OMG, It's June...

People, where does the time go????? Well, school's out for me, in for Andy (summer math - yech). I have officially begun water aerobics (already counting the days I "can't" go, but I did enjoy it...) and the gnats have begun their relentless assault on my tasty person (I have calamine lotion all over). Andy put in some more shelves...you can actually see across our spacious garage now - and we have 2 cars in it (usually). And how tidy is that workbench?

We had a less than successful camping trip over the weekend. I mean, seriously, how many trips have we taken? To have forgotten the sleeping bags only 2 times is pretty darn good...of course, when you're less than 80 miles from home, you pack up and sleep warm in your own bed. But, we found good dirt roads, good hikes, and good camping spots for the future.

So now, it's on to the "dog days".... that's what happens at my house anyway (see exhibits below).










Plans include: 2 classes with WCSD (techie stuff), water aerobics (as faithfully as possible), hopefully working 3 days ($100 a day?!), Logan and Ivy time (2 weeks, Kate must trust me!), MB retirement party (next weekend), MB and Megan and Madison and Justin time, bike rides, practice hikes (want to do Havasupai in October), AND reading some classics (book club will be combined with water aerobics - thanks Nikki!). And of course, I'm trying to convince Andy to trek through the Midwest for the "Grandparent Loop" the end of July... we'll see (gas, please stay reasonable). Sheesh! I'm exhausted just thinking about all of it... guess I'll go have lunch and dust.

If you didn't already know, Mom and Dad will have their 40th anniversary this month... I know this picture is 2 years old, but dontcha know they're still this happy!

Has Spring Officially Arrived?

Well, all evidence seems to point in that direction... no more snow, mostly dry roads and trails (been out walkin'), bugs, chilly mornings and warm afternoons, longer days, bugs, and twitchy kids.
Brooke's wedding was AMAZING! Had a great time with the family, enjoyed our visit with Chad, and LOVED meeting the new Apple Valley Kids generation. We have a couple photos from that day in the park... evidently, I should have remembered to sunblock, because I ended up with some red lines for the wedding...scarves are great!Troy and Scheris are on their way down to hike the Grand Canyon, we can't wait to see them Sunday (check the after-excitement level).

Smell some flowers people....

At it again...

I'm not kidding, it's snowing again. Bless El Nino's little heart... Southerners, yes I do mean it. Anyway, it's beautiful of course, and fortunately Andy brought another bunch of wood into the garage and wood box before it started.

I just finished our yearly paperwork - taxes and bill files. I'm feeling very accomplished, and of course, hopeful that we will get a refund instead of a bill...

All the puppies were down here this morning, but went to Diane's for a change of scenery just before the snow started. We may get the girls back today, maybe not...

It's beautiful...

You can tell there's sunshine right behind those clouds, it's clear, and snowing. Some people may have gotten the impression that the snow is a problem... not a problem at all. The problem, friends who haven't come to visit, is MUD. Right now, Andy and I are anticipating having soggy mud until May at this rate. Which is why, dear friends (and Mom), I insisted on concrete floors. Sure, you can see every puddle and swirl of dog hair and dirt clods, but that's the point... You can see them, feel them, get them out. I want to you consider what is hiding in your carpet. Yup, you guessed it. So, while we will probably make our dog a neurotic mess with the paw-wiping, I'm going to take deep yoga breaths and make it through mud season. Come visit! You'll be 6 inches taller by the time you make it across the yard :)
On a lighter note, while out doing errands today, went to see The Lightning Thief. I loved the books (yes, there are 5), and I liked the movie. 2 different things, though! And, although it's supposed to be a "kids" movie, wouldn't take anyone under 12. Just my thoughts....

Always when you're on a roll...

So - things were going according to plan. Rented movies, had Chinese food, went home. Got in bed and stayed there (basically) for 2 days, watching movies, SLEEPING (without being sick)... it was good, people! So, I got up, refreshed, ready to go, and SERIOUSLY started cleaning - every nook and cranny in our room and bathroom. Got the laundry done, swept, it was so invigorating. I was contemplating a bike ride with the dogs in another day or so, after the mud dried from the rain of the last couple days. Got another great night's sleep and was ready to go today (mission: living room and kitchen). Then Andy pointed out the snow... which hasn't stopped. I have brushed off the satellite dishes twice already. I shoveled off the top patio (which Sarah loved, lots of fun snow flying everywhere!). I may have to start on the driveway before Andy tries to come home from the firestation. I LOVE snow, don't get me wrong, but snow involves a change in schedule, just when I was on a roll! Here are some pictures - and probably there will be more.

When Andy gets home, we'll probably head out to play in the snow...But for now, Sadie and Sarah are happily chewing. Here's wishing you your dream weather!

New Decor

Two in one day??? Wow, I'm really avoiding grading...
Here's a couple pictures of my new quilt from Mom - doesn't it look awesome? And she managed to incorporate my love of paisley (it's weird, huh? - the one thing I can't shake from the 80's).

Also, my birthday present from her and Dad, "decor" for my kitchen... one area down, 3 to go...

Finally some new thoughts...

Why does the urge to do nothing strike in the busiest time of year? I just want to curl up in front of the fire with a good book and listen to my new iPod music, but there's cleaning up after the holidays, Superbowl Parties, Daytona 500, visits from more wonderful family and friends, history fair, and REPORT CARDS - yuck. Then there's the taxes, FAFSA, and clearing out the yearly files. Every time I think I have a moment to update the blog, oops! something else needs my attention. Plus, weirdly, whenever I had a break, the snow would fall and the satellite wouldn't work... But I did finally clean out the emails that were filing the inbox...you know that feeling when things are stacking up around you everywhere??? Yep, starting the knockdown process.

Andy's been busy getting the garage in order...now we have 2 cars in the garage, and room to move around! Look at those shelves! He also started his workbench area on the opposite side. It's so nice to save the cars from exposure, and, I must admit, to get into a warm car in the morning...



He's also taken the dogs out for runs at Coral Pink (yes) Sand Dunes... There is sand somewhere under all that snow. This was from the big storm a couple of weeks ago - when Flagstaff got like 53 inches of snow! We were sad we missed the snow, but not the wind....





We've had wet El Nino weather... been pretty muddy around here, so the house looks dirty less than 24 hours after it's been cleaned. I know that the fireplace and 4 dogs don't help, but really... But, on the positive side, it is starting to get lighter longer, so as soon as I can walk up on the hill(mud, dontcha know), hiking and biking will come back into my life! I probably would have been a total wreck without the yoga afternoon at school... I love Sharleen!



Had a great visit with Grandpa Don, Katie, Logan, and Ivy over my birthday... too bad I came down with a stomach bug that kept me in bed for 30 hours. When I got up Sunday, we had a great Valentine's breakfast - yummy french toast and sausage. Then we went to Pioneer Park up on the Red Cliffs and "bouldered" a bit, then off to Firehouse park for some "baseball". Logan and Ivy are both pretty good at hitting those balls!


We have been enjoying the Olympics - every so often we see a shot of where we got engaged 12 years ago... we really loved Vancouver. And cheering on Bodie with the enthusiastic coach in the starthouse, and Lindsay Vonn - she's nuts on skis! I don't know if many people know this, but part of my soundtrack obsession has been trying to track down Olympic songs... iTunes has a great Olympics section! Very cool...

SO, haven't really had time to do any random things, but I want to see The Lightning Thief, and I can't wait til New Moon comes out on DVD... I do DVR things like White Collar (love USA channel, good series there), Project Runway, Bones, Fringe, and my guilty trash, Vampire Diaries. If you've read the books, then the story really veers away...I've said too much, haven't I? Oh, and American Idol - already picking this year's favorites.
Well, I'm off to grade some more, and hopefully get more than 5 hours of sleep tonight... Miss everyone!