A promise is a promise

I don't miss the snow. I don't. I DO however miss skiing and the fun I had with my kids when skiing. To be honest, the only kid I ever really skied with is Abby. When Peter was working at Schweitzer, we all had season ski passes and we could put Abby into daycare for 1/2 price. Day care = Ski school! It was a win win for everyone.

I even had a group of girl friends who would all get sitters on Friday morning and we would all hit the slopes together.

It was dreamy.

I miss that part of it.

I don't miss living in the snow for 6 months. Not at all.

I promised Jaxon I would take him to see snow, and so, when the groupon/spreebird deals would pass by I would keep my eye out for that special deal to make good on my promise. Sure enough, one came up. To Mt. Baldy.

A quick google search would indicate that it was an easy 1 1/2 hour drive from our current digs. One would think that snow would be pretty inaccessible since we live so close to a beach, but au contrare! One of the beautiful things I am learning about Southern CA, is that it is very versatile. Even Shawn White would tell you that! (He grew up snowboarding at Big Bear) So, our snowy dreams have not TOTALLY vanished.

I actually got excited about our little snow adventure. Even though I have the starts of a sinus infection and would be going this trip solo, I was excited to pull out the two sizes too small snow gear and head on up the mountain.

The drive was spectacular, and had the hairpin turns I would expect of any great mountain. Even a few tunnels.

We arrived without incident, and I was excited to hurry up the hill as our time slot from 11:30 to 1:30 was narrowing. We pulled in at 11:20. Little did I know what was before me!

Riding up the SUPER scary ski lift.

The gaps in the VERY worn slats on the seats. 

An example of a SUPER SCARY seat.. Some were even missing slats!

That first one wasn't scary enough? How about THIS ONE!

I tried to stay focused on the cute girl I was trying to save. 

Wade passed the time making snow angels in the packed ice. . . Whatever.

The little snow hill and  my kids going down the hill!

The super big slats on the ride back down......her little bum could have slipped right through that crack! And to think Wade and Jaxon were on those scary chairs WITHOUT ME!

The chair stopped twice on the way down, and I am pretty sure my heart stopped at the same time.

Over all it was a pretty great trip, and California Mountains are just as beautiful as the next. However, i can't wait to get my rear on a chair lift that I am not scared to lose my life on! I decided two things. 
1- I really want to get my kids back into skiing next year and 
2- I really don't think I will ever be going back to Mt. Baldy!

I think they enjoyed themselves!

I have a minute.

I know, I haven't blogged about Jamaica.

There is a perfectly good reason for that.

I don't have hardly any pictures.
Okay, I have a "few" pictures.

But if you are a facebook friend of mine, you have already seen them.

 Here is a beach butler. He would get a pina colada into Peter's hand before he could even ask for one. As Peter said, "It is hard to not get attached to someone who is constantly bringing you cold drinks without being asked."

Truer words have never been spoken by my husband.

Was Jamaica great? That is an understatement. However, I don't know if it was a much the island, as it was the butler service. Because who doesn't want to be waited on all day.

I thought it might be awkward, but honestly, it was fabulous.

 It was partly cloudy and even rained one day, but I didn't care, because I was so incredibly relaxed, it's hard to care about anything in that environment. And everything in Jamaica is positive. "No problem, mon." "Liquid sunshine, mon." "Everything's alright, mon." Honestly, I think we all need to adopt a bit of that mantra. NO PROBLEM, MON.

It just makes everyone happier.

And here is my Island hair. I have to admit, having a crazy mane was kinda fun for a few days, until it started to turn into dread locks and be completely unmanageable. Then, it was a problem, mon.

Honestly, it was the trip of a lifetime. It is amazing to sit with your sisters and talk uninterrupted by things like requests for sippy cups, or kids drowning in the ocean.

I highly recommend it for anyone who is mildly considering it.

Unfortunately, now I have rather high expectations for "vacationing" and I fear that no plans in the future will ever quite stack up. However, it was a fantastic time... and for 50 years of marriage, my parents deserve that kind of trip!

Blogging, what it does for me

I know blogging was en-vogue, and then out of vogue and then I have no idea what it is now... just for professionals? Some people think they can only blog if they are funny. Or smart, or talented at something in particular.

Blogging is NONE of those things for me.

It is a total snapshot of my life.

And there are times when I have a minute that I look back on it with such fondness.

I have documented births, which I am so glad I did for their benefit.

I have written birthday cards.

I have commented on entire seasons of the Bachelor, and Bachelorette. 

Hilarious things my kids do and say,

I have documented recipes,

Life struggles,

Recipes for life.

Crafts,

Crafts my kids have done.

I mean, you name it, I have put it on here.

And I love it.

I think it reads somewhat like a novel.

The novel of my life.

Sometimes it is critical, important and maybe poignant information.

Sometimes it is just plumb dumb.

But I love it. And ever now and again, I click on a old post.

And boy am I glad it is there.

To remind me.

Because it is good to be reminded.

Of where you have been,

And what you done. Accomplished.

And what you have suffered,

And what you have celebrated.

And if you are on the fence about starting a blog.

You should just do it.

Because, it is great.

In a few weeks

My husband and I are going on a trip. Together.
Based on our current life experiences, I think we have only been on a trip by ourselves 4-5 times. (In 12 years)
At least two of those times (or maybe even just one?) was to Las Vegas for a 3 day weekend.
The other few times were to Seattle?
Most of the trips were for our anniversary.
I don't recall leaving to go just by ourselves for any other reason.
It costs a LOAD of money to travel.
And takes a TEAM of people to take care of your 4 kids.
Which is why we haven't done it very frequently.
But, we are going next week.
For my Parents 50th wedding anniversary.
And they are footing the bill (or we probably wouldn't be going!!!)
And the TEAM is coming to take care of our kids.
And I was asked to fill out our "butler" form today.
I have never had a butler.
I think I am going to like it.

Before You Arrive, Your Butler Will:

• Ensure Your preferences are in-suite upon arrival
• Arrange transfers

When You Arrive, Your Butler Will:

• Provide you with all information regarding tours and spa services
• Unpack your luggage
• Provide a private orientation of the property
• Press your first nights clothes complimentary
• Provide you with a cell phone so you can keep in contact with each other throughout your stay

During Your Stay, Your Butler Will:

• Make all dinner reservations, tour bookings, on property activities and spa treatments for you
• Serve you your favorite drinks while you lounge on the beach or pool
• Serve you lunch on the beach or on the pool
• Liaise with housekeeping re servicing of your suite
• Ensure that your suite is kept in perfect condition and arranged the way you like during your stay
• Expedite all room service orders for you
• Arrange a perfect romantic dinner for two in the privacy of your suite on or your patio. Unlike our competitors, our butler level guests can order from any resort restaurant menu for dining in their room or suite
• Shine/clean your shoes for dinner
• Tend to your wardrobe
• Collect and return all laundry for you

In the Evening, Your Butler Will:

• Bring you amenities before dinner
• Escort you to dinner where they have reserved a beautifully decorated table at the restaurant of your choice – with preferential seating
• Ensure your suite is turned down and your room has all it needs for the night
• Your butler wants you to expect the unexpected. Prepare to be "wowed"

Before Your Departure, Your Butler Will:

• Reconfirm your flight and arrange transportation back to the airport
• Provide you with information regarding check out
• Assist you in folding your clothes for packing
• Retain all your preferences for future visits

At Departure Time, Your Butler Will:

• Ensure your bags are brought up to the departure area
• Escort you to the concierge area/butler lounge and process your paperwork for check out
• Escort you to your transportation and bid you farewell

Slumping

I am still blog slumping. There are lots of things I WANT to blog about... okay, i will blog about ONE thing. My dining room. 

 I love my dining room. 

 It is finally painted. I am sorry these pictures were taken at night, but if you want a blog post. So be it. 

 I love tulips. They are my favorite flower, and were my wedding bouquet too. Love. Love. Love Tulips. I was lamenting the other day that I can't have them here in my sunny California home. I lamented it in Arizona too, but I think I lament it every year when January and February rolls around. I always look forward to them in the spring, but here, I don't have to wish the snow was gone. . . It is a hand off. 

It makes me happy to see them. I walked into Lowe's today to finish off another house project... And they were smiling at me. It was meant to be. . . I couldn't WAIT to get them home and into my pots. My favorite addition to my dining room are these pots. They started out as Amaryllis pots at Christmas, Ala nie nie.  She plants Amaryllis every year, and I think I like that as a tradition, however, my Amaryllis were freakishly tall. I may have to try to fix that next year. ...

And now, since I posted a Christmas picture, how about a few more. I had a great time decorating our new digs this year. I love having a new slate, with the traditional decorations you have used year after year. I love how they "find a new home" in a new home. 

 There are some changes coming to this area (shown above) I can't wait to show them to you!

 I had to do a traditional fresh garland. My mom used to do it every year, and this is the first home I have had a banister in! It was fun, but messy, beautiful, but messy, smelled wonderful, but it sure was MESSY!

I know I haven't done any before and afters... and that is because I would have to dig though my pictures, which I just don't have time for right now... Just use your imagination. The home has been a work in progress, but each day it feels more and more "homey". 

Randomness

I am in a wee bit of a blogging rut.

It's okay.

I just can't decide what I want to talk about.

I think it because there is just too MUCH to talk about.

The holidays were good, but had a little bit of a let down.

The dog is still here, and getting "more trained"-- Still working on that one.

My kids FINALLY went back to school on Tuesday, and now they have ANOTHER day off on Monday.

I think I am getting overwhelmed by my kids.

Kaylie is turned over a new leaf. It is the iamcompletelydefiantthreeyearold leaf.

I don't like that particular leaf.

We just had two weeks of extremely slow business.  Like, week ONE style business.

It was worrisome, but everyone in the biz insisted it is "normal" right after the holidays.

The switch was flipped yesterday and today to two of our biggest days to date.

It's been a little nuts.

Like making dough 'til midnight tough.

We got ousted from our ward.

I can hardly believe I am going to be in a "new ward" again tomorrow.

I am very very very exceedingly thankful that I did not MOVE to get in that new ward.

I will miss my "old" (wasn't very old to me) ward, because they are so loving, accepting, and have been overall amazing supporters of our family and our business, and BOY that was a nice change.

I am glad I didn't move away from those people, but I will miss them still the same.

I am watching the Bachelor, but I think I dislike Ben's Hair  so much that I don't have anything to say.

But that Courtney's "how did that taste coming out of your mouth" was just about the sickest thing I have ever heard anyone say to someone. I dislike her greatly. They deserve each other. And yes, I will still watch every episode.

I am dying to make Poni popo.

I wish my kids would flush the toilet.

I like working at the store.

I am having other "life" conflicts right now that sometimes weigh me down.

Most of the time, life is very, very good here, and we are very very happy in our new not so new home town.

It's a whole new year. . .

This year definitely feels different than some of the past years.

Here, we have 2008, which wasn't that great....

2009, which again, was only fine. You can see a recap (with cliff notes) here.

2010, ended with some disappointment, and made 2011 a REALLY big year for us.

All of these years created a problem with me and resolutions. It is hard to be resolute when your life is in a free fall and heading in a direction that you don't have any idea which way it is pointing.

I just don't like "resolutions".

Maybe it is because I have a new one everyday.

So, blogging world.

Now that life is on a more certain, upside swing.

Tell me:

Why should I make resolutions?

Do you?

Do you think they help?

I love Kara's way of going in to the new year....

And to be totally honest, I am completely jeal of her ability to sort this word out of the sky...

For the past three years, my word has been.

JUST DO IT.

Just make it through.

Just don't collapse.

I did.

But, maybe it is time for something more . . . resolute? Inspire me.....

A Very Merry Christmas To YOU!

I am embarrassed. The SECOND year in a ROW I have not sent a Christmas card. It has been a crazy year... I WANT to do a family Christmas picture, but to be honest, I see my husband for about 15 minutes a day, and I have about 10 minutes to clear up things I need to clear up and then, it is over. I would love to do a picture, and write all of the things we have done.

I don't have the picture.

But I can write. THAT I can do. . .

THE YEAR IN SUMMARY 

WYNIA FAMILY 2011

The Wynia family had a crazy year. No really, we did. It started off with being newly laid off, and having to make big, gut wrenching decisions about our lives, and our future. Good times, good times. That lasted until April, with Peter traveling to locations, crunching numbers, praying, and trying to figure out exactly WHERE we were going to start on our new Papa Murphy's business venture. (At least we had THAT figured out) We contemplated no less than 5 or 6 places, and finally came down to the Inland Empire in Southern California. For those of you who don't know, that is the little strip of land that travels south from Riverside straight to San Diego on the I-15, and is directly behind those beautiful mountains that are just before the ocean. There is no DIRECT route to the ocean, but we find ourselves making our way there frequently anyway. 

We spent the spring months signing our life away, doing training and getting ready for the big plunge. Peter and I even went to a week long training at the Papa Murphy's headquarters to get ready for this big adventure. 

Kids at Nanna and Papa's house at the Lake during our trip to the corporate office. 

We moved in July. We had the help of a moving co., but of course, I packed every living last thing we owned (besides Peter's office) and I will forever be grateful for the sweet people who showed mercy on me and helped me pack up my house for the 11th time in 11 years. (I am including our first move in together and a few moves from apartments and in-laws while we were building houses, but still, a move is a move.)

Abigail at our house before we "closed" on it!

We are confident we will not have to move again for a VERY long time. We found a great house in Murrieta, just about 3 miles (6 minutes exactly) from our new store, which I am VERY grateful for, because Peter is there about 14 hours a day, and sometimes even more than that.  We love our house, neighbors, schools and ward and feel amazingly blessed to have been given so much after a few years of very difficult struggles. I have truly learned that Heavenly Father has COMPLETE control over our lives, and many of the things that happen to us are purely for our benefit. Even the trials. I am not sure I could say I was grateful for those trials at the TIME, but I am most certainly grateful for them now. They taught be so many things about our relationship with Heavenly Father, how he teaches us, all of us. I am grateful to be through the trials, but still the same, grateful that Heavenly Father thought I was strong enough to endure them. 

Peter and I doing who knows what...

Our Store Front. Yes, REALLY! 

Peter working at what is lovingly known as the "sheeter"

We opened our new store on November 3rd, after a few crazy days of delays and difficulty with the county fire department. All is forgiven now that we are open, and things are going well! We have been met with incredible excitement and we have no fewer than 5 pizza stores in our parking lot. However, we feel like we have a great location, and have received great feedback on our product which is brand new to the area. That is right. There has never been a Papa Murphy's pizza here! (Hard to believe for some of you, I am sure.) 

Peter "sheeting" dough. Yes, he is not required to wear gloves doing this, and yes, his hands are clean...

Peter is still working LONG hours, and I find myself "working" at the store as well. However, my main title is "marketing freakshow" and of course, I love it. I manage our store's facebook page, as well as School Fundraisers, and any other marketing activities that we might need. Peter runs day to day operations, however, I find myself doing a little bit of that as well. I am sure that is a common occurrence when you own your own business. I even go to work and run the cash register and answer the phones when I am needed, and I work WAY more than I thought I would, but I kind like that too because I get a glimpse into what Peter does all day long and I get to educate our customers about what Papa Murphy's is, and why they are going to love it. (You can like our Facebook page to see what I do at facebook.com/papamurphysmurrieta)

Our Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting by the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce. 

Introducing, Mini Murph

Our kids. Oh yeah, we still have them. Abigail is in 5th grade. She is doing VERY well with her grades (after a rough transition to a very intense school) and is finally starting to enjoy the So. Cal. life. She LIVES for boogie boarding, and is definitely going to be a beach babe. We just got a new puppy for her for Christmas. (I know, I can't believe it either) But the family dog was long over due, and I just decided I needed to take the plunge NOW.

I know she is STANDING on her boogie board, but still..

Jaxon being Jaxon.

Jaxon is Jaxon. Really, what can I say about that kid. He is funny, and I wish I could record everything he says. He is getting used to his new school, and I am still working on deciding if we are going to keep him there. It is challenging to come from a school that had an amazing autism program to one that.... doesn't. But we are working on it. 

Waders.

Wade is in his second year of preschool and is going every day. (I had to do SOMETHING to keep him busy! He turns 5 in a few months, and will go to Kindergarten next year) I am sure he will do great, and we are working on reading right now. He is a complete video(game) head, and I hope Peter will teach him programming in a few years so we can capitalize on that obsession....

Kaylie is a wild, stubborn, hard headed two year old. When she is good, she is VERY VERY good, and when she is bad, she is HORRID! I had a babysitter call me in tears the other night because Kaylie was throwing a big tantrum. Really, the first of all my kids who has done it with any real intense vigor. She really knows how to throw it down though. HOWEVER, on the other side, she can be just super sweet and loving. She will go far in life, as long as we can learn to channel all that energy and intensity!

Overall, it has been an amazing year. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and are finding blessings around every corner. We know without a shade of doubt this is where were are supposed to be, and that is a wonderful feeling after years of uncertainty. We know the blessings of the Lord are upon us, and any who choose to put their faith in Him.  We wish you a wonderful 2012, and hope we will be able to put together a family photo NEXT YEAR! Until then, enjoy this one...

Enjoying the beachy life.

What is Love Anyway?

Yesterday I was doing my weekly sales calls for Papa Murphy's (I am such a great employee!) Anyway, I walked into the store two doors down and was met with a few hard faces.. You know the kind that I mean, faces that have kind of "been through life". Maybe a little bit of "hard living".


I introduced myself as the co-owner of Papa Murphy's with my husband and explained the purpose of my visit. She immediately scoffed and said, "And you haven't killed each other yet?" Her comment didn't surprise me. Working with a spouse is definitely a tricky balance. You always need to have some level of respect for each other in a work environment. I can't usurp his power, change the rules, make my own rules, or do a myriad of other things that I may be tempted to do.

I just try to keep my nose clean while I am there, and try to make BOTH of our lives easier, by trying to make HIS life easier.

There is a LOT of stress around owning your own business. There are ups and downs, ebs and flows... and it is difficult sometimes to not let the stress come between you. I am NOT saying it doesn't, but it is important to try to not let it.

I read this quote today, and I don't think that I have ever read anything I believe more.

Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.

Louis De Bernieres

I get frustrated with societies view of marriage. I hope that our example will be one that our kids will look to with pride, and desire to achieve. I hope they will see us as equal partners who both made every attempt to make it work, even through challenging times. I hope they will take our example, and have success of their own. And I hope they will never look to society for thoughts on marriage because it takes far more effort, desire, and understanding to adhere to the idea above...

The Dog Blog

We got a dog.

Abby wanted a bunny for Christmas.

It was all she wanted.

That was it.

I looked into it.

Supposedly, they are as much work as a dog.

So, we got a dog. (It's been a long time coming)

I wanted an adult dog.

But I was afraid of the baggage it might have.

Let's face it. ALL adults have baggage.

I changed my mind from wanting a full grown, full sized adult dog, to wanting a crate-able small dog that we could train from puppy-dom.

I'm nuts.

I regretted it instantly this morning when Abby woke me up at 6:30.

She got the talking to of a LIFETIME.

I doubt she will ever forget it.

Oh the lessons we learn.

We do NOT repay our mother for granting us the dream of our life by waking her up at 6:30.

So far, Mini Murph, is a mellow, sweet, loveable and stinky dog.

EVERYONE likes her,

except for the cat.

Who is going to have to get used to sharing.

Enjoy the pix.

Thanksgiving and more.

We had a quiet Thanksgiving this year. Although having your own business is very rewarding, and hopefully will create a fantastic autonomy for our family some day, right now, it is completely overwhelming and draining, not to mention a complete time suck. My husband has taken ONE day off in three weeks, and guess what, it was on Thanksgiving!

I wanted to make sure my kids were able to enjoy "the thanksgiving experience" eventhough we had no house guests, and didn't travel anywhere.

They seemed to enjoy the pomp and ceremony of it all, and didn't seem to mind that they were on their own all day. However, I missed the extra family, and the entertainment that friends or cousins bring. What can I say, I am a people person, and I got my degree in throwing a party, so, it was a smidge to quiet for me.

I love this happy face.

The bird was a masterpiece, and I LOVED pretending there were going to be tons of happy eaters. But yet, there were just 6.

This is what my kitchen looked like after the dinner was made. I AM sure it was worth it in eating the dinner. I am NOT sure it was worth it in the clean up. That is admittedly the best part of having Thanksgiving guests, they usually clean up the aftermath.

I have posted on this blog the complete gratitude that I have felt for the blessings we have been given. We have been given so many.

A beautiful house to live in,

a great business, that we love and are so excited about,

our beautiful kids, who, are healthy and happy,

two sets grandparents who are happy and healthy as well,

a wonderful new state to live in,

a wonderful new ward,

a wonderful husband who has put in about 8 and 1/2 weeks of work into three weeks (yes, I am talking about 16 hour days)

Our blessings are simple, but astounding, and although I don't wish the trials we went through on anyone, I am grateful for them for teaching us to appreciate the simple blessings, of employment, a home to call our own, direction in our future, and true happiness in all of it.

We are blessed.