What I want

before I totally forget how to play.

Some of my best memories include the cello. My favorite high school teacher was my orchestra teacher, Mr. Foxley. Honestly, the best group of kids always seemed to be in the orchestra. We had good times creating beautiful music together. My day always seemed better after this class. Who doesn't forget all of the bad things when they get to play such a beautiful instrument?

I remember being scared stiff at All-state tryouts, and then making it, and feeling oh-so-lucky to be able to play the amazing music we did there. I stand by my opinion that the cello is the most gorgeous string instrument. It is mello and soulful, strong enough to build a good foundation, and independent enough to sing a melody line that brings tears. I only get to play now when I go to my parent's house for the holidays. I really need one. Before my fingers become sloppy and lost. I would love a dark, chocolate brown instrument with a strong, stable sound.



Keep wishing for me. Someday my dream may come true.

A pictoral view of our trip

The wading pools at the San Antonio Zoo


Grandpa Hoopes proudly showing off his grandsons, Tyson, Brecon, and Cael


Sea World around sunset time


It's been a long day visiting Shamu.


Remember the Alamo?


Downtown San An, taken from the River Walk


The Petting Zoo at the Snake Farm (yeah, we went to one.... don't ask)


Deep inside the Cascade Caverns. We have drops of "cave kisses" all over us that are supposed to be good luck, but are mostly very cold.

Hope you are enjoying fall as much as me!

Happy fall from my street to yours! ( I know it's already snowed a bunch up in Star Valley, so figured that the people up there might like these pictures)

The Disaster that is my house

We are home! From a very fun vacation, I might add. Home from humidity, cute little boys, a cozy guest bedroom, and some dang good brisket. And when we stepped out of the car...BRRRRR. It is fall here. All of the leaves changed on our street when we were gone (that makes me sad, because it is my favorite thing to watch). So, Tyson has been busy on the sofa watching the city street sweeper suck up all of the leaves. On our street, we don't rake, but blow all of the leaves onto the street where they are taken care of. Saves hours. I don't think this happens on all streets in Cedar though. Anyway.....

My house is a nightmare, as I'm sure all of you who have been on trips can relate to. Stacks of souvenir papers lying around, bottles of shampoo waiting to be put back in the shower, bags of toys that need to find a home, etc. I did manage to stock the fridge back up yesterday. Heaven help us if we go past one day without milk. (that's Dusty's philosophy) Ironically, I am finding time to do a blog post. I better make it quick.

Bummer, I can't post any pictures. They are having problems. Maybe next post.

I have quite a few things to get done this weekend. Some are "for sure", and some are "if we have time".

Get my sharing time ready
Pull out Halloween decorations
Temple Trip
Put clothes away
Clean up garden area
Check out X-mas music at Cedar Music (before all of the good stuff's gone)
Think up Halloween costumes for spooky party at Bonnie's house
download some songs from itunes
oh yeah, clean up my house

San Antonio

We are leaving tomorrow! It has been awhile since we have gone "anywhere" really. By "anywhere" I mean out of the tri-state area. This is the first I have wanted to travel with Tyson. Before, it would have been too hard to take an optional trip. Driving somewhere in the car is hard enough. Since I am a list creator, I have my various notebook pages filled with: what goes in Dusty's carry-on, what goes in Jess' carry-on, what snacks to pack, etc. I know that millions of people fly with their children everyday, but this is very new to me, and I want to think of everything I can in advance to avoid major meltdowns. I know, I have them quite frequently, but I wasn't talking about me..... :)

Some websites that have been helpful are:
the government's TSA website. They outline what you can carry-on very specifically, which is nice. A website about flying with your children, and their top 4 recommended things to do along with links to other articles and blogs. And this mom's blog about her frequent flying with her children.

One thing one of the these mentioned was to dress nicely since people will assume that you will be more easy to get along with. Not that I had intended to go in my jim-jams or anything, but this is something I had never really thought about before in an airport way, but that makes perfect sense. It's easier to go very casual. (obviously we don't fly first-class too often.... or ever) Since I am no longer nursing Tyson I don't have to worry about that, and I won't have to wonder about all of the horror stories that are out there lately about getting kicked off the plane. And that also means that I can't wear my super-short skirt either. Dang.

But most of all, we are excited to see Ben, Becky, Cael,and Brecon. I know Tyson is going to have fun playing with the boys, or more likely, Cael. This will be their first time. I'm excited to play with Becky too, but that's a whole new blog post. Catch ya'all when we get back!

Don't cry over spilled milk

Know that saying? Well, this time I think I will.

KEY PLAYERS: Computer, stupid parent, Tyson, and half empty glass of milk.

Can anybody guess what happens next? Yes, it's true, Tyson knocked over the milk all over our keyboard. Now, it isn't working and we can't log into our computer until we get a new one. I am doing this post from my aunt's laptop. Quelle bummer.

So, I might be missing from the blog world until we get a new keyboard from Apple. And, we are going to San Antonio next week, so it might even be longer. Hope you guys don't miss me too much.

I can't believe how attached I am to my dang computer. I am seriously having withdrawals. I am getting all shaky and everything! (jk)

P.S. Meggie, (my cousin) is taking me to Braun Books to cheer me up since I can't do any online shopping. Thanks scuz- short for scousin (sister-cousin)