Life in the Slow Lane

{Heart Attack}

2010-07-06T02:25:00.000-07:00

Did I give you a heart attack? I'm actually going to update my blog!

This Valentine's was grandma's first without grandpa. We thought it would be fun to show her the love.
When she was at her neighbor's, we all snuck into her yard and heart attacked her.

When she came back, she was so happy she cried & hugged all her valentines.

The rest of Valentine's Day was kind of crazy for us. After talking about our business in Parker over dinner, (I know, not the most romantic conversation, but hey it's a write off) Dustin nervously asked me how I would feel about moving back. I burst into tears. Not so much because I didn't want to (although I didn't) but because I had been having random thoughts about it for the two weeks prior--which were quickly pushed aside as soon as they came. I really think Heavenly Father had to soften me up some in order to get me to say I would be willing to move back if we needed to.

The next day we had Stake Conference. Our Bishop talked about how when we receive revelation, which we felt we had, each on our own, we have to respond by obeying in order for it to keep coming. And then the clincher-the hymn was "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go, Dear Lord." The choir sang "Be Still, My Soul", which I really needed to have happen. I cried through every talk, and the Stake President came in and taught Young Women's, and of course everything he said I could relate directly to our situation even though it was meant in a different way for the girls. I was sold. We knew we needed to go. Not what we had planned! Yet in every situation where we obey the Lord, we have been blessed in ways we can't imagine. Is it selfish to be hoping for the blessings this will bring?

Yeah, I thought so.

It helps me understand my 11-yr old son better and how he will only do his chores when there's a prize at the end (Wii, friends, etc). I'm just in it for the immediate gratification. Hopefully soon I will do it because I want to. Every day I get a little more excited for our new adventure.

Life Lessons

2010-01-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

This has been a week of learning...

things I will never forget!

I was released from the Primary Presidency and called to be the Assistant Beehive Advisor a couple weeks ago. This is my first time with a calling in Young Women's, I was the Sunbeam teacher for a year, have been in a Primary Presidency for 8-1/2 years and a year as Relief Society President before moving back to Mesa. I only mention my previous callings because none has been as intense as this is appearing to become.

Yes, RS President was incredibly challenging & I received so much help there & was blessed with capacity beyond my own to serve there, but after this week, if I didn't know it before, I know it now...

The war between good & evil

is concentrated on and being fought by the youth!

The youth are incredibly loved by our Heavenly Father. He is focusing most of his efforts on them. I have felt a small part of what they go through daily in this past week. I am being pulled in opposite directions as Heavenly Father is giving me a crash course in what I need to become & do better at in order to be worthy to serve these 12 & 13 year old girls (and preparing me for my own teenagers in coming years). Satan is on the other end, and knows that if he can get me to yell at my kids (which is a huge weakness) and tear my family down by doing so, that the girls will see me as a hypocrite & everything I teach them about the gospel will eventually work in his favor.

It has probably been since I was a youth myself that I have physically, emotionally & mentally felt the powers for good & evil in such a battle in my life. This week has made me a stronger person & made me realize that I have to choose. I cannot keep my "favorite" sin of yelling at my kids & still be able to influence these girls to be righteous women.

I have also come to know this week (even though I really should have figured it out 11-1/2 years ago when I was married) that my home literally is a temple. I walk on holy ground each time I enter it. I receive more revelations in my home than at the temple (I am here more & need daily help). My children are too young to enter the temple, but Heavenly Father should be able to visit them anytime. It is my responsibility to keep the Spirit here always, so the option for Him to visit any time he chooses is there. (I will be thinking more this week of the many other parallels between temple & home, any thoughts?)

I know how much I love my children & can't put into words the love Heavenly Father has shown me, much less my children & these girls I have the opportunity to teach. I was nervous leaving Primary, I was comfortable there & in a routine. I wasn't sure where our kids would go between the time I go to Mutual & my husband gets home from leading the 11-yr old Scouts. I was ready to say I had made a mistake & couldn't serve in Young Women's now as my children need me home. I couldn't have been more wrong. I am learning more about being a better mother & wife than I have in a long time. My comfort zone may be gone, but I need to learn more about myself & my children before they hit the teenage years, or they won't be ready to fight this battle.

At the combined lesson in Young Women's, the teacher asked us to look around at the girls & try to see them as Heavenly Father & our Savior see them & to try & feel how much they loved them. I felt a little bit, but don't really know most of the girls there. After some sacred experiences this week, I could look at any of them & my entire heart would overflow with love if I was asked that same question. He loves them more than I can imagine. It is real. It is powerful. They are His children & he has a great work for them to do. I hope I can help them find & know that for themselves.

I will be learning a lot in Young Women's, just as I did the first time around, this time as the leader & as a physical representative of the Savior, Jesus Christ. I am a missionary for these girls who may not have a testimony yet. My Young Women leaders, along with good friends (you know who you are & I am forever grateful for your influence) are the reason I am where I am today as I did not grow up in a home where the gospel was taught or lived consistently.

I want to thank Kaighty for sharing her testimony on her blog & inspiring me to share my feelings as well. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.. Alma 37:6

Nelson Family Vacation--August 2009

2009-09-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

We had a blast in Lakeside this summer. Dustin's dad rented a former bed & bath that had 8 bedrooms & 6 bathrooms so all of us could be in one place. It was so nice to let the kids just run and play, if we were at a hotel, they would have been a lot more confined. This was our pedicure day.

These girls really liked their spa treatments.

Emma was drying her toenails.

This girl can't stand to have plain nails. If her polish ever chips off, she brings me the nail polish to redo it.

She's already high maintenance, watch out boys.

Each day, a different family had an activity planned for everyone. This is the BBQ at the park.

One family made a candy cannon, it was a blast, look:

Emma had a bruise for 2 weeks from flying shrapnel.

And after the candy cannon came the flour bomb fight.

Flour bomb = nylon pantyhose remnants (4-6" long) filled with flour & tied off = lots of messy fun.

Good thing for the air compressor to spray off some of the flour.

There were lots of other fun times we had that week. I was just too busy playing to take many more pictures. I will try to post some of our Grand Canyon trip later.

I'm Still Here

2009-06-06T23:11:00.003-07:00

I have been really bad at posting...

We've been having fun since school got out. Swimming & playing with cousins. We're out of the house a lot. The kids love the summer reading program at the library & the fun prizes they get.

I've enjoyed putting the kids to work (a few extra chores) and seeing them realize what a job it is to take care of themselves. Emma is 3-1/2 now & is such the baby (princess) of the family. She thinks everyone should do everything for her, but she's getting to clean up after herself too. I wonder why she thinks she's the princess when J & N fight over who gets to carry her in the house from the car. Hmmm. On another note, they have been asking when we are having another baby. I'd be happy to oblige, but Dustin is not having anything to do with it. He said we would need an acre of land to have more kids & he'd like to have pigs to go on the land too. What?!? Where did that come from? So--no babies for us. I know who would be taking care of pigs & it wouldn't be him. (Yes, I need to go to bed, this is really random!)

Some fun news...Dustin is now a real estate agent & is on the lookout for deals. We've been looking at tons of homes & are hoping to sell ours in Parker so we can make some investments here. Anyone looking to buy or sell? Call him -- he'll be on it & make it happen. There are some great deals to be had, especially for someone who hasn't owned a primary residence in the past 3 years--in the form of tax rebates. Don't have his number, leave a comment & I'll make sure he gets it.

A Spring Time Story

2009-04-14T15:47:00.004-07:00

Once upon a time there were four rambunctious kids.

(A couple weeks ago, before the wind & rain.)

They were so excited when it got warm enough to wear swim suits outside and run through the sprinklers. Mom & dad had finally gotten the swingset from Christmas put together and it was time to PLAY!

The baby of the family could swing for hours; if only she could find someone to push her for that long!

Her big sister is the family clown & ~~asked~~ begged to be buried under the gravel!

*Poof* her wish was granted.

Big brother patiently lifted little bro up on the bar and taught him to flip!

These kids played for hours outside without a care in the world...

THE END!

Free Swimsuit

2009-03-30T13:15:00.004-07:00

Head over to The Meanest Mom for your chance to win a ModBe swimsuit. While you're there, check out her "Reader's Favorite" link on the side & peruse the fabulous stories she has to tell. She really knows how to make daily life's happenings fun to read & laugh at. Good Luck!

I PROMISE--the "Pay it Forward Goodies" will be out very soon

Grandpa was a hottie!

2009-03-20T14:38:00.007-07:00

Last month, my grandpa passed away. It was a really hard thing to deal with, but I know he's in a better place & free from the discomforts of illness. It's the first death in my family since my dad's 7 years ago, and was a much better experience for me as I was expecting it.

I somehow got wrangled into doing a video slideshow of grandpa's life, and came across pics that I never knew existed. My grandpa was too humble to go around showing his grandkids what a babe he was.

Hopefully he won't mind me sharing the news...

(That's him on the left.)

Who knew?

Here's the grandpa I remember...

I don't remember this picture being taken. It's when grandpa got remarried. I do remember my mom doing my hair in pigtails though & how much I hated my hair being pulled so tightly. OUCH! You'd think I'd have a little more sympathy for my girls.

I do remember this one, a rare moment with grandpa & our cousins all together at my aunt & uncle's in Tucson.

My husband loves to look at pics of me as a youth. He really feels better when he makes fun of my coke bottle glasses, bad hair & slouchy shoulders.

Here's a pic that my grandma's daughter had in her collection. I promised my brother, Dave that it would be on facebook the morning after the funeral, but in my typical procrastinating way, it's taken a month.

Would you consider that some form of child abuse? Letting your kid out of the house looking like that? I think I may have to press charges. =)

Thank goodness Vonessa came along & saved Dave from his incredible fashion sense. He would have never made it in this cruel world alone!

Merrell kids - Feb. 12, 2009

P.S. Pay it Forward Goodies have been procrastinated as well-sorry! I hope to get them out next week. As for today, I am laying in my bed with a bum back and a cold.

Pay It Forward Goodies...

2009-02-16T13:27:00.006-07:00

I am paying it forward. It's basically just spreadin the love through blog!! Here is how the Pay-It-Forward game works and don't miss #3 :

1) The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a gift from me sometime in the next month!

2) When and what you receive will be a surprise!

3) Then you have to post this "Pay it Forward" challenge on your blog, then come back and leave a 2nd comment telling me you've done it.

Just a little tidbit of fun for those who love to WIN ANYTHING/better the world through kindness!! It's fun right??? Good luck!! Happy commenting!

READY??? GO!!!

Hey pard, you got an invite?

2009-01-29T13:58:00.003-07:00

Welcome to Winkelman, AZ. You've never heard of Winkelman? Yeah, neither had I. It's a dot on the map about 30 miles south of Globe. Way smaller than Parker, which I had not heard of before meeting my hubby. (No, I'm not great at geography.)
We had the opportunity to visit this podunk little place last weekend. Dustin had done some work for a guy in Parker who said he had a ranch out in Winkelman he needed some work done on. So we drove my father-in-laws motorhome down & rented a backhoe for some fun on the ranch. We saw cows & bulls.

Skipped rocks in the river (stream?)

This barn was in the pasture behind where we were staying. The owner said it's a hundred years old. Pretty cool. That's a light on the outside, not a satellite dish.

I really wish I had Photoshop, this picture could really use some lightening. The horse was beautiful & came within 10 feet of the motorhome. The cows and horses were easily spooked and ran as soon as they saw us. This one stopped for a quick photo-op though.

We had a ton of fun with no cell phone coverage and being out of civilization for a bit. I love being home in my bed with my shower though.

Instead of snow...

2009-01-18T20:14:00.003-07:00

We were supposed to be in Flagstaff right now enjoying some cooler weather. Unfortunately, our kids had other plans. Kyle started with a fever & cough a few days ago, then Emma joined in. On Friday night, Jared was feeling terrible (we were supposed to leave on Saturday.) He has had strep throat twice since October & I looked in his throat & knew he had it again. So Saturday we were at our Dr. paying extra for the weekend visit & getting his prescription.

We were really bummed that we couldn't take our little trip & wanted to get out without getting anyone else's kids sick. So we decided to go to the drive-in movies. It was a lot of fun! It was our first time going & I made caramel popcorn for it, but our kids were jealous when the cars on both sides were eating pizza.

Here we are goofing off in the car before it started...

Next time we go we'll make sure our kids are well rested. The first movie starts around 7:30 & they let you stay for the movie after in the admission price.

I'll be posting the link for the instructions for the scripture totes later this week (I hope.)

Randomness

2009-01-11T23:32:00.010-07:00

Because it takes me so long to get to blogging, I just accumulate pictures & incidents I want to record. Here's the last little while all at once. Enjoy!

Riding Go-Karts with cousins

Natalie's splinted arm--she tripped walking down the go-kart ramp. She caught herself by grabbing onto one of the bars with her elbow as she went head-first. Lucky girl-the Urgent Care doctor thought it was broken, the Radiologist said it was just sprained badly. It's still a little swollen ten days later. Ouch!

Our little Sunbeam! This was taken after church & her hair was a bit crazy.

Finally!!! I made Natalie a scripture case (supposed to be for her baptism back in November) and with the extra fabric made a couple extra.

They are reversible--Inside of bags...

Outside of bags...

These were so easy that they are probably one of the favorite things I've made. A couple months ago, I made a bag for Nat's piano music. I'll post that soon. If anyone wants the directions for these let me know. I was done in a day with 3 bags, even with all the distractions of 4 kids.

Next project--Roman shades for our sidelight window by the front door. Wish me luck on that one!

Christmas jammies

2008-12-29T23:07:00.013-07:00

Every year my mother-in-law buys pajamas for all the grandkids. It's so fun for all the kids to see what they get.

This year the big boys matched.

J was not cooperating on the "Say Cheese". He wouldn't smile for a single picture, just goofed off.

These cuties got the same jams too.

The little guys and gals had their own style. We had fun making swords & dogs with twisty balloons! They really got into it. Dallen was warding off the next hit in between pics.

**Note Kyle's flip-flops--he loves them & insists on wearing them everywhere, along with shorts. It is a fight to get him to wear pants & shoes.

They usually get the pj's on Christmas Eve, but this year we had the Polar Express for our ward party & they got them early to wear them there. The decorations were awesome! Santa's sleigh was at the door, with the conductor who punched our shiny golden tickets before we could go inside.

And the boy's bedroom just inside the foyer.

Just outside the cultural hall was a sign to show that we were on the Polar Express--it was a crowded train-standing room only.

There was a hot chocolate station with homemade marshmallows, peppermints, whipped cream-so yummy!

The cheesecake table

And finally, Santa showed up, and Kyle gave his goofy smile that eerily reminds me of the Grinch's smile.

It's Great to be Eight!

2008-12-10T18:52:00.008-07:00

Saturday, November 29th, Natalie was baptized.

Jared took off with cousins before we took pics as a family. It's really OK though, they didn't turn out very well. I think the kids were too hungry to bother smiling or looking at the camera.

A huge thanks to all our family who came!

We celebrated Nat's birthday the week before. She had a Webkinz party, and loved getting gifts.

Her pug, Lulu even made a debut as a cake.

We love you, Natalie!

Natalie's Photo Shoot

2008-11-20T21:13:00.014-07:00

Dustin is bugging me to move his "Fred" picture down so, here are a few photos that Natalie recently took. She loves "borrowing" our camera, cell phones, anything she doesn't have of her own, and figuring them out.

Here's Natalie's puppy (she didn't have her Webkinz yet or I'm sure it would have been in there)

Recognize this movie? I don't.

Emma sleeping...

...and awake

Self-portrait from a funky angle

A picture of a picture

Our new floor

My boys and their cheesy smiles...Jared...

...and Kyle.

"Smile mom"

Our backyard--should have grass in a couple weeks!!!

Halloween

2008-11-17T10:46:00.004-07:00

Finally-Halloween pics!

Don't mess with Fred--I actually got him to dress up!

Bam-Bam, Barney & Betty Rubble Family

Flinstones & Rubbles
My sister-in-law made these awesome costumes for her family a few years ago & we thought they were so cute we borrowed them for our ward's Halloween Carnival.

Everyone thought Natalie was wearing a wig. We sprayed a whole can of black in. It took me a couple days to get all the black out of the shower. UGH!

I was recently called as 2nd Counselor in a new Primary Presidency. It is fun being in a calling where I can better relate to those I serve with. I am loving getting to know the Primary kids in our ward also. (Thanks Brooke for posting this pic-hope you don't mind that I stole it.)

A tag I'm actually getting around to

2008-10-14T19:26:00.006-07:00

1. Where is your cell phone? In my purse.
2. Your significant other? Dustin of course.
3. Your hair? Dark blonde, currently in a ponytail.
4. Your mother? So sweet. We are enjoying having her as a roommate.
5. Your father? Missing him! I know he's in a better place. Passed away in 2002.
6. Your favorite thing? Quiet moments in the day & being with family.
7. Your dream last night? I slept pretty soundly-don't remember any.
8. Your favorite drink? Ice cold water.
9. Your dream/goal? To raise my children with good values & a sense of who they are & who they can become. To go on a mission with my husband when we retire.
10. The room you’re in? My in-laws motorhome (we're visiting Parker).
11. Your hobby? Jogging, baking, sewing, some crafts. Playing games with kids.
12. Your fear? The crazy world my kids are growing up in...I have high hopes for them though.
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? In a larger home where we will stay until our kids are grown, and a couple more kids running around our house-yeah, my husband thinks I'm crazy too.
14. What you’re not? Ambitious. I have short spurts of ambition which usually leads to half finished projects-ugh!
15. Muffins? They're OK. I have really been craving doughnuts lately.
16. One of your wish list items? A new iron. My handle is cracked & it feels funny to hold, but it works fine. I can't seem to justify buying a new one right now.
17. Where you grew up? Mesa AZ
18. The last thing you did? Watch Robin Hood with kids.
19. What are you wearing? Shirt & jeans-the standard.
20. Favorite gadget? Wireless internet card.
21. Your pets? My mom who's with us right now has 2 little dogs, thankfully I don't have to be responsible for them.
22. Your computer? Laptop here, Desktop, well on my desk at home.
23. Your mood? Tired-I stayed up too late working-it was so quiet & no one bothered me.
24. Missing someone? Friends from Parker, we're going to get together Thursday. Yay.
25. Your car? 2004 Expedition. Just fixed the A/C for the fourth time in 4 years. Not so fun!
26. Something you’re not wearing? Pajamas--soon though I am really tired.
27. Favorite store? Target
28. Like someone? My husband!
29. Your favorite color? Blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? At dinner tonight with a friend.
31. Last time you cried? At church Sunday. A convert of a year bore his testimony & it was so pure & non story-telling. Strong Spirit!

I tag Ashley & Brittany G.

Happy 1st Anniversary!

2008-10-03T17:38:00.009-07:00

Last year at this time is when I started my blog. I remember telling how quickly I gain weight this time of year & this year is no exception. Oh Well! When my clothes stop fitting, I make sure I workout & lay off my kids' Halloween candy until I can splurge again. I never buy clothes in a bigger size or I know I will grow into them.

I like to think of gaining & losing weight as the ebb & tide of life - kind of like our economy is going through right now. We had our binge & now it's time to suck it in & shed some extra weight because the United State's pants don't fit right now. I hope everyone plans on going to VOTE tomorrow. There are many views on how we should get the weight off, or alter the pants to fit better. We need to have people in office who can do the best job.

Pics of Halloween coming soon.

**POSTED NOV.3rd, blogspot is calling it OCT. 3rd--Sorry!

Leaving Parker

2008-10-03T17:38:00.006-07:00

We have been in Mesa since June but over the summer we went back to vacation in our home a few times. We actually loved to go to Parker to visit. It was quite relaxing for all of us, even with Dustin was working. He is still running the business & goes back about once a week & does the rest from Mesa.

In August, we received an offer on our home where the buyer has a lease with the option to purchase or not in May. The only problem was that we got the offer on Friday afternoon and she wanted to move in the following Wednesday. So we had to hurry and drive there & get the rest of our things out & get back for the kids to go to school. (We left some furniture & other things there as our home in Mesa is half the size.) While there, I took some final pictures of my kids sleeping in various places as there were no beds.

Here's Emma...

...Kyle...

...Natalie...

...and Jared-he got hot in the night.

He took all his clothes off while he was still asleep. It was kind of funny to walk in the room & see him like that.

We will miss our friends & the small town feel, but something about the place leaves something to be desired. We are so glad to be close to family again. It feels like home.

Memory game

2008-08-09T15:57:00.002-07:00

Ashley posted this on her blog and since I posted a comment, I have to post this here. Anything at this point to get me to blog is good.
.................................................................

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! If we're only blogging friends, write about a post that is the most memorable for you.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I'll be sure to write one about you.

Swamp Things

2008-05-22T13:38:00.007-07:00

So I don't often post to my blog. Things get pretty busy around here. When I do indulge myself & post, I have a lot of catching up to do. My kids really kept themselves busy the last time I blogged & were enjoying the AZ weather before the triple digits. So after I finished the post I went to check on them. (Actually I thought my husband had been checking on them periodically, but he decided to catch a nap.) Here is what I saw:

And this:

Poor baby:

My 2 year old daughter chose not to partake in the mud bath & just said "Jared put water in the dirt." Huge understatement there.

I tried really hard to look upset, but I just had to laugh. That should teach me to take some quiet time for myself. Update**All my kids are now living normal lives outside of the swamp.

In other news, we have up and decided to move to Mesa. No more "life in the slow lane" for us. Our home is for sale if anyone is interested in slowing down a bit in the town of Parker. I wish we could just pick it up & plop it down in Mesa.

We have a home down there already & are SO excited to be close to family after 9 years away. We will be looking for a job for Dustin though if anyone has leads. Kind of crazy to be starting over at this point in our lives, but it feels right.

OK, the kids are up from their naps & I don't want mud monsters today. I will try & post again soon to catch up.

Catching Up

2008-03-25T13:44:00.006-07:00

Yes, I realize Easter was just a couple days ago. I still want to share my favorite Christmas gift that we got. My sister-in-law had us for Christmas this year (we rotate names) and I thought this was so cute. She decoupaged paper onto a board, then fastened a picture frame onto it. She wanted to get a family picture from us to put in it, but unfortunately, we are in desperate need of a recent family picture (recent meaning with our last two children in it-yikes!). So I am working on that.

We've just had our Spring Break. It was lots of fun-my 2 & almost 4-year olds got the chickenpox despite having the vaccine. Lucky for the vaccine since the itching & amount of spots was greatly decreased from my when we had it as kids. We must be prone to chickenpox in our family. My older two kids got them a couple years ago despite the vaccine also. My oldest even had them pop up a second time. So as they were getting the pox, I was getting a sore throat & losing my voice. It ended up in my chest & I was down for a few days. It's been two weeks, and I'm almost feeling back to normal.

Catching up for February, my hubby & I spent Valentine's at the Phoenix Coyotes hockey game in a luxury box. There's a new radio station in our town & they had a drawing for tickets. We actually won! That was exciting. So here is the JumboTron aka Kiss Cam. Being Valentine's, they would put the camera on a couple & the couple would see themselves in it & have to kiss. For the most part, the couples were happy to oblige, as in this picture. One of the couples looked like maybe they didn't know each other, and gave a little peck. I really wish I had my camera ready for the last couple though. The camera panned in on two of the players on the opposing team sitting in their box. It was pretty funny.

I also ran a 5K over President's Day weekend. This was my second year running the Desert Dash. It is on a dirt road with lots of hills. I train on the paved, flat streets that run through town, so it's always a challenge for me. They also have bikes in the mix. The bikes start 2 miles ahead of us on the road for a total of 5 miles; but the runners/walkers don't start until after they pass our starting line.

This picture was taken as I was coming in for my big finish. That's me in the green shirt. OK, I have to admit, the guy next to me was probably 60 or 70 & finished before me. But look, I'm beating that guy on the bike. Oh wait--he beat me too.Did I mention we are running on a road out to a remote bar that runs only on solar power? So I'm thinking the guy on the bike with his beer belly was told by his wife that he can only go out drinking with the guys if he pedals the 5 miles there. He wasn't looking ready for the challenge-poor guy. I guess I'm not too proud to admit that a 7 year old boy finished a minute before I did as well. Nice. I did finish 9 minutes faster than last year though, so that's good. I finished in 33 minutes & 10 seconds; I was 13 minutes & 5 seconds behind the first place runner. Overall I was the 59th biker, runner, walker out of 513 people, so I was happy. I know I could have been in better shape, but well, those holidays I discussed in an earlier post really got the better of me. Next year, my almost 9 year old will be going with me & will probably leave me in his dust.

DIRT

2008-01-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

We love dirt!

Our main source of income is from digging and moving it, our kids absolutely love to play in it. My husband loves to drive fast in it. Me, well I tolerate it.

Today was the Parker 250. A motorcycle, quad, UTV race. Every year we go get doughnuts from our local bakery & play in the dirt at the races.

One of Dustin's employees has taken on the role of our mechanic for our play toys. They finally got this one up and going, at least until the battery flew off the back. Don't ask.

Here's Emma polishing off her doughnut--"Mom, take my picture" she said as she crammed it in.

Here's some of what we saw:

The kids had so much fun & didn't bring too much dirt home with them, but a bug fell out of Emma's jacket when we took it off-disgusting!!

gratitude

2007-11-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Ashley "tagged" me on a gratitude post. I have never been tagged before, but I have been thinking about gratitude a lot lately, and have recently started a gratitude journal, so here goes:

(1) So grateful for my Heavenly Father, his son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. So many blessings they have given me. So much love and letting me know that they are there always. I marvel at their capacity to love and give. I don't even want to think where I would be if I didn't know them.

(2) My health, I have been sick for a couple days, and I can't wait to get my strength back. Lying around all day doesn't really work with my schedule this week. I am so glad to be healthy and to be able to use that to help others.

(3) My man. I love this guy. I can't imagine life without him. He is my hero.

(4) My kids ---(Yay, I finally figured out how to put pics on here.)

They make me smile.

(5) Following our DREAMS. My husband was approached this week out of the blue to teach at our local high school. He has always wanted to teach high school, and coach football (he's been offered the coaching job, he wants to do it if we sell our business) when he retired from our business. It is so amazing how this has all come about. We felt very strongly that he should take the job, so even though it's a little crazy at the moment (we are going to continue running the business for now so we can pay our bills) we know it's what we are supposed to be doing. Never stop dreaming...

(6) Modern conveniences. I love washers, dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, convection ovens, power tools, computers, DVR (like TiVO), cell phones, vehicles, digital everything. Yay for technology.

(7) Living in this free country. I take for granted the opportunities and rights afforded to me just by being born here.

Yikes, I am finally posting this on Dec. 10th.

I'm tagging Brian & Alishia.

I'm doomed!

2007-10-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year.
It's just about time to start eating again. We don't exactly need to pack on the pounds here to keep warm. We usually don't go below the 60's in the winter here, but with all these fun holidays, I can't help myself. The Halloween parties have begun. We had one at my house for the kids on Friday. Sugar cookies to decorate, a cake walk, candy toss, candy necklace stringing. Onto the school carnival--more candy, soda from the ring toss. Trick-or-treating's just around the corner. We'll have to take it easy this year. Last year my kids buckets were so full, they emptied them into the stroller basket, so as not to strain their backs. Then all the trick-or-treatees felt bad for them not having any candy and would pile it back in their buckets. We finally walked to the church for trunk-or-treating and started all over again. On the plus side, we had lots of candy for pinatas. We're taking it easy this year!

Thanksgiving is next. My oldest daughter was born on Thanksgiving, so we'll all be eating cake after the pie is gone. Maybe we'll waddle out for some flag football afterwards.

My little girl's birthday is 3 weeks later (more cake & ice cream) and then Christmas. Oh how I love Christmas. Tons of goodies from neighbors and samplings of our treats for them usually pushes me over the edge. I'd better get a good start on working out again. I've really been slacking lately. I have a couple new shirts that tie in the back and are loose and long otherwise, which I love that it's the style right now. Recently, I've been asked "Isn't it time for you to have another one?" and "When are you having more kids?" and my personal favorite "Are you pregnant?". Good thing that one was from my mom. I can chalk it up to an overzealous grandma. The closer I get to 30, the more I have to watch what goes in my mouth, the harder I have to workout in order to be effective, and the more scary the holiday season becomes. Wish me luck as we go into flubber season.

Lasik

2007-10-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

So 9 days ago I had Lasik done on my eyes. It was the trippiest thing to have your eyes cut on while you're awake. Think a movie about flying through space with lights and stars coming from every direction. Then you go blind temporarily -- darkness with a few stars shooting by. The scent of the lasar was just not good. They tell you the lasar itself smells, but burnt hair is a very distinct smell. The most pain of the procedure was from the numbing drops and the pressure, not pain, for about a minute on each eye just as they cut the cornea. The recovery wasn't so bad. It was the first time in the last few years that I got to just sleep as long as I wanted and not have any obligations. That alone was worth the trouble. It is so great to be able to wake up in the night and not trip over the dog. If you've been thinking about doing it, go for it -- just remember to chill on the operating table, the Valium helps too. If you're interested I found a video to watch about Lasik at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4kDC4sZ5Jg. To be honest, if I would have seen the video before I did it I would have had second thoughts. Please do not watch if you have a weak stomach!!!

Life in the Slow Lane

2007-10-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

OK, so here goes nothing. I enjoy reading a friend from high school's blog http://ashleyschultz.blogspot.com/ to see how she's doing. I guess really I'm just too lazy to pick up the phone or type an e-mail and actually ask her. She did make it pretty easy to do though. So I went to my 10-year reunion this past weekend, (more on that later) and I mentioned a funny amatuer video on her blog that her brother was in. Her brother asked if I had a blog and it got me thinking "I guess I could try it". I am a bit technologically challenged. I'm wondering if it has anything to do with where I live.

Our small town is a bit behind the times. For example, we don't have caller id available on our land lines. Who doesn't have caller id??? The small town less than a mile over the bridge in CA has caller id. It's pretty ridiculous-thank goodness for cable phone (it came to us about 1-1/2 years ago).

We live in a pretty slow place. We have all of 3 stoplights here-but only one is a 4-way stop. We don't have a lot of shopping in the vicinity: 2 grocery stores, at least 4 dollar stores, a local bakery, about 5 restaurants & a few fast food joints. Our ward boundaries for church are over 100 square miles, in AZ & CA. Here are drive times to some of our stops:

School - 2 minutes
Church - 5 minutes
Grocery store - 5 minutes
Vet - 25 minutes
Pediatrician - 45 minutes
Wal-Mart - 50 minutes
Lowe's - 55 minutes
Target - 2 hours
Costco - 2 1/2 hours
Grandma's house - 3 hours

I suppose if I lived in my hometown, I may have to drive the same amount of time just getting through traffic. It's not all bad. The good thing is you can walk just about anywhere in town in 15 minutes or less. There just aren't a lot of places to walk to.