Just a Quickie...

As I'm sick and really should be laying down. I hope all of you had very Happy Thanksgivings and are enjoying this, the beginning of December. Here, it is cold. And snowy. There are no signs of stopping. This is the scene out of my front window; snow, railroad tracks, and the parking lot of a Verizon store.

Isn't it lovely? See those rails there? In between those are the railroad tracks. Yes, the train comes by. Yes, it is very, very loud. No, things do not fall off of our shelves and walls. Between the closest rail and me is the alleyway we drive down. it's all quite beautiful and serene, isn't it? :P

Anyhow, we had a lovely Thanksgiving. Andrea (Nate's Mom) came down to visit and we had many mornings of coffee with Andrea, Amy and the kids. Thanksgiving proper was at Uncle Mark and Aunt Diane's house and was full of yummy goodness. We had a shark steak, beef jerky, cheese curds and egg nog (brought down by Andrea) throughout the weekend, and we opened our Christmas presents with her before she headed back home. Wouldn't ya know, I forgot to take a single picture! That's not like me, I know. I blame it on still unpacking. How long do I get to use that an excuse? Until I move away? Works for me. I do have this pic of Corbin and Cousin Frankie, showing a little of their family resemblance. Ya think?



I don't remember if I've mentioned that we bought a couch. Well, we bought a couch. It's from St. Vincent De Paul, because we are trying to reduce, reuse, or recycle. Ok, the couch really probably should be recycled, but we are reusing it for now. It was cheap, nearby, and not falling apart. Those were our three requirements, so we got it. Here's a pic, to show you it's beauty.

Yes, those are little orange and green flowers all over it. It also feels as though someone wrapped cinder blocks and plywood with sandpaper. Eh, it was cheap and it will do. Nate actually likes it a lot. Corbin does too, as it's easy for him to climb on and chase the cats when they attempt to lay on the back. Please notice that in this picture Corb is wearing a cardigan and sweat pants. Nate commented on how he reminded him of his residents at the nursing home... cardigan (at that point it was mis-snapped), sweats, he mumbles, and poops his pants. Poor Nate, he just can't escape.

Ok, seriously, I've got to lay down. If you'd like to visit and see the couch in person, feel free to call. It would love to have a new person to give rugburn to.

Thank You

This morning I was watching "Good Morning America". First of all, don't be concerned, I am still an avid "Today Show" viewer. GMA just happened to be on and I was too lazy to find the remote. Anyhow, they had a bit about giving thanks. Being as it is getting close to Thanksgiving and all, it seemed appropriate.

I try to give thanks often. I say a prayer of thanks every night as I rock Corbin to sleep. I thank God for my family, our health, our friends, our home, our food, our car, etc. The problem is, I'm not very open with my emotions any more. I don't tell people I love them as much as I should. I don't tell them how much I appreciate them. I don't thank them as often as they deserve. I hope my friends and family understand that although I may not say it often, I love each of them and thank God for allowing me to have them in my life.

However, this little bit on GMA was specifically about thanking someone who has made a difference in your life, but you have not thanked appropriately. I sat for a moment and thought, who would this be for me? My parents? Obviously they have done so much for me. They molded me into who I am today. They have taken me in, far too many times. They have helped financially, they've babysat Corbin, they've taken care of me my whole life and continue to do so. Of course I wouldn't be me without them. I do appreciate all they have given me, and I hope they know this.

Who else? My husband, of course. He has provided me with the security of knowing he will always be there for me. He has made me laugh harder than anyone ever has, and tries his hardest to make me see the positive in everything. He and I have made it through some difficult times, times that would've easily torn apart two people who loved each other less. He reminds me that love should be easy, not full of wondering and suspicions and distrust. He's my best friend and I am thankful for every morning I wake up next to him...even if he is snoring like a truck.

Anyhow, the person I finally settled on is a friend. I have a few close friends who have done so much for me, and I love them dearly. This friend, however, made a huge impact in my life. Her name is Chris, and she honestly changed my life.

I met Chris at Grand Valley, my sophomore year. We had an English class together (was it two?) and she started talking to me because she liked my coat (I've got to admit, it was a pretty kick ass coat. Bright blue. Vinyl. What more could you want?). We had a lot in common, Chris and I. We went to a lot of lunches, and talked a lot about boys, school, and friends. We both eventually moved back to the east side, and kept in contact. We saw each other occasionally, I met her now husband Brandon, we chatted on the phone. Chris has always made me laugh, and just sort of "got me" in a way not too many others have. It has been awesome having her as a friend, and I really miss seeing her as often as I used to.

But the biggest difference Chris has made in my life is introducing me to Nate. One day she tells me she has a guy she wants me to meet. He's Brandon's friend, lives 8 hours away, and he's engaged. Sounds perfect, right? Obviously, I brush off her suggestion the first, oh, million times. Then one day she tells me he's coming down to visit them, he's broken up with his fiance, and I AM going to go out with him. If you know me and my resistance to doing new things, you will understand how difficult it was to talk me into this. But, I relented and one afternoon all four of us went to TGIFridays and Chuck E. Cheese. The rest, as they say, is history.

So Chris, I want to thank you. I want to thank you for knowing what I wanted, even when I didn't. I want to thank you for pushing me to do something I was nervous about. I want to thank you for being a good friend all of these years, for understanding me and my weirdness, and for making me feel not weird at all. Without you and your insistence, I would not have met and married my best friend. Without you, I would not have my beautiful Corbin. Thank you for pushing me, as you've made my dreams come true.

In Our New Place and (mostly) Settled

So here we are, somewhat set up in our new apartment, living in our new town, surrounded by our new neighbors. It's cold here, and snowy. There is still no Target. But, all in all, it's not that bad. We have a lot of family around, there is a Walmart (which is FAR nicer than the Muskegon Walmart!) to visit, our apartment is a good size and right in the middle of the town. It's right next to the stoplight. Yes, I said THE stoplight. Actually, there is one on the outskirts of town. That makes two. In the city. Yikes! Anyhow, I digress. It's not so bad. The best part is, Nate's working. That makes him feel better, it makes me feel better, and it makes life easier. He really (mostly) enjoys his job, and it sounds like his residents really enjoy having him there. It's nice for him to know that he's making a difference in their lives.
Corbin is happy to be around his daddy again, and is enjoying the new apartment. He even will hang out with Amy without crying or screaming at all. A major improvement, truly. Things are going well. We are doing well. Just cold. And missing Target. I hope you all are doing well too, and are enjoying Target for me. Just walk around the Dollar Spot a couple of times, tell me what it's like. Maybe take a couple pictures. Maybe just get a little jar and capture a bit of Target air for me. I'd appreciate it. Thanks. ;)

Cowboys and Candy and Mustaches, oh my!

Happy November to all of you.
This should be a big month for us. Starting with, of course, the election. I have sent in my absentee ballot and am proud to have voted for Obama! I will be watching anxiously on Tuesday to see history take place.
Other things are happening this month as well. After much searching, calling, and recalling, Nate found (and rented) an apartment for us in Roscommon. He has some chutzpah, signing a lease for an apartment his wife hasn't even seen! ;) He sent some photos, and assures me that it's pretty big, in a good location, and most importantly, is a place for all three of us to live together as a family. We are excited to be back together again, three weeks apart is a long time! Corbin and I should (hopefully!) be moving up sometime early this week. Nate's dear, dear family have helped him move in almost everything already, as well as put away all of the dishes and clothes. Isn't that fantastic? I'm so grateful for them all. What an easy move this will be...for me, at least. :)
Corbin and I have been having a good time with my folks. There have been a lot of Halloween activities to attend, a lot of friends to say goodbye to, and a lot of Grandma and Granddad's things for Corbin to climb and/or destroy. We were able to spend a day with my Grandma, which I was so glad to be able to do. We went trick or treating at a farm, then a nature center, then a church parking lot.
Corbin wore almost all of the cowboy outfit my mom made him (we had to force him into the hat!) and mostly kept on his drawn-on mustache. He seemed to really like all of the trick or treating. The biggest night was Halloween itself, we went to a Trunk or Treat at a church. There were thousands of trick or treaters and 94 cars giving out candy. It was a lot of waiting in line, but Corbin and I enjoyed watching all of the kids... except for when they were pushing into us and hanging on Corbin's wagon. Dang kids. Get off my lawn!!
Anyhow, here are a few Halloween pictures for you all to enjoy. I'll update you all once we get up to our new place and get settled. Till then, here's Corbin eating some pumpkin.

Gettin' Down

Hi ya'll.

Corbin and I are still at my parents' house, living it up here in Holland. We've been having a pretty good time, and have had lots to do. Yesterday we went to the Book Nibblers group for children 2 and under, at the Herrick Library. There were about 12 kids there, with their parents/caregivers, and us. We all sat in a circle and listened to a lovely librarian read a book, do finger plays, and play a song. I had my shy little Corbin sitting in my lap, staring at all of the new people and quietly wondering where the hell we were. All of a sudden my quiet, shy, momma-centered baby boy stood up, walked himself into the middle of the circle, and started to dance. Not just any dance, he was doing his patented Corbin-Squat dance. Squat down, point forward. There wasn't even any music on, just a somewhat wild eyed librarian reading silly finger plays. Yet, Corbin danced. He danced and danced and stood and stared, throughout the entire circle time. He also looked around to make sure everyone was watching him and enjoying his new skillz. They were, but really, how could they not?
Here is a video of Corbin doing the Corbin-Squat in my parents' living room, rocking out to one of his favorites, "Jungle Love". It ends with him attacking the TV and then my dad's slippers. All in a day's work.



Please, don't steal the kid's moves. I know it's tempting, but they are patented.

Corbin has also been putting away his toys at night (when I tell him to pick up each individual toy and put it in his toybox) and he's been grabbing my hand and taking me to the stairway when he wants to go to bed. How weird is that? Crazy kid. Just can't help but love him to pieces.

While we are here at Grandma and Granddad's we have had a lot of plans. We've already been to the Playhouse twice, the library, and on a hay ride. We are also going on a Halloween walk, to a Halloween festival, and then trick or treating at a Trunk or Treat thing at a church nearby. Corbin is having a great time. Here are a couple of pics of us at the orchard we visited (where the hay ride was). The first pumpkin one was from last year, same place. Oh how we've changed! The last two are Corbin playing at the park in our new hometown. That should fulfill your cuteness quotient for the day, so I am off to bed. I'll try to be back sooner, rather than later.

Ch-ch-ch-chaaaaanges

So did my last post confuse any of you? I didn't mean to worry you, I honestly just didn't have enough information to share. Now I do, so I will tell you all what is happening.

So today we moved out of our house. Wait, let me start at the beginning....

Last weekend we went up to Roscommon to visit Nate's family and bring Leroy up to Amy's house. He is staying with her now, as are Max and Elton. We couldn't imagine him living in an apartment, and had a heck of a time finding one that would allow Pits. He was also starting to get a little too strong for Corbin, as Corbin would just run at him with his mouth open for kisses, and stand right next to him, letting Leroy's tail whack him in the face over and over. Anyhow, so the offer was made to Amy a while ago, she wanted him, and this weekend was the weekend.

While we were up there, Nate was going to apply to two nursing homes that his cousin works at. They were both hiring CNAs, so we knew he had a good chance of getting a job. He was offered both jobs, and decided on the one in Roscommon. The rent is cheaper there, it's right near his family, so Roscommon it is.

I should mention, Roscommon is a teeny tiny little town just north of Houghton Lake and south of Grayling. It's kinda in the middle of the state. If you'd like a map, please visit Nate's page. He's even color coordinated it. :) It's a different type of town than I've ever lived in, or wanted to live in. There is no Meijer, or *gasp* Target. I've been told I can somehow survive without a Target, although I doubt it. We'll see. There is a little grocery store, gas station, and McDonald's. 15 minutes away there is a Walmart and a pet store (thank goodness!). There are a lot of trees. A lot of hunters, a lot of snowmobilers, a lot of things that I'm not very familiar with. It will be different, it will be weird, it will be hard to get used to. But, I'm sure it will be fine and our little family will be happy there.

So, Nate was offered the job and was asked to come in for orientation this Wednesday. We need some time to find something to rent, so for the time Nate is staying with his sister and Corbin and I are staying with my parents. Hopefully it will only be for a few weeks, as I miss him already.

So, that's the story. We will be moving/have moved/are in the process of moving to someplace that is pretty far away. I am happy/scared/nervous/upset/worried/excited about this. Please continue to send good thoughts as I spend weeks upon weeks with my parents and eventually must learn to live with no Target. Thank you. :)

Haircut Day!!!

As things in my life are a little crazy and out of sorts right now, I have not blogged. Once I know what is actually going on, I'll write about it. For now we will focus on the cuteness that is my child.

Today was Corbin's first hair cut. It was getting long and a little ridiculous looking. The cute baby curls were starting to straighten out and become an obvious baby mullet. Not exactly the look we were going for. So today we went to our local kid's hair cut place and actually had a pretty good experience. They have chairs that are made out of Powerwheel cars, mounted TVs with a huge selection of movies, a puppet theater, bright colors and fun stylists. We were the only clients, so both of the ladies were all about Corbin. They popped in a Wiggles video, let him play with a Thomas train, and told him how adorable he was. Perfect. He sat still through most of it, although got downright angry when they brought out the clippers. All in all, we were pretty darn proud of him. We were staring at him all day, and couldn't get over how big he looks now. He was wearing his Superman hat for a while this afternoon, and I swear, he looked like a three year old. Crazy. Anyhow, here's the required pictures...

Before...

During...


After...



On a side note, please send us good thoughts if you get a second. If you are the praying type, we could use a couple. We are at a bit of a crossroads when it comes to the job/location/schooling situation and need any guidance we can get. We need to figure something out, and that something needs to be perfect for us. So any prayers you've got, we'll take. :) Thanks!