I realize a lot has happened in eight months, along with many pictures that have been taken. I'm just going to summarize the changes that have occurred throughout that time, and move forward from this point in time.
Dan-
Dan, my wonderful friend and husband, works at Pay Pal in the disputes department on the Australia team. He gets to talk with Australians who are much more polite and friendly than fellow Americans apparently. Because of his school schedule, Dan works odd days/hours (and because Australia is pretty much a day ahead of us here in AZ). He goes to school full time at Chandler Gilbert Community College. He's in an 18 month program to become an Aircraft Maintenance Technician. It is perfect for Dan. He gets to work with his hands, get hydraulics fluid on his clothes, work with tools... pretty much be as manly as possible. He loves it. He plans on continuing on with school to get a degree in Aeronautical Engineering with ASU after he's done with this program. Let me tell you, it has been a tough road figuring out what he wanted to do for school/career. I am so happy he has found his niche.
Me-
I am a mother! It is still weird to me that I have a child. I still feel like a child myself, but the fact is...I will be turing 28 this year! I also work part time as an Aesthetician, which I really do love. I get to fix my hair pretty, put on fancy makeup, talk with adults, be creative, make money, and have some much needed time away from my favorite baby boy. Whenever I do leave for work, Dan gets to be with Drake, so I don't feel as guilty. They get to have their bonding time. Dan and Drake don't get to see much of each other because of Dan's schedule, so I'm glad they get to have some time together. I have an associates in Psychology with University of Phoenix, and I will be starting my bachelors program with ASU in Human and Family Development this fall. Hey, why not? I figure if I am going to get a degree in something that I may or may not work in, I might as well get one that will help me as a mother! That is pretty much my life right now. Spending time with family is mixed in there as well.
Drake-
Drake is just growing and being as cute as ever. I've got a toddler now who runs, jumps, dances, throws tantrums, jibber jabbers, and sings. He has four teeth so far, thick blond hair which he inherited from his daddy, along with blond eyebrows. I had quite a scare. Drake has had a little cold for two days, and yesterday morning he was having difficulty breathing. I took him into urgent care, and it turns out he has traces of slight pneumonia and he has bronchiolitis. I give him breathing treatments with a nebulizer and albuterol every four hours, and he is on medication for the pneumonia. One day he has a little cold/cough, and the next morning he can't breathe! It happened so fast. I am so glad that he is breathing slower and easier today. Teething has proven to be a nightmare. Every parent goes through it... that doesn't make it any easier! I have been having a hard time feeding this kid. He's pretty picky. Drake has been a very easy baby, but the eating issue has been the hardest for me! I didn't think too far ahead past the breast feeding and baby food stage. The "toddler eating like the rest of us" stage is hard! I am responsible for this little persons nutrition. That is a lot of responsibility. We're getting the hang of it. Drake can say a few words: ow, hi, bye bye, mama, dada, uh oh, and touch down (more like tuh dow). What a jewel in my crown my Drake is.
We've had Dan's little brother, Ben, living with us for almost a year. Drake just loves Uncle Ben... I am so glad they could form a bond while he was staying with us. Ben has been going to school and working while he's been here, and he has figured out what he wants to do for a career. He's moving back to Utah to go to school to learn how to design video games next month... his dream!
There you go...nice summary, huh?
Life hasn't been all peaches and cream these last eight months. It has been hard. I realize that on our blogs and facebook we sugar coat our lives to look perfect, when in reality, life is not perfect. I think it is much more helpful to tell it like it is (to a point), and maybe we can help each other get through life easier that way.
Dan and I are going to be sealed in the temple soon, but in order to be worthy, we need to be paying our tithing. Man, tithing is a complete leap of faith. Especially if you aren't sure how you can put food on the table. But let me tell you, the blessing of tithing is a real thing. It's one of those things you have to experience for yourself. So now I can happily add the blessings of tithing to my 'personal testimony' checklist. If you are doing what the Lord has asked us to do, he will bless you and take care of you. We cannot make it throughout our lives alone. We need Heavenly Father's help. We tend to forget this when things seem to be going well in our lives. As soon as life gets tough, it can be hard to swallow our pride and realize this. I had to learn this with my mom getting hurt and ultimately passing away. I am re-learning it now with our finances and tithing. We need help. There is only so much we can do... the rest we have to give to Heavenly Father, and he will take it the rest of the way for us if we let him.
