DR. COUCH'S LAUGHING GAS

.
.
.


I've had the same nightmare for about three nights now. It is really, really awful! I wake up in a panic, my heart racing, my hands clutching at the pillow...I don't even think I can talk about it.
.
.
Okay fine. You've convinced me.
.
.
It always opens, as I come upon a magnificent view. Like a sunset or summery landscape. It's the most picturesque scene my eyes have ever beheld, and I stop, catch my breath, and exclaim to those around me to come and see. Nothing has or ever will compare to it's beauty.
.
.
Then, I excitedly reach for my camera, aim, compose, and shoot...except...something is terribly wrong! My camera isn't working!! I frantically mess with buttons and dials between desperate glaces at the quickly fading scene before me. And then...it is too late. It is gone. And I've missed my chance forever, to capture what could have been a life-changing photograph.
.
.
I told you it was awful.
.
.
.
.

On the bright side, I treated myself to new shoes yesterday.

.

I know I just got rid of half my shoes, but in order to justify buying these, I had to get rid of yet another pair from my closet. And I've been pining after red flats for a LONG time.

.

This morning, as I was getting dressed for church, the red shoes were the first things I put on. As in, I had to remove my pajama pants from over them...which wasn't easy. And I've been home from church for 5 hours now, and...oh look...these babies are still on my feet.

.

I love them.

.

.

So, I'm guessing that summer in Rexburg is in full swing...judging from the line at the local SnoShack the other day.

.

I'm thinkin' that my red flats and I should take a walk for a snow cone sometime. Andrew can come too if he wants.

.
.

.

Our Friday night dates tend to be a source of contention. We usually don't have something specific planned, and neither of us want to be the one to come up with the night's activity.
.
.
But this time, I manned up (yeah that's right), and did the planning. We had a comedy night.

• Madlibs
• Laffy Taffys
• A comedy off of Netflix (Planet 51)

.

The whole evening cost us two bucks, and it was actually really, really fun.
.
.
But I am not, I repeat, NOT planning next week's date (Andrew, are you reading this?). It's HIS turn. (I love you, babe!)
.
.
.
.

My dentist's name is Dr. Couch. I imagined getting my teeth worked on while laying nestled in a soft, fluffy, microfiber couch. The experience was not as pleasant, as I had envisioned. Maybe I should sue for false advertising.

.

After the all-day appointment, my jaw was so stiff and sore...I couldn't fit a spoon of Frosted Mini Wheats into my mouth for a week. I was sedated and on laughing gas, so I really don't remember much of the horrible ordeal. But I do remember two things:

1.) I woke up once to the the dentist's assistance wiping tears from both of my cheeks. Apparently, I had been crying. Slightly embarrassing.

2.) I woke up soon after we had begun, giggling like a goon (laughing gas, remember). I needed to tell the the dentist something, but the thought of saying it out loud sounded so silly to my brain, that it took a few moments of delirious chortling before I could even get it out.

.

"Ummm...Dr.? I...have...to...PEEEEEE!!!"

.

I was a little out of it, but I'm pretty sure this was followed by another fit of hysterics.

.

I'm also pretty sure that Dr. Couch sighed heavily before un-clipping my dental bib. And that the assistants had to practically carry me to the bathroom where I very indignantly chastised them for thinking I needed any help whatsoever in the stall.

.

After I got home, and the medicines began to wear off, and I started to review in my mind the day's events...my cruel memory began to piece together that my oh-so-hilarious peeing episode may not, in actuality, have been an amusing dream. My reserved, appropriate self, would never announce such a personal need to perfect strangers. Right??

.

At this point, I'm maintaining that it was another nightmare.

.

But it wouldn't hurt to avoid Dr. Couch's office for a little while either. Just in case.

.

.

TIME OUT

.
.

Today, I put an inanimate object in the time-out chair. The object was being disruptive, causing contention, and I had had enough. .
.
.
I was attempting to get breakfast served to five squirmy toddlers, while my two-year-old's bowl was repeatedly traveling from his head, to his brother's head, zooming through the air, and clattering to the floor. "Keep your bowl on the table, Cole," I tried. He glanced at me off-handedly without the slightest change in behavior.
.
.
I was losing my patience. The struggle it took to get everyone sitting at the table with their hand's washed in the first place, was enough to make me balk at the idea of removing him for a time-out. Plus, we were on a tight schedule. Mostly out of desperation, I took the bowl and said with sympathy:
.
.
.
"Oh man! It looks like your bowl needs to practice holding still at the table! He (the bowl) is not being very nice, so I am going to put him right here in time-out for one minute."
.
.
.
The other children giggled at the sight of the bowl on the chair in the corner, but Cole sure didn't. After his initial shock, he folded his chubby arms and glared at me--his pouty lip on at full force.
.
.
But I was able to use that minute to get everyone else's bowls filled and ready to eat. And when I returned and filled Cole's own naughty bowl, it remained flat on the table...just like a good little bowl should.
.
.
I felt slightly foolish. But the lesson was taught, I didn't cause tears or tantrums, and nobody got smacked around...phew!
.
.
Now it's got me thinking...what other inanimate objects can I put in the time-out chair? Bills? Laundry? My new house plant that has slowly started to wither despite my tender care?

If only...

.

ORGANIZING FREAK

.
.
.
I once had a roommate, who had an interesting way of quickly cleaning up. First, she put any clutter in a pile. Then, she would carefully cover the clutter with a blanket or towel. The results were surprisingly effective. What was really an unorganized mess, appeared neat and orderly.
.
.
As a result of this habit, I often wondered something about her. She had a constant smile. Everything about her countenance oozed syrupy sweetness at all times. But was she really always that happy? Was she being sincere? What was she actually feeling below the facade? I sometimes felt the urge to rip back the blanket of cheeriness that covered her true thoughts and feelings.
.
.
A semester later, however, she was gone. And I never did get a good peek at what was hidden underneath.
.
.
.
.


My life began to feel the same way. The business of the past few years, resulted in a home that appeared “put together” and orderly at first glance. However, beneath every piece of furniture, behind every cabinet door, and within every drawer of the house was the epitome of unruliness. A million hasty, half-hearted straighenings were taking a toll on my house and my sanity.
.
.
As part of my self-imposed therapy in preparation of another school year, I have undertaken a massive overhaul of my entire home. I have been an organizing queen!
.
Or freak. Take your pick.
.
.
.
.

My first order of business was to get rid of LOADS and LOADS of stuff!

.

Why did I ever feel I might need this stuff in the first place? Where did all this junk come from, anyway? And why did I feel the need to horde every shoe I've ever owned since my feet stopped growing nearly 15 years ago?

.

After several carloads to the local Deseret Industries, I felt like I at least had room to begin the organizing.

.


.
.
.

As part of this endeavor, I made an ironclad decision to get rid of shoes. LOTS of shoes.
.
.
Eight pairs to be exact.
.
.
If I can't even fit them all in my closet in an organized fashion, it's time to get rid of oodles of them. I used this rules with everything. Can't fit all my jeans in their drawer? Oodles must go! Don't have enough hangers for all the skirts I've collected over the years? Oodles must go!
.
.
It was a very liberating epiphany.
.
.
.
.

Our sock situation has been enough to drive me over the edge for quite some time now. We've just been throwing all of our socks into these 5 organizer drawers in no particular order. Within the same drawer were my socks, my nylons, Andrew's socks, a gazillion socks with holes in the toe, and a jazillion socks with no match.

.

First off, I threw everything out with holes. An entire grocery bag full. Then, I labeled the drawers according to style and owner.

.

.

My favorite part was designating one of the little drawers entirely for mismatched socks. Instead of throwing them in with the mix, they are separated and ready to be rummaged through as needed. Every time I fold laundry, I just pull this little drawer out, find as many mates as I can, and then put it away for next time.

.

Oh the simple joys of housekeeping.
.
.

.

My bathroom drawers were bad. Quite horrifying actually. They were the result of frantically getting ready for work, after sleeping in late, these past two years.

Each drawer was a hodgepodge of makeup, hair styling products, bobby pins, rubber bands, lotion, perfumes, deodorants, chap sticks, q-tips, face wash, nail polish, contacts, and every other womanly whatchamacallit.

In my search for organization methods, I turned to little cardboard boxes. I cut off the tops, arranged them in the drawers, and assigned it a specific job. For example, one box now holds the nail polishes all together...in one place. Not in four different drawers. It's now the same with the bobby pins, chap sticks, and makeup I use on a daily basis..
.

.

I use this idea for for almost every drawer in the house. Now the lotions are compartmentalized separate from the body sprays...

.

.

...And my styling products are separate from the appliances.

This set up has been in place about a month with great success. It's really easy to keep things organized--even when I'm in a hurry.

.

.

The winter gear was floating aimlessly about the floor of our coat closet. I was able to move it to an empty drawer in the hall that held junk we no longer own. Again, my gloves, Andrew's gloves, snow hats, and scarves all have a home in a separate cardboard compartment.

.

.

.

...cardboard separates the long sleeved tees from the short in this drawer.

.

I could go on and on about the joys of compartments. But I won't.

.

You just don't understand the muddled environment my poor brain has been trying to function in!

.

I wish I had before and after pictures. Though honesty, I probably wouldn't post the befores anyway. I don't think I'd be comfortable with you knowing that much about me.

.

.

My jewelry has spent the last ten years thrown together in random little boxes. A couple bucks at Wal-Mart and now my earrings and necklaces are available for quick viewing and easy access.

.

(For all you jewelry thieves out there, you can officially rule out my collection. It is certainly good enough for me, but you'd probably rake in about five whole dollars for my fake diamonds and pearls)

.
.
.

I bought some sturdy boxes with lids and file folders to organize the unmanageable collection of papers and memorabilia. Want to see a pay stub from June 2007? A letter you wrote me 5 years ago? How about the AZ DiamondBack tickets from our first date? I could find it and hand it to you in a minute flat.
.

Do you like how I wrote all over the side labeled: DO NOT MARK THIS END?

I'm such a rebel.

.

.

This drawer was full of VHS's, DVD's, photographs, and warranty booklets before I got my hands on it. There is something about the sight of things lined neatly in a row that makes my heart go pitter-patter.
.

.
.

I can't even tell you all that was shoved and piled into this cupboard before I cleaned it out: books, movies, games, picture frames, holiday decor, art supplies, trash...it was a mess.

As it is right next to the TV and stereo, I transformed it into a media cabinet.

.

.

I rearranged cupboards for easy access of our games. They've spent the last three years in a deep drawer that was very frustrating to get into. You won't use what is hard to get to.
.

.

.

We even spent an entire afternoon wiping out every kitchen cabinet. It was a long time coming. We threw away several trash bags full of stuff we just don't need. I added narrow cardboard boxes on the back of the spice cabinets so that the ingredients in the back sit higher. Now I can see everything in one glance without having to rummage through it all. Also, the many loose gravy and spice packets were consolidated into one holding container.

.

Every time I open my cabinets now, I get sudden urge to cook something.

.

.

My cookbooks have spent most of their existence piled on top of each other in a deep drawer. An emptied shelf works so much better! I can see all of them at once.
.
.
.

Now, wasn't sifting through the contents of my drawers just utterly fascinating? If you are stuck with me until the very end of this post, you deserve a gold star.
.
.

I haven't reached every corner of the house yet, but just let me just share with you the benefits of de-cluttering, consolidating, and rearranging my home thus far:
.

.
1.) I found all sorts of things I forgot I even had

2.) I use what I have to a better capacity now that everything is easy to find and get to

3.) With less STUFF, I have to pick up the house less often

4.) I waste so much less time looking for what I need

5.) Laundry seems to get get accomplished at a more efficient rate

6.) Everything we own has a "home"

7.) I'm less likely to get overwhelmed by other things, because I feel more in control of my environment

8.) We have more time and space to to spread out games, hobbies, and other toys to play with

9.) I have felt more motivated to do the household chores because they feel more manageable

10.) The Spirit of the Lord dwells in our home in greater abundance
.
.
.
.
Here's the challenge: Go get rid of 25 things right now. It'll feel so much better!
.
.
.

.

PIONEER DAY

.
.
.
In these parts, the 24th of July is almost as big as the 4th. In Utah, and the surrounding areas, the entrance of Brigham Young and the first Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley, over one hundred fifty years ago, is celebrated with parades, rodeos, and firework displays.
.
.
(That was your history lesson for the day)
.
.
.
.

We kicked off our own festivities with a visit to a new restaurant in town we've been wanting to try.
.
.
.
.

Basically, they serve pizza toppings in a...

...warm...

...golden...

...soft...

...flaky...

...delectable goodness.

This may be over the top, but they really were heavenly.
.
.
.

Stuffing my face.

.

We even went back to get a dessert Bambino. We split a raspberry and cream cheese one with the same warm...

...soft...

...golden...

...flaky...

...delectible goodness.

*sigh*

.

.

Anyway, we took our food to the park across the street to enjoy... .

.

.

before taking the highway 15 minutes to the northeast...

.

....to a town even smaller than Rexburg.

.

.

But we wouldn't want to miss us a hog killin' time...

.

.

...With the Wrangler wearin', sunburn sportin', RockStar energy drinkin' locals.

.

.

Does that look tempting to anyone else?

I was referring to the wallet, by the way.

.

.

Cow-a-bunga!

.

.

Yee-haw!!
.

.

Waiting for the next buckin' bronco.

.

.

The roping and riding was great fun. Too bad it was too dark for pictures by the time the bull riding took place. Ironically, the only injury was a female barrel racer who got pinned between the fence and her horse.

.

It looked horrible...the ambulance had to remove her from the arena...and as far as I know, a broken arm and leg were involved.

.

Speaking of irony...Andrew chose the boring, uneventful barrel racing as the best time to get a snack at the concessions. He wasn't off the bleachers more than 15 seconds when the accident occurred. He missed the entire thing.

.

.

As the sun sank lower in the sky, I couldn't get enough of those cowboy silhouettes.

.

.

Romantic, Picturesque, and Dreamy...
.

.

Illusory, Idealistic, and Quixotic...
.
.
.
We love the rodeo.

.

.

Later Mater,

Rachel

.

LOOK WHAT I MADE!!

I have spent a few weeks as a substitute teacher in a partial care classroom for toddlers. All I have to say is: 25 third graders are amazingly easier than seven toddlers age 4 and under. But I have enjoyed myself. I enjoyed the challenge of keeping all of them fed, hydrated, dry, and happy all while keeping the place clean, organized, and stocked. I even found that I was kind of good at it.


Here are a few random bits of information from my experiences these last few weeks:

1. I may have come home from work anxious to show Andrew my artwork, but working with little ones is not getting paid to play.


Unless you think play means mediating constant quarrels, wiping behinds, dealing with spoiled, whiny three-year-olds, ruining your clothes, and trying to get resistant nap takers to shut up and lay down already!



2. Always, always have young children use the bathroom before outside playtime, naps, or errands. Otherwise, there WILL be accidents.



3. All toddlers spend about ten minutes singing at the top of their lungs while sitting on the potty. You have to plan for it when making a schedule.




4. Toddlers are amazingly more capable than I ever thought. My two-year-old can set the table, clear his place, clean up his toys, put puzzles together, and pretend to read books aloud to himself for almost an hour.




5. I am acquainted with a four-year-old who knows every single word of The Eye of the Tiger.




6. Things get incredibly easier when there is more than one child at a time. They play with each other. This provides me the freedom to wipe tables, take out trashes, change diapers, sweep floors, and prepare meals. Whenever I had one at a time, they were completely reliant on me for entertainment.




7. Any child in the world will inevitably ask me why I have so much fur on my arms.




8. My favorite time of day is right after naps when they are all sweet, snuggly, and sleepy eyed. Nothing warms the heart like cuddly toddler.




9. A favorite four-year-old quote after sliding into a mini inflatable pool: "WHooeee! The water is freaking cold in that bath tub!"




10. If you blow bubbles for too long as an adult, it can put you in danger of passing out.




11. If you don't make a big deal about a toddler falling down or bonking his head...either will he. Just smile and say WOW! and they will follow suit. If you look concerned they will cry.




12. Prepare for your clothes to get unbelievably dirty if caring for a group of toddlers. Don't even try to stay clean....it's physically impossible.




13. Kind firmness works leaps and bounds better than anger with a disobedient two-year-old.




14. There is no use getting upset over spills and messes. It will only happen again in the very near future.




15. Strangely, I would still like to have a large handful of kids of my own to herd around one day.
.
.
.

GREETING CARDS

.
.
.
I have saved shoe boxes full of greeting cards. I've received some fun ones over the years, and it seems a shame to keep them hidden away where they will never be seen again. I scanned a couple of favorites to share with the world...before they get shoved onto the top shelf of the closet again.
.

.

.

.
A card we received at our wedding that I thought was cute.
.
FRONT
.INSIDE .
.
.
My mother has a part-time job at Hallmark. As a result, I receive many, many cards in the mail. Not that I'm complaining. Who doesn't like Hallmark cards?
FRONT
INSIDE
.
.
.
Andrew's Easter card our first year of marriage
FRONT
INSIDE

.
.
.
An anniversary card from Dad. The eyes are the googly kind. Is it weird to say that this card totally remind me of Andrew and me?
FRONT
INSIDE

.
.
I loved the colors and and mood of this one.
FRONT
INSIDE
.
.
Dad sends a Christmas card out every year that he made. He drew this old Christmas village using pen and ink.
FRONT The front of the card is too long to fit into our scanner. So, here's the other half.
INSIDE
.
.
Christmas card I just thought was cute.
FRONT
INSIDE
.
.
A card from Andrew that just describes him so well. ( The funny part...not the druggie part)
FRONT INSIDE
.
.
A bee...wearing that birthday hat...singing that tune...Why is it so adorable to me?
FRONT INSIDE

.
.
And the most unique card award goes to this one:
What it looks like straight out of the envelope...

.
.
What it looks like after it pops up...

.
.
The actual card part is the candles that you pull out of the top of the "cake"...
FRONT

.
.
INSIDE

.
.