And so it begins!!!!!

This week has been a very stressful week for Jay. The Valley Metro Rail is finally ready to start testing with some of the cars. The first of the week was the "Dead Car" test. That means they put a car on the rails and pull/push it along the track. This process is to verify that the rails, stations, clearance, and wire are right. Jay and his copatriots just walked along the miles of track with the car. Needless to say, Jay came home the first day with blisters on his feet and very sunburnt. (Hey, but he got on the news again.) After two days, that test was over. Today begins the "Hot wire" test. Safety is the highest concern because that is an awful lot of electricity. Because of the importance and danger, Jay has been on the phone, or working, all hours day and night.

What does this mean to the family? Well, let me give you a sample of a conversation between Jay and I Tuesday!

Jay: Did you see us out your window?

Me: No, were you all the way down here by my work?

Jay: No, but we did go as far as 56th street.

Me: I can't see that intersection anymore because of the new building they are constructing across from us.

Jay: Oh, that's right.

Me: You should have called me, I would have walked down to watch for a minute.

Jay: Aren't you working from home?

Me: Jay, I drove in with you this morning.....

Jay: Oh, that's right.....

As a family we are prepared for these lapses in memory when this project becomes so stressful, involved, and all-consuming for Jay. We went through the same thing during the 2002 Olympic Games in Utah. But please.... Keep us all in your prayers for the next 2 years until the system finally opens. We will need the support to keep our sanity.

Family Visits

Sorry I haven't posted for so long. I kept meaning to but wanted to have pictures. Didn't get the pictures yet so I just decided to post anyway. I love having family visit. It creates a funny dynamic around my house though because Jay isn't a crowd/party/company person. He does it because he loves me.

Anyway, April, Heidi, and Debbie all came down last weekend to visit us in Arizona. April arrived on Wednesday to relax before Heidi and Debbie arrived. We didn't do much but relax. I did my normal house stuff, taking care of family, cleaning, etc. and got to lounge by the pool and read with her a little bit. But we had rain. And I mean heavy Arizona rain. So we spent a lot of time indoors too. Heidi and Debbie arrived on Friday morning. Their plane was a little late but since I had taken the day off it wasn't a problem for me. It was hilarious to hear about Heidi's first experience flying. I can just see it now. You will have to ask her to get the particulars but I have been on many flights with people who reacted exactly the same on their first flight.

After they arrived the girls all went to lunch for a Caesar Salad Pizza (A little different but I love them) and then went to get a deluxe pedicure. I wonder what the salon employees thought seeing all four of us traipsing in to get pedicures. It was fun though and relaxing. After the pedicure we went home and started watching some of the old video clips from when our kids were little. Arguments would ensue about who was doing what at the time, who had the biggest hair, where so and so was. I loved it. After Jay got home we stopped at in-n-out burger (Debbie had to have one while she was there) and then went to get a massage. Getting a massage is an interesting experience for our family. I think it is a family trait anyway. You feel a little uncomfortable with the human contact but boy, do we want the massage. Arizona law requires we are all in individual rooms though so we didn't have to experience the others in the same position.

Saturday we had planned to attend a Spring training game. Well, Jay's University of Utah Alumni association was all going to a game together so Jay and I had to go. The girls decided to tag along. Before the game Jay had to work, as they were doing a test on the trains so the girls and I decided to color Debbie's hair. Since I was coloring Debbie's hair I told Jace I would finally take care of his hair at the same time (he has wanted to go back blonde for a while now.) Debbie's hair turned out really pretty. It looked like it did when she was young, a strawberry blonde with a few highlights in it. Next time I think we will add more highlights though. The funny thing is Jace's hair turned out the same color. His hair is difficult to color so when we tried for blonde it lightened to a soft red. (At least it wasn't orange again.) When Debbie and Jace sat together in the sun it looks exactly the same color. Jace has decided to leave it for a few days but I think he will eventually finish pulling it to blonde. After the hair episode we went to the Angels and Rockies game. The game was kind of boring, being a blowout for the Rockies but I like to people watch and the girls got to sit in the sun. It was kind of funny to see the three of them with their books reading while everyone watched the game.

Sunday we took the boat out to Canyon lake. Before we got to the lake though we stopped at the Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet. The girls did some shopping for souvenirs while Jay and I worried about the truck and boat being towed (since we were taking about 8 parking spaces). When we finally got to the lake we just took the boat all over and then floated. I was reading most of the time because Debbie and I like the same books. I bought a book on Saturday we both wanted to read. She was going to take the book with her so I had to be finished before Monday. I ended up finished Sunday afternoon. I love the sun, the waves, it was kind of quiet on the lake this weekend. It was just peaceful and relaxing, exactly what the girls came to Arizona for.

Monday everyone had to leave and I have to say it was sad for me. I like the company even as I like having my space back. We did laugh a lot while they were here. The pool was all torn up and the yard was a mess, but we did have fun. I hope they had as much fun as I did.

Last post!

Everyone with email receives funnies, jokes, and serious letters from friends and family. I received this yesterday and liked it so much I had to post it. I knew there was a reason I liked my dog so much! He is my teacher!

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:

When loved ones comes home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.

Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on you back in the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal, never pretend to be something you’re not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

March Madness, Harper Style!

What a weekend we had and to think this week is shaping up to be more of the same. I love the weekend but when we spend it like the last one we are destined for them to seem shorter and shorter.

Friday night Jay and I went to the Oakland A's and Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game. It was so much fun because it was a night game. The weather was perfect, the backdrop was Camelback Mountain, and the game was entertaining. I think they should have all spring training games in the evening. It is so much nicer without the heat but, alas, no one asked me. They have most games at 1:05 p.m. in the afternoon. It was a fun game and as we were leaving we saw in the parking lot by our truck the Dixie College of Utah team bus. Looking behind us walking to the bus was the girls Softball team from Dixie. Now that is really a small world. They had decided to go to a spring training game as well while they were at a tournament in Tucson. It was a lot of fun.

Saturday we were so busy getting the house cleaned, yard cleaned up, and Jay had a St. Patricks party for his work. I didn't go this time because we had people at the house. Jaron and I went and got a pedicure. Jaron is so funny because his feet are really ticklish. He laughs and laughs while they are trying to scrubb his feet. Jaron doesn't wear shoes much so his feet really need scrubbed. I think the whole place was laughing at Jaron by the time they were done scrubbing his feet. It was kind of cute.

Sunday we went to church then took the boat out to the lake. We haven't taken it out since December which is the longest we have gone since we bought it. Now I remember why I love going to the lake on the boat. We raced up and down the canyon then we would stop in the shade of a cottonwood tree and just float. The boys and I had books with us so we just sat and read. It was peaceful out there, and still fun to watch the other boats run up and down the canyon. Some brave souls were actually wakeboarding all ready, without wetsuits! We only planned on spending a few hours but ended up spending the rest of the day, getting into the dock as it got dark. Jay's favorite --- The last run of the day. We always travel one last time up to the end of the canyon then go back to the dock at 50 mile per hour the whole way. Jaron tries to sit in the front of the boat, he looks like he is taking g-forces with the wind blowing his face! I had to laugh! Jay only slowed down once, as we got to a tricky curve and the setting sun was reflecting off the water so we couldn't see in front of us. Now that was a great trip.

Thursday's Wish!

It is Thursday all ready and I just can't figure out where the week went. Yes, we were busy, and had a full house all week. Yes, the boys have been playing, sleeping, and doing chores all week. Yes, Jay and I have been working all week.... But I can't believe spring break is almost over. I wish it lasted longer!

Jay and I had a meeting yesterday morning then I had scheduled meetings all day from 9:00 on. Of course, the afternoon "off-Site" meeting was actually so my whole team could go to a Spring Training game together. We saw the Angels and the San Francisco Giants! It was fun, but very hot. I would take sitting in the sun, on the grass, in the heat over working any day. The boys played during the day then last night Jaron's friends came by again. One friend went home at 8:00 and another came over about 8:15. The friend that came over late though is his friend from grade school here in Arizona. Where we live is a little weird with school boundaries. Half Jaron's 6th grade class went to Highland Jr. and the other half went to Gilbert J. This friend went to Highland so they don't see each other as much. I told them they could do a sleep over during spring break. When Lance comes over we usually have him for a few days..... It is kind of funny. But since he, Jaron and Jace all get along really well, doesn't bother Jay and I.

Last night we also worked in our yard. We had to inspect the plants to see if they are truly dead or seemed to be coming back. I was pleased.... The Jade all have new buds so all we had to do is knock off the dead leaves so they could get more sun. Two of our five bougainvillias are growing from the ground again. We left the old dead wood for them to use to climb up. The only problem is the 3 best ones we had are still not showing signs of life. Last we have no life showing yet in one hibiscus and our 3 huge ficus trees.... So sad!

1 day and counting!

One day into spring break and already I am ready for the boys to be back to school. This usually isn't the case for me but I had a house full of teenage boys last night. Nothing like teenage boys to make you think twice about a school holiday!

Spring Break! Party.....!!!!

Well, spring break is here for the kids and to say they are excited is a bit of an understatement. Last night they were still playing computer games when Jay and I went to bed. You would think they don't have a care in the world for the next week.

The funny thing is Jay woke up this morning and forgot that the kids were off for the next week. He walks into Jace's room and tells him, "Come on, time to get going!" Jace sits up in bed and doesn't say anything. I don't think he was all the way awake. Jay walks into Jaron's room and says the same. Jaron's immediate reply, "Dad! we don't have school this week!" Jay answered, "oh, go back to bed then" to which Jaron replies, "arghhhhhh"... I thought that was so funny because I thought Jay was playing a joke on the boys. He wasn't though, he really did forget that this week was spring break. (Now that is funny!)

Last night we had a Harry Potter Movie marathon (must run in the family, Natasha). Jay fell asleep during the last movie and we didn't finish until just before midnight. Maybe that is why Jay didn't remember.

Wonders of Weekends!

Another weekend come and gone, why do they go so fast? We didn't have much planned other than taking out the boat for the weekend. We didn't end up going as that morning the wind was blowing. I don't like to take the boat out on windy days. The waves kick up and the boat gets knocked around a lot. It makes it less enjoyable to just sit and float. Isn't it comical? It has been beautiful all week, into the 90's and then the weekend is cooler and the wind blows. So sad!

Jay and I did go to another spring training game. I learned what split squad means as the Padres only had a 1/2 team present. Of course, that is still enough players but you don't get to see the whole team. We did see the full cubs squad though and with the great seats we had, up close and personal. I just loved sitting in the sun for a few hours. It actually got hot.

The only disadvantage to sitting in the sun, I woke up this morning with a rash. Now, before you get the wrong idea, I have always been allergic to the sun. That means when I get too much sun, especially the first sun of the season, I get a rash. I am not sure that is why I got this one but it could be as the rash is only on my arms. It is definiately allergy season here. Arizona is interesting when it comes to allergies. Everyone always told us you don't get allergies in Arizona. It is too dry. But people have moved here for years to get away from allergies and pollen, but they miss their favorite plants/trees. So what do we do, we plant them here. Needless to say, all the same pollen and allergies we were trying to get away from are here as well. For example, our backyard is considered tropical. I don't think the Arizona desert would normally be considered tropical. At least we don't have cottonwoods. The seeds from cottonwoods puts my allergies at their worst. Always look on the bright side, right?

Happy Birthday, my boy!

Jaron turns 14 today. Now that is weird. My youngest is 14! I can't believe it. He is so excited about being a teenager. He already got his present, his own cell phone. Now he feels like a young man.... We don't have any plans for the day, whatever he wants to do. We don't make our kids go to school on their birthday. We call it there PTO day. But Jaron went for the first two classes. His first class is a fun class, they get to shoot off rockets they made. His second class he has a test, and he doesn't want to make it up. But I will go get him after that class if he wants.

Tonight we will take him out to dinner and over the weekend, he and some friends can go to a movie or do something fun. Next week is Spring Break (yeah!!!) so he gets a whole week off. Seems to always work that way for Jaron's birthday. I wonder if he secretly thinks that the school declares a holiday for his birthday!

Spring in the desert!

Want to know how we can tell it is spring in the desert of Arizona? The Sage brush is blooming. As I was driving into work today I noticed these bursts of yellow on the hillside along the freeway. I realized it must be spring. Among the beige landscape of rock, road, and gravel who could miss the big bursts of yellow. Usually we do have some green this time of year but with the late freeze all the trees are still brown. So these blooms stand out all the more.

Who said that spring doesn't come to the desert.

The boys of Summer are back!

I love weekends but especially weekends like the last one. It was cool here, well cool for Arizona, so we couldn't take the boat out. But we didn't feel like being very energetic either. So Saturday we just relaxed around the house. I worked on my project, (Yeah, it is almost done) and Jay watched movies. Jace was the only one that had to work that day. Jay and I also went to a Spring training baseball game.

Spring Training is different than season games because the stadiums are much smaller, they are outdoors, and you see a much larger roster. We went to the Brewers and the Angels game in Tempe. I like baseball, but I think I like Spring training because it is so great to sit and watch the game in the sun. I spend as much time people watching as I do watching the game. We are still in the first weekend of spring training so the number of players is really high. Watching the game, we saw a new pitcher every few innings. But we also see players we recognize or who have been traded to a new team. It is fun to watch all the little kids try to get autographs from the players. It is just so much more relaxed than the real season. I am glad we are going to so many games this year. Jay and I really enjoy it. The only thing that would make it better would be if the boys liked to go with us.

Vaccum or Vacuum?

I can never figure out how to spell that word, but as long as it works does it matter? Well, to me it does. Our family has three pets as I have mentioned before. We have a German Shephard dog and two long haired cats. Needless to say we have a lot of pet hair around the house. (Jay calls the little balls that like to hang in the corners kittens.) I have tried many vaccums but they all seem to clogg or stop working after 6 months. Until we bought our Dyson Animal. It wasn't cheap, but it has been worth it. Nothing works better on the pet hair around the house. Is it odd to love a vacuum?

Well, my Dyson vacuum still works like a charm as long as you are using the tools or running it on the bare floor. However, if you put it on the carpet setting that should move the belt and brush it sounds like you are on the runway with a plane taking off. We called customer service and found that you can't change the belt yourself, and they think the belt has slipped from the groove it should run in. It is so loud. Luckily they can fix it.

I miss my vacuum. But the first day we have to clean house without it is tomorrow. I bet I miss it more then.