North South East And Weston

Apparently i'm the only one who posts anymore

2010-09-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Ok so I guess we've stopped using this pretty much, but I've got to write something cause i'm super excited, but I get to go to the temple tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys have no idea how excited I am, I haven't gone in since jan. or feb. So I am really really excited, we're going with my singles ward! I can't wait, I love the temple and it's been really sad for me, so i'm super duper excited, have I mentioned i'm excited? Lol I'm also really hyper cause i'm really excited, anyways just wanted to share my excitement with anyone who reads this, if no one does I'm sharing it with myself! Whoohooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow it's been a long time

2010-05-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

Since anyone has posted apparently especially me, however I have some fantastic news! I GADUATE TECH SCHOOL IN 3 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ya'll have no idea whahow good of news that is I cannot wait to get off this base, I really don't care to see it again, (watch I get sent back to this base next assignment :p). Don't get me wrong I love the area it's small and in the middle of nowhere but I love it, I have grown to love my branch they are incredible, the amount of love I feel for them, and get from them is amazing! I have made some incredible friends, in the branch, I've seen people come and go, including the people I was supposed to graduate with 3 weeks ago :( Stupid washback! I will miss the branch so much,i'm actually kind of dreading leaving the branch all the people i've come to know and love, Amy, the kendalls, the mulhollands, pres. and sister Davis, Sean, Mayra, to name a few that i've gotten really close to. They are some of the best. But I can't wait to leave this base I know it doesn't sound that bad it's just tech school right? How bad can it be? Honestly I wish I could explain it but I can't it's something you have to experience to understand, all the stress it's not just academics all though they are quite stressful enough, it's being treated like a kid all the time, obeying rules you don't understand but have to obey them anyways, the fear of being washed back, not to mention all the drama, there's a realson they call this place goodfellow high! After a while it just wears you totally and completely down, and you can't explain how you feel to anyone who hasn't exerienced it, i've tried, it's just one of those things you have to experience, oh and always having to say goodbye to the people it feels like you just met. I mean it hasn't been all bad, i've had some fun, made some mistakes, learned some lessons. Overall though i cannot wait to leave! if I could just live in San Angelo I would just not the base! But I graduate in 3 weeks yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-14T09:21:00.000-08:00

We were invited to a "Mystery Theatre" party last night - it was so much fun. It was set in the late 1800's and we each had to play a part. I was the flirtatious Holly Hickok and Bruce was Clay Colwell, strong and silent. Two of the players were called away just as we started. They gave a sick baby a blessing in the hospital about 40 miles away, but we kept the home fires burning until they returned and we could finally get someone murdered and solve it. Somewhat ironic??

2010-02-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

WOO-HOO! HOT DOG! SHAZAM! He is back!

2010-01-09T18:29:00.000-08:00

I tagged along with Andrea on a shopping trip and found this pic. We both thought it looked great and now it looks even better on the wall.

2010-01-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

Facial time! Savannah came over and the girls did the facial photo shoot. Dang, they look attractive.

2010-01-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth is safely back in San Angelo, David comes home in 4 weeks, Abigail is busy playing basketball for her school team, and Thomas is now in possession of his green exercise ball and bounces instead of walking. Work is going well for Bruce and he's now the High Priest group leader secretary while still being an Elder - figure that! We now possess a brand new transmission in the Suburban - it broke during our Christmas visit to Utah. I'm waiting for my next class and am starting to enjoy freetime much too much. That class better show up tomorrow or I may decide I like retirement more than studying. So there you have it. Wonder what will happen tomorrow????

2009-12-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

It's a Tucson Christmas - lights and rocks. Didn't Bruce do a great job hanging the lights??

2009-11-27T13:34:00.000-08:00

So I was looking at my mom's post from a while ago and I just found out tuesday where I will be stationed next, after tech school, I am going to cannon afb New Mexico! whether this is exciting or not I imagine I will find out once I eventually get there.

2009-11-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

Bruce, the phanton painter, has struck again! He created a stunning visual with the last of our Tandoori Spice and put those surround sound wires into neat little boxes.

I'm Alive!

2009-11-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

hehe Hey it's Liz remember me? Yeah I'm the girl who pretty much dropped off the face of the planet for 2 months. Anyways I'm back now and writing from San Angelo Texas. I got here on Monday and I've been in death by briefings all week. Pretty much really boring, I start class on Weds. So I'm hoping that will liven up my life a little. I'm not complaining though, because so far this place is so much better than basic it's not even funny, it's a much better environment so far, I hated basic, I really did I will be happy if I never go back again,(then watch all my kids decide to join) haha. I went to church today, it's a student ward, most people there are military though, or married to military memebers, it was the first time I'd been to a full church in two months, becuase at basc they were only allowed 2 hours, so it was really cool to go to a full service, the branch is really small, and there are quite a few more guys than girls, not that i'm complaining haha. But I'm doing pretty well here, I really miss home, I think that's one of the hardest things for me right now, but I'm trying my best and I think things will turn out great! If ya'll wna tot write my mom has my address, you can also email or call me.

2009-11-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen such big tumblers? They practically dwarf Airman Weston. Oh, did I forget to mention that we just attended her graduation from Basic Military Training?? Woo-hoo! She is now at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, TX and will begin her 5 1/2 month tech school for intelligence on the 18th. What a great accomplishment. We may never again see her bed this neat - enjoy the pic.

2009-11-03T11:03:00.001-08:00

We're off to see Elizabeth graduate this Friday in San Antonio! What an exciting life she has ahead of her - except for the "hurry up and wait" part of the military. She will head to Goodfellow for the next several months for tech school and then who knows where she'll be stationed. I'll take the camera this time!!

The story behind Bruce's famous cookies - as told to Elder Weston

2009-10-25T10:40:00.001-07:00

So here’s the story behind Dad’s famous cookies. You remember that we are a total geek family and enjoy watching documentaries, how-to shows, and get goose bumps when we find a particularly satisfying reference work?? Abbers checks out “How the Digestive System Works”, “Basic Carpentry”, and “Magic School Bus”. Thomas made a house for his pencil eraser named George, complete with a working safe – filled with miniature 100 dollar bills. So we’re pretty much gone, right? Well, Dad started watching How It’s Made, a show on how manufacturing works. I confess that I found it alluring eventually. Then he started on the cooking shows and here’s where we pick up the story. Alton Brown is a bespectacled chef with a totally weird cooking show. On one episode, he cooked these chocolate chip cookies with bread flour, kosher salt, unsalted butter, real vanilla, etc. and used parchment paper to cook them. Well, Dad was really excited and wanted to make those cookies. So I bought the stuff on my next shopping trip and he solemnly whipped up a batch. It was almost a holy experience. He carefully placed 6 cookies per batch on the parchment covered pan, measured in ½ cup increments (after the dough had chilled overnight). In his apron and with his brow creased, he expertly and anxiously (using only one oven since we don’t have two in this house) hovered over the process until he had 30 perfectly shaped chocolate chip masterpieces. They are very good and he uses only the finest ingredients. His Sunday school class was most gratified to be taste testers. I’ll tell you the rib story later…….

2009-10-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

How cool is it to visit your former home and feel that great "we still love you" feeling? It did my heart good to see dear friends and know my affection for them is reciprocated. I took Bruce and the kids this time - Bruce said he would like to do it again! Someone asked me if I had fun in Escondido this weekend and I had to stop and think. I wouldn't call it fun. I would call it a filling experience that goes a little further than "fun". It's seeing people and realizing that ties that have been stretched with distance bounce back when you do. Thanks, everyone!! PS Jim and Ginger still have the best pool ever!!!

2009-10-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

We now have a queen-size bed in our David/guest room just itching for people to stay. Of course, you must pass our thorough exam and have a background check! Party!

2009-10-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth is nearly to her 4 week mark. She's hungry, tired, yelled at, and enjoying church more than ever in her life. She prays, reads her little Book of Mormon, and hangs on for dear life. She cries when she calls (two times already - they are the best female flight there and have been earning privileges), and when she reads letters from home. Here is a shot taken at Young Women just a few weeks before she left.

2009-10-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

Look what Tucson has at 9000 feet?? Pine trees, and ski resort and RED LEAVES!! Talk about a breath of fresh air. We went to Mt. Lemmon, about 45 minutes north of us, and got out of the cactus and into the timber. It was great to be chilly, to listen to the quiet, and to take a chair lift up to the 9100 mark. This is where we had girl's camp this summer. Are we lucky or not??

2009-09-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

Abbers' last game for volleyball was this afternoon. She has a great serve and even sent a few back over the net. It's been fun to watch her and I even got to be a line judge. Where's Serena Williams??

2009-09-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Guess which one is Elizabeth?? We were so pleased to hear from the missionary couple over Lackland that they met Elizabeth and she's okay. She attended church there Sunday and they took this pic. Someone is watching over her (besides all the angels we've been praying for) and that does my heart good. Dang, she looks good in camo!!

There she goes

2009-09-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

The world will now be a lot safer with Elizabeth in the Air Force. Whew! How have we managed?? Exits - so many questions come up. Did I do all I could to help her be ready for "life"? Can she balance a checkbook? Will she karate chop anyone who is inappropriate? Do they have uniforms that fit her? Will she never forget to stay close to her Heavenly Father?

Well....she's wanted to grab life and go for most of her life and now she will. She's ready to bloom and God bless her. I will miss that little redhead!

2009-08-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Who knew there was a wall there?? We decided that "Tandoori Spice" might just look good on our stairway landing. What do you think? We're planning on filling the wall with family pics. Did I marry well or what??

Moms rule

2009-08-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth and I went to the cannery Saturday and now we have very close to a year of nutritious, boring food. It brings satisfaction to us anyway. We have to store food in the house since the garage gets up to 102 lately. So I guess Elizabeth's "bedroom under the stairs" is now too full for her to live in. Oh, bother!

This is a pic of our ceiling in the front room. We had a monsoon this weekend, which is normal, but the gusts were very strong. The kids started yelling, "Mom, there's a leak!" I was hoping they were talking about something else, but sure enough, water was coming in from the roof. This crack is about 20 inches long, but should be taken care of under warranty. We're crossing our fingers that it was just rain being blown in through the vent on the roof.

Phoenix in the Fall

2009-08-16T16:47:00.001-07:00

Bruce swept me off my feet and arranged for us to stay in Phoenix as an early 24th anniversary celebration. Elizabeth will be leaving for the Air Force just before our true anniversary so it's now or never. We stayed 2 nights and a day and a half in a 2-bedroom suite (Bruce is platinum) in the Marriott. We did a temple session, shopped (I'll have to tell you about Bruce trying on pants in the ladies dressing room - I swear, I didn't know), saw "Julie and Julia (quite good - loved Meryl), and ate at "Haus Murphey" which is a German restaurant in Glendale (Imagine eating Sauerbraten and listening to a tuba and accordian playing polkas!). We also walked through one of the biggest outdoor stores I've ever seen (complete with 8 foot aquarium, indoor stocked stream with manequin fisherman, and pistols that made me want to get my concealed weapons permit) right next to Toby Keith's bar and grill in which he was performing. Good times and a good idea!

2009-07-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

When the bishop wanted to talk to me yesterday before church, I assumed I'd be getting a call into Young Women's. I loved camp, the leaders are becoming great friends, and I know and love the girls. I was totally shocked when they asked me to be Relief Society Secretary. In fact, I had to go into the bathroom after saying yes and regain my composure. Doesn't look good to cry when you're being sustained! God's ways are not my ways, and this is where faith and obedience come in.

BTW - Abbers was wearing a jacket to school this morning in 100+ heat. When I asked her about it she told me that the classrooms are freezing. This is the Tuscon Irony - Hot outside, cold in the middle. Kind of like cooking a steak too quickly.

The Proper Arizona Turn For Vehicular Traffic

2009-07-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

Slow to 10 mph 1/4 mile before the anticipated turn. Reduce your speed again by half 50 yards prior to turn. Just before beginning of turn, stop vehicle completely. Allow vehicle to slowly move forward into turn until halfway completed. Stop again. You may now finish the turning process. This approach works best for right turns but can be implemented for left as well. Remember: the pile-up was not your fault!

2009-07-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

Here are the new couches. Now what do we do???

Wisdom Teeth

2009-07-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

I had this bright idea to have Elizabeth's wisdom teeth taken out before she leaves for basic on the 8th of September. Get them out while they have no roots, takes less time, less trauma - great idea. In fact, it looked so easy that our dentist decided he could just do it in the office. Why didn't I listen to that still, small voice saying "error". He numbed her all up and then took out one tooth. Apparently, her mouth had shrunk between the pre-op and the appointment. Her mouth was just too small for him to get the rest out. I was dumfounded and Elizabeth cried. So now she will have to go through it all again when the rest are removed by the oral surgeon this Wednesday. Fortunately, she will be sedated and the whole procedure will take less time than the one tooth last Wednesday. Moral of the Story: Have Elizabeth talk more so her mouth is bigger.

2009-07-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

Bruce, aka HarleyDad, is on fire cleaning the boxes out of the garage. We are making great progress. To the dump, to the dump, to the dump, dump, dump.....

Gradimation commencement

2009-06-29T10:27:00.001-07:00

Abigail got fired after taking this shot

There we go!

Whoohoo!

I did it yeah!!!!

Here I come

Wow that's a long walk

This is the photo op pic. that gown is so long on me

Oh boy

Eww!!

Last night we had my seminary and my high school commencement, mom found David's graduation robe, and she acted as the MC, dad and the kids were the crowd. I marched down the stairs and accepted my diploma from mom, it was pretty quiet, small crowd, but I didn't have to sit doing nothing for 5 million hours. Basically it was the sweetest graduation ceremony ever!

2009-06-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

I love being assistant camp director! Imagine this: 31 girls, 5 leaders, and a mess hall. Yes!! We spent 5 days at 8,000 feet with some wonderful people. I felt this was a great gift given to me by a loving Heavenly Father. Such freedom and love has been most healing. The girls were awesome and getting to know the leaders was enriching to me. From the men doing bear watch at night, to inspiration point at 11 pm, to "Singing Trees", to falling off the motorcycle just before leaving - it was all good. I am surrounded by angelic people wherever I go. It never fails. Oh, and being with Abbers on her first year was just the icing on the cake!!

2009-06-12T21:14:00.001-07:00

Move day is tomorrow and the computer will be down until Tuesday. Here we go again!

2009-06-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Someday, I'm going to learn how to do a slide show!!

We just got back from the dream Powell trip. A 62-foot houseboat with 19 people for 4 days. They provided a better kitchen than I have in the apartment (same square footage), 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and and Bruce's sister brought a motor boat for waterskiing, tubing, and transportation. The kids (and Bruce and I had a blast on the triple tube shown here.

Here's Abbers!

There was another TV on the top deck as well, with a great sound system for music.

Need I say anything?

Top deck Jacuzzi with Grandma LeAdelle.

2009-05-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

I have discovered something. You know those things called pantyhose? Don't wear them in Tucson during the summer except in the exceedingly cold church.

Ok so i've been thinking deep again, I know it's scary

2009-05-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

So I heard part of this quote once on "Akeelah and the Bee" and I really liked it, and then I was reading a bookmark my mom has that has the quote on it, and I started thinking about it, the quote is:
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,talented and fabulous?Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.We were born to make manifest the glory ofGod that is within us.It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,we unconsciously give other peoplepermission to do the same.As we are liberated from our own fear,Our presence automatically liberates others.
—Marianne Williamson
I think this quote is actually surprisingly accurate for some of us, I think sometimes we do get scared of being great or even just good. Why is that? Is it because we're scared? Because if we acknowledge that we have strength we can't hide behind our facade of weakness? Is it because we think that if we're great people expect too much of us? Maybe it's because if we choose to be great we have to find ourselves, maybe we've been living behind a mask in a way of speaking for so long, and are so comfortable with that, that we don't want to be uncomfortable. Maybe we know that it takes courage to let ourselves shine, we know that we have to trust in ourselves, and even let people in, and that is kind of scary for some of us. I won't lie, I'm not the best at letting people in, pretty good at keeping them out, but not so good at letting them in. I don't know why, maybe I'm scared of getting hurt, cause when I let people in and then loose them it hurts too much, maybe that's why. But I think it's ok, I think it is just fine to let ourselves shine, it's awesome to admit that we are special, that we have more strength than we know, it's ok to let our true selves shine, sure this doesn't mean that we won't get hurt again, but we will be ok, if we get up, put a smile on our face and keep on going, we can make ourselves into the wonderful people that we were meant to be, when we ask Heavenly Father to help us anything is possible, we can let our light shine, we don't have to be scared. Ok I think I've rambled enough, I was just thinking about this and thought I'd post.

2009-05-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

It took 7 gallons of paint and the whole day, but we got it done!

Mom is telling me most strenuously to post again

2009-05-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted, and my mom is making me now, well last week I was in New York with my grandparents. I was doing my senior project so I can graduate from high school, I was helping my grandpa with his annual airplane inspection, it was sunch an amazing trip! I learned alot, met some cool people, got to work with my grandpa, ate a lot of food, they made sure I didn't starve! I also biked a total of 72 miles with grandpa and LeAdelle. On sunday the day after I got there they took me to palmyra, that was an amazing experience! I loved it, the sacred grove was amazing, and I got to see the hill cumorah, and Joseph's farm, it was so incredible! The whole week was amazing! I also got a call from my recruiter while I was there, I got a job and I leave for basic in September!

Moms rule

2009-05-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

Guess who was made assistant camp director?? Yours truly!! I guess I'm supposed to be in this calling. Bruce gets to teach the 13-year olds in Sunday School. Wonder if he wants to change???

We're closing the 12th (Tues) and then the real work begins. We have to seal the grout, paint some rooms, seal the garage floor, install 8 fans/lights, and get blinds and drapes in. Moving in won't happen until June. The adventure continues -

Moms rule

2009-05-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo! We're doing tacos and we're having our final walk through.

Elizabeth is set to graduate from seminary on Saturday night. Not a weak accomplishment when you consider she had to make up 43 days in this half of the year. I wonder if she would have received her 4 year certificate if we had stayed in Escondido?? We're so proud of her and the way she is taking care of herself. She's quite a young lady.

Bruce was able to fly to Salt Lake and see his brother sealed to his wife and two children last weekend. What a happy event that we have been hoping and praying for!

Now, let's see if I can get Elizabeth to post some pics from her New York trip!

Moms rule

2009-04-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth is in New York with her grandpa, completing her senior project for graduation. He offered to drive her to Palmyra on Sunday. What a wonderful experience to have her tell me that she felt something special when she was in the sacred grove. Her testimony continues to grow and what more could I ever want for her?

2009-04-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

We have received word that 2 elders in David's mission have been sent home due to a mystery illness. Another has just come down with the same symptoms. We have been asked to pray for them all. I hope it 's not the swine flu, but that is treatable. I pray that the missionaries will be protected and that the doctors will be able to get the answers they need to treat those already affected.

Moms rule

2009-04-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

Many people consider the ideal 3-day weekend to include a trip to Vegas, or San Francisco, or another exciting or unusual place full of things to do and perhaps a bit of pampering. I've just had such a weekend, but it was wonderful because it felt like home. How humbling to want very much to connect with dear friends and find that they are equally delighted to reconnect with you!

Ta-Da

2009-04-19T15:25:00.001-07:00

Moms rule

2009-04-19T15:08:00.001-07:00

Bruce has done a very nice job with the house choices. People are surprised when I tell them he chose all the options while I was busy getting the house sold in CA. What can I say? He has better taste than me!

Elizabeth is now the big 18. Abigail is now the big 12. We have had a busy birthday week with eating at a Chinese Buffet, going to a school musical, attending the Pima County Fair (a little smaller than Del Mar), cheering at Abigail's softball game (which Elizabeth played in since we were short players - wait! She is a short player!), watching a dance festival which Elizabeth participated in - did I mention this was all in 3 days?? - and unwrapping presents. David has been assigned to open Port Arthur with another elder - Spanish-speaking! He is wigged out but determined to do his best. His Spanish is a "leetle" rusty, but I have a feeling that he'll do fine! So we're looking forward to this week. Wait a minute - it's almost as busy!

Moms rule

2009-04-14T10:24:00.001-07:00

So, here's our front yard. Hey, Jim! Have fun with the lawn mower, okay???

Moms rule

2009-04-07T10:07:00.001-07:00

Here's the kitchen!!

Moms rule

2009-04-06T13:37:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's coming along nicely. We even have a driveway now and tile!!! Now we need to get the workers to stop banging into the walls of the newly painted house, for pete's sake!!!

Moms rule

2009-04-06T13:35:00.001-07:00

Here's Abigail, all suited up and playing catcher. That girl is growing up so fast I'm not sure what to do.

Moms rule

2009-03-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

A couple of things I'm really grateful for are: flushing toilets, cold apple juice, dry soda crackers, and a soft bed. Got walloped on Sunday and that sure makes the simple things really nice.

Happenings: Abbers had her first softball game Saturday. She hit a triple and played catcher. But her best role is team cheerleader. We hope to squeeze in 7 more games before the dreaded heat catches up with us.

Car: We are now the proud owners of Bruce's mother's Camry. Bruce and Elizabeth flew to Vegas and drove it back. Anybody want to buy Elizabeth's Saturn? We now seem to have 5 vehicles!

House: Cabinets in, walls painted, driveway and sidewalk poured, and lights working. Closing date - 5/12. Forgot to take camera last visit - will post photo next time.

David: Baptism was Saturday. Hope all went well.

Reply

2009-03-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Master Wan,
I am finally giving you my answer as promised, it does not seem that I can think of any excuse.. I mean reason that I cannot babysit on friday, I asked everyone I know if they wanted to do something, i even offered to pay them and everything just kidding. But it does not sem that I have any pressing business, so it appears that I am available to babysit.
Sincerely,
Me

My Braces

2009-03-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

Finally, it's my turn to start. Here's a picture of me with braces on. I got them on Thurs. My teeth are still trying to get used to them. Thomas and I are on Spring Break so we get to sleep[ in more.We go to the pool earlier too. We have an "l' shape pool w/ a square spa. So lucky us. We now go to the Rincon stake at 10:30 for church. How is everyone? Our closing date on our house is May 15 and we get out of school on the 22. Can you believe that my b-day is a month from tomorrow. I will be the big 12 years old.

Moms rule

2009-03-08T13:33:00.001-07:00

Life is full of changes! My little redhead is now a member of the Air Force, awaiting high school graduation for basic training. What began as an innocent comment a month ago has blossomed into a path. I'm still a little stunned, but readily acknowledge God's help in showing us a good and maybe even a wonderful life choice.

David recently wrote and told us he wasn't transferred this go around. Well, we were! At church today, we got a new bishop and then were transferred to another ward, along with several families within our subdivision. We've only been going to the Sahuarita 1st ward for 2 months and now we will be going to the Cienega ward. Pros: The church is only 8 or 9 miles away instead of over 30, it starts at 10:30 instead of 8:00, and we accidentally went there when we first moved here, thinking it was our ward. So we have a little familiarlity with this ward. Cons: We will miss the 1st ward! The man they put in as bishop is awesome and we had made some nice friends. We're moving again and we still haven't moved into our house. So I'm released as assistant camp director and Elizabeth is no longer Laurel secretary. On we go!

moms rule

2009-03-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

Thomas and I were sitting on the couch, watching a movie. I handed him a few peanut butter cups and we started eating them. He turned to me and inquired, "Are the wrappers toxic?" I told him they were not. After a few minutes, I asked him if he had forgotten to take the paper off the peanut butter cup. He sortof grinned and said, "Yep."

Marilee said I have to do this

2009-03-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

We had our "Pre-Drywall Orientation" on Wednesday. This means that all of the framing is done, the plumbing, heating/air-conditioning (especially air-conditioning)/wiring are complete.

We went by to take pictures yesterday but our camera's batteries were dead. We tried to borrow a camera from a friend up the street but their batteries died, too. On looking, they had spare batteries in the case so we replaced them and seemed to be back in business. After 8 or so pictures, the camera announced that the memory was full and Karma seemed to say "no pictures today." We went back this afternoon on the way home from church (after charging the battery all afternoon yesterday) and I got about 100 pictures. Now when Marilee wants a picture or shelf hung I can say "show me where in the pictures" and can be reasonably sure I won't hit a pipe or wire.

It is very exciting!!

Marilee wants me to say "Hi, Ginger and Laura!" (we think they are the only ones that read these)

Moms rule

2009-02-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

We have our pre-drywall inspection today! Hopefully, all the wires, pipes, and cables are in place and we can have walls soon. We will have an opportunity to go through our long-term stuff early since we were just informed it will be our responsibility to start paying 600 bucks a month to keep storing it or find another spot. Apparently, we had the terms of storage wrong - it was 60 days, not 6 months! So, Bruce found a 15 x 30 and we hope we can get it all in. Thank goodness he has Friday off and we can spend the day wondering where all this stuff came from!

missing you

2009-02-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

Our house is coming along nicely, Bruce loves his job, David is a happy missionary in Texas, Elizabeth is doing great in school and her new career path, Abigail received an award at school last week, Thomas has made 47,000 new friends at school, and we've settled into our routine more smoothly than is legally allowed. We've had outings (yes, us) as a family, our finances have loosened (ironically, when everyone else's is tightening), and I just took a final for a class that only took me 31/2 weeks to finish (although I made some harsh comments on their choice of final questions - sheesh). Life is looking so good - but in quiet moments, the tears must come as I miss you. I miss my dear church friends, who are closer to me than family. I miss the wacky PTA and their dedication and fun. I miss the schools and the teachers and families I've come to cherish in the district. I miss my neighbors and associates who I could always smile and wave at (without getting flipped off). I miss the schedule and expectations that lent structure to my life. I will miss the weather when it's 117 this July. There are good people here who will soon be my best friends, but the interim is difficult. They don't entirely understand my humor, but they chuckle with a puzzled look anyway. Eight years of struggle and triumph were reinforced when I was with you. I felt special. Well, I guess I still am, but I have to tell myself - and I'm not entirely trustworthy. The sadness is a sign that I left some amazingly valuable people in Escondido, (and even a few in Utah and other exotic places) and I'm sincerely grateful for the experience. Onward and upward, but the impression is permanent and gratefully retained. Much love!

2009-02-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

This is the view from the guest bedroom upstairs. Makes you want to visit, doesn't it?

Happy Groundhog Day

2009-02-02T19:35:00.000-08:00

This is how we celebrated Goundhog Day. Heated pool!! They drained, cleaned, and refilled the pool just recently - the water in the pool tastes much better now and it's a lot nicer on our skin:) Did I mention there is a spa, too?? Don't hate me!

2009-01-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

We've been FRAMED! Awesome!

kinda funnny, really embarrassing

2009-01-29T08:22:00.000-08:00

My mom told me I had to blog about this, so yesterday I'm in my old car, most of you have probably seen it my saturn wagon, after seminary getting ready to go home. I'm waiting for brother Marshall and Jayson to move out of my way, Brother Marshall does and then Jayson comes over to my car and knocks on my window, and asks me for a ride home. Well I'm basically a pretty nice person and if someone asks me to do something that I am able to do I try to help them out, so I said yeah. He lives really close to me anyways. Ok my car is really old and has a broken passenger seat, whenever anyone puts the slightest bit of pressure on the back of it, it goes back, it can be amusing but it's also really annoying, dad keeps saying he'll fix it but he doesn't have the right things. I warned Jayson about it as soon as he got in and sure enough it went back a little as soon as he sat down and put a little pressure on it. Anytime I accelerated a little roughly or shifted a little roughly he went back, a few times he was lying all the way back. It was so embarrassing! And then brother Marshall was right behind us in traffic and Jayson turned around to wave at him, and he waved back, all the sudden the seat went back and he disappeared from view! I was apologizing like all the way home whenever the seat went back, he acted cool about it but I'm pretty sure it was getting really annoying. I'm sure he was pretty relieved to get out of the car at home. I felt so bad, and really embarrassed! I'm pretty sure he's not going to ask me for a ride next time, he'd probably rather walk if he had to. If he does, apparently he needs more thrills in his life.

The Fountain of Youth

2009-01-27T17:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, the fountain of youth is in Tucson, AZ!! I feel so young here - like high school age. Whenever I turn on the radio I hear songs from the 80's - Donna Summer, SuperTramp, and even "Isn't She Lovely" from 1977 - Stevie Wonder. I am transported back to a time when I had no wrinkles and not much maturity either. Makes you wonder just how immature I was back then, huh? So the elixer of youth rides the radio waves and distills its influence musically to take you back in time. Hee-hee!

2009-01-27T13:03:00.000-08:00

We are the proud owners of a SLAB!!! Go, Westons!!!

Another post for me

2009-01-25T15:37:00.000-08:00

Wow it's a record two in a row! So last night was fun, I strted out being at Jayson's house with him and 2 of his friend's it was kind of interesting but ok, I got there in time to watch the end of Hook and then his two friends play chess. Then Sarah came and we were talking while Jayson and one of his friend's played chess, then another girl showed up, (it was his girlfriend brother Proffit, don't worry I'll have you interview the guy I'm gonna date/marry, just to make sure he's ok!) Anyways then we watched Rush Hour and after that was over me and Sarah talked for a while, it was cool. I like Sarah she's a cool person. The night was fun though I had a good time! I got home around 12 then got up this morning at 6:30 to go to church yay! I'm working on getting to know some of the girls I have class with, I know it's amazing i'm actually taking the initiative to talk to them! Crazy huh? who woulda thunk?

Finally a post from me

2009-01-24T16:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, so my mom told me I haven't done a post for a while, and we all know she won't stop reminding me until I do it or she forgets (hehe just kidding mom). Let's see I actually really like it here! I mean California was good, but I'm actually happy here, I know it's a miracle, I know that we are supposed to be here right now, and that makes things easier. I'm actually going out tonight too, I know i'm shocked too, how often did I go out there? I'll answer that, like never, but a guy from my seminary class asked if I wanted to go watch a movie at his house tonight, don't worry there will be other people there, we're just going to hang out I guess. I'm pretty excited! I actually love doing my school online I'm doing really good I think and it is a lot better for me right now I think. I really like going to Seminary in the afternoon,my teacher is a great guy. I don't know the kids that well right now, but I'm going to try to get to know some people more. I'm actually on time in the afternoon which is a big improvement! I need to find a job here pretty soon so I can pay my parents for my insurance and phone and all that good stuff. I can't think of anything else to say right now, I'm happy we're here, my family is amazing, and I will post again later.

Moms rule

2009-01-22T07:40:00.000-08:00

In Julie Beck's message to the Relief Society, found in the November "Ensign", there is a statement which stands out to me. "..organize, teach, and inspire His daughters to prepare them for the blessings of eternal life." I wondered why we would need to be prepared to receive such indescribably wonderful blessings. Why do we need to have any prep work to be happy? I do.

We become acclimated to hardship - things not going our way and even events that cause us great sorrow or stress. Steeling ourselves against the life-curves that surely are coming diminishes our ability to truly rejoice at the beauty and simplicity of trust in the Lord. I have been the recipient of extraordinary blessings for the last 3 months as we have moved from CA and established ourselves here in AZ. Yet I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, wondering if this is the calm before the storm, and thinking that these blessings do not come without a price. My heart does need to be prepared for happiness. In my defensiveness, I miss gratitude, humility, and faith. And I miss joy! Isn't it interesting that preparation also includes being ready to accept what God has abundantly and uniquely created for us?

2009-01-18T17:18:00.000-08:00

David sent some great gifts for Bruce and Thomas's birthday. Bruce got a belt buckle that makes him look like a marshall and Thomas got Texas-sized jelly beans. Pretty dang cute!

Observations:

The arsonist who broke a hole into the uncomfortably-near-to-us truck window and threw a flare and flammable liquid inside is just ticking me off. Besides being mean, just what is the point? Thankfully, the targeted truck was a few spaces from us. Today a fire truck and ambulance were summoned for unknown reasons. I really like this apartment complex!
Lastly, because of the crime rate in this area, Bruce has dedicated our apartment. I am pleased and feel a great measure of calmness.

2009-01-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

I believe it was a Freudian slip when I typed "California" instead of "Arizona". They certainly do not have buses in CA! Just my homesickness showing.

Moms rule

2009-01-16T19:13:00.000-08:00

Look! They have school buses in California! Thomas and Abbers get a lift almost home in the afternoons. And - get this - I actually could send homemade cookies to school for Thomas's birthday! Uh-huh! I could get used to this.

Moms rule

2009-01-14T07:28:00.001-08:00

Our home is no longer invisible - now it's "holey"! All pipes to be installed, buried, and the slab poured soon.

Moms rule

2009-01-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

This - drum roll, please - is a reasonable representation of our to-be-built home. In fact, this is the model home right across and up the street. Our lot has pretty pink stakes delineating the boundaries of our new abode - really charming. Whoo-hoo!!

Moms rule

2009-01-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

So, this is what happens when you enroll in alternative on-line high school - you begin to fit in!! The student body president did escort Elizabeth to a meeting and asked her what she was doing at that school. Apparently, they have a prom and everything - wonder what 150 kids do for a dance?? Hokey-pokey or a soul chain are my best guesses.

Moms rule

2009-01-06T10:58:00.000-08:00

You know that chemical they put in port-a-potties?? Well, I've deduced what they use to make it. Cactus!! That's right. Everytime it rains here, I'm transported back to our family camper and the luxurious self-contained, portable toilet which was indispensable during horse shows and camping trips. It was luxurious because we went without for many years! Anyway, when it rains here, the scent is eau de port-a-potty. It must be the wet cacti. Elementary, Sherlock.

Moms rule

2009-01-03T10:37:00.000-08:00

With the exception of our family and most children under 6, everyone smokes here. I was taken aback by the pervasive and prevalent cigarette odor which has greeted us in every public and some private places! I grabbed my towel after showering and it smelled like cigarette smoke. Unless Elizabeth is taking a few drags surreptiously in my bathroom, the neighbors are smoking or the odor is a permanent part of the paint. Nasty!! We were driving and the same smell inundated the interior of the truck. After some looking, we finally saw that the person driving the car in front of us was smoking. Thank goodness it wasn't Elizabeth lighting up in back!! There are invisible people who smoke, too - we often smell it when no one is around. Weird, huh? I guess people get too cold during the winter and have to warm up by inhaling fire and carcinogens. Whatever lights your fire -

Moms rule

2008-12-31T20:27:00.001-08:00

Little Arizona present was left for us last night - someone ran into Elizabeth's car and took off. Bruce thinks he can fix it! Had no idea when we married that I got such a handy guy - he's a keeper.

Oh, and we finally found what we think our ward will be. We're about 2 blocks into the next Stake, so we'll travel 30 miles for the 8 o'clock time slot. Total excitement and enthusiasm around here!!

Moms rule

2008-12-31T20:19:00.001-08:00

"Apartment" ended up being a rather nice one level 1,000 sq ft duplex (sharing only one wall). The pool is heated and chlorinated to the hilt - my eyes are still burning! Lots of kids and one resident told us to not go out at night without due vigilance. Gunshots are apparently common. Good thing we've got our big, strong Bruce!

Moms rule

2008-12-31T20:12:00.000-08:00

Here we are in Cedar City - we left Salt Lake with an 8-inch snow storm carpeting the way. We passed cars off the freeway and were so grateful for our 4-wheel drive. It was slow going and we reached Tucson over 16 hours after starting. However, the kids were great and we enjoyed being together.

Moms rule

2008-12-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

This is the view from our invisible home in Tucson. Once they begin construction, things should become a lot more tangible. We're set to leave the 20th. How does one move on from such a place and such people?? Well, one mile at a time and with lots of tears and memories. The thing I like is that we're only 7 hours away.

Vacation rules

2008-11-17T15:21:00.000-08:00

Yep, that's us.

Vacation rules

2008-11-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

Guess who???

Vacation rules

2008-11-17T15:11:00.000-08:00

Yes, the Weston family finally went on vacation - sans David but with Grandpa David and LeAdelle in tow. Sequioa National Park was the destination and we saw some BIG trees. LeAdelle was a little gimpy,
but she still climbed Moro Rock, hiked around the Crescent Meadow, and saw the Sherman and Grant trees. We did Yoga, facials, and made hot chocolate, hot cider and instant oatmeal with the coffee maker. Even got an astronomy class in one night. Not bad for 3 days including 16 hours of travel time. On the way home we were so hungry that even McDonald's tasted terrific.

David's doings

2008-11-05T11:44:00.000-08:00

Just got pics from David - sorry, Elder Weston! Isn't he just the sweetest thing? The guy with the goatee was a wonderful investigator named "Mark" who David was sorry to leave.

Moms rule

2008-11-03T13:14:00.000-08:00

Guess who is dressed up as a Del Dios 6th grader? And who is that attractive ghost? When it comes to creativity, we certainly are prize winners. Here are the kids at the ward trunk-or-treat playing the fishing pond game. We had a great and chaotic time and received way too much chocolate.

David's doings

2008-11-03T13:09:00.001-08:00

David just got transferred to Orange County, TX. Only one elder was left in the area, so it is an "adventure" to say the least. He is right on the eastern Texas border and even into Louisiana a bit. The bishop of the ward is Elder Arnold's Dad - for those of you who remember Elder Arnold who served here for awhile. I get the impression that be is in the "boonies" - do you think he at least has running water? Is this scout camp run amuck? Do we need to send him toilet paper? These questions will hopefully be answered on Wednesday with his next email - if they have computers!!

One Step at a time

2008-10-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

It's the title (I think) of a song I like. But right now it means more to me, ok i'm gonna go off here on kind of a deep tangent I know very unusual but bear with me. Sometimes we want things to be ok all at once and know that everything will work out, that we'll be ok. I think sometimes it's a plea for a security we really crave but don't have enough of, or feel we don't have enough of, whether it be love or something else. But would we really enjoy life if we knew how everything worked out in the end, I know that sounds nice many times, but I think i'm finally starting to get it, we need to take life one step at a time, it's the process that makes life worth living, going one step at a time yes we will stumble, we will fall, and we will bleed heck that's all just part of life, but you know what if we get back up and keep going no matter how heavy we feel we'll make it. Part of life is also learning to trust in our saviour to help us carry our burden, I definitely know that I am very guilty of trying to carry my burdens without any help, but I have to trust that he wants to and is always ready to help me, he's always there and waiting with arms wide open. I think we also spend time wishing we could go back, who knows maybe that's just me, but no matter how much we may wish it we can't go back. We have to move forward no matter how scary it is. You know what I'm scared stiff, I hate this I don't want to move one step forward, especially one giant step. However I'm going to be ok, yeah it's gonna suck for a while, but I can't wait it's an adventure I love adventure and I can do it I know I can I need to rely on the savior a little more, but I'm going to be great, there's something, new and exciting waiting for me, I have no idea what it is but I can feel it, and I can't wait to meet it, the one thing I can do is enjoy what little time I have left here, about a month and a half, I can enjoy and learn to cope. My family is going to do incredible, and I wouldn't miss one step of this for the world. Now al I've got to do is keep telling myself this. I think I'm done with my novel for now cause that was a really long post.

Politics

2008-10-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

The kids and I have stood at street corners waving signs for "Yes on Prop 8" two times now. We have been with many people who we know and trust, yet the experience is somewhat distressing to me. Is it the prop that bothers me? No, it's the opposition. Envision us this afternoon - about 20 friendly, non-confrontative people are standing with "Yes on Prop 8" signs at a busy intersection. Several of our kids are playing happily, running around, and occasionally holding a sign. We are peaceful and waving and getting many honks in our favor. One particular vehicular occupant, however, yelled angrily, "you're teaching your kids to hate." The tone of his voice was anything but cordial. As they drove away he called us a most distressing name using an "M" and an "F". How chillingly ironic that he accused us of hate when his entire presentation was saturated with malignant enmity. We just waved our signs and tried to not take his attitude personally. I wondered at the perspective of a person or group who cannot see such obvious irony - they accuse us of hate and then they rage in their committment to pull us down. Equality for all is so convenient when you insist on setting the rules only for yourself.

2008-10-26T21:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry - make that ABOVE.

Moms rule

2008-10-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

Guess who?? We're at the Harry Potter party hosted annually by the Harkleroad's. In order to gain admittance, one must be costumed. Thus, Abbers was Luna Lovegood, Thomas was a bespectacled Basilisk, and Mom was a chocolate frog trading card. Elizabeth joined us later (see picture below) as Scabbers (complete with missing digit). We ate very well and mom got a chance to visit with some good friends. It was a nice night out. Thanks Dusty and Jenny!!

craziness

2008-10-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

Ok So my mom has been having all the fun, blogging lately, so I decided it's my turn again, (plus she's been bugging me about it) shhh, don't tell her I let on! :) Well I guess life is good, we have to keep our house super clean because who knows when a realtor will call or just show up. It's kind of hectic and insane, and I basically really just want to be in Arizona right now, cause I'm really feeling like it's the right thing to do and i'm going crazy sitting around here waiting for someone to buy our house. I'll miss everyone of course but Arizona's where were supposed to be right now, and i'm feeling this huge pull to be there. Other than that, life is crazy, insane, makes me want to pull my hair out, laugh, cry, celebrate, and numerous other emotions that I do not currently know words for. Well I need to go get ready for work, Yay work :P it's not that bad most the time, I think when I leave i'm going to miss it which is extremely surprising at times. But I have had some good times while I've been there, ok enough of this it sounds like i'm dying or something, I'm going to go crazy and then go to work probably in that order but don't quote me on that.

Moms rule

2008-10-23T17:23:00.000-07:00

Here's David!! He has been helping lots of people in the aftermath of "Ike" and saw some of those wonderful yellow t-shirts the church gives out (he actually has one now - but he's not proud!). They were tracting and stopped to help. It turns out that the baptists are doing the yellow t-shirt thing, too! So they all worked together and had a good experience. It's tough going preaching for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in a predominantly Baptist and Catholic area, but David is happy and enthusiastic about the gospel.

Moms rule

2008-10-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Thomas is in that magical 3rd grade year when they get to be in the "recorder" band. You remember - it sounds like 60 baby bagpipes playing 40 different songs. And we're just so proud anyway. Well, Abigail (natural teacher and mother) took it upon herself to give him his first private lesson. After just a few minutes, "Twinkle, twinkle litte star" or something very like it was wafting down the hall. Way to go, kids!!!

Moms rule

2008-10-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth is working hard to make our home look most attractive and have curb appeal to home buyers. Hope it works!!

Bruce came home this weekend and we've kept him busy. Many wonderful relief society women came over on Tuesday to make my home look model perfect and we've shown it a few times since listing on Wednesday. Living in a "ready-to-show" house is different than living normally, but we're adjusting. We did have to break down and buy some banana chairs for the family room. One reliner just wasn't cutting it for movie viewing. The kids are psyched to have rocker chairs and they fold up easily when we have to show the house. We could cultivate some excellent habits from living so "cleanly".

Moms rule

2008-10-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth is having all the fun - now it's Mom's turn. Bruce is finding a house for us in Tucson and we're creating a dream house for someone else!! I'm sleeping alone in a vaguely familiar home which changes drastically daily. We've thrown away or packed about 14 tons of we-might-need-it-someday stuff and reconfigured vast amounts of furniture. We have a new color theme and great open spaces which I never knew existed. I have found a few handy men to complete the projects which I miss Bruce doing. Several wonderful women have already helped and we have a "party" planned for tomorrow to get the house sparkling for the realtor walk-through on Wed. Just keep taking those vitamins, just keep taking those vitamins....

Update

2008-10-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

Well Dad left for Arizona yesterday, he starts work on Mon. We miss him but know it's the right thing for us now. We're here until we can sell the house, lots of wpork ahead! We're hoping that the house sells quickly, we think it will which is excellent! Everybody has been terrific in all that they have done, we are very appreciative!Update on David: he is doing well he is helping clean up and we got a letter from a lady who says he is a terrific worker and when he helped her he had a smila and worked harder than the other 7 missionaries, he then offered to go help her neighbors! We are so proud of him!

New at this!

2008-09-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

So, I'm new at this whole blogging thing, trying to figure everything out, so be patient with me and whoever else regularly uses this blog, we'll get it eventually! :)Liz

The Weston's are blogging

2008-09-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Wow it finally happened!We are catching up with the rest of the world, my mom asked me to get us a blog so it is done, we can now let people know what is happening with us on the web. We are currently trying to get our house clean, it's amazing you never know how much junk you have until it's time to move!