It's A Wonderful Life

Winter Picnic and Refinishing

2012-01-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

So much going on (decorating, sewing, Piper&Chloe planning), I'm just about late for our lunch this week, but, I do want to share with you a very fun winter picnic we had one year after one of our huge snowfalls. One morning with all the excitement created by a yard full of pure white snow we bundled up in our heavies until we all looked like various versions of the 'Michellin Man', hats, gloves, boots,scarves and boots. Then we headed out to the back patio which was covered in about 2 feet of snow. ( Possibly a mere exaggeration) Using buckets and shovels we made a perfect table and bench sculpture. We placed car robes on our frozen bench and sat down for our winter lunch under the crisp blue sky, breathing in the fresh air, talking and laughing. Our voices muffled by the tall snow covered oak trees and surrounding rock wall. What a happy time it was eating sandwiches and drinking hot chocolate.

After our picnic and a few snowstorms later we found that our teapot was missing. What a surprise it was to find it in the spring after the snow had melted, right where our snow table had been. A very happy memory for five little girls and a mom and a dad.

I used an artists brush and latex 'cafe latte' paint then sanded it in all the obvious areas furniture would be worn and scratched.

Redecorating taking place in the library this week. I have delayed long enough trying to decide whether to paint the wood trim on the couch white. So after a few weeks of placing inspiring painted furniture images on my pinterest board and deciding I really like the look of painted furniture, I took the plunge. Now I've painted and distressed the love seat for the library.

Before


I love the vintage weathered look with thefabric.

Because I've always thought dark library walls are very cozy looking I painted the walls peacock blue (Pottery Barn paint deck, Benjamin Moore). The french doors, white chair rail and trim will remain white. 'm having a couple of oil paintings framed in distressed white. The library off the entry hall will be a little retreat with images of far away, romantic places. A wonderful place to cuddle up with a book on a wintery evening.

Lunch With My Little Friends

2012-01-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

Simply delightful companions. Their stories are always so intense, they make me smile inside. Their imaginations are alive with wonder and pretend. A fun time to teach a few manners also because they want to be sooo big. I love to be with them.

This week on the big 2012 To-Do List: Organize Kitchen. After the holidays the cupboards are quite a jumble with so much hurried baking and entertaining going on. Gratefully many hands helping in the preparation but things don't always get put back in the assigned spot. Plus, who doesn't just want to start over in January.

Checklist

1. Start all domestic projects with a sassy apron. It's always more fun to dress the part!
2. Decide what cupboards and drawers will be used for what. Cookware close to the stove. Baking supplies, bowls, measuring cups by the baking counter or island. Easy access to spices. Drawers sectioned off for knives, mixing spoons, ladles, spatulas, etc.
3. Look around the kitchen or other areas of the house to find interesting containers for storage. So much more fun to open a cupboard with a colorful tray or basket awaiting you. If you must you are allowed to go shopping, after all these are tools of the trade!
4. Now that things are looking so good you're going to feel like cooking again but not the kind where you look in the pantry with a dazed look wondering what's for dinner. Look through some inspiring recipes over the weekend, make a menu plan and grocery list, and then place your tantalizing menu plaque listing all the dishes for the week. Takes the wonder out of meal time prep.
5. Make meal time a pleasant gathering with pretty dishes and glassware, placemats and napkins. You've put time into making something nice so make it a time to enjoy and savor. Bon Appetit

Easy to make: Frame with glass, scrapbook paper and a dry erase marker.

A super find at Pottery Barn for my pantry. Perfect for muffin tins and bread pans. Also found colorful trays at Pier One to put on upper shelves so I could slide them out.

More lovely to eat from a serving dish than from the pan. A pedestal dish made from one of my favorite dinner dishes and a candle holder.
I would love to hear your ideas on organizing kitchen spaces.

Let's Have Lunch

2012-01-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

My friend. it seems like such a long time since we've had a chat. Come with me for a cozy lunch at this quaint sidewalk cafe I found in Rome. I know you'll love it. The pizza with fresh mozzarella cheese and tomatoes is to die for, the fresh mixed green salad tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar is a special treat and the bread, Magnifico! Bread is dessert, bring it on. Soak it in...the foreign chatter around us, the vendors selling their paintings and crafts on the square, the gentle breeze playing with the ends of our hair and feel the moist air of the Mediterranean.

Are you excited for the New Year? I spent New Year's Day writing down a list of goals (things I wanted to do) in 2012. It actually did end up looking like a to-do list with about 35 items. None the less I was so anxious to get started that I think made myself sick...so the rest of the week I've battled bronchitis and try to do a few things here and there on that list, plus be inspired by my blogging friends and pinterest. I love all your posts. I feel like I am surrounded by wonderful, creative people. This year I am looking forward to sharing with you some of the projects I will be working on that are part of the To-Do List of 2012. I know you will help me stay on track. Let's meet again at another wonderful place next week for lunch. Yes?

Some sight-seeing.

Shopping as always.

Summer Fun

2011-08-14T19:40:00.000-06:00

The other night we strolled in the cool of the evening to our new neighbor's home for a neighborhood Ice Cream Social. Simple, Fun and Delicious. A mouth watering selection of fruity and chocolate ice cream awaited us. Oh my! I knew there was a reason I keep the ice cream freezer in the storage room. Every year I tell myself I'm going to make some homemade ice cream in an old fashion ice cream maker. Why? you ask when you can buy a half gallon of gooey, some what tasty ice cream at the store. I don't know except that it is the absolute best when it's made with fresh cream and fresh berries. In fact I could of eaten the whole bucket myself...but I was a guest so I limited my serving to one. So when the icicles hang from our roof this winter I will go break a few off and stock my refrigerator with homemade ice cream.....and have a party.

A New Day

2011-08-08T07:21:00.000-06:00

Love it...new month....new week....new day. Winding up the happy days of summer. Yet to do:
*BBQ with the neighbors.
*Strolling adventures with the girls.
*Take a ride through the canyon with my honey.
*Charming Children class for the
'Back to Schoolers'.
*Prepare for trip to Barcelona.

Ashley's In Town-Party On

2011-07-21T09:25:00.000-06:00

It was so fun to have Ashley in our midst for two weeks, not only for her charming self and adorable Bostyn and Nixion, but for all the activity it created. Lazing in the park, shopping and frolicking in the fountains (the kids that is) at Gateway, Jr. High graduation for Ashlyn !!, Kindergarten graduation for Ella (where is the time going?), BBQ's here and there, the annual SCHOOLS OUT! party, treasure hunting at garage sales. Besides all that Ashley was in high demand for her awesome photo shoots. Our days were packed...the cousins had a great inventive time with one another and in a blink of an eye it was over. It is rare to have All of the girls together in one place anymore. WE totally embraced it and LOVED IT! Snippets of our days.

Ashlyn's class graduated in 1940's style...singing and some awesome swing dancing. With the music and dancing I felt some deja vu-imagining my mom in her high school years. Ashlyn, it was totally awesome!

The gang's all here...eating AGAIN!

We even fit in a Girl's Night Out (with children?) All the kids slept peacefully in the backyard--tent style.

The next morning they were busy coloring and the next thing I knew they were playing postman putting their beautiful pictures in the neighbor's mailboxes. I hope the neighbor's enjoyed their happy little activity.

Bostyn, Brynn and Ella partying at the Class of 2025 party. For breakfast and lunch we had delicious cookies, cupcakes, donuts and root beer floats.
Why not get all those daily calories in the morning?

Everyone wants a turn with lovable Nixon.

Stuffed penguins, fish bowls, umbrella fruit kabobs and smiley faces greeted hungry and not so hungry kids at our Schools' Out party. It was all eaten up. Good sign that sprucing up the food can make it more appealing to finicky eaters.

And Ty was right in the middle of it all getting in on all the picture taking that was going on.

Spring Clean

2011-05-06T08:47:00.000-06:00

Nothing like Spring's clear skies and vibrant color to clear the mind and open it up to all the possibilities that await. Out with the old, in with the new. Organize spaces. Clean out the corners. Be inspired by thrifty finds...paint and embellish. Ahhhh, doesn't that feel good?

Lucy Grace

2011-04-26T19:45:00.000-06:00

Baby Lucy is four weeks old today. So fresh from heaven and placed snuggly into a family of adorable little girls. Loved and loved and loved.

Happy Spring

2011-04-22T08:54:00.000-06:00

Yay, it's finally here, that beautiful time of year to celebrate the renewal of life. I know I may be jumping the gun. It may snow tomorrow. But let's enjoy today. The daffodils and tulips have started poking their fresh green stems through the wet earth. I love the intense color of spring flowers after a long spell of dreariness. The deer are in heaven. They are roaming the streets in abundance looking for fresh tasty greens. I can't help but sing "Popcorn popping on the apricot trees" when I pass all the colorful blossoms down the street. Don't you think some songs stay with you forever and bring back memories of carefree summer days? With great anticipation I can't wait to:
Paint flower pots.
Turn the rock patio into a kitchen herb garden.
Arrange the deck into our summer living space.
Ride a bike.
Go on a picnic.
Hang clothes on a clothesline.
(Just for a vintage look and some arm exercise)
Walk and walk and walk.

Pictures to Previous Post/Before and After

2011-04-11T08:24:00.000-06:00

All in a Week's Time

2011-04-10T22:09:00.002-06:00

I just submitted my Family Room and Kitchen remodel to a magazine.

To see more pictures and the process follow the link above. It was a fun thing to do on a snowy afternoon. ONE of these days I'll go outside and play!

Can't believe cutie pie, Ty and his cousin, Princess Bostyn turned 3 this week.....Time is flying on wings now. That dinosaur was absolutely scrumptious.

A precious little bundle, Miss Lucy Grace came our way on Wednesday. Adoring sisters, Miss Ella Jane and Miss Brynn Lois.

Fresh From Heaven 'Trailing Clouds of Glory'.

Happy Birthday to the Greatest Traveler There Ever Was!

2011-03-22T22:12:00.000-06:00

Oh the places we've been, the tales to tell, the sites we've seen. Here's to many more adventures.

Finishing Touches

2011-03-04T08:00:00.003-07:00

I have just about completed my ocean blue bedroom or rather I should say retreat for now it feels like one. A while ago I found a charming chandelier from IKEA just because I liked it, not that I knew where it would go. But now I know what the finishing touch is for my new room....the chandelier. Today I will paint it's silver hardware white into a vintage look and since the ceiling doesn't have an electrical connection I've cut the mount and cords off and will place votive candles in the bulb candlesticks. With the chandelier overhead I shall lie on the bed and dream of my next project.

Things to Think About on Cold, Blustery Days

2011-02-02T07:29:00.002-07:00

A LIttle Bit of Heaven

2011-02-02T06:42:00.005-07:00

Wow...the weather was wonderful, the view gorgeous,lots of fun things to do and plenty of time to soak up the sun. Time was not.

After a couple of attempts at taking our self-portrait someone came and offered to take our picture. The temple is next to the church. We attended a wonderful meeting which began with ALOHA!

Love that blue...I think I'll paint our bedroom that color.

Flip Flops for Me

2011-01-23T07:17:00.001-07:00

After a wonderful holiday season...a month of getting organized...starting my New Year's resolutions of exercising at the Rec Center and on the Wii...deadllnes completed...we pack our bags and are off to hopefully blue skies, warm weather, the sand and the beach. Finding the sun in January is always a good thing :) Here we come Hawaii.

New Years Resolutions 2011

2011-01-14T12:32:00.012-07:00

Take time to Think. (It is the source of power.)

Take time to Play. (It is the secret of perpetual youth.)

Take time to Read. (It is the fountain of wisdom.)

Take time to Pray. (It is the road to happiness.)

Take time to Love and be Loved. (It is a God-given privilege.)

Take time to be Friendly. (It is the road to happiness.)

Take time to Laugh. (It is the music of the soul.)

Take time to Give. (It is too short a day to be selfish.)

Take time to Work. (It is the price of success.)

Wisdom from the Past

2011-01-07T09:00:00.005-07:00

I love the New Year with it's clean slate of empty journal pages and calendars which only lasts for a brief moment. But the promise of a fresh start is always invigorating and motivating to me. That's when I start to dig into the corners of my home unearthing papers and stuff that either needs to find purpose in my new fresh year or be disposed of. After hauling off a car full of things that will become "someone else's treasure", I have rediscovered notes and writings that I have tucked away in files from by mom and grandma from a gentler and safer time. These lofty ideals written on scraps of paper were taken from books, lectures and newspaper clippings of the day from the 1940's through the eighties. They are filled with words that have brought the best out of men and women. In today's world of 'ME' it's good to look back and remember how life was lived with civility and how many individuals would strive to live lives of honor, selflessness and goodness.
This new year of 2011 I choose to make 'my' world a better place with affirmations from these files everyday.

WORTH WHILE
It is easy enough to be pleasant,
When life flows by like a song,
But the man worth while is one who will smile,
When everything goes dead wrong.
For the test of the heart is trouble,
And it always comes with the years,
And the smile that is worth
the praises of earth
Is the smile that shines through
the tears.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Happily Ever After

2010-06-14T08:26:00.005-06:00

What a happy time we three girls had three years ago planning for two weddings in the month of June. What special daughters Lacey and Ashley are to us. I hope you have celebrated three wonderful years of marriage girlies. You have darling families to show for it.

Shopgirl

2010-05-28T04:17:00.004-06:00

Today I play store...I thought for sure I had to have this cute little cabinet but I held out trying to decide where the perfect place would be for it. What do you know I sold it last week so I don't have to worry about it. I know I'll want something else today. It's a game of self-discipline.

Hello Again

2010-05-12T08:03:00.004-06:00

I entered my 'creative tunnel' in January and have had so much fun 'following my dreams', although at times it has been a bit overwhelming. Maybe next time I won't take on so much all at once. Deadlines have been met and this is what has been accomplished. Our Piper and Chloe Show was a huge success. Terry said he could see the location from the Legacy Freeway, the streets were packed with cars. There was never a dull moment and happy customers walked out with their original wares. This was our fourth show and as always a great project with the girls...fun, enterprising, stressful and full of hilarious memories.
In the midst of getting ready for Piper & Chloe I was asked to do the costuming for the roadshow. I made many new friends with all the animals (the primary children) and decked out an island full of animals, the lost passengers of Gulligan's Island and a crashed plane of bewildered survivors. It was fun to be a part of such amazing talent.
As a reward for reaching Star status for the quarter in my MK business we had hardwood floor installed. Not wanting to be the decorator/middle man in this project I hired another company to do it. What should have taken a couple of weeks turned into 3 months. The existing flooring had been torn out which added to the stress level. It felt like we were living in a barn with plywood floors and furniture crowded and stacked about. During this time one of my primary girls came by to deliver a birthday treat to me and later told her mom. 'I think my teacher needs help. Their downstairs floor is really pretty but their upstairs looks like dirt.' I'm sure she thought her mom being in the RS presidency could come to my rescue. What a sweetheart :)
Another fun project has been that of helping a friend of mine get her shabby chic store opened with flair. It is called 'So Chic'. We had an open house on Mother's Day weekend. Lots and lots of charming vintage wares. I have to keep reminding myself I don't have room for any more furniture. But I was lucky enough to get a cute little french end table from my honey for Mother's Day. It looked so cute standing in the center of the room on Mother's Day, the top covered and drawers filled with pansy's and petunias waiting for my surprised delight. Thanks my honee!
Unfortunately I don't have pictures for all the adventures since my camera broke during all the whirlwind of activity. But I will remedy that soon and go camera shopping since I now have time to breath.

Merry and Bright

2009-12-29T08:07:00.008-07:00

Christmas has always been a magical time of year for me. Trying to fit 3 months worth of enchanting activities into a 3 week period is a miracle in itself. Life is beautiful when children sing about the joys of Christmas and thrill at the twinkling lights of Temple Square and frolic in snow mounds till their feet and hands are numb. I feel the love of our Savior all around as we share simple pleasures together with our family. This is what makes life good, and what a world it would be if everyone could feel it, all the time.

So with the whirl wind of activity slowing down (does it ever??) I promised my honey that I would stay in bed until 7am instead of getting up at 3:30am. We'll see. How can you sleep when visions of sugarplums are dancing around in your head?
I hope your holidays are bright and beautiful! May you be blessed with a HAPPY New Year!

piper&chloe

2009-11-10T21:07:00.009-07:00

What fun we had at our Holiday Showcase...an intense 3 days and total exhaustion after wards but we had an awesome turnout and it was great to see old and new friends. It's the incredible team work that makes it happen. Way to go team!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T08:35:00.003-06:00

If you're hanging out with other spooks tonight wandering wind blown avenues in the moonlight or taking the safe route by snuggling up to watch some spooky movies in the dark take this Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn along for some yummy snacking. I found the recipe in the food section of the newspaper. It's a keeper in this haunted house.

2 TBLS brown sugar
2 TBLS maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Heat until sugar is melted and bubbling (about 3 minutes) Add 1 TBLS of butter
Add 1/2 cups pecans or almonds if desired
Pour over 5 cups of popped corn. Spread out on a cookie sheet to cool.

Creativity

2009-10-27T10:31:00.002-06:00

I am amazed at all of the delightful and inspiring women out there in the blogging world. I was checking out The Coterie Blog to find where Piper & Chloe is featured for their Holiday Showcase coming up very soon. While I was there I took at look at some of the other favorite stops. It just made me want to paint something, reinvent a piece of clothing or find some fabric in my material basket and start from the beginning. Don't you think creativity makes people happy or is it the other way around? Anyway, I think creating good things makes the world a happier place. At least your own world. As Neal A. Maxwell says, Make your influence be felt in your own acre.

piper&chloe

2009-10-12T20:54:00.006-06:00

A little of this and little of that.........

The count down is on for the piper&chloe Holiday Showcase and my workroom looks like a Mad Scientist's lab. I have about 5 projects going at the same time. When I need a break from one I start on another. But nothing is more fun than pulling out ribbons, fabrics, buttons, papers, and all manner of embellishments and dream away. Trial and error but very satisfying to come up with an original. So in a few days I'll come out of my cave and post something new. Till then.

Hoping your October Days Are Bewitiching!

2009-10-05T20:46:00.006-06:00

First the red and gold leaves entice us into fall...then the days become cooler. We pull out sweaters and jeans, tuck the summer clothes to the back of the closet. Bring in the garden harvest...strawberries, zuchinni, squash. No luck with tomatoes this year. Make jam, zuchinni bread, apple crisp, yum. Bring on the hot chocolate and a cozy fire and what do you have? A new exciting and entertaining season. Costumes to be made for Halloween, hours spent preparing for piper & chloe, trying new recipes and gathering friends and family to join in the fun.

Halloween decor has begun. I painted one of my alpine Christmas trees black, covered it in tiny orange lights, ghosts, raffia bows, and draped black velvet around the bottom. Then pulled out my purple Snow Village Victorian house, put orange lights in it and placed it under the tree. It sits in the dining room bay window. A good find at the fabric store, black velvet with tiny sequins makes the perfect table cloth, ( although the fabric was more than I had planned to spend). Stars and witch glitter and fall leaves surround the ceramic jack o' lantern centered on the dining table. What do you suggest for a ghoulish menu? Any costume ideas? I remember the year I dressed as a witch. I put a green facial masque on my face and it was dry and peeling by the time the door bell started to ring. The trick or treaters were pretty spooked when I opened the door to great them. BOO! Have fun in the preparations.

The Final Week

2009-09-01T10:38:00.007-06:00

My dancing shoes have served me well. They are completely worn out from rain, mud, skipping, running, doing the Scottish fling, the reel and round dances, not to mention being stepped on. I don't know whether to toss them or bronze them.
We were surprised to see our best fans before the show and then after. We were excited they could experience the spirit of Nauvoo with us. There's nothing like it!

Got to love that frumpy look...looking forward to a haircut and another outfit :)
Over the four week run of the show the Nauvoo Mission office took in more than 7,000 referrals. The referrals will be sent to missionaries all over the world. What a priviledge to be a part of the exciting work.
We again learned to appreciate what the Nauvoo Saints went through to establish the church in these latter-days. There was a booth at the pre-show activities that had a website nauvoopageantcousins.org where we were able to put in our family names to see if we were related to any of the early residents of Nauvoo. It was pretty exciting to find I was related to Heber C. Kimball, Eliza R. Snow and Emma Smith among others.
The Nauvoo Pageant was an amazing experience. We discovered that we were more flexible than we thought we were. We could even sing and dance in the rain and have fun doing it. We made some wonderful, life-long friends that share special memories with us.

In Training

2009-07-30T09:46:00.009-06:00

Finally a moment to sit down for a quick note. How grateful for Sunday rest :) Wow, this is an amazing experience. Not only is the setting perfection, the Spirit is so strong among all those who have prepared themselves to be a part of the pageant.
I would liken it to the intenseness of missionary training at the MTC, throw in staging a play, learning jumps and leaps and dances these legs have not done for a few years, singing til out voices are hoarse but sounding like angels (figure that one out), breaks to be spiritually fed by the directors, choreographers and costumers to increase our understanding of what it all means, and insights of how the First Presidency interacted with the writing of the pageant.

Seeds of the gospel are being planted in the hearts of those who attend the pageant. People from all over the country and the world come to experience Nauvoo. Each night there has been two to five thousand visitors and standing ovations every night.

During our first week we are assigned to pioneer activities for the pre-show. I loved teaching men, women and children how to tie a quilt while visiting with them about where they were from, about their families, etc. Terry was in the sawing logs section. We met visitors from Mexico, Netherlands, Carthage, Alaska, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas...all over the place.
This week after the pre-show activities we also take part in the pageant finale, flooding the stage while singing 'The Spirit of God' with the Nauvoo temple in the background flooded in light.
Next week we will be doing the entire show. Our days are from sunrise to way past sunset. The weather has been great for rehearsing outside, lacking the usual heat and humidity. It truly has been a blessing. This first week you can't imagine how this is all going to turn out. Kind of like a roadshow rehearsal the night before the show. Someone said, "We are taking chaos and joy and building something majestic!" We can only look at the previous cast and see how it has come together and is a beautiful story. We are instruments in God's work in sharing His wonderful message to the world. It comes off because we believe it and as a result we are sharing our testimonies through story, song and dance. Our love for the gospel shines through to the audience. "Come we say, join us. This is where true happiness can be found."

Living Out of a Suitcase

2009-07-19T20:45:00.003-06:00

Some of you know how difficult it is for me to live out of a suitcase. Well, imagine the challenge I am facing living out of a bag! Since our hotel is a half hour drive from Keokuk to Nauvoo we don't have time to go back to it during the day which requires everything I could possibly need during the day and for the show need to be in my tote bag. Scrambling through that bag umpteen times a day is a scavenger hunt in itself...try to find: water bottle, badge, tennis shoes for stage, toothbursh, gum, sandals for feet to breath, curlers for ringlets, hairspray, pen, script, music, camera, insect spray, sun glasses, sweater, smashed granola bar, lip gloss, makeup, blah, blah, blah. Did I forget anything? Oh, yeah, my two dresses, bloomers, shoes, stockings, shawl, bonnet , but that's in my other bag. That's it...now if I could only remember my brain!

Full Speed Ahead

2009-07-16T06:04:00.003-06:00

We start our day at 6 am with a packed schedule of dance rehersals, stage blocking and singing rehersals and devotionals, district meetings, prayer meeting, pre-show activities and the finale in the pageant. Next week we are in the complete pageant. The show finishes at 10:30 then we can visit with the audience and we're back to the hotel and in bed by midnight, walking every hour to make sure we are up in time to start over.

Walking along the Mississippi for our FHE to practice our song 'Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise'. Atleast the turtles and the bunnies thought it was quite beautiful.

Nauvoo Here We Come

2009-07-14T11:56:00.004-06:00

Driving across the beautiful green plains gives us time to reflect and enjoy the solitude of an unstructured life.....just our thoughts and 'Les Miserables' in the background. Leaving the real world for the enchanted land of Nauvoo. A place where stories of far away people and times past await us. Three days of travel clears our mind for what's to come......

A Barrel of Monkeys

2009-06-23T08:23:00.002-06:00

What could be more fun than a barrel of monkeys?

8 adorable munchkins!!

Shopkeeper

2009-04-16T20:26:00.003-06:00

Doing our part to help the local economy by showcasing some of the most talented artists in Utah. Plans are underway for the second piper & chloe showcase which will be held on May 8 & 9 in Farmington. Our board of directors meetings are inspiring and fun as we contemplate the great possibilities of this adventure. You could never find a greater bunch of co-workers!

My "Nutty Buddies"

2009-03-08T18:17:00.006-06:00

The perfect girl's weekend agenda:
Talk...Talk...Talk
Laugh
Eat yummy healthy stuff...pizza, ice cream, cookie dough, burgers.
Laugh

Pampering our new mother to be with surprises...hair salon, shopping spree and painted toe nails.
Laugh
Movies...Devil Wears Prada, Confessions of a Shopaholic.
Laugh
Shop, Shop, Shop
Laugh
Many tries at getting the perfect group picture.
Laugh
Parade of Homes...Mr. Toad's Wild Ride...Our valuable opinions on each home.
Laugh

Bostyn's first Girl's Weekend...Lucky Girl!

Winter Getaway

2009-03-08T12:07:00.003-06:00

Loving the palm trees, blue sky and red cliffs of Southern Utah for a winter escape was what I needed for a total rejuvenation of body and soul. Doing nothing, walking, going out for dinner, reading and getting hooked on American Idol (ha, ha). A side trip to San Diego seeing our favorite spots, Seaport Village (eating lunch in the plaza with the ocean in the background), Coronado Island and hotel (finding a beautiful oil painting to remember our trip), Old Town (a new Mormon Battallion visitor's center being built), Laguna Beach (where my new arm plate made all the secuirty alarms go off in the shops) and San Juan Capistrano (The sparrows return every year to the Mission fountain). And then there was Girl's Weekend and the Parade of Homes and before we knew it it was time to come home to the snow and the reality of day to day responsibilities. It sure was fun. I think I will do it again!

Computer Crazies

2009-01-25T08:55:00.003-07:00

It seems for the moment I've lost all my stored pictures on this crazy computer which puts me in a bit of a blogging dilemma. The posts that have been floating around in my head while recuperating from shoulder surgery are no longer very interesting without the pictures. I hope my techies will be able to find them. To make matters worse I can't find my camera! What did they put in that anesthesia anyway.
These are my favorite people who have made the last couple of months bearable. Pictures courtesy of the girls. Thanks a bunch guys. Love yaaaa mannnn.

Hello World...I'm back

2008-12-14T16:48:00.005-07:00

It feels good to be coming out of my fog which I've been in for a few weeks. In fact this car sort of looks like how my body feels. It all started with the insane election. After waiting to hear the outcome of the Presidential election I went to bed saying 'Now the civil war will start'. Well, that night our car was broken into. Nothing gives you a creepier feeling than thinking someone's watching your home. For days I was in a stupor pondering the condition of our 'world' and what's to come.

When Terry started planning a surprise birthday party for his Dad in St. George it sounded like the perfect solution to break the doom and gloom that was prevailing.

GREAT IDEA!!

Grandpa was truly surprised to see his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids all in St, Geroge at his favorite place..the bowling alley. Everyone was having a great time either knocking down pins or throwing gutter balls. In our final game, 10th frame, Jim and I were just about tied. This may be normal for Jim but I was having the best game of my life! Wow! I've found me a new sport. I look at Jim with a twinkle in my eye and motioned, 'You're toast.'

Well, it was me that ended up being smashed toast on the floor. I went over the line, did some sort of dance and thought to myself as I was going down, 'This floor is oiled!' I've never felt anything so slick in my life. To make a long painful story short they pulled me off the alley by my heels (I wouldn't let them touch me. I knew I was broken.) I spent the next four days in the St. George hospital. Just what I wanted for Christmas, a $5,000 platinum plate, in my arm/shoulder.

Terry drove us home in record time, 3 hours and 15 minutes even making a stop at Maverik where I stumbled through looking like a rehab kidnap. Luckily, no questions were asked.

I've decided bowling will not be my sport this year. Terry teases me by telling me he is taking back my Christmas present...a ball, shoes and a bag. Maybe a rocking chair would be more fitting.

Enjoy the Christmas Season...slow down....and enjoy the moment.

BOO!

2008-11-02T16:47:00.001-07:00

Okay, you asked for it. The Queen (Anne) and Mugsy. No I am not the queen of the mofia. I figured since I had so many little princesses I should be their queen.

Dining Dilemmas

2008-10-30T19:10:00.013-06:00

Sometimes it's just so hard to decide what to have for dinner. It takes a few tries to get it right. But when you do there's nothing better. The atmosphere is spooktacular,

The menu is quite tasty: fingers (croissant wrapped hot dogs), worms (jello with gummy worms) yellow eye balls (deviled eggs) witch heads (chocolate cupcakes) and other scary things.

And the company is hauntingly delightful.

Remember Me and You

2008-10-26T15:53:00.007-06:00

Terry and I celebrated the anniversary of our first date 39 years ago. I know, we can't believe it either. It all started over a bowl of Raison Bran at Deseret Towers BYU. I knew I was in love. With fear and trepidation I asked him to the Sadie Hawkins Turtle's concert and dance. Lucky for me he said yes and we spent the night dancing and singing away, "Remember me and you, I do, I think about you day and night, it's only right, to think about the one you love......" And we've been singing ever since, unfortunately not dancing. But to my honey, thanks for loving me! 'Together we walk, friends in our sameness...in our differences..in sunshine and rain.'

We spent the day at the Homestead. I love this house. I can just imagine simpler days in the country. It's been a while since we've been up there so we were amazed to see that you could walk into the mineral pool now. They've drilled a tunnel into the side of the cone.

It's damp inside, the water is a mediterranean blue and it's a long ways up to the top. Just, to think of the pool being 65 feet deep is enough to give me the spooks. People go scuba diving in there and they say there's tons of coins at the bottom because it's been used as a wishing well.

Here's wishing you many more happy years my honey!

What's A Chutney?

2008-10-26T15:22:00.006-06:00

With all the fruit stands loaded with scrumptous bounty I get swept up in the excitement of concocting some delectable delight, so with pears, apples, oranges, lemons, dried cherries, raisons, green tomatoes and a 50lb. bag of onions I pull out my Martha Stewart's Christmas recipe book and drool over the glossy pictures. I must admit some of Martha's ingredients I have never heard of let alone seen in my favorite grocery store (gourmet it's not) but I'm determined this year I will try something new. I've usually passed over the Chutney section just because I was not sure how to implement this delicacy into our meals but with the yummy sandwich shops popping up all over I've decided this is what makes these sandwiches to die for. Okay, so Chutney it is this year!!

In the midst of my cooking zeal I am also watching Bostyn for a week while Eric and Ashley are in Hawaii . I get Bostyn all settled in, telling her it's time for her sitting up exercises. I think this face is saying, "This is not my idea of fun." But what a trooper. She indulged me while I made 3 jars of Onion Chutney, 4 jars of Pear and 7 Mincemeat. It took a couple of days to complete the process but we conquered and to show off my wares I put a tie around the top. I know the ribbon is over the top. But, hey what would Martha do?

2008-10-26T15:21:00.001-06:00

Yummy Fall

2008-10-09T09:17:00.004-06:00

Fall has it's foot in the door and with it come all the celebrations and goodies that go with the autumn harvest. First I decorate, then I'm in the mood to do some cooking.

Lacey and I went to the Farmer's Market and with Ty's help found some fabulous warty pumpkins (great for my witch). Some delicious looking peaches and pears also made it into our wagon.

The next day a quick peach cobbler was a hit with the guys even without the ice cream or whipped cream. You can make it with any fruit: apples, pears, peaches.

Slice the fruit, place in a quiche or 8 " pan. For the crust: 1 c flour, 1/2 c sugar, brown or white, 1/2-1 tsp. cinnamon and nutmeg, 1 cube of butter. With a pastry cutter crumble the mixture together. Sprinkle over fruit. Bake 30 min or until golden brown and bubbling on 350 degrees. Yum!

The Driving Marathon

2008-10-08T20:11:00.005-06:00

Off to Logan for the BYU-USU game. Very fun sitting amongst a friendly crowd eating our not so tasty food and cheering on our alma mater like regular college students. Much to the chagrin of my hubby I even got excited when #11 made a few amazing plays. (I can appreciate a good play no matter who makes it. It's just a game, right? HA) We got home around midnight, took a bit of a snooze and then got up at 5 am to get down to St. George to see Ashley in the St. George Marathon. It rained all the way down there and we were sad to see that the runners had such miserable conditions to run in. There was lots of excitement in the air as we neared the finish line and waited for Ashley to come in. It was amazing to see all walks of life running. I was totally inspired to do a 5K :) Lacey and I stood by the fence about three people deep. Terry was about 10 feet up so he could spot Ashley and then we would know to get ready for the big picture taking moment. Well, I didn't want to keep my camera on because I have the unfortunate luck of having a dead battery when it's time to take a picture so I figured I would have time to turn it on and click when Terry spotted her. After standing in the rain for about 30 minutes, juggling my camera and an umbrella Terry yells ASHLEY. I immediately scramble to get my camera turned on, jump over a baby stroller in front of me, push past the mom, smash into Lacey and try to get a picture of Ashley, well anyway whoever that is running past us. I zoomed in and got the backside of our super girl. I think it was the hair that threw me off. Way to go Girl!

This is the Place

2008-10-01T20:41:00.004-06:00

This is why I love Utah. The blue, blue sky.

Big puffy clouds. The peace. The fresh, clean air. The changing seasons...

and living right in the middle of a world of

living color.

Plan B

2008-10-01T20:22:00.003-06:00

The plan was to go to the Opthomologist for an eye exam and afterwards I would do some shopping. I forgot that after having your eyes dialated you're not up to much. I had owl eyes, the sun was so bright my eyes were tearing, everything is blurry and all I could do was hope I could make it home safely. So much for shopping. So what to do when the eyes are not working very well? I decided to tackle the table beast. So for the fourth time I painted it. This time I put black in the turquoise which toned it down a bit and added a little gold leaf on the edges. I think it's a keeper. Finally!

While the table was drying I started on another project. I found this cute paper at Thanksgiving Point and decided to cover my silver bucket with it and mod podge over the entire surface. Voila! My new magazine holder.

A Day to Remember

2008-10-01T20:05:00.004-06:00

"We are, each of us, angels with only one wing.

And we can only fly embracing each other."

Could there ever be a promise so great as to know 'Families can be together forever.'

Summers End

2008-09-24T16:58:00.001-06:00

Goodbye Summer...where sunny days filled with the giggles of children make me smile. Yummy BBQ's, swim parties and vacations make the time whiz by. I want to hold on tight and not let you go but I must admit I am persuaded to surrender to the enticings of autumn with it's crisp morning air, the sunsets that come earlier and the vibrant oranges and reds that color the mountain side. Friendly sunflowers on the side of the road nod their heads welcoming in fall. Hello Autumn...warm sweaters, cozy throws, snuggy jams and unfortunately shoes.

Summer Fun

2008-09-24T16:24:00.001-06:00

We took Ashley and Bostyn back to Ohio in June to meet up with Eric. We toured our favorite spots Nauvoo, Winter Quarters, the Lincoln museum in Illinois and discovered some new places; the Johnson farm and Kirkland. Tis' beautiful country.

Ashley's new apartment in Cleveland....a kitchen big enough to turn around in.

A special day for Josh and Lacey at the Bountiful temple.