It Just Keeps Getting Better!

I don't normally use exclamation points in my titles, but this one is so deserving.

I just got an e-mail from a girl that wants to live in our home for free. Yeah, free, as in FREE. They'll furnish it, pay the utilities, clean it and take care of it until it sells. Well, without someone living in it, it will stay clean. A nicely furnished home would help it sell, but I highly doubt their furniture is of that caliber. And then after who knows how long of someone living in it (for free) I'd be trying to sell a used home. If anything was damaged (even accidental), I'd have to come up with the money to pay for it. Yeah, it'd be nice to have someone pay the utilities, but the benefit is pretty minimal relative to the cost. Her idea is clever, but seriously. I have a guy that would rent it for less than we're asking, but even that situation was too risky. And that's with $1600 in income every month.

What's next??

By the way, if you respond to a Craigslist ad, I wouldn't recommend including your last name. I found this girl's blog, which she doesn't really update, but still, I know more about her than I would have otherwise.

Q & W

Before I begin my weekend what-I-did-log, I just need to say a little something about my nose. My nose works pretty darn good. I didn't notice much of a heightened sense of smell when I was pregnant because I have always had, and still have, a pretty strong sense of smell. Twice this week I wished I didn't.

On Thursday night, I participated in a paid focus group study. As we walked in the room, I could smell smoke and figured it was one of the ladies walking in front of me. I opted to sit next to the creepy looking guy because I kind of felt bad for him and the second I sat down, I regretted it. He was the smoker and I thought I was going to die sitting next to him for an hour and fifteen minutes. I seriously can smell smoke no matter what. If you smoke a cigarette and then chew gum or eat mints, I can still smell it.

On Friday, I had a business meeting and was walking up the stairs behind a guy on his phone. The whole time, all I could smell was his breath.

Back to what I've been up to... Jason took Thursday and Friday off so it seemed like my weekend included three Saturdays. Friday I had a big meeting for work. Initially I thought I was going to have to defend myself, but it ended up having very little to do with me.

Saturday Jason's nephew Tanner was baptized so we went to that and then had dinner at Kevin and Chrystie's. They made homemade root beer and there didn't seem to be anyone not fascinated by the dry ice. Afterwards we just visited. Clara loved jumping on the tramp and getting wagon rides. I tried to get Jason's grandma to give me some advice, but nothing was coming to her mind. There's just something special about sitting close to and visiting with someone that's 91. They just seem to have such a calmness about them. I feel like I've seen so much in my life time... multiply that by 3.5 (exactly) and WOW!

Today I did Clara's hair. I put pig tails in her hair like six months ago and they just came out every five minutes. So I haven't even attempted for months. Her hair is a little thicker now, so I decided to try again. Plus, I had to prove a point to someone that I'm not "little girl hairstyling lame". :) We went out and took some pictures outside before church. Her hair stayed in for pictures and church. Angela got her this darling little dress a while ago and a lady at church asked me if I crocheted it. Ha ha! It was so bright out so I tried to get Clara to hide in the shade of the tree and bushes. The bush worked great until she tried to eat the berries. And the tree was great except our neighbor's dumb dog kept barking and Clara was trying to look around me to see it. But these pictures certainly show her curious and cute little personality.

Simply random thoughts I've had lately...

I always get confused if someone is telling me how to spell something with a 'q' or 'w'. I have to think twice about whether they are saying just q, just w or either with a u after it.

I love coming home on Fast Sunday night and being able to eat whatever junk stared at me in temptation during the day.

Cities should put "Speed enforced by radar ahead" signs everywhere. No cops or vans to actually give tickets, just the sign. Everyone slows down when they see those. That's a mighty cheap way to get people to watch their speed.

It's basically freezing outside. I was cold all day long today.

Sundays are more exhausting than most of the other days of the week. I kind of dread them and that's bad. Although we had a great RS lesson today. Ironic, because if I apply what I learned and do better at enduring, I probably wouldn't dread church.

FOF - Clara

I'm short on time this week and I have a full day tomorrow. Therefore, for my FOF, here are five pictures from this past week of Clara that I love and why.

The Zoo last Friday. Clara gets so excited, says "oooh!" and points when she sees certain things. I think this particular "thing" was a bird. I love how the lighting is kind of washing out the colors, but you can still see her reaction. Clara giving me a hug last Saturday. She gives really tight hugs and I love it. That's how a hug should be, all your energy. Monday before going to meet Jason for lunch. I look awful when I try "serious" faces. My face just doesn't work that way. Clara has such a happy smile, but she also has the sweetest "serious" face. I love her big beautiful blue eyes, tiny little nose and round face.
Thursday morning at breakfast. When Clara drinks from a cup, she always tries to keep an eye on me. She'll sit and drink and stare at me. When I see her and smile, she laughs. Anytime she thinks she's drawn the attention of someone she gets excited.
Wednesday morning. I don't have a lot of early memories (under 6 years old). But one thing I remember was loving to wear my dad's shirts to bed. I put one of my shirts on her to paint a little craft and remembered the good old days. She loved it and looked like an ewalk (I have NO clue how to spell that word, I don't even know if that's what I'm meaning to compare her to...). She's especially happy in this picture because she has her bagel in one hand and her gummy worm (bathroom treat or "teet" as she calls it) in the other.

Funny & Not-so-Funny

Funny: Clara kept wanting more and more candy during the weekend. I was pretty liberal in the amount I gave her, so when she threw a fit, I didn't feel bad saying no. When she realized I wasn't going to give her any, she'd grab things super fast and bite into them, wrapper and all. This is the one she grabbed after she bit the end completely off one (and yes, chewed and swallowed it with the wrapper).

Funny: Yesterday I went to the Zoo with my mom. We went to the splash park and as I was standing there, my listening ears narrowed in on a mother removing her child's shorts. She told him (very seriously) "Don't get wet." What? Who takes their kid to a splash park and tells them not to get wet?

Funny: I discovered pretzel chips at Costco. I like pretzels, but these seem so much better to me. One night, I was up late working so I had them in my room with me. There were just a few left, so I finished off the bag and moved on to sunflower seeds. I dumped my seeds into the bag because it is a resealable bag. The next morning, I changed Clara's diaper and put the diaper in the bag too, knowing it would keep the smell locked up. Today I went to put something in the "pantry" and noticed the bag was in there. Apparently Jason put the "pretzel chips" away. Little did he know it was full of sunflower seed shells and a dirty diaper. The story would've gotten even funnier if only he'd pulled them out tonight to eat one.

Not-so-Funny: This guy was really interested in our house in Utah. He thinks it's beautiful and claims financing isn't a problem. Today he e-mailed me telling me they were hoping to buy something in the high $300k or low $400k range and asked if we were interested. Don't get me wrong, I know it's a tough market and it's beyond a buyer's market. In fact, when the time comes to find our family a bigger home, you bet I'll be looking for a smoking deal. The more fixing up it needs, the less I'd offer on the home. I probably wouldn't even consider offering the asking price. But I would never offer over $100,000 less on a brand new home that needs no upgrades or repairs and that I thought was (and I quote) "obviously beautiful". That would put it at the same price as the short sale down the street that is not as nice, lacks the custom finish work we have and is over 1,000 SF smaller. I was THIS close to telling him he should just buy that house since it was apparently in his price range. But that would have been funny.

Not-so-Funny: Going to get Clara out of her bed and noticing something dark on her hands. I guess she's not easily convinced... It smelled like poop, she felt poop on her bum, but just to make sure she had really pooped in her diaper, she stuck her hand down inside. Affirmative.

How Sunday Should Be

I absolutely love Conference weekend. I look forward to it and before it begins, I find myself sad it will be over so quickly. This year, I found myself feeling like a boring person for not having any conference weekend traditions as I sat in my pj's eating junk food all weekend. And then I realized that is our tradition. We wake up, have a good breakfast, stay in our pajamas until dinner time, eat junk all day and absorb what is being said. That's our tradition and that's why I'm already looking forward to April. Below are a few of my observations of the weekend.

Conference with Clara
I thought I did a good job of listening to conference. I was in front of the TV for all four sessions. However, here are some signs that I missed more than I knew as I chased Clara around, took her potty and shared treats with her. First, when the second two speakers Saturday morning mentioned something about the five new temples that had been announced, I was shocked (I had taken Clara potty during the last few minutes of Pres. Monson's first talk and had no clue I'd missed something so significant). Then, a friend e-mailed me and commented on how she loved the piece about simplifying. I don't even recall hearing that word. And finally, the following conversation with my mom Sunday evening:

Mom: I loved how Elder Cook said sometimes all we can do is pray. I needed to hear that.
Me: Huh?
Mom: Didn't you listen to conference?
Me: Yeah, but I don't remember that part.
Mom: It was today, just barely.
Me: Right. Well, things aren't quite the same with Clara. (We laughed and I then told her how I'd missed the temple announcement too).

Aside from having a Clara distraction, I think another reason I missed some of these things is because I truly believe we hear what we need to hear. Other things touched me that might have gone completely unnoticed to someone hearing the same message. But the questions in my heart were answered, just as others received their answers through words that were seemingly insignificant to me.

Messages for Me
In Seminary, I remember a teacher telling us to pray for specific thing before conference and our prayers would be answered. I do this every six months. Every six months, it works. I don't always hear direct answers to my prayers embedded in the talks, but I receive comfort and guidance and assurance that things will work out. This time was no different. But I also noticed something interesting. Saturday seemed to be a day of answers to my sincere prayers. Then on Sunday, it seemed there was so much instruction and counsel for me regarding areas of my life that I need to improve. I didn't pray for this, but I know I needed to hear it.

I can't wait to get the Ensign so I can re-read the talks. I didn't take notes (I think that was a first) and I realized why I need to: so I can remember the thoughts and feelings I have at the time I hear the message. I might not have the same inspiration next time I get to hear/read the talks. Looking back, all the talks just blur together. I do remembering particularly enjoying Pres. Uchtdorf's talk on hope and the talk (Elder Werthlin maybe?) on not being angry. When life stinks, I try really hard to laugh about it, so I enjoyed his personal experiences about when he's done the same. That alone made me laugh.

Conference was inspiring, comforting and encouraging. And my weekend was relaxing and very enjoyable. Rich with our own special kind of lazy traditions. :)

Wowee

Today Jason turned 30. Holy cow. That's old. I still feel like I'm 19 or 20, so it seems weird that my husband is 30. Long, long ago, I determined what I would do to celebrate this day. Then I found out how much it'd cost. So I moved on. Plan B: have a big surprise party for him. But then I remembered Jason doesn't like people and hates being social, so clearly he wouldn't enjoy such a thing. Plan C: rent a boat for him to go fishing (he claims he can't catch fish without a boat... kind of like he can't be a Scout leader without a truck). The cost to rent a boat is only about 1/3 of what you could buy one for, so that wasn't going to work either. Plan D: go up to Sedona for a weekend so Jason could mountain bike. I figured this one would be too expensive and if we couldn't get someone to go with us, I didn't want to sit by myself and I'm sure Jason didn't want to ride alone (I probably wouldn't let him anyway). Nothing was working out, but 30 is a big birthday.

At the eleventh hour, I came up with Plan E. Since my favorite way to celebrate Jason's big day would have been his least favorite, I decided his 30th birthday could be a day of his favorite things.

"My Favorite Things" (Jason style)

Eating at Barro’s and going out fishing.
Watching a movie and then mountain biking.
Golfing while wishing I had some new Pings.
These are a few of my favorite things.

Dots by the boxes and sunflower seeds.
Fun games of basketball satisfies needs.
Drinking up soda until my head sings;
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the work’s long.
When the alarm rings.
When I don’t feel too bold.
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so old!

To help him remember the words, he got coupons for Barro's, lures, a movie, a bike rack*, golf tees, Dots, sunflower seeds, a basketball hoop** and a liter of soda.

* He actually gets his choice. Bike rack or basketball.

** A few weeks ago, we played basketball with the Scouts. Kim brought over the hoop and I was saying how funny it'd be to leave it in our driveway to trick Jason into thinking it was for him. He'd love to have a basketball hoop handy. Long story short, Kim said we could have it because it was left by the people they bought the home from and they were planning on taking it to DI. When Jason got home, I told him it was an early birthday present. He didn't believe me. And it didn't help that he recognized it, knew it was in Kim's and knew it had been left by the previous owner. I never noticed it, so obviously the details I focus on are completely different than Jason's.

So how has Jason's day been so far? Clara and I went and met him for lunch. When I asked what time he'd be home, he said Midnight. Then he said, well, hopefully 9 or 10pm. Well, I called him at 11pm and he said he'd leave at 11:30pm. He got home just before Midnight. No birthday dinner and no cake. He opened presents though and I serenaded him with my beautiful song above. I laughed so hard I cried. This is the present Clara wrapped.

Fun Times

It's been a fun weekend. Friday morning we went to the Zoo with Lisa and Travis. While there, we went to the little Farm area. I think I took Clara in that area once when she was about three months old, but we haven't been back. She loved it, although she didn't want to share anything with Travis. She rode the little fake animals, sat on the tractors and had fun swinging. On our way out, we got the kids to hold hands for about 5 seconds. We lucked out and had great weather. Plus, it's always fun to visit with family and watch Clara spend time with cousins.
That night, we planned to go out to dinner with Brenden and Nikki for Jason's birthday (which is Monday). I thought it'd be nice not to have to stress about Clara, so I attempted to find someone to watch her. My mom was out of town, Kathryn was out of town, Angela was busy, the one girl I called in our Ward was out of town (I've never had a youth watch her, but it was just going to be for a few hours and they wouldn't need to put her to bed) and Nylene was busy. So I called Genny. Her kids were going to be with her parents so I felt bad, but I after I couldn't get ahold of another friend, I figured since it was just a few hours for dinner, it'd be fine.

So I got home from the Zoo and was trying to relax a little before making a cake, cleaning the house and getting myself ready for dinner. Just as I was getting ready to get up, my phone rang.

It was Genny.

Anna: Did you have your baby? (Ha, I'd just talked to her a few hours earlier)
Genny: No, my water broke.
Anna: Oh, what do you want me to do? (I was thinking something like watch the kids, take her to the hospital, pack her bags, etc. You know, something to help her)
Genny: Find someone else to watch Clara tonight. (Ha ha)

I went over and did Kim's hair (although Roccy seemed to feel this wasn't exactly helpful) and filled a plastic fish with goldfish crackers. I was hoping to be a little more helpful, but Genny is just too organized for me. But I did a good job standing around and coming up with good ideas. Like suggesting we tell Kimball Genny was inside having her baby when he got home from work.

After attempting to get a babysitter and failing 8 times, I figured Clara could just come with us. She isn't bad, just busy. She was crawling all over me, playing in the condiments, making huge messes and wanting to do anything but sit in the high chair. Someday I'll be able to go out to dinner and eat in less than an hour and a half. :)

We went to Famous Dave's. I'm really not a fan of that place. At all. But, it was for Jason's birthday (and Brendon's was last week) and I knew they liked it, especially Jason. It was fun visiting with Nikki and Brendon. After dinner, we came back to our house to visit more. I'm certain we could've visited all night had our schedules allowed. Since I didn't make a cake, we had oreos and milk for dessert. Good friends and good times.

FOF

Not long ago, Kathryn revealed a great idea she'd be incubating in her little mind. She wanted to start a blog about Mesa. Things to do in Mesa and surrounding areas, things to do at home, gardening in the "oven" (what my CA friends kindly refer to Arizona as... it's not my fault they only visited in the Summer), recognize local small businesses and anything else to help people get the most out of where we live. With the help of Angela, we created the one and only

And then we decided it might be better (and kind of fun) to remain anonymous. But then we debuted our new blog and didn't have quite the response we wanted. We've decided maybe if people know it's us, they will be more likely to spread the word, because obviously we're COOL. Right? Maybe not. But maybe. :) Thanks to all those of you that weren't afraid (although we wonder how many of you knew full well it was us) to comment, post about the blog on your blog and e-mail us suggestions.

So here are five reasons you should put an iheartmesa button on your blog (in the sidebar) if you already haven't:

1.) You could win $25 (you have until Midnight on Friday) read how to be entered to win here
2.) It would make me happy
3.) You'd help others realize the fun things to do in Mesa and surrounding areas
4.) It's a cool button (thanks Angela!)
5.) You'd always know where to go to get good ideas and tips, you can support local businesses and you'll know what's happening in and around Mesa.

You don't have to live in Mesa, or even Arizona, to be involved. Keep sending us suggestions or leaving comments. If you know of something fun going on, let us know. If you know of someone that you'd like to post about their local business, let us know. If you want to share a gardening tip, let us know. If you have a great activity to do on a rainy day, let us know. And if you think our blog is lame, don't let us know. :)

There Is Sunshine in My Soul

Why did I end up instantly, yet subconsciously, whistling this tune this afternoon? A quick phone call, exchanging 'I love you's' with, well, a loved one, and seeing a beautiful ray of hope.

To me, faith brought us to today, hope keeps us going and love pulls us through. Be brave my dear loved one!

Lame Times

Before I begin... This is why my mom is cool. She has a plasma car parking in the play room. Ha!Thank goodness for the semi-boring stuff I save for days or weeks that are a little lame (that would be now). I've been busy, but mostly with hectic and boring stuff relating to work. Well, boring to you, not me. Things are going to change by the end of the month with work, but much, much more on that later.

A few weeks ago, I was perusing the "almost rotten" shelf in the farmer's market I shop at. I found a GIANT box of bananas for $2.50 and a box of peaches for $4.00. Seriously, that's cheap. Almost every single banana was used. Most of them weren't even ready for banana bread. I gave some to my neighbors, we ate some and then I peeled and froze all the rest for baking and smoothies.I was going to can some of the peaches, but realizing I didn't have much time, I just peeled, sliced and put them in bags to freeze for smoothies, ice cream or whatever I feel needs fresh peaches. I got three gallon bags of bananas and 8 quart bags of peaches. Not too shabby for $6.50.

The next day, my mom called and told me she got me a box of Utah peaches. It wasn't supposed to come until the following week, but I bought it anyway. Had I known every other person within a 20 mile radius was canning that weekend, I wouldn't have accepted the box. I went to five different Wal Marts to get jars and they were all out. And not just out of jars. Out of everything having anything to do with canning. I went home frustrated and hating Wal Mart more than ever. I did however, make some observations of Wal Mart: 1.) Regardless of the affluence of the surrounding area, Wal Marts are trashy. 2.) At some point on the walk from the car to the store or back to the car, there is ALWAYS a foul smell, usually resembling sewer. And 3.) The majority of the shoppers are always the same type of people (I'll stop right there...).

Back to the peaches. I asked my mom how to can them (I've only seen her do it once and it was about 15 years ago). She told me how she does it and the last instruction was "Then you leave the jars on your counter for a week so you can admire your hard work." That Saturday (the 20th), my mom helped me can my peaches. I only had enough for 12 jars, which I had purchased several weeks ago. Which made me 2 hour Wal Mart scavenger hunt the night before even more annoying. But, I had fun visiting with my mother and learning how to can peaches. I am just afraid of how long it would take if I didn't have another person helping me. I didn't order more peaches because I didn't know if I'd be able to find the jars. Maybe in a few weeks... If not, we'll just have to ration our peaches until next year. And for now, my peaches still sit on my counter. Not because I haven't had adequate time to admire, but because if I'm not running around like I'm crazy, I am sitting and relaxing and trying to play with Clara. My pretty peaches.

So back to this lame week and my babblings. I was working most of Monday. Poor little Clara got dragged all around and locked in an office with me at KS. Lucky for her, the girls there love her so she gets to hang out with them some of the time. And of course they spoil her. Then yesterday was a little overwhelming. Lots of things were going on with work and my family. Life is just so full sometimes. But Roccy listened to me whine and even volunteered to go to lunch with me because I needed to have something to keep my mind away from reality. She's quite the neighbor. Last night we went to the Temple and Kathryn watched Clara. Clara squealed with delight when she saw her house. Thanks Kathryn for being happy to watch all three of those crazy girls by yourself. I really needed to go to the Temple. Hopefully when we live right by you I can return the favor.

This morning I had a meeting in North Phoenix. It was only an hour and fifteen minutes or so, but with travel, I was away for three hours. Roccy (yup, same cool Roccy that saved the day on Tuesday too) watched Clara for me. So basically, I feel like I've paid no attention to Clara this whole week. I hate feeling like I'm too busy to have fun with Clara. And now I'm just ignoring her while I type this. Just kidding. She's napping. But when she wakes up, it will be time for Scouts. Does it seem to bother her?
Nope. She's still sweet and she's still happy. Tomorrow morning we're scheduled to do play with cousins and I know Saturday will be relaxing ALL day. And we're halfway there, trudging along. Happy day.