Nebraska

Over Mia’s second birthday we decided to take a trip back to Nebraska. I loved Nebraska. Let me try and explain why.

When we starting looking at Law school both Kent and I wanted to go out of state. We would have stayed if we had the opportunity but I think we both wanted the law school, the adventure, and the culture of living outside of Utah. Right before moving to Nebraska was a CRAZY time. Within in days we packed up, moved, finalized our oldest adoption, blessed her, sealed her, quit my job which was crazy and stressful all on its own, found a place to live, and had a going away party. Through all of this, I never really had the time or the chance to sit down and process, emotionally, what moving meant.

I can still picture the exact spot on the road. We had been on the road for 2.5 day and were just entering the city of Omaha. Suddenly it hit me. We were not just going to Omaha we were IN Omaha. For the first time in my life I was moving away. I was going to be living in a city where I didn’t know ANYONE. And it was scary. I got that feeling in the pit of my stomach. You know the one that you get right before you get up to speak in public, or at the top of a roller coaster when you are just a little bit scared. My stomach was at my knees and full of butterflies. But then the next day we woke up and got to work: moving, unpacking, settling in, living life, making friends, and exploring. And a funny thing happened, like on the roller coaster I had fun, I enjoyed the ride.

I remember the first few months of being there I was a stay at home mom who didn’t really know anyone yet, with one baby to look after, and my husband was in school. So off Missa and I went. We explored and found places to visit and to see.

I met some amazing people there, who we will be friends with for the rest of our lives. I fell in love with the hills and trees of Omaha, and with the wide open spaces and the prairies of the Midwest. But mostly I fell in love with the people. But one of the things I miss the most about Nebraska was my life there, the simplicity of it and the chance to be a stay at home mom. There were good days and bad days of course.

Of course we will always have a deep connection to Omaha because that is where Mia’s birth family is from and live. They were a major motivation for our trip. So we rented a minivan and off we went 2000 miles round trip.

The girls did really well for being the car that long. The minivan helped (I’m choosing to leave out the drama of renting said minivan). We didn’t make any firm plans but ended up with dinner invites every night we were there, and even had to turn one down. I was hard to balance our time as we knew it would be. We had so many people we wanted to see, and things we wanted to do, and wanted some time to be together as a family. But all in all it was a good time.

Kent went back to the law school, I went back to Fontenelle Forest, we played in the pool, we ALL went to the ZOO (oh how I miss the zoo) and to the big slides. We spent the day of Mia’s birthday with her family. Oh it was so good to see them and we wish we had had more time with them. We were able to have to time with the Journeys and many, many others friends. And all too quickly it was time to come home.

Pictures Hopefully to Come.

Omaha Bucket List

All the things we did in the last month before we left Omaha. (I'm too lazy to upload pictures, so I just posted links to my picture website).

April

Our playing began in April. First up was the BIG Slides. They were a BIG hit. We visited the BIG slides many more time in the following month, some of which included wax paper, air, and ripped pants. But the first trip is the only one that has pictures. We also went to the Omaha Children's Museum with some good friends, and one last trip Durham Museum. Next is the pedestrian footbridge, which crosses the Missouri river. We visited the footbridge again with Grandma Kate later in May. Next was Free Comic Book Day (which was actually in May), complete with people in customs and a trip to the donut store. Then it was on to Iowa to do a drive by of their "ski resort". And finally one last visit to Hitchcock Nature Center (HNC), a chance to say good bye to a great place and some great people. Beth volunteered at HNC every month for the last 3 years. I will miss you HNC!

MAY

First up in this section is a trip to Neale* Woods, to one of their Preschool programs. The program was AWESOME and Missa LOVED it. They played around and then took the kids on a hike. I've never seen Missa hike so good before. I guess it helps a lot of have friends with you. I wish we could go to more. The area was so pretty and I've only been there once or twice before. It made me wish we had one more summer there to finish exploring all of the trails. And since we were in the area, we stopped by the Winter Quarters temple and trail center. It was a fun day. That was on Kents last day of class. So the next week was the week of insanity.

For a more complete details click HERE. In summary we went out to Lincoln to the Childrens Museum. Then we went to The Amazing Pizza Machine with the Journeys. It was AWESOME! And last but not least one more last trip to the Zoo. As a special treat we met Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Kyle there.

*Side note: I was glad I gave Neale Woods a second chance. I had a REALLY bad experience there once and vowed NEVER to go back again. But that is another story.

MOVING

I was going to write about moving, but I just can't summon the energy to care. So I'll just say this, it was stressful, we have a lot of crap that didn't all fit in the truck, so we had a penske pulling a uhaul, but I managed because I have a great mom and a TOTALLY AWESOME WARD!!!!! Rockbrook rocks. On a holiday weekend with 3 families moving they totally came through for me. LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!! Can't thank you enough.

What a Week

So I wasn't going to write about this weekend, but I felt the urge to anyway. But I better start with the whole week. We had much to accomplish in one week. We needed to pack but also wanted to see/do some Omaha things one more time. Monday we started out packing. Melissa got to spend the day at a friends house. Tuesday we were suppose to have family pictures taken at the temple but it was way too cold and raining, so we moved pictures to Thursday morning. Instead we headed to Lincoln and went to their Childrens Museum. Melissa had a GREAT time. For pictures click HERE (after I get them loaded).

Wed morning we took Mia to the doctors. It was one of those things when you debate if it is just a virus or an ear-infection, take her it or not. But we decided to take her because the next day it would be possible would be Monday and if she got worse in the next few days it would be rather inconvenient. We made the right call since she did have the start of an ear-infection, so we got a prescription for antibiotics. Then we went to The Amazing Pizza Machine. I thought it was going to be chucky cheese like, but it was SOO MUCH BETTER. It was Amazing. There was a buffet, slick track, rides, arcades, and lots of fun things to do. We all had a really great time. For pictures click HERE (after I get them loaded). Wed night we packed a little, rescued a stranded friend, and had one more, last game night we some of our favorite people.

Thursday we planned on having pictures in the morning and then head to the Zoo for the afternoon. Since family was going to arrive around noon we invited them to join us. However once again the weather was too cold for pictures Thursday morning so we rescheduled again for 2:30. Which meant the Zoo trip had to be pushed up to the morning. So up we got up and quickly pack a lunch for the Zoo and everything we might need or desired to be immortalized by photographs later. And of course did all of this as fast as possible so as to have as much time as possible at the Zoo, which was packed with field trips. But was still fun and we were able to see the new Madagascar exhibit, which was neat. The Cottam delegation consisting of Mom, Dad, and Brother Kyle, met us at the Zoo. Melissa got to ride the carousel TWICE her favorite at the Zoo, and we got to show the Cottam delegation around a bit before dashing off for family pictures. Click HERE for pictures, after I get them loaded.

We raced up to the temple changed and waited for our photographer. The pictures turn out great and the weather finally cooperated. We bribed Melissa into being good and smiling during pictures with swimming at Grandmas hotel after. So after pictures, Kent and Melissa went to the hotel for swimming. Meanwhile the first wave of Jewkes delegation arrived consisting of Mom, sister Lisa, and sister-in-law Brroke. So I took them and Mia shopping to find me a new dress for all the up coming festivities. I ended up with a skit and blouse outfit and 3 inch heels.

After a week of friends house, childrens museum, pizza machine, zoo, and swimming my poor 3 year old, was exhausted and the fun was just starting. Friday we hit the ground running early again. We were up, dressed up, looking good and out the door for court by 8:15 am. And we played the hurry up and wait game. We waited for our attorney who waited for the judge who was double booked, so we waited for another judge to fill in. Another judge later we finally had a judge. In Utah for Melissa they swore us in, and we testified, our attorney testified, as did a representative from LDSFS. This time the judge visited with us, congratulated us, had Melissa turns some pages and signed the paperwork. She didn't even really read any of it. This could be because she was also double booked, or because she knew and trusted the attorney, or simple because that is her personality. Either way the whole process after waiting for 45 min took 5. But it was an important 5 min because now Mia is officially legally ours. Click HERE for pictures.

We headed home, after a stop to pick up a cap and gown from the law school. The Parental delegation who come to court, went back to hotels to change clothes, so they could take Melissa to the 'big slides'. In the meantime we had lunch, and Mia fell asleep. So I decided to stay home with her so she could sleep in her bed. The Jewkes delegation went to pick up my dad from the airport. And then I went out to eat with the whole Jewkes delegation. (Meanwhile the big slides were a BIG hit. Wax paper really makes them fly and everyone had a great time). More changing clothes and we were off to Hooding.

Shift one (seat savers and graduate) head for the hooding around 4. Shift two arrived just on-time although it was closer than preferred. We had kids, in tow with a packed dinner. Hooding was awesome, although the kids weren't that well behaved, as a result Mom J missed Kent hooding since she was in the hall with screaming baby, (but she volunteered to help with the kids so...) I was very impressed with graduation. It felt very regal, and as my Dad said 'not everyone graduates from law school'. I personally know two people and kent knows more, that either failed, or dropped out before completing law school. I was very proud of Kent and his dedication. Proud too of the small role I may have played. I have always tried hard to encourage but not push. Encourage to find what he likes and pursue. Sometime it is hard to be in the background playing the supporting role but I haven't minded and loved seeing him accomplish this great goal. Although he of course down played the whole thing, as NOT a big deal. Pictures

Saturday morning, was commencement. The Jewkes delegation (minus Mom) volunteered to watch the girls for me, which after Friday night I took them up on. (They really just didn't wait to sit through commencement not that I can blame them). Melissa woke up sick, but eventually perked up enough to swim again. Thanks Lisa and Brooke for watching the girls. Again I was very impressed with commencement. Many graduations try to be too much pomp and circumstances, that they come off silly and dumb, but it was really nice and felt regal. It is the third graduation I have sat through for Kent, since getting married. LDS Business college, University of Utah and now Creighton University. I was more emotional than I thought I would be. It is a significant event for our family. Much has happen because of the decision to go to law school. Wonderful things that will effect our lives forever. Graduation means the end of an era for us. Possibly the end of Omaha which we have loved, and all the people whom we love here. And in many ways student life had its advantages.

We finally got both delegations together for lunch at Farmhouse. I left early to pick up a cake from Walmart and then drove in circles for an HOUR which I didn't have so that Melissa could take a nap. She finally fell a sleep 1/2 hour before we had to leave for the temple. So she wasn't in too great of a mood. I should have packed dinner for her, but between getting the house picked up and myself ready ran out of time.

The temple was incredible, not as streamline and organized as the big busy temples in Utah but more intimate. Mia was adorable, Melissa was still a little grumpy but good. In all the ceremony took about 5 min. But it was an important 5 min. because now Mia is officially, religiously, eternally ours. Pictures.

After the temple we had some friends over to help us eat cake and ice-cream. Sunday morning was actually the most downtime for me. Kent however was frantically trying to pack. Frantically trying to pack a car, his clothes, three years of law school stuff, all the stuff I wouldn't know what to do with, and anything else he may want for 2 weeks. I got the girls ready for church and realized that although my family had been in town for 3 days I felt like I had only had a chance to really visit with them for 10 minutes. Sunday afternoon we blessed Mia in the Rockbrook ward. I was disappointed that Mia's birth family left before I got a chance to visit with them. But everything went really nice. Now everyone, including the records of the church new Mia was officially, forever, ours.

After church brother Kyle drove one of our cars home. Mom J. and Brooke loaded up their car and headed for Alabama. And Dad J., Lisa, and Kent headed to the airport for a 5:30 plane to Salt Lake City. I think the full impacted of everything that had happened and the realization of what the next two weeks for be all came crashing down on my on Sunday afternoon. So I was a wreck. But sleep helped. Sunday night we visited with Mom and Dad C. who left early Monday morning. And then it was just me and my girls.

Whew...no wonder I didn't get dressed until noon on Monday....Writing it all down I see why I was so exhausted. I'm tired just re-reading it all.

Spring

I have always loved spring. But spring in Omaha is .... well its .... awesomer! Spring in the Salt Lake Valley comes slowly. It can snow at anytime, and the weather can alternate between summer and winter, like a pendulum. But more than that spring in the Salt Lake Valley for me was always a waiting came. Spring meant it was too warm to do any winter sports activities, but too cold and too much snow in the mountains, to do any of the summertime activities. And so you wait. While spring is happening all around you, you wait for spring to creep up the mountain until summer comes and you can enjoy all that those glorious mounds of rock and dirt have to offer. Or you can head south. But everyone else has cabin fever like you do, and heads south while they play the waiting for spring game, and it become unpleasantly crowded.

But spring in Omaha is very different. Maybe it is because the winter are so much worse, (at least they are for me). Spring comes slowly but differently. It can snow at anytime and the weather pendulum swings just as dramatically. But once spring wraps its fingers around the world its here to stay. Spring creeps and creeps and than suddenly happens over night. This year we watched and waited and measured as the snow finally slowly began to melt. And there was the old dead grass, and it was a beautiful sight. We gloried in 30, than 40 degree weather. It was warm than cold than warm again. Then it was cloudy and gloomy and raining. But the next morning you woke up and the grass was green. And than another morning you woke up and there are leaves on the trees. The world turns from brown to green almost before your eyes. Spring is no waiting game here! Spring is when you get out and enjoy the world while its not too cold and not too hot. Spring is beautiful. People start coming out of their houses like bears that have been hibernating. They return to the coolness of the cave once the summer gets in full swing.

And then of course there is the spring migration. Spring migration is awesome in Utah but in Omaha it just seem more dramatic somehow. Maybe because winter birding is harder and less productive here. Spring migration in Omaha comes in two parts. There is the early migration of cranes and waterfowl. And the second one when the shorebirds and the warblers come back. And as I said before it get me twitching. There is so much to go see and bird. Like the grass and the trees coming to life before you eyes, the birding community 'springs' to life overnight.

And my other favorite thing about spring, sleeping with the windows open. It reminds me of sleeping outside and it is one of my most favorite simple pleasures in life.

Spring also means my birthday. I love having a spring birthday, the flowers seem to bloom just for my birthday.

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!

Birding with a Big M

I've always loved spring, but Spring seems to be magnified in Omaha, (but that is the subject for another post). Spring means migration. Oh I LOVE the spring migration in Nebraska. As the trees and the flowers come alive so do the birds, and the birding community. And it gets me twitching. Especially because spring also means finals. Finding time to do all the birding I want or even some birding and balance the needs of my family is a challenge. I sneak off now and again, an evening drive to Lincoln here, and an early morning back by 10 quicky there. And then there is trying to bird WITH the kids.

Earlier this week I took Melissa. I didn't really plan on it, but at the last minute I took her. We drove out to Lincoln to see the Pine Warbler. I thought the chances of seeing it with my attention divided were minimal, but 5 min after leaving the car there it was. I not only saw it but had great looks of it, heard it sing, and was able to relocated it twice. After satisfyingly watching it for a few minutes I was able to throw pine cones in the lake with Melissa, took her to the play ground, and the nature center. It was a spectacular park and I had THE BEST time there. I had so much fun with her and the park and the birds. It was a wonderful day.

And then I got cocky.

I figure it worked out so well I would try it again. But this time I had both kids. I had it all planned out, we were going to go for a hike down at Fontenelle, and sit and wait for the woodpecker to come to us. After arriving it took me forever to get the baby in the front back, the back pack full of water, treats, snacks, diapers, wipes and other mommy essentials, on my back, binoculars in hand, and ready to leave when Melissa insisted we look at the horses first. Then informed me she had to pee. There are no bathroom anywhere NEAR where we were. Since I had just gotten ready I did not want to load everything back up into the car: but that is exactly what I should have done.

I thought I could talk her into peeing in the woods. After convincing her there were no bathrooms around which was no small feet we started on the trail. I then tried to get her to go off the trail a little way to go. But she got bonked with the binoculars, and then got into some prickle bushes, and they hurt really bad. Now all she wanted to do was go home, not that I could blame her, but I didn't want to leave on such a negative note. So I convinced her to keep going (by saying we were on a loop and the car was up the trail which wasn't a Total lie). She started having fun but would not leave the trail for fear of more ochy plants and we never did take care of the other problem. I'm sure by this time you can guess the end of the story and no, the mommy backpack did not contain an extra pair of pants, underwear or socks.

On the upside, I gave Missa her own pair of binoculars and she thought that was so cool, and she look stinky cute looking through them the wrong way, we heard a barred owl at 2:00 p.m. and Mia cooed at the trees.

Ah the misadventures of the birding mother of two adorable kids. Maybe one day I will learn but I doubt it.

Moon Rise

Written on Aug 5th 2009. This is one of the posts written in my head and on paper that finally prompted me to take the plunge into blogging, but this one never got posted, till now.

SO... When I was a kid I remember reading in a book characters talking about a moon rise, and how it had all these colors, reds, orange, yellow. It was an off hand comment in the book but I was confused by it cuz I had never seen a moon rise with colors and was confused by what it meant. Ever since then I have sub-consciously and sometimes consciously watch as moons have risen. I have never seen one with colors.

Yesterday on my way home from young women’s I notice a full moon just coming up over the horizon. It was big and full and beautiful and red. I realized that it was red because the sun had just set on the other horizon and there were still reds in the western horizon. The moon was sharing the light from the sunset. As this realization happened I remember the book from eons ago and my long forgotten fascination with moonrises, and I wondered if that was what they had meant. I then had another realization: I figured out a reason that I had missed the reds and oranges of all of my previous moonrises.

If my assumptions are correct, in order for a moon to be red as it is rising it needs to be rising with the sunset. It has been a very long time since a learned anything about the moon cycle, but if memory and observation serve me than that alone takes some timing. Because the moon and the sun do not always rise/set at the same time. The moon can rise at various times of the day. Even with the right timing, Mountains (more specifically a valley) also prevent this unique color sharing between sun and moon, or at least dilute it. By the time the moon peaks over the mountains it is high enough in the sky for the colors to have faded. The moon rises I have seen have been beautiful, but the moon has been clear and white. What’s funny is I’ve noticed red moons coming up before but have never made the connections between my long ago book, or the lack of mountains. It is another wonderful thing living in the Midwest has given me. How grateful I am for small moments like this in life. As much as I love the mountains, and miss the people there I love the chance to live someplace different.

I found this website that had a great technical explanation of a colorful moonrise, and an awesome picture.