Merilee's blog

2009-07-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous....

Sour Cherry pie, kite fly, bikes ridin' by, light up the sky, fourth of July! And I loved every minute of it.

2009-05-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Mom,
I've been thinking a lot about you today. I was thinking about you this morning wanting to call. I'm waiting till later in the day when I know you are not so busy. Then I was thinking about you in relief society when we were encouraged to tell stories about our mothers but I couldn't really raise my hand at the end of class and say "oh yeah well my mom has done all of those things and more" now could I? (except the goat thing. Those in the ward know what I'm taking about). I was also thinking about how you can do absolutely everything even though you always humbly say you can't. But you have proven to all of your kids that you can by your example, so stop trying to tell us that you are not all that amazing. You really are!

I've seen you raise ten kids while dancing through it.
I've seen you plant amazing gardens.
I've seen you attend church meetings like nothing else mattered.
I've seen you sew gowns princesses would die for.
I've seen you be heartbroken and love us anyway.
I've seen you prepare the best meals on earth.
I've seen you laughing your guts out.
I've seen you pirouette across the entire family room and then throw a leap in just for fun.
I've seen you serve tirelessly even when you are completely exhausted.
I've seen you make meat out of something that was NOT meat.
I've seen you love every single grandkid you've got. How many is that now?
I've seen you talking with Heavenly Father daily.
I've seen you make family&the gospel the absolute first priority in your life.
I've seen you helping with talent shows, fashion shows, roadshows, school board meetings, pack meetings, relief society meetings, weddings, funerals, baptisms, birthday parties, home ec projects, carpools, temple work, primary, football games, college tuition, mission farewells, charity balls, geography bees, violin recitals, piano practice, photography sessions, art exhibits, lost puppies, mowing the lawn, corralling runaway horses, broken bones, filling cupboards, setting up tents,
(oh my word, what did I get myself in to?) musical numbers, boyfriend/girlfriend troubles, softball practice, testimonies, graduations, house cleaning, tickle fights, decorating cookies, feeding fallen birds, scraped knees, making lemonade, water fights, and a billion trillion more.

Thank you Mom for giving me such an awesome example to follow. You truly can do it all.

I just thought this photo was hilarious.

2009-02-18T15:36:00.000-08:00

This morning when I was giving our chicken a rub down I felt happy.

Why is it that when I am doing the simplest domestic things that I feel truly happy and fulfilled?

And what was it that I let creep in my brain that keeps telling me that is not the way it's supposed to be?

Is anyone else feeling it?

2008-12-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

I feel like all this snow is a big fat mini test (Does that makes sense?). A test to see how well we are prepared for an emergency. From this crazy snow storm I have learned...

I need to stalk up on pillar candles. Our electricity has been off twice now. Not for long periods of time. Nothing serious, but enough to let me know I need more light.

I need D batteries for my fireplace.

Our ward is awesome. I can't tell you how many calls we've had making sure we were all good.

I'm thankful for a tough truck. Very handy.

Cell phones rule as long as they are charged. Thank goodness for car chargers.

Pray more often.

Read scriptures more often.

I love my stinking kids to death. An extra week of no school will certainly put that to test. I loved it.

Do not do last minute Christmas shopping online. Shipping is not guaranteed during a snow storm.

Food storage. Food storage. Food storage.

I like snow better than rain!

Sid beating Boston down the hill. I guess it was a tad flat for the board. So Boston says anyway.

Happy snow day everyone

2008-12-14T13:03:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a long list

2008-11-28T15:32:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for...

My mom. She's a dang saint, I swear.

All the amazing people that visit my Dad to read to him or help with his speech therapy or
just give my Mom some free time.

I'm thankful for that one time Tom came over and sifted my contact
out of my sink drain with a pair of nylons.

I'm thankful for Nick helping us out with our Jeep.

Indoor volleyball that keeps my kids busy.

homemade cranberry orange sorbet.

18 more months.

Joyce because she truly loves my kids.

Boston because he is trying hard to keep the
lines of communication open even though that has always been very hard for him.

Mason because he is still helping me to get past my dislike of hugs.

Sidney because she always reminds us of FHE and prayer time.

Sunny skies.

one very warm pair of black Ugg boots

hilarious friends. The ones I see all the time and the ones I don't see too often.

My husband's closed mouth smile.

Incredibly frank discussions.

my stapling and question asking skills. ( Elise, what was that last skill again? I forgot.)

long phone conversations with my sisters.

dirt.

Heavenly Father.

President Thomas S Monson.

The holy ghost.

My family's health.

Singular. Helps keep Mason and Sid's asthma under control.

President Dalton.

good music.

Should I keep going. I don't want to bore you to death. I'm feeling very grateful these days. I think you get the idea. I'll stop here.

2008-11-25T09:09:00.000-08:00

Every Wednesday at 5:00 Sid goes to dance. Every Wednesday at 4:45 I say "Sid come put on your leotard." Every Wednesday at approximately 4:45 and a half Mason says " LEOTARD" in a silly, embarrassed voice and then giggles.

Sid doesn't have dance tomorrow. She will miss dancing, sweating, friends, tired legs and I will miss Mason's giggle.

Let's talk turkey

2008-11-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

I think maybe it's Oregon's fault. It could be Jamie Oliver's fault. My heritage may have something to do with it. I'm not really sure. All I know is that I have a dream of raising a tiny little baby turkey (a poult). Bring it up right. Feed it amazingly well and then EAT IT for Thanksgiving.

I put partial blame on Oregon for spoiling me with easy access to all things fresh and natural. I'll admit it, I caught a slight case of granolaitis. (Do you know that when we first learned we were moving to OR my hilarious brother in law, David, gave me a box of granola bars so I would feel right at home? I just remembered that. Funny!)

A portion of the blame must go to my favorite chef ever, Jamie Oliver. I think that in general people eat too much meat. I'm not a veg head but I don't think we realize how many animals are slaughtered just to fill our grocery store shelves. I love the idea of having to see what must die in order for us to eat it. I think that would severely reduce my meat intake. This is where Mr. Oliver fits in. He has dead animal photos splayed all over his cook books. While it took me awhile to get used to that ( or not gag), I like it. It makes me think.

My heritage certainly plays a role. I did spend more than a usual amount of time in a slaughter house. My family raised beef cattle. I'm sorry to say this but I loved that slaughter house. For one thing it was freezing and when you live in Phoenix anywhere that's called freezing is also called heaven. It also had a fabulously salty, meaty, cold smell. Best of all, it had a massive, heavy, red gate-like back door that we entered from the back alley. I mean c'mon, how cool is that?
I also consider myself a farm girl so naturally I want to raise a turkey.

My turkey will not have a name. I will try my dangdist to kill it myself (with help, of course). The plucking may still be an issue.

Good day, no pics.

2008-10-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

I got to go with Mason's class to the children's theater today. They were performing Gossamer. I wasn't in love with the play but I loved being at the play. I can sit through any old crappy performance. That includes all types of entertainment. Unless it is crude. Hate that.
Anyway, it was fun to see what the kids reacted to.

I also got to visit the apple and the nut farm today. Have I mentioned how much I love the farms in Oregon? Oh, and bonus, Mason and Sid actually wanted to come with. Bos was still at school.

This is Mason at the apple barn last spring. How's that for tying in a photo?

sentimental heart

2008-10-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

I drug my children to the pumpkin patch a couple weeks ago. The boys are too cool for school now so they don't want to do anything baby-ish like pumpkin patches, you follow? They should just trust me. I know how to show the kiddos a good time.

While at the patch they talked me into (that's what I tell people anyway) getting a slightly larger pumpkin than we usually get. I was thinking at the time that it was going to be our last Halloween in Oregon so it would be okay to get a little carried away in the spirit of Fall. I still feel that is perfectly reasonable. Forklift Shmorklift! It was 181 lbs of nothin'.

We had fun emptying the guts out yesterday. side note, notice Boston and Chris are not around they claim to gag on anything slimy. Suckers.

I'll post final carving stage in a few days.

This Just In

2008-10-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

And by "this" I mean very relieving, long time prayed for and stressed over, and short time fasted for news.

The Cameron family will be staying in Oregon for another 18 months. You never know what will happen but I'm putting this out there anyway. 18 Months Tops!

You'd think I would have learned my lesson.

Chris and I have been praying and such trying to figure exactly what is right for our fam. I was already emotionally living in Logan and having a bit of trouble seeing that that was meant for later.

My final answer came today and I'm so relieved it did. Now I can say with clarity....

Chris put in two years of his time going to school to better provide for his family, now it is my turn. Luckily I'm a Woman and only have to put in 18 Months.

Wish me luck getting through the gray days.

Yeah, I'm doing just fine

2008-09-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Things have been going well. I've been crazy busy, but good busy. Fulfilling busy, If you know what I mean. As I'm getting older I'm noticing I tend to stress a tad more than before. So i'll admit there has been a bit of stress.

BUT, guess what. Things are going alright. ( I mean that in a content way not a sarcastic way, just so you know.)
You want to know how I know that things are gonna get even better?

Well I'll tell ya...
These past few days, all, and I do mean all, my screw on lids have screwed on perfectly! My peanut butter, my body scrub, my olive oil, my sunscreen, everything. Isn't that fantastic? That never happens. Does it?

Utard

2008-09-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

So I hear Logan has a really good skatepark.

And some sweet mountains.

I'm about 95% percent sure I'm gonna move there.
There is tons more to write on this subject but I'm super busy packing and cleaning up my house.
WooHoo!

Happy First Day Of School

2008-09-02T08:52:00.001-07:00

Boston was rubbing it in last night. He got to sleep in and Mas & Sid had to get up early. Just as I suspected, he did not sleep in. He was really excited for school to start this year. That still amazes me! He hated school until 5th grade.

Mason awoke early this morning. He is our household alarm. Always the first one up. He was not looking forward to school this year so I was pleasantly surprised when he announced " I'm kind of nervous and happy. I think I have pre-game jitters". I told him I always felt that way too.

Sid was up early. Thank Heavens! She's a sleeper. She was all smiles this morning and she even let me do her hair.

Now I have a whole day ahead of me. Hmmm. How should I fill it?

The Northwest rules!

2008-08-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

This past week our family has lived like spoiled little boogers. Except for some scary hotels here and there.
We got to go to Orcas Island and party. Then we got to go do some hard core dunin' Bro (that was for you Megs). Here's some pics.

This cracks me up. I know the photo is fuzzy but it is just so accurate. Sid was yelling "slow down" the entire time she was on that silly sled. She was barely moving.

Bos kept taking off too fast. I never got a good picture of him. He was rockin' it though.

Sid and Lincoln.

Mas the stud muffin!

This shot freaks me out a little. Sid looks way too fourteen.

Is this not the cutest face you've ever seen?

Oop, here it is again in Black & white. I like this better.

Zach and my kids. We forced them to climb those poles like 50 times!

Bos was totally playing that up. I think Sid made it up that rope in 3 seconds.

Happy Cameron Service Day!

2008-08-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

Do you have a garage that needs cleaning? A room that needs painted? A garden in need of weeding? Any help what-so-ever with anything what-so-ever?
My family has decided to try something different this Saturday (yes that's tomorrow 8-16-2008). We would like to fill all the daylight hours with service. We need your help. If you need anything or know anyone else that needs anything, please let me know. This is super late notice but I just barely thought of it, sorry. Leave me a comment of what is needed and I'll contact you in the morning. Thanks!!
Now don't go all lam-o either. This wont work unless you guys comment. You don't want to leave me with nothing to do tomorrow do you?

Our Annual Event

2008-08-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

Guess what we did yesterday!

My new favorite book!

2008-08-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

I've been a fan of Jamie Oliver for a few years. I've checked out his cook books from the library and made a few dishes here and there. At Christmastime my cool Mom gave me a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble and so the adventure begins(actually it took me a few months to finally convince myself I could buy the book even though it was not on sale). Fine so mid- June the adventure began. I know it's silly to love a cook book so much but I want to try almost everything in it. I've made 15 recipes so far. Some are better than others but all are delicious! Tonight I'm making two more. Gnocchi with mushrooms and sage (gnocchi from scratch) and for dessert Eton mess (meringue with strawberries and vanilla cream).

I think I've written before about how much I love to cook dinner. I don't. I'm having a lot of fun trying out all these recipes though. The book is only about 400 pages so it shouldn't take me long to whip ( get it, whip?) through it.
Check out Jamie Oliver's site for more fabulousness.

Why you want to kill me?

2008-08-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

Granted it was very late when I watched this but it is so stinkin' funny! Concentrate on the little chnch noise that the joker dude keeps using and how intense the Batman guy stays throughout the whole dumb skit. If all else falls and this still does not make you laugh just try again at 2 am. That should do it.

Road Trip

2008-07-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our Seattle trip. Since we decided to scrap our East Coast trip we thought we would take the kids to see the Red Sox play when they came to Seattle. It was really cool to see the game. All 12 innings! We certainly got our money's worth. We were all rooting for the Sox but I tell you what, it was awesome watching Ichiro (Mariner's player for you non-baseballers) play. We sat center field and were so close to where Ichiro caught a home run ball over the fence. It looks so easy on TV, not so much in real life. We also got to see the left fielder( I think it was J.D. Drew) for the Sox totally dominate. He could have played the entire field. Actually, I think he did. OK sorry, that's enough baseball.

The following day we hit the Explore Music Project. It's a super cool music museum. Jimmy Hendrix history is a big part of it all and we could not tear Mason away. I knew he was a classic rock fan but sheesh. He could have stayed in the J. H. video room all day.

Right outside the museum are some carnival rides. An insider told us that this was probably the last year they would remain so we took full advantage. That rocking viking ship is a doosy!

After we made it back to the hotel,
He

took these

swimming. While I attempted to go shopping. I eventually found the store I was looking for but I only had time for that one. And I'm not telling what store because they have very limited clearance and I want it all.

We had a great trip. Luckily Chris knows a family of locals that were cool enough to hang out with us and tell us about all the hip stuff to do. Thanks guys!

Hey Everybody....

2008-07-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

I got a new car!!

Chris has been looking at cars for awhile. Let's just say I was bored with every little car detail (sorry Chris) until we decided to buy an old car and fix it up. So here is my new baby. A 1970 Jeep Wagoneer. What do ya think?

2008-07-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

I have a ton of fun things to blog about but I haven't been in the writing mood lately. I don't want to be like the ungrateful lepers though so I'll write. I'm just warning you now it wont be witty.

When my brother Tom and his family came to visit us a couple weeks ago we went to the Children's Museum. It was really fun. Even my kids who usually claim "too old" for this kind of thing had a great time. Really, I think Tom might have had the most fun. He was way into everything. The little guy is Karsten. He obviously is just the most photogenic of us all. We really were all there though.

This is Brecken in the fountain in the Pearl District. I love this photo and I love this fountain. So fun.

front row. Chris, Mason, Me, Boston, Chrispy, Natalie, Brecken(chewing on frog head), Megan, Catcher(wishing he was chewing on frog head), Reuben
Back row. Tom, Karsten, Katie, Sid

These last two are from fourth of July at Cannon Beach. Wait I mean Short Sands. Oh no, it was Seaside. Hold on, I remember it was really Gearhart. Oh yeah we were at all of them because we are so lame and never make real plans. The group photo is all the group in Canon. I think we were all together for.... about long enough to take the photo. Then we scrammed.
We lit off fireworks (thanks to Tom who was the only one willing to drive to Washington for the stash) on the beach at Gearhart it was beautiful but too cold for the pansy AZ folk. I love the 4th on the beach. I don't think it can get any better. I even loved getting both our minivans stuck in the sand when we tried to leave. Thank you to all the incredibly annoying (I'm mean helpful) drunk people that helped us get unstuck. And just so you know we did have more powerful fireworks than the little boat guy pictured above. He was just the best photo.

This is Mason being incredibly pouty at my favorite lunch spot in the country. (by country, I mean the outskirts of town not the USA). I call it The South Store. I'm not sure if that is the real name or not. Mason swears he hates that place. After refusing to order anything he ate half of my food and more. I'm sure he'd say it was disgusting. I'm pretty sure I noticed his gag reflex kick in with every bite of deliciousness. Any who, I love this photo of him. When Mason is his normal goofball self he will not let me get photos of him. He always sticks out his tongue or does the biggest, cheesiest grin possible. Today since he was mad he didn't care to make the goofy face. I guess he sure showed me.

It's all over

2008-07-09T22:36:00.001-07:00

Baseball season is officially over for the Cameron family. I love baseball season. I love watching my boys put there hearts into the game every night. (Seriously every night). I love cheering their teams on. I love hanging out with all the other spastic parents. I love sunflower seeds. Dill pickle flavor is by far the best! I love the car ride home with the boys hearing all about every single play. I just love baseball.

Now let me say, I'm so glad we are done. I'm ready to eat dinner at the table again. I'm ready to not be loading the car full of crap every evening. I'm ready for my boys to have some free time. And I'm ready just to chill on my porch in this gorgeous Oregon weather.

To all things opposition and balance in all things.

test

2008-07-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Here is something to keep you busy while I'm away just a bit longer. Tell me what you see.
No, seriously. Enlarge the photo and tell me what you see in the tiles.

2008-06-22T23:35:00.000-07:00

Boston is the hippest kid in Hipville.

Boston was ordained a deacon today. It was so cool to see Bos take such a big step in his life. Weird. I'm having kind of a hard time trying to describe why this was so cool to me. I guess I'm just glad he thinks this is something important and worthwhile. He was really looking forward to this. He really got into working on his Faith in God and preparing to receive the priesthood. Also along with turning twelve came his first time at mutual and tonight he went to his first fireside. I have a lot of mixed feelings thinking back on those times in my life but one thing I can't help but remember is how much my testimony grew. I'm really excited for Boston to experience everything that comes with being in the young mens program and believe you me he is too.

I of course forgot my camera today so here are some silly face shots of B man. He really is in his zone while playing catch. Click on the pic to get the full experience.

forgive and forget

2008-06-09T22:53:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love most about my family is how great of friends my boys are. They definitely have their moments though. This was pretty much cracking me up today.

Mason walks in the house. He kind of slams the door and is yelling out at the same time " I'm gonna do whatever I want!" He was talking to Boston who was just outside that door.

A couple seconds later Boston walks in the house.
Mason says to Boston " Hey, you want to go play basketball."
Boston answers "I thought you said you weren't going to play with me anymore."
Mason adds "I only meant for the next ten seconds."

Then they both ran upstairs to play ball.

C'mon

2008-06-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

So this is my fave, The Format. I found out a few weeks ago that they decided to stop making records. No, I did not cry for hours and I did not post a comment on their myspace and I did not fold up the posters on my walls and tuck them solemnly away, but it is a big fat bummer! I love this performance. I think I just want to BE either one of those dudes with their crazy talent and messy hair even though they do cheat and use seen and been as rhyming words.

And five bucks to whoever can tell me what kind of shoes the singer is wearing. No, no wait just one buck.

Brian thanks for the help. I actually tried that a million times with no results. Then Chris came to my $#@%$# rescue with one touch of the keys.

What's the bright idea?

2008-05-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

I would like you all to notice how nice Boston looks in his baseball uniform. Classic, crisp blue&white uniform. This was before the game actually started.

I would like you to now take a second look.

Why white? Answer me that will ya?
I ♥ stain stick!

8 more days of May

2008-05-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

May has been a crazy filled month. Filled with lots of our kids activities. Last night was Sid's Spring dance recital. As always, it was so adorable. Thank you Miss Heidi! Everything was beautiful!

Here are my faves of Sid. She was super excited for her performance. I did not see any nerves or stage fright from her. I don't know if it was because she had done this before or if she was just too busy to even think about it. We had come straight from getting Bos and Mas to their activities and then Sid changed in the car after her recital so she could make it to her first softball practice. Fun day!

Butterfly dance.

Pirates of the Caribbean.

Sid and Heidi stretching out as flowers growing.

Mas face, Maseroni, Maser

2008-05-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mas! Mason turned ten today. I can't believe it. I thought he turned ten months ago. He seems so grown up. I think that is a second child trait. Anywho, here are some of my favorite things about Mason.

Mason has always been curious about how things are made and how things work. When Mason was three he came to me very excited because he figured out how Cheetos were made. He proudly announced to me that " first, you take some crunch." Sorry, I don't remember the rest of the steps because I started laughing too hard about the "crunch". It was so dang cute. Maybe just to me, but, oh well. Over the years that curiosity has turned to countless piles of deconstructed appliances and who knows what else hidden under his bed.

Mason is hilarious and constantly keeps our family laughing. I love that Boston thinks his little brother is the funniest person on the planet.

Mason is very eager to do his own school work and get it done before it is actually due. I really appreciate that one.

Mason really wants to learn how to sew. You should have seen his eyebrows popping when I got a sewing machine for Mother's Day.

Mason loves to be outside. Skating, playing team sports, camping, biking, building, whatever, he just wants to be out and doing something.

Mason loves to play guitar. He is playing Another Brick In The Wall with some friends for their school talent show. They have named their band The Pink Yetis, or something like that.

Mason picks fabulous friends.

Mason loves hugs and is very affectionate. This one has taken some time for me to get used to. I'm not a huggy gal.

Mason loves hanging out with all his family. ( ok, except maybe Sid, but I'm sure they will grow on each other someday)

Mason has the best facial expressions ever. I think he is super handsome but, boy can he make himself look goofy!

Happy Birthday Bubba! I love your big fat guts!

A few of my favorites

2008-05-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

Nat, Monique, Emily, Me, Megan, Mom, Elise, Shanda

I've been staring at this photo for awhile now. This ranks high up there on my important photos chart.

There are a million things I want to say about it and some things I don't so forgive the lack of detail. I'll just say this Mother's Day it makes me happy.

Parent Day

2008-05-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Long lunch lines
spastic boys
multiplication quizzes
kickball
slideshow presentations
Whale poetry

That is what my day looked like today. I actually voluntarily chose this. What was I thinking?

I did it all for Boston. I know he loves( or tries to torture) me because he asked if I would meet him at school for Bring Your Parents to School Day. I met him for lunch and then stayed for a few classes. The list above are the highlights. I now remember why I never liked school. Don't tell Boss. I told him it was fun. Actually it was fun to watch him and see how he interacts at school. It was awesome to see how eager he is to participate in class. He was definitely a little pesky with his me firsts and I'll do its with his hand bobbling in the air.

In art we got to draw portraits of each other. Doesn't that look just like him?

What is my problem? Seriously?

2008-05-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

This is the series of group photos we took at Sid's baptism. Do you notice anything odd?

That's right. There's NO Sid. We went through the entire photo session without her. What kind of mother am I?

Luckily I got lots of photos of her before the baptism. It will be a good story in the future right? Please don't mention it to her though. I haven't had the heart to tell her yet. Thanks to everyone who came to support her. It really meant a ton to her and to our family, and just know that I take great solace in the fact that none of you noticed she wasn't in the group photo session either!

Little Sidda Cameroo

2008-04-30T08:18:00.001-07:00

Sid's getting baptized this Saturday at 4:00 at the Bany building. Since we have not been to our ward, in what seems like months now, I wanted to send out an invite to everyone. Sid is very excited for her big day and would love to see you all there.

Service or Snow Boarding? That is my mormon movie title.

2008-04-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of informing Mason that he could not go snow boarding with his dad because he needed to keep his commitment to help with the scouts service project (pulling weeds). He was not happy about this at all. I definitely was feeling the guilt of bad parenting. Not because he didn't get to go snow boarding but because he was throwing the biggest fit he has thrown in years and how could I have possibly raised such a spoiled little booger. I wont go into the details of the fit because I'm sure Mas would be incredibly embarrassed, but I was slightly disappointed that he couldn't immediately understand that he was a lucky little boy for getting to go boarding as often as he does and that service is more important. Then I had a flashback moment. I tried to imagine how I would have reacted to this kind of news at age 9. Let's just say I'm sure it wouldn't have been pretty. While Mason did have a hard time for a few minutes, he willingly got up early this morning to go pull weeds without one word (or nasty look) of irritation. I was very proud of him and just kept reminding myself that parenting is about teaching not overindulging. It was kind of hard though.

I warned ya

2008-04-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

I've decided my first blog back needs to be exceptionally boring. So here it is.

I have a dilemma. I can't stand perfume! I love the idea of perfume. I need all the help I can get, but I can't handle it. It makes me sick to my stomach. Just so you know I don't hate perfume on other people. If it is really strong I may have to move away slightly, but I'll scoot closer when it wears down. Don't you worry! I would love to be that women that strolls by and leaves an amazing scent as she goes. But to this day I cannot find a perfume that I like on me. I just can't seem to find a wet dirt and dill perfume, or slightly chlorinated water splashed on hot bricks perfume, or old book closet perfume, or ground chalk perfume, or... well you get it. I don't want to smell sweet, fruity, flowery, or like anything off my baking shelf. Is that so bad? I've been conducting a lengthy unsuccessful search. I have even smelled every scent I can find from I Hate Perfume. Guess what? It all smells like perfume. I'll admit It's a tad closer to what I'm looking for and I haven't been able to find all the scents. So there is still hope.
I would love to know if there is anything you all have seen (or smelled) that you think I might like.

It really is not fair to Chris. He loves perfume. I also really love cologne on him. He wears Cool Water. The best men's fragrance ever known to man. I don't care if it is sooo two decades ago and you can buy it at Ross Dress For Less! Nothing is better than a whiff of Chris's neck when he gets home from work. A hint of Cool Water and salt. Is that too much information? Sorry.

I think I need to create my own line. Does anyone know how to get started on that? I always get nutty looks when I try to explain this to others though. I think I might be my only customer.

2008-04-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

I freshened up my blog color. Can you tell? Just so you'd know I'm still alive. I'm sorry I haven't been blogging (for those who pretend to care). I'm just boring right now, Ok.

Happy Birthday Dad

2008-03-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite Dad memories are...
*Playing tickle monster as a child, hiding behind the clothes in his closet until he would eventually find us and then we would get our guts tickled out.
*being surrounded by poetry. He was and is always quoting something. Not quietly either!
*hay rides
*Stampede
*He always told me I was a hard worker, which made me always want to be a hard worker.
* going on long bike rides (he would never turn one down) wishing I could keep up. He was in his 50's. I was a teenager.
*I swear he never missed a game (softball).
*seeing him give my Mom a little kiss whenever he got home from work.

LINES AND SQUARES by A.A. Milne

Whenever I walk in a London street,
I'm ever so careful to watch my feet;
And I keep in the squares,
And the masses of bears,
Who wait at the corners all ready to eat
The sillies who tread on the lines of the street
Go back to their lairs,
And I say to them, "Bears,
Just look how I'm walking in all the squares!"

And the little bears growl to each other, "He's mine,
As soon as he's silly and steps on a line."
And some of the bigger bears try to pretend
That they came round the corner to look for a friend;
And they try to pretend that nobody cares
Whether you walk on the lines or squares.
But only the sillies believe their talk;
It's ever so portant how you walk.
And it's ever so jolly to call out, "Bears,
Just watch me walking in all the squares!"

Drum roll please

2008-03-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

So here are a few pics from the wedding. I tried to get some of the decorating details.
This is the dance floor. Most of the night that is where the crowd was. Everyone else was by the heater!

The entry (or half of it at least). I thought the greenery was understated but gorgeous. Oh, and the sparklers! There are definitely no dull moments with the Vials. I'm not posting the shot with the big sparkler fire.

These next two are taken at the photo booth. The idea was to give some added interest and another activity upstairs. While it was beautiful, let's just say we ended up not needing more activity upstairs. I loved this area though. I got some fun shots.

The candy bar got rave reviews from a lot of the guests. I thought it looked scrumptious. The bags below were used for the guests to fill with whatever candy their little hearts desired. And of course add the thank you sticker for closure.

And last but not lest our little program. I think it was Brother Vial's idea to have some sort of schedule to help people know what was going on. It was a great idea. I thought since the reception was held at the apple barn that this was a cute way to incorporate the schedule and apples. It also added an extra touch to the tables.

There was plenty more I didn't get pictures of. I loved how the lanterns looked on the stair case. Although the bride did get her dress caught in one. Oops! I also loved the signs leading up to the barn (thanks Justin). They were beautiful. After the first hour I should have added a light underneath them. Dang it! I learned a ton being involved in this project and I obviously still have a lot to learn. I hope I get a lot more chances to study up.

On a more serious note (and I've warned you before it's hard for me to be serious on my blog, so this will be short). Many thoughts and prayers go out to the Barfuss family. Here is the story for those who haven't heard it yet. Ross and his younger brother Lance helped get the barn ready for the reception. I have never seen more helpful and hardworking boys.

Vial & Hardy Wedding

2008-03-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

The festivities have come to an end. I had a blast while helping to decorate the Vial wedding. Thanks to Paula & Kenni for letting me help. It was fun getting to know you guys a little better. What a fantastic family!

(my head has successfully reattached itself to my body)

'til next time

2008-03-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

I wont be posting until next week when I get my head put back on .

My creative brain hurts

2008-03-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

I have been having a blast jumping from blog to blog. There is some seriously amazing things out there. So many things to try
(crafts and stuff not drugs). I want to try this

and this

Anyone want to take a calligraphy class with me?
And so many more things I find online. It gets a bit overwhelming.

But now on a serious note. Does anyone else have a hard time with all the new concentrated laundry detergents out now? It just feels wrong to pour a mere tablespoon of blue liquid into the washing machine. I keep using too much so all the good efforts of saving the planet by cutting down on plastic bottles are going to waste.

Stud Muffin

2008-02-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

Mason has officially been asked out. As in "Will you be my boyfriend?". The girl called him on the phone to ask "the question" and you should have seen Mason's face. Luckily Chris was home because I was no help at all. While I was in a fit of laughter (Mason giving me the what the heck should I do face) Chris stepped in to let Mason off the hook. He calmly told Mason to tell the girl that they could be friends but he was not allowed to have a girlfriend. This news was music to Mason's ears. Mason calmly repeated what his dad had said (verbatim) and then hung up the phone. Poor Mas was so embarrassed, and I quietly chuckled for the rest of the day.

Torn Tree

2008-02-26T21:52:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite family photos. Unfortunately it's only half of my family. The last four were not born yet and obviously my parents are not in the shot. Can you guess which one is me?
I'll give you a hint. I'm NOT the dark one on the left!

Boring Snoring

2008-02-25T08:37:00.000-08:00

Please raise your hand if you and yours use a towel more than one time before it gets thrown in the laundry. I wash towels way too often. I need some answers. Is it really necessary to wash each time or could we use them say maybe twice?

My next line of business. Do any of you have any Michaels coupons? I need a bunch for the wedding reception I'm helping with.

Don't even try to tell me you don't want a piece of this!

2008-02-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

I love my mountain man

2008-02-19T08:02:00.001-08:00

It's so nice to finally have Chris home. I feel very blessed to have him in my life.
Plus he brought gifts!! Sorry, I have a very hard time being serious.

Thanks Joyce!

2008-02-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

Joyce sent us a coconut from her recent trip to Hawaii. The boys had such a blast opening the thing. It took for.ev.er, but they were having fun so who cares. Plus they got to use a pocket knife!! It doesn't get any better than that for these two.

Sid (donning her baseball helmet for protection) gave it a try too. She didn't last very long.

After about an hour we got it open only to find a rotten coconut! While the kids were sad there was no milk to drink, they were still fascinated by it all.

Fulfillment

2008-02-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

What does that word mean to you?
Today I was lucky enough to have a discussion on the subject with some amazing women.
I was asked what my definition of fulfillment is. I don't think I have ever really thought about it.
I am constantly trying to reach something I have never fully defined. Um, Hello?
I think it is a very individual thing. So I'm curious. What is your definition of fulfillment?

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T08:41:00.001-08:00

Boston braggy time

2008-02-12T19:04:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I must shamelessly brag about Boston again. First, he is student of the month at Mountain View Middle School this month. I'm very grateful I have such a responsible kid(he gets it from his dad). "He constantly helps his peers, helps his teachers and always puts forth 110% in his effort and work." That is a quote from his teacher. Good job Bos man!
Second, when I dropped him off at scouts tonight he ran up and held the door for the two women walking into the building. I am very impressed with the little gentleman he has become. OK, that's enough bragging for now.

This is the exact look he would be giving me if he knew I wrote this. Annoyed but secretly pleased.

Weekends rule!

2008-02-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

So some of you know Chris left for Jackson Hole today. He must have been feeling a little guilty for bailing during Valentines day because he planned a whopper of a date night before he left.
Friday night our awesome niece Catie watched our kids for us. I found this on the computer today. Too funny!

Chris and I headed off for massages(hot rocks and everything) at Aequis. I'm kind of gagging on their website but it was a really cool experience! My senses feel very awakened! I'll admit I was nervous because the only available massage therapist was a man (Chris refused), but it was amazingly relaxing as long as I kept my eyes closed.
Then we went for a late dinner at Le Pigeon(read in your best french). Do not check this site unless you have delicious food near you because you will definitely want to eat! It was sooooooo good. They serve my new #1 salad in Portland. We sat next to some very nice people. It was a dang good thing too because the seating is family table style. Oh so cozy.
Do I know how to pick 'em (husbands) or what? Thanks Chris!

Today was super busy and super fun.
Here's the run down...
*10 am Birthday breakfast for Katie (Portland). This photo is from Christmas cause I forgot to grab my camera.

I'm bummed cause Katie looked super cute this morning. Happy Birthday Katie!

*1 pm Mason's basketball game (Aloha). What do you call that move Mas?

*3 pm Lincoln's 1st birthday party (Silverton boonies). I love his little toes!

*When we left that party I dropped Chris off at Trevor's place (back to Portland) and they were off. The kids and I watched a silly movie I can't remember the name of and now I plan on blogging the night away. (actually I already have)

Book Club @ Chuck's Cove

2008-02-03T22:46:00.000-08:00

2008-02-03T22:02:00.001-08:00

Girl formerly known as a Bogle

2008-01-31T16:56:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by good ol' Chelsea P. So enjoy my narcissistic ways. I love interviewing myself!

A...attached or single: attached for 12 years and 5 months to my awesome husband Chris. I got super lucky. He takes good care of me.
B... best friend: I just can't answer that. It's a little too 3rd grade for me. I love all my friends.
C... cake or pie: definitely cake, or sometimes pie.
D... day of choice: I love a good Thursday.
E... essential item: my contacts. I would literally be lost without them.
F... favorite color: Right now it's gray, but I love tons of colors. My fave changes frequently.
G... gummy bears or worms: neither, they make me gag. It's like eating silly putty.
H... hometown: Chandler AZ
I... indulgence(s): Chipotle burritos
J ...January or July: Do I really even need to answer that?
K... kids? B-man 11, Maser 9, and Sida 7
L... life is incomplete without: all my family
M... marriage date: August 18th 1995
N ...number of siblings: 4 sisters. Monique, Elise, Emily, and Megan. 5 brothers. Bobby, Jaimie, Tom, Chris, and Ty. I love all their guts!
O... oranges or apples: Apples in September and October. Oranges Nov-January.
P ...phobias or fears: I don't have any phobias, but my fear makes up for it. I'm afraid to do anything for the first time. I have to force myself to try anything new. I do hate scary movies too. I haven't watched one in years. Is that a phobia?
Q... quotes: I love the Walt Whitman quote at the bottom of my blog. I'm sorry to say, I need the reminder.
R... reason to smile: Sunny days, witty friends, silly family, good memories, and obnoxiously loud music.
S ...season: Summer & fall
T... tag three friends: Anybody who has laid their eyes on this post.
U ...unknown fact about me: check back later. I'm still thinking.
V ...very favorite store: Nesting on Main in Concord Mass. It's the best store I've been in so far, but believe you me, I'm still checking all the rest just in case I find a better one.
W... worst habit: being lazy
X... x-ray or ultrasound: Huh? Who cares? Dang X!
Y... your favorite food: I've said it once and I'll say it again... burritos of any kind!
Z... zodiac: libra, Apparently I'm diplomatic, indecisive, urbane, romantic, gullible, easygoing, easily influenced, sociable, idealistic, and self indulgent. You can choose the ones that best fit.

2008-01-29T14:47:00.000-08:00

I can't get these two rooms out of my head. I love them and want to incorporate so many of these things into my home.

2008-01-28T15:23:00.000-08:00

"In spite of illness, in spite even of the archenemy sorrow, one can remain alive long past the the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways."

Edith Wharton

And my head aches

2008-01-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

The Decemberists show last night was so much fun. I actually thought it started out a tiny bit slow. I was getting a little worried. I would have never expected their show to be boring. About half way through they seriously redeemed themselves. It must just take them a while to get warmed up or something. They started getting the crowd involved ( yes, It got very silly). It was awesome! There was some singing and raindrop fingers involved. There was also a little running in place and crowd surfing. A lot of la da da da daing. You know, all the usual. I was surprised how many of the songs I didn't know. I am apparently missing an album or two.

Love this video. Colin dedicated it to Mitt Romney last night. Very controversial! Well maybe not in Portland, but it would have been with my family.
I have to say one of the best things about the concert was just watching what Colin Meloy does with his mouth when he sings. It is so bazaar! I guess that's how he gets all those awesome sounds to come out though. I also just love all the crazy stories they set to music. You get pulled into a miniature epic with every song. So cool! The whole band was very funky and fun to watch. Especially the accordion/keyboard player.
Brenda, I'm dying to hear all your opinions!
Megan, I bought Catcher a little Decemberists t-shirt. It's so cute.
Doesn't Colin Meloy kind of remind you of Nathan Rawlins?

2008-01-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

Chris needs a photo with him and his pet for work. So we headed out for a mini shoot. 15 pictures and they both had had it. I did manage to get a few acceptable shots though. Which one do you guys like best?

down in the dumps

2008-01-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

I've noticed not a lot of you are posting and commenting today. Is everyone in a funk because of the bad news? Is the fact that Heath Ledger died this morning making the idea of blogging unbearable? It is very sad to me as well. I'm taken back to the River Phoenix fiasco. I don't think I have fully recovered from that either. So young, so talented. Why are the drugs so hard to resist? We miss you River and we will miss you Heath. I've heard there are many benefits to talking about your feelings in times of tragedy. If anyone needs to have a good gab session feel free to let it all out in my comment section.

I do realize this sounds very irreverent. I don't really mean it to. Kind of. Take it as you will.

Sid style

2008-01-21T16:34:00.000-08:00

While we are on the subject. As a fun MLK day activity, Sid and I decluttered her room. She got rid of this!

She kept this!

What is wrong with my child?
Though I seriously worry about her teddy bear taste I did not say a word. I simply wept as I shoved the adorable brown bear in his goodwill (grave) bag.

gentle guidance

2008-01-18T17:10:00.000-08:00

Sidney and I tend to disagree on what she should wear. I have always been a "gentle guider" and will never fully relinquish my post. I admit my life( and Sid's) would be much easier if I could just let it all go. Some days, like when she won't be seen by her public, I'll let her wear whatever lame clothes she wants. Other days, she will actually pick out some pretty cute stuff. Then there are the days when I walk out of her room with steam coming out of my ears and her bottom lip is so pouty it almost hits the floor. Usually at that point I've quit speaking to her and she finds something so-so out of the choices I left on her bed. Then I realize how ridiculous I'm being. I don't want Sid to look like nerd though. We are trying to come up with good compromises.

This is a "Sid's controversial items list". Of course, I love these things.

1. leg warmers ( she has worn them, but they were highly contested )
2. her red ruffled slip, I love it under dresses.
3. Ugg's, She absolutely refused until I got mine. She got 2 pairs from the neighbors. $1.00 each!
4. Anything that involves putting her hair up.
5. Red, white, and blue sundress. Probably my favorite thing she owns. It looks so cute with jeans and a sweater.

This is how I want Sid to dress

This is what she prefers.

This is a compromise

Negativity alert!

2008-01-15T21:18:00.000-08:00

I am having a night! A night that can only be described as " if you ask me one more question I will karate chop your pinky toes off" kind of night. Nothing bad has happened. No one stole my cat. No one cut me in line. No one stepped on my foot. I am just crabby. Plain old cross & crabby. So please no one ask me a question. Not one!
I will do the question asking around here!

Why do people like to track dog crap on my carpet?

Why can't people use their blinkers when they are turning?

Why do bloggers ( you know who you are ) put those stinking copy the letter things in their comment section?

Why can't I get those stinking letter things right on the first try?

Why do I say "yes" to things that I want to say "no way" too?

Why are Cinnabon cinnamon rolls fattening?

Why is that all the questions I can think of right now?

I'm going to go take some deep breaths and regret not buying those dang cinnamon rolls.
Ok fine, that's a lie I'm going to go make banana bread and steam clean my carpets.

Tamale night

2008-01-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

Last night, my little brother Chrispy and his girlfriend Katie came over. We had decided to make tamales. The only problem is that our new church schedule is the late one. 1-4 pm. I actually love that time slot, but it was a little late to start making tamales. Chris and Katie arrived around 5:00 and we all busily put the tamales together. Then we waited and we waited and we starved and we waited. We finally busted out the salad that was to go with the tamales. It was a good appetizer! I think it was about 8:30 when we tasted what we had all been dying for (except for Chris C, he had special Mac n' Cheese waiting for him. He doesn't like tamales. As he pulled his dinner out of the microwave it splatted all over the kitchen floor. Poor, poor Chris! He ended up having toast). They were super good. Chris made vegetarian tamales. I went with the classic pork.
While we were waiting for the food, the party broke out. My kids got their much anticipated Uncle Chrispy time!

I love having Chris here in Portland. It's nice to have my own flesh and blood brother around.

The winner is...

2008-01-13T12:18:00.000-08:00

The winner of this

is Stephanie! Congrats to you. I will deliver it this week.
Thanks for playing everyone!

I'm so RANDOM (My kids favorite word of the month)

2008-01-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

Apparently everything I say is "just so random". If that is the case, well then, I guess my posts will be too.

I'm trying to fight a slight Chipotle addiction. I think I have a chicken burrito(black beans, hold the cheese and sour cream) at least twice a week. A few weeks ago I had a fabulous idea of making my on Chipotle burritos and freezing them, but that never ever happened. Their adobo chicken is just so dang good. I have to admit though it is not limited to Chipotle. If there isn't one close by I'll just hit Q-doba. It's not quite as good but it will do. I need help.

I'm super excited for the Pride & Prejudice party @ Sarah S's house this Friday. If anyone has not heard of this yet, please know it is an open invitation to all. 6:00 dinner. 7:00 movie. Yes, it is the 5 hour version so be prepared for a long and glorious night. I can't wait!

I've decided to do another GIVEAWAY! Everybody thank Jody. It was her idea. Just leave a comment on this post and you could be the lucky winner of the Origins Spice Odyssey body scrub featured in previous post. It is my attempt at apologizing for boring you all with that sofa crap ( we bought the Dexter! ). Keep in mind I ship. So if you live far away, no worries. Wow, I don't think I have said "no worries" since a had a massive crush on TJ! That was a long time ago! And for all you men out there, I think there are two of you including my husband, you can comment and win this for your significant other. And for those of you that don't roll around in dirt & dill all day, you can give it to someone who does! After you take a huge whiff of the best smell on earth, of course.

My next few weeks totally rock the fricken house! I'm feeling like one lucky girl. I get to buy new furniture for my living room, I get to go on a group ski day with some friends, I get to see The Decemberists in concert, then Elise and Steve come up for another ski trip, then I have a hair appointment with the best hair dresser ever, then I have a book club beach getaway! Wow, that is a lot of fun stuff for me.

This is Chris's sister Joyce and our niece Catie. I wanted to send props out (I can't believe I said props) to an awesome sister in law. She RANDOMLY set me up on the National Do Not Call list. She is awesome for many more reasons, but that is the one for today.

Well, I guess that's all my randomness.
Oh, the giveaway will end Saturday night.

2008-01-08T17:02:00.000-08:00

We are looking for new furniture . These are all front runners. What do you think? Anyone have any great upholstery experiences? Any recommendations?

2008-01-05T20:54:00.001-08:00

I took a little time out yesterday to do a little after Christmas shopping. While I was doing this shopping I remembered I was out of My favorite cleansing product in the entire Portland Metro area. So I ran my little self over to Origins and picked up this...

Now, I will admit that this product is not for everyone. I have tried pushing it on a few very undeserving ( only because they don't like it ) associates of mine. I definitely recommend you rush out and buy this stuff. in fact, stock up just in case, but only if you...

Have ever had a craving for dirt.
Gag on the smell of any and every perfume ever made.
Could sit in warm rain forever.
Can't shop at Bath and Body Works, Body Shop, Crabtree & Evelyn, or the likes there of for fear of breaking out in over scented induced hives.
Have fig, DIRT, cloves, MUD, or pine on your favorite things ever list. Or if you...

Just want to be totally hip!

Seriously, this stuff is the best!

Favorites from Mt Hood

2008-01-03T17:03:00.000-08:00

Mason is very excited to learn how to fix up cars. I think Nick was excited to show him a few things.
Boston was determined to get lincoln on a board. the view!

We had to get a shot of the men doing the dishes. Yes, it is that rare!
Lincoln and Grandma.He's just too cute. I can't help myself.

We exiled all the gassy ones to one couch.Mason after boarding.

2008-01-03T12:21:00.000-08:00

I never really said much about Christmas on this crazy blog, so I'm going to show ya'll my two favorite pictures from this holiday season. I did not take either of these pics, but they were both taken by my camera, so I claim them.

The first one (taken by Elise) is the front gate into my parents house (please click on the pic for the full effect). They have lived in that house for almost thirty years. Inside the front gate, on Christmas eve, is where my family gathers. Inside the gate, is where I not so secretly long to be every December 24th. Inside the gate, Mom will be busy like nobody knows busy. Inside the gate, there is a crowd that should be contained in a conference center not a living room. Inside the gate, there are fresh tamales and chulupa (the best in the world). Inside the gate, everyone is exchanging gifts and anxiously awaiting the expressions given in return. Inside the gate, there is more noise than can be heard by human ears. Laughing, debating, children screaming with delight, not because of what they just opened, but because of who is tickling, chasing or running around the house with them. Inside the gate, the nativity is being performed by eager children and overheating grown ups. Inside the gate, there are real logs burning in an ancient fireplace. Inside the gate, is what I love most about this world. Inside the gate. (I didn't mean to get so poety, I just couldn't think of a way sufficient enough to finish that last thought) This second picture was taken by Chrispy at my house on Christmas Day. I love the glow in this house. The snacks thrown on the table after dinner. The kids rushing down the stairs together. The rest of us lazily visiting in the tiny room. This shot really tells the story of Christmas at my house. To be honest, it was probably freezing in that room (thanks to Chris C.), but I definitely felt the warmth of Christmas that night.

I'm allergic to the telephone

2007-12-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

Ok. to all my amazingly cool, hilariously funny, super hip, chandler friends and fam. Are any of you planning on going to Matta's tomorrow night? It would be a blast to meet up but I have been reading about an awful lot of sickies lately. So will you all just leave me a little comment to let me know what you are planning, so if it doesn't work out, I can spend my time with this little, cuddly soft, peach fuzzy, cutest human on earth!
Instead of eating tacos alone.
Thanks

Primary Rocks

2007-12-27T16:10:00.000-08:00

I had just gotten home from a grueling afternoon of lunch with friends and an eyebrow wax. I left the kids home alone. By the time I got home I was a bit irritated at the 7 calls I had had from them asking how long until I would be home. I finally arrived home and started barking out orders for them to clean up their messes. There were a few dishes here and there and shoes all over the floor. Nothing Major, but I was still just a little crabby. Then I walked upstairs to find this.Sidney had folded the laundry I had left on the bed. Leaving behind the service star she had gotten at primary last Sunday. Thank you to the primary presidency for helping me teach my children to serve others. Thanks to Sid for softening my very hard heart and for folding my laundry even though she had to touch the boys underwear which she informed me was very very gross!

2007-12-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

One more to go

2007-12-23T19:11:00.000-08:00

With only one day left before Christmas, I am having a minor ummm... problem. I'm not filled with the Christmas spirit! I'm not feeling all cheerful and gay! I'm not singing Christmas carols at the top of my lungs! ( in fact they are all kind of giving me a headache ). I think I've tried all the spirit infusing tricks. I've read Luke and John with the family. I've made cookies and lots of them. I've gone cover to cover of the December Friend and Ensign. We drove around and looked at beautiful Christmas lights. I got to drive through (as a passenger) an amazingly gorgeous snow storm. I went to and enjoyed our Christmas program at church today. I even set up dinner by the Christmas tree tonight and had everyone share their favorite Christmas memories. It still did not work. I'm not feeling scroogy or too caught up in the commercial aspect. I'm just not feeling it. Or feeling anything for that matter! Any ideas? I'm serious! What can I do? I only have one more day to go!

sweet nothings (please not in my ear)

2007-12-21T17:16:00.000-08:00

I have very sensitive ears. I don't like any breathing near them, but that is an entirely different story.

I am about ready to skip Christmas all together. I'm loving the holidays. Don't you worry! It's just that Megan, my youngest sister, just had her first baby. I can't wait to see him. I have a visit to AZ booked on the 28th( his due date ), but now that is not soon enough. I would appreciate it if the world could just quickly fast forward to the 28th. I know, Christmas is all good too. I'm just very impatient ( ask my children ). This is Megan and Reuben. The proud new parents of
Catcher Milo Craghead. 9 lbs, 15 oz, 22.5 inches! Can you believe that? For a first baby? Ouch! Everyones doing awesome, even without me there!

The very, very exciting things that I was busy with in my ever so controversial previous post were; (is that the right punctuation?)

VT Luncheon. Very fun, but at my house, which means there was lots of cleaning to be done.
Girls night at Bridget's house. Hilarious! We did get some very important topics discussed. (Twilight, Blogging, breast feeding in public)
Book Club dinner. Also at my house, which means more cleaning and much more decorating. Super fun!
Chris's birthday dinner with Aunt Sharon. Very nice. Not at my house. Hallelujah! Thank you Sharon!
Teacher presents. Shortbread in pretty packages.
Running a million errands. I did not grab any sphere shaped snacks this time.
Planning Christmas dinner. It's at my house! Crap! Just teasing, I can't wait!

I know everyone has been this busy. It's part of the season. I hope this didn't sound whiny because I really do love it all.

2007-12-18T15:12:00.000-08:00

I've been busy, busy, busy! Having lots of fun and I can't think of anything to post anyway, Sorry.

alone, alone, alone, alone

2007-12-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

Chris took the kids night skiing tonight. I'm home alone. It is a bit odd, but I must admit I'm enjoying it. I did a little laundry. I had a cookie and a piece of fudge for dinner. I just got back from seeing an adorable movie, all by myself. I haven't gone to the movies by myself in years. I forgot how much love it. I can completely sink into the story. There is no one to notice if you are crying. No one to keep making silly little comments to, and no one making silly little comments. Best of all, now I can guiltlessly blog until my family gets home
.
ps. The movie I saw was Bella. I'm not posting a clip because it gives too much away. Go see it though, it's good!

2007-12-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

You know when you are walking out the door in the morning and you have a million things in your hands because you have a billion errands to run?
Well, that was me yesterday morning.
As I was walking out I realized I hadn't eaten anything yet so, I decided to grab an orange from the fridge and just put it on top of my daily handful o' stuff.
Unfortunately I grabbed the wrong Blasted Orange!
I swear he had it out for me.
He jumped right off the top of the pile and started running around my house.
I thought I had him cornered by the dinning table, but no, he kept on getting away.
Of course, I started clumsily dropping all my million other things.
I even caught myself talking to the blasted orange "Oh, you think your tricky do you? Fine I give up."
By the time I arrived home he had disappeared.
but I have a message for all his little sphere friends!

2007-12-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

Sid had her first dance recital ever last night! The performance was so adorable! A huge thank you goes out to Miss Heidi! My eyes started misting a little. I was just so happy that Sid got to be involved this. Sometimes she gets put on the back burner, while the boys take center stage(boy, I love lame expressions!)

Dinner last night

2007-12-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

Every year for our Christmas enrichment night they ask people to volunteer to decorate a table. I always Volunteer! I love having the opportunity to get creative ( and fine I'll admit it, I enjoy the large audience. Is that so bad?) This was my 3rd year and each year the table decor has gotten progressively mmm... stranger! I wish I had pics of the first two years. I told Megs I would post some pictures this year. Let me just say, I felt really stupid taking photos of my own table at the party so I didn't get the best shots, but I too wanted proof of its wackiness. I was a bit nervous for the reaction and feedback. In fact I forced Darilyn to come with me. If everyone else hated it, I knew I would have one person there to love me. I ended up loving the way it turned out! I don't really think the pics do justice, but at least you get the idea.

The cupcakes were frosted with a pale blue meringue ( you can't really tell in the picture), and the deer heads were a great conversation piece!

Christmas tree farm

2007-12-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

Some of you know I live in a bit of a fantasy world. My fantasy this December day looked something like this ... Gather the family all together( we are all dressed very stylishly ), then jump into the car gleefully and excitedly looking forward to chopping down our most beautiful Christmas tree ever. Of course, we are all laughing and drinking our perfectly hot hot chocolate.

Now if we could just erase the kids and the husband from this reality, I might have actually come pretty close to the fantasy (minus the stylish dress and the hot chocolate). The Farm was gorgeous, their trees were perfect. Lots of tall skinny nobles. My favorite! They had a fire roaring outside of their rustic barn. Miles and miles of open fields misted over with light rain. I got to frolic in the mud (that is a good thing) searching for my fantasy tree. Once I found my tree, we loaded it in the back of Chris's candy red truck.

Now, fast forward to me giving the " you really need to appreciate, don't be such whiny, spoily brats, you'll look back on this some day" speech as we drove home! All the kids sulking as we walked inside the house. "Boy Mom, that sure was a lot of fun, thanks."

The amazing tree is now up in our family room waiting for me to.... gather the family(stylishly dressed) around its branches and adorn them with all of our delicate ornaments. We will sing Christmas Carols, drink our homemade wassail, and dance, until the children lay down their sleepy heads with dreamy smiles lingering.

I really think these pics say it all.

And the winner is....

2007-12-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Sheri, a very deserving winner! You have have won the New Year's Eve crap(I mean wonderful stuff). I can ship to you or bring it down with me late December. Let me know which you would prefer. Yay for Sheri!

Give, oh, give away

2007-11-29T23:52:00.000-08:00

There are tons of fun give aways going on right now and I decided I want to do one too. I want to share something that is really fun (and also has been cluttering my closet since last year). So, if interested, leave a comment and your name will be entered into the hat.

It is an assortment of Pottery Barn New Year's Eve accessories!

20 horns(mostly silver, some gold)

10 rolls of streamers(silver and gold)

8 silver hanging lanterns

6 silver cat eye masks

12 silver bell picks

I'm not messin' around here people. This package retailed for $136.00. If you're having a New Year's Eve party, you need this stuff! If I wont see you before December 31st I'll ship it your way. I will draw the name & post the winner Saturday night.

I don't want to be one of the 9!

2007-11-25T19:04:00.000-08:00

I havn't posted any of my grateful fors yet. I have a lot of them and this year I have kind of been focusing on the little things. So as not to be an ungrateful leper, I thought I would express my thanks.

I am thankful for...

bright orange skies

my husband's smile

sunny days

thick, squishy blankets

fast internet

chipping paint

colors so rich you can feel them deep in your skin

running water (after sacrament meeting today)

my children's jokes

gut laughter

homemade meals

ruffles (not the chips)

and the smell of old books

There now, there's a few things I'm thankful for this holiday season.

I'm shaking my fist at all you taggers!

2007-11-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

It's not that I don't love to talk about myself and all. It's just too hard to think of interesting things to say when put on the spot like this. I'll try it though.

1. I am always cold! do not ask me if I need the A/C on. I assure you I do not. You can also feel free to always crank the heater as high as you fancy when I am around. I love 100 degree weather and can't wait for my AZ trips so I can thaw from my eternal OR frost bite.

2. I believe ice is a dessert and since it is harmless in the calorie department, I eat it constantly. My favorite thing about owning my own home is the crushed ice setting on my freezer door!( this may contribute to #1)

3. I love my hair, and I will spend a lot of money on my hair products, so there! My sisters can make fun of me for spending a small fortune on my shampoo, but I know deep down it is all worth it. Bumble&Bumble for those of you that want fabulous hair.

4. I am not, I repeat NOT a clean freak! My house is plenty messy, but I do have to have a place for everything. If I need my house to be clean I know exactly where each little thing will go. I do have one thing that has to be clean... my washer & dryer! I don not like dust or trash or lint or coins or anything on the top of them. And no dirt or sand in all the little crannies either.

5. Not always, but when I'm getting dressed up or going out for a night on the town, I do this. I get dressed in my outfit then do my hair, then I think to myself "I need to add my crazy" just a little something to make myself not look normal. Then I add something.

6. I am a terrible board game player. Because of this I do not particularly like to play them. It is mostly the strategic games I stink at. My brain does not work that way.

There you go. I am not tagging anyone. These are too painful to spread!

2007-11-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

Last night Sid wanted to play computer games. Her reason for why this was such a great idea was the games were "edunalcation"! They must be great games and obviously very educational!

My kids daily dose of torture

2007-11-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

Family photos gone wrong! (but still cute)

Don't these kids look miserable? You should have seen their faces before we started. They were threatening mutiny!

2007-11-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

Do you ever catch yourself doing very bazaar things? Lately I've caught a couple slipping out that frighten me a little.

Like...

Boston was singing a classic tune and I caught myself cutting out my Christmas cards to his beat. The scissors following along with his du du du dum, bu bu bu bum. Strange.

A few nights ago we were driving down the road and my headlights were reflecting back at me from the car ahead. They kind of looked like eyes staring at me. So, Well, I winked at them! Strange.

I think this happens when I'm spacing it, and not really realizing what I'm doing. Very appropriate times( I've just realized ), like while handling sharp objects and driving a car!

Big Congrats!

2007-11-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

This is my little brother Ty and his brand new bride, Shanda.

I wish you guys the very best!!!!

Day 2

2007-11-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

I'm bored with this story already. I don't think I have ADHD! Here is a fun times in AZ list instead.

Seeing my entire fam (almost).

Being a little too loud in the echoing cave. We call it the kitchen at the church! (sorry)

Watching all the little cousins boogy.

Kas doing the worm!

Hearing my little sister swear at my big sister and then swearing at my little sister for just swearing.(That really wasn't so fun at the time, but it sure is funny now)

Eating grapefruit and pecans right off my mom's trees.

dipping 750 red cupcakes in frosting with my sibs & friends, and then eating like half of them!

Joni trying to force feed me children's Benodryl. Do I look like a 3 year old?This is my kids with Joni's girls.

Laughing my butt off with Meg & Monique. David(Monique's husband) pretending not to listen. Elise where were you?

Talking to Megan in the car in front of me because it was 1:30 am. I was scared she would fall asleep.

Eating pei wei on the green plastic chairs.

Skate park visit. Apparently Emma works at Ford?

Seeing Monique's beautiful new house. It is nice to finally know where my sister lives. Just one more to go, I still need to visit Em.

Breckon and Karsten as shrek and Puss N boots.

My kids being able to play in the water. It was 90 degrees after all.

Cracking sex jokes with my mom, in front of her nurses at the hospital. Did you know too much sex causes kidney stones?(my mom is gonna kill me)!

I know this only makes sense if you were there, sorry!

AZ family

2007-11-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

We made it safely back to Oregon with only a little kicking and screaming involved. We had a very fun and very busy trip. (And you all are getting the whole story) feel free to skip most of it if you want.

We arrived at the Phoenix airport at 9:30 am. That means we left our house at 4:30 am. Amazingly the same children I have to drag out of bed every morning at 7:00 am had no problem jumping up at 3:30 that morning. (that is am).
I called Elise(she is always my morning contact) to see who was picking us up ( seeing as how I had forgotten to make actual arrangements). She informed me that my mom had gone to the emergency room that morning, so she got suckered into pick up duty. My mom had a very large kidney stone and was in extreme pain(until they drugged her up, of course). She is fine, but was in the hospital until the day before Ty's wedding (my little brother). If you know my mom, or any mother in the world, you know that she was frustrated to no end that she was not up doing the million things that she had planned. This is where trusty old Merilee comes in ( and my other four sisters, and a couple of brothers, and a sister in law, and one of the brothers girlfriends, and my dad) That is how many people it takes to take over my mother's duties!
That night was Halloween. My parents have the perrffeecctt set up for this. Not a scary set up, but a down home, country time, fall festival, covered in straw set up.
Elise and Megan's contest entries
haride anyone?

We grilled hotdogs by the bonfire, while sitting on hay bales for chairs. Then we went door to door with ten children(5 adults, and one strange vampire, who I later realized was a little friend of my boys), who were trick-or-treating their hearts out. When the children were satisfied with all their loot, we headed back to my parents for the hayride. I have been on many hayrides in my day, but nothing beats my dad's hayrides! It's a fabulous mix of dusty roads, tractor fuel(cough, cough),Did anyone bring an inhaler?, spooky cowboy stories, children dangerously jumping on and off the trailer, and pistachio branches threatening to bludgeon you if you come one inch closer. Thanks Dad, awesome as ever!

This is a really long story. I'm going to have to change my plan to installments. That was Day 1.

Today is OK---------------------

2007-10-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

"Hey mom, why are we leaving the pumpkin patch without getting any pumpkins?"
"well, we need cash here, and I don't have any. Let's just run to the bank"
"OKKKKK!"

"Mom, why can't we get the biggest pumpkin?".
"Becuase we aren't even going to be in town for Halloween, we just don't need the biggest one."
"OKKKKK!"

"Mom, why can't we jump on the bouncy apple today?"
"It is busy season at the farm so they are charging a fee. We'll come back when it's free."
"OKKKK!"

"Mom can we get caramel, and cider, and another pumpkin, and.....
"No"
"OKKKK!"

"Mom can we go on the hay ride?"
"we are going to do that at Nana B's on Halloween."
"OKKKK!"

"Mom, why can't we ride in the back of the truck while we move all these boxes?"
"I don't know, you just can't. It's not safe on big roads."
"OKKKK!"

"Mom, why do we have to drive so far to the Halloween party?"
"Our friends moved, but we still want to go see them, you'll have fun."
"OKKKK!"

"Mom, when are we going to carve our pumpkins?"
"tomorrow evening"
"how about tomorrow morning?"
"how about tomorrow afternoon?"
"OKKKK!"

"Mom, why do we have to take a shower?"
"because you've been playing all day and we have church in the morning."
"OKKKK!"

"Mom, will you ask dad to tuck us in?"
"OOOOOOKKKKKKK!"

Man, I am such a drag!

Boston

2007-10-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

I know, I write about Boston a lot. I can't help but love him the most. Last year (5th grade) he was a total flake and I was pretty sure his brain had fallen out of his head for good. Everyone kept telling me that around age 11 boys lose it and don't find it until about 19 or so. I was very worried, but much to my surprise Boston has found his head again! He loves school and is doing quite well. He has found a new love... running cross country. He memorized his primary program part without me having to say a word. That is very unusual in my house. He still does his chores without throwing tantrums about it. He is super nice to his little brother and sister. He still loves to hang out with his Mom and Dad. Yesterday he asked if I would watch a movie with him. I told him I had a lot to do and just to pick one for himself. He said he only wanted to watch with me, so we compromised and watched a half hour of The Crocodile Hunter. Now here is the best! When I returned home from taking Mas to school this morning, Boston had made me french toast! He was already gone for the day, but left a little note "To Mom" sitting right beside the breakfast he'd made me. Is that not awesome? Yes he did leave me the mess to clean up, but Who Cares?

Boston hates to brush his teeth.
He picks obnoxios friends, and
he leaves his dresser drawers wide open!
There, now you all can feel better about your kids.

ps. I don't love Boston the most. That was a joke! Calm down people!

Weekend update

2007-10-21T22:52:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome weekend. I dropped the kids with Joyce, and Chris and I had Friday and Saturday all to ourselves. I picked him up from work around 4:30 and we did a little shopping. I got these, and a few other things, but blogger is being lame.

Then we went and checked in to our hotel downtown. We had a corner room on the 5th floor. It was amazing. 2 of the walls were all window. We could see everything. It reminded me of the movie "Lost in Translation". Very cool. Then we went to see Interpol. It was interesting, I'll give em that. It was held at a huge coliseum, but was sectioned off so only like a quarter of the space was full. They had the weirdest opening band ever. They were called The Liars. Avoid at all costs. Actually they were kind of entertaining in a "you are so weird" kind of way. Then Interpol played for 1 hour and 1 minute. Everyone felt very ripped off. after about 10 minutes of cheering for the encore the singer came out and said " one of our guys is messed up. We're so sorry , but this is goodnight. So sorry." and they left. The sad thing is they were very good. They were a Chris pick. I just went with. I'm not a huge fan of theirs, but they were good in a "we are very disinterested and too cool for you" kind of way. I know lame, but there was this very odd but passionate vibe.
After the concert we had some appetizers and dessert at some way up high with lots of windows restaurant. That was fun.
The next day we had breakfast at my favorite little french bistro downtown and hit a few(ok a lot) more stores. We then drove to Joyces and had an awesome time hanging out with the fam. We got home very late last night. Good thing that I got to sleep pretty much all day after church today. Tomorrow normal life starts again.

2007-10-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

I swear!!!! That's it, I just swear.

2007-10-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

This is my latest project. It is a shadow box(kind of) from my New England trip. Everything in the book is from my trip. I loved this project. I don't know if I should hang it on the wall or just start a bookshelf with vacation shadow boxes. It is not completely finished, but I only have one more thing to add.

My kids are such rock stars!

2007-10-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

Mason has been a song writer for a few years now. His lyrics have come a long way. He started out with songs like "I Dropped My Ice Cream Cone". Then moved on to "My life Sucks, but I Don't Care". His latest was my return home surprise. It's called "I Like". I think this was co-written by Boston. It goes like this. It's sung kind of Nirvana-esque.

I like watching the sun set. I like watching it rise. I like watching for the colors of the dark blue sky.
I like, I like, I like these things so much.
Yaa
I like, I like, I like, I like thinking of you.
Yaa.
repeat.

This is kind of short for Mason, but I have a feeling his "mom" was not his favorite topic to write about. I absolutely love it though. Boston and Mason performed it for me when I got home from VT. I might have teared up if it weren't for their nasally, hard rock way of singing. Anyway it was cool. ( yes, I do keep all the lyric sheets, someday they will be needed for the documentary.)

Also, I wanted all those who have not heard yet, to know that Boston won first place in his 1 mile run for cross country. This is his first year running and he loves it. His time was 6 minutes and 30 seconds. I thought that was pretty good for his first race. I was gone, so I can't wait to see his next one.

Sid gets her rock star points for playing football with the little neighbor boy. He's 2 and apparently loves to tackle.

10-12-07

2007-10-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Today was fun. I took the kids, and a friend for each, to their favorite skate park this morning. They were all tearing it up. Then we went to a pumpkin patch for a few. Not too long, they were having trouble with the rules. When we got home Sid and I made cookies for refreshments for some church thing tonight. Then the missionaries came over for dinner. That was fun. One of them lives by Tom & Nat.

Happy Birthday Elise!

2007-10-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

Elise is almost exactly 2 years older than me.
Elise was a cheerleader in Jr. High. Can you tell?
In high school she was a witch. OK not really, but some people thought she was!
She was really an arty-farty pants, and she still is.
After high school Elise was my best friend, we did pretty much everything together.( weekend dances, concerts, hanging out, ski trips, beach trips, volleyball, shared a room, shared clothes, share other best friends, like I said everything)
Then Elise went on a mission. She went to Slovenia, and loved every second of it.
She married Steve, and has three hilarious kids.
Elise is still one of my very best friends. I love every second of her!
I hope you have a fabulous day lady, you certainly deserve it! Can't wait to see you in 20 more days.

Just a few moreeeeeeeeeeeeeee

2007-10-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

That was funny. My "e" button stuck. I love flawed things, so I'm leaving it. ( ok, if I really loved all things flawed I also would have also left "Me "e" button stuck." I must be reading Chelsea E P's blog too much. They are very in to pirates)

For cryin' out loud can I just get to the point? Here are a few more pics & of course my silly little comments will follow.

A big huge thanks again to Michelle. She was our inspiration for the trip, our tour guide, our landlord, and if you read Darilyn's blog, you know she was also our entertainment! Can anyone guess what this restaurant was called? I had forgotten until I saw this picture.

By the way, if you happen to be looking for Michelle, she is probably by the pamphlet shelves. She has a serious addiction. With Darilyn close behind. I almost got beat up a few times for my maps and info.

This is at the Alcott home. I think this place was most enjoyed by Darilyn. She had some weird tongue issues going on. She could not stop repeating" I love this place" and "I loved reading Little Women as a child".

This is not staged. I pinky swear!

This is for you Sarah S. You must know I love ya, if I put this picture up for all to see. We were thinking of you!