Snow!!!

So we move to Socorro where it's supposed to be warmer. And it was warm for a while. Then we get dumped on. The little town isn't used to this much snow so school was cancled today and tomorrow. Even Tech is closed. Oh, and we got a thingy in our water bill saying "The running annual average for arsenic samples....exceeded the maximum contaminat level" But it's not a risk. I knew there was something icky about the water. Nothing beats Farmington water. So GOOD. Anyway, now I'm always thristy and when I do drink the tap water (we are too poor for bottled) I think about arsenic. But, we love Socorro.....

On a different note, if you want to see some of my crafty crap, visit http://www.bayleystudios.blogspot.com/ I just posted an owl I sewed. And as I was posting I tried to write about sewing and how I wasn't a big sewer, but that word: sewer, doen't that also spell the thing your toilet flushes into?

SOCORRO

Okay. I'm finally putting up a new post, just in case anyone is still checking this. Shannon, this is for you.
We are finally in school. We moved to Socorro, NM Jan. 3 of this year. Steve is now in school full time and I'm subbing for the elementry school that Nate goes to whenever they call. I have to sub there so I can pick up him from school as Steve has classes during that time. Anyway, I don't work too much yet.
We found a great house that we are renting. SO happy that we don't have to cram into a small apartment. The neighborhood is quiet and our neighbors are great. We ever got some banana bread as a welcome gift. Nice!
The ward is great, so friendly. Lots of babies. Makes me want one.
So to sum it all up, we are happy and comfortable in our new life in our little town. I kind of like the small town feel.

Katie

Katie took first place in the District Science Fair for Chemistry  for the 5th grade. We are so proud of her. What a smartie pants.  She made lemon jello and dyed it red and had 90 people taste it to see what flavor they would say.  Most said cherry or strawberry.  I think 10 or so got it right.

It's been Forever......

Okay, not forever. Four months or so. Sorry I'm such a slacker. So, here's an update on the Bayley Family Adventures:

I became a Close to my Heart consultant.  What is that you ask? I sell (but mostly play with) clear stamps and paper and scrapbook goodness. I am really loving it. What to learn more? Then check out my other blog at http://www.bayleystudios.blogspot.com/ to see what it's all about.

Now on to the life changing news.....  Steve decided to go back to college and become an engineer. What that means for us:  We will sell our house this spring, move into my parents house this summer while they are on their mission to Palmyra :) , find a cheap apartment in the fall when they get back. And then in two years or so after Steve's gotten all the education he can at San Juan, we will move, (we are thinking Albuquerque) to a place where he can finish his degree. And then who knows.  SCARY, but exciting at the same time.   So, anyone want to buy a house?   Just kidding.  but not really. 

Okay, I guess that's about all the news I have for now.

A New Business Adventure

Well, my husband Steve just started up a new business. It's a mobile bicycle repair business. He comes and picks up your bikes from your house, brings them back to his workshop, tunes them up or repairs them, and takes them back to you all shiny and awesome. Who wants to pick up and put dirty bikes in their car? Not me.
It's called The Peddler's Friend. He's even on Facebook. He got his business license last week. Now all he needs is a customer and a logo.

And I have to mention Steve ran his first full marathon on Saturday in Park City. He did awesome. I'm so proud of him. (Still think he's a little crazy, but proud.)

Quote of the Day

"There is no charge for awesomeness ..... or attractiveness."


What movie?

Ghost Ranch

I spent all of last week at a place called Ghost Ranch. It's up near Abiqueu, NM. I took a week long Calligraphy class and I learned so much. Carla and I went up together in her motorhome and camped out. It's a beautiful place.

This is me at the end of Box Canyon, resting before the trek back.

Memorial Day Weekend

So I lost my camera. I can't find it. I looked everywhere. I so wanted to take pictures this weekend so I could post some because blogs are so much more exciting with pics. Steve's camera is not working either. So, once again, you get to hear about our adventures without any visual enjoyment. Sorry.

We went camping in Cedar Springs. So pretty. Even though it rained a lot, we still had fun. It was a nice relaxing weekend with no worries. Monday morning was beautiful so we all (Steve, me and the kids along with Chad and his whole crew) headed off on the 4-wheelers and motorcycles to this huge sand wash were we could mess around in. It was pretty fun. After we got back to camp it was time to pack up and head home.
I'm so thankful I have a awesome husband who takes us camping and teaches Katie how to ride a motorcycle. (Oh, they fell off, and Katie hurt her little pinky finger. We went to the doc. today and it's not broken.) He helps whenever he can without being asked and he always makes everything more enjoyable. I know I am a lucky girl to have such a great guy.

Sunday Post

We had a good weekend. Here's the breakdown of what we did.
- Friday night went four-wheeling. I rolled the 4-wheeler on me. That's right, I got a little too comfortable with my 4-wheeling abilities or lack thereof. Only a couple of scraps and bruises.
- Saturday Steve ran a 10K and did awesome. We then went to Albuquerque to the Temple with Adam and Lisa and their kids. We took turns watching the kids while each couple went in.
- After the Temple, had a meal at ihop - worst service I've had in awhile, but the food was still good.
- Sunday went to church (duh) and headed off to John and Carla's for a nice family meal with Steve's Uncle Farrel and Aunt Susie. Their 2 kids came up from Albuquerque also. Came home and headed over to my parents for a late happy birthday for my dad.
- Kids are now in bed and I'm trying to plan my fabulous week ahead.

The Farm

At what point does a couple of acres of dirt become a farm? How about a garden, 10 chickens, a duck, 4 apple trees, 2 peach trees, and 3 cherry trees? Do I live on a farm yet? I think I just might.
We need some goats. I'm not sure what they are good for, but most farms have goats, right?

MOAB

Stopping for lunch.

Steve having fun driving our jeep out on the trail. And yes, he messed up my plastic bumper. I'll post the battle scars later.

Spring Break

Last week the weather was beautiful and warm. Spring Break rolls around and it's stink'in cold. We were going to go camping and 4-wheeling in Canyon Lands tomorrow, but the weather is cold and windy there too, so we nixed that idea. But today was fun. Nathan went to aunt Cathie's house and played. Katie and I ate at Red Lobster with mom and dad for lunch, went shopping a bit, and went and saw Race to Witch Mountain. It was pretty good. I really like Dwayne Johnson, although he'll always be Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson to me. Anyway, exciting movie, and it was even better sitting by the 9 year old that laughed the loudest of anyone in the theater.
That's my girl.

This is Nicky. Our newest edition to our family. He's such a sweet dog. We love him so much except when he poops or peeps on our floor. He's getting better.

For those of you who have been losing sleep wondering what I got on my midterm, start sleeping well again because I got an A. But now I have to write a "thought" paper on what I have learned about human nature from my studies thus far. Can't wait to start.

Spring Break is next week and I'm thinking I don't want to stay home. I either want to visit my sister in Utah, or the other one in Las Vegas. To bad we can't meet in the middle somewhere, like Disney Land. That would be fun.

The Last Day of February

I seriously don't know what to write. My birthday month is over. I'm a year older (wah). Life is good. Since I wrote last we:
-got a new puppy named Nicky
-I got called to serve in the primary
-Nate turned eight
-we got our old jeep back because the fools defaulted on the payment
-anyone want to buy a jeep?
-Steve went and played in the famous sand dunes of southern california on his dirt bike and 4-wheeler
-I saw a couple of lame movies and a really cute one
-Katie started soccer again
-I took my midterm. Hope I did well. Who knows....

And that's about it. EXCITING.

I've been thinking about pride today and how easy it is to think your (I'm) better than some. I'm really not. When I really think about it, I don't feel superior to anyone. I know we are all God's children. I know we all come from different backgrounds and my way isn't better than others, just different. In my history class I'm taking....they really aren't stupid people. Those kids are there because they want to learn, to improve themselves, their lives. My earlier post was lame. And thinking back, the world did revolve around me before I got married and had kids. That's normal. (Right?) And truthfully, some of people in my class are so smart. They ask a question and I'm like, hmm, never thought about it like that. So, the point to this post is to say that
1. I'm sorry for calling people stupid
2. Being older doesn't always mean I'm smarter (but maybe wiser as to what's most important in life)

Friday Morning

Steve was able to go skiing today. He got up and left about 6:15 am. He went with Chad and his parents. I'm at home with Nathan. He's hasn't been feeling very well the last couple of days.
My back is still hurting, so it wasn't even a question if I wanted to go skiing. Besides, Steve so deserves to go. He's been working hard and then coming home at night and installing our new windows. They look awesome by the way. What a difference they make with keeping the house warmer.

So I got an itouch for Christmas. I love it. But every once in a while when I'm listening to music, the sound just stops. If you look at it, it says it's still playing, but no sound. Has this ever happened to anyone? Of course I don't remember where I put the receipt. Steve gave it to me and I stashed it somewhere. Anyway, I better get busy.

Older

How do you know when you are getting old and out of shape?
When you hurt your lower back attemping to kickbox. That's the kind of shape I'm in. And pain.
I'm also taking a history class at the college this semester, which also makes me realize I'm older, but in this case, it's a good thing. Was I really that stupid when I was 19? Actually only a few people in the class make me want to slap them. One kid is pretty book smart, but he has no clue about life. And another one makes stupid comments and giggles.
I could be a little mean right now, but I'm blaming it on my back and the fact that there really are stupid people in the world. (And I'm sure I'm one of them according to some.)

A New Year

I love when the new year comes. It makes me feel like I can start over today. I was lazy last year. This year I'm going to be motivated. This morning I feel great. The kids are finally off to school again. Yippy! I love my kids, but when they are at school, it gives me time to miss them and appreciate them more. We had a two hour school delay this morning, so Katie and I were working on her science project. I hated science fair projects when I was in school, and my additude hasn't changed. And of course Katie worries about school stuff which is good, but do we really need to get all upset and teary eyed when it's not perfect? How do you tell a kid not to worry about school work so much, but still want them to do good? I can't remember if I was like that. I know I wasn't in High School. Anyway, I told her it's just a project, we still have time, and don't worry so much. She already has straight A+'s. A not perfect project isn't going to hurt her too bad.
Yesterday was a hard day. First, I thought school started. So we got up, and walked to school in the snow because the radio didn't say anything about it being delayed or closed. No buses. Hhmm, that's odd. We walk in and there's some teachers walking around. They said there is no school for kids today, just teachers. Christmas Break doesnt' end until tomorrow. We walk home.
I take the kids to the store. (It's on my list of crap to do.)
Nathan wants in the cart. He's really heavy, but I put him in.....the child seat. Bad idea. He wants out halfway through. Katie has to help me take him out because 1. he's heavy, 2. he doesn't move his legs. He just lets you pull him up and out 3. I'm not tall enough to lift him where his legs clear. So katie is bending his legs to get them through the holes while I am holding him as high as I can.
We walk 5 steps, he touches some stuff, and wants back in the cart. I tell him no because I can't get you back out. And here comes the fit. Haven't seen one is so long. Holding onto the cart, half walking, half dragging his feet. Crying.....nose running.....saliva running from his mouth. (I'm trying to give you the whole embarrising picture) Katie saying eehhhww. "Nathan, wipe your mouth." He wipes his mouth and continues to cry. Now you might think, spank him or something. But spanking doesn't work with Nate. Never has. Standing in a corner is his ultimate punishment. Can't stand it. There are no corners in a grocery store. Can't have him drooling on the food, now can we? Oh, and the looks from people. Wish I had a camera. Anyway, the best part.....we are standing in line, unloading the food, and I'm trying to pull the cart forward to reload the food after it's scanned. Nathan is still holding on for life to the cart. As I pull is forward, slowly, he falls down on his back. Still holding onto the cart with one had out-stretched and crying. I smile at the clerk. I finally pick him up and give him a hug. Poor guy is so frustrated. Katie pushes the cart to the car while I carry Nate, who is now whimpering.
I didn't run any more errands.

November

Just when you think things are calming down, something else gets thrown at you, (or your husband.) Steve just got called to be the Young Mens President at church. He's pretty excited about it though. He loves working with the young men. I'm still doing cub scouts and playing piano in RS. The kids are doing well in school. I'm sad to announce that Katie wants to become a cheerleader. Soccer is over and a couple of her best buds are cheerleaders, so she decided that's what she wants to do. Hey, who am I to say no? It's free anyway and they only cheer at school assemblies 4 times a year. But still, a cheerleader? And I thought I was raising her right.

Tagged

I guess I've been tagged. Thank you Jenni. (That was a sarcastic Thank you) Seven quirks or random things about me. Here it goes....
1. I have very vivid dreams. I woke myself up the other night from my scream. Another time I woke up because I kicked the wall. (I was fighting in my dream)
2. About every six months or so, I start thinking about wanting to start a business, even though I'm not ready. It's not the right time in my life. (I'm going through it right now.) I see an old cool building for sale and think, that would be great for....... I have a number of business plans. Oh, and I already owned a business which I hated, but learned a lot from. Don't ask why I want another one.
3. I can't eat just one cookie. NEVER. Okay, not never. If it doesn't taste good, I can hold back.
Is this over yet?
4. I bought a palm pilot. Thought it would be great. Has alarms and everything. You can even write notes and stuff with the stylus. Didn't last long. I went back to my real planner because I could write in it with pretty ink and it didn't run out of batteries. I have to be able to write without having to scroll down. And have you noticed that your handwritting on those things is terrible, no matter how hard you try?
5. I'm obsessed with books and paper. I love to read, but a blank book is wonderful. So many possibilities. And do you know how many things you can do with paper? Awesome! And of course I worship trees, because guess where paper comes from? (And trees are beautiful)
Almost done!!!
6. I enjoy burping. I hate holding them in. It's so nice just to let it go. My poor kids get to see (and hear) the real me. I try to refrain from burping in front of Steve, but accidents happen. I don't drink rootbeer in public for fear of this bad habit.
7. E-mail is fun and all, but I LOVE getting letters or packages in the mail. Makes my day! (Junk mail, not so much)
And I'm done.