Here we go Again!

Sometimes when I have way to much time on my hands (not at my work, of course!), I come up with grand ideas. I know that to regular readers of this blog, this will probably not come as any surprise...plays, cub mobiles, parades, over the top reunions...but I digress. So as I was sitting at my desk one day, before Thanksgiving and I started thinking about all the family that was coming home for Christmas this year. Then the usual wheels start turning and I think, maybe I could host a Christmas Eve party, just like Grandma Whiting used to have. But the logical part of my brain remembers a not pleasant experience involving Christmas Eve a few years ago, and all the therapy and xanax it required to get over it.

So I suppressed my Christmas Eve idea, although I did confide in both my sister and Scott about it. After a bunch of other stuff going on, I decided I simply didn't have the energy to pull it off, so I shelved the idea and planned to move on. Then Nancy called and pretty much talked me into it, she promised to help and so I sent out the invitations.

Here it is three days till Christmas Eve, and now I think..."Allison, the next time you have one of these great ideas, walk out of the lab, walk over to the big main power line that feeds the plant, take a pair of bolt cutters and soon that idea will be out of your head!"

Oh, I have lots of help, Allie and Nancy are going to help with the food, Jake is taking care of the Nativity play, Scott and I are home this week to get ready, and yet already I am stressing. When will I learn??? Today, Mom, Nancy, Emily, Allie, Janna, Lucyann and I all went out to eat at Red Lobster (Thanks Harriet) and when someone said something about a crazy person Allie said, "Oh, yeah, you're crazy!" Well, at least it's an illness my whole family recognizes. And to make sure I'm truly crazy, we are having a cookie decorating party on Thursday for all the kids.

I hope my children remember fondly the good memories that I tried to give them...you know, before I went away to my special hospital!

End of the Semester!!!!!

Although it has been a few years...ok more than a few! I still can remember the feeling of walking out of my last final, in my last semester, in the last year of college. It was a grass tax class, and I had the best feeling walking out of that class. Well, fast forward a few years, and now I have been back in school hell!

Emily (and her parents) got caught up in the whole AP/Honors curriculum idea. Unfortunately, the school has now recognized a couple things 1) Sophomores are probably not good candidates for AP Bio, especially since this is the first bio class she has had 2) Honors Comp Lit in conjunction with any other AP/Honors program is really not a good idea (this from multiple AP teachers) and 3) Who believes that any 15 year old should take AP Statistics? OK, the last one was mine, fortunately she did drop that one in the first week of classes. Now, after missing a week because of pneumonia, a suspension for fighting (oh we are so proud, who knew three years of Judo would pay off like that?), and a whole lot of other stuff you won't get me to blog about, we have actually finished this semester with some pretty damn decent grades!!!

I was just going to be glad if we were all still alive by December 18th. But this child has seriously worked her butt off! We gave up a social life, church activities, and family movie nights, and it paid off big time. However, we have learned from our experiences and next semester, we told Emily that we didn't care if she took underwater basket weaving. She just looked at us with that blond look and said, "That doesn't make any sense!" This from the girl that had to learn to recognize aldehyde's and alcohol chemical structures in less than a night for bio. Anyway, next semester is going to be considerably less stressful. Hopefully we won't have regular 60 hours of homework a week.

Yes, I didn't think after walking out of that final that I would ever have that feeling again, but on Friday, December 17th, at 1:30 I had it again! And I wasn't even at the school.

Secret...

OK, don't let anyone know, but I'm secretly a sci-fi reader. I have loved reading science fiction for about 23 years now. You would think, since I'm married to the computer guy, that he is to, but sadly, no. However, early indications of my children's book choices indicate that they are following more in my footsteps than their father. If they had picked technical manuals, that would be more like Scott.

Anyway, I was so excited this morning while I was wasting time at Sam's Club that I discovered the 13th installment of my Wheel of Time series book!

YEAH!!!

You see, Robert Jordan died before he finished this series. Brandon Sanderson was selected by the author's family to finish the last book, which has turned into three. It is only 843 pages, if only it had been released last week, my recuperation time would have had a purpose. But no worries, my family, house, animals, work, will all be abandoned for a few days while I immerse myself back into this world!

Just leave it...

Scooter was heading off to Cincinnati today, something about sensitivity training or wasting taxpayer money, I'm not sure which. Anyway, last night as he was packing (I should mention my husband packs as if we will never see him again), he managed to not use the largest suitcase, that's good, since he is going to be home Thursday night. But after he had finished packing his suitcase he began looking for all his cords and accessories for his laptop. I casually suggested that maybe he should take a break from the computer and perhaps not take it with him. He looked at me with a mixture of confusion, disgust, bewilderment, and as if I had suddenly grown a couple extra heads.

Undaunted, I pressed on, "I was just thinking how much you have been working lately on all the laptop upgrades at work, you have been going non-stop, maybe you could just veg out for a couple nights. Take your iPod for the plane, but relax." He looked disoriented at this point, so I tried a new track, "Plus, this way you won't have to let those TSA guys near your new laptop." You could see the clouds begin to part, as he remembered a ***** airport screener guy in San Francisco frying a laptop back in 1998 (and that was when laptops were considerably more expensive, oh they payed for it). I could see I had a home run within my grasp, so finished him off with "who knows what these Grand Junction TSA guys are like" (They turned Scott down for a job when he first got out of the Air Force). Nothin' but net!! "I guess I could leave my laptop, I'll just take my iPod, that will be easier."

I really should learn to use my powers for good! Of course I'm taking a chance by exposing myself on the blog, but since he doesn't have his laptop with him tonight, he can't read it! MWAHAHAH!

I Just Can't!

So, I had a little girly surgery on Monday, and now I'm supposed to "take it easy" for a couple days. I'm not sure when I turned into an obsessive compulsive person, but I just can't! It is next to impossible for me to lay in bed and let things happen in my house without me. I know, I know, the world won't end if Erik doesn't finish his math homework, or Emily doesn't get into bed before 10.

I have been trying to cut down on the amount of time spent on things like scouts and other extra curricular activities, but it is so hard to step back and let others start doing things. It isn't that I don't trust others, I just feel bad asking them.

Everyone warns you before you have gastric bypass that you can have a transfer addiction, but I have never heard of anyone having a transfer addiction to doing to much. Poor Scott, he is a good sport but he just doesn't do things exactly like me, that isn't to say he does it wrong, it's just not how I do them. I'm trying to be more relaxed about things, the pain meds are helping today, eventually I will be able to say, "I can" and mean it.

Dear Scrapbook Room...

Dear Scrapbook Room,

I know I have been away for such a long time. It seems like forever since I spent time cutting, gluing, designing, stamping and layering in your comforting embrace. Our time apart has been so difficult on me, I think of you often and longingly, wondering if you miss me as much. While I know that I am responsible for our separation, I think that I am the one who suffers the most from it.

Do you miss me? Do you ever wonder where I am or who I am giving my time and attention to? So many things have pulled me away from you, demands I could never have imagined. I think I am only going to do one or two little things, then I will rush back to you...but before I know what has happened, months have gone by without us spending time together.

Soon my beloved, I will return to you. This I promise! I am trying so desperately to get back, trying to turn the tide. I only have a few more commitments to fulfill, then I will fly to your waiting silence. Your patience will be rewarded and we will be reunited again. Think of me often, dear friend, until we are together.

Love
Me

Tired...

I know, everyone is busy. I believe that is so true, everyone runs to much, does to much, and commits to way to much. Well, I am no exception. Yesterday, Scott and I hosted the second cubmobile race for our cubscout pack. It went smoother than last year, and had about the same turn out. We had a whole lot less crashes, the boys had a good time, and I even got a cousin from the East slope to bring her little Wolf scout over so he could race. Matt, my great-nephew from St. George, showed up to win the Tiger division, and second overall. Our Erik elected to just help this year, and let Matt and Sabin borrow his cubmobile for victorious runs. At the end of the race, Scott was challenged by another Dad, so he got his first ride in a cubmobile. Amazing since the guy has helped build well over a dozen of them. He was doing great, but wiped out about 20 feet from the finish line.

So today, I am exhausted. I went to bed around 8 last night, since sleep has not been my friend lately, it was a long night. Today I don't think I could find anything that doesn't ache. I realize that I have been doing way to much. My iron has fallen again, and I can't keep the pace like I have been doing. So, I know what you are thinking, "yeah, yeah, she thinks she's busy...she should have my life." Well, call me a whiner or a wimp, but today...I stayed in bed. Scott generously offered to take my Sunday School class, and I let him.

Today I have resolved to slow down, I'm sure that resolve will last at least through tomorrow, when things don't hurt as much and I come up with more things to do.

What the Dederick's Do on a 3 Day Weekend

OK, we could have cleaned out the garage, we could have cut down the weeds in the orchard, we could have cleaned the windows of our house, but instead we made a soda bottle launcher!

Emily & Erik getting it ready...
Scott pumping it up...

oops...a little to much air.

That's about right.

To heck with that bicycle pump, let's get out the air compressor hose.

Eat More Beef

I was raised on a ranch. I even have photographic evidence, (I'm the one in the little red/white jacket standing while my sisters demonstrate their flanking skills). Growing up we always had a freezer full of beef. Sometimes, in my young and foolish days, I would ask my Mom for something different like hot dogs or chicken, "It's to expensive, eat your steak.". (OK, maybe she didn't phrase it like that) Anyway, now that I'm older and realize that I don't like to eat chicken (you know women are supposed to love the grilled chicken breast) I have finally learned to embrace my red meat eating self.

My recent study has proven a direct link between the decrease in red meat consumption in the US and the rise in politically correct, wussie, namby pamby, wimpy, whiney, pathetic inability of Americans to freaking take a stand!!! I was once told that one of the first things that the Romans did when conquering a country was to eliminate red meat from the conquered people's diet. This made them more docile and easier to rule. Interesting, considering the rise of popularity in our country for fish, chicken and pork. Having to deal with extreme anemia for the last year or so, and learning how I felt during that time, I am now inclined to see how a lack of red meat (iron) can make you feel pretty puny.

So my solution for this country and anyone who truly loves it, is to eat more beef. Perhaps if we all got a little more in our systems we would start to grow a set, and take on the lilly livered, peace at all costs, can't we all just get along, over aged hippies that seem to run the show now. Then we could pray at our city councils, not have a mosque at ground zero, we could have winners and losers, and stop apologizing for having an opinion.

I know, some of you are now thinking maybe I've been eating a little to much red meat! Well, suck it up cupcake, and go get a steak!

2010 EM Whiting Reunion

So once every 2 years, my extended family makes a pilgrimage to the White Mountains of Arizona. My Great Grandfather homesteaded here around the turn of the century and now thanks to the foresight of some other relatives this place has been saved for future generations. When I was growing up we always went down to the reunion, I remember my parents driving all night and then Daddy playing in the horseshoe tournament. One time our friends Jinx & Fern Everett drove all night too, bringing down a pickup bed full of roasts for a big BBQ. We all played on the rope swing and listened to my Great Aunt Elda's truly made up pioneer stories.

Over the years, we started going less and less. As the great Aunts and Uncles passed away, my Dad wasn't as interested in going back, he said he didn't need to go to the homestead to remember his family, memories are something you carried with you in your heart. Scott and I went to the reunion in 1998 (the 50th Anniversary of the first reunion). Then last year my cousin organized our smaller RE Whiting reunion to take place at the homestead. As mentioned in a previous post our little melodrama caught the ear of the big reunion chairwoman who asked for a repeat performance. So the majority of the Don Whiting Family headed down for an encore performance. Unfortunately I didn't have any pictures of the play, since we were in it, but hopefully there will be a few posted on the whitinghomestead.com website in a few weeks.


Here we are in a last minute cram session, trying to get through. Notice all the scripts? Yeah, we had a few on stage too. It rained like I never knew it could rain in Arizona, and since it was the big reunion we had to perform on the outdoor stage. The reunion outgrew the rec hall many years ago, and now there is a large outdoor stage in the meadow. This change prompted Scott and Allison, the younger, to redesign the set and create a backdrop. Scott managed to build and fit a bunch of modular sections in our little utility trailer. Once we got there on Friday morning he went to work, and with a bunch of help from everyone we managed to get everything up just before a torrential downpour. Everyone was worried about getting rained out, but I knew it would be alright. You see I talked to all my relatives on the other side, called in all my chips and knew that they would do everything they could to stay the weather. Well, they came through in a big way, and we had clear weather. I would like to say the play went off without a hitch, but that wouldn't be very truthful. We all forgot lines, Scott and Casey had to kneel in a puddle on the stage, Ma Jitter's kids decided to tag along, and Nancy's wig caught on the bar and started to fall off! But I think it was a hit, because the next day when I was coming out of the port a potty, I heard a little boy take in a quick breath and say, "It's Wildcat!". I'm just vain enough to let that make the whole thing worthwhile.
On Saturday it was time to take down the set (in between storm cells) and enjoy all the events of the Whiting Village that included candle making, branding, bull whips, sawmill demonstrations, and a whole lot more. It ended with the infamous candy canon that was a huge hit with all the kids.
This is what Allison got to do all over the very rough terrain for three days, she got a workout!

It got cold enough on Saturday night that we could see our breath, and it felt a whole lot more like October rather than August. Then the clouds came rolling in and it was pretty surreal.

Can Janna and Donna say humidity? We definitely could tell who had the natural curls!

We had a good time, mixed with some emotional ups and downs. What else can you expect when traveling, camping, and performing with your family? Overall, we had a pretty good time and while I can't say I won't perform that play ever again (I said that last year and look how that worked out). I do think we will go back for another big reunion. After all where can you go to a little cash store and get Aunt Mynn's fudge, Whiting histories, Fat Sister's Cookbook (a set of cousins), attend an auction and battle with your relatives for out of print books about your ancestors? I'm not sure whether I go for the memories or the shopping, but I think my kids like it and it's pretty good to learn all about those roots.

Wedding Dress?

No, she's not getting married, plus she will be really mad when she sees this picture on the web! The other day the local hospice thrift store had 100 new wedding dresses donated to their store. They had an awesome sale and this normally $700 dress was on sale for $50. There was no way I could pass up that deal, even if I didn't need the dress. It's a beautiful dress with lots of bead work and even Emily finally admitted that it was one she would have picked out. So now it will go in the closet, so if you know anyone that needs a size 10 wedding dress...

You Never Know

When I married Scott, he had the cutest backside. Sadly that has disappeared over the years, now when he is out working on a project in the garage and his pants start to slip down, he grabs whatever is handy. I have found twist ties, electrical tape and yes even this zip tie. Poor guy! I really have worked his butt off over the years!

To Much Time on Their Hands

I went to pick up my daughter last night from Young Womens, and needed to talk to a lady in our ward , so I wandered into the Relief Society Room. She was busy so I sat down by the door to wait when another woman from our ward came in to "talk to me". She told me that I might want to look at my daughters shirt, and not let her wear it again, because she was "practically falling out of it". I said, "huh", she went on to inform me that it would be better if she was at least wearing a bra. I assured her that Emily hadn't left the house without that, "Oh I don't think she has one on" she quickly told me. (Now bear in mind that this is the same woman that wore pants to Sacrament meeting on Scout Sunday, she's also only about 31) I informed her that Emily wouldn't leave the house without proper support, and didn't give her very much encouragement. She then told me that she had stood behind Emily while she was sitting down, and could "see everything". At this point I am more concerned with her same sex tendencies.

A few minutes later my daughter came in, wearing her t-shirt that barely came down to her collar bone, let alone showing anything else. Emily and I had a good laugh on the way home, seriously there are some people with to much time on their hands. I chalked it up to strangeness, but when I told my sister she was livid. So, now I have to keep Nancy from taking care of her, apparently there once was a couple who were concerned about my niece Jackie...

Bittersweet

OK, a few weeks ago there was a job announcement at Scott's work for a new position. It sounded pretty good, but did have shift work associated with it. Scott and I discussed it and he applied, stating that he would only accept the day shift. You see, for most of our married life Scott has either worked shifts or been TDY when he was in the military. So, now that he has a job with the same hours as I do, we have gotten really used to our evenings and weekends.

Well, about three weeks ago, the job offer came. He got offered the only day shift and things were great. We were so excited because of the opportunity. He was scheduled to start on August 2nd, and yesterday he called his new supervisor to clarify a couple of things. The supervisor said, "Oh no, the schedule is Tuesday through Saturday." That wasn't what the job offer stated. Now, Scott is the guy that can find all the hidden clauses in your mortgage agreement, so he had full documentation on the announcement and job offer. Well, after a bunch of meetings where the leads and HR all determined that they needed to amend his offer, he decided to decline.

We were so excited, and he scored so high on the application process only to decide that our 11 and soon to be 15 year old really need their Dad on Saturdays. So it has been a rough week, but we are glad that his choices were between a job he currently really likes and a job that might have been great too, in this economic climate we really can't complain to much.

Dance Fest 2010

WARNING: LONG POST

Last January we heard a small announcement about dance practice for a dance festival in July. I was so excited, "Emily, come on it will be fun." I said. "I don't dance" she said. I pulled rank and drug her to practices for six months. I even took her once when she had a concussion. It turned out they were doing the Charleston. Emily had a partner that dropped out about March, "Don't worry we will find you a partner." OK, it took until about two weeks ago, but her second cousin, Bradley Whiting, ended up coming up for the summer and was awesome for stepping up.

Then we needed a flapper dress, so with confidence I ordered one from ebay. It was awful, so we headed to get a pattern, fabric, and fringe. On the way home Emily and I had the following conversation:

Me: Emily, the pattern says it's an easy one hour project. Do you think I can do it in an hour?

Emily: No

Me: Do you think I could do it in four hours?

Emily: No

Me: Do you think I should call Sister Everett?

Emily: Yes

So, I called Sister Everett and she said yes, she came and took measurements I didn't even know existed. Then she worked and worked and produced an amazing dress, we can't thank her enough.

Finally the day of the 5 stake multi dance festival started. It was all day Friday with practices and a sock hop that ended at 10 pm. So by the time we got home and got her hair into rag rollers it was late...and she had to be back in at 6:50 am. She had some more workshops (it was a youth conference, so there were a bunch of classes on dating!), dress rehearsals and finally the show started at 5 then again at 7. Each stake had a different era, Grand Junction - 20's, Montrose - 40's, Meeker - 50's, Moab - 60s, Grand Junction West - 70's, with a big finale of around 700 kids dancing to We are Family!

Emily has allowed me to curl her hair exactly twice in her life, once when she was 4 and a flower girl for a wedding, and for this. I'll take what I can get, but she did get asked several times "Is that your real hair?" And Erik said Emily's hair, "Freaked him out".

Anyway, it was an awesome festival. The dancing was amazing, the place was packed and it was so much fun. After we got home I said, "Emily, this is the point where you say, "Mom that was awesome, I had so much fun. You were right, THANK YOU'" She replied, "I had fun, thank you for making me go to dance." OK that was close enough.

EGGS!!!!!

On a whim I sent Erik out to check for eggs tonight. It has been a long six months waiting...waiting...waiting. The chickens are Whiting Blues and the eggs are definitely worth the wait, eight on the first catch. They'll get bigger, and the New Hampshires will start laying in a week or so, then here comes the omelets, fritatas, custards, egg burritos...

It's Genetic

Well, as anyone who knows me for any length of time knows, I am a bit heavy on the organized, got a great idea, grand scale events. Yes, I have been known to fantasize about organizing and planning family reunions, taken on way more than I should with Scouts and still look for more. You see, my sister's and I all have different strengths, Donna is an incredible cook and Nancy is definitely the hostess with the mostest. My forte is definitely in the dreaming up ideas and having way to much time to think about how to make them bigger.

I was thinking about some of the things I have done in just the past 24 months, Cub Scout Camporee (for about 110 scouts), Kannah Creek Regatta Race, Cub Mobile Race, wooden ducks for the great nieces and nephews, super above and beyond Parade of Lights Float, family play at the little reunion in Arizona, Primary activities that require giant bubble wands, matching shirts for the family reunion, agreeing to drive back to Arizona this year for the big reunion, and a whole lot more projects than I can't remember.

Fortunately for me, I happen to have a husband who is amazingly accomplished in his ability to take my hair brained ideas and help make them happen, ie., "I need stage props for an old west saloon" or "I need something that will launch the cubmobiles at the same time, so we can time them" or "We need to get ready for over 100 people to camp down at the creek". He has been an incredible good sport about all of it, simply asking, "What have we got going on this weekend?"

Last night Nancy, Mom, Scott and I were looking through some of my more treasured (and hoarded) family pictures for the "Whiting Museum" at the reunion. We came across this photo that showed a bunch of kids doing a patriotic parade down our little street back in the 70's, my Mom said, "Remember that? That was from when your Dad decided to do a bicycle rodeo for all the kids. He had such good ideas." That's when it hit me, I looked over at Scott and said, "See? I can't help it, it's genetic."


So the next time my mother tells me "You're just doing to much" or Scott sighs and says, "What?" I will just remember my Dad with bicycle rodeos, scout jamborees, huge sledding parties up to Y, road shows and giant stake BBQ's that required backhoes and gravel grates. I will remember my Grandma Whiting and her Christmas and Easter Cantata's, her 24th of July pageants (one time she even made her sons clear off a spot on Kannah Creek hill to rival the Hill Cumorah pageant).You see, I simply can't help myself.

Come to think of it...a bicycle rodeo would be fun...

Delta After Dark

Friday found our family tired and ready for the weekend. Scott and I had worked all week, Emily had spend two days volunteering at Cub Scout Day Camp, and Erik...well, he wasn't tired at all. So, when Scott discovered that the drive in over in Delta was showing Karate Kid and Marmaduke, Erik was the first to agree we needed to go. The only problem with the drive in on June 25th is that is doesn't get dark until 9:00. Scott assured me he would drive, I could just relax the whole time.

Off we went, and watched both the movies. After the movies we realized we needed a little fuel to get back home, so we stopped and filled up. Scott turned onto the highway and asked, "What is the speed limit through here?" I told him I wasn't sure, then he told me "Well, I'm going 35, surely it isn't lower than that is it?" Now bear in mind that Scott is extremely careful about his speed when we are with him. It drives me crazy!! But, no sooner had we gone across the bridge when the blue and red lights flashed. Thinking they were probably doing sobriety checks we were extremely surprised when "Deputy Fred" informed Scott that we had been clocked at 47 in a 30 zone. "I don't think so" was Scott's reply, it went down hill from there.

I remember General Authorities in the church telling the youth that nothing good ever comes from being out after midnight, and now I agree. I also have discovered that the city of Delta has quite a little revenue raiser right through there when the officer said, "Yeah, we write about 30 or 40 tickets a day from that spot." That's great.

Top Shot - A New Family Obsession

Ok, it's only been on about 3 weeks, but already my family is waiting for Sunday nights! Of course Emily's favorite is Kelly, and so far I'm not sure who is my favorite. It was so interesting that when Cabela's had a Mosin Nagant on sale, Scott and I couldn't get in there fast enough. I called my Mom while we were on the way there, she asked what I was up to and when I told her, she said, "Oh that's just what you need, another gun." I'm glad she was on board. After our purchase we argued over whether it was his Father's Day gift or my birthday present...I think he won, since he got to the paperwork first.

There are 13 contestants left, so I'm thinking for the next 12 weeks I know where my family will be on Sunday nights. In fact, it has inspired Scott and I to maybe do our own version of Family Top Shot (no Casey won't be invited, except as an observer!). We are pretty curious about the fact that recently Erik showed a lot of promise having his Dad's natural eye, and now that Emily has glasses (she discovered that those green things in the trees were leaves) she may be even more on target than before.

No...we aren't crazy, we just have fun hobbies!

Interstate 70 Acres

Oh man, I haven't blogged in forever, so now I feel guilty! This weekend was the annual Cub Scout Family Campout (I know you're thinking...does she ever do anything besides scouts?). Anyway, I was hoping for the Uncompaghre, but was out voted to go to Island Acres. Being good sports Scott, Erik and I (Emily was still up at Girl's Camp) headed out. Once there I remembered why I like the mountains! I love to camp, but camping to me is in the Aspen trees, not ten minutes from Palisade. Anyway...we fished, caught a bunch of Blue Gills, we swam, we watched a movie under the stars that Scott rigged up, we cooked and had a pretty good day.

Then we tried to go to bed...did I mention that Island Acres is located in Debeque Canyon? Nestled between the railroad, the Colorado River, and Interstate 70? I had the opportunity to listen to every diesel, motorcycle, and Halliburton trucks that was traveling by. It was a long, long night.

We got up early, packed up, had a great breakfast (hosted by Shawnalee) and came home. A little punchy I tried to teach my Sunday school lesson, then Scott and I took about a three hour nap.

Don't worry, I reminded the kids at dinner to wish their Dad a Happy Father's Day. He's a pretty good sport to spend Father's Day weekend camping with the Scouts, but we are definitely ready to go back to work on Monday morning!

Fish Guts

Today was the last day of school!!!! YEAH!!! Ok, I am happier than my children. That is strange I know, last night I went up to check on Erik and found him very unhappy, lying in his bed. "What's wrong?" I asked. "It's just been such a great year, I don't want it to be over." he said. My first thought was: Who are you and what have you done with my son?

It has been a great year, but I love summers with my kids, we can stay up late, I don't have to worry about mockingbird essays and spelling words.

To celebrate the last day of school, I proposed taking the Cub Scouts fishing at Corn Lake. This wasn't a major outing, since the lake is right along the Colorado River, just off 32 Rd. So we had about 8 scouts there (that's pretty good on a Wednesday of the last day of school). We had one dad that was really good at snagging the fish and letting the various boys reel them in, and they caught some nice ones too. So being the woman that I am, I told the boys that if they were going to keep the fish, they had to clean them. They looked at me very concerned, so I got out my Dad's knife and started showing them how to clean out the guts and cut off the heads. We all got busy working when I looked up and saw no less than 3 Dads watching us and offering advice. Now I'm not one to relegate roles in life based on the X or Y chromosome, but something about this just seemed incredibly wrong. As I sit here a couple hours and a good shower later, I swear I can still smell fish guts.

19 Years

Wow! Who would have thought that guy would have put up with me for 19 years? My Dad sent me to Iceland with the advice of "I'm sending you to an island full of men that is dark six months of the year. If you can't find someone there, I don't know what to do with you." I was always an obedient daughter, so I came home engaged, after all we dated a whole week before he asked me to marry him.

I guess neither of us really knew the other, but we have definitely learned since then, and I've decided my Dad was truly inspired. I adore my husband, and think he is a wonderful father, friend, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle and more. What amazes me the most is how fast 19 years can fly, but I guess being married to your best friend helps. We still laugh, love to do things together, and manage to surprise each other.

So, happy anniversary to Scott and I, I hope the next 19 are just as fun!

Expensive Week!

I can't take to many more of these! You see, Erik started going to the orthodontist a little over two years ago. He had a cross bite that wouldn't wait. Not bad, or co-pay was a little over $500. Then about six months ago he came out of what I thought was a regular visit with braces, that was unexpected. Then a couple months later he came out with bottoms...hhmmm. I started thinking about Emily's braces, a little over a year ago and that price tag, co-pay $1500.

Maybe....I decided I wouldn't ask!

Then on Monday, at a regular appointment, they caught up with me. "Mrs. Dederick? Could you come in the office for a minute? We noticed that Erik has started his second phase and we forgot to get the contract with you." She gently slides the papers over the desk, sure enough. I'm not sure what the co-pay will end up being but the bottom line on the papers was $3575. Ouch.

On Tuesday, Emily and I had our visit to the hairdresser. Two colors, cuts and waxes will run you over $100 easily.

Wednesday came...a trip to the optometrist. Emily claims she is having trouble seeing the board at school. Turns out she's pretty blind. A trip to buy eyeglasses, did you know they aren't covered by most insurances?

So I just stayed home the rest of the week, to give my checkbook a break. On the plus side, Scott is very pleased. His 14 year old daughter has braces, will soon have glasses and plays chess. There is a significant decrease in boy appeal with all that going on! Oh we know eventually the braces will come off, she will either get lasiks or contacts and then we will worry more, but we will enjoy it while it lasts!

Internetless

Oh the horror! How in the world did we ever get along before the internet? First my work slams the lid on unauthorized internet use, then we exceed our download for our satellite internet at home and they shut us down! The disconnect...the loss on knowledge from the outside world...feeling so alone...

But all is better now!! The magic sliding scale of evil WildBlue satellite has suddenly slid in our favor. We will however, be getting something new this week. My sister Nancy (who has been on our network for a couple years now) gave up a few days ago and got a different wireless service, and we will soon be following. For over five years we have been paying the ridiculous price of $80 a month, but soon we will have faster service for a fraction of that.

I don't think of myself as much of a surfer, but all I needed was a week without it to appreciate how much I really use it. Life is better with the internet!

Okie Dokie

Well, Harriet came out of surgery earlier than we expected and the doctor had good news. Everything looked good, he fixed her deviated septum and cleaned out what he called "proud flesh". WHAT??? The only time I have heard that term used was around horses. Bizarre!! But it looks like a bad packing job, from her first bloody nose caused all this, (OK, the packing job may have been bad, but the doctor that did it was pretty nice, and I don't just mean his bedside manner!).

Anyway, Harriet is recovering well, even if her daughters abandoned her to go shopping while she was in recovery. Hey, she wasn't going to get any rest with us there, and we had the same conversation with her five times while she was under the influence. ie...What time is it? What did the Doctor say? I want to go home. Besides, she had my cell phone number, she called when she was dressed and ready to go, and Herbergers was having a big sale. Just remember, a son is a son till he takes a wife, a daughter is a daughter for life...unless there is a clearance sale.

Waiting for Harriet

Well, here we are...Nancy, Donna, and I, all sitting at the surgical center waiting for Harriet. I'm not sure why we feel we have to be here, it's not like any of us are going to do the sinus surgery on the old woman!

You see, about a month ago, my mother had a nose bleed that simply wouldn't stop. Scott & I insisted that she go into the ER. Two days later we were back in, the packing wasn't working, so Nancy and I sat in there for about 7 hours while they cauterized it. A few days later she headed to the otolaryngologist, who discovered a mass in her sinus. After a biopsy they determined that it isn't malignant, but the doctor claims to have never seen anything like it before and now wants to do surgery on it.

The old woman was insistent that she was fine, but her mean daughters insisted that she go ahead with the surgery. Why...because all our lives our mother has had a drippy nose, blown her nose, and has had wadded up kleenex in every pocket she has ever had. We are not talking about a polite little nose blow either, we are talking a full on serious, is that your brain coming out of your nose blow.

So now here we sit, patiently waiting on an all day procedure that will inevitably lead to a cranky mother. Nancy is surfing the web on her phone, Donna is trying to figure out Erik's nintendo DS and I am blogging. I'm not sure how people waited for surgical patients before, but this is how we do it now!

If this is a Concussion, I'll Take It

I'm rather old fashioned, and I was raised to believe that Easter is that wonderful Sunday when you can start wearing white shoes and you should get a new Easter dress. However, this year Easter Sunday happens to coincide with our church's General Conference. So planning ahead, because I do that also, I told Emily we would go Easter dress shopping last Thursday. My plan was she could wear her dress a week early because of conference.

But, when I called her at 3:15 on Thursday, she told me she had forgotten and rode the bus home. OK, no big deal, she is 14 and dyed blond, so she is entitled to forget a few things. I went home to pick her up and take her back into the church for a dance practice for a regional dance thing this summer, we were running late so dinner was Taco Bell. While on our way to dance I asked her about forgetting to stay after, "Well," she said,"After the basketball, everything went blurry and I just forgot things." What??? "Oh, didn't I tell you? I walked in the gym today for weights class, and a boy had kicked a basketball from clear across the gym. It hit me right on the top of my head, everything went fuzzy and I got really dizzy. Then I got a headache." So I asked, "What did the coach do?" "Well, he didn't make me run the bleachers." she replied.

After two hours I picked her up and she informed me that Taco Bell before dance practice was not a good idea. Whatever!!!

Anyway, at 1:15 am, she stumbled into my bedroom and informed her father and I that she had just thrown up. Now, I didn't go to medical school, and I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I did start putting it all together...bump on the head, dizzy, nausea, and vomiting...no don't tell me, hey I think my daughter has a concussion.

Yeah, her coach confirmed on Friday, "She got hit really hard, I tried to get her to go to the nurse."

Anyway, I think the only damage, (besides her ipod, which was not vomit proof), was a few algebraic variables. But tonight when I went into her bedroom to talk to her, I noticed that her bed was made...Emily NEVER makes her bed. It must be the concussion, it's the only explanation.

What the???!!!! Son of a...

2:00 am - Sunday Morning, I woke up and thought, where is my phone? I took it out of my pocket before I threw the smoky clothes in the washer...right? Yeah, I must have, I was in the kitchen and I realized my battery was low, I'm sure I put it on the counter.

Fast forward approximately 6 hours, and sure enough...I found it, in the bottom of my washer. Now, I don't have one of those fancy internet phones. It was just an old NV that I have had for almost 2 years, but that phone is like an extension of my right hand! Suddenly, I was without my contacts, my text buddies, my calendar. I didn't know who I was, where I needed to be, and I couldn't find any of my friends.

That was how my Sunday started out. Then I went to church...that didn't improve my mood. It is a good thing my faith doesn't require me to like my fellow church goers. But seriously don't quote Sherry Dew as a source in a Relief Society Lesson, it ticks me off.

Anyway, I was without my phone for about 46 hours. I did qualify for an upgrade from my provider, unfortunately the new NV requires more commitment than I was willing to make. So I settled for a Samsung, and now I am not happy. I don't know how to work this phone, it doesn't have my contacts, I don't know the shortcuts, and the keypad is all wrong.

We haven't bonded at all. I felt lost without my phone, so I hope this new relationship works out.

Stripes or Bars?

For two mornings in a row, on my way to work I have heard the Angel Flight song. It is a beautiful song and it reminds me of a dream I had about a year ago. But before I get to that I have to give a little background.

I always thought I would marry a cowboy, but it turns out I fell in love with a guy who wore combat boots instead of cowboy boots, BDU's instead of Wranglers. Between the time we got engaged and got married, Saddam Hussein decided that Kuwait was a plum little target and we got into the first Gulf War. My husband immediately volunteered to go to the sand box, but the US military decided keeping an eye on the Russians was more important for his squadron of AWACS. It was at that point that I realized what it meant to marry a man who had taken an oath to protect and defend the constitution of the United States, someday he may have to make good on that oath, and could I live with it? I realized then, as I have with many choices that you have to determine that course of action ahead of time. I could live with his decision, it wasn't my first choice, but it was necessary for the bigger picture. I was reading Thomas Paine a few weeks ago, he basically said, "I fight, so my children won't have to".

About a year ago I had a very vivid dream, I got a call telling me that my son, Erik, had been killed fighting in Afghanistan. Scott and I went to a base in the Midwest to collect his personal belongings. We were told how he had been killed, given the military flag, and went through the whole thing. I wasn't upset, only resigned. That was his choice, just like his father's. I was sad but realized the necessity of sacrifice. (I don't know if I will be that stoic in real life if it ever came to that)

When I woke up I told Scott my dream, he laid there for a few minutes and then said, "Was he wearing stripes or bars?"

So now when I hear that song, I always think of that dream, and what Thomas Paine said. I don't want to make the sacrifice of a loved one, but I can't ask others to do what my family isn't willing to. May the Lord bless and keep all those willing to sacrifice, regardless of stripes or bars.

Klondike

A few weeks ago I realized I had to at least offer my Webelos the chance to go up to the top of the Grand Mesa, walk around in 8 ft of snow and do activities that could be done on a nice sunny day, but that Scout leaders think is more fun in freezing cold. I emphasized how cold it was, that it was really designed for older Scouts, and that parents must accompany them. The bad news was I had two Webelos that were all for it. You see my son had the chance to go to Klondike two years ago, thanks to Jason. He came back vowing to never go again. So when two other Webelos decided they wanted to go, Scott's troop was going, and they had suckered Scott into doing the BB guns, I knew I had to get Erik to go, if only for appearances. So we had the following conversation:

Me: Erik...what would it take to get you to go to Klondike?

Erik: I am not going to Klondike, it is freezing up there. I hate walking around in the snow, I'm not going.

Me: Would you go to Klondike for a cell phone?

Erik: NO, I'm not going to Klondike! Are you trying to bribe me?

Me: What would you go up there for?

Erik: Well...I might go up there for a collection of Bakugans, but who am I kidding? You're not going to buy me those.

Me: (Desperate at this point) What do you consider a collection?

Erik: Oh, like 6.

Me: Done!

So we went, bear in mind that I turn the thermostat up to 80 when my co-worker is gone. We were the only Webelos pack there, and we trooped around all morning, climbing through 6-8 feet of snow. OK, I didn't think we would need snowshoes, and now I know better. I didn't realize how fast little boys could soak gloves, and now I know better. I didn't realize taking my 14 year old daughter to the Klondike wasn't a good idea, now I know better (think sugar addict in a candy store).

Now I'm wondering what Scott will have to use to bribe both Erik and I to go next year, because I am not going up to Klondike!

Pinewood Derby Goblins & Trophies

Well, this picture pretty much says it all! Erik finally placed in a Pinewood Derby. He took second in his division, but I don't think he would have been any more excited to win at Daytona!

Now about the Goblin... Last year our Pinewood was in January. Scott was still working rotating shifts as a police officer and had been up around 36 hours when Friday night rolled around. You see, we check weights and impound the cars on Friday night, then the race starts the next morning at 10. Well, last year we got home on that cold January night and discovered our house was freezing. The furnace had absolutely stopped. Scott was so tired, but we trudged upstairs, moved Erik's bed and climbed into the attic. He hit the reset a couple times, then ended up just standing there staring at it. I sent him to bed and called the service. Fortunately in this 24 hour world, they have service techs at 11:30 on a Friday night.

Fast forward to this year, we went to the weigh in, got home around 10:30 and...you guessed it, a cold house. I had no idea that a high efficiency furnace had a Pinewood Derby sensor.

Erik & Taylor Swift

The other night, on our way to scouts, Erik flipped on the radio, the voice gently came through the speakers and...my son looks at me. Accusingly he says, "Is this Taylor Swift?" I couldn't deny it, she is on all the time. He immediately switched the station.

You see, while the rest of my family thinks she's awesome, love her music, and hope she continues to not turn into Brittany Spears, my son has a dissenting opinion. I think he is the only person in America (outside the Jonas family) who doesn't adore Taylor Swift. I suggested he learn to like her, I told him she seemed to not be going anywhere soon. "I just can't stand her, she is such a poser." "A poser?" I asked. "Yeah! She's all like makeup and glitter, she's a diva."

OK, I'm not sure whether I should be concerned that my 10 year old son is using words like poser and diva, or that he doesn't like one of the cutest girls on CMT.

I Betrayed my Dudley!

Yes, it's true! You see a few weeks ago Scott and I loaded up the dogs and took them for shots (thank you madam dog catcher, for reminding me I hadn't got the licenses yet). While we were there the vet looked in Dudley's mouth and said he had a couple abscessed teeth. "Has he been cranky lately?" she asked. Seriously? This is Dudley, he usually is...

Fast forward a couple weeks and the surgery day arrived. It is amazing how an 85# dog can decide to lay down and feel like he weighs about 150#. Of course, Scott had already left for work and I got the sole responsibility...and blame!!!

I dropped him off at the vet and promptly returned after work. They had taken three teeth out, and he was still a little wobbly when I got there. I didn't even get a tail wag when he came out, he just stared at me like I had sold him down the river. I got him loaded in the proverbial mini van and tried to talk to him all the way home. Dudley has this thing that if he doesn't want to listen to you he turns away, as if to say "If I'm not looking directly at you, you don't exist." So all the way home he just stared out the back window of the van.

We got home, he jumped out, and I went in the house. I came out to call him in to lay down, and he hid behind a tree...ignoring me. I finally sent Emily out to bring him in, oh...he came in with her! Again, refusing to look at me. I poked my head in many times that night, he just stared at me. The next morning was more of the same. It seriously broke my heart...and my wallet!

Finally when I got home the next day, he appears to have forgiven me...or he just discovered that I had the pain pills.

Wait a minute...

On Tuesday morning, Erik and I were going through our normal routine when my brother-in law Jay, came in the back door. I looked over and he was clutching both hands to the left hand side of his chest! "Oh no!" I thought. Then he said, "Allison...can you take me to the hospital emergency room on your way to work?"

Oh my heck!! "Of course!" I said, "Just let me get my shoes." "OK, I'll meet you out by your van. I was going to drive myself in...but I don't think I'll make it."

I quickly rush around, getting my shoes. "Is Uncle Jay having a heart attack?" Erik asked. "I think so, I better hurry." I rush out to my van and begin scraping the window, thinking I should have grabbed the bottle of aspirin I keep on the back porch for the dog. Jay came over and I asked if he had taken an aspirin. "I'm way past aspirin." he declared. I thought, "oh no, this must be bad."

We jump in the van and as I'm backing out of the driveway I wonder where my sister is, after all she is his wife. He tells me "Don't look at my hand." I think, "ok, I don't know why I would". Then I see my sister, walking calmly over from her house looking royally mad! Jay asks me to stop so he can talk to her before we leave, "She thinks I'm mad at her." he tells me.

OK, so adrenaline was riding pretty high, but it took me a few miles to realize that my brother-in-law was not having a heart attack, but had injured his hand and was bleeding. Talk about miscommunication!! I got him to the hospital, and after he got some really good drugs, they scrubbed out the joint, popped it back into the socket and sewed him up.

I'm glad Jay is OK, but next time I think I might ask for clarification before I let my heart start racing!!

Gas

Yesterday I had an appointment with the dentist. I hate the dentist. Oh, I have a perfectly wonderful dentist (I have learned there are way to many of them to put up with the bad ones). I just have issues with dentists that stem way, way back. Usually I phsyc myself up, get ready and sit, white knuckled through the entire process. I must not be very good at fooling him, because he is usually patting my shoulder, reminding me to breathe and assuring me he is almost done.

Well, yesterday, I just wasn't up to getting a couple fillings drilled out and refilled again, so I made up my mind to ask for it! I sat down in that chair, looked the hygienist straight in the eye and told her I wanted the gas. She looked confused at first, then disapproving at me. I stayed strong, I needed the drugs. She hemmed and hahed, but finally said she would see how much extra they would charge me, well trust me $30 is pretty minor to my piece of mind. So they put the nose piece on and at first nothing happened...but then, marvelously, joyously, relaxing, don't care if you pull them all and give me dentures kind of feeling. That had to be the most wonderful trip to the dentist I have ever had. Afterward, all I could think about was how many miserable hours I had previously spent in those chairs when it all could have been a wonderful blur. I'm not sure if they let you have the gas for cleanings, but I plan to make seriously use of this stuff in the future.

The only down side was the munchies I had on the way home, but that is a small price to pay for starting to like the dentist after 41 years!

I have a plan...

Well, recently my work cracked down on "unauthorized Internet access". Now, I'm not admitting to any guilt...but it has seriously put a cramp in my daily activities. Additionally, about 2 months ago my favorite talk radio show was bumped in order to carry all three hours of Glen Beck. While I appreciate a little Glen Beck and his "the world is ending any day now, make sure you have your food and gold", I really miss my Neil Boortz.

You see Neil Boortz is my favorite talk show host. He is a libertarian, and has a lot of common sense. He was on in the mornings from 8-10 and gave a great start to my day, but now he is on from 8-10 at night. AARRRGGHHH!!!! Coincidentally, since Boortz has been off in the mornings, so have I. I just don't seem to have any pep, the spring in my step has slowed down and I'm just not the positive ray of sunshine my coworkers have come to expect. (well that's my version of it). Oh, my doctor will say it has something to do with an extremely low iron level, but I know it all started the day they took Boortz off the morning.

SO, I have a plan!!! Knowing that I have been seriously neglecting my scrapbooking past time, I have now decided to start scrappin at night so I can listen to my sanity and get some creative juices flowing. Hopefully this will put my ying and yang back in balance (whatever that means). All I know is that I am lots happier with my daily dose...so that is my plan.

Santa Cookies

A whole lot of lot of cookies for one fat Santa!

Sledding Fun

These pictures are about a month old, but they all still had a great time.

Thanks Jason

Prenatal Exposure

While I was pregnant with Erik I was working as a process analyst for Weber Basin Water. At the time we had about 5 major projects going on, which together amounted to about 100 million dollars. So, I spent a lot of time sitting in meetings with a whole bunch of engineers. I'm not talking about staff engineers, these were industry leaders from MWR, Carollo, and others. I was worried at the time how exposure to these engineers would affect my unborn child. After all as an expectant mother it was my job to take care of my baby. I was concerned mostly about his sense of humor being damaged, thankfully that came through intact, but now...almost 11 years later, I see the unexpected results of this exposure.

Happy Birthday & Happy New Year!!

Well, 2010 found the Dederick family...asleep! Yes, we aren't much for staying up and ringing in the new year, but Scott tries to stay awake at least until after 10:00 our time, because that means he is officially one year older. Being married to a New Year's baby isn't to bad, at least you don't forget and have it sneak up on you.

When we were first married I asked Scott what his favorite dish was, so that I could make it for his birthday. How was I to know it was sauerbraten? I had never even heard of such a thing. It turns out to be almost the national dish of Germany!!! (Because you know what renown cuisine the German's have. You know when you are out with a group of people, trying to decide where to go to eat...Mexican, italian,...german.)

Anyway, for those of you who are not familiar with this dish, you take a perfectly good roast and do unspeakable things to it. The German's believe that vinegar is actually an ingredient...growing up I just thought you had vinegar to color Easter eggs. But because I do love my husband, and it is his favorite I made his speciality again this year. I did go on to Food Network and get a new recipe for it from my favorite AB, so it was a little more vinegary this year, and I never did find the dried juniper berries it required. But all in all, a successful birthday tradition completed.

Now, that being said, I would like to take a minute and wish my dear husband a Happy Birthday. He really is a good guy, and my very best friend. I can't imagine a day without him and appreciate everything that he is. I love him more that anything and hope I have him for another 47 years.

Happy Birthday Scooter!