The Blog Sabbatical Has Finally Ceased

Well I suppose if you are one of the unfortunate few who actually reads my blog, whether you have been coerced to or whether it is your obligation because, let's face it, you are my mother, you've probably been wondering, where have the McGee's gone? Well I'm happy to announce that the blogging sabbatical is now ending and I will continue to happily pour out my soul on the World Wide Web every single Sunday...unless of course I don't feel like it...or perchance I am taking a nice, albeit rare, Sunday nap.

So where have the McGee's been over the past month? Oregon, Utah...and now back to paradise...oh, I mean Guymon, Oklahoma.

On July 8th, I set out with two kids in tow. (Unfortunately Brayten had to work...or maybe he was just challenging my mothering skills, I'm still not sure). We drove four and a half hours to Oklahoma City and spent the night at a Holiday Inn Express (which by the way is a hotel, yep that's an "H" not an "M"). Can I just tell you, when you pull up to a hotel, with a trunk full of luggage and two small kids you really need to calculate your mode of action. How can I get me, my children, and all of these bags from point "A" to point "B"? Well, first you tote the kids inside to check in. Once the room key is in hand you then tote the children back to the car along with a luggage cart. You fill up the luggage cart, while ensuring the children do not run out into traffic, then put the children on top of the luggage...and off you go. I must tell you though that once you actually get to your room you may need to take a well needed break, lay back on the bed for at least a few seconds, and wipe the sweat from your brow.

The next day we boarded a plane. We flew two hours to Minnesota, had a two hour lay over, and then boarded another plane flying for four and a half hours to Portland, Oregon. I must confess, just the thought of this travel day had given me anxiety for a week before we actually left. As such, I was like Super Mom, traveling through the airports equipped with blankets, binkies, bottles, bandaids, toys, books, Ipod's bursting with kids movies from the Wiggles all the way to Snow Buddies, and snacks lots and lots of snacks. But we survived, Heaven be thanked the "devil" didn't join us on this trip, Maddie actually slept the whole flight from Minnesota to Oregon, can I hear a HALLELUJAH please!

We joined the rest of the Wilding crew in gorgeous, stunning, and absolutely freezing Oregon. You'd think I had been living in 110 degree weather for the past two months I was so cold! Alas, a week in Oregon was a blast! I'll give you a high point and a low point of the trip to save you from what would be an infinitely long travel log (because let's face it, can I ever just write a few words about anything, nope, blah blah blah blah blah...that's what I'm all about, I think I can write almost as much as my cute little sister can talk (I love you Shannon!)).

High Point: Beer Batter Halibut...oh my land, Tom, how have you not shared that amazing recipe you have until now. It was like Heaven on my tongue and I am generally not a fried foods person but wow. AWESOME!

Low Point: It was always great to see which one was going to be more terrible in a restaurant, Maddie or Preston. I think they took turns at extreme naughtiness. "Yep that's my kid," I sighed to myself over and over again. But on occassion I would be laughing because, "Oh good, it's not my kid this time I guess it's Preston's turn. Whew!" In hindsight however, this low point is now becoming quite a fond memory. In fact, one day in Oregon my kids and I, Russ, Meg, and Preston, and Grandma and Grandpa Wilding were having lunch together. My mom was talking about how she wanted to take the whole family to a nice dinner to celebrate my Dad's birthday. As she is going on and on about this great idea for a great dinner I am thinking, "Please spare me." Ultimately toward the end of that magnificent lunch my mom said, "Um, I think maybe we should just cook dinner tonight and not go out." But what she was really thinking was, "We better keep these gremlins home...for two or three more years." It was a good day.

Yep, that's generally what Russell looks like all the time. Cute, huh?

I'm pretty much a hottie...this is post breast augmentation.

The great thing that you don't see in this picture is Maddie tantruming at my feet. Good job Meg, keeping the tiny terror out of the picture. I promise Maddie is cute, and she is in fact good...sometimes.

Well the good times in Oregon ended and the McGee crew headed back to Utah for two weeks.

High Point: Two words... Harry Potter.

Low Point: Attempting to conceal my blubbering during Harry Potter.

Utah was awesome! It was great to see family, friends, mountains, and even trees. It was great to have a Pace's grape rainbow, to indulge myself with Mandarin Chinese Food, and to shop at stores not titled Walmart. However, it was definitely not cool to say good bye, yet again.

But here we are...doing OK in OK. I just thought I better share these next two photos with you. Brayten has a new calling as Elder's Quorum President and we had to drive to Hugoton, Kansas to have him set apart. Luckily our Branch President drew us a map so we wouldn't get lost.

Yeah, that's how we do it round here.

But it is nice to be back and get settled into our regular routines. Church was particularly welcoming today, it was like the McGee show. I was the chorister in Sacrament Meeting. Tommy spoke, I sang a solo, I spoke, and then Brayten spoke. Brayten then taught Priesthood and I taught Primary. Hmmm, I think I'm ready for another vacation. We did however have an extra special visitor at Church today. Nope not a General Authority, nope not the Stake President, we had a snake inside the Church. Awesome... Note: don't leave your doors open for prolonged periods in Guymon, Oklahoma.

Oklahoma has it's perks though. The other day we went to the Walmart (yes, I do go to the Walmart at least three times a week, I'll bet your jealous). Brayten found these cute license plates for kids bikes with their names on them. We had purchased some Utah "plates" already for our kids and he thought we should get them another set but from Oklahoma. They had Maddie...hmmm, but not Thomas. Instead they had names like Bubba and Mary Lou. See, perks, I told you!

One last story and I will let you get back to your life, for at least another week. The other day the temperature here took a drastic dip. We had a storm front moving in and it was a frigid 68 degrees outside. Tommy went out onto our porch, turned immediately around and came back inside. "Mom," he said, "I need my coat."

Well, all is well here in Oklahoma! I just want to say, Greg thanks for the notes, you're awesome! Logan, thanks for helping pick out my birthday present, you're a stud and you did well! Mom and Dad I love you guys and miss you. Everyone else, family and friends, hugs and kisses from the McGee's! Until next time, we love you!

It's Hot!!!

Well you may ask, what is there to do in Guymon, Oklahoma? Hmmm, not much... In fact, my parents keep asking, "When can we come out there and see you?"

The answer of course is an absolute and resounding anytime...with a clause of course, "You understand that there is nothing to do, don't you?"


"How about August?" they suggest.

With that one there is no hesitation, no clause, it is a resounding, "No. It's way too hot! We would just sit around, staring at each other, and sweating at the same time."

Most days it is over 100 degrees here. If it dips into the nineties it is like manna from Heaven above. About a week ago we had some storming and it got close to being down right cold at 85 degrees. Can I just say the wind is wonderful when it is so incredibly and inescapably hot, it makes 115 degrees feel like 110. Awesome, right?

So what do you do in the summertime when the world is scorching hot? Do you jump in the pool, or climb in the fridge, or run in the nude all day? Is that what you do? So do I! (Sorry, I find I can answer most questions with a reference to the Primary song. I know, I'm cool).

Anyway, we swim, every single day, after having slathered every inch of our white bodies in 70 spf. Well, after having slathered my white body, Maddie's white body, and Tommy's brown body in 70 spf. It is quite unfathomable that boy. I promise he wears sunscreen religiously everyday and right now he is a little Oreo cookie. Brown back, brown legs, with a little white booty in between. It is funny!

The other day we were at the pool. Maddie was playing in a little kiddie pool that is just barely too deep and she is brazenly too brave. So subsequently I am watching her like a hawk. She happened to slip and fall. Her face went into the water for about a millisecond but enough time for her most beloved binkie to fall out. I grabbed her out, checking to see if she is okay, and while she is gasping for breath she is frantically looking about and saying, "Binkie, binkie, binkie!" Sometimes I think she likes that thing more than me!

Yesterday we thought we would take a road trip to Amarillo, Texas. Now George Straight sings a song about Amarillo, Texas, so I assumed that Amarillo would be impressive. Hmmm, I'm not quite sure why George is enamored with that place but that is beside the point.

Highlights:
-Michael's Craft Store.
-Petco (I know, I know, you must be thinking, "Golly these here folks must be from up yonder in Guymon, Oklahoma. They been fixin' to come to Amarillo and they come to this here Petco fir fun." Well you're right.)
-And finally an actual destination that is worthy of a two hour road trip, Wonderland Amusement Park.



Well I learned precisely three things from this wonderful Wonderland trip.
1) (Amusement Park + Texas) Heat = Torture. The only way an amusement park in Texas in the summer could be fun, or rather tolerable, is if you were covered in sunscreen of course but running about sans clothing.
2) Tommy is not a fan of roller coasters yet. He was dying to go on a log ride. You know the kind, a log in a stream, they carry you up a hill and then drop you down the other side with a large splash along the way. He was incredibly excited. He and I got into our log raft, all laughter and smiles. As the ride progressed his smile began to waiver and the laughter all but faded away. As we climbed the hill his little body tensed and the brisk patter of his heart seemed visible through his shirt. When we got to the top of the hill I would have given anything to stop the ride and get my little buddy off...but such is the fate of amusement park rides...down we fell. I clutched him as tight as I could attempting to reassure him that in fact he would live through this. As the torrent of water splashed us at the bottom, a torrent of tears fell down his face. I'm sure people were looking at me thinking, "Way to go Mom, take your little kid on that scary ride." So, yet again, Mother of the Year Award coming my way. Really do these events have to happen in such quick succession?
3) Finally, it has been way too long since I have unabashedly screamed while riding a rollercoaster. Confession: I love them...too much...really. My idea of a super fun vacation would be sending the kiddos to Grandmas, hopping on a plane, and heading for Six Flags. It would be awesome, I promise.

So the moral of the story: don't visit Guymon, Oklahoma, but if you must (say because two of your cute grandchildren are here) then come, but only once the temperature has fallen. December perhaps?

One last thing...Have a happy Independence Day and all my Utah family and friends, enjoy your fireworks for me please. It is so hot here and surrounded by dry (and by dry I mean dead) grass fields meaning no fireworks. You could probably start a fire just by thinking about fireworks, really, it's true. So enjoy! Maybe next year we will enjoy them too!

Love to all!

Do I Have Everything?

This past week was a whirlwind... To be honest, it is quite strange packing a suitcase to visit my parents. It is even more strange to pack a suitcase, drive four and a half hours to the airport, and then take a plane for two and a half more hours to visit your parents. Um, I used to be able to walk to my parents house and did quite often. I found that I asked myself before this venture, throughout the entirety of it, and on the venture home, "Do I have everything?" about seven hundred times. I'm sure we have left possessions like a little trail behind us. From tiny plastic penguins, to books, and possibly even clothes, who knows. I always however made sure I had the essentials: the children, passports, money, and of course the binky (well at least four binkies because Heaven help us if we don't have one). As we were visiting family my mom even had the audacity to suggest, "You know if Maddie can ask for a binky then it might be about time to get rid of it." I was aghast, "Are you crazy?"

A few hours later my mom saw the Mr. Hyde side of Maddie...She relinquished her former comment.
The trip was pretty darn good. On the four and a half hour drive to the airport the kids did surprisingly well. I was patting myself on the back for Mother of the Year award thinking and smiling all along, "Hey I can do this! I can travel to a city I have never been before, find the airport, hop on a plane and take a ride with two kids in tow. I'm pretty much amazing!"

We boarded the plane and the evil in Maddie emerged. Holy moly the plane ride from Hell I thought would never end. When it finally did end and hallelujah that it did Maddie had bit herself, bit me, pulled my hair, and even layed in the aisle on her stomach flailing all limbs while screaming. Tommy like a trooper sat right next to us holding his hands over his ears.

As we exited the plane my former self appraisal was unfortunately and begrudgingly relinquished and I almost knelt down and kissed the ground thankful to be done with that tragic nightmare. As I passed by other passengers, the flight crew, and even the pilot I was given looks that spoke clearly they said things like, "You poor woman." Also, "I don't know how you did that." Maybe even, "I'm so glad that's not my kid." Possibly, "She is cute but I'm afraid she may also be the Devil." And absolutely, "I hope I never see them again." But we survived. (Oh and I didn't take any pictures once Mr. Hyde was with us...I was too busy fighting him to deal with a camera but really who would want to see pictures of that?)

The week was awesome once the traveling was over. I have to admit there is quite a bit more to do in Utah than in Oklahoma. It was fun watching my crazy (but most definitely tough) siblings run the Ragnar, enjoy Father's Day with my Dad (I love him and always will), hit the Zoo, drive my Dad's car to Mueller Park Canyon for an afternoon of smores, play at Kangaroo Zoo, and spend time with good friends and family.

I learned a few things from this trip. First, I love Utah (more than I did before) and I will eventually live there again. Second, the Ragnar looks like a lot of fun on the first leg...second leg (hmmm I slept through that one)...but the third, yeah, not quite as fun. Despite that I think I'm game, next year. Third, I also had a glimpse at the slumbering Wilding tenacity (and Jonesy, you are included in that). It has been a long time since I have watched my siblings compete, especially in running. Scott you are Mr. Incredible. Shannon has always had the little dog syndrome and it blossomed in this race. She is just as tough as anyone no matter how small she is. Brandon is amazing, of course, and I feel sorry for that hill next year. Russ, you know he's in the zone when you are screaming for him and you don't get any type of Russell smirk, not a nod of the head, not even a hand wave of recognition. Yep, that's the Russell the muscle I know. And Tom-what can I say?!? You didn't die, which honestly I was ecstatic about! But, every time I saw you, you were running! Way to go Forrest! You did awesome! Fourth, driving my Dad's car, top down, makes me feel about ten times more cool than I actually am (thanks Dad, anytime you want me to take that thing off your hands I am willing and able). Finally, smores should be savored, as often as possible, no matter how old you are.

So the trip was good. It was so much fun to see everyone but Logan, Kaden, and Karson each of you are on my crap list. Really, who goes to scout camp when their favorite Aunt is in town??? For that you guys are going down, Oregon, Just Dance 2, in two weeks.

Well the trip ended, we hesitantly boarded a plane once again. I was scared, really scared. Let's just be honest as I walked down the aisle of the plane I was already apologizing to the other passengers. With my sweetest smile I would say, "I'm sorry in advance for how my child might behave on this flight." Or even, "I hope you brought ear plugs." And also, "Hey free baby, any takers, free baby!"

Luckily the flight home went a bit more smooth. She only cried for about four minutes instead of forty-five. I can handle four minutes. We arrived in the sweltering heat of Oklahoma, it was 107 degrees. Drove with the air conditioning full blast for four and a half hours. Then finally walked across the Welcome mat at our apartment. The traveling venture had started at 8:30 in the morning and ended at 10:15 that night, super fun!

But we are home with Daddy! While the kids were so sad to leave family and friends in Utah they were ecstatic to see Dad! And so was I. The next day we drove on up to Kansas and went to the water park. Because really, what else do you do in the middle of no where, and it is 111 degrees outside?

We love you all! Until next time, have a good week!

"Orphans smile and be happy," for the McGee's have finally moved into an apartment!

Well I suppose miracles do still exist. We are now in our apartment...big sigh of relief...and even better not much cleaning and only one spider so far. Now, even though it is not quite what I am used to, not comparable to our real home sweet home in Utah, it is infinitely better than and definitely not a motel, or a hotel, or even someone else's house. Ahhhh, I just feel my blood pressure dropping as I type those words.

Tommy and Maddie seem to be adjusting well too after having been juggled about time and time again...poor kids! Yesterday Maddie and Brayten were taking naps. Tommy and I looked at each other, "Well what should we do?" I said.

"I've got an idea! Let's go to the park!" Tommy exclaimed.

"Of course, let's go, I mean really I would love to go to the park when it is 102 degrees outside, there is nothing better!" I replied.

So we shuffled about as quietly as we could attempting to not wake up sleepy head #1 and sleepy head #2, we lubed up with sunscreen, and got ready to head out the door. Tommy gently opened the door, began to tip toe out, and screamed. It was a scream of absolute and utter terror. I ran over to him as he slammed the door shut. "What is going on?" I asked, completely concerned for the welfare of my little guy.

With tears streaming down his face he cried, "A toad!"

"What?" I asked, completely confused.

"It's a toad!" he shuddered.

I opened the door and voila, hello little toad, he seemed to be welcoming us to our new home right by our front door.

I was surprised by Tommy's initial reaction. He is a boy who generally loves all creepy, crawly things. He picks up bugs that are as big as his hand without flinching. He loves trying to catch lizards. He would adore a pet snake (but, no, absolutely not, that is a line we cannot cross). So I was surprised. He then relayed that a girl at church had told him that toads are mean and that they will chase you and bite you. Thanks for that one little girl.

I explained that toads are not like that and that they are indeed more afraid of you than you should be of them. But I also explained that we probably shouldn't touch them until we have read about them and made sure they aren't dangerous at all. (So Uncle Russ, King of useless animal trivia, I don't need to know the scientific name of the toad, I don't really need to know about their habitat, eating patterns, or even breeding specifics. I only need to know if you can touch a toad and not die. There is your task, go, go, go.) So we were fine. Tommy even was able to get relatively close to the little guy and not have a heart attack.

There are actually quite a few toads around, you just don't see them. Check out that last picture, it isn't just grass.

Well we are in our apartment, we've survived a toad attack, oh and Brayten said the prayer in sacrament meeting again today. So far he has said the prayer every week he has attended church here. It is hilarious, we are still trying to get used to the differences between a Branch and a Ward. Sometimes I would just love to bundle up this handful of people, take them home with me, and let the Barton Creek Ward bring them in, love them, and teach them as only a big, Mormon Ward family can. I wish these little kids could have one month in the Barton Creek Primary with tons of kids and great leaders and teachers that would guide them along as best they could. That being said, my opinion of the Guymon Branch Primary kids is this: it is not their fault they live in a tiny town, it is not their fault that there aren't very many members here, so I am going to attempt to give them as good of a Primary experience as I can.

Primary went more smoothly today (thank you Karen Healey for the Sunday Savers suggestion, it was awesome and saved my life-literally)! However, today it wasn't Primary I was worried about. For the first time in my life I played the piano for Sacrament Meeting. I was surprised how nervous I was considering there were probably only 25 people there today and most are not musical. I only slightly botched the Sacrament hymn, the opening and closing hymns went relatively smoothly. Whew, that's over with...until next week...when I play again.

Well another week down. To be honest I still can't believe that I am living in Oklahoma. A place where "Mormons" are considered to be more of a strange cult than a religion and where we have severe storm warnings every single week. It is crazy! But we are doing good and getting settled. Brayten's work schedule is changing this week so instead of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. he will be working 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.(much better, we will actually get to see him a bit more). That being said, sometimes, I really feel like I am hundreds of miles away from home...oh wait...crap...I am. Tommy said to me the other day, "I miss my cousins."

"Yeah buddy, I do too," I said.

So we miss you guys, all of our family and friends (even the ugly ones, that's you Tom)!

I want to give a shout out to my Mom. I love you Mom and I miss you!!! Tommy looked out our apartment window today. There was a big, red, Ford F-150 in the parking lot-you know the kind I think you've seen one before, the Cadillac of trucks. Tommy, with a slight glimmer of hope shining in his eyes said, "Mom, that looks like Grandma's truck. Is it?"

"No buddy, it's not." I replied to my dejected little man.

He misses you. He misses hanging out, helping you in the yard, eating all day, and watching National Wild. He loves you, we all do. Keep your chin up! And get Skype for goodness sake! And even better, we'll see you in a month, one month...only one more month.

I love you all and miss you!

Hotel...Again

Hotels have always been a place of magic for me. They have always been somewhere I have found myself in the midst of a happy vacation...generally in the proximity of an ocean. These places are amazing, you wake up, head out the door, and when you come home your bed is made and there are yummy smelling soaps and freshly laundered, bright white towels in the bathroom. Hotels are fun...usually, almost always.

Now plant your feet back on the ground, here we are, Guymon, Oklahoma. Housing has been such a fun adventure while we have been here...and if you can't sense my sarcasm I promise this phrase is dripping with it. I first arrived here fully aware that I would be living in hotel for a little while as we waited for our unit to become available at an apartment complex. We pulled up with our bug speckled Jeep and Uhaul trailer loaded to the brim with as many possessions as I could cram in every ounce of space. We were exhausted after fourteen hours of driving with two kids already adept at pestering each other, eight potty breaks in bathrooms that shoes must be worn in, at all times-no exceptions, twelve Disney movies, and fifty "Are we there yets?" (fifty every hour that is). We were wasted. As we pulled into the motel, yes I said motel this time, with an "m". My memory of happy hotels altered. I couldn't remember happy hotels having peeling paint. I couldn't remember happy hotels having royal blue doors. I couldn't remember happy hotels having spider webs and litter fluttering about. I couldn't remember even one happy hotel requiring me to rush to the grocery store and buying a bucket full of cleaning supplies before I would even use the bathroom. As we pulled into the motel Brayten took one look at my face and got on his phone to try and find us somewhere else to live.

Well we stayed in yucky motel #1 for two nights. I now have a few new rules to guarantee personal satisfaction and happiness. First, never spend the night in a place where the room doors are painted blue (that is a bad sign, I promise). Second, if latex gloves are required to open the room door just back away, slowly and go somewhere else. Third, hotels, yep that's a "h" my friends are highly preferrable over those other places that unfortunately start with a "m".

So Brayten was able to get a hold of one of our friends who had rented a home here. He let us live there until he and his family arrived. We moved in, cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned and then fought spiders for two weeks. Now, as much as I was happy to see their arrival because I really do like them, at the same moment I thought, "Crap." However, we had talked to the apartment complex we were planning on moving into and they said, "Good news, the guy that had been "fixin" to move out of that there apartment moved out early. You can move in Thursdie." (Please note that I generally am proficient at spelling but in an effort to relay our sad tale phonetic spelling is required on occassion. I apologize.)

It was Monday. We moved out of our friend's home, moved into a Super 8 Hotel, and looked forward to "Thursdie". We called the apartment complex Wednesday, the day before blessed "Thursdie," it had now been one week since the last tenants moved out, just to make sure things were on schedule for our move in the next day. "Actually, we still need to get our cleaning lady over there and I haven't even got them out of our system yet so it will probly be next week," she said.

"WHAT?!?" I screamed, in my head of course, because generally I refrain from ranting and raving in public. "WHAT?!?" I puffed, as only a mother can puff, who has been cooped up with two small children in too small of a space for too long a time.

So now came "Thursdie" I drove over to the apartment complex, introduced myself (yes I am the wife of the man who has been hounding you for the past month), and introduced the kiddos. I also happened to mention that my children turn into devils when they are confined to a space that is too small. Well she assured me she would work on it. Then Brayten called again. Then I visited again. and HEAVEN BE THANKED good news. She said I could decide to move in without them cleaning, they would just have to clean the carpets. Well I figured I had already cleaned a motel room and a house I for sure could do more cleaning because by golly I hadn't cleaned enough! She said, "I will have them clean the carpets tomorrow and you can move in tomorrow afternoon or even Saturday. I will come in on my day off and get you in."

HALLELUJAH!!!

Friday came, the carpets were cleaned, the move in was ready but, oh wait, a phone call came from happy apartment manager, "The last tenant signed his lease through next Thursday, June 9th and we are going to honor that."

"WHAT?!?!?" At about this point I'm ashamed to say that a few expletives were voiced...in my head of course. Our unit is vacant and clean and here we are Sunday, day seven of eleven in "happy" hotel.

Guymon has a shortage of housing. There really is nothing available. We have been on the list to get into this apartment complex for three months. We have made a million phone calls in an effort to find a home to rent-a million phone calls, literally, well maybe that is a slight exaggeration but only a slight one. UGH! I'm having to dig deep in my personal pockets of patience to attempt to survive this torture. I can tell you I would be ecstatic to not stay at a "happy" hotel for at least two years, maybe even three. But, deep breath, four more days. Say it with me, four more days. So wish us luck!

Oh yeah and in addition to moving in four days I will also need to #1-Do my regular Primary planning-opening exercises, lesson, music time, and sharing time. #2-Practice to play the piano in sacrament meeting. #3-Go visiting teaching. #4-Survive my children. And finally-survive my husband too. I better start singing Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" now, maybe it will act as a self fulfilling prophecy. I'm sure it will.

Until next time, I love you all, and I promise I won't whine so much next week (that is if I survive).

Another Week Down

Today was my first day as Primary President. Well actually my title more appropriately should be Primary President, Primary Secretary, Teacher, Chorister, Pianist, and Nursery Leader. I finished working up my lesson, music time, and sharing time last night and said to Brayten, "This is a bit more work than the one lesson I used to prepare, every other week, for six four year olds." However, I am glad for the distraction. It gives me a goal, a motivation, something to work on and improve. So I enjoyed it today, it was pretty good. Although, I did like Sacrament Meeting even better. The Branch President finished up the meeting with a short talk. A few of the words he used were, "Dag Gummit," oh yeah and in reference to paying tithing, "Sometimes we just need to pull up your boot straps and keep truckin." AWESOME!

Actually a lot of the people here make me smile, everyday, as I listen to them speak. The other day at Walmart (which is soon becoming my favorite store here in Guymon...oh wait, it's the only store here in Guymon) I was purchasing a frozen pizza for a pizza and movie night with the kids. The checker said to me, "Ya'll like them there pizzas?"

I said, "Yeah we do, they are pretty good."

She said, "Well I bin watchin their mercials on TV and I been fixin to try em. I reckon I bitter git one today."

I smiled and thought in my head, "Well I reckon you bitter get em specially if you bin fixin to try em for so long."

Despite the way they talk...the people here are genuinely nice people.

Well this week has been pretty good. The theme I would have to say has been SPIDERS, SPIDERS, SPIDERS. I know, I know, I probably have whined about this already but the spiders here are more like small rodents. When you squash them it is like squashing a toddler mouse with bones crunching and all.

Tommy has become my little spider patrol. And if you'll recall Tommy is quite expressive when he is excited. Ever since he learned sign as a baby he often adds a little "flair" with his hands as he speaks. If he sees a big, nasty spider he comes running, with a facial expression of pure malice and creepy, crawly hands, and says, "Mom there's a huge spider, right there!!! Get the spray!" Yeah, that's right, they make them so big out here that unless I have some big, steal toed boots on to squash them I have to kill them with the spider spray. We purchased a 1.33 gallon Home Defense Max spider spray...it's half gone.

Two days ago the kids came in from playing outside. Maddie tripped as she came in and I saw for the briefest of moments something fall from her hands and go skittering across the floor. She quickly snatched it back up. With absolute horror and dread I ran to her, pried her sweet, little, pink hand open, and shook the nasty, almost giant spider from her hand. Then squashed it with my shoe. Ugh, that's all I have to say about that. But heaven be thanked, she did not get bit, because out here the spiders don't just bite they pull up a table and chair, grab their carving knife, and gobble you up for dinner.

This whole time I have been telling Brayten about all of these spiders I have been fiercely battling. He has graciously acted concerned but often with doubt shining in his eyes. "They can't be that big," he's thinking, I'm sure. So this morning I got up first so I could get all ready for church without taking care of the kids at the same time. I went to go and shower, opened the bathroom door, and HELLO THERE GIANT NASTY SPIDER. I swear this spider was almost the size of Texas...literally. So I went and pulled Brayten out of bed to have him witness the horror.

"Holy crap," he said. Right there, your witness, these spiders are B-I-G and in the words of Oklahomans, "Nuf said."

I asked him if he wanted the spray and just as any brave man would say, "Nah, I'll just use some toilet paper."

"Bad idea," I thought.

He crouched toward the bohemoth and with the stealth of a cobra squashed it. As the bones began to crunch hundreds of little, evil, baby spiders evacuated from their mama. Skittering their little specks all over the bathroom floor. We both refrained from screaming...but just barely. Subsequently I have now emptied another quarter of spider spray around the house but concentrating mainly in the bathroom.

Well so far so good, another week down. We've survived spiders, severe wind warnings, and the hot Oklahoma sun. We love you and miss you!!! All of you! Even you Greg...I know, I know, no more mushy stuff but I do!

Here are a few pix for your viewing pleasure...until next time...Love to all!

Guymon, Oklahoma

Well here we are...Guymon, Oklahoma with one week under our belts. So far, so good. I have had a few impressions over the last week. First, leaving home (and yes home will always and forever be Utah, no matter how bad the winter is and that it seems a never ending torture come April...oh wait...no May and it is still snowing) sucks. Saying good bye to every person that I love was terrible. Terrible in a way that I haven't known terrible before. Saying good bye is a good way to help you realize how much you love someone.

Mom and Dad I love you, I love you, I love you! Take care of each other...take care of yourselves...take a break on occassion. Oh and make sure you take some computer lessons so we can Skype, everyday, if need be.

The Jones Crew...Scotty, I love that I am reminded of you every time my kids watch the Incredibles (which has been more times than I would like to admit this week). I love that I can't hardly remember much of my life without you in it! Take care of my sister, she needs you! Oh yeah and next time you go to Magic Mountain I'm coming too!!

Shannon, my little sis, I love you so much. I love the way you talk and talk and talk...it makes me happy, really! Make sure you add my new number to your fave five so I can keep listening and listening and listening. Thanks for all you do for me (even mopping my floors until midnight). You're awesome, keep your chin up, and I love you!

Logan stop growing...right now...I'm serious. If I come home and you have turned even more into a man I'm going to have a heart attack! Tommy said to me the other day, "Mom, when I'm Logan's age I'm going to be a man huh?" I said, "That's true buddy." And unfortunately it is! So stop it, now! Remember if ever you need to chat about zits, or braces, or even chicks you can always give me a call. I love you buddy!

Cole...Cole...Cole! How is my handsome man? I'm going to miss you dude! Keep working hard in school. Try to stay out of your Mom's hair. Work hard on the guitar because I fully expect you to play me a sweet serenade when I see you again (i.e. Oregon...July...get working on it). I love you!

Brin! My girl! I'm so sorry I will miss your baptism! I can't even believe it! But you better believe that I will be thinking about you here in dusty Oklahoma. I can't believe you are turning into a little lady! Be smart, be good, and make your Mom paint your nails at least once a month. I love you sister!

Saige, I love you little one. Make sure you keep your siblings in line, oh and Oreo too. Make Daddy get Skype going so you can talk to Maddie. Lots of love!

The Wilding Crew, Greg, even though your my brother and even though our family is so into non-emotional interactions, I want you to know that I love you. I have always appreciated the example you have been to me and the help you have given to me over the years. Make sure you practice up on your ping pong so next time we play you can actually win.

Juneal, I love you! I can't believe I won't be around as you face another round of raising a baby. Get lots of rest, take it easy, don't stress, and enjoy that little girl (she is going to change too fast). I am going to miss you Juneal! I am going to miss just showing up at your house unexpectedly...you apologizing for the mess (although there isn't one)...but inviting us in anyway and almost always feeding us dinner too. I love you.

Kaden and Karson, my dynamic duo. I'm still laughing about going to church with you two and having Grandma's Bishop say, "They look like twins." And then being dumbfounded when I say, "They are, literally." I love that you two are so different! Just know that I can't even look at a Just Dance 2 without crying right now. I'll miss you two, incredibly. Take care of each other and don't fight!

Rachel, I love you little girl! Make sure Daddy and Mommy send me lots and lots of pix! Stay safe, stay healthy, and I will hold you in July.

Wilding Crew 2, BJ, thanks for everything. You have been the stalwart big brother throughout this change for me and my family. You have helped me be brave and stride forward into the unknown. I love that I can always come to you with spiritual questions, frustrations, and concerns. I love you tons and tons and tons.

Angie, sit down, right now, because I'm sure you are running around busy, busy, busy. Stop right now, kick your feet up for at least 5 seconds, and take a deep breath. Take care of yourself especially right now. I love you Angie thanks for always being a friend.

Brittany, Hannah, and Sarah, hey girls! I hope life in Boise is treating you three good! I want all of you to keep getting smarter and smarter. Work hard in school. Read lots of books. Make sure you practice the piano, a lot (because if you ever move to Guymon, Oklahoma you just might be the only one at church who knows how to play). Brit-keep running, faster and faster. Hannah, keep kicking booty at soccer and pretty soon I'll be trying to play as good as you! Sarah, sweet Sarah, I love you little girl. Be good to your mom you three! I love you!

Wilding Crew 3, Tom, hey there my biggest brother.Thanks for helping me so much at my house. I appreciate it. Thanks for being a good ear when I needed it. Keep enjoying those Saturday classes...don't worry they will eventually end. I love you!

Jen, hey pretty lady! I love you sister. Make sure you take care of yourself and your kids, oh and take care of my brother too...I know he's a handful but I think you can manage him. One of these days we will have to have another botox party (I am slightly depressed now that my forehead muscles are working again). Love you.

Bailey, Layla, and Gavin, hey kiddos! I love you guys! Be good! Be good in school! Be good to each other! Be good to your Mom and Dad! Oh and be happy too. Lots of hugs to each of you! I love you!

Wilding Crew 4, Russ, I hope you're not still mad at me. I love you Russell...You know I do. Keep dancing and some day you will be as good as me (actually you probably won't but I don't want to dash any chance of happiness you may have toward dancing right now). I will see you, your Wii, and Just Dance 2 in July.

Megan, thanks for everything! You were so much help at my house, thank you, thank you, thank you. Thanks for being a life long friend, literally. Take care of yourself, be patient through potty training, and be happy every single day. I love you!

Pret, I love you buddy...The next time I see you I am going to tickle, tickle, tickle you... all day long.

So here is the deal, all of you, my siblings, take care of Mom and Dad for me. Visit more often! Call and just show up to say hi. They won't ask for much help so you need to find out if they need it and then give it all the time. I know that you all live a little ways away but I need you to take care of them. I don't think we will ever say to ourselves, "Gosh you know I should have spent more time working in my yard or cleaning my house." But I am sure we might eventually say, "Gosh I'm an idiot, why didn't I hang out with Mom and Dad just a little bit more."

I love all of you and am already looking forward to Oregon...So be there...okay?

I will miss all of our good friends, all of Tommy's little friends, and of course the Barton Creek Ward. We'll be back though...I'm sure of that!


Well, now, back to Oklahoma...Give me a moment, I need to quit blubbering like a baby so I can see the computer screen. I was initially talking about impressions...the first one took me a while to express. Here is the second, Oklahoma is a flat and quite barren. It is slightly or maybe moderately sacrilige to say, especially on a Sunday, but I think maybe God was a bit lazy, or maybe just tired by the time he came to the midwest. "Hmmm," He said, "Let's just flatten this part out and be done with it."


So here it is, beautiful, lush Oklahoma. As we crossed the state line to our new home. We said to Tommy, "Here is Oklahoma!" He thought about it for a minute and said, "Where are all the people?"

Really though the few people that we have met have been genuinely kind. I think most of the people here in Guymon are religious they just don't go the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they attend one of the other hundred churches in this tiny town.

Tommy and Maddie have been troopers! They did great on the drive (I don't know how parents survived road trips prior to portable DVD players, it would have been a miserable torture without Tangled, Mega Mind, The Incredibles, Despicable Me, Tangled Again, The Letter Factory, Mulan II, Tangled Again, Shark Tale, and oh yeah, Tangled yet again). They have both done well with the transition. Tommy has even made a new friend but for the most part they just play (or torment) each other.

Brayten is doing well. He seems to be enjoying his new job and the challenges that go with it. He works long days but we get to hang out on the weekends and enjoy one another's company. Much to my dismay he still thinks about hunting. He has already been planning pig and white tail hunting...Fun huh?

I am hanging in there (by the way I had been crying for half of the day in the above picture, hence I look like I've been crying for half of the day, I hope you don't mind). The first few days were slightly, or incredibly rough. Between nasty toilets, huge spiders (seriously huge spiders, including a black widow), fear of rattlesnakes, unpacking two times over by myself, not really having our own place to stay, I have had a hard time. But, and that is a big BUT, I'm doing better. I am finding my own nitch in this tiny town. I'm even starting to memorize the one big store in town, Walmart... I have been to Walmart more in the last week than I have been in my life. I am confident that things will work out for the best. We even attended church this morning. We sat through Sacrament meeting and then I was called into the Branch President's office... A new calling already... Primary President (I suppose it is slim pickings out here...but I will do my best). So I should have plenty to do here in Guymon.






Tommy is happy as long as he has bugs to catch...and there are plenty of them. Maddie is happy as long as she has naughty things to try and eat, naughty things to try and climb, and general mischief to make everyday. So we're okay here in OK. Oh, and Dad, I saw a BSA bumper sticker here in town, so Oklahoma can't be too bad right?

I love all of you and can't wait to see you soon!!! Wish us luck! XOXOXO