful. I think I will write about this experience weekly.

It's been 2 days since we found out Clint lost his job. Oh my, there has been some drama! Clint is feeling very frustrated, and I don't think he quite knows what to think/do. The "drama" I am referring to has nothing to do with Clint. It's just interesting seeing, no hearing...how things are playing out at the Ranch.

Since all of this has started (in November)...Clint has applied for at least 10-12 jobs. None of them have called. In the past 2 days he has applied for 2 more, and we are hoping one of them come through. He was able to talk to someone within the state JJS (Juvenile Justice System), and was approved to take the Counselor Test the next time it comes open. (Which the inside source said will be soon.) That doesn't guarantee him a job, and more then likely he wont get one...but it is a step in the right direction.

Unemployment has already been fun... I'm not sure if it's the 4+ hours waiting on hold to talk to someone, or if it's the fact that Clint's in school so his unemployment has to be "audited". By "audited", I mean approved. I am not sure I completely understand all the rules they have. I mean...they want us to go to school...so we have careers, better lifestyles, so later on down the road we don't have to work "Dead End Jobs". But because Clint is trying to do that, we may not be approved for unemployment. Hmm?! Obviously we need to have it too. I mean we have young children, bills, expenses, things that have to be taken care of.

I have been able to pick up some extra hours at work, but it isn't consistent hours. It's just whatever extra they may have, I may be able to work them. (If teachers call in sick, or want to leave early, etc...) It's hard for me--I already feel like my home is falling apart. I know it isn't, it's just a little stressed. The kids are picking up on stuff...Addy had a 5 minute "Phone Conversation" today. She said, "Do you have a job?--No.--Daddy needs a job.--Well I have a job.--Okay, bye!" It's amazing what they pick up on.

In good news, my brother A.J. did find a job. He is working as a temp to hire at Autoliv. It's hard-- he goes to school, goes strait to work, gets home late, and goes to bed. I think it will take some adjusting for him, but I am glad he has something. It doesn't pay much, but enough for his bills/expenses. My Dad has also had a little better luck. He has a job interview with a Company in West Virginia. They are flying him out on Wednesday for an interview. Hopefully that will bring him some good news. However, I really don't want my Dad to leave Utah without me! Just kidding, sort of! Not to mention the kids have loved Clint being here, and he did put away all the laundry this week. :)

We are trying to stay positive, and up beat. We know we have lot's of love, and support. I truly feel bad for Clint. It was hard to see all of this happen to him. He loved working with the youth, and is really bummed. He is disappointed knowing he will (more then likely) go back to something outside of his field. I hope none of you are thinking that I am complaining when I write these posts, it just keeps me sain to be able to put it out there. Journal it, and vent it out of my system. This will be an experience for sure, and I am sure there is an important life lesson here somewhere. It reminds me of something someone told me once, "Sometimes we have trials for ourselves, and sometimes we go through trials because of others." I am grateful to those of you have text, or sent messages. I appreciate you all!

So, It's Happened....

Clint got the phone call last night, they are closing the school. He no longer has a job.

~Doll House~

We (Clint) put so much work into this doll house. That I had to give it—it’s own post. I found the Doll House on KSL. The guy selling it wanted $350, I think. It took a month, but we talked him down to a price that was realistic for us! After, the initial cost of the house itself, we only ended up spending about $20. Which included the supplies, and the flooring. Lowe’s gave us carpet remnants for free! Which totally Rocked! I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out!! I have ALWAYS, I mean it too, wanted to build her a Doll House. This was just what I was looking for… in budget, style, time, and make!

BEFORE…

AFTER…

Bi-Polar Job

I have decided that Clint's job is totally Bi-Polar. One minute it's one thing, the next it isn't! Ugh, I can't wait for him to be able to get something different!! (But I am grateful, VERY GRATEFUL he is working, and practicing my patience.) Anyway, the point of this blog, was to tell you that he is once again working Christmas. Yes, I am a little disappointed. I just keep telling myself--it's not the actual day that matters--it's how we spend it that counts! So if you can keep a secret, read on... Santa is coming early this year! We wrote him a letter explaining what happened with Clint's job. So he is going to make time out of his very busy schedule to come early! The kids don't know this though, and we are just playing it up!! (Sometimes being the parent is fun.) We are just going to put them to bed like any normal night, and then when they wake up they're in for a HUGE surprise! I'm glad we are doing it this way, and I am excited to see their faces!! They will still have presents to open on Christmas, from my Mom & Dad, so it will all work out.

Another Update...

I keep thinking... "No news is good news, right?!" Well we found out tonight that Clint will get to be home for Christmas after all. I was excited, hoping that the next sentences wouldn't bring bad news. Well, so much for hoping. She is shutting the entire school down for the Christmas weekend (22-27). Which means all employee's get to be with their families. Unfortunately, she will not be paying them, and will not allow them to use vacation/sick leave. If Clint's boss can't figure out a way to make the school better by the end of Christmas, it sounds like she will not be re-opening at all.
I will let you know what happens.

UPDATE

Word got out that Clint was speaking with an attorney, concerning what happened with his job. It kinda got the higher management a little nervous, because during the conference call they did make a different offer to Clint. They told him he could come back to work, on the GRAVEYARD/WEEKEND shift--until he can find a new job.
Okay, so maybe it's just me, but I am pretty sure this is what they are thinking:"Oh, no! He could make a big stink. And we don't need that. Hmm, I know. Let's put Clint on graveyard/weekends. That way none of us have to deal with him. Or feel ashamed or guilty for the way we are treating him."
Clint has decided to keep doing that--because that job is better then no job. However his hours are being cut. We are PRAYING something comes along for him before Christmas. (Christmas falls on the weekend) I appreciate all of you that have spoken with us, and offered kind words, and friendship. It means a lot to us. I will keep you updated.

November 21st-28th PART 1

This week has been a doozie here in our household. There is no better way to explain it!! So since I have been neglecting our blog, I figured I would just blog the week into 2 parts. So here we go...

***BliZzARd***

We geared up this week for Utah's "BIG" Blizzard. We went and bought water, candles, and cuddled up while we waited for it to hit. It was windy, and snowy. However, it was not the Blizzard I thought we would have. It was a nice excuse to stay up late and watch Christmas movies though.

UNEMPLOYED...The night before Thanksgiving, I was told, my husband no longer had a job. He had known for several days, but to protect my sanity wasn't telling me. To make a very complicated, long story, very short I will give you the condensed version. The business that Clint worked for also employed my Father, and my brother. My Dad after several months decided that his values, ethics, and personality could no longer work for this company. Which caused an up roar with the higher management. We knew then things weren't going to be pretty (which is why I was so upset a few weeks ago). We geared up for the worst, and the next week she let my brother go. Clint continued to work, and thought he was safe. Until recently, where she decided to let him go as well. We have spoken with an attorney, but it would be hard to prove that Clint was let go--due to the fact that she is upset with my Dad. He is going to try to fight it, mainly to just keep a job through the next month. Although, it doesn't seem promising. I ask for your prayers, and if anyone knows of any jobs, PLEASE. PLEASE. call us or email me. c2001d@hotmail.com It is a rough economy, and I fear for our little family the next little while. I do however, have faith that the Lord will lead us where we need to be.

○○ThAnKsGiVinG○○I am a big looser this year. I got the kids dressed all cute, and tried to be spirited, alas I couldn't find the energy! So no Thanksgiving Day pictures. We did have a very good holiday. Clint was still at work, so I was sad not to have him there. We ate, played games, watched movies, and spent time with family. I also mapped out my night of shopping.

BLACK FRIDAY 2010!! Last year, I decided, it was too hard to get up to get in line for stuff. So my brilliant idea was to stay up all night this year. Yes, I did it. Yes, I survived. I know you are all probably thinking "Your husband just lost his job, and your spending money?!" Okay maybe you aren't thinking that, but I was. I have been saving for MONTHS, everything I could so we could have a nice Christmas. It was very hard to be in the mood to shop. I did manage to find mostly everything I wanted, and was able to finish Christmas shopping for my kids. My brother was a trooper, standing by DS games, ready to fight his way in. He did get yelled at by a few people. My good friend also helped me get killer steal on a couple of Wii games for $10.00 each. While I waited next to a Jessie Doll (from Toy Story). I couldn't have done it without them!! I was yelled at once, around 6 am, where exhaustion had settled in. I had done nothing wrong, and this lady was just plain being cruel. Yes, I did yell back. Then I went home, settled into bed, and took a 4 hour nap. (I didn't take that picture--but that's pretty much how Toys R Us was. A little more organized.)

HUNTING

Clint loves hunting, sometimes too much. I guess it's one of those things I have to love about him, but I am not sure why he does it. :) This year he wanted to take the boys. They left Thursday afternoon and have been gone since then. It has reminded me, a little too much, of how nice it is to only have 2 kids. It's been so quiet. No fighting, wrestling, screaming, Addy sure can talk though! I was able to steal these pictures from my SIL's facebook page. I got to talk to them last night, they are having fun, but they are cold and wet. They have tried twice to shoot a Buck, and haven't been fast enough. They were going to try a little more today, then head home.
I think it's awesome Clint shared this experience with them. I sure hope he doesn't draw out next year...but don't tell him I said that! ;)

College, Text Books, and life as "The Not So Single, Single Mom"

Clint has decided that he wants to finish his college education. I am extremely thrilled for him. He started back to school this week. He only has a little over a year left, if he passes everything. I truly am thankful that he is trying to finish this, and we look forward to him graduating in the near future. He will also be able to start applying for Master's programs at the end of the spring. Which is fabulous news. He is taking 4 classes, plus a work study class. The work study class he does at work. He will just write papers, and things about his work experiences. Then 3 classes he takes online. Which still allows him to go to Weber State, even though he is working in Nevada. Those 3 classes are different classes in the Psychology field. I love Psychology, so I always enjoy hearing about what he is learning. Then he has 1 Saturday morning class, on campus. Which is another Psychology class.

As thrilled as I am that he is going back, I am exhausted just thinking about it. Not only do we have the most outrageous lifestyle as it is--we just threw another full time college semester into it. I think my new blog title should be, "4 kids & The Not So Single, Single Mom". I do say that with humor. I know Clint does so much for our family, and I need to just be long suffering. It's just so hard at times. He walked in the door from working 4 1/2 days out of the state. Gave us hugs, and kisses, and went strait to the assignments! Uggh! Then I get grouchy. I guess I need to just remember that this is a blessing. I am grateful for the education opportunities we have. I am also grateful to watch my husband learn, and excel in his career. He truly loves what he does. I think it takes a really special person to work with juveniles that have such SERIOUS issues.

And in other news... the lovely grand total for this semester text books:

$358.00 (Yes, we will gladly except donations.) Totally kidding!

I don't know if I should cry, or throw up! I mean really?! 1 of his books is brand new this semester. There were no used books even available. That 1 book cost $120.00 alone. So depressing. I could think of a million other things I would rather be buying with $358.00!!

110 cc

My husband is a crack up! He has been trying his hardest to talk me into letting the kids have a 4-wheeler for probably 3 yrs. now. I kept saying "No", "They're dangerous", "Their too expensive", "That one needs to much work", "That one has more then we need.", "If they wont give you 2 helmets, and the 4-wheeler for that price-then no."

Well the other day I was driving around checking out yard sales, and happened to run across a 4-wheeler for sale. I thought it was the right size, and the price wasn't bad, I knew we would be able to negotiate. I took Clint back. He was able to talk them down. It does need a little bit of work, but we got it a stealer deal! If the guy would of replaced the battery, and cleaned it up a bit...he could of easily gotten $500.00 out of it. We got paid quite a bit less. The kids had fun riding it around the backyard last night.Preston is just in Heaven!! He has already called Grandpa Dennison to plan a 4-wheeler trip. We will have to get some helmets before that! Clint also feels that he has instilled endless childhood memories into our children now. (Sorry, inside joke ;)) I am grateful for the love he has for our kids, and how hard he works to do these extra things for them. He has honestly been saving for the past 3 years (on and off), for this day!

And we're back....

Well it's been over a year...and my yard looks like a junk yard. So I put my foot down, budgeted the money out, and we Clint is finally finishing the clubhouse! The boys are so very happy! Plus, it's been a good summer activity for them. So, hopefully, within the next few days...it will be completed, and we will have a clubhouse.

2 Cool Dads!

Today was Father’s Day! We celebrated by just spending time together as a family! The kids just adore their Daddy. I think he is a wonderful Father. He is really just a big kid at heart, and I think that is why the kids love spending time with him. For Father’s Day we got Clint some new clothes. We never buy clothes for ourselves anymore. It’s always for the kids!! So Clint needed a couple new outfits. JC Penney has some amazing deals from time to time! I had 2 coupons…one for $10.00 off a $10.00 purchase, and one for $10.00 of a $25.00 purchase. So I made A.J. come with me. I picked out a shirt for $12.00, and had A.J. pay for it. He used the $10.00 off and ended up paying $3.00 total with tax. I picked out another shirt, and 2 pairs of shorts that were on sale. Even with the sale price it came to $29.00. So I used the other coupon and spent $19.00. My receipt said a total of $85.00 in savings! I was blown away!! I got him 2 outfits for $22.00. I was pretty excited!!! :) The kids also sang to him in church, and made little gifts in Primary/Nursery. Clint actually made breakfast for all of us, but I did make him a BIG dinner. BBQ Ribs, baked potatoes, green salad, fruit salad, pink lemonade, and Brownies for dessert! It was delicious. I haven’t cooked like that in a while! Oh, one other cool thing! When I got home from church I received a phone call from Applebee’s in American Fork. We ate there with Clint’s family last Monday, after our St. George trip. They had given the kids little pictures to color, and write what they loved about their Dad. We had no idea we were being entered in a contest. Addy’s picture was picked, and she won her Dad a gift card to Applebee’s. So that was kind of neat! She wrote (with my help) “I love my Daddy, because I am wrapped around his finger!” Clint is going to pick up his gift card, and get his picture taken on his way to work tonight! Since it’s Father’s Day… Words cannot express the gratitude I have for my Father. I love him more then he will ever know. His love for me has always been strong, and powerful. He as taught me so much through his example. I am grateful he raised me with the gospel. That he took time to teach me, share his dreams with me, listen to me. He has been patient, and understanding. Heaven knows, I wasn’t always the easiest child. :) My Father is my hero. An inspiration to me. My friend. He has been there for me in my darkest hour, and my happiest moments. I am grateful for the bond we have, and I am a Daddy’s girl 4-ever!! ;) Happy Father’s Day, Daddy. I love you!

Happy Anniversary

It's hard to believe that Clint, and I have been married for 9 years-- today! I got to thinking a lot about where we started, and how far we have come, and what is still in store for us. I am so grateful for the fact that we weren't just married for time, but for eternity. It has really put into perspective different situations that have come our way, and helped me gain a deeper love, and appreciation for Clint. I can't believe we have gone from two of us, to six of us in 9 years! I so so love our children, and look forward to having our family complete (someday!). :) So here are some interesting tidbits. Over the past 9 years...We have owned our own home, lived in several tiny apartments, rented this house--and lived with family. Clint has had several(8-9 I think) jobs, all bettering his career, and our family. Gone through 5 years of school, and many more to follow. We have had 5 different cars, and 1 motorcycle. AND we have paid nearly too much in medical bills--thanks honey ;)!!! (Just had to throw that in there to tease Clint) All in all we have grown together, and everyday is an adventure. I look forward to what's in store in the next 9 years! Clint, I love you. I am so glad that you picked me to be your eternal companion. Happy Anniversary--babe!

Oh, Clint! WARNING: Nasty Pictures

So...the next day after our little cabin adventure...Clint's leg looked like this:

After much persuasion, and the fact that he couldn't walk, I sent him to the Doctor. They did x-rays, and gave him an exam. He did not break it, but the bruising is so deep!! He prescribed him an antibiotic, and a pain killer, then sent him home with strict instructions to ice it 7-8 times daily. He also warned Clint that if the pressure got too bad, he would have to go to the ER to have it lanced open, and relieve the pressure. So do any of you remember the deal I have with Clint?? He gets hurt, and goes to the doctor, then I get a present!! So any suggestions?? ;)

~Living Room Makeover~

I know I have mentioned it before, but I will say it again. I have a little bit of OCD. Especially, when it comes to the way my home looks. That's my father's fault. :) So the idea to re-do my living room was all inspired by my OCD and this: A 50" plasma T.V. Well we have been watching the adds--more for fun then anything else. When one Sunday.... there it was... a 50" on sale for $669.00. Oh, let me tell you this...I stewed, and stewed about this for days!! Then at the last minute I decided they probably wouldn't get much cheaper then that. Then after some price matching, and negotiating I got another $20.00 knocked off the price. It isn't "THE BEST" that's out there. I really love it though. And oh, how I love watching Grey's Anatomy in High DEF. ;) Anyway, back to the story. Well the T.V. inspired this:Taking the upstairs living room furniture downstairs, and the downstairs furniture upstairs. Because we have this nice T.V. to watch now, we need comfy furniture to sit upon! Now... no offense to my parents...the other set of furniture was theirs...and I have now inherited it. But after like 10-15 yrs. that couch isn't so comfy anymore. So here was my next issue (yes this is what my brain does) The living room was painted to coordinate with the green couch. I loved the living room walls. My friend, and I painted them with a grocery sack. It was sooo much fun. It turned out really pretty too. It just didn't work with the other furniture. (Here is a close up)So I decided we were going to re-paint. I had a 5 gallon bucket of white paint sitting downstairs in storage. That had maybe a cup full used from it. So I figured in the effort to "pinch pennies" we would use that. It was still in great condition. So I only spent $14.00 for primer. We worked until 2:00 am on Saturday Priming. If you have kids, and have ever tried painting while they around, completely understand why.

We tried to do a bit of touch up spots too.

Well we finished painting, and got the living room all put back together by 6:30 on Saturday evening. So here are the "After" pictures. My mother's day curtains are hung. YAY!! I think they look wonderful. So far they have kept the room really dim from all the sunlight too! Plus, I thought ahead. The match the cream in the both sets of furniture too. So if I ever change my mind....well we wont have to get new curtains. ;)

This wall used to be 1/2 green & cream, and 1/2 white. Now the whole thing is white. I think it looks wonderful. Plus, my hubby can cross off : "Put molding in between walls" from the 'Honey do-list'

I am really happy with the way it turned out. I think it looks very nice. Now, all I need is a new rug...and a new front door! Our front door has some serious issues! It's cracking, and it just looks icky!! So if anyone sees a 36"x79" exterior door please let us know. We are in the market to buy one.