orthodontist

the time has come in our house hold, we went to the Orthodontist. I have to add that I did it in true Melissa form. I called the insurance and got all the info I needed. I only have 1 orthodontist in southest idaho that takes my insurance, so that dictates where I am going. By the way, the only one that takes my insurance is in Rigby. But I was willing to make the trek. So I made the appointment, let the kids know what was up. Got the x-ray's transferred and all that. I made extra time to get there.

I got lost.

I know, I know it's only Rigby, but when you take the wrong exit, it's all down hill from there. The kids were like "Mom, do you even know where your going?" well kids, apparantly not!! Eventually I made it. I went in (I was only a few minutes late) and let the receptionist know that I got lost, I was sorry and all that. She was like no problem, did you come from Rexburg? I'm like -no Idaho Falls, why? and she's like well you do know that we have an office in IF -right? I'm like that would be good info to know!! Well it turns out their office is like 3 blocks from my HOUSE!! so It's in true melissa form how this all turned out! But yippee!! the office will be close to my house that will make things so easy!! as it turns out brynlee needs full on braces, upper and lower for 2 years (it might be less) Jade needs teeth pulled and phase 1. I repeat PHASE 1. are you kidding me, she will actually need phases? Well, I guess bring it on. What else would I expect after all, her mouth has had every issue available. And we still have to talk bonding and veneers, but not before they're straightened! Ian also needs teeth pulled to start and his mouth is a whole other post. But right now, Robert and I have decisions to make!

HSM

I am sooo grateful for High School Musical. I was very skeptical when this came out. I really poo pooed it-so to speak. And then I was at my sister-in-law's house and my kids were watching it and Ashly was like "really, it's good. I even like it!" So I sat down to see what it was all about! Boy was it good. I only saw a few minutes worth, but now we own the movies, have the sound tracks and I took the girls to see the 3rd one on the opening day at the Theatres. We even have the Karoake versions for Brynlee's machine. IT IS FUN!! Lots, and lots of healthy fun. I am so grateful for it. I have completely jumped on this bandwagon because it's something that has a positive message delivered in a fun way to the kids. (And I secretly want Sharpay's hair!) But my love for HSM has come to a new level. On our trip to Southern Utah we caravaned with Robert's family. And at one point Brynlee, Jade and Alexa were in the car with Robert and I. (Gavin doesn't count for this purpose!) We were totally rockin' to the HSM soundtracks! We all knew the words and it was so fun-ok, Alexa even knew the words and would sing them-hilarious!! anyway, during this time, I felt such gratitude that I could have this with my girls. That I could be 'cool' and fun to them. That we all had such a good time together. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time, and for the record. Troy's song "Bet on It" is my favorite!!

Hank

So the time has come for our family to get a bigger car. We have certainly enjoyed our new space!! This car is a suburban, which I started to call the 'Burb. Robert has now dubbed it 'Hank'!! He feels like that commercial years ago (I don't even remember what it was promoting) where this guy was walking around with a cheering section behind him who cheered him on through out life. The guy's name was Hank and they chanted his name quietly while he was in a job interview. We loved that commercial and still laugh about it now, so when Robert started to call it 'Hank', I was like sure, why not??

(I asked Brynlee to take these pictures. Sorry they're weird and dark, but it's what I have today!)

We went on a road trip this week. We tested the limits of Hank. And boy it was nice to travel with a little more space. We went to a funeral in Hurricane, Utah. It was so nice down there. I seriously was wishing that I lived there. The weather was perfect. It was balmy, I could seriously consider winter in a place like that! This snow we have is overrated!! It was amazing to see the colors of the mountains. And the views were spectacular. I miss the views like that, living in the city doesn't give you that much of a view. I love to see the mountains but also see the horizon and sky. I think Southern Utah had the best balance of that that I've seen. The mountains aren't to large. St. George is a beautiful city as well. We toured Brigham Young's winter home and the tabernacle. The kids had a great time and so did we. Seeing family was fun and makes me a little homesick!

On the way home, we passed through Provo and had lunch with my brother who lives there. It was a fun visit to see where he lived and chat with him in his own environment. He seems really 'at home' there. Which is a good thing!