still here I think.

Well I am very inundated with work here at the funeral home office. I have stacks of paper in front of me and plenty to do BUT I just don't want to do it right know. I am staring out the window at work and trying this bleep.

It has been snowing here and it seems so much like Christmas and not JUST the first of December. We have about 5-6 inches. I promised the wee ones that we would decorate the Christmas tree last night and we did until 11:00 pm. I forget every year how much stuff I have. Four trips to the garage! The children want to dive right in but it takes a little preparation and organization. Once I got everything out and ready they had a fun time trimming the tree. It went as any one would expect; the husband mumbles and wrestles the tree into place and puts it together only to discover that the top of the tree won't light. A few sighs then a scurrying around to find replacement bulbs, only to discover that there are none. He steals them from a string of lights that have been used as such the previous year (it positively looks decrypted). Then the calm sets in as he trys to be patient taking out each bulb to find the burnt one...only to discover after spending oodles of time doing so there isn't one. A barrage of *&#$! erupts as the wife goes and calms the husband soothing him. A new set of lights will placed on the tree BUT then again those lights are wadded up entangled with other lights into a tight ball.... the next trial begins. You can get an idea how it went. We did finish with hot coca and everyone snuggling on the couch with all the lights out watching the tree lights twinkle as the little ones feel asleep with the snow gently falling.

I am still waiting for my computer replacement. I lost my computer's HD recently to a four year old dropping it and lost all my pictures. I cried! My own fault..back-up back-up!!! Then my back-up computer went down also. Isn't that always the way it goes. I would love to post pictures but this is my work computer and I'll wait to load my camera etc on my rebuilt computer once it's up. Well I'd had better tackle the pile or it will mass itself into a pile of procrastination waiting to happen!

May everyone enjoy the Season in wonderment and joy. God Bless. Ilena D.

Back Again but for good?!

Well here I go again trying to maintain some sense of blogging decorum which as up until now I have failed miserably. Not that I haven't enjoyed reading all the other blogs which have been providing me with in-sights, ideas and those I can relate too.

It has been a whirlwind of activity summer, baseball, boating, camping, family & friends. I gave up a normal schedule this summer do to the hectic schedule and flurry of activities. School has started again Tristan is in 3rd grade and Trevor started pre-school. I am now officially a car-pool mom. Although I am shameful to admit I lost track of time my first day and forgot to pick-up my charges and was called asking if I "forgot anything?". Well hey I can only say I am a newbie.

Tristan is in TACKLE football. Lord help me. I am a very nervous mommy. I have a bad feeling I am going to be one of those mothers who stick up for the Rights of their child, fighting the good fight while not letting him do it himself. Ryan my husband reels me back to reality thank goodness. And let me tell you about all the equiptment they send home and you are supposed to wash it and maintain it. They don't even send instructions! The nerve! Well I bought antibacterial fabric spray, spray'n wash and crossed my fingers. So far so good. I guess I am not as incapable as I thought.

I visited a friend and got the yarn bite. She knits and beautifully but I don't think I am quite ready for that so I started crocheting. I went into to craft store and set myself up proper. My best friend will tell you I am an impulsive buyer. I am! The picture is of practice chains etc.. I think I am getting a feel for it and I am about ready to try a scarf.

The Fair was this weekend and I survived. My 4 year-old went on the Oc-u-pus (how he says it)by himself mind you. I already know he is going to be trouble. I gained 5 pounds but fair food was well worth it. TA TA for now. Ilena

Red Rocks and Lot's of Sand

Well greetings! Sorry it has taken me longer than I anticipated getting the rest of the trip on the blog site. Now where did we leave off? On to Monday etc. We woke up groggy after getting to bed late Sunday! We did get the laundry done though. I whisked the curtains open and beheld a world of red rock.

Moab is in a valley with the Colorado River running at its entrance. It was warm but windyeeeee. We packed up and got out of the room just before check out at 11:00 AM and headed for Denny’s for some brunch. There sure are a lot of them around. I hadn’t noticed it before but I am seeing them everywhere we go. The food was stick to your ribs and the kids were ready to go.

We headed out of town all of three miles to Arches National Park. I yet again stopped at the visitor’s center to get Tristan & Trevor their workbooks for a patch. They have earned two so far. We drove up the side of the plateau and it opened up into these massive rock formations. They are beautiful and something you don’t see in the Northwest. The colors are amazing and the shapes are marvelous.


We drove instead of hiking to each site otherwise it would have taken days. We saw the Three Gossips, Balanced Rock, Double Arch, Delicate Arch and many more. Plenty of photo ops and there was more to see but it would have taken more time than we had. No critter sightings but we all got bit by the prickly sagebrush and cactus plants along the trails. The wind was blowing so hard you actually had your own personal sand exfoliation. After about 3 hours we headed out.




We stopped at the visitor’s center and received the kid’s patches and posed for pictures. On the way out of Moab we stopped at a rock shop and the kid’s picked out fossils and rocks to have as mementos from the trip. Although Trevor had a moment in the rock shop where he refused to come to me, instead making the bad decision to run and hide by some rare fossils and rocks, a few defiant NO’s and running from mom landed him in paddle city and time out with Dad in the car. He fell asleep in mere minutes. Can we say Tired?

The rest on the day was on the road getting to the Grand Canyon. The road was long. We did see Monument Valley and rocks and sand and more red rocks and oh a house and rocks and sage brush and red rocks and sand and ….get the picture. It is 9:00 PM and we made it to the South Rim Grand Canyon Village. More on that next.

HAPPY EASTER!!!

As promised here I am again. It is Sunday evening and we are settling into bed in Moab. We made it here in good time and I actually took the kids to the outdoor pool for a swim. Ryan got to do laundry.




We got up late, sleeping in after getting in so late. The Easter Bunny put in an appearance very early this morning and the kids had a wonderful time trying to find the eggs. We had breakfast then hit the dinosaur museum and the quarry. The boys did both Jr. Ranger programs and earned their badges. They saw and learned a lot about dinosaurs and had a lot of fun. We took a hike in the quarry. The trail we took goes up a wash and there are numerous rock formations. The colors and shapes were a sight to behold. The boys saw eight lizards and collected a large quantity of small rocks that were VERY important. I had fun taking pictures of sights and textures.







We then headed down to Moab, UT via Colorado through the scenic route. The sights were unique and awesome! We all had fun trying to spot any and all types of animals. We saw 3 dead rabbits, a herd of antelope, numerous mule deer, three crows, a blue bird, numerous cows, a possible black bear sighting and a large amount of elk. Ryan was beside himself with excitement. There were well over 150 amongst all the herds we saw. It was beautiful. At the top of the pass we stopped. The wind was between 40-60 mph and COLD, but the sight was awesome. From there we put the pedal to the metal and hit the road hard.





It was dark before we reached Moab and we have no idea what the terrain is like other than the pictures we see. But we made it in time to eat, play in the pool, do laundry and relax. Well it’s another day and tomorrow it is Arches National Park then off to the Grand Canyon. We hope to get an earlier start tomorrow. Goodnight for now and God Bless. Ilena

VACATION

It has been one day over a month since I last wrote. A lot has taken place since then and all though I do have a little remorse for not being so consistent with my writing. I do know that with practice, a little patience and a some more persistence that I will become a dependable wealth of information and nonsense.

It is 1:47 A.M. Easter Sunday and my family and myself have finally arrived at our current destination, Vernal Utah. We started our holiday Friday and drove from our home to my sister's home in Nampa, Idaho. We had a late start so we didn't arrive until late. Saturday we awoke with the intention of getting an early start but the day had other ideas. But hey we are on vacation so let's go with the flow...


We woke late, fixed breakfast for everyone and during our meal our parents happened by. It was quite jovial. Thanks to Dan (my B-in-L)and his trip to the coffeshop we were awake enough to enjoy the day. Mari surprised us all by earlier having hidden eggs for an Easter Egg hunt. Needless to say the kid's were thrilled. Note the Picture with trophies in hand.

After having packed the car, cleaning up breakfast and settling down from the excitement of candy and the thrill of the hunt we were ALL off on the start of the days trip. I had planned to head straight to Salt Lake City then to the cabals store, eat a late lunch then onto Vernal. We made other plans deciding to go see Shoshone Falls since they are spectacular this year with the over flow of water.


The men took one vehicle and Mari, myself and the three munch-kins the other. Dan and Ryan (my husband) took an alternate route and we headed out to meet them further on. Needless to say us girls got talking and we totally missed the exit to Twin Falls. You can chalk it up to being oblivious thinking a nice bright green sign would let us know when and where to turn. Didn't happen. We made it to Burley and wondered where Twin Falls went. We fessed up to the guys and they got a good chuckle over it. We made it to the gorge (see pic below) BUT the Falls area was loaded. It would have taken an hour a least just to park, walk the mile, gawk, walk back and head out. It is a shame I was looking forward to viewing it.

We split up and Ryan, me and the boys headed out. It was a long trip with a few potty stops and a lot of "Are we there yet?" and "How much longer?" The scenery was awesome having never been in Utah other than an airport. It is very different from Idaho. Salt Lake City is HUGE! It just rolls down the valley spreading wider and wider. Ryan and I felt very closed in. The freeway was endless and the crazy drivers...don't get me started. We made it into Cabela's at 7:42 P.M. Roughly and hour to negate the gigantic camp store on steroids. The boys loved it. The fish, the stuffed animals and all the boy toys. Ryan was in seventh heaven. Needless to say we spent the time wisely. We got out without parting from too much dough.





A quick gas and food stop and off we were to Vernal. We got misdirected twice. Once by the directions themselves, the area having changed from the info off the internet and once by a gas station attendant. Yes me not Ryan asked twice!! BUT we did not lose it. There was no yelling. Just a little stress. It was a long haul. Saw lots of road kill, one coyote, and lots of missed scenery. I need to find out what we almost hit. It was black, furry, quick and the size of a beaver. I ask someone tomorrow. Well time for bed. Happy Easter God Bless and until tomorrow! Ilena

An eventful weekend

My best friend and I are recovering from a wonderful ski weekend at Bend, OR. I know that we had both been anticipating our weekend and it did not disappoint. The entire trip was fantastic! Mt. Bachelor is a site to behold setting against the horizon settled down looking sleepy and comfortable in ignorant bliss as skiers look like little specs of pepper sliding about its face. It is a site to behold. Someday if I become a better skier I’d like to take on the summit and ski down the face. What an exhilarating idea!


My friend took on the daunting task of teaching me how to ski. I haven’t skied for five years. She was an excellent instructor with plenty of patience and positive words of encouragement. There were only two times that my falls lead to a partial yard sale!

I have given my two weeks notice to my second job and am looking forward to more time for my family, myself and my art. I am going to have to wait until my job ends to start anything due to the fact that my employer has scheduled me out of all and any free time. I am anticipating to the count down. I am already working on the lists of to do’s. Time for me to sign off! I have much to do in so little time. Enjoy the pictures. Yes that is me standing on skis unbelievable as it is!

Oops

It has been longer than I intended since my last posting and a lot has transpired. Thanks to the steady onslaught from a friend I am making amends and posting.


I have had to put the garage project and book on stand by for the time being due to other considerations. I did make it to the book signing and it went very well. I has no reason to be as apprehensive as I was. There was a good turn out and I was actually asked to sign copies of the book. I got a little flustered at what to write at first but the more I wrote the easier it became. A star is born. The picture is of me, David Wahl (author) and the publisher in the back.

I have been very pensive of late. Pondering where I thought I would be at my age and where I actually am. I am taking stock and finding that I haven't done too bad of a job. Life is funny it takes you for the ride. Just hang on.

Well I have to get going. Taking birthday cake and juice to school for my son's birthday. My next posting will be sooner than later. Till next time. Ta ta

OK so I'm not perfect.

I know that it has been awhile since I have posted. I have a book signing coming up on the book I illustrated for a close family friend. This will be my first time in the lime light and there will be numerous people I know and haven't seen for sometime. Am I worried about their opinion of the book and my illustrations? No, I am however worried about their reaction to how I have expanded over the last 18 years. I am reverting to being 15 again being insecure, shy and afraid of what they think and say. I keep trying to remember that I am successful, well adjusted married women with a beautiful family and a lot going for me. Am I alone in this or what.


I was driving back from Kamiah and I had to stop and get a picture of what has been left of ice jambs on the Clearwater River. They are astounding. I wish I had gotten to them earlier when it looked like the Artic here. Isn't Mother Nature Amazing! For now....Ilena

On your mark, Get set......

Greetings to all! I have not been as prompt as I had hoped in getting back to my blog. I have been busy with the everyday trivialities that tend to drive the sane insane. The weather here has been bleak and rainy. I guess that I shouldn’t expect a different tone in the weather as it is only January here and everywhere else. BUT you know there is someone, somewhere on a tropical island sitting on a beach, basking in the sun, sipping Mai Tai’s. Oh to be that person.

I have gotten some inspiration and creative juices flowing (Thanks to a DEAR friend who has been riding my ass! You know who you are and I love you for it!) AND have started working on an idea for a children’s book. As a child “eons ago” my grandmother gave me a teddy bear that has striking similarities to Poo Bear. He was my constant companion, trusted confidant and was a great shoulder to cry on. He was unique in the fact he was made of pink felt, thereby I christened him “Pinkie”. I am basing the character of the 14 page board book off him. The story is one of him riding his “cycle” in motocross. The book is for ages 2 – 5 years with lots of color, texture and action words. I’ll get a photo posted of “Pinkie” as soon as I can find him. I am just in the thumbprints and sketch phase of the project.


In trying to work on this project I have realized that I need to finish my studio. It was moved in September from the extra bedroom, now my oldest room (all of 7) and just sits in boxes is disarray for me to put back together. See below picture. Boy what a mess. But I can’t put the cart before the horse now can I?


I will close for know and keep all abreast on my progress on both projects but I can’t promises quick results. With two kids, two jobs, a house and a husband where does one find the time for your interests let alone time for oneself?

A beginning.

I don't hold up much hope at first keeping up to date with my blog until I become accustom to it and its needs and wants. Last year "Thank God!" it is over and a new crisp page has been turned in my "pourquoi" tale of life. What has been left behind in 2005 will stay there and I hope not to have brought too much of its baggage with me. As with every New Year there is always the thought of a clean slate and ambitions to achieve throughout the New Year.

I have many resolutions that I have to put into action. If I don't I will be sorely left behind. A few I have on my list in no particular order are weight loss & getting into shape, working on my creative side, house cleaning, making time for my Children, husband and myself. These are just a few. Like many I have a long list and lists of lists. I KNOW I can't be alone in this. Good luck to all.

This is just my first post of many and I hope to provide myself and you with insight, entertainment and enthusiasm. Looking forward to the days to come. Here are my men.