The Baum Squad

Saturday Morning

2009-08-24T10:13:00.002-07:00

It wasn't the first time I have been stranded, with 3 children. Far from it. I've sat on the highway between Heber and Show Low (Heber and Snowflake, Heber and Holbrook, Heber and Mesa, ect.) multiply times.

I did not even cuss when the '78 Ford that we just lovingly dumped $1,500.00 into decided to take a break on the side of the road.

I wasn't even missing our 4-wheeler. The one Jace traded for this new yellow beast of ours. The 4-wheeler that never wanted to take a break, especially when I was towing all 3 of my children. The 4-wheeler that was probably speeding thru the forest on that very morning, carrying the new owner - laughing all the way. I didn't even think bad thoughts about him.

We just patiently waited for our rescue party from Show Low to retrieve us.

We tried not to make eye contact with passing motorists. We did not want to give the impression that this was a road side emergency. Nah, this is just how the Baum's roll.

Our only mechanic in the car couldn't read english, so we patiently waited some more.

Grandma Mikey and the Flake girls laughed at the sight of us, then loaded us into the truck headed for home.

Jace called me after work to let me know he found the abandoned Ford on the side of the road. He also let me know that when the key was put back into the ignition and then turned, the engined hummed to life and then purred like a kitten all the way back to Heber.

I might have said a cuss word then.

P.S. Don't be cussing when the Baum's abandon you on the side of the road called Privacy Lane. Leave me your email address. This is one high fashion ride you may not want to miss.

When we grow up.

2009-08-19T17:06:00.009-07:00

A treasure was rediscovered this week.

(When you move every 6 weeks like we do, treasures are sometimes forgotten about, packed, misplaced and then found again. It's almost like Christmas every 6 weeks. Almost.)

The treasure was promptly taped onto the boy's bedroom wall.

Did you know that Macy wants to be a Mom when she grows up?

Twins please. One boy. One girl.

Did you know Noah dreams of being an astronaut? Who knew, right?

Ezra liked the looks of this one. Perhaps he is missing the liberating days of diapers and being able to eat his toes.

And surprise! Jace wants to be a farmer when he grows up.

I dreamed my whole life of this job here. And it is the life.

I used to do this. Happy days.

I spend an awful lot of my grown up life here, at this job. My mac isn't nearly as cute as that green, vintage typewritter and I would bet she has her heels on, with apron tied around her waist, and that she just put her 1st batch of bread in the oven.

Remember when you thought that was what grown up life was going to be like?

Macy started gymnastics.

The coach told her wearing a leotard was optional. Optional? Right. You try telling the 7 year old girl that she does not need to wear her pink leotard every single week. I watched her prance/shimi into class today in her pink leotard.

Remember when you used to feel beautiful in only a pink leotard? Remember when you used to walk with your hands out at your hips as you pranced into a room?

Those were the days.

Then we all grow up.

MY PRIVACY CLAUSE: I love to talk to people. I love to drill them about their lives. So, I assume that you want to talk and question me in return, so instead of waiting for you to do so, I go ahead and spill my beans. All my beans. All the time. And lately, just every once in awhile, I'll be spilling about my life to a relative, friend of a friend, stranger, ect. and soon their head is nodding, they are smiling and I have this feeling like - crap! I already told them this story. I hate when I do that. But then the person will just say - "I read it on your blog." Oh. So technically, I am that person that repeats the same stories over and over. Crap. Are you tired of hearing my stories over and over? Are you politely nodding and waiting for this story to be over right now? Crap. We are going private. But you like the taste of my beans? And you have not left your email address for me here? Leave me a comment. Leave me your email address. Leave both if you like. Just don't say I didn't invite you to partake of our beans - our left over - repeated beans.

I went private for 11 days.

2009-08-16T18:01:00.005-07:00

Don't feel bad if you didn't get an invite.

No one did.

Except for 5 sisters and 1 Mother of mine.

2 or 3 of them still haven't even accepted the invitation yet.

I love you too guys.

Are you wondering what you missed while we were away?

Weelll, the highlights are as follows......

I finished a book. Titled, The Poisonwood Bible. Read it. Then I want to talk about it.

I had 14 house guests. I'm not even making up that number. I loved every single one of them. Come again. And again.

House guest number 13 and 14.

Jace worked a lot. I'm slowly losing my mind about it.

This is Jace not at work. Just in case you forgot what that looked like.

I asked Ezra 4,671 times if he needed to go potty. I might be making up that number. Ezra did beautifully. My plan of us becoming best friends this year is slowly going down the toilet. The child needs some discipline. But in his defense, he lost his playmates, his diapers, and was assigned a big boy bed--one that doesn't include Noah--all in one week.

E for Ezra. Shorter bed for the shorter brother.

I participated in the 117th school fundraiser since the beginning of school.

I made Jace come to a ballroom dancing lesson. It was a flop. Awkward. Stinky. And awkward.

I vacuumed.

Just some of the dirt I vacuumed up.

I told you they were highlights.

You want some more?

Leave me you email address and consider yourself invited to the Baum Squad's newly privatized life.

If you thought your life was better before you knew everything about us...

No worries. Sometimes I like my unwritten life better too.

See you on the other side.

When He is gone

2009-08-05T10:02:00.006-07:00

I wear my stretchy pants he hates. I eat frozen pizza for dinner. I lay awake all night in my lonely, big bed thinking, plotting, and listening for the next intruder. I cry when my sister emails me youtube videos about funny, happy people in love. I study my ginormous mirror, like she did, and contemplate about all the tlc I'm giving and missing.

I contemplate my wants, wishes, heartaches and things I know. One thing I know for sure. I want to be a good mother. I want to be a good wife. But I've decided I can't be.

Not without him.

When He is gone I miss him.

Lake Powell 2009

2009-07-27T16:45:00.008-07:00

I have been in mourning since our return home from Lake Powell. We had a ball. It was a full week of sun, sand, water, sisters, parents, cousins, wind, rain, and tragedies. We started and ended the week with accidents. He was driving both times and witnessed both. I, the passenger, was never aware anything had happened until He had slammed on the brakes, pulled off the freeway, or until he jumped off the jet ski into the water.

Last Sunday on the 202 freeway, while leaving town, He saw a car airborne and turning in the air. He said the car completed about 8 rotations--Transformer style--landed and slid off the freeway into an electric pole. He ran across the freeway, knowing the all passengers in the car would be dead, but instead found 1 driver alive. He helped the man climb out of the broken windshield, then proceeded to clean up bumpers and car debris off the freeway. We were amazed at this man's luck and talked about His brother, Chad, and his unluck. We both had never seen such a horrible accident. For the second time this year my cell phone dialed 911.

This photo is not at all related to the above & below mentioned accidents but an accident indeed. Just because He knows how to live in a 5th wheel trailer, does not mean he knows how to pull one behind his truck in the sand at Lone Rock. Note the busted out back window.

Then on Friday, our last day at the Lake and on our last boat ride, I heard a loud bang. SMACK. The sound didn't register, until I saw He jumping off the jet ski and my Dad, and Kirsten and Dan all in the water and swimming towards a body in a red life jacket. A 14 year girl had ran her jet ski right into my Dad's boat. She never saw my Dad and my Dad didn't see her--until the very end. He cut the boat hard to the right and in turn saved her life. Her jet ski hit the front of the boat that was carrying 10 people, including my Macy. It was amazing that no one was thrown from the boat. There was a smashed finger, a bloody nose, a banged up lip, and lots of tears. We were lucky Dan was there. He immediately knew how to help this girl. I wishing I had my cell phone with me in the water to call 911 for a 3rd time this year, and a 2nd time that week. My parents got a phone call later that night, that the girl was going to be ok. She was in fact going back to join her family on their houseboat after her trip to the hospital. It was amazing. Those 1st couple moments after the accident were very scary for this girl and all of us watching. Her injuries initially looked horrible and probably should have been. Of all our years and trips to the lake, we had never witnessed or experienced anything like it. Heavenly Father was truly looking out for us all and a lucky 14 year old girl. The accident put a damper on what had been such a fun week. We all still think about the accident often and are reminded of how unexpected life can be. Are you ready for it?

Ezra.

Noah.

Macy.

All of them.

Have I mentioned the Flakes are back? We couldn't be more thrilled.

Papa and Sailor. She lived up to her name. She was a doll.

Max. Oh Max.

Who is in for next year? I can hardly wait.

I had chocolate cake for lunch. Followed by 3 Advil.

2009-07-27T13:50:00.012-07:00

If there was ever a day chocolate cake and Advil should be on the lunch menu--today was that day. For a couple reasons.

1. I turned 28 on Saturday. 28 feels an awful lot like 27. We were traveling home from this vacation HERE. Therefore, no one made me any birthday cake. Except for the chef at Chili's in Payson but that doesn't really count because he didn't know me. It was still a really good day. He said I could pick out any piano I wanted on craigslist. He is the best husband. The kids and I made official birthday cake after church yesterday. The large leftover piece has been calling my name since I woke this morning.

28 years old.

2. Noah started kindergarten this morning. I have had empty pit in my stomach for weeks about it. When we pulled into the parking lot this morning, he sat in the car. I told him to get out. He told me he wasn't old enough to go to Macy's school. I think he thought all this back to school talk meant he was to return to Mrs. Lisa's preschool. He did eventually get out of the car and walked, hand in mine, to meet his new teacher and class.

My mom said on a scale of 1 to 10, the Batman and High School Musical backpacks aren't really important. I shouldn't fight it--just buy them.

3. Macy became a 2nd grader this morning. I know she will keep an eye on Noah for me this year. She nervously waved across the room at another little girl, when I was introducing ourselves to her new teacher. I presume the little girl across the room was a familiar face from her 1st grade class and a face Macy was relieved and thrilled to see this morning
Macy and Mrs. Proulx--rhymes with blue. Doesn't that sound like a really nice 2nd grade teacher?

4. Ezra and I entered the new and lonely land of "just the 2 of us-- all day." He is a sweet kid. He does not expect me to entertain him but all entertaining done by himself is done on my lap or in the near vicinity. I look forward to our alone time this year. We also started the potty training chapter today. He has already called 2 times this morning, checking on our progress. He loves nothing more than a potty trained kid.

Ezra thought he too was going to school. He was proud as punch walking the halls this morning with his new Mario backpack.

Can you see why I deserve the chocolate cake today?

When Ezra and I were making our lonely exit from the elementary school to the parking lot I managed to pull a muscle, pinch a nerve, or probably both. I was stepping one foot in front of the other, like always, and BAM. I was then hobbling through the parking lot. I need a chiropractor. I'm walking like a full term pregnant lady that just had her right leg amputated. Summer is officially over. I'm old enough to have 2 children in school all day and old enough to have 3 children that know how to use the toilet. And I think my body realized it today.

And that is where the 3 Advil made their way to my lunch table.

The big reveal. Before and after.

2009-06-25T15:02:00.019-07:00

Jace says he had to talk me into it. He says I failed to see the potential

for the first couple of days and weeks.

I had seen prettier barn-turned-home(s) in my day.

The block walls were wavy. The siding rotted. The balcony - dangerous.

The windows would have to be replaced. Along with the doors. And the trusses. And the rest of the house.

But the lot was great. I knew an acre of irrigated green grass and trees in the middle of the desert was priceless. The neighborhood looked and felt a lot like Taylor, Arizona.

Home.

So although it was not love at first sight. I knew. Jace was capable. I had a vision. That proved to be enough.

Three months,

One 5th wheel trailer home,

Buckets of sweat and tears,

A million cuss words later,

(and not to mention a couple of these - $)

She is all spiffed up.

We broke up the tall rectangular shape with bat and board on top and stone on the bottom.

The barren, gray trees that we purchased last February are now full of life and green.

The front porch posts are just a few of the things we left original to the house. They are now stained and embellished.

Our back porch. Metal rusted beams are original. The white siding around front and back doors is where the original barn doors existed.

Before picture of front room, dining room, and kitchen. The tall sheet-rocked pillar at the end of the kitchen island was framed around an original barn beam. One was also hiding in the gray wall across the hall. The house has 3 sets of these beams holding up a metal, iron eye beam that runs the length of the house, in between the 1st and 2nd stories. Anther reason we felt good about our purchase. The house and foundation are rock solid.

After picture of old dining room and kitchen. We turned the old dining room space into a Mormon size pantry. The concrete floors are original - flawed - newly stained- and AWESOME.

The once concealed barn beams are now center stage and framed in. Should I paint them? Stain them? The new dining room and office that sits just behind it used to be a large bedroom.

The office is small. Centrally located. With a closet.

The previous owners loved to experiment with paint colors. Jace just thinks they were blind. At the top of these stairs was an old kitchen. The original owners built an apartment on top of the original barn and lived in it. While living in it, they converted the downstairs barn into a house. The result was 2 kitchens, 2 master bedrooms, 2 family rooms, ect.

After picture of the old upstairs kitchen. Now a wet bar for the large family room.

After picture of the once gray and fluorescent orange stair walls.

Before picture of the upstairs master bathroom.

After picture. The once pink bathroom is now the boys bathroom.

Tub turned boy's shower.

Before picture of upstairs master bedroom. Before we rolled the new trusses, the upstairs ceiling were just 7 feet tall. A little low for my tall Jace and for re-sale. All the bedrooms have walk-in closets.

After picture. The blue diamond walls are now white (surprised?), lined with the boy's toys and beds. The entire upstairs ceiling is now raised and vaulted.

Before picture of another darkly painted upstairs bedroom.

After. Macy was worried it would never look like a girl's room.

Macy's bathroom before.

And after. I was feeling the color white thru out the entire house. Jace quit asking about color, cabinet, and fixture choices. He knew the answer would be white. I wanted everything clean, open and bright.

Before picture of downstairs bathroom/laundry room.

After picture. We split the above pictured room into a laundry/powder bath and master bathroom.

After picture of master bathroom. Jace picked out all plumbing fixtures. On his own.

Our new master shower.

We call it our baptismal font.

I can now check this post off my to-do list. Our hard work is now documented.

Our house is feeling more and more like home everyday. We are so grateful for this house and the opportunity we have here. While the major construction has come to an end, we have lists and lists of non-major things to construct.....but who doesn't? That is part of the beauty of home ownership (and life). Construct. Tear down. Rebuild. Add on. Improve.

We are now taking your bets.

How long will Jace let me live in this one?

My nervous tick(s). 10 years later.

2009-06-18T15:34:00.013-07:00

L to R: Erika, Lindsey, Sarah, Amy, Kira, Me, Cami, Jami, Mary, Molly, and Beth

Photo from HER blog. I forgot I owned a camera.

Me with gal pal Nikki (Nikolaus) Nelson at the Show Low Park

Photo from Caitlin Hatch, class of 2005.

Who would have thought that she would be at my 10 year reunion?

Way to go Chaz.

My 10 year reunion was last weekend. It was somewhat of a success. And by success I mean that I managed not to call someone by the wrong name, no old flames were in attendance, my children behaved, and Jace's zipper was down only for 20 minutes. I really feel for spouses at these gatherings. What I didn't manage was controlling my nervous ticks. The older I become the more apparent they are. Call me Kim. I talk loud. I'm constantly cracking jokes. Jokes that only I find funny most of the time. And I'm the one trying to give high 5's or firm handshakes instead of hugs. The hugging thing drives Jace crazy. Not the part about me hugging people from high school but the part about me trying not to. (Have you read HER post about it? She appropriately named it the Great Arm Wrestle).

In these attempts to be funny and put people as ease, I often offend innocent bystanders. I said something to Gaylon about his (future) sad wife and everyone around thought I called Gaylon's life sad. I told Ryan, "now that's not true, they were lots of underclass men that wanted to date you." I said something about Lindsey's attempts at making children. Something about Josh's wife being 5 feet tall. And probably many more. I could explain them all but I won't.

Isn't it amazing how people don't change? The Show Low class of '99 looks the same. Talks the same. It was fun to be in the same room with these people again. It was also a trip. Back in time. I went to dinner the night before with Erika, Kira, Beth, and Nikki. It was almost like 10 years never happened. I want to see them more. They thought I was a shoo in for the "least changed" award. I wasn't thrilled about that. Surely 10 years has brought or taught me something. Does it mean I need a new hair cut? Or does it mean I still say things before I think and laugh loudly at myself? Probably all of the above. Lucky for me Cynthia took home the "least changed" award.

For the public record: I'm working on my nervous ticks (not the new hair do). Recognition is the 1st step. I do not intend to harm or offend. My intention is to make everyone at ease and I really like having a swell time. I like you all. Please come in 10 years to another reunion, give me the "least changed" award, we'll party like it's 1999 again and....I promise I'll take it easy on you.

Jace took me on a boat ride. And a house progress report.

2009-05-31T10:04:00.006-07:00

Last night as we were skimming across the waters of Saguaro Lake at dusk, the warm wind in our faces and hair, five children were laughing trying catch their breath, as our boat crashed up and down thru every wave and ripple in the water. Shadows from the looming red rock walls had darkened the waters and relaxed our squinting eyes.

A "David Hasselhoff" reference was made about the handsome, shirtless man navigating the boat thru the waters. I know he won't mind that his co-captain this summer is not of the Pamela Lee variety but of the Kim Seaman type. I felt just like my beautiful Mom sitting in the upper passenger chair next to my husband, holding the baby, passing out towels, life jackets, and nourishment to any empty belly. My swimsuit wet only from splashing children and wet towels.

There was a time when I would have been racing Addie to the back deck of Mike's boat to jump off into the icy waters. Grandpa Don would be there in the deep waters teaching us to swim, float, and then to water ski. There was also a time I would have been racing Jessica to any boat that would pull us around on a wake board. My Dad was the best driver. He would cuss, instruct, and zoom past us in the water after a fall. The rope handle would land in our hands again and he would pull us up out of the water again and again.

"Ready? Ready?," He would yell.
I would nod, then yell, "Ready. Let's go."

We weren't allowed back into the boat until we stopped crying, cussing, or until we conquered.

There is no better way to enjoy Arizona. I love to live here. Swimming in dark, cool lake water is fine. Feeling whiplash for days after a tube ride is great fun. Wake boarding is a thrill. But without a doubt, the best part of a lake trip is the boat ride. The smell of the vinyl upholstery, gasoline fumes, the hum of the engine, cousins, siblings, and the wind made my heart very happy last night. I should know better than to let Jace take me on a boat test drive.

Mr. Boatman, I think you have yourself a deal.

Long overdue Progress Report on the house:

We are living in it. Our temporary residence rolled out of our yard last Friday. I wish I could say my heart wasn't jumping for joy but it was. The night I have to sleep in a 5th wheel trailer again will be a night too soon. We have been scrambling to finish to house, therefore still kind of camping. Things are slowly coming together....and just like usual I'm waiting on the plumber. He's up to his eyeballs busy, so I try not to complain. He built me the finest barn posts yesterday and hooked up an R.O. system (AND took me on a boat ride). Stayed tuned for the big before and after photos....even Jace and I are astonished. Until then you can check out these:

Need I say more about the deep windowsills? Or the Ikea open shelving in the kitchen?

Every home that was once a barn should sport barn lanterns in the dining room.

Irrigation. Trees. Green grass. Swing.

White bat and board walls to match the exterior. Worn leather furniture. Need I say more about the deep windowsills? Ok, I will. The original barn was constructed out of 8" cinder block, then filled with dirt for insulation. When the original owner decided he wanted to try living in the barn he turned 2 x 4's on edge to frame, insulate, and sheetrock the original block walls. In turn the downstairs stay cool all day long and makes for some lovely, deep windowsills. One of many of the great perks we found as we demolished and revonated.

More pictures coming soon.

To Whom it may concern:

2009-04-29T16:34:00.007-07:00

We are alive and well. We are very busy. Forgive us. I wish I had the energy to tell you about our new life but I don't. I wanted to tell you (and remind me for the next time Jace suggests a 5th wheel for temporary residency) about how I have to haul and deliver our dirty laundry to Addie's non-coin operated laundry mat in trash bags and then haul the clean laundry back home in the same bags, turned inside out. I also wanted to tell you about how I have to wait for Jace to come home to light the pilot light in the oven before I can use it for dinner. I should also remember for next time that while our new trailer home boasts of a miniature shower and toilet, we are on strict instructions not to use the toilet. We must walk into the "regular" house and use the one item we did not haul to the dump during demolition, the master bathroom toilet. One must be sure to bring someone to "stand guard," the doors have not been hung and the 2 Hispanics that have been tiling bathrooms for the last week arrive early, stay late, and recently moved their operations into the above mentioned bathroom. I will also add that I can't ever remember to turn off the a/c unit before trying to run the microwave in the trailer....something about tripping breakers. I wish I had the time to whine to someone about how I must measure containers at the grocery store to be sure they will fit in my dainty fridge and how my food is starting to taste just like that dainty fridge and that temperamental microwave. My boys follow, converse, and eat the food the Hispanics packed in their lunch. The Hispanics don't seem to mind when their lunch gets eaten or the part left out of the contracted deal- babysitting. Jace is proud of his trailer park family. The children are in heaven. Filthy. Tired. In need of haircuts. And finally have a full time father. Macy loves school. And I am thrilled about it. The cashiers at Home Depot and Lowes know my children and I by name. I also remembered a story a while back I wanted to share with you and if I had the energy I would tell you about eating dinner at the new neighbor's house, the Radiology Dr. (husband) and the Pharmacology student (wife). As the nervous, young and childless wife seated us at her large, expensive dining room table with matching white, velvet upholstered chairs-I was praying. Praying she wouldn't notice I had rudely brought with me - 3 children under the age of 8. After sitting the "gentlemen across from gentlemen" and then the "women across from women" she ended up seated next to my Noah Baum. I was praying she would invite us back to her lovely home after sitting thru an entire meal by him. With every snort, snore, and allergy-rattling breath the nervous wife would crank her head in Noah's direction, not knowing if she should offer a Kleenex or perform CPR. About half way thru the meal, I explained that Noah can't breathe. I told her Noah suffers from life long allergies and not only is he enjoying her cooking but that his breathing is perfectly normal. She politely excused herself to a 7:00 appointment before apple pie was served. But I'll save that story for another time. It was classic. There was also that time the boss of the Hispanic rock/tile laborers was here explaining things and in my presence told his employees that I (Lindsay) was the "Hefe." He then turned to me and asked if I knew what that meant? "Yes, boss....... or maybe hefty one?," I said. "NO, NO not hefty....Boss!" he said. I'm still not sure he meant boss though. His Hispanics still refuse to look me in the eye when I'm "bossing" them. I have a feeling the phrase "gorta hefe" has been used when I'm not around. Just a feeling. One of these days when I live in a real house I will do a real update on our life, with real pictures. Until then.

Spring Break =

2009-03-30T10:56:00.007-07:00

Progress.

New trusses. New roof. New windows.

New front porch. New siding. New doors.

New electrical. New HVAC. New plumbing. New interior walls.

All in one week.

It was exciting to see the remarkable changes everyday. So exciting in fact, we have decided that I will now be the permanent-onsite construction supervisor.

Translation: Our family will be "camping" in the front yard during the last month of construction. Children will see their father everyday. Husband and wife will communicate without small hand held devices. The weather is beautiful. And when the painter wants to know if I want antique white or chantilly lace white, I will be there to clear up all confusion.

Spring Break also included a bit of this:

Happy, wet children soaking in the Baum's new pool.

Swimsuits were optional.

Long Distance Relationships: Lesson #2

2009-03-18T20:56:00.005-07:00

Jace, My love, your lesson tonight is this: use your cell phone charger(s). If your vehicle's cell phone charger breaks - buy another one.

I have been walking around tonight thinking about all the things I need to do before spring break springs on upon us but I just can't force myself into action yet. I've got no fire under me. I wish I could talk to you tonight. I wish I could ask a hundred questions about the house. What did the framers accomplish today? How did the front door look? Are the windows on their way? Is the electrician still coming tomorrow? Do you still miss me? Do you still love me? Do you remember our children's names? It just doesn't feel right going to bed without our nightly ritual of good night phone calls. I can still hear Ezra tossing and turning in the other room. He's probably wondering why that one guy still hasn't called.

My heart tonight is remembering earlier days on Paloma, when I would wait around for a nightly phone call. When it would come, my heart would skip a beat and I would take the call in the privacy of my upstairs bedroom on the phone that looks an awful lot like this:

On the phone that Macy discovered at Grandma Mikey's years back, took claim of and now conducts conversations with Troy Bolton on. I haven't told her anything about the many forbidden conversations, tears, and secrets that have been whispered thru that phone.

My old conversations were almost always interrupted by Jordy Fuentes on call waiting. Fights over phone minutes and usage would always ensue.

I'm sure glad those days are over.

Well, the fighting and the whispering and the waiting for the wrong boy to call are over. And don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled the Fuentes family decided to extend their "conversation" into eternity and thrilled Jessica and I no longer have to share phone minutes but I'm afraid the pathetic waiting around and the ol' heart skipping a beat and the wishing I could take the call in the privacy of my own room - I still experience nightly.

Only this time it's the right boy on the other end of the line (when he chooses to call). Now if only I could find him one of those solar powered cell phone batteries so he'd never run out of juice, we could talk all night long about exterior paint, school assemblies, invoice #748, diarrhea, roof shingles, and address changes. How romantic. I bet he can't hardly wait for tomorrow's call.

Sleep tight Babe.

FOR HIRE:GAYLORD RESTORATION

2009-03-11T13:59:00.004-07:00

Meet Team Gaylord Restoration. Eric the closet interior designer. Addie the Hustler. And children Max and Zane. They can be found almost everyday at my new abode. Ripping, scrapping, burning, hauling, and cleaning. Without invitation or compensation. I'm going to ask Eric if he will wear his Rocky Point tank top this weekend when I come to check on progress at the barn. I ask Eric his opinion on most all of my designing decisions. I value and trust his advice. The guy's got talent. I think he has a career, if he ever chooses to leave dirty floors and floods.

Addie has been my constant cheerleader since she laid eyes on my so called "Patch of Heaven". Cheerleader of my conflicted heart, promising me that life will be beautiful in the desert.

Addie and Jace have daily project meetings in the morning to map out what part of the project to tackle next. Sometimes if I haven't heard from Jace thru out the day, I will call Addie. Chances are real good she has heard from him. He calls her now on his breaks. Addie works herself to a sweat, hauling remants of the old barn to the dump trailer and tearing down walls.

She stops only at lunch, dinner, and mid afternoon when she loads the tired babies back into her car for a "drive". Jace loves her enthusiasm. She was almost as excited as Jace was when we discovered the property had a cellar/bomb shelter.

Oh, the possibilities.

So, if you are in need of a total house restoration or just someone to drive your baby to sleep in the afternoons, you know who to call. They are pretty booked right now. But call, maybe we can work something out for late spring.

Gaylords,

Not enough dinners at Chili's, t-shirts from Blossom, thank you notes, or words can express the Baum's gratitude. We will never forget what you've done. We hope to return the favor one day. And it should be publicly known that beyond your restoration skills, you run a lovely bed and breakfast. We thank you for your hospitality.

Love, The Baums

Decisions to be made.

2009-03-03T14:25:00.004-07:00

Sometimes I dream of blonde hair. Jace does not.

Public education or private education?

Flip flops or snow boots?

1099 or W-2?

Sleep with large dog or small gun?

Yellow barn?

Or white barn?

Garage: Attached or detached?

Cox or Qwest?

Loud alarm system or sleeping pills?

Camp with Jace in newly purchased barn or just visit during construction?

Install tin in upstairs bath only or kitchen backsplash too?

Small town? Big city?

Kindergarden: All day? 1/2 day?

Spaulding or Saxon?

Baton board or shake shingles?

Add a quatro to the mix?

And the one I can't ever seem to decide upon:

What's for dinner?

What are you having?

Have you met Jace?

2009-02-21T20:20:00.012-07:00

Did you know that he turned 30 yesterday?

30.

I'm married to a 30 year old.

I wanted to interview him for his 30th birthday because he is so good looking and stuff. But it went something like this:

L: Do you want to say anything about turning 30? How do you feel?

J: (answer: something completely inappropriate that I can't post on my blog in case my future posterity ever reads it.)

L: Anything you want to do in the next 30 years?

J: Have a few more kids. A swimming pool.

L: Anything else?

J: Nope.

That sums up my Jace. I get a kick out of him. I think you would too. He really is the life of our party.

I would like to say something about my friend's 1st 30 years. He's accomplished much. To some it may not seem like much but to me (and him) it is much. Back when I first met Jace he told me one day that he was going to have a house paid off by the time he was 30. That's sweet, I thought. But 30 years and 4 days into Jace's life he will do just that. And one of these days I will post of picture of that house....like when we rip off the roof and the balcony, add a garage, and re-side the entire structure. Have I mentioned that we purchased a PROJECT? He never mentioned what kind of house he was going to have paid for but just like everything else he does, he is going to go at it 100 mph. Jace runs at full speed and accomplishes much and I for the most part enjoy watching him do it and try to keep up. I can't wait to see what the next 30 years will bring with Jace, with his determination, a lot of Divine help, and a little luck.

But back to our party.

Jace and I share the responsibility of raising the children. Some of my responsibilities include bearing them, changing diapers, feeding, bathing, homework, tucking in, ect. Jace's responsibilities are limited to the clipping of all fingernails, supervising dangerous activities, bike riding lessons, piggy backs, and whisker pies. And for this the kids adore him:

He does make cute kids.

He tells me it's hard work.

Did I mention I got a 3rd place ribbon at the local science fair this week? I mean Macy did.

And that the boys both got hair cuts?

And that I got my hair colored this week?

And my 30 year old husband enjoys all the new hairdos around here?

Isn't life grand?

Happy Birthday Babe! We love you.

Have you met Noah?

2009-02-12T09:56:00.005-07:00

Did you know he turned 5 yesterday?

He counted the days till his birthday for weeks. He ate 2 applesauces and 1 green vegetable before his big day, so his muscles would be big. He tells Macy about once a week about his desire to marry her. Macy doesn't feel the same. He has named our next child (we've ordered a girl) Miss Darla. Miss Darla Baum. He speaks of her often. Macy doesn't love the name of her future sister. (This is not an announcement).

His father called with early morning birthday wishes. We missed him yesterday. We think he missed us more though. He bought us a house yesterday (you've heard that before haven't you?)in honor of Noah. We can't wait to live with him again in our own house.
Macy decorated the table and wrapped the presents. Noah requested lasagna and pizza for his birthday dinner. He requested his cousins presence at dinner and then at the candle blowing ceremony.

Noah is one cool kid. One you should know. I bet he could beat you at Mario Kart Wii. He is a true gamer. He is slow to complain and quick to obey. He doesn't feel a need to fill a room with chatter and he can entertain himself for hours. When he does talk, it is usually hilarious. He asks lots of questions, mainly about Star Wars. He told his cousin Cash this week that he is Heavenly Father's bestest friend.

We love having Noah in our home. I love his smile and then his laugh that always follows. I love his enthusiasam for life and his simple 5 year old world. I wish I was more like Noah.

He is still my handsome baby - growing up too fast. His hair is award winning and receives daily compliments. He still has Mike Seaman hands and Lyndel Baum eyebrows. I'm so happy to call myself Noah Baum's mom. He is one cool kid.

Happy Birthday, Skittle!

Remember that one time we moved to Vernal?

2009-01-31T20:42:00.002-07:00

One of the 1st nights Jace and I laid together in our own bed in Vernal, I said, "Won't it be so interesting to see how this plays out? Vernal?"

Jace answered, "Yea, I guess it will be we love Vernal and raise our family here or it will be, remember that one time we moved to Vernal?"

Well, 13 days after my arrival in Utah, we can officially say we are going with the latter. We will be asking "hey, remember that one time we moved to Vernal?"

We are moving home. Well to Arizona anyway. At this point it looks like we are moving to the valley. I have mixed feelings about living in the valley again but I'm thrilled to be back in the state I love and back with family and friends.

I could give you a list of reasons why we should have stayed in Vernal. Jace's job being at the top of the list.

I could give you a list of reasons why we should come home as well. This story HERE being close to the top of the list. I need Jace at home with me at night. I need him at church with me. I don't necessarily believe Vernal was a wrong choice for us or that it is a bad place but we feel good about our decision to move back. We feel blessed to have friends and family who help and support our decision.

Besides, the sun shines in Arizona like everyday of the year.

Stay tuned....I'm sure this saga is far from over.

My ninth day in Vernal

2009-01-23T15:00:00.005-07:00

Tuesday marked my 9th day living in Vernal. Tuesday seemed to be just like my other days in Vernal. Jace went to work at 8 that morning and left on a job. A job that should have brought him home late afternoon. He instead waited 6 hours out in the field for the job to even start. He called and said he would be home late that night. I fed the kids, scooted them upstairs about 8:00 , into pajama's, read books, read the Book of Mormon, Macy said the prayer, then Macy and I moved into her bedroom to read the 5th chapter of Charlotte's Web together. It was then we heard someone at the front door.

The front door gets stuck. A lot. We waited to hear Jace walk into the house. We waited to hear him knock to let us know the door was stuck or locked. We instead heard the same noise. Someone was grabbing the door handle and trying hard to open the door. I told Macy to stay there. I took myself out to the stair landing. This the view I have from there:

Thru the small window on top of the door, I saw a head. A head that did not belong to my husband. Many thoughts went thru my head. Maybe it's Paul from work. Maybe it's a neighbor. I ran downstairs to the door. I believe I would have opened the door at this point had this individual not grabbed the door handle again and forcefully try to open the door. I instead checked to make sure the door was locked and not just stuck.

I asked, " Who is it?"

He answered, "Beau."

"Beau who?"

He then gave me his last name.

"What do you want? I think you have the wrong house."

He answered with something right as my noisy heater turned on. I don't know what he said.

It was clear to me at this point I was in trouble. I ran to the kitchen, called 911 on my cell phone, and booked it back up my stairs. I could see him thru the door window. He had on a white t-shirt. He was white. He was tall. He was shivering. He was freezing. And he wanted in my house. He kept trying to open the door. I was on the phone with 911 for maybe 15 seconds when I watched my door come busting open. Wood, trim, and sheet rock went flying. I was in shock. I was screaming to the operator, "He's in my house. He's in my house."

I had no idea who was going to come thru that door. And no idea what was going to happen next. In walked a young kid dressed in prison clothes. White shirt. Black and white striped pants. I knew immediately what was going on. I knew where I had seen these clothes before. I knew this kid had to be one of the prisoners I had seen many times working at the care center less than a block from my home. I knew he had escaped earlier that day. I knew he was desperate and freezing. I knew that he knew that Jace wasn't home. I knew he was there for me.

I've never know such terror. While I feared for my safety of course, the only thought I had was, how am I going to protect my children laying in their beds from what they are about to see and hear?

I screamed at him something like, "What do you want? Please don't hurt me."

He slowly scanned my entry way with his eyes down. He then sat down on my stairs, leaned against the wall and shook. I stopped screaming. I stood frozen in the same spot at the top of the stairs. My children never made a noise. Beau never looked up at me. Not once. Never said a word. I continued to answer the operator's questions, all the while wishing I knew where Jace's pistol was and wishing I had paid better attention when he was trying to teach me how to shoot his rifle that stays in our closet. But I knew I could not leave from my spot I was standing. I didn't want him to move. I needed to know where he was. I needed him to stay away from my kids.

Beau and I stayed like that for 2 minutes before the cops got to my house. At the end, Beau, I could tell had not made up his mind whether or not he was done running. He started scooting up my stairs backwards. The cops were yelling his name. He finally stood and walked to my door. Still hidden from the cops view he reached up and grabbed a piece of splintered wood off the door jam. Then slowly walked out with his hands up. The police had their guns drawn and were yelling for Beau to get down. They continued to scream threats and profanities until Beau decided to get on the ground. They handcuffed him and hauled him to the car.

It was over.

But not really.

Statement was given to the cops.

Boxes were stacked in front of the broken door.

Mike Mosley came and collected me and the kids.

Macy cried for hours with me.

Jace said a prayer that the kids would be able to sleep that night.

The police department called hours later.

Beau's story is - He thought he was at his sister's house.

Beau was highly intoxicated. Desparate and freezing.

Jace nor I slept a wink that night.

I haven't had a good night sleep since.

I have so many unanswered questions. Questions that probably wouldn't help me sleep better at night or feel at peace again. But questions I want answered.

What we do know was answered that night was Macy's prayer. She asked twice in her prayer that night before Beau came that we would be safe and "safe and kind." It was the first thing I said to her when I climbed back up the stairs after Beau was handcuffed. I hope she remembers and takes that with her - Heavenly Father protected us that night.

Have you missed us?

2009-01-19T11:16:00.003-07:00

So here we are:

In Vernal, Ut. We moved up last Saturday. We gave up on buying a house for now, choked and then rented this twin home. For the monthly price - that snow covered yard should be beach front. This whole place up here is backwards. Forget a resession. Some smart investor is pocketing some serious cash with each and every rent check written. Even so, we are go glad to be back together under one roof. The home attached to ours is vacant. Interested?

I bawled saying goodbye to family, bawled when we pulled out of Snowflake, and then bawled somemore when Jessica and her family left me here in this foreign land. But then life went on.....boxes have to be unpacked, diapers changed, dinners cooked, and bills to be paid.

The boys still need haircuts. They still play and make messes in their room:

Just like in Arizona.

Macy still sings and dances along to her iPod. Dresses herself and doesn't let me touch her hair:

Just like in Arizona.

Mr. Lowe the local, friendly produce man sold me a crate of Arizona oranges (tamales, salsa, and beef jerky) out of the back of his truck. Ezra eats 4 a day.

Just like in Arizona.

The southern view out our windows is of a field of horses.

Just like in Arizona.

The high temperature today will hit 3. Just like in Arizona. Right? (don't even tell me). This is a whole different kind of cold. It burns your skin. Supposedly this has been a mild winter.

I found and have been attending Zoomba and kick boxing aeorbics. Just like in Arizona.

Hannah Kelley babysits. Just like in Arizona.

Jace leaves for work in the morning and returns in the evening. Just like in Arizona. He's liking his job and we feel so blessed to have it.

We go to dinner with friends (the Kelleys and the Mosleys). Jace brings strangers home for dinner (lonely Paul from work). Jace's relatives stay the night (Brad and Teesha came over from Colorado to go to the temple with us). We can see the temple out Noah's bedroom window:

The gospel is true. Just like in Arizona.

We hear rumors of lay offs, hard times, and Obama. Just like in Arizona.

We aren't the only new transplants to the area. Far from it. People from Arizona and Californa have been flocking to the oil fields for the last couple years. I run into these folks almost everyday (the internet guy from AZ just this morning - bless him - I'm finally connected again)and we each share our battle stories of relocation to a new state, what we are paying in rent, what we bought our houses back home for, what we sold it for or what we wish we could have sold it for, oil, and struggling friends back home. This is all never far from our thoughts and conversations.

We miss home. We miss family. We miss friends. Don't forget about us. When Holbrook strikes oil, will someone call? I know someone with experience now.

Greetings from Vernal.

2008-12-30T11:01:00.005-07:00

The 2nd house deal in a month fell thru yesterday. We found and offered our money and heart for this tiny, little, bank-owned house a couple weeks ago. (For those of you following this saga, and I know there are so many: the 1st big, bank-owned house did not come with water shares- so we walked.) What was even cuter than the front corner window was the price. The bank selling this house called yesterday to let us know that their Quality Control Division would need 1 to 4 weeks to "assign an underwriter and review the offer." We replied it would take our Quality Control Division approximately 1 to 4 minutes to respond with "you can take your house and shove it." Like the bank who has no sympathy for us, the family trying to live together in the same state, under the same roof, who needs a quick closing date and who would gladly rid them of the bad debt they had acquired.....we are having a hard time mustering up any sympathy for them, their divisions, procedures, and protocols.

Moving on.

Ezra has been puking since last Friday.

Jace has been on the same job for 2 days.

The temperature has not risen above 20 degrees. It was something like -14 degrees when we arrived. 8 inches of snow cover the ground. My "fashion" boots from Arizona are quickly going to be replaced with water proof boots. Any suggestions?

Moving on.

Macy has discovered she does enjoy living with dogs (Porcha and Chang)and would like our Girl to move into the house with us, so that she can take her on "walks" every 4 hours. Sounds fun to me.

Cam Mosley is Noah's new found best friend.

Cramped as the living quarters may be, it is nice to have the Mosleys from Taylor here with us.

The Kelly's from our Snowflake ward arrived on Saturday. It will be so fun to see them and have their girls over to babysit just like at home.

Moving on.

I am so glad to be with Jace. Even if it is only when I sleep by him at night.

Jace likes his new job. I am grateful. We can almost see the light. We are almost done chasing checks and jobs.

Mike Mosley set me up with Skype. Family and friends, what is your Skype name? And don't give me email addresses (that didn't work, Kirsten). I need your Skype account name.

Now if you'll all excuse me, I have another appointment with my realtor. Maybe today will be the day someone in Utah will get serious about selling their house. The one with a For Sale sign in front of it.

I'll be seeing you. Some of you thru my web cam and some of you back in lovely Arizona.

7 Years Ago (yesterday)

2008-12-22T08:12:00.003-07:00

Jace left to work like any other regular day. I stayed home and mopped the kitchen floor of our tiny 2 bedroom apartment in Gilbert. Jessica came in the afternoon. She rode me to hospital. Jace came to my hospital room after work. Pitocin IV was administered. Epidural given shortly thereafter. Lindsay and Jace fell asleep. It was 3 in the morning when the nurse gently woke me up to let me know it was time to push.

"Jace, wake up. Wake up. It's time."

20 minutes later we had 8 lbs. 10 oz. of this:

She never made a peep. Not one cry. They washed her up and handed her back to me. The new family of 3 went back to sleep. Our newest member laying in my arms, in the bed with me. It was the kind of labor and delivery you would watch on any daytime soap popera. A dream.

Life resumed. Jeans slipped back on. Jace and I never skipped a beat. Baylor Macy Baum just rode along with us. Everywhere we went. Just content to be there. I'd place a bet you've never met a happier, nicer baby. Unnumberable fat rolls, her father's big lips, her mother's blue eyes, and curls on top. We fell hard. We had no idea what other parents were talking about. This was not only easy but very enjoyable. We were definately going to do this again. 11 times.

We did do it again. 2 years later. And 3 years after that. Life was soon teaching the overconfident Baum parents that most epidurals don't work, babies sometimes cry, jeans don't zip up for months, and not all babies enjoy going to Wal-mart or to the movies.

With the addition of two brothers, Macy learned quick how to be a mama and a best friend. She is still one of the happiest girls I know. Although, learning how to make her content is proving to be more difficult with each passing year.

We feel so blessed to have her in our family. She and I can't figure out who the boss is with Jace gone but she is the best help and loves to bring a smile to my face every chance she gets. I got two presents from her on her birthday. She taught Noah how to hula-hoop yesterday. She requested roast beef sandwiches for lunch. She got the lead role in Grandma Mickey's navtivity play:

Besides the cupcake walk, gingerbread houses, the pink iPod, the new Christmas dress, parties and phone calls with cousins, her favorite birthday moment was this :

Thanks Addie. Her dream of trading her curly locks for Mattie Claire's long, blond locks came true, if only for an afternoon. I can't believe my baby is 7. She still makes my job easy and enjoyable. I will tell her one day how she filled a hole in my heart and how she teaches me everyday how to be a more loving and fun mother. I have still yet to wake up from that dream 7 years ago..................I love you Macy Baum Baum.

So you didn't make the list?

2008-12-17T15:01:00.005-07:00

Well, we didn't have your address.

And we ran out of stamps.

And they only came in packages of 12.

And, ..... there's always next year.

And well, if you must know it was sabotage on behalf of Noah and Ezra.

(They held a secret meeting before Jessica starting snapping photos and decided they would each take a turn looking cross eyed, smiling like a Grinch that stole Christmas, watching the clouds, and such.)

(More fine print: The temperature was something freezing degrees. And the photos were taken when Jace made a mad dash home for a 36 hour period with one clean shirt. I'm glad it was a cream colored thermal and not a White Mountain Plumbing t-shirt or such. That would have proved a little more difficult to coordinate with. And for those of you keeping track, it's been almost two weeks since I have layed eyes on my friend. Life gets lonelier, sadder, and emptier with every passing day. Can we make it to Christmas Eve, babe?)

Please take a look now:

And the winner was..........

Did I pick the right one? I know Ezra's thumb is in his mouth but that is usually where it is. Just be glad the blue blanket didn't make the photo. Now just imagine it is personally addressed to you and imagine reading:

Merry Christmas from our Family to Yours!

If I could've taken out a full page ad.....

2008-12-12T15:49:00.009-07:00

It would have said this:

My sister's house is for rent.

I currently reside in it and man am I lucky.

I fell in love on day 1. Remember?

I don't want to go. I want to stay.

Notice the sidewalks. The grass. The big blue door.

Does your current back porch boast of a bed swing?

And a dog named Girl? We would have to leave her. It just wouldn't be right to take her from her like 5th or 6th home she's had the Baums. Besides it's not her fault we are in a ressesion. There will be No extra cost for the dog.

I love the light in the morning.

Doesn't every child dream of a playroom with the words chicken and cacciatore painted on the wall?

Adorable painted walls in every room.

With the built in entertainment center in the master bed room, Jace and I have found other things to do at night when the kids are asleep.

Instead my ad in the newspaper reads something like this:

4bdrm/2bth, 2car garage, landscaped yds, quiet cul-de-sac,

steps away from Snflk Temple & golf course. no smoking.

no inside pets. $1000/mo. call Kirsten or Lindsay.

But you can leave a comment.

You can spread the word.

You can reunite a family and help a girl far away in Wisconsin.

You can rent the house.

Better yet, you can buy the dang thing then You would never have to leave it, like I do.

Long Distance Relationships: Lesson #1

2008-12-08T20:49:00.009-07:00

Here we have Lorenzo Hill Hatch. My Great, Great, Great Grandpa on my Mom's side. What? He's your grandpa too? GET OUT.

Grandpa Hatch had 4 wives in his lifetime. 3 of them at the same time. They would bear him 24 children (the reason why he is your grandpa too). He and his 3rd wife, Alice Hansen, helped found a settlement in Arizona that would later be called Taylor. Grandma Alice hated the wind and wrote about how hard water was to locate. Grandma Alice was a saint. Her husband had 2 other families to care for in Utah and Idaho. Therefore, making it difficult to spend time with Alice and the kids. He would occasionally get back down to Arizona to visit and feed the family.

Not cool.

Jace, lesson #1 is this: The days of polygamy are gone and so should the days of long distance marriage and child rearing be as well. I'm going to need to see you more than occasionally. Please don't find a Utah family (or Idaho family for that matter). We are going to need all of you. TO OURSELVES. Thank you.

And one more thing, remember how I was yelling into my cell phone this evening because I couldn't the @#%$^# fire to start. Well, I guess after 38 kindling sticks, a stack of paper, and 45 minutes with a blow torch. Twice. Something caught fire. That's right. I see flames where flames have refused to be all day:

I admit. I'm no Alice. It's a lot like living with the hanicapped, pioneer cousin that had to be pulled in the hand cart the whole way, when living with me. And I apologize. For the cursing AND acting like a handicapped cousin. I love you.

For those of you who don't know, the fine print reads: I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Saints, or a Mormon. Mormons no longer practice polygamy. Jace and Lindsay Baum practice complete fidelity. We are not looking for substitute mates. I completely love and honor all my ancestors. My 3rd child is named after Lorenzo and Alice's son, Ezra Taft Hatch. My sarcasm is meant to imply that I miss my husband and I'm not very good at being a single mother of 3. capisce?

Wait a second.....

2008-12-04T20:55:00.007-07:00

Did it seem I was complaining (whining) in the last post? Can I explain?

My friend Jace Baum wants to feed me, clothe me, place a roof over my sorry head, love me, grope me, and most of all wants to see me HAPPY. He tries. Real hard. When the tears were falling in Utah last week and I was begging him to "just get in the car with me and come home with me.....We tried it. We saw it. Can we just call it a wash?" I could see it on his face and in his eyes. He thought about it. Long and hard. It kills him to see me sad. He would've got in the car. He would have put a stop to the tears right there.

Do you know what that tastes like? Guilt.

Do you know what the best find in Vernal, UT is that I forgot to mention? That I continually forget about? The paycheck. The one that will be deposited into my personal checking account tonight around 12:01 am. For heaven sakes. I think I'm going to survive my little transfer. Jace Baum has yet to drive my life into a ditch. I have had to reach over and grab the wheel a time or two (or three, or 37) but all in all we have been abundantly blessed. Hello, have you seen our kids? Oh, you forgot how sweet they are?

They don't come sweeter than this.

Well OK, maybe this one does.

Seriously? I know I will love Vernal. I will love Utah. I will love the people. I'm sure I'll even grow to love Jace in camo and the pink dinosaur greeting me on Main street. I will come to find why Heavenly Father opened this door, at this time, for us. The tears are not out of fear, anger, or desperation. The tears are for what I'm leaving behind. Life here was good. We have had a hell of a run here the White Mountains. We made some really good friends, memories, and choices. And I'm not planning on changing that......just location.

By the way, our new realtor called today. The homeowners accepted our offer. The offer is now on it's way to the bank. We hear banks are wanting to get rid of houses and bad debt lately. We shall see. We are one step closer to homeownership again. In Utah. My heart has been racing and my palms sweaty with excitement. My brain refuses to stop building porches, tearing down walls, picking out wall colors, adding trim, and planting grass.

What I'm getting at is....I'm really moving and I'm going to do with a smile on my face. Husbands and wives should live in the same state. Just know I'm going to miss you. Sisters. Parents. Wards. Taylor Elementary. Eva's. Blossom. Sonic. Friends. Mrs. Larson's Preschool. Bashas cub house. Aerobics. Pioneer Park. Neighbors. You know who you are.