Wood Chips

7th Birthday Craziness

2012-01-23T09:28:00.000-08:00

I don't know how it happens but since we've been in Utah Addi's birthday has turned into a 3-day event!

I tried to avoid that this year...to no avail.

She had a pool party on Friday night, she invited every friend and every family member.

(So as to avoid multiple mini-celebrations)

There were 18 children...at a pool party...I don't know what I was thinking.

Being responsible for that many lives, or as I thought of them, possible drowning victims was a leeetle stressful.

Luckily, I did have Randall, my brothers and sister to send in the water. While my Mother and I patrolled the pool from the deck.

So that you can read on without suspense there were no drownings...or even near drownings, a feat I can only credit to the Almighty.

There were friends and gifts galore!

I constructed an ice cream sandwich "cake" for its easy grab and go and rinse off in the pool convenience.

Addi & A in their team suits

It was pretty much swimming mayhem for a solid 2 hours...again I'm just relieved that no one died.

They were never all in the same place at once, so this is the best I could do for a group shot.

It is possible that the best part of the party was watching the real-live ninjas practicing as we were leaving.

(Kendo?)

Then on Sunday Grandma got Addi a beautiful cake with her name on it.

She was very excited. She wanted to save the flowers, so they were displayed on a plate for all to apppreciate.

Then on Monday morning one of Addi's friends (we still don't know who) surprised her with a Happy Birthday poster on the garage door.

I think this is such a cute and thoughtful idea.

It doesn't take too much time or effort and Addi felt incredibly special.

Happy 7th Addi.

Quiet Christmas

2012-01-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

After all of the Christmas Eve hubbub Christmas Day was wonderfully peaceful.

Addi woke up not to early (bless her) to open her gifts.

Mostly books, a few games and a knitting loom.

The big one is pillows

(It's pretty much official that I need to re-learn how to use my camera...I'm becoming the blurry picture queen)

Santa also brought this magnifying glass, for inspecting things.

The Haul.

Randall treated us to waffles, then we all went to Church and sang all of the songs I love to sing on Christmas. I do love a Sabbath Day Christmas.

Christmas Eve

2012-01-11T20:25:00.000-08:00

As explained by the previous post we were all a little tired for our family Christmas Eve Celebration.

We had lots of delicious food that we hardly touched because we'd just returned from the wedding dinner.

But we were able to relax and enjoy ourselves with our family.

Gracie was Mary and Addi was the Angel in our Nativity play.

When All of the other children wanted to be Wisemen or the Donkey, my brothers stepped in to be Jospeh and the Shepherds.

My Brother Ryan stole the show as usual playing the Innkeepers complete with accents and hilariously diverse dispositions.

Merry Marriage

2012-01-11T20:15:00.000-08:00

My little sister was engaged to be married in January but when they found out that her fiance was being deployed the first week of January for 7 months to a year they decided to get married when he had leave at Christmas.

Luckily her dress had already been ordered and arrived and my sister-in-law is a real live wedding photographer.

(Unfortunately her pictures are not here, these are mine)

And so on Christmas Eve, they got married.

Here's Addi at the wedding, bearing up well even though she did not get to be a flower girl.

The Nutcracker

2012-01-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

Randall took us gals to the Nutcracker this Christmas.

We went to the production performed by my old ballet school.

Addi and I both loved it...Randall is anxious for the day when it will become a Mother-Daughter event with Aunts and Cousins.

We were in a mad dash to get to the performance on time so this was taken after the performance at the "fancy" restaurant we went to later. (Brick Oven)

Addi felt all grown up and sophisticated.

A New Resolution

2011-12-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

I don't make new year's resolutions.

To write a list of resolutions, to me, is to write a list of my failings.

I try hard to be good every day and to be better tomorrow.

I don't need the pressure of a list hanging over my head.

But this statement from Sister Hinckley speaks to my soul.

It is my now and forever resolution.

“We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are.” Marjorie Hinckley

The Card and More Than You Ever Wanted to Know

2011-12-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

Well, there she is, in all her glory.

I am not super excited about how this card turned out.

I had this idea in my head of how it should look and this was NOT it.

For one thing my picture looks like a mug shot. (it was the only one in which my "j" was not backward)

To find, after 30 min. in a cramped photo booth and $18 spent that I was not happy with the results and wanted to scrap this idea and do a different one, Randall was none. too. pleased.

I can't blame him, if you scroll down you'll see that it would have been the 4th family photo shoot I'd make him endure in as many weeks. I really didn't think I could force the issue.

So this is what you get folks.

I was feeling the pressure of last years card...I don't think I can ever top it so I should stop trying.

Next year will be better...I hope.

Now on to an update of how the "job situation" is going.

Right now Randall is clerking for a small firm in Provo.

He's studying for the bar in February.

We've been here over a year and he's just taking the bar you ask?

Yes.

We were 1) dissolusioned that we might be able to find a job outside of Zion...not happening.

2) that darn exam is expensive and we just didn't have the money.

So.

We finally saved, begged and borrowed enough money to take the exam,

filled out the ENORMOUS application (4 times the size of the NY application...who does Utah think they are?!) then,

started planning the ever tricky studying/work/family schedule.

When all of a sudden the Bar committee didn't want to let him take the exam.

Why?

Too many student loans.

WHAT?!!

How, might I ask, do they expect him to pay them off if they won't let him get lisenced.

Randall was very calm during all of this, he just kept sending in all the information they requested.

And then all of the information that they wanted but never requested.

I, was a wreck.

After all of that they were still on the fence so they had him come in for a hearing to try and explain why they should let him take the Bar. (Seriously! you can not imagine my fury.)

He came out not knowing if it went well or not.

They let us cool our heels for a day.

Then they said, begrudgingly, that he could take the exam.

Hallelujah.

Randall remarked that the exam is tourture enough without having to go through all that other stuff.

I have some serious choice words to say to/about the Utah State Bar but I'm afraid they're all against my religion.

Where we are now:

Randall is studying and working.

I am working part-time to supplement that fantastic clerk pay and running Addi to and from the pool every day.

Addi is loving school, doing very well in swimming, and loves to sing, write and create.

Tommorrow:

We have some exciting/scary plans for the new year but it's a little too early to explain.

How's that for a cliffhanger.

31 Today

2011-12-11T21:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I went and turned 31 today.

I'm not really fussy about my age.

Probably because I act like I'm still 13.

My Mother-in-Law went to a fancy bakery and got my favorite cake (carrot).

And she even had them put my name on it!

I can't remember the last time I had my name on my cake and when I saw it I really got excited.

Here I am nearly dipping my nappy hair in my beautiful cake.

In primary they sang "Happy Happy Birthday Children Dear" to me...I think it was appropriate.

Good Parent, Bad Parent

2011-12-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

On mornings when Addi is especially lucky Randall will walk with her to the bus stop and wait with her until the bus comes.

She talks his ear off from the moment they step out the door until the moment she steps foot on the first stair of the bus.

They are both pretty stoked to have these mini dates.

What a good parent.

All I want for Christmas is...

We noticed last week that Addi's front teeth were loose.

And this close to CHRISTMAS!!!

I told her that she HAD to get them out before Christmas so she could sing the song.

She worked and worked and got one tooth out.

It's pretty much adoreable.

I told her that if she could get the other one out by Christmas I'd give her $5 on top of whatever the Tooth Fairy brings.

I know I sound sadistic making my child pluck out her own teeth for a song but

THIS IS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY!!

...don't judge me too harshly.

Toothless wonder.

(plus scabbed over scratch thrown in for good measure)

Yes, I am the bad parent.

Breakfast with Fancy People

2011-12-09T14:42:00.000-08:00

We are not fancy.

Maybe someday we will be fancy but certainly not today.

Randall got an invite to a fund raising breakfast for Mitt Romney with Ann Romney as the speaker and there was an extra ticket.

So we had an early morning breakfast date.

We had fun talking with Randall's colleagues, the food was good and Ann's speech was very nice.

I made Randall take this picture with me before we walked to the breakfast to commemorate the day...

I'm thinking the picture might have been more beautiful as a memory.

Bright Cases

2011-11-25T22:36:00.000-08:00

I brightened up our sad pillows with some scraps using this tutorial.

I'm really happy with the results.

It makes me happy to open my eyes in the morning and anyone who knows me well knows that this is a big deal.

I am NOT a morning person

I want to be...

I'm just not.

Five Kernels of Corn

2011-11-25T22:23:00.000-08:00

One of our Thanksgiving traditions is to come to the table completely empty of food except for 5 kernels of corn on each plate.

Someone reads the poem "5 Kernels of Corn" and we sing a few hymns.

Then, we write a list of 5 things we are thankful for and put them in the "Thanksgiving Box."

We keep the papers in there forever, you can see what you were thankful for 10 years ago.

It is a thought provoking ritual before we all stuff ourselves with too much food.

Surprisingly the kids love it, even though they're pretty hungry...it's the men who struggle with this tradition.

Fall-ish Family Photos

2011-11-25T22:15:00.000-08:00

I wanted to do a fall-y family pictures

I know Randall looks shorter than me but he won't stop slouching...even when I ask in a really nice voice.

I love this editing, it makes me look tan

Cordially Invited

2011-11-06T20:12:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures from our "Other Residents of Wonderland" tea party.

There are a ton so I won't feel bad if you don't make it to the end.

It's basically the Madam Hatter show but seriously sometimes you just have to toot your own horn a little.

Thanks to my Sister-in-Law for taking these great pictures and especially for photo-shopping my zits!

I love Randall's pinky in this one, he's a good sport.

Possibly Overdoing It

2011-11-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law sent me a teaser of our tea party photo shoot.

School Parade

On our way to Trick-or-Treating.

Yes I dressed up, I didn't think enough people saw my fabulous costume...it's possibly an illness.

Big Mac--Not The Hamburger

2011-10-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Grandpa thought he'd try some "Big Mac" pumpkin seeds for the garden this year.

These bad boys were HUGE!!

Here's Addi demonstrating the size of her pumpkin by comparing it with an apple.

We had to pull out the big guns to carve this thing.

reee Reee REEE REEE!

(you know...the scary shrieking sound effect when someone is getting stabbed)

Stand BACK!!

This pumpkin had a surprisingly small number of seeds.

Finished product: designed by Addi, carved by Mom for safety.

Yes the front porch is covered in outdoor carpet because 3 year-old Randall walked across the wet porch cement in his cowboy boots.

Spoooooky!

SNEAK PEAK

I went a little crazy with our costumes this year, They consumed my life for almost a month. We had a real photo shoot and I'll post those pictures when I get them but in the meantime here are a few snapshots from the family party.

Introducing Miss White Rabbit, yes that is a real clock, yes it works, yes that is the correct time.

Yes, those shoes are covered with fur(ry stuff).

Madam Hatter.

It's hard to see my hat in this picture but it's fabulous!

(My friend Meg and I toiled for hours on it)

King of Hearts

(as you see I ran out of steam for Randall's costume but he didn't mind a bit)

Madam Hatter

Miss White Rabbit...

The other residents of Wonderland.

Glow-in-the-Dark 5K

2011-10-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend my brother and his wife convinced me to do a 5K with them.

It was a glow-in-the-dark themed race and it was really fun.

Kris could not be bothered with the girls, so he ran ahead of Marni and me but Marni was nice enough to stay with me and my "still sore from the marathon" knees.

I finished in respectable time but I really think I should take the 26 days off after 26 miles advice...or learn how to run correctly.

Say "NO!" to cyber-bullying!

(that was the race's cause)

Just One More Quote

2011-10-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

I'm going to keep updating that last post of Addi's quotes I'm just going to put one down here really quick.

"Mom, I don't know if I want to get married...of course I do want to be the boss of someone."

St. George Marathon

2011-10-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it. It's done.

I was feeling really great for the first 6 or7 miles and then something happened with my hip and knee.

They started hurting really bad. It was very frustrating because I knew I could go faster.

At mile 10 I wasn't sweating yet because my hip and knee hurt so much I couldn't go very fast.

In any case I hit the 20 mile mark 7 min. faster than I did in my training.

I have been saying that this would be my first and final marathon but I'm kind of feeling the need for redemption.

I want to see what I can do when I'm not having my darn joints seize up on me.

If you're looking for my time it is embarrassing, All I'll say is that I finished deep in the 4th hour.

Addi and our friend's daughter ran with me for the last 10th of a mile.

That is not sweat on my shorty-shorts. I had just dumped a cup of water down my back...St. George is HOT even in October.

On our way home we stopped to visit Cove Fort.

It was very cool, Addi liked learning that Ira Hinckley's (Boss of Cove Fort) wife was named Adelaide just like her.

I'm looking a little like a half-drowned cat in this picture.

That's right folks I won the place of "finisher"

That's genuine red rock that is.

I'm walking a little more gingerly these days.

Familial Bliss

2011-09-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

This evening just happened, it snuck up on us.

We were at my Mom's visiting with the kids and we all decided to drive to my Grandmother's and gather the last peaches of the season in the orchard.

It seems so simple but it was magical.

I don't know if it was the soft light of the sun setting on a warm evening with brothers and sisters and kids...

We were just enjoying ourselves so much i didn't want it to end.

Here I am with 2 of my brothers, we are each 15 months apart.

This is my Grandmother as I know her. She only wears clothes when she goes out.

One thing I love about her is that when you talk to her, there is no one else in the universe, you have her full attention and she genuinely cares. She'll tell it to you straight, which I love.

Aaden found a bug.

Maeva found a peach.

Fruit Art

We ended the evening with a good 'ol wrassle with the uncles...it doesn't get much better than this.

Quoteables

2011-09-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have these little scraps of paper everywhere with funny things Addi says to me. I don't want to loose them so I'm going to put them down here.

"Why don't you really do your hair...like other women"

While grocery shopping --"Attention all shoppers! there's a villain in the store. Take your children and get out as fast as you can!"

"I make remarks about you, not complain. I wish you would be nicer about some things."

"I'm tired of you being in charge of me, I've been with you for over six years now!"

"Just put my hair in a pony tail 'cause I'm eager to get playing with my friends"

"I talked to mom but she did not reply."

"Mom! I know what your going to do but can't I just remark?!"

"Mom! your bajiggles just touched on my elbow!" (for the record I advocate proper anatomical names)

Mom: "I had your towel around me, did I warm it up?
Addi: "No. You warm up my heart though."

"My Mom won't let me have anything cold on a hot day. Only cool air and ice water!" (she wanted ice cream)

"I want to get some money and you won't let me do a lemonade stand and I don't find money on the ground that often, so this is a problem!"

Recital

2011-09-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

Addi and I performed our third piano recital.

No videos this time, I couldn't find my video camera in the 2.5 minutes I gave myself to look for it.

It might be better this way however, I had the recital on my schedule for next week...I would have done better then.

It really wasn't so bad I just get so nervous. Addi did wonderfully of course.

She played "Angry Alligator" and "Book of Mormon Stories"

I played Polovtsian Dances from "Prince Igor" it was a duet with Vicky (Randall's Mom)...she saved me!

I'm surprised I look so serene, my fingers were shaking right off the end of my hands.

I'd Take Books Over Jewlery Any Day

2011-09-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

Only in Utah

2011-09-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know what to say about this...

Nearly There

2011-09-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

I finished my last long training run this Saturday...it didn't go super well.

(I only went 14 when I should have done 18, nobody tell Ben please, I just needed a little Ibuprofen...I think)

But I've found that I do best when I go into something like this will a little doubt.

Pennant Banner

2011-08-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law wanted me to make a pennant banner for my niece's birthday coming up.

I really like how it turned out.

However, I don't feel like you can get the full effect from these pictures...you'll just have to come to the party and see it.

First Day of School

2011-08-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

Addi's first day of first grade was really last week. I've been trying to get these pictures up here and yelling at blogger

...and wouldn't you know...user error.

I forgot that I had my settings all funky from this family photo shoot I did. (samples later)

Anyway, here she is in all her shining first grade glory.

This is the first year for her to ride the bus and to bring her lunch to school, she couldn't be more excited.

She is in a Chinese dual immersion program where she is taught in Chinese (Math and Science) the first part of the day and English (English and Social Studies) the second part of the day.

She is loving it, and doing quite well, from what Chinese speaking family members tell me.

My contemplative child.

...and on to first grade with nary a backward glance.

And now you are asking yourself what is Angi doing with all of that delicious free time, now that her one and only child is in school 7 hours of the day...well I'll tell you.

I just got a part-time job as an administrative assistant (I'm a good typer)

I'm getting close to my marathon so my training runs take about 1-2 hours a day.

(I have to do those before the sun comes up so I can be back, showered and ready before I have to get Addi ready and her piano practiced before school because Grandma teaches lessons all afternoon.)

I also keep practicing my piano and I am a slow learner I think because it takes me at least an hour every day.

Then with whatever time is left (the hour between when I get off work and when Addi comes home) I do my new duties as the Primary President.

That'll be a decade.

2011-08-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

After 10 years, our life is being held together by spit and prayers.

But there's no one I'd rather be spitting and praying with.

Grandmother's Apricots

2011-08-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

My Grandmother has a very large orchard with lots of fruit. Because of our cool spring everything is about 4 weeks late.

So we just made some Apricot freezer jam this week.

Addi made sure no pits made it into the jam.

Mashing is next, layer by layer. It takes some muscles.

Then you stir in the sugar and pectin.

Fill up the jars and...

Presto!

Deliciousness.

Pioneer Day

2011-08-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

Another great party at Kris' House.

The family gathered for a 24th of July Celebration

We had a typical BBQ with Creamies for dessert.

Then we had a pioneer re-enactment with "Sarah Mary Williams" pulling the wagon

Then we all gathered out front for some more entertaining fireworks.

Marni got all the kids glow sticks.

This is Addi's "Glow Stick" Dance

Boss of Camp

2011-08-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

I was the Camp Director this year for the 12-18 year-old girls in my ward.

We had an amazing time, these girls are really awesome.

I should clarify that I use the term "camp" in a very loose sense of the word.

When we arrived at the amazing cabin we stayed in, our amazing cooks had lunch prepared and set out... along with a table full of treats that stayed there for the duration.

We did tons of fun activities, here we are doing some team-building games.

This is me with my little chicks, I kept calling them chicks as I constantly counted them making sure I hadn't lost one.

And the trust falls...oh man the trust falls.

These became a big deal.

I was so excited that I'd actually come up with an activity that the girl's had never done before. It did make it a little scary for me when I was demonstrating. I just hoped they'd catch on. Of course they did.

Falling was another matter, some girls fell right back others took a minute or two and one took almost 2 hours (not an exaggeration) and didn't do it. We were all disappointed about that. However, there was a very inspiring little story about a girl in our ward who is hearing impaired. She was very nervous to begin with, and when she turned her back to us she couldn't hear us encouraging her and cheering her on. After a minute or two she fell back and you could just see how excited she was that she did it. It was cool.

We spent a day at the lake...I'm a hard working camp director as you can see.

We played an amazing game of ultimate frisbee in the water, and started what would become a marathon game of Phase 10 (It finally wrapped up at 1:00 the next morning).

We visited a local cave. It was very cool with lots of interesting formations. And a spiritual message accompanying...of course.

SKITS!

The Skits were awesome. Our "leader" skit was great, thanks to Vicki the mastermind behind it.

Here's a link to the video, you might have to turn up the volume, we were having some technical difficulties.

Our camp was kind of all about the bracelets.

The girls got a commemorative bracelet after every activity or experience as a reminder of what they had learned.

One very amazing thing that I CAN NOT BELIEVE I DIDN'T GET A PICTURE OF is when my dear friend Saydi came and gave us an amazing devotional on the last morning. I think her whole talk was for me, I really got a lot out of it and I'm so thankful she was able to come. I was so excited to see her and visit for just a minute, I've really missed her.

I think it was a success.

I'm done for this year.

Hopefully I'll have moved by next year...it was a lot of work!

Foam Day...did not turn out so foamy..

2011-08-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

...because Addi said it was stinky. I made her stand in it to get just a few pictures before we retreated to the fire trucks spraying water.

She preferred the water as you see...shocker I know.

Gabi, showing off her newly developed bubble blowing skills.

They took a breather from the water to perform some acrobatics.

Watermelon on the way out. But the fun doesn't stop there!

We went to Ashley's for some more fun in the water.

...and some pizza.

good day.

Children's Parade

2011-08-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

Our stake was invited to participate in the 24th of July Children's Parade, which is actually held a week before the actual 24th of July Parade.

Our amazing neighbors constructed the float and Addi and I went down and helped with it one day.

Our theme was "Press on in Service"

So everyone was walking around with "service props"

Addi and her neighborhood friends.

Addi is an expert waver.

Really, she never stopped waving.

Bennion East Stake Float.

(Poor Moroni on the top of the temple didn't make it through the parade, a telephone wire sliced him right off the top.)

The Fourth

2011-08-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

Addi and I made this festive cake together.

It looks good now, save the one stray blueberry but when we ate it we piled on more fruit...it's better that way.

Addi and her Aunt Savannah who is six months older than Addi.

Randall and Ryan manning the grill.

One of the food tables...we had really great food and so much fun talking with everyone.

Addi, dreaming of a toy she will never have, but loves to sit in when we visit Kris' house.

You can see the real deal in the background (sort of) and Kris takes all of these screaming crazy girls on rides around his neighborhood. They LOVE it!

The way to a girls heart is through a four-wheeler...apparently.

Look at all those girls!

Addi is in heaven when we all get together.

Kris has this fancy bubble machine, Addi has her shoulders weird, and then my battery died.

We had a great time none the less and shot off some of those "now legal in Utah" fireworks.
They were awesome!

Liberty Park Meet -25 Freestyle

2011-07-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

I'm only posting one race from this meet so you all don't get bored of seeing meets
...but that is a first place folks.

Watermelon

2011-07-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

Nothing better than cold watermelon on a hot summer day.

Displaying the watermelon to it's best advantage.

Addi and her cousin Ashley...they think they're pretty hilarious.

FHE Picking Peas

2011-06-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

Randall's parents (the benevolent souls who let us live in their basement) have a huge garden where they raise

corn, potatoes, tomatoes, squashes, cucumbers, onions, garlic, chard, spinach...the list goes on.

Anyway, we get to help tend the garden and then, enjoy the bounty.

And on Monday night those peas needed pickin'!

And once picked you must pod and preserve.

The hands of an experienced podder.

First Meet

2011-06-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

Ever since we pulled Addi out of her pre-comp team and started private technique lessons with Casey and Dad, she has been looking forward to this day.

Her FIRST SWIM MEET!!

We put her on a little county team, the Stingrays, and she's loving it.

Her cousins came to cheer her on, she's pointing out her events on the heat sheet.

She is in the 8 and under category and the only 6 year-old in the meet.

Just before her first race, they called out her name and lane and she saluted the crowd with a hearty wave.

On her mark...waiting for the buzzer...

And she's off!

This is her first race, a 25 Yard Freestyle.

I don't want to brag but all those girls behind her are 8...I'm just saying...

Second race, 25 Yard Breaststroke, she was smiling nearly every time she came up for air.

This is her third and final event the 50 Free

This was a combined heat so that little pink cap is her and everyone else is between 8 and 10 years-old...I just feel like I can't reiterate that enough...because I'm a bragger I guess.

Home stretch.

Meet...accomplished.

Second place in every event...not too shabby.

25 Free

2011-06-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Riding

2011-06-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

So in this case it's more like sitting (Temmy didn't have her saddle on) but Addi is excited none the less to hang out with Amy and her horses under any condition.

Luckily we had Uncle Ryan there to help her mount.

Life just seems so much better from the top of a horse.

Visiting the new colt Domingo.

A Tiny Step In The Right Direction

2011-06-12T22:47:00.000-07:00

I feel a little obliged to mention the mini-job Randall started this week.

First, I just wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and leads. We appreciate it so much.

He got a clerking job at a firm here in the land of milk and honey...Provo to be exact.

They, said they only needed him part-time but he's been there full-time so far.

It pays next to nothing.

But it is really great experience in a law he loves to do, so that's good.

Also good, there is some real potential here, once we go through the whole bar thing again....for Utah this time.

Wheeler Farm

2011-06-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

We were looking for some fun and free entertainment for our balmy (NOT-it was cold) Memorial Day.

My brother and his wife and little girl came up and we went to the good old Wheeler Farm.

(disclaimer: I think this is the only picture with an animal in it because I find the same photographic problem here as I do in zoos. Either you get your child facing YOU (not looking at the animal behind them, thus not capturing their reaction good/bad/funny/amazed/amused, etc. of the animal) and the animal behind them or you get the animal, and the back of your child's head...also not getting the aforementioned reaction. This is an ongoing dilemma for me and I would love any suggestions to, as they say, have my cake and eat it to.)

I realize that this is both the back of the heads and no animals but I still think it's cute.

I have a very similar picture of myself in this spot when I was about Addi's age but since I don't have a scanner I can't put it up here...someday I'm going to have a scanner and you'll all be so amazed at my cuteness...and then wonder where all that cuteness went.

Garage Sale

2011-06-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

We had 2 yard sales going on on our street this weekend.

Addi and Ashley thought they would take advantage of the yard sale traffic.

They put together a good assortment of items and set up shop.

They worked very hard and put a lot of thought into the pricing of the items.

As you see these items are not cheap!

You may notice a small pink horse near the bottom left corner of the table. She's going for $12.

When I asked them about the price they both looked up at me and in unison insisted,

"It's worth it!"

Then when I asked what exactly was that red plastic item bottom right center on the table going for $13.

Addi informed me that she didn't know what it went to but if she didn't know what it was then it was "going for a high price!"

They waved and shouted and flagged people down.

(this is Addi's stressed face, there was a car coming and she was afraid I was going to take too long taking the picture and she would miss a potential customer)

They accumulated $3 for there trouble.

$2 of that from a lady who said they made her laugh and deserved something for that.

And in case you are wondering that sign says that this garage sale is open 24 hours a day!

So come on down any time.

SRO

2011-06-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

I came in to check on Addi's practicing and it was standing room only!

Then, I may have mentioned that she needed to re-do that song and...she melted.

We go through this once or twice during a practice session and I have found that we are both to blame.

So we came to an agreement.

I have agreed to soften my tone and not get frustrated while correcting mistakes and she as agreed to graciously accept correction...we are both practicing if not perfecting our parts of the bargain.

She really does love to play and when she masters a song she is very proud of herself and loves to perform for anyone who will listen.

Picnic Blanket

2011-05-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

I put this top together about 2 years ago, before I left Boston (I can't believe it's been that long).

I just used unusable scraps from projects I'd done. I love the randomness and all of the colors.

I have a friend here with a machine quilter and she let me use it for this blanket...I really like how it turned out.

It just makes me happy to look at it.

I still need to do the binding around the edges but that should be a snap.

I used a bed sheet for the back, which I'm pretty sure is against the quilter's creed, but it wasn't big enough so I added this delightful birthday fabric down the center.

We're excited for many-a-picnic this summer...now if we could just get it to stop raining...

Zoo Field Trip

2011-05-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry for keeping that other post at the top for so long. Here are some pictures from Addi's Kindergarten field trip to the zoo.

This is Addi and her good friend riding on the bus to the zoo...possibly the highlight of the day.

Studying the map.

High on the list of preferred animals; "apes", alligators, snakes.

Our dear friends treated us to a train ride around the zoo. They're moving to the East Coast in a few weeks...without us!!! No, we're thrilled for them.

Panic is Setting In.

2011-05-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

In a few weeks we will mark 1 year of joblessness...and panic is setting in.

I'm thinking perhaps one of three things is happening:

1. The Lord is letting nature run its course--probably.

2. We are having our expectations lowered (ala Jeff Shumway) so that we'll be happy with a low paying job in an unrelated field--possible.

3. We are just "paying our dues" up front for some fabulous, 'perfect for our family' job to be coming when the time is perfectly perfect.--Not Bloody Likely.

The reason we are alive and treading as well as we are now is because of the pure love and generosity of our family and friends.

You've given us a place to live,

paid our bills,

given us opportunities to earn a little money here and there,

even treated us to outings,

encouraged us,

and in many humbling instances just handed us cash money.

I keep a list in my heart and in my little red book.

I always want to remember your acts of love and selflessness in our hour(s) of need.

It is my responsibility never to forget what this feels like.

I hope it will make me more compassionate, less judgmental, more understanding.

Now we are asking you one more favor.

If you hear of a job, or know anyone we could talk to, please let us know.

Now for your entertainment a list of our odd jobs to date.

folded, stuffed, stamped and sealed 6,000 letters a week (for 4 weeks)

babysitting...lots of babysitting

Randall worked in shipping for an art company during Christmas

I've sold some of my crafts (aprons, lens pets, etc.)

Taught swimming lessons

Taught sewing lessons
I shot my first wedding reception

We clean a dental office on the weekends

I Can NOT Believe I Forgot To Post This

2011-05-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

My brother had an Easter egg hunt at his house this year.

Candy eggs for the kids and eggs with cold hard cash for the adults.

My big, little brother walked away with $7

But I'm afraid I was the winner! I found the golden egg taped to the chimney of his house.

$50!

(That's a lot of money for me.)

Here is a picture for those of you who are amused by my long, flailing limbs.

I forget just how long and flailing they are until I see pictures like these...or videos from ward talent shows.

Sledding

2011-05-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

We went sledding in the ravine behind my Mom's house a few months back.

Although,as far as the weather is concerned, this could have been yesterday.

Yes, that is an outhouse.

Izze was nervous, so I went down with her, we slipped right off the end of the sled.

And you'll notice how careful I am with my camera.

Addi coming down the track with one cousin and two aunts...

I have such a wonderful sister who will sit and take pictures of my tom-foolery for just as long as I like.

These are my snow-cheerleader jumps.

I believe the technical term for this jump is a "hurkey"

Disneyland

2011-04-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

We spent last week in the "Happiest Place on Earth."

We really had a fantastic time, we didn't want to leave.

We rode on almost every ride (Tower of Terror topping the favorites list).

Addi got a book full of autographs.

And I got the overall family high score of 152,500 points on the Toy Story 2 ride...

So...Great Vacation!

48 Hours from Now...

2011-04-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

We'll be in the happiest place on earth.

Grandma and Grandpa are treating the whole family to a 4-day Disney Vacation!

As part of our preparations Addi and I made an autograph book for the characters to sign.

She is pleased as punch about it, and honestly so am I.

It is just the sort of thing I would have loved at her age.

The Cat is Out of the Bag

2011-04-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have begun training for a marathon at the end of the summer.

I wasn't really telling anyone (except Randall and my brother-in-law Ben who tells me how far to run every day) because I was a little embarrassed.

I am not a "REAL" runner.

I am not intending to become a "REAL" runner.

I just want to try it out and see if I like it.

This Saturday Ben convinced me to run 5K.

And once Addi found out, the cat, as they say, was out of the bag.

It was really fun.

(please excuse the photography, the blur in the middle is me)

This is my pre-race stance.

It psychs out the other runners.

This is me displaying my confidence level to the crowd.

I. MEAN. BUSINESS.

At the very end I did a really spectacular jump that Randall took a picture of...or would have, if the lens cap hadn't been on....I'm bummed because I really gave it my all on that jump.

That's right baby coming in 301st out of 1,574 runners!!

Those are my VICTORY arms.

(I even hit my goal of going under 30min. --29:14 yea!)

I'm kind of making fun of it here but it felt good...

add 23.1 more miles and I don't know how good I'll be feeling.

I'll let you know at the end of the summer.

A Menagerie

2011-04-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

My good friend commissioned some lens pets.

These little guys are, as we speak, on their way to sunny, beautiful Hawaii.

I wish I was on my way to sunny, beautiful Hawaii.

As usual please ignore the blurry pictures, or don't, it's becoming my trademark.

It is not super easy to take a picture you aren't looking at and the mirror is dirty...just by way of announcement.

I also did a few ring cushions and I did a whole photo shoot with them at Addi's school while waiting for her to come out for pick-up.

Doubtless entertaining all of the car poolers.

Randall says I should stop being encouraged. And to this I say....

WHAT??!!

6 Year-Old Females in Their Natural Habitat

2011-04-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

On a delicious spring day (the one right before the snow storm) these two females of the species took a blanket and a plate of grapes, strawberries and carrots out to a secluded patch of grass to picnic.

The could be seen leaning towards each other talking, munching, whispering and giggling.

They tried to lure birds with bits of fruit and whistles.

They had infinite things to say, beautiful sunshine to enjoy and the best air to breath.

They stayed in this paradisaical state for as long as possible, which was a long time indeed.

Spring Planting

2011-04-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

...has begun!

Addi is putting in a row of Walla Walla's under Grandpa's tutelage

She takes her responsibilities in the garden very seriously and has since, helped plant 5 rows of potatoes.

Of which, she did one row all by herself.

Much more planting, weeding and hopefully harvesting ahead!

The Easter Bunny Came Early This Year

2011-04-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

One of the few, if any, perks to having spent thousands and thousands of dollars at the University of Washington bookstore last year was the surprise rebate card they sent.

The minuscule percentage of the money we spent there added up to $110!

So, we bought a bunch of books for Addi and now our Easter Bunny duties are DONE!!

I couldn't help ordering one or two for myself.

I know I've recommended The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie before so I won't go into that.

But the fact that I liked the series enough to begin collecting it should tell you something.

As it happens I'm half-way through another wonderfully amazing book about another girl with an unusual name and a passion for science (sans murders however) that I just love.

Kitchen Help

2011-03-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

Verdict: The goggles helped.

Blimey!

2011-03-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

All shamrocked out on the way to school this morning.

We were also rocking the Celtic knot accessories.

Mine, (left) is the "Tree of Life" knot and Addi's is a heart...

If it doesn't look like a heart I take full responsibility, the tutorials I used were awesome!

I was just called as the Camp Director in my ward and after we learn our basic knots we're going to knock out some of these bad boys.

If I would turned my wrist over, you would see a perfect square knot...so I'm bona fide!

Craft Therapy

2011-03-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. --President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

...even if it is just a few ring cushions made with bits of fabric and hot glue.

These little beauties should come in very handy. I am always sewing with a mouth full of pins.

I am keeping the yellow one for myself.

The other three are traveling thither and yon to good, nice homes.

...while I was out.

2011-03-04T22:35:00.000-08:00

I haven't been blogging much.

I'm in a bit of a curious place.

And...

There really hasn't been anything new to report.

It's a little tiring and frankly a little depressing to keep saying:

No news,

No prospects,

No job.

I try to find ways to "escape."

I do all I can do, I do all I must do and then, I leave.

Not physically, of course but my mind takes leave of this place.

I have been reading like crazy.

Escaping into other lives and stories.

It is a strange sensation, a little jarring really to look up from a book and realize:

Oh! Wait! I'm still here.

So while a multi-media recommendation list is probably not what you were hoping to find here today...

tough cookies.

The first item on the list is not a book at all, it's a movie.

It's called Temple Grandin.

The true story of the real Temple Grandin.

She is amazing and so inspiring.

When I try to explain the movie or tell what it's about it always comes out sounding a little flat.

She's an autistic woman who works with cattle.

Not the sexiest scenario, I know, but I'm telling you this lady rocks!

The best part is, it's all true...

It is the story of an autistic woman who works with cattle.

And you must see it.

Now to the books:

Numbers 2 and 3 in the Flavia de Luce series.

The Weed That Strings The Hangman's Bag and A Red Herring Without Mustard, respectively.

These are every bit as good as the first one.

(The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie)

I don't know, I just can't get over them, they are as addicting as candy.

I've developed a habit of writing out clever quotes and phrases from the books in my notebook.

And I am trying desperately to add some Flavia's aphorisms into my own repertoire.

“It was enough to make an archangel spit.”

...see what I mean.

"It was the "dear" that brought me snapping back. A "dear" or "dearie" to me is about as welcome as a bullet to the brain. I've had places reserved in the ha'penny seats of hell for people who address me in this way."

Now for the classics.

I may have mentioned this before but I believe my education in the realm of classic literature was poor.

I woke up one day and realized I hadn't read much classic literature at all.

So I decided to remedy that situation immediately.

And as I have endeavored to do so, I have found 4 things that inspire me to keep going.

1. As I am reading these books I keep thinking, "wow this book is so amazing, everyone should read this." and then I think, "HELLO!! everyone has, that's why they call it a CLASSIC." --apparently I am not so bright.

2. I am never offended or shocked by vulgar tirades or crude language or explicit scenes

...because there aren't any.

I have closed many a "modern" book, sometimes even on the first few pages because of innapropriate words, themes or scenes. It's sad really, you'd think that a "writer" would have a larger vocabulary.

3. I'm actually kind of glad that I am reading them now, in my old age for the first time. I feel like I understand, and come to understand much more and on more levels than I would if I were reading Steinbeck at age 15.

4. I love how relevant these works are. I love the observations of human nature, it never changes. I see people I know, and myself, in these characters that are sometimes hudreds of years old.

So...

In my continuing quest to read as much classic literature as possible I have now added these few titles to my list.

Anne of Green Gables

L.M. Montgomery

I have this exact copy and I could not stop admiring it while I read.

"Oh Marilla, looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them, you mayn't get the things themselves; but nothing can prevent you from having the fun of looking forward to them."

Lately, I've been on a bit of a melancholia kick.

Possibly because of my current relationship with the theme.

But I've always loved sad songs best so...

As I Lay Dying

William Faulkner

"Sometimes I loose faith in human nature for a time; I am assailed by doubt. But always the Lord Restores my faith and reveals to me His bounteous love for His creatures."

Les Miserables

Victor Hugo

"What is said about men often has as much influence upon their lives and especially upon their destinies, as what they do."

"Behind living on little, lies the art of living on nothing. They are two rooms; the first is obscure, the second is utterly dark."

Maybe next time I'll have something more fun and exciting.

I hope so.

V-day Kindergarten Style

2011-02-18T21:07:00.000-08:00

I was the last minute and unoffical boss of the Kindergarten Valentine's Day party.

Mrs. P already had all of the activities lined up. I just needed to put a snack together and recruit mothers to help.

It was going to look much cuter but apparently the school does not allow balloons because of latex allergies... but peanut butter?...that's fine bring it on in.

The office ladies and I got into it a little about that little inconsistency.

Anyway, the snack was a hit (heart shaped sandwiches and pretzels).

And tons of moms came... so mission accomplished.

Snack table

Valentine Bingo

Valentine delivery duty.

Lately all of my pictures have been blurry, I'm sure you've noticed.

But apparently I'm too indifferent to fix my poor photography skills.

I just feel like it's something I don't want to worry about right now...this is just my blurry period.

Presenting "Horse and Rider" Performed by Addi

2011-02-18T19:55:00.000-08:00

Second Recital...still very much a beginner.

2011-02-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

Birthday Gift

2011-02-13T21:24:00.000-08:00

Three classic children's novels (second-hand though they may be) and a vintage picture book.

Sure winners in either Boston or Seattle but in fancy schmancy Utah...I'm a little nervous.

Mom & Me

2011-01-29T16:25:00.000-08:00

I am usually NOT the matchy-matchy "mommy and me" type gal.

But I saw a little girl with huge pockets on her skirt and I had to try and duplicate them.

Since Addi and I both have more skirts than you can shake a stick at I made aprons.

(Of which we also have an astounding number--but you don't really grow out of aprons-- at least that was my excuse.)

These little babies were just the ticket to brighten up our dull, wintry routine.

Yes, I made matching headbands with the scraps.

We were so inspired by our new domestic duds, we decided to make whole wheat cinnamon rolls.

Addi insisted that we wear our aprons to the store to pick up the one or two things we needed for the rolls.

This little piggy...

2011-01-20T22:09:00.000-08:00

...needed some more hooded towels

And I was happy to oblige.

Her mom picked out all the towels and cloths.

(which is the hardest part for me... because I don't know what people like...or if they'll like what I like...or if I should just go with a boring standard to be safe...or...you see what I mean)

Anyway, color choice crisis averted, little M now has 4 cozy towels ready for bath time...

...which I hear is great but I wouldn't know because I have an unfounded, irrational, yet gripping fear of baths...I don't even like to put my feet in. Truth.

Ice Castles

2011-01-20T21:54:00.000-08:00

For FHE this week we went up to Midway with two of my brothers to see the fancy Ice Castles.

Even though our recent "heat wave" has diminished them a little they were still very impressive.

My brother Kris is overcome by the "Country Party Mix" CD that they were playing at the near-by ice rink.

He simply had to break into a line dance...I joined of course.

I was just overcome by the spectacle.

Our best -cousin- photo.

Group shot.

We all went back to the car for hot chocolate and not wanting the evening to end we drove down the canyon for some food. We had a really great time being together. Yay FHE.

She's 6 Folks!

2011-01-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

...and I bet you can't guess how she feels about it.

For the party we invited a house (Ashley's again) full of cousins!

Blowing out the candles.

After the food we all headed over to a local bounce house.

We walked in and didn't see the children again for 2 hours!

My kind of party.

Here's Addi with Mr. Monkey Island himself.

Minute to Win It

2011-01-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

We all met up at my sister's house for a New Year's Celebration.

We ate and ate and ate a terrible, decadent, sinful, glorious spread that included:

Homemade Italian sodas, shrimp, hot wings, cucumber-boursin-tomato bites, chocolate cheese ball, artichoke dip...to name a few.

All too delicious apparently, to get a picture before it disappeared

Then to put a dent in the calories we played Minute to Win It-Boys against Girls.

Where we went head to head in MTWI games.

By the end no one was keeping score we were all just having fun with the challenges.

Here is Randall blowing Christmas cards to the end of the counter top trying to get them to land with the front flap over the edge of the counter top and the back flap resting on the top of the counter. He went up against Rhi and neither could do it. Randall did it once but not "on the field of competition."

Ben and me going head to head in the stack the golf ball challenge.

We were only stacking 2 -not 3 like the show.

Game face.

I really couldn't believe I did it!

Randall tried to get three...no dice! HA!

I went up against Kris (not pictured) in the pull all the tissues out of the box with one hand.

The kids you ask?

Randall was a genius, he made up "games" of cleaning up the messes our challenges made...

And they even did it in under 1 minute!

We were all home and in bed by 9:00 watching movies.

My kind of New Year.

Pre-Comp Baby!!

2011-01-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

Addi has worked very hard in swimming lessons since September.

And she has now advanced to Pre-Comp!

(Pre-Comp is pre-competition swim team, where you work on your strokes and endurance in preparation for a club team)

Happy as a clam on her first day.

Pre-workout warm-ups and stretching.

It is rare that she is the "little kid" in a group of other children, but yes those huge creatures are her fellows.

Chatting at the wall.

Kicking drills.

She is loving it so far, despite the little difficulty of learning to read the timer.

I don't like to gush but she is quite good and has a natural feel for the water.

I am both excited and exhausted at the thought of many an hour spent at the pool and at meets.

I thought I was done with all that after going to so many of my brother and sister's meets

It's a good thing I love to read.

Christmas In A Nutshell

2010-12-31T11:38:00.000-08:00

We do gingerbread houses every year...it's a tradition.

Usually I bake the gingerbread, whip the royal frosting and separate the candy in little bowls for easy access.

I'm ashamed to say that this year we did store-bought!!

I think Addi's tired, almost bedraggled look sums up our gingerbread experience this year.

Perhaps we'll have more energy and motivation next year.

On Christmas Eve we had our stolen Jerusalem Dinner Tradition.

Here are the kids:

There were 3 Mary's, 2 shepherds, 1 wise girl, and 1 Donkey

Loving Ryan, Rhi, and Maeva's outfits.

Here's everyone, that lone chair in the front is not for Elijah, it's for Maeva who liked her Mom's arms better...go figure.

Kid's Table

We ate delicious middle-eastern fare on the ground lounging on cushions.

Not Pictured: Nativity re-enactment with 3 Mary's

Cousin gift exchange

Sibling THEMED gift exchange (I was worried that people wouldn't get into their themes but I was pleasantly proven dead wrong!)

"Santa"

(She knows, yes by choice)

Left a Teddy Bear, Sewing Machine and Notions.

Christmas morning stitching.

First 2 projects:

Skirt (she wore it to church the next day)

And a pillow for her Dad.

Before & After

2010-12-31T11:12:00.000-08:00

My mom wanted a small table and chair set for her upstairs play room.

The one from IKEA is $90 total.

I went to one of my favorite stores, The House of DI

(D.I. to the lay person)

And for $20 and a few trips to different locations I got this rag-tag bunch.

Add 2 cans of spray paint a little foam and scrap fabric and this is what I cam up with:

I liked it.

Some Enchanted Evening

2010-12-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

Addi and I went with my sister to the Tabernacle Choir Concert with David Archuleta.

We got tickets from my Mother's cousin who is in the choir and wanted to make our acquaintance.

The concert was really great. Addi loved every second of it.

We were to meet him (Mother's cousin) and his brothers with their spouses after the concert.

And so as we were clapping at the end of the concert, after David's last number Addi said, "Are we going to meet him?" (thinking David Archuleta) and I said, "Yes." (thinking Mother's Cousin)

She got so excited and exclaimed she couldn't wait to meet David Archilada.

I had to dash her hopes a little there, but she was excited to go to a restaurant and get a hot chocolate at 10:00pm!!!

We had a great time getting to know our extended (very extended) family and didn't leave until around 11:00pm.

We walked back to our parking garage and what do you know, the door was locked for the night.

So we tried to get in through another door...not the right garage.

At this point my calm and trusting daughter (not) begins to panic.

We decide that we'd just walk up the ramp where we drove in.

We got half-way up the ramp and the big steel doors slammed shut.

At this point Addi deteriorates into hysterics and starts screaming:

"EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY! SOMEBODY HELP US! EMERGENCY!"

I try to calm her, I use my most soothing words in my most soothing voice and nothing.

We finally go back to the original door and get buzzed in by the night guard.

It is then that we realize that we don't remember which level we parked on.

So we just pushed every button in the elevator and I would hold the door while Ashley would run out and look for our car.

Finally on the fourth level Ashley waved us on and Addi bolted out of the elevator expostulating with relief and exhaustion.

As we got in the car she cried, said she never wanted to go to Salt Lake City again and fell asleep.

Ashley and I couldn't stop laughing the whole way home.

Straying From the Pattern

2010-12-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

I was lying in bed this morning "pondering"... Randall would call it "still sleeping." I was thinking about what I was going to wear to church and I decided on an outfit and 3" heels.

Now as many of you know I am 6' tall and of course if you add the 3 extra inches I'll be 6'3".

Every time I wear high heels I get comments about my height and I'm not sure how to respond.

Thank You?

I know?

Sorry?

As I was thinking about this I was wondering why I should feel like I should not wear what I want because of my body type. I thought of shorter girls that wear heels to be taller and tall girls who only wear flats (and sometimes even slouch!!) to appear shorter. Everyone trying to meet in the middle at some "perfect" point.

Then I thought, there is no such point.

I strapped on my high heels, threw my shoulders back and marched to church.

Not slouching once while standing and singing with the choir at least a head taller than everyone else.

And to those pesky height commenters out there I say:

"I can't help how short you are."

It takes courage to stray from norms and patterns and I'll give you another example.

My dear friend wanted some aprons for Christmas gifts.

She told me that she liked some of the aprons from Anthropologie...

This apron from Anthropologie:

Now I am usually a stick to the pattern type gal.

If you just stick to the pattern it will all turn out OK in the end.

Well Anthropologie doesn't give out their patterns...if you can believe it.

So I decided to try and make it up as I went along and...

Now please ignore the terrible lighting and bulky pajamas.

I think they're going to look great on the skinny-mini's that are receiving them.

I am always quite critical of my work and I could have spent days on these making every stitch perfect but I think they turned out well, and I hope the receivers like them.

Then for a little surprise I sent my friend some of these camera lens pets.

She is an amazing photographer, and I thought she might be able to use them when she shoots children.

(with her camera of course)

I nicked the idea from someone's etsy shop.

Octopus

Monster

Frog

More Homelessness

2010-12-10T11:37:00.000-08:00

I didn't want to post these pictures earlier, because I didn't want to spoil the Christmas card.

But I think most people have received them so here is some more homelessness.

This dumpster was beautifully un-staged, and it just happened to have a dead Christmas Tree hanging out of it.

A Christmas Miracle...possibly.

I might be driven to the drink

Great-Great Grandmother Sanders

2010-12-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

Addi's Great-great Grandmother just moved from Southern to Northern Utah.

We are happy that we are going to be able to visit more often.

This was Addi's first time meeting her double great Grandmother.

Third Place Goes To...

2010-12-05T22:43:00.000-08:00

So the story goes like this:

Addi was minding her own business in Kindergarten Friday.

When the Principal got on the intercom and started to announce the Reflections Contest winners.

All of a sudden out of the clear blue sky, Addi heard her name, she jumped out of her chair and started asking,

"What do I do? Where do I go? They just said my name. What do I do?"

At the end of the Principal's announcement she said that the prizes would be delivered to the winners' classrooms.

And was this little third place winner of the K-2nd grade Literature division ever thrilled.

In the car on the way home from school she said,

"When I found out that I won, I felt like I could cry, happy cry. But I didn't. I still feel like I could cry right now. But I won't because I don't want to."

Then later that day:

"Can somebody calm me down, I need somebody to calm me down, I'm just so excited, can somebody please calm me down."

Her Prize

Two certificates

(one participation, one third place)

Ribbon

Free Happy Meal from McDonalds

1 free pass to Clark Planetarium

Third Place Winning Story

(Theme: Together We Can)

My Friends Help

By Adelaide Wood

Today when I was at school I was climbing up the play car and I fell down. And my friends gathered around me cause I skinned my knee and my friend Abby in my class helped me go to the teacher's room. My Mom didn't know where the bandaids are because it was her work day at school. She stuffs envelopes for the children. My teacher wasn't back cause she went somewhere in the school. But then when I cam in from recess I asked my teacher if she had any band-aids. And she said, "yes." And my owie was feeling better. By Addi.

(incidentally this is a true story)

Banned Art

2010-12-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

As you may or may not be aware we are living with Randall's parents while we look for a job.
This is the same home that he grew up in.

One day we were having a conversation in the laundry room (when it's not your house you have to hide to have a private conversation).

During our discussion Randall was playing with some cupboard doors when he had a flash-back. He said he used to love to draw on the insides of the cupboard doors and sure enough...

A Randall Wood original circa 1981.

She asked for...

2010-12-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

a Teddy Bear.

Tis the Season

2010-12-05T20:58:00.000-08:00

We're gearing up for the holidays.

Addi and I are both practicing Christmas carols with our piano lessons.

Truth be told, she's doing much better than me.

Then we hauled the pre-lit, pre-frosted tree from the shed to decorate.

She put up every ornament single-handedly whilst whistling Christmas songs.

S to the N-O-W!!

2010-12-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

Addi was deprived of snow last year in Seattle and she's eating it up...literally, this year!

Luckily we've had a few big storms to accommodate her needs.

It tastes just like marshmallows!

If you like that sweet cap you're not alone, Addi loves it.

Grandpa Wood coached track at Kearns High School in the 60's

The caps came with the sweat pants.

A Funny Thing Happened on the way to December

2010-12-04T15:12:00.000-08:00

November was a blur...

We celebrated my parents' birthday on the 16th.

They were born on the same day...5 years apart.

Growing up I thought I had to find someone with my birthday to marry.

"Excuse me sir, were you born on December 11th?"

My Dad is also a twin, he's never had his own birthday.

I helped out at the Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast.

Each child chose an American Indian name to represent them.

Addi was "Whistling Bird"

There was much leaf clean-up to be done, even in the garage.

Next was Thanksgiving.

But before I could enjoy it I had to make 15 aprons.

They were a special order from a customer at a consignment shop I work with.

I was up many a wee hour to finish those things.

Unfortunately I did not get a picture, it was quite an impressive stack, but I think I was so done looking at them I was just happy to get them off my hands....and the check in my pocket!

Me, Addi and my sweet Grandmother who tells it like it is.

Then the day after Thanksgiving my brother got married!

(and since you're wondering, no, he never makes a normal face in pictures)

So on top of all of those aprons I also made me and my sisters these ravishing skirts.

And all of the "little girls" these skirts and hair clips.

The same night we had a small Arlington Ward get together with some of our friends. It was so nice to see them again and just hang out like it was in the good old days. I don't have any pictures of that either but I'm hoping to swipe a few from EP.

UPDATE:
EP came through!!!

Here she is with us, no, that is not our red-headed stepchild.

Julie, Ellen, Angi...just looking good!

Arlington Girls

One Down...

2010-11-15T19:23:00.000-08:00

When that little tooth started to wiggle it didn't stand a chance.

She worked on that thing for nearly 48 hours straight.

And at long last, in the middle of a turkey sandwich, out it came.

As per Addi's request Ms. Tooth Fairy left the tooth.

And she also left a shiny gold dollar.

I tell ya, that Tooth Fairy is a good one to have on your side.

Halloween

2010-11-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

Boy Howdy! It seems like we've had more Halloween festivities this year than you could shake a stick at. Between school, family and neighborhood parties I've had more soup and chili than I care to mention.

Addi wanted to be Hermione "Ranger" this year...I took a few artistic liberties.

And here we have AIR WOOD you're local church ballah.

He won best costume for this beauty at the family party.

Nothing but...well...air.

I brought back my 80's costume as a Jazzercise instructor.

I made a microphone head set and everything and then I forgot it in the car!!!

TRICK-OR-TREATING

These girls are ready for any danger...or treats that lay ahead.

Addi and her friends ran between every house. It's a good idea I think, you burn the calories before you get the candy and then you're too tired to eat it when you get home.

Happy Halloween.

Grandpa's Orchard

2010-10-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

My Grandpa Gourley passed away or "croaked" as he would be pleased to phrase it, 9 years ago next month. He and my Grandmother have lived in the same home since before I was born. It is directly under the "G" on the mountain in Pleasant Grove, Utah. He used to tell us that the "G" stood for Gourley. And it may well be true. It was his father who put it up there in the first place while he was Principal at PG High. My Grandpa later became the Principal at PG High.

Behind their home is a large orchard where I spent many a summer picking cherries, apricots, plums, apples and pears. I'm pretty sure I've climbed every tree in that orchard. Behind their property is nothing but mountain. We loved to hike and explore, we were always on the lookout for arrow-heads the Indians left behind. It was a tradition to hike to the "G" every Easter and have a picnic. That is, until my sister fell off of it and had to be life-flighted out of there but we picked it back up a few years later.

This year we had our family photos in Grandpa's Orchard.

I guess I'm making it sound all sentimental so you won't think I'm stealing other peoples ideas...which I am...un-repentantly....sorry Saydi.

OUT-TAKES

Addi's First Recital

2010-10-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

One of the perks of living near, or in our case with Randall's parents is that Addi and I are getting free piano lessons! Vicky is really an amazing teacher. We have been taking for 2 months now and we both participated in her recital. Addi did really well. This performance was very serious business for her and she remained very professional throughout the recital. I did my best and I posted my video under this one in case you need an ego boost.

My Turn

2010-10-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

The Chalet

2010-09-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

My best friend from forever invited us for a weekend at their newly renovated cabin we named The Chalet.

This is my favorite part, it is what used to be the store-front of this, the first gas station in the area. The store-front now divides the two large living areas. The Chalet has also served as a candy/convenience store in a past life.

We ate junk and watched movies until way too late on Friday night.

In the morning we headed up to Cascade Springs

I could blame Addi's pose on a late night and an early morning...buuuut it's pretty typical.

I can't blame my makeup-less looks on anything...also typical.

Treasures of nature.

Snake!

We stopped at the Homestead to have a look at the crater but there wasn't much to see from the top.

After a rest C took the little girls out on the lake (conveniently located just across the street) for a paddle around on his surf board.

It was an amazing weekend one of the best parts was not even documented! The Food!!

Egg, ham, cream cheese and spinach breakfast bagel sandwiches and green curry! to name just two.

'Unless some sweetness at the bottom lie, Who cares for all the crinkling of the pie?'

2010-09-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

I love this book.

I just finished and it is perfect for Halloween.

Perfect anytime truth be told, but especially around Halloween.

I wish I was as smart as that 11 year-old Flavia.

She rocks.

PS- I hope you appreciate my self control in refraining from referring to the book as a 'delicious morsel' with a 'sweet' yet 'spicy' girl for a heroine. I do detest a cheap word-play.

So Domestic

2010-09-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

I've just been feeling so domestic lately.

We went to my Uncle's orchard and picked a bunch of peaches.

(one of the many perks of living near family, their good stuff is your good stuff too.)

Then canned 35 quarts of those delectable guys!

Then my sewing machine (Roxy) and I had a glorious reunion after a few crazy moving months to whip up these little beauties for a certain one year-old niece who is too adorable for words.

This is the life I tell ya.

Lemonade Stand

2010-09-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

Swimming lessons cost $35.00. I do not have $35.00. How do we come up with $35.00?

Addi and I mixed 2 gallons of lemonade baked 2 dozen HUGE chocolate chip cookies and set up shop.

We also made a couple signs...and once we got them right-side up we were in business

It was a little slow at first but we persevered and ended up getting a good number of customers.

Including Addi's cousin who stayed to help.

Everyone worked really hard flagging down cars and waiting on customers.

In the end, after we sold every last drop of lemonade, sold our last broken cookie and took out tithing our total take was:

$35.69

Lessons start on Tuesday and Addi is stoked.

P.S. I know I joke about coincidences, but I'm pretty sure this wasn't one.

First Day

2010-08-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

A little rain never hurt anyone, and it certainly couldn't dampen the spirits of this little kindergartener.

Lined up outside of room 14 she was a little apprehensive, but not for long.

Shortly after this photo she said, "OK mom, you can go now." ...and I did.

Earning Our Keep

2010-08-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

After 17 hours of this, we blearily arrived in the land of milk and honey.

We unpacked and started earning our keep.

Grandma and Grandpa have a huge garden and it's harvest time by golly.

Addi loves helping grandpa with the corn.

The best part is when he gets to the middle of the row and shouts "COMIN' OUT!" Then he'll chuck the corn up and out into the potato patch. Addi's job is to, well first to watch out and second to scurry around, gather up the corn and load it into the wheelbarrow.

(If you look close you can see the corn on it's way out)

Another one of my jobs is to keep the garden picked.

This is one day's haul, and yes we get one of these 5 gallon buckets full almost every day.

We're having some pretty delicious dinners with all of this, I can tell you that for free.

What we don't eat we process. Here's a bit of our corn production last night.

Seattle...it's been real.

2010-08-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

We came to this fair city with bright hopes and vibrant optimism...enter reality.

This has been a both one of the hardest yet most amazing years for us.

We have never needed so much and simultaneously never received so much.

Often at the hands of strangers.

I hope that I will always remember what it feels like to be in that helpless scary place, then have someone swoop in and save us...without judgement, without hope of reward...with pure charity.

I used to have pride about getting through school "on our own" but after this year I've been knocked right off that little box.

I just want to give a shout out to our "Sweet Widows" Adele and Ilene.

We, literally, would not be here if it weren't for them.

I tell ya, if you ever need anything those gals know how to take care of you.

The people are always the hardest things to leave when you move and we'll really miss the amazing friends we have here.

But for now....We are on our way to Ziiiiiiiion we're on our way to Ziiiiiiiion. ;)

(If you're looking for the space needle in the skyline...I'm standing on it)

Pioneer Day

2010-08-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I can't seem to keep this thing in chronological order...oh well.

I just liked this picture of Addi in the sack race at the Stake Pioneer Day Celebration.

Practice Run

2010-08-15T21:45:00.000-07:00

My dear friend and VTer wanted to go to Utah for a sealing. She was recovering from a surgery and wasn't up to driving the whole way with her 3-year old in tow. So being the good friend and charitable person I am (free trip for me!) I begged her to let me drive us all to Zion.

This was our view of the backseat for 15 hours.

The kids did really well together on the way down, this was hour 13 if you can believe it.

The way home was a different story, I think they were both tired from the week long excitement.

At one point N was beat-boxing to annoy Addi and she was whistling to annoy him...it was quite the symphony. I think it was good for them though, they're both only children and a little rivalry is healthy.

When we arrived it was all cousins and Grandma's all the time.

There were even a couple rain storms...they were pretty fun.

This was just a practice run for when we head to Zion on Thursday to live...for an unknown period of time.

Only Child Parenting 1

2010-08-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

After I wrote this post I had lots of positive feedback. I have found that us ONLY-CHILD PARENTERS are a relatively small group. There are few with experience in this area and very few with advice or ideas on the subject. I received a large book from my pediatrician, basically an Everything you need to know about your child from birth to whenever. In the 1000+ pages there was one paragraph ONE. on parenting an only child. It was great and accurate and illuminating but I wanted more.

I am no expert (on anything) and I've only been at this for five years but if you think parenting an only child is the same as parenting a sibling group just smaller...I'm afraid you're incorrect. Because nearly my entire life is filled with only child parenting I feel like I have a little more to say.

For the record I have never parented a sibling group but being the Alpha Female of my own sibling group (13) for almost 30 years now I feel like I have at least a limited understanding of how they work.

I have all of these thoughts on only children and: Patience, Independence, Sharing, Development...

But I wanted to start with something a little more fun:

Only Children Can't Get Away With ANYTHING!

When I was growing up with that crew of kids, getting away with little things was easy and for my Mother finding the culprit took skill, wit and cunning.

Example 1:

One day a little child was playing with markers on the white board in the laundry room.

That little child didn't know he was using permanent markers...no problem my mom didn't sweat that kind of stuff.

But when she was trying in vain to wipe the off marks, she noticed that the same child had practiced printing a four-letter word that was indelibly inked to the board.

Now all she had to do was find who among the 8 (at the time) children had penned the offending word.

Step One: Ask each child privately, and individually if they did it (thereby giving the child the option of a private confession and punishment).--No Takers

Step Two: Line everyone up facing the board and telling us that we'll all stand there until someone confesses.--No Takers

Step Three: Hand out paper and pencil and have every child submit to a writing sample test.--He used his left hand and Mother didn't notice.--Test inconclusive.

Step Four: At this point Mother doesn't know what else to do and has nothing up her sleeve. Then, a stroke of genius. "I can just now tell who is lying about writing that word because a blue dot is beginning to form on your forehead." SLAP! Before he could think what he was doing he slapped his hand on his forehead. She got him!

Example 2:

Even just one other child in your family it can complicate the "Who Dun It."

He just learned how to write.

He found a bit of wire and noticed the cool designs he could scratch in the car's paint.

He decided to dazzle with his new found literacy.

He etched his sister's name in the car.

She got blamed.

She denied it.

He came clean. (He really didn't want to get her in trouble he was just practicing)

So...

When you parent an only child it is really easy to be really hard on them. You don't have to ask who spilled the glitter everywhere and who colored on the walls, even if they did write someone else's name there. I remember feeling like the "little kids" got away with everything. I realized later that my parents figured out after a couple of kids, lots of stuff that you think really matters...really doesn't. We (parents of only children) don't have the other kids to wear us down and give us perspective.

I am as guilty of this as anyone so I say to myself and you. CHILL OUT. It's not that big of a deal. We are going to make our child-s crazy with over regulation. I hope we can just try to remember what it was like to be a kid. They're not always or even mostly doing things to make us mad or break the rules. The are often just experimenting, creating, even organizing in their own mind (Like the time my Mom was a kindergartner and was fed up with un-even crayon distribution and dumped out all the crayons to re-organize when she was punished for dumping out the crayons and had to sit on the cold cement floor.) We don't want to loose those qualities in our kid-s we just have to remember that cultivating them sometimes means letting insignificant things slide.

That'll Be Number Nine For Us.

2010-08-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

Crazy Uncle Ryan

2010-08-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

The only thing better than having a funny, crazy uncle Ryan, is having a funny crazy uncle Ryan who lets you win.

Not Professional

2010-07-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

I have many friends who are amazing photographers...truly professional.

I, however, am not...I don't plan to be and I don't pretend to be.

This little family just wanted a few simple pictures and I thought I could do it.

It's harder than it looks I tell you...I'm hoping they'll let me have another go, I think I could really do much better.

I think their sheer good looks saved me this time.