Monday, June 29, 2009

California or Bust!

First of all: Congratulations James and Laura! The kids and I had the opportunity to travel via van to Southern California for my cousin, Laura's wedding. It was a great trip! There were quite a few things I realized about marriage that I was too young to really understand. I hope those things will help me in my and my family's life. The drive down was really nice actually! We woke up early so as to get the entire trip done in one day. Haden fell back to sleep, and Shay was in a kind of stupor until about Provo. This made it so I didn't have to start the movies until two hours into the trip. We stopped in St. George for lunch (half way there) and Kim got to see an old professor of hers that she really enjoyed. We only stayed there for about 45 minutes to an hour to let the kids rest, then we were back on the road! The second leg of the trip seemed like it would be forever at the beginning, but it went by rather quickly compared to my first impression. Shay took an afternoon nap, and Haden watched another movie. I was surprised that they only got in about four movies throughout the entire ride there. Needless to say, the kids were wonderful during the long drive! It took us 13 hours (almost to the minute) for the whole trip. This included multiple bathroom breaks and our lunch.

Once there, Kim and I took the kids for a much needed pool run. Mostly to see if they can get all of the repressed energy out so we could go to bed! They didn't take too long, though. The next day was a day for us. We went to the grocery store to replenish our snacks seeing as we would be coming home on a Sunday, took a long nap, picked up my parents from the airport (my dad flew in his little plane), then headed over to the Smiths' for a casual bbq to get to know the other side of the family. It was fun! We also got to help get the flowers ready, swim in the pool, and do a lot of talking. The flowers were incredible! There was a large 'casket' piece for the center of the pool, tons of orchids for the centerpieces, and an already beautiful backyard. They place was amazing!

The wedding was held in the LA temple in a sealing room right off of the celestial room, so we all got to wear our white clothes for it. The ceremony was great and the temple grounds were wonderful! Laura also looked incredible in her wedding attire. The reception was very well done, and the dancing was awesome! I think it helps to have a little dance floor. Then it looks like it is always full :) The drive home was just as good. Kim went with my dad on the plane while Mom came with me and the kids in the car. Again, the kids were great. I don't think I could have asked for better behaved children. It must have been because we told them we would be a long time. Otherwise I'm not sure the would have been so good. But they were, and the trip was great!

Now time to get ready for the family reunion in Provo with my family this week. *sigh* a never ending thing :)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Okay, fine! I will do it!

It seems to be the running (no pun intended) trend to get back into running. So here I am, back into running. Today I ran about 3 1/2 miles straight! I don't think I have done that since high school! It was much easier than I remember it being. I think that is because I am in no pressure to do well in a race (which I NEVER did! I was perpetually last). I do enjoy running, but I will not be entering any race anytime soon. My goal: to run five miles without stopping before I move on August 15th! Wish me luck!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Mission Complete!

I got it done! I was able to dodge the rain (mostly) and get the office done before my dad got to see it. I don't have any pictures now, but I get some next year when the plants have had a chance to grow a bit more. It will be exciting to see what happens! Now on to the next adventure...moving. We still don't even have a place to live! We will get to that part come Monday when we make the trek to Altamont to find a home. Wish us luck!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Rain and more Rain

Normally I love rain! I love the feel it gives the home where everyone wants to stay inside and we all play together. But this is a mess! I have been trying to get my dad's office done, and it is getting near impossible with all of the rain! There is a little more pruning that can be done, but other than that there is only planting. With the ground to wet, that is becoming a joke! I just hope it can get done before my parents get home next week. Everyone wish for three days of dry then it can rain all it wants!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Well, it is officially over...

My work at Rudy's is done. I have successfully created the illusion that I am WAY to happy when I'm working with plants, I truly do enjoy loading a large moving van full of flowers, and I CAN make new friends. I must say that I will truly miss my co-workers from this season. Maybe it was my own attitude toward the situation, but the people this year were a lot more fun than last. Rudy's will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for teaching me so much!

To commemorate the end of the season, I hosted a little Rudy's barbecue. It was a lot of fun to see everyone for one last time, and to get to meet children, spouses, and significant others of the workers there. I think Haden and Shay enjoyed meeting the kids more than anything :) We put up the bounce house and a little tether ball wanna-be game for them, and they were completely content for the entire evening! Thank you Mom for the bounce house! It actually even entertained some of the adults as well!

One of my co-workers had a son that was celebrating his birthday, so we got him a cake and had a good time watching him blow out the candles (with the help of Haden, of course)! Here are a few pictures to mark the event (some were taken by Adee: a seven year old girl):







With that over and done, it is on to my new project: my dad's office. There is a lot of planting and weeding that needs to be done in the next week or so. My parents have gone to Europe on a little trip, and I would like the office to be complete before they get back. Kind of a little Father's Day/ 'finally done' surprise. The biggest problem being that I will need to plant about 350 perennials! That doesn't include the shrubs I will be adding! Yes, my trowel and I will be getting along quite well over the next week. I also volunteered my services at my parents' home to clean up and plant new things. Fortunately, there will be more weeding and less planting for that area. Yes, I do like to weed; call me crazy!

Monday, June 1, 2009

One Week Left

So I have one week left for work. I must say that I will really miss working at Rudy's Greenhouse. The employers and wonderful to work for, and the co-workers this year were wonderful to work with. Thank you to all for a great experience as a cap to my education. I have learned a lot from all of you about plants and my area of study.

This past week has been a pretty good one! I have been able to pack up the winter things in preparation for the move to Altamont (yes, we really are going), thus allowing more room in my coat closet for the many other items that become hidden behind its doors. There is one really good thing about moving: de-junking! Clint doesn't like giving things away (which is a carry over from his parents- they save everything), but part of me thrives on it! I love taking things that we haven't used and giving them away. If someone else can benefit from our temporary mindless splurges and our weight gain, then I am more than happy to give them the blessings. I like the room de-junking provides and the sense of cleanliness. I guess you could say that I am the opposite of a pack rat. So this week I might get to go through all of our CD's and movies to decide which we will be moving, and which will have the pleasure of becoming someone else's property. Hmmmmm....yard sale? Not likely. Too much work for me. So if anyone wants some things, let me know and I will get them to you. This is fun!

The kids are already asking to go back to school. I guess I am just a bit too boring for them. Then again, it isn't such a bad idea where they are each the main playmate to the other, and do they love to push each other's buttons! But Haden's imagination is in full swing with maps, rescue clothes, super heroes, and dinosaurs. And Shay is right on his heals with whatever he comes up with. They are both great!

Clint will be leaving for his yearly 2 week training for the Guard on Friday and will be absent for the bulk of the packing process. I guess that means I get to go through his clothes :)

Here are some pics with the new camera (please be kind, we are still figuring it out):