T.H.R.E.E

It is hard to believe that another year has already come and gone. You are probably thinking, another year? It’s only July!! I guess my years no longer start on January 1st like most peoples. Instead, I seem to focus on the year that starts (or ends) on July 11th when Farris has a birthday. It seems unreal that three years have passed!

Normally, I have a themed birthday party that is carefully planned for months, but I really dropped the ball this year. I had full intentions on having a “blue birthday” which is what Miss Farris requested because it is her favorite color. I wanted to have all blue foods, a blue cake, and lots of blue decorations, but instead we just had a very simple party with a few of my family members. I was disappointed that it didn’t work into our schedules to have a big birthday, but I will admit with all that we have going on it was a perfectly simple way to spend her special day!

Here are a few photos of her 3rd (tear) Birthday!

Farris got flowers from Grandma Karen, Gandpa Rod, Sheena, and Dickie- She was so proud of them!!

The BLUE cake I made Farris...she thought is was the coolest thing that the inside was blue too =)


She got bedroom decor for her new bedroom...Comforter, Clock, Lamp, Posters, Curtains, and of course matching picture frames with family members that we are going to miss when we move!


Uncles!!

Matching clock

Poster...she loved it!! Thanks Grandma Treva and Aunt Lindsey!!

Thanks to everyone who helped make Farris' day special!!

*Side Note: I have had a couple requests to post a blog about our move and our new jobs!! Normally, I would love to share the great news; however, Daniel and I have decide (for safety reasons-because this is a public blog) not to share where we are moving to, but feel free to give us a call or message us if you want more info!

A Graduation Thank You!

If there is anything I learned in my college career, it is that being a reflective decision maker is a vital key to my success as a teacher. However, with lots of practice (thanks to my professors) I have become excellent at reflecting on lots of things. I am preparing to walk across the stage at Peru State College on Saturday, and recently I have taken the time to reflect on my journey that has gotten me to this point. My journey is unlike most of my peers that I will sit among on Commencement day, and as look back many thoughts and emotions run thought me: Joy, Pride, Excitement, Relief, Fear, but mostly Thankfulness. I promise you that I would not be wearing a cap and gown without the help and guidance of my amazing support group.

My journey, like most 18 year olds, started off with me as a freshman in college. I was bright eyed and ready to take on the world; well, a very small portion of the world located in southeast Nebraska. I went about my freshman year of college as planned. I got involved in campus activities, I got good grades, and I made an abundance of new friends.

My sophomore year of college started off just as I had hoped. I was a resident assistant on campus, I was reuniting with my college friends that I hadn’t seen all summer, and classes were off to a good start. Then, at the age of 19, just barely into my sophomore year I stood alone in my dorm room bathroom looking at something that would forever change my life: a positive pregnancy test. I didn’t want to believe what I saw, but in a moment like that you realize that it doesn’t matter what you want believe. For Dan and me, telling our parents seemed like the scary part of the whole ordeal. We had no idea what was in store for us. Luckily, Dan and I have the best families that two people in that situation could ask for. No, they weren’t pleased!! However, that didn’t stop them from loving us though it all.

At the age of 20, I began my junior year of college. This was by far the hardest year of my life. Farris was only 5 weeks old when I started back to school in August. Sleepless nights, working part-time at Cotty’s, and going to school full-time nearly killed my spirit and goals to ever finishing school. Daniel worked 2nd shift so his absence in the evenings only made things harder for both of us. There were many nights that I drove the 30ish miles to my parent’s house just so I could finish up a project for school while they entertained Farris. I also wrote countless papers and lesson plans Indian style at my computer while Farris slept in my lap. I would have tears streaming down my face with an “I want to quit” attitude, but somehow when I looked at that little girls face I knew that quitting wasn’t an option. I also had the unconditionally support of both mine and Dan’s family.

At the start of my senior year, things were definitely looking up. I was comfortable in my mother role, and Farris was sleeping thought the night!! Daniel was still working 2nd shift, but Farris and I loved all the Mommy/Daughter time we got together….Pus-I still had all the support in the world! Oh, and I almost forget to mention….In September, Dan asked me to marry him!! Needless to say, I enjoyed my senior year =)

I should be done talking about my journey though college, but unfortunately I had one more semester of student teaching before I could officially be finished. This semester flew by, and was a fantastic end to an absolute unexpected by wonderful college career.

Words can not explain how appreciative I am that I have had the opportunity to finish school. So many young mothers never pursue their career goals because they lack the support they need. I am more than fortunate to have so many amazing people in my life that made graduating from college a reality for me. Thank you to everyone who supported and encouraged me…Love you all!!

This and That plus Disney Photos

I know, I know, I promised these pictures months ago! However, in my defense, I have been extremely busy and I have had little time to do any extracurricular activities (haha…that sounds like I am in high school again). Before I get to the pictures, I figure I better give an update as to what The Swinton’s are up to these days:

Daniel- Still employed as a Family Service Coordinator, and he continues to truck away on his Masters degree (he should be done in August =) ) He still loves to hunt and fish, and now that Farris is a little bit older he is excited to teach her everything he knows. Recently, he has been working on the turkey call with her. It is really cute! On Saturdays mornings, Dan usually loads us in the car and we go for a drive out in the country. He then talks to Farris about where to look for turkeys…she actually seems to listen. Then, he uses the turkey call to try to “bring them in.” Farris gets a kick out of this and loves this time with daddy!

Farris- I may be a little biased, but Farris is a smart little cookie! She amazes me daily! Recently, she is really into picking out her own clothes. She picks out some rather unique outfits, and tries to explain why the “match”… I usually try to compromise!

Me- I have kind of been all over the place lately. I finished college in December and started substitute teaching immediately after that. Then, in February I started waiting tables at Cotty’s Place… again (I just can’t get enough of Peru). Most recently, I have become the Manager at the local Dairy Queen. However, my overall goal remains…Find That First Teaching Job!!!

Alright, enough with the updates…here are the Florida pictures (my apologizes for taking so long to upload them).


Farris and Grandma Rose!

Nothing better than Grandpa and a Mickey Mouse pancake!

This was at the Animal Kingdom...

Getting ready to get on the train at the Animal Kingdom

Her favorite part of the trip was the water park...imagine that!

.....and the sand

She still talks about how she at Mickey Mouse ice cream!

Mickey Mouse!!

I love this picture!!

Sleeping Beauty!!

Belle...her favorite Diseny movie is Beauty and the Beast!

Her very own Mickey ears!!

Kisses for Grandma Rose!

Getting ready to fly back home!

Tag, You're It!

I was tagged by my friend, Cori! If you haven’t ever visited her blog…you need to...I Love Lucy Jean

Rule #1: the tagged person must write their answers on their blog and replace any question they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

Rule #2: tag 4 people to do this quiz; they cannot refuse (ok, so nothing bad will happen if you don’t participate but I would love to see your answers). The tag-ee must state who tagged them.

1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals or are they members of your family?
I was originally going to replace this question with a new one since we don’t have any pets yet (except Rocko, which is Dan’s “pet”…not mine=)). However, Dan and I both had pets growing up, and I know that Woody (my cat) and Belle (his dog) were both very much part of our families.

2. If you could have a dream come true, what would it be?
I, of course, want Farris to grow up happy, healthy, and accomplish all of her goals in life. I would also really like to open my own bakery someday. Not many people know this about me, but I LOVE to bake and decorate cakes, cupcakes, and cookies! (I would have to have both my Grandma’s work with me…they are both amazing in the kitchen)

3. What would you do with a billion dollars?
Pay off my undergraduate and Dan’s graduate loans
Buy an acreage
Build a house on that acreage
Buy a new car
Buy Daniel a new truck
Go to Disney World annually
Go on a Cruise (or two)
Help our families out
Save
Donate to The Children’s Hospital

4. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?
My family, ice cream, walking, hugs, and blogging

5. What is your bedtime routine, with your kids?
She gets a drink of milk, goes potty, picks out her pj’s, pray, hugs and kisses. Then, my favorite part…right after we shut her door she yells, “more hugs and kisses!” I know this is a staling technique, but Dan and I wait for it every night, and we love it!!

6. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your significant other?
We met at Cotty’s Place-a bar and grill in the town where we both went to college

7. What kind of books do you read
While I was in college, I didn’t do much reading for enjoyment. By the time I went to class, worked, finished my homework, and cared for a baby/toddler …I was exhauseted! However, I am trying to get back into it.

I like any kind of Child Development books
Speak
Cook books (if that counts)
Children’s books (I like to read children’s books even when Farris isn’t around-that’s how I know I need to be a elementary teacher.)

8. How do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I will be 32! So, I hope that I have completed my Masters degree, hold a job as a Special Education teacher, own a home, have a healthy 12 year old girl, and another healthy child around the age of 8 or 9.

9. What’s your fear?
I have a fear of losing my family. I am not just saying that…I really have nightmares about this, and it is not uncommon for me to have anxiety when my parents/Dan don’t answer their phones!!

10. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to see outer space?
No!! Pictures of outer space, sufficient enough for me. Pictures of junk food, just not going to cut it.

11. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Close my eyes, again.

12. If you could change one thing about your significant other, what would it be?
I am with Cori, I wish he would be a better listener.

13. If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?
I like my name, but I wish people were better at pronouncing it.

14. If you had to choose between six months of sun or six months of rain, what would you choose?
Rain! I can get a sun burn by looking out the window...ugh, or should I say ouch!

15. If you could eat anything for the next 6 months and not gain weight, what would it be?
Fried Pickles, McDonald’s chicken nuggets, ice cream, and Twix candy bars, yummo!

16. What is the thing you enjoy about blogging the most?
It really helps me reflect of the little things in life that I wouldn’t normally pay attention to, and I know that I have family that really enjoy the updates and stories.

17. Do you prefer salty or sweet foods?
Sweet – refer back to question #2!

18. What items are in your purse right now?
This blows most people’s minds, but I don’t carry a purse. That’s why we have back pockets, right? =)

19. If you had to choose between vacationing at the beach or in the mountains where would you go?
Even though I burn easily, I would have to say the beach.

20. What do you watch on television that you know you shouldn’t?
I don’t think I watch anything that I necessarily shouldn’t, but I do watch too much TV (when I should be sleeping). My DVR is set to record the following:
Teen Mom
16 and Pregnant
Storage Wars
Criminal Minds
Law and Order SVU
Two and a Half Men
Barney
Sid The Science Kid
Dr. Seuss Knows a lot about That

Cori- I feel the same way about Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant. There was one season where all I did was cry watching those moms. I know first-hand what it is like becoming pregnant unexpectedly and trying to work though school, work, and relationships, but I would never dream of putting my child though some of that stuff….ugh, I get upset even talking about it!

Your turn!I tag...

Abby – Abby’s Blurbs
Vanessa – Sherman Family
Cait – The Ballads of Cait
Heather – The Venture for Marital Euphoria

Rocko

I plan to post all about Farris’ trip to Florida very soon, but my parents (much to my excitement) took over 400 pictures that I need to go through first.

When we met my parents at the airport, Farris was very excited to see mommy and daddy but she was also concerned that her babies needed her home. I reassured her that I took very good care of her baby dolls (all 10 of them) while she was away. She seemed content that I did a sufficient enough job; however, she was also concerned about the welfare of Rocko her pet squirrel. Yes, you read correctly…pet squirrel.

Let me explain…

Whenever we go to Iowa to visit Daniel’s parents, Farris loves doing "chores" with Grandpa Rod. These chores usually consist of feeding the birds and rabbits in their backyard, and if it is the right time of year she enjoys fetching cucumbers from the garden.

This is Farris feeding the birds and rabbits at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Iowa- June 2010.


We recently moved into a house...woohoo no more cave!! For those who are new readers “the cave” is what I used to call our basement apartment. Along with having more space, we have also acquired a yard that has a nice bird feeder in it. At least once a week, Daddy and Farris go out to the bird feeder and feed the birds and one special squirrel that Daniel has named Rocko! Crazy but cute!!

She couldn't wait to get home and do "chores" with Dad!

Mickey Mouse Blues

Growing up, I was very fortunate; I got to go to Disney World in Orlando, Florida almost every summer. I know that seems rather excessive, but there is a good reason for this, I promise. My grandma and grandpa (dad’s parents) moved to Florida and got jobs working for Disney when I was young. Therefore, our summer vacations were spent visiting my grandparents and getting to know Mickey Mouse!

So, naturally, when I found out I was pregnant with Farris I imagined what it would be like to take her to visit this magical place…just like I used when I was little. Unfortunately, this trip isn’t in our budget, yet. However, being that she is only 2 ½ I know that there is still lots of time.

…so, my parents came to me a few months ago and asked if they could take Farris to Florida to see my grandma and make a pit stop at Disney World (they are avid Disney fans, too). I agreed, and I know that Farris is having an amazing time…but I am really struggling with this…

First of all, I have never been away from Farris for an entire week. Secondly, I wanted to be the first one to take Farris on a ‘real’ vacation, especially to Disney! I know this makes me sound selfish, but I am so…ummm…jealous!

On the up side, I am looking forward to spending lots of time with Daniel…he promised me lots of ‘Date Nights’ (insert heart here).

* My parents took our video camera and have strict instructions to take abnormal amounts of pictures...I will be posting them soon after they get back!

Farris...my greatest gift

Lately, I have been having this incredible urge to share how I feel about Farris (bragging, I suppose). I know some people think that this makes me sound conceded; in fact, I even contemplated posting today. Then, I decided that this is MY blog, which gives me the freedom to write what I want, when I want. So, if you don’t want to hear about how magnificent and precious my daughter is, you might not enjoy this particular blog…
If you are still with me...thank you! This evening, I was sitting in the living room watching Farris play mommy to her baby dolls, and I was simply amazed by how big she is getting-it breaks my heart. Wait, I don't know that ‘breaks my heart’ is the right phrase. I mean, honestly, I'm glad she’s growing and learning and changing, but when I look at her and see that she isn’t a baby anymore it makes my heart… ache. She is just amazing! Her personality is huge, and her imagination is unreal. She loves to pretend and she is great at it! Her vocabulary grows and expands everyday, and I am taken aback by her extraordinary memory. In fact, her memory is probably the one thing that I find to be the most impressive. She remembers EVERYTING! For instance, my dad took her swimming at the Wellness Center last winter, which is something that we do often. However, her experience with grandpa was special because she got to put her legs in the hot tub-very exciting! So, we pass the Wellness Center the other day on our way to my parents house, when Farris starts saying “Pa take me to hot tub there.” Seriously, did she really just remember that? Wow, that was over a year ago! The crazy part about this little blurb of a story is that she is constantly remembering random things like this.
I often wonder how long she will remember these things. In one of my college classes, we studied Childhood Amnesia (where the majority of people don’t remember much of their childhood before the age of 3 or 4) but we really didn’t go in depth about when this starts. I mean, at age five you don’t just forget everything…so, when does it start? How much, if any, will Farris remember about the things we do now? Hmm…makes you think.




Here are a few photos of her pretendnig...she has always been great at it

Cooking a meal (this was last December)

Texting, of course

Below are the most recent...she is a great mommy to her babies!