Chop Shop

I have a girlfriend who decided to add a little color in her hair. She has pink bits going through and it looks great on her. I have another friend who went in for a color and she got a shock when her hair turned out much darker than she planned. (In her words, "goth", but I think it looks good). It had me hankering for a change, but I was not as bold as my friends. Here's as far as I went ...


Just short! (Don't you love the close up on the wrinkles? Ha!) I haven't been short like this in years. I am still trying to figure out how to make it work, but I love that it takes so little time to "fix" in the morning. My hair is so thick it takes forever to dry. So far I am lovin' the change.

House Warming

We have been in our home for over a month, and I've gotten so much grief from family and friends about not posting pictures. We had a FABULOUS house warming party last week. We estimate that at least 70 people came through the house, shared treats, and then walked through the neighborhood. It was so fun to share the holidays with friends.

In order to appease the far away friends who aren't able to visit, here is a little snippet of what the house looks like.

Here is the front yard. Believe it or not, we already removed 10 trees. Crazy! Can you see the little elf on the window? Click on the picture to see it close up. Aubrey and I painted that. Then the rains came and washed half of it away. (Note to self, install rain gutters before next year.)

The house is full of stained glass windows. I can't decide if I like them or not. It's kinda cool that it's custom, but it also seems a little "grand motherly". Our hope is that we'll live here forever, so someday I'll be a grandma and then it will fit, right?!

View from front door. The banister is so much prettier with lights and Christmas garland. :)

Good thing we took pictures before we moved in. It hasn't been clean enough for pictures ever since. :) We hope to change out the lights soon, but for now it's very functional.


This is the upstairs laundry room. We almost bought this same model house back in May and decided we would move the laundry room upstairs. These kind people did it for us. It's bigger than I would have planned, but it is so nice to have extra room and extra storage.

Not the best shot of the pool, but it's still pretty. You can't see it well, but the far side has a pretty water fall coming off the rocks.

My favorite spot in the yard, the fire pit. I love how they made seats out of boulders.

Holiday Photo

Our ward did a great money maker for the Young Women's camp fund. A guy in the ward did family portraits behind the city hall. I've never seen that area, it was really pretty. Most of the money goes to the girls, so we couldn't resist helping out.

This will probably be as close as we get to sending out holiday cards this year. We definitely feel blessed that we've made it through the year with our health and family in tact. Brian's job is going well. The kids are doing good in school and activities. We are all very happy with our new ward and new home.

We hope you all have an amazing holiday season. Full of love and the spirit of giving and hope. From the words of one of my favorite people: "Life is good. It may not be easy, but it is always good."

We love you all!!! Merry Christmas!

Teacher Conference Vent Session

Today was the final of our parent/teacher conferences. We weren't much surprised with what the 2 teachers had to say about our kidlets. However, there was one part that irks me sooo much, and I can't let it go.

Aubrey is brilliant. There, I said it. If you don't believe me, just ask her. She has so much (often false) confidence in her own ability that she is almost unteachable. However, math is her strong subject. She (usually) loves it. This is why it's been such a concern that she comes home every day telling us that math is boring. This is where I just don't get public school.

The teacher tells me today that the new math book that the entire district is using is kinda lame (paraphrasing the teacher). They start at the very basic of an idea (stuff these kids learned in 2nd grade sometimes) and then go forward. Aubrey hates wasting a couple of days on stuff she already knows, and then gets so frustrated when there are kids that are asking questions ... when they should have learned the material in 2nd and 3rd grade. (yeah, she's really patient too). I ask the teacher if there is something we can do for GATE kids that are losing interest. She says "no, this is the book we have". So, my kid is literally being turned off to math because "this is the book we have". Seriously?! There's no extra work that can be given to her? No other way of teaching "outside of the box" when you see a kid is walking away? If she was a low scoring kid would that be same response?

We're at the point where we are just going to do extra math lessons outside of school. Fun stuff that challenges her and keeps her motivated. If any of you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment. While I really do like her teacher, seeing a kid turn off and allowing it to happen is intolerable. Am I wrong here?

New-ish Calling

We've been in our new ward for 3 Sundays now. I was called into the Bishop's office last weekend and given my new-ish calling. Guess what it is??? C'mon, I'll give you a hint.

You got it! Young Women's!!! I'm the Mia Maids Advisor. In all my adult years of marriage, I've been called to serve with the Mia Maids in 3 different wards. I love the YW's program. I love the opportunity to help these girls grow their testimonies, and seeing my own grow.

On the other side of the coin, I feel like I'm clearly not learning something that I should have 2 wards ago. So, is it wrong to have a heart to heart with Heavenly Father and just lay it out on the table. I wanna tell him, "Um, here I am ... again. Seriously, I don't think I'm getting it. It's just not going to happen. Whatever lesson I'm supposed to learn from this calling is going to have to be MUCH less subtle. This is a thick skull you're working with."

Whatever the reason for me being here, I'm going to relish the fun and the adventures. This ward seems to go a little more hyper on themes and matching napkins. I'll have to step it up for this. I'm so looking forward to getting to know the girls. My attitude right now is: BRING IT!

They called the entire family into the Bishop's office this last Sunday, but only to ask Brian and I to speak. I love that we get to speak on the same Sunday. Brian is a little restless without a calling. He's so used to being busy at church. He'll get his soon enough, I'm sure.

Halloween Creep Fest

It really happened ... and I was there! (dim the lights and move in close for story time)

A few weeks ago, Aubrey was having her soccer practice at a local soccer park. At the back of the park there is a little stream and a path that is rather hidden from the park. Jon likes to go explore, but can only go with a buddy. This particular day, I was his only option, so we went exploring together.

The stream is very small and the mosquitoes were buzzing around and bugging us (pun intended). There was a very strong stench coming from the tiny bit of water. I don't mean to brag, but I have what some might call a "super smeller". If you've seen Psych, you know what I'm talking about. I have a pretty good sense of what I'm smelling, and I could almost swear I was smelling a dead animal decomposing. Jon and I had our fill of exploring and we quickly returned to the fresh air by the practice field.

Fast forward about 3 weeks later. (start reading here with a spooky voice) It's Halloween morning ... around 8 am. It just so happens that Brandon is assigned to play his soccer game at the same local park. As the parents are sitting on the sidelines cheering, we are talking about all the noise that the tractor is making over by the little stream. It appears that it is clearing out the brush in the area. All of the sudden, the tractor stops and shortly there after blaring sirens of an ambulance and firetruck are getting nearer. They come right into the parking lot, along with 3 police cars. (insert suspenseful music here)

It turns out that a body was found by the tractor worker. It was a suicide that appears to have taken place a few weeks ago. The body was very badly decomposed. Could it be that the awful stench of dead animal that I smelled was in fact a poor man's body hanging in the trees not far from where we were exploring???

It is a very creepy thought and I am still a little queasy over the possibility. It makes for a great ghost story, huh?! I just wish it was something I read and not something I was that close to. ICK!

Appreciation

For reading time last night Aubrey and I were playing a question answer game created for 3rd graders. Yeah, not quite her level, but we're working her up to it. Ha, ha!!! Just kidding!

Anyway, the question was: "There's a leak in the kitchen sink. What worker should we call to fix it?"

The obvious answer: "Daddy"

It is very clear that this family relies so much on Brian and appreciates all he does for us. It's not Father's Day, but we can use any day to send out a tribute to a good dad, right?!

Happy Dance

We just got the all important phone call. We have been given the GREEN light to move into our new home on Saturday! Woosh-oo!!! That means we won't be homeless until escrow closes!!! I'm so relieved. Let the packing continue.

For those of you with kind husbands living close by, we will be moving early Saturday morning. Feel free to come over for the donuts and orange juice ... and then stick around for the no cost full body work out that comes from moving furniture and boxes. Seriously, since we weren't able to announce the move at church, I'm really worried about whether we will have any help at all. EEKS!

Catching up!

It used to be when I got super busy that my journal was the first thing neglected. Now this blog is what is ignored. So much has happened in the last month. Let me do a "not-so-quick" run through.

#1. Most important, Jonathan turned 8 and was baptized.


He was so excited to get baptized by his dad! His smile didn't leave him all day.


Brian's parents and sister came for the baptism. That was very nice to have family here. They did a great job reminding him about the importance of what he was doing. The kids loved having family visit.

Brian's sister, Heidi, is very allergic to cats. She hasn't been to San Diego in 5 years because of it. This time it worked out well. The week they were set to come visit, we put our house on the market and were having people come through to check out the house. We all agreed it might be best to have them stay in a hotel. They were great sports about it. But I still think Heidi was very relieved, and literally breathed easier because of the situation.

Another milestone for turning 8 is joining the Cub Scouts at church. Just Jon's luck, he got in just in time for the Raingutter Regata.

Neither Brian nor I actually graduated from BYU, although I did attend for 1 semester before my mission. My kids are very loyal and act as if they have it in their blood. Jon was so excited about the making of his boat and planned his design weeks before his birthday. I love that they are so into scouts. In our family it's "no wings, no wheels". In other words, they don't drive until they earn Eagle scout. We just have to get them to that point before life gets more interesting than scouts. Ha!


#2. Family Traditions. Brian grew up in St. Louis, so going to Utah was a big deal. When the boys turned 12, they got to go with their dad to General Conference at the Tabernacle. Brandon thought that was a great idea and wanted to do the same. We told him he could go anywhere, but he chose Utah. I secretly think he was hoping for snow and could maybe get a ski trip out of it. Still he really enjoyed the trip.

He did see snow at the family cabin near Fairview, Utah. Don't let the pictures fool you, it's a beautiful area, but the cabin is as run down on the inside as it is on the outside. They had a great time hiking and being out in nature, but they didn't actually stay at the cabin.

They went on to Orem, Utah and stayed with some of our favorite friends, the Chuns. We've known this family since before Brandon was born. They are as close as family to us. And they took good care of the boys while they were in Utah. Brandon came home asking how come we didn't have a baby. Thanks a lot, Andrea! :)


Brandon was really impressed with Priesthood session of conference. I think it had an impact on him, and it definitely was a special time for he and Brian to be able to play and talk all weekend.

#3. We sold our house ... again. It's been the craziest ride ever. The day before Brian took Brandon out of town a house came on the market. For some reason we felt like this one could be "it". Brian filled out all the paperwork just in case I saw the house and wanted to put on offer on it. Before he came home from Utah, the offer was accepted and we were in escrow.

Our house was quickly put on the market and by the first weekend we had 4 offers, two of which were cash offers. (Who does that???) Mind you, Brian still hadn't even seen the house we were buying yet. The tenants of our prospective home wouldn't let us in to see it because they were mad the owners were selling and didn't want to do them any favors.

With Brian's parents in town, we thought it would be so fun to show them the new place, but the tenants weren't budging. They did say we could see the backyard once they moved their stuff out. Brian loved it as much as I did. It's a 1/2 acre lot with so much room for both work and play. As we were getting ready to leave the house, the maids drove up to clean the empty home. I was able to chat with them and talked them into letting us see inside ... there are benefits to speaking Spanish. So, 3 days before all contingencies were taken off our home, Brian finally got to see the home he was working so hard to buy. I'm telling you he is a man of great faith to put so much trust in my judgment. On my mission we used to ask, "es fe o estupidez?" In this case it was all good. The inside is as nice as the outside and he was 100% on board. Unfortunately the house was taken off the listing, so I have no pictures. I'll try to get some next time we have access to the house.

We decided to accept an all cash offer which means we are on hyper speed to get out. They asked for a 7 day escrow and we talked them into a 14 day escrow with the option to rent for an extra week. That means we have to be out by Halloween. The new house is vacant so we're hoping we can rent it starting this next weekend and start moving in. We won't know until tomorrow. If they don't agree to that, we hope to be able to put our stuff in the garage and then rent a hotel, or mooch off the kindness of friends. If that doesn't work, we'll have to put everything in storage and go with that mooching option for the family.

This is a lot of work, but all still feels so calm inside. The ward is much smaller where we're moving to, but that hasn't hampered our excitement. I'll try to update again when I know something ... hopefully very soon. Today at church we were asking the Young Women what they were going to be for Halloween. I think our entire family could go as homeless people ... literally! ha, ha! It's all for our experience and learning, right?!

Nine Eleven

While running errands with the kids we got to talking about how school went. Aubrey's class talked about 9/11 and what it meant. That led to so many questions ... and a few tears. Do you remember where you were when it happened?

My mom sent me an email telling me I had to turn on the TV that we were going to war. I didn't understand what it was about. It was early morning, before Brian went to work. I turned on the TV to watch a re-play of the towers being hit by the planes. I was in shock.

Aubrey was 3 and Brandon 5. I was 8 months pregnant with Jon. I remember sitting on my floor just holding and rocking Aubrey for so long. I called for Brian and we just sat together all huddled up. Brandon on Brian's lap, Aubrey in mine and Brian and I holding each other's hands. He stayed home from work because there was a feeling that we all just needed to stay together. I kept wondering what kind of world we were bringing babies into. We watched the news all day long. It wasn't until a day or two later that they told parents that children should not be shown the pictures since it would be traumatic for them. Oops, we were so overwhelmed with emotion, we never thought about it.

Do you remember the feeling of unity throughout the country? We didn't know anyone who was killed that day, but we prayed for their families desperately. All those emergency workers who jumped in to help. All those terrified, innocent people. How amazing to feel united in the same righteous indignation. How the flags waved all over the country. Did you hang your flag today?

As we talked about it today, Aubrey kept saying she 'didn't get it'. I smiled at her and reassured her that no one did back then either. How is it possible to hate a people so much as to kill them like that. I'd never known that we were hated so much by others. I still don't understand that hate.

I cried as I described to her the story of the brave folks that knowingly sacrificed their lives to fight against the hijackers and take the plane down where it couldn't hurt anyone else. Americans are a tough people. Deep down, we know what is right and how to behave. On this day I pray that God will bless America. Help us to be the nation that he has prepared us to be. My heart is full. I will not forget.

Moving On!

The last few times I've been online to read blogs, I've felt a pit in my stomach when I read my last entry. I need to get that one off the front page and focus on what's going on.

I guess this will just be random things that are brewing in my head:

1. Brace Face!

Ok, I had a little fun with Photoshop here. Did you guess it was Aubrey? She was so excited about getting braces. We tried to prepare her for the razzing and torment she would get at school by calling her "Brace Face" and "Metal Mouth". She just shrugged and said braces are cool. She did the same thing when she got glasses. I guess it's not like when I was in school. Kids are all about the accessories and "bling". I think the braces make her look so grown up.

2. Beach Days

I don't take my camera to the beach very often. We probably went to the beach on an average of once a week. It was great! Brian stated at the beginning of the summer that he wanted to take the kids to the beach EVERY Saturday. He ended up going ONCE and had so much fun that we took a morning off on a week day to take the kids and Chance to dog beach. Wish I had pictures of that! It was so fun!

3. G'Day Mate

Our good friends from Australia came to visit for a few days. She is Aussie and he's American. They lived in San Diego when Brandon was just little. She could be Brandon's 1st crush. He said (at 2 years old) that he wanted to marry Amber. When we asked what her husband, Matt, would do, Brandon said, "he's had his turn". Fairness is a big deal for 2 year olds, right?! It was great to see them and meet their little boys. So glad they stopped by!

4. School Begins


Time for schedules, routines and traditions. Our family traditions are father's blessings before school starts and a reading of, "The Kissing Hand" before sending them off to the big world. Brandon and Aubrey are getting too old for this sort of thing, but they love the tradition and time together.

On their way to school. They all have great teachers and schedules. No complaints so far. Not sure I'm ready for it all to begin, but they are!

I think you're about caught up on the way our lives keep rolling on. As my girlfriend used to always say, "Life is good, it may not be fair, but it's always good".

Circle of Life

What a beautiful day we had yesterday. I took the kids to the beach where they swam with dolphins close by. Amazing! It was such a peaceful time shared with good friends. Made me so grateful to be by the calming roar of the ocean.

After coming home we finally got the news we'd been waiting all day to hear. One of my dearest friends in San Diego had her 5th baby. We were thrilled! Heidi had a little baby boy, named Noah Benjamin. Aubrey and I went up to the hospital to see him. He's absolutely beautiful with perfect skin. We were laughing that Heidi looked so happy and full of energy, while Josiah was falling asleep in the chair. Heidi is such an amazing example of sweet mothering. She looked very much in love with her little boy.

Then this afternoon I got the news that another of my dearest friends had peacefully passed away last night in her sleep. She had fought cancer for 8 years. Even in her last week, pumped up with morphine, she was still in charge of her home and still in her mommy role. Reminding care takers that books were due at the library and wanting to have final say if her daughter's new bathing suit fit correctly. Cancer had been part their family for so long she teased that it was just one of the family. My heart goes out to her husband and children. They are going to miss Juli's humor, kindness, and love. I know I already do.

As I was thinking of the timing of these two life changing events, I can't help but realize what a blessing life is. To celebrate a new baby and the potential and love waiting to burst forth. To appreciate the love between a mother and child. To remember that the special relationships in our lives is what matters the most, and to cherish friendships and create a stronger family bond.

Blessed, Honored Pioneer

July 24th is celebrated in Utah as a state holiday to commemorate when the LDS pioneers reached the Salt Lake valley. All through the church there are usually activities to remember. Our area had a breakfast at the Poway lake with a variety of fun runs (5K, mile, etc) around the lake and then games for all ages.

By coincidence, an Apostle of the Lord, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, was in town with his family on vacation. I'm not sure how it worked out, but he agreed to speak to our stake and the craziness began.

This doesn't do the choir justice. It was a hurried picture just before the doors opened.


With two months preparation, a complete concert with a 90 person choir, orchestra, solos, slideshow, and narration was put together. Brian and I decided to join the choir. It was guaranteed to be very challenging, but with the music being so fun it was worth it. After the very first rehearsal, the choir director pulled me aside and asked if I would be willing to help with production management. I wasn't sure what all that entailed, but I'm always willing to help so I agreed. It was so much fun!!! (No, that wasn't sarcasm!) I learned so much about lighting, mic placement, who in the stake and surrounding areas to call on for assistance, etc. With non-stop email, meetings, phone calls, and trials (including the death of one of the director's father), it all culminated into one terrific evening.


Here is the children's choir. Aubrey was asked to participate. She's the pioneer girl with the white bonnet. She did a fantastic job and learned a lot about what it means to sing in a choir.

Elder Holland spoke after the performance. He didn't have anything really prepared, just went with his heart. Let me share what I got out of his talk.

Brian's family comes from solid pioneer stock. They are related to John Taylor (3rd President of the church) and Willard Richards (a counselor under Brigham Young). When I go to family reunions I often hear the praises and apparent brags of this long legacy in the church. It often makes me think of the Asian tradition of ancestor worship. For a long time it kinda creeped me out.

Elder Holland shared a story of a man in his college years that was a convert to the church complaining about how this pioneer history wasn't his. He didn't have family that crossed the plains, why doesn't the church realize that it has gone beyond the borders of the United States and that most people can't relate to that past? Move on and grow up!

At that point Elder Holland stood up (he was also a college aged guy at the time) and told the man boldly that the pioneer heritage belongs to each of us. When we are baptized (no matter from what past, or which country we live in), we sign on to the whole package and automatically join in the family with the same legacy. We all have some gratitude that needs to be extended to those brave and faithful saints that sacrificed so much for us to have what we have today. There were 2,600 people (men, women and children) who died along that trail. They did it because they had faith that God had a place prepared for them to worship and live in peace, and they knew that they were led by a living prophet. The example of those families is a great source of strength to me.

Elder Holland reminded us that with all the weeks of work we all went through to prepare the concert, it all ended in 50 minutes to commemorate what these people sacrificed for us. To each of us. It changed my perspective of how Brian's family talks about their ancestry. It makes me grateful for the legacy my children have.

Not a Fan

I know people who are up on who the latest stars are, and what movie they are in, who they are dating, etc. I don't even know the names of the people I really like. You know, like that one actor with the really cool voice. I like every movie I've seen/heard him in, but I can never remember his name. Brian knows it. That's good enough for me. Oh, or what about that one actress? She is so funny, and does such a great job with her characters. Again, I don't know her name, but Brian knows. Funny how you become dependent on your spouse for little things like that.

Brian often knows just how I'll react when a simple word is spoken. The word lately has been 'cancer'. Again ... not a fan!!! If there is anything that I really hate, it has to be cancer - and I don't even have it. But I've had so many friends and family that have suffered, and I hate it!

I got an email yesterday telling my that one of my room mates from college has about 3 weeks left. She has been fighting breast cancer for over 8 years with such dignity and strength. She is a friend that was put in my life because God willed it - no other reason.

We met when she was dating one of Brian's friends. After a couple of dates, she knew it wasn't going to go anywhere, but the spirit told her to stay with him. Awhile later the 4 of us double dated, and she realized why she was supposed to date him ... so she could meet me. We talked the entire date and she became my room mate soon after. Right then she also met the man she would marry at one of our regular Sunday night game nights.

We were engaged to terrific guys at the same time. Our wedding rings are very similar because of our late night talks. We both have 3 kids all very close in age (boy, girl, boy), and they play so well together.

This will be the 4th friend who has passed away because of this monster. At the same time, my mother-in-law is dealing with her own battle with breast cancer (very early detection and all seems well). Just the sound of the word cancer makes my body go tense and the tears come to the surface. Brian knows this and puts his arm around me as if by instinct. It doesn't make the pain go away, but it tightens the bond between us because it's unspoken and understood.

So, though I'm not hip and up on pop culture, I know who my heroes are. I don't think 'fan' would describe how I feel for Brian. I'll stick with 'eternal companion', and be grateful for that blessing!

Holiday Fun

My favorite holiday has always been Christmas, but this year may have changed all that. The 4th of July is the best. Great weather, hanging out with family and friends, eating good food, and just relaxing. No expectation of gifts, decorations, or anything. Truly AWESOME!

This year we started out with a flag raising ceremony at the church and a pancake breakfast. Since we've been away for so long, my goal was to go and talk with everyone. I somehow ended up at the back of the breakfast line and by the time I got through, most people were leaving. So much for that goal. Ha!

We had so many ideas of what fun things we could do. Go swimming with friends, go to the beach, go to the park. In the end we stayed home. Seriously! I think we were all sorta tired of socializing for the last 3 weeks, we just wanted to stay home. Again, a brilliant way to spend a holiday.

We wanted to bbq, but sold ours when we thought we were going to move. I had to make steaks in the oven. Sounds icky, right?! No way. Check out these steaks!!! Sorry, I don't have a picture, but trust me, these turn out perfect every time. Delish!

We watched fireworks with lots of friends at the stake center. Perfect weather, perfect day! Great reminder of how grateful I am that we live in this amazing country. We are truly blessed!

Celebrations ...

Though this is going to be a travelogue, I want to kinda organize it. We had a FABULOUS vacation, and got to celebrate many great moments with our family!

... 50 years together

The entire reason for the trip was to meet together at a family reunion to celebrate Brian's parent's 50th anniversary. That is such an amazing milestone. We are so happy for the legacy they are leaving for our entire family.

One of my very favorite pictures! How cute are they???

They make 50 years together look good!

... Family Fun

Everyone in the family was able to attend the open house and family reunion, except one niece who is getting ready to enter West Point, and she was missed. After the open house on Friday, we spent all day Saturday at 6 Flaggs St. Louis. They have an amazing water park that was perfect for muggy mid-west weather.

Aubrey had her own unfortunate adventure. She got a huge splinter go right under her finger nail. It was awful. I was so impressed with how quickly and professionally the first aid guy handled it. You'll have to ask to see her finger. The memory lingers.

My favorite part of family reunions is watching how much fun the cousins all have when they are together and getting time to sit and catch up with the families. I really love Brian's siblings and their spouses (the "out laws"). We all live so far away (Washington, Missouri, Illinois & Minnesota), it just feels like home when the house is filled with all the sounds of laughter and talking.

... Traditions

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

It is almost blasphemy that I don't like this stuff. However, it is a fore drawn conclusion that when we go to St. Louis we will be going to Ted Drewes as soon as possible. In fact, we were driving into town around 11 pm when we got a phone call from the family saying to not even go to the hotel ... just meet everyone for custard. This place is always busy (the picture is deceiving). There are no places to sit, only to stand. They turn their "concrete" custard upside down to prove how thick it is. It really is amazing. The family went out to custard 3 times in the short few days we were in town.


... National Parks and Junior Rangers

When ever we take these long road trips, we stop at as many national parks as we can and the kids collect Junior Ranger badges along the way. It's a great way to learn about the area and keep the kids interested. Here are some pictures of what we saw.

~ Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

I loved this place. Makes you wonder how many other hidden holes there are in our world.

~ White Sands, New Mexico

This was the biggest surprise of the trip. We didn't think it was going to be very exciting. I've seen dunes of sand before. This was miles and miles of white gypsum sand that looked like no one had ever touched it. The footprints you see in this photo were ours. The wind blows just enough to cover up the prints pretty quickly. It's like prestine wilderness. We were out there just at sunset. It was gorgeous! I could have camped out there for days!

~ Oklahoma City Bombing, Oklahoma

This wasn't a Junion Ranger visit, but it was very memorable. I think it may have been a little intense for our sheltered children. The thought of 2 people killing that many innocent people over an idealogical point of view. They have done the museum and the monument so well. Very kid friendly, since so many children were killed. They are very sensitive there and have activities for the kids to do to kinda work out their emotions. We had a short, but interesting conversation upon leaving this site.


~ George Washington Carver Museum, Missouri


Seriously, how much do you know about this man??? I sure didn't know anything. It was a very peaceful visit. I loved the walk through the trails. How cute is this family??? Love them!

Here are the kids taking the oath of a Junior Ranger. All very official, and clearly very enthusiastic.

The Search is Over ...

... you were with me all along. Do you remember that song from way back when??? That's the story on our house hunt. We went through SOOOOOO many houses, but none of them were better than what we have now. So we are staying put. Showing the truly ungrateful person I am, I will admit that I was really sad when we made the ultimate decision to break the contract with the family who was planning on buying our house. I have been blue and moody all weekend. I think I am finally coming out of it and accepting what is. For a little while, it was fun to dream.

On to other news, we are packing up and getting ready for vacation. I am so excited to get away! I just really need a break from everything to do with San Diego right now. We are going on a road trip to St. Louis, Missouri to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Brian's parents. Though St. Louis in the summer is NOT my idea of a relaxing vacation, hanging out with Brian's family is always fun. I love his siblings and their spouses. The kids really enjoy their cousins. It always makes me a little homesick for family after hanging out a couple of days. Maybe I wouldn't feel that way if we ever really lived close to family. We've never had family close so I can't compare it to anything.

And one final note, I have all but finished my 2 year term as PTA president ... and I'm glad it's over. I'm glad I did it, but I'm also happy to be passing the torch to some other unsuspecting sucker!!! Ha!

Homeward Bound???

Do you like it? It's one of the options for our new home. It's simple, but there is plenty of fresh air (I hear that's good for children). The kitchen is a HUGE down grade from our current one, but it will be nice to not be tied to the hum drum life of a house wife. Ha!

Ok, I gotta laugh so I don't cry. Here's the newest on the house. We were ready to accept an offer on our present home. We were doing our due diligence on the new home. We had the regular inspection, pool inspection, etc. Then we learn that there is a defect in the home that the home owner knew nothing about. We got another type of inspector in there and they said the same as the first.

After much prayer, discussion, moments of denial, and then a couple of reality checks we decided we couldn't take on the liability. It's a fabulous house, and a great fit for our family. It just isn't going to happen.

So ... what to do now. We've gotten 5 offers on our home in a week. We don't want to lose that opportunity, but we also don't want to give up a house that we love if we don't have another that we love more to move into. And, let's be honest, though I LOVE having my house spotless at all times. I'm a bit sick of obsessing about cleaning. I don't know how people do it. My kids are doing awesome at helping, but I sense their resolution weakening. You can be on your best behavior for about a week and then the messy truth springs out. Ha!

We're going to look at a few more homes this week. Our excitement over the whole thing has waned. Maybe we'll find that yard we're hoping to, maybe we won't. Anyone know anyone who wants to sell their house??? (Trying to keep optimism alive).

Locks of Love

Aubrey has been growing out her hair for over a year. The plan was always to wait until the day after school gets out to cut it and donate it to Locks of Love. However, she came home from school this week and said she wanted to cut it before school got out. I have been looking forward to her cutting it off for so long I was on the phone within 10 minutes trying to find a place to do the deed.

Before

After. She loves her new look.

House update: 3 offers within a week is good, right?!

House Update

So, we listed our house last Tuesday. Had our first Open House Thursday ... just for the realtors. Then they scheduled Open Houses for both Saturday and Sunday. You'd think after all the time and work we were putting into our house this last week that I'd be glad to be sent away for a few hours each day. NOT! We ran out of things to do and wanted to just rest. Ha! I was so happy to be home and FINISHED with everything on Sunday night.

Today I noticed that they updated the pictures of our house on realtor.com. The photographer did great things with our house. It looks so big and roomy. There is no doubt I LOVE my house! So grateful for all the time and work we were able to put into it.

Also today, we got our first offer! It makes me feel good that someone else also thinks the house is beautiful. It was a LOW offer, and almost made us laugh right out loud. So the game begins of offer, counter offer. No telling how long this will go on. I'll keep you posted.

Adults Only Post

So why the Adults Only Post title? I dread ruining other people's kids' traditions. Let this be your warning.

We are working like CRAZY to have our house ready for an Open House on Thursday. My "to do" items are getting checked off the list, but they are VERY long lists. One thing that has saved us is that we got a storage shed. It's to make the house seem so much bigger and less packed with junk. This week I tackled all the closets. As I was cleaning the top shelf of my closet I ran into something disturbing. An old sandwich baggie full of baby teeth. What are we, witch doctors? Was I saving them to make a necklace? What do you do with those things??? I've always been afraid to throw them out for fear that a kid would find the evidence of no tooth fairy one sad day. But now the jig is up. All my kids are "in the know". It was with great relief that I threw that sick little sack away! Eww!

On to house news. Yesterday was full work day. We all awoke at 6 am to have the garage sale going at 7 am. (We were highly successful selling to 2 costumers and raking in an impressive $12. Why did we wake up early again???) Anyway, while the sale was (not) happening, the kids were also outside weeding the front planters. Brian and I were packing the van for a storage shed run and getting everything off the floors to have the carpets cleaned.

At one point we had a handyman (finishing bathroom), at AT&T worker, a realtor, a painter (giving color advice), a landscaper (preparing a bid), and carpet cleaners (running their machines) all in and about our house at once. It was CRAZY! While I was a little on overdrive, I did feed off the energy. It was such a great feeling to know things were moving in the right direction and getting done!!!

The "to do" list for this week: Finish painting bathroom, do paint touch up on walls (how do shoe marks get that high up there??), clean out garage, fix a closet door, do a couple of dump runs, and take down posters in kids' rooms. Oh, and then stage the house to make it look like no one actually lives here, only stores their furniture. This part I dread!

I think we're going to make it!!! And then I can sleep! :)

House For Sale

We have been so crazy busy! I have missed PTA obligations, missed working in the classroom and even forgot about teacher appreciation week. Too much going on.

For those who don't know, Brian and I thought it might be a good time to find a new house with more land. I thought we were just looking to find a neighborhood we liked and then watch that area for a couple of years until the right house came on the market. Good plan, right?!

You guessed it. Within just a few weeks we found a house (thanks, Diane) that we totally love. So, as of Monday our house is up for sale. If you know anyone looking for a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house ... just let me know. :)

If we sell it quick enough, the house is ours. I'm so hoping someone thinks our house is as cool as we think it is. I love my house. The kitchen is AWESOME! In fact, though I love the new house, the kitchen is a definite down grade.

Between now and Monday, we'll finish the bathroom, fix the fence, paint touch up's, pack extras, have the carpets cleaned, and a billion other things. I'm tired just thinking about it.

Mad Scientist

Lunch anyone???

Jon is loving school this year! His teacher brought in dead, slimy squids for the kids to dissect. Seriously, in 2nd grade!!! Check out his enjoyment of the assignment. He especially liked that the girl he had to work with wasn't afraid to use her hands and help! What a great experience.

Construction Zone

When you read that title, what do you think of? Dust? Yep! Tools everywhere? Yep! Life in disarray? Yep, again!

It all started when I was organizing the towels in the guest bathroom. As I pulled them out to fold them correctly, I noticed the ones shoved to the back were completely ruined with bleach stains. The caulk between the counter and back splash had slowly crumbled away over the years. Leaving a great escape for all the water and bleach used when cleaning the counters.

We had planned to change just the vanity. But the pergo flooring didn't continue under the vanity so we would have to change the flooring. But if we change the vanity, we'd also have to change the cupboard behind the door since the woods wouldn't match. And if we're doing the tile on the floor, we really should upgrade the tile in the shower. And, seriously, can you have a stained bath tub when the rest of the room is brand spankin' new???

Nice studs, huh?! So, this weekend we have company coming. The idea was to replace the tub and have the tiles done so they would be able to use the shower. Then Brian got hit with the same illness that has rocked our house for a month. We are a bit behind on the schedule (I can empathize with contractors now). The friends will have to use the kids' shower, and we will try to make the room seem a little more user friendly by the time they arrive. :)

Traditions: New & Old

I am CRAZY about holidays. Love to decorate the house. Love to cook special meals. Love to create the spirit of anticipation with my kids. So on Friday night we joined together to color eggs. Brandon was away at a sleep over, but the rest of us were eager to play.


In the middle of the project Jon turns to me and says, "This is the first time I've ever done this. This is fun!"

Can you believe that??? Make no mistake, the older two kids have colored eggs in their life time. It just appears that I lost interest around 8 years ago. (oops!) In my defense, we have made these eggs every year. And the ones we make are MUCH tastier!!!



Each year we do our family Easter egg hunt with the Drews at Poway Lake on Saturday. This was the first year we were rained out and had to move the hunt indoors. To make the picnic special we pick up KFC, it's the only time of the year we eat it and it makes everything REALLY easy!

This is one photogenic group of kids, eh?!

On Saturday night we wanted to bring the reality of the season into focus. We had a simple dinner and turned all the lights in the house off. We ate with only a few candles on the table. We talked about how the earth suffered during the crucifixion and the physical darkness the people expereinced. And what it really means for Christ to be the light of the world. The kids had a lot of insightful questions, and it was a good discussion. I love this season and what we really celebrate.

Double Digits

Yesterday Aubrey celebrated the big 1-0! I get so emotional thinking about how fast they grow up. How silly is that?! It is what I want, right?! I mean, I do want them to grow up, be independent, and get out. Still, there is something so sweet about her calling me in her room just for a talk and a hug. She's a great girl.

Check out her smile! She loves being with friends!

We did a double celebration for both Brandon's & Aubrey's birthday. (It's a long story about why we didn't celebrate Brandon's in February, but suffice it to say he's not being neglected or less loved!)

They each got to invite very few friends to a day at Boomers! It was AWESOME! They came to our house for cake and presents first. Then we drove them to play. Then we drove them home. No mess, no worries! They had a BLAST! Here are some highlights!

Bumper Boats - The girls thought they were wet until we saw the boys. They came off the boats dripping!

Go Carts - This was the first time Brandon hit the height to drive alone. He was in race car heaven!

Laser Tag - Check out Jon's fierce look!

Field Trip

I am a sucker for field trips. I love all the places that teachers find to take the kids and teach their lessons. Today, Aubrey's class went to the "Rancho Buena Vista Adobe" house. It was so much fun to see how the old ranchos worked and to see the old period pieces they've found to restore the place. Here are some of the highlights from the trip:

Branding Leather

Dipping Candles


Seeing the old time appliances. Check out this refrigerator!


I loved this piece. It's a SQUARE grand piano. I never knew grand pianos came square! Look at the legs. They are very sturdy!

While explaining about the piano, the docent asked if anyone was taking piano lessons. Aubrey raised her hand and she was invited to play for the class. She stirred the audience with a riveting rendition of "Pizzicato Polka". Very cool!