Before and during pictures

Here are a ton of before/during pictures of our new-to-us condo. As you can see, the flooring DESPRATLY needed to change. We also put in new appliances, but you can't see how bad the older ones were by these pictures. We also decided to put in a brick patio.

I know in most of these pictures Scott is the one working, but I was usually there helping him. In fact, the big pile of bricks was moved solely by me. It took eight hours. With two kids... I feel I can watch him work for a while now. :) Really though, having a home of our own is so fun because I get to watch Scott work on it. I don't know why, but it is so attractive. Especially when he's under the sink. :)

Oh, and the boys like the new place too. Jeff still calls it either the camping house (we let him set up his tent the first few nights we lived in it) or, he calls it the broken house. I don't know why? It's mostly put together. :)

Still working on it

When we were looking into buying the condo, and it looked like things weren't going to work out, my sister (in an effort to make me feel better) said this, "Just think how much time you'll have to do things as a family since you'll be renting and not have to worry about taking care of a house". To which I said, "Jen, it's a tiny 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath condo with a tiny patio area... how much work could it be?"

The answer, A LOT!!!

It seems like we just can't keep up with all the little projects we've got going. Here's the list:

Vinyl tile laid (done)
Baseboards put on
Brick patio laid
Finish inside of storage shed
Build shelves inside storage shed
Install more cabinets in kitchen
Frame in mirror in bathroom
Re-caulk tub
Build raised garden bed

Notice how only one thing is checked off. Yeah, me too. :)

Jen was right, but... we still took a weekend to go camping. Even though we had lots to do here, we just couldn't pass up the good weather and good friends.

And, thankfully, my sweetheart likes to be a handyman. It's a good thing, because this is only the first of many lists. :)

Receiving Service

We closed on our condo on Friday at 2 pm. Saturday morning at 8:30 am we started scraping up old linoleum and pulling up carpet. Everything was going so quickly until... we got to the downstairs bathroom floor. This is a space of no more than 4 feet by 4 feet. We still only have about half of it done, and that is after about 6 hours of working on it. I worked on it, Scott worked on it, Jared (a friend from church in his suit) worked on it. It's still haunting me.

On the up side, we have been overwhelmed by help from those around us. We have had multiple people watch the boys, and offer to watch the boys. We had dinner delivered to us last night as we worked into the wee hours of... okay, 11:55. But still, that's late for me. One friend and new neighbor brought over an ivy plant as a house warming gift.

Today, in Elder's Quorum they started getting volunteers to help us move on Saturday. They are also doing a blood drive, so they were instructed to give blood after moving the heavy furniture. :)

I was telling Scott today how hard it is for me to accept so much help without feeling guilty. I accept it, because we need it and because I know how good it makes me feel when others let me help them, but it is hard. I know I'll be spending the next five years trying to pay everyone back for their generosity.

One wise friend told me to not keep score, but to just pay it forward. So, I guess that's what I'll do.

Any of you ever been on the receiving end of service and have a hard time with it?

February

I love February! There are a few reason I love it...

1. February is a short month which means there are fewer days in which to spend money, thus making it easier to stay on budget.

2. It is the month we get to celebrate LOVE. In high school, I really hated Valentines day, but now that I've got a cute hubby to be in love with, I like it a lot better. There is no sitting in class third hour loathing the girl next to me because she got flowers from a secret admirer and I didn't. Actually, now that I think about it, one year I did... but then it turned out the flowers were from the father of the only other Sadie I have ever met. I only got flowers from a secret admirer because of a mistake, which was not all that romantic.

3. February is the month that we can start to think about spring and how great it will be when it gets here. Thankfully, now that we live in Texas, I can think about how much sooner spring will be here.

4. In February the parking lot at the gym isn't so packed with cars (like it is in January) since people are starting to fall of the "get into shape" band wagon.

And there you have it, a few reason I love February! Hope you all enjoy the month as much as I plan to.

Cheers,
Sadie

Does this count?

One of my goals for the new year was to lose those pesky ten pounds that I've been aching to see go. I decided April 10th would be good date to shoot for... but...

I did it early! Okay, so what if I've had the flu for four days and those ten pounds will probably be back in about three short hours as my body rehydrate. Ten pounds is ten pounds.

It still counts, right?

in sickness or in health

I've been sick these past few days. It is some kind of stomach virus that last too long, in my opinion. If I do anything other than lay in bed, I feel horrible. Insert two rowdy boys into this and you can guess what my house looks like.

I think I got it from my dad, but when I'm sick... I'm a total wimp. I just want to cry half the time and other half I sleep.

Well, this morning when I was still laying in bed, in self-pity, Scott decided to stay home and take care of me. All day he's been doing laundry, changing diapers, cleaning the house (that was destroyed under my watch), and supplying me with crackers, soup, and Gatorade. I have literally laid in bed the entire day while he has taken care of everything.

I'm just so thankful for a husband who sticks with me even when I'm sick. Especially since I'm such a baby about it.

Thanks, Babe! You're the best!

the floor debate

Scott and I are in the process of buying a small condo. The flooring in the kitchen and bathroom (and I'm adding dining room) has to be replaced. It's a big debate on which type of floor to use. Here's the ideas and the pros and cons (in my mind) for each. Please offer any advice you might have.

Tile
Pros- looks nice, is durable, and will help with resale
Cons- expensive, more work to install, and I hate cleaning it

Laminate
Pros- easy to install, cheap, can look really nice
Cons- prone to water damage, a little noisy when you walk on it

Bamboo
Pros- cheap, not too hard to install, looks pretty nice
Cons- can scratch, no the easiest option to install, could go out of style

Linoleum
Pros- super cheap, super easy to install, super cheap
Cons- tears easily, a little out of style, no my favorite look

I go back and forth everyday on which one we should use. I think right now my top choices are the laminate or the bamboo... let me know what you think.

I started my weeks training schedule and realized there are too few days in the week. Between all the sports I want to play and all the training for triathlon season that I need to do, there just isn't enough time to quench my thirst to play.

I recently took a color personality test and was reminded that I am very much a yellow person. By the looks of my schedule, I don't think that will be changing anytime soon. The desire to play is just too much...

Monday

6 to 7 am - basketball
8:30 to 10:30 am - racquetball

Tuesday
6 to 7 am - swimming
10 to 10:30 am - yoga

Wednesday
6 to 7 am - basketball
8:30 to 10:30 am - running and weights
8:30 to 10 pm - volleyball

Thursday
6 to 7 am - swimming
10 to 10:30 am - yoga

Friday
8:30 to 10:30 am - running and weights

Saturday
8 to 9:30 am - biking

I know I should be finding more time to run and bike... but I just can't give up the playing yet. Now all I've gotta do is learn how to control my appetite and I might be able to kick free from those pesky 10 pounds I've decided to lose.

Lately

Things that have occupied my time recently:

reading- about millionaires, Ironman finishers, and the best American short stories
sports- basketball, bowl games, ultimate frisbee, biking, running, and racquetball
cooking- cafe rio burritos, Hawaiian pizza, and pasta

That's the basics. I haven't been much for blogging lately, but I am still alive and as happy as ever.

Tis the Season

It's been a great day here in Texas. Here's what made it so good...

missionary work

We have some great elders here who are working very hard to teach many people about Jesus Christ. They called us last night and asked us to pick up Steve, one of those people, and bring him to church.

What Steven said after church made my day. It is what is inspiring me to share the gospel with others.

"Sitting there, feeling that powerful feeling... I felt like I was in heaven. It was amazing listening to people talk about how Jesus Christ has changed their lives. I want to be that person. I want to stand up and tell everybody my story."

He also spent much of the ride home talking to his wife on his cell phone (who is in California right now) telling her about how amazing the day was.

Tis the season,
to share the gospel of happiness and peace.

normal?

So, I'm all geared up and my gym bag is packed with all the essentials. Conditioner, makeup, hair wax, deodorant, ipod, earphones...

The kids are in the car and I get to the gym. I'm determined to run my three miles today and work hard. I get on the treadmill and things are going great. I feel good. I'm increasing my pace. My body seems to think that running is a good thing.

Then it happens. The gym lady comes up and tells me my son won't stop crying. I stop the treadmill and go in to check on him. He's just fine... until I try and leave. The kid is going through some kind of attachment disorder or something. He's been doing the same things with nursery.

Any quick fixes?

Thanksgiving and things

We had a lovely thanksgiving. Scott's parents and two of his sisters came into town to celebrate with us. We cooked and baked and mashed and chopped... and I think we had a pretty good spread. It was a ton of fun working with Scott for the mass production. I think we're a pretty good team at things other than changing diapers and putting kids to bed...

My favorite part of the weekend with family here was playing games at night after the boys went to bed. I won at one of the games, but I can't remember the name of it. I like winning, but I don't think that was why I liked it so much. I just like spending time with those I love.

Hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving too.

I'm a teacher

I never thought I would ever become a teacher. In grade school when all the other girls said they wanted to be teachers when they grew up... all I could think about was playing outside with a horse and a dog.

Even in college, I never really considered being a teacher. I admire teachers, but I never thought of it as a good fit for me.

Today, I discovered that I love teaching. I started a job last week, and I am now a teacher. I teach a GED prep course to adults (most of them older than 3o) who want to improve their education and finally get that diploma.

I teach Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 pm. It is perfect for our schedule, and I love it! I am thankful that the Lord would bless us with a job that will help us make ends meet as Scott is in grad school, as well as give me an awesome opportunity to help people achieve their goals.

Homemade Ice Cream

About a year ago, I begged Scott for an old fashioned (actually has the wooden bucket) ice cream maker. I think there are a few reasons...

1. I absolutely love ice cream! L O V E I T!!! I can eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

2. It reminds me of those Sunday afternoons at my Grandma Cheney's house when lots of Cheneys could be found eating, talking, and enjoying good stories. And in the background, we could all hear the ice cream maker working hard to provide a tasty desert for us.

As much as I love ice cream, I think I love that memory more. I love remembering my Grandma and the wonderful woman she was and the wonderful family she raised.

Tonight, we're making homemade ice cream, and I hope, that maybe just a little bit... I am becoming a little bit like my Grandma.

Fire

Yesterday we went to Houston and had a busy day of tutoring, going to the temple and getting a first class tour of the fire station. My cousin's husband Mike is the fire chief and two of their kids, Erica and Aaron are firefighters in the same station. Our friends Lee and Sherrie and their two kids got to come too.

We got the royal treatment. We got a tour of the station, including the "fire house" where all the firefighters hang out. We also got to spray water all over the parking lot with the big hose. Erica dressed up in her fire outfit for us to see... and the best part... we got to ride in the fire engine with the lights going and the siren blasting!!! It was way cool, for the kids as well as the parents.

This morning, the excitement continued. I was cooking some hot cereal on the stove and then had to run upstairs to make sure Jeff was getting ready for church. A few minutes later Scott came in and told me he had... caught on fire. What!?! Yeah, really. He had his back to the stove and it felt so good and warm, he just stood there for a minute. Before he knew it the back of his shirt had caught on fire.

Thankfully, our fire training the day before must have paid off... or maybe it was all the time in grade school we learned about how to deal with fire...

Anyhow, Scott did what he was supposed to do. He did the "stop, drop, and roll". And people, it actually works! Aside from burning his shirt, undershirt, and part of his pants... Scott only has a little blister on his pinkie. I have no idea how that happened.

We are thankful today that everything turned out so well... and ... it gave me something to blog about. :)

Marriage

I got to go to my little brother's wedding on Thursday. It was great. Bride and Groom looked very handsome and happy to be starting their lives together. And of course, it made me remember my own wedding.

Scott and I have been married for four years. I was terrified. The kind of terrified that makes you lose ten pounds and throw up on a regular basis. I have no idea why. Scott has obviously been a superb choice. Maybe I was afraid that after a few months I wouldn't like him anymore. Maybe I was afraid after a few days, he wouldn't like me anymore.

Thankfully, we still like each other. In fact, we like each other a lot. I can't think of anyone I would rather spend my time with than Scott. I think that's a pretty amazing thing. We meet, get to know each other, and before we know it we are married and our lives revolve around each other. The very fact that two people fall in love, get married, and build beautiful families together is simply a miracle in my mind.

It was wonderful to witness one such miracle this week.

Try something new

I never played volleyball in junior high or high school. I either played soccer or ran cross country during that season. I'm not sure why, but I never really had any interest in playing volleyball. Maybe I thought it was too much of a sissy sport or something. Maybe it had something to do with it being a no-contact sport as well as all the cheers they did between plays...

Despite my previous ideas about volleyball, I have now become a huge fan. I've been playing on our ward volleyball team in our stake volleyball season. Week one, it was fun. Week two, fun. Week three, AWESOME!!!

What made the difference? My friend, who played for BYU-Hawaai, taught me how to play. She taught me how to serve, bump, set, and spike. Now I love it!

I remembered that this same sort of phenomenon happened to me in college when I started playing flag football. All of a sudden, I loved watching football games because I understood it. Previously, football had always made little sense to me. Why do they start and stop so much? They say go, dog pile, then start over again. Again, and again, and again...

Both of these things taught me something, when we take time to learn a little bit about something we don't necessarily like, we might end up loving it.

While I'm pretty sure this is true in many cases, I still don't think I'll ever get all that into watching paint dry.

What do you have under your driver's seat?

I decided to clean out the van after a week of it becoming the catch-all. What did I find? Here's a list to entertain ya...

sippy cup with stale water
balloon
pieces of sticker all over the place
plastic fire engine tires
small nails
sippy cup with now yogurtfied milk
measuring tape
stuffed animal
coupons
shoes
watch (been missing that one for a week)
boards for decorating
sewing machine
diapers and wipes in a grocery sack
long lost diaper bag
pistol (aka, a gun... aka, a killing device...)

Yikes! WHAT!?! Scott and I don't own a gun. We don't even have fake toy not real gun. I'm terrified of guns. I looked again... yep, still a gun under my seat.

We just bought our van from a guy in Utah and apparently he forgot a little something when he cleaned it out to sell it. Apparently the guys at Toyota didn't notice it either when they shampooed the carpets. Apparently we didn't notice it when we became VERY familiar with our van as we traveled for a week from Utah to Texas. Apparently Scott didn't see it as he stuffed our shoes into every crevice of our van that wasn't occupied by kids. Apparently... okay, I'll stop. :)

I didn't touch it. I didn't even want to look at it all that much. I hate guns, unless my older brother or my dad is there to make sure I don't accidentally point it at myself. I know, I'm an adult... but I still don't trust myself.

I called my dad as soon as I could to see what I should do. Thankfully he's coming to visit in a week so he can take it out of my minivan and find it a new home that won't make me cringe every time I hit the breaks. So glad he's coming.

I know Scott and I could probably get it out of the car and into the house, but I think the only thing more scary than a gun in my van is a gun in my bedroom.

So, clean out your car. you might be surprised what's waiting for you under the driver's seat.

Texas A&M Football

Saturday night Scott and I went to our first Texas A&M football game. If you have never been to one of these, it is an experience!

We got there late (ten minutes before kickoff) so we missed some of the festivities. They actually start getting the crowd ready with lots of activities an hour before the game starts.

We got there just in time to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Oh Texas." I've got to learn the words to "Oh Texas" before we go to the next game. They also sing the "Aggie Fight Song" which everyone knows and sings as loud as they can. The words consist of claiming that Aggies are the only true Texans and that T.U. (aka, University of Texas) is going to have it's mascot's horns sawed off. I've got to learn that one too. The best part about the fight song is that at one point the entire crowd (thousands of people, seriously) put arm around shoulder and sway back and forth singing the song. I stood next to the most die hard Texas A&M grandma who was not bashful about making sure I was loyal to the Aggies.

During half-time the Cadet Marching Band performed and they have all kinds of cool formations. Absolutely amazing!!! I almost cried... really. I know, I'm lame.

There are all kinds of yells, woops, and hand gestures that you have to do at certain times. If the refs do something you don't, you put your hands together and hiss. It all seems pretty crazy, but don't ever mention that to an Aggie fan, they are the most loyal I have ever seen.

We had a few Utah State friends sitting by us, at one point they were cheering and I seriously thought they might take 'em out back and string 'em up to a tree. They take their football very seriously.

All in all, it was a great night. Our Aggies didn't play too well, but you would never know that by the support of the crowd. In the end, Texas A&M only be Utah State by like eight points. At least they beat them so I still have something over my little brother (who is starting at Utah State next semester).

How to say no

I'm trying to learn how to say no. I'm also trying to learn how to say no without lying. I know this sounds like a simple thing... but its really hard for me.

Now before you start thinking, "Wow, who knew Sadie was compulsive liar?" Please let me shed some light on the situation.

I moved into a new neighborhood that is... let's just say, a rough part of town. From what I can gather, most of the people in my area are on public assistance. Many people are home during the day, and do not have jobs. I don't know all the circumstances of these people, but I just know that there isn't a lot of money for many of my neighbors.

There is one neighbor in particular that asks daily for one thing or another. Don't get me wrong. I like to give. I like to help others out. However, I'm trying to decide at what point I need to say "no".

It started with dish soap, then my phone (this one is several times a day), laundry soap, a gallon of milk, money (another daily one), a ride somewhere, a pot, a cigarette... there is always something.

I've decided I will let her use my phone when she asks. It doesn't cost me anything. I've decided I will not give her money. Beyond that, I still don't know what to do. I don't carry cash anymore, thus allowing me to say (in truth) that I don't have any money to give her.

I've tried not answering the door, but she is very persistent (knocking and ringing the bell several times). I start to think that maybe there is an emergency and I could be the reason why her son dies... I know, not too rational, but I'm a mom and I think of these things.

So, here cyberworld, is a question I need help answering. How do I say "no". And please, keep in mind that I am trying to reconcile the story of The Good Samaritan into this whole equation. I'm a people-pleaser... and I'm trying not lie. Let the advice roll in...

Super Yummy Recipe

I emailed this out to some people, and then I decided I should post it on here. It is THAT good! I went to a game night with another few families and this was one of the deserts that was shared. It was love at first sight. Easy, fast, yummy. My criteria for cooking. :)

I haven't actually taken the time to make this lovely dish, as my time has been spent trying to tie up all the loose ends of our recent move. Man, there are so many things to take care of... like internet, phone, vehicle registration, new drivers license, vehicle inspection... and of course all the other regulars, diapers, baths, laundry, dishes, dinner... and of course, DESSERT!

Eclairs in pan
Crust
Bring to a boil
1 cube of margarine
1 cup of water
When butter is melted remove from heat and add1 cup of flour
Mix in (by spoon) 4 eggs***
Stir in eggs 1 at a time
Spread dough into a greased cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes @ 400 degrees.Let cool completely (I put it in the fridge to help that process)

Filling
Mix these ingredients and spread over top of crust
1 8oz. cube of cream cheese (use beaters to whip this up before you add the pudding, prevents lumps)
41/2 cups of milk
3 small pudding mixes (vanilla or chocolate)
After the pudding has set up pretty well top with 8oz. of cool whip.

Drizzle top with chocolate
Melt together
1/2 cup of chocolate chips
2 Tbs. margarine
3 Tbs. milk
mix with
1 cup of powdered sugar

Blast from the past #1

We took the scenic route from Utah to Texas. Our route included Southern Utah/Four Corners area. It was incredible and I wish we had a better camera to show you neat it was.
This is a beautiful view of the are we drove through near the four corners area. We are on top of a very tall platuae looking down on all of these "mini" grand canyons. They didn't look too mini me.Scott and Jeff, just feet from the edge of this very tall plateau. At about this time I started having a little "mini" panic attack to go along with our "mini" grand canyon. Please note that Scott has a very strong grip on Jeff's hand/arm as per my request. Thanks honey. :)
This is the road we took to get down off the very big plateau to get down into the valley. It is a gravel road that is like a 20% grade. Okay, so I'm not exactly sure what the grade is, but its super steep. We took it nice and slow. The road is so well known (among the locals) it even has a name. It's called the Mokee Dugway. And don't quote me on the the spelling of that. Becuase I know its not right. I just don't have the energy to look it up right now. It it all out of me to learn how to spell plateau.

Scott's first day as a PhD Student

Here's my sweetheart ready to head off to his first day of classes as a grad student at Texas A&M. He's really excited! He's just really subtle about expressing himself. I'm very proud of him, I figure he's humble enough for the both of us, so I can be proud. :)

We also learned last night, that now if he sees someone with any kind of ailment, he can say, "Wow, you really should get that checked out, I should know, I'm studying to be a doctor." I can't imagine Scott ever doing that, but I think it's pretty funny.

Sad post...

Scott and I bought a washer and dryer. We feel like the "real deal" now. We have our own appliances. :) To get them, we had to drive out to this guys' house that was out in the country. I was driving and Scott was directing me where to go.

I saw on the road ahead something on the road. I couldn't really tell what it was because it blended into the road. It almost looked like a piece of garbage blowing in the breeze... and then I got closer.

I realized that it was a turtle making it's way across the highway. However, I realized too late. I swerved a little bit (as much as you would for a squirrel that can run), but it wasn't enough. Turtles are slow creatures, just like in the book the "Tortoise and the Hare." The poor little guy didn't have a chance. I hit him square on with my right tire. I realized he wasn't all that small, perhaps the size of a dinner plate.

I felt so bad, I just wanted to stop and cry. To make matters worse, we had to come back down the same road and I had the view all of the carnage. Poor little turtle, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever see a turtle in the wild, let alone crossing the street. Who knew turtles crossed roads in Texas.

We made it to Texas

We are here! It took us a long time, but we made it. I don't have much time to write, but I just wanted to post a little bit of our most recent happenings.

We live in the ghetto. Really! Who knew Texas had them. We hear sirens, domestic disputes, alarms, etc. throughout the day and night. Two blocks over and the area seems nice, but we are in the heart of the hood.

I'll be honest, I'm a little worried, but I haven't heard gunshots, so I think we'll be okay. :)

Scott had orientation for his graduate program today. He was pretty excited and nervous when I dropped him off at the building this morning. He had his book bag on and I felt like I was dropping off my little boy on his first day of school... except that my little boy is 27 and 6'3. Still, it was hard to say goodbye.

Jeff is enrolled in a two day pre-school that my friend puts on in her house. We weren't planning on doing it at first, but Jeff begged to go to school all morning since he knew that's what daddy was doing... so he starts on the 31st.

I'm just trying to get all the ins and outs of moving squared away. Phone, Internet, insurance, gym membership... you know, all the important stuff. :)

Nate refuses to use shoes. He hates them. If I put them on him he cries the entire time. He crawls instead of walks (which defeats the purpose).

We are all healthy and happy and HOT! It is warm in Texas... what everyone said was true. But we love it!

Mr. Nathan Klyn

My baby is walking. I don't know how it happened. I'm pretty sure just a week ago he was a teeny tiny baby that slept 95% of the time. Now, all of a sudden, he turned into a little boy. I don't like it one bit. In fact, I'm going to put a stop to it right now!

I never really thought I would be this type of mom. With Jeff, I was so eager for every single milestone and was reading the book in advance to see what cool things he would be doing next. I just couldn't wait for him to be doing this or that.... but with Nate, it's totally different. While I really do enjoy seeing him do new things, I can't get over how fast it is all happening. I feel like time is a movie on super speed and I keep sleeping through the good parts. I just want to rewind and see him again in all his baby glory.

Just so you know what this boy is up to... he walks, throws EVERYTHING (with a pretty good arm, I might add), says lots of things including "ya", folds his arms, and also proudly flexes his muscles while making a grunting sound. I should really try and get that one on video, it's really cute.

I feel so blessed to have "baby Nate" in our lives. I guess we're going to have to work on a new name for him. I am amazed that I have been entrusted with two beautiful boys. There is much joy in motherhood.

Still alive

Well, I know I've been out of the blog world for a bit, but here is a quick update of the things we have been doing.

-picked up dad from the airport
-went to a family reunion in Eden Utah
-went water skiing
-went to Rexburg for BYU-Idaho ambassador training
-chopped off my hair (thanks Jing)
-went to Pocatello for the triathlon my family did (we had matching blue shirts, so much fun)
-came back to Sandy for a family reunion dinner
-enjoyed my mother-in-law's awesome Sunday dinner
-stained my in-law's deck
-took the boys swimming
-ran two miles uphill pushing Jeff in a stroller
-went rock climbing with my sister-in-law Gina
-took the boys to Thanksgiving Point to play on Noah's ark
-took the boys swimming again, this time to a place with a water slide (so fun)
-went rock climbing again (this time with Mike and Michelle)
-and how here I am blogging about it

We've had a great time on our vacation. And we still have more to come! These extended vacations that you get when you are unemployed are pretty cool. No stress about going back to work. :) Just anticipation about starting life at Texas A&M.

As a side note, I thought this was funny. Scott emailed his professor at TAMU to ask if he needed to register for classes (school starts in like three or four weeks) and he emailed back and to Scott it was "too early to worry about that". Sheesh! These Texans are laid back people. :)

I did it! I bought a minivan!

Right now it's in the shop getting the AC fixed (not going to go without that in Texas). We're also getting it detailed so when I get it back it will be all shiny and new and wonderful!

So, it's not all that new. It's a 2000. It's actually older than our other car. However, the price was right, it had leather seats (a must in my opinion when you have kids) and it will hold all of our camping stuff without the kids having to hug a cooler for the whole drive to our destination.

Cherries

First you wash them.

Then you put them in a bottle.

Then you give them a bath in hot water for 25 minutes.

Then you admire all 66 quarts of them.

Then you go blog about it to show all your friends how domestic you can be when you really put your mind to it.

This is what I'm doing

I might not post for a while, we will be finishing up the final touches on cleaning the house, going on a camping trip, flying home, then spending some time with family, then going to Texas to get everything moved into our little home there. I'll try to post while I'm at home. There should be lots of tractors and farmers to post then.

Texas A&M

It just hit me. I'm moving in less than six days. I don't know how this snuck up on me so quickly. I've been ignoring it for so long, I guess I just got really good at it.

I haven't posted about our move because Scott made me promise I wouldn't until he had talked to his boss at work to let them know he was leaving. Something about how he had shown the blog to some co-workers and didn't want his leaving to be made known by way of blog. I gave him a hard time for quite a while, because this is where I talk about all the stuff that's going on in my life. I guess since I haven't been able to blog about it, I never really let myself believe we were leaving.

So, this is the official blog post. Scott and I are moving away from New Jersey to live in Texas. Scott will start a PhD program in statistics. He doesn't like it when I say "PhD". He would rather I say "grad school" so it doesn't sound prideful. But I have to say, I'm pretty proud of my husband. And since I had to wait so long to write this post, I'll just say things how I want to. :)

We're heading to Idaho and Utah for some family time before we head down to Texas. By the end of August we should be moved into our little home (which I'm still looking for) enjoying the blazing heat and humidity of College Station.

Give us a call if you want to come roast marshmallows over the sidewalk.

Country girl

I drove into the Bronx on Friday to look at a car for my little brother. It was a great deal... online. When I actually got there, it turned out the car didn't even exist but was only a ploy to get people like me to come in and find my dream car that cost three times the amount I intended to spend. I didn't fall for it.

This post is actually about my experience before I got to the car dealership. I got lost in the Bronx, with a GPS. Well, not technically lost, I just couldn't find where I wanted to be. Is that lost?

Anyway, while I was driving around trying to find said location, I drove through a neighborhood just as school was getting out. I spent a lot of time in traffic and stopped at red lights, so I had a lot of time to observe these kids. As I watched them running down (and through) the streets, dodging cars, getting on buses, catching trains... all I could think about was how they just didn't know what they were missing.

These poor kids didn't have a horse to go home and ride. No dog to greet them as they got off the school bus. No cats with kittens hidden in haystacks that needed to be found. No lone chicken that lost feathers to the dog on a regular basis. They didn't have motorcycles and old pickups to take out into the desert. They didn't have rivers to swim in (sure there's rivers, but don't touch those with a ten foot pole). No caves to explore. They didn't have room to roam and discover new beautiful things in the countryside around them. These kids just didn't even know what the rest of the world had to offer. If only they could have the childhood I was blessed to have.

Then it hit me, these kids probably could care less about all the stuff I loved as a child. They probably thrive on the city and all its cityness. The honking horns, the ambulances and fire trucks that are always on there way to someplace. The people selling things on the side of the street. The sounds of brakes that are worn out from stopping at so many stop lights. All the noise that relentlessly reverberates off the tall buildings. They probably didn't even mind the garbage and dirty feeling of the streets. And people say "there's always something to do in the city."

I'm just glad I grew up on a farm, in the sticks, with nothing to do.

New Hampshire (day two)

This was a really cool gorge that is so narrow that there is no walkway up it, so they built a wood one attached to the side of the cliff. It was beautiful and we made the two mile hike with both boys. Jeff walked most of the way and Nate rode in his fifteen-dollar umbrella stroller the whole way. That stroller is worth its weight in gold.

New Hampshire

We rode a coal burning steam engine to the top of Mount Washington (the tallest peak in New England). It take you strait up the mountain and at one point you are on a 37 % grade (most steep roads are at about 7%). It is deemed by the Guineas Book of World Records as the most treacherous train ride in the world. Once at the top, you can see for miles and miles and miles. Jeff was enchanted the entire time. He would have gone for another three hour ride if we would have let him. It was so beautiful to see things from that perspective. Scott and I decided right then and there that we are going to hike the Appalachian Trail, which starts in Georgia and ends in Maine (depending on which way you go).

Maine

We had a great day in Maine at the beach. Jeff never let his feet get wet, but had a lot of fun throwing random objects into the ocean. Nate was more adventurous, he would have gone for a swim if we had let him.

Boston

We spent a morning in Boston. We visited the Children's museum there. They have all kinds of fun things for kids to do and learn. It was great! Scott and I were both pretty sick, so after that we just decided to drive to our campsite in Maine and take it easy.

Because they're cute...

Memorial Day Weekend

In a nutshell, this was our weekend...

Friday, camped out in the back yard with our new tent. The boys loved it, Scott loved it, I loved it. So much fun to pretend to be camping. Can't wait for our New England camping trip next week.

Saturday, spent the day at home cleaning, playing with the boys, and then cleaning up after the playing.

Sunday, enjoyed church and met some new friends. Had said friends over for dinner, then had other friends over for the night to play Settlers. They stayed the night so we would have a jump-start on our Memorial Day plans. We talked till midnight (which is late for a girl who usually goes to bed at 9:30).

Monday, we woke up early and went out to breakfast. Then we went to a cemetery. We didn't plan on it, but the cemetery was on the route for the parade so we taught Jeff how to say "more candy!" We'll be eating that stuff for months. After the parade it was nap time, then a BBQ with some of our friends, which included a baseball game. Then back home to plant the garden and have another BBQ with our neighbors.

It was a fun filled weekend and I'm pooped. We all cried when Scott went to work today, but in a week we'll be out camping again, so we'll survive. Life is so much more fun when he's around.

Hope you all had a great weekend too!

Jeff's new skills

Jeff never ceases to surprise me. Today, I was getting ready for church and I heard him in the other room singing "I am a child of God." The line he loves to sing over and over again is, "help me find the way." I was so touched by his sweet singing and the wonderful spirit that filled the air.

A few minutes later he called to me, "Mom, watch!" This is his new favorite phrase. I went into his room expecting to find another amazing new thing that he had learned how to do. I was taken back when he showed me that he could make himself burp. He was very proud of himself and I didn't have the heart to tell him it wasn't a good thing to do.

Boys.

Education

I've had this inner battle. I want to get my master's degree. I'm not sure what in, but I know I want to get it. There are a few reasons why.

1. I feel that having graduate level education will influence my kids to seek high learning.

2. I want to create a career option for myself in case anything were to happen to Scott that would put me in a position to provide well, without working crazy hours or moving far away from my family.

One program I've been thinking about is physical therapy. I love the medical field, I love working with people, and I love normal schedules.

Here's where the inner battle begins. When? Do I go for it as soon as possible and get prepared now? Do I sacrifice time with my children to do it? Do I put it off until I'm done having children, and perhaps jeopardize the time now to prepare? Do I do it now while my brain is still somewhat functioning? When?

Any advice on the matter?

5 things

5 things I was doing five years ago
Staying in Rexburg over the summer to get in a semester of classes
Meeting my husband for the first time
Loving the summer weather in Rexburg
Getting to know some fun Sun birds that lived in Scott apartment complex
Having lots of fun working in the PR office at BYU-Idaho

5 things on my to do list today
Going with the missionaries to visit a lady who lives near me
Playing with Jeff outside
Getting laundry folded and put away
Working on moving stuff
Mailing a running workout to my sister so she can start training for the family triathlon

5 things I would do with a million dollars
Buy a modest home in College Station, Texas
Help family in need
Invest
Save
Buy a few things, but not enough that anyone could tell we had a million bucks.

5 places I have lived
Gooding
Rexburg
California
Utah
New Jersey

5 jobs I have had
Lifeguard
Firefighter
Public Relations Special Projects
Public Relations writer
At risk youth surrogate parent

5 things I want to be doing in 5 years
Watch Scott graduate with a PhD in Stats and get his dream job
Be involved in my kids schools
Be running races and triathlons regularly
Be involved in my community
Finding ways to help those around me

5 people I tag
Jinger
Amie
Annie
Amy
Erin