"He gave me butterflies"

Mom and I were sitting at the dinner table the other night waiting for Dad to

come in so we could pray and I asked how she and dad are still together. I mean, for as much as they fight you'd think they'd have gotten divorced long ago. She says their bickering is just habit but that they really do love each other. As dad waddled into the kitchen mom told me about what happened between them on Saturday. She began by saying this: "You know, your dad gave me butterflies in my stomach the other day. He winked at me."

By this time dad had sat down at the table with us and mom started to giggle like a little school girl and looked at him like he was the cheese to her macaroni. I'd have gotten

a little sick at all this showing of affection if it hadn't a been so dang cute!

So of course dad smiles back at hear and says "Now, tell the whole story."

So, evidenty mom had been angry at dad before they reported to work at the temple because he is so stinking

slow at getting ready and leaving on time. But of course once she got to the temple she was ok.

They were both working the veil that night but didn't know it. Mom brings the girl up

and when she knocked it was dad who opened the curtain.

Her eyes got all big and her mouth dropped open a little bit in surprise and then

... then that's when dad winked at her and mom got butterflies.

You shoulda seen them giggle and goo all over from that all the way through dinner.

They sure do love each other!

I guess that was all after a girl accidently stuck dad in the ear with her finger. Too bad it wasn't wet.. though a Wet Willie probably wouldn't be too

appropriate in the temple....

Bab Animal Days, Washington State and The News

A little over a month ago I took Abbie to "Baby Animal Days" at the Heritage Farm. I was a little skeptical because I was afraid it would be the animals we see on our drive to Laketown. But it turned out to be wonderful. Abbie rode a horse (she asked specifically that I add the horse photo), held or pet lots of different animals like chickens, ducks, a baby turtle, baby goats, lambs, cows, rabbits, etc. My favorite were the rabbits. No other children were around and this lady was holding 2 little rabbits. So Abbie walked up and snuggled her little nose right up against one of the baby rabbits nose. And the baby rabbit just snuggled right back. It was so adorable.

Benjamin, Abbie, Elaine (Benjamin's sister) and I all went to Washington State the other weekend and had a wonderful time. I finally met Debbie, Benjamin's older sister, and her family. We even talked to John, Debbie's husband via skype who is in Afganistan.

Some of my favorite experiences in Washington was seeing Debbie and John's children's (John, Rachel, Marty, Daniel and Fallon) fort in the midst of the blackberry bushes.

We also went to the "duck park", built a tower that was taller than Daniel and as tall as Marty.

We all had a wonderful family dinner with 2 of Benjamin's uncles and aunts and some of their children and grandchildren. And played in one of the coolest backyards at Uncle Nathaniel and Aunt Cindy's house.

We enjoyed blue sky's and rain. We had great conversations, good food and we came home happy and healthy. =)

OK, last but not least. Benjamin and I found out today what we are having. Yeah!!! It was, of course, exciting. There are many in the family that have not yet written or called or even texted to tell me whether or not you can come to the July 9 - 11th family party at Martin's Cove. So, as soon as you respond to me with a "yes" or "no" I will gladly share our news about our littlest baby. If you know already please don't tell.

We look forward in hearing from each of you. =)

California Trip!!!!

So, I really wanted to blog a post about our California trip, but then I remembered I need to do laundry, and then my MacBook battery died, so.... after a 4 minute search for the dang charger and an almost full load of laundry... here we go. Are you excited? Good!

Days 1 and 2

Wyatt picked me up and we drove to Sandy's where we had dinner, roasted marshmallows with GIANT marshmallows inside. That's right, inside on their indoors smore maker thingy.

Then we went to bed. I didn't stir once when the kids were getting ready and going to bed. When I woke up Wyatt was up and ready and talking with Alden so I did the only thing I could think to do... I went and climbed in bed with Sandy, my sister, and we talked for quite a while. We departed and made it to Rio Vista with no troubles. I met Uncle Paul (90) and Marlene (younger than 90 but wouldn't fess up to her age), and loved them instantly! We had dinner and played cards, as Paul is an avid card "shark" I did well the first few rounds... and then they creamed me! But I learned some way sweet games!

Day 3

My phone doesn't work at Uncle Paul's. I almost died having nothing to do after everyone went to bed. I almost started re-reading Oliver Twist. I woke up to a deep rumbling voice saying "well we could always go ring the Rotary Bell to get her out of bed". I stumbled into the living room and grumbled "I'm awake" while everyone giggled at my tired face and bed head as I curled up on the couch and nearly went back to bed.

We had breakfast then went for a swim. I would post photos, but it's bad enough being in a swimming suit without letting the whole woldwide web see. Lol. We swam for over an hour and a half, and Uncle Paul did laps the entire time. man I hope when I get old I'm like him! Then we went golfing... my first experience. Ever.

I was so amazing that... I became the designated golf cart driver.

Then we went to a bar and got pina coladas and say tons of dead animals on the walls, including wolves, a tiger, and an elephant. It's head is bigger than my whole body! After drinks we went to a little restaurant on the Sacramento River called "The Point" and I had my first fish that wasn't Tuna or fish sticks. It was a tasty piece of Cod.

After that Uncle Paul killed me at cards and we all went to bed early because we were so worn out!

Day 4

We left early in the morning and took the ferry to San Francisco where we met Judy and Jim... who drank an entire bottle of wine and thoroughly entertained us on the trip over!

We took the subway to our hotel, Aida, which I found out was a Hostel. We opened the door to our room and found a bed. One. We had reserved a private bathroom and 2 beds. *gulp* We dropped our bags and had this conversation Me: "well... if you promise not to attack me in the night I'm ok with it" Wyatt: "Maybe I can sleep on the floor. There's space but no blankets." Me: "that's sick. Who knows what's on this floor." Wyatt: "I'll just take BART back to Aunt Judy's and stay there tonight." Me: "Yeah freaking right!!!! You're not leaving me here by myself!!!!"

So we went back to the office and got a new room. Getting back on the elevator I noticed this sign:

Our new room may have had a sock left on top of the phone, a shower full of hair, a sink that looks like it hasn't been cleaned since the building was built, and no screens in the windows (we were on the 6th floor), making it perfect for suicide attempts, but it did have an amazing view from 2 that's right, 2 windows.

We dropped all our stuff off then walked to Chinatown

Then we walked down to the piers and ate here

I had mahi mahi, the best fish I've EVER eaten (considering it's only my second time)

Then we caught the cable cars to Market Street and took the Subway here

The Orpheum theater where we watched Wicked. I am still speechless about its amazing-ness. Seriously.

We got hot chocolate and donuts and walked the streets amongst the homeless until midnight or so then went to bed.

Day 5

We left the hotel bright and early and took the subway down to the Pier where we both bought jackets because the wind was so freaking cold!!! We wandered around Pier 35 for a few hours then went to Alcatraz Island!!!

It's my 2nd time there and I think I liked it even better than the 1st time!!! I highly recommend going if you have a chance! The audio tour is awesome! The voices

are those of the guards and prisoners who were on "The Rock" back in the day.

When we got back to the piers we had clam chowder in famous sourdough bread bowls and walked to Gheradelli Square and didn't buy any chocolate because it is stinking expensive and they tried to kill me when they gave me chocolate that had peanutbutter hiding in it. bleck!!!!

By this time we were getting pretty tired, but Judy, Wyatt's aunt who was supposed to meet us in the city for dinner and take us to her house for the night wasn't answering the phone.

We took a Trolly Car (yes! I finally rode one!!!) back to our hotel to get our bags and trapsed the streets for a few more hours and found an old 50's diner to eat at. Judy finally called at around 9pm and we took the train under the bay to the island of Alameda. This is us at the end of the day...

We got to Alemeda and the whole time Wyatt was talking to his aunts and I was joining in sporatically all I could think was "I wanna take a shower and go to bed! *whine* I just wanna take a shower and go to bed!!!!!" Fianlly that is exactly what I did.

Wyatt had to wake me up the next mornin and I about bit his head off I was so grouchy. I got over it quickly though.

We drove to Sacramento and I met up with Christina Jenkins

One of my VERY FAVORITE companions!!! My head's really not that big... er her's isn't really that small. It's just gotta be the angle. Holy jeez... is my head really that big!?!? *cough cough* I digress.

So we wandered for a few hours then got lost on our way to Wyatt's Uncle Bill's house. We found out then went out and had, no joke, the best Chinese food I have ever eaten in my life!!!! And I found out I hate the smell of red wine. Bleck!!!

Wyatt and I were so tired and ready to be done that we were completely fine with just renting a movie and veging. Ooh and I met a ferret!!! She was awesome and cute. Even though she smelled.

Day 6

We drove home. I slept most of the way as I had been up on the phone with a new friend, He's English *wink wink* until like 5:30. We made a stop in Elko for lunch and dropped off Tiffany's birthday gift, but other than that we drove straight through. Wyatt is incredible.

We had discussed which way to come home and decided on the Evanston rather than Logan route simply because.... well those of you not from Bear Like might not understand, but you know how you see the lake and think "I'm hone!"?? Well, we really wanted to get home and realized that if you come through Logan canyon you see the Lake like 30 minutes before you actually get home. On the other hand, if you go through Evanston you drop down and see the lake and *duh duh duh duh!!!!* you're home! The thought of being tricked we didn't like. So Evanston won.

It was a good trip. It was a GREAT trip!!!! And, Wyatt and I didn't hook up, AND we're still great friends after being together for almost a week straight. Woot woot!!! And I still haven't unpacked.

Spring '10 Grades :D

I have been waiting to write this post for about a week but had one last thing I was waiting for...

Spring '10 Grades

Social Work Practice II A

Social Work Practice III A

Child Welfare A

Mental Health A

USU Chorale (Choir) A

Statistics 1040 B

That's the best looking report card I have EVER gotten!!!

They didn't post my Stats grade until the last day possible... but I was checking it multiple times a day waiting for it until then.

I discovered I only had to get a 50% on the final to get a C in the class, which was enough for me to get into Social Statistics (my final Stats class). However, the final was comprehensive and pretty darn scary and I was honest to goodness afraid I would going to fail it AGAIN!! But no. I got a B!!! I'm the kinda girl who is ecstatic when I get a B. All these A's I've been getting recently have really thrown me off... they feel kind of out of place in a way.

Graduation

Tiffany has really been working hard at school and overcoming all kinds of obsticles. She has not only caught up her classes she has actually earned the credits she needs to graduate, as a junior. It will be an adult diploma but I am just thrilled that she has finished! The down side is her graduation is the 29th of May. She said Twila needs you all more and she understands that you will think of her while you work. We had planned to make a surprise drive so Alden could contribute (his idea) but Tiffany needs us here. Tiffany said "we'll send pictures Grandma and Grandpa."

Fix this problem NOW!

Yesterday at work we decided to go for a walk. I was pushing the wheelchair, enjoying the nice weather and good (though sparse) conversation. Then we got to our first cross walk. It looked something like this;

For Pete's sake, how was I supposed to get the wheelchair around those silly cars (there was one going straight and one turning right) without putting Skylor or myself in danger? We'd have to practically go into oncoming traffic to get around that silly car. We could have done this;

and gone around behind the blinking car, but the curb was too high behind the car and I didn't want to risk dumping Sky out of his chair, plus another car came up and stopped directly behind the other car and there was no way the wheelchair was going to fit between them.

At the very next block something like this is what we saw;

And at the next block we saw something like this;

We even ran into this at one point;

The point of all my ranting and raving is this;

I would REALLY love to see the crosswalks look like this;

so this can happen without problem.

If you are one of those people that pull up over the crosswalk PLEASE STOP!!

The striped lines are there for a reason!!

I'm sure you've been on a bike ride before and had to stop and wait for a car to get out of the way so you could go, or had to swerve in front of, or behind a car parked in the way. Or best of all, thought you had seen the end of days when a person turning right came careening to a stop about three inches from your bicycle as you were trying to cross the street.

Everyone know that feeling? Being in a wheelchair is even scarier. It's like a part of your being (since these people generally spend a large majority of their time in their wheelchairs). Plus the bumper is right in front of your face.

So PLEASE park behind the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk you can still see the sidewalk and you know how far back you need to park!!

That is all. Thank you.

Taylor's address

Hey wonderful family!!! We now have Taylor's address!!! Twila says he is SUPER homesick and would love a letter whenever you have time so.... here is his address.

Taylor Baysinger

9147 N. Silver Lake Drive

Ceder Hills, UT

84062

Proof that it is finals week

About this time of year Hell is lovingly composed into one word for me: Finals. Yeah, that's right. Unlike BYU and some other schools around here, we are still in school, still fighting with ourselves to get out of bed to go to class in a snowstorm, and still frantically trying to care.

Since Spring Break I have had the hardest time concentrating! I cannot concentrate in class, while doing homework... even during movies. Spring Break broke me. If that isn't crappy enough, reading has also gotten much less enjoyable. I even struggle with the Book of Mormon! I can no longer read anything without a pen in my hand, and all my books are annotated. You'd be surprised how many things connect with Jane Austen or Virginia Woolf!

So here I am, 1 week to go, procrastinating finals. Since I have already turned in 1 paper and did a presentation, I only have 1 project, 3 papers and 2 exams left. Not too bad huh? I know it seems like a lot, but keep in mind that I am a Senior finishing my English Lit degree so... so it is expected. Yes, if you want to know, I'd rather lay in the middle of the street.... ok that's harsh.... I'd rather lay in the middle of a bike path (that's better) than do my work, but it's not going to get itself done and I'm not rich enough to pay someone else to do it. Not like I would anyway...

Here's the crappiest part about Finals. I realize how much I have not learned. Sometimes it is at fault of a professor who cannot or will not teach, but mostly it is because of me. Even if I care about something and really want to learn about it I forget. I mean, I didn't even remember there was a dragon in "Beowulf" for crying out loud, and I read it like 3 times!! In class yesterday Dr. McCuskey who, you might be surprised because of all my griping about him, is one of my favorite professors, told us about the completely ridiculous final exam he is going to give us. We have something like 16 characters and 8 or 9 books that we will write about. Originally I thought "ok, that's not so bad" but then he had to go all creative on us and explain that for our final exam we will take on the persona of one of the characters and write about a different novel. Yeah, that's right. I not only have to remember what the book was about, but I also have to remember the style and opinions of the characters. I am screwed!

Ok right here I am going to admit to a very embarrassing moment

Dr. McCuskey looked around the room, a little happy smile on his face as he told us about our assignment and stopped to look at the thunder cloud that had formed over my section of the room. Ok, just over me. Poor Dr. McCuskey says "we ok Erica" and I reply with "No comment, I hate you" Ahhhhhh I told McCuskey I hate him!!!!! Why did I do that!?!?!?!?!??!!?!??! I don't really hate him, I like him very much, especially with his beard, but.... but my mouth just decided to vocalize my brain's frustration. The class broke into laughter but poor McCuskey lookedcompletely taken aback and just kind of kept going with the lecture. I'm sure it's the first time someone has done that.... A few minutes later he teased "You still hate me?" "No" I say "I was only kidding. Now I feel really bad. I heart you *forms hand heart now but McCuskey looks away before he sees it... which is probably a very good thing*" and again a few minutes later he looks at me again and the room goes silent while he looks at me. "You're my favorite" I say. Dr. McCuskey replies "You know, it seems a thin line between love and like, and it always seems to be the same person that says the same thing" He was again surprised when other girls in the class laughingly agreed.

After class I bravely yet shakingly went to the front of the room to apologize. Dr. McCuskey graciously accepted my apology and said that he knows I don't really hate and *something else that I didn't really catch because I was so nervous*, and that since he teases us he can only courteously do the same for us. Great. Me: "you're not going to fail me are you?" Him:.... I cannot remember what he said, but I'm pretty sure it meant No. *sigh*