I felt the need to post this before I forgot. Those of you who were on the vacation know that Sean was a favorite for the boys! As we were driving home, I commented to Zach how nice it was to spend time with Cara and Lauren (because we dont ever get to see them!) and before I could say anything else... two little eavesdroppers in the back seat yelled out in unison "AND SEAN!!!"
So Sean - you were obviously enjoyed by the boys! Sorry you were the only one they chose to stalk, and thank you for putting up with it.
And Lauren and Cara, it really was great to see you guys for a week. I hope we get to do this again (maybe in 2 years rather than one)
And while Im at it, I will say, spending that much time with the Cain Clan, surley would have made anyone else insane! I must be meant for the family (not saying I didnt get a little worn out at times!!)
You all really are a great bunch of people! And Amber, you were missed, I mentioned a couple times, everyone gathered in the living room, but no Amber, and little baby footprints in the sand, thinking of Gracers! Maybe 2 or 3 years is enough time for everyone to plan?
Holly Cain
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Thirty Seven Years.... Anniversary, 1970-2007
"Factors of Two"
by Karen Cain
Two hearts that beat
Love's constant rhythms,
devotion, compassion.
Two pairs of eyes
See Love's truth beyond
all seasons of emotion.
Two pairs of shoulders
partner Love's strength,
and bear Life's burdens.
Two pairs of legs
muscled with Love's resolve,
forge tangling temptations.
Two limber smiles
conjure Love's power,
heal tears to laughter.
Two pairs of hands
prune Love's memories,
the Garden hereafter.
Two souls meld
into Love's fulfillment,
Celestial Glory.
Our father with the blue and orange paper bag.
How many times did we kids see dad stuffing papers when we walked tiredly downstairs in the wee hours of the morning? Dad always did more than us kids and may have grumbled under his breath, but worked hard. I wonder what the neighbors thought when they saw a man in his 40's and 50's delivering papers. Many probably pitied him thinking that this was the only way he made money. If someone were to tell them that he worked at Kodak not many would believe it. Dad set an example that delivering papers was a great responsibility. That is the kind of person Dad is. Instead of giving orders for us to get up and deliver the papers he went to help out. I am amazed that he had the energy and ENTHUSIASM to get up and start stuffing those papers. After awhile of Dad taking Amber's old route I felt sorry that he never had a day off from work. I do not think dad ever got a complaint from any customers. Perhaps if he does not like working for this new company he can put it on his resume that he is a retired paper delivery man. With the help of mom as the organizer our family was the life line to our neighborhood to the outside world. It seems like we could just have our own business. Dad, we salute you for this valuable example that you set and all the time you put into getting us out of bed to do our job. To this day no one in our family is lazy when it comes to getting up to go to work. Even if we dont have to stuff papers in the cold garage.
Love, Zach
Love, Zach
My camera's photos
Hi everyone! Thanks Amber for inviting me to the blogs. I have some honeymoon photos to share, if your intersted. Let me know if the link doesnt work. Im not sure if this was the best way to share, but it was the fastest. Under the photos is a browse all albums link. The honeymoon album probably has more interesting pictures. Weddings photos are getting a little old (for me anyways!)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=18psld9w.17znhhck&Uy=b4uen3&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=992627085052_88361413412
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=18psld9w.17znhhck&Uy=b4uen3&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=992627085052_88361413412
A few weeks ago we went to the county pool. Grace had a fantastic time especially in the spray park. While there aren't as many parks here there are several near by with playgrounds, hiking trails and pools. We go to the park several times a week as there isn't safe are for Grace to play in our apartment complex. Grace loves going to the park! She's very social and make friends easily with the other children at the playground. Here are some pics from the pool.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Who Knew?
Who knew in 1968 I was dating a future civil war novelist disguised as an electrical engineer. Not my mom in the second picture. Not Fairmont State College where Ron Cain was teaching and where we met. Not General Electric in Burlington Vermont where Dad had his first job in industry. Not General Electric in Roanoke Virginia where we moved, bought our first house, and had our first two children, Amber and Natalie. Not General Electric in Richmond, Virginia where we were transferred and had two more children, Zach and Cara. Here, however some of Dad's enthusiasm for the Civil War surfaced. He found his first war game buddy, David Summers. He was surrounded by the glorious history of the capitl of the Confederacy complete with museums and battlefields. When we moved to New York for Dad to work at Kodak for better pay and opportunities he supported and encouraged my desires in writing. We had two more children, Lauren and Sheryl.
Kodak used Dad's hard work and knowledge as an engineer for 27 years. Along the way Dad continued to read and collect Civil War books. Anything Civil War was a sure gift winner for him. We all had learned this much about his Civil War interest.
But Dad's secret dream of writing a Civil War book/novel didn't surface much, except for some invitations to speak at our church discussion group. However, about five years ago the dance class we were going to take together was full. I was very disappointed. I really wanted us to take a class together, so I invited Dad to come to my writing class. Surprise! He accepted. There had been other times he declined. Finally, Dad's secret dream was budding. Camy, our teacher, and the now many classes including our Fairport Writer's Circle, have been mermerized with Dad's writing and reading style, and always left wanting more. Dad's secret dream is finally blossoming.
At our Father's Day celebration dinner this Sat. ( June 16) those Cain Clan in attendance enjoyed a special treat. Dad read aloud the first chapter of his novel. His voice wove a wonderful story blanket of the color, dialogue, accent, and atmosphere of the Civil War Shenandoah Valley around us. We met Virgie Harmon waiting for her menfolk to return, not knowing if they are alive or dead. We saw Arnold, a young Confederate soldier limping up the road. At the end of the chapter everyone clapped and wanted to hear "more, more!". The first time listeners were totally surprised at what they never knew about Dad. He's a great writer!
Who knew that at 64 there is so much more to learn about Dad? "Still waters run deep." Dad is much like Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird. His kids didn't think Atticus could do any cool things because he was now too old. They were shocked when Atticus killed a rabid dog with one shot. They never knew he was really, "One Shot Finch" because Atticus never talked about himself in grandiose accomplishments. As a writer I admire Dad's great talent. As his wife I love even adore his character, dignity, and honor. At 64 he is so much more The Man.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
"Father"
By Karen Cain , 2007
Father,
The calling divine
to sire Eternity’s future
and lead them home again.
Father,
The diligent provider,
Sacrifices body and spirit
to feed Posterity’s hunger.
Father,
the patriarch, counselor, friend,
guides, lifts, supports, endures
with Love’s example beyond fatigue.
Father,
The valiant guardian
Defends the home front sacred
with Truth’s armor against Fear’s doubt.
Father,
The faithful steward,
begins and completes the circle
of our eternal family
By Karen Cain , 2007
Father,
The calling divine
to sire Eternity’s future
and lead them home again.
Father,
The diligent provider,
Sacrifices body and spirit
to feed Posterity’s hunger.
Father,
the patriarch, counselor, friend,
guides, lifts, supports, endures
with Love’s example beyond fatigue.
Father,
The valiant guardian
Defends the home front sacred
with Truth’s armor against Fear’s doubt.
Father,
The faithful steward,
begins and completes the circle
of our eternal family
The Big Bad Wolfe ate my sister
Maybe Nat doesn't know that at her dance recital Sheryl ran away more than once. When Natalie, Little Red Riding Hood, was dancing her way out of the grips of the big bad wolfe Sheryl became very upset at the thought of the wolfe eating her sister. Suddenly she let out a little "No!" popped out of her seat and began running down the isle. She was leaving this scene. I had to go after her just as I had to go after Natalie several years earlier in a movie theater. I had taken Natalie and Amber to see Sleeping Beauty. When the evil queen grew into a dragon the size of a movie screen Natalie decided the same as Sheryl. I'm not staying for this! She popped out of her seat and ran into the isle. She was leaving. I had to go after her. At the end of the dance recital Sheryl was very surprised and happy to see that Natalie was alive and well, no bite marks either. The wolfe hadn't done anything but tear away part of her red cape. However, when Nat tried to introduce Sheryl to her friend behind the wolfe mask, Sheryl would have no part of it. No amount of coaxing or explanation could push Sheryl into even one step towards that wolfe. Nat and Sheryl were skeptical of dragons and wolves. After all, isn't that what mom and dad have taught you all for your own safety?
runaway Sheryl
It was my junior year of highschool and I was getting ready for my last dance recital. Sheryl loved to watch me dance as well as mom and dad. I was doing something different that year. I would not be dancing with my class but with one other person. I thought that was pretty cool. Anyway my teacher decided to have us act out little red riding hood. I was to be little red riding hood any the other girl( can't remember her name) was to be the wolf. We had spent many months practicing and working very hard. It came time for the performance and all of the family was there. We made it through without any mess ups. After everything was done mom, dad and sheryl came up to congratulate me. I asked Sheryl if she wanted to meet the wolf. She was a little hesitant but agreed. My friend came up to say hello to Sheryl. Sheryl took one look at her started crying and ran up to the doors and into the hallway. Aparently she was " a little scared". We tried to tell her it was just a mask but she was not having it. To this day I can still picture her saying "no!!!" crying and running away. What can we expect I think she was only 3or4 years old. Happy Birthday Sheryld!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The Birth of a Blue Blood
On June 9, 1987 the statement in an Carpenter's Song came true. "On the day that you were born the angels got together and decided to make a dream come true" and Sheryl Anne Cain, was born at Rochester General Hospital. Like other stories of the birth of special children Sheryl's birth also had some special drama.
She was born to an older mother who had thought she was finished having children after five. Her mother had a stroke while only six weeks pregnant, an event that could have ended Sheryl's entry. Her mother developed blood pressure problems and had to be hospitalized once, another baby threatening development. And because of the blood pressure issue a cecerian birth was scheduled a week earlier than planned. There was some definite tension.
I was awake for Sheyl's birth and Dad was there with me. He had never been able to be there for any of his other kids. And he didn't faint. He stayed up at my head with the anesthesia doctor. Sheryl made her announcement with some good crying, "Here I am world."
Sheryl and I stayed in a room together for the 3 or 4 days in the hospital. Soon after her birth we began to have some visitors I didn't know, Nurses who wanted to see the baby.
One nurse told me, " I heard there was this most beautiful baby born with a perfect head and beautiful black hair." The news had spread.
But shock! When I went to change Sheryl's diaper I noticed that one of her little butt buns was blue like it was bruised. I called in a nurse and showed her and asked how this got there. Had they given Sheryl a shot. It looked like a huge bruise. She called in the physicians assistant who checked it and then left to find out. He finally came back with some very odd questions. " Do you have any African American heritage?" Answer, No.
"Do you have any Asian heritage?" Again Answer, No. "Why are you asking these strange
questions?" "Because your baby has a Mongolian Spot. That's what the big blue spot is on her buttocks. It only occurs on babies of black or Asian heritage. You're sure you don't have any in your family? What about your husband's family?" My head was swirling with questions. After 18 years of marriage was there something Dad still had not told me about his family? Maybe even he didn't know. "My husband does have native American ancestry."
I told the doctor. " That qualifies too, as Asian.", he said. " So there's nothing wrong with her?" I double checked. "Nothing. She is beautiful and healthy. A blue blood."
So Sheryl became the punctuation mark at the end of our children who are all " beautiful blue bloods" meaning royal and fantastic. Go to the March page of our 2007 calendar and you will see the truthfulness of this statement.
Happy Birthday to Sheryl, Golden Child (which is another story)
She was born to an older mother who had thought she was finished having children after five. Her mother had a stroke while only six weeks pregnant, an event that could have ended Sheryl's entry. Her mother developed blood pressure problems and had to be hospitalized once, another baby threatening development. And because of the blood pressure issue a cecerian birth was scheduled a week earlier than planned. There was some definite tension.
I was awake for Sheyl's birth and Dad was there with me. He had never been able to be there for any of his other kids. And he didn't faint. He stayed up at my head with the anesthesia doctor. Sheryl made her announcement with some good crying, "Here I am world."
Sheryl and I stayed in a room together for the 3 or 4 days in the hospital. Soon after her birth we began to have some visitors I didn't know, Nurses who wanted to see the baby.
One nurse told me, " I heard there was this most beautiful baby born with a perfect head and beautiful black hair." The news had spread.
But shock! When I went to change Sheryl's diaper I noticed that one of her little butt buns was blue like it was bruised. I called in a nurse and showed her and asked how this got there. Had they given Sheryl a shot. It looked like a huge bruise. She called in the physicians assistant who checked it and then left to find out. He finally came back with some very odd questions. " Do you have any African American heritage?" Answer, No.
"Do you have any Asian heritage?" Again Answer, No. "Why are you asking these strange
questions?" "Because your baby has a Mongolian Spot. That's what the big blue spot is on her buttocks. It only occurs on babies of black or Asian heritage. You're sure you don't have any in your family? What about your husband's family?" My head was swirling with questions. After 18 years of marriage was there something Dad still had not told me about his family? Maybe even he didn't know. "My husband does have native American ancestry."
I told the doctor. " That qualifies too, as Asian.", he said. " So there's nothing wrong with her?" I double checked. "Nothing. She is beautiful and healthy. A blue blood."
So Sheryl became the punctuation mark at the end of our children who are all " beautiful blue bloods" meaning royal and fantastic. Go to the March page of our 2007 calendar and you will see the truthfulness of this statement.
Happy Birthday to Sheryl, Golden Child (which is another story)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
My name is Sheryl Cain and I ride bus # 277
As the closest in age to Sheryl, I have always felt a momish responsibility for her. Although she and I did not attend junior high or high school together, we did attend Brooks Hill together for two years. I was in 4th grade when she started Kindergarten. I distinctly remember getting her ready for school in the morning when she started first grade (she went to afternoon kindergarten so I was gone before she left for school). I would get her dressed, brush her hair and pack her lunch. For some reason I didn't mind doing this every morning. It was my chance to be the big sister and take care of someone for once. The story I'm about to share takes place on the very first day of school. I had started 4th grade, Sheryl had started Kindergarten.
The first day of school was over. Phew! The last thing I needed to do was make sure Sheryl got on the bus and then we could finally go home. Our bus was called over the loud speaker in the school, so I left my classroom and hopped on bus # 277. I picked a seat in the middle so Sheryl would see me relatively easily (sitting in the front was out of the question, I mean I wasn't a total nerd). A few minutes passed by and Sheryl had not come on the bus yet. No big deal, her classroom was on the other side of the school so I anticipated it would take her longer than me to get to the bus. A few more minutes passed and no Sheryl. Everything is fine. She just doesn't know the line-up the buses. She probably passed our bus by accident. 10 minutes had passed. I was still alone in my seat with no sign of Sheryl. My heart started pounding, my hands started sweating, the bus started up preparing to leave the loop. It was time to take action.
I leaped out of my seat and ran off the bus, telling the driver to wait for my sister and I. I scanned the sidewalk looking for Sheryl. There were too many kids and teachers. Next step, find a grown-up. The first adult to catch my eye was Mrs. Grouse (I'm not sure if I spelled her last name correctly) the principal. I ran to her and frantically explained the issue as tears began to well up in my eyes. You see at that age, thinking clearly in such a stressful situation was nearly impossible. I assumed that if Sheryl took the wrong bus home, I would never see her again. The driver would most certainly kidnap her and keep her prisoner with no chance of escape. Sheryl would be destined to roam the streets of Fairport forever with only the clanging of seat-belts to keep her company. Later on in life, I would have realized that the driver would have brought Sheryl to the bus garage right across from our neighborhood, contacted mom and Sheryl would be picked up.
When I finished my story, the principal hollered on her walkie-talkie for all buses to wait. She contacted Mrs. Nelson, Sheryl's kindergarten teacher, and the search began. It took about two minutes. Mrs. Nelson had a list of the buses her students rode. We found the bus Sheryl had boarded. There she was talking and giggling to a new friend she had made that day. Mrs. Nelson brought her off the bus and turned her over to my custody. I looked on her backpack to read her card that listed her bus. Of course it was WRONG! I asked if she had noticed that I wasn't on that bus. She shrugged her shoulders and said, "I was talking to my friend". We quickly got back on the correct bus and made our journey home.
Sheryl may not remember this event but I certainly do. Clearly I was far more scared and worried than she during the situation. I have always felt a duty/desire to protect her and prepare her for life. She is no longer a little girl, she hasn't been for some time. However, that won't dissuade me from being the second mom. Happy Birthday Shirld!
The first day of school was over. Phew! The last thing I needed to do was make sure Sheryl got on the bus and then we could finally go home. Our bus was called over the loud speaker in the school, so I left my classroom and hopped on bus # 277. I picked a seat in the middle so Sheryl would see me relatively easily (sitting in the front was out of the question, I mean I wasn't a total nerd). A few minutes passed by and Sheryl had not come on the bus yet. No big deal, her classroom was on the other side of the school so I anticipated it would take her longer than me to get to the bus. A few more minutes passed and no Sheryl. Everything is fine. She just doesn't know the line-up the buses. She probably passed our bus by accident. 10 minutes had passed. I was still alone in my seat with no sign of Sheryl. My heart started pounding, my hands started sweating, the bus started up preparing to leave the loop. It was time to take action.
I leaped out of my seat and ran off the bus, telling the driver to wait for my sister and I. I scanned the sidewalk looking for Sheryl. There were too many kids and teachers. Next step, find a grown-up. The first adult to catch my eye was Mrs. Grouse (I'm not sure if I spelled her last name correctly) the principal. I ran to her and frantically explained the issue as tears began to well up in my eyes. You see at that age, thinking clearly in such a stressful situation was nearly impossible. I assumed that if Sheryl took the wrong bus home, I would never see her again. The driver would most certainly kidnap her and keep her prisoner with no chance of escape. Sheryl would be destined to roam the streets of Fairport forever with only the clanging of seat-belts to keep her company. Later on in life, I would have realized that the driver would have brought Sheryl to the bus garage right across from our neighborhood, contacted mom and Sheryl would be picked up.
When I finished my story, the principal hollered on her walkie-talkie for all buses to wait. She contacted Mrs. Nelson, Sheryl's kindergarten teacher, and the search began. It took about two minutes. Mrs. Nelson had a list of the buses her students rode. We found the bus Sheryl had boarded. There she was talking and giggling to a new friend she had made that day. Mrs. Nelson brought her off the bus and turned her over to my custody. I looked on her backpack to read her card that listed her bus. Of course it was WRONG! I asked if she had noticed that I wasn't on that bus. She shrugged her shoulders and said, "I was talking to my friend". We quickly got back on the correct bus and made our journey home.
Sheryl may not remember this event but I certainly do. Clearly I was far more scared and worried than she during the situation. I have always felt a duty/desire to protect her and prepare her for life. She is no longer a little girl, she hasn't been for some time. However, that won't dissuade me from being the second mom. Happy Birthday Shirld!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Little know and not so little know facts about Sheryl
Nicknames: Scooby, Scoob, Rube, little bit.
Bestest sister (except for on occasion in which bestest sister threatened to drop Sheryl at a sister recycling center): Amber
Likes: Reading, cheezits, writing, running, her dog Abby, music, lacrosse, bacon (once stated that if in prison on death row last meal would be "trays of bacon")
Dislikes: Sticking her arm in pool of harmless ocean creatures at Sea World in San Diego (thought it was gross), rollercoasters, any picture fr0m the "Scary Stories" book series,
Other stuff: Competitive even as a small child, super studious and ultra motivated to succeed, has same funny little laugh she did as a kid.
Amazing things: Sheryl is the only Cain kid who really excelled in all areas of ultra-competitive Fairport High School. She was consistently in academic honors, sports, music, drama and the school news paper all the way to graduation. I've always admired her ability to do that. She's an exceptionally good sax player and even played in a small ensemble before a large audience at her graduation. She's been a fantastic aunt to Grace and was one of the first people Grace met on this earth. Scooby has helped me out on many occasions, babysitting, cleaning or even just hanging out when I was feeling lonely. I think it's especially cool that even though there is almost 14 years difference between us we've always had a close bond. Scoob has weathered many changes in our family including watching all of her siblings graduate and leave home. But now it's her turn to shine. I have no doubt that whatever Scooby chooses to learn or do she will succeed. She will however, have to accept that if she's working for a prestigious law firm, or lobbying on capital hill, or the CEO of some corporation, or distinguished professor at Yale she will always be Scooby to me.
Bestest sister (except for on occasion in which bestest sister threatened to drop Sheryl at a sister recycling center): Amber
Likes: Reading, cheezits, writing, running, her dog Abby, music, lacrosse, bacon (once stated that if in prison on death row last meal would be "trays of bacon")
Dislikes: Sticking her arm in pool of harmless ocean creatures at Sea World in San Diego (thought it was gross), rollercoasters, any picture fr0m the "Scary Stories" book series,
Other stuff: Competitive even as a small child, super studious and ultra motivated to succeed, has same funny little laugh she did as a kid.
Amazing things: Sheryl is the only Cain kid who really excelled in all areas of ultra-competitive Fairport High School. She was consistently in academic honors, sports, music, drama and the school news paper all the way to graduation. I've always admired her ability to do that. She's an exceptionally good sax player and even played in a small ensemble before a large audience at her graduation. She's been a fantastic aunt to Grace and was one of the first people Grace met on this earth. Scooby has helped me out on many occasions, babysitting, cleaning or even just hanging out when I was feeling lonely. I think it's especially cool that even though there is almost 14 years difference between us we've always had a close bond. Scoob has weathered many changes in our family including watching all of her siblings graduate and leave home. But now it's her turn to shine. I have no doubt that whatever Scooby chooses to learn or do she will succeed. She will however, have to accept that if she's working for a prestigious law firm, or lobbying on capital hill, or the CEO of some corporation, or distinguished professor at Yale she will always be Scooby to me.
Our Trip East
First the two good pictures we got of Zach & Holly's wedding, then the post.
I thought I'd write a brief note on our trip back east. Weighing our options we realized we had way too much crap for the Stratus, and way too much to ship. There were other options, like upack things where someone else drives the truck and they fit it in when they can, but they weren't that much less expensive than getting a truck ourselves, and they did take a lot longer. So we got a truck.
There was no way we were both driving all the way, so we had to get a largish truck--16 ft--to tow the car. That meant we had way too much space, our crap barely covered the floor, but so it goes. I drove most of the way, and it really wasn't bad. The exceptions were finding a parking spot in the hotels we stayed at, and finding gas stations we could get in and out of easily. With the tow dolly, we couldn't backup, so it was always tricky, and we were glad to dump the truck.
It didn't take long to unload everything, maybe two hours. During which Lauren turned so beat red from the sun and heat, I forced her to take a break and drink more water. "This is just what happens to me when it is warm out and I'm working" she says. Yeah, and back injuries are what happen to me when I over exert myself--neither are acceptable.
The apartment is pretty big. I think I read it comes out to 950 squre feet. It has two bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a living room, which is a big improvement from our one bedroom apartment before. This is unfurnished, while our two previous were furnished, so we've been looking for furniture. As of now we have a couch, love seat, bed, two night stands, and two dressers and a dining set in the mail. Other than the night stands, which I made while we were home, the furniture looks pretty good. I've put some pictures later on, so you can see.
The apartment also has this advantage--10 minutes walking to the law school, and 10 minutes walking to the hospital, should Lauren decide to work there. The campus is pretty, the architecture is much nicer than BYU, though the grounds can't compare. The hospital is pretty big too, but they work 12 hours shifts there too--7 to 7--so Lauren isn't sure if she wants to work there. She has applied to get her license moved to Indiana, but that will take some weeks.
We went to the wrong ward Sunday (whoops) but met some very nice people. We had dinner with a family that night (they invited us over) and we're bummed they won't be in our real ward. We also met one of the guys IU assigned to help with their recruitment of me, he is moving and will probably be in our ward after all. They invited us over for dinner Monday, but it fell through, so they want to do it later. Talk about nice eh?!
We saw Ocean's 13 Saturday. It was much easier to understand than all the others (in this one, they tell you their plan beforehand), but fun because I hate Al Pacino and he gets it big time in this movie. I suppose this movie was a classy way of ending the series. Great music as usual.
So that is what is going on here. Bloomington seems like a nice place, and I'm sure we'll enjoy our 3-4 years here.
Sean
PS The picture of our bedroom looks pink. It isn't really, it is white, the pink is just a funny trick of the light. And the living room isn't as bright as that window would make you think.
I thought I'd write a brief note on our trip back east. Weighing our options we realized we had way too much crap for the Stratus, and way too much to ship. There were other options, like upack things where someone else drives the truck and they fit it in when they can, but they weren't that much less expensive than getting a truck ourselves, and they did take a lot longer. So we got a truck.
There was no way we were both driving all the way, so we had to get a largish truck--16 ft--to tow the car. That meant we had way too much space, our crap barely covered the floor, but so it goes. I drove most of the way, and it really wasn't bad. The exceptions were finding a parking spot in the hotels we stayed at, and finding gas stations we could get in and out of easily. With the tow dolly, we couldn't backup, so it was always tricky, and we were glad to dump the truck.
It didn't take long to unload everything, maybe two hours. During which Lauren turned so beat red from the sun and heat, I forced her to take a break and drink more water. "This is just what happens to me when it is warm out and I'm working" she says. Yeah, and back injuries are what happen to me when I over exert myself--neither are acceptable.
The apartment is pretty big. I think I read it comes out to 950 squre feet. It has two bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a living room, which is a big improvement from our one bedroom apartment before. This is unfurnished, while our two previous were furnished, so we've been looking for furniture. As of now we have a couch, love seat, bed, two night stands, and two dressers and a dining set in the mail. Other than the night stands, which I made while we were home, the furniture looks pretty good. I've put some pictures later on, so you can see.
The apartment also has this advantage--10 minutes walking to the law school, and 10 minutes walking to the hospital, should Lauren decide to work there. The campus is pretty, the architecture is much nicer than BYU, though the grounds can't compare. The hospital is pretty big too, but they work 12 hours shifts there too--7 to 7--so Lauren isn't sure if she wants to work there. She has applied to get her license moved to Indiana, but that will take some weeks.
We went to the wrong ward Sunday (whoops) but met some very nice people. We had dinner with a family that night (they invited us over) and we're bummed they won't be in our real ward. We also met one of the guys IU assigned to help with their recruitment of me, he is moving and will probably be in our ward after all. They invited us over for dinner Monday, but it fell through, so they want to do it later. Talk about nice eh?!
We saw Ocean's 13 Saturday. It was much easier to understand than all the others (in this one, they tell you their plan beforehand), but fun because I hate Al Pacino and he gets it big time in this movie. I suppose this movie was a classy way of ending the series. Great music as usual.
So that is what is going on here. Bloomington seems like a nice place, and I'm sure we'll enjoy our 3-4 years here.
Sean
PS The picture of our bedroom looks pink. It isn't really, it is white, the pink is just a funny trick of the light. And the living room isn't as bright as that window would make you think.
Roses in Provo
I told Mom about a month ago that the roses in Provo are amazing. For some reason they just thrive out there, better than I've ever seen anywhere. There were bushes taller than me (ok for some real scale, there were bushes taller than Sean), and they had blossoms bigger than my fist (ok again, bigger than Sean's fist). Mom asked for some pictures, so Sean and I went exploring and took some pictures. All of these pictures were taken within two or three blocks of where we lived, so there are probably better ones elsewhere.
As a note, people aren't fanatical gardeners in Provo. The roses just grow magically! As long as they get watered, they really do grow to monstrous proportions. There is one picture that turned out too fuzzy to post, but it has a rose bush climbing over a fence and making an arch over a driveway--well over 10 feet.
I'll write about our move in another post.
As a note, people aren't fanatical gardeners in Provo. The roses just grow magically! As long as they get watered, they really do grow to monstrous proportions. There is one picture that turned out too fuzzy to post, but it has a rose bush climbing over a fence and making an arch over a driveway--well over 10 feet.
I'll write about our move in another post.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
New beginnings
Dear family,
It has been a while since I wrote. So much has happend and things are changing. In a good way though. Holly is now a Cain and it was a wonderful event. She looked beautiful and Zac and Jordan both were very handsome. It really was a fun event. Hollys parents are really nice as well as the rest of the family. It was really a special day. Zac and Holly work very well together and it is great to see Zac happy. It seems like it's been a while since we've seen that but we know it is genuine. I'm sure that they will have many happy years together as a family. It was also great to see the rest of the Cain clan. I think it's been about two years since we have all been together but we had a great time. I am so glad that things are falling into place for Amber and Carl. It's about time!!!!! This is a new adventure for them but one that will be great. A new home, a new place, a new life that they are ready for. I saw pictures of the new house and it is beautiful. Lots of room for Grace to play. Congrats to them also. Lauren and Sean have moved to Indiana and are starting a new life there as well and it looks like a nice area. I really give you guys credit for moving to a new area and not knowing anyone. Just think they are closer and maybe we ill see them more often.
All these new beginnings and adventures we will have lots to chat about. Well things are still the same with me. I am still at ambers but will be leaving because they finally sold the house( hurray!!!) I am not sure where I will be going. This whole thing with Mike has really worn me down both inside and out. We still can not reach a solution. I like Amber am wondering if you know who has heard my prayers. You all know that I am not very religious but I do believe that this is something I need help with. I fell as if the last six years of my life have been in park and I just can't put it in drive. I don't like feeling like I don't know whats happening or what to do. Like everything else in my life this has been very hard and I want to make the right decision whats best for me. If any one could shed some light please do so or if any suggestions feel free. I am so glad that I have a great family and that we are all close eventhough we are far apart. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the entire Cain clan. Peace out, Nat
It has been a while since I wrote. So much has happend and things are changing. In a good way though. Holly is now a Cain and it was a wonderful event. She looked beautiful and Zac and Jordan both were very handsome. It really was a fun event. Hollys parents are really nice as well as the rest of the family. It was really a special day. Zac and Holly work very well together and it is great to see Zac happy. It seems like it's been a while since we've seen that but we know it is genuine. I'm sure that they will have many happy years together as a family. It was also great to see the rest of the Cain clan. I think it's been about two years since we have all been together but we had a great time. I am so glad that things are falling into place for Amber and Carl. It's about time!!!!! This is a new adventure for them but one that will be great. A new home, a new place, a new life that they are ready for. I saw pictures of the new house and it is beautiful. Lots of room for Grace to play. Congrats to them also. Lauren and Sean have moved to Indiana and are starting a new life there as well and it looks like a nice area. I really give you guys credit for moving to a new area and not knowing anyone. Just think they are closer and maybe we ill see them more often.
All these new beginnings and adventures we will have lots to chat about. Well things are still the same with me. I am still at ambers but will be leaving because they finally sold the house( hurray!!!) I am not sure where I will be going. This whole thing with Mike has really worn me down both inside and out. We still can not reach a solution. I like Amber am wondering if you know who has heard my prayers. You all know that I am not very religious but I do believe that this is something I need help with. I fell as if the last six years of my life have been in park and I just can't put it in drive. I don't like feeling like I don't know whats happening or what to do. Like everything else in my life this has been very hard and I want to make the right decision whats best for me. If any one could shed some light please do so or if any suggestions feel free. I am so glad that I have a great family and that we are all close eventhough we are far apart. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the entire Cain clan. Peace out, Nat
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Chatters,
If you haven't heard the news by now Carl and I finally got an offer on the house. We're working out the details but it looks like we may get by with out actually owing money at the closing (meaning we will just about break even). Also, if you haven't heard by now (because maybe you're just getting back into town from Vegas) we put an offer in on a house down here. We are FINALLY starting to see the light at the end of a very looooooong tunnel.
It has been an incredible journey. Last March Carl and I put the house up for sale and placed an offer on a 5 acre home in Walworth. After six weeks on the market and little activity on the house we decided to wait a few years and "build more equity". Five weeks later Carl applies for a job in VA and before we know it Grace and I are saying good-bye to Carl in Aunt Nancy's driveway.
Carl sets up house in a little town called Fairlawn in the New River Valley. It's a small, dingy place with really cheap rent. The landlord informs Carl that if Grace and I were to move in at some point he would increase the rent to cover the extra water costs. At that time I silently laughed to my self. There was no way Grace I would ever stay here. This was just temporary maybe a few months until the house sold. Carl only packed bare necessities and brought down the air mattress. It was heartbreaking saying good-bye and leaving Carl all by himself in that depressing little place on skid row. It was September and we we're thinking we might have the house sold by November.
November comes and goes. Carl flies home for Halloween and second Grace's birthday. We still haven't sold the house. We decided to try and make monthly visits. Carl starts to feel that we might not sell the house until spring. He misses us, especially Grace who is growing and changing with each month. Grace and I drive down to see Carl at Thanksgiving. Dad comes with me to help and then drives back home. He comes back down after the holiday and brings our spare bed. We know that Carl will be here longer than we thought.
The Christmas season arrives with unusually warm weather. We hope it will help sell the house. Carl comes home but can only stay a few days. We take the house of the market and find out that our realtor has not returned other agent calls wishing to keep all the commission on a sale for himself. He showed the house five times in six months. I start to wonder if God is listening to our prayers.
In January the unusually warm weather ends and the snow arrives. Carl struggles to remain positive. He's lives alone and for the most part works alone as well. He starts going to church but doesn't tell me. Members of the ward reach out. One family "adopts" him inviting him to dinner and family home evening. Carl's burden is lightened a bit.
February sweeps in cold and wild. We have a new realtor and a little more activity on the house but still no offer. A utility van slams into the back of the Aztec as I'm stopped over the bridge on Fairport Rd. I walk away unhurt and fortunately Grace wasn't in the car. The Aztec is totaled. We buy a car and are able to secure a loan in which payments don't start until April. We pray more fervently for the house to sell.
March. The snow and gray reflects our mood. Carl and I begin to wonder if we've made a wrong decision. Dad suggests that we pray for what's best for our family and not just to sell the house. The stress of separation and our financial situation starts to chip away at Carl and me. We decide to pray as a couple do so for the first time in 10 years. We decide that I will look for a job here in VA and that we need to make plans to reunite our family despite the house situation.
April. I apply for a part time position as a case manager and am offered the job. Carl tells me that he has been attending church regularly for the past few months. I'm speechless. I find a wonderful pre-school for Grace just by chance. Things begin to fall in place.
May. Still no offer on the house. Grace and I prepare to move with mixed feelings. I'm anxious to be together as a family but sad to leave everyone at home. I don't know anyone in our new area. I worry how Grace will handle the transition and leaving the people she's known since she was born. Our first car payment is due. Now we are paying a mortgage, rent and car payment. I wonder how long we can go on like this. I feel my faith begin to waiver. I think about not paying tithing for a while but know that this is not an answer.
We find a house the meets our needs but still don't have an offer on our house in NY. The mortgage guy presents us with different options. We decide to make an offer not contingent upon the sale of our home. I have a peaceful confident feeling. We make an offer on the house that night.
Wednesday of this past week Carl and I signed a mortgage application. Our first payment will be Sept. first. If we haven't sold the house by then we will be carrying two mortgages. Strangely we are at peace with the decision.
Thursday afternoon I got a call from our agent in NY. We had an offer on the house, finally!
I look back at the past nine months an am amazed. Heavenly Father never left our side. The road was not the one I would have chosen. It was like a windy path through the mountains and many times I couldn't see the what lay ahead. But when I stopped insisting on my way and opened my heart and mind I found that the path, though difficult was laid before my feet and that I wasn't walking it alone.
Love you all! Amber
If you haven't heard the news by now Carl and I finally got an offer on the house. We're working out the details but it looks like we may get by with out actually owing money at the closing (meaning we will just about break even). Also, if you haven't heard by now (because maybe you're just getting back into town from Vegas) we put an offer in on a house down here. We are FINALLY starting to see the light at the end of a very looooooong tunnel.
It has been an incredible journey. Last March Carl and I put the house up for sale and placed an offer on a 5 acre home in Walworth. After six weeks on the market and little activity on the house we decided to wait a few years and "build more equity". Five weeks later Carl applies for a job in VA and before we know it Grace and I are saying good-bye to Carl in Aunt Nancy's driveway.
Carl sets up house in a little town called Fairlawn in the New River Valley. It's a small, dingy place with really cheap rent. The landlord informs Carl that if Grace and I were to move in at some point he would increase the rent to cover the extra water costs. At that time I silently laughed to my self. There was no way Grace I would ever stay here. This was just temporary maybe a few months until the house sold. Carl only packed bare necessities and brought down the air mattress. It was heartbreaking saying good-bye and leaving Carl all by himself in that depressing little place on skid row. It was September and we we're thinking we might have the house sold by November.
November comes and goes. Carl flies home for Halloween and second Grace's birthday. We still haven't sold the house. We decided to try and make monthly visits. Carl starts to feel that we might not sell the house until spring. He misses us, especially Grace who is growing and changing with each month. Grace and I drive down to see Carl at Thanksgiving. Dad comes with me to help and then drives back home. He comes back down after the holiday and brings our spare bed. We know that Carl will be here longer than we thought.
The Christmas season arrives with unusually warm weather. We hope it will help sell the house. Carl comes home but can only stay a few days. We take the house of the market and find out that our realtor has not returned other agent calls wishing to keep all the commission on a sale for himself. He showed the house five times in six months. I start to wonder if God is listening to our prayers.
In January the unusually warm weather ends and the snow arrives. Carl struggles to remain positive. He's lives alone and for the most part works alone as well. He starts going to church but doesn't tell me. Members of the ward reach out. One family "adopts" him inviting him to dinner and family home evening. Carl's burden is lightened a bit.
February sweeps in cold and wild. We have a new realtor and a little more activity on the house but still no offer. A utility van slams into the back of the Aztec as I'm stopped over the bridge on Fairport Rd. I walk away unhurt and fortunately Grace wasn't in the car. The Aztec is totaled. We buy a car and are able to secure a loan in which payments don't start until April. We pray more fervently for the house to sell.
March. The snow and gray reflects our mood. Carl and I begin to wonder if we've made a wrong decision. Dad suggests that we pray for what's best for our family and not just to sell the house. The stress of separation and our financial situation starts to chip away at Carl and me. We decide to pray as a couple do so for the first time in 10 years. We decide that I will look for a job here in VA and that we need to make plans to reunite our family despite the house situation.
April. I apply for a part time position as a case manager and am offered the job. Carl tells me that he has been attending church regularly for the past few months. I'm speechless. I find a wonderful pre-school for Grace just by chance. Things begin to fall in place.
May. Still no offer on the house. Grace and I prepare to move with mixed feelings. I'm anxious to be together as a family but sad to leave everyone at home. I don't know anyone in our new area. I worry how Grace will handle the transition and leaving the people she's known since she was born. Our first car payment is due. Now we are paying a mortgage, rent and car payment. I wonder how long we can go on like this. I feel my faith begin to waiver. I think about not paying tithing for a while but know that this is not an answer.
We find a house the meets our needs but still don't have an offer on our house in NY. The mortgage guy presents us with different options. We decide to make an offer not contingent upon the sale of our home. I have a peaceful confident feeling. We make an offer on the house that night.
Wednesday of this past week Carl and I signed a mortgage application. Our first payment will be Sept. first. If we haven't sold the house by then we will be carrying two mortgages. Strangely we are at peace with the decision.
Thursday afternoon I got a call from our agent in NY. We had an offer on the house, finally!
I look back at the past nine months an am amazed. Heavenly Father never left our side. The road was not the one I would have chosen. It was like a windy path through the mountains and many times I couldn't see the what lay ahead. But when I stopped insisting on my way and opened my heart and mind I found that the path, though difficult was laid before my feet and that I wasn't walking it alone.
Love you all! Amber
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
What to Say
As the tables have turned and the once dominating Cain has taken the backseat in the communication project, I feel that my time has come to reclaim my throne. Although I have nothing of great importance to impart to you or any particularly clever story to retell I feel it is a decent time to write, the juices are flowing and the motions are set.
I don't want to do a blog about being a Cain or warn Holly or mush over all of us being together again (even though it was a spectacular feeling). Eehhhh maybe I will kind of gush here, that's what blogs are for, right!?! So let's talk about dreams people, it's an appropriate time Zach and Holly are going to start planning a life together and dreams are something that should be incorporated. I don't think there is a whole lot to talk about on this topic, but if others would like to add or argue my points by all means...
However, I feel that people take dreams to be too big to fit into the category of goals, and that is such a shame. To be honest I never really understood the point of having dreams if you never tried to attain them. People may say that it is harmful to dream big and to only set goals you know you can reach, but again what's the point, where's the challenge, isn't the "goal" of life to complete as much as you can? Therefore I think even if you're too tough and stubborn to actually write it down to at least keep a thought in your mind about your dream and the steps you can take to reach it, and don't let silly concerns like money or time dismay you.
Alrighty I've done my bit to coup the crown and with it demand participation!
Love and kisses!!!!
I don't want to do a blog about being a Cain or warn Holly or mush over all of us being together again (even though it was a spectacular feeling). Eehhhh maybe I will kind of gush here, that's what blogs are for, right!?! So let's talk about dreams people, it's an appropriate time Zach and Holly are going to start planning a life together and dreams are something that should be incorporated. I don't think there is a whole lot to talk about on this topic, but if others would like to add or argue my points by all means...
However, I feel that people take dreams to be too big to fit into the category of goals, and that is such a shame. To be honest I never really understood the point of having dreams if you never tried to attain them. People may say that it is harmful to dream big and to only set goals you know you can reach, but again what's the point, where's the challenge, isn't the "goal" of life to complete as much as you can? Therefore I think even if you're too tough and stubborn to actually write it down to at least keep a thought in your mind about your dream and the steps you can take to reach it, and don't let silly concerns like money or time dismay you.
Alrighty I've done my bit to coup the crown and with it demand participation!
Love and kisses!!!!
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