Parker's Quote

Parker: This is the exact reason I want to live in Utah with grandma and grandpa!

Kylee's Christmas performance

Kylee performed with the team today in Imperial at their Christmas street fair. They had a light parade last night that they all marched in. I would have taken pictures, but it was too dark! lol Kylee was thrilled to do this today. They performed as a group at first and then split up in to divisions. Kylee is a level 4 (beginning competing). She did the routine that she will compete with starting in August of next year. This is the first video. The next video is of the twins and their friend Camille. They did this and other various dance moves throughout the whole performance. Pretty funny. The third video is of Kylee doing some tumbling moves and the last video is of the whole group doing their dance. She loves it so much and it has been fun to watch her improve and grow.

COLD!!!!

I am in Salt Lake. I come up each year (starting last year) for our annual girls shopping day (started before I was even old enough to go). Now, need I remind you that I live where it is warm year round.....well, warm in the winter and kill yourself hot in the summer....and I don't really own warm clothing. In fact, I only have one pair of long pants and these were purchased a few days before I flew in to Salt Lake. I flew in on Friday and was on a putty little plane that required me to walk out on the the pavement and continue walking in the FREEZING COLD for a bit before I entered the relative warmth of the airport. I was wearing flip flops and capri jeans. I did have on a sweatshirt (that I bought in the San Diego airport), but it did not help out at all! I was freezing! It was 20 degrees! The temps have not gotten any better. As I type it is 17 degrees outside (and it is daytime!)!!!! That is not a natural temperature! I am cold! Now, I have been having a wonderful time. We had a great day shopping yesterday, slid off the side of the road, froze, saw snow, shivered under blankets, sat in front of space heaters....you know, a typical winter Utah visit. lol I now understand the snowbirds that go south for the winter. I am not sure which is worse, Utah winter or El Centro summer. It is a toss-up.

Join The Club

So, I am going to let you all join my sister's 'make fun of Temaire'' club. Seriously. I posted some pictures on Facebook and my sister took one look at them and started laughing her head off, and then proceeded to make fun of me. Now, before you think she is rude (so far from it....most of the time. lol) or that I am upset with her (it has been at least 20 years since that has happened...for real) you need to know that I am not the best decorator. I need Jayci's and my mom's help (serious guidance) all of the time. So, last year I bought a tree to decorate my house with in the fall. I didn't know that you could bend the branches of the tree. I thought it would break it. Turns out, you are suppose to move them all over (to look like a real tree-but really, how many pumpkin trees have you seen? They would drag the branches down). Here is a picture of said tree.

The tree is in the background....and really, now that I know the branches are supposed to be up, it does look funny....and Ireland's wig is on upside down, so no need to make fun of that as well (Jayci!).

So, now you know. I am challenged in this area. Join the club.....it seems I have as well, otherwise I would not be posting about it! lol Oh, Jayci, by the way, I love you! Thanks for the mocking!

I Am Still Here

Contrary to popular belief due to my lack of blogging, I am not dead. Yes, I still live. I looked at my blog and I was shocked that it has been over a month since I last posted anything! Tons of things have happened. Halloween! I love Halloween and I didn't even blog about it! The twins got to be Student of the Month for September and October (both given at the end of October...kind of weird, but probably a good decision), we have had our Cattle Call parade and all four kids marched and did gymnastics in it, I had a good friend leave the valley for good (Congratulations, Veronica!) and I am so sad not to see her anymore! Lots of things that I am sure I have forgotten since it has been so long since it happened. So, I am now back. I am not sure how thrilled anyone will be, but it makes me feel better. It is kind of nice to put down my feelings, even if it bores other people! haha

Flashback!

I was walking Chancho this morning and was hit with a total flashback. We live fairly close to one of the high schools. Not right next door, but the kids around here can totally walk and get there in 10 minutes. So, this morning I walked out of the parking lot and was hit by the sound of the marching band practising. First of all, I was surprised by how loud they are! I heard one trumpet playing doing his solo and it sounded like I was in the same room with him! Second, I had a million memories come flooding back....you know, early morning band practice (it was 7:30 this morning...man am I glad I don't live closer to the high school!), band trips, sluffing in the band room (and A'Cappella room as well) and having the teacher say you were his aid if the truancy officer came in (really, as a parent I think what kind of teacher does that, but as a student I loved both of them), band camp (and making fun of the townies as they made fun of the 'big city kids'. lol), marching in parades in the wickedly hot heat and those hideous band uniforms! Now, I know that a lot of you are thinking 'band geek'. I need to say that I think band players get a bad rap. Yes, indeed, some of every band members are geeks (sorry mom, I know you hate that title), but just because you wear the polyester uniform does not instantly make you a geek. I like to hope that I was not on the geeky side but just plain normal, but really, who cares now? It has been almost 20 years since I got out of high school and it has been 20 years since I got out of band (the teacher my junior/senior year disliked me almost as much as I disliked him....hard to believe that anyone could dislike me, huh?!). Who cares what happened back then. I am who I am now, ya know? I don't have a lot of fond memories of high school. I think that kids are too mean to each other and there is so much pressure to be thin, have the right hair, wear the right clothes, hang out with the right people, but when I was in band I didn't really feel that. We had a lot of fun and frankly were pretty good! So, I enjoyed my little flashback this morning, but I am still glad I don't live any closer to the sound!

Too Funny!

I just saw a video that is too funny! I decided that I would like all of you to see it as well. I tried to post this video, but I can't figure out how to do it. I think it might be too big for what I am allowed to do. So, here is the link. Click on it and laugh! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBhY6gphFLA I can totally see this happening to me!

Snob

We moved from Salt Lake to El Centro 2 years and 1 1/2 months ago. Before we moved I used to like 'mexican' food. Now, I am not talking Taco Bell mexican food, but what I thought was 'real mexican' food. I then discovered that I had never really tasted real mexican food until I came down here. Now, I am sure all of you Americans who live up north think that you have real mexican food, but really, you don't. I know, you don't really know the difference and are probably thinking 'hello rude woman, we do to have real mexican food' because I would have thought the same thing 2 years, 1 1/2 months ago. However, you don't. You have what I now refer to as Americanized mexican food. Tastes good, but there is much better! It is like eating Hersheys cholate and loving it and then eating Cummings chocolate and tasting the difference between chocolate and CHOCOLATE!

After we moved here my mom started saying that I was a mexican food snob. Well, I have come to the conclusion that she is correct, but if you were lucky enough to eat what I get to eat you would be too. Today James took me to a little hole in the wall called D'Poly. It is 100 to 150 yards from the border (Mexican border for those of you who are geographically challenged). You can look out the window and see the fence. We took my mom and sister to dinner here once and I complained as we drove up that it was not a good enough place. Then I tasted the food. mmmmmmmmm.......... Today the two of us went in and ordered. I had a machaca soft shell taco. It was bliss exploding in my mouth! I am so in love with machaca meat and it seems that no matter how hard I try to make it I can not quite get it right. This restaurant and one other (Zarapes) makes the best machaca! The whole way home I kept hmmmmming and wanting to go back and get some more (even though I was full). It is a good thing we don't live in Calexico or I would be getting them daily. So, I will gladly take and treasure the title of 'mexican food snob' so long as I can enjoy the pleasure that exists here so close to the Mexican border!

My Grams

My grams is amazing. I know that you will all think that I am biased, but it is still true, I have the VERY BEST GRANDMA in the world! If you know her, than you know I speak the truth. I grew up with her and my wonderful gramps living across the street from us. What a great blessing that was for all of us! I have a million memories of running back and forth across the street, every single day. I knew that if I was having troubles she was there for me. If I was upset with my parents (you know, teenager stuff), I could go see her. She has always been positive and upbeat. She always finds the good in things, even when it seems hard to. I remember when I was a teenager ( a loooooong time ago) and in my twenties. I would go out with a guy and always find a reason why I should not have to date him again (this part was more in the 20's than teens), you know, like.....he bowls funny....I don't like his shoes....that kind of thing. She would constantly try to help me to see the good in them ( I didn't want to date them, so I had to find something!). I have great memories of eating over, sleeping over, going shopping, going camping, crying...you name it and I have a memory of it that includes my grandma. I remember one day she came pulling in to our driving (not hers) full speed. She then came running in to our house and ran to the bathroom to finish cutting her hair. She did not like how the hairdresser had done it and she had visitors across the street and she did not want them to see her hair like that! lol She also had a great habit of leaving the towels on the floor after I had just cleaned the bathroom! lol (had to say it grams) She has also always had a strong testimony of our Saviour and has worked her whole life to live in a way that he would want her to. I always knew that I could look to her example on how to live. Several years ago she had a blot clot that should have killed her, but luckily she has exercised all of her life, and the doctors said that saved her. She has always been a 'young grandma'. I always looked at my friends grandparents and they seemed old, but not my grandma and grandpa. They have always been so vibrant! So, earlier this summer my grams was having a hard time breathing. She finally went in to the doctor and was diagnosed with Myeloma (which is a blood cancer) and it has caused her kidneys to stop functioning. She is currently on chemo and dialysis and has moved out of a hospital into a care center. My heart breaks to know that she is having to go through this. I love her so much and I don't like to see or hear that she is having pain. My heart also goes out to my sweet grandpa. He has always been so wonderful to her (they both have such a great love for each other and it is has always been obvious) and is taking such great care of her. I think about how much it must hurt him to see his sweetheart struggle so much. So, I just wanted to let you all know a few of the wonderful things about my grams, and this list is very few. She is an amazing woman and has blessed my life in so many ways. I am grateful to have her in my life, to love her and to receive the endless love that she has for me and all of my (personal and extended) family. I love you grandma! My gramps and grams

My grams talking to Kearney

Staying warm

My Husband ROCKS!!!!!

So, this is to let all of you who didn't know (if you have met him than you should already know it) that James rocks! I am so proud of him right now! Many months ago he decided that he was going to try out for Borstar (Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue). It is an elite, special ops group in the Border Patrol. It is also extremely difficult to get in to and complete the training (thus the elite part). He worked for months to get ready for the try-outs and in August he did the three day long try-out and passed. Yay! I wasn't really surprised, but I was still nervous for him. He continued to prepare physically for the five week academy and left us at the end of August to go to Texas for the training. Their class started out with 57 people (55 men, 2 women) and after 1 1/2 days they had dropped down to 38 people. It is a hard core (physically and mentally) training. By the end of 4 weeks they were down to 25. One woman and the rest men. Last night I received a call from James to tell me that he had graduated! YAY!!!!! He was one of the 25 of his group! He also informed me that his class had a higher amount graduating than most (they usually get down to the teens). They usually worked at least 13-16 hours a day (sometimes more) and all they had to eat were M.R.E.s (meals ready to eat...i.e. YUCK). He said that he had lost so much weight, that he had no body fat on him (although a lot more muscles than before), and he needed new pants because the old ones wouldn't stay up and he has the nickname of Ethiopian and had instructors wanting to make sure he was eating enough (I say to them.....Give him some real food and not the m.r.e.s!). He still has the rest of this week in training (swift water) but it is as a member of the team and not part of the academy. There are thousands (almost 20,000) of Border Patrol agents in the U.S., but only a few hundred (not more than 400) that are in Borstar and James is one of them! Congratulations babe! He will be bringing home a video of the training, so if there are good shots of James you can bet I will be posting them on a future blog!

My, How The Tables Have Turned!

When we first moved here and started having earthquakes I was a basket case. Really, that is putting it quite mildly. Yesterday I was laying on the couch, lightly napping, while the girls and one of their friends were playing in their bedroom. I heard this sound and thought it was them jumping on the bed. I started to say 'stop jumping on the bed' when I woke up and realized it was an earthquake. I quickly called the four girls to come and stand in our 'earthquake spot' to make sure we were all safe. It lasted a short time and then I told them to stand there while I went to check on Parker. He was at a neighbor's house. Now, before I go on with the story, I need to point out that my heart was not racing, I was not scared, nor was I running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. How great is that?! Okay, back to my story. I walked out the door and was heading to the neighbor's house. She came running out and looked scared to death. She practically screamed 'Did you feel that earthquake?!' lol I asked her if she and the boys were okay and she informed me (quite frantically) that this was her first earthquake, she was terrified and did not want to live here anymore! haha I said 'that actually was pretty small' and she was not thrilled about that. What I find amazing is that not only did I stay calm, I didn't even go on line to see how big it was until this morning (5.1-bigger than I thought). This is a big moment, and my husband wasn't even here to see how much I have grown! haha See, the tables have totally turned. Gayle was me two years ago (okay, even one) and I was James (he is always calm)! Aren't you proud of me?!

It's Alive!!!!

Laundry! I hate laundry. I swear that it is alive. I did laundry on Tuesday and low and behold I had ten, yes ten, loads to do today! You might ask 'how is that possible?'. Well, let me tell you. Four kids, four school uniforms a day = 20 shorts/skirts and 20 shirts a week; gymnastics uniforms - Kylee 4 x's a week , the twins and Parker 2 x's a week; Clothes that they wear when not at school or gymnastics; Pajamas; My clothes; Towels (both cleaning, dishes, and body); sheets and blankets, etc. I am just grateful that I am not having to wash all of James' work clothes, etc! I guess it will be even more after next week! I do the laundry and then I get back inside, and surprise! There are more clothes already in the laundry basket! How does that happen? I really think it is alive....kind of like a virus on the computer!

Half of the laundry to be done for the day.

Clothes that mysteriously showed up in the laundry basket while I was washing the other clothes.

The Beach Is My Solace

I have come to the realization that the beach (both the sand and the ocean....mostly the ocean) are my solace, my catharsis, a great blessing in my life right now. When I am out in the water with the waves crashing over me I feel like it is washing away my stresses, my sadness, my frustrations, my loneliness...well, you get the point. I can't help but think about God and all that he has created and is capable of doing as I sit on the sand and watch the waves crash in. I am so grateful for my knowledge of him and that I am his daughter.

So, on Saturday the kids and I went to the beach with a friend (Veronica) and her two kids. It was such a beautiful day! When we got there it was overcast, but not cold at all. It stayed that way for a few hours and then the clouds completely disappeared. We had such a good time.The kids and I had gone a few weeks earlier and the waves were pretty tame. This time they were crazy! The longer the day got the bigger the waves got! It turns out that we had plunked our stuff right in the middle of the area where there was a rip current. We didn't know that at first. Of course I was letting Parker go out and ride the board. He LOVES it. If we lived closer, he would totally be taking surfing lessons. Veronica and I took turns on who stayed on the beach with whatever kids were there and who went out body boarding.

I spent some time with Kylee helping her learn how to use the board when the water was over her head. She went out farther than she had ever gone before. She was scared but then thrilled when she learned out to work it. One of the waves we both caught together and rode it in side by side. We were on it for about 20 seconds (it was a long ride) and she kept looking over at me and was laughing the whole time. She bit it a couple of times and all you could see was her board for a minute. After that happened 3 or 4 times, she decided it was time to go in. We did it again later, and after the 2nd time she was done. It was really getting wild out there. Parker went out with Veronica a couple of times and then with me at the end. He also found a group of guys (they were huge...muscley huge) to play with. The were doing some kind of a baseball type of thing and were very kind to include him. He LOVES anything like that that adults will let him do. lol

I was out with a group of guys (I was not with them, but with them as in the same area) and I ended up loosing the top of my suit a few times. Not my happiest moment in life, but the waves were huge and totally merciless! Sometimes they were so big it took my breath away as I watched them getting ready to crash over me! I did think about James and missed him being there. There has only been one time that we have been able to be out in the water riding body boards at the same time, and that was because my aunt (who does not like to go out in the water) was on the beach with them while we went. (thanks Patrice!) I wish that he had been able to be there (his being gone is part of my loneliness). On our way home we stopped by Denny's (they have 'kids eat free' on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 4:00-10:00 Yay!!!!) and fed the kids (thanks Veronica) and then headed home. It was such a lovely day. It is good to be with friends and the beach!

Kearney, Kylee and Ireland
Parker, riding the waves. This was before they got HUGE!!!!

My friend Veronica and me.

Me and Kylee

Kearney, Parker and Ireland. Eating lunch.

Finally!!!!

The story of my dealings with the El Centro elementary school district have FINALLY come to an end (I hope). I called in to the district office yesterday to find out if I could fill out the necessary forms then instead of waiting until Tuesday so that my kids could go to their new school on Tuesday. The lady (the horrible one I have been working with -term used very loosely) told me that there was no room at the school. I reminded her (quite nicely, I assure you) that there were spots in both the afternoon and morning kinder classes. She then informed me that since I did not fill out the paperwork to transfer the twins in May I could not do that, I could only try to transfer Parker and Kylee and there was not room for them at Hedrick (the school where the twins are currently attending). AHHHHHHH!!!!!! She informed me that even though there was room for the twins there was nothing she could (really, she meant would) do to help me. I told her that didn't make any sense (okay, slightly antagonistic) and she said she would have her boss call me (that has happened before and the boss has never called). I hung up and burst in to tears. I bawled for about 45 minutes and finally got myself calmed down. I then called the superintendent (again) and had to talk to his secretary to tell her what was going on. She said that she would have him call me back. Fast forward to late afternoon. I still had not heard from either one of them. I was talking to my mom (crying again...this had happened many time throughout the day) and she encouraged me to call Sunflower and see if the principal might be able to help. He couldn't, but while I was talking to him he informed me that a concerned neighborhood citizen had called the school that day to let them know that two blonde kids were riding their bikes to school and crossed a busy street against the light, without looking for cars and were in a dangerous position. The principal said 'We don't have many blond kids and so we knew it was Parker and Kylee'. Now I am freaking out about them getting hit by a car and I have no other choice since I have to get the twins to school at the same time in a different school! I called the superintendents office and spoke to his secretary. He is not taking my calls and is referring me to the office of the lady spoken of above. (great, she is sooooo helpful) The secretary said 'have they not called you yet?'. Nope, they avoid calling me! I burst in to tears (again) and told her about Parker and Kylee and that they were too young to be riding across that road but that I didn't have any other options. She put me on hold and then came back and said that the lady would be calling me today. A bit later the lady called and said 'your twins will be starting at Sunflower on Tuesday in the p.m. kinder class'. Hurrah!!!!! Between my mom's prayers and my kids nearly getting hit by a car I FINALLY got all four of my kids in to the same school!!!! Here's to hoping that they don't switch them back next year and I have to go through this all over again!

Single Parent

While I am not really a single parent I am totally feeling like one. I have not really had James around to help me since the beginning of July. The first 6 1/2 weeks was due to my staying in Salt Lake while James had to come back to El Centro to work (so I could stay in Salt Lake). We got home for a few days and then he had to leave for 5 weeks. He tried out and made it in to BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue). I am so proud of him for doing it. It was/is/has been extremely difficult. Anyway, back to me! lol He has been gone for almost 2 weeks and has 3 more to go. I have been doing all of the parenting (he can't even really call home) while we have been apart. Since school has started we now have homework, gymnastics, scouts, my church calling (which should be kicking in any time now) etc. I have been missing James immensely and appreciate all that he does to help me around the house and with the kids (when he and I are both here at the same time). I am also glad that I don't have to do this forever. Yesterday Kylee came home with some math homework and she didn't know how to do it. I looked at it and then asked her 'does this come with instructions?'. Nope! I didn't have a clue of what I was supposed to do! Need I remind you that she is in the 2nd grade?! James is the 'math person' in our family and he was not here. I had to call my dad to help me figure it out, and as I am typing Parker is asking me another math question (3rd grade) and I think I am going to have to call my dad again! Talk about feeling dumb and having everyone know it! For many reason, but certainly with the math, James better not die before the kids get through high school or we are in trouble! (not to mention my dad would be bombarded with phone calls). I am looking forward to James coming home to be my helpmate. I also have a lot of respect for true single parents. My hat and sympathies go out to all of them! Oh, and just to clarify, I just figured out how to do Parker's math problem! I am not totally math stupid!

The First Day!

Parker, Kylee, Kearney and Ireland.

Yesterday was the first day of school. Before I go any farther the answer is no, the kids are not all in the same school yet. I know! I found out on Sunday that one of the secretaries at the district doesn't like me and she said 'I don't care if it is good for the kids, I am not moving them in to the same school because I don't like their mother'. Hello! Heaven forbid we actually do what is best for the kids. Anyway, that would be a whole different post....back to the story.

The kids all go up bright and early (6:15...YIKES!) to get ready for school. They had breakfast and Parker and Kylee hopped on their bikes and were off. I was so sad and worried about this. I wanted to take them their first day (couldn't because I had to take the twins, and of course they are at a different school) and make sure everything was okay. I was also worried about them biking across two busy streets with no crossing guards. They on the other hand were ecstatic! The twins were nervous. Ireland in particular. She kept saying 'I don't know how to do homework' in a very worried voice. I kept reassuring her that I would be here to help her and that she didn't need to worry about it. She then told me that she was scared to go to school, covered up her mouth, ran to the bathroom and promptly threw up! Poor little girl! Good thing she hadn't eaten yet. She ended up eating a piece of toast for breakfast because she was too worried to be able to eat anything else.

I walked the two of them to their school and as we got there they saw that they had three friends already in their class. Do you think that helped to calm Ireland? Nope. She kept clinging to my hand and wanted to make sure that I was not going anywhere. Kearney was not clinging, but she sure wasn't leaving my side. The teacher finally came out and opened the door and told the kids to go and find the cubby with their name on it. Kearney ran to the one that started with a K. Unfortunately, there are plenty of names that start with a K and it was not hers. She quickly found hers and they both held hands and went and sat down. They did not let go of each other's hands and were making sure that I was not going anywhere. It finally came time for me to leave and I quickly went home to enjoy my time. I have found in last two days that half day kindergarten is not long enough! haha

When I went to pick them up from school they were both so happy. No more nerves and they said that they loved school. No homework! (phew!) They showed me the letter they were writing (A a) and that they wanted to go early tomorrow to eat breakfast at school. Pretty good day, I'd say. Parker and Kylee got off at noon and when I asked how it went this was Parker's response. "I have the best 3rd grade teacher. She doesn't make our class work as hard as the other classes. Isn't that great?!" Well....we'll see how that goes when the homework starts coming! lol Parker informed me that Kylee couldn't find him after school because she was looking by his class and he was waiting for her by the bikes but "don't worry mom, we have it all figured out". I guess the biking is going to work out.

This morning the kids were off and I took the twins to breakfast. The parents are not allowed to go in to the cafeteria (too small) so I waited outside for them. After 25 minutes I peeked in and they were just sitting there. I went over to them and told them we had to get to class. Ireland was crying! She said a lady had told her that she couldn't move so she was going to miss her class. One of the teachers thought that they came and picked up the kinder students and took them to class (they do that for the lunch kids), but they don't do that at breakfast. The principal and I were able to calm Ireland down and we headed off to class. She (Ireland) was gripping my hands and wanted to make sure I was coming in to her class. (I wasn't) She seemed okay when she went in, and Kearney was thrilled with the whole thing.

I have noticed something interesting about the two of them. With a few things Ireland is a lot more adventurous (i.e. putting up her hands on the roller coasters, while Kearney is not quite sure about it) but with most things she is a lot more nervous that Kearney. Kearney is the first in the pool, no fears with school. She is much more 'I will try it' while Ireland lets her and then she might try it herself!

The Silent but Stinky Stalker vs. Chancho

In my mom's neighborhood there is at least one skunk who has been roaming the neighborhood. Phew, he stinks! He has been known to squirt the poor neighbor's dog and is frequently stinking up the neighborhood. Now, to my dog, Chancho. I have a tendency to take him out late at night for a walk and for the first part I take him over to the school (I received a safety talk from my mother about said excursions) and let him run free. I also LOVE it when he chases cats. Now, before any of you sad cat lovers get on my case, please know that Chancho would not know what to do with a cat (or any other animal) if he caught it. In fact, he has been known to run away if the cat stops or tries to chase him back. He is a big chicken. This became a great blessing the other night. We walked over to the school and he did his business, sniffing around, and he decided he wanted to go back. As we started to walk to the path he darted off to the side and I thought 'Yay! He found a cat!'....and then my heart dropped! I saw a little black ball with a black and white tail sticking straight up in the air! A SKUNK!!!!! I started yelling at Chancho to stop and come back. The skunk didn't run, he was facing Chancho (our saving grace) so his tail was pointed the other way. btw, did you know that all the hair on a skunk's tail seem to separate when they stick it up to spray? I wish I didn't know this fact, but I saw it up close and personal! Chancho kept darting in and out growling, all the while I am yelling (quite loudly) at him. The skunk kept moving forwards and backwards as well. Finally, much to the neighbors joy, I am sure, Chancho came back to me and I quickly put the leash on him and we hightailed it out of there. I was shaking and my heart was beating! I knew that even though I wasn't right next to Chancho (I DID NOT want to get sprayed) I knew that I was close enough that if that little bugger sprayed I would get it! What would I have done? My mom would not (rightly so) have let me in her house. It would have stunk everything up! Here is the thing. When I told my mom the size of the skunk she informed me that it was MUCH smaller than the skunk that my dad and neighbors saw. Probably her tweener skunk! Too many skunks around here! So, who won? I think it was a tie. We didn't get sprayed and the skunk didn't get bit or chased. I think I was the real winner!

In Memory

Last night a member of the Border Patrol was shot and murdered. He was working in the Campo, Ca area, but lived in the Imperial Valley and was a reserve police officer for the El Centro police. His name was Robert Rosas. He left behind a wife and two little kids. He was shot several times (I think 6), once in the head. I didn't know Mr. Rosas, but I am so saddened by this. In fact as James was talking to me about it I looked it up on line and then started crying. I know that people are killed all of the time in our country and I don't always cry about each one, but this was seemed to strike home for several reasons. The fact that James works for the Border Patrol seems, for me at least, to cause an instant connection to other B.P. employees and their families (it was/is the same way with the Marines). My heart breaks for his wife and kids. I also think that since it happened close to where we live makes it more meaningful as well. It is easy to say 'it wont happen to me', or 'that wont happen in this area' but it could happen anywhere. Not to mention that I am afraid of something like that happening to my husband. I think about his poor wife and how she now has to cope with raising her kids on her own without her husband and the kids missing out on having their dad in their lives. I can't help but picture what that would be like for me. I am always worried about James, but most days I try to put it out of my head. This is the second B.P. murder that has occurred by where we live since we moved there. After a bit I start to 'forget' and then it happens again. So, I would like to take just a second to remember Robert Rosas, an Imperial Valley resident and a Border Patrol employee whose life was taken away and cut short while protecting our borders. Thank you for your service and to your wife and kids for their sacrifice, although I wish you did not have to make it.

To Tan Or Not To Tan

Me and my wonderful friend Amy. This was after two weeks of not being in the sun. Look how tan I am! I LOVE it! lol

Should I keep tanning? This is a question that I have been pondering. My mom and grams have given me (lovingly, I am sure) lectures and advice to give it up. I made a list of reasons why I want to keep tanning and a list of reason why I should stop (you will notice that I didn't write down reason why I want to stop).

Reasons to keep it up:

1. Tanning camouflages cellulite! (Big time bonus!)

2. I love the look of my skin when it is darker.

3. The tanning oil really makes my skin soft.

4. I look much prettier tan than white.

These are some of the reason to keep tanning. I know, most of these seem quite superficial, however, this is still how I feel.

Reason to quit:

1. Skin cancer runs in my family. My poor grandpa doesn't even have most of one of his ears due to it, and monthly has more cancer zapped off. My dad has had some as well. I really don't want cancer!

2. This is a big one (the cancer should be bigger, but the superficiality comes in to play here). Tanning causes premature aging! I don't want to look ten years older than I am....I really don't want to look as old as I am anyway, but I for sure don't want to look like a beat up old leather mitt!

Really, those are the only two reasons that I am going to give up tanning. So, in answer to my question, no, I should not keep tanning.......I might have to go in to mourning for a bit!

MAD!!!!!!

So, anyone that has read a bit of my blog knows some of the issues that I have had with the El Centro Elementary school district. Did you think it would end? I was hopeful, but obviously completely high in that hope! In May I went in to apply to have Parker and Kylee moved to the school that we live by (Hedrick). They are currently at Sunflower and we thought it would be good to move them for several reasons. I had heard that if we had applied for an intra-district transfer before (moving schools within the district) we would not be able to do it again. I wanted to make sure my kids were all in the same school so I didn't want to registered Kearney and Ireland at Hedrick if there was no way that Parker and Kylee could be transferred. I checked with the district and they told me that you can have them transferred to different schools every year if that was my desire. They also said that there probably would not be a problem. Well, it seems that there is. Today we got the denial letter in the mail letting us know that Parker and Kylee would be staying at Sunflower. They also scratched of Kearney and Ireland's names as going to Hedrick. I guess that way they don't have to admit that I have kids going go two different elementary schools. The twins are still registered at Hedrick, they just put on our papers for Park and Kylee that they were not because they had not started school there yet. Here is the problem. I have passed the date to apply to have the twins transferred to Sunflower! So, again I have kids at two different schools! This is the third year I have had to deal with this stupid school district on such matters! I am about to loose my mind and my temper! Tomorrow I will be calling the district and resolving this (it will be taken care of tomorrow!), but I am so sick of this nonsense!

My Poor Stomach!

For the last few days there has been a sickness going on in our family. Kylee, Kearney and Ireland were throwing up all over the place. For two nights I got no sleep staying up with them as the took turns throwing up. It was SO NOT FUN!!!!! My poor dad got sick as did my sister, Jayci. I felt bad for all of them, but then yesterday I really felt bad for them. I got the same thing! I felt like dying!!!!! The thing is, we (Jayci and I) had promised to take our kids to the Davis County Rec Center. I so did not want to go. I just wanted to lay on the couch and be miserable. However, I did not want to listen to my kids cry about it for days and I wanted to spend some time with Jayci. So, as grumpy as I was (I have learned that I am very grumpy and have no patience when I am sick) I loaded up the kids and headed up north. We got there and the kids were having a great time. I, however, could not seem to sit still. I kept moving and fidgeting to try and feel better. It didn't work. Jayci suggested we go over and get a sprite to see if it would settle my stomach. We walked over to the concession stand and I had Jayci get my drink while I walked quickly to the bathroom. I didn't run because I was afraid that it would make me throw up faster. I finally made it to the women's locker room (I almost went in to the men's) and barely made it in to the stalls. Now, I was not planning on this detour, so I did not have shoes on. YUCK! That alone would have made me throw up. It was disgusting! It gives me the shivers just thinking about it.

So, I finished emptying my stomach and headed back out to our spot on the grass. I tried drinking some soda to help settle my stomach and about 20 minutes later I was leaning over the grass getting rid of all the soda that had entered my stomach. It was so embarrassing! Some guy came over while I was kneeling and heaving to see if I was okay. Another lady brought me over her ice water to keep. Thanks lady! It was a lifesaver. Thank goodness I had not eaten anything. Yuck! So, Jayci and I went in to the pool to help cool me off. It seemed to make me feel a bit better while I was in it. After a bit we decided to take the kids home, so we rounded most of them and our gear up. We went inside to get the rest of them. While there Jayci and her little girl and some of my kids decided to go down the slide one more time. While sitting there waiting I knew another round was coming. I had Kylee stay by my purse and ran to go to the bathroom. There was no way that I was going to make it, so I stopped by a garbage can. While I was in the process of being sick (it was major projectile vomiting) two stupid teenage boys walked past and said, in quite derisive voices, "NICE!". I so wanted to turn my head to the left and throw up on their legs. In fact, as I write this, I wish that I had done that! Can you imagine how great that would have been?! haha Okay, so now you can see the not so nice part of me. But hey, I didn't do it (although I really wish that I had) so that is the nice part of me!

Now, in case you are worrying about me, don't. I am feeling much better today. In fact, I am so good I am going to head off to a shrimp boil tonight! So glad I was sick yesterday and not today! Shrimp, crab and spice, here I come!

Good Friends

Don't you just love how friendships last, even if you don't see (or talk) to each other for long periods of time? I spent some time (7 hours with some) last night with a group of women that I love dearly. Before I moved to El Centro this group of women gave me my 'girl time' each month. I loved getting together and talking about nothing and everything. Since I have been in El Centro for the last two years I have missed out on this each month (except for the two each year that I am able to make it to in the summer) and truly do miss it. Last night felt like I hadn't missed any and just picked up where I left off. I LOVED it! I love that friendships don't end. I also love being a woman and having that woman time. So, thanks ladies! I can't wait to see you all again!

America

Seeing as how today is the 4th of July, I would just like to say how proud I am to be an American. What a wonderful and truly blessed country we (those of you who reside here as well) live in. I honestly believe that the Lord has blessed our land and gave guidance to our founding fathers. I am grateful to the brave men and women of the military from now down to the beginning of our country who have given their lives and time to fight for our freedoms. I am grateful that we are free to believe differently from one another and have the rights to express our beliefs, whether it be religious, political or any other kind of beliefs. I am so grateful that I was born here and will die here (hopefully not for a loooooong time!) and am able to raise my kids here. I know that there are people from other countries every day trying to come here, legally and illegally, to get the same blessings and freedoms that I have just because I was born here. I am so grateful for what I have. God Bless America!

Baptisms, boats and mountains!

Last week has been so busy and hectic but so great! We left El Centro early (3:00 a.m.) on Friday, June 19th and drove straight threw to Salt Lake. It was so good to see my mom and dad standing on the lawn waiting to see us. It has been WAY TO LONG! 10 months for my kids. Seeing as how Katie (my sis-in-law) had the swine flu and my mom had helped to watch her, no one was able to come over. We didn't want anyone to get sick. As a side note, my parents did not catch it and Katie is doing much better. Yay Katie! So, back to my story. On Saturday Parker got baptized! I can't believe that he is old enough to be baptized. It was so wonderful. We had most of our family there (some were not able to make it and we missed them! You know who you are.) and some close friends. James baptized Park and he (really both of them) was so excited. After the baptism we were supposed to go back to my mom and dad's house for a bar-b-que, but seeing as how it was raining (what are the odds?.....oh yeah, we were there. they were good odds) we had to move it to the church. Luckily the group that was going to use the gym canceled so there was room for us. It was so good to see Parker make the decision to be baptized and to be able to share it with our family and friends.

The traditional (not so pretty background) shot!


Much better background!

Dann, Chris, my dad and Kearney (I think).


Mom Erb, Katherine and Katherine's friend's little boy.

Getting the grub!
Sarah, Stevie and Jeff.

Sunday was father's day and it was great to be with my dad for this day. I love my dad so much. He is the best dad that I could ever have! There is also my husband, who happens to be a wonderful father to our kids. We had a bar-b-que (it didn't rain on this day! lol) and had all of the family there. We also had to pack for our trip to Lake Powell. Did I mention that I had just finished unpacking from our trip up from California?

James' brother Tyler and his friend have a time share on a house boat on Lake Powell. Tyler very kindly invited us to go down and spend as much time as we could with him. Can I just say that anyone that doesn't think Utah is beautiful is crazy! We drove through so many different types of landscapes and they were all so beautiful! We got to the lake and Tyler and Mark came to pick us up and we loaded up the boat and went out to the houseboat. It was absolutely gorgeous. I have lived in Utah all of my life (except these last two years) and I have never been to Lake Powell. Need I remind you that I am 37 years old? That is a long time to miss out on that joy! The houseboat was nice. It had a slide that the kids (old and young) loved. There were a bunch of Tyler's friends out there and they were all really nice. We took the kids out on the tube. They all loved it until one time it tipped over and Kearney's head got stuck underneath it while her legs were kicking. I about had a heart attack. James dove in to save her. By the time he got there she had gotten herself out and moved to the other side of the tube. James couldn't see her or two of the other kids and was extremely worried until we told him they were all okay. After that, Kearney would not get back on the tub! Really, who could blame her? The second day Parker kept begging to go wake boarding. Mark did not think that he would be able to get up seeing as how they didn't have a board his size but told him that he could try. Parker was so excited that he could hardly hold still! He got out in the water, the boat took off and he popped right up! He loved it! Kylee then wanted to try and POP! up she came! They both did so great. James ended up talking me in to trying (I have before and have not been able to do it) to get up and low and behold....I got up! We spent two days out on the lake, boating, swimming, fishing, watching movies (that was more the twins than anyone). It was good for the kids to be able to spend time with Tyler. He is so laid back and fun and they just fell in love with him.

We were waiting on the docks for 4 hours before they were able to come and get us!


James took the kids in this row boat and paddled out to a small island/rock. Parker got out about half way there and swam with them and then swam the whole way back.

Kylee and James.



Parker jumping off of the houseboat.

Now it is Kylee's turn.


Tyler and James...just hanging out!

That's me! I decided to give the slide a try.

Ireland loved looking at her reflection!

Great hiking outfit Parker!

Ireland and me. Our houseboat is in the background.

Temaire and James...ahhh young (cough, cough) love!

Ireland was wanting in on the water action!

Now Kearney needs hers!

Ireland had to go down with Tyler before she would even consider going on her own. Once she went with him she was good to go!

Kearney, on the other hand, would only go down with her dad and NO ONE else!

James, Kylee and Tyler!

Kylee kept pushing Tyler's friend Mark in. This is him trying to get her back.


Kearney, Kylee, Ireland and Parker! They LOVED it!

Hang on!

There goes Parker and Kylee!

We are so cute...oh, and mom, can we get a boat?

Parker wake boarding.

She was so shocked that she got up!

This picture is amazing for two reasons. One that I am even posting me in a suit on line and two that I got up! Multiple times!

Parker loved that he got to drive the boat.

Ireland and I hanging out in the boat while everyone else was on the lake either fishing or boating.

Kearney is so dang stinkin' cute!

Park and his carp!

James....lookin' good!

Kearney...such the poser!

Catching air!

Kylee, James and Parker

We got home on Wednesday night and then spent Thursday cleaning up and re-packing to head up to Montana. we had a Warner family reunion up in the bitterroot valley. It was so gorgeous there. We stayed in cabins and had such a great time. The Montana Warner's planned the reunion and the food etc. and they did such a great job. It was so nice to be able to see my family and spend time with them. We missed Chris and Karen, Dann, Scott, Kevin and Becky, Jason and Rachel and T.J. ,Eric and Andrew, but everyone else was able to be there. We had gymnastics...some good (Kylee, Kenzie, Parker and Cali) some not so good (Josh, Judd and Christian. lol), toads (real ones and my dad), playing in the river (crazy boys!), hiking up the mountains (Jayci, where were you? lol), zipline, paintball, swimming, the kids making shirts, bags and necklaces, and of course we had food and campfires. So fun! We drove home on Sunday and unpacked AGAIN. Can I say how sick I am of packing and unpacking? James' family was supposed to have a family reunion this week, and I am sad that we wont be doing that, but I am so glad that I don't have to pack and unpack again! At least, not until the end of August! So, that was my busy week, but so great to spend time with family!

Kearney and her grandpa playing!

Kylee on the zipline. All of the kids (and some adults) loved it!

My dad snoozing!

Parker was so sad about something. :(

Jayci and Maren. Notice the Bountiful Braves sweatshirts they are both sporting.

Cali, the twins and Katie.

Tiffany cleaning up!

Christian with his paintball gun and Parker checking it out!

Josh trying to do gymnastics.

Kenzie and Kylee really doing gymnastics!

My dad doing his frog leap.

Smores....hmmmmmm.....

Parker and Kylee holding the momma toad and one of her babies.