We are home!!!

Just a quick note to let everyone know we are home and happy to be back with Daddy. I have many blogs floating around in my head begging to be written but for now I have a house to put back in order and a huge pile of laundry to wash. The blog will have to wait a bit longer.

Vacation Packing (sigh)

I will be going to Colorado for 3 weeks, without Ryan and with all 3 kids (crazy, I know). I am very excited about this trip. I always love going home to see my family. I will be spending the first week at my Mom and Dad's house watching my sister Rose's three kids. She is spending the week in Las Vegas with her husband. While I am sure they will be a handful at times, there is plenty of room for them to roam and explore. My parents have 3 spare rooms and 5 acres to run around on; not to mention a kid-sized 4-wheeler that they can't wait to drive. I will have the kids alone during the day while my folks are working, but I will at least have a bit of relief when my Mother gets home in the late afternoon. I will be making plenty of trips to the park and hopefully the pool at least once.

My sister Elizabeth and her husband David will be there for a few days. I am excited to see them. They just moved to Colorado Springs after serving in the Army, stationed in Hawaii. I haven't seen her in 3 years (wow, it's really been that long?).

My second week will be spent between Wyoming and camping in southern Colorado. I have a couple of days between when Rose returns from her trip and when my family reunion starts in Ouray, Colorado. So I am dashing up to see my in-laws in Rock Springs. I don't know who I will get to see as they all have jobs and vacations of their own. But if all I get to do is visit my Mother-in-law's grave then the trip will have been worth it. McKenna has been looking forward to bringing flowers to Grandma's grave for a very long time. I will probably drive the kids around town a bit and show them where I grew up as a child. I really want to take them to the pool park that I grew up playing in. That will be fun to see. Hopefully a family BBQ will also happen.

The third week will be the 3rd annual family camp out. My parents began this tradition and it has really taken off. Every summer we meet and camp for a week in the beautiful mountains of Ouray. It is my favorite place on earth. We are a rather large group and grow each year. It's great because we see family from all over. Some come from Arizona.  I come up from Texas and the rest live throughout Colorado. I love seeing everyone so much.  I think this time we are expecting 18 adults and 12 kids. We spend a lot of time up in the mountains on the old 4x4 gold mine roads. We explore old ghost towns and the occasional mine shaft (we don't go far). Lots of time visiting and hanging out around the fire. It's wonderful!

Needless to say, I have been getting ready for a week. Cleaning the car (Why do we do this before a trip? It's pointless yet mandatory), going to the bank, making lists, getting books on tape from the library, making sure all bills are in order, washing all the clothes, and finally packing it all up. I am not sure if I will find the time to blog or not but rest assured I will tell you all about my trip.

Father's Day

I consider myself very lucky. I have been surrounded by strong, competent, respectful men all my life. I will start at the beginning with my father. I have a great Dad. I consider myself very lucky to have grown up with a father that not only treated me really well and loved me a whole lot, but also taught me how to be an independent and  capable woman. I spent lots of time with Dad working on things. As a mechanic my father always had plenty of projects to work on. I spent my share of time out in the shop helping him. I don't think that I could fix much today by myself, but I at least know my way around an engine and I can do all the basics. This has come in very handy in my life. Plus, people are always very impressed when they see a woman working on a car. I have called my Dad and thanked him several times for all he has taught me.  It goes well beyond cars. I can function in the wilderness.  I can skin an animal.  I can drive a gnarly 4X4 road.  I can pull and back up a trailer. For this and many more things, I love my Daddy so much!!!
My Father-in-law is someone I have known for a long time. He was my Bishop when I was a teen so he became the authority on all things spiritual in my mind. I still see him this way. He is a very loving and caring man. I feel very blessed that he is my husband's father. I know that Ryan would not be the man that he is today if he had not learned so much from his Dad. Ryan understands the gospel and uses the Priesthood so well because of the teachings of his father. Thank you, Blaine. I love you.
The father of my children. I am not able to express my feelings for this man.  They are too much to explain. Ryan knows that he is my whole world and that I love him very much. My children know that I love their father and that means a lot (even if they don't understand that yet). Most important, my children know that their Daddy loves them. Ryan goes above and beyond to make sure that he spends time with the kids and tells them that he loves them every day. I could not possibly ask for any more than that. I love you Ryan.

Kid Date #1

Ryan and I decided that it would be fun to start doing kid dates with the older two kids. The idea came about when I learned that the city was putting on musical productions at an outdoor amphitheater. I really wanted to go. At first I thought it would be a fun family activity....then I got realistic. No way would Evan be able to sit still through something like this and Alana would be a nightmare. So I figured that maybe McKenna and I would go alone and have some girl time. Then Ryan surprised me and said he was interested in seeing the show as well. I was really excited. The kid date was planned.

Lubbock Midnight Musicals is putting on two theatrical productions this year; Hello Dolly in June and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in August. I want to see both. I love going to stage shows. As a youth, I was in a couple of productions - Bye Bye Birdie and The Nutcracker. I really loved it. I have been hooked ever since.  I am hoping to spark that interest in McKenna. It was a fantastic experience that I think is right up her alley.  I no longer feel that I have what it takes to be part of a musical myself (time or talent), but I will happily attend.

Our big night came and the weather forecast called for severe thunderstorms. I spent the day worried that the show would be canceled, but we wouldn't know until we got there.  At 7:00pm I picked up the babysitter for Evan and Alana. This is the first time we have ever had a young woman come into our home to babysit. The kids thought it was very strange, but Evan was excited. I packed some snacks, drinks, blanket and pillows to sit on (I forgot the bug spray, thankfully we didn't need it) and we were off.

We got to the amphitheater, found a good spot and set up our gear. It turned out to be a perfect night. The weather cooled off a bit (100 degree high that day) and we had a wonderful breeze to keep us comfortable. I bought McKenna a little ice cream at the concessions stand and we settled in for the show.

Hello Dolly is one of my favorite musicals. I watched the movie several times when I was younger. The Dolly in this play was no Barbra Streisand. She could hardly hold a tune at all. I just let it go and enjoyed the experience. There were a few good actor/singers and the atmosphere was just what I was hoping it would be.

McKenna really enjoyed the show and she really enjoyed getting to have her Mom and Dad all to herself for a few hours. I am already looking forward to taking her to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  I'll review that show too when the time comes.

Tattoo

The subject of tattoos has come up a lot lately in several different settings. I decided that this would be a good topic for my blog. I certainly have an opinion on the matter.

Pictured at the top is my tattoo. Some would be surprised to know that I have a tattoo and to some this is old news. I got this tattoo in Craig, CO when I was 20 years old. It was totally impulsive but, surprisingly, never regretted. I went to support my very good friend Jen. She was getting one on her lower back after her husband went on and on about how "HOT" lower back tattoos are. She made the appointment for herself and I was along for moral support. As we searched the magazines and books for her perfect one, I was getting more and more convinced that I wanted one too. It seemed wrong but still very cool at the same time. When I was done holding Jen's hand through the pain, there was still time, so I thought "what the heck, why not?"

I wanted to get something that I knew would have lifelong meaning to me. Hence, the CTR. Is it lame that my "Choose the Right" is on my right foot?  Maybe. It just happened to be the best toe choice. I picked my toe so that if I chose to conceal it, then I could do so by wearing the right kind of shoes. Back to the CTR. This was a simple choice for me. I knew that my church would always be a strong part of my life. But should I ever, by chance, fall away for a while, then I have a constant reminder right in front of me. (not that I ever expect that to happen) The little gecko was needed for some color. I chose the gecko for two reasons. Jen got some geckos on her back and I saw this as something we did together and I wanted to always remember it that way. She was a very important person in my life at that time. She taught me many things about life and friendship that I know still influence me today. We still keep in touch but with her living in Illinois we are not as close as I would like. Life happens. The second reason is that the gecko is the symbol of rock climbing (or least it was when I was a kid) and I was a pretty serious rock climber for many years.

My cousin got a new tattoo the other day. I am not sure what it says but she told me that it's across her shoulders. That sounds pretty big. I am a fan of tattoos in general but I am quick to judge if I think one is good or not. I don't like big tattoos on women. I also don't like LOTS of tattoos together in one place, like an arm sleeve or a full back. I think tattoos can be very beautiful if they are a nice size and design. When I am watching UFC with Ryan I am always commenting on the fighters' tattoos. It's hard to find a fighter who doesn't have at least one. Sometimes I will remember a fighter's tattoos better than his face.

I also don't think that tattoos are anything to be ashamed of. I hate it when I comment on someone's tattoo and they instantly start to explain themselves or justify why they have them. I say if you have them then own it. Work those tattoos and feel proud of them. It's something you're going to have for the rest of your life - unless you are willing to suffer pain and money to get them removed.

Being a member of a church that frowns upon getting tattoos can be awkward at times. I once had a young girl in my CTR 4 primary class ask me what that was on my toe (I was wearing a flip-flop type sandal) I simply told her it was a tattoo. "Like drawing on my skin with a pen, but this will never ever wash off. Drawing on your skin is naughty, huh Hanna." I then had to explain to her mother after class what happened. I could just hear what the dinner conversation could have been. Hanna saying, "I learned about tattoos in my class today. Sister Graham showed me hers." Could have been bad. Her mother was good about the whole thing. But you never know what someone's reaction is going to be.  I have had lots of "that's cool! I would get one if I could." I have also had the awkward (high pitched monotone voice) "Oh, you have a tattoo. That's neat." I don't let it bother me.

I love my tattoo. If the Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (my church) had not counseled us to not get tattoos and body piercings, then I can guarantee I would have at least one more. Ryan and I really wanted to get matching ones when we got married. It was really hard not to.

So to all those who have tattoos. Rock'em like you're awesome. To those who are thinking about getting one - really consider the size and location as much as you consider the design.

Saying Goodbye

In my life I have moved 8 times, I have attended 8 different schools and lived in 6 states. I am no stranger to losing friends. However this week has been a bit hard. Two of my dearest friends moved away. It's a lot easier to be the one leaving then the one left behind. I know this from experience. But, that doesn't make it better when I am still here for two more years. Just to top things off I find myself in a new ward at church (boundary switch) so in a sense I am starting over without even moving. So I must decide. Do I want to put myself out there and find new friends? Should I just try to strengthen the friendships that remain here or be content with what I have currently.

After looking around my new ward I am not encouraged. There are a few familiar faces that I seek out each Sunday so I don't feel totally alone. Great woman that I know well from my book group and some that I have met at play group but nobody that I  have the perfect me (plus children) match up with.

I think it is human nature to befriend woman who are in the same stage of life as we are. It's just easier that way. Singles with singles, married with married, have kids with have kids. There is balance in this. Balance is safe and uncomplicated.  Those of us with kids take it a step further and try to find friends with kids the same ages as our own (again the whole balance thing). This way if they invite you over for dinner you can safely assume that they will have a child proof home, age appropriate toys and serve food that kids will eat. This is not an easy match to make. McKenna is the only girl her age. She is almost 7 the next girl up is 9 and the next girl down is 5. I don't see her finding a good friend in our new ward. There is a set of 6 year old twin boys. I think McKenna and Evan would have fun playing with them. They have a 2yr old sister that Alana could follow around. Their parents are really cool people. Ryan and I could really hit it off with them. But, they are very social and already seem to have lots of friends they hangout with.

I have my friend B. T. whom I adore. She has 2 amazing boys and my kids LOVE to go over and play at their house. But she is a lifer in this town and has told me many times that she doesn't like making besties with someone that she knows is leaving at some point (this town is very transit with the college here).  It's just to hard to always be saying goodbye and be left behind. I totally understand and respect her opinion. I love her dearly so I don't want to hurt her later.

For now I think I will just coast. See if something happens naturaly. I am not going to seek out new friendships but should one seek me out I will be receptive.

To my good friend, Valerie. I will miss you tons. McKenna will also miss her best friend Julia. I hope you have great success in your new home.

Organize and Purge

I did a bit of Spring cleaning yesterday. McKenna and I went through and organized her toys. We also managed to get rid of a few. My girl is not a hoarder she is very good a saying she doesn't want things anymore. In fact she wanted to get rid of some things that surprised me. Her very first dolly that she loved for many years, was the big one. I kept it for her anyway saying that Alana might want it. I think she might change her mind about it some day    

Ryan and I recently purchased bunk beds for the girls. Currently Evan is using the bottom bunk in his room while Alana is in her crib. We figure that the girls will probably be sharing a room for most of there lives, but should they separate then we have that covered as well. I am very happy with the choice we made. The bed is very strong and sturdy and has TONS of storage. The bed has drawers and is used as one dresser and we bought another to match. We found the set over a year ago and waited for our tax return to purchase it. We never found anything else that we liked better. Once Alana is big enough for her own bed then we will buy Evan a new bed and dresser. The idea is that if we buy good bedroom furniture now then it will last them as long as they are in our home. That's the hope anyway.