She's like totally my BFF

Yes, I am so behind in blogging. whatever. The craziness that is my life is starting to settle a bit, so here I am again!

At the beginning of the month, Lori came to visit. If you know me at all, who Lori is to me needs no explanation. She is the reason that moving from Utah was so devastating for me and the reason that I scheme daily about how to move back. Needless to say, I was thrilled to learn she was coming to visit along with her oldest daughter and youngest son. Being with Lori is very calming for me (and we all know, I need calming). She's that kind of friend with whom I don't have to worry about being judged, because she loves me with all of my flaws. It was an awesome few days with her and soon after she left I found myself missing her again (and scheming). Thanks for braving the trip for me, Lor!





Brook loves Vie. This is the day they left. Brooklyn was very sad

Vie is great with both girls

Wow, for once I'm actually in a picture with my kids. (at the zoo)

Marla, Lori and Rachel at Zoo Boise

Marla's little Giabella on the carousel

Lori and Cache on the carousel

Vienna and Treygan

Brookie

Tay was quite smitten with this pelican type bird

The adventures of motherhood

Disclaimer: I love this kiddo enormously and do realize the following events presented a great learning opportunity for both of us.

WARNING: DO NOT LET THE SWEET,INNOCENT LOOK OF CHILDHOOD FOOL YOU!

He may look cute and he may only be five, but he is taking mom on a ride to places she'd rather not go. The past week went something like this:

1. Got a call from a mom at school that my boy was hitting her boy on the bus for no apparent reason and wouldn't stop...she's not being overprotective either, I got it out of Trey that he really hit him just because, and it wasn't the first time.

2. Gathered scriptures, primary songs and talks from the Friend about loving your neighbor. (He was in tears at the end, so I think it worked).

3. Caught him after stealing and eating a candy from the store, only because his sister (who stole one too) ratted him out.

4. Made him apologize to the cashier and pay for it and then give me 60 cents from his bank to repay me.

5. Got a knock on the door from the neighbor girls that Trey was "flipping everyone off."

6. Dad took care of this one and I still have no idea where he learned it. This one wasn't so bad because I know he really had no idea what he was doing.


Whew! Only a couple more years to the age of accountability...yikes, I'd better get working!

Mormon Michigander

I take great pride in being from Michigan. When I went away to Ricks College, it set me apart from the majority of students who were Utahns or Idahoans. They could hear the drawn out vowel sounds that establish a Michigan accent and within seconds of meeting me would ask, “Where are you from?” The tone of their voice, evidence that they had never heard an accent quite like it. At first, it shocked me. I had no clue I sounded so different. But, then I embraced it. It was a great icebreaker and it made me feel interesting. I was subjected to what I like to call, “say this syndrome.” One friend constantly asked me to say “tap class,” and would break into uncontrollable laughter every time. I didn’t mind, though, secretly I liked the attention. By the time I married and moved to Moscow, Idaho, people stopped asking where I was from. The western influence caught me and slowly stole away my precious accent. Now I recognize the Michigan accent in my family, and they in turn tease me for my lazy vowel sounds that establish a western accent. The Michigan accent still breaks through sometimes. I still say apricot with a short “a” sound and I actually feel a little snooty saying it with a long “a” sound. It also sneaks back when I talk to my family on the phone or after we’ve visited them, but it’s just not the same. I miss it. I still love telling people I’m from Michigan, but without the returning question from my college days, that too is just not the same.