Yesterday & Today

Yesterday: 
I spent a good part of the day doing yardwork and my body felt it later that night.

Today:
We get our hot tub delivered.

Yesterday:
I started the second book from the Hunger Games.

Today:
I hope to find a moment to cuddle up on the couch and read more.

Yesterday:
I skipped dinner because our day was just too busy.

Today:
I am excited for Matt to make me filet mignon.

Yesterday:
We pondered getting fireworks.

Today:
We may actually do it.

Yesterday:
We finally got a power washer.

Today:
I have clean windows, porch and siding.

Yesterday:
We fed missionaries, including a strawberry trifle.

Today:
I get to have some of that trifle.

Yesterday:
I laughed with Matt as we watched one of our favorite shows, Louie C.K.

Today:
I hope to watch more.

Yesterday:
My boss texted and said I had a ton of work waiting for me for this weekend :).

Today:
I will head out to the office to pick it up.

Yesterday:
I saw Jaiden's empty chair in the kitchen while feeding the girls and I missed him.

Today:
I hope he is having fun camping, fishing and boating.
~S

What if?

Today, for the third time, I watched my oldest (11 years) get on a plane by himself.

While I have never cried watching my son go off on his own, I have dealt with the "what if" scenarios the last few days.

He is going to MT to spend time with my little brother. They have many fun things planned: boating, fishing, camping, hiking, a zip-line and maybe even some gopher hunting. What does this mean? Guns, water, bears and heights. No big deal right?

It is hard as a mother not to freak out or get overwhelmed when letting your child go off on an adventure. Questions such as: Will he get burned, take his medicine, watch out for bears, wear a life-jacket, be okay in the water, be safe and so forth all go through your mind.

But, at some point, you have to let them go, trust that the person you are handing them off to is going to watch over them and let them grow up.

I am so blessed to have a brother that cares about forming a relationship with my son. I never had an uncle or aunt take that much interest in me and I think the more mentors we have in our childrens' lives, the better.

Since my parents live in MT as well, he will get to spend some time with them too :).

This will be our first 4th of July without him and that's okay. I am happy that he will have fond memories of his uncle and I am sure he will have a blast.

I am also grateful that this time, compared to the first time, I had less pictures in my head of the plane going down. Mama mia. Being a parent is hard. ~S

LS & Traveling

Traveling with LS is a challenge to say the least.

Each place we stayed, we had to make sure that there was a hand sprayer in the shower. A regular shower head just does not do the job when you itch and are sore.

Not having a bidet sucked! Add the dry heat (95+) of UT and CO and it is hard to even function.

It was interesting because Maddie has both eczema and molluscum skin issues and they flared so bad in the dry weather. It was crazy! Poor kid had bumps from the molluscum and puffy, raw rashes from the eczema on her neck, arms, legs, back, thighs and belly. She was literally covered in rashes and bumps. I think both of us were glad to get back to the weather of Oregon :). Her rash is already improving.

I was proud of myself though. Despite the heat and how bad I got after 7 hours at an amusement park, I stuck through it and put on a happy face. I refuse to create memories with my kids where they missed out on their mom there because of a disease. I am not my disease, but rather Sherrie.

My disease will not define who I am or what I do :). ~S

Utah/Colorado 2012

Oregon..on the way back :)

Hot cocoa at Plaza Inn in Ontario, OR

Wearing J's new hat at Romio's Pizza in Ontario, OR

Sleep Inn in Ontario

Grand Junction, CO after seeing Matt's Aunt

Saturday

We spent most the day today in bed recovering from our road-trip.

This week we are preparing for our hot tub to be delivered, finishing the pond in the backyard, getting Jaiden ready to go to MT for a week, and getting back into the routine with work and daily activities.

I am excited for the 4th of July and our 13th anniversary on the 6th. Like every year, we will be spending it at Stephanie Inn at Cannon beach.

I am proud to say that despite going out various times to eat while on vacation, I did not gain a pound, but rather lost. :).

I am so grateful to be back in Portland. You don't realize how beautiful it is until you go to a hot, dry climate like Colorado and Utah. So glad to be back home.

I will post more pics of our trip tomorrow. Please keep our family, especially Matt in your prayers. He is so hurt by his dad right now. ~S

On the Road

We left Wednesday and our first driving day was, well, crazy. Right after leaving CO, we almost got hit by a wheel coming off a trailer, Maddie wet her pants in the car (I think she has a bladder infection), Maddie has a rash over her whole body (who knows what from) and Jaiden almost barfed from being sick from his meds (from the dog bite). We spent the first night at Matt's mom's in Utah and got to visit with his two sisters. Good times.

Thursday, we went through Idaho and ended up staying in Ontario, OR at a hotel. I finished working and the kids got to swim. We also went to this amazing pizza place. Probably the best pizza I have ever had while eating out. Yum!

Today we are headed back to Portland. I can't wait to get home and enjoy Matt's last few days of vacation in our own home. Trips are fun, but getting home is always better.

The officer who is handling Jaiden's dog bite called yesterday and wants to press criminal charges against Matt's dad. Mainly because it has viciously bit before (Matt's step-mom and nephew), they never disclosed that to us, and many other reasons. He could face a huge fine and maybe even jail time. What to do. We have some big decisions ahead of us. 

The worst part is, I just wish he would accept responsibility. He said that some people just don't know how to act around dogs, it is very common for kids to get bit and he got bit as a kid and is fine. Jaiden could have been blinded or even worse. This is what hurts the most, that he cares more for his dogs than his own grandchild. It as been really hard on Matt. This is such a terrible situation. At minimum, I hope animal services puts the dog down. I would hate for it to injure someone else.

Jaiden is pretty sore. We bought him a hat to keep his face out of the sun. The doctor said sun is the worst thing for him. His sisters keep accidentaly hitting his face or bumping him which makes him cry. It is so hard to see him in pain.

One thing is for sure, this has completely ruined our relationship with Matt's dad :(. ~S

Colorado: Day 5

Today was a little awkward. No one was really talking as we were all upset about the whole dog bite situation.

We did end up seeing a little of the town and went to a museum that Matt's dad volunteers at. We had fun looking at everything.

After, we checked out the local Costco (they had a liquor store inside!), a local shop where I got some really cool earrings and then to dinner by the river.

Tomorrow, we start our journey back home. We have 18 hours (not counting stops) ahead of us. We plan on doing half on Wednesday (stopping at a hotel so I can work and we can sleep and swim) and the rest on Thursday.

Matt does not go back to work until Sunday, so I am looking forward to a couple of days off together as a family, back in our home. I know we are all excited to see kitty as well :).

Wish us safe travels and that Jaiden's injuries heal soon and without much scarring :(. He leaves for MT after we get home for a week with my brother and I don't want him to still be in pain.~S

Cool fire engine huh? 

In front of the museum (check out the old wagon in the background!)

Colorado: Day Three & Four

We left Utah and drove to Colorado on Sunday. On the way, we stopped and went to IN-N-OUT. The burgers were good, but fries were nasty. I think we remembered it way better than it actually is.

We got to CO just in time to celebrate Father's Day with Matt's dad and Great-Grandfather (that we have never met). 

Then on Monday, this happened...Jaiden got bit by a dog.

Both eyebrows were bit.

I'm sure his face is going to be scarred.

Jaiden got bit by my FIL's huge Old English sheep dog. Ugh. I am so mad. Apparently this is not the first time he has bit someone in the face! I wish they would have warned us and I would have kept the dogs (there are two) away from my kids. Thankfully, it was not one of the girls as they are smaller. I am also glad that it was not worse for Jaiden's face.


What would you have done in my situation? Leave? Get a hotel? The dogs are still in the house. We are keeping them away as best as we can.

I told Matt that between Ashlin's black eye (she got hit by a swing a week ago) and now Jaiden, I would not be surprised if child services paid us a visit. My poor kids!

After we got him taken care of, we went up the mountain to a place called Glenwood Caverns Adventure. We rode an alpine slide down the mountain and went on a cave tour. Super cool. I love cave tours, especially if it is 95 outside!

Hopefully, tomorrow we will be injury free and have a better day. ~

Utah. Day Two

Today, we went to Lagoon Amusement Park. I grew up going there and it was fun for the kids to ride the same rides I did as a kid, and for me to enjoy them to! They are still as fun and scary as I remember. It was a hot day and we were there for a little over seven hours. Exhausting!

After, we met up with my friend from childhood for dinner and to walk around the temple grounds. I have not seen her in over twelve years! She moved to Kentucky after she got married and the miles, family and life in general have kept us apart. Luckily, she was in Utah the same time as me! It was fun catching up and meeting her daughter.

Jaiden about to get on the Sky Coaster. Such a handsome boy :).

Sky Coaster! Going up, up, up.

Matt & our nephew Joshua getting ready to go.

Ash & Maddie

Jamie :) We have known each other since we were 2.

Beautiful Temple Square. I spent many nights here as a teenager thinking.

Temple Square grounds.




Tomorrow, we are meeting up with four different friends from various times in my life. I am really excited :). ~S

Utah. Day 1: Part 2

We finished out the day with dinner at Su Casa, a place that Matt and his family always ate at, then we took the kids to an old time tradition...Iceberg for shakes. Needless to say, we were stuffed!

It was fun to see our old neighborhood's, neighbors and how much our houses from childhood have changed as new people have moved in. We also showed the kids the elementary schools we went to. I think during our tour, we were more excited than they were :).

Here are some pic's.

The house in Taylorsville that Matt and I first lived at. Jaiden was born here.

The house in Murray that Matt grew up in.

This is our mailbox from our first house (the one Jaiden was born in). How lame are the people who live here?! We have not lived there in 13 years and they still have our last name on the mailbox?!

Iceberg Shakes

They really are that big.

J was in heaven.

The house I grew up in :). I miss this house. A basement, huge yard and six bedrooms is so appealing. Plus, my dad built it.





~S

Utah...Day 1

We left Portland for Utah at 1:30 pm. We made really good time and I cannot believe how nice the Honda Pilot is to travel in. Soooo glad we made that purchase.

We made a few stops for gas and to let the kids stretch their legs. One was a casino that Matt wanted to check out. While he looked around, I let the kids play in the kids arcade area. We got some great pictures.

It took us about 13 hours to get here. Not bad at all, especially considering that we did not let the kids eat in the car. Not once. Weather was perfect and the kids did great. Today we are spending the day with Matt's family and going down memory lane.  We are going to show Jaiden the house he was born in and the house Matt and I grew up in.

I don't want to move back to Utah, but there are things I miss. The first thing I noticed was the stars. Amazing view in the sky that you just don't see in Portland. As a kid, I used to lay out on the trampoline and look at the stars. Good times :).

Tomorrow we are going to Lagoon (Six Flags), then out to dinner with my friends from high school. ~S

Utah/Colorado Bound

Today we leave for our vacation.

 Stay tuned for some great pics.

Thanks to Jennifer & Pam for taking care of the house and of course our kitty.

I am excited to have 10 days off from editing. I worked really hard the last few days so I would not have to be grading much while on vacation :).

What a great way to start summer and celebrate school being over for the kids. Wish us Happy Travels! Utah & Colorado...here we come! ~S

Happy Birthday J!

My first-born, Jaiden, turned 11 today!

For his birthday, last week we had a surprise party for him. Four of his friends (Eddie, Quentin, Noah and Hunter) slept over and went rollerskating. They spent the majority of the night playing the PS3 though.

Today, he had a little celebration at school (at this age, it is no longer cool for mom to come in and bring treats, so he just brought some goodies in his bag this morning).

Then, we took him out to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner and dessert.

My husband pointed out that today was kind of a celebration for the whole family.

11 years ago, we decided to move to Oregon and go back to school so we could have good careers. We also decided that whenever we moved, it would always be a step-up. We are big into making 5 year plans :).

I am proud to be this boy's mom. He is such a responsible young man. Happy Birthday J! ~S

Talkies

We bought my daughter these today. They work from long distances, so she gave one to her friend so they can talk from their houses. Too cute.

They are also nice to communicate back and forth with your kids if they are outside or on their way to a friend's house.

We have had fun messing around with them today.

Maddie is at her friend's house and just asked me via the walkie talkie (who came up with that name?) if she could stay at her friend's and eat dinner. Who needs phones? LOL.

She is only 7, so until she is old enough for a phone like her brother has, these will work out just fine :).

They are at Costco for around $50 if you are interested :). Two more days until summer vacation for the kids!!!! ~S

When Swings Attack

Poor Ashlin.  This was taken shortly after. This morning, it is super swollen and bruised :(.

~S

Birthday

36

Today was my birthday.

I woke up to this...

The picture is not that good, but there are little pin-wheels and ribbons all over the lawn.
Two of my sweet friends (well, one because the other one would not get out of bed, LOL!) did this very early in the morning and it was the best thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you Shanon and Jennifer!

My day was pretty restful. I woke up to breakfast in bed, then I went to my work (don't worry, it was just to pick-up files for the weekend) and then I took a two hour nap. Ahhh. Matt made me dinner and we spent the rest of the night relaxing.

I got some sweet personal gifts from friends and some thoughtful cards.

Thanks to everyone who made my birthday special. Much appreciated. ~S

5 Things to Smile About

Matt is home.

I finished grading finals for my sociology class.

We go on vacation in 5 days!

I have a surprise party for Jaiden tonight.

I turn 36 tomorrow :).

~S

Glimmer of Sunshine

I had quite possibly the worst day yesterday.

No need to go into details. The day is over. Matt comes home tonight and I am looking forward to celebrating two birthdays and getting ready for our trip.

Yesterday, as I was driving to work, I stopped to get gas (this was before my bad day started). I reached into my wallet to put the reciept away and noticed two folded sheets of paper.

As I opened them, I realized that Ashlin, my youngest (4 yrs) had drawn two pictures and secretly put them in my wallet.

I cannot express the joy I felt. What a sweet thing to do. As my day progressed and everything seemed to fall apart, I kept reminding myself of her act of kindness and how it made me feel. I must be doing something right :). ~S

Day Two Confession

As you know, my husband left last Monday and is returning Thursday night.

I have never been alone for that long with the kids (since working).

So here are my CONFESSIONS after being away from him for 1.5 days.

1} Being home alone all night is a little scary. Every sound gets me thinking about what I would do IF someone broke in. Silly I know, but this girl likes to be prepared!

2}  I have found myself eating (for virtually every meal) Bob's Red Mill steel cut oats with blueberries. I made a pot of it, put it in the fridge and just microwave it. Lazy I know, but remember I am grading TWO classes assignments this week and doing editing all while taking care of three kids.

3} I have been sleeping in a tank top. Why you ask? When Matt is here, I cover my arms, always. I have never liked my arms. I am afraid he will judge me.

4} I may have gone two days without shaving my legs.

5}  I am more productive in the morning before work due to the fact that I know I will not have help later when I get home from work.

6} I have been so busy during the day with work, the kids and errands, that I have not had time to miss him. But, tonight, I have to admit. I miss him. Love you honey.

~S

Summer

What Will You Be Doing This Summer?

This is what I will be doing.

How cool are these? They are recurve bows. My dad MADE these. He carved them back in the days when he taught shop at a junior high. So they are about 35 years old and in beautiful shape.

How neat it is that I can use the ones my dad made? So special. Thanks Dad!

I remember looking at these when I was a kid.

My friend is a bow (although she uses a compound bow) expert and she is going to teach me how to use them.

I am excited to take up this sport. :) ~S

Juggling

Matt leaves for Bend today and won't be back for four days. It is going to be a juggling act to say the least.

I start grading finals today (63 of them) and my other students for another class (42 of them) turn in their first assignment today as well. The University requires that all of my grading is done in 72 hours. You do the math. Sucky. However, on the 8th, I get a double paycheck for teaching two classes :).

On top of that, I have editing to do for my other job and that requires going into the office 3/4 of the days Matt will be gone. Did I mention that I also told my boss to "load me up" with work this week since I will be on vacation soon?! I am just asking for punishment huh?

I have a sitter for one of the days, I have time to go in today before Matt goes, so that leaves two days that I will need someone to watch Ash.

I might just go in when Jaiden gets home from school so he can watch the kids. Have I told you how nice it is to have a son that is old enough to babysit?! 

I do have some fun things planned though. My old boss/friend is coming over one night and I invited a bunch of ladies over on Thursday for a Girls Night.

I also planned a surprise rollerskating/sleepover for Jaiden's birthday on Friday night :). Then my birthday is Saturday! I will be 36. Age has never meant anything to me and I am more focused on getting us packed and ready for our vacation and Jaiden's party to really care. But, I am glad to have an excuse to eat cake!

On a side note: Yesterday, when we went to Costco (we normally don't go on the weekends but had to get some stuff for a BBQ) we encountered this family of three that were all adults, arguing and swearing about every little thing they put in their cart. Then, Matt and the kids happened to see a group of men in full body armor reenacting a battle scene at an elementary by our house. It was a surreal day to say the least! I have never understood battle reenacting.

Happy Monday!! ~S

Weekly Wrap-Up

1} Lamest thing I did this week:

Matt & I fell asleep before ten (very rare for us..or at least me). Why is this lame? Because I slept in my make-up (can you say gross morning eyes) and we (me) woke up to sick dinner dishes and food lying around. Ewww. Not a good way to start your morning.

2} Not sure what my problem is:

This whole week (well, for the last two days) I have been in a funk. I have no energy, feel like crawling in bed and don't want to do anything! Ugh. I hate feeling this way. I am hoping I wake up energized. We have people coming over for dinner and I have to work both jobs tomorrow :/,

3} Raise:

My new raise at my editing job has finally started (on June 1st). I really cannot complain about this job since I make a ridiculous amount of money per hour and can work as much/little as I want, but, I still want something more challenging.

4} Mixed Feelings:

I am having mixed feelings about our upcoming vacation. I am super excited to see all of my friends, but as with any family trip when you are going to see in-laws, it is hard to please everyone. Hopefully they will remember this is our vacation, not a "we are coming to see you" trip. Ya know what I mean?!

5}  Travelling Kitty:

Matt let the girls take the kitty on a leash to Home Depot. Two times. That poor cat. I am putting my foot down and telling them no more. How ridiculous is that?! I feel really bad for her as she is clearly not amused.

Pray I wake up a new woman. ~S