It makes me happier

--My wood floors. When they're swept, and dusted, and washed. Which only happens about twice a month.

--Phone calls with my distant friends.

--Fall! We enjoyed the New England fall like it is photographed in National Geographic. {a later post} Ahh leaves.

--My 3 all-time-favorite students. Had them in my class every one of their high school years. Still love them even though they've long since graduated.

--Pasta. my vice. Delicious. I once ate an entire box of Mac n' Cheese. wow.

--Freshly vacuumed floors.

--A days to-do list completly checked off.

--TV. A guilty pleasure. If you haven't checked out the new "Persons of Interest" or "Once Upon a Time", do so. Just when you thought TV couldn't get better...it does.

--Provident Generation of America. I love that Mark has a new side job that he really loves doing. And on that note, budgeting and saving and all-things-"what are you doing with your money". Its awesome what a little information and discipline can do. Call me, we'll show you what we've found.

--Projects.

--Trips. Planning them. Taking them. Saving for them. Love them.

--Mark Lyman.

--My soft pillow at the end of the day.

--The piano.

--Music playing in my home.

Home again. Home again. Jiggity-Jig

It had been a long time since we had taken a trip out to visit our friends and family out in Utah. And although the state and I seem to have a love-hate relationship-I am always very nostalgic and sappy when I return.

The weather gave us quite a run for our money! We left in the wee hours of the morning (a habit I picked up from my mother) and headed straight into the 1st storm of the season. Getting over the Sierra's required chains; a task neither Mark nor I had ever preformed. Luckily, my mom had just given us a set of chains a week earlier so we were happy that at least we were prepared. That is, until we realized the chains we had procured from mom were the wrong size. Thankfully, there were some for sale at an astronomically high price by the chain instillation workers. But I guess we are glad that at least there were some for sale.

After an hour of learning how to get them on correctly, and only minimal paint damage when we realized we had done it wrong, we did in fact get through the 9 miles that required the chains. Another 10 hours in the relentless rain across Nevada made us more then thrilled to finally arrive. We suppose that a boat would have probably been a better mode of transportation.

Our delayed arrival resulted in a very quick rest, and then we dashed out to meet up with some of our delightful vacation buddies with whom we cruised with last year. And delightful company they are. We laughed about new stories, and reminisced about our days on the boat. And Mark and I were sly enough to entice them to "commit" to another vacation package in a years time.

The purpose of our trip was to attend one nephew's baptism and his younger brother's baby blessing. It was so fun to see the Bouches' again. They are a riot of boys in every sense of the word. Mark played go fish about 20 times, and just laughed at how funny they are.


After another spectacular trip to the BYU bookstore where we shamefully purchase the only new clothes we ever get, we joined the crowds at the stadium for the BYU vs. San Jose State game. It was a chilly night - at about 43 degrees, but there is something fabulous about sitting in the stadium with all your BYU gear, just being a fan. It really was great, and BYU gifted us with a win which was very much appreciated.


Being back on BYU campus brought in a roar of good memories and feelings. Each time we get to go I just smile thinking about my years there. 'sigh'. Anyway-it was a fabulous trip. We ate way more then we should have - but in our defense, there are so many delicious restaurants in the valley, and such little time, you just gotta cram it all in. Quite literally. Hopefully our trips will be more frequent, because quite frankly, we just really like the people there.

Because I love him...

Beach Run

It is official. I need to live by the beach. It would greatly increase my weekly miles.

This last weekend Mark and I were in Monteray for his annual Pool and Spa Convention. Our hotel was delightfuly just a stone's toss from the beach. Not only did we enjoy walking around downtown Monteray, but I enjoyed my much needed Long Distance Run. Which to most of the running world isn't that long, but being that I was coming off a "no-run" coma-my little 6 mile jaunt was spactular. Right along the surf, as the tide was coming in and the sun was rising. The mist was just perfect. The best hour spent running in my life.

Quite certain I would run more frequently if this were the trail I had to run on.

(P.S. this picture was actually taken As I was Running. Hence the blur. That's how good the running was, didn't even want to stop to take the photo)

Piercings, Spandex, & Barefeet

I seriously think some of these students I encounter on a daily basis need to have a full length mirror somewhere in their direct line of sight. Seriously. I do.not.get it.

First off - lets talk about the piercings. Ears, eyebrows, cheek bones, and lips are one thing. I've sort of gotten use to all that crap. Its the tongue and belly thing I CAN NOT understand. Do you suppose they think they are alone in the world when it is time to clean said piercing? The belly for example. They scrunch down in their desk, with their shirt pulled up to their boobs, cleaning out around the stud. Sometimes with wipes! Followed by lotion. SICK. And the tongue is no different. Except it requires a mirror to be held with your tongue sticking right out, and your free hand scraping around the stud. Can you imagine the sickness of this display? And yet, for some reason, it is totally accepted. In fact, sometimes one girl will ask another girl to do the lotion part!

And the Spandex. Seriously girls. No where. In America. Or the world. should any female. OR MALE. ever. wear. spandex. Leggings, pants, shorts, shirts. Ever. Especially not the bright colors. Or white. Its just gross. Haven't you people seen the 70's and 80's photos. What an era. Let's leave it there. Wow. {as a side note, the under the skirt look, although not my preference, is acceptable.}

And finally - the footwear. Or lack thereof. Is there someone in the world that thinks it would be just fine to walk around a grocery store without any shoes or socks on? What about a mall. Or a school? It just seems really nasty to me. Why would anyone take their shoes off in a nasty classroom? Have you seen what is under the desks kids? What makes you think the floor is any cleaner?

And yet - without fail. Every. Single. Day. The piercings must be cleaned. The spandex is apparently a fashionable trend. And the shoes will come off. Welcome to High School. I hope they can look back at these years and smile.

Sincerely, Me.

Dear {city in which i live},

I would really like to be able to go on a morning run. Without having to carry a bat and worry my husband to death. I'm just sayin'; all the other cities are doin' it.

Dear Photoshop,

You're quite delightful, and even though my creative juices seem to ebb and flow, you are always constant.

Dear Chipotle,

I'm not sure how to say this. But. We need to break up. It's not you. It's me. Really. I am not really ready to commit to a larger pant size.

Dear students,

This is not rocket science. I am not asking you to create a planet. Trust me, if you can't handle this stuff, life is going to be really challenging.

Dear Vacation-itis:

I mean this in the nicest way. If there were some kind of walk-a-thon to find a cure for you, I would participate. Its nothing personal. And I'm not saying a 100% cure is possible. But some sort of valiant effort could perhaps start a change.

Dear Blogspot,

Thanks for not giving up on me. I'm trying to be better.

Dear Mark Lyman:

I love you. Lots.

Sincerely, Me.

One Pathetically Late Post

Dear world. Please forgive. Before another month passes with me managing to neglect my blog; I give you the "Reader's Digest" version of many missed blogging opportunities.

THE WRIGHT'S: One of the highlights of our last few weeks was seeing all my family together again. We sure know how to laugh, and love, and get on each other's nerves! And how to cram it all in just a few short days. This year we all met up in the Dutch town of Solvang in S. California. We had a mini "Chopped" competition, swam, played games, and eat. And boy did we eat. My mother is the best dessert maker in the world - and my sister has learned well. Which makes this a very common theme.
I fell in love with my adorable nephews all over again. And wish they lived closer so we could love on them more. Someday, when the Stork finds its way to our home, we're going to make some DARLING kids. I mean look at the genes we Wright's carry?Darling right? And for the old memory maker, here we all are. With our loves. Twice as big as we once were. A really great looking group if you ask me.

After a medium car dilemma; we were grateful for Dave and Cory and their willingness to replace a few broken pieces. And to momma who lent us her car for the drive home while ours was fixed.

WORKING AGAIN. As soon as we got back from Solvang, I started working at Deer Valley, as a long term sub again. This time for a lady who is out on maternity for the 1st quarter. It has been a bit of a struggle getting the students to actually respect me as their teacher and not as a nobody. I don't think they really grasp how many times I have taught this World History class. Anyway. It all came to an exploding peak when a fight broke out in my class a few weeks back. A genuine fight. Between 2 girls. We're talking fists flying, and words blaring. I naturally flew toward the smaller of the 2 girls-which I thought was a good move while under pressure. She was throwing her arms around me as I bear hugged her away from the other. Meanwhile, the other brings herself right up to my back yelling "hit me. I want you to hit me". Nice right. As if that wasn't enough, the other students in the class all start to stand on their desks chanting "fight, fight, fight" and to top it all off, began ripping their paper out of their binders and throwing it in our direction. Imagine all this happening with me right in the middle of it. Talk about an adrenalin kicker. Finally I got one girl to step outside while the other backed off. Security eventually had them all headed to the office. And after another hour, I had the class starting on their assignment. It was a nightmare. I threatened to quit. So now the vice principal sits in class with me almost every day. I guess I can chalk that up to experience. I can now add "bouncer" to my resume. Delightful.

PROVIDENT GENERATION of AMERICA: We are very excited and busy with the new company we are working with. Mark's brother introduced us to some awesome people who have begun to teach us some incredible things with money management and some possibilities that are out there. Mark is working on getting his CA license for financial advisement and we are starting to work with families in getting a more financially secure and "provident" way of living. It's awesome.

YOUTH CONFERENCE: I can't believe I haven't even posted about how Youth Conference went. We were assigned as the directors of the Stake weekend activity many months before the blessed weekend came. So we have been developing these ideas for a long time. And I am very happy to report that it went swimmingly well. It couldn't have gone better. Mark was the keynote speaker and he did a fabulous job at getting some very important messages across to the youth. They were eating up his vivacious personality and obvious dedication to the gospel. It was so fun to see him in a position he is passionate about. We had them out playing games on the field, and in classrooms learning about the Gospel. We did a service project in 99 degree weather, and not one young man or young woman complained. It was just a great turn out. To all the adult leaders who helped carry out our ideas, you really hit it right out of the park! Kudos to everyone involved.

OTHER NEWS: We finally got the pests out of our attic. That was nice. We continue to find projects for the house yet can't seem to find the money quite as easily. The weather has been hotter then we like, which makes us miss our Southern California life. We, along with the rest of America, are thrilled that TV is back. Amazing Race, Biggest Loser sans Jillian which is a major downer but at least it isn't pirate themed (Sara *wink wink*), ANTM-all stars! what? Tyra, you really out did yourself, and a very intriguing new Persons of Interest. Which - if their season is as good as their 1st episode, its going to be a great one. I've committed myself to run the Walt Disney World Marathon. When you ask? 2013. I'm realistic about what its going to take me to train. I've picked up another 2 projects for my little scrapbooking side love and it is addicting how much fun it is for me. And fall is right around the corner. I love the fall. So much in fact that I am currently making some fresh bread and soup to commemorate our first day of cool weather, grey skies, and sprinkling rain. Bring it on!

**Ps-don't you love how I tricked you with a few pictures at the top of the blog only to leave you pictureless later on. Sorry about that.**

Not always on vacation

I feel like my blog has turned into -vacation bragging central-! Let me tell you people - we are NOT always on vacation. It just seems that way because we don't have much else to photograph and talk about. So here is a jist of just how uninteresting our lives are - and you'll be glad I don't blog frequently.

--Upon returning from my trip to see Tessa's newest addition, I started my "strict" eating plan again. Now, I use the word strict lightly here people. Usually this means I watch what I eat between the hours of 8am and 3pm. After that - its all fair game. I was good for 1/2 the day so that counts right? Then I am frustrated why my efforts are not rewarded on the scale. Interesting stuff right?

--I am also now working at the same Environmental Firm that had me as a temp last year. Still as a temp. Still doing the same bit of work. Only less. Which makes the hours seem like days. Which is awesome.

--Mark is doing the same thing he's been doing all summer. Answering calls about pools that have murky water, dumping chlorine into other pools, repairing more pipes and pumps and sweeps then he ever thought he'd see in his life, and trying to convince customers that the reason they are loosing so much water is because they have a leak. No we don't fix leaks.

--I've been to the doctor's office more times then I'd ever dream possible, with about a million tests being done to figure out why the heck some things ARE happening; and why other things are NOT happening. This is not exactly the venue for said topic; so let's end that with "we're on hold".

--We've been appointed as the directors of this year's Stake Youth Conference. That's right folks - the whole sha-bang is being organized, planned, and divided by yours truly. A lot of meetings, and shopping for food, and poster boards, and more meetings, and emails, and assignments, and more meetings. Its really interesting stuff right? And it consumes our lives. And I am infinitely grateful we live in an area with only a tiny population of youth in comparison to...other areas. 200 kids is a lot to entertain for a weekend.

--I am still a scrap booking addict but have found less time these last several weeks and am anxious for substitute teaching to get into full swing again so I can have way more time to do what I love. I especially love my new added bit where when the books I am doing are completed, I take a trip to the person who's book it is for a final review and edit. It allows me an excuse to see friends, and do what I like, and get out of town. Bonus.

The End. So even though it appears all we do is take one trip after another -we don't. We just live bland lives and hate to admit it on the blog. So we chalk it up to "we've been busy"...now you know the truth. Apologies.

"Hey you Guys!"

If you could imagine one weekend filled with one-liners from any given movie, which movie would you choose? Hands down, Goonies has more fabulous one-liners then any other movie I can quote. Even though my movie repertoire is rather limited, it still says something about our undying devotion to Mikey, Data, Brand, Chunk, Mouth, Andy, Stef, and Sloth. So when we found ourselves just a stones throw, plus a hundred miles, from the hallowed Goonies ground, we couldn't resist a visit; because "its our time, its our time down here".

Opening Scene: Clatsop County Jail. Recognize this?Perhaps some props would help. "You schmuck. Did you really think I'd be stupid enough to kill myself"

Followed by a quick exit to an "Old RV. BULLET HOLES"

Once we discovered the Fratelli's had escaped, we rushed over to Mikey's to alert the Team. I tried to rig together something Data would be proud of, but with only an empty OJ bottle and an overnight case, I gave up and headed over.

We considered using the zip line from Data's window into the screen, but decided we didn't want to have Mrs. Walsh remind us to "use the door next time"

Mouth: Do it Chunk: Come on! Mouth: DO IT!

Morrell's love Sloth.

Goonies never say Die!

Just for kicks and giggles - a few other one liner favs.

"Andy! You GOONIE" ~Troy

"Um...Brand...God put that rock there for a purpose and I...um...don't think you should move it" ~Stef

"Dat's what I said...I said Booty Traps." ~Data

"Oh Come on. Come on. Where are you? You are in the clouds and WE are in a basement" ~Stef

"then everyone started puking" ~Chunk

"Kiss me Mikey, make me feel like a woman" ~Mouth

"Hey Mikey. Gotta go to the bathroom?" ~Mouth

"This isn't the kind of place you want to go the bathroom" ~Chunk
"I'm takin' it back. I'm takin' 'em all back" ~Mouth
"She's out buyin' Pampers for all us kids" ~Brand
"Martin Sheen? That's President Kennedy you idiot." ~Stef

.Change Scene.

So after we finished gallivanting around the Goonies sites we saw a little of the rest of the quaint little town of Astoria. (which we later learned is pronounced Ass-tory-a; not Uh-story-a) With my overbearing history interest, Mark followed me to the Flavel house; built in 188-something by a rich man who did something with boats. Not really sure - but it was really neat to see it all. I just love experiencing walls and rooms where people of yesteryear lived. So interesting to me.

We then took a journey up to the Astoria overlook tower. (that has a fancy name I also have forgotten). With free entrance, we thought this was a great way to see the lay of the land and enjoy the beauty of the Earth. That was until we saw what it took to get there. Eeek. 168 steps up!

But we did make it and what a view it was. 360 degrees of pure Oregon coastline beauty. We got up there just after the morning fog had burned of and what a truly beautiful sight it was. Props to the Great Creator for a job very well done.

We were even offered a friendly "do you want me to take your picture?" Perhaps I should have mentioned I would have liked more scenery and less rails and post, but at least you get we were both there together.

A quick trip to the beach to finish off our afternoon before we were due to head back. Even though it was a VERY quick trip, we found a bunch of other things we want to see, and even some things we want to see again. I've always heard from Lauren how beautiful the Oregon coast is, and now I can say - it is worth every penny. So beautiful and worth a re-visit very soon.

Well Overdue

Going to visit my dear friend Lauren was a trip well overdue. It has been far too many months (nay - years even) since we have been able to get together. So it was a wonderful stop to visit her and her family in her home in Oregon. She was a delightful host taking me to the top stops in Oregon. Mountains, valleys, waterfalls, green everywhere. Simply delightful.

However, the best part of the trip was just relaxing and eating out; much like we did the majority of our BYU lives together. A tremendous thank you to them for their open arms and kind hearts to keep me over the weekend, despite the rather unexpected hic-up. And looking forward to seeing eachother again.

Abesence

You know the saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder..." This statement is very much true. I find it amazing that every time that we find ourselves in the situation where we might be separated for some time we always think that we will be ok, that it is just for a couple of weeks. Well, it is not ok, and I hate being apart from my other, more attractive and definitely BETTER half. The days cannot pass by fast enough until we see each other again. I miss all the little things about her. The way she snuggles up to me in the middle of the night, the lil' smile on her face when I come home, the way her hand fits perfectly into mine, and just knowing that she is near. I miss you! 5 more days...ugh....five more days. May the pass like wildfire!

Rough Life

Life with kids is pretty tough to take.

--"ware's pa-pa Wright" (Grandma Wright)
--"pay with me?"
--"ware's Cade?"
--"oh yeah!"
--"pa-pa Wright make cookies?"

My Dear Friends

"Sometimes life is just hard, for no reason at all." --Remember the TitansI just love a beautiful floral delivery on my porch. Three floral deliveries and three cards is almost more then my little heart can take. Such wonderfully kind thoughts sent our way. We feel so loved.

His Bit of Earth

Mark has made quite the impact on our front yard. We've been plagued with the roots of our front tree in our grass, which has consequently left our grass growing in spots and patches. So, Mark took the weekend and rented a rotor tiller and dug up the yard! And wow the roots were insane!

But now we have quite the nice little bit of earth. we laid the bark and planted a few new plants which now makes for a bit more character and color in our yard. We're only part done, but is a fun little project. I'd like to say I helped out, but to be honest, I raked about 3 shovel fulls and then I was done! Good thing Mark was so dedicated.

Lil' Trip

We really are doing something in our lives. Most of it just really isn't blog worthy. Honest. So to save my grossly neglected blog - proof that we still live.

Several weeks ago we took a trip down to see Hearst Castle again. Such a lovely little drive down the California coastline - something that really shouldn't be missed in life. We stopped halfway down and stayed in a really sketchy dive hotel that happened to be right next to a Carl's Jr. which made the divey party not so creepy. (although the peeping tom was a little less then welcome)

The next morning we made the rest of the trip down to San Simeon, where the weather was mostly cloudy and cold in the morning, and then burned off by the afternoon. Typical of the area. We made a quick stop to see the elephant seals which was far more windy and cold then enjoyable - and were shortly back in the car and off to the castle.I really like visiting the castle, dreaming of what it would have been like to stay there. It is just so dreamy; and big. We ventured down with our dear friends Sarah and Matt who make great company. Plus, since they had never been, they really made the trip more interesting for us repeat guests. Simply delightful.

**Please excuse our lack in pictures. They are mostly just of the castle and really not-so-fabulous close ups of my face! And who needs to see that right?**