Irrationality....

11 months ago Joe took a trip to a canyoneering rendezvous in Zion National Park.  He came home and less than a week later was hospitalized.  And had surgery.  And lost a rib.  (yeah, yeah, you all know this story right?)

Since then, he's done great.  He's fully recovered, is off the blood thinners, has a full release from his doctor to what ever he wants to in terms of physical activity, and has gone canyoneering several times.  Let me edit that last statement- has gone for several one day canyoneering trips.

See... he hasn't gone on a long weekend (translation:  cram as much technical canyoneering as I can into the shortest time I can) of canyoneering since... well.... since... yeah.  Then.

I know he's fine.  I know he is with a good friend and will do great.  I know he is healed, that the likelihood of a recurrence is small, and that he will have an awesome time.  My head knows ALL OF THAT STUFF.

But my heart (that total irrational part of me) is worried.  And stressed.  And I know I'm not gonna feel better until his rear end is out of the canyon on Sunday afternoon and in the car on his way back to me (oh, come on, let's be real... I'll stress about him driving all that way when he is tired too... I'll feel better when he is home!)

So... think good thoughts everybody- okay?  Positive energy surrounding Joe.  Prayers for God to watch over him and everyone else who is in the canyons with him this weekend.  Think blood flowing freely throughout his body with no constricted places..... (and, I guess you could all hope that he was having a good time and enjoying himself too.....)

Thanks my friends.  I appreciate it.  (and if you see me losing it on Facebook, somebody buy me some chocolate or something okay??)

Night all-
C

PS  Joe is in Ouray, CO right now.  He'll be going to Zion next month.  Basically on the anniversary of the 'event'.  So, yeah, maybe we should start planning now for how I'm gonna cope with that one!!

Taking Chances

Several years ago I wrote a note "25 Random Things About Me"  (if this makes you curious... you can read the whole thing here- trust me it really isn't that exciting...).  It took me a LONG time to write this document, and I've actually reflected on it several times since writing it (I've actually done #22, still fully endorse #5, #6, and #7, #24 is still on hold and I am working really hard on being more okay with #25). 

Tonight I want to talk about #12 though...

I think Joe and I have often chosen the path in life that is safe, 

rather than the path in life that was right when it comes to jobs, school, etc.

I think Joe and I have always been 'safe'.  We've always taken the safe route, the conservative route, the 'for sure' route.  And right now, for once, we are talking about doing something that maybe isn't as safe, isn't as comfortable, and isn't a 'for sure' thing....

If you have been following my Twitter or Facebook feed during the past few weeks, you know that Joe and I have been meeting with a Realtor and talking about the possibility of relocating.  Several of you have asked why we would like to relocate or what we are looking for in a new house.  Truthfully, I would love to keep our current house!  It is perfect for us.  We remodeled the kitchen and it is exactly what I want (well... except that it could use a little larger pantry and a few more cabinets, but really, it's mostly what I want...)  I've also figured out in the last few weeks that there are things that I will be so sad to leave... we've measured our kids growth against our lemon tree and our fountain for years!  However, we live approximately 30 minutes from where I work and where the kids go to school.  With Julia now in 4th grade, we are at a crossroads.  We will need to either transition her to a school near our house so she can make some friends before middle school OR we need to relocate near where her friends are, and have her go to middle school in Kyrene.  I have gotten so used to the kids being in the Kyrene system and having them close to where I work, I can't imagine moving Julia across town for school.  It is also really hard for our kids to have relationships with other kids outside of school... just a birthday party can mean up to an hour in the car going to and from....  And so we've decided to investigate the possibility of relocating into the Kyrene area.

This isn't a safe thing.  The real estate market is bad right now.  We still owe a sizable amount on our current home- and it isn't clear if we can make enough to cover all the fees, costs, commissions and walk away with a positive balance.  We need to make some small repairs to our house as well- and that will be additional money.

The upside is that houses are at an all time low.  We could get into the neighborhood that we want for the least amount of money- and get a fairly nice house in return.  We will likely need to dig into our savings, our safety net, to make a down payment on the new house. 

We have some time.  2 years until Julia goes to middle school.  But who has the crystal ball that would tell us if the housing market will stay the same or get worse (we already know that it will likely not get better).  Should we wait, hoping it will get better, and we can walk away with a little more?  Or should we move forward, knowing that it is possible that in 6 months it will not be financially feasible AT ALL?

These are hard decisions, hard conversations... especially for the 'safe' folks.  We want what is right for our family, but we are trying to balance the financial end with things that are less tangible like schools and friends and commutes.  What is it worth to us to relocate?  Is it worth part of our savings- our safety net?  Is it worth the financial risk?  What if we make the wrong decision?  Is now the time?  (and am I HORRIBLY LAZY for thinking that it is almost fall... when we have birthdays and Christmas and everything else and I really don't want to have to keep my house spotless for the 90-120 days it will probably take to sell our house?)

Wow... what started as an 'what about' conversation between Joe and I when we were at the Salty Senorita early this summer has suddenly turned into what could be a life altering decision....

What are your thoughts?  Have you ever taken a risk like this?  I'd love to hear your thinking... post a comment, please!!
C

PS  I do want you all to know that Joe and I have a Realtor that we have a great deal of trust in.  We have been talking to him for a few weeks, met with him tonight, and he is a great fit for us.  He is factual and kind and willing to wait it out with us.  We are going to see a financial adviser next week.  That will hopefully put more perspective on the entire situation and provide us with more answers about just how much of a risk we may be taking.... (just wanted you all to know that we are still being 'safe' even if we are thinking about making a decision that isn't our normal style....)

Another Year Has Begun....

The 2010-2011 school year has officially begun!

There are lots of traditions tied to the back to school season in our house (seriously, what isn't a huge tradition for us?  I swear I can turn just about anything into a tradition...)  Anyway, the kids always spend the last week before school starts hanging out with Nana and Papa.  And, this week always includes a shopping trip.  And, since Miss Julia was in preschool, Nana and Papa have always bought her a '1st day of school dress'. (note the word dress here, it will become important in a minute) 

So... as traditions go, Nana and Papa took the munchies shopping this week.  Colin dreaded the shopping (okay, so something has happened in the last few months that suddenly I have a BOY! B-O-Y, boy and he hates all things shopping or anything that could possibly in any way be thought of as girly.  He has also mastered farting with his hands and burping loudly.) but Julia was kinda excited.  I wasn't on the trip, so I only know what happened second hand, but rumor is that Miss Julia and Nana had a great deal of fun picking out and trying on, and Papa got stuck trying to keep Colin happy.  Julia came home with three (count them THREE) new tops, a pair of pants, and nooooo dress.  (Sigh.  She is growing up.)  Colin came home with two new shirts that he basically could have cared less about.  (Sigh.  He is growing up.)  The only downside was that Miss Julia and I decided that none of her current shoes would work with her new beautiful outfits (and this deserves a whole post or something of its own, but let's just say that I'm not signing up to take that girl shoe shopping again anytime soon!)

With the Nana and Papa shopping trip over, and Miss Julia with new shoes, we were ready for Meet the Teacher Night.  Mr. Furedy had pick up duty from Nana and Papa's house as I was already at the school pitching in to help get everything ready (I am really blessed this year that one of the programs I work with has been housed at the school where my children attend.  This makes nights like Meet the Teacher much easier because I can be there both professionally and as a mom without a ton of guilt.)  Mr. Furedy and the kiddos arrived right on time... and they were so excited.  Both of the kids were thrilled to find out who their teachers were (although Colin was a little upset when he found out that I've known who his teacher is for most of the summer and I didn't tell him!  Ooops....).

Julia will be spending her 4th grade year with Miss Umina  
(who is getting married in June... for those of you who are following this teacher saga- her 2nd grade teacher had twins, her 3rd grade teacher got married, and now her 4th grade teacher is getting married too... I'm starting to think that Julia is a good luck charm for her teachers!) 

She will also return to GR with Ms. Munsinger.
(these two are like peas in a pod... look how they are even color coordinated!) 

Colin will be spending his 2nd grade year with Mrs. Corbett.
(I think this is the cutest picture of the two of them....)

And, as always, once Meet the Teacher was over, we had dinner out.  Just one more tradition.

The weekend between Meet the Teacher and school starting was great.  Joe took Julia to a canyoneering class.  Colin went to karate.  We all went over to Nana and Papa's house to celebrate Nana's birthday with swimming, pizza and brownies (sugar free for the Nana of course!).  We spent Sunday cleaning, organizing, doing laundry and some last minute shopping (Julia's teacher requested a betta fish as a class pet, so we got the pleasure of picking him out!).

Monday morning dawned bright and early and the kids were very excited.  Here they are in the traditional, in front of the fountain poses...

Miss Julia Furedy- 9 years old- 4th grade
(BREAKING tradition by NOT wearing the same outfit on the first day as she did at Meet the Teacher- we decided those pants would just be toooo hot!)

Mr. Colin Furedy- 7 years old- 2nd grade
(Keeping the tradition of the same outfit, not that he really cared in the least....)

They are both growing and changing so fast.... I think this is really going to be a year of change for both of them.  Here's to a great one!  (and pray, please pray for their teachers!)

15 Years Ago...

15 years ago today, after seven years of dating (and what seemed like endless waiting), I walked down the aisle of Bethany Community Church (with my dad cracking jokes all the way), and married my love, my life, my soulmate.  We had NO idea of the journey that we were embarking on, but I would have never wanted to have been on this journey with ANYONE else.

 Mr. Furedy- I love you dearly.  Our marriage has gotten better and better with each passing year.  You are an amazing husband and a wonderful father.  Happy 15th Anniversary... here's to a life time more....

Carrie

PS  For those of you out there about to do it...
I know, I know...  what was up with the glasses? 
And yes, we were 12 years old when we got married- in case you were trying to figure it out!!  :)

Just a Momma

So, I got to be a Momma today.  I know that sounds silly.  I mean seriously, I have been a Momma since I dreamed of Miss Julia being in my tummy.... since Mr. Colin was merely a suggestion to Mr. Furedy.... but today, today I REALLY got to be a Momma.

Today, I got to be woken up by a little face peering over the side of my bed (rather than by an alarm clock screaming that it's time to get up, get up, get up).

I fixed breakfast to the sound of my little people chatting with me about the day (rather than throwing a bowl of cereal on the table to half asleep little people who are not coherent enough to speak yet).

I got ready to go by throwing on a pair of cut offs and a tank top, brushing my teeth and combing my hair (rather than the usual- blow dry, foundation, makeup, curling iron, professional clothes, high heel shoes routine).

We headed out the door in plenty of time to get to where we were going, just relaxed and moving at our own pace (rather than me yelling, yelling, yelling that if we don't go RIGHT NOW...).

I got to watch a whole movie (without falling asleep) with a certain little boy sitting on my lap, snuggled into my chest.  A little boy who happens to just barely fit in that spot anymore, but who isn't ready to give it up just yet.

I got to watch a certain little girl order and pay for her own food (all by herself) at a very busy Subway in the mall.  And I got to see just how proud she was of herself after she had done this.  She even told me that the food tasted better because she got it on her own (me thinks it will taste even better when she pays for it with her own money too, but for now, for now it is enough).

I got to go to the library and wander the shelves while my little people did the same.  I got to watch Mr. Colin 'test' books to see if he could  read them (and I got to be surprised when he was able to read several that I didn't think he'd be able to read... I think I'm in trouble with that one...)  I got to watch Miss Julia get sooo excited about the new books she chose and the fact that she will have something new to read ALL WEEK (all the while thinking about how much I loved the library at her age).

I got to spend time thinking about summer vacation and what we need to buy before we leave (and even started getting a few of those items, like a great new hoodie sweatshirt for those cool beach nights for Miss Julia for only $10 at Old Navy).

I got to exercise (and not feel guilty for not interacting with my kiddos for the 45 minutes that I was doing so, because we'd had so much good time together already during the day).

I got to PLAN, cook dinner, set the table, and generally have a complete meal done by the time that Mr. Furedy got home (rather than my usual routine of chucking something on the table as quick as I can- usually with a lot of help from the aforementioned Mr. Furedy).

I got to sing multiple songs from High School Musical into a Wii microphone, much to the pleasure of Miss Julia and the horror of Mr. Colin and Mr. Furedy.

I got to take the kids out swimming for half of an hour and just relax the whole time (rather than sitting out there worrying about all that needs to be done before bedtime).

And now, now I get to write this blog post before I head upstairs to listen to little man read, and challenge them both to a quick game of Mancala, before they both head off to sleep.  And then I'll get to hang out with my other favorite guy- Mr. Furedy (rather than instantly falling asleep myself).  

So yeah, got to be a Momma today.  Not an Assistant Director.  Not a MOM.  Just a Momma.  And it felt good....
Night all.
C

From One Weekend to the Next....

The kids headed up north to the Rim on Thursday with Nana and Papa in 'uses RV'.  Joe and I worked Thursday and Friday and then headed up to join them on Friday night.  (someday, a very long time from now, I may tell the story about our drive up there and our inability to locate my parents and the children, but it will be a very long time from now...)

We threw up our tent and then settled in for a few days of camping, fishing, hanging out, campfire building, bb gun shooting, bug catching, good eating... you know the routine... just a relaxing weekend in the outdoors.  A fabulous time was had by all- we laughed and relaxed and just generally enjoyed another weekend of what is turning out to be one of the best summers of my life.

As I sat and watched my kiddos who (for lack of any other appropriate phrase) were having the time of their lives- I thought about the joy that my kids find in life- every aspect of it.  I was thinking back to last weekend, a weekend spent at a fancy resort- playing at a water park and eating crabs legs (Julia's FAVORITE!).  Fast forward to this weekend, a weekend in the woods- playing in the dirt and eating hot dogs (Colin's FAVORITE!).  And you know what, my kids had an absolutely fabulous time at both places... in both worlds... doing both things.  And I love that about my kids and about our family.  Joe and I set out to raise kids who would really enjoy life... and so far, I think we've been very successful.  I hope that as they grow older and as our lives continue to change that they continue to find joy and happiness in whatever they do, where ever they are.....

Another picture heavy post... but there are some GREAT shots that I just have to throw out there... enjoy.

Here's Papa and Colin off for a walk to explore....

Colin with his prize slingshot piece of wood .
(that unfortunately broke not long after this photo...)

The teaching continues... Papa sharing his knowledge of tracks, animals, bugs, etc with another generation.

Here are the prized BB guns that the kids got for Christmas. 
They shot over 300 BBs this weekend...
(and NO, nobody shot their eye out....)

Julia even gave the Momma some BB shootin' lessons.
(She really is a good shot.  Momma on the other hand....)

Here they are checking out their homemade target to see how they did.....

Colin showing how the BB pierces the target.
(and kills the boy.... silly silly boy!)

 Julia showing off her BB talent... check out those rootbeer cans!

 Colin so proud of the fire that he started....

The heroes of the trip... my kids LOVE their Nana and Papa.  What would we do without them in our lives?
(Don't they look so happy in this picture?)

One of Colin's quests for this weekend was to saw down a tree.  Joe helped him find a dead one.  Everybody helped him saw it down....

Here's Daddy helping out a little bit....
(So... Papa and Daddy really sawed the tree down, but made Colin feel like he did it.  Again, in case you missed it, Mr. Furedy and Papa are my heroes.)

My lumberjack!

Another great weekend over.... 9 summer weekends left.  Stay tuned...
Night all.
C

I've Fallen Off the Wagon...

So, for the last 8 weeks I have been awesome (seriously, rock awesome!) about exercising and eating right.  (Yes, I know, those of you who follow me on Facebook are tired of the 'I need to run.  I did run.  I should run."  posts... I am so sorry...) 

I have lost a total of 15 pounds and 4% body fat.  I have worked out harder and smarter than I have ever worked out before.   I have committed to a diet in a way that I never have before.  And I am more than halfway to where I would like to be (I'd like to lose 7 more pounds and 3% body fat).  I feel like I'm doing this the right way too... I've got a good food plan, I'm not working out crazy amounts- but I'm working out in a way that I think I can continue to do in a long term way.

But, in the last couple of days I have fallen off the wagon and I'm having a hard time climbing back on it again.....  it started off innocently enough... just one beverage that wasn't on the plan... one meal that wasn't on the plan.  (oh, and then there's the half of a bag of red licorice that I've eaten...)

One of the saddest things is that I wasn't even CRAVING stuff off of my food plan.  So, I know I can get back on track and do this.   Mostly, I feel tired and not motivated to exercise.  And, since most of my friends are now off work, several plans to go out and do fun things are looming and I know I'll want to 'take a break' on those evenings too.

I need to get re-motivated.  HELP!!  :)
Night all....
C