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!

You Gotta Hear This...

Then tell me what you think...

Remember I mentioned that we met Jennifer and her adorable family that Courtney babysits for? Well Courtney had to work today and Jennifer did something that shocked and shook Courtney up so much that she called me crying tonight. I felt so bad that it made me cry too.

When Jennifer got home this afternoon she told Courtney that she had to talk to her about something. She was so serious that Courtney told her "you're scaring me" as usually everything is so lighthearted. Jennifer proceeded to tell Courtney that she had noticed something under Courtney's nose and wanted to drug test her, insinuating the use of Cocaine! With tears in her eyes, Courtney told her she had just gotten over a cold (the cause of the runny, crusty nose) but that she would take to the test. Courtney told her through her tears, that she had never ever done any drugs and that no one had ever thought that about her before. She told her how upsetting it was at the thought of someone thinking that about her. Courtney told me she was humiliated and very hurt that Jennifer could ever think such a thing. Of course Courtney passed the impromptu drug test that Jennifer pulled out of her purse, but the damage had been done. Courtney was devastated.

Courtney called me crying, upset, and in disbelief that Jennifer, who she cares so much about, could imagine such a thing. Jennifer explained after the test that she didn't think it would be positive but felt she had to do it for two reasons 1) because she is first and foremost a mother and 2) because if it were positive, she would want to help Courtney deal with the situation. Courtney said she truly believed Jennifer was doing it for the right reasons but it didn't make her feel any better about it.

We discussed it in detail and I suggested that Courtney call her and let her know how hurt and betrayed she felt. Not to have a long and drawn out discussion but to just plainly tell Jennifer how hurt she was. I'm so proud of Courtney because she did call her and let her feelings be known. They talked it out, Jennifer apologized, and it's behind them.

Of course a part of me understands Jennifer's intentions but another part of me is upset that she put Courtney through the humiliation. Courtney said she certainly could understand a drug test when she first was interviewed for the job but why now, didn't they know her and trust her after 10 months?

Well, what's done is done and it's water under the bridge as they say. No doubt life can be difficult sometimes! Courtney definitely is learning some life lessons and seeing firsthand what life is like as an adult. The good, the bad, and the ugly!

So what do you think about this situation? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts.

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!

Zapped Of Energy

It's after 10:00am and I'm still in my pajamas! Do you ever have days like this?

The past 5 days were busy, exciting, and definitely fun-filled so coming home to our quiet house, void of energetic, vibrant, college girls is a tad bit depressing. Plus the fact that we had to say good-by to our sweet Courtney. It'll take me a day or two to get re-adjusted to home.

We arrived in Phoenix late Thursday night and it was HOT. I still think Arizona never gets below 90 degrees, EVER, even though I've been told differently. Friday night a group of us went out to dinner at Oregano's. It's a fun, happening place and a favorite of the girls. Look at these beautiful girls. The nice thing is that they are just as sweet and smart as they are beautiful. They are an absolute pleasure to be around.

Courtney, Macey, Jordie, and Mackenzie

Saturday night was the ASU football game. Howard and I always enjoy going to the football game during parents weekend. I love seeing the kids with their parents and families and I love the support that the community shows to ASU football. Tempe really supports their hometown team. It was a really good game, close, but good. Thankfully ASU won!






Parents weekend is never short on shopping and this trip was no exception. We got some shopping time in on Friday and Saturday and I was even able to visit my favorite store...Hobby Lobby! I picked up a few Fall/Halloween goodies that I'll share with you soon.

Howard and I are lucky in that we were able to stay until Tuesday whereas most parents go home on Sunday. We love spending the extra time with Courtney and her roommates and even managed to get them together for one last dinner on Monday night. They had gone to classes and even worked that day but met us for a good-by dinner at P.F. Changs. Again, P.F. Changs did not disappoint.


I left straight from P.F. Changs and headed to Cheesecake Factory...no lie! More about that tomorrow!

After Years Of Talking About It

She finally had it done...


And she's done great!

Courtney came home from Arizona on Sunday to get her wisdom teeth out this week. She had all 4 taken out at once. It was so cute, she had her mouth full of gauze and couldn't talk so she was texting my husband while he was driving...and she was sitting in the passenger seat next to him! She's been great about keeping her face iced with frozen packages of peas and the swelling has been minimal.

Both of my kids have needed their wisdom teeth out but have refused to go through the process. Brandon once had the consultation, x-rays, and arrangements were all made when he backed out. Courtney finally went through with it. I'm proud of you Sis!

Courtney (aka Little Sis)...

Today was the last final of your Sophomore year. You're now officially a JUNIOR!

Sis, you've worked so hard these last 2 years in college, Dad and I are so proud of you!

But now that it's summer, GET A JOB, please!

Love, Mom