I am home with both my boys today, Bud and Bear. Thank goodness for Bud not having school today, Bear almost did me in yesterday.
I had to go get groceries last night and Big D had school last night. I waited for him to get home from work so I could spend some time with him in his two hour break before school. I had to get out of the house and get groceries an hour before Big D left because if I'd stayed home for a minute longer I would've fallen asleep and not gotten any food. And trust me when I say we needed groceries.
Today with Bud home to entertain Bear I've been able to get some chores done: dishes, watering the garden, and taking a shower.
I love watching the boys play together they are hilarious. At about one in the afternoon I asked the boys if we shouldn't get out of our jammies. Bear said yep and started taking his PJ's off right in the quiet room. I started laughing and asked if maybe taking his cloths off in his bedroom wouldn't be a better idea.
I think everyone is finally dressed today except me. I'd better get my buns into gear or it will be time for bed before I get some decent cloths on. At least I got my kitchen clean today, that makes me feel good no matter what I'm wearing.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Happy 100th Post
I honestly didn't think I had that much to say let alone have 100 posts worth. It is exciting being in the triple digits.
I'm sure some out there wish I would have quit after my first post with my lack of talent and excitement. I'm still going strong and I enjoy writing as much, if not more, today as the day I started. One can only hope that I get better and better.
It took me six months to write this many posts. If I wrote everyday like some people I would have been able to get to this spot in half the time. I like to think I am not obsessive about posting. If I get to the point where I Must post once a day I fear blogging will turn into a chore instead of a reward for me.
As it is now I love to share the funny aspects of my day. I love to hear my family laugh at what I write about them. My kids love to see their pictures in my posts. I love to read the comments people leave. I don't want to ruin all this by turning it into a chore.
In the past 100 posts I've shared with you my kids saying the funniest things. I've shared some fears, laughs, and some not so happy moments. I've taken you along my family vacations and shared some sweet memories. With all of this I wonder what the next 100 posts are going to have in store. Who's kidding whom here, it's probably going to be more of the same.
I hope you've enjoyed my blog because I sure have. I look forward to what I can write about next. If anyone has any ideas for me let me know. Thank you for reading and sharing a part of my life with me.
I'm sure some out there wish I would have quit after my first post with my lack of talent and excitement. I'm still going strong and I enjoy writing as much, if not more, today as the day I started. One can only hope that I get better and better.
It took me six months to write this many posts. If I wrote everyday like some people I would have been able to get to this spot in half the time. I like to think I am not obsessive about posting. If I get to the point where I Must post once a day I fear blogging will turn into a chore instead of a reward for me.
As it is now I love to share the funny aspects of my day. I love to hear my family laugh at what I write about them. My kids love to see their pictures in my posts. I love to read the comments people leave. I don't want to ruin all this by turning it into a chore.
In the past 100 posts I've shared with you my kids saying the funniest things. I've shared some fears, laughs, and some not so happy moments. I've taken you along my family vacations and shared some sweet memories. With all of this I wonder what the next 100 posts are going to have in store. Who's kidding whom here, it's probably going to be more of the same.
I hope you've enjoyed my blog because I sure have. I look forward to what I can write about next. If anyone has any ideas for me let me know. Thank you for reading and sharing a part of my life with me.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
First Day of School For My Minions
Today was all the kids' first day of school, except Bear. He did have to wear his back pack to Auntie Rae's so he could be a big boy just like Bud.
With Bud just starting out in kindergarten one of his parents had to stay with him all day. Well, I had a class so Big D took him to school. I felt bad because I sent them at the wrong time. For some reason I switched which crew Bug was in.
At their school they don't have classes they have crews to teach the kids that everyone has to work together to make things happen.
It didn't make a difference he just didn't get to sit with his own crew today, but I will get it right tomorrow.
The girls had a good day getting to see their friends they'd missed all summer. Bug has a substitute teacher all semester because her teacher's daughter is going in for a bone marrow transplant. Bug was pretty bummed about that because she really likes her teacher.
Beaner and Bug both had to take a pop math quiz today, that didn't make them too happy. I had to laugh and tell them it's just getting them ready for college where the professors like to torture their students.
Beaner was hoping the boys wouldn't chase her this year but she confessed when she got home that they are still chasing. Of course she is trying to sound disappointed as she tells me her problem but it's hard to take her serious when her face displays a huge grin.
The Lord's Hand in Aug 2008
8/31/08~ Finally a day of rest, my cousin D came up and we made fruit leather and canned peaches all day yesterday. Today we don't have to worry about anything but church and relaxation, thank you for the Sabbath.
8/30/08~ Driving down the street I saw a house with a fully loaded apricot tree. We pulled over and asked if they were going to use all their apricots or if we could pick some. Not only was it okay for us to pick all his apricot but he also had a peach and a pear tree we could pick as well. Needless to say, it's not going to be a relaxing weekend for me.
8/29/08~ Sometimes it is hard to do our daily chores when there are other things that beckon our interests. I had to subscribe to the newspaper for my class. I can't want to be a journalist and not have a TV, newspaper, or any news magazines. Surprisingly I've been enjoying reading the paper, it's not all negative like I once thought.
8/28/08~ Today is Me and Bear's first day home, alone. I think it is driving Bear crazy not having anyone to play with. There is only some many times mom can chase, spank, tickle, drink of his cuteness (zurbert his neck), eat his toes, swirl him dizzy or capture his crazy button (belly button). Pretty soon he's bored and he wants to just play cars all day. It's a good thing he only has to put up with me for two days a week without anyone there to intervene.
8/27/08~ The three oldest had their first day of school today. For the girls it was no big deal since they have the same teachers as last year. However, this being Bud's first day of kindergarten, he had to have a parent stay with him the hole day. Well, I had school so Big D took an early extended lunch and went with Bud. They had a great time, even though they showed up at the wrong time (my fault). I can already feel us getting back in to a routine, isn't that great?
8/26/08~ We had a very hectic day: the three oldest had a school picnic to go to, Bear had his school open house to meet his new teacher, the girls had piano lessons, Bug went to the temple with her Achievement Days group and Big D had his first night of class (this after waking up at 4a.m. to go to the temple). I was amazed we made it to every thing. I was trying to figure out what we were going to cut out.
8/25/08~ The first day of school left me running around a lot trying to get new things I didn't know I needed and trying to get rid of old things I don't need anymore. All in all it is shaping up to be a busy semester.
8/24/08~ Big D and I had a nice time without the kids. We stayed in bed right up until it was time get ready to go to church, and we didn't have to scramble to get kids ready. Then we went to the Twin Falls Temple dedication, which was awesome. It the second dedication I've been able to attend. I went to the Navoo Temple dedication a couple years ago and that was memorable. I hope to some day get to visit the temple there.
8/23/08~ I canned some corn and more pickles, ooh what a change from the entire past week. The kids did head out to my dad's house for the weekend, which that is always nice. Big D didn't get home from rafting with the young men until about 9pm therefore too late to do anything, plus he was toast.
8/22/08~ My last week day before school starts. I feel like I have to rush to get every thing done that needs to be done before the hectic life of living out of my car commences. The schedule I have to keep up with this year is insane, I hope I don't forget my kids some where. I don't know what I'm going to do with Kinnzi on Wednesdays, I am going to be gone all day long.
8/21/08~ Bug, Beaner, and I went out by the airport and picked chokecherries for three hours. I told them our goal was two five gallon buckets full, but we decided to call it a day when we hit a bucket and a half. I told them they are going to love eating pancakes smothered in chokecherry syrup and be able to tell everyone that they helped with the process.
8/20/08~ College Registration what fun. I pulled into the parking lot at the university and saw the hundreds of parking spaces full and I got a little overwhelmed. I had to take a deep breath and remind myself I wasn't in a hurry and I didn't have to worry about my kids, thanks to Uncle Brook. Amazingly I was in and out in an hour, one hour less than I was planning.
8/19/08~ Canning and more canning. I am canning more bread and butter pickles today. Ooh but I switched it up a bit and tried some relish made out of beets. I hope it tastes good. It's funny, the pickles say you're suppose to wait four to six weeks before eating them, I don't think the pickles are going to last that long. Big D cracked one jar open and now I can't get him to quit. Between him and the kids I won't have any left to share with the rest of my family. I'm just glad they taste good, yum yum!
8/18/08~ Trying to catch up on work. I have a dentist appointment at 2p.m. I need to get groceries, because we are down to the bare skives. I still have to pick my corn and freeze it then run out to my mom's and help her with her corn. Today just gets better and better.
8/17/08~ My crazy sisters haven't let me go to bed before 2a.m. either night I've been here. I hope this isn't the norm when I'm not here or these guys are crazy, oh I guess I already clarified that point didn't I. It's fun being in a big city compared to my tiny town. It has a hole different energy that is invigorating. I guess that's why I can't sleep before 2. Now I have to look forward to the drive home. My time here goes too fast but I do miss my family, although I could stay here for a bit longer and be okay.
8/16/08~ I thought since Big D loves rhubarb and we have two huge bushes of the soar stuff I'd better find a recipe that everyone can enjoy. I made rhubarb cookies and muffins, the cookies turned out great, probably because I soaked them over night in sugar. The muffins didn't turn out as good, no soaking. They didn't have much flavor other than biting into a slimy piece of rhubarb, yuck. Ann called me upset and said she needed me right in the middle of baking my muffins. I wasn't planning on seeing her until the next night, but she needed me so I took the kids and Kinnzi to my brother Lowell's until Big D could get off work and pick them up. I made it to Ann's house in time to go through a session at the temple. She's having a tough year, I hope it helped having just having someone to be with her, not that Marie doesn't do it for her. Sometimes you just need both your crazy sisters to remind you of the silly side of life again. I also went over to my best friend, C's, house and helped her paint her front room. We painted on wall Hersey's chocolate brown and the other one striped. I wanted to lick my fingers all day it looked so good. We had a great time reminiscing while painting.
8/15/08~ Getting the kids and Big D ready for their Dad's and Kids Only cam pout tonight. No Moms allowed, I couldn't be happier. I wanted to mow the lawn but my neighbor flooded our yard so I have to wait for it to dry up.
8/14/08~ I canned twenty more pints of pickles, now up to thirty-seven all together. It's a good thing I am sharing all these pickles. I went visiting teaching and enjoyed chatting with my fellow friends. I need to visit them more than just for visiting teaching.
8/13/08~ I canned bread and butter pickles by myself for the first time. I think I did pretty good but we can't really try them for a few weeks until all the flavors mesh. I really hope they taste good, that was a lot of work.
8/12/08~ We went boating for Brook's 34 birthday. Brook Jr. brought a friend, A.J., who kept flirting with Bug, and she him. I don't know how I feel about that even though Big D had his first girlfriend in the fourth grade and I had mine when I was in kindergarten. Well, as close as you can get to a boyfriend that young. I'm just not ready for her to start noticing boys yet. I'm comfortable with her believing they have cooties.
8/11/08~ My day of rest after a great vacation. Poor Big D had to go to work. I am trying to get all caught up on everything, but I can't seem to get up.
8/10/08~ A bit of a preemptive strike, I put a movie on for the kids for the trip home. My garden looked very sad when I got home.
8/9/08~ Another day of nothing but fun at the beach, but a little slower than the day before. Everyone was tired and sore but we still managed to have fun.
8/8/08~ We played a little volleyball in the water, went swimming to get away from everyone for some quiet time, took some pictures, and enjoyed each other's company.
8/7/08~ We embarked on our last vacation of the summer. It doesn't matter how big the vehicle you drive, after the tenth time of, "Are we there yet?" it is never be big enough.
8/6/08~ We finished packing the RV in hopes that we can leave as early as possible for Bear Lake. I am surprised Big D didn't make the kids sleep in the RV so we could leave even earlier than the scheduled 9a.m.
8/5/08~ We went to the Twin Falls open house yesterday with my in-laws. What a beautiful temple! I was a bit difficult keeping Bear entertained and reverent, but I should have known that before hand given the difficulty we have keeping him entertained and reverent at church each week. I love that we can share opportunities like this with our children. Hopefully they learn a bit about the importance of going to the temple.
8/4/08~ Packing the RV getting ready for Bear Lake, our grand finale of the summer. I love traveling with my family, we are a hoot, my kids and my brother's and sister's.
8/3/08~ We had twelve kids in nursery and it wasn't as chaotic as we feared it would be, that is until the last five minutes when we had a collision and banged shins, then another collision which resulted in a bloody nose and tears. A little one whose used to getting his own way having to learn a lesson not to grab, which resulted in his tears of confusion on why he doesn't just get the toy he wants. Needless to say, I'm sure parents think we beat their kids right before they come to pick them up.
8/2/08~ We went school shopping, now I remember why I'm going back to school: I love school shopping. I haven't been able to do that for a long long time and every Fall I get the itch. It's not the same school shopping for your kids, that doesn't give you the same satisfaction.
8/01/08~ We went boating last night, for the fourth time this week. We all had a great time and no one got hurt despite the story of a young man dying out there the night before, which made me being a nervous wreck most of the evening.
8/30/08~ Driving down the street I saw a house with a fully loaded apricot tree. We pulled over and asked if they were going to use all their apricots or if we could pick some. Not only was it okay for us to pick all his apricot but he also had a peach and a pear tree we could pick as well. Needless to say, it's not going to be a relaxing weekend for me.
8/29/08~ Sometimes it is hard to do our daily chores when there are other things that beckon our interests. I had to subscribe to the newspaper for my class. I can't want to be a journalist and not have a TV, newspaper, or any news magazines. Surprisingly I've been enjoying reading the paper, it's not all negative like I once thought.
8/28/08~ Today is Me and Bear's first day home, alone. I think it is driving Bear crazy not having anyone to play with. There is only some many times mom can chase, spank, tickle, drink of his cuteness (zurbert his neck), eat his toes, swirl him dizzy or capture his crazy button (belly button). Pretty soon he's bored and he wants to just play cars all day. It's a good thing he only has to put up with me for two days a week without anyone there to intervene.
8/27/08~ The three oldest had their first day of school today. For the girls it was no big deal since they have the same teachers as last year. However, this being Bud's first day of kindergarten, he had to have a parent stay with him the hole day. Well, I had school so Big D took an early extended lunch and went with Bud. They had a great time, even though they showed up at the wrong time (my fault). I can already feel us getting back in to a routine, isn't that great?
8/26/08~ We had a very hectic day: the three oldest had a school picnic to go to, Bear had his school open house to meet his new teacher, the girls had piano lessons, Bug went to the temple with her Achievement Days group and Big D had his first night of class (this after waking up at 4a.m. to go to the temple). I was amazed we made it to every thing. I was trying to figure out what we were going to cut out.
8/25/08~ The first day of school left me running around a lot trying to get new things I didn't know I needed and trying to get rid of old things I don't need anymore. All in all it is shaping up to be a busy semester.
8/24/08~ Big D and I had a nice time without the kids. We stayed in bed right up until it was time get ready to go to church, and we didn't have to scramble to get kids ready. Then we went to the Twin Falls Temple dedication, which was awesome. It the second dedication I've been able to attend. I went to the Navoo Temple dedication a couple years ago and that was memorable. I hope to some day get to visit the temple there.
8/23/08~ I canned some corn and more pickles, ooh what a change from the entire past week. The kids did head out to my dad's house for the weekend, which that is always nice. Big D didn't get home from rafting with the young men until about 9pm therefore too late to do anything, plus he was toast.
8/22/08~ My last week day before school starts. I feel like I have to rush to get every thing done that needs to be done before the hectic life of living out of my car commences. The schedule I have to keep up with this year is insane, I hope I don't forget my kids some where. I don't know what I'm going to do with Kinnzi on Wednesdays, I am going to be gone all day long.
8/21/08~ Bug, Beaner, and I went out by the airport and picked chokecherries for three hours. I told them our goal was two five gallon buckets full, but we decided to call it a day when we hit a bucket and a half. I told them they are going to love eating pancakes smothered in chokecherry syrup and be able to tell everyone that they helped with the process.
8/20/08~ College Registration what fun. I pulled into the parking lot at the university and saw the hundreds of parking spaces full and I got a little overwhelmed. I had to take a deep breath and remind myself I wasn't in a hurry and I didn't have to worry about my kids, thanks to Uncle Brook. Amazingly I was in and out in an hour, one hour less than I was planning.
8/19/08~ Canning and more canning. I am canning more bread and butter pickles today. Ooh but I switched it up a bit and tried some relish made out of beets. I hope it tastes good. It's funny, the pickles say you're suppose to wait four to six weeks before eating them, I don't think the pickles are going to last that long. Big D cracked one jar open and now I can't get him to quit. Between him and the kids I won't have any left to share with the rest of my family. I'm just glad they taste good, yum yum!
8/18/08~ Trying to catch up on work. I have a dentist appointment at 2p.m. I need to get groceries, because we are down to the bare skives. I still have to pick my corn and freeze it then run out to my mom's and help her with her corn. Today just gets better and better.
8/17/08~ My crazy sisters haven't let me go to bed before 2a.m. either night I've been here. I hope this isn't the norm when I'm not here or these guys are crazy, oh I guess I already clarified that point didn't I. It's fun being in a big city compared to my tiny town. It has a hole different energy that is invigorating. I guess that's why I can't sleep before 2. Now I have to look forward to the drive home. My time here goes too fast but I do miss my family, although I could stay here for a bit longer and be okay.
8/16/08~ I thought since Big D loves rhubarb and we have two huge bushes of the soar stuff I'd better find a recipe that everyone can enjoy. I made rhubarb cookies and muffins, the cookies turned out great, probably because I soaked them over night in sugar. The muffins didn't turn out as good, no soaking. They didn't have much flavor other than biting into a slimy piece of rhubarb, yuck. Ann called me upset and said she needed me right in the middle of baking my muffins. I wasn't planning on seeing her until the next night, but she needed me so I took the kids and Kinnzi to my brother Lowell's until Big D could get off work and pick them up. I made it to Ann's house in time to go through a session at the temple. She's having a tough year, I hope it helped having just having someone to be with her, not that Marie doesn't do it for her. Sometimes you just need both your crazy sisters to remind you of the silly side of life again. I also went over to my best friend, C's, house and helped her paint her front room. We painted on wall Hersey's chocolate brown and the other one striped. I wanted to lick my fingers all day it looked so good. We had a great time reminiscing while painting.
8/15/08~ Getting the kids and Big D ready for their Dad's and Kids Only cam pout tonight. No Moms allowed, I couldn't be happier. I wanted to mow the lawn but my neighbor flooded our yard so I have to wait for it to dry up.
8/14/08~ I canned twenty more pints of pickles, now up to thirty-seven all together. It's a good thing I am sharing all these pickles. I went visiting teaching and enjoyed chatting with my fellow friends. I need to visit them more than just for visiting teaching.
8/13/08~ I canned bread and butter pickles by myself for the first time. I think I did pretty good but we can't really try them for a few weeks until all the flavors mesh. I really hope they taste good, that was a lot of work.
8/12/08~ We went boating for Brook's 34 birthday. Brook Jr. brought a friend, A.J., who kept flirting with Bug, and she him. I don't know how I feel about that even though Big D had his first girlfriend in the fourth grade and I had mine when I was in kindergarten. Well, as close as you can get to a boyfriend that young. I'm just not ready for her to start noticing boys yet. I'm comfortable with her believing they have cooties.
8/11/08~ My day of rest after a great vacation. Poor Big D had to go to work. I am trying to get all caught up on everything, but I can't seem to get up.
8/10/08~ A bit of a preemptive strike, I put a movie on for the kids for the trip home. My garden looked very sad when I got home.
8/9/08~ Another day of nothing but fun at the beach, but a little slower than the day before. Everyone was tired and sore but we still managed to have fun.
8/8/08~ We played a little volleyball in the water, went swimming to get away from everyone for some quiet time, took some pictures, and enjoyed each other's company.
8/7/08~ We embarked on our last vacation of the summer. It doesn't matter how big the vehicle you drive, after the tenth time of, "Are we there yet?" it is never be big enough.
8/6/08~ We finished packing the RV in hopes that we can leave as early as possible for Bear Lake. I am surprised Big D didn't make the kids sleep in the RV so we could leave even earlier than the scheduled 9a.m.
8/5/08~ We went to the Twin Falls open house yesterday with my in-laws. What a beautiful temple! I was a bit difficult keeping Bear entertained and reverent, but I should have known that before hand given the difficulty we have keeping him entertained and reverent at church each week. I love that we can share opportunities like this with our children. Hopefully they learn a bit about the importance of going to the temple.
8/4/08~ Packing the RV getting ready for Bear Lake, our grand finale of the summer. I love traveling with my family, we are a hoot, my kids and my brother's and sister's.
8/3/08~ We had twelve kids in nursery and it wasn't as chaotic as we feared it would be, that is until the last five minutes when we had a collision and banged shins, then another collision which resulted in a bloody nose and tears. A little one whose used to getting his own way having to learn a lesson not to grab, which resulted in his tears of confusion on why he doesn't just get the toy he wants. Needless to say, I'm sure parents think we beat their kids right before they come to pick them up.
8/2/08~ We went school shopping, now I remember why I'm going back to school: I love school shopping. I haven't been able to do that for a long long time and every Fall I get the itch. It's not the same school shopping for your kids, that doesn't give you the same satisfaction.
8/01/08~ We went boating last night, for the fourth time this week. We all had a great time and no one got hurt despite the story of a young man dying out there the night before, which made me being a nervous wreck most of the evening.
We're Not In High School Any More, ToTo
Today was my second day of class and I already had a pop quiz. I was a bit intimidated when he said we were having a quiz because not only did I not read the thirty pages I was suppose to, I don't even have the book yet.
Thank goodness it was a quiz from one of the other three books that are assigned reading in the class (AP Stylebook 2007) and that one I had started reading. It also took some pressure off that the quiz wasn't graded, he just wanted to see what we knew and if we knew how to look stuff up in this book.
I kind of wish it would've been graded; I would have gotten a good grade. Now the future tests I'm not so confident about. Too bad I don't already have a good grade under my belt.
Big D went to his first class last night and his professor sprung a pop quiz on them as well. However, his professor said if they didn't pass the test they needed to reevaluate why they were in the class. His professor also said if anyone had taken his accounting class from him last semester that they should do okay on the quiz. Big D did take this guys accounting class - but it was ten years ago.
I remember the good old days of high school when you really didn't start delving into hard work for the first week of school. I pray every day now that I can please just make it through that days class.
I am really excited to learn what this class is all about. I think it will make me a much better writer and it will give me a glimpse into the life of a journalist.
We have to read "All The President's Men" in this class, which I've already read. I was totally enamored with the book and finished it relatively quickly. My professor told us the reason he has us read it is to let us know the hard work journalists have to put into their job and if we aren't up for it then we need to rethink our career path. I am so up for that and look forward to learning all about the 'how to'.
Thank goodness it was a quiz from one of the other three books that are assigned reading in the class (AP Stylebook 2007) and that one I had started reading. It also took some pressure off that the quiz wasn't graded, he just wanted to see what we knew and if we knew how to look stuff up in this book.
I kind of wish it would've been graded; I would have gotten a good grade. Now the future tests I'm not so confident about. Too bad I don't already have a good grade under my belt.
Big D went to his first class last night and his professor sprung a pop quiz on them as well. However, his professor said if they didn't pass the test they needed to reevaluate why they were in the class. His professor also said if anyone had taken his accounting class from him last semester that they should do okay on the quiz. Big D did take this guys accounting class - but it was ten years ago.
I remember the good old days of high school when you really didn't start delving into hard work for the first week of school. I pray every day now that I can please just make it through that days class.
I am really excited to learn what this class is all about. I think it will make me a much better writer and it will give me a glimpse into the life of a journalist.
We have to read "All The President's Men" in this class, which I've already read. I was totally enamored with the book and finished it relatively quickly. My professor told us the reason he has us read it is to let us know the hard work journalists have to put into their job and if we aren't up for it then we need to rethink our career path. I am so up for that and look forward to learning all about the 'how to'.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Fun Facts About Tiff
~ My Favorite Car: For the longest time it has been my secret, and sometimes not so secret, desire to own a 1965 Mustang. As I am maturing and I realize there are a few modern comforts I can live without, such as, air conditioning, power steering and cruse control. So I think I would settle for the new Camero that they used on the Transformers movie. 8/24/08
~ My Most Selfish Desire: I live in an older part of town in a home that was built back when builders added character to their homes. I have always loved older homes. When I drove by this house, before it was even on the market, I called my realtor and told him I wanted the house. It is perfect for my family and in the perfect location. However, there is this house right across the street that is all beautiful red brick, built around the same time as mine so it has character, the lot is twice as big as mine and so is the house, and it has a front porch (I love stooping). I've been teasing my husband for years that if it ever came on the market I would pounce on it. The little old lady who lives there took me for a tour one day and after that I couldn't quit thinking of every thing I would do to it if it ever became my decision. Big D, frustrated with all my wishful thinking, said, "You know you are coveting thy neighbors house?" I'd never thought of it that way before but that is exactly what I was doing, I'm so bad. I'm not going to lie to you, if it ever came on the market I would still do every thing in my power to attain it, which isn't much. I just don't have the thought in my head, "This will be mine. Oh yes it will be mine." Now I look at it as if it's ment to be it will happen. Some times I feel naughty like I am secretly cheating on my house, which if I had to live the rest of my life in this house, I would be fine with that. 8/23/08
~ My Worst Date: I was dating a young man named Jimmy. We were out with a group of friend, at least two car loads, looking for an open bowling alley. Tyson, the driver of the car I was in, missed his turn so he cut down an alley. In the alley was a gang of drunk young men. We slowed down and waited for them to move and then drove on. We stopped infront of the closed bowling alley and exited our vehicles to discuss our options with the car behind us (this was back before the time everyone had cell phones). As everyone's talking the gang came out of the alley and started yelling at Tyson saying he tried to run them over. My date grabbed me and threw me in the car as a fight broke out. It was a good thing the gang was drunk, their blows weren't as hard as they could've been. We all got back in our cars and got out of there before someone got seriously hurt but I was so shaken up after that. I had a hard time going to that part of town for years, and never at night. 8/22/08
~ My Earliet Memory: We were living behind, what is now Jefferson Elementry. I was probably about two or three. I had a nightmare and came out of my bedroom looking for someone to comfort me. My parents were still awake, so it couldn't have been too terribly late. However, I thought they were awake just for me. Of course I was a daddies girl so I always felt safest in my daddies arms. We had a special bond he and I, it's like his heart reached out and soothed mine. 8/21/08
~My favorite color: For the longest time it was white, but every one would argue with me that white isn't a color. So until white gets inducted into the Hall of Colors, I choose Sage Green. 8/20/08
~ My Most Selfish Desire: I live in an older part of town in a home that was built back when builders added character to their homes. I have always loved older homes. When I drove by this house, before it was even on the market, I called my realtor and told him I wanted the house. It is perfect for my family and in the perfect location. However, there is this house right across the street that is all beautiful red brick, built around the same time as mine so it has character, the lot is twice as big as mine and so is the house, and it has a front porch (I love stooping). I've been teasing my husband for years that if it ever came on the market I would pounce on it. The little old lady who lives there took me for a tour one day and after that I couldn't quit thinking of every thing I would do to it if it ever became my decision. Big D, frustrated with all my wishful thinking, said, "You know you are coveting thy neighbors house?" I'd never thought of it that way before but that is exactly what I was doing, I'm so bad. I'm not going to lie to you, if it ever came on the market I would still do every thing in my power to attain it, which isn't much. I just don't have the thought in my head, "This will be mine. Oh yes it will be mine." Now I look at it as if it's ment to be it will happen. Some times I feel naughty like I am secretly cheating on my house, which if I had to live the rest of my life in this house, I would be fine with that. 8/23/08
~ My Worst Date: I was dating a young man named Jimmy. We were out with a group of friend, at least two car loads, looking for an open bowling alley. Tyson, the driver of the car I was in, missed his turn so he cut down an alley. In the alley was a gang of drunk young men. We slowed down and waited for them to move and then drove on. We stopped infront of the closed bowling alley and exited our vehicles to discuss our options with the car behind us (this was back before the time everyone had cell phones). As everyone's talking the gang came out of the alley and started yelling at Tyson saying he tried to run them over. My date grabbed me and threw me in the car as a fight broke out. It was a good thing the gang was drunk, their blows weren't as hard as they could've been. We all got back in our cars and got out of there before someone got seriously hurt but I was so shaken up after that. I had a hard time going to that part of town for years, and never at night. 8/22/08
~ My Earliet Memory: We were living behind, what is now Jefferson Elementry. I was probably about two or three. I had a nightmare and came out of my bedroom looking for someone to comfort me. My parents were still awake, so it couldn't have been too terribly late. However, I thought they were awake just for me. Of course I was a daddies girl so I always felt safest in my daddies arms. We had a special bond he and I, it's like his heart reached out and soothed mine. 8/21/08
~My favorite color: For the longest time it was white, but every one would argue with me that white isn't a color. So until white gets inducted into the Hall of Colors, I choose Sage Green. 8/20/08
Kids Say The Darnest Things
Those of you who have children understand when your children make you bust a gut laughing. The other day Bug said the funniest thing and she wasn't even meaning to be funny.
All the kids were over at Uncle Brook's house when Brook came in and said, "It's time to go over to Aunt Tiff's so I can go Home Teaching." Uncle Brook has been inactive for almost twenty years and has never gone Home Teaching before. Bug looked at Uncle Brook and said, "That is the worst excuse you have ever used." Brook being a little flabbergasted said, "No really I'm going Home Teaching." "Yeah, whatever." said Bug rolling her eyes at him.
I got a good laugh out of that one.
This weekend my kids were out at Papa Guy and Grandma Honey's house. Bear asked Grandma Honey if she knew who Lowell Jr. was and she admitted she did. "Why doesn't he get to come out here then?" asked Bear. She laughed and said that next they will have to invite Lowell Jr.
Out of the mouth of babes apparently comes raw truth.
All the kids were over at Uncle Brook's house when Brook came in and said, "It's time to go over to Aunt Tiff's so I can go Home Teaching." Uncle Brook has been inactive for almost twenty years and has never gone Home Teaching before. Bug looked at Uncle Brook and said, "That is the worst excuse you have ever used." Brook being a little flabbergasted said, "No really I'm going Home Teaching." "Yeah, whatever." said Bug rolling her eyes at him.
I got a good laugh out of that one.
This weekend my kids were out at Papa Guy and Grandma Honey's house. Bear asked Grandma Honey if she knew who Lowell Jr. was and she admitted she did. "Why doesn't he get to come out here then?" asked Bear. She laughed and said that next they will have to invite Lowell Jr.
Out of the mouth of babes apparently comes raw truth.
Monday, August 25, 2008
What A First Day
My eye has not quit twitching since I woke up this morning. I made it to class on time, with time to spare. My professor is new, not only to me but to the university. He's from North Carolina and he's only been here for about nine days. He was a jester and trying to get the class to laugh, but we were all sceptical. I was sceptical for no other reason than usually when a professor is all funny and trying to make you relax with his humor, it's a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde thing. He draws you in and then he turns into this monsterly hard professor. So yeah go ahead and be all funny professor man, but I'm on to you.
I bought my books for this class back at the beginning of summer. I have four books for the class and I've read one and a half. Come to find out our "New" professor changed two of the four books. I was so proud of myself saving so much money ordering online only to now have to reorder more books. And then having read two of the four books, I was a bit smug thinking I was ahead of everyone else, oops I was wrong.
Big D is a little ticked at me. I am just hoping that the book I ordered for his class is the one he needs or I am a skewed duck. I definitely don't think he is going to let me order books online again.
Other than the book debacle, I think I am going to enjoy this class. It will be hard but I think I will learn a lot. I hope I can stay up beat and positive throughout the entire semester.
I bought my books for this class back at the beginning of summer. I have four books for the class and I've read one and a half. Come to find out our "New" professor changed two of the four books. I was so proud of myself saving so much money ordering online only to now have to reorder more books. And then having read two of the four books, I was a bit smug thinking I was ahead of everyone else, oops I was wrong.
Big D is a little ticked at me. I am just hoping that the book I ordered for his class is the one he needs or I am a skewed duck. I definitely don't think he is going to let me order books online again.
Other than the book debacle, I think I am going to enjoy this class. It will be hard but I think I will learn a lot. I hope I can stay up beat and positive throughout the entire semester.
How Early Is Too Early?
I've been up since 6am, I've showered and my hair is done, I've changed my shirt twice, I've checked my bag and classroom number and now I'm ready to go to school. However, it is only 8:45am and my class starts at 9:30am. I know I want to go early to find a parking spot and my classroom but how early is too early?
I am so excited and nervous I can't sit still any longer so I am babbling on my blog, sorry.
It really is a beautiful day outside, the birds are chirping, a squirrel is scurrying across the fence, my kids are all out at my dad's so the house is quiet, and my dog is wondering when it's her turn for a little TLC.
All that good stuff is going on yet in my head all I can think about is, I'm going to be the oldest person in my class, is my professor going to be an self righteous ass (I've had one or two of those before), am I even going to like my class or am I going to screw up my hole academic career that I just barely started, again.
The really funny thing is none of those worries matter. Who cares if I'm the oldest in my class I'm not there to socialize and be friends with anyone. It does matter if I like my professor because it will make the semester that much harder and longer, but I will still make it through. I'm not going to let the opinion of one professor derail me from what I want to learn. I need to not go in with an attitude of, "I don't want your damn jack anyway".
Not liking the class is mute because I know I am going to love it. This is what I love doing. I just have to tell myself I am going to school to learn, not to already know every thing.
So if my head is full of these stupid worries that don't even make a difference, why can't I get them out of my head?
Oh, it's 9:03am I think I'm going to take off now! Wish me luck!
I am so excited and nervous I can't sit still any longer so I am babbling on my blog, sorry.
It really is a beautiful day outside, the birds are chirping, a squirrel is scurrying across the fence, my kids are all out at my dad's so the house is quiet, and my dog is wondering when it's her turn for a little TLC.
All that good stuff is going on yet in my head all I can think about is, I'm going to be the oldest person in my class, is my professor going to be an self righteous ass (I've had one or two of those before), am I even going to like my class or am I going to screw up my hole academic career that I just barely started, again.
The really funny thing is none of those worries matter. Who cares if I'm the oldest in my class I'm not there to socialize and be friends with anyone. It does matter if I like my professor because it will make the semester that much harder and longer, but I will still make it through. I'm not going to let the opinion of one professor derail me from what I want to learn. I need to not go in with an attitude of, "I don't want your damn jack anyway".
Not liking the class is mute because I know I am going to love it. This is what I love doing. I just have to tell myself I am going to school to learn, not to already know every thing.
So if my head is full of these stupid worries that don't even make a difference, why can't I get them out of my head?
Oh, it's 9:03am I think I'm going to take off now! Wish me luck!
Friday, August 22, 2008
My Last Friday of Freedom
I am going a bit crazy, I am not ready for summer to be over. At the start of summer I seriously thought the summer was going to go by slow and relaxing. We had our few major activities planned but other than that not much, boy was I wrong. I think out of the whole summer I ended up only having one weekend with nothing to do.
Now school is upon us and I don't know if I am ready for all that routine again. Which is really funny coming from me because I thrive on routine. I think Big D's laid back easy going personality is rubbing off. I think we may even be switching places, which is sad for him since I've always been the uptight worrier.
The past few weeks I've been in this mad dash scramble to "get every thing done". It's not like once I get these chores out of the job drawer I don't have to do any more. I just want to get myself to a point where I can concentrate my focus on school.
I've been trying to get all my canning out of the way, which is impossible since our garden isn't done producing yet. I have peppers coming in and a few tomatoes, now I am waiting for the onions to be ready so I can can some salsa. Little things like that are going to compete for my attention and pull my focus from school.
I believe I am secretly excited for school to start, but I don't want to neglect my duties as a mother and wife. If I feel I am neglecting my family it will be hard to justify me going back to school so soon. If I can't become an expert multi-tasker I will have to wait three more years before I can justify going back to school.
Oh I hope I can juggle well!
Now school is upon us and I don't know if I am ready for all that routine again. Which is really funny coming from me because I thrive on routine. I think Big D's laid back easy going personality is rubbing off. I think we may even be switching places, which is sad for him since I've always been the uptight worrier.
The past few weeks I've been in this mad dash scramble to "get every thing done". It's not like once I get these chores out of the job drawer I don't have to do any more. I just want to get myself to a point where I can concentrate my focus on school.
I've been trying to get all my canning out of the way, which is impossible since our garden isn't done producing yet. I have peppers coming in and a few tomatoes, now I am waiting for the onions to be ready so I can can some salsa. Little things like that are going to compete for my attention and pull my focus from school.
I believe I am secretly excited for school to start, but I don't want to neglect my duties as a mother and wife. If I feel I am neglecting my family it will be hard to justify me going back to school so soon. If I can't become an expert multi-tasker I will have to wait three more years before I can justify going back to school.
Oh I hope I can juggle well!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Registration
School starts on Monday so I had to go pay the university with my first born child and my left arm, all for one class.
I have been driving myself, my husband, I'm sure my babysitters, and the financial aid office crazy the past few weeks. First off I was shocked I received financial aid at all. I found out that the amount I was awarded was contingent on six credits, I'm only taking four. So I received a reduction in the amount which left me with almost $500 to come up with to take my News Reporting and Writing class.
I looked into what the difference would be if I took one more class so I could get the full amount. Most classes are three credits so that would've put me at seven credits. At $236 a credit I was looking at having to come up with $700 instead of $500 if I did that.
The money wasn't that big of deal we had a way to pay for the extra class, babysitters lined up to watch the few kids not in school those extra days, and car pooling set up for transportation. The one thing that kept changing my mind was; how much time is this going to take away from my family? Besides the actual class time away I would have had to spend more study time away from them as well. With my Reporting class having a lab it was like two classes already; on Wednesdays I will be in school all day with class and lab.
I am so excited to go back to school and have something all to myself that helps me to grow. No matter how big of a mid-life crisis I am having trying to recapture my youth through going back to college, I am still a mother and wife and I don't wish that away.
At registration today I had to go in the financial aid office and let them know they needed to lower my award back down to accommodate the four credits. The guy helping me laughed and said, "That's funny because I just raised it, again, this morning." I felt a little flaky but I told him I just couldn't commit to that many credits at this time and I didn't want to jeopardize my standing with the financial aid office with making bad grades. He just smiled and made the changes.
I may be flaky going back and forth four times with four credits then seven, I think I even jumped it up to nine credits at one point. I am just glad in the end I feel good about holding back and making my family my priority and not my education.
In about three years when Bear is in the first grade I will have more time to myself. That is when I can choose to take more classes, but until then I am enjoying the journey.
I have been driving myself, my husband, I'm sure my babysitters, and the financial aid office crazy the past few weeks. First off I was shocked I received financial aid at all. I found out that the amount I was awarded was contingent on six credits, I'm only taking four. So I received a reduction in the amount which left me with almost $500 to come up with to take my News Reporting and Writing class.
I looked into what the difference would be if I took one more class so I could get the full amount. Most classes are three credits so that would've put me at seven credits. At $236 a credit I was looking at having to come up with $700 instead of $500 if I did that.
The money wasn't that big of deal we had a way to pay for the extra class, babysitters lined up to watch the few kids not in school those extra days, and car pooling set up for transportation. The one thing that kept changing my mind was; how much time is this going to take away from my family? Besides the actual class time away I would have had to spend more study time away from them as well. With my Reporting class having a lab it was like two classes already; on Wednesdays I will be in school all day with class and lab.
I am so excited to go back to school and have something all to myself that helps me to grow. No matter how big of a mid-life crisis I am having trying to recapture my youth through going back to college, I am still a mother and wife and I don't wish that away.
At registration today I had to go in the financial aid office and let them know they needed to lower my award back down to accommodate the four credits. The guy helping me laughed and said, "That's funny because I just raised it, again, this morning." I felt a little flaky but I told him I just couldn't commit to that many credits at this time and I didn't want to jeopardize my standing with the financial aid office with making bad grades. He just smiled and made the changes.
I may be flaky going back and forth four times with four credits then seven, I think I even jumped it up to nine credits at one point. I am just glad in the end I feel good about holding back and making my family my priority and not my education.
In about three years when Bear is in the first grade I will have more time to myself. That is when I can choose to take more classes, but until then I am enjoying the journey.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Taste of Success
I wish I knew how to tell people that, in my opinion, there is really no such thing as failure. Imagine how much easier life would be if everyone thought that way. People wouldn't be afraid to try new things, to go out on a limb and do what they've always dreamed of doing.
If we look at failure as merely a steeping stone to success our outlook on life would be so much more positive and optimistic.
It is hard to watch someone I love punishing themselves because they believe they have failed at some thing whether it be a job, school, or marriage. If only they could see the big picture of their life. Take what you can from the "failure" and learn from it.
My Step-Mother, Ria, brought the line from "National Treasure" to my attention. It is about Benjamin Franklin and his inventing the light bulb (I think) and he tried over four hundred times before he got it right. He looked at it, not as he failed over four hundred times, but that he learned over four hundred ways not to do it. I hope I got that right.
In essence it means if your walking along and you run in to a brick wall you don't back up and keep running into the same spot, you take a step to the right or left and try again until you make it past the brick wall. So how can that be failure unless you keep running into the same spot. And if that's the case maybe you should ask for help, it's okay to ask for help and then listening to that help. Believe it or not their are people out there who have made it past the brick wall and it is amazing on the other side.
I know it's hard to take advice I feel like I should know how to do things myself or at least be able to learn how to myself. "A smart man learns from his own mistakes but a wise man learns from other's mistakes" (unknown).
Big D's Mission President gave him some great advice; He told him that Big D needed to find someone whose life he admired whether it be career, marriage, or family. He should ask that person for their advice on how to attain that success, and here's the kicker, take that advice and apply it to his life. You wouldn't ask marriage advice from someone whose been married seven times. You wouldn't ask someone career advice if they'd been fired from every job they've ever held.
I am happy to say that we have heeded his Mission President's advice and today we have a fabulous marriage, a nice career, and a lovely family. We have received many compliments on how well behaved our kids are or how happy Big D and I look and are. We owe it all to great advice that has lead us to where we are today.
I'm not saying every thing has come easy to us. We work very hard to make our marriage as fulfilling for the other as possible. We have struggles with our kids that we have to over come, but that is the kicker, we over come our struggles. We do not wallow in our "failures".
We measure our success by the smiles on our children's faces. We measure success by the flutters in our hearts as we wrestle as a family on the front room floor. We measure success by being able to share our excess with those who may need it more than we do.
I have a wonderful life and if you want advice on how I got here and how I work hard to stay here, let me know because I am willing to share. I want everyone to experience the other side of the brick wall because it is beautiful over here.
If we look at failure as merely a steeping stone to success our outlook on life would be so much more positive and optimistic.
It is hard to watch someone I love punishing themselves because they believe they have failed at some thing whether it be a job, school, or marriage. If only they could see the big picture of their life. Take what you can from the "failure" and learn from it.
My Step-Mother, Ria, brought the line from "National Treasure" to my attention. It is about Benjamin Franklin and his inventing the light bulb (I think) and he tried over four hundred times before he got it right. He looked at it, not as he failed over four hundred times, but that he learned over four hundred ways not to do it. I hope I got that right.
In essence it means if your walking along and you run in to a brick wall you don't back up and keep running into the same spot, you take a step to the right or left and try again until you make it past the brick wall. So how can that be failure unless you keep running into the same spot. And if that's the case maybe you should ask for help, it's okay to ask for help and then listening to that help. Believe it or not their are people out there who have made it past the brick wall and it is amazing on the other side.
I know it's hard to take advice I feel like I should know how to do things myself or at least be able to learn how to myself. "A smart man learns from his own mistakes but a wise man learns from other's mistakes" (unknown).
Big D's Mission President gave him some great advice; He told him that Big D needed to find someone whose life he admired whether it be career, marriage, or family. He should ask that person for their advice on how to attain that success, and here's the kicker, take that advice and apply it to his life. You wouldn't ask marriage advice from someone whose been married seven times. You wouldn't ask someone career advice if they'd been fired from every job they've ever held.
I am happy to say that we have heeded his Mission President's advice and today we have a fabulous marriage, a nice career, and a lovely family. We have received many compliments on how well behaved our kids are or how happy Big D and I look and are. We owe it all to great advice that has lead us to where we are today.
I'm not saying every thing has come easy to us. We work very hard to make our marriage as fulfilling for the other as possible. We have struggles with our kids that we have to over come, but that is the kicker, we over come our struggles. We do not wallow in our "failures".
We measure our success by the smiles on our children's faces. We measure success by the flutters in our hearts as we wrestle as a family on the front room floor. We measure success by being able to share our excess with those who may need it more than we do.
I have a wonderful life and if you want advice on how I got here and how I work hard to stay here, let me know because I am willing to share. I want everyone to experience the other side of the brick wall because it is beautiful over here.
Monday, August 18, 2008
It's Amazing
It is amazing how trashed the house can get in two days. Granted I didn't leave the house spotless when I left, but I didn't leave a bomb ticking and ready to explode as soon as I stepped out the door.
I am not even kidding when I say every room in the house was trashed, not only that but the garage, front yard, and back yard as well.
My poor enslaved children have been asking how much work I am going to make them do today. It breaks my heart that they have a party all weekend and then I make them clean it up.
I feel bad for Big D too, having to take care of four children 24/7 for two days. He took them on a camp out one night, which turned out to be a disaster because Bear kept freaking out and wouldn't sleep. Then the neighbors gave him a little scooter to see if he could fix it. Well, not only could it not be fixed but now it is scattered all over my yard and house.
I guess when I take time off from my "job", it isn't any different from when other's take time off of their jobs; when you come back to work you have twice as much work to catch up on.
Well, I need to get back to work, yeah for me.
I am not even kidding when I say every room in the house was trashed, not only that but the garage, front yard, and back yard as well.
My poor enslaved children have been asking how much work I am going to make them do today. It breaks my heart that they have a party all weekend and then I make them clean it up.
I feel bad for Big D too, having to take care of four children 24/7 for two days. He took them on a camp out one night, which turned out to be a disaster because Bear kept freaking out and wouldn't sleep. Then the neighbors gave him a little scooter to see if he could fix it. Well, not only could it not be fixed but now it is scattered all over my yard and house.
I guess when I take time off from my "job", it isn't any different from when other's take time off of their jobs; when you come back to work you have twice as much work to catch up on.
Well, I need to get back to work, yeah for me.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Run Away Weekend
I is nice having both my sister's living together. They are good for each other, although I think they are also bad for each other too. Not really but they are bad for me when I come down: they keep my up too late, I spend too much money when we're together, and they make it hard for me to want to go home sometimes.
I decided to run away my last free weekend before school starts. I made arrangements to help my best friend, C, paint her living room on Saturday then come down a little farther and stay with my sister for the night and head home Sunday. You know what they say, "Life is what happens to you when you make other plans." Well life happened to me and I came down Friday night.
I made it here at about 6p.m. and we grabbed a temple session at 8p.m. I haven't been to the temple in so long that I had a per ma grin on my face the hole time just because it was so nice to be there. We tried to make it to a 7 o'clock session but we were about ten minutes late for that so we decided to grab a bite to eat in the cafeteria. They had meatloaf, oh how I love meat loaf, but it gave me gas, which I knew was going to happen. I prayed it would at least wait to manifest itself until after the session, and thank heavens it did.
We got home from the temple and instantly I started in with my flatulence, but it didn't stink, no really it didn't. However, then Ann introduced me to dipping spicy nacho Doritos in chocolate ice cream, yum. Well, I don't do spicy real well and now my sister's understand why. It made my farts stink, and I don't just mean, "Oh that's gross." Everyone who dose not have a gas mask clear the room please, and that is no exaggeration. After I let off that bomb immediately everyone left and went to bed. The next morning I couldn't stand to be in the restroom with myself. I don't think I will be eating Doritos and ice cream again anytime soon.
On Saturday I woke early and headed off to C's house to help her paint her front room. She'd recently bought a creamy white couch and it blended in with her walls. She got some paint that looked exactly like melted chocolate, it made me crave a Hersey's bar all day. After some discussing of what she wanted to accomplish we painted one wall solid brown and another with stripes. I am a huge fan of stripes, I wonder why? I think that is a question to diagnose at a later posting.
I was so nice to have the hole day to talk while we were actually doing something productive. Usually we don't get much time to chat, either we are on the phone and that costs money or she has to get on the road for the long drive home. We didn't have to worry about doing that. Maybe that is why I brought up striping one wall, I knew it would take us awhile to do thus buying me more time with her.
After we were done painting we wanted to go to Tai Pan Trading, my favorite store. C's husband had to go help a neighbor real quick so we sat down and started talking. The longer we sat there the quicker the whole not going to be until 2 was catching up to me. I realized I still had to drive the forty-five minutes back to my sister's house, in heavy traffic, so I thought it best to get on the road before I put her new couch to good use with my head. I had a great time and I hope she comes up with another project soon so we can do it again. Of course it will have to be over Christmas break or next summer.
When I got back to my sisters house Ann had been napping for the past two hours, the little cheat. So she was all rested and I was determined to take advantage of every minute I got to spend with her so I kicked her out of bed and we went and saw Marie at work. We got there right when she was closing her store, around 9ish, so we couldn't stay there long. Ann was in need of hugs so she planted one on Marie, which made Marie's guy coworkers happy, a little girl on girl action so to speak. I don't think any of them realized we are all sisters.
With nothing else to do that we could think of we went to a movie, "Journey To The Center Of The Earth", it was in 3D. They gave us our funky glasses and it took us awhile to quit going cross eyed as we tried to focus on the movie. As long as they didn't move too fast we were fine. We must have been a little giddy because we ended up leaving Ann's cell phone in the theater and had to run back and get it before the cinema locked up for the night. I honestly didn't think it would still be there, that goes to show you my faith in man. I was humbled when we got there and the manager said someone turned it in. I had to chastise myself when we got back in to the car.
I've had a very nice get away I wish I could stay a little longer. There are so many places I want to go and see, and shop. It's a good thing I'm going home on Sunday; I can't stop and shop on my way home, Big D will appreciate that.
I think it's good for Big D and the kids to spend the weekend together, alone. Let him have the kids 24/7 and not be able to just jump and run. Although I don't think he can comprehend the full gravity of how confining it is in just two days. Big D always makes me feel so loved and missed when I come home, and he gets to go back to work. Not that I am complaining, I love being a stay-at-home mom. I need to let Big D know how loved he is for allowing me the opportunity to have such a career. I'll do that as soon as I get home.
I decided to run away my last free weekend before school starts. I made arrangements to help my best friend, C, paint her living room on Saturday then come down a little farther and stay with my sister for the night and head home Sunday. You know what they say, "Life is what happens to you when you make other plans." Well life happened to me and I came down Friday night.
I made it here at about 6p.m. and we grabbed a temple session at 8p.m. I haven't been to the temple in so long that I had a per ma grin on my face the hole time just because it was so nice to be there. We tried to make it to a 7 o'clock session but we were about ten minutes late for that so we decided to grab a bite to eat in the cafeteria. They had meatloaf, oh how I love meat loaf, but it gave me gas, which I knew was going to happen. I prayed it would at least wait to manifest itself until after the session, and thank heavens it did.
We got home from the temple and instantly I started in with my flatulence, but it didn't stink, no really it didn't. However, then Ann introduced me to dipping spicy nacho Doritos in chocolate ice cream, yum. Well, I don't do spicy real well and now my sister's understand why. It made my farts stink, and I don't just mean, "Oh that's gross." Everyone who dose not have a gas mask clear the room please, and that is no exaggeration. After I let off that bomb immediately everyone left and went to bed. The next morning I couldn't stand to be in the restroom with myself. I don't think I will be eating Doritos and ice cream again anytime soon.
On Saturday I woke early and headed off to C's house to help her paint her front room. She'd recently bought a creamy white couch and it blended in with her walls. She got some paint that looked exactly like melted chocolate, it made me crave a Hersey's bar all day. After some discussing of what she wanted to accomplish we painted one wall solid brown and another with stripes. I am a huge fan of stripes, I wonder why? I think that is a question to diagnose at a later posting.
I was so nice to have the hole day to talk while we were actually doing something productive. Usually we don't get much time to chat, either we are on the phone and that costs money or she has to get on the road for the long drive home. We didn't have to worry about doing that. Maybe that is why I brought up striping one wall, I knew it would take us awhile to do thus buying me more time with her.
After we were done painting we wanted to go to Tai Pan Trading, my favorite store. C's husband had to go help a neighbor real quick so we sat down and started talking. The longer we sat there the quicker the whole not going to be until 2 was catching up to me. I realized I still had to drive the forty-five minutes back to my sister's house, in heavy traffic, so I thought it best to get on the road before I put her new couch to good use with my head. I had a great time and I hope she comes up with another project soon so we can do it again. Of course it will have to be over Christmas break or next summer.
When I got back to my sisters house Ann had been napping for the past two hours, the little cheat. So she was all rested and I was determined to take advantage of every minute I got to spend with her so I kicked her out of bed and we went and saw Marie at work. We got there right when she was closing her store, around 9ish, so we couldn't stay there long. Ann was in need of hugs so she planted one on Marie, which made Marie's guy coworkers happy, a little girl on girl action so to speak. I don't think any of them realized we are all sisters.
With nothing else to do that we could think of we went to a movie, "Journey To The Center Of The Earth", it was in 3D. They gave us our funky glasses and it took us awhile to quit going cross eyed as we tried to focus on the movie. As long as they didn't move too fast we were fine. We must have been a little giddy because we ended up leaving Ann's cell phone in the theater and had to run back and get it before the cinema locked up for the night. I honestly didn't think it would still be there, that goes to show you my faith in man. I was humbled when we got there and the manager said someone turned it in. I had to chastise myself when we got back in to the car.
I've had a very nice get away I wish I could stay a little longer. There are so many places I want to go and see, and shop. It's a good thing I'm going home on Sunday; I can't stop and shop on my way home, Big D will appreciate that.
I think it's good for Big D and the kids to spend the weekend together, alone. Let him have the kids 24/7 and not be able to just jump and run. Although I don't think he can comprehend the full gravity of how confining it is in just two days. Big D always makes me feel so loved and missed when I come home, and he gets to go back to work. Not that I am complaining, I love being a stay-at-home mom. I need to let Big D know how loved he is for allowing me the opportunity to have such a career. I'll do that as soon as I get home.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Bringing the Marina Home
We flood irrigate our back yard. The kids love to play in the water and I love how nice it makes my lawn and garden, and how much money it save me each year.
We haven't been able to enjoy our irrigation this summer due to construction on one of the main roads that cut us off from the water. They must be wrapping it up because the past two or three weeks we have had great water pressure. It's too bad that I didn't realize we had water yesterday until the evening and the kids were already in bed.
After we irrigated Big D and I went outside to sit on our swing and play in the water with our feet. I don't think we are ever going to grow up. Sitting out there I realized how much our back yard smelt like the marina. It's a good thing Big D has put the boat away for the year or it probably would have put him in the mood to go boating again. I swear that many just can't get enough fun.
We stayed outside until all the water was soaked into the ground then we went off to bed. Well, this morning I jumped up early to mow the lawn and found a puddle in the middle of my yard. I could have sworn all our water was soaked in before we went to bed, but I must have been mistaken.
Come to find out our neighbor left her irrigation on all night and flooded our yard again. It's a good thing that after we flooded our basement four times in one year we put in a fail safe. We built up the ground around our windows and put in a sort of ditch that travels down the side of our house and out the front yard into the street. If we hadn't put that in we would have had an all to familiar waterfall cascading down our wall about four in the morning.
So now instead of having to clean up a puddle in my basement all I have to do is wait for a puddle to dry up in my back yard, then I can mow my lawn. What a saving grace on my mood for the day. We averted a catastrophe, and the funny thing is when Big D and I were swinging we were talking about preparing for the next catastrophe in our life. Who knew!?!
We haven't been able to enjoy our irrigation this summer due to construction on one of the main roads that cut us off from the water. They must be wrapping it up because the past two or three weeks we have had great water pressure. It's too bad that I didn't realize we had water yesterday until the evening and the kids were already in bed.
After we irrigated Big D and I went outside to sit on our swing and play in the water with our feet. I don't think we are ever going to grow up. Sitting out there I realized how much our back yard smelt like the marina. It's a good thing Big D has put the boat away for the year or it probably would have put him in the mood to go boating again. I swear that many just can't get enough fun.
We stayed outside until all the water was soaked into the ground then we went off to bed. Well, this morning I jumped up early to mow the lawn and found a puddle in the middle of my yard. I could have sworn all our water was soaked in before we went to bed, but I must have been mistaken.
Come to find out our neighbor left her irrigation on all night and flooded our yard again. It's a good thing that after we flooded our basement four times in one year we put in a fail safe. We built up the ground around our windows and put in a sort of ditch that travels down the side of our house and out the front yard into the street. If we hadn't put that in we would have had an all to familiar waterfall cascading down our wall about four in the morning.
So now instead of having to clean up a puddle in my basement all I have to do is wait for a puddle to dry up in my back yard, then I can mow my lawn. What a saving grace on my mood for the day. We averted a catastrophe, and the funny thing is when Big D and I were swinging we were talking about preparing for the next catastrophe in our life. Who knew!?!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
All Grown Up
I have spent all day canning Bread and Butter Pickles. I know that doesn't sound like much but this is my first time canning in my kitchen all by myself. I am exhausted!
I was reading my canning book yesterday and I thought I could hurry and get some pickles made relatively quickly but Big D wanted to go boating for Brook's birthday. So I decided to hold off and wait until today, boy am I glad I waited.
I ran out to my mom's to grab the canning pots and a few more jars. After searching her garden I found a few more cucumbers and zucchinis. Then I had to stop at the store to buy some canning salt and some onions, yeah like that's all I'm going to walk out of the store with.
I don't think I even got started until about two thirty and I am just barely getting done at eight. After five and a half hours of work I only got seventeen pint jars done. If I had to sell them in a store I'd have to charge like twenty bucks a jar to make it worth it. Now I understand why canning is a dying art.
However, the one thing buying store canned pickles could never give me is the satisfaction in knowing that I did these pickles all by myself. I planted, watered, and grew the zucchini and cucumbers. I picked, washed and sliced them. I followed the recipe and canned them all by myself, okay with about ten phone calls to my mom.
I have the wonderful knowledge and boast in my self-esteem that I know how to do this. Yes, it is a lot of work but I can do it! Growing up my mom always tried to teach me how to cook or can. She is a wonderful mother in every way, but I never wanted to learn either of those things no matter how many times my mom said, "This will help you when you grow up." I think that is half the reason I never wanted to learn, because if I learned I'd have to grow up.
I guess the jokes on me because I still grew up and I never learned how to cook or can, or sew for that matter.
I gotta say these pickles better taste better than anything I've ever had. If nothing else my kids had better like them because they are the ones who are going to eat most of them.
I was reading my canning book yesterday and I thought I could hurry and get some pickles made relatively quickly but Big D wanted to go boating for Brook's birthday. So I decided to hold off and wait until today, boy am I glad I waited.
I ran out to my mom's to grab the canning pots and a few more jars. After searching her garden I found a few more cucumbers and zucchinis. Then I had to stop at the store to buy some canning salt and some onions, yeah like that's all I'm going to walk out of the store with.
I don't think I even got started until about two thirty and I am just barely getting done at eight. After five and a half hours of work I only got seventeen pint jars done. If I had to sell them in a store I'd have to charge like twenty bucks a jar to make it worth it. Now I understand why canning is a dying art.
However, the one thing buying store canned pickles could never give me is the satisfaction in knowing that I did these pickles all by myself. I planted, watered, and grew the zucchini and cucumbers. I picked, washed and sliced them. I followed the recipe and canned them all by myself, okay with about ten phone calls to my mom.
I have the wonderful knowledge and boast in my self-esteem that I know how to do this. Yes, it is a lot of work but I can do it! Growing up my mom always tried to teach me how to cook or can. She is a wonderful mother in every way, but I never wanted to learn either of those things no matter how many times my mom said, "This will help you when you grow up." I think that is half the reason I never wanted to learn, because if I learned I'd have to grow up.
I guess the jokes on me because I still grew up and I never learned how to cook or can, or sew for that matter.
I gotta say these pickles better taste better than anything I've ever had. If nothing else my kids had better like them because they are the ones who are going to eat most of them.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Summer Grand Finale
We had our last and final vacation this summer. We saved the best for last, so to speak. We really enjoy all our vacations but Bear Lake is something we start looking forward to the next year as soon as we get home from this year.
Bear Lake has turned into a family reunion with my Dad. We try to do every thing we can to get all six of my brothers and sisters there. I don't think my Dad knew it was going to turn into such a coveted vacation for all of us when he started the tradition about seven years ago. It's not every year that all of us get to go, but this year we were all there and we all had a great time. We played so hard that by the time we broke camp for home we all looked like zombies.
Every night around the same time storms would blow in. However, the first night we were there none of us were expecting it. Camp was all set up and ready for us to just kick back and enjoy the rest of our stay. The huricane type winds came out of no where and blind sided us. Every one scrambled to break down the tents so the poles wouldn't snap, we've had that happen one year, and put away anything that would blow away. It was a good thing I brought an RV and Lowell brought a tent trailer because then the rain mixed with the high winds and every ones stuff in their tents got soaked.
Lowell slept nine people in his and I crambed eleven in mine. It was a rough nights sleep with everyone packed in like sardines but we survived. Even Itch survived and he opted for his tent, we thought he was crazy but I think he slept better than anyone there.
The rough night didn't keep us from having a great time the next day. The guys turned into posers as soon as the camera came out. I think they are more dramatic than girls.
Brook looks like a girl prancing through the water.
You don't get much more posed than this, look at those faces.
You can tell this is posed, Brook's looking at Lowell like he's a dink.
Itch is exstatic he caught the ball.
I just want you to know that this shot was Lowell's idea. He got a little nervous when Brook told, "Here I come." Lowell started yelling, "What is he doing? What is he doing?"
What are the odds of this really happening?
Brook was getting a little grab nasty with Big D. I had to make them repose for this shot because I didn't get it the first time before they dropped Big D.
I honestly can't tell you who the biggest poser is. I don't think we have to worry about anyone here being camera shy.
After a little water catch the boys got a little rough with each other on the beach.
Look in the background, they are even posers.
They are setting such a bad example for the little ones. It's going to come back to them if they aren't careful.
Itch thought he'd sneak into this one and get them both.
After we came back from the beach and had dinner we decided to play some football.
Dad even took his shoes off for the game, this is rare footage!
We ended the day with a little Lovens and a nice family picture.
What a goofy looking family!
Bear Lake has turned into a family reunion with my Dad. We try to do every thing we can to get all six of my brothers and sisters there. I don't think my Dad knew it was going to turn into such a coveted vacation for all of us when he started the tradition about seven years ago. It's not every year that all of us get to go, but this year we were all there and we all had a great time. We played so hard that by the time we broke camp for home we all looked like zombies.
Every night around the same time storms would blow in. However, the first night we were there none of us were expecting it. Camp was all set up and ready for us to just kick back and enjoy the rest of our stay. The huricane type winds came out of no where and blind sided us. Every one scrambled to break down the tents so the poles wouldn't snap, we've had that happen one year, and put away anything that would blow away. It was a good thing I brought an RV and Lowell brought a tent trailer because then the rain mixed with the high winds and every ones stuff in their tents got soaked.
Lowell slept nine people in his and I crambed eleven in mine. It was a rough nights sleep with everyone packed in like sardines but we survived. Even Itch survived and he opted for his tent, we thought he was crazy but I think he slept better than anyone there.
The rough night didn't keep us from having a great time the next day. The guys turned into posers as soon as the camera came out. I think they are more dramatic than girls.
Brook looks like a girl prancing through the water.
You don't get much more posed than this, look at those faces.
You can tell this is posed, Brook's looking at Lowell like he's a dink.
Itch is exstatic he caught the ball.
I just want you to know that this shot was Lowell's idea. He got a little nervous when Brook told, "Here I come." Lowell started yelling, "What is he doing? What is he doing?"
What are the odds of this really happening?
Brook was getting a little grab nasty with Big D. I had to make them repose for this shot because I didn't get it the first time before they dropped Big D.
I honestly can't tell you who the biggest poser is. I don't think we have to worry about anyone here being camera shy.
After a little water catch the boys got a little rough with each other on the beach.
Look in the background, they are even posers.
They are setting such a bad example for the little ones. It's going to come back to them if they aren't careful.
Itch thought he'd sneak into this one and get them both.
After we came back from the beach and had dinner we decided to play some football.
Dad even took his shoes off for the game, this is rare footage!
We ended the day with a little Lovens and a nice family picture.
What a goofy looking family!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Twin Falls Temple
What a treat to visit Temple Open Houses and take the brood. I love to listen to how the tour guide describes the different rooms and what takes place in those rooms. It is such a holy place for LDS people that I get intimidated to share with others what goes on there. I don't want to reveal something sacred that I shouldn't.
I think the most sacred thing that goes on there, that I can reveal, and that no one can put into words, is the feeling, or the spirit that I experience when I'm dressed all in white and I leave my worldly cares at the door. Nothing in this world can compare to that feeling of love and importance. I realize I am not a nobody to the Lord. He loves me and knows me as an individual and my cares and worries are not insignificant to him.
Of course I don't get all that from the open house, I get that from regular temple visits. The open house is an opportunity to take my family to see how beautiful the House of the Lord is and it gives them and idea of where Mommy and Daddy are going when we say we are going to the temple.
All the kids had their favorite parts of the tour. Bug marveled at all the magnificent chandeliers and the mirrors that represent eternity in the sealing room. Beaner was excited to be the first to see the next room. Bud enjoyed matching the rooms to their pictures on the brochure, it was like a treasure map to him. Bear loved the baptismal font, He thought it was an indoor swimming pool just his size, Beaner even had to grab his arm before he jumped in. All of them were excited to partake of the cookies at the end.
Big D was happy none of our kids took off running and screaming down the hall, which he knew deep down inside is what they really wanted to do, especially Bear. And I loved watching their faces as they saw each of the rooms in all their magnificence and glory.
All in all the entire family made wonderful memories that will last us an eternity.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Diving Contest
We like to take our boat in the middle of the reservoir and jump off. We decided to have a diving contest and see who could had the best form.
Brook was teaching Bug and Lynn how to dive off the boat. This is Lynn's best jump of the day. Unfortunately she was done after this jump because she smacked her foot on the boat.
This was Big D's dive. I don't know if he was trying to do a real dive or he was taking some creative licence.
Here's Bug with her twist dive. Out of everyone she was the one who came up with the most creative dives. All the others got stumped as what to do next.
This dive by Brook was a bit painful. His back was a little red when he came up for air.
Here is Beaner doing her best dive, or belly flop I can't really tell.
Lowell is the comedian in the family, as you can plainly see. I don't know who won the contest that day, I think they all got perfect tens.
I think Kinnzi is getting used to boating, as long as she gets to stay on the boat. I put her in the water a couple time to cool her off, she didn't approve. After about the third time I took her for a swim she started running to the opposite side of the boat every time I got on or called her name. One of these days when I call her name she is going to jump off the boat and come for a swim on her own. At least that is my goal.
Brook was teaching Bug and Lynn how to dive off the boat. This is Lynn's best jump of the day. Unfortunately she was done after this jump because she smacked her foot on the boat.
This was Big D's dive. I don't know if he was trying to do a real dive or he was taking some creative licence.
Here's Bug with her twist dive. Out of everyone she was the one who came up with the most creative dives. All the others got stumped as what to do next.
This dive by Brook was a bit painful. His back was a little red when he came up for air.
Here is Beaner doing her best dive, or belly flop I can't really tell.
Lowell is the comedian in the family, as you can plainly see. I don't know who won the contest that day, I think they all got perfect tens.
I think Kinnzi is getting used to boating, as long as she gets to stay on the boat. I put her in the water a couple time to cool her off, she didn't approve. After about the third time I took her for a swim she started running to the opposite side of the boat every time I got on or called her name. One of these days when I call her name she is going to jump off the boat and come for a swim on her own. At least that is my goal.
Their Punishment or Mine
I am probably like most parents, I hate punishing my kids. I never know if I am being too strict or too lenient. And punishing a three year old is just not my cup of tea.
Bear and Bud got into Beaner's candy the other day and ate it all but one piece. When confronted with it they both denied any wrong doing. Neither one knew how the box of sour patch kids got down from the shelf and devoured. It was nice of them to leave one for Beaner.
After repeated questions of what happened and how we informed the boys that they had one more chance to confess or their punishment was going to be more severe for lying. Bud finally confessed but Bear stuck to his guns. What do you do with a three year old who in most respects doesn't understand what is going on?
The boys were grounded to the house the next day and Bear had to go to bed right after dinner that night, which was about seven in the evening. And they both had to buy Beaner a new box of sour patch kids (Not that I want her to have more sugar).
I think it was more of a punishment on me than it was him. With Lynn and Brook Jr. over, and all the kids playing video games right out side Bear's bedroom door, Bear would not stay in his room. He would come out and flash is cutest smile thinking that would melt my heart enough to forget about putting him back to bed for the tenth time.
He did a lot better with the being grounded to the house part until I turned on the irrigation and everyone was out playing in the water. It was hard for me to get my daily work done and have to remember, "Oh yeah you're not suppose to be doing that."
Bud had a class all day yesterday so he had to move his grounding to today. I don't think he's going to have a problem with it because he and Brook Jr. just play video games and cars all day. So I don't think it's even a punishment for him.
Ooh I know what I should do, I should fill up his swimming pool. All the kids will go out and play in it and Bud won't be able to. He will have to watch all the fun from the window. Maybe then it will be a punishment for him. Wow I can be a mean mom some times. I just want him to learn the importance of being honest. There are way too many dishonest people in this world and I don't want my little boys growing up to be one of them.
But why do I have to be punished as well for their misdeeds? I guess that's called parenting.
Bear and Bud got into Beaner's candy the other day and ate it all but one piece. When confronted with it they both denied any wrong doing. Neither one knew how the box of sour patch kids got down from the shelf and devoured. It was nice of them to leave one for Beaner.
After repeated questions of what happened and how we informed the boys that they had one more chance to confess or their punishment was going to be more severe for lying. Bud finally confessed but Bear stuck to his guns. What do you do with a three year old who in most respects doesn't understand what is going on?
The boys were grounded to the house the next day and Bear had to go to bed right after dinner that night, which was about seven in the evening. And they both had to buy Beaner a new box of sour patch kids (Not that I want her to have more sugar).
I think it was more of a punishment on me than it was him. With Lynn and Brook Jr. over, and all the kids playing video games right out side Bear's bedroom door, Bear would not stay in his room. He would come out and flash is cutest smile thinking that would melt my heart enough to forget about putting him back to bed for the tenth time.
He did a lot better with the being grounded to the house part until I turned on the irrigation and everyone was out playing in the water. It was hard for me to get my daily work done and have to remember, "Oh yeah you're not suppose to be doing that."
Bud had a class all day yesterday so he had to move his grounding to today. I don't think he's going to have a problem with it because he and Brook Jr. just play video games and cars all day. So I don't think it's even a punishment for him.
Ooh I know what I should do, I should fill up his swimming pool. All the kids will go out and play in it and Bud won't be able to. He will have to watch all the fun from the window. Maybe then it will be a punishment for him. Wow I can be a mean mom some times. I just want him to learn the importance of being honest. There are way too many dishonest people in this world and I don't want my little boys growing up to be one of them.
But why do I have to be punished as well for their misdeeds? I guess that's called parenting.
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