Posh Poultry

I have a problem.
You don't have to tell me.
I am so aware of it and yet I still move forward with curiosities... flitting to and fro from one crazy thing to the next...
Blame it on the garden, blame it on the compost, but have a little, teeny tiny secret desire to now have chickens. Fresh eggs! How cool is that!? And, well, this company doesn't make it easy for me to resist. These are such snazzy little cabanas and I sort of a little bit want one.
I know this may be a stretch but does anyone out there have chickens? Does anyone out there want to talk me out of it? Because so far the friends I have that do have chickens make it sound crack-a-lackin'.
Perhaps the city laws will make my decision for me.... until then, me wanty.

Wasatch Back Relay 2009

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted.
The few days prior to the race was filled with getting ready, and even having been home a few days I am still tired. Yes, my fingers are so weak but I am mustering typing energy for you. Snuggle down and get ready to read some deets if you are interested...
First and foremost, if you aren't familiar with what this is, go read about it here. You basically gather a group of 12 people, each of which run 3 legs that vary from 3-9 miles long (easy or hard). The first car full of the first six runners begin the race, each taking their turn. When runner #6 is done, car #2 meets at an exchange point, exchange the baton and runners 7-12 each go. Then car #1 drives ahead to the next exchange to run legs 13-18, and so on. It continues ALL NIGHT LONG and well into the next day. There are tons of teams, interesting costumes, lots of decorated cars and positive energy. It's the first time I have ever done it and it was really, really fun.
Now... how awesome is our logo!? We came up with a fun team name, but my friends brother is the one who did our logo. It was so perfect and got fun attention all weekend long. We had shirts made and my great friend, Jackie, was willing to cut vinyl for me, so we slapped it all over both team cars. I promised to get a good pic of the car but never did- lame! Hopefully another one of our girls got one. So, now with shirts, car stickers, black nail polish, fake tattoos and other glam rock accessories, we were ready to hit the road.
Our start time wasn't until 9:15 am on Friday morning, so we had plenty of time to get ready. Here is Julia carefully contemplating and applying some Ed Hardy.
This next picture is of everyone in car #1. From left to right: Heather, Julia, Sara, Erica and Michelle. I was the first runner so I took this on our way over to the starting line. Aren't we perky? Yeah, well, that died down..... okay, not really....
The weather was awesome- nice and cool and the scenery was sooo beautiful. Who would have thought that such cool, small towns were littered all over the back side of those mountains?! I never would have seen them otherwise so I snapped a few shots fer ya.
More on the pics:
-Erica had quite a climb surprise during her first leg. If you enlarge that pic you can see her from up high where we were. But did she complain? No, compadres...
-The four of us waiting at an exchange
-A cool barn
-Julia the bandit, getting ready to run up Avon pass (dude- a very hard section to run and she did great)...
-In the middle is the shot of our complete team. Heather, from our car, had to leave early for a wedding so she'd be missing from our finish line picture at the end. So we decided to take a quick photo of us all at the first exchange point in all our shredded rocker T's and fresh, smiling faces!
From left to right: Erica, Julia, Brenda, Myndi, Jana, Jen, Emily, Michelle, Heather, Roz, Sara & Me.
-Heather running through the night... she was an animal, that one... had so much fun killing herself on the hills at 1:30 am. She was always so positive and fun.
-My car outfitted with a make-shift shower idea. I thought it would be handy to make a place to clean up after our 2nd shift of runs. Would it work? A couple of sheets and binder clips? Why, Yes! It worked like a charm! And a few of us were spring time fresh in pj's for the night of no sleep.
-And finally, us at the finish line!!! The weather started to get pretty stormy and cold by the time our last few girls finished. Those girls in the second car were some tough chicas. We only had time for a few photos before the temperature dropped and rain blew in at a 45 degree angle so we all dispersed our seperate ways.
But it was SO FUN! It feels so good to have it over (and so good to ride my bike again) but I never would have thought running 19 miles like this would be such a blast. Everyone was safe, everyone was positive, everyone was willing to help when necessary, everyone pushed themselves and did their best....everyone was incredible! It's an honor to have some great friends who would want to do something this crazy. Love you, girls!!!


OH- and the last pic was from my parents garage on the way home... Lately my brothers & Dad have been into gathering these old scouts and I thought the point of view from the garage was classic. Rich's orange one in the street, My Dad's blue striped one out front and I think Marty's (Or I'll take it :) ) burnt orange/pink one in the garage. Nice, guys... nice....
(Dad- I thought you might like that)

R & R

Richard and Randi are official!
Friday they got married and it was such a great day. Richard has waited so long and finally found a wonderful girl to be with forevs. And look at the little thing! So beautiful. She is so great and I am really happy she is part of our family.
Since all the festivities were happening in SLC and Bountiful, we decided to go sans kids. It was a toss up but was a better decision in the end. We flew in that morning and met everyone at the temple. I love that part. I love walking in that waiting room and seeing Aunts and Uncles, friends and family, all for such a great event. And luckily, no rain that day (I guess Utar has had a lot of it lately). Awww, aren't they ceeeuuute?
After some family photos outside and fun chats with the famulee, we split our different ways before the reception. Time to put on our colored clothing (No, I never did find anything but luckily I had orange shoes, so hurrah) and hang out! Scott and I made a quick stop in Layton to visit his brothers Skate/Snowboard shop which looks great. Don't know when we would have made it up there otherwise so I'm glad we had time to stop in. Then we hurried up to the house.
The reception was great. Beautiful weather, fun people and soft serve. :) Seriously though... mini cones? Right there? As many as I want? = Bad.
This is probably the first reception where things actually ended on time (Hmmm... think they were in a hurry to get somewhere?). Around 8pm they cut the cake, politely fed each other a piece, tossed the bouquet, etc. And soon they were walking around to the front of the house where Richard had to de-coccoon his car. Earlier we watched a few of his friends go to town writing and wrapping, so it was fun to watch R & R tear it all apart. And boom- right at 8:30 pm, they were off to Park City!
It was such a wonderful day. I am so glad we were able to go and be part of it. Rich and Randi, we love you guys and are looking forward to lots of future fun! Welcome to the family, Rand!

Sid Fishous*

You know... Life has taught me many things. It has taught me lately that sometimes when you make the right choice, even when you don't really want to, you could still be condemned for that choice. Condemned for trying to be good! It's sad, really. But what can you do?
Example: Sid.
(*and if you don't understand my title reference then you are probably too young to be my friend. Which means I am old. Ugh.)
We had pets growing up. I liked our pets. They were fun. They were cute and ate little food and lived in little spaces. They were also a mess, pooped outside of their spaces and would wander away and get lost. I already have three of these. Their names are Elliet, Luke and Sadie. I don't need any pets. The thought of taking care of one more thing has not interested me. But here is the trap, folks. I attend my ward Enrichment night and they have centerpieces filled with goldfish. I'm no dummy. I did the math pretty fast and knew they'd have to pawn off all those fishies to someone at the end of the night, so I formulated my excuses early. It mattered not. There I was, surrounded by friends taking their own and saying how much my kids would like one (and how quickly they expire) so I caved. I CAVED. I tried to make a 'good choice'. Home I come with a goldfish.
The next morning the kids squealed with joy and named him Sid. I have no idea why. He wasn't swimming around too much so we hurried out and got him some food. Turns out that within the 24 hour period of him coming home, the other fishes my friends brought home had died. Nice. Not Sid. No no no... he is a hardy little sucker.
And this was all about three weeks ago. I even waited to post about the guy because I didn't think he'd be around long enough. Ah well. At least he can't whine at me. :)

Farewell to Pre

It has come! Preschool is over for this family. It is crazy to think that phase is complete in my life.
We have loved Miss Jamie and it was sad to say goodbye to her. Each year for graduation, she has a fun little ceremony where the kids sing and tell jokes. I swear this was the first performance EVER where Luke was happy as a clam the entire time. He ended up being quite the ham up there performing for everyone.
Perfect.
Just in time for Kindergarten.

Trés Eco

I was in Target yesterday, contentedly soaking in the current what-not and discovered these awesome melamine "paper" plates among the summer fun.
Quite clev, me thinks - so they all came home with me.
They also come in red and a nice grass green, but the white is classic, no?
Time for some picnics...go get some!

The '-toe' and the Show

Aww... just look at him.
He is so happy. So proud. So pleased to be the first fruitlings of my labor.
He was also delicious.
And he was supposed to be about four times as big. But who am I to complain? He's red and didn't taste like a weed, so I say, the garden is still doing A-OK.
Yumm.... nothing like the taste of home grown tomatoes.....all one of them.
The GND show went well also. Scott took the kids to dinner and the new "UP" movie while the women flooded the house. We had some new vendors and included some super yummy cupcakes this time. But I will admit I'm wondering what the next direction for GND will be. It's time for some modifications and I'm stewing the possibilites. The Holiday show will be a change, though-
Now we enter a fun week. Richard is getting married on Friday!!!! My youngest brother, the coolest of the cool... I am so excited for them. It's going to be a wonderful weekend with family and my hubs. Think I can find something to fit my attire requirement by then? Flip flops are okay, right?

Last Days

So, last week marked the end of some school for the kids.
Sadie and Luke finished Ms. Kristina's preschool and had a fun graduation/swim party celebration. She had a really cute program complete with handmade grad hats (the coolest idea) which they got to wear as they entered to music while we cheered. Then Ms. Kristina called each name and shared funny stories or interesting characteristics unique to each child. It was so cute to see them smile up there as she did this. She then presented them with a certificate and the best part, a large book of art projects they worked on throughout the year with a self portrait on the front. Hilarious. She was such a great teacher. I am so glad the twins had a chance to be in her class and I've loved getting to know her better. You did a great job- We heart you "Miss Kreena"! :)

I am also a lame Mom. I have no pictures of Elliet's last day. Apparently I missed the memo that this was a big deal, and my story goes like this:
I rush to the school to find the street already packed with parked cars. Luckily I slipped into a freshly vacated spot and speed walk to meet her outside just in time. We already gave the teacher cards and notes, etc., so I am thinking this will be a hug goodbye, "have a great summer" deal and hip-hip-hooray it's summer time. Not so. As I begin to cross the blacktop I notice children with puffy, swollen eyes...wet cheeks...shoulders racking uncontrollably in mothers hips to hide the tears.... what was happening?! Oh dear- tears for saying good bye to the teachers. I never thought to talk to Elliet about this and just as I find her, she is quiet, head down, solemn... I kneel down and check to see if all is okay and it is. I give her teacher a hug, thank her for everything (she really was so wonderful) and tell Elliet it's time to say goodbye. She wraps her arms around her legs and gives her a big hug and the tears begin to fall as we walk away. Oh man- that melted my heart. It took me a few minutes at home to get her smile back. Awww....
Anyway, school is officially out and here we go summer.
I already nearly left my kids at the store today. It's gonna be a long one... :)

Final May Weekend

WOW! Survived the month of May. Goodness knows it was a doozy. My calendar is so scribbled over with things that turning to an empty June was divine. Well, sort of empty. Still have my brothers wedding AND the darn Wasatch Back beast. I'm so over the running.... only a couple of weeks left to go.
My parents came into town again over the weekend for business. They didn't stay with us this time so I felt the lack of company, but it was great to see them when we could. I was able to shop with my Mom on Saturday, looking for wedding threads. Didn't happen. Because, as you know, when you look for something, you don't find it. Really great to hang with my Mom, though, so who cares. Love you mumsies....
We also attended the long anticipated Animal Collective show with our friends.
It was bound to happen, you see....after so many fabulous shows, to attend one that was less than interesting. Such a bummer. Their songs are so atmospheric and large, so layered and happy. And yes, at times the over mixing can last too long, but when they pull all the sonic microns together, it's a burst of rainbow fun. I was looking forward some awesome moments live. The funny crowd and lack of excitement was not about to ruin our night, though... we giggled through the obnoxiousness and had some great laughs over Sonic cherry-limeades (LOVE that ice, eh?). That will really get the giggles going at 11 pm... :)
Now this week of big events! Last day of school and Girl Next Door on Friday. Probably won't have much time to blog for a few days as I my office space is already a disaster with projects. And before leaving last night, my Dad assisted me in getting my table/chop saws a working. Chuckle chuckle.

As Schrute Would Say... "Question : "

Do any of you do this?
(I know, first the compost, now this. Next, it's no shaving...)
Do any of you really have a plethora of reusable bags for your grocery trippage? I like the idea of saving some plastic trees (good)... I also see myself in the check out line cursing because I left my eco-bag bunch in the car (bad). Again (idiot). Yet I recycle the store ones, so I am being a responsible consumer, right? (good?) IknowIknow, that's still wasting (bad). But could I still practice my super-human finger strength and knit six bags handles in each of my fingers (milk weight included, baby!) from the car to kitchen using these? I mean, I have practiced that for, like, ever. (So boss)
I have reusable bags for smaller shop trips like the occasional Trader Joes/Whole Foods visit and remember to use them there because I feel like such a felon when the W.F. checker gives me a shameful look under her dreadlocks...
But seriously. I want to know your thoughts on this and if it's a good plan. Cuz if I do it, I dig these simple, modern and well designed pretties. Plus, they are priced well. For as many I would probably by, $7 a bag sounds down right decent. Am I off? Advise me, wise shoppers!

It's ALIVE

In case you were wondering...
The garden adventure is going pretty well. Though, I have noticed that others who currently have gardens have fruit much larger than mine already weighing down the plants. We'll see. I was as giddy as a school girl when there were finally leeetle-tiny tomatoes hanging there. The kids found them first and were all jolly to show me. And we cheered a little. I have also had to make a few transplants. Some Basil expired and the other one is still alive by some miracle but I swear it's not changed in size at ALL. I planted some carrots (in the bottom right corner) and had them in a pretty row, or that's what I thought. That is not how they are growing. I fear I'll be uprooting a ripe, orange knotted organ when it's time to harvest, like a big pumpkin size mutation of connected growth. I feel so 'Frankenstein'!
I took these photos a week ago and after being gone over Mem. weekend, they have already grown so much more. It's really cool to watch it change so fast.
Anyway, I see peppers, I see France, I see someone's... zucchini plants!

Memorial Weekend

We joined some friends over the long weekend and went to Huntington Beach. The weather was great... plenty of warm sun and calm breezes. We didn't really do much the entire time, just the things you are supposed to, like sitting around and visiting, watching humorously bad films on T.V., eating yummy food (we're getting into a tradition of trying new fish varieties from the farmers market) and going to the beach. Which, is still a bit cold for me, as I am a wimp. But after being pressured by Erica, we (well, she - I just drank a lot of the ocean) did some body surfing and frolicked in the waves like kids. We also built "Ellie-Land" along Elliet's legs. It was a short city life span, that...the inhabitants should have known better to build on such a fault line...
We got in some pretty runs and bike rides and some tasty Balboa Island frozen bananas & soft serve. Our friends were so nice to invite us to join them. I hope our crazy, energetic family didn't disrupt the peace for everyone else too much, but we had a nice time.
The one bad thing about going to the beach is coming home! :)

Boldly Go

It is a very good question...
What would James T. Kirk do?
I'll tell you what he'd do...
He would get his galactic rear to the new Star Trek Movie, that's what he'd do!
If you haven't seen this yet, GO. It was super-space awesome.
It has ignited a strong ambition in me to acquire a good vintage "Dammit, Jim..." Dr. McCoy t-shirt.
The retro Enterprise is very cool with it's upgraded features and sound effects and the actors were fab, exhibiting just enough mannerisms of the real peeps to make it fun.

May Weekend #2

Oh.My.Goodness.
I cannot express the fun accomplishment of having this weekend come and go.
I feel like a large hill of expectation has finally been summitted and the rest is downhill for a while. Because? Because the school play was FRIDAY.
The school play that I was helping to costume and prop. That school play is over! (I was up late Wednesday night gluing pretend muffins, butter and orange juice into Little Red's basket and wondering if it would ever end.)
Everything turned out so cute! My parents drove down for the weekend to partake in all the kids events. My Mom happily accommodated me to the school an hour before the performance where Jackie (A classmates mom who I worked with during all this and was amazing) and I got all the kids in their costumes, painted their faces, etc. It was cute to see them all get excited as they saw each other in character. After they were ready we returned to the multi-purpose room where families started filing in. Scott's parents also came. How cool for Elliet to have both of her grandparents there! Thanks Mom-Dad/Mimi & Bobba for coming. The show went well- no stage fires or backdrop collapses (exciting idea for next year?). Elliet received flowers from another student Mom for being one of the lead roles and that made her day. She thought it was so cool to receive an 'actress' bouquet. Here she is being "Ima Lonely" (the Mother who baked the Gingerbread Boy), next to her edible son, then Mr. Lonely, the Wolf and the Bear.
Later that night we went out with my parents for dinner and took them to the new Star Trek movie (worthy of it's own post). It was great to be with them and have a fun night out.
Saturday was the big dance recital. I had to take Luke to a soccer game that morning, so after those requirements and a little swimming (my Dad became the official pool kid-tosser), we got ready and headed over.
The recital was in an elementary school gym which was PACKED when we arrived. My Mom hurried the girls backstage while I parked the car and saved seats. This picture of Sadie performing isn't the best (she is on the far left) because we were so far back. But no worries- the whole thing was professionally recorded so that took the pressure off of video cams and zoom pics. The girls did great and I think it was good for them to see something through to the end of all that practicing. Now they have some pretty elaborate dress ups to add to the stash.We spent the rest of the beautiful, hot day having a family BBQ for Scott's Birthday.
My parents left this morning. It was a fun weekend but short! Packed with so much going on. They will be returning in two weeks so hopefully we'll have some more time to play then. But we had a super time while they were here. Great play, great recital and we're whittling down the weeks of upcoming fun.

Happy Birthday SCOTT!

Today is my fabulous husbands Birthday!!!
My blue-eyed, amazing best friend and partner in this crazy life that we live. I usually go easy on posting about him because he doesn't really like it when I I do that, but since it's his BIRTHDAY, I feel a little giddy about being able to abuse my limitations.
I LOVE Scott. The first thing I noticed about him were his cool shoes (because ladies, you know this says a lot about a person) and I wanted to find out more about this guy. Well, he did not disappoint! :) He is so funny and witty- I felt dorky on our first date because he would get me laughing so hard I was worried he would be bugged at how easily I was amused. But he really was SO funny. And he still gets me laughing that hard even today. I wish I could say it was the other way around (sorry, pumpkinlips). He is quick, sharp, very very smart, confident and clever, honest and forgiving... has a strong and pure testimony, has honorable desires and ambitions and on top of all this greatness, he will shop with me, go to concerts with me, hike with me, bike with me, surprisingly he actually likes to hang out with me. I know! How great is that!? (Perhaps, as with Elliet, it is because I cook him "delicious food")
Scott, dear pooh-heart (We don't use pet names but this is too obnoxious and fun)...Scott, bear-button, candy man, shugah-shuug....You... have.... GOT IT. Just like Dorothy Gish. I love you love you and don't know why you are still with me but thank you for loving me back and being such a fun father, husband and friend. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Mothers Day!

This is late, but I wanted to wish all the great Mom's I know a Happy Mothers Day. A friend of mine was baking cupcakes the week before and said she was going to give them to some of the women that influence/inspire her. I thought that was a cool idea and wish I could have had the time to do that in honor of this day. Hm. I think I'll have time to do that in, let's see, July. So watch out, friends! I may surprise you with an honorary cupcake months from now.
It did make me realize how many incredible women I know. I don't know if I could make that many cupcakes. My Mom is obviously at the top. I am so grateful for her wisdom and friendship and love. My sister for the rainbow of fun she is, My sister-in-law Jess for her strength, endurance and faith, my Mother-in-law for her example and knowledge, and her daughters (my other sisters!) for their love and smarts. My friends!.... there are some AMAZING moms out there! The women in my ward impress me every week: At play group, at church, at activities.... people I work with at Elliet's school... friends who I have reconnected with after so many years and can keep up with via their blogs (Thank goodness they blog! (Thank goodness they are open!))....
I just felt really blessed thinking about how lucky we are to be surrounded by good examples of what we can be. If you read this, then most likely you are someone I know. And I feel lucky to know you. YES YOU! So, group hug. Fine. Group cheers, then. Thank you for sharing your talents, your lessons, your weaknesses and strengths because they help me want to be better.
OK- no more mushy. I did return home from our weekend to some loving notes and letters from the kids that their teachers influenced. These two cards are from the twins via Ms. Jamie. Can you guess who wrote what? And I am so guilty as charged because one thing I wanted to actually DO on mothers day was sit and play Star Wars with Luke. So I did. We cleared a new level. We are awesome. I know. I am pathetic.
Elliet brought home letter which read:
"The important thing about my Mom is that she cooks me delicious food. She makes food for me when I am hungry. I like it when she gets me books from the library and we have so much fun together on the beach in California. She draws really good pictures for me and I like it when she calls me an artist. Another importatnt thing about my Mom is that she loves me! She loves me because I was her baby, and now I am six years old. My Mom loves to hug and kiss me, too. But the important thing about my Mom is that she cooks me delicious food."

Awww.... good thing I cook delicious food. :)
Happy Mothers Day everyone!

Saturday- Brian Regan

After a hard day in the Subway, we weren't up for much on Friday night. Scott left to go meet up with Luke at the Father/Sons and we all hung around the house for dinner, visited for a while (Johns family was very forthcoming on some interesting stories regarding his past:)), got some frozen custard and went to bed.
Saturday was nice and relaxing. Us girls did some shopping. Those Tingey gals know some good haunts and I obtained some great treasures, esp. something awesome for Rich & Randi's wedding. After some lunch and secret-location yummy cookies, we got ready to head to Bri-ohn!
The show was held at Tuacahn, which I have never been to. It's a beautiful venue and the weather was absolutely perfect for a night out like this. We ran into a few other friends among the crowd before the show which was fun, I threw all logic out the window and bought some nachos with the oozy cheese (delightful) and we headed down to our seats whilst Coldplay was playing. Ah yes- I think they have become the official band-before-the-show-starts music. Have you noticed this? Pay attention. Betcha within the year you'll go to something and they'll be playing Coldplay. Anyway...as I was, um, focused on the subject at hand...
The comedy was great. He had a lot of new material which succeeded in giving me cheek cramps (upper cheek cramps, silly). A lot to go through for a short weekend but very fun and worth it.
The next day was Mothers Day and we didn't want to miss that, so Scott and I headed home after the Regan show. We were sooo tired! It was during this fatigued drive that Scott told me he didn't do anything for me for Mothers Day. These are good male tactics.... I was too tired to care and it made the day like any other since I knew not to expect anything. :)
(Should I remember this for his upcoming Birthday?)
We had a really great time with such special and great friends. I am thankful for the chance we had to do this and to be SAFE, and grateful for the loving friends/family who cared for our kids while we went. May weekend #1 done! Three more crazy ones to go..... hang on

Friday- The Subway

So here is why our week/weekend was a little busy...
We acquired tickets to Brian Regan months ago. He was performing on Saturday, the 9th in Saint to the George. At the time, no problem- nothing was scheduled. Fast forward a couple of months. The ward Father & Sons outing gets planned for Friday, the 8th through the morning of the 9th. So no problem. He'll take Luke to that and we'll join our friends on Saturday for the show. Scott had planned a trip for the scouts in late July to hike the famous Subway in Zions. Since he was going to go, now I wanted to go (uh, not with the scouts). And my friend Erica, Ms. Outdoor girl extraordinaire, was more than willing to take me through, so I asked her to tour me on Friday, the 8th. Upon hearing I was going, Scott wanted to join us so he could know what was in store for the scouts. Following all this? So here we are. All three, bright and early Friday morning to hike the Subway. Planning to whip through and be done early afternoon so Scott can meet Luke at the Father/Sons and join us the next day. Don't we look bright eyed and bushy tailed? Are you giggling yet?
It was a stunning descent. Great open slick rock trails through, as the map so quaintly declared, "delightful" forestry. Here are Scott and I on our perky start. Erica and I stopped to take a photo at one of the first steep downgrades (you can tell because the mountain horizon behind us keeps getting higher). We go a couple of miles through all this before a very steep and sketchy descent to the start of the Subway. Perhaps this is well illustrated in the photo of Scott showing us his fine rear view.
Here we are at the base, ready to begin. The map said that the beginning was the opening behind us, a "dry river bed". Well, as you can see, there is water. Lots of it. Already a couple of inches. It's cold. We laugh it off hoping it won't be too bad, even though this is evident it's in vain.
We go a bit through ankle deep areas and I slip while stepping on a mossy rock and ram my right knee 90 degrees into a boulder. I tried to walk it off but could feel the nausea coming so I quickly laid down to recover. What fun! I tried to walk it off and was able to manage well enough, but had a nice goose-egg cartoon knee the rest of the way. The lame thing about it was I felt very tenacious the rest of the way, something you can't really afford to feel when hiking this gnarly thing, but whatever. We trudged on and I was glad to be in good, fighting company. You can't be a wimp doing this because... here come the deep pools.
It's May. The winter run off is a bit COLD. I was at Target earlier in the week and had, what I thought was, a nifty plan. I purchased a cheap inflatable water floaty donut thing. Figured- hey! If we come to any deep pools, we can just float across the top on our donuts! I'm a genius! I grab three and we each had one. Well, here we are, facing the pools and no one will use my brilliant idea except me. So I did it. I blew one up as Scott and Erica snickered at me across the way. "Just you wait and see!" I says to them I says. I wade over where it drops to a deep pool where Scott has already crossed and is shivering. We sent him with the cameras so he takes this picture of me poised and ready to beach myself on my blue device. One... two.... and whoop! The small waterfall forces the tube right out from under me and halfway to Scott. I was deflated and laughing too hard at myself at the same time and tried to jump on it, landing short and COMPLETELY in the water. Ohmygoshitssooocooooldswimswimswimswim.....!!! Did you read a curse word in there? We would never! (Okay, fine. I'd like to see YOU do it explicitive-free.)
So there we stood. Barely beginning our adventure on a shallow rocky shore, dripping, freezing, shivering, laughing and wanting to cry a little. Packs are all wet, our garbage bags didn't keep the water out and therefore, did not keep our cameras dry. So it's like the Blair Witch project. I can prove we were there, but the darkest, most crazy moments, most beautiful places, were never captured. But we did it! We had to rapel 4 different times, amid waterfalls and uneven walls, we had to hike slippery, mossy tiers covered in bugs, we had to try and warm up in occasional spots of sun and put on wet 'layers' of warmer clothing that was supposed to be dry for those very moments. But we did it. It was hard and it doesn't let you off easy, either. The 2+ miles out of there make you work the whole way, climaxing with an incredibly vertical climb to your car. But I was so glad to be with strong people. Scott and Erica are tough cookies and were great teammates. Thanks, Erica, for taking us through (And John for babysitting so she could go)! Scott made it off to his scout camp just in time. Poor guy was wasted, though, but they ended up having a really great time.
Hope this wasn't too wordy (if you even read it all) but I didn't want to forget these few details. Have any of you done it? Would you do it again?
And PS- My blue donut ended up being a hero by the end of the day! Go blue.

Thursday

Oy Vey- what a week we have had...
Elliet had field day at school on Thursday and we all went to go watch for a little while. Do you remember how fun those days were as a kid? I think it's cool they still do the water games and run through tunnels for cheap, printed ribbons. I still have those from my Field Days of Glory stuffed in the dusty box of my past... so here's to tradition! Then the twins and I whisked away to their tradional Teddy Bear picnic with their preschool teacher, Ms. Jamie. This was kind of a special one because Elliet did it for two years when she had Ms. J, and this is the twins second, and final, year. We have loved Ms. Jamie and it's sad to think that soon I won't be driving any kids to attend anymore. We will miss her! Here are the twins with such beautiful, sincere smiles... especially Luke. How natural, that... he looks like he just ate a disagreeable twinkie. Oh but we love her- We'll miss you, Ms. J!
This teddy bear picnic is always set up so fun. She has each child bring a favorite stuffed toy and has a couple of games and treasure hunt to do with them. Here the kids are playing duck-duck-goose but saying teddy-teddy-bear instead. Luke chose Sadie to chase him and he outran her. Barely. It was a beautiful, perfect day to sit in the shade and cool grass. I liked being forced to hold still for a couple of hours.
Amid the crazy schedule we had all week, the weather was outta sight, dogs. It was hot (but not too hot), sunny and beautiful. The nights were breezy and perfect. The solar heated our pool to perfect mid 80's temps so the kids swam practically every day. And you know what that means?!? TOOT THE SUMMER HORNS! It means we officially broke out the Little Snowie! Let the snow-cones of summer... BEGIN. So far the flavor of the mo is Lemon Lime. We have tongue color contests. We kind of like snow cones.
After all this fun, Scott and I packed our bags and headed to St. George for some crazy adventures --- all done within 48 hours. More to come...

The Tape Made Me Do It

I am so excited to share this that I have double-blogged (I put it in Academe but don't know how many people go there). I heard about Japanese masking tape months ago and have no idea why, but immediately wanted some. What would I do with a rainbow of colored masking tape?! I don't care. Just look at it! The colors are awesome and modern, nothing bright and weird. So I craved and desired in a blasphemous way and every resource I found was sold out. But NOT TODAY! I just ordered a bunch of it from here. Think of all the possibilities! Posting pics of my kids (on our huge wall scrapbook), closing uh... stuff, wrapping around my Vans...Shucks, I have no idea. But sometimes art supplies like this will get used in many places because I am just so stoked. I'll even post my first use to prove it was a wise investment. Anyway, Happy Tape has just made my Happy Wednesday!

Pink Peek

The girls have been in dance since last fall. In January they announced the plans for a May recital and needed commitments if we wanted to participate. I talked it over with the girls and they were up for it. They have been practicing hard for these past months and it has been so funny to watch, especially Sadie's tiny class, try and do synchronized choreography. They just look so cute in their teeny tiny ballet shoes trying to balance on one foot and pose. The teachers have been wonderful and chose some really cute songs and costumes. Elliet's class is doing 'A Spoonful Of Sugar' from Mary Poppins which explains their costumes a little better. Sadie's class is doing a simple song called "In My Ballet Shoes" so what better than complete pink and frills? It will just make the performance so freaking cute, and certainly sweeten their magnified trips and mix ups. They had a rehearsal last week and pictures (yes, this added to my hectic schedule) and these shots are from the picture appointments. Thought it would be fun to share. This may be something boring that only a mom thinks people will be interested in (?)..... but seriously- little girls in pink tights!? It's, like, so Degas. :).
Elliet's school play is next Friday, the recital is Saturday. My parents will be visiting that weekend to see the fun. We're all looking forward to it!

Holy Bellagio

Yikes! It has happened again. An entire week has gone by where I didn't have a minute to update. Man, last week was SO busy. I had so many things crammed into every unit of time that I could feel myself emotionally fracturing at the demands of it all. But whatever- you can't stop, right? I finished nearly all the school costumes and we tried those on the kids this week. I have only a few remaining loose ends to finish (did most of them this afternoon) so that will finally be behind me. Still in the middle of some design deadlines to meet as well as more school stuff.... Things are just a-crazy, goodness knows....
I snapped these pics last Monday. The weather has been so wonderful and the evenings perfectly temperate, so we decided to be brave and venture out to the temple for our FHE with the kids. We grabbed dinner on the way and got there ready to have a nice evening stroll around and discuss some cool things. What do you know... we are just launching into our tour around and Sadie says...!!! "Mom- I need to go to the bathroom..." You have got to be kidding me. It's closed on Monday. NO restroom access anywhere. So much for that. We hurry around and spout off some quick lesson and then hurry into the car. Halfway down the road the urge has left. It's as if it never was! Go figure. We dicide to now do the opposite of righteous and head to the Bellagio to check out the garden and fountains. Now, what part of the evening do you think the kids will remember the most? I think so, too.
They had all kinds of butterflies (I swear some were the size of smart cars) flitting in these cool green houses, neat water tunnels and displays. The fountains never disappoint and it was fun to hear the kids slowly say "waaaaooooooowww" at everything. Everything so worldly and pretentious (haha-jk).
They didn't want to leave but home to real life we must go. We never really go down there and haven't taken the kids before, so to them it was super duper. But, ahem, the best part was our first stop at the Lords house.

This sunset was from another night last week. I can't remember which one, could have even been the same, but it was so pretty. I took about 15 photos of it changing colors. The west is the best, is it not?! I love this desert sky. This time of year is so so so magical. Even going on my boring training runs in the morning makes it worth being outside.
Okay. That was a nice quick breath but I'll have to update the rest of my pics tomorrow (hopefully). Happy Cinco De Mayo, Amigas!

Hop-ScotchZi

I think Elliet has a little control problem.
Found this on another area of our pool decking. She is serious, eh?
And the twins, again, demonstrated what the requirements were. That top area of FIVE squares across was.... can you guess? I couldn't either. From left to right: left foot, right foot, left hand, right hand, HEAD. Yes. Head. Sadie did it, too. And did it without toppling right over into the pool. Then Luke did it his way (Elliet was at school). A foot on each end, then a finger from one hand, two from the other. Much easier.
Busyness a brewing. Went Thursday night to a live broadcast of "This American Life" with a friend of mine. It was so nice to get out. Then Friday Scott went to his Youth Conference so it was just the kids and I. We hit the park and swam, picked up dinner, rented a movie, ate popcorn. I even squeezed in a bit of my book. Saturday I paid for the relaxing night with the kids.... after a very windy soccer game for Luke, we stayed home the rest of the day cleaning up, organizing and I also did a lot of school costume fabrication including a full Gingerbread Man get up, two two-layered full length skirts, two aprons, two bonnets and two yarn wigs. It was almost more than I could take but luckily we have Lego Star Wars to release some creative brain pressure (evil grin).
Anyway, here goes a crazy week followed by another crazy week. Dance rehearsals and pictures along with many other dee-doos. Looks like Obi-Wan is going to have to wait a while. Hope you have a Happy Monday!

New Moon Soon Soon

I know. It's not that long off the heels of my '17 Again' post that I am publicizing, yet again, another young movie. What is becoming of me? Next it will be jelly bracelets (check), video games (uh-oh) and tootsie pops (soon). Until then, humor me because this is, like, so big I am so serious. Or... it's old news. Whatever, it's new to me. Did you get goosebumps?! I did! Can't wait. It's also proof that all you Jacob doubters misjudged. He has grown up well indeed.

And side note: Again, new to me- (so that should give me some credit that I am two months late...) while shopping for Easter candy I found a stray box of Twilight conversation hearts from Vday. Hilarious! I couldn't resist buying them for my friend. Sayings included Bite Me, Bedazzle, I Want You, Soul Mate, etc. to name a few... but thought this one was the best of all.
Summer is gonna be fuuuuuun.....!

*Do you see what happens when I try to post more often? It's disastrous.

Nonsensicalness

Yes. That is a real word.
And I am avoiding responsibility at the moment.
I think I have acquired a small cold or very annoying allergies. Either way, my head is in a little fog and it's a drag, man. It is sucking my daily motivation.

What I really should be doing is this:
Grocery shopping*
Some store returns
Returning books to the library
Making kids school costumes
Getting a pedicure -Usually this would be a nice thing, and it is once you are there, but I still put it off. That's an hour of sitting! But I have neglected my poor feet long enough and need to get going on my book club book anyway so... I shall go.
What I'm doing instead is this: Blogging about dumb stuff.



Item 1- Don't know why but have felt like wearing bright nail polish lately so I snagged these two colors last week. The orange/red one is my current favorite and it may or may not look a little like a manicure color from a Florida retirement community. I love it. Next, the pink to match the plastic flamingos in my yard. Would you like to join me for some Crystal light and sip it from my porch while we watch the young men mow the lawn?





Item 2- This game is addicting. We played it again last night. We did fit in a small session with Sadie's princess game. She can pick dresses and jewelry, use a wand to free butterflies and crap like that. So before bed Luke and I had another little fix of the Force. I really like it. I don't think they have allergies in Space.

Alrightalrightalright. Time to get going in my day. I am itching for some of those "oddles noddles" anyway...


*This is NOT my grocery list but found by someone in a shopping cart. One word. Yikes.

The Curse of Andrea Button

Let me esplain...
(Pre-esplain. My last post was so full that this did not fit. I promise this is barely it's-own-post-worthy and I am aware of my age and what this says about me. To that I say, pishposh!)
So Friday is a friends Birthday. A friend of said friend says we are going to dinner and a movie. She also tells me we are seeing this. I admit that, upon watching previews, I didn't think I would ever see it because A) I haven't seen any of the High School musical movies, B) Do not have daughters old enough to know who Zach E is (I hardly know who he is) and C) um.... it just sounds good to have three reasons but I don't have a third. So why not. Looks fun, I'll see it. Oh MAN- it was really fun. And I already felt silly sitting in a theater full of teenage girls. We looked like a row of cougars (or pumas or whatever the stupid slang is). There are some good laughs in it. I mean, sure- it's Disney and all but I was not disappointed by the wit and delivery of the humor. I suggest everyone see it at least once (Yes, even the dudes). Girls, I suggest you see it about 5 times. I don't need to say much more on this. I now have a borderline inappropriate crush on Z.E, esp. in that leather jacket and glasses, skinny jeans and the plaid shirts!??!! All men should wear some of that plaid this summer!
Scott is out of town on Friday night. Hm. What is a girl to do all alone? If you see me in the back of the theater watching this again.... it's, uh, not me. I, like, totally swear.

Yo Twinsies, It's Yer Birfday

So... Let's see...
Yesterday was April 20th. The twins Birthday is on April 8th. It was time for a-proper celebrations. I did consider throwing a party with friends but the Saturday before was so full of activities that it just couldn't be done. And kind of a bummer because it's the big 5. But I think Disneyland was a fun way to ring it in, right?
Anyway, we had family over for some cake and ice cream/gift exchanges last night. I was a bit swamped with my day and had committed myself to picking up a yummy ice cream cake to save some time. Guess what?! It's like eating money. I walked in there ready to buy and could NOT get myself to spend $30 on a teeny tiny ice cream cake. Ridiculous. Especially when the place is in the actual Albertons parking lot. So I dragged all the kids over there and had the twins pick what ice cream they wanted, what cake and what frosting (you can see who's choice won over the other- it's even pink cake. Poor guy, not that he cared a whit) and hurried home to bake, cool and frost it. Whew! We had such a fun time catching up with Amy and Scott's parents. We ended up talking until 9pm while the kids played outside. The weather was wonderful and I had opened all the doors. Amy gave the kids bubbles and the soapy supply was gone within a half hour. Then focus turned to hopscotch. You could hear Elliet outside teaching the twins how it worked and what the rules were. This morning, I found the following hopscotch designs on our pool deck with sidewalk chalk. You can see, Elliet was VERY clear about one specific rule. Oh, and the four squares all next to each other? Sadie showed me that move today. You land with both feet in the right two squares, and touch your hands in the left squares. It's a good ab twist work out. Try it sometime. and NO CHEATING.
Other than Disneyland tickets, I wanted to get the kids a little something more. I mean, hey, the got in for free, so that means I can still buy them a gift, right? So I let them each pick a new Wii game. Luke chose the Star Wars Lego game. Sadie a princess game. Needless to say, Luke and I busted out Star Wars first today. So funny because we didn't know what we were doing, and better yet, when I tell him to follow me down the space corridor, I have to/get to call him LUKE. Get it? Wah Wah.
My other splurge were these hand puppets. I couldn't make these for the price they are- and so well done! They have a stick perched in one hand so you can talk and animate at the same time. I must admit that the cop was my favorite but I didn't get him. I chose a king for Luke instead. And now I think I need to go back and buy the cop. He is just so funny-he has a cop-stache. The stories that form in my mind already make me giggle. Anyway, I didn't unveil these to the kids last night. I did it this morning... at the side of their bed. Did you ever wake up with a cheer leader waving at you and hip-hip hooraying your Tuesday!? Why ever not? :)

Easters

Easter was a little lax this year as we just returned from vacation and I didn't have the bandwidth to go all out. Sunday was a beautiful day. The weather was perfect. We had a wonderful meeting at church and it was good to really reflect on what the day is all about and what an amazing price was paid for us.
As for the festive fun, I was talking to friends during class and they had all kinds of cool plans, things they were going to make for dinner, bake, etc.... so I came up with an idea in my head. An idea that matched my motivation (translation: a 50% cool idea).
After church we had an Easter egg hunt in the back yard. I bought those eggs that are disguised to look like grass and rocks, you know? And they work! It was fun to try and find them. And included there is a picture of Luke showing you the hole in his bottom row of teeth. After the kids gathered, they devoured and I went to work on my 'idea'.
So I'm thinking earlier that day and I says to myself, I says.... maybe I'll make cupcakes (as I think through ingredients in my cupboard... check, check, check) and put coconut on top (um.. yeah, I think I have a half a bag deep in the back... check) with jelly bean eggs (left over from kids school treats- check) and some kind of a handle.... check.
My friend told me how to color coconut so I was good to go! I mean, hey- they may actually look cute.
I make the cupcakes (from scratch- this is what happens when you don't plan. Note to self: Food storage must have emergency cake mixes) and start on the frosting. Oops! What frosting! I barely have enough eggs, I don't have powdered sugar... erg! So I do some make-shift Butter cream like what I learned a few weeks ago in class. LUCKILY it worked but I didn't have enough to frost all the cupcakes (ghetto-magnifico). Now for the fun. I'll make the grass a soft, light yellow color. Here goes with the food coloring and POWZA. This is what I got. Radioactive, electric yellow easter grass. Oh I couldn't help laughing at myself. By now I was going to finish these dang things, especially because it doesn't really matter what they ended up looking like, right? I ditch a creative handle and use a pipe cleaner, squish in the beans and done.
Naturally, the kids wouldn't have cared if I put broccoli on top. They ate them up and it was a seasonal treat so a happy ending for all.
Now back to real life. Things are getting very busy for me and I don't think it will stop until September. I have some fun projects that I want to do but they keep getting pushed aside for designing Rich & Randi's wedding invites, making school play costumes (and there are a LOT), doctors appointments, Kindergarten registry hiccups, preparing for Ragnar, other design work for friends.... and Girl Next Door should be next month!
But I am grateful to be busy, grateful to help, grateful for my wonderful family, my amazing husband, my delightful children, grateful for good friends and to live in such a beautiful place, grateful for good health and safety, grateful for a home, and most of all, grateful for the gospel. The world can be so wonderful if we make it so. Now.... I've avoided responsibilities enough. Back to life I go!

"Petal"stal

How cool is this cake stand?!
Sneaked a peek of it featured in the latest Real Simple. You can snag one here. After me, of course.

Spring Break

We had fun this year returning to Newport for another get away. I won't bore you with a play-by-play, but it was definitely filled with a lot of activity. Our friends from St. Louis, Brandon & Jackie Hill + their kids joined us and we had a great time. The kids are similar in age and get along great together. The forecast predicted 50/50 weather but it didn't rain a drop on us the entire time. Nice!
Here are some fun things we did:
*Scott found an awesome park just minutes from where we stayed while on a bike ride. Each trip we discover a little more and this park is a keeper. Great, big trees and a river where Luke happily tortured the ducks, chasing them around to death and monkey bars Elliet approves of.
*Chilling at Griffith Park, picnic and a ride on the retro Carousel, built back in the 30's! (we were supposed to go to the zoo but the line out the door frightened us away like a big, diseased snake)
*Legoland (and dinner with the Allens in Carlsbad. A plus!)
*Bike rides/Running along the beach.... grasping a life preserver, Hasselhoff by my side....
(more like panting with my tongue out at 15mph because I am training for this)
*Disneyland on the twins Birthday! It was 'supposed' to rain that day which, I think, scared away much of the Spring Break crowd. Lines were short, the kids loved wearing their special buttons and we hit CA Adventure for the first time. And rode CA Screamin' for the first time. And learned what my lunch tasted like coming back up for the first time (Not really. I loved it).
*Luke lost his FIRST TOOTH!
*Lounging by the pool, having long talks with Jackie, going to the beach...okay, okay... so I got to relax a little....

It was a fun, whirlwind of a trip. We really enjoyed catching up with the Hills. They are great friends. Thanks for joining us, guys! We returned with a day to get some quick groceries and semi-plan Easter. Some people think that Valentines Day is commercialized? Holy cow! Talk about all the fuss that the Easter bunny hands out. Ours is a simple guy. At least this year he was. :) More on that coming next.
Happy Spring!