Trip to Utah: Lunch with a BOY

This trip to Utah has been fun - I've been able to research genealogy, see my bloggy girlfriends AND meet up with some blasts from the past, like this guy.

Me and Jim

Jim and his brother Mark moved across the street from us in Kennewick in summer 1984, and Mom was all over it. When I came home from Girls Camp that year, she was so excited to tell me about these two cute boys who'd moved into the ward. We became friends and did the whole stake dances and ward youth leadership retreats and EFY and jumping on the trampoline in their backyard and having movie parties in their basement thing. I am still quite fond of them both.

Today, Jim picked me up at the Salt Palace and we went to a nearby cafe for lunch. We chatted and caught up and discussed the deep and meaningful things of life. It was so fun.

Thanks for lunch, Jim!

Little Faces

R's soccer team, which Bella and her teammate S are coaching; and a sneaky little Cub Scout photobomber:

Mr. H's beautiful smile:

Mr. C, ditto:

This silly girl who jumped in my bed:

Those little teeth:

Happy Tax Day

Shoe Shopping with Mom

Mrs. Duck Returns

This cute lady came to visit us.  I fed her some of R's leftover peanut butter sandwich... it turns out ducks like plain bread better.

This time she brought the mister. 

Woman in the Rear View Mirror

Aaaaaaaahhh! Scary!!

I really shouldn't wrinkle my forehead like this

New 'Do!

The Kiss Face

Messing around with the camera

Words of Wisdom

"Men are like fine wine. They start out as grapes; and it's up to the women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with."

This Beautiful Girl

Taking a cute little snooze

Discovery

Wow. This exercise stuff really works. Me likey.

But, for next time I swim: Nose plugs (the guy in the next lane is a splasher) and a blindfold (for the locker room). I've never been comfortable with public nudity. Also, when talk turns to what kind of medicated powder we all use, I hightail it out of there.

I'm having some frustration with the new Netbook. I was hoping it would be online by now. But noooooo! I'm about to toss the thing through the window but I think that might kill the warranty, possibly. We bought it Monday and it's being stupid. Hope it's not Windows 7 causing the problems.

"You'll miss this someday"

I enjoy throwing my daily "get H and C to school" fit.  No, really.  It's good to have it out of the way.

Song of the Day: "Graceland" - Paul Simon. It's a good "strut" song.

Later: My legs hurt. I probably need to do a better job of stretching before and after I walk.... my legs aren't used to this much pavement-pounding.  I might need new shoes, too.  

I'm not used to being this high-maintenance.

Raisin Bran. Aw yeah.

Fiber! in the morning. Fiber all through the night.

Motherly Observations

My children seem to obey me better when they're under the impression that their mother is unstable.

This is my new mothering technique: Start out each day by sobbing in front of the children.

If we can't get them with respect or loyalty, we'll traumatize them instead.  Whatever works!

I'm starting to think the "nag" route is the way to go.  I hated being nagged and never wanted to be one, but my hand has been forced.

I LOVE THIS COLD.

My David Lee Roth screeches are sounding quite authentic.

A busy, busy day.

It was fun.  I picked up my mom at the airport, then Aunt N at Cousin M's house, and we went out to lunch and shopping for M's baby shower.  I don't think I've ever willingly shopped that much in my life.

Worthless Wednesday

At least, this one will be. I could be doing something now, but I'm passing my morning at the computer. I had a crappy night's sleep after that Burgerville portobello strips fiasco. They were good but not at 9:00 at night! I woke up at 3:30 AM wishing I could throw up! Then Brennan and Girlfriend with their nuttiness made my morning that much more interesting.

IT WILL HAPPEN.

...Me spanking this house back into shape.

LATER: Kitchen done, dining room almost done...except the computer desk. That will be its own ugliness.

Also: Hubby stopped drinking soda a week ago and has lost 4 1/2 pounds!!

Last night's party was so great...

Sariah threw the party, Alia made the cake, and Lisa and Heffalump brought gifts (and Heff came so far to attend). What a fun, fun evening. We laughed our guts out. We played "The Game of Things" - kind of like Balderdash - and Sariah gave me gag "old lady" gifts. Lisa gave me a bunch of chocolate-scented toiletries that I can't wait to try.

Those in attendance were Sariah, Alia, Lisa, Heather, Michelle, Marcie, Heather, Susan and Mallory. Heff and I sat together and cracked jokes like the Muppet old men, Statler and Waldorf. Dang, it was fun. What a good time we had. :)

I have such wonderful friends. Maybe 40 won't be so terrible after all.

Today :)

My VTs Ann and Robynne took me out for breakfast. We went to Shari's on Mill Plain & Chkalov. Ann bought the meal and also a pie for me to take home to the family - I chose sour cream lemon.

Bri and the four younger kids are out doing soccer and a birthday party.

I'm going to Sariah's tonight for the 40th birthday party my GNO friends are throwing for me.