a lone read

Quick Decorating Project

2010-04-26T13:27:00.004-06:00

I spent a couple days last month helping my mom do a quick change to she and my dad's bedroom. My parent's had recently put in new carpet and new paint. She didn't want to spend a lot more- just update and refresh the decor and maybe help make their small bedroom feel larger.

I love doing projects in my parent's house because I can do most of the shopping among my mom's existing stuff. She has lots of cute accessories and furniture that can be moved around. This project only cost between $200-$300.

Before:

These pictures were actually taken after we'd done some purging of old stuff and moving in some furniture from other rooms.

After:

We saved money by using most of her same stuff - bedspread, curtain rods, curtains, and headboard. We just needed to add more volume to her current headboard. To do that we layered her current cream sheers with these red and white striped panels (and matching bedskirt). We flanked the headboard with two solid night stands, new lamps, and of course new pillows on the bed to create a stronger focal point.

I also worked on Les's sister's bedroom last month. I'll post some pictures of that project very soon.

Watch for him to throw the drumsticks in the air and catch them again.

2010-03-31T10:50:00.002-06:00

So sorry that you can hear me singing in the background.

My Very Educated Mother Just Saw Uncle Nick (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune)

2010-03-25T10:17:00.000-06:00

One of our favorite places to take Gus is the Planetarium at the Gateway. We had sweet cousin Tessa with us a few weeks ago and it just so happened that they had a treasure hunt event going on. They made bracelets, made and launched rockets, and met some guy dressed up in a spacesuit (who happened to be about 5 feet tall) Free entertainment.

Gus and Tessa get along really well. Tessa is 6 months younger but they are the same height. She didn't say much of anything the whole time she was visiting and then on the way home from the Planetarium she laughed for about 5 minutes straight until Gus asked her to be quiet.

Here is Tessa doing crazy eyes.

And Gus trying to steal the attention away from Tessa.

Thank you preschool

2010-03-18T09:56:00.000-06:00

Gus has been really good at writing his name for a while -as long as I draw dots for him to follow. But a few months ago he came home from preschool with this on his paper. No dots. I know, the G is sort of upside down, but who cares. This is quality work.

When you go to bed at 6:00 am...

2010-03-15T15:36:00.005-06:00

Last night I couldn't bring myself to put my book down...so I went to bed at 6:00 am. Very bad. Here's what I've learned happens when you go to bed at 6:00am.

-You can't possibly find the energy to pull yourself together for the day-catch up, shower up, clean up.

-Your kids will eat fruit loops for breakfast, fruit loops for lunch.

-You wake up from a short nap on the couch at noon to find your baby watching "A Baby Story" and your 3-year-old pouring himself a bath.

-You wake up from another short nap on the couch covered with fruit loops.

-You have to admit to your 3-year-old that you made a bad choice and you are paying the consequences.

-You spend the day living partially in the dreamland that is your book.

Through Gus's eyes/lens

2010-03-14T21:42:00.007-06:00

Gus's photography debut

So often it's not what you say but how you say it that matters

2009-10-07T11:45:00.002-06:00

Rash

2009-09-07T10:17:00.000-06:00

Dejavu

2009-09-04T10:09:00.000-06:00

Taken 9/13/2006 - almost 3 months old

8/31/2009- 5 months old

Tomatoes

2009-09-03T12:53:00.007-06:00

We have been harvesting tomatoes like crazy the last few days. Very exciting for first time gardeners like us. And tomorrow I will attempt to can these beauties. I'm a little bit scared.

All are beauties but one. What in the world happened to this one do you suppose? A bit creepy I think.

I had to investigate to see if there was something in there. A bug? A stem? A finger?...

So far so good

And the Bobbit.

Nothing there, just tomato. Want to taste?

Can't Get Enough

2009-08-07T15:14:00.000-06:00

Is it too soon? I just revisited this amazing website. If you haven't already, really, you need to consider adding this to your reader. I know I will.

Stack of Denimoes

Dress up
One reason to let the bride and groom see each other before the wedding

I See You
Don't tease us

The Projector
For this protective father, you can have his daughters home whenever you want, but don’t even think about taking out the projector.
What About Grandma?
These kids with their fancy knee shelves

Roman Shade
Clearly, all of the other props were occupied at this photo studio

Rebel, Rebel
Somebody's the plaid sheep

Cat's out of the pocket

Kyptonite

2009-08-06T00:01:00.004-06:00

I didn't watch The Bachelorette this season. But I followed it loosely through my mom and friends who were enamored with Jill and all the suitors. It is Jill, right? The day after the finale I turned on the TV downstairs while Gus was playing and caught about 30 minutes of a Bachelorette marathon, the episode just before the finale, her final dates with Ed and Kypton. I was only mildly interested and Gus was less than that. He merely popped his head up a few times to look at the screen.

The next day Gus was sitting on the kitchen island as he usually does and happened to put a small mixing bowl on his head, which fit nicely as a helmet. He grabbed a hanger and brandished it into the air proclaiming "I'm Kypton Betty-sword." (Amazing and scary how the name Kypton just soaked into his head - and I have no clue where Betty-sword came from.)

We laughed about it a lot and told a few friends and family. And because of this Gus has continued working with this Betty-sword character. Tonight he found these tights in my closet (purchased with the intent of making sock animals) and Kypton Betty-sword came out again.

Gus the Wolf

2009-07-29T07:53:00.000-06:00

Around the House

2009-07-28T07:05:00.000-06:00

I picked up this shadowbox frame from IKEA (of course) and finally framed these antique dutchie knick knacks from my mom and grandma.

I love this new pillow. Although, I'm not sure if I love it in this guest bedroom (AKA Lisa's room).

We planted corn late in the season - about 2 weeks ago. It is already over a foot tall! (on the right)

Great vintage Tonka truck found at a garage sale. Gus loves this.

This is good

2009-07-27T07:54:00.000-06:00

TP

2009-07-24T08:03:00.002-06:00

While driving around the Millcreek area looking for garage sales I was so happy to spot this beautiful display on Saturday morning. I think toilet papering might be a dying art. I spent a lot of nights toilet papering in high school, I'm pretty much an expert. And I found this to be some quality work. So many great memories.

Happy Pioneer Day. We're off to St. Anthony, Idaho where they celebrate our "Utah" holiday in style. Small town parade, rodeo, play, the works.

Beautiful. I love this show.

2009-07-23T15:34:00.000-06:00

Busy Summer Series: Gus meet Milo, Milo, Gus

2009-07-21T07:26:00.000-06:00

It has taken several months but our two boys are finally starting to get used to each other. Although we tried to make it easier on him, poor Gus had a hard time no longer ruling the roost.

Busy Summer Series: Backyard

2009-07-20T07:16:00.000-06:00

Last Summer Les spend a lot (A LOT) of hot hours ripping out nasty trees, bushes and other crap from our front and backyard - almost ripping the bumper off of the trunk in the process. He then built us a beautiful cedar fence. And at that point we were out of steam and out of money. So this year we have been finishing the job of creating an aesthetically pleasing front and backyard - and a place for Gus to play.

BEFORE:

Don't be fooled - that's not grass. Pure weeds.

Everything is overgrown

Our view of the neighbor's backyard

Here's one of the fence. This is after we had a bobcat level things out.

AFTER:

We killed (and pulled!) the weeds, leveled the ground, put in a sprinker system,

hydroseeded, planted trees, made a flagstone pathway, repaired the deck, bordered the

planting areas with pavers (thank you Addie)...

built this flagstone patio, painted the shed (still needs repairs)...

And even planted a garden! We love having a backyard!

Busy Summer Series: Lagoon - Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Wicked?!

2009-07-17T08:09:00.001-06:00

We went to Lagoon with my parents, Grandma Toni, Darrin's wife Alicen and their two girls, Tessa and Malia. It was so so fun.

Busy Summer Series: Gus turns 3!

2009-07-16T07:46:00.000-06:00

Gus wanted a Firetruck Birthday Party

We had fireman hats, fireman games, fireman treats- of course

Hi Mom.

and they decorated their own cupcakes

Busy Summer Series: Wheeler Farm

2009-07-15T06:59:00.000-06:00

You wouldn't know it from the pictures, but we did actually see some animals at the farm too.

Cottles

Robertsons

Busy Summer Series: Twilight Concert Bon Iver

2009-07-14T07:04:00.000-06:00

The concert turned out to be a bust - definitely not a place for kids - but at least we came away with some good pre-concert footage.

Busy Summer Series: Family and a Funeral

2009-07-13T10:53:00.002-06:00

Les's sweet Grandma died in June so we took a trip up to Idaho for the funeral. She was 93 so the week was bittersweet -sad to see her go but happy for the good life she lived and it was so fun to spend time with all of Les's family.

This is her with Milo.

Les's aunt, uncle, and sister Addie

Gus sitting with one of Les's heroes, his brother Frank

Gus's cousins

Has this happened to you?

2009-07-12T16:04:00.008-06:00

The Bad News

The Good News

3Gs

(I promise to be even more careful this time. I reccommend double heavy duty caseage)

Awkward Family Photos

2009-05-28T16:22:00.003-06:00

I have been dying laughing at this website today. Especially this story.

Twins

2009-05-19T19:58:00.004-06:00

(please forgive Gus's dirty feet - he loves playing in the dirt)

Surprise

2009-05-14T14:08:00.003-06:00

Les's company sent us these amazing flowers after we had Milo. The arrangement was enormous! It was so fun to show off our flowers when we were showing off our baby. Thanks eRe!

Mommy Grandma Anya

2009-05-10T23:34:00.011-06:00

A few things my Mom taught me along the way:

Always stop to buy lemonade from children at the side of the road

Wear your seat belt

Broccoli is delicious, eat often (Spinach is yummy too)

Don't be afraid to be creative and unique

Children's Christmas dreams can and should come true

Layering

Turn off the TV

Relax and enjoy life

Children's books should be read with gusto, using different voices where applicable

Pursue what makes you happy

Keep your heart healthy

When necessary, play dumb

Dance silly around the kitchen

Set up blind dates. maybe not.

When children 'talk back' spray them with water

Long fingernails give such good back tickles

Humor can dispell a lot of difficult situations

Make friends with your kid's friends

Laugh loudly

Be conscientious of other's and their feelings, say sorry if you need to

Make friendly conversation with strangers in line at the supermarket

Sacrifice

Keep a good perspective on life

Introducing Baby Milo!

2009-03-31T12:35:00.002-06:00

Here is a slideshow Les put together of Milo's first week with us. His middle name is "Jan" pronounced "Yawn". He is named after my Grandfather who was Dutch.

Congratulations Matt!

2009-03-07T13:58:00.003-07:00

I need to brag. My amazing awesome cousin Matt (who is married to my equally amazing cousin Paige) was just appointed as the new president of Utah Valley University. Read about him here.

Baby Day

2009-03-01T20:35:00.003-07:00

Why is it that when you are pregnant - and huge - people think they can say whatever they want to you? I don't often approach obese people and comment to them how enormous they are. Or touch their bulges.

Here are a few great comments I have gotten the last few weeks. (mostly all from one amazing conversation)

- The classic "are you having twins?"

- And on multiple occasions "you are HUGE" with their eyes bulging out.

- And finally, a Cuban Woman in her 70's who attends our ward asked when I was due. I tried to be funny by telling her I wasn't pregnant - I just eat a lot of ice cream. She followed up with "really? so do you think the baby will be large?"

- Same Cuban, same conversation a few minutes later noted that she would like to be able to take a picture of me naked. "You know, like this" she motioned with her arms that I would be able to cover up some areas. And then she tried to back up a little by saying "well, i used to be a nurse. And I'm very into art. " Apparently my figure needs to be preserved in photos for science and the arts.

But...don't worry about me, my feelings weren't hurt whatsoever. There's something about being old and Cuban (or old in general - but especially old with accent) everything she says sounds so funny.

P.S. My Dr scheduled an induction for me the morning of March 27th! It feels so good to know when this bub is coming.

Free Day at the Zoo

2009-02-26T00:21:00.006-07:00

More mom stuff

2009-02-23T19:42:00.003-07:00

I found a couple coupons in the newspaper for the Discovery Gateway so Gus and I have gone twice in the last week. This place is amazing. We both love it. There were tons of other pregnant women there that I made friendly conversation with. All those I talked to were having boys so I tried to snake some good name ideas. No luck yet. We are still undecided. Only five more weeks to go!

Holes

2009-02-10T10:32:00.004-07:00

This is a straw sticking out of a hole in my Scentsy candle. Gus has a strange obsession with putting things in holes he finds around the house. He has a keen ability to find something just the right size to fit a specific hole.

Here we have another straw as well as my keys stuck into Gus's bed

And here's a toothbrush that fits perfectly into the hole in the sink. Does anyone know of a future job for Gus where this skill might come in handy?

This Brand of Joy

2009-01-11T21:00:00.004-07:00

My sister-in-law Alicen posted this article in her blog and I read it through twice in a row because it made me feel so validated. I thought all the mothers that I associate would enjoy reading it as well. On the eve of having a second baby boy I feel it's especially pertinent to post.

I like the paragraph about resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense.

Gus's Christmas present highlights

2009-01-03T19:05:00.013-07:00

Gus's new kitchen

Gus loved this wooden birthday cake so much he wanted to keep
sharing it with Dad while he was taking a nap.

The superman suit. I was grateful that he didn't wear it to church on Sunday.

And of course the playdough was a big hit. We really could have gotten away with only buying $2 worth of playdough and he would have been happy (Gus - not Les).

Gus stuck that glob on my head at the last minute so I could be Harry Potter.

Gus-isms

2008-12-31T11:29:00.015-07:00

We are really discovering how very funny and creative Gus is lately. I just have to blog a few of his funnies so I don't forget.

-A couple days after Christmas he came downstairs with a cardigan on his head and said -"I'm Jesus"

-He loved the play dough he got in his stocking. He was playing with it one evening and came in to me and said - "Show me" which translates as "I'll show you". He took me into our front room where he had given our statue of Joseph Smith a bright green hat made from play dough.

- Gus loves giving blessings. I'm not sure where he got this idea - he has seen Les give blessings only twice or three times. He'll often lay his hands on our Joseph Smith statue, on daddy or mommy, and sometimes on stuffed animals and say a prayer.

- So much for being a spiritual boy. He took a Mike-n-Ike candy between his middle and ring finger and smoked it like an expert. Again, not sure where he gets this stuff. Probably from nursery - haha.

- One busy errand filled day a few weeks ago, while I was pumping some gas, Gus was deep in thought. "Look mom," he said, folding his ear in half, "Taco".

- Gus loves to wear head bands, gloves (socks on his hands), goggles, hats, a bucket on his head, and all kinds of other accessories. He'll typically go through 5 pairs of socks per day.

- Gus is obsessed with facial hair -he thinks it's hilarious- mustaches especially. He'll often put on a headband and move it down under his nose and wear it as his mustache.

Christmas Danger

2008-12-17T23:48:00.003-07:00

I have a big task in December to try to come up with both Christmas and Birthday gift ideas for myself to help my poor husband. I just can't bear the thought of him wandering around store after store looking aimlessly for the perfect gift. Apparently I'm hard to shop for.

Before I started brainstorming ideas I was satisfied with everything I have. I was so very content. I really don't NEED anything. In fact, every year the idea of collecting more STUFF makes me feel yucky.

But, once I really get thinking and looking I can definitely find really cute things that catch my eye. Danger. Now I think I need this and this and this and maybe even a few others as well, and I have the burden of thinking about these things all throughout the day and how great it would be to have them. I am so weak.

Here Comes Christmas

2008-11-18T15:00:00.005-07:00

Les's amazing cousin Jen posted this on her blog a few weeks ago. I loved it. I am in the process of planning our Ward Christmas dinner as well as the usual family Christmas planning and I keep going back to this message. Whether you donate money or food or love or time, let's make this year one that is meaningful and one that we will remember.

P.S. I want to know... what are you going to do this year to make Christmas more meaningful? I need some ideas.

The Gas Station

2008-11-14T00:19:00.004-07:00

A couple days ago I was filling up my gas tank at the local Smith's. I, along with most of the people there, probably don't understand why the cost of gasoline is going down so drastically (anyone want to fill me in?) But regardless, I dare say most of us there were in a good mood to be filling our tanks for 1.91/gallon. (Smith's cost today is $1.85 - I can hardly wait to fill up again)

There were about 3 cars using the pumps, 5 pumps still available, when a suburban pulled up across from me and began waiting for a very old & slow gentleman to finish. He was having trouble trying to get his Smith's discount to process. The woman waited. I looked at her and grinned a kind of - 'what are you doing' grin. She rolled her eyes in response - like I might be understanding of her frustration. Did I mention there were 5 pumps available? She waited another few minutes and then made an audible huff and turned her car towards another pump. Aren't people weird?

Iron Man

2008-10-07T16:25:00.006-06:00

Les and I finally watched Iron Man last night after so many people recommended it highly. I honestly wasn't sure if I'd like it or not....turns out I LOVED it. Les said at one point in the movie I was standing on my chair and yelling. I'll probably go ahead and make this picture my computer wallpaper.

2008-09-16T16:49:00.002-06:00

It is really hard for me to not constantly write about our sweet little 2-year-old boy. But I figure this blog is really for me and only those that choose to will read this stuff...so, I can sneak one more little thing in about him, right?

Now that Gus has been talking more, Les and I have discovered that Gus is a very kind and considerate boy and here's the proof.

Example 1:
Whenever someone sneezes or even coughs - especially Les or I - he responds "Bess you, Mama" or "Bess you, Dada." Sometimes when I forget to 'bless him' he'll quietly bless himself, "Bess you, Gus."

Example 2:
Gus kisses all my boo boos as well as moles, headaches, made up owies, and he even tries to kiss away sleepiness. Actually, when either Les or I is acting sleepy he'll fetch a pillow and blanket and tuck us in wherever it is that we're sitting.

Example 3:
Gus likes to make sure we are well fed - when I'm done eating he'll ask in a concerned voice "Mama, More? Yes? No? Mama, Full? Mama, Bite?", offering me some of his food.

Example 4:
Gus is very liberal with his 'sorrys' and his 'thank yous'. It makes us feel bad when he says sorry when it's Les or I that owes him a sorry.

I'll guess we'll keep drilling that Thingamajig book, it seems to be working.

Diaper Boots

2008-09-05T12:43:00.001-06:00

I love my 2 year old

2008-08-27T08:55:00.004-06:00

Yesterday Gus and I were cruising down the road and I was singing loudly as I usually do to that "Almost Paradise" song from Footloose. From the backseat Gus says to me "SSSHHHHHHHHH".
I laughed a little and asked him "you want me to stop singing?"
Of course he said, "yes".
"Do you like this song?"
"Yes."

We kept driving down the road and I was really trying to hold back on some of the best parts of the song (I know, I'm sick). I started to kind of hum/sing really softly.
"Mom." small pause "No." again came from the backseat.

Humbled, I stayed quiet the rest of the song.

(Oh maybe the best part of the whole story was when Gus exclaimed "Colby and Amy" as the singers of Almost Paradise. He loves Colby's music and is always able to identify one of his songs. I'm glad he at least recognized it was a duet.)

Yearbook

2008-08-25T23:52:00.006-06:00

(sorry about the poor quality - I just used photo booth. This picture is missing Adrienne & Amy)

It's probably a girly thing to do but I love pulling out the wedding video, old photo albums, or an old note from a friend and oozing over old memories. Last night I pulled out my yearbook from my Senior year at BHS to show a picture to a friend. I couldn't put it down. I got all nostalgic and scanned through the photos and read the cheesy notes for over an hour. It was awesome. I want to share a few good ones. (This will mainly be enjoyed by those I went to high school with.)

Thanks for being such a cute friend. I will always remember you.

Josh Hansen

(yeah, this came from a guy - weird. and funny. I noticed he was voted most likely to retire at 30...and, it could actually happen)

Here we are at the bridge of life. The times together are forever imprinted in my brain, from the short love affair to the silly fights and heated conversations. I will miss you while I'm gone. ..It is weird how things turn out over long periods of times. Although our friends aren't as tight as they used to be and some almost non-existent I will always consider you one of the best friends I have... It has been a high school to remember. I love you always.

Lucas

(he was leaving for boot camp in a few days. In person- really funny, in print - very serious)

Have a great summer.

Dede Hughes

(message #1)

Christy, You are so great! ... I really did appreciate the times I had with you. Hopefully, they won't stop here. I went to a XXX bar last night and it made me realize how much I like you. I think I'm a lucky guy to be this close to you. In all seriousness, I treasure the fun times that you were a part of. If you hold me, I'll hold you back and then some. Memories are good but you know what's better? Hamburgers and Hotdogs. Thank you baby.

-Tyler Sorensen "Stallone"

(maybe the funniest guy i know. currently in medical school)

...I thoroughly enjoyed the times that we shared, especially when we were sucking face. (*didn't happen) When I wasn't with you, I was always thinking of you. Please do not water balloon me or start a fire in my house. However, you can come to my window whenever you need a friend. Heart, Reese

(also in medical school. he was so fun to play tricks on - like the time we spelled REESE about 20x40 in the snow in his backyard - in the middle of the night)

Bateman -

You are hot! I love you!

Heart, Dede

(message 2)

I love you.

Heart, Dede (your best friend)

(message 3 - there are more)

How come cannibals can't eat people like you? Because they can't keep a good woman down! Thanx for being my buddy.

Roane

(sweet sweet seminary president)

Bateman -

You and me in study group were like mashed potatoes. It is likely that we were meant for each other since 9th grade. I wish we could be on the same team next year. Keep in touch -k-

Pimps forever.

Love, Sean Mawhinney #32

(not one of my immediate group of friends. smart guy, baseball guy as you can see)

Christy-

We've been through a lot of s--t together. I'll always consider you one of my closest friends. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I love you man.

DJ Rosevear

(great guy. good thing he wants to be my friend since he married one of my best friends)

Big City Girl

2008-08-22T11:56:00.008-06:00

It seems like everyone I talk to or read about is taking a summer vacation. I'm feeling jealous. We're not taking our big vacation until November, so I feel like I need to reminisce about a past vacation to make myself feel better.

In January 2007 Les gave me a trip to New York for my Christmas present. New York was thee place I had always wanted to visit. I love big cities. I'm not really a beach vacation person. I like to be walking/traveling around seeing things. We saw Central Park, China town, Ground Zero, The Statue of Liberty, The United Nations Building, A Broadway Play, The Museum of Natural History, Time Square, The Museum of Modern Art, Lots of Subways, Rockefeller Center, Ellis Island, H&M about 8 times, and more. This was probably my favorite trip ever - even if the temperature was below freezing most days. We have several great friends living in New York City that I was able to site-see with and catch up with. It was dreamy. Honey, let's go back.

Here's a comment

2008-08-14T23:19:00.003-06:00

My mom sent me this email which she said she would have posted as a comment(s) on my blog if she knew how. After reading it I forwarded it to Les for his enjoyment. His reply was "Let's be honest. Your mom is amazing." I agree.

Oh my gosh, I just watched that Matt thing with the wigmen on your blog. I was laughing so hard. That was so I don't know what? Funny and amazing. The wig men were sure good-natured about the whole thing. Just looking at them you'd be afraid they were about to come after you with spears, but they were just laid back and cool, like yeah, whatever. I loved it. I'm editing right now, but then I want to watch the others. Where do you find these things?
Your pictures of the things you did last week (or the week before?) turned out great. I'm glad you could tell in the picture how cool those centerpieces were. Sometimes pictures don't do things justice, but that picture was nice. And the pictures of Gus of course couldn't do him justice because it would be impossible to capture his cuteness. Les looks so young. But then he is. Thirty is very young! What a week you had, Lady!
Oh, now weren't you supposed to tag some people after you met Alicen's challenge? (Good fears, by the way. Hey, you wuss, who's afraid of falling out of roller coasters? Certainly not me.) This isn't a hint for you to tag me, by the way. I don't want to talk about my fears, thank you. Who has that much time? It's just that I noticed you hadn't tagged anyone.
I would have put this comment on your blog, but I didn't know how. It's too long anyway. Love you mucho, Mom.

14 months, 42 countries

2008-08-13T15:50:00.004-06:00

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

I'm a huge fan of impromptu dancing. This video put me in a good mood.

Event #2

2008-08-12T11:57:00.014-06:00

The day after my work luncheon I was to carry out the Ward Campout. Our campout last year was my first activity being in this calling so it was pretty simple - not a lot of fluff. So, this year I tried to amp it up. And I might have gone overboard a little bit. Thank goodness for a forgiving committee. We had a chili cook-off for dinner, a game after dinner, we brought a projector and showed the Princess Bride, and then we had canoeing the next morning. I think I'm learning that the food is the main thing that people care about. Everything went well. No bear attacks. The campsite (up Weber canyon) was really beautiful. It was nice to spend some time in nature.

Gus scoping out the canoeing

Gus and Les hanging out in our tent

Our dope ward

Event Planner

2008-08-11T11:09:00.006-06:00

The last week of July I was a busy girl with 2 big events to plan/carry out. On Thursday the 31st we had a luncheon for work. My boss wanted to impress several of the Realtors that bring him business regularly, thank them, and hopefully get them refocused on their yearly goals with the year being half over. Crazy thought - 2008 is half over. With a theme of FOCUS I bought and wrapped a pair of binoculars for all of the attendees. At the last minute I realized I needed some centerpeices so I ran to Costo the morning of and threw these together. Luckily they turned out really nice. And we raffled them off after the lunch.

Tag

2008-08-07T19:19:00.003-06:00

My mom reminded me that I'd been invited by Alicen to participate in the following tag... so, here it is.

3 Joys: Hanging out with Gus when he's in a good mood. Hanging out with Les when he's in a good mood - just kidding Les is always in a good mood. Having a good conversation with my parents. I guess life is best when it's simple.

3 Fears: Losing Les or losing a child. I don't know - being tortured, or being in a pit full of snakes, being attacked by a bear, falling out of a roller coaster, stuff like that. It's dark, I know.

3 Goals: I've always wanted to be able to identify trees, flowers, and maybe even some birds like my grandma can. I'd like to have a successful interior design business. And I'd like to raise good, nice kids.

3 Current Obsessions: Studying up on Landscape Design to try to make my yard beautiful... I'm still pretty stumped (I'd love any tips). Cooking healthier. So you think you can Dance... dance...dance...dance.

3 Surprising Facts About Me: I refuse to read Twilight (at least for now). I watch the Disney channel - Raven and Hannah mostly. I sound old over the phone.

2008-08-06T22:35:00.003-06:00

Thanks to several friends who loaned us the gear, Gus and I were able to go out for a bike ride yesterday morning. I'm pretty sure Gus had a good time (he was silent the whole ride except for 2 blurts of "Fun, Mom"). I, however, had a super amazing time. I felt like my childhood came rushing back as the wind blew in my face. When it was about that time to return the bike trailer I passed right by Steph's house and did one more ride around the block. I really didn't want to be done.

So I guess I'll be buying a bike trailer. Oh... and a bike. (Thanks Hannah and Melanie and Steph for letting me borrow)

We've had a busy summer. I have a lot I want to write about. It'll come one of these days.

2008-06-10T22:53:00.002-06:00

I needed a new side table in my dining room so I took a $10 table from TJ Maxx and a leftover piece of my back splash. I had some green paint left from the downstairs bathroom and then I rolled on a little brown craft paint. Kind of cute, right?

Summer Project #1

2008-06-10T21:38:00.008-06:00

I've talked about our bathroom project several times but I have never really showed you how things turned out... So here is a step by step of the progress of our sweet little bathroom.

Here is how it started out. Aint she a beaut?

Here is after lots of demolition as well as some jack-hammering

We had the water heater and water softener moved to create more space

Pretty big jump here but this is after dry wall hung, and tiling started

Here is the final product! We are so happy to finally have a 2nd bathroom!

What's for dinner

2008-05-21T19:26:00.005-06:00

I have recently rediscovered the salmon at Costco.
I offer you 2 great & healthy salmon meal ideas.

1) Compliments of Colby - Rub and drench the salmon in pesto (costco). Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes until it begins to flake a bit. And that's it. Enjoy. (Did I do okay, Colby?)

2) Mix 1/4 cup butter (or substitute olive oil), 1/4 c. soy sauce, 1/2 T Worchestershire sauce, 1/2 t garlic powder and add 1.5 lbs salmon (1/2 of bag). Coat well. Cook on BBQ grill on heavy duty aluminum foil. Baste occasionally with leftover sauce. Cook until juices are white or until salmon starts to flake. Les and I coated it with pepper when it was done, which we thought made it taste just right.

Both are great served with steamed asparagus.

Go Jazz!

2008-05-14T15:43:00.006-06:00

I better write this soon before the game tonight... we have Loved watching the very intense Jazz games this last week. The Jazz are 2-2 with the Lakers and tonight's game is in LA. Yikes!

On Monday night Les and I decided to go to the Gateway for some errands/dinner. I was just browsing around Urban Outfitters when I happened to run into Kyle Korver. In the past I have proven to be very un-cool around "famous" people. So I am trying to overcome this flaw. I non-chalantly walked over to him and said: (conversation almost verbatim)

"I have a question - are you Dutch?"

He said "Yes, I'm part Dutch."

"I'm Dutch too, and my Grandma told me that in Dutch your last name means 'basket-maker'."

He laughed and said "Yeah, it does."

"Good, because I've been telling people that, and sometimes my Grandma is silly and I don't know if she is being serious." Small pause "Nice to see you." And then I gave him my number and walked away. not.

By the way, isn't this picture of him pimp? And do you think he took it himself?

I'm sad that Gus wasn't with me. At that moment Les had him in a different store. Gus would have freaked out to meet an actual Jazz player. He is obsessed with basketball - in case you haven't already seen the video.

P.S. On our way home from the Gateway we noticed that the marquee of The Depot read "Kobe is in town, hide your women."

Saturday night and I ain't got nobody

2008-04-21T16:42:00.005-06:00

On Saturday night Les went to a UFC event so I decided to find myself a project. From midnight to 3:00am I was making this sock monkey. Gus's latest obsession has been monkeys so I thought he'd enjoy it. When Gus woke up Sunday morning (at 5:00am - great night sleep) the monkey was sitting in his bed - he adopted it immediately. He gave it lots of kisses that first couple hours. He decided to name the monkey - "two" (or is it too, or to?)

This is the 2nd sock animal I've made. First was the horse Les name gluestick; I made him while I was pregnant. I'm already kind of anxious to make more - an elephant perhaps or a giraffe?

HGTV

2008-04-17T22:29:00.010-06:00

I watched Design Star on HGTV last season and I voted for the cute and sassy Kim Myles. And I know my vote counted because she won. I quite enjoy her show Myles of Style. I haven't loved everything she's done but she has a very accessible style. Here are two projects that I thought reflected some genius.

This mantle was made out of a dining table. I love this idea! I want to try it.
This second project was a family room/ media room. I love the spicy orange walls with the bold lime green. Check out the way she organized the books by color in the bottom photo.

By the way, I am really disappointed with the changes on HGTV. I'm sorry to say the designers we see don't come close to the rooms of those fabulous Canadian designers Debbie Travis for heavens sake, Sarah Richardson, My Parents House. I also loved Kenneth Brown. Where did they go?

Good Things

2008-04-14T17:08:00.003-06:00

I really like this towel organizer I found on the Martha Stewart website. She has this amazing team of people that come up with ideas like this and then she gets the credit. This might make a cozy addition to our new remodeled guest bathroom.

Horton

2008-04-07T11:50:00.003-06:00

On Saturday evening Les went to the Priesthood session and then to dinner with my sister's husband Mark and a co-worker. So, my sister and I decided to take the kids to see Horton Hears a Who. This was to be Gus's first ever movie in the theater and I was a little apprehensive about how he would act. (I was pretty confident considering how well he did at a Jazz game just a few weeks ago) I packed up lots of treats and I had a talk with Gus beforehand about what was going to happen... we were going to watch a "show" (his word) in a big dark room on a TV lots bigger than ours - and the movie was about a cartoon elephant. Gus loves elephants, so from that moment on, until we got to the movie, he was doing his elephant impression.

The movie was super outstanding. It is very rare that I leave a movie and think - I can't wait to buy that movie. Gus did so well that I kind of felt bad Les wasn't there to see his reaction to the new experience. At first he was a little nervous - it was loud and the screen was so big. I did put some tissue in his ears - (which he took out immediately and put in his mouth.) But, soon he was oohing and ahhing, at one moment he even stood on my lap and cheered.

Blake Family Cruise

2008-04-01T15:41:00.002-06:00

Les and I have decided that the Blake family has waited long enough and we are finally going on a cruise! That's right - I said Family - we're taking Gus. We got what we think is a pretty sweet hook up from Les's cousin. We will depart in November for a 7 night extravaganza to the Mexican Riviera, on a boat that Les's dad already nicknamed the Tijuana Sea Witch. (We have some Grandmas & Grandpas/ babysitters coming with us - thank goodness)

Now I need some advice from all of you... has anyone been on a Norwegian Cruise? Is this a good cruiseline? Kid friendly? Non-drinker friendly? What about Mexican cruises - anyone experienced in this field?

Recipe 1.5

2008-04-01T10:29:00.006-06:00

I have a follow-up to the blonde brownies post. These cc cookies (recipe from Les's aunt Sharon) are maybe the best homemade cookies I've ever tasted - crispy on the outside, soft inside. However, I have not yet been able to master them. For some reason mine come out too flat. Nevertheless, here is the recipe if you'd like to see if you can do a better job than me. And, if you find the answer to my problem please tell.

Cream together:
1 cup shortening (those crisco shortening sticks work really well)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
Mix in:
1 t vanilla
1 t soda
1 cup flour
Then add:
1-2 1/2 cups flour (depending on how much moisture is in the air - this is my problem!)
3/4 t salt

Mix together and add 6 ozs chocolate chips
Bake at 350 for about 13 minutes.

Boops

2008-04-01T10:00:00.005-06:00

Gus in Boots (which he calls boops - a little too close to something else that he shouldn't be saying at this age)

Recipe 1

2008-03-31T22:00:00.000-06:00

I love to cook and for a long time I have wanted to post delicious recipes but I have just not been able to find the right one to start with. But, today I think I found just the thing...

Blonde Brownies

Ingredients

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Measure 1 cup sifted flour. Add baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sift again. Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts. Mix well and set aside.
Melt 1/3 cup butter. Add 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar and mix well. If shortening is used, add 1 tablespoon hot water. Cool slightly.
Add egg (beaten) and vanilla. Blend well. Add flour mixture, a little at a time, mixing well.
Spread in 9 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Sprinkle 1/2 to 1 cup chocolate chips on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

I actually doubled the recipe and baked them in a 9x13 pan - it did need just a few more minutes to bake. Also, I used milk chocolate chips and I mixed them into the batter.

Recipes compliments of allrecipes.com

The Captain

2008-03-26T00:11:00.003-06:00

Next week my sister Nicki and her boys are moving back to Washington to get their house ready to sell which means... Tyson is coming home!! In the year (almost) that Tyson has been away he has accomplished some amazing things. Although we as a family have never stopped worrying about and praying for him, we are so proud of the things he is doing. He has such deep influence wherever he goes. He was recently awarded the Bronze Star for bravery in battle while under fire and also for capturing one of the highest ranking Al Quida operatives in Northern Iraq. Tyson we love you and we can't wait to have you home with us again. (He is on the far right in this photo -front row)

Happy List this Week /Life Changes

2008-03-07T19:06:00.007-07:00

10. Les and I had a late but fantastic Valentine dinner at Epic - one of our favorite places. There was a great live musician, and the food was superb as always.

9. I know I mentioned it already, but we are finishing our basement bathroom. It should be done in a couple weeks. Just tonight Les jack-hammered the concrete so our plumber can reposition the toilet and tub. It is so exciting to see things rolling along. This poor house of ours has been in a holding pattern for too long.

8. We are highly enjoying Lost being back on TV and soon The Office. I'm hoping Pushing Daisies comes back soon too. Oh and, (gees I'm feeling like a TV junky) we are also watching those talented Mormon kids on American I. I convinced my mom to vote for the first time after explaining the costs involved - and boy did she vote - about 26 times until her fingers got tired of hitting redial. She's a corker.

7. Okay, now that you already know I'm a TV junky I must admit, I love the new technology to watch TV shows online. It has got to be the next best thing to tivo.

6. So now I need to counter balance those TV/lazy posts with the announcement that I have hired a personal trainer. Yikes. Don't expect anything too great. Knowing me, I'll last about 1 month.

5. Les and I refinanced our house and we're saving ourselves several hundred dollars a month! Yahoo!

4. So, of course we immediately went out and bought a new TV...will we ever learn? We are both spenders.

3. I am starting a new job with an employer I was with several years ago and who I loved. It will still be part-time and at home but I won't have to wake up quite so painfully early. I liked the other job, I just kept getting sick because I wasn't getting enough sleep.

2. Our very good friends are now going to be our neighbors. The Glancys are buying a house in Rose Park. We hope you guys like it here as much as we have! And we can't wait for late night game nights and BBQs with you. And maybe even a walking/running partner?

1. Dede and James are also moving back to SLC! It will truly be a summer of lovin' - friend lovin' that is. Don't get the wrong idea.

Let the tag begin

2008-02-13T21:38:00.005-07:00

Ten Years Ago...
I think I was a Senior in High School. Waking up every morning around 5:00am for drill practice. I had really great friends that I spent a lot of time with studying, etc. (I am still close with most). I loved my AP English class that year as well as Creative Writing. I loved high school - I did all the social things.
Five Places I have Lived...
I lived in the same house in Cottonwood Heights from 0-18.
Since I've been married we've moved 7 times. Provo, Cottonwood Heights, Provo, Sugarhouse, Bluffdale, Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake.
Never lived outside of Utah.
Five things on my to do list...
Which to-do list? I'm obsessed with lists so I happen to have like 5 to-do lists right now.
Pump air in stroller tires
Go to Costco
Rent Becoming Jane (is it good?)
Measure bathroom (we're finally finishing our downstairs bathroom- woohoo)
Gift for Les.
I enjoy...
Being with friends and family, the idea of Spring, finishing a project/crossing things off my list, spending the day with Gus and the evening with Les, having a clean house
Three bad habits...
I have too many bad habits
Leaving my shoes all over the house
Going to bed late
Biting my nails (which is chipping away my front tooth)
Five things you might not know about me...
Thanks to my 100 things there isn't a lot left that I haven't already said but I'll try.
I love making up games. I make Les play lots of my made up games... Invent an Instrument, Dance an Occupation, Be the Voice for TV characters, and so many more (this counts for at least 2 of the 5, right?)
I'm horrible at learning harmonies
I love house plants
My mom had a puppet and book shop when I was a pre-teen
Five jobs I have had...
in no particular order
Dry Cleaning - twice
Convergys in Orem
Graystone Mortgage
Jefferson Nationwide Mortgage
Mom

The Tongue

2008-01-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago Les and I were watching a program that highlighted some of the Guinness World record holders. We marveled at the speed of the cup stackers, we gasped at the fat twins, the longest toe nails, the tatooed leopard guy, and the lady that popped her eyes out. But one that really caught our attention was the long tongue record holder. This was the one that we rewound again and again. Immediately I went to my sewing machine and found a measuring tape. As many of you know, Les has a very long tongue. It is a family trait. 5 of the 6 siblings (I think) in his family have this abnormality. We weren't exactly sure where to start the tape measure in order to get an accurate accounting in comparison to the Guinness record. So, the next day Les actually got on the Guiness website, registered, and got the specifications. Les's tongue is either the same or about 1/4 centimeter shy of the world record. Impressive right? Our next mission is to get a measurement of older brother Frank's tongue and sister Lisa's tongue who hold the family record. This absurd tongue seems to be a strong trait - all of the grandchildren have it. We might also have a record holder in our own little family.

I Have a Confession

2008-01-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

I must confess - my house is in total chaos today. Every room that I enter has things in it that really don't belong. Why, for instance, is the electric mixer in our bedroom, and Les's toothbrush face down in the carpet? (sorry honey). In the dining room we have a blender with one yellow rubber glove inside and several of Gus's books. The bathroom is home to most of my pots and pans as well as our dust pan which holds the other rubber glove.

I am really not on my game today. This morning while Gus was taking a bath in our kitchen sink he was able to remove a piece of the sink next to the faucet unveiling a hole which emptied into the under-quarters of the sink. He poured several full cups of water down the hole before I realized the problem. And while I was emptying the cabinet, trying to demoisturize it, I knelt down on a bottle of dish soap - squirting it all over the floor. Shortly after that Gus was able to get into some of my candle wax and he enjoyed a bite of the Candy Apple scent.

So, I just got a phone call and someone is coming over so I need to cut this short and actually do something about my situation rather than continue to talk about it. Darn.

New Hair

2008-01-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

I don't know how to style it myself...I really wish I would have taken these yesterday.

Pardon me Sir, Do you have any Grey Poupon?

2008-01-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday night, after having been sick all day, and lounging around the house doing nothing, Les and I were desperate to watch a movie. We scrolled through all of the On-Demand stuff that Comcast offers, as we often do, but found nothing of interest. So, then we stumbled across the The Singles Ward 2. Now, unfortunately, Les would rather shovel our driveway or change poopy diapers than watch this movie. He has been very disappointed with many of the "church" movies that have been made. And, frankly, he's sick and tired of seeing the same thing again and again. But, I am a more mild critic and I was actually in the mood to watch something that I pretty well knew would be stupidly laughable. I just wanted to relax with Les and watch something that we could laugh about. Somehow I convinced Les to join me. The movie very much lived up to our expectations.

Over the next few days I kept thinking about a few of the characters in the movie - the way they were written and portrayed. The story has the infamous Kirby, of course, and a girl from his singles ward and they are getting married. However, she is a convert to the church and her parents don't really approve of the union. It was the bride's parents that puzzled me. They were non-Mormon, non-Utahn people who had a lot of money. For some reason the screen-writer chose to stereotype the non-Mormon, non-Utahn rich people as being 1) divorced 2) snobby 3) very naive and disrespectful of Mormon culture 4) perceiving Utah Mormons as hillbillies 5) talking like they were someone's butler 6) money worshippers 7) psychotic. Why do we continue to perpetuate this stereotype of ourselves as well as the stereotype of outsiders looking in at us? (us = Utah Mormons). I understand that these characters were mostly the way they were because the movie was a "comedy"- term used loosely.

I can't ignore the message that it sends when Halestorm pictures and many others continue to give us characters like this. I just don't believe that our non-Utah, non-Mormon friends talk like the Fresh Prince's Butler - even the rich ones. I don't think we need to continue to put a chasm between "us" and "them". I prefer to believe that non-Utah and/or non-Mormon people are...well, pretty much just like me. Nice people trying to do what they believe is good and right. Trying to raise their children or do their job the best they can and trying to make a positive dent in the world.

Making me Happy

2008-01-11T15:42:00.000-07:00

10. I finally got around to cleaning my car after all the holiday hub-bub as well as the Idaho trip. I LOVE a newly cleaned car.

9. Gus has a few new funnies. Lately when I try to reason with him about something for instance - "No, Gus I'm sorry you can't have another cookie because we are going to eat dinner in a few minutes." or "You have to put your shoes on if you want to go anywhere today." His response has been a very mature "Oh."

8. My new work set up... office chair, move over...hello chaise lounge.

7. Have you seen the new American Gladiators? Militia? Hellga? Crush? and of corse Wolf?! Les and I have watched the first few episodes and we laugh our guts off.

6. Juno, of course. It is as good as they all say. I did cry at the end. Next stop - The Great Debaters and The Kite Runner.

5. My newly organized kitchen drawers.

4. My cousin Sheryl, who I mentioned previously as being in China for a stem cell transplant, is back in Utah. The blood clots she's aquired are better treated in the US than China. Things seem to be going well.

3. Les and I spent a day in Provo this week. We combed through several shops that have been featured on YourHeartOut and spent the afternoon with good friends Colby, Amy, and Steven.

2. Gus and I are almost all the way healed after a nasty week of ear infection and strep throat, respectively. It is true - you really don't appreciate being healthy until you've felt sick for a while. Opposition in all things I guess.

1. Tyson is Home! My sister's husband has been in Iraq for the last 10 months and he arrived in Salt Lake last night for a 2 week visit. More to come on this!

Mama Shhh

2007-12-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

Mama Shhh is apparently my new name. I've noticed lately that Gus does this Shhh thing to me all the time. And then today Les informed me that almost every morning when he wakes up he says to Les "mama, shhhh" putting one finger up to his lips. Although I understand why he does this, considering my new at-home job, I am still a little bit distraught by my son's perception of me. All of a sudden I'm the mom that you have to tiptoe around. I have this vision in my mind of the mom in the movies that is drunk on the couch with her tongue hanging out of her mouth and drool oozing down her cheek, still wearing her kitchen apron, and the kids all slink by her on their tiptoes, shooshing their friends so she doesn't wake up and start throwing things.

It probably doesn't help that in addition to the new job in the morning where Gus and Dad have to be quiet I also have started taking naps a lot more often during the day as a direct result of the new job. I wonder how he will be affected by this new idea of his mom being a Shhh mama. Maybe 10 or 20 years from now he'll either be the laziest boy ever and want to sleep all the time or maybe he'll resent the fact that I took too many naps and he'll be disgruntled with all laziness.

Any thoughts?

Parentwise

2007-12-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

A few days ago Les and I were in a Walmart doing a little impulse shopping when a man walked in holding a 4 or so year-old boy who was having a screaming fit. At first we weren't sure if the man was the little boy's father because of the way he was choosing to react to this tantrum (we should have know better). As they walked in the man said to the little boy in a very panicked, frantic, and obviously frustrated tone,"what do you want? a cookie, there are donuts right here, do you want a donut, I'll give you a donut. I have one right here. Oh, ice cream? Okay, what ice cream would you like? Pick whichever one you want. Whatever you want. " This is basically just a replay from my mind of what actually happened, but it's pretty close to the real thing. Les and I stood there staring (and Les usually doesn't stare). Watching this encounter scared us both immensely and neither one could turn away. We didn't speak it to each other but I know we were both picturing us doing that exact same thing in 3 years from now - and the thought of that freaked us out.

We do currently have a little problem with the 'giving Gus anything he wants to keep him quiet' thing. It is one of the main things we need to work on as far as our parenting skills go. A one year old (and younger even) can absolutely throw a pre-meditated tantrum. They are so much smarter than we give them credit for. Les and I, from the the very beginning, have joked that Gus has us on "parentwise" (a play on the "Dr. Spock" of our time - "Babywise"). He has us at his every grunt and call and he knows exactly how to get what he wants.

At the very moment, after watching this parenting train wreck in the Walmart, Les and I made a vow to one another that we would not be that parent. We would not let this manipulation run it's course to such extremes. We even shook hands to seal the deal.

So, um, now any suggestions on how to parent?

Like father like son

2007-12-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of my boys because they look so much alike here. Look at the lips, the eyebrows, the whispy morning hair. And of course the big blue eyes.

My Birthday/ Making me Happy

2007-12-17T22:43:00.000-07:00

10. Yesterday was my 27th Birthday. I am excited about being 27. I think it will be a good year.

9. We had an amazing visit with our friends Colby, Amy, and Steven this week. They brought yellow curry from Tai Siam. We played tripoli and laughed our guts out. And then they put on a concert for us right in our living room. It was so beautiful with the Christmas lights behind them and the mixture of sounds. I felt like I was in a different world. (Surprisingly the guitar, harmonica, cello, and accordian really blend well together - at least when you are as talented as they all are.)

8. On Saturday I found a rug on craigslist and so I drove out to Herriman (beautiful mountain neighborhood way out west) to have a look at it. It turned out that the home had been in the Parade of Homes and they were now selling all the furniture. I about hyperventilated with excitement as I walked through this gorgeous house. I did buy the rug and I also bought this white bowl. It was $10 - how could I resist. This was my birthday present to myself.

7. Thank you to all the kind people who have sittered Gus the last few weeks. We've had a lot going on and we've really taken advantage of our sitters. My favorite part is to hear what Gus did while we were gone. Last night Brigita said that he sang them a song. He made muffins with Hannah. And my mom always brags about his long attention span - especially when it comes to cooking.

6. I finally found some things to give Les for Christmas! I hope you like them honey.

5. It is so nice to have a tree up this year. We weren't able to use any of our Christmas decor last year because we were in the process of remodeling the house.

4. Les and I have been watching all kinds of Christmas and psuedo Christmas movies (the ones that just take place at Christmas time). Les and I are constantly quoting lines from this, one of our favorite movies, "Millions". It came out in 2004. The first time you watch it use the closed caption - that way the wittiness won't get lost in their thick accents. There is even a mormon missionary camio in this flick.

3. This week is going to be so fun and a little crazy. We have a party every night this week. And we are also eating dinner out every

night this week...scary. I could so easily gain 10 pounds.

2. Les gave me this set of allrecipes.com 'tried and true' cookbooks for my birthday. I've wanted these forever. Thanks honey! Lots of good cooking to come.

1. I received lots of cards and gifts from friends and family yesterday. I felt very loved. This cards was from my mom. She's funny.

My First Snowman

2007-12-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

I had no idea when I got married that I had married a snowman-making expert. Seriously Les had this thing made in about 6 minutes. Les was shocked when I told him I'd never made a snowman before. Yes, I did grow up in Salt Lake City. It seems to me that we tried making snowmen all the time growing up. I think we even tried making a snowfort a couple times. But, the snow was never quite packable enough and our packing and rolling never amounted to much.

Now, I realize that this my first snowman is quite ugly. We couldn't find the traditional peices of coal for the eyes and mouth so we scavenged for other things. The best we came up with was this candy cane mustache. Gus was actually not very interested in the snowman until we added candy to it.

While Les was in the house looking for eyes, nose, and mouth he locked us out of our house accidently - on his way out the door. So, all 3 of us were stuck out in the cold for an hour or so while Les looked for a way to break in and then my mom was able to come and bring a spare key (we did go the our neighbor's house while we waited)

When we returned home we found our poor snowman had tipped over. It was a very interesting day. We'll probably have to attempt this same project again next time it snows so we can get everything right.

Making me Happy

2007-12-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

I love reading Ali's "Making me Happy" 10 item list each week. So, I am going to copy her idea (I think she actually got the idea from Domino magazine - so I don't think she'll mind). Here are a few things that I am giddy about this week.

10. My invention of the Chili's carribbean salad for dinner last night- a pretty close duplication if I do say so myself. It's my mom's favorite. Yum.

9. I am loving working from home. My job has worked out so well.

8. Opening the mail today and finding a wedding announcement for my cousin Nathan Simmons (Heather's brother) - whom I didn't even know was getting married. And even better - his fiance looks gorgeous and sweet - exactly what he deserves. The mail also brought my new Domino! Yahoo.

7. My new IKEA dishtowels with gorgeous Christmas patterns - and oh so cheap too! I went to return an item and vowed to Les that I wouldn't buy anything. And then I spotted the towels. I really had to bribe him on that one.

6. Gus's recent ability to say "snooooo" and "ice". He's also been doing his alligator impression a lot lately - no idea why. He's such a cute boy. I can't wait to show him off to Les's family over Christmas.

5. We attended the Forgotten Carols this week with the Larsons- continuing our yearly tradition. They changed the show quite a bit - but I loved the new singer. Jordan something. He has a really powerful voice.

4. The threadless $10 shirt sales this month- we missed the "Now that's Dope. Indeed" Tee last week but we did manage to score the "I listen to bands that don't even exist yet" Tee this week. We also got a good laugh at this Go Japan! Tee.

3. My great idea to throw a party - a breakfasty- brunch party with the girls/moms in the neighborhood. I can't wait to flaunt my quiche recipe, as well as crepes, and cinnamon bundt cake.

2. My ward Christmas party took place on Saturday night and it all went very well. The food tasted really yummy, we had lots of people come - even more than usual. And the best part for me were the decorations - they were beautiful! The corner display with nativity scenes (with moss velvet fabric woven between and pine swags) looked amazing and the tables with IKEA red and white table runners and pine swags as centerpieces were also fantastic! Everyone raved. Even the old ladies who I feared might find it too modern were making comments. It feels funny to have something you've worked hard on for 3 months be over.

1. Christmas is really here. We have bombarded ourselves with music, we put up our tree (which Les insists we leave the lights on all day and night), and now I just have to figure out what I am going to get for Les. Any ideas?

I love being married

2007-12-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago Les and I were able to go to our Stake Bishopric dinner that was held at the Jospeh Smith Memorial Building. We had a great time - the food was really good, the company was great, and John Bytheway came to speak to us. (he is one of my favorite ever speakers - does that make me a teenybopper - or do they say tween now?)

His talk was about marriage. Several times throughout the night he said "I love being married." I remember when Les and I first got married we said that all the time. We told everyone - marriage is wonderful, we love being married. However, it has been a long time since I said it. I'm happy to say that although our marriage has had its adjustments with the addition of Gus, I still LOVE being married.

When I first fell in love with Les I saw him as the most sincere, genuinely kind person I'd ever met. And now that we've been married for 6 years...wo ho let me tell you... He is still the most sincere and kind person I know. I trust him immensely. I look up to him, he has so much wisdom and perspective.

My eldest cousin Sheryl is currently in China undergoing a very painful and arduous process of a stem cell transplant (which is the last hope for her rare and supposedly "incureable" disease). For the last 40 or so days she has been in what they call "the box". This is an 8x8 room which must be completely sterile. Only the doctors and nurses can come in after sterilizing themselves completely and covering up with several layers of clothing. With there 6 children at home, her husband Lon has been in China with her throughout the ordeal and while she is in the box he can only see her and talk to her through a glass window. Here is a part of his most recent email:

For the past 40 days, as Sheryl has either been in the box or with so many tubes and pain that I have not been able to be with her, it is hard to look thru the glass and not be able to hug her. The phone doesn't work most of the time for Sheryl- so I can hear her but she cannot hear me. Many of you have offered to fly over and see Sheryl and me - we had to say no. I truly feel that I am alone and in prison. I have never felt so all alone as I do now. Yes, I feel the peace of the Lord, yes, I have the scriptures, yes, I have prayer-but I am alone and Sheryl is all alone. The people here at the hospital speak either no English or very broken. We speak no Chinese so it is hard to have a conversation. Last night I took Sheryl a sliced apple, some yogurt and a piece of bread. Her nurse microwaved it all for a long time! Of course, it was ruined! So I tried one more time and thru charades the nurse got it right the second time!

(I just had to include that part about the microwave because I thought it was so funny)

He continued writing about how grateful he is for eternal marriage and how hellish eternity would be if he couldn't be with his wife for the next, I don't know, trillion years. They have hope and faith that this treatment will work and that she will be coming home in a few months. It's intersting from an outside perspective to see these, what I saw were perfect people, who had everything in the world going for them - so many blessings- to now be tested by fire and to watch them truely mold into even more saintly purified beings.

Lessons for Gus

2007-11-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I think of life lessons that I want to try to remember so I can teach them to Gus. So, I think I'll make this a continuing post every now and then. Every parent of course wants to teach their child basic lessons of love, patience, hard work, faith, integrity, gratitude, etc. etc. (Feel free to make a list of them for me so I don't forget any.)But there are so many more life lessons that I hope Gus is able to learn early on so that he doesn't look back and regret anything and so that he can be well respected in life.

A few days ago I was having a conversation with my sister about how we say dumb and rude things sometimes and don't realize that they are rude until after they've left our mouths or maybe even not until hours or days later. It seems to be a family trait. I told her about something I said years ago that has never left my mind. I was a sophomore in high school, on the sophomore cheer squad. It was Halloween and I was invited to a big party that would have sophomores, juniors, and seniors. It was the party to go to. It was only a few weeks prior that our school held the Homecoming Dance and had crowned Homecoming royalty. One of the contestants was a senior cheerleader who I knew, looked up to, and felt quite intimidated by. She didn't win the crown but came in a runner-up. I think I was dressed up in a Mexican sombrero, a wool tunic, and a handlebar mustache when I ran into her at the party. She was dressed up as a princess of sorts. So, as we came face to face in this crowd of people I tried quickly to think of something smart, kind, witty, or just anything to say. Instead what came out of my mouth was "What are you dressed up as? Homecoming Queen?"

It probably didn't help that the party was held at the actual crowned queen's house.

I'm not sure that I will ever forget that moment. I wanted to say something else so bad to make it sound better. The way I meant it was that to me, because she was a member of my cheerleading family, and I knew her to be a great person, in my mind she was the homecoming queen. Although there really is no good way to communicate that.

The lesson that this story provoked for me was this ...everybody says and does stupid things sometimes. Gus will, I certainly will, his friends will, teachers, just about everyone he associates with. And that doesn't necessarily make us bad people. What matters is that we are all trying to be good people and trying to fix our mistakes along the way. And of course there are occasional run-ins with people who seem to not be trying to be good at all. But, generally there is always good in people. It can be very easy to label someone based on one stupid thing they did or said and it is easy to make a quick judgement of someone based on how they look or talk. (and that's a whole other story)

Gus, try to look for the good in people and not the bad. When possible make your own judgement of people and don't follow someone else's judgement. Overall, be kind to people, and if you are they will remember you and respect you always. And forgive those who hurt you, they probably did it by mistake or because they are hurting inside.

King of the house

2007-10-13T15:53:00.000-06:00

This is Gus's favorite hat. He loves it because he can put it on himself. He'll wear it while we are running errands and people always make comments or give smiles. I'm sure he doesn't mind the attention either. He is a "ham" as my mom would say. You can probably guess that considering the look on his face in this picture.

Our Home

2007-08-07T23:01:00.001-06:00

In November of 2006 Les and I bought a home in Rose Park (built in 1948) that needed "a little love". As Les walked through it for the first time, even in the state that it was in (as shown in the photos below), he knew this was where we needed to move. All of our family and friends thought we were crazy when they saw it for the first time - pre-remodel. But, for some reason we were never phased by the huge task we had before us. Les had no previous experience nor interest in home remodeling. So, armed with a book from the library, Lowe's Home Improvement, he started the job - very determined to figure things out for himself.

After 3 months of renovations, many long days, late nights, and many thousands of dollars later we moved into our new house!! Here are a few before and afters.

Kitchen Before

After
Living Room Before

After

Before
After
Dining Room Before

After

Before
After
Bathroom Before

After

There is of course more work to be done. We haven't really altered the outside of the house much yet or the yard. That will have to come in time. But for now, we love our new house.

2007-05-04T10:24:00.000-06:00

I was watching Oprah a few days ago, as I do fairly often now that I am a stay at home mom, and there was a woman on that I've seen on the show several times before. Although I can't now remember her name, she is the spit fire woman who used to weigh 500+ pounds and her life has been chronicled on the show for the last few 20 years, through the weight struggle, through a bypass surgery, and now through the new struggle of her new body, image, and self-confidence. She lost something like 400 pounds. In looking at her you can tell she still has a lot of loose skin, but regardless she looks amazing. She has a glow and a joy. It was also very obvious to me that she has gained immense wisdom of life and people. Whenever someone goes through a struggle, or a hard time, they come out (if they come out) with a new perspective and new found wisdom for life. She said something on the show that was one of those things that when you hear you know you should probably write down and remember for the rest of your life. She said, and I'm paraphrasing, that there was one thing piece of advice offered by people who had gone through her similar journey. The difference between being a regular person and an obese person is that when a regular person eats a huge meal or binges on ice cream or whatever the next day they just move forward, forget it happened in a way, and they step back into their regular life and regular eating habits. The mind of an obese person says however, when they have a buffet dinner and eat way too much food, the next day they fret over that and it "eats" away at them (so to speak) and they feel guilty and that guilt causes them to binge again and again. More a mindset of - well, I've already failed so I might as well give up and just let myself go. So, the advice being to get back up - so, you've failed. Okay, what next. Make amends and keep moving.

I was reminded of this women last night while listening to a talk by Elder Holland. Les and I went on a road trip for the weekend to visit his Brother's family in Arizona and also his Sister's family in Vegas. Les has downloaded on his ipod lots of church talks so in trying to stay awake at 1:00am last night we listened to several of them. Although it might seem contrary, Elder Holland, to me, is engaging enough to keep me awake while driving in the middle of the night (even when Les promises he won't fall asleep and he does anyway :).

He was telling a story of Winston Churchill - the speech he gave to parliament as they were waging war against Hitler Germany ...
"We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, What is our policy? I will say; "It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us: to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy." You ask, What is our aim? I can answer with one word: Victory - victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival."

"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat."

The thought came into my head how this women's advice applied to life in so many different ways - but mainly how it applies to sin. I have a great friend who is plagued over the bad choices of her little sister. She made a few choices - dumb choices - but small. She was too ashamed and embarrassed and guilt ridden to turn them around. So she kept making bad choices, again, and again, and they became bigger. Soon she was carrying around a lot of extra weight - not from donuts. She thought she was in too deep - she thought she couldn't fix such a big mess. The lesson is simply that even if you are carrying around 550 pounds of extra weight, it's not ever too late.

Blaw-ging

2007-04-01T11:31:00.000-06:00

Blogging has become quite popular recently. It is amazing how trends spread so quickly. I mentioned to my mom a few years ago - have you seen Les's blog. She said - "what?"
"Blog, I said blog."
She answered, "Bl -what?"
One day nobody has heard of blogging and almost the next everybody has a blog. What, you don't have a blog? Are you crazy? What must you be thinking? - not having a blog? Have you read my blog?
Blog. blo. blog. What is that word anyway? Blog. Where did it come from? Do you think it is already in the dictionary? Yes. Blog. Blaw. blaw. blag. brag. Oooh wait, I get it. I understand the attraction with the blog. It is simple human nature. You know, everyone likes to hear themselves talk - especially to talk about themselves. It's not an insult to say it - it is probably a healthy obsession in some ways. The blog lets us jabber on and on about ourselves or whatever else we want. And then you just put it out there for the world to see if they so choose. This aspect of the blog makes my mom nervous. She's very weary of having, what she pictures to be, the whole world logging on and reading all of her secrets.

The truth about baby

2007-03-22T21:21:00.000-06:00

My life sure has changed since I had Gus - understatement of the century, right? Well here's another one - I have learned a lot since having a baby.

There is one thing that I keep noticing when I am in public with the baby that I've been wanting to write about for a while.
When Gus was pretty new I had to learn that he is not me. He is his own entity, his own person. I am not him; he is not me. I think this is something that some moms never really learn. It took me a while to realize that other people may have relationships with Gus, even as a baby, that don't include me. For instance, as Gus and I are out walking or at the grocery store or what not, people will smile at Gus or wave at Gus or make a comment - it is NOT a smile, wave, comment to me - only Gus. And it's like they don't really even notice me - which is not a big deal - I'm not dying to be noticed - it just seems somewhat strange. I know I have done the same thing to other people's kids. The problem arises when someone asks Gus a question - directly to him - and then expect him to answer. "How old are you?" "What is your name?" And then they look at him - not me - and wait for an answer. So, of course after a few seconds I have to say with a smirk and a lilt- he's 10 months old. It's somewhat uncomfortable for me. I don't want to be butting into Gus's conversations when I'm not invited, but people just don't really see the situation for what it is. Sure, I know that they would expect me to answer the question - if I didn't they would think I was very strange. I really would like to try that some time however. Next time someone poses a question to Gus and not me I will just sit there and not say a word. And then after a little while maybe I'll say - he doesn't know how to talk yet. What's great now that Gus is getting a little older, when people wave at him he is able and alert enough to wave back. People love that. I think it's pretty cute too.

Today I was at the grocery store and the bagger, who happened to have downsyndrome, was smiling at Gus and tickling his tummy. And then as we were leaving he said several times with his face really close to Gus's- "I love you." This reminded me of another funny baby quirk that people have. When Gus is with me I sometimes get special treatment. When I was pregnant I got similar special treatment - but I think then it was because people were more afraid of me than because they thought it was cute. Kind of like - here comes a huge pregnant woman, hurry get out of her way, open the door for her but don't get too close. But now it is a more positive kind of special treatment. I actually had a man say to me "you go first because you have that cute baby." And he let me go ahead of him in line for no reason other than Gus. I really think I could use this to my benefit. People definitely trust you more when you are carrying a baby. It's like you are automatically a good person. I had Gus with me when I had to pick up a check for work. The check had been slid about 3 feet under the office door of my co-worker who wasn't there to unlock the door. (This is a long story for another time but I'll give the brief version). So, without hesitation the man in the office across the hall, no knowing me, started into a full McGyver (not to be confused with a full Monty) to recover this check for me. I could have been a thief for all he knew - I could have stolen the baby just so they'd give me the check.

I guess I'll give it a try

2007-02-13T01:19:00.000-07:00

Apparently there is a trend going around - to blog 100 things. I'm not exactly sure what 100 things they are - things you don't know about me? my favorite things? interesting and semi-embarrassing things about my past? Confessions? But, whatever it is, I can't not give it a try. I just seems so fun. So, here is mine.

100. If I eat something sugary in the morning, I want to eat sugar all day long.
99. My current job scares me a lot, but gives me satisfaction in facing what is hard.
98. Even though I feel like I'm supposed to, I don't really like peanut butter
97. and I don't really like shrimp.
96. When I am dressed nice I feel really cool.
95. I only shave my legs about once every two weeks and that seems to be enough
94. Whenever I hear that 'In the middle of the night, I go walking in my sleep' song I do the dance that accompanies it from 9th grade dance company.
93. Deep down in me there is a greener, more health conscience, book loving, exercise machine waiting to come out.
92. Because I am genetically engineered to be cheap and thrifty I sometimes have an urge to cheat or lie to save 30 cents here or there - I really try to supress the urge.
91. I always wished I knew all of the words to Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls -specifically that fast rapping part.
90. I do, or did at one time, know all of the words to Young MC's Busta Move
89. I memorize song lyrics extremely quickly - usually after only hearing the song once.
88. I really like to cook
87. I love watching Iron Chef America, Les and I both enjoy watching it together
86. I would love to be able to cook like a gourmet and very nutrisiously -the way they do at that pay-what-you-want-cafe (One World Cafe?).
85. I really think Gus is going to have a great personality
84. In so many ways I hope Gus turns out like his dad.
83. I love playing board games
82. I love winning board games
81. When I was young I copied everything my older siblings did, and now that I'm older, on a subconscious level, I still do
80. Like Dede, I still feel like I'm 18
79. I really miss hanging out with the boys the way we used to
78. One of the greatest sounds in the world is Gus laughing
77. I think I'm pretty good at making people laugh, especially my mom and Les
76. My feet stink a lot of the time
75. I've been wearing red polish on my toes for the last 11 years (this can be attributed to #81)
74. When I was in 6th grade a girl from another school labled me as 'big boobs, tiny waist, big bum'
73. I think I'm a pretty okay singer but I have vowed to never try out for American Idol, as I'm sure to make a fool of myself
72. I took tennis lessons every Summer for 5 years and I still can't play
71. I took piano lessons for 7 years, never practiced, can't play
70. I used to be a pretty good dancer, but considering the freestyle way I dance now Les doesn't believe I was ever good.
69. I don't wear makeup 5 out of the 7 day of the week.
68. I've been to most all of the classic vacation destinations: Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Southern California, New York City.
67. Ever since I was 14 I thought Seatle could be a good place to live, and I still think so
66. If I ever have a lot of money I would do my grocery shopping at Wild Oats and my clothes shopping at Anthropology.
65. I think I'm pretty good at convincing people....maybe I should go to law school
64. I don't really care what kind of car I drive, but I do like a car that can go fast.
63. Luckily, I never went through that awkward phase that middle schoolers usually do.
62. Being a mom is hard and I'm nervous to eventually have 2 babies to take care of
61. I know from many past experiences that my mom would do anything for me
60. I don't know how my mom raised the 4 kids in my family without going totally crazy considering all of the crap that we put her through
59. I am the baby in my family and because of that I felt an obligation to talk in a baby voice until I was almost a teenager. Les says that sometimes I still talk in a baby voice when I want a back tickle or when I want to buy a piece of furniture.
58. I feel bad that I never did chores
57. I never realized until I got older that I am so similar to my dad
56. I know that in not so long from now I will become my mom and I'm okay with that
55. I did, do, and always will love candy
54. One year on Halloween I ate my whole bag of candy the night of. My mom said I would get a stomach ache, etc. but I didn't.
53. I double hate having big boobs.
52. When I'm not chubby I like my face shape.
51. I really love to sleep. That is one thing that is hard about being a mom - you can't sleep whenever you want to.
50. I can fall asleep just about anywhere at any time.
49. I didn't graduate with my bachelors degree. Some days I regret it and some days I don't. But, I really don't want to be one of those moms that goes back at 45 or 50.
48. I really really like decorating although I know there are a lot of people much better at it than I am
47. I am very good at being silly.
46. I ask my husband the same questions all the time: do you think I'm smart? do you think I'm nice? did I say anything stupid?
45. I try too hard to please people.
44. I often fall into the trap of trying to be 'the perfect everything' instead of just being myelf.
43. I think my siblings and my cousins are all very attractive.
42. I love going to Lagoon although I didn't dare ride a roller coaster until I was older.
41. Although my Dad worked with me often, I didn't learn to ride a bike until quite old as well
40. The first time I rode a bike on my own I almost rode off a cliff.
39. Ever since I've had a baby I feel weird:
38. I have a hard time concentrating on the road.
37. I can't remember simple words or names for things - thank goodness for Les being able to read my mind.
36. I am continutally surprised by the reality of a Mother's intuition.
35. I have an amazing marriage.
34. My dream car is a Subaru Forrester.
33. I don't pass on forwards.
32. I will never again ride on a Greyhound Bus.
31. I had a rough relationship with my mother-in-law at first but now I really like her
30. I have lots of ideas for books I want to write. I want to write a book about mother-in-law, daughter-in-law relationships
29. I want to write a book called 'According to my Grandma Toni' with all of the old dutch sayings that she uses.
28. When my grandma dies I'll cry for at least a week straight
27. I went to EFY for 4 years and I loved it - especially the dancing
26. I kissed about 20 boys before I met Les, which he thinks is a lot, but that is not very many compared to my cousin Heather.
25. When Les and I first kissed there were serious fireworks going off.
24. My mom, although she won't admit it, has an obsessive shopping problem.
23. I also have a shopping problem that I am working on.
22. Before my CD collection was stolen I owned 5 Celine Dion CDs - I can't help but think of that thief going through my CDs totally disappointed in the selection
21. I think sometimes about how our grandparents must perceive the trends of today (peircings, tatooes, immodesty, vulgarity) and I like to think that my Grandma is proud at the way I turned out.
20. I've always had a strong sense of self, and strong self-confidence.
19. I've lost 50 pounds since I was pregnant.
18. Although I tried several others here and there, I have been using the same Pantene Pro-V shampoo since I was in 7th grade.
17. I have a really amazing extended family - I often want to brag about them, but restrain myself.
16. Lately I have seen so many women with facial hair. It is kindof freaky.
15. Once in a while when I'm driving around listening to country music radio I'll encounter an especially cheesy yet touching song and I'll have to quickly wipe away a tear.
14. I usually listen to talk radio in the car.
13. I am my kid's mom. (I love you, Dr. Laura)
12. I've noticed that Gus loves when I sign along out loud to the radio. He also likes to sing, he joins in during church hymns.
11. One time in high school I called a radio station who was trying to drive up rivalry between 2 schools the night before a big football game. I actually got through but I froze up and had nothing intelligent to say so I just said something like, "we're going to win... because... I don't know." It was stupid.
10. There used to be a show on MTV called 'Motor Mouth' where they would secretly pose a camera inside of a car and catch the driver singing loudly and passionately the songs on the radio, also with a little car dancing if you're lucky. I'll just say I would be a perfect candidate for that show.
9. I have a staring problem. It has come to the point that when I'm caught staring I don't even look away - I just smile at them as if to say, "Yeah, I was staring at you. It's okay though".
8. I'm not a big reader, which is maybe Les's thing he'd like to change about me; but recently, I've been infected with the bug just a little bit. I even joined a book club.
7. Les and I often throw around quotes from Jerry Seinfeld's stand up routines, Raising Arizona, The Incredibles, Conan, and The Simpson's, etc. And we've recently added Jim Gaffigan quotes to the repretiore. He's funny, man.
6. Les and I like to sing duets together while he plays on the guitar. Although it's not really in my character, sometimes I get into it and sing with my eyes closed because Les loves that.
5. My sister loves watching court TV. She has it on all day sometimes. I prefer decorating shows.
4. My sister's husband is going to Iraq in April and I try not to think about it because it makes me want to cry.
3. I think my biggest motivator to do what is right are my family's loving examples.
2. Writing these 100 things has taken me several weeks.
1. I like stuff.

Whatever happened to...

2006-10-14T10:41:00.000-06:00

For the last few months I've been spending a significantly large majority of my time at home with Gus learning how to be a mom. My life has dramatically changed in many ways - of which I can't even begin to try to put into words. But, one aspect that has been brought to my attention recently is the pace - my life is slower, it is more gentle, I live more delicately. Now that Gus is almost 4 months old I have started a job at home processing loans again. With this new job I have suddenly been thrown back into the fast-paced, teeth-clenching, and I must say, sometimes, unvirtuous business world. The contrast is a bit frightening. I find it difficult at times to keep that motherly meekness while worrying about emails, faxes, underwriters, numbers. I've found myself asking the question, "Whatever happened to?"

Whatever happened to patience?
I could go on and on about patience-everybody needs more patience. Gus has taught me a few somethings about patience. He isn't going to fall asleep until he's ready, for one - Even if it takes all night. The crying. And, eating - eating is something that takes practice in the beginning (for me and for Gus). My fews months of being a parent have taught me more about patience than I've learned in my whole life thus far I dare say.

Now look at the way we drive. (I'm not excluded). I'm not even going into the driving issues that we are faced with - you know exactly what I'm talking about. I'll just say this: everyone is in a hurry - speeding, swerving lanes, cutting off. There is no enjoying the journey going on - there is an attitude of "get-me-where-I-need-to-be-now- hurry, out of my way. I don't have time for this." Again, patience.

What about the way we spend money. My parent's generation practiced the art of saving money - Which, I am convinced, is now a dying or dead art. Today in 2006, we practice spending - and it really is an art. We spend everything we have, money we don't have yet, and money we'll never have. I can't decide if it is more an obsession of spending or an obsession with stuff- materialism. We need whatever it is we want and we want it right now. I'm not going to wait 2 months, 3 months, a year! to save up - I will buy it now and pay double for it in interest in the future. (Which reminds me of this quote I had sitting on my dresser all through middle school and high school -Don't trade what you want most for what you want at the moment. )

This whirlwind we live in could use more motherliness. We could all benefit from more softness, gentleness, kindness, charity, lovliness, virtue, and of course more patience. I know I could. I hope I can bring these things into my home, if not the world, for Gus.

The first post about GT. There will be more

2005-08-04T14:55:00.000-06:00

I am not very faithful in writing these posts. Although, when I do, I enjoy it. My husband? - he is faithful. He writes something everyday. He says he needs to do it, for his own well-being. He needs to evoke that creative aspect of his brain. It is a good thing to do.

Last Sunday the family was all sitting around the dinner table, eating dinner, as we do most Sundays, when Grandma Toni said, "I had a very strange experience this week." She has been wanting to buy a tiller for her garden. Why any widow in her mid-80's needs a tiller, I don't understand, but she's been looking in the want ads for months. This particular week she had spotted an ad with several lawn mowers and tillers that were for sale. Excited, she called to find out the price and the size, and other specifics. A gentleman answered the phone (wait let's not call him a gentleman, let's just call him a male. ie: Dr. Laura labels "men" and "males" seperately. A "man" is one who takes care of his family, is integrous, and stands up for his morals. Whereas a "male" is one of that gender who lacks the backbone or the where-with-all to do the right thing) So, a person of the male sex answered the phone. In her small yet steadfast Dutch accent she asked him how much he wanted for the tillers. His only answer? "I don't talk about 'men' things with women. Have your man call me back." Surely, with extra emphasis on "man", likely deepening his voice. She politely answered, "I don't have a man." Yet, immediately regretted saying it. She wouldn't want anyone to know she is "without a man" and thus possibly more suseptable to burglary, theft, break-ins in general. So, the conversation ended there. After telling the account she stressed to us, "and I will NOT have a man call back for me. I will not have anything to do with a man like that." She said it in a light-hearted way. She wasn't upset or concerned about someone who was obviously very strange. In fact, she added at the end, as she does with many of her stories - a Dutch saying - something like- "there are still a few out there, but not many." They never translate well, she says.

My Grandma has been a widow since my mom was only a few months old. Her husband was killed in an auto accident in Holland. And, for all these years, she's done just fine on her own. Raising my mom, supporting the family financially and otherwise, taking care of her home. She still climbs on her roof to get the swamp cooler working when the hot months roll around. There are so many things I could write about her. So, we'll just call this "The first post about my grandma. There will be more. "

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

2005-07-18T13:33:00.000-06:00

Every Friday I log onto MSNBC for "The Week in Pictures." I look forward to this weekly exploration into the various colors of the world. Lately most of the pictures have been of war, terrorims, and of tragedy. They like to put in about 3 photos of the good things as well. Today there is a beautiful picture of a porcupine fish in the red sea, 3 little girls in long dresses jumping on a trampoline, and a photo of fans along side a road in Germany as the tour-de-france speeds past - portrayed only by a smeared blur of bright colors with pops of white helmets and a few yellow balloons in perfect focus.

After trying to describe those beautiful pictures I just re-realized how true it is - a picture is worth a thousand words. Maybe more - depending on the picture I guess.

I really look forward to these 13 or so pictures each week. They give me a little bit of perspective on the world. And I just realized that it's one of those things that makes me feel small in this world - which in some strange way makes me feel renewed. Why is that anyway? I hear that every so often. Like in the song by that one lady - I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean. Is it just something people say without really thinking about? Cause I kindof want to think about it.

Here goes. In some aspects of life it seems like we're encouraged to feel the opposite of small. For instance, being told that you can conquer the world, or that you have the world in the palm of your hand. But, the reverse is also taught. Having a sense of being small in this world seems to give reverence or homage to God. We are just a small speck in His great world of creation. Just look into the stars at night. I guess my conclusion is this - (at least for now) we are small in the whole scheme but regardless of that God knows each one of us individually, and He hears our prayers individually, and He tailors experiences just for us as individuals - all of which make me feel pretty big.

Being Silly

2005-07-15T09:51:00.000-06:00

Those who know me know I am silly. Really silly. I'm not sure if it is a nurture or a nature thing. Probably both. My mother is very silly and her mother too is very silly. My dad, however, is not silly. I grew up in a very traditional setting. My dad went to work everyday and my mom stayed home and raised 4 kids. I was so lucky. My sister, who has 2 kids, isn't as silly as me. But everytime my mom and grandma and I have the chance, we fill those kids full of silliness. Nothing brings out the silliness in us like little kids do. We use licorice to make uni-brows, mustaches, and large pimples on our cheeks. We try to fit our big feet into their little shoes and when they don't fit we put them on our ears. Have you ever seen an 83 year old act like a monkey - swinging her arms around and making that oohohh aah sound? Or jump on the trampoline with her great-grandkids, or dive on the grass to catch a a floating bubble? That's my grandma - but, I think she will have to be a whole other post altogether.

Another Confession

2005-07-14T15:04:00.000-06:00

i have another confession.

i have a window by my desk that is covered with blinds. i purposely have situated the blinds so that from my seat i can see out but those walking by can't see in - (unless they are at a specific angle). by doing this i am stealthfully able to spy on situations that happen outside my office. and i love spying. you'd be surprised, with the blinds there, it's like i'm not here.

The Heat Is On

2005-07-14T14:18:00.000-06:00

everywhere i went yesterday people were talking about the heat. it really seemed to be the only thing people were talking about. at Target... "it is like a fire outside"... at a restuarant where i bought a sandwich... "it has got to be 110 out there"...

at work my little office is right by the door, with my desk directly facing the door/window at the back entrance. so, all day i am distracted by people walking in and out. And everytime the door opens i have this uncontrollable urge to look up and see who it is. there's really no use trying to subdue the urge - that would be like not looking at an accident on the freeway or not eaves dropping on a fighting couple in a restuarant. i just have to do it. there's hardly a choice for me. some people feel an obligation to say hello everytime they pass - and i too feel a sort of obligation to at least look up, or nod, smile, or something. it has become somewhat awkard. i have noticed that a few people will deliberately plan to be talking on a cell phone as they walk in so as to the avoid the hello moment. i admit, i've done the same. once in a while when someone has been coming and going all day, and we've already done the complimentary nod several times, just as they're about to come in, i'll pick up my phone and start dialing - or worse, i've even just picked up the phone and pretended to be on hold. ohh, that hurts to admit. but really i've only done it like twice.

so anyway, yesterday, seriously, every person would walk in and mutter "it is so hot out there", "i need a drink", "i bet you're glad you're inside with the cooler instead of out there" was a popluar one. at this i would just look at my pasty white arms and legs - which haven't seen the sun since i was old enough to hold down a full-time job, and look longingly outside.

is it strange that i wear a jacket just about all summer long? it seems like there should be a rule against wool pants and a jacket during the summer months. what you don't know is while, yes it is hot outside, i don't go outside. i sit at a desk all day with the AC cranked to the max. it can actually be pretty cold. when i do go outside - to get some lunch or what-not - i like to sit in my steaming hot car for a few minutes without the cooler on and get warmed up. It's like my own personal sauna. But, of course after a few short minutes, I too start to heat up, get a little sweat on the forehead and I too think, "it is like a fire out here."

I never looked out that window

2005-07-04T12:58:00.000-06:00

i never looked out that window
like i did when i was waiting for my mother
to come home from the grocery store that morning

i had received a phone call from the primary president
she wanted me to speak in church
i was terrified

my mother comforted me
and consoled me - never once falling for my irrational excuses
of why i could not get up in front of the group of 30 kids
and perform

she helped me prepare.
i tend to be a procrastinator
but my mom convinced me the more i practiced the easier it would be

i practiced that talk probably 25 times
when my grandparents came over
i would run through it with them, friends
and of course my mom heard that talk the most

on sunday morning i got up earlier than usual
read through the talk again
and got dressed
i folded the precious white piece of paper - my lifeline
and put it neatly and carefully on the kid-size picnic table
i used as a desk

when it came time to leave for church
i picked up the folded paper with my talked scribed inside
and went to church.

soon i was up on the stand
waiting for my turn
when prompted i stepped up to the podium
unfolded the peice of paper and started to read

except
this was not the talk i had practiced so many time the week before
this was something totally different

i read about 8 words in and realized the mix-up
where was my talk? what was this imposter posing as my own white folded paper
i stood paralized in front of the audience
it was the first and only time i would ever witness every child silent

standing there
i found my mom's face in the crowd and i looked at her
trying to explain what had happened
using only the pleading of my eyes
help me. my eyes were repeating

looking back time seems to have stood still
who knows how long i stood in silence and shock
but i did finally just walk away, down the steps and back to the seat
next to my mother

she motioned to me
as if asking what was going on
i just opened up the paper, she read
she understood

i never did find out what happened to my talk
is it possible that my mother set me up?

Stream of Consciousness

2005-06-30T16:47:00.000-06:00

truth comes in blows.
i love that. i haven't heard it for while. i feel like i'm always delivering the blows. where did i already write that?

shopping.
shopping is: an outlet. an escape. a... what's the word... something to take your mind off the real problems, the real issues pounding on your mind. i'm really good at procrastinating the most important things. shopping probably isn't a healthy diversion - too expensive. cooking would be okay, or cleaning. maybe exercising, or reading. some people work to escape. too much of anything isn't good i guess.

on the radio yesterday they posed a question for listeners / callers to answer: if God told you everything horrible and good and just everything you would go through in this life, and then gave you the decision to come to earth or not, would you still come? a lot of people called in. it was interesting because this is a utah only radio show and the host isn't a utahn and isn't a mormon. he's actually a rabbi from somewhere in the eastern US. he seems to enjoy the utah culture and the utah perspective his callers have. anyway, several people called in to talk about the horrible things that had happened to them. whether it be by there own choices or not. one young guy was overcoming a porn addiction, someone had a parent just die and was contemplating having an affair, someone else was lamenting a 25 year marriage in which he didn't feel any appreciation or that he was needed. the host todl him that many men feel this way, that is why our society has such a problem with adultery, pornography, etc. men who aren't feeling appreciated or justified or fulfilled turn elsewhere to be validated and to not feel like a failure. interesting. people can be so complicated.

i think a girl might have gotten fired today at work. it's strange because she hasn't been working there long. but i noticed her coming in quite late and then leaving early just recently and i just thought, that's interesting. and then today she was in her boss's office kindof crying and then she left. she didn't take any of her pictures or clock or anything.

details.
don't sweat the small stuff.
i do, all day, sweat the small stuff.
have i told you that everytime my phone rings i get this panic feeling and a lump in my chest? i scan my brain and think through who it could be and what they might be looking for. and most of all, can i give them the answer they want? is this healthy? i don't think so.