Home Sweet Home!

We had a nice productive trip to Arizona but boy does it feel good to be home. As much as I love going places, I love coming home just as much. There really is nothing better than being home sweet home.

Arizona was hot hot hot this time of year. Our daughter was moving from one apartment to another this last weekend so that was the reason for the trip. We rented a U-haul on Friday, bought bedroom furniture at Ikea, and moved her into the new apartment on Saturday. It was about 106 degrees that day. I don't think I've ever been so hot. Oh, wait a minute, yes I have! I was in Rome in June about 8 years ago and was completely miserable. Arizona in July or Rome in June, it's a toss up.

Also, our daughter's good friend Jynelle was moving on Sunday and had planned on moving all by herself in that heat so on Sunday we packed up the U-haul once again and moved Jynelle to Scottsdale. It's no wonder I lost another 1.2 pounds but we were happy to do it. Jynelle is the sweetest thing and just got her first teaching job after graduating from ASU in May. This is her first "grown up" apartment and we're so happy for her. She and our daughter were beyond thankful for all of the help but like I told them, "this is what being a christian is all about!" People loving, helping, and being there for one another. That truly is what makes the world a better place.

Even though we just got home last night, I volunteered to work tomorrow because they're really short staffed (as usual). I do have to say though that I'm loving this per diem gig. It's great to be able to work when you want to work and when it fits into your schedule. Tomorrow will be perfect. I won't be in charge and I get to work with 2 good friends. It should be a fun, stress free day!

A Couple Of Firsts

I think I've eaten my way through Arizona this trip and have even experienced a couple of firsts this time around. Needless to say, I'll be dieting big time when I get home tomorrow.

Saturday we started the day off great with our first ever meal here...


I was so excited. I've read about the good food and the cute little store at Cracker Barrel so I was anxious to experience it for myself. It did not disappoint. I had scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits. I don't think I've ever had a better biscuit, anywhere! It was melt in your mouth delicious! I enjoyed the store too and bought a few cute gifts. I bet they have fun, unique items during the holidays!

Courtney is a nanny a few days a week for a professor at ASU and she and her husband invited us over for brunch on Sunday, and again, the food was great. Courtney has told us so much about them that I couldn't wait to finally meet them. They were absolutely darling and such warm, hospitable hosts. Being with them warmed my heart because you could tell that they truly love my daughter. They could not say enough nice things about her and the kids gravitated to her like a magnet. I made sure to express to them how thankful I am that they are looking out for Courtney and taking such good care of her and they let us know how thankful they are to have her in their lives as well. They said that having Courtney around has been the perfect fit and knew she was the one right off the bat. It's turned out to be a win win situation for everyone and I know Courtney will be in contact with them for the rest of her life. Luckily, they feel like family to me now too!

For dinner last night we went to one of our favorite rib places and the girls talked us into an appetizer that I had never thought of eating before...


Fried pickles! I was a sport and gave them a try but once was enough for me. Not a fan of eating warm pickles. Have you ever tried fried pickles before?

Today we hit the mall and lets just say Courtney and I can do some serious damage when we're together...but hey, it's not like we have the opportunity all the time right! Ann Taylor's Loft and Nordstrom were having great sales so we found some seriously cute stuff at some seriously reasonable prices. Again, a win win situation!

We had dinner tonight at a place the girls suggested, The Big Fat Greek Restaurant, and yes, with an appetizer that I hadn't ever had before...



Flaming cheese and pita bread! It was a first but this I liked!

We've had such an enjoyable, relaxing time and these 2 beautiful, sweet girls have been a pleasure to be around...


Courtney and her close friend Janell. This trip was the first time we were able to meet Janell and guess what, she feels like family now too!

Janell just graduated and is now looking for and applying for different teaching positions. Can you believe that adorable thing wants to teach high school math! I say good for you and God bless you Janell! It won't be easy but she's got spunk. I just know she's gonna be accused of being a student more times than she can count!

Arizona Bound

We headed to Arizona yesterday and arrived in Phoenix about 9:00ish last night. Our drive was leisurely and unhurried which is the best kind I say. Our daughter and 2 of her roommates are moving into another apartment in July and she wanted mom and dad to check everything out before hand. I'm so glad she values our opinion on so many things. Sure, we're the one's footing the bill while she's in college but still I'm thankful that she includes us and looks to us for advice and guidance.

Arizona is beautiful this time of year. Not scorching hot (like when we've moved her into her dorm and apartment in August) but not cold either. It's perfect.

Although Arizona isn't a state I would want to live in permanently because of the extreme heat, there are things that I enjoy each time I visit. Here are just a few...

Desert scenery...


One of my favorite stores (we don't have these in CA, and maybe that's a good thing!)...


Temperatures like these...


QT gas stations. Drinks are only .69 cents and QT has the biggest variety of soft drinks of any gas station ever. I always feel like a kid in a candy store...


But the best thing in Arizona is this beauty...


Sitting in an Arizona State rocker at Cracker Barrel this morning. ASU's mascot is Sparky the Sundevil. She's showing us Sparky's pitchfork.



It's hard to believe, but my little girl is now officially a college senior!