thank you Monkey

Someone can't let go of Monkey.  Jake tells me that he carries Monkey everywhere-- breakfast, down the stairs, to get shoes on, and walking out the door.  Monkey used to stay only in the crib, and Myer only seemed interested in Monkey when getting ready for nap or bed time, but now he can't let go of him.  Oh it breaks my heart.  We may be washing Monkey more often, but everyone needs a fluffy passenger during life's changes.  Hold tight little buddy.

missing out on morning

Made this video from Saturday morning

so in case I feel like I'm missing out,

I can watch this.

So basically this is more for me,

than for you.

Sorry (but not really...)

He has a way with gab.

Enjoy anyways!

the best kind of home medicine

My dad recently had knee surgery (torn ACL and meniscus from a game of church basketball...) and is recovering at home.  We've been paying him visits as I'm sure he's bored stiff sitting on the couch all day every day.  Not sure how much resting time he gets when we're over, but Myer has loved his one-on-one time with him.  My dad's been so busy lately so we're all kind of secretly happy he has no where else to go but stay at home.

could you do me a favor?

Calling all Facebook users!  Could you do me a solid and click here to vote for the above Ruche dress?  Find my picture and "Like" it and/or "Share" it.  I would truly love you if you did both (but you can only do both once). Shop Ruche is holding a contest and I used a Ruche dress for our pictures from May, and thought, why not? A little embarrassed but also not at the same time...currently I am in second place!  I'm a little excited.  And FYI the contest ends Monday!

For those of you on FB who asked, I made the necklace from this tutorial.  Thank you hobby lobby.

Mostly, thank you friends.

And thanks for all the comments, texts, and phone calls of congratulations for my new job.  Yesterday was the first day of school, and I felt all your support.  Feeling more and more like I can do this.

Now get "liking" and "sharing"!  hugs!

we have some news...

okaaaaaaaayyyy

So let's start off with the good news-- I am the new American Sign Language Teacher for American Fork High School!  Woot woot!  It happened so suddenly, like Friday night notice suddenly.  Should I explain? Let's.

Here comes the other half of the news.

Jake has been unemployed for the past 5 months.  Yes, I know we were just in the boat, and yes I know we announced he got a job in January.  But that only lasted till March.  Basically business was business, and we shouldn't have invested our hearts into the job.  But it was a job that tied us over during a hard time and we are thankful.  We've been struggling since then, and we got to a point of searching all kinds of options.  This just seemed to fall in place.  Who knows how long I'll teach, but I am grateful for this job (and a paycheck really).

Now let's rewind even further back to the good 'ol college days.  I made the unpardonable sin of transferring from BYU to UVU.  And am I ever grateful I did.  Looking back now, that is why I switched, to get a degree that would allow me to step into good paying jobs with flexible hours like interpreting or teaching school.  If I would have graduated with an English Major with all intents and purposes of just becoming a mom, which were my thoughts at the time, what would I be doing now?  A desk job?  Those jobs are great, heaven knows I did my share, but so not my cup of tea.  Life spins a mysterious web.  And if a mom had to go back to work, teaching is the ideal job--school hours, benefits, salary, holidays, and summer off.  So really, it's perfect.  I just have to keep telling myself that.

I feel overwhelmed/excited/nervous and sad to be away from Myer in the mornings.  I cried all night Friday night realizing that I never did get that one last day with Myer.  Just me and him.  I didn't see this coming.  And I worry about Jake.  His self worth has taken a hit twice in four months, and I hope that taking on Mr. Mom responsibilities won't damage it more.  That's made me cry too.  I was so hoping he'd find a job he'd love.  Somewhere out there, Jake's dream job just isn't ready yet.  So I'll work until it is.

Now that it's all out the open, you'll know why this blog will probably get the back burner.  Time when I am home will be Bryton, Myer, and Jake time.  My little family is holding on just barely but if I can divide my time between work and family, it'll work out.  I can't believe I'm teaching high school students again.  I swear I'm their age.

I really hope my students won't hate me for being a Knight...

i'm that mom

--who's kid runs around the splash pad not in a swimsuit let alone a swim diaper

--who falls asleep on the floor while he plays next to me

--put him in the bath 3 times in one day, not because he was dirty, just so he wouldn't make another mess

--gave him a tube of chapstick in church to keep quiet.  Which he opened.

--most mornings we don't even get out of our pj's till after lunch

--put off making the bed so I can read his favorite book for the 6th time

--I always nap when he naps

--blow dry my hair only part way because we need to brush our teeth. again.

--pull out all my pots and pans for him just so I can cook dinner

--save all the toilet paper and paper towels rolls so he can have a trumpet

--leave dinner dishes out so we can sing our good night song

--my house is rarely clean and I hardly ever look "done"

I'm that mom.

alpine days parade

Horses, Rodeo Queens, cheerleaders, the local bank, Peppermint Place, cowboys, policeman, motorcycles, primary kids, clowns, and lots of candy.  My favorite part--the firetrucks holding all the fireman who worked to save our little city during the Quail Fire.  We all stood and cheered on at least a dozen fire engines.  I'm glad we all had that moment to show our appreciation for their work.  Because seriously, all of Alpine goes to that 10 minute parade (let's not even talk about when people start saving spots...)  I love small town Alpine.

concert in the park

Sweet little Alpine Days happened last week and part of Friday night's festivities was a concert in the park.  It was nothing special but our first "concert" as a family so we count it.  Myer loved it--danced and certainly entertained the people around him.  And Jake and I enjoyed a picnic cuddling on the blanket.  Simple nights truly make the best nights.  The next part of Alpine Days?  The parade!

whoops- California vaca video

Maybe it's because I'm missing the beach (again)

or maybe I'm just absent minded,

but last night I found our video from our California Vacation in June.

Please enjoy, even if it's two months late.

Papa's are great

like showing how funny tree bark can be.

Now every time M sees a tree,

we have to do like Papa does.

But for some reason I don't do as good of a job.

That's why we need Papa's.

simple alpine evenings

look a lot like this.

Mountains, pastures, and my favorite people.

Jake came home with a surprise...

And we took it for a spin!

There's nothing I love more than family bike rides.

Welcome to the Morses little bike trailer.
This biking family is complete.

fringe

Fringe is fun fad as of late, and I jumped on the band wagon

with this tutorial.

I like it.

AND even better, it's made from one of Jake's old shirts...

so really, how could you get better than a free fringe necklace?

A must try in my book.

I think I'll buy some real leather and give it a shot.

Who's with me?

pink and cupcakes

On Saturday I celebrated with some friends for a baby girl shower.  It's nice to be around pink, cupcakes, dresses, and flowers every once in a while.  And even nicer to be around friends.  Especially these ones because they mean so much to me.  Ladies-- it was a treat to be girly for a few hours.  Thank ya!