Age before Beauty!

As we reach a certain age things change.... Of course the horrible part is I am completely sure that Jay and I have not reached that age yet. Jay is on a real health kick right now. But then he is a very bright man. He is also on two permanent medications, with one additional for allergies he insists he doesn't have. What can we say, we have reached that age. My health is the same but I live in Denial land. I know my arthritis is flairing, my blood pressure is up, and my thyroid is off. I know it, but I avoid it too. Even my dog is at that certain age. This week he started a permanent therapy to keep him comfortable for as long as possible. He is getting older now. It is fun having an older dog because he is so easy to handle. Do you think there is some therapy to keep me comfortable for as long as possible?

As for beauty, I cut off all my hair this week too. I got so tired of dealing with it that I got a new short hairstyle. I like it but it is really different. Of course, the first thing that happened when I came home was Jaron did a double take and walked into the side of the couch. The couch has been the same place for months. Jace came in and his eyes got really big, then he said, "good afternoon grandma." He thought I looked like my mom. I do look a lot like my mother with my hair this short. It will take some getting used to.

No Back to School for you!

It has been weird this year without sending children off to school. Jaron graduated last spring so my sons are both on their own for schooling from now on. I watched the grade school children load the buses for school the other morning only to realize how long we have been in Arizona. Jaron was a 5th grader when we came here. We went through all the bus routes, the car pools, homework, new testing, new immunizations, and finally high school activities here in Mesa. It doesn't hit you until you realize that you aren't going to be doing it any more. Robyn sent around the following today which made me laugh out loud:::::

Twas the night before school when all through the town,
The parents were cheering - a riotous sound.
By nine, kids were all washed and tucked into beds,
where memories of homework filled them with dread.
New pencils, new folders, new notebooks, too.
New teachers, new friends - their anxiety grew.
The parents just giggled when they learned of the fright,
and shouted to all "GO TO BED!!! Its a school night!

I loved that because it was so true for us. We loved sending the kids off to school but this year I realized that I am truly blessed. Because although I loved having young children, I am so glad to get rid of school shopping, homework, parent teacher, AIMs testing, school parking regulations, drop off and pick up routes, attendance policy, graduation requirements, etc...... I could go on and on.

Citrus it is!

There is one thing about spring in Arizona that we really appreciate. Citrus. We planted a lemon, grapefruit, and orange tree when we first moved here. The lemons are ready in January and February. Fresh off the trees we use them to make juice. My favorite is grapefruit although homemade lemonade is also a real treat.

All the fruit has to be picked by the middle of February at the first sign of buds. Right now, we have blossoms on all the trees. The whole yard smells like orange blossoms. It is a simple pleasure of Arizona. I will miss this one thing very much if we ever move out of Arizona.

February is Renewal

Jay and I first met each other in February. The sunday before Presidents holiday to be exact. I remember this because I broke my leg tubing the next day and that was the start of it all for us. That was 28 years ago....

I found today a bit of reflection. Heidi called and asked why I didn't use facebook. I found that I have friends in Utah who were looking for me... Hee hee hee... Anyway, here is my facebook information

Smile and say...... Ouch!!!

Because it is September we are all going to the Dentist this month. I went to the dentist today with Jaron. I hate going to the dentist office. I have no cavities, I haven't had any cavities since I had my braces removed but that doesn't mean my teeth don't hurt for hours after the cleaning is done.

I have always had issues with dentists. When I was 8 years old I went to the dentist for my normal appointment and my parents were concerned with the crowding in my newly arriving adult teeth. The dentist decided to extract 4 adult teeth to allow room for more teeth to break through. I didn't have the laughing gas but he was required to give me (an 8 year old) 8 shots of novicane to numb my mouth. Ok, I am usually not a wimp but I hated those shots even then. After inserting the needle the last time the dentist noticed the connection to the needle was broken.... I now had a mouth full of novicane instead of gums full. Most dentists would send you home until it wore off, not knowing how much novicane actually got in your system. This dentist did not. He proceeded to get a new needle and redo all 8 shots in my gums. After the actual extractions were done I don't think I have ever been that sore and sick. Come to find out I had novicane poisoning or something like that. It was awful and I haven't liked dentists ever since. On a positive note I haven't had many cavities since then either because I don't want the shots... hee he ehee

Jaron and Jace are doing ok dental wise. Jaron still has a lot of dental work to do. We put him in braces way to early. We thought it was such a bright idea. He had perfectly beautiful teeth by the time he was 15. Only problem was his wisdom teeth tried to erupt at 16 and now they are all crooked again. Unfortunately he will be put in braces again in the next year. Poor kid. I think that is a record. He will have 9 years total of braces when he is done.

I really shouldn't complain though. My dentist in Utah mentioned to me once that with all the care and dental innovation, we are the first generation expected to keep all our teeth for our entire life. I am proud to have all my own teeth. It is an accomplishment I hope my kids can make as well.

I love Saturdays!

It is funny that I still love Saturday when I am not working at the time. Saturday should be a day like any other but it really isn't. August is almost through so we have past my 23rd wedding anniversary and my 4.... birthday. School has started for Jaron, and Jay is working like usual. But all these things don't bring on the feeling of loving Saturdays. I have to admit.... It is all due to Football season. Saturday afternoon I was sitting in the kitchen making home made salsa while Jay sat in his throne watching the TV. Football playing in the background just made it feel like Saturday. And Fall.... It isn't fall yet but it is coming. Fall in Arizona is not much different than any other time of year. But it still feels like Fall and I have to admit. I love it.

Fallen Cake anyone!

Being that it is August and school starts in a week, we decided to bake a cake tonight. Nothing big really.... well it wouldn't have been if Jay hadn't been in a funny mood. As Jay was walking to put something in the trash I mentioned to be careful near the oven so the cake doesn't fall. Jay stood by the oven door and turned my way. Giving me a "...it eating grin" he proceeds to scream at the top of his lungs. Jace was sitting by me at the table so he saw my glare returned to Jay. After screaming Jay turns on the oven light and what do you know, the cake looks like brownies, all sunk in the center. I really couldn't believe it. Apparently Jay didn't know that cakes would really fall because of sound. The boys all thought it was a barrel of laughs. Of course, Jaron shooting Mountain dew out of his nose when his Dad screamed was kind of funny.