Back Into It

So, as I have mentioned, we got home from NYC and hit the ground running. Now I can finally announce what I couldn't before.
The week we left for New York, I was called back into the Relief Society Presidency. Yes. Back. It's been a year since I was released as 2nd counselor and since then I have had a lovely, relaxing time being the RS Chorister. I was seriously wondering days before how long I would be able to quietly hide there. So don't think. Ever. Because it bites you back! Now I am the 1st counselor and am stoked to be serving with three great women. Back to work! I love it so it's all good.
That Sunday we were gone, they changed all kinds of things up, like this new RS presidency, other auxilliaries and an announcement that the Bishop would be released next week. (!)
When we come back from the trip, we receive a call to meet with the Stake Pres. for Scott and.... he has been called into the Bishopbric (2nd counselor). He is thrilled to be serving with some wonderful men, both families that we love, and serve our great ward. Just watching him accept and ponder things this week has made me love him even more. He is such a great man and I love him so.
Amidst all this I had book club meeting (which you can read a little bit about here), and for which I tried this meringue recipe in the Feb. Martha. It was great fun, easy and tasted magnifique. Then Saturday I helped my Mother in law host a baby shower for Scott's dear cousin who is having twins. We (including his sister, Amy) each worked hard to make it special. I was in charge of a garland, helping with the cookies and some cupcakes. You can read more about the garland on Academe, but I was so pleased with the results. An idea that worked! My cupcakes... were not so beautiful but they sure were yummy all topped with cheerful buttercream. Hello, who cares what they look like when the frosting has 4 sticks of butter in it.
Now that book club is done, the shower is done, the offical Sunday announcement/meeting/setting apart is done, we have been able to breathe a little this week.
And today, it rains. I love it.
Hope you're having a great week.

PS- Yesterday was my Birthday and I dare not continue without saying thank you to all the phone calls, Facebook posts, texts, visits, friends who planned dinners and lunches (and you brave attendees with little kids!), gifts and treats and more from people who thought of me. I felt so truly blessed to have been shown such love. It was the best Birthday present for me this year. Thank you thank you! xoxoxo!

Cool To The Maxi

To Maxi or Not To Maxi... that has been my question.
Sometimes they are cute, sometimes not. They can be summery, earthy and simple (it also helps if you are 17 years old). I'll be tempted and try one on and then stink-eye the reflection of me in bright colored tiers of cotton blend. Too blah, too slouchy, too heavy... why would I want to wear something floor length when it's 100+ degrees anyway... etc. etc. etc.

And then... out comes this little Chevron number from Martin & Osa. So modern and cool! I immediately ordered it and upon trying it on, I am SOLD. Made with a very lightweight soft fabric that won't be hot or heavy and the shape long and flattering.
I love the graphic pattern, the colors, everything about it. Wahoo! A shopping 'win' that I had to share for any of you maxi dress fans.

New York

Scott is one of the hardest people to buy gifts for. But this November I get an idea...
We like watching Late Night with Jimmy Fallon --- what if I try to get tickets and surprise him with a trip to NYC? So I called and called until the dates we had free were available and WHOOPIE! We were going to NYC. I bought flights, reserved the hotel... and then stopped there to plan the rest with him. Unfortunately the hotel called him to confirm something which revealed the secret trip, so as a present to ME for Christmas, Scott snagged tickets to the Vampire Weekend show while we were there. Yes, we had some funny back-and-forth explanations on ChristmasdayIcantellyou, but so looked forward to the trip together.
We had a flexible itinerary of things we wanted to do so the days filled up as we went along. As a result I forgot my camera half the time so the pics here won't be the best quality, but I was grateful I had something to document what we did so I could remember (Thank you, Apple!).

*Our first night we went to a cool venue called the Bowery to see Surfer Blood and The Drums play. This city is stacked with great shows every week... we were lucky to catch a few particular bands we liked during our visit. We grabbed some great pizza and took the subway over (I don't know why but I have missed the subway more than I thought I would). The crowd was cool, the music great and the experience fun. A great kick off to the week.

*JIMMY FALLON was the next night. I kept peeking down halls trying to spy Liz Lemon and the action behind the scenes. They are very strict about cell phone/camera use so I could not risk one picture. But I did get a picture of my ticket and Scott trying to hold in his excitement...
They seated us and then have a guy give the rules mixed with comedic delivery. He announced that a mustache war segment would be included in the show. Yes! I love those! The Roots came out and started the play, Higgins began to announce and out comes Jimmy who went right into his monologue (Thereheisthereheis! I says in my head as I feverishly wink but he never winked back). He did the entire show, Neil Young impression and all, without a hitch. When the show ended he ran up the steps and high fived us folks on the end of the rows, so ohmygoshguesswhat! I have TOUCHED Jimmy Fallon. I haven't washed my right hand since.
It was so fun. If you want to check out that night on NBC.com, I reach up and touched the second 'stache as he descended the stairs. I'm, like, so famous.
Merry Christmas to Scott!

*We went to see Mary Poppins. Very cool and well done. I would definitely recommend it. It made me really miss my kids so take them if they're with you. Again, no cameras/phones so I clicked a pic of the theatre. So pretty inside.

*We went running in Central Park. I loved this! All those early mornings of trail running through the winter have prepped me well. The cold was no big deal and it was beautiful beautiful beautiful! The best way to see the park (and spook central!). I looked for the Law & Order dudes with no luck.

*Hit the MOMA. Always great so we make it a point to go every time we visit. Why, who is that handsome fellow among the Gabriel Orozco? The best part was checking out the Tim Burton exhibition. So fascinating!!! We were so over stimulated we had to sit for a while after and rest our brains. During this vulnerable state Scott revealed to me his youthful fascination with the Pegasus horse. We giggled so hard we were crying for 5 minutes. Ah, good times, the Moma....
We saw some beautiful Monet's, Jackson Pollock and many many other inspiring things.

*As always, the shopping there is magnifico. So much that it makes me a wee bit mad every time I walk into a great store. I ask the heavens, "Why can't these resources be closer to me?". No wonder Martha geniuses whip out such cool ideas. Great stuff. One evening we caught an open market in Union Square.

*The last big hurrah was seeing Vampire Weekend on their home turf. It was in the United Palace theatre which was very old, decorative, ornate and perfect. It was such an incredible show. They sounded perfect and were gentlemen as always. The best part for me was, since it was home, they had a small string orchestra (probably some Juilliard genius friends of theirs or something) to play all the orchestrated pieces in the songs. So beautiful and colorful it made me emotional. I love their happy, bright sound and hearing it live like that was the best. One of my favorite Christmas presents ever. Thanks, Scott. xoxo!

That's the jist of our fun. We ate at some great places, went to church in Harlem and saw some other rad areas and things that I will save for longer conversations. It's been good to be back with the kids. They are almost old enough to take on these trips and I can't wait. Until then, I loved being in that city with my best friend. Thank you, Scott!

Misc. Mash

Elliet has already lost a couple of teeth...
But early November her first front tooth became loose. It was fun at first... then Scott and I could not persuade her enough to push a little harder, wiggle more often, etc. to further encourage it's release. During December it was seriously barely hanging on and would sit there and dangle as she talked. Nasty- I know, but she would not take it out (or let us). She adopted the name 'Snaggletooth Ellie' because anytime she opened her mouth to talk, you'd see this freaky protruding tooth... though we did some good laughs from that.
But FINALLY it came out right before school began this month. Clever Dad used her yellow kitty to 'look' at the tooth and the kitty pushed it by accident and just like that, it was out. Hooray! No more snaggletooth.


And since we're talking about mouths and, er, stuff... it's product endorsement time. My in-laws gave us an ice pop maker for Christmas so we tested that out and had great results. Frozen popsicles in minutes. They have cool little drip guards that snap onto the handles and the pops twist out easily. Just thought I'd do a little plug if you have kids and/or have wondered about this. Tested and approved.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTY!

First things first...
Marty had a Birthday during our trip away so I've had to do my tribute late. Though I don't think he noticed much because he was sunning poolside in Mexico.
(Very very needed, mind you)

I love Marty.
Look at the guy! What's not to love? He's tall and can make funny faces. He likes to strike fashion poses, eat Thai food and watch many movies. He can fall asleep in 42 seconds and loves Hot Tomales. He's a hard worker, creative, a doting father and loving husband. He's me irish twin and I love him to bits. All my love to you, dear Bro... I hope you had an awesome Birthday!

We Have Landed

All is well here in Vegas. Just busybusy as all get out.
We returned Monday from an awesome trip to the NYC. Good weather and so much life! I always leave with my head swollen and aching from the inspiration overload in my brain. I'll be posting some cool pics and updates soon after the weeks crazyness that doesn't seem to end. I have cool stuff to show you.
As for this pic, we surfaced from the Subway right at the famous Flat Iron Bldg. Much more interesting to me this trip as it's one of the few remaining structures left by Daniel Burnham (who I just read all about in Devil in the White City). Such a cool design.

I will say that my mild post holiday re-commitment to stop eating soooo much food was short lived. We flew off to the Big Apple and I think I ate way too many big apples. And bagels. And desserts. I have come home with a NY baby in my tummy (easy now, you freaks... that's not a family announcement)... this is a different kind of baby... it's a potato chip, caramelized french toast, Thai spring rolls, gourmet pizza baby. This pregnancy is way more fun but I won't have anything as cool to show for it except for my gaping gut. Denial has been a good friend, though (and clothing layers. Hooray for cold weather!).
Until it happened.
There I was, happily pushing my cart through Target whilst giggling on the phone with my sis and I turned the corner to this ghastly scene of spandex.
It was like the angel of death.
The cold hard facts.
Staring me in the face.

Yes, Andrea. Yes. Summer is going to come and you will have to do something about that NY baby gut.

*sigh*

Lucky Star

Oy Vey.
It's time again, my friends. January. And all the bathing suits start to come out. My skin is starving to feel that warm sunshine, but I don't think all the Ebelskivers I've stuffed my face with throughout December will be very friendly to my figure. Alas.... nothing like these swim catalogs that begin to pour in to make you recommit to the self control.
(This moment came to me when going through my mail at 9:30 pm whilst putting a 5th Oreo in my mouth. Whole.)

Until we get our bodies up to par, here is a smaller dose of instant gratification that I recommend. Have you heard of the new Matte nailpolish buzz? Well, my Mom answered my Christmas list and done got me some. I went the brave route and selected this hot pink along with Linkin Park. Boy O Boy! I love it! It's so fun during gloomy January. Kind of an irridescent, purply Madonna-would-be-jealous pink. And it's seriously rad how it dries dull like a chalk board.
So until you feel like wearing hot pink suits the size of a fingernail, I suggest this instead.

As a side note- I highly recommend the bands I have posted right now. Great sunshine sound for your ears until the sand is in your toes. Happy Happy Joy Joy.

New Years (past and prez)

So, as tradition goes, the kids are out of school that entire week of New Years and we usually visit my family in Utah. We were so busy with family things the few days we were there that we didn't have a chance to catch up with friends this time (you know who you are! xo!) but got a good dose of family on both sides.
We saw cousins and siblings, went to movies, visited Temple Square (and froze our tushies off) and went sledding. Despite the cold, there was a great snowfall for two days which the kids LOVED and played in daily.
For New Years all my siblings (sans Julia/Cody) stayed over and we made a yummy spread of food and played the Wii until midnight (Lego Rockband is dandy-ho!). Great fun.

A new year is here. I am so grateful for the past lessons in 2009 that I learned. Trials and weakness are hard teachers, but I deeply appreciate the scars and healing process that teach so much. What a blessing the gospel is! It is such a necessity in my life. Good choices are worth the work and the fruits bring such joy. And now the year looks bright and fun. I am so thankful for my family, my parents and the great friends who have been there for me and loved me through my faults. Thank you for considering me worth it. I love our little family so much- what great kids and fun things we've done this year! And my husband is the coolest best friend ever. Scott... will you go to NYC with me and play? I can't wait to go soak you up with fun fun fun.
Now I'm done with holiday updates. Whew!

Christmas 2009

Christmas day was quiet and wonderful! I didn't take many pictures because of my lazy enjoyment of it all. The kids didn't wake up until after 7:30 and, as tradition goes in my family, we got dressed and ate breakfast before digging into the paper and bows. It was fun to see the kids come down the stairs and see what Santa had out for them. Elliet has wanted roller skates forever and got those. She was pretty good at them by the end of the day, too. Concrete floors are the greatest. Luke loved his Batcave and Sadie loves everyone's toys. The kids have been playing school for a while so compiled a set up to make that more official and teacher Elliet began the complex math problems right away.
We kept things pretty simple this year, only a few toys for the kids and not much for each of us but I did have a gahroovy idea early in Dec which I worked on for Scott. I was so excited. Would it work? Could I do it? I kept calling and calling and finally NBC released the dates I wanted and I got them. Tix to Jimmy Fallon next Thursday night in NYC. A week from right now! Then I booked flights and reserved the hotel and looked up concerts and decided to stop at the hotel and airlines until Christmas so we could plan the rest together. Well, thanks to Marriot, my husband received a phone call to verify some strange activity regarding our card and, you guessed it, revealed my hotel reservation tipping him off to my plan. But that was okay because at least the best part (JFallon) was still a su-preez. And now we're off next week for a trip with just us two. I am stoked! I love going on vacays with just him. We've got concerts and all kinds of things filling in the agenda. Now I just need to figure out how to get Jimmy Fallon to meet me and want to be my friend (I do have a leetle crush on the fellow).
We relaxed all day, watched Up (I hadn't seen it yet- OMJeewillikers-I was a mess 10 minutes in- beautiful and touching!), played the Wii and hung out. So fun to have my parents with us.
Saturday we snagged a babysitter for the afternoon and the four of us went out for lunch and Sherlock Holmes (so freaking grandtastic. The clothes? The lines? Yum and YUM) then back home for more hanging out.
All in all, a successful end to the holidays. And next, the final installment update of our New Years accounts. Then I'll be all caught up. Whew.

This last pic is from other Grandparents home from this past weekend. Luke was enjoying the surrounding bounty awaiting him. We had "Christmas" with them after returning home and received some thoughtful and generous gifts. What great grandparents! Thank you Papa/Nana & Mimi/Bobba!

Christmas Eve

This Christmas was going to be different. Scott has family here so we usually stay close to home and spend most of the time with them.
This year they were all going to be away so it was really our first experience doing our own thing. My parents decided to join us this year and I was excited to get some traditions in place with our little family. Scott and I gathered our ideas and decided on some fun and special things. I don't know if they will last, but we have begun!
In November I was visiting teaching my friend who was sharing one of her family traditions of dressing up and acting out the Nativity. She was saying how she keeps intending to invest a little more in simple costumes or props but never gets to it....so I had a little idea enter my head to make that for her as a Christmas gift. I knew people did this but never considered us doing it, and as I gathered everything for her I ended up doing double and making a set of costumes for us to try it out. As you can see, they are very simple, no-sew costumes compiled of fabric robes, belts, sashes and tinsel. I so enjoyed presenting this to her as well. Christmas giving is marvy!
So back to our Christmas Eve.... after dinner we gathered to get into costume and read the story. It was quiet and sweet and the kids liked it. Don't know how long that will last. I think it will be funny to see who wants to be the wise man...just look at that robe Scott has on- who wouldn't want to wear that? It's like the Missoni of Ancient Times! Sadie was a perfect Angel (only in character. Please.), Elliet a sweet Mary and Luke was a piece of Shepherd candy I wanted to eat up.


Next it was time for Christmas Eve PJ's, cookies out for Santa and off to bed.
Earlier in December my parents passed through from CA and while here, joined us on a trip to Costco. My Dad joked with Elliet as we put a clamshell of tomatoes in the cart that it was her present. He was going to give her "Christmas Tomatoes" for Christmas. Elliet hates tomatoes so she laughingly protested. It became a joke between them the rest of that day. Well, Elliet in all her cleverness told me later that she wanted to box up some tomatoes and put them under the tree for Papa. I just laughed at the idea and of course we did it. The kids wanted to do this Christmas Eve, so these pics are the sequence of that. I loved the expressions in each photo so I had to include each one. I don't think this is the end of this joke in our family. :)
The rest of the night was so nice. We were done with 'everything' by 8:30 and relaxed with each other until bedtime. Nice!

Festivities Part Two

We had a very fun December. It was crazy and throughout the month I decided to focus on enjoying all the events we were fitting in. So it's crazy...so what! That's what December is always like. And it's crazy with happy blessings in your life. Here are some of the things we enjoyed during the month:
-Driving through Sunset Park listening to Christmas tunes. Very slowly (Holiday traffic- hooray!) & checking out other local sites
-Watching 'Christmas Carol', 'Elf', 'Merry Madagascar', 'The Grinch', 'White Christmas', etc. Holiday movies are importanté...
-FHE with extended family to decorate cookies
-Making loads and loads of gingerbread cookies (and frosting some with Erica again!)
-Playing my iTunes Christmas playlist a lot and dancing like idiots (My kids are esp. fond of Wham's Last Christmas- Who knew)
-Parties with friends: Beatles GH playoff, book club dinner + gift exchange (I so love my prize from Charles! Thanks, Ang!) and the famous PJ Tingey dinner. YUM.
-Christmas shopping with the kids while they bought presents for each other in the $1 area @ Target, then wrapping and anticipating...
-Gingerbread house making
-Planning Scotts prezzie. More on that later. Yahoo!
-Making Nativity costumes for a friend (+ myself)








Here is just one of the many times we made cookies. I swear, I think I made this recipe about 7 or 8 times throughout the month but they are the best and the best to share with the peeps we love. Luckily the recipe makes a few dozen at a time. The kids are good at this part, it's the frosting I wish they could help with. Clarification: They do frost and have a grand old time licking it off and re-frosting. But alas, I cannot put these on your plate. It's my Christmas gift to you.
As much time as it can take, I confess I love doing this every year. It's a fun creative outlet to sit for a couple of hours after the kids are in bed and I can play with sugar to make these special for the people we share them with.
This year I kept the packaging simple and thought they turned out super duper.

Now I just need an 11 month break from making Gingerbread and I'll be ready to do this again!

Festivities Part One

Throughout December there was a lot going on. I have more video footage of this kindergarten program than I do pictures so this will have to suffice, but it was so funny. Luke, as usual, was very expressive with his moves and as he was on the end of the front row, not one move was missed. Open arms, jazz hands, swaying to and fro, eyes up and down... hysterical.
The kids also had a few school parties, one of which I assisted with where they made gingerbread houses with the 4th graders. What a mess! But so fun.







A good friend of mine grew up decorating elaborate G-houses and we talked about getting together to do them this year. As soon as the kids were out of school, a few of us got together, helped the kids with theirs and then we got to work on ours. The kids used grahams and we baked our own pieces. Michelle had cool laminated templates and a perfect system down- chilled dough rolled out onto parchment, placed the template and cut with a large, straight scraper (pressing down like a cookie cutter) which resulted in perfect straight edges, then cut out the parchment piece it was on and lifted it right onto the cookie sheet. I'm telling you- they were PERF. No need for those boxed kits- it looked as good as that and tastes better to boot. Too bad mine were already done when I showed up to see her expertise- I was using a half sheet of paper as my template + guesswork and some were crooked, etc. as well as mutantly tall and weird. We were all joking that I had made the great and spacious building in the neighborhood. Frosting saved me on the construction but we have decided this is a new tradition so I'm ready to do it right next year. I'll post the pics of my house in Academe soon so you can feel good about yourself. :)
All the kids had a good time embellishing. I was impressed with the creativity some of the kids used. One had toothpics stuck in swirly hershies kisses for patio umbrellas and Blake (pictured here) made the Costco mega graham house. Nothing like candy and cookies to wax creativity, eh?