Yes, I'm That Shallow

Um.... these are seriously so hot. Plum croc? I need an occasion! The Bond movie premiere? Call Daniel Craig and tell him I am available. And I'll exit the limo, gracefully wrap my arm around his elbow and walk on the red carpet, smiling and then trip on the 4 3/4" heel, slamming into some paparazzi, tear my dress and break a tooth.
Yeah. Better not get them.

... I mean, it's not like the near $400 price tag is the thing keeping me away (holy cow!) or the fact that I can't really wear these to Costco... no... it's not that.... it's strictly for red carpet safety because I get those invitations all the time....

Mom Ferea

So....
Do you remember a while ago when Elliet lost her first tooth? And she lost it in the area rug downstairs so we had told her to write a letter explaining the unfortunate incident and all would be well.
Well, I am kind of a lame Mom because I wasn't very good at following up on this monumental time in life and we never got around to writing her letter. Even she didn't really care. But someone cared last Saturday night..... our babysitter. Yep. And Elliet wrote her cute little note and put it under her pillow. But guess what? Guess who didn't know about the letter? the actual tooth fairy... i.e. the lame Mom! And how sad it is to find out when Elliet morosely came to me on Sunday morning to show me that the tooth fairy didn't come because (as she presented the evidence to me) "Here is my letter.". Thinkfastthinkfastthinkfast! So I took her letter and read it and told her it was a wonderful note but it doesn't explain who it's for, so the tooth fairy couldn't come because she thought it was for someone else. (Whew!!) She was relieved, added the title to the bottom (do you like that fairy spelling? Ferea... It's like Fo-Real. She's writin' all 'wack') and we returned it to her pillow that night. Now, you'd think that this would teach Scott and I a lesson. It didn't. Oh we clean forgot about that letter and then Monday morning I walked in the door from my bike ride right as Scott was leaving for work and he asked me in alarm if I had a dollar. Oops! Thank goodness he has some great father talent because he played it so smooth.
Scott, enters her room and asks, "Hey Elliet! Did the tooth fairy come? Let's see!"
Elliet rolls over and remembers, her face lights up and lets Dad lift the pillow and pretend to "pick up" the money and shows it to her.
Oh My Goodness! Too much stress, this tooth fairy thing. Now I promise to write that dang letter the day those things fall out so I can be done with it. :-)
And like all good stories, they end with riding off in the sunset. This is close because it's what Elliet drew on the back of her paper during Primary class Sunday. Not bad, eh?







PS- ANNOUNCING MY ART BLOG! Who needs a big hoo-rah. Not simple me. The link is on the left. Have a gander and let me know what you think.

What Runs In Vegas

I think I have already posted this shirt before but I am doing it again. It is so freaking great and I ordered it a while ago but I didn't like the shirt itself so I returned it. Yet I still want one.
I do think it's quite apropos for running in this crazy town.
I am doing a running relay with some friends next year and suggested this name for our team.... and this shirt fits, so we should wear it!

Chilling Chocolate

How cool are these chocolate skulls!??! Happy Halloween indeed.

Fetching Cool Fashion

Is this not one of the most fun times to shop or what!? This season always gets me excited for new layers and textures. Some popularities I am loving this year are houndstooth, herringbone and tweeds. I know, it's not that uncommon for a 'fall trend' but for some reason this year it's a little more bold. Kind of vintage, kind of regal.... um, kind of wicked awesome!? And the guys have it especially good! I was drooling looking at Scott's GQ. (((Which we don't actually subscribe to but somehow receive a subscription and I secretly get excited when it comes because I'm actually interested in the cool way men should roll up their sleeves and such. And, well, I enjoy the well dressed----um, reading the articles.... ))). But seriously.... they have it good this year. Cool, rich colors and prints. Yes, professor! It's harder to find for the females but I am on the hunt.
And, maybe I am crazy, but I kind of want something a little Indian in style. But I don't know what. Scott rolls his eyes at this desire of mine... thinks I'll start wearing a feather headdress or something. But my Mom inherited some cool Indian jewelry from her parents when they passed away and I am craving some big, silver cuffs with red turquoise or something.... maybe a cool scarf? I'm not digging the tassle-y moccasins, though. Maybe if I had a fire pit in my back yard to hop around.... So! I know some of my readers are very fashion savvy and have cool observations and cravings of your own. What is your fall de jour?

Avast, Ye Milksops!

It be International Talk Like A Pirate Day! This is something that warms me heart.... and ye darn well better be doin' it. Think I be yankin' yer beard? Think again! Looky here for proof ya need and yer see I be telling no lie.
So let's see how good ye scallywags ar-r-r-r-re.... I invite ye all to comment in yer best pirate ways to give some good laughs to us fellow mateys.
If ye be in need of some inspar-r-r-r-ation, ye can read one of me favorite SNL skits here....it be one of the best me eyes ever saw. Or if ye be the learnin' type, study here with yer one good eye.
Now post, ye bilge rats!

All Things Halloween

So... A couple of weeks ago I am at my parents house and us girls decided to take advantage of some together time and fit in a little Halloween craft. Naturally we needed some atmosphere so we played Young Frankenstein and laughed through the glue gun burns. It was great and we each had a pretty good, basic pumpkin man by the end. All except for my Mom. She wasn't sure on exactly how she wanted to proceed. So she worked on it after we left. When we passed through for Lotoja, this is what she'd done. Um... a vintage glittery hat? A collar!? And that flag!
Huh. He's really good, Mom. Good for you. I think I could probably get about .43 for mine on Ebay so......











Do you see a Mansford Roof through the trees?
What better to kick off the season than a little Vampire. Vampire Weekend that is! Oh yes they came to Vegas and Scott and I went last night. I was so very excited and had a big, pathetic smile on my face most of the time. They were just as great as they were in SLC in Feb. It was fun to see them play to a large crowd and they sounded incredible.
More concerts are coming! And more vampires! Oooh oooooh the fall is going to be fun......

Happy Birthdays!

September is a busy Birthday month for our family. My Dad's is on the 4th and he is getting SOOOO OLD! (Love you, Woddies)
Actually my Dad is the most young at heart man I know. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Dad dearly. He is so funny and wise and positive. He's a hard worker and a great example. He's also one of my kindred friends because he has random pursuits and interests, just like me. Lately it's his fascination with small, vintage water boats (Think Beach Boys). They are mid-century pieces of art! Very cool, Dad. And look at the man surf? He doesn't even need the senior citizen rope. Earlier in this run he was putting his hands on his hips and puffing out his chest like he was the shizzle. And, well, he is.
You are the best. I hope you had a great Birthday and know how much I love you (your most favorite, coolest daughter kiss kiss)!!!!!



And next in the month is Julia, my dear sister. Her Birthday was on the 10th and she, too, is getting SOOO OLD!!!!! Like, she's almost into her thirties! tsk tsk. But you wouldn't know it because she got the looks out of the pair of us, which is why I was a little mean and used a not-so-hot picture of her from our Lake Powell trip...which didn't really work because she still looks good. Think I am wrong? go to her blog. The girl does not take a bad picture so it's only fair. :-) But hey! Like, totally BFF. She is tubular to the top.
Julia is so fun and quick-witted. I am so proud of her and her family ways (K- totally laughed at how dorky that sounds, but it's true). She's a great wife and mother and ambitious with her talents. I am impressed with all her many entertaining adventures. Julia loves to have fun and by darn she does a lot of it! Juls, I love you so much. Thank you for keeping your older, lame sister laughing.
(Do you like her party hat? I know, a bit 'elf' but green is so now)

And Jess! Her Birthday is coming on the 20th and she is so far from being old, I swear. This is my sister-in-law-but-really-my-real-sister because she fits into our family like spandex on Spears. We have all been the better for her in our family. She is SO great! So smart, very ambitious and determined in spirit. She's had some tough challenges to work through which make her all the more beautiful inside and out. And no shortage on the looks, either- I mean, nappy lake hair and she still looks fab in her pink party hat!

LOVE you my dear family! Happy Birthday!

Things of Late

Things are finally getting into routine around here. The twins other preschool starts this week (hooray says Mom) and the kids are having a lot of fun. Elliet is still enjoying school and likes her teacher. I think I told you we kept the girls in dance and put Luke in soccer. He was so excited! More than I thought he would be. And he has taken to it extremely well. At the first practice he was just screaming at the fun of running around the field to warm up. I think it was a nice change for him to be with some boys. He's also picked up on the pushing and shoving....something we're working on since that's not part of the game. But can I just tell you how absolutely cute he looks in his wee cleats and tall socks? Oh dear it's so adorable I could eat him up. And when he raises the ball over his head to throw it in bounds, his tiny belly button peeks out. Of course I keep this to myself so as not to embarrass him in front of his friends. As for the real scoring and dribbling... that may come eventually but for now at least he's having a great time.
Speaking of great times, it's HALLOWEEN season!! And I have already been circling Target like a vulture waiting for them to stock seasonal swag. I am raising my children well because they were just as excited to go see 'halloween and push the buttons'. They love to turn on all those random automated novelty gadgets like shaking skeletons and red-eyed beheaded pirates. This year their fave was this great pretend mailbox that opens and a skeleton hands pops out. Is it bad that I like to see them enjoy the fun of the spooks? It's what makes H. so great!

And the last thing I wanted to post is this house. I forgot to include this pic in the previous post from our Lotoja trip. We went on a bike ride Friday afternoon in Logan, which.... wow, there are some beautiful areas up there! It was so pretty to ride under tall shady trees and open roads.... but up in one of the neighborhoods we passed this house and I circled back to get a closer look. Maybe a closet reader of my blog knows who lives here and can tell me when it's for sale? Great mix of rural and modern with outstanding views of the valley. Anyway.... very cool.

Soon to come. I almost have my creative blog-on-the-side ready to announce. I am excited about this new challenge to encourage me to DO more artwork and creative exploration. Are you ready to see me share some crappy artwork!? Me too! :-)

Lotoja 2008

Here we go again! Another great year participating in the LOTOJA Race. This year Scott played Vaughters and put a fun relay team together, two of which it was their first time and I think they'll be back for sure. It ended up being one of the funnest trips we have had. Everyone has such a great sense of humor and wit so the laughs never stopped. By Sunday our jokes from Friday were very embellished - great times. So here is what we did!:
(I probably could have made a photo album but was too lazy so there are lots of pics. Sorry)
Scott and I left on Thursday night and drove to Provo to stay at my parents house (and it was my Dad's Birthday so he got the best prez ever, a visit from his favorite child). Friday morning we headed up to Logan where the race begins. Most of our friends from Las Vegas stay in the same hotel on this night so it's fun to wander from room to room, socialize and wish luck to everyone, perhaps talk a little trash to relay competitors, and use "Fetcher", our word of the day, as often as possible. (Easier than you think)
The next morning we got up early and saw Richard off first. He had the first leg of the relay and was a little nervous but this part was perfect for him and he LOVED it....exceptforthewreckafewminutesinwhereheendowedoversomeoneandrolledinthebushesbutwhatevs).
While he was going, the rest of us packed up our gear, ate a quick breakfast and hurried to the next town to see him come in but we MISSED his fast fanny because relay man #2 was already on his way! Go Boyd!
(Here is Boyd with Danny & Heidi (awww.... are they the cutest couple or what?). Boyd is funny. Boyd is fast. See Boyd fly through Strawberry Pass.
After missing the first exchange, we hurried as fast as we could to the next one where Shep was next to go. We drove our little hearts out and MISSED him because he was too fast....
SO! On we hurried to the next exchange and had plenty of time. Now, this is serious business... this supporting of our beloved riders... there is much texting of a sarcastic nature, loud music, snacks and dangerous photography to give you some idea.
By this third feed zone we were ready to eat so Tracy and I busted out PB&J on da A4 hood, yo. It was uber yummy. We made sandwiches for all and took them to the rest of our group waiting for exchange #3.
(Here is Tracy precariously weaving through a narrow fence... our only way through! until we all survived to find a wide opening 8 feet to the left that required no skill.... what fun is that anyway).








This is a picture after exchange #3. Shep make fantastic time (It was probably his Shep Chamois cream*) and he and Boyd compared super power mph. Do you see Shep's socks? How cool are they? I told you we take this very seriously...
This last shot is a rare example of human nature caught in it's best form. Richard, valiantly removing the timing chip from Danny's bike to Scott's (rider #4 to #5- the noble, final leg into Teton Village) did so with lightning speed and did his team proud. He had this method dee-own by the end of the day. It's like, so fast you might miss it if you're not watching.
Our team did great. They came in 9th out of 58 relay teams, and the other few before them all crossed the line within 1:30 (darn that wreck!). Their main goal was to race a certain mph average and they beat that easily so all were happy! Goals were met, the team did great and we had lots of fun together. That night we chilled in our rooms and Scott and I visited Rich's hotel to check out his cozy room at the Alpenhoff. I mention this only because they have the coolest pool I have ever seen. It's a huge, steel pool. All silver and clean. I really, really want to make one for meself someday.
As tradition goes, the next day is a fun, relaxing day in Jackson. We started it off with a delicious breakfast at the Four Seasons. And here is where all the jokes became out of control and we were being a little disruptive with our jollies. But wow- what great memories. The people could not have been better. Then we hurried into town for Sac. Meeting and followed that reverence with the Alpine Slide. Hopefully the good canceled out the bad because none of us flew out the side and hit a tree. Those things are FUN, no?! How old am I? I love it. Here is Rich enjoying the pleasant ride up the mountain. It was a beautiful day. Jackson is an amazing place. I love being up there. Our country is so pretty and the cloud shadows made the valley lovely. I forgot how much I love the quite hum of the lift as you ride up. As loud and fun as a winter descent is, that time to meditate going up is so peaceful. Ahh... as I wax poetic about the winter. I will do some winter sports this year. But anyway....! We shopped, at some great pizza at Mountain High, bumped into LV friends along the boardwalks and headed back to the hotel for our much anticipated Cannonball Contest. I think Scott was the winner but Rich gave us some fun flips. After cleaning up we borrowed a DVD player, ordered room service and partay-ed with Arrested Development and Flight of the Conchords. Good times indeed. The next morning Scott, Shep and I went on a beautiful bike ride before we all took off for the drive home. It was so pretty out and it made me a little sad because this trip always marks the end of summer in a way. We had a fabulous time with amazing people. Until next year!


















**A homemade wonder! Ingredients include mayo, sour cream, massage oil, some musty boot designer perfume and organic eggs to name a few. Mention this plug and you'll receive a free Shep Chamois towel (doubles as a cape or fashion accessory) and instructions on how to do the Aussie diving double wave.

The Small Signs

Blockbuster coming this fall!
Read the preview. Sounds fascinating!:

"Life seems normal on Coventry Garden Drive. Children in the Leaver house are happy. The Father easily dismisses the common toys scattered in areas around the house...
But the mother. She knows things are not right. Wondering, fearing...She senses the unrest with the plastic prehistorics and farm fare. She knows that they were all in a bin only hours ago only to return to the playroom to find...!??! Curious formations! Calculated positions! It is unsettling to her as she casually gathers them back into the bin, perhaps to convince herself it's a silly imagination. But they won't stop! What spirits are responsible? What are these animals trying to tell her? Don't miss this thrilling mystery and watch the tantalizing answers unfold!"


I know, I know, you're just dying to know, right?!
I bet if you buy the DVD and watch the bonus features, they will include outtakes of the Mom stepping on a stegosaurus in the dark and cursing, or catching her son placing them on the rim of a toilet seat (unflushed, mind you) or even some scenes of them hidden in a shoe, so when she puts her foot in she gets a sharp surprise!
.... yeah, maybe that's what we'd see....

(But secretly, the Mom thinks that, even though this fascination has it's annoyances, it's one of the cutest things ever)