Happy Leap Year!

They say a female can ask a man to marry them on Leap Year Day. I am sure it is no longer a fopah but it once was I suppose.

So David will you marry me again? Or is one time ENOUGH?

We're Official!

This is from inside the cave which they call the crater. As you can tell the water is very warm, 92 degrees. It was a great place for our first open water dive (meaning not in a swimming pool). We dove down to 45 feet.

I get the underwater pictures back from the developer on Monday. I will add photos then. Talk about dark ages having to go and drop them off and then WAIT to get them back. I love digital!

In the two hour session we did two separate dives. We have to have four dives to get licenced. To make the drive only two time we dive come to the surface for 10 minutes then dive down again.

On Wednesday we dove on dive #3. It went great! My ears equilized no problem and I was one of the first ones down. We surfaced after doing our needed requirements and floated around for 10 minutes.

I made the mistake of floating on my back. I got water in my ears which is not a big deal for just swimming around. However when I needed to go back down for dive #4 I COULD not equilize my ears. Not fun! Finally I descended down to the 20 foot platform and did what I had to for my licence. It felt like I forced the water down deep in my ear and it is still there!

Then when I tried to continue descending the rest of the way I physically could not with my ear. I thought I would ascend just a bit to try to equilize my ear and then descend all over again. However the next thing I knew I was three feet from the surface. Opps, not good not good at all.

I ascended too fast and I did not feel good. Fortunately I was not deep enough to cause serious damage but my head was not clear and I needed to take it easy to get my breath. It was scary and will take some will power to get back under the water again.

Yesterday I did not feel good most of the day. I just ached all over and my ear was plugged up tight to the point of pain. I am all but back to normal today. My ear is not quite clear and I feel just a bit of discomfort in my shoulders.

I am not sure what happened but something did for sure. Anyone have any ideas? I want to go talk to the owner of the scuba shop, just to know what I could have done differently and if I should be doing anything specifically to get completely over it.

Could this be swimmer's ear? Anyone ever have that? What does it feel like? I just keep putting garlic drops in it and it seems to help.

I should not laugh!!!

I was looking for a picture for one of my posts and saw a picture of a four year old flipping someone off. I am of course against such behavior so why did I laugh? I wanted to even add it to this post but did not because it would not portray who I am and I did not want to offend anyone.

I guess the blog demon does not ALWAYS win.

You know it is about that time of the month when... N.R.F.M. (Not Recommended For Men)

(Blog Demon is taking control!)

-You have a bigger temper tantrum than your toddler!

-Your husband gives you 'the look' and you say, "You even say one word and it is the couch BABY!"

-someone ask, "What's for dinner?" You scream, "DINNER, what dinner. I AM NOT MAKING DINNER." Then everyone happily eats leftovers while you soak in the tub.

-You eat a Twix for breakfast, an Almond Snickers for lunch and Death By Chocolate Ice cream for dinner!! Then decided to drive to DQ for dessert.

-the only time of the calendar month people can truthfully say you drive like a woman but if you hear them they had better run for their life!!!

-the kids actually do their chores the first time you ask them to.

-the phone solicitors hang up on you.

-you have to wash your own mouth out with soup.

-dishes become more fragile.

-the men in the family suddenly realize the yard needs an overhaul even in the dead of winter.

-budget, what budget!

-you realize how much your family loves you, unconditionally!

Ross was offended!

It was such a beautiful sunny day that Ross and I decided we needed to have a picnic at the park. Which meant we packed a lunch that I ate while he played. I can't figure out why all my pants are shrinking?

Although it was a sunny day, the wind and temperatures made it rather chilly. There were not many people at the park to play with. I was elected playmate of choice until a two year old showed up. Then Ross dumped me for someone half his size. Since I was hungry I did not complain.

After a bite to eat, I went back to see if I would emerge in popularity to hear a sweet little two year old voice say, "...that little boy..." I arrived only moments afterwards and Ross turned to me and with complete indignation said, "That boy called me little!!!"

I laughed out loud. I could not help myself. All I accomplished was to add insult to injury. Ross said, "Its NOT funny!!!" I assured him it was not (to him anyway) and that his friend probably only thought that Ross was little in comparison to his own dad.

Other friends arrived and the offense was quickly forgotten. As I was telling the family of the incident I realized that this would be like someone say 15-20 years older than me calling me old. It helped put things into perspective but I still think it is hilarious.

Thanks for the laugh Ross!

Happy Birthday Mechelle and Jim!!!

Today is Mechelle and Jim's birthday. They share birthdays just like my Aunt Carol and Uncle Harold. The funny thing is that their birthdays are the only birthdays I can remember of all my aunt's and uncle's. I guess there are some advantages to sharing birthdays?

Mechelle is the best big sister and I have always been grateful for her. She has the most thoughtful insights and is wise beyond years. Whatever she puts her mind to she does. An example of this would be that she is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has ran many marathons.

Spiritually, she is a giant. A person who thinks of others before herself. One of her greatest attributes is that she makes lemonade out of lemons and she learns from every recipe. Her trials have taught her charity and compassion for all. She has not turned inward nor bitter as some do.

I am 6 years younger than Mechelle and when she was in middle school I was in elementary. One day after school I was walking/running to brownies with all my brownie friends. I tripped and fell flat on my face. It hurt but I did not want to cry. So I picked myself up and with all the bravary that a heart of a 1st grader could possess I picked myself up and walked on down the street.

A few blocks later I came upon Mechelle and two of her friends. As soon as I recognized her I went running into her outstretched arms and let out all the bottled pain. She comforted me, kissed my boo boos, and sent me on my way. I was strong again after being healed by her love.

I marvel as I have looked back on that incident. I have been a 7th grader and know that comforting, caressing, and kissing a child/little siblings was not what a 7th grader would call cool. She did not brush me a way nor try to act the cool 12 year old. It is a tender memory and a tribute to Mechelle and the character she is.

Thank you for everything you have done for me and for being the best big sister ever! I am a far better person because of you.

PS Jim is a great guy too and I LOVE his adjustments! My back always feels so much better when he is around.

Bryce is the 'Post man' doing what he is 'Post' to!!!

The title is inspired by John Bytheway. If you want details ask one of either the two eldest of my children. They would happily fill you in. They LOVE John Bytheway and listen to anything they can get their hands on by him.


However, this "Post Man" refers to Bryce's basketball position that he played so devotedly. Couch Kevin told Bryce to go down to be at the bottom of the key and that is exactly what Bryce would do. Bryce's teammates would get the ball to him and he would turn and shoot.

Do any of you know how hard that shot is? It is outside the key and you have no backboard to bounce the ball into the basket from. In my, not so humble, opinion it is the most difficult basket on the court to make. Bryce was the master of this shot and made many more than he missed.





Not only was he a great offensive player but defense was his game! You had to feel a bit sorry for the boy Bryce guarded because he was on his man like dried egg whites. Those who Bryce would guard were rarely be able to do much offensively and I dare say were relieved when Bryce was sub-ed out of the game.







As my Coach from high school would say, "Offense would win the applause but defense would win the game." Great job Bryce!

Most Improved Player goes to: PIERCE WILSON!

Please note Pierce's nice clean shirt, I was so proud!

Basketball season is officially over. There is always a sigh of relieve at the end my kids' sports seasons but also a sigh of already?

It has been a few years since the boys played basketball. The season started out rocky. I don't think Pierce shot the ball once in his first game.

Game 2, I sat by my cousin Karen, who was there because her son was also playing a game. Her son played on the west court and Pierce played on the east. It was fun to talk to her and watch our kids play their hearts out.

I mentioned that my kids seemed to inherit my athletic disability and not ten minutes later Pierce made a basket. I had to take the comment back.

Every game he improved significantly. His last game he was not the same player compared to the first. He was capital HUSTLE! He boxed out, rebound, drove the ball down the court to the basket, ran after the ball, and made baskets right and left. Pierce had listened to Coach dad and worked his heart out.

I was so impressed. I think he earned the nickname Rudy. Great job Pierce, I am so impressed!

First in 13 years!

I have my scuba final tonight. I have not had a final for over 13 years. Although this is a cake walk in comparison to my accounting finals I am still nervous!!!!

I am nervous for David too. I study 3 times as much as he and he always gets a better score. It has ALWAYS been this way, even in high school! I still get irritated but I am grateful that I am married to such a smarty pants!

Janell, how do you do this? Mom, wife, law student; you are such a woman!

Homeless

Why I am still homeless and why I get sick of hearing, "It's a buyers market, it is a perfect time to buy." I will be unorthodox and answer the second question first. One thing I will say is that buying a home in a buyer's market is a step above buying in a sellers.

I am sure EVERYONE will say or think a) I am crazy, b) I don't know what I am talking about, or c) both. I have bought a home in a seller's market and now I have been 'TRYING' to buy a home in a buyer's market.

With the only exception that the number of homes to choose from is substantially lower, I would rather buy in a seller's market. The reason being, you are relatively sure your home will keep it's value or increase. We bought a home at the end of the seller's market and the value of our home continued to go up. Insomuch that when we sold our home a year and a half later we still made a small amount of money even after the Realtor fees.

Not so in a buyer's market, especially in the beginning of a buyers market. Home values will most likely go down. Who wants to owe more than their home is worth? It is also a strange phenomenon that in a seller's market prices rocket up quick, quick, quick (yes an argument for the negative) but sellers are not so keen on the idea of prices going down in a buyer's market. It is absolutely maddening as a buyer to see homes overpriced, wanting to buy but not wanting to pay more than a home is worth.

Our saga began last May when I flew down to Utah to house hunt. All the homes were so high in price. I was not going to spend 2-300K on what seemed to me like a 'starter home.' It was an odd time in the market, a seller's market had just ended and it was just not quite a buyer's market yet. Prices were high and homes just were not selling. It was too early to declare a buyer's market.

My cousin, Robyn, told me of a family in her ward that were sadly getting divorced and would have to sell their beautiful 1920 restored home. I was very interested, since I have always LOVED old homes.

We made an appointment to see the home and fell in love. We wanted it. We were warned by the female homeowner, who I will call Jill, that this was going to be a long and ugly process. We were willing to wait.

In the meantime we were able to rent a two bedroom one bath apartment from my dear aunt and uncle knowing it would only be a few months until we would be able to move. Two storage units rented and with a tight squeeze we were settled.

Jill was right, it turned out to be even longer and uglier than anyone anticipated. Month after month with no divorce finalized, being told it was only weeks away. We kept looking at other homes but nothing was acceptable. All of them priced too high way too high.

First we heard that the home might be available in July. When July came it was August, that turned into September, that became October and so forth. Two weeks before Christmas we finally had the chance to buy the home.

David and I were so excited! We were going to do a cross between "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" and "Miracle On 57th (?) Street." With the idea, that once the kids went to sleep Christmas Eve, we would 'steal' EVERYTHING (Grinch) and take it to our new home. The only clue was a note. After a treasure hunt and the final note with a key, we would drive by this home with big bows all over it. The kids would run up try the door and find all of Santa's gifts.

We were so excited that we did not realize until the night we were to do a walk through and give Jill our offer that this was not meant to be. In fact we met Jill and her lovely sister, Candy, at the home for the walk through. They forgot the key.

We decided to give her the ernest money (I am still unsure why we thought we had to give her the ernest money right then and there), bring the offer over to her house at which time we would pick up the key and go over for the walk through.

In hind sight we should have said, lets go get the key first. David and I will return to the house for the walk through. Then we would bring the ernest money and offer over. It would have made complete sense but I think we were so in 'love' with our Christmas plans and so beyond ready for a home that we were not thinking clearly.

We gave Jill the ernest money. Then went to her new home with the offer and picked up her key. Off for the walk through and David and I were sick by what we felt in that walk through. It was not right, this was not the home we were to buy. We both felt and knew it, with zero doubt.

Now what? We knew the law was on our side but she had possession of our offer and check. This was NOT going to be fun. Who would want to tell a person that was already down in an all time low, that there was more bad news? Not David, not me; this was truly a gut wrenching experience for both of us.

This news was especially bad for Jill because what I have neglected to mention is that her court appointed home appraisal came back extremely high. The appraisal was based on homes that were miles a way in towns that homes are more expensive because of location. Plus these homes were sold at the absolute peak of the market.

David and I came without a Realtor so we were to shaved 20K off the price, not a good deal for us. Once we had the final walk through we realized how bad of a deal it was. With our offer Jill would be able to break even on the divorce without it who knows how much she will lose. It was devastating.

David and I agreed I would be the one to break the news to Jill. I am still not sure why it fell upon me but I was too heartbroken to argue. The next morning was Sunday and in spite of the Sabbath we knew it had to be sooner than later. We felt it was the only right and fare thing to do.

8:55 am and Bryce and I were walking out the door to get Bryce to church for his first day ever of passing the sacrament. I heard the phone ring, it was Jill. David had to break the news to her, he was not pleased.

I will never forget this sacrament meeting. The thrill of watching Bryce pass the sacrament for the first time and the agony of knowing what both David had gone through plus what Jill was going through. It was more than bitter sweet.

Jill had agreed to give us the offer and check back in return for the key. It was upon my shoulders to retrieve and deliver. Church went agonizingly fast and so did my visiting teaching appointment. I prayed all the way over there for strength, courage, and compassion. I know that prayer was answered.

Jill would not speak to me and I could tell that not only was she an emotional wreck but that she had been crying most of the morning. I was sad, I really like Jill and had our meeting had been under different circumstances we would be good friends. Then walked in Candy, the sister who has taken it upon herself to right all the wrongs toward her sister, one of which was me.

Candy's countenance oozed with animosity towards me. How could I blame her? She said only this, "This last year has been the hardest time in Jill's life and you and your husband have made it so much worse." I told her I was sorry and that my life had not been easy either. Candy continued, "Jill will put the house on the market in the late spring and you had better not call her." I assured her I would not.

When I walked out the door, I wished them the best with all the sincerity in my heart and Candy slammed the door behind me. I calmly walked to my car feeling as worthless as a hardened criminal. On my way home I prayed. I was grateful that Heavenly Father had helped me get through it and that it was over. When I got home I went to my bedroom and cried.

It was all a blessing in disguise. We did not buy a home last summer which would have been a financial mistake. If mistake is the proper word, it does not sound like it to me.

I took me some time to get over that and I took a mental break from home shopping. There are still times when I can not emotionally look at homes which sounds as though I am mentally unstable. Maybe I am:).

I always say the only time it is fun to buy a home is when you do not need one. I suppose it might be fun if you had unlimited amount of money to spend and it were your second home but I am not sure. When I experience that I will decide then, ha ha.

My dilemma now is moving the kids again. Bryce is in 6th grade and he has attended 4 different schools. That will be 5 unless we are able to move close. Which I would like but the two homes I am most interested in now are in other towns. There is a home three houses away that not only would be the same school but ward also which is a miracle for Utah (our ward is 2 blocks by 4 blocks).

My other dilemma is how far will the market drop before it finally corrects itself. No one knows this answer I do realize this. It could take 3 years before that happens and we need to get settled before then but do we buy with the prices high and eat the amount our home value falls or wait out the storm?

I can not buy and I can not not buy. Through all of this I have tried tried tried not to murmur but be as Nephi. Not this is near as difficult as what Nephi had to endure. I have tried to have a good attitude and trust the Lord. I have my moments when I triumph better than others.

The trick is just being patient and trusting that we will know what the Lord has in store for us when the time comes. It has been a year and a half since we put our Boise/Meridian Idaho home on the market. I suppose with the eternal perspective a year and a half is no time at all but there are many moments that it feels more like eternity.

If nothing else I am learning and growing. Did we know how hard it would be to learn and grow when we signed up for this? I wonder how much I knew at that moment? I like to think I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. That it was nothing in comparison to the rewards, that thought gives me courage.

This is why we are still homeless. It is ugly and boring but now you know. That is if you had enough time and stamina to read all of this.

Our Valentine's Day Tradition

I love how traditions slowly evolve. This is a newer but very fun tradition for all involved except David did not appreciate the picture bit (LOVE ya Babe:))!

Papa Murphy does a heart shape Pepperoni Pizza that I could easily make but choose not since it is well worth $6.00 of a night off from cooking. Well it may cost us more than $6.00 since we buy those horrible bread sticks that are more butter than bread!

I make gourmet salads for David and me. We serve fresh fruit and vegetables so I can feel as though my kids will get some nutrition. We light candles for our romantic candlelight dinner for 5 and serve sparkling cider.

We had so much fun talking to the kids about their Valentine's Day school parties and really enjoyed our dinner of "LOVE."

One activity that Bryce had was fortune telling. They were all asked different questions and asked to put their response on each other's papers.

If I remember right Bryce will get married at 27 years olds (I like this fortune), his friend Jeremy will not get married until he is 90. Bryce will wash cars for a living (maybe Holden will hire him, see Mechelle's blog for background info) and his pet will be an ant. I think he will live in Hawaii. There was more but this is all I can remember.

It was a good time and we had lots of laughs. It made my Valentine's Day special.

PS The picture is a crying shame. As mentioned previous, I was lucky to get this one at all. Better than nothing, right? Mechelle, I am so embarrassed!

Brilliant Business Idea

As a devout Stay-At-Home mom. I have looked and looked for a homebase business that would work. I finally found one that I think is brilliant.

I wish I could take the credit but I can not. A gal at church and her sister came up with this one.

The sister worked at the local library which has a ballroom that is often rented out for various functions. A popular function being weddings and receptions.

This gal noticed how absurdly high the rental prices for seat covers were ($5.00 per seat). She and her sister made 200 seat covers and rent theirs out for $1.00 per seat.

Yes, it was a BIG, HUGE, ENORMOUS project making those covers but once finished the work is minimal. They schedule the rentals, collect the money (plus account for it) and wash the covers once finished. I am sure there is the periodical mending and or replacing.

Now that the covers are more than paid for, the costs are minimal and the profit margin is substantial. I LOVE this idea and need to do some homework to see if there is another location that could use seat covers. Or see if there are other items that need renting out.

I forgot to mention, that there is no advertising. The group that rents out the facility hands out a list with the products to rent and who to rent them from. They have competition but their prices more than ensure plenty of business.

Now here is where your kids business idea could come in. Their business could be set up and take down of the covers. Something most kids could handle. It would be work but well worth it. Even if they charged 50 cents a seat that is $100 per business dealing.

I LOVE this idea! Anyone with other ideas or expound on this one?

ABC tag

I dedicate this blog to my cousin Janell, since she is the reason I am doing this. I love that she is a "blogger' (for lack of better term). I am getting to know her through her blog and love what I read. She is a beautiful, hilarious and very intelligent person. Thanks for sharing you and your life with us. Through it you are making us all better people.

A- Attached or Single? Attached.

B- Best Friend? David

C- Cake or Pie? Cake, I'm not big on pie fan. Very non American I know

D- Day of Choice? Friday there is such an energy on that day.

E- Essential Item? Pray is all I can come up with here. Living in a two bed one bath apartment with 90% of our belongings has taught me that there are few essentials in life.

F- Favorite color? Pink, black and royal red

G- Gummy Bears or Worms? If it is not chocolate, why bother:)?

H- Hometown? Metropolitan Pullman all 20,000 people (including WSU students), I am a city girl

I- Favorite Indulgence- A nap

J- January or July? As a kid it was January because of my birthday now it is July – summer!!

K- Kids? Bryce 12 Pierce 9 Ross 4

L- Life isn't complete without? Laughter

M- Marriage Date? Dec 29

N- Number of Brothers and Sisters? 3 bros, 1 sis

O- Oranges or apples? Both if they are really really fresh and sweet otherwise neither.

P- Phobias or fears? Throw up. As a child I was terrified of becoming homeless.

Q- Quote? This is one of many that I love: Every artist was first an amateur. Ralph Waldo Emerson

R- Reason to smile? Those that I love who love me in return

S- Season of choice? I LOVE LOVE LOVE summer.

T- Tag three friends or family (if your name is here you have to do it) For me this is optional but I would enjoy reading Nikki's, Jill's, and Jenn's if they would be so kind as to oblige me. Actually I would love to read any of my friends that would fill one in. I chose these 3 because I have some hope they might actually do this.

U- Unknown fact about me? I was quite an accomplished square dancer as a kid, I will hand out autographs later!

V- Vegetable? Steamed broccoli or fresh with ranch dressing

W- Worst habit? Sighing

X- X-ray or ultrasound? Either whenever absolutely necesary.

Y- Your favorite food? Authentic Italian

Z- Zodiac sign? Aquarius.

Super Duds Car Wash more like it

I went to the Super Suds Car Wash in town to pay for the use of their vaccum. I removed all the trash that was big enough to do so by hand. Just as my mom taught me as a kid.



Then I put my 4 quarters in to remove the rest of the grime. Nothing happen. UGH!!!! I tried to get my quarters back, nothing. UGH UGH! I hit the side of the machine, except for a bruise hand, nothing. UGH UGH UGH!!!

Not a single person there to help and no phone numbers anywhere. Since all I had remaining were 3 quarters I could not even try another machine. UGH UGH UGH UGH!!!



I drive home to find someone parked in my one and only parking place. I park in the street and have to move my car once this person decides to go home .



I go inside to get my vaccum cleaner. The suction in the hose is so weak that even if I pick up the dirt by hand and place it in the tube it will not suck it up! UGH UGH UGH UGH UGH!!!!



I go inside and try to find the phone number to Super DUDS and do not find it. OK this is beyond UGH! I call Springville's business licensing and get the phone number to Super DUDs and guess what no one answers! I leave them a very nice message informing them their equipement is not working and that I would like my dollar back!



I call David and he tells me this is only a dollar lost and not worth getting mad about. You are right but I do not want to hear it OK!



My car is still disgusting!



















PS I hope no one is offended by this photo. I think it is funny and after this morning I need SOMETHING to laugh at!

Ross Lost!

I just lost Ross last Sunday. Church was over and he was ready to RUN after being 'reverent' (term used loosely) for three hours.

He did not want to have to go home with me but stay with David (David had been gone to Mexico the previous week and had only returned the day before). David is the financial secretary and stays after to do tithing etc.

I had two bag and other things I needed to carry out to the car and it had already been 15 minutes of trying to get Ross to cooperate. So I finally decided the only way I would get home was to let Ross run off to David's office while I go and put everything in the car. Then I would return to get Ross.

I did just that and when I returned to get Ross, he was not in David's office. So I calmly walked around figuring he was hiding from me in the church. After scouring the church serveral times and not finding him, I went back to David's office to see if he were there again.

He was not and David asked what was wrong. I told him that I could not find him. David stopped what he was doing and came searching with me. Ross was definitely not in the church.

Whenever I have a missing child I say a little prayer asking if this child is in danger or just missing. I felt at peace that Ross was not in danger but just missing.

I suggested that Ross may have walked home, he tried that one alone a few months ago. So we hopped into the car and there was no Ross.

I asked David if I should call the police and he suggested that I call our hometeacher who is a police officer. David decided to drive around the neighborhood while I go make the call.

Pierce and I took this moment to kneel in prayer. Then when I went to make the call I felt that I needed to go outside first. So I did and then I saw David's car driving back toward the house. I was sure the only reason he would be coming back so soon was that he had Ross.

He did! Do you want to know where Ross was? With Bryce. Bryce was leaving church to go and collect fast offerings from our ward, when he saw Ross. Ross told Bryce that I said I wanted Bryce to take Ross with him (TURKEY!!!). So Bryce thinking I knew where Ross was, took him.

Thankfully our ward is a typical Utah Ward and is very small in geographics. David found Ross quickly by driving around the block.

I was not emotional and I was more like the lady you wrote about in your blog Janell. I hugged and then scolded Ross. Ross knew I loved him but that he cannot pull that stunt again!

Watch out! Here come the Social Services

David and I did our usual home tours on Saturday morning. Which I am so sick of doing!!! So sick that I feel like acting like a two year old and having a full fledge temper tantrum. However since I am 38 years old, I will somehow show some self restraint. I doubt anyone would be impressed and I know it would not help.

Upon returning home I informed my children that not only was it time to turn off the television but that they needed to go outside and help their dad chop up the three inch thick ice layer on our drive way. Bryce and Pierce being 12 and 9 years old have learned long ago that we do not argue with mom but go right to work. Much easier and the work will be done faster

My 4 year old was another story. He started to cry as though I had asked him to cut off his right arm. Ignoring his cries I kept on encouraging him to go outside. He then started to yell at me that he hated me and that he "would NEVER do ANYTHING I told him to do."

Hoo Hum was my reaction and let him scream a few more things. Then I said, "Ross you can either go and get your boots and coat on and go outside OR I will throw you outside without them on."

Pause, I started my annoying count to three and when he did not move or cease from crying about the injustice in his life. I decided to take action. I grabbed his boots and his coat threw them onto the outside doorstep. Then walked calmly to Ross grabbed his arm and walked him to the same location and closed the door!

His screams did not cease and I could not help but think that all three neighbors here in the 4-plex we reside must think I am the cruelest and most abusive mother ever. I was trying to guess which one was calling social services right there and then.

Within a minute Ross must have put his boots and coat on, to go and report these wrongs to his father. For I could not hear him any longer. I was rather pleased with myself for not throttling the child like I wanted to do. Another miracle in my life.

Now a few hours later, Ross was kissing me and telling me he would live with me forever. Thank heavens for short memories.

Pleasantly Surprised

It has been an adjustment for me to move to Utah. I am still adjusting and at times need to work on a better attitude. I did not realize how much pride I would have to swallow to accept the fact that I have joined the ranks of "Utah Mormon."

On Monday, January 28, I noticed that the flags were at half mast. I wondered why are the flags at half mast. Then I realized it was to show President Hinckley respect.

This was a first for me. I have never seen people fly the flag at half mast for the death of the prophet. How appropriate it was. I was grateful to live in a state that gives respect to a Man of God. Maybe these Mormons are not so bad:).

Watch out Boston Here Come The Grannys

Mechelle has a goal to run a marathon at age 90. Her lifestyle is such that she will do it easily. I told her that I would join her at the ripe age of 84. It may be the only chance I will have to qualify for the Boston! This picture reminded me of that goal/agreement except for the fact that I have never been that flexible in my life!

Calling all advice!

After 12+ years of being a stay at home mom (a rare speciman), I am once again trying to figure out what I want to be when (if) I grow up. I am excited to be able to get a taste of the real world but with a much different and hopefully more mature perspective.

I have seen over the last 12 years how imperative it has been for me to be home with my children. I also believe that it is even more imperative that I remain at home with my children until the day they move on into the real world (I hope I will have the courage to let them go, they say that is what the teenage years are for so that we will want to let them go, I can't imagine).

Here is my dilemma. I want to have a "career," but it must be something that is flexible. I want to be home when my kids get home from school, days they are sick, and vacations. So I really can not get a "job."

I will NOT do a mulitiple level type business like Amway. I could try something like Pampered Chef or Mary Kay (don't ask me what the difference is frankly I do not know).

I have thought about getting my real estate lisence but I have worked with so many incompetent real estate agents that I am not sure. I have also thought about financial planning.

Maybe back to school and get either my law degree, become a Physician Assistant, or study computers but most likely all that would lead me to is a "job" that would take me a way from my family. They MUST remain number one in all I do.

Any ideas?

PS

For those of you who participated in the poll about who got the throttling from my mom for the "slip" incident. I can assure you it was me.


Although I do not remember this, I was too young for the clear memory. I do remember knowing that when mom said "NO" the answer was "NO." I must have learned that lesson through the "slip" incident and possibly others. I knew not even to ask dad becaue (like mother like son) he would always say "YES" and I would be the one who would get in trouble!!!


My mother was a complete saint when it came to her mother-in-law. I still am befuddled in how she was able to cope having to live so close to her mother-in-law. This would be a challenge for most individuals but when you have a mother-in-law who was clear in her message that she thought you not worthy of her son, I just am amazed at what a dignified lady my mother was toward my grandmother.

My mom knew when to keep her mouth shut and when to open it. Which she rarely did the latter. One of those rare moments is another favorite Grandma Effie story that either me or my mother will share on the effiewf.blogspot.com in the future.


So based upon the above evidence, it was me who got the throttling! I am quite certain of it. Comments Mom?:)

Ross knows best

This evening I was kind of grouchy, no not me, impossible! I stayed up late last night for our first scuba diving class. Honestly, I do not go without sleep graciously!

To avoid making everyone miserable I put myself in time out. The difference between moms and kids is: Moms love time outs, kids don't!

After Pres. Hinckley's funeral there was a documentary on his life. His children talked about the comfort it was for them to know that their parents loved each other.

I was feeling like I just was nothing like those two extraordinary people and how I wish I were more like them. When David, being the tender kind man that he is, came in to check up on me.

I said in my sad grumpiness, "The kids don't know that I love you."

So David yells out, "Bryce who does mom love best?" Bryce says "You!"

Then David asks the same question to Pierce and he responds "You!"

Finally David asks Ross again the same question and Ross yells out "ME!!!" Somehow my grumpiness dissipated?

It made me happy that he feels I love him best. I hope Bryce and Pierce feel the same way and that it was just their maturity that made them answer differently.

I want all my kids to feel like they were the favorite and best loved. One of my running partners in Idaho told me about her dad. She had always thought that she was his favorite. Until later in life when she discovered that all 11 of her siblings felt the same way! Now that man was and is one heck of a father!

Ross told me that he is going to marry me when he grows up. I asked him, "What about dad?" He responded, "He will be dead by then."

Odd thing, David did not think this was very funny! I just reminded him that I am just guessing that by the time puberty hits Ross might change his mind!