Just a Quick Visit with Some Huge Returns

We just returned from a visit to Mom & Dad's out in Utah for a weekend. It was strange seeing how much Utah has changed and continues to change. However, the best part was how easy it was to get around in Utah. You're downtown in 15 minutes flat!! I sure miss that!!

We booked a room at the La Quinta in Midvale; it looked nice in the picture but as they always say; looks are deceiving! We figured it was mainly a place to sleep because we would be out or over at Mom & Dad's and for the price guess you can't beat it!

Amy was fortunate enough to meet us out there so it was a real treat to see her as well!! She suggested while we were out there that we check out the Cabela's out in Lehi, I'm thinking that sounds far and I thought how long of a drive is that?!! We were there in lickety split which I totally loved!! We have one out here similar but its called The Bass Pro Shop and it's huge too with all the taxidermy you can handle and great big aquariums as well.

A great thing happened while we were in Cabela's. Kurt had been shopping for buyers on a huge collection of antique guns that had come out for sale at our stores. I believe it was a total of 65 guns and have met with several people about purchasing them but no one with the funds or willing to part with their funds!! As we strolled through Cabela's and of course checked out their "Gun Library" we saw a sign that said, "We buy guns!" So I told him why don't you call them and see if they would be interested since they carried a lot of antique and collectible guns in their showcases at the stores. Being Kurt, he didn't hesitate and when he returned to work he called their corporate in Nebraska and their gun buyer was extremely interested and drove out to Colorado to meet with Kurt and see the guns and promptly purchased the bulk of them with the remaining sold to a private individual!! All in all, they all got sold and it's one of those things where you really felt it was meant to be that we were at Cabela's that day!!

So, this was also Evan's first airplane ride and we thought we would just keep it a short trip to see how he does. Well, he did beautifully and loved every minute of it. As we arrived at the airport, everything went as planned and scheduled. We proceeded to the security checkpoints and put our luggage on the long counter and like cattle scooted everything along the line for x-raying. Everyone's bag went through and then my carry on shoulder bag went through and was flagged.

The TSA agent asked if this was my bag and I said yes and he said we have to do a search and if I would mind. Of course, no problem I said and at this time I'm racking my brain as to what could possibly be in there.

A female agent took us aside and opened up my bag. She knew exactly where to look & pulled out my purse and a little knick knack bag I had inside (hand sanitizer, coupons, etc... Mom stuff!) and pulled out a little fold up 5 tools in one Eddie Bauer tool set that Kurt gave me a few years ago - I loved that thing but apparently that was the "threat"! She told us we could go and mail it back to our house as an option. Kurt being Kurt, asked if she could just hold it for us and we'll pick it back up from her when we come back through. Of course, she said she couldn't do it and Kurt told her, "Sure you can just put it in your pocket!" She said she couldn't again and that there are cameras everywhere so Kurt turned around to find the camera and proceeded to put his arms up in the air as to obstruct the view and told her "Ok, go ahead put it in your pocket!" It's a good thing she had a sense of humor otherwise we probably would not have been allowed to board the plane! So all I have left is my little pouch with the flashlight that came with it!! Boo Hoo Hoo!!

We were fortunate enough to meet up with some long lost friends. First one being Darin Gardner; as you all know or may not know he set Kurt and I up on our blind date 25 years ago and we've been on this roller coaster ride ever since! He was able to bring along with him his wife Mendy, who was really nice and very personable. Darin is doing well and has been quite prosperous in doing what we consider his natural calling, taxidermy. It surprisingly had taken him quite some time to find this out and actually turn it into a successful business. I'll put a link on my blog page so you can see his work. It's amazing!! We all met, including Mom & Dad, at a mexican restaurant on State Street near Fashion Place Mall and had a great time chatting a bit; Mom & Dad then took the kids back home with them so the rest of us could go and catch up some more. Darin hadn't changed much and still lives, breathes and sleeps hunting and fishing; which was about all we talked about with him!! Glad to see he's doing what he loves!

The next day I met up with my best friend from years ago, Dianne! Finally we were able to see each other and catch up after 15 years had gone by! We met through work and became instant friends and inseparable for the next few years. Unfortunately after I moved we seemed to have lost touch... Dianne appeared to be the same as I remembered her, beautiful as always and dressed so stylish and cutting edge and the undefeated Queen of Estee Lauder; which was one of our weaknesses growing up, who can say no to those free gifts with purchases!! She is now manager at Macy's in Orem overseeing several departments one of which is the cosmetics, right up her alley! After lunch she mentioned that she had to catch the Account Exec. of Estee Lauder at the new Nordstroms as they had promised her tons of free goodies during their grand opening. I scored a whole bunch of creams, lotions, anti-age this and anti-age that, perfume, handbags and umbrellas (which I left with Mom!)

After our stint at Nordy's we headed over to Applebee's and got a drink to chat some more. As I sat and listened to 15 years of what's happened I couldn't help but think how different she was and how we seem to have very little in common anymore. Next thing you know, 4 hours had gone by and I knew I had to get going and so did she. She drove me home and we said our goodbyes and gave promises of keeping in touch. After she left, I sat and smiled and thought about all that we had discussed and realized that Dianne wasn't the one that had changed; I was... Things that were important or of interest to us back then still were for her but not for me. I hope we can find a common ground somewhere and really keep in touch as I would love to hear about all her joys and sorrows for years to come.

Of course no visit would be complete without a trip to some authentic Dim Sum at Ho Ho Gourmet!! It was so incredibly delicious!! I thought the dim sum we had out here were good but the flavor was nowhere even close!! As always, we end up eating a lot every time we visit Mom & Dad; it's one of those sinful things that's just so hard to give up!!

It was very nice to see the folks but kind of sad to see how some things never change while others are changing too fast.

How far do you have to go to find some snow?

It's been an incredibly dry winter so far and we're nearing the end of this season; so time is crucial. So we set off in search of a sledding hill last weekend. We decided to drive up to Guanella Pass off Hwy 285 & I -70, about a two hour drive and a spot we've been to and we knew would have snow. All the way there; not a bit of snow but just a few little teeny tiny remnant patches of snow until we hit the Pass. Everyone was excited at this point as we had traveled far just to go sledding!

We started into the Pass and saw tons of snow and little tracks made by others who had ventured in earlier in the day or months. As we approached further we came upon a little red car that was pulled over on the side of the road. The sides of the road mind you were at least a few feet high with snow so we stopped and asked if they were ok. They just got stuck. If you venture off the tracks you're pretty much going to be stuck. So we pulled out the tow rope and pulled them out. After many thanks, we proceeded to our sledding hill.

Not long thereafter we came to where we would call our sledding hill that day and also another vehicle and again they were stuck so we pulled them out. All this time I'm thinking, we really should start charging $50 a tow; we could make some good money here!! Unfortunately or fortunately, I'm married to a good samaritan. We were probably about another 5-10 minutes away from our sledding hill but decided we better not chance it since no one else has been able to make it through and the tracks were no longer in existence from this point on. If we got stuck who would pull us out, right? So we made this our sledding hill; short as it may be it was as good as it got that day.

Shortly thereafter; a little Toyota truck pulled up and Kurt approached them and proceeded to let them know that it was pretty treacherous up ahead. As with a lot of men; this guy had something to prove and answered with a hearty "Yes, I'd like to try!" after Kurt asked him if he was still thinking of going - so I'm thinking - ok, someone in an F250 is telling you I wouldn't go in there myself and I still drive through it!! I told Kurt to NOT pull this guy out and so we watched as he got about 5 feet and got stuck. He did the reverse, forward, reverse, forward thing.... get out of the car and use his little portable shovel to dig....get back in. All the while, we sat and watched and drank our hot chocolate and mocha thinking this entertainment shouldn't be missed! He finally backed himself into a ditch, about flipped on its side and as cold hearted as I am, I continually told Kurt to NOT pull this guy out. I knew however, that he would eventually help him out but we did let him do some digging for a while longer!! I actually didn't want to be on the news as the people that let someone else freeze to death up in the mountains as deserving as it may have been. So we pulled him out.

I can't help but say "Thin the herd!"...

It was a matter of time...

Well, it took almost 3 weeks for them to be made but we finally got them. Evan is officially one of us - visually challenged! His teacher Ms. Donna noticed he was squinting and rubbing his eyes a lot and more obvious - holding his books too close to his eyes.

We took him to an Opthamologist and after two hours and several tests he was diagnosed with a Amblyopia - a form of "lazy eye" in his right eye.

Kurt wanted to take him to an eye surgeon instead of just an optician because he knew more likely than not, Evan had inherited his own vision issues.

We will be returning at the end of next month for a follow up to see whether or not they need to do some other form of therapy or make any corrections to the glasses. For now, he is very excited to have his new "attachment" to his face and trying to remember to use both hands to take the glasses off and to not touch the lenses with his fingers. The latter being harder to remember being five years old and all!!

A Night for Proud Parents

We were recently entertained by the 5th Grade Band & Orchestra - their first concert ever! Let me just say how proud we are of Jared and all the kids in his Band class. He was so excited all week long in preparation for this night. He only started learning the trumpet about 5 months ago (my next Chris Botti!) I was thoroughly impressed at how much he had learned and how well he played!! We were beside ourselves at the concert as you will see and hear in these videos. There were no solos performed by him but as a whole, the group did very well.

The required attire was black pants, white shirt and tie. Jared got dressed the night before to make sure everything was in order and when he came out I could hardly believe my eyes! It was as if he just grew up overnight; no longer my little baby...that's when I realized how old I'm actually getting! Just kidding! He looked so good I had to have him do some poses and I thought it would be fun to have him pose as "Bond, James Bond"(Another one of my favorites; those who know me!) with his airsoft gun. By the way, I tied his tie!! Yes, Me!!! I was so shocked that I remembered how! Kurt taught me years and years ago and by trial and error I figured it out again! I was quite proud of that!

Jared unfortunately was seated in the back row - where all the trumpet players were so we couldn't get his face in the videos but we did get some pictures before and after the concert. This is one of their favorite songs played called Hard Rock Blues!

This is one of those programs that will be first in line to be cut as we face millions of dollars in budget cuts this year and subsequent years. I can personally think of a few other subjects that our kids can do without and music has been proven to be an asset in a child's growth and conducive to their learning! Why are the arts always seen as "unnecessary" in a school curriculum?

Summer, Camping, RV Show!!!

We've got the bug again cause Spring and Summer is rolling around! Time to check out the annual RV show at the Convention Center in Denver. This year we dragged along Vic & Kelly in hopes of talking mainly Kelly into getting a camper of some kind. She won't tent it so it will have to be something with sink, potty, etc... comforts of home! There were a lot of deals to be had that's for sure and prices were actually pretty good! What with the struggling economy RV dealers were ready to wheel and deal. Kurt saw a 37 ft. RV that he seriously considered but as usual we just couldn't justify buying a new one for the places we go camping. One scratch or ding and we would just be sick to our stomach. The price was awesome though; it started at around $219,000 and show price was $129,000!! Maybe...no, can't do it! The kids had a lot of fun going in one and out the other and loved all of the campers, RVs and pop ups!!

We found this one and Kelly seemed to like it a lot!! We've truly enjoyed our RV and the trips we've been able to take with it and the memories spent with the kids.

Wishing You a Great New Year!

Here we are, another year has come and gone. It's always hopeful to have another new year come around; it kind of gives you a sense of making things better or doing things better than you did last year! A fresh start...

We rang in our New Year with some great friends and family! Our next door neighbors , Steve and Kristal and old friends Vic, Kelly and their two cute girls, Makenna and Aniston! It was small and quaint but loads of fun as you can see. Kurt made his awesome burritos and he also ordered some tamales from our favorite mexican restaurant owned by our friends Isidro and his wife Cecelia. We ordered a dozen and ended up with two dozen; what sweet people! Vic and his family brought beans, rice and FLAN (my all time favorite!) Bless his little heart! Steve and Kristal brought some pico and guac dip, yum!!! What more could you ask for these days right? but a nice full tummy!! Believe you me, mine is definitely too round and full!!

Since Kurt and I were all time undefeated champs of Pictionary we knew we had to test everyone else's skills. It was a lot of fun but we all agreed that we should rename the game "Divortionary" because when you pit couples on the same team trying to draw to each other it's bound to be explosive!! Those of you that have played with us know what we mean!! It can be down right hazardous to your health! Fortunately, Kurt and I still hold the title! Vic and Kelly then mentioned a game they had played called "Catch Phrase" - kind of like password but you can use as many words to describe the word or phrase to your partner; sounds easy but some were so hard and you're timed with this annoying beeping timer that beeps faster and faster!! No pressure, right?

As we bid farewell to 2008 and give it a swift kick in the butt; this year has definitely been hard and it doesn't seem to be letting up just yet. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Meyer family as they struggle with Amy's recent layoff and so many others that are feeling the pinch and squeeze thanks to our fabulous leaders!! I'm still waiting for my bailout package but I think I better not hold my breath for it...

Kurt and I are extremely thankful that, at this time, we still have our basic necessities available to us - a roof over our heads, food on our table, clothing on our backs and the blessed health of our children!! I can't help but be nervous as to when the rug will be pulled right out from under us though??!! That also is the "worry-wartness" in me. We're hoping and praying that 2009 will take away a lot of pain, anguish and suffering so many faced last year...

Hope to see a lot of you this upcoming year but like everything else, the economy will dictate some of those decisions! We wish you all the joy and happiness in the New Year!!

Miss you Mom & Dad!! Hope we can make it out there this year!!

Love Kurt, Becky, Jared, Evan and Gunner

Christmas 2008 - Came and Went...!!

Merry Christmas Everybody!! We hope you all had a wonderful day!! As usual the kids made out pretty well but it sure is getting harder and harder top the year before! I think Jared is getting a new car next year; just kidding!!! It was nice seeing friends and family this holiday and now looking forward to the New Year.

Thank you Grandma & Grandpa Wong, Grandma Sue and Grandma Chris for all the wonderful gifts and cards! These kids are very lucky and blessed to have such caring Grandparents. We opted for some simpler gifts this year such as board games which the kids received a few of; but of course it still is dominated by what's the latest out there. We've been really enjoying the Wii we got for the kids and it's great fun for the whole family. Luckily, Jared and Evan are still into Legos as well and those are always great gifts to receive! Although unless you're Mom and Dad and had to put them together. These were all around 500-700 pieces!!! Oy vay!! I've lost all dexterity in my hands and fingers!

Evan is growing up everyday and wanting to be just like older brother so he got his own PSP from Santa and is getting almost as good as Jared already!

We had the Rodriguez family out for Christmas dinner and then the Bay Clan - Steve, Kristal, Trisha and Doug for drinks and fun afterwards. Naturally a poker game broke out, then pool and finally a "mock" poker game where it's been a while since we've laughed so hard. All in all great fun and company!

Hope you all had a great Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!

Christmas Parties Galore

Yesterday was the last day for Jared before he goes on Winter Break for the next two weeks. They had a Christmas party to celebrate the holiday and it was a lot of fun! The best part I think was the fact his teacher mentioned to me through email and in person that he was doing a lot better concentrating and working hard in school! Music to our ears!! He's still struggling a bit in Math but it'll all work out with continuing efforts on both our ends.

Evan also had a party and did a little musical skit to some traditional favorites. He got to be Frosty the Snowman this year and got to dance around as you will see in the video! It was just precious and Kurt was able to see it in person. I try really hard to make sure he doesn't miss these few and short glimpses of the kids; they are growing fast and will soon be gone...

I took Evan with me to Jared's party and they were all just so gracious in letting him participate in the crafts, foods and games. Even he was overwhelmed by the generosity! I prepped him in telling him that this was Jared's class party so don't expect to be getting "presents" or "treats", etc... just in case they didn't have enough. The kids and parents were so giving, it melted my heart!

Merry Christmas to All!

Hope this entry finds all of you in the spirit of Christmas and holding on through these tough times! I think everyone is feeling the stretch across the board!

We're all hanging in there with Jared in the 5th grade now and Evan in private Kindergarten it's hard to believe how fast they're growing up!

Hopefully you all have received our Christmas wishes and New Year hopes! Read on for more information about what's happening and please drop us a line, email, snail mail or however you'd like to communicate; we'd love to hear from everyone!!

Love Kurt, Becky, Jared, Evan and Gunner!

Christmas is Up!!

We finally were able to get the Christmas lights hung outside after some unfavorably cold weather! The weather has been crazy here; just the other day it was almost 70 and then the following weekends were cold and snowy! Anyhow, we're getting ready and now comes the shopping for presents!!

It sure is nice having the artificial tree; it's heavy but not too bad to set up and decorate! Although you miss the smell of a real pine tree, but that can be bought at the stores! Is anything or anyone real anymore?! Just kidding!

I don't know about everywhere else but apparently there are a lot of leftover trees this year because a lot of families simply can't afford one. We saw on the news that a whole bunch were being thrown away for recycling because they just can't sell them; so a local news station in conjunction with the Swingle Lawn Maintenance company gathered a whole bunch and told people on the air that if you need a tree this year, come and get one! What a generous and great idea - why didn't the tree owners do that in the first place?

Happy Thanksgiving

Spent Thanksgiving over at Jerry & Angel's along with her folks; we had a lot of fun and of course the kids loved playing with their friends! We made a deep fried turkey and Cindy's awesome recipe for Sweet Potato Souffle'. It's always a hit! As usual, we all ate too much but had a great time catching up with everyone.

Kurt had a wonderful idea of making a Thanksgiving feast for all our employees. So he slaved all day Sunday and made two turkeys, oodles of green bean casserole, souffle, real mashed potatoes and rolls. We both took it to all the stores that following Monday and Kurt's phone just kept ringing with "Thanks" and "how good it tasted!" It was definitely worth it because sometimes we all need to know our efforts are appreciated and honestly we wouldn't be where we are without these guys...

Evan's school held a Thanksgiving feast as well and fortunately Kurt was able to attend!