Summer as of yet....

Well I've time for a short and sweet commentary up to this point in time. I have been extremely on the run since the week before last and I at this point can’t keep up with the date and time.

Over a course of 8 days non-stop we went down to southern Idaho to visit the new member of the family.. Steven Walter Smith born June 1, 2007. Very Cute and what a doll! I go my baby fix and lots of kisses in. We then traveled up to the parents for some Morrelling with Grandpa and the kids. What a blast. It was like an Easter egg hunt for them. They got dirty and tired but had a lot of fun! We then traveled back home the next day for football camp that Tristan was participating in that was 2 hrs away. We did that for 3 days in the morning, baseball games in the evening and work in between. And after that calmed down…work came up… lots of it. You’d think with the really nice weather people would consider hanging around. Anyway here I am now trying to get caught up, looking out at the beautiful weather wishing I was playing.

So how has everyone else been holding under the summer strain? I hope you all are enjoying it more that I have been able to, that way I know someone at least is and there may be hope for me yet. All for now Ta! Ta! Ilena….

Restful Sunday.

My goodness it has been a busy month already. Although I have to say my family and I took all day Sunday to ourselves and went boating. It was just beautiful, 94 and sunny. The water was still a little chilly but nothing us brave outdoor types can't handle. I've pictures of the boys in the boat and one of me trying my best to hide from the camera. I believe the whole town turned out on the one little dock and everyone had a wonderful time visiting and catching up. It was nice just to lay around, eat, drink, read a book, watch people and enjoy the outdoors.

Trevor GRAD-GEE-ATED (as Trevor puts it). He was pretty proud of himself and very excited to go off to kindergarten. He was very cutie in their musical production and nary missed a note. He picked Dad to come up and do a number with him along with all the other kids and their parents. How did I get so lucky to get off the hook?!

I believe it is another turning point in my life with things going the way they are. I have a few friends here but only a few close….I am a loner most times with a book stuck in my face. One is getting divorced…and it is for the best..the other is moving 3 hours away…..also for the best. I am very supportive of both and behind them all the way BUT I am feeling sorry for myself because they are all I have for close friends and their lives are changing and so is the dynamic in which we are friends. I know that it will be fine but I feel so.... well... abandoned. I think I feel better now that I've said it. Well enough of the pity party I’ve work to do, people to call, things to file, records to input, rooms to vacuum….etc You get the picture. Thanks for listening….IlenaJ

Memorable

Memorial Day was memorable. We all packed up and headed off to Bungalow Bridge by the North Fork of the Clearwater River. Friday and Saturday were beautiful the days were spent exploring, fishing, wading in the creek, playing, eating & drinking and enjoying the sunshine. Sunday was raining but we all stayed put and braved the rain, sitting in the drizzle around the campfire or under the camper awning. The younger boys had a awesome time splashing, rolling, throwing and playing in the mud holes.

Trevor rode his motorcycle for the first time by himself. He was quite full of himself after he finished. There were a few idiots out there and I had bandages to patch them all up. All in all it was a good weekend. I've pictures of the fish and me boys.

We came back Monday in the rain but were able to pack up camp before it started in earnest. Home by 2:00 PM and a wee nap. Once up it was back to dirty clothes, cleaning coolers and getting ready for the week.

It has been a dead run since. Baseball, school, EMT class, work etc. Trevor has pre-school graduation today. In fact I'd better get going. Ta Ta for now! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Ilena

Catch up.

I am here however I am not. I am finally able to settle down and write a little and catch up with the world around me. The boys are in baseball and school is winding down and unfortunately the hot weather has brought on work. I still haven’t figured out why that is as morose as it is.

If I don’t have Trevor’s game I have Tristan’s game if not that I have concessions or work or class. I have found that I am a loud mother at games. I tend to cheer for the team, even the other kids on the opposing side with encouraging words. I find it funny how one gets wrapped up in their own child’s experiences and activities. You don’t want them to fail, you want them to have fun but heaven forbid don’t make mistakes, if the get hurt you want to comfort them but in the end you tell them to shake it off because you don’t want your child to be thought of as a wimp. Boy is it hard being a parent. I pace at games sometimes worried about Tristan because I know that he’ll beat himself up if he strikes out or missed that pop fly. Hard work if you ask me.(pics: Trevor is on the left & Tristan on the right in the Red )

In EMT class we are getting into soft tissue injuries and broken bones. I am having a great time wrapping and bandaging. Our instructor and director who also runs on the Back Country Medics is a very imposing gentleman, he was law enforcement officer for years and I had to wrap an eye wound on him. Needless to say he was lecturing me on my giggling and making sure he scared me with a moan and a loud Ow! here and there. He was chuckling by the end of it and I had done a satisfactory job. It was great fun.

I dashed to Seattle, WA on May 10th, Thursday night at 7:30 PM directly after EMT class with 5 children ages 4 to 9 and a friend. We shopped hard all weekend doing garage sales and thrift stores getting summer clothes for the kids since they have outgrown their fall clothes. I also went shopping for my little sister who is due June 4…..and found some wonderful stuff. I did find some clothes from a lady from Sweden. I have a picture below of a few things that I bought from her. I also found some stools that I just had to have. I bought all 4 for $50.00 a steal of a deal. Now remember we took a van and 7 people with baggage. It was an interesting ride home. By the end of the weekend we were tired and drained yet had proof of our victory. We drove home on Mother’s Day. By the end of the day I was very tired of kids and, “ Are we there yet?”, “How much longer?” I have to go, bad…” “Stop touching me…MOM!” We have all been there I believe.

Since we arrived home it has been a dead run for catch up. I also was unaware I had jury duty on Monday morning at 8:30 AM. The one day I forget to call in, which was the Thursday I left for Seattle. So I get a call from the court clerk at 8:15 AM and threatened with contempt of court and a visit from an officer. I had cream rise in my hair for goodness sakes. Thank god I live in a small town with no traffic. I made it and then managed to get my self excused from jury duty. Score! The rest of this week has been going like that. Just tells you I am ready for anything….well I think I got everyone caught up. Take care God Bless and talk soon……..Ilena

Ho Hum....

Not too spectacular of a day. Kind of grey and icky today. The weekend was a hoot. We took a 2 hour ATV ride that turned into a 5 hour ride. My husband, I & five friends got stuck in a torrential down pour all got soaked. We had to stop at Porky’s Cabin; yes there is an old decrepit cabin here by that name. We built a small fire and dried ourselves as best we could and headed back home. Although I don’t know why we bothered. All the way back we hit huge mud and waterholes that we just had to go through and became even muddier and wetter. It was some fun.

Not too much else to say. Keeping busy and staying for the most part out of trouble. I got some flowers and took some pictures. They smell wonderful and really brighten up my desk! Ta ta for now…………Ilena

A quick note.

Things are busy here as is it everywhere. The weather has been so so. It has either been really nice or absolutely gorgeous. I have been very busy with work and Spring cleaning. I haven't been up to much more that that. A friend of ours stopped by with his toy and we all got a ride. This kids loved it! I even got to drive it! WOW! It has no front brakes, back ones and a lot of horsepower. Good thing I behaved myself......for the most part anyway.

My bleeding heart has really taken off this year. I had my doubts last year that it would do anything. Seems I haven't killed it yet. Have you ever made a dancing lady with the flower of one? My husband shows this kids every year. You can't see it but my fern is somewhere in there. I am going to have to transplant this fall. Ta Ta for now. Ilena :)

Lemonhead

Currently, I am working towards becoming an advanced EMT to fly with the Back Country Search & Rescue Team. It will be a real privilege and honor once I become certified. I have at least one more year of training in numerous areas along with getting hours logged in with patient care. I am really enjoying myself. If fact I have class tonight for three hours. I actually love learning anything and everything. I haven’t stopped since high school. I figure I am a professional student.

My pictures finally came in from my first flight which was only a jump. All 30 minutes from point A to B and back. It was wonderful but too short. The most dangerous parts of flying are landing and taking off. Not that I didn’t trust the pilot but the trees and power lines that surrounded the helio pad as we came in made me take a big gulp.

I had to use a throw-away camera as my digital was being used by my husband in Las Vegas. The members of the crew are called Lemonheads. Guess why. The helicopter was comfortable if not loud and noisy and the view of my home town was spectacular. I want to do it again! and again....

Much to do about nothing....

Things here are running at a blurry speed. I keep trying to reach out and grab the rope to pull things to a slower pace but I just can't seem to grab the #@*&! rope. I am very well aware that there are an infinite amount of women out there facing the same dilemma. Not enough time for anything...one of these days I am going to say STOP.

The weather here has been cool but very beautiful. I am itching to get out and do some gardening. I believe that we won’t have anymore frost but I’ll wait one more week.

All weekend was chalk full of cleaning and washing the laundry. My laundry room is in my backroom which opens directly into the kitchen, not very condusive to organized laundering. My floor is the laundry bin and my kitchen table is my folding counter. I actually talk to my laundry pile as it lays there on the backroom floor keeping it calm and sedate. I keep picturing it as “The Blob” every increasing slowing, creeping forward silently….. it collects itself, rearing up like a tidal wave and engulfing me as I disappear in a silent scream never to be found again. Wouldn’t that be nice? I must say I do have quite the imagination.

Work has been steady, too steady for my taste. We were quite for two weeks allowing me to get files closed and accounts caught up and the books done for the month. Then “BOOM” five cases in a row in two days, two of them being very complicated concerning family then three days later two more cases and I am buried in details, phone call and mounds of paperwork and two weekend services. Yeah never a dull moment.

My boys are out on Spring Break and we have a few things planned…movies, riding the bicycles on the dike, roller skating, fishing etc. For the most part they are just happy to sleep in, eat lots of sugary cereal and play video games. Go figure. I have to kick them out of the house, lock to door into the yard to play on the play set. Ha ha. Not like it used to be when I was a child. Imagination was the preferred toy. Myself, sisters and friends used it well, had myself many an adventure or misadventure if you ask my parents.

Well I’d better go people to see, paper work to move around and many a thing to do.

To Sum Up...

I feel as if I have been side-swiped by a car and am trying to regain my balance. The holiday's have come and gone and I am still trying to pick-up the pieces. I spent half the time during the holidays being sick or taking care of someone sick with the flu and the other half trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy. I did however accomplish more than I thought. I managed to put up Christmas decorations inside and outside; shop online and at the mall, wrap and mail packages; write and send out Christmas cards to family and friends; have a children’s sugar cookie making party; help the kids make gingerbread house; take time with the family going to Coeur'D Alene, ID spending the weekend taking a night cruise out to Santa's workshop across Coeur"D Alene Lake where they saw Santa and he made it snow, taking a ride on a horse drawn carriage singing carols, taking the kids to see Santa and get their pictures all the while doing last minute shopping and taking time to play in the snow with snowball fights, snow angles, sledding and building a snowman. It did however make me feel better and keep me sane knowing that I am not the only one in the world having to do all these things. I have posted a few pictures snapped during the Holiday rush.

I still don't have the Christmas trees down. Maybe after President's Day.

I did not make any New Year's resolutions this year. I decided I know myself too well and I don't want to end up making myself feel guilty about not doing things or not getting things done as intended. I happen to be a procrastinator. A very good one I might add. At least I am honest with myself. This way I won't get discouraged and I'll be more optimistic. Hey it sounds good!

I managed to get one art project done over the holidays. My mother-in-law is one that has everything and needs nothing. I decided to do minature silhouettes of my children for her. I used watercolor, printed photo’s and cut out outlines of their heads to make them. I was very happy with the results. In fact I'd like a pair myself and may even make them. I found the frames at an antique store and purchsed them very cheaply so the only real cost was my time. Well Ta ta for now. Ilena.

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!