Idaho Curtis'

OH my Time flies

2009-10-27T23:53:00.003-06:00

WOW, I thought I wa bad whe nthe last post was a few months old....let me give a quick update, but don't count on me keeping this blog updated after this. LOL

We moved to a bigger house between Driggs and Tetonia with land back in the end of April. We absolutely love the area and our ward could not be better. We KNOW that we were supost to be here and if you care to know the WHOLE story give me a note.

The three oldest children are living in Rexburg now and atttending Madison school districts. They moved from St. Anthony the end of the summer. They are really enjoying the school district change and the after school programs offered.

Spencer is now 12, and is working on programing a robot for a contest in the after school program class he attends.....HE LOVES IT! He wants to program Telescopes and study space I beleive he will. He is still playing the french horn and excelling.

Megan is 10, she's growing into quite a strong beautiful person. She sang a trio in Sacrament meeting for the Primary program recently and did wonderful. i hope she continues to persue that talent as well s these others. She is learning the flute and also working on a play in school...go Megan you are very talented. Megan also likes to try and figure out how to help people, peace maker (among non-siblings lol).

Jared is in 1st grade and hates homework and is working hard to learn to read. he is a very smart boy who seems to lack a little in his confidence with school task or any task he doesn't want o fdo. lol He likes to be rough and wants at this time to be a nija type figher.....he is extremely loving when he wants to be. He never knows what he does in after school class, but he likes it. go figure.

Geary is getting ready for a 3 week vacation and is very excited. He is still at Four Seasons, now the only one on nights. He is hopeing to be able to go to days in summer 2010 when someone retires. Cross your fingers. He is enjoying the thought of hunting and wanting o get into four wheelers. Geary is the website specialist in the ward and I the assistant. nice calling, keeps us up to what's going on around us.

Me, I'm still slaving away working, trying to get things in my life in order or back in order....to no avail it feels but tisjust a slow process; i find one thing well and another falling apart. I am happily married and have 4 wonderful children, a testimony and am not unemployed (so many are) so I can't complain. Life realy is goof most the time!

Long Time

2009-04-03T10:27:00.002-06:00

Wow, it's been a while since I wrote. Nothing to exiting to blog about. Let me update you now:

We are moving, staying in Driggs, but a bigger place. New address 115 Butler Lane,83422.

Megan began Volleyball about a month ago and loves it. I'm excited since I love that sport to. She has gotten serious about it and has inproved quite a bit in the short time and once a week practice and games on Saturday. I hope to post Volleyball pics or video in May when I attend another game! Proud of you Megan!!

Coltyn is growing and continues to entertain us with the things he imagines and says. We had him evaluated and he's above his age in all things except receptive speach, which they said is normal for boys to be slower. He doesn't ge they Why questions. I can't say i'm to disappointed as a mom, I get irritated hearing wHY? WHY? WHY? WHY?!

Not to much to say, hope to be more exciting next blog entry. ;)

Sometimes we just need a SMILE

2009-03-01T10:58:00.003-07:00

This will definitely help you to smile. I just couldn't e-mail it to all, so I posted it. Can't you see children you know doing this?

Two Little Boys :

After a hardy rainstorm filled all the potholes in the streets and alleys,
a young mother watched her two little boys playing in the puddle through her kitchen window.
The older of the two, a five year old lad, grabbed his sibling by the back of his head and shoved his face into the water hole.
As the boy recovered and stood laughing and dripping, the mother runs to the yard in a panic.

'Why on earth did you do that to your little brother?!' she asks as she shook the older boy in anger.
'We were just playing 'church' mommy, ' he said. 'And I was just baptizing him.....in the name of the Father, the Son and in...the hole-he-goes.'

PEANUT BUTTER SUPRISE

2009-03-01T07:35:00.003-07:00

Now I don't know about the rest of you, but we LOVE peanut butter around our house. We go through way to much of it. It was a pleasant suprise when Geary craving a PBJ samich(sandwich to the rest of us)opened a new jar and found this. Cute,huh?!

2009-02-28T11:00:00.002-07:00

Coltyn had a blast playing in the snow with his dump truck from santa. He was so so so excited and I love how he cheesed it for the camera between scooping areas in the driveway. Coltyn, you are dsuch a joy. We love you!

Trying my Health

2009-01-23T22:21:00.005-07:00

WOW! Life I thought would get better after surgery. It seems to be one thing after another. i have to vent.............
First the post-operative infection & dealing with the general healing. That was quite a chore itself.
Second came going back to work at week 4, waking up that morning with no voice a horrible sore throat, cough and sinus pressure. The throat recovered after 5 DAYS,but not the voice, cough or sinuses.
Thirdly, Mirgrains, I have only had a few since surgery, which is a HUGE improvement, but they sure were doesies, one in which I missed work for.
Forth, I went for post-op check up at 5 weeks. The doctor says that I'm a week or more behind in recovery because of the infection after surgery and that I need to be abstinent for another 4 weeks(yeah right)as my sutures are not disolved yet. That was a big blow, talk about frustration. ;)
Fifth, I finally (after 12 days) went in to get help with the sinus trouble, the plugged up ear that I couldn't hear out of for three days and the horrible cough that was getting worst. I was exausted and just struggling to get through the work days and wishing I had my health & life back. Just to find out I had an ear about to rupture with infection and pressure (no pain though, bonus)and walking pneumonia with a sinus infection.
I broke down in tears. I just want to feel good!! I want my life back!! The docotr looked a little shocked and reasured me that as my body was able to heal completely from the surgery it would be able to fight off anything else that came my way, but until then I would have to do what I could to "take care of myself". I laughed a little at that, like I had been running outside with wet hair, naked or trying to make myslef sick or suseptible to illness.
I know that sometime in the future I will learn from this experience, for they say that "...all things shall be for thy good..", So I will trust that in this situation too.

2009-01-23T22:21:00.001-07:00

Come and Gone

2009-01-14T11:42:00.003-07:00

Well Christmas has come and gone, the New Years celebration is over. What will all the coming months bring? How fast will they pass me by this year? I won't dwell on it, but it crosses my mind; especiallly when I see how fast my children grow.
I'm recovering pretty well. Back at work this week which is exhausting, as i caught a cold the first day I was coming back. (my luck, lol) I think this is one thing I
can overcome quickly.

I hope that this note finds you all well and happy in the new year. If not just look around, Valentines day is coming the stores were decorated for it the day after Christmas!(Pittiful isn't it.) YET, What's better than remembering the ones you love to forgo the post holiday/winter blues.

Love you!

Snow Storm Fun

2008-12-31T17:42:00.002-07:00

Well as has most of the Northern United States we received a LOT of snow fall in a short period of time prior to Christmas day. We have a three foot lighted Christmas tree in the front yard and you can only see the star on the top.
Here are pictures of Geary and Coltyn shoveling and playing in the snow. Coltyn loves the snow and doesn't care how cold he gets he doesn't want to come in. He is so fun to watch explore.

All American Christmas, Spencer

2008-12-31T09:18:00.004-07:00

Due to surgery being postponed a few days I was a ble to attend Spencer's Christmas concert for the 5th grade. It was good and despite what he says, he can sing! Sorry the pictures are not great due to the darkness of the theater and I don't have a telephoto lens.

Christmas Fun Museum

2008-12-31T03:02:00.002-07:00

We attended the Wildlife Animal Museum's Christmas function this year. It was a lot of fun with Santa being there, goodies to eat and most loved by the kids the kids crafts. Most loved by the parents, entertaining and free. The art is quite beautiful and I had never been to the building so it was enjoyable. Suppose to have my work Holiday party here, hope I'm up to going after surgery, I hear the food is to die for!

Santa Clause Came to Town

2008-12-30T20:34:00.005-07:00

Prior to Family Christmas Daddy and Coltyn made sugar cookies. It was fun to watch them. I've added those pictures in to keep from adding another blog...I'm trying to catch up. hahaa.

Boy, Santa was a cleaver guy ths year, On Christmas eve he sent Mommy and Coltyn to bed at 8:30pm. So that he had time to come before driving on to Jackson Hole.

It was pure torture on Mommy knowing she had to stay in bed and keep Coltyn in bed till Daddy returned from work at 9:00 am Christmas morning. Mommy managed though to keep Coltyn out of the living room till Dad arrived home and then the fun began.
Santa Clause came to see you Coltyn. "No, no Santa Clause no." Then he was loving some big Tonka Trucks Santa brought and opened all the presents regardless of who's they were. He would light up "wow, cool, wook(look) mommy" and was polite saying thank you and playing. It is so fun to watch the amazement of this little child. It was pure Joy!

We had a Merry Christmas and I hope you all had the same joy of the season!

Christmas with the Whole Family....Wii

2008-12-30T20:14:00.009-07:00

Since the three oldest children were to be with there Father on Christmas we had our family Christmas early(Santa only comes to the parents house that they are with on Christmas Day); on the weekend of the 18th. Yes, The day that I was Sooooooo sick from the post-operative infection. I tried hard not to be a bummer, not sure if that worked well, you'll have to ask the family.

Sat down and opened the traditional Christmas Eve present PJs. Since our time was cut short this year, we opened the gifts from Grandma and Grandpa's too. We made time to enjoy those thoughtful items and call and wish Grandma & Grandpa Ward a Merry Christmas.

Then we preceded as usual, we do a family gift on the year that Santa doesn't visit. So in July we found the main gift and added to it over the months. Good thing we. We are grateful we were smart and thought ahead!

We wrapped 5 boxes in all the same paper and let the kids roll a dice to see who got to pick the first box, second and so forth until all were picked and then gave them a chance to trade, which no one did. We then let them open the boxes all at once. It was comical fun watching them try to figure out why we got a case of paper, a printer, a weed whacker and then they thought we just wrapped rocks...... Until they opened further and discovered......We got a Wii for the family.

The Wii was a lot of fun to watch, and okay I admit that I couldn't just watch I had to try a few things and regretted it the next day. What an amazing invention, cleaver, fun and for all ages. Hope to enjoy this for YEARS to come.

Really funny story. Geary and I registered on the Wii Fit program, It measures your BMI and such when you input your info and it weighs you. It then has you do a balance test and tells you your "Wii age". Now knowing I had all the muscles in my stomach cut a week prior I figured my Wii age would be a bit off, but when it told me I was 44 (I'm only 34) I almost cried; especially when Geary registered and it tells him he's 36 (9 years younger than he is) NOT fair. LOL Guess it gave me some good goals and as soon as the doctor allows I will begin to meet them head on! Megan didn't think it was to nice to be 9 going on 19 in Wii age either. Although if I'd let her she's wear make up and clothing and try to look 19 year old, haha, not happening!

Anyways, all was fun and we continue to enjoy the Wii and the fact that nothing is a one player game, so ALL can enjoy. The favorite game thus far is Wii Music, they played for like 8 hours. I really enjoy the fact it is so life like in it's gageing your movements to function... hitting a ball, skiing, hula hoop, darts, bowling, shooting, ect.... simply amazing fun!

Surgery and Recovering

2008-12-18T17:24:00.004-07:00

Well, Although my surgery did not go off without any small hitches before hand (it was postponed for two days, throwing off my recovery plan and such), it did finally occur on Thurday Dec 11, 2008.

It was a long and very emotional process to having a hysterectomy. Although we had decided over a year ago that we were not having more children ourselves (Geary did something about it then). I had a proceedure in Feb this year to try and reduce or stop the bleeding problems that were occuring and it was wonderful for about 6 months. This proceedure was something that I knew would make it very risky if pregnancy occured (which we had solved already) and I was fine having that proceedure done (hydroablation).

It is just very weird to me how as a women, or at least for me, when my option was a hysterectomy or suffer, that my heart began to ache so deeply for one more baby and that giving up the ability to ever have more was so heart renching for me. I really struggled with this internally & emotionally for months. I even went to a therapist for a session regarding these deep feelings.

Well the surgery went pretty well. It was longer than anticipated, but it was completed smoothly. Hospital recovery was painful! Couldn't get enough meds to control pain to rest and the catheter was a huge annoyance. I had cotton mouth so bad that I thought I'd never speak again. When I was finally able to drink fluids I never quit drinking and cotton mouth never ceased.

I thought I should die when they made me walk and then when I needed to cough OH MY!!! Killer problem and I wanted to cry. I finally got to where I could move fairly well in the bed and did what i needed to to finally get food. They brought cream of wheat and scrambled eggs. ICK! What a disappointment.

Made it home safely between snow storms and have had a roller coaster of feeling like crap, restless, what was i thinking, sore, feeling human, half dead and somebody kill me please. I've started to experience some side effects of the surgery and they are interesting to deal with. At least I hope they are temporary and I don't see the doctor till Monday to find out.

I am soooo greatful for all the help I have received from my parents and Janis keeping Coltyn for the week of surgery and dealing with his MANY mischievious adventures. It was a long time to be away from him, but I could have never relaxed enough if it hadn't been for knowing he was in good, loving capable hands. Geary took this week off of work and that has for the most part been a relief. It's been hard not wanting to clean when I'm up and wondering why he hasn't yet. I'm not usually a clean freak, but for some reason the little things are what I notice when I'm awake and frustrate me.

I've been extremely blessed by my Father in Heaven through all of this with recent comfort & reasurrance, blessing from family, general blessings, safety and much more. He never seems to fail me even when I fail him or don't fully recognize and let him guide my life! AMAZING!

Family Pictures Nov 2008

2008-12-09T23:11:00.003-07:00

This was a lot of fun. Low stress, no arguing, whining or crying kids. I didn't stress about what who wanted to wear (say that ten times fast). It was just enjoyable and they turned out quite nice, i think. Enjoy!

Victor Christmas Light Parade

2008-12-09T15:14:00.002-07:00

We also went to Coltyn's daycare Christmas party and the Victor light parade on Saturday after the tree cutting and decorating. We had a fun filled weekend and I hope the kids will remember it for years to come.
Coltyn's favorite parts were the firetruck, tractor and the fireworks!

Cutting of the Tree

2008-12-07T02:38:00.003-07:00

We had a good time this weekend.
We decided to go cut our own tree for Christmas.Then we attended a party held at Coltyns's daycare and watched the light parade and fireworks in Victor.
It was really quit nice going to cut the tree; we went up in the canyon off of the main road near Green Canyon. No one fought, we sang songs & listened to Christmas music, we agreed on a tree and the weather was nice for the activity. Not to mention that there was only like an inch of snow on the ground, so we didn't have to hike through a bunch and get to cold.
We came back and put up the "Charley Brown" tree and decorated it. It's funny how the tree seemed not so big in the woods, we return home and have to cut near 4 feet off to get it in the house.
Geary and I made a wreath out of the "extra" branches and took it to Bett, Coltyn's daycare teacher who hosted the party. It was a lot of fun to make and Geary did a great job with shaping and wiring the the branches together while I made the decorations to add to it. Didn't get a picture, dang it.
The pictures are of the tree cutting endevour and the light parade. I hope we made a good memory for the kids. I know it brought back some memories of my child hood for me.

Spencer's First Beggining Band Concert

2008-12-07T02:34:00.005-07:00

On the 11th of November, Veterans Day. The schools in St. Anthony had their annual Veterans Day concert. Spencer participated, he's learning to play the French Horn.
Grandma and Grandpa Ward came up from Pocatello to listen to Spencer's band play.
Spencer you did a wonderful job, I'm very proud of you and how hard your working to learn to play this instrument. We love you!

Music Man

2008-11-02T17:44:00.005-07:00

So Coltyn starts yelling "mom, mom, mom" the other morning and I come around the corner to see this picture.

I laughed so hard that he was bopping away to the cd and so proud that he had turned on the cd player himself (listening to Akon). Corey would be so proud! LOL Well, he sat the rest of his breakfast holding a bud to one ear and listening and eating his cereal.
Kids are amazing creatures!

HALLOWEEEEEN 2008

2008-11-02T17:36:00.002-07:00

Coltyn went to Jackson Hole Town Square to go trick or treating. He had a good time and started to learn to say "trick or treat" he did say "please and thank you pretty well" It was great weather for a Halloween night, first one I remember in eons! Geary & I had fun watching him watch others and experience this new, exciting,candy binge holiday. Miss seeing the other kids, as they were with there dad. Should I get pictures i'll post them.

FRIGHTMARES

2008-10-27T20:24:00.005-06:00

We took Spencer & Megan to FRIGHTMARES. It was so much fun. I hope that they have some great memories from it; I know we do!! Stay away from the cheerleaders, Spencer. Run Megan, a zombie with a cane! Soooooo embarrassing!

Fall 2008

2008-10-27T19:57:00.004-06:00

Pictures of the early fall for our family, the Teton Valley and Pocatello.
We stopped on Saturday Oct 25th, to drop off Jared and Coltyn at Grandma & Granpa's house. Aunt Janis(and any adult around)watched them so that we could take Megan & Spencer to Frightmares at Lagoon. It was a beautiful fall day in the Ward yard. The kids enjoyed grandpa's new puppy, Zinger. He sure is cute. Thanks everyone for your help so that we could enjoy some time with the bigger kids!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy 2 mE!

2008-10-16T17:55:00.004-06:00

Well that time of year again, where I turn 25. LOL

No I'm not ashamed to say I'm 34.

The Gals I work with got my FAVORITE cake, carrot cake from the famous BUNNERY in Jackson. YUMMMMMY, sinfully! So rich this is how I felt after working on a piece for 4 hours. (I just love the picture! )

i'll show the unedited version another time!

OUR Time OUT

2008-10-14T18:29:00.011-06:00

Wow, we were so excited. For the last two weeks, we had planned on spending the night in the theme room that Geary won when I nominated him for the Time Out Tuesday contest. He picked the Emerald Lagoon.

The room was quit small but very intricate in detail and painting, very interesting to look at. They had radio with rain, bird, thunder storm and wave sounds; not to mention the water fall on the side of the jacuzzi tub.

We went to dinner. Had an enjoyable time watching others fight there two year and try to eat. Made us miss Coltyn and yet it wasn't us at that moment.

Coltyn had croup the night before, so i had NO sleep with taking him to the ER at 5 AM. So we decided to soak in the "lagoon" and then hit the sack. The soak was cool, the tub filled from the ceiling, quite unusual; we turned on the jets &; relaxed. It was nice to have peace and have it as quiet as we wanted!

We then proceeded to try and sleep. The bed was HORRIBLE. I tossed and turned, Geary tossed and turned yet slept on and off. We both awoke with sore backs and very disappointed in the quality of our "time out". We needed a "time out" after the "time out". If we had paid for the room I would have called and complained in the night!! It was awful!

We grabbed a quick continental breakfast, visited our Chiropractor in and came home to catch a 3 hour nap in our own COMFY bed; before picking up Coltyn from the sitter's.

We decided that we will most likely not try these suites again. The price is comparable to the Black Swan Inn in and they have much bigger rooms and I've never heard a complaint about the beds.

Like I said before, they were intricately detailed and interesting to look at; but nothing to brag about for comfort!

Ideal Jack-O-Lantern for 2 year old

2008-10-14T16:48:00.006-06:00

It's that time of year again for pumpkins turning into works of art. We were not sure since we just had Coltyn if we were going to go for the pumpkin artwork thing this year.

Well Geary found an awesome pumpkin and I found these Mr. Potato head like Jack-O-Lantern decoration set. So we let Coltyn's creativity go (okay a little help from dad).

Anyway I think it was the cleanest, quickest way to do a Jack-O-Lantern for a two year old that there is. Choices, creativity and fun!!!

Good Job Coltyn!!!

These BOOTS are Made for Walkin'.....

2008-10-14T16:42:00.006-06:00

Coltyn is quite the card. Here he is wearing mom's cowboy boots.

He was so funny, we came around the corner and here he is walking in the boots, and as you can see they take up the whole length of his legs. He thought he was the coolest thing since sliced cheese.

Happy Birthday Geary

2008-10-01T16:22:00.006-06:00

Well 9-30-08 was uneventful for most, but for my wonderful husband, he turned the big 45!!!

i LoVe YoU HoNeY!! Hope it was a great day!!

Dog Gonnit They are Cute!

2008-09-27T13:59:00.003-06:00

Okay, so since we got this kennel for the dog, Jared and Coltyn think that it is their house too. The other night Coltyn insisted on taking his blanket in, having me shut the door and lock it, then he said "Night, wove you, night!" and waved goodbye. I laughed so hard. So here he is cheesing it up for the camera!

CHEER Megan

2008-09-27T13:53:00.007-06:00

It's been a week, but Megan was in the South Fremont Cheerleading Camp and performed at the game. Unfortunately with the smog from the fire in the air and my not being down on the field, I didn't get any good pictures of her cheering......But she does look cute if I say so myself!

You did GREAT sis!! LOVe YOU- mom

There is beauty all around....

2008-09-27T13:41:00.007-06:00

"Teton Sunrise"

I love living in this area of Idaho. There is hardly a direction you can go and not see something interesting and beautiful. Here are some pictures I've taken in the last two weeks. I'm working on getting better at photography, I'd like it to be a hobby.

Wilson Bridge, WY "Moose Twins"

I call this one "Endurance" (Teton Pass)

"Cloud Hug"

My Hero.................recognition!

2008-09-25T18:23:00.006-06:00

Well Geary is gonna kick my butt for writing this, but I thought it was extremely cool!

The other night at work, a guest called down and told the PBX operator she was having trouble breathing. So Geary and several others in the engineering department and the manager on duty go up to the woman's room. They were unable to enter because she had the privacy latch on. They asked her if she was able to undo the privacy latch. During her attempt they hear her hit the floor.

The manager on duty rams the door with his shoulder three or four times, with no success just bruising. So Geary tells the crew, hold the latch like this and stand to the side. They did so and he kicked the door breaking the privacy latch.

Finding the woman near unconsciousness, half dressed and worried. Geary quickly started telling people what they needed to do. You calm her down, You cover her up, and you apply the oxygen. Stay calm help is on the way. When the EMS first responder arrived he had nothing to do except check her pulse, because Geary had made sure to handle the situation.

Well the next morning he was greeted by hotel employees there is the "Hero"! He was upset, "I just did my job, I'm no hero." Many were impressed though. He blew it off and continually said "I just did my job".

Today he received a letter from the resort manger that congratulated him on his calm, caring, quick actions and going above and beyond his job duties and magnifying the Four Seasons mission with his team. So, although he hates the lime light, the woman he helped is extremely grateful and I am very proud of him for using his brain and keeping his cool. Enjoy the pats on the back Geary, you deserve them, job well done and I love you! This is your second work "WOW" in a month! Way to go!! ( a "wow" is when hotel guest or fellow employee/manager brags about the wonderful service given to them or others in the hotel by an employee)

"I GOT IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

2008-09-25T05:30:00.009-06:00

Spencer now has his own e-mail address. He wrote me last night and I wanted to share what he had to say, so cute. So I quote, even the title of the blog.....

"I just got my webelo and ARROW OF LIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The arrow of light is the highest award a cub scout can get!
I feel like it is my birthday!"

Love

Spencer

Spencer, I am so proud of you! It takes hard work and dedication to earn scouting awards, badges and soforth. Keep up the good work! LOVE- Mom

why why why?

2008-09-18T14:04:00.006-06:00

Had to laugh.....
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?
Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word 'lisp'? why is there an 's'?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white? Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, 'It's all right?' Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, 'That really hurt, why don't you watch where you're going?'
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three people you admire-- if they're okay, then it's you.
****A day without a smile is like a day without sunshine****

After my previous blog I opened my e-mail and found this. Maybe, just maybe, I am normal!

Nothing sexy about my Rain

2008-09-18T14:04:00.002-06:00

Kenny Chestney sings "There's something sexy about the rain".

Well I disagree! In my life when it rains it pours. I can't find anything too sexy about that! Some of you may be able to, but not I.

I seem to make it through the storms, one way or another; but I still lack the knack that some of you have to see the beauty or lesson (sexiness) in it all. I can see the light as the storm rolls, I see the rainbow when it's all over, I look back and see the lesson learned and the blessings; and I'm the type that can see the "sexiness" in others storms but not my own. Why is that?

Why are some of us to prone to being upbeat and positive (most) all of the time, on & off, and some (most) never? Is this a inherited personality trait? Is it a learned behavior? Is it a choice we make subconsciously? Now I know, that we can make a choice at any time to change are thinking, but our initial reaction is what I'm talking about.

Well as the rain pours in life right now, I am numb. Yet, I had the above, you might say odd thoughts that I've felt like writing about. Lucky reader you! LOL
Does anyone else ever wonder about the things I do? Do you ever feel like you're ready to quit treading the water and see what happens? Do you ever feel like you try in vain? Do you ever feel deceived about the choices you made during your stormy times; yet they felt so right at the time? (Maybe I just think to much.)

I guess this all makes me thankful even more for the SUNSHINE!

TIME OUT TUESDAY

2008-09-09T08:37:00.005-06:00

Our local radio station has a contest on Tuesdays called "Time Out Tuesdays". Were you can call in and nominate a person/couple to win a nights stay at a themed room in Rexburg, dinner for two at Applebee's and two tickets to a movie at the Rex Theater.
Well I called this morning and nominated Geary. I mentioned all his hard work with the truck at the reunion, the differences in our schedule (that he works nights I days) and he tends Coltyn. Being a blended family, so we grow by three every other weekend. So forth. Well.............
He WON!! A co-worker and an old co-workers wife called to second the nomination also after hearing the radio story. That made me feel good to know that other people know how hard he works and that it's noticed by more than me!

He doesn't hold still much better than the child in the picture, so he needs someone to make him have a time out, with or without duck tape.
Geary as always, you ROCK!!! I love you, and congratulations on winning the Time Out Tuesday! Take me with you? Please. LOL ;)

HUNTER REUNION LUAU (LIFES A "BEACH"?)

2008-09-06T19:56:00.009-06:00

Well life was definitely a "beach" for us on the Labor Day weekend! We headed to Bear Lake and lost the transmission in the truck just past Lava Hotsprings, while pulling our camp trailer with 5 kids in the car. This was not only "beachin" because of losing the tranny, but we had just spent big $$ having the transmission worked on on Monday that week; So that we wouldn't have any truck problems on our trip. HA!!!

I do have to say though, here I was wanting to cry and be WHY WHY WHY. Geary although not thrilled with the situation was making jokes and keeping us all laughing while traveling 25 miles an hour for 3 hours, with no A/C and praying we'd make it all the way in the one gear we had, first. He would get to the top of a little hill and be "hang on everyone we are going 45 miles an hour down, wheeeeee." We'd all raise our arms as if on roller coaster. We barked like dogs and hung our head out the window, and we sang songs. The kids would say how much farther, as they always do, I'd be "two hours"; you said that a while ago "it;s only been five miles we still have two hours at this speed". Then we'd find something to laugh about or entertain us some more, like wave at all the passing cars as if WE were in a parade. It was nice to have someone change the tune from sour to sweet even if he isn't a number one singer. LOL

The reunion it's self was enjoyable and fun, the beach; which brought back lots of great memories, the skits which kept us all laughing and some were so so true (ten second Kelli & gum drop) LOL; but not so enjoyable for my wonderful husband who spent the entire weekend trying to find & replace the transmission in the Sun, Rain and snow.

It's fun to see all my cousins & family but there never seems to be enough time to sit an catch up on lives. When will the kids learn to play nicely with each other and stay safe so the parents can just sit and visit? Yeah, I'm a big dreamer.

Wonderful family members made things work so that our family (six of us) could divide up and ride to Pocatello. THANK YOU EVERYONE! A special thank you to Neil, who towed the camper to Pocatello; but not before blowing a tire (at which point I was asking for the room next door to ten second Kelli) and we had a little worry with the spare. Needless to say when we finally parked the camper and all family members were safe and accounted for it was a relief.
Thank you also to my Dad who took the kids to Idaho Falls to meet Doug, so that they wouldn't miss anymore school and would be home at a decent hour.

Mom and Janis, the reunion was a success and you did a great job putting it all together and pulling off the dinner, activities and letting everyone enjoy each others company. We as as a LARGE HUNTER family pulled off working together when the rain hit and did what we could to keep people dry & the good times rolling. THANK YOU!!

All the memories may not be a warm golden beach, with a beautiful sunset and a light breeze through the trees; but they will linger for years to come and wait to be topped in the years to come. Whooo hooo down hill! LOL

2008-08-25T20:45:00.001-06:00

MEMORIES
1. leave a comment on my blog, one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me 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.

Anniversary Getaway

2008-08-25T15:46:00.007-06:00

First of all let me thank Janis & Matt sooooo much for watching Coltyn. Geary and I went to Salt Lake on the 23rd, to get away for our anniversary. We are not use to doing things without Coltyn in tow. So although it was a little weired it was also GREAT to have uninterrupted time together. THANK YOU!!!

We had so much fun talking about everything and nothing. I was not feeling 100% on Saturday, so I soaked in the jacuzzi tub and and took a nap, Geary got to watch a movie uninterrupted (never happens) and picked a place for dinner. We went to a buffet of Chines, Japanese & American food. I tried an oyster on the half shell. ICKY!!! I wouldn't try the fried fish heads or the baby octopus or clams dishes. They did have some great "American traditional" chines food.

After eating we went to a nickel arcade. i never knew there were still such things. It was fun and felt like I was a little kid. i kicked his but at air hockey (I think he might have let me?) It was lots of fun. We slept in till noon (that never happens either)and then got checked out at 1:00 and went to eat lunch. We went to Lagoon for a few hours and road all the rides that were not working when we were their, or that we didn't get to try when with the kids. It was a super relaxing time.

Geary, thanks for a very relaxing and enjoyable time, together. I always enjoy the talks, the way you make me laugh, the way you make me feel important and loved!
I've thought of all the great differences this time (marriage) around; I decided for me our "secret" to happiness is communication, having fun & being silly together & with the kids, not letting the petty &/or little things that come up get big and ugly or come between us. By that I mean, we just don't get upset over stupid stuff, not taking things to personal.
It has not been a perfect three years, we have had our share of trials; but we have had a great growing process getting through it and did it together. i LoVe YoU!!

2008-08-21T04:46:00.005-06:00

So the time has come, so the OB/GYN says to have a hysterectomy. I'm not sure that I will. I wouldn't mind the fact it would help rid me of a major problem, but it won't fix the underlying one either. They would however work on my bladder at the same time and that would be very NICE! I've decided (i think) to give it some time and try some non-conventional treatment options. Chinese Medicine, NAET, Herbal Medicine, acupuncture...... just about anything that I think might help ME. I figure they can't hurt and they are cheaper than surgery in the long run. If you would keep me in a prayer once in a while , so that I make the correct decisions about treatments, that would be appreciated!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2008-08-20T18:34:00.008-06:00

Happy Birthday Megan & Spencer

We met family in Idaho Falls and went to Leo's Place on 1st street. The kids/cousins played and enjoyed the few hours together. We sang happy birthday to Megan and then to Spencer in the most off key sound I've heard in a long while. OUCH! It was even hard to sing so badly.

Megan was fun to watch open her gifts. She got money from family and Geary and I also. She only wanted one thing, an mp3 player. We kept telling her okay we can get you a rock if that's what you really want. So Geary and I wrapped it in a LARGE amount of bubble wrap, placed two big rocks in the huge box and wrapped it. She opened the box and saw the bubble wrap and rocks and was just about in tears when someone said look in the bubble wrap. Then her tune changed a little from disappointment to embarrassment.

Megan & Spencer we hope you had a great birthday. We love you! Thank you to family who helped make it a great day!

Another Girl, never thought it would happen

2008-08-18T19:44:00.008-06:00

Well Saturday Aug 16th we went into Idaho Falls to celebrate Megan & Spencers birthday. I found out that I was getting another girl! Curtousy of Geary! Okay, it's his baby girl!

She is 7 lbs and has lots of blonde hair. She a good baby girl too,

as good as can be for a puppy anyway!

We went into a pet store to look around with the kids and pass some time while we waited for Leo's Place time to arrive. Geary walks over and is showing Coltyn the puppies. He see's this puppy and says "LeNee. I'm gonna get this dog, there is just something about her that draws me to her." I was like Okay; and sure enough he didn't care for any of her 5 siblings, he got Dollie the Golden Lab/Golden retreiver cross. Welcome to the family Dollie.

So far Coltyn really loves her at least unless she steals his blanket!!

2008 SUMMER VACATION

2008-08-10T20:01:00.022-06:00

We went to Salt Lake City for a week for family vacation this summer. It was a nice trip and we kept busy, almost to much so. We arrived the night of July 23rd.

On Thursday, July 24th in the morning we went to the 24th of July parade (days of 47) which was about 5 blocks from the hotel. It was a great parade, not worth staying overnight on the lawns & walks of the parade route, but none the less a good parade; although the kids were disappointed that there was no candy thrown. The up side and highlight was seeing Prophet Monson. He was only about 15 feet or less away in a car with all the "secret service" around him. Was a surprise to see him and very cool. Ask Spencer about it. We went to the Myan for dinner and that was pretty amazing and fun, I don't think any kids ate much, but they sure enjoyed the show! I guess that was the whole point, entertainment!!

Friday we got up to head to the Hogle Zoo. We had car trouble and spent about 1 1/2 hours getting that fixed and then off to the zoo. It was annoying, but ironic. Last year when trying to go to the zoo with Aimee were both had car trouble and didn't end up being able to go. In fact we had to rent a car to get home. We finally made it to the zoo and had a very enjoyable time, especially watching the young kids reactions to the animals. Coltyn was funny "oh wook" over and over and Spencer telling you any facts about the animals, Jared wanting to go look at an animal before we were ready. We attended the bird show which was SOooo amazing. We had huge Hawks flying right over our heads to the stage. It was very fun. The picture below is of the American Bald Eagle, we thought that was amazing, we'd never seen one not in the wild or that close.

Saturday we went to the flea market. Ask Spencer about buying fleas J/K. He was upset when he found out we were going. Grumpily "why would you want fleas?" He was funny, then has a good time buying items. So I think he likes flea markets now. We went school shopping at Draper outlet mall, that was nice to get it out of the way and to find some different items that everyone in their class wont be wearing.

I don't remember what day we did what from here till Tuesday but we also attended the discovery gate way and the kids played in the spray park, visited the planetarium which was okay but not exciting enough that we wanted to see a show, and the aquarium. The aquarium was awesome, we were able to touch sting rays.

We rode the TRAX system so Coltyn could ride a train....HE LOVES TRAINS, TRUCKS AND PLANES. We went to the airport to watch planes land and take off for the same above reason.

We attended the "this is the place" Heritage park, not enough time there (they closed at 5pm, we didn't know and went at like 3:45pm) but what we did have was very interesting and fun. Wagon ride, pony rides, craft centers a Good family place.

We did the Discovery Gateway building which the kids loved! A giant exploring building with hands on demos, building, balls, Lego's, ect...was a great time to just sit back and let them play and discover knowing they were safe. Okay, Geary and I played with the toys!

Tuesday and Thursday we went to Lagoon, or "Galoon" as Jared kept calling it. We had a really good time. We road the rain there which none of us had ever done. Did you know they have a"zoo"? Lagoona beach was fun and relaxing, only one minor sunburn our whole trip, on the last day! Yeah. Grandma & Grandpa came down and went with us on Wednesday. Had a lot of fun watching Spencer and Megan talk Grandma into riding the "big" rides, the Wicked and such. Grandpa got talked into doing the roll-a-cage ride with Jared and that was entertaining to watch. I won dad a great tie at the guess my weight thing. Ask dad if he wore it to church yet?

Well that wrapped it up we headed home Thursday and just laid around trying to recover from vacation for the next few days. Then I shed tears letting my kids go home after two weeks. It's hard to do all over again. LOVE YOU KIDS!! I especially want to thank Geary for his help with the kids, his patients while I worked a few days before we left and for taking his vacation time while the kids were here so that daycare wasn't needed, they got to know him better, and could play freely. THANK YOU HONEY! You are awesome, I love you a ton!!!

I did learn and decide that next time Geary & I need a vacation after vacation to recover. LOL ;)

Coltyn's 2nd Birthday

2008-08-10T18:55:00.010-06:00

Coltyn had all the kids here for his birthday, so he had a ton of fun playing. He loved eating the cake and especially the ice dream; but not so much the singing of Happy Birthday...he started to cry! Was quite funny actually.

He then opened the presents which we didn't wrap, just left in the sack, that was fun to watch him, siblings had to help make sure that all items were out of the sacks. He was a little overwhelmed by having to wait to open his trucks, planes, and trains till the sacks were empty, but he survived.

He has grown so much! Coltyn is such a fun, happy, smart kid that we are continually amazed and entertained by him. He is just a joy to watch grow and learn. Coltyn Mom & Dad love you greatly, you are very special to us and it sure would be quiet without you around. Many more memories to come we hope! Love- Mom & Dad

PS. As I'm doing this blog, Coltyn looks at the pictures and is singing "happy birthday to you" over and over. Too funny.

Horses

2008-08-10T18:45:00.004-06:00

This is video of the two mares Geary bought me last year for our anniversary. The paint mare is named Sassy and the bay mare is named Mercedes. Coltyn is a little over one in the video and never has had any fear of animals. The dog in the video who is licking him to death is Daisy, Harley's mother. FYI: The horses are now two and in a huge field, they love it and we don't see them much. We are trying to sell them should anyone want them, or know someone who does.

Coltyn's first Harley

2008-08-06T22:20:00.003-06:00

Harley is a Dog not a machine.

Harley the Blue Healer Beagle cross. We got him from the people we bought our horses from. He was Coltyn's dog for a brief time last year late Aug, at the time we lived in Rire, Idaho. He was a cute dog but dumber than a post and could not figure out potty training, so he had to go. No pun intended. ;) Coltyn is barely a year old here.

Aunt Aimee's Fairwell

2008-08-06T22:11:00.002-06:00

These are the kids with Aunt Aimee at her fairwell talk. They have already grown a ton since this picture. This is also the day, after pictures, that Jared decided to cut his own hair at Grandma's house and he had to have it almost shaved bald to "fix" it.

Teton Moose

2008-08-06T22:00:00.006-06:00

There were about 7 moose in this heard, Four pictured here.

Two more in this one.

These are picture of one of the moose I saw this late winter when traveling the Teton Pass to Wyoming. I saw the large heard down from the road and they resided mostly visible for almost two weeks (pic 1 & 2). Then I saw this lonely moose and was able to get about 15 feet away before he started to move; and so did I! Coltyn and I saw one directly road side one morning. He kept signing Moose and saying "whre'd it go?" with had jesters. Pretty cute. if I find that picture I'll add it in.

Paper Shreds

2008-08-06T21:51:00.004-06:00

Who knew that shredded paper could be so enticing and fun. I never realized till my almost two year old showed me last month the creative things you can do in paper shreddings. Make it snow/rain, swim in it, throw them (make a mess), play hide and seek. So these are the things that Coltyn did with the 3 garbage sacks full of papers Geary took the time to shred. He laughed so hard especially with being hidden under the paper (no pic) that I almost wet myself. I think by the look on his face he hated the project dad was doing. LOL

OLD BLOG LINKS?

2008-08-05T17:48:00.002-06:00

Hope this works. I was for some reason "locked" out of my original blog. So I'm trying to start again and copy/paste items.

DIDN'T WORK SO CHEK OUT www.idahocurtis.blogspot.com for old info and pics.