One Plum

Refreshing Blizzard

2011-02-16T22:30:00.089-07:00

Oh my.

Nothing posted on my little plum page in over a month.

My family journaling habit is falling to pieces.

Although, almost daily I have the "hey, I should write this down!" moment. And then I don't.

Shame on me.

Tonight I had one of those moments. Actually, last weekend I had an even BIGGER one of those moments.

They will each be getting a turn.

Right now, moment #1.

It is storming outside. More than storming, but blizzarding. Badly. About an hour ago it didn't look too, too bad, so I ventured out in it.

Yes Mom, I ventured out.

As I backed out of our garage the wind grabbed my attention first. The high winds mixed with swirling snow was stunning. Like nothing I had ever seen. The roads were wet, but had no snow sticking to them. Should be okay, right?

The drive through the steep gulley to the grocery store was a little bit shady as the blowing snow diminished my visibility by the second. Still, the roads were fine. As I crested the gulley the ball game changed IN. AN. INSTANT. All visibility disappeared. The wet roads instantly turned into roads with 4-5 inches of slippery snow, and the wind hit like a battering ram.

A chill went through me. I gripped the steering wheel tighter.

The place I was in offered no turn around. My only option was to continue deeper into the center.

I was alone. All the electricity was out outside. No street lights, no home lights, and no grocery store lights to lead me. Panic set in. Snow blindness wrapped its arms around me.

Crawling along I missed the turn to the store. Missed it completely. Never even saw it. Before I knew it I was at an intersection onto a main road. Even worse. There was no road, only a powerless stop light swinging in the wind that told me I was on the road.

I inched feet ahead at a time. The road was gone. Everything was gone.

Panic?

Shaky hands?

Shallow breathing?

Oh. Yeah.

Desperate options flew through my head. Should I call Dave? Call Papa (Dave's dad)? Both rescue options would be dead ends. I was in a place that was unreachable.

Before I knew it, my mind had settled on my only potential rescuer, and was pleading for help.

Prayer was to hold my hand and get me home.

My desperate pleas swirled as thick as the snow that encircled me.

I made it home on the shoulders of prayer.

No harm had been done.

A testimony of prayer reminded, refreshed, and now, shared.

"There are thoughts which are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees." -Victor Hugo

Happy Resolution!

2011-01-02T16:03:00.008-07:00

Relief Society lesson #1 in 2011.

Happiness.

Was it a good lesson? Definitely.

Was it a lesson I need to learn/use/ponder/incorporate/live?

Uh huh. Yep.

The teacher is quite possibly the happiest person I have ever encountered. Last Fall I got to spend a weekend with this happy person.

A WHOLE WEEKEND! I was spoiled in her happy happy's.

After our time together, I planned on truly emulating her happy's. It has not been as easy as I had hoped. In fact, sometimes it is very, very, very hard.

New Years Resolution # 2: Be happy.

Happiness is a form of courage.

-Holbrook Jackson

P.S. isn't happy's an annoying word? Happy Happy's!

P.P.S. Two "happy" posts in one month, perhaps i'm in a rut?

Mr. Eric

2010-12-12T22:46:00.002-07:00

Three words: Anti Gravity Yoga

We did it.

As in, Dave, myself, and our friend Eric.

Eric is awesome.

We call him our Yoga Guru.

Dave met him in his pre-Liz time at UVSC. I entered the equation at a chance intro in a McDonalds parking lot in my dating-Dave time.

We like it random like that.

Eric has been with us since the start.

Did I mention that Eric is awesome?

He likes his BBQ's as big as we do. Steak with a side of steak and a steak on the side. And maybe a steak for dessert?

Again, awesome? I. Think. So.

He is a also a photography buff. He is known online in the photography hob-nobbing circles. Fancy, eh?

Awesome again? Uh huh.

He is also a sweet computer techie, or so I hear. My ears tend to freeze up when the techy smack talk comes out. Most of it flies over my head, so I know he must be a whiz.

Awesome? No, make that, techy-Awesome.

Thanks for the anti-gravity evening Eric, it, and YOU are awesome!

(Picture from www.styleme.net)

Daily Goods

2010-12-01T21:48:00.012-07:00

A long time ago I went through a not-so-happy period.

It was not fun.

At. All.

Coming out of it I made a conscious effort to see the happy. Yes, see the happy.

Happiness journals were all the rage. I did not make one, but I wish I had. It would have had stuff like, did not search out new life in Taiwan today. Happy!

The last few weeks I have again focused myself on seeing the happy that is all around.

Again, the universe answered and the happy's have been showing up for work again.

This time, I have caught some of them with my camera.

Using one of Grandma June's mixing bowls.

Trent and his triple binky trick. Talent runs in his blood.

Picking up kids from school.

Sammy's homework.
So worth the -2 points.

Elves in diapers.

Minstrels at my fingertips.

"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are." Marianne Williamson

Resolution #1

2010-12-01T15:33:00.020-07:00

My mind is being bullied.

Thoughts of New Years Eve approaching have been tramping around.

Making, and keeping, my resolutions is important. Using the toaster more (2009). Check. Eating a cupcake every time one is offered (2010). Check. Eat more ice-cream (2008). Check.

Fail safe resolutions are key.

Except, fail safe equals easy.

Too easy.

Several quotes by Marianne Williamson are working their way into my resolution planning for 2011. This one in particular keeps laying around the house and looking at me.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Seriously, a deep thought resolution? Why couldn't I have been inspired to work more M & M's into my life in 2011?

Monday Nov. 15th-LONDON

2010-11-18T14:28:00.006-07:00

This morning the alarm went off and I couldn't move.

Could. Not. Move.

The big fluffy bed I laid in was bought for Dave and me when we visited in April, sooooo, technically speaking, isn't it part mine (go with me here), and no part of me was ready to part with it.

With all the exertion I could muscle I pushed myself into moving.

By 7:45 Cecelia and I were out the door. I begged her not to go with me to the airport, but rather to stay home and take care of Chris, it was his 50th birthday, and when you get to that age every minute counts, you know? She wasn't having it.

So after a teary goodbye to Chris, we ushered each other out the door.

We rode the tube with two of Cecelia's friends nearly all the way to Heathrow. Once we arrived it was just us. Oh my, the prolonged goodbye's hurt.

We made it to security and both our eyes were brimming. I tried to suck-it-up, but it was useless. It pushed me over the edge when going through the security line she yelled "love ya my littl' darling!" Could she have been crueler!? To say I had to breathe deep would be the least of it. My heart felt sick. When will I see her again? Months? Years?

That girl is a soul changer. I have learned so, so much from her.

Once I had my tear fit I was on my way.

The plane boarded and I found my window seat. Dave had gone through the seating and had moved me around so I could, hopefully, be in a row alone.

Bingo. I had my own row.

Not to say I was tired or anything, but I woke up when my head whapped into the window, and we were still waiting to take off.

The views were amazing the entire ride. Well, what I saw in-between my 3 naps anyways.

Nine hours later we arrived in Atlanta, and, as much as I enjoyed my travels, GOD BLESS AMERICA!

On the Atlanta to SLC flight the plane was packed. The gal that sat by me was a young blonde whom I had to do a double take of to make sure she was wearing pants. They were that short.

I made all my assumptions of who she was as she talked on her cell phone (before take-off), played on it, listened to music, and glanced magazines.

I kept my nose in my book not giving her a second glance. Then, I thought about how Cecelia would act in my place. She would have made a great friend by now while I was busy judging her.

So, I offered her the blanket that was stashed in the bottom of my bag. Surely her super-tan legs were cold? She did not take my blanket, but we did start talking. She is actually a recent church convert that is attending UVSC and has a BYU boyfriend. She is working on her nursing degree and works at the hospital.

Quite a different person that I had assumed!

When we exited the plane several people saw how short her shorts were and laughed. She noticed. I felt so bad that she just didn't know that people around here don't wear things like that (especially in November!) and that she had been judged just the way I had judged her.

It was now 9:15 Utah time, 3:15 A.M. London time. My head was swimming. All I had to do was get to Dave, and I would finally be able to rest.

When I finally reached him I gave him a Hollywood Mormon Hug Scene (risque, huh?) He tried to get out of my hug 3 times, but I wasn't having it. I was sooo tired and had traveled around the world to see him, and dog-gone-it, I was going to get a long hug out of him!

On the drive home I was very, very thankful for him driving. I could not see straight through the exhaustion to save my life.

Once home my mom-in-law was relieved of house sitting (thanks Marilyn!) I snuck into each of our kiddies room and kissed their sweet cheeks .

There is no place like home!

Sunday Nov. 14- LONDON

2010-11-14T17:55:00.002-07:00

This was it. My last day here (until?) for awhile anyways.

I had not gone to bed until 2 in the morning yesterday, so I was worried I would oversleep. Yes, 2 A.M. That is what happens when you are not here to put me to bed Dave!

Then, about 7:30 my body remembered that I do not know how to sleep in, so I was up.

By the time I was cleaned up, C & C were already awake and frying eggs. I joined them and we talked about the plan for the day. It was either the British Museum for the Rosetta Stone (which I have successfully missed on every trip), or Highgate Cemetery.

Highgate Cemetery won. C & C even choose to come with me! Highgate (West side) is known for it's overgrown creepiness, catacombs, family vaults, and amazing tributes. Google pics are pretty accurate of it. I learned a lot about the Victorian symbolism that is displayed, and, as an added bonus, I choose a plot to be buried in. Maybe for next year's b-day present?

We finished the tour and wandered to the East side. Chris left us, so it was just Cecelia and me. The most notable person buried here is Karl Marx. We located him quite easily by the crowd of North Koreans that were gathered around his shrine. We watched respectfully as they each ran up and took group pics, individual pics, partner pics, and more individual pics. Then they pulled out flower bouquets and went through the process again.

Ahh, confusion! I was under the assumption his theories/ideas were not well liked.

Next came the bowing routine to the shrine. At this point C was holding her chuckles in. A young German/British couple joined us and they too were holding their laughs.

Once finished Cecelia and I jumped at the chance to get our picture taken with the shrine before the Koreans returned! We finished and walked away 15 feet where I stopped her. We, or rather, I, had to go back and bow. Don't know why, I just did. Cecelia was so embarrassed, but did it with me anyways. When in Rome, right?

We found a bakery for a treat and headed home. C & C cooked dinner while chatting with me and another lady on the street who was visiting (Barbara). Once Barbara had left we watched the BBC news and an interview with Susan Boyle. They were both crazy about her. Cecelia even cried. I am not sure what happened next, but I woke up with my mouth wide open.

Perhaps my 2 A.M. bedtime was catching up with me?

Dinner was dreamy. We ate pot roast, mashed potatoes, and a medley of veggies that I am unsure of. They have certainly spoiled me this past week, and I will miss them terribly tomorrow at this time.

Random side note that I just remembered: At dinner we talked about what talent we would share if we were on Britain's Got Talent tomorrow. Cecelia would be a comic, Chris a back-up dancer (yes, HE said that), and I said I play a wicked kazoo. Cecelia disagreed with me and said, "you will write a book." Cecelia does not know that I like to write. Or, that I have heard that before. Random, and, never say never?

Side note over.

After dinner we pushed Chris out of the kitchen and stuck candles into a cake we bought earlier. He seemed pleased as punch when we sang to him and quizzed him about his birthdays in the past.

It is now nearly 1:00 in the morning and I have to get up in 5 hours to make it to Heathrow on time.

I am missing this adventure already.

Saturday Nov. 13- LONDON

2010-11-13T19:01:00.008-07:00

Words fail me for this day.

But I am afraid to sleep on my thoughts for fear I will forget them. So here goes.

Today I left the house at 9:30, just as Chris and Cecelia were waking up. I purposefully skipped breakfast so I could eat a scone in Melissa's honor in the St. Paul Crypt.

Unfortunately C and C remembered that it was the Lord Mayor Parade downtown around St. Paul's just after I had shut the door. So as I stood just out of their site at the bus stop, they stood in the doorway calling after me. It was too late. I heard nothing in my "I'm trying to blend" state of mind.

Several Tube lines and heavy crowds later I arrived at my destination and was feeling like a pro. That feeling did not last long. Once outside of St. Paul's I knew something was up. Throngs of people lined the streets. I escaped the crowd into the crypt and had a scone with jam and clotted cream in honor of Melissa (and the clotted cream for you mom!).

I exited the crypt and reentered the crowds to get to the entrance. Only, it was all blocked off by military.

Insert a momentary sense of bother HERE.

Being a rude American, as we are so known for, I approached a police man and asked if the cathedral was open today. He assured me it was closed and would reopen tomorrow.

Interesting. Because I had three musts on my list for this trip, and one way or another, I WAS going in. My must list is not negotiable.

So I walked around the building through the throngs and saw there were no other entrances. So I returned to the crypt, hoping for a different answer.

From one gift shop worker I got an "I don't know." From another I got a "go ask that person, they will know." And from the last person, I got an, " oh yes, come right over here (to my small open door in the iron wall gate) and you can visit!" Did I mention the visit for "free" bit?

With the celebration outside and the maze to get through to find an entry, the cathedral was near empty of people. After doing the customary ooing and awing for a minute or two, I realized that I could have the best seat in the house for the parade if I hurried to the top of the dome. So I skipped and doubled up the steps until my heart was about to pop.

The parade seemed to be as much about making all the noise they could alongside the entertainers. I returned down to the whispering gallery and took a seat. Sitting on that bench officially marked the #3 goal off my list. Although, I did wish that I had someone to whisper to. (miss you Dave!)

Once on floor level again I made my way to the entry door and did what any normal tourist would do if given St. Paul's to themselves. I walked the path Diana took to the center to be married. With the crowds screaming outside and the bells ringing I imagined it was similar to that day. No one needs to know, but, I may or may not have carried an imaginary bouquet.

After St. Paul's I crossed the Millennium bridge to the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Mel, I know we did it before, but my memory needed a refresher course. What I learned: I need to read/watch more Shakespeare plays.

By the tour end I had 1 1/2 hour to get to Covent Garden to meet C & C. That meant I had time to get there, shop around, and be all ready for them.

This is where the story gets sketchy. I had to get on 3 different tube lines to get there. No problem. Until. In the middle of one the train stopped and were informed of a fire at another station, so we could go no further. Meaning, get off and walk!

So walk I did. For it took me an hour and a half to reach Covent Garden because I could not find another tube station for the life of me (even with directions from passerbyers!)

Side note. In my lost state I found the small Clink prison where lots of people were tortured and took a 10 minute walk through. New item of torture to avoid, the Spanish Boot.

When I finally made it to Covent Garden, it was straight up 5:00 and my phone rang. It was C & C calling to tell me that due to the fire their line was shut down. The same line I needed to get home. To throw in some Brit talk, bloody, that's not good!

My option was to give it some time and hope the line reopened. It seemed that everyone was trapped downtown. To say the sidewalks were shoulder to shoulder with people would be an understatement. Also, for a new file of awkward to add to my collection, I did a full body bump with a lady in a burka. Her eyes said enough.

I did a walk around the Covent Garden shops looking at a lot of stuff I don't need. But really, I was looking for dinner. My tummy chatted with me about not eating ANYTHING but a scone all day, and it was not happy.

So I walked around looking for a place that was not crowded. Soon I found a perfect uncrowded little shop with pre-packaged Turkish food. I found some . . . thing. It did not look spicy, so I was happy. I ordered from a nice man who asked if I was on holiday. From there we had friendly conversation as he said he was waiting for the owner to come. It was his last day, yadda yadda, yadda and he wanted me to be his last customer, as he said, "Liz, from America!". Anyway, don't know how it happened, but soon he was reciting his poetry to get my approval. I assured him, between quick bites, that it was splendid and he should sell it.

From there I will just say that my new friend, Memet, had found love. All I wanted to do was eat. Would I like to go out and eat when he closed up? Would I like to go out tomorrow? Would I text him?

This kind of stuff does not happen to me. EVER.

I decided that I rather be hungry than still be eating when the owners set Memet free for the night. So I said thank you, dumped the rest of my food, and got up to leave. Memet handed me a piece of paper. On it was his name and phone number. He promised to share his poetry with me if I would share my heart.

Sorry I am writing this, but it is my journal, and some experiences just have to be written!

I left Memet with a, "ohh, aren't you sweet," and a wave. Then I rushed a good block away to call Dave and remind him that I missed him.

Oh how I missed him! I wanted him to be there.

He must have read my voice, because he asked where I was. I don't know what he was doing at home, but he gave me his full attention.

Once again, I so miss you Dave!

With so many tube lines completely closed or partially closed travel was a disaster. Dave was able to guide me past the closed tube stations, the ones with routes I could not use, and got me home.

Well, almost. I exited the bus at Southgate station and picked up some more shish because I was STILL HUNGRY. I got on the bus and thought it would automatically stop at the street stops. Heads up, it does not. I realized things were not right a mile or so past her stop.

Really.

By this point I had had it. I walked to another bus stop to take me back to Southgate. In the meantime I broke out the shish and ate it along side the street. All the Brit good manners went out the window. That shish was scarfed down, American style.

P.S. I caught this video while squished like a babushka in a corner. Classic.

Friday November. 12- LONDON

2010-11-13T17:03:00.003-07:00

When the alarm rang this morning it hurt me. My eyes begged me to let them hide a bit longer.

They did not win that fight.

At 9 Cecelia and I slammed the door behind us and set off for the town of Alban. It is actually not too far away, so C thought she would drive us. About 20 minutes later we were officially lost and she ~~got bothered~~ was tired of driving. We found a train station and ditched the car for a ride.

At first sight Alban looked like a small normal English town, but within several blocks it changed from new to old. The houses were all connected on tiny streets with a pub or two thrown in. Not much has changed since the 1800's .
The recommended local restaurant is called The Waffle House, and, who am I to say no to a waffle? or better yet, a meat covered waffle?! We made that meaty delight our #1 priority. What was even better than the meaty waffles was having Cecelia all to myself. She is a gem!

Next we walked to the ancient looking Alban Abbey. We took a guided tour and awed at the marvelous architecture. The story of St. Alban is a sad one of beheading in the name of Christianity. Those naughty Romans!

After St. Albans Abbey (which, by the way, had some original paintings on the wall that looked straight out of Indiana Jones) we made our way to a Roman museum that was full of artifacts from the area that dated back to 40A.D. There were other Roman areas that had been excavated, but we just had no time to find and explore them.

We exited the museum only to find that it was dark out. Our day together had gone too quickly!

On the way home we stopped for fish n'chips and milkshakes, because really, doesn't a milkshake make everything better?

While eating we watched America's Next Top Model and International Idiot. The second show had Cecelia in stitches, but it all seemed a bit planned for me.

I have much more to say, but my head is bobbing and my eyes are demanding that I look for cracks in my eyelids again.

Thursday November 11th- LONDON

2010-11-11T17:23:00.008-07:00

Today was a bit of an adventure.

My young Tube muscles were tested as I had to make my way to Paddington Station then transfer to a train and make it to Twyford.

Cecelia acted as my escort as far as she could before having to go her direction for work. While at her bus stop we met a girl, Eleanor, who had just gotten from a 5 month backpacking adventure around the world alone. Thanks for making me feel like a baby Eleanor!

Eleanor is Greek and has a British accent. She was very, very interested in me and my foreign American accent. Surely I knew all about America, right? She visited L.A., Las Vegas, and New York on her adventure. She had unfortunately made the mistake of traveling by Greyhound, so she was under the assumption that America has A LOT of weirdo's. I assured her that it was just her choice of transportation, not America.

I will be watching for her to chat at the bus stop again . . ..

It took nearly 2 hours to get to Twyford. Once there I hopped a cab and was soon delivered on Emily's doorstep. But, as I was knocking, she was at the train station looking for me, that is what I get for not communicating better! She had 5 hungry kiddos with her so when we finally met up we rushed off on a quick tour of the town followed by a fancy pizza place.

While walking from the parking lot to the restaurant (10 minute walk?) it started to rain. Not just rain, but. R. A. I. N. we used umbrella's, but all of us were still soaked from our heads to toes.

But did Emily's kids complain? No. Not one bit! They were such sweet and well behaved children. She definitely needs 4 more :)

The rain cleared up while we ate, but by the rime we left the pizzeria, it was pourimg again and we resoaked what had just dried. By this point in our soaken-ness all we could do was laugh.

I was granted a full tour of the Butterfly House, although I forgot to find the frogs in the backyard. If only there was a next time? We sat around the living room and just had a lazy kid filled chat. The house was so happy and filled with such sweetness that I did not want to leave.

The return train ride seemed to fly by. Maybe that had something to do with the happy nappy I took? When I opened my eyes after what had seemed just a moment we were at my station, or so I was informed by the only remaining passenger when I awoke. Note to self, staying up late just means crashing during the daylight hours. There is a strong possibility that pics of me passed out on the train could surface. It was not pretty.

Again I walked from Southgate, this time stopping to buy some shish, and tried to get all the London noise into my memory that I could.

Once home Cecelia and I watched T.V. and gobbled the shish. Then we stayed up chatting until 11:00. I truly could talk to her all night if I had the chance. The word wonderful was made up to describe her.

It is now past midnight again and Dave is going to give an earful for being a night owl.

Wednesday November 10-LONDON

2010-11-10T16:40:00.012-07:00

This morning started out with bread. Two extra extra thick pieces with butter. An inch thick per slice possibly.

By 9:30 I was out the door.

First stop, Westminster Abbey. This Abbey had not been high on my list to re-visit, but I knew that I had to go (nothing beats St. Paul's). The outside is beautiful, but not awe inspiring in my opinion. In my memory from 10 years ago it was amazing, but after St. Paul's, does anything ever compare? The last 38 monarchs have been coronated here, not to mention all the weddings, funerals, and burials that have occurred.
Guess who was not impressed again?

The inner was gorgeous and had all the things that I love. The shrines, the ornate architecture, and the history.

One important piece was missing in abundance though. The spirit. I could not even force it.

Listening to the hourly prayer, a short sermon, and lighting a prayer candle didn't bring it either. Instead I was filled with the desire to tell everyone that there was more! SO MUCH MORE!

I will give it good points for having lots of kings and queens buried there, not to mention other notables like Handel.

Upon leaving the building I discovered that quite a ruckus was going on in the streets. Thousands of teenagers with picket signs were marching. So, like any tourist, I walked with them. Although I did refrain from screaming and yelling like they were.

Facetiming Dave sounded like a great idea so he could the craziness of the riot. Unfortunately, I had miscalculated my timing, so I woke him up at 6:00 with a phone call full of screaming people. Pretty sure he did not go back to sleep after that.

Next I took a long walk along the river and soaked in the chill as it nibbled my cheeks.

Once Trafalgar Square was in my sight I wanted to run to it. The National Portrait Gallery is located there and it was one of my main goals this trip. I could stay there for days/weeks/years (?) and be happy.
I revisited some of my favorites and took some time to discover some new ones. Van Eyck is still dreamy, but I also discovered Degas, and Liotard.

After the museum it was time to head home. I walked a bit, trying to make one last stop at Covent Garden before hopping on the Tube. It didn't take me too long to realize that they must have moved it (they move big buildings like that, right?) Because I certainly couldn't find it.

So I gave up and got on the Tube.

All in all, a fabulous day!

Monday Nov.8th-Tuesday Nov.9th. LONDON

2010-11-09T17:18:00.003-07:00

Today counts as one long continuous day.

After getting the kids off to school I had until 2:30 to get ready to leave for a week.

That means I had to hit the grocery store hard. Most of my cooking had been done on Sunday, so it was all the little things that needed buying so my conscious could rest. Because, heaven knows if I don't have enough milk in the fridge they will all get dehydrated and die. True story. It happens.

Once that job was all done it was already 12:30 and I hadn't packed yet.

For an international trip.

I know that just wounded your soul mom. Sorry?

My timing cut it close, but we successfully made it out the door on time.

The drive to the airport was lovely until I talked to my Mom and she got me all mushy and emotional. I missed her. I wished whole heartedly she was with me. Tears dribbled.

Missing her reminded me that I would be alone for the next week.

No Trenter. No Alex. No Sammy. No Abby.

My heart tied itself up in knots.

As I waited in the security line alone I fought back the tears. It helped that I was surrounded with young-buck missionaries on their way to their adventures.

I want to be someone that adventures. I want my kids to see me be adventurous. I want THEM to be adventurous.

So with my heart in my throat I waved my final goodbye to Dave and was officially alone on my international adventure. For a good 3-4 minutes I ddi not breathe.

First stop Minneapolis, then over the Pond. I had two seats to myself on the long flight (9 hours) but that did not mean that I slept well. Fitfully might describe it best.

I awoke to the morning light and a clear view of Ireland's coast. Will I go there someday? Yes, I think I will!

We arrived at Heathrow and I followed the crowd. Immigration was a snap. Next, money changing, luggage, and perfecting my look of "I'm not a tourist, please don't rob me!" I found the Tube, topped up my Oyster card and grabbed a seat.

Next stop. Southgate Station, followed by bus #125.

An hour and a half later I stood at their neighbors door and collected Cecelia and Chris's house key. I had made it.

I had a good 4 hours until they would be home, so I unpacked and headed for the high street. Asda had some chocolates and candies that some kiddies I know would be waiting for.

By 7 both C & C were home and insisting on making dinner, although I insisted that I had already eaten. They would have nothing of it so Cecelia and I headed to Marks & Spencers and picked some lasagna's. I had to be stealthy, but I successfully beat her in paying for dinner.

When dinner was finished the clock read 9:57.

Could it be?

So now I am in my big fluffy bed, up the spiral stairs, on the 3rd floor, listening to the London traffic outside and missing my family.

So off to sleep I go.

October by the Numbers

2010-11-01T22:01:00.002-06:00

My time is up.

Dave has informed/insisted/chastised me for not blogging.

Didn't realize that I had to blog.

Now I know.

So, October:

#1) I switched Trent out of his crib to a big-boy-bed for no reason. Emphasize, NO REASON. Maybe subliminally I just wanted to mess with Dave? We expected a night terrorizing, refusing to sleep, banging on our door all night long, 2-year old.

Guess what. Out of our 4 kids, we finally got a good one. Little dude runs to his bed at sleepy times, and stays there, as in, does not get out of his bed until we get him out. Modern day miracle, no?

#2) While out running I fell for the 1st time. About 1/4 mile from our house, on flat ground, with nothing around, I tripped on my own feet and crashed. My left ankle, ahem, H U R T! I pulled myself to the curb, because walking was not an option, and did the whimpering call thing to Dave. Whimpers = pick me up! He now has another pathetic phone call from me to imitate for the next 10 years.

Extra Bonus: Had a sweet looking (and painful) cankle for 3 weeks.

#3) Made the girls matching Halloween witch skirts. Adorable on the hanger and pathetic when worn. That mess= Mommy at the store at 6:00 A.M. searching for new Witch skirts for the school costume parade. Saving $10 cost $20.

#4) Cut down dead tree in front yard when Dave was gone. Don't care who saw me sawing it like a logger. It needed to be done.

#5) Lone Peak Football season finally ended. Without practices and games, Alex and Dave now have about 9 extra hours a week to cut down dead trees for me.

#6) Had a mouse in the garage eating our bird seed. A mouse in the garage = every neighbor hood cat in our garage after him. His 3 week hiding period ended when he hid in a basket that I conveniently carried inside. Before being caught, we all perfected our squealing and mouse-in-the-house dances.

#7) Went to Las Vegas for UEA. It was Dave's brilliant idea, not mine. It was a tiff. He won. And, it turned out wonderful. We rode bikes through old train tunnels, hiked Red Rock, pet a live snake, swam, swam, swam, had a BBQ, went to the Henderson carnival, and got kissed by Wayne Newton.

Thanks Dave.

#8) Went Trick-or-treating with 4 kids, and out of the kindness of my heart (and the candy I knew they would share in their bags), I brought all 4 home. Six words sum it up, wagons are for riding, not fighting.

#9) Dave lost his mind. Saturday evening, October 30th Dave ran to the store. He came back 30 mins. later and banned me from the kitchen. Next thing I knew he and the kids pulled out a pile of cupcakes, a card, and a small bookish gift.

An early birthday surprise!

Dave cashed in nearly the rest of his hard-earned airline miles and bought me a ticket to London. Alone.
He even contacted Cecelia and got my "room" reserved.

#10) Sammy turned 9. We celebrated at Corn Belly's by making the kids cry in the inflatable monster, burying them in corn kernels, and bouncing ourselves silly on the ground balloons (?). We love you Cornbelly's!

Dave. Am I off the blogging hook now?

Start-up anyone?

2010-10-03T16:34:00.004-06:00

Last week my life changed.

Or rather, it had a huge push.

Dave, again, a surprise (!), signed me up for a 2-day Startup Princess conference in Sandy.

My first inclination was excitement mixed with some oh-bother-ness.

Excitement because, what an awesome opportunity to be surrounded with female entrepreneurs! And, oh-bother-ness, because, what is my job again?

When the time came for me to put on my fancy-pants shoes and head out the door I was ready. My lines were written and rehearsed in my head. When the inevitable 'meet and mingle' time came, my intro would include something about "being there to be inspired." Respectable, right? (And somewhat true?).

As with the last Startup Princess event I attended, I was the first one there. Is it not cool to show up on time? I grabbed a great seat and put on my name tag. I recognized a few people, mainly a realtor, a fashion consultant, and the Princess crew. The seats eventually filled up and I met a few new faces.

This first evening meeting was to teach us about media presentation. In particular, how to present ourselves for media.

Rule #1-ALWAYS be ready for media.
Rule #2-GET good make-up
Rule #3-DON'T go to the store looking like a slob. EVER.
Rule #4-DRESS the part. (Colors/outfits for TV).

A make-up artist and a clothing consultant each did presentations. What I learned: I have a lot to work on, and that I need to do a lot more/better shopping.

After the media training, another presenter, whom I had never heard of, was going to teach us how to present ourselves face-to-face. Danielle Laporte. Never heard of her? I hadn't either. She runs a website named Whitehottruth.com. Apparently it is a BIG deal. After her presentation I could only find one word to sum her up. WOW. Her entire persona filled the room. If I can claim to be one of her followers, then by all means, I am a FOLLOWER!

The evening ended with Mindy Gledhill talking about her inspiration and performing. While she set up everyone chatted and got drinks. Being the admirer of her that I am , I asked if she needed to help (back-up singer maybe?). I was assigned to taking care of her table selling cds and collecting cash.

Was I a little proud of my itty-bitty job? You betcha!

By the end of the 2-days I was filled with the excitement of possibilities. And, for all the time invested, I know that anything is possible.

Here is a link to Danielle Laporte's presentation on Day #2.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9788489

P.S. if you look closely at about 21:21, the back of my head make its first live debut in the second row. Fancy, ain't it!

Run List

2010-09-29T22:58:00.011-06:00

Late night google searching for other runners playlists has become one of my new hobbies. Finding a song that fits 'my list' is like striking gold. For all those runners who have posted their lists in order to help those continually searching like me, here is my return gift.

Eye of the Tiger 4:04 Survivor (Now That's What I Call the 80s)

*Mamma Mia 3:35 Meryl Streep (Mamma Mia! Soundtrack)

Tik Tok 3:20 Ke$ha Animal

I Gotta Feeling 4:49 Black Eyed Peas

*Hey, Soul Sister 3:37 Train

*Poker Face 3:57 Lady GaGa

California Gurls 3:56 Katy Perry

Hey Mickey 3:27 The Bangles

Down (feat. Lil Wayne) 3:32 Jay Sean

*Does Your Mother Know 3:01 Christine Baranski (Mamma Mia! Soundtrack)

*Onward Christian Soldiers 2:54 Cretins The R.M. Soundtrack

Material Girl 3:53 Madonna

I Don't Dance 3:38 High School 2 Musical Cast Soundtrack

I Love Rock 'N Roll 2:56 Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

American Pie 4:34 Madonna

*Dynamite 3:24 Taio Cruz Rokstarr (Bonus Track Version)

P.S. Dynamite is on repeat, repeat, repeat.
P.P.S. The list refused to line up, the staggering was my attempt to hide it . Kinda worked?

P.P.S. My favorites are starred

Red Rock Relay 2010

2010-09-18T23:13:00.015-06:00

(Van #2 ladies)

Red Rock.

The idea of this running adventure had me nervous for months. Not for the running. Not for the lack of sleep. Not for the endless hours spent in a van.

No. The idea of being with 5 other ladies, all dealing with the same hard realities, made me shake in my boots.

My worries should not have been.

Our 12-person trip began with a long drive to Brian Head. The 5 gals I would be specifically running with, and myself, rode in our rented Suburban. Immediately, fun swirled in the air and our cup-holders were overflowing with giggles.

Our 1st stop was to check in and enjoy the evening festivities. We ate dinner outdoors and watched as everyone who would be running came through the food lines. Laughing at other people isn't always wrong, is it? Because, we did. A lot.

We also all splurged and bought matching hoodies. My 1st hoody. And, for all the months of training I had done to earn that hoody, it may be my most expensive ever.

Next we made our way to our hotel and checked in. Some room swapping, late night gabbing, and nervous preparations were made. Sisi, my roomie, and I turned out our lights somewhere near mid-night.

By 5:50 we were up and moving, restuffing our backpacks and getting our running shoes on.

I will skip a bit and get to the runs now . . .

Our 1st runs (12-6ish p.m.) should have been "easy," as we had all let our bodies rest for several days.

They weren't.

We were at 10,000 feet altitude. Timp is 11,000 feet. That is high. One gal even shed some tears and gasped for air it was so difficult. I was able to keep going through mine, but barely (and slowly). The lack of oxygen was felt through every part of me. If I never have to run at that altitude again it will be too soon.

Our next runs we were excited for. The night runs.

We started at 11 P.M. something. In the boonies. In the dark of night.

Our 1st runner got ahead of our van a bit too far, and, being that the teams were very spread out by now, she was completely alone. A truck with 2 cowboys pulled up next to her and were attempting to talk/laugh/etc. with her. She was overcome with the feeling of fear. It was not a good situation. She instantly prayed for help, as she had no where to run in the pitch black of night. Out of nowhere another runner appeared just feet in front of her. A big, hefty, guy runner. She swears he was not there before. She sprinted up to him and with shaky hands reached out to him and explained that she was afraid and asked to run with him.

His response, "of course, I will even share my light with you."

Our van caught up with her shortly after. She said her goodbyes to the man and sprinted to us. Glancing back, the big man was gone.

Was she looked after? I think so.

We never again were out of sight of any of our runners (well, except for one eensy mistake).

When my turn came around I was excited. I know the power of the night run.

My run was to be a short 4-miles. The hard part was that it was a constant up-hill. CONSTANT. With the hand-off I jetted quickly into the darkness. My van followed shortly after and passed me within a minute or two. Unfortunately, a block later, they missed the 'turn-here' sign and lost me.

Nearly 10 minutes later they realized their mistake and located me again. My legs had warmed and I had found my stride. THIS run is going down in my book as my most powerful and satisfying run to date. Wow, it was good.

We finished up our 2nd runs around 3:30 A.M. and headed to a condo to get 2 hours of sleep and showers.

By the time our 3rd runs began we were for the most part refreshed. As refreshed as 2 hours of sleep can give anyway.

It was beginning to heat up, and with that, our nerves began to rise. Running in the heat is awful. Just, awful.

Our 1st and 2nd runners both struggled immensely with the heat. The 2nd runner finished with some heat stroke (pounding head, dizzy, emotional, and nauseous). She laid down in the back seat and fought back the urge to up-chuck.

I was next.

My worry level was high. It was in the mid-90's? I ran, wanting to get it over with. It was a 5-mile run, which, SHOULD HAVE BEEN FINE. No. It wasn't. By mile 3 I was dieing. A little running followed by a little walking was all I had for mile 4. The last mile contained no shade, traffic, and thick thick heat.

I have heard the term "hitting the wall," many times, but have never really, really, hit a wall before. Oh yeah, on this last mile, I found it. I walked. My head was saying "walk fast!," but my legs wouldn't. They would not. It was nuts. Walking at a medium pace was all they would give.

I found it in me to run the last block. Then, the words "never again!" may have escaped my lips.

The next runner after me had watched us each struggle and was smart. SHE WALKED! The last 3 miles of her run were downhill, so she survived, but the sun had obviously sucked the life out of her also.

The runner after her has the endurance of a train. She does not know the meaning of "walk." She ran, and ran, and ran. Towards the end of her run (pale faced, sick looking, dizzy, nauseous, and weak), it was quite clear that she was not well. We laid her down with an up-chuck bag in the back seat and tried to hydrate her. After a bit, she explained that she had been bothered that her husband had been riding his bike near her and had not stopped for her. Yes. She was hallucinating. It was bad.

One runner to go. We begged her to walk. She was stubborn too. She ran. If the heat effected her, she did not let it show. She pulled us to the finish line.

We owe her big time.

The other van of ladies was waiting for us. Running as a team across the finish was the goal. It didn't happen. We let the other 6 ladies on our team run across. And it was fine.

We headed for home.

And, we giggled the entire way. Well, except the passed out girl in the 3rd row:)

It was quite the adventure, every hard minute of it.

I can't wait to do it all again.

2010-09-17T14:58:00.002-06:00

2010-09-08T22:55:00.002-06:00

Okay. Right now i'm pushing myself hard. All I want to do is go to bed.

All I really need to do is GO TO BED.

But, climbing out of a blogging slump requires some pushing. Even when it's hard.

About a year ago I signed up to do a run. A hard run. A big hard team-run. Life went nuts, and I dropped-out.

The team opened up another spot this year and generously gave me a second chance.

We begin our adventure tomorrow.

Red Rock Relay in Southern Utah.

I can't wait to push this one hard.

Business-like Gushing

2010-09-07T21:20:00.002-06:00

Two weeks ago I attended a Meet & Greet/Lecture put on by StartupPrincess. It was to be simple.

Dress up. Show up. Chit-Chat. Chow down. Listen.

Easy, huh?

Well, guess who else showed up?

This girl:

Oh yes. She did.

And guess who gushed like a school-girl and may or may not have asked for an autograph?

Birds in the house

2010-09-06T22:26:00.009-06:00

(Big breakfast for 1)

Herein is where I whine.

A LOT.

On Sunday I woke up with a crink in my neck. Eight new dastardly mosquito bites strategically placed ALL OVER. Two useless thumbs from peely yard-work blisters. And, AND 1 diaper in the house to last all day.

Did I mention the fridge is empty?

I laid in bed, not wanting to get up, hoping for exhaustion to play its victory dance and give me 10 more minutes of rest. Why exhaustion? Because waking up is hard work. That's why.

But, no, Trenty was awake and chirping for me to spring him from his nest. He also wanted to break out that last diaper.

After retrieving my little bird I pulled him into our bed to cuddle. My offering of a plumpy two-year old to snuggle with earned me a roll of the eyes from Dave.

He wasn't about to share his pillow.

Now I had to share my pillow.

I do not like sharing my pillow. Especially with people who like to poke my nose.

Soon the house was moving with the noise of 4 kids, and I was left alone in my warm cocoon which refused to release me.

My peely thumbs and I laid there listening to the legos being dumped out, a fight over a waffle, hair being pulled, and a toddler meltdown.

(I don't know where Dave was. Hiding somewhere possibly?)

I listened to the noise. It was kind of squawky.

And, like any good Mama, I went back to sleep.

Segull-ahhhhhh!

2010-09-06T21:26:00.003-06:00

Tonight I was inspired.

My blog slacking was smacked in the head. Hard.

At a Mission/MTC reunion for Dave I chatted with EmilyM from Segullah. Hear me? SEGULLAH!

We talked blogs, what I read, what she reads, what she writes, and what I SHOULD be writing.

She writes a lot. Apparently she has some skills, like, say, writing-dedication, that I need to work on.

If only it were as easy as downing a maple bar, I would be in business.

Sweet School Kisses

2010-08-25T21:49:00.003-06:00

(Five little ducks went out to play . . . )

Last night we put our summer-time activities to rest for the season.

Summer is fun, but, the heat, THE HEAT! Even the sun has been ducking out a little earlier each night. Being the main attraction for months on end is exhausting, no?

Back-to-school thinking has taken over. My school feelings are all jumbled up. Is kinda happy and kinda sad a real feeling?

We toasted the evening with brownies, orange-pop champagne, and an ice-cream bar to entice the happy back-to-school feelings to come play.

After the 'school party (?)' Dave hopped up and asked who was ready for a blessing with all the gusto of a fresh RM.

It made me swoon.

Now i'm swooning again.

The silence of our house enveloped me as I listened to him pray for our children. Sammy and I both soaked our cheeks with grateful tears.

As I closed up the house for the night and watched the last bits of summer melt away outside, I could feel the closeness of heaven.

3rd Nephi 17:23-24 sang out in my soul.

Now, back to that swooning!

Mood Swinger

2010-08-13T23:14:00.006-06:00

(More Alien Beef Jerky Please?)

The pressure is killing me. A summer post is big. I'm not in the mood.

What I am in the mood for is . . .

Trenter falling asleep on my tummy.
Laying on scratchy grass.
Laughing with neighbors in the driveway.
Not checking phone messages all week.
Having a 'sicky' tummy from too much banana smoothie.
Making posters for a parade. (Antique Gas Engines by Papa!).
A wet towel pile.
Counting down the time until I have Costco cake on my fork ( 19 hours and 12 minutes).
Shaking rugs while wishing on a star.

And, going to bed.

MacSummer

2010-08-08T22:29:00.002-06:00

The summer has flown by. And I haven't written any of it down.

No excuses. I just didn't.

I'm ready, almost.

Maybe tomorrow?

One thing (excuse), we did change to a Mac.

It is driving me nuts.

This will pass. Soon, right?

One Mac bonus, the kids finally have photo-booth.

Finally.

P.S. The girl in the black hat is growing up. Did you notice?

The new HOT

2010-06-26T23:46:00.003-06:00

Right now I have 4 sleeping kiddos.

All exhausted. All sunburned. All missing their Daddy.

Dave is out of town. This time to Chicago, his high school home town.

My memory of Chicago is HOT. Melty, sweaty, heavy air hot.

He swears it's not.

I remind him of that time. THAT TIME we drove a Honda Civic across the country with a 6-month old and a 1 1/2 year old to Chicago/Nauvoo from Utah. In. July.

No amount of time can wipe away that HOT memory.

Dave gets home tomorrow night. And, I have a surprise for him. It's a new HOT. I like to call it Utah, late June, AC has gone out HOT.

It's awesome.

Hurry home Dave. You're not going to want to miss this.

(Apparently we were 12 when we had kids?)

Dave's Surprise

2010-06-15T19:35:00.013-06:00

(Goggles and babies, does life get better?)

A month? Really? It's been a month since I last posted anything. Seriously hate when that happens.

It was about a month ago that our neighbor lost her fight with leukemia. It brought up a lot of emotions in all of us. Especially Dave.

On our way home from the funeral (just Dave and I attended) he pulled into the kids school. He told me to check the kids out for the day. I figured he was wanting to be together, you know, one of those mushy, sick, we are together forever moments.

He promised a surprise, so I obliged.

Once we were all gathered he threw out the word "McDonalds" and the cheering began. Side note: Aren't chicken nuggets yummy?

We flew down the hill and found a comfy booth where we could dip ourselves in ranch dressing.

Thinking that McDonalds and a school-free afternoon were the surprise, I was unprepared, and nearly choked on my nugget, when he threw the words "Disneyland," "Las Vegas," "leaving next week," and "9 days" into the air.

So there it was. I packed. He drove. We did.

Highlights/Low lights of the trip:

No one threw up.
Lost 2 pairs of Trents shoes
Owe my soul to Redbox for making the ride bearable.
Was spoiled by sis/bro-in-law (she fed us more nuggets AND she has a pool).
Got to enjoy Monte Carlo pools. (Except Trent. He insisted on screaming because . . . actually, don't know WHY!)
Hoover Dam in 110 degree weather with 4 kids is not to be missed. (Plus the kids learned hands-on what heat exhaustion is!)
Stayed at Disneyland from open to close.
Ate approximately 28 Disney Chocolate Chip cookies myself.
Gathered some fantastic seashells which we conveniently left behind.
Hit up a Trader Joe's for some cute red beach totes.
Fell in love with America's Got Talent.
Trent sleeping in the stroller.
For Dave: THE BINKY THROW.
Smuggling McDonalds fries into Disneyland.
My first ride on Star tours.
The sliding Ferris Wheel at California Adventure. Four words: SO SICK. NEVER AGAIN.
Trents skippity skippity run.
Thinking of my Dad in Pirates. No one sings YO HO, YO HO quite like him.
Abby being pulled into the Disney parade to dance.
Staying up late watching You-Tube videos. Jim Gaffigan never gets old.
Trent throwing up his arms and squealing "whee!" at every roller coaster.

Good surprise Dave. Good surprise :)

"I felt like running . . ."- Forrest Gump

2010-05-17T21:56:00.011-06:00

This past weekend held so many things. Life especially.

On Saturday I did the run I had trained so hard for all winter, until, my knee begged me for a rest. After nearly a two month sabbatical from running, the Ogden 1/2 Marathon (that I had so eagerly signed up for)was considered a joke around here.

Dave was iffy about me doing it. I was a bit iffy too.

Except, I knew that inside I had hidden away a sliver of hope. Forrest Gump was stomping around in my soul. My knee is now better (thanks to some miracle IT band stretches) and running is again an option.

My ride arrived on Friday night and we laughed all the way to Ogden about me being the last one to finish, or, walking the entire course.

After picking up our race-bibs and gorging some Cafe Rio, we drug ourselves to bed at 11:00. At 4:40 A.M. we were up again.

We arrived at the start line at 6:40. It was thronged with runners of all types. Flags with how fast you would run were spaced along the street. Myself and Tayna (who I came up with) moved ourselves to the back of the pack, not wanting to be trampled.

The race started and we looked at each other. With a slap on the back, and a good luck wished, it was now every man for himself.

Slow and steady was my goal. Walk when I got tired.

13.1 miles later, with only 3 short Gatorade walking breaks through stations, I could see the finish line.

My knees were begging for mercy.

The last few blocks I was moving like a slug going uphill. It. Was. Hard.

People began to line the street, people were cheering, music was playing, an announcer was throwing out people's times and names.

No other runners were around me. It was me against me to make the final few blocks on display.

In the past couple of hours I had had time to let my mind play over a thousand topics. The only thing left for me to think about during the long, lonely, final stretch was my desperation to see Dave and the kids. I needed to see them.

My eyes searched from one side to the other. Finally, I heard the whistle. Dave's whistle.

My sluggy legs carried my slow paced run towards them, and with a breath of fresh hope I sprinted to the finish.

No one was more shocked than me.

I did it.

2:24:59

Big big weekend . . .

2010-05-14T13:48:00.007-06:00

(Who knew pics of us together were so hard to find!)

Big, big, weekend for my mom and I.

We are both doing things we never imagined.

Hers is a 3 hour drive away and has taken 56 years to prepare for.

Mine is 13.1 miles long and is 50 minutes away in Ogden.

Boundaries, both physical and emotional are going to be tested.

Mom, this weekend is ours.

Adventure Seeker

2010-05-11T17:56:00.003-06:00

"Adventure" day 2 is officially being put to bed right now.

It's odd, good, different, fun, and scary. All wrapped together.

No, Jamie, it's not what you think. Noooooooooo way is it that. Nope. Uh uh. DONE.

Dave is home full-time now. He is making a go of Stevenson Software. So all day he is around. All day.

The decision to jump the career ship has been waddling around in his mind for years now. His notice was handed in 2 weeks ago, and the ticker began.

So now I am a full-time Mommy and he is self-employed. Neither of our names are floating around on a payroll, anywhere.

A person with more courage would be hard to find.

I married him because of that courage.

A quote copied (thanks mom!) from Facebook sums it up:

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."

Don't know why I thought of this video, but I did. This is Dave convincing me to jump a 100 ft. cliff. Maybe it was 150 ft? If you watch carefully you may notice someone fearing death and the other smirking.

Pushing me beyond myself is something he is good at.

Jane Austen Persuasion

2010-05-09T20:10:00.010-06:00

Just finished Jane Austen's book 'Persuasion.' I do believe I am hopelessly in love with it. A large part of it takes place in Bath, England.

Although we were just there a second ago (seems like it anyways), I had to google map it and take a walking tour of the town.

Ohhh, to have just one more evening to stroll the streets . . .

To walk the town, copy this into google maps: The Circus, Bath, United Kingdom.

2010-05-05T14:42:00.001-06:00

Thanks for sending this my way Emily!

Adventure

2010-05-01T16:21:00.010-06:00

(Dave on his mission 'adventure' in Brazil '96)
A long time ago I tried to impress a boy.

When he mentioned Vegas, I said 'let's go!' When he mentioned camping, I said 'can't wait!' When he pointed to the Stratosphere in Vegas, I said 'you bet!'

Truly, i'm not a camper, gambler, or good with high heights.

Then, he mentioned Six Flags. A roller coaster park. My response was . . . 'heck ya!'

Really, they make me kind of sick.

Too late, he already had us in the parking lot. My gift of feigning excitement sometimes gets out of hand.

That boy is at it again. I feel like i'm in the 8-point harness with my eyes shut and feet dangling.

He promises the next ride we are starting will be okay.

And, he swears he will even hold my hand when I get nauseous in the middle.

Experiences don't come easy. And every experience that he has pulled me into I wouldn't trade. For ANYTHING.

WE are going on an adventure. This adventure stuff is what a life is made of, right?

London day 9-April 14

2010-04-22T20:25:00.006-06:00

We woke up this morning nearly packed.

It was Chris who left first for work. He called up our stairway (we were on the 3rd floor) to say goodbye. I came down and got teary. In his heavy British accent he bid me a farewell. Although i'm sure it's not proper, I hugged him. Thanking him a million times for all the time and hospitality he gave us would never be enough.

Next came Cecelia. Oh my, it was even worse. She cried too. Just writing that made the 'cry tingle' come to my nose.

They are addictive, charming, hiliarious, exceptionally mannered people. Why must they live so far away?!

Once we were all packed up, we ate our morning cheese and bread in the kitchen. Cecelia had left the radio on so we would hear if there were any Tube delays. So there we were. We had just had the most fabulous holiday (vacation) together and were headed home.

So, we slow danced and soaked up the last minutes of our trip.

Sometimes I really like that guy I married.

After a chilly walk around the block the time had come for us to pull our suitcases on the bus/Tube to Heathrow airport.

At the bus stop we chatted with the Babushka woman whom we had met earlier in the week. I will miss her too.

Once at the airport and through security we walked through all the shops and I picked up a book. The Tudor Wives. It's about King Henry VIII. I read it nearly 3/4 of the way through by the time we got home. I don't recommend it.

Our first flight was the long one. 9 hours.

I was seated in the middle row in the middle. Fine. I am good with that. Except, my seat neighbor (not Dave) met me by throwing his jacket on me. Really. I kind of had in inkling that I wasn't going to be too fond of him then.

As the first round of drinks were handed out, maybe 15 minutes into the flight, my neighbor ordered some red wine. Once again, fine, whatever. Except, I hadn't realized I would be wearing it soon.

Yes. On his first sip it went flying onto my right leg, blanket, and pillow. My underwear was now mushy.

Being that I had just recently finished reading a book called "Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the box" I tried (desperately) to be cool. I laughed (a somewhat fake laugh, but a laugh none the less). He was oh so sorry and tried to mop me up.

With the thought of 8 1/2 more hours of sitting with mushy undies, no pillow or blanket, I wanted to tell him to take a hike.

Eventually my pants dried, although, my pillow and blanket smelled so bad they were unusable. It was at about the 7 hour mark that I had finally had it and excused myself. Dave asked where I was going and all I could say was "GIVE ME MY BOOK!" I found another seat and had a peaceful remainder of the flight.

We landed in Minneapolis at what I believe was midnight time in London. We were exhausted, but knew we couldn't let ourselves fall asleep. So with our zombie eyes we killed our 3 hour layover by making it to the Mall of America.

Cinnabon was anxious to welcome us back to America, and, I was ready to be welcomed.
(Two tired people at the Mall of America)

Our last flight was on a much smaller plane. I have never had a more uncomfortable and cold plane ride in my life. The lights were on, our seats didn't recline, I was freezing, and to top it off my only chance for heat was to wrap myself, including my head, in my extremely bad smelling blanket from the wine incident. The smell made me sick to my stomach. Sleeping was hit and miss due to the dreadful conditions.

Okay, I'm done complaining.

Finally. We could see Salt Lake. SO. CLOSE. TO. HOME.
(Our final self portrait at the SLC parking lot)

I have no idea what we talked about on our car ride home or even if we did. We were both drunk with exhaustion.

I do remember crawling into bed and thinking that it had never felt better.

There is no place like home.

London Day 8-April 13th

2010-04-13T16:17:00.008-06:00

(Dave's old home in Finchley)
Once we had choked down our bread and cheese we headed to another of Dave's childhood homes. This time, it was the North Finchley home. Once in the general area we decided to split up. Dave headed to his neighborhood and I dove into an old English/Jewish cemetery that was enormous.

When we met up again we hopped the Tube to the area where Chris works, near St. Paul's. We were early so we walked around. We happened upon a street that was lined with tent after tent of food merchants. Every type of food was available and smelled divine. It was painful to not to stop for a bite, but, being that we were meeting Chris for lunch knew better than to cheat.

We met Chris at his Lloyd's of London office and followed him to a restaurant called The Pod. It's an all natural type of place. If anything can be recycled, they do it. The chairs, the table, the silverware, the cups, the paint . . . all natural or recycled.

After our lunch we made our way to St. Paul's Cathedral. Inside we did another audio tour and led ourselves around. After the tour we headed up the steps to the top of the dome to the whispering gallery, the height of this gallery was almost frightening. We then finished by hiking the stairs to the top. Once outside at the top we took in the view of London going on, and on, and on, in all directions.
(View from the top of St. Paul's)
It was at this point that Dave bid his farewell's for this trip to London. I had said my goodbye prayer while lighting my 30 pence candle in the entry way to the cathedral, so I was free to just enjoy.

Back on the ground again we visited the crypt where Florence Nightingale, and mmmm, I can't remember right now, some other important people are buried (sorry, it's midnight and I'm tired!). We stopped at the cafe by the crypt and enjoyed a scone with clotted cream and jam.
(Climbing down the twisty stairs of St. Paul's)
We started our morning with the mantra of 'no dilly dallying!' Apparently I have issues with this?
Once outside, we walked around the area and into a few tourist shops, an H & M, and a John Lewis.

With our packages in hand we rode the Tube home to Southgate. We picked up some Kabob's and took the last bus home.

We are now in bed after a bit of packing and will be ready to drag our suitcases to Heathrow in the morning.

Good night London.

London Day 7-April 12th

2010-04-12T15:53:00.014-06:00

Today is Monday. I must remind myself. We are getting a bit confused trying to remember the day and date. It's all kind of running together at this point.

Being a tourist is hard work I tell you.

We again slept in this morning until about 7:30. I don't believe that we have gone to bed before midnight a single evening here. With so much we want to do it's hard to lay ourselves down.

We headed out around 10 to make our way to the Tower of London. I hadn't eaten so I quickly found the only thing available, a Cadbury Egg McFlurry. Heaven help me it was good.
(Traitors Gate, Tower of London)
The Tower of London was huge for me on my first visit to London. The time period and the executions that took place here fascinate me. This time around I was able to focus more on the other stories of intrigue (besides the beheadings that is). The two princes that "disappeared" under the care of their uncle while here, thus enabling him to become king, was a particularly good one.

(Tower Bridge in background)
After we spent several hours at the Tower we realized it was 3:30 and we were famished. A McFlurry wasn't meant to be an all day meal. We walked across Tower Bridge and found a little sandwhich shop. Panini has never tasted so good! And, the shop warmed up our chilled noses and fingers.

Next was the London Dungeon. For 10 years now I have wanted to go there. In my head it was a dungeon with live actors (?). Nope. It's not. It was like a really good haunted house that took you back to the 1800's and the frightening conditions of life in London. It was interesting, but, ahem, not at all what I had expected. Dave had known it was a spook house, but didn't realize that I had higher hopes.

My memory of the real dungeon at Warwick Castle with have to suffice until we return again someday.

We topped off our day by walking around Big Ben, Parliament, Downing Street (where the Prime Minister lives), and Buckingham Palace.
(Classic Parliament Pose)

With our legs aching we hiked to a Tube stop and got on for the long ride back to Southgate. We stopped at a fish'n chip place that had been recommended to us by Chris. We were the only customers so Dave chatted up the man behind the counter. He had a very strong Turkish/English accent and was interesting to listen to. Dave was very chatty with him about his family, the fish varieties, and where he was from. He really impressed me :)

We took our wrapped up fried fish and walked in the chilly air to Asda, a supermarket comparable to a small Walmart. We loaded up on candy gifts (including my precious Minstrels), Prawn chips, digestives, and some other goodies.

On the street we caught the bus and within a stop or two Cecelia happened to hop on the bus also. She was excited to see us and was anxious to eat the fish'n chips too.
(Dave's new buddy, the fish'n chip guy)

At the house we unwrapped the fish and divided it up between the four of us (Chris was already home). We sat around the kitchen and had some good laughs. Although we haven't left yet, I'm already missing Cecelia and Chris.

We are now in bed in our 3rd floor room. Dave is reading and I'm typing away.

One more day, then it's home to our sweet house.

London Day 6-April 11th

2010-04-11T16:00:00.010-06:00

Today started with a treat. Cecelia and Chris got up early and prepared us a 'traditional' English breakfast. Instead of the toast with cheese we have been eating every morning (another traditional breakfast?) we were spoiled with big sausages, beans, bacon rashers, over-easy eggs, and toast.

So. Amazingly. Good.

With bulging bellies Dave and I packed our toothbrushes and coin purses into our day bag. We hopped on the bus outside C's door and were on our way to the Tube station.

We got off the Tube at Covent Garden. Dave wanted to visit the Transportation Museum (about the Underground) and I wanted to mozy in the trinkets. We agreed to go our different ways. In the shopping area I picked up a couple of cute metal signs for our garage ('Be Strong & Carry On" & "Notting Hill Gate"), a pink and white flowery scarf . . which completely broke my ban on the trend, but, everyone here is wearing them and I caved, and some funky marzipan. Calling it funky isn't fair. It's just different than American.

Different is an important word. I got into a tizzy about the word different at dinner. That paragraph can wait for now.

While mingling with the trinkets I made my way to a sunny spot on the street stones where I could sit. There I ate my marzipan while listening to some street performers and soaking up a bit of sunshine. It was one of the moments that are perfect. Absolutely perfect. I found myself smeared with feeling of deep gratitude towards a lot of people. It was overwhelming to the point of near tears.

I pulled myself off of my pavement seat when I spotted a Palm Reader. Oh my, I had always wanted a reading. I know that it's a lot of hocus-pocus, but, heavens, I just had to do it once. The reader informed me (once she had me seated properly, because, apparently I don't know how to sit properly?) that I will have a long life, 3 kids will be in my future, and someone with the initial J is in my love line. When I mentioned my grandma's name was June, she assured me that she indeed was the J person, that "your grandmother loved you very much." And, also that I would have to support myself financially all of my life. Yep, she lived up the the hocus-pocus I expected.

(National Portrait Gallery in background)
When I met up with Dave again we hopped the Tube to the National Portrait Gallery. Expecting the best I was not disappointed. In fact, I was over the top pleased. We got our headsets and maps and again split up. I hit nearly all the rooms in the museum and was sure to see the major works of art that were highlighted. In some of the rooms I was able to fully have the art to myself. The self portrait of Rembrandt was inspiring. I thought of all the books and replicas that are in the world, and how much has been debated about this picture. And here I was, alone with this awe inspiring, deep picture of this man. Just him and me alone. Yes, I had another of those 'i'm so stinkin' grateful moments.' Of the art I decided that Raphael's crisp style is my favorite along with Van Eyck. Later Dave and I compared our insights, goodness we just felt artsy educated after our little jaunt.
(My new BFF Rembrandt)

In all the art work of Christ's crucifixion (where there are tons of) none of them show the nails in the wrists? Kind of odd. Dave assured me it was a Mormon thing . . . I will have to do some reading when I get home.

(Trafalgar Square)
In the front of the Museum is Trafalgar square. Dave remembers this place as another of his childhood skating places. We snapped a few pictures of ourselves (even one to send into Spokane magazine) and climbed up around the Lions. We realized that to try and climb onto a lion was too big of a feat for us. I remember trying it when I first came at age 21 and being scared of the slipping off possibility. Trying it now I wasn't so afraid of slipping off as I was slipping and breaking a leg. Mommy's can't break their legs, especially in another country.

Next we walked to Hamley's to fulfill Dave's childhood memory of going there with his Dad. The store was much bigger than I had even imagined. It reminded me of an FAO Schwartz. Dave walked every floor touching every little thing and I found myself a big kinda-stale Chocolate Chip cookie to eat. We were both happy.
(Hamley's)

After Hamley's we did the ever popular search for a Pub. We found ourselves an out-of-the-way above the shops one. It was dimly lit with dark wall paper, dark wood, and deep jazzy type music. This is where the conversation about different vs. funky came to be. Culinary manners are different here and mine were pointed out as being American. Dave has a mixture of English and American. Needless to say, a hint of contention flew about us.

After dinner we made our way to Tower Hill where we joined in a Jack the Ripper Walk. It had been one of my major to-do's. Although I'm glad we did it, I didn't really learn anything new. The general areas of where the women were picked up and dumped were pointed out . . . but, being that we were freezing cold, shivering from the wind chill, and toting a 30? pound bag of books it wasn't the best scenario for learning.

We were quick to finish the tour and pour our aching selves into the warm seats on the Tube. We made it home in time for Dave to watch some golf with Cecelia and for me to type this up and start some laundry.

Alas, another day gone too quickly.

London Day 5-April 10th

2010-04-10T17:57:00.007-06:00

The plan was to wake up early today and beat the crowds to Portobello Market in Notting Hill.

Funny. Neither Dave nor myself even heard the alarm. We woke up at 8:30 which was the time we had chosen to be arriving at the market.

Since we were so late Cecelia and Chris decided to join us. We were happy to finally get some real time with them!
(Dave sampling some of the goods)

Notting Hill is even more than I had imagined. The homes were exceptionally tall, beautifully painted, and very, very stately English.

The market was thronged in people with bodies packed in shoulder to shoulder. Several signs warned of thieves and pickpockets and it was clear how easy it would be to not even notice someone poking in our pockets. The shop stands had antiques, nick-nacks, jewelry, clothing, swords, gas masks, dried out tarantulas . . . and whatever else you can imagine! We bought some little trinkets for the kids, including a Bobby hat for Trent. I scored some cute red earrings and Dave downed some coconut shrimp, prawns, and bread pudding.

For lunch we found our way out of the crowds and into a Turkish kabob shop. I munched on some lamb and chicken Turkish kabobs while watching Turkish TV, with Turkish men flying around us, all while chatting with English folk (Cecelia and Chris-originally from Jamaica) and watching every nationality walking by outside. Being in the middle of that little culture tornado was thrilling.

We finished up and bid a goodbye to Cecelia and Chris. They were anxious to make their bets on the National Lottery (Horse Race) and get some to do their Saturday chores.

Dave and I made our way to the British Museum where, to our dismay, we discovered we only had a bit over an hour to closing. I hit the good stuff as quick as I could, and skipped all the riff-raff history stuff. You know, that museum quality riff-raff.

I found some great stuff but missed one important item. The Rosetta Stone. Oops.

After the museum we were debating where to go when Dave spotted a discount ticket stand. He hopped in line and we soon had hot tickets to Wicked that was starting in 30 minutes.

We hopped on the tube, found the theatre, and were soon seated in some floor seats.

What we had forgotten was our exhaustion. Within the first 10 minutes we realized that we both had the head nods. A lot of nods, it was so sad! We both munched on gummy wines (not that good) to keep awake. At intermission Dave surprised me with ice-cream.

The show was good, the actors great, and the scenes over-the-top. And yet, we both agreed that Oliver was a better show hands down.

We made the long ride home and crashed our heads into our pillows. It's amazing how good one sleeps when thoroughly worn out.

London Day 4-April 9th

2010-04-09T16:08:00.014-06:00

We were to wake up early today to catch a train to Bath. Neither Dave or I heard the alarm. We hurried about getting ready, not wanting to be the ones that everyone (Cecelia, Marilyn, Angie, and Melissa) had to wait for.

By some miracle, they didn't have to wait too terribly long for us.

We hopped the Tube to the train station (Paddington I think) and located the train ticket office. Before long we had loaded up on sandwiches and treats and found our seats for the 1 1/2 hour ride.

We looked out the window at the rolling city, countryside, and small towns. Laughing seemed to be in style with our group, so we did a bit of that too.

Did I mention that it was Dave's b-day? It was.

Once in Bath we found a potty (with an open window by the throne-to watch other passer-byer's?) and bought a city tour bus ticket.

Of course we sat on the top floor of the bus without a roof. The architecture was pointed out, where Beau Nash lived (google him), and the home of Jane Austin, to name a few.
(Dave & C on the top of Bath Abbey)

Once officially bus-toured up we decided to explore Bath Abbey in the middle of town. A tour was soon starting so we joined right in and found ourselves climbing a tiny twisting stairway to the Bell tower with two Bell boys. They were over-the-top English, and over-the-top excited about their jobs as Bell boys. Inside the Bell tower Dave greeted us all with a hearty "ELLO." The perfection that his greeting was will never be forgotten by any of us there.

After the Abbey our group split up. Dave and I choose to tour the Roman Baths, which, may I say, those Romans are amazing, and, ahem, like to be nakey! A trip to Rome will definitely be on our 'someday' travel list.

Several hours later we met up again outside of Jane Austin's house. Angie was all excited because she had just finished reading all of Jane Austin's books.

By this time it was late afternoon so we needed to eat. Jamie Oliver has a restaurant there, and since it was Dave's birthday (and his choice), that is where we headed. The atmosphere was fun, hip, and perfect . . . but the food, and service, was a bit hit and miss. Probably a restaurant I wouldn't be quick to return to.
(My somewhat iffy salad)

We bid our farewells to everyone and just Dave and I were left alone for the evening. We roamed around the streets, peeked at all the shops, walked on the 'proposal trail' from the book Persuasion, and finally found ourselves a good place to people watch.

(Crescent Court)
Almost forgot, we learned a lot about Queen Victoria. She has some beautiful parks and monuments there, but for the most part she never saw them because she disliked the people of Bath. Saying she had fat ankles ruined the town for her.

By late evening we had walked ourselves out and people watched as much as we could.

(My 'senior picture' along the proposal trail)

We caught the train back to London, and for Dave's sake I will mention this (remember the fancy cheese we bought and telling me not to open it on the train . . .) Let's just say that fancy cheese smells rather bad and strong.

After the cheese incident I don't remember much as I must have passed out from exhaustion.

Another absolutely wonderful (and romantic) day of hand holding

Good night.

London Day 3- April 8th

2010-04-08T17:12:00.011-06:00

Best nights sleep ever. Didn't wake up even to roll.

We woke up ready to get moving. Cecelia's shower is new fancy one with a rain-like shower head. Apparently it's been awhile since I did the fancy thing and I whacked my head on their shower wall. I laughed myself silly over that.

My hair dryer has voltage settings so I brought it. Unfortunately I didn't realize that it wasn't an automatic change, so I hadn't switched the special knob to adjust to their different voltage. After a brief crazy dryer spell and a few sparks, it burnt out and refused to be revived.

Once another dryer had been located and I readied myself up, we were quickly out the door. We flew ourselves around town in a double decker bus, which, from our vantage point on the second floor, it appeared that we were running over everyone. Apparently it didn't, but it gave us a good chuckle.

Our first stop was at 1 The Drive, Dave's old home. We walked down Lovers Lane (which to his recollection was much longer). It lane had the most beautiful old wooden doors in the rock walls to every one's back yards. Dave remembered so many little details that had slipped his memory.

We stood outside his home, which has been made into a retirement home and he and his mom poured out their memories. They told of their skate ramp and all the noise they made on it that bothered all the neighbors. Even the police were called to check the noise levels on it at one point.

Next we found a Pub for lunch. Marilyn had fish and chips, I had mash and sausage, and Dave had Shephards pie. Asking for a water in the pub I felt foolish. Apparently water isn't the norm here. You have to be specific and ask for tap water or you end up paying for fancy bottled water. Even Cecelia doesn't drink tap water.

Once full we hopped a bus to ASL (The American School of London) where Dave attended 2nd-8th grade. Upon walking near the entrance a security guard came out to meet us and find out our business. He looked Ukrainian (?) with his air of toughness and wasn't there to fool around. We explained ourselves and he let us enter. We were issued visitor passes and given a tour.

Dave remembered much more than I had expected. Where his classes were, the playground, the snacks they sold, and dancing with Nell (Dave had quite the crush). Our tour guide was named Erin, and she wants us to send her some info on Dave's apps to feature him in the Alumni magazine. Dave won't do it, but I will.

Just down the road a bit is the famous Abbey Road and Studios where the Beatles recorded. Although I have a picture from my first time visiting I wanted another. Dave and Marilyn obliged and Marilyn snapped a few of Dave and I crossing over the famous street.

On our return trip through downtown we searched Kings Cross station and found the famous Harry Potter platform, 9 & 3/4. It seemed a popular place as we weren't the only tourists taking a picture of it.

By now it was mid-afternoon. Exhaustion/ jet lag was beginning to creep in, and it was not happy with us. While walking around Covent Garden I hit the wall. Out of nowhere I got teary. For NO REASON. Oh my embarrassing. Marilyn and I took a break because her legs were aching. A snack and a good street performer later we were good to go.

We had meant to make it home to clean up before our evening but had miscalculated out time. Staying in Covent Garden was our best option. We met met Cecelia and Chris for dinner, and after shoveling through some thick crowds we found a place. We were seated in a small windowless room that was already packed with people. We were so happy to find a place that we didn't dare complain, even though to get into our seats we had to physically move the table around to squish by the other seated guests.

After dinner we met Melissa and Angie and headed to the theatre for Oliver. In the theatres here you are allowed to eat (which is amazing considering the absolute fanciness of them). So we all bought snacks and found our seats. We were seated on the main floor maybe 15 or so rows back. Fairly great seats if you ask me.

Within the first 15 minutes the jet lag again struck Dave and I. Our heads were bobbing with drowsiness. Until intermission I had to space out eating Minstrels to keep my head still. At intermission Dave was ever the gentleman and bought us all ice-creams. The play was fantastic, and very, very, well done.

After the show (around 10ish, or 5 A.M. Utah time) we made our way home to Southgate. After exiting the tube there is a very short bus ride to get to Cecelia's. While everyone else waited Dave and I decided to walk it. Towards the end we saw the bus coming so we ran to beat everyone. It was a tie. Nonetheless, we had a good giggle doing it.

London Day 1 & 2 - April 5/6

2010-04-07T15:11:00.012-06:00

(Outside Cecelia & Chris's home in Southgate)

Today and yesterday count as one day. The time changes and time lost mean that I am a bit messed up.

Grandma & grandpa arrived On Monday evening after a long day of travel that included a canceled flight and a 5 hour layover. And yet, they were completely chipper. We had a few minutes to chat with them before it was bedtime . . . which reminds me, we had them sleep in the basement in the girls room. In separate little pink twin beds . That picture was priceless.

In the morning Dave and I were up and in the car by 7:45 to catch our 9:45 flight. The hardest part about leaving was Trent. He knew we were going somewhere, well, he knew as much as a 2 year old can, and had physically adhered his body to me. We hugged everyone and I handed over a sobbing little 2 year old. I was informed that all the kids actually cried on our leaving.

Dave and I both exchanged our thoughts in the car. It was exciting to be going somewhere together, and yet, neither of us could wait to be back home.

Our first flight was 3 hours to Atlanta. I had just finished the book Hunger Games the previous night, so I had brought along the second in the series, Catching fire. I read the entire flight. We arrived to an airport that was fighting the 84 degree temperature outside. The sun shining through the glass panes begged me to soak in it. Instead, Dave diverted my attention away and led me to some southern chicken and Dunkin doughnuts. That boy knows me well.

After our 2 hour layover we boarded the plane to London at 5:15P.M.. The next stop would be at 7:30 A.M. in Gatwick. On this flight (which was about 8 1/2 hours long) the plan was to take some Ambien, sleep the entire time, and avoid the jet lag. I took the Ambien and didn't get sleepy. Not sleepy AT ALL. Instead I read straight through and finished all 391 pages in Catching Fire. We landed at what would be 12:30 A.M. Utah time.

It was rush hour and everyone was headed to work. Everyone as in ALL OF LONDON. Our suitcases on the Tube didn't win us any friends. One train ride quickly followed by a busy Tube jaunt, we soon found ourselves in Southgate, our home for this next week. We called a cab because pulling our luggage another minute would kill us. We soon found our way to Cecelia and Chris's doorstep.

Cecelia opened her front door and welcomed us with her fuzzy brown robe and glorious smile. I must say, she was worth the 18+ hours of travel.

Within 20 minutes of arriving we laid down and passed out. After several hours of what was quite possibly the best nap of our lives we woke up and Cecelia drug our sorry selves in her mini-car to Sainsbury's, the local supermarket. We loaded up on Minstrels, Nutella, and some fancy bread.

Once home again we all, including Melissa and Marilyn, (Melissa and Marilyn arrived shortly after we awoke from our naps from their trip to the Ukraine) sat around the kitchen while Cecelia prepared dinner. While the chicken was cooking we watched some Cricket and a cooking show that had Cecelia in stitches. Cecelia did impressions of all the stars and does a smashing good imitation of people from India. We still had some time to kill and the jet lag was starting to take effect so Dave and I decided to take a stroll through a local park. The crisp moist air woke us up and promised to give us the much needed boost we needed.

Dinner was chicken, veggies, bread and potatoes. Chris, Cecelia's husband, made it home just as we were sitting down to eat. After dinner we cleared the plates and I found myself alone at the sink, staring out the back window into their English garden with my hands full of soapy water. Perhaps it was a bit of the jet lag, but the entire moment felt surreal. I was in England, in an English home, staring out the back window into an English garden, listening to the joyous laughter of English friends . . . I wanted to just freeze the moment to keep forever.

Finally, after flying through 5 countries that day and having several hang-ups Angie arrived. We were now complete for our adventure to begin.
(Cecelia and I choosing our morning fancy breakfast cheese)

Fibber Faddle

2010-03-25T12:31:00.012-06:00

(Abby working her magic)

It's honesty time.

I don't know what i'm doing. A lot.

This stay-at-home-mom thing is nuts.

Absolutely, full of nuts.

My life plan omitted this period.

Do I have a point? Am I making any difference?

And then, a pause happens.

Abby just gave me pause, 20 minutes ago to be exact.

We were at an impasse as to who had cut up her shirt in class today.

For sure it wasn't her.

It was blamed on all the other shirt cutters in her class.

With big eyes her innocence was proclaimed. 10 times.

Holding her in my arms, swearing an oath of ever-lasting love, and a promise of joy, if, if she was the shirt cutter, because, you know I love those shirt cutters, she crumbled.

Yes, crumbled. Her little body heaved with the sorrow of having cut up her shirt and fibbing about it.

She held onto me with vigor, sobbing tears into my neck.

I rejoiced! Hallelujah for shirt cutters! I was so proud of her! She graced me with a smile.

I promised her a million more shirts.

She promised no more cutting, and, no more fibbing.

Today, I knew my point.

Still time

2010-03-23T12:48:00.010-06:00

For the last week and a half I have been still. Still is fine. But fine isn't what i'm wanting now.

I'm supposed to be training. I have been training. I have fallen in love with that handsome hunk I oogle at, Mr. Training. He's a dreamy, hard to catch, sorta fella.

Mr. Training has been someone that I never intended to chase after, until now. This training (currently for the Ogden 1/2) has never, never-ever, ever been on my bucket list. Fun and Run have rarely ever mingled together in my mind.

Things changed last summer when I actually joined the 'running for fun' world and was included in some sporting events. Getting the t-shirt at the end, and not humiliating myself in the process, was to be my big payoff.

Somewhere in the middle of the events I realized that running is kinda fun. Not roller-coaster with ice-cream cone fun, but, being better than myself fun.

Dave has been my coach, telling me the what's-its-and-whose-its of how to improve my running. It has been too easy. Run, be sore, rest, repeat.

Until that run in Provo nearly 2 weeks ago.

Within hours of finishing something had changed. I was 'normal-sore,' plus something extra. Running even 5 feet wasn't an option without tremendous pain in my left knee. I'm used to running pains and how long it takes them to fade.

This hasn't faded. And, I haven't run since.

Perhaps I wasn't thankful enough? Perhaps I was taking my health for granted? Perhaps it's just a test of patience?

Heavenly Father gives and he takes.

And, even though this isn't fun, and it's a big-bump in the road, i'm grateful for the reminder that I am being watched over and dealt challenges . Even if I don't like the way that was chosen.

As my mom would say, "this too shall pass."

I know it will too, right?

Gifts

2010-03-14T12:58:00.011-06:00

Gifts are on my mind.

This weekend I was given gifts. Many, many gifts. None were deserved, but, nonetheless were given.

On Friday I was let off my Mommy leash and ushered, pushed(?), shoved(?), to the Pioneer Museum in Salt Lake by Dave. By myself I strolled. Just me, my thoughts, and a pocket full of honey taffy wandered for 4 hours. I have wanted this gift for years.

That museum has built itself a home in my heart. Every time I visit Salt Lake it seems to call to me from its perch on the hill. The pictures it contains of people from the past, the ones who dreamed not of their future, but mine, speak to me.

Taking the time to give each display and picture the time it deserved, and I wanted, filled my soul. Gratitude is a humbling thing.

And, I bought a pioneer bonnet. It will make its smashing debut on Pioneer Day.

Early Saturday morning Dave drove me, our freezing cold kids, and his Dad to Provo to be my cheering squad while I raced. He also brought along his lungs and cow-bells to make sure I was adequately blushing at each point I saw them along the trail. My cheeks, and his lungs, did not disappoint.

Not once was it brought up that while I was occupied Friday & Saturday, that Dave had to pick up doing all my 'Mommy' responsibilities. He accepted them, and took care of everyone and everything happily. He deserved the cow-bells for standing in the cold for an hour with 4 tired, cold, and hungry kids.

This weekend was a tremendous gift.

My heart is full. Thanks Dave.

Frozen Feeties

2010-03-10T21:08:00.013-07:00

(picture has nothing to do with post, it just struck my fancy today)

Found out this afternoon that I am running a 10k this Saturday.

Dave signed me up and volunteered to cheer me on.

Can someone just do that?

Who does that?

Maybe that's why I like him. He is a surprise-signer-upper.

It's the Rex Lee Run for a Cure 10k in Provo.

Those Provonions are crazy folks.

Especially the BYU ones.

Cold Provo BYU runners. Oh my.

Did I mention that it will be cold?

Weather is forecast to be rainy/snowy with a high of 44 for the day.

That cheering had better be good.

Cocoa Date

2010-02-26T17:09:00.010-07:00

Old men filled my morning.

A lot of old men.

16 to be exact.

Since moving to Highland, almost 6 1/2 years ago, a tiny cafe has called to me. I drive by it several mornings a week in the sticky darkness of 5-something a.m. Every time, every time, it winks its lights at me. It was lusting for me as much as I was lusting for it.

Today, I finally caved. At 5:58 a.m. Alex and I drove our bed headed selves to Tangies in American Fork. A hot-date indeed.

We entered, Alex shyly, and me smiling a bit too big for the hour. All the heads in the joint turned. The smell was old coffee cups, old men, and aftershave from 25 years ago. If it were available for purchase I would be smothered in it right now.

Alex and I sat in a corner booth and drank our .84 cent hot-cocoa's and ate our $3.50 french toast platters. We giggled at the oldies talking about getting themselves on the Intern-net and the older waitress who was obviously a flirt with all the grey-hairs in the place.

It felt like home. Maybe a ranch in Montana? Maybe like trying to grasp an uncatchable memory?

Tangies and I, yeah, we're going to have a thing.

Two years and counting

2010-02-23T14:22:00.019-07:00

Dear Trenter,

You were born on a cold February day in 2008. Getting you to term was hard. At times I wondered if I could do it. Many tears were shed while you grew. You were the joy at the end of a hard tunnel.
(Trent, 2 weeks old)

After many grueling hours of pain, you finally graced this world as a 10 pound healthy baby boy. We counted our blessings. YOU completed our family.

(Trent, February 2009)
By age 1 you were asserting yourself and making demands on us. When you insisted that we tag along with Grandma and Grandpa to Hawaii so you could sun-bathe nude on your birthday, we couldn't help but oblige you.

Getting to forever hold the memory of your cute nakie-bum was worth the airfare.

By August of 2009 you were 1 1/2. The morning Abby started kindergarten and officially started her public school career we were left alone together. Just us. As I wept mourning her absence I followed you around with the camera finding solace in you. The beauty of your spilled fruit loops overwhelmed me with the joy of getting to be your mommy.

(Trent February 2010)
Now you are 2 and have earned the title of our Terrible Trentrum (believe me, you have earned that word) throwing Trenter. You are climbing, saying little words, bobbling your little head, chasing, chewing, and giving all your 'loves' to us.

We love you Trenter. Now, and always.

love,

mommy

Terrible Two Trenter

2010-02-19T21:27:00.004-07:00

This little man turned 2 today.

My fingers are too sore from squeezing his little cheeks to type tonight.

Soon little man, soon.

p.s. guess who is feeling famous here today besides Trent? My name, on a big site . ... silly, silly girl.

Thanks Melissa

2010-02-18T10:12:00.002-07:00

“More than ever before we need women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity, as the Relief Society declaration proclaims. We need women who can hear and who will respond to the voice of the Lord, women who at all costs will defend and protect the family. We don’t need women who want to be like men, sound like men, dress like men, drive like some men, or act like men. We do need women who rejoice in their womanhood and have a spiritual confirmation of their identity, their value, and their eternal destiny. Above all, we need women who will stand up for truth and righteousness and decry evil at every turn and simply say, “Lord, here am I, send me.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard

Doozey Storm

2010-02-14T15:46:00.014-07:00

(Trenter at Alex's championship football game, November 2009)

What a mess.

This blog is scatter-brained chaos.

Just like life.

My scatter-brained chaos.

This chaos is to the point of laughter.

Laughable. All day long.

Can I blame someone? It's not me, pinky swear.

My YES compulsion is the one to blame. It has been naughty. Very, very, naughty.

My NO's have been contacted and are coming out of the closet. They mean business.

My psychologist/husband has advised me to take the YES'S to the curb.

Consider it done.

2009-09-17T17:37:00.002-06:00

Dear Blog,

I haven't forgotten you, i'm just giving you the silent treatment. And, yes, that is a skill I have honed well.

Talk to you soon,

me

Crafty?

2009-08-18T08:41:00.004-06:00

Of all my talents crafting is not one of them.

In a previous life I thought it was something that could be learned. Wrong. During our newlywed days Dave discovered my disability. Taking his husbandly duty seriously, he let me know that the birdhouses I made were scaring the birds. Enough said.

Now, 10 years after my craft banning, I came across this site.

Maybe, just maybe, my glue gun will see the light of day again.

Dance Lessons

2009-08-10T13:21:00.012-06:00

I didn't plan on posting today, even though, there has been a thought sweating it out in my noggin for awhile now.

But, with the chaotic lunch, shattered glass bowl incident, and the baby tantrum full morning we endured here, a minute or two of typing will be a good breather.

Much better than folding the 5 piles of laundry that are gossiping behind my back right now.

For the past month I have fought the knowledge that has made a home for itself here. Pushing it back under the bed and into the closet has done nothing. It's not going anywhere. The fact is, on Aug. 19th Trent will officially be 18 months old.

Nursery age.

For each of our kids births nothing changed in our ward callings. Nothing needed to, I had a facade to keep up. Nothing could slow me down! Might have been the banner I was trying to fly.

With Trent's birth, I threw my banner away. Trent was to be my calling, and I was determined that nothing was going to interfere.

No teaching, no library, no committees, nothing. Releasing me from every church calling was the only option I would negotiate. Selfish, hiding my candle, not a team player. Yep! That's me!

This baby wasn't going to get part of me, or bits of me, or be passed around. He would get that enough being the 4th child at home. Sundays were to be ours. The 3 hour block being the most undivided attention that I had to give.

Although I have relented and accepted a few callings, only ones that did not interfere with our Sunday dates were taken.

Our 18 months of Sunday dates is nearly over. We have one date left, next Sunday. Although he will wiggle, be noisy, and make a mess and I will whisper little things about him being 'so naughty!' My arms are missing him already.

While walking the halls together next Sunday, I hope we will get one more of our 'hall slow dances' together, I'll put a request in for Popcorn Popping, his favorite.

Then, whether I like it or not, I'll set him down one last time as my baby, and let him run off into the little boyhood that he is entering. And, Trenty, i'll still be right behind you.

Saturday July 25th-Vacation Journal

2009-08-05T16:11:00.007-06:00

Some days are too painful, too disturbing, too, too much to remember, let alone write about.

A day in the car with Trent, a full 12 hours 38 minutes with Trent, made this ONE OF THOSE DAYS. (Hence the week and a half delay in its writing.)

Dave and I had drug the last suitcase out and strapped the last bike to our van early, yet, we mozied around, not wanting to get in.

Kind of like going to get some shots, you know?

We eventually stood up to the bully of a drive and loaded up the kids and our ourselves. We bid goodbye to our sacred vacation and wove frantically to Grandma and Grandpa who stood in the driveway teary. We were teary too, half for them, and half for us.

The day started off decently but leveled out around 12. That is when he started.

Trenty filled up our small square footage with whimpers, whines, and crying, with a few dry spells thrown in just to get our hopes up, until 10 at night when we got home.

By 6 we were all feeling it. The, 'I rather walk than be in here another minute', feeling. It was at this point that Dave requested that I go sit by him. I know that baby, and getting closer to him will do nothing but aggravate. I gave Dave the eye.

Something about how if he really loved me he wouldn't ask such things of me may have slipped out.

So I sat by him. Eventually, eventually, he tuckered out and slept for 7 minutes. 7 minutes!! A miracle! That baby slept, in a car! You hear me, IN A CAR!

We made it home safe around 10, and promptly threw Trenty into his crib. Little dude growled some baby smack at me and rolled over. I had plenty to say to him too, but, come on, like you can ever be mad at a (finally) sleeping baby.

After unloading a bit and getting the kids to bed I made a trip to Walmart. Ahhh, the welcome home that I needed. The empty restocked aisles at midnight gave me the quiet crispness that I needed after that long, long ride. Well, that, and a cart full of chocolate.

Home at last. (oh, and, we still love you Trenty!)

Friday July 24th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-31T07:16:00.003-06:00

This was it. Our last official day of 'vacation.'

Dave was itching to lay on the beach and not move. That is something that I could go with. He and the kids hit the beach early, securing a good spot, and the laying out vigil began.

Trenty and I kept watch at home until he woke up at 11:00. Such a sleepy, sleepy boy!

We rode our cruiser together into town and down to the beach. That ride will forever go down as one of the best rides of my life. The Sandpoint feeling pulsed through my bones.

At the beach we read our books while the kids swam and played in the sand. Grandma joined us eventually and showed us how a real vacationer does things. I still have a lot to learn from her, hopefully next summer I can practice some more?

We left around 5 p.m. because Grandma and Grandpa had a big dinner date, and, we still had to pack up our vacation home for leaving the next day.

By bedtime the place was full of luggage and piles of stuff. Stuff, lots and lots of it.

We bid goodnight with heavy hearts.

Thursday July 23rd-Vacation Journal

2009-07-31T06:53:00.003-06:00

Today was going to be a long one. A hot, wet, frizzy, fast, GREAT ONE.

Silverwood is now becoming something of a tradition. It boasts itself as the "Northwest's Largest Theme Park." And, it is. The ginormous water-slide park and roller-coaster park are nearly as good as bubblegum ice-cream on the beach. Nearly.

We all arrived at 11, dressed to impress with our swimmy suits on under our coaster riding clothes, our 13 bags of towels, extra diapers, dry clothes, and the kitchen sink. We looked like our own traveling circus.

We ran to 'our spot' by the kiddie splash pad only to find that other people had taken the last of the covered spots without asking us. As I stood there in the sun trying to find another spot a nice gal snuck over to me and said that (our) spot could be ours if we wanted it. They were having a party and weren't really needing it. Three cheers for looking desperate!

That little gal got a candy-candy treat from me later.

We did the water slide/wave pool/rafting tube rides until the late afternoon. After a slight family tiff, it happens, we all cleaned up and headed for the roller-coasters.

Grandma and Grandpa took over Trent, who, by the way, was refusing to nap because he just wanted to be grouchy, so Dave, me, and the kids could play.

We ran off without Trenty like kids getting out of school. Love you Trent! LOVE YOU EVEN MORE GRANDMA AND GRANDPA!

The kids were bribed to go on some of the big ones. Big ones that go upside down. UPSIDE DOWN! Over all they impressed us and Dave owes each of them about $20 for their braveness.

We ended the evening at closing time and rushed home to crash in our beds, although, we could have kept playing there all night.

Wednesday July 22nd-Vacation Journal

2009-07-22T22:55:00.006-06:00

Today was our 'rest from the sun day.'

It has been 2-years now since my Grandma passed on, and, being that her grave is about 5 hours from Spokane and 12+ from Utah, none of us are able to visit on a regular basis.

Today was the day. Dave, me, Grandma, and the kids all made the 3 hour drive to Kalispell, MT to visit the old ranch, and Grandma & Grandpa Kesler's graves.

The drive was long, being that, along with not being a boat baby, Trent is also not a car baby. No beating around the bush. It is our Trenter.

We started out by dragging main. Grandma pointed out all the shops and told us what they used to be, who had the best penny candy, and where the cute boys lived.

We filled up with some pizza and salads and tried to talk Trent into napping. He let us know that napping is for babies, not big 17-month olds like him. Some might accuse him of being cranky, but, surely not me.

Next we drove up to the old ranch and drove slowly by, looking from the nearest road, over the fields to where the house and buildings used to stand. A lot has changed, but, the magic of freedom and crunch of work, and everything inbetween still swarmed around us. The heat of it all brought tears to Grandma's eyes. There are homes and roads now over the hills that she roamed on her horses so we were able to explore a bit, even up to the apple orchards where we snagged a few for old time-sake.

We took a lot of pictures, but, they will wait for another post, another day.

We finished our Kalispell trip with a visit to the cemetery. We had brought flowers so we decorated the grave and talked about the memories we have and the people we miss.

And miss them we do.

Tuesday July 21st-Vacation Journal

2009-07-22T22:31:00.004-06:00

Let's see. Another day to report.

Dave and I are on a beach kick, so we opted to start the day laying out like buttered white popcorn on the beach. Have I mentioned our coloring issues? We kind of each have our own rainbow effects going on.

Bright side, we make everyone else on the beach less mortified by their own issues. Bless our souls, bless our souls.

Trent choose to finally explore in the sand and water instead of only being interested in eating the sunscreen and stepping on us. Course, now we really have to watch him, which, well, I think I may just give him back the sunscreen.
After several hours of reading, ice-cream eating (did I mention they have bubblegum ice cream here? BUBBLE GUM! How did they know?!), and swimming we packed up for home.

Lunch, naps, and boating were in order.

Everyone napped up the place while I tried desperately to not look like the possessed book reader that I am. Holy smokes, the book (did I already mention the title?) The Giant Joshua is FANTASTIC!! So, so, so good.

It is waiting for me now, so I will hurry.

We went tubing WITH grandpa and even got Sammy to try it by herself. Trent acted like his normal boating self. Yes, he screamed. The WHOLE time. Did I mention how much he likes the boat?

After the boating adventure we regrouped and split up. The boat-monster-baby and I were sent to Walmart to buy more binkies while everyone else went to a fancy Italian dinner. Binkies or food? Binks win.

The night ended too soon, course, not for me. My book and I had a late night date.

Monday July 20th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-22T22:22:00.003-06:00

Was going to write a biiiigggg long blog, but, this will do.

The person videoing on their phone is also the one driving, and, watching 4 kids. Glad he got it, but, HOLY HECK was he in trouble! First time in 10 years. 10 YEARS!

Sunday July 19th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-19T21:18:00.004-06:00

Notice the kids in the mismatched jammies and un-done hair. Yeah, their parents are on vacation.

Saturday July 18th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-19T13:31:00.003-06:00

For the second Saturday in a row we visited the Sandpoint Farmers Market. It was just Grandma, me, and the kids. Trenters was sleeping, so Dave opted to stay behind. Let me just say this, he missed out on some good tie-dyed shirts. Organic and everything.

At the market the kids piled onto a bike-taxi for a quick ride. While alone for the moment Grandma and I bought some healthy, nut-laced, sweetened with nature, fully organic, cookies. Mmmm, kinda crumbly critters. Perhaps a glob of butter would have helped?

After the market we returned home for a quick turn around. The heat was screaming for us to be on the beach.

We marked our territory with towels, our African themed sand toys, and an exceptionally white bodied baby wearing nothing but a swimmy diaper. Dave even tried tanning for a minute. I do believe he may have gone from florescent white to a slightly eggshell white. Yeah Dave!

By the evening we were ready to cool down. The heat had marched deeply into our bones.

The Shea's (my mom's business partner), had invited all of us, along with some clients (Hi!) to enjoy a bbq at their lake house, which, lucky for us, is 100 feet from where we are staying.

It was the most wonderful, un-organic, full of flavor (and bacon!), dinner that we were needing.

One more for the history books.

Friday July 17th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-18T16:55:00.006-06:00

Trying to type the title I just hit a wall. Today isn't Thursday? What? Isn't it the 14th? This no schedule thing has really messed me up.

Messed up is an island unto itself.

So, back to Friday.

Dave and Grandpa left early for some golfing adventure and Grandma hit the Sandpoint office for some work time. That left the kids and I to find our own fun.

We decided to visit a nearby bakery, because, I heard in a magazine that cookies and fritters were good for the skin. We pulled up our sleeves and ordered hard, our experience in this area proved invaluable.

The gals at the counter kept calling me 'sweetheart,' and 'doll,' which, I assume they call everyone, but today, it was special just to me. As I paid our slightly large bill, they took my money and one of them said, 'take care of yourself little mama.' For reasons swimming in my heart, those words gave me the boost that I was needing.

In the afternoon the kids swam with Grandma while I fiddled around the condo waiting for Trents nap to end. Free time like that can't be bought on the black market. I threw some of it at a book I am reading, the Giant Joshua, some at the computer, and a bit at the (entire) box of coconut popsicles in the freezer. Ahhhh, vacation!

Our last big activity was boating. Alex gained some much needed confidence on the tube and Abby finally quit clinging her life-jacketed body to us in the water and let herself drift alone. Trent didn't scream for dear life when in the water, and Sammy continued to fancy up her boat jumping skills.

So, so proud is their 'little mama.'

Thursday July 16th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-17T16:02:00.002-06:00

I woke up today with something in me. Something . . . busy.

At 6 I was dressed for running and revving up my ipod when Dave whispered through his pretend sleep something about being on vacation, like, you know, vacation. I went anyways.

After my first run in a week I came in the door, drank some water, and asked who was ready for swimming.

Again, Dave looked at me. He then mumbled something about the pool possibly having hours . . . bah humbug. That 'no swimming' before 8 a.m. thing doesn't really apply to us, we have keys!

So the kids wiped the sleep out of their eyes and Dave wiggled into his suit just to please me. At the pool Dave and I tried to swim laps (not that we can swim properly, but we tried). He, ahem, has signed us up for something at the end of August that I will need to swim for. After this swim session, it has been verified, that yes, we are going to drown.

With our new found depression over our lack of swimming skills we decided to sulk at the beach. Dave was a good parent who jumped in the water, built sand castles, and swam to a floating dock with the kids. Me, well, I held down the towels. Teamwork worked out for me today.

We slid home exhausted, ate lunch, and laid everyone down for naps.

Grandpa showed up and snagged Dave away from his sleeping position on the couch to be his golfing partner. Glad it was him going back into the sun and not me, I happily sent him on his way.

Upon their return from golf we split up. Dave, Grandpa, and the big kids went onto the boat while Trent and I searched the town for anything cute that we couldn't live without. It turned out that Trent was the only thing I couldn't live without because he is all I came home with.

We chowed ribs and corn on the lawn, jammied up the kids, and put them all to bed.

One more day vanished.

Wednesday July 15th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-16T13:56:00.005-06:00

This morning started out like a day at home. Walmart was a priority. Sammy Trent and I cruised the aisles picking up our few necessities, and, of course, a few un-necessities. Spell checker is going to go crazy with that one.

We returned to the condo hungry for fun. Dave produced the boat keys and that was that. We scrambled around finding life jackets, sunscreen, and the camera.

Last year I refused to get in the water. Spoil Sport would have been a good name to call. The water is . . . , say, a bit chilly. Chilly and I don't get along. One of my two goals for this trip was to jump in the water. Not baby step it like a sissy, but to JUMP. Once on the boat, in the situation, I was kind of glad I hadn't mentioned this goal out loud. Long story short, I did it.

Once the feeling comes back to your limbs it's really not that bad.

We tubed around, let all the kids drive, and all turned a bit pink. We like that pink. Pink is good.

The afternoon handed us the cherished nap time again. Dave snoozed in a recliner while I fell asleep in the sun. Yes, the sun. Now I know how that happens.

Once all were awake Dave took the big kids swimming while Trent and I searched out some Chinese food for dinner. Trent was a teensy tiny bit mad the whole time and let everyone know it. Such a charmer that boy!

We finished off the evening with a 2-hour bike ride to Dover Bay and back. We found that riding through the early evening shadows has a romantic feeling to it. The mosquitos must have also felt the romantic glow because they came out to dance with us, and dance they did!

Bed time was again upon us. And another day marked on the calender, done.

Tuesday July 14th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-15T23:29:00.008-06:00

(at the vacuuming goat in Spokane)

Today was to be a short day. Dave's conference was ending, so we were shooting to pick him up in the early afternoon to return to Sandpoint.

Grandpa took the opportunity to have some fresh golfing partners. Alex and Sammy were ripe for the challenge, so they packed up and hit a par-3. Abby looked at me with her eyes, the BIG, BLUE, DRIPPY WITH LOVE, ones. So, yeah, we ate breakfast at McDonalds. We followed it up with cruising through the T. J. Maxx that is nearby. We didn't buy a darn thing, but, at least we supported the economy by keeping people employed to clean up the store after us. Thinkers aren't we!

By the time we made it home Alex and Sammy were waiting for us. We packed up the car, tidied the trail of mess that seems to follow us (not to point fingers, but, it is totally TRENT. Little dude has some issues he needs to work through!), and were on our way to get Dave.

Dave threw his stuff in the van, and of course, took over the driving position. Our first stop was lunch at Dicks drive-in. A Spokane classic. Following that we dove right into Riverfront park. The vacuuming goat, the carousel, and Ferris-wheel, the whole shebang. It took awhile, but we finally concluded that we were sticky and sweaty enough to be done.

We reloaded, again, and got on the road to Sandpoint. We filled the evening with a bike ride through town and down to the beach. That banned bike carrier is the best banned thing I have ever bought! Hopefully it will come off of Dave's banned list soon?

Oh, and, just for memory sake. THIS was the bike ride with a bloody toe, a bloody nose, and a flat tire.

Still, a great ride.
(Sandpoint beach. Pic from Dave's phone . . . kinda small, huh!)

Monday July 13th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-15T23:08:00.005-06:00

Monday, Monday, Monday . . .

We stuck around Spokane today, lollygagging as best as we could. And, we are good lollygaggers I must say.

After Trents morning happy nappy we made our way downtown to Mobius, the kids discovery museum. Mobius people we are, or, people of Mobius are we? Oh my, i'm bugging myself here.

It isn't a huge place, but, hours and hours can be spent here. Alex took up the post of fish salesman, Sammy, a store clerk, selling . . . plastic fruit? And Abby, the friendly chap. Maybe I should be more politically correct and call her a 'greeter.' Trenter and I played the game of chase the monkey. And, no, I wasn't the monkey.

After several hours of playing we packed up and headed home. Little did we know, a surpirse of sorts was planning to visit us.

Since Dave was staying at the Davenport with some of his work croonies (for a PRIA conference) he was feeling . . . left out? He text me that they were coming for a visit. Suddenly I wished I hadn't made the hefty smelling brocolli and cheese soup. When they arrived we gave the grand tour, made the usual jokes about locking them up in the cement vault (it's not as scary as it sounds, really), and sent them on their way.

The evening was done, we shut the doors, and the kiddos went to bed happy. A good day indeed.

Sunday July 12th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-13T09:32:00.009-06:00

Drove to Spokane to spend the night. Our fancy evening that had been planned at the Davenport, my hope for months, got gooey with other people. Didn't happen, bummer.

Fortunately, with the falling out of the Davenport, an opportunity opened for me to visit my BEAUTIFUL friend Renee. Goodness she is wonderful. Even better than the fancy Davenport.

Thank goodness for fabulous people.

Saturday July 11th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-13T09:28:00.004-06:00

Heard a song today. Some country slow tune. The chorus was rang out about how we all are just a phone call away from our knees.

No phone call, just another chop. Enough.

No post today.

Friday July 10th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-11T08:01:00.004-06:00

This morning we tried out the bike seat carrier. SO FUN. We formed a 7 person long duckling chain with Grandpa leading the way. It was similar to following the Pied Piper, except, our Piper had a cruiser with a bell.

Our ride took us downtown to the cupcake shop. Oh my sweet heaven, a shop devoted to cupcakes! The kids opted for rocky-road cones while Trent choose the celestially glorious white mini-cupcake.

On our way home we came upon a splash pad. You would think these kids were kept locked up in a basement somewhere from the amount of hooting and hollering that ensued.

Once drenched beyond belief we rode home and, to my disbelief, a sleeping baby was found in the bike seat behind me. His cupcake must have been laced with more than just refined sugar! Just saying . . .

The afternoon sun slipped away to napping, a little bit of shopping, and splashing.

By the evening everything got rushed and the hairspray started flying. Dave was on the plane headed our way.

After a long, long drive to the airport, I had him.

Now the party can really begin.

Thursday July 9th-Vacational Journal

2009-07-09T23:34:00.003-06:00

Vacation mode has finally arrived.

Hair and makeup are at a minimum.Clothes, well, we're not using much of them anymore. Today, we woke up and put our swimsuits and coverups on. There, done! We're on vacation, don't the people get that? That shoes and shirt law for public buildings is just asking too too much!

Vacation is how people, normal people, become hippies.

We started out the day with a trip to the beach. My parents and I answered questions from the game 'Would you Rather,' which, wow, really stumped me here and there. Choosing between being hit with a Tsunami or an avalanche is a lot harder than I had anticipated.

After the beach we had a grassy picnic followed by all the kids taking naps. Grandpa and I took this time to locate a bike trailer for Trent. We hit every sports store in town until finally, finally, BINGO. Unfortunately it was $25 per day! For that much, I should have just strapped our own to the roof and brought it with us. Live and learn, right? We opted for the cheaper, Dave banned, riding chair that attaches to a bike. Love you Dave!

Once we returned home and everyone was up again we headed to the pool. It was fairly uneventful except for Trent's vocalizing of obscenities in public. Apparently lady bug floaters are not cool for 17 month-olds. Who knew?!

Dinner was a trip to Arby's wherein we opted to sit outside because of the before stated reasons. Shirts and Shoes. That rule is suddenly so harsh. We are on VACATION people. Shoes are NOT required!

We welcomed the evening by assembleing the bike seat and squeezing Grandma's oozing wound. Yes, oozing. There are no words to describe. I have heard of infected wounds, but, wow. Even her doctor is concerned. Hopefully the antibiotics get it under control soon?

It's bedtime now, and this hippy is tired.

Night.

Wednesday July 8th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-08T22:53:00.005-06:00

Today was my first day of fully going-it-alone. That translated means that we had permission to go slow. Very, very, slow. My three courses of frosted flakes with Matt Lauer took at least an hour. Ain't vacation grand?

The weather wasn't too attractive today. It was akin to a watered down drink. Slightly warm, but chilly at the same time. With the queasy weather we decided to spend our time searching for beach toys. I had searched the Spokane Walmart, and the one here to no avail. What Walmart doesn't carry sand toys? I am a Wally's world fan, but this? Unforgivable.

After my time with Matt inspiration hit me. THRIFT STORE! I googled what the area had and our best option was an 'animal seconds' shop nearby (all the proceeds go to buying kitty litter maybe? ). The kids were a bit doubtful, but followed me anyways.

We entered the teensy shop, and suddenly, I was doubtful too. Until, we walked into the backroom which held the kitchen utensils. We started grabbing Tupperware, African inspired decor wood spoons, cookie cutters, and literally, everything but the kitchen sink. We needed a cart.

The next several hours were spent digging in the sand and making 'cinnamon sugar' sand cupcakes. Did I mention we even got a round cupcake holder for digging? $5 at a thrift store has never been so well spent.

Once our tummies grumbled we headed home for quesadillas and naps. Yep, naps. For 2 hours they all slept. And me, I finished reading my People magazine and actually laid down. IT WAS AMAZING. To really have nothing to do, or nothing that I should be doing was odd, but I dealt with it. I really showed them who was boss!

Once up, we again headed to the beach. We finished the afternoon there and welcomed the evening with dipped cones from Dubs. Mmmm, dipped cones.

Tuesday July 7th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-07T22:56:00.007-06:00

Today started out with a bang, a zip, and the revving of an engine.

We packed up everything that wasn't nailed down. This book, pack it. That pile of hair bands, stick them there. This box of fruit snacks, shove them under that. Our van, my mom's fancy pretty sparkly car, and their expedition were all looking like fish with their bellies full of worms. It was sick.

Grandpa led the way, followed by my mom and the girls, and we (Alex, Trent, and myself) trailed behind. Alex wanted to chat about Trent, who was now sleeping, and his odd obsession with me. My desperate effort in explaining the attachment phases babies/toddlers go through nearly brought me to tears. It led to something about how he used to revolve around me too, and that sometime soon, Trent will grow up just like him . . . and will be over me.

Maybe I explained too much? Maybe the tears were a bit over the top? Either way, he went back to glancing out the window with the 'my mama is insane' look on his face for the remainder of our drive.

After arriving and unloading we ate some lunch and made our plans. Grandma and big kids-pool. Grandpa-whatever grandpas do. Me (and my teensy sidekick)--Walmart.

Once the Walmart goodies were unloaded we regrouped and spent a bit of time around the pool. The sun quit hiding and poured over us while we gossiped about our deep Michael Jackson/gossipy thoughts. Holy smokes i'm bummed I missed his memorial.

Upon our return home, showers, hamburgers, and jammies were applied to the kids. They laid down with some books to read and soon their eyelids got droopier than they realized they each sunk into snores.

Dave happened to get a new i-phone today so he called me after bedtime just to use it. The excitement was written all over his voice. We talked for nearly a half hour about . . . something. Something important? All that matters is that the phone was broken in and now knows me. That phone and Dave have something together, what, i'm not sure. But it's pretty much a given that Dave let it sleep in our bed last night. Ahhh, techy romance.

As I was sneaking a bedtime cookie or twelve my dad and I chatted. He has the best stories, memories, and stuff. You know, stuff. He knows it. It was a secret treasure to get a moment with him.

And then, this post, and zzzzz .. ..

Monday July 6th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-06T23:05:00.003-06:00

This morning started out early again. Trenty, who is now my sole roomy, even tried heartily to ignore the musings in the kids room next door. His body was crying out for just one more hour as much as mine was.

After hiding out in our 'wing' until a respectable hour we finally made our way to the kitchen. We were informed that Grandpa was sick and was headed to the doctor. I gave him a look over and informed him that he had better stay away from me. Grandma would KILL him if he got me sick. Mama's aren't allowed to get sick, especially on vacation.

After Trent took an early morning nap we headed to the mall. This excursion is a once-a-trip thing. They have a drop n' play where the 3 older kids love to go. After checking them in Trent and I took off together and walked the mall. We talked about Cinnabons, and how desperately we both want one. How Mrs. Fields just likes to give us her pouty eyes. And the taunting of Orange Julius's as they use their blenders to hum our names. Darn food court bullies!

We eventually made it out of the mall with a couple little bags in hand. We ran through Arby's and curly fried our way home. The afternoon was spent with dolls in the piano room, bikes in the drive, and more napping in the port-a-crib.

By the evening Grandma had returned from work, Grandpa and Alex from Transformers, and us from our state of vacation.

It was time to get packed up again. We leave for Sandpoint in the morning.

Sunday July 5th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-06T09:46:00.005-06:00

Our off schedule finally caught up to us today. We managed to sleep in until 7:30 . . . totally late for our us.

We busied ourselves getting cleaned up and moving. Dave packed up his suitcase and choose what things he would be leaving here for next weekend when he joins us again.

By 11 both Abby and Trent were napping, so Alex, Sam, and myself drove Dave to the airport. It's a bit sappy, but, I was a sad to see him go. He's kinda growing on me.

We drove home to the soothing sound of Alex sleeping. Sammy stared out the window refusing to give in to the sleepies that plagued her.

By the time we entered the driveway our morning was gone. We now rushed to throw on some church clothes and were out the door again in 20 minutes.

At church Trent and I wandered the halls while Grandma and Grandpa entertained the othe 3 kids in Sacrament. The church building is the one I attended since . . . . I was born? The place is full of echoes from old Halloween parties, YW meetings, seminary, crushes, funerals, and Sunday meetings. I love it.

After Sacrament I took 3 kids home and left Grandma with Abby. Abby was the only kid that wanted to be the 'new girl in Primary!' Someone is needing more attention at home, eh. Kids like her are why the 'Hello, Hello' song is still in existence. Sorry.

Once we were all home, fed, and rested Grandma threw out the idea of visiting Pine River Park. Where she gets her perkiness from is beyond me. We all got on our swimmy suits and drove to the park. It seems all of Spokane had the same idea too. Nonetheless is was great and Trent managed to drain himself of about 329 squeals. I'm beginning to believe I birthed myself a little piglet.

We ended the night with another show put on by the kids. This time, it included a special dance number by Abby, a guess the animal game, and an audience military march.

Saturday July 4th-Vacation Journal

2009-07-06T00:13:00.007-06:00

Our plan was to sleep in today. Didn't sound difficult as we all crashed in our beds the night before. Dave and I had hoped to sleep until, sayyyyy, the crazy late hour of 6 a.m. Ummm, lets try more like 4:50 a.m. Not nice kids, NOT NICE.

Dave was generous and let me take the early morning time to run while he tried to hide under the covers from the hailstorm of our ever so lovely, too early rising, kids.

Any calories that I may have burned were quickly replaced by the breakfast feast my dad had prepared in my absence. OHhhhhh, bacon . . . what a sweet, sweet meat candy you are!

The big boys cleaned up and headed out golfing, while grandma and I took the kids downtown. We ate up the fantastic people watching, cheap jewelry, pizza, and sticky rides. Trenter even made his debut in the Spokane splash pad. My oh my he squeals like a little girl!

We all arrived home close to dinner time, where, once again, Grandpa and Grandma showed us how things are done. Steak, corn on the cob, watermelon, rolls, and all the fix-ins were laid out for us to graze on. And grazing is something we excel at.

That night we watched the kids perform a special 4th of July show, which, included Grandma performing the Sprinkler and Dave doing the Running Man. We finished up with a poppers and snaps finale (fireworks are banned here).

We again had our eyes shut before our heads even hit our pillows.

Friday July 3rd-Vacation Journal

2009-07-05T23:34:00.004-06:00

Today was our driving day.

We got up early, finished packing, and threw the kids in their seats. Amazingly, everything went smoothly. Or, in other words, Dave and I were still speaking by the time we hit the road!

The kiddos ate just about the entire 12 hours (just like I taught them), watched movies, and sang. Trenty even got into it and shook his little diapered toosh to the beat in his car seat. That right there is why we keep him. That babe has an irresistible groove.

Dave made sure to hit some of my favorite truck stops, and yes, I do have my favorites:

Idaho Falls. Good, not great, but good. Fantastic candy collection and a nearby Subway gets them on my list.

Rocker, MT. My #2 all time fave. It is right outside of Butte, which just cracks Dave up. Enough said. This one has good bathrooms, WITH a changing table, and maybe 20 pumps to fill up at! That exclamation point I just gave them, COMPLETELY EARNED.

Haugan, MT. My #1 hands down. The 50,000 Silver Dollar. To enter the building is akin to having the ability to relive the best memory anytime you want. My parents and grandparents took us there on nearly every trip to and from Spokane/Kalispel all my years of growing up. It smells of cheese sandwiches, milkshakes, leather, and trinkety trinkets. Yes, they have a smell, and, I like it.

By mid evening we arrived. A full day of 12 1/2 hours of driving.

And, for the first time in ages, no one had to get out of the car and walk. It was a miracle.

Ballerina Babe

2009-07-01T21:44:00.008-06:00

Although these pics are to show off our ballerina, my thoughts in viewing them consist of 2 people.

Both of them, amazing.

I will start with Abby. Abby is . . . Abby. Graceful, beautiful, fearless, independent.

The second, Dave.

Dave has many talents and skills, but one of them is solely his. Dave has 'the voice and whistle.'

Nestled deep in the crowd of several hundred ballet recital watchers, only one voice was clearly heard above all the applause. Only two words were uttered. Only one girl couldn't contain her blossoming on-stage smile. Only one girl blushed in her ears. Only one Daddy gave his girl a cloud to walk on when HE gave her the holler she was listening for.

Only Dave has the voice and the whistle. Everyone heard him. Especially his little ballerina. I may not have 'the voice,' but I echo Dave's sentiments, GO ABBY!

Summer Vacation 'vacation' 2009

2009-07-01T20:32:00.019-06:00

Sandpoint, ID. Lake Pend Oreille.

My blog needs weeding. New plum pics. New posts. New stuff.

Posting is an early morning treasure I try to open often, before life opens its eyes. And, sometimes late at night, after my night stars are dozing in their beds.

Lately, neither have been available.

My last option for a posting download is when Dave is out of town and I stay up blushingly late. Dave was out of town ALL last week. No posts happened then either.

Busy is busy here. Busy is usually a buddy of mine. Busy and I like to hold hands and skip around in my mini-van. But, Busy hasn't been so nice lately.

Busy is about to get herself put in the corner for 3-weeks. Make that 3 weeks of hot sun, sandy beaches, belly-flop swimming, cupcake devouring, cruiser bike riding, weeks.

Eat that Busy.

Thanks for renting the condo again Grandma-consider all your cupcakes to be PAID IN FULL!

Run Results

2009-06-23T23:32:00.006-06:00

A new person is writing this blog now. The last lady, the unsure of what was in me one, GONE.

People keep asking how 'the race' was. My answer can't fully be given, because, to say life changing, might sound a bit silly and force a roll-of-the-eyes from the asker.

But. IT WAS.

Our 1/2 of the Simplifile Team. Nate, Gordon, Christy, Stacy, me, and Dave.

Our Wheels. Where we literally lived for 36 hours.

Somewhere in the middle of my 'night run.'

Dave attempting to sleep.
The pavement bed of relaxation didn't last longer than 20 mins. before we were up and moving again.

After cruising through the finish line together we were given our medals.

What a fantastic ending to the most wonderful, hard, exhilarating, endurance testing, 36 + hours of not sleeping, of my life.

I can't wait to do it again, and push the borders of my me even harder.

(Maybe more details to follow soon?)

Ragnar Run

2009-06-18T21:16:00.007-06:00

Doing this TODAY AND TOMORROW.

My first race. Ever.

All I have been told is: Hot, Hard, Long, Sleep deprived, 35 hours of cruelty.

My estimated run start times : 1:10 p.m., 9:38 p.m., and 9:25 a.m.

Apparently i'm not just jumping in the pool, or into the deep end. I opted for a back flip off the high dive.

My van will proudly be sporting one of these tatts soon.

End of the Rainbow

2009-06-18T11:21:00.006-06:00

(pic taken last week in our backyard)

My hiney is kicked.

This 'summer vacation' thing has thrown me a wrench. Those words have no business sitting by eachother. It's just mean. There is no 'vacation' in summer.

Being a young mom I thought I had it all together. Kids, pshaw, I had the little kid thing down. Then I added another, and another, and another.

Seeing other people's kitchens in the state of what I would consider messy was an unthinkable. I did not get it. How could one let it get like that? Seriously, I thought they must just be messy (lazy?) people.

I GET IT NOW.

Our kitchen is the melting pot. One exits the backdoor while another 12 enter the front.

Having all these (darling, cute, sometimes irritable) monkeys around is . . . . WOW.

Our house is alive. Somewhat of a creeping viney plant, kind of alive. Sneaky. One popscicle stick here, one discarded wrapper and shoe there.

Asking who put the dirt in the kitchen sink is not at all an odd question.

Never in a million years did I ever think that I would be a "summertime mommy."

What A Ride.

Weekend Shot

2009-06-04T12:49:00.011-06:00

We had a little get together last Sunday. After begging a guest to take our family picture, he reluctantly agreed. But, only after making fun of our camera. It's a good thing we like him!

Our first family photo in ages
that involved BOTH my eyes
open. Big stuff I tell ya, big stuff!

Big Stuff Now!

2009-06-04T09:46:00.005-06:00

Emily, my friend, neighbor, fellow blogger, and former visiting teachee mentioned me on her blog. That is, her BIG FAMOUS BLOG!

Goodness, the papparazzi are going to be parked out front now.

See my infamy HERE.

Growing

2009-06-03T21:06:00.012-06:00

Tuesday I cried.

Not a lot, but, a mama needs to slow down, tear or two.

This past weekend we enjoyed a catered backyard BBQ with some of Dave's co-workers. Those get togethers, mmmm, my cup-of-tea.

As we moved around the crowd we chatted with newlyweds, a dating couple, and lots of 'old folk' like ourselves.

We laughed at the newlyweds, eyed the giggly daters, wanted to comfort the token expecting mom, and watched the naughty babies trying so hard to keep up with the older kids.

Chewing over our thoughts that night it hit me. Dave and I are growing old.

When we were dating wayyyy back in the late 90's Dave sang a song to me. Come to think of it, it may be the only song he has actually sung to me. Don't know if he remembers, or will admit to remembering, but we were once giggly daters. Daters who sang songs to each other.

As I had my momentary tear of exhaustion, Dave offered me his shoulder. (He also mumbled something silly, like, I shouldn't go to Walmart at 5:30 a.m. just because I was awake, apparently that makes me grouchy?)

Life is fast. Slowing down enough to enjoy the moment is my new goal. And, ahem, sleeping better.

Here is the link to THE song.

Home Time

2009-05-24T23:03:00.009-06:00

Last weekend, the 16-18th, Dave struck again.

He gave me 45 minutes to get the house in order and myself packed.

A plane to Spokane was leaving and there was a seat with my name on it.

Trips home without the kids, and without the 12 hour car ride are rare now-a-day.

It was better than ice cream. With sprinkles.

The one full day my mom and I had together we spent shopping, followed by shopping, and a bit more shopping. Oh, and we squeezed in some yummy food and a movie too.

Something happened in the middle of all the spoilage that she was dripping on me. It was a conversation about living.

She told me to live. To really, really, live.

Her thoughts were not a mere suggestion.

They were a map. And the streets. JUICY.

Spokane Falls at twilight

Mama Magic

2009-05-14T16:32:00.016-06:00

Something has been missing at our house.

Mothers Day reminded me that it wasn't permanently gone, but rather, sleeping.

Dave was so, so, so sick on that holiday. The flu was visiting him like an old Aunt in no hurry to end her visit. Yet, he climbed out of bed and pale faced his way to the kitchen to make me breakfast. The aches were hanging all over him.

He whipped me up some eggs, hash browns, and chocolate milk. Then he dutifully handed off the tray to one of our 'shorter stature' people to be delivered to my bed.

Not that I was sleeping.

Trent's Mothers Day pressie was to keep me company while Daddy cooked. He even lovingly taught me his new game. We titled it Poke Eyes and Pull Hair. Bound to be a classic.

Once the tray was delivered senior sniffles crawled back in bed and played 'dead daddy' for the next 3 days. So, so, sick.

I was a bit low in spirits. Hearing of other peoples Mothers Day delights of sleeping in, time alone, etc., bothered me all day. Seeking to remember all the blessings that I have been given helped, ahem, for a minute.

Selfishness was awash, and it was sticky.

Then, I read this article. It was about Nie Nie. Her journey is like rocket fuel to my soul, or well, maybe just a bag of Doritos to my ego. Both are yummy, no?

It was right at the tail end that she grabbed me.

"I just feel like the mother figure is the magical figure of the family, the ones that do the holidays with grace and the ones that make everything special."

Magical. That is a gorgeous word. It's saved for fairies, princesses, and the unexplainable.

With that, inspiration crawled onto my lap.

My genes are full of magic. My mom IS magic. It must certainly be in me somewhere. Certainly she didn't keep it all for herself, right?

With that, the day ended and a new one started.

My soul was renewed, my wand dusted off, and my pixie dust refilled.

Spell casting is once again in season (and the selfish bit has been put out to pasture!).

My mom giving me a lesson on being magical, circa 1980.

Gazelle Running

2009-05-08T09:10:00.021-06:00

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve...... by bebedas

ARE YOU SERIOUS?

Those were my words a week ago, before, before, I did it.

Every Spring Dave gets the notion that we should exercise. This, thing, his notion, has never happened to me. Having a cookie eating marathon, Sponge Bob olympics, or, maybe a .5 K sounds likes enough to me.

Well, being that I am the caring type (pinky swear I am!) I do this notion with him annually.

He is in training for the Ragnar Relay in Park City this June. Yep, his 3rd year in a row. And, maybe this time when he says NEVER AGAIN he will mean it(?). So, as his dutiful, amazing, shoulder-to-the-wheel wife, I'm helping him train.

The training has been fun . . . to a point. We get up early around 5:45 a.m.(awfulness, I know), he nudges me to move, I refuse, then he pulls me out of bed by my toes and throws my shoes at me, and away we go! Romantic ain't he!

Last week we (actually, he) was ready to spice things up. Instead of our normal 4 1/2 mile (death)loop, he wanted to increase our distance to 5 miles. Fine, I was ready for it.

This is where it all gets a bit hazy.

Dave invited his buddy from work, Gordon, to join us. No worries, although, he might catch on that i'm not a real runner, I was still willing to try it.

We picked him up, and looky looky who has on their 1/2 marathon shirt! It was at that moment I noticed Dave was also proudly sporting his St. George Marathon shirt. Suddenly, I had that ominous feeling of I should not be here.

The car was silent as Dave drove us to the top of Suncrest (mountain). When I asked what our turn around point was, that is, the point we run to, then return to the car. They both looked at me blankly.

Dave then calmly explained that their wasn't one. We were running home. Home being a whole flippin' lot farther away than 5 miles.

As I stammered around to find words to express the shock at my husbands attempt to kill me, all that came out was a 'so long suckers!'

With that I took off.

I assumed that they would easily catch me, pass me, and leave me to fend for myself. They, and I, underestimated the strength of my desperation to get home.

They never caught up to me on the nearly 7 mile run. They were approximately 6 minutes behind me the entire way. Although the run was the hardest I HAVE EVER DONE (and I felt it in my every move for the next 5 days, whooping those two experienced runners, PRICELESS!

Dave finishing Provo's 1/2 marathon '05

Me after chasing the
ice-cream man '08

(ok, ok, so it's not really me)

Abby is 5!

2009-05-05T15:00:00.017-06:00

Dear Abby,

You were born on the 3rd of May, 2004. That day the world changed.

Your entry was like a long storm with lots of lightning. Life and death were all mixed together. In the end, joy came, and we named her Abigail Rose Stevenson.

Several words come to mind when thinking of you as a baby:
Pink
Bows
Big eyes
Gooey Kisses
Pink Binks

As a toddler:
Climbing
Dumping
Crunching
Funny
Adorable

As a preschooler:
Silly
Determined
Creative
DORA

And the ONE word that I hope forever describes you . . . MINE!

Love,
Mommy

Cravings

2009-04-24T16:10:00.004-06:00

This picture was just emailed from my dad.

The caption, "Mom's Hawaiian Diet Pill."

Funny, that's the same pill I take, except, without the nuts. THEY will make you chubby!

p.s. Isn't she a babe!

Surprises

2009-04-23T21:56:00.009-06:00

This is to be a year of surprises.

On Christmas it started. Dave gave me a surprise that may never, NEVER be surpassed.

On that day he also stated, in front of witnesses, (my parents nonetheless), that his "hobby for the year" was to surprise me.

Some mmmhmmm, yeah rights, and whatever's escaped my lips.

He meant it.

The, ahem, Christmas gift, and the BIG trip. Both surprises. Didn't see them coming. AT ALL.

He hasn't stopped.

Last Sunday he struck again.

After driving home for 96 straight hours Saturday, yes, it was a LONG day, I planned on skipping the first hour of church on Sunday, Sacrament. Didn't I deserve just one less hour of dealing with crazy kids after our marathon drive Saturday?

DUDE WASN'T HAVING IT.

For the first time in our marriage, Dave was explaining to me the importance of attending Sacrament, how I needed to be there, that Trent would be good, he promised!

He got me there.

Guess what.

He was a speaker.

We haven't spoken in Church in . . . 8 years?

Holy Smokes was I surprised.

A hottie of a hubby with a testimony.

FABULOUS.

Little Critter Chronicles

2009-04-23T21:12:00.007-06:00

Trenty has been keeping us busy.

Busy with smiles.

Busy with belly laughs.

Busy with deep baby thoughts.

But mostly, he has kept us busy wanting more!

Happy Happy Birthday!

2009-04-09T11:11:00.012-06:00

Today is Dave's birthday.

Oh, did I forget to say it's his 33rd birthday?

Somebody is getting old!

Thankful Heart

2009-04-01T21:11:00.014-06:00

For three days now my brain has been trickling thoughts of vampires and babies.

Their irresistible design of sweet scented skin, heavenly breath, angelic voices, and perfect faces that are too good to be true have been calling to me. (Yes, I read the Twilight series, did I make it too obvious?)

Both are scrumptious snacks for my thoughts.

But they will have to wait.

Tonight my mind is elsewhere.

A full heart has replaced the vampires and babies.

It has been a running joke between my mom (who happens to be the most amazing friend ever), and I for years that we are each others only friends. That is, real friends.

The care she has given is a tab that would be impossible to ever fully return. Her repayment plan has consisted of mumbling about not putting big bows in her hair when she is in a retirement home someday. Done deal.

In my life I have been fortunate to collect a few other friends who have that essence of real, give you my socks for mittens, friends.

Today I received a note from a friend, (yeah for Facebook!) that I was missed. The sweet sender (whom I should keep up with more often), Mike, deemed me 'his sister' way back in college. That must have been right after covering my tummy with PB and honey and giving me blow fishes while I flopped around like a fish. And, AND, he never made fun of the tummy jiggling that surely haunted his dreams for months. The weight of that memory must be unbearable.

Tonight, I happened to chat with another of my dearest friends who has unexpectedly ended up in the hospital for the week. Fear shot through me like lightening upon hearing she is hurting. We will visit tomorrow, and if she needs gingersnaps with cocoa from the North Pole, she will get it. She would do the same for me, but, of course, she would make it peppermint cocoa and have the elves deliver the cookies. She's that good.

Although vampires and babies were my intention of writing tonight, I think my time was much better spent in counting my blessings, one at a time.

Dearest Edward . . .

2009-04-01T17:54:00.002-06:00

--thanks Melissa

Phases

2009-03-30T21:08:00.024-06:00

While getting a haircut today a surprise walked in the door. Little did the lady know, but SHE. WAS. IT.

She had on some high high heels, fancy designer jeans, some funky top, loads of make-up, some falsey eye lashes, and 3-foot long hair extensions. WOW.

Listening to her chat about eyelash glue hardships and the other beauty issues she deals with, I wondered how exactly she got to, ahem, where she is.

She's in a phase, right?

Later, I had Abby bopping around in the backseat as we listened to what was one of my favorite songs. Now it's a dreaded punishment. It is Abby's favorite (listen HERE), and she listens to it over, and over, and over, and over.

Again, another phase?

Anyways, I thought it would be fun to post some of our little fam's phases that we are currently drudging our feet through. Because, in 6 months, we are going to laugh ourselves silly at what geeks we were.

Abby:
Dora. We might as well adopt the girl since her twin already lives with us.

Sparkle Shoes. The ultimate accessory.

Trent:
Honestly, little critter has a thing for me.

Soothie. Need I say more?

Alex:
This has already taught him more music skills than I ever could have.

Powerwing. Funnest. Toy. Ever.

Sammy:
Hannah Montana and lip gloss, does life get much better?

Shopping. Little miss is making up for the 'un-shopper' I was.

Dave:
Skymiles here we come!

Running. Yeah, he finds it fun.

Me: See all the above listed people. And, mmm, I'm slightly addicted to THIS.

2009-03-29T10:17:00.003-06:00

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Two fantastic quotes are in that clip. One by Elaine S. Dalton, "My question to each of you is, ‘If we don't stand for virtue, who will?'" The next by Pres. Monson,"There is little thought that young men and young women will remain morally clean and pure before marriage. Does this make immoral behavior acceptable? Absolutely not. The commandments of our Heavenly Father are not negotiable."

Good, good, stuff.

Thoughts

2009-03-27T18:56:00.008-06:00

Thoughts have been busy here.

The Spring has brought new life. Outside, as well as inside.

With our littlest babe now 1 i'm starting to feel freedom. Not that I didn't have it, just, that the 'growing' of our family is done. We are now into maintenance.

But that has left me wondering. What next?

Looking at college classes grabbed my interest one day. A job at the kids school grabbed me the next.

Course, I don't want to rush my sweet little babe. The fact that he has only one happy place in this world, my hip, makes my heart swell. It is his, and I am very willing to donate.

The door isn't open, but the knob is turning. My oh my, how fast life is going.

And how creative my thoughts are getting.

2009-03-19T14:18:00.006-06:00

Holy fish-sticks I haven't blogged in a LONG time. Taking a break
is what Dave calls it. I call it freeing up more time to eat cookies.

Tonight I will get to it, maybe. Or, ahem, next week.

2009-03-09T10:48:00.004-06:00

My friend (and visiting teaching teachee) was
featured on Good Things Utah Today!!

Way to go Emily!

Photo Booth

2009-03-05T20:49:00.003-07:00

Abby and I crawled into the
photo-booth at the mall today.
Amazingly, it only took her
326 times of asking me to do
it before I gave in.

I'm such a softie for that girl.

Cookies

2009-03-04T12:14:00.010-07:00

Few things call out to me in the night, well, few things that I will answer to anyways. These I will get out of bed for.

Perfect Every Time
Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 C. Butter
1/2 C. Margarine
3/4 C. Brown Sugar
3/4 C. White Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 tsp. Salt
3 C. Flour
6 oz. Chocolate Chips (or more!)

Here are the official mixing directions: Cream butter and sugars. Add remaining ingredients. Dough should be soft, sturdy, and slightly dry. Drop by spoonfuls onto cookie sheets.

Here is how I make them, and they TURN OUT FINE! Throw all ingredients into bowl. The order does not matter. Mix well. Make sure to sample dough, A LOT. Dough is ready when you begin to feel ill from all the samples.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Not 11, and definitely not 9. 10 is perfect, so be prompt.