Peach Me

I love peaches.
When I was a little girl, we would visit my Grandma in Mesa and she would thinly slice perfectly ripe peaches, add a little sugar and put them in a bowl, then place them in her really cold fridge to eat whenever. That fridge was so cold so the best part is they would freeze a little bit and get icey. Yum-my. Late summer peaches always make me nostalgic for her method.
Though they are the greatest au naturale, I normally only take advantage of them for the typical recipes like desserts, jam, desserts, ice cream or desserts, this recipe caught my attention and it is really good so it's worth trying yourself. It's called "Grilled Peaches over Arugula with Goat Cheese and Prosciutto". No mystery there...Like a preview that tells you the entire movie.
BTW-I tried the suggestion of cooking the prosciutto so it's crispy to add some texture to the salad and it was great. Enjoy!

Back At It

Here we go! Say goodbye to summer. It's been such a beautiful and relaxing three months. I'm a little sad to have summer ending. School has begun for Elliet (Twins don't start preschool for another couple of weeks), soccer practice started and I'm doing homework again. That is your natural Tylenol PM right there. If you're ever, like, trapped in some castle and need to trick the guards to escape, just ask them to help you with homework. Holy cow I always get so sleepy while sitting there waiting for her to circle the pictures or whatever. Hooray for school. :-I
Elliet was excited to be a first grader. Well, as excited as she can get anyway. She was happy to see friends and seemed quite comfortable with it all. The first day is always pandemonium at the school since nearly every parent is there to see them off. Kids were all over the playground while we waited for the bell to ring. Luke, showing me how he could slide down the pole, was one of the loudest at yelling "MooooomY!", so that was dandy. And you know what else was fun? Looking at some of the parents. Like the size zero blonde with too-small very low jeans on (jeans!!! It was already over 95 degrees!) showing some you-know-what (rhymes with stack), tattoos and a tiny tank top. Um, what are you dressed up for? Are you gonna show the kids somethin' on that pole over there? Just your average school Mom in Las Vegas. Pay no mind. But Elliet had a great day and has adjusted right back to the routine. She's even already dragging her new backpack across the blacktop. Thaaat's great.
Soccer started and we are trying to decide if we should keep her in or substitute Luke in her place (on a boys team, of course). She's seems to have an okay time, but just not that enthused. We may stick with Dance. We'll see. Scott says she's just not into it.... he said, "You know who she is like?" and he pointed at me, saying she is more interested in observing patterns in the grass or watching shadows than listening to the coach. Ah.

So you know how I said I had so much going on this past week? Well here are some details. On top of getting some design work done for the Mount Charleston Hill Climb our team is doing this Saturday, I was trying to fit in getting a poster ready and classes organized for our next Enrichment that had to be announced on Sunday. I worked a while Sat. night and on Sunday morning to get everything ready. And you know what? 1.5 hours before church I received a phone call to come see the Bishop. And guess what happened, people? We got released. Yes, the R.S. pres of greatness is no more. I have mixed feelings about it but seriously! Why could they not have given me a heads up so I didn't fulfill my duty to the end? Then Monday, the handle on my dishwasher fell off. Monday night I went to get my groceries and the car wouldn't start. Tuesday I fixed the car and then later that day Luke and Sadie found my camera. Ahhh, yes. You see where this is going? Do you see the photos to your right? Do you hear the sad violin? It's the looming soundtrack foretelling tragedy. There I was, in the kitchen, and I could hear the twins laughing and all giggles and I was a suckered into it's cuteness and smiling..... but then it turned bad very fast as I paused to notice the other sounds that I recognized... what was that beeping sound.... so familiar.... my camera? Are they taking pictures with my camera? And as I started to turn the corner, it was too late. I was running, arms outstretched in slow motion as I leapt into the air all matrix-like and tried to catch the camera before it fell to the floor. But I was too late (and too lazy because I didn't really do that) and it was over. It's done. The camera is busted. These pictures are the last from it. So! There is the update on my life. Stay tuned for more. :-)

Lake Powell 2008

WOW! I am so late posting....but better late than never.
I have good reasons. Really, I do. I had great intentions to post soon after getting home but then life happened. I think this has been one of the most busy weeks I have had all year. It has seriously been like 'finish that appointment, 10 minutes to get home, grab that, go make copies to drop off at the next place, help with this, change kids in the car for dance class that we are late for, hurry home to eat dinner and go to soccer'..... agh. Way to busy after a vacation like this. So let's focus, class, on the past. Let's wallow in the good that was. Because it was great and I presently choose to "...Hold on to the night... hold on to the memory..." (are you singing it? that elevator 80's ballad? Who was that....I just cheated and looked it up. Richard Marx! Juls, if you own this don't reveal it to me....) Anyway, as I was saying before I so rudely interrupted myself....
(I know, you have missed me, yes?)
I have a lot of pictures of the trip so I whipped up a delicious web album you can view here if you so desire. Though, read the deets first and it will explain some of the heppeneens.
This trip was great. It was a rare and special occasion as it was the entire Patch Fam + spouses and NO KIDS. This is getting nearly impossible to do so it was great to have it work out and be together again. We immediately set in to our old habits of harassing each other and laughing at everything. Our poor in-laws must wonder what they married into but we sure think they are a great fit!
As soon as we arrived not a moment of fun was wasted. We busted out the Guitar Hero, applied temporary tattoos (Rich wanted a custom by yours truly so I worked my magic with a sharpie...and hey, try that at home because it was practically gone the next day, absorbed into Rich's bloodstream and probably growing a sharpie tumor) and changed immediately into uniform: the bathingsuit. The next morning we drove the boat out to a beach. And yes, I have a photo to document, but us women actually had a Halloween planning meeting. We did. I know. Pathetic. It's shameful. It's August. But we did it anyway and it was great fun.
Once we beached, we had some great relaxing days. We played volleyball on the beach, did diving tricks off the back (I tried many a time to do a back dive.... yeah, never nailed it and entertained the lot a plenty. Thank you Julia for not posting those pictures), watched movies, did ONE puzzle...a hellish tradition but we can't stop, lounged and sunned while listening to music, explored canyons, went surfing, painted nails, ate snow cones, etc. The second night there we had an incredible sunset and full moon rise over the rock skyline. It was so beautiful that we ended up spending most of the evening sitting on the top of the boat watching the sky. As it got darker (and after Marty did a jump off the tippy-top of the boat), we ditched the idea of a fire on the beach and did s'mores on the grill while watching the pop corn clouds coast past the moon. SO SO incredible. One of the most beautiful nights I have ever experienced there. We even whipped out the telescope and saw the four moons of Jupiter! And then guess what? We all went to bed and at 2am woke up to a crazy storm blowing through. Very exciting, all this. It blew the puzzle away. Shame.
We were scheduled to head home on Saturday but we all worked out staying one more day (except Mom and Dad- we missed you!) so we gave Guitar Hero one more loud work out. Rich, you are a great Gpartner. "YYZ" has never been so fun. Maybe Santa will give me that this year since he didn't want me to have it last year because he thought I would waste my time playing it too much and not do my mothering duties.... er something like that....
Thank you wonderful, fun, amazing family for all taking the time off to be together. It was SO fun and great to go again together, just like our summers growing up. XOXOXO!

Powell 2008

PB Kids Redemption

Elliet needs a new backpack. We have shopped for one for weeks; looking online and Target, etc. She kept telling me she wanted a princess one (ugh). I finally agreed but when she picked the one she wanted, I just couldn't bring myself to spend $20 on it because A) it was not well made and would not last the abuse she puts them through and B) they are short-tem so I tried again to talk her out of it. I know, what's the harm? The harm is this: they are lame. Plain is the way to go, at least with my kids whose interests change as fast as their kindness to each other. SO! (hang in there- I know this is boring but I am getting to the point) We went to Pottery Barn Kids because she saw the polka dot backpacks in their catalog. Now, I haven't been to PB Kids in a while. They have okay stuff- but so much of it seems to repeat in style so I don't check it out unless I am looking for something. Well, in we walk today and they had these new desks. Cool, yes?! I like the modern, clean top and the traditional, vintage legs. They come in a great green, candy-apple red or white and it's super-glossy, enamel like paint... nice and shiny. I want to get the white one for Elliets green room... but am also considering the candy red. Anyway, very cool. I got the twins rooms pretty much put together months ago but Elliet's has been neglected for a while. This may be the motivation I need to revamp.
And how great are these pillows??? I love the guitar one. Am I too old to have a plush accessory like these on my bed?

And last but not least! They have Halloween products online!!! (PB kids only- not on PB yet... Oh yeah, I'm on it)

Pirates, Vampires and Leotards, Oh My!

Oy, Scallywags.... updates from this week are very exciting!
Well, perhaps not as exciting as my book THAT I FINALLY FINISHED. I kept my comments in their proper place, so scroll down to that post if you want to read my review. But it's true- my life is not as exciting. Nice to have it done so I can return to said life of normalcy...of grocery shopping, picking up after people, refereeing childish squabbles....sigh....
So anyway, something monumental has finally occurred: Elliet lost her first tooth! It has become very wiggly and she was trying to wiggle it out when it dropped on the floor and she stood up with it wearing a triumphant smile! We squealed and laughed at the cool pirate faces she could now make in the mirror (she has also adopted that trick where you squish your tongue in the space and have a 'tongue tooth'). This is why she is standing with a sword and mean face in the photo. Arg. She then promptly lost the tooth when she took it downstairs to show Dad. But I don't think it bothered her; it made sense that she could explain to the tooth fairy what happened and she'd get her 'dollars' for a toy anyway. Which begs the question...What is the going rate these days anyway? How generous is the Tooth Fairy? I need to know because she is finishing her letter!

I am behind on this one because I haven't had pictures until this week, but I signed up the girls for Ballet/Tap class a few weeks ago and we stayed and watched this week. It was so cute to see her flit around in her tights and skirt. All those girls trotting around after the teacher. And more funny to watch her not pay any attention in her own little world.
Elliet and Luke stayed in the doorway to watch. As you can see, Lucas was taking the observations to heart and trying his own attempt at the "Heel, Toe, Step" tap instructions. All the parents were giggling at him. Yeah, that's my boy. Scott would be so proud.
Anyway, very fun to watch her so I had to include a few pictures here. Like that one where her skirt is up to her armpits!? Awesome. Money well spent, I say....

As for the rest of this week, not much to update on other than reading. Oh- well, we did get our new snow cone flavors and had some friends come and help us try them ALL out on a nice summer evening (read nine flavors. Nine!). Now I know what to bring to Powell next week (um, not the Peach. Blech.)
And I rode my bike through the Red Rock loop twice in a row. Not impressive to some who read this blog since they do that like, three times a day up-hill-both-ways blah blah blah... I don't know how some people ride as long as they do. I was aching coming home and really wanting a huge pancake breakfast. And then I go out this morning for a chill ride and totally wiped out. I'll have a nice raspberry the size of a plate on my hip to deal with for a week. I'm even typing funny right this moment so as not so spread my neosporin-weeping elbow wound all over my desk. You know you love it. All these gorey details. I am just preparing you for the holiday that is coming around the corner. Should I take some gruesome pictures at Powell? Should I? As Richard would say,
"Waaait for it......"

Design Appetite

Thank goodness for creative people! My mind has been in too many places lately (and the book has not been helping in my efforts of order), but I am looking forward to school starting, having a routine and more time to create and experiment. I even have an art blog idea formulating which will show progress, ideas and thoughts. I know. You can't wait. Buy your tickets early.
In the meantime, some products that I dig right now:
J. A. does it again. This elephant bank is so cool. I am always impressed with the products he churns out. Very inspiring and clever. The textures of his pottery are classic mid-century and have great modern style and this simple coin bank is no exception. Darn him. I want it.
And the pillow. This collage look is becoming popular. Have you noticed it cropping up in ads and other prints??? I want to try something using this trend but haven't decided on what to make yet. I think the gun image included with the others is what makes this cool. Maybe if I cut out a bunch of cool silhouettes in vinyl and put them on a wood panel.... maybe some resin.... maybe some paint..... yes, yes, I like where this is going....




And this plate. Do I love Octopi? Not necessarily, but I think this plate is sickeningly cool. I love how the negative space is the flat color and the image in wood grain. Reminds me of an artist I saw a while ago who did some paintings with this idea. Hm. That reminds me I wanted to try that. Hmmm.... project #2 on the art blog....I'll just run to Home Depot now and grab that wood and case of time.

Yes. Already.

I know. But I have learned the hard way that you look for bathing suits in January and boots now. Why, you ask? Because it's so freaking hard to find cool boots. Perhaps I will concede to agree that I am very specific in what I want and so far I haven't found much. Nine West has come pretty close, though. So I'm putting out my SOS to my small, ahh...but tasteful! audience in helping keep an eye out.
I like the shape of these, mostly the dark brown because a square toe has a little toughness to it, but that's it. No cool seaming or detailing or anything interesting. Put these under jeans and it could be some plain, boring shoe. Alas, I wish they were available in tan or olive suede.
Either way, get shopping fer yer kickers now, kiddies!

Time To Talk

Okay.
Yes, It's pathetic but I have my nose in this when I can just like half the other women out there right now. Well, maybe most of them are done but my life won't allow that so I'm only halfway through.
And TONS of stuff JUST HAPPENED when I stopped last night so it's time for me to vent a little.
***Here is how this will work: I am going to start my thoughts in the comments section because it will contain spoilers, so avert your innocent eyes unless you are prepared to read.....***

Hungtington Happiness

Scott went to Scout Camp early Monday morning and wasn't going to be back until Wednesday night. My friend invited us (me+the kids) to join her again in Huntington for a few days.... Um... YES. Though, I was a little concerned that she wouldn't get much of a relaxing vacation around my "energetic" family... in fact I still wonder if she did.... but we had a great time doing quite a lot of nothing. I love that place.
When we arrived on Monday, we decided to walk over to the beach and just meander. I didn't want to get the kids all dressed in suits, sun block, haul umbrella's and snacks, etc. until the next day. Well, so much for that. They were not shy and within minutes were soaked from playing in the waves and pouring sand in each others pants. Nice. Michelle ended up going back to the house and grabbing some towels after all. Then we walked home and washed them off on the shower they have on the side of the house. People, that is a cool thing, is it not? If I lived by the beach I would probably do that every day, sand or no. It feels awesome to shower in warm water outside. Why is that? Granted, before you think I am crazy, it is completely fenced in and private..... except for the telescope sitting on a neighboring deck but whatever....so back to my point, the kids LOVED this showering-outside-by-the-garage thing and I loved not tracking in that mess through the house. Win-win. Now they were prepared for the rest of the week because that's all they asked to do when we would get home. It has inspired me to hang my hose on the side of my house. Do you think it will be received the same way? dribbling 58 degree hose water? no?
Tuesday morning Michelle went on a bike ride so I took the kids on an errand to the Container Store. When I came back she told me about the earthquake and wondered if I had felt it. NO! I was in the car and didn't feel a thing. Kind of a bummer. Would have been all crazy like to see those 'containers' falling off the tall shelves and people screaming. I could have used that to scare the kids into being better or something... 'The wrath of God is upon you for not sharing." Ah well. For the better I suppose. We ate lunch and went back to the beach heavily laden with our goods: chairs, towels and swimming suits. The people watching never disappoints (my kids definitely contribute to this- Luke's suit was barely holding on half the time and his little sandy crack got some neighboring giggles). Ahhhh....I don't need to tell you how nice it is. Waves, sun, breeze. Thanks, Michelle. I needed it.
We basically played at the beach, played at some fun local parks and ate lots of good food for three days. I also discovered a place nearby that has shaved ice. Oh yes, it is the real thing. The kind of shaver I wanted but, you know, couldn't really justify an industrial level snow shaver for the back yard, so hooray for the discovery. New traditions for future trips to come simply must include this.


I managed to get in one bike ride on Wednesday morning which was therapeutic to my soul. Overcast skies, warm temps and Fleet Foxes in my ears to meditate. I kept stopping and taking photos with my phone along the way. This is one of my favorites. I liked the look of all these life guard stations (if that is what they are, I'm not sure) empty on the bare beach. We live in a beautiful world and I experienced a lot of emotion on that ride. I don't recommend crying while moving at 18 mph.... not so safe. :-)
Anyway, we are safely home and reunited with Scott who had a fun time but was glad to be home in a real bed. Now we catch up for another week and head off to Powell next week sans kiddies. I. simply. can't. wait. Then we're home for a week and then ELLIET STARTS SCHOOL on the 25th. Um, where did that summer go in 2008 because I can't find it. I thought it would be pretty flat with not much to do and lots of lazy afternoons swimming at pals houses and late night outdoor chats with friends. But there simply wasn't enough. Time to squeeze in what we can with what's left. Anyone up for a pool date?

All Aboard

Welcome to Vegas! Censored, but still Vegas.
The twins have put some good use to their new stickers. Our rule is stickers go only on paper, but Sadie challenged me and asked if they could put their stickers on their hands and tummy. I approved and look at what happened. We are all about modesty in the Leaver household. I was laughing so hard. The best part is the sticker on Luke's belly button. Ahem. Choo Choo!