4 Days left

Well... didn't that go by fast! I actually only have 3 full more days with the kids, but it'll be almost 5 days until Justin is actually home.

We've gone to the Aquarium, church, a movie, a few stores, the library, friends houses, the gym, book club, and lunch with girlfriends. Today was the first day where we didn't go anywhere. I had some plans for this afternoon, but after piano lessons, I just didn't feel like it.

Justin experienced Hurricane Irene, which was mostly Tropical Storm Irene by the time it hit his little island, which was a good thing. They lost power for a little over 24 hours, and got to sleep in this morning a couple hours. It sounds like it's back to normal now -they'll be up around 4 am tomorrow for PT.

As far as me and the kids, we're surviving. I've only had one REALLY long day, everything else has been just fine. I miss the gym, I went once last week and hope to go at least once this week before our girls weekend. We've actually been a lot busier than I expected and I've found myself thinking this week that I can't believe I only have 4 more days until the weekend (when I go to Swiss Days and Justin comes back). I guess all of the 4, 5 and 6 days Justin's been traveling this summer has made this time a lot easier.

Day 4

I can't believe it's only Wednesday. Seriously. It's nearly the end of Wednesday, but still. We're four days into our two weeks with Justin being at his Navy Officer Training in Rhode Island. He sneaks in texts during the day (although it's mostly about to-do lists) and a few before he goes to bed. As far as I know he's passed all of his physical tests... and I'm not sure what else he's been doing.

We've been trying to get out of the house everyday, although I think I'm starting to lack adult conversation. I met a friend at the mall yesterday for about an hour (and tried to keep our kids from killing each other and others) and today I spoke to the day care lady at the gym. Twice. That's it. We also went to the library on Monday, but you can get in and out of there without speaking to anyone with their fancy computers. I think I've talked to my sister once or twice, and sent way to many chat messages to a friend during a game on my phone.

The next two days should be better. Tomorrow I have a few things on my schedule and I might go to a family party in the evening. And Friday I have book club and lunch with friends. The house is mostly clean at night and I'm even trying to tackle a few de-junking projects. Although with kids with colds and one that's teething, I haven't been able to get as much done as I had hoped at this point.

I like sleeping sideways on the bed and I haven't had to do any laundry yet, and I think I'm running the dishwasher half the time. I get to watch whatever I want to on tv at night (although Justin is gone enough in the evenings that isn't too exciting) and I'm getting pretty far in two books I'm reading.

I've showered every day, (today it was at the gym, and oddly enough, it was probably the most relaxing shower I've had since Saturday) and I've done my hair everyday but today. Pretty good stats, as far as I'm concerned. Ah... the life of a some-what single mom.

The Bishop's Kid

That's me. We've known for a couple of weeks, but it became official today. The last time my dad received the calling to be a bishop he moved. The story is more complicated than that -it involves new stake presidents, angry real estate agents and the church office building, but basically he got a bye. Or... at least a stay of execution.

This time the house wasn't on the market and they hadn't put on offer on another one, so he accepted. He did wonder a few times in the last few weeks how far he could get if he just got in his car and drove... but luckily he didn't follow through.

Poor grandpa. The grandkids will miss him around the house on Sundays, but I'm sure our family will be blessed for his service. And... if it doesn't kill him, I suppose it will only make him stronger!

Diners, Drive-In's and Dives

Yesterday we went to TWO (2) local spots featured on the show (that I have never seen) Diners, Drive-in's and Dives. And... the Log Cabin on Hill Air Force Base.

This weekend was a drill weekend for Justin, and he wouldn't have gone (since he is going for two weeks at the end of the month) except that there was an Admiral visiting. They had a lunch on base that families were invited to, so I went and then a dinner that Justin coordinated for the officers. We went to Red Iguana, which has been featured on the Food Network show. I don't know about their whole menu, but it was super busy and what I ordered could be the BEST thing I've ever had from a Mexican place. It was amazing! Pretty spicy, but if you're going their anytime you can't go wrong with the steak specialty. Couldn't pronounce or remember the name of it, but you'd be able to figure it out. I think the local and visiting officers enjoyed the meal and atmosphere.

Then... because my dad was the afternoon babysitter and had to deal with two kids who didn't nap well (or at all) and had a near incident with the potty training grandchild, we decided to stop and bring home some ice cream. You can't grow up in Roy and not visit the Burger Bar at least a dozen times (I think it's in the city by-laws) but I realized Justin had never been there. While we were waiting in line I noticed their banner which advertised the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. We watched the you-tube clip while waiting for our shakes, which was pretty funny.

So... one evening and two spots featured on tv. Not bad I guess. The shake was just as good as I remember them being. And just as big too.

Harvest Days and Orrin Hatch

Did you know that Senator Orrin Hatch is originally from Midvale? Neither did I. He and Mayor Seghini know each other well and I guess that's why he came to the Flag ceremony for our Harvest Days this year. He stayed all of 10 minutes. Enough time to watch the Flag being put up, (to bagpipe music), Justin and Paige Moore sing The Star Spangled Banner and say a few words.

Home of the Brave from Melanie Lafeen on Vimeo.

Andre

As I mentioned before, Justin's friend Andre came for a visit this month. I didn't feel like we did much sight seeing for him. We went camping, to IKEA, and the Hogle Zoo. He also spent some time downtown, in Logan, and his friend Matt took him to Las Vegas too. I think he's looking forward to going home tomorrow, but it's been fun having him here for a couple of weeks.

Camping and such

Can you believe it, a new post already?

Last year I told Justin I'd like a 'bye' in camping this summer. First, we need a bigger car to get anywhere these days (especially if we have to pack extra stuff) and second, I just didn't want to camp with a baby and a toddler.

It didn't work out that way.

We still didn't fit in our car (thanks to my dad and his Subaru Outback and to Scott and his Dodge Truck) we just about made it where we needed to be. With a little extra help on top of borrowed vehicles.

The first stop was Denise's family reunion. It's the Brown Family reunion, even though there aren't any "Browns" that attend (Denise's mom had 10 or 11 sisters). This year it was in Fremont State Park which was near Fish Lake, almost 3 hours south. We got there Friday afternoon and left Saturday evening. I was a little nervous about the sleeping arrangements, and if there would BE any sleep depending on the temperature and the fact that my kids have their own bedrooms and aren't used to any noises when they sleep.

Hyrum completely loved it. He doesn't give Grandpa Lafeen a moments rest, but he doesn't seem to mind it too much. We played in a lake, ate good food, went on some walks, and spent time with family. Getting to sleep was pretty difficult for both kids, but it wasn't too cold, and they slept well once they finally fell asleep.

I spent a day at Girls camp (which I didn't take my camera too -I left it for Justin, but he didn't even take any pictures) last week. Our stake went to some church property in Heber City -and by church property, I think they own half the mountain side. I couldn't believe the set up there! The girls were in awesome cabins, there was a lake to take canoe's out on, ton's of walks and hikes and they had 5 or 6 challenge courses. Full time missionaries ran the day to day stuff, and I saw at least 10 of them in the 6 or 7 hours I was there. I know there were dozens more, pretty cool.

I left early because the night before I got a touch of food poisoning, which made the previous night almost unbearable, and that day wasn't great either. I think I pushed my luck eating a bit of lunch, and by dinner time I knew it would be best if I was back at home.

That same day one of Justin's friends from Brazil flew in, Andre. He has been here once before, back in our first year of marriage and stayed with us then as well. This time we have a lot more space, but he's still sleeping on an air mattress! He had the pleasure of spending the first 2 days here helping Justin run around the valley getting ready for our Ward campout.

Because I choose to record mostly the positive things in life, I'll say this about the ward campout. Large events like this are very difficult to pull off without an official activities committee. Or, at the very least, a committee or group of individuals asked to be in charge. It was relatively warm during the night. I have great friends in the ward who will watch my children while I cook for and clean up after 50_ people, and breakfast was great. I suppose I'll leave out the stuff about no running water, no parking, hectic dinner and clean up, screaming babies and toddlers (I'm pretty sure at one point all 3 of us were crying in the tent) and a lack of planning on someone's part that made Friday far too stressful for me.

But, again, Hyrum could not have had more fun. And Andre seemed to enjoy himself too. In fact, it's thanks to Andre I have any pictures at all from that night.