Updates

We made it back from Memphis! I took a few pictures, but none that turned out, so sorry! I actually found Memphis to be a bit scary. I've been so much more comfortable in Orlando when we've gone there. Maybe it's because I've lived in a small town for the past (almost) 6 years, or maybe it really was scary. Who knows? I spent a lot of time in the hotel, which was wonderful! It was great to be able to spend some time by myself since I don't get a lot of that & it's something that I value. Our hotel was just across the freeway from St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Ever since Adam was in Primary Children's for so long when he was a baby I've had such a fascination & respect for children's hospitals. So, I was going to take the trolley over to the hospital & visit, but I woke up with a sore throat & I didn't think they'd appreciate me bringing that in, so I watched people go in & out of the hospital from my hotel room window & wished them well. I didn't make it to Graceland, either. I know, I know. It's Elvis. But, we'll be going to back another year, so I promised I'd go then. But we did have some incredible ribs! So so so so good. I've been craving them since we got home so we're going to try our hand at some for dinner tomorrow. I'm excited!

Our kids did really well while we were gone. Ben's wonderful mom came to stay with them. They had a great time! If they had their choice all of our families would live with us. Or I guess we could just make it easy and live in Utah! If only. :) It was really nice that she tried to stick to our schedule & discipline. We didn't have to change or re-do anything when we got home. It was great! However. Our dog went into heat just before we left. It was awful. Abby said she was "overheated" and that meant that she's having puppies. She wants Sunny to have puppies so bad! So, needless to say, we're getting her fixed this next week. No more of that!!! My poor mother-in-law. She doesn't love dogs to begin with, then to have to deal with that! Yikes.

I'm working on getting Allie used to the idea of being potty trained. You think after potty training 3 kids it would be a breeze. It's not. I've found with the other kids though that once they have the idea in their head, it doesn't take them long to get used to the idea of using the potty. We went & bought the pinkest, girliest potty we could find & Allie hates it. I did get her to sit on it once, but that's it. So, it'll be an adventure for sure! Hopefully in the next few weeks we'll really get started on it. I know with the other 3 there were times that I had to practically scream in my head, "PATIENCE!!!!"

I've been in sort of a funk lately. I've found myself dwelling on things that don't need/deserve my attention. I don't know if anyone else gets that way, but it's frustrating! I find that I worry too much about what other people may or may not think about me. I always worry that people think I'm weird or awkward or fake or annoying. Seriously, why should it matter? So, I'm trying to start focusing on myself & my family more. That's what deserves the most attention anyways because that's what is most important. I feel like I do a pretty good job, but there is always room for improvement. So, basically - less time at the computer/on the phone/reading & more time with my kids & Ben. And more time with me, too.