The Good News

So I've shared the bad news of my Christmas break (water slowly claiming my kitchen floor), now for the good.

This is my Christmas present. Hooray! I love it. Troy totally surprised me. We've talked about getting a second car, but I'd been putting it off because it's such a hard decision. So he just made the decision for me. Yay! It drives beautifully and has all kinds of fancy things about it. It even talks to me. Well, I talk to it and it just repeats the command, but it makes me feel special nonetheless.

100!

I just realized that my 100th post is a repost recapping my not-so-impressive blogging year. Fitting and yet depressing.

Blog Year in Review

Take the first sentence from the first post you made each month and string them together.

Where to begin, where to begin. Well I'm back home now. I know I haven't posted in FOREVER and I've been just as bad at checking every else's blogs, but I promise I'll try to get back on the wagon. That's right, I'm on a roll. Well, my nose is all better. I certainly have not been a good blogger, but lately I've "rediscovered" my computer, so I'll really try to do better. Last weekend Troy and I went camping on the beach in San Clemente with his sisters and their families. Wow, what a busy girl I have been. I know it's been a long time. I should stop saying I'll do better posting because I never do get any better. I have to interrupt my checkbook balancing (and blog silence) to say that I am in love.

That's right, there are only 11 sentances. I didn't post at all in March. Can you pick up on a theme? I'll stop opening with "I'm a bad blogger" and just get right to the point.

Welcome Home!!

There are some things in life you should just expect: taxes in April, fireworks in July and, apparently for the Petersons, floods in December.
Last December our neighbor had a leak in his bathroom and all the water came to my living room. All turned out well just in time for us to leave for vacation.

Jump ahead to 2008. Yesterday we returned home to find this

There is water under the tile and the base cabinets stink of wetness. But there was no water dripping anywhere. I talked to my neighbor (sharing the other wall this time) and she had noticed a wet spot on the exterior stucco but nothing more. I decided to trace the water line on the tile to see if water was still leaking. When I got up this morning the water marks had expanded, so that meant I had to spend my day sleuthing. As I was standing in the kitchen contemplating my dilemma while eating leftover pizza for breakfast, I heard the sound of rushing water in the wall. I touched the wall to see if it was wet and found a little drip of water coming from under the faceplate of an outlet. I immediately unplugged the microwave (thank goodness the water didn't gush as I was warming my pizza), threw on my slippers and ran to the neighbor's to see if she had just ran water in her bathroom (which is on the second story of that wall). She had!

Great, I thought. I have poo water under my tile. However, after more testing, we concluded that the tubs and toilets in our bathrooms were safe, but that we share a drainline from our vanity sinks which must have a hole in it. Workers were called and after doing this

to my kitchen wall, we found the problem--a gaping hole in the pipe.

Of course the master plumber is out of town until tomorrow so until then I had to put the sink out of commission because I'm such a creature of habit that I accidentally turned it on for .5 seconds before realizing I was filling my kitchen with more water.

Oh well, if I look on the bright side, I'll start the new year with a new pipe. (fingers are crossed for good luck!)

Twilight

I have to interrupt my checkbook balancing (and blog silence) to say that I am in love. Well, it's a given that I'm in love with Troy, but this is a new, additional love.

I saw Twilight last night (I know, finally) and LOVED it! Erica, I must say that I didn't get you're thing for Robert Pattinson, but yeah, now I totally agree. I'm listening to Bella's Lullaby from the movie right now and am just so happy. I love things that make you feel that way. I absolutely must see it again and again and again. Now I have to read the book again. Just thought I'd share my excitement with the universe.

Here I am!

Take the Quiz here!

It's probably true. Not to exciting, just trying to do what needs to be done.

Tag Christmas Style

The Christmas spirit is spreading. I spent one night last week getting my Christmas layout ready, so get ready for December 28! Mande tagged me so let's see if I come up with anything new.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper for sure. I like to wrap and I like how they all look under the tree.

2. Real tree or Artificial? I grew up with real, ugly trees and loved it, but have a cheap-o artificial now.

3. When do you put up the tree? Thanksgiving weekend.

4. When do you take the tree down? A day or two after new years.

5. Do you like eggnog? Ick.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Umm, I think I loved getting new Barbies. I remember being really excited the year we got beanbag chairs.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My dad.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Usually Troy. He's good at telling me what he'd like.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No. My house is too little--no where to put it.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither. No one wants a picture of just Troy and I.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I'm sure there are lots, but I've probably blocked out the memory.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I saw one on ABC family a few years ago that I really liked, but I don't know what it's called. It has Will from Will & Grace in it but he's not gay and has long hair.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Probably. Work has a white elephant party so I'm sure I've re-gifted a few items.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Tear bread. Ooey gooey calories.

16. Lights on the tree? Essential.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh, I was just browsing my Christmas playlist and am getting so excited. Just check back Thanksgiving weekend and you can see them all!!!!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? It depends on which family we're partying with. We don't celebrate my ourselves

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? I think so.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel and Troy hates it.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? PJs on Christmas eve when we're with my family; the rest Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Standing in line and stupid department store commercials.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? For looks--red. For sentiment--all the random stuff we've hung on the tree since I was 3.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Christmas day dinner--all the traditional stuff. My family has a Jesus dinner on Christmas eve and eat semi-Jesus food (fish sticks, veggies, pitas) by candlelight. I love it.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? If I could answer that I'd have a lot of happy relatives. Probably something practical.

I tag Trish.

A proposed policy change

Now that I have shared my thoughts on the best day of the week to have off, I will tackled a closely-related labor issue that has been on my mind this week.

Every week should be a three-day work week. This week was over so quickly that I didn't even have time to get disillusioned with my job. Granted, making Wednesday Monday made it difficult to roll out of bed that morning, but everyday offered something to be happy about. Wednesday I drew from the happiness of the recent long weekend. Thursday is always wonderful because the anticipation of America's TV night and Friday carries you through. Friday is Friday and needs no further explanation. I must also say that from a school point of view, the kids had less time to get crazy before we sent them off again for the weekend. It was wonderful.

I understand a three day work week is neither feasible nor productive, but it's a great experience and moral booster every once in a while. Happy working!

I have changed my mind

When I was in high school, I loved it when we had Fridays off for two primary reasons: 1) I didn't have to go to school and 2) I essentially had two Saturday nights. Forget about the day part of Saturday--those were spent cleaning (read, avoiding cleaning) or watching TV. Fridays off gave me one more night to spend with my friends. Monday holidays were useless to me. While I did enjoy the no-school part, I did not gain a single weekend night because I couldn't use Sunday night for friends. The whole Sabbath thing got in my way and (I thought) really crippled my social life.

With adulthood that has changed. Fridays off work are nice and I will certainly take them, but there is nothing better than getting home from church on Sunday and knowing that not one bit of my day has to be spent preparing to get up at the crack of dawn the next morning and renew the drudgery of another day at work.

"But Ruth," you may think, "you can just as easily enjoy that feeling the night before your extra weekend day when you have a free Friday." True, true. However, here's the thing that seals the deal. Along with enjoying a three day weekend, a beginning-of-the-week holiday leaves a special treat once it's ended: a shortened work week! When Friday is not a work day, you spend the entire week looking forward to the long weekend and forget to enjoy the shortened week. Monday holidays offer two weeks of bliss. One in anticipation and one knowing the weekend will arrive after only t-1 days.

Perhaps I will change my mind later in life. I can see that a Friday holiday would be preferable if you had to be at church on Sunday and didn't want to break up a family outing, but for now, I will enjoy free-Friday yet relish every Monday holiday.

Refocusing

I should stop saying I'll do better posting because I never do get any better.

Yesterday at work I was having one of those days--you know when you feel "off" and everything anyone does drives you crazy. I was bothered by all the Prop 8 craziness and was ready for a break from work. Anyway, as I was repeatedly telling myself to chill out and breathe before snapping at the kids, I decided to experiment a little and cut some of the "worldly" stuff out of my life. So far it's been easy because there's nothing good on TV on Friday nights and I spent all day today on Primary stuff. I don't know if I feel calmer because of that or because it's Saturday night and I still have three days of weekend and getting-things-done left. Yay!

Anyway, this is part of what I accomplished today.

Tagged

I was going to title this "Hubby Tag" but decided that had bad connotations. I am not a swinger.

1. Where did we meet? College. He thought I was hot stuff and made up a reason to email me on the student network and asked if we had a chemistry test that week. Being the kind girl I am, I responded, even though I had no idea who he was. I really don't know when we actually met.
2. How long did we date? Officially? About 6 months before we got engaged, but we knew each other a couple years before that.
3. How long have you been married? 5 years
4. What does he do that surprises you? I am very surprised when he offers to make dinner. And is it always very yummy.
5. What is your favorite feature of his? When he pretends to be mad, swats the air and runs out of the room. I laugh so hard!
6. What is your favorite quality of his? He cares a lot about the things he's involved with. I know his head is always filled with school schedules and sports. :)
7. Does he have a nickname for you? I can't think of one, but I'm sure he doesn't always call me by my name. I guess I must be so used to it I don't even notice anymore.
8. What is his favorite color? Blue
9. What is his favorite food? Carne Asada and his mom's potato salad.
10. What is his favorite sport? Basketball, no doubt. Beginning Wednesday my life revolves around the Utah Jazz and I think I'll become a basketball widow on November 17 when the high school team starts up.
11. When and where was your first kiss? In his dorm room the first week or so of the semester after he got off his misison. He claims he used his patented move to make him undesirable.
12. Favorite thing to do as a couple? We watch a lot of sports, but I don't know how much he likes it because I ask a lot of questions.
13. Does he have a hidden talent? Umm, maybe? Perhaps it's so hidden that I don't know what it is. :)
14. How old is he? 26
15. Who said "I love you" first? Probably him. He's a softy. :)
16. What is his favorite type of music? Aside from the SportsCenter theme? I catch him listening to the urban channel a lot. He claims it's his basketball players that change the station, but I know he's bouncing along with them.
17. What do you admire most about him? He's pretty patient, especially with me. I'm sure he just rolls his eyes when most hubsands would lose it.
18. Do you think he will read this? Hard to know. He reads the blog, but I've been so bad at posting that he probably forgot it even exists.

I tag Mande J. Have fun!

Another thought on conference

I was catching up on my blog reading and read my cousin's post on conference. I appreciated her sharing her thoughts, and as I read I was reminded of impressions I had while listening the talks. I thought I'd share a couple of them here.

Last week I read in the Ensign a reminder that to get the most out of conference we can think ahead of things we want answered and pray for the Spirit to help us hear the things we need to know. If anyone needed that it was me. Do you ever have those times you suddenly realize how far you've drifted for the core of the gospel? I knew I needed to get back to what I know to be true and to live it every moment, so I was listening for magic words to light my fire again.

As is usually the case, I didn't hear anything new. I don't know that I even heard direct answers to my questions. But as I listened and tried to invite the Spirit, I was reminded of times I knew the gospel was true and felt God's love for me. In the last year and a half I have had so many moments when I knew without a doubt that I was one of God's beloved children and that he knew me and my pain and what I needed. But somehow in day to day life I forgot all that. When Elder Neil Andersen said, "I don't know everything, but I know enough," I knew that was my problem. I get caught up in bigger things, small details and other questions that distract from the center of the gospel, when I already know what really matters.

All the talks after that touched me, but during Elder Holland's talk I felt something I hadn't in a while. I once described it to kids in primary as a feeling in my chest that was so big I felt as though it would burst (in a good way). My heart was full with the Spirit. As Elder Holland talked about angels, I was reminded of the first night my mom was in the cancer hospital. It had been a rough day and we had just met with the doctor where she outlined treatment and risks. My mom was exhausted, angry, overwhelmed and scared (we all were) and as I left her alone in that hospital and drove the dark streets of Salt Lake, I prayed that someone would be with her that night. It was so hard to leave her when she was that upset, but I felt that she would be watched over so she could sleep and be strong. I don't know that angels were with her, but I know the Comforter was and was with me that night as well. How grateful I am to know I can call on my Heavenly Father for help and feel His love for me.

Conference Weekend

Can I just say that I love general conference? I feel so good after watching. Then between sessions I don't want the feeling to leave, so I avoid TV and actually get things done! I had a nice visit with my mother-in-law between sessions 1 and 2 (and I must say I am so lucky to have married into such a wonderful family) and after the second session I cleaned my car. The outside is still icky (it's been sprinkling so I don't feel guilty) but I armor-alled and vacuumed the inside. I still need to go use my mom-in-law's wet vac and tackle the spilled drink stains :( but at least the sand and grass are gone. Hooray!! And hooray for cool weather so I could finally work outside!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think I can put enough exclamation points to fully express my elation!

Yes, yes, we're still alive

I know it's been a long time. I get kind of lazy and distracted during the school year. As an example of that fact , I will share that I am currently sitting at the computer with one side of my hair braided and the other sticking out everywhere. (I would post a picture but that's crossing the embarrassment line.)

If you want to know what we've been up to in the last month, I'll tell you: nothing. We work, watch football and sleep. Troy has become an internet superstar. See his handsome face and learn about PV's sad loss last week here. He kind of looks a little silly because he's tall and the cameraman is short, so if he has bats in the cave (catch my drift?) don't tease him about it. And don't worry, we won yesterday in a decisive victory over the Coachella Arabs; however, there's no video of that one because the newspaper man was MIA.

Although I've accomplished little in the last month, I haven't been completely fruitless. In an effort to get on the ball with food storage, I cleaned out closets to make room. I emptied 1.5 closets, but haven't filled them with anything besides the canned goods I stocked up on during my last visit to Wal-Mart (I was going to do an entire post on that, but suffice it to say that I will not pay $2.09 for 10.75 ounces of condensed soup at rip-off Albertsons when I can get it for $0.89 at Wal-Mart). During the purging adventure, Troy found some valentines from his students when he was student teaching. He thought it was funny that growing up we would leave the valentines on the porch, knock and run, so he told his kids that if they did that he would give them bonus points. What a crazy boy. Anyway, it was funny to find them.

Those Richfield kids are too funny.

Oh, and I have gotten back on the Guitar Hero wagon. However, I hate Joe Perry because I can't beat his battle song and I can't move on with my rocking ways until I have conquered the stupid thing!

Labor Day Weekend

Wow, what a busy girl I have been. Sorry to my faithful readers. I finally finished handing out textbooks this week and am starting to regain my sanity. It's a very nice feeling.

Over Labor Day weekend we went to Phoenix to see Troy's sister, watch a baseball game and say goodbye to our friends who are moving to Philly next month. I will discuss three highlights:

1. Troy's sister wants to make room in her garage so she made us go through all her old baby and toddler clothes so she can toss the ones we think are ugly and would never use. The clothes sorting was as exciting as you'd expect. However, our niece and nephew were funny. They couldn't understand why we were looking at all these baby things if we weren't having a baby. Apparently there's no need for thinking ahead in the mind of a 7-year-old.

2. Monday morning our nephew Kyler was on a wild streak. While Troy was in the shower Ky decided to booby trap the place. He placed small rocks outside the bathroom door, leaned 8" skewers against it and tied a top vacuum cleaner to the handle. Then he put a bunch of stuff on the stairs. I don't know if he was trying to be sneaky (not successful) or just make things difficult.

3. Later that day we went to a Diamondbacks game with our friends, the Durrants. I am not a baseball fan. In fact, the biggest ballgame I'd watched was my brother's little league playoff game. But this was really fun. Baseball is MUCH better in real life than on TV. Because I don't have a team and Troy's team wasn't involved, we rooted for the D-Backs. There was a lot of scoring and a come-from-behind-win for the home team, so that made it extra exciting. Randy Johnson pitched (that's the only player name I recognized), but he's old so they pulled him in the second or third inning. Apparently I should have been extra excited because a guy hit for the cycle--meaning he hit a single, double, triple and home run--and it only happens once or twice a season, but on SportsCenter that night I learned another guy it the same day and a total of four did it in the last month. I think Troy was exaggerating the cool-ness. :) Another note: I did decide that being a spectator is very dangerous. On TV it looks like the foul balls gently float into the stands, but those things are lethal! I was greatful I was in a very safe box behind the plate.

Getting to Know Me

Welcome to the 2008 edition of getting to know your Friends. Copy, then change all the answers so they apply to you, and then send this to your friends including the person who sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends that you might not have known!

1. What time did you get up this morning?5:45 AM
2. Diamonds or pearls? Pearls
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Dark Knight
4. What is your favorite TV show? The Office
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Toast and Jam. Yummy.
6. What is your middle name? Nada. Wouldn't it be funny if that were really my middle name?
7. What food do you dislike? Eggs
8. What is your favorite CD at moment? Colbie Caillat. I think I'll listen now.
9. What kind of car do you drive? Ford Escort. We call it the FoMoCo (Ford Motor Company)
10. Favorite sandwich? Something with real roast turkey
11. What characteristic do you despise? High drama
12. Favorite item of clothing? Undies. They are not optional. :)
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? I have no idea. Somewhere Troy would like.
14. Favorite brand of clothing? Silver jeans.
15. Where would you retire to? Who cares about where, I'm dreaming of when.
16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? Probably 19 because boys from the dorms took me bowling and bought me candy (all my roommates were home for the weekend). Even if those boys were drunks and pot-heads, they were nice when sober.
17. Favorite sport to watch? Football
18. Furthest place you are sending this? I have no idea. I don't think anyone reads this outside the western U.S.
19. Person you expect to send it back first? Surprise me.
20. When is your birthday? November 18 (the best day ever, right Kelsey?)
21. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night. I didn't get up at 5:45 by choice.
22. What is your shoe size? 9.5
23. Pets? Are too stinky.
24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? Today was the first day of school. That's the best I can do.
25. What did you want to be when you were little? I think it changed every week.
26. How are you today? Tired
27. What is your favorite candy? Sugar Babies sound good today.
28. What is your favorite flower? Hyacinth
29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? September 1. Labor Day!
30. What is your full name? Ruthanne
31. What are you listening to right now? Colbie Caillat
32. What was the last thing you ate? Twix
33. Do you wish on stars? No
34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Toughy. Maybe white.
35. How is the weather right now? Hot-ish. That goodness the humidity has dropped a little. It was miserable at the assembly this morning!
36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? Probably someone from the office.
37. Favorite soft drink? Sierra Mist
38. Favorite restaurant? Hmm. I really don't know.
39. Real hair color? Ugly blonde-ish. The same one I walk around with every day.
40. What was your favorite toy as a child? I think it all depended on who I was playing with. I can't remember anything too specifically.
41. Summer or winter? Summer.
42. Hugs or kisses? Hugs.
43. Chocolate or Vanilla? Usually vanilla
44. Coffee or tea? None. They both stink.
45. Do you want your friends to email you back? Sure, but I can't guarantee I'll respond.
46. The last time you cried? I almost did last night when I talked to my sister about her doctor who died. Too close to home.
47. What is under your bed? Dust
48. What did you do last night? Studied for a test.
49. Fears? Lossing someone I love.
50. Salty or sweet? Salty
51. How many keys on your key ring? 3 on one, 4 on the other.
52. How many years at your current job? Nearly 2
53. Favorite day of the week? Thursday (because the next day is Friday)
54. How many towns have you lived in? Four
55. Do you make friends easily? Unfortunately not.
56. How many people will you send this to? Maybe millions and billions.
57. How many will respond? Three?

A little pick-me-up

My cousin posted a link to this video and it made me smile. Good dancing, Matt.

A weekend I couldn't avoid any longer

I have tried very hard to be productive today. We cleaned out the inside of the car, vacuumed it and washed it. I still need to armor-all the inside, but it's only cool enough for that until about 9 a.m. so that will happened next weekend. Then we went up to check on Troy's parents house. No disasters there, but we decided we need to go up Monday night and pull weeds, sweep and squish cans people have dropped off. Coming back to the heat is hard for Connie, so the easier we can make it the happier we'll all be. They'll be back on Tuesday and I'm actually very excited. I hang out with my mother-in-law more than anyone else in town and I miss her when she's gone for the summer.

Once we got home I was tempted to be lazy, but forced myself to do the dishes and wipe the counters. Then I looked and my floors and decided I just had to do them. If there were ever floors that needed some TLC, they're mine. I mopped, but because we live in a rental, the grout was kinda grimy when we moved in. Then after two years of cooking and washing and walking and pasta sauce (for those who remember that incident--see my post in October of last year), the grout was brown instead of the light beige it's supposed to be. So I pulled out the pumice and went to work. It looks a lot better, but I'll have to keep working on it. I used a whole stick on the kitchen and still have the dining room and trouble spots to do. I took before and after pictures and although you can see a difference, it still looks icky close up, so just be proud of me because it's a major improvement.

After that I was in a slightly productive mood so I went to the store to get pectin for freezer jam. I had strawberries I needed to use and I LOVE freezer jam. I've never made it before and travelling to Utah to steal some from my mom just isn't practical, so I decided to give it a shot.

This is for you Linds. For those of you who pay attention to details, my jam is cheese-free, contrary to what the lid says.

It tastes good for now. Hopefully it will set up and still taste good.

So that has been my day so far. I do not plan for the rest of it to be as productive. I think I'll make dinner and that will be it. :)

I am so FRUSTRATED!

So for some reason today I asked Troy what he didn't like about me. At the time we were trying to decide if we should be good and stay in for dinner or be bad and go out. I refused to make the decision, so Troy told me he didn't like that I won't make decisions. Big or small. It's so true.

Perfect example. I don't know what to do with my life. I'm considering getting my teaching credential because the yearly schedule is better and in just the first year I'd make twice what I do now. Sometimes I like the idea of being a teacher but others I'm not so sure. Then I have to decide what I would teach. I have two majors and neither of them are broad enough to help me pass a subject test. Then there's the issue of waiting for a spot to open up in my chosen subject (again assuming I can pass the test). I've thought about English, but holy cow! The test looks hard and it's VERY broad. I may get asked about stage lighting for crying out loud. Then I thought I could try social science, but my political science major covers less than 1/5 of the test. I am not an expert in ancient world history, thank you very much. Oh what to do. I'll have to take teaching classes, which I can accept, but I really don't want to take courses for ANOTHER major. I really should just find a buried treasure so I can stay home and clean my house all day.

If it sounds like I'm whining, I am.

For my Sister (who doesn't read my blog)

Happy birthday, Seeester! Here are some birthday pics of my almost-littlest sister, Rachel.

Ita, you are so great. I couldn't have asked for a better partner growing up. Well, I guess Jason was really your partner, but I liked to think I was in on the action, too. I was trying to think of some good memories of you, but I could only think of funny ones involving the younger girls. I think that's because we were so close together that even if you did silly things, I was too young to realize they were silly. How unfortunate. :(

I do, however, remember sitting in your hut on your bed, munching on stale bread from your cardboard refrigerator and thinking that if the world came to an end, I'd have to stay close to you because you were much better at gathering food than I was (although no one could beat Jason). I remember desperately trying to find your hiding place so the hide and seek game would end and I could have the FHE treat. I remember lying in bed in our attic room (probably smelling your dead turtle) and talking about everything as the streetlights reflected off the falling snow and low clouds. I remember summers in the apricot tree and being jealous of the "spots" you'd find because you were such a brave climber. I remember laughing in the dark as Ramona told us all about the "donzerly light." I remember singing Vanessa Carlton while driving to Richy because we didn't have a radio. I remember falling asleep when you'd make me watch old movies. I remember loving your old movies when I actually did stay awake.

Your wit and love (and sometimes your witty love) make our family complete. You fill holes only you will fit into. I'm lucky to have a sister like you. You drove me crazy, you kept me sane and you'll always be one of the most amazing people I know.

Pay no attention to the girl on the right.

And now, my birthday gift to you:

Sorry it's recycled. I have no Patty to make a new one. :)

Cent Cat Page Lug

A couple weeks ago I started tutoring an incoming 6th grader. Let me tell you, tutoring in the summer is hard because you have to come up with everything on your own. Materials aren't that hard, but just deciding what to teach is tricky. I'm working on reading and math with him and I feel like it's pretty hit and miss. Last week when we were working on simple conversion from decimal to fraction to percent, I had a hard time connecting with him. Today I introduced area (because he was CLUELESS about it) and once he realized it's just multiplication, he got it really fast. We'll see if he remembers on Monday.

It's the same with the reading we were doing. He's behind, but I think his comprehension is pretty good, he just has trouble with figuring out what the words are. Then I realized it all comes down to phonics. Yep, as in hookd on fonics rilly workd for me. He he. Anyway, so today I pulled out a phonics book and we worked on hard and soft c and g (simply because that's the first lesson. I really have no skill at picking what to specifically target). I learned rules I never knew exsisted! I don't know that it will help him right away, but I think once he can successfully sound words out he'll be able to make connections with similar words he already knows. We'll see. But I think he had a good time thinking of words with the different sounds in them. In fact, as I'm typing this I'm still watching for C and G. I'd better work on getting something else running through my head. Mmmm. Like yummy dinner.

Confession

1. I am an Olympic junkie. I missed a lot of the opening ceremonies last night and now that I've seen highlights, I'm bummed that I did. I did see the torch lighting, which was awesome. To make sure I don't miss anything else (and because I love it) I have spent all day in front of the TV watching random sports in which there was no American in contention. I think one of my favorites was the women's weightlifting this morning. Weird, I know. The only reason I've broken away now it because beach volleyball is the only event currently being broadcast and I have a hard time getting in to that one. Additionally, I had to get online to check the schedule for tomorrow. I haven't told Troy yet, but the men's basketball game again China starts just as sacrament meeting begins. He'll miss all of it. I may have to peek into the Sunday school classroom as I make my primary to make sure he doesn't slip out. Just kidding. He's a good boy. There will be plenty more basketball action (unless the "redeem team" falls flat on their faces, in which case I wouldn't want Troy watching that anyway).

2. I am a fan of the Twilight series. I don't remember if I've mentioned this, but you'll get to hear it again. Don't read the rest of this paragraph if you haven't read the last book (I won't give that much away anyway). I liked the fourth book, but not as much as the others. I didn't really "get" Renesmee (partly because of that awful name!) and the story wasn't as intense for me once Bella became a vampire, but it was a decent ending to the story and I didn't walk away too disappointed.

3. I don't think there is a three. At least not that I want to share. :)

So Beachy!

Last weekend Troy and I went camping on the beach in San Clemente with his sisters and their families. Let me start by saying I love the beach, so I was very exciting to go. Troy was a little less enthused, but is always up for getting out of the house. I won't go into zillions of details, but on the way we saw a giant dinosaur and Troy was kind of nervous.

After setting up camp, we went to the beach to catch some late afternoon fun. I wish I had taken pictures of the path we had to follow to get there. It was so steep. Your knees hurt going down and your calves and thighs burned coming up. I found this pic on the web. Basically we park on top of the bluff and walk down to the beach. It was no picnic, but I think I'm spoiled because at my usual beach I park, walk 100 yards and there I am.

Anyway, we had a lot of fun. There were many highlights to the trip, but I thought it was funny that our nephew Kyler, who’s 7, would gather up the seaweed that washed on shore and collect it in a big pile. When a big wave would come up and take some back down the beach, he would rush to save it. Then he took over a big hole some other kids had dug and kept his treasure safe there. Not that I didn’t mind having less of the crap floating around to wrap around my legs.

Troy tried boogie boarding and body surfing, but didn’t get so attached that he wanted to spend all day in the water. I pretty much played with the kids in the shallow stuff because the salt water stung my eyes (I know, for a beach lover I don’t participate in many beach activities).

While we were hanging out at the campground some activists (I mean that in the nicest way, but I don’t know anything else to call them) offered us free t-shirts if they could take our picture and have us write a letter protesting a toll road that would go right through the campground and a nearby beach (both of which are currently state parks), so of course we did it. Then we went out to dinner and we were celebrities. Fourteen people in matching shirts are hard to miss. Apparently this is a hot topic in San Clemente and most agree the parks should be left alone. I guess if you wear the right t-shirt in the right crowd, you can become instantly famous. All in all, it was a great weekend.

There was one major downside, however. (Warning for the squeamish and those with feet issues--pictures are coming) We were careful to cover ourselves in clothing and sunscreen because we didn’t want to be miserable, but we forgot to lather one important part of Troy. Now don’t get nasty. Troy is a golfer and his calves are dark, but he always wears shoes, so even when he’s barefoot, it looks like he’s wearing socks. Yeah, totally forgot to put sunscreen on his feet. Halfway through the first day, my brother-in-law (who was in bed for three days after his beach trip last year because of his sunburns and all the seawater he swallowed) noticed Troy’s feet were getting burned. We lathered them then, but it was too late. By that night his feet were crimson and swelling. He literally hobbled around camp. But he was a trooper. Other than lots of aloe and no more sun, there wasn’t much we could do. When we stopped for gas on the way home, a lady in the gas station was doing massages and told him he should get one because it was clear his feet were hurting (she couldn’t see the cause). He told her she was not going to touch his feet. Anyway, at the peak of the swelling, I couldn’t see his ankles. Sunday night the blisters started and have gotten bigger. It’s really sad. At least now he can walk without wincing (barefoot of course). He says they’re getting better, but I don’t know if I should take him to a doctor. Is there anything they can do? Any tips are appreciated!!

So that’s our trip to the beach: cool, wet, and painful. What more could you ask for?

A not so welcome surprise

Look what one of my little darlings left in his algebra book.

Yeah. I get a lot of tagging, but this one probably took the cake. Actually I almost didn't want to erase it, it's so colorful (I don't usually get multi-colored drawings), but then I just got bugged at this crazy kid. Then I thought that perhaps I should simply remove the page, but decided I could probably take care of the problem with wite-out.

After two coats (and one on the back of the page), I got it presentable.

Gotta love bored kids in a math class (and the teachers who apparenly aren't paying attention).

Childish fun

The other day I was playing on my computer and discovered I could get additional gadgets for my Vista sidebar. I was bored of the date and notepad, so I decided to check out what other people had invented for my entertainment. I found some handy things and some time wasting things (always the best). I must say the greatest find has been a little program called "say it." It's just a little bubble where you type something and your computer will say it. Of course there is absolutely no purpose for using this program, but simple things entertain simple minds and Troy and I are happy to do the work others may be too ashamed to do.

Anyway, first we made it say things like "Troy is cute," "I like cheese," etc. Then Troy, my 14-year-old trapped in a 26-year-old's body, typed (beware those with tender eyes or like to think Troy and I are more mature than we really are) "Poop tastes delicious." Although the funny part was that the computer wouldn't say poop. It pronounced it like food with a p: pood. Very strange. Then we tried to substitute it with poo, but the computer just spelled the word out. I guess the author of the program tried to adolescent proof it. But really, who does s/he expect to use this pointless program besides those with time to waste and nothing to say?

New Layout

Hooray! I finally changed my layout. Although now that it's done I have to say that I may hang out with my mother-in-law too much. She loves these colors (doesn't she have great taste?) and may be slightly offended that I stole then. But I'm not worried because I don't think she has ever ventured onto the internet, so the chances of her seeing this a quite slim.

Memories

1. As a comment on our blog, leave one memory that you have had with Troy or me. It doesn't matter if you knew us a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Back to the grind

I certainly have not been a good blogger, but lately I've "rediscovered" my computer, so I'll really try to do better. The problem is that I never have much to say. Let's see. I had a churro and strawberry shake from Del Taco for dinner. That's an example of healthy eating for you. :)

I returned to work Monday after my month-long vacation. Frankly, I wasn't looking forward to it, but it's been a good week. I like it when I can keep the library doors locked and work on projects. When I started two years ago (it's crazy we've been in Blythe that long), the place was a mess, and I look forward to summers when I can pull all the crap out and organize things. I get a little more done each summer, so in a year or two, maybe I'll have the place just how I want it. But then I'll have to find more projects so I don't go crazy for the 6 to 8 weeks I work alone. Anyway, to sum things up, I love my job in the summer, even though I get a little jealous of Troy as he watches Lost and plays Guitar Hero all day while I slave away.

Speaking of Guitar Hero, I must say that I was making considerable progress on the game while we were in Utah, but since our return home, I've only played once. Our TV is at a difficult angle for the performer to see the notes and rock out at the same time (which is totally my style). Troy's solution is get a new TV stand and why not throw in a new TV while we're at it, but I think we're all talk. Stay posted.

I'm so Proud!!

Hello friends. I've been away from regular computer access (not that you could tell because my posts are so infrequent), but I had to take a minute to give a shout out to great husband Troy. He's a golfing stud. Second place in a Green River tourney two weeks ago, tied for first in Nephi and another strong showing in Richy on Saturday. He's on fire. (if only he got actual cash to spend on me instead of credit at the pro shops!)

My second shoutout goes to my sister Sarah, or should I say the new 2nd attendant to Miss Richfield. She competed in her first pageant on Saturday and did really well. Certainly the best of the singers. Anyway, we're really proud of her. Pictures to follow.

Mini Vent

What is the deal with the internet today, Verizon? How am I supposed to get mega-late Mother's and Father's day gifts when the connection goes off and on, off and on? Pick up the pace, will you?

No Worse for the Wear

Well, my nose is all better. It was tender for another week or two, but I don't think it got any bigger, so I'll count my blessings. Not much going on . . . working and counting the days until we go to Utah (nine if anyone is playing along). Mom had her first radiation treatment today and it went okay. One down, 16 to go. I can only say that while I'm with her in SLC for two weeks a couple newlyweds had better come visit me. Actually, if Salt Lake is a stretch, you could always come to Richy. Say, maybe for the evening of June 21? I'm bringing yummy mexican meat . . .

A little more funny each time I tell it

Okay, although this is slightly embarrassing, I'll share it with all of you in hopes of brightening your day.

Last night I was walking through my living room in the dark. I do this nearly nightly because the light switch is not in a convenient place. Anyway, I had reached the end of the room and was headed into the hallway. Or so I thought. I walked right into the wall. Yep, full stride with a solid crack as my face hit sheetrock. And I was wearing glasses so the bridge piece (or whatever it's called) and nose pieces jabbed right into my nose. It hurt so bad! I didn't tell Troy about it for a while (I was kind of embarrassed), but as I was falling asleep my face hurt so bad I had to tell him about it. Now I have a red bruise on the bridge of my nose. People probably just think I have some kind of weird skin condition, but it will be really hard to explain once it turns purple. Oh, poor me. However, I am happy to report that there are no signs of my clusminess on my forehead.


The bruise doesn't show up too well in the pic, but I assure you it hurts. Even when I don't touch it, I can feel my boo-boo. :) Oh well, I already have the Curtis bump, what's a little more, right?

Three Days of School!

First of all, I am very happy that David Cook won American Idol. Sorry to all my Utah pals, but Archy was a little to adult contemp for me. Rock on (right, like I'm a rocker).

Anyway, school is winding down, which means Troy is counting the days until his 3 months of almost zero responsibility and I am getting big muslces from lifting and moving all the textbooks pouring into the library. I like to be busy, so it's okay.

It's been kind of a weird week. We found out a couple weeks ago that my mom's cancer isn't as gone as they thought it was. Now the doctors are trying to figure out the best treatment. I'm still sure she'll be okay, but it's frustrating that we thought she was in the clear just to learn there's more to come. Bummer. All this craziness with my mom makes me miss Carrie, too. It's weird how things just come up that make me think of and miss her.

Twice in Less Than Two Weeks

That's right, I'm on a roll. Time for a little Peterson update. Nothing's changed. Ha ha. Not really. I don't know if I posted this or not, but in January I was called to be the Young Womens' camp director for our ward, so I was all excited for that and gung-ho (I guess that's a way to describe it). I still had a primary class to teach, but it was certainly managable. Then a few weeks ago they called a new primary presidency and, no I'm not the prez (thank goodness), but I'm the secretary. Yep, still doing girls camp, so I'm a little overwhelmed. I'm way psyched about primary, so I'm losing a little focus from camp. Oops. I better get back on that. I have about 6 weeks to get everything together. Fortunately the young womens presidency is awesome and they carry a LOT of the load.

My mom is doing well. After six chemo treatments the tumor was long gone and she's been recouping for the last month-ish. Next week she has a few more scans to make sure the cancer isn't anywhere else and then they'll decide what needs to happen to make sure her heart is recovering like it needs to.

In March our friends Morgan and Jessica invited us to Phoenix to watch an NCAA Elite 8 game from his company's luxury box. It was mega fun and Troy's sure he can never go back to the cheap seats.

Troy looks a little goofy, but I promise he was excited.

Troy's just a worker. Golf season just finished (he was JV coach) and he's looking forward to being head boy's b-ball coach next year. He already has a game scheduled in Richy! That will be kinda funny. Our team with one or two white kids will step off the bus and then the Sevier County teams will kill them. Should be entertaining (I'll be torn over which team to cheer for). Sometimes Troy and I have contests over who's high school song is better and I always win because I sing better, Richfield's is longer than PVs and I get to spell in may song so there's no beating that. :)

One Blythe story--the other day I was watching TV when I heard this long rumble outside. "What the . . ." I thought. It sounded like thunder, but it's May in the desert and storms don't just pop up. But then it came again and sure enough it was thunder. Outside there were a few drops of rain on the sidewalk. Enticed by the smell of rain, I decided to go check the mail. There were a bunch of kids and and a family lined up on the sidewalk with umbrellas (even though there were only about 5 raindrops) watching the storm come in from the west. Everyone in the complex had their doors open to let the rain smell in. All in all there wasn't much to the storm, but it was a nice change.

I took this as the storm was clearing. Stupid power/phone lines ruining my pictures.

Wedding Pics

I know I haven't posted in FOREVER and I've been just as bad at checking every else's blogs, but I promise I'll try to get back on the wagon. Anyway, my brother got married yesterday to one of the greatest girls ever--welcome Lindsay! Here are some pics my dad took. People are rarely looking at the camera because my dad was shadowing the real photographer a lot of the time, but there are some really cute ones so here's a sampling. Enjoy!

Lindsay with her triplet sisters and Jason with the groomsmen

Linsday's dad during the family roast/tribute (I'm pretty sure this was at a roast moment) and Lindsay's family. I'm sure the photographer got a better shot!

Mountain Dew Commercial

This is hilarious. We're tangled!

Hello Again

Well I'm back home now. Actually I have been for a few days, but it's funny that when major things happen other stuff seems so much less important. I appreciate all the the prayers and encouragement. I know they've all contributed to the blessings our family has enjoyed.

My mom finished her first chemo treatment on Friday and is doing pretty well. She tells me she feels relatively good and the tumor has shrunk by about a third so her valve is working correctly again and her heart rate is closer to normal, although it still has a long way to go. She was released from the hospital today and is staying in the Salt Lake valley for a while so she can be close to the hospital in case things go awry. All we can do at this point is keep praying that things will go well and she'll be protected. Thanks everyone!

Mom Update

Hey everyone, just a quick update on my mom. They've diagnosed her with Primary Cardiac B-Cell Lymphoma. Basically she has lymphoma that has originated in her heart. It's very rare and none of the doctors here have ever seen it. Today we're moving her to the University of Utah and the Hunstman Cancer Institute. They haven't worked with it either, but have more capabilities than Utah Valley. From the few cases we've found, the cancer is responsive to chemo, but they have to do it slowly and carefully so the recessing tumor doesn't leave a hole in her heart. I'll give you more info when I get a chance.

A Sick Mommy

I know this really won't make a difference to my blog readers because I've become so absent, but you may not see another post from me for a while. My mom is in the hospital with heart and maybe cancer issues (still waiting for results) so that has occupied my time for the past few days. She has some type of growth in her heart so along with figuring out why it's there (things don't just grow in your heart. How many people have you ever heard of with heart cancer? --right) it also needs to be removed. So I'm going to Utah for her heart surgery and who knows what else. Please keep her in your prayers. I know many have already been heard and answered.

Ha ha. This is my crazy mom (in an old pic). Maybe I'll post one of her rockin' a hospital gown when I get back.