Stolen and Unwanted

Last night my dog scratched at the front door to go out for a walk. I opened the door, let him and and went back inside (for less than 1 minute) to get something. I opened up the door to call him and as I stepped outside I saw a man, on the side of the road in the process of getting ready to pick up Chancho and put him his truck! He saw me and quickly jumped in the truck and took off! If I had been one second longer my poor dog would have been dog napped! I could not believe it! I was telling my mom and she said 'I know you love him, but it is not like he is a pure bred dog. It makes you wonder why they were going to pick him.' First of all, my dog is soooo cute! So, I said to her 'Well, it was a beater truck, maybe they don't know what a pure bred dog is' lol She then wondered if that meant that my sweet dog (my words, not hers) was a beater truck type of dog. NO!!!! I am so glad we still have him!

So, I volunteer in my kids classes at school ( I know, I am wonderful). I go to the twins class on Fridays, James hits Parker's class on Friday and I asked Kylee to see if I could go on Mon or Wed to her class. Her teacher told her any day would work. I went in today and it was informative. The teacher did not even look up when I walked in. The kids were commenting that Kylee's mom was here, but I had to walk over to her and call her name. She then made it completely clear that she had no need or desire for me to be there. She told me that 'I would just be.........(big pause)' and I said 'In the way?' and she paused and then said 'bored'. I think she really wanted to say 'in the way'. She told me that if she ever needed me she would send a note home with Kylee. I will certainly not be holding my breath! Poor Kylee! She looked ready to cry. She really wanted me there. Oh, the joys of school!

A Long Time

It has been a long time since I have posted. Life has been crazy. I found out that I had indeed started our hot water heater, but did not have it warm enough. I set it for a higher temp and then scalded myself. I now know how to turn it on and set it properly.

I also watched my oldest daughter compete in two gymnastics competitions. I am not sure how the parents of Olympic athletes do not have ulcers! It was a lot of fun but very stressful! She did great and improved on the second meet.

I have totally killed my body. My husband informed me that I was not a young girl anymore and that my gymnastics/boot camp class might be too high impact for me. Did I mention that my ankle, knees, back and hips are killing me? I am not sure I can give it up. I really like it and I love the people I work out with.

I have also been working in the office off and on and I have been reminded how much I love office work!

One last thing. I have seen many people that I know have different feelings on statements made by leaders of my church. I have many feelings on this, however, I think that most of them are better left to being said in person so as to make sure that the intent comes across correctly. But, I do want to say that you can love someone and not agree with choices that they make in life. I can love you but that does not mean that I have to agree with everything you do, love every choice you make and believe that all you believe is right. Just because I don't agree on all things does not take away my love.

Is This Too Hot?

We moved in to our new house in June. Well, I say we, but really it was James. The kids and I didn't move in to it until the end of August. The house had been empty for six months before we moved in to it. So, you can imagine that the owner shut down all utilities. James left to go to Tucson in July and when we got home last week he informed me that he had neglected to light the pilot on the hot water heater but that it should be just fine until he gets home in mid September. Now, I would like you to imagine that your hot water heater is not working and see if you think that is fine? I have to say that I was slightly annoyed with him. I just knew that the kids and I would not be able to shower and how on earth would I get my clothes and dishes clean without hot water?! We have been home for 9 days now and the hot water heater is still not on. However, our water is so hot that it steams up the bathroom and can burn. How is this happening? Did it really get lit and both of us are mistaken? No! It has been so hot here that the water that is sitting in the hot water heater is near to scalding! Do we have cold water to offset it? No! It is too hot here to have cold water unless it has been sitting in your fridge for some time, certainly no the pipes! I think this is too hot!!!!!

If You Were A Betting Man

Yesterday I picked up the girls from the bus stop. It is just down the street a bit, but I drove because it is so blasted hot. We got home and when it was time to go and pick up Parker I asked the girls if they wanted to come with me or stay home. Remember, it is just down the street. They wanted to stay. I hoped in the car and headed off. The bus was late, so I was just sitting the in the nice air conditioning of my car when I saw the man across the street waving like a mad man. I rolled down my window and he asked me if I had just felt an earthquake. I told him 'no' and he said he felt his car moving. I was hoping that he was wrong because my girls would not be happy to have an earthquake and me not be there with them. This occurred at 2:45. At 3:00 Parker's bus came rolling in and we headed off. When I pulled in to the driveway the girls were standing there, with Chancho on a leash and Kylee was crying her head off. Turns out we did have an earthquake. What are the odds of that happening right at the moment that I left them home!?! If you were a betting man I would say place the bet! It took us all a long time to stop jumping at every sound in Salt Lake but we got there. Calm, peaceful, earthquake free Salt Lake! The moment we enter the Imperial Valley the kids (and I) started worrying about earthquakes. Now the girls are freaked because I wasn't there. Sheez!

Taco, anyone?

I pulled in to Del Taco and the following conversation ensued:

Employee: Opening statement and then "Can I take your order?"

Me: "I would like 36 hard shelled tacos, please." (we had a lot of people)

Employee: "What?"

Me: (thinking he was shocked at the amount of tacos) "I need 36 tacos, please."

Employee: "We don't have tacos."

Me: "What?"

Employee: "We don't have tacos."

Me: (thinking, 'how do you not have tacos? Your name has taco in it!') "What????"

New Employee: "This is Wendy's."

Me: Crazy laughter and then "I don't need anything then!"

I pulled out and went across the street to Del Taco. I was telling the real Del Taco employee about it. When he gave me my order he said "Here are your 36 hamburgers!". You have to love life! Maybe this is the answer to my question on my previous post!

Who Is More Stupid?

Who is more stupid, me or Gateway mall parking? That is the question. Yesterday morning I went in to the mall to have my haircut. I went to pull in and looked at the carrying case on top of my car (don't judge, I am going home in a couple of days and need it on there). It cleared the bar that they hang down to show if your car is too tall. I pulled in and because it was early in the morning I parked right at the entrance. I got out, went in and got my hair cut. I left with no problem. Part of the day passed and I was looking in the mirror and realized that my hair was not symmetrical (this time it was supposed to be). I called the salon and they told me to come right in. I pulled back in to the parking lot but this time the mall was a lot busier and I had to go down A LOT lower in the parking. Did you know that the levels are not all the same height? Well, unfortunately for me they are not. Pretty soon I started scraping on the bars but I could not turn around or back up because of the crazy amount of cars behind me. I had to go under a beam (made up of chalk, drywall and who knows what else). I really wish that this beam had not been there. There was a long, horrible sound. I was cringing and wincing at it. A lady in her car looked out at me and said 'It is on your car'. I made a sad whining sound (really, any whining sound is sad and obnoxious, don't you think?) and got out. Sure enough, on top of my car, hanging over both sides with the bottom part of the beam! AHHHHH!!!! Seriously? This is happening to me? I had to lift it off (it was quite heavy) and put it against the side wall. I found a parking spot (I was already there I might as well fix my hair!) and went in to the salon. I was talking to my hair dresser about it and fretting that I would not be able to get out. He offered to come and help if necessary, but I was too embarrassed to have anyone I knew see me doing it! haha So, I got out okay and as I was driving down the road pieces of drywall were just flying from off the top of my car. It reminded me of driving behind a big semi that is loosing gravel, sand, etc. I got home, looked at my carrier and about cried. Two holes, one on each side at the back. James is going to kill me. Although, it is not really my fault. Don't you think that the bar you put in parking should come down to the highest height that the car can be to enter? Do you know how high your car is?

Do I Really Look That Old? Really?!

This is a picture of me and my beautiful sister Jayci. We were at an art gallery the other day. As we were standing there talking one of the employees came walking up and asked us if we were mother and daughter! With me being the mother!!!!!!! Hello! Do I really look old enough to be her mother?! Ouch!

Lunch!

I had lunch yesterday with two friends that I have not seen in 21 years. Yes, 21 years, although, if you count facebook time we have conversed for the last couple of years. It was great to see them both again. I love that friendships last. I had a good lunch (great choice, Jen) and excellent conversation. It as good to kind of catch up on some things (hard to do 21 years worth in 90 minutes). I am hoping that while I am visiting family I can see a few more friends before I had back down south. Thanks girls for the great time!

Sorrow

I found out today that a close friend of our family lost his brother today. I am so heartbroken for him and his family. While I know that death is a natural part of life, sometimes it comes too early and very unexpectedly. His brother was not very old (I would guess in his 30's) and no one was expecting it. I didn't know the brother but my family is extremely close (like adopted family) to our friend and I really am so sad for him. I am also grateful for the knowledge that I have of life after death and that we can be with our families again. It doesn't make it painless to loose a family member, but there is such peace and comfort with that comes with that knowledge. I am not even sure that he reads this blog (most likely not) but I want him and all of you to know how much we love him and how much our hearts and prayers go out to him and his family at this sad time.

Yawn!

Back in El Centro I go to sleep fairly late, but for some reason, when I am in Salt Lake I stay up even later. I watch some t.v. with my parents and then I read...and read....and read. As I am doing it I am aware that it is going to be difficult to get up (I have to get the kids to school for breakfast at 8:00 so I can take Kylee to gymnastics) and yet I still do it. You would think that being 38 years old I would know better. However, seeing as how I am yawning as I type this and knowing full well that I will repeat this process again tonight, I either don't know better or don't care!

Getting Older

I can't believe it, but I can see (pardon the pun) that I am getting older. Yesterday I was holding a bottle of medicine trying to read the active ingredients. I could not find a place that put the words in focus. I brought it closer to my eyes. Nope. I moved it farther away from my eyes. Nope. It took me some time to be able to read it and I had my glasses on! It is not really thrilling that at the young age of 38 I am struggling with this! What is going to happen when I am 20 years older?!

Summer?

Does this look like summer to you? I left El Centro and the temperature was 110*. In Salt Lake it is rainy and cold! Look at the snow on the mountains! Poor Utah and me and mine! lol Come on summer, get here!

I.V. 2nd Ward

Almost three years ago we moved to the Imperial Valley. I was a very reluctant addition to this area. The 120 degree temperatures make it hard to want to be here! lol I finally settled in and love the people in my ward (church group). There are many people who have blessed mine and my family's life. We have made the decision to move in to a home. This home is outside of our ward's boundaries. I am very sad about this. I am excited to be in a home with much more space, but I am really going to miss these people. I was talking to a friend on the phone today and I told her how much I would miss her. The thing is that I usually only see her on Sunday. When James is not there I make my Sunday school comments to her and we usually sit behind her for another one of our meetings. I love the chance that I have to chat with her and I will miss that so much. It is a wonderful group of people. I know that the other ward is full of nice people as well, but I truly feel loved and at home in the 2nd ward and I will miss them so much.

Allergies

Poor Kylee has allergies. Her eyes are in a continual state of extreme redness and itchiness. She has to take Zyrtek once a day (which makes her tired, so she takes it at night), Claritin or Benadryl at least two times a day, eye drops twice a day, cream on her rash from the allergies three times a day and wash with a certain type of soap. I told her she was a lot of work. lol One thing I am amazed at is her lack of complaints. Don't get me wrong, she tells me it hurts, but she does not sit and complain non stop about it hurting. Pretty amazing.

Apartment? House? Stay? Go? AHHHH!!!!!!!

Well, the title of this post is pretty self explanatory! I can't figure out what to do!!!! We anticipated getting in to some apartments quite close to where we are living and were looking forward to that move. The other day something happened to make me question whether or not it would take place. So, I started freaking out and we began another search for a new place to live. After hitting upon another scam (this would be 3 for us in less than 2 months), we found a GORGEOUS house. Three car garage, 4 bedrooms, a huge kitchen, den, living room, family room, formal dining, top of the line appliances, granite, etc. It is fantastic and at a great price for the home. We decided to take it. I slept last night dreaming about where to put everything but also fretting about things. I woke up worrying about spending so much more money on a home that I don't own, additional finances, etc. So, James and I decided to stay where we are but to move in to a different apt at the same complex. They informed me that I would have to pay another deposit plus more money as a transfer fee. Hello! The only reason we would be transferring apartments is because of the mold in the apartment from them not taking care of the flooding problem correctly! I informed them that we would be moving and she quickly told me to come back when the manager was there. I stormed out of the office, reminded of one of the reasons that we wanted to move in the first place! Can I just say that this whole thing has not been fun?! The answer to the question in the title is: Go! However, not in to the beautiful home (sniffle) but in to another apartment. If the 3 bedroom is not available we will be moving in to the 2 bedroom until the 3 bedroom is available (hopefully by August at the very latest). Seeing as how the kids and I will be in Salt Lake for that time, it should not be a problem. However, when we come back if we are still in the said 2 bedroom it will be interesting, to say the very least.

What do you think?

I love my husband. He is very good about trying not to hurt my feelings. That being said, this is the funniest conversation that I have had with him. I am trying to grow out my hair (very frustrating at times) and I tried a new hair style. He came out of the room and the following conversation ensued:

Me: What do you think about how my hair is done? (this was not supposed to be any kind of a trap)

James: What do YOU think about it?

Me: I already know what I think. I am wanting to know what YOU think about it.

James: Well, it sounds to me like you are not sure, or you would not be asking me.

Me: That is not an answer. What do you think. I promise, I will not get my feelings hurt or be upset. I honestly want to know.

James: *pause* Weeeellllll........it is okay if you are not going anywhere.

Me: I was going to!

James: Then it is not really my favorite. *slight cringe while waiting for the backlash*

Throughout the rest of the day I kept saying things like "Well, at least I like your hair" or "Way to smash my hair feelings to the ground". hahahaha He so did not want to say it and it turns out he was right. I will take that honesty, but I will always want to here how slim an outfit makes me! lol

Hola!

A conversation between Kylee and me.

Kylee: Hola amigo!

Temaire': Hola amiga! Hola chica! Hola nina! Hola mija!

Kylee: Hola chancha!

Temaire': Hey!!!!

Kylee: *insane maniacal laughter*

Bad Week

Last Friday I took Parker in to the dentist. His spacer broke and he needed a new one. I also made an appointment for me at the same time. About a year ago 1/2 of one of my crowns broke (just the porcelain part) and a few weeks ago the rest came off and I figured it was time to go in. I had a full set of x-rays taken and was told 'no cavities, but you need two crowns'. The joys of having a tooth full of old filling. More filling than tooth. Sigh. So, on Monday I went in for the work. I got the shots (ouch) and started to fill like I had just taken a Percocet. They started drilling in to the metal part of the old crown. OUCH!!!!!! So the dentist gave me some more medication. All of a sudden I burst out laughing and could not stop for about 5 minutes. Seriously? Who laughs while sitting in the dentist chair? It should be impossible. Kind of like being short and tall all at once. After I got calmed down, he got back to work. Some time later (numb on half of my face from the middle of my neck -starting at the middle of my chin- all the way up to the lower half of my ear) he informed me that there was tooth decay under the crown and the filling and there was a 2% chance that I would end up needing a root canal on both teeth. Lets hope my luck with this is better than my luck of no rain while camping. Hours later, when the Novocaine (is that what they still use?) wore off I was so sore! My jaw felt like it had been punch repeatedly.

I had to go back in the next day for a cleaning. Again, can I say ouch?! I was still tender and let me tell you, that water drill that they use HURTS!!!! She finished doing that and informed me that a cavity had been hiding underneath plaque and that it was so close to the nerve that I would need a root canal and a crown. Nice. Seeing as how the kids and I are leaving to Salt Lake in less than two weeks they had to hurry. So, today I went in again. Over 4 hours on the chair! Again, I felt some pain, so he reapplied some medicine. It is now 5 1/2 hours after they finished all of the work and I am still numb. It has worn off some and I am in some pain. I really don't like going to the dentist. He informed me that I was an excellent patient. As I had a bunch of stuff in my mouth I could only think 'yeah, I am just laying here. What can I possible do that is good?' and he said 'You are probably thinking that all you are doing is laying there. But you don't move at all and you keep your mouth open. I don't have to fight you about anything. It makes my job much easier'. Here is the secret to my not moving. I am tense from the moment they have me open my mouth until they are done. I couldn't possibly move! I am like a board! Let me tell you, this goes to making one extremely tired after 4 hours. Does that count as exercise? Here's to hoping!

Earthquakes

I have to say it again. I am so sick and tired of earthquakes. I am tired of my kids being scared to go in their rooms, go to the bathroom, hear the people upstairs walk around, etc. I am tired of feeling our home shake and hoping that it doesn't get any bigger. In case you didn't know it, you do now. I hate earthquakes and really wish they would just go away!

Great Joy

One year and nine months ago Parker and Kylee started gymnastics and Imperial Valley Gymnastics Club. Almost nine months ago Kearney and Ireland joined as well. They have all loved it and I have enjoyed watching them learn and grow. In March I started taking their adult boot camp class and it is amazing! I absolutely love it and it helped me to feel a lot better, both about myself and just in general. About a month ago I started learning how to train and spot the girls. I am there 4 nights a week and I am just LOVING it! I love working with the girls and the coaches. I love learning new things. It has just brought me great joy. I also love that I am able to spend time with the kids at the same time. So, thanks IVGC! I love you!

Isn't It Ironic?

Our apartment managers have posted signs all around our complex. It is a heavy laminated sign of a girl, walking her dog. The dog is obviously trying to go to the bathroom and the girl is holding a pooper-scooper under its bum. The sign reads:

Someone is walking their dog inside the complex and not picking up after it. Please pick up after your dog when walking it inside or outside the complex. Be considerate of others. Some don't like to see it, smell it, or step in it.

Thank you,

The Management.

This has been staked in the grass out front. I was walking my dog, he went up to the sign, sniffed it, promptly lifted up his leg and went to the bathroom all over the sign.

Ironic?

The Easter Quake

I am aware that I have not blogged in a while, but the last few weeks have been very busy. Easter Sunday came (April 4Th) and we were really looking forward to it. I love it when Easter and my church's General Conference fall on the same day/weekend. It was so nice. The kids got up and saw what the Easter Bunny had brought them, we made some orange and cinnamon rolls (two different types of rolls, not one) and watched conference. The kids did pretty good at staying awake and not fighting. It was nice. So, 3:30 comes along and James leaves for work. I am sitting on the couch in the living room and the kids are in my room watching some movie on t.v. All of a sudden I feel an earthquake. At first it felt like it was just going to be around a 4.o (yes, I can tell you how big or small an earthquake was almost to the point. That means that we have them too often, wouldn't you agree?). So, I say to the kids 'We are having an earthquake, come on'. We head to our designated earthquake area (right in front of our bedroom door under a small alcove). I shut the door and took down the Family Home Evening plaque hanging on the wall (don't want to get bonked in the head). So, the kids are huddled around me when all of a sudden I am aware that this is not going to be one of our regular earthquakes. All of a sudden the shaking intensified. We heard loud crashes, glass breaking, watched the tv fall on the ground. My bedroom door flew open (which caused my dog to run through it to outside on the patio). I quickly shut the door again and we heard this loud 'gugugugugugugugugugugugugugu'. It sounded like an extremely loud machine gun. It was the sound our building made as it was shaking back and forth. I still have nightmares about the sound and feel. My kids were screaming and I kept saying (calmly, I might add) 'It is going to be okay' but in my head I was screaming 'Oh my word! Stop shaking When will this nightmare end?!'. Part of the way through the shaking I heard my friend and neighbor Yvette screaming my name from our doorway with quite a bit of panic in it. I quickly let her know we were okay and I quickly rushed the kids outside. I then turned around, ran inside and got my dog. (it was still shaking) When James found out he was so mad at me. He told me not to put my life at risk for a dog, he would find a place to hide. The earthquake lasted for about 1 minute and 30 seconds. It certainly felt much longer. It was the worst and most frightening experience I had ever had and unfortunately it was not over yet. As we stood out in the courtyard neighbors began spilling out of their apartments completely terrified. Some women were crying. Everyone was shaking and the aftershocks just kept coming. I kept trying to get through to James and I could not reach him. I was so afraid that something had happened to him. I called my mom and finally got through to her to let all of my family know what had just happened. I then got a call from James so I got off the phone with my mom to talk to him. He was fine and checked to make sure we were okay. I had not yet gone in to our apt so I was not aware really of all of the damage. We both thought it would be okay for him to stay at work. I then went in to the apartment to get some items that we (Yvette and I) thought were necessary, i.e. birth certificates, immunization records etc. Every time I ran in to get something we would have another earthquake and so I would go running outside. I came out one time and saw my next door neighbor standing in her walkway bawling her head off as a river over water flowed out of her door over her feet. It was a terrible sight. I ran in to Parker's bedroom and saw water everywhere! I could not believe it! My friend Adam (Yvette's husband) tried to turn off the water outside but it did not stop it. Turns out it was the pipes to our fire system that had busted and was just flowing in to one of the lady's bedrooms, which happened to be right next to Parker's. The water just kept flowing and before long it was seeping through our walls. Not just underneath, but through them. The kids rooms filled up quickly with water and it moved in to our bathrooms, hall, living room and started on the dinning room and our master bedroom. So, now Yvette and I were scrambling to get some clothes and shoes for the kids and me and James. We had no idea when we would be able to get back in or what would happen. I kept trying to get a hold of James and when I finally did he was so calm saying that it would be fine and he didn't need to come home. I have to say I kind of yelled at him that he needed to get home because our place was flooding and I didn't know what to do. He called his supervisor and came home immediately. It is a good thing he did. I am not sure what we would have done without him. He called to city to have them come and turn the water off (they got here 10 minutes after he called them). Now, don't ask me why we didn't think to call them. The earthquake was so terrifying, every body's kids were scared, my girls were crying, adults were crying. I think we had all lost our minds, I certainly did. All I kept thinking was 'We don't have any water. We don't have any water. What are we going to do?'. I was on the phone with my mom (again) and she said that my brother Chris looked it up and said it was a 5.0 and I said 'no way'. He looked again and said 'oh no, it was a 6.0'. I said that there was not way that is what it was. It turns out it was a hard (who knew that came in small, hard, etc.) 7.2. Whoa! James was finally able to get a hold of our apt managers. As soon as the first earthquake ended they left. Nice. He told them about the apartment flooding and that we needed a place to stay. There was an apartment right by ours that they said we could use. We moved a few things in there and another neighbor gave us a blowup mattress for James and I to use. That night the kids were so afraid to go to sleep. We put them in the living room and us in the master. Part way through the night Kylee came in crying because she was afraid. I had her sleep with us for a bit and then I moved her back in with the kids. A few minutes later I heard her talking in her sleep saying 'There's an earthquake, there's an earthquake'. Poor girl. We had several more large aftershocks that night. James and I ended up moving our bed in with the kids to help them and me.

The next day we were trying to get things cleaned out of our apartment so that they could start cleaning up the mess that was our home. We had to throw away a bunch of books, games, some dressers etc, but we were trying to save as much as possible. With the help of our friends, Adam and Yvette, we got most of the furniture and clothes moved out and another neighbor came to help with moving out of all of the rest of the stuff in the kids rooms. I am not sure what we would have done without all of them helping us. They were truly a blessing to us. The carpet guys came to inspect the carpet and the walls and informed us that it would be several weeks before we could move in. We had a friend take our kids to a movie while we were cleaning and James and I ran to wash all of our wet stuff so that it didn't get all mildewy (is that a word?). We did not have water yet or electricity because of the flooding, so we headed to a laundromat. While we were there I received a phone call from our apt manager who informed me that we were not supposed to have 'moved' into the other apartment. They thought we were just using it for the bathroom, which made no sense seeing as how there was no water there either, and we needed to move out. I quickly told her she would need to speak to my husband. I am not really sure what he said (I moved away) but he got off the phone after a minute, she called him right back and informed him that we could stay there. When we got back to the apts our neighbors (who also had been flooded) told us that the managers told her that we would be moving back in to our apt the next day and they could move in to where we were staying. Now, do you remember me saying that our place would not be done for a couple of weeks and they wanted us to move in to the wet, mucky mess? Well, James marched over to the office (which was closed early), pounded on the door until they opened and informed them that we would not be moving back in to our apt until it was finished and we had a health inspector in to make sure it was safe and they were not to try and make us move or touch our stuff until that time.

So, before the horrible quake, we had plans to take the kids to Disneyland, etc on the Tuesday following Easter. Everything was already paid for (hotel, etc.) and we were sure we would not be able to go. I could not believe the timing. However, we were out of our apt with nothing to do but wait for it to dry and get cleaned. The kids and I were terrified of being in El Centro (the quakes just kept rolling on in) and James had the time off of work. We decided to get the heck out of Dodge. We had just had so much trauma and craziness that we thought it might be good for all of us to get away. So, on Tuesday afternoon we left. We had strict rules about mentioning the earthquake. That was not allowed. Kylee would burst in to tears at the mention of the word and the girls are still all terrified to go in to any room without me or James and the twins make sure that they stay together. We were gone for 5 days and it was extremely beneficial for the kids and us. On our way back in to town I looked at James, started to cry (the kids were asleep) and said that I did not want to come back home, I was afraid to be there and I didn't want him to leave me to go to work. I totally felt like one of the kids.

While we were gone we found out our insurance doesn't cover earthquakes and because the flood was caused by the earthquake none of that was covered. :( We also come home to having to try to clean more things up. It has been 12 days since the earthquake and we are still not all in. We are finally able to sleep in our apt but nothing is really put away because we can't bring our furniture in because they have not finished working on the walls. So, we are between two apartments living in a gigantic mess. I hate messes. I am really hoping that by mid week next week we are back and put away, but really, at this point, who knows what will happen. There has also been some damage in El Centro and Calexico. Our library is still closed, we have many other building still closed. Our church was closed on Sunday because of damage. All of downtown Calexico is closed and many building condemned, bowling alley closed, movie theaters closed. Homes have had roofs cave in , etc. The kids are having earthquake drills daily (Kylee's class twice a day, which she hates because it scares her to death). Here is what I do know. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for the safety and protection of my family and friends. It could have all been so much worse and I am truly grateful it wasn't. I am also grateful for the help of my friends that live by us and the love, support and prayers of family and friends back home. Thanks to all of you who have called, written on Facebook, prayed for us and helped in anyway. It truly was felt and appreciated.

Here are some pictures of some of the damage. The top ones were actually as they were cleaning up, but I can't figure out how to get them to move to the bottom.

This is as they were trying to clean up the carpets.

This was the nasty culprit! It shot water on to the bed for over an hour.

This is one of the walls where the water not only came in under the wall but through it as well.

This is some of the damage along our dining room window.

This is above our hall.

After much of the water had drained, we took some pictures in Parker's room. You can see the water at James feet, but in front of them by the Operation game is a huge water carpet bubble. They were all over our floors.

Our poor bathroom.

The water moving in to our room. Can you see the water coming from under the closet wall?

This white spot was actually a water bubble. Carpet was all bubbled up from the water underneath it.

You can see some of the water under the drawers.

You can see the water starting to move in. Eventually it filled the whole room, moved in to the dinning room and our bedroom.

This is what Parker's bedroom looked like from the door. I am so glad he wasn't in there!

This is the girls room. You can see the water has started moving in to the room.

The water moved pretty quickly in to our living room.

Please, Leave Me Out Of The Loop.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (some know us as Mormons). I love my church and truly believe and know it to be true. I have many family members and friends who belong to this church. I also have family members and friends who do not belong to this church. This does not change our relationship in the slightest. However, I do know a few people who keep sending me anti-Mormon literature and invitations to anti-Mormon events. I have to say, I hate this. I find it to be completely rude and disrespectful. I believe that everyone has a right to their beliefs and feelings. I would never try to force my beliefs on anyone nor would I constantly send a copy of The Book of Mormon, nor send invites to church events to someone who had such negative feelings about the church. So, please, respect my feelings like I do yours and leave me out of the anti-Mormon loop.

Pigs Can Fly

Did you know that pigs can fly? They must be able to because something has happened that I thought would never happen. Like pigs flying or certain places freezing over (like El Centro. lol). People used to say to me 'Keep exercising and eventually you will like it.' I heard this for years. Yes, years. I figured that when the above said things happened would be the day that I enjoyed exercising. Well, that day has arrived! Yes, this is Temaire' and not James typing this blog. I LOVE it! Three weeks ago I started attending an adult boot camp class (at my kids gymnastics gym) three times a week and also working out with a personal trainer one to two times a week. At first I hurt so much I thought that I was going to die. I don't hurt like that anymore. Some days I am a bit stiff as I move around and I am for sure tired throughout the day (James says I need to eat more. I kind of like that! lol). I think the difference for me has been working out with other people. I really like the people in my class and I work harder because I don't want to look like a wimp in front of them. One night James' supervisor was in my class and it was a huge incentive (didn't want to look bad in front of someone that works with James! lol) to work even harder. Although, when he told me he was beating me I did say that if he was going to compete against any Erb it would be James and not me! I also love having someone tell me to go harder. Today I was showing my trainer how many push ups I could do. I was ready to quit and she yelled (nicely) for me to do 3 more. I did it! Amazing! Even more amazing is that I enjoy it! I look forward to going to my classes and sessions. I even wish that there were more of them through the week. So, if you look out your window don't be surprised to see a pig flying by.

Oh, The Temptation!

Hmmmmm.....Brownies. Is there anything better in this world? I don't think so. Now, there may be things as good, but certainly not better. Currently, I am on a mission, quest or maybe a beat you in the ground contest (okay, that may be a bit harsh) to lose some weight. How am I doing this (not by eating brownies!) you might ask? Well, eating healthy (thanks W.W.) and exercising each day. Not fun, not easy, but it is happening. So, how do these brownies figure in to this equation? Well, we are having a Evening Relief Society meeting (women's church meeting) tonight and I passed around sign ups for brownies. We did not have quite enough people sign up so I am making two pans of them. Oh, my house smells delicious! One pan a double chocolate batch and the other mint. hmmmmm......heaven, but it feels like I am in a very different place! Now, you might say that all things are okay in moderation. That might be true, but I have never been able to do brownies in moderation. I could eat this whole pan of brownies in one day, by myself. (don't judge!) I know that I will be coming home with leftovers and would like to let my kids and husband sample.........but I am not sure I can stand the temptation! Why, oh why do brownies have to be so delicious?

She Is Different Than I

Last April we were up in the mountains camping. It was FREEZING cold. While we were fighting with the wind to keep standing upright we saw a couple come walking in to the campground with a hiking pack on each back. We talked to them for a few minutes and found out that they were going on a 2650 mile hike from the border of Mexico up in to Canada. Yikes! We watched them set up their little, itty, bitty tent, eat a small meal and climb in to their tent to brave out the wind, clouds and rain. The next morning I was in the bathroom trying to help my kids shower and the lady, Cindy, came in. We talked for a bit and it was easy to recognize some major differences between us. First of all, I would NEVER walk that far, on purpose, for fun. She also talked about how it didn't bother her to go so long without showering (a big NO in my mind) among other things. She was really nice and we had a good visit. She finished her showering (much faster than I and mine), gave me a 'business' card to follow her trek and off she and her husband went in to the 'cloud sitting on top of you' day.

So, I went on to her blog and have followed it and her over the last year. I have enjoyed reading about her life, but I now know for certain we are totally different. If she is tired she doesn't care if million ants are climbing all over her feet. For me, I could not be tired enough to not care! That would never be a 'I don't care' moment.

Cindy and her husband live kind of like nomads. For a few years they did not have a home. They lived with other people that they met on line through a 'share your home' type of thing. She actually gave me some information on it so that we could join. Basically, you open your house, yard, whatever to people who belong to this group to come and stay with you for how ever long they need to. You have the option to do the same with them. Nice for them, but so not me. Needless to say, we did not join. Her husband's job is as a professional gambler. Really. He is heading off to Vegas now to start the super bowl gambling and then they will be living in Vegas for 3 to 4 months for some other type of gambling. He is big in to math and I guess does quite a good job at it. They ended up buying a ranch to open it up for people traveling around.

Other differences? She is a soy milk, crazy healthy food person. Me? Not so much! I love real milk. I do like healthy food, but I am more than happy to eat something that is processed. I will eat things non organic and I am betting that Cindy is not the same. I will wear high heel shoes and dress up. She doesn't really like that at all. No dressing up and totally casual all of the time. She is also in to roller derby. Now, I think that would be fun, but there is no way I could do it. She is on a team and does really well. How fun is that? It totally fits her personality.

When we met she expressed her views about our border laws and the Border Patrol. That was quite funny considering what James does for a living. lol She is very much the 'there is no worries about anything' and 'no wrong can happen'. I loved visiting with her. I love reading her blog. It is amazing to see how different we are, but great to know that you can be different but both still be great. It was an enriching encounter and still is as I follow her life. Does she know about or remember me? Probably not, seeing as how I am a silent blog stalker. I come, read, and go, but she makes my reading fun! So, thanks for the journey, Cindy!

Things I Don't Get.

Times are changing, I get that, but there are some things that I just do not get.

1. What is up with the pursing or pouting of the lips when people get their picture taken? Yep, that is really pretty!

2. Really, who started the phrase 'kicking my trash'? I have read that on so many people's Facebook accounts and blogs. I understand what they are saying, but I soooo don't get it.

3. Closing down schools because there is a lot of rain on the fields. Really?

4. Not letting kids play outside in the rain because it is 'too moist'. (their kids must be made out of sugar cubes)

Well, a big pursing of my lips to all of you while I go to kick my trash and bring my kids in from the rain so that they don't melt in to a sugar puddle!

My Luck

James is gone for 6 weeks to Texas for an EMT training. Yes, 6 weeks of me taking care of all things Erb related in El Centro. Really, that should not be too much of a big deal. Now, don't get me wrong, it is a lot of work (lol) but not really anything I can't handle. Just the normal. Take kids to school, pick up kids from school, help kids do homework, take kids to gymnastics and scouts, pick them up from gymnastics and scouts, make sure kids are clean and fed, do laundry, dishes, shopping, cooking, clean the house, take care of the dog, do my church callings...just to name a few. Nothing too crazy, right? Well, that is what I thought until one day as I was driving the twins to school. I was driving James' car and it seemed to be pulling a lot to the left and I thought 'James needs to get his alignment fixed'. I finished driving the kids to school and drove home. As I was getting ready to turn on my street I thought 'what is that funny noise? Oh, I hope I don't have a flat tire.' I finished driving home and pulled and and low and behold, a stinking flat tire! (turns out it was flat as I was thinking that James needed to fix his car, I just didn't know it) I looked at that stupid flat and wondered what I was going to do. James wasn't there to fix it and my dad and brothers were 12 hours away. None of them would be much help. Now, my dad did teach me how to change a tire once, but really, that is man's work, and last time I checked I was not a man. I called James and complained and wondered what to do. He quickly counseled me to go and ask our friend Adam to help me out. Now, while we are living here with no family in sight Adam, Yvette and their kids have become part of our family so I knew that he would not have a problem. He came down to take a look at it and told me that I would probably have to replace it (because I drove forever on it...although the rim was just fine). He took it off and put it in my car and I took it over to Costco. Turns out you have to know the make, model and year of the car to have the right amount of air put in. I only knew the make. It's not mine car but James'! Anyway, we got it all fixed but Adam had not been able to put it on yet and it was sitting in my car (I do know the make, year and model of it). Flash forward to a few days later. I was getting ready to take the twins to a birthday party. We climbed in to my car and of course, it would not start! Luckily the party was not too far away, so we walked there. As Kylee and I were walking back we ran into another neighbor who heard me muttering about my car. She told me that her husband was excellent with cars and he could take a look at it before they took of to San Diego. So, Cain helped me push it out so he could jump start it and look at the battery. It was totally corroded. He helped clean it off and fill it up with water and told me that after running for about 5 minutes it would be fine. I put a battery charger on it and let it sit for a couple of hours. I then went out to get the girls while Adam put the tire on James' car. Do you think my car would start? No!!!!! I had to borrow Adam's car to go and get the twins and drop all four of my kids off at another friends house. By the time I got back Adam had James' car fixed and came over to look at mine. My poor battery was sooooo dead. He gave me a jump and I took the car over to get a new battery (and as it turns out some kind of belt for something on under the hood). Really, what kind of luck is this?! James leaves and all of a sudden I am having difficulties with my cars! It is a good thing that Adam and Cain were there or I am not sure what I would have done. Keep your fingers crossed that nothing else happens in the next four weeks!

The first culprit. James' car. I now know all the info on it!

My poor car!