To Everything There is a Season...: May 2011

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Spoke too Soon

Yesterday I came upon a clogged toilet in Eric's office. Nothing crazy floating in it, just wouldn't flush. I didn't have time to deal with it so left it for later. In the mean time, I told everyone not to use it. Next thing I know, Leighton comes out of the bathroom and tells me the toilet won't flush and he has gone #2. Believe it or not, I leave it until I can deal with it.

Well, this morning was when I finally decided to deal with it. I get out the plunger and go to town. Leighton tells me he stuck his hand in there earlier and felt a Capri Sun. What?

So I ask, "Did you put a Capri Sun in there?"

"Nope," was his response.

"Are you sure?" I ask.

"Yep, I'm sure," he says.

Again, I leave it because it's time to take the boys to school. We get in the van and I ask Jackson, "Did you put a Capri Sun in the toilet?"

"Yep, me and Leighton did it," he reveals.

By now, Leighton admits to it as well but says he didn't want to get in trouble.

I ask, "Why did you do that?"

Their response, "we wanted to see what it would do."

I guess they're not as mature as I thought.

The toilet was still clogged as of 3:30 pm today because the plunger obviously isn't going to suck out a juice box. I borrowed a snake from the Lynn family and went home determined to fix the problem. I thought I knew how to use a snake but was sorely wrong. You have to handle a springy, wirey, 6 foot contraption and jam it down the toilet and then turn the handle. Things weren't working so I attempted to pull it out. In my attempt, the springy, wire part flung out, spreading what remained in the toilet all over! A few choice words came out of my mouth. I gave it many more attempts, even had Kennedy look up the directions of how to use a snake and tried that, but to no avail. The toilet is still not flushing correctly. It will have to wait once again until I can deal with it. I am determined. I did however, clean up the mess.

I'm not that content.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Slim Pickins

The boys are not putting out the humor as much anymore. They are still in their own world but slowly evolving. So here's the slim pickins':

Jackson asked me the other day if "they could serve pizza instead of bread for the sacrament?" He was totally serious.

While sharpening a pencil, Jackson informed Boston that "he had a pencil and wasn't afraid to use it!" Boston is constantly teasing/annoying someone. He loves a good reaction.

An adult asked Boston what his full name was so Boston told them: Boston Massachusetts Bateman. He too, was totally serious. I had to break the news that his middle name wasn't Massachusetts but instead Johansen. He seemed a bit disappointed.

Yesterday I was in Leighton's class grading some papers. Mr. Rosensteel (Leighton's teacher) came up to me and asked, "Is Latin the official language in Denmark? And, is Danish the official religion?" Leighton has been working on his country report and supposedly got this information off the Internet (that's his story). Mr. Rosensteel had to get the straight story from the mom because Leighton was convinced otherwise. Leighton also told his teacher that we were Mormon and not LDS. It's a good thing his teacher isn't afraid to get clarity. I set the record straight and told him we were Christian, to which he seemed surprised.

That's all I've got. Maturity stinks.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

72 Hour Kits

We have been acquiring stuff for 72 hour kits for a couple years now but had never officially put them together. Family Home Evening seemed very fitting to finish the job. Eric and I went to this survival store here in Vegas and loaded up on what we were lacking. Being prepared is a daunting task sometimes. It makes you wonder if you'll ever be fully prepared. And, what are we really preparing for?

We were at my sister's house in Lehi over spring break, and after seeing her "cold storage" and preparation, we were inspired to get home and add to ours. Plus, I read this book, "One Second Later (I wouldn't recommend reading it unless you want to be scared of what could realistically happen in our day and age), and went into a state of panic. For about a week, I woke up every morning with a heavy heart, feeling stress. Eric reminded me it was "fiction" and to calm down. It's crazy how reading and picturing things effects you.

I have always been skittish about things that are foretold (destruction and suffering), approaching it with fear. The scripture that says, "...if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear..." makes me ask myself why I have so much fear? Does it mean I lack faith? Probably so. I'm working on it. When I talk to my mom about the subject, she always puts my mind and heart at ease. Her take on it all is that you don't need to be extreme, just be obedient and do what you're supposed to do. I like her reasoning and need to adopt it.

I guess Eric losing his job could've been a really scary thing if we hadn't been somewhat prepared. No one around here missed a meal, we have a roof over our head, a car to drive, clothes to wear, our health and a forever family. That's putting it in perspective.

and on a lighter note... the picture-perfect family!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Zion's Science Camp

Kennedy signed up to go on this trip months ago and the plan was for me to chaperon her. Lucky for Eric (or me) his job was still up in the air so he was able to go. Experiences like this don't come around every day.

This was the first time Kennedy had been on a horse and as she puts it, the last time. She was scared the whole time but put on a brave face. She said her horse was naughty.

There were 18 kids that went but Kennedy didn't know many of them very well, besides Sierra (pictured here) and Hunter Smart. By the end, she had made some new friends and Eric got to know them and their parents. At this age, it's nice to know those things.

They did numerous service projects. Kennedy said they were fun but lots of work.

Eric cooling off. He said within the first couple hours, he was a sweaty mess. I imagined him like Boston Rob on Survivor, setting up camp and making friends.

Kennedy, Eric and Hunter. Eric told Kennedy Hunter is the type of kid he wants her hanging out with. I reminded him that Hunter was a BOY and we didn't want to encourage much hanging out. Kennedy and Hunter like to compete scholastically, but are good influences for each other.

Kennedy decided she loves hiking. Hiking in a place like Zion's is the ultimate.

I am glad the two of them got to enjoy the camp out and have time to bond. Eric and Kennedy have a great relationship - their minds think alike. Eric was just called to serve as the 2nd counselor in young men's so I have a feeling he will be getting his fill of camp outs.

School Pictures

Me: Why did you do this to your class picture?

Leighton: I just wanted to make sure everyone knew who I was.

And these also stand as proof that they aren't necessarily the biggest, I mean tallest.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

An Opportunity!

No, it's not doing the laundry. Eric received a job offer so we (the two of us) went to California for a quick hurrah before he starts. The laundry basket is how we travel now. It's much easier to deal with. However, when we were checking into the hotel, it was kinda embarrassing. Who cares, right?

We explored the Los Angeles area this time and by explore, I mean eating something new. Randy's Donuts has been around since 1942 and we just had to try their apple fritter. Very disappointing - grease just oozed. Leucadia Donuts is still the best.

We also had to go to Pink's which has been around since 1939. There was a line of people because it's an iconic place. Eric gave it a 6 out of 10 stating that Fat Johnny's in Chicago is much better. I am not a hot dog eater but tried one and could only finish half. I am still not a hot dog eater.

Almost 15 years ago we were married in the Los Angeles temple. This was the first time we had been back to take a picture since then. Such a special place.

Oh ya, the reason for this post...Eric's new job. He goes to Houston Monday for a week training then will officially start the next week. It's an international company that provides portable power. We are super excited for the opportunity and the fact that we don't have to relocate and they seem to be a great company. The time off has been heaven sent but Eric is more than ready to go back to work. A big thank you to Ali and Tripp Thompson for their help in this process. Next time, you have a feeling to act on a prompting, do it! You never know who it might effect.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Sister's Weekend

St. George made for the perfect spot! My sister Shannon has a vacation town home there and my Aunt Pam just purchased a second home there. My mom and her two sisters, JoAnn and Pam along with JoAnn's daughter Kim (cousin), and my sisters Shannon and Jodi were all able to make it for the weekend. What did we do? Lots of eating out, shopping x 10, pedicures, a concert and uninterrupted visiting with no set schedule.

I can't get over what an amazon I am compared to the rest of the group. I do have heels on but so does Shannon right next to me. One of these is not like the other?

And we can't forget car troubles. A dead battery didn't stop us for long (light left on). Jodi pushed us out of the garage and my mom came and gave us a jump start. I even hooked up the cables and feel confident I can do it again without blowing things up.

Eating at Egg & I.

Shannon shoved her toast in her purse with a napkin and broke it out at Tai Pan. She was hungry all the time and always prepared. Ironic thing is, she's the petite one of the bunch.

My mom (Verdene) just appreciating the toilet here. The sign says, "Please put your butts in here."

Although the design of this sign isn't something I'd hang in my home, I sure appreciated its message.

The outdoor theater at Tuacahn was gorgeous! It was a bit chilly but a beautiful clear day and night. As we were watching the concert Shannon pointed out that the big dipper was right above us. I don't normally appreciate the stars (too romantic for me) so it was nice to look up and take it all in.

Pam treated us all to the concert. I am excited to take the kids and Eric here for a musical. It's culture at its best.

Lonestar was the group and they were great. We were a very conservative group by which I mean, we sat in our seats most of the time, embarrassed to do much singing along or clapping, but inside we were having a might fine time!

As always, we missed our sister Ashley and sister-in-laws, Jenn, Allison and Christine. Maybe next time. We are thinking a spa with a little adventure is in line.

We are very lucky to have sisters, aunts, cousins and a mom that enjoy each other. Richly blessed!

Nevada Moves Day

This day is set aside to walk or ride your bike to school. I thought we were going to escape it but at the last minute (like 8:30 am, school starts at 9) the boys convinced me to do it. I didn't feel comfortable with them going alone so I walked/ran beside them. It was a mental workout for me and a sweaty one for the twins - aside from the mile, there is a bit of a hill between our house and the school. We made it just in time and they received a sticker that said they did it. What a reward! They didn't care. They were just thrilled to be a part of it all.

After I dropped them off and secured their bikes, it dawned on me that I was going to have to do it all again after school. Thank goodness it was down hill back. They yelled all the way down the hill with happiness as they enjoyed the freedom riding a bike gives. Pure joy for me.