Luckiest Girl in the World...

Doug and I just recently went with our Amanda and Ellie to see Jordon in Missouri. It was a world wind trip, we were only there for 3 days.
I am not going to lie and say Missouri is on my list of dream vacations... it totally wasn't. But the things we do for our kids...I checked out our timeshare to see if there was a place near Ft. Leonard Wood and turns out there was one about 1 hour a way. So I booked it, purchased the airline tickets and off we went.
First of all, a rental car from the airport was sooo expensive we found a cheaper one about 12 miles on the metro. This turned out great because it took us right to the front door of Busch Stadium at the end of a Cardinals game. That was fun to see and it happens to be right in front of the famous St. Louis arch! We wouldn't have gone there if we didn't have to go there to get our car.
About 3 hours later we are pulling into our condo, it is just dusk and the most amazing view I have ever seen. We are right in the heart of the Lake of the Ozarks, our back deck literally was on the lake, dragonflies were flitting back and forth, geese skimming the water looking for something yummy. The sounds were incredible- the islands were literally alive with noise. I couldn't soak it in. I lay in bed and you could hear the sounds and occasionally see a boat skim by, I didn't want to sleep, I didn't want to miss one moment of it. I got up and went out side and a full moon was reflecting itself off the lake, surrounded by a million stars twinkling off the water. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world... I guess I am.
The next day we are in the car and headed to my Giant's graduation, we are so excited to see him and we are still so dazed by where we are and still amazed at the beauty around us. Suddenly Doug taps on the brakes and we hear " What the crap"! We almost ran over a turtle in the middle of the road. We all just looked at each other and started laughing. That does not happen every day. I felt like I was living inside a great novel, a place that you only read about, and you don't want the story to end.
Jo's graduation was great and we are so proud of him. A lot of times having my boys in the military brings back some not so good memories, still I can't help but be incredibly proud of them. They are learning such good things about themselves and in turn will make them stronger and better men. I always say the goodest things are the hardest things.
We were able to spend an awesome half a day with him. I am so grateful to Amanda for sharing him with us.
While taking Jo back to base, we decided to find him some dinner first. We thought it would be sorta fun to find a local place and try the viddles. So we turned into the next town and it looked like a newer restaurant at the end of town, so we pull in, and right in front of us is a sign advertising the evening special... "FRIED FROG LEGS"! We very discreetly decided on the Dairy Queen down the street!!! We had been listening to them frogs all night..nope couldn't eat one-sheesh!
On the way back to the condo that night, Doug again taps on the brakes, and we hear" What the Heck"! We almost hit a possum! Again... that doesn't happen every day, not in my world.

Trekking...

In April Doug and I were asked to be Ma and Pa on this year Stake Trek. I will say we VERY reluctantly said yes. We knew we were in over our heads with the campaign and our church callings and our regular stuff we got going on- planting a garden, mowing's, prunings, watering, kids and so forth... So the more we got involved in the trek prep, the worse our attitude got- I am not kidding when I say for at LEAST 6 weeks I was not my best self!
We had just gotten back from an amazing family vacation to CA and we had one week to prep for the trek, we weren't prepared in anyway. BUT, Doug and I both agreed that our nasty, naughty, stinkin' attitude NEEDED to be checked at the door when we left. We KNEW that the kids that were assigned to our family DESERVED to have an awesome trek experience. Doug had an exam that was due the following week, for the Idaho State PLS. We hadn't been home long enough between vacation and trek to figure out if all our chores were caught or bills paid or what two teenage boys would be doing while we were away- ALL of this we bundled up and left it at the door. We had to, we didn't have a choice, we had to let the Lord take care of all the "STUFF" so we could do what we were supposed to do- what that was, we had NO idea! But went we did- On the bus ride there, I called my Mom because I thought I should at least have a personal pioneer story to share with my family or at least to reflect on while trekking.
She shared with me the story of my great, great, grandmother who at the age of 7, with her brother, age 6, crossed the plains by themselves. I still can't believe they lived through the experience. The Mom at Winter Quarters, decided to leave the family and head to California and the Dad was called to go ahead with Brigham Young's group to make way for the saints. A family was asked to take the kids, and really left them to fend for themselves. They made it and eventually the Father found his kids and were happily reunited.
So I had my story and some that we were provided with in our trek journals. We were assigned our family, our cart, our flag and off we went. It was long, hot, dusty... and the most amazing experience! First of all, we were assigned the most amazing kids in the entire Stake. We SO lucked out- that's my opinion! The spirit was so strong, one of Stake leaders commented that he felt the spirit was as strong out there in sage brush as strong as anywhere in the Temple. I agreed. When we would have our family devotionals the spirit was so strong, I couldn't help but think, here we are, in the middle of the dessert, stinky, filthy, sunburned, not one thing was without dust or dirt, not anything you would ever see enter the chapel, let alone the temple. Yet the spirit was so strong, the love felt for each other was so unexpected and so amazing. We watched the testimony of these kids grow right before our eyes, literally. I couldn't believe it.
After having this amazing trek experience and looking back on it from the very beginning, I realise now, that Satan had a very major part in trying to ruin the experience for not just us but for the kids that were in our family- Would I go again, ABSOLUTELY, would I recommend it for your kids, in a minute.
What did I learn about the pioneers? Honestly, not so much- it didn't matter, because what I learned was of our Saviors amazing love for each of us! I learned more fully of His atonement, of His service, of His gospel. I learned that we ALL are to stand as a witness for Him- ALWAYS.
And so I shall.

ANGELS CAMP...

We were able to take a much needed vacation with our family and extended family on Doug's side, to Angels Camp California. I had never heard of Angels Camp and had no idea what to expect.
We talked Jordon's Amanda into going with us and the brave girl that she is, said yes! We had so much fun with her and Ellie. Ellie did so good in the car for a 2 year old. She didn't start asking Grandpa if we were there yet until we were in the parking lot of the condos! We also took Kasey and Natti's Jaqai with us. They both did amazing for the 10 hour trip.
Angels Camp is an old mining town in the middle of California. It is famous for the frog jumping competition that they have annually in May, I wish we could have been there for that, sounds like loads of fun.
We had tons of fun, exploring the Big Tree National Park, river floating in Yosemite, the craziest 4th of July parade I have ever seen, playing in the water at the caves, LOTS and LOTS of swimming and fell head over heels in LOVE with the neighboring town Murphy's.
The kids had so much fun "cousining" with their cousins, they are all growing up so fast, I think pretty soon it will just be the brothers and sisters (how boring) all the fun kids will be gone-
UUGH!
Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for a fun vacation.

The camp-"PAIN" trail...

Doug is the current Tooele County Surveyor and this year he was up for re-election. This took up a lot of our time this spring. We learned so much and we are so grateful for the experience. For more details about our campaigning adventures you can refer to Doug's blog at dougkinsman@blogspot.com-
We sigh a HUGE sigh of releif that this was over for us at the primaries, and we cheer on our many friends who are in the thick of it right now- GOOD LUCK!

Easter Escapades...

Easter this year was just sort of a crazy day. It began the night before when the "Easter Bunny" proceeded to hide the bunny baskets. I (ahem... the Easter Bunny) only had 3 to hide this year,and honestly I was feeling a bit weary about the whole thing, the bunny is gettin' tired! But alas, I set out to do my task and I ran into my 18 year old(go figure- I don't know why I was surprised to see him at 11:56pm, that is SOOO past my bedtime). Then the idea struck me- why not let him hide the 2 baskets and I will just have to hide his and job will be done and done! Smashing idea, he thought that was great fun and I thought of the perfect hiding place for his and it worked out wonderfully... until- the next morning the little guys got right up and went about finding their baskets and enjoyed the fruits of their labors by feeding their sugar high before breakfast! About 11ish my 18 year old drags himself outta bed and I see he is rootin' around for some grub, and I say to him"Ceeb,(cuz thats what I like to call him) you should go find your Easter basket". Then I scream "OH CRAP"! and run to the laundry because some idiot put in a load of muddy clothes into the wash FORGETTING that the perfect place to hide an Easter basket is IN the empty washing machine!!! UUGH!!!
I am just wondering... can the Easter Bunny get fired? Oh brother!!
The rest of the day was wonderful- it was conference day so we vegged in front of the Tv listening and learning and loving our time together. Later, lots (and I mean LOTS) of friends and family came for a humongus Easter egg hunt. We ended up being in the house as it was snowing and muddy outside. We had a family from Koltens mission come be with us and it was so fun to visit with them, I hope we didn't scare them away forever!

Catching up...

I have gotten so far behind in writing... I have soooo much to share. So I have decided to spend the evening catching you all up! Aren't you excited? First I have to begin with Easter! Oh boy... Easter!

Don't bug me I am meditating...

SO... my daughter in law got me into yoga- awesome. I have only been about 5 times but definitely plan on getting hooked! The books I have been reading lately have been about women finding themselves spiritually and physically. Turns out that has been my goal this year too. Also awesome! These ladies in these books talk about meditating, finding your quiet self, being utterly still... OK. I SO want to be quiet and still... finding my quiet self that would be awesome too! So my understanding of meditation is you find a quiet place to BE (for at least 20 minutes), then you try to clear your mind of all the garbage. To do this you must chant a mantra... I don't know any mantras, I don't I feel comfortable "borrowing" one from some yogi guru that I don't even know or believe in. So, I thought I will just make something up when I get to that point.

This is how my meditation went today-
I find my quiet spot on my bedroom floor, I sit down and cross my legs yoga style and start to breath... ONE.. I am counting the breaths I take in and out... TWO... my hips are freaking killing me...THREE... 20 minutes huh? I wonder how long it has been...FOUR... I wonder if it counts if you lay down instead of sitting like this...FIVE... man, my feet are totally black (from my flip flops)...SIX...then my mantra kicks in... I AM HERE... I AM HERE... I AM HERE... you know what "I" am not that bad of gal! It was kinda cool spendin' some time with ME! Then the phone rang... BUGGER!

CONCLUSION-I think I was just starting to get the hang of the whole exercise when I was called away-for me meditation is a way of preparing my mind to take things of the spirit in. I think of meditation as a prelude to personal prayer and scripture study. I think as women we don't take the time to be still, I believe it is important to feel our Heavenly Fathers love pour over us and then maybe we can better love ourselves and in turn better love those around us.

I am still trying to find my best self and learning to live in the moment. Not worrying about what the future might bring and definitely not dwelling in the past. Not worrying about what other people think I should be doing or how I think I should look by other peoples standards. I am who I am. I like what I like. I have spent too many years forgetting to live, life is starting to creep its way back into me and it feels good, sometimes scary and overwhelming, but amazingly good!

The busy life...

Life is interesting these days. Doug is campaiging for re-election for Tooele County Surveyor. He has been in 2 terms and he would like to work one more term for the people of Tooele County. Aside from public appearances, speeches, political meetings, newpaper articles and the general campaign "stuff", I was determined to get my garden planted.
As a rule of thumb, I like to have my garden in by Mothers Day weekend. That came and went! Then I thought, ya know some people don't plant until Memorial Day.... also came and went! Just when I was resigned NOT to plant a garden this year, it all came together. Our super nice neighbor brought his tractor over and tilled it all up for us, as our till threw a gear and is out of commisssion. Grandpa Johnson came over and we worked and worked and worked. By the end of the week we had 6 rows of tomatoes, 2 rows onions, peppers and cucumbers, 2 melon rows, 6 rows of corn, 2 rows winter squash, two rows, carrots, beets, swiss chard, and more cucumbers, and finally 10 rows of spuds!! All in by the 5th of June!! I have never planted so late in the season, so we will see what happens!

Hand prints on my heart...

When I had my first baby, I remember my Mother saying to me, "Did you ever think you could love someone so much?". I thought how could this be? How is it possible to love this baby so much and what will I do when I have another, there is no way I could love two as much as I love this one.
As it happened, as each child came, I was surprised to find that the capacity for love is never ending, in fact often times its overflowing.
Now my kids are growing, and I find myself in a new place. I wondered when I found out our first grand baby was coming- where will I find the love to give this baby? At that moment I felt a tug on my heart and I knew that she was mine to love. She picked me, she picked our family, and my heart overflows.
On Mothers Day I was given a gift, a new grand baby in December. Again I felt that tug with in my chest, like the whisper of a tiny little hand that has brushed by my heart on its way to settle beneath it's mothers. This baby is already loved...for its hand print is left on my heart.

Goat Food...

I was home on a rainy day and the mood struck me to get some baking done. The kids (the people kind) had been bugging me to make granola. Usually they eat it up so fast that I shy away from making it, not that it is a lot of work but it just takes time, but hey I was in a good mood so I started the project and ended up making five gallons of granola- I found out you can freeze it as it has oil in it and doesn't have a super long shelf life. Jordon (21) knew I was making it and was so excited to partake. He came over after work with his family and went straight for the granola jar. Ellie(2) asked him what he was eating, he told her cereal. She promptly climbed up into his lap and wanted to share. She looked in the bowl and then at her dad and says,"Umm, Dad? Thats goat food." It was sooo funny. I was sharing my story with my Sister in law and she asked me if she would still eat it? Of course, she would eat regular goat food!! We love our "Bug"!

Goat Food

9 1/2 cups regular oats
1 1/2 cups sliced almonds
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
Mix together in a large bowl.

1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup honey-heat honey and oil until blened and add 1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract.

Mix liquid with oat mixture until well distributed. Spread onto two cookie sheets, bake at 300' for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Pour granola into bowl and add 1 cup raisins, 1 cup dried cranberries, 1 cup dried cherries. Mix well and store in an airtight container. Stores well on counter for 1 week or freezer up to 6 months.

The sweet smell of SPRING...

I am soooo excited to be back outside!!! Winters are so long for me. The last two weekends I have been pruning our fruit trees, Jakes fruit trees, and longingly looking at any who's haven't been done yet and admiring the ones that have. I know I am crazy, but I love it! I love the smell of the earth after winter has settled on it and spring has thawed it all out. I love seeing the shape of the tree come to life and imagine how it will look when the blossoms burst and the leaves fill in the gaps! I think this crazy behavior has rubbed off on my kids cuz this morning Chance says," Hey Mama, did you know the cherry trees at the orchard and the plum trees in the creek have blossomed?", could I be more proud? I think not!!
I am almost giddy thinking about getting the garden ready this weekend. I hope the weather cooperates, if not-no worries, we need the moisture and who says the garden has to be on time every year? I have already purchased the pea seeds, corn and potato. I keep my garden gloves in my car just in case the mood strikes me, I can be ready at a moments notice.
I love being outside, I love hiking up the canyon, I love having my hands in the dirt, I love the smell of morning! I love picking the weeds out of our new grass growing, I love sitting on my porch listening to the sprinklers or rain while reading a good book. Those are the best moments that winter has kept from me. I love SPRING...

Just Breathe...

So I was recently reading an article on Women in their 40's, relating to weight loss. One interesting point it mentioned was that for the majority of women in their 40's, this is the most stressful time in there lives. I attribute this to having teenagers, but for whatever reason, us ladies don't breathe!
Apparently, when feeling stressed we take shallow breaths rather than breathing deeper like we did in our youth. It also mentioned that we should allow ourselves at least 1 hour a day and a 1/2 a day a WEEK!! This was suggested to help reduce our stress level.
SOooo... I have been focusing on my breathing when I am working out and any ole time I give it a thought, I try to take in some extra long breaths, walking outside and opening windows around you were also suggested. As far as the Mommy time outs go... they haven't happened yet, but I do have fun thinking about what I would do.
1. I could spend the entire time in my sewing room.
2. Reading. Yes for an entire 1/2 day!
3. Go on a hike with a book and a lunch.
4. Spend some time at the Temple.. just thinkin about stuff.
I think my list could go on and on....
I found the article really quite interesting and just thought I would share- so until next time... just Breathe!

Not done yet...

I haven't had the time to post lately,now that I have immersed myself into the world of "tax season". However, I have not given up on my "Best Self" search, in fact, I think this is an ongoing quest with out an end.
I keep on my desk a notebook that says on the front- BE INSPIRED EVERYDAY. Whenever something comes across my way that inspires me I try to hurry and jot it down. Keeps me focused on the good things.
So until the next moment- be inspired by something good around you!

Today's "Best"...

Things learned from yesterday's "Best Self" challenge... I MUST go to bed when it is my bedtime. I decided that it is better to go to bed rather than fight with my "grumpy self" cuz "grumpy self" spreads itself around the whole house real fast!!

Lesson two- while looking for my "Best Self", I need to realize that those small changes all add up and try not to beat myself up over the stuff I am still working on!

Lesson three- while trying to be my "Best Self" to one person, might make myself grumpy towards someone else.. example- while delivering newspapers with Chance and Jaxon, I like to deliver one to my Dad, I thought he might enjoy reading the paper at home- it is only two blocks off the route and when I turned the truck up that way the boys really started whining that we were now taking way too long and whine, whine, whine.... !!! Ugh! So I learned that sometimes it IS your best self to make your kids whine once in awhile!!!

Today's "Best" breakfast- Cherry Almond Oatmeal- yummy! I chopped some dried cherries, crushed some almonds and added both to my regular bowl of oatmeal. "D'lish"! Today's health challenge- homemade yogurt! I love plain yogurt, it is a good way to use all the yummy fruit from the orchard. I haven't found a store bought plain that is not grainy. I will let you know how it turns out.

Today's Daily Action- to actually get in my daily scripture study. The boys were out of school today and how easy it is for me to get off my schedule! The day is not over and I have every hope of getting the good stuff into my head before I go to bed!

Best Self...day 2

I learned a few things yesterday- after publicly pledging my quest to find my Best Self- I was then required to constantly keep myself in check. I was amazed at how many choices in a day don't reflect my Best Self. I am not sure I liked that very much, I guess I thought I had a "little" work to do on myself, but it turns out I have "ALOT" of work to do.
So here is an update on the things I learned yesterday... I went into morning scripture study and prayer with prayer on my mind. I wanted to really study prayer in my study that morning, I had recently heard some interesting and beautiful things about prayer in RS a few weeks ago and I wanted to research that further on my own. As I started reading I came across "Grace"(2Ne. 2:6). Isn't that a beautiful word? So being my usual self- unable to stay focused- I looked into it further. I understand that Grace used in the scripture, is referring to "the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ"(BD)- however I couldn't help but think that Grace is something that I needed to personally implement in my life.
As far as finding my "Best Healthy Self", my sister-in-law Amy and I have been going to the gym for about 6 weeks, but going to the gym looking for my Best Self, gives me new attitude, this morning she couldn't go and I went on my own... yes that is a victory for me... I am the first to look for an excuse to stay in bed! My healthy snack - light yogurt mixed with wheat berries!! Yummy! Today's challenge- afternoon smoothie, to avoid the afternoon "binge"!
Yesterdays "Daily Action" was looking for good in other people. I had some things in mind that I wanted to include the kids in but I ran out of time, I will try that idea on Friday when the kids are out of school. What I did learn though, is that the people that live in this house really do-do nice things for each other. Amazing what you can see when you are looking past your self!!!
Today's "Daily Action"- It is a beautiful day today- I think I will try to find a way to share that with somebody!

Finding my "Best Self"...

There has been some contention in the home the last little while and it is making me crazy. Of course it is everyone Else's fault and as soon as "they" realize that -I am sure everything will be back to normal. So in the midst of one of these late night contentious episodes the thought came to me... "YOU are not being your best self"... UUUGGH!!! It was absolutely true, I definitely was not being my best self, then I thought about myself wishing everything to be back to "normal"... I am not sure if "normally" I am my best self. I have been mulling this over for a couple of days I decided that I am now on a quest to find my best self.
The first steps... I must work on my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I KNOW that he is there, but he needs to know that I am here! Yes, Doug and I have our evening prayers and we have family prayer, but my personal prayers need to be more consistent and meaningful. A week ago Sunday I was frantically looking for my church bag with my scriptures in it. I found it finally, in the car, where I left it the last Sunday... I was sooo ashamed, I had gone the entire week with out studying, meditating and generally being my best self with my Savior. I vowed that day- that it would never happen again. The next week I did a bit better and this week I hope to do even better.
Step two... Move my body. I know that I feel better about everything when I move my body. I need to better resolve to take care of my body that our Heavenly Father has blessed me with. How ungrateful I have been the last few years in not taking care of my body. I am so blessed to have a body that moves and is healthy and allows me to take care of my family. So in my quest to find my best self this will require me to be aware of what I put in my body and move it everyday to clear the cobwebs and keep the ol' hinges from gettin' all cricked up!
Step three... Daily Action. Everyday is different, but I want to push myself in this endeavor, so instead of coming up with an overwhelming list of things to do all at once, I want to try to add a "Daily Action" to my plan. This way-hopefully- I will gradually add the things in my life that will help keep me in the direction of my best self. So today's "Daily Action" is inspired by a blurb I saw on TV this morning at the gym. A cupcake shop was being featured on one of the local news stations and they were giving out free cupcake coupons for anyone they caught doing a kind deed for someone else. I thought what a great idea! Obviously I can't go around handing out free cupcake coupons ( I don't think Nightime Doughnuts would appreciated my kind endeavors) but I am really going to try to be aware of the kind things going on around me. I have some ideas in my head and I will let you know tomorrow how it all turns out.
I would like to invite any who are up to the challenge of finding their own "Best Self" to join me in my quest! Share your own thoughts and stories to help us all keep motivated... until tomorrow... just keep swimming, swimming, swimming! I love that little Dori!!!

TAG YOUR IT...

Ok- just to give you an idea of what kind of children we have around this place, I am going to share the events of just one relaxing Sunday night. We had all the kids here, even the married's, it was about 8ish in the evening and Doug and I had just settled in our fav spot on the couch to watch some Sunday night TV. Our three oldest were acting a little suspicious, but really that was nothing new, I usually find out about "whatever" a few days later. This night, however, Doug and I were totally side swiped when all of a sudden everything went black, those little stinkers had people posted at every light switch and TV set so that when the signal was given all lights went out all at once! Doug and I were just about to ask what in the world is going on when one of the girls (yes, occasionally we have girls here) punched Doug on the shoulder and yelled TAG YOUR IT!!! Apparently we were now playing a crazy game of "Hide and Go Seek"... in the dark! We were not given the option of playing or not, we WERE playing.
So here are the rules, all lights are off and the "Seeker" carries a flashlight to find the hiders. The "Seeker" counts to 50 to let everyone gets good and hidden and then the hunt begins. So if you can picture in your head all 12 of us sneaking around the house avoiding the seeker- it was hilarious! Cache dressed up in fatigues and even had face paint, Kasey shimmied himself into the laundry shoot, Jo slithered and contorted himself into a tiny area behind a bench in the basement. The girls were the easiest to find as all you had to do was follow the giggling, I admit I was guilty of a random giggle myself.
We spent 3 hours playing and finally had to call it quits as it was a school night and all. It was one of the funnest nights ever, not to mention a memory that will last forever! We have had a few "Hide and Seek" nights since and each time the boys get more creative, I think they spend a lot of time between games thinking of new hiding spots!! One night Doug and I came home late from a meeting and all the lights were out in the house.. which is a rarity around this place... I told Doug," those little stinkers are playing hide and seek with out us"!!! We love our crazy family!!

Farmin' Gal in the office...

So I decided to go out into the workin' world and see what it is all about. My brother Jake owns an accounting office and asked for some extra help for the tax season. I thought that sounded pretty interesting, I haven't really technically worked out side the home for many, many years. I have done some substitute teaching over that last couple of years and really enjoyed it, but when my kids moved out of the school district to a charter school, I decided I didn't want to do that any more.
So I thought I would share with you some of my experiences in the office! Jake has been very patient and understanding in knowing that it has been a few years, and I needed some refreshing. Now keep in mind, if this was how to grow a champion zuchinni squash, I am your gal.. but computers.. not in my area of comfort or expertese. The first day Jake lines me out doing some simple printing of documents off excell.. and then he and Amy head to lunch. Well guess who forgot to tag "area only" BEFORE I pressed print. yes, I was printing 3,586 blank copies. I was so embarassed I didn't dare say anything to my dear co-worker Mary. After about 300 pages and my face flaming red I ask Mary for help. She didn't know how to stop the process as everything is networked together. So even more humiliating... I call Doug.. that is so eating crow!!! I knew he would be able to help as he is much more computer savy than myself. He told me exactly what to do and saved me a lot of time and even more embarassement from having to face Jake. He even didn't make me feel too silly. I think he was probably shaking his head at me, at least that was the impression I got over the phone!
So, a couple of days later the mailman comes bouncing in the office and says ( rather loudly, I might add), "who forgot to put the stamps on the mail"! Oh well, I would guess that was me, since I was responsible for sending out the new marketing mailers, 4 letters out of 500 is not too bad until the next day when I got a handful more... did I mention how patient and kind Jake and Amy have been. I have hung up on countless clients in trying to figure out the phone system, thank heavens they have all called back,forgot the zipcode on same said mailers, only catching it after mailing over 100, GOOD GRIEF!!! Thanks goodness I am not the one in charge of the actual tax filing!! Over all I am learning the ropes and can now actually manage the phones.. except for the other day when I had a call transferred back to me, that NEVER happens and I didn't know how to pick up on my end, fortunately- they called back!!
Over all I am really enjoying the work. It is a busy office this time of year and there is plenty to do. Don't worry though- after April 15th I will be back in the feild where I belong, pruning trees and wondering how many tomato plants to plant this year!!