SO nice to be back in town. Except the sad truth is we were WAY warmer in Utah since we came home to a cold empty apt. at 2 am.
My clever friend Katie is doing a little giveaway on her site in honor of a lousy economy. I have decided that is a WAY fun idea so I am going to copy her here and offer up a prize to my friends as well.
I LOVE top ten lists and year-end reviews, top songs of the year, etc. and one of my favorite things to read each year is Dave Barry's year in review. So in order to qualify for the prize I am going to give away all you have to do is comment on this post with your favorite song/book/event from 2008.
Unlike Katie, I don't have anything classy to give away, and I also have no idea how to generate a random number online, so I am going to personally judge which item I like the best and the winner will get a loaf of my favorite homemade bread (whole grain of course) and a CD of my favorite songs of 2008. Warning: I doubt any songs were actually released in 08.
If you don't want to win, you can comment anyway with a little *not interested in there somewhere or you can indicate if you want to win but request white bread instead of whole grain. I promise it will not disqualify you.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
*On the Road Again...
*Alternative titles: "The Gambler" or "Take this Job and Shove it."
So we are once again driving across the desert to return home. Car=repaired. They even washed it.
$500 car wash.
So I need to backup to remind you of the only incident we had on Christmas: My #1 son opened some books that Steve bought for the family (Watership Down and two of the LOTR series) and prior to opening any other presents threw himself face down on the floor in front of the Christmas tree (he told me later it was so no one would know he was sad which says something about his hiding skills) because he didn't want to have to read them? My poor husband really loves to read to the kids and it makes me sad they are not excited about being read to as he and I both were as kids (or so we remember). We have made it through HP #1-7 as well as partway through the Hobbit so I guess that says something.
Fast forward to today.
I am driving, listening to some newly loaded tunes on the Ipod when I hear a commotion in the back of the car. My son has gotten bored of the reading of Watership Down (what!) and claims he is SO bored his brain hurts. I feel so sad for my husband who has been twice rejected now by his children and I start laughing. Casey asks, between tears, why I am laughing and I told him it was because I was trying not to cry I felt so bad for daddy. He said I was really mean and he wished were in another family (I think we said "too bad you were not born into another family" to get him started along that vein) and then the whole car was in chaos--girls fighting over seating arrangement as well as why little sister couldn't listen to the MP3 player, etc.
What came to the rescue? Time Bandits. Steve's sister picked it up for him for Christmas and voilá the Little People bring back peace. Steve's comment: Good thing we have this DVD player in the car since nothing else we try appears to work. Amen my brother.
So we are once again driving across the desert to return home. Car=repaired. They even washed it.
$500 car wash.
So I need to backup to remind you of the only incident we had on Christmas: My #1 son opened some books that Steve bought for the family (Watership Down and two of the LOTR series) and prior to opening any other presents threw himself face down on the floor in front of the Christmas tree (he told me later it was so no one would know he was sad which says something about his hiding skills) because he didn't want to have to read them? My poor husband really loves to read to the kids and it makes me sad they are not excited about being read to as he and I both were as kids (or so we remember). We have made it through HP #1-7 as well as partway through the Hobbit so I guess that says something.
Fast forward to today.
I am driving, listening to some newly loaded tunes on the Ipod when I hear a commotion in the back of the car. My son has gotten bored of the reading of Watership Down (what!) and claims he is SO bored his brain hurts. I feel so sad for my husband who has been twice rejected now by his children and I start laughing. Casey asks, between tears, why I am laughing and I told him it was because I was trying not to cry I felt so bad for daddy. He said I was really mean and he wished were in another family (I think we said "too bad you were not born into another family" to get him started along that vein) and then the whole car was in chaos--girls fighting over seating arrangement as well as why little sister couldn't listen to the MP3 player, etc.
What came to the rescue? Time Bandits. Steve's sister picked it up for him for Christmas and voilá the Little People bring back peace. Steve's comment: Good thing we have this DVD player in the car since nothing else we try appears to work. Amen my brother.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Kids Fighting
Does anyone have any strategies to prevent kids from fighting? I mean, besides the obvious of taking time out to play with them so they don't get bored?
Examples:
1) Who sits in front row of van (next to baby Meg). We have assigned days for this, but if we are just hopping on over someplace, one person is already in the car, we have a fight over this each time. I say "respect the day" but it still is an issue since often times we get in the car with more people or fewer and then the circumstances change (like do I really have to make Bridget sit in the back if Casey is not in the car? But then we pick up Casey and he wants to sit in front.)
2) Chores. The kids together make a mess at the table, I ask them to clean up and they leave like five things on the table. When I tell one kid to clean it up, inevitably an argument breaks out over who "got it out" vs. who "played with it." I have given up on the argument of "well I am always cleaning up stuff I didn't get out or play with" because they just don't care. Who should have to clean up those five things? And no I wasn't watching to see who got it out.
3) Discipline. When I am punishing one kid, the others decide to hop in "yeah, Bridget, you were being really mean." I always say "hey let me deal with this, k?" but no one cares.
4) General hitting. I dislike this one intensely and have no idea what to do. I get sooo burned out on hearing Bridget say "CASEY!" that I want to ban his name. Except then I can't use it. Also she uses it in a good way to say "Casey look at this cool trick!" which I like.
5) "No one wants to play with me." Mainly uttered by my four year old. It just makes me sad thats all.
Any advice out there for this sad soul?
PS Returning home tomorrow we hope!
Examples:
1) Who sits in front row of van (next to baby Meg). We have assigned days for this, but if we are just hopping on over someplace, one person is already in the car, we have a fight over this each time. I say "respect the day" but it still is an issue since often times we get in the car with more people or fewer and then the circumstances change (like do I really have to make Bridget sit in the back if Casey is not in the car? But then we pick up Casey and he wants to sit in front.)
2) Chores. The kids together make a mess at the table, I ask them to clean up and they leave like five things on the table. When I tell one kid to clean it up, inevitably an argument breaks out over who "got it out" vs. who "played with it." I have given up on the argument of "well I am always cleaning up stuff I didn't get out or play with" because they just don't care. Who should have to clean up those five things? And no I wasn't watching to see who got it out.
3) Discipline. When I am punishing one kid, the others decide to hop in "yeah, Bridget, you were being really mean." I always say "hey let me deal with this, k?" but no one cares.
4) General hitting. I dislike this one intensely and have no idea what to do. I get sooo burned out on hearing Bridget say "CASEY!" that I want to ban his name. Except then I can't use it. Also she uses it in a good way to say "Casey look at this cool trick!" which I like.
5) "No one wants to play with me." Mainly uttered by my four year old. It just makes me sad thats all.
Any advice out there for this sad soul?
PS Returning home tomorrow we hope!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
The World According to...
The photographer:
And the world she sees:
The world looks like a happy place to a four year-old doesn't it?
And the world she sees:
The world looks like a happy place to a four year-old doesn't it?
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Banditos
We had a fantastic Christmas and the haul is almost obscene around here. The kids made it through the day with only one breakdown by our eldest, who after opening exactly 30% of his gifts determined that he did not get anything he wanted. It turned out later that his concern was based on the fact that he thought he had to actually read the books that his papa bought to the kids, so after crying for a bit he opened the rest of his presents and talked to his dad who explained that the books would be read TO him, not independently. Punk. We did have a WAY fun time assembling the lego two towers set and I will def. buy lego sets to do together as a family every year.
Some other notices and then the pics:
--I have to re-recommend Watership Down to every person on the planet because since we got it I have been reading it again. What a great read!
--Do not read Scott Westerfield "Peeps" because, well, it is dumb. I had to finish it but it was weirdo. If you like the biology of parasites and stuff like that, feel free to read but it def. wasn't worth it.
--My MIL outdid herself for the 11th Christmas in a row and got me two things off my wishlist: Wheat grinder (yay!) and an Ipod docking audio center. They also gave us the exact amount we need to pay the mechanic for our deductible which is way above and beyond decency.
--Since the huge hit of the MP3 player, Bridget won't stop singing "I Fought the Law" by the Clash (I heard her explain to her sibling that it actually means that the person broke the law and is now in jail.) Santa also inadvertently loaded "Feel Good, Inc." by the Gorillaz instead of another song and she was complaining that it had a bad word in it. What kind of santy would do something like that? I erased it of course and truthfully I got that song from my BIL and had no idea so I claim innocence here (though after the ward karaoke incident I can see how you might not believe me.) She is also speaking very loudly to everyone so I had to teach her to take one side of your headphones out while talking to people.
K picture time:
WHITE Christmas of course and boy was it every beautiful. This is of two days ago, a view from Lehi but it was stunningly white everywhere in the Valley.
Here is the tree after santy showed
The assembling of the lego towers
Here we have the gift we made with the kids for the in-laws. You probably can't tell, but the colors match the new house so they can fill up the gynormous walls of this palace. It is a simple idea but we think they turned out really well:
The best part of Christmas, of course, is just hanging out and talking with family. Here is a pic of Steve and his bro and the two youngest grandkids:
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Some other notices and then the pics:
--I have to re-recommend Watership Down to every person on the planet because since we got it I have been reading it again. What a great read!
--Do not read Scott Westerfield "Peeps" because, well, it is dumb. I had to finish it but it was weirdo. If you like the biology of parasites and stuff like that, feel free to read but it def. wasn't worth it.
--My MIL outdid herself for the 11th Christmas in a row and got me two things off my wishlist: Wheat grinder (yay!) and an Ipod docking audio center. They also gave us the exact amount we need to pay the mechanic for our deductible which is way above and beyond decency.
--Since the huge hit of the MP3 player, Bridget won't stop singing "I Fought the Law" by the Clash (I heard her explain to her sibling that it actually means that the person broke the law and is now in jail.) Santa also inadvertently loaded "Feel Good, Inc." by the Gorillaz instead of another song and she was complaining that it had a bad word in it. What kind of santy would do something like that? I erased it of course and truthfully I got that song from my BIL and had no idea so I claim innocence here (though after the ward karaoke incident I can see how you might not believe me.) She is also speaking very loudly to everyone so I had to teach her to take one side of your headphones out while talking to people.
K picture time:
WHITE Christmas of course and boy was it every beautiful. This is of two days ago, a view from Lehi but it was stunningly white everywhere in the Valley.
Here is the tree after santy showed
The assembling of the lego towers
Here we have the gift we made with the kids for the in-laws. You probably can't tell, but the colors match the new house so they can fill up the gynormous walls of this palace. It is a simple idea but we think they turned out really well:
The best part of Christmas, of course, is just hanging out and talking with family. Here is a pic of Steve and his bro and the two youngest grandkids:
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Holiday Musings
Things I have done for the first time since arriving in Utah:
1) Listened to Pandora radio. If you don't, start. You won't regret it I promise. Try the Adele playlist, it is awesome.
2) Shoveled the driveway. Yes I realize my in-laws have a snowblower I just wanted to feel what it is like. They have a three-car garage=HUGE driveway. I made it through about 2/3 when Steve came out to grab the blower. That is some hard work people and if we ever live in a snowy environment like this I am definitely getting one of those cute little blowers that shoot snow up in the air.
3) Dressed my kids up in a holiday theme. Every year my sis-in-law picks outfits for my girls and then we buy them. Do not ask how we started this tradition but it just is. This year she added a shirt for the son so at church on Sunday they ALL FOUR were matching. They are repeating the outfits for Christmas Day so I will post a pic. Maybe.
4) Played Risk with my husband. My son loves games so we decided to all play together and I am telling you, that guy knows his strategy. He basically mocks me the entire game like this: "no, no, no, you do NOT want to do that. Two words honey: Casey. Africa." I told him that I was not going to steal a continent from my son and I had my own strategy which was to build relationships with the other countries to prevent war. It would have worked, too, except my traitorous son followed his father's advice and attacked me instead so I lost. But it could have worked...
5) Skipped dessert for all but one night. I gave myself one day, Grandma's annual Christmas dinner, because she makes a special dessert only one day a year that I had to have. I refuse to tell you the title because it doesn't sound tasty BUT it is so truly delectable you wouldn't believe it. Anyway I have passed up sooo many chocolates which for me is major sacrifice. I feel good about it, though, and it was my first time ever skipping out on the holidays. I feel like I should get some opportunity weight loss--like I had the opportunity to eat four pieces of pie but had none, so I lose like two pounds. Doesn't that make more sense?
6) Cleaned up throw-up off of brand new carpet and walls. This was a first for me because we live a bit more shabbily than my in-laws. It kind of broke my heart and their beautiful finished basement now has a lingering vomit smell. I hope no one notices. Bridget was the sicko by the way.
7) Finished wrapping all gifts by the 23rd. I finished wrapping the MP3 player (decided to get the player and if little Bridgie can keep the thing without losing or breaking it for six months I might upgrade her to a real Ipod) after loading it up with music and then wrapped it. It might let the cat out of the bag on the Santy since she will recognize all the tunes on there from my own collection. But what was I supposed to do, buy 50 new songs that I didn't have to keep up some myth my husband dislikes anyway?
8) Handmade some really awesome present for my MIL. I will def. post pics on this but it turned out way good--it involves all her grandkids, some canvas and paint.
I am sure there are other firsts, but that is actually a long list for me!
EDIT: For Jenny ESP (from now forward known as Jepsy thanks to Tiff)
Answers to your questions from my previous post:
1) Steve is getting a Ph.D in Religious Studies so he publishes in hopes of getting a job one day teaching at a university.
2) I work for a private non-profit organization doing this work.
3) I went for free on two of the trips to Europe but on the third I didn't want to take more than 5 kids (due to the previous experience with adults providing alcohol to kids I didn't want more than the minimum number) so I paid like $300 or something.
1) Listened to Pandora radio. If you don't, start. You won't regret it I promise. Try the Adele playlist, it is awesome.
2) Shoveled the driveway. Yes I realize my in-laws have a snowblower I just wanted to feel what it is like. They have a three-car garage=HUGE driveway. I made it through about 2/3 when Steve came out to grab the blower. That is some hard work people and if we ever live in a snowy environment like this I am definitely getting one of those cute little blowers that shoot snow up in the air.
3) Dressed my kids up in a holiday theme. Every year my sis-in-law picks outfits for my girls and then we buy them. Do not ask how we started this tradition but it just is. This year she added a shirt for the son so at church on Sunday they ALL FOUR were matching. They are repeating the outfits for Christmas Day so I will post a pic. Maybe.
4) Played Risk with my husband. My son loves games so we decided to all play together and I am telling you, that guy knows his strategy. He basically mocks me the entire game like this: "no, no, no, you do NOT want to do that. Two words honey: Casey. Africa." I told him that I was not going to steal a continent from my son and I had my own strategy which was to build relationships with the other countries to prevent war. It would have worked, too, except my traitorous son followed his father's advice and attacked me instead so I lost. But it could have worked...
5) Skipped dessert for all but one night. I gave myself one day, Grandma's annual Christmas dinner, because she makes a special dessert only one day a year that I had to have. I refuse to tell you the title because it doesn't sound tasty BUT it is so truly delectable you wouldn't believe it. Anyway I have passed up sooo many chocolates which for me is major sacrifice. I feel good about it, though, and it was my first time ever skipping out on the holidays. I feel like I should get some opportunity weight loss--like I had the opportunity to eat four pieces of pie but had none, so I lose like two pounds. Doesn't that make more sense?
6) Cleaned up throw-up off of brand new carpet and walls. This was a first for me because we live a bit more shabbily than my in-laws. It kind of broke my heart and their beautiful finished basement now has a lingering vomit smell. I hope no one notices. Bridget was the sicko by the way.
7) Finished wrapping all gifts by the 23rd. I finished wrapping the MP3 player (decided to get the player and if little Bridgie can keep the thing without losing or breaking it for six months I might upgrade her to a real Ipod) after loading it up with music and then wrapped it. It might let the cat out of the bag on the Santy since she will recognize all the tunes on there from my own collection. But what was I supposed to do, buy 50 new songs that I didn't have to keep up some myth my husband dislikes anyway?
8) Handmade some really awesome present for my MIL. I will def. post pics on this but it turned out way good--it involves all her grandkids, some canvas and paint.
I am sure there are other firsts, but that is actually a long list for me!
EDIT: For Jenny ESP (from now forward known as Jepsy thanks to Tiff)
Answers to your questions from my previous post:
1) Steve is getting a Ph.D in Religious Studies so he publishes in hopes of getting a job one day teaching at a university.
2) I work for a private non-profit organization doing this work.
3) I went for free on two of the trips to Europe but on the third I didn't want to take more than 5 kids (due to the previous experience with adults providing alcohol to kids I didn't want more than the minimum number) so I paid like $300 or something.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Indoor/Outdoor
It hasn't stopped snowing for too long since we have been here. I think it probably hit a foot or so, but what do I know?
Here is a pic out the back window:
So we are hanging out inside and the girls have taken to posing down in the empty shadowboxy looking sills inside. Anyone know what these little cubbies are called?
The two together:
The estimate to fix the car is about $1000 of which we pay half (our deductible). I just have to make a little drawing representing the accident so I can decide if I think I should pursue the fault thingy.
Here is a pic out the back window:
So we are hanging out inside and the girls have taken to posing down in the empty shadowboxy looking sills inside. Anyone know what these little cubbies are called?
The two together:
The estimate to fix the car is about $1000 of which we pay half (our deductible). I just have to make a little drawing representing the accident so I can decide if I think I should pursue the fault thingy.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Mamacita ¿Dónde está Santa Clause?
Bridget wrote a letter to the big guy with a list impossible. This is what she had on it:
After she read her letter to me I told her I thought that the stuff on her list was kind of expensive. Her response:
"Maybe the elves can help."
- Ipod
- Nintendo DS
- Tickets to Six Flags
- Build-a-Bear
- Something else very costly
After she read her letter to me I told her I thought that the stuff on her list was kind of expensive. Her response:
"Maybe the elves can help."
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Quick Update
We were supposed to go ice skating at a b-day party at 3 pm yesterday so I load up my three oldest kids who were WAY excited about it. I even bought Casey a new coat (for the whole two weeks we are in Utah).
After buying the coat, we come out of the store and it is snowing, I mean coming down like crazeeeee. Anyway to make a painful and long story short, I was making a left turn and as I turned someone apparently was trying to go around me (perhaps more detail later if I am so motivated) and CRASH we made contact--it was extremely low impact fortunately since I was not going that fast. My front driver's side wheel is broken along with my headlights and stuff. Car=undriveable. The other driver's 2008 GMC thingy now has one of his back doors sealed shut.
It was very traumatic as I have never been in an accident like this and had no idea what to do. As it was in Orem (turning lane on State Street and Center Street for those in the know) the police were on the scene before I even got out of my car to speak to the other driver. The police found it to be my fault but he didn't really ask me any questions which kind of makes me feel a bit neglected, but he did not ticket me because he said the other driver was not inclined to charge me or something like that.
So the car is now in the shop and due to the holidays the agent was not sure if we would be able to get it back in time to leave by the 27th. Oh and the rental agency that our insurance uses is out of cars so we actually have no vehicle.
My good friend Wendy who lives in South Provo called me up and picked me and the kids up to feed us dinner and loaned us their old car for the weekend.
My thoughts:
1) I am not sure it was my fault because the guy came out of nowhere but more deets later (I might have to consult Vivian for a good diagram)
2) I like the fact that the police showed up so quick--there is no way in SB that the police would ever have gotten involved in this kind of fender-bender
3) Hallelujah for insurance-- I called them up and they arranged everything from the tow truck driver to the car rental (well, had there been any cars to rent, we are now #11 on the waiting list). They were really nice about it too and it was actually pretty quick considering what I would have had to do were it not for them.
4) I am soooo thankful of course that my kids and both drivers were okay. I am also thankful that my baby was not in the car while we had to sit there for 45 minutes.
5) It was nice to know that I had at least 6 or 7 friends I could have called on in this situation and particularly thankful to the Southern Hospitality of the SC-born Wendy (who needs to start blogging so she can know how much it meant to me) as she not only showed up to pick up the kids since we missed her son's party, but she also fed us tortellini with the MOST incredible Alfredo sauce on top that she of course contrived from scratch. They insisted on not only loaning us their car but her Oregonian husband went outside, brushed the entire car off (some feat considering that it had snowed significantly that day) and warmed it up for us so it would be easy for us to get in and leave.
After buying the coat, we come out of the store and it is snowing, I mean coming down like crazeeeee. Anyway to make a painful and long story short, I was making a left turn and as I turned someone apparently was trying to go around me (perhaps more detail later if I am so motivated) and CRASH we made contact--it was extremely low impact fortunately since I was not going that fast. My front driver's side wheel is broken along with my headlights and stuff. Car=undriveable. The other driver's 2008 GMC thingy now has one of his back doors sealed shut.
It was very traumatic as I have never been in an accident like this and had no idea what to do. As it was in Orem (turning lane on State Street and Center Street for those in the know) the police were on the scene before I even got out of my car to speak to the other driver. The police found it to be my fault but he didn't really ask me any questions which kind of makes me feel a bit neglected, but he did not ticket me because he said the other driver was not inclined to charge me or something like that.
So the car is now in the shop and due to the holidays the agent was not sure if we would be able to get it back in time to leave by the 27th. Oh and the rental agency that our insurance uses is out of cars so we actually have no vehicle.
My good friend Wendy who lives in South Provo called me up and picked me and the kids up to feed us dinner and loaned us their old car for the weekend.
My thoughts:
1) I am not sure it was my fault because the guy came out of nowhere but more deets later (I might have to consult Vivian for a good diagram)
2) I like the fact that the police showed up so quick--there is no way in SB that the police would ever have gotten involved in this kind of fender-bender
3) Hallelujah for insurance-- I called them up and they arranged everything from the tow truck driver to the car rental (well, had there been any cars to rent, we are now #11 on the waiting list). They were really nice about it too and it was actually pretty quick considering what I would have had to do were it not for them.
4) I am soooo thankful of course that my kids and both drivers were okay. I am also thankful that my baby was not in the car while we had to sit there for 45 minutes.
5) It was nice to know that I had at least 6 or 7 friends I could have called on in this situation and particularly thankful to the Southern Hospitality of the SC-born Wendy (who needs to start blogging so she can know how much it meant to me) as she not only showed up to pick up the kids since we missed her son's party, but she also fed us tortellini with the MOST incredible Alfredo sauce on top that she of course contrived from scratch. They insisted on not only loaning us their car but her Oregonian husband went outside, brushed the entire car off (some feat considering that it had snowed significantly that day) and warmed it up for us so it would be easy for us to get in and leave.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Retraction
My poor husband has been misquoted in my previous post and I owe it to him and the Beehive state to correct it. His quote as I wrote it up:
"Hey people can say what they want about Utah but I was never offered drugs, alcohol, or sex while in HS. Can any Californians say the same?"
Apparently he felt that out of context this simply reinforced some stereo-type that Utahns are self-righteous or something and he wanted to point out that he in fact has only said this once and it was in response to the argument that being around a lot of other Mormons would make someone feel less "peculiar." The argument "well our family is Mormon therefore we do not ______________" that our fellow church members in Cali (and other states) use to stand up for their beliefs wouldn't work in Utah because the response obviously could be "well my family is Mormon and we do ____________, so what?" His point was to only debunk that particular argument, never to show in comparison with Cali or any other God-forsaken state in the mission field.
He still doesn't think this retraction is good enough but it was the best I could do. He can start his own blog if he doesn't want his wife constantly misquoting him. I guarantee it was not the last time but because I love him, I will try harder.
"Hey people can say what they want about Utah but I was never offered drugs, alcohol, or sex while in HS. Can any Californians say the same?"
Apparently he felt that out of context this simply reinforced some stereo-type that Utahns are self-righteous or something and he wanted to point out that he in fact has only said this once and it was in response to the argument that being around a lot of other Mormons would make someone feel less "peculiar." The argument "well our family is Mormon therefore we do not ______________" that our fellow church members in Cali (and other states) use to stand up for their beliefs wouldn't work in Utah because the response obviously could be "well my family is Mormon and we do ____________, so what?" His point was to only debunk that particular argument, never to show in comparison with Cali or any other God-forsaken state in the mission field.
He still doesn't think this retraction is good enough but it was the best I could do. He can start his own blog if he doesn't want his wife constantly misquoting him. I guarantee it was not the last time but because I love him, I will try harder.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Disculpe, Utah
So forever I have had this "I am never moving to Utah" mentality. I actually like it here, but the thought of raising my children here seemed, well, kinda crazy. Steve has always said "hey people can say what they want about Utah but I was never offered drugs, alcohol, or sex while in HS. Can any Californians say the same?" Well I threw in sex but I bet it is true.
Anyway I have to apologize to the beautiful, snowy state of Utah because there are some things here that as a native Californian I have to appreciate as a visitor and I am going to go on record saying that I could actually consider Utah now and here are my reasons:
1. True seasons. Granted I hate the cold and love living in a place with no real winter, but there is something rather glorious about the predictability of a white Christmas and winter extreme sports possibility. Not that we do any extreme sports.
2. Friends, friends, and more friends. We are here for about two weeks and we are already running out of days to spend with the people we love here. Every day we have seen a different set of friends and I can see how fun it would be to live here and periodically host a shindig with all these peeps. Word up to all our local friends!
3. Cheap food! I can seriously buy almost 2 times what I can buy at home!! AND they sell whole wheat in bulk here. What is the dealio Cali?
4. Local grass-fed cattle. The cows in California have never even seen grass as far as I can tell since most of them live off of some elixir of corn syrup, hormones, and antibiotics (shout out to Michael Pollan for this info). So if you buy meat raised in Utah, though you might get a shot of hormones here, you are getting overall healthier, environmentally sustainable beef. I know this is really important to a lot of you too.
5. Family friendly. It is totally normal for me to load up my 4 kids and take them to the store. NO ONE stares at you and in fact there are several other people floating around in your same situation. People actually like kids here and you don't get the eye from old rich people like I do back home at Trader Joes (to be fair lotsa Californians are nice to you when you have a couple of kids with you with just a few intolerants). Also any given day you can go to Thanksgiving Point, or half of a dozen museums that have some kid-friendly activities.
6. Shopping. Utah has got to be the most over-retailed place per capita on the planet. My favorite kids clothing store naartjie even has sales here that are better than where we live--how is that possible? Also there is a Targé on almost every street corner.
7. Distance to go to church. This is honestly one of my faves--you have church at 9? You leave your house at 9 and you can still catch the Sacrament--not just the meeting but actually partake of the bread and water. We only live 10 minutes from the chapel back home, but 2 minutes is even faster.
8. Media--this is going to sound SO weird, but the radio stations in Utah are FAR better than what we have back home. There are better Spanish-speaking radio stations (te lo juro!), and about six other stations that play music that I actually like so if I forget a CD, no worries, I can listen to the radio. I also will catch the best evah version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (holla Jenny ESP) and the Hannukah song several times over if you are in the mood. Back home if I forget a good CD in my car I hear Tom Petty or Elton John ad infinitum. Not that I don't love Last Dance with Mary Jane I just would like some variety if you please. BTW even the hip hop station in Utah is more to my liking. Also cheaper movie theaters with more movies that I would be interested in watching.
9. Diet Coke. I will admit that I have been a beverage purist most of my life, only drinking things that were clear. I never have liked the taste of soda but in the last two years I have discovered that even though it tastes like poison, there is something extremely refreshing about Diet Coke. Every time I drink it I feel like I am drinking serious chemicals but it is like chocolate godiva cheesecake--I shouldn't, but I do. Anyway the great Beehive state offers entire aisles dedicated to the soda--pop--addictions. Which is ironic considering most people think Mormons don't drink caffeine. In the Costocs here, for example, you get literally a whole section specifically for diet coke. The Costco back home for sure has soda--on the same aisle as the natural juice alternatives, coffee, and energy drinks. Here the aisle is JUST diet soda. Crazy. And also the section dedicated to Tequila does not exist in Utah thanks to the liquor laws that turned away a possibility of my favorite store ever (Trader Joes).
10. Friends. I know I said this one, but it really does do something for the soul to have this many good friends in one location. I am going to start taking more pics of people so I can post their beautiful faces here in appreciation of their presence in my life for so many years now.
I realize that Utah is not for everyone. But it is a nice place to live and though it would break my heart to leave Cali, would I take living here over Nebraska? As K. Cook says, Provo yes.
Anyway I have to apologize to the beautiful, snowy state of Utah because there are some things here that as a native Californian I have to appreciate as a visitor and I am going to go on record saying that I could actually consider Utah now and here are my reasons:
1. True seasons. Granted I hate the cold and love living in a place with no real winter, but there is something rather glorious about the predictability of a white Christmas and winter extreme sports possibility. Not that we do any extreme sports.
2. Friends, friends, and more friends. We are here for about two weeks and we are already running out of days to spend with the people we love here. Every day we have seen a different set of friends and I can see how fun it would be to live here and periodically host a shindig with all these peeps. Word up to all our local friends!
3. Cheap food! I can seriously buy almost 2 times what I can buy at home!! AND they sell whole wheat in bulk here. What is the dealio Cali?
4. Local grass-fed cattle. The cows in California have never even seen grass as far as I can tell since most of them live off of some elixir of corn syrup, hormones, and antibiotics (shout out to Michael Pollan for this info). So if you buy meat raised in Utah, though you might get a shot of hormones here, you are getting overall healthier, environmentally sustainable beef. I know this is really important to a lot of you too.
5. Family friendly. It is totally normal for me to load up my 4 kids and take them to the store. NO ONE stares at you and in fact there are several other people floating around in your same situation. People actually like kids here and you don't get the eye from old rich people like I do back home at Trader Joes (to be fair lotsa Californians are nice to you when you have a couple of kids with you with just a few intolerants). Also any given day you can go to Thanksgiving Point, or half of a dozen museums that have some kid-friendly activities.
6. Shopping. Utah has got to be the most over-retailed place per capita on the planet. My favorite kids clothing store naartjie even has sales here that are better than where we live--how is that possible? Also there is a Targé on almost every street corner.
7. Distance to go to church. This is honestly one of my faves--you have church at 9? You leave your house at 9 and you can still catch the Sacrament--not just the meeting but actually partake of the bread and water. We only live 10 minutes from the chapel back home, but 2 minutes is even faster.
8. Media--this is going to sound SO weird, but the radio stations in Utah are FAR better than what we have back home. There are better Spanish-speaking radio stations (te lo juro!), and about six other stations that play music that I actually like so if I forget a CD, no worries, I can listen to the radio. I also will catch the best evah version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (holla Jenny ESP) and the Hannukah song several times over if you are in the mood. Back home if I forget a good CD in my car I hear Tom Petty or Elton John ad infinitum. Not that I don't love Last Dance with Mary Jane I just would like some variety if you please. BTW even the hip hop station in Utah is more to my liking. Also cheaper movie theaters with more movies that I would be interested in watching.
9. Diet Coke. I will admit that I have been a beverage purist most of my life, only drinking things that were clear. I never have liked the taste of soda but in the last two years I have discovered that even though it tastes like poison, there is something extremely refreshing about Diet Coke. Every time I drink it I feel like I am drinking serious chemicals but it is like chocolate godiva cheesecake--I shouldn't, but I do. Anyway the great Beehive state offers entire aisles dedicated to the soda--pop--addictions. Which is ironic considering most people think Mormons don't drink caffeine. In the Costocs here, for example, you get literally a whole section specifically for diet coke. The Costco back home for sure has soda--on the same aisle as the natural juice alternatives, coffee, and energy drinks. Here the aisle is JUST diet soda. Crazy. And also the section dedicated to Tequila does not exist in Utah thanks to the liquor laws that turned away a possibility of my favorite store ever (Trader Joes).
10. Friends. I know I said this one, but it really does do something for the soul to have this many good friends in one location. I am going to start taking more pics of people so I can post their beautiful faces here in appreciation of their presence in my life for so many years now.
I realize that Utah is not for everyone. But it is a nice place to live and though it would break my heart to leave Cali, would I take living here over Nebraska? As K. Cook says, Provo yes.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The New Digs
This is a shot of the in laws new place--note the super snow storm this morning. It has a really nice feel to it--you can see that they spent a lot of time (11 months or so) designing it and the result is this cool rounded archy-ness all over. Hard to capture on film, but here is the hallway upstairs:
Here is the eastern side of the "great room" which is a combo of a couple of dining rooms, a living room space, and the kitchen.
Here is the west side (holla!) of the room
So yeah I am not so good at capturing these things-- I should get a pic of the downstairs tree since it is so gorgeous. The best part of the house is how pleased my in-laws are about hosting us and how they keep asking "are you comfortable down here?" because they know how awesome it is for us and it makes them happy.
Here is the dutiful son snowblowing (sadly he did not discover the blower until he had been shoveling for about 45 minutes and then walked in the garage to see the shiny red machine...
Bonus shot: underage slave labor
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Living it Up in Utah
Okey so for those who don't already know, we are in Utah now. My in-laws built a new mansion of a place two blocks from their old place and it is divine! Some cool things about it:
1) Flat screen TV with full cable in the basement where we stay. They also have a flat screen upstairs that they watch so you can be watching not one but TWO BYU devotionals at the same time.
2) 6 bathrooms. Yes. Three people live in this house so of course they each need a few. But seriously, if you are going to prioritize, why not have 6 of these? We have had exactly 0 fights over the bathroom (compared to a nearly hourly one back at the ranch)
3) Two kitchens. The downstairs one has all new matching appliances too so it is pretty sweet. The fridge is currently filled with Diet Coke and yogurt. I am making some bread in the morning, too, and I have several choices of places to bake the bread which is, again, awesome.
4) Turn on fireplace with a switch. Many of you may already have this option, but this is, like, a massive fireplace. Gillian likes to check the gas line about fifteen times a day by flicking the switch but other than that, very cool.
5) Every room has a drop for internet. I prefer wireless myself, but when short of it, why not have a line in every room. Fortunately the neighborhood is full of other older grandparent types whose kids show up and install a router for them so there are a few unsecured "linksys" networks I can hop on when necessary (like right now for example)
6) Built-in shelving and empty dressers in the rooms designated for us, so this morning I put all clothing away and my kids have a space for everything they own. I need this kind of organization in my own home I think because wow, it looks amazing.
I still don't like: Going outside in the snow. It may look cool, but all I have for shoes are my roxy slipon tennies which are NOT enough to keep your toesies from freezing.
In general I love coming to Utah Valley because it is overretailed so you get way cheaper stuff in the stores. I also like the wacky billboards in the valley though I am semi-embarrassed to be associated with some of the cultural elements, overall I love the familiarity of the weirdness of it all. We also love our friends and family and all the people from other cities we see come into town. Target and Movies 8 plus the occasional Brazilian steakhouse make this our top destination for the holidays every year.
I couldn't live here but after Steve saw his parents new place he was like "hmm we could make this work next year" and I had to set him straight.
Still, good times.
1) Flat screen TV with full cable in the basement where we stay. They also have a flat screen upstairs that they watch so you can be watching not one but TWO BYU devotionals at the same time.
2) 6 bathrooms. Yes. Three people live in this house so of course they each need a few. But seriously, if you are going to prioritize, why not have 6 of these? We have had exactly 0 fights over the bathroom (compared to a nearly hourly one back at the ranch)
3) Two kitchens. The downstairs one has all new matching appliances too so it is pretty sweet. The fridge is currently filled with Diet Coke and yogurt. I am making some bread in the morning, too, and I have several choices of places to bake the bread which is, again, awesome.
4) Turn on fireplace with a switch. Many of you may already have this option, but this is, like, a massive fireplace. Gillian likes to check the gas line about fifteen times a day by flicking the switch but other than that, very cool.
5) Every room has a drop for internet. I prefer wireless myself, but when short of it, why not have a line in every room. Fortunately the neighborhood is full of other older grandparent types whose kids show up and install a router for them so there are a few unsecured "linksys" networks I can hop on when necessary (like right now for example)
6) Built-in shelving and empty dressers in the rooms designated for us, so this morning I put all clothing away and my kids have a space for everything they own. I need this kind of organization in my own home I think because wow, it looks amazing.
I still don't like: Going outside in the snow. It may look cool, but all I have for shoes are my roxy slipon tennies which are NOT enough to keep your toesies from freezing.
In general I love coming to Utah Valley because it is overretailed so you get way cheaper stuff in the stores. I also like the wacky billboards in the valley though I am semi-embarrassed to be associated with some of the cultural elements, overall I love the familiarity of the weirdness of it all. We also love our friends and family and all the people from other cities we see come into town. Target and Movies 8 plus the occasional Brazilian steakhouse make this our top destination for the holidays every year.
I couldn't live here but after Steve saw his parents new place he was like "hmm we could make this work next year" and I had to set him straight.
Still, good times.
Friday, December 12, 2008
What NOT to do at a Ward Party
Karaoke Night at Elder's Quorum Party:
Say "this song is dedicated to my daughters because they want to dance" and then start to sing Bust a Move and realize halfway through the first verse what the song actually says.
Why didn't anyone warn me?
Say "this song is dedicated to my daughters because they want to dance" and then start to sing Bust a Move and realize halfway through the first verse what the song actually says.
Why didn't anyone warn me?
Time for a Top Ten...
As Christmas approaches I have decided to throw together a quick Top 10 List of my favorite holiday activities.
Lee's Top 10 Christmas Highlights (with lowlights too)
1. Making treats for holiday gifts. I have no idea why I find such gratification in handing out our little neighborhood treat plates but it is one of my favorite parts of the holidays (but not realizing I forgot someone who I really adore or not finding someone at home in which case we end up eating the leftover plate)
2. Christmas Holiday Tunes! If you have not heard Fiona Apples' Frosty the Snowman you are MISSING out (but not all the various and sundry version of Deck the Halls and Rudolph from my kids incessant singing- will Joy to the World Barney is Dead ever fall off the charts?)
3. Knowing that my kids will get to see snow at least once over Christmas break (but not the looong drive to get to Utah)
4. Shopping for Christmas gifts (but not reporting what I have spent in the family budget discussion- ouch)
5. Online shopping! Paypal! One-step checkout (no downside here)
6. Houses all lit up with holiday decor (but knowing that as long as we spend weeks in Utah every year we don't even get a tree)
7. Sending out Christmas Cards and reflecting on the year in our newsletter (but not affixing stamps one at a time--isn't there a better way? Plus I need to get a return address stamp.)
8. Receiving Christmas Cards (but not cards without pictures! People I have a place in my house for your family pictures and when you don't send them out we have no sign of your friendship anywhere around here. You might feel environmentally friendly for sending out an e-newletter but your family lost its official place on the wall above the table. Award goes to Memzy for not only an adorable Christmas card but for being the first pic up on the wall this year! The kids fought over whether it was to be feet or faces but I won the argument and we put up faces)
9. Holiday performances--last night I was able to take part of an amazing production of Woman at the Well for Enrichment for church and it was sooo beautiful. The singing was incredible and the costumes and props were so authentic it felt really spectacular. (I am sad to report that I missed participating in the Messiah sing-holla Krissie-because I was on the road for work that night. I hope to squeeze it in while in Utah but I highly doubt I will find a sing this late into the month)
10. Holiday goodies. Everywhere you turn there is chocolate, my favorite food group. (This year I am bypassing all chocolate, white sugar, and white flour products. It is very hard but I have goals to make by January and I have stuck with it for two months now so I can't break with momentum. I am making ONE exception on Christmas Day)
Lee's Top 10 Christmas Highlights (with lowlights too)
1. Making treats for holiday gifts. I have no idea why I find such gratification in handing out our little neighborhood treat plates but it is one of my favorite parts of the holidays (but not realizing I forgot someone who I really adore or not finding someone at home in which case we end up eating the leftover plate)
2. Christmas Holiday Tunes! If you have not heard Fiona Apples' Frosty the Snowman you are MISSING out (but not all the various and sundry version of Deck the Halls and Rudolph from my kids incessant singing- will Joy to the World Barney is Dead ever fall off the charts?)
3. Knowing that my kids will get to see snow at least once over Christmas break (but not the looong drive to get to Utah)
4. Shopping for Christmas gifts (but not reporting what I have spent in the family budget discussion- ouch)
5. Online shopping! Paypal! One-step checkout (no downside here)
6. Houses all lit up with holiday decor (but knowing that as long as we spend weeks in Utah every year we don't even get a tree)
7. Sending out Christmas Cards and reflecting on the year in our newsletter (but not affixing stamps one at a time--isn't there a better way? Plus I need to get a return address stamp.)
8. Receiving Christmas Cards (but not cards without pictures! People I have a place in my house for your family pictures and when you don't send them out we have no sign of your friendship anywhere around here. You might feel environmentally friendly for sending out an e-newletter but your family lost its official place on the wall above the table. Award goes to Memzy for not only an adorable Christmas card but for being the first pic up on the wall this year! The kids fought over whether it was to be feet or faces but I won the argument and we put up faces)
9. Holiday performances--last night I was able to take part of an amazing production of Woman at the Well for Enrichment for church and it was sooo beautiful. The singing was incredible and the costumes and props were so authentic it felt really spectacular. (I am sad to report that I missed participating in the Messiah sing-holla Krissie-because I was on the road for work that night. I hope to squeeze it in while in Utah but I highly doubt I will find a sing this late into the month)
10. Holiday goodies. Everywhere you turn there is chocolate, my favorite food group. (This year I am bypassing all chocolate, white sugar, and white flour products. It is very hard but I have goals to make by January and I have stuck with it for two months now so I can't break with momentum. I am making ONE exception on Christmas Day)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Internet Junkie
I have no idea what kind of person I was before web 2.0. I am not a particularly talented or gifted individual but my one contribution to life is that I am willing to try anything. The internet allows me to do this without breaking a sweat. Have to rewire your kitchen? Look it up. Need a recipe for homemade mac and cheese without the cheese or the mac? You can find it online. You can even type in a song title or target lyric like "she's so funky yeah" and it pulls up the whole song verifying that it actually is french for games without frontiers and not what you thought you heard.
I am so sold into this culture that when people that I work with email me for help I am shocked that they did not first consult the web. In fact I rarely know answers so I am constantly looking things up-- then on a survey the teachers give me feedback later saying "Lee is so quick she always knows the answers." I chuckle softly to myself and pat my little macbook pro in awe of the world of people around me uploading all the stuff that I only get credit for knowing on a daily basis. In fact JennyESP asked about my little label cloud and you know what? I just typed in "label cloud blogger" and this little gem showed up. I experimented a few times with HTML and the world wide web made me once again look fancier than I really am. Thanks to those in the know!
Blogging is the newest part of this for me and in fact I might even refer to it as web 3.0 in which I can ask a question and have 10 people respond with advice, answers, jokes, or requests to shut this place down. And the liklihood of that advice being just as good as a trained professional is high, higher in fact because these people know me or at least know about me. So thanks for being my personal counselors, comediennes, doctors, lawyers, and yes even friends.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Division of Labor
What kinds of chores does the primary breadwinner do at your house vs. the at-home person? How did you come to that decision? If you both work, how do you divide household duties?
Kthanks.
Kthanks.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
See ya
I will be in Napa this week with junkets to check out the house and meet renters, cousins in SFO, see a friend from hs, and church in Sac with old friends. Meg is coming along for the ride..
See you next week!
See you next week!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Downsizing
8 people lost their jobs in my organization yesterday due to "restructuring" and it was referred to as "pruning" to allow for new growth.
If you have to be laid off, does Dec 1 sound like a good time to anyone?
Merry Christmas to those guys.
If you have to be laid off, does Dec 1 sound like a good time to anyone?
Merry Christmas to those guys.
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