Moving update....

Time is flying by and we are getting so close to moving day. Thursday I made a quick trip to Utah for 2 job interviews, one with a travel agency and one with St Marks Hospital in Salt Lake. I am ever so happy to say that I will be starting at St. Marks on June 7th!! WHOO HOO!

I was not thrilled with the staffing agency but it would have been something to get me started. I met with them at 11:00 and filled out some paper work to get the ball rolling. Then at 2:00 I met with the director of the Progressive Care Unit at St. Marks. It is a step down telemetry unit, the same thing that I am currently doing. They are similar in size and the best part is it is a transfer within the same corporation that owns EIRMC. This means I will be able to transfer my benefits such as 401K and leave time. Since Robin's job provides top of the line benefits we will not need additional medical insurance. Yay! St Marks was going to have me start on the 21st, but after explaining how an earlier start date would make a difference of $7000 to us they put a rush on things to get me into the earlier orientation schedule. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Now we will be able to close on our new house by the end of the month.

The Lord is truely watching out for us. Things have been happening ever so fast. 1 month ago Robin was still unemployed and now we are days away from moving to Utah. Just when we don't think things will work out the Lord proves he is in control. Robin loves to tell me "I told you so" when it comes to being patient and trusting the Lord will make things ok. He doesn't get to say that very often.

Robin is loving his job. The benefits are incredible and the premiums for great insurance is the best we have ever had! His self esteem has taken a MAJOR jump. He feels he can truely take care of his family now. He walks with a proud posture, with his shoulders held back and head held high. Unemployment was really tough for my guy. I am so glad to see him in a job that he loves, that pays him what he is worth and that shows the value of having him as an employee. Amet lost a great employee, I doubt they even know, but JT3 has gained one. And our family has gained even more.

So now I am frantically trying to finish packing. I only have this week left to get everything packed up. Saturday is Keegan's baptism, which I still need to get invites out for! YIKES! Then I put in a couple of shifts at St. Marks, then it is moving time. Finally our family will be back together.

More projects....

This is great. I just packed up my sewing machine but I am tempted to get it back out. Gonna have to put these on my Christmas gift idea list! I never use the dish rack anymore (not sure why I have it). These towels from noodlehead would be fabulous.....

I am nearing the end of our Nauvoo trip pictures from last summer and now NOW I find someone that has a kit specifically made for Nauvoo! Check it out. I will be checking back for the QP's to be posted! Maybe I can finally finish this little/BIG project. We took over 900 pictures over 2 weeks. Yeah, I like to take pictures. And I realized with all those pics I never took one of our campsite or the trailer set up. Go figure.....Check it out at SAHM scrapper...

Weekly Menu

Here's what's on the menu for 4 boys and a lady this week just in case you need some ideas for dinner. I love planning, it takes the guess work out of cooking dinner.....

Tuesday: eating out in between soccer

Wednesday: Taco Casserole

Thursday: Beef stroganoff in the crock pot

Friday: Baked potatoe bar

Saturday: Pizza night

American Sign Language

Matthew has been in speech therapy for about 5 months now. He was saying several words at 12 months but then just stopped. His hearing is ok and he understands ok. Since we have gone through speech therapy before we kinda knew what to expect. Keegan started talking after 3months of S.T. Matthew however is still not talking. Keegan was already 2 when we started and Matthew just turned 2. We have a great therapist, Derrick. Matthew has a great time with him. We have been learning sign to encourage communication. He is signing more (although much better for dad than mom) and trying new sounds but still not talking per se.  One suggestion was to have a "sign" of the week. So I searched the web for signs and pictures. This is what I came up with....

Apple

The sign for "apple" is made by closing your hand and placing the knuckle of your right index finger against your cheek.  At the same time, pivot the hand back and forth.  Note: Many people use an "a" handshape instead of the "x" handshape.

I plan to print this off then laminate it and have it on the fridge for the week to remind us all to ask for "apples" and practice signing the word. When the older boys sign Matthew is more apt to pick it up. He just has to do what his big brothers are doing. 

I found the signs here: American Sign Language

I am impressed with what I see so far. The drawings are simple and also have pictures or movies of the sign being made. I am making several sheets for the sign of the week to practice on. I hope this will help getting things going more with Matthew. Sometimes I wonder if I am too good at reading and understanding what he wants, I don't wait for him to sign it or make him sign it. I am going to work on that. He is very expressive despite his reluctance to talk. Oh, and no his brother's don't talk for him. They are gone during the day. I'm not sure how S.T. will be after we move. I am going to have to research some things. 

*sigh*

Just added another thing to my list didn't I!?! Dang boys anyway! Gotta love 'em.

Apple PIe al a cart....

Keegan couldn't wait open his presents today (we missed church d/t upset tummies). He managed to wait till 1:00. With the pie in the oven he tore into his gifts. Of course everyone was feeling better in time for pie. ;-)

Keegan had only asked for a new Pokemon DS game.....

Yep, I think he was happy. Of course that one was saved for the last. He has been in thralled with it since. I told him we would take a couple of friends to the movies this week (we have tickets to use before we move-double score) instead of a big party. Besides we will be having a dinner after his baptism. Our last shebang before moving. He was good with that. He prefers small gatherings anyway. 

Later, it was nearing time for dad to leave. I swear Matthew knew it was coming! We sat down on the couch, Robin was suppose to be rubbing my legs (I love that!) but Matthew was not willing to share his dad. Before I knew it Matthew was on dad's lap in the rocking chair getting his back rubbed, what the.. what's up with that?!? He was not thrilled to have dad leaving.....

Thankfully "Cars" came to the rescue to allow dad to leave without too much of a scene. This week will be full of activity. School is out on Wednesday 1/2 day, yeah. I have a phone interview tomorrow. And on Thursday I will be going to Utah to do paper work for a travel agency and check on a job at St. Mark's. Keep your fingers crossed all will go well.  I am hoping to sneak in  1 last craft project before I pack up my sewing machine. Then I will focus on scrapbooking, I will still have the laptop out at least.