NEW ORLEANS

Brandon and I went to New Orleans last week for a few days. He had to work, and I got to play!

This was our hotel. Right smack in the middle of the French Quarter and within walking distance of everything.

Everytime Brandon goes to these "Board Functions" they always leave a really nice bottle of wine or champagne in his room when he arrives. He spends most of his time trying to give it away to someone that drinks. So this time, they sent him cookies and milk. We laughed so hard.

The first night we were there, we went out on the town and found a cute little beignet stand and listened to Jazz music. It was a blast. I love the energy in New Orleans at night. I wouldn't want to live there, but it's fun to visit. (If you don't know what a beignet is, it is like a little scone smothered in powdered sugar.)

On the second night, we went with the whole group to this cooking school. We were split into groups and each had to make a different course. My group had the bread pudding with rum sauce. And Brandon's had shrimp and artichoke soup. It was so fun.

They gave us our own aprons to take home.

We had to serve what we prepared for the whole group. Brandon was the spokesperson.


This is his "sophomore" class. He has two more years after this of serving on the PPAI board.

On the last day, Brandon got out of meetings early and we walked to "Cafe Du Monde" for more beignets. I can't imagine why I just keep gaining weight...its a mystery.

This was the guy making the beignets. He would cut them on the machine and then just throw them over his shoulder into the hot grease. It was crazy.

This was a homeless girl that was selling her art on the street.

As I walked away after talking to her, my heart told me to go back and buy one. I chose the one with the owls. It was $35 and totally worth it. She was excited, and I will frame it and put it somewhere. They are literally made from paper bags and magazines....and I really do think they are neat!

Most important photo of all: BRAD PITT AND ANGELINA JOLIES PLACE. HOLLA!

911 AgAiN....are you kidding me???!!!

Yes, oh yes, Easton disappeared this morning. We couldn't find him for like 15 minutes. Addie was put in charge while Brandon vaccuumed, Hannah cleaned the litter box, and I put away the dishes. Chance was playing outside in the front with a bunch of little boys. When we were all done, and Addie was tinkering around, we said "where's E?" Of course Addie had no idea where he was and as we searched each room, the garage, and the unfinished basement with no little man in sight...we started to panic. We ran outside in which we are close to a playground, busy road, and a farm. Who knows where he could have gone.
After about 15 minutes of searching, and knocking on doors crying so hard we could hardly speak, and having about 20 neighbors out looking in every direction...we finally decided to call 911.
Just as I am giving the lady a description of what he was wearing, Hannah yelled "I found him." He was hiding behind her stinkin bed with two batteries in his hands that he knows are also a NO-NO! I swear, we had each searched that room like three times and were screaming his name through the house. What a little stinker!
When we found him, we didn't know whether to beat him or love him. Oh, that boy is going to be the death of us!!!! He has given us more heart attacks than all four kids combined.

*I also have to mention that as Brandon was searching the park, he rolled his ankle and is limping around...BIG SURPRISE! We are leaving for a trip to New Orleans tomorrow, and I'm going to have to cart that crippled man around again!!!! I think he does it so I'll have to carry all the bags.

Tidbits about the move

This was our sweet U-haul. It was so funny to watch Brandon drive for two whole days. It was truly a P.O.S. Each time he would have to drive on the freeway, he would freak out because the wind would just blow the whole thing from side to side.

The boys loved creating a "box slide." I swear, why even bother with real toys?


Before we were totally moved out of our Salt Lake house, the kids had to sleep on a blow up mattress for the last few days. Each morning we would come in, and the mattress would be half way deflated, the kids would be hanging off the side, and the blankets scattered every which way.

Here's our "classy" dining room. This was our first meal at the rental (spaghetti)!

Our dining set wouldn't fit in this little kitchen, so we have a card table for the adults and this table for the little boys! It works out just fine I guess.

We had a lot of help on moving day. Thanks to all of you who donated your Saturday for us.

Here's the view out my front door...not bad! Even in this poopie rental we have an acceptable view. At night I can see the temple all lit up on the side of the mountain and the light of the moon reflecting off the lake. It is truly beautiful. That is always a good reminder of why we are here!

Gunk in my eyes

I WOKE UP TODAY WITH A CASE OF "PINK EYE." SERIOUSLY, WHAT 33 YEAR OLD GETS PINK EYE? I DON'T THINK I EVEN GOT IT AS A KID. AND NOT ONE OF MY CHILDREN HAVE HAD IT....GUESS THEY WILL NOW!
I WENT TO THE INSTA-CARE TO GET SOME DROPS BUT THE WAIT WAS 45 MINUTES SO I LEFT. LUCKILY JEN CALLED AND SHE HAD IT A FEW MONTHS AGO SO SHE RAN ME OVER HER DROPS. I SHOULD BE GOOD AS NEW BY TOMORROW! THANKS JEN, YOU SAVED MY LIFE...OR AT LEAST MY EYES!

depression, nails, sushi, and a broken window

So, I have to admit that for the first few days in my new environment I was pretty depressed. Change is hard, and this was a HUGE change for our family. It's hard living in a rental and not being able to plant our roots yet...but we are certainly blessed that our house sold so quickly. So beggars can't be choosers.

Anyway, I stayed in bed for a few days when we first got out here. But now, things are getting back to normal. The kids are loving school and making lots of friends. The sun is shining. And by darn...I finally found someone to watch my boys once a week so I can get out and get some things done. Today was the first day that I tried out this new babysitter. She does it for a living, and my boys were in heaven. She even fed them breakfast and lunch, had learning time, and got Chance off to school. It helps that she has a little one his same age.

I took full advantage of my time ALONE. I found a new pharmacy, got my nails done, ate sushi (alone), found a cute boutique, and got a new pair of flip flops...what more could I ask for?

Well, when I went back to pick up Easton from the sitter, she nicely informed me that the boys were absolutely darling, but that Chance had broken her window playing baseball. She felt so bad that she even had to tell me. I was mortified of course, and my $30 bill quickly turned to a $180 surprise. She didn't want me to pay for it, but lets face it...who the crap wants to replace a window that the neighbor kid broke? Needless to say, Chance will not be playing baseball at the sitters from now on. Unless he uses a nerf! Arghhhhh

The "COMMUTER"

The kids and I couldn't wait for Brandon to get home tonight in his new "commuter" car. He just picked it up today. It's a Honda Accord. I think he will be much happier driving to and from Salt Lake in this car rather than the big truck. We took a spin around the neighborhood and it is super zippie...I love driving a little car! I almost forgot what it was like. Now I just need a "girls night out" so I can take it cruising!!!! Any takers??? We can cruise state and moon people!

Going Away Bash!

Well, the house sold. The deal is done. We have moved out to our rental in Saratoga Springs. The kids have started school and things are getting back to normal. However; before we left, our beloved neighborhood threw us a going away party!!! Here's some of the highlights....

Brandon and I as we arrived.

Marsha...just can't get us off her back!

Bree put together this fun and obnoxious game of Mackay pictionary!

Some of the gang watching the very sad video.

Rossy trying to draw something for the game.

Scott...trying to draw a "REDBULL"

Who knows what these two were trying to draw.

They posted these fabulous pictures of Brandon and I all over the house. I'm going to kill Jared for giving Bree our year books!

This is our neighbor "Ted." Oh how we will miss the Orgills. Ted always has the funniest things to say.

Emily, Allina, Amanda, and Lauretta....didn't stop giggling the whole party! Yes, that is just plain old soda in their cups! I'M PrEtTy SuRe anyways???

Rob put together a slide show of our family and the neighborhood through the years. It was very emotional to watch. Oh but what a gift that we will treasure forever.


The gang...getting ready to watch the video.

Sharon and Lori...making boobies out of cupcakes.

Strawberri...just found out she was having a "boy" that day. She wanted to tell us with her cupcake! I never knew cupcakes could come in so handy.

Crystal and I....she made the AMAZING coconut cupcakes that were the HIT of the party!

All the ladies...being silly as usual.

We had great food and a lot of laughs. Exactly what we needed the night before we moved.

I have such great friends. I try not to say that I will miss them, because I hope to see them often.

Lauretta and Allina brought me these "Dr. Pepper" jelly beans. I can always count on them to give me something crazy and thoughtful.

Michelle, Lori, and Steph. This is one of the only pictures I had of Michelle not crying.

Who wouldn't love this cake??? Hilarious.

Anywho, this was truly a night to remember.
We have loved our neighborhood and friends so much.
And now you can see why.
Thanks to all who put this party together.
Bree, Nat, Rob & Lor to name a few.
Bree and Nat also put together a book with letters from
everyone who wanted to say goodbye.
That will be another treasure for our family.
We love you all.
Thank you, thank you, thank you
from the bottom of our hearts...you're the BEST.