The whole story

OK, now that I have calmed down to the fact that we spent our life savings in under eight minutes, I will explain the time share story. We were getting the kids into bed, Chris was checking on Chloe one more time. I decided to hop on the computer and check ebay for timeshares. We have been doing this for a few months. I knew what we wanted, Gold week (better tradability), two bedroom lock off (more room for four kids, and again more trading power), Marriott (can't beat the quality) and most likely in Park City (that is what my parents own and it has been great for them. So I am looking through the listings and find one for Palm Springs California ending in 8 minutes. I yell up to Chris, "what do you think?" Complete sarcasm. I have not looked into California properties. He says, "Sure!" Again Sarcasm! I bid--no big deal, things jump in the last few minute of ebay. Most auctions I have watched for timeshares double in the last ten minutes of an auction. We chuckle--no big deal...right? Two minutes goes by. Then another. Chris!!! I am starting to panic. Chris!!! I yell "get down here!" He laughs, he knows the game. But suddenly I am not as sure. Two more minutes go by. Suddenly I am having a very strong contraction. This is not funny. I start hitting my refresh button every twenty seconds (I know, I counted to twenty in between each push). Three minutes go by and we have purchased a time share. Pause. Then a whole lot of screaming and panic from me. Chris is completely calm. Cool, he says California is much cooler than Park City. But do you understand I keep saying--we bought a timeshare--one I have never seen. He loves it,

The whole story...contunued

(I must be rambling). Anyway, he thinks great, now we don't have to shop for another six months. (My usual habit of shopping.) I don't buy a $4 shirt without worrying I could get it cheaper. I have spent the last few weeks making sure I got the best deal out there. I have only found one that went three months ago for $200 less, most go for about $500-$2000 more. I guess I did OK. I do just wish Chris (or my mom) would have freaked out with me for a few minutes. (Funny, my mom was just as calm as Chris was. Neither of them tend to be dramatic people, but they usually understand the consequences of spending large amounts of money in an eight minute time frame.) Does no one understand what I did?

Southern California here we come...

I guess we are officially property owners in beautiful Desert Palms California (Palm Springs). Just Kidding! Well, kind of. We did get our timeshare with Marriott, in their Shadow Ridge resort. I think we may be a little crazy, but if it all goes as planned then my little family will now have great vacations every year. It does look beautiful in the pictures, reviews are great, but then we just want to be able to trade it for other great locations.

The perfect vacation

(note: this may be because I am 8 1/2 months prego.) Park City, Marriott Time share, nothing to do but read, swim, and watch eternal cartoons on cable TV. We took a couple walks up the street for ice cream and caramel apples. The kids got to make flip flops and bird feeders in the kids zone. I did a bit of shopping--a little pink, a little blue. This really was a vacation--no required sites to see, and very little movement for my plump not so little feet. Chris was only able to take Friday off, but he was able to commute back and forth. It was great to just get away from the laundry, the bathrooms, and the other things that home requires. The only bad part--now we are looking into our own time share! After staying at one in Newport Beach, one in Hawaii, and another one in Park City when I was 8 months pregnant with Chloe, we have decided that this is the only way to do a vacation (especially with kids).

Picture this...

Have you ever played charades with a six year old, a five year old, an almost two year old? Here is how it goes. Anna (5) stand perfectly still in the middle of the room arms down by her side, trying her hardest not to break into a giggle. Chris and I look blankly across the room at each other..no ideas to even guess. Preston (6) shouts out "A book!" That's it! Next Preston bounds across the room much like the rabbit from a few rounds back...this time Anna shouts out almost instantly, "A cheetah!" again Chris and I are completely confused, but she is right. Next we all shout, "A puppy!" as Chloe (nearly 2) crawls across the floor, for the fifth time this game, making a sound that could be mistaken for a bark.
Who would have thought that such a simple game could have me laughing until my sides ache?

A little bit of Europe in Utah...

Maybe not exactly, but Chris and I found a new favorite place. Fresco, an Italian cafe hidden on 15th East and 15th South in Salt Lake. It is very small and connected to a little book store. We would have missed it without very specific instructions. This cozy little 'cafe' has an itimate dining room that only allows about ten tables. The menu had though simple in selections did not leave either of us wanting. Everything was meltable. Chris insists we will be returning here for his birthday to eat the pretty food again.

May 4, 2000

Wow, eight years! I suppose it is natural that I get a little lost in the memories this week, and it would be good (and maybe a little cheesy) to share a few of the reasons I pray for many more.

1. Only he can have Chloe in fits of giggles just before bedtime and still have her, Preston, and Anna, asleep before I have a chance to sneak a second kiss.

2. He lets me sleep in almost every Saturday.

3. He has given up his family for our family.

4. The only things he can cook are macaroni noodles and cookies, but he can clean toilets, do the dishes and mop the floor better than anyone I know.

5. His heart may be more fragile than mine, but it is never weak.

6. --should be number 1--He has the greatest work ethic imaginable—who else would be able to work in telemarketing full time and go to school full time for over three years? Who else could finish a bachelors and a masters degree in five years with no financial support, a wife, two kids, and so many more challenges that life just throws your way???

7. He holds and honors his Priesthood

8. He is still the hottest guy I have ever met.. dated… seen… whatever.