Newport 2008

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

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











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









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









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

Darn That Ina!

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

Spring Weeeee the 2nd

I found this on the back of Elliet's homework

Smart Yer Kiddies

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

Spring Weeeee

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

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

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

My Brother

Us, The Saguaro and You

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

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

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

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












The "Postcard"
Self explanatory.












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












The 'Twins"!












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












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

To Jean or not to Jean

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

Sneaky Peeky

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

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

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

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

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












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

Oh Happy Day!

Our internet is still down. I couldn't take it anymore and I am currently at the book store on my laptop to get my fix. My cell phone has allowed me to slip by, but imagine the joy I felt viewing things on a screen bigger than two inches. And my fingers are like happy puppies out for exercise. Run, rascals, run!
I have accomplished the drudgery I came for (online bills, email responsibility, etc.) and now reward myself with a blog post.
It's weird going so many days without mentioning little things. Overall nothing sticks out as I do a backward mental inventory, but I do need to gloat about the blossoming trees (Dad, skip down-the following will cause you severe jealousy).
For those of you who think we are crazy to live in this desert, talk to the hand sucka. I love this place and it's beauty is never dull. Check out the first blooming trees I saw the other day. It's like a hug from Mother Nature of good things to come. Happy February! Spring is pretty much here!

The kids are well and we're preparing for Spring Break in a couple of weeks. We are going to Newport with Scott's family. I think I am more excited to take the kids to Disneyland than they are to go. Is it the joy of them having so much fun that causes that?? Or is it the Churro's? Hm. I'll have to think on this one.
One cool kid thing this week I want to remember....
Lately I have been listening to some music that is light and fun and it's been played in the car often, enough that the kids are requesting songs by singing them to me. Lucas has the magic ears. That kid can hear something once and be singing it later. He's always been a singer but I am constantly surprised by what he picks up. Anyway, this week in the car during one of his requests he started dancing and couldn't hold still. Like he couldn't contain the physical urgency to express the happiness. It was so funny and so cute. He was going all 'Elaine' with kicks and jerks but all laughing.... It reminded me of a story my Mom told me where I reacted the same way to something when I was three. Three!! So you see? I am a wacko music geek and have passed it on to my boy. I already foresee late night chats with him about music as I did with my Mom and it makes me smile.

I love technology

So guess what I am doing... blogging with my phone! Isn't that cool? actually' it's not. My Internet went down this week... Down? More like broke up. Dumped me. Left me with shattered expectations and a bitter heart. So what's a girl to do? Go find someone more handsome, more fun, faster! So my mail- order man (modem) is coming next week. Hang tight, all my six readers! I'll return with nonsense soon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

My Mom's Birthday was yesterday. And yes, even though I did post, I saved the announcement (and embarrassment) for when I returned home and could add a picture. Look at how pretty! She still gets mistaken for my sister. I hope that happens to me in MY fifties...
I love my Mom. She jokes and says that we could have been raised as orphans and turned out fine... and I agreed that we'd be fine but we wouldn't be interesting at all. She has given our family such color and depth and humor. She has overcome tremendous trials, been a great example of a wife and mother, and is most of all so much fun! I love you Mom! Thank you for always being there to talk about everything and nothing, from deep philosophies to shoes. You have given me creativity and.... well, personality. Come to think of it, what did Dad do? (Besides that!)
I hope you had lots of cake and received emails and calls showering you with fondness. I love you!!!!!!!

Tucson

Right now the Tour of California bike race is going on. We went last year with some friends and had a great time. Months ago, Scott scheduled the time off in case we'd be able to swing it this year and it didn't happen. We weren't sure what we were going to do with this long weekend and hadn't committed to any plans until 5 days before. For a while I wanted to go play in the snow, but after being sick, the last thing we needed to do was roll down a mountain and get a ski pole in my eye, so we headed south to some sunshine (I know, we live in a desert and flew to more desert). It has been just what we needed. Lots of R&R and some beautiful scenery.
The flight here is quick, about one hour from Vegas. I sat next to a very sweet old man and we chatted the entire time. He turns 80 this year and you'd never know it. It was a fun way to start the trip. We spent the next two days hanging out in the spa and being bums. The place we are staying is nestled up in the mountains near the city so they have accessible hikes and trails. We've been exploring the city, eating meals at random times, watching sunsets, etc.
Here are some shots of what we have done so far.

Here is the sunset the other night we went shopping. I stood on the bench to take this photo. It was incredible. You can't see it very well in the shot, but there were actual fanned orange rays beaming from behind the mountain. I couldn't see Jesse James on his horse, though....


Here are some pics from the Saguaro National Park. Lesson #1: Say it with me, folks: Sa-WAH-ro. Ges. Put on yourl somblelo and say lik that: sa-wah-ro. Gracias.
They are the coolest cactus. They are everywhere and I like them. They are friendly and wave at you when you look out the weendow. Hola, leetle sahwaro! I wish they would grow in Vegas. Do you know why they don't? Well, I do! They cannot survive sub freezing temps. They also live to be hundreds of years old and... well, you can Google them or read my 8th grade level report called 'The Saguaro and You'.










We went on a little sunset hike last night. The route we took put us on a loop around a mountain, so we missed seeing an actual 'sunset', but it was so beautiful. Here are a couple of pics from that. Awww, here we are a little flushed from the work! See how high we went? See? Si.








Now we are going Mountain Biking. Um, yeah. I haven't done that in a loooong time. We'll see how that goes. Adios!

Happy Valentines Day!

I have a secret admirer. Do you want to know who it is? They are responsible for this beautiful flower arrangement.
I know, you are just dying with suspense.
My admirer wrote a poem that came with them proclaiming his crazy love. I won't disclose all the contents (The first few are body parts.... so original) which said the red reminded him of my passion for baked goods and the pink reminded him of my rosy, strained face after a good workout and the peach was like a beautiful sunset. I was so touched! So who is this rogue of romance? This Knight of honor defending our love? Well, let me tell you... it's.... ME! Yes, I bought some fresh flowers for myself yesterday. And as weird as I may be, I didn't write myself a poem. C'mon now, I'm not crazy! ....and Happy Valentines Day to me!
Fresh flowers are so pretty to have around. This is one area of talent I wish I was better at (arranging flowers) so I usually only give them to myself. Ignorance is bliss.
So in honor of Saint Valentine, I am going to wear a cloth diaper all day and shoot arrows at people. OR.... think about all the people in my life that I love so much and try to tell them. So watch your phone! And if you don't get a phone call, then yes- I don't love you (sheesh).
Anyway, off I go to try and make heart shaped pancakes and serve with patience and love in hopes that it will change the hearts of bickering children. Ahhhh, amoré.

Where's my vespa?

This makes me happy.

Canned Love

Well I don't really have much to report as of late.
I have mostly been busy catching up from being sick last week. There is nothing like doing catch up work to seriously consider picking up a virus again. I mean, what have I been missing? Cleaning sheets? Making dinner? Picking up shoes? As Nacho said: "I lub eet- eets da best!"
But some things aren't so bad. Playing with the kids again has been fun. The weather has been great so we have been outside quite a bit. Nothing like warm weather to get you in the mood for...
PROJECTS!
So two things I have FINALLY tackled. Last Ocbtober (yes, you read that right... OCTOBER) I purchased some magnet boards on the cheap with the intent to hang them in my kitchen area. Well, I hung one. I never hung the other. I also meant to paint them the same color as the wall. Never did that, either. Now that it's February I figured, Hey- why not! It's been 5 months...perhaps some action is in store! oui-oui. So yesterday I primed those boards, painted them said wall color and hung them up. It took me all less than an hour. Wow. I am lame. And they look great. Check!
Project #2: Illustrated here. I am actually not quite done with this one, but it's not one-post worthy so you get the intro here. Again, picked up this fab picture frame from Ikea with some thoughts in mind. I think I need another one to keep black and hang in October for Halloween. No, it is not above me to think that way. But I decided to paint this one white and hang it in Sadie's room. Hooray for spray paint! I love! Though I must say if you plan to attempt this yourself, it was a little more detail oriented than I anticipated. Lots of little swirls and loopdie-loops to cover (Beware of carpel tunnel of the index finger). Now I need to get some kind of 'mirror' paint for the glass. I figure the imperfect reflection will add some cool charm, no?

I also helped the kids with their Valentines today. Sometimes I wish that was still a normal adult thing. Don't all girls love it? Do you remember hoping for an extra scribbled note or something hidden in those over-doiley'd shoe boxes? My elementary crush was on a boy named Mike. Did I ever get a special valentine from him? Heck no. But I really wanted a boy to utilize the seasonal convenience to reveal his secret crush for me. Oh the heartbreak. Did this youthful fantasy ever happen to you? Come, do tell... and break my heart.

Things I am loving:
1) Girl Scout Cookie time! Oh yes, I already ordered some boxes and am not disclosing the quantity. I can't wait for them to come. Go Green!
2) The new REI catalogs. Some mail is fun to get. I haven't camped in years and I still pour over these pages like I'll be going soon. I dare to dream.
3) IKEA. Love it and love that it's in Utah.
4) Music and sunshine. I think there is a formula for listening to something great with a high sun and windows down... maybe a comfy 75 degree temp? Perhaps I am too old to blast my radio. Is that too 17? If so, don't answer.
5) Baking. Trouble, people. My appetite is returning with a vengeance. I've made chocolate cupcakes, apple crisp, brownies, etc. I have more mixes waiting. I can't control myself!

Enough already! I am even tired of seeing that poo-poo post about my flu.
I am feeling better. Praise the heavens. Energy is coming back and so is my spinning head. I knew things were looking up when I couldn't fall immediately to sleep last night. This happens most nights though...I lay there and think think think... For some reason 50% of my ideas and inspiration come to me, here, when I can't find a pen that works or paper to write them down.
So Valentines Day is coming. I know this is everyone's favorite holiday, esp. the men. What cool things you do you for Vday? Anything in particular?
Do you make heart pancakes in an obnoxious ruffly apron and red lipstick? (no other clothes?! Shocking! And...um, this was referring to the women... not the men)
Do you go to dinner somewhere special? (Taco Bell, perhaps?)
Do you do yardwork?
I remember one year my Mom actually made a big whoopdie-do and we had a yummy breakfast and she gave us all a little present. So I think this year I'd like to do something fun to show my family how I ooey-gooey love them. Maybe I'll surprise Scott at work in just a trench coat and heels. Love is in the air! Pop in some Tom Jones and get in the moooooood.

Loves of late:
1) The Holiday forecast from your local supermarket grocer. You know the aisle I mean. The one that has Halloween candy stocked in July (my favorite discovery!) and, like now, Easter candy in Feb.
2) The Little Einsteins theme song.
3) Car washes
4) Design software
5) Open-mindedness and vision. There is so much out there to discover and do! How do people get bored????

I am ever so, really not well

Wow. Happy February to me.
See that little blue-top pill leaning on his big friend? That is what I have felt like for three days. I have been sicker than a dog. It is not fun. I don't get sick very often so I feel like my body makes good use of it when I do and the infection decides to have a party, invite his friends who bring additional symptoms and make a weekend getaway out of it. Up all night parties make my head hurt, the beverage consumption makes my nose runny, the fireworks make me cough.
Fever, achy, chills...the whole bit. Yuck!
I am finally on the mend so hooray for antibiotics. Now I have to get my kids well, fumigate my house, burn our sheets and drink super smoothies. Until then, things I love lately:
1) Health (duh)
2) Otter Pops. Yeah... for a sore throat, it's happiness.
3) Jeannine. Our family friend has been able to fill in as 'mom' while I have been in a fetal position upstairs. What a lifesaver!
4) Emily and Jennie for helping with carpooling. So quick to help. Thanks!
5) Hot showers

Happy February!

Last night Scott and I went to see the Bravery.... in case you can't tell by the HUGE sign behind the band.
I have happy memories listening to their albums during bike rides and road trips. Their style isn't some audio breakthrough, but I love their dancey sound.
They were touring for their second album (I like their first better- Scott disagrees) so we headed down to the House of Blues last night ready to have fun. I had already prepared to humiliate myself because I wanted to be up close, dance like a monkey and yell until my voice was gone. And oh yeah, check off all three of those puppies because I did just that. We were about 6-7 people back from the front and in the center so we had a great view of all the guys. WOW! Forget Botox. You want to feel young again? Go jump up and down with everyone around you as you shout lyrics with hands in the air. I'm still smiling, my neck is sore and my ears still hurt a little. Good times.

I've also been thinking about February and decided it would be fun to smother an already emotionally gooey month with things I love in my posts. So consider yourself warned! It will be similar to the November theme of listing what I was thankful for, but more shallow. I mean, I can't really say I am thankful for cookies, can I?

What I loved today:
1) Having Luke crawl into bed with me this morning when he woke up, smelling his clean hair and kissing his warm cheeks over and over...then I squeeze him until he cries. Sometimes I grit my teeth when I hug my kids. It's like they are so cute I can't handle it. I need a chewing stick.
2) Finding the hiking trail that I lost the other day. I tried to be adventurous and went somewhere new... and I got lost. And yes, as I was telling Scott my tall tale, he was bored because, well, he was looking at me, so how lost could I have been? And how lost can you really get up at Red Rock?... but still, it's never fun. So, I love knowing my way.
3) Scott for going with me to my silly concerts.
4) Sunshine.

Slap Me

Stop me now.
Take my wallet.
J-crack just released their swimwear and, darn them, I like some of it. I never have luck with their swim lines. I get all excited when they show the skinny, tan models flaunting the summery little things in all these playful colors... but when they arrive at my door, it's a dark day. I try on piece after piece and slowly remember the truth! Their suits just don't fit me well. Every year!
So don't let me do it again, because I REALLY REALLY want this bikini. How cool is it? Funky mod print... wide shoulder straps... I am reaching for my visa....
How bad can it be? I will only be wearing it in my back yard.... so.... maybe this year their suits will be kind to me.....maybe? Maybe if I put my hand through my hair like that...