And Life Goes On.....

Cincinnati, Ohio

Looking south into Kentucky

Rich's new workplace: University Hospital at the University of Cincinnati

Just like that we have adjusted to life in a new city. It is incredible how in just a few days Cincinnati has begun to feel like home, but that does tend to happen when you are suddenly thrust into the hustle and bustle of life. Kids added to the mix often accelerates everything, especially transitions when moving.  Activities like soccer, baseball, scouts, school and church make you call neighbors for directions, meet new people and help you get familiar with finding various locations at a rapid pace. 

Though we moved into our home on August 10, our first real day of living here was Monday, August 16.  Rich was needed back at work and we made our second move from Lexington the night before.  We loaded up our two cars in Lexington and carefully brought up the computer, telephones and other random items that had been left behind.  When we drove away I knew that our life in Lexington was over.  Our time in Kentucky had run its course and even though we still own our home, we were needed elsewhere. 

Our original plan regarding the house was to head back to Lexington on Friday nights so we could check on it, dust and catch up on yard work.  Rich was on call last week and it's been so dry I wasn't worried about the lawn needing to be mowed.  This Saturday will be filled with two soccer games mid-afternoon.  I now can see that it will be difficult to find time to return to our home in Kentucky when life is now running on a high speed here in Ohio.

After a bit of deliberation whether to add some major chaos into our lives, we signed Trey and Matt up for soccer and Josh for baseball.  This will mean three games every Saturday and three different practices during the week.  I wasn't so sure I wanted that right now, but it really will be the best way to help the boys adjust and meet new friends.  We also found a great piano teacher in the ward and will be starting all three boys in lessons in the coming weeks. 

I signed the boys up for soccer last Tuesday.  Wednesday morning I received a phone call from Trey's new coach informing me he had practice that night.  We managed to only find one cleat in the shoe bin so after a quick run to Dick's to buy a bigger pair of shoes he was at the field that night working out with the team. 

I also received a phone call that same day from a ward member letting me know scouts was that night as well and the boys were going fishing.  Just before I dropped Trey off at the field, I swung by the church and met the scout troop in the parking lot.  Josh and Matt had a great time at Lake Isabella fishing for Bluegill and getting to know ward members.  They returned to the church at 8:30 PM, just when Trey was wrapping up soccer practice.

When we had lived in Cincinnati for just three days, we had found and visited Wal-mart, Kroger, Home Depot, Target, the mall, Sam's Club, Dick's, the church, soccer fields and registered the boys for school at the District office.  It was a whirlwind, but we got it done.

I also managed to cross off a few major items on the 'to do' list.  I organized the basement (found the baseball mitts and much needed Flow bee), built the computer desk, set up our real computer and painted the boys' room.  Pink just wasn't their color. 

Rich and I laughed at the sleeping arrangement the night I painted.  The fumes were far too strong to allow the boys to sleep it their own beds.  We had five squished on the floor while the baby was cozy in a bed of his own. 

We were warmly welcomed to our ward on Sunday.  It was well known that a family would be moving into the ward in August.  I lost count of how many times I was asked, "Are you Sister Jackson?"  It was funny.  The Cherry Grove Ward is very friendly, but it is still odd that we will only be here for the next ten months.  I have never been in a ward for such a short amount of time, but they have welcomed us with open arms. 

The boys have enjoyed having two new friends just down the street.  Before school began I had an endless coming and going of boys in the family room and countless bikes on the front lawn.  Friends certainly made the change so much easier on the boys.  Tears were shed those first few days, but life suddenly didn't look so gloomy when you've got a little swimming pool across the street (neighbors that moved and gave the okay to the Hooper's to swim in it) and unlimited bike rides waiting to be ridden.

We had a bit of fun on the last day of summer.  Rich an academic afternoon, so we met him downtown and went to the zoo.  It's gorgeous and I happily purchased a year pass (with the upgraded free parking) so the girls, Zach and I (and the boys on weekends or days off) can lazily enjoy days amongst the animals.

I also have been busy collecting the new set of Madame Alexander dolls at McDonald's.  Yes, I have an obsession about getting them all, but it's been a passion for years now so Rich's wasn't surprised when I went to TWO McDonald's in search of dolls instead of making dinner last Friday night.  The girls love playing with our wide assortment and I love thinking back to each McDonald's we visited in Louisville and Lexington in search of dolls (even before we had the girls!).

Last night was special for Josh and Matt.  They were awarded their Wolf cub scout badge at Pack Night.  They had earned their award before their 9th birthday in June, but swim meets took up every Wednesday night and they never were presented.  The new Cub Master is a die hard scouter and did a nice job presenting the awards.  My boys looked a bit like 'homeless scouts'.  Matt's Bobcat award was nice and secure in his pocket, we lacked neckerchiefs, beads and any patches that weren't sewn on the shirt when purchased (except Josh's Bobcat award).  The Cub Master helped us out after and gave us all the need beads, holders and directions on how to sew them on.  He also offered on Sunday to pick up our new books and other items on Sunday and I paid him that night.  We even get to make THREE Space Cars (like Pinewood Derby, but propeller planes attached to a wire) and the race is in THREE WEEKS.  Lucky Rich.  I think the boys will have fun and I'm excited to not have to race to complete the requirements for advancement just weeks before their birthday deadline.

Our big news is that Rich is finally ready to commit and sign a contract with Central Utah Radiology group.  We have had mixed feelings about leaving Kentucky, but feel that it is in our best interest to head home and be closer to family.  The group is great and we are excited to start researching areas, schools and begin planning our future.  This move is so important and crucial to our kids since this is where they will permanently be.  When you are a student or resident you don't have any control over your general location and know that everything is temporary.  It might be for years at at time, but a future move is eminent.  This time it is for real and I feel much more responsibility to make the correct choice of location.  Once Trey starts junior high (one year after we move in), I do not want to change schools and friends.  It will be important to let them settle in and plan their futures and pursuits in the new area.

A few other random bits of life.... my brother Kurt celebrated his 22nd birthday in India and arrived home safely to Salt Lake yesterday afternoon.  He'll be moving to his apartment near BYU this weekend.  Rich's brother Taylor celebrated his 25th birthday yesterday.  My brother Brad and his wife Jana and my brother Greg and his wife Kate are both expecting babies in February.  Rich's brother Danny and his wife are expecting a baby as well.  Rich's parents are currently in Europe to watch the Passion Play in Germany.  It only is performed every ten years.  Rhett recently spent a weekend up in Milwaukee with Jeff and Sarah (Brad and Jana were Sacramento for her brother's wedding).  It was his last hurrah before he enters the MTC in a few weeks.  I am currently enjoying watching the new season of Project Runway (Rich thinks it's Freak TV) and now have a DVR TV in my room where the exercise bike is so I can watch prerecorded things while I work out.  Totally awesome!  I also got a slew of new books from Amazon.com today.  Can't wait to crack open Mockingjay and see how the Hunger Games wraps up. 

Life keeps moving on no matter if it's summer vacation or school is in session.  It doesn't make a difference we are in Kentucky or Ohio as long as we are together as a family.  I'll just keep running along trying to keep up.