Quiet House

The girls are gone and once again our house is quiet. I walk in their rooms, straighten their covers and then close the door and wait until they come home again. I wonder if I will ever get used to them being away? I hope not. I miss you both!

Rainy Days and Mondays Always.....

Today should have been a great day. First of all both of the girls are home for a long weekend, and I have the day off for President's Day! (Thank you Abraham Lincoln and others!) The problem is I got up this morning and decided to gather the information for the dreaded task of filing our taxes. SOOO depressing. We pay a small fortune in income taxes, make too much to deduct any of the girls tuition expenses, never qualify for anything back from the government, and lastly we will still probably owe more money to the government. I HATE TAXES!

Wonderful Wedding

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend one of my dearest friend's daughter's wedding in the Newport Beach Temple. The bride was absolutely beautiful!! The reception was held on a perfect January-California afternoon - 80 degrees and sunny!! I love being a part of these special moments! Congratulations Kristin and Christopher, you deserve the best!!!

Road Trip 2009!

Well I'm back to reality! After a great Christmas break ( the girls were home, lots of great food, sleeping in and spending time with the family and friends), it was time to get back to school. Friday, the girls and I had a great road trip back to Provo. We made great time, even stopping in Primm for a little shopping at JCrew. I am a mad woman when it comes to driving. Bonzai is the word that comes to mind. I only stop for gas and a quick bite to eat. Because we spent soooo much time shopping we had to eat in the car, so we could make it to Provo before 6:00. Thanks to clear highways we made it in less than 9 1/2 hours!!! We dropped Kristen's things off at her apartment and then headed to Salt Lake to pick up the Corolla. When we left Provo it was raining but by the time we hit the freeway it started to snow. We could hardly see the road, especially in Salt Lake. The most irritating thing about Utah freeways is the lack of lights. It absolutely drives me CRAZY! Since Barbara lives by the Hogle Zoo we always take the belt route. Wrong choice... I couldn't see the lanes and decided to follow the suburban in front of me. Well, the suburban turned off toward Park City and so did we! I panicked (it was really snowing hard) so I flipped a u-turn on the freeway and headed back to SLC. Luckily it was the night of the Sugar Bowl and no one was on the road in SLC, so we were safe! My girls will never let me forget that one! I was so freaked out, I drove straight to the Little America and got a room for the night! The next morning we woke up to the most beautiful day. Bright blue skies and clean white sparkling snow everywhere! We met Barbara at Immigration Market for breakfast (really good!), checked out Jolley's, and said hi to Kyle and Hunter, then it was time to head back to Provo. I stocked the girls up on food and supplies from Target. Next, we helped Courtney unpack her clothes (she wanted to go to the BYU basketball game). Then helped Kristen unpack and organize. They both have darling apartments and really great roommates! Lucky girls!!! I hated to leave, but early Sunday morning we drove to the airport. Did I mention it was 8 degrees? I HATE the cold! Well now I'm back to reality... more about that later!

Thankful

Every year I have my students write what they are thankful for. As a first grade teacher this is usually quite "trying" for some of my students. I thought I would share what I am thankful for.
1. Family because they love and support me, ALWAYS!
2. My faith; I love my Savior and I know he loves me.
3. My Church: I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I am grateful for a testimony that is unshakeable, even when times are tough.
4. Friends: I am blessed!
5. My job: I love it! I am so lucky to have the best job in the world. I look forward to going to school every day! I especially love that I have Thanksgiving week off, Winter Break, Spring Break and summer vacation!
6. Health: Even though this year has been trying for the girls. I am so grateful for Courtney's recovery. She is doing amazingly well. Kristen is on the mend and will be back to school in January.
7. Technology: I love my computer and where would we be without cell phones! I am addicted to both!
8. Home: I am blessed to live in Southern California! It is absolutely gorgeous. I love it!
9. The Beach: Even after Courtney's accident, I still love the beach. Whenever I am sad, a walk on the beach cheers me up!
10. Diet Coke and chocolate: I know I shouldn't, but I love both!

First Time

I am a wife and mother of three wonderful children.  Kristen my oldest, is home from college and is helping me start my first blog! I am excited to share my thoughts with my children and friends.