Daddy Time!!!

The title says it all. Dave has been home for a little more than a week now and the kids are getting their fill of outings with their dad. He probably wishes that he was not having to take the kids, but, oh well. They have gone to Costco, Walmart, Maverick, and the "Death Hill" twice. We are trying not to think that in a few days we will be back to walking and taking care of Dakota (our 100 lb. Yellow Lab, that only loves David). Dave is happily trying to coach Steven's basketball team (this will be interesting next week with 700 miles between the coach and the team). Steven thinks that he will be in the "Pro's" someday so if you want to watch the future star, his game is Saturday at 2:00 I think at Tooele Jr. High. All and all we are so glad that Dave is here and hope that we don't stress him out to much!!

We are still waiting for our buyers to show up and take our house away. So pass the word it is still for sale!!

Don't Cry Over Spilt...

I would never make it as a single mother. So I better make sure that my hubby stays in love with me. Between trying to sell my house, keeping my house clean and trying to take care of my kids, I am at my wits end. (Not really it just seems like that at this moment). What set all this off you ask. Well I guess i could blame it on the snow blower. That thing is hard to start. Why couldn't the snow just wait one more day. (I really should be on the snowy, slicked up road to pick up my hubby right now). So I did get the snow blower started and then I blew snow for 2 hours. I like my neighbors. I really just did not want to go inside and try to referee my kids arguing over who was eating their siblings treats from school. I sorta forgot in the snow blowing that Kyle was at his friends house. (sorry Julie) So then when I did come in...Yes all the moms know..if you are outside the inside goes...and if your inside well the outside sometimes takes care of itself. So the mess of Christmas home from school had exploded with Nerds all over the kitchen table along with other things like Graham cracker house being eaten by someone other than the maker of it. Snow and shoes everywhere. Laundry I could go on but I don't want to scare you with all the details. My kids are flush challenged so there the scary details are out. Okay my Dave will be home for 14 days. It won't be long enough, and I am already crying at the thought of him leaving again. I hope someone knocks on my door tomorrow and says they want my house so I can go back to Cali and just get on with my life....

Hotel Living

Well as many of you know I went to California to visit my husband who has been living in a hotel for the last month or so. So I drove about 90 mph on I -80 to make it to Manteca in about 11 hours. A record trip. I love driving by myself with the kids in my van. (I can't drive that fast in the truck it does not feel good to go over 75 in that big thing). Dave really slows me down on our family trips, he likes to stop and go potty or get more drinks, Hmmm, no wonder we are always stopping. So the kids and I have been hanging around the hotel while Dave is at work. Robert would say the best thing about hotel life is the breakfast. Every morning you can have all the sausage or bacon that you want. Also you can have muffins and lots of juice. It is a very tight squeeze to fit six people in a hotel room with just two double beds. Someone sleeps on the little couch or on the floor. It is always interesting to listen to all the different sleeping noises. Who is snoring, or talking in their sleep. I can't wait to get back to my own bed.
So another aspect of this trip is that the kids are missing a whole week of school. So we brought along a weeks worth of school math, spelling and reading. I am thinking of home schooling the kids when we move back so this has been an eye opener to how this will work. I think once we get settled into a house with a school room it will be fine. Robert and Kyle will be the hard ones to get to really work on school, as this has been a challenge this week while we have been working just on home work. But I think I will give the home school a try if we move back before the end of the year. I figure by mid April they are onto Core testing prep at the school anyway. So if we move back to Cali before then we will just home school till the end of May. Who knows.
So selling our house in Utah...that is still up in the air. If you sweet readers know anyone looking for a great house with great neighbors, please keep us in mind. Well I better head to bed. This hotel lobby is not where I want to be at 11PM. Good night. Happy sleeping at your nice homes.

You Know Your Old When...

Your oldest son turns twelve and has one inch to be the same height as you. I don't think I am old in "great grandma" fashion, but I am stunned that the little boy that I wanted so badly is becoming so grown up. He still does childish things, but there is definitely an ere of young adult about him. He likes to be independent, and he has his own ideas about the way the world works. I just hope that he will keep his wits about him and make good choices. I will keep doing my part to shape and mold him into a nice, health, strong, young man. He will also have an upward battle with the way the world is, to keep his head on straight. But I know he can do it. I just think how lucky I am to have this big little boy for a few more years until he goes to college or mission whichever comes first.

Random Goings On...

Okay, so this will be just me rambling on about my crazy week and my little kids. I got every one's post for your emails with me sending my blog to "private". I wanted to give anyone else a chance that has not said they want to be included.
I worked all week at the kids school in the Special Education class. I loved being able to spend time with these kids and had a good time with them. What a hard job. These people definitely don't get paid enough for what they do. Changing diapers of a ten year old, potty training a 6 year old, making sure children don't eat to much of the school lunch, the list of things that the do goes on and on. It made me think of how it was trying to take care of Dave's dad and all our little kids at the same time. I sure can see the special spirits that those kids are. It felt good when one of the teachers said That she would miss me helping on of the students in her class. That was really nice.

I have to say I really love the teachers at my kids school. They might not work the kids like they did in California, but they sure do know how to encourage them, with love and kindness. I am so thankful for the nice teachers the kids have this year. (now if they could find what happened to their nice mother, they would be happy all the time). I always joke about how many assemblies the kids have at this school. But the two they had were really good. The first one was on Veteran's day. The kids honored a dad that is in the military. It was great to hear a man from Panama say that this is the "Greatest County on the Earth" it is hard to believe that not everyone thinks this. The second assembly was today, the students at the school have read over 1,000,000 minutes since the first month of school. The teachers and students yelled a chant from each grade. One of the best first grade teacher's told a story, it was very funny and all 825 students were glued to her every word. They gave away some books and encouraged the kids to keep reading. It was just such a good feeling to know that those teachers care about the kids.

Now on to the crazy part of my life. I have been so emotional about Dave taking this job in California, and having to sell my house, and him being gone. It is hard work taking care of four kids, trying to work, clean my house, and get rid of extra stuff we don't really need. Then on top of that getting kids to band concerts, scouts, letting them play with friends and all the other stuff that mom's do. I have to say that the thing I miss when Dave is gone is just being able to hold his hand or look at him across the room and know that I am not alone in what is going on. 700 miles is quite a barrier to see through. When we were just dating and I lived in Colorado and he lived in California, I use to worry that something would happen to one of us before we got married and then what would I/he do. We had some friends get sealed in the Temple on Wednesday, I was able to go and see their family all together in the sealing room. The sealer said something about no matter how far apart they were from each they were a companionship from then on, even if separated by many miles. I know that we are blessed for making those covenants in the Temple, and that Dave and I are strong and can withstand another short storm in our life. It is better that we be together and that he does not need to travel much with work anymore. I can see how much my kids need their daddy. And I need him too. So I just need to wait for the "right " couple to decide that they want to buy my house. The Lord knows who they are and I just need to do all I can to be ready when they show up. I am so thankful to all my friends that have asked me if I need anything or if I am okay. Hopefully the water works won't be working over time in the future. Poor Brother Rodriguez, got a bucketful, when he asked me about it this week, while we were at the temple. We will make it through this short time apart. We lasted eight months while we long distance dated, until I moved to Cali from Colorado. We can make it for a little while now.

Going Private

Hey, Please tell me who you are if you want to see my blog. Because i will be alone so much the next few months I want to be extra safe. So even if you are just a casual looker I need your addie.
Thanks,
Samantha

And... Yes we are going back to Cali (at least Dave is for now).

Okay, so drama aside. Dave took the job. We are really excited for him. It is a big move forward in our family life. He won't need to travel anymore, we think, maybe just to visit us until our house sells. He has to go to Arizona next week with his boss. So I am not sure if he will be bring his usual Ice cream to the the Jordan's home.
Jason and Melissa we are going to schedule one of Dave's four weeks of vacation to go to Arizona and camp with you (even if it is in your back yard). You have been so great to let Dave hang out with you while he has had to travel in Phoenix. He will miss your funny ice cream nights!!
Then he will be home for the weekend, and then off to California. He reports to his new post on November 10Th. ( I don't think anyone from his company, aside from the HR people and his boss know yet, if they look at our blog the cat is out of the bag) oops. Anyway, I hope he can come home for Stevie's birthday. He bought a great gift for Steven. I want him to see his face when he opens it. Then We will have Thanksgiving with my family. (They better come!!!) Then hopefully we will be packing at Christmas because someone wants my house for The New Year!! If you have not owned a house in the last two or three? years the government will give you a tax credit if you buy a house, before the end of the year!! $7500 tax credit. Pass it on to all the renters you know. I am willing to have visitation with my hubby until about February. If our house has not sold by February, then we will have to rethink our living arrangement and put our family back together in Cali somehow.
Why not move back to our Manteca house you ask? Our renters have been so good, and we like having the rental,and Dave calls it the "hood" over there by our house. So, we have been having Kevin Wentworth check out foreclosure seen for us. If we can get our 20% out of this house, then maybe can buy a foreclosure in Manteca or Ripon. So I am excited to come home, but I need to keep a grip on reality, that my house may sell fast or not. It is only 30 minutes to downtown Salt Lake, and the best house in Stansbury (if you ask me). We wish we could take it and our fun neighbors with us. Oh that is sad so I won't go there. I am purging lots of things everyone would be so proud!! The DI will be getting some good packages in the next week or so. Back to Fog and Sun. Yeah!!

Don't hold your breath...

Well let's see maybe we are a little hesitant. Dave's company will only fly him home once a month after he takes the job??? Well, I am not sure about this as it is Steven's birthday, Kyle has a dentist appointment I can't take him to, Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Do you think someone will buy my house before Christmas?? What about all the kids basketball games, ugh!! It sounds so good once we all get to California. But leaving Utah seems like it won't be easy.

Now what...

Well as some of you have heard, Dave was offered a job promotion at work. We will be going back to California as soon as we can sell our Utah home. This is lots of stress because houses don't sell in one day. The problems with the economy and the fact it is a buyers market sort of? I hope our house will sell quickly, so we won't be apart for months on end.
I am a little conflicted with going back to Cali. I worry about the environment that the kids will face, if they go to public school. I also worry that they will be behind. I will also miss my sisters and my brothers(even if I hardly see one and the other thinks I won't miss him). I will miss stopping by my mom's work for a sandwich and to see her when she is doing well. I guess Dave should go do that framing at her house before we pack up the tools.
I am happy that we will be with our good friends in California and that Dave, when we get to Cali, will be home every night. No more extensive travel plans in this job. Although we will get to go to the builders meeting, and Christmas party to see all of his clients, and with four weeks vacation we can travel to Utah and Arizona to see our friends.
The next few weeks will bring a garage sale, to get rid of some of our "junk" that we don't want to pack with us, or I may just DI most of it. Mandi, I may have some Hand me downs for you?? Winter clothes we won't need in Cali? It does get cold there but not below 32 usually. Okay so hopefully I will sleep, the stress of trying to move will now be the reason for my insomnia.
I hope that those of you reading this blog know that I value your friendship and I am so happy that we came to Utah. Going back to Cali now, offers Dave greater job security, and an increase of knowledge we never would have got if we had not come to Utah. It is so interesting to think that if a few months ago I had hired a realtor that day in August when I felt I should put my house for sale, would my house be sold already??? I won't think of that. I will focus on today and tomorrow and what I can do from there.

The Lord Blesses Us With Good Friends

I was initially getting on to blog about the crazy ride to Cali, with our kids, for Dave's Uncle's funeral. It is always one thing or another while driving two days and a hotel stay. We love our kids but they are hard to keep happy for this long ride.

But when I logged on to my email while waiting for Dave's laptop to load my blog, I got an email about my friend. Emily has been my friend since we were new mothers. We have not lived in the same neighborhood since Lizzy and Elise were little. But we have always stayed close as friends. She has so much energy and is so much fun to be with. Their family is always doing something wildly fun. So when I read that she is having some complications after her baby was born, it just makes me so thankful for the blessing of good friends, and keeping those relationships, and praying that she will recover quickly to enjoy her new baby girl.

As we are travelling back to Cali, I needed to call on a few of my good friends to help me out with my kids while Dave and I go to the Rosary on Friday night. They each were so great to be willing to let the kids hang out with them. Even though each of them had something else going on. Thank you!!! Our friends back in Utah were also willing to watch our dog, get our mail and keep an eye on our things there.

It is so hard to need to come back to Cali under these hard circumstances with our family. I wish we would have called Dave's uncle when he first got back to Cali from Indiana. I guess we just thought that he would be fine. (He had had a mild heart attack while visiting his grandson at Notre Dame). It seems like the last time we saw his all his aunts and uncles was at another Uncle's funeral. It is so hard to see the generation that we look to for advice and direction slowly moving into the eternal realms. I wish that our human frailties did not make it so hard to remember to express love and gratitude to our family and friends. So to all my friends who visit my blog. I love you and am thankful that our Father in Heaven has allowed us to be friends in this life. I know that for whatever reasons our paths have crossed it is for our mutual benefit. Take care until I see you again. Samantha

Things I Like About Utah...

I feel really blessed to be able to live here at this time. I love California, but I like many things about Utah. The first thing I like about Utah is the Temple, not just any temple, the Salt Lake Temple it is such an amazing place. We thought for sure that the Temple would be extra crowded on the Friday night before General Conference but it was a great place to be with friends. I love being in downtown Salt Lake. It only takes 30 minutes from my house to get to the Temple or the Gateway Mall. I think I mentioned before how comforting it is to me to be downtown, as this is a place I that I visited when I was younger with people that I love.
The second thing I like about Utah is the fall weather. I love the cool breeze and the rain. Today was a beautiful day.
The third thing I like about living here is just being able to take our kids to some amazing things. Today I was able to take Lizzy and our friends to the morning session of conference. It was fun to watch her be excited about the Apostles and seeing the Prophet. Dave took Steven to the Priesthood session tonight and tomorrow I will take Robert to the afternoon session. We were lucky to get tickets from our stake, Thanks President Allred!!
The fourth thing about Utah that I like is that it is a small world here. I have been subbing at the kids school quite a bit lately (another thing of which I am grateful for). But in that subbing I have felt like I have gotten to be friends with some of the teachers there. Well, yesterday while I was at the school, I was talking to one of the teachers and discovered that we were probably in the same kindergarten and second grade classes together. I can't wait until next week to talk to her again and find out more. I hope we were friends. I know I have suppressed many childhood memories because of all the craziness in it, but I think it would be great if I could remember her better and know that we were friends.
I still tell myself everyday that we moved here for a reason. It is not always easy to be away from our family and friends and the familiarity of California. But it is worth it, to be able to forge new friendships, patch old relationships, build new traditions with our kids, and to be able to more easily get to the temple to serve the Lord. I really do like Utah.

Helicopter Mom and Growing Kids

Okay, as stated in previous blog I am a control freak!!! Or a helicopter mom or something else. I like to make sure that everyone does their homework. And I like to make sure that they are being taught at school. But I think that my controlling nature is a bit out of wack or maybe I don't know how to really help my children. Robert has not been finishing his work at school, and therefore not getting the rewards that other kids are getting at school, like recess, yes recess is a reward. So I was a little worried about how things are going in his class room. I have been there a few times and yesterday worried me. I know I need to work within the confines of the school. But my instinct is to protect and rescue my child from his own inability to perform as the teacher thinks he should. (Does that make sense)?
See I am a helicopter mom. Do you think the teacher feels that I am looking over her shoulder? Are other moms worried about the same things as me? This is my thinking, my children are mine for eternity, and that teacher gets nine months of their life. Shouldn't they consider my view of my child?
I think I put the teacher on the defensive today when she approached me that Robert had finished his centers today. Well, I told her I was worried that he would not have finished the centers if I had not come to class to coral him to each center. In my view, he has not been a self starter. I think that she needs to have a time limit set for him to go from center to center. I think he would roam around and talk to people more than work. This is based on two weeks of observation in the class during centers. This is where I think I am becoming a helicopter mom. I think I need help. Or home school. I think all this boils down to trust issues. Why cannot I trust other people with my children??

I'm in way to much!!!

You know you're a control freak or over extended when....You are on the PTA and the Community Counsel. Work in three of four children's class rooms, work as the bus duty and wish you could sub a few days a week. You also, sort of, volunteer to head up the school walk-jog-a-thon. When you have three callings at church (although one calling is just paying attention to things that happen in the ward so you can write a history at the end of the year). You might be a control freak when you read your husband's work email, and are always interested in what his boss has to say. You also might be a control freak if you are watching housing prices in two states, and constantly wondering if your renter is also watching the housing prices. Can you say I need to relax!!! I think things this week have caught up to me. Robert's baptism is Saturday and I am wondering if David talked to the ward mission leader about the keys to the font, will he remember to go check the baptismal clothes?? I failed to get someone to play the piano for me to sing at Robert's baptism, so I hate to do it Acapella. Since I only do that when it is late at night and I am singing the boys to sleep. But singing at the kids baptism is a tradition?? (Can I let that go??) Robert wanted a jumpy house, but there again the mother failed to afford such an adventure. I hope sleeping under the stars will be good enough. I did buy him butter popcorn (his favorite). I am not complaining about being a control freak. I think I just get a little frustrated when I fail to get something done that I needed or wanted to do. Oh well. I still have time to blog. I need to hurry now and run to a meeting. hahaha

I Love to See The Temple...

One of my favorite things about living in Utah is that if I need to go to Salt Lake to go to Costco, that I can also take a trip to the Temple. I have learned that just being able to go to the Temple for even an hour is worth every second that I am there. Everyone is so nice and it is such a place of peace and contentment. Sometimes, I wish we lived downtown so I could go everyday. Literally I think (I hope at least) that I would go to the Temple every day. It is so beautiful in that part of downtown. Even as you drive around the area it is such a nice city. I use to go downtown, when I was little, to visit my dad who lived and worked down there, I guess that is why it is so comfortable to me. My fondest memories all have to do with Temple Square, being with my grandma for the Christmas lights, or walking around the area with my dad. I guess this is why I like to take my kids to the Church Art and History Museum and the Beehive House and all those places. They probably don't think to much of it, but it sure means a lot to me.

I always buy my kids a cookie from the cafeteria at the Salt Lake Temple. They are not any special cookie, except that they came from the Temple. They always ask about it when they or I get home. It has become a little tradition with us and even the cafeteria lady at the temple gets a chuckle at me coming to the counter with just five cookies. One is for the homeless lady that stands on the north east corner of North Temple, and Main. Her name is Carol. I wonder if the reason Carol picked that corner is for the same reason I choose to go to the Temple, I cannot think of a more peaceful place to rest from the cares of the world.

Work for Dave

Have you ever wondered what my hubby does while he is gone? Well, He has an interesting set of jobs that he does while on the road. The pictures that I attach will speak for themselves. I just got a call from him saying he was at the Improv at Harvey's in Lake Tahoe. I have to admit, that maybe I wish I would fly a little more, so I could enjoy his hard work. I could have gone with him this week and enjoyed the company in Tahoe. But I am grateful for the time I spent with the kids today!! We had a total of eleven different kids with us throughout the course of the day and night. No one can ever say my house is quite. So while Dave is partying (I mean working) we are have a few parties of our own. Hopefully he will sell some buildings while he is working in Reno,Tahoe, and Fernley. Or maybe a raise too, we are spending all his hard earned bucks!!

Just like Cali...

Today felt like a Cali kind of day. I am not sure how to explain the feeling of having your friends come over. I love getting together with my Cali friends, Nonnie and Treva are my absolute favorite people to hang with in California. Our kids all have the someone to play with, the pool is always full of laughter and very little crying. I have missed those days for sooo long.

But today was a glimpse of that love and friendship. We had a few friends over tonight. It was sooo great to have friends over!!!! There is something about having friends over that you know well enough that you can say any ol'thing and they get you. The kids absolutely loved the motorcycle rides, playing video games in the house and soccer in the court. It was great to watch Carter master the Dyno bike. It is good to have relationships that go beyond "hello".

We could have invited like eight or nine more families and felt right at home. (We miss our big Filipino family parties). When I was getting ready this afternoon I called Auntie Cherie because it felt like they should be coming over too. Lizzy said after everyone left "this was the best Bar-B-Q ever, can we do it next week"? She was so right on with that comment. I said maybe not next week but for Robert's birthday/baptism. We wish our Cali friends and our Stansbury Buddies could be meshed together. Today Utah felt more like home than ever. I know Dave had a great time, as he misses just having guys to hang out with. Thanks to everyone who came over and to those who couldn't come we always have room for more!! Come join the fun!!!

P.S. Our house selling plans are on the back burner till some things get worked out. So our moving plans are on hold till Spring or longer....

Kyle-Welcome to the World of School

Dear Kyle,

Never again will your life be so carefree. Tomorrow you enter the great institution of Public Education. I hope that you will do well in Kindergarten and the rest of your life. I will always cherish our time together "hanging out". You have been a good friend to me these past five and a half years. I will miss your playful company and our shopping trips. From now on I hope you will not just see me as the mean mommy who makes you do homework, or the job patrol. I hope that you will not lose your carefree spirit to the walls of education. Please stay playful and jubilant. I will try to take you fun places on your days off, and when you finish your homework I will always give you a T.V. ticket so you can play Indiana Jones. I will also promise to worry about you everyday while you are away. I hope you will remember to be kind and listen to the teacher. Don't get your friends in trouble, or yourself. Be brave and believe that you can do anything and everything. And that no matter what you can always call home, and I will come and get you.

Love, mom

Education Week

School started today. I already have a sub job!! Steven, loved his teacher. She said they could chew gum. Lizzie's teacher just had a baby so she is going to be on maternity leave after tomorrow. Liz was happy that she will be there for the first two days, before the substitute takes over. Robert, it sounded like he did not have a good day. Someone kicked him in the face and he only has one friend in his class. I think he is a little worried. But nothing a little mommy magic won't cure. Kyle actually won't start school until next Tuesday. He might be going to all day Kindergarten. We will see tomorrow. Whatever will be will be.
I have had a blast driving (and sending way to much on gas) to go to education week, at BYU. I was able to attend a couple of great classes on helping to teach youth, it also taught me how to look for doctrines and principles in the scriptures. I hope I can remember enough of it to help me and to help my little ones to see the doctrine in the principles. Well, I better get my boys and girl off to bed. It has been one long day, and will be long days for the next 187 or so. Yeah school!!!
If you have not seen Steven's or Lizzie's blog we need to get your email. So send us a note on the comments. We won't publish any email's. I think Steven will be a natural blogger and it is good practice for his sports casting career

Timing

I was starting to write my blog about some trivial thought about Barak Obama surfing in Hawaii and a shark attack. But then a friend of mine called. Her step-son was killed in an ATV accident. I feel horrible for her family. I just cannot imagine the loss of a child. I have an Aunt that has had three of her five children die. It is so tragic of a loss. Especially of someone that we think is to young or should not be going home to Our Heavenly Father yet.
David had a brother that died at the age of six. Dave's mom hardly spoke of him, it was so painful of a memory. When Dave's mom passed away, his dad had such a hard time, because the feelings of loss for that son came rushing back to him, coupled with losing his wife. Dave's dad had been with Kenny the day he was hurt. When we were cleaning our garage in California we came across a trunk full of Kenny's drawings, and other "school" related stuff. His parents had kept that trunk in their garage for over 35 years. That trunk is now in our basement.
For me this experience has always made me cautious for my little children. I sort of breath a sigh of relief when they pass their sixth birthday. But for my friends and Aunt their children were young adults or mature adults, just going before your parents doesn't seem like the natural progression of things. We never know when our time is coming, even when ill, the end comes as a thief in the night. I hope my friends will have the reassurance that they will see their son again. It is such a hard thing to lose, physically, one of your family. I hope that they will be comforted.

And He Is Off...

I took Dave to the airport at 5PM. He is now in California driving 90 miles from Oakland to Salinas. I don't think we ever imagined he would be a world traveler, or at least a western states traveler. He has this great idea to take the boys to every MLB stadium this side of the Mississippi. I don't think he will get me to tag along. To many airplanes for my taste.
I am not looking forward to the next four days by myself. My friend Jenn, who usually keeps from getting lonely is away to her sister's home in Oregon. So it is just me and the kids. I almost thought I might take off to my Colorado to see my dad. But I don't have enough extra gas money, so will stay in Stansbury. Oh Dave, if you read this in the next couple days I hope you know how much I miss ya. Okay I am back to my book...I already had a couple of spoilers for book four. Ugh. Goodnight.

Long naps

I guess today was my Rip Van Winkle type of day. I went to lay down for a short nap after dinner and slept until Steven woke me for the 400m Relay with the men's Olympic swimmers. If you missed it you missed an amazing end to the race. I love watching swimming. I miss watching my own little brood compete. Robert is a funny racer. He never felt the need to rush. Lizzy's body is perfect for swimming. I think when the boys are playing basketball this fall I will have her swim. Steven always slimmed down during swim. He (and I) loved hanging out with our friends the Banks and the Waters Families. He always has been about the social part of things. One more thing from Cali to miss.
So the Rip Van Winkle part of this post. I have been reading those Vampire books. I have not read much of anything in quite awhile. I usually read my scriptures and the Ensign and that is good for me. But I figure I need to finish all these Meyer books before the kids go to school and just get it out of my system. But I have been staying up till the wee morning hours and so I think my body needed some extra rest, maybe extra is the wrong word I should just say more rest. But now it is midnight and I just want to go read that book. LOL. I think I will be seeing 3AM again.
I wanted to let everyone know that NO One has called with any interest in our house. We will be fixing up our side yard and replacing all the sprinklers YEAH!! No more weeds. But spending the money all over again is frustrating. Oh well. Live and Learn.
Eleven days left of summer. I bought a ticket for Education week at BYU. It is the same week my kids start school. I hope I will be able to go at least part of the time. I just wish my kids did not have to go to school till the following Monday. Selfish on my part. I think Dave is going to help me get them where they need to be. It is now tomorrow. Off to Eclipse, I hope I am done by Friday with Breaking Dawn. Love it!!

Moving Forward

I think that a few people who read my blog about Dave looking at houses were a little concerned, some excited and others it's not anything. But as you can see from my title of this blog a decision has sort of been made. I went to the Temple yesterday, I love it there, things somehow become more clear, or a least less foggy, when I leave. We have been vacillating for awhile about if we should move or not. The moving questions has many spokes to the wheel as to why we want or should we move. It is funny that Dave's bosses words might be coming back to bite us now. But... Dave needs to work more in Arizona and southern California this winter and next spring. He can pretty much cover his Utah area in about a weeks time, which leaves him gone out of town for three weeks out of the month. But the amount of time that he needs to spend in the Vegas, Phoenix, El Centro area is two weeks out of the month and Reno a couple of days. So If we move to Arizona daddy will be home with us more. That is the main reason for thinking of moving. There are other minor reasons that have influence about the move school systems, friends, family, money, selling our house, oh you name it it can be an issue.

So today I decided enough talk, we need to do something that makes it look like we are at least doing more than talking. I woke up this morning, actually it was 11am after I went to bed at about 2:30 -3am, that story is on the Bells blog, I felt like the house needs to be for sale. I know that we cannot make any do anything until we sell this house. So if it is meant for us to go someone will ask about our house. And if we are to stay awhile longer than we will be here. No harm no foul. The Lord knows what we need. I will stop fighting against my husband making him think that we have to stay. If it is expedient that we go then the Lord will work it out with us. And if it is not expedient than we are okay. Onto another day.

Babysitting Anyone?? and I think I need three extra days before school starts

I am no where near being ready for school to start. Dave wants me to go with him to Vegas on Wednesday morning, but as stated above we have a slight problem. I had also committed to going to the Temple on that day. So fly on plane or drive to temple? Which do you think I am going to pick. Sorry Southwest (and Dave) you can give my hubby his $5 back for my ticket. I felt like I might want to go with him this morning, but I need that babysitter. They are not babies anymore, so I guess I should say I need an entertainment and rule enforcer. Stevie will work while I go to the Temple. Have I mentioned how much I love that BOY!! oops Young Man ugh!!

More days before school starts... I want to spend a bunch more time with my kids before the institutions of the world take them away from me during the day. (Even if I am there when they go and come home yeah Bus Duty [it pays well], and subbing [which pays less per hour then the bus duty, go figure]. I want to have the money to take Lizzy "Hannah" shopping. Stevie needs about three more Friday to get all the camping in to get his Tenderfoot, Second and First class ranks for scouts (who takes July off from Scouts??). Robert we could just hang out for forever, but the state says he has to go to school. So I will be crying when he cannot wake up come August 21. At least the powers that be have given me extra time with my baby. He won't go to school until the 26th. I think we will go to the zoo, have an extra picnic (at Panda), and try to remember that mom will run to the school for any little thing.

It is seven minutes until tomorrow. I better go to bed so I can have fun with my bunch tomorrow. I am so thankful for them everyday!!! What else would I be doing? Something like this...Dana, White House Press Secretary, was my neighbor in the dorms freshman year of college, we watched Jeopardy every night we didn't have class, and were DJ's at the same radio station. Wouldn't trade my kids for it though. Good Luck Dana.

"For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High"

I love Sunday!!! I think I like it because no one makes me really do anything. I don't have to do the laundry, or the dishes, or make the children's rooms look good. I choose to go to church. I choose to participate at the meetings. I choose to make dinner (something I usually hate to do). I get to play my one handed piano with no complaints. Our kids generally obey a little more on Sunday. I can read or take a nap and nobody asks if I am sick. I am grateful that the Lord said the seventh day is to rest from your labors.

I think the one thing I never rest from is trying to improve my testimony of the gospel. Even in the little questions I ask our children, trying to give them that shield and protection that a testimony can give us. I can only hope that my little ones will truly know the truth. I think seeing them trying to navigate the world through spiritual eyes helps me to realize the importance of have good spiritual vision myself. I think Sundays are great to have a day to fine tune yourself ,and evaluate where you are in your testimony. It works for me. I love it. Happy Resting

The Hot Dry Air & A Good Movie

Dave missed his flight. So here I am waiting for tomorrow again. Dave is eating bowls of ice cream with the Jordan's and checking out the foreclosure market in Surprise, Arizona. Lots of dry air in Arizona. But some wonderful friendly faces are there in Surprise. The kids would love to say hello to Kade and McKay Martinez (Kyle said that about Mckay). And the Jordan kids!! Decisions.. Decisions!!! We will miss the snow!!!
Tonight, I watched a redbox movie, that is what I do when I am alone; the movie Bella was good. The underlining story of saving the life of a child, from unwanted pregnancy and then abortion. There are so many people who would give these babies the love they need and deserve. I love it. It was like the movie Juno in a way. I think I just like those kind of movies. Robert was watching a little of the movie, and then asked me when he came to live with us. I told him he has always lived with us. The only home he has known. We are so lucky to have these kids!! Once again it is almost tomorrow (11:25PM) Goodnight!!

It's almost tomorrow...

I use to say "it's already eight o'clock" Now I just say "well it's almost tomorrow". Where does all my time go? And it seems like I don't get much done. Then again I did get some great things done today. I went to the Temple for three hours and nobody really missed me at home!! I left at 5:30AM and came back at 10:30AM. Thanks a ton Stevie, you are a wonderful helper. They were happy when I got home with four cookies from the cafeteria. I drove my hubby to work, he took a short flight to Arizona, and little drive to Brawley, California. What a life four states in four days, and home to celebrate his big birthday. I fed seven kids lunch and dinner, and have put six of seven to bed. Nope, I hear a second voice over there, only five kids are sleeping. Oh well, nothing is fool proof. Ya gotta love it. Well I think I will try to go to bed before tomorrow comes. Goodnight. (I hope this works right, it is my first post!!)