The Puke Mobile

We had fun plans for this Memorial Day weekend. We were going to swim, and then partake of my Aunt's famous BBQ ribs and some of Mel's yummy cheesecake. Good times I'm sure, but not for us. We did get to play a bit with the cousins and do some barbecuing with Jake's family, but then things went down hill.

We literally pulled up to the pool and Zack threw up, all over, in the truck. So we turned around amidst Kate's screams that she wanted to swim and went to my Dad's to clean up. We hosed Zack up, hosed the truck off, and decided to head home. By this time Jake and Kate were complaining of bad stomachs. So I drove. We were smart enough to grab a couple of buckets from my dad, and its a good thing too. Zack threw up (in the bucket this time), then Kate threw up, then Jake threw up. Meanwhile I'm driving down the freeway thinking it's a good thing I have an iron stomach, while chuckling to myself. I did refrain from laughing out loud, which for a Spjute is no small feat. The quote that kept running through my head, which I believe is from Sandlot, is, "I've seen a lot of things in my life, but that was awesome".

So now we're home and we've had no further puking episodes. The three sickies are sitting on the couch watching tv. I resigned myself to eating leftovers for dinner, trying not to think too much about what I could be eating. If we were around you this weekend and got you sick, I apologize. It was definitely unintentional.

The moral of this story; being a mom rocks!!

Celebrate?!!

We are approaching what is now becoming my least favorite time of year. Sunday is Mother's Day, Monday is the two year mark of Linz's passing, and Friday would be my mom's 55th birthday. All of those days, all together at once. I want to curl up in a ball with some chocolate and feel sad for two wonderful people who I miss a lot. But I'm trying hard not to do that. I did allow myself one pity act, and that is volunteering to work all day on Mother's Day. I just didn't think I could take the whole happy moms at church thing this year. So I will gladly be at work and maybe Jake will have some chocolate for me when I get home (hint hint).

In memory, I'd like to share a bit of what I miss most of Linz and Mom.




Linz was the greatest. Everyone's best friend, for reals. She was so much fun to be around. I was so excited for her to come home from the mish to play with me. She was the one who loved playing outside as much as I do. I miss all the fun we would have had hiking, camping, climbing, boating, and anything else fun. I miss watching my kids play with the most fun aunt ever. I miss the fun and laughter she brought to every gathering. I just miss her. A lot.



Mom. Where to even begin? The numbness is wearing off and sometimes I miss her so much I gasp from the pain. I would give anything to talk to her one more time. Hear her voice, feel her understanding, listen to her advice, and feel her love. What I wouldn't give. I hate that when my kids talk about grandma now there's only one. I hate that Sage will never know her namesake. I miss her goodness, her laughter, her service. I miss being able to pick up the phone and tell her when something wonderful has happened and I miss being able to pick up the phone and cry to her when something awful happened. My new life goal is to live every day in a way that would make my mom happy. If I can somehow figure that out then I will live a great life. Because of my mom.

In case Mom and Linz are reading this from heaven: Thanks for the help and influence you continue to have on me and my family. I've felt you both close many times. Its comforting to know you're both up there pulling for us. I love you both! Happy Mother's Day Mom!!

Now We Can Die

I finally took my kids on the world renowned Heber Creeper Train. They were so excited to go and kept talking about how they'd never been on a train before. This morning I must have grabbed hold of Zack's neck for something. He said, "You can't hold onto my neck too tight or I would die. I don't want to die right now before I get to go on a train." So yes, our lives are complete. We can now die happily. Good to know.

Anyway, good times were had by all. As we wound slowly (thus the name 'Creeper') through Heber Valley I was amazed at how beautiful it is here and how blessed we are to live here. I hope we never leave. We saw sand cranes, a fox, horses, and of course cows. All in front of beautiful Timp. Feel free to come visit any time to enjoy what we see every day.

St George!!!

Jake and I had a fabulous weekend in St George. Why was it so good you ask? Well, the number one reason is probably that we had no kids with us. Don't get me wrong, we love our kids, but everyone needs a break once in a while. Jake's family kindly agreed to watch the kids, (thank you!)so off we went.

I had to practically drag Jake to get him away, but once I got him there it was great. The weather was perfect. I'm not a hot weather person, so the mid-60s that we enjoyed was perfect. We went mountain biking and I got to try out my new bike. I've got lots to learn, but it was super fun.

We went shopping for a whole afternoon. Rare for me, but I've picked up a bunch of extra shifts so I was saving my money for a good ol' shopping spree. Very fun. Shopping's definitely more enjoyable when you have money to spend:)

Don't feel too sorry for Jake. He had his own shopping spree at the golf store where he bought new clubs. Lucky boy. So then of course we had to use them. First to the driving range where I tried for my first time to hit a golf ball. The next day I actually golfed 9 holes (is that how you say that?). This was definitely a first for me. I picked up my ball frequently so as not to be there all day, but I don't think I did too bad considering it was my first time. I actually enjoyed it. Might have to start doing that more.

It was so nice to have time with just Jake. I have to admit that I wondered if I'd be able to think of anything to talk to him about besides kids and work. Sometimes it seems like that's all we have to talk about. I was excited to enjoy talking to him all weekend long with a rare mention of the kids and no mention of work. Wahoo!!

All in all, a great weekend. Definitely a reminder that we need spend more quality time together. Also a good reminder of why I love my hubby:) We took a couple of pics, but I'm too lazy to get the camera, so you can enjoy this lovely pic of St George.