"You be Thelma. I'll be Louise."

You might have noticed I'm trying out a new blog template. Before you get all worked up, know that I hate change also but the old template was BORING. I was starting to fall asleep just looking at it. I have an idea for a blog design I want but no one seems to want to do it for me, for free, without me asking. So let me know what you think of this one and if it is universally hated, I'll try something else. Look at me, acting like the five people reading this even care.

For everything there is a season
Ryan and I drove by an closed Hollywood Video store yesterday and I made the comment that video rental stores are a business we've seen come and go in our lifetime. I really think that soon, there will be no more rental stores. That everything will be done online or at Redboxes. We use Netflix and have been happy with it. I especially like Netflix on demand because we can watch movies like the old "Clash of the Titans" or "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" by just clicking the mouse. I tried to think of other businesses that had come and gone in my lifetime but got bored and decided to ask those who read my blog to do it for me. So, can you think of any?

Summer
Kristin and I lived next to each other in Santaquin for four years. She had two boys who were the same age as my girls. I'm sure Kristin can tell many stories about my kids walking into her home uninvited and asking her for food. I didn't supervise my children very well. I contribute our nightly walk/talks to keeping me sane during some really rough times. When she told me they were moving to Missouri 4 years ago, I was not happy at all but at least we have kept in touch. I feel privileged that I'm one of a handful of people outside of her family who know the dark side of Sweet Kristin. Since Kristin grew up in Utah, they come back every summer and we get to hang out again. This year we hiked Y mountain with our kids and then spent the day at the water park. I can't believe how grown up our kids are now.

Cute picture of Hanna and Landon playing soccer in Kristin's yard. They must have been 6 here.

All of them at the water park a few years back.

So big!

Hanna and Grace at the top of the mountain

Long story short, Hanna skidded down part of the Y. Her elbows and knees were even worse.


A few years back I had someone tell me that Utah wasn't diverse or cultural. This person had lived in Utah their entire life. I started to list things our family did that I considered "cultural" and soon realized they had never done any of these things. Culture isn't just going to knock on your door and put on a play for you. You have to seek it out. With several large universities nearby, there is always something going on and usually for free. As for diversity, Utah has plenty. Ryan and I went to the Salt Lake City Arts Festival with the Quists last week and it was chalk full of diversity.

Karen doesn't like this picture (crazy?) but I've decided that until she comments on my blog, she has no say in what goes in it. Look at us, Arting it up!


I got my hair cut. My friend Christine said she likes "Short Hair Shea" and I thought that would be a good super hero name. Maybe my short hair does give me super powers? "Short Hair Shea can wash her hair faster than a speeding bullet!"


I got a new light fixture. I didn't like the lighting package we picked for our house but it was the best one they had at the time. I've been wanting to replace my dining room fixture since we moved in. I got this one on overstock.com and I like it.


*This little note is for my dad. You have been asked by several of my friends to post more comments. Apparently, they find you quite hilarious.

lactose is just one of the many things I don't tolerate

Contrary to what the title might imply, I do not have anything to rant about. The weather is looking up, third quarter grades are done and entered, Spring Break is a week away and my fake tan is coming along nicely. Life is good! Last weekend we took the girls to bspace for haircuts. We'd had a couple of not great hair cuttings at local places and when I was complaining to Chad about it, he informed me that their junior stylists did not cost nearly what he did. Hanna's been bugging me for awhile now to get her hair cut off and the new, zen mother Shea said, "Whatevs". I think they both look really cute with the short bobs. Hanna left yesterday for an overnight camp with the school and Grace had a serious meltdown. Who knew she liked her sister so much? She slept in Hanna's bed last night, which I thought was pretty adorable.

I'm no Lindsay Vonn. More like Lucille Ball
Tuesday I took a personal day and Kristin and I went on our long planned, long postponed due to Kristin having babies, ski trip. Kristin hadn't been in 12 and I hadn't been in a year. Mark Jones scored us discounted tickets to Deer Valley and we met him in Park City at the Stein to pick them up. I put them in my pocket and zipped my pocket up. Kristin says she saw it but when we got all our gear on at the lodge, the tickets were no where to be found. We retraced our steps, asked lost and found but finally called Mark crying because I just lost $120 worth of tickets. Mark was great and was able to get us new tickets for no cost. I think the crying was the key, and it was genuine or maybe he is used to crying and just wanted me off his back. Amanda? The skiing was great and Kristin and I were great skiing partners. I think if her boots hadn't been giving her blisters she would have been better than me since she skied more when she was younger. We both only wiped out once. By the end of the day our legs were so tired we couldn't go down another run. In fact the last run we went on, I had to stop halfway down and rest. I told Kristin I was ready to say, "Leave me Kristin and save yourself. I'll get down somehow." I did manage to make it down but we were both done after that. We are planning on making this a yearly thing and involving our children.
Pictures!
Hanna's long hair. For some reason I was super attached to this. She can grow some mean hair.

"Sisters, identical sisters" We went to The Rack right after the cuts and Grace was all worked up because the clerk asked if they were twins. When he could tell that upset Grace he back peddled and said, "Oh I can see they have different personalities." I wanted to say, "Yeah, the one with her arms folded across her chest glaring at you. She's the one I dread becoming a teenager."

The face of an angel, the temper of Lucifer himself.

We bought hair accessories at J.Crew. I wanted to say J.Crew so I look cool. Not as cool as Anthro but I'm not paying $25 for a cloth flower made in Pakistan.

This picture was making me laugh for a few reasons. I'm at REI buying my North Face vest I've wanted for a few years now and was taking a picture to show Ryan in the car. He was sitting in there because Grace was mad she didn't find anything to buy at Claire's and wouldn't go into the store. Check out Hanna's personal style. She's fun.

Hey haters! If I'm so vain, how come I put this most horrible picture of myself up? Can you say, "Michelin Man". I love Kristin's snow bunny pose. We learned the importance of goggles on this ski trip. We both just happened to bring them and they really helped with the wind in the face. Mine were the pair my parents bought me when I was on the school cross-country team in Jr. High. That's what cool kids did at your school right? They played trumpet in marching band and were on the cross-country ski team. Good.

Deer Valley is amazing. Look at this view.

Time for kittens and bunnies

The other day I had something hurtful happen to me in the blogging world (I refuse to use the word "Blogosphere") and it got me thinking about something that has bothered me for a long time. You might say it's one of my pet peeves. I don't like it when adults think all rude behaviour is excused because, "That's how I am. I say anything I want to and if you don't like it, suck it!" I've met a few people like this in my life and I find them super irritating. Why, just because you are "that type of person" can you get away with horrible behaviour and why do some adults think this is an acceptable excuse? I was working in the PTA as treasurer the same year I got pregnant with Evie. I ended up being in the hospital having her the week school started. Actually, I remember it was the day before Grace started Kindergarten because I knew I had to get out of the hospital or heaven forbid I would miss Grace's first day. Let's just say I don't remember much of that walk to school because I was hopped up on all types of good drugs. I should have quit the PTA but for some bizarre reason I stayed in and I did a really shitty job. In my defense I do remember some mention of, "Don't you worry. You just do what you can." I hated going to meetings because all social situations caused me anxiety. This was before I wised up and listened to my therapist when he told me it was okay to take the occasional Xanax. Just the sight of certain people threw me into a panic and some of those people happened to be in the PTA. I did work with some women who I love to this day because they kept me sane that year. Then there was a woman who was very demanding and would often call me up and harass me if I missed a meeting. I had lost a child a few months earlier so I wanted to say to her, "Listen sister! It's amazing I'm able to get up in the mornings. So if I miss a damn PTA meeting, you might want to cut me some slack." This woman constantly did things like this and the one time I complained to a fellow PTA member about it, her reply was, "That's just the way she is. Don't take it personally." Oh, okay. I will remember that when I feel like yelling at someone, which happens a lot. Throw away all conventions of society because, "That's the way I am." I try to be nice on this blog, I really do. I know I've made mistakes when I've started ranting and I apologize. I will most likely continue to make mistakes but I don't intentionally try to hurt anyone. I also don't excuse my behaviour by saying, "That's how I am. Take it or leave it." I know I put myself out there and that means that I open myself up to people who disagree, which I'm totally cool with. Believe me, I know some people might not like me and that's okay. We don't all have to like each other but we do, as human beings, have to be civil.

Now think happy thoughts while looking at this kitten. You can't stay mad while looking at kittens.

Bloggity blog blog

My dad called me out for not blogging lately, so I will try to get something going. We've been really busy lately with visitors. Ryan's 90 year old Grandma came from Oregon for about 10 days, which was great but also hard. Her health has deteriorated to the point where she can't go up and down stairs/steps without help so we weren't able to do much more than take her on drives. Evelyn has been saying since her husband passed away about 4 years ago that she just wants to die. It's kind of said in jest but I think there is a lot of truth to it. Ryan jokes with her that she should either stop taking her medications or take all of them at once. That's the kind of relationship Ryan and his Grandma have, which I think is kind of terrific. But yeah, got me thinking about old age and how we need to live our lives to the fullest while we can.

Now I remember what I was going to center this blog post around, how friends are great. After Grandma left, our friends Mike, Christine and Claire from the Chicago area came for a visit. I met Christine 9 years ago when we were pregnant and due in the same month. We met on an internet board along with 15 or so other women and we've kept the board going (now it's private) for all these years. When our family took a trip to Chicago a few years ago with stayed with their family for a couple of days. After we left Ryan said, "Those are some of the nicest people I've ever met." So it was really fun to have them here for a few days. I racked my brain trying to think of Utahy things to do and I think I did a pretty good job. You forget how beautiful the scenery here is, so it's kind of nice to have people from out of town to remind you. We went to Temple Square in Salt Lake and the tabernacle. They took a tour of Brigham Young's house with us where Mike and Christine learned that "wholesome family fun" is best. No more taking Claire to the strip bar with them. We then drove to Park City and home through Provo Canyon which was looking extra nice due to Noah-ish amount of rain we've been getting. Point of the story is, the internet has made me some of my best friends and while you might think it's strange or creepy, don't knock it until you've tried it.

*click to enlarge*
A friend saw this picture and commented on how Hanna was almost to my chin. When you're freakishly short it doesn't take much for your kids to be taller than you.

Claire and Grace were born on the same day just hours apart. All three girls got along so well that we threatened to adopt Claire into our family. This was especially horrifying to her after Ryan broke out the MC Robot.

Who said technology was bad? When we were driving down the canyon Christine would say, "Claire put down the DS and look at the mountains." Claire would grunt "Uh huh" and keep on playing. Good to know that all kids are idiots.

I'm so secure in myself that I'll put awful pictures of me on this blog. I thought Christine looked great so I made a sacrifice for her. That is why I'm going to the best heaven Christine.

The weather gods smiled upon us and there was one day without rain so we headed to the water park. Mike couldn't believe the scenery and declared that all water parks in Illinois sucked compared to the peaks.


On Friday I went to Park City to do some outlet shopping with my first grade team of teachers. I came home and told Ryan that I feel like things are really coming up Van Fleet lately. I like these women that I'm going to be working with and I think I'm going to fit in well with them. They like to shop, I like to shop. Huzzah! I overheard my mentor tell one of the other teachers who came with us but doesn't teach at the school anymore, "That I was by far the best person they interviewed." So yeah, who wouldn't feel good about that. Still, the thought of actually teaching 27 (yes 27!) 1st graders still scares the living shit out of me but at least I have friends that are there for me.

I'm back baby!

Oh sweet internet, how I missed you. Now I can cradle you in my bosom and pet your hair while we get reacquainted. That might be too graphic of an image but I really did miss my internet. There is only so much you can do on the Crackberry. Now I know some of you have requested pictures of the house but I've got plans for a multi-media presentation that will blow your minds. (Note to self: learn brain to do multi-media presentation) So be patient and I promise, it will be worth it.

Things are going well here at the new house. I'm taking suggestions for a fake town name. I don't think I want to use the real name on the blog. I'm sure someone could figure it out if they tried hard enough but I will take this baby step to be more safe. The commute still stinks and has been made even stinkier by the horrible "spring" weather we have been receiving. Snow, snow, some rain, followed by more snow, followed by me driving my car off a bridge just to end the misery. I did see cherry blossoms on the trees outside out kitchen window yesterday and it brought a tear to my eye. Spring is lurking but the damn snow won't let it in. We celebrated Ryan's THIRTY-EIGHTH birthday on the first. He bought himself a scooter jacket from the Scooter Lounge and ordered his helmet online. Next step, a side car for the family to ride in. Maybe I'll saddle up one of the horses in the backyard and we can take a ride together. The farm behind us has proved useful in my plan to not have a pet of our own but give my kids the experience of having a pet. We have named the big tabby cat "Sammy" because all tabby cats should be named that. He was having a fight the other night and I went outside to talk to him, you know, to see if everything was okay. Ryan yelled at me to stop talking to the cat. He thinks I'm secretly trying to make the cat, our cat. Possibly.

Since I have the blessed internet now, I thought it would be good to post some pictures of events that have gone on recently.

We went skiing with Ryan's Aunt Charlotte and his cousin Taylor met us there. We had a great time and the girls once again amazed me with their skiing abilities. They are much more fearless than I am.





Hanna showing her trick skiing skills. This isn't the best example of their skiing but I thought it was funny.

Kids Skiing from Shea on Vimeo.

The ladies celebrated Amanda's birthday on Friday and after a fabulous dinner at P.F. Chang's, we came back to my house. We messed around with the camera a bit because that's the kind of thing we like to do, or Amanda likes to do. I took this awesome picture of her. It looks 80's glam to me.

Karen got a little frisky, I think due to too many Dr. Peppers, but I was like, "Karen, I'm just not that into you."

The Stein

Amanda's husband took one for the team and got himself a job at the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City. This means that because we are Jonesy's bestest friends ever, we get to go stay there once a year at a very discounted price. The suite we stayed in is normally $3,000/night but shhh...we didn't pay that. They also happened to be having a friends and family special at the Spa so we all got lovely massages and I had my eyebrows waxed (because I'm hairy). The Spa was fabulous and very fancy. I'm sure we stuck out because we weren't quiet and I think to be rich and fancy you have to be reserved all the time. If anyone knows Amanda, you know "reserved" is not a word you'd use to describe her but that's why we love her. The dressing room at the spa had a dry sauna, a wet sauna and a hot tub. We tried all three but I won't post the picture of us in the hot tub because this isn't that type of blog, even if Karen thought that was the best picture of her. Our suite was bigger than my house and had an amazing view off the deck which had our own hot tub on it. A little something about me, I loves me a good hot tub. After outlet shopping and dinner, we all got in the hot tub together and talked for hours. I think I cooked my insides. I made a fire (because I'm good at that) and we talked and laughed late into the night. Then Karen and I cuddled up together in our king size bed and fell asleep. Okay we didn't cuddle but she did talk in her sleep a lot. The only mishap we had was that Karen tried to get into the wrong car when the valet brought one identical to Tracey's. The snotty rich lady didn't look too pleased.

Amazing views everywhere, especially from our deck.

I ninja kicked Karen and then jumped back to take the photo of the Stein pool.

The kitchen didn't get much use but it was pretty.

This is the main living area and that's the fireplace where I built a fire, with matches and all.

Karen sitting.

I got up in the morning and headed to the hot tub because I love hot tubs.

I thought my head was going to explode trying to take this picture. I should post some of the "out takes" but I know they'd all kill me.

Let's get the party started!

I just got home from a fabulous night out with the ladies. Me, Kristin, Tisa, Amanda and Karen (we all have blogs except for Karen who spends her abundant leisure time watching soaps and eating bonbons) went up to Park City to do some eating and outlet shopping. I'm starting to think outlets are a big scam but I did find a good deal on kids shoes at the Adidas outlet. I prefer to do my sale shopping at regular stores but we are there to socialize. Shopping is secondary. Karen had to stop at Walmart on her way home because really, what day is complete without a trip to Walmart. We were walking by the kids clothes when I spotted a shirt with kittens on it. I picked it up and realized it was the greatest shirt ever made.

BTW the cats are sparkly on it which makes it even better. I told Karen she should buy it because she hates cats. We laughed about it and then I said, "I will pay you $10 if you wear that shirt somewhere." She said that she would so I went back and bought the shirt which was on sale for the great price of two dollars. We were in the store laughing about all the places we could wear this shirt. The mall, the ward party, first day of work, etc. I told her I was going to put in on in the parking lot and she was going to take a picture of me in the "pussy shirt". This is the best $2 I have spent recently and this shirt is going to be showing up at a few functions where we have to say upon entering, "Let's get the party started!"

Grade ten typing class

My friend Daniela sent this to me the other day. Yes, I wrote this and yes, this is what I did in Mrs. Ruby Fletcher's typing class. It was pretty much a 45 minute period for Daniela and I to type notes (on an actual typewriter) back and forth to each other. I honestly don't remember what else was taught or done in that class but I'm a fairly decent typer so I must have learned something. After reading this poem I'm kind of amazed that I didn't go on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. I'm also kind of amazed that I had any friends because apparently I was kind of a weirdo. At least I had a friend who got me and it's been great to catch up with her.


Daniela looking good, me looking like a pure band geek. I couldn't seem to find a picture of us both looking good.

Kitties

This is too freakin adorable! I watched this yesterday and used the powers I have to translate what these cats are saying to each other.
"I'm bored, let's go over to Karen's house."
"Sounds good. We'll get in her car and wait for her."
"Purrfect! When she gets in the car we'll terrify her by sitting on the seat looking adorable."
"She'll pee her pants!"
"Exactly. Now lick this spot here."

BYU Swim

Quists were kind enough to invite us to go swimming with them at BYU tonight. We went with the Beans also because Mr. Bean is a professor at BYU and only employees can go or take guests. For those of you unfamiliar with the BYU pool and it's rules, you have to wear a "modest" one piece swimming suit to swim there. Back in the day when I attended BYU, you had to wear a BYU issue swimming suit and man were those sexy! They were just a navy blue tank suit but I think they left them in the rotation until the were almost transparent and stretched out about five sizes. They finally changed the rules a few years back and you can now wear your own "modest" swimming suit. Apparently Karen and Tracey's girls do not own "modest" swimming suites (that fit) so they were planning on using a BYU issue suit. Well surprise! They just recently got rid of all the BYU suits and you can no longer wear a lovely BYU issue tank. So we had three teenage girls without suits. The kind BYU students who were working the locker room desk told us there might be some in the lost and found. They fished out three suits that were somewhat usable. Victoria's was almost transparent and stretched out, Taylor's was the most decent of the bunch but it was a bit big in the top for her and Sydney's had to be taken in with hair elastics. They were good sports about it and did end up swimming in the lost and found suits. Don't expect pictures of them in their suits. Teenage girls do not mess around with that kind of thing. Taylor told me she'd burn my camera if I took a picture of her.

You have to click on the picture and check out Grace's hillbilly tooth. It's so close to coming out but as of yet, no one has been able to coax it out.

I don't know what gang sign she's flashing. I'm guessing some tats will be showing up soon.

I just thought this was a cute picture of Grace.

N*rsing Bl*nkets

My super talented friend Sarah Graham makes beautiful nursing blankets and is selling them online. I'm, thankfully, not nursing anymore but I would have loved one of these when I was. Sarah is one of these people who can buy a rundown house in Vallejo, CA and then make it into the cutest thing you've ever seen with nothing but paint, elbow grease and a sewing machine. I'd call her and she'd be in the process of ripping her kitchen floor out by herself while nursing a baby. She's insane but I love her. So if you're nursing a baby, buy one of Sarah's blankets. They'll keep strangers from seeing your goodies.

Lovely!

Adorable!

Presents

My friend Michelle just told me about Anne Taintor website and I'm already thinking of which one each of my friends is going to get. Michelle must know me well enough to know I'd love her products.

Me?

Karen?

Kristin?

Tracey?

Amanda?

Everyone?