this and that...

fish park

This has been a whirlwind of a school year start! We've all suffered from some summer withdrawals, and struggled with the new schedules. The first 2 weeks of school, my 9th grader was late, or "forgot" something every day but 2! So a month later, we're a bit more used to the routine of 3 different schools, and 4 different departure times. Little Miss and I are slowly getting caught up on naps and house cleaning

Lagoon (you can guess which one of us does which job). I found that I DO still have a desk in my room...and I vaguely remember that I used to scrapbook there. I also found my cleaning supplies right where I've left them, and the dust bunnies had grown fat and happpy!

BYU

Lehi pool

Grandpa Bill

I have started a part time job, which I love! My title is "production assistant" for a new show being produced by BYU Broadcasting, called "The Food Nanny". I mostly make myself useful on shoot days by assisting with whatever needs doing, including getting lunch & dinner for the crew. Our last shoot I got to bake and "style" a plate of cookies, and purchase and iron clothes for 2 cute 5 yr old twins. We'll be shooting 2-3 episodes per month, and on those days I'm gone before the kids get up and get home after they're in bed. My other job responsibilities are handled from my computer and/or phone, and equate to about 10 hrs per week.

I'm in the Stake Primary Presidency, which keeps me busy for monthly Stake baptisms, and this past week, a huge activity for girls ages 8-11 & their moms'. We had a great turnout, estimating between 250-300 people came. The girls put together time capsules to be opened on the first day they attend the temple. One of the ladies had the great idea to pin white dresses up on the wall for decoration. We had a wedding dress, a baptism dress, and a blessing dress all in a row. It looked so sweet! Today I was at Walgreen's to develop pictures from the activity. When we walked in, Bubby saw a display for Granny Sycamore bread. (Sidebar: I've been baking all our bread for a year now.) So he states, loudly, "hey there's some cut bread!". I had to laugh! Sliced bread! What a novelty! Enjoy some random pictures from our summer...reflections of a staycation!

first watermelon feast

Bear Lake

summer stuff

Guess who regained more computer space, for even MORE pictures?!?! Thanks Uncle Jared for the help!

Here's some of what we've been up to.Little Miss L decided the water wasn't too scary after all, and wanted to be in it all the time! We all love to swim, so tried to get to the pool every week, but on the in- between days, she sat around in her big purple pool. In the mornings she whined for the swimsuit, and tried to undress herself when forced into an actual outfit of any kind!
Nate had a great time at scout camp for a week, and brought all the dirt home with him! Oh and a permanent punch mustache...
Speaking of Nate, he learned trumpet at band camp. At the end of the 3 weeks, we got to listen to what the kids had learned. The concert was at our new high school, and ended with the marching band playing a few numbers. It was excellent!
Austin spent most of his time on the go. He worked a summer job selling newspaper subscriptions door to door, then spending his money at the movies, Seven Peaks, and hanging out with cousins and friends.

When he was at home, he spent a lot of time on U Tube learning (among other things) how to make these. We're so proud! Does anyone know how to get paid for such talent?

I'm here! I'm a slacker, but I'm here!

What a jump start to summer we've had...

*it's rained almost every day for 3 weeks
*the boys all got summer buzz cuts
*the summer's just started, but the mosquitoes have been
BAD this year (see rain). We've logged a whole summer's
worth of bites in a few short weeks
*the garden is "in", but not in the garden patch. The designated garden was neglected for 2 yrs, so the vegetables had to go into the big
flower bed instead! (see flexibility)
*we haven't had a single swim day, thus perpetuating the
farmer's tan (see gardening)
*and the most exciting and maddening thing was my 9 yr old getting his bike stolen...then stripped down and painted(all within about 2 hours in the middle of the day)...then the little thief punk kid had the nerve to drive it around in front of my house! UGH!

Here are my before and after pictures.
Taken last June when smiley boy FINALLY agreed to take off the stupid training wheels and go for it!
It was so shiny and blue!

There were 4 stolen bikes recovered, along with misc. bike parts.

Unfortunately we're dealing with loser parents along with loser kids. The case will be filed soon with the juvenile court, then we'll see where it goes from there. Hopefully the punishment will help to put these boys (7, 10, and 12) on a different path before they move on to cars and houses to burglarize and vandalize!

Proud moments and randomness

My life has felt out of control lately. Somehow all the "little" jobs I do with the kids school(s), church, housework, etc...it's all piled up in my head like the massive stack of laundry that somehow reproduces every couple of days. I hate feeling like I'm not doing a good job in any one particular area, because I'm trying to do a good job in TOO many areas! Overwhelmed and overtired. That's how I would describe my state of mind the last couple of weeks.

There is one thing that has kept me sane, however. Turns out from a very unlikely source. My sanity has come from rolling out of bed every morning to work out. What's weirder still, is my favorite source of torture comes from running. And no one is even chasing me! (Except for one little, white, fluffy, yapper dog that seems to be waiting for me so he can chase me down the block...)
Here's me, doing a very good impersonation of a drowned rat with two of my rat friends (love you guys!) We ran, yes RAN, the whole 5K last weekend, while it poured rain to the point of needing swim goggles to see the trail! My daily workout buddy and I agreed to join my neighbor to "try" our first official run with the understanding that we had the option to walk. We only had about 2 weeks to train, where we started running intervals to build up some endurance. The longest distance I ran prior to the 5K was 1 mile. The day of the race we decided to just try it and see how far we could get, and ended up pushing on through to the end. That's 3.2 miles for all my non-runner friends.

Now I have a new goal...not just to run a 5K, but to improve on my time. And in so doing, improving my state of mind and level of sanity. I used to think runners were crazy, but I'm starting to believe it's the thing that will keep me from going crazy! And just for the record, my weight loss to date is 21lbs! Yeah baby!

Seriously?!?!

I thought I would post some sweet pictures and clever anecdotes about Easter...but instead I need to GRIPE about the weather... again!

My kids are out of school ALL week for "Spring" break, but the joke's on us! It's not really Spring at all! Instead, we're calling it "Winter break". Yesterday it rained and the wind blew (howled) until the afternoon when it
started to snow. UGH! I went out to take a picture of my cute little Daffodils dusted in the white stuff.
Here they are virtually buried today!

This morning I went out to get in the van at 6am, and had to scrape nearly 5 inches of snow and ice from the windshield! You have GOT to be kidding me! We are supposed to enjoy some warm Spring weather next week, just in time for the kids to go back to school...

On a happier note, here are some pictures from a trip to the mall a last week. I needed new shoes, and wanted them in time for Easter, so the two "little" ones came with me. I bribed them with Dum Dum suckers while I tried on tons of shoes, then capped off the trip by riding the carousel. Missy was very excited about the whole thing...till it started to move. Then I got to hold her in my arms for the rest of the ride. I like it when the kids are big enough to ride on their own. Those things make me SO sick!

Another snowy day...

Today I'm missing Spring...it was here, and gone, and back again.
Yesterday was downright miserable trying to get from the front door to the car, and from the car to the church. It was snowing and BLOWING hard enough to undo any cute hair-do, and freeze you right down to the bone.
Yesterday would have been an ideal day for general conference! At least for those of us who will be watching from the warmth of the living room. Not so much for those shuffling into the conference center by the 1000. But I digress.

The boys have definitely adapted to the Utah version of Spring, although they grumble all the way through April and May. Today the older 2 headed off in their hoodies, claiming "hey, it's supposed to get up to 40, and I don't want to be HOT!"

Last weekend we went geocaching and it was nice enough to break out the shorts. This
weekend, we're digging out the snow boots and gloves!

It reminded me of the first Spring here, after moving from California. As soon as we had a warm week, I thought winter was over! So, like every previous year, I cleaned the boys drawers. I removed all the winter gear, to make room for the warmer weather clothes. Big mistake! Of course the warmth was only temporary, and soon I was digging the boxes out of storage to retrieve the long pants and long sleeve shirts again!

Now I know better. You just somehow SQUISH everything together, so shorts and Levi's can peacefully co-exist in the same drawer year-long.

Reasons to smile...

Here is a glimpse (or two) of things that have made me smile this week!

You may not think much of a picture of a clean room, but if I had taken the proper "before" picture, you would totally appreciate what went into this 4 hr project on Monday! There was no bare carpet to be found anywhere in this space! Smiley boy was ready to go make a birthday purchase at Toys R Us (thanks to the uncles!), but meany mom declared "there will be NO NEW toys brought into this room until you have made room for something new! " Meaning we will not only clean up, but we will get rid of some of the stuff gathering dust and taking up space! The prize at the end...the BIGGEST box of Legos ever!

Missy was busy taking up 2 new hobbies...music and exercise!
Other accomplishments included registering #2 son for Middle School, #1 son starting 2 per week soccer practice for High School soccer, and (drum roll please)I dropped 5 lbs in ONE week! NO, I'm not brave enough to post a photo of my backside (you're welcome), like my friend Becky did (you GO girl)!

It's all about ME!

The "dreaded" day has come, and so far so good! I think the Mr. has dreaded this day more than me, because he never knows if how I will react. Will I be happy? Or depressed?
I either ignore the day all together, or get sad and angry. I don't know why!? I'm a girl, isn't that enough of an explanation?

Today is a good day, and here are some reasons:

#1- I set a goal to see a certain number on the scale by today...and I made it! (I don't normally talk about weight loss here, because it's such a yawner!) 13 pounds are gone!

#2- I've been building up the concept in my head that I could be a runner...never have I had ANY desire to do this. If you're not being chased, then what's the point? Let's just say I'm warming up to the idea. I've added small spurts of jogging in my walk...and today I really went for a RUN! I still walked some, on the uphill parts, but in my mind it was my first real run!

#3-Everyone is healthy and happy, employed, food in the pantry, gas in my car!

#4- Tomorrow I get to go spend my birthday present from the Mr. in Park City with a good friend, then have a birthday dinner with more great friends!

All in all, a good birthday! So I say to the Mr, relax! It's safe to come home today!

fish taco anyone?

Oh it's such a happy day! I was on my way to Target today...just about to pull into the parking lot, when what should I spy with my little eye...RUBIO'S! One of our all time family favorites! Go here to check them out if you haven't already! We used to live a short walk away from a Rubio's in Costa Mesa. Each of my kids have had their first taste of a lime wedge, and a churro, while perched in a high chair at Rubio's.

When the Mr. and I need a fix, we don't have to drive to CA, but we do have to drive 30-40 minutes to Sugar House. Once this new store opens...soon I hope...we'll have a mere 20 minute journey to fish taco heaven! I converted my mom, my Mr. and 2 of my Utah friends to fish tacos. Usually the response is negative at first...like the thought of a fish taco is totally revolting. But once you give it a try, you catch fish taco fever too! Of course now adays you can find fish tacos on all kinds of menus, but still there's nothing quite like the Rubio's version. Oh and PS...heard on the radio that In 'N Out is coming to Draper! Maybe Utah isn't so bad after all! Anyone want to go to lunch?

I love SHOPPING!

I love to shop...in person...online...catalog browsing! Love it all! Too bad I can't fully support my habit like I'd like too, but maybe one day! I love to get a bargain, to look and hunt and research something, then relish the knowledge I got the BEST deal! I could go to Target several times a week, and not get sick of it (nowadays I go about once a month). My obsession/love of shopping has definitely intensified since adding a baby girl to my brood of boys. Girl clothes make me crazy happy! Because you can't just buy the cute outfit, with a girl you need the shoes and hair accessories too! I can't help it! My favorites are Gymboree and Gap, but I love the deals at Old Navy and Target. Ebay has become a fun place to browse and grab some good deals. Who knew?! Maybe it's a blessing to be somewhat impoverished, otherwise I might blow it all at the mall!

Here's my favorite assistant shopper...she was healing from her stitches last summer.

my "baby" is getting old!

Welcome to the high school years! I swore it would never happen! That somehow, they would stay little forever...at least little enough to stay at home and be sheltered from the cold hard world! (here he is still young and innocent)We registered little man for HIGH SCHOOL this past week...and he's SO excited! He gets to start as a 9th grader because we have a brand new high school opening up this fall, and the middle school is so overcrowded. The school is going to be awesome, and he's looking forward to playing soccer and taking "fun" classes. (now he's older and opinionated)

For me reality is suddenly harsher. I worry about him keeping the grades up, properly planning coursework to better the odds at college scholarships. Not to mention the whole "high school" fear of influences I want to shelter my kids from (but of course I know better).

I know this is all inevitable, and I don't really want to keep him (or the rest of them) home all the time. Little man is smart, and sensible (mostly), and he'll do fine! Me, I'm not so sure about.

Flashback Friday

It's been a while since I posted one of these...so here you go! We're flashing back a year ago... as a mom of 4 boys, scouting has been, and will be a part of our lives. One of the things the boys look forward too each winter is the Klondike. For those of you non-scouters, it's the overnight camp out in the SNOW! Ick! I'm not a camper anyway, so the only thing worse than camping that I can think of is camping in the snow and cold! I just don't get the appeal AT ALL! This year (2008) was Dude's first time. To our surprise, he got too cold, and was driven home about midnight. He tagged along with another scout who was sick, and was given a ride.
We thought someone was breaking into the house, and hubby nearly pounced on him when he got the door open! That'll get your heart rate going in the middle of the night! Another casualty of this particular trip was the snow boots the boys wore...they tried to warm their feet around the fire and melted the bottoms! Brilliant!

Here's a picture of Missy (just because) with Bubby a year ago...

the Grinch found a smile!

I think I've finally caught a little of the Christmas bug that the kids are all plagued with!

Why is it less fun and more work to put up all the "stuff" every year? I know! Bah Humbug! But I know I'm not the only one! I've talked to a few of you who suffer from the same kind of frustration.

Maybe I need to lower (again) my expectations!?

Now that "it's" up and out, I really enjoy looking at the lights. I love my ornaments from years past with my boys little faces on them and the few special ornaments we've collected on vacation and other places.

In addition to putting up the tree, Hubby and I took care of some important shopping on Saturday...what a relief! And Sunday night we took little man and dude to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional at Temple Square. It was a first for us, and was completely amazing! Totally worth the hassle of making it happen! The boys seemed to really appreciate seeing the prophet in person, and you couldn't help but feel the spirit in such a beautiful setting with the choir and orchestra!

So bring it on! Joy to the world! And all that stuff!

withdrawls

I'm suffering from post holiday, fun with family, having a good time, missing everyone blues! My house is still a wreck, the tree is still in the box, and NO I'm not done shopping for Christmas, but I'm SO glad you asked! We had a fabulous visit with my bro and fam, and I'll post pictures soon! Meanwhile, I've been tired, and un-ambitious (is that a word?), and stuggling to get back into the swing of things.

Today I drove carpool for preschool, sadly the highlight of my day. There was a pretty funny, and very typical conversation going on between 4 yr old friends! They were having a playdate after school, and making plans:

bubby: we're not gonna play Wii, cuz we're gonna play my black piano!
troyboy: a black piano?
bubby: yeah, a piano!
troyboy: piano?
bubby: piano!
troyboy: oh! what color is it?
bubby: it's black!
troyboy: oh! mine is brown!

flashback

Missy Moo January 2008

....because it's CUTE and I CAN! I had a great time scrapbooking with some friends last night, and since my piles o' stuff are still out everywhere, and we're home from church sick (hubby), I wanted to continue where I left off. But now I can't find Christmas 2004 anywhere! It's here on my computer, but I'm sure I printed them too!? Maybe if I weren't so behind, I'd be better organized!

job update

It's come to my attention that I've neglected my duty to inform the masses of our current job situation.....and mostly that's been out of lack of exciting and definite news to share!

Hubby is still working at an auto shop for and with a friend of ours from the ward. He enjoys the work, and is HAPPY to be bringing home a paycheck every 2 weeks! Unfortunately the shop is just getting up and running, and the owner can't afford health care, and can't pay us enough for us to buy it on the side.

For this reason, and for long term security Hubby has continued with the application process with the dept of corrections.

(Here he is doing what he REALLY loves to do!)

As of about a month ago, he had completed all the steps before they do his background check and "invite" him to the police academy. He actually dozed off during the polygraph test...he said it was too relaxing! YIKES! I'd be too paranoid to doze! Back in the summer, we had hoped he would start in October, then it looked
like November was a possibility. NOW the sort-of official word is he's slated to start with the January academy! We won't hear for SURE until December, so it's not DEFINITE...it's more hurry up and wait!

Dear desktop,

I have an apology to make.....to my desktop....

you've never been properly appreciated

for all you do....for all you offer....a comfy spot to sit....

lots of stored photos and documents....

access to a reliable printer....the phone close by! I love how the keyboard

feels, with plenty of room between the keys.

Fewer erased sentences due to the poor placement of my hands

on the laptop!

The kids have missed you too! Age of Empires, Club Penguin,

a quick way to check mail and

grades....not to mention printing reports and stuff for school!

SO thank you desktop! We love you! Welcome back! To

show my appreciation for your presence, I'm going to clean up

the work space where you reside, and make sure you are dust

and clutter free!

And a special shout out to Uncle Ding Ding for making it all possible!