Updates!!

Trevor passed a long 3 weeks of gruelingly intense testing and training for this new job in Vegas. Even though it was a transfer from Arizona with the same company, they are a lot more strict here. So yay! We will see a paycheck!

This new paycheck is affording Orthodontic work for the kids.

MaKayla has braces! (the poor dear has needed them badly. She has been spreading her palate with an expander to make room for her teeth; this process is the new wave in orthodontics and it started in Arizona.)

Jessica will get her expander soon and braces shortly after.

Justin will get his expander and hopefully wont need braces at all.


School is going well. While it was an adjustment for all it is. My favorite thing is when people say to me, "I know how you feel. Give it two months and you will adjust."
I think, "really? Do you honestly know how it is to give 6 children anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes each night for homework...that is on average 4-6 hours a night of homework help for 6 children." Plus, I have the 8 lunches to pack, 8 water canteens to clean and refill, 6 uniforms to make sure are starched, ironed and laid out ready to go. Dinner to make and clean up after, laundry and dishes to cycle. It's all nearly impossible! And I find I don't have time for the extras at all. These well meaning individuals have two to three children in school and the youngest is in either Preschool or Kindergarten...that doesn't compare. Sorry, it doesn't. But I wouldn't trade my children. I love them dearly and they are getting the hang and flow of things, working into more independence. Every Saturday I spend half the day cleaning and baking and the other half catching up on homework. There is really no time for the extras. It's a good busy. Thank heavens I like to be busy.

This brings me to my next update...my thyroid. I finally went to the Nevada clinic where they use biomeridian machines to determine what the cause is and what treatment is necessary. I have noticed I am not as depressed, and I have noticed a significant amount of energy increased. This was a welcome with my new busy life. I have yet to notice a metabolism increase...PLEASE KICK IN!!

The children are doing well musically. Alexis has been invited to study with WeiWei Le in UNLV. She doesn't take too many students and expects a lot out of the ones she has. She requires 3 hours a day of practicing and has confidence she could help Alexis go where ever she wants to musically. She was impressed with her playing.

MaKayla has yet to meet with Tianna of UNLV for her viola studies. We are excited to meet her and continue our studies.

Jessica, Our little "August Rush Boy" type genius was invited to study with either Dr. Andy White at UNLV or another mentor at Nevada School of the Arts. She is very musical and needs a mentor to help her take off and make sense of the music she hears in her mind.(Ooohhh, this was taken years ago in Logan's Utah State University, right before a competition.)


Justin, I will get him with a piano teacher the first part of February.

It's all been crazy trying to adjust, find schools, get over the holidays and meet with teachers. I have learned that the student needs to pick their teacher at an older level (like the girls' age). They need to be compatible and the student inspired. The chemistry has to work in order for that to happen.

So...here we are with all these updates!

A New Chapter...School.

I have known for a while that changes needed to be made with my children's schooling. It was so difficult to manage the needs of 6 children, from a high school age to Kindergarten. I felt so divided and spread thin. All mothers know when this happens, nothing gets done really well. I felt that I was short changing my children, which resulted in feeling like a failure. I was once wonder Mother who did fantastic projects, crafts, snacks, field trips, reading classical works to, cooking healthy meals for, gardening with, developing artistry and critiquing music for. We must not leave out, teaching the children to work, manage the house with, pay bills and budget for, run the errands. You know-it's life. For me, for some reason I always went the extra mile, wanting to provide the best for and achieve the most. I always felt-if anyone can educate these children-it's me. There's only 6. How can I not do just as good of a job. And for years I felt the spirit's confirmation of peace that what I was doing was right for the time. People would ask me, "how long are you going to Home School?" I would answer, "Until the Spirit directs me differently." Maybe it's the wipe out that unemployment naturally brings. Maybe it's the hardship of living in the bubble we did while in Arizona. Maybe moving 3 times in 3 states in 1 year did it. But I found myself drowning. Maybe all this drama our family has been through was what needed to happen to get me to throw in the towel-because I wouldn't have done it any other way. The Spirit whispered that something needed to change. I felt my stomach turn and the peace was gone so I knew Something had to be done. I began researching options for my children, all while feeling like it was because I couldn't do it anymore. Like I failed them. I felt guilt that the boys wouldn't get the quality time with me that the girls did. Then the spirit revealed to me the obvious. "Boys are wired differently. They are designed to want to be out in the world so that they can achieve, compete and succeed, and one day provide for a family." I of course felt devastated that I couldn't offer that to them, but I accepted the guidance.
So it started my path of finding a suitable school for my children. Let's face it. Nevada is the 49 out of 50 states in the public schools. This isn't happy valley, Cache Valley Utah...This is broken homes, strip families, morally questionable environments amongst the good families. This was not a decision to be taken lightly. So I turned to Charter schools-toured, asked many people and read websites. It was better than just a public school-but the waiting lists were long. With a lottery system, trying to get 6 children in would be improbable in a timely manner. I knew my children had needs in education that couldn't wait with a lottery. Something needed to be done now.
While researching I went to Trevor's work Christmas Party. While visiting with a middle aged woman there she told me about a great Christian, (Partial to LDS) Classical, Faith based-Patriotic private school, that her children attended Years ago. So I came home, looked at the fees times 6 and knew that my children wouldn't be able to go there and sadly gave up the idea. This liberal arts school was everything that I was trying to achieve for my children at home. The director has a degree in Law from BYU and completed studies at George Wythe-Everything I could ask for. As badly as I wanted it, it wasn't going to happen. Man! Six Children are expensive. At another Christmas party, my cousins wife was telling me her kids went there years ago and parents volunteered help to reduce the costs...this was my in!
I offered my services in whatever capacity and....We are in! The kids had their first week. I worked where was needed, from a Librarian, to cleaning walls and baseboards, to filing, to the front desk/secretary. There may come a time I will take a class and substitute. Can I just say...what a perfect arrangement! I am still there with my children and yet, I kind of have a job! I never wanted a job. I recognize that the most important work I can do is the work I do at home. However, this was the only way to get them in there. I consider myself fully devoted to my children and whatever is best for them. I always have.
It's crazy. The school is four days a week, because Monday is family day. So the days I work I have to have their uniforms ironed, washed and ready the night before. Lunch packed for 8 people-a healthy home made lunch at that. Dinner to prepare for each night and homework to oversee. Whew. It's a good tiring. Welcome to working momhood.
Kids are adjusting. The school is highly advanced and the kids will need to step up. It will be great to have someone else for them to answer to and impress with school work...maybe mom is too soft. The kids get to go to the math class of their level...so they don't feel frustrated amongst peers. This was a hardship for many people in school. This entire school adjusts by levels in math. Can I say, the spirit is so strong there. Patriotic pictures adorn the walls, with scripture quotes and pictures of Christ. Respect and reverence are accepted. I walk into a class and I hear "Good morning Mrs. Ericksen." in unisome while the children stand from their desks to greet me. I walk down the halls and the children address me the same. This place is incredible. I am privileged to be part of it and I am thankful for the like minded people I can work with. I honored and humbled that I can give my children the chance for an education of this magnitude. I am grateful for teachers who work harmoniously together to ensure proper principles and a love for learning are taught. I am grateful for Heavenly Father's direction...he always knows what is best for his children.

Surreal

I have to say that when it is 75 degrees outside, kids in shorts, family walking to the park and just basking in the sun it all feels a little surreal. Sure I know it will hit me in the summer when the warm weather catches up and its 115 outside. But for now, I am enjoying all the vitamin D. But I have to remind myself that Christmas is in 38 days and It feels as if I should be planting in my garden. I like it though...no complaints from me. Perhaps I am waiting for it all to disappear and fail on us like so many other plans. (Louisiana, Houston, New York) Maybe I am afraid to settle for fear of getting attached and losing it all. (Like moving away from Williams Arizona.) So I am numb. I asked a few transplants if they had a hard time getting used to Vegas, one Massachusetts sister replied, "oh yes! It takes about 2 years." She then proceeded to say you can grow about anything here. I'd like to try. Seriously.
For every move, there is a gain and a loss. I have gained the no snow, warm winters and longer growing season. I have gained the cheaper house price and the better paying job.
But at the same time I have lost my some dear friends the Jenkins, Kupiecs and the Hancocks. Nobody every replaces people...not when they have seen you through so much. I miss them. I have lost my honey factory, raw milk, heritage center, green mountains and large garden.
And some things are the same...the temple is close, Seminary is close, a lot of church members and I have my basic family unit to hold, cherish and nurture. There is a great homeschool organization that honors the Thomas Jefferson Education principles. I knew we'd be okay when I learned of it's thriving influence here.
Life never turns out the way you expect it. Sometimes you find yourself questioning the very ground you stand on. But here I am, adjusting. It's not easy moving three times in one year and going from one expectation to the next in your planning. I feel as if I have lived all over from Utah to Arizona and down to Louisiana and Texas and over to New York only to retrace our steps and settle in Las Vegas all in one year. It's been a roller coaster. But I am thankful for the year round great salary job and the church, temple and Seminary (of which Alexis is devouring every minute of it). I once again find the good in where I am at. But I wouldn't be honest if I didn't confess that it's been rather difficult. My life to me is not about the money, the new home in a cookie cutter neighborhood. A woman identifies with her home-it's where her heart is. I would be entirely and completely satisfied in a little cottage surrounded by my gardens. Simple that's me. I would take a quaint and charming home any day over a new and modern one. Looking over the vast and endless packed subdivisions I feel as if I am in Mexico with all the tiled roofs, palm trees and spanish style everywhere. Everything here is so different from what I imagined for my children. It just simply is an adjustment and sometimes that is a matter of time.

Continue in Patience

So, Plan B is in action. Trevor talked to his Boss a few weeks ago (a friend that goes back to Mountain Ridge Helicopters, where they worked together in Logan, Utah)about New York and how he was going to have to turn it down. His Boss mentioned, "Why don't I see if I can recommend you for our Las Vegas location?" Trevor and I both hate Las Vegas, the drinking, the gambling, the practically naked women that people don't call porn, but business entertainment instead. Trevor knew that was something to pray about and discuss as a couple-so we did. At this point, who cares, a job is a job right? So he accepts. We have heard just as many good things about Las Vegas from the people that we know who live there. I have to remember that we are keeping the commandments and have requested to go where the Lord wants us to go. If it's meant to be it will be. So he interviews and gets the job. The best part is, it's more than double what he is making now and in a depressed market that could go really far. We feel so blessed. So Monday (24) we are headed there to check out some rentals. This job is permanent-year round, pays extremely well, close to California for vacations and to Utah for family. There are plenty of seminaries there for Alexis to attend and best of all, there is a temple. Oh how I've missed it. It is a desert-yes. But I have a plan. I always try to make the most of where I am at. A few homes I noticed have wells. With all that good weather you just need water to grow some amazing things. I care about what I feed my family and I have missed food from the garden and raw milk fresh from the dairy. It is my hope-yes hope to be able to have some chickens, a mini jersey cowHere is one pictured full grown-They rave about the docility of these animals and the more manageable and efficient size. Oh, and the milk has been sorely missed! And I hope to be able to garden-even if it's in raised beds. Nearly year round-can't beat that! Here is a picture of a preserve in Las Vegas that teach people how to grow things in the desert and offer advice and help Was this ever my idea to go there...no. But I am so thankful for the job. Again for the opportunities. I am thankful for the ability to find the good in every situation presented to me. So, it's making the most of what has been given to you. I try to find the good and harmonize The way Trevor and I want to raise our kids with where his jobs take him. If we like it, we wouldn't ever have to leave. I feel so blessed that I waited-the Lord gave us something so much better than New York. It reminds me of a talk clip from President Uchdorf that I listened to a year ago. He says that sometimes when times are rough, if we will learn to be patient the Lord will bless us. Sometimes we have to put off the things that we want for something even better. I always laugh and then think to myself when people say, "oh, you Home school, I could never do that, I don't have the patience." I think, "I don't have it either, but am learning it." Sometimes I am better at it than other times, but I do believe it is a Godly Characteristic-something that is required to learn in order to become a God-it must be one of our goals to learn and master. The Lord is teaching me this very thing-to be patient.

Our time in Williams

Here are a few pictures of our time here to document our accomplishments, experiences and memories. Somethings I didn't get pictures of are:

We accomplished a ton with homeschooling and the kids are making remarkable progress.
We enjoyed both sets of grandparents coming to visit
Alexis on Birth control is doing better (though it has it's side effects) and we are nearly to the point of trying to see if her body has adjusted and regulated.
The girls have learned to cook so much more. Bread, main dishes, deserts, salads, rice, granola, yogurt-I've been working with them to teach them.
Justin is nearly done with the Bear level of scouts-before he is even a bear.
Justin went from Kindergarten level last fall (I waited on him) to half way through
4th grade-he's just plowing and Joseph is right behind him. Smart wits.

There really is so much more I am sure I forgot to name...but we have made the most of our time here and accomplished much. Perhaps we can all look at our lives the same way. When you sit back and take note of the last six months we accomplish more than we realize.


Trevor had a challenge for the kids-they needed to come up with something creative to do during 2 weeks. If they did they would earn a trip to the dollar store. Not much but some of them took on the challenge. Alexis made this bowl from sifted rock-the red rock around here. She made a paste, mixed it with water and glue-pressed it in a bowl and formed this pottery.
Down here we have the three little pigs and their "straw house" again, done by Alexis.


My front yard-where we enjoyed the solitude and quietude.
Our little 3 bedroom rental (the 3 car garage makes it look bigger). Where we learned to live in smaller spaces and that things and a house don't matter-family does.
Joseph turned 5
Alexis turned 14.
We enjoyed many hikes and the Indian culture here.
Jessica was on a real low with OCD and is learning how to master this trial. It's an on going fight. But we have the tools to combat
MaKayla turned 12 here.
Relishing in the wildflowers
MaKayla got a grown up haircut paid for with her own earned money
Arizona's many (surprisingly) constant wild flowers. It's fun to pick a bouquet for the table.
Alexis decorated the fridge for her dad's birthday. This is a helicopter scene. She studied on the computer pictures, helicopter colors and types of helicopters and placed them accordingly.


Cute little Trevor's parents treating the kids (or spoiling rather) to a refreshment at Bearizona park. They came down too and we had so much fun with them. I will post an entire post of our events with them...to come soon.
These are pictures Trevor took during one of his tours of the Grand Canyon




These are pictures Trevor took during his interview in New York



These are pictures of the lava tubes cave. An ancient volcano made tubes as the outside of the flow cooled off and the inside continued to flow. It left hollow tube like caves. We hiked them. Pretty neat. And Free too, can't beat that.



The kids sitting on the cow from "Rod's Steak House" on Route 66

this tree appears to have been struck by lightning. There is a spiral burn mark all the way down this tree. This is in the forest behind our house.

cute little bridge under the train tracks to get to our house.

Brett Finally gained weight.


We went on many walks this summer around the many lakes near our home. Beautiful.



(This Amazon looking frog was tempting to touch, but we didn't. Isn't he beautiful)






Once again, here is Jason with Justin's nearly prize catch. Justin caught this himself. A near record. He has become quite the fisherman while living here and has out fished many. He even used a Barnes and Noble gift card to buy a book on fishing. He reads this advanced book and studies it...so cute.

We got a bigger car. It's known as the "mormon mover" And best of all-we don't owe anything on it. It feels so good to be debt free. And it feels good to have room and finally fit in a vehicle.

And Trevor got himself a new car...this Lamborgini JUST KIDDING! He flew a bunch of guys who came in on an entire fleet of these 200K+ cars. (waste of money if you ask me)

Last Spring when we flew down to Arizona to check out housing, on the way back we flew into Denver to stop and See my brother Ryan and his practice, cute family and beautiful home. I am so proud of him. He is humbly successful and I am thankful to have him as a brother. Way to go Ryan!

Two cute little boys if I do say so myself.

On the kid's Birthdays Trevor treated them to a date golfing. Here is Alexis on her Birthday.

And here's MaKayla