A Chapter Comes to a Close

Yesterday I woke up knowing that it was going to be a different kind of day. It's not everyday you say goodbye to eight years of your life. Sometimes, in order to take new steps forward in life,  it requires closing a chapter on other journeys. Well yesterday, I had to write the ending chapter in my teaching at Arrowhead. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, and I am still not sure if I had shed all the tears that are stored up somewhere, waiting to be released. Nonetheless, I officially said my goodbyes, and my last day of being teacher at Arrowhead Elementary is today, Friday, December 21, 2012. I can't possibly write all that is in my heart and head, as I revisit the years of memories. But I do need to record moment. I wrote an email to the staff, that doesn't convey a drop of what I really want to say. But I wanted to keep it short and meaningful. So, I wrote:

Dearest Arrowhead,

As I put one foot in front of the other (which is all I am able to do right now) in this new adventure, I can't help but pause for a moment and say thank you. My life has been blessed because of you. I am truly grateful for the last eight years working side by side with all of you. I don't yet know what life holds for me, as far as teaching, but I do know that it won't quite be the same without you. You have been such a big part of my life for the past several years. I want you to know how much I appreciate you sharing your time, talents, and lives with me and my family. Thank you for your support, inspiring examples, laughs, and tears. Thank you for being my extended family. In my classroom sometimes a "ticket out the door" might be the students choice of a handshake, high five or a hug. So, for some of you I was able to hug in person yesterday,  and for those that I didn't get to, here's my handshake, high five or hug. May you all be blessed in your lives.

Thanks Again,
Vycci 

I know that this new chapter holds many new laughs and tears, but it's kind of hard to feel as passionate about the unknown, when we as humans are so attached to what we do know. We like the stability and security that comes with the familiar. I've watched as my eldest son, Isaac has finally become old enough to have fully embodied what the above means. Of our family, he is struggling the most with this move and life change. I have a lot of empathy for him today, as I too, feel how hard it is to let go, and face the unknown. I have lived a little longer, and that gives me a better perspective. But only experience and time gives you that kind of hope and reassurance. Many people have told Isaac how well he will do, how he will make new friends, and maybe even make better friends and have more exciting experiences. They have even reassured him that he can still keep his old friends. However, he stuck somewhere in the middle. Sad to leave what he knows, and unsure and apprehensive about what he doesn't know. And even though Danny and I have spent a few nights already telling him that it will be alright, I pause to feel his pain. Sometimes it's just hard.

I do know that we will all do well, and I have complete faith in Heavenly Father's plan for us. And there is no doubt in my mind that this was all part of His plan. So, that knowledge brings me peace in a time that causes me sadness. Goodbye Arrowhead, I will forever be grateful for the years and experiences.

Paradise Here We Come!

Okay, so maybe not Paradise, but the name of our new subdivision will be Paradise Hills, so I couldn't resist. We will be living on Bahamas Way in Grand Junction, Colorado. Yes, we are finally moving back. Just when  we had fully accepted that we would live in Aurora, the eastern plains not the western slope. Earlier this year, after the news of having another baby, Danny had been actively seeking a new job. After being a finalist for 3 different positions and them not panning out, we did a lot of praying and fasting, we decided that staying here in Aurora must be the plan, and we peacefully started a new school year. You can imagine our surprise when the Vice President of Colorado Mesa University gave Danny a call and wanted to discuss a job opportunity with him. Danny was so skeptical, he needed a day before he even consented to speaking with the V.P. When he finally did, they discussed the scope and job description for a position that might suit Danny, and then he asked, "So, what would it take to get you to move back to Grand Junction and work for Mesa University?" Danny gave a numerical response that reflected what we had discussed we would need in order for me to quit working. So, needless to say when he presented a written offer of more than that numerical number, and a tailor-made job description, we could not refuse! What an amazing opportunity, and answer to our prayers.

The catch was that he wanted Danny to start by Dec. 3, 2012. Wow, a new baby on his way, but not here yet, and a new job that requires relocating, yikes! But when the Lord opens a door, you go. So, we started making preparations. We had even more reason to be anxious for our baby Oslin to arrive. We waited 2 weeks for him to come, so that we could begin the recovery process, and get onto moving. Needless to say, Oslin has made 2 trips back and forth over the mountain his 2nd week of life, as we looked for a new home.

We are happy to report that Danny did start his job Monday, Dec. 3, 2012. We have a house under contract, passed inspection, awaiting the appraisal, and set to close on Dec. 21, 2012. The kids and I are managing at home by ourselves for a couple weeks until Danny can come back and help get us all moved.

We are wanting to keep kids enrolled in school until winter break, a more natural transition time. Marina is excited to move, although the idea of riding the bus makes her a little anxious. Marina was born there, so I think that knowledge helps. Isaac, at the pre-teen age, is not quite as gung-ho. It didn't seem to help when I told him, that he used to ask us to move back to Grand Jct. regularly, at least until he was in 4th grade. I guess when your 12 years old, you just can't imagine leaving your friends and making new ones. I started singing, that song... Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver, and the other is gold. He thinks I am pretty lame.  Despite the anxiety for all of us, I know they will both do well there. It's been a good home to us before.

As for me, I don't know if I am excited or not. You know Danny & I are officially taking on 3 of the top 5 most stressful life changes: a new baby, a new job, and moving. And I am quitting my job. However, I happily take on having the time with my 2 younger boys, but leaving what I know, is an emotional task. I waited until after the baby was here, before telling my principal and the school. And I have yet to go in and say good-bye to my students, and my colleagues. That is a dreaded day, that I will need Danny's help to get through; managing the boys, and my emotions. I will truly miss my work. Everyone keeps asking if I will go to work out there. And my answer is, "I don't know. I need some time to get settled, be Mom to 4 children, take care of my 2 young boys first. Then I will decide." So, that's where I'm at. Despite the sadness of leaving, and the overwhelming emotions that come with change, I really see this as an opportunity of a lifetime; to be with my family more.

So, we will be off some time just after Christmas. We will keep you posted and update with our new address, as soon as things are finalized.

Oslin's Blessing

 After recent life changing events, that I will discuss in the next post, we decided to bless Oslin on Fast Sunday in our old ward. Although we have enjoyed our new ward, we just haven't been here long enough to establish ourselves. Danny and I really wanted to bless this baby in a place that felt like home. And most of the people we wanted to invite attend our old ward, and it was closer for our family members, and Danny had to leave for Grand Junction in the afternoon, and they had early church...so all pointed towards 9am at Aurora Highlands Ward. It really was amazing to walk in and feel like we had never left. A few new faces I didn't know, but a lot we did. It was great to see everyone and celebrate this special day with friends. 

Family like Grandpa Mortensen & Uncle Marcus stood in the circle with Danny. And friends like Bishop Hunt, Brother Manning, Derrick Johnson, Brother Hampton, and even Brian Howell, from Dacono were apart of this special blessing. Danny blessed Oslin with specific blessings of wisdom, courage, compassion, and service throughout his life. It was a blessing of strength and power. I am truly blessed again in my life to have a wonderful husband and father for my children. He strives to live righteously and be worthy to receive the inspiration needed to bless and guide our family's life.

 We had so many people to socialize with that much of our family had to leave before we got around to taking some pictures. So, even though they are not visually present, they were present. Thanks Grandma Chris, Papa Joe, Uncle Ben, Grandpa & Grandma Mortensen for coming. Others like Uncle Marcus, Auntie Marisa, and the kids were there too.

  Marisa and I never knew we'd have 4 boys altogether, when we started our families.

 Grandma Layne was there too!

 Esaias wasn't feeling his best, but he sure looked handsome. And boy does he love his Uncle Marcus.

 The 2 oldest with the youngest. They wanted a picture with just them and the baby. Someday they will need this picture to remember  this day, or for Oslin to remember that they were there. What a big age difference; Isaac 12 years old, and Lilliana 13 years old (almost). I can remember when they were Oslin's age.

 Boy do I feel good! 2 weeks in, or maybe I should say out...but whichever the case, I haven't felt this good since June.

 Not in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine having 4 beautiful children. I look at these pictures and think this is a sweet, handsome family; like it's not me there. But, then I look again and see it is Danny & I and our children: Isaac, Marina, Esaias, and Oslin

 

 What a blessing, and I am so glad things didn't go as I planned!

"The Voice"

The TV show "The Voice" is a family favorite that we watch every Monday and Tuesday. Even Esaias sings along with the theme song, and knows the show. In fact, if you have watched Sesame Street lately, they do a spin off version of "The Voice" including puppets of Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Christina Aguilara & CeeLo. Marina our singer loves this show more than any of us. She discusses the performances, and results with family and friends alike. She even plays "The Voice" in her spare time. Asking us to be the judges/coaches and decide whether we'd turn our chair around for her or not. So, it's no surprise that she is still singing away in choir. We just attended her 7th choir performance. Isn't that crazy? I am sure there will be many more to come.

 Baby Oslin at 2 weeks old showed up to listen to the rousing rendition of Famous Folk, a song I'm sure he is very familiar with after the multiple rehearsals of it by his only sister.

 The 2 other brothers have heard the songs sung enough times that they can sing along too.

 Or maybe not! I suppose plugging your ears is an option.

We sure love our singing girl!

An Eventful First Week...Gobble, Gobble!

It has been a busy week for our first week home with our new little man. Not that we thought it would be any different, but busy nonetheless. Esaias has appreciated the brought in meals, well I should clarify that, the brought in treats. I'm not sure the last time we had this many brownies and cookies in our house at one time. So Cookie Monster has been hard at work this first week as a new big brother. Esaias has done very well adjusting so far. Occasionally he asks if Oslin can be put back in, but I don't think that's because he really wants him to go away, just that he's curious if he comes "out" and "in"? He also has put a couple plastic toys up his shirt and said, "baby" and then pulls them out and says, "baby out." Wow! Aren't they smart?

Danny gets to be home with us for 2 weeks! It's great to have him here to help out. I think Esaias might have the hardest time when Daddy and Mommy aren't home together all the time. He's been very spoiled with attention from both of us being home.

 It's always amazing how quickly your body can recover from giving birth. Or maybe it's just me, that's so happy to not be pregnant anymore, that anything feels better. I don't know, but each day, I notice some improvement. Of course there are the few minor set backs with my milk coming in, and a few tears that sometimes accompany that overwhelming feeling of change and the tasks of raising children, but those come and go...and eventually we (Moms) embrace it! But by day 4, I was giving my boys haircuts. I think I was expecting myself to do a little more, because I found myself feeling a little disappointed at the end of the day that I couldn't do more. But in hind site, I think that was a pretty good feat for the day.

And of course by day 6 & 7 we were celebrating Thanksgiving with family and headed into a night and a day full of shopping....Yes, Danny & I made it to Wal-mart for Black Friday (well, Thursday night)...and a few other stores on Friday. We are all doing great for the first week.

 Auntie Marisa bought Oslin this little Turkey Day outfit. It only made a couple hours before he peed out and had to be changed. Good thing we got some pictures first.

Oslin met some new cousins and spent some time being held by several of them. Lilli is always a favorite choice.

Oslin has been doing well. He eats about every 4 hours, although he will some times go up to 6 or 7 hours at a time, if we let him. He only gets up one time at night. However, the problem is that he wants to be awake for 2-3 hours. That's been a little rough. But Danny & I are working together and managing. Thank heavens for partnerships in this parenting deal. Last night, he was only awake for 30 minutes...I hate to get to excited yet, but wouldn't it be nice to think we had resolved that issue?

It's been a good first week. The next few weeks only seem to be just as busy and daunting, but if I can survive this week, the rest should get better. And although, we didn't get to host our traditional Thanksgiving at our house...I am very happy and grateful our little man came before Thanksgiving day, so that he could share in the family festivities. I love having a little baby around this time of year.

Wow That's a Big Boy!

Happy Day, Oslin finally arrived!

My water broke around 1:30 am waking me up. Having experienced this a couple weeks ago, I was hesitant to respond to quickly and wanted to make sure it was really "the time." I called my mom around 2:30am asking her to come and stay with the other kids while we went to the hospital.

Auntie Marisa met us at the hospital and the had us admitted and in the labor & delivery room shortly after 4 am.

Although I was having contractions they were still irregular, but progressing. After getting the epideral and working with best anesthesiologist ever to manage my natural tendency to drop blood pressure and throw up, the nurse wanted to give my irregular contractions a little boost, and gave me 2 ml of pitosin.

That did it, by 8:45 am she said, let's just check, maybe we will do a practice push. Then she said very mater of factly, "No, no practice push. Let's wait for the doctor." They all came in, and I mean all, as it was teaching day at the hospital, we had every student nurse and doctor possible in the room. About 2 contractions/pushes and 1 "slow-down only half a push, and wow that's a big head," and Oslin was here.

3 boys...Boy Power!

 & our only girl!

 Thanks G'ma Layne for helping us out. 

Esaias very excited to have "Baby Oslin out."

 Grandpa & Grandma Mortensen made it to the hospital on the first day to say hello!

 Auntie Marisa, Uncle Marcus & the cousins made it to welcome Oslin as well. Lafai was very excited to meet his new boy cousin.

 So, this is Danny & I trying to capture a moment as we left the hospital.  I wanted a picture of me taking the ride out of the hospital by wheelchair along with Oslin so that I could post, "Baby's first ride" and Mommy's last ride." Danny was to weighted down with bags to get the picture of me in the wheelchair...oh well.

All the waiting, and he's finally here. When they placed him on my tummy immediately following delivery, I couldn't believe how much he weighed. I could feel how dense he was. There he was healthy, strong, and dark hair. Just like Isaac had ordered, and all the heartburn told. While he resembled a Sandoval, Marisa & Danny both think they see some resemblance to Grandpa Martin. Wouldn't that be fitting for his name sake? He does look a little different from my other 3 kids. He has not been as photogenic as Marina & Esaias, but he's still a looker. And who can miss those sweet fat cheeks?

Welcome to our home Oslin. We are all very grateful for this wonderful surprise that Heavenly Father has given us. It's official 2 + 2 = 4. Happy days ahead!

Halloween Festivities

 So, I'm thrilled to say that Halloween went off with a bang! Although, I have been in the early stages of labor since this weekend, and not sure if I would make it to Halloween....we did it! I even managed to do the "trendy" thing and help the kids decorate their pumpkins instead of carving them. Esaias took a good long nap giving the older 2 my undivided attention for a fun afternoon of decorating. I even think they turned out pretty good.

 Marina wanted to create the spooky scene. And Isaac...

 Wanted to pull off Mike from Monster's Inc. You tell me what you think? Did we pull it off?

 After decorating pumpkins, we went straight to work on decorating ourselves. So that we could meet Daddy at work for CCA's Fall Festival.

 These 2 have definitely been raised on the street. Sesame Street that is. They both love it...so what better way to demonstrate their love and devotion to the long time PBS show, and come together in brotherly love (even 10 years apart in age)...Sport Elmo and Cookie Monster costumes!

 Marina was always more of a Barney fan...and just couldn't get into picking a Sesame Street costume. So, when we came across a Monster High Doll costume online...she was all over that. I tried to get her to be Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street, instead she opted for Abbie-abominable. So she got to wear fur leg and arm warmers, with silver glitter in hair. What more could a girl want? When I did her make-up with aqua eyeshadow, and with her new beautifully white straight teeth (she just got her braces off last week) Isaac took one look at his sister, and said..."scary!" I responded with that's not very nice. And he further explained that he didn't like his sister looking so grown up, and "diva" like. I could tell that he just didn't like that she looked very beautiful. While she went to put things away, Isaac and I had a conversation about how to be a good big brother. I.e. protecting her from his friends, or friends brothers, always complimenting her and being good to her. He was fine with this conversation, but he did tell me he didn't like that she would end up being pretty. Too funny! 

Dad even joined in on the fun. His office/dept. at work dressed up as Skittles. Of course, he would be the orange Skittle. I wore an orange which at this stage in the pregnancy isn't hard to imagine a pumpkin on the front of me. In fact, when the kids carried their pumpkins outside for pictures, they were complaining about how heavy they were. I commented that's what I've been carrying around for the last few months. Marina said, "OOOh I don't want to do that!" Anyway, the clan set off to trick-or-treating about 6:00pm on a warm Halloween night, filled our bags, stopped by our friends Jen & Chad's. Halloween wouldn't be complete without seeing our festive friends. All in all, it was a good evening. So much so, that the first things out of Esaias' mouth this morning was "candy, Elmo, & Cookie Monster!" And then I thought, "How do you tell him it's all over?"

He Says the Darndest Things!

 Esaias has been my slowest child to talk. Now, I wish I could tell you that was because he was this quiet, reserved child...NO! Not even close. He is extremely loud (as all the male Sandoval's are and have been) in all his attempts to communicate. The problem is that he has been very hard to understand, and preferred the yelling and one word style. I've had moments when I have been worried, or at least have been on the watch to see if we need to look into speech services for him. As a young boy, Danny needed speech services. If you know Danny, you would never know it, and being a teacher... I have not been freaking out about it, just waiting and being aware. Esaias is finally attempting to speak in longer phrases and sentences, but it can still be challenging to understand him. So, I am not sure that we can rule out speech services just yet...but he sure provides a lot of entertainment in the mean time.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• "Fork it, please." This is when he is using a fork at the dinner table and is trying to stab it in order to pick it up. Now imagine that he can't say his r's. In fact, I make jokes about him being from the east coast. So, hopefully you can "hear" the funny slant on this. It is very difficult for us all to keep a straight face at the table when he says it...loudly.
• "Hutball boy" and "cereal boy" are terms that he has coined as endearing. I guess because we have called him a football boy, because he loves to watch it on TV, watch the boys practice, or recognizes any football field and shouts out in the car, "hutball." As far as "cereal boy" that's because this kid is crazy about cereal. He goes to bed thinking about how he is going to eat cereal in the morning when he wakes up. So, when he is getting in trouble or going to bed, he says these phrases in the sweetest possible voice (don't forget that he bats his eyelashes at us as he says it also) to Danny and I as if we are going to think he is soooo cute, that he getting himself out of trouble or won't have to go to bed. So, imagine trying to get after him when he's stealing a toy, and him turning to you, batting his eyelashes, and in a sound dripping with syrup..."hutball boy." Then he smiles. Kids are way too smart for their own good.
• He cannot say Marina's name. Poor thing has been trying for a long time. He can get a good "I-ick" out for Isaac, but Marina has come out in many different forms for quite some time. We have finally resolved to "Mana." I think the even funnier thing is that he can say "nastics" for gymnastics. Isn't that way harder then Marina??? But "Mana-nastics" is a common statement at our house. He knows and recognizes the place where we take her and drop her off for gymnastics practice, and every time we enter a high school gym...it's "Mana-nastics." Maybe he thinks that's her name...I don't know, but he's definitely coined a new term at our house. 
• I love that he already refers to the baby as "Baby Osin." It's always amazing to me how little people seem to really understand the whole baby thing, way more than adults. Esaias knows what toys are for the baby, what bed is for the baby, where the baby is (Mommy's tummy) and refers to it as, "Baby Osin's" He rubs my tummy and some times kisses it. Now, you might think, oh so cute, or think this is even normal. However, getting Esaias to kiss anybody or anything...is a rare occasion. And being like his Mom a little...not so lovey dovey...not many people touch or rub my tummy...neither of my other children or even Danny. Therefore, Esaias has not learned this by watching or copying others. Maybe he really is no dummy. He sure notices baby's everywhere we go too. I truly think he was born to be a big brother. I am not saying he's going to be the nicest one...he's way too "Martin" for me to promise that. But he has had older brother instincts from a young age. Loving up on babies...even when he is/was not much more than one himself, and always very aware of babies and other little people. I will never forget how he responded to our friends, Mike & Rhonda's, little boy last summer (they are only about 6 months apart). He still loves to look at the pictures and remembers him and calls him by name. I believe Heavenly Father knew this and sent Esaias first for this reason.
• Every evening when it becomes dusk Esaias says, "nigh nigh sun." He says good night to the sun and looks for the moon. I am not sure this fascination with dark...other than he knows that it's bedtime. But he always talks about the sun and the moon.

These are just a few I wanted to record...there are hundreds more. This kids just seems to say the funniest things at the funniest times. 

He's a Runner!

 Congratulations Isaac! He ran track for the first time this year...and at his first district meet took 5th place in the 800 meter. That's out of all Cherry Creek District 7th grade Middle School boys competing... he took 5th. I think that's pretty terrific! He also participated in the 4 X 200m relay, the 400m, and they called him in to help race the 4 X 100m relay. He is still learning how to manage and adjust his pacing in the long distance, but you should see him go. He looks great with a lot of future potential. And for a kid that has had asthma since 1 years old...I love that he has been able to participate in sports. He still loves soccer and looks forward to playing in the spring at school, and hopes to play in a couple years at the high school level. We continue to support him in his efforts! Way to go, Isaac.

Happy 9th Birthday Marina!

Happy Birthday to Marina on Thursday. We took a girls' trip this Saturday to the Park Meadows American Girl store. Marina was excited to get cash for her birthday and have an opportunity to pick out her own treasure. She has been studying the catalog for the last 2 months in preparation for this trip. 

In the end, she chose her first choice, and bought the gymnastics set and outfit. Look at the size of that box!

Grandma Chris treated all the girls' dolls to new hairstyles. Marina chose the birthday updo...with tiara. 

Lilli was the photographer. She was a little old to be enjoying much of this, and she doesn't have a doll, but I told her, she had to go with me to keep me company. She's still glad she hung out with us...and I made sure that the restaurant  served her as an adult...or at least not a little kid. 

Marisa couldn't join us, as she was coaching a gymnastics meet. Lucky....just kidding, but we did miss her from the girl party!