More shoe love

And by the by, I need these. I don't even like high heels. But these are SO cute. I mean really. I love them. And only $300. Oh well. A girl can dream. Don't you think they're cute though? Really? Me too. Click on the Fluevog link in the next post and you can see all their STILL totally cool shoes. And the museum of their shoes, that's fun. Ahhh, enjoy.

Fluevog Love

Did you ever have that "one" purchase? That time in your life when, 'I know what I like and I like what I know.' These were my first "big buy" where I felt like I was making a statement about "me." I know; they're shoes.

But when you're in junior high (I'm talking 1988, here) and you buy your first hundred dollar pair of shoes, on your own, it's a pretty big deal. I loved my Flouvog's. I still think they are totally cool. These are my feet in them now. As in, I kept them. I love them. (they still fit pretty good, and feel like an old friend)

I wore pointy shoes when people called them , "witch shoes." (okay, so my kids said the same thing when I put them on....rude.) I quit caring what people think of me, around 5th grade. I loved orange and brown long before it was "in." (I wore my brown cords and orange striped sweater all the time in junior high - so ahead of my time, hahaha) I have been wearing black as a "color" since I was 13. (Not in the goth way though, my dad made a rule we could only wear black on top or bottom - not both. All black, once a week, only. He did have a point, I'll admit. He apparently can't remember this "rule" though, but he did make it.) I used to be so cool. (Okay, not really. But I did have my own style and wore it well. Many thanks to my older sisters.)

So, if you are reading this and you remember my loving shoes; here they are again. "To good times!" And if you're just meeting them now, say 'hello. ' While others we're listening to Debbie Gibson and MC Hammer, I was wearing Fluevog's and mixing it between The Cure and the EFY album of the year.

Ah, moderation in all things, right?

This, that and the other

This is one of those posts that, if I we're in junior high, I would have folded up into that cool rectangle "fold" and given it to my friend. Just a , "not much up here, what's goin' on with you" kind of note. So, enjoy. Or don't. What-ev.

Numero uno: Note to self; Just have musical numbers at my funeral. Doris had her funeral planned right down to the second, and I loved it. I would much rather listen to really nice music, than listen to most anyone speak. On that note; Make sure I have a closed casket. I don't wear make-up now, why should I have to when I'm no longer alive? Really. But, I don't think no make-up is really an option when people are looking at you. So, my conclusion; closed lid. Done.

Oh yeah. And NO HAM! I find it totally ridiculous that "ham is expected." Puh-lease. Who needs ham? How 'bout some nice fried chicken? Or lasagna? I think there are lots of options. And I really do like funeral potatoes, so that's okay with me. Who doesn't like potatoes, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup and cheese? On anything? I know I like any of these items pretty much any time, any where.

Next on my list of jibba-jabba: We're all sick. I haven't smelled anything for at least four days. This is a good thing, and a bad thing. I made to cakes today: Good; no eating. Stinky diapers and the like; a really good thing. Can't taste my food; a bad thing. I wonder, aimlessly, shoving everything in my mouth, hoping to get a taste of something really yummy. But, as you know, no smell-ee, no taste-ee. Sad, but, true.

I ground wheat with a "super star" last night. Or at least she thinks she is. Seriously, who cooks in a tu-tu with sunglasses? Roo. And maybe her Aunt Minky. (Chubs is in the corner cupboard, "working.")

And, we had a little cake for Chub’s birthday as well. He cried, didn’t want to touch it, and didn’t like the frosting. Who’s child is this, anyway? But he loved his trucks. Shocker.

Today I also made a cake for my friends little girl. She loves Kit Kittridge, (who doesn't?) and wanted a type writer for her birthday. So, I made her a type writer cake. Fun, huh?

On a closing note; a couple of people have asked for the bread recipe I use. I really am posting it, soon. Just as soon as all my kids are actually at school and I can breathe again. Whew!

*Don’t worry, with all of this cooking, I washed 87,000 times, sanitized, and made sure not to breathe anywhere near the food.

Birthday Blog: Meet Baby

Meet Chubbles. Mr. Chubby Pants turned one this weekend. Hooray! What a fantastically fun baby he's been. He is full of life and constant entertainment.

No matter the older sibling, he loves them. If one of the other kids is having a bad day, Baby is the cure-all to any problem. He makes each of us smile all the time.

Chubs has the most sensitive skin, and has since birth. He is allergic to most things. Really. It's kind of sad, but we deal with it. His cheerful disposition makes up for his grouchy-itch attacks.

Baby is one of a kind. He the most animated child we've had. (which in this house, says a lot) He loves to sort things. Like making little piles of his cereal. And he loves to unload stuff. If he finds a bag or an open drawer, you are sure to see things flying through the air, over his shoulder, faster than you can pick them up.

He laughs all the time.

Chubs is the worlds fastest crawler. Before crawling, he rolled like a steam roller, going full force, to whatever his little heart desired. Now he leaves peel-out marks in the rug, he goes so fast. He is walking, with assistance, and I am seeing the same pattern. He may be the kid that learns to run, before he learns to walk.

LOVE those super-chubby cheeks.

Oooh. We just love him.

Thank you for coming to your family, Mr. Chubby. We ALL love you so much! Happy Birthday!

Beach Combing and Getting Organized

Yesterday my kids decided to go to "the beach." They set out all of our treasures from last summers fun in the sun, and began "collecting shells" again. Just like they did on the actual beach.

Later we made shell necklaces that had to be worn until bed, and cried for in the morning. Utah has a lot of great thing, but ocean beaches are not one of them. And, oh, how I miss them.

Last night I went to a short class on "Getting Organized." I felt pretty good about most of the things they were talking about. I do a lot of "organizing" on my own, and didn't feel too discouraged. I feel pretty lucky that we have quite a lot of storage space for all of our "treasures." (aka, JUNK)

But, funnily enough, when I got home, I started getting all of the kids home work, and what not, ready for the day ahead. I needed a paper clip. I know for sure where I keep them; in the office in my drawer labeled "office supplies." (of course) But the 20 second trip across the room was more than I wanted. So I thought I'd simply check, what we call, "the drawer next to the sink." Please see the above photo for a view into "the drawer next to the sink."

I really do have a "place for everything" it's the getting "everything in its place" that's the problem. I am not the worst at organinzing, but I am certainly on the best. And in a hurry, this drawer is also know as "the dumping grounds." If you leave something out, anything smaller than a baseball, look in here.

The papers when to school sans-paper clip. Oh well.

Birthday Blog: Meet Marlene

Meet Marlene. She's my one and only sister-in-law; married to my one and only brother, Geoff. They've been married for more than 18 years now, and have four adorable kids. You'll see them in a second. The one word that describes Marlene is fun. She ALWAYS has a smile on her face and tries to make others feel the same. She's been a trooper coming into a family of sisters, poor thing. We love her like our own, though, and are so glad she married Geoff.

One year and one month after their wedding, on her 21st birthday, they had their first child. He is turning 17 today!

Geoff and Marlene lived in Texas most of their married life, and flew home for my wedding. (no small ordeal, and VERY much appreciated!) Here she is with her first beautiful daughter, Olivia. I love how her hand is just about to grab my bouquet. Ooo, I could almost eat those chubby baby cheeks.

Marlene is a happy person that likes to keep busy. She got her real estate license before they moved back to Washington, and had quite a successful career there. Since moving, she stays very busy running and keeping in shape, as well as running her household and being mom. (a full time job right there!)

We lived in Texas for a short time as well. We lived four blocks from Geoff and Marlene. What a huge blessing to have family so close. We grew to know and love them even more. Here, they are visiting Baby Sam in the hospital, brand new. We spent so many fun evenings and lots and lots of time with the Gregsons. We think of those times often and are so thankful for them. (In the above photo she's pregnant with number four)

Here they are all, this last year. A beautiful family, aren't they? I love each one. I really do have the sweetest nieces and nephews, don't I? We have a lot in our family and they're all amazing. Marlene is loving and kind, and a great mom. She puts her heart into all she does and is someone who has a lot of passion for things she believes in. She's a great example of this.

Happy Birthday, Marlene. I love you.

Temple Open House

When I was five (or so), my parents took me to see the Logan LDS Temple being renovated. I told them right then and there, “I will not be going to the temple, ever.” There’s no way I was going in a building where there were tractors inside. To prove me wrong, and show me how truly beautiful the temples are, my parents took all five of us back up to Logan for the “open house.” This is when our temples are open to the public, to go in all areas, before they are dedicated to the Lord, and the doors are closed to the public. After that, only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with temple recommends, can go inside.

We waited outside in a line, in the freezing cold, for what seemed like forever. I remember sitting on my dads shoulders, trying to stay warm, and I put my legs in his big, orange, puffy coat. I don’t remember the inside of the building, but I remember that I was in awe.

I have been to a few other temple open houses since then. The Jordan River Temple, when I was seven, almost eight. I remember being almost eight because my entire family, but me, got to go the actual dedication of the temple. My mom waved a white hanky in the hallelujah chorus, framed it for me, and it hung on my wall throughout my adolescent years.

I also went to the Portland Temple open house, where I was finally old enough to really enjoy it. It was more beautiful than I could have imagined. Truly, temples are built with only the finest materials money can buy, with only the most skilled of artisans, and in the most lovely areas in their designated parts of the world.

I do have some other memories of this trip, though. Like people picketing the temple with derogatory signs about Mormons, wearing underclothing over their clothes, and even people chaining themselves to the gates in protest. Isn’t America great? Freedom of religion is a wonderful thing.

When Peter and I were first married, and knew for sure (haha) we’d never live in Utah, we took a trip from the Great Northwest to Utah. At this time, it was the Mt. Timpanogos Temple open house. (Which, funnily enough, is now the temple district we live in) This was amazing and beautiful as well. With fine detail in every direction, fantastic colors, furniture and paintings. Again, I was in awe.



So when we found out that the Draper Temple open house was going to be held, I knew I had to get tickets for our family. They’re free and open to the public, you just have to get them online.

Again, I was not left disappointed. Everything was absolutely amazing. The exterior stone of the temple is imported from China. The interior stone, which lines the entire building as stone carved base boards, is limestone from France. All of the finish woodwork is wood imported from West Africa, and the beautiful mural walls are all hand painted by local artists. Truly beautiful.

I will write some of the highlights the kids said and did. The one thing I really noticed is that this is a beautiful building. Really beautiful. But being a member of the church, and having a temple recommend, I can say that after these amazing structures are dedicated to the Lord, they become so much more. They feel so much more full of the Spirit of God. The minute you walk in, you are engulfed. While the Draper Temple is wonderful, really. I can’t wait to return once it is dedicated, to recognize the difference. And to feel that small part of earth, so much closer to heaven.

Baby: He was perfect the entire tour. He rode in his backpack, head leanign back looking up most of the time, cooing and ooing at all the beautiful shiny things. And, I like to think, the angels that were there as well.

Ruby: She was hilarious. I kept hear her talking to herself, “bee-you-ti-ful, bee-you-ti-ful, bee-you-ti-ful,” I’d say, “what do you think?” She’d look up and say, “They’re so sparklie. It’s so sparklie in here.”

In one of the mural painted ordinance rooms, she jumped off the “path” (they had wood covered with carpet, lining the whole tour, so as to not get our shoes on the new white carpets), run up to the freshly painted wall and started petting “the cougar.” There was small cougar painted into the outdoor scene, she saw it, and had to pet it. Yes, the whole room heard a ‘snap’ and a “Ruby!” from me. But really, it was sweet.

She ooed and awed over the brides room. (where the brides get ready before they are married) In another room with a satin curtain she said, “Oh. This is where she dances in her beautiful wedding dress!” (not really of course, no dancing in the temple – save that for your reception, Roo)

Simon: He was astounded at the gold paint that many of the walls were detailed with. “Real Gold!? It is like King Solomon’s temple!”

And Samuel told me that he really felt the spirit in the sealing room. (This is where we are married, and sealed to our spouse for time and all eternity.) It was beautiful.

My jaw dropped, then I recovered and had to ‘chill’, when I saw a kid jumping, shoes on, on the couch of the Celestial Room. Or another little one running circles around the alter in a sealing room, squealing. Children are welcome, though. And after I inhaled deeply to calm myself, I remembered this and was glad that families are such an intricate part of our lives. Even in the most sacred of places.

I’m so glad I was able to be there with my family, both my immediate and my extended. We had a wonderful time there, and a fun dinner together afterwards. Family really is the most important thing in this life.

The building next to the temple had cookies and water set up beautifully for the visitors. They did a fantastice job "transforming" the gym. I could hardly tell I was in a gym, except for those darn basketball hoops.

The buses weren't so bad, but the wait for home was really long. We had to park at church buildings around the area and be transported up to the temple. Apparently buses break down now and then, who knew?

Photos courtesy of http://drapertemple.blogspot.com/

New Horizons

"Barack, The Early Stages."

I love how Simon made his eyes blue. Do we live in a wonder bread society here or what? Funny. I also had to ask myself today, who thought: "We better make sure we get some kids coloring pages printed up real quick for inoguration day." I'm pretty sure I've never seen a coloring page come home of any other president besides Washington and Lincoln. Hmm? I'm not quite ready to put this guy in their category. But I'm optimistic. It could happen.

Yesterday my kids "civil rights day" turned into "no civil rights until you do your chores day." And in fact, we found out that we could get a lot done, civilly. We cleaned the house from top to bottom, and all enjoyed the afternoon in a spic n span big blue house.

On that note, keeping busy that is, I have been. I have been making bread like a crazy woman. In fact, once I make it, it's gone. Either by our family quickly devouring it, or by giving it away. Last week I wrote about visiting an elderly woman who's dying, I brought bread, of course. Food solves all woas, you know. Well, sweet Doris died this afternoon. I imagine by tomorrow afternoon she actually will be painting the yellow trim on her house up there. I'm so very happy for her. What a relief to leave such an uncomfortable place, her own body.



She died on a remarkable day, though. Really, this is such a historic day. I had my kids watch the inoguration today, and tried to explain just how amazing this event was. I laughed when Samuel said, "So his anscestors where salves?" "Uh, no. Actually his dad was from Kenya and his mom was white." I thought it funny, because I had just given the boys this really long winded speach about how black americans have come so far, and overcome so much. And then, the big finale - The President. Ta-da! (let down here) But, his lineage didn't really fit with my story. Oh well. They got the point.

Perspective

Sometimes seeing the world from a different perspective makes all the difference in your day.

While making goodies this weekend, I found Ruby looking in the side of the bowl making all kinds of funny faces and talking to herself. In our whirl wind lives, we so often forget to look around us. I'm am constantly amazed at the small reminders of life from my children.

Acrtic Freeze 2009

Weekend scare:

Upon finding the scene you see below, I immediately called for aerial back up. (my arm) With a man down, abandoned, on this sub-zero night, I knew they’d need more support; a mom.

The vessel was frozen into glacial waters, also known as, the iced over cul d’sac. I could see we had a treacherous situation at hand. Never know when the neighbor might leave his driveway and two tons of steel could come rolling over the forgotten, yet beloved, arctic adventure the boys left out.

First, get the guy. Next, unfreeze the ship and recover all parties involved to safer ground.

Rescue complete. No casualties.

Time is Short

I just returned from visiting an elderly woman who is going to die. She is in the very late stages of cancer, and has been given a short time to live. As I entered the room, seeing her three grown daughters sitting by her side, I started to cry. The very sight of “death” made me feel so helpless and sad. Just seeing them gathering and uniting as this time brought tears to my eyes.

This beautiful woman has lead a very full life. Sixty two years of marriage, several children and grand children. She is a very accomplished woman with more talents than seems fair. But sitting there, as she held my hand, I realized how fleeting this all is. She hugged me and stroked my hands while she visited. She reminisced and told stories. I saw a small picture of very full life.
During the conversation, she spoke of death many times. Of how we shouted for joy to receive a body, and how we’ll shout for joy to leave it; and return home. She told me that next week she’s going to be painting the yellow trim on her house; up there. She said how excited she was to see her parents and siblings. The peace of this knowledge was so comforting. To know why we came here, how miraculous life is, and the joyous event of returning home; how truly perfect. We are so very blessed to know of God’s plan for each of us.

I am so very thankful to have been there tonight. To say goodbye to a lovely soul, to tell her we’ll come and see her again soon. And to hear her response of, yes, we’ll see each other again.

When it was time to leave, I realized how quickly life passes us by.

How blessed we are. I am reminded more tonight to enjoy my life. To let the dishes sit while I play with my kids. To take time to actually talk and cuddle with my husband. To visit with my parents more, and stay close to my siblings. I know that when the day comes for me to be lying in that bed, I’ll wonder where the time went. I’ll have more memories than I’ll know what to do with. And I hope I’ll be as brave as this sweet woman. Fully embracing the reality of what is to come, and look forward to it with such excitement.

Birthday Blog: Meet Amy

Meet Amy. Amy is a friend from my past, that has continued into my life today. We met as sophomores in college, in Ellensburg. I knew immediately we were to become ‘bosom friends.’ You’ve already met her sister (mine of heart), Maile. Now it’s Amy’s turn. (Get comfy, there are A LOT of photos and I am feeling quite chatty)



The one word to describe Amy is “cool.” I know that will sound a little 13-year-old to most, but I can’t get a better word today – sorry. I’ll try to explain; Amy grew up in the teeniest tiniest po-dunk town in Washington. I think her graduating class had around 40 people or so, covering like a 50 mile span. (sorry, this info may be off- but this is what I recall) Anywho….she’s cool. She was cool then because she had fantastic fashion sense, loved awesome music, and didn’t have a small town mentality. She drove the “brown turd” (Not my naming, and why isn’t turd on the spell check? Peter thinks it’s a swear – so, sorry.) everywhere. This was a poop brown, four door, Ford Taurus. But, being super cool, she painted a giant daisy on the roof. Letting everyone know that “the driver of this brown turd, is in fact, not a nerd.”

Amy always had a way of transforming herself. I once thought she may be a bit of a chameleon, but have since decided it’s a great talent to get up one morning and say, “today I feel like…” And she can come up with any style, taste and fashion. You’ll see through these photos the many faces of Amy. These are not over a too-terribly long period of time. A couple of years, max. But you’ll see how she can change. I tell you this because I think it’s really neat. I can look at pictures from 1990 and 2003, and really – pretty much wearing the same old thing, same old no-make-up-look, same old hair, etc.

She was always SO fun. After the Ford she drove a light blue Nissan Pulsar. (Which in fact, really, truly, I saw your very exact same car in my friends neighborhood yesterday. If I’d had my camera, you’d see it here today!) We folded ourselves in that car and drove over the pass to Seattle about 135,900 times. Good times.

Amy is an incredibly loving person. She AWLAYS looks for the good in others. Even when I am quite sure they are bad, she will see their good points. She has a heart of gold, the strength of an army, and more love than all Valentine’s days throughout history – combined. (I’d call her a sap, but really – she’s a romantic)

These qualities have followed her through 12 years of marriage and six kids. She is more amazing now than ever. And STILL very cool. (jerk – why can’t I be cool?) If you want to see how cool she still is, visit her very fun blog here. You’ll have a good time. Plus, she's a faithful follower of my blog, so you have to love her.

She still manages to be so in style, have more clothes than anyone I know; Shoes, bags, hats and scarves to boot. She is still a total romantic. She has more patience than a nursing home (haha, I’m funny. She’s VERY funny too, btw). She nurtures her kids like crazy, helping them develop all of their talents while still staying remotely sane. She does all of this from behind the wheel of her 52 passenger van. (okay, so not 52 – but a lot)

Anyway, just wanted you to meet Amy. She was one of my brides maids. She made a flying, then diving - leap for my wedding bouquet. Caught it, went on a date that night with a boy named Jeff. And was married to him three months later. Ah, love. Speaking of love, this; I have for her. She is still one of my dearest friends. We laugh, talk and cry regularly together.

Sorry this is such a long birthday blog, but really – there’s a lot to say about Amy. She has spice and is a very interesting person. I hope you all have your own "Amy" somewhere in your life. She reminds me to be me, to enjoy my life and to be a better me. Happy Birthday Amy. I love you.

ps photo comments: I layed this out wierd, so - -comments are here. Like:

-You had bangs? I don't remember that.

-Aren't we glad for your "new secrets"? (swim photo)

-Her really short hair was initially "platinum", but looked a little too Susan Powter, and had to be promplty changed. Wish I had a photo of that!

-Love the Super One outfits!

-Uh, you were REALLY skinny

-I miss you.

Dear Tooth Fairy

Dear Tooth Fairy,

Is this really fair? Really? I just want to eat my pizza. Is that to much to ask?

It's bad enough to have the Grand Canyon in my mouth. I just want to eat my dinner...like a normal person. My "bites" look like an alien bit them. This really, truly, is a pizza silhouette of my teeth. Or shall I say, lack of teeth.

And while you're at it, could you get me some clean-eating lessons? My mom thinks I'm a pig. What does she know?

Well, thanks anyway. You're doing a great job. You're really pretty, super nice, and I really like you. You make the greatest food, keep a fantastic house, and are the kindest person I know.

Keep up the good work.

Love,

Simon