When we could have lived anywhere in Utah, within a reasonable distance to the airport, I'm sure many people wonder why we chose Farr West. Actually, I think everyone just wonders where it even is! In answer to that, it's a small community just west of Pleasant View and north of Ogden. There are cows there and not too many people--which we automatically figured constituted all the makings of a nice, down-to-earth, close-knit community.
We found a house there online for a good deal that looked like it would do. Although we had never actually SEEN the house or Farr West, we bought it--in hopes that it would turn out to be the kind of community we thought it would be. Over the past nine months, the good nature of the town and its people has gradually made itself manifest and we've really started to feel at home. But Sunday afternoon, all our hopes and expectations of Farr West Utah came to fruition.
We had just gotten out of a nice day at church. I had driven separately to go to choir practice earlier that morning, so Brock took the kids to load up with him. When I pull around the parking lot, I see that Brock has Kade in his car seat and Karlee on his lap--smiling and holding the steering wheel. I give him a shake of the head and a tap on the horn, but they both just smile and wave. So they go on ahead of me and pull out onto the main road, speed limit 50 mph, where lo and behold, the very first vehicle coming towards us in the opposite lane happens to be the Sheriff. I immediately plan in my mind the next hours of my life bailing Brock out of jail, explaining his Brittany Spears behavior and fighting the CPA for custody of my kids and then... something wonderful happens! The Sheriff gives them a nice big grin and the old one-finger-off-the-steering-wheel wave and keeps right on going! And that's when we knew, then and there...This was truly the kind of town we could plant some roots in.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Long Lost
If you check blogs a lot AND you have your sound on, you might be ready to strangle me. Mariachi music has that effect on people, I know. All apologies.
But hip-hip hooray for nice weather and actually having places to go and people to see. Here's a quick photo tour of where we've been since we weren't on the blog scene over the past month:
First, (a month ago) we went to St. George and stayed with the Gunns. We watched Ryan complete his first triathlon and then spent a little catch up time (while hiking around Zions) with our all-time favorite next door neighbors.
We've done tons of yard work over the last month. And I really do mean TONS. We had 17 loads of dirt brought in that we (by we I pretty much mean Brock) moved around with our little shovels and wheelbarrow...
It's sure nice to have a yard for the kiddies to play in though.
But hip-hip hooray for nice weather and actually having places to go and people to see. Here's a quick photo tour of where we've been since we weren't on the blog scene over the past month:
Oh yeah. IT'S A BOY!!!
First, (a month ago) we went to St. George and stayed with the Gunns. We watched Ryan complete his first triathlon and then spent a little catch up time (while hiking around Zions) with our all-time favorite next door neighbors.
We LOVE the GUNNS!!
If you could hie to Kolob, this is what you'd see. It was our favorite part of ZNP...
Next it was birthday time for Kade. He's 1! As you can see, he didn't care much for the presents.
But he dove right into that cake!
We've done tons of yard work over the last month. And I really do mean TONS. We had 17 loads of dirt brought in that we (by we I pretty much mean Brock) moved around with our little shovels and wheelbarrow...
It's sure nice to have a yard for the kiddies to play in though.
Next we got Ya-Ya (Brock's mom) married off. They got married in Park City at Jeffrey's house. It was a nice day. Missy did Karlee's hair in curls for the event.
Here's Kade all spiffed out. (We'll post some real wedding pictures withOUT car seats when we get them.)
Brock hiked the Wellsvilles with his Uncle and some of his family. Although he missed church, he reports he came home "spiritually nourished."
Then we were the lucky recipients of a visit from the Milmonts!!! We miss them so much! It was great to see Luke & Em and have Owen and Kade together again to see how much they've grown.
We don't have any pictures but we also had a little reunion with the Chuds and with Chuck & Lindsay before they moved to Alaska. We had a little BBQ and played some nice volleyball in our back yard. It was so great to be hanging out with them again. We miss all of our PA friends, so if you ever come to town, you better call!
We spent last weekend at Bear Lake in Colton's family cabin with Kels and the kids and Missy and Colton. My parents came over for a round of golf on Saturday with us. We golfed, played some volleyball, ate a lot of junk and spent some time at the water. Fun times.
Kade 's favorite part was running around on the deck.
Karlee liked the beach.
Kade...? Kade didn't like the beach so much. (Don't worry, he's red from the tantrum he's throwing, not from sunburn.)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Child Deprivation
Remember when your friend in 5th grade told you her rabbit just had babies and that she would give you one for FREE because you were her friend and you were special and bunnies are so sweet and soft and wasn't it great that you were going to have your very own bunny to hold and cuddle and love and maybe even sleep with in your bed!? You ran off the bus and into the house and to your parents where your hopes were immediately extinguished with a firm and definite "NO WAY."
You want an explanation? Okay. "What are you going to do with a bunny?"
You want to talk about it? Sure. "You'll understand when you're older."
Well, I am a lot older but I don't understand. Or didn't understand until I found myself bidding on 2 ducks at the ward auction last week. The auction was mostly service but someone had donated 2 baby ducks to see if anyone wanted them. Funny, it didn't strike me as odd I was the only one bidding. (Woohoo, less I had to pay!) So I won the ducks for $10 measly bucks. Brock asked me what the heck I just did and what was I going to do with ducks. But that was all easy to ignore. I just won 2 ducks!
Happy and on my way to to pay the cashier I was now inundated by ward members with that same irking question: "What are you going to do with a pair of ducks?" Amazing how such a pointless query from your parents or husband can have a deep and penetrating impact when someone else asks it. The wheels finally started to turn. Then I started to panic. What WAS I going to do with a pair of ducks?!!
After some deep breathing I decided my only option was to take it one step at a time. So, first thing I did was take them home. Then I gave them some water and some food. I let the kids play with them until bedtime. Then I took them outside for the night. (And for good--They are much too smelly to ever let back in the house.)
I'm happy to report the ducks are now doing well and growing fast. They roam around our backyard living a leisurely life (except for when Karlee goes out to chase them). I've since concluded that baby ducks are the perfect pet. You only need to take care of them for a few weeks, they grow their wings and then you say goodbye and take them to a pond to live free or die. Taking care of a pet is no thing when it's only temporary.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Bunnies, Bunnies, and More Bunnies
Happy Easter one and all. We hope you all had a good one.
Ours was great, complete with 3 egg hunts, lots of candy, good food and gorgeous weather. When the weekend had ended the kids came away with a total of 5 plush bunnies (one of them as big as Karlee). Not sure what I'm going to do with them all-- You know how I feel about bears. But maybe I should start a bunny collection. It's sort of fitting because Brock and I have a lot in common with bunnies. We not only play Easter Bunny once a year but we share another defining characteristic. No, not the ears. Not the fluffy tail. No, we're not herbivores. If you can't think of the OTHER commonality, forget it! I'm not going to explain! What I'm getting at is that we are expecting another baby!
Yes, yes. That would make 3 under 3. How, why? Well, it could be one of many reasons.
1. The obvious reason is we're crazy.
2. We try to keep up with Amy and Steve.
3. I wanted to make sure I was 8 months pregnant for my 10-year reunion.
4. I was afraid I wouldn't be hot enough this summer.
5. I like big butts and I cannot lie.
6. I was getting bored.
7. I don't know what I would do with the extra $40 a month I spend on diapers once Karlee is potty trained.
8. We wanted an excuse to skip out on the Peru trip this summer. Machu Picchu probably isn't all that special anyway.
9. 'Rhythm' isn't a good method if you can't find a beat.
10. Really, I couldn't tell you how or why I'm pregnant again. But I CAN tell you that we are ever so excited for the addition!
Ours was great, complete with 3 egg hunts, lots of candy, good food and gorgeous weather. When the weekend had ended the kids came away with a total of 5 plush bunnies (one of them as big as Karlee). Not sure what I'm going to do with them all-- You know how I feel about bears. But maybe I should start a bunny collection. It's sort of fitting because Brock and I have a lot in common with bunnies. We not only play Easter Bunny once a year but we share another defining characteristic. No, not the ears. Not the fluffy tail. No, we're not herbivores. If you can't think of the OTHER commonality, forget it! I'm not going to explain! What I'm getting at is that we are expecting another baby!
Yes, yes. That would make 3 under 3. How, why? Well, it could be one of many reasons.
1. The obvious reason is we're crazy.
2. We try to keep up with Amy and Steve.
3. I wanted to make sure I was 8 months pregnant for my 10-year reunion.
4. I was afraid I wouldn't be hot enough this summer.
5. I like big butts and I cannot lie.
6. I was getting bored.
7. I don't know what I would do with the extra $40 a month I spend on diapers once Karlee is potty trained.
8. We wanted an excuse to skip out on the Peru trip this summer. Machu Picchu probably isn't all that special anyway.
9. 'Rhythm' isn't a good method if you can't find a beat.
10. Really, I couldn't tell you how or why I'm pregnant again. But I CAN tell you that we are ever so excited for the addition!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
It's always something
It's human nature, I suppose, that makes us think that we will be happy when __________ . (You fill in the blank-- ie. it's spring, you buy a new dress, lose some weight, yada yada.) Now, I don't agree with that way of thinking. I think, as Abe (Honest Abe, that is) said, "Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be." But...can I just say that I will be SO happy when Brock is done with this stupid test!!!
Brock's taking the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) exam at the end of this month. So, for the past 3 months, after putting in his 8+ at the office, he studies 3-5 hours more. Then on weekends, he studies ALL day. He is really busting it and I'm sure he can't wait for it to be over. But I'm sure I'm even more eager for it to end. I try to be tough during the week, but especially when Saturday rolls around and I still get no change in scenery, I about go nuts.
What's sad is that only the top 30% will pass the test, so statistically speaking, there's a good chance we'll be doing this all over in the fall when they offer it again. It's a really big deal if--I mean when-- he does pass it. So, I'm trying to be a soldier here and think of the greater good.
Today stunk. No real reason. I think I just reached my breaking point. Brock's in Boise and the kids and I were inside all day looking out at the yucky weather. Anyway, I spent the day looking forward to bedtime, which is a pretty unfortunate way to spend your life. The highlight of my day was listening to the satellite repair man make fart noises and blame it on Karlee's penguin.
I guess although I don't have a husband--for yet another 2 1/2 weeks--at least I'm in good company, right? 
I honestly can't take it anymore!!!!
Brock's taking the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) exam at the end of this month. So, for the past 3 months, after putting in his 8+ at the office, he studies 3-5 hours more. Then on weekends, he studies ALL day. He is really busting it and I'm sure he can't wait for it to be over. But I'm sure I'm even more eager for it to end. I try to be tough during the week, but especially when Saturday rolls around and I still get no change in scenery, I about go nuts.
What's sad is that only the top 30% will pass the test, so statistically speaking, there's a good chance we'll be doing this all over in the fall when they offer it again. It's a really big deal if--I mean when-- he does pass it. So, I'm trying to be a soldier here and think of the greater good.
Today stunk. No real reason. I think I just reached my breaking point. Brock's in Boise and the kids and I were inside all day looking out at the yucky weather. Anyway, I spent the day looking forward to bedtime, which is a pretty unfortunate way to spend your life. The highlight of my day was listening to the satellite repair man make fart noises and blame it on Karlee's penguin.
I guess although I don't have a husband--for yet another 2 1/2 weeks--at least I'm in good company, right?
Aren't my kids cute?
Why, yes, they are!
Friday, February 22, 2008
It's always better when it's free
So it's been a while. But that's not because of laziness. It's because of busyness--Which is much better than laziness.
To play a little catch-up, we'll start with the good stuff. Brock won an award at work and so SEI (love that company) gave him a limo for the night and a fat allowance at any restaurant of our choice. The 4 other people back in Philly that won were using it to go bar hopping all night. We opted for a night on the town with Donie and Nyla (Brock's parents). We told them to dress nice and meet us at our house and we'd take them out to dinner. We didn't tell them about the limo until it was here to pick us up. We had a good time and it was nice to have some quality conversation and food with the in-laws.
His sisters and brother watched the kids, so after dinner, we took them in the limo to get some ice cream at the drive-thru. It was a lot of fun. And, I must say, it was even more fun because the whole, big night was free. I think there's a lot more enjoyment in pretending to be rich than in actually being rich. (Mo money, mo problems, foo.) I guess that means when I'm rich, I'll pretend to be poor when I'm looking for a good time.
Brock was in San Francisco last week so the kids and I headed up to Preston (also referred to as God's Country). It's always fun when you can get all the Leonard kids together at old 1797. Then Monday we had a girls day at my house. Mom, Missy, Kelsey and I went to a movie, out to Farr's ice cream, and to the Salomon Center to goof around. I love girls' days!
Oh, and have you SEEN the new google maps 'street view'? You can actually see our house on it! Not the roof, but the real thing! Nuts!
To play a little catch-up, we'll start with the good stuff. Brock won an award at work and so SEI (love that company) gave him a limo for the night and a fat allowance at any restaurant of our choice. The 4 other people back in Philly that won were using it to go bar hopping all night. We opted for a night on the town with Donie and Nyla (Brock's parents). We told them to dress nice and meet us at our house and we'd take them out to dinner. We didn't tell them about the limo until it was here to pick us up. We had a good time and it was nice to have some quality conversation and food with the in-laws.
We went to Wolf Creek Resort and Grill. I had the Ahi and Brock had the Elk. YUM. Oh, and the desserts...We somehow found room for 4 of them.
His sisters and brother watched the kids, so after dinner, we took them in the limo to get some ice cream at the drive-thru. It was a lot of fun. And, I must say, it was even more fun because the whole, big night was free. I think there's a lot more enjoyment in pretending to be rich than in actually being rich. (Mo money, mo problems, foo.) I guess that means when I'm rich, I'll pretend to be poor when I'm looking for a good time.
Brock was in San Francisco last week so the kids and I headed up to Preston (also referred to as God's Country). It's always fun when you can get all the Leonard kids together at old 1797. Then Monday we had a girls day at my house. Mom, Missy, Kelsey and I went to a movie, out to Farr's ice cream, and to the Salomon Center to goof around. I love girls' days!
Oh, and have you SEEN the new google maps 'street view'? You can actually see our house on it! Not the roof, but the real thing! Nuts!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Sendin' Out the Love
I often speak of my dislike for Winnie the Pooh, Mickey and the like WHEN adults wear them on their clothes. If you enjoy wearing authorized Disney apparel, I don't mean to offend you. Love the sinner, hate the sin. I know my imperfect sense of fashion doesn't give me the right to cast a stone. But I'm not really trying to throw rocks here, I'm just saying I don't like it.
I also have a particular annoyance for the collection of teddy bears. I'm well aware I could be stirring up all sorts of controversy by saying so--There must be some serious teddy bear lovers out there if they can pay $80 and MORE for the things. Again, not casting stones...I just don't understand it.
Yesterday, I received a special Valentine catalogue for VERMONT TEDDY BEARS and apparently, teddy bears have a strange and magical power to, uh, "Make (Your) Heart Skip a Beat." The cover had 2 bears in their UNDERWEAR and 1 tantalizing question: Boxers or Briefs? Well obviously, that really set off my curiosity so I commenced exploration of the magazine.
Supposedly, if you give a girl one of these bears for Valentines this year, "She'll think of you everytime she takes her bear to bed" and "You'll get the reaction you're hoping for." If Brock got me one of these Teddy Bears for Valentine's Day, he'd get a reaction, alright, but it wouldn't be pleasant.
Some of these bears actually did remind me of some of you. They might not have done anything for me, but perhaps one of these bears will tickle YOUR fancy. To each his own! For you, one of these bears could be the promised gift of spice for your love life.
***I did NOT make up the names! Assume I chose all of these at absolute random.
"Let's Get Bear Naked" bear goes to Krystal.
To Ginnie goes the "Wild Playbear Bunny."
Lindsey, his name is not McDreamy, but "Loverboy." Look close, his tat says "LT."
Here's "Horny Devil." Emily Max, I believe he belongs to you.
Vanessa--I'm sorry but, I'm afraid I might forever remember Lee as his Halloween costume...It was too perfect.
You get "Red Hot Redneck" bear.
Amy, this might not do anything for you, but I'm thinking Daegan might like it. "Gone Fishing" bear.
Missy, meet "Mr. Right."
Kelsey gets "Handy Bear."
"Nurse Bear" is for Amy K P.
Erica gets the "Let's Monkey Around Bear"
Chelsie gets the dangerous and exciting "Lawyer" bear.
Better yet, Wylie and Laila get the "Accountant."
Rich and Tamara get "Latin Lover" bear.
Emily, "Love Rider" might pacify you until Luke buys you a motorcycle. Or you can give Luke "Motorcycle Mama" bear to inspire him to get you one soon.
Lindsay, it looks like "Gangster of Love" is carrying a violin in that case. He's got a song just for you...
To all my Colony friends, you are obviously attracted to men in scrubs. You each get "Scrubs Bear"
No one wants "Prince Charming." He's boring.
If I had to give one to Brock I guess he'd like "Super Lover" or "Country Lovin'"
If you weren't assigned a bear, and you want one, you can have "Stud Muffin."
I also have a particular annoyance for the collection of teddy bears. I'm well aware I could be stirring up all sorts of controversy by saying so--There must be some serious teddy bear lovers out there if they can pay $80 and MORE for the things. Again, not casting stones...I just don't understand it.
Yesterday, I received a special Valentine catalogue for VERMONT TEDDY BEARS and apparently, teddy bears have a strange and magical power to, uh, "Make (Your) Heart Skip a Beat." The cover had 2 bears in their UNDERWEAR and 1 tantalizing question: Boxers or Briefs? Well obviously, that really set off my curiosity so I commenced exploration of the magazine.
Supposedly, if you give a girl one of these bears for Valentines this year, "She'll think of you everytime she takes her bear to bed" and "You'll get the reaction you're hoping for." If Brock got me one of these Teddy Bears for Valentine's Day, he'd get a reaction, alright, but it wouldn't be pleasant.
Some of these bears actually did remind me of some of you. They might not have done anything for me, but perhaps one of these bears will tickle YOUR fancy. To each his own! For you, one of these bears could be the promised gift of spice for your love life.
***I did NOT make up the names! Assume I chose all of these at absolute random.
"Let's Get Bear Naked" bear goes to Krystal.
To Ginnie goes the "Wild Playbear Bunny."
Lindsey, his name is not McDreamy, but "Loverboy." Look close, his tat says "LT."
Here's "Horny Devil." Emily Max, I believe he belongs to you.
Vanessa--I'm sorry but, I'm afraid I might forever remember Lee as his Halloween costume...It was too perfect.
You get "Red Hot Redneck" bear.
Amy, this might not do anything for you, but I'm thinking Daegan might like it. "Gone Fishing" bear.
Missy, meet "Mr. Right."
Kelsey gets "Handy Bear."
"Nurse Bear" is for Amy K P.
Erica gets the "Let's Monkey Around Bear"
Chelsie gets the dangerous and exciting "Lawyer" bear.
Better yet, Wylie and Laila get the "Accountant."
Rich and Tamara get "Latin Lover" bear.
Emily, "Love Rider" might pacify you until Luke buys you a motorcycle. Or you can give Luke "Motorcycle Mama" bear to inspire him to get you one soon.
Lindsay, it looks like "Gangster of Love" is carrying a violin in that case. He's got a song just for you...
To all my Colony friends, you are obviously attracted to men in scrubs. You each get "Scrubs Bear"
If I had to give one to Brock I guess he'd like "Super Lover" or "Country Lovin'"
If you weren't assigned a bear, and you want one, you can have "Stud Muffin."
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