Here Goes!

Well, I guess I had better start posting about our trip before the memories fade....Nah, I had too much fun for them to fade away. I already blogged about the day we got there and my carbohydrate coma, and also the pictures of St. George. The next day (Wednesday) we drove to Provo and stayed the night. Thursday we went to BYU campus. I never imagined it being right off a main road in the town. I always pictured it being so secluded away from everything. It's so funny how we get things in our head the way we think, then to find out its totally different! Anyways, we visited the bookstore and the kids got BYU jackets and hats and basketballs, and I got a BYU shirt. We decided to eat lunch in the cafeteria since there were tons of choices. It was so funny though...we saw a young man from our ward as we were going in to eat. It was his first semester at BYU and he seemed so happy to see someone from his home ward..of all places 1000 miles away. After that, we headed up to the Provo Temple for our family photo shoot. It was so fun visiting all these places! Deborah showed us the apartments she used to live in when she attended BYU. Here's a few pictures of our stay up until we left Provo. I've gotta hurry since blogger is going out for maintenance in 30 minutes..AHHHHH!!
BYU bookstore (No, Sean didn't get that hat)

Beautiful Mountains

Provo Temple

Ok you guys...I almost swore to myself that I would not get caught up in the Twilight series. I know I have read blog after blog after blog of girls and women who just can't get enough of this book. I kept hearing about it, then I was in the bookstore where I actually picked it up and put it down...picked it up and put it down. I'm not that much into Vampires and stuff....ok, I am definitely not into vampires..but something about this book is just luring...I COULD NOT put it down. I read the whole 500 page book in less than 24 hours. That was only because we were coming home from Utah and it took a good 15 hours, not including myself driving 3 hours. So yea, I'M HOOKED. I actually went out and bought the second one, "New Moon". I absolutely cannot wait til the movie comes out. I have seen a bunch of trailers for it and it looks awesome! Just had to get that one out before starting my entries about my trip!

WE'RE BAAAACK!!!

Well, we are back from our awesome trip to Utah! I had so much fun there and I can't wait to go back. Once I find my camera cord, I will be uploading more pictures and telling about the trip.

Road Trip!!!

Well, I have been waiting for Tuesday for four years. I just love Utah. The last and only time I went, it was for a funeral and I didn't get to see much of it. This trip, we are driving and we are going to be seeing 10 or 11 temples. We are stopping at each one for a family picture. We started out Tuesday morning around 9:15, but about 15 minutes after we got going, I realized I left my phone....NOT GOOD! Luckily we weren't too far away, so we turned around and got it. Our first stop was at Fresno Temple. It is one of the smaller temples, but just as beautiful as any.

From Fresno, I drove until we stopped at Barstow for lunch. That was a good 3 and a half hours. I was tired! It seemed like forever, but we finally made it to Las Vegas. We didn't actually go on the main "strip" of Vegas, but we could see many of the big name hotels and Casinos...Trump Towers, Mandolin Bay, etc. Those pictures are on my phone, so once I can, I will get those on here too!
The Las Vegas Temple was a little different looking than the ones I have seen. It is still very beautiful. It sits right at the foot of this mountain.



We got to St. George around 9:30 Tuesday night and of course, St. George has a CRACKER BARREL!!!! At 10pm, I had my usual of...ready....Chicken and Dumplings, mac and cheese, green beans, and mashed potatoes..with of course a biscuit. Hey, I had my green veggie, plus I drank water..LOL. Deb calls it Carbohydrate Coma LOL!!!
We stayed at a nice, ok, decent hotel. I was so tired from driving 3 more hours I just knew I would crash...Boy was I wrong. I could not sleep, I was so hot, the air conditioner was so noisy and all that stuff. I think I got about 4 hours of sleep. I know I woke up around 5:00am and got online since I couldn't sleep. I think I was able to fit in another hour. We all got up, went for a little swim, then got ready to look around St. George. It is a real nice town.



After shopping at the outlets and scoring on the kids school clothes, we are making our way to Provo where we will be going to BYU to look around and then stay the night.

Mackenzies Birthday

I can't believe that Monday, Mackenzie turned 5 years old. I can remember the day she was born just like it was yesterday. She is growing up to be such a sweet girl. We actually celebrated her birthday Sunday with dinner and cake and ice cream. She got tons of presents and she was very happy! We were spending all day Monday packing for our trip so it was just easier to have her birthday dinner and gifts Sunday. Anyways, here are some pictures of her special day.

Another Tag

This seems like a fun tag...haven't seen one like it! Here goes...

This is a Picture Tag, you have to answer 10 items with pictures. The only rule is that there is NO CLEANING before the pictures are taken. Mean, huh? Not that I would drop everything to clean for a post. =) See below to see whose been tagged!

1) Dream Vacation: We are going there in September!!!



2 Self Portrait: No, this is not of today...no one would want to see me today!


3. What are the kids doing right now?
Sean watching a movie in his room...

Mackenzie watching a different movie (The movie vending machines at Raleys has to be the coolest invention ever...tons of movies for $1 per night!

4. Closet~wait...what closet..LOL, I have no closet


5.Favorite Room. This is my favorite room because it stays the coolest!!


6. Favorite Shoes. Look at those feet imprints...GEESH!


7.Laundry Room. Oh, if it were only a room instead of right beside of my sink...but i'm NOT complaining!


8.Bathroom



9. Sink


10. Fridge. Do I have enough Dr. Pepper???


Thanks Emily...Now I have to go clean and buy new shoes...LOL
It was fun! Now, I tag whoever feels like doing it!!

My little fishies

We have access to this wonderful pool located in Modesto at this 55 and older park. Its so nice being able to swim when we want and not have to worry about too many people there. Once in a while there will be a bunch of people there, like yesterday, but for the most part, its just us! The kids have been doing so good learning how to swim. Deborah and Bryce has shown them correct techniques and all that stuff...they are just swimming like crazy now. I would have gotten more pics, but it was hot...I had to jump in myself!!!


So Cute...

Fourth of July

Well, I guess I will just randomly post about NC when I have nothing else to post about!
We had a fun July 4th! It started with a huge yard sale to earn some extra spending money for Utah. At first, I didn't think we would have much luck with it being on a holiday, but Friday turned out to be a lot better than Saturday. The kids even had a lemonade stand where they sold strawberry-mint lemonade and doughnuts (Sean specifically requested the mint leaves!). They were quite the sellers.

Sean is so proud...He would say "Lemonade for sale. Doughnuts for sale. Only 1 dollar. Lemonade 25 cents....I laughed every single time he said it...SOOO CUTE!!

Can you believe Kenzie had on a sweater...the weather was fabulous...just glad we didnt have the sale this weekend (its around 106 degrees)

After the yard sale, the kids and I went to my good friend, Celeste's house where we had a bbq. There were tons of her family and friends and we just had a good time eating and chatting! Of course, I forgot my camera so I do not have any pictures of our fun time there. Celeste is just amazing...She just had her third daughter 6 days prior to her hosting this bbq. AMAZING!!! She is such a great friend and I love her!
Once we got home, we gathered our camp chairs and went to the church to watch the fireworks. That has been something we have done quite a few times, and I just like to do it. Last year we saw them over Monterey Bay, which was very beautiful, and we did have a chance to go this year, but with all the fires in that area, people advised us not to even go. Turlock's fireworks were ok. They sure didn't last too long. That was fine...I usually wind up sorta depressed on the 4th at the fireworks. Hopefully next year will be different!!!
Hope everyone else had a wonderful Holiday weekend!!

Fast Forward and Auntie Mary

I think I will fast forward my sick week. No fun spending fun money on doctors visits and medicine.
The following Tuesday, my Aunt Mary flew in from Alabama. Darlene, Kenzie and I went to pick her up from the airport. I remember growing up that it was so fun when Mary came to visit, especially if her whole family came up with her. All of the fam from Madison area would meet down at my grandma's house the night they got here and we would always order this huge amount of food from, you guessed it, Fuzzy's. We would just hang out with all of us cousins together and it was just so fun. That was years ago, and now when she visits, its just as exciting for me, but a lot of my cousins have other things to do and we just don't get together like we used to.
Of course, she came up to see me and the kids, and the rest of the family, but she also came up so my mom could have a few days off of work. My dad also took a few days off of work too. Turns out, the only thing we actually did was have a picnic at Farris Park. That was fun, but it was still really hot. We got to see the ducks and the kids got to play on the playground. They have a really cool walking trail that I remember walking with my dad when I was younger. We would also go fishing in the pond sometimes. I wish we could have walked the trail, but it was just so dang hot. Anyways, this is another rare day that I took pictures, and sadly, that is all of the pictures. I promise myself, and Deb, remind me, that I must take tons and tons of pictures when we go to Utah in a couple of weeks.

Aunt Mary with Mackenzie. (Sean was upset that she was leaving that day)

The Ducks at Farris Park

Hot Hot Hot

The first few days we were in NC, it was so HOT. Hot plus humidity equals miserable. Oh goodness, it was bad. So, what else than to get an inflatable pool for the kids! My dad was so nice to get that for them. Too bad it was too big to bring back home. I sure could use it..LOL

Part 2 (I'm horrible at titles!)

On Thursday, I got up with my friend Melissa to go to Fursty's to eat lunch. Oh, Fursty's. It is the best pizza buffet around. Her brother Preston tagged along too. He's cool. I have watched him grow up and he's turned out to be a pretty good kid. Can't believe he will be a Senior this upcoming year.
Anyways, the past two times I have been to NC, Melissa and I have not been able to do much. Two and a half years ago, I came out to be in her wedding. With all that going on, we didnt get to do too much. Then last October when I went out, she had Tyler. Having a C-section left her not being able to get around and do too much, so yet again, we couldn't really do anything. I think we kinda made up for it this trip. After our fabulous lunch at Fursty's, she was debating whether she should pick up Tyler from the babysitter since she had a Dr. appt. later that afternoon. I told her that I would watch him while she went to the dr. So, thats what happened. I wasn't sure if that was ok being that he had never seen me before, then being left with a stranger for a few hours. I must say, that is probably the sweetest, easiest going babies I have ever seen. The minute I held him, he was just all smiles. Oh, and he is such a bouncer. He loves to bounce, whether it be in a bouncy thingy, or wherever, he bounces. So cute! So, I got to play with him, feed him, change him and fix a bottle for him, and rock him to sleep. After 4.5 years without a baby or being around a baby, I think I did pretty good!
Well, That Saturday, Melissa and her family has a cookout that we all went to. For my California friends, a cookout is like a bbq...LOL. They made hotdogs, hamburgers, baked beans, and a yummy chocolate cake! It was all so good. My kids were finally able to play some video games with Bobby's son. My cousin, who is Tyler's babysitter, was also there. So it was like a big ol family reunion since I feel like family when I go over to Melissa's house.
I went over to her house quite a few times after the kids went to bed, or when my mom put them to bed. It was just fun hanging out with her and her fam. We made a few trips to Wal-mart too. We also went to a new Mexican restaurant they have in Madison called San Marcos. It was pretty good! Thinking about it makes me crave chips and salsa w/ some sour cream. Thats my new fave snack! I've only been back a week, but I sure miss Melissa and Tyler. Love ya'll!!
This is one of the few times I took some pictures, so enjoy!

Cutie Pie Tyler

My kid is crazy

My kids with Brooke

I finally have time!

I finally have some time to share some fun things about my trip. I am such a horrible picture taker. I can't believe I only took 11 pictures on this trip. Well, I did take some with my phone, but I have to somehow figure out how to get those on my computer. I'll just start with day one and go from there.
After a long flight ( and a delay in ATL), I was excited to climb in my old bed. We got to my parents house around 2am so obviously we didnt stop to see anyone. The next morning, after getting ready, we headed to my granny's house to see her and my aunt Darlene. Then I finally was able to get me some food from fuzzy's. MMM, that place is so good! My cousin came over to see us, as well as some of my grandma's neighbors. Later that night, we went out to dinner at Mayflower. Oh, Mayflower...the best seafood anywhere. Actually, they have the best hushpuppies and ranch dressing EVER. Usually, when you go to certain restaurants, you see everyone. I saw a girl I graduated with, my old dentist, some family, some friends of my dad's and so on.
That was pretty much the routine of the whole time. Wake up, get ready, go down to granny's, get lunch or go out for lunch, hang around, wait for my dad to get off of work, then go out to dinner, then bed. Worked for us!!!

WE'RE BAAAACK!!!

Well, our fun and games are over. I had such a good time seeing so many people I know. I really miss my family and my friends and all the good food. I know it won't be too awful long before I see them again. Right about now, I am a little too tired to go into any detail about our flight. Lets just say canceled and turbulence. Don't ya just love airlines. I'm off to do some more cleaning and unpacking.

Don't Worry

Ok, I felt like I needed to delete my last post. Thats just something I go through every trip I make. I know where I need to be. Don't worry. I appreciate the support. Deb and Celeste, you two are awesome. Thanks for your comments. The majority of the reason I feel that way some times is selfish. I like being around my old friends, I like, I like...blah blah blah. I know what the best thing is for my family right now. I'm not going anywhere..LOL

Week 2

Week two here in NC was horrible. I could tell on Monday I was starting to come down with something. I really was hoping it was just allergies. Luckily it wasnt tonsilitis like I had here last October, but it was just a nasty cold. I have just felt horrible this whole week. Luckily I am doing better now. Still pretty stuffy, but atleast my ears aren't stopped up any more. I feel that I have just lost a whole week here and it just makes me so mad! I'm here, yet again at the library. Luckily I feel good enough to finish my midterm for one of my online classes. How fun. Anyways, can't wait to get back to blogging regularly. I will definitely have lots of pictures up when I get back home. Hope everyone is doing well!!!

So frustrating!

Well I have been in NC for almost a week. Things are going great. I am having a great time with friends and family. I have seen a bunch of my good friends, some I haven't seen in a very long time. The kids are doing great too. They love going to Granny's house. They have a pool there which is great and lots of puzzles and things to do. Its better than staying up at my parents house with nothing to do. Anyways, the thing I am so frustrated about is the computer situation. My aunt has a laptop but no internet. I tried connecting via wi-fi, but it only let me stay on for about 20 minutes. Then the signal went out and never returned. My friend, Brandy, even let me borrow her computer for the week. She has a wireless internet card so I was sure I was good to go. Well, there is no reception at my parents house nor my grandma's house. So, yes, I am at the lovely library. I have only an hour to be able to check all my mail, and do my online classes. I know my other friend would let me use hers, but she works all day so I can't go over there until after like 6pm. Anyways, enough of my ranting! It has been hotter than hades out here. I hear it is almost the same back in California. Lucky us, we have humidity.
Oh yea, and on top of that, Sean got a fever last night and I woke up with sinus crap this morning. My head feels like it is going to explode.
Oh well...what can I do?? Maybe some lunch will help.
Fuzzy's...HERE I COME....YUM-O!

What kind of Mom am I?

I am a "Tuned In" Mom!!!


“Inside our children, I believe, is a truth that tells them what’s best for them. I am always listening for that truth.”


Aware, astute, and understanding, the INFP mother is sensitive to her child’s needs, feelings, and perceptions. By observing and listening to the cues of the whole child, she is “tuned in” and naturally develops an intuitive feel for what he or she needs. Responsive and helpful as well, she tends patiently to those needs as they arise.
The INFP mother is comfortable letting her children follow their own course of development and make their own choices. She offers encouragement and uses her insights to head off trouble and difficult issues.
The INFP mother takes vicarious pleasure giving her children good experiences and watching them enjoy childhood. She’s happiest creating pleasant, memorable times for the whole family.

Thanks Emily!!!

We're here!!!

Just checking in letting everyone know we survived the plane trip. The kids were great! Right now I am babysitting my friends 7 month old!!! All while my mom is babysitting my kids..LOL! I've been seeing bunches of people in just the little while I have been here. Its good to see so many familiar faces, yet its different. I'm looking forward to the rest of my stay!!! Ok, the baby is crying...Gotta Go!!!

Carolina on my mind

We are off to NC for 3 weeks. We are leaving Tuesday morning. I know, that sounds like a long time. It is a long time. But, I need to be with my family for a while. With the economy as crappy as it is and with gas and airline prices, who knows when I will be able to get back out there for a visit. Also, my grandma is getting really bad off. I am so excited though! I get to see my friend's little week old Peyton, my friend's 8 month old, Tyler, and all my friends and family! My aunt from Alabama is even coming up to see me!! Its gonna be fun, I just don't know when I will be able to post again. Hopefully I will be able to get somewhere that has internet, besides the library since my parents do not have internet. Anyways, I hope this is not goodbye for 3 weeks, but if it is, I sure will have a lot of updating to do. I still havent gotten to Sean's last day of school or his birthday. Its not fun getting behind on blogging!
Oh, Please, just pray that I will make it through the day Tuesday with the kids. It will be my first time flying by myself with them. Hope you all have a great week! (or 3)