My Little Pony

I've mentioned before how my daughter, Elliet is very into horses and ponies right now. She is starting to draw pictures of cute stick figures but I found this yesterday with all the horses on it and thought it was so cute!!! I just love their low eyes and flat smiles. Adorable. She even put a harness on the bottom guy.

Enamel Time

This is something I am loving right now.
(yes, yes, besides Gerard...)
I finally got myself to the Home Depot and bought some spray enamel for random things I have collected over the past weeks. You know, purchases where I say to myself, "Now that would be really cool painted _____"... as my office begins to fill up with who knows what, looking like a yard sale.
This particular item on display is some kind of cup thingamajig. It's about 8" tall and was a dirty brass mess. But the Martha in me said to me in a dream, she said "Don't forget Enamel paint!" So I obeyed and bought the $4 thing. Martha would be so proud. Unless it's some heirloom missing from a Grandmothers vanity... then she may not be so proud that I just smothered it in white tar. Oh well.
But maybe she'll forgive when I fill it with cute cutlery, napkins, straws, pencils, "anything you want to keep cool...".
So I finally did it. Slapped down some big bucks (it's like $3 a can- cheapola) and completed projects. Finis! Finalization! Accomplishment! Is this what successful people feel like all the time?
Actually, I know what drives me to this kind of sanity. The looming responsibility of real things that need to be done. There is nothing like having 5 loads of laundry to motivate you to get dusting those ceiling fans. I highly recommend it, my dears.

I waont thayat!

Napoleon Dynamite- remember when that woman is considering the tupperware sale and sees the model ship she will get with a higher purchase? That is what she says. It's so funny. This is a phrase I use when I see something I desire.
Now I ask, is he for sale? Me wanty.
Any unfortunate friend of mine is aware of my weak heart for the handsome man. Disclosure first- My husband is tops for me. Blue eyes and all, so he can't get mad for me continuing on... :)
But for the occasional movie or TV series, all I can say is wow. Sometimes a specimen comes along that is just too good to be true.
And this is where I appreciate my friends who know this- they have to sit through movies with me openly gasping and grabbing their arms. Yes, I am that girl.
Well, lately I am smitten with Gerard Butler in The Phantom. So why not blog about it!
I know, so three years ago. This movie is 'old' to most and I am behind the times. But thank goodness because if I had discovered his beauty back then, there was no room on my Hugh Jackman list. Maybe it's Halloween time doing to me? I don't know. But that man in his blousy shirt and emotional eyes is killing me! Yes, please... I'll take one.

Rainbow Desert

We have had rain for a couple of days... cloudy skies and cooler weather. It has been fabulous. So when I woke up this morning, I looked to the mountains and saw this cool, low fog all around. I was kicking myself for not getting up earlier and out there in it on my bike.
I got all dressed and out the door, but by the time I hit the hills, most of the low clouds were gone. I still got some great shots of the changing shadows and saturated colors from the rain. It was beautiful!
Can I just say I love where we live?! I love the desert. I love the colors and the smells, even the dryness of it. This was one of those mornings where I really appreciated the damp smell of sage and clean pavement. It is such a beautiful landscape- so open and so much sky. Growing up visiting Lake Powell gave me lots of time to meditate while observing the bright orange rock against the blue sky- I always loved how the opposite colors made the landscape so striking! Clouds would turn pink reflecting off the rock and the sky would be soooo blue. Anyway, just had to share some beauty of the day. Hope you like the pics (and be sure to click on them for a nice, big view).



(My weak attempt at a pano- :)

Windy lemons? Make Kite Lemonade

The other day it was really windy. These are not uncommon days to where we live.
It is, for the most part, a very annoying habit of the desert.
I grew up in Utah where our sad tales of childhood include walking to school in the snow; having it all crusted to your pants and making your socks wet. Well, Scott's tales consist of walking to school in the wind, with sand blowing in his eyes and getting in his clothes, the occasional tumbleweed thrust in his face...
But there is one good thing about the wind. You can fly kites!
So the other day I went to the park with Sadie & Luke. I was a little unsure of how I would actually get the kite UP. But thanks to the relentless wind, it jolted up without a problem. They each took turns holding the string and thought it was dandy. Then, after 10 minutes, they were bored. And like moths to the flame... the playground equipment was calling their name. So down came our fish kite and they got all dirty instead. I think that was bound to happen since I finally gave them baths that morning.
Anyway, we had fun.












The slide was saying, "Luuuuuuuuuuke.... Luuuuuuke... come.. come!!"









Climbing UP the slide and falling down on your face makes for good times.

Jolley Visit

Cody had some work business to attend to in Las Vegas on Monday and Tuesday so Julia hung out with us for a couple of days. It was nice to have her here and hang out with her kids.
Luke, Elliet and Sadie all had a few turns holding new baby Cole. I don't think he enjoyed himself too much, but they loved it. Sadie especially was interested in the baby. It was so cute!
The night they arrived we got some wiggles out in the back yard. The weather was beautiful. Scott chose this opportune time to teach kids about war ball. I was surprised at how much they enjoyed being wacked by a bouncy ball in the back of the head. Of course, when they did this to each other the next day, that was not as fun. I think it's only a game when Dad does it.
It was a fun two days, and not long enough! Juls and I capped it off last night by watching Phantom of the Opera. I was new to this movie myself, seeing for the first time two months ago. I knew she would love it and how can you not! It's beautiful, romantic and what woman does not respond to those men in boots, capes and open-necked, blousy shirts?! Goodness me. When the Phantom took the stage as Don Juan near the end, Julia perfectly said, "Don Juan-ty!!!" So right indeed.
We loved seeing you guys!

Rockstar Drama

Tonight was our monthly FHE with the Leaver fam. We had all of Scott's siblings and their spouses as well as his two cousins and their families at the parents house. That ended up being 11 adults and many little kids running everywhere (all over de town- Three Amigos anyone?)
So there we are...visiting, ignoring whiny kids and giving them fudge pop #3, all was normal and good in the world.
Then it happened.
The "activity" for the night was presented in all it's glory. Guitar Hero was turned on by the hosts for the month (Todd and Kels) and taught to us boring, ignorant slugs.
That guitar was placed over my shoulder, my fingers on the colored buttons and I felt it. I felt it top to bottom, kids! the love from the crowd, the fire from my strums, the smoke! I was playing Hearts "Crazy On You" and had this amazing inner connection. What an experience. I am in trouble now. I can't wait until Christmas. Maybe if I do some ironing I can earn some money for it.
On a sad note, I was not chosen for the Slipstream contest. I really had some wild idea that I might see that name on my caller ID today. Silly, foolish me. Bad Dobby.
Otherwise, we had a great day. My sister came into town last night for a quick two day stop so Scott and I got to go on a bike ride early this morning. I enjoyed spending time with her today and her kids (remember, she brought her 2 week old baby!). And then tonight. Well, I just told you what happened there. I am a changed woman. Where do you think people buy leopard stretch pants here in Vegas? I think I may need some. This game calls for some costumes. Be ready, local friends who read my blog... I forsee an 80's rock star party coming on and costumes will be required. Oh, and so will standing up, back to back as we guitar duel.

Spooky Spooks

I know! Two posts in one night. This is what I do while Scott watches his game. It's this or dropping wads of green at Zappos, so hey... at least this is a cheaper use of my time.
But seriously, students, Halloween is coming and oh my goodness I am so excited. I couldn't help but share some fun decor to set the mood here. Hm. I think that it will soon be time to make a festive blog banner. Oh snap.
How cool is this owl?
And make sure you check out the Martha stuff at Michaels. The poison labels you slap on old bottles are clever.

Gimme Spandex

A pro cycling team announced a contest two weeks ago where they invited anyone to design their new team jersey kits for the 2008 season. How could I say no! It was just one more thing to whip out on top of doing the Hill Climb stuff, prep for Lotoja, my parents trip Tshirts as well as some for Scott's office (those turned out sweet, btw- more on that later), wedding stuff for my cousin, etc...
Needless to say, the entries were due today by noon and there I was with Scott at my computer, playing with colors and rushing to submit the designs at 11:20am.
Alas, they are in. Have a looksie if you want to see my name in lights. They are going to choose five designs and then open them to the public for voting on the favorite. Pick me, pick me!

We had a fun Saturday. I was sad to miss a baby shower for my sis-in-law Jessica up in Utah. I am sure she got some swank stuff (Ahem- I so contributed to that). Hope it was fun, Jess!
Now I am sitting here occupying myself on my laptop while Scott feeds his BYU craving watching 'the game'. Football season-gotta love it. Did someone say Girls Night? Dude- this is why blogging is sweeeeet.

Fish like shiny things and don't we all

So it's fall shopping season. That J-crew catalog that comes in the mail late summer can get all the anticipations going! This is but one thing I have been spying from their fall line. Sparkly and sassy. And spensy.
Must cart some cashmere and those dandy argyle vests for those days when I am walking across campus and need a little extra something. And paired with my tights and tall, equestrian boots! Oh wait. That is not the life I live.

LOTOJA weekend

We had a great time last weekend participating in the LOTOJA race.
We did a relay this year with a team consisting of my husband, myself, my sisters husband Cody, his father Gary and Cody's bro-in-law. Got that? You'll be tested later. Not to mention riding the race with lots of our friends who are on our Red Burro racing team here in LV.
We left Thursday night and arrived late at my parents house. I so enjoy hanging with my family, even if for brief moments. Case in point: Richard had this silly thing posted on the refrigerator door (Click to enlarge and read the fine print). Turns out they had a few nice looking girls auditioning in the studio and he felt inclined to 'put himself out there', so to speak. So funny. It actually worked, but not in the good way he had hoped. You never know who will call despite good marketing efforts.
Early the next morning we drove up to Logan. The race begins from here on Saturday morning, so Friday is used to check in at registration, get groceries, run errands, etc. all in preparation for the long day. It's fun to see bikes on so many cars throughout the town. We also try to go to the temple in the afternoon with teammates that can make it. It's the best way to kick off the weekend. Our friend Shep, and his wife Tracy, were new to the race this year. Scott and I had fun helping him get all ready for the long day, as we did not have to stress over anything doing the relay. That is the way to do it, kids. The next morning we all gathered at the start and watched the groups head out. Here is our relay team. I'm in my gear since I was the first leg of the race.
Here is a shot of some of our pals.
I missed getting the faster dudes- they left earlier while Scott and I were scarfing down yummy pancakes and sausage at the team trailer.


They trained hard all summer long and performed well. Good going, guys. And the girls: how fab are they!? The Red Burro women are sweet riders. Look at them all fancy at the start line.....






Here I am waiting to go. Now that I am looking at this, I should have photoshopped myself in the upper image with all the fast girls. ha! oh well.
My leg of the race, being the first, has some fun energy in it. There's a lot of adrenaline and wasted energy on riders going faster than they should when facing 206 miles to go! But as a relay rider, it's okay to be stupid! (I'm good at that) and had fun burning my legs out trying to keep up with some groups, catching breakaways and working with others. Wahoo! Cycling is da bomb.





Once I finished, Scott was waiting in the wings to take over. After looking for the car (thanks to my relay team for their help!), I took off and went to the next feed zone. Here we waiting for Scott to come in. Cody was all ready to go and Cache was a good dude hanging out and watching all the action.
When Scott and I left on our way to Teton Village where the race ends, we passed Cody much further than we expected. He did great and hauled up those hills!
Same with the rest of the team. We had lots of fun and def. plan to do it again next year.


The best part of LOTOJA is the post race fun. Saturday night we all go to a fancy buffet room at the Four Seasons and eat our hearts out.
Then Sunday is the awards ceremony and the Burros cleaned house!
The winner of the entire race was Mark Zimbleman. He is actually the bishop of Marty's ward, a family we have come to know the past few years because their kids babysit for us when we visit my fam in Provo. He broke a course record and came in at 9 hrs, 6 minutes. Um, yeah. That's pretty good. Almost ten minutes before the next group. Way to go, Marky Mark.
During the awards ceremony, we saw an old friend get up and receive an award. I leaned over to Scott... "Is that Mike Scheuller?? As in Mike from San Francisco??" And it was!!! We were SO excited to see them and say hello. We got to visit briefly after the race. That was one of the biggest perks of the entire trip. If you are reading this, guys, email me so we can keep in touch!
The rest of Sunday and Monday was spent walking around, eating, shopping (Shep and Scott got matching jackets and ate Tram bars- what a cute couple!), hanging out in the spa, more eating, etc.
We ended the trip Monday night returning to Provo and having banana splits with my family to celebrate Julia's Birthday. Happy Berties, Juls! We also got to hold new baby Cole. So great.
And now you are all caught up on our celebrity paced life! Now that routine is back again, I have new focuses that are sure to enlighten and inspire the mind. Halloween is coming!
Have I been to Target? Yes.
Have I bought things? Yes.
Am I getting our party invites ready to send? Yes.
Am I planning our party video contest? Yes.
Have we committed to a costume? No- don't be silly. I can't commit!
Stay tuned. Fall fashion cravings are coming up!
(Wow- that was a long post! What a novel)

Kings in da house

Wow- what a fun weekend. I have a lot to report. I will start with last night since I haven't downloaded my pics from our weekend at Lotoja.
We returned back in town yesterday afternoon and got to spend some time with the kids. We missed them a lot and it was so nice to squeeze them and kiss them until they wanted us to leave again. Absence makes the heart grow fonder so I am trying to stretch my fondness out as long as I can before the yelling starts again. ha!
Later that evening we hooked up with our good pals, the Francii, and had some yummy (and provocative....You'll have to ask for that story) sushi and headed down to the Hard Rock to see Kings of Leon. It was such a fun show. We stayed close to the front the entire time, elbowing the obnoxious drunkards back and formed a nice little area. Got some great views of the boys (Ahem, Caleb has shaved and cut his hair- MIGHTY nice looking esp. in his vintage Nike T) in their super tight jeans and boots. They played a great set of their songs and sounded fab. I was most impressed with Emily who would sing and jump and dance with me. Usually I am all alone doing this myself as Scott stands behind me embarrassed with his arms folded. So I got to embarrass him, Emily and Dave! Also, the boys loved me last night. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club saw me in the crowd and called out to me, begging me to play their tambourine... so I finally complied and they threw it to me. True story! We go, like, way back. Okay, the only true part is that they through out their tambourine and I caught it and played it for about 2 minutes, then felt silly and gave it to said drunkards who enjoyed the attention.
Then when the Kings of Leon were on stage, three or four songs in, Caleb saw me and was like "Andrea! I so called you today! I sure wish you weren't married so we could date.. here is my guitar pick as a symbol of my admiration for you...." Totally happened. OK- just the toss of the guitar pick and I caught it. But hey! An item from each band in one night!? Lucky me.
Thanks for the super fun night, guys!

Oh Happy Day! This is the twins first week of preschool and the backpacks finally get put to their useful purpose (We did have some issues in the car while trying to buckle car seats and wearing them at the same time). They had a great time.
Elliet is adjusting well to all day Kindergarten. So far, so good!
Now I just have to adjust to doing homework. Since, you know, it's supposed to be for the kids but I have repeat the instructions 379 times while she doodles and daydreams. You seasoned Mom's with older kids, I am sure, know what I mean. Don't know if I can take the simple math much longer....(how many elephants really ARE there??)

Last night I finalized one of our classes for Enrichment night. We are doing 'Glitter Gourds'. Such a high class name, eh? Don't they look so Martha? I had to share. Super cheap, too. About $15 for the whole caboodle. Craft setback #1: You end up with sparkly-face. Something my husband gladly pointed out while we were talking later. No, he snickered it out.

Yesterday was my Dad's Birthday. I love my Dad. He is so great. He can fix anything, consult with the best of wisdom and he knows the answers to everything from manipulating electrical cord to business sense, etc. He is an amazing man and makes me so proud to be his daughter. He made so many memories fun as kids. So since I couldn't be home to give you the treatment we received in our youth, to wake you at 6am blaring "Birthday" by the Beatles (yes, every year. Even during school. Very loud.), this will have to do. Love you, old woddies!

Retired Scallywags

So my parents go on an annual Lake Powell trip every year and this year I designed their shirts. They have a little Pirate theme going on. I thought it would be fun to add sails to our houseboat and a tattoo to the crew. What do ye think, me hearties?
Wow- I am so designed out. Time to take a break from my computer.

Took the twins to their first day at preschool today. Look at how well I am using the time! ha!
But I did enter my quiet house, sat at my computer and sang a very loud chorus of "Hooooray! I am alone and won't be interrupted!!" in my best opera voice. It's fun to sing like a dork when you know no one is home. Though you can't help but peek around the corners just in case!
Two more days until I see my new little nephew. Can't wait!

My Week

So this is why I haven't posted all week. Every year, our cycling team hosts the Mount Charleston Hill Climb and it was Labor Day. Here is a pic of some of our 200+ registrants getting ready to go. It's a tough event and requires a lot of planning and execution, but I have to admit that I am enjoying it more and more every year as we learn better ways to pull it off.
It still requires so much attention the week of, and we are all wiped out when it's over. It's like Christmas- all this build up to something that is over in no time.
This year it was hot at the bottom and wet at the top. You can see the rain in this photo starting to brew ahead.
We had some good food, music and fun at the top, despite some wet weather. All in all, it was a success and it's OVER!












Let's see... what else did I do this week? Managed a super fun
night out with Emily for her Birthday - See her link to the right
for more details if you so desire. Shopping and good food was
had by all, especially since Panera Bread was chucking all of their
baked goods for the day so we literally left with BAGS of carbs.
But don't fret, my worried hips and blog readers- once home it obvious why most of it was trashed anyway.
The next day, on Thursday, my sister Julia had her 2nd baby boy!
They named him Cole, he is healthy and well and she is doing
great (of course).
Now I face the new plates of responsibility. Enrichment activity
coming up and that all needs to be planned. Most of it before this
Thursday if I can manage it since we leave this weekend for
Lotoja. Wahoo! So looking forward to a fun weekend with my
husband and good friends in a beautiful place.

My last photo here is of Lucas. As it must be living with two sisters, he sees them get their hair done and is always asking for "pick tails". Sure, son! Sit right here and you can have them.
He picked the orange ribbons and everything and then promptly ripped it all out. He'll probably forget all about this by Tuesday and ask me again. I will have fun showing this photo to his dates, though. It's worth it.
And my last mission this week!? School has officially started so check your local Target store. Halloween stuff gets put on the shelves NOW and I am SO checking. Peace out.