I Can't Believe Fall Is Almost Here...The Count Down to Christmas Begins!

Here we are coming to the end of August, can you believe it? Fall is almost upon us...and with that Christmas is around the corner with a trip to Utah, the count down begins. I can't believe we have now lived in Oklahoma for four months (well technically the kids and I have been back in Utah sporadically totaling one whole month of those four, so I suppose we have been physically in Oklahoma for three months). Crazy.

It is interesting this town is about fifty percent Hispanic. We have felt like we have been emersed in Spanish culture. It has been a good experience, there are some excellent little Mexican food joints here and there. One thing that we see all the time are the suped up vehicles that a lot of Hispanics drive. Tommy will see these cars and...HE...LOVES...THEM! Racing stripes, bright colors, low riders, even flames...awesome! If he sees these cars as we are traveling about he freaks out, "Mom, look at that car, that's so cool!"

"It sure is," I respond while I'm thinking, "Oh Heaven help us."

Currently he has fallen in love, thankfully, with a more mild car. This car happens to be at our apartment complex so he gets to google at it everyday. As we drove by it last week he said, "Mom, that car is even cooler than Grandpa's car." I beg to differ...however, Dad, here is your competition, an old, dented, blue Camaro, I know you want one, forget that sweet Mustang.

Maddie is growing up more and more. Lately she likes to jabber and jabber and jabber. (I think she learned this from her cousin Gavin). We have complete conversations together, I'm just not really sure what they are about. I took this video the other day, I actually had to sneak it, because whenever she sees the camera she just wants to see pictures rather than actually perform for me. So the quality and angle, not great, but this is what it is like most mornings. She has lots to say.

Brayten is doing well. Their project is beginning to slow down for a few months so we are hoping that we will see him a little more often. At the same time we are a bit anxious and unsure if his company will move us anytime soon. They may choose to move us at anytime. It could be right away. It could be around December. Or it could be at the end of this project which would probably be next August. So we'll see what happens.

In the meantime though he is keeping himself busy and even doing a bit of missionary work. He might be keeping himself too busy though...he is losing his hair. The other day he decided enough was enough and took out the razor.

As for me, I am doing well. Keeping busy. I have found as long as I am so busy that I don't have too many spare moments it is better for me. The other day I was driving home from dropping Tommy off at school and a bit of home sickness snuck up on me. Ugh. I'm a baby. I think it has been a month, one single month, since the last time I was with my family and friends in Utah and already I have these pangs in my heart. So I have learned stay busy, busy, busy, and think about home relatively sparingly. Oh and start the count down to Christmas, I already can't wait. I love you guys and miss you...try not to make me cry this week. Have a good one!

Back To School

Well the biggest change this week was Tommy adventuring back to school. I had debated whether to put him in school at all or just home school him, he is still in Pre-K. Ultimately I decided to send him considering the abundance of fun things to do in Guymon. School is helping combat his boredom. One problem, instead of two days a week for two hours like preschool is in Utah it is Every. Single. Day. For. Three. Hours. A. Day.

Before I had kids I always smirked a bit to myself when I saw those "crazy" women blubbering because their babies have headed back to school. I just want to know why it is that every single thing I have ever made fun of in my life I end up doing, why? I sat in my car, with my big, bug eye sun glasses on, and cried like a baby. Maddie was in the back seat, crying too, she didn't like dropping him off either.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I leave a chunk of my heart at his school each day when I drop him off.

He is attending Northridge Christian School. It is one of the two preschool options in Guymon. He started school last Wednesday and so far he can quote Genesis 1: 1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth." FYI, I have it memorized too now, I get to hear it everyday, multiple times a day. I think Tommy wants to hammer it in my head just to make sure I don't forget it. Funny though Genesis 1:1 was quoted in church today, weird I know, when was the last time you heard that scripture in church, not very often. Anyway, he got all excited, "Mom, mom, I know that scripture!"

Tommy is a good kid and I can't believe how much he grows up every single day! On our way to school last Friday we passed a snow cone shack, which really are like our little oasis in the midst of the desert, and Tommy completely dismayed said, "Mom, we forgot to get snow cones last night!"

"Yeah we did buddy, maybe another day."

"I know Mom! You should make a list and then we won't forget," he matter of factly stated.

Hmmm, good idea, I think this kid knows me quite well.

This week the temperature actually dipped into the nineties, so of course we hit the park. I just keep hoping that pretty soon being outside won't feel like stepping into a sauna fully clothed. Just thinking about going outside I start to sweat.

We also spent some quality time on the trampoline. Tommy has now figured out how to do a front flip, I suppose he just wants to be like his cousins, so thanks for that one Logan and Cole. I have a slight cringe every time he tries a new trick, isn't he too young for this? Anyway, I just hope next week I don't have pictures of him getting his first cast.

I want to give a shout out to all of my nephews and neices heading back to school this week (unfortunately, I mean fortunately, for you Kaden and Karson you have already been enjoying the delights of a wholesome education for quite some time) but to the rest of you, good luck, work hard, get good grades, read, read, and read some more. I love you guys!

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).