Easter

Easter for me as a kid was a happy day. We got baskets of candy, decorated eggs, had egg hunts with our cousins, etc.
But I do remember the year the Easter Bunny really did come to our house.....
We went to church as usual but when we came home... we found evidence everywhere of trespassing. First there were muddy footprints on the floor ALL OVER THE HOUSE (in retrospect, I bet this bugged my Mom a little, knowing she'd have to mop it all up- but we loved it!). And near the footprints were little gnawed carrots and poop (probably tootsie rolls???).
We followed the path to the back dining room and found the table elaborately dripping with Easter baskets, presents and goodies. It was so awesome. And us kids knew our parents were at church with us, so it had to have been the real Easter Bunny (my parents finally gave in and told my brother and I that my Aunt and Uncle had done it). It was so fun!
So every Easter I think of that year and consider... should I do that? My kids would LOVE it! They are the perfect age for it. And then I think about the work and decide I'll do it next year and grab some cheap plastic eggs, couple bags of candy and call it good. My kids are the luckiest in the whole world!
But we did have a fun day. Besides a little candy, the EB tossed in a cheap umbrella. Ahem- the EB saw them at Target in the $1 section- Hello!? I love that section. And they are spring-ish, right? I don't know what it is with kids and umbrellas. They love them and thrash them to bits. So, hooray for the $1 brellas, brothas.
Then we did the hunt in the yard. Last year, to make the looting "even", I put the kids pictures on their individual eggs. Yeah. That didn't work. They all scrambled to get them no matter who they belonged to. And I'm glad I saved myself the effort this year because they did the same thing, only Sadie is getting smarter and she actually checked the eggs to see what was inside... and put some back! What is she expecting? Godiva?
Dying the eggs is always fun. I love dyeing eggs. I have to use extreme restraint because I want to do half of them myself! It's fun to watch them scribble with crayons and then dump them into four consecutive colors. They turned out splendid as always. I especially love Sadie's blue egg on the far right. It's her "Triops! With three eyes!", she says to me over and over. I think I have They Might Be Giants to thank for that one (It's a good song).
They only lasted about 10 minutes and then we ended up eating half of them. Memo to me: Always boil MORE eggs.
Happy Easter!

Newport 2008

(Warning: Family trip photos and stories)
Hi there! ...after a week of no blogging. Sorry, I know I have been inconsistent. I have nothing fantastic to report for my absence, except for some highlights from our annual Spring Break trip we take with Scott's family in Newport. We left last weekend and first stopped in Corona to see our good friends, the Hills. J & B were our family while we lived in St. Louis and it's a darn shame we don't get together with them more often, being only three hours away. The kids are close in age and had a great time hooting around the house together. The four adults talked constantly until we left. It was like no time had passed. Thanks, Hills, for your awesome hospitality and letting us invade for a day. We loved it!
Next stop, Newport Coast. It always takes a day or so to settle, so after our grocery store stops and unloading everything.... we have had a great week of relaxation. Mostly.
Tuesday we went to Disneyland for the second time with the kids. This time I was more worn out. Had the newness bubble popped? It's the 'Happiest place on earth'? I'd like to see the statistics on that... because the ratio of time waiting in line for a 90 second span is not happiness. So I propose that they put some of their marketing brilliance into the line waiting itself. Serve drinks, cold grapes, have little sliding stools for us to roll on as we progress through the line (small liability issue here), maybe have some street performers blowing fire, comedy acts, that sort of thing. THEN talk to me about it being a happy place. And kids are troopers to tolerate this. Mine freak out when I put the ketchup too close to the chicken...yet they exhume patience for Pooh. Go figure. But it was still fun (on the rides) and being with Scott's family was great. We stayed for a long time and the weather was beautiful. Here are some snippets from the days fun: (with commentary. Totally! Who's blog are you reading?!)
First of all, how cute is that picture of Elliet and Lucas in the teacups! That is such a magical ride, day or night. I loved the colored light swirling around our heads as the kids tried to gasp for air between giggling. What a memory.

Character sighting!! The kids got to see Mickey, Jen and I got a picture with Goofy. (Harsh? Don't sympathize yet- make sure you look at his face)











I actually like the Dumbo ride. But today they kept having technical difficulties while we were IN the actual line. So.... about 70 minutes later, Sadie and I picked the purple one. But look at her face.... no matter!









Here are Tyler and Sadie in a happy moment. At the happiest place on earth. I am happy that they are happy.









The next days have been a blur of laziness and last minute planning. We have been swimming far too much at the pool, The girls went shopping, the boys went to the BYU game, I took the kids to the mall to ride the carousel (it was broken in Fantasy Land), running on newly discovered nearby trails, cycling, and we hit the beach.
I am still trying to get familiar with this area and am excited to find new things each time we come.
I will say though how great this land is that we live. Talk about seeing opportunity everywhere you turn and it's abundant. We are blessed to live in this country and it's beauty. Thank you, California- our family had a great time.

Darn That Ina!

The cookbook arrived.
I had ingredients!
Made the cupcakes.
They are fattening.
Ate some batter.
Baked the cupcakes.
Made the frosting.
That's fattening, too.
Cooled the cupcakes.
Frosted the cupcakes.
Topped with coconut.
Mouth watering now.
Ate SOME cupcakes (not 'a', SOME!)
They are fabulous!
My stomach hurts.
I am ashamed.
(and now fatter)

Spring Weeeee the 2nd

I found this on the back of Elliet's homework

Smart Yer Kiddies

Good, tolerable kids material is sometimes hard to find.
And it's even harder to find something educational, entertaining, COOL to look at and FUN to listen to.
They Might Be Giants released their "Here Come The ABC's" a while back and we have worn through three copies. By the by, I now know more about conifer trees and "QU". Go Mom.
But now they have released "Here Come The 123's"! It's super nifty and does not disappoint. The songs are groovy and the edgy animation and videos are so creative. I mean, there is even a song in there about 'High Five' that sings 'Down low, too slow' and 'Keep it cool, old school'. Are you kidding? You must own that!
These are certainly something I get caught watching with the kiddies (and maybe listening to in my car.... without the kids). Go grab ye one, maties!

Spring Weeeee

You know that feeling when you first start to slip down a tall slide? I mean, I know it's not like you have done this recently... but it's exhilarating enough to not forget. Better yet, coming down on a roller coaster. It's fun in your future! A an immediate rush!
(or sushi up your throat)
Spring is doing that to me this year. I think the weather change is the cause for this new motivation and inspiration. I love it!
One fun thing we recently did is start Elliet in Soccer. I must confess that by the time I signed her up, we missed the deadline so our coach friend fit her on his all boy team. Is that weird? I hope she won't stand out too much in her bright pink shorts...She had a great time though and knew some of the boys from her class. I think Scott was a little more excited than she was...

We are heading to Newport this weekend. My list keeps growing of things I want to do with the "down time" that is a probably a pipe dream. Is it too ambitious to decide in two days what embroidery machine I want to get and buy it so I can learn how to use it down there? And do some Pysanky Easter eggs while the kids do their Paas? And read a book? And watercolor? And ride my bike? AND try some new recipes because my cookbook came!? Hello coconut cupcakes! Oooh goodness, here comes the spicy tuna.... slow down, sister.

But I am still going down the slide....
We return home, I face Enrichment night and THEN.... I am heading to Utah for a noble and virtuous purpose. Elliet will miss two school days for this purpose.... to see my family, who I love dearly, but alas- it is a deeper conviction of devotion in my reason for travel. Vampire Weekend play Monday, the 31st. Happy FHE! Rich and I are going to hop like happy Easter bunnies. Oh, such great music coming forth this Spring from some awesome bands. I can tell this year is going to be a good one.

My Brother

Us, The Saguaro and You

Scott and I left on Sunday to New Mexico for a couple of days...
okay, not really. Are you kidding? We never go anywhere. :)
This is just the end of our Tucson pics that I wasn't able to POST until now. I also promised a little snippet from my fake 8th grade level Saguaro report so hold onto your seats!

First, the remaining deets on what we did.
Mountain biking on Monday. This was so fun. The only thing that was frustrating was not having shoes to clip in so my feet kept falling off the pedals (I got a nice whack on my shin to prove it). Great fun, though... I may need to pursue this a little more at home....?
Our last hike before we left on Tuesday took us up to an old house still standing with fireplace and all. Anyone want to camp?
It was really peaceful up there around the sa-HWUAR-o (C'mon... say it throaty now...)

And speaking of our prickly friends, here is a little documentation that Scott and I decided to put together during the trip. We liked how all of them looked like friendly cartoon people waving as you passed by, so this, dear students, is a small glimpse into the world of friendly saguaro behavior. It's educational! It's astounding! It's the beauty of the Saguaro.
Now, quietly observe.... or crunch loudly on potato chips- who cares!

The "Hug"
Awww, aren't they ceeeuuute....












The "Postcard"
Self explanatory.












The "Underwear Model"
A close friend to the postcard, but a little stuck up (Stuck! Get it?). These were few and far between, but pretty much close to the picture perfect example with no holes or cellulite bumps. Brat.












The 'Twins"!












The "Challenged"
I know. Sorry- A little PG-13 but Scott could not stop giggling and said I had to include this specimen.












The "Parent"
The Saguaro enjoy their children almost as much as humans. They can also be a handful and weigh you down.

To Jean or not to Jean

I know. So fickle, that fashion... yet some questions must be asked.
I have wanted some white jeans for over a year now. They were around.... oh yes... and I tried them on to the frustrating results going one of two ways: I would either look like I was getting ready for a Poison concert (too tight) or look like a painter (too big).
I want to look like Ms. Snazzy Slim in this image here. But they have to fit just right. So a few weeks ago, I think I finally find the perfect pair and Scott just flat out said No. He quickly referred to point #1 above and said that chino's/trousers would be the way to go. So do tell. What do you think I should do? I like the pants... but they are a tad on the 'nice' side and since all the kids these days are wearing hip black jeans, I think white ones would look groovy. Thoughts???

Sneaky Peeky

Amid this dark time of no internet service, I have made a discovery (Nice that it's two weeks late!).
There is a happy corner in my living room that receives a strong wireless signal (from my neighbor next door). And now I can put it to good use.... Blogging!
So first, things of late that I am quite fond of.
Item Uno: Check out this brilliantly designed mug. The radiator-style fins stay cool to the touch while holding hot.... whatever. So awesome, yes? A little spacey and mod, like something from Star Wars (specifically Leia's ship- so cool inside).

Next... I can't remember where I heard this, but I have heard that the Barefoot Contessa coconut cupcake mix is to die for. And they should be, because this little box has been at least $10, sometimes more, where I have seen it for sale. Plus, it only makes 10 or 12. I also heard that they are something the adults indulge in and not to waste on the kiddies.... so I bought one and tried it out.
Me, oh my. The buzz was right and they are soooooo good. To avoid this new addiction (and expensive habit), I did some research and learned that this recipe is in her cook book... which I already bought and it's on it way to my house. So have no fear. I will bake, taste, compare and post my review. And don't hate me once you have had this heaven touch your lips because life will be forever changed.

Finally, you've gotta love Crate & Barrel. I love cupcakes (and now coco ones) but I must admit, I have never stood in my kitchen after baking two dozen beauties with my Donna Reed apron, touched my chin and said, "Why, how ever will I get these delicious cupcakes to little Jonny's party?" Well, here is your answer. And I am a sucker like the rest and bought one. Look, even the image had coconut cupcakes sitting happily inside! I couldn't say no!

Next... Spring Fashion wants and wonders.... like... I wonder what they were thinking!

The modem is still not here. Short version: It breaks, I call Embarq, they say I will receive one in a few days.
Fast forward a few days. I call Embarq to check on it. And do you know what they say? They tell me they can't find a record of one on it's way and they are 'so sorry' and are NOW sending me one. We wait. It should be here by now. Today I call again and what do they tell me? That they 'can't find a record of one on it's way and they are 'so sorry' and are NOW sending me one. AGAIN. I nearly blew up on the phone but that is what Scott is for so I just pleaded for them to call me back with a UPS tracking number this time. I will also call them tomorrow to MAKE SURE. Is it pathetic how much I rely on this funnel of life? I don't care. I need it fixed now. SO! I am back at the bookstore today and will probably come back tonight to maximize my 24 hour internet pass. If I do, watch for major bloggage- I have so many posts backed up in my brain and they are about to come forth in abundance.
Other than that drama, things around here have been semi-normal. I've got enrichment coming up so that takes some attention, but the weather (as I mentioned last time) is warming and so helping my mood.
Our weekend was fun. Saturday morning we warmed the hot tub and let the kids swim. They picked up right where they left off from last summer in their mad swimming skillz (granted they were in a 9x9 area, but still...) and didn't have to hear my normal yelling of no splashing or spitting like they do in the bathtub. Ahhh family- peace and harmony.
Then we joined some friends on a hike up at Red Rock. The snow is melting up there and the waterfalls actually have water falling, so we packed a lunch and went. It was pretty aside from all the other people who had the same idea. :)
Scott was off yesterday so we went up there again for a little hike and explored a canyon... or rivine... or something. It was beautiful but a tad treacherous... But wow- I will never tire of this natural orange color against a blue sky. So vibrant and bright. And there is little Scotty contemplating his ascent (which he did and almost broke his ankle). I included two shots of this: one to show Captain Scotty and the other to show the colors I muse on and on about.












When we picked up the kids, they were evidently learning about the letter "P", as all these Pirates came rushing out the door. I thought Luke looked so cute!!! And how about that parrot on the shoulder? Shut up- it's so adorable. Luke, the scurvy mate.
Now I must part ways with online life again. Farewell, my love, until next time.