Yeah I did that.....

So this is what I did with my first day alone.

You better believe that I enjoyed all of those Truffles. I did not have to share, they were for me and me alone and I savored each and every one.

Then I read the paper, cover to cover. I even read the classifieds - WHY -because I could.
Then I went and smelled my roses. I have not done that all year and they are all in bloom and look wonderful and smell so good. It is the little things today.....
Then I checked on the pool.

It needs some attention and to be vaccumed, but not today......add it to the list.

I passed by this room often, it has laundry waiting, it still has laundry waiting, and now the door is closed. Go away you foul-good-mood-killer.
I even got to drink this all by myself! Again no sharing, no having to go looking for my drink, there it was beside me all the time waiting to refresh just me, ahhh!
With all this peace and tranquility you better believe that I took some much needed time to examine the inside of my eyelids.
And that is what I did with my first day of school.

No guilt, no pressure, not having to listen for a yell or something crashing down.

Ah, I could get used to this...........

First Day of School

It has come!!

Ten years I have waited, missed sleep, been the human napkin, put their needs ahead of mine, grown a good crop of grey hairs, and it is finally here. The First Day of School and I do not mean Kindergarten that is really not school and that does not start till September 2nd anyway. I mean both kids out the door, to school, all day. I know that I should be crying but right now I am so happy that I can hardly stand it. The house is so quiet, there is no fighting, the beds are made and I can hold a thought in my head. Now that is something to celebrate!!

****

Okay, enough of the celebrating. What I really want to show is my cute kids and the first day of school, so here we go........ Sweet-boy all ready to go. They even made their own lunches while I was at work last night. I looked and they are not nutritionally great, but they made them and I think that is a great habit to start.
My girl, can I tell you that I love the long shirt-dress look. I am so tired of all these kids with their bums hanging out everywhere.
The very brave face. He was so excited to go to school that he was up at 6am and dressed and already telling me it was time for school. Both kids snuggled with me this morning till my alarm went off and then it was the start of the busy morning hustle.
Drama Queen lost a tooth last night. She is falling apart. She did not want me to help with the hair, but she has alot of gel in it. My big 5th grader.

Sweet-boy at his classroom. Their theme is "Cars", something that he really likes. Already kids are in and getting busy with their first project. We found his locker and put his backpack away and got to his desk. I think that this is going to be a good year. His teacher is new to our school but not first grade. She is so nice and so calm and she understood my little guy right off. He is so tender and wants to be every ones friend, but already the boys are being tough. He is energetic, full of life and she understood that her job is to love him. That was it, after that I was sold on her being the teacher for him. Last year I hope we never repeat, but I have high hopes for this year. We will see at 1:30pm when they get home, he might fall apart the day is so long and maybe not.
Drama Queen in on the other side of the building. Last year they were 3 classrooms away, good and bad on that one. Her teacher is also new, but has been a substitute teacher and so she knows her and was excited to have her. Their theme is the ARMY - A Real Mighty You!
Kids from last year that will make her feel right at home. I think I have about a dozen pictures of "The C man" with his tongue hanging out. Drama Queen is sitting right next to one of her friends, so this could be good or something that gets changed right away.
One last look in on Sweet-boy and I am off. Look at the learning that has begun. What a fun room it almost makes me want to be right there with them, but then again.......

I walked home with the other mom's and listened to them talk about their day and I began to think about mine. What to do with myself? Thank goodness I did not have to think long, my sweet VT dropped off this little goodie to help me celebrate the first day of school.

Now that is what I am talking about, Truffles, a Diet Pepsi to myself and a quiet house. This is the good life.

Happy First Day of School!

UPDATE:

So the kids are home and I can tell that they needed to have more play time. They are nutts and fighting and wanting to go swim. I think that is a great idea and something that they need to go do. Both liked school and are happy and still excited for tomorrow. That will be the real test, can Sweet-boy handle the all day thing? We got a nice note from his teacher that he did great and that the rest of the year will be wonderful. I can only agree. However, only time will tell and I am learning that I have to let go and let them figure things out on their own.

And to Quote my bloggy friend Elena - And.....they're off!!

To Grandma Jeans' we go

In these last two weeks before school begins we are sure packing in alot. The last was our trip to see Grandma Jean. It was her birthday and we could not think of anything better then spending it with her and helping her at Kolob.

******

Upon arrival, Drama Queen began teaching herself a song that Grandma has been working on for months. It was amazing how quickly she picked up the song.

Sweet- Boy making sure that Grandma's heart is alright and judging by the dial it is alright for the fun-filled week ahead.

So serious about her song, such a beauty she is becoming.

After the heart checking and the harp playing it is time to cool off in the pool. It was 105 when we reached our destination despite a down-pour earlier in the day. That was exciting, as we hydroplaned and went off the freeway backwards. Needless to say that mom drove like an old lady the rest of the trip, it took a good 25 minutes to stop shaking after that one. Another small miracle.

Swimming in the pool is the best thing that we can do in the heat.

Sweet-boy is so excited that he can swim under water and the whole length of the pool now, even the deep end with mom and sissy.

She is the only kid I know that makes a swim cap look good. The kids swam and swam and only came out for dinner and then went right back in till it was dark. They were having so much fun until the bats came out and started skimming the water and that freaked them out enough to get out for the night.

******

Next day we headed up to Kolob and the cabin to finally do some burning. The ban to burn has finally been lifted and we had piles and piles of wood to get rid of.

The kids got good practice from our camping trip in gathering wood and were good helpers in keeping the flames high in the fire pit. I loved getting to play pyro and burn things. There was so much that at the end of the day we hardly made a dent.

Drama Queen made a game of chopping the twigs to size. It was hilarious to listen as she was the executioner and Sweet-boy was the voices of the accused. In the end no matter the plea all lost their heads and were burned. I know kind of twisted but if it kept them going and helping to get the work done then I am all for that.

We brought up some dinosaurs and the kids built a cave house for them with a bark roof. They both were so dirty and yet so happy to have spent the time with Grandma.

Happy Birthday Grandma Jean.

XOXOX

Spring Hollow

We headed up Logan Canyon to enjoy our favorite camping spot. We had been there before but as I am prone to do, last time I scoped out the best spot and that is where we were headed. It has the most shade and seclusion and with the river running right behind us, provided the best little hideaway for our camping adventure.

********

We arrived and began setting up camp only to discover that the batteries on the trailer were dead, so we pulled the car around and gave them a good charging from the Explorer.

Finally the camp is all set, our new little home is all ready for camping. See the seclusion and the river, ah, it was a beautiful camp spot!
So with the kids out exploring we set about working on the pile of wood that we need for that night's fire. Notice the delight on Drama Queens' face. Although she did not want to be gathering wood, she is the best little gatherer I have seen and we never ran out of wood.

"Sweet-Boy" is in the river, big shocker.
Along the river we met a really nice family that was more then willing to let the kids experience Kayaking. So "Drama Queen" went out first and she picked it up like a pro.

Look at that determination. She really got the hang of it quickly.
What an accomplishment for her, all by herself.
Next, "Sweet-Boy" took a turn. Troy, whom we met up there, was more than willing to let him take the paddles and go for a ride.
Look at the little man, doing so good all by himself.
I know that this will be something that we will need for the future, fun for the kids and fun for the grown-ups as well.

Next day we prepared for the big hike of the day and some more exploring.

We let the kids pick the route for the hike and needless to say it was straight up and very hard on the adults. After a while we all decided that down was the way to go.

"Drama Queen" and I decided that we wanted to explore some more and took the hike that we should have gone on. It was easier and took us to the top of the mountain so we could look down the whole canyon. It was a great time together as she sang to me the whole time we hiked.

********
This is when the scary part of the trip began.

The kids wanted to use the Bow Saw to cut the long pieces of wood. Something that I was not so sure was a good idea, but Dad supervised all cutting.

Even "Sweet-Boy" cut some logs. Again a big accomplishment for the kids on this trip.

As with every other camping trip we read a book together around the camp-fire. This time I picked this book since the movie is due out in a few months. It has been hugely entertaining and also has allowed me to use my long forgotten Dramatic talents to make the characters come to life. We are not quite through but have really enjoyed this tale. Definitely a good kids read.

And thus, our camping trip came to an end. It was really fun to escape the regular schedule of daily life and to have no obligations but to have fun and fun we did.

We're Back!!!!

First we are back and running on the computer front and I dare admit that I was really missing all my bloggy friends!!!

What a funny thing that I look forward to seeing what others are up to each and every day. Is that a sign that there is something seriously lacking in my life? I have no answer for that except this un-planned-down-time gave me time to think about this, YES, I will say it out loud- OBSESSION that I have with the blogging world. I mean, me, going to the Library, waiting for at least 20 minutes for a computer to come free so that I can check my e-mail and then see what has happened in the blogging world without me there.

Was I missed?

Did anyone notice that I was gone?

I am so glad to see that there were some that noticed and YES, I Purelled everyone when we came out the door. But it also made me see that the ones that have been missing me were right in front of me all along. I have two amazing kids (how they came to be is another amazing miracle of a story). Kids that a very loving Heavenly Father knew that I needed in my life to make me complete! So how much time have I really spent with them this summer? Did I spend my time wisely, making memories and not waste it coming up with the most clever post, one that would surely get me noticed by other bloggers, something that the SITS would want to immediately comment about, something that I could use as a potential second money maker. This is where I went wrong......

So dear reader, I will be blogging less, you might hear from me in the comment area less, but it is not something that you have done, rather it is an awakening that I have had within myself. I need balance, the right balance of time dedicated to those that are right in front of me, those that need me right now. So that in ten years from now, I will not turn around from blogging and realize that my kids do not want to spend time with me, they have moved on, that my husband has become a gourmet cook and no longer needs me to feed the empty belly, that I have lost all that time that will never be again.

So even though we are back, we are back with a new perspective and a greater appreciation for the small glitches that prove to be the greatest learning moments, if one just takes the time to learn.

Computer Withdrawl

It has been some time since my last post. It is not intended, believe me I love blogging. We have moved furniture around that required the unplugging of the computer. However like all things technologically minded it requires help in working again. So I am at the mercy of the man to get it fixed. So bear with me while we are experiencing technical difficulties.

***I am posting from the library, something that I detest!!!

The Memory Game

Memories...

Some of you who haunt my blog, I have known for a long time, some I have known for a while and some are from the blogshpere of friends. But we have a memory, a story that rings of our time together, so this we embark on the memory game. There are rules, as almost everything in

life has rules and here are the rules for this game:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!


2. 
   
   Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.

It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.

If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

This should be fun! So here we go......

Try-It-Tuesday

I know that it is almost Wednesday but I did have a Try-It-Tuesday item. The picture really does it no justice, plus it is blury and I ate the subject matter last night for dinner so a do-over is impossible. This is the Man's favorite steak dish and boy is it wonderful!!!

********

Get your best Australian accent going and come with me down under for good eats mate.

Steak Dunigan

The fixings:

4 rib-eye steaks ( I prefer these to sirloin just because they taste better and are not as dry after cooking)

1 TBL Olive Oil

1/3 cup diced onions

1/2 lb sliced fresh mushrooms

1 tsp chopped jalapeno pepper (too much and it is really spicy)

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp Oregano (fresh or dried)

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, drained

2 TBL chopped fresh Cilantro

First get all the ingredients ready to go cause this is cooking in a rush.

Broil or grill the steaks as desired. While steaks are cooking, in a fry pan cook diced onion in the oil over medium heat-cook 2 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, jalapeno pepper, salt and oregano -cook 5 minutes. Add in chopped green chilies and cook 2 minutes. Stir in fresh cilantro and when to temperature take off heat and place in serving bowl. Top each steak with 1/3 cup sauce and enjoy.

This is really a Mommy and Daddy meal since my kids only like the steak part, but it really is a good one for impressing the boss or whoever you need to impress with your cooking skills.

A Road Map to Where?

Do you ever feel that life would be so much simpler if there was a specific map, a plan that you were destined to follow, a way to ensure that you reached your destination as planned? For the last year I have felt adrift, lost in my life, not really

certain that the road that our family is taking is the best one for it.

****

We have moved several times in our 13 years - at last count we have had seven different addresses in 2 different states. We move, and at times I feel like I have gypsy blood running through me, calling me to places that have yet to be discovered. Our last home we were in for 4 years, by far the longest, it was hard to go and leave friends that were more then that - they were family. We moved to be closer to my husbands job so we would see him more. Two months after the move he got transferred back to where we had just moved from. Now he commutes 2 hours a day, just in the opposite direction.

****

At times like that you wonder what was it all for?

****

I have been asking that question this whole year.

What was it we were supposed to learn?

Was there someone we were meant to meet?

What, and why are a daily mantra.

****

Why do I talk about this?

****

I guess at times I really wish that there was a definite plan to follow, I want someone other than me to make the really big decisions. I want to know that everything is going to work out just right, with everyone being healthy and happy and sane, especially me.

****

But that is where my compass fails me........It will not tell me what to do, or what decision will bring less trauma. It can only tell me which way North is on the road that I choose to trod, the rocks, the trees and the sky are up to me to see and explore.

Twin Falls or bust......and a surprise visitor

Before we begin with all the fun of our latest trip, an update.......

Guess who came a calling? Yes, it was Snakey.

Why is it that every time I am mowing the lawn in my bare feet that he decides to come out of hiding? If you want to read about our first meeting of Snakey, click here.

Needles to say that the kids were so happy to see him again. I was less then amused and very wary that he might have brought more friends home with him. Okay now on with the fun!!

********************

So we began our journey all spiffy in our Sunday best.

We were cruising along at a good rate and suddenly the car is leaning to the right and there is a loud, thud,thud thud sound. I look to "the man" and say "I think we are in trouble!" So we pull over and get out to see our front tire smoking and completely thrashed.

I pride myself on being a car-gal, but I have never changed a tire, nor had one disintegrate on me like that, so needless to say I was a little shaken. We told the kids to stay put, I think they heard us, but they were deep in a movie. Thank goodness for in-car DVD players. So "the man" and I begin to get the spare and change the tire.

I would like to thank Idaho State Police for their kind consideration of at least changing lanes before they passed us. I am glad that it was not just me on the road cause I might still be there waiting for their assistance.

Tire changed, shredded tire secured under the tailgate and we once again start for our destination. I was so glad that we had left early and that we had been making good time, because that little episode took it all. But we arrived in time to clean up and get settled before our tour of the temple.

It was truly amazing to behold. I love Temples, their beauty, their serenity and what made today the most beautiful was I got to share it with my children. To walk with them, and talk about our beliefs, to see their amazement and wonder and for them to see where our family unit really began. It is what I hope is the beginning of our family going to the Temple together.

We posed for pictures outside with our dear friends whom we met there. Then we headed off to feed the hungry troops and on to the next adventure of the day, Shoshone Falls.

This was truly amazing as the water level was still high so the falls were at their best, plenty of water rushing over them. We drove to the beach area away from the falls and spent the day swimming, rock jumping and enjoying just being together.

It was another great day!!!

Where we are today.....

Early this morning we snatched the kids from bed and dressed in our finest

we begin our trek to Twin Falls, Idaho to attend one of the many open houses being held prior to the dedication of this sacred building.

We are meeting our dear friends there and then spending the day

re-newing our friendship and exploring Twin Falls.