Spontaneous Weekend

Last weekend we did something totally somewhat spontaneous, which is not me. I discovered however that being spontaneous made me really happy. On Monday I called my friend Alyssa to see if by chance if we went to Utah if my kids could spend the night on Friday. Alyssa said they could and that her kids would be very excited. I told her we weren't 100% certain because of Lou's craziness at work but I wanted to make sure it was a possibility. I wanted to go to the Jerry Sloan retirement ceremony at the Jazz game on Friday. That night I talked to Lou and said we should probably decide because every time I looked at tickets they were going up in price. Lou said he couldn't commit 100% because a lot was going on at work but to get the tickets to be safe. I thought the worst that happens is none of us go, the second worse that happens is that I go with the kids and take a friend with me to the game and the best outcome, we all go to Utah together.

The next day I bought the tickets for me and Lou. They were the cheapest I could find so not fantabulous seats but I was just so happy to be going to the game. Lou worked very hard all week to be able to take this little trip on Friday. Lou was on the phone as far as his phone had service while we were driving, or had me sending texts to work people, which was a sacrifice on my part because of my motion sickness, but anything to help Lou since was doing all this for me.

We left Boise a little before 11 and arrived at Alyssa's about 4. The kids were so excited to see their friends and I was just as excited to see my friend.  Lou and I didn't stay long at Alyssa's, because Lou had to get to the hotel to do some work before dinner and the game. Oh yeah did I mention that we stayed in a hotel. I found an absolutely amazing deal for Little America online so we did it.

Driving into downtown Salt Lake with Lou was a blast, we listened when we could to the Jerry Sloan press conference that featured Jerry, John and Karl.  (we could listen when Lou wasn't on the phone, have you noticed Lou is always on the phone?).  We checked into the hotel. The room was very pretty, it had english carpet, real glasses instead of plastic cups. a vanity with a chair, where I totally did my hair and makeup sitting down! I couldn't believe how nice it was for how little we paid. Thank goodness for internet deals. Lou did work and I had fun texting my Jazz BFF, Moni. We texted about the press conference, the excitement of the game and ceremony and texted that we wished she could be in Utah for it.

I loved all the details in the hotel, like this soap dish, and that our soap was from London! 

Before the game we met some of my SLC Dunk friends for dinner. We took the TRAX to the Gateway where we ate at La Jolla Groves. La Jolla Groves is my absolute most favorite restaurant in Provo,  when I saw that they had opened one at the Gateway I knew we had to eat there.  Dinner was so great, the food was delicious, the water was amazing and we couldn't have asked for better company.

Our view of the ceremony

We walked over to the ESA and got there in time to say hi to another Jazz friend. We made it to our seats just in time for National Anthem and the player intros. The arena was decked out all honoring Jerry, showing pics and stats on the new screens. The game was pretty fun to watch (for this year's Jazz team). The halftime ceremony was amazing, they did such a good job honoring Jerry. The Jazz unfortunately lost the game but being there with Louis and watching Jerry's ceremony was worth it. After the game we met up with some different Jazz friends and talked for awhile, they are super nice couple.  We finally took the TRAX back to the Little America. On the way back to the hotel, Lou said I could get used to commuting like this, I thought the same thing. It was so fun to just be in the city for the night and be like a city person.

When we got to the hotel we decided to walk around the lobby a little bit (our hotel room wasn't in the tower but in one of the smaller buildings). the lobby was so beautiful. They had a nice fire going so Lou and I sat in front of the fire and talked.

The welcoming fire in the lobby

The next morning Lou woke up and did work once again, and I slept.  We made it to Alyssa's to pick up the kids around 11:30. We stayed for a few hours. It was great to talk with Alyssa and Jared. They are such good friends, some of our oldest friends.

On our way home we went to Lou's grandparents house. We called them earlier and said we were in Utah and wanted to stop by. We went to a grocery store to pick up a box of chocolates and a flower for Grandma, since she had had surgery earlier in the month. The grocery store is named Dick's. It reminds me of Day's in Provo. Its much larger but has the same feel and everyone is so friendly. Everyone smiled at us, I love that small town feel in not a very small town. When we got to Lou's grandparent's house they had pizza for us, chips, and other yummy foods. They are the best hosts. We always love spending time with Lou's Grandma and Grandpa Allen. They are so kind and loving.

Billboard we saw leaving Bountiful

We finally had to drive back to Boise. It was very hard to leave Utah with all the love we felt from friends and family. On the way home we listened to Primary songs which invited great conversations.

It was such a perfect weekend. I love our family. I love that our kids are old enough to to do fun things like take somewhat spontaneous trip to Salt Lake.

Gratitude Corner:

Maybe I'll have friends soon :)

Yesterday I received an email from a member of the stake Relief Society presidency. She came to visit with a member of the ward relief society a few weeks ago. She was super kind in the email and we are planning a dinner or a movie night.

A few weeks ago BYU played Gonzaga. A family in our ward invited us to watch the game. The same day they invited us we found out we were visiting teaching companions.  The game was a ton of fun even though BYU lost.

Look at me, blogging!

Ha!:) This post was started on December 29th! I love blogging and set a goal this year to do it twice a week. Goal starting now.  My friend Rachelle texted me last week to ask me what was up with my blog, she said she feels she's the only one blogging lately, so here I am Rachelle, joining you in the blogging world again! So without further adieu lets continue the December 29th post :

Wow its been a long time since I've blogged way tooooo long. I didn't realize it until I wondered if I blogged about Christmas and realized I hadn't blogged since December 4th!!!!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

December has been a crazy crazy month for me. I worked three jobs in the month of December. I told Sharon that and she said what are you, crazy?  I am crazy I have a hard time giving things up and saying no so this December was way more busy than expected or wanted. I also played the piano for the children's choir at church and the choirs at the school.  I worked my normal two jobs the after school job for about 1 1/2 hrs a day, my Daily Herald job that is 4 hrs/ night and then the Bookstore job I did last year but only 2 hrs/day.  It was nice to have the extra money but it made life way too crazy and hard to enjoy the Christmas season.

I very much enjoyed the time once school was off and I couldn't work the bookstore and didn't have to work the after school job. I felt like I had so much time during those few days before Christmas.  Lou has been off since Dec 20th working on our house, slowly but surely I will no longer be living in a remodel situation.

The day before Christmas Eve we did a lot of shopping as a whole family getting gifts for family members and sneaking while at the same store to get gifts for each other.   One of my favorites was at Deseret Book I think between me and Lou we went to the register four different times sneaking gifts from the kids and each other.

On Christmas Eve we went out to lunch at Nicolitalias as per our tradition but this time we were joined by our dear dear friends the Uffenordes. It was a blast.  We then headed up to Salt Lake to Lou's parents house.  We arrived and decorated gingerbread cookies. We had  a nice dinner of soup and salad.  We had our Christmas program with costumes that Leann made last year, I was Mary, Josh was Joseph, Kira was an angel, Lou and Mark were Wisemen,  Jeff was a Shepard and Leann I think was in the inn-keeper. We sang songs and I played the piano.  We then opened Christmas eve gifts which were jammies for the kids and puzzles and games for us. We played Christmas bingo, which was a blast, ate yummy mint M&M's and Cadbury hard shelled eggs. It was then time for the kids to go to bed. After they went to bed we played a game called Discombobulation which I bought. It was so fun and so funny. the only sad thing is it is for 3 or more players so Lou and I won't be able to play on our own, I guess when the house is done we'll have to start hosting game nights again. (anyone interested? )  We ended the night by watching a Christmas Story (not my favorite).  The next morning the kids woke up super early to a grumpy mom.  We opened our presents. I was truly spoiled.  Lou got me a Kindle Fire, I was so surprised, I think my jaw actually dropped when I opened it. Its been so fun so far. Perfect little tablet for me.  Lou also got me a set of Simply Calphalon pots and pans. (He got it cheaper for what the link says) i love them already, they cook so evenly, they are so clean and nice. I just love them and love planning our dinners because of them.  Kira got me a case for my Kindle Fire, Josh got me this CTR ring.  Lou's parents and my parents fit in with kitchen goods it was just so perfect!

After we opened presents we had breakfast then headed back to Provo to go to our ward. We had to go back because the kids were singing and I was accompanying a friend who was singing.  After church we went back to Salt Lake to play with our Christmas toys.  Jake and Mandy came around dinner time we exhanged gifts. They got us a mini-donut maker! (yay, more kitchen stuff!) and the kids had fun playing with their cousins, Claire and Jane.

We spent Monday just lounging around and ate a yummy rib dinner before we had to head back to Provo for real life again.

Over break Kira liked to do puzzles, she can do 400 piece puzzles now. I don't think I can.  Josh liked to play on our new Wii.  It was so wonderful having them home. I miss them now that they are at school again.
Now we have been in normal school/work routines for a week. I love it because I  love routines, though I have been very tired lately which makes its hard to get up with the kids.  

So last week was a dream Jazz week for me.  I won tickets on Tuesday to sit in a suite, the Jazz beat the Bucks. Then on Friday I was invited by Greg Miller to sit with him courtside where the Jazz beat the Grizzlies. I will  have to write an entire separate post on my courtside experience.

Kira is already looking forward to Valentine's Day, she is making cards already for kids in her class.  I need to join her, January is my least favorite month, so looking forward to Valentine's Day is a great plan.

Summer Break So Far

So the kids have been out of school for nearly two weeks. I feel so bad but I've been sick for a week of that time. Whatever bug i have won't leave, and poor Lou has caught it too. the kids have had fun playing outside EVERYDAY!!!!  They enjoy going to the school and playing on the playground as an endless recess.  Last night Kira asked what exactly the Universe was. I told her and she said "Mom, Josh is the best brother in the entire universe"




Kira has had a sleepover with Kyah, that was for the last day of school.  We met at the library the next day for me to pick up Kira and to sign up for the Summer Reading Program.  The kids are loving reading.
I have been good about reading the Scriptures with them everyday.

We had a BBQ last weekend with some friends of mine from my Masters School Cohort. It was so fun and to enjoy each others families. The kids all play well.

The night of the BBQ we had Lou's cousin and his wife over a game night, they moved down from Idaho about a month ago.  They have a cute 2 month old baby named Emery. I enjoyed holding him :)  They blessed him the next day, Lou was able to stand in the circle.

I had a dream come true!!! A week ago I went to the media session for the Jazz's pre-draft workouts. I was in heaven, I couldn't believe they asked me to do it.  I get to cover the other sessions also before the draft :)

Lou has been home since last Friday, its been nice except we're both sick. I am doing better today except for a small bout of food poisoning from Chili's last night, the company (Robin) was great, the food was so yummy but for whatever reason, it made me sick. Robin mentioned she didn't feel good either. I went to Chili's this morning, got my money back and they gave me a free coupon for chips and queso and a gift card.

Hopefully after this food poisoning is gone (btw it already so much better than it was) we can really start our summer break!

Friends

Last week was Spring Break for the kids.  I think it was a good warm up for me for the soon to be summer vacation for the kids. We had such a fun time staying home and also going out and playing with friends.   I also got to go to the last Jazz game of the season (boo hoo)

We played with our friends the Uffenordes a lot.  We went to the Kangaroo Zoo on Thursday.  When I told the kids the morning of that we were going Kira kindly implored.. whats a KANGAROO zoo?  My sweetie honestly thought we were going to look at kangaroos.  When I reminded her what it was she said oh its called the Kangaroo Zoo because we jump and bounce around like kangaroos!

Kira, Josh, Kyah Ahsha, Isaac

Joshy one of the many many times he asked me to "watch Mom!"

Kira, Kyah and Josh all coming down together

as you can tell Kira had a fun fun time!

The girls of the Uffenorde and Allen clans also got to play on Friday. We had a girl scout activity at the library, then of course that wasn't enough time for the girls to be together so we went to the park followed by a fun trip to Baskin Robbins (treated by Alyssa... Thanks!)  That would have to do but it still wasn't enough time for the friends since birth Kira and Kyah (they often tell other friends, "hey did you know I've known Kira since I was born!")

I got to see some friends besides Alyssa.  Jessie is in town and we all went to dinner on Thursday ( I picked her up so we could have that extra talking time)  We spent a good 3 hours at Chilis. Tons of talking, good laughs, good times but not good service (our waitress was kind of annoying).  It  is always so fun to be with Jessie.  We also had a picnic at my house on Saturday. the sun was shining the kids were good, what more could you ask for!  We missed Rachelle on both days. Rachelle is ALWAYS busy with school or work.

Robin, Jessie, me, Bridget

Wednesday was the last game of the season. As a Jazzbot some of us were given tickets and a pass to eat in the VIP room. It was such an incredible night besides the fact of the disappointment of the season ending early. The dinner was great, the company was also great.  No spouses were invited. It was kind of nice because we got to talk to each other.  Its kind of amazing that some of these people I hadn't "met" before but because of our contact on the website and twitter it was like chatting with old friends.  The Jazz played a great game and won!

Here is a video not related to that night but I found it today. Don't know how I never saw it before or how I didn't remember it but hello the best NBA commercial for a girl who loves Friends and who loves John Stockton

alright here I am

Ok I promised weekly creation posts so sorry that didn't happen the last two weeks.  I have been working this week at the BYU Bookstore again doing inventory (yes  I love it, my need to organize things and count are being fulfilled and who doesn't like using a scanner!) and last week Josh was sick and home much of the week so nothing got done on the creative front. I have been cross stitching a Pooh Bear bookmark for Kira hopefully gets done this weekend.

These last few weeks have been full with the good and the bad

• Sharon's Birthday- although she lives thousands of miles away from me.  I LOVE Sharon's birthday. Yes it helps that its Valentine's Day. I love a day to think about my sister and all the happiness she has provided me over the year.  
• I was asked by the Custom Specialty Orders Department if I might want a regular part time job helping with sewing and filling orders.  I said yes and the lady asked me to come talk to her about it after my shift (on Wednesday) and she would tell me the details. I went to her office she wasn't there, I looked for her on Thursday and left a phone message and she hasn't called back. So I have no idea what will happen but it would sure be cool if it worked out.
• Kira is  now reading at a 3rd grade level, she never ceases to amaze me.
• ok I know it shouldn't matter but I have had a really hard time with the resignation of Jerry Sloan. I knew at the age of 69 and coaching the Jazz for 23 years it would come sooner than later. I don't however like how it happened. I don't like that Greg Miller no longer had Sloan's back and that he put the players above the coach, especially a HOF coach who put the Jazz on the map.  This is not to say I'm not excited to see what Coach Corbin can do. I am but it doesn't rest well for me of how it happened.  Jazz are a small market team and cannot afford to cater  their franchise to a star player. Look what happened with Cleveland and Lebron, it never ends well.  I am grateful for a husband who didn't laugh at me when I had to talk endlessly about the situation, who just held me when I cried hard for a good five minutes to let it all out.  I am grateful for Lou who understands that Sloan leaving was more to me than just a coach leaving a team but represented another constant from childhood changed/gone in my grownup life. I am grateful for friends who called/emailed me to see how I was doing when they heard the news.  Its silly but it shows me my friends really do accept me for me and know me oh so well.
• We had a party with the kids in our Sunday School class last Saturday it was so fun, they came to our house and played Rock Band for hours, they are such good kids. They do think its cool that I have met Jimmer quite a few times (who am I kidding I think I'm cool for having met Jimmer)
• Most of the week I worked (we were in partners) with a lady name Mariann. she is my Mom's age and is super nice (we worked ecommerce together this Christmas). I loved talking to her and hearing about her kids/grandkids.  Today however we did things a little different. One of my partners was a student recently returned from his mission.  We had been working for awhile and he said you live up in Edgemont right?  Surprised I said yes, how do you know. He said he remembered seeing me at the ward building, he goes to the single ward where we go to church.  I asked him if he graduated from Timpview he said yeah a long time ago in 2007. that made me giggle.  He asked what highschool I went to I said Cottonwood. he asked what year I graduated that made me laugh. I said well i've been married nearly 10 years so its been awhile. He looked shocked that I have been married so long.  He said well I know you're older than this because I saw your kids with you at Church.  But honestly when I saw you I thought you were maybe 23 at the oldest but that didn't make sense with your kids. That made me feel great.   I also had a weird moment at work when I realized that another boy I was working with who was a Freshman at the age of 18 was closer to my Kira's age than to me. ugh I'm getting old.

So the good and the bad a recap of my last couple of weeks :)

this weeks happenings

Ok I thought of many things to blog this week but can't remember any of them right now. its just been a week and I've trying to be more consistent in things.

• I have been SICK since Friday. the kind of sick where you can't get out of bed.  Its a real bummer since I have been doing so well with my thyroid issues.
• We had blogger bookclub this week. It was lots of fun. They are such fun girls, there is always an interesting, fun discussion.
• I found a piano teacher for Kira. I am really excited. its a girl in our ward, she is sixteen but really talented, she isn't charging us much.  Kira is already so talented at it and has so much interest in it. Kira starts this week on Wednesday.
• Josh is getting better at reading and the sounds of letters, Randomly yesterday he said Mom, uncle starts with u. 
• The Jazz have lost 4 in a row it really bums me out. I am trying and have been successful in not letting the Jazz influence my mood negatively.  Has all to do with my joy.

                                                           

• I went to Harry Potter this week. I went all by myself. first time ever. it was tons of fun. I sneaked in a can of caffeine-free Pepsi, some microwave popcorn and M&Ms.   Good times all by myself- another activity to do with my operation Joy this year.

                                                   

• I mailed Sharon's baby gift for Roman this week 5 months late but hey its cute and homemade.

                                                             

• I made some Love blocks for our shelves.  I took a picture but feel to sick to grab the camera from the other room to download the pics onto the computer.So sometime this week.
• Robin, Rachelle and I had a Glee night a week ago Saturday, we are having another one this coming weekend. I am very excited. Such good times with dear friends.

                

• Lou is almost done with Josh and Kira's rooms in the basement, can't wait the goal is that the basement will be done by the end of the month.

Well thats all I can think of right now.  thanks for all the comments last post, makes me so happy :)

• I love my job. I love being busy and around adults. I mean as a mom you're busy but  its different.
• Josh and I went to the Jazz game on  Wednesday, so fun! Lou and I went on Friday, such a blast! Lou and I were in the lower bowl. (doesn't happen often for us) both games we received free tickets to the game!
• My doctor thinks I have too much yeast in my system He wants me to do the Candida Diet to cleanse out my system .Its for three weeks  I have only done it for two days now.  No sugar of any kind (including fruits) no yeast or certain grains, strict on oils. After the three weeks you can slowly add in things. Three weeks would put me at Dec 26th.  I think I will end it Dec 24th or take two days off for Christmas.
• Lou and I are going to be called to be service missionaries. We will help young single adults to find employment. I am excited but worried what we'll do with the kids, hopefully we can alternate at the employment center.
• Three weeks till Christmas. I am so excited.  I have most of my shopping done but still have much that I want to do. December is the best month but always goes by the quickest!

Weekly Update- My Christmas Job and More!

I was dedicated to writing on our blog more and here I go a few weeks without writing.  I think because I have been writing in my journal more and being busy and tired it just hasn't gotten done. Plus it feels overwhelming thinking I have to "catch up" but hey is my blog so I am saying I don't have to catch up.

• The kids had Wednesday and Friday off due to Thanksgiving. Its been so fun having them home.  They are soooooo excited about the holidays.
• We had Thanksgiving with Lou's parents, its fun but it is different than my family growing up. I loved Thanksgiving with my family.  The food was always delicious but simple so it didn't seem my mom had to be working constantly.  We would eat snacks, chip and dip, fruit salad, cookies, veggies and dip. We would play games while watching Christmas movies.  I loved it.  Grandma Field would come it was great.  Lou's family celebrates a little different. Seems like no one is really allowed to eat before the meal (so I brought chips and dip for us) and we brought games but no one seemed to want to play with us.. kind of meh kind of holiday good but not the best.  I read my  friend Robyns post about their family's Thanksgiving it seemed so cool. The kids did a talent show, they played Turkey Bingo, played games, sounds like fun, how I picture Thanksgiving.
• I found my camera... yippee!!! So from now expect pictures with my posts.
• I got a temporary job at the BYU Bookstore for Christmas filling their online orders.  I have worked twice now, its hard work but fun. It will be nice to have the extra money this time of year. Plus it turns out a friend from my last ward Jessica Wilson is working there too :)
• Last week Robin and I went to our friend's Bridget's step-dad's funeral. He died at 59 of a heart attack.  I feel so sad for Bridget. She was close to her step-dad he was her dad. I am happy Robin and I could go to the funeral and support our dear friend.  Robin lost her mom 2 years ago this time of year.  Its nice they can support each other and truly understand what one another is going through.
• I have a follow up appointment with my doctor on Tuesday.  He did a bunch of blood work 2 weeks ago. Hopefully we figure out why I feel so hypo all the time.
• We want to do the 12 Days of Christmas with our Sunday School Class. We are having them decide on the family. If you have any good ideas of what we can do for the days, please share :)
• Jazz beat the Lakers on Friday. It was awesome!
• I have an idea for gifts for my friends and sisters I am excited about it.
• Its hard to believe its less than a month till Christmas.  I love my kids' ages they are so excited. I am always excited about Christmas. December is such a fun month!

Alright that is all I can think of to write about. Hopefully it will be sooner than 2 or 3 weeks when I update next!

I'm Awake

Everyone in my house is asleep. Its been that way for hours. The kids down at 7:30 and Lou well Lou went to sleep around the time I woke up from my nap. (6:00 pm) Lou had a bad headache (unusual for him) and said he wanted to lay down for a minute and as been in bed for six hours now.

I sometimes enjoy these evenings on my own although not as much as I used to when the kids were babies. I remember then that bed time was my most favorite time of day.  Now it doesn't seem to matter as much since well I have 7 hours to myself Monday-Friday.

Don't get me wrong I still love bedtime but to have alone time with Lou and since he was asleep before the kids well tonight was just kind of meh.

Tonight I've been thinking a lot about many random things.

• The kids Primary program was today. It was so nice. I loved hearing the sweet children sing their songs and say their lines.  Josh and Kira both were confident in their parts, having them memorized and not being nervous.  Josh's line was "But have everlasting life" he said his line so slowly and clear.. Go Joshy!  Kira's line was "the Israelites were blessed for following the prophet and we can be too" She did great too so confident even though she is sick.
• Lou and I have been teaching the 12-13 year olds Sunday School class since August. We love it. Our class is so great.  We finally remembered to get set apart today.  I like our Bishop. He set us apart. Although we were set apart for the same calling, our blessings couldn't have been more different from each other.  I love that the Lord knows what we need to hear, personally. 
• I have an appointment with a new doctor this week.  My friend Jen also has thyroid problems. I love my doctor but he doesn't accept insurance and since I'm not getting better its getting expensive. Jen's doctor also believes in naturpatholgy but is just a general practicioner so our insurance is accepted.  I am tired of having so many ups and downs with my heath.  I have a good feeling about this doctor. (wish me luck)
• I have yet to blog about my Uncle Bob's funeral that took place last Tuesday. I will. It has been on my mind a lot.
• I am reading Eat Pray Love. I am enjoying it like the movie.
• I missed nearly all the Jazz games this week because of other commitments.  I finally watched their game on Saturday.  The Jazz have won 5 games in a row (4 on the road) by overcoming double digit deficits in the second half.  That just doesn't happen in the NBA... fun times!
• I have been working on Sharon's gift for Roman since he was born in August (right August) it will get done in the next 2 days.No excuse for having taken this long.

Just my random thoughts on my night by myself.