We've Moved!

Yes, life has been a little bit hectic (hence the 9-month lack of updates here). But just about two weeks ago we purchased a home in Layton, Utah. We love this place already, and we hope to stay put for a very very very long time (maybe forever).

Here's a pic for those who might actually see this blog, and who wonder what the house looks like:

(Photo courtesy of our inspector, Jason Rusch of Pillar to Post)

You'll notice on the right side of the picture there is a mini house. Yes, that's the playhouse for the kids (the girls, especially, are very excited about that). What you don't see in that photo is the swingset, a nice garden and very large storage shed to the right (and a little farther forward) of the playhouse. And to the left of the playhouse (hidden behind the house in this photo) there is a built-in fire pit. Fun! In the back we have a nice-sized deck with a pergola on it, too. It's a 1/4 acre lot, so there's plenty of room to move around, but it's not too big for those in our family who don't like yard work. I won't mention any names *cough* *cough* *gregcough*

It's big inside as well (nearly 3000 square feet), but I don't have photos to share yet (since all you'd see would be boxes if I tried to take a photo). But we have a large family room with a dry bar built in the corner (not sure what to do with the bar, but the kids think it's fun), a very big food storage room downstairs, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a laundry room. Plus a large front room with vaulted ceilings and a nice kitchen with granite countertops and wood floors. It's a split level (which I LOVE), though that means you do have to navigate at least one staircase to get to any bathroom, since none are on the main level.

There are a few home improvement projects we have lined up to tackle sometime this year, but for the most part we love it just like it is. (Mostly it's a bathroom renovation downstairs, and opening up the laundry room a big bigger, since they put in a storage closet next to it, and we'd rather use the space for the laundry. And we would like to swap out some of the old light fixtures, too. This house was built in 1988, and though some light fixtures have been updated, others are definitely cringe-worthy.)

Well, that's more than you probably wanted to know about the house! We are grateful for being able to settle down in this nice house, though. I don't have any plans of leaving anytime soon.

Sure, it's been over seven months...

...but in my defense I've been really focused on building readership on my professional blogs.

Sorry, family dear.

Here's an quick update on us:

1. We're still in South Ogden, but will most likely move when our lease is up in June. We think our landlord is missing a few marbles, and Greg would like to be a little closer to work. I'm putting out the official call for moving helpers.... :) (I'm kidding!)

2. Greg is still doing well at work. He's slowly building is patient base, but luckily he's doing well enough that I don't have to work. Which is nice.

3. We're still homeschooling (and yes, we haven't updated the homeschool blog in awhile either). We started a homeschool group at our house that the kids kinda like. It's mostly girls that come, though, so the boys are less excited about it than Elizabeth is.

4. My book is still out on submission to a dozen or so editors. The publishing market is really slow, but unfortunately it seems like my agent targeted the slowest editors imaginable. I'm working on revising a sequel to my book, so that when we actually hear back from editors we can show them how there is a series potential.

5. Grace is finally talking! It's mostly one or two word sentences. She's also potty-training. The joy. (I hate potty training more than any other child-rearing activity, just so you know.) She is two years old now, though she'll have her official first birthday in 2012. I love saying that. It gets people so confused! :)

6. Elizabeth is now 5. She had a fun fairy-themed birthday party with some friends and her girl cousins in February. She's also begging to start working on "real" schoolwork like her brothers, even though she wouldn't enter kindergarten until September if she went to public school. We're working on it.

7. Daniel is growing up fast. He still loves building things with Legos, and he's also really into drawing things. He's good a both, too. And he's still working on learning to read. He wants to read the "cool" books like his older brothers, so we often pull out a Magic Treehouse book and I help him with the bigger words. He'll be 7 in May.

9. Benjamin is still trying to figure out what he likes. Some days he's the reading fiend, other days he can't stand it. Some days he whizzes through his school work, other days he can't get through the first problem in his math book. He is having fun in scouts, though. He's in the Wolf den with seven other boys. Lots of fun!

10. Ammon is really enjoying the 11yo scouting program, and has earned three merit badges and is nearly finished with his Tenderfoot rank requirements. He's doing a lot better with his schoolwork, and we're attempting to give him more responsibility with being in charge of his own schedule. It's a work-in-progress, that's for sure.


I'll try to remember to post more often, but I can't make any guarantees. It seems like life is so boring that I put myself to sleep before I can finish posting. :)

Welcome to the New Blog! I've Got Lots To Tell You...

I hope you all found this blog okay.

I stopped blogging on this personal blog awhile ago, because so much was happening. To get you caught up:

Greg quit his job in Seattle and we moved back to Utah. We've settled (for the time being) in South Ogden, and Greg joined his friend's practice in Farmington. Things there are going extremely well, so we're all happy about that.

And a week or so ago I signed with literary agent Josh Getzler of Writers House (one of the best literary agencies out there--they rep Twilight author Stephenie Meyer for those of you who love all things Edward [I'm talking to you, Sunny!]) This is a BIG step because right now it is harder to get an agent to offer representation than it is to sell a book. We're now hard at work applying the last bit of polish on my book before we send it to about 15 of the biggest publishing companies in NY (yes, that includes Scholastic, Random House, Simon & Schuster, Penguin, and all those other big ones). To say I'm excited would be an understatement. But you can read all about that and other fun things I've been up to on my writing blog here. I've got my eye on the BIG POTATOES now, my friends!

Anyway, we're still homeschooling and enjoying the desert-y sunshine (some more than others, I miss Seattle). I hope you'll all keep in touch!

Even More Potatoes

Just heard word that I won another writing contest! YEE-HAW! I was shocked because my writing was so different from everyone else's, but I was excited to win.

Check it out on my writing blog here.

Updates!

Sorry, I've been so busy with my other blog (I confess, it's the one I love because I can talk about all things writing) that I keep forgetting to update this one.

Update #1: The kids have been sick. Lots. It's a vicious cycle.

Update #2: Ammon took his very first "not at home with mom" test. It was the Washington State Learning assessement test (WASL). I personally hate the test because it doesn't really test his basic skills but is geared heavily toward whether or not students can follow directions. Poo, I say. What good is a test that doesn't tell me if he doesn't know the skill set being tested or whether or not he followed every minute direction properly (for example, one of the sample math questions asked him to draw a five-sided shape with a ruler, but if he didn't use a ruler he got the question wrong)? It wouldn't be a problem if they let us view the test so we would know what he needs to work on, but no. We only get a grade that says what percentage he falls under according to the rest of the students in WA. Bah. (But it was good test-taking skills for him, so that was the only reason we went ahead and did it.)

Update #3: Grace is learning how to talk. She still doesn't say much, but she's getting better at pointing and grunting. But she does love to say Mama now. It's her favorite word. Well, second to "food," anyway. But she is adorable and everyone loves her very much.

Update #4: Daniel's birthday is in 3 days. We are going to try to go to the zoo, but Greg's work schedule is up in the air this week so we aren't sure what day that will happen exactly.

Update #5: We were able to use the stipend our co-op gave us to purchase a membership to the zoo and aquarium here. We are excited about going as often as possible. Once the weather clears up. We're in the rainy season now.

Update #6: As for me, I'm still waiting to hear anything about my manuscript. Four literary agents have requested the full manuscript and one has requested a partial. But you can read all about that on my other blog.

Update #7: I'm still working at Safeway every Saturday night and most Friday nights.

Update #8: Greg's work is the same as usual. Not much to report other than he's still working toward the next level with it's accompanying pay raise.

Update #9: We hope to be able to afford to come to Utah for a visit in June. We'll see if we can pull it off. It'll be tight, but we're trying.

Update #10: These updates are pretty dull. Translation: nothing much has happened around here. We are boring people and we lead boring lives.

The Truth Often Hurts

Today Greg broke the news to Ammon about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and all things magic.

It broke his heart.

There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth, because Ammon really, truly still believed. But he's nearly 11 now, and it was time to tell him the sordid truth.

Poor kid.

How I wish he could have figured it out on his own. It would have been easier on him. I feel terrible that he's so upset about it.

But at least I have a new partner in crime. I was getting tired of the solo act (Greg doesn't help much with that sort of thing). So it's a good thing, right?

I sure hope so.

A Girl's Gotta Vent

Did you ever have one of those days where, for no apparent reason, you feel completely, utterly and wretchedly unhappy? Nothing has really gone wrong, but you feel out of sorts, like there's nothing good in the world to smile about anymore?

I know you've all had those days, so don't look at me that way.

Well, today felt like one of those days for me. Nothing went wrong, really, but I think I'm just burned out with homeschooling, overwhelmed with all the church responsibilities that have been given to me, and stressed out with all the waiting I'm doing concerning my manuscript that is in the hands of so many literary agents right now.

I think I'm just on overload, and so I'm dealing with it by feeling all bummed out over absolutely nothing. It never lasts long (thank heavens), and it helps to get all moody and write horribly depressing blog posts such as this one. And I need to get over it because I'm really close to finishing the first draft of another novel, but when I'm in this kind of mood I can't work. (Well, that's not technically true. I can't work on a manuscript, but I can certainly write bad poetry when I'm in this kind of mood.)

So instead I'm sharing my glumness with all of you. You're all gonna think I need to be medicated after this, but that's okay. Thanks for letting me vent. I feel a little better already.

Auntie Easter

Today a package arrived in the mail from my parents. But actually (or so I believe) the items inside came from my Aunt Karen. Every year (well, for the last three or four, anyway) my aunt has invited all her great-nieces and great-nephews to her house for an Easter-egg hunt. She also supplies Easter baskets full of goodies for each of these kids. And this is not a small family we're talking about. There are at least 20 of these great-nieces and -nephews.

And for those that can't make it to her house, she still purchases Easter stuff and sends it to those of us who now live far away.

As a young mom with lots of kids and little time or money, I am so very grateful for her kindness. And the kids adore the attention, too. (Though we do miss the egg hunt with its accompanying BBQ. Wish we could be there this year.)

So here is my public thanks to my aunt. We love you, Aunt Karen, though I think we are going to have to start calling you Auntie Easter instead. (hee hee hee)

Reading List Update

I told you I would link back to my reading list for this year. Now seemed like a good time.

I'm up to 41 books so far this year. I have a stack of at least 15 waiting to be read in the next few weeks, too. Most of them are books I'm reading for research, but I enjoy reading them so it doesn't feel like research at all. Especially since the research I'm doing is reading books similar to the ones I've written (or would like to write). Though some are from my new writer friends, and I'm just curious to see what they have written.

If you want to see the complete list, click here.

And if you want any recommendations, I'll be happy to tell you my thoughts for each of the books I've read. So far there have only been a few that I'm not thrilled with on that list.

My Blog's Pity Party, and Some News

I've been a little concerned about this blog, for two reasons.

1) I don't post often to it.
2) No one really reads the posts anyway.

Maybe it's because I don't have very many family members online, and most of my friends follow my writing blog instead and don't know about this one.

But my poor little blog here is feeling a little left out. So I thought I would do what I could to help it feel better.

So here is my post about absolutely nothing. Hey, it's a post, so I'm doing what I can to rectify Concern #1.

I have no idea what to do about Concern #2.

Anyway...

...as for news, I really don't have any. It is Spring Break in our school district, so the kids don't have classes at the Family Learning Center. Homeschool is going--kinda--but has taken a back seat to Spring Break. The kids aren't happy about me making them do schoolwork this week. Oh well. Tough beans, right?

I spend a lot of time in front of the computer, especially with the whirlwind activity surrounding my writing *ahem* career. You can read all about that here, though.

Greg is doing well at work. He's getting closer to earning his next pay scale, and we could certainly use the raise.

And little Grace is starting to communicate. She now says "Uhhhh" for hug and "Ooh" for food (though she does sign the word, too, so we know what she's saying). Other than Mama, that's about all she says. But she has learned quite a few signs. She now can sign please and thank you, food, all done, again, and walk.

Oh, and she likes to eat baby wipes. I have no idea why.

And there's our news.

I'm a Contest Winner

I won a contest! Yippee!

But because it is a writing contest, you'll have to go to my writing blog for the details. (Mwaa-haa-haa-haa!)

elissadcruz.livejournal.com

See you there.

Call for Family Trivia: (For Family Members)

We really like it up here in Seattle, but my kids lately have begun to miss having family close by. So since I've been thinking about doing this anyway, now it seems like it would be a really good idea.

So, I'm putting out a call to all family members to submit 5 trivia questions to the first (and probably only) edition of Family Trivia. Here's what I need:

Please submit five (5) trivia questions about yourself. Ideally I want 5 from each member of the family, but I'll take what I can get (because I know it might be especially hard to get good trivia from the little kids). The more interesting and personal the better, and ideally it is trivia that isn't going to change any time soon--so don't send questions asking how old you are today, for example.

Also, if you have an electronic version or can make one, I'd like a baby photo of each member of the family as well. Please label these CLEARLY so I don't get them mixed up or have to guess. If you don't have an electronic version, I'd still like to get a good, quality copy from you, so contact me and we'll chat.

I'm also welcoming other photos (silly or non) that you want included. We'd love any more up-to-date photos so the kids can still remember what you look like now as well, or photos that show your unique personality.

Oh, and sending "When is So-and-So's birthday?" trivia doesn't count. I already have the birthday of every member of my family and Greg's (I think). If I don't, I'll contact you.

Most of you should have received an email from me about this. If not, though, send me an email and I'll get you a copy. Oh, and send the trivia and photos to my email address: elissadc at yahoo dot com.

Please forward this information to any family member you think may not know about this. I don't have email addresses for everyone and only some of you check this blog.

Thank you, family!

P.S. Here's a few trivia from our own family to help get your trivia juices flowing.

What is Elissa's favorite thing to do? (Write)
Who was born with an innocent heart murmur? (Grace)
What year did Greg graduate from high school? (1992)
In what state was Elizabeth born? (Colorado)
Where did Greg propose to Elissa? (near the Christus in the N. Visitor's Center on Temple Square)

Birthday, Birthday, Anniversary, Banquet, Banquet, Birthday (Whew!)

February is a busy month around our house. It's my birthday, Elizabeth's birthday, Grace's birthday, my anniversary and two Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquets. So I'm a little partied out.

Here's the highlights:

ELIZABETH'S BIRTHDAY-FEB 17

Lizzie turned 4 this year. We had a family party at home, and she got to pick her favorite meal for dinner. She chose macaroni and cheese--from the box! Here she is making a silly face while eating her favorite meal.



She asked for a pink cake, so I made her a pink pony cake. The boys LOVED the "horse hair" (which was really Fruit By the Foot).



Lizzie's favorite gifts (BY FAR) were the first two she opened. (1) the purple dress and (2) the white sparkly shoes. As you can see by the following picture, she HAD to try them on before she could finish opening any other presents!



MY BIRTHDAY-FEB 19

Nothing to report. I had to work that day. Bummer.

MY (AND GREG'S) ANNIVERSARY-FEB 23

This fell on a Monday, so we weren't able to go out and celebrate (especially since I had to work the whole weekend). That's okay. It's number 13. We've had a dozen years to celebrate already. Plus I was too busy getting ready for the Blue and Gold Banquet (see below).

BLUE AND GOLD BANQUET (AMMON'S PACK)-FEB 25

Since I'm the Cubmaster, I was running this show. Our theme was "American ABCs" and the decorations were geared around the cities and states of the U.S. Each table had a unique centerpiece that highlighted something about the state it showcased ( so each table was a different state). This was the only picture Greg managed to get of the table decorations, and it doesn't show anything except the tablecloth and placemats for our table. What it doesn't show is the pile of ice cream containers and spoons (because Vermont is the home of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream).



Here's a photo of me holding Grace, and if you look closely you can see some of the wall decorations in the background. We had state maps plastered everywhere, and random alphabet letters. Greg didn't take any other photos.



But Greg did manage to get a photo of EVERY SINGLE CAKE in the Father/Son cake decorating contest. Hmph. Men. Here's the cake he and Ammon did together. Yes, that is an eyeball staring back at you. Ammon won the "Red Eye Special" Award for it. Oh, and we ate all the cakes for dessert. Yummy.



BLUE AND GOLD BANQUET (BEN'S PACK)-FEB 27

Ben is in a different pack as a Tiger Cub, so we had a second Blue and Gold Banquet to attend. The most important part was that Ben was awarded his Tiger and Bobcat Badges! Hooray, Ben!



GRACE'S BIRTHDAY, OBSERVED-FEB 28

Since Grace's official first birthday won't be until 2012, we celebrated her first year on the last day of February.

For simplicity's sake (and for the fact that we were all just plain tired of cakes), I made cupcakes this time.



She quickly figured out how to rip the wrapping paper, but she really didn't care what was inside (though she did hug a few articles of clothing--I wonder...).



We tried to teach her to blow out the candle, but she had no clue. She did, however, know how to devour the cupcake and ice cream cone we gave her!







Whew. It was a fun month but I'm sure glad February is over.

The "Twilight" Bug...

....soooo did not bite me. I finally got around to reading the book yesterday, and while it had some good tension and a good premise, I did not swoon all over Edward and Bella's wimpy character drove me batty (no pun intended). I didn't hate it, though. I was just lukewarm to the whole book.

But as a writer I did come away with some very valuable information. So in that regard, I was glad I picked it up. Will I finish the rest of the series? Maybe. I'm not dying to pick them up, but it would be nice to understand what everyone else is chatting about. But I'm definitely not losing sleep over what might happen next.

So, go ahead you Twilight fanatics. Bring on the torches and pitchforks. ;)

My FUN-NESS Contest

Even though I posted this on my writing blog, it really isn't just for writers.

Most of you know that the country isn't exactly a happy place to be right now. All I hear around me is doom and gloom...and I'm tired of it.

So I've announced the first ever FUN-NESS contest on my writing blog (which, technically, is my professional blog and the only one available to the public). If you want a good laugh or need some time to escape the doom and gloom around you, check it out.

Oh, and there is a grand prize. ($$$!)

See you there!

elissadcruz.livejournal.com

I Can't Believe This!

Thanks to Greg I may truly have the coolest writing gig ever. (Well, maybe not ever because it's technical writing, and we all know creative writing trumps technical writing every time. Don't argue with me on this. I know what I'm talking about.)

Greg has hooked me up with someone looking for a writer/editor to work on a marketing campaign. The guy is looking for someone to take his ideas and write them down so they make sense to the average American (English is not his native tongue so he says he has a hard time making everything sound right in our pesky language). He also wants flyers, brochures, web content and on-going editing for future newsletters.

The best part is that he didn't bat an eye when I told him my fees (and we're talking $30 to $50 an hour here, people). Because that is the going rate for a freelance editor nowadays. Who knew?

Yes, I about died when I researched fees. Do people actually PAY that much? I can't believe it! But then I found out my fees are actually LOW compared to other editors in the Seattle area. The going rate for here is $50 to $100 an hour! HOLY COW!

I'm meeting with him next week to get a feel for what he really wants done. And we'll see if his eyes start twitching when I explain it is going to take me more than 5 hours to get everything on his list finished. I'm thinking it is going to take me closer to 30 hours. Or 300 if he really wants as much as he says he does.

Sigh. I'm in heaven.

Slightly Bigger Small Potatoes...Gotta Love 'Em!

Got some good news today. Come on over to my writing blog for all the juicy tidbits!

elissadcruz.livejournal.com

See you over there!

Two Teefies

Yesterday I was taking something out of Grace's mouth when she bit down. Guess what, her two bottom teeth had come in! Two days ago she had none.

"You have two teefies!" I cried happily. Her big brothers and sister joined in, too. But Grace just cried because she could no longer chew on whatever it was she had in her mouth.

Now at least I know why she's been so cranky the last few days.

The School Blog

Just wanted to let you all know we've posted an update on the kids school blog. Come on over and see the fun! There's loads of pics, too.

thekidsatschool.blogspot.com

Christmas 2008

Yes, it's a bit late, but I finally have some photos to share of Christmas Eve and Morn.

Here's the Christmas Eve PJ's, thanks to Grammy and Grandpa Goofy.


And here's the kids on Christmas Morn.


Here's Ammon enjoying the new glass chess set he got.


Here's Ben, ecstatic, that he got the garbage truck he asked Santa for.


This is Daniel after he opened his new favorite game, Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em.


Here's Elizabeth intent of figuring out her new tiny school house. (And a sneak peek at me, too.)


Here's Grace enjoying her new musical drums, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa P.


And in honor of Aunt Erica, who just HAD to get presents for all her nieces and nephews, here's photos of each of them opening her gifts. (And a sneak peek at Greg, too, in Grace's picture.)






And here's a few more for good measure.






Congratulations if you've made it too the bottom of this very long list of photos. Hope your Christmas was as good as our was!