Really, I Have An Excuse

I have been a bad blogger, a bad friend, a bad everything you can name in the last 11 days. But, I really had a reason.

Sorry everyone, you're right, I didn't send out Christmas cards or you would have gotten one. Thanks to the friends (Cele), family (Cousin D - those girls are so stinking cute - and Aunt A, and Aunt N for the pretty centerpiece) and others who sent cards to us. I may do a "Happy New Year" card mailing, or it may just wait until next year.

I almost always send my cards last minute - the only exception being the year I was pregnant with Little Bit, and since he was due Christmas Day I had them done and out at Thanksgiving - that nesting thing was kicking in so I got a lot done early.

A series of things conspired this year to make me later than usual - and then real life stepped in with a bang.

First, a co-worker of mine lost her daughter four days shy of her fifth birthday - the week before Christmas. A freak thing, that no one could have predicted or expected.

While I don't know her extremely well, she is a lovely person and because of that, and because I can't imagine the pain of losing a child, it kind of threw me for a loop. It threw all of us at work for a loop, to be honest. They buried Audrey on her birthday. It just makes me sick thinking about it.

A couple of days before that, a girl I went to high school with, Kristin, died in a horrific car accident, and with her, her older sister. Again, I didn't know Kristin well, she was a year ahead of me in school and very quiet, but she was nice and we rode the bus together for years, so you kind of have a bond because riding around with Mrs. Fleenor was enough to bond anyone - it was kind of a like a POW camp. I'm sort of kidding. My Mom and Dad knew Kristen's parents and I knew her Mom - she was a lovely lady.

The reason they were driving to Twin Falls from Boise was to be with their Mom, because their Dad had just died. That day. In one swoop, this woman lost her entire family. She buried them the same day my co-worker buried her daughter.

So, I was a little distracted by all of this, more so than I probably should have been, but on Little Bit's birthday, December 21st (also known as Kristi's wedding anniversary), I was going to do the cards and get them out.

First, though, we were going to meet up with my friend Dana and her children, one of whom is just seven months older than LB, at Boondocks, or Wahooz or whatever they're calling it now, for video games, laser tag, mini golf and all that jazz. Big Bit was up for the first days of his Christmas break, so he was along for the ride.

The Husband had been complaining that his eye was watering the night before, and he kept complaining about it during the morning. He also made the comment to Big Bit (who had just gotten home from the dentist) that he felt like he'd had a shot of Novocain in his mouth. That was a little weird, so I suggested he get in to see his doctor. However, said doctor was fully booked and we were a little rudely told to go to an Urgent Care. TH wasn't in any pain or anything and felt fine, so we went to lunch first, then I was going to drop him at the Urgent Care close to where we were meeting Dana and go back to get him.

While we were driving after lunch, however, he suddenly said that we should drop the boys off and then go to the Urgent Care. He was a little snippy about it and frankly, I was a little annoyed. We got there, I paid for the boys' activities, said hi to Dana and that we'd be right back.

When I got back in the car, and asked him why I needed to go in with him, he said, "I think this is serious and I need you there." He hadn't said that before, so now I got scared. We went the three minutes to the Urgent Care, who got him right in - then took his blood pressure, looked at his face, which suddenly was kind of still on one side, and told me to get him to the Emergency Room, another five minutes away.

We got him out to the car, I made him lie down in the seat, and then I drove like a bat out of hell to the ER, while calling Dana to give her an update and to my Mom that I needed her to pick the boys up. Luckily, the hospital is a brand new one and not a lot of people realize it's there, so we got right in. All I could keep thinking were two things - a) I'm really not ready to be in the middle of a tragedy at the holidays(who is?) and b) It was Little Bit's 11th birthday and nothing could happen to TH on his birthday. It just couldn't.

As it turned out, we had a great ER doctor, who looked at TH right away and proclaimed he had Bell's Palsy. It's a condition that affects one side of your face, making you not able to move your muscles from your forhead to your chin, it's usually caused by a virus, similar to shingles and chicken pox, and it USUALLY goes away within a few weeks. No stroke, no heart attack (though I damned near had one during all this as you might imagine). Just a virus, and an inability to blink his left eye or smile on both sides of his mouth. Which is a bigger pain in the butt than you might think, but obviously better than the alternatives. He got some steroids and antivirals and an eyepatch. Arrr!

So, the rest of that day was a blur, then it was getting Big Bit on a plane back to Reno, back to work for me for a couple of days and then it was Christmas! At our house! With the stepmonster in law! Yay (/sarcasm)! (Actually, she was fairly low key, the gifts were only semi last minute, with no forethought whatsoever, and we had a good visit with TH's sister, brother in law and nephew). We got to see Cousin Steve before he jetted back to Seattle, too, so all in all it turned out well. And when I went to church Christmas Eve, you can bet I said "Thank You" to the guy(s) upstairs.

But I've had a lot to think about, and it wasn't Christmas cards. I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and that your New Year's is great too. I'm hoping mine is drama free. It's my fifteenth wedding anniversary and I would like to enjoy it.

Cheers!

The Speech

Okay, my political leanings aren't much of a secret. And I think that's okay. But, I really relate the following because I was so proud of Little Bit that I wanted to burst.

Mom: "Sweetie, did you watch the President's speech today in school?"

Little Bit: "Yes, Mom, we watched it during Music class."

Mom: "What did you think?" (secretly thinking he'd shrug his shoulders and say "whatever")

LB: "It was very interesting, Mom. Even the President, when he was little, felt alone and lonely at school, just like me, but he grew up to be President."

Mom: "Do you feel like that any more? Alone and lonely?"

LB: "Not here, Mom. I feel good here. And I liked that speech."

Awesome.

It's Finally Summer

I can tell summer is finally, finally, here. I'm actually outside much of the time, which wasn't the case in Utah (when you live in the 'burbs where it's 100 degrees or feels like it and there's no shade or real river to cool down in, you don't go out. Trust me). Therefore I'm not blogging much, or commenting on others much (but I do check them). Facebook updates are easy and quick and then I'm out the door again.

We are still working on the boys' bathroom (the project that will never end). I think it's getting done Sunday or TH will be banned from watching NASCAR. That ought to motivate him.

I've managed to sprain my ankle (getting up from lunch, it sucks to get old) and then resprain it walking to my car at work (did I mention it sucks to get old?) but I won't let it deter me from being out, walking, riding a bike etc. Which is probably why I sprained it again. I did buy a brace last night in a nod to getting old and needing to heal.

Our activities so far this summer? Little Bit got to go to an air show in...shudder...Utah. I didn't take him though (Pattie did)so he didn't experience the hives and hyperventilation that would have accompanied his mother's re-entry to the state. And he got to see Grandpa, Pattie and Jazzie in addition to other extended family types. He's enjoying his first real summer break ever.

Of course, TH, Big Bit and I got to see Rick Springfield as well as catch up with a couple of my old Reno friends, Alynn & Stephanie. That was fun. Unfortunately Rick didn't get as close as last time I saw him, so I don't have as good a picture. But Big Bit got to see a bunch of screaming 40 year olds pretend they were age 17 again. Which is never boring. I think he laughed a lot.






We got to see Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, which we hadn't in years.








Big Bit looks so grown up. I hate it.






We've been to the first two Alive After Fives. I absolutely love this event, which is free each Wednesday (at 5, duh) in downtown Boise and gives you the opportunity to listen to interesting music, watch VERY interesting people (the guy in the dress who dances the whole evening, for instance) and for Little Bit to get very, very wet. He almost got to be on the Channel 2 news as well except for the idiots showed the guy in the dress instead of cute kids.







The garden is planted (yay!) and the Irises have bloomed, and faded, but I did get some pictures.

And, we've been enjoying this new visitor to our house, however, the bush he prefers is losing its blossoms so we're going to have to put a feeder out. He's just too much fun to watch - I don't want to lose him.

How is your summer going so far?

Spring

Both because Cele said "show me your flowers" or something along those lines and because I'm going to start posting pics of the house as we get it closer to Housewarming, here's a picture of our backyard, well, part of it anyway.

The person who owned this house before us did a great job of landscaping and planting bulbs. I've never been patient enough to plant bulbs so this may be the last year the yard looks like this. But we'll see.

We're off to the Pinewood Derby tonight, Little Bit is fully prepared for his 2nd annual run for the money. Or the trophy. Whatever. As my sister Ms. Hyde says, "It's that time of year and we're all burned out on Scouts". I know I am, I will be glad when Little Bit shuts down for the Summer. This may cause a fainting spell, but other than the weird Mormon prayers, I kind of like how the Ward did it compared to how disorganized things are here. But no, we're not going to the local Ward Scout troop. I've heard enough Mormon prayers for a lifetime, thankyouverymuch.

Have a great weekend!

I Found The Camera Cable

Well, TH found it. Or maybe he just knew where it was all along. Whatevs. So, I've got some pictures to share:

This is the view a few hundred yards from our house. I like very much.



The animal conspiracy lives. This guy comes and eyes me while I'm eating lunch.


"Who you looking at, you?"



Actually, he's irritated because I bought a squirrel proof bird feeder for these guys:



Pretty, aren't they?



Big Bit was here this weekend, rocking the Zac Efron look. I guess it looks okay, but he sure is a nice looking kid without having to take the time to straighten his hair. You can see that Little Bit was happy to see him.





Little Bit took his first communion this weekend. It's not a "big deal" like it is in the Catholic church, but he had been thinking about it for quite a while, he has enough questions to stump a theology professor. Which is good, I guess, because it meant he'd put a lot of thought into doing the whole communion thing before he actually did it. I certainly don't claim to have all the answers, I just share what I believe with him and it kind of will go from there where it will go. His dad isn't into organized religion, so he definitely has an example of the fact that you can have a good marriage, be tolerant of each other's beliefs and so on.





Finally (because it's lunchtime and I have to go back to work, here's what goes on most of every afternoon in our yard - Siamese Cat vs. Ninja Squirrel. Who will win?


We'll find out....

Just Because They're Both So Stinking Cute

I don't especially like how my new cell phone's pictures come out. My Razr had much better quality, even though this is a newer phone. But, until I find my damn camera cable, this is how I post pictures. Maybe this weekend that newest magic box will be opened. At least I found Little Bit's Scout shirt in a box last weekend - finally - in time for his Blue and Gold Banquet tonight. Then he decided he wanted to switch to the Boy Scout shirt. Sigh. So, I had to break out the sewing machine as I do every year or so and figure out how it works all over again, but I got the patches on. How cool to sew an "Ore-Ida Council" patch on his shirt. He will get two pins towards his Webelos badge tonight - again, pictures coming if I can find that cable.

In the meantime, have a good weekend!

Must Keep Reminding Self

Kelly Clarkson has a point. (embedding disabled, sorry).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bap-oZI-Grc

News from foundinidaho

We've got some news to share, we do!

First - Homeboy made the Pro Bowl! Way to go Jordan!

http://www.idahostatesman.com/104/story/606361.html

Second - Little Bit turned in his last assignment before Christmas Break - a diorama for Idaho History about Native Americans. There were of course several tribes to pick from but he picked my favorite (without me saying a word) the Nez Perce. Yes, he actually did a lot of work on this including mapping out the locations, helping glue and build as well as placing the horses and people. Granted, the people were from the dollar store so they were pretty stereotypical of the old Wild West movies, but hey, they said to only spend $5 on the supplies (Yeah, Right). Tomorrow night we go back to Winter Garden Aglow for his Pack meeting, although I am suffering from an ear and sinus infection (boo!) and it's supposed to snow tomorrow night, if we don't go we'll never hear the end of it. Hopefully my face won't be swollen up tomorrow night like I've been sucker punched.

Big Bit arrives Saturday and we will make a day trip to see my Dad, Pattie and my Grandmother. Little Bit turns 10 Sunday (OMG) so Grandma will be around for a small party. Next year - big party in the New House, which we signed papers on today. Back in debt we go! I promise a big housewarming party in the spring when we can enjoy the back yard.

Hope you're all having a wonderful holiday season, particularly Mr. Thomas Wayne (newborn baby of Cousin N - now I'm down to TWO pregnant cousins) - I hear it snowed up your way dude, glad you got a first white Christmas as your cousin Rory did. Not that you care any more than he did but at least your Mom and Dad can get some cool pictures for the baby book.

We'll try and post some photos from London, we're taking the laptop but I'm not sure how that will all pan out. We bought tickets to Spamalot on Boxing Day yesterday. Can't wait to see the Killer Rabbit yet again.

Happy Holidays!

It's My Birthday!

I refuse to say how old I am, but suffice it to say that many years ago today a 4th generation Idahoan was born in "Twin" (that's for Shinshige) and it's quite nice to celebrate my day in Idaho again! Even if I have to work on my birthday for the first time in eons.

Thanks to Dad and Pattie for the gift card, Mom and the Aunt for watching Little Bit while TH was in Utah! Tonight - drinks and snacks at Murphy's with the gang and Big Bit arrives on the "big airplane" where he lives when he's not with us (that's what Little Bit used to think when he was a toddler. He'd see a Southwest jet, point at it and say "Bubba's up there").

Then on to Halloween! Seriously, can things get any better? Oh, yes, TH can get the job some guy at a software company contacted him about this week. It would be simply awesome, and at least it's lovely that someone contacted him when they heard he was coming back because they had a job in mind. A nice compliment.

Have a good day everyone!

BatKid! And More.

BatKid was out in full force this weekend in anticipation of his Boo at the Zoo haul. We didn't get to spend as much time there as we hoped, but we scored a year membership, so we'll be back to see more of the animals.

Many years ago, we began going to Boo at the Zoo, taking Big Bit in his Simba costume (Lion King) etc., and there were people there, but nothing like now. They were limiting tickets to 13,000. I don't think they quite sold out, but it was truly insane. Even worse than the last time we went, which was I think three years ago. At any rate, it was worth it, because BatKid was in his element and we were at a nice zoo, which is adding giraffes and lions! I remember when the most exciting thing there was a porcupine.

BatKid in various poses:


First, battling EvilCat in the privacy of his home (EvilCat as opposed to Catwoman):



Next:

I'm wondering why I can't see my enemy? Where did they go? Oh, my mask is in my eyes:



What else? I took some pictures of the leaves turning from the sixth floor of my employer. Kind of pretty. (Note, I am on the first floor. I am okay with that, I hate heights).

Pretty huh?

Next up - I have a birthday, Big Bit is here for Halloween (he got to go to the Obama rally in Reno Saturday, whether you agree with the man or not, seeing him in person is a historic moment) and then as to the weekend, TH comes home for 10 days Wednesday night and we have a big yummy dinner at Epi's Basque Restaurant in Meridian Saturday night. Celebrating Mom's birthday, mine and just being home.

Miss Cocoa the dog is out of the hospital and doing well so far....Dad has to go to Utah for an appointment Thursday and to see what's next...

Oh, and TH might be working at Bogus Basin ski resort for the winter. He has a 2nd interview Saturday. Getting hired could pay the rent and get him a free ski pass - and then we are all good until April. Fingers crossed, please!

Vegas Baby!

So...because I've officially checked out (mentally) at work - with all apologies to my boss (the anti-Sybil) I wish I could focus more, but I can't.

Since I am really not worth much the rest of this week work-wise, Little Bit and I are off to Las Vegas for two days to join TH at his conference/seminar that he gets to attend, though our illustrious employer can't afford to let him work out of Boise permanently. I know, the logic boggles the mind.

He's staying at The Luxor which has a great swimming pool with a bar(!) and the Inclinators (elevators that go up the corners of the pyramid shaped hotel). The weather will be in the 80's and the people watching will be fun. TH won't get to spend a lot of time with us but Little Bit and I will keep each other plenty entertained. Perhaps we'll drive race cars at the NASCAR Cafe.

Plus, JetBlue had tickets for $60 round trip! Little Bit and I have our bags packed and we're ready to go roll with the Rat Pack. I'm sure it's the last time we'll get to go to Vegas for a long time, so I'm pretty excited.

And...it's not Utah. Hee hee.

Mini-Updates

• Saw Dad last night - he looks much better than he did Wednesday. He can talk a little, had some lung issues that were unexpected but nothing that wasn't handled easily and he's already sitting up on the side of the bed. Hopefully walking a bit today and every reason to believe he'll be out of the hospital Monday or Tuesday. Big Bit's coming in tonight so it will be good for him to see his Grandpa. I don't think I'm going to let Little Bit in, the tubes etc. would scare him to death. He's already lost one grandparent, I don't want him to worry he might lose another.

• On another note - I have been told to expect a job offer either late this week (I guess that's today, eh?) or early next week. I'm hoping for the late this week - I'd like this to be over and know what we're going to do. Odds are, of course, that I will accept and that we will be preparing to move, but it all comes down to the Benjamins. Let's hope the Benjamins are ready to party with me.

Have a great weekend everyone! Oh, and happy public late birthday to Cousin Steve. I'm a shameful cousin, but it's not because I don't care. :)

Live Blog: Notes from the Hospital

Thought I'd blog from time to time in between working to keep me busy while Dad's in surgery.

11:05 - got here about 10:20, Dad was in surgery at 9 so I came up after getting Little Bit off to school. So far the OR has been in touch twice and everything is going well - haven't had an update in over an hour though so we're hoping they pop out soon. It's raining here today - finally in the last week we've had rain after over I'd say 3 months of none. The Huntsman Cancer Center, where he's being treated, is really a world class facility and is up on the hills in SLC. The view from here is quite pretty.

I am down to being one of the two finalists for The Job - hoping, hoping, hoping I will hear something today. Yes, I'd like to get it so we could go home, but I did find out yesterday that a person I have a great deal of respect for has been selected to replace Sibyl, so things are looking up here at any rate.

More later when we get an update.

2:15

Well, after freaking out because we hadn't heard anything forever, we finally got a call from the OR at 12:30. Everything was going quite well (I guess they lost track of time since the time between calls was WAY more than an hour) and they were plugging on. So, Pattie and I went to lunch a little later. Just got back and no calls while at lunch, so I guess they forgot again. He should be done in the next hour or so. Man there's a lot to this surgery, even if it ended up being much less invasive than they originally thought. I hope he bounces back fast.


3:05

Still nothing - should be getting done but man, these chairs are not comfortable. I have gotten some work done today but my booty is starting to get tired of sitting and the laptop does not follow me around magically floating in the air. Where are the doctors and what have they done with my father?

5:05

Home now - they called from the ER shortly after 4 and said they were closing, it would be a couple more hours at most (well, could be a little more). Little Bit has a baseball game tonight, so came home to get him ready for that and then I'll probably head back in. The nurse said he was coming through with flying colors.
Thank goodness, Little Bit actually DID ALL HIS WORK IN CLASS TODAY. No homework. Feels like a Friday from that standpoint!

I'll let you know how it went when I actually see Dad. Thanks for the well wishes and prayers.

Miscellaneous Updates

Let's see. Much to update, and I wish not to ramble.

JETS WON! PACKERS WON! (TAKE THAT VIKINGS!) Jaguars lost...sigh.

Greater Tuna (Tom & Joe for 2 hours) = FUNNY.

1) Little Bit got his Bear badge in Scouts. He is gearing up for Webelos. I found it very interesting for his Scoutmaster to note that he is the Bear with the most arrow points and got his badge first - and - let's get this straight - he's not LDS, his parents aren't doing it for him (and yes, the LDS Scoutmaster who works for me says this is typically how people get their Eagle Scout at age 13 so it happens) and who goes to the den meetings with him? We do. Come on people, get involved with your kids.

Here he's putting a pin on me. Since I am "Akela", his helper - every time he gets a badge, I get a cool pin. TH helps too, of course, but this is interestingly something he and I bond over (I always wanted to be a Cub Scout, and TH was and hated it). We're very proud of him!

2) A couple of interesting things happened last week. I had my interview, which I THINK went well (but who really knows) - I should know what's up this week and Sybil managed to e-mail herself into a corner. Please, people, when you hit reply all, think about what you're sending and who you're sending it too. Without going into gory detail or "dooceing" myself , my ER person tells me I'm in "the catbird seat". Karma, indeed, can be a bitch. At least I'll be left alone until Sybil departs....fittingly...on HALLOWEEN. I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP.


3) Little Bit's playing baseball and really, overall, doing well. It's a laid back program stressing skill building, not competition. However, because his Mom can't read a simple schedule, we missed his game tonight. Argh.


Boys will be boys - please note Little Bit manhandling the kid (last on the right) next to him for this picture. I love the pic for the looks on their faces.



He got to pitch - he really didn't do bad, considering he's never done it before!



4) Dad is having his surgery Wednesday and feeling pretty uppity and ready. Thank God. Please shout out your prayers and well wishes. He would like to feel ready to go fishing with Little Bit during track break in a few weeks. Saw Grandma Sunday - she's looking pretty good too all things considered and I'm hoping after Dad's surgery our family medical drama is done for eons! I'll keep you posted on how he's doing.


5) "Gertrude" had her baby today! Madison was a little over 6 lbs and is apparently pretty and healthy - haven't seen any pics yet. Welcome to the world, Madison! This is going to sound weird, but I hope you look like your grandpa, who is long since gone from this world. He was a very handsome man, and none of his kids or grandkids have really looked like him or had that really quirky, quick and smart sense of humor to the nth degree. That Porteguese look and temper has got to show itself somewhere - I miss him to this day.



Keep those fingers, toes and eyes crossed for the job - I ALMOST smell Idaho, and if not that, at least a boss is on the horizon I will really enjoy working for and with.



Lastly this cat is cute...yet really evil.

Idaho News - and - A Wedding

First, before the meat of this post, I must say (and please note that 90% of my paternal family that's attended college went to the University of Idaho and that was my unfulfilled desire, so I'M JOKING ABOUT MOST OF THIS) - the fact that a Vice Presidential candidate for this year's election graduated from the University of Idaho is INTERESTING.

Although she attended said school at the same time as TH, it does not mean they dated (future Idaho Statesman inquirers, please note). I've already fended off that question and a request for the VIP tour of the White House from friend Steve the attorney today. (He was kidding, and he offered up gratitude that McCain picked a woman, although one as a gratuitous grab at Hillary votes. I agree. Then again, we're for Obama so if you don't agree with us, you will discount anything we say as totally biased anyway).

Considering the sorry state of the Vandal football team, and if that lends any meaning to this election (i.e. they lose a lot) I fear that any opportunity for a VIP tour would be out anyhoo. I also think that as it seems also that no one the Statesman could find so far that was at U of I at the same time as Ms. Palin remembers her is kind of weird. Heck, even Larry Craig gets remembered...oh, never mind.

I will note that back in the day there was a proper football team for the Vandals and they had an awesome QB named John Friesz, who could have been Brett Favre, except he played for a sucky team once he got to the pros and it turned out in that situation he was fragile. So maybe she's a winner because she's from that era. Obviously, I hope not.

Off the diversion to the real important stuff - The Wedding.

I'd said I would post about the wedding I went to during our last Weekend at Willie's. My cousin on my mom's side, "Gertrude", (my dad's pet name for her as a girl) has 23 year old twins (as of mid-August), and one of them, Z, was getting married at the Rose Garden in Julia Davis Park and while it meant we didn't leave for Utah until late Sunday afternoon, I really wanted to stick around for the nuptials.

Two reasons:

It meant we could stay "home" longer, got to sleep in (and we did), run a few more hurried errands, have lunch (I will not say where we went, because it's a chain, not even one that's local to Boise, but it's good and I was HUNGRY) and then get to go to the park for the wedding.

The other reason? Getrude and her (slightly) younger sister are the closest things I have to older sisters, even though we don't see each other as often as I'd like or stay as plugged in as I'd like. I lived 5 minutes from my cousin for years in Idaho, and we just didn't always keep in touch. Stupid.

The Rose Garden is where I would have gotten married to TH, except it ended up we got married on New Year's Eve, thusly that venue was a little cold and we ended up in Lake Tahoe. Maybe we can renew our vows or something later, at this place.

It is so pretty this time of year:






I don't have really any pics of the ceremony, because we ran over from parking on 8th Street and forgot the camera. However, we brought the car and the camera to the reception, also in the park.

Some pictures...first, of the groom and his groomsmen including his twin. Here's why they make me feel old. The week they were born, their aunt (who I shall dub "The Godmother or TG", since she is Big Big's godmother was getting married for the first time (of two), as was I. Gertrude made it to her sister's wedding, but not mine. Understandable, but as this wedding occurred 23 years almost to the week of her son's...I feel OLD. TG was in denial, I had to point out to her that those kids were the reason that her sister almost didn't make it to her wedding. She looked kind of shocked, then started to laugh. It sucks to get old, right Godmother?

The groom is kneeling. His twin is to the left with the green bottle in his hand. Beer, I ask you? Perhaps. Duh....

A few more snaps. Here's Gertrude. To end the mystery for my other pregnant cousins (at least two of whom lurk here from time to time), this is the fourth pregnant one. She's way ahead of you all though, she's due in about two weeks from now.

Without divulging her age, I'll just say she's a hair older than me. She and her SO are thrilled and she will be a great mom, since she already is. I'm in awe. I just couldn't deal with sleep deprivation anymore, so I'm looking forward to grandchildren in 15 years or so.

She looks great though! Here she is dancing with the groom.

What else...oh, yes, one of my many uncles was up from Arizona and he and my mom had a lot of fun. Love you Mom and Uncle Larry!



Don't get pictures of Grandma and the Bits very often, I realize this isn't the best picture in some ways, but it does illustrate why I kept calling Big Bit "P Diddy" all day...



Here's The Godmother and her husband. He rocks and she is cool. Man, I feel like a commercial for Bud Light around here! Count the cans in this post!


Another pic of "Diddy":

Last, and definitely not least, this day was about Z & K, the happy couple. Congratulations, and Z, I forgive you for your mom not making it to my first wedding. As things turned out, I wish I hadn't made it to the event either(!) in most respects (other than Big Bit). You guys, however, have a good relationship, good prospects and my prayers go out to you for a long and happy marriage.

They are cute, aren't they?

Happy Labor Day,

lostinutah

Sunday Wrap-Up

A couple of posts ago, I said that I hoped the Packers would welcome Brett with open arms if he came into camp and it was my blog so I could say so. Oddly enough, that seems to be happening.
Go Pack. And, I may get to see this very scene again, as I did last December:



We met some people through the blogosphere Friday - "Mr. and Mrs. S" - they are funny and entertaining to talk with). Looking forward to being able to get together again soon to discuss gaming, brewing beer and the oddity that is living in Utah. Among other topics...

Little Bit did his final requirement for getting his Bear badge for Scouts. Now, it's on to deciding if he should go on to Webelos (and yes, still leaning towards a different Pack to eliminate the minority issue), or him staying in the Ward - and I'm getting tired of getting hit up on Fast Offering Sundays because our name is on the list - can they please mark us as "Heathen"? - or if he's ready to quit. But he's done a great job and will look cool in his Cub uniform with his additional Bear patch - pictures will be coming later in August.

My Dad's cancer is back (and this, specifically for the cousins or aunts, please don't tell anyone ESPECIALLY Dad you saw it here if he hasn't told anyone but me. I suspect he hasn't -and please don't tell Grandma, he will if he wants to) - but it's back in a very limited scope, and it looks like he'll be coming here for treatment, at least surgery. He's optimistic and it sounds like he has every reason for being so. Please throw a prayer upwards if that is your kind of thing. I'm very attached to him.

Jumping into the week to come - things seem to be moving forward on the job front as far as Sybil's replacement, we have another "Weekend at Willie's" coming up next weekend along with TWO weddings (no Funeral, thankfully!) AND the Golden Mallet Tournament (more to come on that). We have to move back home so we can afford this social whirl, given the price of gas.

Have a great week!

Things I Wish Would Go Differently or Better

I want Brett to report to training camp Friday (he faxed his letter to the NFL Commissioner today) and the Packers are all there to welcome him with open arms (it ain't gonna happen, but it's my blog so there).

I want Little Bit to stay out of the principal's office all the way until his track break starts in October. Yes, he's already been there once in two days, he's got to test this new teacher out. Good news, she seems to have a high level of energy and commitment. She's going to need it. So am I, apparently. I wish track break was more than three weeks.

I wish that The Husband could manage to multi task for once in his life or be on time for once in his life because sometimes I have to work too and I can't manage his life for him. At the same time as keeping up with my job, kids, changing oil on the cars, paying the bills etc.

I wish Big Bit had more of a backbone and could tell his dad (who is NOT TH in case you're keeping track and didn't know) that he thinks the EHFH is psycho and wants to stay here instead of going back because he really doesn't want to live with a psycho. (I knew he was, all along, but Big Bit's finally figured it out on his own).

Argh. Anyway, just had to vent a little, I love all four of the above (three more than the other one of course) but there are days I DO NOT UNDERSTAND MEN. This was one of them.

What's Going On

Wow, there has been a lot going on...here's an update on the familial (and other) happenings of the last few weeks...

• D-Will re-signed with the Utah Jazz for maximum money (max=more than I will ever see in my lifetime). He will be here at least 3 more years. Which is way longer than I want to be here, but I heart him anyway.


• Little Bit marched in the Fort Herriman Days parade with the Scouts, handing out flags. It was 9 a.m. when the parade kicked off and hotter than you-know-where. I walked with him most of the way. Whew. He argued the whole way over there about doing it, but he enjoyed it in the end, I think. They have quite the deal here for their celebration, including a killer fireworks show the last night after a free concert. Unlike our friend Scott, we did not smuggle Kokanee beer into the park for the fireworks, though it DID cross my mind.

Little Bit also learned to ride a bike the same week. I know, he's 9 and he can't ride a bike? He just had never really tried to learn, he had a "trailer bike" that hooks onto the end of The Husband's and he rode that for several years, just riding along with Dad. He's now too big to even try that, so we had to resort to forcing him to learn. He did great!

First the preparation:


Then he's off!


The week after the 4th, we went to McCall, ID camping. I love McCall, there is a state park right on Payette Lake with flushing toilet, showers and power. We tent camp, but I draw the line at not being able to take a shower! Plus, it's right by town so we went to the brewpub there, found a great pizza place and also got to relax by the beautiful lake.

Lots of swimming, so Margarita and the Bits were very happy indeed.

Then, it was home for TH and I, the bits stayed with Grandpa & Pattie, then with Grandma.

We had grand plans...we planned on seeing family in Boise but due to my family of men's famous inability to get moving faster than snails, we barely had time to see the Father In Law and then drop the boys off at Grandpa's.

We picked them up Saturday, met Mom in Wendover. We were planning on going all the way to get them and seeing my grandmother. As usual, I double booked myself and realized we had tickets to see The Police in SLC on Saturday, so didn't make it to Idaho. But we will in a couple of weeks for Shakespeare.

Before the boys came back we actually got to relax a bit, even with work. Rita and Bucky even joined in the relaxation.






Oh, I forgot. All they do is relax. What a life!

We're all home together now - Little Bit will enjoy his last week of freedom before
4th grade kicks off. Time does fly.

A Tale of Two Bits

Last week was a hectic week at work, followed by a hectic weekend. Big Bit got in Saturday from his dad's (he lived with us in Utah for 9th grade, but then (very long story) went back to Reno for 10th. He's trying to decide what to do for this next year - trying hard not to influence or stress him out on this, but still can't help anxiously awaiting his decision.

He is a straight A, straight arrow, good kid who despite the tension throughout the last 15 years of his childhood between his dad and I has turned out well. Mostly, I suspect, because we were able to avoid ranting about each other within his earshot (I would just scream in the bathroom after we got off the phone with my attorney about some atrocity) and co-parent. I have to say, that I am extremely relieved to be through most of the 18 years of putting up with the EHFH's crap. Big Bit's torn about how to make us both happy, as are the children of most divorced parents, instead of realizing by making himself happy he will (should) make us happy. As much as I tell him that's what I want for him I sense he's still looking out for me, somehow. Even if he wants to stay with his friends in Reno and that means not coming back, he's afraid he'll hurt me. And vice versa.

That feels familiar to me from my own life experience. I have a friend whose parents, like mine, divorced when we were adults and though it was the best thing for them and I intellectually get that, you still have these weird things you have to deal with. Like having THREE places to go at Christmas once you get married. Indeed, four if your spouse has divorced parents (mine does not). I hate to tell Big Bit these issues never totally pass, even if your parents get along, as mine do now.

I guess I'll let him live in his delusional state for now that when high school ends so does any of these issues. The one I thing I can sincerely assure him of is that he has no idea how bad things would be if his father and I had stayed married. I shudder to think.

I think pondering his future makes him tired. Or it might be his brother who has been on him like a terrier on a rabbit ever since he got here (Little Bit LOVES Big Bit, to distraction. Vice versa but you can't admit that when you're 16). Hard to say. But he's been pretty sleepy. At any rate, my pictures of his various napfests since arriving turned out a bit blurry, but I'll show him off anyway:




Little Bit started back to school Monday, he has the last three weeks with the perhaps world's worst 3rd grade teacher for any kid with ADHD (and this is not just my opinion, trust me). He was excited to see his friends, the Principal and the Counselor. Do you think he spends too much time in the office? Haha.

He is a smart, articulate, tempermental bundle of energy. He's very loving and loyal, and has good antannae for those who really care about him and those who are just putting in time with him. He does not suffer fools lightly, but will not hesitate to tell you he loves you and how wonderful you are if he knows the feeling goes both ways.


We've run into one of those non-fun things about living in a community that can happen when one is a minority the last few weeks. At Scouts two weeks ago, Little Bit told me he didn't want to go. I asked why - the answer "the kids call me names". Heart officially breaks. When I asked him why he just gave me The Look. As if I should know. I didn't press him.

Then last week we went on a field trip with the den. I offered to drive some of the kids, and the offer was happily accepted. We have found, that for all of the families forever stuff, The Husband and I are the only parents that consistently show up at Scouts with our child and participate with him. I have a close friend in Seattle whose son is a year behind Little Bit in Cubs and she says it's always very much 1:1 (parent to child) at their den meetings. Not so much here. Little Bit's had three different Scoutmasters in a year and it's been that way every time. This may, or may not, be just the Law of the Pack at the ward we go to for meetings.

As we got ready to leave on the field trip, ALL of the other Scouts piled into the Scoutmasters' Suburban. And there weren't enough seats for all of them. And I swear that if I hadn't kind of coughed they would have driven off that way. Upon hearing my coughing, the husband of the team urged one of the boys into our rig. It was a pretty uncomfortable trip.

At the end of the trip, another parent had shown up to participate in the activity, so it was "thank you very much but we have enough seats to get everyone home". Mr. Scoutmaster, who seems more open to us, really made an effort to be friendly (and apologetic?) - Mrs. Scoutmaster, who seems to think I have five heads most of the time, really didn't look at me much.

I try to encourage my children to embrace everyone. I have my areas of discomfort, I admit, but I'm working on them and I won't show those to my kids if I can help it.

How can you not want to sit in a car with this child? I know I'm prejudiced towards him, mind you.

This all brings back memories of being in 6th grade in a very small town in Southern Idaho (100 plus) where I was the minority for the same reason and after moving to said small town mid-year suffered through a few months so friendless I ran back to my old school for junior high, even though it meant I had to live with my maternal grandmother during the week and I really missed my parents - because there at least I wasn't a pariah. So I know I'm sensitive. But this was pretty obvious.

This goes both ways, mind you. I'm not claiming that those not of the faith whoever they may be are pure in this respect, including me and I try to work on that.

My problem is I fear it may just get worse. And those of you who have someone (a child, a spouse, whatever, but a child is the most deep feeling in my experience) get disparaged you know the "mama" or "papa bear" syndrome that kicks in when this happens.

I also know we have our neighbors who are of the faith, who invited us over at 9 pm Sunday night for brownies and brought us homemade jam (on Sunday during the day no less!) and encourage Big Bit's friendship with their daughter - could care less what religion we do or don't practice. There's also the nice lady who just moved out this way who I gave a ride to church this weekend.

Having lived here all her life, she says from her perspective things are SO much better than they used to be for us not-Mo's.

I just wonder and worry if I'm doing right by both my boys on all fronts, like anyone can live up to being the perfect parent. I guess my job is to worry, but maybe I need to not worry so much and try to ignore the ignorance, if we encounter it. Maybe by just being here in our semi-small town and being the minority we're doing some good? We know the good is here, how do we embrace it? How do we confront the bad, when touched by it?

Maybe I'm way too sensitive? Maybe the writing really is on the wall and those who would say "if you don't like it, move" are right?

I'm open for comments or criticisms. From everyone. I mean it. I think I need some perspective. From all kinds of points of view.

A typical Sunday

Here are some pictures from a fairly typical Sunday at Chez lostinutah...

1) Generally speaking, if in town, we go to church. Um, well, I go to church, and Big Bit if he's here and Little Bit goes to Sunday School and The Husband tolerates our aberrant behavior. It's kind of fun going to church in a movie theatre, particularly a church where I can go do fun things outside after lunch on Sunday and not be told I'll burn in hell for not locking myself and my family in the basement. Um, not like that happens here to those of certain other faiths. Heh. (And, if you don't go to church, no skin off my nose, I like you anyway, obviously. Live and let live and all that).

Here's a view from on the way to church. I'm always inspired by the view of these mountains - as stated before, one of the things I like about Utah.



2) Next, after lunch and a few errands, we monkey around doing chores or hanging out in the backyard. The Bits will eventually end up on the trampoline:






Margarita is waiting for someone to pet her, and dreading that someone might bathe her:



Bucky is waiting to be waited on. Spoiled Rotten Siamese.



"Hey Mom, at least I'm keeping the Voles away!"

3) Then it's time for grilling some dinner, having a glass or two of wine and dreading (I mean, getting ready) for the week to come. Oh, must stop one last time to smell the flowers before moving on...




Have a great week, everyone!