Stuff Happens

I want to start off by saying Jaelynn's birthday was a huge hit. Jaelynn was the star of the day! She had so much fun being the Magicians helper. Sometimes Jae is a little nervous and shy when it comes to getting in front of large crowds, but it was her day to shine and she loved it. I will post a couple pictures as soon as I have them in the computer.

As for the title "Stuff Happens", I just found out that Western Travel will be closing it's doors for good! As of January 1st I will be jobless. I know we've been slowing down for some time now, but it's still kind of a shock when it's official. We've made jokes about it for a couple of years, but it still seemed like it was going to keep tickin' for a while.

I started at western travel about 12 years ago. It's been a fun ride. I have been able to take advantage of some pretty terrific deals and have been to some pretty fun places. Places I would have most likely never gone.

I will miss the friends I've made here. Friends that have been through almost all of the major moments in my life right along with me. They were there for my wedding and they were there through both pregnancies. I hope that even though we won't be working together any more, we can still keep in touch.

On a positive note, there have been a few doors opened to me that I will be able to explore. JoAnn has some son's that own their own businesses and are always in need of a little help. I'm not sure what the positions would be but they have both offered to hire me if I need a place to go. I have also been advised of other positions with friends or family that might work out to my advantage too.

I guess it's time to move on to the next chapter in my life and hopefully be able to help provide for my family and find something I also enjoy doing. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Wish me luck!

December Birthday

Can I just say that December birthday's are hard. Jaelynn's birthday is December 7th and she is sooooo excited. I am excited for her but also a little bit frazzled. Everybody is so busy this time of year. We're all trying to recover from Thanksgiving and get ready for all the family Christmas parties. WHEW!
My mom always made my birthday special. I never felt like I was overlooked because my birthday was so close to Christmas, so I want to be able to do the same thing for Jaelynn. This year we decided to hire a magician for her party. (We saw a magician over at Hollywood Connection the other day and she was so in awe over the tricks) It was so cute to see the amazement in her eyes. That's how we decided to look around for one.
I would love for all of Jae's little friends and cousins to be able to come so for those who are free this Saturday, December 6th, leave me your e-mail addresses so I can send you the details. We will be having it in a public place so if the parents want to stay and watch, they are more than welcome. :)

Parent Teacher Conference

I attended my very first parent teacher conference (as the parent instead of the student) last night, and am so proud of Jaelynn for doing so well in her kindergarten class. However, I am completely embarrassed that the only negative mark on her progress report is because of me. She has been tardy for class 16 times. The majority have only been by a minute or two but there have been a couple times she's been pretty late.

I can't believe what a slacker mom I am. I have no organizational skills at all. I used to think I was a pretty good multi-tasker, but I've come to realize I'm completely off my rocker! Maybe I should get the girls dressed and ready the night before and just worry about hair and breakfast the next morning. Hey, it could work. :)

I am determined to get my act together and not let my bad habits become hers.

Great Job Jae!!!

My Favorite (5 year old ) Quotes

Thanks to everybody for the nice comments from my previous post. I decided we're all in the same boat at one time or another, so as long as we all know that we can vent and cry and get advice from each other, we can feel better just knowing we have some support out there!

On a more positive note, I was reading my friend Tyler's blog a while back, and he had made some really fun comments on how his son was asking some legitimate 6 yr old questions. You don't realize how a child views the world until they ask you their curious little questions. It made me smile and think of that show "Kids say the darndest things." I decided to post some of the fun things that Jaelynn has asked me that I promised I would write down but haven't yet.

1. We were driving down the road fall of last year. We made comments about how there were so many leaves on the ground and how fun it would be to rake them up and jump into them. She asked me "Mom how do the leaves get back onto the trees?" I smiled and told her that they grow new ones in the spring. Her reply "Wait, wait, wait...I thought they just floated back up."

2. Jae and I were talking about a doctor's appt. I had to go to. I told her I had to go see the same doctor that delivered Lexie. She said "Delivered?" "Like put her in a box in the back of a truck and deliver her to our house?" (She was there when Lexie was born, so she understands how babies are born, the word "deliver" just threw her off a little." :)

3. We had gone to Red Lobster for Rory's birthday a couple of years ago. Her nose was glued to the glass of the giant lobster tank in the front. A couple days later we were at my parents house and she was explaining to grandpa what she saw in the "crab tank" He wasn't quite sure what she was saying so he asked "What? Crab cakes?" Her reply "No, crab tank." My Dad: "What about crab cakes?" Jaleynn a little frustrated at this point said "LOOK AT MY MOUTH... CRAB TANK!" (When Jaelynn was learning to speak. I told her to look at my mouth to see how I was saying the words.)

4. Just a couple of days ago. I was having a rough day (As most of you could tell by my previous post). We were driving along when Jaleynn says "Mom, I love you". I said "Jae you are such a sweetheart. I love you too." Jae then replied "Am I making your day any better?" I told her "Of course you made my day better. Thank you for being so thoughtful and making me smile." She said "That's what I'm here for. That's what I was made for."...."Is that what kids are made for?"...."I actually don't know what kids are made for, but I like 'em."

5. Jaelynn and I were talking about her old daycare. There was a little boy named Aidan that she had grown very fond of. She told me she and Aidan were going to get married when they grew up. They would play together at every recess even though he was in the kindergarten class and she was only a pre-schooler. She was missing him the other day and said to me. "I miss my friend Aidan. Do you think he misses me?" I said "I'm sure he misses you too. You guys were really good friends." She said "Do you know how we decided to get married?" I said "No. Tell me." She said "Well, we were at recess one day playing in the sand box and I told him that I liked him. He told me he liked me too, so when we grow up we'll get married."....."So, when we both grow up we'll find each other and get married...Okay?" I just smiled and said "Okay."

There are so many fun things she's said, but I didn't write them down, so unfortunately I've forgotten some of them. I've decided that starting today, I'm going to keep a notebook handy and when I hear her say some of those little comments that make me smile, I'll write them down before I forget.

If anybody else has some fun "kidisms" I'd love to hear them.

Am I the only one?

Okay, I'm going to treat this as a bit of an experiment. I just want to find out if it's just me or of other's go through the same thing.
Everybody has situations that come up in their lives that tend to throw them a curve ball and they find themselves making the best of a bad situation. In my mind, the majority tends to keep a good attitude and their lives aren't affected too deeply.
My first dilemma is that there have been a couple financial disappointments in my life (as well as the majority of the U.S., I'm sure) and I know we'll get through it, and I know we'll just have to cut a few corners and go without a few things, but I'm still bothered by it.
Secondly, I have also been dealing with a hard to handle 1 yr old. I love her to pieces, but she is also one of the biggest challenges in my life. She is adorable yet she pushes my buttons on a daily basis. She seems to set the tone for the whole house. If she's happy, we all seem to be happy, but if she's mean and ornery, so are the rest of us!
Third, we have a couple live-in's with us at the moment. Rory's mom and brother are living with us for the time being. Cassie has been with us for about 2 and a half years and Derek has been with us for a few months now. I know they are Rory's family, but they are also taking their toll on my patience.
Work has added it's share of stress as well. I know it's not as busy as it used to be, but that in itself is stressful. If there isn't as much business, there is no reason to keep the doors open. It might not be long before I'm cruising the classifieds....
There are also all those little things in life that we all have to deal with, far too many to list one by one.
So anyway, here's the research part of it........Does anybody else out there feel like they're going to burst at any given moment? Like the pressure of everything around them is just going to push them right over the edge and send them to a padded cell? Because, I'm telling you, I feel like I 'm about to call up the funny farm and make myself a reservation. Do you think that everyday life and dramas can actually make someone crazy? Some days I feel like that stupid bird on the Cocoa Puffs box. Just plain Coo-Coo. Does anybody else out there feel the same way I do?

For my sanity sake please leave a comment with suggestions or advice.

Love you all....That Crazy Lady Lisa. :)

School Parade

I am so sad I had to miss the school parade for Jaelynn's kindergarten class. Unfortunately, Halloween isn't a big enough holiday to close up the office. Why not?

At least I had the chance to snap a couple of shots of Jaelynn at her school before I had to head off to work.
This year she was going to be Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. It's her favorite princess. But, when Kristie handed down one of Haylee's old costumes, Aurora was just an afterthought. Here is Jaelynn as a Lovely Lion. I was going to put a cute nose and whiskers on her, but you know me ALWAYS late. I didn't grab the make-up on the way out the door. Oh well, maybe tonight we'll go all out!

Fourth Folder Fourth Picture

Sorry it took me so long to do this Stacy, I didn't realize I had been tagged. The date is wrong on this picture. I had just replaced the batteries and this is just the default date. This was actually taken June of this year. Jaelynn was going to a tea party for her friend Kylie's birthday. They had a great time and Jae looked so cute!
Okay, so I tag Jodi, Trina, Jana and Julie to post the fourth picture in their fourth picture folder. Then tag at least 3 other people. :)


Sorry, this is also the fifth picture. I just thought I would show a pic of the girls together.

Scarecrow Festival

So, one day I'm driving down the road and hear this guy on the radio talking about the Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point. It sounded like it would be a fun fall activity for the kids. So we decided to go. It was a little pricey, but all in all I'm glad we went.



When we first got there, the kids stood in line for a fun bungee/trampoline ride. They stood in line for a whole hour before they decided to ditch and try something else. Further down the line they had several bounce houses and inflatables. That's where they really had fun. They got off one and right on to another, and so on, and so on.





Luckily for Lexie (and ME) they had a fun little toddler section for 2 and under. They had toys and tunnels and mini pools filled with balls and blocks. I have to say that there aren't very many places that will also cater to toddlers. She threw an absolute fit when it was time to leave the play area.




After all the inflatable fun we went on to the farmyard area where they were having pony rides and "hay rides" without the hay of course. The line was way too long for the pony ride, but we wandered up just in time for the hay ride. The girls had a great time looking at the animals and playing in the little people buildings.


Here is a picture of the jailbirds.


I forgot to mention that they had some people at one of the stops making balloon animals. They were so good. They could make almost ANYTHING! Unfortunately, with all the action, they didn't last long.


I am really glad we had the chance to spend some fun family time together. I like to think that the kids will remember some of the places we take them. If not, at least we have pictures!

Karma Kick

For some reason lately I've been thinking about KARMA. You know that belief that one's behavior good or bad will turn around and come right back at them. Those who are truly good people, good things will happen to them, and those who are not.....well you get the picture.
I've been thinking about all the people around me and the things that are happening in their lives right now. I think that Wendy is such a good person and deserves so much better than she's getting right now. Maybe it just takes a little time and when you least expect it something wonderful will happen. As for Russ, I don't wish any harm to befall him but I do wish he is miserable with his choices and feels guilt for the rest of his life. I hope he is as unhappy as he has made everybody else. Wendy I hope you don't mind me mentioning you in my little rant. I love you and hate to see how sad you are right now.
Another example that makes me so angry are those soulless people out in cyberspace that steal money from so many unsuspecting and trusting people. They could care less who they hurt as long as they make a quick buck. I read so many stories recently about single mothers working two jobs just to make ends meet and along comes a smooth talker making very persuasive promises to help provide a better life. There goes the very last cent of savings and there goes what's left on the credit card. What did the family get in return? NOTHING. Not a darn thing. Those heartless jokers that just took food out of the mouths of that poor family make me so furious. How on earth do they sleep at night? I really hope karma roundhouse kicks them where the sun don't shine!
As for the good people in life, you all know who you are, I also believe very highly in blessings. I would love nothing more than to see you all blessed with amazingly happy lives. I've heard a certain quote from several places but have no idea who came up with it "God blesses many people with riches and material items, BUT for those he truly loves, he blesses with contentment." There are so many people out there, myself included, that think "If I only had money I know it would solve all my problems and I could be happy." , but I have come to realize that my family and friends are what make me happy.
Thank you for letting me get on my soapbox and vent a little. You know there are some days where you just gotta let it all out. Today was that day for me. Love you all for stopping by!

Camping at Soap Stone

Last weekend we went camping at Soap Stone. I am not much of a "roughin" it kind of person anymore. I used to like sleeping in a tent and didn't mind so much when the rock under my sleeping bag kept me awake all night. Once I had kids everything changed, I value my sleep so much more! Give me a nice warm trailer so I don't freeze at night, and a mattress to sleep on, and I'll be happy.

Rory and I decided to head up Saturday night after he got home from work and at least stay one night. Chris and Deanna were so nice to share their trailer with us. Thanks Guys!

The girls had so much fun. Jaelynn LOVES the four wheelers. She begged everybody to take her for a ride. She went on the "BIG" ride with us and loved riding in the front. It made her feel like she was the one driving. Lexie on the other hand just enjoyed eating the dirt and playing with all the dogs.

Kallee and Haylee were there with grandma and grandpa. They were so nice to help entertain the kids, although sometimes they were the ones entertaining us.

Haylee was being a goofball making funny faces out the window at us.

Kallee decided she didn't want to get her shoes muddy after the rain/hail storm and fashioned these lovely little numbers.

The colors were so amazing. I almost forgot how much I love the mountains in the fall. I tried to take some pictures, but my camera just didn't capture the beauty of the leaves. It was nice to leave the stress of everyday life behind. No work, no traffic, no laundry....you get the picture. I think that everybody should take a day and just get away from it all; clear your head and just enjoy the peace and quiet.

I Admit It

Okay, so Jana tagged me to fess up to something that I would be embarrassed to admit that I enjoy. I am almost afraid to actually admit this for fear that people would think that I am a horrible person. Before I spill, I do have to say that I myself am known to be an enormous klutz, and for the very few of you that didn't know me when I was just a wee one, my parents would enjoy telling you that I used to take off on a dead run straight into the wall then right to the ground. (That really explains a lot).
Anyway.............Here goes.........I have this somewhat demented enjoyment of watching people run into things or trip and fall in public. (As long as they haven't been hurt or terribly injured). As an example, when our office moved from Wasatch Blvd down to Highland Dr, we had to have someone come in and help us set up new phone lines and computer ports. I ended up having to take him on a tour of the new location. The new office was actually an old home that had been renovated into office space. Down in the basement there is a room where we keep extra brochures. It has a lower ceiling as you enter the room and then is higher further back where the power box is. After checking out the power box, we went to leave the room and the guy smacked right into the low ceiling. I laughed so hard I cried. He had a really good sense of humor thank goodness and laughed about it too.
I also feel bad about thinking this is funny, but.......when Aunt Molly told us that story about shopping at Harmons and slipping in the frozen food section on a potato wedge and being stuck in the jazz splits while holding on to the shopping cart, and then Jodi acted it out, I thought I was going to pee my pants.
I live for times like that. Please don't hate me. :)

First Steps

Well it's about time. Lexie finally took her first steps. She's been standing and walking along furniture for a couple months now but was too chicken to actually put one foot in front of the other. I guess I should be counting my blessings that she hasn't started walking until now. Once they start walking AIN'T NOTHIN' holding them back. Now it looks like I'm going to have to cushion every corner in the house.

Milestones

There is something to be said for milestones. Without them, how do we move forward in life? Each milestone marks a special event that makes us who we are. If we are lucky, each one makes a lasting impression, and we are able to look back and smile or even laugh. :)

Moving right along........ there have been two rather fun milestones in our family in the last little while. Lexie's first birthday was September 1st, and Jaelynn started her first day of kindergarten on September 2nd. The girls are growing up so fast. I used to think it was funny when I heard people say " I remember when you were this big." Now I'm the one saying it. How old do I feel?

We had a family BBQ for Lexie's birthday. She loved all the commotion and activity. When it came to cake time, she didn't disappoint. She loved to squish the frosting between her fingers and she ripped that cake apart. She knew just what to do when it came to present time. Although she did have a little bit of help opening her presents. (She has a big sister and several cousins that joined in the fun.)

Jaelynn LOVED her first day of kindergarten. Her favorite thing is meeting new people and making new friends. They talked about how everybody is special and different. She is not bothered by the fact that they have homework EVERY night. (Give it time.) She says it's okay because it's easy. She is very proud of herself and is having a great time learning.

Hopefully there will be more to come soon, but...... That's all for now!