Andrea Really

Palm Springs 2012

2012-01-18T22:41:00.000-08:00

Usually right after the holiday break, Scott and I try to getaway and catch up on some R&R. It's a great way to start the New Year and we usually try to go somewhere warmer than where we are.
This year we went to Palm Springs. Palm Springs is an interesting place. If you don't golf then it's a great place to serve our purpose. The pace is mellow, there's not a lot going on or much to do other than relax, eat and shop. Sign me up!
We took a fast way down thanks to the tips from some friends and these back roads were a blast to drive on. Lots of rolling hills and driving those at fast speeds can feel like a roller coaster.
The scenery was cool, too.

The next day we soaked up the sun. Just nap dreaming in a bathing suit was divine.

We went to the museum and saw some great stuff. I was drawn in the most by the Wyeth exhibit (more about that on Academe). Oh, and family, while in the gift shop I acquired our puzzle for this years Powell trip. Another winner! (teeheehaahaa)

The consignment shopping was dandy. Cool stuff everywhere, though most vendors know it and it isn't cheap. This is probably the coolest string art I have seen yet but they were asking around $250 for it! Poppycock! I'll make it myself for that.

Played a lot with my photo apps... :)

We went on a new hike this time. It was quite a workout but worth it for the view. Beautiful weather for it!

Here is what Palm Springs looks like as a teeny model! (sorry, more app play)

We cruised the neighborhoods so I could take some photos of the cool mid-cent houses. This was so enjoyable. It should be noted here that the irony of this was not overlooked. We both had parents drive around on Sunday afternoons to do this very thing, and here we were, doing it whilst on vacation no less...we had a good laugh over that. But for reals- look at that rad house. I got some great images for some artwork ideas in my brain. I am so excited.

We also spent a couple of our evenings watching all of Downton Abbey Season 1, just in time for season 2 to begin. I had heard about it long enough so we used this trip to finally get lost in the show. I felt especially pleased that Scott not only watched it with me but enjoyed it! Hooray because I needed someone the rest of the weekend to gossip to about Mary's scandal, evil Thomas and all the drama! What a man. :)

What Do You Do When...

2012-01-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

You are at a doctors office with your kids and have waiting time to kill?
Thumb Wars.
And what takes it to the next level?
A pen.

WARNING: This may create some pretty hard giggling. We had the staff peering into the room because my kids are not quiet gigglers. It may have been bad judgement on my part. :)
(PS- It was a check up for Luke's arm; all is well!)

Christmas Season 2011

2012-01-01T16:22:00.001-08:00

Oh. My. Goodness. Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe we are already here. December was a blur and I admit I don't have many photos to show for it because we were running from place to place. But here are a few bits to give you an idea of what we did. The first weeks of the month (while the kids were in school) consisted of school parties, finishing the Christmas shopping, making the Christmas cards as well as attending the Nativity, Ward Christmas Party, youth events and other celebrations. And THEN when the kids were out of school, they had quite a list of activities they wanted to do. Ok fine, and I wanted to do with them. :) They did make gingerbread houses at school so I counted that as done to save on my baking demand.
We made some popsicle stick snowflakes with the leftovers from doing this with my Young Women. This was in order to satisfy the kids constant request for more decorations in their room. They turned out cute and my kids are getting savvy with glue guns!

We went to Michaels one day and picked out plastic-only items to make snow globes. I didn't have any good jars on hand except for these canning jars but they worked fine. We just hot glued (again!) the arrangements to the lid, added some fake snow and they were done. It was a fun craft to do with them. They are so creative! And go figure, mine was the only globe that did NOT work. All my candy fell apart, I still can't figure out why.

We went down to the strip with some friends for Family night to see the holiday display at the Venetian which ended up being pretty lame (a bubble tree?). But afterward we headed over to Max Brennars for the best chocolate desserts EVER. So that made up for it fer sher.

On Christmas Eve I found this Lego note from Sadie by my lamp. Loved it.

I made two huge batches of gingerbread cookies and we took them around to neighbors and friends. A job I enjoy every year.

I found these Star Wars snowflake tutorials online and showed Luke, so naturally, we had to make some...

And an item I will not miss from this holiday season was our most ghetto Christmas tree EVER. We are currently "inbetwee" (Like that? My combo word of inbetween-trees). Our old tree was on it's last leg last year so I bought an inexpensive white tree during holiday sales and forgot about it until I started decorating this year. Perfect! Except I put it up to realize it's under 6' tall and I have to add lights. Hmm... worth the extra effort? Nah. I stood it up stop an urn (this could have looked all Martha if I planted it within but I was too lazy and didn't care), draped a tree skirt around the bottom (so ghetto!) and stuck my few rummaged color light strands around it. GREEN light strands. So they totally stick out. To top it off, I told the kids to put the ornaments on and that was it. Ha! Not a thing of beauty but none of us cared. Here's to hoping next year I have more motivation. That 10 months should be enough for me to commit to what kind of tree I want, right?

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was nice. We spent time with Scott's family but most of the day on our own. I filmed the events so I don't have many pictures to share, but we kept it small this year and it was nice to focus more on the value of our family and what we already have. I am so grateful for this wonderful and fun year we had, for the fun and festive end, and so thankful for the endless blessings and joy we experienced. I've reflected lately on all the people in my life that inspire me and that I love so much. I'm grateful for wonderful family and friends.
Looking forward to 2012!

Early December

2012-01-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

Some of the things we did in December were:
Hikes with the kids. So nice to be outside in the sunshine!

Amid all the crazy school parties and events, Luke still managed to bring home another funny assignment. He still talks about this. I guess it was to encourage creative thinking, so they had to mix up some animal parts and write about it. So funny.

One of the December events was the Birthday party of Elliet's good friend. It was a spa theme so I helped Kristina (my dear friend and host of said party) fill up foot baths, administer pedicures and foot massages while she did manicures and facials. Here is Elliet with her face mask on. This part got the most giggles from the girls in the room. Good times.

Force Your Holiday

2011-12-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

Get your tootsies over here for some free templates on making your own Star Wars snowflakes!
So great.

Merry Talents

2011-12-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, Okay... I know it's kind of lame that I haven't been posting and now when I do it again, it's another video. But the other night when I took my girls to a local performance of the Nutrcacker (put on by kids and not too bad, btw, but I digress), there were two boys in the lobby playing this song on the piano. I was pulled in by it's audio spell! (cheese intended) It is seriously an amazing song. Where was this when I was fourteen years old and in my piano playing prime? I would have probably reconsidered my focus if I'd had this stuff to practice. It's beautiful!
Now that I have pursued it more, it appears to me an Everest if I attempt to learn it... though the page is black with notes and is at least 4 sharps... perhaps I will succeed in the end!
And if you don't trust me, don't you dare miss out until you've heard past 2:15. This distant video doesn't quite do it justice because when you are standing next to an open grand piano and this is bellowing out, you will feel chills like I did. Magnifico!

MUST watch

2011-12-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

This is an incredible kinetic sculpture of San Francisco, all made out of toothpicks!!!

Novem-bye

2011-12-01T23:36:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! Girl Next Door is over! It was a great success and always so wonderful to have it well supported. I posted the overview here if you want to check it one two. The highlight for me was finally screen printing! Like my cool dishtowels?
Now it's time to kick back and relax during...whatthewhatOh yeah- December. Forget that.
I've got to get my head into the season now.

Jingle Bell ROCK

2011-11-18T15:13:00.000-08:00

I may or may not have just danced to this, my myself, in my office.
(me wanty for the holidays)

Halloween Act 2

2011-11-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

Alright- so we get home from CA and have an hour to spare in which I had to:
Make Chili to take to the ward party
Get the kids in their costumes
Find their treat buckets for the candy
Load the trunk decorations in the car (which meant unpacking from the trip)
Unbag and load the candy we were giving out
Have a strong drink
---
Since Scott wasn't feeling all that great still, he decided to help me out with everything and then stay home. He was so helpful and we pulled it off. I even got a few pics of the kids before we left.
Sadie was a witch (she was very specific about wanting to be a green and black witch), Elliet was Hermione, wearing Luke's Sunday shirt and a tie/robe donated from the Hills (huge thanks!) and Luke was Toad from Mario Kart.
Was I happy I didn't have to make costumes this year? Absolutely.

After arriving and eating, we all start to slip out and get our trunks ready. I used this same monster mouth as last year. It is still genius because I can get up in 10 minutes or less. The kids are all old enough go around with friends so it was nice to sit back and talk to everyone coming by. It was a fun evening but I was exhausted!

Sunday, rest.
Monday, Happy Halloween! First things first. After the kids went to school I joined some friends in a Thriller Zumba class at the gym. I'm not a Zumba fan, but Thriller & Halloween songs? I'm in. It was still mixed with that annoying Latin music on speed but the Halloween moments were worth it. I walked and clawed like a Zombie, yo.
Then it was hurry home, eat, shower and head to the school for the Halloween Trunk Parade.
I recruited some other friends to do it with me so we had a row together and helped with each others trunk deco's. This year I put an old school T on the kid skelly in the car. The kids liked that touch. Oh, that and I also wore pink octopus tentacle fingers. Good times.

We braided Elliet's hair the night before so it was big and wavy for her costume. Most of it had relaxed by the time I saw her.

Then after school it was hurry home and get ready for our last hurrah. We had friends come over and eat dinner, get the kids costumed up and hit the 'hood for candy.
This part was fun. Bruce slipped away from our group and hurried to his house so when the kids rang the doorbell, he could answer as Yoda. It was great. He's also the one who will put on rubber masks and attack kids from the water at the Lake. This is serious stuff.

By the time we circled the neighborhood, we were ALL pooped out.

It was a really fun way to end the month. We're so grateful for our awesome friends and celebrating with us. And I think it took me two days to recover!
Hope you all had a great Halloween!

Halloween Act 1

2011-11-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

What a month we had. October was so fun and so busy. After returning from San Diego, we had a week of more Halloween and other activities going on before we all headed to CA for the long Nevada weekend. We have had many friends over the years go to Disneyland over this break but have never gone since we usually go at the beginning of the month (but plans change when your son breaks his arm). We joined the masses and it wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be. Plus, going with friends is always so fun! I think it was one of the funnest trips we have had.

As usual, I am happy to take one for the team in the teacups. I love them and with these eager lassies ready for fun, we spun like cah-razy, y'all.

Ahhh Space Mountain. Still so architecturally cool.
And the new Star Tours ride was rad. They have a new element in the ride where they take a picture of an audience member and then post it as a Rebel Spy that the Dark Side is pursuing. Elliet was it! And almost the whole ride was full of friends so that made it really fun for her.

The post-ride pics that were most memorable. This first one of us on the Tower of Terror is probably my favorite. Scott HATES this ride but still goes with the family. I love how it captures his true feelings. And mine. It's such a love-hate thing, that drop... but boy is it fun. This Splash Mountain pic is cool to me because our family fills the boat.

We had a glorious day of weather. The evening light was so pretty and it stayed warm.
We stayed through to the end, grabbed dinner on the way to stay over at our friends home where he grew up. After getting the kids to bed, we sat in the hot tub and relaxed. Nice.

On Friday we hung around and went to the beach. Poor Scott had come down with something and was not feeling well so he stayed home in bed.

Beautiful day! If I had known, I would have had the kids in suits. Instead they got half way wet and sandy. Awesome.

We said goodbye that afternoon and drove to Corona to stay with our good friends, the Hills for the night. We left around lunchtime and headed home for our ward Trunk or Treat and the Halloween agenda through Monday night. It was such a fun three days!

Sunny San Diego

2011-10-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Scott and I went on a quick weekend getaway to San Diego last weekend. We were there in February for a conference but we didn't have much time to explore so I left not knowing when we'd be back. Little did I know that he had been trying to plan a surfing trip w/ his friend who lives there so we were able to return sooner than I expected.
We had such a great time. San Diego is a cool city and the mid. century architecture made it fun to walk around. And the weather was much better than in Feb! Perfectly sunny and warm.
We caught up with some friends who we love dearly, wandered the Farmers Market in Little Italy, shopped and got to see The Drums in concert. Woot!

But I must say that the highlight of the trip for me was catching the Red Tide in Carlsbad on Friday night. Have you heard of this??? It was AMAZING.
The red algae blooming in the ocean makes the water dirty and red. But when the water is agitated, it activates the bioluminescence and it GLOWS. GLOWS! So at night there are neon blue waves lighting up the coast.

These are not my pics, I found them here.

Check out this video though to see it in action. It is seriously a wonderful phenomenon. Our earth is so beautiful!

Ohyeahbigstuff

2011-10-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

September has passed by somewhat quietly. But two eventful things have happened around our house that are in need of recording. One: Do you remember me telling you about Elliet getting spacers to prep for braces? She got them about a week into school. The first band colors she chose were purple and black (whah??). She likes them and they make her (and me) look older.

Two: Oh yes. What you see is what you think. I was on a fun little getaway with some girlfriends in Laguna and Scott sends me a text with an image of Luke in the ER. They went to the park and Luke jumped off the equipment, snapping his ulna in two. Hm. Does this sound familiar? A little? Similar to his twin sister about five months ago? Ah twins. Tweeeeeennnzzz!! (insert image here of me shaking my fist)
Poor Luke. The following Monday we took him to the doc who confirmed he'd need surgery because of the dislocation from his elbow. He'd need pins like Sadie. Wednesday comes and we have surgery, only now the doc tells me the pins won't be adequate so he was given a plate to hold the bone in place. Oy. But everything will heal well and now he'll match his Dad - same arm, same bone, same plate (different time {college}, different situation {soccer, not park equip. Ha! That'd be a good story, though...}).

A few days later, we went to get his cast and he said he wanted a gold one. As in gold, like the 'brazen calf' gold. I told him they didn't do that. So then he said he wanted 'Rainbow'.
No.
Then I suggested he choose a pink one and maybe they could put kitties on it.
No, Mom.
He ended up with Red. I'll post of pic of that one soon, before it get's too gnarly and gross. He's already had it autographed.
OTHER THAN THAT, all is well around here. I love October. Halloween is upon us!!

Summer Time

2011-10-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

As I try to catch up on posts here, I came across something I didn't want to forget. During the summer when we had some spare time (Ha! Seems so foreign during the school year), the kids and I set up a make shift miniature golf course upstairs. It was certainly flawed but gave them a good few days of fun! We have this building kit which consists of sticks and plastic balls with holes that you assemble like tinker toys. We put them together for our golf clubs and used tennis balls as the golf balls. Points were awarded according where the ball landed into colored hop-scotch rings, and books were stacked to make hills, tunnels and the final hole. Great fun!

MMMPeaches...

2011-09-21T16:19:00.000-07:00

We were in Utah last weekend and picked up a box of some super delicious peaches. What to do with them? Have ye not time to bottle as I? I'll tell yer what!
I still have a few jars of peach jam leftover from last year so I decided to peel & slice all of these, squeeze a lemon in there, add sugar and pour them into ziploc freezer bags for impromptu pie filling. I did this last year and it was goooood. We had a peach pie some random winter evening and it was heaven. So I did that with this box and now I have three bags of filling ready to go in the freezer.
But what did I do with the remaining eight succulent, ripe, juicy peaches? I made this sans the refrig. pie crust (made my own).
Yeah. I ate half of it.

Weeks of Late

2011-09-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

Time to catch up! I apologize for my inconsistency. We've been getting back into a routine which has been a welcome thing but still takes adjusting.
Here are some random photos I have taken over the past couple of weeks amid homework, piano and swim lessons.
My kids get more and more creative with their hide and seek spots but I think they'll grow out of this one soon.

They also get creative with how they play with the stuffed animals.

And how do you like Luke's language? This is rocket science silence.
(Obviously, it's a good thing school started up again)

We took the kids up to Mt. Charleston for a hike to Mary Jane Falls. It's a pretty steep, intermediate hike and the kids did great!

We have been trying to get to Lake Mead with some friends all summer and the LAST weekend of the summer, we were able to fit it in. It was a beautiful, hot day, perfect for the lake. We had a great time cliff jumping, tubing, etc. This was another pic taken with that Hipstamatic app on my phone. I'm glad it caught those sparkles in the water... "Because fish like shiny things and don't we all".
Lake Mead has such different terrain than Lake Powell, despite how similar it feels. It's really like being on a strange planet, all that barren dark rock with a bleached band above the water. I'm glad this is so close to us.

All the kids (except for one toddler), jumped off various heights from this cliff. I was impressed with their bravery!

With school beginnings comes the athletic practices. We opted to have Luke skip soccer this season. He wants to try so many things. I was going to sign him up for basketball again, too, but he said not to yet, because he still has to try golf, football and hockey. Uhhh... yeahsureokay.
Here is Sadie and Luke farther back in the lane at their Stroke School.
Can I just say I am glad my kids are learning this at a young age? I wish I had. I did swim practices a few years ago and gave it a good effort but was never good at it. I don't find the happy place that some people do while they do millions of laps. You know why else swim is good for kids? It expels a lot of energy. Yes. That's a nice feature.

And this is unimportant, just a random sunset as the evenings cool off again and say goodbye to summer.

Same sunset, but w/ the hip app.
Hope you're all enjoying your September!

Snowflakes Already

2011-09-14T14:58:00.001-07:00

I know I am behind on posting.
One of the reasons is I have been doing some design work, and some of it has been this kind of stuff....

Vote for my
design on minted.™

see more from Andrea Leaver

vote for me!

Check out my competition in Christmas cards and Save the Date cards at Minted.

The deadline for this contest is on Monday. I'm going to try and submit a few more designs before the weekend. So if you feel like having a looksie, vote for me! :)

Watt-ch This!

2011-09-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of our family Powell trip this year was when Marty & Jess hurried the speed boat out into the channel to get a phone signal so they could call in and see if they won a video contest they entered--- as the boat returned a half hour later, Jess stood at the nose of the boat, thrust her arms up and shouted, "We WOOOOON!!!". It was so fun to share in that moment with them. Marty was up all hours of the night for days to finish this and it was worth it. You can check out the video here. And look! They were on TV!

Never Too Early

2011-09-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends! How is everyone doing now that school has started?
Scott and I were catching up on Fallon episodes the other night and Jim Gaffigan was on there. His wife just had their fourth baby and he was telling Jimmy if you don't know what it's like to add a fourth child, just imagine yourself drowning and then someone hands you a baby. Ha!! We had a good laugh over that one. I share that because our week of routine has felt like that to me. It's bitter sweet, you know... school lunches to make, working out early again, crazy afternoons... but I could run my errands with NO KIDS and my house stays clean for 6 hours. It's all good. I'll share some pics soon on events but I didn't want to forget to share this.
I've been doing some design work and made these Halloween treat tags for Bake It Pretty. Thought you'd like to get in on the fun. Go to my Academe site for the link to print and make your goodie giveaways fun (or funny). Enjoy and have a great Labor Day weekend!

Powell via Diana F+

2011-08-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

I just posted a few of my pictures from my Diana F+ experimentation @ Powell this summer. You can see a few more at my Acade-me site if you are interested.
I have a lot to learn in this medium!

Pacific Festival 2011

2011-08-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

Well, dear friends, if you are a pal of mine, then you know that I love music. And some of my favorite artists were performing at a Festival this year at Irvine Lake in CA.
Now, I am not too keen on attending festivals in general because I am old and like my comforts. I don't want to camp or stand in the sun for three days and fight crowds of trendy, drunk kids to see my band from far away. But when this presented itself, Scott and I decided to give it a go. There were just too many good artists there + it was smaller + it was one day + it was close.
Were there annoying drunk trendies? Of course. But it was worth it to see:
CUT COPY, Calvin Harris, The Bag Raiders, The Twelves, Classixx, Fred Falke, Toro Y Moi, The Black Lips, !!! and more.... It was great fun. I danced like a leetle gurl!

This is a pic of Calvin Harris laughing at a joke I told him before he, like, hit his turntables since we are close like that*.
*Not really. This is a pic (that is NOT mine) from the event site. Bummer. Would have made a good story, huh.
Same with this one below. Don't you love the rainbow fade they put in the image? Coolish.

This is the stage where the Twelves, Fred Falke and Classixx all played. Great fun was had here, especially when the Twelves played 'Otto's Journey' by Mylo. Oh man! I busted out some freakish moves then!

It was a nice location, small stages and not too far from each other, which I was grateful for.

The food truck village for yummy gourmet eats!

And the best part was ending the show with Cut Copy. They sounded fabulous as always and were so fun. They even pulled out a few songs from Bright Like Neon Love. Wow- so fun! I love, love, love that not only is Scott with me, but he's singing and jumping as much as me! (well, almost- he doesn't look as embarrassing as I do). What an awesome husband is he.

We were up sooooooo late. CC was supposed to start at midnight but they didn't come on until 1:30. Then they played for over an hour and then the fun was over and we had to endure the parking lot traffic for an hour out of there, then drive to our hotel! Ugh. You do the math. It was great fun but I was going to scream if I saw the dawn.
Luckily we made a nice weekend out of it so we slept in late, ate late, went to church late and relaxed all day and didn't have to return until Monday.
A great date weekend w/ my hubs!

Climbing

2011-08-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

There is a rock wall at our new local gym and our kids absolutely love the rock wall. We have only been a handful of times but when we go, they never fatigue. I don't know how they do it. And they get higher and higher...
This last time I giggled to myself because it was a little weird to have all my kids old enough, and brave enough to enjoy this and have each on a different wall at the same time. I created those kids. Uh oh.
Like how Luke has posed all casually?

Lake Powell 2011

2011-08-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I am finally posting about our trip nearly a month ago. We had such a wonderful time. I feel like we all relaxed more this year, so I don't have any synchronized swimming vids for you this time (oh, I know you are so sad) but I did take some fun snaps! Here's a briefing of some of our activities:

This year I took my Diana F camera to test it out and get some rad shots like these. I took these with a cool iphone app called 'Hipstamatic'. Guess what? I think they are cooler than my Diana F shots. I'll post those soon so you can agree. Cuz ya will. But that's okay. These are groovy.

Is this place BEAUTIFUL OR WHAT?

This was our beach way up lake in Dungeon Canyon.
We did some horrendous puzzling. Yes. I chose that one. It's a stain glass by Frank Lloyd Wright about saguaros. He put the devil in it, he did. El Diablo!!

Our new little niece accompanied the all-adult trip this year. Boy, she was cute. I miss that little thing!

We got some crafty time in on the top of the boat Sunday and custom stenciled some tea towels. Good times.

As always, explore we must! This was Driftwood Canyon. Nice and narrow back and forth, back and forth. Even a great spot for cliff diving! (which I didn't do because I'm lazy now)

We even found a super wee frog.

The best part of these trips is being with my family. My Dad always gives our family a great Sunday meeting reminding us about respecting our spouses and marriages, honoring our callings and responsibilities in life and shares valuable experiences with us. This wisdom we hear every year is one of the highlights.

Another amazing year with my favorite people ever. Thank you Mom & Dad for hosting us and all you do for this trip and to my fabulous siblings for coming, cooking and dancing :). Loves forever.

My Elliet

2011-08-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

It's the last of the single digits for this little girl. Elliet turned nine in July! I am enjoying her more and more as she grows, even though I am aware that part of these changes include a departure from little kid I have raised all this time. But we literally are walking that in-between. This summer she read Harry Potter 1 & 2 (each in about a week!) and got an expander (she gets her braces next week!! Double Oy). And on the other hand, she still plays stuffed animals with the twins and doing pretend play.
It's a nice phase.
I love this girl.

Happy July Everyone!

2011-07-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

Usually my Pottery Barn catalog goes right to the recycling bin so I don't know if this has already been revealed? Most likely. But thanks to the interweb, I came across a post announcing their Halloween goods and and by golly, they're not too shabby.
It really is the best part of the summer when Halloween products start cropping up! :)

July 4th in Provo

2011-07-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

We were not planning on a fourth in Provo this year, but due to some last minute scheduling snafu's, our weekend opened up two weeks before. It was a good thing because we had some family events we were able to attend. Scott's close cousins were all in town so there was a last minute Leaver/Hawkins reunion planned on Saturday. It was so fun to reconnect with everyone. Also, my brother Marty (& Jess) had their second baby girl recently so they blessed her on Sunday and we had a big family lunch afterward.
And, of course, amid those fun 'must do's', we played.
We hit the balloon launch early Saturday morning:

The kids "helped" my Dad feed the birds in the Aviary by playing with the food:

Gross. This entertained them for a long time.

We made paper rockets (in my parents beautiful yard! I love UT in the summer):

And launched:

Sunday night we cruised the hopping downtown in the scouts- good times until Marty got pulled over by a grumpy cop. boo!
We also attended the parade with the masses. There was a perfect cloud cover for the first half. That's when it was awesome. Then the sun came out and we kept wondering when it would end. Ha! Gotta love it:

I think my favorite part was the huge march of Star Wars costumed troops and characters. Sweet! High five.

A theater group passed by and my kids got excited for Harry and Ron ("...but where is Hermione?!" was Sadie's distraught comment)

After the parade, we have a customary BBQ with more extended family....in a way. It's my family and my brothers in-laws. And it's so fun. We play and swim and eat and visit. I am glad we do this every year.

That afternoon we packed up and drove home. We arrived in the LV valley as all the evening fireworks were going off. The entire city was puffing sparks- it was cool to see.
So grateful for family, our great country and freedom- we are truly blessed!

More Marionettes

2011-06-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

Last year we saw the Fratello Marionettes at our library and it was the coolest thing. Thanks to my good friend who saw the dates for this year, we were able to catch it again & enjoy it with them.
Instead of longer stories, this year they did a bunch of small acts.
This heavily made up opera singer was funny; the higher the notes, the more her bust would shoot out and her accordion skirt would ascend higher and higher until she was almost as tall as the puppeteer.
This next pic was from an act where two penguins were teeter-tottering back and forth and doing flips. Then the really fat penguin walked out and the laughs were hilarious!!! Because we all knew that this would bring trouble. What a joy to hear all those kids perceiving the humor and being fascinated with it all. I love it!

Summer's Here!

2011-06-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

I guess it's high time I post an update. As of the last post, school got out that following week, so we have had a busy June so far. Scott and I celebrated our 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY (!) on June 1st so we celebrated the last days of school with a quick staycay here in town. Soon after, we only had a few days of busy things before heading out of town for a fun family trip.
The youth of our ward was attending the Manti pageant and had room for our family so we tagged along and capped the days before and after with fun.
First off, hours prior to departure, was Sadie's doc apt for her cast (and pins) removal. All healed well and she was so happy to have it off. I took some gnarly pics of what it looked like but I'll spare you that stomach churn.

First stop was the family cabin in Duck Creek, near Brianhead. We spent the night here and left the next morning for Goblin Valley. This place is in the middle of nowhere, and kind of out of the way, but worth the trip. My parents brought us here when we were kids so it was really fun to have ours at the right age to experience themselves.

If you are reading this and haven't seen Galaxy Quest, then you must satisfy this deficiency. It is so funny. At one point they visit a planet and Goblin Valley was the location they filmed it.
"We'd better get out of here before one of those things kills Guy!"
The kids climbed all over. Can you see them? Where's Waldo?

From GValley we drove up to Manti and joined our ward. Such a beautiful evening FULL OF FREAKING MOSQUITOES. Blech. I hate them. I had twelve bites before the night was through. Yes, even with repellent. PRO- it was fun to have the kids see this. CON- if you've seen it before, you never have to see it again. It's identical to what is preserved in your memory so save yourself an evening. :) But we enjoyed it.

Our sleeping situation was pretty awful but we survived (I'll spare you that story) and were ready after breakfast the next day to head to Powell and meet my parents on the houseboat! Woot!
The temps were nice but the water still cold. But what is temperature to kids? They swim in the ocean in the spring so this was no issue.

On Sunday, the temperatures were cooler with some breeze, perfect for my Dads suggestion to go visit Horseshoe Point. What an awesome sight!! I can't believe we hadn't done this before and we'll definitely be back. Amazing! (though nerve wracking with little kids- the drop off is right there)

The next day we took out the speed boat and explored some beaches. Scott got in some surfing and our last stop was this amazing sand dune.

This dune is special, people. We visited Powell many summers in my youth, most of which included trips with our special Larsen cousins. We discovered this dune and had so much fun running up and down. With all the water loss, this has been out of reach for many years. We thought we'd check it out again to see if, perhaps with all the water level increase, it may be accessible again. IT WAS!
White & pristine and waiting for us...it looks easy, yes?

It's NOT. But why climb? Because it's there (...and/or because of the potato chips, oreos and milk duds). All of us made it except Mom (the smart one who stayed in the shady boat).

Running down is the best part anyway. See? the boat is small! We supa-high.

It was a fun few days. Our kids are a blast at this age and I'm loving it. Now we're preparing for another 4th in Provo and are looking forward to all the family events!

My First Century!

2011-06-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

I did it! I made a goal this year to ride 100 miles on my bike, a distance that I have not yet tried, and signed up for a ride called Little Red in Logan, UT.
I'd heard of this ride a few years ago but haven't ever been interested because really, who wants to ride a bike all day long? Not me until this year. And I admit that as I trained I wondered why I even set this goal. Being on a bike longer than two hours is hard for me because there are SOOOO many other things I would rather be/could be doing with that time! But I kept reminding myself that some goals take sacrifices so I stuck with it.
Since I was nervous about taking this on, I didn't recruit any friends too heavily and planned on doing it alone. My aunt was participating with her pals, but that was all I knew of until Scott and I were at dinner with some old St. Louis friends of ours (who now live in Vegas) and she was signed up! So I met her Saturday morning and joined her group.
It was a little cold when we started but the day was beautiful so it warmed up nicely.
Since it was a loooong ride, I did not tote my camera so all these pics are from my iphone. Consider them incognito shots from behind enemy lines!
It was gorgeous, flat green farmland everywhere with big blue skies. Lervely!

Here's my friend, Steph. I managed to get a shot of her and forgot to get one of me. Nice. What else is new.

This is one of the earlier feed zones. This event knows how to set you up! Every station was loaded with a great selection of fruit, drinks + supplement powders, sunblock, snacks, etc. The best offering I have yet seen at a cycling event.

More view shots... I took this while riding over my shoulder. Tricksy, eh! That's my red vested back.

This was a beautiful home of some importance because I saw the informative historical display nearby but was not interested enough to walk over and educate myself. Ha! I just thought it looked like Mr. Darcy would come around the corner....in that open white shirt and knee high boots.... Oh... I must need some sugar.

More pretty views...

The ride over all was so much easier than I had anticipated. I did some long training rides at home that were hard and only 60 miles max. I thought for sure I would be suffering so I prepared for the worst. Perhaps that mentality is what saved me some? That or the super flat course. :) Hardly any hills to speak of. I felt so great the last ten miles, I could have ridden 30 more (maybe that was the Motrin talking, though). I know there are MUCH harder century rides out there so this might not actually count to the competitive rider, but for me, I am happy.
Thanks to my family and friends that texted and checked in during the weekend, and most importantly my husband who took over so I could do this! XO!

Stache Your Troubles, Amigos

2011-05-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

Let me esplain:
Our ward had a talent show last year that was so much fun (surprise, right? I confess I was) so we participated this year. Well, the kids participated. And since we are so talented at copying dance moves, we chose "Viva Las Vegas" from Just Dance. This is hilarious so we copied the western theme, costumed up the kids and they were a hit.
The next day we were goofing around with the mustache and the kids wanted me to take pics of their funny faces so they could see what they looked like. We giggled so hard it got hot in the room. Here are some of the results. I swear, all you need is a mustache to take the pain out of life.
Pimple? Put on a mustache.
Don't want to make dinner or fold the laundry? Put on a mustache.
Need to fire an employee? Put on a mustache.
You're welcome.

Wounded Wing

2011-05-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

Well, here is what last week consisted of. Monday night Sadie was playing on the play ground equipment during Luke's soccer game and "fell" (I think she jumped) off the outside of an enclosed slide. She fell backwards and hyper extended her left elbow, causing a little break.
After seeing the doc on Tuesday, he recommended temporary pins be put in so I took her to surgery on Wednesday. This little girl has been a trooper all the way through. She was back to school on Thursday. The only sad part was post surgery- coming out of anesthesia was hard on this little bird and she cried for over a half hour until things finally subsided. Poor thing.
She has to wear her cast for four weeks and then it comes off & the pins removed.
This is our first hospital visit for our kids. Well, besides Jacob and all his procedures, which I must add I was quite content to be in the hospital this week for a broken arm and not for those previous events long ago. Scott was annoyed about it but I just smiled because it was bound to happen sooner or later with our three!

Hip Hip

2011-05-13T22:09:00.001-07:00

Hooray for Earth is a cool band that I really enjoy at the mo.
Hooray for cool, new music that inspires!
Hooray for this interesting video, too.

Hooray For Earth - True Loves from Dovecote Records on Vimeo.

Long Boards and Short Memories

2011-05-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

Well it's no surprise that I am getting older and it sucks rocks.
I consider myself as aging gracefully until I acknowledge the huge gap of appropriateness that now exists among things I become interested in. Long boarding is my current example. For some reason lately I have wanted to get one. Mind you, I was never a cool tomboy with a skate board or anything so the urge isn't to relive old glory days (um, I had Barbie roller skates) and I already told you I was so-so at snow boarding. So why? I don't know. I am not interested in doing funky tricks. I just want to gliiiide along on summer evenings and think it would be a fun balancing challenge.
So I started looking at long boards. Most of them are corny with super teen graphics (this is the huge gap I was referring to), but a few of them were pretty cool, nay, dare I say, beautiful. So worth sharing to you because I thought you'd appreesh (Mom, I know you'll get this). My faves were these at the top- by Loyal Dean. Gorgeous wood inlay... so pretty. But not for me because I am entry level- I'll need something I won't be afraid to beat up (Let's face it- I'll probably knock out teeth before the month is out).
I did feel better after I confessed this new mania to my brother, Richard. When I told him I was embarrassed, he said, "Nah, it just shows that you like living!", and that made me smile. I hope that's what it is.

And if you find this post completely worthless, hold your wrinkly horses.
Watch this video and you'll get a taste of what I mean (+ the music is The Dodo's. Bonus!).

Easters

2011-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Well, on the heels of a vacation, the motivation for Easter fussing was low. Luckily Grandparents came to the rescue. Before all the family dispersed back to their respective cities, we had a little egg hunt for the kids Saturday morning.
It's great having the cousins enjoy each other as much as they do. The older they get, the more fun they have.
Thanks to all the Leavers for their help and hiding!

Spring Break

2011-05-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

We went to Newport again this Spring Break with the Leaver family. All but one sibling was able to come (A/F were greatly missed!). We had a very relaxing time because we really didn't want to do much other than lazy things, as you can see here. :)
-We visited the local farmers market with the kids. This was the first time they realized you could sample food and ate tons of orange samples. Look at those freckled Luke cheeks- how could I say no to that?
-We went to the beach
-We saw cool cars!
-We played Just Dance with cousins

We also went to Legoland. The new Star Wars mini land was open and I couldn't resist sharing a few views of the Endor moon. They had scenes from each film. So awesome. The rides were fun but the lines were long. What else is new during Spring Break.

We took some (windy) family pictures on Sunday and as is customary with serious photos, we had funny faces to make as well. We also happened to run into some old friends from our San Francisco days also vacationing in Newport. What a cool surprise that was!

Twins Birthday

2011-05-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Lookie there! It came and went and I didn't even make a wooplah about it here. I confess that it reflects what happened in real life. I have just not been in the mood to fuss over a big celebration and thank heavens the kids are at an age that they didn't care (or notice). Whew.
We still had the kitchen all decorated that morning and made pancakes with cake sprinkles (Haha! I have to laugh at myself. That is so ghetto, is it not? Me stretching the 'cake' fun with the least amount of effort I can muster!)

When asked what treat they wanted to share with their classes at school, donuts was the choice. Awesome! No baking for moi. They were pleased as punch.

The twins Birthday is also special because they share the same Birthday as their Grandmother, Mimi. We usually celebrate with them so they came over for a little family fun. They are always so generous with the kids, it makes our gifts in return seem kind of boring (Lego's vs. Personalized Postage Machine? Hmmm...)
I think Luke's favorite present was the singing Despicable Me Birthday card. Which I still hear in his bedroom late at night. Agh. Look at these cuties. They are getting so big on me.

I thought I would at least make them the cake of their choice, because that would represent love. Well, I don't love them enough to make a Lego Harry Potter for Luke and a replica of Sadie's current favorite stuffed animal kitty. And I thought, as a compromise, that instead I would make cake pops, something I have never attempted. Then I could sort of make something Lego and a kitty head and have a lot less leftovers. Luckily Luke changed his mind to Batman. Can you see the pictures? They make me laugh. Wow, they were horrid looking. Big, lumpy yellow cake balls with bats and Sadie's poor kitty replicated to a swollen mass... some even slid down the sticks. But this is what I love about 7 year olds.
"Mom! Those are awesome!!"
"Oh, thanks, guys! It's because I love you so much!"
We stuck candles in and sang Happy Bday.

Happy eaters.

Right now I so enjoy these kids. Sadie is such a busy, inquisitive girl. She cannot hold still, loves to play and help and is the child who surprises me with very profound questions. She also has a laugh that dances out like butterflies; so contagious you are compelled to join in.
Luke is such a good kid. I love how he still walks up to kids in the supermarket or park and just says hello & invites them to play. He loves to share fun stories and laugh. He is also my music head. He'll hear one song and pick things up so well. I love sharing music with him and anticipate this will be something we share a lot of together.
What a blessing children are! I learn so much from what they teach me.
Happy Birthday to my sweet twins!xoxoxoxoxoxo

Fringe

2011-04-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

This post is going to be all over the place. As I was removing all the pics off my phone and camera, I forgot I had these to share so I have thrown them all together in one post. Enjoy the scattered experiences. :)
This first one is what I found on the kids marker board the other night. Sadie had written Elliet such a sweet message and placed this by her door so she would wake up and find it. The next morning Elliet found it alright. Her corrections are in blue.

I had some extra phyllo dough in my fridge so I made up some quick apple pie filling and tried this technique with my mandolin. It was super easy and fast and the texture was fun so I wanted to share. Just wash the apple and slide it right on through. You can see I didn't even peel them. Add a little lemon juice, cinnamon, fresh nutmeg and sugar (I tried Agave nectar and it was great) and throw them in some kind of crust and bake. Mm-mm!

A few weeks ago TENNIS came to Vegas and played for free! S and I made a fun date night out of it. They are an awesome band if you want something beachy and fun to get you in the mood for summer approaching.

Beautiful sunset at Luke's soccer practice. I will never get enough of this large desert sky.

Here's another awesome sky photo I took a while back. One night I was driving home and could not stop gaping at this long, fat cloud hovering over downtown. It was so orange underneath with a crisp white line up by the moon. Beautiful! I didn't have my camera so I had to use my phone. It's not the best photo but it gives you an idea.

Thanks to a sweet online deal, a group of friends and I went to a local spa across the valley at the Lakes. We stayed overnight in this beautiful villa and this was the view when we woke up. I love that lime green color of new leaves each spring.

Wall Ball

2011-04-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

My kids have come to the age where the recess games infiltrate family life. The hand games with rhymes as well as jump-roping while chanting:
"Bubble Gum Bubble Gum,
Cherry on top....
Who's your boyfriend, I forgot...
Is it
A
B
C..." until they trip and name a classmate with that letter.
But the most apparent addiction is Luke to Wall Ball. He has been playing for months. INSIDE our house.
It's been fun to play with him because he's getting good at it. The things that make me laugh the most are the names of the plays. I'll be hitting back and forth with him and when the ball falls close to the wall, he'll call "Waterfall!". Or if it's hit hard, a 'bullet'. I've learned a plethora of terms: cross country, slicey, butt crack...(ahemyes, you read that correctly).
I wake up in the morning to the bud-dam, bud-doom, bud-dom over and over again or the slappy-slaps of the jump ropes.
And as much as it causes some headaches, it's the sound of active, happy kids growing up and I love it.

Give and Take

2011-04-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

While we were in Utah, we fit in a quick trip to the BYU Bookstore. I love that place. And they have an awesome section of childrens books so I wanted to take the kids and share it with them. As we were all reading different things, I pulled this off the shelf and laughed out loud through the entire thing. It is so hilarious. If you grew up on 'The Giving Tree', then this is a must in your collection. I scanned in a few pages to share with you here but I highly recommend you acquire one of your own. These scans post small, so click on them to see full size (i.e. to read the super tiny text).

I skipped a bit here, now he is older and returned again...

passed a few more pages.... aren't you so curious now? (and hopefully chuckling)

Ahhh.... so great. Hope you enjoy.

St Pattys

2011-04-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well, as you know, sometimes we create fun that comes back to pinch us a year later.
Case in point, our leprechaun trap from last year.
So here we are this year heading to bed and I'm reminded last minute that we needed to set a NEW trap (ugh- why hadn't I thought of this before bedtime?). So here is our tale. Prepare for some amazing ingenuity.
(That's sarcasm)

I proposed we use the wastebasket from our bathroom as a trap. It's heavier than the cardboard box that the Leprechaun ripped free from last year.
But what to prop it on? How about an Avocado! It's green and he will slip inside, lured by all the treasure, and pull it to eat from within, hence trapping himself! (with enough food until he's discovered. Yes, his welfare was a concern.)

The hastily scribbled notes of temptation (we use old check stubbs for drawing on which is why this is especially ghetto).

The kids ran and grabbed some sparkly things and placed their notes inside.

Here is a close up of the goods. Did you know metallic pipe cleaner art and cheap mardi gras beads are highly valued to them? Neither did I.

Ooh darn! We missed him again. I remembered this time to write a tiny note with tiny letters to match his tiny footprints.

He tried to pull the treasure away but it was stuck in the trap. Oh well.
Good thing the kids haven't picked up on the fact that, even though he leaves small footprints as evidence he came and went, there is not a patch of mess for him to step in to cause such.
Give me ideas on that for next year because I'll need it.
Hope you had a fun Green Day!

To Utah For Earnest

2011-04-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

My ever so talented Mother and sister were in a performance of "The Importance of Being Earnest" in March. We have not been up to UT in many months so we decided to make a quick trip and see the play.
I thought Elliet would be old enough now to follow the story a little so she joined us and really had a great time (I am so enjoying my children getting old enough to share these things with them!). We had watched the movie to prepare and as a result, the kids played dress up, or as they say, played "Earnest", while we were there. Here is Sadie playing a tune for a tired 'Earnest' on the couch. She has this funky feather thing stuck in her hair- it was so cute.
The play was very entertaining and they did an amazing job. Plus, the costumes were great! Too bad I don't have a sliver of acting skills - it would be fun to have that byproduct of such talent. As I reviewed these photos, I was smiling. I keep hearing my mom say, "Mistah Wuh-theeng..."
You girls were wonderful! Thanks for the fun weekend!

Banner Happy

2011-04-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

I was privileged recently to be featured on the Bake It Pretty blog to design a fun printable for them.
{BTW-Bake It Pretty have some fantastic and fun baking supplies. I highly recommend you check them out!)
I made something like this for a friends Birthday cake and it turned out cute so I thought it would be fun to improve the idea and share it.
There were so many color ideas I had that I ended up making two instead of one. And I will probably make even more.
How can I use these, you may ask?
They look adorable glued onto striped twine and hung over a cake from tall skewers, but there are many more fun things you can do with them, all of which are listed on their blog. If nothing else, hang one on your computer monitor.
Click on the links here to have some fun!
MOD BANNER
SMALL BLUE DOT BANNER

Kids Are Funny

2011-03-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

Wow- way behind on posting. I am trying to catch up today so updates are coming.
Enjoy these scans that have been piling up to share with you.
1) This top one from Sadie is awesome. Read to the end.
2) Didn't know Sadie even knew about Hawaii.
3) Luke's idea of a presidency (as a teeny, tiny president with an enormous head. Hey, we have that now!)
4) Luke's ship doodle one day littered with drama: Man eating whales, high fives and a mermaid romance at the bottom of the sea while a shipmate is eaten by a shark.

Random Coolness

2011-03-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

S and I went to San Diego last weekend for a little getaway. He had a conference to attend so I explored the city a little while he went to meetings about important stuff. Unfortunately the weather was not as sunny as it could have been, but ees okay. One of the shops we walked in had these awesome wire sneaks on the wall. What art! Why do I drag my feet to do this? I am determined to make a wire sculpture. Soon. So I need an idea of something. So begins my stalling....
On another note, my style savvy brother sent me this link today that I absolutely flipped over. This is what I call Mt. Biking. Sign me up because I would so prefer to ride something like this than in the mountains around my house...
Does that look super fun or what?!

VCA 2010 RACE RUN from changoman on Vimeo.

Leggo

2011-02-23T16:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to some awesome friends and their gifting of Williams Sonoma gift cards for my Bday, I decided to splurge on this weird egg waffle pan (among other things). First of all, I cannot walk into that store, no matter how dedicated I am to only purchase what I intend to (a cookbook, for example) and exit successful. I always end up with arms full of things I must have. Must. Things that are essential for feeding the hungry mouths that depend on me.
Like this waffle pan.
How fun to make these with the kids? And isn't that noble of me to think of the children with my birthday gift? {Think of the children!}
I thought so.
As you can see, we did make them and had lots of fun but mine are no where near as beautiful. Our mouths didn't care, though. They tasted like crepes and were perf with a wee dusting of powdered sugar. YUM.

We Have Funski

2011-02-23T15:43:00.000-08:00

I haven't been skiing in a looong time. I went a lot during High School, then tried snowboarding during college & after (but was never great at it) and then had kids. That pretty much squashes slope time for a while. But I digress...
We have talked about starting up with the kids but I keep dragging my feet, putting off acquiring all the gear to suit up the family. Scott's business partner invited us to join him recently at Mt. Charleston so after borrowing a few things and renting the rest, we met him on a Friday morning after dropping the kids off at school. Mt. Charleston is about 45 mins. from our house so we got in a good 4.5 hours before having to head home. Now Scott, he's been snowboarding with me, but this was his first time skiing and he did really well. He loved it, and I forgot how much I loved it. The snow was better than I expected and it was a beautiful day. I kept telling him that he was lucky- everyone would like snow sports on days like this. It's the windy, snowy, wet days that test your loyalty. :)
So now my focus is renewed. I can't wait to get all of us up here next season. If you have any old kids ski gear you want to ditch, ring me up!

Vogue Vent

2011-02-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

You know what I am REALLY tired of? High fashion prices.
It is Spring. A time when wardrobe renewal receives a little TLC, a new lift. I'd like to try because mine is really overdue. But it's hard to find unique items that are designed well and not millions of beans. Is it really that hard to make a simple, flat leather sandal such as this? That is NOT around $500?! It's just leather straps; no intricate, woven, hand painted with vintage horse hair brush designs or anything. Just straps. $500. This upsets me. And you'd be surprised- you'd think you could find something like this out there, but I have been looking and you can't.
And this dress is fantastic. Way cool print, flattering and modern, {LONG ENOUGH}...Oh- what's that? $415? Faaaaantastic. I can't justify that in my lifestyle of professional domesticity.
Where are the designers making modern lines for the real peeps?

It's OUT

2011-02-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

Preview the sounds here.
It's great stuff, peeps!

Close...

2011-02-10T20:54:00.000-08:00

Luke has these pages in his homework every week where he needs to read a simple story and answer some comprehensive questions. Lately he has been reading the story and answering the questions himself. Which is why I review them. He kind of, sort of doesn't comprehend that much when the stories are "boring".
This week the story was "Cry Wolf" but instead titled, "A Boy And His Trick", and as the story goes, he tricked the town people by calling "Wolf!" and they responded by running to scare the wolf, which was no where to be seen. You know the rest. Here were his answers (the last one is the best; the entire point of me keeping this memory):
1. What happened the first time the boy called out "Wolf!"?
The people in the town wanted to scare the wolf.
2. What happened the second time the boy called out "Wolf!"?
The people went to scare the wolf.
3. What happened the third time the boy called out "Wolf!"?
The people did not come.
4. Why didn't the people come the third time?
Because the people thought (he had 'thinked', which we corrected) he tricked again.
5. What lesson can you learn from this story?
Kill the wolf.

Instant Love

2011-02-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

Well, if you're a last minute Mom like me this year, then perhaps you will find these useful. I needed to make some Valentines quick-like so I googled some ideas and this owl one came up (see first image). I thought it was A) clever and B) could be improved upon. A few minutes later (+ a free vector owl) I whipped these out, all in different colors according to my kids requests.
My kids will finish with personalization, but thought I would share them with you in case you need something fast, like me. Don't I lerve you so?
Slice two openings by the feet, thread a pencil for the 'branch' & you're set. Oh-and of course glue some festive sugar on there somewhere (like I did on the top one). It is Valentines.
Click here to print the Purple ones
Click here to print the Green ones
Click here to print the Pink ones

Estate For Real

2011-02-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

Why didn't I think of this? Genius!
A customizable, stackable doll house.
Even I would play with this.

MLK Hike

2011-01-29T14:46:00.000-08:00

During the MLK holiday we took the kids for a hike up at Red Rock.
It was an unseasonably warm, sunny and calm day. Just beautiful. We packed the back pack with lunch + snacks and spent the entire afternoon up there. Oh that sun felt soooo good. Scott had done this particular route before but it was new to me and harder than I thought. I was impressed with the kids for having the energy to climb and descend the technical terrain like they did.
We came home tired and happy with that warm, sunny glow still simmering inside, turned on the hot tub and soaked after dinner. Ah. Can you tell we are desert folk? I'm looking forward to that summer warmth!

Booky Stuff

2011-01-28T08:02:00.000-08:00

Reading books is a good thing. And having a good book group helps me with that because I probably wouldn't fit it in otherwise (or my recipe experimentation's).
But having a book group that goes to L.A. for the January "assignment" is the best. :)
Our little group was joking over the holidays about taking advantage of cheap San Francisco airfares and traveling for one of our meetings. Not long after this a house swap offer arose for a gorgeous home in West Hollywood via one of our members, which she offered for us to take advantage of. Should we? Of course! We are smart. We read books.
Sure- there are a lot of cool things you can do while in CA. But after the holidays, most of us moms just wanted to compare cupcake bakeries (Sprinkles is still tops, imo), shop, dine out, laugh really hard, talk late into the night about important things like gel manicures and school lunch shortcuts,.... you know, smart stuff. So we did. And it was wonderful.
My sister takes girl trips with friends a couple of times a year and now I know why. You come home so recharged and motivated. I loved getting to know these friends better. Now let's see if I can pull off wearing vintage!

Healthy Crack

2011-01-27T12:03:00.000-08:00

I love Trader Joes.
I pick up the tasty staples I am familiar with and enjoy trying a few that I am not. The upside: I discover new things that are great (Needless to say, this method is not often successful at the local grocery). The downside: my list of 'staples' grows more and more and they are usually snacky things that I shouldn't be shoving in my mouth all day. But this is one I can! I know they look weird but they are so freaking dynamo. They are tangy, chewy, and crunchy from the little seed inside... I've been burning through the bags and keep going back for more. Like an addiction. To a fruity, chewy drug. You should see me in the aisles of the store... wearing a trench with messy hair, all shifty eyed; my possessive arms full of these bags, elbowing people out of my way as I run to the register...
Time to eat this photo sample.

Friend

2011-01-25T08:02:00.000-08:00

Found this on the marker board in Luke's room the other day.
So funny.

North + South

2011-01-24T16:27:00.000-08:00

The weather has been a little wonky around here. I'm sure most of you heard about our snow in early January? That was one wet week. It was fun to have a change of weather but after it all melted away and dried up, it was coooold. Then last week it was so wonderfully warm. We took the kids on a long hike and it was at least 75 degrees and so sunny. We just soaked up the vitamin D that day. I loved it. Temps are starting to slide back to their usual place now but I'm so looking forward to that sun again.

StayCay

2011-01-18T08:02:00.000-08:00

We usually go to Utah and visit family during the second week out of school but this year we decided to stay home and enjoy some R&R in our hood. I am glad we did, too. We filled it up with lots of fun with friends and family. All you can eat Crab night, The Springs Preserve & game night with the Leavers, the Shark Reef down town with good friends...
We also took advantage of sales and did some post holiday shopping (scored those large West Elm nutcrackers at a steal!) and Scott and I caught up on movies we missed.
The fun week ended on a high note with a great New Years Eve party thrown by our friends. We ate great food, played a bunch of "Minute to Win It" games that were a complete riot. These pics are from that; the fastest to empty tissue boxes and knocking over soda bottles with baseball-toed stockings on your head. See those brown paper bags you see by my friend Kath's feet, all cut at shorter lengths? Scott and I were competing each other and were supposed to pick those up with our MOUTHS only. No kneeling, no hands, nothing. It's pretty hard and you look ridiculous (he won- bah!). We played more games and the classic white elephant swap before ringing in the New Year.
What a nice week we had. I loved spending time with Scott and our family vacationing at home.
And what great hopes I have for 2011! I am excited for this new year & new goals. 2010 held some great changes as well as some difficult times but I'm learning to accept, grow and move forward. Thanks to our friends and loved ones who are part of our lives. We love you very much. Happy New Year!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

Wow! Check me out updating my blog weeks late. Here's a quick run through of our holiday break.
Christmas Crafts:
Prior to Christmas, I covered my office table with pipe cleaners, feathers and tons of colored pom poms. The kids made some fun decorations but the best was this garland from 6yr old Sadie. She had all the letters bent and ready and asked for my help in gluing them onto this tinsel ribbon & dotting the ends with tiny white pom poms. It. was. so. cute. I have been saving many pages of school homework to record their cute handwriting and this has further immortalized it. I confess I did try to sway her to give this one to me and make another for Papa & Nana (I admitted this to my Mom already) but Sadie relented and said she'd make the 2nd one for me. Which I never got.
Christmas Eve was spent with family here and always fun to enjoy each other. We had our costumed reading of the Christmas story and then came home and set out all the Santa goods. I love that my kids are young enough to not expect much and still want innocent little toys- no crazy iPad requests or mp3 players...yet. It's around the corner... I know it, so I am savoring it's lack now. Note the Wii Chores game which sleeve I created to throw Elliet off from guessing the D.Me movie inside. It worked great- she was a little bummed to see it really was a Chores Wii game, and then I tossed her the movie. After we finished our presents, we hurried over to the Leavers and joined everyone else for the day. The kids got some more fun gifts and we all relaxed together through the day. It was great being with people we love and enjoying the spirit of the season. Hope you all had a great Christmas!

Pure and Simple

2011-01-10T12:47:00.000-08:00

This may be a little dorky for me to post but journals are dorky sometimes...
But I wanted to post this because I don't want to forget something I absolutely love about my husband. Every time the kids are asked to give a talk in Primary, he calmly volunteers to oversee that task. Sometimes he has time to sit down with E/L/S and have a little visit reviewing the topic and helps them write a little something. But really, most times we don't have time to do that so he'll whip up something like this.
I have tried to do the 'whip up' a few times before and the paper is covered in words crossed out or erased, phrases that don't flow well and horribly executed. And then there is Scott who jots out something organized, error free, to the point and thoughtful in less than 60 seconds.
Now for the dorky part: as much as I envy his simple talent, I adore his wisdom and how our kids can have a dad like that. It inspires me to take a good look at myself and strive for similar mental clarity so I can reach the quick-awesome-talk-writer status.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

A nearby Stake puts on a great production of The Nativity and we went to see it for one if it's few precious nights. It is always so well done. There are beautiful narrations, music and lighting, angels up high that appear from no where who sing and make me cry, ...the set was really cool complete with live animals AND the best part is? It's under an hour. We bundled up the kids and went on a beautiful, calm evening. Isn't it amazing how something like this can create such a beautiful spirit? It was a great prelude to the season.
We had some friends in the show and, as an interesting side note, my friend Katherine was Mary. They took professional photos from the evening for the cast members and I loved this one of Kath +her husband (and a baby from a family in our ward. See? We're even pals with the wee King). Isn't it beautiful? This is untouched and from the live performance.

I also loved the music from the Christmas Devotional that our church broadcasts every season. This song is so, so beautiful. I suggest as you sit here online while escaping the world, that you stop you for a moment - click the link to listen - and feel the purpose of this season and bring a peace and calm into your soul. And if you like it, you can download it for free here.
Happy Christmas Eve! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas among family and friends you love and find comfort in all of your blessings!

Little Luke

2010-12-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

So, we signed up Luke for Basketball season this year. He is in the youngest group and it shows because the poor kid has never played the game in his life. He's enthusiastic as ever, though... runs all over and he has an awesome coach that has taught him quite a bit already! Last night he was telling me about his "Z" drills and defense stuff.... it's so cute it makes my mouth water.
He is a foot shorter than any of the other kids. Look at those shorts. Oh he's so adorable. I love my little Lucas.

Me Oh Moi

2010-12-22T21:32:00.000-08:00

I am telling you... 2011 has some wicked awesome tunage awating.
Here is a peek of more to come.
This track from the upcoming Toro Y Moi release is off the hook!
*via Stereogum

Wii Can't Wait

2010-12-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

This is wrapped & waiting under the tree with a tag saying, "To: Everyone".
Elliet has picked it up and guessed that it is this movie.
I told her it is a Wii game that teaches kids how to clean toilets. She's not buying it. Butcha know what? I am quite savvy in computer graphics so to ME, her response has become a challenge. I think I'm going to make a fake sleeve of 'said' game, slide it into one of our old games and wrap it up to really throw her off.
I love Christmas.
For realsies, though...I can't wait until we all watch this together.

Gingerbread Houses

2010-12-18T16:53:00.001-08:00

Well, this year the Gingerbread houses were a little less of an execution, which was just fine with me. I had all the supplies on hand and we happened to have an open evening so we had a last minute get together and let the kids go at it. I am a loser Mom because I have to exercise major restraint when we do things like this. I watch the mess form : crumbs and sprinkles going everywhere...eegh.
They love it and it's fun to see what they come up with.

Mallow Out

2010-12-18T16:19:00.000-08:00

So the week has been crazy but it's over. The kids are now out of school until after New Years so I was trying to get as much done in order to enjoy Christmas time together next week and relax. Is that even possible the week before Christmas?? I'm going to try.
This week was full of meetings, appointments, visiting teaching, helping with class parties at school and parent teacher conferences. The latter motivated me to get some baking done and delivered. One of the things I made this week were homemade marshmallows. I'm not fond of them, mind you.... S'mores, fluorescent peeps, mud pie cookies or rocky road... blech. Then why would I want to try them? Curiosity. And most people like them, right? Hopefully the receivers enjoy them anyway...Plus, I hear once tasting them, they convert non-mallow lovers into believers. So I googled this recipe by Alton, whipped them up with Luke one night and they worked wonderfully. Since I am giving them away I didn't venture into funky flavors or coating, but I really want to try some clever combo's. Alas, I have enjoyed a few and they do taste great in cocoa & postum. Too bad (or maybe it's good) I won't eat them because I really want to keep playing with it. Think of home made Peeps in the Spring!
Anyway, the point of me posting this was to say: they are really easy, fun to do with kids and taste yummy.

I wanted to share this idea for teacher gifts that I *ahem* sort of swiped from a source online. It is hard coming up with new things every year to give teachers and I always appreciate finding something to inspire me so perhaps this will inspire you in the future. My talented and very nice friend (Thanks, Jackie!) cut these out of vinyl for me so all I had to do was find a big, heavy cup (Ikea), stick them on and fill with pencils. Check!

Sans Red

2010-12-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this picture circling the web of the "Desaturated Santa"? Thought this was really clever. This is not photoshopped in any way. She made this B&W Santa costume and wore make up to look completely void of color in a sea of red Santas.
Brill.

Why Notsy

2010-12-09T12:51:00.001-08:00

I did it. I succumbed and created an Etsy shop. I have a few of of these shield necklaces left and thought it would be an easy venue for that.
Go have a look if you'd like.

Kids Are Cool

2010-12-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

I have had these sitting in my office for months (you can tell by the date), waiting to be scanned.
Thought you may get a giggle out of them.
Highlight from the first:
"frod". Awesome.
Highlight from the second:
Apparently these punctuation questions came off more like a personal interview. Needless to say, we never 'finished & returned'. I selfishly kept it. Or, perhaps I should say, I didint return it.

Ear Prezzies

2010-12-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

Until lotsa good stuff comes out early next year, I have been foraging to and fro for music discoveries.
Thought I'd share some things I have been enjoying lately. Wanna hear them now? Click the links.
-Crystal Stilts - Shake The Shackles
(I am in serious love with this one right now.)
-Cut Copy - Take Me Over
-Erol Alkan MGMT Remix - Congratulations
-Alexander - Truth

Colorful Bums

2010-12-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

Despite the mass Pantone branding everywhere, I can't help but to like it.
These chairs are the most "cheeky" yet! So cool.
*via DesignSponge

Halloween Weekend

2010-11-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

With Halloween on a Sunday + many days school free before and after + Scott moving the remains of the old office all weekend, I heeded his recommendation to take the kids to Utah. Saturday night the kids put on their costumes and ran around happy as clams eating their huge candy stash from our ward trunk or treat the night before. After all the kids were in bed, my Mom, Julia and I slipped out and went to "Dracula". It was done as an old Orson Wells Radio show with about 10 total participants all in 40's attire reading from dimly lit stands. A few were in the background playing the piano, tapping shoes on the table for 'walking' sounds, wiggling panels of sheet metal for thunder, etc.... it was awesome. It was a small, damp room up at the Castle theater so we all sat there, huddled together... shivering from the chill... or was it the eveeel vampire HIMSELF?
Luckily the rain did not extinguish the annual reign of ghost flying around my house. They were at it again- flying across the yard to the neighbors, across the street and back...the kids loved it.
On Sunday morning I thought it would be fun to make pumpkin pancakes so I used apple slices. YUM. Sunday night was our big family celebration. We ate tasty food and played Just Dance.
Oh Yes.
Just Dance.
This is a new phenomenon around our house and I brought it with me to spread to my family. WE LOVE IT. The music is awesome, the dance moves are sweet, and the laughs are the best. If you haven't played this yet, I really recommend it. And then I challenge you to Rasputin (Click on it. Seriously.) Yes, we did look scary most of the time. Disco kicks and the running man do not come easy to some, but we had a frightfully good time nonetheless!
Besides, what could be more scary than these foot long Twizzlers I found!?

Chain Gang

2010-11-29T08:05:00.000-08:00

I've been wondering how to efficiently display/store my necklaces and this is the first idea I've come across that I like. Awesome, no?
But for $50 I think I can make one with some dime store animals meself. AND... what if it was all painted white, hm?

Pre-lloween

2010-11-23T22:30:00.000-08:00

The week of Halloween was really fun. We had a lot going on so I will start with the first half.
I am all for buying costumes if A) they see one they love and B) if it's worth the price (which it usually is). So Sadie's, I bought. Only for some reason most of the Sleeping Beauty princess dresses were all knee length or overpriced, so I bought the less expens. one and added a fluffy skirt below. Done. Luke and Elliet, however... were harder. Luke wanted to be a Minion from 'Despicable Me' so... yeah. I had to make that one. And Elliet saw a Peacock costume for over $100! in a kids magazine. There is no way I was paying that. So we made that one, too. The talent was happy and that's what is important, no?
The great Mr. Shenkberger lobbied hard to get the trunk or treat back this school year with success. I was so happy! This is a great event and the kids love it. They have a costume parade and go from car to car (parent volunteers), collect candy and end with a huge group Monster Mash dance. I am glad he keeps Halloween fun at school. I have such a dorky grin on my face watching all those kids in costumes dancing to that. Halloween is the BEST.
I decided to go for a monster truck this year using foam cushion for big teeth and had a gaping red mouth complete with a child skeleton. I put a treat in his rotted teeth, too and told all the kids that may happen to them if they get too close. The best part was I found some awful belching mp3 audio files and made a playlist of those so the car would sporaticaly burp. Tell me what kids wouldn't love that?!
We also shared this with our ward trunk or treat night (another great time) and left for UT the next day. More on that next!
(Look at Luke in that bottom pic smiling at me from within the hungry teeth)

GND

2010-11-21T22:25:00.000-08:00

Well Hi! Long time no blog.
Yes, it's like a slippery slope. The more you put it off, the easier it is to lose a desire all together. But I really have been super duper busy. And guess what! I have caught up on back posts, too. And have future dated those so you'll have more to read throughout the week. I know, it's so freaking exciting.
I thought I would start with the GND show because it was hoppin'. We had a great turn out which always brings a tear to my eye. I love being able to showcase cool design/products for people and have it so strongly supported. I really love the girls who do this with me year after year and see the vision. And then to have such cool people who appreciate and support it.
I was so busy during the night that I never got pictures of the evening. I wasn't able to make much this year (big surprise) but did fit in some creative things that were floating in my brain. I had these shield necklaces made so you could have one alone on a chain or with a little 'honorary' ribbon. They are a small 1/2" tall, perfect every-day jewelry. I was really pleased with how they turned out. And they are quite affordable, I might add. Only $30 for the plain or stud-edged style and $35 for a ribboned one. It's the holidays people- if you think this would make a rad gifty for that stylish someone (ahem- even you, perhaps?), there are a few left. Let me know if you're interested. Easy Peasy Christmas Gifty.
The second creative execution I tried was vintage string art. I know, I know. Totally weird. I bought this random 70's kit on Ebay in the summer that started it all. I have more ideas I want to try but only had time to make some geometric designs this time. They are big suckers, though- two feet square. And thanks to my Dad and his wise woodworking ways, we figured out a way I can whip these out without using a hammer. So I got to boogie down (more on that to come) in the garage with an air compressor brad gun. Good times, good times. I really thought this was almost too odd a venture to display, but people actually liked them and I sold a few!
I am looking forward to a little breathing room this week. Where I will eat. A lot.

Why

2010-11-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

Well, one of the reasons why I have been neglecting posts. I thought things were going to slow down after Halloween but they haven't. The speed has maintained and the rest of my month continues to look that way. But soon- soccer practice/games will end, events will pass and then it's December. So yeah, no comfort of calm there. Life is good though, and I'd rather be busy than not I suppose.
I am making some cool new things for our show next week. Perhaps I will post some peeks for you all.
School is out tomorrow and Friday and S will be on a boys trip so I will have lotsotime to wax creative and play with the kids. Hoorah.
Plus I have a long list of music to investigate. Watch for new recommendations soon (unless you're not tired of those silk stocking gams?).

Framed!

2010-11-08T09:20:00.000-08:00

Talk about a custom bike!
Then I can sit on meself.

Party! Yep-yep-yep-yep-yep

2010-10-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was our 7th Annual Halloween Party. The theme this year was TV Characters. I still haven't had time to post all the pics but I at least needed to post (esp. for Juls who keep asking) our Yip Yip costumes. Yes! That is what we were this year. One of my enhancements included a velcro mouth so you could open it up and talk to people face-to-face. You know, instead of face-to-gapingyipmouth. It was quite the useful feature. And as with many of my craft projects, an ambitious little pain. But overall, success wouldn't you say? S and I had many giggles even before the party. If you have forgotten the Yip Yips from sesame street days ago, shame on you! Now go review here. And include your kids! They'll laugh, too.
This was another perk of having Rich come for his Birthday. They could attend our famous party. Now all of my siblings have attended our party at one time or another. Woot!
And what looks better than Rich, as Robin, donning the awesome Photoshop Birthday hat?! Happy Birthday, Rich! We sure hope you enjoyed your weekend because you are SOOOO OOLD. :) Loved having you guys!

P to the Arty

2010-10-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

Last week was stacked with one thing after another. Mostly in preparation for one of the highlights of the season: our Halloween Party! But my camera has not been cooperating lately so I won't have pics of that for you just yet (I borrowed one).
Rich & Randi came to Vegas for the weekend and joined in the festivities. But mostly I talked him into coming for his 30th BIRTHDAY! And what better gift to give than tix to CHROMEO!!
This was the first time they have performed in Vegas and it was a great show. We were pretty bummed out to discover that the promised Holy Ghost (the band, not the spirit :)) did not play that night, even though it was advertised so. Boo! Otherwise, the night was funk-a-licious. What talent! What style! What awesome lit up leg synth stands! It was a super weekend kick off.
As for the rest, busy but successful. It feels nice to have the big plans in the middle of the month so I can now enjoy the rest of Halloween fun sans party stress.
Also, big announcement this week: Scott's new office in the NW will be open tomorrow! They have been setting up all week. It looks really great and I'm so proud of him and all his hard work. Now we cross our fingers....

Rogers Gardens 2010

2010-10-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

Alright, my fellow Halloween fans! Get ready for this years tour of Rogers Gardens in Newport.
If you are not a fan of Halloween, you may skip this post (Bore!).
This store does such an amazing job. I cannot express my awe at the creativity and obvious fun they must have doing it. I smile at every turned corner, every shelf, every room. I've decided that this would be my dream job. I would love to make people feel that way. So- if you have a store and want me to this, I'm available! How fun would it be?!?
Without further blibbidy-blab, let's go!
Now, c'MON. They turned the already-rad "It's A Small World" art deco design into a haunted entry. Disney macabre? GENIUS, I say. They even honored the tick-tock clock face movement twisting back and forth... back and forth...

A beautiful cuckoo clock all black. It was huge! And notice the bird....

I thought these clip boards on the walls in this room was a clever idea. Photocopies of weird things. Some ordinary and some way creepy, like that clown near the top and the woman screaming.

Check out the vending machine in the back. Yum!

The theme inside was basically a toy factory gone wrong. All these happy things that are now haunting. The first thing you see coming in is a ventriloquist doll sitting on a table who keeps making scary jokes about how you won't leave or how he did something veery wrong.
As you keep walking through you see the elements of this idea everywhere.
This wall of Frankensteined Jack'O's was really clever. They blinked on an off with the fun music. I love all the circuitry and plugs and spray painted 'burn out' marks everywhere.

The ceiling even had huge, rotating gears.

Then in the middle of the back room was the big ventriloquist machine, making the same dolls we just saw greeting you at the front of the store. Look at that thing! That's an intense project!

And peeking inside will show you they are escaping with minds of their own.

Nearby was an area that looked like creature/machine experimentation.

In the entrance to another room, the door frame was made to look hot and burned away like this, entering an area where a blast occurred.

A blast of toy dolls! Check out all that work. And all those charred, black dolls. Oh boy. Delightfully sinister. This is when Scott had had enough and he returned to the car. Said it was all too twisted for him. (teehee- I love it!)

A close up of the plastic devastation....

Everywhere there were pieces of things.

Even tucked here in a cabinet.
I didn't get a picture of this but they had pretty girl dolls in their boxes, just as you would see at a toy store, all dressed up and smiling, mounted on the wall and on shelves. But some of the heads were wired so they would turn back and forth randomly. And they were named weird things like "Bedtime Betty" or "Sleeping Sally". I don't remember exactly, but titles that were super creepy.

I liked these pumpkin faces. Thought they would be easy to make with funkins and save the $30+ price tag.

Now this.... This table was beautiful. Weird, random sculptures of faded wood. I loved it. But they were pricey!

Hope you enjoyed the tour and are inspired to enjoy the rest of your October!!!

Recycle That T

2010-10-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Be Green! Go Eco! Whatever your reason to slash up an old T...
I made this little knit number (the scarf) the other day and it actually worked.
Check Academe for instructions on making your own.

Newport in Oct

2010-10-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

We just returned from our seemingly annual October visit to California. It started a couple of years ago taking the kids to Disneyland for all the Halloween hype and we keep coming back. Don't know how much longer we can do this as the kids miss some school days, but we made the most of it.
Wednesday night we left and hurried to our friends house in Corona where the kids stayed and Scott and I left right away to catch The Drums and Surfer Blood in L.A. It was cool to compare this show to the one we saw in NYC in Jan. They sounded better and performed better. I expected the crowd to be going nuts but they didn't. We were tired, though. Most shows start at 8pm and end around 10 or 11- this one began at 10:30 and ended after midnight. Wow- we are old potatoes because we were beat the next day - too old for that kind of crazy night life. But it was worth it for one night. This old surf sound trend is enjoyable and great for people watching.
The rest of the trip was relaxing and fun. There were some uncommon hot days so we enjoyed being outside, going to the beach and the pool and even hitting Disneyland Sat night (another late nighter). Then Monday we woke up to rain! Bah. We went to Dland anyway. I guess it's fair in all our visits that we finally hit a rainy day. It was more like a misty day and it disappeared after lunch time.

I so enjoy our little family. My husband makes me laugh and the kids are great. We had a nice time but it is good to be back in routine again today. October is already on it's way and I still have yet to release my decor everywhere. Whatwhat?!? Time to get going!
And do stay tuned for the famous Rogers Gardens update. Oh yes. I went. And I took many a pics to divulge the spooky fun.
PS- The store fronts in the last collage are some I saw while visiting Laguna in August. Along the same strip mall was an Andrea's Liquor store and a Scott's Donut store. I had to show S and take photos. I think these fit the bill. In another life I would probably be a lush and S would be... soft and sweet. Ha!

Like I Said

2010-09-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

The warm nights are diminishing and the calm cool is tip-toeing in. Tip-toeing? Did you know I was talented at writing? Good grief. That is horrible but I just read an awesome book so I thought I would try and be poetic.
Moving on.
For reals, though, y'all, it's gettin way nice at night now. (That's better)
The other night whilst watching yet another soccer practice, the sun was perfectly behind this goal frame, shading my face for a few precious moments (I sure love it when it gets behind those mountains instead of in my face).
Looks like my attempt to have a peaceful, insightful comment with this picture is so not going to happen. What I meant to say was:
Ahhh... beautiful evenings as summer closes.

Starring

2010-09-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

TaDa!
Scott's name is in lights!
It is so exciting to see the final touches coming together in all the office relocating. Scott has been balancing so many things... I'm amazed he can keep things straight. The new location in the North West is almost done and looking great.
And they finally got the signage done at the already open South West location.
Woowoo! Way to go, S!

FunFunFun

2010-09-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

September is going out with a bang. These last two weeks we've had day to day things happening. Some normal/ boring stuff, some fun/seasonal stuff, and some exciting/lucky stuff.
From the Fun/Seasonal category last week: Interbike. Always a candy store to walk around and check out. I still love all the color that is blooming. Even Neon bikes!
From the Exciting/Lucky category: Phoenix passed through town so we went with some friends. I was just as excited to see Neon Indian open but they were a little anti climactic - what you'd expect from chill wave, I guess. They did don a guitar that lit up (see pic) so they get points for that. But Phoenix sounded AMAZING and they played a good mix of old and new. We'd never been to the Palms before and that venue was smaller than I thought- so double bonus.
Also last week was book club. This month we read The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I enjoyed the book a great deal and highly recommend it. The food theme was anything 'fall' flavors but the night before I had a vision to make meringue mushrooms and that is where my Thursday went. Making this darn cake. Actually, the mushrooms were the easy part- it was fitting in a homemade cake as well that took more time. I am so starved for creative windows that when I find a reason to require it, I have no self control. This was way fun to do. It is a little brown and blah but I did not have the energy to make green frosting and pipe grass knolls around. Take it to the next level, readers! You can do it.
Now we have more fun and music around the corner.... Yippee!

Follow Follow Me

2010-09-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've had this in my downloads and forgot to share it.
This was on the wall when the kids started school and it stopped me in my tracks. I loved it! How fun to walk around art like this in the halls.

Lotoja 2010

2010-09-27T09:50:00.001-07:00

Lotoja this year was great fun.
I actually forgot my camera so you'll have to enjoy pics from the phone for these memories. And not many at that! I am getting lazy in my memory keeping me thinks.
This trip we tried more new things. A highlight of which was our stay at the Anniversary Inn in Logan. This place had different themed rooms and Scott and I were in the "Lost In Space" room. It was a riot. Black lights lit up the space wall murals everywhere and we had the coolest toilet EVER. It's the big, chrome pillar you see here with a door. While within the 'transport', you are encompassed with dials and blinking lights. That night after dinner we had a room tour and visited everyone's different themed rooms. We started with a European Vacation and then went Under The Sea (WOW- we got some good stories on that one- the bed was a boat) and finished with an Arctic Adventure. What a way to kick of the race!
The next morning we were up early to begin the race. I did a leg with some other friends so I took off before our group. I thought it would be freezing but it was perfect and I felt good throughout. This is the second time I have done the first leg of the race and love it because it's flat and fast.
Then the caravan of the day, following each team mate along and whooping from the car. We were lucky to have beautiful weather all day. Other than some traffic frustrations, we didn't encounter any problems and all were safe and well. The guys made great time and came in 6th place this year. Movin' up!
After the race, we all checked in to our (awesome!) hotel and then ate one of the most delicious meals we've had yet on these trips at Osteria. YUM.
Most everyone in our group had to head back after breakfast the next morning except for Rich & Randi so we hung out with them all day relaxing in Jackson. Then Monday we headed back to Provo. One of our good friends and relay team members, Shep, had an open house for his new salon space that evening so we were happy to be in town to attend that, followed by some Thai with R&R.
Scott and I had a nice bike ride the next morning and I gasped when I looked up and saw all the colorful trees. So beautiful! Then we met my parents for lunch before going home.
I love spending this weekend with Scott as we drive, being with great friends and family, making new memories and enjoying the beauty up there. Another great summer end cap!

Do Wait, Dahling

2010-09-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

We're back from our fun Lotoja weekend but I don't have time now to post it so until then, these charming Lake photos must do, dears, must do.
(I'm behind on a few others as well)
While scouring for Juls Bday pic I found these from our summer trip. I thought you could use a good laugh.
Or inspiration? Maybe I should overlay a motivational word in large letters, like "Courage", "Grace" or "Idiocy".
Hm. It's a toss up. They all work...

Happy Birthday JULS!

2010-09-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Obviously I've been pulling from the Powell pics lately. How could I resist this photo when posting a Bday photo for Julia? The girl never takes a bad shot! So, as my sisterly duty to undermine her beauty, I chose this one. Not that it worked. She still looks good even at the Lake. Meh.
Juls, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Do you like the hat I gave you? I think Cody LOVES it.
I hope you have a great Birthday!
Thanks for being my awesome sis.
We are kindred and I love you eversomuch.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo!

Happy Birthday BreeOHN!

2010-09-05T20:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my Dad turned 60.
SIXTY YEARS OLD!
He is so not old that I had to beard his Bday photo just for the contradiction.
My Dad is awesome. I LOVELOVELOVE him.
He is one of my best friends.
Full of energy, hardworking, always willing to listen and help, gives great counsel and jokes and I could go on and on.
Dad, I love you through the smellies. Thanks for being such a good example to me (except for that weird hat. Don't know where you got that...).
Here are to many more young years ahead!

Cool Crew

2010-09-05T18:24:00.001-07:00

Ah. Fall Fashion.
There I was. In my kitchen, going through my stack of put off mail and came to the latest Jcrew. Sweet. As usual, things I loved and in great colors. But also pages that beg the question, "What the...?". I thought it would be fun to share my inner dialogue with you. Luckeeee!
My latest catalog review of a brand that has been with me since Jr. High (ordering men's polo & rugby shirts - obviously I'm not much of a feminine, frilly girl).
It's classic, modern and inspiring. And as with all things fashion, sometimes wacky.
Let's begin, shall weeee?
Class, you may open your textbooks.
I really liked the textures in the first few pages- the satins and wool... but stopped at my first 'what-the'. This scarf thing looks like a shaggy poodle. Pardon me- it's called a 'Mongolian Lamb Stole'. Can you see me wearing that when I pick up my kids at school? Hmm.... I ... don't... know..... I think I'll pass.

Few more pages in and stopped at the Cashmere section. Woot! They are making cashmere hoodies again! And the colors are fab. Now I just need to rob a bank.
PS- I want to brave this look of rolled hems. But not so sure about it with the oxford flats. I can't help but think she looks like she's going to break out and sing something from Newsies.

OK. This thing. This weird, collared "popover" thing. It's reversible. It's different. It's... kind of cool. It's also a freaking $1,200. What??!?! Um. PASS. I do love her slim trousers, though.

Speaking of slim trousers, these are awesome. I love the boots, too. They've had great shoes lately. Erg! (Pass on the cat coat. Achoo! Sorry, just not seeing it)

And slim trousahs with booties and wooly socks? I like it. Still am not convinced on the socks and heeled sandals thing, but this is fly.

Speaking of slim, this model needs some food, stat. Look at her thighs! She's gonna snap in half.

Ah. The classic hop-kick Jcrew pose. This ensemble is adorable. Anyone heard of MiH jeans? The marketing is working on me. If I can look like her, I'll try'em. That color of blue is great.

Ok. WOW. Seriously. SERIOUSLY?? You have got to be kidding. And what is that? lipstick eye black?

And enter the mens section. Yummers. Josh in jcrack threads? Include the entire photo shoot. He is almost, almost, as cute as my husband. :) I don't know about you but whenever I see his face, I think "Fergie? Really?"
Katie's beauty does not make those pants looks any better.

Insert record scratching sound.
The indie beard/stache/long hair thing? Yuck. It was never sexy. No matter how much I LOVE Grizzly Bear. Want to test this theory? There are pictures of Josh Duhamel and then this. Flip back and forth. Back. And forth. Which one is gettin' the chicks. There is nothing to think over. The clippers are over there.

Jcrew are selling some awesome guys shoes, IMO. I have a firm testimony that shoes tell the man. And right now he has some great help. The Indy boots, the Redwings, the chukka's, the Sperry's... any of them. Plus, plus, plus.
Maybe it's just a young look, but on the right guy this slim, rolled-leg look is, um, a good thing.

Well, I hope you all had as good of a time as I did. Do chime in if you agree or disagree.

Back To School

2010-09-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

Back at school and back to work. As I resumed my routine of dropping off/picking up at the school I couldn't help but feel like I was just here. Summer went quickly despite the fun these three past months. But it's time. The kids needed routine back and I need to miss them again. The first day went well. The kids like their teachers and Luke & Sadie know kids in each of their classes making the separation smooth.
I'm still buried with a list of things I'm behind on, to catch up on, to prepare for and get on top of. Ugh. But I had to delay them a little more because my over-ambitious self decided, a month ago when the order form came around, to order two boxes of those delicious CA peaches I loved last year thinking {NOT thinking} that I would have time to bottle more peach jam this first week of school. Ha! What giggles! What jollies! I'm such a tease. I do it to myself, you see. But by darn, I did it. 18 bottles of preserves + sliced, bagged and otherwise later, I only have a handful of fresh beauties left without hardly any wounded soldiers to waste. It was good. I needed a creative/meditative release from responsibility, goodness knows.
Looking forward to the weekend at home (except missing my Dad's 60th!!). Scott and I are utilizing school tomorrow for a fun day date and then I have a Sunday lesson to wrap up. Don't you want my weekend?
PS- Some marvy new bands are posted. I'm in a little vintage kick and really enjoying these. And finally, Miami Horror's album is out. Finally something new to ride/work out to!

Dear Adonna

2010-08-30T10:48:00.001-07:00

We returned from CA and began to settle into routine when my Mom called me on Tuesday afternoon to inform me that my beautiful Grandmother had passed away. She was the last surviving Grandparent that I had after my Grandfather died almost two years before.
We packed back up again and left on Friday night to attend her funeral Saturday.
My Grandmother has always been such a lady (hence her requested title). So fun and vibrant and quick witted. She loved travel and art and life. She raised 9 children among other wonderful accomplishments. We will miss her but I can't help but feel so happy for her. She is with her best friend and husband now and must be so happy to be home. And what a legacy she has left! I grew up with so many cousins, fun aunts and uncles and family events. The chapel was full of most of them and many many friends who cared for her. I am honored to come from this family. I look forward to the better times we'll have ahead when we see her again.
On this last trip to Utah we attended the regular Friday family lunch where she was always there, no matter how she was feeling, looking her best. Now I'm especially glad we made that trip so I could visit with her that one last time.

Laguna

2010-08-30T10:02:00.001-07:00

Trip #2. After returning from Utah and having a week to rewash and repack, I loaded up the kids and joined some friends in Laguna Beach. We left on Monday morning and met them at the beach that afternoon. I had a wonderful, relaxing time! Because the plan was to do nothing but sit on the beach. There are so many things to do in CA that I find myself fitting in errands and shopping when we visit. But this time- No. And as a result we enjoyed lazy conversations and sunshine as the kids played and we would plan as the day went on. This change for me made for a great vacation. Here are some pics of our fun (I didn't take many- I was lazy).

Here are Luke and Sadie at the grocery store. They thought it would be so funny to reverse roles so they swapped glasses, hats, hoodies and voices. Sadie is Luke and Luke is Sadie. They posed like each other and I just noticed they even swapped flip flops. I was laughing harder at them laughing at themselves.

Some shots from the beach. I was too cheap to acquire beach toys so I made some eco (or ghetto) ones out of our recyclables. Owen is wearing one of the cut off milk carton 'scoopers' on his head. That works too, I suppose. Luke covered in sand.

My friend Allison took us to an awesome park up the street with some great climbing equipment. It was nice to play at a park again in cooler temps! The kids enjoyed this ring that spun around and got quite brave with their game of who-will-be-the-last-one-standing.

After a couple of beachy, dirty days we decided to go to the Sawdust Festival up the canyon one afternoon and I was SO glad we did (Thanks for the recommendation, Angie!). It was a beautiful outdoor art festival with really cool things to do with kids. Rows with booths of art all shaded by tall eucalyptus trees and cool breeze. I loved it. Here we are waiting for the trolley to take us up. It was Me, Allison and Jennie (three moms) with ELEVEN kids between us all. It was a class field trip, I tell ya.

Here is a glimpse of the environment. I love going to stuff like this! Good thing Scott was joining us the next night so I could soak it all up without him getting bored. :)
There was a great little art station for kids where they did finger painting and other projects that changed throughout the day. They sculpted wire art at another booth and one of the best shows was watching the glass blowing. Glass blowing! How often do you get to show that to kids? How's that for a job. I want his job. A shady, breezy office being creative all day to my tunes... sign me up.

But the best, BEST BEST thing that I'd read about on the website... that made me want to come the most... was a little ceramics session you could sign up for your kids. For FREE they could throw a pot with these sweet instructors and keep it OR for $15 they'd fire and glaze it and mail it to you. Done! We all did one. I just loved watching the kids get all dirty and explore this. Makes me want to take a ceramics class like the old days again.
Here is little Sadie...

And Luke (with Milo behind him)...

And Elliet. These little bowls and pots will be fun treasures from the trip.

After we got home that day, we were kind of wiped out so the kids played around the house while us Mom's vegged a bit. Then we fed them dinner and ordered Thai for us (yes!). After we walked a block away to Gelato Paradiso and had a some creamy heaven.

We swam with our friends on Thursday in Newport where Scott and I were joining Bob & MJ for the weekend. That night he drove in with the other husbands and it was so nice to have him with me again. That little spot where he was missing in Utah was also noticable here so I was glad he could join the fun for a couple of days. We spent the remaining time relaxing with them, going to the beach, getting cupcakes and more gelato and some shopping. It was a little tight squeezing in this last trip but very worth it. For sure we are doing this every August! Thanks A & J for the fun times- we loved it!

Yoot in August

2010-08-26T18:28:00.001-07:00

So August came and it was mostly open. I decided to cram in two remaining summer trips that I wanted to take with the kids. One of which was back up to UT for some relaxing time with cousins and family.
I spent a shopping/lunching day with my Mom, Juls & Jess (no Randi due to school- wah), went on some bike rides and hung out with my parents mostly. It was really nice to slow down.
A little.
Because we found time to fit in a Halloween craft! Cool old looking candy sticks (instructions in Academe if interested). They were really easy and fun. I want to make some for Christmas next. Also, my Dad has had a spot welder that he let me try out so I made this little bike. What a cool gadget that is! Um... Dad... can I borrow that for a while?
I made some other things I'll eventually get posted.
I realized that, as nice as it was to fit in another trip, I missed not having Scott with me. I don't know if it's because the kids are getting older or what... because as babies the break was always nice, but now it's noticeable that our family is not quite complete when he's not there. Don't get me wrong- it was still nice. :) But I also appreciated noticing that feeling. That we are becoming a growing, close family. We missed you Dad!

It Is Upon Us

2010-08-17T23:01:00.001-07:00

How fantastic is this new children's Halloween book? Rhode Montijo has some great illustration skillz. I love the art and colors. Oh yes. It will be mine.
It's never too early, you know.... Halloween is always 'in'. It's always 'now'. It's always 'super fresh, yo'.
I've even made my first Halloween craft of the season whilst in Utah two weeks ago (yet another delayed post) so despite these last weeks of summer, it'll git ya a bit excited yerself!

Ellie-Eight!

2010-08-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

Finally I am catching up on these posts! Our great, oldest girl Elliet turned eight the last week of July. She wanted to forgo a Birthday party and have a special night out with Mom and Dad instead (thank heavens, too- I don't know when I would have had time to plan one). We went to the movies and to any restaurant she wanted. She chose BJ's for the pizza and then ordered corn dogs. Makes sense. We had a great time with her. The following week were all the activities- a family Birthday party with an "ice cream oreo cake" she requested. It tasted good but man it was a hot mess. Jennie- how do you make those cake pans work? Mine still stuck with the WS spray! It was fun to connect with family, friends and cousins.
Later that weekend my parents came to town for her Baptism. What a special day that was. Elliet was so happy and said she was only a little nervous. We had a nice family brunch before and then headed over to the church. Scott's mother made her a beautiful special white dress for the occasion. When we headed to the font room, it was packed! Saturdays are busy and we know it's hard to take time for these things and were touched to see so many family & friends there. We also received thoughtful texts and calls from family and friends as well. So wonderful to have such great support around us! Thank you for sharing Elliets special day. She is such a sweet and smart girl. I can't believe she is EIGHT YEARS OLD and going into THIRD GRADE. High heels are coming before I know it!

More Minions!

2010-08-09T21:43:00.001-07:00

If you have not seen this movie yet, you need to go see it.
We took Elliet out on a special date with Mom & Dad for her Birthday and this is what she wanted to see. I wasn't that impressed with the previews so I wasn't expecting much. It was fantastic!!!! Scott and I were laughing out loud through the whole thing. Great quick witted humor and so fun for the kids. We liked it so much we went back a week later with my parents (while in town for Elliet's baptism) and the twins. Still great!
I highly recommend it (and more fun than Toy Story 3).
PS- Don't overlook the soundtrack either. I don't buy them much but this one I did and we've had lots of fun listening to it. Plus, with a stylin guy like Pharrell Williams doing most of the music, it's got some boogie (cookie?). My favorites are Prettiest Girls and My Life which I have been singing out loud on my bike rides. I think this explains why I usually ride alone. (Rich- "My Life" is upcoming party playlist worthy, no?!)

Retry, I Did.

2010-08-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

Yes. Yes.
I finally gained enough Jedi courage to try the cookies again. This time I used the correct amount of butter and they worked! Fancy that.
See how nice the imprint stayed after they baked?
(Next image)
Now see my earlier point illustrated here? What good are the lines when all slopped over with frosting? Oh well.
I was lazy and didn't make red or any fun colors. Just stuck with white, greens and black. And then at the end I got super serious and gave Yoda some personality. Mmm. They sure was good, fillin' us up with all kinds of force powers. Like forcing my pant size tighter and stufflikethat.

May We Present

2010-08-09T20:52:00.001-07:00

So - months ago (MONTHS! I am a loser) my friend came to me with two curtains (that she was about to donate away) and an idea. She asked if I could make a puppet curtain out of them. The deal was make one for her and one for myself.
After figuring out how to do some of the steps, here is how they finally ended up. Finally finished, I should say. It's the brain work that slows me down cuz, you know, I'm kind of slow up there. But once I got that figured out, they went together really fast. I will try to get steps up in the Academe site soon (promises, promises) if anyone is interested.
It's edged with bias tape so I could slide a dowel in each side preventing sagging when hanging. This top picture was the finished result but I thought it needed a little fanfare so I embroidered the letters on felt and made a little flag banner. Awww! There are two pics of this- one with triangle banners and one with notched square banners.
After adding this fun fringe on the back, I realized that the viewers wouldn't really see it... but at least the performer feels a bit fancy.
Then a little tension rod and tada! hung and ready to play.
This spawned days of creativity with the kids. It was really fun to play with. I pulled out my pipe cleaners, little fuzzy puffs and googly eyes and we made all kinds of things. I tried to make a marionette with old blocks. She is always surprised.
The kids were clever with their bugs. We tied them with fish line on BBQ skewer sticks so they could 'fly' around. Big dragonflies down to teeny tiny bees (a simple fuzz ball with googly eyes).
Elliet made all these beautiful flowers. My fave is the Dr. Suess looking bouqet now permanantly resting in my office.
You have a couple of weeks before school starts. Go make some puppets!

Back To School

2010-08-08T20:45:00.001-07:00

Elliet brought home a book from school during this past year to share with me. That girl understands some good wit. I was laughing out loud at some of these things (this part especially). So, this summer during one of our library trips we snagged it again. I took these photos to share with you (a month later!) and seeing that school is right around the corner, the timing couldn't be better.
Here's to those worries of new teachers. Luke & Sadie are split up this year so I have three teachers to worry about. I hope she isn't green!