On Monday, January 28th, I worked at my long-term job and really struggled with a particular student. I felt exhausted by the end of 1st period... Justen is so good about working every day and not begrudging it. He works diligently and vigilantly, not like me at all. Don't get me wrong, I really like teaching and being in a classroom with regular kids, it's nice seeing the same people every day! BUT, the subject blows. It's pretty boring teaching test-taking skills for standardized tests. After work I finalized (or tried to) the book of letters I was compiling for my dad's birthday. Justen came home and we started getting ready for a busy week. I went to bed really early, as I always do on Mondays.
Tuesday, January 29th, was my dad's 60th birthday! I had planned on giving his book to him, however he's in Idaho with my mom and I'm in Ohio... Plus, I was still missing letters from most of my family (I really had to hound them). I texted my dad, wrote a fun blog post in honor of his birthday, and talked to him that night while Justen went to family dinner. I chose not to go, which makes me a bum, I know. I wish Justen's family had family dinner on Sunday like my family did. Sundays are family days, days of rest, and Tuesdays are right in the middle of the week and usually busy. But, that's their tradition, and when we first got married I asked if we could compromise and go every OTHER Tuesday. That lasted maybe a month, ha! Justen always goes, and I support him in this--I figure his family really wants to see him! They were used to him always being there, so just seeing him once a week is hard. Plus, he loves his nieces and nephew so much. I know if I had the opportunity to spend time on a week night with my Cason buddy, Tysen bear, and/or Echo Bonnie, I would be there in a heartbeat!!! Man I love those babies, man I MISS those babies... Also, I remember when my first brother got married, and as much as I loved spending time with the two of them, I REALLY loved spending time with just my brother because it was rare. So, anyway, that's all my justifications for not going to family dinner every week. I know, I'm still a brat.
Wednesday, January 30th, was a little stressful. I finished begging my dad's family and friends and completed his book. After work, Justen went with me to get it professionally bound at Staples since it was nice and warm outside (55 degrees at least). We had a fun night out doing errands and getting ready to leave in a few days.
Thursday, January 31st, the weather turned... I woke up to cold weather and cloudy skies, the threat of snow was in the air. I had my students take a practice test to see their progress and I was pleasantly surprised to see that they ARE actually getting to be better test-takers! That was a nice pat on the back. I wasn't going to be at work on Friday, so I got my room all ready and cleaned up for the weekend. During work, I received a great letter for my dad's book (of course after I'd already had it bound). I decided to just go back to Staples and quickly have them add it. Well, that "quickly" ended up being over an hour of a wait. Really? When that was done, I met Justen at home and we quickly left for his Uncle Charlie's visitation. Charlie was Justen's godfather and great-uncle. There were a lot of people there, and Charlie looked well and at peace. The flowers were beautiful, and his wife and son were holding together well. We stayed for a little while, then hustled back home during the beginning of the snowfall to pack up. That night, before we went to sleep, together we talked about our memories, and we had the best talk about our grandparents. Justen and I grow closer and closer every day as a married couple. I felt so close to him, he really is my best friend.
Friday, February 1st, I woke up early (but later than usual because I didn't work) and started cleaning up our house in preparation to leave. Justen got up and cleaned up the kitchen and living room with me. While he finished getting ready that morning, I made a quick, last-minute trip to Target for some ski stuff, then we went directly to Uncle Charlie's funeral. Justen was asked to be a pall bearer, and so it was important we were there early. His parents saved us seats, and thank goodness because the church was nearly full. The service was lovely. Charlie's wife, Marie, sang with a group of women and sounded beautiful. Justen's dad sang with a lady and they sounded so good (dad was worried because he's been really sick). After everyone made their way past the family, they closed the casket. I stood in the back of the chapel and watched as mother and son held each other while gazing into the casket. I felt the most calming and comforting spirit, and I immediately began to pray that they would also feel that spirit.
Marie has been so strong through all of this, and I prayed for her faith and strength to continue. There was a huge line of cars driving to the cemetery, and it was bitterly cold. Marie said she couldn't believe all these people came out in the cold, but that's the thing about Charlie: everyone loved him, he didn't know an enemy. We left after the cemetery and went home to change, finish packing, and go to the airport. We arrived on time, but our flights weren't so prompt... The flight from Denver to Jackson was delayed almost 2 hours, which meant we spent over 4 hours in the airport... We passed the time shopping for Justen's mom. :)
We arrived in Jackson Hole at 11:30pm (1:30am Columbus time), and got to the cabin in Idaho by 12:30--we waited forever for our bags. Funny story: as I was standing at the baggage claim just gritting my teeth in exhaustion and frustration, I looked over and saw a lady next to me with the same look. I said "hi" or something, then I realized IT WAS MY MOM!! She is so funny! I yelped and grabbed her in a big hug! When we got to their cabin, I gave my dad his book because I couldn't wait any longer! He said he stayed up past 2:30 reading it! Justen and I fell asleep by 1:30, we were pooped.
On Saturday, February 2nd, we got up early, a little before 7, to get ready to go skiing. My mom made a great breakfast and we were out of there and first in line at the ski rental place. We made it to Grand Targhee by 9:30, and Justen and I had a skiing lesson at 10.
It's been 3 years since I've been skiing, and apparently now everyone wears helmets...? I wasn't used to that, and when Justen and I tried to quickly kiss, we realized our helmets were in the way. Try feeling cool wearing a helmet...
Justen did great at the lesson, learning to turn and stop (two things he couldn't do without falling). I was a baby, though. I am so overweight/obese, I just couldn't stand around very long. I ditched the lesson and did a couple of runs by myself, and sat and rested my legs.
When Justen's lesson was over, we did ONE run together before I quit for the day.
I am so out of shape!!! My legs HURT!!! Justen went to the top with my dad and the boys, though, and they took about an hour to make it, start to finish.
We had a blast and can't wait until March when we go back. I'm already devising a workout plan so I can get in better shape and ski more. Grand Targhee has so many fun nook and cranny runs, I can't wait to go on those with him. I missed my Joey something fierce though... I have great memories of skiing those fun runs with him. After skiing and on the drive home, the Tetons were in full view, FINALLY! We had to stop and take a picture for Justen's mom, we knew she wanted pics of the Grand Tetons.
Then we all got massages which were so wonderful! Then we went to eat at a place in Victor which was really good. When we got home, my mom pulled out a birthday cake for my dad and some ice cream, and we planned on playing games but instead we watched the movie Groundhog Day (on Groundhog Day, it's a tradition) and passed out. Justen and I were sooooo tired!!
Sunday morning, February 3rd, I woke up around 7:30 and went upstairs to the cabin's main floor and sat by the windows looking out on the valley. I had about 30 minutes of silent alone time, it was fabulous. Such a beautiful valley!!!
Mom and Sam were up by 8:30 and we started breakfast because Tommy and Brandon were leaving by 9:30 to go back to Utah. We made the BEST pancakes ever, some bacon and eggs, and everyone chowed. We said our goodbyes to Tommy boy and Brandon, then started to pack up ourselves. Around noon, mom , Justen and I went into town and stopped at the Emporium for huckleberry milkshakes. Man, they are the best!!!
Then mom, dad, Sam, Kayla, Justen and I left the beautiful Teton Valley and headed back to Jackson Hole. We walked around, shopped a little, ate at the Silver Dollar Bar & Grill, then it was time to go home ourselves.
I hate saying goodby to my parents. It just stinks. But it's only for 7 weeks this time! Then we said goodbye to the Tetons, which was only slightly easier. I mean, really, they are just beautiful.
Sam and Kayla were on the same flight as us, so we flew to Denver, then said goodbye to them there.
We watched some Super Bowl commercials while we waiting for our flight, but everything was perfectly on time so we didn't wait long! The flights were so smooth, I slept on both. Justen got us home at 12:45am, and I think I was passed out by 1:15.
See what I mean? I am POOPED!
