Fall Break-Vegas and Phantom

It's so nice to have a brother and sister-in-law who lives in Vegas so we can go there for a cheap vacation. We actually started the Fall break up in Park City. My dad got 2-bedroom condos and told anyone who wanted to go up can. My dad forgets that he has 5 daughters and we all wanted to go. Even my brother came. We ended up with 5 families (5-6 kids each) plus my parents in a 2 bedroom condo. We didn't stay in the condo much but went swimming and played with the kids and even went to a wonderful Mexican restaurant. The kids had fun. They LOVE being around cousins. The Talbots left because we were heading for Las Vegas the next morning.

We head out to Las Vegas by lunchtime. Kids were pretty good travelers. I have learned it is all in the seat assignments. Is it just my family or do you have the same issues? We get to Vegas and have time to go to the butterfly park (our favorite park). It has squishy floormats, water features, and lots of places to run around. Brad now thinks he is too old for it and wants to just hang out with the adults. He is growing up. STOP! I hate that he is growing up. The kids enjoy it and we head over to Russ and Michele. We had to get ready for Phantom. A few weeks ago my sister called me and told me she could get tickets for $35 from Ben Hall (he is an ex-boyfriend and is Raul understudy). I love Phantom (not as much as Wicked, though). It was phenominal. When Phantom sang his tenor notes, it just melted my heart. I loved it and on top of the great price we were on the 5th row!!! I love plays and get all excited like a little girl on Christmas morning. I couldn't even eat before and was still happy afterwards. We go to a restaurant in the Venice hotel and have wonderful time with Russ and Michele. The night ended at the Belagio to watch the waterfall show. Vegas is sure different when you don't have children. It was a romantic evening with my husband (and my brother and sister-in-law that tagged along, but I didn't notice them).

The next morning we head over to the butterfly park, eat Mummy Dogs (like pigs in a blanket) and go swimming. The pool was freezing but that didn't stop our kids from swimming. They went from the hot tub to the pool. We stayed home and ate hamburgers and steaks while watching the world series. It was a relaxing evening.

Sunday we went to another ward since it was stake conference for Russ and Michele. It was their primary program so it was entertaining for our children. Russ invited over the missionaries to teach the discussions to an investigator friend. Way to go Russ for always being a missionary! I would love to live in the mission field but am content raising my family and being an example to others in happy valley. I may not be teaching others the gospel but I am teaching future missionaries who will go out someday and will teach to others. I was assigned kitchen help and slaved away making lunch (it was no lunch, it was meat and potatoes, gravy, corn, rolls, and dessert!). When they finished the discussion, we ate. It was delicious! We headed out and come home sweet home.

Corneal abrasion Continuation

Fast forward another week from my last post. I put in my contacts and wear them for a week, ready to put that horrible experience behind me. I start feeling some pain again. Now in my other eye. Are you kidding me? I know exactly what it is but in denial. The pain is horrific but since I already have meds from the other eye I start putting in drops which the doctor said helped heal faster. I went to the specialist and sure enough, I have a corneal abrasion in my other eye! What are the chances? They think from after 20 years of contact wear and tear, my eyes are just giving out. So dissappointed! So what's my next thought? When can I get LASIK. As soon as my eye heals in about a month, they respond. Now I have to suffer with glasses for a month. How can they be so cruel!

Corneal abrasion

Remember in 2010 I had a major ear infection. Of course, you don't remember...cliff notes are I had a really bad ear infection for 10 days and have lost some of my hearing because of it. Well, I now have a corneal abration in my left eye. What is wrong with me? I'm too young to be having issues with my body. On Saturday, I woke up to a pain in my eye around 4am. I went back to sleep but woke up at a decent hour and called the optometrist. My optometrist is not opened on Saturdays so I called the only one that is opened (and in my network). He saw me first thing. Not a good idea to drive myself to the doctors (Paul was in Texas). It was only 2 miles away but with a squinty eye I just hoped that my periferal vision in my right eye would not lead me astray. The optometrist told me I had a corneal abrasion, a scratch on my corneal. How I got it? Don't know. He gave me a contact lense to protect it, like a bandaid and gave me antibiotics. He wanted to see me on Sunday. I was okay on Saturday. Indoors was better than going outside and the night was my friend as I could fully open my eyes. I went to the closing social with the Japanese Student and all seemed well. We took everyone to a Haunted House in Cedar Hills and my eyes started acting up again. Paul was on his way home from Texas and so I texted him that I was going to bed and couldn't wait up for him. A minute later I wrote that I need a priesthood blessing. When he came home around midnight, he and Chad Ellis gave me a blessing.

Sunday I woke up and it was worse. I had to remove the contact even though I could barely open my eyes. The sunlight KILLED my eye. Paul drove me to the doctor. It still hadn't healed like he hoped it would. He gave me his cell number and told me to call if it didn't get better. A couple hours later he called and said he can't get me out of his mind and thinks I need to go to the ER and to a specialist. Being a Sunday, we have to go to the ER. He shows Paul the large cut in his magnified machine which Paul describes as the shape of Japan. I also have 2 more cuts to the side of it. They prescribe me a stronger antibiotic and Lortab. To avoid the pain, I just have kept my eyes closed and slept. I can't watch TV or look at a computer screen and it's hard to read so I just lay there with my iphone and listen to the mormon channel. The only time I opened my eye was when they put a numbing drop in my eye at the doctors and ER lasting 15 minutes.

Monday morning I go see the opthomologist. The cut has now healed but my eyes are really red and the blood vessels are working really hard to heal the eye. It is tender and sensitive to light. He dilates my eyes to give me some relieve. Perfect for Halloween...dilated pupils, red eyes and swollen. I thought of being a pirate for Halloween or a vampire because I would come alive at night when the sunlight was gone. Instead I was just 4-eyed Plain Jane. The laughing stalk of those around me.

Wednesday I go to the opthomologist again. I have a scar from where it has healed. A good sign except I my vision may have changed. I won't know that for a month or so. I'm not out of the neck yet. My eyes are still fighting and so he prescribed a steriod. Yikes! Will I grow chest hair? I'll let you know how it grows, I mean goes (He-He). Now I have to wear glasses for a week more or so and no makeup. All natural! Lasik and/or Permanent eyelashes sound so good right now!

Stilleto Sprint

(DeLonne, Brandalee, Lareen, Mom, DeLayne, Audralyn and me in our stilletos and pink hair!)

My sister, Audralyn, lives in Texas. They had their first annual Stilleto Sprint last year in September right when DeLayne was diagnosed with cancer. So she thought it would be wonderful if we all could go out there, a year later, for the second annual Stilleto Sprint. Of course it was a long shot but guess what? We all could go, 5 sisters and mom, and flew out the 2nd week of September.

I, of course, had to fly Jet Blue on the red eye. Funny story...you would think that I would know airports/airplanes are cold because I fly more often but I had in my head that Houston is HOT and humid. So I didn't pack a jacket. While on the plane ride to JFK I was cold and wanted to sleep but couldn't because I was cold (and those darn blankets now cost money!!) So when everyone besides me was asleep, I slipped my hands inside my short-sleeve shirt and slept. Funny thing is when I went to sleep it was dark but when I woke up it was light and everyone was awake so I hurried and pulled my hands out. Embarrased, NO! but I'm sure the people besides me thought I was a dork!

When I got to Texas, we went to a wonderful Mexican restaurant. Delicioso! We then headed to Woodland Hills to spend the night (about an hour away). The next morning we woke up early and got all dallied up in our pink tutus and pink hair. We all looked so cute. The sprint races (it was about 50 yard race) did not last long but it sure was fun. I would love to start one here in Utah. The best were the men in their stilletos. Some of those men sure can get competitive.

After the race, we headed over for shopping. We had a little incident with the Texas police...Put it this way...a few Bluth girls in your face is not a good thing. The cop was not pleased with us and I was a little disappointed in my sisters behavior. Enough said. Feelings got hurt but all is well. We ended the day by ordering famous Texas BBQ and watching the BYU. Unfortunately, we did not win.

Church was the next day. We sang "Abide with my Tis Eventide." If you are a Bluth, you sing. I never like to sing in public 1) I didn't get the talent my sisters have and 2) I don't like to be the center of attention. But I did it for my sister both DeLayne and Audralyn. The song has deep meaning and emotional for us. Audralyn is the primary chorister so we had some fun with (using a phone to call in the songs, superhero "twin" sister.)

My flight didn't leave until Monday afternoon. So I was able to hang out with Audralyn and my adorable niece Eva. She is the sweetest girl ever! I loved spending time with Audralyn. I love my sister in Texas. I wish she lived closer.

Fun time with sisters. I love my sisters and glad mom could join us for some fun memories.

Labor Day Weekend

The whole gang-Packers, Gammons, Talbots

So I have a group of women I walk with every morning. We call it exercise but I call it my "free therapy". Not that I have many problems, but is sure is nice to talk about things with others. I really love these women. They are wonderful women and mothers, a great example to me, and lots of fun. One of the women grew up in Koosharem, UT. Even growing up in UT I have never heard of it (It is a tiny town with limited cell phone coverage). Jennifer and I had nothing to do over Labor Day so we invited ourselves and went to their cabin. It was a fun weekend. We caught crawdads, feed the fish, went fishing (everyone caught at least one fish), shooting guns, and went to church where 90% were in jeans and tshirts. A very different experience. I think the highlight was riding the tractor in the bucket. Such fun memories! Becky, you are so invited next time!!

Catching crawdads with hot dogs.

This is the meetinghouse for church service on Sunday. Over 1000 people were in attendance and they even passed the sacrament! I was impressed. They then had a testimony people where most people started by saying "I grew up here..." We are hoping to someday say " We have been coming here for years for Labor Day..." :)

Linda's dad owns a fish farm. We went and feed the fish this morning. The fish were jumping and splashing as we feed them their pellet food. It was quite a sight.

Fishing or I should say Catching. Everyone caught at least one fish from the pond and they were large fish. We took some home and fried them up. Delicious!!

I think the best part was the tractor ride. All the kids are in the bucket and he took them up high and low and even tilted. They were screaming with delight.

Mary Poppins

Our school was having a special sale on Mary Poppins at Capital Theater. I didn't have any desire to go but for $20 each (it was buy one get one free). I decided to go and take my 2 daughters. It was completely magical. As I sat there and watched, it made me realize that everything I need to learn about parenthood/motherhood comes from Mary Poppins...

Have fun while working ("Spoonful of sugar"-In every job, there is an element of fun)

Service ("Feed the birds")

Stop and enjoy life ("Let's go fly a kite")

Be happy and make others happy ("Jolly Holiday")

Mary Poppins was amazing and I loved Bert. Wouldn't it be nice to have a Mary Poppins with all of us? When Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious started I was a little disappointed because it was different but by the end it was my favorite!!! Amazing and fun choreography. And when Bert climbed the edge of the stage to the top upside-down...WoW! I also loved when Mary Poppins flew out. We happened to be sitting right there where she flew to and it felt like she was coming to me. I know cheesy but it did bring a tear to my eye. LOVED IT! I hope I can be more like Mary Poppins.

Summer activities

This summer has been my favorite so far. We didn't go anywhere (except for Idaho) but explored Utah and loved it!

This is how our weeks went throughout the summer:

Swimming at AF pool twice a week

Alpine park (best park ever!!) twice a week

PG lake and/or Cedar Hills park once a week

Obviously we were outside every day. We always met up with cousins at each event either swimming, or at the park, or at the lake. In July, the Allens came to visit for 3 weeks and we loved it. We did so much with the Allens while they were here...swimming, boating, timp cave, Stadium of Fire, Seven Peaks. I have to say something about Seven Peaks. I am not a fan. Too much money, you have to pay to park plus more for tubes, and you can't bring in any food. Well, reluntantly I went because I had free passes. It rained around 5pm and everyone (no joke EVERYONE) left. It only rained for about 15-20 minutes but they had to wait to make sure that no lightening was in the area. Of course we stayed, we always are the last ones to leave seven peaks. About 30 minutes later, they reopened the park and we had it all to ourselves. We went from ride to ride. The rides were so fast that my sister, Audralyn, and I would leave our 3 year olds at the bottom of the ride and go up to the top and meet them a few minutes later. It was a blast! The best experience I have had at Seven Peaks ever!

At the end of July, we had our Chinese students for 3 weeks which is always a treat. Last year it was really hard because I had some difficult students but this year was awesome! They were so respectful and fun to be with. I love inviting them into my homes, even though I think it is hilarious that they come to Utah for a "American experience" with Mormon families.

We went boating periodically throughout the summer with the Allens, Prattes and Hucks. Went to Yuba Lake (which has to be a tradition now...great place for camping and boating and it is close!). Had a Talbot family reunion at the end of August and celebrated our 15 year anniversary (hopefully we can go on our planned vacation...if Paul's work slows down, not complaining at all, glad he is busy). And I had a miscarriage in the middle of the summer. Other than bleeding for 5 weeks (I know this may be TMI), it was a fanastic summer!!

Stadium of Fire. One of my most favorite thing is the after party after Stadium of Fire. It's in the cougar room and they feed us and then we don't have to wait for the traffic. Just a perk for having my dad on the Freedom Board.

Most of the grandkids after the 4th of July parade. What a bunch!

We weren't planning on hiking this day but just hang around Sundance but last minute we went to Stewarts Falls. It's not a hard hike or long (about 2 miles) but with flip flops it was hard and long! Our feet were filthy! Fun times!

The kids took hours to build this jacuzzi. The sisters would just sit in the shade and talk.

Talbot reunion at Warm River, ID. Kids loved floating the river but it ain't warm!