So I am lame...

I have not updated this poor, sad blog in ages. Part of the reason is that I haven't had anything new to say.

Well....

Now I do!

The kids and I had a FABULOUS summer! Spencer participated in summer school for a few weeks. He really enjoyed it and said he wanted to go again next summer. At the end of June, the kids went with their dad on a road trip to California. They spent the night in Las Vegas on the way down. They stayed in California for a week. One day, they got to go to Disneyland. They have told me I need to go, and they will show me around.

They didn't have a chance to go to the beach, so I took them to Bear Lake. I know...I am spoiling them, since the ocean doesn't hold a candle to Bear Lake (please take note of the sarcastic tone...) We built a sand castle and played in the lake. The weather was perfectly calm, and the water was a very comfortable temperature.

The next weekend was the 4th of July. We watched the Logan fireworks. While we were waiting for the fireworks to start, Spencer and Carrie found their cousins and got to play for a while. It was very enjoyable, and took a lot less time to get out of the parking lot this year. Wahoo! We also watched the Hyrum fireworks, but not from our back yard like we usually do. We ended up going to the high school. It was a very good spot!

A week later was our ward campout. We had a blast! We showed up quite early and had the chance to help out with dinner. We also got early dibs on a tent spot. That also meant we had to set up the tent by ourselves, which we managed (we only bent one pole.) We played frisbee and catch with a football. After dinner, we played volleyball. Once it got dark, we went and sat around the campfire. Amazingly, I was the only one who brought smores in our group. I like to do tropical smores with coconut cookies, chocolate, bananas, and, of coarse, the 'mallow. They were a big hit!

So now, you are probably thinking, "Wow! This woman is, like, the coolest mom on the face of the earth!!!" Well, all good things must come to an end... We attempted to go to Hogle Zoo. We drove for two hours, and the kids were sooooo excited! We got to the zoo and piled out of the car. When we got to the gate at 6:00 pm, we discovered that they closed at 5:30!!! I am trying my hardest to fathom the logic... Here it is, a Monday evening, in Utah, where family home evening is a law, and the zoo closes before most people get home from work!!! Egads, I will never understand. So then, we tried to go to the Living Aquarium. Nope...by the time we got there, they were within fifteen minutes of closing. So, to make the trip worth it, we went to the Mayan for dinner. They have a fun diving show that the kids really enjoyed. The whole evening was an adventure, and I laugh heartily at the memory!

Pampered Chef has been going okay. Things were a little slow during the summer, but it's starting to pick up a little. I've had a couple of good shows, and I have added two people to my team. Wahoo!

Now that the kids are in school, I decided I should find a job working school hours. I discovered an opportunity working at a new school in Nibley. It's technically not a job, but a volunteer position that has a living expense stipend. I have agreed to volunteer 900 hours of my time over the next ten months assisting struggling readers, and they give me a monthly stipend to help offset living expenses. Plus, they have an education award they give to each participant at they end of their service. It's a perfect situation for me. I have the flexibility I need, but a consistent income and money for school. I am very excited!

I am very sorry I don't have any great pictures to go with this very long and boring tale, but I forgot my camera every time! I know, I know...shame on me.

Hello All!

I just wanted to give you a quick update. After a "break" from my Pampered Chef business, I am coming back! I am very excited and I intend to use my business to replace the job I just quit.

As a single mother, I need to be home with my children, and I got really tired of losing 35-40 hours a week for a measly $7.46 an hour. It hit me awhile ago that I was missing out on my kids' childhood for 21 cents above minimum wage. It was not worth it! My eight-year old was on the verge of tears every time I dropped him off at school. The question "Mom, are you picking us up today?" has ripped my heart to shreds, and I can no longer take it! Two weeks ago, after my bonus was cut in half, after broken promises from my employer and much frustration, I decided enough was enough, and I gave my two weeks notice. So, after this Friday, I will officially be "unemployed." After I gave my notice, I decided that Pampered Chef was going to make my dream of being a single, stay-at-home mom a reality. By doing a mere 2-3 shows a week, I can more than replace the income I was making from my previous job, eliminate the need to send my kids to be raised by someone else, maintain my sanity, and perhaps even get my education finished sooner.

I am very lucky...perhaps "blessed" is a better word...I am blessed. I have fantastic family and friends who want to see me succeed. My family and friends are supportive in my desire to provide for my family and to raise my children. So, to you, my family and friends, I issue a small request. I do not wish to push my business on anyone who does not desire to hear about it. I love Pampered Chef. I love their products, I love the business and what it means for my family. This company is truly dedicated to families. There are many people out there who desire to help their families succeed and to grow closer together. By making family dinner a priority, they can do this, and the Pampered Chef can help. Their products make cooking simple and even fun. Their recipes are delicious and are often requested in our household. And by centering the business around family, the Pampered Chef has made it possible for many people like myself to spend time with their families where they otherwise would not be able to.

So...my request is just this...please keep me in mind. If you are a great lover of Pampered Chef products, please let me know. I will get you a catalog and order form. Perhaps you are not interested in purchasing, but know someone who would be...I LOVE referrals! Maybe you (or someone you know ;) ) would be interested in getting a few friends together to get some ideas on simple and efficient meals, earn free products, and just have a bunch of gosh-darn fun! Or, maybe you, or someone you know, are in need of an opportunity to grow, learn, and provide some income for your family. I can help in all of these ways.

I love and appreciate my great friends and awesome family. Everything always works out exactly as it should, and I have seen evidence of this in my life. I feel like this is the right decision for me and my family. We are on the right track. I look forward to being home with my children and watching them grow and learn. I appreciate your support in my efforts. Thank you for taking the time to read my message, and please let me know how I can help you or anyone you know.

May your day be truly pampered!

Love,
Elizabeth Riding
Independent Sales Consultant
The Pampered Chef
pmprdguru@gmail.com
(435) 512-1224

Exciting things are happening here...

I just thought I would take a moment and update everyone. I've had a lot of curious inquiries into a certain aspect of my life, and there are those out there who don't even know what I'm talking about. Are you ready for this.......................................................I'm dating someone!

Here's the details: Mike and I met.........get this.........in first grade.

I spent my elementary years in a small Idaho town called Ashton. Mike was in my ward primary class and three of my school classes. My family moved to Hyrum just after I finished sixth grade (which, in Idaho, is still in elementary.) This was fifteen years ago. I did not see or hear from Mike after that. Then, in August of 2008, I ran into his older sister at the Cache County Fair. We talked for a little bit, and parted. This was around the same time that I started using Face Book. Mike's sister found me and added me as a friend. We would chat every once in a while, and we even went to a movie together. She kept me updated on her and her family. I would especially inquire after Mike. It's only natural, we're the same age. Mike finally started his own Face Book page, and we added each other as friends. We talked every once in a while, but nothing earth moving. He lives in Idaho Falls and works for Cal Ranch. But three weeks ago, it happened. We chatted, and clicked. We chatted for nearly two hours that day. The next day, we chatted for 30 minutes. A couple of days later, we chatted for FOUR HOURS!!!! At this point, it was time to take it to the phone. Our first phone conversation lasted SIX HOURS!!!! Ever since, we have not had an evening conversation that has not lasted less than three hours.

Needless to say, we have really hit it off. He has come to Logan twice, and last night I made my way up to Idaho Falls. Our dates have been great. Mike cares for me like I've never been cared for before-unconditionally. He has not met my kids yet, but we are looking forward to the day, which will happen very soon, I'm sure. I feel so happy!

I LOVE this time of year!!!

The beginning of school is the best! It feels like a fresh start, even more so than New Years. I love the feeling of newness that comes with the change of the school year. This year is no exception. I recently changed responsibilities at my job, I am thinking about changing my major, and, just in a wishful thinking only-in-my-wildest-dreams sort of way, have considered moving. Fall is awesome!!!!

My kids were so excited to start school this year. Spencer is now in 2nd grade and Carrie started kindergarten. Our day started at 6:00 this morning. Carrie came into my bedroom and declared that she was taking a shower to get ready for school (which starts at 9:00.) Shortly after that, Spencer came upstairs, his school clothes in tow, waiting for his turn in the shower. We showered, got dressed, blow dried Carrie's hair (she wanted it left down today) and even changed our clothes a couple of times. We loaded backpacks with school supplies. We had our shoes and socks on and backpacks on our backs. The kids were ready at the door at 7:30. We ate breakfast (rice with cinnamon, sugar, and milk.) "What time do we leave, mom?" To pass more time, we decided to walk the one-half mile to the school. We got there with plenty of time to take pictures. We took Carrie to her class first. She hung up her backpack and practically pushed me out the door "Bye, Mom!" Okay...clingy mom alert! I didn't want to go! So I took Spencer to his class. I tried to help him get settled, but I got the same thing there "Bye, Mom! See you later!" I thought I was excited for them to go to school, but now that I know they don't "need" me anymore, I'm kind of sad :(

After school, both the kids kept talking about how great school is and how much they love their teachers. We are getting off to a great start! It is now nearly 7:00 at night, and I just heard Carrie exclaim in the other room "I can't believe I'm in kindergarten!" So cute!!!

First day of school was a huge success!

So funny!!!!!

I spent some time on youtube today and found this HILARIOUS video. I watched twice and couldn't breath both times, so prepare yourselves!

So cute!

Remember this one?

A great video....

LOVE IT!!!!!!!