San Francisco :)

32 hours on a bus, 112 women, 3 days, a bus driver who missed the exit to San Francisco & then to the Golden Gate Bridge, shopping, and Wicked sound fun? Trust me it was so much fun. I was very sleep deprived but would not change any part of this trip. This all started last November when my sister called and told me I had to go another girls trip to San Francisco with her and my mom. I knew this time I couldn't leave Johna home. I was unsure at first but Marc said I had to go.

The only draw back to this trip I would be gone for Marc's 45th Birthday. Marc told me I had to go cause I deserved it. Deserve 32 hours on the bus thanks babe, REALLY???

We left at 8:30 pm on Thursday night and traveled through the night to San Francisco. Friday we spent part of the day at the Golden Gate Bridge and driving around lost on the bus. Friday night was Wicked, both Johna & I have wanted to see Wicked forever. We enjoyed it. Saturday was spent shopping and sight seeing with everyone. Then Saturday evening we headed home, once again we rode the bus through the night and were back home by 10:00 am Sunday. It was a quick trip but it was packed with great memories..

This trip was so much fun with my Aunt Peggy, my cousins Julie and Leigh, my mom, Lindsay, Johna and I plus friends. It has been a long time since I have laughed so hard and enjoyed myself. I am ready to go again, anyone up for it??

Last time I was in San Francisco was when I was discharged from the Navy at Treasure Island. As we passed the exit for Treasure Island it brought back a lot of memories.
But this time Johna would be old enough to remember being there.






More photos to come..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Marc,

Happy Belated 45th Birthday (last Friday).
You are the sweetest guy to be willing to
let me go on a trip for your birthday. I sure missed spending
your birthday with you. It's hard to believe 21 years ago I met you.
You probably don't remember but it was my first
night in PI and Dyce & Maria made me go out with them.
They introduced me to you and Green in a Bar. The sad thing
about that night is I didn't know it was your birthday, but I
never forgot you so I was so happy when we became friends. I guess
the rest is history.

I hope you enjoyed spending the day with B. I enjoyed my
day with all the girls, honestly I would have been happier
celebrating with you.

I Love You and hope we can spend another 21 of your
Birthday's together.

Love you tons !!!

P.S. You still look like you did 21 years ago.

I Love My Job !!!

I never thought I could love this job so much. For almost 19 years I have struggled, laughed, and cried over my job. It was by accident that I got this job and I didn't know if I would ever make it mostly cause of how sick it made me.

I feel I was taught by the best there was in this field but today when I read an article in the Ensign titled What Mothers Can Learn from the Savior. This article talked about how mother's are like the Savior in the things they do for their children. I never had thought being a mom was like the Savior in anyway, but this article explained how it was. I have really been struggling with Johna and Brandon growing up and not knowing what my place in their was anymore. For 19 years my life has revolved around them and doing for them. Now they are old enough they pretty much take care of themselves. My Heavenly Father knew I really have been struggling so he sent me a great article plus little things that made me realize no matter how old Johna and Brandon get they will always need their mom.

Last week Johna sent me a text that read " I just saw a Duck" and I asked her if it was a mommy or daddy. She said a mommy and boy did she quack at me. I then responded by telling her she was quaking at her babies so you wouldn't hurt them. Johna the responded just like you. I began to laugh at to myself and realized she knew I would protect her anyway I could. Later as we talked on the phone she had to tell the whole story over again and we laughed together and celebrated that she had did so well on her test. This was a huge wake up call for me that even though she feels she a big girl now, there are times that she just wants mom to know she is okay.

Brandon has always known how to make me smile. I must admit we spent a lot of time together since Marc and Johna work nights. This last week we have spent a lot of time watching the Olympics and discussing his World War class together. I love talking with him and I am so amazed at his comments about things. But then he brought up a conversation that he and his friends had about parents. Brandon friends could not believe that he enjoyed being with his mom. Then he added " I only enjoy being with you because you make me laugh cause your so short and I tower over you, then he said I Love You can I drive to the store? I laughed and he said no really they can't believe we have real conversations about everything. He then proceeds to tell me that none of his friends talk to their parents about stuff. Wow I must be doing something right.

All of these things got me thinking about my life. Everyday as Johna leaves for school she says "Good Bye Mom and I Love You", and I say the same thing back and wish her good luck on anything she has going that day. I drive Brandon and his friend to school everyday and when he gets out of the car he tells me I Love You Mom and Have a good day. Yes, a teenage boy tells his mom he loves her in public. I also tell him the same thing. Every night now that they are big they come to my room and climb on my bed and we talk about the day and they tell me Good Night and I Love You Mommy. Could I ask for anything more? No, I am blessed to have my kids there is nothing in this world better than them.

I Love You too Johna & Brandon :)

B can drive

So in December Brandon turned 15 so guess what that means? Yep, Learner's Permit :(
He didn't seem to interested in getting his learner's permit, so I left it alone. But a couple of weeks ago he asked if he could go get it. So I gathered ALL the paper's needed, don't get me started about that. They should of just asked for a urine sample too.

So off to the DMV, after 1 1/2 hour wait it was our turn. But to make matter's worse it only took him 6 minutes to take the written test. Once he was done with that, he had to wait again for 1/2 hr. to GET HIS DRIVER'S PERMIT. That's right he PASSED!!! He was so excited and so was I kindda. I thought I would be excited but I was sad that my baby now can drive.

Just let me say this don't take your kid to take their driver's test unless they have studied, I bet that more than 50% of the kids taking the test failed. But the worst of it all is the parent's were more upset than the kids. All Johna and I could do was laugh cause one mother was throwing a tantrum that her daughter failed the test 3 times in one day. I couldn't believe it that she actually was actually like my nephew who is almost 18 months old when he can't have a treat. Note to self: Never throw a tantrum at DMV you never know who is watching and laughing...

Friends...and turning 40

It seems just like yesterday I was graduating from High School. I still remember how I thought my friends and I would stay in touch. How wrong I was, since I am horrible at keeping in touch. But this summer a chance presented itself for a few of us to get together for an evening. I was so excited since many of these friends I had not seen since I joined the Navy.

We met at Ang's house for dinner and we stayed til after 2 AM. What a way to celebrate my 40 Birthday. The first 2 hours of my birthday was spent with some of the most amazing women. I was not looking forward to my 40th birthday but I would have not spent it any other way.

We spent the night reminiscing about high school, friends, and where our lives have taken us. I don't remember when I have laughed so hard and felt like I fit in so well. I find it so amazing that in this group of women you will find Mothers, English Teacher, Pharmacist, Humanitarian, Professional Photographer, Business Owners, Graphic Designer, Secretary. I am so grateful to have women in my life that keep me grounded and make me remember who I am. There is nothing greater than old friends and great times.