Tuesday, October 19, 2010

So Many Things

I felt like I should write an update, but I honestly have no idea where to start. Shannon had her wisdom teeth surgically removed, so that was a fun week. We found out from an xray that her wisdom teeth were actually sideways underneath the gums. All four of them. So she was going to have to have them out eventually, and since she hadn't yet grown much root to speak of, the oral surgeon said now rather than later would be better. It was still a rough week, but she is fully recovered now.



On Sept. 3rd, Kylie turned 8 years old. We had a party for her at Jumpstreet, where Danni happened to have a part-time job. Actually, it was the other way around...Danni had a part-time job there, so we got a really sweet deal on the party, as a family member of an employee.


In case you haven't heard of Jumpstreet (and no, not the Johnny Depp version), it's like an indoor trampoline park. Where I could never afford a party for the 18 kids or so we had, without the incredible family discount. So thank you Danni, and thank you Jumpstreet. The kids had a great time.




Shannon played softball for her high school again this fall. With her Canon Rebel, I got some pretty great pictures this year. This is Shannon in an actual game, sliding into home and being safe. You can see the ball under the catcher's arm over in the left of the picture.



I decided that school pictures are a rip-off, and that I can take my own pictures just as well. Plus, that way you can print only what you need, instead of having a huge envelope full of pictures you won't use. You know what I mean. You all have them. Besides, it's pretty easy to find a nice background in our neighborhood.



In other news, Danni has joined the Army. Her job will be 68W, Healthcare Specialist. She leaves for Fort Sill, OK for basic training on Feb. 15th. If you are a male, 68W is pretty much a combat medic. If you're female, non-combat. In a hospital on a safe base, hopefully. I do have to be honest with myself about the fact that she could be stationed in the Middle East.


I was having a hard time with this at first, because I still questioned her motives. I was still convinced that her boyfriend had talked her into it, and he was pulling her strings. Now I know that she wants to be a nurse, she can get her LPN in the service, and have money for college when she gets out. Or, she could decide to make it a career, get an RN and then she's an officer. I don't know anything for sure except this: She wanted to go back to AZ for a while. So she's gone again. She says she will be back for Christmas, then back to AZ for New Year's, and then back here in January until she leaves for Fort Sill on February 15th.


I am proud of her. I'm proud of her for wanting to be independent and not wanting to rely on us. It's hard though...but I'm getting used to the idea.




Before she left to go back to AZ, we wanted to take some pictures. She and Kylie have a special bond. Kylie was a little worried when she heard "army", but we told her that there are lots of different jobs in the army. Some people are fighters, then there are office workers and police and doctors and nurses and cooks, etc. Danni's going to learn to be a nurse. I think that made her feel better.



This one was my favorite. This print is now in a really nice "Sisters" frame in Kylie's room.




Why, hello there cutie. What are you doing today? These guys/girls are everywhere in our valley.




I let Shannon drive around some residential streets the other day so I could get pictures of the amazing fall foliage we have here. She's going to be getting her learner's permit this Saturday, so yes, I cheated a bit.






Last weekend, Kylie's friend Courtney had a birthday. What did Courtney want to do for her birthday? She wanted to go indoor skydiving. Because of the cost, her parents said only one friend could accompany her. Kylie was that lucky friend. I'm posting two videos of her skydiving experience. It was just the coolest thing ever to watch.



I did not know the instructor was going to take her up with him, so if I sound surprised during this video, that's why.

In case you, like we, were wondering why she plugged her nose there at the end, I asked her. She said it was only because "the air was going up my nose!"

So, that's the good stuff. The bad stuff is that Hubby and I are both still unemployed, and those UI benefits are dwindling. We're going to have to file bankruptcy, which I have been avoiding until we couldn't avoid it any more. And I'm scared. But things always work out, right? They have, so far, for us. So I'm keeping the faith. Trying to, anyway. But if you're prone to praying or sending good thoughts, or anything of that nature, it certainly couldn't hurt, and I'd appreciate it. We need some good job karma, or mojo, or something. :)




5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very sorry to hear you guys are still unemployed, etc. You can bet I'll be sending good thoughts your way!

I have to admit, I think the army job sounds like a really smart choice. I hope they send her to relatively safe places!

middle child said...

I will be praying for you and your hubby to get a job soon. My SIL has been out of work over 2 years. He has another interview soon. Actually, he's already had one, when he filled out the application and then a phone interview. Well anyway, it would take too long to tell you all the financial woes of my two kids. Just know you are not alone. See about a loan modification, free lunches, daughter. Free medical ins. Do what you can. Blessings.

Dawn in D.C. said...

I've missed you! Thanks for the update.

As a military mom, I totally understand all that's going through your mind right now. It sounds like the Army is a good choice for Danni.

I'm sorry to hear about the job situation. It bites everywhere. My husband still hasn't found anything, either. He has a third phone interview today, so keep your fingers crossed. However, it's in DC, so he'll go while I stay here to try to sell the house. yay. You know, cuz everyone is buying houses now. Yeah, another year apart. Swell.

Anyway, I am sending good thoughts your way. Hang in there!

Fannie said...

Oof, lots of stress and change over here! Hope everything works out - sending good vibes your way!

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I have a good friend who was in a similar financial situation--they did file for bankruptcy and are happy to have done so. He finally got a job--in Saudi Arabia of all places--so now they are apart, but rebuilding financially. So many people are having tough times--I'm sorry you're among them.