Dear Legs,

It's been a long hot summer here in Arizona. Miserably hot! You have definitely taken a beating in the most extreme way. You didn't ask for the constant pounding I give you on a daily basis. I can't help but express my gratitude to the both of you. (left and right) You have carried me from the 2nd week in July (10 weeks to be exact) until the present day without any complaints. Just occasional grumpiness now and again to let me know you are sore and tired, but overall no whining has occurred.

My UGLY feet. Ick!

Left and right toes have expressed their frustration by abandoning 4 of their toenails. That's okay. A minor hiccup I can deal with, although the "toad ogar like" appearance isn't too attractive and pedicures are embarrasing.

I didn't realize how painful this was until I tried it for 5 minutes!

I have tried keeping you content by feeding you glucosomine, giving you ice baths and allowing you to stretch, oh, and appropriate rest. That is important too, but sometimes hard, because I don't realize you have been over worked.... We are going on week 11 of training together and you have not only carried me through several miles (120ish or so to be exact), but sprinted when I gave you fuel (aka chocolate gu) and have done your fair share of hills. Just a few more weeks of 3am rising, I can already see the light at the end of the tunnel. I just pray we can both hold on for 4 more weeks and keep the rest of your neighbors happy (like hips, knees, and glutes). Thanks for being a part of me, I honestly don't know what I would do without you. I feel extremely blessed to have you attached to me.

Love, Me

xoxox

My Papa

I couldn't even tell you how my grandpa got shortened down to being called Papa. But, I was the oldest child who claimed my grandpa's name or shortened it to "Papa" And I was Jenny Poo to him and sometimes jackass--(he liked to tease) These two hands have probably taught me most of the things I know (aside from my parents) Papa and Grandma have been a second set of parents to me my entire life.

From a very young age (I think around 3). I would spend EVERY weekend with them. Papa would let me drive just about any tractor and grandma took me shopping each Saturday. My Papa has been a hard worker all of his life working on machinery, grading roads and fixing up tractors. Up until a month ago he was still working out in his barn fixing up a road grader for his neighbor. February 16, he fell completely loosing his balance for no reason. He was later told that he had had several mini strokes. Since that incident they have been in and out of the hospital on three separate occasions. He has lost his ability to walk almost completely. He has been in severe pain (and won't take pain meds--stubborn man!) They have found that his prostrate cancer which he was being treated for the past year has metastasized into his spine. Any form of cancer is never good, but he has decided chemo is just not the answer. The shots made him feel terrible, and he has now refused to take them. He has been through enough and just wants to be home. It's disheartening to see a man who had so much spunk spiral down so quickly.

My two favorite people
Papa and Grandma

My grandma has agree to let Hospice come in and give her a few pointers to help bathe, get medications, etc. Initially the word Hospice freaked my grandma out, but thankfully she is realizing they are their to help and assist her in any way they can. We are taking each day as it comes and I have been trying to spend most of my mornings down their for support and just to sit and talk to Papa. In the past few days I have learned so many things about him just through conversation. Seeing him in pain and agony is the worst part. I have cried myself to sleep for the past week. I know that once you get older things of this nature is well, just nature. But, me being selfish and not having anyone EVER close to me leave is just hard. I am sure he is scared and my grandma is scared especially not knowing what a week, a month or a few months down the road can hold. They aren't a religious group of people, but I know that they are thankful for the prayers that are made in their behalf. Papa is not only a strong man, but a GREAT man. He has touched the lives of so many, he will never know. Hang in their pop WE LOVE YOU and are praying for you!

In The Spinning

On most days my kids patiently are waiting for me if they need something. Of all my children Weston seems to have to endure the most patience. Perhaps it comes with being the 4th in line. I have been DREADING gathering paperwork for the accountant. Perhaps why I have been browsing the internet for nearly an hour! Taxes are coming quicker that I would prefer, especially since we are now on the flip side no longer getting that LARGE sum of money we once did as students. *sigh* My "just a minute responses" and "don't you want to help mommy shred some papers?" have turned into nearly 3 hours. Ugh. Weston has been begging for me to watch him ride his bike outside. He has been on a roll lately and wants to do nothing more. I am not really sure where I am going with this rambling.... Other then my head is mush from staring at moving reciepts, Walgreens presciption papers and bank statements. Can anyone relate to this? I think I am off for a much needed diet coke and to enjoy our 80 degree weather. It may not be Hawaii but I can dream right?

good deed: gathered our tax paperwork

Saturday Six

Sitting back relaxing. Holes or not these are my FAVORITE pair of jeans.

Today as I sit, I could hear the drop of a pin (it's really that quiet). A VERY uncommon Saturday in our household. My three are at the park, while my husband and oldest son are skiing the slopes. Jealous? No. It's not too often I can sit and take a moment to myself. In rare moments such as these, some read books, others may watch television or nap. I personally enjoy scrolling back at the photos I took over the week. My words obviously can't seem to keep up with the images that are taken daily. (hence my blog slacking) Here are six very random favorites I captured this week.

2.

My kids favorite new thing is to ride bikes out front and play at the park.
I caught Luke rolling in the grass.

3.

We have had a week of strange weather, cloudy skies with high humidity.
(reminds me a lot of San Antonio)

4.

My middle toe suffered from a blood blister (from my race)
It's a miracle that 4 days later it is completely healed!
I ran 7.6 miles this morning and it felt great.

5.

Yesterday I spent an ENTIRE day cleaning. This was the last load of laundry I folded/put away.
I can't tell you how nice it is not to have laundry (one of my dreaded tasks)
Let's be real, it lasted 8 hours, but it was grand for a little while.

6.

Weston, just being himself. I can't even tell you how many times a day
he makes this particular face. I am just happy I captured it.

good deed Friday: packed Doug & Jared's stuff for their trip.
good deed: went to my sister's to be a patient for her school assignment.

Five For Friday

Our family supporting our new bikes.

1. Last week was the first time our whole family was old enough to go out on a bike ride. In case you are wondering the lovely pink roxy is mine. Isn't it cute?

Doug and Jared playing ball
(taken over Christmas break)

2. We started basketball practice this week. I was enjoying not having any sporting activities for the past month, so it looks like I need to gear myself back up again. This year we added Luke in the mix, which will make things a little more challenging. I still don't know how people do this with more than two kids!

3. Being a part of the pioneer trek means you are required to go to a series of mandatory meetings. Doug went for the both of us (we were called to be a ma & pa)last night which made me realize it is creeping up faster than we know it. Today I went to Savers (a thrift store) in order to get some of the required clothing items for it. Let's just say, Doug and I are going to be stylin'! I know ALL of you are jealous. Don't worry previews of these cool articles of clothing are coming very soon!

4. Arizona weather is pretty mild, okay VERY mild compared to most climates across the nation. But, for some reason I can't seem to get warm! Perhaps an increase of running makes you colder? At any rate I am ready to stop shivering!!

5. I am just happy to be typing the words: Thank Goodness It's Friday!! Is any one else glad this week has finally come to an end??


good deed Thursday: brought my neighbors trash in.
good deed: wrote a thank you card.

Pass Me More Potatoes....Please

When Doug and I were first married the littlest tasks seemed overwhelming to me. After all, we were trying to juggle school, making ends meet, magnify our callings AND be visiting and home teachers. I remember a wise older woman (older to me at the time) said take advantage of this period of your life. (just picture a 20 year old straight face) Huh?

1. For the first few years of marriage time IS on your side.
2. Once you place children into your life time doesn't slow down.
3. You will become busier the older you get.

I took her advice with a grain of salt and truthfully thought she was partly wrong. At that time filling out medical school applications was the death of me. It nearly took ALL of my free time. How could I have less time when I was soon going to be graduating, out of school not having to worry about school work and staying home with a baby? Well, obviously I know full well she was completely on target. Although my life seemed complex when my children were small, and putting Doug through school seemed rigorous at times, life then was much less complex than it is now. What I would do for some of that "free" idol time I had playing on the floor when Taylor was a baby. Since moving back to Arizona I feel like I have been put on a ride that hasn't stopped. Don't get me wrong we have been blessed in so many ways. And really I am no different than half the friends I have. We all have kids and responsibilities we have to fulfill each and everyday. I firmly believe that the Lord never gives you more than you can handle, even if you fill your plate seems a little over the top.

Amongst the hustle and bustle of getting dinner ready last night we got a call from a High Councilman in our stake. He asked if he could come over and talk to us for about 5 minutes. I told him that if he came in an hour that would be fine. Hanging up the phone I went on with my kitchen tasks and really didn't think anything of the visit. Doug then turned to me and said what exactly did he say? I could see his wheels churning as to why someone from the stake would want to talk to us. He and I already have callings. It was then I felt a sudden pit in my stomach. I immediately thought of speaking in stake conference this coming weekend. Ugh. But, Doug was a little more in tune than I was and said, no I know what it's about, the upcoming trek in March.

Doug hit the nail on the head as Brother Woods said across from us taking a deep breath the words rolled right out of his mouth. Would you be willing to accept being a Ma and Pa on our stake youth trip in March? We gladly accepted the request. Truthfully, I have absolutely no idea what a pioneer trek is like. Doug on the other hand, did one in Utah as a youth. He claims that it was one of the best experiences he had as a youth and hasn't forgotten it. Perhaps this is a challenge for me since I have no pioneer heritage in my own family. Never mind I am by no means a camper. Or maybe this is a sign that I need to simply my life more. Either way, our plates just seem to be piling up as our children get older. I am honored they would choose Doug and I as leaders, hopefully this means we are doing something right. In the meantime, it looks like I will be taking a second helping of those potatoes. I guess I better eat them while their hot!

Random Friday

1. Today I felt incredibly rushed only to now feel idol. I am constantly complaining about the demands of my kids and screaming for serenity. I often hear "MOM!" I need, this or that.... and the fighting......but now my house is empty. Dark. It's really a catch 22. The peace IS nice, but I miss the noise and the scuffling of little feet. Doug headed up to the family cabin with his brother and the boys this afternoon. Taylor is at a slumber party. I can't even remember the last time I spent the night alone in our house without any of the kids OR the dog for that matter. I am normally used to staying alone and truly am never afraid. Tonight is an exception-- I feel scared in our large home. Every light is seriously turned on AND you bet the alarm is armed.

2. I took my sister and her husband dinner tonight. It was also the first time in months I sat and watched television AND got to snuggle with a newborn baby. It flashed me back to holding sweet Weston. It occurred to me that 3 years makes a HUGE difference. Just look at the comparison of Taylor in this photo compared to the post below. I can already feel the grey hair coming.....

Taylor & Weston

March 17, 2005

3. I think one of my biggest pet peeves is when a company (i.e. Verizon, SRP....) sends you a statement via mail to inform you in red PAST DUE, PAY NOW! You are not only flabbergasted by the amount because it is now double, (ouch) but swear you paid it last month. The buggiest part is when you look through your files there was never a statement sent!

4. Today marks the 3 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. It's both unsettling and ironic that they are starting another evacuation process tomorrow due to storm Gustav.

Destroyed by the storm
Our old church building on Academy Drive in New Orleans

5. Last Friday Doug turned to me and asked, "What should we do tonight?" Go out to eat? Sadly, I was really at a loss and had no idea. His reply, "Man, we need Greg and Angie, or some friends to go hang out with. I couldn't have agreed more. I miss my Angie and our frequent get- together's. Chuy's anyone?

Goofy Golfing Outing 2007

6. Doug discovered 4 black widows by our front door this week. Ick and scary! The closest "killer" we had was wasp spray. I am thankful that we found those eight legged things dead the next day. Note to self get some stuff to spray the house!

7. I was tickled pink when I found out that Doug said I needed to pack a sweatshirt for the cabin tomorrow. I can't even remember the last time I wore a jacket in August (unless you include eating lunch in Chick Fila--ha). Taylor, my nieces and Kathy are headed up to tall pine trees and a cooler climate. The best part is, it's only 1.5 hours away. (*note, I was up until 3am last night) I am so hosed today! Happy Labor Day :)

Spiritual?

A few months back I was especially touched by one of the talks given about FHE. He spoke about as a youth going in active. As he got older he fell further and further away from the church to the point he wanted nothing to do with it. Until one day he was walking into a store and happened to see the Tabernacle Choir singing on the television. They were singing "Love At Home" To most of us this wouldn't seem out of the ordinary, but it was that song that brought him back to the church. Not because he received a vision, but because his parents had FHE each and every week and sang that song. The spirit does amazing things. Having said that, I had a similar experience yesterday. (don't worry I am not falling away from the church). As I got into my car I decided to pull out my cds. I can't even tell you the last time I have even listened to them. As I was thumbing through I noticed that most of them were copies, but had no writing on them. Not really expecting a church cd, I decided to place the blank one into the cd player. It turned out to be the primary program for this year. I normally would only listen to this on Sunday, however I decided to leave it in on my way out to the grocery store Tuesday. It immediately brought me a sense of peace and it was then I realized the spirit was speaking volumes to me. I immediately found myself to relax and feel calm. I think that the holy ghost tries to talk with us each and everyday, but if we aren't willing or perhaps too busy we miss out on those spiritual experiences.

I was having some serious sp issues (I had to take like 5 because I kept cutting myself out)
and what is up with my hair? it appears like I just rolled out of bed!

I am by no means a spiritual giant (I know many who are). There are definitely areas that need improvement and more discipline in my life. Scripture reading for starters. My plan on reading the book of Mormon for President Hinckley's challenge fizzled soon after it began. It was quite pathetic. However, Doug and I made a goal one year ago (last July) to try and attend the temple at least 1 time for each month. And surprisingly I accomplished that goal minus missing June. I would have to say 11/12 isn't too shabby. Looking back I can honestly say that one day has blessed our family in so many ways. I am so grateful for the temple and how it has made me grow spiritually. It's even more exciting to know that in a couple of years we will only be 6-7 miles away from the Gilbert temple!

Loosing The Midas Touch

I have decided I am an emotional mess or a psych's best patient? You choose. I am weeping one minute, followed by pulling my hair out the next. I know that there is a lot of stress going on in my life, but seriously. What is my problem? I have been in a funk for nearly six weeks and can't seem to place a finger onto a specific reason. My kids are doing great in school, I have a wonderful caring husband and I can't snap out of it. Doug was on call this weekend. It's probably one of the worst calls he has had in nearly 7 months. His phone would NOT stop ringing. He made several trips back and forth to the hospital and did 2 surgeries well into the night last night. I have gotten so used to him being around at night (sometimes late, but at least he is in bed), that him being gone threw me through a loop. Single parenting is crimping my style. Apparently, I don't even know how to cope with that anymore. I put the kids to bed and had a date with Grey's Anatomy (which didn't help my mood) I am beginning to relate with Meredith Grey. Pretty pathetic. Geesh. Well, I am off to medicate with some of this. I know, I know, woe is me. Wanna join me?

The Whopper

Playing catch up on our family and thoughts that come in and out of my head are often hard. Much of the time you forget the little things that happen on a daily basis, so instead of posting several old posts I have decided to present the "whopper" post if you will. Last week we had our pinewood derby. Jared's car obviously wasn't the fastest, but I think he still had a lot of fun. And as most of you know the dad's were WAY more in to it than the boys. Doug was already talking about their next year car and how he would modify it to be faster.


Obviously, the house has consumed my thoughts, emotions, etc. I have been trying to be good about taking all realtor's feedback with a grain of salt. Most of the comments have been nice, such as nice well maintained home. One in particular (who came late and without notice) left a lengthy comment expressing how our home needs better staging. A week went by and I decided that our "kid" area really isn't practical to most. For us it works great, but in a market of people with "no imagination" visual seems to work best. Because I have the greatest friends (seriously) my house has now turned into a formal living area. Angie brought in furniture and other knick knacks for my house and rugs, Sara allowed me to borrow her mirror and sconces. My house has turned into more of a "model" home appearance if you will. Her is our newly improved design to sell look.........

(before)

(after)

more decorative touches

Unfortunately, since our staging makeover we have only had one showing. The interesting thing to me was they wanted a more open home. I thought my house was pretty open, but apparently my views are biased. What do you think??

the yummy Cafe Rio grub

Moving on to last weekend, the Gordon's invited a few families over for a delicious Mexican food bar. She made Cafe Rio pork and I brought in some restaurant tortillas (from Chuy's of course), along with some Cafe Rio tomatillo sauce. We may not have Cafe Rio here in Texas, but it was a pretty close tie I must say to tasting like the real stuff.

Nicole, Angie, Jenny and Ellice

Sadly, the rest of this week is a blur between baseball games, dance, renewing my temple recommend, Doug being consumed with high school physicals, and a head band party I am just happy that it's Friday. Oh, and I failed to mention I even passed up on my 2 year blogging anniversary! It's crazy to think it's been that long and 700 posts later. I hope to catch up with you all soon!

Five For Friday

Five things I learned this week:

1. Realtors can show up with their clients 2 hours past the time they told you. Note to self--if there are no footprints on carpet upon returning from home, be prepared!

2. Vacuuming multiple times a day for the above can give you some guns!

3. The Phx Suns have absolutely no chance in winning against the Spurs. As loyal as Doug is, it's extremely painful to hear him yell at the television. (he even wore his orange and white today) At least he admits this is his biggest weakness (see his team loose) We have had way too many upset moments in our home this week. (the couch is now used as a punching bag).

4. Despite fighting the urge to go to the temple this week. I am SO glad I went today. It was rejuvenating and took a huge weight off of my shoulders.

5. Hallelujah! The Office is back on along with Lost. How I have missed my regular scheduled programs. It is good to see Jim, Pam, Michael, Dwight and the rest of the gain once again.

Five For Friday

1. We narrowed our housing search to 5 homes in Gilbert and 6 in Chandler. Any city is fair game. This is one of the homes that peaked our interest. If any doesn't dazzle us we decided that renting is always an option. I guess we will find out Monday and Tuesday!


2. Doug came down with the flu after Weston's asthma flared up this week. It has been a sad state of sickies for the past couple of days. I can't recall the last time Doug has been this sick. It boggles my mind that he continues to go to work (without choice). Ah, the beauty of a fellow aka grunt worker. I am praying that the z-pac works fast or I may be driving the entire 15 hours. Yikes.

3. These cheery things came in the mail this week. Tasha sent a bunch of gold good luck coins due to our dreary February. And Carlo sent a sonic card (as well as a card last week---not pictured). Both came at a perfect time. Thanks gals--it really meant a lot!

4. As I was walking Angie out to her car this afternoon I noticed Weston playing around in the rental car (I wasn't paying attention) When I walked back to the garage to start packing Weston had locked the keys in the car (yep and both keys were in there) !$@#$ I was seriously bugged. Luckily, Angie once again came to the rescue and called her AAA (which I need to get) and the lock smith was there in a jiffy. Phew! Note to self: don't leave keys around!!

5. We decided to leave tonight for our trip and are getting ready to head out the door. I am grateful that we were able to get a car, but having to drive different cars has seriously messed with my mojo. Our Honda has several car charger outlets and this car only has one. What in the world? This may be a long trip after all......such is life. I am hoping to update later. Until then, happy Friday!

Bald The New Style

Luke (all my kids looked like this)
7 weeks old

We all seem to enter into this world all the same way. Small, squishy and some of us bald. None of my children were lucky enough to be born with a head full of gorgeous hair. They all came out the same, with a small amount of jet black thin hair upon their heads. All of which fell out within a few weeks. I patiently awaited the day they grew out of the "old people" phase. No offense to little newborn babies, mine just happen to support the look of little old men and women. I remember longing for the day that I could put pig tails in Taylor's thin blond hair. Oh, to be able to style hair.....

I loved these things!

Little did I know having hair came with a price. I always had people come up to me and ask how I was able to braid Taylor's hair at such a young age (18 months). How will she sit for that long? I started doing it early (more like experimenting) and the television was key. It served as a babysitter or something that would preoccupy her as I worked my magic--a secret yet great tactic. Memories flooded back as I was cleaning out various things a few weeks ago I came across these hair "boppers" (I don't throw away everything) I grew up wearing these (in fact these very ones!) each and every day, that and a bow to accompany it. Taylor too wore these, until she grew out of them and graduated to the plain rubber band. They just aren't "cool" anymore. Most of the time now she leaves it down or has a simple pony tail. I didn't have the heart to get rid of them so I simply placed them back into the container they were in, because my long hair days are long gone. *sigh*

With one less head of hair to deal with you would think my life is easy breezy. Unfortunately for me that is not the case. Since I have been growing my boys hair out (to a phase I HAVE to comb) it is nothing but a battle. You would think I was dealing with 3 girls. The second they see the spray bottle, I get the instant screams of....." not the water!!" You really would think they were getting shots or I was spraying mace in their faces. Seriously. Each and every morning I wet their bed heads in order for them to be semi presentable.

My boys supporting the "shorter" look

I say semi, because mid way through the morning it doesn't even look like I touched their hair with a comb. As summer is soon approaching I am tempted to go back to the buzz look even though the "longer" hair is a nice change. However, time is running out and I am not going to be able to choose what hair cut looks best on my littles. Jared is entering into an era of caring about how his hair looks. Sometimes I catch him standing in the mirror making sure his hair is just in the right place.




Couldn't bald be a style just like when we were little? I can see the headlines, "BALD THE NEW STYLE." Ummm, yah right. That would never happen, or could it? I probably would be the first person to boycott this idea. Oh, wait I did that with bell bottoms, later to buy myself a pair. Looking like this, well just isn't appealing--unless you are Demi Moore. BUT, it sure would make life much easier. Not very pretty, but simple.


blessing: being able to make our own choices.

The Death Of Me

The view from my yard.
Just look at the mold on their house!
(I just hope people that come looking at mine don't notice)

I use the phrase "this is going to be the death of me!" quite frequently. Of course I am always exaggerating, but during the moment I seriously feel that way sometimes. Yesterday I hit my breaking point. Everything in my path was "THE DEATH OF ME!" Truly. My neighbors that we share a fence with and have for the past five years are not the cleanest folk. That's fine and dandy and really their prerogative, unless it involves YOU. You see, they have what I counted to be 6 dogs in their back yard (they must have been in the house for the photo op). 2 (yappy poodles!) of which the other day got into my yard sending my dog on a frenzy. I like dogs, but people who aren't responsible with their own totally irk me to no end. They also have a rather large dog who continues to bark ALL DAY, I kid you not. It got to the point the other day I called animal control on them. Not only for the number of dogs, but the SMELL. I don't think they have picked up animal droppings for over 6 months. Times that by 6 and you get the point. As you can see we don't have a fence that would block out the sight or smell. Yikes! Good news is my husband did knock on their door (and was very nice) and asked if they could take care of the smell issue. They don't speak very good English, but replied with one word, yes. I saw them picking up yesterday filling nearly 6 trash bags, we'll see how long that lasts.............

And I have three boys?

We are new to this whole cub scout thing. Jared loves it. Period. I on the other hand have an entire new respect for those who have been dealing with scouts for years on end. I spent the better half of my afternoon just trying to sew on 4 patches. I didn't want to machine them because in a few months we will be switching packs. So after ripping off numbers like 4 times @#$#! (because they were crooked) I finished. I may have had sore fingers, but it was worth it after seeing his cute happy face last night proudly wearing his shirt. We visited the police station (which I sorta dreaded) It ended up being very informative and hey I learned a few new things myself!

My last slow death yesterday was this car I am driving. Don't get me wrong I am lucky to have a car that runs. It's nearly new. It also does great on gas nearly 475 miles to 15 gallons (not bad!) BUT, the no smoking sign that appears on the window apparently means nothing. Just for looks? People who rent cars smoke in them, they break the rules. And why? So people like me who obey the word of wisdom have to suffer and smell the NASTINESS! I have tried covering it up with a vanilla tree (which is a tiny bit better). But, I feel like I am driving the Marlboro man car! I definitely miss my mini van. How much longer? 2.5 weeks to go, **sigh**.

My little boys who are supposed to be napping (during this quiet afternoon) are screwing around in their rooms. Don't they know I took them to the park for a reason this morning (to WEAR THEM OUT) Umm...... this may be the death of me today. So help me!

blessing: I will be getting my car back soon!

Five For Friday

I couldn't resist taking a photo of all those 5's

1. About a week ago I was due for an oil change AND that fun "car checkup" I put off last time. I always cringe on these occasions because they are a pretty penny. BUT, I always said if and when I got a new car I would take care of it. So here I am doing the deed. It's hard to believe that we have owned our car for three years now. I sensed that my breaks were wearing a little thin so I had asked them to check them out as well. I expressed that I had never gotten new ones and wondered what the approximate mileage you could get on them. Of course he said it depends on the driver, etc. Roughly he said around 20-30,000 is normal. That was when I said well, I guess I do pretty good because my car has 55,000 miles on it! Woo-hoo for my driving :)

Cute Patrick

2. We had a family move into our neighborhood this past summer. They have three boys and a girl like our family. This is Patrick and is seriously a crack up. He speaks like an adult and always wants you to watch him do tricks on his bike. I had to bring up Patrick because I was running with Doug a few weeks ago and he said, "Hi sister Gordon!!" I almost didn't correct him, but felt compelled to. I think he was a bit embarrassed, but it was pretty funny. I am waiting for the day people ask me, when did you have your baby??!

3. I put a rush on my Christmas cards this week and received them in the mail on Tuesday. I was a bit nervous since I have never ordered online cards. I checked several companies and found this one to be the most reasonable. I think they turned out pretty good, and hey their done right? Luke and I spent yesterday afternoon stuffing envelopes. Now all I need to do is address them and in the mail they go.

4. A couple of Sunday's ago I had to run home and grab something during Sunday school block of church. On my way back, I was driving through a residential neighborhood and being tailgated. This urks me to no end when people do that. What if there were kids near the road? I was doing the speed limit and it also happens to be an area that cops hang out. Well, the person behind me apparently thought I was driving much too slow and sped by me super fast. She sped by me to pass! I bring this up because it wasn't a teenager, but an OLD lady with handicap tags on her mirror. What in the world? Maybe she had to go to the bathroom, was late for somewhere or something, but geesh!


5. Is anyone bummed about the writer's guild going on strike? They are going on the second week. I know that doesn't effect reality shows, but Jon Stewart, The Office. Heroes, and other shows like 24 and Lost are halting. Good thing I have DVR'ed so many shows and haven't watched them yet or I may be having t.v. withdrawals!

good deed: replaced the fire alarm in one of the bedrooms

Spoiled

You can barely tell from this photo I took looking out my bedroom window, but it has been pouring rain since about 6am this morning. It doesn't look any better tomorrow since the clouds are reported to be "stationary" Quite honestly, I am feeling a bit like the weather. I feel like my body is trying to fight off some sort of flu. I crashed around 8:30pm after taking two cold medicine pills. I wasn't even able to keep my eyes open to see all the SYTYCD. Of course it never fails, I awoke several times throughout the night. I do this everytime I take medicine. Annoying.

Feeling crappy, I couldn't even manage to pull myself together until about 3pm today. I layed in bed ALL morning. It made me realize how spoiled I have become with things in my life. For starters, the sun. It has been raining for 23 straight days on and off. That's a whole lotta rain for Texas!! I didn't realize how much I depend on the weather until things I normally do are hindered by it. (swimteam and my exercise didn't happen today) Let alone really have the motivation to drag kids out in it. Each time I talk with my grandma, she expresses how wonderful it would be to have rain. I guess living in AZ you would welcome any sort of drop in temperature. I am sure I will be eating my words about rain a year from now.

Doug, Erik, and Flo
Father's Day Morning 4:30am

Unfortunately, rain has caused a delay in several airports along the Northeast. Normally I wouldn't even care but today a delay means more time for my poor husband to sit at an airport. His flight from Maine has been delayed several hours along with his connecting flight back home. I think we get spoiled with the transportation means we have living in our country. What? A delay....come on! At any rate I am still hopeful that he will make it home before midnight. I have been anticipating this day for the past 2 weeks. And the other bummer is while he was there at his study course his computer crashed on him due to some virus in the internet world @$@$! Doug has decided that was the last PC he will ever own.

I have also realize how spoiled I am into having such a supportive, helpful husband. Doug may be gone on call, off and on, but he rarely goes out of town. These past 13 days haven't been terrible, but not having him around for bedtime rituals, dinner, and just as a companion has been tough. I don't know how several of you do 6 weeks or even months at a time flying solo. I can only imagine how hard it is! I hate to appear like a wet blanket, (truely how I feel) but now I know exactly why I should be grateful for so many things. What I would do to feel healthy today! I think I have realized how spoiled I really am.

good deed: read scriptures with the kids.

Mark.....Get Set....... Goooo!!

You would think with school out of session days would be more low key or much more relaxing. They are to an extreme, however I was just thinking this morning how I feel each day has been a race. Not that it is a bad thing, because I don't do well being idol. The minute my eyes pop open, I feel much like a runner in a race. Runners to your mark, get set, goooooo! After my morning exercise, I begin the day with what Doug has labeled the "breakfast of champions" Peanut butter toast with Diet Dr. Pepper. I am sure most cringe over it, but it suits me well. As I was racing around this morning, a quote popped into my head that I saw on a sign the other day. It made me stop and think about things a tad differently today.

"Enjoy the Journey......life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away."

Am I enjoying the journey each day brings me? I have to be honest and say, that the past couple of days my positive attitude has carried me through. Seriously. I made a goal to try and not raise my voice (something I did for a few weeks back in January). I managed to do it yesterday, but by 8pm tonight, I wasn't doing so well. Now, onto earlier today....

June Ensign lesson

I was inspired the other day to make my appointments to go visiting teaching from Jill's post. She expressed how important it is, and it made me sit back and think....I skipped last month because of being "too busy" but was I really too busy or just not willing to sacrafice my time for an hour? We ended up chatting with our sisters and I was so glad I went.

I love how bilingual we are here.
Love the checkout sign?

On my way home, I stopped off at lovely Wal-mart to pick up some snacks for the swim-meet this evening. It wasn't too terrible, I was alone without kids thanks to Angie. I also managed to mail a package for an upcoming birthday girl, (I hope it arrives on time). Angie took my older kids to this, which allowed my afternoon to run a bit more smoothly. Taylor and Jared both loved it, but admited it was a little bit scary. During the time they were gone I lied the boys down for a nap and me and my 3 reliable friends went to work!

This is currently my favorite glass cleaner. you can
find it at Wal-mart for $1.89. It's a foam and doesn't leave streaks!

After finishing up the house, it was time to head out to the pool for the kids meet. I scrambled around for things to make for dinner (not my priority it seems these days). Taylor suggested Mac & Cheese, perfect. She even took it upon herself to make it, with very little of my assistance, yet another bonus of having an older daughter.

One of my friends was kind enough to take Weston off my hands during the meet, which was a HUGE lifesaver. It's never fun to chase around a 2-year old when your husband isn't there to assist. I kept Luke entertained with Fun-Dip. It seriously is the best stuff and he was happy for about an hour with it. (obviously not the healthiest, you do what you gotta do). Thanks Ellice--I owe you big time!

10 & under girls
Courtney, Nina, Taylor, Nicole and Mackenzi
Go Stingrays!

By the time I got home it was nearly 8:30pm. You know, the time of day when you are just ready to clock out and have some down time to yourself. Luke crashed as did the others, but you can always count on Weston throwing a wrench in the bedtime routine. He just doesn't like to stay in bed. We have tried the childproof locks and several other things. Since he is #4, I have just decided to let it go and most of the time I end up finding him in various beds in the house. Tonight it happened to be this one.

But really how can you get mad when he turns to his sister and older brother for comfort? We are heading out to the waterpark tomorrow....I better get packing.


good deed: went visiting teaching.