The Trek East #1

Jeffrey giving a thumbs up as we pass through Nevada.

Nevada at dusk.


Wednesday afternoon we began our eastward move. With the 6'x12' trailor in tow we got 9 mpg over the Sierras. We averaged 45 mph and at times we were going 35. Mark turned on the hazards and we were being passed by diesel trucks. But, going so slow, this time I noticed for the first time the wild flowers and the different shades of green on the evergreen trees. I can't count how many times I've made the drive and never noticed. Who knew!

Both Jeffrey and Malia got car sick, but we were blessed that they threw up at a gas station and not in the car! What a mess that would have been!

We've made it to UT and spent yesterday with Jeremy's family. Jeffrey played video games with Canyon. Brooklynn met their neighbor girl and she came over to play barbies. Malia spent the day sleeping and Mark and I played cards with Bridget and Jeremy. The ladies won- of course! Congrats to us!!

My sister, Rachel, was able to come up from Provo for lunch. She brought along her "friend" who receives our stamp of approval. He helped Mark unhitch the trailor which was more of a challenge that we thought it would be.

The drama for the day was Brooklynn's blood blister. She got it a few days ago from her roller skates. Yesterday it was swollen and her entire toe was red. Mark was able to get most of it drained while I held her and Bridget got needles, bandaids, salt water, etc. Hopefully it's looking better this morning, or we'll need to get her an antibiotic.

Today we're off to visit with Mark's family!

Catch Up

Brooklynn had her 5th birthday last week and Malia was blessed on Sunday.

The kids had cousin camp last week and had a great time with all their cousins.. It was great to be able to send the kids somewhere a f ew mornings and keep on packing.

The Yard Sale

Neither Mark nor I have ever put together a yard sale before and we're not yard sale shoppers. So, this was an interesting experience. We weren't quite sure what would sell or how to price items or who would stop by. We had all sorts of people come.

One of my favorites was a gentleman (had to be in his late 70s) who had taught school for years and bought some of my out dated and out of print college text books. Not only did the gentleman purchase them, but he was holding them like they had something special inside. Made me feel good to know that books I spent hours pouring over will be loved once again.

Some of my favorite sells (these were all made by Mark- I'm not as business savy):

1.) A man stops his car and asks how much for the tv and dvd player. Mark tells him $75 for the tv and $45 for the dvd player or $150 for both (wait a second, this doesn't add up- Mark enjoys playing with peoples minds sometimes). So they guy says, "How about $125?" DEAL. So he loads the stuff in his truck and drives away. A few minutes later he comes back to ask if they have remotes. Nope (lost somewhere in the jungle of boxes). Off he goes.

2.) A guy picks up a package of sidewalk chalk. It's still in it's original wrapper. You know the ones from the dollar store. One of the pieces is broken. I was thinking $.10 or free. He asks Mark how much. Mark says, "$2." They guys slaps down his money. Takes the chalk and walks away. WOW. That was a shocker.

3.) My other favorite was a guy who bought 1/3 a roll of duct tape for a few bucks.

4.) How about they man who bought a less-than-half full can of aeresol car carpet cleaner for $3. Our the gal who Mark sold a ratty pair of kid's jeans for a buck. (I thought clothing at garage sales was 25 cents standard price. )

Anyways, we had quite a few laughs. We sold lots of partially used things like conditioner, baby oil, ant spray, carpet cleaners, half used cans of paint, etc. I was suprised. Things that I thought would sell, children's clothing and housewares, didn't do so hot.

Our Crazy Life

We decided on Sunday that the most cost-effective thing to do is to sell all of our belongings minus those with sentimental value and start over when we arrive in our new city. This week has been busy with selling things, packing what we're keeping and getting ready for a GIGANTIC yard sale. Jeffrey is excited because Mom and Dad are finally going to let him sell most of his toys for cash, which he values more. He can hardly wait.

So far we have sold our family room furniture, piano, washer and dryer, bed, trampoline, dresser, computer desk and some toys. Oh, and half of our food storage. We've made more than we anticipated so far because I priced things so we could negotiate down to the price we wanted and people been paying asking price.

We're having a hitch installed on the van and we're going to pull a 5' x 10' trailer. Items that have made the "to bring list": wedding china, a few toys, computer, the Wii, some clothes, wall hangings, the stroller, favorite books, photo albums, and my favorite kitchen appliances. That's about it. I feel like a modern-day pioneer.

We have my family in town this week for 'cousin camp' and for Malia's blessing Sunday. Jeffrey and Brooklynn are enjoying playing with the cousins and taking their mind off of the move. By the way, my 2 week old neice, Emma, is a doll!

We're Moving!!!

Last night Mark got a job offer that we like! (The third job offer is the charm!) We're feeling really blessed that it's in the right salary range, with a sign-on bonus, and in a place were our family will be happy! Today is his last day of work at his current job. What a blessing to have something in place, albeit the 11Th hour!

The last few weeks have been a little stressful- lots of interviews, not knowing which job will work out, what state we'll be living in, what their homeschool laws are, do we pack up the house and move or have a HUGE yard sale? My dad told me this piece of wisdom:

"It all works out in the end.
If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end."

I think we're finally nearing the end. Now just to figure out what to do with our stuff. Hhmmm.

Comic Relief for Life's Stressful Days

Mark found this clip on youtube that has been making me laugh the last few nights. Just what I need to calm life's stresses. I know we've all felt the same way before, although I am sure we stay in control a little better! My favorite is the paper airplane clip. Hope you enjoy.


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Aunt Rach comes for a visit

My sister, Rachel, came for a visit the first few days of this week!


Besides giving excellent back, neck,and shoulder massages, one of Rachel's talents is reading to Jeffrey and Brooklynn and keeping them happy. This is very handy because we've been stuck inside due to the poor air quality (smoke from the wildfires has made the sky and air hazy). Malia enjoys snuggling with her.

We had a few ice cream socials in Rachel's honor and invited Nathan and Diana's family. Thanks for the visit Rach!

Prior to making a stop at our house she was visiting Emily's family and meeting baby Emma. We'll call this trip the 'Baby Fix.' Come again whenever you want!