Reunions ... Funerals ... Mechanics ... and cash!

(written Saturday, 7/18/09) I am currently sandwiched between my two sisters (and one brother-in-law) as I teach them how to blog. I set up blogs for them (Brandy's is called Flock of Slagles and Cyndi's is called 5Days...2Many). They are having fun - or at least they seem to be. I'll wait and see if they are able to keep it up when I am not there. My parents are on the love seat in Brandy's living room heckling us as we type away. We took the SD card out of Mom's camera and found that she hasn't taken any pictures off since she bought it ... several years ago. Some people just shouldn't be allowed to have memory cards greater than about 512MB - just to force them to take the pictures off the camera on occasion. If this were rolls of film, there would be an entire attic full of undeveloped rolls. What is the point? My sister (politely reading over my shoulder) tells me that if the memory card did get too full, Mom would probably be more likely to just buy a new camera rather than empty the old one. I can't really dispute her because her old camera (with full memory card) managed to appear as Robert's birthday present this year. Hmmmmm

This weekend past weekend we ended up driving to Utah and spent Thursday through Saturday at the Slagle Mansion. We had previously decided not to attend the Layton family reunion as part of our dedication to paying for everything with cash only. We did have a bit of an emergency fund, but we again decided that reunions did not qualify as emergencies. Then with timing that can only be described as amazing, Grandpa Layton passed away. The reunion was being held in honor of his 93rd birthday and I heard several relatives say that he personally arranged it at the end to ensure maximum participation. It certainly changed our outlook. While a reunion is not an emergency, a funeral is. So we looked at what we had and made the committment to go ... and still only spend cash. Byron talked to Papa about doing some maintenance work on the Durango (which is overdue) while we were there and we headed out late Wednesday night (after staying up all night Tuesday for the Harry Potter movie ... I was not much help driving)

We made it to Provo around 10am on Thursday morning and had breakfast at Grandma Layton's home. The kids were very good (especially for having just spent 12 hours in the car. The drive was horrible for us because the "new" wheels had a terrible vibration - my back was killing me! We were going to hang out in Provo while Byron found a place to have the wheels balanced, but there were too many kids around for Grandma to take a nap, so Banae, Grandpa, and I took all of the kids to the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake. This is where I realized I forgot my camera. We had a great time despite the fact that it was over 100 degrees - in the shade. Bryce thought the animals were lame because they were all asleep or otherwise trying to stay cool. I told him that they animals were thinking that we were mental for walking around and being so active when it was so hot - he did not disagree. While we were at the zoo, Byron discovered that one of the new wheels had picked up a screw at some point and someone had filled it with slime which was causing the vibration. Once that was taken care of, Byron was back to loving his 20-inch wheels.

Friday morning we got up and hurried back down to Provo for Grandpa Layton's funeral. I am soooo glad that we were able to be there for the service. As usual, my children just made the experience. We had already had trouble with the whole blended family dynamic because Josh really wanted to hang out with Bryce and Bryce really didn't want anything to do with any of the babies. At the funeral, Josh decided that he wanted to hold Bryce's hand (we were inside the building by then), and of course Bryce wasn't interested. Due to a lack of sleep and a general 4-yr old-ness, Josh had a total meltdown that he didn't fully recover from until lunch. Ginny also decided that she needed Daddy and only Daddy, so when she asked to go potty and Mommy took her instead of Daddy, we took care to head to the bathroom furthest from the chapel so as not to interupt the service. Luckily, the intercom in that bathroom was in excellent working condition so I heard as much as could be expected. After the service we decided to follow the procession to the graveside. Originally, I was going to send Byron and older kids since I just couldn't see the babies actually holding still or acting reverent in any way shape or form. However, I was so frustrated with all children in general by this point, we decided it would be better to stick together. Unfortunately, I was definitely wearing the wrong shoes for a grassy cemetary. Although LuAnn said I was smokin hot (long story) - I really think that aerrating a lawn with suede is really overkill. After the dedication, everyone hung around and visited which was surprisingly nice considering the surroundings. I love looking at headstones. The kids love jumping on headstones - and I was not the only mother trying to convince her children that the funny markings in the rocks were not meant to be stood upon. I did see a neat idea - someone had a marble bench put up AS a headstone ... that's what I want, something that is meant to be sat or stood upon - note to self ....

Grandma Layton's ward put together a wonderful lunch for the family. Then we had FAMILY PICTURES. I love pictures - my kids & husband do not. I don't understand how I can have incredibly cute - even cheesy - kids who turn into monsters in front of the camera. It is just wrong. They took about 4 kazillion (or so it seemed) and here is what they termed the best.

After the whole family took pictures, our family stuck around to get a family group shot of our own. I would have loved to have an individual family picture too, but Robert wasn't with us, Bryce & Tess would have rather been boiled in oil, and the little ones were not too far behind them. Still, it was nice to get as much of the group together as was available. Here is our family (only missing Byron's sister Blendi (and her boys Breck & Dane - and Breck's little girls Kobbi Kai and Paisley) and my son Robert) ... maybe I'll try to photoshop them in anyway.

Saturday was a nice day. I really didn't do much of anything. I took care of my little ones (and Brandy's) while she took Brian to breakfast and to the airport for a fun trip to China (remember you promised me pearls this time Brian). I swear, that man brings back the prettiest jewelry for Brandy - who doesn't appreciate it. My turn!!!!! Of course, on the flip side, I have all of the new appliances that Brandy really wishes Brian would bring home - so I really can't complain too much. Back to Saturday ... Byron and Papa spent the day working on the Durango. They did the work at Bob's house and at the base so I didn't get to see them and the "forgot" to take pictures. I am told, however, that Byron was right into the engine bay pulling out the back spark plugs and he got plenty dirty. Sorry Grandma, I think we are just going to have to take their word for it this time. They managed to get cleaned up before I saw them. The car, however, is working really well ... so somebody did something! They changed the spark plugs (all sixteen of them), replaced the front brake pads, put new shocks on, and changed the rear differential oil. All in all, it sounds like they had fun! While they were working on that, I decided to have Cyndi cut Ginny's hair into an A-line bob to match Natalie's. Can we say cute????? We got a "Mimi & me" picture too. Doesn't Ginny look like Mimi? I still want to know how I managed to get my brother as a son (Robert) and my mother as a daughter ... someone has a bizarre sense of humor!

We decided to travel home on Saturday night rather than Sunday to avoid traffic, travelling on the Sabbath, travelling while the kids were awake, AND triple digit temperatures on the engine. So with lots of hugs, we set out. We didn't leave fast enought for Brandy to get in an invitation for Josh to stay. This time, I told him to go ahead and stay ... she managed to talk her way out by telling him that he needed to go home to get the rest of his clothing and furniture. One of these days Aunt Brandy ....

We made it home without incident thanks to Jim Dale's narrating talent. We listened to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (again). Unfortunately, Ben threw up a couple of times. He didn't seem sick, but he definitely didn't want to eat anything and was content to just hang out in front of the TV. We found out later that Tess was also sick on Saturday, so a bug of some sort ... no one else got sick and we have finally caught up on sleep and the laundry. It was fun, and having the extra day made all the difference. And finally, after tabulating all receipts and records, we did manage to keep our committment to paying only cash. We passed up some great "deals" we might otherwise have purchased, didn't eat as much garbage, and exercised some long overdue self control. I think Grandpa Layton would be proud of us ...

Quidditch ... in Lake Isabella?

We have decided that I am the oldest Seeker ever! Seriously, I took Tess to the midnight showing of Harry Potter 6 last night (or this morning rather). And yes, I HAVE been up since 6:15 am ...

The movie was an exciting experience. I have attended midnight showings only twice before ... for two of the Star Wars prequels ... and I noticed that it was great to sit in a full theater with people who all really want to see just that movie. Lots of energy and whooping and hollering and just fun! And living in a really small town, getting tickets is not generally a problem. No camping out or waiting in huge lines - Byron and Tess got the tickets last week and we just sailed right in (past friend Marcie who was waiting in line with those who had not pre-purchased tickets and who were hoping there was room enough in the theater for them too).

When Tess and I got there they were just starting the raffle. They took everyone's ticket stub and drew for prizes. A few cool items (a couple of Harry Potter wands, a talking Sorting Hat, and a movie posters) and some really weird ones (a DVD of Madagascar, and three TV soundtracks for shows I haven't heard of and wouldn't watch anyway based on the titles). I was sure that if we were going to get anything it would be the soundtracks I would have to give away to someone I didn't know anyway (since that is generally my luck). We didn't win anything ... and then they threw some candy into the audience which was fun and I encouraged Tess to jump up for it (but she had a shy moment and stayed in her seat). Then the lady noticed that she still had one toy left ... a golden snitch. Instead of raffling it, she threw it and it landed in the row just behind and to the left of me. It was still in the packaging, so it bounced off the teenager who was screaming for it and landed directly between the feet of the gentleman next to me. Along with about 6 other pairs of hand, I grabbed for it ... and I got it! I thought it was kind of fun - and like I said, the guy next to me was a real gentleman about it because he just laughed ... obviously I gave it to Tess. The teen who flubbed the catch initially however was beyond put out! I confess to being a bit nervous about it ... he was grumbling about burning down the theater (after he got his "friends" out of course), etc., with a few F-bombs in for good measure. I turned to give the silly toy back a couple of times, but each time I looked around, he would give his attention elsewhere, so for all I know he was just mad in general rather than making dire plans in my particular direction. However, I was a bit nervous since it was just me and Tess - and no street lights - and we parked at the very end of the street, having arrived so late. I said a little prayer and decided there wasn't much I could do right then and we sat back to enjoy the movie.

The movie was great! By far the best Harry Potter movie yet. They deviated quite far from the storyline in the book, but managed to keep the spirit of that storyline in a way that hasn't happened since the 2nd movie. The dialog was hilarious ... and with that sleep-deprived crowd, it was truly appreciated. Every obscure reference or inference was siezed and yelled out ... it was really fun. And the knot-head behind us stopped his muttering after the first 15 minutes or so. I was fairly impressed with Tess. She had fallen asleep about 30 minutes before we left home and again in the car on the way there, but she stayed awake throughout the movie ... and on the drive home.

When the movie ended, I started right up to leave rather than watch the end of the credits. I wanted to get to the car while there was a pretty big group of people available (witnesses). I mentioned that my friend Marcie was in line, but I didn't think she actually made it into the theater, and I didn't see anyone else I knew. That is the drawback to the whole small-town midnight premier. The vast majority of the small theater seemed to be filled with very rough teens and fairly rough looking adults (think Bodfish at its "best" if you are local). Additionally, there was a strong smell of alcohol as we left, so I figure some people snuck in more than the soda and candy they didn't want to purchase at the concession stand. Tess and I headed out and the group got thinner as we got farther from the theater ... but still plenty of people. I noticed some of the "friends" of the knothead ahead of us and I was definitely keeping an eye on them. Suddenly a car pulled along side of us and slowed down and the window came down. Scared me silly!!!!! It was Marcie wanting to know if we liked the movie. I was soooo glad to see her (of course, I'm glad she didn't wait up all night just to not get to see the movie too). She drove to my car so we had light, which turned out to be a good thing because the teens that I was keeping an eye one doubled back once they got to the end of the cars. I hope they just realized they forgot something or someone, but they weren't happy to get headlights in the face. The left without saying anything to us all and I jumped right in the car and headed out right after Marcie.

All in all, it was lots of fun - definitely an adventure. One that I am NOT repeating unless there are more adults in my party than just me! On a side note, the kids were up at 6:10 (as usual) and Byron has informed me that if I end up with a tire slashed over a stupid toy, I am in serious trouble ... still, I'm thinking I should try out for the Chudley Cannons - I know there are some who figure I have a broom to fly on anyway!

The Circus that is Sacrament Meeting ...

I realized something today, I am starting to be able to hear parts of sacrament meeting! This means that my children are behaving in such a fashion that I do not have to center 100% of my attention on keeping them quiet (I think we're at about 85%). I noticed something else. The kids have realized that as long as they are quiet I will allow them to do almost anything. I am going to have to revise my thinking on that as they are becoming expert silent wrestlers - which is still too distracting (not to mention fairly inappropriate) in the chapel. Of course, they generally have a pretty good partner in Daddy - but we won't go there.

Today, Ben was climbing on Daddy and decided to slide off the bench head-first. Byron and I really just watched - I was waiting for his hands to come forward to catch his head, but they just stayed on the bench next to his hips. This did not happen quickly - Ben slowly slid toward the ground. When he finally reached the point where gravity took over, there was a solid thud that could probably be heard for a couple of rows in any direction. At that point Byron and I jumped and I readied myself to take a screaming kid out quickly. Instead, we hear a quiet but distinct "Ooopsie."

Needless to say, I started tearing up from trying to hold the laughter back. I am sure that whoever was speaking must have thought their message was touching my heart ... I am also sure that it ought to have. Back to the drawing board!

"All is once again Right in the World"

Yes this is a direct quote - from Byron. Why is all right in his world? He got 20s ...

You see, our Durango came with 17" wheels ... something that has bothered Byron since day 1. He made a compromise a few years ago and put truck tires on which filled out the wells a little better and he has done pretty well - other than occasionally sighing for the larger wheels of his dreams. Still, he was more or less resigned to small wheels and big tires until ....

In a brilliant financial move, we ended up with the CX-9 (now affectionately known as Angie's car). Byron is happy to be able to claim the Durango as his own - he won't even drive the CX-9 unless we are off on a family trip. The one fly in his ointment is that Angie's car has 18 inch alloy wheels - aaaauuuuggggghhhh the agony!!!! Byron immediately started looking for bigger wheels. Then we made our "cash only" comittment and that seemed to be that. Determined to be bitter forever and ever (or until we can afford new wheels), it looked like we were going to have a problem. However, the Lord knew that Byron really NEEDED to have larger wheels than Angie (yes, you may snigger here) and so He sent forth help in the form of Jacob ...

Jacob came over to borrow some cds from Angie and he and Byron got to talking. As fate would have it, Jacob had a truck that had been totalled recently. That truck just happened to have 20 inch alloy Dodge wheels on it. Moreover, Jacob was pining away for a set of 17 inch alloy wheels to put large tires on for his truck. As you have no doubt guessed, one thing led to another which led to our family decending upon the Moffatt family home for upwards of 3 hours so that the switch could be affected. An now we have ....

Now Byron has a larger engine AND larger wheels than I do, all is truly right in the world.