What's Next?

The week started on a high note, Eve's Destination Imagination group did awesome at their local competition (1st place) and qualified for the state tournament. Yay...happy day, I've never seen 5 tween girls text so much so fast. (I'm sure it would have been 6 girls, but yes, it seems Eve is the only girl in the universe that doesn't have a cell phone). Of course the state tournament is on the same day as a race we all wanted to do and the Stake Activity Days activity in which I am already highly committed.

Then the real fun started.

Monday we had computer problems and too many people wanting our money. A lot of our money.

Tuesday our neighbor accused our dog (Tess) of killing her goat...no proof, but she was pretty certain...to the tune of asking us for $300 certain. I felt so bad for her I almost agreed until I realized it was highly unlikely that it was our dog.

Wednesday I had to visit her face to face and tell her so...that's a little out of my comfort zone. I thought the conversation went well, but her son, Austin's best friend who is a permanent fixture at our house, hasn't been by since it all happened. Wednesday afternoon I went to back the car out of the garage and broke the garage door...with the van on the inside. After a few moments of panic and false attempts in using Bingham's help I was able to brace the track up with a 2X4 and hold my breath as I backed the van out and made it to my dentist appointment on time. 

Thursday I found a new home for Tess. Guilty or not, I think we knew from the start we couldn't keep her, it was just a matter of finding the right home for her. If I was a dog person, I would really be missing her right now....but we all know, I'm not a dog person. :-( 

Friday was extremely uneventful as far as bad luck goes but on Saturday it was back with a vengeance as our soap holder in the shower came off the wall along with 4 tiles exposing nasty, moldy 2X4's and scaring Bingham half to death. The bathroom was in pretty bad shape when we bought this place, but I just kept hoping it would hold on just a little bit longer.

All this would amount to a horrible week if it hadn't all been so comical. It has us asking, "What next?" In fact, we have even laughed at the thought. Just last week I had a whole conversation with Soni about bad luck and what it was and how it's not an actual religious belief even though Saint Patrick was a saint...and now I think I'm almost a believer, but I don't recall any breaking mirrors, black cats or ladders in my path.

Besides, as the saying goes, all's well that ends well, and it has. Trevor walked Phil through our computer problems, and I was able to convince our old carrier that they didn't really need all our money. Phil fixed the garage door and it actually opens a lot smoother and easier now. Austin's friend will be back....it's Spring Break and I know he drives his mom crazy when he's home all day. Tess is in a really good home with a family that lets her in the house and sleep on their son's bed, and although I know she will always love me more, I'm sure she'll be very happy there. Our shower is fixed for now, thanks to Phil and a whole lot of epoxy. Now we can get serious saving up to get it done right...and that will be nice.

And at the end of this day, I am still excited for tomorrow.

All Creatures Great and Small

I killed a spider this morning in my kitchen and Bingham said,

"Sonya says spiders are God's wonderful creatures, but they really freak me out!"

Why Not?

We've got a four day weekend, why not spend twenty hours in the car to travel 1400 miles across snow covered mountains to spend 2 short days with family.

Why not?

Well, I could think of a million reasons why not, but I'm so glad I didn't listen to logic. It was a last minute decision, and it was all so worth it. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I didn't have a second to breathe since I so skillfully planned everything I've ever wanted to help with for those three days, but it did leave the rest of the week open for a trip to Utah to see Gabby and Bronsen get baptized.

The ride there was perfectly uneventful. We listened to "A Winkle in Time." Audio books work wonders (better and less hassle than movies) in keeping the kids calm and occupied. We have had many peaceful trips thanks to a well told story.

Friday we went to an animal museum at BYU with Grandma & Grandpa Woolston. We've been there before, but they have animals from all over the world and the kids loved it both times. Oh yeah, and it's free. We also saw the Carl Bloch exhibit, which was amazing and something I would love to go back and see again on my own time.

Friday afternoon we caught up with Mary's crew and we finally got to meet Gabby. That was worth the 20 hours on the road right there. She fits right in with the family and is all her own at the same time. I'm so grateful to have the chance to see her in action. It was a great time to catch up with all the cousins/nieces/nephews that we don't get to see near enough.




Yep, Mary is still taller than Becky, and yes, I'm taller than both, but I'm confident with my height and didn't need to put it in their face. Hmmm, wonder what Larry is thinking.

Then the boys went to Cabelas and the rest of us went ice skating. It was a little crowded, but fun, and a good way to just relax and get to know each other.

Saturday we got to spend a lot of time in a dress...and yes, it was all worth it. First we got to spend some time with Spencer and Megan's family and see Bronsen get baptized. I love this, it never gets old. They are such a sweet family and it was fun hanging out with them playing the murder game...so nice after a baptism. No really, all the kiddos are growing up and I get such a kick out being with them and seeing how smart and funny they are.

Then we went to Gabby's baptism. It was amazing to see two events, exactly the same be so completely different and each one exactly all it should be. I kept thinking how easily we could have stayed home and missed it all and probably been just fine, but I feel so blessed to have been a witness of this day and of Heavenly Father's plan and care for each of us.

After things were cleaned up...well, there was a ball and hoop and willing participants, and so we played. Good times. I have some talented nieces and nephews, and although a few of them (my son included) can be a little intense, they all played so well. I was so impressed with their kindness and skills....and I can't wait 'til next time.

Ah, and then the ride home. All I have to say is don't sit next to Sonya when she has a pink marker and too much time on her hands. Bingham didn't seem to mind though.