I Have NOT Forgotten....

we have a contest. One of my sons...who will remain NAMELESS for now...messed with my password settings in my computer and now I can't get on my computer at all!

What does that effect you ask?

My cooking
Calling anyone out of the country
My flight to the states
Contact information from my friends I'm meeting up with here
My home finding plans

MY BLOG!

So here I am at 1 am my time {after 18 hours spent at airports on 3 different flights} posting a post to let you know that tomorrow when I can think I will get online and make more sense.

I hope!

Pictures from the States.

It was quite silly that I didn't bring a camera to document my travel to the states. But I knew I wanted to leave as much space as possible to bring things back. I do wish I had brought it though. You would have seen some great pictures of me and my Target "crush". (The store) Oh well, next time!!!Here I am with my sister Anna's oldest, Kay and my brother Robbie's oldest, Ethan. I love being an aunt!!!
This girl is so sweet. She reminds me of her mom, my little sister so much. Anna was aways smiling and happy.
Me and my little "sis" Anna. I'm so proud of her mothering skills.
My "little" brother Dave. We played a rousing game of Phase 10, remember Dave how competitive you were? Hee, hee.
Jenny, Anna and I after game night. I love these two! My youngest two and both of their oldest two are all about the same age. It's very (crazy) fun when we all get together.

Daddy's girls we will always be. Miss you all!!!

Coming Home...

This is what my carry on looked like. I had to get all three kid's home school textbooks back here to CR. With over 190 pounds of books to bring home, this is how I did it. After I met my 50 pound allotment for my 2 check in "blue bins", I packed my carry-on like this. Even though you are only allowed 40 pound for your carry ons, I know they don't check the weight. I figured as long as I kept my facial expression from showing how much exertion it took to move this baby, I would be o.k. You should have seen my humongous purse. It alone weighed 50 lbs, and with the textbook suitcase I was wheeling 120 pounds through the airports. I almost made it too, until the last flight home, I met the steward in the isle as "he" asked, "Mam, can I help you with these?"

"Augh."

"Well."

" NO!"

I then dropped my bags and ran for safety!!!! I almost got away then...

Just kidding, I spilt the beans about my secret and said he could only help me if he didn't report me to the female stewardess who tend to be a little more strict when it comes to rules. You know, like female cops.

{Rosie, sorry about the stewardess comment. :) } He was pretty cool about it. I'm glad I didn't run.

I should have pictures of family soon, I didn't bring a camera so I need to get them emailed to me. I'm warning you I don't have very many!

Oh How Fast that Week Flew By!!!

I arrived "home" here in gorgeous Costa Rica late last night. With a tough bout of car sickness, I was hoping to sneak in and crash in bed. That however, was not to be the case. As my taxi pulled up my kids had placed themselves as ornamental statues on our fence. How cute is that? Even the youngest of our crew climbed up. I was covered in snuggles and kisses, what more could a mommy desire?

The most impressive homecoming event had to be the state of our home. It was tidy!!!! Not only tidy but reorganized. My fridge, microwave and table were all rearranged into a better configurement for our (ridiculously tiny) small quarters. Ladies, how romantic is that?????

I will post more of my adventures in Cali probably tonight.

I Have "Arrived"

I got to LAX safe and sound late Wednesday. The biggest treat, my "little" sister and her husband picked me up.

So my time here has been spent without much sleep, running around, snuggling my nieces and nephews, hitting clearance racks full of "summer" clothes and enjoying a few of my favorite indulgences. In-and-Out was my first "pleasure" I attended to and I'll have to say (don't hate me) it was good but not great! I can tell that I've become accustomed to different flavors in my short 5 months in Costa Rica. Interesting. :)

I also took a break from my attempts to attack my do to list and spent the evening with my beloved store "Borders". Remember, they have the better hot chocolate compared to Barnes and Noble. Although Barnes and Noble has the better seating situation. Now that was just what I had hoped it would be. I was like a kid in a candy store. I was ready to devour all of the books on the shelves but alas, my checking account forbid it. I also have a 50 pound weight limit on my luggage. So I grabbed a few I've been meaning to read and sat, tapped my foot along with the jazzy music being played and sipped my cocoa. Heaven.

My only "pleasure" left on my list is my Ruby's chocolate malt with extra malt. I love these so much that when I'm pregnant I only allow myself to digest one my entire pregnancy. I worry if I don't curb this craving, I'll be huge. So tomorrow it's off to Ruby's, either before or after I meet with the tax guy. I'll do it after, I'm going to need it then!

I'm leaving here...

in 1 hour and 35 minutes. I bet you're wondering if I'm ready.

Thanks for asking. Actually, I have yet to pack a thing, my little one just redecorated my master bedroom in the new fall style, "au la toilet paper" and I still need to get in the shower. And where am I?

I'm here writing this post to say,"I'M OUTTA HERE in 1 hour and 33 minutes!!!!" See ya soon!!!

I'M COMING HOME!!!

That was not a typo!!!! I'm headed home as an "unaccompanied" adult!

I have a family event to attend. I get a whole week, all by myself!!! Oh, can I say that again? I get an entire week all by MYSELF! I'm even excited to sit in an airplane for 9 hours; did I mention all by myself?!?!?!

Living in our "cozy" quarters here, I'm looking forward to {non-echoing} space.

My second son said the strangest thing yesterday. "Mom, I kinda like living in a small house." I just smiled and thought, "How great for him." :)

This is what is on my "bucket list" for my short visit to the states:

1. Walk into a Target store, kiss the ground {don't think I'm exaggerating here} then spend the next 3 hours browsing through the glorious aisles of consumables.

2. I'm headed to In-In-Out to get a cheeseburger animal style, protein style. My mouth is watering now. Heck, maybe I'll live dangerously, forgo the protein style and eat the bun.

3. I'm going to try and spend time with some of my great friends. {I'm so lucky in this category}

4. I'm going to take a long bath every night. With bubbles.

5. I'm going to spend time with my family and smush my nieces and nephews!! {Thought I'd give fair warning}

6. I'm going to do my hair every morning and have it look good all day. No humidity, here I come!!!

7. One more food item I have to devour; a chocolate malt from Ruby's. This is my favorite treat!

8. I will go to church Sunday {3 hours only} and hear the gospel taught in English. I'm so excited about this! Especially for Relief Society {the women's meeting}.

9. Borders here I come. I'm ordering their scrumptiously yummy hot chocolate Then I'm going to sit and read and read and read as my feet tap away to the live band playing. I will do this until they throw me out.

10. I'm going to hit Old Navy, Gymboree and Gap. Whooo whooo. Honey, I'm warning you now. I need to get a six month supply of shoes, shirts, underwear, socks, our favorite toothpaste and such for 5 growing kids and 2 adults. So be prepared sweetheart. :)

I have to keep my smiling to a minimum, the kids want to come so bad!!!!


Opps! Jenny pointed out I forgot to mention "when" my plane touches ground. I shall arrive September 17th or 18th.

A Shout Out to my Amigas...

“Indian wisdom says our lives are rivers. We are born somewhere small and quiet and we move toward a place we cannot see but only imagine. Along our journey, people and events flow into us, and we are created of everywhere and everyone we have passed. Each event, each person, changes us in some way. "

-1st paragraph from "Tending Roses"

I've used this quote before, however pulling a different meaning. I'd like to re-quote here.

It's not as tacky as re-gifting. Which of course I've never done, even when I received 5 rice steamers as wedding gifts, {which I love rice steamers} and forgot I stuck the cards inside the boxes, then wrapped one up to give to another couple because we were dirt poor young marrieds. Yeah. That was embarrassing.

I love the words "people and events "flow" into us..." Isn't that just pristine? I've been contemplating the people that have flowed into my life experience. All of them adding joy in my life. Yep, some when they flowed in and others when they "flowed" out!!! Lol { I know that wasn't correct grammar, but it's midnight and it works for me}

I have been very lucky in the friend department. I truly have. The best thing about "mis amigas" is the variety in personalities. All of them are important to me but so different. I am often caught commenting that if I could stir us up and then sift off our best qualities we would make the perfect women.

So here is a tribute to my best buddies:

There is Penny.

Here she is with her beautiful daughter who modeled as a paper doll in a previous post. You might recognize her. :)

Penny is one tough {black belt} cookie. She keeps me on my toes by questioning anything she thinks might need to be questioned. And her favorite questions are ones that might make someone squirm, just a little. She has yet to make me uncomfortable, try as she may, I don't think she can do it! And yes, Penny, that is a challenge! She is a wonderfully patient, playful mom and a good example to me in many, many more ways. When times are tough she has taught me to grasp on to spiritual knowledge and I love her for this.

This is Cindy

{We are all in black in white because of reasons relating to vanity, we look better this way!} Cindy does the most creative things with her little ones. She has a apron with pockets that hold fun toys and activities and I will admit here and now, that I covet that apron. She will tell you ever so gently {not! hee, hee} if you aren't doing what you should be doing. She has a clap that she does when all is right in the world and it makes me smile just thinking about it. And her sweetheart and munchkins come before all else in her temporal life. I love it.

Meet MaryAnn

MaryAnn is easy going and fun. She is the great keeper of traditions. Even my husband {who wouldn't notice if I changed out all our furniture and painted the walls bright purple} mentions how great her home looks during the holidays. She has taught me the importance of the handwritten "thank you" card and celebrating a friends birthday on her actual birthday. She held my hand as I strained under the weight of helping my mother pass from this life. She is cool on the outside, but on the inside she is sensitive to the struggles of others and does what she can to relieve them.

My friend Christine

We go way back to our last year of girls camp. That's where I first met Christine. It was after we had found our true loves and started having children that we really start to become good friends. I hope that just being friends with Christine will give me "spiritual bonus points". My plan is to announce at the pearly gate, "Hey, I know Christine, can you let me in??? Please!!!!" {She would get embarrassed to hear me talk about her like that, but it's my blog. Hee, hee.} Christine is a wonderfully supportive wife. Her honey has so much on his plate and she does what she can to support him. She is kind, hard working and never speaks negatively of anyone. She just graduated with her bachelors degree and is quite the intelligent one. She also is an artist and the best family home evening lesson creator. {family home evening being one night a week (usually Monday) we stay home as a family and have a quick spiritual lesson and fun family time} At my house FHE would have a different description {being one night a week, we constrain the kids to the couch by sitting on them, to listen as we try to feed them spiritually and they now announce all the huge homework assignments that have just entered their minds and all of the sudden are of the utmost importance} Sorry, lets get back to Christine.

She is humble and a great leader. I'm thankful to have her as a friend.

I also have Nikki, Tracy, Christina, Sharla, Tonja, Shanie, Louann, Andrea, Kristen and many more buddies that have changed me for the better. I am thankful for friends. It hasn't been as easy here to make them and because of that my appreciation level has soared. Thank you from way over here in Costa Rica for what you "all" mean to me. Oh and now a few more have entered my mind. Boy, am I lucky.

Love ya all.



TIP:

One of my above mentioned friends got this tip from her mother. When you receive a thank you card or little note from a friend, find a basket and tuck it in there. Collect your notes throughout your life and tuck them in the basket. Then when you are having the "rare" down day, grab your basket {some Dryers ice cream} and sit for awhile. Go through them and I can promise you they are a great "pick me up". It has also helped me to be better to sit and write those important thank you notes.

Another idea:

This would be a great gift don't you think? If you have a friend you know who needs a good pick me up you could write your note of appreciation, attach it to a cute basket {filled with a few yummies, o.k. I've got little ones I can say yummies} and then tell her what the basket is for {filling with thank yous to come}. You could also get a few of her closest friends to write a "card of appreciation" too. That way it will already be filled. Or you could have them mail in within the week. How cool would that be?!?!?!? I amaze myself sometimes.

Less than 24 hours...

Here it is, the day of our departure. Wes is still at our home getting last minute things done. (breathe breathe) We visited with some wonderful friends for FHE at the park last might. That was such a treat!!!
So here is our situation. We need to show proof that we are leaving the country in 3 months and the bus we are going to use won't sell tickets to us over the phone/internet. Our first experience with the slower life of Costa Rica. We won't be getting on the plane tonight unless we get a hold of his sister and she can work some magic on her end. As of late, I can't reach her. I love this last minute stress.
The kids are exhausted as are we. But we all are in good spirits. Wish us luck!!! I don't think I can wait another week to leave.
Did you know today is Earth day????

About Two Weeks Left!!!!

Aughhhhhh! Can I make it? Breathe Shawna, just breathe.
I just finished reading a wonderful blog about the insects, snakes and venimus creatures in the area we will be living. Compiled with the stress I feel right now to relocate my family of 7 out of the country in 16 days, I'm about to change my mind. {Did I just write that outload???} I will remind myself in the morning that this is a dream my sweetheart and I have and it will all work out. Everything is better in the morning, right???

This is called a Hercules Beetle. They are huge and make great pets.
I have to remember Hercules Beetle good. Ants o.k. Scorpions won't kill. Caterpillars very bad! Snakes, just stay away from them!!

They're Here...

Our passports arrived! Yeah! The kids were thrilled to hold such an important document that held their picture.
Our government at work, they came in under 3 weeks. Considering the 4-6 week time frame they were supposed to arrive, I'm pretty stoked.
It already looks like Costa Rica here. We live on a couple of acres in Riverside and the reptiles are arriving. Wes finally captured the male snake lizard he had been after since we moved here. Arrh, arrh, arrh for him. Then during our 4th garage sale {where did I get all this stuff!} he found a huge snake! Oh and did I mention the little frog we found?
Three weeks left.

More Things to Do

5 weeks left.
I called the school to see about getting the actual textbooks that the kids are using this year. I also washed the little guy’s car seats. They were pretty dirty.
Landon has a new trick. When we go through a drive-thru, he says, “catch mom, catch!” Meaning throw me some food. I will admit to throwing things like burritos, hamburgers and chicken nuggets, (one at a time) all the way to the back of my SUV. Thank goodness I've got great aim. Needless to say, you can tell that I do this!!!
The car seats are sparkling now, the car is cleaned out and on it’s way to being sparkling itself. “Now Shawna, don’t feed the kids in the car! Just don’t do it!!! No matter how loud they get!” I keep telling myself this. :)

It's official! We are going!

Last Tuesday we took the older 4 kids in and did their passport paperwork. Besides me bringing the wrong birth certificates (I grabbed the color copies) and having to head home to get them, everything went well! Wes didn't even complain too much. What a good guy!
I did the kid’s pictures for their passports early in the morning hence the reason they were late Tuesday. Oh, well.
They aren’t the best pictures of my little ones. Aiden looks like I hit him over the head then snapped his picture. What a funny look!
This Tuesday it will be five weeks and counting. 4, 3, 2, you get the picture! There is so much to do before we leave. Can I make it?
Some things to get done before we leave:
Figure out the home schooling/public school situation
Is Wes driving the car there (2 week drive) or are we paying 80% tax to ship it? Hummmm?
What cooking supplies do I absolutely need? Can I convince Wes I need the bread maker?
How can I pack 2 large Tonka trucks??
This house has to be packed and ready. Augh!!!
What storage unit should I use? (Find the cheapest!)
Get my blog started on dail-up, aughhhhhh. Taking forever.

Good thing I work well under pressure.