Do You Have the Time?

Quick Trip South

2012-01-08T02:54:00.012-07:00

Summer vacation + Papa Echo has time off + a soon to end Harry Potter exhibition = a quick run to Sydney.

On the way down the coast we had to stop and ride camels... on the beach of course.

Look out! They spit.

I think we are the first tourists ever to get this picture.

And this one...

Dave- How would you like to tile the OUTSIDE of the Opera House?

The Harry Potter exhibit had all kinds of props, clothing, and backdrops from the movies. They would not allow cameras, so this is us waiting in line to get in. The wait was worth it!!

FYI... Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans are disgusting. Or so Alyssa says... none of us tried any of them after watching her try a "rotten egg".

Before we left for home the next day, we went to a Lego Exhibition. This was Jonathan's favorite sculpture.

It was a quick trip to Sydney, but fun!!!

You Are Welcome

2012-01-04T17:04:00.003-07:00

At 3 inches this is a tiny spider.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T04:27:00.013-07:00

2011 has been a very eventful year to say the least. We wouldn't change any of it though. Before we sign out for 2011 and begin 2012, I better post Christmas pictures. (Otherwise it might be June before I get around to it.)

New PJ's for Christmas Eve

Tracking Santa using NORAD Santa Tracker.

Santa found us.

After dinner we went on a walk along the beach.

It was a little windy. (All together now... Ahhh.... so sad....)

The next day was Boxing Day and we went to a friend/distant relatives home for that. It was a BLAST!!! Her whole family was there and they were just as fun as my family... made me not feel quite as homesick. Oh and for those that are wondering what Boxing Day is? Nobody knows... it's just another day off work to drink and play. Ya' just gotta' love the Aussie life.

Do I have to come home in two years?

It's the same, but different

2011-12-21T05:17:00.007-07:00

The main question I'm asked right now from friends and family back in the States is, "Is Christmas the same in Australia?"

The short answer?

Yes, but not as much drama.

Let me try to explain...

When we arrived in Brisbane at the first of September I noticed Christmas decorations in the stores. (similarity) Friends started to put up Christmas trees and decorations at the end of November. (similarity) There was a big Christmas festival up the road from us one weekend and then one across from our apartment the following one. (Christmas festivities-similarity) Shopping centre's/malls are busy. (similarity) There are Christmas carolers all the time. (similarity if we had lived someplace warm)

BUT there was NO 'Black Friday' to start off a spending frenzy. Stores are not staying open late. (We found that out the hard way.) And those that will stay open late for two nights this month? It's not that late. There are Christmas decorations, but not that many. All the drama seems to be so much less here. It's really hard to put into words.

When we were preparing (and I use that term loosely because I hardly feel like I had the time to prepare for anything) to move here, we found on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection site that Christmas ornaments were especially troublesome because they may have touched a live tree and be harboring pests. So we decided to just leave it ALL behind in storage. And, because we are only here for two years, we don't really want to purchase a lot of items. So, we bought an artificial tree and a box of ornaments and one string of lights and some Christmas-ey scrapbook paper. And then we let the kids loose with the decorating. Every day they seem to add something new to the tree or walls. Oh, and I can't forget to share two fabulous websites here and here on how to make Star Wars snowflakes. Jonathan and I have had a lot of fun making these.

My favorite is Yoda and C3PO

This is 1 of 4 that I made using 3 inch circles. It is obscenely large compared to our little tree so the plan changed and I used MUCH smaller circles for the tree ornaments.

The main question is 'Does Santa come to Australia and will he know the kids are here?'

This years decorations may just be my most favorite yet. Merry Christmas!!!

From One Extreme to the Other

2011-11-28T04:46:00.005-07:00

This post was originally going to be a lot different. I've been planning on a "Thanksgiving Post" all month. I'll have to tell you all about the dinner and the "Great Gecko Hunt" that occurred following dinner... and I will... It was fun and wonderful and I was excited to share all the silliness.

But first, can I ask for a moment of silence and/or prayer?

I'm writing this post with tears streaming down my face because my heart is broken for a friend in Billings. She has been posting on facebook all about her pregnancy, the baby showers, the nursery, and all the excitement of being a mom again for the fourth time. I couldn't help but be excited. Just before Thanksgiving she posted that little baby Ramsey was born early and was in NICU and she asked for prayers for her little girl. Of course I prayed. I also thought that everything would be okay... Two days later, baby Ramsey returned to our Heavenly Father and my heart broke for my friend and her family. They are strong. Their faith is strong. I know they will be okay and I know that they are being watched over. But, my heart literally hurts for their loss and the pain they feel.

Sigh...

Let me wipe away my tears... because I do want to share how we celebrated Thanksgiving here.

I had to keep reminding myself that Thanksgiving is NOT a national holiday here... duh, I know... but it is such a tradition in my brain that I kept forgetting. For example? I was surprised the kids had school last week. I know.... I know... give me a break... and wish me luck on the fourth of July. (big roll of the eyes)

We had a lovely dinner. We were grateful to be together and to be on this new adventure. (It doesn't hurt that we were looking out on the beach instead of snow.) The kids were understanding that we 1) couldn't find a turkey and 2) even if we found one, couldn't cook it in our little oven. The only thing that they requested was that we at least have a whole chicken and that we have cranberry sauce. Well, we found the chicken easy enough and luckily the little market down the street had a jar of cranberry sauce tucked away on the back of a shelf. The rest of the dinner was pretty standard including our favorite "Aunt Amy's Special Sweet Potato" recipe. I can't say it's healthy, but it sure is YUMMY!!!

Hurry and take the picture so we can eat!!

While I was cleaning up, the kids were running around. I heard from the back of the apartment something about a gecko. I figured they were playing a game or teasing each other. After about 5 minutes, one of them comes back to the living room and says that they can't find the gecko anymore.

Wait.... WHAT?!?!

I have a gecko in my house?!?!

So, the hunt was on to find the little beast/creature.... it may as well have been a gila monster to me. There was NO WAY I could sleep knowing there was a little animal running around. Luckily, my husband is persistent (or knows me well enough to know better than to give up) and the little gecko was found and captured. We did release him into the wild (or the ledge of the apartment building) after looking at his cool feet and getting a scientific lesson from Papa Echo on how geckos can climb anything with their special feet and how science is looking into how they can use the same idea on ...... well, you get the idea. And by the way? Geckos are pretty stinkin' cool!!

Maybe it is a Gila Monster...

It was a weekend of emotions. Please know that I am grateful for all my friends and family and I would hug you all right now if I could.

Back to the Koala Sanctuary

2011-11-20T03:26:00.010-07:00

We loved Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary so much that we had to go back. While we visited the normal Aussie animals, we also went to the 'farm' area.

'But he's so soft mama... Can we get one?'

Am I in the 'Twilight Zone'? We lived in Big Timber, MT for how many years and we NEVER saw this (and probably should have considering the friends we had...) and then we go all the way to the other side of the world to see...

Sheep Shearing?

Really?

Fine.

All you Big Timber friends can start laughing now...

All I could think of the whole time was
bound, bound, bound and rebound... from Pixar's 'Boundin'

Now let's get back to Aussie animals... oh yeah... the fruit bats... Yeah, that's not freaky or anything like that!!!

Their body is about the same size as a footy. (similar to a football for you Americans)

I'll end this post with a picture of the cutest. thing. ever.

Willaby, Wallaby, Woo...

She's so little... her mum died and so it's someones job to walk around with her in a pouch. Where do I sign up for that job?

Botanical Gardens

2011-11-09T20:21:00.015-07:00

Our visit to Brisbane's Beautiful Botanical Gardens

Neat office in the CBD (Central Business District) of Brisbane

The Botanical Gardens and CBD is on the list of 'places we should go visit' when you come see us.

Syrup Only? No Way!!!

2011-11-06T03:38:00.012-07:00

Aussie's KNOW how to make pancakes. We have found the BEST. Pancake. House. Ever.
Welcome to The Pancake Manor. It is an old church that has been converted into a 24 hour pancake and crepe restaurant. Not only do they serve pancakes, but they know how to top those pancakes with all kinds of yummy things. If they had 'free refills' on my diet coke, I might never leave the place.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T05:02:00.003-06:00

A Dementor, an Evil Fairy and the Man in Black

Aussie's don't celebrate Halloween like Americans. Some kids will go trick or treating, but the majority won't. Also? You don't know which homes are giving away lollies (candy). We figured we would skip trick or treating this year.

Until...

The kids were invited to go trick or treating with a group of friends. We quickly figured out costumes, found bags and flashlights and headed out. They gathered up quite a bit of lollies and muesli (granola) bars. They were beaming when we finally came back home. I didn't realize how much they were missing the traditional Halloween festivities until we came back and I saw how happy there were. Thanks Family S for inviting us to go along.

And, Happy Halloween!!!

School and Apartment pictures

2011-10-17T23:23:00.016-06:00

School Uniforms

Our wake up call/bird on the railing right outside the bedroom windows.
Every. Single. Morning.

We ended up signing a lease for a furnished 3 bedroom apartment. It is a little larger than our first home. ;)

Our view off the dining room.

Our view out the master bedroom to the other side of the peninsula.

Day at the Beach

2011-10-05T21:50:00.009-06:00

Is there anything better than a day at the beach?

Um, yeah!

A day at the beach in Australia!!!

my happy place... right up there with Disneyland.

We LOVE it here!!

My Little Artists

2011-09-27T05:30:00.011-06:00

I will be posting pictures of our new place soon. I'm trying to finish cleaning it though first. That project was put on hold while I 'recuperated' from a fall. (roll of the eyes)

Here's the story in all it's embarrassing glory. Papa Echo, Jonathan and I went for a walk along the beach. It was low tide and we thought we'd find something fun. We did... we found jellyfish. Anyway, the boys went on to look in some pools along the rocks. I followed, and slipped. It was so NOT graceful and I ended up bruising and scraping the right side of my body and laying in the water. It hurt so bad, and it was so EMBARRASSING. I had to walk back to the apartment looking like I had peed my pants and blood running down my arm. Oy!!! No worries. I'm fine.

So, in lieu of pics of the apartment, I present to you pictures of the kids at the Modern Museum of Art, in the children's section. There was an area where kids could create art similar to famous surrealist artists.

Well done my little artists.

Little, Tiny Things... and School

2011-09-20T01:02:00.007-06:00

We knew that things would be much different here. I went to the Soviet Union when I was in High School. Papa Echo went to Europe. We tried to warn the kids. I think we've done alright so far. Not too many blunders. People are patient.

But I can't get over how little everything is here.

The first time I ordered a Diet Coke, I just about fell over. The bottle was the tiniest one I've ever seen. It was probably a little 8 ounce thing. I don't even know. They don't give 'free refills' here either, so I had to be careful not to finish the whole thing in one swallow. It was expensive for the one... we couldn't afford lining up bottles. I'm just grateful I didn't have to go 'cold turkey' with the Diet Coke. That would have been most unpleasant.

We are staying (for a few more days) in a hotel/apartment It has two bedrooms and one bath. While it is a 'hotel' for us, there are many residents here who own their apartment and live here full-time.

This fridge is so tiny. No more shopping for a weeks worth of food.

Alyssa sitting next to the oven AND dishwasher. The dishwasher is on the bottom and the oven is on top.

On our flight over, everyone was given an 'amenities bag' which included this toothbrush and toothpaste. It's so tiny and cute!!

We are enjoying every minute of our time here. Many have asked about the kids and school. We could not get them signed up until we had a place to live. Once we signed the papers, we registered them in school and then we had to set up times for 'interviews'. Those interviews consisted of going over school rules. Special emphasis was given to wearing school uniforms because we were from the states. (giggle) By the time all this was done, there were only a few days left of the third term and then the students would be on 'Holiday' for two weeks. So, it was decided that our kids would start on the first day of the fourth term which is Oct. 3rd.

The thing with moving here, is that their school years are different than ours in the states. They don't have kindergarten, and they label their years, Year one (for kindergarten), Year two (for first grade), Year three (for 2nd grade)... and so on. And they go all the way to Year 12. (which would be 11th grade in the states? This is where I get confused...)

They have placed my kids in classes according to their birthdays. It looks like this... Jessica will be in Year 9, Alyssa will be in Year 6 and Jonathan will be in Year 3. This will be for one quarter and then they have summer vacation for six weeks. They start the new school year at the end of January 2012. Now for Jonathan and Alyssa, this sounds good because they will be in Year 4 and Year 7... Not too bad.

BUT, Jessica? Because her birthday is in October, Montana made her wait an extra year to start kindergarten. (California had let her start kindergarten and then we moved and Montana said no, so we had to wait a year... she is not happy about that) So, the Deputy (Assistant Principal) looked at her birthdate and said, let's put her in Year 9. We said okay. Jessica was thrilled! Afterwards, I thought it through... This means that in January she will be in Year 10... Then January 2013 she will be in Year 11... That is ONE YEAR from graduating high school!!! Agh!! I have totally lost time by being here.... She was going to be in 8th grade and then 9th grade in the states.

Who knows exactly how long we will be here... the plan is for two years... (could be more or less in reality) I know things will work out. Obviously I'm not changing where she is at in school here and I'm not projecting my own insecurities and lack of being able to cut the apron strings onto her. But to you dear friends?
Stomp, Stomp, grumble, grumble.... I'm going to throw a little bit of a fit here.

And then I'll put on my happy face so they can start school soon.

CottonTree Grove

2011-09-16T06:15:00.008-06:00

We have found one of the best places for the kids to play and it's close by our new apartment.

Can you imagine a child in the US drawing a tree with two trunks and a teacher saying that was okay?

Some of the leaves are as big as your head.

Can you see Jonathan?

Can you see the girls?

Our First Day Alone

2011-09-14T04:29:00.014-06:00

Papa Echo's work needed him to do some training last week. (I know, I know, it's weird they need him to work...) So for the first time here, the kids and I were left to fend for ourselves. We started the day with me saying no to the electronic games, TV and movies.

Jessica didn't mind... she wanted to draw.

Alyssa didn't mind... she wanted to read.

Jonathan didn't mind... he wanted to play with his K'nex.

We spent the morning relaxing and then... oh wait...

Did I forget to tell the kids about a pool? Outside on the 7th floor?

Alyssa and Jonathan couldn't get their suits on fast enough.

Even though the water was cold, they liked it.

Jessica and I liked reading off our e-books by the side of the pool.

After swimming, Alyssa decided to practice her clarinet.

Her audience loved listening to her play.

Then we decided to eat lunch by the river followed by an outing on the ferry system.

We rode the ferry for about an hour and then came back home to the apartment. Papa Echo met up with us at that point and then we went for dinner.

It was a good day.

We did it!

2011-09-12T05:52:00.005-06:00

We signed papers on an apartment today. We move in on the 23rd of this month.

Food

2011-09-11T03:07:00.010-06:00

We were given much advice and told many things prior to coming here. Most of it was helpful. Some of it was disturbing. For example, we were told that there was NO Diet Coke... only Coke Light. (which any Diet Coke addict will tell you is NOT THE SAME THING!!) My Dad even commented that he was hearing nothing negative about our move to Australia, except for the NO Diet Coke warning.

Enter Mythbuster #1

It may be expensive, but it's here. Hallelujah!!

We were also told that there would be NO MEXICAN FOOD. Anyone who knows us, knows that that was almost a deal breaker.

Enter Mythbuster #2

It was so yummy!

I have two kids (and one husband) that LOVE seafood. They are in heaven here.

They say it tastes good. Alyssa and I just trust them.

I have been testing the local candy cuisine.

Gummi.... Babies?

And how can we not enjoy a 'bag of lollies' Just saying it sounds awesome.

Odds and Ends

2011-09-07T03:33:00.017-06:00

We have been valiantly looking for a place to live... it has been frustrating to say the least. We are close to being done. Instead of giving you all a run down of the frustrations, I will give you some random snapshots of what we have done and seen on our breaks from the searching. Have I said I LOVE it here yet?

Jonathan, Jessica and Alyssa

Jessica.
There is always a tree nearby that the kids want to climb.

I LOVE the flowers here!

Fig trees.

They have the coolest roots/branches. I can't imagine drawing them and having them look real.

Our first view of the bay.

I could have stayed at this park all day long. It was at the edge of the bay. And Dad? Note the way ALL the parks are covered here. Give you ideas for the pool?

A seed pod Jonathan found.

Even the bugs are prettier.

Big, happy sigh.

On our way to find a good place for lunch.

Jonathan and Alyssa playing in the bamboo

Our view of the fireworks show from our balcony at the hotel.

A wonderful welcome to Brisbane show.

Just for Fun Day

2011-09-04T04:42:00.011-06:00

We have been very busy this past week trying to find a home to rent… but that saga will be for another blog post. Today we decided to take a day off and do something fun and NOT house related.

Welcome to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

I felt like such an ‘American tourist’, but yippee!!!! They had all the cool Aussie animals. And? We bought an annual pass, so for anyone who comes to visit… we’ve got you hooked up to feed kangaroos, feed lorikeets, AND hold a koala.

We are here, We Are Here, WE ARE HERE!!!!

2011-08-30T15:10:00.005-06:00

We decided to not ship anything and just ‘max out’ the amount we could take on the plane. (with one additional bag to pay for) Here is what 11 bags, 5 carry ons and 5 backpacks looks like. It was quite the circus in Los Angeles as we had to gather up our bags and then re-check them onto Qantas. After a little layover we were on our way across the ocean.

I was pretty nervous about the flight over. Everyone talks about how hard it is to be in a plane for that long. I bought many books and games for the kids (and myself) for entertainment.

The reality was that it was a really easy flight. They gave us dinner and then we watched movies and then we slept. When we woke up, they fed us breakfast and then we landed. I was amazed at how fast the time went by. Between the movies we could choose from, the DS games Jonathan had, and the books Jessica downloaded on her Kindle, we were set.

We are staying in an apartment/hotel for the first month while we find a place to live. It is a two bedroom, one bath apartment on the 38th floor in downtown Brisbane with a beautiful view of the Brisbane River. We have ventured out a little today, but are going to bed early. I have tried to keep the kids awake all day to help them get used to the time change, but it is time to head to bed now. I don’t think any of us will have a problem going to sleep tonight.

6 days to go

2011-08-22T21:20:00.004-06:00

We are almost ready to go.

sorting? check!
tossing? check!
sell cars? check!
get school records and vaccinations updated? check!
garage sale? check!
packing? almost?
freecycle and craigslist remaining junk/treasures? almost?
clean? almost?
go off Diet Coke so I don't go through withdrawals in Australia? Doh!
learn all about customs and immigration to Australia? Doh!
finish yardwork so it doesn't look 'redneck'? Doh!
touch up paint on the inside of the house? Doh!
paint the front door? Doh!
hire movers for Thursday? check!
take off things on my list that don't HAVE to be done (like painting)? check!
Say goodbye to friends? No! Because I will stay in touch through my blog and facebook and I'll be back in two years.

Ready or not we are on a plane to the land of Oz this Sunday.

Wish us luck... or strong drinks....

Blessings

2011-07-25T23:33:00.003-06:00

I'm feeling so grateful tonight for so many things. My family, my health, my families health, and our ability to be with each other.

When I was growing up, my parents had some close friends with kids our same age. We did so much together. We had BBQ's, went on vacations, went swimming, and just hung out. I didn't have cousins close by in Salt Lake, and so these families were like my cousins and aunts and uncles. Since I got married and moved away, I haven't seen them much.

I just found out that the dad of one of the families has been diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma. It's the aggressive kind and he's going through chemo now. My heart just hurts for him, for his family, and for his kids that I thought of as cousins.

I have also met someone through blogging that needs our thoughts and prayers tonight. Whymommy is battling inflammatory breast cancer and she is in pain and in the hospital tonight. She is going into surgery tomorrow. Please pray for her and send her a message of comfort on her blog. The link is here: Toddler Planet

So, I'm feeling grateful. And sending thoughts and prayers to families that are hurting.

They're Coming

2011-07-20T10:37:00.003-06:00

It's a good thing that at the end of this crazy time we will be in Australia. Papa Echo has left to work in Canada for the next three weeks. I leave at the end of the month for a two week/two reunion stint. (It was too late to get a refund when I realized we were leaving...) We have less than 6 weeks to do all that has to be done.

So, this video is how I feel until I take a deep breath and think of life down under...

they are coming to take me away

Will You Be My Mommy?

2011-07-11T22:00:00.004-06:00

My mommy and daddy are going to Australia for two years... will you take care of me while they are gone?

AUSTRALIA

2011-07-10T11:33:00.002-06:00

It's official! We are headed to Australia at the end of summer. Yahoo!!

Getting closer and yet....

2011-07-06T22:18:00.001-06:00

It's not for sure, for sure yet, but it looks like we will be going to Australia at the end of summer. Now off to do all the things on my 'to do' list.

Changes? Maybe? Possibly?

2011-06-27T22:27:00.003-06:00

Well, I guess the 'cat is out of the bag' you might say... I was trying to keep this kind of quiet until we had a for sure answer, but that's just not going to happen any time soon. (meaning this week-- I'm impatient.)

We MIGHT be moving to Australia for two years. Papa Echo has been talking with his work and there is a need for us to move down under. We are waiting for an official "offer" and then we can decide if we can afford to live there. Squeal!!!! That would be so AWESOME!!!

Here's the thing...

The move? Will happen in about six weeks. SIX WEEKS!!! Holy He**!! I have to get the house ready to be rented, our crap thrown away and/or sold, the rest packed and moved to storage, or packed to be flown with us or shipped. And the biggest problem? I have two dogs that I complain about but absolutely love. They need homes, not necessarily together.

There is so much to do!!

I'm really excited about the possibility. I want to start working on getting us ready. And then I remember..

We may not be able to go. And then I get disappointed. Does that even make sense? To be disappointed about something that hasn't even happened yet? So then I think, maybe we will go...

And then I have a panic attack thinking about everything that I should be working on... and the cycle has been going on and on.... for two weeks now.

So, to turn that 'hamster wheel' off, I have been cleaning and de-cluttering. My living room is filled with stuff we no longer need and we have just started this process. I plan on having a massive garage sale whether this move happens or not.

But, I REALLY have my fingers crossed that we go. I know it will be hard, but (angels singing) it's AUSTRALIA!!!!

6 months??? Really???

2011-06-22T01:07:00.005-06:00

The past 6 months have just flown by for us. Here is a recap... yikes!!

Refinanced our mortgage in Jan!! Yippee!! Gotta love a reduced monthly payment.
Trip to Disneyland in February.
Jonathan's 8th Birthday in February.
Alyssa's 11th Birthday in March.
I decide to 're-caulk' the master bath shower in March. That project turns into a major remodel which included demo of the master bath and ceiling of the garage and downstairs bath.
Jonathan was baptized in March.
Soccer season starts in April and goes through May for Alyssa and Jonathan.
A trip to Florida to see the space shuttle Endeavor happens at the end of April. While we didn't see it launch, we did see it sitting on the launch pad. NO we didn't go to Walt Disney World, but the Kennedy Space Center was so much fun I don't think the kids cared.
Math club, Conditioning Club, Spanish Club, Cub Scouts and church activities kept us busy in May.
I walked/ran in my first 5k for a benefit for SIDS research, called Ryan's Run in May.
School ended for all three kids on June 3rd.
Jonathan had Cub Scout Day Camp on the 6th and 7th of June.
On June 8th, we (the kidlets and I) drove to Hinton, Canada to see where Papa Echo is working.
While there we walked up to a glacier and toured the sights of Western Canada.
On June 13th, we (the kidlets and I) drove down to Salt Lake and got to meet my new little nephew.
On June 15th, we then drove to Reno and picked up Papa Echo and continued the drive to San Francisco.
Played in the bay area for 36 hours and ate pizza at the BEST PLACE ON EARTH, Zach's pizza.
Drove to Sacramento on June 18th for Papa Echo's cousin's wedding. It was so much fun!!
On June 19th, we left Papa Echo at the airport in Sacramento and then drove home to Montana.

I'd post pictures, but it would take too long and I probably wouldn't do it until 2012. 2011 is treating us well, and we look forward to the next six months.

I'll post more often.... and with pictures...

15 Years

2010-12-30T10:34:00.002-07:00

Fifteen years ago I married Papa Echo. We were fresh out of college and ready to get married after a 15 month engagement. He was and still is the love of my life.

Happy Anniversary!!

Ready in 3...2...1 !!!

2010-12-21T08:33:00.002-07:00

Our house is full of excited energy. The kids are counting down the days until Christmas. I'm counting down the days until Papa Echo comes home. We are finishing up some last minute details and then we are ready!!

Anthem

2010-12-09T09:04:00.001-07:00

Anthem by Leonard Cohen

Might be my new favorite song. I've linked to a video done on youtube.

Confession Time

2010-11-30T19:57:00.003-07:00

I always tease Papa Echo about how "analytical" he is. I'll point it out during arguments, when I'm trying to have fun, and pretty much any 'ol time I think about it. I pretend I'm not analytical at all.

Confession time?

I'm pretty darn analytical too. I try to hide it... I try to hide my OCD issues also. Usually I'm pretty good at it. Until I get stressed. And then? My best coping mechanism seems to be lining things up. (pun intended)

I'm finding that I'm stressed this Holiday season. Papa Echo is gone. (If I haven't whined about that enough so far...) We always go shopping together, write cards together, (well, he is on the computer while I sit next to him addressing the envelopes) and pretty much do all the Christmas "stuff" together throughout the month of December. Knowing that 'that' wasn't going to happen, I have been stressed and with being stressed comes my OCD/analytical behavior.

I have all the Christmas cards done and mailed. I have all my shopping done (except for a few things) and some of it even wrapped. I have NEVER had presents wrapped early. I always wait.

Some would say that it's good that today is November 30th and I am this 'ahead' of the game. To me? It is just a reminder that I'm not dealing as well with this new job as I think I am. I'm doing my best and putting on a happy face, but this is hard. And that's the truth. I'm analytical and it's showing 'big time' right now.

Happy Turkey Day!

2010-11-24T16:05:00.002-07:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we are staying home. Because I will be attempting to make dinner, I decided I better post on my blog today.

Things I am thankful for this year...

Papa Echo will be home. (assuming his flights aren't delayed)
My family is healthy.
We are all together.
Papa Echo has a job that he loves.
My kids are all in really good schools.
We have a wonderful place to live.
We have freedom to practice our religion.
We have the freedom to yell and scream about the TSA and other government monstrosities.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Spinning

2010-11-16T11:17:00.002-07:00

Life is good. Life is busy. I feel like I'm spinning around most of the time. Hopefully at some point I'm also getting things done. We'll see.

Jessica is loving Middle School. She likes her classes. Homework keeps her busy, but she is getting it all done.

Alyssa is loving her fifth grade class. She is in a class for "gifted and talented" students. The district is trying it as a full-time class for the next two years. For the first time, Alyssa is being pushed academically. She LOVES it. Her teacher also stresses critical thinking skills and again, Alyssa is embracing it all.

Jonathan is loving second grade. His teacher is wonderful and perfect for him. He just finished soccer for the year and is looking forward to playing baseball in the spring.

Papa Echo and I are trying to finish up the outdoor projects, (building a brick patio and replacing the fence) before winter comes. I don't think we will make it, but hopefully we'll be at a good stopping place.

So, that's life right now. Good and busy. As my grandpa would say... "staying busy keeps me out of trouble".

Guess I'm not getting into any trouble.

Poking "the man" with a Stick

2010-11-07T19:14:00.006-07:00

I understand the frustrations of "additional TSA screening guidelines".

Our government is out. of. control.

But really?
Is this the best shirt to wear in front of people who can make you go through secondary screening? Are we not afraid of body cavity searches? Because, really? That's the only place left that TSA isn't looking.I am happy to report that Papa Echo made it through security with no problems. And if you want this same shirt? They are for sale here.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T18:51:00.008-06:00

Happy Halloween!!

It is a beautiful night here and the kids are out trick-or-treating WITHOUT coats, gloves, hats, etc. It doesn't get much better than this.

Yesterday we went to the pumpkin patch and everyone found their own perfect pumpkins.
Jessica's creations

Jonathan's creation

Alyssa's creation

The kids plus two friends at a Halloween party last Wednesday. Jessica was a "ninja", Alyssa was a "lazy trick-or-treater" and Jonathan was a "clone trooper". (His mask was at home because it was a "no mask" party.)

Alyssa's final look for tonight. We found LONG lashes and lots of sparkles and make-up.

Weekend Plans

2010-10-21T10:15:00.003-06:00

This weekend I'm joining Papa Echo at his annual company retreat. (For the North American team.) They pick a different place every year. And this year? We are going to .... drum roll please....

Montana?

Really?

Okay then.

I guess that's cool if you DON'T ALREADY LIVE HERE.

But seriously, it's north of Missoula and will be gorgeous and wonderful and it's an expense paid weekend with my spouse. I'm pretty excited.

I'm also nervous. While I want to be a "social person" that visits and talks with everyone, I'm actually pretty shy and have a lot of anxiety about situations like this. (There will be about 30+ new people to meet.) I also don't have a clue as to what I'm going to wear. I've been shopping lots and lots and I'm still questioning my choices. I can't imagine anyone will care what I'm wearing, so it's a lot of anxiety for nothing. But, still.

I'm also frantically trying to clean my house. My wonderful mother in law is coming to watch the kids so I can go. Again, while I'm sure she won't care what the house looks like, I'm cleaning it as though she will walk through with white gloves. Really? Did I really need to spend the time cleaning out my closet? I'm insane. What I need to do is go clean the shower... because... she actually will see that. And I probably should vacuum again because I have two dogs that can't hold on to any of their fur.

Deep breath. I have a lot to still do. Maybe I should go shopping again.

Freebie!!!

2010-10-18T21:24:00.003-06:00

My good friend Stimey reviewed a book called "Cowboy and Wills" by Monica Holloway. To do this book justice, you could just go here and ready Stimey's review. Go ahead, I won't mind at all.

Normally, I just delete emails asking me to review stuff. But, because Stimey liked this book so much, I was excited when I received an email asking me if I wanted it.

I read it and.... I LOVED this book!!

This is a memoir about a mom's journey through the beginning of her three year old son's diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and the way their new puppy, Cowboy, helps.

I liked this book because I felt the author was really honest with how she parents and the things she does "right" and "wrong". As moms we are all just doing the best we can and we are all thrown curve balls at different times. Monica was able to write about an extremely difficult time, honestly and with a lot of humor. She is able to see the funny things in every situation. An admirable trait that I would love for myself.

"Sometimes it’s what you don’t know to hope for that saves you. For Monica, her husband, Michael, and their son, Wills, salvation came in the form of a puppy with pale blonde fur, chocolate brown eyes, a fondness for chewing the crotch out of underpants, and a limitless capacity for love."

This book made me laugh and cry and most of the time I did them both at the same time. Not very many books can draw me in like this one did.

And, good news for all of my blog readers!!! I was given two paperback copies to give away! So, just leave me a comment and I'll pick two winners out of a hat on Nov 1st.

Honesty Clause: I received three free copies of Cowboy & Wills. The paperback version sells for $15.

Happy Birthday Jessica!!

2010-10-05T13:17:00.003-06:00

My little "Baby Bear" turns 13 years old today! I can't believe it has been 13 years that I have had this precious child in my life. She is turning into a beautiful young woman and I absolutely love everything about her.

Happy Birthday!

Jonathan and soccer

2010-09-30T20:43:00.005-06:00

Jonathan has soccer practice two times a week. Because I'm usually running Alyssa to her soccer practice at about the same time, I'm not able to stay and watch. Today I arrived a little early for pick-up and was able to see him at work. Wow!! He is getting really good and a lot more aggressive. I've noticed that at the games, but it was fun to see it at practice also.

And? I learned boys like running around without shirts. The coach separated the boys for scrimmage and of course it was "shirts vs. skins". Jonathan was one of the skins and it made me laugh out loud the way they all stood a little taller and then jumped higher and were just plain more animated than the boys in shirts. Where do boys get this attitude? They ALL acted the same way. It cracked. me. up. And I loved it.

I'm coming back... I promise

2010-09-23T20:24:00.004-06:00

I will post again... but I have a cold. (said in a REALLY whiny voice)

And I've been busy with the start of school. (schedules? me? what? how?)

And I have a lot of projects to finish before winter starts. (we are thinking that happens in about three weeks.)

So, I'll be back soon... and hopefully not quite so whiny.

Days 16-21 of 21

2010-08-24T21:56:00.020-06:00

Papa Echo joined me and the kids at Stimey's house Friday night and then Saturday we drove across Washington DC to Papa Echo's Dad's house in Virginia. After a day of visiting and eating Dim sum, Papa Echo, Jessica, Jonathan, Grandpa, and Grandma Patty went on another sightseeing tour of DC at night.

at the WWII memorial

On Sunday, Papa Echo had to fly back to Canada and we were on our way home. Before dropping PE off at the airport, we stopped at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum next to Dulles International Airport.

The space shuttle!! How cool is that!!

Jonathan was thrilled to be here!!

When we were planning this trip, and looking for a route home, Alyssa asked, "Can we go to Kentucky?" I asked, "Why? What's in Kentucky?" And she says, "I just like the way 'Kentucky' sounds and think it would be fun to go there." So, I look at the map and figured it would only be an extra 4-5 hours of driving and after going so far anyway....

We drove through, Virginia and stopped for the night. Then drove through West Virginia and then into....

We proudly present our very quick trip through Kentucky.

Even the lizards were glad we stopped by.

What do you do in Kentucky when you only have a couple of hours and then need to be on the road again? What if the kids are tired of museums? What would be something to do that would also represent the state?

Let's see, Kentucky = Kentucky Derby = horse racing = horses = horseback riding.

Yes!! The kids want to go horseback riding!! We have a winning idea!

Our guide did not understand that I needed to take pictures for scrapbooking documentation, and put me on a horse after Jonathan, so please forgive the "not so close-up" photos...

And then we kept on driving... and driving... through Kentucky, up into Ohio for a few miles and then to Indiana.... stopping for the night there.

And then we kept on driving... and driving... through Indiana, and through Illinois... and then into Iowa... stopping for the night there.

And then we kept on driving... and driving... through Iowa and into South Dakota and stopped for the night.

And then we drove through South Dakota, into Wyoming briefly, into Montana and we were HOME!!! We did it!!

One last photo op, though... At some point between Indiana and South Dakota... (I can't remember where) I was pretty tired of driving and needed to stop for a nap. We pulled into this neat rest area.

Good thing the kids took my camera to document me sleeping...

I absolutely LOVE my kids and am so glad we went on this wonderful adventure.

Days 13-15 of 21

2010-08-13T01:24:00.020-06:00

We made the LONG drive through New York and Pennsylvania to Stimey's house!! On Wednesday, she drove us into Washington DC. The only thing we had to remember was where we parked and to go pick up her boys from day camp by 2:00. Done and Done.

I refrained from saying ALL the things I wanted to say in front of the White House.

Before I continue with our sight-seeing around our Nation's Capital... I would like to just say that where I come from, a mall is something that you go to and buy clothes, lotion, jewelry, and cheap/greasy food. With that in mind, Stimey asked me what I would like to see. And I say, "The Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial... things like that." She says, "Great, the mall is just over there." I say, "Okay? Um.... and maybe the Washington Memorial, and the Reflecting Pool? You know?" And she says, " Yeah, we just go down this way and we'll be at the mall". And I say, (still not catching on because I'm quick like that) " basically all the stuff you should see your first visit to DC....?" And then figuring that she is going to have us walk through Bath and Body Works on the way, I just followed her lead... Not sure at what point I finally asked the obvious, which was, "Oh.... the National Mall is not like a mall/mall.... okay...." Luckily I had a VERY patient tour guide in Stimey.

So, onto the National Mall walk/run. (We had to hurry because of the time constraint and all...)

The Washington Monument

Our fearless leader and tour guide, Stimey!!

Korean War Memorial (my favorite one there because it had the most emotional impact for me and the kids.)

My little troopers. They were good sports with the fast paced walk.

Lincoln Memorial

Vietnam Memorial

One thing to know about staying at Stimey's? She is a bad influence on kidlets. How can I compete with a mouse in a ball? The kids could have stayed watching and playing with the mice all day long!! And NO! WE ARE NOT GETTING ANY MICE!! I don't care what Stimey says...

Nature Center so close to where Stimey lives... one of the benefits of living in a real city.

Jonathan and Jack

Jonathan helping Jack put on a beekeepers outfit.

Quinn and Jessica watching frogs, I think...

While in Canada at the Discovery Center, we watched a movie called "Forces of Nature". It was about the "deadly effects of volcanoes, tornadoes and earthquakes."
About 5:00 am, I woke up thinking I had heard a big 'ol truck going past the house. Then I realized that it wasn't a truck, but an earthquake. And then it stopped. Jessica came hurrying into the room and said, "Mama, Mama, I think that was an earthquake." And I said, "yep, I think you're right". She says, "what should we do?". And I say, "Well, it's over now, so go back to bed." What are the odds of having a tornado in Billings in June and then an earthquake in Maryland in July?

Friday we went to the National Zoo. Once we got there though, Jessica became really pale and felt really sick. (She has a very sensitive stomach with traveling and if she isn't hydrated, it can turn ugly quick.) I stayed in the van with her while Stimey took Alyssa, Jonathan and Quinn into the zoo. After about an hour, I could see that Jessica wasn't going to feel well enough for the zoo and took her back to Stimey's.
Hero Stimey to the rescue!! Thanks so much for taking my kidlets into the zoo on the hottest day of the year and taking pictures so I can appropriately scrapbook our adventure!!

How can panda's be so stinkin' cute!!

Stimey distracting the kids with cotton candy from the heat.

GRRRR..... Alligators

I love the look of terror on Alyssa's face. She is a great little actress. And I should point out that only Stimey can get people to "pose" for pictures like this. It's a power that not many possess.

It was a quick trip to Stimey's, but we sure did have fun. Stimey was a WONDERFUL hostess and I hope we can return soon.

Days 9-12 of 21

2010-08-02T20:54:00.019-06:00

After Papa Echo got off work, we drove to Toronto. On Saturday, we drove to Niagara Falls. On the way there, we saw this boat in the bay and just had to stop. Jonathan said he thought it looked like a pirate ship.

Then we spent the day at Niagara Falls, returning to Toronto for the night.

Wow!!

We took the tour underground where there was tunnels going behind the falls.

Breathtaking view!!

For Montana standards, Billings is a big city. It was good to have the kids see a true BIG city.

Jonathan and Papa Echo

We loved the paint job on this building.

Jessica took this picture. I love it!!

Jonathan and Papa Echo watching planes land.

Papa Echo flew back to work Monday morning, and I drove south back to the US. I learned that I need to work on my "poker face" going across the border. I wasn't even doing anything wrong, and my heart was racing and I was all sweaty. The border guard made me nervous when he asked me to take off my sunglasses. When he asked where my plates were from, I could barely stutter out Montana. When he asked what I was doing in Canada I squeaked out, "visiting my husband who's working here....". And, when he asked where I was headed, I gave a big, long explanation of what was still on the agenda for the trip. Oy!!! Not good at all... He probably just laughed as soon as I left.

One place I've always wanted to visit is Palmyra, New York. We stopped there on the way to Maryland. It was wonderful to go there with my kids and see my church and family history.

Smith Family FarmThe upstairs bedroom.

Sacred Grove

Hill Cumorah

After visiting Palmyra, we continued on our drive to Maryland, where my best friend Jean (also known as Stimey) and her family lives.

The kids were getting a little "punchy" on this part of the drive. Here are some pictures.

Alyssa tried to make the craziest face and hairdo.

Jonathan watched the Star Wars trilogy again and again and again and again...

Jessica keeping track of all the license plates she saw. The only ones that didn't count were the ones from the state that we were in right then. She found all the US plates except Hawaii.

Days 6-8 of 21

2010-07-30T15:18:00.029-06:00

When I asked the kidlets what they would like to do, they all said, "NO MUSEUMS". That would be why we spent Day five playing mini golf and swimming in Lake Ramsey. But, I had seen a brochure that talked about Science North and Dynamic Earth and just knew the kids would like it. So I lured them there with phrases like, "animatronic dinosaurs", "free-flying butterfly exhibit", "dinosaur dig", "IMAX movie", "seven story elevator ride down to an underground mine tour."

I hoped it would be worth it.

It was well worth every penny!!!

We started Wednesday with Science North.

The entrance into the science center.
While walking through, I thought, "wow, this looks so realistic!!!" Uh Duh!!! It's because it IS REAL. I think I've been to Disneyland one toooooo many times....

shiver, shiver....... Jessica holding a millipede.

Inside the butterfly exhibit.

I promised animatronic dinosaurs and we saw a whole exhibit of animatronic dinosaurs!!

What's a science center without bottle rockets?

On your mark, get set, go!!! (although it was all said in french...)
After you ran your 30 feet, then a TV would play back your start in slow motion... very cool.

Ewwww.... snakes.... I hate snakes....

Alyssa and Jonathan racing cars they made.

Jessica working with a magnet.

Thursday we went to Dynamic Earth.

In the simulated mine.

Our tour guide had all the kids in the group help set up dynamite for a simulated blast. I LOVE this picture of Alyssa... I don't think she wants to be a miner. What do you think?

Back up in the center, Jessica is trying out the remote-controlled rock breaker. She was actually moving the rock breaker as tours were watching the machine seven stories below.

Jonathan using the caterpillar excavator simulator.

The best part of Dynamic Earth was the three level miniature mine. The kids spent HOURS and HOURS playing here...

Jessica sending up more rock.

Alyssa at the command center.
"we need more rock.... wait, we have to move this rock, we have nowhere to put all this new rock..... okay, send up more rock."

Because I had bought a "Dynamic Duo Passport" for each of us, we could go back to both centers on Friday. And we went back to both. First we went to Dynamic Earth so we could watch "Forces of Nature". This was a film about volcanoes, earthquakes and tornadoes. Because we had just had a tornado in Billings, I thought the kids would get a 'kick' out of the movie.... they did, until we went to Maryland.... more on that later....
Ahem, anyhoo, after we saw the movie and the kids played in the mini mine, again, we went back to science north to finish up seeing everything there.

Dinosaur dig. I love that they had to wear safety goggles... because safety first.

Jessica holding a walking stick. I didn't know they could get that big and blotchy looking....

Alyssa holding a water snake... and yes they can bite!! I swear the kids were just trying to freak me out at this point.

Learning about erosion.
The lady at the center said that my kids made a better dam than some college kids she had there the week before. I'd take credit, but it's all Papa Echo's teaching when it comes to this "sciency stuff".

We'll just finish up the science center with Alyssa petting a skunk. Because, why wouldn't she want to pet a skunk. By the way, she said it was VERY, VERY soft. Not that I would know....

And with that, we were done with our visit to Sudbury. On to Toronto and Niagra Falls.

Summer Adventure Days 1-5 of 21

2010-07-29T23:00:00.017-06:00

Let the trip begin!!!

Papa Echo flew in Thursday night, and we left the next day on our three week vacation. Well, it was three weeks for the kids and I... Papa Echo had to work during the week, but the weekends were with us.
Driving through North Dakota reminded me of Montana.

This was a fun sculpture in the middle of nowhere in North Dakota.

We stayed the night in Fargo, ND, and then traveled on. Bemidji, MN held a fun little surprise and was a good place to stop for lunch.

Paul Bunyan and Babe.

Putting our toes in Lake Bemidji.

There was a waterskiing show at the lake, so we watched that and then continued on. By that evening, we finally made it to Canada.

Crossing the border. My question is, "why didn't they stamp our passports". I asked Papa Echo to go back through the crossing, but he said no.

We drove through a HUGE thunderstorm and then had difficulty finding a place to stay for the night. We finally found a little town with a gas station and a hotel. We bought banana bread and chocolate milk for dinner at the gas station and then got a room at the little hotel.

After a good night sleep we continued on our drive. Day three brought us to Canada's largest Amethyst Mine. We took a tour of the working mine, and then "mined" for amethysts on our own.

Good thing we have a Mine Engineer with us.

We all came home with many amethyst treasures.

On Monday, we continued our drive. At this point we had to get around Lake Superior and get to Sudbury so Papa Echo could work the next day.

Of course we had to make a stop to put our toes in Lake Superior. The water was "veeeeeerrrrry cold".

Tuesday morning, Papa Echo went to work, and I was on my own with the kids. I have to admit I was a little nervous being somewhere new, but the kids are great and very fun. Jessica was my copilot along with my new GPS, known as "Sally". We decided to go play miniature golf and then found our way to Lake Ramsey which is a lake in the very middle of Sudbury.

Go after the ball Alyssa Kay!!

Sudbury is a town with a STRONG nickel mining heritage. This is a HUGE monument to honor that heritage.

Lake Ramsey was beautiful and I watched the kids play while reading my book.

While in Sudbury we were able to stay in an apartment that Papa Echo's company is leasing. So after work, he would come "home" and we'd tell him about our escapades and then go to dinner. It's been awhile since I've been able to ask him about his day face to face. It was nice and felt so normal.

With over 400 pictures taken in three weeks, this vacation will take a few blog posts. (Just think of the scrapbooking I'll have to do...) More to come tomorrow.

On the Road Again

2010-07-01T19:54:00.003-06:00

Papa Echo's new work schedule has taken some time to get used to. He is gone during the week and then home for 1 or 2 days on the weekend. We knew it would be hard, and tried to think of fun/positive reasons for the job. (As adults, $$$ was a great reason. For the kids, not so much.)

So, we told the kids that we would get them passports and go visit Daddy during the summer. They were thrilled to get a passport like Daddy's.

And now the time has come for the trip. I had planned on flying out. Then I checked on the cost of the flight. OUCH!! We quickly decided to drive. And then after looking at a map, decided to visit friends and family on the east coast. It will be a long trip. I will be doing the majority of the trip by myself and the kidlets. Papa Echo will fly to wherever we are on the weekend.

I'm hoping that the kids LOVE this adventure. I'm hoping my brother takes good care of my house while I'm gone. I'm hoping that I can have enough patience during the long car rides. I'm hoping I don't get lost.

Wish me luck and if you live back east, we'll see you soon!

Eclipse

2010-06-28T21:50:00.003-06:00

Guess who's going to the midnight show of Eclipse tomorrow night? (12:01 Wednesday morning to be exact.)

giggle....giggle....

It's a good thing Papa Echo isn't here to witness this spectacle.

South Dakota Trip

2010-06-16T14:43:00.025-06:00

School has ended and what better way to celebrate than a road trip!!! We followed my brother Dave, his fiance Jonie and their three kids, Alexis, Trace and Parker to South Dakota. We met up with my other brother Mike, his wife Amy and their two kids, Charles and Roark and my parents.

It was SO MUCH FUN!!! I had no idea there was so much to do in such a little area. So, here's a recap of our trip. If you want more, I'll be scrapbooking about 350+ pictures... feel free to come on over...

Part of our group went to Jewel Cave. Since I am claustrophobic and hate heights, I chose to sit this adventure out. But, those that went, said it was very beautiful and worth the walk. (I guess there were a lot of stairs...)

We stayed at The Flintstones Campgound in Bedrock City. Of course we had to go into the Theme Park. I did have to "prep" the kids before the trip with some video rentals from Netflix. They did not know who or what the Flintstones were, but they do now...

Next stop?
Four Mile Old West Town. This was a very fun and yet strange little place. We thought it was just an old ghost town. Turns out, the owners recreated an old ghost town. The strange part was, they had a TON of old antiques flooding the place and yet none of the building seemed finished... and you got the feeling that everything was just going to rot away in front of your eyes. The cool part of this place was that, you could walk in and out of all the buildings (although for safety reasons we probably shouldn't have) and you could touch everything. Unlike a museum that shines a light on something and says "this is important, look at me", you could explore and use all your senses to find what was important to you at this place. Very cool, and yet, there were nails sticking out and broken glass all over that made the mama bear in me freak out a little.

South Dakota Air and Space Museum (not to be confused with the Aaron Space Museum which is where I thought Papa Echo was taking me to over the years...) Lots of big planes. What more could the kids/Papa Echo want?

Reptile Gardens.
The kids LOVED. THIS. PLACE.

I did not. (but it's not about me, so....)

But, how often do you get to pet a baby alligator/crocodile? (I guess I wasn't listening during the presentation because I still can't tell the difference between the two.)

The thing I didn't like about this place? The snakes. Yuck/shiver/yuckie/ewwwww. Blech.

Cosmos Mystery Area

The kids were impressed with the optical illusions... Okay, okay, I was impressed also. I'm still trying to get Papa Echo to tell me how they did some of the tricks. And I'm not believing the "mystical forces" reason that our Cosmos guide gave.

Mt. Rushmore. of course....

While in Keystone (an old gold mining town) the kids went down the Alpine Slide. This was a big moment for me because I let the kids go up the chairlift by themselves and then down the slide without me or Papa Echo hovering. Eeeek!! My little babies are growing up!

The Berlin Wall Exhibit.

What a great teaching moment!! I figured that the kids would be learning about the cold war and the Berlin Wall in school. NOPE. So, we had many discussions trying to explain why the wall went up and eventually why it came down.

Petrified Forest.

Very, very cool!! We went on a self-guided tour around the forest. LOVED it!!

We couldn't go into a gold mining district without stopping by a mine. Luckily for us The Homestake Mine was nearby. We went there and then tried a little gold panning for ourselves. All three kids panned with Papa Echo and, yes, there is still gold in them thar' hills.

As if we hadn't scared the kids enough with the Berlin Wall Exhibit, we decided to take them to one of the Minuteman Missile Silo Control Centers. We made it to one of the underground tours and saw how our military lived (and still live at active sites) and what they would have to do to "engage" one of the missiles. I was so glad we took the kids to this. A family behind us had a teenage daughter that while waiting for our turn to go in, whined, "but why do I have to see this? It's sooooo boring.... Why can't we see something important like civil war sites and revolutionary war stuff....?" Hopefully my kids won't ever say that, or I'll become a crochety old lady, saying, "back when I was a kid, we had bomb shelters and we would practice what to do if......."

It's good for us to see what a very "silent" part of our military has to deal with so there is peace for the rest of us.

Then,

We drove through The Badlands of South Dakota. (Very pretty and not so bad if you ask me....)

Of course after the Badlands we had to stop at Wall Drug, home of the "free ice water". I'm all for stopping for something free. :) And along with free ice water comes a photo op with a jack-a-lope of course.

At the first of the trip, we stayed in cabins and a big 'ol tent. By the end, the "fun" of camping had worn off me and we stayed in hotels that had a swimming pool (and a hot tub).

Our last "hurrah" of the trip was going to be Devil's Tower in Northern Wyoming. It was very, very cold when we drove past and looked like it might rain. So, we took a picture and figured we would hike around it next time.

It was still mesmerizing even from a distance.

And that's about it for the trip. A good time was had by all!!

Bragging Time Again

2010-05-20T22:37:00.004-06:00

Both girls are in something called "extended studies" at their Elementary School. Once a week they go to a special class for the "gifted and talented". Next year, the school district decided to set up an all day class for 4th and 5th grade extended studies students. They picked 28 students from a hat and there were 192 that could apply.

Guess who's in?

My Alyssa Kay!!! She is SO EXCITED! (and I am too)

Congratulations sweetheart!!!

Toothless

2010-05-05T17:38:00.002-06:00

Today was the BIG day. Jonathan (finally) lost a tooth. He has been waiting a LONG time for this day to come.

My little guy is growing up. I told him that I needed to have a talk with his teacher. I sent him to school with all his teeth and he came home with one missing.

He just giggled. At least he didn't roll his eyes. That will be next year when he's a big second grader.

Staying off soap boxes and other problems

2010-04-28T22:00:00.002-06:00

My blog has been very quiet lately. It's not that I haven't had anything to say, it's just that I don't feel up to getting on a political soap box with every post. I write my posts in my head every day, and then decide to not offend this group or that one and I delete it. And then, just as I get to a point where I've taken a deep breath and calmed down, another "issue" pops up and I get all pissy again. So, if I'm quiet, it's because I'm censoring my content. At some point, I will be able to thoughtfully and intelligently get on a soap box. Not right now though. At this point it's not even about one particular issue. (Unless I lump all government intrusions into one big ball of crap to discuss.)

My other problem? I can't get pictures off my damn camera. So, I have a bunch of pictures and video of my kids to post. But I can't. And Papa Echo keeps forgetting to help me when he's here for 24 hours.

Deep breath... Sorry fellow bloggers... I'll be back in the game soon... I'm just regrouping right now.

Science Fair

2010-04-07T07:44:00.004-06:00

I am dedicating this post to a wonderful and courageous mom, WhyMommy.

So, to celebrate Team WhyMommy's Virtual Science Fair, I present:

Alyssa's Science Fair Project!! (but I can't get the pictures off my camera... sorry)

For the Billings Science Fair, Alyssa decided to work with a solar panel and see how different light sources determined how much energy the solar panel could produce. She set up a box with the panel inside and attached it to a volt meter. She then tested different lights and measured the energy produced.

It was fun for me to watch Alyssa and Papa Echo work together and go through the scientific method process. Alyssa came up with the idea, did the experiments and created her presentation board. During the judging process, she received high marks for her presentation because she was able to explain her project clearly and answer questions. (Parents are not allowed in during the judging process.)

She wasn't required to participate in the science fair this year because she's in fourth grade. She just did it because she wanted to.

I'm so proud of you Alyssa!! Way to go above and beyond!

I'm Only Human...

2010-04-06T21:12:00.003-06:00

Papa Echo: "I have to be honest with you."
Me: "ok?"

Papa Echo: "I've been unfaithful."
Me: "?"

Papa Echo: "I found a very awesome, Barbacoa style burrito shop in the Denver airport, and I've been eating their burritos."
Me: "oh, well then I should probably tell you something"

Papa Echo: "?"
Me: "When I went to Arbonne's NTC two years ago, I found that same burrito shop and ate there also. I guess I should have told you before now..."

And after that, the song "I'm Only Human" went through my mind for the next 24 hours.

New Exercise Program

2010-03-24T20:53:00.002-06:00

I have had a goal to lose weight for quite some time. Wanting and doing are quite different in my world.

My friend Michelle had a great idea and invited everyone to go "walking" with her. Go to her site for all the details.

Starting tomorrow, I will be wearing my pedometer. My goal is to walk to Sudbury, Canada (figuratively--don't worry that I've packed up the house Papa Echo).

I'm putting this goal on my blog so that I'll feel accountable. If you notice my number of miles at the top of the page not changing much, then feel free to "encourage" me along.

I'm walking with you Michelle!! (just in a different direction, and starting in a different place, and oh never mind...)

Welcome to the U.S.S.A

2010-03-22T14:33:00.003-06:00

I have been trying all day to come up with some coherent thoughts as to how I feel about the whole health care scam that was passed last night.

Every time I try to start,

Bad words, bad words, bad words...

I would love to write something poetic, that describes my every emotion, fear and frustration. All that comes out right now are some bad four letter words and that won't help anything or let you know how I feel. Until I can calm down, I won't be posting anything else regarding this subject.

And, be warned: DO NOT call me to discuss this if you don't want me to say things that will offend you. I'm pretty pissed right now.

Were we at a football game?

2010-03-19T21:18:00.003-06:00

Jason: "Jonathan, what was your favorite part of the Outlaws Football game?"
Jonathan: "The popcorn."
Jason: "No the game... your favorite part of the game?"
Jonathan: "The remote control airplane dog fight." (during half time)

That's my boy!! We go to a football game and his favorite part has nothing to do with football.

I haven't forgotten, I'm just trying to "tone it down" a bit

2010-03-19T20:39:00.003-06:00

I won't be at Best Buy or Borders tonight, but I will be here tomorrow morning, bright and early.

Specifically for V.

2010-03-06T20:35:00.002-07:00

Because you are not on facebook, I'll give you this link here...

Enjoy!

Woot! Woot! Cha Cha Cha

2010-02-25T14:34:00.003-07:00

The waiting is over.

The wondering is over.

Ahhhhhh...... Big sigh of relief....

Brilliant, wonderful, kick ass Papa Echo found a great job as a management consultant for an Australian company. His first project will be in Canada and will last for about a year. They will fly him home on the weekends.

While it will be a HUGE adjustment to not have him here all the time, there are many great benefits that I am choosing to focus on...

A paycheck!!!
The company will fly him not only home, but anywhere that has a lesser than or equal to airfare. Therefore... wherever the kids and I go, he will just fly there. Let's say, for example, I had a friend that the kids and I went to visit. He would fly there and then back to work. It would work really well, if I had someone to stay with... hint, hint, hint.
The kids are excited to get passports because of course we have to go visit him in Canada this summer.
Did I mention, I'm excited about the paycheck?

I did have to change things around with my new job. I will no longer be working full time at the nursing home. I will be a "relief worker" which means that just before the schedule comes out, I can call and fill in whatever shifts are left. I'm not sure how much I will be able to fill in, but it's nice to have that option still out there.

Way to go Papa Echo!!!

Unanswered Questions

2010-02-18T17:14:00.004-07:00

I am going to start off this post with the following...

...Stop reading if you don't want to hear my temper tantrum...

I am officially stomping my feet and pounding my fists in the air.

I NEED ANSWERS!!!

I thought we would know by now the status of possible employment for Papa Echo... Do I know?
NO

When will we know?
I don't know

Will I be able to work at my new job if Papa Echo gets this new job?
I don't know... probably not

What am I to say to my boss?
I don't know

What can my schedule be for the next month?
I don't know

What vacations will we take this summer? (asked by all three kids)
I don't know

How often will I see Papa Echo once possible job starts? (asked by me)
I don't know

Will I be an okay single mom?
I don't know

How will the kids react to Papa Echo gone for long periods of time?
I don't know

If this job doesn't come through, then what?
I don't know

My grandpa is now in the hospital. Why?
I don't know

What do the doctors say?
They don't know

I need some answers soon or there might be some BIG problems...

Still waiting and anticipating...

2010-02-12T15:00:00.002-07:00

Patience. is. not. a. virtue.

And, it's over-rated!!!

Anticipation

2010-01-30T14:59:00.002-07:00

I'm tired from working, but still enjoying the job.

The kids are all wonderful and I love to just be with them.

I'm hopeful that good news will come this next week.

And now? Nap time... for me.

New Job

2010-01-17T18:43:00.003-07:00

I finally started work at the beginning of January. I'm working for a really neat nursing home that is just down the street. (Between the kids school and our home is where I work.)

I have not worked a "real" job since I was first married. Coming up with a resume was disastrous to my ego. Luckily, I'm done with that part. This last year, I worked for my brother in his custom tile business, but he didn't need a resume, and the hours were REALLY flexible. So, real job, here I am!!

I work 40 hours+ a week with every other weekend off. The hours are 6:30am- 3:00pm. It's great in that I'm home in the evenings with my kids. It's not so great that I'm a night owl and I'm working early mornings. Papa Echo says I'm a "light weight" now because by 9:30pm I'm falling asleep.

I have always been concerned about being a "working mom" and not a "stay at home mom". I'm finding that my kids don't seem too concerned. It may be because of the hours, or their ages, or because they feel so confident in their parents love that they can handle anything... okay I may be stretching on that last idea... I know it also helps that Papa Echo is able to bring them to and from school and run them around to various activities on the weekend. When his help ends (meaning he finds a job that has different work hours than his current contract work), then things may not run quite as smooth. We'll cross that bridge later.

I know that I've been trying harder to be more attentive when I am home. I make sure I get story time in with Jonathan. Alyssa and I have been baking together. And, I've been trying to just listen and hug Jessica more.

Years and years from now, I might look back and regret working. (Although I don't know that we have many options at this point.) Most likely, I'll regret worrying about working and I'll be grateful for the stay at home time I did have.

About Face

2010-01-16T06:04:00.002-07:00

Papa Echo joined the Civil Air Patrol awhile back. Last Thursday, there was an Open House for all the families so we could hear about CAP. At one point, the Cadets (those under the age of 18) were in the gym practicing drills. Our kids LOVED watching it and were even copying them on the side lines. One of the Cadets ran over and invited them to join in the drill.

They thought it was so much fun!!! The next day, Jonathan showed his class everything he learned. Maybe my kids want more structure in their lives???

2010-01-13T15:36:00.003-07:00

It must be summer, because today it hit 51 degrees and this is what I came home to...

I'm surprised they didn't ask to run through the sprinklers.

Don't Say That!

2010-01-11T05:58:00.002-07:00

While I was eager to be done with 2009 and all that surrounds that year, it looks like we sheltered our kids from all the stresses and concerns.

Jessica: "Our life is kinda boring."
Papa Echo: "Really?"
Jessica: "Yeah, I just wish something exciting would happen."
Papa Echo (while preparing for yet another job interview): "Hmmm, you really shouldn't have said that."
Jessica: "Well, I mean, I don't want to move or anything..."

So, a job loss, mom going back to work, a complete change in finances, and struggling to sell a home is not exciting enough... Oy...

I guess it's good that we don't communicate all problems/excitement with our kids?

My camera is working!!

2010-01-04T18:33:00.015-07:00

I finally figured out my camera (thanks to Papa Echo's help)... so here are Christmas pictures!!
Usually we travel to Salt Lake or San Diego and stay with family for Christmas. This year, we stayed home. It was a nice, relaxing holiday. The kids enjoyed all their gifts and they had fun making gifts for each other.

My favorite gift was something that all three kids worked on. I was so shocked Christmas morning to find the following on the table.
I have wanted a Nativity set ever since I got married, but have never found one that I really liked. The kids, knowing that my mom has a set I like, decided to make me one. I can't believe the amount of work they put into this!!

The kids all received some video games, so while I cooked a ham for dinner, Papa Echo helped the kids play the games.

Then, there was one more gift that I was a little surprised by. Some people know me a little to well.
Click here for a look at a very appropriate gift that made me LAUGH OUT LOUD!!

All in all, a very quiet and wonderful holiday. Things are already looking up in 2010. I have a new job starting tomorrow as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) at a nursing home. I'm looking forward to the challenge (and money/health insurance).

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T16:19:00.001-07:00

I will be posting pictures soon.... as soon as I figure out my new camera... but for now I just want to wish you all a very Happy New Year! I for one am glad that 2009 is over. It's been a very long year and I'm looking forward to everything 2010 has to offer.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T15:11:00.003-07:00

So, most people only blog once a month, right? RIGHT?

It's been a crazy busy month, but a good one. I'll start with Thanksgiving. (Not in December, I know, but where the craziness starts...) We had a great visit with my family and then I brought the kidlets home while Jason went to a mining conference in Reno for a week. The day after Jason came home from his conference, I started a two-week intensive CNA class. (certified nursing assistant) The class was not difficult, but I was gone for 8 hrs a day and then had A LOT of homework each night. I finished up the last day yesterday and then interviewed for a job at the nursing home right down the street from us. Hopefully I will hear back from them on Monday. (Keep your fingers crossed...)

So, Christmas cards have fallen through the cracks. Baking for neighbors? Not done. I barely have the kids presents wrapped... At least I have their presents.

Some pretty neat things have happened though. The kids decided on their own, to make Christmas presents for each other. Every night, they had a space of the house where "Mama don't go into the living room", or "Jonathan, don't come downstairs." It has been fun to see their excitement. I just had to provide paint, or boxes, or anything else they requested. I look forward to seeing everything they created!

Another cool thing that happened, is that we had a surprise package left on our doorstep last night. It was a box filled with food for Christmas dinner. Thank you, thank you kind stranger.

I have cider simmering for tonight and bread cooking for tomorrow mornings cranberry french toast. We are planning on making cookies, and of course the Lawrence traditional caramel popcorn. A Christmas story will be on starting at 6:00. (another tradition from my side of the family... it's a good thing Papa Echo is patient)

The excitement level in our home is growing and growing....

Merry Christmas!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T11:22:00.005-07:00

I am thankful for my family and friends. This last year has really shown me that family and friends are all that matter. So, I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. We are headed to Salt Lake. I'm very excited and thankful for that.

I am also thankful for a wonderful husband who finds a way to make me laugh... all the time!! Below is his latest "find". Kevin Smith is one of my favorite directors. (Right up there with Tim Burton.) Please note: Kevin Smith is known for his language and adult dialogue...

Kevin Smith defends Twilight

And as long as I'm linking to one obsession of mine, I'll link to another.

Green Day with Will Ferrell on cowbell

Ice Skating Performance

2009-11-15T21:08:00.006-07:00

Alyssa and Jessica had their first "Fabulous Fifties" Ice Skating Performance last night. They did SO WELL!! I'm amazed at how much they have progressed with just six lessons.

Girls Weekend

2009-11-05T09:23:00.003-07:00

Back (a long, long, time ago) when I was in High School, I had a group of girlfriends that I did EVERYTHING with. When we graduated, one of my friends dads said that "while you think you will always stay friends, you'll end up going separate ways." He was correct that we did go separate ways, but surprisingly we have all stayed pretty close.

This weekend, we are all getting back together for a "girls weekend". The last time we were together was my wedding 14 years ago.

I'm so excited. No kids or spouses. Just us giggly girls remembering giggly girl times.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T16:00:00.002-06:00

It's that time of year again!! I will have pictures tomorrow, but until then, here's a video for you all to enjoy. It has my favorite Halloween song of all time.

Lending a helping hand at the grocery store...

2009-10-26T15:32:00.002-06:00

I went to the grocery store for Diet Coke (most importantly) and milk and other things including a card. A little old lady came up to me asking where the get well cards were. I showed her the little section and she asked what I thought would be an appropriate card for her 30 year old grandson who is having surgery tomorrow. As I started to look, I asked what kind of surgery (to get a feel for how sympathetic the card should be) and she said he was having his foot amputated.

Now, there aren't too many cards anyway, and even fewer that look masculine. She picked out a brown card with a little design and asked me to read it. On the front it said, "One day at a time, One step at a time". The middle, said get well soon, blah, blah, blah. I went to put it back and she said "well, that sounds good...". I looked at her and gently said, "well, I don't know, I mean, he is having his foot amputated, and well, you know, this card talks about taking one step at a time, so, I don't know..." She looked at me like I was speaking a different language and so I said, "yeah, it is a very nice looking card, but let's see if there is another one you like better." She ended up picking out one that was pretty feminine looking, (maybe more "scrapbookie" but we don't have to get technical) AND had a nice message.

I hope her grandson appreciates the card.

And, I'm thinking that I have a very sick sense of humor because part of me thinks he might have gotten a laugh out of the original one.

Picture Update

2009-10-19T20:54:00.007-06:00

Here's a look at what's been happening around our house this past month.

Jessica had a fun and spooky Halloween Birthday Party. There's 12 candles on that cake!! When did she grow up?

Alyssa started figure skating lessons.

Alyssa's first class looked like so much fun that Jessica started lessons the following week.

Jonathan has been playing soccer all month. He has such a great "game face" while playing.

Jonathan also started Tiger Cub Scouts. Doesn't he look so handsome in his uniform?

Fall is Back!

2009-10-16T15:05:00.002-06:00

There has been so much going on and I haven't had time to post pictures. I will...soon.

But, good news! While it was bitter cold and snowing last week, fall has returned and I'm LOVING it!! I love the warm/cooler weather. I love the leaves changing colors. I love that I will have a chance to plant 100 bulbs before winter comes for good. I love that I have a second chance to finish some outdoor projects that I've procrastinated finishing. It's a beautiful weekend and I'm enjoying it.

It's a Cold One

2009-10-09T08:34:00.003-06:00

Just to let you all know... it's cold out there today. The temperature is in the teens now and will be single digits later on. If you are smart, and live somewhere else, you can sit back with a "I told you so" look on your face. Or maybe a "I don't know what else she expects, she lives in fricken Montana" smirk.

There is a sheet of ice covering all of Billings. Three of the four buses to my kids Elementary school arrived AFTER the tardy bell. I almost rear ended another minivan on the way to school. (Luckily I did not hit it because of my fine driving skills. Or maybe driving on ice is like driving a boat and I've had lots of practice with that.)

I've decided that the only time I will venture out of my house again will be to 1) pick the kids up from school and 2) take the girls to figure skating lessons. All other errands will be done another day.

I'm just sayin' it's pretty cold out there!!!!!!!!!!

To shot or not to shot...

2009-10-02T15:23:00.004-06:00

I've always thought that shots were a good idea. I'm one of those moms that follows the vaccination chart religiously. But, do the flu shots count? I'm looking for opinions out there...

Do you give your kids the flu shot every year? What about the H1N1 shot/mist? Do you trust it? Am I being paranoid by questioning the FDA ?(insert sarcasm and roll of the eyes here)

My kids see "flu shots available here" signs all over town and remind me each time that they don't want any shots this year. Am I bad for giving them the shots or bad for not giving them? Either way, I think I'm screwed.

Help?

Planning... last minute

2009-09-28T21:08:00.002-06:00

Jessica's birthday is next Monday. Every year I think I will plan her party early, and every year I get bombarded with school "stuff" and plan it at the last minute. Well, she wants to hold her party this Saturday, because she doesn't want to "deal with the party and homework on a school night." So, the invitations have been delivered, and the theme has been set. (Halloween theme)
Here's the question... What activities do you plan for 12 year old girls?

If you can't laugh at yourself...

2009-09-21T09:50:00.002-06:00

Papa Echo sent me a link to a very funny comic. I will share it with you all despite the risk of bodily harm from Twilight fans everywhere.

This comic is for you Michelle.

Happy Monday everyone!!

Church Talk

2009-09-17T16:14:00.003-06:00

Do you know how long it has been since I had to give a talk in church? It's been awhile. Moving from a little branch to a big 'ol ward has its advantages and disadvantages. Disadvantages? Getting lost in the crowd. Advantages? Not needing to give talks all the time.

Well, after a year of living in this ward, they found me. Say yes to a calling in young women's, and suddenly everyone knows you go to church and knows you know how to say yes...

So, I'll be stressing, and praying, and writing, and stressing and hoping that I can give a 10-15 minute talk that isn't so boring, people will be praying for my departure.

Wouldn't saying no have been easier?

9-11

2009-09-11T11:01:00.004-06:00

I remember.

I had spent the weekend in Billings, MT to see my first nephew who had just been born. My mom and I drove back to Salt Lake on Sept. 10th and I was to fly out that evening. There was a problem with that flight, and so I spent an hour at the airport trying to figure out how I was going to get back to Sacramento to my family. Flying out the next morning on American Airlines to LA or United Airlines to San Francisco and then taking a small plane to Sacramento were options floating around. At the last minute (and I mean LAST) they found a spot on a flight to Vegas and then a connecting flight to Sacramento. I literally ran through the airport to catch that flight. I threw my carry on and purse on the x-ray machine and then ran to the gate while my parents waited for my bags. I made that flight and landed in Sacramento just after midnight, Sept. 11th. Jason picked me up and we went to bed very, very late.

The next morning, Jason jumped out of bed (he had heard something on his alarm/radio that caused a jump out of bed instead of the normal, slap the snooze) and I laid there hoping that the girls would sleep in so that I could sleep in. Jason went downstairs and then yelled for me to come. I got out of bed thinking, "this had better be good buddy, because you probably just woke up the kids by yelling". I walked down the stairs and was confused because he was standing, frozen, in the middle of the living room, watching TV with the remote still in his hand. I asked what was going on and he had to tell me a few times because my brain could not wrap around what he was saying. We both stood there watching it replay over and over again. Then, we hear from our innocent little four year old coming down the stairs, "what is that?" (on TV) And I slowly turned and looked at little Jessica with her eyes wide, watching a plane fly into a building. We turned off the TV and gave an explanation... How we explained, I don't remember. How do you explain something that terrible? How do you explain that things will never be the same?
I was still glued to the TV, but not with Jessica and Alyssa in the room. We tried to keep them away from the details.

I tried donating blood that night, but the lines were long, and they had started a list to donate at a later date. I was finally called five months later. (That's how long the list was...)

I bought a red white and blue ribbon to tie to the antennae of my car a few days later.

The following week, one of my neighbors organized a little march . Very little. There were probably only about six families, but we walked around the neighborhood with flags and "patriotic" music.

Another neighbor hung a big sheet on his garage that everyone could sign. Once it was filled, it was sent to New York.

It was actually a blessing to move to Montana a year later. I couldn't begin my day without turning on the TV to see if "something else had happened". If I heard a crop duster, I froze. I didn't even enjoy going into San Francisco anymore because I was afraid. Moving to Montana helped me release the panic feeling I harbored.

I use to LOVE flying in big jets. I now have a lot of anxiety. We almost didn't go to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake because I was afraid of what might happen during the games. (Thank goodness I didn't let fear get in the way of that!!)

I don't hold a candlelight vigil anymore on Sept. 11th (like I did for a few years), but I still remember.

I still remember.

Political Soap Box

2009-09-03T19:22:00.003-06:00

Today we received a note/permission slip from the school district. It said:

"As you may be aware, the President of the United States will be addressing the school children of America at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning,.... During this special address, the President will speak directly to the nation's children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. This broadcast will be made available at this time in the classrooms..... in grades 3-12.
We fully recognize that there may be some of you who are not comfortable allowing your child to tune into this broadcast. For those students we will provide an alternate setting. Please notify us..."

Here I go on my soap box...

To make my position very clear, I did not vote for President Obama. I do not like most of his policies. For the most part, I think he is taking America down a very, very bad path.

BUT, it doesn't sound like he is talking about anything controversial. (i.e. health care reform) And, we are talking about a PUBLIC school system sending out this letter. We, as a country, voted for President Obama. He is our President and deserves a certain level of respect. During election time my kids have been taught who is running and the basics (very basic) of the candidates platform. Do parents "pull" their kids out of school every time any of that is discussed?

Here's my questions for the parents that will demand an alternate setting for their child next Tuesday. Exactly what are you afraid the President might say? Are you using your kids to show YOUR political agenda? Don't you think that Tuesday evening would be a great time for a discussion about what was said? Maybe a discussion on tolerance for opinions that differ from our own? Or better yet, even though there are differing opinions, there are some things we can agree on. Like, the importance of an education, working hard and setting goals.

Personally, I think it's a good thing for my kids to hear from the President. I encourage them to listen to the debates during election time (although they are usually bored to tears after a few minutes). Frankly, it will be nice to hear him talk about something so "non-controversial". I will be listening in. Because, I'm the parent. And if clarification or conversation needs to happen, then I want to know what was said. But I'm not going to arbitrarily boycott the President's speech and take something that can be good away from my kids.

Back to School

2009-08-26T13:03:00.004-06:00

Jessica is in 6th grade, Jonathan is in 1st, and Alyssa is in 4th

I snuck in one more picture of Jonathan, because he is in 1st grade and won't be "embarrassed" by having his picture taken at school.

My kids are growing up so fast!!

Big Sigh...

2009-08-17T18:16:00.000-06:00

It wasn't meant to be this year.... sigh....

Show recap...

Vacation pics

2009-08-08T11:46:00.012-06:00

I don't have pictures from my mother-in-law yet, so this isn't a comprehensive look at our trip, but here's a few of the highlights...

It took us two days to travel to San Diego. The kids do really well keeping themselves entertained while stuck in the van. I don't do as well.

We went to the beach and Papa Echo and I became REALLY sunburned. (We managed to keep sunscreen on the kids.) The next day we went to the tide pools and a lighthouse.Grandma Echo, Alyssa, Jonathan, Papa Echo and Jessica

The next day, we split forces. Papa Echo and Jessica went to LA to see the La Brea Tar Pits and Aquarium and I took Alyssa and Jonathan to Legoland. It's amazing to see everything they make out of Legos. Jonathan said that he NEEDS more Legos.

Jonathan and R2D2

Alyssa and Darth Vader

Alyssa and Jonathan standing in line for another ride.

In front of San Francisco...all made out of Legos.

"I need more cowbell"
I couldn't resist taking a picture of Will Ferrell at Legoland.

We also made it to the San Diego Zoo and Old Town. It was a great trip, and we can't wait to go back!

Vacation Time

2009-07-29T20:05:00.002-06:00

We are visiting Grandma Tricia's house in sunny and beautiful San Diego, CA. Once again, there is a chance we may forget how to go home. I can't ask it enough.... How did we end up in MT?

March 2010

2009-07-22T21:26:00.001-06:00

Something new for me to obsess over, Johnny, I mean, "Alice in Wonderland" will be out March 2010 and there is a new trailer!

Demolition Derby

2009-07-19T17:05:00.006-06:00

My kids have never been to a Demolition Derby. After living in MT for seven years, I figured it was time to introduce them to one.

And, No, hell has not frozen over....that is Papa Echo enjoying this experience with his kids.

There were lots of questions about what a "Demolition Derby" is, why people would want to crash into other cars and if there were EMT's and Firemen standing by. Once it started though, we laughed and cheered and had a grand ole' time. There is nothing quite as redneck as watching cars crash into each other for fun.

On a completely unrelated note, I noticed Jonathan playing "crash 'em up" cars this morning. He even had his bulldozers out to retrieve the cars that were too beat up to get off the field.We are thinking he is watching too much television.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-15T13:08:00.002-06:00

Honest Scrap

2009-07-14T12:29:00.004-06:00

Tif-do nominated me for this...which means I need to come up with 10 honest things about myself that you don't already know. Hmmmm, I don't have very many readers, and those that do read this, know pretty much everything about me. Let me think...

1) None of my OB/GYN's have ever seen my feet. I figured I deserved at least one part of my body to be "off limits". I always wear socks to my Dr. appt's. I even wore Mickey Mouse socks when I gave birth all three times.

2)I have OCD. I use to count everything in fours. (at the very least in even numbers) I would go back down one stair and "re-climb" a step to make it an even number. I would step an even number of steps between the cracks in a sidewalk. I would chew an even number of times on each side of my mouth. It wasn't so obvious that people would notice. In fact, I don't think my parents would even know. I don't do it now, unless I get REALLY stressed, and then I'll just find myself counting.

3)I like Eminem's music.

4)I hate/am afraid of writing. I will write and re-write emails trying to get them to sound right, and they still will be wrong. If it's ever taken me awhile to respond to an email, it's because I'm having a hard time writing that day. Writing this blog is one way I'm trying to overcome this particular fear.

5)I don't like speaking in front of groups of people. Hence the number one reason why I sell Arbonne. It forces me to talk in front of people.

6)I never kissed a boy until I was in college. His name was Jason (not the Jason I'm married to now) and he worked in construction.

7)I clean my house from top to bottom before I go on vacation. The reason for this? Because if I die, then I don't want the Relief Society President or sisters to come and clean my messy house. Don't ask me why I think of this before a vacation. It would make more sense if I had this neurotic behavior all the time and not just when I leave for awhile. Maybe it goes back to #2.

8)My alter-ego would dress goth. I love corset lacing, black clothes, black eyeliner, and black parasols. In another life, another time...

9)I love getting tattoos. I could be covered in them and be just happy as could be. Okay, maybe none on my face, but pretty much everywhere else. The only reason why I don't is because of how they would look when I'm 70. The few I have, have been placed strategically.

10)I have very strange toe nails on my pinky toes. They are not really nails, but curved in on themselves. If I were to grow them out, I'm guessing, they would look more like claws. Therefore, I keep them cut short and I don't get pedicures.

There you go, everything you never wanted or needed to know about me. Now it's your turn to play...

Tagged...All in Eights

2009-07-08T11:51:00.003-06:00

8 Favorite Shows:
1- Clean House
2-Renovation Realities
3-Law and Order SVU
4- South Park
5- The Office
6- Sweat Equity
7-Scrubs
8- The Daily Show

8 Things I did yesterday:
1- 30 Day Shred
2- took a nap
3- talked on the phone
4- played on the computer
5- ironed clothes
6- cleaned the kitchen
7- watched Wallace and Gromit with the kids
8- watched Away from Her

8 Things I am looking forward to:
1- trip to CA
2- a new roof
3- fixing a crack in the foundation
4- the weekend
5- scrapbooking
6- not being sore when I exercise
7- reading all your blogs
8- seeing my grandparents next week in Thermopolis

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1- Johnny Carinos
2- Outback Steakhouse
3- Zach's Pizza the BEST pizza place!!!!
4- Famous Dave's
5- Barbacoa
6- Chilis
7- Training Table (for all my Salt Lake buds)
8-Tahoe Joes

8 Things on my wish list:
1- my kids to be happy and have great self-esteem
2- lose 45 pounds
3- pay off all the debt we have incurred over the last year
4- get started/finish home improvement projects on our house
5- time to scrapbook
6- be able to do push ups
7- travel
8- have more time with my hubby

8 People I Tag: Whoever wants to play!!!!

I Blame You, Stimey!!

2009-07-06T11:14:00.005-06:00

Stay Puft Marshmallow Man--my mascot

I am done feeling like a big marshmallow-or tons of marshmallows attached together. With that in mind, I read an "inspiring" blog from Stimey and was convinced it was a good idea to follow her example.
So, today was the first of my 30day Shred program, and I AM SORE! There was much cussing and "mean looks" headed to Stimey's today as I tried to get through the 20 minute session. Who knew that marshmallows are too out of shape to do level 1? Anyway, because I apparently like pain and do not like my marshmallow/muffin top, I will continue on... I have a feeling that this program is going to kick my fat butt into shape quicker than any of my other exercise programs.
So, please feel free to ask/harass me and make sure I'm still on track.

Happy 4th of July!!

2009-07-04T12:03:00.002-06:00

I want to wish everyone a very safe and Happy 4th of July!!!

Free at Last, Free at Last

2009-06-30T17:26:00.001-06:00

The house in Big Timber is sold!!!

Crossing my fingers and toes...

2009-06-29T19:48:00.003-06:00

It's that time. After 1 1/2 years of being on the market, we are finally signing papers tomorrow to sell our Big Timber house. Wednesday the buyers will sign. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all finishes as it's supposed to.

After Wednesday, there will be a HUGE sigh of relief. Wish us luck!

Where do I want to be in August?

2009-06-27T14:47:00.003-06:00

I've asked for tickets for my birthday... not sure it will happen, but a girl can dream.

Behind the scenes of 21 Guns

21 Guns video

Home Again, Home Again

2009-06-26T17:10:00.003-06:00

We finally made it home last night. After an unexpected delay, (night of two kids sick) we made the 10 hour trip home. It was a fun trip filled with lots of swimming, a visit to the Discovery Center, miniature golfing, more swimming, visits with High School friends, family reunions on both sides of the family and more swimming.

all 10 cousins together

As fun as the trip was, it is really nice to be home.

They're Coming to Take Me Away...

2009-06-15T22:39:00.003-06:00

The drive from Billings to Salt Lake is very, very, VERY long. It went as well as could be expected. My final analysis:

5: the number of kids I started with.
7: the total number of stops we had to make.
11: the number of hours it took us to make what would normally be a 10 hour trip. Note: we didn't even stop to eat...just ate in the car.
1: the number of band-aids needed because pipe cleaners are dangerous toys.
2: the number of trips through the McDonalds drive thru I need because I can't seem to figure out that six people need six hamburgers and not five.
5: the number of objects playing noise all at once that will make me lose what little brain I might have left. Those five objects were: my music (essential noise), a movie in the back of the van (pretty essential), a little toy radio that plays the same little clip of music over and over (should have been tossed in the garbage when we moved), 2 cell phones (both of which are not mine and were being used by the seven and nine year old because "the ring tones are cool").
200: the number of times I was asked "are we there yet?"
30: the number of minutes that all four youngest kids were asleep at the same time!!
500: the number of times I questioned why I was doing this.
5: the number of kids I ended up with at the end of the trip.
0: the number of shots I need now that I'm no longer driving.
3: the number of kids I'm glad I have permanently. I can't imagine any more than my wonderful three!!

Even though the trip down went well, please, please, please, don't encourage me to EVER do this again!!!