Fletcher Family Forever

Life...ah, life.

2011-05-26T21:31:00.003-07:00

Forgive me...I don't know how to turn this photo, but it is very cute. Just turn your head to the side a bit...there you go.....
As you can see, this a very random post due to how long it has been. Here we have a picture of dad with son #1 and dad with son #2. Yes, Jaron broke his arm when Mommy (yours truly) was playing chase with him in the house and he fell off the back side of the couch. His cast has since been removed but his arm still looks a bit like a piece of macaroni. The doctor assured me that it would grow straight, but I massage it every night.
As for life, we are currently in a condo, Jaron just finished his semester at ASU West with A's and B's, which is impressive seeing that he works full time now. We live a mile away from campus currently, but we have been trying for several months to buy a house without success (have you ever had two boys and no backyard? Ahhh!), so please pray for us in that regard. You wouldn't believe how much red tape there is now. It is nearly impossible to get a reasonably-priced house at all in AZ these days, unless you are an investor and you pay cash. So complicated, but I don't feel like explaining why (just trust me).

As of my last post we have paid off Jaron's drywall business in its entirety, Jaron got a job (and he likes it! Yay!) working full-time for a fire sprinkler engineer, and Jaron graduated with his Associates degree from Eastern AZ College just last month. It took us six years to get that degree. That diploma meant a lot more to us than a piece of paper, or even what he learned during the years he went to school there. It meant triumph; it represented something that, at one time, we thought we could never have the opportunity to have. When we were living in that trailer and deep in business debt, we wondered if we would ever be able to dig our way out. School at that time was out of the question. There was no time (he had to work) and no money (he wasn't making any). We thought that the opportunity to finish school would be forever lost to us. But we hoped, and we prayed, and we made some tough choices, and then we worked and hoped and prayed some more. And miracle of miracles, we paid the price, lived like paupers, family helped us and gave us cheap places to live while we got on our feet, and here we are now: I am at home with my kids, Jaron has a job with benefits and he is working towards a Bachelors degree, and although life isn't everything we had ever hoped at this point, we try to remain grateful for what we have right now and are for what our trials have taught us.

Here are some tid bits about the kiddos that may make you smile:

Jaron sings the main theme from Beethoven’s 5^th Symphony regularly. (Bah bah bah bah, bah bah bah bah, bah bah bah bah!) Pretty impressive. Today Stephen was picking up the tune and “bopping” in the pool alongside him.

Stephen gets really frustrated with me sometimes when I don’t respond to his needs right away. He will start out with, “Mooooommmeeee…. Mooooommmeeee……. MooooommmeeeeMooooommmeeee……….MOM!” He said “popcorn” this week.

Jaron likes to grab things away from Stephen lately, so they end up loosing toys when they get me involved in their fights. Jaron also gets pretty frustrated with Stephen when he is trying to get him to play with him and Stephen grunts his typical response, “Uh, uh.” (He is rather disagreeable lately)

“Stephen do it!”

“Uh, uh.”

“Stephen, play with me!”

“Uh, uh.”

“STEPHEN!”

“Uh…”

POW!

(siren cry)

Me: Jaron, you can’t control Stephen. You just do what you want to do and maybe he will want to play with you too.

Jaron: But I want to control Stephen.

Hmmm…sounds like someone I know.

Yesterday I asked Jaron after he watched Cinderella, “Jaron, are you a pince?” He replied, “No-oh! I’m a kid!”

Jaron is very protective of his brother and pulls him away from the edges of pools, the parking lot, etc., much to Stephen’s dismay. I have to reassure Jaron that Stephen is alright, and that I am watching him, but it is sweet that he is so concerned and willing to help me. One of the lines I hear most around the house is “Mom, look at Stephen!” Several times, on my not-so-good days, I have retorted with, “I don’t want to look at Stephen! Can you just stop him!?”…dreading what I will find. Sometimes Jaron does stop him. I will hear squealing and walk in to find Jaron pulling Stephen by the arm away from whatever damage he was trying to commit. Stephen broke several of my glass animals…some of them my favorites…last week. Unfortunately, I also got upset with Jaron for being a stander-by. Maybe that is why he often makes an effort to be the “ Stephen police” now. Stephen likes to run away from the table after meals without washing his hands. He likes to get into trouble, generally speaking. Last week my Mom was watching Stephen and she said that he kept trying to turn off her computer when she was working. She finally snapped at him and he got that trembling pouty-face look, like he does when he is really sorry, and buried his head in the couch. I know that I should be sad for him when he does this but it is so dang cute I have to fight myself not to smile.

Brooke Made Me Do It.

2011-05-26T21:31:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I know it has been forever. I have to post this because my sister made me do it:
Pay it Forward 2011:
I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment here... They must in turn post this on their blog and send something they make to the first 5 people who comment. The rules are that it must be handmade by you, and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011.

Halloween Yay!

2010-10-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

As you can see, Stephen has figured out what a camera does and loves being the center of attention.

Pumpkin carving is a VERY important, mandatory Halloween activity in my family, so we attempted it with both kids this year, which they enjoyed despite not being allowed to play with the knives. Jaron liked drawing on/telling me how to carve the pumpkin and Stephen enjoyed playing in the goo.
My husband joined in the chili cook-off contest this year and made an amazing dish! It didn't win, but I thought it would have been an appropriate second place winner (the one I liked best didn't win either). I was grateful for the chili because it opened up my sinuses (I hab a code).

As you can see, Jaron was buzz lightyear (there were only four other buzz lightyears at our ward party....) and Stephen was an economy-style Woody (we just used stuff we already had). We couldn't really keep his hat on so I wore it most of the night. Jaron loved trick or treating and has been looking forward to that all month! He was so darn cute because I wouldn't let him pig out on the candy at the ward party until we had gone trick or treating, but I allowed him to hold the candy as long as he didn't eat it. He was true to the end and held it excitedly but obediently. So cute! I don't let him have candy much...or at all really...but I allowed him five candies of his choice at the end of the night. I was anticipating some form of whining or a tantrum but he was utterly pleased, chose five (three smarties, a small bag of whoppers, and a lollipop), and savored every one. He didn't devour it like I thought he would, but took his time. He was so happy! He was excited about the candy but he is quite a simple boy. He gets pretty excited about the festivities of holidays (*like his Grammy Cronin--I think it is in his genes) without the presents or candy.
His favorite part of Halloween were the pumpkins in every store. I bought him a pumpkin at the farmer's market for a dollar at the beginning of the month and I swear it was the best dollar I ever spent. He took that thing everywhere! It didn't last particularly long because he poked holes in it with a pen, threw it like a ball (we discouraged that), rolled it down the stairs, and drew all over it, but we bought another one the next week because he loved it so much.
How do you like my stellar pumpkin carving skills? Yeah, I know I'm good. Look, the cat has ears!

2009-09-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite picture of little Stephen thus far. It shows his personality a bit. He is such a sweet mellow fellow. Jaron is still fond of him (yay!) We are potty training now, which has been particularly stressful for me. I hate the mess. But he is doing pretty well. I told him that when he goes poop he can have ice cream, but it hasn't happened yet. #1 is going well and he even makes it through the night half the time. Here is a picture of the family on Stephen's baby blessing day too. Daddy gave an awesome blessing!

Baby Smiles and Groovy Outfits

2009-08-05T09:54:00.001-07:00

Little Jaron picked out this groovy outfit and dressed himself. The upside down glasses top this outfit off nicely! And baby Stephen started smiling this week! Dad is especially good at making Stephen smile and took these pictures in the morning before I got home from work. I'm so glad Stephen sleeps well at night for my husband's sake (I work graveyard about one day a week). Stephen has slept as long as 8 hours straight!

2009-06-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

So here we are in front of our new residence together. Life sure is a wild ride full of surprises! Life has turned out different than I expected, but I think I mean that in a good way. (:

2009-06-23T00:41:00.000-07:00

2009-06-23T00:25:00.000-07:00

Introducing Stephen Douglas Fletcher! Yes, I know Stephen Douglas was a historical figure (politician), but the name actually originates from Stephen, my dad, and Douglas is my grandfather's name. I respect the honor and integrity for which these men live their lives and hope that little Stephen Douglas will emulate them.
So little Stephen was born June 17th, 12:49 pm, and weighed 7 lbs 6 oz. I enjoyed not pushing for an hour as I had to do with little fatty (little Jaron was 9 lbs 1 oz!) However, after requesting an epidural it took them an hour to come save my life, so that part of labor was not so enjoyable. I got to about 8 cm before they finally got there. I nearly hyperventilated and they had to put an oxygen mask on me because I was feeling faint. My wonderful husband took the day off to come be with me. He read short stories to me by O' Henry until I was in too much pain to listen further. He left for a short time and came back with several items, including my glasses, because he was concerned that I be able to see the baby. Is that not cute or what? I have the best husband in the whole world.
So little Stephen is the sweetest baby! I was prepared for a terror child because I thought I was blessed with an easy baby the first time, but this little guy is super easy going! I was pleased the first time I heard him cry because it wasn't wreched, and mostly he just squeaks when he is sad. He likes to make noises like he is clearing his throat. He is also a champion nurser. It came easy to this guy; he's a pro. I must say that it helps that his mouth is much bigger than little Jaron's was. And he sleeps very well at night. How did I get so lucky?
Little Jaron seems to be doing very well. I can't believe how much bigger and older he appears to me after having had another baby. It almost makes me sad; the time is going by too fast! Someday he won't be my little boy anymore...he will be a man! Crazy thought. As for his adjusting, I am not an overly doting mother, so he is used to me not giving him my full attention all day every day. I can tell that he is a bit angst (he has been hitting a little bit and can be rough with little Stephen/rough in general, which isn't like him) but for the most part he seems to really like his new brother. I have been trying really hard to include him in everything. I let him take a bath in the baby's bathtub (Jaron called it a boat), he likes to help me change the baby's diaper and put the pacifier in the baby's mouth. He also likes to hide poor Stephen under his baby blanket and say, "Where did he go?" and then take the blanket off and yell, "There he is!" He thinks the baby needs a pillow if he is lying on the baby blanket, so he is always bringing me "baby's pillow" (which is actually one of his own that he wants to share). (By the way, I think it is so cute the way Jaron uses the possessive tense now, e.g., Daddy's book or Mommy's chair, etc.) He likes to kiss little Stephen and smother him (hug him) and he has no reservations about picking him up in his arms (kinda scary), but he actually does a pretty good job of picking him up and cradling him correctly without any help from me at all. Sometimes I have to stop Jaron from trying to tear little Stephen away from me (often by his head), but at least he is excited to hold him, eh? He is always asking me to "share" the baby. And if little Stephen starts to cry he hands him right back to me (as if to say, 'I don't want to deal with him now; you can have him back!'). I do have to monitor Jaron 24/7 to make sure he doesn't accidentally suffocate or hurt the baby. We even put a lock on the baby's room door because little Jaron can climb into the crib in about 2 seconds.
I sure am happy to have two of the cutest kids on the planet. I thank the Lord for entrusting me with these sweet, precious spirits.

Easter

2009-04-12T21:25:00.001-07:00

Jaron's first Easter where he could actually look for eggs! He looks pretty serious in these two photos but he was squealing out loud every time he found an egg. We got him all dressed up for dinner and look at those shiny new Easter shoes! He's stylin!'

It's a boy! (the first image--view from beneath--see the little gluteous maximus and....)

2009-02-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

2009-01-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

Little Jaron at Grandma and Grandpa's house during Christmas. the Grandparents really spoiled him! We only got him one thing...a train set...but he came away with much more than that! Oh, boy....
Little Jaron will be two this February. HOW CRAZY IS THAT!!! They say time flies and I wish so badly that it would just slow down a bit! I am enjoying him so much! I don't think that there is any stage yet that I haven't enjoyed. He has been a bit belligerent lately, but that is to be expected. He refused to pick up his toys the other night so I told him that he could eat dinner with us when he had completed his task (he isn't a dummy...he knows how to pick up his toys). Well, he went to bed hungry. I have had a lot less trouble getting him to pick up after himself since then. He really is a lot of fun! We go on walks often now and he pushes his cart all the way down the street and back. His favorite thing to do is to push his cart through the puddles after it rains. I have to make sure that we do that before bath time and not after....

Update

2009-01-26T12:19:00.000-08:00

Nothing terribly new regarding our living situation except that I am getting a job substitute teaching for Safford Public Schools until our next BABY is born (June 27th). Big Jaron is taking Calculus II at Eastern Arizona College, where I also teach college trumpet lessons (and love it!). Next semester will be Calculus III and Differential Equations, and then he is out of classes to take until we get out of Safford to continue with school. We are looking to consolidate the business loans so that we can progress more quickly with that. Despite the economy we aren't out of business yet, but we are pinching every penny we've got to keep it afloat. Jaron can't wait to be rid of the burden so that he can finish what he started in college. Only time will tell. At least we will have plenty of interesting stories to tell our kids! Life certainly turns out different than you expect....
Here is a picture of little Jaron, myself, and my family (dad, sister Marina, and brother Vova (in Ukraine on his mission). Mom is taking the picture and poor big Jaron is still working drywall, so that is why he is not present in this photo.

First time in Nursery all by himself! For Halloween he was a bee.

2008-11-17T21:46:00.000-08:00

Pictures of our new home

2008-07-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

2008-07-17T15:27:00.000-07:00

Little Jaron! 16 months

Our new home!

2008-07-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

So here's the thing...before Jaron and I got married we always joked that we would live in a box and still be happy because we had eachother. Of course we never actually thought this would happen, but due to our immense desire to get out of debt and get Jaron's new business off the ground, we have officially chosen to LIVE IN A BOX!!! How long you ask? As long as it takes!
We found this 31' trailer on Craigs list, and the guy agreed to take payments. That, to me, is a miracle in itself. We will officially own our home in one year!
But really, it is very nice for a travel trailer. It has a large 4' popout that provides play space for the little guy, ice cold AC, washer/dryer, queen bed, nice couch bed for little Jaron to sleep on, fridge, microwave, table, oven, counter space with 2 bar stools, a good-sized full bathroom, CD player with surround sound, and a little TV with DVD/VCR. There is enough storage space to keep everything we need. For those less essential items, we've rented a small storage unit. Yes, it will be tight, but it will also be worth it in the end. We decided that we'd rather sacrifice now than pay later.
As for daily activities, little Jaron and I utilize all the community's assets including the clubhouse and pool. It is really a nice neighborhood...it is a 55+ neighborhood, but young-ins are allowed in the RV spaces.