Free

I love free stuff. There isn't enough of it but here are a few things that are free that I enjoy:

• A lot of apps on my iPhone
• Facebook, twitter and blogging
• Running or walking in the hills with my dogs
• Affection from my twins (I have to pay the others)
• Intimacy with my man (I know I didn't have to mention it but, hey, it IS free)
• Foot zones from my favorite footzonologist (ME!)
• Communication with my maker
• Meditation

So while the economy is in a bad way, there are still some things I can enjoy that won't put us closer to the poor house.

The Procrastinator!!!!

That's me! I almost always manage to get things done but I seem to wait until the 11th hour causing those close to me to often launch into panic.

Halloween has been no exception. Courtney has been asking me since my birthday in mid September (I think even before) when she could expect to be going out and purchasing a costume for Halloween. I keep blowing her off and blowing her off. Not very nice, I know, but, hey it's my nature!

So, today was the big day. We went to Target and I told the twins to head back to the costume area and pick out their costumes while I shopped around for the stuff I had to get. They were there for like 45 minutes before I showed up. Jacob, in true Jacob form, still was not able to make a decision. Courtney had her costume all picked out - right size even. When the costume that Jacob picked out had a mask and I had informed him of our "no mask" rule, he found himself in a pickle (frankly, knowing how hard it is for him to make decisions, I was in a bit of a frenzy myself). I pulled the first costume that I saw with no mask in his size and his face lit up! "Yes, yes, yes! That's the one I want! Can I get a light saber to go with it?"

The best part? Procrastination paid off in this case. Costumes were on clearance so I scored them at like $10 a piece and that made the light saber TOTALLY do-able! And . . . check this out! They are color coordinated!!!

Sweet Sunday

I just have to say it! My family rocks right now. We have had a household with absolutely NO contention for a week now. It's been really blissful. Can't say that I can put my finger on what is different (shhhh), but I'm sure liking it.

Last night I went on a date with my man. We went and saw that movie about Couples Retreat, or whatever it is called. I have to tell you, I laughed pretty much most of the movie. I totally thought it was going to be stupid, and some of it was, but I sure do love a good comedy and I love to laugh, laugh, laugh.

Today I baked whole wheat bread (vegan, no less) and even ground the wheat myself. Yeah, I'm THAT good!

Sundays are great. That's all I have to say. Just layed back and great - just the way I like it.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Today is just one of those days:

• I overslept and got out of bed at 4:30 instead of 4:00
• I dropped almost everything I touched when I was making lunches for the kids this morning
• I was late taking the twins to school today
• Black Horse tripped and almost had a major crash with me on board after we came over a jump. Disaster averted, however
• I was late to both of my visiting teaching appointments
• My BFF blew me off for our zone/massage trade today
• The chips I just bought were rancid and gross when I opened the bag (I know, I shouldn't be eating chips in the first place!)
• I didn't have my wallet OR my checkbook when I went to pay after the twins got their haircuts today - fortunately, though, I did have my "zoning" money and paid with that
• Robbie's new room smells like cat pee - I HATE cats that pee where they shouldn't!!!

All in all, I've had an "off" day to say the least. The silver lining??? Yup, when there are this many not-so-desirable things stacked up in a row, you know, you just know that something really terrific is coming right behind it!!!

I think I know what it is too! My man is coming home tonight and wants to snuggle and watch a movie with me! Sweet!!!!

Big Day!

Yup, today was a big day here on Morgan Territory!

I took a yoga class from Jamie (I don't usually get to do that anymore and it kicked my . . . buns and I liked it!), took a nappy poo and ran some much needed errands.

Here I am ready to actually serve dinner to the fam (yeah, I'm not so good at that one) and looking forward to an early bedtime.

Exhausting, I know!

Oh wait! I forgot the big news! I got a video cam for my computer ($18 at Walmart so I'm sure the quality is questionable at best) so that I can talk to Bri on Skype! I'm really progressive, right?

Rollin Along!

Today, I was really super duper tired so I showed up at the twins' school early, kicked my seat back and snoozed for about 20 minutes. Somehow I miscalculated what time they were out of school and was awakened by Jacob's voice saying, "Mom's over there!!!" I sat up quickly and tried to compose myself to make it appear as if I totally planned on just sitting in my car and awaiting the arrival of my darlings.

Funny thing. They came walking over to my car with one of Jacob's aides in tow. She was pulling a rolling backpack and approached my car. My initial reaction? "Uh-oh. What did Jacob do now?" (Thank heavens I just "thought" that instead of saying it out loud). Well, this nice woman came to ask me if it was okay if she gave this blue rolling backpack to Courtney. Evidentally, they have seen her hunched over carrying this extremely heavy backpack of her's and felt sorry for her. (What they DON'T know is that Courtney never ever cleans out her backpack so it has everything in it since kindergarten!). Needless to say, I found the gesture really thoughtful and graciously accepted the offer.

Tonight? Yeah, Courtney now has a new (lighter) backpack sitting by the back door that is newly organized (first time since kindergarten). She's happy and I'm sure her back will also be happy.

The Wild Things!

This morning as Robbie was driving to seminary (with your's truly riding shotgun - um, playing with my apps on my iPhone instead of coaching my kid with a learner's permit) I happened to look up as a bunny came scampering onto the road. My talented kid was able to smoothly maneuver the car to miss the lucky creature. Of course, just seconds later another bunny popped out. Sorry, that one wasn't so lucky. I asked Robbie, "Did you hit it?" (as the car went "thud-thud"). He casually shook his head in the affirmative (like I said, he's not big on conversation, this boy of mine).

Just as we were recovering from that little mishap a deer jumped right out in front of our car. Robbie, being the skilled driver he is, managed to miss that. He then exclaimed, "Oh my gosh! These frickin' animals!"

Somehow the whole thing had me chuckling. Not only did my boy speak in the morning but he actually said something that made me laugh.

Yup, you woulda thought it was the beginning of a fabulous day . . .

Road Trip!

Robbie and I left Rexburg yesterday after church and drove to Winnemucca for the night. When we got out of our car, there was an elderly couple also getting out of their car and checking into the same hotel we were. This morning we came down to have breakfast and there they were - having breakfast at the same place (well, it IS free there), same time. We gassed up, hit the road and stopped a couple of hours out cuz "someone" had to pee. Guess what?!?!? There they were! Not kidding! So . . . what does this say about me? Yup, that's what I'm thinking too.

Our trip home was not uneventful today. We had rain solid the whole way with snow up in the Sierras (anyone who knows me knows how terrified I am of driving in the snow). We ended up stopped on the freeway for an hour because of an accident and then again when we were approaching Sacramento.

All in all, it was an okay trip. I had Robbie as the main pilot and he insisted on "tunes" (something I never indulge in anymore). He isn't one for conversation so I got real aquainted with the "apps" on my iPhone and played some fun word games.

I've got mixed emotions about being home. I miss my Oboe Joboe and the Destroyer something fierce but the sweet reception I received from the twins when I got home was priceless. They hugged me solid for about a minute at the school and Courtney has been attached to my hip since we've been home. To boot . . . I've officially been mauled by Marley and Pierre as well. Yeah, it's good to be home.

New Employee

Today Brian and I worked in the store for Brandilyn. Her and Dave are away for the weekend in celebration of David's birthday. Brian was actually pretty excited about his new "job" because he was going to meet "hecka cute girls".

Brian has been a trooper. He has dusted, emptied garbages, cleaned tanning beds and (his favorite) rung up sales of clothes. I'm so impressed with how fast he's catching on and seems to enjoy working for his sister. He says that the day goes by pretty fast (well, when you have down time you get to go play on the computer).

Anyway, I can say that having Brian behind the counter certainly doesn't hurt the sales of this clothing store in Rexburg where the ONLY clientelle is young college age females!!!!

Bri's Crib

My main purpose for coming to Rexburg this time was to get Brian set up in his new apartment. We did that a couple of days ago, finally.

When Dave and I first went to the apartment, Dave laughed and said, "Yeah, this is a typical guys place, for sure." I, of course, was appalled! There were dirty dishes everywhere and there was a great big industrial size garbage can in the middle of the kitchen for garbage. The living room had just a couch and a big flat screen "plasma" TV (whatever, but the guys dig it, I guess). The bathroom . . . well, let's just say that I just held it when I had to "go".

Okay, two days ago enters Brian into the scene. He walks into his apartment and I was braced for him to be bummed cuz it was just so unkempt. His face lit up and he had a grin from ear to ear. The first words out of his mouth were, "Oh cool! I don't have to be clean! I can just leave all my dishes in the sink. This is sic!!!"

He then walked into the bathroom and exclaimed, "Mom! Check this out! The toilet seat is UP!! This place is the best!"

I shook my head in disbelief! I guess we all have our different standards. Below are some pics from his place. I also included a shot of him donning a pair of fuzzy white ear muffs we found at a store in Idaho Falls. Go figure!

Rexburg Yogi

It's not a secret that I've been compelled to stay in Rexburg a little longer than originally planned. Sometimes family just trumps my regular life and this is one of those times.

One thing, besides my animals, husband, children and life (uh, not necessarily in that order) that I'm antsy about missing is my yoga practice. Yesterday, while Brandilyn and I were out and about doing what we do best (ahem, shopping) we wandered into a health food store called Nature's Nook. They had a display on the wall about "Rexburg Yoga". Wait a minute . . . what???? Yoga in Rexburg that isn't up at the school? This had our attention and how!!!! Get this . . . $6 per class or $36 for a unlimited monthly! Wow!!!!!

This morning, we were the first students at the studio! The class? Well, it was more of a beginner level but it was YOGA!!!! We both came out of class feeling more relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed.

Yup! This day has definitely started off in the right direction. Go Rexburg!!!!

Laugh, Laugh, Laugh

They say that laughter is the best medicine and I have to say that right now, right here, in this moment I agree.  Lately, our family has been thrown a challenge that is pretty hard to take.  It has been all consuming and, quite frankly, this would be the reason for my not blogging lately.  I really strive to not be negative on my blog so silence has been the best option.

However, today has been choice.  I spent the day with Brandilyn.  We went shopping and had a lot of laughs (Brandilyn is hilarious as I have said before).  I said to her at one point, "You know, Princess, if you weren't my daughter, we would totally be best friends!"

Brandilyn looked over at me and smiled then said, "Mom, we ARE best friends!"

True that!

Okay so then this evening Brooke and Nick came over for dinner and the five of us had a great time.  I got to zone Nick's feet and we all got a good laugh at how mellow the usually jovial, high energy Nick became.  We also got a good laugh from the fact that Brooke shared with us about a saying that Dave is fond of:  The skinnier the watch face, the wealthier the man.  Needless to say, Dave has a very thin watch!!!

I have to say that my spirits are substantially higher tonight.  I don't know what tomorrow or the next day will send my way, but right here, right now, in this moment I am happy and at peace and for that I am grateful.

A Changin Kinda Day!

Rob and Skip got home kind of late last night. I felt bad for Rob so I decided to let him sleep in and miss Seminary. What kid wouldn't like that, right? WRONG! When I went to wake up the slumbering lad, I informed him of what a wonderful mom I was for letting him sleep in (looking for some "kudos", you know). Robbie sat up and said, "NNNNOOOOO!!"

"What?"

"Mom, I wanted to go to Seminary. If I get ready really fast can you take me?"

So what was I supposed to say? Of course, Rob. So, he pulls it together in like 0.5 seconds flat and there we are racing down the road heading to seminary. He makes it like 10 minutes late. He's happy, my morning is now in a tither!

I (premeditated) decided to blow off yoga today and get some important errands run so that I would be ready for Brian's and my road trip tomorrow. I'm dropping of my little twinsters when my phone rings and it's Pattie. "You're coming to yoga this morning, right?"

"Uh, no, I've got a boat load of stuff to do."

"Nnnnooooo! You HAVE to come today!"

"Crap. Okay, if I have P.E. clothes in my trunk, I'll be there."

I did and I was and it was one of the best yoga classes I've taken in awhile. Made my whole day rock!

So, like my man says, "The only thing for sure in this world is change." I'm glad for it and I'm glad I went with it.

Out of Sync

Started my day at 4:15 a.m. Got up, ran on the treadmill, took Rob to seminary, did some morning chores, took the twins to school etc. etc. etc. I went out to the ranch to ride my trusty steed, Black Horse.

Started feeling kinda punk. My stomach was queasy and I was just "off". Hahaha! Jokes on me! Black Horse was anything but "off". He was all about it! He was cutting out and bucking and just being a naughty horse. Usually I just relish this behavior and get just as goofy as he. Today? No, not so much.

Well, he got turned out to go run around after my ride. Me? Yeah, well that's a different story. I'm ready to pack it in but still have quite a bit to do. Oh, how I wish that I could tap into that horse's energy tonight.

Now THAT'S What I'm Talking About!

Lezlie called me last night and said she was out of town, one of her clients needed a zone today and could I do it. Of course! I contacted the client and set our appointment for today.

I told her that I was a little intimidated because she is Lezlie's client. She was so kind and told me she was sure I would do just fine. I proceeded. She chatted while I zoned. She asked questions about my herbal things and I gave her my recommendations. Everything seemed to be going well.

At the end of the session, she informed me that she felt really relaxed and wonderful and that she planned on using me when Lezlie was unavailable in the future. It made me feel really good that a) she wrote down the things I shared with her and b) a client of Lezlie's also enjoyed and seemed to benefit from a zone from me!

Unfit Mother

This really made me feel great about myself as a mom.

Yesterday I took Courtney over to her friend's house for a sleepover. Courtney usually gets pretty excited about spending the night at Amanda's house. She packs like a week in advance and talks non-stop about the pending event. Anyway, as she was getting out of the car I asked her what was in the grocery bag she was carrying. She responded with, "It's my P.E. clothes."

"Why would you be taking your P.E. clothes to Amanda's house?", I inquired.

"They need to be washed."

"Court, I will wash your P.E. clothes when I get home. Just leave the bag with me."

Long hesitation, biting lip and looking up at me with doubting eyes . . . "are you sure?"

OMG! Don't I feel great! So, yeah, the clothes are in the washer as we speak. I'll show her!!!

Life is Guut

• I can't believe how lucky I am! I get to see the princess again next week. I really miss that girl and it sure is a treat when we can get together.
• As if THAT wasn't enough . . . I get to watch her perform in Rigby on Saturday night with my man. Can hardly wait!
• Brian is moving to Idaho this next week and I'm driving him up. Mixed emotions about all of this. He needs to go grow up but I always am heart broken when one of my babies leaves the nest.
• Looking forward to some snuggle time with my wonderful husband tonight. We're going to watch Ghost of Girlfriends Past and eat popcorn.
• I got to zone my feet today and now I feel all balanced and ready to give all my clients the best of me. I think I'll start with that hot guy I sleep with.
• I was able to shift all of my appointments to accomodate my 6 days away. Wow! I really DO have a busy life!
• My friend's breech baby turned - was it the zoning and the recommended oil?
• I just learned of an herbal help for "belly fat". Think I'm going to try it when I get home. I'll let you know . . .

Yup, I'm doing guut. Life is guut.

Lesson Learned

Brian wrote this the other day and left it out on the counter for me. I sobbed.

Remember who you are day by day,
And know God always listens when you stop and pray.

Never forget who matters most;
God, his son Jesus, and the Holy Ghost.

Never be tempted by worldly desires,
Because if you are,
It just leads to hellish fires.

Love your family and know that they care,
And never forget that they're eternally there
To strengthen and guide you when times are tough
And above all, just remember to never give up.

by Brian Weltz