Friday, September 3, 2010

Going Biannual




























I have a confession to make.......I hate blogging. Not because I don't enjoy keeping in touch with friends/family, and not because I don't feel that it's a good way to accomplish that, but because I feel guilt for not keeping it updated and for not posting the latest pictures of my kids and funny stories to share. Our lives have been changing too often for me to keep up with the blogging business; so, I've come to a conclusion. Our blog is now going to be updated biannually. Twice a year. Summer and Christmas. That's my plan. Take it or leave it. Sorry to disappoint!

Hence, the summer update for 2010: Since my last post, Ben was recalled by the airline that he had been furloughed from, and after an intense, frustration-filled decision-making process we determined that we would give the industry one more go. Let me assure you it was not an easy decision. If you know of anyone who is contemplating becoming a pilot who doesn't plan on staying single and sterile, refer them to us, and we will do our best to persuade them to do anything else. That being said, it doesn't take long for anyone who knows Ben to see that he is infinitely happier in the sky than on the ground. The major drawback to Ben's return to the sky was that we had to nix our house. Poof.......there goes my dream. Maybe someday, right? For now I guess we will stay in our crowded, occasionally smokey, yardless townhouse. Am I painting a less-than-enthusiastic picture? Well, let's just say it hasn't been easy for me to make the mental switch from preparing to move into more comfortable circumstances to just staying put for awhile, especially with the ever-present, ominous threat of being furlouged again and left to our own resources to figure out what to do in an economically-depressed region of the country (not that I'm bitter). :) On a more optimistic note, it is fun to see my Ben dressed up in his pilot uniform (what woman is not attracted to a man in uniform, seriously?) with a smile on his face and a spring in his step that was just not there when he was headed off to change tires every day for the past several months. I guess that makes it worth it.
The kids and I are gearing up for some major changes in our routine starting this fall - perhaps the greatest of which will be Daxton starting full-day Kindergarten. This has been giving me severe anxiety. I honestly feel like I am sending my little lamb off to the slaughter. Fortunately for us all, he is genuinely excited about school and is anticipating starting next Tuesday. I just pray he keeps that attitude up. I have so many hesitations about this whole process. My memories of elementary school are less than positive (you're not surprised, are you?). I am seriously considering having one of our medical student friends out here prescribe me some valium so that I can make it through the day on Tuesday. I've never seriously considered home schooling for a variety of reasons, and I still don't feel like it is a good option for us, but I may change my tune depending on the outcome of this year for Daxton. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised? Maybe.
Other changes on our horizon involve me going back to school part-time from home to finish up that degree that I never received from BYU. I did some investigating this summer and found out that I am 7 classes away from graduating from BYU with my MFHD degree, and that I can do at least 4 of those classes online. I am thrilled about this and am working out a schedule so that I can start getting these classes finished asap. With my schedule already as crazy as it is working essentially 3/4 time, taking care of the kids full-time, and taking school classes now as well, there is really going to be little time for anything else.
Well, that's the update for the summer of 2010. Stay tuned for our Christmas update with new pictures of the kids and the exciting developments of our lives. At the rate we like to switch things up, we'll probably be living in another country by then. :) Happy Fall to all!

Love, The Johnsons

9 comments:

hbentley said...

Jen, I have to say I am totally impressed. I don't know how you do it. You are the best wife ever!!! I would have such a hard time with the constant change. I DO NOT do well with change. Do you have to move right now?? I hope for your sake Dax goes to school and can't get enough of it. All day Kinder seems so long for little ones to be gone.

Amy said...

I can just say ditto to Heidi's comment. Holy cow. Good luck with all that is coming your way!

tiffany and darren said...

Jen, you amaze me!! I just love how crazy your life is and how you trek on regardless. You are one of my heroes and I would love for you to jump in my body and take over for me. You handle situations so much better than I do! I can't believe little Dax is in school, what happened to that little baby? I bet Nana would be happy to share tears with you after you send him off. I love you guys and think about you all the time! Seriously, amazingly, patient family.

Maga said...

Enjoyed your update and pictures on the blog---thanks!! Do we have to wait until Christmas for another picture of your cute kids?
We'll take what we can get so far away!!

Erin said...

Fun to see some pictures - loved the update and I'm excited for christmas time! :) I'm glad that Dax is enjoying school so far!! :)

Rebecca S said...

Jen, you left everyone wondering how school ended up being for Dax, and people just can't wait for Christmas to find out ;) Ok, ok, I already know, but not everyone does!

Rebecca S said...

Jen, you left everyone wondering how school ended up being for Dax, and people just can't wait for Christmas to find out ;) Ok, ok, I already know, but not everyone does!

Emily said...

I love you Jen and I love to read your blog. I love the way you say things and your true honesty! I wish you lived by me. You are great and I miss you.....can't wait for the Christmas update:)!!! Are you coming home anytime soon?

Mindy said...

I am so impressed with you. But then again, I always have been! How do you do so much!?! I'm bummed you won't be able to get into a house, but I'm happy that Ben is back to his chosen career! I know my life is a lot happier when Griff is happy, so hopefully that is the case with you! I hope Daxton is liking school. It makes me sad that you didn't like elementary. Overall, I remember it being pretty fun. Hopefully your kids will like it so you don't have to add homeschooling to your plate. Can I say YUCK enough times? I am not a gifted teacher. :) Anyway, your kids look adorable. Eli is geting so big! He was just a little newborn when I saw him last. If things are not too crazy when you come to Utah next, give me a call. Otherwise, I'm sure I'll visit Erin sometime in the next year. Good luck with everything!