circus mind

Ornament Expo 2011

2011-12-23T09:52:00.001-07:00

This morning I read THIS POST by Janiel at the Three Gnomes blog, and it was so interesting that I decided to shamelessly lift her idea for my own tree tour.

Earlier in the year I was admiring the perfectly styled snowflake tree in the Pottery Barn catalog but Mitch turned up his nose and said he loves our trees the most. We do have a pretty sweet collection of ornaments that we’ve slowly built up over the years. Care to take a peek?

Here’s the tree itself. This is how it looks to me if I’m not wearing my glasses.

This is my oldest ornament. I bought it the Christmas after Mitch left on his mission at the Hallmark by Pegasus Records (where we met.)

I think we bought these on our 6th anniversary- on a date to Thanksgiving Point. Are they the cutest ornaments in the world? No, but come on! They had our names on them. Not that easy to find.

This year, Owen chose a vintage plane. He’s obsessed with WWII fighters and planes in general. He’s only 7, but I’m making a prediction that he will join the Air Force in the future. We’ll see IF I’m right and IF I can handle being a military mama. {{{{{ weeps }}}}}

Mia collects the flower fairies (this rose fairy reminds me of her… that’s how it started.) The Mistletoe Fairy sold out this year, so she went with the Bone Daddy instead.

He matches another favorite of mine…

Mitch chose an olive wood nativity… and I got the vintage glass bells peeking through there on the right.

Some other classics from the collection…

Photo ornament made by Mia’s Sunbeam teacher when she was three. awwwww.

Spoiled Princess Kitty.

Peanut Kitty with Hitler Mustache. (the year we made peanut ornaments was the best. Some real winners were created to be cherished forever.)

love this tiny owl.

Han Solo! What does he have to do with Christmas? Not one thing, except that my little boy wanted him and that was enough for me. Plus, he’s handsome.

Last night we wrapped the family gifts and tucked them away under the tree.

Nothing like waiting till the last minute. We’re ALMOST ready to roll… how bout you?

Elfis… Elfis… let me be! Keep that pelvis far from me!

2011-12-16T08:50:00.001-07:00

He found a girlfriend in Mia’s closet.

isn’t she purty? She’s the fairy I made for Mia when she was a baby. I decided not to take a picture of her lower half because her legs are different lengths (whoops) That’s where she got her nickname- The Polio Fairy.

I hope they keep it rated PG in mia’s room…

What is he saying in her ear?

My Snowy Heaven…

2011-12-14T14:51:00.001-07:00

It started out at as a shopping trip for my sweetheart, and it turned into a gift to myself. I had a few free hours today and decided to take a solitary drive up to Sundance.

As soon as I hit Provo Canyon, my heart started to rise. It’s such a magic place for me. A whole lifetime of memories at my Grandpa’s Cabin… the hikes I’ve been on… the days at my favorite place in the world (SUNDANCE! I don’t have to be a skiier to love it, you know!) I can’t set foot in that canyon without being happy and at peace. Just another reason that I am… an always will be… a Utah girl at heart.

I shopped. ( I’m not telling what I got, but I can tell you that Mitch is going to be a really happy guy.)

I ate and relaxed.

I listened to music, sang and drove through a beautiful snow storm.

I ignored this sign… totally parking and stopping so I could take this picture.

That’s my heaven, my canyon… today was a gift I gave myself. You’re welcome, self.

Under the weather.

2011-12-09T09:44:00.001-07:00

Well, one morning we found Elfis indulging in some cocoa cereal.

But this morning, he looked miserable.

Looks like he caught the stomach flu from the kids. '

(mia thought that he was overdosing because of all the pills on the counter! NO, no… no no no. A Christmas elf wouldn’t do that! It’s just a simple virus, silly girl.)

Three Days of Elfis…ness.

2011-12-05T10:02:00.001-07:00

Reenacting the closet scene from E.T. with Mia’s stuffed animals.

Caught red handed nibbling at our gingerbread house. He’s clutching hershey kiss wrappers and his face is covered with marshmallow and chocolate. The kids are still trying to convince me that Elfis is the only small person who has been eating candy off the house at every opportunity. I’m not buyin it. It’s like a scene from Hansel and Gretel over here.

Elf gymnastics on our new piano decorations.

It’s official, she’s a young woman.

2011-12-02T09:24:00.001-07:00

It’s Mia’s 12th birthday today. I’m stunned. Where did the time go?

Elfis helped us celebrate with a bouquet of balloons that coordinated perfectly with her room makeover.

so far, we have her new purple bedding and a killer lamp.

This weekend we buy paint- I’m letting her have a purple accent wall… it’s going to be funky!

Speaking of funky…

(birthday footwear)

She loves her new room… and spent last night getting her door redecorated with signage.

The young women she’ll be joining at church stopped by and brought her this sweet poster to welcome her.

and she got a cute card from mom and daddy.

Then, it was off to school (looking cute!)

Natalie and Sophie brought her a birthday muffin!

I hope it continues to be a great day for my favorite girl in the whole wide world.

Elfis brings back the Christmas Playlist.

2011-12-01T08:55:00.001-07:00

Just try to contain your envy.

2011-11-30T20:59:00.001-07:00

I have to brag, because Elfis FOLDS LAUNDRY! Bless his little red bum.

Nostalgia.

2011-11-29T08:37:00.001-07:00

We found Elfis checking out our scrapbook from Christmas 2003, when Mia got her dollhouse.

Elf Graffiti

2011-11-28T09:30:00.001-07:00

Little trouble maker… why did we ever adopt you, anyway?

Do Not Disturb.

2011-11-27T10:31:00.001-07:00

Elfis found Owen’s Bobby to snuggle. He needs to rest up for his trip back to the North Pole tonight.

Meet Elfis Pinetree!

2011-11-26T09:08:00.001-07:00

We adopted an Elf On The Shelf and last night was his first night keeping an eye on the kids and reporting back to Santa!

When you get your elf, you’re supposed to choose a new name. After some family debate with ideas like “peppy”, “joe” and “clark”… we decided on ELFIS PINETREE.

This is how we found him waiting for us this morning.

He’ll be with us all though December… also giving me something fun to blog about (!) so stay tuned for the elf antics at the Nelsons.

Joni Mitchell- the soundtrack of my life.

2011-11-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Last night I was thinking about the fact that for every stage in my life there has been a perfect Joni Mitchell song that could be the soundtrack of my experience.

Such as...
Dating Russ- "You turn me on, I'm a radio"
Married to Greg- "Woman of Heart and Mind"
Separated from Greg and expecting Mia- "Amelia"
Falling back in love with Mitch- "Help Me"
Married to Mitch- "My Old Man"

The most recent song of hers to really resonate with me is this one...

i love every single word, but these are the lyrics that seem to apply to my life the most at this moment.

Caught in the middle
Carol we're middle class
We're middle aged
We were wild in the old days

This girl of my childhood games
With kids nearly grown and gone
Grown so fast
Like the turn of a page
We look like our mothers did now
When we were those kids' age
Nothing lasts for long

Anyone out there have a Joni song to share?

Conference Saturday- AM.

2011-10-01T09:15:00.001-06:00

Owen is working on mending holes in his “bobby” so he can sleep with it again.

(watching Robin Hood- Prince of Thieves and wearing a Star Wars Tshirt with his Star Wars guys always near by… he’s turning into a big kid, but I still love to see little hints of baby. Hope he keeps his “bobby” for quite some time.)

Mia is hard at work rearranging and decorating her room- for the umpteenth time. It’s her favorite hobby.

all done… now she’ll recover by watching a show on her laptop.

Jessie is anxiously waiting on Mitch for something… what could it be?

Me? I’m taking pictures and messing around on the computer. What did you expect?

2:26-

2011-09-28T20:54:00.001-06:00

and we see Taylor mount it like he means it. {did I just say that? I’m ashamed.)

Seven years went under the bridge, like time was standing still…

2011-09-27T08:54:00.001-06:00

Once upon a time, I had a baby.. who looked a like this when he was four.

Overnight, he turned into this.

(This was his birthday present from Papa and Gramma- They took him to Cal Ranch for cowboy boots and he ended up coming out with a hat, a snap shirt, a sweet belt with a big buckle AND the boots. He wants to be Boone from The Indian in the Cupboard for Halloween, but he wears the whole outfit pretty much every day. He looks so cute I almost can’t stand it.)

You’ve come a long way, baby.

2011-09-07T09:35:00.001-06:00

Mia’s sixth grade class had a field trip the the CLAS Ropes Course yesterday.

Now, if you know Mia, you know that she has had a whole lot of anxiety about field trips in the past and that she hates rides and heights. She was pretty worried about this activity…

When we got there, the owner sat all the kids down in the ampitheater to tell them about what they’d be doing and why. He said that you can really learn a lot about yourself from the way you react to the challenges on the ropes course.

Here’s what she learned.

First, the instructor asked the kids to get into groups of five, and as girls will do- the best friends all banded together in an inseparable group. Then the groups of five lined up one in front of the other and the lines from front to back became the activity groups for the day. Did that description make any sense at all? It’s enough to know that the best friends were separated and had to work with other kids they didn’t know quite as well. They were not impressed, but I thought it was brilliant.

Activity one- Shark Island.

A group of 12 kids is “stranded” on a boat that is sinking into shark infested waters. They have to figure out how to get a rope hanging far away using only what they have with them and then swing across to a safe platform before they’re eaten by sharks. They finally decide to hook their belts and shoes together and catch the rope that way.

The boy in the yellow shirt was so adorable. He took charge and made sure that all the girls got off the platform first. I thought that was totally charming.

There goes Mia, swinging to safety! When they got to the platform they had to figure out how to fit all 12 people on without “falling into the water”. Not as easy as it sounds.

Activity Two- Time for the HIGH Challenges!

Getting all harnessed up.

Remember how much Mia dislikes heights? Well, here’s what’s in store for her.

First up, the swing.

Here she is all helmeted up and waiting for her turn. How do you feel right now, Pretty Girl?

Oh come on, you’re going to love it! If you do it, you get a frozen yogurt after school!

(What? I’m not above bribery when it comes to getting kids to do what I want!)

Getting hooked in.

Hoisted up in the air… and………..

BOO-YAH! She did it!

And once she conquered the swing it was on to rock climbing…

(that’s her friend Sophie at the very top! She just zipped right up like a pro. It’s was so fun to watch.)

Mia didn’t make it to the top, but she did some lovely climbing all the same!

The last activity was the Electric Chair. I thought it looked like fun, but Mia wanted nothing to do with this one, other than pushing other people in it.

What I learned about Mia during the course of the 3 hours watching was that she may be scared, but she’s also very brave when she buckles down and goes forward. I was incredibly proud of my girl and so glad I went along.

When I wasn’t watching Mia display her feats of bravery, I wandered around the ropes course campus and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings.

It was a really great way to spend a morning.

Rendered Speechless.

2011-08-29T21:59:00.001-06:00

Ten Pounds.

2011-08-27T08:33:00.001-06:00

Finally, as of today the scale says I have lost 10 pounds!

Did you really think I was going to show you a picture of me? I will when I get to 20. Then I can repost my before photo and my after photo without cringing.

I’ve been doing “morning torture” for almost 5 months and I still love it. I love the muscle definition I’m starting to have. Still some issues in the midsection- but last time I measured I’d lost SIX INCHES off my waist so I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing. We’re obviously on the right track.

Cheers to all my morning torture buddies ;)

Scary.

2011-08-26T10:06:00.001-06:00

Yesterday Owen told us that during recess he plays Cops and Robbers with a twist. It’s ZOMBIE cops and robbers. I asked him to show me his zombie face and he started staggering around the room and moaning. Mia got an idea… took him into her room… and he emerged like THIS!

RUN!

HIDE!

We’re calling this the constipated zombie.

I don’t even know WHAT to call this… besides silly. My kids are a lethal combination.

I remember. Oh, I REMEMBER.

2011-08-19T08:41:00.001-06:00

it may have been 11 and 7 years ago, but I vividly recall that exact feeling. Looks like a silly show… Will Arnett, you guys :)

Freezer Meals

2011-08-17T14:21:00.001-06:00

So, today chicken breast was only 1.77 a pound at Sunflower Farmer’s Market. They have the BEST meats, and they aren’t cheap usually… so I buy when it’s on sale and when it’s on super sale like today I buy a LOT. Like 15 pounds a lot. I saved 3 bucks a pound which means 45 bucks total. Yeah baby.

I made the following freezer meals for our family and also to share with my Grandpa and Grandma.

Brown Sugar Chicken

Chipotle Chicken Marinade

Cilantro Lime Pesto Chicken

Honey Lime Chicken

mmmmmmm. I love freezer cooking. Then, I can just grab a bag of whatever I want out of the freezer in the morning, let it thaw and dinner is a no brainer.

Better sex through chastity?

2011-08-14T11:34:00.001-06:00

You’d better believe it!

I read this article today and it made me think back on the different choices I’ve made in my life- I couldn’t have been in two more different marriages. The first one was preceded by premarital sex (sorry mom and dad--- as if you hadn’t figured that one out already) I won’t share any other details… you don’t want or need to know.

I’ve spent the past 11 years since my temple marriage learning that love, intimacy, commitment, respect and dignity are the only way to go. So much better sex too! There’s really no comparison.

I loved the following paragraphs from the article especially. I hope that Mia will be able to learn these lessons without having to experience them first hand like her mama did.

“I, for one, have never been so grateful for the law of chastity. It seems terribly quaint in today’s culture to postpone sex until after marriage, and in practice it’s not at all easy to do. But it guarantees the romance of courtship and commitment. And (I think this is why the Twilight novels are so popular) there is nothing more sexy than anticipation.

A friend of mine did her dissertation on sexuality in Mormon women, and in her research the women who were most satisfied in their sex lives felt a sense of ownership about their sexuality. That it was a God-given gift, to be kept sacred before and within marriage, and that it should work for them. When she was a teacher in Young Women, she taught the girls that chastity gave them power. Not some kind of coy pseudo-power over male desire, but power to have their own desires for physical gratification, love, emotional intimacy, commitment, respect, and dignity met in the best possible way. These are things I want for myself and for eventually for my daughter, and I’m ever so grateful for a belief system that makes them possible.”

Killing us softly…

2011-08-14T09:30:00.001-06:00

I may love photoshop, but I don’t love that it’s used this way.

Begin Anywhere.

2011-08-12T08:52:00.001-06:00

I love it when I find the solution I’ve been searching for conveniently presented on someone’s blog.

Enter Ali Edwards and her post on MEMORY KEEPER BOXES!

I’ve been an obsessive photographer and memory keeper for many a long year now and have gone through different phases in my approach to storing it all. I have huge paper scrapbooks from the good old days, a few digital scrapbooks that I had printed at Blurb (but not nearly enough. There are still two unprinted years stuck on my computer waiting for the day when I can afford the expensive-ish printing). I have photo albums and this year I tried a half pint binder filled with 5x7 prints and memorabilia.

I’ve been thinking lately that I’d rather just have simple archival prints of my photos for the year and memorabilia stored in the same place, but how to make that pretty?

Ali Edwards gave me the answer. I just designed mine and with the 40.00 credit they’re offering right now, I’ll just pay 8.20 and I’m good to go for 2012!

(they are currently offering everyone $40 to spend during their ‘Begin Anywhere’ event this month by entering the code:beginanywhere. Shipping is not included. Code is valid August 1 – 31.)

I’ll share some photos of mine when it comes… it’s gorgeous!

Things I don’t usually like.

2011-08-11T10:52:00.001-06:00

Pop Music.

Skinny guys.

Christina Aguilera.

Really suggestive lyrics.

So why then am I obsessing over this song?

Maybe it’s the Mick… or that the song is just so stinking catchy that I can’t stop hearing it in my head.

I will now give you the same problem.

A day in the life and LIFE IN A DAY.

2011-07-29T08:14:00.001-06:00

Wednesday was a lazy July day. We didn’t accomplish a single thing besides going to the Reservoir and then quickly meeting Ken and Cam’s new baby kitties. Well, there was a dinner made too… but it was still a very low key day.

Some photos of fun in the sun.

floating.

swimming. (boyd has NO fear.)

digging.

reading. (only one more week in that cast. hallelujah!)

snuggling.

more snuggling… this time with the cutest baby kittens imaginable.

This morning I was sent a link to an amazing project. It’s a collaboration between National Geographic, Ridley Scott and You Tube called LIFE IN A DAY. The true story of one day on Planet Earth. Take a minute to watch the trailer… once all the hair stands up on your body you’ll thank me.

I’ll echo the words of the man in the trailer- “I love life!” It’s an amazing world we all share.

Owen’s Zoo Photos

2011-07-23T07:47:00.001-06:00

This morning I downloaded O’s shots… here are some of the best things he saw at the zoo.

He’s got a thing for cats.

{{{oh wait. That’s not the zoo. That’s a scene from OUR zoo. The rare and wonderful Huckle and Foxy cats captured in a cat tree. }}}

Indiana O

2011-07-20T21:57:00.001-06:00

Today we took the cousins to The Hogle Zoo.

In the morning I asked O to pick out his coolest outfit. He came out looking very Indy and asked if he could wear my little camera around his neck so he could take pictures of “every single animal.” It wasn’t hard to talk me into that one, in fact… I melted on the spot.

Here’s my little archaeologist photographer.

Couldn’t you just croak from the cuteness? I adore my boy.

Blake Shelton- he’s on my list.

2011-07-16T11:15:00.001-06:00

the exposed brick, the pipe, that sneaky smile. Oh, Blake. You slay me.

Making childhood memories- the Sanpete way.

2011-07-14T08:35:00.001-06:00

Yesterday on facebook some family members demanded that I blog. (thanks guys!) As luck would have it, I actually have something to blog about. Soooooo, you asked for it!

My wonderful grandpa had a little surgery on his hand Tuesday and needed someone to drive him home to Spring City afterward. What a perfect reason to go on down and take a little family excursion.

When I was in the throes of my anxiety I couldn’t handle going down there (I know, It’s crazy. But, I was a little crazy, so there it is.) Mia also struggles with the same problem, but we discovered that a dose of Benadryl helps her out a lot. Thank you makers of Benadryl.

Anyway- I’m happy to report that this little road trip went perfectly. I loved it so much that in the car on the way home I got a little teary about finally getting the spend a night under my grandparents roof again. It felt just as good as when I was little. Some things never change.

Here’s our trip in photos.

In the afternoon there was a thunderstorm… the kids watched it from the porch and O made a fort to keep jessie safe from the rain. She loved the huge backyard- treed three cats, barked at roosters and actually liked the horses until the kids started feeding them and she freaked out about those huge horsey teeth being so close to her kids’ hands. She’s a little protective that way.

The kids wanted a bath in Grandma’s Kajuzzi tub (that’s how Mia said it when she was just little and it stuck.) I was fixing dinner so I sent them down to get started. When I went down to check on them I discovered that Mia had spilled the shampoo bottle into the water and then started the jets. There was about a foot of water at the bottom of the tub topped by at least two feet of bubbles. Sheesh. At least it was a good photo opportunity even if it took forever to clean up.

Bubble Freaks.

(does this picture freak you out as much as it does me? {{{{{shudders}}}}}}

After dinner, we played some pool.

and Owen talked Mitch into a game of chess. Grandpa has the coolest chess set.

At dusk we headed to The Basin Drive In (located in exciting Mount Pleasant.)

I LOVE Drive ins. When the huz and I were dating before his mission and then again after Mia was born, the Art City and Pioneer drive ins were a staple. Oh man, the memories. You don’t need to know the mushy details but good times were had for sure. Fast forward to this drive in- we found ourselves packed into a Buick with two kids, a dog, mosquitos and 20 bucks worth of snacks. Different, but equally fun. I’m so glad my kids got to have the drive in experience. I don’t know how a kid can grow up properly without that.

*** thoughts on Super 8 **** My reaction was mixed. I loved the parts with the kids, they were such great characters. Sympathetic and hilarious (Chompers was my favorite.) There was a hint of ET and even some Stand By Me. I think the girl actress (Elle Fanning, Dakota’s little sister) was unbelievable. In the best way. The explosions and train wrecks were also unbelievable, but not in a good way. A little restraint might have helped out there. I wish they’d kept the alien as a nebulous creepy presence and left out the huge swirling magnetic ship at the end. Too much CGI starts to really annoy me real quick. It’s a good movie, but not great. Not SIGNS. (which I need to watch again now.)

Mitch slept on the back porch with the puppy doggers and the kids and I were downstairs in the guest room. Morning came much too soon followed by a big breakfast and a ramble around town with the dog.

Owen said he loved the wide open space and the way the air smelled. It really is so beautiful and peaceful there. (bonus to anyone who spots the super cool cloud shape in one of these photos. Totally real.)

The past month has been so stressful for our family with Mitch’s broken foot and the financial troubles that came along with it. This little trip was just what the doctor ordered for us to relax and enjoy a simple summer road trip together.

The many sides of Jessie.

2011-06-22T09:26:00.001-06:00

loving and sweet.

playful.

pesky.

I have no explanation for this one. But it cracks me up.

Pinterest- all the reasons why.

2011-06-15T08:50:00.001-06:00

My friend B* asked for an explanation of this “pinterest thing”. I can do that…. get ready to hear me gush!

First, let’s go back to 1995 when I was in the Graphic Design program. Our professor introduced us to the concept of making an idea morgue. Back then, that meant clipping ideas and inspirations out of magazines and catalogs and organizing them so you could refer back to them. I spent countless HOURS doing just that and continued for YEARS. Until last year, in fact.

Pinterest is the same concept- except that I have the whole world wide web at my fingertips instead of a small handful of catalogs. Also, I don’t have to have filing cabinets and expandable files all over my house.

I have 49 boards at this point- a little something for every occasion.

PHOTOGRAPHY

I have boards for recipes I want to try and then a KEEPER RECIPE board where all of the best ones live.

Probably too many craft ideas… but we’ve already used some of the SUMMERTIME CRAFTS FOR KIDS to keep busy.

Then, I have boards just for me. Collections of things I love, looking at them makes me happy.

HILARIOUS THINGS

BIBLIOPHILE eye candy

FOXES. OWLS. and other super cute things.

Handsome things. Hippie things.

You see what I mean, I can’t stop. It’s so much fun for a person who thinks in images the way I do. I think if you could see inside my brain it would look a whole lot like a pinterest screen shot.

Oh, and one last reason I love it. I have a board called “I really want this.” and guess what? Mitch found this board one time, saw some perfume I has pinned and ORDERED IT FOR ME! It was an awesome surprise.

Pinterest is dangerously addictive and my most favorite way to spend time on the internet. Even more than blogging, lately. You still have to have an invitation to join, but I have four more. Anyone want one? B*- did I talk you into it?

12 on the 12th- June edition

2011-06-12T21:28:00.001-06:00

1. birds on a wire against a sunny blue sky. I forget how great summer is until it’s back again.

2. My PINTEREST obsession continues unabated.

3. Eli is fascinated by Uncle Mitch’s cane. Mitch’s injured foot continues to heal slowly but (we hope) surely.

4. Owen eating a “dirty crumbs” popcicle.

5. My favorite flower in the whole world, Columbine.

6. Owen lost ANOTHER tooth. This is the third one in the past month… and all on Sundays.

7. Why so serious, Mia?

8. A little stained glass replica of the star windows in the Nauvoo Temple.

9. I read Owen “A Mouse To Be Free”. My parents would read it to me when I was just little, and I would cry my eyes out. I seriously couldn’t handle it. Did I cry while reading it today? Duh. Of course I did.

10. Mia and Jessie in the car, ready to drive over to Molly’s house. a.k.a. Papa and Gramma Martin’s.

11. More Columbine. I can’t get enough of them.

12. My summer piano top decorations- the simply beautiful neutral shades and shapes of seashells.

Somebody’s not feeling so good.

2011-06-07T08:43:00.001-06:00

You don’t want to know the details… believe me.(it’s not life threatening or anything, just real gross.) Let’s look at those sad pupper eyes and think good thoughts for her.

School’s out for summer, School’s out forever…

2011-06-02T12:40:00.001-06:00

or for the next three months, anyway!

It feels so good!

Here’s how the last morning of school went.

The kids said goodbye to their rooms and teachers.

Gave them their “thank you” presents.

The Nelsons have left the building… and gone to the park for the Civil War reenactment with Capture The Flag, Tug Of War and Water Balloons.

Two exceptional kids finish a great year.

2011-06-01T09:20:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was double trouble at the school. Owen had Kindergarten Graduation and Mia had the 5th grade Maturation Program- all at the exact same time. Luckily Gramma Karen was able to come along and fill in since I couldn’t bear to leave either of my babies alone for such big goings on.

I was tempted to take pictures during the maturation program but decided not to torture Mia that way. She was already humiliated enough. I didn’t know it was possible for someone to blush continuously for an hour! I thought the presentation was really good. It was taught by a lady who is both a life flight paramedic and a midwife. She was very straight forward, smart and funny.

Mia has had such a big year full of changes and challenges. One of her goals for the year was to be brave and I think she made HUGE progress at that. Being brave isn’t about never feeling scared, it’s about being scared and going ahead anyway. She did a perfect job at that that many times throughout this school year. She’s an amazing girl.

Owen is more than ready to move on from Kindergarten. I think he’ll be so happy going to full day school next year.

He loves school, and this year he really loved his teachers.

He made some good friends…

( O and Joe.)

All of the kids got diplomas and then Ms. Allen was ready to give the “Spirit of Noah Webster” award- two kids from each grade are chosen for their kindness, leadership and responsibility. Owen was one of the two kids and I was so proud! I admit, I cried.

It was just a great day with my two favorite kids. Just a few more school events and then we can enjoy a nice, lazy summer together. Hallelujah.

Lucy’s Dance Recital

2011-05-25T09:38:00.001-06:00

Last night was all about Lucy.

We drove out to Payson to see her perform in her spring dance recital.

Here’s a peek at her in the gym before the performance. The teacher is showing her how to smile on stage.

Turns out she didn’t need any help with that. She clearly likes being up there.

After the first couple of shots I knew there was no way to get a good straight photo- so I went all artsy fartsy from there.

Loo was a star… what a sweet, pretty niece we have.

The birthday hat.

2011-05-23T08:48:00.001-06:00

Last night was my brother Ken’s birthday dinner. We had fabulous hamburgers, a huge chocolate cake and this Key Lime Pie (made by my friend Natalie. I won it at the relief society service auction and it was awesome.)

As mom was putting candles on the cake, Ken moaned about having to blow them out and listen to us sing. He’s too old, too cool, for those shenanigans. Right? In true Martin family fashion we registered his objections and found a way to ratchet up his discomfort another notch. “Don’t we have a crazy hat he could wear while we sing Happy Birthday?” I asked Mom. On the door of her closet was the perfect thing.

Meet the birthday hat.

(thanks for playing along, Ken!)

Eli loved that hat, which is good since he will be turning one year old this week.

But, Daisy was the one who really embraced the hat. She worked it.

Could we have a little model on our hands? I asked if I could take some pictures of her wearing her new sparkly sunglasses and little pretty did this.

Keeper- “The Buff” Breakfast.

2011-05-22T11:04:00.001-06:00

The inspiration for this breakfast came from an episode of Man Vs. Food we watched last night. He was eating at The Buff Restaurant in Colorado and we all drooled and sighed over their signature breakfast. Since we couldn’t go to Co. this morning, I tried to come up with my own version.

What we have here is:

Pancakes made with whole wheat flour freshly made in my Blend Tec. (best kitchen purchase ever).

Pieces of crispy cooked bacon placed on top of the pancake batter while it cooked. (this is key… and it tastes sooooo good.)

A runny fried egg on top of the stack.

Homemade Buttermilk Syrup.

Cut into pie wedges and let the egg and syrup get all over each piece.

Again, this is a Sunday only breakfast. Lo-cal it is NOT, but we can get away with one day of decadent food. We all split this stack, so it was smallish but super satisfying.

100 % chance of precipitation.

2011-05-19T11:20:00.001-06:00

It’s so soggy out there today. Our spirits are kind of soggy too. Tummy aches, roof leaks… just random crud. Sometimes all you can do is curl up on a blanket and watch some shows.

Works out great for a homebody like myself.

A beautiful girl and a beautiful pup.

2011-05-16T12:56:00.001-06:00

Mia jumped on the haircut bandwagon Saturday. We had to have a quick photo session with the girl and Princess Pupper Pants.

Looking pretty, ladies.

Milestones.

2011-05-16T12:53:00.001-06:00

I may still be deluded into thinking of Owen as my baby bunny, but the evidence is clearly telling me he’s no baby.

He lost his 3rd tooth yesterday.

and he can tie shoes like a pro. (if there is any such thing as a professional shoe tyer, that is.)

Keeper #1- Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies.

2011-05-15T21:26:00.001-06:00

When my family says “keeper” I know they really loved a new recipe I tried. This one got “keepers” across the board. I think you might love them too, they are sinfully delicious. (for Sunday evenings, only. That’s when we indulge in whatever we want for dessert.)

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

FOR THE BROWNIE BATTER

1 pkg of brownie mix (the 9 x 13 inch size)
plus water, eggs, and oil for cakelike version of brownie mix

FOR THE FILLING

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven according directions on brownie mix . Spray bottom of 9x13 pan with non-stick spray.
Make batter according to direction on box for cake like brownies.(This usually means just adding 3 eggs instead of 2)
Make filling: Stir together butter, sugar, peanut butter, salt, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
Pour half of batter into prepared pan; spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Drop dollops of half of the peanut butter filling (about 1 tablespoon each) on top of batter, spacing about 1 inch apart. I put 9 drops.
Drizzle remaining batter on top, and gently spread to fill pan. Drop dollops of remaining half of filling on top. Gently swirl peanut butter filling into batter with a butter knife, running the knife lengthwise and crosswise through layers.
Bake according to brownie mix directions until a toothpick inserted into brownies comes out with a few crumbs but is not wet.

I made this recipe with slight variations from the one found here on Real Mom Kitchen (a blog that has given us many keepers!)

Buzz.

2011-05-14T09:47:00.001-06:00

This morning I gave O a buzz cut at his request. This was monumental because he’s been horrified of the clippers. I guess the combination of looking like his daddy and papa telling him he should do it made all the difference. He put his brave face on and went from this-

To this-

“ I look like an elf.” said he.

This sentimental mom is sad to say goodbye to that soft blonde hair, but he sure looks handsome and it will be nice and easy and cool for summer (whenever summer decides to get here.)

12 on the 12th- May Edition.

2011-05-13T11:05:00.001-06:00

1. Owen giving Jessie a snuggle on the couch. The “no dog on the couch” rule lasted approximately 10 hours and now she pretty much owns the thing.

2. Lilacs in bloom. So, so beautiful and wonderful, there’s just no way to duplicate the smell of them blooming in the sun.

3. Foxy, a.k.a. the Orange Avenger reminding Jessie to keep her distance. She has no claws, so she doesn’t pack much of a punch but she puts on a good show.

4. Book club treats based on The Red Tent. yum.

5. Daisy and Lucy watching cartoons all snuggled up in Papa’s bed.

6. Owen’s new hobby- taking things apart to see how they work. Thank you to the thrift store for cheap electronics. So far, he’s disassembled a clock and a fax machine.

7. Mia’s new wall art- also from the thrift store. I thought it was perfect for her colorful boho room.

8. Cushions all ready to be sat upon at book club. We had an awesome time- I love book club.

9. Watching Keith Richards on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

10. I picked up my holds from the library. I’d better run a bath and get readin’

11. Mia left this message on her mirror and signed her name Mrs. Cullen. Someone is really, really into Edward.

12- Owen brought this sweet little plant home from his field trip to the greenhouse.

Linking up with the other 12 of 12ers over here.

Progress- the month and a half mark.

2011-05-12T06:52:00.000-06:00

Weight- the same, essentially.

Body- firming up and building muscle.

My mom did my measurements tonight…

I’m so excited to say that I’ve lost four inches off my waist and 3 inches off my bust.

Soon, I hope to never again be asked if I am expecting. It’s about time, since my baby is six years old… good grief.

Create it, Design it, now let me see you work it…

2011-05-10T09:09:00.001-06:00

Wait till you see what Mia made… all by herself using only colored duct tape!

I’m so proud of her… she spent days writing out a plan and designing every detail. The girl has talent!

Everybody has been making things around the house the past week- it was Mothers Day, after all.

Owen brought home an adorable book about me from school. This is my favorite page.

(60 lbs and 73 years… I must be teetering on the brink of death in Owen’s mind!)

I found a link on MMM Crafts for the Momma Bird Cards and couldn’t wait to make them.

Aren’t those ridiculously darling? I hope the Mothers who received them thought so too.

Children’s Book Festival

2011-05-09T09:14:00.001-06:00

We spent Saturday afternoon at my favorite place.

Need a clue?

The Library at Academy Square! They did such a great job putting on this event for the kids.

Scavenger Hunt.

Miss Sadie the Library fortune teller looked into her crystal ball and found the perfect book for us to check out and take home to read.

Awesome illustrators and children’s book authors were on hand to sign books.

Of course, face (and arm) painting is a never fail kid pleaser. Mia looks otherworldly and O looks so menacing, doesn’t he?

Then, the greatest thing happened… Look who Owen got to meet!

Hola Skippito! WE LOVE SKIPPYJON JONES! Mucho!

Thanks again to the awesome volunteers, authors and illustrators who made the afternoon the perfect way to get kids even more excited about reading…

For assault and cattery.

2011-05-07T09:05:00.001-06:00

There is NO harmony between the critters in our home these days.

Yesterday Huckle and Jessie had a face off- or, more correctly, Huckle tried to scratch Jessie’s face off.I tried to intervene and ended up like this.

Not nice.

Mitch and I were talking about the situation this morning. I’ve always been a cat person, and I still love them BUT (and here’s a big BUT)… cats are impossible to reason with or train. They’re like teenagers- they know it all and don’t give a flying flooey what you have to say. Dogs are like little kids- all they want in the world is to please you and get a treat.

Foxy and Jessie mostly ignore each other but Huckle’s brain turns off and he becomes a howling tornado of claws when she’s anywhere near. I don’t know what to do with him. Really.

My mama.

2011-05-06T09:32:00.001-06:00

This weekend I get to say Happy, happy Mothers Day to my own, personal Mama since 1973.

(only one more year and you’re over the hump. With me at least!)

I wish I could give you one of these-

and both of these.

I found a picture that reminds me of you.

( me thinks it’s the abs.)

I also found this song that reminds me of you. I think it might be a favorite.

Be Still My Soul- Mindy Gledhill

yeah… I’m a formerly.

2011-05-03T22:42:00.001-06:00

“Formerly Hot is about looking at the unvarnished truth about getting older–the good, the bad, and those unexpected bitchslaps that still seem to come out of nowhere, even if you’re relatively well adjusted to the fact that you’re not forever 21. It’s about those moments–whether it’s when you’re the one wishing your neighbors would turn down the music because it’s after 10, or when you’re bracing yourself for the come-on that never comes–when it is suddenly ultra clear that you’re occupying an entirely new category of human being.

The longer I spent on this side of young, the clearer it became that Formerly Territory was a much happier place to live, for me and the hundreds of women I spoke to about it. There are distinct upsides to being a Formerly, ones that no one talks about. I used to feel like a composite of other people’s opinions of me; now, I am comfortable with who I am, and other people’s opinions are, well, just their opinions. I follow my instincts, what’s comfortable for me, rather than what I think I “should” do or what everyone else seems to think is the move. Life feel less intense, less dramatic, more relaxed and peaceful. In other words, time passes. Things change. And that’s cool.”- taken from Stephanie Dolgoff’s blog

This book was painfully true and totally hilarious. I sat by myself in my house and cackled out loud as I read it.

It made me remember the days when I could get anywhere I wanted at a White Zombie concert just by wearing my black vinyl pants and flashing a bit of my “tramp stamp” tattoo. That was such false advertising- I wasn’t a tramp then, and I’m sure as shootin’ not one now! In fact, that’s a classic illustration of Stephanie’s point- At that time I was absolutely a composite of what other people thought I should be. A mom is what I was meant to be.

You may not believe this, but back on the other side of young I was accused of having a perfect heart shaped… ahem… booty. Now, the only thing I own that’s perfectly heart shaped is my actual heart- so far so good with the cardiovascular system ;) I do still find myself being shocked when I catch a quick peek in a mirror or store window and my dumpy mom self looks back (there’s that bitchslap… ooof.)

One of my favorite chapters was when she addressed the misery that is jean shopping. What’s a person to do when she can’t stomach mom jeans and should under no circumstances should she wear “young, broke and fabulous jeans”. Stephanie came up with some great names for jeans that I think some company should run with- there’s some money to be made.

Solvent and Still Viable

Nothing to Prove Jeans

I Forgot More than You’ll Ever Know Jeans

So Over It Jeans

You Wouldn’t Believe What I’ve Been Through Jeans

You Just Wait Jeans

Been There, Did That (Twice) Jeans

Forgiven and Forgotten Jeans

You Didn’t Invent Sex Jeans

I’m submitting the following names to her list-

I GAVE BIRTH TO A 9 POUND BOY JEANS

and

IT COULD ALWAYS BE WORSE JEANS.

(a quick fyi- I’m giving this author a “STEPHEN KING” rating for language. She’s got a mouth on her, so if you want to avoid that, be aware. That is all!)

Poor Huckleberry.

2011-05-02T10:26:00.001-06:00

He’s not adjusting well to his new furry sister, at all. He’s been confined to our bedroom for 2 weeks and every time the door opens and he gets a peek at the pup he looks like this…

I wish we could find a way to make him understand that she isn’t going to hurt him.

Maybe he’s seen her playing with her heart pillow. (yikes)

How can anyone resist?

2011-04-29T13:55:00.001-06:00

They got me… and it was beautiful.

and I’m hopping on the Union Jack bandwagon. Brit is the new black? I have a furniture paint project in mind :)

Flying my bibliophile freak flag.

2011-04-29T09:46:00.001-06:00

Have you seen all of the Ballards and Potter Barn knock offs using book pages?

Here’s mine.

Take one crazy ugly painting on a wooden frame from your favorite thrift store.

Look through all of your favorite books and pull out some meaningful bits. (thrift store will also come in handy here, if you don’t want to destroy your books.)

Try 5,000 different collage layouts.

Double stick tape.

Tah dah!

I like it! This morning I enjoyed looking at it while also watching my favorite movie- The Young Victoria. I didn’t watch the royal wedding…get up at 4? Are you nuts? I did get my British pomp and ceremony on though- I love that beautiful, beautiful movie.

Some things I included:

My grandma’s french textbook.

Les Miserables

Information on Aspen trees (my favorite)

Shakespeare plays

Hymns in Spanish

Map of the Wild Wood

Map of Costa Rica

Malted Chocolate shake recipe

Map of North America

Dictionary page defining Harmony (also harpy and hash house. ha ha.)

Harry Potter

James Herriot

List of influential authors

(I may be alone in this, but I LOVE THIS THING. Books are my bag.)

Big dogs don’t cry.

2011-04-28T12:51:00.001-06:00

We gave the J-Dawg her first bath today. I was a little nervous because a big old GSD could cause a big ruckus if she felt like it… but I should have known she was too sweet to cause much trouble.

Make no mistake, she LOATHED it. She stood there with a pained expression and just endured it.

After she got out she shook water all over the house and sulked like a 2 year old. (oh, wait. She IS a two year old.)

I’m so sorry, Jess. Will you look at me?

Jessssiiiieeeeee…. Jess. Jess. I love you. Do you forgive me?

(if hate were people, she’d be China.)

When you go into the world… Free Download

2011-04-27T13:48:00.001-06:00

I made this fun little sign to post on the door. Subway style signage is pretty popular right now and I want us all to take at least one little bit of positivity and good advice with us as we go out the door every day.

I had it printed at 12”x18”for 3 bucks at Costco and stuck it to the door with some double stick tape.

Click HERE to download the file if you’d like to make a sign of your own :)

I Spy- the truth about EASTER edition.

2011-04-24T08:53:00.001-06:00

HE is not here.

For HE is risen.

I know.

I believe.

Happy Easter.

Last Minute Eggs.

2011-04-23T22:34:00.001-06:00

Have you ever tried coloring on your hot eggs before dying them? I think these are our most successful Easter Eggs yet…

From L to R- jenna’s bunny, owen’s bunny, mia’s bunny and owen’s shark.

Easter Sharks! Is this a new Nelson family tradition?

I love Mitch’s rendition of the Easter Shark. It’s so funny… I don’t know if I can bear to let anyone eat it.

The winner of Ugliest Egg is that brown one (rear left)- it was supposed to be purple. Bleck.

We finished the process at 10pm and rushed the kids off to bed- nothing like getting in under the wire.

Hippity Hoppity… Easter’s on it’s way!

Hug a tree then live in it.

2011-04-23T07:55:00.001-06:00

The internets were overrun with Earth Day posts this week, I’m sure you all noticed. Here’s what caught my eye.

One of my bucket list items is to live for a few days in a tree house. Hopefully more like the top picture, but I could also go for livin’ in luxury like the one below. It was built by a pastor in the south and he runs it as a bed and breakfast. I want to sleep on the top floor and listen to the leaves rustle all night long.

Here’s one in Costa Rica- I know Mitch would go for that in a big way.

I think my tree house fascination came from the book “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George.

I bet I read this one at least 100 times as a kid. It’s the most fascinating book. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend you do.

Actually… forget I said that. I think next time I host book club this will be my pick! They just put out an anniversary edition and the cover is perfect (another strange obsession of mine, I know.) I’m going to buy it ASAP and read it to my kids.

Jessie. The first 48.

2011-04-22T09:30:00.001-06:00

What has Princess Furry Britches added to our lives? It’s not unlike bringing a new child into the house.

Extreme amounts of cuteness, affection, anxiety and work. Endless games of FETCH (which is becoming a bad word to me, and not in the Utah Pseudo Swearword kind of way.)

HUMOR! Yesterday morning O summoned me to the bathroom to help him “wipe” but Jessie beat me to it and managed to stick her tongue right up in there before I screamed and then rolled around on the ground laughing. O said it felt like a warm wet wipe. {{{{{{{{dying}}}}}}}}

How’d you like that, girl?

She is the best behaved dog I have ever met, but she has one small flaw. She cannot stand to be left alone (how did mia and I manage to get a dog with separation anxiety? I mean, really?)

She goes with us almost everywhere. Riding in the car is her favorite. HOWEVER. We do need to be apart every once in awhile ie: picking the kids up from school.

Day 1- I left her loose in the house. I’d be back in 20 minutes- no big, right? Well, when we pulled onto our street she was standing in the middle of the road. PANIC! She had jumped through the window screen in the dining room. Also, she had knocked the trash can over.

Day 2- Plan B. I left her in the boy’s bathroom. It’s pretty gross… how much damage could she do? How about making the toilet paper into confetti, tearing the shower curtain and scratching paint off the wall. Yeah.

Day 3- starting to work on Kennel Training. She seems fairly ok with it so far. We’ll see how it goes.

In spite of it all- we kinda love her.

Owen drew a picture of her.

I love this picture- It seems that this is a mix of a German Shepherd and a Duck.

Mia’s Furry Sister

2011-04-19T22:27:00.001-06:00

I’m sitting here at the keyboard and shaking my head. What just happened? I think we added a new member to the family, that’s what happened.

It all started with a kindergarten field trip to the animal shelter. It took me off guard emotionally and I cried in front of all of the other parents. (those sad dog eyes looking at me from the kennels…) Afterward I called my mom and gave her the shelter report. She told me about an ad she’d found on KSL- for the world’s most perfect dog for Mia.

The next thing I knew I was calling the owner for a little more information, having a quick discussion with Mitch and then sitting Mia down to tell her the good news. Her dream was coming true. She got teary. I cried like a baby. I don’t know what got into me today- the emotions were OUT OF CONTROL.

Allow me to introduce the beautiful Miss Jessie Nelson.

Jessie is a 2 year old German Shepherd. She’s spayed, microchipped and in perfect health. She’s fully house trained, sits, stays, shakes…. The family had a 3 year old daughter who played with her all the time. Perfect, No?

The family is moving to Spain and couldn’t keep her. I truly believe she was meant to come live with us. (random fact: my very first puppy as a child was named Jesse)

Only one family member disagrees.

(classic scaredy cat pose) He’ll get over it ;)

She toured the house (doesn’t she look so pretty in the living room?)

( Jessie trying to get to Foxy- who has been hiding INSIDE the box spring since the scary dog arrived. She, too, is going to have to get used to it.)

We took her out on a walk to check out the neighborhood.

(mitch is head over heels for another female. What is happening to my life?)

As Mia and Mitch were walking along she looked at him and said “You’re Wonderful.” Getting Jessie has made her so happy already and that’s the best part of all.

April makes me a little sad.

2011-04-18T19:30:00.001-06:00

7 years ago this April, my friend Mike was killed in a drowning accident while crossing an Alaskan Glacier.

To this day, I miss him more than I ever would have thought. It’s hard to define what our relationship was precisely, but I loved him a lot and he was a great friend. I wish I’d known him better and spent more time with him before he died, I missed out on too much. I was in my early to mid twenties when we worked together and played together. What did I know about recognizing a quality person to love? Not a whole lot, I can tell you.

I was thinking about Mike today and a playlist formed in my mind.

He used to play “Stairway to Heaven” for me on his guitar.

We saw Arlo Guthrie in concert twice. We met him and shook his hand both times… he has a tiny little hand and signs autographs with a purple marker.

He gave me a Sting item every year for my birthday… and he used to listen to this song while he worked his graveyard janitor job at BYU.

He liked the Smashing Pumpkins, and this song just sounds like him to me.

That’s my April tribute to MY OLD FRIEND.

If you can’t brag on your blog, where can you brag?

2011-04-18T09:05:00.001-06:00

I haven’t reported on my progress on getting fit in awhile, but I can’t help bragging a little bit today.

I posted before about the change in my eating habits… that is still going strong with the help of my beloved red Blend Tec ( a present from my even more beloved spouse!) I still eat meat… in fact on Friday night Aunt Chele and Grampy were here from Texas and we all went to eat at 5Star where I had some fantastic ribs and brisket. When I got home though, I had an uncontrollable urge for a green smoothie. My body is in love with them and won’t let a day go by without at least one.

The other big change is that I have joined the early morning exercise group with some friends from my ward. They’ve been doing 20 SECOND FITNESS since Christmas time and every single woman looks totally amazing. I’ve been “ 20 second tough” (heh heh) for two weeks. It’s the most difficult workout I’ve ever done, but it’s only 8 to 12 minutes long so it’s doable. This morning my muscles were still shaking for 20 minutes after I got home. WHEW.

Here’s the boast-able part. Last night my mom redid my measurements for me and in 2 weeks they have changed so much. My arms, chest and hips have all gone down 1/2”. My waist went down 2”. In TWO WEEKS, people.

I’m so thrilled. I hope we continue to meet and get beaten up by Spence for a long, long time. If we ever stop, I’ll definitely make the investment in the system and keep on going. I have found, though, that I do better when my friends are expecting me to show up. It’s just too easy to think of reasons not to exercise when I’m doing it on my own.

I’m going to wait until the end of 90 days to post before and after pictures. I do have a before picture and it’s a travesty. I won’t let anyone see it until I have something better with which to redeem myself .

Flower Crown

2011-04-16T22:03:00.001-06:00

Mia made herself a flower crown today. It turned out so pretty… we just had to get a picture. It’s my favorite time of year for photos of girls. The flowering plums have started to bloom and they are spectacular, as always.

Teaching moment.

2011-04-16T11:12:00.001-06:00

“Takes more than combat gear to make a man, takes more than a license for a gun. Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can. A gentleman will walk but never run.”

**** Quick note to those of you who will freak out over these pictures. 1. As an ex-police and SWAT officer Mitch is very qualified to teach his children how to safely manage a weapon. 2. He was right there the whole time. 3. The gun is in a safe when not in his capable hands. 4. It was quadruple checked and unloaded before the lesson started. As a mom, the sight of my babies handling a 9mm gave me a little twinge of discomfort but I reminded myself of all of the points above, took a deep breath and thought how lucky they are to have a daddy to teach them and keep us all safe as we live in this uncertain world. Okay….view on. ****

It’s the faces that kill me. It was starting to get real western in there!

Dazer got Vamped.

2011-04-14T07:44:00.001-06:00

Late last night I saw a website where a lady takes photos of people and “Vamps” them. I started running through how I would do that in photoshop and the next thing I knew it was an hour later and THIS had happened to Daisy.

She is the love child of sparkly vampire Kenneth and his irresistible human wife Cami. Her name is Kariel. (a mix of Karen and Muriel, don’t ya know.) If the volturi come and try to kill her, they will feel the wrath of my unstoppable powers. In photoshop, I guess.

12 on the 12th- April

2011-04-12T22:41:00.001-06:00

1. my new throw pillows and quilt. Foxy approves.

2. Daisy was excited to show me her pretty hair.

3. Favors for book club. We read “Matched” and I covered little match boxes with little snippets of Shakespeare plays.

4. New issue of Martha with my second most favorite flowers on the front. Poppies- they’re gorgeous. Can’t wait to try making the silk poppies in the magazine.

5. Early morning exercise at the church. It’s hard. I love it.

6. Mitch is making a new workbench for himself. The freshly cut wood makes the house smell so good.

7. Easter wreath made out of egg cartons. All of the kids helped me watercolor the flowers when the Martin cousins were over yesterday. It turned out so pretty!

8. Huckle getting some Mia love. Her bed is his favorite sleeping spot.

9. Owen’s newest Star Wars Tshirt.

10. Glitter. For the first and only time, adding glitter to a project made it look bad. Dang it. Wish we’d left the wreath au natural.

11. Red, Green and Blue M&Ms- to represent the pills everyone was required to carry from Matched. The treats for Wordstock Book Club.

12. Foxy models sleeping on the new quilt.

All Hail the QUEEN OF THRIFTING.

2011-04-12T14:15:00.001-06:00

Ok, you guys. I’ve got to brag a little.

I saw these pillows today.

Beautiful silk… perfect colors. I love everything at the Gatehouse. Totally worth the 28.00 price tag, right?

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no way, Jose. (can you name the movie that came from?)

{{{{{{{ Three bucks}}}}}}}} I’m still really excited about this.

I also found this pretty whole cloth quilt for four bucks.

I’ve always dreamed of having different “outfits” for my bed to wear for each season. Now I have two :) I shall call this ensemble “MORNING MIST”.

Late night hankerings.

2011-04-10T22:12:00.001-06:00

So, I’m sitting here at my computer late at night in the dark and LUSTING…I mean positively lusting…. over some photos I found on the web.

I dare you to look.

sigh.

Drool.

Squeal.

And finally, the photo that put me over the edge.

CROAK! This is a fantasy… a fantasy made real. (although dusting those shelves would be a bugger… I would do it all for love.)

THANK YOU www.bookshelfporn.com. You are my new addiction.

I spy.

2011-04-10T09:39:00.001-06:00

The Spring Edition!

Wild baby bunnies in their nest. Is that not the sweetest thing you’ve ever seen?

The perfect reading nook! I like to imagine how they got that guy out over the river. I bet that was EXCITING.

Inspirational quote o’ the week.

DI-d you ever know that you’re my hero?

2011-04-07T09:27:00.001-06:00

Looky what I found at the ever rewarding DI the other day…FOR TWO DOLLARS!

When I saw it on the shelf, it featured a lovely mod podged collection of yellowed seventies images. I forgot to take a before picture and there’s NO way I’m taking these photos off, after all the measuring, cutting and adhering I did. Each rectangle was just slightly different than the others and I almost lost my mind.

I still haven’t printed our 2010 scrapbook (or 2009 either.) so this is a collection of my favorite photos from 2010. I like it even better than a scrapbook because I can look at it multiple times a day as I walk into our room.

See?

(don’t you love the laundry at the bottom of my bed? Laundry Bokeh Photos- could this be a new trend?)

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad DAY

2011-04-05T09:05:00.001-06:00

It’s never easy to put a fuzzy family member to sleep. Some are harder than others. This time it was a doozy.

We’re so grateful to Dr. Park from Park Animal Hospital, who kindly paid a house call and made the “special pink shot” as easy as possible for Mr. Bear. It was peaceful. He’s a very sweet man.

Please forgive me for the following parade of photos. It’s how I process things.

Bear had been working on this hole for months. He dug his own grave… isn’t that considerate? Mitch and O just had to make it a little deeper and wider.

Here he is peeing on his own grave. Nice one, buddy.

We tried to make sure he was smothered in love before we said goodbye.

Marlene got Bear as a puppy in 1997. He moved in with Mitch after his divorce and was very good medicine during that hard time.

He played some good Bear Ball… and got completely exhausted.

Joni and Jared brought him some delicious meaty treats from the restaurant.

Owen has been especially distressed. He’s going to miss Bear so much.

{{{{{waggly ears}}}}}

We’re going to miss the Old Man. What a sweet dog he was. I don’t even have the words to tell you about the moments following his passing. Intense? Emotional? A little bit spiritual? All of the above.

I thought the worst was over, but I have a feeling it’s just beginning because Bear’s constant companion is left behind and she’s not dealing with it too well.

Poor blind Molly.

We let her sniff him, she watched him be buried, she sniffed all around.

We hoped that would help.

No such luck.

This morning when I went to let her out of the laundry room she was a mess. Running around the yard searching for him and whining, then coming back and looking at me with worried ears. She didn’t even eat her hot dog. WEINER REFUSAL! That’s when you know things are not good.

I feel so terrible for her.

Luckily she has this beautiful girl to help her out.

Mia loves dogs and Molly loves her. She’ll be spending a lot of time with her over the next few days. I hope that will help.

One of the very best weekends of the year.

2011-04-04T09:44:00.001-06:00

I love spring LDS Conference Weekend. The only thing better is fall conference weekend… because Fall is the finest season of the year.

Was it really spring? You could have fooled me. Here’s what we woke up to…

I took these pictures when I went over to my parent’s house to take care of their animals while they were boarding a cruise ship in Florida. Does this seem fair to you? I kid. They work very hard and I hope the Eastern Caribbean treats them right!

I think the snowstorm was sent just for our old Mr. Bear. We have to put him to sleep this afternoon, but he got in a good snow frolic on his next to last day.

As for Conference time…

We listened to the first session on my vintage radio (it came from my Grandpa’s cabin, thus it is a treasure.)

Bunny Buns for brunch.

The kids created some art.

Owen’s picture-

Mia’s lego masterpiece.

General Authority Puppets.

Of course, all of this is just window dressing for the important part of conference- Listening to the words of our leaders and prophets. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d have to settle on Elder Holland. He always delivers.

Storytellers

2011-04-01T10:52:00.001-06:00

Another lost night of sleep results in a playlist of my personal favorite songs that tell a story…

I have a longer list (my brain is prolific at 4am) but I thought these were a good start.

Random thoughts…

Synchronicity has always been one of my favorite Police songs. The set… the costuming… this one is sooooooo Rad.

I used to sing Tommy The Cat to Kanga (my dog) when she rode on my lap in the car. I sang “Say Puppy” and she loved it so much she would lick my face and maybe release her anal glands a little bit on my jeans. I still did it every night after I picked her up from Papa and Grammas- That’s how much I loved that dog.

Would you believe that I had no idea that Neal Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys was gay? I had no gaydar as a child- much too sheltered. I had a crush on him to no avail.

Yellow Submarine is the best song to sing with kids in the car!

I wish Jack Black was my best friend. I would even be friends with just his eyebrows.

I have heard “Ohio” live. In the company of my parents and my late friend MIKEY. (miss you mikey.)

Kenny Rogers and the Muppets… is this creepy or awesome? I vote awesome. My little brother might have been named after Kenny Rogers.

I’m still freaking out about the Sting puppet. How have I never seen this? It’s terrifying and cool. I had the CD of this in the 90’s but I somehow missed out on this magnificently strange show.

What is your favorite storytelling song? Please share. I’m collecting them now.

Opportunities!

2011-03-31T09:29:00.001-06:00

It’s the long awaited day for Mia (and her entire 5th grade class) to go on the big field trip to JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT BIZ TOWN!

They’ve spent weeks preparing and it’s all she’s been talking about. She is the CFO of a car dealership.

Here’s how the morning went…

Getting beautiful.

She gave herself a pedicure last night.

“I’ve got the brains, you’ve got the looks… let’s make lots of money!”--- I played that song in the car on the way to school to help take her mind off her nerves. Bless her sweet little heart- she’s so excited and nervous. Where did she get that panicky stomach from anyway? Oh, yes. Her dear ol’ mom. I’ve been on the phone with her teacher twice already and just got a text. They’re on the bus and she’s doing fine so far. I knew once she got going it would be ok. I think her teacher deserves a little treat for being so wonderful to my girl. Anyone have an idea for a sweet (and inexpensive-ish) THANK YOU gift?

Here’s the cover of her Biztown book, where she calculated how much of her wages would be going to taxes. She was scandalized- “TAXES ARE LAME”- from your mouth to God’s ears, sweetie.

Oh, how I hope and pray that things go smoothly today. It will be another big step forward and she’s made so much amazing progress this year. Full report to come, I’m sure.

Shameless Show Off- Owen’s Kindergarten Program

2011-03-30T07:53:00.001-06:00

There’s something so adorable about kindergarteners. O was excited for today’s program… he asked me to iron his clothes! (and I actually did it- I should iron more, actually. It’s not such a big whoop.) He looked very handsome, until the teacher killed the look that that dorky red bow. COME ON!!! (ok, I’m over it.)

He was very animated. He let his inner ham out.

(Along came Mr. Alligator quiet as can be, and snatched that monkey right out of the tree!)

In the audience…

Gramma Karen.

Gma Marlene and Gpa Robert. (Mia and Daddy hiding in the background.)

Here’s a little video too, just in case you haven’t OD’d on this subject already…

Have you seen the twins?

2011-03-25T11:37:00.001-06:00

(shame on you, pervy.)

Not those twins, THESE twins.

Owen found a duplicate of his favorite build a bear buddy at the thrift store yesterday.

{{{{{{{ snuggly }}}}}}}

Don’t tease me, Spring.

2011-03-24T09:16:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was a beautiful blue sunshiny day. It got me thinking of spring colors.

Hellooooo, green.

(inside, but still fresh and springy)

People think I’m lying when I tell them Owen likes Green Monsters. I’m not! The kid slugs them down and begs for more. Mia? Not so much.

Good to see you, YELLOW.

(Hey, it may be a dandelion, but I’ll still take it. Look how sunshiny they are!)

Today is GRAY. Foggy. Misty. GRAY. (sigh) Maybe we’ll at least get lucky and see another one of these…

I thought of Grandpa.

2011-03-22T10:40:00.001-06:00

In Relief Society on Sunday, the lesson was about charity. The definition I took away was that real charity is not something that you give away but something you acquire for yourself and that charity requires expecting the best of each other.

The question was asked… who is the most charitable person you know and the room exploded with answers. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise so I just sat there and thought about my Grandpa to myself. I have the perfect story to illustrate Charity starring one of my favorite men- My Grandpa Boyd A. Hansen.

After my divorce and Mia’s birth, I was in a very bad place emotionally and was lucky to work for a wise and accomplished man who was in a position to help me, if only I could afford his usually very expensive skills. I approached him and while we were talking and I was telling the “story of my life” he realized that he knew my family.

Rewind a whole bunch of years. My grandpa is a teacher and a builder. He has a flaky, crazy teenage son who invites his equally flaky and drug addicted friend to come work for the summer with his Dad. They work for a whole summer building together (I’m sure that was interesting) and towards the end of that year that young man has an incredible conversion experience. He reads the Book of Mormon from cover to cover in a day and a night and is convinced of its truth. He quits all the drugs cold turkey from that moment and goes on to serve a mission and to eventually grow into a highly educated and successful man who spends his career helping troubled kids in the foster care system.

Fast forward again to the day I am meeting with him and sharing how much I am struggling. He offers to help me and charge only as much as I can afford. (which is 10 bucks. Laughable.)

When I cry and ask why he is willing to do this sweet thing for me, he replies with a simple story and lesson that has stuck with me ever since.

He said- “Your Grandpa was one of the kindest men I have ever met. I was a complete pain in his butt the summer I worked with him but he was always good to me and treated me with respect. Helping you is just a way that I can thank him for that summer.”

From this I learned that the blessings of doing good never end. You can’t guess how far the results of charity and kindness might reach.

So, there’s my soapbox message for the week!

Reporting in… week 2

2011-03-16T22:06:00.001-06:00

As of this morning I’m down 3 pounds and my pants are feeling looser. Whew. What a relief.

So far, I have done nothing other than improve my diet. I was lucky enough to happen upon the OH SHE GLOWS website. Angela Liddon is my new best friend. I’m serious.

I love her philosophy- and I quote…

“I struggled with disordered eating and a poor body image for over 10 years before I finally found my road to health. I write about how I finally found peace with my weight and my body and I want to show others how to listen and trust their body and that it is ok to eat lots of nutritious food. Food is NOT the enemy.

Let’s stop denying ourselves and start listening to ourselves more! Let’s take away the guilt that is often associated with food and our bodies.”

IT’S OKAY TO EAT LOTS OF NUTRITIOUS FOOD? FOOD IS NOT THE ENEMY? (can you hear me cheering?)

I have spent HOURS over the last week or so soaking in everything she has to offer on her website…it’s a wonderful resource.

Now, she is a vegan… and I shall never be a vegan as long as cheese and bacon are in the world. I’ve never been a huge meat fan, though, so it’s easy for me to find a good balance and eat those things in moderation. (Now, where have I heard that idea before?)

There are three recipes in particular that I’ve become totally obsessed with… I have them pretty much every day.

The Green Monster.

Overnight Oats.

( i know this one looks freaky, but it is unbelievably good. Nom nom nom. Take a minute to educate yourself on the health benefits of CHIA SEED. It’s awesome.)

Frozen Glo Bars.

I’ve settled into a routine in which I eat one for breakfast, one for lunch and the glo bar for a snack… and then have a regular family dinner… made by me.

Dessert is once a week on Sunday night. I have to say, though, that after almost two weeks of very low sugar intake… the homemade THIN MINTS I ate made me feel really strange. Don’t get me wrong, they were GOOOOOOD, but my heart rate went crazy and I just felt trippy. Sugar. Can’t live with it, can’t live without it.

I haven’t counted calories or felt deprived at all. I’ve been LOVING what I’m eating and I lost weight too. I can see eating like this for the long run and I’m excited about it.

I will be joining my neighborhood exercise group in the early mornings and plan to report on that next week.

Things are looking up around here.

12 on the 12th- March

2011-03-12T17:30:00.001-07:00

1. I finally got a quick shot of Possum- the wierdo who hates to get his picture taken. He ran away right after the shutter clicked.

2. Orem Rec Center- going for a swim with the kids.

3. They’re excited- running in the door!

4. Bear giving me a raspberry. Same to you, Old Man.

5. The sauna. My happy place. I take a book in with me and luxuriate.

6. Mia picking up crickets for Lizzy.

7. A gorgeous new purse and the coolest wallet ever- with a BIRD on it! Love.

8. Almost noon.

9. The pool.

10. March decor- glass bonsai tree and white ceramic birds.

11. Driving in the rain.

12. First flower in our yard. Isn’t it pretty?

WORDSTOCK… Book 1

2011-03-12T09:15:00.002-07:00

It looks like BIBLIOBABES is the popular favorite for our book club name. I thought “Happy Bookers” was hilarious (got my sense of humor from my dad, obviously!) and I had a great logo idea for “Wordstock”- but, ah well, these are the joys of a democracy.

I am going to host our first meeting, so I get complete control over the book choice. Complete control feels real good.

We’re going to read MATCHED by ALLY CONDIE.

“For Cassia, nothing is left to chance--not what she will eat, the job she will have, or the man she will marry. In Matched, the Society Officials have determined optimal outcomes for all aspects of daily life, thereby removing the "burden" of choice. When Cassia's best friend is identified as her ideal marriage Match it confirms her belief that Society knows best, until she plugs in her Match microchip and a different boy’s face flashes on the screen. This improbable mistake sets Cassia on a dangerous path to the unthinkable--rebelling against the predetermined life Society has in store for her. As author Ally Condie’s unique dystopian Society takes chilling measures to maintain the status quo,Matched reminds readers that freedom of choice is precious, and not without sacrifice.”

I had known I wanted this to be my first pick since I read it earlier this month, so imagine my excitement when I saw a poster at Costco yesterday announcing that they will be hosting a book signing with Ally Condie next Saturday the 19th at 1pm. (DID YOU CATCH THAT, MAEGAN? YOU HAD BETTER COME WITH ME!) I will be buying a copy that you bibliobabes can borrow to read… or you can buy your own if you feel so inclined. I was on the hold list for months to read it at the library, so that’s not the best option this time.

For future BB choices, the Provo Library at Academy Square has a great BOOK CLUB SETS PROGRAM- we can reserve books from an extensive list. They come with 15 copies (too bad we don’t have 15 members) and a guide with questions for our meeting. When we meet the first time, let’s try to plan who wants to host each month so everyone can plan ahead for reading material.

I hope I haven’t missed anyone, but these are the bibliobabes so far.

Jenna.

Karen.

Terri.

Joni.

Cami.

Maegan.

Brandy.

Linda. (all the way from OK!)

I’m sure we will grow over time, because book club is going to be so HELLA fun! We can all invite friends, of course, as long as they are aware of the “promiscuous” reading policy :) If they want to avoid swearing and such… this won’t be the club for them.

FIRST MEETING… My house on Wednesday April 6 at 7pm. I already have ideas for food and other fun stuff so get your copy of the book (or come get mine!) and get ready!

Let’s play the name game!

2011-03-10T09:18:00.001-07:00

First step to getting the book club going… we need a name! Please vote in the poll for your favorite name… the poll is found over in the left sidebar. I couldn’t figure out how to insert it in the body of the post for the life of me.

Second step- who’s playing along? We’re going to meet up at a different Utah County members house every other month (or more if we love it!) for treats and book clubbin. We’ll also have a facebook group so the out of towners (Hey Amy, Wendy and Jennie!) can get in on the action. Please comment here if you want to join and I’ll start up a members list.

More details and our first book choice coming soon!

Getting better all the time

2011-03-09T09:09:00.001-07:00

(it can’t get no worse!)

I’m starting to feel alive again, thank heavens. Today I’m working on details of the Book Club I want to get started… ASAP!

I’m so thankful for a good doctor and good meds that helped me pull out of this. Feeling a little poetry coming on.

Codeine Haiku.

Doctor I can’t breathe

purple syrup in a cup

finally some rest.

Learning to tie.

2011-03-08T09:47:00.001-07:00

New Buster Brown church shoes. Now, he just needs to tie!

Reporting in- Week One.

2011-03-07T08:38:00.001-07:00

So, week one of the 6 week get fit challenge.

Good News- I ate GREAT. I abstained from leftover scalloped potatoes (mitch would heat them up at night and the smell would try to seduce me) and I took the kids to Krispy Kreme and ate nary a crumb of donut! My diet was healthy and clean all weak.

Too bad my body wasn’t getting with the program. Midweek I got a scrip for antibiotics for a sinus infection and bronchitis. I HATE taking medicine and try to avoid it, but this flu has me downing any chemical that comes my way in an effort to survive. I have personally consumed almost a full bottle of advil. GROSS.

I can’t wait until I’m better and I can go to the gym and start getting rid of this crap in my system. I need a few hot dates with the sauna… har har.

Final result for the first week- down about half a pound but who knows what that means? Until I’m healthy again I don’t expect much. I’ll just keep eating well and hopefully be back to normal soon.

I spy.

2011-03-04T19:47:00.001-07:00

The brilliant melding of my two favorite things. Sleep and books. What would I give to own this bed?

This photograph captures this week for our family… grey and dreary, but redeemed by bright moments of TLC.

On a cheery note,the spring issue of the SWEET PAUL online magazine was released today. Thank you, Sweet Paul for filling the void that Martha Stewart KIDS left when they stopped publishing it. One of my secret ambitions has always been to be a movie or photo shoot stylist and Sweet Paul is styled by some awesome people. Love it, and it’s free.

Sickness elevated to art.

2011-03-03T12:42:00.001-07:00

Sick as shiz. Still.

Bored as hell.

What to do?

Here’s what Mia came up with.

Her arsenal of meds lined up on the dishwasher.

and now, it’s art.

A new sport.

2011-02-28T19:27:00.001-07:00

Owen feels SO MUCH BETTER. He’s brimming with excess energy and his appetite is out of control. This enabled him to create a brand new sport today.

I present… HUCKLE JUMPING!

(can’t you put an end to these shenanigans? No,fuzzy buns. I’m sorry. Suck it up!)

*** No HUCKLES were harmed (or even very intimidated) by the making of today’s post.***

Sick week. Or two weeks. But, who’s counting?

2011-02-27T09:14:00.001-07:00

So, last Wednesday I took O to the Dr. after 4 days of continuous barfing and got the freaky news that our family has H1n1. I almost didn’t blog about it, because of the reactions I’ve gotten when I told people (especially the kid’s school.) It’s like we have lice, or bedbugs, or something equally repulsive.

It’s just the flu, people. Although a fairly miserable one, I must be honest.

Picture a week mostly stuck in the house with two sick kids. I’m about to lose my marbles.

We started making lists of things we needed to do and wanted to do for the day.

We usually had the energy to complete about half the list…

There has been a lot of this.

(the kids actually bicker over who gets the heating pad and humidifier. And the wii-mote, of course.)

One of Owen’s cute friends brought over a coloring book to help him feel better. It worked! Thanks for thinking of us Traci!

I ventured out a few times and it felt so good. I was able to find the PERFECT solution to my chore chart desires at… Where else? DI! One of my friends calls DI the ultimate “room of requirement”.

(if you don’t know what that is, you must be the only person on the planet who hasn’t read Harry Potter.)

Anyway, my favorite store came through as always and I was able to find a piece that had once been a clock for 3 bucks and refashion it into the best chore chart EVAH!

I had the insert printed at Costco for 2 bucks. The kids mark off their chores with a little dry erase marker on the plexiglass front. If they do their chores, they get allowances every two weeks when dad gets paid. Next up- somewhere to set aside their tithing.

They each have 5 chores… basic things that aren’t hard to complete, but we really want them to have some ownership around the house and to learn to work for what they want.

I spy.

2011-02-26T08:38:00.001-07:00

I want this print for my bathroom.

Color sorted books taken to a whole new level. My dream home library.

Planning to decorate with GREEN… living green… for March. Wish I had some pots with patina.

Wish I had taken this to heart.

After nearly two weeks of flu we could use a vacation. Pack up the fam, go somewhere warm in this…My perfect vacation vehicle.

And now for a mini vacation… GO HERE. (I dare you.)

6 week shape up

2011-02-25T12:03:00.001-07:00

Last night I came across Rhonna Farrer’s 6 week shape up challenge.

LOOK HOW CUTE! I admit, that was my first reaction. I’m a sucker for cute. The idea kept worming it’s way into my head during the night and I gave into the reality that I really need to do this.

I mean, beyond really.

So… I’m doing it.

I’m a little late, so I start this coming Tuesday, March 1 and going through April 5- right before Spring Break.

Anyone else want to play along?

Step one…

I’ll take yours for you, if you like :)

Take your measurements and write them down on this sweet printable chart. (I told you I got suckered in!)

This is key. There are lots of printables available… google it!

Pick whatever you like to do and then DO IT at least 3 times a week. I’m going to swim at the rec, use the elliptical and do yoga before bed.

My hope is to lose 15-20 pounds. Just in time for not being humiliated in swimwear.

That would be beyond nice.

The most stunning photography book I ever did see.

2011-02-25T09:11:00.001-07:00

I can’t stop looking at this. Or thinking about it.

Open publication - Free publishing

Portraits of children all over the world- and the places where they sleep.

an answer for Max.

2011-02-23T23:00:00.001-07:00

Only viewers of Parenthood will really understand the reason for this post. Only crazy obsessed fans of the show will care. I got this email earlier in the week from a site about parenting Aspies and they had a simple description of Aspergers that I loved.

Maybe Cristina could use it for Max? ;)

"A long time ago, in 1944, there lived a scientist in Austria called Hans Asperger. Hans spent many years studying all kinds of people and the ways in which we are all different, and he discovered a group of people who in some ways are very special. He found that these people were often very clever, with very good memories. They could also be very loving, friendly and caring people, and they often got very, very interested in one particular subject for a long time - sometimes so much that you could even say they were obsessed with it!

He also noticed that these special people sometimes had difficulty in understanding things - like why certain things happened, or understanding the things that other people said or did, and sometimes they felt embarrassed about their feelings, or very worried or cross about things, and also that they found certain things very frightening. And sometimes, because they were worried about something, it made them behave in a way which they couldn't`t explain to other people.

Hans Asperger did a lot of work with these people, and he discovered that because there were some things they didnt understand as well as other people, they needed some extra help to learn these things. But, because they were very clever people, with good memories, they were very good at learning these things, and some of them grew up to be very good musicians, writers, artists or scientists, even though they still didn`t understand everything about other people, and sometimes got cross at things that didn`t seem right to them.

There are lots of people like this in the world, and we think of them as Mr. Aspergers special people. Of course everybody is special in their own way, but it`s a way of describing a person who is very clever and caring, but just needs a little extra help and understanding while they learn all the strange and confusing things about life and our world."

thanks for the 16 years.

2011-02-23T09:46:00.001-07:00

We put our 21 year old kitty, Mishka, to sleep on Monday. I had her for 16 of those years, and she was a sweet presence in my life through it all.

She was quiet, clean and gently loving. She snuggled me every night when I got into bed. I missed her these past few weeks when she was finally too old and sick to do much snuggling.

We will not miss her licking our elbows in the middle of the night… but that’s the only thing I can think of.

What a girl she was.

It was interesting to watch the kids grieve for her in their own ways.

Mia wanted to be away from the whole thing and spent the afternoon at the pool with her best friend Marisa.

Owen wanted to be right in the thick of the whole experience and cried his little heart out at the Vet.

I figure you do what feels right to you. I never cry on the same day that we lose a pet. It seems to creep up on me during the following days when they aren’t in their usual places.

We’re going to miss our Squishy girl. (Mishka… Mishkie….Squishkie… Squishy. The evolution of a nickname.) Now, we only have 2 cats in the house. The lowest number of our married life… and before. It's very strange. Mia will be getting her dog sometime soon, but I wonder if there’s also a little baby kitten in my future?

Brainteaser.

2011-02-20T11:55:00.001-07:00

Can you decipher O’s message?

Closer look… with a little clue.

I spy.

2011-02-19T21:25:00.001-07:00

Liberty of London for Kids- Spring 2011. I wish both of those tshirts would grow to my size and hop into my closet.

Brilliant, brilliant photograph. I want to try a version of this with Mia.

Let’s go for a walk up the best stairs in the world. Next time we’re in Germany… that is.

Aint that the truth? (except replace “twitter” with “blogs”.)

Lincoln- 6 months old.

2011-02-19T13:02:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I met up with Cassie and Maryann to take baby Linc’s 6 month pictures. He has the funniest, smooshiest, sweetest little face.

More Valentines than I know what to do with.

2011-02-15T09:00:00.001-07:00

The paucity of comments on yesterday’s post tells me that I made you all gag with too much love talk. Too bad. I love valentine’s day. Let me show you why…

Our niece Lucy. She is SO my Valentine.

Our brave and strong nephew (he got stitches by his eye last week…) He is TOTALLY my Valentine.

Mia’s Valentine box for school (she won “most festive”.) and my box of love. Notice the whoppers? The Mr. understands me so well. My TRUE Valentine.

O’s valentine box. He’s COMPLETELY my Valentine… even when he fake smiles at me.

Our candlelight family dinner. Pioneer Woman’s Clam Linguine and…

Every Day Food’s Raspberry Fool. I had never heard of lemon whipped cream before, but let me tell you…It’s ABSOLUTELY my Valentine.