Family Update

Things have been well in the Winkler home. Devon has started his semester at the U. He is taking 14 credits, so he is keeping pretty busy with school, work, and homework. Especially his Java class. The other day he heard his teacher say that he thought that Calculus was a pre-rec for taking this class, which its not seeing that Devon is in the class as a film major, and the last time he took calculus was when he was in high school 7 years ago. Devon will rise above that though and will pass the class. No worries there. It just means a lot of homework time. Luckily all his other classes are pretty simple to pass. One of the classes is only a half semester as well. Devon is also going to be applying for an Undergrad/internship for Pixar. If he makes it in that will most likely mean he will be going by himself. Luckily its only from June to August so he will be able to start school as soon as he comes back. We have also read that its a paid internship as well, so if he makes it we will be having some big changes in our life for a short while. It will be a great learning experience as well. I am sure things will work out for the best anyway.
Jaylee is just a stinker, yet the biggest bundle of joy. On Monday after staying at the Oler's for an hour she decided that she wanted to start going potty on the potty, so every time she wanted to go I let her. I don't know if this means that she is going to be potty trained early, or if this is just a little phase, but its really cute seeing her on the toilet. For the most part she just sits there, but there was one time that she actually went poop, and it scared her so bad cause I was so excited. Her excitement towards the toilet has kind of slowed down since then. Right now Jaylee's favorite movie is Monsters inc. She has to watch it every day. She doesn't even get scared of the movie. every part she will watch. she gets sad when she knows that its almost over. She also loves learning right now. reading, playing games, singing songs, and helping mom are some of the things that she really enjoys doing. Nursery is her favorite cause she loves being around kids her age. I am just amazed at how much they learn so fast. As it is right now with my help she says her prayers, she talks on the phone really well, and the thing that frustrates me the most is when she runs away from me and I have to chase after her. Luckily she doesn't run fast.
As for me I am still working at the Maintenance Office 19 hrs a week. After that I am working full-time as a mother. Every tues. night I go with Lisa to Institute Choir with Bro Shank and I love it. Its quite interesting taking a class with a bunch of single people, but I love singing and I love the spirit I feel in the class. We have quite a bit of performances this semester and I am way excited for them. I have also started another cross-stitch project, and I many other things that I am working, or planning on working on like bow making, genealogy, making cards, and practicing piano. So between all of that I keep myself pretty busy. Anyway so that's our update. we are doing well.

Preparing for Emergencies

I don't know about anyone else, but have you ever noticed that when something comes to mind, that all of a sudden there are so many things that stick out that has to do with that certain thing. For example this Sunday we had a lesson on preparing for emergencies. It has always been a subject that comes to mind, but never anything that I have really acted upon. Its been a "I hope something doesn't happen or I am in trouble." type of thing. Well since then I have had to fill out an emergency contact form at work, and I am sure that other things will come up. Its like a wake up call in the morning to get up and get to work. Although I have the best intentions, I keep pushing the snooze button, but eventually if I am not careful I am going to be late, or in the case of an emergency be in trouble. So if there is anyone out there that has any ideas on ways to prepare on a tight budget I would love to hear what you have to say. As for what I learned on Sunday, well I will do my best to remember what I learned and act upon it.

Angela

The Joys of Christmas

So again I have no pictures or footage of Christmas. My Camera is acting funny and so is our video camera, but family members took some so hopefully I can get some from them. As for the big day it was awesome. Jaylee loved opening the presents, and had so many toys she didn't know what to do. It was so cute. when we came home all she could say was toys. We were blessed with many wonderful gifts. There are a few that I would like to mention though. Devon got a new hat from Disneyland and some shoes. both a surprise and he loved them both, Yay. Jaylee loves the new books she got and her new 3 pairs of Disney pajamas, so cute. I got a Cricut and I am so exited to use it and the new Taylor Swift CD which I have already listened through 3 times. I would have to say that our most exiting gift was the new microwave that we found on our doorstep. So Thanks to whomever gave it to us. We love it :)

Christmas wasn't all fun and games for us though. That morning my mom got the Stomach flu after we opened the presents. That evening Devon got sick as well and it all went down hill from there. Christmas night My grandma, brother, and I got the stomach flu followed by my other brother, Dad and Grandpa the night after. It ended up working out though, cause Jaylee never got it, and my mom was well enough to take care of Jaylee when Devon and I were sick. We in return were well enough to take care of Jaylee so my Mom could take care of my Dad and brother. I definitely have to say it was a Christmas that I will never forget, but as you can see it was probably a good thing that our cameras weren't working. All of us being sick wouldn't make the best pictures after all.

3 days till Christmas

I am so excited this year for Christmas. Not for the gifts I am giving, or receiving, but for spending time with my family. Jaylee is starting to understand who Santa is and the concept of Christmas. The cutest thing that she has been saying lately is we ask her what Santa says and she says "Ho Ho Ho." It is so cute. then we ask her what Santa gives you for Christmas and she says " Presents." Devon thinks that she is saying baby sometimes, but I know better. Although baby is one of Jaylee's favorite words presents sounds way different.
Last night we went to the free Caroling event at Energy Solutions Arena. I don't know if any of you have been able to go to that, but this will be the 2nd year that we have been. Last year it was so nice cause we just walked in got a ton of free stuff and enjoyed the whole night, but this year I have to be honest wasn't the best. We got there later and had to wait in a huge line to get in. Then I had to save seats for my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband for half of the program so that they could get free hot dogs and coke. Yeah not fun. The highlight of the night was Jon Schmidt. He is awesome. After we left we didn't get as much free stuff as last year, so I guess it was kind of a let down from the year before. We are hoping that next year won't be as bad. Hopefully they plan for that many people. I don't think they knew how many people were actually going to come. It was also fun to see Jaylee watch the program. When Santa and the Bear came on the stage she was just enthralled with what was going on. Anyway I will try and get some pictures on my blog from Christmas. Yay, I am so excited.

Results

It has only been a couple days, but so far it has turned out pretty good. On Wednesday I decided to cut my hair short. I guess you can say it was a lot of weight lifted off of my shoulders since my long hair was giving me so much grief. We are still in need of a microwave, but are postponing it until we absolutely need it, at least that is what it seems like right now. It has been an interesting experience. A little planning ahead, a few more dishes, and we are doing okay... so far. Wish me luck on either a great deal on a microwave, or patience till January :). Another interesting thing is how Jaylee has reacted to my more positive attitude ( note I am not perfect yet, but convincing myself to look lighter of situations, and to be grateful for what I have is helping so far) Anyway Jaylee loves to have me read books to her, and loves it when I spend time with her. Although that can't always be the case cause I have chores that need to get done, and dinner that needs to be made and sometimes I need to do something for my sanity. But instead of looking at play time as a chore, and boring I am enjoying it more resulting in my daughter enjoying it more. I don't know if I am just weird or if some of you have done this, but I love turning on some fun Christmas music and dancing with Jaylee. She loves it and is so cute when she dances. That and its a great way to use up energy and just have fun. I am totally putting her in a dance class. She will love it. I am definitely going to keep trying to be happy. Stress doesn't get you anywhere. As a matter of fact for me it causes less to get done which results in more stress. Its actually quite silly if you think about it.

Happiness

It is so amazing to me how easy it is to stress out. I could be having the best day and one thing happens and its like the end of the world. So today I am going to try something new, an experiment I guess you can say. I am going to take everything that is stressing it out and turn it into something good, so that today ends up being a great day. I will start by writing it in this blog. So last night I found out that I get to buy a new microwave. My old one worked a good 2 1/2 years, and did a good job, so I can't complain plus this will help the economy out. After work today I get to have a haircut. I am trying to decide whether I want it trimmed, or if I should just chop it off. I want to donate it, but the idea of having cute hair without all the work sounds so appealing. We shall see, and I will be excited either way :). I have an apartment to clean, and laundry that needs to be caught up, but my presents are wrapped, and my bedroom is clean, which is a rare occasion, so I am quite excited. I think I will try a new recipe for dinner tonight. Wow, I feel better about today all ready. Yay for optimism.

Moroni 7:48

As I was reading in the book of Mormon today I came across this scripture and I thought it says exactly what I was trying to explain in my last blog. Here it is.

" Wherefore, my beloved bretheren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."

Isn't that awesome. I liked it.