Happy Halloween 2007

It's Halloween....hope everyone is having a "boo"tiful day! 

It feels like today is the grand finale for all the Halloween festivities that have been going on at our house.  We've already had parties and candies galore.  Shaylie had her Primary party last week and we all went to Trunk-or-Treat at the church on Saturday (where our Trunk won the prize for best Trunk!!!!) 

 Today, Taylor went to school in her costume and she looked as cute/scary as ever.  Shaylie is taking hers in her backpack and she'll change into a ladybug fairy before her class party later today.  Both the girls are excited to have Anje come over for our traditional Trick-or-treating.  Shaylie asked me to please not sit on the front porch scaring kids tonight...but I don't know if I can...it's way too much fun.

The girls don't know it, but I've planned a spooky dinner tonight.  I'm not going in to work today because I have to work Friday, so I have all day to bake treats and goodies.  I don't usually care for this so much, but I've been in the mood lately.  I'm making Mummy Pizzas and Monster Toes for dinner and pumpkin chocolate chip bread for a treat. 

Scott must be doing something fun at work today too...I didn't see him dressed up, but I think he was going to wear his death costume today.  If we'd been thinking we'd have done something more fitting like a "computer virus" or something....but maybe death is appropriate too.  JK! 

Today is also Grandma J's and Ashton's birthday!  Happy Birthday to you both!

Layout Update

Tonya mentioned that I needed to show some train layout updates, so here you go (click the pictures to make them bigger)
 

  

Avoiding Slackitude

Just checking in....I don't want to be like some of you slackers out there who are always saying, "I don't have time to blog!" or "I don' t have anything to say."  I'm committing myself to at least a weekly post, if not more.  So take that, evil slackitude.  You won't get me! :-))

Work is going pretty well.  There is a dedcided lack of guidance.  I have a vague idea of what the end goal is but I guess how I get there is pretty much up to me.  I did get the chance today to meet some of the kids I will be working with.  They all seem like the strange, normal, confused teenagers they likely are.  I will enjoy working with them.

I'm taking Blackberry to Shaylie's class in about an hour.  It's her show and tell day and she's been planning to take BB in for a while now.  She also has her puppy collection and two trophies she's won.  I'm proud of her.  She's an awesome daughter. 

Speaking of awesome daughters, Taylor is doing well too.  She remains updefeated in soccer.  They won on Saturday a Million to one...or something like that.  She missed a penalty kick but unless you're lucky those are almost impossible to defend.  I just really enjoy sitting on the sidelines and hearing all the parents say, "Wow, that girl is good." and "She's a great goalie." or "Where did she learn to kick like that?" It's quite the ego booster.

We are going to try to have a Halloween Party for Tay and her friends (yes, she has some) but this is where the slackitude might get me.  I may have to spend the weekend making treats and decorations.  But she is in need of a good party, so I'll try my best to get it going. 

Scott has done a ton of stuff on his train layout.  I'm sure he'll post pictures soon.  He did a really cute thing with the trampoline.  He made it so it looks like one of the girls is jumping.  He's got the pics all posted on the other site he posts to...It's fun to see the PROGRESS!

The only other big deal going on right now is the annual Primary program.  It will be on November 11 and both the girls have parts.  I guess I also have a part since I'm the Primary President.  We are getting ready big time for it.  Wish us luck!  Any Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins are welcome to attend.  Give me a call and I'll give you details. 

I feel much better for having posted....staved off slackitude for another day...what a relief!

Working Woman

I'm official now.  I worked my first day at Millcreek High School today.  I think it will be a good place to be.  I feel like my head is swimming with all the info I got today.  It will be very nice when it's all old hat and I'm in my comfort zone.  I met a lot of the people there and a few students too.  They all seem very friendly and fun. 

I will be working 4 hours a day (likely mornings), Monday-Thursday, at the school and another 4 hours on Fridays at home on the ETS Newsletter.  That last will be a good way to get in a few more hours.  I'm glad they offered it to me. 

I do feel like I'm having a little stress making the transition from Stay At Home Mom to Working Mom.  Even though it is only part-time, I'm very tired and finding it hard to get everything I need to do done.  I sure hope I can find a balance soon.  I might have to start prioritizing more selectively. 

My girls and my husband are amazing...they've been very good to me as I've started to flip out a little bit.  I love them very much.

We had a great time with family this weekend.  Thanks to everyone for making it such a fun weekend. 

I'll post again soon...sometime when I'm not so exhausted.  Love to all!

I have a new job...

Starting on Tuesday, I will be working at Millcreek High School as their ETS advisor.  It is only 3.3 hours per day, which might be good to ease back into working.  I also have flexible hours so after I am trained, I will be able to go in during the hours that the girls are in school.  I actually think this might be the best thing for me.  I'm glad I'm not in charge of the universe, because I almost never have it all worked out. 

The girls are happy for me, and I think Scott is too.  He wants what I want, so since I'm not sure how I feel yet, I think that's how he feels too. 

Now I need to go shopping, though.  I have absolutely no workday clothing--and after almost 10 years, anything I had for work before is probably a little outdated.  I have a couple Sunday dresses that might work, but I think Millcreek is a little more relaxed than that, though I don't know for sure. 

My Dad and Pam are coming down tomorrow.  I'm excited to see them.  It's been a while since they've been to visit.  I'm trying to find something fun to do while they're here.  Tuacahn would be fun, but it's a little pricey.  I love having them come but I'm sure they get tired of sitting around my house or just going to eat.  There is the Corn Maze...that would be fun.  Or the Huntsman World Senior Games are in town, but I've never been to those before.  Anyway, I'm sure we'll come up with something.  If there are any ideas to share, please let me know.

The girls are out of school today, Thursday and Friday.  It's our "Fall Break" as opposed to UEA weekend.  For some reason, our district does not have UEA off.  I guess none of the teachers really went to UEA anyway, so they just decided to have Fall Break instead.  Works for me...a few days for fun and relaxing. 

Well, this has been a much longer post than I intended.  Lots to say, I suppose.  I'm sure I'll have just as much to say in a day or two, so I'll post again soon. Love to everyone...

Decisions, Decisions

Well, after putting my job opportunity far behind me and committing to writing and finding a way to make that work for us, I got a phone call today from DSC offering me a part-time job at Millcreek High as their ETS advisor.  So, now I am trying to decide what to do. 

It's true that I've been wanting something that will work with my family, my home, and my writing...it looks as if this may be it.  At the very least, it will give us a much needed extra paycheck each month and still leave me time, and at best, I will love it and find it very fulfilling.  But there is no way to tell, unless I try. 

I am surprised that I am even hesitating.  It's just that the appeal of FT was the money and with PT I don't get that, but I still have to work as hard.  The trade off being less time involved, I suppose....which may be just what I've been asking for.

So, I want to talk it over with my fam, but I will keep you posted on developments.

Update!

Taylor won her soccer game on Saturday 7-2.  Actually 1 but we didn't want to cause trouble.  They are now 4-0.  The team we were playing said as we arrived, "Oh no, not the yellow team."

Shaylie got a 100% on her spelling test.  She is loving school.

I was going through our website and we don't have a good picture of the house, so I went and took one (and look, a train went by as I was taking the picture):

 

Just kidding.  I just barely finished our house on the layout.  I think it turned out really well.  Next up, a walking trail on my layout.

Great News!!!

I am so happy to post that I heard from my Doctor today and he told me that the results of my biopsy were negative---no cancer!  I am so relieved to have found out so soon and with such good news.  I am supposed to go in for another Ultrasound in about 6 months to monitor the size of the nodules, but if they are stable then it will just be something to keep an eye on at my annual physicals.  No treatment needed.  If they are getting bigger, then I believe that I may have to take some medication to help regulate it, but definitely no surgery or other life-threatening complications. 

I called Scott first thing and his first reaction was, "You mean we went through all this for nothing?"  This made me laugh, because that's certainly one way to look at it.  I am so glad it's come to nothing though, because something would have been much worse. 

The whole experience was scary but worth it.  I had so many people praying on my behalf and looking out for me and my family.  I felt the power of those prayers in strength and calm and optimism that have been sustaining me.  This whole thing has really helped me to feel what it is like to be on the receiving end of so much love and spiritual power.  My gratitude is so overwhelming. 

I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with health and strength, to my family and friends for their prayers and service, to my husband and kids for their help and love.  I couldn't have felt more love in my life and I know this is why things are turning out so great.  There is true power in prayer and the blessings of the priesthood.  I too am praying for the Lord to bless and keep you and your families safe, healthy and happy.  Thank you for your love and support!  I will, as always, keep you posted...

Some News

Hello, just some updates.

 I have added Shaylie's Birthday party pictures to the photo page.

 Miracle notice:  Taylor's cell phone is now working again.  Believe it or not, it went through the wash and two 80 minutes sessions in the dryer.  We let it just sit for a few days and then last night we put it on the charger and it charged up and we called it and it worked!  Finally something that isn't needing to be replaced.

Ouch!

I had my biopsy today!  It was not fun...not even a local anesthetic.  Just a sharp pointy needle and a lot of digging.  Three times!  But, it wasn't too bad either.  It kind of hurts to swallow now and coughing/burping too.  Hopefully, this is the worst of it.  The people said the results should be in within 3 days...but the Dr.s office told me about a week.  So next Tuesday, unless he calls me sooner. 

Scott & our home teacher gave me a blessing last night, which I'm so grateful for.  I can't tell you how much Scott has helped me through all of this.  I am so glad I have a husband who loves me so much and shows it in everything he does.  I am very lucky to have him and so many others who have been showing me support with prayers, visits, meals, and good thoughts.  Thank you to everyone!

The girls are great...they talked us into putting up our Halloween decorations for Family Night.  Our house is very haunted now, and we are in the midst of deciding on costumes for this year.  They have outgrown nearly everything we have...if anyone is in need of costumes for smaller girls, we have plenty...witches, girl pirate, snow white, tiny mermaid (good for 2-3 year old), vampire, queen amidala...that's probably it.  Let me know...

Can't believe it's already October!  Pretty soon, we'll be thinking about Christmas...that might hurt a little too.  But, for now, we'll take one season at a time.  Happy Halloween!