Houston, we have a problem!

This morning I was walking around the yard, when I thought to myself, "Huh. I don't remember that hill being there." It's right behind our trailer where it is well hidden from our view as we come and go throughout the day. Then, suddenly, everything made sense.



We have been having some problems keeping our grass green, but couldn't find the reason why. Here it is in all of it's glory!


Now, if I were still a child, and not a tired and stressed out mom, I would have taken full advantage of this opportunity by using it as a trampoline. As it was, it didn't even occur to me to have that much fun.

I think that before Doug gets home, I better turn it back on, and make the most of it, don't you think?

Are we sure that this was necessary?

Since I was 13, I have been told by dentists (yes, more than one) that I have plenty of room for my wisdom teeth, and it probably wouldn't be necessary to have them out. How does a girl take that comment, especially from more than one dentist? "Well, little lady, you seem to have a bigger mouth than the rest of the population, you should have plenty of room in there for four more large teeth, no problem!" I have wondered many times if that was a self-fulfilling prophecy, instead of just a random comment. As I have aged, my mouth seems to have taken on a mind of it's own, blurting out things I wish it didn't, eating things that I know it shouldn't have, and basically running amuck. Now those four teeth have gained so much control over the rest of the mouth that they have started throwing their weight around the space, and pushing others out of their way. Time to take action!

Last Thursday, I committed to the task of gaining control over my mouth. I know, it is probably a futile attempt, but at this point, it's worth a shot. I went in to the dentist for a "short" visit. From the evidence given from several x-rays, the entire removal process should have taken about an hour and a half at most. Little did I know just how badly those teeth wanted to stay where they were. They had control, and weren't giving it up easily. My appointment was at 1:00, and by 1:45, I was numb, had more x-rays taken, and had successfully given up my top two wisdom teeth. I was feeling happy that I didn't spend $750 to have IV sedation, because this was a cake walk. I was finally stronger than my mouth!

Then the trouble began. There was a revolutionary war going on with my lower jaw and the teeth that I wanted to have removed. Apparently, over the last 20 years, those two bottom teeth had formed their own alliance, and decided that they weren't going down without a fight! The next tooth took well over an hour to remove, and even then had to be removed in a few pieces. He was strong, that one, but not strong enough!

Then came the final battle, and it was an epic event! That last tooth hung on until it's last breath; even after the dividing of it's ranks, the root remained. Fatigue was setting in, and my anestesia had long since worn off, even after the second dose. I was told that they couldn't give me anything more for the pain, because of the risk of more permanent damage to the nerves. "Bring it on!" was my reply. Still, it would not be budged.

Soon, we had to call for reinforcements, because the dentist was faltering.When the reinforcement troops came to assist, even they were shocked. They had never seen such a willful tooth in all of their long years of experience. There was much weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth (literally, and mostly from the dentist), but finally, at 5:30 p.m., after much pushing, twisting, and extreme pain, the tooth was finally removed.

I wiped my eyes, because they were watering on their own, laughed a few times from relief, asked both dentists if they were ok because they seemed very upset (war does that to people) and attempted to remove my hands from the arm rests. I didn't seem to be able to let go; I'd just have to take the arm rests home with me, I guess, because those white knuckles weren't relaxing any time soon. I suppose there are casualties in any war.

The recovery that night was rough, my mouth was thankful that the offending teeth had been removed, but plenty of damage had been left in their wake. It was going to be some time before the mouth could work on it's own again, but luckily, there are things to calm the pain of it all. Really, really good things. Thank you, whoever invented oxycodone, my troops are extremely grateful.

I am telling you this tale just in case my mouth has ever offended any of you. You now have an understanding of the reality of my run-away mouth. It wasn't my fault, and in case it should occur in the future, please remember that the remaining teeth are fighting for control of the territory, much like the middle east. Please be forgiving. I am constantly struggling for control of it, sometimes losing more than I am winning, but at least I haven't quit the battle. I figure it takes until old age to gain that much control.

On the up side, property values are rising. I am hoping that I have more control now, my wisdom teeth have finally been removed and I am a smart mouth, no more. I know, wishful thinking.....

The Memorial of Big Bertha.

I know I am a bit behind in my blogging, but there is just way too much fun to be had, now that summer is here. For Memorial Day, and also to celebrate Doug's birthday, we went to Sand Hollow with Doug's brother and his family. We had a BLAST!

We got out on the lake, and Doug wanted to waterski. He tried out his new ski's, and realized something must change. We are going to have to do something about the fact that feet won't come out of the ski's when you crash. He ended up pulling a muscle down the back of his thigh, and had to buy a cane to walk the rest of the trip. Can you say OUCH? The next toy that came out was Big Bertha. We have had her for several years, and had many adventures with her. Poor Taylor and Brian found out the hard way what it is like to blow her up. I was beginning to worry that Brian would be pushed over the side of the boat, or else be smothered entirely. As it was, he was hanging on for dear life.

Luckily, he survived to have many wild rides over the weekend. Thankfully, we came up with a better plan for inflating Bertha so that no one else would suffer the same threat. Brave, fun-loving Brian. He only screamed like a girl a few times.

We saw a few ducks that Miriam was so excited to swim with. At one point, she wanted to chase them down. I had to remind her that she can't swim as fast as a duck. YET.

Doug and Ron anchored the boat between some rocks that the kids (and Aunt Sandy) had a great time jumping from. They went on a nice hike on one, and dove off of the other. Every time I wanted a picture of them jumping, they jumped before my camera could be ready. This was the best shot I got:

I am sure that you can tell this is Miriam, right? Don't you recognize that splash? Hint: Never say: "Don't GO until my camera is ready!" The word "GO" is too hard to resist.

Brian and Miriam and I hung out on the boat while Doug, Ron, Sandy, and Taylor went diving. They seemed to have a great time. We just got sunburned. Well, I didn't. That's why I like the shade. Thank you, whoever invented bimini tops for boats.

On Monday, Doug was leaning over to grab something out of the storage space in the bottom of the boat, and was pushed into the seat by a wave. He cracked a rib. Boy, this trip was really turning out to be memorable for him. Just to make it more eventful, it was his birthday. Not a great way to bring on old age, sweetie.

This is Doug dropping down into the water. He was attempting to bury the anchor in the mud at the bottom. I could have taken some more exciting shots of them diving, but I didn't have an underwater camera with me. This is the best shot you get. Personally, I am rather fond of Taylor's leg sticking into the top left of the picture. Nice leg, Tay.

I love this picture because it shows us all having fun and lounging around. We took stuff for lunches so we never had to leave the boat. What a fabulous time to relax. Oh, and please...No peeing in the water. Thanks.

Need further proof of the effects of the sun? Taylor got a fair bit, but he tanned within a day or two. Not fair. Poor Miriam had quite the time recovering from her over-exposure. She was a bit over-done. Next time, I am sticking a turkey timer in her suit. Hopefully, that will convince her that she has had enough.

This was my favorite picture taken that weekend. I love that Brian and Tay are just starting to catch some air. Let's talk about how difficult it is to take a decent picture of someone on a boat while you are cruising around a choppy lake. Just to make it a bit more adventurous, try taking a picture of someone dragging behind said boat, that is always bouncing the opposite direction than you. Just to show you what I'm talking about, here's what most pictures look like:


Wow. What a fabulous picture, right? Should anyone want to learn this most envied skill, feel free to come boating with us this summer, and I will teach you the finer points of taking a picture, and missing the shot entirely.

This picture is not from our weekend at Sand Hollow. It is from Hebgen Lake near Yellowstone, many years ago, and it's one of my favorites. Big Bertha popped on Memorial Day. What an appropriate day to say goodbye to her. Miriam had so much fun with her, and was sad to see her go. We mourn her passing, but look forward to the next toy. Here it is:

That's right, folks! We have officially become Airheads! Say "Hello" to our Airhead Viper. What an odd combination. Could someone please explain to me how an airhead becomes a vicious viper? How does that work? It has the power to really scare you, but forgets what it's doing, and looks at the pretty clouds instead. I guess it's really not all that threatening, is it? Miriam sure loves it.

Women's Conference

Once again, it is that time of year. The time when thousands of women converge on one spot to celebrate their lives, and refill their spiritual buckets. Chick's conference, as Doug calls it. This year, we didn't stay in the dorms. Erin's parents are on a mission, so they agreed to let us use their house for a few days. We had more fun than should be allowed, even with all of the walking and hiking of the Marriott Center steps.



There are always so many lines to stand in. I don't think I've ever attended anything where you stand and wait so much. Want to attend a class? Stand in this line. You would like a mint brownie? Stand in that line over there. Need to find the ladie's room? Stand in the longest line EVER!




When we get home, the silliness begins. We are all tired, which doesn't help. It just means that we will laugh at anything, and everything. I really mean everything. We had such a fun time while we could keep our eyes open. I think Julie should go into modeling. Seriously, she has the model face down perfectly.

One of the most fun moments is when we get to let our hair down and act like Miamaids again. Julie and Erin are reliving those days with all the passion they can. I don't think you could do this at the concerts I used to attend, and still be taken seriously.

I am just happy to be somewhere without having to be a mom. I may only have one child, but it is tiring to be the only other one that she has to play with. Now I can act like a child because I choose to.



This concert was so fun. Alex Boye was wonderful. I just love to listen to him sing. We met him after the program, and he is the nicest person, extremely happy, and very thoughtful.



I loved to listen to this performer sing (unfortunately, I have forgotten his name), but I was struck by something else during his performance. Off to the right corner of the stage they had a couple of women that were signing for the def. I have always loved sign language, but I was completely fascinated by the woman doing this song. She obviously loved it, and was very familiar with signing it; she almost signed the words before they were sung. The emotion she put into it was so beautiful. It made me want to learn to sign again. Who knows? Maybe I will finally do it. I wish I had taken a picture of her.

Then we were blessed with a performance by Eclipse. They are always so fun. I would love to be able to do what they do. Unfortunately, I am just a wannabe. So many talents in the world, so little time to develop them.

We had a great opportunity to hear from Larry Gelwix, coach for Highland rugby. For those who don't know, he is the coach portrayed in the movie "Forever Strong". I thought it was so fun to have an opportunity to hear from someone that has made such a difference in so many lives. We had a chance to talk to him after, and I feel fortunate that there are people like him in the world. He and his wife were so wonderful to talk to.

Jenny Oaks Baker performed some really beautiful songs, most from her CD of movie songs. She played a beautiful rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". You can't tell, but the lights above her are in rainbow colors; much more beautiful in person. I wonder if I can fit "beautiful" in here just one more time?


She also played "Far And Away". I have always loved that song, and the movie. This is after she played the last note of the song. I love this picture because it shows how much emotion she puts into her performance.

Then there is the loveable Hilary Weeks. She is also very happy and fun to talk to. Apparently, she and Julie are now BFF's. Seriously, Julie has proof, just take a look at the autograph she received. If you ever want a new CD, look her up. You won't be disappointed.

One of the most fun things to do are the service projects that are offered. It always makes me think about how much of a difference we can make in the world. It is amazing to see what is accomplished by all of these women in such a short time, the numbers are staggering. We found room to help out in the card making room. We actually made papers for names of babies in hospitals. Who knew scrapbooking skills would come in handy. We had a chance to meet some really wonderful ladies from, well, everywhere. So fun to hear their stories.

At the closing session, we decided to sit at the top. We wanted to have a bit more leg room, and it was fun to look down and see the estimated eighteen thousand women gather together after having such spiritual experiences. I think I started crying on Thursday morning, and haven't stopped since. (For good reasons, obviously.) During the final hymn, we sang "The Lord Is My Light", and on the third verse, all of these women (and a handful of men) spontaneously stood up to testify that the Lord truly is their light. I cried then, and I am struggling with tears even as I think of it now. What a powerful moment to see so many people want to stand and show their love for the Lord. All of these women that have the ability to carry that feeling to so many places in the world.

I arrived at the conference with an empty bucket. Now it is full to overflowing. Please be patient while I splash it all over everyone. I just want to spread it everywhere. I love Women's Conference. It is an opportunity to refocus your life, and to realize what is truly important. You leave there with a stronger belief in women and the difference we all make in the world. I always relish the opportunity this time gives me to feel closer to my Savior, and to remember that He loves me, and I have things to do that make a difference. In small and simple ways are great things brought to pass. Take time to splash on people yourself.