Tis the season to be...

I am not quite sure how to complete this sentence. I can think of several words that apply. Here are a few:

JOLLY?

1. Russ and I were able to go and see the play "A Christmas Story" at the Electric Theater with his boss, Todd, and his wife. The play was fun and well performed. That movie is a true Christmas classic.

2. We loved listening to our favorite Christmas CD. My friend Mindy gave us a Christmas CD last year and we absolutely love it. Our favorite song is Mamacita, Donde esta Santa Claus? It also has a great song by Rob Thomas, Merry New York Christmas. We really listen to it occasionally throughout the year, but at Christmas time we get to listen to it everyday.

3. We love spending time with our families. We were able to have family home evening and make gingerbread houses with my parents and the Ellsworths. We spent some of Christmas eve with the Brooks and then had a Mexican Fiesta with my family. On Christmas morning Grandma and Grandpa Brooks, and Jill and her kids came over for Christmas breakfast. We had Christmas dinner with the Little's, the Ellsworth's, Harris and his daughter- Kristen, and Jill and her kids. Later that night Kurtis and his family came to town. We all congregated at grandma Brook's home. Grandma and Grandpa Hyde came to town on Saturday and we all got together again. It was crowded, loud, and fun!

DISAPPOINTED!

1. Grant asked Santa for a hamster for Christmas. Unwillingly, we obliged. Christmas morning as the kids woke up and ran to see what Santa had brought them, we soon realized that something was wrong with the little rodent. The thing DIED within two hours. It ruined Christmas morning as we watched the little guy kick the bucket. (no pictures of the morbid experience)

2. We bought grandma Hyde a watch for Christmas. I set it on the kitchen counter Christmas morning to wrap it. Gracie jumped up to the counter with her new DS and knocked the watch on our tile floor. The watch face shattered. SO SAD! Anyway, we have had to order a new watch-face and will now have to mail grandma her present.

3. Let me just tell you about our Christmas tree. Last year, I hit the after Christmas sales. I bought some really cute decorations for our tree. I was so excited to decorate our tree this year. Well, our fake tree was falling apart last year so Russ took it to D.I. We were going to buy a new one this year. Russ' secretary at work has a bunch of land up above Cedar City. They asked us if we wanted them to cut us down a tree this year. Russ said that would be great. He gave them $35 and they cut down for us a 14 foot PIECE OF CRAP tree. It was bare at the top, really full in the middle, and very sparse at the bottom. We ended up cutting 4 feet off of the bottom of the tree. It helped a little, but not enough to get us excited. Kami came over to our house and laughed hysterically for 30 minutes. She then made a phone call to my mom to tell her she needed to make a special trip to our house just to see our tree. Every time I made a comment about the tree, Russ said I was hurting the tree's feelings. Unfortunately, these pictures do not do justice... it doesn't look half bad in the pictures.

4. We once again didn't get around to sending out Christmas cards. So don't feel left out... nobody got them. We are losers in that regard. We try, but we are rarely successful.

EXHAUSTED!!!

After being up late every night making gifts for co-workers, wrapping presents, shopping, and enjoying the festivities. Then getting up early to exercise, work, clean, and prepare for more festivities. We were completely exhausted.

GRATEFUL

I am so grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ. I am grateful every year that we are able to celebrate His birthday, remember His life, be more giving, be more forgiving, and feel His love as we serve others. I love the Christmas holiday for that reason most of all.

WELCOME HOME

We were able to spend the past weekend in LOVELOCK, NEVADA. Where in the heck is that you ask? It is in northern Nevada, an hour outside of Reno, in the middle of somewhere. It is where my darling husband was raised and where his dad (Bill) and step-mom (Connie) still reside. Bill and Connie just returned home from serving a mission in Mexico City! We are so thrilled to have them home. They faced many challenges while they were there, and are facing many more upon returning home (they came back to a flooded home- so much ruined). They are now beginning the process of remodeling their home... which could be fun... if it wasn't so much work.

We spent the snowy weekend with 6 of Russ' 7 siblings and some of their families (Sad Nate couldn't be there).

It was fun to visit, and get reacquainted with those that live far away. We went to a Pershing County High School basketball game on Friday night (that is where Russ went to school). We saw several people that Russ knew growing up. Russ loved seeing his old stomping grounds and talking about the glory days in Lovelock! On Saturday, the men helped Bill around the house and then went hunting in the afternoon.

They killed some quail and rabbits which they later BBQ'ed. Yummy? I don't know- I didn't taste any... this time. I was able to sneak away for a 6 mile run on Saturday afternoon, in the snow. It was actually very fun. My muscles were so numb from the cold, I couldn't feel them aching! I felt like I could have run forever. The kids mostly played video games since there was snow everywhere and we were not well equipped for that kind of weather (us being from St George and all). All of the boy cousins sat in the "game room", a spare bedroom where they gathered with their Nintendo DS's. I think there were 5-7 of them going at all times. Occassionally they would venture outside and throw a few snowballs (it never lasted longer than a couple of minutes).

On Sunday, Bill and Connie spoke in church and told about their experiences in Mexico. I was very impressed that they were able to focus on the positive experiences and not dwell on the hardships that they faced. They are wonderful examples for my family and I appreciate them so much. I admire them for "sticking it out" in Mexico, not giving up, remaining positive, and finding ways to learn and grow from their experiences. It was a quick, but fun trip.

We have a new favorite thing that we discovered on this trip... books on tape. We got a couple from the library and listened to them during our 8 hour drives to and from Lovelock. What a great way to pass the time, especially when you are driving through the middle of NO WHERE and you only pass another car (or brothel) every 30 minutes! Drive- terrible, books on tape- fantastic! I am not sure why we haven't done this before now.

Baby if you're good to go...

Let's go down to MEXICO!!!

Well the official contest results are in. Russ "won" (earned) a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We will be flying to Mexico at the end of February. We will stay at an ALL-INCLUSIVE resort for 5 days. Russ won a very similar vacation two years ago to Cancun and it was absolutely fabulous! So we know exactly what to expect and we are very excited to be able to go again. His company knows how to vacation! Two years ago, when we went, we extended our vacation and stayed to fly-fish for a total of 10 days- just the two of us- with NO KIDS. It was a great vacation, but we missed the kids terribly. This year we are taking the kids with us. We had their passports made and they are very excited. Gracie is excited to swim all day. Garrett is excited to eat all day. And Grant is excited to miss 3 days of school and fly in an airplane. It is amazing how different each of my kids are.

I am so proud of Russ who worked so hard in this contest. I am so lucky to be married to such a great man. He is truly amazing. He is a hard worker. He is so supportive of all of my crazy ideas (graduate school, running marathons, working with the Huntsman games, etc., etc.). He is the best dad to our kids. He helps coach the boys sports teams. He helps Garrett with scouts. He irons the kids Sunday clothes each week. He makes the breakfasts of champions (most mornings these days). He initiates Family Home Evening every week and family prayer every day. He rubs my back and neck every time he watches Sports Center. He works out with me every morning at 5 A.M. He warms up my ice cold hands and feet every night when we go to bed. He paints (and re-paints) the rooms in our home. He fixes my crashed computers (spending 4 hours on the phone with some guy in India). He sends me funny texts and calls me during lunch everyday I work. He listens to my continuous complaining about my pieces of crap, lazy, ignorant, selfish co-workers. I have become completely SPOILED!!! He is dedicated to serving the Lord and devotes so much of his free time to his THREE callings. He is always happy and positive. He is funny, clever, and easy to get along with. ALL of this wrapped up in one handsome package! The greatest thing about Russ is that he continues to put up with ME!!! Just two more years Hon! ;-] My point being... if anyone deserves this vacation... it is Russ! Congratulations!

I also need to give a huge SHOUT OUT to his employees that also worked so hard in this contest. We would not be going on this trip if it were not for them. Thank you "Johnny Lingo", Kurt, and Mike who went all out this year. Also to Richard, Tracy and the Vegas crew. Thanks for making Russ' job easier and enjoyable. I wish all of you were coming with us!

one FLU over the CUCKOO'S nest

WATCH OUT EVERYBODY! The swine FLU has hit the Hyde home (okay, I know it is not called swine flu anymore, but H1N1 is a lame, non-fun name). Garrett has been LAID OUT for two and a half days now. He has only gotten up three times in two days- once to go to the doctor and twice to pee. Poor kid hasn't had anything to eat and very little to drink in two days- if any of you know Garrett, you know what a HUGE deal this is. Gracie started coughing tonight. If she gets the FLU, this momma will be CUCKOO!!! However, Garrett has only said about three sentences in two days. Maybe it would be nice for Gracie to get it?! That was terrible of me!!!! I really would never wish this upon anyone. Garrett is absolutely miserable. Anyway, if you don't see us around for a week or two, you'll know why! Happy quarantining to us!

giving THANKS

Today we had our ward Primary Program. This is the second year I have been in charge of the program. It is always very stressful preparing for it, but so rewarding when it is over. I was very impressed with all of the children this year. Almost every child memorized his or her part, spoke clearly into the microphone, was reverent up on the stand, and sang well. I am so thankful for all of the parents in our ward who helped their children prepare for the program. I am thankful for my fellow presidency members- for their support, encouragement, and organizational skills. I am thankful for our music leader and pianist who put together a beautiful music selection for the program. With everyone's help, we had a really nice Sacrament meeting today.

Is it wrong to be CELEBRATING?

I know I should be mourning, shedding a few tears, wallowing in pity... but I'm NOT! Both of our boys lost their semi-final football games this weekend. FOOTBALL SEASON IS OVER for the Hyde boys- and what a season it was! Both of the boys teams were small (in stature). We had ONE big guy on each team, which left the teams to rely on their speed and skills. Both teams ended the season with a 7-2 record. Not too shabby!

My boys are SAD! Both of my boys improved so much this season. They both were able to get a ton of playing time and grew more confident on the field. They loved their coaches and their teammates. They will miss being with them four to five times each week.

I am CELEBRATING. I am celebrating because I get to see all of my boys (including Russ) three to four extra nights each week. I no longer have to search for pads, helmets, jerseys, cleats, mouthguards, water bottles, etc. three to four nights each week. We can eat before 8:00 pm three to four more nights each week. I no longer have to drive across town 6 to 8 times each week dropping off and picking up stinky, sweaty boys. I no longer have to wash WHITE football pants and practice jerseys three to four nights each week (Who's idea was it to make WHITE pants for sporting events?!!!! I deal with this same thing during baseball season. Let's dress in white pants and then play a sport that requires us to slide in RED dirt or tackle on muddy grass! For heaven's sake- this must have been a male's idea!) I no longer have to juggle my Saturday work schedule around football games. I no longer have to worry four to five days each week for my boys safety. They are both little and play against some really BIG kids (We had a close call today as a cleat went under Garrett's face-mask and ripped open his lip- he is fine). And finally, I no longer have to deal with tired, cranky, starving boys four to five days each week. Yes, I am THRILLED... for a couple of weeks anyway. Basketball season is beginning!

I still need to add Garrett's pictures! I haven't found the disc yet.

Spooktacular Day

Happy Halloween

On Friday, Grant and Gracie had their Halloween parade at school. Friday is my "day off" from work (which is never really a day off- because I have more to do on this day than any other!!!). But, I was able to go and take pictures and help with the Halloween parties in the kids classes. Gracie was so excited. She just giggled all morning. We styled her hair and put pixie dust (glitter) in it to go with her pixie costume.
Grant was a prisoner (He looked more like a garbage man, or "Armpit" from the movie Holes). He was not happy with me for giving him a mustache and goatee. I wanted to paint tatoos on him as well (tear drops, mom in a heart, etc.), but he would have nothing to do with that! Honestly, my kids need to try and have a little more fun. They are way too serious. Anyway, he washed his face the second the parade was over. Oh well, I tried. Garrett was a chef. He waffled back and forth about whether or not he was too old to dress up and go Trick or Treating. He finally decided to go. This may be his last year. It is sad. I want my kids to stay this age forever... I just love the stages they are in. Anyway, we had a great pre-Trick or Treating dinner at Nana and Papa's. Then we trick-or-treated in their neighborhood with the Ellsworths. It was a good time.

Just say NO

When I was almost three, my mom took me to the doctor and asked him if I was retarded. TRUE STORY!!! What was the reason? Because I could not, or would not talk. I would only say one word, NO.


My parents had a tape of Kaci when she was two, singing every primary song ever written, reciting all of the nursery rhymes, saying the ABC's, etc. Soon I was added to the tape. "Kori, say hot dog". "No". "Kori, say C C (Kaci)". "NO". It was all I said. A two letter, one syllable word- NO. It was the first word I learned and the only word I said until I was three.




Now, it is a word I CANNOT say. I have completely forgotten how to say it.


Kori, will you work on your one day off this week? I say, SURE.


Kori, will you film Grant's game? I say, WHY NOT


Kori, do you want to donate to the foundation? I say, OKAY.


Kori, can you make dinner for some family in need? I say, OF COURSE.


Kori, can you write the Primary program again? I say, PIECE OF CAKE.


Kori, will you organize 700 hours of medical volunteers for the senior game? I say, I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO.


Kori, will you train for the marathon with me in 2010? I say, SOUNDS FUN.


Kori, are you ready to begin your capstone project? I say, YEP- BRING IT ON.




I am overloaded, stressed out, and falling apart physically. I am not asking for compassion or sympathy... I have brought this on myself. Today, I was considering reverting back to my childhood. I wouldn't care if people thought I was retarded... I was only going to use the word NO again. But, I would then miss spending time with all of my favorite people. I have determined that I don't really love all of the things I do. I just really love the people I do those things with (or for)... and that is why I always say yes. So my solution for this is, from now on I am going to invite those people I love on ice cream dates instead of taking on too many crazy tasks.


Just a heads up... If you ask me to do something for or with you and you suddenly get an invitation to go get ice cream with me instead... it is safe to say, I JUST SAID NO to your request!!!

run, WARRIOR RUN

A couple of weeks ago, Santa Clara held their annual Swiss Days celebration. On the Saturday of Swiss Days, they hold a 5k run. A couple of the boys on Grant's football team wanted to participate in the run. However, on that day the boys had a football game up in Cedar City against the Redmen. It was going to be a tough game. Coach Tim told the boys that wanted to participate in the run that the team really needed them fresh and strong for the game. Anyway, it was put to a vote. The team voted that the boys should not participate in the 5k run. The boys were disappointed, but Coach Tim promised to make it up to them.

This last week, the boys had fall break. This meant no game on Saturday. Coach Tim kept his promise to the boys and planned the first ever WARRIOR RUN. He went ALL OUT. Instead of a normal practice Tuesday night, the boys came dressed in running gear. We met at the practice field where the boys were given RACE NUMBERS. Coach Tim explained the rules of the run: 1. NOBODY STOPS (they could run, walk, crawl, whatever... but no stopping) and 2. EVERYBODY FINISHES. The course was explained and parents were scattered along the course to provide water, direct traffic, take pictures, and CHEER! The boys were then shuttled to the starting line 2.25 miles from the practice field. One dad ran with the boys and another brought up the rear on his mountain bike.

The race was on...

This was such an awesome event for the boys. They ran tough. They took the challenge seriously and succeeded. Back at the practice field there were flags lining the track to the end, where a finishing lane was created with cones and a big FINISH banner was hung. As the boys crossed the finish line, they were given a MEDAL, gatorade, and a popsicle. Three of the boys finished the race in 16 minutes. But the best part of the race, was when the last finisher was coming in. He was struggling a little, but still pressing forward. The entire team ran to meet him on the track and ran with him until he finished, CHEERING him on the entire way. It was such a great experience for these young boys.
We are so grateful for their coach, who loves football, but loves these boys just as much. He devotes so much of his personal time and talents with these kids. The football skills they are learning at this age are amazing... but the life lessons they are learning are almost more impressive.

Couldn't have done it without YOU!

Abbreviated Version:
Ran the St. George Marathon. Great experience. Had the greatest training partner, Dayna. Have the most supportive and wonderful family (Parents, Husband, Kids, Sister, Brother-in-law, Neice and Nephew) in the world! Couldn't have done it without them!
Journal Version:
I don't really know where to begin... maybe 12 years ago when Russ and I were told that we would not be having children of our own... that we would be adopting. It was this time in my life I decided it might be fun to train for a marathon. I, luckily, was just a couple of weeks into my training when I discovered that doctors can be wrong. I was pregnant with Garrett. My marathon training was put on hold.
When Garrett was 9 months old, I began training for a marathon again. I trained very faithfully for 9 months. The St. George Marathon was less than a month away when I became very nauseated and unable to get over it. To our surprise, we were pregnant once again. I asked my doctor if I could still run the marathon. I had been running that distance for some time. To which he replied, "This is no longer about you".
I decided to hang up my MARATHON running shoes forever.

Earlier this year I had run a couple of relay races with my friend Dayna. Meet Dayna-

After we ran the Ragnar, Dayna asked me if I would train with her for the St. George Marathon. I replied that I would love to do the long runs with her, but I was not going to actually RUN in the marathon... I just can't have any more kids!!! And so the adventure began.
We did our best to coordinate our schedules. You see, we both work a ton of hours, we are both in grad school, we both have kids that come first, we both have callings that demand extra time. This meant our long runs were going to be Friday mornings at 4 a.m., getting up at 3:30 a.m. to prepare Camelbaks, Gatorade, and drive to our meeting point. I could not have had a better training partner. I don't know too many people that could be as happy and fun as Dayna at 4 in the morning, running. She always saved her good stories for our long runs. I loved those cold, dark mornings, running in our headlamps, trying not to get killed by hunters racing up the highway in search of deer.
Well, by the end of August we were running 20 miles and I was feeling great. I decided if I could run 20 miles, what's 26.2! I took a chance, signed up, and I told Russ to stay far away from me for a couple of weeks.
My sister, Kami, is the race director for the St. George marathon. This was the third year she has done all of the planning on her own. It is a HUGE production. There were 7,500 runners that were allowed into the race this year. She stresses for several weeks prior to the race, and doesn't sleep for the last three days before race day. Each year there are a couple of things she stresses about most. This year it was the buses and shirts. They were afraid that they would not have enough runners load the early buses, which would allow the buses to drop off a first load of runners and have time to pick up a second load. I decided to round up as many people as I could to load the early buses. This meant getting to the park at 4 and being dropped off in 38 degree temperatures for 2 hours before the race even began. Kami was going to be at the starting line and would have a truck, so my friends and I took up our big sleeping bags, blankets, big coats, heavy sweat pants, etc. I got some funny looks from other runners who were only is shorts and a long sleeved shirt. I had one man ask me how I planned on getting my sleeping bag down the course. I told him I was just going to strap it to my back and run, hoping the weight of it would push me down the hills.
We got on the bus and made the 26.2 mile drive up to Central where the race would begin. It was FREEZING when we got off of the bus. We were greeted by Kami and her husband Brent who were waiting for us with gloves and camera. They took our picture and sent us over to the bon fires.We gathered around a pile of wood that had not yet been lit, pulled out our sleeping bags/blankets and awaited the firemen who would light our fire. And waited and waited and waited. While we were waiting, a group of people came up and asked if they could share our fire that was still not lit. They crowded around and I realized that I knew a couple of them from when we lived in Las Vegas, George Davis and Jenn Richards. Crazy small world. Anyway, as we were gathered around the wood pile, the DJ announces, "We'd like to give a special shout out to Kori Hyde who is running the marathon for the first time!" It was so fun. The Vegas crew asked why I got a shout out. "Because I am awesome!!!! and because I am the sister of the race director". THANKS KAMI! That was one of my favorite moments of the race. Our fire was finally lit, we put our goods in Kami's truck, went to the bathroom, and the race began.
Dayna and I ran together the majority of the race, about 17 miles. I hit a wall on the last little up hill. I regained a little energy and began to push forward once again. I had needed to use the bathroom for about seven miles but just continued to run. Once I hit the downhill though, and began bouncing, I was in trouble. So, at mile marker 21 I stopped for a potty break. I felt like my legs were getting a little crampy and decided to eat a very small piece of a banana. BAD IDEA! My ears and throat began to itch and I was instantly sick to my stomach. I walked for a few minutes until I was sure I wasn't having a severe allergic reaction, and then began to run again. My momentum was gone! I never did regain it. I struggled the last three miles of the course. However, I finished!!! I finished with a time of 4:11:03. I was thrilled.

I was met at the finish line by my parents, Kami, Brent, Gavin and Savanna. They gave me flowers, took several pictures, helped me to the finishers area, got me water, bread, a popsicle, and escorted me to the ice massage area (mmmm, felt so good after that run). It was SO great to have my family there. Russ and the kids were at Garrett's football game which was at the same time I would be finishing. Russ had my mom call him as soon as I finished and I was able to talk to him on the phone. I am so lucky to have such a supportive family.
My dad drove me home after the race. When we pulled into the driveway, I noticed my lawn was cover with hearts. It was a "heart attack". My family had spent the night before cutting out hearts, writing messages on them, and gluing them to sticks. Then while I was running, they put them all over my front lawn. It was SOOOO CUTE! There were 50 colored hearts in all. Thanks for the CUTE idea mom. Another one of my favorite race memories.

Finally, the next day, my parents had us all over for dinner to celebrate the Marathon being over for Kami and I. I was given a St. George Marathon poster and shirt that my family had all signed. How cool is that?!
I have crossed something off of my bucket list. It was tough. It was fun. And I know I could not have done any of it without such a wonderful family and a great running partner supporting me the entire way. I need to give a HUGE shout out to Dayna who finished in 4:00:27. Amazing!

My little WARRIORS

Football season is upon us once again. Garrett and Grant are both playing. We had a CRAZY beginning with all of the politics associated with Snow Canyon. There always has to be some kind of drama on this side of town. We try our best to stay low and out of the middle of things. So far we have been able to do so. Things have settled down and all seems to be well. We are pleased with the teams that the boys are on and they are both getting good playing time this year. That is all we ask for!

Garrett is #9 on the Snow Canyon 6th grade team.

Garrett' Game Schedule

Sept 12th Snow Canyon vs. Desert Hills @ DHHS 4:30

Sept 19th Snow Canyon vs. Hurricane @ SCHS 4:30

Sept 26th Snow Canyon vs. Cedar (black) @CVHS 10:30

Oct 3rd Snow Canyon vs. Pine View @ SCHS 10:30

Oct 10th Snow Canyon vs. Cedar (gold) @ DHHS 10:30

Oct 17th NO GAMES/ UEA WEEKEND

Oct 24th Snow Canyon vs. Virgin Valley @ VVHS 12:00

Oct 31st BYE

Nov 7th Snow Canyon vs. Pine View @ SCHS 4:30

Grant's Game Schedule

Sept 12th Snow Canyon vs. Desert Hills @ DHHS 12:00

Sept 19th Snow Canyon vs. Pine Valley @SCHS 10:30

Sept 26th Snow Canyon vs. Cedar @CVHS 1:30

Oct 3rd Snow Canyon vs. Desert Hills @ SCHS 3:00

Oct 10th Snow Canyon vs. Hurricane @ HMS 12:00

Oct 17th NO GAMES/ UEA WEEKEND

Oct 24th BYE

Oct 31st Snow Canyon vs. Dixie @ PVHS 3:00

Nov 7th Snow Canyon vs. Virgin Valley @VVHS 1:30

Just glad I am NOT A MAN!

"Just be glad you are not a MAN!" This is a FAVORITE saying of Russ'. I hear this saying at least five times a week. If Russ forgets to charge his electric razor (that he only has to use twice per week because he doesn't grow facial hair) and has to use a real razor and accidentally knicks his chin, I hear "Hon, just be glad you're not a man". When he has to "adjust himself" (SORRY MOM) because something isn't lying right, he states pitifully "just be glad you're not a man". When Russ has to do a MAN chore around the house, like change the air filter, he sighs "just be glad you're not a man".

So, I have decided to make a list of the reasons I am GLAD I AM NOT A MAN!!!

1. One week out of the month I am glad I am not a man. When I have to alter my wardrobe to dark pants and have my six year old daughter check to see if I have anything on the back of my pants... because after experiencing this blissful womaness quality EVERY MONTH for 22 YEARS, I still cannot manage it properly!!!! During that week, it feels as though I am being ripped in two. My back hurts. I am doubled over with cramps. I eat everything in sight. I gain ten pounds in water retention. I have uncontrollable mood swings. I cry at the drop of a hat. And my husband tells me I am ornery and that I should "just be thankful I am not a man"!

2. Whenever I shave, I am glad I am not a man. What is more pleasant than shaving ankle to hip, over pointed kneecaps, with a razor that your boys used to peel bark off of a tree branch and then replaced in the shower! There is NO greater experience than shaving armpits. And can I even begin to mention the excitement of bikini waxing. Speaking of waxing- eyebrow and lip waxes are to die for. To think- I would miss these experiences if I were a man. Oh, I am grateful I am not a man.

3. Every morning at 6:55 am, I am glad that I am not a man. Why, this time? Because, this is the time Russ rolls out of bed. I have already been up for 1 hour and 25 minutes... washing my hair, drying my hair, straightening my hair, and applying my make-up to my dark eyed, wrinkled face. Russ drags himself out of bed, jumps in the shower, puts a little gel in his hair, combs his hair USING ONLY HIS FINGERS, brushes his teeth, gets dressed, and is out of the door in 15 minutes flat. These are the mornings that I am glad I am not a man!

4. I am always glad I am not a man when I go to the grocery store with my children. I take my daughter to the store and she has one hair out of place and I get "the stare". My son sneezes in the grocery store and people look at me like I can't control my children. However, a man goes to the grocery store with his children and they are some kind of HERO. The daughter has half of her hair in a rat's nest and the other half has been left in- what was- a pony tail from the day before. She is wearing a hot pink shirt covered with stains, red pants (two sizes too small) and orange sandals that go with her Halloween costume- and her father is praised for bringing her out in public. His two sons are engaged in an all out WWF wrestling match in the middle of the aisle, teeth and blood flying, while the father fills the cart with chips and Fruity Pebbles- and nobody questions the father. No, no... they are searching for the mother, wondering where she is and why she is not controlling her children. Yes, everytime I go to the store I am glad I am not a man.

5. I am glad I am not a man every time I stop moving! You see, Russ can come home from work, sit down at the table, and read a magazine cover to cover. The kids do not bother him. They don't try and talk to him. He just enjoys his 4o minutes of "unwind" time. However, the second I stop moving, I have three kids climbing all over me. They are all talking to me at once, getting louder and louder as they try to speak over the volume of their sibling. Two kids are trying to sit on my lap. Papers are being pushed under my nose that I need to look at RIGHT THAT SECOND! Demands for food are being thrown at me left and right. Yes, anytime I stop moving I am glad I am not a man!

On the other hand-

When my children get hurt and I am the one they seek... I am glad I am not a man.

When a kiss from me makes any ouchie feel better... I am glad I am not a man.

When I can be a hero for getting a stain out of a favorite shirt... I am glad I am not a man.

When I can get out of a speeding ticket by batting my eyelashes... I am glad I am not a man.

When being a woman means NO Scout over-nighters... I am glad I am not a man.

When Russ is cleaning all of my hair out of the shower drain... I am glad I am not a man.

I TRULY AM GLAD I AM NOT A MAN!

Why are YOU glad you are NOT A MAN?!!!

It's HYDE TIME I blog again...

Once again a month has slipped quickly by. Unfortunately, I am on HYDE TIME. What is HYDE TIME? It is when your family tells you to arrive somewhere 30 minutes before everyone else... so that you will all arrive at the same time. HYDE TIME is when you have to set all of the clocks in your house ahead 15 minutes so you are not late to school/work everyday. HYDE TIME is when you are up until 3:oo in the morning trying to bust out a school assignment that you have known about for a month, but that you waited until the day it was due to begin it. HYDE TIME is when your kids have been in school for over month and you are just getting around to blogging about it!!!

The kids started school last month (August 13th). This is a huge year in our family as far as school is concerned. Garrett began attending Tonaquint Intermediate School as a 6th grader. At the intermediate school he has 5 teachers and rotates between classes. He was so nervous on his first day. We had gone to the school's open house two days before school started and he met most of his teachers and walked to each of his classrooms. I think that helped him feel a little more prepared for the first day. All went well, and he is now a PRO! He loves all of his classes (Science, Math, PE, Art, and Language Arts). He likes his teachers and has made some new friends. He favorite teacher is Mrs. Jarvie (Language Arts) and feels he excels in PE and Math.

Grant is in 4th grade at Sunset Elementary School. He is in Mrs. Drummond's class with his cousin, Gavin. Mrs. Drummond is a very creative teacher and has based her curriculum around Rick Riordan's book series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians. I had read that five book series to the kids last year and we loved them. So we were very excited to get Mrs. Drummond as a teacher. Their assignments/projects are "Quests", as in the books. The kids hardly realize they are doing work. She is amazing.

Gracie started 1st grade in Mrs. Tate's class. She now goes to school ALL day. She loves eating lunch at school. I guess that is some right of passage. I help in she and Grant's classrooms on Fridays. The first day I went in to her class, Gracie started telling me everything I was supposed to do that day. I said to Mrs. Tate, "She obviously is going to dish out the assignments today". Mrs. Tate replied, "She tells me what to do everyday". OOPS! Sorry to Mrs. Tate. Luckily, she is a great reader, and a smart little girl... so she gets away with being a little bossy!

Two BOYS and a BIGGER BOY

What happens when you send your sons to Yellowstone alone with your husband and a camera?...

Oh my! Where is your MOTHER?!!!

Russ felt he was cheated out of his last trip to Yellowstone. You, of course, remember the post because you have been looking at it for the past month. So, over Labor Day weekend Russ and the boys returned to Yellowstone to fish Slough Creek. I did not go with them this time because I was already signed up to run in the Red Rock Relay. Anyway, it was a quick trip for them. They fished Slough on Saturday, went site seeing on Sunday, fished the Provo on Monday morning, and were home before 4pm.

Here are some of the better photos...

Yackity Yack- had to come Back

The latest chapter in the Hyde Family Summer...

Here's the quick version if you are not into reading details. We went to Yellowstone. Drove for 11 hours. Slept in a tent. Woke up and fished half a day before the the rain came. Got a new camp site. Drove around taking in the beauty of God's creations while it rained and hailed. Slept in a tent. Woke up to Russ puking. Packed up and drove 12 hours home, stopping in EVERY city so one kid or another could pee while Russ YACKED his guts out!

The version for the family journal-
Every year Russ and "uncle" Chris take the boys fishing in Yellowstone around July 15th. I look forward to these four days all year. It is the weekend I tear the boys room apart, throw away all of the TREASURES that they have collected all year long. You know- every screw, spring, stick, rock, candy wrapper, bone (yes- animal bones), feather, etc., etc. The boys are collectors and keep anything they find interesting... which is everything!!! So every July I prepare myself to enter their room. I bring in the HUGE trash bags, put on the big rubber gloves, and begin the process of de-treasuring. The funny thing is they don't ever seem to know. They have never realized anything is missing. It is great. I love this time of year.
Well this year, the annual trip was not taking place. Uncle Chris and his wife had a little baby girl on August 2nd. We are very excited for them because they have been awaiting Kate's arrival for about 10 years. She is a miracle and we are so happy she finally decided to come to earth. Because of this exciting event, Yellowstone was out of the question for uncle Chris. Although his favorite fishing companion for Yellowstone was unavailable, Russ was bound and determined to still make the trip. He insisted that Gracie and I come along this year. I tried to reason that we were VERY INCAPABLE of filling Chris' fishing boots, but Russ assured me that it wasn't expected. I was going to miss my de-treasuring and home organizing weekend, but I agreed to go along.

We left on Thursday, after Russ and I each worked half of the day. We arrived to our campground at 12:30 in the morning. We very quietly set up our tent and VERY LOUDLY blew up our mattresses. Fortunately, the man in the campsite next to us was snoring so loud we could tell that we didn't wake him. We slept fairly well, stayed pretty warm, and woke up ready for a day of fishing. We drove to the Yellowstone River. There was an enormous herd of buffalo in Russ' favorite fishing hole. He went down to the river, trying to dodge the buffalo, then waded out into the middle of the river.

The kids and I were not so adventurous. Instead, we stayed by the car and laughed at the park ranger trying to keep the buffalo out of the road and trying to keep the millions of tourists from stopping in the middle of the road to film the buffalo. The kids thought this was hilarious. The buffalo would walk in front of the cars and stop in the middle of the road. The park ranger would then get on his loud speaker and yell at the cars to keep driving, but couldn't see that a buffalo that was bigger than the car was sleeping in the middle of the road. Then the ranger would drive to the front of the cars and yell at the buffalo to move. The kids loved this and it kept them entertained for quite a while. This guy was our favorite. He was the stubborn one that had traffic backed up for miles...The kids and I then ventured over to the Mud Volcanoes and hiked all around them. Even though they were STINKY, the kids thought they were so cool and made up stories of dragons living under the earth.

We started to get a little crazy. I think it was due too the high altitude... or maybe the sulphur smell. Gracie said it smelled "like Nana's deviled eggs or maybe Garrett". I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. She really says some funny things and this trip she was on a roll.

We went back over to Russ and picked him up. We drove around to check out two of his other favorite holes on the Yellowstone. The fishing didn't seem too friendly, so we decided to go and check out Fishing Bridge. We explored that area for a little while. Russ was checking out "the hatch", or what the fish were eating.

The kids were throwing rocks in the water and getting all muddy. While we were at Fishing Bridge we saw a Bald Eagle. It was pretty amazing when it flew. It's wing span was quite impressive.

When Russ and I first got married we went to Yellowstone. We drove up to Fishing Bridge and Russ could see these enormous trout in the water. He started salivating. He got his gear and raced down to the water. He had caught a few fish and was wow-ing the onlooking tourists when one man yelled down to Russ that he wasn't allowed to fish in that area because it was a protected spawning place for the fish. Russ had seen one sign that read, "Do not fish from bridge" and took that to mean he was okay to wade out in the river and fish. Russ left the water and it was then that he noticed ALL OF THE SIGNS prohibiting fishing.

Just a funny story I wanted to remember.

We left Fishing Bridge and were headed to get a campsite for the night. We drove along the Yellowstone River again as we were headed toward Tower Falls. As we were stopped in the road, waiting for a buffalo, I noticed a fish rising down in the river. Russ was able to back up and park. He quickly put his rod together and eventually caught that beautiful Cutthroat.We took a ton of pictures of this poor fish before I was able to figure out all of the camera settings. Russ is very patient with his non-photographer wife. This was my favorite picture.
We eventually made it to the Tower campground and got the LAST campsite available. We set up our tent and mattresses, threw in the sleeping bags and blankets and headed toward the Soda Butte for more fishing. That is when the storm came in. It began raining and sometimes hailing. We were unable to fish so we began traveling to Cook City for dinner (pizza). On the way, we saw a baby black bear. I took a short video of the bear, but have not learned how to download my videos yet (someday). We ate dinner while it poured rain outside. As we came back into the park, the rain slowed and Russ and Grant fished Blacktail Creek and caught a few "Brookies"- Brook Trout. The photographer was a little car sick and was napping- trying to settle her stomach. Later that night we snuck in some showers and then went back to our luxurious tent for some shut eye. We needed the rest because the next morning we were hiking into Russ' FAVORITE place to fish in Yellowstone, Slough Creek.

When we woke up the next morning, Russ said he was feeling a little dizzy. He left the tent and walked over to the "shut" (I'll let you figure that one out). Garrett and I crawled out of the tent just in time to hear Russ YACKING in the shut. When Russ came back to our campsite he said we needed to go home. ARE YOU SERIOUS? I knew he was in BAD shape if he felt too sick to fish. That NEVER happens. We got the kids breakfast, then Garrett and I tore down camp. Then we started our LONG journey home. As we were leaving the campground, we had driven 50 yards when Russ yelled, "Pull over!" I stopped right in front of somebody else's campsite who was taking down their tent. Russ opened his car door and Yacked again. (I'll bet she didn't stay there another night!). We made it to the bottom of the hill, about another 200 yards and had to stop for Russ to puke again. I soon found every time I turned the car 90 degrees or pushed on the brakes, it made Russ throw up. On the drive out of the park we saw a grizzly bear, a herd of elk and some antelope. We couldn't stop and take pictures because stopping = puking. Needless to say, it was the LONGEST drive home of my life. The kids had to pee in every city we went through. Each time we stopped the car for a kid to use the bathroom, Russ started yacking. He was miserable. I was miserable. The kids were miserable. But we eventually made it home, after 12 hours! The one day that we did have in the park was very fun. If you ask Gracie, she will tell you that we saw cows (buffalo), a brown bear with curly fur (a dog in the neighboring campsite), and a penguin (no clue what she was looking at)! What can I say? She's a city girl- just like her mom.

Today, Russ received a blessing from my dad and Brent. It is so wonderful to have men worthy to hold the priesthood in the family. Russ is much better this evening and was able to keep down a piece of toast, chicken noodle soup and some Gatorade. I think we are on the downhill side of what ever he had! Thanks dad and Brent. We are so lucky to live close to family that are willing to enter a house of Puke. You two are the best.