Awe Christmas

December is such a crazy and busy month, but it all becomes worth it Christmas morning.  Actually this year it started a little earlier than that.  On the 23rd we had our traditional Grandpa Claus with John's family.  His dad dresses up as Santa and calls each family member up, one by one, and gives them a present.  This year we did dinner too- mexican style.  As always with the Lewis family foods, it was very delicious.  EZ's double ear infection had him feeling pretty miserable, I still had this annoying cough, and John's fighting a sore throat.... but we still went and had a great time!  Well, except for the part where it was EZ's turn to sit on Santa's lap.  He cried and tried to escape.  He's been very clingy to John lately so he is only happy when his daddy is holding him.  Here's some of that night.

 

 

The next night, Christmas Eve we went over to John's sister's house in South Jordan.  It's her family's tradition to have an open house every Christmas Eve.  Again, amazing food!  Also a lot of fun.  EZ had a great time playing with their dog.  He was in a much better mood, just laughing and dancing the whole night.  Anyway, I only got a few pictures of him playing with the dogs and most of them are blurry!

Christmas day was just fabulous.  It snowed!  Snow on Christmas morning is just right.  We woke up around 8, went downstairs and started opening EZ's presents.  (he still needs a little help)  Then we decided to open our presents too since there wasn't that many.  If it weren't for the holiday package my parents sent, it would have been a lot less!  Thanks Mom and Dad!  Then we made a great breakfast with french toast, eggs, bacon and sausage, hot chocolate, and cinnamon rolls!  Mmm mmm.  Then we opened our stockings!  After that we all felt a little too stuffed and sleepy so EZ took a nap and John and I watched a movie in bed.  Then we got up and got ready to head over to another of John's sister's houses for Christmas dinner.  Do I even need to mention how delicious it was?  Do you believe me yet?  Lewis's can cook!  I also realized I hadn't had to make dinner for the last 3 nights.  Woo-hoo!  I know I've packed on some holiday weight already, oh well... tis the season!  Anyway, besides eating we hung out and read a sweet Christmas book to help us keep our focus on the real gift of Christmas; the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Having a 2 year-old made this Christmas extra special.  Kids just make everything more exciting!  Merry Christmas everyone!  Thanks to those in my life; my friends and family, love you all.  I am truly blessed!

At a loss

For the past few months I've just felt like something's missing.  I feel like I had plans that fell out of my control and just didn't happen.  It all started in July.  I was texting the owner of my former job at Fantastic Sams and I mentioned how I wanted to come back to work.  She said I was welcome back anytime!  She also told me that one of the manager's had just given her notice and would be needing to hire soon.  So, I called (my old salon that I used to manage) and talked to the manager.  For protection I will just call her L.  She was the one who took over managing after I stepped down because of having my son.  I went back to work after EZ was born and it was a hard transition to have someone I recently hired and been manager of be my manager.  That's why I worked at the other location for a while before quitting last August.  Anyway, I told her that I had just talked to the owners and was told they'd have a spot for me soon at the salon.  She told me that she and another girl were quitting soon.  We talked about when I would probably start and how many hours I'd work and stuff.  I told her I was thinking about September but could probably do some days in August. She said she'd look at her schedule and get back to me.  Well, about a week went by and I hadn't heard from her so I called the salon again and she answered!  She told me she had been out of town and hadn't had a chance to look that far ahead so still wasn't sure when I would get on the schedule.  I told her I would text her my availability and she said she'd let me know.

I sent her the following text on July 28th:
Hi L*, this is Jade.  Just wanted to let you know more about my schedule.  Also, who do I need to talk to after you aren't there?  August is pretty busy for me, but I have a few days available if you need them.  So I think September would be better for me to start a real schedule.

She didn't get back to me so after 2 days I wrote her again on Jul 31:
My best days in August are Monday the 11th any closing shift, Tuesday the 12th no sooner then 3 because I have school, Thursday the 14th also 3-8 because of school, Monday the 18th any closing shift, Tuesday the 19th any closing shift, Friday the 22 any closing shift, and Monday the 25 any closing shift.  Then I'm out of town til Sept. 1.

I still didn't hear anything for a week so I text again on Aug 7:
Hi again, just wondering if you have a start date for me yet?

She actually responded just a few minutes later saying: No I don't need anyone yet.  Prob not until sept when me and another full time girl quit.  I had lots of people out of town but everyone is back now.  Also they still have not decided the new manager.

I wrote right back and said: Okay that works for me!  Thanks!!

She says: Ya no problem!

So I waited.  And waited.  Waited for her to contact me and let me know when I would start.  It seemed clear to me that I would start in September and she would pass along the information about who I was and that I would be working soon to who ever was going to be the new manager.  Well, August was coming to an end soon and I still hadn't heard anything so I text her on the 22nd:
Hi, so I have my September availability whenever you're ready for it :)

No response.  On Sept 5th I write: Hi L*, I don't want to bug ya, but I'm eager to start working.  Do you have an idea when you'll want me to start?

She writes back this time saying: I haven't worked there for a couple weeks now

I respond: Oh sorry, I just don't know who to talk to, I thought you were still there!  Nevermind

She replies: No problem!  Karli is the new manager.  

AND THAT'S THE LAST I HEAR FROM HER!  Can you believe that?  She told me she was quitting in September and she clearly quit in August.  Why didn't she tell me that when I wrote her about my availability for September?  If I were in her position I would have kept in contact every step of the way.  I would have had the new manager contact me and work things out from there.  So anyway, I called the salon to talk to the new manager, who was busy at the time, and didn't call me back for several hours.  She told me that L had hired some new people before she left so they're were fully staffed and didn't need me.  WHAT??  I was shocked!  I asked her what she even knew about me because I had been told 6 weeks ago that I was going to have a job and work 2-3 days a week.  She said that L told her I just wanted to be "on-call"....... Again, total shock!  This L person clearly hates my guts and wants to ruin my life.  She totally screwed me over!  I then contacted the other location's manager who actually knows me and she sadly told me that she'd love to have me back but they were fully staffed as well.  What a mess right?  I then got on facebook and deleted L because she clearly is no friend to me.  I started asking around about salon jobs and getting on KSL looking for job postings.  After I mellowed out in a few days I started to feel really good about not going back to work just yet.  I felt like there must have been a higher purpose or reason things didn't work out.  In some ways it was good.  I was able to babysit a few times for a friend who really needed it..  I was able to let my husband attend school and work and do homework without the stress of conflicting our schedules..  I got to stay home with my awesome son and visit with friends and stuff.

Shortly after all this I got called to teach the sunbeams in my ward.  I was surprised that I was getting a "Sunday only" calling since because I didn't have a job, I didn't have any weekly obligations that would prohibit me from a calling that required me during the week or something.  Does that make sense?  I really thought I was going to be called into Young Women's.  Of course I always think that and it never happens....  In the mean time I'd interviewed at a few other salons but they just didn't feel like a good fit.  One of them wanted me full time, which I just can't do.  Another wanted me to go to a 2 week training and also work on Sundays.  No thank you!  Well after about 2 months I tried again with Fantastic Sams and still no spots open for me.  Ugh.

John suddenly became convinced that I should work for jetBlue.  We know some people who do the work-from-home job and really like it.  So, I applied.  What a process that is!  They have you take some online tests, each a few days apart.  If you pass those, you go in for an interview which is like 3 hours long.  They introduce you to the company, take information and just make sure you're a real person who is interested.  Then they do a background check.  Which is also a lengthy process.  I had a few set backs but sent in everything they needed.  It's been a week and a half and I just got a call today that I got the job!  Although, after all that waiting I thought the pay off would feel better.  John was home briefly and we were both like, "okay..."

So, I don't know.  I've just felt at a loss.  I feel like there was so much more I could have been doing for myself and for my family.  Why did it take so long to get somewhere??  Being a stay-at-home-mom is a real challenge for me.  I think I must just really enjoy working.  Of course being a mom is more work than any job, I know!  I do love being home too, don't get me wrong.  It's just that until a few minutes ago it seemed like there was no opportunity to do more and it's been very frustrating.   I was just making myself crazy because my destiny felt out of my control for so long.  It's not a good feeling to feel like other people run your life.  I don't know if this makes any sense.  Sorry, I guess I just had to vent!  I don't know how this job will go or if I'll feel any more fulfilled but it is the first step.  As I write this, it is brightening my day.  I know I'd much rather be doing hair, and I guess I still can on the side... but jetBlue has a lot of perks so, hopefully it all goes well... wish me luck, and thanks for reading!

Happy Anniversary

7 years!  Hot cha cha!!  I just love my husband so much, more than I ever have before.  I am so lucky to have him.  Marrying him has been the best decision I have ever made.

eeeeeeeEZEKIEL!!!

I officially have a 2 year-old!  I just marvel at how quickly and also slowly time goes by.  It also amazes me at how much harder my life has been, but also how much better it's become since this little man was born.  I'm so grateful to be blessed to have him, he is remarkable to me!  I'm grateful that I get to spend almost all day every day with him.  He is so sweet, with a soft and warming little voice.  His smile always melts my heart and his laugh always makes me smile.

He is learning and growing more and more every day.  He talks all day long (most of it gibberish) and loves to repeat back what he hears.  He cracks up at some of the funnier sounding words like; dizzy, stretchy, yucky and gooey.  I don't know where it came from but one of his favorite sayings is, "i-e" especially when he's in a silly mood.  When he says "potty" it sounds more like "ki-ee" and he is understanding more of what going potty is all about.  He makes the sign for it every time he sees a bathroom and also when he goes #2.  He also loves to flush the toilet.  We're still a long ways a way from potty training, but it's exciting to see him grasp a concept!  Isn't it funny how parents portray the world?  Anyway, here are some more things EZ does.

• When he gets excited about something his eyes light up and he takes in a deep open breath.  
• He knows to fold his arms for a prayer and he claps at the end of each one.  
• The word he says over and over, all day long is, "hi".  He always waves a lot too, mostly to people who aren't really looking at him.
• He gives good hugs and kisses.  As well as blows kisses.
• It's harder getting him to take a nap, I think because he doesn't want to stop playing and he doesn't want to be without us.  
• He is pretty clingy still and shy around new people and places.  I never have to worry about him running off because he doesn't like to drift too far from my side.  
• He likes to hold hands too, especially when he's feeling nervous.  
• He loves hats.  He'll put anything on his head that will stay on his head.  He usually says, "hat" but sometimes he'll say, "crown."
• He also holds just about anything up to his ear like a phone and say "elwo"
• He loves to feed the ducks.
• He's obsessed with all things cars and more recently trains.  He says "choo choo" when he plays with toy cars.  (we don't have any toy trains)
• He loves to splash!  Bath time is always a very wet time for Mommy.
• He loves to hop and jump, as well as dance and kick.  He can really shake his booty!
• He plays peek-a-boo with himself.  He'll cover his eyes with his hands then take them away quickly.  I've caught him doing this to himself when he thinks no one is watching.
• He still crams in as much food as will fit into his mouth even though he ends up choking and spitting some out!  He never wants to stop eating.
• He never tires of building towers.
• He likes all the kid shows but his favorite is, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.

I tried to get some cute pictures of him last week but my camera isn't that fancy, and this little dude is so busy that he just can't hold still!  The first one is the best one I got.  They're all a little bit blurry but I still like them so I'm posting them.  Isn't he cute?  He loves feeding the ducks even if they swarm us.  He tried a pine cone... then a dandelion...  

   

 We had a birthday party for him on Sunday, a few days early-but like he even knows!  It turned out pretty good, we had it at our clubhouse (the castle).  I did cupcakes again this year, I just think they're easiest for a group.  I also made rice crispy treats and spinach lasagna roll ups.  We also had ice cream as well as grapes and strawberries.  It was a good spread.  A little real food and a little dessert food!  I just get excited when people eat and enjoy the things I make, just makes me feel good!

 It took EZ a few times before he grasped opening up presents.  He got excited with every new gift he got, so excited that he didn't hold still long enough for my camera to get a decent picture of his happy face...  Have I complained enough about my camera?  Well if it bothers you, then I encourage you to buy me a fancy new camera!  Te he, ANYWAY.... some of these pictures are funny because he looks drunk in them.  I seem to be able to catch him half-blinking almost all of the time.  He was also scared to blow out his birthday candle.  That probably doesn't surprise you though!  Here's a few seconds of it,

The next day he had his 2-year doctor appointment.  His stats: Weight 30 pounds -95th percentile, Height 34 inches -32nd percentile, Head Circumference 19.25 -68th percentile.  Basically he's short and stocky.  I don't know where in his genetics he got short and stocky from.  Certainly not my side. In fact he was off the chart for his weight!  He definitely is getting harder and harder to pick up and hold.  He also wears a size 8 toddler shoe.  He was always a big boy!

We got a special holiday and birthday package from my Mom on Wednesday.  So EZ got to open a few more gifts, which he enjoyed!  Grandmother sent us this little dancing and singing Christmas tree too, which EZ both loved and hated.  Here's some of that experience.

His actual birthday 12-18-14, wasn't super exciting for the most part.  John had to work and I had a dentist appointment, so EZ got to hang out at his grandparents for a while.  He does really love it there though!  John's work had a Christmas party at Fat Cats that night so we got to do something fun at least!  Free Costa Vida and free bowling is right up my alley!  -No pun intended.  Sadly though EZ did not have a good time.  He clung to John and just whined and whimpered the whole time.  He's still not a big fan of new places with lots of noise and people.

Lastly, on top of everything else this week, we've been sick!  It hasn't been the worst colds ever thankfully but still, super sucky to be sick!  I had 3 different dentist appointments this week and having a sore throat and cough didn't make them any easier.  But we powered through it.  Hopefully we're all healthy and well by Christmas.

Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SON!  I can't believe it's been 2 years already.  My life really changed for the better when you came along.  I love watching you learn and grow.  You make our family feel complete.  Although we'll probably give you a sibling someday!

Love you

October!

I LOVE OCTOBER!!!
We've had such a fun fall so far!  I am not ready for winter and I hope she takes her time getting here.  We started the month out right by going to a pumpkin patch in Spanish Fork.  John had to work that day so he's not in any pictures but we did go with some of his family so that made it fun!  EZ is still a little too young for a lot of this stuff but I know he loves it!

 

After the pumpkin patch we went to Aunt Cristy's house and hung out there for a while.  EZ loves her house and her kids.  They love him too.  They always tell us to come back over the next day.  Cristy has some of the youngest cousins on John's side, which is why I think he likes them because they give him constant attention and they also have a ton of toys!  You can see he loves to put stuff on his head like a hat.  Anything that will fit and/or balance on his head, he will put it there.  He also loves sunglasses and you can tell he's super cute in them!

He's starting to really talk, even though it's not much.  He will try to repeat what you say.  His favorite letter sound is "c" or "k"  for example he mostly says, car, cold, cracker, cup, key, cookie, and cool.  He still does a lot of sign language and I try to introduce more and more to him.  Aunt Cristy is pretty impressed with how well he does it.  Makes communication at this age easier.  EZ is becoming more and more independent too.  Still clingy, but getting faster at warming up to new situations.  He loves to climb, dance, jump and shake his booty!  He still never wants to stop eating either.  I just wish he'd get over this picky eater phase (at least I hope it's just a phase).

On to other October things, I got GOOD NEWS!  My oldest brother and his family just moved to Salt Lake City!  I finally have some family in my same state!  My brother is amazing and a new Utah Lawyer!  I went to his swearing-in ceremony downtown.  It is so crazy there, I never want to live in the big city.  Anyway, it was really nice to support him and everything but we didn't stay long because EZ was way cranky.  It was his nap time and he would not let me put him down without balling.  I didn't get any pictures but my sister-in-law did, here's a couple:

A few days later WE ALSO went to Thanksgiving Point with John's sister and niece.  She has been working there and offered to take us for a big discount!  It was John's first time.  We walked through the dinosaur museum then through their farm country.  EZ loved looking at everything, (and pointing to everything) even though some of it was a little scary.  It's so hard to get a good picture of him because he is so active and curious, he never holds still!  He did really well holding on to the pony during his pony ride and when it was over he was signing "more," haha!

 

 After Thanksgiving Point we went swimming.  My kid LOVES water, and splashing, and drinking it, and everything involved in water.  He always cries when it's time to go.  (He even cries when his bath is over, he never wants the water fun to stop!)  It's just a small drive through a neighborhood to the pool so EZ "drove" us there... he loves all things cars too.  Every time we unbuckle him from his car seat, he climbs to the front and sits down and pretends to drive, saying "car car car" over and over.  You can also see his excited face, he pulls that face ALL THE TIME!  It is so hilarious and we never get tired of it!

 After loading all these pictures, I've realized I need to make John get behind the camera more.  It seems most of my pictures are selfies, and not always flattering...

Anyway, about a week later WE ALSO went to a traditional Halloween time dinner with a group of friends where we dress up, go out to eat, and enjoy being kid-free for a night!  It may only be one time a year we ever see some of these friends, so we make a big effort to do it up right!  Here's John and I straight out of Hogwarts,  ...We only got these costumes a couple hours before the party.  Halloween tends to sneak up on me every year and we're always scrounging last minute.  Thankfully some people in our ward let us borrow their Harry Potter stuff just in time!

THE NEXT DAY I woke up with a tickle in my throat.  So I spent the last week of October sick!  EZ caught my cold too and he's had this cute little scratchy voice for a few days.  But we're both much better now.  Thankfully we were well enough to go to our ward's Trunk of Treat on Halloween.  I didn't get EZ's costume until the day before.  He went as Batman!  It worked out that I had purchased some cool Batman light-up shoes a few weeks ago that just happened to have matched his costume perfectly.  He did well at the trunk-or-treat too.  I walked him around and after seeing what was going on, he happily went to each car, grabbed out a piece (or two) of candy and excitedly put it in his bucket.  Isn't he cute?

 

 

 The pic in his car seat was him super upset when the party was over, then totally fine once he had his bucket.  The last pic was me trying to get him in action with the light-up shoes.  It kind of worked...

So that was our October.  Such a fun month!  Even if we were sick for part of it :)

P.S. Here's some other cute pictures from this month.