2008 in Review, just like I did last year
1. What did you do in 2008? Said good-bye to all of our friends in Florida, moved to Utah, missed Jeff's graduation, spent a lot of time in St. George helping my mom as she underwent treatment for breast cancer.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I would give myself a B. I will make more for this year (and they will probably include continuations).
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Heather and Tara did. Julie did. All girls!
4. Did anyone close to you die? Again, thankfully, no.
5. What countries did you visit? Although I did get a passport in 2008, it has no stamps in it. Hopefully soon, though!
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? A home of our own.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? I can't recall the exact date, but it was on our drive home from Time Out for Women in Tallahassee in March when my mom called to tell me that she had found a lump in her breast that she was having removed. Of course, we all know that it turned out to be cancer and sent our family on a journey we never planned on having.
8. What was your biggest personal achievement of the year? Moving our family across the country and adjusting to a new life.
9. What was your biggest failure? Can't think of anything. Good sign?
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? The biggest was my ectopic pregnancy, but it resolved itself without incident (however slowly). Hopefully 2009 will bring baby #4 to the Trapnell home!
11. What was the best thing you bought? Jeff's camera. We all have benefited from all the pictures he has taken with it.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Jeff for finishing school!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? All those associated with the collapse of the housing market, specifically those who granted loans to people who were far from being qualified.
14. Where did most of your money go? Loan repayment.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? I don't get REALLY excited about very much, so this is a hard question. I would probably say one home after another when it looked like we had found exactly what we wanted. But, as we are still in the basement, obviously I have been disappointed each time. Now I'm trying NOT to get excited about anything until it's final!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? I have a few. "No One" by Alicia Keys, "Low" by Flo-rida, "All American Girl" by Carrie Underwood, "All I Wanna Do" by Sugarland, "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis and "Fall for You" by Secondhand Serenade.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
b) thinner or fatter?
c) richer or poorer? a) happier. b) the same, I think. My clothes fit me the same. c) richer, but by no means rich. We are making money, but we are also paying back loans, so it doesn't actually FEEL like we have money. I am not complaining, though, it's fabulous to have an income!
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Sleeping in past 8:00--there is so much I could do in the morning, if only I could pry myself out of bed!
20. Did you fall in love in 2008? It's pathetic, but I would say yes, with Dan and Serena.
21. What was your favorite TV program? The Office, So You Think You Can Dance, Gossip Girl, Scrubs
22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? No, still the usual suspects (The Lakers, The Florida Gators, The Yankees...)
23. What was the best book you read? East of Eden by John Steinbeck, Midwives by Chris Bohjalian, The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield and Austenland by Shannon Hale.
24. What was your greatest musical discovery? Rock Band. So much fun!
26. What did you want and not get? A Wii Fit. I'll work on that one. A bike and bike trailer (because where would I store them?).
27. What was your favorite film of this year? I don't see many movies at the theater, but thanks to Redbox, I have seen a few this year. My favorites were probably The Dark Knight and Get Smart (love Steve Carrell).
28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 29 (gulp) and bought myself tickets to the Carrie Underwood concert.
29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? A good, "bosom friend" here in Springville. I miss that.
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? The same as last year, only more sweatshirts and puffy vests. And warm boots.
31. What kept you sane? Blogging, as always. Facebook and reconnecting with old friends. Starting a new book club with old friends (even though I won't be able to go every month). Jeff's sister next door, and being close to family.
32. When you think about 2008 what sticks out in your mind? Lots of trips with my family. The best probably being our camping trip to Canyonlands and Arches. I never imagined camping and hiking for two days with three little kids could be so much fun.
33. Best moment of 2008? Phone calls to my brother, Eric, on his mission. The whole family "3 ways" each other on our cell phones, so we are all on there together, talking, laughing and crying. So sweet!
2008 was our best year yet, and I'm anxious to see what 2009 has in store for us. Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Christmas 08
Disclaimer: If you read my mom or my sister, Tara's, blog, you have already seen most of these pictures and are excused to go read a more original blog. For those of you who are left, this is our Christmas in St. George.
Jeff had big plans to hike in Zion, but the snow really slowed him down. Instead, he settled for taking pictures in Snow Canyon (understanding maybe for the first time how it got its name) and in the Gorge. It was so fun to see snow in southern Utah and so beautiful!
We took the kids to see Santa for the yearly picture, but Santa was taking an extended break, so we missed him. We did take a pic of all the kids in Santa's chair, though, which was just as good (the kids had all seen various Santas at other activities throughout the month, so they weren't too disappointed).
Christmas Eve was a nice, quiet affair, unlike years past, which meant we actually had time to perform the Nativity, which Damon had been practicing for for days. This is Damon (Joseph) and Maddux and Malakai (shepherd and wiseman). Damon had been looking all over for a stick to use as a staff, and even talked Jeff into driving him out to the desert to look for one (or was it Jeff who talked Damon into it?). Someone (my dad) left a perfect one on the door step on Christmas Eve and Damon was thrilled!
The kids also got their new jammies from the Pajama Elf (another tradition) and we got them to pose a little. Six of the eight grandkids (Alofipos and Trapnells--guess which ones are which). We really missed Heather and her family, especially during the program when I had to play the piano. :)
Damon and Kenya (lovingly called Nena by all, even those who can pronounce her name). Of course he is holding her hand, it wouldn't be any other way with Damon.
Christmas morning we managed to get one shot of the kids lined up on the stairs (I'm not sure where KyKy was), but no other pictures of presents. Let's just say that everyone seemed to have a great time and only a few tears were shed when all the presents were opened.
We made it back to Springville in time to see all the snow before it melted. I'm just kidding, it is far from being melted. Jeff took this pic of the kids yesterday before church. Damon asked for a suit for Christmas and I was lucky enough to find one at Kid to Kid for $12.99. He was so excited, even when he found the price tag and learned that it was from Kid to Kid. I hope he never gets tired of second hand clothes! Allie's dress is new, too, bought by grandma, and she loves it. Kyla's is new to her (aka, was Allie's once), but she hasn't complained, either.
I didn't get most of what I asked Santa for, but I did get some new pots and pans, so I can't complain. It was truly a very nice Christmas and I am looking forward to spending the new year with the Trapnell family.
Jeff had big plans to hike in Zion, but the snow really slowed him down. Instead, he settled for taking pictures in Snow Canyon (understanding maybe for the first time how it got its name) and in the Gorge. It was so fun to see snow in southern Utah and so beautiful!
We took the kids to see Santa for the yearly picture, but Santa was taking an extended break, so we missed him. We did take a pic of all the kids in Santa's chair, though, which was just as good (the kids had all seen various Santas at other activities throughout the month, so they weren't too disappointed).
Christmas Eve was a nice, quiet affair, unlike years past, which meant we actually had time to perform the Nativity, which Damon had been practicing for for days. This is Damon (Joseph) and Maddux and Malakai (shepherd and wiseman). Damon had been looking all over for a stick to use as a staff, and even talked Jeff into driving him out to the desert to look for one (or was it Jeff who talked Damon into it?). Someone (my dad) left a perfect one on the door step on Christmas Eve and Damon was thrilled!
The kids also got their new jammies from the Pajama Elf (another tradition) and we got them to pose a little. Six of the eight grandkids (Alofipos and Trapnells--guess which ones are which). We really missed Heather and her family, especially during the program when I had to play the piano. :)
Damon and Kenya (lovingly called Nena by all, even those who can pronounce her name). Of course he is holding her hand, it wouldn't be any other way with Damon.
The three girls.
Christmas morning we managed to get one shot of the kids lined up on the stairs (I'm not sure where KyKy was), but no other pictures of presents. Let's just say that everyone seemed to have a great time and only a few tears were shed when all the presents were opened.
We made it back to Springville in time to see all the snow before it melted. I'm just kidding, it is far from being melted. Jeff took this pic of the kids yesterday before church. Damon asked for a suit for Christmas and I was lucky enough to find one at Kid to Kid for $12.99. He was so excited, even when he found the price tag and learned that it was from Kid to Kid. I hope he never gets tired of second hand clothes! Allie's dress is new, too, bought by grandma, and she loves it. Kyla's is new to her (aka, was Allie's once), but she hasn't complained, either.I didn't get most of what I asked Santa for, but I did get some new pots and pans, so I can't complain. It was truly a very nice Christmas and I am looking forward to spending the new year with the Trapnell family.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Dear Santa
Dear Santa,
My mom asked me the other night what I wanted for Christmas. I told her I'd have to get back to her on that, because I really didn't know. After thinking long and hard about that question, I decided I would write you a letter, with my Christmas wish list. A while back, I made a list of all the things I would like to have someday. You can keep that list in mind, as those things haven't changed, but I'm not asking you for any of those things. My list this year is a little different.
The first thing I would like is to do away with lunch. If you could just make it so that no one in my family is hungry between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:30 pm that would be fantastic. I wouldn't complain about feeding my family those two meals, and I wouldn't complain about having to wash all the dishes by hand, because we have no dishwasher. I would think this would be an attractive idea to you as well, as I'm sure you would have no trouble shedding those extra pounds if you were never hungry during the day, so just think about it before you say no (or tell me to take it up with The Big Man who made our bodies this way. I've already pleaded my case to Him, and so far, naughta).
Oh, and while we're dealing with vast improbabilities, I would also like a self-cleaning kitchen floor. Do you happen to have anything like that in your black bag?
If, for some reason, you aren't able to grant either of those wishes, I also have a few backup ideas. Could you please keep Damon from becoming cynical, at least for the next five years? I know the day is fast approaching when he will learn the truth about this magical world he lives in, and I can't stand the thought of his not believing in you anymore. Please keep him sweet and innocent, even if that means that he would rather snuggle with his mom than go out and play with his friends, and dance around his room listening to High School Musical rather than play sports. Oh, and when the time comes, could you make sure I'm not the one who has to break the news to him?
I'd also appreciate it if you would bring Allie a little work ethic. When I told her the other day that she needed to learn to clean up her own messes so that she won't be lazy like the Roloff kids, she told me, "I want to be lazy." I realize she is still little, so I'm not asking that she suddenly morph into a cleaning maniac, but it would be amazing if she could occasionally clean up her messes without having to be bribed or threatened.
While you're at it, could you help Kyla's hair to grow in a little thicker (and a little faster)? The she-mullet she is currently sporting, while helping her to be identified as a girl, is not the least bit flattering or attractive. We'd all appreciate it if you could help us out with that one.
My kids are going to ask you for all kinds of things, and while I know you will do your best to make them happy, we'd like you to know that we'd gladly trade everything you've got for us if you will help my mom to regain her strength, and stay cancer free. And not just because we want her to watch our kids in February so we can go on vacation, but because we all miss her boundless energy, and we want her to be around for a long, long time.
I hope you will take these things into consideration this Christmas, Santa. Oh, and don't forget peace on earth and good will toward men, of course.
Love,
Krystal
My mom asked me the other night what I wanted for Christmas. I told her I'd have to get back to her on that, because I really didn't know. After thinking long and hard about that question, I decided I would write you a letter, with my Christmas wish list. A while back, I made a list of all the things I would like to have someday. You can keep that list in mind, as those things haven't changed, but I'm not asking you for any of those things. My list this year is a little different.
The first thing I would like is to do away with lunch. If you could just make it so that no one in my family is hungry between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:30 pm that would be fantastic. I wouldn't complain about feeding my family those two meals, and I wouldn't complain about having to wash all the dishes by hand, because we have no dishwasher. I would think this would be an attractive idea to you as well, as I'm sure you would have no trouble shedding those extra pounds if you were never hungry during the day, so just think about it before you say no (or tell me to take it up with The Big Man who made our bodies this way. I've already pleaded my case to Him, and so far, naughta).
Oh, and while we're dealing with vast improbabilities, I would also like a self-cleaning kitchen floor. Do you happen to have anything like that in your black bag?
If, for some reason, you aren't able to grant either of those wishes, I also have a few backup ideas. Could you please keep Damon from becoming cynical, at least for the next five years? I know the day is fast approaching when he will learn the truth about this magical world he lives in, and I can't stand the thought of his not believing in you anymore. Please keep him sweet and innocent, even if that means that he would rather snuggle with his mom than go out and play with his friends, and dance around his room listening to High School Musical rather than play sports. Oh, and when the time comes, could you make sure I'm not the one who has to break the news to him?
I'd also appreciate it if you would bring Allie a little work ethic. When I told her the other day that she needed to learn to clean up her own messes so that she won't be lazy like the Roloff kids, she told me, "I want to be lazy." I realize she is still little, so I'm not asking that she suddenly morph into a cleaning maniac, but it would be amazing if she could occasionally clean up her messes without having to be bribed or threatened.
While you're at it, could you help Kyla's hair to grow in a little thicker (and a little faster)? The she-mullet she is currently sporting, while helping her to be identified as a girl, is not the least bit flattering or attractive. We'd all appreciate it if you could help us out with that one.
My kids are going to ask you for all kinds of things, and while I know you will do your best to make them happy, we'd like you to know that we'd gladly trade everything you've got for us if you will help my mom to regain her strength, and stay cancer free. And not just because we want her to watch our kids in February so we can go on vacation, but because we all miss her boundless energy, and we want her to be around for a long, long time.
I hope you will take these things into consideration this Christmas, Santa. Oh, and don't forget peace on earth and good will toward men, of course.
Love,
Krystal
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Christmas Card
Due to high demand, I am not sending out quite as many Christmas cards this year (just kidding about the demand part). Those of you who read my blog know more about my life and my kids than you'd probably ever care to, so I am not sending many out to my blogger friends. If you would like a copy in the mail, leave me a comment and I would love to send you one. The letter is not my best effort, but Jeff liked it, and rather than spend any more time on it, I opted to just send it out. So, there you have it.
Merry Christmas 2008!
Amazing that another year has come and gone. It seems like a lot has happened in the Trapnell household, yet things remain basically the same. We moved back to Utah, the kids are growing up, and Jeff and I have a few more wrinkles around our eyes than we did last year.
To recap 2008, we present the First Annual Trapnell Family Awards for your reading pleasure:
Dentition Award
Nominees:
Jeff-Perfected the art of straightening teeth in the clinic at Jacksonville University
Damon-Lost eight teeth, making the perfect Dracula for Halloween
Kyla-Survived the eruption of 12 new teeth, including those nasty molars
Winner:Kyla, in a close vote. She would like to thank her mom for giving her lots of popsicles during the teething process.
Hobby Lobby Award
Nominees:
Jeff-Bought a new camera, took amazing photos of the Grand Canyon, Arches, and Canyonlands.
Krystal-Started digital scrapbooking, actually stayed caught up with the family's activities
Damon-Learned to ride his bike (finally) and cruised around the neighborhood.
Allie-Realized she can entertain herself by playing with toys, dressing herself and trying on lipgloss.
Kyla-Training for a career in competitive eating by consuming enormous quantities of food
Winner: Allie. Keyword=ENTERTAIN HERSELF!
Higher Education Award
Nominees:
Jeff-Finished his orthodontic residency, capping 10 years of college
Krystal-Said good-bye to one book club in Florida, got together with friends in Utah to start another
Damon-Learned to read and write, add and subtract.
Allie-Learned to write her name. Practices writing it on everything!
Kyla-Learned hundreds of new words, including her favorite, “no.”
Winner: Jeff. Although learning to read is a major feat, Damon ultimately couldn't compete with the years it took Jeff to finish school. Jeff would like to thank the government for funding his education, which he will be paying back for many years to come.
World Traveler Award
Nominees:
Jeff-Drove cross country from Florida to Utah twice
Krystal-Flew to Las Vegas for the weekend with no kids for Time Out for Women
Damon, Allie, Kyla-Dragged on numerous trips, including The Smoky Mountains; Temecula, CA; and spending our 7 hour layover in NYC exploring the city.
Winner: Krystal. Anytime a mom can go anywhere without kids for more than a day, she wins.
Physical Health Award
Nominees:
Jeff-Hiked several peaks in Utah, including a 8 hour hike with Damon to Fish Lake Hightop
Krystal-Lost all the “baby weight” gained during pregnancy, earning a new wardrobe
Damon-Was the most improved on his soccer team, even scored a couple goals
Allie-Took a weekly gymnastics class, always dressing in a flashy leotard
Kyla-Took advantage of Allie's gymnastics class by learning to hang on the bar and do a front roll
Winner: Damon. A year ago, no one would have believed that he would actually enjoy playing sports.
We had a great 2008 and are so happy to be back close to family (living in the basement of Jeff's parents, we are REALLY close). Jeff is really enjoying his job as an orthodontist, while the kids love living next door to cousins.
Life has been very good to us and we are incredibly grateful for good friends and family who have helped us every step of the way. Happy Holidays! May the spirit of Christmas better your lives this year and always! Love, The Jeff Trapnell Family
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Aint it funny how a melody...
I was doing a little vacuuming today, blasting my tunes like always, when a song came on that really took me back. Do you remember the Clint Black song that starts, "Aint it funny how a melody can bring back a memory?" (That wasn't the song, but isn't it so true? I had a friend named Melody and we used to joke that she would arrange to have that song played at her funeral. I wonder whatever happened to her...)
Anyway, I'm not the only one that this happens to: a song comes on and suddenly a truckload of memories are dumped in your mind and all the feelings come tumbling out. And all you can do is stop and remember. That's what happened this morning.
The song-"Please Remember Me" by Tim McGraw
The scenario-I was finishing my freshman year at BYU, and had just broken up with my boyfriend when I first heard this song on the radio. I met Randy at the beginning of the year, but I had just sent my high school sweetheart out on a mission and was determined not to get involved with anyone. That lasted a whole two months. By November, I was having a great time with Randy--he was a premie (pre-missionary) so he was safe, not looking for anything serious, and I was lonely, and he actually liked me! Still, I was just in it for fun, and because it was nice to feel those butterflies again.
We definitely had our ups and downs during the next five months, probably because I didn't put a lot of effort into our relationship, so it wasn't too surprising when we broke up in April. It was a Sunday night after ward prayer, and we were sitting there in silence, probably both anticipating what was coming. I remember it so clearly, and I even used parts of that night in my first attempt at writing a novel. He asked me to go outside with him, but it was raining so we didn't make it far. Instead, we stood by the bike racks and he said, "What's going on with us?"
I answered honestly, "I don't know."
He said, "It's not the same, is it?"
And I said, "No." (you are getting a glimpse at just how fantastic my story is:).
Then we decided it was best if we broke up, which is what I thought I wanted. He told me that he loved me (which he had said before) and I told him I loved him (which I hadn't ever told him) and he left.
That's when I started crying. I had NO IDEA I would be so sad, but I cried all night. The next day (or maybe the day after, who knows for sure?) I heard the song on the radio and knew it was going to be one of those special songs, written just for me. I was on the computer chatting with another boy in our ward when he told me Randy had just come into his room. Randy sat down and we chatted for a minute, and I was telling him about the song when it came on the radio. I told him to turn the radio on and we sat there, in our separate rooms, listening to it. He agreed that it was written just for us.
Over the next five weeks or so (until school was out), we did anything but avoid each other (it was after we broke up that he sat by me at church for the first time), and I started to realize that my feelings for him were much deeper than I had guessed. I saw him at a dance and we ended up dancing four times, each time a little closer. He got his mission call, and invited me to come to Oregon for his farewell in June (and offered to pay for it!).
Despite all my friends' protests that we were just going to get back together, I wasn't so sure. I didn't know if it was a good idea, especially since our relationship seemed so much better when we were broken up (except that he didn't kiss me anymore, of course). After not seeing him for a month, I flew to Oregon for his farewell, and as soon as I saw him waiting for me at the airport, I knew I really did love him, despite my best intentions not to (that was also the moment I realized that I could never have a fling, because my heart insisted on getting involved). We had a great couple of days together and I gave him a copy of "Please Remember Me" to keep (my sister had bought the cd single and I took it to give to him. I hope you're not mad any more, Heather, but if you are I will pay for you to download the song). I can't listen to the song without remembering all of those feelings (good and bad) and wondering if he still thinks about me when he hears it, too.
I have no idea where he is now (I met Jeff in September, when Randy had only been gone three months) and I haven't seen him since that day I flew out of Oregon. I hope he looks back on the time we spent together with good memories. But I really hope he just remembers at all.
So, that was my morning. What are some songs (and stories) that bring back memories for you? I'd love to hear them! Oh, and I created a playlist that should play this song (and only this song) that I will leave up for a while, for your listening pleasure!
Anyway, I'm not the only one that this happens to: a song comes on and suddenly a truckload of memories are dumped in your mind and all the feelings come tumbling out. And all you can do is stop and remember. That's what happened this morning.
The song-"Please Remember Me" by Tim McGraw
The scenario-I was finishing my freshman year at BYU, and had just broken up with my boyfriend when I first heard this song on the radio. I met Randy at the beginning of the year, but I had just sent my high school sweetheart out on a mission and was determined not to get involved with anyone. That lasted a whole two months. By November, I was having a great time with Randy--he was a premie (pre-missionary) so he was safe, not looking for anything serious, and I was lonely, and he actually liked me! Still, I was just in it for fun, and because it was nice to feel those butterflies again.
We definitely had our ups and downs during the next five months, probably because I didn't put a lot of effort into our relationship, so it wasn't too surprising when we broke up in April. It was a Sunday night after ward prayer, and we were sitting there in silence, probably both anticipating what was coming. I remember it so clearly, and I even used parts of that night in my first attempt at writing a novel. He asked me to go outside with him, but it was raining so we didn't make it far. Instead, we stood by the bike racks and he said, "What's going on with us?"
I answered honestly, "I don't know."
He said, "It's not the same, is it?"
And I said, "No." (you are getting a glimpse at just how fantastic my story is:).
Then we decided it was best if we broke up, which is what I thought I wanted. He told me that he loved me (which he had said before) and I told him I loved him (which I hadn't ever told him) and he left.
That's when I started crying. I had NO IDEA I would be so sad, but I cried all night. The next day (or maybe the day after, who knows for sure?) I heard the song on the radio and knew it was going to be one of those special songs, written just for me. I was on the computer chatting with another boy in our ward when he told me Randy had just come into his room. Randy sat down and we chatted for a minute, and I was telling him about the song when it came on the radio. I told him to turn the radio on and we sat there, in our separate rooms, listening to it. He agreed that it was written just for us.
Over the next five weeks or so (until school was out), we did anything but avoid each other (it was after we broke up that he sat by me at church for the first time), and I started to realize that my feelings for him were much deeper than I had guessed. I saw him at a dance and we ended up dancing four times, each time a little closer. He got his mission call, and invited me to come to Oregon for his farewell in June (and offered to pay for it!).
Despite all my friends' protests that we were just going to get back together, I wasn't so sure. I didn't know if it was a good idea, especially since our relationship seemed so much better when we were broken up (except that he didn't kiss me anymore, of course). After not seeing him for a month, I flew to Oregon for his farewell, and as soon as I saw him waiting for me at the airport, I knew I really did love him, despite my best intentions not to (that was also the moment I realized that I could never have a fling, because my heart insisted on getting involved). We had a great couple of days together and I gave him a copy of "Please Remember Me" to keep (my sister had bought the cd single and I took it to give to him. I hope you're not mad any more, Heather, but if you are I will pay for you to download the song). I can't listen to the song without remembering all of those feelings (good and bad) and wondering if he still thinks about me when he hears it, too.
I have no idea where he is now (I met Jeff in September, when Randy had only been gone three months) and I haven't seen him since that day I flew out of Oregon. I hope he looks back on the time we spent together with good memories. But I really hope he just remembers at all.
So, that was my morning. What are some songs (and stories) that bring back memories for you? I'd love to hear them! Oh, and I created a playlist that should play this song (and only this song) that I will leave up for a while, for your listening pleasure!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Cars
Today I found myself driving behind a red Volkswagen Jetta, and it really took me back. When I was in high school, I thought they were the coolest cars and thought I would have one someday. Of course, that didn't happen, as I was instead sharing an '87 Maxima with my sister, Heather. But I dreamed of owning one one day.
While I was at BYU, I didn't have a car. Between my scholarship and Pell grant, I didn't have to work to pay for school (unless you consider getting good grades "working"), but I didn't have enough money to buy a car. And I didn't really need one. I lived close enough to walk to school, my favorite club (Club Tan), and the BYU creamery. My sophomore year I still lived close enough to walk to school, and got to sit shotgun in Jenny's teal Cavalier anytime my roommates and I needed to run to Sam's Club or Macey's. By then, I was dating Jeff, too, and he could give me a ride in his blue and white Bronco. So I didn't see the need to buy a car of my own. I did dream of one, though, and was certain I would look awesome in a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Yes indeed.
When Jeff and I got married, he bought a Honda Accord and we decided to become a one car family for as long as we could. After two years at BYU and three years of dental school at Ohio State, we realized it was finally time to get a second car. Allie was a baby, and we knew we needed something big enough for a family of four. I had my heart set on a Toyota Sequoia. I didn't want to be another Mormon mom in a minivan.
But Jeff talked me out of it. I had to do a lot of driving in Columbus, and he has always hated buying gas, as it just seems like a waste of money. Plus, Sequoias are pretty big and I didn't have the best history keeping our cars dent free and out of accidents. So, reluctantly, I agreed to a minivan. We found a really good deal on a 2001 Toyota Sienna and I got my own car for the first time in my life.
Three years later, I can say that I think we made the right decision. Minivans were made for families. It is so much easier to get kids (and carseats) in and out, without having to heave them up and over seats. They get much better gas mileage than SUV's and we have had very few complaints about ours. I do someday hope to have a newer model (the newer Sienna's have a lot more storage space, like the Odyssey's) with a dvd player built in, but I am hopeful that the van we have now will last us several more years.
But I can still dream, right? Someday I won't be hauling a million kids around, and I will be able to get something with a few less seats. And while I'm not exactly looking forward to that day, I do occasionally think about it. I don't think I'll go back to the Jetta, although the new ones are cute little cars. Right now I think I would go with the Toyota Rav 4. I just love the cute, sporty look without being too huge. It's like the Sequoia without the third row of seats. And I'm hoping that by the time I am ready for one, a hybrid (or even all electric) model will be ready.
What would you drive if you didn't have a family to think about?
While I was at BYU, I didn't have a car. Between my scholarship and Pell grant, I didn't have to work to pay for school (unless you consider getting good grades "working"), but I didn't have enough money to buy a car. And I didn't really need one. I lived close enough to walk to school, my favorite club (Club Tan), and the BYU creamery. My sophomore year I still lived close enough to walk to school, and got to sit shotgun in Jenny's teal Cavalier anytime my roommates and I needed to run to Sam's Club or Macey's. By then, I was dating Jeff, too, and he could give me a ride in his blue and white Bronco. So I didn't see the need to buy a car of my own. I did dream of one, though, and was certain I would look awesome in a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Yes indeed.
When Jeff and I got married, he bought a Honda Accord and we decided to become a one car family for as long as we could. After two years at BYU and three years of dental school at Ohio State, we realized it was finally time to get a second car. Allie was a baby, and we knew we needed something big enough for a family of four. I had my heart set on a Toyota Sequoia. I didn't want to be another Mormon mom in a minivan.
But Jeff talked me out of it. I had to do a lot of driving in Columbus, and he has always hated buying gas, as it just seems like a waste of money. Plus, Sequoias are pretty big and I didn't have the best history keeping our cars dent free and out of accidents. So, reluctantly, I agreed to a minivan. We found a really good deal on a 2001 Toyota Sienna and I got my own car for the first time in my life.
Three years later, I can say that I think we made the right decision. Minivans were made for families. It is so much easier to get kids (and carseats) in and out, without having to heave them up and over seats. They get much better gas mileage than SUV's and we have had very few complaints about ours. I do someday hope to have a newer model (the newer Sienna's have a lot more storage space, like the Odyssey's) with a dvd player built in, but I am hopeful that the van we have now will last us several more years.But I can still dream, right? Someday I won't be hauling a million kids around, and I will be able to get something with a few less seats. And while I'm not exactly looking forward to that day, I do occasionally think about it. I don't think I'll go back to the Jetta, although the new ones are cute little cars. Right now I think I would go with the Toyota Rav 4. I just love the cute, sporty look without being too huge. It's like the Sequoia without the third row of seats. And I'm hoping that by the time I am ready for one, a hybrid (or even all electric) model will be ready.
What would you drive if you didn't have a family to think about?
Thursday, December 04, 2008
When did I stop being fun?
We had my 14-year old sister, Kimmy, with us on Sunday as we drove from Las Vegas to St. George. I don't know what brought it on, but at some point during the drive, Allie announced, "Kimmy's not being fun!"
We all had a good laugh at that one, because shouldn't every 14-year old aunt be nothing but fun? It got me thinking though. As the oldest child, I never had nieces or nephews who thought I was nothing but fun, but I like to think there was a time when I was like that.
Not so anymore. We like to put our kids to bed early (Kyla at 7:00, Allie at 7:30, Damon at 8:00). Nothing crazy like Dr. Weissbluth, but we like to have quiet time with no kids every night. The ideal night for me would be dinner between 5:30 and 6:00, giving us enough time to get cleaned up, have baths, scriptures and stories before 7:00 when Kyla goes to bed (or at least by 7:30 when it's Allie's turn). When we get started later, everything gets rushed (and scripture reading goes out the window), and I am not a fan of that.
I would like to say that we do it for the well-being of our children, because getting to bed earlier ensures they get more sleep. That is true, and they do seem to be happier when they go to be early (they still get up between 7 and 8, so it's not like they're getting us up at the crack of dawn or anything), but the real reason we do it is for our own sanity. During Thanksgiving vacation, the kids rarely went to bed before 10:00, and still got up early. Jeff and I thought we would go crazy. We were with the kids ALL THE TIME and never seemed to get any kind of break. I know it was vacation and they were having fun with cousins, but it was getting really old by the time we left. It's been so nice (and quiet) to get back to our schedule.
Which has led me to realize that I'm not fun anymore. How could I be? I look forward to early bedtimes just to be rid of my kids. If we have a family activity that doesn't start until 6:30, it gets on my nerves, as I know my night is going to be upset. I try to remind myself that I am justified; I spend all day reasoning with an unreasonable 3-year old, and answering questions like, "who is Jessica Simps" (four times yesterday), feeding and cleaning up after three messy, apparently helpless children and changing some of the smelliest diapers imaginable. Who wouldn't be ready to take a break from all that by 7:00-8:00 each night?
So, it is without much hesitation that I announce, "MOM'S NOT BEING FUN!" Dang right. Mom is trying to stay sane.
We all had a good laugh at that one, because shouldn't every 14-year old aunt be nothing but fun? It got me thinking though. As the oldest child, I never had nieces or nephews who thought I was nothing but fun, but I like to think there was a time when I was like that.
Not so anymore. We like to put our kids to bed early (Kyla at 7:00, Allie at 7:30, Damon at 8:00). Nothing crazy like Dr. Weissbluth, but we like to have quiet time with no kids every night. The ideal night for me would be dinner between 5:30 and 6:00, giving us enough time to get cleaned up, have baths, scriptures and stories before 7:00 when Kyla goes to bed (or at least by 7:30 when it's Allie's turn). When we get started later, everything gets rushed (and scripture reading goes out the window), and I am not a fan of that.
I would like to say that we do it for the well-being of our children, because getting to bed earlier ensures they get more sleep. That is true, and they do seem to be happier when they go to be early (they still get up between 7 and 8, so it's not like they're getting us up at the crack of dawn or anything), but the real reason we do it is for our own sanity. During Thanksgiving vacation, the kids rarely went to bed before 10:00, and still got up early. Jeff and I thought we would go crazy. We were with the kids ALL THE TIME and never seemed to get any kind of break. I know it was vacation and they were having fun with cousins, but it was getting really old by the time we left. It's been so nice (and quiet) to get back to our schedule.
Which has led me to realize that I'm not fun anymore. How could I be? I look forward to early bedtimes just to be rid of my kids. If we have a family activity that doesn't start until 6:30, it gets on my nerves, as I know my night is going to be upset. I try to remind myself that I am justified; I spend all day reasoning with an unreasonable 3-year old, and answering questions like, "who is Jessica Simps" (four times yesterday), feeding and cleaning up after three messy, apparently helpless children and changing some of the smelliest diapers imaginable. Who wouldn't be ready to take a break from all that by 7:00-8:00 each night?
So, it is without much hesitation that I announce, "MOM'S NOT BEING FUN!" Dang right. Mom is trying to stay sane.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
TV couples
I don't know what got me thinking about this, but I wondered who were the best TV couples of all time (well, from the time I started caring about TV). It seems there is room for debate, as most websites I looked at didn't agree much at all. So, here is the question: who are your favorite TV couples? Vote for as many as you love. Results to follow...
Here are the nominees:
1. Sam/Diane from Cheers
2. Jim/Pam from The Office
3. Buffy/Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
4. Ross/Rachel (or Chandler/Monica) from Friends
5. Mulder/Scully from X-Files
6. Zack/Kelly from Saved by the Bell
7. Meredith/Derek from Grey's Anatomy
8. Joey/Pacey from Dawson's Creek
9. Michael/Sara from Prison Break
10. Kevin/Winnie from The Wonder Years
11. Doug/Carol from ER
12. Cliff/Claire from The Cosby Show
13. Lana/Clark from Smallville
14. Ned/Chuck from Pushing Daisies
15. Bailey/Sarah from Party of Five
16. Dan/Serena (or Blair/Chuck) from Gossip Girl
17. Luke/Lorelai (or Rory/Logan) from Gilmore Girls
18. JD/Elliott from Scrubs
19. Seth/Summer (or Marissa/Ryan) from The OC
20. Sydney/Vaughn from Alias
Or write in your own nominees
Here are the nominees:
1. Sam/Diane from Cheers
2. Jim/Pam from The Office
3. Buffy/Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
4. Ross/Rachel (or Chandler/Monica) from Friends
5. Mulder/Scully from X-Files
6. Zack/Kelly from Saved by the Bell
7. Meredith/Derek from Grey's Anatomy
8. Joey/Pacey from Dawson's Creek
9. Michael/Sara from Prison Break
10. Kevin/Winnie from The Wonder Years
11. Doug/Carol from ER
12. Cliff/Claire from The Cosby Show
13. Lana/Clark from Smallville
14. Ned/Chuck from Pushing Daisies
15. Bailey/Sarah from Party of Five
16. Dan/Serena (or Blair/Chuck) from Gossip Girl
17. Luke/Lorelai (or Rory/Logan) from Gilmore Girls
18. JD/Elliott from Scrubs
19. Seth/Summer (or Marissa/Ryan) from The OC
20. Sydney/Vaughn from Alias
Or write in your own nominees
Thanksgiving in the Desert
We spent Thanksgiving in Las Vegas with my family. It was the first time we were with them for Thanksgiving since 2000, and my how things have changed since then. My mom was trying to get us all together for a picture for her Christmas card, and we barely all fit in the frame! This is the silly shot we took.
Front: My brother, Jonny, Damon, Allie and me. Row 2: Heather, my sister, her daughter, Kalia, Kyla, my dad, my sister, Tara, her daughter, Kenya, her twins, Malakai and Maddux. Back: Samuel (Heather's husband), baby Annaliese, my mom (holding her wig), my sister Kimmy, Wayne (Tara's husband) and Jeff. Wow, what a crowd! The only one missing is my brother, Eric, who has 5 months left on his mission in San Diego.
We also took a family shot, since we were there and in coordinating clothes. This is the best we did.
I look at the picture and can't help but realize that our kids are getting big right before my eyes. Amazing. Look how big Kyla is getting.
We didn't take many more pictures, but Jeff stopped a couple of times on our drive home to photograph the desert.
This is what we missed while we were living away--the desert! This last pic is from our drive back to Springville, just off the freeway. The bottom bright light is the moon and the two other bright lights are stars (well, planets most likely). What a cool shot.
We had a great time with family, but we are so glad to be home! Now we are faced with the challenge of getting the kids back on a sleep/eating schedule. Not a lot of fun, but worth it.
Front: My brother, Jonny, Damon, Allie and me. Row 2: Heather, my sister, her daughter, Kalia, Kyla, my dad, my sister, Tara, her daughter, Kenya, her twins, Malakai and Maddux. Back: Samuel (Heather's husband), baby Annaliese, my mom (holding her wig), my sister Kimmy, Wayne (Tara's husband) and Jeff. Wow, what a crowd! The only one missing is my brother, Eric, who has 5 months left on his mission in San Diego.We also took a family shot, since we were there and in coordinating clothes. This is the best we did.
I look at the picture and can't help but realize that our kids are getting big right before my eyes. Amazing. Look how big Kyla is getting.
We didn't take many more pictures, but Jeff stopped a couple of times on our drive home to photograph the desert.
This is what we missed while we were living away--the desert! This last pic is from our drive back to Springville, just off the freeway. The bottom bright light is the moon and the two other bright lights are stars (well, planets most likely). What a cool shot.
We had a great time with family, but we are so glad to be home! Now we are faced with the challenge of getting the kids back on a sleep/eating schedule. Not a lot of fun, but worth it.
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