Spoiled

For starters...I haven't experienced a day this cold in such a long time. It is so bitter and blustery outside and the outdoors is quickly looking like a frozen tundra. It is great for bringing out the Christmas spirit but it needs to be done after that. I find myself wanted to become a shut-in. Staying in my sweatpants and sweatshirts all day and eating comfort food. Unfortunately life must go on...even in the cold. Every year our Church puts on a Christmas program Some years we have several performances on a weekend...this year it is two performances...one last Monday at the homeless shelter and the other at church on Christmas Eve. I have a small narration part this year and was completely touched by our performance at the homeless shelter. When you see whole families, down on their luck, around the holidays....it just breaks your heart. On top of that...we have this extreme weather and you know that those people have limited options. We are struggling to find a house that we like and that is in our price range...but at least we have family to support us and shelter us when we need it. I can't imagine what day to day life must be like for these people. I almost felt sick to my stomach when I came home to a warm house, with a lit Christmas tree...lined with gifts that are waiting to be opened. You can't dwell on it....I think you just have to give where and when you can. A couple days later Brian and I had the opportunity to deliver gifts to a needy family. This year his union sponsored a family and everyone chipped in to get gifts that they wanted and needed. I was overwhelmed by the amount of gifts we all came up with...they barely fit in the family's tiny apartment. The kids were so excited and I can't imagine what it will be like in their house Christmas morning. It is truly better to give than receive.

Growing up Charlie

Charlie is in one of those amazing times of development. He goes through what seems like a lull in his milestones and then it is as if all the sudden they all come out. I walked into his room, to see if he was asleep yet, and found him standing up in his crib. AHH! Panic and Pride hit you all at once! He was grinning from ear to ear and we immediately lowered his mattress to the bottom level. Now it seems he is pulling himself up on everything he can find...couches...chairs...my pant legs. Another characteristic he is developing is his free will. He will clearly tell you if he does or doesn't want his binky or bottle. He also has found out that he is not allowed to have everything within his reach...when it is taken away..look out...he knows how to pitch a little fit. If anyone says that it is a learned behavior...I would like to talk to them. He is almost nine months old and has no way of learning that. With all of these things comes new challenges as a parent...but it is soooo exciting to see his personality come through as he plays alone and eats new foods and feeds himself. My heart just melts.

Hibernation!

Well, Indiana has quickly reminded us of its four distinct seasons. We had our first big snowfall this week and are expected to get quite a bit more this week and weekend. I have only been gone for 4 years, but I was living in such mild climates. Georgia was blazin hot in the summer...but no harsh winters. Washington had some snow and cold weather...but nothing like in the Midwest. The air cuts right through to the bone and all the doors on your car are frozen shut. I always try to make one trip to the car when I leave the house. That means that I have the diaper bag, my purse, Charlie's blanket and bear and of course 20+lb Charlie. That pretty much takes up any and all space I have in my arms. Then the doors wouldn't open and I had to go go go! Finally, with biceps burning...we got one door open and were on our way.

We continue our house hunt and it is starting to feel like dead ends everywhere. Our ultimate goal is to get into a house that we can easily afford on Brian's income only, so that when baby #2 gets here next summer, I can stay home and not worry about bills. Well, as everyone knows we are in the best home buyer's market in years....well every step we have taken in Brian's career has unfortunately resulted in a pay cut. We are back home with family and it is wonderful....but we are making less money than ever. We know that God has a house for us that will be just the right size and conveniently located away from the ghetto...but it is going to be a long process.

Charlie is wonderful, as usual! He is really developing his own personality and it is turning out to be very sweet but determined. He requires non stop attention and a lot of stimulation. He loves Blues Clues, the cartoon and we try to watch it every morning over a bottle. His new wake up time is between 5 and 5:30...not ideal...but then he is down for an early nap and I can get some things done before we leave the house. He is getting even more teeth...i feel like it is rapid fire when it comes to his teething. He seems to get about 2 at a time. He has four right now and I see the fifth one just under the surface...poor little guy!

Yes, I did say #2 was on the way! I found out on my birthday that we are pregnant with our second baby! We are so excited! It may seem close together, but I really have no worries about handling both kids. It is also exciting that one of my friends is about two days away from my due date...it is always nice to have someone to share in the experience of your body totally going out of wack! The consensus is that it should be a girl since we already have a boy...I honestly do not care...Charlie is so great and I would love for him to have a brother close to his age..but having a girl would be an incredible blessing.

It is all coming back!

We are quickly approaching November and I am starting to remember what it is like to live in a place that has four full seasons. The leaves are turning and falling rapidly and today I woke up to a forecast of a high of 42....a HIGH....is that even considered high!? Oh yeah, and there is a chance of snow today....and tomorrow...hmmm. When I got married we moved to Georgia, where Brian had been working....no snow and blazing hot summers....then we moved to Washington and yes there is snow but mostly in the mountains and for about two weeks everywhere else. It just gets kinda grey and rainy during the winter and you may not even need one of those down filled puffy coats at all. I am very excited for Charlie to see his first snow and then to be big enough next year to play in it. Too bad he won't be big enough to rake the leaves but I am sure he will enjoy playing in those as well.
Speaking of Charlie....haha..you had to know I would talk about him a bit more. He has changed so much in just a short few weeks. When we were in Washington and waiting to see where we were going to live...time seemed long and endless and we didn't notice the little changes in Charlie's size and abilities. Now we can see from the time we moved back to Indiana to present, he has experienced extreme change. He started crawling, he is now going after the things he wants and not just what you put in front of his face and he is so big, eating from a spoon and trying all kinds of new foods...I look at him and see a little boy and not a baby. (tear)

Blue Steel...

Not so exciting...but it is an update.

Well, life has officially become pretty normal for the Moores. Brian is steadily working at his new facility and I have started working for my parents. They have there own business with promotional products and are pretty deeply rooted in the community. It is a big learning process for me because I have never done the things that has taken them 4 or 5 years to figure out. Little by little I will get it. My job history is pretty much just that. I get a new job...one that I have never done before...and I learn. It is fun and uncomfortable at the same time. Usually I get the hang of something and I have to move or have a baby. Then that job is over and I look for a new one later. Hopefully this one will stick and I will get to be really good at it and take over the world...whoa, just kidding! I will probably have another kid, and my family will let me come back to work when I am ready...hehe!
Charlie is doing really great! He was sick for a little over a week but now that he is better we are all getting more sleep and enjoying life again. He is a real scooter these days. If he wants it he will low crawl to get it..YEAH! It is so amazing to see the changes in just the few weeks that we have been here. He and I always do the "itzy bitzy spider" together and today he put his hands up with me. I was shocked and amazed. Now we must baby proof everything and make sure he isn't ingesting something toxic or electrically charged. EEKS!

What to do...what to do?

There is always that weird time after you make a major transition. You know...like when you finish school for the summer break or you graduate from high school...for the next few weeks you feel like there is something you should be doing, but in reality there is not. Before we left Washington I was taking an infant to work with me 4 days a week, working with the youth group at our church, packing a house and tying up any loose ends that I could think of from our office move a few weeks back. Now I am jobless, away from all responsibility, aside from Charlie, and feeling like I don't know what to do with myself. I am keeping up with the laundry pretty easily and trying to cook a little and taking daily walks with Charlie and Daisy (our beagle). I do have a mommy and baby play group this Thursday...that will be fun..and I am trying to catch up with old friends...but how many lunches out can I really afford. It is not a bad thing, but I find myself feeling guilty for having this free time and not filling it all with something productive. Looking for a place to live is high on our priority list...started that today without much luck. I know something is out there. I will get plugged in at church soon. I have always had a passion for youth ministry and could always do that...but I want to really be used where needed so I want to take my time and ask around. I know that so many people say that they just cannot find time for themselves and that life is out of control busy...I am sure as more kids come along and get older my life will resemble theirs. I am trying to focus on my relationship with the Lord, my husband, son, friends and family. The rest will all catch up with me in due time.

We have arrived!

So with a few days to pack and 2200 miles behind us...we have arrived in South Bend, Indiana. I had it very easy, as I was able to fly home. Brian, on the other hand, drove all those miles with his dad in a moving truck. They are serious Road Warriors. They drove the whole thing, including stops, with a dog in 37 hours straight. They pulled in after barely staying awake to needing to wind down before hopping into bed for some much needed rest. Since then we have unloaded the truck in various places, and are settling in at my in-laws, where we will stay until we find our own place to live. What a blessing it is to have a place to stay...and with a relaxing and beautiful riverfront view! It is never entirely easy to merge two families together in one house, but we are all very understanding and considerate people...and we know it is temporary!
Charlie is adjusting well..he misses his baby friends in Washington but has already had a play date with some new ones. One is being born today, as a matter of fact. It is a strange feeling to get where you have been wanting to be. I have been away from my home town for about 4 years now and I feel as if I have never left and yet a stranger at the same time. Half of my friends are gone and the other half are split between the singles and the marrieds. I am a part of the group that married young and now have a baby. I still love to be with my single girlfriends but really can't relate to their lifestyle anymore. It is nice to have some married friends with kids to share experiences with. The other dilemma is my hubby is 7 years older than I am. We grew up in the same town but in a different generation. It will be interesting to see who we really bond with and both enjoy spending our time with. One really exciting thing is we are close to my brother and sister in-law. We love spending time with them and I really want Charlie to know his only uncle before he leaves for the mission field. Brian starts his new job on Monday, so we are trying to enjoy our time off together before "real"life starts up again.

All in God's Timing

Well, in my first blog I mentioned that we were in limbo waiting for some answers about Brian's job...and boy did we get them. Last Thursday Brian was notified that he would be getting the job in Indiana. This was not a formal notification in writing but everyone just said that they had heard it was happening...so be ready. Monday comes around and he gets the formal job offer and is told his report date is the 14th of this month!!! What?!? That is only a few days away. We have to pack the house, arrange help, schedule one of our cars to be shipped and fly family members out to help drive and deal with infants. FEW! Well, we have a great start and I think we are going to make it. Brian is a packing maniac, I'm organizing my things at work to make the transition easier and my mom flew in to watch Charlie so we could get the work done. It is so surreal that after being away from home for almost 4 years that we will be back with family and friends. There are so many emotions going through me right now. Excitement, to be with family and lifelong friends...Fear of finances and feasibility...sadness for leaving the great church and friends we have made in Washington...and Relief to finally know what our future holds. It was really difficult for Brian to not know what he would be doing in his career and definitely a growing time for both of us in the patience department. We are products of the I want it and I want it now generation. Fortunately we had such great parents that we managed to not become spoiled brats of society. We still get used to looking something up on the Internet, texting and shopping at mega stores, which allow you to get answers and things when you want and for the right price. I am thrilled that the time to move has finally come and I can't wait for it to be over. I have the strangest dreams at night...forget things all the time...and wear two different shoes to work(it really happened today). Stress reveals itself in so many ways. There is no need to stress, because God is so clearly in every part of this process and I know he will carry us through to the end.

New Territory

Well, when you have a baby you are constantly entering into new territory. The trip to the grocery store isn't near as quick and easy but you now want to buy healthier food all of the sudden. You are so conscious of what you are putting in your child's body and how eating well is so important for good living. You also had no idea that you could carry an extra 20-25 pounds of stuff and kid with you all the time. The thought of getting into a car accident is beyond terrifying. You know your own threshold, but your child is dependent on you for boundaries. You notice so many new things around you because now your child is reaching out for it. You appreciate the quiet and then you are thrilled when they wake up again.
This last week and a half has been quite a bit of new territory with a little rough terrain. Charlie cut his first tooth. Being a new mother and pretty much only knowing what you have read and heard...I just knew my son was too young to be teething. They drool and chew on stuff for months and it just becomes routine. One day he was gnawing on my finger and I felt something on his gum. A TOOTH! Poor baby and his incompetent mommy! I could have been doing several things to make him more comfortable and yet I was oblivious to his pain and discomfort. Well, not totally...I knew he had been a little bit more fussy and needy but they go through stages like that. Since then, I have noticed a couple of other teeth close to the surface and I am realizing that this process will not be over soon. It does excite me to think of all of the foods he will get to eat and experience with those teeth! On top of all of the crazy teeth...he developed this horrible rash. You can imagine that babies don't like having a rash any more than you and I do...PLUS they have limited muscle control to itch and adjust for comfort. Poor things! We went to the doc and we are on our way to getting healed up. Through that process I realized that I don't really care for our pediatrician...that's a whole other entry. I know it seems like I am venting and complaining quite a bit...but I can say that Charlie is such a great baby and is really putting up with me and my own learning curve!

Keeping Perspective

Sometimes when you are in the midst of a challenge...well all the time for me...it is hard for me to keep a reasonable perspective on the situation. I always put too much pressure on my self to get it all right and end up very overwhelmed, exhausted and frustrated. We moved our office this week and it was definitely a challenging couple of days and I also think I am a bit hormonally imbalanced...if you know what I mean ladies! I went in yesterday morning and almost started crying immediately...that's the hormones..ha! But unpacking all those boxes and organizing three previous rooms into one seemed like a lofty goal. Plus I couldn't find a baby sitter for Charlie and he had to come with me. Well, after a 7 hour moving day with me Tuesday he was a little out of sorts come Wednesday. He just really wanted to be held and he couldn't sleep with all the banging around. I just felt like I was moving but standing still at the same time. Progress was hard to realize and on top of it all I found out I had forwarded all of our mail, phone and Internet to our next door neighbors address. It was an honest mistake but dealing with it nearly broke my spirit all together. I couldn't stop the tears at that point and just wanted to go home. I fixed what I could and got some equipment functioning as much as possible and went home to indulge in some chocolate and a grilled cheese with a coke zero on the side. Charlie went down for a long nap and I was able to unwind a bit before Brian came home. With a good nights sleep behind me(Charlie went to bed at 8 and hasn't moved since...its now 7am) YEAH, and a hug from my hubby I am feeling much better. I was also reminded of the holiday weekend coming up and I was thrilled! In the end God is still in control and I need to let go sometimes.

Where does he get these faces from...he's so goofy!

Heartbreaking!

So...Charlie is basically with me 24/7, because he comes with me to work and he rarely is even awake before Brian heads off to work everyday. So first thing in the morning to the last thing at night. Unfortunately that means that he gets crazy when I leave. Yesterday morning I wanted to leave him with Brian while I went to youth group to teach and then they would join me for our second church service. I wasn't even teaching yet and I saw the two of them walk in the door. Charlie was just screaming and sobbing the whole time I was gone. It is so distressing and heartbreaking for Brian because he would love to spend some alone time with Charlie. We have come up with a little plan that will hopefully work. When Brian is at home I am going to make a concious effort to give him to Brian and let Brian do more things with him...all the way to changing diapers and feeding. I just think that those are the times when a baby learns to trust you and maybe they can increase their bond. It will be hard because most of the time I am on autopilot, but it will be worth it to know I can leave the house and not worry about the two of them.

Tricky Tricky...

So as I said before I was getting ready to upgrade to a new phone...well those cell phone companies have quite a thing going for themselves. Now with these new fancy phones they have decided that you have to upgrade to a new and more expensive plan in order for them to work. YEAH RIGHT! I wasn't about to double my monthly bill just so I could touch a screen rather than push a button. I ended up with the EnV2 in Red to match my new red purse...so I guess everything worked out perfectly! HEHE! Every time we are out, it is so interesting to observe how people act in public. We encountered one of America's most self absorbed people yesterday. We went to Circuit City to do the upgrade and we were almost finished with everything when a man walked up. He blurted out, "Is this the place I am supposed to be (to get help)?". The lady politely said yes and that she was just finishing up with us and she would be with him in a moment. Apparently he was hard of hearing or something and a moment later he stuck out a piece of paper in her face and asked for a particular phone. She said that, yes they had that one and he continued on just as if we weren't even there. It is so exasperating sometimes when people just don't have any common courtesy. I mean come on! Anyways we managed to get out of there without either of us losing out temper and getting into a confrontation...cause in the end its not worth it...you aren't going to change someones behavior...everybody just gets upset.

SOOO Big!

Gadget Geek!

I am definitely a self-proclaimed gadget geek. Even as a child you would not find me watching cartoons on a Saturday morning...it was all about the infomercials for me! (its good television people!) I believed every word that they said about each product and if I was old enough to have a bank account I would have purchased most of them. Well, since I have grown up and opened my own account I know better than to waist my money on most of them. Plus most of these products are promoted in a way that annoys me more than anything....This one guy has a product for everything and he is always screaming at the screen..."KABOOM NEVERSCRUB, OXYCLEAN, ORANGE GLOW, SOME STUPID PUDDY THAT CAN TOW A TRUCK OR SOMETHING....come on don't insult my intelligence. I do think that Space Bags might be a useful product if you are moving to save on room in the UHAUL. ;o)
I haven't grown out of my geekyness all together...One of the highlights of my year is if I get to upgrade my cell phone. With verizon I only get to do it every two years but I look forward to it months in advance. I look at all of the available phones...read reviews...and usually end up with the latest and greatest as my choice. Not really because I need it but more or less I just love to play with all of the new features. Believe it or not that upgrade takes place tomorrow!!!!!! I am so excited! This years choice is the new LG Dare...it is Verizons attempt at the iphone. I already have a pretty purple silicon cover for it. I will let you know how it goes after I get the chance to explore it's features.

He's so Cute!!!!

Oh what a generation like this could do....

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face, O God of Jacob.” ~ Psalm 24:4-6

This is the verse I am going to focus on today...I know a generation like this exists out there but it seems nearly impossible to find these days.

Top 10 for the Week

10. I watched the movie Enchanted with Brian.
9. I bought a new bag of jelly beans for the office.
8. The weather has cooled off and Charlie can wear clothes again.
7. I bought a new super cute red purse.
6. Daisy threw up on the floor...eww!
5. Charlie learned to actually bounce in his bouncy thing.
4. I joined facebook and found a bunch of old friends.
3. We had a thunder and lightning storm.
2. We had Church in a park last Sunday.
1. Brian and I made and ate the best ice cream sundays!

We love Television!

It's sad but true..we love to watch the idiot box! We don't like to spend a lot of money going out so we stay in and watch shows, movies, etc. Don't worry... if we have the opportunity to spend time with Friends or Family we always choose those over TV. However, we are very excited about September with Chuck, Life, The Office and 30 Rock coming back with new episodes. Also, DVR has absolutely ruined us...we can set our shows to record and watch them whenever we want..you can't beat it! Also, Comcast OnDemand puts more movies and shows at your fingertips than you can watch in a month. Monday nights are great because new episodes of Jon and Kate plus 8 and the Closer are on. Jon, I don't know how you put up with the disrespect of your wife and they need to stop casting semi-famous actors as the killers in the Closer...I know who done it too soon! Brian hates that I watch the BRAVO network. It is solid reality television and completely pointless...but I CAN"T STOP...they need to start a support group for reality television watchers. There is just something incredibly interesting about observing the lives of others and finding out who is going to win the competition. I know I am not alone with my fascination but that doesn't mean I can't overcome it!

I'm new to blogging!

So...This is interesting...sharing all of my thoughts and feelings with the world, but its also a great way to keep everyone up to date on the fam!
Since Charlie was born I have gone back to work for our church office. I really enjoy my time there and Charlie gets to come and help mommy at work. Brian is still working but right now we are in transition between facilities within the FAA. Therefore, he is extremely bored everyday, and I feel bad that he has to go. Our hopes are to be placed at South Bend Tower in South Bend, IN. That is where we are both from and all the grandparents live there. It would be wonderful to get up on a Saturday morning and decide to go have breakfast with Charlie's grandparents or just simply drop Charlie off for a couple hours. Brian and I need some date nights and I just need a break sometimes. We are confused as to when or even IF this will happen. We keep getting conflicting information and no one person has all the answers we need. Needless to say, we are deep in prayer over everything. Meanwhile, we are just enjoying our friends in Washington and spending time together as a family of three.