Well, this week, the MOUSE MOBILE got a makeover! We spent a LOT, but little Mousy didn't get everything she desired.
She got a new battery. She got the battery cable replaced. She got a lube and oil--and a turn signal light replaced. She did not get a car wash (don't ALL dealerships wash the cars before giving them back?). She did NOT get the alarm fixed. She did NOT get new seat belts. Boo hoo, Mousy is crying.
Apparently, Mousy is so old that her seat belts have been discontinued. Our only option is to go to junk yards...... Poor Mousy! Maybe we'll get her washed this weekend and that will help squelch her disappointment.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Land of the FLIES......
I feel like we're living in the land of the flies. I realize that I'm not a top notch house-keeper, but this is beyond bad--and NOT related to my cleaning or lack thereof. I had been especially thorough in and around the kitchen and still there were the FLIES! There have been SO many flies about my kitchen the last couple of days--and hanging outside of my kitchen window.
Today, I started to put two and two together--there MUST be something dead outside. There was. Remember, we live on the side of a hill/mountain. We've seen the wildlife on the OTHER side of the chain-link fence. This time it was on our side--a rat--dead and STINKY.
My KNIGHT in shining armor disposed of it for me. Now all is right with the universe again, and in 2 more days, the flies will be a distant memory.
I wonder if Smoky the cat was bringing me a thank you present for my part in saving his life? I need to teach him about chocolate.
Today, I started to put two and two together--there MUST be something dead outside. There was. Remember, we live on the side of a hill/mountain. We've seen the wildlife on the OTHER side of the chain-link fence. This time it was on our side--a rat--dead and STINKY.
My KNIGHT in shining armor disposed of it for me. Now all is right with the universe again, and in 2 more days, the flies will be a distant memory.
I wonder if Smoky the cat was bringing me a thank you present for my part in saving his life? I need to teach him about chocolate.
LITERAL Bumps in the Road
Yes, I felt it, did you? We had an earthquake this morning at 11:42 am. I was half-naked, getting ready to get into the shower and I heard it--sounded like a big truck. But the truck noise didn't go away and I realized that we were rolling around. So I hastily tried to get my discarded clothes back on, in case the house fell down and we were discovered later--a bit dramatic, but being half-naked at the time wasn't comforting. I like to be covered.
If you want to read about the official particulars, you can click HERE. It will take you to the US Geological Service. Interestingly, another earthquake happened about 17 hours before, near the Solomon Islands--we're not shaking alone.
To me, it felt like we rolled around, then it started to go away, and then it got bigger again. It felt like we shook for about 20 seconds--which is a LONG time!
I turned on the news, and the epicenter was near Chino Hills, north of us. Originally, they called it a 5.8, then on the news it got downgraded to 5.6, but on the internet, it's being called a 5.4. Whatever it was, I FELT it!
The kids were downstairs, watching a movie, and when I came down to check on them, they were completely oblivious to all of the shaking and noise. I guess being in perpetual motion saved them from the rocking.
I'm NOT a fan of earthquakes. Natural disasters scare me, but the inability to warn in advance of an earthquake scares me. When I see the potential for devastation, I get scared. I don't like them. Now that I have kiddos, I have to be strong and brave, so I won't freak them out, but inside I'm shaking too. All kinds of natural disasters can strike anywhere at any time, and the earthquakes here happen infrequently enough that I'm not suffering constant anxiety over the prospect of more. It HAS caused me to think of basic disaster 101:
*Tonight, in addition to doing our "disgusting science" and "chemistry" experiments that we were going to do for Family Home Evening (yes, on a TUESDAY instead of a Monday), we will also talk about earthquakes. We'll talk about what causes them, where they have happened, what they can cause, and what to do.
*I'm going to really make and implement a disaster plan with Robert for our family. We need to have and distribute a telephone tree, so that if a larger disaster hit, our loved ones could be informed--not necessarily by us. We talked about this when the fires hit, but didn't do it. We also need to physically go look at our water and gas shut-off's. I know where they are and how to do them, but I don't think I've actually LOOKED at them here in this house.
*We also need to get our important papers together and portable. I have most of this already done, but never finished it after we got back from the fires. I think it's a good plan to have a copy of all that's important stored with someone else in a different location. In this digital age, it's also possible to scan documents and keep a thumb drive with that information. Lots of ways to do it, but we NEED to DO it!
*I'll focus again and more on our Church's teachings that we should prepare ahead for disasters by having a year's supply. While we don't have the money or SPACE for an entire year's worth, I need to look over and figure out what we still need to complete a 3-week and then a 3-month supply. That is something I CAN and SHOULD have in place.
*Most of all, we'll hug and cuddle our precious kiddos and remind them that while it's scary, we're all safe and healthy. We know what to do when it happens, and if we are prepared, we don't need to be afraid.
If you want to read about the official particulars, you can click HERE. It will take you to the US Geological Service. Interestingly, another earthquake happened about 17 hours before, near the Solomon Islands--we're not shaking alone.
To me, it felt like we rolled around, then it started to go away, and then it got bigger again. It felt like we shook for about 20 seconds--which is a LONG time!
I turned on the news, and the epicenter was near Chino Hills, north of us. Originally, they called it a 5.8, then on the news it got downgraded to 5.6, but on the internet, it's being called a 5.4. Whatever it was, I FELT it!
The kids were downstairs, watching a movie, and when I came down to check on them, they were completely oblivious to all of the shaking and noise. I guess being in perpetual motion saved them from the rocking.
I'm NOT a fan of earthquakes. Natural disasters scare me, but the inability to warn in advance of an earthquake scares me. When I see the potential for devastation, I get scared. I don't like them. Now that I have kiddos, I have to be strong and brave, so I won't freak them out, but inside I'm shaking too. All kinds of natural disasters can strike anywhere at any time, and the earthquakes here happen infrequently enough that I'm not suffering constant anxiety over the prospect of more. It HAS caused me to think of basic disaster 101:
*Tonight, in addition to doing our "disgusting science" and "chemistry" experiments that we were going to do for Family Home Evening (yes, on a TUESDAY instead of a Monday), we will also talk about earthquakes. We'll talk about what causes them, where they have happened, what they can cause, and what to do.
*I'm going to really make and implement a disaster plan with Robert for our family. We need to have and distribute a telephone tree, so that if a larger disaster hit, our loved ones could be informed--not necessarily by us. We talked about this when the fires hit, but didn't do it. We also need to physically go look at our water and gas shut-off's. I know where they are and how to do them, but I don't think I've actually LOOKED at them here in this house.
*We also need to get our important papers together and portable. I have most of this already done, but never finished it after we got back from the fires. I think it's a good plan to have a copy of all that's important stored with someone else in a different location. In this digital age, it's also possible to scan documents and keep a thumb drive with that information. Lots of ways to do it, but we NEED to DO it!
*I'll focus again and more on our Church's teachings that we should prepare ahead for disasters by having a year's supply. While we don't have the money or SPACE for an entire year's worth, I need to look over and figure out what we still need to complete a 3-week and then a 3-month supply. That is something I CAN and SHOULD have in place.
*Most of all, we'll hug and cuddle our precious kiddos and remind them that while it's scary, we're all safe and healthy. We know what to do when it happens, and if we are prepared, we don't need to be afraid.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Bumps in the road
I've been contemplating the "bumps" we find in life's road. Just about always they turn out to benefit us in some way. We learn something or stretch our abilities and grow. If nothing else they build character.
Today was a bumpy day. Robert's car wouldn't start, so he took mine. I called AAA and got the battery jumped--it was SO BEYOND dead. Then I called AAA to come replace the battery (remember, it was beyond dead). I didn't even know AAA did that! It' was a little more expensive than going someplace like Sears, but they came to ME. Worth it! The guy working on the battery couldn't get the cable off the terminal though--battery acid had basically melted it. He worked for more than an hour! I thought I was going to have to get my car with brand new battery towed! The AAA guy rigged it so that I could drive it, but I wanted to have it looked at. My friend, Jen, met me at the dealership, to give me a ride home. As we were getting out of Jen's car when she brought us home, Hannah ACCIDENTALLY slammed Toph's head with the car door. OUCH! He's got a nice goose egg, but he's got a big rock head, so he'll live. Our car is being checked over, lubed and oiled, and having the seat belts replaced--another bump in our road.
While we were living in the Homeless Shelter (corporate housing our first 3 months here), a mouse found its way into our car. YIKES! I would have nothing to do with it once I knew that! We parked it for a week when we were out of town and put mouse poison in it. When we returned, the poison was all gone, but there was no dead mouse smell--so I was NOT driving that "MOUSE MOBILE." A few days later the smell came, so I REALLY wasn't driving the Mouse Mobile. Robert looked and looked and couldn't find the smelly source. He's been driving that car ever since (more proof that he LOVES me!). We borrowed my Aunt's ozone machine almost a year ago, and that helped with the smell. But while the mouse was living in our car, it ate several seat belts! Not something you can just walk into AutoZone and replace.
So today's bumpy road is helping me remedy a previous bump--all bumps end up benefiting us in some way, right? Thanks Jen for coming to my rescue! You're a great friend! Thanks Honey for driving the stinky car because you love me! I love you too!
Today was a bumpy day. Robert's car wouldn't start, so he took mine. I called AAA and got the battery jumped--it was SO BEYOND dead. Then I called AAA to come replace the battery (remember, it was beyond dead). I didn't even know AAA did that! It' was a little more expensive than going someplace like Sears, but they came to ME. Worth it! The guy working on the battery couldn't get the cable off the terminal though--battery acid had basically melted it. He worked for more than an hour! I thought I was going to have to get my car with brand new battery towed! The AAA guy rigged it so that I could drive it, but I wanted to have it looked at. My friend, Jen, met me at the dealership, to give me a ride home. As we were getting out of Jen's car when she brought us home, Hannah ACCIDENTALLY slammed Toph's head with the car door. OUCH! He's got a nice goose egg, but he's got a big rock head, so he'll live. Our car is being checked over, lubed and oiled, and having the seat belts replaced--another bump in our road.
While we were living in the Homeless Shelter (corporate housing our first 3 months here), a mouse found its way into our car. YIKES! I would have nothing to do with it once I knew that! We parked it for a week when we were out of town and put mouse poison in it. When we returned, the poison was all gone, but there was no dead mouse smell--so I was NOT driving that "MOUSE MOBILE." A few days later the smell came, so I REALLY wasn't driving the Mouse Mobile. Robert looked and looked and couldn't find the smelly source. He's been driving that car ever since (more proof that he LOVES me!). We borrowed my Aunt's ozone machine almost a year ago, and that helped with the smell. But while the mouse was living in our car, it ate several seat belts! Not something you can just walk into AutoZone and replace.
So today's bumpy road is helping me remedy a previous bump--all bumps end up benefiting us in some way, right? Thanks Jen for coming to my rescue! You're a great friend! Thanks Honey for driving the stinky car because you love me! I love you too!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Typing test
I was looking at friends' blogs--in their "real" locations, not just on Google Reader. My friend, Tammy, had a typing speed test and I decided to give it a try. I didn't do too bad for a kid who BARELY passed typing in High School with a courtesy "C." Yep, I should have had a "D" but my teacher felt sorry for me--I'd been out a lot that year and typing was an attendance-based class.
See how you can do, and let me know!
62 words
See how you can do, and let me know!
62 words
Some Help, please
Many of the people I've blog-stalked have talked about how to print your blog. I don't remember who does it though. Could those of you who print your blogs PLEASE tell me how to find that "place" on the internet? Is it free, or can you pay to have it in a book-like format? I NEED ANSWERS PEOPLE!
Oh, some more snooping, and I found THIS link on Becca's blog. Maybe a good idea?
Oh, some more snooping, and I found THIS link on Becca's blog. Maybe a good idea?
Hannahism: Vacation
I totally forgot about this until tonight. We left on our vacation at the beginning of the month, and we had been in the car about 2 hours when Hannah asked, "Mom, can we eat at BurgersKing for dinner?" I told her that we'd be at Grandma's for dinner, so no. Then she asked if we could stay at BurgersKing then. Somewhat confused, I replied that we were going to visit GRANDMA, not Burger King. And the light came on, Hannah got her names mixed up. Grandma is from Kingsburg--not BurgersKing!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Monk Mania
So my must-see TV consists of: Monk, House, ER, and Extreme Home Makeover. I really LOVE that the Monk series starts in the middle of summer, when there's NOTHING else to watch--except Wipeout.
We recently "downsized" our Dish subscription. I mean, who REALLY needs 250 channels? But the ONE channel we don't get that I WILL miss is USA, because that's the channel that Monk is on, and the new season started last week.
I decided to try something. Lots of TV shows now have episodes on the internet, and I was HOPING that Monk would too. I almost was despairing, and then I saw the link. Monk shows episodes online!!! The only thing I have to endure is the same 30 second commercial six times--I can handle that.
If you don't know Monk, try it out! He's an amazing detective who happens to also have OCD. I just really laugh about all of his quirks.
New episodes on Fridays--and TOMORROW is Friday!!!
Mom, I have gills.
So, my crazy Hannah announced to me more than a month ago that she had gills. We argued about this for awhile, and I explained that FISH have gills, enabling them to breathe under water.
Well, I apparently know NOTHING (yikes, it's starting early) because Hannah leaned to the side and SHOWED me her gills.......
It's no use trying to tell her that the lines in her skin (uh, rolls) AREN'T gills, because she's convinced! Again, the value of Entertainment a la Hannah doesn't disappoint!
Oh, I forgot! When we were visiting with Aimee's family in Fresno, Uncle Matt asked Hannah if she could breathe through her gills, and she put her hand up to her gills and said that she COULD feel the air--completely serious!
Well, I apparently know NOTHING (yikes, it's starting early) because Hannah leaned to the side and SHOWED me her gills.......
It's no use trying to tell her that the lines in her skin (uh, rolls) AREN'T gills, because she's convinced! Again, the value of Entertainment a la Hannah doesn't disappoint!
Oh, I forgot! When we were visiting with Aimee's family in Fresno, Uncle Matt asked Hannah if she could breathe through her gills, and she put her hand up to her gills and said that she COULD feel the air--completely serious!
Monday, July 21, 2008
From the South?
For MANY years I've been asked what part of the south I come from--people are trying to place my accent. This always amuses me because I lived in Fresno for 36 years--nowhere else until I moved to San Diego. I guess now I can tell them that I live in SOUTHERN California.
I realize that I say y'all, but I don't think I really have an accent. Robert always gets nervous when we spend time in the actual South--because then my "accent" gets stronger. He jokingly forbids me to listen to people talk when we're there.
I think a southern accent is cute. I wouldn't mind having one.
I realize that I say y'all, but I don't think I really have an accent. Robert always gets nervous when we spend time in the actual South--because then my "accent" gets stronger. He jokingly forbids me to listen to people talk when we're there.
I think a southern accent is cute. I wouldn't mind having one.
The Great Outdoors
We live in the wilderness--ok, not really. But there is a mountain in the backyard. Because of this beautiful mountain, we enjoy watching the bunnies on the hill, and we have nice trees and shrubs to look at.
With the good comes the bad though, and we have rattle snake habitat in the back yard too--a little close for comfort! We hear (and sometimes see) coyotes too. We also have (harmless) lizards living in and around the backyard. In fact, I think a family of them live behind a bush in my backyard.
Lately, we've heard all kinds of nocturnal noises--tramping around on the hill and AWFUL screeching or screaming. It's always at night and it always scares me almost to death. The neighbors think it's a bobcat--maybe hunting the bunnies? It gives me pause though, when I'm lying in bed, fighting to get to sleep, and I hear something roaming about in the foliage--is it IN my backyard? Is it on the hill? Is it animal or human? These are GREAT questions at 1 am.
Last summer a lizard committed suicide by getting stuck in the panels of the garage door. I thought it was a snake and I was FREAKING out--only part of the tail was visible on the outside. But from the inside of the garage, I could see the squished and dearly departed lizard. My attitude is that they are free to be and roam, but OUTSIDE. Once you cross the threshold of my domain, you'd better be prepared for battle. And I have a photo of this event, but when I looked at it, I figured my readers don't need the gore.
I'm not quite that lenient on my views of snakes though. I'd prefer that they slither on THEIR side of the chain link fence and stay on the mountain. I've even bargained that I won't go in their habitat if they stay out of mine. But a California King snake did NOT get the memo on Saturday. It was in my neighbor's yard, and got chased into mine. The neighbor was kind enough to go looking for it, but CK decided that behind my shed was a great place to hang out. Now I don't know WHERE it is, and THAT'S also a great thought to have at 1 am. Oh, and this snake was about 4 feet long--no baby snake! So I haven't been in the backyard since Saturday. Robert says that the CK preys on rattle snakes, so I guess that's good. While our friend lives in OUR yard, a rattle snake won't last long--but I still vote for NO snakes!
With the good (or GREAT) comes the bad--that's how it always is. We're not moving just because of some wild life.
With the good comes the bad though, and we have rattle snake habitat in the back yard too--a little close for comfort! We hear (and sometimes see) coyotes too. We also have (harmless) lizards living in and around the backyard. In fact, I think a family of them live behind a bush in my backyard.
Lately, we've heard all kinds of nocturnal noises--tramping around on the hill and AWFUL screeching or screaming. It's always at night and it always scares me almost to death. The neighbors think it's a bobcat--maybe hunting the bunnies? It gives me pause though, when I'm lying in bed, fighting to get to sleep, and I hear something roaming about in the foliage--is it IN my backyard? Is it on the hill? Is it animal or human? These are GREAT questions at 1 am.
Last summer a lizard committed suicide by getting stuck in the panels of the garage door. I thought it was a snake and I was FREAKING out--only part of the tail was visible on the outside. But from the inside of the garage, I could see the squished and dearly departed lizard. My attitude is that they are free to be and roam, but OUTSIDE. Once you cross the threshold of my domain, you'd better be prepared for battle. And I have a photo of this event, but when I looked at it, I figured my readers don't need the gore.
I'm not quite that lenient on my views of snakes though. I'd prefer that they slither on THEIR side of the chain link fence and stay on the mountain. I've even bargained that I won't go in their habitat if they stay out of mine. But a California King snake did NOT get the memo on Saturday. It was in my neighbor's yard, and got chased into mine. The neighbor was kind enough to go looking for it, but CK decided that behind my shed was a great place to hang out. Now I don't know WHERE it is, and THAT'S also a great thought to have at 1 am. Oh, and this snake was about 4 feet long--no baby snake! So I haven't been in the backyard since Saturday. Robert says that the CK preys on rattle snakes, so I guess that's good. While our friend lives in OUR yard, a rattle snake won't last long--but I still vote for NO snakes!
With the good (or GREAT) comes the bad--that's how it always is. We're not moving just because of some wild life.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Fresno Vacation--pictures will follow
So, we (the kids and I) planned to go to Fresno for our vacation this year. The economy isn't in the best shape. We don't have tons of money to burn. And we LIVE at vacation. So we decided to go back to the old homestead and VISIT. Our last 3 visits to Fresno have been purpose-driven, and we haven't had a chance to see our friends and PLAY as much as we'd like.
We left on a Sunday and stayed with Grandma D (Robert's Mom). She misses us so much, and this was a chance for us to spend more than 3 hours with Grandma. We had a nice visit and updated the toys we keep at her home. Now the kids want to go back and play with the toys we bought.
Monday morning I had a chiropractor visit with Dr. J. I've been seeing his dad, Doc, for more than 20 years. But, once, Doc wasn't available--and Dr. J was. Dr. J has a technique he can do on my foot to make it feel better and Doc doesn't know how to do that--I know, more information than anyone else cares about. It was NICE to have my body all put back together again. The kids enjoyed the foot torture--and I enjoy how it feels afterward. Then we were off to Corbin's house. Corbin was born 17 days before Toph, and they were the BEST of friends when we all lived in Fresno. Corbin's family lived a couple of blocks from us and our families did lots together. Corbin moved to Clovis the year before Toph started school, and he's one of the people Toph mentions first when I ask who the kids want to visit. We played and swam and had lunch and got introduced to FLAVORED RAISINS. WOW, what a treat! I had to DRAG the kids away because we'd promised the cousins that we'd be there around 2. Then we went to Aimee's (my sister) and saw and played with the cousins. We joined the "camping gang" (Matt's family and some friends who'd been camping the previous week) for a BBQ/Swimming Family Home Evening, so we could watch the movie Matt made about the camping adventure.
Tuesday was the day we had NOTHING on the calendar. I need a day without any requirements and appointments to just catch my breath and be spontaneous. I spontaneously did nothing that day. We didn't go anywhere and didn't see anyone except relatives. It was GREAT! More swimming for the kids. By the way, have I mentioned how FANTASTIC my brother-in-law is? He watched the kids at the pool for me for HOURS!!! I stayed inside and scrapbooked with my sister. That doesn't sound too bad, unless you consider that it was 110-112 for 3 of the days we were there--and Matt was OUTSIDE with the kids! He's awesome! I couldn't ask for a better guy for my sister.
Wednesday we went to part of the old 'hood and visited some friends, one of Toph's first crushes. We saw the Kraus kids and had a nice visit. My kids mostly followed Jarom around and watched what he was doing. No fighting or complaining though, so that's good. Then we went to Chevy's to meet Junell for lunch. Junell is a good friend--"adopted" family. She's amazing! We had a great visit and a good lunch. Hannah was especially thankful, because we've got Chevy's here, but we won't go here. Our Chevy's sucks--the service is mediocre at best. So we drive 300+ miles to go to eat at Chevy's. Go figure. Took lots of pictures of one another and laughed a lot. Good times. Then it was back to Aimee's for MORE swimming. I think that's the day the "camping women" went for pedicures. I got to go along too, and I treated myself to a manicure too. I was in HEAVEN! That was only the second time in my life I'd had a pedicure, and I hadn't had a manicure since I got married--it was time! After dinner, Aimee and I took some food over to my Grandpa, and since he was at my Aunt's, we got to see their family briefly too.
Thursday my friend, Alicia, came over to Aimee's with her 3 little ones. It was 112 Thursday, and beyond MISERABLE! It was quite humid for Fresno, and the air quality was beyond bad, so we did as little as possible. After lunch, Matt took the kids swimming again while Aimee and I scrapbooked again. In the heat of the day, I went to WinCo (a cheaper prices, bag your own groceries store that we DON'T have here and I MISS) and I got to play "stock up." Groceries here are really expensive, so whenever possible, I stock up on things I know I'll use when I go to Fresno. My kids are WAY into graham crackers right now, and Toph has been eating them for breakfast every day. At Vons, not on sale, a box of graham crackers is $3+ but at WinCo, a box is only $1.18. I got 24 boxes--wasn't sure how they were all going to fit in the car, but I saved a LOT of money! My local sibs came over for a dinner that evening, and it was SO good to see all of them. My littlest nephew is growing so big and my sister-in-law finally looks pregnant (due in late September). WAY fun times.
Friday the kids and I went to lunch with my Grandpa. He took all the kids out to dinner to celebrate my Grandma's birthday, and when I called him that day, he told me we'd have to go out the next time I was in town. We met at Mimi's, which was one of Gram's favorite places to eat, and we had a nice lunch. Toph cracked me up. He was adamant that he was going to choose the CHEAPEST thing on the menu, so it wouldn't cost so much for lunch. It reminded me of a time last year when Toph decided that he'd quit school and run a lemonade stand, so he could earn some money for our family. I LOVE that guy! More swimming in the afternoon--thanks to whatever adult was with them, because I was scrapping with Aimee. Auntie Cody came over for part of the afternoon to scrap with us. Then we went to Sweet Tomatoes (same as Souplantation) with Aimee's family and Auntie Heidi. We LOVE to eat there! As we were looking for where the Farmer's Market was, we passed the cemetery where my Gram is buried. Toph popped up with the idea that he wanted to take roses to Gram's grave. I promised him that we'd do that the next day, after we visited with my Aunt. Friday evening we enjoyed the Farmer's Market and bought 20 lbs. of flavored raisins. They have a 2-year shelf life, but they won't last that long.
Saturday was our last in Fresno, and we didn't have too much planned in stone. We were going to play with cousins and the grown-ups were going on a date in the evening. Auntie Heidi came over for a few hours. Uncle Matt took the kids to McDonald's for lunch, so the mommies could scrap some more--and I FINISHED SOMETHING!!!!! I've been working on a family scrap book, so my kids can see pictures of the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I finished the pages I have photos for--a few more families to do pages for, but I need pictures first. It felt SO good to finish something! Auntie Cody (my sis-in-law) joined us again, and showed us her fun toy, the Cricut. Now I want one! It's WAY cool. I was supposed to take my kids to visit with my Aunt and her family, but something happened and we didn't get to see them. Uncle Matt took the kids to see Journey to the Center of the Earth instead. So Toph wasn't able to take flowers to Gram's grave, and he was NOT HAPPY about that when he realized we weren't going to do that on this trip (but we WILL in December!). Then Cousin Janice came over with her husband, Jeremy, to babysit for us while we went on our date. Aimee, Matt, and I met my other Cousin, Daniel, and his wife, Kham, at a nice steak place--Cool Hand Luke's. We had a fabulous dinner and a nice visit. After having the kids WITH me for so long (even though Uncle Matt took them for HOURS at the pool), it was NICE to be away for a few hours. But after dinner something very unhappy happened in my stomach, and I spent the rest of the night......indisposed, to say the least! NOT exactly the way I'd have chosen to spend my last night of vacation!
Sunday I had to do all the stuff I was planning on doing Saturday night, and pack up my car--I WAS able to cram it all in--even 24 boxes of graham crackers! We started our journey home about an hour later than I'd planned, which wasn't too bad considering I hadn't packed anything the night before. The drive home was MUCH less intense than the drive up to Fresno (several accidents and slow downs on the way to Fresno). We traveled a different route this time, so I had some variety. The kids did pretty well on the ride home, but neither napped. It was GREAT to be home though. As much as I enjoyed my time in Fresno and I REALLY did, there was so much joy coursing through me when I rounded a bend in the freeway and saw the ocean and knew I was close to HOME. We missed Robert dearly and were anxious to hug and kiss him and sleep in our own beds again.
So to the Ward family, THANK YOU TIMES A MILLION for letting us stay with you and for playing with us. We had such a good time and we miss all of our Fresno family and friends. It was WONDERFUL to get to spend some non-rushed time with all of you, and under good circumstances. But we were glad to get home again too. It feels good to re-establish some of our routines again. And after only 21 months, THIS is HOME now.
So, when you live at vacation, where do you go ON vacation? For us, Fresno. We'll do it again in the future too.
We left on a Sunday and stayed with Grandma D (Robert's Mom). She misses us so much, and this was a chance for us to spend more than 3 hours with Grandma. We had a nice visit and updated the toys we keep at her home. Now the kids want to go back and play with the toys we bought.
Monday morning I had a chiropractor visit with Dr. J. I've been seeing his dad, Doc, for more than 20 years. But, once, Doc wasn't available--and Dr. J was. Dr. J has a technique he can do on my foot to make it feel better and Doc doesn't know how to do that--I know, more information than anyone else cares about. It was NICE to have my body all put back together again. The kids enjoyed the foot torture--and I enjoy how it feels afterward. Then we were off to Corbin's house. Corbin was born 17 days before Toph, and they were the BEST of friends when we all lived in Fresno. Corbin's family lived a couple of blocks from us and our families did lots together. Corbin moved to Clovis the year before Toph started school, and he's one of the people Toph mentions first when I ask who the kids want to visit. We played and swam and had lunch and got introduced to FLAVORED RAISINS. WOW, what a treat! I had to DRAG the kids away because we'd promised the cousins that we'd be there around 2. Then we went to Aimee's (my sister) and saw and played with the cousins. We joined the "camping gang" (Matt's family and some friends who'd been camping the previous week) for a BBQ/Swimming Family Home Evening, so we could watch the movie Matt made about the camping adventure.
Tuesday was the day we had NOTHING on the calendar. I need a day without any requirements and appointments to just catch my breath and be spontaneous. I spontaneously did nothing that day. We didn't go anywhere and didn't see anyone except relatives. It was GREAT! More swimming for the kids. By the way, have I mentioned how FANTASTIC my brother-in-law is? He watched the kids at the pool for me for HOURS!!! I stayed inside and scrapbooked with my sister. That doesn't sound too bad, unless you consider that it was 110-112 for 3 of the days we were there--and Matt was OUTSIDE with the kids! He's awesome! I couldn't ask for a better guy for my sister.
Wednesday we went to part of the old 'hood and visited some friends, one of Toph's first crushes. We saw the Kraus kids and had a nice visit. My kids mostly followed Jarom around and watched what he was doing. No fighting or complaining though, so that's good. Then we went to Chevy's to meet Junell for lunch. Junell is a good friend--"adopted" family. She's amazing! We had a great visit and a good lunch. Hannah was especially thankful, because we've got Chevy's here, but we won't go here. Our Chevy's sucks--the service is mediocre at best. So we drive 300+ miles to go to eat at Chevy's. Go figure. Took lots of pictures of one another and laughed a lot. Good times. Then it was back to Aimee's for MORE swimming. I think that's the day the "camping women" went for pedicures. I got to go along too, and I treated myself to a manicure too. I was in HEAVEN! That was only the second time in my life I'd had a pedicure, and I hadn't had a manicure since I got married--it was time! After dinner, Aimee and I took some food over to my Grandpa, and since he was at my Aunt's, we got to see their family briefly too.
Thursday my friend, Alicia, came over to Aimee's with her 3 little ones. It was 112 Thursday, and beyond MISERABLE! It was quite humid for Fresno, and the air quality was beyond bad, so we did as little as possible. After lunch, Matt took the kids swimming again while Aimee and I scrapbooked again. In the heat of the day, I went to WinCo (a cheaper prices, bag your own groceries store that we DON'T have here and I MISS) and I got to play "stock up." Groceries here are really expensive, so whenever possible, I stock up on things I know I'll use when I go to Fresno. My kids are WAY into graham crackers right now, and Toph has been eating them for breakfast every day. At Vons, not on sale, a box of graham crackers is $3+ but at WinCo, a box is only $1.18. I got 24 boxes--wasn't sure how they were all going to fit in the car, but I saved a LOT of money! My local sibs came over for a dinner that evening, and it was SO good to see all of them. My littlest nephew is growing so big and my sister-in-law finally looks pregnant (due in late September). WAY fun times.
Friday the kids and I went to lunch with my Grandpa. He took all the kids out to dinner to celebrate my Grandma's birthday, and when I called him that day, he told me we'd have to go out the next time I was in town. We met at Mimi's, which was one of Gram's favorite places to eat, and we had a nice lunch. Toph cracked me up. He was adamant that he was going to choose the CHEAPEST thing on the menu, so it wouldn't cost so much for lunch. It reminded me of a time last year when Toph decided that he'd quit school and run a lemonade stand, so he could earn some money for our family. I LOVE that guy! More swimming in the afternoon--thanks to whatever adult was with them, because I was scrapping with Aimee. Auntie Cody came over for part of the afternoon to scrap with us. Then we went to Sweet Tomatoes (same as Souplantation) with Aimee's family and Auntie Heidi. We LOVE to eat there! As we were looking for where the Farmer's Market was, we passed the cemetery where my Gram is buried. Toph popped up with the idea that he wanted to take roses to Gram's grave. I promised him that we'd do that the next day, after we visited with my Aunt. Friday evening we enjoyed the Farmer's Market and bought 20 lbs. of flavored raisins. They have a 2-year shelf life, but they won't last that long.
Saturday was our last in Fresno, and we didn't have too much planned in stone. We were going to play with cousins and the grown-ups were going on a date in the evening. Auntie Heidi came over for a few hours. Uncle Matt took the kids to McDonald's for lunch, so the mommies could scrap some more--and I FINISHED SOMETHING!!!!! I've been working on a family scrap book, so my kids can see pictures of the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I finished the pages I have photos for--a few more families to do pages for, but I need pictures first. It felt SO good to finish something! Auntie Cody (my sis-in-law) joined us again, and showed us her fun toy, the Cricut. Now I want one! It's WAY cool. I was supposed to take my kids to visit with my Aunt and her family, but something happened and we didn't get to see them. Uncle Matt took the kids to see Journey to the Center of the Earth instead. So Toph wasn't able to take flowers to Gram's grave, and he was NOT HAPPY about that when he realized we weren't going to do that on this trip (but we WILL in December!). Then Cousin Janice came over with her husband, Jeremy, to babysit for us while we went on our date. Aimee, Matt, and I met my other Cousin, Daniel, and his wife, Kham, at a nice steak place--Cool Hand Luke's. We had a fabulous dinner and a nice visit. After having the kids WITH me for so long (even though Uncle Matt took them for HOURS at the pool), it was NICE to be away for a few hours. But after dinner something very unhappy happened in my stomach, and I spent the rest of the night......indisposed, to say the least! NOT exactly the way I'd have chosen to spend my last night of vacation!
Sunday I had to do all the stuff I was planning on doing Saturday night, and pack up my car--I WAS able to cram it all in--even 24 boxes of graham crackers! We started our journey home about an hour later than I'd planned, which wasn't too bad considering I hadn't packed anything the night before. The drive home was MUCH less intense than the drive up to Fresno (several accidents and slow downs on the way to Fresno). We traveled a different route this time, so I had some variety. The kids did pretty well on the ride home, but neither napped. It was GREAT to be home though. As much as I enjoyed my time in Fresno and I REALLY did, there was so much joy coursing through me when I rounded a bend in the freeway and saw the ocean and knew I was close to HOME. We missed Robert dearly and were anxious to hug and kiss him and sleep in our own beds again.
So to the Ward family, THANK YOU TIMES A MILLION for letting us stay with you and for playing with us. We had such a good time and we miss all of our Fresno family and friends. It was WONDERFUL to get to spend some non-rushed time with all of you, and under good circumstances. But we were glad to get home again too. It feels good to re-establish some of our routines again. And after only 21 months, THIS is HOME now.
So, when you live at vacation, where do you go ON vacation? For us, Fresno. We'll do it again in the future too.
Princess Camp
So this week Hannah is at Princess Camp. Some sisters in our ward have invented a GREAT, CREATIVE way to earn some extra cash. They hold day camp for a week and invite all of the 3-10-year-old girls (boys, last week) to join them. Each day has a theme and the girls make at least 1 craft. They play and craft and swim every day. It's THREE HOURS OF HEAVEN--and Hannah has looked forward to it ALL year long.
Today was PJ/Spa day at Princess Camp. Robert always asks the kids what they did for the day when we're having dinner, so today when he asked Hannah, this is what she said: "We made slime for our feet that makes them soft."
Gotta love that girl! Toph piped up with, "I want to make some!" Gotta love my boy! I don't know what I'd do if they weren't so darn entertaining!
Today was PJ/Spa day at Princess Camp. Robert always asks the kids what they did for the day when we're having dinner, so today when he asked Hannah, this is what she said: "We made slime for our feet that makes them soft."
Gotta love that girl! Toph piped up with, "I want to make some!" Gotta love my boy! I don't know what I'd do if they weren't so darn entertaining!
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