Reasons We Love Florida

I'm surprised at how many people don't really like where they live. It's crazy to me because I absolutely love where we live. There are so many reasons we love Florida. Here are a few...

Sunsets at the beach.

Cars can drive on sand.

Fabulous kids to grow up with my kids.

Wonderful friends to do things with.

An endless supply of water.

It's the one place it's okay to show a little crack.

Great educational opportunities.

Grilling out requires an Aunt Jemima rag.

You never have to let the cat die.

There's no age requirement to become a hair dresser.

Hotels have special beds for kids.

Parks that bring a smile to your face no matter how hot it is outside.

Fun uncles that are willing to sweat along with you.

Redneck fireworks.

Parades that throw candy, beads, and popsicles.

Pools are everywhere.

Plants are shaped like our favorite characters.

You can nap anywhere.

Dogs are bigger than you are.

Everyone hugs everyone.

Faith

When we found out that I was pregnant with Carson, we had only been married for a few months. We were both working at the time, and I was going to school full time. We were unsure of what to do. Should I quit school and stay at home with Carson (even though my school was paid for)? Should I continue school? What about the work situation? We had a lot of questions and no answers. Everyone around us had their versions of the answers for us. We decided to turn to the Lord in prayer. We both felt that I should continue school, but one of us should always be home with the kids. That is when we came up with our plan. I would go to school and stay home with Carson while Jordan worked full time to support us. I would work a few hours when Jordan was home to help. When I graduated, I would teach to put Jordan through school and he could be home with the kids. When he finished school, he would get a job and I could return home with the kids. We prayed about our plan and again felt that this was the right path for us. Many people didn't agree with it or couldn't understand why we decided on this, but we didn't care. We knew we had prayed and received our answer.

Well fast forward almost 7 years later, Jordan is graduating May 1st. Life hasn't been as easy as we thought it would be when we decided on this plan. It feels like we are finally at the end of a long, long road. Right now we are in the process of finding Jordan a job (something much easier said than done). This job hunting is very frustrating at times. Do we move? Do we stay? Can we find a job that will allow me to stay home? Anyone who knows me knows that I have a very black and white personality. I am a planner. I like to have my ducks in a row at all times. This uncertainty of life is really testing me. I know it will work out. However, I am not a patient one. Through this I am learning patience and faith. Monday night I became frustrated with it all. I turned to my scriptures for comfort. I happened to be in Mosiah and read about Abinadi. I have read this story numerous times, but I felt differently about it on this occasion. I thought here is a man who knows that people want to capture him and he goes back in disguise anyway. Once he is back, he professes he is Abinadi and begins teaching. He knows what is going to happen to him (and it is in no way pleasant), yet he had the faith to go back. This made me think of Samuel the Lamanite as well. He was similar in how he went back to a hostile environment. These men had incredible faith. Why can't I? I am already blessed to have a job. I can work another year if I need to. We are trying to do what the Lord has asked of us. Why wouldn't he bless us with a fabulous job opportunity? There are so many examples of inspiration in the scriptures. I am so grateful for the scriptures!

Carson T

Here is my Carson T.

He is super smart.

He is a big goof ball.

He is a hugger.

He is best buds with his daddy.

He is athletic.

He is a lover of the beach.

He is a lover of animals.

He is creative.

He is a baker and a chef.

He is a grumpy bear in the morning.

He is a good friend.

He is my ray of sunshine!

Callie Paige

This is my little Callie Paige.

She is my creative child.
If you leave her alone for two seconds, you'll come across something like this.

She is always proud of her work.

She is a lover of peanut butter.

She makes funny facial expressions.

She is a lover of animals.

She is a bad driver.

She is a lover of the beach and her brother.

She is a lover of manicures.

She is an artist.

She is a lover of swinging.

She is a lover of Minnie Mouse.

She is my happy little girl.

Callie's 2nd Birthday

So I'm not sure if it is because I'm working and feel extremely overwhelmed, or if it is just the fact that Callie's birthday is in December...but I was not motivated at all in planning her birthday party. Normally I am super excited and know what I'm going to do a few months in advance. Maybe it is the curse of the second kid...been there done that before type of thing. Two weeks before Callie's birthday, we were sitting on the beach by the fire at an Elder's Quorum activity when I finally received some inspiration. One of my favorite books to read in December is Chris Van Allsburg's The Polar Express. I decided it would be fun to have a Polar Express Birthday Party for Callie. So I came home that night and stayed up creating cute little invitations that looked like tickets. The kids wore their pajamas to the party. We had homemade hot chocolate in our hot chocolate maker for the kids. We watched The Polar Express movie. Everyone had a great time! The kids left with their own bells. Here are some pictures from the party. I love her expressions!

Mickey's Christmas Party

Yes, that IS snow in Florida! Last month we took a quick trip down to Disney for our first Mickey's Christmas Party. I've never been before and didn't really know what to expect. The Magic Kingdom closes early and you have to buy a separate ticket for the event. We have season passes so we just had to purchase the event tickets. This is amazing because most people don't want to buy two tickets...this means less people in the park. It was totally worth the money!

When we first walked in we saw the snow. I don't know who was more excited for it the kids or me! All of the employees were dressed in Christmas outfits and everything was decorated for Christmas.

We immediately went to our favorite ride, Buzz Lightyear. Normally, this ride is a 90 minute wait. However, it was only a 5 minute wait! It was this way for all of the rides. We didn't even have to wait to ride the tea cups. We'd get on, off, and right back on. It was AWESOME!

After a few rides, we decided to take advantage of the FREE hot chocolate and cookies. This is a big deal because everything in the park is super expensive. Being the frugal momma I am, I made sure we got our fill of free goodies.

We then went to the parade route and found a spot. The kids really loved it because they both love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Callie is not into any princesses, but loves Minnie Mouse. Santa also made an appearance in the parade. That made Carson's night.

After the parade there was an amazing fireworks show. It was all coordinated with Christmas music. We even got to see Tinkerbell fly. Callie was more interested in seeing Tink.

Another really neat thing about Mickey's Christmas Party was that characters randomly came by to interact with the kids. We were eating some dinner and Goofy randomly came by. Look at Carson's face! He had so much fun! Usually you have to reserve and pay a ton to eat with the characters.

After dinner, we went to a dance party. An elf led the kids in all kinds of dancing. The kids really loved it! They got on the dance floor and shook their booties.
We had such a blast. I think it is going to be a yearly tradition to go down just for Mickey's Christmas Party.

Catching Up on the Year

So obviously I never take time to update my blog. It takes a Thanksgiving break that we are actually staying at home for in order for me to find the time to blog. I was glancing over the previous blog posts to see what was important to me the last few times I posted. I am still crazily couponing. The spoils of couponing have helped us save up for a brand new livingroom set complete with a new tv. It is the first really nice furniture we have had. Anyway, here is what has been going on with the Florida Golds...

Carson started Kindergarten this year! How crazy is that?! I love this picture because they both look so happy...this is BEFORE Callie realized she wasn't going to school too. Carson has a fabulous teacher this year named Mrs. Sexton (yes Carson is learning to spell sex in kindergarten as he writes her name a million times). His best friend Gabi is in his class again this year (we rigged it that way). It is so funny to just listen in on their conversations. A few weeks ago Carson and Callie were playing while I cooked. I heard Carson say, "Gabi! Gabi!" I stopped and asked, "What did you just say?" He giggled loudly (as he always does...he has no inside voice) and said, "Oh! I mean Callie! Silly me!" Perhaps they need some time apart?

I am still blessed in these hard economic times to have a job teaching 3rd grade. I absolutely love third graders! They are still so sweet and eager to please without much of an attitude. They love learning and enjoy anything hands on. As much as I love teaching, I am ready for Jordan to be done with school and get a job so we can switch roles again. I am ready to be at home with my babies. I've also done a fabulous job of losing my baby weight and then some (which puts me back at the size I was right after Jordan and I got married). I lost 30 pounds with Weight Watchers online. I've been able to keep it off too without much effort, which is awesome.

Callie is about to turn two and is a mess! I call her my expressive child. She LOVES to color...especially all over her body (I never had this problem with Carson). She makes the craziest expressions and is very animated. She has some redheaded grandma in her when it comes to letting people know what she wants and when she wants it.

Jordan is busy being a stay at home dad and finishing up school. After this semester, he will have only 2 classes in the Spring and then he is done! I am so proud of him. I know this has been a long road for the both of us. We each thought that switching roles for a few years would be a piece of cake. ABSOLUTELY NOT THE CASE! We are both ready to switch back. It has been a learning and growing experience for both of us. I think we definitely have a greater respect and understanding for what the other one does for our family. I really am blessed to have been married to him for 6 years now.
I know that a lot more has taken place, and I really hate that I'm not blogging about it because that means I'm forgetting so much that is going on. I really will try to make an effort to blog once a week or so in hopes that I can remember all of the wonderful little crazy things my family does or says.