Answer Me This

Why did Pizza Hut choose a guy for their $5 pizza add that looks so much like John Mark Karr? Ick.

One Month Later, More This and That

I'm not sure why I haven't posted. I'm not that busy. Busy. But not that busy. I've had things to report on, but didn't. Weird, huh? We're home from church early. David had some emergency at work, Maddie thinks she's going to puke (faker!), and since David was taking the car and the snow is too deep to walk home from church, I threw in the towel and came home. Yes, the snow is deep. Too deep for me to wear slippers out to start the car this morning. Ouch! I would have been better off going out barefoot. I got my new camera last Saturday. Not as fancy as Sarah's, but way better than my last. I've had it out here and there. Nothing too serious... (From the moving car) This house near mine intrigues me. It has a paved parking lot with lots of different cars all the time.

I am the most immature mom ever. Isaac forgot about some candy in his pocket and asked for help dealing with the melted mess. He didn't find it near as funny as I did, and even tried to block me from taking the picture.

Continuing on with my immaturity, my co-workers are more than 10 years younger than I. Thursday night I had no trouble stooping to their level at my boss' wedding reception. It was held at this beautiful home, currently on the market for $2.6 mil. The guests included an ambassador, so really, not the time for us to act like giggling idiots, yet we did. Brooke and Jehn get a little out of control from time to time.

In addition to familiarizing myself with the camera this week, I was invited to participate in a very elite event: dipping chocolates with my aunt's in-laws. Yesterday I learned (but am not good at) dipping cream centers, and nougat with caramel. I excelled at setting the almond on the top of the coconut centers. And I didn't do too bad at the nut clusters and the hay stacks (because there's not much to it).

With my boss just getting married, she'll be away from work until January. Ugh. Yes, there's a sub. But most subs are easily overwhelmed by our students. So they just sit there. Sit there and watch. Or read the newspaper. Pay me the money to be the sub, I'm doing it anyway.

With two field trips last week, one this week, and all the Christmas planning and partying I don't think I'll be sane come Wednesday afternoon. Fortunately I won't have to. It's another opportunity to reap the benefits of my lowpaying job: a long Christmas break.

Keep your fingers crossed for good traveling weather for next Saturday and Sunday. We'll be heading home.

This and That

It's been a rough few weeks. But not necessarily negative. I think that going away for a work conference last weekend sent me in to a tail spin. Saturdays are highly valuable for working moms. Announcement. Our house in Montana has sold. Sold. Escrow over. Closed. Done. We are no longer home owners. Huge relief. Sadly we made almost no money on it. But because it was a transfer, we didn't lose any money out of pocket. Thank you Wally. We finally have a place to sit. David opted to not bring our old (but comfy) couch along on the moving van. Three months later we have a sofa. Finally. Just the sofa. Family room down. Living room to go.

I am no longer a sushi virgin. Earlier today I overcame my fears and partook of the much loved, very trendy sushi. It's weird that I had such a difficult time, I obviously have very few food issues. I was enjoying it until the seaweed became a little too visible. Game Over. For now.

Red Box finally had The Break Up available to rent. I've been wanting to watch it for weeks. Not as funny as I expected. But still, I love Jenn. I wish she would show up in a new sitcom, preferably with 2 other girls and 3 guys. They could call it Buddies.

Isaac shares my desire to make people laugh. He's much better at it than I. Last night he came up with a joke (I think he stole it from a TV show). It's very funny, but I told him that he can't tell it to anybody but me or dad...How did the boy quiet the talking mirror? "Shut your glass up!"

I am very much looking forward to this week. Sad that I won't be in California, but pleased with the alternative. I'm very excited about Wednesday night dinner at Jimmy & Sarah's. Becky & Terry and Jody & Chris will be in town. With all those kids running around Sarah's enormous house, it's bound to be a night of chaos, but lots of fun.

Thanksgiving should also be fun. Aunt Sandy and I will be collaborating on what I hope to be a yummy dinner.

I'm thinking of braving the crowds on Black Friday. I've never ventured out the day after Thanksgiving, but I think that the sales might just get me out there this time.

My job is okay. I guess better than okay. Some days I love it. But some days there's just a little too much blood, screaming, crying, kicking and hitting. But I haven't been bit again, so that's a plus.

Maddie has been begging me for a trip to the Clinique counter for a makeover. Not sure what this stems from, maybe it's simply my own love for Clinique. As we stood just feet away from the makeup counter this morning she asked again. I (of course) said no. What 9-year-old needs so much glam? But I quickly changed my mind, walked her over and asked if she could try on some lip gloss. That's all she needed. She was thrilled. Why didn't I think of it sooner? Us girls just need a little gloss every now and then.

Christmas barfed all over my living room this week. I unpacked all my boxes, re-packed the decorations that might be too cheesy, leaving the carpet a sea of red, green, gold and silver. Some things are in place. Some things need to be rearranged. And now I'm off to put up the tree.

California Visitor

He came. He went.

It was one of the busiest week's I've had since we moved here. Everyday after work I had...

Monday: Sign Language Class

Tuesday: Visiting Teaching, Halloween

Wednesday: Enrichment (to which I took homemade Chicken Chili)

Thursday: Activity Days

Finally, Friday arrived and I got to hang out with my brother. I dragged him up to Logan to see our cousin at college. It's a long drive to just have dinner, and then turn around and come back. But at least we finally got to hang out.

Don't feel too sorry for Jordan, he wasn't sitting around waiting for me. David was on vacation, and the two of them had quite the week. They kept themselves busy with Seinfeld re-runs, an afternoon at Cabellas, Isaac's Halloween program, two movies, batting cages, miniature golf (what, are they dating?) a couple trips to the mall, and they filled in the gaps with the start of the basketball season.

I hope the visitor comes back soon.

Warmth to Hold On To

When loved ones die, especially if it’s unexpected, many of us heavily rely on the blessing of memories and stories that we’re left with. Recently I learned a story about my Uncle Karl, who’s been gone nearly 17 years. It’s strange…I guess I figured I’d heard it all. After the accident, Karl’s bishop had asked some of his friends and ward members to write letters to the family, which is where this story comes from. Sometime before Karl died, he had dropped out of BYU, giving him more free time than his roommates. One roommate wrote that he was very stressed with school and was overwhelmed with a paper that he needed to research, but couldn’t find the time to get to the library to do so.

This guy came home from a long day at school to find all the books he would need to write his paper. Karl had gone to the library and brought them all home for him.

It's a Full House

You've heard me bark about how big my ward is. Massive. 90 kids in the nursery, 2 Elders’ Quorums, etc. So you can imagine what practice for the Primary Program was like yesterday. The mandatory practice. Chaos. Utter chaos. 300 kids. Three hundred kids. All the chairs on the stand were full. Rows of folding chairs were set up. And the first 3 rows of pews were full of Sunbeams. Chaos. I sat towards the back to watch the rehearsal, never so glad to not be in Primary. But I wouldn’t mind getting back to it after the program. Since there’s so many kids, and since the Sunbeams are so little, these 3-year-olds are to STAND ON the PEWS during a song. Do you suppose that they were reverently standing on the pews? No! The pews somehow morphed into trampolines. During the song Scripture Power, the Sunbeam boys would put their fists in the air and jump valiantly when they got to the chorus. I went back and forth between pitying the Primary presidency, to thinking that they were absolutely nuts. But then it happened. Magic. While all the older kids stayed sitting, the whole Primary sang I Know My Father Lives while the little Sunbeams stood and reverently signed. I shrunk down in my seat, trying to hide the tears. It was fabulous. These little ones, not much more than babies, signed the song, closely watching the chorister for what to do next. And when it was over, the pandemonium returned. But for just a brief moment they were angels.

PS As if there wasn’t enough chaos, the real Primary program is tomorrow; when the kids will be completely hopped up from all the candy they get this afternoon at the ward Trunk-or-Treat. Hello! Scheduling conflict.

A Funny for Your Day

Courtesy of one of my special ed students... Did you hear about the dyslexic devil worshipper? He sold his sold his soul to Santa.

All in a Not So Summer's Day

I don't know about you, but I am just NOT ready for winter. So not looking forward to the cold. I'd rather wear summer clothes year round. So enjoying fall is taking a little bit of effort. My decorations are out...little Halloween characters are perched on the piano and are hanging on the wall. Everyone in Utah is also trying to also enjoy fall, as we found them ALL at Thansgiving Point yesterday. Fortunately it wasn't too crowded to have fun at the petting zoo.

This pose of Sir Isaac's was not staged. He refused to "get dirty" by touching any of the animals and the whole place was too stinky for him. At one point I threatened that we weren't leaving until he did pet an animal.

If it hadn't been for the man and his daughters giving away kittens in the parking lot, Isaac wouldn't have touched anything. Yes, the kittens were precious, Maddie begged, Maddie pleaded and Maddie cried. But we didn't come home with a kitten.

Cabella's (David's house of worship) is right across the freeway from Thanksgiving Point so how could we not go?! Ugh.

As if someone was trying to hit me from all sides, just after I used all my strength and common sense to refuse the kitten, there...in the parking lot of Cabella's...as cute as could be...Yellow Lab puppies.

I'm normally very logical about the whole puppy refusal, especially after the whole Benny the Psycho Dog episode, but these boys were so cute.

Maddie picked one up and when I reached out to pet it, he reached out and wrapped his paws around my arm. She handed him off to me and like magic he melted into me and wrapped his paws around my neck. He loved me.

He had the brightest, greenest eyes. David asked if he should run to the ATM for the $200 puppy fee. Maddie asked "mom, are you sure you don't have ANY hundreds on you?!"

Fabulous that she would think I EVER do.

Alas, we came home without a kitten OR a puppy. Though this morning I'm wishing I had caved on the kitten. I miss having a cat.

Happy Autumn. Enjoy the stupid fallig leaves. We're forecasted to have snow these week. I'll be curled up with a mug of something hot.

A Soggy Saturday Story

Yesterday was pretty special. We drove up to Salt Lake City (which is quite far) to see some of my students compete in the Special Olympics. After we got there we found that the game time had been changed and ended up missing out. But the bigger reason we went up to SLC was to go to the cemetery. What? Not how you would spend the rainy afternoon?

David's mom had asked us to go find the graves of her uncle and grandparents. We were astounded to find even more.

We found prophets and many other historical church figures buried at this cemetery. It was amazing. The kids even enjoyed looking for names.

We were successful with finding David's family headstones, and we were surprised to have even found Nana's mom's grave.

The cemetery was beautiful and it was huge. There are many names that we didn't find. So I forsee another visit to the cemetery so that we can find the graves of amazing people like Sister Hinckley, Brigham Young, and other prophets, just to name a few.

Once Bitten Twice Shy

I've not said much about the new job. I think it's taken me these last few weeks to process it all, sort out my feelings, and wonder why in the world I chose Special Ed. Let's get this out of the way: I chose it so that I could be off when my kids are off. So that I can be home with them in the afternoons, and so I will be with them on all the holidays and silly teacher this and thats. Some days I come home from work feeling useless and ineffective. Somedays I come home feeling like I've changed the world. Yesterday was a major set back. This hairy image before you is my arm:

I was attacked by one of my sweet students yesterday. She bit me (yes bit me) in attempt of getting out of PE. But after serving her sentence in the timeout room (where she visits often) we marched her to the gym, teaching her that hurting the teacher is not the way out. It's not the first time she's marked me. The bruise finally faded on my arm from when she pinched me, again trying to get out of PE.

I was immediately sent to the office to fill out the proper paperwork and found a sympathetic staff and a furious principal, not with me of course.

My next stop was to the workers comp clinic. Yes, it's just as miserable of an experience as it sounds. Let me just tell you that they're idiots; the nurse lost the vein and tried to find it with the needle in me during my blood test, I had to remind them to give me the tetanus shot, and then she couldn't remember which shot she gave me. But that's not all, I still need a series of blood tests to rule out HIV and Hep A&B (hello! I live in the land of the Mormons, I think I'm clean), and I have to get Hep A&B vaccinations.

So stay tuned for when I come to you crying when I get my first wee paycheck at the end of October and need to be reminded why I took this crazy job.

Calling All Addresses

On Saturday we went to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point and then drove through the canyons on the Alpine Loop to look at the beautiful fall colors.

Had my email gone through, many of you would have seen pictures like this...

and this...

and then this...

But my email did not go through. Not only did it not go through, but it wiped out all of your email addresses.

So when you have a minute, send me a note so that I can rebuild my stash of email address for my favorite people.

Bullwinkle Stops By

While living in Montana, I scouted out as much wildlife as possible. I've mentioned the antelope, the deer, the prairie dogs and the bison in previous posts. Two animals eluded me: the moose and the bear. Who would have thought that the moose would have come looking for me in Utah?

Mr. Moose stopped by our high school and then was removed by animal control after a little dart helped him relax.

What Not to Wear

I am seeking your input...

"Fashion Experts" keep saying that boot-cut jeans are out, and that the skinny jeans are in. If I wear this new skinny jean with the baggy shirt it will accentuate my pregnant-looking tummy.

My question is: if Old Navy and Gap are still selling boot-cut jeans, are they still 'in'? Can I still wear them?

PS I have some baggy-leg khakis. Yes? No?

Cemented Ghetto-ness

We live in a brand-new planned community. Our subdivision has a big park and a man-made waterfall on each side of the entering street. There are model homes from three different builders clustered together near the entrance, with lots of new homes and construction as you navigate around the neighborhood. From the main street that enters our subdivision, a left turn will take you to the nicer, more expensive, more custom-looking homes. A right turn will take you to the more affordable homes. The ghetto homes. Brand new, but ghetto. Which way do you turn to go to my house? Right. We’re right next door to the model home, so does that make us on the edge of ghetto? Tonight our ghetto-ness was cemented. On the 5 o’clock Channel 2 News was a story featuring a man whose wife had tried to run him over with the family car. Where did they live? Three houses up from mine. Flustered, we raced to the living room window. Sure enough, there was the newsman across the street at the park making his live report. Don’t know how long we’ll be here in the ghetto, but we’ll be sure to keep the doors and windows locked. (sigh)

My Big Day (Ugh)

I start my new job tomorrow.

No, no. There's no excitement in my voice. You'd think there would be, after complaining so much about being home.

For starters, I am sick. A silly little cold has taken over my body. I have had a fever off and on since Saturday, and until last night haven't slept much at all. This thing has really wiped me out.

My new job title is "Para-Educator", which is fancy-talk for teacher's aide for special ed at a high school. The pay will be much lower, my commute will be quite long, and I do not have daycare yet.

One of the (many) obstacles with moving so much is finding someone I trust enough to keep my kids. I'll need just an hour before school, and a few minutes after school. I don't know anyone within a ten-mile radius. Not sure what I'm going to do.

In my interview with the vice principal of this high school just over a week ago, he seemed to go out of his way to make the job seem difficult and unwanted. I had hoped that this job would help me to know if I want to pursue education for my career (when I grow up), but this guy really has me doubting myself and if I'm up to this, and if it's even worth it.

Maybe I do belong behind a desk. Creating reports. Making travel arrangements. Planning office events. Staring at a computer screen all...day...long. Working all summer and never having 3-day weekends and long holidays off with the kids. But there's no money to be made there.

OH! Wait! I made much more money chained to a desk!

A Little Movie Review

I've had a little more time on my hands than I'm used to. While some might be completely envious, I'm ready for more.

In this down time I've had the opportunity to watch a little TV. Or a lot. Whatever.

In the last month I have watched A Lot Like Love repeatedly. Most of the time it's been half hour here, half hour there. Maybe just a few minutes inbetween loads of laundry.

I'm not a huge fan of either Ashton or Amanda, but have thoroughly enjoyed this little romantic comedy. I give them four out of five chopsticks up the nose.

Beware of the Cheerios Commercial

I love the new Fruity Cheerios. Our family scarfed down a box last week. Quite tasy.

But the commercial! Oh, no!

It's that song. That round, you know, from Girls' Camp.

To avoid eternal internal singing of this song, don't read on.

Happiness runs in a circular motion

Life is like a little boat upon the sea....

It's a great song, but way too catchy.

You'd be better off singing:

This is the song that doesn't end.

It goes on and on my friend.

Some people started singing it

Not knowing what it was...

Just plug your ears when the commecial starts and you'll be in good shape.

Just Some Week Starting Babble

I've done two loads of laundry...I've cleaned the kids rooms...I've checked for possible employment at two school districts and the general online job-posting site...the dishwasher is running...I need a job.

I always planned to stay home. Not quite the watch soaps and eat chocolates all day, but I wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom. Turns out, not so much.

I really am surprised at this desire I have to get to work. Lazy ol' me!

However, the timing couldn't be better for my stake to issue the challenge to read the entire Book of Mormon during September.

I whizzed through 1 Nephi on Friday. No sweat. But OH 2 Nephi. It took me Saturday, Sunday and Monday to get through. Now that the house is quiet again, maybe I'll be more successful.

I guess I can't have it both ways. Excuses, excuses.

Crikey!

Our condolences this Labor Day to the Irwin Family.

Ours has been a fan of the Crocodile Hunter for a long time.

One of the disadvantages of living in a different time zone from most of my friends and family combined with me being an oft early riser is that when news breaks first thing in the morning I have no one to discuss it with. Consider yourself lucky that you didn't get a phone call from me at 4:30am.

Later in the morning, as each of my two kids woke up and I explained the tragic accident, they wondered what a stingray was, and how it could have killed this animal-loving icon. Sadly, the only example of a stringray I could think of was the beloved Mr. Ray in Finding Nemo.

So very sad that our TV friend Steve lost the battle to Nemo's normally docile school teacher.

I've Lost the Mother-of-the-Year Award

Of course, I'm not sure that I was ever in the running.

Knowing that I had an important errand to run today (to drop off a job application), and being the control freak that I am, I started calculating today's agenda last night. After taking the kids to school, I would spend the morning searching for jobs online, then I would leave just in time to scoop up my aunt Sandy when she was done teaching kindergarten, turn in the golden ticket application, have a quick bite to eat, and get to the kids' school just in time to take them home.

It worked out well. I even squeezed in a quick trip to Wal-Mart. In fact, I had done so well with my time, that I stopped for a carwash.

I was happily chatting with my mom as I pulled in to the school when the ton of bricks landed all over me. Today was early day. My kids get out an hour early every Monday and had been waiting for me for more than half an hour.

OH the guilt, the horror. And were they angy! They even tried to milk it for a trip to the drive-thru. No such luck. Yes I feel bad, maybe even really, really bad. But I'm not about to let them hold it over me.

Feel free to give me a reminder call next Monday. Darn these early-out days.

Here Kitty, Kitty

There are some things that are just hard to believe. You just have to see to believe.

Knowing this, and knowing that I have a deep love for all things feline, David's camera phone gave me a glimpse of the little visitor that had to be removed from under a warehouse pallet by animal control.

Exploring the New State

If you know me, you know that we take advantage of our geographical upheavals by exploring the new territories. Today was no different. We drove up Provo Canyon for a little hike at Bridal Veil Falls.

The weather was forecasted to be horrendous, but when there was still no sign of lightning at 1pm, we were on our way.

The trail leading to the falls was nice. Plenty wide, paved, and with a white line running down the center.

The first 40-50 feet had a bit of an incline and a curve, but then straightened out and had only the slightest slope. A sign was posted near the start of the trail instructing us to share the trail, as it was being used by people on foot, on skates, and on bikes.

I spotted a guy on roller skates (not blades) just after the sign. He was really pumping his legs, trying to gain speed as he descended down the hill, coming right at us. Even when it became apparent that he was approaching a family of four (us), he didn't slow down, nor did he move off to his side of the white line. I shot him dirty looks, and attemped to shout something rude to him, but herded my family off to safety on the side of the trail instead.

I turned around to see him, me still flustered by his disregard to our safety, and saw that he was still trying to gain speed on his way down the trail. Knowing that there was a curve in the trail, I blurted out "he's going to biff". Not only did he biff, but he slammed in to the embankment, after making fruitless attempt to stop his out of control body.

I stood there, wondering if I should run help or if I should dial 911. He jumped to his feet, and was on his way, too far away for me to see if he was bloodied or otherwise wounded.

We continued on our hike. At first feeling bad for the jerk, but quickly turned sympathy to laughing at the idiot. David swears that he wouldn't have offered CPR had it been a need, that the guy deserved to crash. Our kids were too kind to laugh, and maybe a bit bewildered by the whole event. But David and I laughed back and forth for several minutes at the skater's expense, as if we were 9 and 7, instead of Maddie and Isaac.

As our hike progressed, Isaac's mood got worse and worse. The kid was down right ornery and I wished that we had left him in the car.

Still eeking out a smile for mom here. But...

And even...

I tried to be light-hearted, but my patience dwindled and I've been a crab ever since. He's now happily playing with his Star Wars guys at the kitchen table after sleeping it off in the car ride home. Thanks for letting me blow off a little steam here in the blog.

We enjoyed the scenery offered on our hike near Bridal Veil Falls, and I should note that there are Bridal Veil Falls in other states we've lived in/visited: California, Montana, South Dakota and now Utah.

Being in the Provo Canyon caused me to have a bit of anxiety. On March 5, 1990 my uncle Karl was killed in a car accident just a mile from where we visited today. Not having been in the area since, I had a hard time shrugging off that feeling that I can only describe as weird and uneasy. I plan to return, and expect that each time I do, it will be easier and easier. I hope to eventually look to that area for fun and recreation, and have happy memories for skater-less hikes.

I'm Thinking "No"

I went for a job interview today.

I'm looking for part-time work that pays well and has flexible hours. Too much to ask for?

The job-du-jour was at a furniture store. A big plus - assuming that there would be a nice employee discount and considering that I am sofa-ly challenged in not just one but two rooms.

It was too far away, the hours were not as flexible as touted, and the hourly rate was what the local drive thru is hiring at.

It's so frustrating to be over-qualified and without a college degree. All the while trying to convince my anti-risk-taking husband that I am ready to start my own business.

I've applied for other jobs, we'll see what comes my way.

After the interview, David (my chauffer) and I walked around the mall. I felt guilty, like I should be home doing something productive (to counter my thus-far non-productive week). I did my best to shrug it off and enjoy time alone with my husband. We did squeeze in an Italian lunch that was only so-so. I could have done better in my own kitchen.

Back to the job search. Wish me luck.

Punked in the Drive-Thru

We are thrilled to live in the land of Sonics. Not the basketball team, the drive-thru. I have yet to try the Orange-Cream Slushy, but aspire to do so in the very near future.

I've been to Sonic 3 times this week. Yes, 3 times. Once after taking the kids to the county fair with the drunken carnies last Friday; the second trip to Sonic was Saturday when the kids and I were out shopping; and the third visit was this morning with David after we delivered the kids to their first day of school.

ALL three times our order was screwed up. When I pointed this out to David he said "so what, their food is good". I hesitated just for a second and then silently agreed before taking my next bite of my yummy sausage breakfast burrito.

The closest drive-thru to me is the Artic Circle about 3 miles from here. I have seen their commercials, but the hamburgers looked so pathetic I had no interest. Not even their "We Have the Best Halibut Sandwiches" sign lured me in. Gross. Today geography worked in their favor. Needing an "I survived the first day of school treat", we tried their shakes. They have won my approval based on one menu item alone: the Andes Mint Shake. Geniuses.

PS Did you notice that line about me having to drive 3 miles for fast food?! We are way out here.

I'm Not Dead

But with such a long absence, where do I begin?

We are settling into our new home, but really, how settled can you be without couches in the family room or the living room. 10 minutes ago I was laying on the floor, using the bottom step to rest my head on. Someday we'll have couches. Now I sound like the Wells Fargo commercial.

I'm pretty sure that I haven't turned into a Utah Mormon yet, but stay tuned.

Monday I tagged along with my aunt to Logan to drop of my freshman cousin. Ohh, to be young and living in dorms. I'm so old that I am beyond any regret of not living the college existence, but spent the day thinking about taking my own Maddie to college. Highlight: when the dorky-looking guy asked if I was a freshman. "No, but you just boosted my self esteem!"

My kids started school today. It's a brand-spaking-new elementary located OVER 5 miles from our home. Chalk it up to crappy boundaries in the new but growing community. No, no we can't go to the school that's just a stone's throw away.

I know I'm babbling. Too much going on in my brain. I'll bore you more later.

All Cried Out

I am known as the "Boob" in our family. The Wimp. The Crier. Happy or sad, I am easily brought to tears in my old age.

But this time, I think I'm all cried out.

As we sent off our first missionary from our family (at 4:00 this morning), my cheeks were unusually dry. Don't get me wrong, I am full of many emotions: happy, sad, excited, nervous for our boy who will teach the Brits about Heavenly Father's plan.

But following so much change, heart ache and more change, I'm spent.

Choosing to move to Utah instead of home to California wiped me out. It dehydrated me. It exhausted me. But it didn't break me.

My heart is still very much intact. But I'm ready for the next adventure. Ready to dig in. Ready for the next phase. Ready to make goals, and ready to progress.

I Have Issues

But You Knew That

It's 97 degrees here in this dusty, Big Sky State town.

I'm several hours in to packing the kids room.

I'm a sorter (but that's not the issue at hand). Ninja Turtles in one tub; Harry Potter characters in another, etc. There wasn't a tub big enough for Woody and Buzz and their friends.

Here's the issue: as I packed, I silently promised Woody that he would come out of the box.

Wanna Buy A House?

I'm working through the fact that I'm not going to live in the same area code as the rest of my loved ones. Just glad to be closer. Now my focus is SELL THIS HOUSE! So NOT in a hurry to buy another one.

Some of my favorite people won't be able to come by before we leave the Big Sky State. Take a tour...

Who are those monkeys?

The couch will not be joining us at the next house.

Come on up!

Don't mind the boxes.

This kitchen has seen many batches of caramel corn. Oh, tomorrow's my last day at work, I should take some in.

So nice of Corbin and Phoebe to stop by...

Thanks for coming over. Stop by again soon.

When Excited Turns Anxiety

The new-ness and the excitement has faded. Okay, just the newness faded, the excitement is very much alive, but over shadowed with anxiety.

We are very much looking forward to moving home, but oh! so many decisions and so much to do.

Decision #1

Buy or Rent?

I'm 99% sure that we need to rent for a while. Yes, it will suck to pack up and move again, but our house hasn't sold and we'll need to some time to get back on our financial feet after yet another upheaval.

Decision #2

Where to Live

Various communities in the greater Sacramento are on the choosing table. We're leaning towards living as close as possible to David's store. But as I look at many, many pictures of rentals online, I'm noticing (in myself) that much of my decision relies on the kitchen in each home. What kind of coutertops? How dark are the cabinets? Am I going to have to put up with fluorescent lighting?

You would think that the schools would weigh heavier in my decision making.

Decision #3

My Job

I have been so fortunate to have found good people to work for and with here in Montana and also when I was back in Nevada. I hope that luck will follow when I find 'the perfect job' once we're settled in back home.

While these are just a few things that I am stewing over today, other decisions will be much easier to make, like after-school daycare. Easy! Jaye. Where do we go for Sunday dinner? Easy! My parents' house.

The other night I heard David mumble "I want to move, but I don't want to move". Ditto.

Then yesterday I could tell he was really looking to get a reaction out of me when he said "I don't want to move home anymore". He simply was in shock after seeing 116 degrees in the forecast.

The four of us are looking forward to being back in California. But in the weeks between now and then, I inevitably will become the ultimate basket case.

Consider yourself warned.

Would You Like to Have a Side of Disgusting With That?

With the news of our little family leaving the Big Sky State for smoggier skies, I had a hint Friday of how 'Montana' it really is here.

I went to lunch with three co-workers at a smoky bar before heading to the bowling alley for some employee appreciation.

While I studied the menu, looking for something safe, there was my 'Montana' reminder. Available under Appetizers were both gizzards and Rocky Mountain Oysters.

Need I say that I chose neither?

"Don't Make Me Come In There"

The older my kids get, I find the weirdest things coming out of my mouth. Some if it the standard parent dialog "because I said so, that's why".

But last night was less than ordinary.

Maddie had been on the phone with her beloved cousin, Paige, for what seemed like hours when I heard the bathroom door close and lock.

I questioned myself and the situation after I hollared down the hall "don't drop my cell phone in the toilet".

Huh?

Jack Go Under the Limbo Stick

Where, oh where do I begin?

I called in sick to work today. This hovering stomach flu finally attacked me. I really feel icky, but it was nice to take in some Regis and Kelly and a bit of Meredith's next-to-last day on The View.

I had to drag myself off of the couch today to take Isaac back to the doctor for allergies. More meds. This guy is on allergy medicine, a nasal steroid, eye drops and then add in today's antibiotic and another steriod. Ugh.

We got some long awaited news today. But still not as much as I'd hoped for. David's position has been eliminated. He will apply for the new position (in up to 5 locations) on June 19, but we won't know anything until mid-July. More limbo. More unanswered questions. More stress.

Our computer has been sick. It has been reformatted and software re-loaded. Email refused to back up (all I cared about really was the pictures) so I have lost all of my email addresses. Drop me a note when you have a minute so I can build those up again.

The weeds in the back yard are getting taller and taller, even though the front yard seems to be doing well. I am very anxious to dig in (literally) and get the back yard done, especially if we need to sell it in a couple of months. Does Santa and the Easter Bunny have a friend named 'Back Yard Fairy' we could call in?

This could prove to be a very strange summer, and not in a good way. I wonder who will have the anuerysm first, me or David.

My Vinyl Jacket

I found my little treasure a couple of months ago at the vintage clothes store just down the street from work. I passed it up, didn't buy it. But I loved it. The practical side of me knew that it would sit in my closet and collect dust and turn, well, more vintage.

The vintage clothes store relocated a few weeks ago. Today we ventured out to find their new digs.

The new place was just about 5 blocks from the old, and it was about 5 times the size. Oh, how I wished JP and Jaye were with me to look at the beautiful gowns, some of them in our size, even. I especially loved a orange-sherbet gown, probably made for a prom. Some of the blouses were almost cute enough to buy, others were just plain wretched. All the tacky jewelry, again, almost cute enough to buy.

I didn't find my little treasure right away. I wouldn't say that I panicked, but I was definitely bummed at the thought of someone else making off with my vinyl jacket.

Vinyl jacket? You're thinking I fell off my rocker. Well, maybe I did. But it's mine. When I found it mixed in with all the other treasures, many of them far tackier than mine, I knew it was now or never.

My little vinyl jacket with embroidered flowers made it's way home with me today to live eternally in my closet. Maybe someday I'll get brave enough to wear it with a pair of faded jeans and a white T-shirt. But for now, it's good enough to know that it's mine.

Travel Log

My eyes are finally open enough to put a few sentences together about our jam-packed Memorial Day weekend. We ventured out for our second trip to the beloved Mt. Rushmore. This time taking friends and doing all the 'touristy' stuff in between.

We traveled all day Saturday and then were greeted at Custer State Park by baby bison and their mommas. It was amazing. If we had been just a couple minutes earlier or later, we would have missed not one, but two different herds hurrying off to (I'm guessing) their dinner.

After being couped up in the car all day, and with little time to do anything else, the kids enjoyed a dip in the hotel pool.

With rain in the forecast, we knew that time was precious and that we better be up and at it Sunday. We literally hit the ground running.

Brooklyn, Madelyn, Maddie, Taryn and Kiri paused for a quick pic in front of a few of our favorite presidents. It didn't seem too crowded at Mt. Rushmore - until we got to the giftshop. Can you say Shoulder to Shoulder?

This young Rocky Mountain goat came to say farewell before we left Mt. Rushmore.

After Rushmore we drove to Bear Country, USA; one of the coolest things we have ever done. It was amazing. We drove along the path of this animal park, seeing Arctic Wolves, Moose, Reindeer, Mountain Lions (who were too busy sleeping to acknowledge us), Bison (big deal, we see them in the wild all the time), and most important: Bears.

Since the park was so crowded we had to drive slow, resisting the urge to roll down the windows as bears played, strolled back and forth across the road, slept, swam, and scratched the hard-to-reach places on branches or fences. As if that wasn't amazing enough, when the drive was over, we were able to park and watch tiny bear cubs play and rough house with each other.

Next was the very anti-clamatic Reptile Gardens. For the same cost, it was not near as fun as Bear Country. But the kids did enjoy the alligators, crocodiles, snakes, birds and prairie dogs. I couldn't get out of their fast enough.

The weather held out, and held out some more. Just as we returned to our hotel Sunday night, the skies opened up and dumped the forecasted rain.

With Monday our travel home day, and with more sight-seeing to do, once again we hit the ground running.

We stopped in Deadwood (as in the HBO show). It's a little old casino town, which had quite the reputation in the late 1800's for being a city of gambling and prostitution. So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that we were the only people there with children. No worries, it was a quick stop, with us peeking in at a few famous cars.

Next stop: Spearfish. We played and picnicked at the park/hatchery while David worked, adding to the hours he worked in Rapid City.

By the time we got to Devil's Tower, we were exhausted and ready to be home. We'll need to visit again to take the short hike around it. Still, it was good to stop and look and stretch our legs a bit.

It was a whirlwind trip, and exhausting trip, but full of green scenery and good memories.

Lessons Untaught

There are some things we forget to teach our children. We teach them manners (maybe some people forget). We teach them to look both ways before crossing the street. We teach them to pick up after themselves (though my house doesn’t always reflect that). Some things we teach by example. Like how to treat others. Or how to spend the day on the couch. This last weekend Isaac brought something to my attention. Something I apparently neglected to teach him. We had four extra kids overnight Saturday, giving their parents a night away. This meant getting four extras (all girls) ready for church. Everything went well. We had an assembly line of doing hair. Everyone was pressed and dress and loading up into 2 vehicles when Isaac’s nose decided to hemorrhage. It was decided that David would clean him up and was just a few minutes late to church. After church I discovered blood. On the living room curtains. Sure enough, Isaac had wiped his nose on the curtains. Then came my teaching moment, one that I assumed was unnecessary. “You can wipe your nose with tissue. You can wipe your nose with toilet paper. In an emergency, you can use your shirt. But never the living room curtains!” I’m a bit worried. What lesson untaught will jump up and bite me in the but next?

10 Little Harry Potters

It's been one heck of a week. Now, after going full speed the last seven days, it's time to retire. Maybe to my bed with the beloved remote control. Or the couch, I'd be content with either.

Please allow me to re-cap.

Monday: Soccer games

Tuesday: David announced change is coming June 1st for his job, but we don't know what. Mother's Day program at Isaac's school (precious). Begin cape sewing (you'll see).

Wednesday: The tragic dismisal of Chris from American Idol. More cape sewing. Prepare for massive enchilada-making.

Thursday: Isaac's birthday. Mom and Dad's anniversary. Made enchiladas for 60 to take to the Mother-daughter activity with Maddie. More cape making.

Friday: Learn that Aunt Barb passed away TWO DAYS EARLIER. Can you say communication breakdown?! No, I'm not coming home for the funeral. More cape sewing.

Did I mention the standard 40-hour work week?

All in all, I'm glad that I had Isaac's Harry Potter birthday party to focus on during this stranger-than-ususal week.

But now that the Hogwarts-themed party is over, it's time to collapse.

We had a good time. No Harry Potter Party would be complete without glasses...

Wizard Hats...

Potion Class in the Dungeon...

Magic Wands...

And Wicked Scars...

Throw in a game of Harry Potter Scene It and Hoo's Hedwig and will call it done.

I am SO Shopping for a New Favorite Team

Do you know of any?

With the VERY recent news that Rick Adelman is gone, I will be looking for another basketball team to take the Kings' place in my heart. Philadelphia would be a candidate if it weren't for that Iverson. I guess I still miss Chris.

So help me, Sacramento better not bring up Phil Jackson. Would they really stoop that low?

Another Road Trip

As if my poor husband hasn't been on the road enough, it was time to stretch our legs once again, and set out on a road trip. David had some business to take care of in Missoula on Saturday morning, and with my Aunt Randy living just 45 miles from there, the kids and I tagged along. After driving 4 hours Thursday, and then another 5 hours Friday, David picked the kids and I up and continued on for another 5+ hours Friday night, arriving in Missoula just after 11pm. With other, more desirable hotels full due to a Rugby tournament we stayed in the (usually nice, but this time crappy) Ramada. David was quite cranky about it, and when he was done working Saturday morning, he called to say "pack your bags, I checked us in to the Marriott".

The Marriott was brand new and cheaper than that crusty place we stayed Friday night. A fabulous change of pace.

After settling in, we were off for an adventure. The four of us. With David gone so much, it's just been the three of us a lot of the time. We ended up at the mall, which was much better than the mall our town has to offer. We all scored new outfits and spent a long time cooing over the puppies, kittens and bunnies at the pet store. While at the mall Isaac discovered his new favorite place: Hot Topic. Oops!

With all of us starving, we then set off for our much-anticipated breakfast. Okay, maybe it was only much-anticipated by me. I had been day dreaming of hash browns, bacon, sausage, and eggs for days. When else is it acceptable to clog your arteries, other than road trips?

After breakfast I got in a lot of trouble with Isaac. Busy shoveling a handful of goldfish in his mouth as we left, he walked into a window instead of out the door which caused me to giggle, first just to myself, but then I lost control. He was crying and in pain. What a horrible mother.

We were then on our way to visit Aunt Randy, stopping along the way to put our feet in the cold Bitterroot River.

We had a great visit with Aunt Randy, Uncle Merlin, Kristine, Tiffni and the twins. Maddie especially took to the twins.

My aunt and uncle live in the most beautiful valley. It is green and has a strong 'homey' feel to it.

We headed back to our hotel after catching up with our family and enjoying a yummy dinner and dessert (Huckleberry Pie, thank you very much). All four of us went right to sleep, not even taking time to appreciate the new room.

Sunday morning began with another artery clogging breakfast, this time at IHOP, which was not near as good as the Denny's breakfast the day before.

We took the scenic route home. Scenic always equals long. But as long as the four of us were together, who cared?

We drove through green valleys.

And we drove through small towns.

I finally got to see our state capital, Helena. Sad to say, I had my expecations a bit high. I had pictured dramatic mountains for Helena. Maybe I've seen The Sound of Music too many times, for somehow I likened the Alps to these little hills. I tell you what, they're not so Alive in Helena. Still, it was a nice town.

We stopped by Carol College (which I had never heard of).

And a fancy cathedral.

And then the Sunday-quiet capital.

Our journey was long, but I was and am greatful for the togetherness. I enjoyed having the four of us together away from our routine. Even though David continued on to Spearfish, SD after taking us home Sunday night, him arriving at 1:30am.

We saw a lot of beautiful things on this trip. Places I really had looked forward to. But let me say this, and it may not be as profound to you as it is to me, but Montana doesn't have anything on California.

Montana doesn't have Tahoe. It doesn' have the ocean. It doesn't have my family. And it doesn't have trees.