Oregon!

We had the most wonderful two week vacation in my home state of Oregon. Going back to the home of my youth is always a bittersweet thing--I love it so much, it's always difficult to leave and I wish with all my heart that we could live there. Don't get me wrong--I like Texas a lot (as I liked Utah for the 13 years that I lived there), and I know this is where we need to be, and I'm excited to settle here for awhile, but I think my heart will always belong to the beauty of the Northwest.

The weather was great while we were there! No rain at all. Kind of funny that we had to go to Oregon to escape the rain of Houston!

The plane ride was non-eventful. We even got the whole row to spread out. The first few days Ty and I stayed with my sister Susan in Eugene, just hanging out and playing. Ty loved the slip n slide and playing with his cousins Jacob, Jessi, Katie, Christian, and Carter. Unfortunately, I wasn't the most diligent picture taker, so most of our two-week adventure went unrecorded.


Once Brad flew in, we spent some time at our family's cabin on the Coast in Florence. This little slice of Heaven is my favorite place on earth. It's here where I spent my childhood summers swimming, rowing, climbing sand dunes, fishing, exploring, reading, sunning, and relaxing, all without telephones and television.

A cute pic of "KayKay," "Jessica Fish," and "Ty Food." The kids made up nicknames for each other, and us. Not pictured: "Chin Chin," "SaySay," "SuSu," and "Grandma CiCi."

The girls also got Tyler hooked on the Cheetah girls. He goes around everywhere now singing Girl Power and Cheetah Sisters! I'm torn because I know he would LOVE it if I got him the CD, but is it just too girly for him to have it?

Poor Brad! It wasn't his lucky day. After crushing a pop can on his forehead and getting this circular-shaped welt, he overturned the canoe, drenching himself and his work cellphone. Luckily, after some intense hair dryer therapy, the phone was revived. He was a little embarrassed, but as Scott said, his clumsiness just endears him to us.

Grandma and Ty playing "bull" with a tablecloth after eating another wonderful meal out on the deck.


Special fishing lessons with Grandpa.

What's a trip to Oregon without a walk on the beach? We even managed to make it when there wasn't much wind.

In addition to the coast, we were able to spend a few wonderful days at SunRiver, where we saw Cousin Kelli and her cute kids and hung out at a luxury pool complex. We also visited my high school friends Catharine and Tonya. We couldn't even remember the last time all three of us were together at the same time--probably Ton's wedding in '99. It was so fun to see them and catch up.

Thanks to everyone who made the trip so wonderful! We had a great time! We love you and miss you already. Remember, Texas is a really fun place to visit, too. Our door is always open!

Wonder World

We went to San Antonio again this weekend. We found a couple homes and neighborhoods that we really like. Hopefully they'll still be on the market in a few weeks when we can start looking for real!

On our way home we took a detour to San Marcos, where we stopped at the Outlet Stores, and went to a place called Wonder World. This Wonder World is an underground cave, observation tower, anti-gravity house, and wildlife petting zoo, all rolled into one. Pretty random, huh? Yah, we thought so, too. But Ty loved it!

So many choices! Are we horrible parents because we didn't let him get one? Cute picture, though!

This is right before we went down in the cave. It was pretty crazy--lots of tight spots and some tricky steps. It was also quite wet down there because of all the rain water coming through (it's been raining a LOT this summer). One "room" was actually flooded so we had to take a bypass stairway. Pretty cool, though. At one point the guide turned off all the lights so it was complete darkness. A whole bunch of other kids were bawling, but Ty thought it was really cool.

We rode on a little train around the Wildlife Park/Petting Zoo portion of the tour. These deer were definitely not shy. (No worries, we washed our hands immediately after this!)

It was a good little getaway. We're only back for a couple days and then Ty and I go to Oregon for two whole weeks! I can't wait! Brad will join us for some of the time, too.

Not Much

I've been trying to think of what to do for this post, but I have drawn a blank! I don't have any great pictures or any wonderful subject to talk about. We haven't done anything really exciting--just normal. So I guess I'll write about normal.

I'm really starting to like it here. People are wonderful, I'm making friends, I like the area, I like the house, I like the ward, I like my Activity Days calling, I like exploring new places, generally I like Texas! And I like it here in The Woodlands area. It's funny--we've explored a lot of the little towns around, but I haven't ventured into Houston yet. The traffic really intimidates me. I haven't gone back since we dropped Mom off at Hobby airport, right after we moved here. I know, I don't get intimidated by much, but Houston is inimidating for some reason. I wasn't intimidated by Manhattan--I loved it! But we took the train in, and I had studied maps. I guess I need to get a better downtown map and study it. There's just not much reason to go downtown when we've got everything we need and more out here. I would like to go down to Galveston--I just dislike the traffic you have to go through to get there. But I think we will one of these days.

The problem with liking it here in the Houston area so much, is that we're not going to be here very long. We should find out hopefully this week whether we'll be able to move to San Antonio soon, like the first of September! I sure hope so. On our trips over there, (we have another one this weekend) we've been really looking around to find the neighborhoods we like. There are some that I really like, and others I really don't like, so I'm glad I have this chance to really explore and find the right place for us! I just want to start seriously looking, and work with realtors and lenders.

TyTy continues to do great--he likes sprinklers, swimming, stickers, still loves his "American Flag songs," (We keep re-checking the CD out from the library. I think I need to just buy one for ourselves!) really loves his Fisher Price train set that he calls Thomas. We just bought him some Diego underpants yesterday. He was so excited! He kept yelling throughout the store, "Underpants! Underpants!" I still think it will be awhile before he actually uses them, but they're there as a little incentive, I guess.

Tyler came out of nursery this Sunday laughing and yelling, "Bubble butt! Bubble butt!" I had to stifle my laughter and act serious as I asked him where he heard that. He said the kids in the nursery. (Those darn nursery kids, contaminating my child!) I told him that "butt" is a not a nice word and that we don't say it. That he could say "Bubble Bum" instead. So he ran off saying, "Bubble Bum, Bubble Bum!" Not sure that's any better, but oh well! It made me feel like my mom, getting on us every time we said Butt or Crap. Oops. I just said them. Sorry Mom.

Brad has gotten the lawn to look really nice! Well, not really nice, but at least almost normal. That was one of the only things we didn't like about this place when we moved in--the lawn was basically just a field of ugly weeds. They were seriously about two feet tall. It's taken two and a half months, but after de-bugging, de-weeding, fertilizing, transplanting, watering, mowing and trimming, we almost have a full lawn! He also trimmed the bushes up front and made a nice brick border for the flower bed. Of course the back yard is still a big field of weeds. The problem is there's a slope, and everytime it rains, it just creates big ruts. It really needs to be leveled, but the rental company won't do it. So, basically, we're just back lawn-less. Bummer, but I've come to terms with it.

I'm really proud of myself with my coupon-using and frugality. I've really been able to cut our grocery budget over time. We're very well stocked up--had to use the hall closet for our food storage since the pantry's not big enough--and I don't have to go to the store as often now, either. It's just so satisfying! I love getting great deals! My best week was when I got $110 worth of stuff for $8.39! I don't think that will happen again--all the stars were aligned just right on that one! But most weeks I save about 40-50%. The main thing is collecting coupons (paper, internet, store, etc.) and then looking at the circulars and being alert to see what the deals are for that week. Then, by combining the coupons and the store specials and store coupons, and using the coupon doubling and tripling programs (it's all automatic), you can really save. It's really just being aware of what coupons you have and what specials are out there.

Well, I'd better go get ready for the day. We're gonna go to the Library today, I think. Sorry, I hope this post wasn't too boring for y'all.

Love,
sal

A Decade Ago

Ten years ago today I got up early, rode with my parents to the airport--on the way Dad ran over a cat, which was a bit unsettling--and we flew to Provo, where I entered the Missionary Training Center. I had an inkling perhaps, but no real idea how much my mission would affect my life.

(Yes, I am wearing the same outfit in both pictures--pretty much my whole mission, to be truthful)

Just a few of the experiences that helped shape my future:

Teaching some very elect people with love and the Spirit

Getting along with companions

Dealing with rejection

Studying and feasting on the scriptures

Working long, hard days in the heat and humidity without complaint (okay, maybe a couple complaints)

Laughing it off when I really wanted to cry

Listening to the spirit tell me truths about who I am and where I need to be

Spending much time on my knees getting to know my Heavenly Father

Overcoming fears

Pitching in to help do anything in a ward or branch or community

Loving the members, and the beauty of the land

Becoming a leader and a trainer

Leaning on the Lord alone, instead of family, friends, roommates, etc.

Having a LOT of fun along the way

Realizing I am on the Lord's side, and committing to do whatever it takes to stay there

Learning I can NEVER fully repay a debt to the Lord--he just keeps giving more blessings!

Extra Bonus, not expected, but certainly appreciated: Finding my eternal companion!

Please don't ask about the hair--we called it the"Cleveland cut of '97". That's Cleveland, Oklahoma, by the way, pop. 3200

Favorite Quotes from the Mish:

*Just go on the dirt road til you see the ceramic pig. If you get to the chicken coop, you've gone too far.

*I don't hate Mormons like all the other Baptists, but you guys do make interesting lesson topics.

*Umm...your dog just peed on me.

*Oh look! We've got roommates. The cockroach family. They must be Mormon because they've got so many kids.

*Sorry, girls, you can't come in, my husband's home...
Umm, we just passed your husband on the road. He waved to us.

*If I'd known it was going to be this good, I would have gotten up an hour earlier!

* Oh Sisters! Come on in and I'll get you a cold washcloth to wipe off your faces.

*You sisters better marry a man from the city who's never even seen a farm before!

*Dearest Missouri: No shoes, No shirt, No Gospel!

*Girl, what you doin' wearin' a torn dress?

*No, really, we're NOT hungry.

*Sisters, wake up! There's a tornado coming!

*Preciate ya

and, my #1 favorite:

*Sisters, I'm just callin' to see if you wanna see me get dunked, cause I've decided to get baptized!!

Independence Day

Well, this year was no Provo Freedom Festival, but it was nice and special in its own way. We went to a small town Festival at Magnolia's Restored Train Depot, and watched fireworks from a great, non-crowded spot on the shores of Lake Conroe. On our way home we stopped and got some frozen custard. Yummy.

Brad actually preferred celebrating the Holiday in small towns like we did instead of all the crowds. He said this was his perfect Fourth of July.

I think Tyler agrees--how can you top a day where you can explore an old train, win a cake in a cake walk, find a friend in an old Bassett Hound named Darlin', and see a whole bunch of fireworks over the water? Life is pretty sweet.

Our conversation when we got in the car to go home:
Tyler: I love fireworks. Fireworks make me so happy.
Mom: You love fireworks, huh?
Tyler: Uh-huh. I love to hug it.

Kitchen Goodies

Normally, I'm not a big fan of kitchen gadgets. I got rid of our breadmaker, our ice cream maker, our toaster oven--I hate how much room they take up for how little I use them. But too many failures in the rice department lately had me loudly wishing for a rice cooker. My little angel (Brad) heard my wishes and presto! Just like that I am a proud owner of a rice cooker. I tried it out tonight and I AM IN LOVE! I just put the rice and water in (of course I added some boullion, onions, and cilantro to it, too) and closed the lid. When the bell went off, I had perfect, fluffy rice, just like I've tried to make but always messed up. It was yummy brown rice, but fluffier and sticker, like I love. Mmmmm...

Speaking of yummy, I have a favorite summer salad/dip that is healthier than guacamole (I always put too much sour cream in my guac, so it's not so healthy), but more tasty than just plain salsa. The picture has it in individual scoops, but I just leave it in the bowl and scoop it out with a spoon or a chip.

Black Bean, Corn and Avacado Dip

2 cups frozen sweet corn (thawed)
1 can black beans (rinsed thoroughly)
1 cup salsa or picante sauce (I prefer mild, but I suppose you could go hotter)
1 small bunch green onions, diced
1 avacado, sliced in little chunks
Juice of a small lime
1/2 cup (or so) cilantro, chopped.

Combine all ingredients and toss well in glass bowl. Let sit for one hour in the refrigerator to meld flavors. Serve with chips (I like the lime Tostitos myself)







Another great recipe I got from a new friend in my ward is cake mix cookies. They're so easy! Just use any cake mix, add two eggs and enough oil to make cookie batter consistency (around 1/4 cup). She had used a white mix and dipped them in little confetti candy to make cute sugar cookies. I just had on hand a yellow cake mix, so I added choc chips. I think it'll be fun to try out different mixes. (I've done this kind of before, making homemade oreo cookies, but that recipe called for shortening instead of oil--the oil is TEN TIMES easier!) I think I'll try using applesauce instead of the oil for a low-fat version. They stay really moist, too. Now, don't get me wrong--they do not replace a really good choc chip cookie in taste, but they score MAJOR points for convenience and ease.

It's Raining, It's Pouring

My Goodness!!!

For a girl who grew up in rain-soaked Oregon, I must say I'm a bit surprised at how much it rains here in Texas! It has rained every day for a long time (over a week, I know)! The only difference from Eugene's rain is it's still really hot here. The rain is usually accompanied by thunder and lightning (or as Tyler calls it, Funder and Lightning Bugs). Whenever the thunder comes he repeats to himself, "It's okay, we're okay, we're safe in our new house, it's just the angels bowling."

This week we went to Laredo, a town on the Mexican border. (Yucky) But we got a hotel with great pools and a playground, so I was excited to do that while Brad had his appointments. Ummm...no. It flooded in Laredo. Not just rained, flooded. So we were a bit bored sitting in our swimsuits in the hotel room for four hours waiting for the rain and thunder to stop (Brad had the car). I think Ty and I just might stay home next time Brad goes to Laredo.

No Swimming Today

Current Favorites

Three Things Tyler Loves:

Marching!!!
We checked out a CD at the library called Wee Sing America. Ty loves it! He asks to listen to it probably 20 times a day. (or more! I'm not kidding) We march around to John Philip Souza songs and "You're a Grand Old Flag" for a large portion of our day. Anything with the American or Texan flag are favorites right now. (The golf club in the picture is his staff that he lifts up and down as he marches) Don't worry about me, trying to go throughout my day with songs about the civil war, goober peas, and picking cotton stuck in my brain!

Slippery Soap!!!
He is obsessed with bar soap, aka Slippery Soap. He wants to take extra baths just to play with it. The other day the last sliver of his first slippery soap bar disappeared down the drain, and he started crying inconsolably--in the bath, as he was getting dressed, even again at bedtime. Finally I got a new bar for him to sleep with and all was right with the world again.

Paper Clips!!!
So many fun things can be done with paper clips! He uses them on his train, in his hair, in Mommy's hair, with his stuffed animals, to push food around, to play the piano, and so much more!

My Boys

An old, but favorite pic

I'm so proud of my two boys today.

1.) Brad

Brad had a very difficult assignment at work, where he had to tell a very explosive, angry couple some really bad news. It was the right decision, confirmed by company headquarters and attorneys, but he knew the couple wouldn't see it that way. Walking up their doorstep was like walking into a fiery furnace. But he did it! And he stayed professional and calm--even empathetic--when this couple yelled and screamed in his face and eventually threw him out, slamming the door into his shoulder!

It's sad, though, because at the end--right before the slamming of the door-- this couple said they were going to tell everyone they knew how horrible his company is, and for them to run when they hear the company's name. And people probably will decide not to use his company if they hear these people's side, but there's always two sides to every story. And sometimes confidentiality agreements and professionalism dictate that one side will never be told. Hmm...

2.) TyTy

Truthfully, one thing about raising a boy that I've dreaded is the whole fascination-with-bugs thing. I hate bugs and little slimy animals, and I don't want Ty to bring them into the house and want to care for them, etc. I just don't want to be the Mom that helps her son turn tadpoles into frogs from a dirty jar in the kitchen!

But I think I just might change my mind! I saw a bug yesterday, and Brad was still home so he got it for me. Tyler saw that, and got a little washcloth and said "I got a bug, too!" We thought he was just copying his dad like he often does, but he gave the rag to Brad, and Lo and Behold, there was a spider in it!! We gave him a lot of praise, and a couple hours later I thought he was just pretending again when he said, "I got another spider and put it in the toilet!" I said good job and went on with my day, until hours later when I went to use the john and a dead spider was in the bowl! Now I have two guys to protect me from bugs!

Something New

Sometimes Brad and I get a hankering to try something new. Something we've never done before. So this weekend, after a long, HOT, sweaty, tiring, traffic-filled not-so-great trip to San Antonio we got home and do you think we just wanted to unpack and go to bed? No way! We're not that boring! We were just dying to add some spice to our lives! Do something new. Something adventurous. Even daring! Find a way to spend all the EXTRA CASH we have lying around the house. So this is what we came up with!

More Amusement

Ty and I have tagged along on both of Brad's business trips to San Antonio so far. (I'd much rather be sunning at the hotel pool and meeting Brad in between appointments for lunch than being home alone overnight with just me and a 2 year old that misses his daddy.) It's also a chance to explore the city that we will hopefully be calling home for at least a few years. This week we stayed an extra night using a gift certificate we had.

On Saturday we found Texas' oldest Kiddie Park. You could definitely tell it was the oldest! But it was fun, and cheap, and Ty really liked riding the unlimited rides.

The school bus was his first ride. He saw it and ran to it. He loves school busses anywhere! This one actually went really fast and it kept bumping his head against the foam there, but he loved it and rode it twice more!

Next was the 1918 hand-carved, hand painted carousel. Too bad people had broken off most of the horses' tails and some of their legs. This type of carousel is one of less than 100 left in existance.

This was the helicopter ride. You can tell that this is the first time around because Brad is still smiling. Ty kept wanting to go on this one, so Brad went with him, but by the fourth or fifth time, he was a teensy bit queasy.

Ty's still lovin' it, but Brad's a little less excited to be on a flying saucer!

After a fun-filled day of airplanes and rafts, trains and busses, helicopters and carousels, Ty dozed off on the trip home. And that was nice for Mommy and Daddy!

Say that again?

I consider myself fairly competent at the English language. I was an English teacher, for Heaven's sake! But my spelling/pronounciation rules have gone out the window since I've been here!

The following are street names or cities, etc., in and around Houston and San Antonio and how they are pronounced here in the Great Lonestar State:

Kuykendahl: pronounced KIRK in doll

Huebner: HEEB ner

Cibolo: SIB uh low (We thought it was si BO low)

Bexar: bear (just ignore the x, they say)

Gruene: green

Boerne: BURN ee

Tamina: TAM in uh (again, we thought it was tuh MEEN uh)

There are more, I just can't think of them at the moment. I'm noticing most of these have emphasis on the first syllable. I'll have to remember that as I'm trying to figure more things out!

Glasses

Tyler's lesson in Nursery today was "I am thankful for my eyes." He got to make these cool glasses that he has worn ever since. I think he likes them so much because now he's just like his daddy. We finally made him take them off for bed.

He kept saying, "I can see you, Mommy! I can see you in there!"

Three, Two, and One

Three Things I Had Forgotten:

Humidity makes bread go moldy faster than dry air.
(This is not my own personal bread, by the way)

When it rains in the Southwest, it pours. Can we say Microbursts?!
And the thunder and lightning is like nothing the West has ever seen.

It’s really satisfying to save money with coupons.
The stores here, (H.E.B., Randalls, CVS, Walgreens) make it really easy to coupon, and coupon well. With the automatic coupon doubling and tripling, and using the store specials/coupons in addition to the manufacturers’ specials/coupons, I’m getting so that many items I buy are free or very little. I’ve even made money on some! I get so excited to grocery shop now! And it’s helping me build up our food storage.

Click here to see my favorite money-saving site. Look especially in the Forums section to get tips on where the great deals are. I think you have to register to get to all the good stuff. It’s free.

Two Products I Love:

Airborne
I don’t want to jinx myself, but ever since my mom introduced me to this, I’ve taken it at the first sign of getting sick, and it has stopped it in its tracks! Helpful hint: I’ve tried all the flavors and Lemon Lime is the least offensive. I’ve also found about a cup of water is just about the right amount to drop the tablet in. (Not too strong, but not too much, either) Walgreens has a good generic brand.

Kraft Easy Mac
These are much easier than making the whole box, and Ty loves them. Just 3 ½ minutes in the microwave, and presto! Lunch! We started with the individual cups, but the value pack with the pouches are just as easy and less expensive. In fact, I’m stocking up this week and getting them for just $1 for a box of 6.

One Thing I’m Noticing:

Texas is a Bit Behind Utah in some things.
Now, I know Texans would never agree with me on this, but there are some things that we’re behind on here. Like Redbox: Utah’s had that for ages, and we just got one in our neighborhood this week. Also, I haven’t seen any self-checkout registers at any stores, and they’re all over Utah.

A Song Remembered

The Warbler passed away last week. She was one of the biggest reasons why I loved the Jefferson Ward in Murray, Utah. She had a name--it was Roxie--but Brad and I, with only respect and affection in our heart, called her The Warbler.

You couldn't miss it, really. Anyone new who participated in Sunday services could be seen perking up a bit when the singing began, because right there, in the smack-dab center of the chapel would be Roxie, singing loud and clear with all the feeling she could muster. I don't know how to describe it--not off-tune, not shrill; just signature Roxie. I loved her for that. I'm sure she knew she didn't have the finest singing voice, but she wasn't singing for herself, or anyone else in the room, for that matter. She was singing to her Heavenly Father, whom it was instantly apparent she had a tight relationship with.

I knew her for only the last three years of her life. Some people, when they reach the age of 91 might think it's their turn for a break. Not Roxie. This woman, in a four-foot-something frame, had a giant spirit. When a sister whom she visit taught fell ill and needed help, it was Roxie who let us in the Relief Society know. And before anyone else could help this sister, Roxie had already gone out to the store in her big boat of a car--with her head barely clearing the dashboard--to get some food and other items. A couple weeks before I moved, Roxie had a stroke and was put into a rehabilitation center. Her first comment to the Relief Society Presidency was her concern that she might not get her visiting teaching done that month!

Roxie also attended all the Enrichment Meetings. I got to sit next to her in March as we played a getting-to-know-you type board game. We all laughed and agreed when on one turn she chose the word Spunky to describe herself.

After her stroke, we all noticed the absence of her heartfelt singing. But her example remains. How many times have I not served with all my heart because of one of my perceived weaknesses, or because I worried how others would react? How many times have I ignored little promptings within me to serve a sister I visit teach? Maybe next time I'm prompted to bear my testimony, but try to talk myself out of it because I feel like a dork in front of all those people, maybe I'll gather up the courage to do it anyway...and I'll remember the beauty and sanctity of Roxie's warbling.

Maifest Fun

In an effort to discover and experience our new state, we went westward on Saturday, and landed in a town called Brenham, Texas. Brenham was settled by a bunch of Germans in the mid-1800's, and this weekend they were celebrating their 117th annual Maifest--the oldest spring German Festival in the South!!!! It was actually quite fun; they had a children's carnival, lots of leiderhosen and saurkraut, and fun little booths. Reminded me of many of the Oktoberfests in Oregon that I grew up attending.

(Sorry about the poor quality of these pics--we forgot the camera so we had to use the phone)

Ty rode on his first roller coaster and loved it!
He was really proud of himself for holding on so tight.

After the exciting coaster, we went for something more mellow with the bouncy castle.

From Brenham we went about 10 miles Northeast to St. Claire's Monestary. The nuns there breed and raise miniature horses. They are soooooo cute! (The horses, not the nuns) We saw many baby ones, even a day-old foal. This was the favorite part of the day for all of us. The little ones were about 18 inches tall, and were so gentle and curious. Tyler kept petting them and tickling them, and they would play back--it was really cool.

Because it is a monestary with a "cloistered, contemplative Order," it is only open for two hours each day and has self-guided tours. It was very interesting.

We finished the day by having dinner at a Biker Grill in the town of Novasota. My Reuben wasn't very good, but Brad's Texas Filled Spud was! A huge, huge potato stuffed with BBQ beef, cheese, bacon, butter and sour cream. Very filling! And very Texas. I guess I should save the German Reubens for the German festivals!

If You Ever Plan to Motor West...

If you someday find yourself traveling through the metropolis of Monticello, Utah, I highly recommend you stay at an up and coming hotspot: Canyonlands Motor Inn! Lucky for us, we happened to be traveling through the same night as a big car rally in nearby Moab, and no other room in town was available; otherwise we might not have found this gem.

Upon entering the 1970's lobby, you'll instantly be taken to the far-away land of India, native home of the proprietor. Several different strong and spicy incense sticks burning simultaneously will leave you and your clothes smelling sweet for days to come!

Don't let the rust stains and mold fool you! If you want to sleep in air-conditioned comfort, Canyonlands Motor Inn is for you!

They are so confident in their 100% safety guarantee, they laugh at the thought of using smoke detectors. (Besides, they just get annoying going off all the time with the burning insence.)

No need for clunky and bothersome shampoo bottles and bars of soap. They'll provide the same magical aqua-marine colored soap at the sink and in the shower.

This is Brad enjoying the luxury of the the lukewarm trickly shower in the comfort of his Teva's. We just weren't up for the adventure of battling foot fungus this time around, what with the long drive ahead of us. Maybe next time we'll be more daring.

Other bonuses not pictured:

*Be sure to get your TV remote control from the clerk upon check-in.

*Enjoy the game of "What Lamp works, and what lamp has the cord chopped off?"

*And please don't forget the age-old question of: Is that a man's or a woman's greasy handprint on the wall?

Making the Rounds

Last week was a bit sad, but fun, too, as we made the rounds to say goodbye to all our friends. The sisters in Relief Society gave me a cute Recipe book that everyone had signed. So nice! I'll really miss our life in Murray...I love this place and all the wonderful people! But there are new people to meet and new adventures to experience, so on we go!

These are Ty's best friends from the neighborhood. He'll really miss playing with them.

We spent time with Ty's birth family at the zoo. This is him with his birthmom.

Saying goodbye to Cousin Emma.

Playing with another cute cousin, Addie. We might see them again soon, though. Addie's parents, Spencer and Sara, are applying for jobs down in San Antonio. Wouldn't that be great if they were down there, too?

Movin' to Houston

Well, it definitely seems more real now. I went down to Houston and found a place for us to live. The city is sooooo amazingly huge. I know everybody says that, but I couldn't fathom it until I saw it. It just takes a long time to get anywhere! And there seems to be traffic at all times of the day. I came back to Salt Lake City, and marvelled at how small it seemed.

The Temple there is GORGEOUS! Breathtakingly beautiful, only you wouldn't know it was there unless you happened to drive by it! It is so dang flat, and the trees are so high, that you really can't see anywhere except where you are! I kept trying to get a glimpse of the area from up high. Occasionally the freeway went up on an overpass, but all I saw was trees! There are some really nice neighborhoods nearer to the Temple, and within about 25 minutes or so of Brad's office, but unfortunately the rental homes in that area were too much.

I got pretty frustrated the first day: even though I stayed outside the 1960 loop like everybody said, the first FIVE homes on my list were either yucky themselves or in yucky neighborhoods. Finally, I moved north to The Woodlands, which is farther north, but actually takes less time because of the freeway. I found two houses I liked, and called, and the lady said that BOTH had been leased out the day before!!!! AUGHH!! I asked if she had any others and she said there was one for about $50 more than we had wanted, but it was nice and was in the Woodlands area. So I went there and fell in love with the house!!! The yard needs some work, but she said she'd have the ground crew work on it before we get there on May 1st. This home is one story, one year old, and around 1650 square feet. Three bedrooms and a study. Two baths. Great kitchen, breakfast nook, dining room (although we don't have a dining room table--I thought we could make it a reading nook), and a great big master bath with a great big walkin closet. Plenty of storage space, two car garage...it's definitely the nicest place we've ever lived. It doesn't have tile and granite, etc., but it's still great for our needs!

So...without further adieu, here is our new home on Woodhollow Drive.