Tis The Season

This has been a crazy week.
(When do I not type that?)
But the recovery period one must overcome after being out of town is tiresome. So that is what I was doing this week: Overcoming. Catching up. It felt like I wasn't accomplishing anything but was constantly busy.
It's not just me, right?
Today I finally feel like I am getting some control...like folding the laundry that I did on Monday, cleaning the dishes from Wednesday (ew, I know), that sort of thing. Super duper fun.
Last night I tried to have fun with the kids and we decorated the tree. As you can see, they were all festive and wore their birthday suits in honor the true meaning of Christmas. It was kind of fun to see them be so excited to help and I had a grateful heart for the wise designers who invented plastic ornaments. They were all clumped at the bottom of the tree, 3 or 4 on the same faux pine stem. Pretty funny. At least it's done!
Same with the outdoor lights. This was something I needed to do earlier this week since cold weather was coming. I like hanging outside lights. Isn't that geeky of me? But it is NOT fun when it's super cold and my fingers get numb and since I can't feel them, I scrape them to raw flesh shoving my lights in those darn white clips and then shove again onto my scratchy tile roof.... but I still like it. Merry Merry.
I have been thinking this week about fun Christmas things to do this month. Movies I want to make sure we watch, music to listen to, recipes to bake and things to create! I saw this tree the other day and wanted to copy some of the vintage-y looking ornaments. I really like this look right now. The fine glitter and faded tinsel, the ribbon and old clip art. Who knows WHEN I would make something like them.
I really want to start having one night a month just dedicated to this sort of thing. A time slot for doing whatever random, seasonal project I want. I even want to have friends who have this same desire to join me. It will be a snazzy craft club. But it needs a better name than that. Ideas?
I do need help in the movie dept. Here are the movies that are making up my list. Tell me what I am missing (Juls):

1-Elf
2-Albert Finney's Scrooge (Best, hands down)
3-Nightmare Before Christmas
4-Groundhog Day (Hey, it's cold and snowy)
5- Just Friends (Ryan Adams is sooooo funny)
6-A Christmas Story
7-It's A Wonderful Life
8-The Grinch (Animated classic and Jim Carrey's)

And music! Oh how great is good Christmas music. If I get the energy I may even torment you, my readers (all three of you) and share some of our fave's on a silly online player. They are so funny. Don't you worry- we listen to silly stuff, here. Nothing too serious- I won't be forcing Celine Dion down your throat (and sorry to those of you who like her stuff).
Some MUST HAVES are Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass Christmas Album, some Frank Sinatra and Burl Ives, Ferrante & Teicher Christmas and more. Oh man, I think I will have to make a silly playlist for my blog this month and irritate you all to death.

Gobble Recap

What a fun week. The day before Scott arrived in Provo I got to shop with my Mom and Julia in SLC. It was nice to spend that one-on-one time with them before the crazy Thanksgiving madness. We especially had fun walking through Anthropologie. That store is so inspiring- the people that design the interior always amaze. Here are a few shots I stole that interested me.
First, the dishes. I thought this was such a good idea to do with the Thanksgiving dishes. My Mom said no.
Next, check out the chandelier made with straws. Is that not ingenious!??! Magnifico! I love it. I want to do it. It looks like a deli jellyfish.
I don't know where I would put something like this. If I ever own a store one day...well, I never want to do that but if I ever fulfill my dream of being a buyer for a cool store, I will also have a say in the creative coolness of said store (hey, it's my dream) and will hang it there. And you can all come see

Thanksgiving Day had some fun in store. We started the day off with a 4 mile run. I challenged Julia to this about two months ago and the day finally came. And Rich joined us, too! We got there around 7:15 and picked up our numbers. Then we sat in the car, blasting the heat, and avoided the impending doom of 28 degree temps that awaited us. We weren't aware of the 'organization' that the women were supposed to start somewhere else. This was made known to us by all the men we were standing with about 2 minutes before we started. Nice. See left photo for details.
Then we were off! And thankfully we warmed up soon enough. Rich took off and I never saw him again. Juls dropped behind me with her friend, Hannah, who showed up as well. I came in a couple of minutes after Rich and we ran back for Juls. She did it in 50 minutes. Not bad for her first time! Look at her stride.... It was fun.
The rest of the day was spent up with the Leavers at Todd and Kelsey's house. I am a loser and didn't get any pics of the rest of the day, but the dinner was great. We all stuffed ourselves silly and relaxed the afternoon away watching Galaxy Quest. That movie is so great.
Friday was a special day. I finally got to meet Jen's (Scott's sister) newest addition to their family. Boy #3! His name is Trey. Don't you fret- that oxygen tube is a small precaution. He's a little tiger inside, I'm sure of it. So cute.
We had a little Bday party for Jen, as her Birthday is coming up this week. She is getting soooooo old! (haha!-jk) It was fun to all hang out and laugh at stupid stuff.
Saturday Scott went to the big BYU game. And wah-freaking-hoo that they won. I thought it was over when the Utes got that touchdown. But we overcame and conquered! Very fun to watch. The night was spent hanging around. Marty and Jess stopped by so I snapped a little shot of Graham. Oh dear me- is your mouth watering? is he not such a cute tootsie roll? All these babies are so cute. (Don't get any ideas. So cute for everyone else)
And now we are home. I have a huge list of things to catch up on.
Is anyone else feeling a tad overwhelmed? Do I just do this to myself?
Christmas cards, my lesson that I have to give in RS on Sunday, Enrichment to prepare for next Tuesday, leaving for NYC on Thursday!?, VTing all done and reported, filters need changing, decorations need to be up.... so I blog. I blog it all away and ignore my responsibilities.
Maybe I can find some cute shoes on Zappos....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Thanks Eve

This morning I went and visited my sister in law, Jess- and saw my new nephew for the first time! Little Graham Richard Patch. He is so cute. I got to smell like baby for a few hours after holding his little warm, cuddly body. Adorable. I so love Jessica. She is the coolest and even though her health is not being cooperative right now, I am proud of her endurance.

Then Scott arrived this afternoon and I got to squeeze my own kids. So nice to see them all.
As my Mom and I ran around today, it was very obvious that the holiday season is here. People were out doing the same things we were doing. There is a fun energy around and I am going to try and keep my Thanksgiving spirit with me until Christmas. I am determined! I want to be the one who will patiently let some dork pulling in front of me merge all with a happy holiday smile.
And maybe I'll even wave (with clenched teeth) if I am feeling especially sweet.

Tomorrow morning my brother Rich, sister Julia and I are going to do a 4 mile Thanksgiving Day Run. At 8 am. Yeah... in 20 degree weather. Let me tell you what I'll be thankful for tomorrow: car heaters, polar fleece and hot showers.

But today I was thankful for:
1) My family arriving to me safely (I wish my husband had been in a better mood, but he had just spent 6 hours in the car with the kids so I think he was also very thankful to have arrived)
2) The smell of my Mom baking her apple pies. Oh wow- Happy Holidays!
3) Being able to spend time with Jessica and hold little Graham. He and I bonded and I feel like it's our eensy-weensy secret.
4) Getting inspired. I know shopping is a lame pastime to some, but getting out feeds my mind with creativity and gives me a pulse on whats current. Boutiques filled with items that dare me to make myself (and make better) are a fun source of inspiration. I just love that magical feeling of getting an idea and seeing it in my mind and how cool it could look... I am thankful for the talents I have and the spark that surroundings can give. This distraction, this uncontrollable urge to keep creating is wired in me and it saves my soul from redundancy!
5) Kiwi! Kiwi is yummy (weird thing about me #7- I eat it with the fuzzy skin on). Thank heavens for the Aussie's and their balmy continent to provide something like this in November.
Plus it's pretty- like an avocado. Don't you cut those open sometimes and just have to look at that flawless blend from olive green to lime? Amazing.

Thankful this is almost done?

Today I was thinking...
My friend Anna tagged me a while ago about doing this '6 Things About Yourself'... six things that most people don't know. And then Jennie did it the other day. Now Emily has done it so I guess it's time. But I am torn because I already bore my family and friends with enough of me as it is. I promise it won't take long and now I can sleep at night (unless Emily is around to scare me out of my wits).

6 things-not-often-known about myself:
1) I have big thumbs. Like, ugly man thumbs. This has made text messaging very aggravating and eating difficult. I couldn't wear cool Lee Press-On nails during sleepovers as a kid because the thumb nails were way too narrow.

2) I try to fit way to many things in a short amount of time. This results in tardiness, speeding tickets and frustration. Why do I do it to myself!??? I don't know and I wish I could be one of those women who just take things at a good pace, say no when things won't fit in my schedule and prioritize those things so I am not frantically wasting my time finishing dishes when I should be in the car on the way to get Elliet from school.

3) I include way too much information in my stories. If I get a compliment on a shirt, not only do I blurt out where I got it and how cheap it was on sale but the reason I went to the store in the first place and what made me think to go there. I totally over share. It's a miracle I have a few friends left (and they'll be gone after reading about weird, man-thumb girl)

4) I don't like oranges. I like orange juice and orange flavored things, but I hate oranges. I'll eat grapefruit and lemons... but not an orange.

5) I love Halloween but I am terrified of dark cloaked Grim Reapers. Tall, hooded, face-less creatures that can see me but I can't see them really freak me out. My family grew up watching Albert Finney's 'Scrooge' (It's wonderful), but the Ghost from Christmas Future is the scariest cloaked thing I have ever seen and I think that's what scarred me. And the Dementors from Harry Potter? shivers!

6) My mother is an extremely talented (and professional) actress. My sister has won awards for her acting. I am MORTIFIED by acting. EVER. It is equal to standing on a stage naked. That is one talent that did not get passed on to me in my family. I don't have the confidence for it.


THERE. now you know six lame things about me and how dorky I really am. :)

Here are my five thankfuls for today:
1) My Mom's health holding up so she could spend an afternoon with my sister and I shopping.
2) Taste. I know, it's like typing World Peace, but it's true! Think of all the things you love to taste and how wonderful they are. Fresh peaches, cold watermelon in the summer, water when you are thirsty, fresh basil, grilled steak, warm brownies, Turkey....Raisins.... you like Raisins.
3) Laughing. Put Julia, my Mom and I in a store with low blood sugar and sarcasm and you've got trouble (and Julia jumping on one foot)
4) Coats! Clothing technology! It is COLD up here.
5) Carpool lanes.

Catching Up

This past week/weekend was crazy. Wednesday my sister-in-law had her 3rd baby boy, Trey (He is so cute! I will post pictures when I get them) and then you read what we did that night when my parents came into town on their way to Arizona.
Thursday was our Girl Next Door show. Friday was Elliet's school program, the twins Thanksgiving party and Birthday lunch for a friend, then Saturday was preparation for said friends Birthday surprise party. Yeah- a little busy.
That day my parents said they would be coming back through and staying on Sunday night to return to Provo on Monday. So I got a wild idea in my head and decided I would catch a ride with them. That left me only Sunday to get everything ready to go, people in line to help with my kids for two days before Scott and the kids all come to Provo for Thanksgiving. Scott was going to have enough to do to get ready to go, so I packed all the kids things as well as my own.
So! Needless to say, it's been a very busy few days but fun. I drove with my parents yesterday and it was fun to visit in the car. After settling in my Mom and I drove down to my sisters house and we watched a movie and played a little Guitar Hero. And this morning I met my sister at the BYU track where we ran to prepare for the macho 4 mile run on Thursday. She is going to do great! Today we plan to run some errands and then tonight I am going to get my hair done.... and possibly cut it short. Yikes!
I'll post pictures because HOW COOL is technology that I can just take pictures anywhere and load them on my computer or laptop and boom- share them with you crazies. I luuuub it- it's fanTAStic! (Nacho)
So on other random movie news, last Friday I went and rented a few movies for Scott and I to watch. You know what? It pays off when you haven't rented movies for a year because there is a lot to choose from. Except most of the good looking ones are rated R and there are all kinds of weird horror movies. One that we grabbed was the new Wilson movie "The Wendell Baker Story". It was a cute, simple movie- not a strong story line but neither are their others. Anyway- VERY COOL art direction and interesting to watch. I would recommend it if you want something a little arty and simple with good music. And hey- Luke Wilson is adorable. Very 'now' with his sloppy brown hair and skinny suits with pilot sunglasses. Men with style- I am telling you! It's appealing. This is another one of many reason I LOVE my husband. Scott has some serious flava-flave.
Since I already downloaded Elliet's Thanksgiving photos at home, you'll have to enjoy this one I found. Apparently Sadie discovered my camera. She can't lie her way out of THIS one.

Monday Thanks

Awww yeah. I am cutting as close to the daily deadline as I can.
Things I was thankful for today:
1) Hair Wax. Fuzzy eyebrows? Away with you!
2) The way fruit tastes after a road trip of eating crappy food. Cleansing...
3) Friends that help me in a bind.
4) Work ethic
5) Warm wind. I know! I have posted before how wind is annoying, but you know those strong summer breezes that are all warm during pretty pink sunsets? Well those are my Lake Powell memories and it's magical.

Midnight Madness

Oy! It's Midnight but I will not shirk my goal!
I had all these great things I was thankful for today, but I will have to elaborate on them later (Lucky you).
Here are mine for the day:
1) The power of our agency- Isn't it amazing how much our mind can inhibit us from enjoying life? Your perspective, attitude, reactions, and behavior can be the difference between joy and misery.
2) Repentance and Forgiveness- Not in the gloomy way, but in the hopeful way. Even little things we regret saying or feeling toward someone can be remedied. Healed! I think one of the worse feelings is regret. It's truly a blessing that we can change that sometimes... to be able to ACT. I am so thankful for that. *
3) My kids enthusiasm to see me when I've been away - even if it's something small like going to get the mail.
4) Hearing good talks at church- subjects that feed your soul and stir you to commit to be better*
5) Mr. Clean Eraser pads and their magical power to remove sharpie from my desk (Thanks to Luke)

*Can you tell I really responded to what I heard at church today? It was great.

GIRL NEXT DOOR Fall Show

Thursday night was our Holiday Girl Next Door show.
It was a great success. We always have such cool merchandise made by amazingly talented people.

I appreciate these women who contribute their talent because they try new things and explore new media so it's a surprise, even to each other, what we'll be bringing to the next show six months later. And that was one of the perks of starting the show: Us creative wacko's who keep trying new projects now have an outlet to share those items with others who might be interested (since, you know, no one really needs 22 handmade felt pillows).
Even though days before we are cramming to make products (despite our good intentions to begin making items earlier) it's great fun. We love to have an excuse to get together and share our interests, buy each others things and catch up on the previous months.

We also couldn't do it without the awesome support of our friends and loyal customers.
Come to think of it, I hope they aren't buying our things as a charitable act.
People will be there ON TIME, if not sneaking in early, to snag the good stuff first. Half of what you see was gone in the first 45 minutes.
It's just awesome to see something you create be appealing to others. So a big thanks from me to you! Us artists need the creative justification. :)

Now I have to get busy for the Spring Show!

Now that the show is done, my mind must focus on the Holidays ahead. I am really trying to be organized and have a nice list of who we have in each family for gifts, each others gifts, getting Christmas cards made (Target has some pretty good ones this year and I may have to cheat from making my own!), etc. Lots to do! Alas, it will all get done. Must focus on the holiday at hand. Thanksgiving!... and keep that spirit with me for a few more days before I stress myself out.













My five Thankfuls today are:
1) My sister. Words cannot express. I love her to death.
2) Looking forward to spending time with family. What a nice feeling!
3) Having Girl Next Door done and being able to restore my office/craft room back to a functional area - no more work in a disaster zone.
4) Hot butter popcorn with Milk Duds mixed in (Darn you, Jen). It's a great movie treat.
5) Laundry machines. Must I elaborate on their greatness? I didn't think so.

Space...

...the final frontier....
...of my dignity.
On Wednesday night, my parents, on their way to Scottsdale for an anniversary getaway, decided to make a quick stop in Vegas and see the revolutionary Star Trek Experience. Not to see the grand kids, to see the Star Trek Experience (Where your treasure lies, there where you heart will be also). But I'm not judging. I actually thought it would be fun to join them and giggle together so we got fabulous Jeannine to come babysit (see Wednesdays post) and joined them in the 'experience'.
It was really fun to hang out with them and do the rides. And I have to say that they were actually pretty cool.... I mean... if you're into that sort of thing... which I'm not.... not that it's bad.... but....whatevs.
Then we ate at Quarks Restaurant. The menu items were so funny. I am not familiar with the show so I don't know what they meant, but 'Flaming Ribs of Targ' and 'HamBorger' were still hilarious. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!
When we went to the Springs Preserve the other day, the kids played FOREVER on this old skeleton corpse. Sometimes it was a ship and they were 'fishing' with the yellow noodles (what are those there for anyway? anyone know?) and other times it was a mountain, etc.
On other randomness, check out what I saw the other day when I popped into Target.
There it was, in all it's glory on the aisles end. I swear there were rays of light filtering from between the boxes (Scott- are you reading this? I love you soooo much). :)

And now that Girl Next Door is done (that will be my next post, complete with pictures), I plan to watch a movie with my dear Lt. Scotty tonight so no late Thankfuls posting for me!


My Friday Five:
1) My relationship with Scott. Marriage is up and down but it's wonderful and beyond what you'd expect friendships to be. I love it when we can really talk openly about subjects and have interesting conversation. Those times aren't as often since our main topics usually consist of catching each other up on our days, discussing kids or other responsibilities. But wow- I really snagged a great guy and love talking to him.
2) Sadie's hugs (and her smiling potato art). She is the trouble in this house. The evil twin. But her good side is equally strong. That girl will give the best squeezes all with a scrunchy face, big grin and feet up.
3) 30% Discounts (Family & Friends at the Gap? Thank YOU.)
4) No cops on my route today (I knew I could have sped up!)
5) This weather. Elliet's Thanksgiving program was outdoors today. A nice 72 or so degrees. But the trees are showing their fall colors (I know, we don't get it so much for Halloween) and it feels very appropriate for Thanksgiving. Shedding what we don't need and renewing what is important.

Thursday Thanks

What a day! Girl Next Door is over and it was a great success. Updated pics to come. We had some cool stuff and it is always so great to see it well supported and well supplied with incredible talent!
Here are my five for the day so I can go to bed.
1) Having creative friends. They are amazing and inspire.
2) Not getting a speeding ticket today. The route I take for preschool was swarming with cops, nailing all the drivers that go well beyond the 35 mph limit (and that is ME usually going 50+!). This is a first for them stalking this road so I am definitely going to have to leave on time now. Great.
3) Music so good it gives you goosebumps.
4) Sadie and Luke playing imaginary whatever in the playroom for a good while this morning.... and being NICE to each other. Like actual "Do you want to play with this? Here you go." kind of stuff. And then "Ooooh Thank You, Lucas!" and then "You're welcome".
5) Going to bed.

Wednesday Donkmees

Donkmees. It's a funny word, but it's part of my family language. "Thank You" turned into "Donk You" and then you add accents and 's'-es and it migrated into Donkmees, said in a high pitched tone and carried out.
So- welcome to the family. I have now explained my post title but it was bound to happen due to my Thanks theme.
My "Donks" for the day:
1) My fun parents. They popped into town tonight unexpected and we had a great time with them. Our Girl Next Door show is in less than 24 hours and I have projects I should have been working on. This was way more fun and obviously more important. Tomorrow I'll share more details on what we did. For now we can 'Live long and prosper".
2) Jeannine. She is a great friend of our family and helped babysit for me for the past year+. What an awesome girl she is: funny, smart, witty and wonderfully caring and great with the kids. They LOVE her and I LOVE that! She is awesome and I am thankful to know her.
3) A healthy body. Legs that are strong and can move me all day. Arms that can pick up my kids. Lungs that can carry me through a good run (Christmas miracle!). Hands that allow me to create... you get the idea.
4) Restaurants. How nice to just choose what you want and have it brought to you on a plate nice and hot in less than 20 minutes. Sweeeeeet. I mean, it comes with a price of course (financially and physically) but us meal-making Moms think it's a dandy change every once in a while.
5) Facial Tissue. Wow- I need these. I have tried the 'natural' method while cycling or running. Nah. Can't do it. I don't need to explain what that can look like on repeated failed attempts. All the tough girls can do it but I am wiggling on my bike as I balance to reach back for my neatly folded pocket Kleenex and drift out into oncoming traffic. I am awesome!

Tuesday Thanks

1) School starting again tomorrow. I mean, spending yesterday and today with the kids was all peachy but, it's time.
2) Commas. Yes. I am aware of my profane overuse (and misuse) of this punctual tool but it's the only way I know how to type my voice. Maybe this is why I don't have many friends.
3) Single-tasking. Watched the kids play on the Springs Preserve playground for 1 1/2 hours today. The weather was so nice and the sun was just warm enough. It was nice to just sit, think and watch... and see a friend!
4) Security. Scott has an amazing brain. He is such a smart business man and is so good at managing money. And yes, sometimes his discipline makes me want to drive a screwdriver through his head but he's usually right. I am really glad he's in charge of our finances because if it were all in my hands, our future would probably involve us working in a hot dog stand for 'retirement'.
5) Utensils.
5a) Scott also being good at helping me spell Utensils.

Monday Thanks

Brief, brief... I promise tomorrow I will have something more to read.
But for today!??....drum roll...
Today I was thankful for:
1) Finishing Dracula! Wah-freeking-hoo (yes, that's for you- and you know who you are)
It was fang-tabulous. Well written, rich vocab and building in excitement to the very end. Great for the season. Now I have to remove it's pretty book cover from my blog.
2) How my kisses still have magical healing powers for my kids. How long will that last? Folks with older kids, please warn me and suggest any tips that will prolong this wonderful state of mind.
3) Movie popcorn.
4) Target. Wow- Crack for Moms. I love this place. Great retail therapy and brilliant idea showcasing designers. I walked through all the shiny Christmas aisles and boy it was fun.
Can you say 'Dollar Section'? I grabbed some sweet "Office" show merch here weeks ago. Where in the world would I have picked up my nifty Dwight pens? Priceless, people.
Which prompts me to post another question. "Question!": How does one commit to ONE STYLE of Christmas tree? There are, like, ten ways I would love to do a tree. But I refuse to invest/store that stuff. What to do!
5) The grocery store. People? We are seriously blessed. Milk? check. EEEUUGE (nod to Trump) selection of produce whenever I want? check. Meats in variety? check. That random spice? Fresh herbs? Organic? BALLOONS? FLOWERS? MOVIES? You get the idea.
Let's see.... Running my own farm/garden/orchard OR jaunting to Albertsons... hmmmm.... that's a toss up.

And yes, that woman in the photo that looks so much like Heidi Klum? It's me. I know, I get that all the time and you know what? It get's a little old but I'm sure everyone knows what it's like to be mistaken for a super model. Exhausting, right?

Sunday Thanks

1) Clouds
2) The smell of rain
3) Telephones/Cell phones
4) Lights
5) Garage door openers

Saturday Thanks

I know, I probably could have shirked on my duty for today since I already posted. But I will hold true to my promise and post my five today. Lucky you!
Five things I was thankful for today:
1) Painting fingernails with Sadie. What is it about daughters that makes this pastime such a sweet thing? I also love her cute little hands. There is something so adorable about seeing those teensy tiny pink fingernails and how fascinating it is for her to watch me do all the work. And then I said, "Yoo wan pedicur?"
2) Fingernail polish REMOVER.
3) Enjoying good company with friends (and Golden Spoon- Hello? Pumpkin???)
4) Luke allowing me to smother him with kisses. He receives love for two boys (Jacob probably got the lucky end on that one) and I am so glad he'll let me tickle, kiss, squeeze and pinch him throughout the day. He is just so cute so I am getting in all I can before he tells me that I'm gross.
5) Scott's patience with me. I had some grumpy days this week and he tried to help, tolerated and allowed my mood to pass without reacting to my flat comments. Ah- twue wove. (To Blave?)

You Shouldn't Have

In the spirit of Thanksgiving this month, as you know, I am encouraging myself to notice wonderful blessings throughout my day.
Well, this also has a dark side. I was laughing with my sister the other night because it has also sharpened the things that really BUG me. Like lame drivers and rude people (to name a few).
I am not thankful for those things.
It has also made me notice things I really LIKE right now. Material things, frivolous things, shallow things. Ha!
But is this the month to dwell on those? Goodness, no.
That is what Christmas is for!
"I want this and this bugs me and bah humbug!"
So it's the weekend and I am abusing my guidelines a little to share with you two things that I want, because I am thankful for gifts!
Anthropologie had some pillows like this earlier this year and I fell in love with the design. I was bugged by the price yet so thankful for the idea. But I can't do it myself because I don't have a fancy embroidery machine (or a stash of mid-century home renderings). That bugs.
So if anyone wants to get me a cool sewing machine, I would be so thankful because I really want one. Wouldn't that be great to draw anything I want and have it sewn!? If you give me one, I'll embroider your own pillow case for you to say 'Thanks'.
And if you are cheap and settle for the pillow, I would be thankful for that, too.
My new sewing machine would also assist me in sewing these nifty felt containers that I want.
How great are these? And "sew" easy to make! Or you could pay $60 a pop (I know! ridiculous, right!?) Great design. They won't scratch my kids shelves getting pulled out/pushed in over and over & they are quiet for when the kids use them as hats or drums (that can get very loud and it bugs, too). I am thankful for good products like these.

Friday Thanks

1) Getting my laundry sorted so the piles can stare at me all weekend, wondering when I will take the next step and throw them in the washer. Hm... even I don't know!

2) Spending some time with Sadie and Luke today at the Springs Preserve.
2a) Camera phones!

3) Going for a run up at Red Rock this morning. I thought I would mix it up a little bit and it was fun to run on the trails. Fooling myself into thinking I'd step on a spider like Emily's really kept me moving, too.

4) iPods. Seriously. How sweet are these? So small, lightweight and can hold HOURS of music while you run/bike/whatever. Do you remember ever trying to carry a small portable CD player with you while working out? Well I do, and it sucked.

5) Cactus. I know, it's weird- but I like Cacti. Cacti is our friend. They may look fierce and unfriendly, but you can't judge someone from the outside. They have feelings, too.
Ok- so they don't, but they're sculptural, interesting and most of all, easy to maintain- it's one plant in the house that survives the "Andrea" droughts. (See? I paid attention today at the preserve)

Gimme a T... Gimme an H...

Gimme an A - N - K! (and S)
Here are my flashy five. Today I was thankful for:
1) The fact that the kids sleep in their own beds and through the night.
2) Lotion.
3) Computers! (though I am not grateful for what they have done to my handwriting)
4) How close I am to my family. My parents AND siblings are all good, solid, hilarious people and we are best friends.
5) My Mom (I know- based on #4 I am cheating a little) because she is so cute and so loving. She will always put you first if you ask.

Totally Tubular

Today we had some fun outside.
After school I was ready to play with the kids for a while.
Those moments are sporadic so I try to seize them when I can... since, you know, they want me all the time, all day long... for juice, for snacks, for kissing an owy, for settling an argument over socks or a barret. Important stuff like that.
So yeah, it wears on me a little bit. But not today!
The weather was perfect. A nice 75 degree day- it felt like the inside of my house.
We pulled out the tents and tunnels and made a fort on the grass. Of course, when I want to play with my kids, that is when they don't want to play with me. I can't fit in those tunnels anyway and they would have found that funny, so it's their loss (and my win!).
Since they were too busy running through getting their hair to stand on end, I thought I would get my laptop and enjoy the weather by doing this outside.
Now- do you think they continued to leave me alone? Alas, no! Now they wanted me again. So I decided to use the computer and take some goofy pictures with them. Thank you, Apple for your silly photo booth feature. We had some good laughs.

My five "Thankfuls" for the day:
1) Having grown up in Utah I will never tire of one awesome thing about living here. No mosquitoes! I love love love enjoying great weather without the threat of those annoying twits!
2) Wireless.
3) Enjoying lunchtime today with some friends at the park (Happy Birthday, A!)
4) Getting out of bed to ride this morning and see the sunrise. It is hard to get up early, but I really like to be up to see the sun come up. I don't know why - it's like I am getting a cheating head start on my day.
5) Color. The blue in the sky this morning and the yellow light the sun cast on the ground. The pink clouds tonight and the purple air of twilight (look at me wax poetic!). Elliets rosy pink lips and Sadie's brown eyes.

Today I was thankful for...

1) My little indulgence of house cleaners twice a month. Today was one of those two days and having my house all clean at one time is priceless. My house cleaning is never as good because I can't seem to achieve the same fresh, lemony smell that they do. It's a trade secret.
2) Being able to stay home with my kids. Moms who have to work to help with their family are troopers. And Moms who choose to work are crazy. Unless you have kids like mine... then I understand. So that means I am crazy.
3) Driving with my windows rolled down and good music on (No kids in the car at this time. Singing and/or embarrassing head bobbing optional).
4) The very rare occasion when my kids actually obey or say "yes" when I ask them to do something. The time between those moments seem eternal.
5) My sister. We talk a few times a week and I love it.

Monday-ness

Today is Monday.
I should start by saying that the day started swimmingly. Thanks to daylight savings, it wasn't as hard to get my tush out of bed at 5:15 am to ride my bike. And everytime I do it, I am so glad I did. It was a beautiful morning and there is no better way to start the day.
Then I took my brother in law to the airport and hurried home to an RS meeting. One of our counselors had her Birthday today and I had a few minutes before I needed to get home so I think to meself, I think- I'll get some balloons for her at the old Albertsons. Oh my goodness- the woman today took 25 minutes to fill up six pink latex balloons. 25 MINUTES!!!! So my positive aura was gone. I was now 15 minutes late for the meeting. At MY HOUSE.
For some reason, it was just enough to make my good day now an average day. I didn't have any fun errands to do (is that not mothers salvation or is it just me?) and had to resume normal, boring Mom duties. Cleaning up, laundry, grocery shopping, more cleaning up, making meals, asking over and over again for said children to eat these meals, clean that up, blah, blah, blah.... not even food would brighten my mood (I know! Hands on cheeks in amazement). Some days these daily things are fine- today was one of the days where it's arduous.
I did try hard to think of my 'thankfuls' and I actually had them popping up all around me today. You'd think that would snap me out of my ho-hum state. So! Tomorrow I am going to try and be better... maybe I am too focused on just getting things done. My things done. And overlooking less obvious, more important things.
So here is what I have chosen to make my five:
1) Hearing "Jingle Bells" at Costco today. It sounded so fun and peppy! And then finally leaving that aisle because it was getting annoying...
2) Being safe today. Sometimes normalcy is a huge blessing in disguise.
3) Not collapsing on my bike this morning after nearly two weeks of being sick
4) Hearing my husband come home from work
5) Taking a hot shower (but not too long. Conserve, conserve!)

Today I was thankful for

1) The kids bedtime
2) The sunset. Don't you love how it looks outside when the sky is pink?
3) The smell of baked goods in your house (Sunday is my weakness!)
4) The church and my testimony of it
5) Scott being upstairs while I took a nice swig of super cold milk from the jug...I mean, I am not sick anymore so I can readopt my attractive habit.

Today I was thankful for...

1) Feeling better!
2) A clean kitchen counter
3) Elliet's no-spaces, inventive sentences that accompany her artwork
4) Make Up
5) Having enough milk in the fridge for tomorrow so I don't have to hit the store tonight

November 2nd Thankfuls

My entry for TODAY:
1) The smell of fresh garlic when you are hungry at dinnertime.
2) My good friend who I call many times a day to reach my adult conversation quota. Poor girl...
3) My Dad. I had to ask him something quickly today and he is always so positive and funny.
4) This amazing weather! Went to the park with the kids and it was sunny and 75 amid golden trees and falling leaves. Beautiful! I also was thankful for the friends that met me there. They were what I needed.
5) Best for last, my husband. I finally got our Halloween movie uploaded and every time I watch it, I just laugh at how funny he is. He is so witty and sarcastic and never ceases to bring me to tears with silly comments of his. I am extremely grateful for that comedic gland he was blessed with.

By the by, I forgot to mention earlier that if you are all bored reading these, by all means, contribute! Post some of your Thankfuls and share your mad love skillz.

Too Much Of A Good Thing

Wow- YouTube is far too friendly. They make it so easy! I couldn't resist sharing our 2006 movie, too. I should have done this for October! Starring our hilarious friend, Darren. You can't help but like him more after his acting debut. What a stud!

It's Time

Our Halloween Movie for 2007

The Finer Things

I started this blog for two reasons:
1) Keeping my family and far away friends up to date on us and
2) An excuse for a journal since I am not doing any other kind of life log at the moment.

Based on the latter point I had an idea a few weeks ago.
With the holidays approaching (and now they are here), I wanted to have that warm-fuzzy feeling of joy all throughout so it would be a season like the ones I remember having as a kid.
I did a challenge years ago where I wrote down 5 things I was grateful for at the end of my day. Some of them were silly, some were serious- but it really enriched my life and kept my point of view in a good place. November is way too focused on Christmas. I mean, don't get me wrong- I love Christmas! But I feel sad for Thanksgiving and it's important purpose. How can Christmas be great if we are overlooking the humility and grabbing the shiny packages to look for our name?
So I figured that this would be a great place for me to share this challenge again! And you poor readers are going to have to suffer through my top five every day. Well, I am going to try and do it every day....
I am not off to a good start because I didn't even do it yesterday, November 1st! So today you will get two. I will begin with my five from yesterday because, even though I never posted them, I did think of them.

Thankfuls for November 1:
1)Preschool. Having two hours alone in my house is priceless.
2)Music. I am glad it adapts and progresses and keeps me moving.
3)Health. I am feeling better from earlier this week, but not great. It will feel good to exercise again. I can't wait to raise my heart rate and not get a headache from it.
4) My kids soft skin. I love to kiss those cheeks covered in super-fine, soft peach fuzz!
5) Glazed Donuts. Curse Scott and his Halloween leftover Winchells! I had to throw the rest away or I'd eat them all... but what I did eat was divine!