Two Ovens

Okay, I know, I know I have not posted since April. But I decided I would jump in with a random post.

One of the many things I love about my new house is the fact that I have two ovens. I have always wanted two and now I know why.

Yesterday and today has been cold and rainy. It seems like the only time I ever feel like cooking anything is when it is cold and rainy. I had two Papa Murphy's pizza's (since everyone in my family likes different pizza) and I didn't have to choose which one to cook first. I cooked them at the same time! You would be surprised at how much peace that brings to me and my household. Everyone's pizza was ready at the same time!

This morning I decided to make pumpkin chocolate chip muffins-yummy! I doubled the batch since Emily wanted to give some away. I was able to use all the batter and cook them at the same time! This makes cooking so much more enjoyable since I don't have to wait around for the oven to be free to cook the extra batches.

So there. Now I have posted again. I wonder if anyone ever checks it any more.

I'm Off to Boston!

I'll be leaving tomorrow for my trip to Boston. Angela, one of my dearest friends, will be running in the Boston Marathon and I'll be there to cheer her on.

We are so excited to see each other again and spend some time having fun in a new city. I'm looking forward to chatting, sightseeing, shopping, and eating some great food. But mostly, I'm looking forward to having some time without children. As much as I love and adore my children, I'm looking forward to a trip just for me. Whoopee!

See you next week!

PS I promise I'll post some before and after pictures of our new house when I get back. It should be just about ready to move in when I come back. It has under gone an amazing transformation. I can hardly wait to move in!

Daily Musings of Nothingness

Back by popular demand: MORE DAILY MUSINGS OF NOTHINGNESS!

• Ben is talking up a storm now. Two of his first two word sentences: Make mess! (More about this later) and See dog (he wanted to watch Blue's Clues while we were waiting for Emily at gymnastics).
• Thursday was a hectic day. I spent 4 1/2 hours at Emily's school doing PTO things (Pizza Party for Read-A-Thon winners and PTO meeting). When I got finally got home, Ben hadn't taken a nap and was soooooooo cranky. Emily was crying because she didn't want to go to gymnastics and then Ben dumped an entire box of goldfish crackers all over the living room floor followed by a basket of glittery confetti that Emily was supposed to have thrown away (But Mom it is so pretty!). Hence, Ben's first two word sentence, "make mess!" Meanwhile I was on the phone trying to figure out why our new home owners insurance policy was $1,000 more than other quotes. I didn't realize what was happening until Sam turned on the vacuum. Out of that chaos, Sam was my hero that day. Wow, this musing could have been it's own post.
• I have been elected PTO secretary for next year. I'm really excited to get more involved in what is happening at the elementary school.
• I am the most disorganized person lately. I have stacks and stacks of things I need to go through. I really hate not being on top of my clutter. It makes me moody.
• I stopped really organizing stuff lately because I figure I have to move it all soon. It will all catch up to me soon.
• We sign our part of the house closing paperwork tomorrow morning. It should all be taken care of by Tuesday.
• We bought our fridge, microwave, and cook top last weekend. We saved a bunch of money!!! We picked out the cook top we wanted and got prices at two places in town. We came home and googled the model number and found a brand new one on Ebay! We saved $350. It came yesterday and looks great! For the fridge, we bought the floor model and saved $500. I love getting a deal!!!!!
• We went shopping for our granite counter tops yesterday. I am so overwhelmed by making the choice. It is so expensive that I don't want to mess up. Any advice?
• I have dirty laundry stacked up to my ears.
• My sister, Traci, and her family are planning on visiting this weekend. I LOVE having visitors come to my house, especially family.
• I have two people who have offered to help me with decorating my house. I am so relieved! I am really bad at it.
• I really need a haircut. So does Ben. I refuse to cut my kid's hair.
• I really do need to get to that laundry so I'll end here.

Have a great week!

March 17th

Just wanted to give a quick update on the house situation. We now close on March 17th despite the bank wanting to move it back a few weeks, then up a few weeks, then immediately. I haven't been to the house in awhile but we should be back tonight and/or tomorrow and I'll take some better pictures and get them posted.

We have spent some time looking at carpet, mudroom ideas, and other things we plan on improving in the house. If anyone has any great ideas, suggestions, pictures (especially of mudrooms) please forward them on! I am very overwhelmed with the prospect of all the new improvements. I'm afraid I'll do it all wrong and tacky. Sarah P. I wish you lived around the corner again. You helped me though decorating my kitchen and playroom which were the only rooms I ever really decorated in my last house. You have beautiful ideas and taste and an eye for decorating.

We plan on improving the upstairs right away before moving in. Even though it will be a money crunch, we figure it will be best in the long run to just do it now. We will do the downstairs later. Our realtor recommend our backyard neighbor and he is overseeing all the improvements.

Our rental house is on the market and I have to say I'm really, really, really annoyed about having to show my house. It is so much stress to get the house clean and ready to show. We did it on Saturday and I feel like it is a BIG inconvenience to leave my house so Jake can show it. Also, because we are moving I stopped keeping my closets organized because I figured it would all have to be packed up before too long. So now I feel weird having people look into my messy closets and pantry. Part of me feels like Jake should give us a break on the rent or be willing to end our lease early if we have to show it. What do you think is reasonable. The stress from showing our MN house is still fresh and I really don't feel up to doing it again so someone else can sell their house.

I guess my blogging time is over because Ben won't stop climbing on me and grabbing the mouse.

Daily Musings of Nothingness

Ben was sick last week and now he is back to his happy, giggly, messy self. Sam is sick this week. I would rather my almost 5 year old be sick than my almost 2 year old. Not that I want Sam to be sick but he just lays around, rests, and is willing to be cuddled. Ben cried and was irritable, constantly. Any questions.

I went to the school this morning to get the Read-A-Thon daily prizes organized. The principal forgot to draw the winners and announce them. Tomorrow I'm going to do it for her and give her a written note to read and hope it gets done correctly tomorrow. If you want something done right....

I went to Brad's office after the school. I didn't have much to do. Tobie showed me the inventory list we have to do for tax purposes. I really hate stuff like that. We'll do it later.

We had someone come over tonight and talk about renovations on the new house. I wonder how we will pay for them? Cash or loans. Now or later. convenience or total inconvenience.

I miss Rochester's library. A LOT! My new one only lets me check out 50 books at a time. Can I get a gold card for the library. They don't know who they are dealing with. 50 books at a time; what a joke!

I reread Twilight. It was better the second time. Just like the movie.

I spent Monday cleaning my house. I got rid of all the little clutter piles that mysteriously appear around the house. Today you could never tell that that was how I spend President's day.

Yesterday Ben wrote on the wall with a pencil and on my computer screen with a pen. Brad said that he was lucky it happened while he was at work.

When Rick came over this evening he asked Emily what grade she was in. Her reply, "I'm in first but I read at third."

Ben loves to wear shoes. Especially mine, Brad's, Emily's and Sam's.

I took a nap today and I didn't even feel guilty about it. It was lovely. Unfortunately, the kids made a mess in my office. It was worth it.

I made dinner tonight (shock!) and everyone loved it and ate it (shock again!!). Emily even gave me a hug for making the best dinner ever. Hawaiian Haystacks: 2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed added to 2 cans of cream of chicken. Dilute with milk to desired consistency. Serve over rice. Top with Chinese noodles, cheddar cheese, olives and add a dash of lemon juice. Emily will have the left overs for lunch tomorrow.

I love Emily's lunchbox-sized thermos. It keeps food hot or cold. Makes packing a lunch much more imaginative.

Even though I had a nap today, I'm going to bed now. Thanks for reading my random thoughts. I should do more posts like this. So easy!

Grateful Sunday

It has been forever since I have done a Grateful Sunday post and I figured I should do one this week.
This week I am grateful for....

• Our new house! We will close in late March (sorry I haven't posted pictures).
• My new calling as Primary Secretary. I was disappointed to leave my previous calling-teaching the 14 year old Sunday School class but it is nice to get to know some new people.
• Book Club. I finally got invited to a book club. Oh how I missed being with people who loved books and talking about books. Carma, I'm so glad I get to be your neighbor!
• Steve, Tobie and Maddy V. We went out with Steve and Tobie for Valentine's Day and their oldest daughter Maddy who was home for the weekend watched all our kids for us. Steve and Tobie even paid for dinner to thank Brad for a favor he did for them. It was a wonderful Valentine's Day evening. Thanks!
• My MIL, Dianne, for watching Ben and Sam so I could help at Emily's class party. I was hoping Brad would be home in time to watch the boys or else I would take them with me but Brad had a late appointment scheduled and Ben was sick and grouchy and I didn't want to take them after all. I decided I wouldn't go but then Emily actually asked for me to be there. I appreciate Dianne taking the time to help me out.
• The Jason and Ashley Y family. Brad and Jason have been friends since Brad was 12 and we have been friends as a couple since before Jason and Ashley got married. They came over to play games on Friday but Ashley and I ended up sneaking away to watch Twilight again. Thanks Brad and Jason for watching the kids! Thanks Justin and Hannah for playing Powergrid with Brad and Jason.
• Cheap movie theaters. It is so much more fun to see a movie knowing you only paid $3.50 instead of $9. With that price you can actually afford popcorn! Which is only $3.75 for a large.
• My new nephew, Dimitrie. He turned 2 weeks old on Friday. We are so grateful he was born. It was a close call during his delivery and we thank Heavenly Father he is with us and healthy.
• Winter. I actually don't mind it but I'm glad it doesn't last forever. Brad has taken up skiing and it is fun to see him enjoying every ski trip (except for the first one).

Have a great week!

Big News!!!!! and NO I'm not pregnant

We are buying a house!!!!! I'm so thrilled. I will post pictures soon but if I wait until I have pictures ready, I'll never get this post written.

Last Wednesday, a friend from the neighborhood called me (she has taken it upon herself to keep me in the neighborhood) and let me know she has "found my house". She saw it with her MIL (who wasn't interested because it was too big) and knew immediately she needed to call me. The house is owned by a bank and it was being drastically reduced because it has been vacant for a year or so.

Brad and I arranged to see it that night with the seller's agent. I really liked it. Brad wasn't as thrilled. The house has 5,031 square feet (HUGE) and 9 (nine) bedrooms! It is a rambler style. The main floor has 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a living room, family room, kitchen, lovely laundry room and large mud room with a drinking fountain! Oh, and yes, a time out room. A TIME-OUT room-a small room 3'x6' with a built in bench and a windowed door. I hear the previous owners had a difficult daughter. But, my kids favorite thing about the house is that it has a slide from the kitchen to a playroom downstairs.

The downstairs has 4 bedrooms (including the playroom), 2 full bathrooms, an exercise room (which could be another bedroom) that has a drinking fountain in it as well, a HUGE, HUGE food storage room with a direct staircase to the kitchen, a "little library", and an unfinished theater room. Oh, and a dungeon. Okay, not really a dungeon just a 4'x6' concrete room (probably a cold storage room) but I didn't let my kids know that-hee, hee.

The house is on a HUGE lot (I keep using the word HUGE, don't I). It is 0.81 acre. It has a covered patio which is sheltered by the house. This is a big plus since it is sooo windy in our part of Idaho. It also has a trampoline pit-cool huh! There are a couple of garden boxes established, I'm told by the neighbors, and a large RV pad next to the 3 car garage.

Can I tell you again how excited I am?! There are a lot of weird things about this house (i.e. time-out room) and wasted space especially downstairs. But we are buying the house at a steal and so we will (should) have money to make some changes.

Let me tell you the house buying drama. I'll be as brief as I know how (which isn't too brief).
I got the call on Wednesday afternoon. We saw the house at 7:00. It took until after 8:00 to look at it. I was supposed to go to book club but I thought it was too late until I noticed people arriving at the house next door. I realized that was probably book club and joined them. I got the "scoop" on the house. Coincidence, huh

The next morning, Thursday, I met with our realtor (actually our landlord, Jake) and I went through it again with a friend. I loved it even more in the daylight and they had dropped the price $5,000. I told Jake I was very interested and to let them know so no offers would be accepted until we made one. He didn't think that would be necessary since this house has had NO INTEREST. But will do it anyway.

Brad got a call from Jake around 3:00 or so to let us know that someone already made an offer but because the bank is on the East Coast they had not looked at it yet. We went to see it again at 6:15 with Brad, Steve, and Jake. We notice about 8 realtor cards on the counter that were not there that morning. We decide to make an offer. Jake pumped the other realtor to find out any info but with no luck. We make an offer for $1,000 over last listing price. We sign the offer that evening and Jake promises to get it in ASAP the next morning once our pre-approval letter is faxed (it was just waiting for documentation).

On Friday we find out that a total of 4 offers have been received-I'm dying!!!!. All Realtors have been instructed to bring back their client's best offer. By this point I am so anxious I have made myself physically ill (I do that when I am very anxious). Brad and Jake work out the details ($10,000 more than original offer and an earlier closing date) and I just sign my name. We head out for Utah to see my brand-new nephew and to take my mind off my house. I'm still anxious. I have already mentally moved into that house. It is mine!

All weekend I think about the house; I can't sleep at night. We drive home and discover more water in the basement. Not much but the carpet pad is soaked and the carpet is damp in the corner of the toy room where we have had previous water problems. We think about the comparison between the two houses. Our offer was actually less than what we could buy the house we are renting. We call our realtor and ask if we can increase our offer. He checks on Monday and is told it is too late. The bank is already reviewing the offers. We are waiting to find out what the bank is deciding. The agony!!!

About 11:30 am Brad calls and lets me know that the HOUSE IS OURS!!!!! It turns our that there was a cash offer for $6,000 less than ours and the other offer was actually $4,000 more than ours but had "strings attached" that the bank didn't like so they went with our offer which was clean and no strings (the 4th offer never countered).

Needless to say I am thrilled. Every time I go back to the house I like it more. We went back tonight with someone who helped build the house and we told him some of our ideas of what we wanted to change/improve. He is going to let us know how much it costs.

We close on March 17th so we plan on making the improvements before we move in. Our lease runs until June 1st so it should all work out. The house is in our neighborhood, just a few blocks back. It is a great location. I didn't think I wanted to stay in the neighborhood but now that I am getting to know a few people, I am feeling more comfortable.

I'll post some pictures soon. Unfortunately, I didn't take many and I'm not sure when we'll go back through the house. It was a quick decision but it is just what we are looking for!

It Feels Like It Is finally Over

This post is a few weeks late but definitely news worthy.

Brad took his Neurology Boards in November. There were a few stressful weeks previous to the test while he tried to work full time AND study-flashbacks of medical school and residency. But all his hard work and years of studying finally paid off. Brad is now a BOARD CERTIFIED NEUROLOGIST! We are truly excited! He did very well if I do say so myself. We are very grateful because the test cost about $4,000.

So a big CONGRATULATIONS to my very dear husband.

Now I feel like we are finally done with the schooling part of our lives. We have been married for 15 years and now the only ones who are in school are the kids-hee hee.

I never thought we would get here. Now that we are here, I'm not quite sure what to do with myself.

Newberry and Other Book Recommendations

I was reading the BYU Magazine this morning and discovered an article about a professor at BYU who participates in the selection of the Newberry Awards. There was a website with some of his book recommendations that I thought was interesting and useful and I thought I would share it with y'all. Click here for the link. I already put some of his choices on reserve at the library. Stay tuned to my GoodReads to read my recommendations.

Scuba Experience

Brad has always wanted to go scuba diving. I have never in my life wanted to experience scuba diving. Once when we were visiting an aquarium, we walked through a tunnel that gave you the experience of being surrounded by marine life. Brad mentioned how cool it would be to scuba and see everything up close. I replied, "Why do you need to? This is just as good and you don't get wet!"

Getting wet has been the issue for me. I don't enjoy water. I don't like getting my face wet. I take quick showers and don't really swim. Although I do enjoy going to the beach, I like to keep my face out of the water. It seems silly but I had tubes in my ears until I was 10 years old. For 10 years all I heard when I was near water was, "keep your head out of the water." It is no surprise I don't like to get my face wet.

I also don't enjoy boats. This is also caused by other "traumatic" boat experiences when I was young but I won't go into that now.

Since scuba diving involves both boats and getting wet, it has been extremely low on my list of things to do before I die. Actually, it has never been there and probably won't ever be....But now that has all changed. Here is the story:

As I previously mentioned, scuba diving has been an interest to Brad for many, many, many years. Now that we have a bit of wiggle room in our budget, Brad has been actively pursing ways to spend this wiggle room. Last Friday afternoon, instead of coming home from work, Brad "dropped by" the local dive shop. He was informed of a scuba experience the next Friday night. It only cost $20 per person and they take you to the local aquatic center and give you a mini lesson, strap on the gear, and let you try scuba diving while assisted by trained professionals. Needless to say, he signed us up. Both of us. Yes, me. The one who has absolutely no interest in scuba diving. No interest. No desire. No way Jose!

He basically gave me no choice in the matter. HE REALLY WANTED ME TO DO THIS! REALLY WANTED ME TO DO THIS! So being the good wife that I am, I agreed, timidly. I dreaded this date night all week. I "forgot" to call a babysitter despite being prodded by Brad on a daily basis. Eventually he cornered me into calling someone before I "forgot" again.

(I know this story is long but I'm writing it for posterity's sake) So Friday arrives and I am sick to my stomach ALL DAY (because of nerves-I get that way when I am worried). By 3:30 I am in bed about ready to throw up. Brad comes home and tells me I don't have to go with this sad little puppy dog face and tells me I can just watch him. Well, that really does not sound like any fun at all, does it? Brad informs me that our good friends, Jason and Ashley, are going to join us for the dive and that makes me feel a little better-Ashley probably hates water more than me.

Time passes and it is time to go. I pull myself out of bed (darn it!) and get ready. We go to dinner and meet Ashley and Jason at the pool. We are a little early and Ashley and I commiserate while complimenting ourselves on being nice wives that are willing to do such a big thing for our husbands. By this time I am actually trembling.

We change into our swim suits (I bought the cutest little cover up at the end of the summer for $4 at J.C. Penney's. It looks fabulous with my swim suit if I don't say so myself-hee, hee) and met the instructors. They were very nice and tried to put Ashley and I at ease. After some difficulty finding the correct size of equipment for me (it turns out I need kid-sized fins). We were ready to be instructed. The instructors were fabulous! They did such a great job teaching us and helping Ashley and I feel comfortable in the water and with the equipment.

They helped us get used to the gear and the underwater breathing experience gradually. Eventually, we were ready to go to the deep end. It took me a bit of time to feel comfortable but soon I was swimming around, throwing torpedoes, and having fun. Only once did I feel claustrophobic and had to swim to the surface to calm myself down. One of the instructors immediately followed me and helped me go back down. It was such a good feeling knowing that they were so aware of us and ready to help us.

We stayed in the water for over an hour and by the end I felt really good. I had problems with my mask slipping and leaking but I was able to clear it underwater without problem (I probably need a kid-sized mask as well). When the time was up and we got out, they asked us how we liked it. I actually replied, "Awesome!" Can you believe it? I actually liked it! Me, who never, ever, ever wanted to experience this actually said awesome. Brad then asked me if we should book the Honduras dive trip with the dive shop. I said I would need more time in the pool before I felt more comfortable but I would seriously consider signing up for dive lessons.

Do I even have to say that Brad was so happy. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience, despite a leaking mask (his had a slight crack and maybe his beard/moustache got in the way), and he was thrilled that I liked it as well. It was a fun experience. I was glad I had such great instructors and friends to share it with. Ashley had a good time but had a lot of difficulty with her ears. I hope that doesn't hold her back.

Now Brad is really pushing for that Honduras trip. I'm not sure if we will go but I did say yes to dive lessons.

Now Brad, I did scuba dive even though I didn't want to and enjoyed it. Just don't get your hopes up that I will ever, ever go whitewater river rafting with you. That is just asking too much!

The Comfort of Friends

I have just been reading blogs of friends from Minnesota, Texas, and good ol' Kaysville. I just had a horrible pang of sadness because I miss everyone so much. I have to admit I have not really made any friends here in Idaho. It is just not the same as living outside of Utah/Idaho. Church really made meeting people so easy. Everyone was willing to embrace newcomers as part of their lives. It was as if they were saying, Come into our circle. You belong to us now. We will get to know you and take care of you. The automatic inclusion into a circle of friends was wonderful.

My experience in Idaho has been a lot different. People are nice and friendly but it has been limited to a casual acquaintance and nothing more. It seems as if people already have enough in their lives and they do not need more. They have friends; they have family near. They are not looking for more.

I miss close friends. I miss play groups at the park. I miss going to church where everyone knows my name and asks how things are going and really mean it. I miss wonderful Enrichment nights. I miss friends calling and arranging play dates and get togethers. I miss book club! I even miss gourmet club which was also so stressful but so much fun in the end.

So dear friends, I miss you and I am so grateful for blogs. I grateful we can keep in touch.

What Happens in Vegas...

Brad and I took our first "real" trip together since the end of residency. At first it was supposed to be a business trip-some medical meeting (business write offs, etc.) but it ended up as a just-for-fun trip. Two other couples came along with us-Steve and Tobie and Mark and Denise.

We flew to Las Vegas Thursday morning. Brad's mom took Ben and my mom came up to stay with Emily and Sam. It was a perfect fit.

We stayed at the Wynn which was a very nice hotel. That night we saw Momma Mia! I was so excited. I loved the movie and Tobie and Denise had previously seen the musical in Salt Lake and Las Vegas and had raved about it. Brad was a sport and came with me. He enjoyed the second act much more than the first. I enjoyed it all!!!

Friday was filled with SHOPPING!!!! I have never been much for designer clothes-I can't bear to pay exorbitant prices-but I tried on some FABULOUS clothes!!!! I have never had clothes fit so well. I have lost about 13 pounds since I moved from Minnesota and it was so fun to try on "skinny" clothes. I tried on about six dresses that were amazing. Tobie and Denise told me to buy one but I can't bear to pay $200 for a dress. But it was fun!

That night we ate at The Capital Grill which was very nice and delicious. We then went to see Ray Romano and Kevin James. They were so funny. My cheeks were sore from laughing so hard. I was a fan of Everybody Loves Raymond and King of Queens so it was exciting to see them perform.

On Saturday Brad and I took it easy. We ate at the Wynn's Brunch Buffet and it was so delicious. It was so much better than any other buffet I had ever been to including The Davenport's brunch buffet in Spokane. (So much for those 13 pounds huh!). We browsed more shops and even tried on $20,000 diamond rings (Brad promised years ago to replace my wedding ring since we only bought what we could afford as poor college kids.) We didn't buy but it was fun to look.

That night we were supposed to go to The Comedy Stop at the Tropicana with the other couples but they decided it was too late since we had a 7:45 am flight back home the next morning. But Brad and I had taken it easy all day and we were ready to spend a night on the town. So after a few phone calls we ended up getting tickets to Phantom of the Opera. We paid for the cheapest tickets and they ended up moving us to the expensive seats. It was a great show. We had seen it before in San Francisco in 1995 but this one was so much better. Raoul's voice was amazing!!!

It was the perfect end to a perfect trip. We flew back early Sunday morning (a little too early in my opinion) and reunited with our children. They were happy to see us and enjoyed the cheap souvenirs we brought home for them. Thanks Mom and Dianne for watching our kids. We know they enjoyed it. We hope you have both recovered. Thanks Brad for planning a great trip! I really need a vacation.

PS We also stocked up on playing cards. Hand and Foot anyone....

Toy Rotation

I am a firm believer in toy rotation. Not only because it is a good practice in home organization but because I am a recovering toy buying freak. It is true. I went through a period a few years back where I bought an insane amount of toys. Just ask Brad...or anyone else who visited my house. (BTW someone once asked me if I ran a day care because of all the toys)

Most of these toys were from the line of Fisher Price's Little People. I love these toys. I love the imagination they spur when children play with them, I love the memories I had playing with Little People toys with my sisters, and I love that Emily played with them for hours on end when she was younger.

Now I have the space to display all these toys but not the desire to either
A) See them scattered about my entire house while I freak out that the construction set is getting mixed up with the airport set and the airport set is mixed up with the zoo set, etc. (I am a little compulsive that way.)

or

B) See them sit there while no one plays with them and than I feel bad that they are not being used and memories are not being made creating fun Little People adventures with each other.

So to make sure the above mentioned things do not happen, I store each set with ALL the pieces (if a piece is missing I can't rest until it has been recovered-I know, I know-totally compulsive). Then I store the sets in plastic bins and place them in my storage room until the time is ripe for toy rotation. I had the house set out but now no one is playing with it so I packaged it up (no missing pieces, much to my relief) and stored it away for another playtime in the future.

A few days ago, I needed to get a few things done so I took out the Little People Amusement Park and Construction set bin and let Ben and Sam have fun. Here they are digging in. Sam had exclaimed, "MOM, I forgot about these. I LOVE THESE!" It was just like Christmas morning but in October and it didn't cost me so much.
Sam can hardly wait to figure out what adventures the Little People will experience today.
Ben is thrilled with new toys. Although, every toy is new to him.

So the moral of this post is that toy rotation is a great thing. I makes your old toys new again. Brad told me we didn't need to buy anything for Christmas, we just needed to wrap up their old toys and give them to the kids again. As much as I would like to do that, I do still have that insane toy buying freak deep inside of me. It sometimes sneaks out at Christmastime. Oh boy, oh boy!

MRI Update

After everyone's encouragement and concern and a headache that lasted about three days straight, I finally got an MRI.

Today Brad's office arranged to have an MRI center fit me in. Brad's mom watched the boys for me while I was placed inside a cylinder that clunked and banged and even shook for about 25 minutes. It was an interesting experience and I'm thankful I'm not claustrophobic.

The MRI results showed that I do not have a tumor (which is what I was most frighted of) or a sinus infection, or other horrible problems (Brad did not want to elaborate on what else could have been wrong). Brad and I are both overwhelmingly relieved, need I say more.

So after hearing the news and heaving a major sign of relief, I asked Brad, "What next. Why do I have these horrible, long lasting headaches?" He replied, "I have a patient waiting. I'll call you later about that."

So a few hours later, and a nap for me, Blue's Clues DVDs for the kids (if you know anything about me, you know I was seriously desperate), and lots of candy (the kids took total advantage of my need to stay on the couch), Brad and I finally discussed my headaches, again.

My diagnosis: Atypical face pain (in other words an irritated nerve in my head). Treatment: increase the dosage of the Lyrica I'm taking to relieve the pain and eventually, hopefully, the nerve will heal.

So there you have it. I took another Lyrica tablet and I do indeed feel better, maybe a little dizzy, but no headache. Hopefully, we will get this under control so I can start living my life again. So much has been on hold because I can barely do what I have to do. It is nice to know I don't have a time bomb in my head. That was really bothering me.

Thanks for all the well wishes and encouragement. Hopefully I will feel better so I can blog some more. I have great pictures of Ben I want to post.

A Real Pain in the Neck...and Head and Teeth

For the past three weeks I have been experiencing horrible headaches. It started as pain in two of my upper teeth and eventually led to the worse headache I have ever had (I seriously wanted to just die). After an emergency trip to the dentist, we discovered that there is nothing wrong with my teeth. The dentist thought it was because of TMJ. After relaying that info to Brad, he discussed it with his partner and the orthopod next door. They determined that the symptoms weren't right for TMJ and that I had a sinus infection. I was treated with heavy duty antibiotics and pain killers. After about four days, I still didn't have much relief. Brad determined that I had an irritated nerve that was causing my teeth to hurt and bad headaches. After another few days of pain in my teeth and bad headaches, we decided I might also have a pinched nerve and so he gave me a shot in the back of my head (sometimes it is handy to have a neurologist for a husband). That helped for awhile but did not completely relieve the pain.

Now it has been three weeks and I have had a few good days, but the pain is back in full force. I'm tired of taking medications (some of which makes me dizzy) and I'm even more tired of this unpredictable pain. We are confused why I do well for a few days and then the pain comes back. This is really messing up my life. Now Brad wants me to have an MRI. I just don't want too. I just keep hoping it all goes away.

Behind on my blogging

I am so far behind on all the posts I wanted to create. We have done so much this summer and I want to document it but I feel like I am just keeping my head above water. There is so much to do. I just spent the last 2 hours transcribing Brad's dictation and paying some of his office bills. Now that he is his own boss, the more work I can do for him means the more money that stays in our pockets.

So instead of blogging for fun, I am typing for work. Oh well-maybe if I quit reading all of your blogs I would have more time to blog on my own. I won't go that far.

A Picture of Me

I was recently asked by the Relief Society president to email her a picture of me so she could publish a spotlight of me in the newsletter. Well, despite the fact that I have hundreds of pictures of my kids and lots of my husband, I don't have one decent picture of me-not even one I could crop out my face. Does this happen to anyone else? Is "Mom" the only who takes pictures.

Even when Brad takes pictures (which rarely happens), he loves to catch me as a surprise. So if I did have a picture of me it is usually looking surprised, or with a dumb expression on my face. Definitely not one I could send to the RS president.

We made a deal that if I didn't email her a picture by this morning, she would use my profile picture. Oh heavens, I hate that picture but sadly it is the only half way decent one I have.

You might be asking why I don't just take a new picture. Well, that would mean I would have to do my hair and I really need a hair cut and my hair is not cooperating right now. So I'll just have her use my profile picture and hope the black and white copy does it some good.

PS Tell your husband he is on camera duty next family outing.

TAGGED

Kate tagged me (and Emma had the challenge on her blog as well) so I thought I would do this:

1. What was I doing 10 years ago? I had just finished my first year of teaching 5th and 6th grade Special Ed (Resource Reading, Language Arts and Math). It was the worst year of my life! As soon as I took the ExCET test (teacher certification exam), I was anticipating a summer filled with fun with my family in Utah and Yellowstone and then a 5 year anniversary trip with Brad to New Orleans. (FYI-I transferred to the elementary level for the following year. I was not going to go through that situation again!)

2. What was I doing 5 years ago? Emily was 13 ½ months old. Brad had just finished his 3rd year of medical school and we were planning on getting pregnant again so we could have the 2nd baby before medical school ended and residency started. We were paying a fortune for health insurance and we wanted to make the most of it. Even though the babies were close in age, it was the best decision for us.

3. What was I doing 5 months ago? Just finishing up my teaching time for Sam’s preschool. Getting the house ready to sell-decluttering, packing things away, scheduling painters and carpet installers, etc. Ben was 9 ½ months old and quite a handful and still not sleeping through the night.

4. 5 Things on My To Do List:
Clean the car
Go through every room and get ready for the packers who come on Wed.
Clean the downstairs fridge/freezer
Start packing for our trip to Idaho
Laundry

5. 5 Snacks I Enjoy.. But I don’t always indulge
Doritos (Nacho Cheese)
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pistachios
Crackers and cheese
Potato chips with dip (again I don’t always indulge)

6. 5 things I would do if I became a Billionaire...
Secure my financial future by investing wisely
Arrange to never clean or cook again
Travel the world (with a nanny, of course, because my kids would come along)
Build our dream home
Help my family

7. 5 Bad Habits...
Not being able to put down a good book and let my house go to the dogs in the process
Not wanting to be interrupted when I am busy
Not exercising regularly (despite my earnest desire)
Loosing my patience
Postponing making appointments

8. 5 Places I have lived...
Utah
Idaho
Arizona
Texas
Minnesota

9. 5 Jobs I've Had...
Gift wrapper at ZCMI (I was probably the worst they ever had)
Ticket taker at the ZCMI parking garage in SLC (same summer as the gift wrap job-I worked both part time)
Telemarketing/survey taker (This was the worst job ever!)
Waitress (I met Brad! We were “waitri” together)
Plant Secretary/Administrative Assistant at a manufacturing plant (My first “real” job)

Following in Emma's footsteps, I'm not going to tag anyone (I can't remember who has and hasn't done this before but it has been fun so give it a try).

Single Digits

We have finally reached the single digits in our countdown of the end of Brad's Residency. The packers will be here a week from today and we leave in 9 days. I have such mixed feelings about this.

I'm excited for the following reasons:

• It is the end of residency!!!! No more call. No more horrible hours. No more missed holidays. No more being at the beck and call of the almighty Clinic.
• We get to move on to new adventures. New location. New house. New friends (hopefully!).
• We get to be nearer to family. This is one of the reasons we moved to Idaho. My family had better come and visit. Hint, Hint

I'm sad for the following reasons:

• We will be leaving behind so many fabulous people. I have learned so much from my friends and ward members in Minnesota.
• I really like the location of my house and my neighbors. I love living in a cul-de-sac.
• I'll miss the best book club ever!

I'm nervous for the following reasons:

• I have never had anyone pack me when I move. I usually do it all by myself. I'm always very nervous whenever I have to do anything for the first time.
• I'm really nervous about the packing/moving days. What am I going to do those days? What do I need to do with the kids? Should I keep them home or have them go somewhere? What should I do to get ready? So many whats?
• Moving across country is scary. What if something happens to everything I own. I can't take everything that is sentimental with me. All of my scrapbooks will be on that moving truck. Oh, I hope it all goes well.
• What if I don't make any friends (do I sound like a child or what?)?
• What if I don't like my new ward? (again, childish)
• I hope Brad's practice goes well. I always thought that at the end of residency a lot of worries (especially financial ones) would be lightened but starting your own practice is quite scary. Things are not for certain.

I think for many reasons I'm in denial about this whole moving situation. Brad and I will celebrate 15 years of marriage in August. During all those years we looked forward to a future when all his schooling would be complete. It always seemed so far into the future but now it is here. I still think the world is going to end soon and all this work will be for nothing. I know that sounds horrible-sorry.

Despite all these feelings it is an interesting time. It is time to say goodbye but also a time to say hello. I wonder what new adventures await.

Our New House

I have been meaning to post some pictures of our new house for quite awhile but I have been neglecting my blog for other activities. So her is the scoop on the new abode. The house was built in 2004 and has 3450 square feet, 3 car garage and 7 bedrooms. Before you think that is way too many bedrooms I must say the downstairs bedrooms are on the small side (but each one has a nice closet!). The main floor has 3 bedrooms, a formal living room, family room/dining area/kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms, and a laundry room. Here's a picture of the kitchen. There is not a lot of cabinet space but the pantry is quite large.Emily is really excited to have her own room. We thought we had the bedroom situation already decided but we are considering having the kids bedrooms in the basement because they wake up too early with the sun. We are still working on that one...any advice? The windows do not have room darkening blinds and since we are leasing I don't really want to install anything.

Downstairs there is this cute play area under the stairs. The kids adored this, especially Ben who loved to look out the window. I foresee many happy times in the playroom.

The backyard is not fenced but it is nice and flat (a big relief after our hilly backyard). There is a little garden spot which I plan to use next summer (if we decide to buy the house). This picture is taken from the back door. The swing set and trampoline are the backyard neighbors'. The previous owners said they always meant to buy one of their own but their kids always played on the neighbors equipment (let hope we make friends with them soon).

Well, there you have it. If you want to see more, come and visit!!