Planes, Trains and Automobiles

I found this "Cities I've Visited" site which is cool because you just add all the places you've visited. I didn't realize how many places I'd been until I started doing this and I keep thinking of more! Some I flew to, some I drove to, others I boated to, and still others I caught a train to. Many with fiends, a map, a Eurorail pass and my backpack. Most were spur of the moment. ALL were a blast!

• Create your own travel map or travel blog


• Travel Info at TripAdvisor

Down Under!

We are outta here! I found an amazing deal on tickets to New Zealand with a free stop-over in Australia so I quickly did my taxes to make sure I had enough money - and what do ya know, I do! The tickets are booked, the excitement is palpable, the wait is unbearable. Especially for the kids. They ask me every day "when are we going?" "Well we don't leave until school is out in June so it's going to be a while." It was driving me nuts so I gave them each a calendar now they can stinkin well cross off the days for themselves, and leave me alone. Aren't I a nice, kind, patient mother? There is much to do. We have to get new passports because, of course, they expired at the end of last year. I only have one suitcase because I keep lending them out and now they are scattered world wide. Oh and I have to practice driving on the other side of the road so if you see me on the wrong side, don't worry, I'm not drunk, I'm just practicing. I am so excited. Now you know why you hear "Land Down Under" by Men at Work on my play list.

Here's a picture of Ash's missing two front teeth. He could be a "Cullen" with that fangish smile.

Queen of Procrastination

I am supposed to be studying chapter 3 in my overly large biology book. It has a great picture of a chameleon on the cover. If I'd bought it at the SLCC bookstore I would have paid $193 but I got it off KSL and only paid $70 ("only"). Anyway, I'm supposed to be learning about covalent bonds. My mind keeps wandering. In fact, it just wandered all the way into another room and onto the computer. I've been checking my email: reading and replying. I've also been Google-ing random things. Did you know that gasses escaping a body being cremated sound like a scream. I bet that's a change of underwear experience for the first day on the job. I've told the boys off a couple of times for fighting over the Nintendo. Dinner crossed my mind - that can surely wait. Or perhaps I should check out the Food Network, they've always got good ideas. I like the "stick of butter on everything" lady. Judge Judy is on later. Perhaps I'll tune in and count how many times she calls someone an idiot. Hey, isn't American Idol on tonight? Simon will surely tell someone they sound like a dying cat. That's classic. My mother should be awake right about now, I think I'll call her. It's been a while. I wander what the weather is like down there? Oh, I just got an email from Asher's class about their Valentine's party. Looks like I get to read stories to the kids. Excellent. I like making up parts, it keeps them on their toes. Anyone have a favorite story I can read to the kids? Did I call Jilly back? Have I checked out everyone's blogs yet?

OK! OK! I'll get back to it. But before I do, I just have to add a picture of my kids watching The Polar Express 3D at their cousins house. Then I'll quickly fold some clothes, clean the kitchen, and pick up the toys. After all, class doesn't start until 5:30.

Saved by the Blog

I just logged on to delete my blog as I haven't even looked at it since August of last year. But as I started reading my blog and the comments people have made, I decided that I just couldn't do it. So, here I go again. Maybe this should be my new years resolution, write in my blog. I know there are people who have given up on me because of my infrequent postings, but maybe I'll woo them back with all the amazing and interesting things I do in a day (ha ha).

By way of an update, I passed Math 1010 with an "A". This did not come without much sweat and tears, not to mention many calls to Angela Vosti (thank you!!!!!). Rex was a big help too. I am so glad that my education path now does not include Algebra. I am done mixing numbers with letters YEE HAA! I also passed my Finance class with an "A". This makes me a straight "A" student. What a nerdy nerd. I never did this well in high school. Actually, the first two years of high school I topped all my classes then I bought a car and never showed my face in class again so my grades were pretty terrible. I start school again next week and will finally get my teeth into some biology and chemistry. Could this be the end of my "A's?"

The kids are all back in school. We had such a good Christmas break. This was our best Christmas ever. We didn't spend a fortune, the kids loved and appreciated their presents, there was no drama, and I didn't burn the food. Rex took the boys ice fishing and shooting. They love hanging out with their Dad doing this manly man kind of stuff. As for Cicilee and I, we went shopping and out to lunch. Now that is a civilized way to spend a day. Glad you had fun guys.

I am putting the finishing touches on the basement bathroom. It has been a long project but it is at least usuable. We still have a little tiling left to do in the double headed shower but we're getting closer to having the kids out of our bathroom.

Well, happy new year all. I hope you have a fantastic 2009. May you all keep your resolutions, at least for January.

Breaking Dawn to read

I finished Breaking Dawn this morning. Anyone else? Anyone want to discuss? Call or email me - I'd love to chat.

August Already!!

Cousins - honest!

Great grandbaby #5

Sisters, Shorty Mother & Nephews

Me and my Mummy

4 of 10

More of 10

Mickey, we love you!

I can't believe how quickly July came and went. It was a busy month with family, and lack thereof as Rex was working hard and never home. We missed him a lot but luckily I had my mother around to hang out with. Getting together with my family always comes in concentrated form. Of the 10 of us, 3 live here in Draper/Sandy, 1 drives trucks out of Iowa, and the rest are scattered world wide. So when there's an occasion, like my nephews wedding, they all come over at once. Between the three local houses, we manage to find beds, food, and entertainment for everyone. Each day consists of more food than should ever be consumed in one sitting, lots of laughing with David, embarrassing memories, photos, and running to the mall or Costco. Not to mention several trips to and from the airport. This time around was no exception. We even had a baby, Jack, born to oldest grandchild, Wade, in the middle of all of this. My mother now has 37 grandchildren and nearly 6 great grandchildren (one more due next month). YEEE HAAA!!! My mother left last Saturday. She was the last to go. It was hard to say goodbye. She says she'll come back for Ash's baptism in 2 years. I'm going to hold her to it. My house is back to just the normal daily chaos. It really is too quiet around here (which is saying something because Juddy is running around with a noise maker as I write this). I look forward to the next event so we can get together together again. In the meantime, I'd better clean up this place!

Hey, Cicilee just pulled out Asher's first loose tooth. Way to go guys. Better get to bed early tonight Ash so mum and dad can write the Tooth Fairy an IOU ha ha.

Summer is ...

Being crazy

Lounging around

Going to the dogs

Ssssssssensational


15 minutes of fame

Pyromania

Sparkling fun

Family walks

All in the same boat

The girls

3 Stooges

BUGS!!!!!!

Keeping cool


Cicilee and Christian have been out of school for one month. We have managed to keep busy and happy. There has been lots of swimming, playing with friends, hanging out with cousins, family walks, a fire at the pond, interesting pets (like 3 snakes Cicilee brought home from church - what was that lesson all about?), fireworks, and hanging out. We look forward to my nephew's wedding next week, and all the fun and family that will bring. The best part is that my Mother is here! I have legal custody of her beginning Sunday 13th. I can't wait. We're going to go shopping, have our nails done, go to lunch, hang out ... I am excited to have her come play at my house.

Hows your summer going?