buckled?

As I drove Chandler and his friend to Classic Skate yesterday, I listened in on their conversation. Chandler asked Jeremiah if he'd watched Monday's Utah Jazz game. Chandler said, "It was intense. The Jazz really had to buckle up to win."

Gotta love 9-year-olds!

sleep issues

Funny how things can change so quickly!

Just a week ago I was lamenting my lack of sleep and actually considering resorting to drugs to be able to sleep. I was going through an extremely long period where I awoke at 3 am no matter what. I couldn't get back to sleep. It was so frustrating (and exhausting). I've had periods like that sporadically through the past several years but it had never lasted nearly as long. Usually it would last for 2 weeks and then I'd be back to sleeping. This one lasted about 4 times as long.

However, I think I've finally broken that streak. For the past few nights I have actually slept all the way until my alarm goes off! It's been wonderful!

It's amazing what a little sleep will do for a girl! Now if it will only help erase the dark, dark circles under my eyes - I'm finding them embarrassing!

THREE WEEKS!

Yes, Brakson comes home 3 weeks from today. At this exact hour, I will be on my way to the airport to get him. I can't wait!

It is really odd how at peace I am currently. When he left, it was much harder than I ever could have imagined! I missed him so much! I kept thinking, "why didn't anyone ever warn me how difficult this is?"

I think I am beginning to understand now. I still miss him but, somehow, just knowing he will be home soon, has erased the ache in my gut. I am feeling peace and contentment.

I've decided it's like childbirth. If you could truly remember the pain, you'd never have more than one child. If you could ever truly remember the heartache and loneliness and emptiness of sending your child away for 2 years, you'd only let your eldest son serve a mission. However, time erases the pain. The excitement of having him come home has already replaced the hole in my chest. Life is really good again!

I'm sure I won't remember a thing by the time Chandler leaves in 9 more years and I'll willingly do it all again!

puzzles

My mom and I had a great holiday season putting together 3 Thomas Kinkade puzzles.

I also did quite a bit of reading. Now it's back to reality!

What did you do?

what have you done with my name?

Marvelle is a very unusual name. Before I graduated college and began work at the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) they knew Marvelle was coming but didn't know anything else about me. Rumor has it that they expected a big black woman. They were surprised to get me. I thought it was funny that they thought Marvelle sounded like a black name. Then, years later I saw a black NFL football player while watching TV and his name was...you guessed it - Marvelle.

I've had it mispronounced forever and in a lot of different ways. However, I've always liked the uniqueness of my name.

About 10 years ago I was totally shocked to see an obituary in the Ogden paper for a Marvelle Morgan! Can you believe it? What are the odds that someone would have my exact name? This time she was white and elderly.

Then today I was on my favorite book tracking site (Goodreads) and what do I happen to notice in the advertising section? This:
Aargh! What have you done with my good name? A Harlequin romance? really?

the top is done!

I have been working on a quilt to give to Brakston when he gets home (birthday or Christmas gift). He wanted his "club soccer" shirts from tournaments and such made into a quilt. I have been working my tail end off on this project and yesterday I finished the top! Yea! Yippee! Okay, that's enough celebrating because I still have to tie it and bind it. Then, when that's all done he wants another one done with his RHS t-shirts from soccer, track, cross-country, and FCCLA. A mother's work is NEVER done!

2011 Resolutions

Here's the resolutions for 2011:

Lose Weight - I want to lose 40 more pounds this year.

Read Jesus the Christ - It's been years since I've read this and since we're studying the New Testament this year, it seems like a good time to read this again.

Climb Mt. Timpanogos - That's right - I live in Utah and have never climbed Mt. Timpanogos. I am going to do that this year.

Run Ragnar - I have wanted to do this for years but this year I am actually going to do it. Somehow. Anyone need a team member? (or three because Brakston and McKayla want to do it too)

Write My Grandma's Life History - Fresh start. Here we go!

Do a Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for a Cure - I've wanted to do this for a couple of years as well. What has stopped me in the amount of money you have to raise - it scares me!

Attend 5 Temples that I've Never Been to Before - I don't have any specifics for which ones other than I think Alburqueque and Winter Quarters will be on the list. Probably Dallas as well. Those would all be pretty easy for me.

What are your goals?