Summer!

Summer is in full swing down here in the central plains of Colorado. It has been for almost a month. School was out at the end of May, so we are in the middle of our summer break. It is sad to think that we start school all over again, the second week of August. Sadder still to think I have a high school aged son, and a middle school aged daughter. I am feeling older than usual this summer. We started summer off with a bang, with our second ever family vacation (not including visits to family). We went to Disneyland for 4 days, Southern California for another two. I must say that the ocean is beautiful. I think I need to move close to one someday. But, for now, I am safely surrounded by mountains and plains! No need to worry about hurricanes or Tsunami's for a while! :)

The Castle-on our last night. It started to rain, so the park cleared out rather quickly.


Resting for a few minutes!


What's that you say? A payphone! How obsolete!


Star Tours opening weekend!

I also decided that where I live is totally whiteville. I don't mean to sound racist, I am not. I will say that I miss the cultural diversity of our former residence, about an hour north of our current location. I will also say, that for southern california, our all white, (non-tanned) anglo/german family stood out like a sore thumb. I totally appreciated seeing people of all cultures/races intermingled into happy families--maybe it was because we were at the "happiest" place on earth, but I was reminded once again, that all God's children are searching for happiness. It was fun to see families together.

We stayed at a "resort" hotel not too far from Disney--although, I am not sure that resort would be the word to use. It was nicely appointed, and I enjoyed our suite hotel. I am sure the kids enjoyed it as well. I enjoyed the pool, and our room being in a rather isolated area, I enjoyed the quiet-the palm trees, and all the unusual flowers. I miss beautiful lush greenery. I also enjoyed the humidity. My skin loved it! I also loved be so near to sea level. I am used to our "mile hi" air around here. I could actually spend more than 10mins out in the sun without crispy frying! I returned home with an actual tan! Almost unheard of in my house these past years! Most of all, I enjoyed my time spent with my hubby and kids. Note to any one else thinking of going--don't wear new shoes. Ask my dear hubs about that experience.


Last day of vacation, right before leaving for the airport. :(


Once we returned home, I painted my dear daughter's room--I told her that this was the last colour I would put up for her. Besides, if she decides to paint again, she will be able to do most of the work herself. She was a great helper. The room went together quickly, and I think it looks great. It is a light aqua/turquoise colour. I know that colour never quite transfers from wall to photo, but hey, it gives you an idea anyways. Quite mild from her previous choices. (lime greens and bubbl-icious pink) It is fun to see how her taste in colour changes with age.



I am also putting together our guest room, for we are expecting company later this summer. It will be fun to have our guests for about a week! It will mean that we can have a "stay-cation" with them. :) Other than that, My dear daughter is at drama camp. Her performance is this Friday. I am looking forward to that. My dear son has been working a little this summer, earning money by mowing lawns and babysitting. Dear daughter is going to her first girl's camp next month, and dear son is preparing for Trek. He did survive his high adventure scout camp this year.

Next month, I am working with foreign exchange students, 2 from France, 2 from Spain. I am their ESL tutor. It will be fun! I am looking forward to it! Can you tell that my summer is uber-busy? Why is that? I think I am looking forward to August, when school is in session and everyone settles into their routine. Although I love having them here with me, it sure is a busy time! Enjoy your time wherever you may be this summer! Remember that summer 2011 only comes around once in your lifetime! I am planning on enjoying it to it's fullest, regardless of the little annoyances that appear. Have fun!

Summer Fashion

As summer approaches, fashion, or lack thereof comes to the forefront. I am always so surprised at the inequality between men's and women's fashions. For example, as I was stopped at a light, a couple crossed the road in front of me. The man, in his over sized t-shirt, and over sized "man-pri's",(shorts that were 4 sizes too big) and high tops. Covered from top of head (with ball cap) down to his over sized high tops. Pan over to his girl: In a leopard print tube top, Yes, she was well endowed, so the tube didn't support or cover as it should, daisy duke shorts, that showed her cheeks, and platform heels.

Sorry for that description. I hope it doesn't stay for too long. My point is this. Why do we feel as women, that we need to expose ourselves to be accepted by members of the opposite sex? Why do we feel the need to use our bodies to get gain either in our relationships or even work environment. Accentuate your curves, by all means, but really, do you need to show them to the world? How does that work in the real world? What will you gain for your career, or in your relationships, by demeaning yourself to such a basic level? Wouldn't it be better to have a brain and use it to your advantage? What do we teach our sons and daughters by having them see negative examples each and every day?

Yesterday, I was in Chick-fil-a when the high school crowd came in for lunch. Same general description-girls boobs, butts and belly's exposed-guys in the biggest, sloppiest tees and shorts.
How do parents let their children go out dressed like that? Not too mention that our local high school has a 3 b policy-boobs, butts and bellies must be covered. Hmmmm, how does that work exactly?

Now, before everyone gets all bent out of shape, I am not proposing that all women cover themselves up from neck to toes. I am not even opposed to wide strap tank tops, and shorts that are above the knee. Just please, no boobs, butts or belly.

And guys, could you please pull up your pants, I don't want to see your underwear either. And what is wrong with wearing a shirt that fits in the shoulders, and is not 6 sizes too big.

As swim suit season will be quickly upon us, I would like to state that although we all have different body shapes, and sizes please do us a favor and ensure that you are covered. If you choose to wear a bikini, do so with taste. I don't want to see excessive cleavage or bottom. If you choose to wear a one piece, a tankini, or whatever other style of swimwear, please ensure you are covered. And boys, please avoid the speedo.

And do wear your sunscreen. Melanoma cases are on the rise, be safe out there.

Sorry this was a little harsh. It has been on my mind, and I have just been trying to wrap my own mind around it.

Enjoy the warmer weather. Happy Summer!

Another Broken Heart-.

This is a rather blue post, so please don't read if you're in a bad mood. It will just bring you down.

There are days when I feel like I just get my heart stomped on, and today was one of them. Now, most people are usually relieved when they are released from church responsibilities, but, generally, I am not one of them. Today, I (and the rest of our presidency) was released, due to a move from the president. You would think that I would be happy about it, because serving in church presidency takes a lot of time and effort. And yes, it did, but, seeing as I have lots of time on my hands, it was a welcome respite from my hours alone at home. I loved the ladies that I served with. They have become some of my very best friends. I shared some of my darkest moments with them, and they always had my back. I loved that we all just did to get it all done, regardless of responsibility, well "official" responsibility. I loved the kids that were under my stewardship-all 180 of 'em. Yes, primary was huge. And to just be released from all that responsibility is rather harsh. (It also doesn't help when 3 of the the newly called presidency refused teaching callings in said organization-and yet they will be happy to serve in a presidency.) So not only do I feel loss, I feel anger. Grrrrr! Men don't understand. So my normally fabulous listening hubby is not comprehending my feelings at this moment. Maybe tomorrow it will be better understood. Maybe I will understand better myself, as right now I am just hurt and bugged about the whole thing. And so I am off to bed to nurse my broken heart, and to pray for understanding.

Welcome to the top of the Hill

Today, I am lucky enough to have celebrated my 40th birthday. I remember thinking that when my mom turned 40, she was getting old, but now that I am there, I don't feel any older than yesterday! In fact, I feel like I am still 28. 28 was a good year. I felt like I knew who I was, what I was doing, and how I was going to get there. HAH! I was wrong, but I still feel like I am 28-although the body certainly looks like it's getting to 40.

I do have mixed emotions today. Birthdays always make me reevaluate my life. It is like I am on new years day, where everyone makes new year's resolutions-except that I never make resolutions. I do however think-am I a better person than I was last year? Have I done good in my family, home, and community? Have I done the best with what I have been given? With what I have learned? Have I helped others on their path? Have I shown compassion to those in needs? Have I taught by example? Have I gained a bit more patience this year? Have I made a difference? Do my children still love me? How is my relationship with my husband? With my extended family? Am I letting go of what I need to let go? Am I pursuing those things that I need to pursue? And the list goes on...

I guess to simplify, I ask myself: Am I, (in my opinion) better/farther ahead than I was last year? If I am, I know that I am going in the right direction, and all is well. If I feel like I have slid, I know I need focus on that. I think I have learned to be gentler on myself, but I need to only compare myself to myself and not others. That is so hard for me to do, especially when it comes to others who cross paths in my life. Everyone else seems so put together, cuter hair, makeup, figure, more kids, and yet I know that all people have their own demons, insecurities, secrets that they have hidden, just like I do.

So, now that I am 40, it definitely time to stop the comparisons, and be fully happy with who I am. That is my goal for this year. To accept me, to love myself, and take care of myself-because ultimately I am responsible for myself, my personal growth, and my interactions with those around me. Wish me luck, I think I will need the next 365 days to accomplish it!

Top 10 questions in my life-as of today.

10. Why does Mother nature have hormonal mood swings by sending a day of 84F on one day, and the next snow?
9. The first quarter of the year is gone. Where did it go?
8. How does it work, running a claim through insurance?
7. Why does tax season have to ruin the whole month of April?
6. Will I be able to ponder and learn and apply the messages that I heard this weekend in conference?
5. How will my daughter's week at school go this week?
4. Will my son keep on acting like a regular teen this week?
3. Why are relationships so complicated?
2. Will my house stay clean for more than one day, ever?
1. Courtesy of my daughter: What language is spoken in heaven?

Feel free to comment and solve my questions if you can. Have a great week!

My Castle

In light of today's events in Japan, and across the world, I am just stating that I am grateful for my safe and secure home, not in the line of any Tsunami, and a relatively low risk for earth quakes. I don't have much hope on the drought front this year, if this winter is any indication, but, at least I am in no danger of being swept away. Just sayin'.

And, my prayers are going out to all those affected. In all this turmoil, let them find peace-and safety. And may I express my gratitude for my blessings.

Keep safe everyone!

Valentine's and Repairs to my Castle

Hello Everyone,

I love to read my previous posts to see what I wrote down. Perception is reality isn't it? I'm always reviewing my posts to see what was written, what in actuality happened, and how it was perceived by others. Perhaps this is why I don't write too many things down. Too much pressure. However, it is somewhat soothing to write things down, and blast them into cyberspace. Who knows who is reading them, and does it matter if my readers disagree with me? On that note, onto this week's post.

This past week has heralded another Valentine's Day. I am surprised at how many of my friends don't celebrate it in any form. We are not what I would consider a super romantic couple by any means. We don't do mushy notes, seldom do cards, and we are not super great at the dating thing either. However, my hubs and I are still in love. He says it's because he does do one romantic thing. Are you wondering what it is? He talks to me. Yup, that is the secret to our success-we talk to each other. A couple of years ago, a good friend of mine (although she is younger) said to me that when she grows old...she would like to have a marriage like mine. In that, we are a couple who still speaks to each other. Too Funny! Not too sure how I feel about being the old married couple, but she is right. I love talking to my spouse. We check in at least a couple of times each day. Seldom is the day that we don't just chat as he drives from one client to another. If he doesn't call to check in, I know that all h-e-double toothpicks has broken out, and he really can't. But I must say that has only happened maybe 1/2 dozen times in the last year. So, how do we normally celebrate the big V Day? We normally go out to dinner, and spend time...talking. We don't do flowers, and we don't go out on the day, because restaurants are way too crowded, but we still have a date. :)f

This year was different though. I received a double whammy valentine. I received 18 roses (one for each year we've been married) and a batch of chocolate covered strawberries. Now, if that isn't considered romantic, I don't know what would be. I must say that I was very surprised to be the recipient of such gifts, and I love him even more because it was so out of the ordinary. Love you honey!

On a different note, my lovely daughter has missed this week of school due to illness. Yuck! She is finally up a little this afternoon. Yay for recovery.

Also, in the last week, our furnace blower died-in the middle of the night-of one of those previous cold days, so it's not like I could wait until the morning to get it fixed. $800 later, and I have heat! :) Not that it is really needed, for the last week our high's have been in the 60's-although nights are still below freezing. Have to love our weather! But, I figure that the price was worth not having frozen pipes. One thing is for certain, Colorado is not known for insulating their houses very well. We've had frozen pipes before, and let me tell you, that is not fun!

Other than that, life is happening at a regular, manageable pace. Now that I've written it down, I'll be jinxed and be regretting I said anything, but at the moment, Life is Good.