Picture Updates

Dan bowled a perfect 300 for the first time a couple of weeks ago...

He had to take a goofy picture of himself for the kids (and now everyone else who looks, hee hee)

Grandma and Grandpa, we miss you!  Yesterday they were so desperate for roasting marshmallows over a fire that they resorted to forks over the bbq...

But they still tasted great, as far as roasted marshmallows go.

And finally, sometime living on the West Coast is a beautiful thing.  We woke up this morning to this in our patio.  The most snow we've seen since we lived here, and while we contemplated whether risking our live on the most-defnitely unplowed, unsanded hill going to and from our house in order to get to church, we received a text: No church today.  All meetings cancelled.  Wimpy winter drivers are a blessing sometimes.  Now we get to just relax at home and enjoy watching the big flakes fall!

A great birthday surprise for Spencer.  He loves this, and they spent 2 hours outside this morning playing in all the glorious white powder.

Happy Birthday Spencer!

We can hardly believe our littlest one has just turned 4.  He will be old enough for preschool in the fall, but he seems so much younger than I remember Clayton being when he went.  I guess it's 7 months away, so he'll change before then, but maybe we all underestimate and coddle our babies.  Here's a little tribute to our showboat at the bottom:

Silly
Playful
Entertaining
Never a dull moment
Cuddly
Enthusiastic
Ridiculously funny

Happy Birthday, Spencey.  We couldn't imagine life without you!

All he wanted was firetrucks, so this is what we came up with.

When the candles were lit it was supposed to be the building on fire.

The happy birthday boy - Quote: "This is the best birthday ever!"  Ah, it's nice when going to Mcdonald's for lunch and a few toys make their whole day.  Can he stay this age forever?

Speaking of Multiculturalism...

A couple of days ago I blogged about multiculturalism.  Here's a link to a great video of the Kyiv Ukraine temple dedication and the testimonies of youth from the many nations it will serve.  As one girls says, "This is truly a gathering of Israel."

https://lds.org/youth/video/kyiv-ukraine-temple-cultural-celebration?lang=eng

Like Clockwork

Why is it that some things come every year just like clockwork?  One in particular that I do not look forward to is every February without fail we have vehicle maintenance issues.  This year I thought we might escape it, but no luck.  My van has a few little issues that, I have to admit, we've been putting off a little bit, and last week Dan came home and informed me that his brakes were grinding, plus his driver's side window wouldn't go up.  So, into the shop it went as the pressing issue since he needs to commute to work. 

Too much money later and this morning my van chugged out and died on my way to drop kids at school.  It started again, but that means it's time to call the tow truck and take it in as well.  The price you pay when you don't drive new vehicles.

But, I have to make my list of positives in all this chaos:

-the van acted up in our parking lot and I had the presence of mind to park it at the abandoned school, backed in and waiting for my BCAA tow.  We were not in the middle of a busy Coquitlam street.
-Dan has been very fortunate with that little car we got for cheap from the Calgary mission.  It's been a great little commuter without any major issues, and with this last bit of work it should be good for a while, which we will need when we try to re-register in Alberta and he needs a car to get to and from his placement.
-We held onto a student loan cheque all year knowing that there might be a rainy day and tried our best to do without digging into it.  Mind you, I had hoped it would be our moving fund, but using it to repair used vehicles is a pretty close second
-We do not have a new vehicle, so no huge monthly payments.  So far, the dreaded maintenance has still not equalled what a car payment would be over the course of a year.

In the past I would have been panicking a little, gasping for breath and spending all day (and night) trying to crunch numbers and figure out how to make this work.  But this time I feel a little more calm.  Changing my outlook in the past few months and trying to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in everything has helped me see that there is always a plan and a way, and everything always works out. 

I am reminded of something my mom used to tell me:  If you pay your tithing you might never be rich, but somehow things will always turn out.  And they do.

I have to wonder, though, if Canadian Tire has a "frequent fixer" plan?  hee hee.

When you get a little too complacent in your corner of the world....

Dr. Floyd Shoemaker described the world as it would look if it were reduced to a village of only 100 people with the existing human ratios still existing.  This is what it would be like:

• 57 Asians
• 21 Europeans
• 14 from the Western hemisphere
• 8 Africans
• 50% of the entire world's wealth would be in tha hands of only 6 people, all of whom would be from the United States
• 70 people would be people of color
• 30 would be white
• 30 would be Christian
• 70 would be from other faiths
• 70 would not be able to read
• 50 would suffer malnutrition
• 80 would live in substandard housing
• only one would have a university education

Kinda makes ya think! 

This was taken from an article on Multicultaral Diversity and Competence in Therapeutic Recreation that I was reading through last night so I could understand what Dan was referring to in the assignment I was editing/typing.  I was also reading it for interest sake, since in my own profession understanding various cultures is a huge benefit to reaching my clients.  Depending on where I am working at any given time, I have had patients from all over the globe and from all walks of life.  Like the stats above suggest, it would be fairly narrow minded of me to assume that they are all just like me.  Because I fit into a very slim category of people who would be in that village - from the Western hemisphere, Caucasian, Christian, literate, and I have a university education - it's so easy to sink into my little corner of the world and forget about the rest.

I have to take a minute today and consider all of our many blessings as children of God living with a knowledge of the gospel in a free, industrialized country.  We could have gone so many other places and I take it for granted and complain about small inconveniences all the time.  Shame on me!

Vacation from home

Madi is learning all about structures in her science class right now.  A link they gave her was to this website:

http://panoramas.dk/7-wonders/index.html

Go on and visit the whole world, from your living room!  It's kind of fun to see a 360 degree panorama view from the top of Mt. Everest or inside the Roman Colisseum or the palace of Versailles.  For now it will have to do as our trip around the world!  Have fun.

Here's Madison's answer to the random question challenge.  Enjoy!


1. What time did you go to bed last night and were you alone?
I don't know.  Too late.  I was not alone.  Clay was in the room.

2. If you could be given ANY gift what would it be?

A real computer.

3. What was the last film that really moved/disturbed/thrilled you and why?

The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawntreader

4. What is your favourite TV show of all time ie you've seen them all, can watch it over and over again and quote lines from it?

AFV and Wipeout.  I don't care if they're reruns, I just keep watching them!

5. Whats your favourite way to wake up and whats the first thing you do?

Early, before dawn.  Watch T.V.

6. What would you call yourself if you could choose your own name?

Rose.

7. If you had to do a bushtucker challenge (you have to eat insects/grubs etc) what would be the worst thing you had to eat?

Tarantulas.


8. Whats the worst/most embarassing CD/Album you've ever owned and do you still have it?
I don't even own a CD!

11. What characteristics do you dislike in yourself?

I'm impatient.  I cannot wait for anything, just ask my parents. 

12. Your favourite item of clothing and why?

My red and black dress.  Because it's so pretty.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be and who would it be with?

Disneyland with my Dad.

14. If you could have any animal/creature, What would be your ultimate pet be?

A unicorn.


15. What did you want to be when you were little and do you think you ever will be?

I want to be a ballet teacher and an actress.  I think it's a definite possibility.

16. Whats the next planned event you're looking to in your life?

Building a treehouse at Grandma and Grandpa's house - a castle!

17. What were you doing before you started this?

Putting a cold pop can on my dad's back.


18. What was the last thing you ate that you really shouldnt of ?

Too many marshmallows.


19. If you were an ice cream flavour what would you be?

Pistachio mint chocolate chip vanilla with a chocolate swirl and strawberry chunks.

20. Who was the last person you spoke to that you didnt want to talk to?

Clayton

21. What was your favourite toy as a child?

Funny Bunny and Bubblegum Pig


22. When was the last time you cried laughing and why?

When I watched Hannah Montana and Jackson was addicted to sugar and he ate an ice cream cone off the grounds that someone had dropped.

23. What is stashed under your bed/mattress?

An easy-bake oven.

24. What did you dream about last night?

I don't know.  Hopefully unicorns.

25. What are you really afraid of?

Ghosts.

Hey all,

 Jen convinced me to participate in the questionairre remember what happens on the blog stays on the blog.

Dan

1. What time did you go to bed last night and were you alone?


11:30, yes I was alone it would have been akward if someone followed me in to join Jen.


2. If you could be given ANY gift what would it be?

An A in psychology




3. What was the last film that really moved/disturbed/thrilled you and why?

Inception, It was just different I liked it.


4. What is your favourite TV show of all time ie you've seen them all, can watch it over and over again and quote lines from it?

Sienfeld fits that criteria but News Radio is pretty awesome to.




5. Whats your favourite way to wake up and whats the first thing you do?

Naturally, no alarm




6. What would you call yourself if you could choose your own name?

When I was a kid I had a friend named Tad I thought it was the coolest name now I realized not so much.





7. If you had to do a bushtucker challenge (you have to eat insects/grubs etc) what would be the worst thing you had to eat?

One time when was about 9 there was this girl I liked and I thought it would impress her if I ate one of those huge green catepillers. It turns out girls are not impressed by vomit. so I definently would back out of that challenge.




8. Whats the worst/most embarassing CD/Album you've ever owned and do you still have it?

NKOTB if you don't know what it stand for I will not embarass myself further. actually I will cus I also went to their concert. and HELL NO I don't own it any more.


11. What characteristics do you dislike in yourself?

I don't know




12. Your favourite item of clothing and why?

I have these old crocs I have worn a hole in the bottom of I would wear them everywhere if they didn't make me look like a hillbilly.



13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be and who would it be with?


I would love to go on a world cruise


14. If you could have any animal/creature, What would be your ultimate pet be?

A gremlin, a gizmo kind not those crazy ones



15. What did you want to be when you were little and do you think you ever will be?

I always wanted to be a travelling angel like on high way to heaven, I do a lot of stupid stuff that I could definitely spend a lot of time making up for after I die, You never know.


16. Whats the next planned event you're looking to in your life?


Graduation



17. What were you doing before you started this?


Watching the movie Misery on TV, that movie is disturbing.



18. What was the last thing you ate that you really shouldnt of ?

The real question is what is the last thing I ate that I should have.




19. If you were an ice cream flavour what would you be?


Spinach, so the kids would leave alone for a while.



20. Who was the last person you spoke to that you didnt want to talk to?


This really annoying and bossing co-worker

21. What was your favourite toy as a child?

I use to have a green machine if you know what that is you are cool cus I was cool cruising town on it, the chicks loved it.



22. When was the last time you cried laughing and why?


The other night with Jen reminscing I think I pee'd a little.


23. What is stashed under your bed/mattress?


I don't know I am to afraid to look.



24. What did you dream about last night?

I didn't

25. What are you really afraid of?


People without any teeth I don't know how scott does it I just shuddered.

Random Questions

I have had nothing to blog about, so I decided to answer this questionnaire I came across.  It would be really fun if those of you with your own blogs answered it too...hint hint :)  It's neat to learn things about people you thought you knew!

1. What time did you go to bed last night and were you alone?

It was 11:30.  And no, I was accompanied by hubby who proceeded to reminisce about our years in Edmonton and so many funny people we've met along the way.  We laughed a lot and wondered where the time went - and then it was 1:00.  I'm really tired today!

2. If you could be given ANY gift what would it be?

A weekend alone.

3. What was the last film that really moved/disturbed/thrilled you and why?

I guess I would have to say that the last movie I thorougly enjoyed was Inception.  Which was a good surprise because I didn't expect much out of the previews.

4. What is your favourite TV show of all time ie you've seen them all, can watch it over and over again and quote lines from it?

Seinfeld.  It is also about the last TV show I actually watched every week. 

5. Whats your favourite way to wake up and whats the first thing you do?

Quickly, in a bright, sunny room with the window open and the fresh air blowing in.  Grab a book.

6. What would you call yourself if you could choose your own name?


I don't think I could envision myself as anything else, but maybe I would go back to Jenny.  When I moved away from home I decided I was far too old to be called what I had been called my whole life and switched to Jen or, at work, Jennifer.  Now I realize there are an overwhelming amount of people named both of those.  But not a lot of grown Jenny's.  I guess I really am one at heart.  So now my dad doesn't have to worry if he thinks it will offend me.  It doesn't.  LOL.

7. If you had to do a bushtucker challenge (you have to eat insects/grubs etc) what would be the worst thing you had to eat?

Any of it.  Yuck.  Although I did used to eat ants occasionally.

8. Whats the worst/most embarassing CD/Album you've ever owned and do you still have it?

The Backstreet Boys. And Ricky Martin.   NO (to both).
11. What characteristics do you dislike in yourself?

I am very impatient.  And idealistic.  Things should be a certain way because it makes sense.  These two qualities do not go well together when dealing with other people, especially ridiculous ones, which is the large majority of the general public.

12. Your favourite item of clothing and why?

Pajama bottoms.  Need I explain?  And shoes.  You can always have cool/pretty/fancy/fun/comfy shoes no matter what size you are.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be and who would it be with?

Egypt and Israel with Lori.  And Italy and Greece with Cynth and Inalee.  And the British Isles with my whole extended family.  And Dan and the kids can come along on all of them.

14. If you could have any animal/creature, What would be your ultimate pet be?

A giraffe.  Beautiful, and they don't make any noise.

15. What did you want to be when you were little and do you think you ever will be?

A princess, usually Gwenivere with King Arthur.  The chances were never really that good.

16. Whats the next planned event you're looking to in your life?

Clayton's baptism in March.  Except it's not planned...

17. What were you doing before you started this?

Dishes.

18. What was the last thing you ate that you really shouldnt of ?

Candy sent by a loving Grandma Cooper.  Darn you, spice hearts!

19. If you were an ice cream flavour what would you be?

Chocolate caramel praline fudge nugget cookie dough surprise.

20. Who was the last person you spoke to that you didnt want to talk to?

This lady at the library today who kept going on about how I needed to get myself an Ipad.  She was about 70 and she kept grilling me about why I didn't have one.  When I told her I had 4 children that ate up my Ipad fund, she clucked knowingly and started to launch into the hazards of having children.  I walked away to look for a book that was more interesting.
21. What was your favourite toy as a child?

Chloe Samuela, my Cabbage Patch Kid.

22. When was the last time you cried laughing and why?

Last night.  When we lived in Kameyosek in Edmonton, there was a bobcat driver who came to remove the snow from the parking lot.  He hit something and his head hit the steering and he went out cold.  I don't know how long he sat there before anyone realized he was hurt and not on a lunch/nap break.  It was a fun, random memory.

23. What is stashed under your bed/mattress?

Suitcases and binders.  And dust and cobwebs.

24. What did you dream about last night?

Nothing.

25. What are you really afraid of?

Looking through the window at the outside in the dark in the middle of the night.  What if there's someone looking back?  Creepy.

Just One of those Mornings...

I realized far too late last night that there was absolutely nothing to pack in lunches today, and nothing to pack them in.  Not a sandwich bag in sight!  It's amazing how everything runs out all at once.  So, after dropping the kids off at school 20 minutes late reassuring them that I would indeed bring them a lunch, it was off to get groceries.  The bright spot - Dan stayed home with the 2 little boys.  The grey cloud - there were only 3 cashiers on at Superstore which meant really, really, really long lines.  But I managed to read through the People magazine during the wait.

That left me making lunches in my van in the Superstore underground parking.  If you've never done that, you're a better woman than me.  Luckily, no one walked by to witness my wackiness.  The kids told me they were the best lunches ever.  I'm sure it was only due to the variety of easy to pack items that I don't generally buy, or send all at once.  But ya know, everyone gets sick of sandwiches by February!

Make-It Monday, on Tuesday

I was at work yesterday and did not get a chance to post anything.  But I haven't done this topic for a long time.  Today I am just going to post my favorite super easy drink.  Excellent in the morning or maybe after you work out, or just because it tastes good:

Apple Banana Drink:

Preparation: Freeze a banana, without skin on.

To make: Pour your favorite apple juice into a blender.  Add the banana.  Blend.

The frozen banana makes it a smoothie consistency and the taste is au naturel goodness.  Yum!

More from our current funniest child...

After the reviews from my last post, I thought I would share another little tidbit that came from the mouth of our oldest son.  In primary they were learning about the story where the pigs with the evil spirits in them go running wild off the cliff into the sea.  His teacher (in wide-eyed, innocent earnestness I'm sure) asked, "What do you think those people thought when they saw that?"  To which Clayton replied, "Boy, we're gonna have bacon tonight!"

Words of Wisdom

For FHE on Monday we walked down to get a cone from McD's.  On the way, which takes us through very dark, tree-lined areas and across a busy road we discussed safety in all types of situations.  By far, the most enduring warning came from Clayton:

NEVER go with someone who says they are the Police, but they are wearing a blue hoodie with the word "Pulees" written in black felt pen on the back.  They are probably lying to you.

Sound advice!

Who can know the future...

Here's a little excerpt from a letter I sent to my brother out in the mission field.  I just felt like someone else might get some inspiration from the story as well. 

Samuel Smith was Joseph Smith's younger brother. He was the first missionary for the Restored Church. The first day out he travelled 25 miles (on foot!) trying to teach, but the people were unresponsive and cruel. He stopped for th night at an inn where he asked the owner if he would like to buy a Book of Mormon (imagine that - having to find yourself accomodations and asking people to buy the scriptures!). The innkeeper asked where he had gotten the book and Samuel told him Joseph's story. The innkeeper became angry and told Samuel to take his lies and go. Samuel spent the night under an apple tree.


The next morning he went to see John Greene, the leader of another church. He wasn't interested in the book, but agreed to ask people in his church if they wanted a copy. Unfortunately, 3 weeks later there had been no sales. But Mr. Greenes wife had read the book.

Samuel's mission was hard. When he went home he felt he had been very unsuccessful. He was discouraged. But what Samuel didn't know at the time was that his work would eventually lead to many people joining the Church. Two of these people were Mr. and Mrs. Greene. But Samuel had also given the Book of Mormon to a man named Phineas Young.

You might think that name sounds familiar. That's because he had a brother named Brigham. Brigham Young and Phineas Young went on to join the church, and Brigham went on to become the second prophet of the Church in this dispensation. I guess Samuel's mission was a lot more successful than he thought!  (here's the link to the scripture story:  http://lds.org/languages/childrenmaterials/scripturestories/CUR_2008_Stories_14_DC_12SamuelSmithsMission_31122_eng_.pdf

We thought of you when we read this as a family in scriptures. I love to hear about all the people you meet and teach, but I know there are times you feel discouraged by someone's lack of motivation or interest. Don't despair. We never know what influence today will have on the future. You are working hard and following the Spirit and the Lord will bless you and everyone in your path because of it.

That is a good reminder to me to have a little more faith in God's plan for each of us. Things have been a little dicey around here as we try to secure a placement for Dan's internship in order to finish up his education. While we thought we had everything worked out beautifully in our minds, it turns out God might have a different idea of when and where we need to go. Still don't know where that is. Wish I did. I'm trying to have the faith to believe that He has led us this far and will not leave us out in the cold at this point. At least not if we listen to the Spirit and let Him guide us. I'm also trying to keep Elder Holland's words in my mind from his talk "The Best is Yet to Be", http://lds.org/ensign/2010/01/the-best-is-yet-to-be?lang=eng.  He basically explains that we need to believe the Lord knows each of us and He has something in mind for us that is better than we could ever dream up on our own.

Our Little Girl... Not so little anymore!

Yesterday was Madison's birthday - 9 years old already!  We can hardly believe our little girl is getting all grown-up.  She has matured so much over the last year.  Dan told me last week when I was at work in the mornings that if I left she could just step right in.  She got up, fed the kids breakfast, got everyone moving to get dressed, then went in and flipped on the bedroom light and told Dan he needed to get up - NOW!  She will definitely be a second mother to her younger brothers, whether they like it or not.

She had a great day, everything she was wanting.  It was like Christmas in the morning.  She dragged us out of bed and begged to open presents.  Later in the day, we picked up her friend and the three of us went for lunch and out to a movie.  The girls were so silly and so much fun.  We stopped at the grocery store and they decided to each get a stuffed pig so they would always remember this wonderful day.  What fabulous drama!  We wrapped up the big day with dinner (she always chooses ribs) and cake.  Here are a few pics:

In her class at school they have been learning about the Chinese New Year.  One of their assignments was to find out their sign in the Chinese horoscope, then see if they fit the description.  So, in honor of our Horse girl, I wanted to post some of these traits and see if those who know her would agree that she most definitely fits!  These are all taken from "The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes" by Theodora Lau.

A Poem about the Horse

I am the Kaleidoscope of the mind.

I impart light, color and perpetual motion.

I think, I see, I am moved by electric fluidity.

Constant only in my inconsistency

I am unshackled by mundane holds,

Unchecked by sturdy, binding goals,

I run unimpeded through virgin paths.

My spirit unconquered -

My soul forever free.

I AM THE HORSE.

Some qualities of the horse child:

 - animated, boisterous

 - a passionate love of life and a buoyant personality

- a restless and searching spirit, needs to be constantly occupied

- affectionate and demonstrative, but won't like much cuddling (anyone remember trying to cuddle her as a baby?  Not happening!)

- happy-go-lucky daredevil, does things on the spur of the moment

- quite capable of getting herself out of danger.  Does not look for trouble, but does not scare easily and will fight his own battles (handy when you have 3 brothers)

And my favorite: 

The colorful and lively personality of the Horse will perk up any household!

How true!  We have always said Madison has a "zest for life".  Her sense of humor is incredible and if she can laugh at something she will.  Anxious to be on the move, she flits from one excitement to the next. We love you, little Horse!  Hope your next year is everything you want it to be, and don't ever change!

-

Fit Friday

Miles walked this week: 4.5
Time on Wii: 0

I am finding I enjoy my walking much more than the wii.  I still think it's fun for a change of pace, but I seriously cannot understand getting fit on it.  Maybe I'll have a change of heart, but for now I'll just keep boogeyin' along.  Getting up at 5:30 to go to work 2 days this week has helped me totally shift my biological clock back into order.  Love it!

Five Things in Five Hours

Malcolm was very impressed with our productivity this morning, so impressed he kept reminding me how we did "five things in five hours."  Maybe it's just that he's almost 5.  Here was our agenda:

1. Drop kids at school
2. Grocery shopping (bonus: Superstore had their toys on for 50% off or better.  Handy surprise when you have 4 birthdays in the next 2 months, hence the birthday background)
3. Primary meeting
4. Drop treat off at school for Madi's birthday
5. Go to the library.  Play computers and check out books

Okay, I'm impressed with us too.  After a long week of being stuck indoors with babysitters and colds, it felt good to get moving again!  And the boys were, shockingly, very well behaved.  Thank goodness it's Friday!

Tubing

Clayton got invited to go tubing on Mt. Seymor this week.  He was so excited!  And it did not disappoint. I have to admit when I looked up this tubing venue I laughed a little.  People actual pay money to go down the hill on a sled?  See, growing up we just took our crazy carpets and toboggans, found a good looking hill and went down.  This hill is way beyond that!  They provide cool tubes and have a tow line to get you back up.  No physical exertion required.

But Clayton had a blast, of course.  Who wouldn't?  When I asked about his day, the funniest comment was, "Mom, the snow was fake!"  Still, he got to fly down a hill and he didn't even have to walk up it, and he got to do it all with his friends.  He couldn't have asked for anything more.

Cougar Alert

Since we've lived out on the West Coast we've had some interesting new experiences at school.  Earthquake drills, bear horns and missing school for minimal amounts of snow.  But today we had something entirely new.  The school called to let me know that the kids would not be dismissed on their own, but that parents needed to meet them at their classrooms.  The reason?  A cougar sighting in the area.  We needed to be safe.  I totally understand, but it never fails to amaze me how in a city of over a million people I can still feel like I'm living in the great outdoors. 



p.s.  No cougar sightings for us, much to the kids dismay!

To Keep or Not to Keep...

I know we are way behind the times, but Dan and I have been watching an A&E show online lately that really enthralls while at the same time repels me.  It's called Hoarders (check link here if you have not seen it http://www.aetv.com/hoarders/video/).  It amazed me what the human brain can justify and ignore when under stress. 

I have worked the last two days which means a babysitter has come in for the late afternoon/evening shift while Dan goes to school/work. Let me 'splain.  She is a sweetheart, but basically a warm body ensuring absolute chaos does not erupt.  Chaos, but not absolute.  She's our only option on days like that. Yesterday I came home and I felt a little like those people walking into those homes.  Now, I exaggerate.  Our house is by no means that piled up, but I couldn't see a clear space anywhere.  This is partly due to size and partly due to 4 children and no visible restrictions.  There oughta be a show, "Multiple Children being Raised in Small Quarters in Cities".  Ha ha. 

Anyhow, it has gotten me thinking how superfluous our society is.  Instead of owning what we need, we keep things around that we might need eventually.  I am gearing up for a move away from the West coast at some eventual date, and I am already in flinging mood.  I am not sentimental.  If it were up to me, I would take our clothes and beds and give the rest away.  But, unfortunately, things cost money so I guess I have to save some of it.  Still, it's time to get tough.  It's a fine line between storing things for the future and hoarding good deals.  And believe me, we are SUCKERS for a good deal.  That's how we obtained the majority of our stuff!  It's hard to say no when the price is right, but do we need it?  That's the real question....