Congratulations! (Idaho Falls, Sandpoint: renting, house, wedding)

[Mtn. States Resident]

Sometimes it seems like many threads are focused on problems, concerns and other subjects about daily living which can make it look like life has no happy moments. Does it ever seem to you that we fail to recognize and honor each other enough for the accomplishments our CDF friends have made (or successfully endured?)? Perhaps it is just me, but it seems like I don't publically tell others enough how proud I am of certain things they've accomplished or milestones they've achieved in their lives.

I think it is time for a new thread focusing on the good, positive things our fellow posters have done. This is a general thread, with the only limitation being that it be used to give high fives to others who post here, when it is appropriate. Reconizing other posters for experiencing milestones in their lives could be a thread we all look forward to reading and writing.

After all, think of the really great people who write in the ID thread. This could be about our friends finally being able to move, having a child graduate from high school or college, or conquer an illness etc. Or it may be someone is finally opening their own or first business, or starting a new path in life or a new job. Or it could be a tribute to those who volunteer their time and have found ways to positively contribute here despite theiro

And it most certainly can be a forum to celebrate a wedding or new baby or annoucements of this type.

I can think of so many people who should be honored in this thread, given the lives they lead and what each has accomplished. Don't be surprised to see your User Name here someday; every sincere forumer here has much to offer others, IMHO

Let me start with the youngest as the first for today: Congrats to my friend, IFGuy, for the new addition to his family. Now you can add a + 1 to any post you write about the MSA or other ways population is counted for Idaho Falls and Bonneville County.

IFGuy, while being newer here, is someone I met at a different Internet site about 3-4 years ago. CDF has added, IMHO, a solid Idaho citizen totally committed to the Idaho discussions, with IFGuy.

If anyone reading this has any parenting tips (positive tips), please share. We may get to know each other entirely differently than before - more as people trying to do the right thing each day and helping our friends here, when we share our experiences and/or tips. It really doesn't matter if someone was from a different state and has moved, or will move, to ID as their newly adopted state, or has lived in ID their entire life, or has moved in and out of ID as their career/family required. All have ideas that may help others.

What really matters is being people who are sincere and have suggestions that might help others we care about in this forum.

SO, to all you wonderful parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles and responsible adults who have had a newborn at your house in the last 10 years or so, what great tips would you like to share with IFGuy? What helped you with a newborn that possibly isn't written in a book?

What are your best tips for a newborn? Do you play soft music so the baby sleeps or what has worked at your house?

Also, what does a new mom appreciate the most from a new dad who works full-time? What helps the most.......having him go ahead and wash the dishes or vacuum without being asked? Or telling mom he'll be responsible so she can spend time on herself etc?

Please share your views and positive experiences. Not all experiences are positive; however, if you think of how you word them and the lessons learned, they can be written as a positive experience.

My first tip, IFGuy, is keep a bib handy. Little ones tend to spit up when their dads seem the most dressed up. Secondly, if possible, give mom a constant time each day when she can focus on herself and not have to worry about the new baby.

I look forward to reading the suggestions of others for IFGuy and how to best enjoy this time.

I also look forward to reading your posts about some of the great people who have contributed to the Idaho forum and what they have overcome or experienced as people.

Congrats again, IFGuy, on the new baby. Thanks for sharing your great news!

MSR

[Mtn. States Resident]

Cleosmom,

You are one of the most giving and caring people I've encountered at CDF. Regardless of the subject, you try to direct those asking questions to the best sources of information you know.

You made me feel welcome when I first signed on and posted at CDF, as did Torrie. I've seen you try to include each new poster in a response to their question/post, to make them feel welcome.

For some, you offer guidance about the roads, directions and other physical information about Idaho Falls or ID. For others, it is more subtle advice or direction.

For everyone, you seem concerned to make sure they have employment, housing and know where they can get further help, if they are moving to your neck of the woods in ID.

Cleosmom, you are a treasure to have posting in these forums, IMHO. I don't know if you get back as much as you give to others.

In many ways, I consider you the "Gold Standard," of what a good forumer does and doesn't do. I've recommended that several people contact you about various questions when I thought you would know the answer. I remain impressed at the time and effort you put into so many others.

I'd like to thank you for guiding me through some difficult times, sharing your view about various real-time concerns we both have and all that you do for so many here. Along with Sage insisting we keep the dialogues civil in this forum (and they don't on many of the other states or other forums), I personally believe it is through the efforts of people like you, Cleosmom, that the ID dialogue remains so positive regardless of the subject.

Enjoy the extra recognition for your efforts. You deserve it!

MSR

P.S. I hope The Steelers do well next year

[pimit2]

Good idea, MSR! I must agree with your kudos to Cleosmom. Others I find setting the Gold Standard in this precious Forum include (but, are not limited to) our leader and guide, Sage of Sagle, the deep thinking Sandpointian, the impulsive and humorous Trace Rinaldi, the spontaneous Norcalmom, and YOU, MSR....the great detailer among us. This group of Forumates can be counted on to post with thought and care. They are among my favorites, but there are others.

In keeping with your Congratulations Theme, I'd like to point to those folks who ventured onto this Forum from other places to determine whether a move to Idaho was right for a new beginning. They got solid answers to their inquiries, for the most part....sometimes positive, sometimes negative. From that input, they were able to make a decision; basically, Idaho was right for them, or Idaho was wrong for them. I congratulate them whether or not they chose The Gem State. If they are to become (or have become) our neighbors, I welcome them. If not, I wish them good fortune in their search. In either case, CONGRATULATIONS!


pimit2 (Bob)

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Great idea--I'm fairly new to CDF, but have already discovered that the Idaho Forum threads are usually far more upbeat, encouraging, and at the same time factually sound and informative than many other threads I've checked where there's a lot of whining and accusatory exchanges going on. Of course Sage helps keep it that way.

[cleosmom]

Okay so wow

Let me preface by saying I remember what it's like to move somewhere "new". When my husband and I became Idaho residents, it was rather non-traditional. We both drove truck cross country and had everything in storage. Fast forward, I jumped off the truck in CA for a few years to help my mom out and then my husband and I found our first apt. in IF. This was after being in CA I made some new friends and got reacquainted with old ones.

We unpacked everything and then POOF he was gone. I can remember driving around bawling wondering what the heck I did, thinking I had settled with no one around. One little black and white puppy changed my world. Short version I wound up volunteering with a local humane society for many years and it led to the job and many friends I have today.

I want to off my congrats to Norcalmom who chose to leave CA and come here to improve the quality of life for her kids. It's never easy starting over.

MSR, you help out in so many ways. Often times I see myself starting a thread with some details about an event, new business, etc. etc. and you come right along and expand on the topic with more information than I even had.

Sage of Sagle, you bring levity to not only the threads, but the forum in a way that isn't meant to offend anyone.

pimit2, I love how we don't hear from you and then all of a sudden you offer things that we've taken for granted.

Trace not only do I enjoy your wit, I applaud you and the others that are looking to enjoy this wonderful state right along with the rest of us.

IFGuy, don't keep things on the quiet side, let the baby learn to sleep with normal household noises going on and then you'll have it much easier in keeping up with normal household duties. Don't forget once momma is ready to be on her feet, let her have some time to herself be it reading a book, taking a bath or lunch with friends. Furthermore, don't forget who you are as a couple Congrats!!

Great thread idea MSR

[DESERTRYDER]

OH MSR what a great idea.
The fun I have had learning and reading about some of the adventures people have had regaurding this Idaho Forum are worth their weight in gold.
The friends I have made from here are priceless.
Some I have never met but they make me feel welcome here and in the great State of Idaho.
I don't think it will be hard to keep this thread on top.
Everyday someone on here deserves congratulations

[norcalmom101]

MSR, great thread! Reading these posts even brought a tear to my eye. This forum is truly awesome, especially with Sage looking out for us all (and so gently reigning in those of us, esp. me, who sometimes let our snarkiness get the best of us ; )...

We've got a really positive and tangible community here, and even though I've only met a few of you in person, I feel so fortunate to be part of a group that shares a love of Idaho and of helping one another. Congratulations to everyone reading this, you've found yourself in an incredibly special place, whether you are in Idaho or not!

[Trace_Rinaldi]

Awwww, Group Hug!!

I'm Impulsive??? Thats code for I talk too much right?HA!!! Bob I'm really looking forward to flinging some flies with you buddy!

You ALL are awesome in my book.. You guys help me feel connected to Idaho, even though I'm 1200 miles away. This doesnt feel like home to me anymore and hasnt for a long time.. I'm already living there in my head, now I just have to get the rest of me there!!
We may not all agree all the time, but I do feel a connection with you fine people, and I really look forward to meeting some if not all of you..
I really do want to put on a little CDF shin dig once we get settled in and are able.. I'll be sure to have some good Single Malt on hand, but you guys gotta help me keep an eye on DR!!!..lol!

Big Congrats to you ALL for being cool people!! And for the new addition!!

[pimit2]

Hey Trace,

Impulsive. You talk too much? Naw, that ain't it. Dictionary.com lists several meanings for the adjective "impulsive". One of those listed, I'm betting, fits you to a tee.

Impulsive - "inciting to action"

Yep, that's gotta be you, Trace! Am I right?


pimit2 (Bob)

[Trace_Rinaldi]

Originally Posted by pimit2

Hey Trace,

Impulsive. You talk too much? Naw, that ain't it. Dictionary.com lists several meanings for the adjective "impulsive". One of those listed, I'm betting, fits you to a tee.

Impulsive - "inciting to action"

Yep, that's gotta be you, Trace! Am I right?


pimit2 (Bob)

I guess that fits me... I was just kiddin, and didnt take any offense at all Bob... Impulsive, compulsive, and even obsessive. I can be guilty of all these things in one way or the other..