Tis the season...

Tis the season to be BUSY!!!

So, let's catch up - last I wrote my life was being taken over by basketball, scouts, mutual, presidency meeting, housework, cooking, cleaning, ex husband visitation, and the general running errands.

Today - it's being run by all those things in addition to a JOB!

I got a phone call last Thursday from someone I didn't know. A man, new in our ward, that is an attorney, has been thinking about hiring a legal secretary and moving his current secretary into a legal aide position. Thursday she called in sick and he was scrambling. His wife called our RS president to see if she knew of anyone that had the potential and the skills to fill in - my name came to her mind, so he called me up, and within an hour I was sitting in an office being briefed on how things worked...

He's looking for part time for Dec and Jan, looking to move me to full time come Feb if I like the job and can figure out what to do about the kids...

Besides being completely busy and overwhelmed, I'm loving it. This is exactly the kind of work I enjoy - running an office - organizing, filing, answering phones, directing clients...I've always wanted to do it in the legal field too - something new to learn, different people and different cases all the time - things never getting dull or old. It is an incredible blessing. I'm in awe about it still. I worked on Thursday, Friday and again today and then tomorrow too. I already had things to do Wed-Fri of this week, then the kids are out of school for 2 weeks and I plan to go back. My boss is loving my work so far it sounds like. He's anxious for me to work things out with the kids so I can commit to going full time with him in Feb. (anyone wanna watch a kid or two for a few hours in the afternoons??) I'm taking it one day at a time, thinking about all the different things that have to be taken into account...

On other news, Chuck gets home from being out of town on Wednesday! I'm finding myself quite excited to see him, and have missed him a lot while he's been gone. We've got all sorts of fun plans made!

I'm mostly ready for Christmas - and yet not. It always comes and goes so fast... But I've got most of the gifts bought (but not wrapped yet) I have a few more things to get - that I was supposed to get on Thursday, but I got that call about the job... So, I'm not sure when I'll get to finish, as I'm working until the kids get out of school...I'll just have to have Austin babysit and create some time to run off to the stores!

Pictures

So - I've been really really good about posting my pictures from the different things I've been doing - just not on my blog...

I've been putting them on my facebook account, which I really like doing, because I can organize them into albums and put comments on them and such. It's a fun way to share my pictures. But, it makes me lazy about posting them on here, because I've already posted them to facebook - and facebook is actually easier to post them too.

But - here's the good news! I've discovered a way that I can share all of those pictures with my blog via a link to the facebook albums that I've made!! WHOO HOO! So with that, here are TONS of pictures!!

You can click on the individual pictures to scroll through the albums and see descriptions and such. =)

Halloween 2008

Pictures from the Berry Battle we went to in Sequim

Sequim, Album #1, Nov 1, 2008

Sequim, Album #2, Nov 1, 2008

Clam Digging at the Ocean, Nov 14 & 15

The beauty of fall in the Northwest

Holy Cow, I'm a slacker

So, I've noticed that for November I've only posted a few blogs...wow. I really have intended to write more...

Things have been pretty busy around here. And honestly, while they are uber busy, it's not a whole lot to write about. It seems we've fallen into a routine of daily life that leads to being busy, but not all that exciting! Austin has bball practice every day after school. Brian has bball practice every Tuesday after school. They have scouts and mutual, and homework...I have presidency meetings, and general mom stuff...

Turkey Day was good yesterday - and I'm currently putting up Christmas (but taking a break). Hans has the kids for the whole weekend. He picked them up from school on Wed. and will be bringing them back on Sunday evening. He took them out to Ocean Shores to his dad and step mom's house. I went over to Chris and Molly's house, as I do every year. We also went by Chris's brothers house to see some more of the family, and then headed over to Kirkland to see Molly's family. We went and saw the new 007 movie - which was really good, if you like that kind of stuff.

I am so grateful for such good friends. Especially yesterday, where I got to be involved with two different families, neither of which were MY family - and yet I fit in as if I were. I have known both families since I was little, and it has been wonderful to be a close part of them - to where I call the mom's Mom and the dad's Dad. It made yesterday SO much better than I expected it would be. Honestly, Wednesday was a hard day for me. I dreaded the holiday. I didn't want to be with out my kids. I didn't want to be without my family (who all were together in AZ - even my sister from Utah got to go, and my grandparents from CA!) Wednesday evening I was being a party pooper, and really just wanted to stay in bed all weekend. Molly pulled me out of it, and persisted in dragging me around with her, despite my cranky weepy mood...

Thursday, I woke up with a good attitude, back to being happy. It helped that my period started! I'd never been so grateful for the start of that lovely monthly event. It meant that I wouldn't be PMS-y for the holiday, which I knew was part of my problem on Wed...Who knew that that would end up on the top of my "I'm grateful for..." list this year.

Basketball is running my life!

And I haven't even played in months!

Both of the boys are playing basketball now. I LOVE it! But - it makes schedules crazy! And, right now there is only practice going on - no games yet! Austin made the Jr. High team (I can't remember if I said that already or not). I'm so excited for him! He really deserves it! He's exhausted at the end of the day - they practice every day for almost 2 hours after school!! Games start next week, and I believe that there are only 6 of them - 3 each with the other two Jr. Highs in the area.

Brian is playing in the after school 5th and 6th grade team. For right now any 5th or 6th grader that wants to play basketball is allowed to play. From this group the coach will make a team of about 10-12 guys to play in a tournament against all the other elementary schools in the area. Austin got to do this last year as a 6th grader. It's pretty fun. Practice is only one day a week (thank goodness!) and will go on until just before Christmas when Coach will pick the team members. The tournament games won't be till early Feb. I guess - so basketball will go on for a while for Brian.

So while basketball isn't really RUNNING my life, it sure has made it more busy! I can't complain though, because I really do like it. I was hoping to attend more of Austin's practices (or any of them for that matter...seeing as I haven't gotten to go to even one yet). I have, however, made it to all of Brian's, and have gotten to know the kids on the team. It is fun to watch them learn and grow over the season!

So - between both boys being in scouts/mutual and basketball, my RS calling, kids having school, having an ex to coordinate schedules with, a house to keep up on, and dates to go on - I'm swamped!

Speaking of dates - things with Chuck have been going really well. He's been to church 3 weeks in a row with me and has loved every minute. It seems the talks and the lessons are meant just for him. I have never been very involved in missionary work - I don't like to feel that I'm cramming anything down anyone's throat - but I have never met someone who seems like they have been primed for the gospel, that they are just WAITING for it to come into their lives. I've heard people tell stories like that - but to see that in action...it's fascinating!! He's made the decision to be baptized, but has some personal things to work out before that happens. I am so happy for him!

Catching up (yet again)

I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since I've blogged! Things have been so busy around here it's hard to keep everything straight! I've been doing good at keeping my facebook account updated, but not so great at the blog thing.

The kids and I had a wonderful Halloween weekend! Chuck (who was previously called Mr. C) came out for the weekend, stayed at Chris and Molly's house. We had a fun Halloween night, dressed up and took the kids to the trunk or treat. Made out with a decent stash (but not as much a previous years - YAY! LOL) Then we went back to the house for our annual watching of "Icabod Crane". Saturday morning we got up early and went on a road trip to Sequim. We did a lot of touristy sightseeing things and also attended a "berry battle". A friend of a friend owns a black berry farm, and once the cold weatehr moves in the berries aren't good for harvesting anymore. So, they throw a party - and throw berries! This years pictures aren't posted, but here is a link to some previous years pictures. It was a total blast, and not something that I plan to miss next year!

Sunday Chuck came to church with us. It couldn't have gone better if I had written a script for every person that he talked to...He'll be coming again this week, and is quite happy with everything he's learning so far. I couldn't be happier about that. :)

The kids are doing well in school - parent teacher conferences were good. It was interesting to go to a jr. high conference! They organize it quite well, I was impressed. Ausitn is, as always, getting all A's. Brian is doing good, although has started to slack a little and I have to remember to remind him more often about assignments. Austin has me spoiled. Kait is doing good too! She's improving on a lot of things that have always been a struggle for her, and I'm excited that her teacher has an interest in helping her, more than her previous teacher did.

Basketball season has started as well. Brian is on a intermural team for the school and currently only has practice/scrimage games once a week. Austin just spent the last week doing basketball tryouts for the school and the team list was posted yesterday - HE MADE THE TEAM!! It sounds like he'll be having practice every day after school, and sometimes on Saturdays! Can you say "HOLY BUSY SCHEDULE"? But - I love it. Watching the boys play basketball is one of my favorite things to do. It is something that I get to share with them, something I know something about! LOL

And with that, I'm off to start another busy weekend! :)

Busy Weekend

It's been another busy - but fun! - weekend! Hans had the kids again this weekend, so I made plans and kept really busy!

Friday I got to go to Wild Waves for their "Fright Fest" thing that they do. I had gotten free tickets to it back when I bought the season passes to the Puyallup Fair, and I found them in my wallet the other day. It made for a good first date with Mr. D. It was a fun time, the date went good and we'll most likely do something again.

Saturday morning I got up and went to work a side job with Chris and Molly. They're building a fence out in Poulsbo (I never remember how to spell the name of that town...but you know where I mean! LOL). It was a day of hard work and heavy lifting, but it went pretty good. We got all the fence posts set (dug out and concrete poured). It was a beautiful day, and a beautiful area to work in. On our drive out, I had to stop to get pictures of some of the trees. One of these days I'll remember to actually take my real camera places with me so I can get even better pictures - but for now, the pictures from the phone will do!


Mixing concrete by hand...so fun!! LOL I think we mixed 10 bags total.

We had to get the concrete down these STEEP steps.






Saturday night I went over to the Mid-Singles game night that they do monthy out in Factoria (about an hour drive). 3 of the people I ment last weekend at the conference were going too (from Bremerton) so we all carpooled over there. It was pretty fun! It's been great to start making friends with some single people in my area! I didn't get back until late, and between being so tired and being sore from working yesterday, and not having the kids I slept in this morning and missed church...oops! It's been good though to have a day of peace and quiet, to just relax and to just BE.

My busy weekend

So - after totally dreading my first weekend without my kids (did I mention that Hans is home now? yea...he is. Lucky me.) it turned out that it all went way better than I'd expected it to. I made lots of plans, and kept pretty busy, and I did just fine. :)

I dropped the kids off at school Friday morning and headed out to spend the day with Mr. C. We had some general plans to spend the day together, but didn't have any specifics in mind. Turns out, we don't need specifics. We spent the day running around, visited and walked through a beautiful park, played on a playground, went to NW Trek, and did some general sight seeing. It was a wonderful day. Here are some pictures. (Twice in one week I've gotten pictures loaded on to the blog within a week of taking them! Wa hoo!)







Saturday was our stake (well, tri-stake) Single Adult conference. After going to the SA (single adult) dance last month, where I was the only one there that was under 50 or 60 (and there were only 10 people...) I was kinda dreading going to the conference. I'd promised myself that I'd go though so that I could support the SA program. Besides that, I didn't have anything else going on that day anyway, and I figured I'd try it out. It was very well advertised, and I'm friends with one of the people in charge of putting it on, and I wanted to support her too. So, I went. It started at 8:30 in the morning, and (including the dance) went to 11 pm. I met a lot of fun people - again mostly older people - but they were a lot of fun. The classes and speakers were wonderful. During dinner, I noticed a friend of mine (my age even!) sitting with a group of other people my age, so I went up to say hello. Turns out that they were heading out to meet a group of mid-singles in Seattle for a haunted house activity and invited me to join them. They were car pooling and had room for me. Since the kids weren't coming back till the morning, I decided to be brave and join them! I'm so glad I did!! I'm not one for haunted houses - well, I'd never done one before so I didn't really know if I was or not - I could take it or leave it, but it was pretty cool. But the best part was seeing almost 50 people around my age. I'd gotten to feel like I was the only one in the area in my situation. And while I didn't meet any one from Port Orchard, I did meet 5 people from Bremerton, which is close enough for me! And, I found out about some more fun activities that are going on that the group is going to! After the haunted house we went to dinner/dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. I didn't get home till about 2 am!!

It was a great weekend! Over way too fast. But - Hans has the kids again this weekend and I've got some more plans that ought to keep me busy again. But first - I have to get through the busy week!

Our Colombus Day Holiday

The kids didn't have school on Monday - it was Colombus Day. I've been wanting to take them to a corn maze/pumpkin patch type place this year. It is something we've never done, and I've always wanted to do. I realized over the weekend though that with Hans coming home this week that I wouldn't have another weekend with the kids till after Halloween (I'm being nice and letting him have 2 in a row since he's been gone so long, and is busy the next weekend). So - it turned out perfectly that Monday was a day off school! We had a blast! We did a corn maze, pumpking patch, slides, monster truck rides - it was a very cool farm! We also got to visit a fish hatchery, buy a fresh out of the water salmon and BBQ it up. It was a very very fun day!!

And - don't be too surprised - I took pictures, AND I'm posting them to the blog within the week of the event!!! Miracle of miracles!!








This is what the corn maze was shapped to be - it was 13 acres!! A total blast! We took walkie talkie type radios so the boys could run through on their own and not get too lost.

I've been accused...

So, I've been accused of not blogging. And the verdict is in: Guilty as charged!

Things have continued to be busy around here. With mom here for just over a month, we've been keeping busy doing all sorts of things. And my dad was here too! He had to have some business meetings up at Keyport, so he got to come for a visit. He was here from Sunday to Thursday - he and mom flew home to Tucson together. While he was here the 3 of us made it over to the Eastside twice. The first time was on Monday for mom's birthday. We drove around to Edmonds where mom and I did a bit of shopping while dad had a meeting. Then we drove around the Bellevue and Kirkland areas - down memory lane! We saw the house that I grew up in (almost 15 years in the same house!!) as well as all the fun old neighborhood things we used to do. The second time we went to Seattle. We rode the ferry over and then walked around downtown, including the Pike Place Market. I love it there!!

I also failed to blog about my trip to see Phantom of the Opera!! Holy cow, what an experience!! I'd never seen it before, but man oh man, was it good!! The guy that I met while I was working at the fair (you mean I didn't blog about him either?!?) took me, and mom came along as well. It was a wonderful evening!

Ok - catching up on the guy from the fair: Mr. C . He was a security guard at the stage where mom and I worked during the fair. Since we are there all the time, we got to know each other a bit, and have continued to talk since the fair. We planned the trip to the Opera since I'd never seen it, and have always wanted to - and mom really wanted to go too! It worked out good!

I've also got a date set up for next week with Mr. J. - someone I met online. We've chatted a few times, and we're going to see the BYU dancers! (any of you going?? Maybe we'll run into you!)

As for the others - Mr. D still calls every night. If I were in AZ or he were here, we'd most likely spend quite a bit of time together. I have very much enjoyed getting to know him - and while only being able to talk on the phone isn't near what getting to know someone in person is, I have gotten to know him quite well. We've talked quite a few times about getting him up here, or me down there so that we can have some more time together, actually in person.

With all that being said, it feels so weird to be dating and getting to know so many people...There is a part of me kinda guilty. I know I've been counseled to date lots of people, it just feels weird to actually be doing it. It feels quite awkward to be upfront with people, and yet it feels wrong not to.

So, that's the latest update. And now I can plead Not Guilty of not blogging! YAY!

Tagged..

The "rules" of the game are as follows:
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write 6 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
4. If you're tagged, DO IT and pass on the tag.

So, 6 random things about myself...

1. I love to crunch ice. I'm sure you've all seen me do it.

2. I love to eat breakfast, but I HATE to make it.

3. I HATE to unload the dishwasher. Couldn't tell you why, but it's my least favorite chore...

4. I can say the alphabet backwards.

5. I'd rather talk about you than about me...thinking up this stuff is hard! :P

6. I love snowmen.

Now to tag 6 people...OK, here goes.

1. Tif
2. Flee
3. Laura
4. Tina
5. Molly (come on, BLOG! you know you want to!!) :P
6. Chelle (I didn't know you read my blog, or even had a blog!! Hi girl!) :)

Don't take it for granted...

I'm busy reflecting a lot today. It's been an interesting weekend - full of ups and downs. I got news yesterday that one of my friends husband passed away. It was shocking news, even though he was an older man and has struggled with some health issues for the last few years. Today, I get the news that another friends husband passed away. He was only about 28...(and leaves behind his wife and two daughters (6 and 4).

Take a moment - SOON, NOW! - to tell the people in your life that you love them. Take the moments with your parents, your children, family and friends to hug and to touch - to be connected to people. It can end so quickly, and we all take it for granted way too often.

Let me take a moment to tell you all how much I value your friendship. How much I am grateful for you in my life. How much I enjoy being connected to you, knowing you, talking to you, sharing my life with you. I wish that I lived closer, had more time, could see you all every day and have that hug, that touch, that time...

Value what most needs valuing. The "stuff" in our lives don't mean as much as the people. We (me included) need to remember that much much more often...

Puyallup Fair Pics!

Ok! I finally got the pictures transfered from my camera and phone to the computer! Go me! It didn't even take me a week!!

Here are some of the pictures from the fair!


This is Mom, me, Travis, Molly. Dr. Travis Fox - the hypnotist that we work with at the fair. He's pretty awesome!



One of the two silly cowboys that help entertain the crowd before the show. People come about 30-60 minutes before the shows to get good seats.

Turkeys!

The Billy and the Hillbillies Show. There were 5 guys that performed a variety of music for the show. The piano player is amazing. I got to know him a little bit this year, and look forward to seeing them all agian next year!

I'm sad that it's over...It's a great group of people, and it gets to be like a big family. I can't believe I won't be seeing them for another year. But, what a great set of memories!! It is one of the best times EVER! :)

Bad blogger

So I haven't been a very good blogger type person lately...but don't feel bad - I haven't done much of anything lately! Except the Puyallup Fair!

I think going to the fair is one of my favorite things to do. I love this time of year - especially when the weather holds out and we don't get rain there. This was my 6th year in a row going - and it gets better and better every time. Mainly because I've gotten to know more and more people every time. I started a few years back working with one of the free shows - Travis Fox, the hypnotist. Mom is always here at that time - both for my bday and for the fair, so she helps work with him too. We do some general meet and greet type stuff, hand out things, help sell stuff after the show - just a "whatever you need" kinda job. This year we were able to go more often than we have in any of the previous years, and it was just a blast. We're exhausted, and glad it's over, but also sad it's over. In many ways, the people that work at the fair are one big family... It's hard to let them all go at the end, knowing it will be a year before you get to see them again.

Other than that, well...there is no other than that! The last few days mom and I have been going early and coming home late. We've not made it to bed before 1 am the last few days, and we've had to be up by 6:30. Mom's sleeping in this morning (no fair!) and I'm getting kids off and ready for school. I think it will be the kinda day where I skip basketball and take a nap instead. Especially since it's nice and dark grey out, raining, providing the perfect napping conditions. *giggle*

Blog Slacker

So I've been a slacker - at least where the blog is concerned. Everywhere else - not a slacker! Things have continued to be pretty busy around here. You'd think after being gone for 2 months there wouldn't be much to do, right??

The kids had a great first day of school. Austin was nervous, as he started Jr. High this year - and the school is quite large in comparison with an elementary school. That and he has 6 classes, plus homeroom and they don't go to all 6 classes everyday - there is a 3 day rotation, and it's kinda hard to keep things straight...He seems to have gotten the hang of it though, and he's going on as usuall. He'd bummed that he doesnt' have any classes or any lunch periods with his best friend. Brian got the same teacher this year that he had last year - and basically the same class! The teacher moved up with the whole class! She's pretty awesome, and I like that I already have a working relationship with the teacher, and that she knows me and Brian both already. It makes for quite the smooth transition. Kait started 1st grade! She seems to be enjoying things so far, but she has always been a pretty easy going and very social butterfly. We'll see how she does when it comes the whole learning thing. She's always been stubborn about that. Hopefully the teacher is patient and will be able to find a style that suits little miss.

Since the kids are in school all day - that leaves me to lounge on the couch, watch soap operas and eat bon bons all day. NOT! I only wish that there was that kind of free time in the day! HA! I've kept pretty busy doing housework and shopping and putting the house in order after being gone for 2 months.

I glad to be exercising again. 2 months off has left me a little more out of shape than I'd like to be. After the whole cancer thing, and getting my meds situated it's been about 9-10 months since I've done much of anything active. So, I walk the kids to school each day. If I remember right, it's about a half a mile. I've decided that my heart and lungs need a workout too - so I'm starting to run home. I can't actually run the whole way home (how sad is that?!) but I'm starting with what I can do. Friday was my first day of this, and today I actually made it farther than I did on Friday already. I've made myself commit to at least 2 weeks and if I'm not dead by then, I'll assess how I like it. I've never been a runner, but it's always something I've thought about. It would be good for my heart and my lungs - they need the work out.

I also started up basketball again! Friday was my first day back at that. Nope - it didn't kill me, but I thought maybe it was going to! It was great to see all the old faces, and even some new ones. (I missed you Heidi though!!! Get that knee back to working order and get back to basketball!) I made a few baskets, which surprised me. Today was great as well. Didn't wind my quite as much as on Friday. Hopefully my body will get back into the feel of the exercise and I'll get back to just enjoying it rather than having it be work.

Mom is coming up tomorrow! She's making her annual trip for my birthday and the Puyallup Fair. I'm excited. I've missed her!! We're not sure how long she's staying - Dad bought her a one way ticket! I think they are hoping that we'll figure something out with my house and she can just drive back to Tucson with me and my stuff! LOL

Last but not least - dating. There doesn't seem to be any single guys (my age anyway) around here. Or none that I've heard of yet. LOL However, I am fine with this. With as busy as I've been I wouldnt' have time to date anyone anyway. And secondly, I'm pretty happy with how things are going with the people I met while I was on vacation. Here's where things stand:

-Mr. D and I talk every day, some times a few times. And we text back and forth throughout the day as well. He's mentioned possibly coming up here to see me, which I would be thrilled about. He's very sweet, and I've very much enjoyed getting to know him.

-Mr. T and I talk every few days. Sometimes by phone, sometimes by instant message on the computer. He's been busy with work and some legal stuff in regards to his kids. I'm wondering if things are settling into a good friendship rather than a dating kind of situation. He doesn't seem interested quite as much as he did before.

-Mr. L and I talk every week or so. There are text messages here and there.

-Mr. N and I text here and there, but I knew before I left Tucson this was just a friendship situation.

-Mr. B falls into the category of "won't date again but wouldnt mind being frineds with". The 2 other first dates that I had in UT (that I didnt' even get to blog about) also fall into this category...or maybe in just a plain "won't date again, period" category. That would be Mr. S and Mr. J.

And that concludes the soap opera known as the life of Jori! LOL

I didn't think it was possible

but apparently it is! I have been home for 3 full days now. Only 3 days (and really Sunday doesn't count, cause it was Sunday...) and I have all the school shopping done. I have every supply on the list - even though WalMart was out of pencils, paper and erassers (what's up with THAT?!). We even hit up Goodwill today for clothes shopping - good idea and bad idea all rolled into one. Turns out, on Labor Day, Goodwill has a sale going. $0.99 for the red tags items and 40% off everything else! Can you say CROWDED?? I dislike shopping anyway, especially with 3 kids in tow, but I DETEST shopping in a overly busy store - ESPECIALLY with 3 kids in tow...but, I braved the masses anyway, and came away with many spoils. I made out with 3 pairs of jeans and 3 shirts for Kait and a pair of jeans for Austin for a grand total of a whoppin $16 and change! HOLY COW. And, let me check - nope! I'm no more crazy than I was yesterday! YAY! We then had to brave WalMart to find Brian some jeans too, which we were successful at as well.

It's been a crazy busy weekend, running here and there and everywhere - but I'm pretty much happy at how it's all turned out! I've been more successful at getting everything done, with minimal stress, than I thought I'd be!

Tomorrow's list of things to do includes taking Austin to the Jr. High and getting his schedule and locker and such all figured out since we missed the actual orientation. He's nervous about it (so am I actually...my BABY is in 7th grade!!) but all should go well. I can't believe he's really that old...I couldn't ask for a better 12 year old. He's pretty special stuff!

Packing Day

Today is my last day of vacation. Today is packing day. Tomorrow night, after 8 weeks, I'll be in my own bed, in my own room, in my own house. Alone. And while there are parts of being home I'm looking forward to (friends!) there are parts I'm not looking forward to at all.

I have loved having this time to be with my family. I go through this every year when it's time for me to go home, but never quite as strongly as this time. Maybe it's because I was supposed to move here this summer rather than vacation, and I didn't expect to have to say good bye. But the thought of going home, and having an empty house with not much to do in the evenings is making me sad. I'm sure the normal routine of house work, and preparing for the next day will become normal again, and that I'll continue to be busy (aren't I always?) but it already feels lonely...

I can't believe that school starts for the kids next week. I have a LONG list of the needed school supplies that I'll have to get before they head off to school. I was gonna buy them all here and just pack them home, but since school starts earlier here, they aren't on sale anymore. I figure I'll most likely get better deals at home. Although I'm sure WalMart will be a mad house, and most of the supplies will be limited on what is left..*sigh*

I'm also really REALLY looking forward to playing basketball again!!! I was telling a friend about how I used to play, and that I really missed it - and realized that it's been 8 months since I've played! Since CHRISTMAS! I stopped just before the Christmas rush, then was diaganosed with the cancer, then surgery, then treatment, then recovery and medication level corrections so that I'd have energy again, then vacation - and poof - here we are! 8 months. Holy Cow! I can't wait to go again - even though I'm sure it's gonna kick my butt for weeks when I start up again.

Well, back to packing. The car doesn't pack it's self...

Holy Cow! Can it already be a week since I've been in UT? I forgot to write about being here, and I've been too busy towrite about my time her so far! Let's play the catch up game again!

I got my car back Tuesday night (the 12th) It's in great condition, and you can't tell that anything was every wrong. It drives great, and so far there haven't been any problems. The work is guarenteed for life, so if there are ever any problems they'll take care of it. I left for UT the following morning, bright and early. We went through Vegas, and stopped at the Hoover Dam. Took pictures, but they are on my phone (and I'm too lazy at the moment to get them off)

My time in UT has been busy. Things for my sister's sealing and reception are going good. We're pretty busy with "wedding"type plans. Between my sister, me and one of our good friends we're gonna make the wedding cake - we've done a practice cake, and it turned out pretty good. It's so much fun to be here with here, and help her get things ready.

Dating has been good too. I don't think I've said anythign about Mr. D yet. I met him at the FHE group. We got a chanceto go out once before I left. Both he and Mr. L have continued to keep in touch with me since I left. I've enjoyed getting to know them both.

Since I've been back in UT I've been able to see Mr. T again also. Things with him are good. He's had a pretty busy time with some things in his life, so we haven't gotten to go out quite as much as last time. I'm not sure exactly where things stand with us in a long term sense, but I imagine that we'll continue to talk after I head home, which I really look forward to.

And with that - we're off to the store for some last minute reception decorations and dress shopping! FUN!

On hold

So - my vacation is on hold - still. My car isn't finished. I was suposed to leave last Friday for Utah. Then my car was suposed to be done today so that I could leave first thing in the morning...NOPE! They got it all finished, took it for the test drive and all sorts of dashboard warning lights went off...so, it's back to work on the electrical system. I'm being patient because safety on my drive is my #1 concern - but I'd like to stop being on hold. I'm enjoying my time at mom's - a lot actually - but I'm also very ready to be in Utah, for a few different reasons. *wink*

Meanwhile, tonight is the singles FHE group. Because the car wasn't ready on Friday, I get to go tonight and say goodbye to the friends I've made here. I'll miss them. It's been good to meet so many fun people and after being around for as long as I've been here, I got kinda attached. I'm glad I at least have a chance to say goodbye though.

Tomorrow the car should be done, and Wed I should be on the road. *fingers crossed*

Quotes

I have, over the last few weeks, come across some fun quotes that I'd like to share (and also put in a place I can find them later if I forget about 'em!) Because of where I am in my life at the moment, I can really relate and enjoy these sayings.


*When life hands you lemons, make grape juice. Then sit back and watch the workd wonder how you did it!

*Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.

*Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

And, one just for fun:

*I really like when people roll their eyes and ignore me...so I became a mother.

Let's try this again...

I posted this earlier today - a good post with all sorts of details on the beach trip...some how blogger ate it, made me mad and I had to walk away. LOL I did get the collage right though - so that's a step up! =)

So - the beach trip. It was a BLAST! We were there for about 8 hours, and it wasn't enough for the kids! They had a wonderful time, and were NOT ready to go home. It was wonderful to watch them play, and to play with them (after my brother picked my up and drug me in! LOL) They have never been swimming at/in the ocean. We've BEEN to the ocean plenty - but in WA it's just too cold to swim in. Austin and Brian both figured out boogie boarding quickly, and loved every minute of it. They'd run out, attack the waves and ride 'em all the way in. Kait got more and more adventurous as the day went on, finally letting the surf toss her around a little bit.

Over all we had 16 people with us. Me and my kids, mom, grandma, uncle/aunt and their 3 kids, good friend and her 2 kids. We packed tons of food/water, and stayed for hours! Talk about fun in the sun!! Needless to say, I'll be coming home with quite the tan! =)

Another "catch up" post

Things have continued to be very busy, but very fun on this crazy vacation! I haven't been on the computer much at all, and haven't had a whole lot of time to sit down and post anything! So, we're doing the "catch up" (ketchup??) post again!

Last Tuesday, would have been July 29: Had a date with Mr. L again. Since our first date got kinda messed up from my car accident, we didn't get to mini-golfing like we'd wanted to, so this was our plan for the night. We ate dinner first, and then headed for the course. Pretty fun evening.

Wed: I got up early and met Mr. N (yes, we finally got around to meeting up after a few emails and text messages) at his house for breakfast. He likes to cook and I learned how to make crepes! They look hard - but aren't really! I'm gonna have to try it out on my own, see how I do. After getting home from breakfast I packed up and mom and the kids and I headed out for California to visit my grandparents and an Uncle/Aunt/cousins. We stopped in Phoenix to pick up my brother and my niece (his wife stayed home with the baby) and were on our way again. 7 hours in the car...

Thursday: play day at Grandmas!

Friday: Beach day - I'll have to make a separate post about this, as I have pictures and fun things to say. =)

Saturday: I got to go see WICKED!!!!! Holy Moly! I loved it! I have only been to one or two plays, and I have to change that pattern. How fun! I've been dying to go for quite some time now. Mom gave me the soundtrack for Christmas, and I've loved the music. I'm really glad I got to know all the songs before seeing the play - I think it made it easier to understand all that was going on so that I could just enjoy the story rather than focus on what the words of the song were. I loved it and would go again in a heart beat!

Sunday: travel home day. Got to Phoenix and stopped to drop off my brother/niece and stayed for dinner. Aunt/Uncle/Cousins came to see us also. It's amazing what a year will do! The kids are so grown up it's amazing! And it's been SO good to see everyone. Makes the millions of hours in the car worth it!!

Monday: Glad to be home and out of the car!!

My car should be finished on Friday, or so they tell me. Hopefully there will be no last minute things to fix, and they can have it done. I should be leaving for UT again this weekend. My trip has been extended a bit as my sister and her family are going to be sealed in the temple on the 22nd!!!!! I can't tell you how excited I am for them - and so excited to be going to help with all the "wedding" prep. They didn't really get a wedding - so this time they are going to have the reception and everything! I get to go help out! I can't wait to get back up there. I'm gonna be busy with wedding stuff and I already have quite a few plans made with Mr. T!! I'm never gonna want to go home...

I remembered that I forgot...

Friday, I get the mail here at mom's. I'm having my mail forwarded here, since I kinda have to pay the bills while I'm gone (blech!) so it's no surprise that there's stuff for me. I open my credit card statement, and WHAMO - $2500 in new charges this month - which is pretty amazing...seeing as I never use that card... Guess what? Yup. More fraud crap! I spoke with them again today, and it is continuing to be dealt with. I don't have to do any more on it - they will just handle things and fix it up.

What was it I was saying yesterday about being joyfully overwhelmed?? Yea...

I also heard from the body shop that has my car today. They have started the "tear down" process, and there are a few things that could make quite a difference in the time that it takes to fix, but they won't know untill it is completely torn down. Best case is 8 days. If they find a few other things, that take quite a bit to fix, we could be looking at 3-4 weeks... I'm suposed to be heading for my sisters house in 11 days...

I'm having quite the struggle with myself over putting things in the Lord's hands. I know that is where my life is. I know that He is guiding things, guiding me. But, I also have schedules to keep, and things that I need to be doing...and the guiding - it just doesn't seem to fit in with what it is I'm suposed to be doing...It is getting ever harder to see the end from the beginning, and while I'm completely at peace with turning my life over to the Lord, I'd really like (after 2 months!)to see what direction it is that I'm heading in... I'm not asking for ALL the answers...just a few! LOL

Really, though, I'm in good spirits. I am having a fun vacation, despite all the garbage that is going on. I'm loving being close to my family and we're doing lots of fun things. Going home is going to be so hard...

Joyfully Overwhelmed

That is the phrase that was pretty throughly discussed in Relief Society today. I really like that phrase. It seems to be the theme for my life over the last few year - and I hope that I have lived up to the "joyfully" part more so than the "overwhelmed" part. I try anyway.

Sacrament meeting was all about prayer - some fun, and spirit filled speakers. I very much enjoyed listening today. And, for the closing song - Hymn # 142, Secret Prayer - which I've heard many many times. Today though, for whatever reason, the words hit home much more strongly than they have before...

He bids me seek His face, believe his words and trust His grace
I'll cast on Him my every care and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer.

Cast on Him every care. In this time of my life, where I have many paths to choose, many decissions to make for my life and the life of my children, when I have many "cares"...How blessed I am that I know that I have a loving, gentle, Father in Heaven that loves me, that guides me and comforts me. How very blessed I am.

There's no possible way...

There is no possible way to catch up on everything that has happened in the last 3 days...so - you'll get the very condensed version...

Monday: Dad falls off a 10 foot scaffolding, spends the evening in the ER with mom. results are a cracked open head with 5 stitches (you could see the skull!) a probable cracked rib and multiple cuts and brusies from landing in the rose bushes...he's fine, he says, and will be back to work on Monday. Also, Monday night was the FHE group, that I eneded up going to. The swing dancing was not what I expecd, but was mostly fun anyway, although short. We played games afterwards, and had a very enjoyable evening. Mr. B was there.

Tuesday: Normal day, date with Mr. B in the evening. A drive up towards the mountians for a very enjoyable evening. It was fun. General invitation to see him again.

Wenesday: Mr. L calls for a date for tonight. On the way to meet him for dinner I was in a car accident. The situation was IDENTICAL to what happened last may in my Matrix...down to the kind of cars involved. I am fine. Mad at myself, and totally embarassed. I had to call Mr. L to let him know I wouldn't be making dinner...and he offered to come rescue me. Mom is already on her way, but he wanted to come anyway. After dealing with all the insurance crap and waiting for the tow truck (yes, my car is bad enough it won't move...) mom goes home and Mr. L and I go out for our dinner date. How completely embarrassing to meet someone for the first time while you are totally bawling...I'm quite mortified - and impressed that he'd stil want to take me out. He was fun to be around and quite the needed distraction after the accident.

Today, Thursday: It's still early. LOL I'm sore in a few spots from the accident, but overall just really not looking forward to the insurance headache all over again. Shouldn't there be a rule about not having so much on one's plate??? Haven't I wondered that very thing for 2 years now?

On a side note, I have continued to talk with Mr. T every day I've been here. If I had to pick a favorite of the guys I've met so far, Mr. T would win hands down, no questions. I really love talking to him, and love that he calls every night. I could spend hours on the phone with him (and often do!)

As for future plans - it seems I have something scheduled every night! Tonight is a singles diner/movie night, and Friday night is a singles party. And of course, many phone calls to deal with car crap. Oh, joy!

Busy havin fun!

All in all, I'm having a blast. Being here with family has been wonderful. My brother and sister in law left yesterday afternoon to go home. Kait misses her cousins already, but we've got a tenitive trip to Mesa/Phoenix planned so they can see eachother again. Swimming everyday has been great as well. The kids have gotten so much better about being in the water, it's great. I took a picture of the pool, doesn't it make ya wanna come visit?? Kait is the one up on the slide, Austin and Brian are toward the back, Mom and my neice are closest to the camera.



Things with Mr. L haven't worked out yet. He called me and we talked for a while about different things here and there. Turns out he was busy working this weekend. I thought the conversation went well, so we'll see if he actually calls back. No sweat if he doesn't.

Meanwhile, I called the RS pres here in town to get hooked up with whatever the singles activities are around here. After a few phone calls to this person and that person, I got hooked up with a gal in Mom's ward, and went out to an activity Sat. night. It was a Kabob BBQ, which turned out to be pretty fun! There were actually more guys there than gals, which is pretty surprising. Most of them fell into the "over 30, never been married, and you can tell why" category (I hate to sound judgemental..) but there was one that had some potential - we'll call him Mr. B (heaven help me if I run into a guy with the same first initial as the one's I'm already writing about! LOL) It was just a general "get to know you" kinda thing. The BBQ was fun - a lot of fun people to be around, potential or not. I got invited to all the other activities that they are doing this week - dinner on Sunday, FHE on Monday and a party on Friday.

Dinner last night was also a blast. More comfortable because I already knew half the people. Got to meet another gal and about 6 more guys. 2 of 'em left early, one spent a bunch of time on the computer there rather than with the people, and I can't even tell you what happened to the others...A group of us played Uno Attack - which if you haven't tried (and you like Uno) you should! It was fun. Mr. B was there again. After it got dark, a gal (Ms. S), Mr. B and I climbed the stairs to the roof for an excellent view of the setting sun. Very pretty! Turns out Ms. S and Mr. B are good friends. They've come to both activities together, and seem to do quite a bit of fun things together. They don't seem to be "together" though... After it was almost too dark to see our way down, we got a few flashlights out of the cars, and went looking for creepy crawly things in the dark. Gila monsters apparently come out, as well as tarantulas, scorpions, lizards and all sorts of bugs. Fascinating stuff - if you don't mind the eww factor.

We came upon 4 different tarantualas - I even touched one! *wiggle, squirm* - a lizard, a frog and tons of crickets and cockroaches. No gila monsters or scorpions.





I still wish I knew how to get the pictures to go side by side so they take up less space...grrrr

Anywho - those are some of the critters we found. It was quite fun. After I got home, Mr. T called to say goodnight, and we talked for a bit. And after we got off, I had a text from Mr. B saying that he had a good time. I wrote back that I did also. He asked if I was still awake enough that he could call, and I was, so he did. We talked for a short while, just getting to know eachother a bit. Sounds like he'll be at the FHE tonight - which is a swing dancing thing (LOVE IT!!!!) so there may be more stories to tell. =)

Arizona is HOT!

So - I left my sister's yesterday and traveled to Mom's. Another 13 hour drive under my belt - YAY fun. NOT. Really, it wasn't that bad - it's just not FUN. We made it safe and sound. It was 112 at it's hottest on the drive. Thank heavens for A/C.

Things with Mr. T are still going very well. It was hard to say goodbye, but knowing I'll be back there in just under 4 weeks gives us both something to look forward to! =)

I've also got another guy wanting to take me out while I'm here at Mom's! We're in the planning stage of the whole date thing, but it sounds like it might be as soon as this weekend. We'll call him Mr. L. It will be interesting to see a 3rd person and see where on the "comfortable" scale he fits. After the first guy being so (SO SO SO!) awkward and the second being so (SO SO SO) easy to talk to, I am curious how it all will go.

On a very sad note, my dog Cody passed away yesterday. =( He has been dealing fairly well with the diabeties that he was diaganosed with a few months ago, but within a 24 hour period he went down hill fast. From what I've read, it looks like kidney failure...He spent the day throwing up and very lethargic, and passed away on our way to mom's. He's now burried in the back yard (along with other beloved pets) and no longer in any pain/suffering. He was the best dog I've ever had - or ever seen anyone have for that matter.

Time moves too fast

It has been a very fast moving, very busy - very FUN week!

I am still at my sister's house. I only have a few days left here before I head to mom and dad's for about a month, then I get to come back for about a week on my way home. YAY!

I've seen quite a bit of Mr. T. Things are still going really well. He's been quite wonderful to be around, and I've very much enjoyed getting to know him. Here's my favorite picture of him. I think it's from about a year ago, so his hair is a little different and his gotee was gone last week, but he's growing it again (cause I said I liked it...hehe)



We've enjoyed challenging eachother to Mario Kart, dinner dates, phone calls, movies...it's been a lot of fun! It's hard to believe that my time is almost up...

Being with my sister has also been a blast. We've enjoyed swapping clothes and shoes - we're the same size!!! That's never really happened ever before, so it's been a lot of fun! We've gone shopping and gotten me a new outfit or two. We've done make up and movies, games and just general girly chit chat.

I've also been exploring job opportunities, both here in the Provo/Salt Lake area and in Tucson. I'm just browsing, trying to take an active role in guiding my life somewhere, rather than just being "stuck" somewhere. I've found some interesting adds, but I'm finding myself terrified at even attempting to make up a resume...what would it say on it? "Hi, I'm Jori...I haven't worked in 13 years, I have no schooling and no experience. Hire me!"

I know I have marketable skills - I'm good on the comptuer, I type 65+ words per minute, I am a very fast learner, I'm pretty self motivated...I know I'm good at a lot of things - but I guess I lack in the "selling myself" department. I don't have a clue how to convince someone I don't know that I'd be worth their time and money...

*thoughtful sigh* can it really only have been a week since I left my life behind to come on this vacation??

I love my kids!

Yesterday was fast Sunday. The boys fasted as usual, even though it was harder because of not being in our usual situation and there were 4 little ones eating right in front of them. They were strong and did a great job.

Before we left I asked Austin if he was going to help pass the sacrament. He comented that he was a little nervous, and that maybe they did it differetnly at this place. We talked about how the way they organized things might have been different, but that it would all basically be the same. I left it up to him to decide, telling him it was perfectly fine either way. When we got there, the chapel was just the same (fancy that) as usual, but the sacrament table was on the opposite side of the room than in our building. We filled into a row and got all situated. Ausitn didn't make a move at first, but then, without asking, went to greet the people who were preparing the sacrament and got the scoop on how it all worked. And, it all worked out just fine. He didn't even seem nervous or anything.

Then, to add to the "proud mama" moments, all 3 of them bore their testimonies. I knew that they were comfortable doing that at home, but to see them do it, without nervousness, in a strange place, in front of strangers was just wonderful.

And, if that wasn't enough "proud mama" moments - after church my brother in law took Austin out collecting fast offerings. It was his first time - and how awesome that he got to go with family.

What a blessing these 3 sweet spirits are to me. I am so glad to be their mom. I am so proud of the little people they are becoming.

My kind of fireworks!

I'm exhausted! But it's all worth it!

I am having a blast here. It is wonderful to be around my sister and her family. Th kids are loving having cousins around, and it is so fun to be able to play with everyone all together.

I'm also having a blast going on dates! My new friend (we'll call him Mr. T (hehe)) and I have enjoyed each others company quite a bit since meeting on Thursday evening. He ended up joining our group of friends (it was my sister and her family (5 total) me and mine (4 total) my sisters friend and her daughter (2) and my brother in law's friend and his son (2) for a total of 13, plus Mr. T!) It was quite fun. We walked up and down the festival, it was kind of like a farmer's market without the fruit - or kinda like the Puyallup fair without the rides (and much smaller). Lots of little shops and a few food stands and such.

After the festival we went to my brother in laws friend's parent's house for a BBQ and fireworks. Mr. T had invited me to go to the drive in movie with him, his 2 sisters and their husband and boyfriend. So my sister ket all the kids for the fireworks and Mr. T and I headed out for the movies. It turns out that it was quite windy and there was a possibility of rain, so the plan changed to go to his parents house for games or a movie. Yup - I've met the parents already! LOL His sisters and their significant others were there as well and we ended up watching Mad Money - which was okay. Worth watching once, but not owning.

After the movie we went out back and laid out under the stars on the trampoline for a while, talking about all sorts of things. By the end of the evening we'd created our own fireworks. =)

Yesterday (Saturday) I got to see him briefly while he was in town doing temple work. The temple closest to his house was closed for cleaning, and the next closest one was the one a mile from my sisters house. How convenient! hehe We spent about an hour running a few errands he needed to do and then had to get going. But we got to talk on the phone again for a while.

It has been very nice getting to know him. I'm quite impressed how easily it has been to connect to and enjoy his company. I would have never guessed finding someone so like-able would be so easy! =)

Anyway - that's my story. =) We're set up for our next date on Monday night while I'm up his way visiting my ex mother in law. She's going to enjoy some time with the kids. We'll end up staying with her one night and then coming back to my sisters place.

I went on a date! *gasp*

And it was SO much fun!!

Ok, here's the scoop. I've been emailing this guy I "met" on an LDS singles site. He just happens to live in Salt Lake. I've talked to him a few times on the phone over the last week. He offered to take me out when I got here - and so, we ended up going out to dinner last night. (Oh, by the way - I made it to UT safely! LOL) My sister and her husband came with me so that meeting someone from online was safer. We ended up at Applebee's. We got there at about 6ish. When the waitress asked about the number of checks, he was very quick to claim mine. I was unsure of the dating rules and wasn't quite sure what to expect, so it was a nice surprise.

Dinner went really well. It was not awkward in anyway - very comfortable, he was easy to talk to and fun to be with. After meeting that guy for the temple trip last week and having things be so awkward, I wasn't expecting things to be so comfortable. We finished dinner and I kept expecting him to "need to get going" or something, but we sat there and chatted for about 4 hours! And then, we walked through the area. For those that know SLC - we were at "The Gateway". It was a beautiful evening - nice and warm.

He asked how long I was in town for, and when my answer was "another week" he offered to take me out again. =) We ended up leaving about 10:30 and heading home. (A 5 hour first date!!) Then, I got a text message from him, thanking me for a nice evening. I replied back the same, and he asked when he could see me again! Then, after another text or two, we talked on the phone for a few hours! I could have never imagined being so comfortable talking to someone...

So, I'd have to say, for a first official date - and a blind date at that - that things went very well! I'm not sure, but depending on how the day goes he may join us for our Fourth of July fun today.

Yet another trial...

I am either doing SO great that the Lord has seen fit to bless me with more learning and growth, or I'm totally failing and I'm in trouble for something or other.

I got up in a great mood this morning. Ready for a long, busy, hard working day. I had great plans for all the errands I needed to run and the things I needed to do to begin getting ready for vacation in a few days. One of the things I have to do before I leave is pay the bills. I log in to my bank site, where I do all my bill paying and my account is overdrawn by about $250! Yup, I am your newest victim of debit card fraud - or whatever you'd call it. Someone got the numbers off of my card and used it in a few places - one of which was to buy a $650 plane ticket!! I am out just over a thousand dollars. And I can't pay my bills. GRRRRRR

I spent all day working on things - between calling the bank, getting and printing email paperwork, filling it out and faxing it back, making more phone calls...The long and the short of it is that the bank will submit the dispute of charges to MasterCard, who will take it from there I guess...In the meantime I get a provisionary credit to my account (I'm not 100% sure exactly what that entails). Hopefully that will come in tomorrow so I can pay bills before I leave. My debit card has been canceled, so I can't use it on my trip.

I suppose, it could be worse, somehow...

My Weekend

I didn't end up going to the dance here in town on Friday night. There were a few reasons, mainly though because I had better things to do. =) Some friends and I had rented movies from the night before that we didn't get to watch, and wanted to watch that night. One of those friends was leaving town the next morning, and we wanted to have the chance to play around all of us together. And lastly because we were all at the beach and had so much fun we didn't get home in time for me to go. All of that coupled with the whisperings I've heard throughout the year that our SA dances aren't all that great...

I did however go to the temple yesterday. As always it was beautiful, peaceful, and right where I needed to be. There was a group of 7 single adults there. They were all at least 10 years older than me...From the temple we went to dinner, which was nice. Some fun people. From there, I went to the "mid-singles" game night. BOY! What a surprise! There was about 30-40 people there! It is an activity where kids are welcome (which is good to know for next time) and there were tons of things to do. They had balls and toys for the kids, and tons of different board games and basketballs and such for the adults. I ended up playing "Battle of the Sexes" board game most of the night with some fun people. They were all very friendly, and I felt very comfortable, even though they all seemed to know eachother. I am wishing that that particular group of people lived closer so that the activities are closer...

All in all, a very fun night. Now, to take the toothpicks out of my eyes and head for church. I don't think I made it to bed till about 2!

"You're marriage is officially disolved"

Yup. That's what the judge said. It is over. Done. No more.

And, while there is sad part of it all - for what was, what used to be, what could have been - there is mostly a relief that it's over. No more paperwork, no more stress over getting it done. And a large part of excitement over what is ahead of me.

I explained to my mom today that it's like my life is "under construction". So much is changing, has changed or will be changing.

On that note - I had a job interview today! It kinda fell in my lap, and I may run with the opportunity, or I might not - we'll see. It is for a receptionist job for a friend of a friend who has a business that is needing all sorts of organization. Chris and Molly are going to be working for him too - so it's almost a family company! LOL The problem lies in that he might (or might not) need someone as early as next week! I told him of my vacation plans, but also let him know that I'd be willing to come home early (late July/early Aug) if he could wait that long. He wasn't sure exactly what/when he needed, and is taking the weekend to kinda figure some things out and will call me on Monday. I'm excited and nervous all at once. It kinda happened fast - and I wasn't even looking! But - it would be a great opportunity for me, especially since I haven't worked in 13 years! He's already ready to hire me, and it doesn't seem to matter that I haven't had a job in that long. Where else would I find that? Nothing is for sure yet - but, as I said - my life is under construction (which is kind of a funny analogy because this job would be for a construction company!) hehe

Also, my in laws (ex in laws I guess...) bailed on me this weekend. Sue isn't feeling so good from the latest round of Chemo, and needs to be resting. I totally understand that - but I was really really looking forward to having the weekend off. Especially THIS weekend. It won't be that bad actually - I've made arrangements for tomorrows temple/dinner/game night trip so that I can still go. I just had scheduled a few apointments for Monday and Tuesday, since the kids were gone. Now, Austin will just have to babysit a little. And - now they'll be home to help pack for the trip! We may even leave a day or two early...or maybe not. That is only a few days away!!! YIKES!

Feeling Single

I'm feeling very....single lately. Not just "marital status" singe, but a different, not fitting in kind of single. Maybe it's worse today because it's finally final (30 minutes till I have to be in court!), but I've kinda felt it for a while.

Let me insert here that it isn't anything anyone has done, but something that just happened. Kinda like when you're young, and getting married or having babies. You start to not have things in common with your friends anymore, and you kinda drift apart.

And, lets also not think I'm not excited to be in court today. After all the work to finish paperwork and get things settled, I'm beyond excited. It's just kind of leaves me with a sort of empty feeling too.

And - in answer to some questions I've had about my last post - hitting up the singles activities on the day/day after my divorce. Yes, I'm ready for that. I know it's probably kind of weird to think that the day I'm divorced that I'd be ready for dating...but I've been in this divorce process for a full year now. And, longer if you knew the ins and outs of the marriage I guess.

So, with that, I'm off to court. I'll try to post an update afterwards and let you know how it all went!

more updates

Ok - so I've been a really bad blogger lately. I'm sorry about that, but I do have a bunch of excuses! =)

As of now, it looks like we are not moving after all. Things with the house have not turned out as well as we'd need them to in order to sell it, and we couldn't rent it for enough to cover the payments on it. Esentially, we're stuck here - but I'm not upset about it. There is a part of me that wanted to stay anyway. =) And, as I've learned over the past year, I've just put my trust in the Lord, and let him shape my future.

So - rather than move, I'll be taking my yearly trip to UT/AZ. I am very much looking forward to going, and can't wait to get going!

But, here is the best news of all. The divorce hearing is on Friday! The paperwork is finished, signed and turned in. I have to be to the court house at 8:15 am (ICK!) and then it's a done deal. I'm nervous! I've never been to court before. They assure me it's easy, no big deal. The judge will just ask a few questions (I have to talk to him?!?) and the lawyer will be with me (so comforting to have an esential stranger!). After almost a full year of trying to get the paperwork done, it is hard to believe that it is over. It is so nice to have that burden off of my shoulders.

This weekend will be interesting. The divorce hearing is on Fri morning. The kids go with their grandparents on Friday afternoon for a trip to the Ocean, then a overnight stay at the new Great Wolf Lodge. I'm going to attend my first singles activities this weekend - a temple trip and dinner afterwards. I'm both totally excited and totally nervous to start this new phase of my life. I'm ready to meet new people, new friends. I've been "single" for a year now. It's very weird though to think of being on a date...I don't know how to date! LOL

So there ya have it - the latest updates on me! We're off to have a full, fun, summer day!

It has started!

So - I met with the realtor today. I like her a lot. And boy oh boy do I have my work cut out for me this week/weekend. The house will officially go on the market on Monday, and the broker walk through of the month will be on Tuesday...

I will have STRANGERS walking ALL OVER my house on TUESDSAY!!!!! AHHHHHHH (insert screams of terror!) LOL

So - this week/weekend will be spent packing and cleaning and doing all sorts of work. And, so I don't get scolded for not asking for help, let this be my announcement that I am not against having people (people I know...) come over and help out if they want. So - if you feel an overwhelming desire to pack and or clean someone else's house, consider yourself totally welcome to come visit! =)

Also, if any of the husbands out there feel an overwhelming desire to mow a lawn, or trim bushes/trees - I'm in the market for that as well. =)

I am hoping that if I bust my hiney this week, tackle all I can, and get it more and more better looking that it will sell fast and the headache will finally be over. Selling FAST (like tomorrow!?!) would really be the best thing. As much as I'm not looking forward to leaving, I am looking forward to starting the rest of my life. I feel like I've been on hold for so long, like I'm just waiting, holding my breath, waiting for "normal" to start. When the divorce is final, or the house is sold, or when we move, when I'm better from cancer...I'd just like to feel "normal" again.

Well, my 15 min. break is over. Back to work with me. =) Feel free to call me anytime - I'm sure I'll welcome the break!

Intentions

So - we all know I have great intentions for blogging...I just am not so good at the follow through. *sigh*

I intend to document Hawaii, and fill you all in on the fun I had. I took TONS of pictures, so eventually (ha ha) there should be picture loaded posts.

Since being home, I've taken off with great speed at catching up on life and the many balls I'm juggling. Hans and I (that's the almost ex, in case I hadn't ever said his name...) had a good sit down on Tuesday and got a lot of things hammered out. I can't say it all went GREAT, but it was productive and we go a lot dealt with. I have to get a bunch of stuff to the lawyers, ask some more questions, hammer a few more things out with Hans and then we should be set.

I've also made an oil change appointment for my car, an appointment for meeting a realtor for selling the house, made the kids dentist appointments for the ones I missed the day before I left for Hawaii (oops!), have Brian's orthodontist appointment today...on top of a whole bunch of other stuff.

Yesterday was spent in the ER (I think I'll just move to the hospital...). Tuesday Austin hurt his knee pretty bad on the trampoline. I was gone at the time (it was Hans's time with the kids). Apparently he was hopping up onto it (someone lost our step stool...) and landed just wrong on the inside of his right knee, right on the metal bar of the trampoline. Over the rest of the day it didn't get any better. He hobbled around, limping. Bending it seemed fine, but he couldn't (still can't) straighten it out at all - it makes him cry. For a kid with a pretty high pain tolerance, I was concerned. I told him to sleep on it, rest it up and see how it is in the morning. No changes...and he wanted to go to the doctors. I figure, it's a knee - pretty complicated set of bones/tendons/ligaments - and if screwed up and not fixed could be a potential problem for a long while. So, I call in. Turns out (I should know better by now!) that they don't give out regular doctor appointments for injuries that will most likely need an xray. They want me to go to the ER. *sigh* I tried, sort of, to convince Austin that it could wait a few days and see how it felt, but ultimately said it was his pain level and he had to tell me if it was worth the ER trip or not. All in all, the xrays were clean, no breaks. They called it a "deep bone bruise" and sent us home with crutches and Naproxen (glorified Motrin) for the pain/swelling. They said to just keep it rested, iced, elevated, and wait out the healing.

I'm really looking forward to the girl's luncheon we're having on Friday (is that really already tomorrow???). I've missed my friends, and feel like I'm so busy I'm barely having time to breathe lately. I'm impressed that I'm not feeling completely frazzled and crazy. Everything seems to (so far) be manageable, despite being crazy busy.

Oh yea - one last thing for now. I was reading my friend Tina's blog today, titled "Tender Mercies" and it reminded me I wanted to post about my own story of tender mercies. Yesterday, on the way home from the ER with Austin, since we were basically already in Silverdale we went up there to do an errand at the Verizon store. It ended up taking much longer than I expected (for various reasons) and we didn't get out of there until just after 3:00. I was nervous and anxious and worried about Brian walking home from school. Since he didn't know that we'd spent ALL DAY at the ER, he didn't know that Austin wouldn't be meeting him at their usual spot. Even if he figured that out and walked home alone, he'd get home and no one would be there. Since we'd switched to having no home phone, he'd not be able to call me to figure out what was going on. I was in the car, hurrying along as fast as possible with out speeding TOO fast...(5-10 over is okay when you're in a hurry, right??). Then my phone rang. It was Brian. I was shocked. Turns out, there is a lady that walks her daughter and my neighbors daughter home from school. She happened to see Brian still waiting for Austin, and offered to let him use her cell phone to call me to find out if I was coming to get him, or if he should walk home alone, or just what exactly the plan was. She'd also offered him a ride home so he didn't have to walk alone. *sigh/cry* I was able to let him know where I was, that I was on my way, and that I loved him! I am always so impressed, grateful, awed, delighted, inspired...(so many things!) to know how in tune our Father in Heaven is with our situations. I couldn't be more grateful for the tender mercies, the little tiny things, that make such a huge difference in my life.

(yes, I know I used the kids real names...It's been too long since I blogged that I forgot, and now I'm too lazy/busy to go back and change it all. So - we no longer have secret identies! LOL)

Me and My House

So - I have some jumbled thoughts, and since my mind is so busy trying to sort through everything I'm doing this week, it'll most likely just spill out of me in a similar jumbled up way. So - readers, beware! =)

Firstly, I am getting ready to head out for Hawaii. I've been getting ready for people to stay here (in-laws and the almost ex) and in my cleaning/organizing efforts, starting to pack things that aren't going to be in use for the next however long. My head is swimming with all the details of everything, and yet there is a over-ridding calm...

The other reason for my title today is on the spiritual side. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. I emailed the almost ex last night to communicate my expectations regarding alcohol being in my house while I am gone and he is staying here with the kids (and that would be that it doesn't enter the house.) He responded that he'd agree to that, but requested in return that I remove any religious materials and have them out of site. He would "just feel more comfortable if [he] didn't have to look at that stuff everywhere [he] turns while [he] is here" (italics added). *sigh*

For someone who wants so badly to be accepted for his beliefs, and not have anyone elses beliefs or ideas shoved down his throat (which is totally understandable!) he sure does his share of forcing others to (or trying to force others to) conform to how he wants things to be.

So, I responded, politely, and am now playing the waiting game on his response.

And, to fill the waiting time - it's hair cut time. Austin and Kait for sure - possibly me too!

Increased Dosage

YAY!!!

I had my 6 week blood work done on Friday to check my thyroid levels from being on the medications so that they could tell if I was getting enough of the thyroid horomone or not. I could have told them I wasn't. hehe. I probably told all of you I wasn't. The doc called today to inform me that he needs to increase my dose! YAY!! I'm so thrilled! I've never been more happy to be on medication! I'm curious to know how much he upped it - I'll have to let you know tomorrow when I pick it up. And - I'm really glad that it's getting upped before my trip. I really wanted to be feeling more "normal" before I left.

On another note - Molly has been trying to get me to go tanning before I leave so that while I'm gone spending so much time in the sun I won't fry. I found us some "1 week free" coupons for a place in town, so we went! I was a tanning virgin before tonight, so I was a bit nervous to go. Plus, I have such fair skin I didn't want to burn. And, I really don't want to look like a fake and bake pumpkin either... Overall it was no big deal. Just lay there for 8 minutes and then get up and go. Molly has different skin than me, so she goes for longer. We saw Marci there too! We're gonna all try and go together tomorrow.

Pots on the Stove

Why does there always have to be something to knock you off the horse after you get back up on it??

So - I've been busy lately. Partly from being getting stuff done, and partly from doing stuff to distract me from everything that has to be done. As the days come closer and closer for me to go on my vacation, I get more and more overwhelmed with all that I'm currently doing...

It's pretty much final that I'm moving to Arizona. Hopefully that will happen this summer - but there is a whole list of things that will have to work just perfectly for that to happen. Part of me has the faith that the pieces will just fall into place and it will just work - the other part of me says that it is completely IMPOSSIBLE for THAT many pieces to fall so perfectly into place...

I've also been getting a lot of questions about my divorce situation. No - it isn't final yet. I know, I know...pick your mouths up off the floor. Yes, I'm still dealing with that part of my life. No, the paperwork isn't finished yet. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I've pretty much decided to hire an attorney to do the paperwork for me. It will still be an uncontested divorce, where the almost ex and I still have to discuss and agree on everything - but we've basically got that finished up anyway - just a little is left on that. The paperwork is the hardest part. It is seriously (SERIOUSLY!) worse than filing your taxes. If anyone is curious - just ask - I have a whole binder full of paperwork you can look at. Anyway - I'm hoping that by hiring an attorney will relieve some of that stress and worry, and that the paperwork will get done (while I'm in Hawaii!!) and that the divorce can get finalized and what ever the new normal is will finally begin!

I've been doing some work on my house lately too - putting things away in a box here or there that I won't use, kinda cleaning and organizing and getting mentally ready. I am finding that I become very easily overwhelmed, and that walking into a room to do some work can lead to a almost panic attack at times. If I let my mind start to think about packing, which then leads to thoughts about moving, which leads to the details of moving (including money, which is a whole 'nother ball game!) which then leads to thoughts about selling a house (which is overwhelming just on it's own) and that can lead around to the divorce part of things, and paperwork, lawyers, conversations, agreements, visitation...the list seems to go on - and I can end up circling right back to the beginning and start all over again. With so many "pots on the stove" I don't know which one needs stirring when, or which is just about to boil over.

New Favorite Quotes

I've come across these 2 quotes over the last little while - and I have fallen in love with them. As things in my life continue to get busier and busier - and I feel more and more overwhelmed, I have enjoyed being able to pause, breathe, and read these words:

By Gordon B. Hinckley:

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry." I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. Put your trust in God and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us if we put our trust in Him. If we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers.

By George Q. Cannon:

Do not allow darkness and gloom to enter into your hearts. I want to give you a rule by which you may know that the spirit which you have is the right spirit. The spirit of God produces cheerfulness, joy, light and good feelings. Whenever you feel gloomy and despondent and are downcast, unless it be for your sins, you may know it is not the spirit of God which you ahve. Fight against it and drive it out of your heart. The spirit of God is a spirit of hope; it is not a spirit of gloom.


Aren't those nice??

April 5th??

Really? That was the last time I blogged?? I knew it had been a while, and I knew I felt behind - but WHOA!

So - a quick catch up of the month, now that it's the 29th...

We had a good spring break - which was covered a few post ago (the zoo trip).

I had a good surgery follow up appointment - everything looking good on the scar, although it is a little more irritated than she would like, but I get to go back again in a few more weeks to have it checked out again.

I took the kids to the Puyallup Spring Fair on Friday the 18th. It was military get in free day. It was also WASL testing in school, so I waited till after lunch/testing to take the kids out of school. I figured they deserved a break after all the hard stuff we've been through lately. We had a BLAST. What a wonderful day. I took my camera, pulled it out to get some fun pictures - and it says "no memory card"...I'd left it sitting on my desk after uploading pictures to the computer for blogging...SEE! I shouldn't post pictures! LOL So - no pictures of the fair. But we saw so many fun things. There was the Dock Dogs and Steve the Pretty Good (a magician who we saw last year at the fair and HAD to see again!). We of course had cotton candy and kettle corn. It was COLD out, and even SNOWED, but overall it was a wonderful day with my kids.

April 19th was Gabe's 12th b-day - we spent it with friends, just hanging out and playing games. He spent the night with some buddies and woke up to a wonderful Molly breakfast and a lazy, enjoyable, fun day.

Next came my trip to the vet for my dog Cody. Long story short, he has diabetes and now has to have insulin injections every day...It has been an interesting adventure.

The kids have been slightly sick, general cold type, for the last week or so, and this weekend I decided to catch it myself - only it hit me pretty hard. I spent Saturday on the couch - and most of Sunday too. Which, I'm sad to say, was Lucy's birthday. She kinda got jipped this year. I meant to decorate the house all up with streamers and balloons, but I just didn't have it in me. I did get presents wrapped and cake made - so it wasn't all bad, it just wasn't as great as I wanted it to be for her.

And that, I believe, catches us up for the month!

16 more days till I leave for my trip that I haven't really said much about. I'm excited, and not, all at the same time. I'm sad about leaving the kids for 2 weeks - I've never been gone from them for more than a weekend! And I'm nervous about all the logistics with the almost ex staying at the house while I'm gone. Then there is all the stuff I need to get done...it seems an ever growing list! But I am excited. I know I'll have a wonderful time, I know the kids will be fine. But I can't help but be a small part worry wart...