Trying to Find my Mojo...

I have to admit I am being a slight Grinch this year.  Not that I have not been blessed, in that it is the complete opposite.  Corey gets a better job, with better pay.  I get a house and get to make it my own.  What in the world do I have to complain about?  And I am not really complaining, just sad.  Maybe a little disconnected at this point.  Thank goodness for my Mother who calls and keeps me on the upside of things.  My Mom's quirky sense of humor would make anyone feel better.

This year we are moving to Wyoming and we will be in a hotel for at least a month.  I keep trying to think of the good, like no cleaning for a month and a cooked breakfast every morning.  But then I think of the isolation and the cold.  I think of not even having a tree for Christmas and I get a little bummed.  I look forward to Christmas just as much as the kids do.  Don't feel too bad for us, we are going to attempt to drive to Corey's Grandmom who lives up in Bear Lake.  So hopefully the unforgiving Wyoming winter will allow us that opportunity.  If not, I might have to find a mini tree somewhere to put up in the room.

I will also be leaving some incredible friends here.  Who would have thought at 30 I would make friends that have made such an impact on me.  Christy and Jenn, my gal pals in crime.  I see these girls at least twice a week.  Lunch and shopping have never been so fun for me.  I can rely on these two girls like no one else.  I will miss having someone who I can call up at anytime for anything.  Then there is my running group of Will and Hector.  What can I say, when you run for hours a day with the same people you get to know them really well.  Both of these guys are great Priesthood holders and have taught me so much with their quiet examples.  Not many people can love you when you are having stomach issues and body fluids are everywhere.  But these guys have stuck with me no matter what.  I honestly feel so blessed to have known these people.  I will miss them dearly.

But onward to great adventure and I am sure many more friends.  I will again try to take more pictures.  Maybe one day I will afford a nice camera that I will want to take more pictures with.  This should be a momentous adventure so I will try to document it. 

Wow, where have I been?  Moving has taken a lot of my time along with the final training for my 2nd marathon.  I have to say I felt like I earned this one more than my first.  I will remember this one more because of how hard it was for me.  Runner's talk about hitting the wall at some point and I didn't really remember that on my first race.  But I can tell you the exact point that I hit the wall in Philly.  I was at mile 18 and I just bonked.  My legs felt like lead and I had no energy left.  My knee felt fine, didn't hurt at all.  But I seriously felt just spent.  If it wasn't for Hector staying with me I would have just sat on the curb and cried.  I felt HORRIBLE.  Those last 6 miles were the longest of my life.  I even kept thinking if I would have kept at it I would have gotten my goal of under 4 hours. 

Even so, I still got a time of 4 hours and 11 min.  I want to blame it on the stress that I am going through with the move, but it could be it just was a crappy day for me.  But I have met so many amazing people through running.  You just seem to have this magic bond with other runners and you can just sit down and chat about running forever.  The other girl in the picture with me is Erica Price from Waynesboro in PA.  I met her on my first marathon in Gettysburg and we ran together for that.  She is so nice and bubbly and it just so happens we got to run together on this one too.  She finished ahead of me by about 10 minutes, she did great.

Now it is break time for the winter.  Getting acclimated to Wyoming weather and elevation should be a challenge in itself.  I need some good R&R to let my body heal and recoup from that one.  Boy those two medals dangling from my mirror sure look great.

Erica and I before the race started. 

Hector and I before getting into our corrals.



Casper, WY

This post has been itching to come out now for almost a month.  Corey has been working really long hours for the past year.  And that includes some weekends.  He is hardly home and I felt that the kids were suffering from not having their dad there for them.  He started looking just for kicks at other jobs that he would be great at.  He found one with Pacificorp and applied not thinking anything would come of it.

Then the beginning of October they called and wanted an interview.  It was a long process of interviews and fly outs for only two days for face to face.  Then the waiting and negotiating.  It was brutal.  I have consumed more chocolate this month than should be allowed.  But finally tonight he signed the contract and it is set. 

I am so proud of my hubby and he works so hard on everything he does.  He really deserves this and I couldn't be happier for him or our family.  I am a little scared of moving there in the heart of winter and I am pretty sure I will be in shock.  So I am already starting to stock up on winter gear that I normally don't buy.  No school cancellation there for snow.  I will try to post as things happen, it should be a very interesting next couple of months. 

Camera Cutie

Got this video of Hailey on a cooperative day.  She is just so dang cute.

Gabe' Baptism Weekend

Boy was it an eventful weekend!!  In reality it was Gabe's weekend.  We were busy and did lots of things together.  At the same time it was so special because my Gabber got baptized.  It was wonderful.  I can't even describe the feeling of watching your child doing and following the Gospel and knowing that he is developing such a strong testimony from it.  

The weekend started early for us due to the fact it was a half day Friday.  That basically means they let the kids out at 12:20 and they get to come home early to us.  I didn't want to just sit inside, because it was such a beautiful day out.  So I took all the kids to a local park.  The two girls played and didn't bug me at all.  The boys kept saying they were bored because there was no one there age to play with.  I get so tired of those words.  Who gets bored at a gigantic playground?  So I let the boys use my camera for a little stretch each.  Actually got some great shots.

 Hailey loves the slides

 Weee...he is such a ham.

 Logan took this pic and I love it.

 aviator Kory, yep didn't know about this one.

 Logan took this one too...great shot.

 Me and my little munchkin.

 He was in the middle of saying no, which made for a great picture.

  He made for a great seat.

Saturday arrived and Gabe had been training and signed up for the County Cross Country event. They had to run about 3/4 of a mile and there were so many people there.  But Gabe did great for his first race.  He got 55 out of 164 boys.

 Hailey throwing a fit in the wet grass because she wanted on the playground.

 Gabe just finished.

 Go Gabber

  Then what a better way to end the day then Gabe getting baptized.  He was so excited.  It was wonderful.  And I will never forget how after he was confirmed he sat next to me and held my hand. Then he looked up at me and said he couldn't stop smiling.  I love my family.

  

Sunday General Conference

What a great way to end my conference weekend!!  I loved every moment of it.  Even with the kids running around being crazy since we were stuck inside all day together.  I want them to remember Conference Sunday's and the closeness we feel as a family in our home.  I have just felt so blessed this time around.  I feel as though most of the talks were directed towards me.  And in feeling that I have taken in a lot that I feel I need to address.  I think we all need Conference time to re-evaluate where we are headed and where we want to go.

The best part for me was hearing President Monson bare his testimony on how the Lord loves us.  I felt it with all my heart that this was true.  That the Lord is watching over me and wants what is best for me.  I have no doubt in my mind that he knows my feelings and my weakness and my concerns.  He is aware of what I am going through and He wants to help me.  What a blessing that is that we have such support and concern for our welfare.  How comforting to me to know that I have someone so wonderful and powerful watching after me.  I feel strength and peace and for the first time in a long time I feel such devotion to myself and family that I want to get out there and make a difference. 

I also feel such a strong conviction and connection to my ancestors that have set such a strong example for me to follow.  I know they are aware of me and watching me.  I have big steps to follow and I feel it urgent that I follow the path that they have set for me and my family.  I don't want to let them down and I don't want to let my own family down who will feel the consequences of everything that I do.  I love my Savior with all my heart.  What he has done for me and all the wonderful knowledge and opportunities that I have because of the Atonement.  I know that if I keep striving to live the commandments and love everyone as my Savior and Father in Heaven love me then I can live eternally with my family.  Which is the most wonderful gift of all. 

I also have a deep love for the Book of Mormon.  The wonderful lessons and knowledge I get from each verse.  I love to read from it everyday and I feel stronger and more empowered to face the world when I do so.  I am so grateful for the Gospel and the wonderful example of my parents in rearing me within it.  Thank you so much for keeping true to your covenants so that I can have all these wonderful blessings.  I know that this Gospel is true.  In the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer, Amen.

Saturday General Conference

Has it really been that long Blogger? I guess I have been absorbed with things more or less. Don't worry, I still haven't taken any pictures since my last post. I think my camera has dust collecting on it. My mind has been all over the place it seems. But for once it has been great for me. I have been just so rejuvenated by the Relief Society Conference that I haven't really touched ground yet. Ok, maybe with the kids I have been lacking in patience and long suffering but who wouldn't?

Today Corey and I actually watched both sessions of General Conference. In the 12 years we have been married this was a first. I just really enjoyed it. Since both boys are 8 and older we made them watch the first session with us. Logan actually watched and was able to tell us what the talks were about. Gabe not so much. But I feel like I have been given so many things to think about and apply in my own life. And we still have tomorrow. It is honestly days like today where I feel extremely blessed to be a Mormon. No other words could describe how I have been lately. I feel I have been given this great gift and now I am eager to get going. It only took me two years of being stubborn and losing myself in the world I guess you could say. I have finally figured out what is most important and now I am going after it with guesto.

I will try to take more pictures, but I am sure not too many people read this blog anyways. But for those few who do, I know you want pictures. Just like books the best ones have some pictures in them. This coming week has lots going on so I will take my camera with me for photo opps. Find something to be happy about.....I know I have.

Book Review

The Devil In The White City

I am not to good at book reviews. I never know what to write and how to sound really intelligent about it. After reading some professional reviews I feel like a 2nd grader turning in my book report. But sometimes you come across a book that you find very interesting and you have to share.

So I heard about this book from a lady in a book club I joined. Soon after I heard of others who had read it. It swaps stories between the architect of the World Fair in Chicago and the trials that they went through to build it and the story of H.H Holms the serial killer who lived in Chicago during the World's Fair. I was told that most people got bored with the facts relating to the World's Fair and wanted to skip through to the story involving H.H Holms. But I found both stories very intriguing. I always wonder how people lived and what it was like even 100 years ago. I also love reading non-fiction books because it blows my mind how some things actually happen.

Now I have to admit I was more enthralled with the serial killer story, who wouldn't be. This guy was nuts and it is hard to believe that someone didn't just make all of it up. But I also enjoyed the story behind the fair and how impossible it really seemed and yet they did it still. I really enjoyed reading it and had it done in two days. So if you want a good read with some chilling and interesting facts then this is a good pick. If you have read it or have any ideas about it leave your comments. I would love to hear what other's thought.

Back To School

School is back in session and the kids look pretty happy about it.

Not sure how I feel though....

Guess I better Post Something

Wow has it really been that long? Where has the time gone? I seem to have landed a month later and not known how I got here. I have been looking forward to school starting and getting the kids all their stuff that they need. On that thought, does a kid really need 10 notebooks and 16 folders for the year? How many subjects do they have now a days?

I do look at blogs everyday. I look at all the cute creative people that I know and sometimes I feel like the old grumpy lady on the block with 50 cats that smells. I don't know how to do all these cutesy things, and I am sure even if I did they would not appear so cute. While someone who is creative is making a masterpiece you can find me putting my pants in order so i hit everyone in turn or better yet checking my alarm clock 50 times to make sure the alarm button is set correctly. I do have good intentions most of the time, but find myself unmotivated by the end of the day.

But there is one thing that I do enjoy doing....cooking. Baking is fun too, but there is something about combining things to create tastiness that just is so satisfying to me. I wish I had more budget to cook some outlandish stuff I find. But it might be a waste and it does not fit in the hot dog, hamburger, steak or corn dog category that my family seems to gravitate to. So I decided to do a one meal a month cooking different styles and types of food in courses. Sounds pretty daring I know. Plus with 8 courses that is a lot of cooking. But in my mind I see Corey and I on a nice Saturday evening with no kids and me serving each little course and enjoying every second of it. Seeing as it is birthdays right now and we have plans the next two Saturdays I don't see it happening anytime soon. But I have the menu set for the first date and I am going French. Yes I know most of their food sounds revolting and I get scared just looking at most of it. But I found some recipes that actually sounded really good. The grocery list is unusually long, but I figure I can splurge once a month to go overboard here. As soon as I get the date set I will be sure to take pictures and let you know how it goes. I can feel that inner cook in me getting antsy to try it out. I guess that is why I am in LOVE with Master Chef right now. Let's see an old cat lady cook up the stuff I am about to create. Maybe there is a french recipe for cat.....

Mormon Message

We had one of our Presidency meetings yesterday and Tiffany our R.S. president presented a video for our spiritual thought. I haven't checked Mormon messages in awhile now. I need to remember to go there more often. Talk about a spiritual uplifting message. I have watched it twice and bawled twice now. I have hugged my kids differently after seeing this. Hope you guys love it as much as I did. You can check it out here.

Thursday

Thursday was our busy day...we went non-stop pretty much all day. We woke up early to go out on the ocean fishing. It was so cold and a storm was coming in. So we all got bundled up and ready to go. I didn't prepare myself for how cold it was going to be. I had to borrow a sweatshirt from my father-in-law and I was till cold out on the ocean.

Me in the cab, waiting to get going.
Boys excited to go fishing for the first time.

So we get out on the ocean and I think I am going to be ok. I even wore those pressure point bracelets that are supposed to help with sickness. Well we took them back because it did not help at all. I was so sick just rocking all over on the waves. Pretty soon after I got sick both boys joined me. I was trying not to complain and then Logan starts crying saying he wants to go home. I could have kissed him for that. So we turned around and headed back to dry land. I now understand why people kissed the ground after being on the sea for so long. I plan on staying on dry ground from now on.

This is me trying to concentrate on the horizon and not get sick.

Gabe before he got sick.

Since we headed back in early, we stopped by one of the lighthouses there and looked. It was so cute and I loved how they restored it.

View from the window of the lighthouse.

Old lighthouse.

They also had cute little shops along the road that we stopped and looked at. Lots of good photo ops there.

Look at those long flowing locks.

My sub kids. Makes me think of Magic School Bus.

Had to sit with the pirate.

Eventually Hailey even sat on the pirates lap.

Just a big walrus.

We also stopped by the aquarium there in Newport to take a look. It was such a cute place and had lots of hands on for the kids. They touched lots of sea animals and got to pet a snack as well. I even had fun there looking at all the wildlife the west coast had to offer.

Looking at the sea lions, Gabe took such great care of Hailey.

Cool shark tunnel.

Corey's Grandma and his Mom with Logan and Lexie.

Time to make our fish faces.......

Logan

Lexie

Gabe

Corey Scott

Me

Shark jaw

Touch pond.

Logan and Gabe in the fish tank...Piranhas

We finally made it back to the house and had a BBQ and then went back down to the beach again to do another campfire. We were so exhausted. It was a full day.

Wednesday in Washington

Wednesday morning we got up and got ready and drove three hours to Lincoln City and the Newport Beach area. My in-laws rented a beach house right on the beach and they brought there boat up and docked it at Newport. I have been to the Atlantic Ocean numerous times, but I have to say the Pacific coast is so much different. Just to look at, I would say the Pacific Coast is much more beautiful. The water is cold and so was I, but we all really enjoyed ourselves.

The kids got to ride in Grandpa's boat while he took it off the ramp and over to our docking spot. Hailey loved it and didn't want to get off. It really is a nice boat. I was already getting fishing fever at this point.

Safety first for our little ones.
Bridge in Newport.

We actually saw this starfish in the bay where the boat was at.

After we got all settled in we walked down to the beach to let the kids play in the ocean for the first time. They LOVED it. The waves are entertainment just in themselves. Notice everyone was jumping the waves in jackets. It was so cold, but it didn't stop the kids from having fun. At some point all four kids got knocked down by waves and still they got back up and went right back in. Daddy leading Hailey to see the waves

Beautiful cliffs by the beach, our house is at the top of that cliff.

I guess that wave gets a thumbs up

Everyone was so cold after getting wet, there was a nice family nearby that let us warm ourselves by the fire.

This is the pout I am cold want to go home look. It worked on the grandparents, but Corey and I are used to that look. Still dang cute.