Better Than We Deserve

Happy Holidays

2011-12-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report there is no excuse quite like hosting Thanksgiving

to justify getting the new chairs you dreamed of....

I fell in love with these metal chairs from World Market- and I am loving them with the farmhouse table.

Showing off our aprons, apple pie, and vintage glass sodas for everyone to enjoy....

I love our family's little traditions (can you say a tradition is little when you come from a family of 14?)

Tables ready for guests, and cousins ready for pie (before dinner was ready).

After a day of Black Friday shopping and lunching with mom and my big sister,

It's time to prepare for Christmas.

Can you ever have too many Santas or candles?

Over the years my Santa collection has grown to almost 30- and the silver candle holder

was an awesome "Black Friday" find at Tai Pan trading Co.

I sort of think Black Friday is for moms to buy what they really want for themselves, before

the hustle and bustle of the season takes over.

Antique trucks tucked under the tree for the big boy of the house...

Wrapped Santas with goodies for a neighbor or two

A naughty kitty who thinks the chirping ornament is a real bird

(that kitty has broken quite a few ornaments around the house...

but why do I think it is cute?)

My favorite things of the season...music played by my family &

the nativity I bought (what a splurge back then!) the first year I was married.

It was expensive to me.... but man, I love pulling it out year after year-

I am so happy it has has survived all the years, moves and the flood.

A stairway to swag....

My favorite snowman greets the entry way

I even wove some lights in my funky junk spring decor

(eventually that will be mounted and made cool- I promise)

Wishing you the best of the season.....

....and pondering our divine nature

(one cool tidbit- the shepherd holding the crook in this painting is my sister-in-law's dad. Jon McNaughton, the artist, is local and uses many people he knows to model. My brother made into one also....but that is another story)

***

For now

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas

***

Thanks for sharing the holidays with me

Love in Blog land

2011-11-18T11:33:00.001-08:00

Before I dive in and show off my recent box of treasures from a lovely give away let me give you some back ground. My sister brought over an issue of Somerset in Love, years ago. It was filled with gorgeous images and creations that made crazy. To my giddy happiness it included info about the artists. I started clicking around online to connect with a few of these women and learn more.

One artist in particular, Lee, was kind enough to answer back. Her blog is full of everyday life and lovely images, as well as artistic endeavors. She was an everyday mom making art and living the dream on the side. I love it. She is kind enough to feature links to other worthy bloggers and occasionally shower us with give aways. She shares the ups and downs of life, making and creating the home you dream of, and much more.
I highly recommend her blog to your reading list....

BUT I entered a giveaway, and to my luckiness, I won. My package of random treasures came today- ( I am especially excited, as I am trying to replenish my stash after the flood in my creative space!).

so many lovely things to stir creativity (thinking of Christmas tags and ornaments?)

how amazing are these sweet little bottles of glitter?

I am such a sucker for ephemera and vintage trinkets!

I believe I was shown some serious love in the world today

Thanks Lee!

A few other things around and about today

my thankful shelf

rustic turkey perched on Great Grandma's hand stitched kitchen towel

I swallowed my fear and painted this old chair for a shabby chic accent piece

found a doll with a definite history at the antique mill

(hubby didn't even blink an eye when I picked it up to buy it)

we also picked up old crates for stacking and storing

not sure if they will stay this way, but for now I am enjoying my corner

My oldest son went on his first "real" date and is now driving to school on his own

(on the right)

God will surely tire of hearing my voice now! (*H*E*L*P*!)

Life is moving fast

I hope I can remain present

mindful

grateful

thank you for stopping by

The Right to Peacably Assemble

2011-11-11T06:54:00.001-08:00

How can we watch what is happening and not speak up?

Or is it easier to turn off the news and tell yourself you just can't handle it

We have to handle it

We have to speak

I am a believer in individual rights

In the pursuit of the things you love

What is wrong with this sign?

When you say "We Are One"

apparently that means if have been raped, or if you have been beaten

or if you have had someone steal your laptop (ironically a symbol of the thing you are protesting against)

you can't get help...

WHY?

Because your need then ruins the cause of The ONE.

In all my days of attending rallies

and meeting other like minds

I have never seen a supply list like this

How is this okay with the donors (political highly in nature that I

am not getting into now), the media (mostly ignoring it)

and the people who think this is a good thing?

The irony of the people there....

Honestly, if they succeed in killing corporations

we lose so many great things that America is all about.

I have been reflecting on teaching my kids about freedom

Listening to local leaders speak, meeting other families

casually enjoying a children's choir, honoring

military and singing the national anthem

No threat of fighting

No drug use

No rapes, sex in tents, or even worse

Deaths.

(Are we up to 7 now with the last shooting in the recent 'protests')

What I saw was hundreds of thousands of people

exchanging hugs, handshakes, and e-mail addresses

The feeling was warm and inspiring

much different than what I see on current 'occupy protests'

I met examples at Mt. Vernon

and breathed in the spirit of freedom and humility

in memory of people who knew what it meant to sacrifice

I had to post today

We may agree that corruption has tainted an excellent system,

but we must uphold our system

we must honor freedom

we must wake up and speak

And I am thankful for my freedoms

what is left of them

think about it today

and don't be afraid to speak

Looking back on Halloween and Ode to Pinterest

2011-11-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

Birthday, Halloween, and Pinterest...all reason to take some serious photos of life.

Sharing a few of what is going on around here.

Pinterest has an adorable pin of a simple masquerade style mask for a cocktail party- but why not add smoky eyes, gloves, and a costume dress for the Halloween party?

Around the house on all Hallow's Eve...

the mummy is ready to greet

on the Porch

The goodies

the kiddos

(why yes, that is my son in a Bill Clinton mask....why do you ask?)

the click-and-print adorable banner off of Pinterest

I know you can't see it well, but I loved this thing during the season!

We had a great, but extremely busy Halloween Holiday..

we were greeted with snow the next day

so Christmas music is fair game, right?

Reduced to Ashes

2011-10-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

You may rememebr my post on the recent fire that took the life of this historical building in a nearby town.

The destruction of this building seemed almost surreal,

as it had such a history and so many memories attached.

I also think when you have spiritual experiences somewhere it seems to attach you to that place,

make it more significant.

So in a way, it hurt to see that beautiful space go down in flames.

For those of you who aren't following recent local news, in our last session of conference a beautiful announcement was made by our prophet and leader, Thomas S. Monson

This building is to be saved.

It is to be rebuilt and restored.

It is not going to be a tabernacle to us anymore, but instead will be a temple.

It is ultimately receiving the highest honor it can have as a building to our people.

A friend wrote this on Facebook page~

"Our life is like the Provo Tabernacle. We're something very good and we are doing well, but God can see what we can truly become. Sometimes it just takes reducing us to ashes in order for Him to build us up again to our true potential. At the time it occurs, we may not understand why we needed to be burned, but in time we will come to see that we have become something even greater then we could have imagined"

(thanks Meghan)

I have been thinking about this a lot. I have been wondering about the ups and downs, and thinking about the really- I mean really- painful moments.

I wonder about truly seeing ourselves as a tabernacle of sorts, a vessel,

and seeing our lives truly as more than just day to day surviving

I can't help but wonder who I am supposed to reach

touch

inspire

connect with

and I hope I find the strength and the space and the submission

to be what I am supposed to be

Or even the strength to just be better than I am

Halloween, I'm Ready

2011-10-07T06:31:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's weird to plan decorations when you move to a new place,

especially after being in the first place for 16 years.

I had everything planned and mapped out,

from where I crammed my books to where I put my holiday decorations.

I pulled out my bins (thanks goodness for plastic bins- that flood demolished eveything cardboard)

and we finally got in the spirit of things around here.

I loved this idea from Pinterest- paint old frames black for a coehsive look and pop in old sppoky pictures.

I had downloaded some Hitchcock pictures, but ended up using family pictures from Halloweens past.

I love the way it turned out.

The above frame I made from just cardboard, and I taped it to the frame already on the piano.

Dressed up my dress form (she scares us everytime we turn the corner)

and added a spooky "3-D" picture from the dollar store.

I probably need a few more pumpkins to liven up the porch,

but this year's "Trick or Treat" banner from Martha Stewart is one of my favorite finds.

Once again the front window is holding my creepy movie poster.

Look closely and you'll find a few creepies in the upstairs windows, too.

And there's the not so creepy critter as well.....

Now to plan the goodies for the Trick or Treater's to take home.

I can't wait for Halloween!

Religious Print Redo

2011-09-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

I had an empty wall above my piano that I recently filled and have enjoyed the result...

Last year we had the privilage of viewing many of Carl Heinrich Bloch's religious works at a local university.

The paintings were all stunning, and I have had this framed print for some years.

My dad found it at a yard sale and bought it, and I was able to buy it off of him.

( he tends to get a little overstocked from yard sales and second hand stores)

It came in a gold frame, which has never done much for me.

I covered the glass (it looked complicated to pull it all apart, so I took the lazy way out)

and then I just used acrylic paint on the frame.

I really liked the sort of scratchy look that I got with one coat, so I left it at that.

It did take some dabbing and work to get the paint into the etched designs on the frame's edge,

but it was easy and the paint dried quick.

The frame was dry and ready to hang in about 30 minutes.

After passing an empty wall for months in our new house I am actually pretty happy to have a little

new spot that feels like home.

And the vinyl wall phrase as a constant reminder isn't bad either.....

may you be inspired to

create a space today

Antiquing for our anniversary

2011-09-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

After a summer of busy travels and lots of football madness we decided to stay close for our anniversary. I introduced my hubby to the idea of a stay-cation, and we decided to hit a great historic shopping district not too far from here.

If you ever get a chance to visit Gardner's Historic Village give yourself a few hours and explore freely.

In the old mill at Archibald's Restaurant original gears and products are on display and woven into the shopping experience.

I adored the different sections of decor and ideas

Love the signs and colors

The painted wood walls and cottage looks were lovely

The shops range from decor to Victorian clothing to toys and whimsy.

We ended up with a few exciting things.

This super cool repurposed shelving was a MUST in my husband's eyes

I fell for this romantic mini dress (okay, think sweater tights and high boots????)

but that's not all..

the dress form was also on sale, because the store was closing to become a restaurant.

I can't wait to shabby that baby up and use it around the place!

We added a few necessary accessories to the hutch and we're ready to go

On the way home we stopped at another great consignment store called Home Again.

It was beautiful also, with a lot of great priced items.

We ended up grabbing a few more little things from there,

but we were pretty worn out at this point.

On the home front we have a new little friend to keep the kids busy...

so all was well for our day of celebration.

I kind of liked having a day to shop and enjoy each other's company some place far enough

to be 'away', but close enough to not cost much to get there.

I highly recommend the stay-cation shopping day.

Marriage has it's rewards, right???

Trying my first Tri

2011-08-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

As a group of sisters and nieces we signed up for a triathlon months ago. It has become somewhat of a tradition in my family, but this would be my first year participating.

After some spotty training, and a debate on whether or not to even go, I end up out of state ready for my first Sprint Triathlon. Late night giggles with the girls aren't exactly helping the energy levels, but we're off

It was wall to wall tires and bikes in my van.

We arrive with bikes and find our transition areas. Some sweet competitor helped me by moving her bike and making me space on the set up area. God bless you, whomever you are.

The swim leg was first, we had to swim 1/4 a mile in the fresh water.

We splashed and swam before hand to get used to the water and clam our nerves

(not sure if helped, but it was fun)

I was super jittery and super scared. I love to swim, but the warnings of flying limbs and splashing waters had me slightly terrified.

I was going to start with a sister, but seeing the way the time chips worked (age groups noted by swim cap color) I started on my own for an accurate time.

The swimming was chaotic, and I just kept thinking to myself "just get out of the clump"

which I did. My goggles fogged up, and I almost swam into a volunteers rescue canoe,

but other than that no problem. I could barely walk when I got out of the water.

I heeded my sister's advice and did not let myself sit down as I slipped on my shoes and grabbed my bike from the transition area. I ran out, hopping on my bike, thinking,

"just get going..." I was shaky and tired already. 10 miles of this???

After a few miles on the bike I started to deflate.

My body was jello and the sun was so hot, and my bike felt like it weighed a ton.

I could barely pedal. I actually started to cry- why didn't I train better? Why did I sign up for this stupid thing? I am terrible on a bike! I am riding a hybrid- it is so slow!!!! I wanted to stop.

I will confess, I muttered a few cuss words at this point.

After a few more minutes I remembered my Sports Beans (thank you caffeine boost) and dumped the bag in my mouth.

A well trained biker slowed by side and said- "Hey, you're doing good".

I snorted and asked, "how far are we???" She told me we were half way- 5 more miles, but warned me, "there are some big hills coming up, so hang in there. They say it's a flat course..." as she pedaled off she finished over her shoulder "But they lie...!"

At least I was warned.

I finished it out and got my head back together, hopping off the bike and setting off for the run.

Let's get these 3 miles done.

What's this??? Everyone is walking. They are tired too!

Their legs are marked with their age on their calf, and I start counting the ages as I shuffle past them. The run feels so comforting, all my half marathon training kicking into gear.

36. 24. 44. I pass all ages.

A few women in their 50's whiz past me. I keep going.

Finally I finish, strong and happy. (surprisingly it was 2nd best time ever for 3 miles)

We start taking photos and my sister surprises us with hand stamped necklaces she made.

I am hungry, I didn't eat much before the race...I start to falter. When times are posted I burst into tears. I am not sure what time would have made me happy in that exhausted state, but what I had wasn't enough (1 hour 30 minutes).

I actually cried the whole way to the restaurant.

I was so embarrassed and even more worn out. (Should have had chocolate and Coke at the finish line).

(Nothing like a loving sister close by with her iPhone to snap a picture,

reassuring me I would want it later)

The restaurant almost made it worse by not serving any Diet Coke...

But, as the chips and salsa (and Cherry Diet Pepsi) hit my system a miracle happened.

I start to feel euphoric.

I start to feel relief. I start to feel giddy.

I am a 40 year old non-athlete who just did her first triathlon, surrounded by sisters and a niece who all pushed themselves, too.

I DID A TRIATHLON!

When can I do my next one?

Summer

2011-08-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

The sign I had to have

(found on vacation, tucked in between suitcases for the drive home)

The games we watched

Back Yard Luau with the family

(love an excuse to stick a flower in the hair)

happiest in a summer dress and painted toes

and summer is gone already

Simple Start to Food Storage Organizing

2011-08-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

SO.....

being prepared has been on my mind a ton lately.

Whether you follow politics or prophecies, or just simply enjoy feeling like you have abundance of goods on hand, food storage makes sense to everyone.

But if you're like me, we put it off.

I grab a few extra things here and there and hope I get to it before it spoils.

It is kind of a jumbled mess

Water damage from the pipe burst isn't helping things

A friend of mine has been a long time advocate of preparedness and emergency readiness.

She has started an program to help everyone get more prepared.( You can find out more details by following this link to 3 Steps . org)

I LOVE her idea for dinners. You plan a simple meal that your family will eat.

The next time you prepare it, buy enough for 5 more meals.

(for these photos I only have 3 meals- more on that later)

All of the ingredients are labeled and stored inside the bucket, which you also label.

Then you can stack the buckets, keeping them together, using very little space.

.

Because I had these buckets already (and they were 2 for a buck!) I decided I would start where I am and just get some of the stuff I had grouped together. They only hold 3 or 4 smaller meals.

The buckets will survive a pipe burst, plus they will be very easy to grab and throw into a car,

or even to carry to a neighbors or family.

Ideally, you will use 5 or 6 gallon buckets so you can store 5 full dinners with fruit or other side items . You can also get better lids (displayed on the 3 Steps websites)

to completely seal out any other damage.

My plan is to organize what I have, then slowly start with new buckets and anything new I buy, purchasing higher quality.

The goal is to have 18 buckets with 5 meals in each, (recipes also on the website), filling a 3 month dinner supply. Once you are done you will make ONE MEAL a week out of the bucket, and buy the ingredients to replace it, so you will rotate the entire set in about 2 years.

NOW- best case scenario is you will use these as needed- maybe a night where you have 'nothing' to make, or an evening where you are out and the kids can pull out a simple meal.

I also envision these being very easy to take to a disaster sight, maybe another neighborhood even, and how easy it would be to quickly distribute meals to needy or displaced families.

Worst case scenario is disaster or chaos hits your own home.....

you will supplement with other goods (like the 20 year shelf life basics) and know you have a dinner to look forward to every night.

I am NO expert, and I get overwhelmed easily, so I am happy to feel like I can tackle this a bit at a time. I have supplies for more dinners,

and will be adding them as I get the proper sized buckets.

I feel blessed to live in a 'time of plenty' and feel that storing for a time of drought

is the right thing to do.

For more info on this and more simple steps, again here is the link to 3 Steps.org

For more survival and political awareness,

visit this Prepper blog and get in the prepper blog ring.

Finally, if you are reading this and have a great idea that has made something easier for your storage preparedness, PLEASE put a link in your comments.

~Have a blessed day~

My Goodwill Grab

2011-08-09T05:47:00.000-07:00

While on vacation I stopped into the local Goodwill on a whim.

I had a great time browsing books (bought 3), handbags (bought one fun tote),

and of course, the furniture.

I found this little nightstand which I HAD to have.

(Sorry kids, I am not sure how we are all getting home now)

The style is similar to some furniture we had growing up,

but mostly I love the lines of this little dresser.

Best of all, it was $6.99.

I decided to go the easy route, and bought a vintage white spray paint

that boasted "no sanding or prep work needed".

I was happy with what 2 coats of paint gave me.

I was in a panic, because I could only remove the top knob for painting.

After one coat, though, I saw that the spray paint really filled in nicely around the

lower drawer pulls, so I guess I got lucky on that.

This will probably end up in my reading nook,

a place to stash all my notebooks and highlighters,

but for now I am enjoying it in the corner of our breakfast area,

where it can hold my (fake) Scentsy.

I love the final product,

and this has inspired me to take on more makeovers for around the house.

This may move around a few times before it finally finds it's permanent home,

but for now I think it's a great start.

Feeling ready to makeover your own little piece?

I used Krylon Fusion Gloss paint in Dover White.

Be sure to link up your post in my comments so I can come peek!

Random Catch Up

2011-08-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

Life is kind of like this in the summer-

I move from one moment to the next and hardly have time to stop and reflect

So, welcome to my random catch up.

I am so in love with the 4th of July,

I really can't say it enough

This year it was all about the food, the folks, and the photography.

A day trip to the "Twilight Zone" (Forks and La Push, Wa)

ended up being a surprise highlight of our trip.

All the men involved were much obliging to my silly photos and squealing. I am not above enjoying a completely pointless book on occasion.

And stomping on the stomping grounds was a fun indulgence.

(When is the next movie out, anyway?)

My niece's wedding gave me a chance to extend my vacation,

and spend some real downtime (16 days!) with my family.

Everything was fairy tale perfect, from the bride and groom, to the candle lit tables,

and all the pretty pinks.

Can I just say....I LOVE WEDDINGS!

On that note, I must simply say how precious my religion is to me at this moment in time.

Not only because of the beautiful weddings and belief

in families being together, as a unit, in the next life, but also because

of the precious gift of freedom and agency.

I feel the world would be a better place if people believed in a higher purpose and a higher power, and lived accordingly.

To love something on the level that most religious people do only means one thing;

it makes sense to share it with others.

For my church, that means two years of service.

What a day it was when my nephew came home from his two tough years in Paraguay.

Our family went from screaming, to crying, and back again,

as he came through that lobby.

It is great to have him back, but he is going through withdraws of not serving others and being back in the 'real world'.

One cool thing that impressed me while waiting there was the applause that spread through the airport as a service man or woman came off the flight.

I think when our eyes are open we see more than enough around us

to know we are blessed

to know we are loved

and to know these gifts must be defended with all our hearts.

Mini Disaster

2011-06-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

I guess you can call it a disaster.

I hate to do it, because it could have been so much worse, but it still shook me up pretty good.

We had a pipe burst in our basement.

This was my pride and joy just a few days ago

My very own crafting corner.

It was my sanctuary filled with all my favorite treasures

and goodies acquired in trades.

I was so happy about my space!

This is how my space looked when I got called home from the water park yesterday

(thank heavens a thousand times over my son stayed home and was here when it happened)

my drawers, my jars, my baskets and totes, all filled with water

I panicked, no doubt about it.

The pictures are so random because I was sobbing as I took them.

Hubby is out of town this week and I had no idea how I was going to conquer an entire basement of sopping wet boxes and books and supplies.

I didn't realize my sisters were on their way, and they took control of the situation and started setting things out to dry immediately.

I thought it was mostly my crafting goods, but everything was soaked in our entire basement. As we started emptying boxes we found the harsh truth....pictures. Lots of pictures. And numerous scrapbooks from my wedding and first years of marriage, my first baby being born.... I was losing it. My sisters stayed focus and set to rescuing it all.

We hung pages and laid pictures out carefully...a neighbor stopped by to see what was happening and bless her heart,she shed tears with me as we pulled my husband's photos from his mission he served over 20 years ago out of a sopping wet album.

Even sealed bags and containers were filled with water

These photos do not have digital copies, and I really had no idea they were stashed away with my craft supplies. It broke my heart to see them laying out as the sun started to go down, hours after we started the process.

In the garage things sat over night trying to dry out and wait for me to make sense of what can be saved.

Another thing that upset me was to see so many of my books ruined. They were like sponges, swollen and sopping, and just fell apart when you tried to move them. My favorite, marked up, well loved copy of Atlas Shrugged completely fell apart today when I tried to open it.

I am not sure if my crying is symbolic, therapeutic or even normal anymore....

I just keep losing it.

In case you wonder what a girl like me looks like on the morning after a day like yesterday wonder no more.

Bags under the eyes, greasy hair, blotchy skin....it is my badge of honor today.

And even though we lost a few precious things

(this bubbled picture is one of the few baby pics I have of my husband)

We saved hundreds and hundreds pictures and pages all together.

Today I pulled my 'baby blanket' out of a wet box I hadn't got to yet...I am so relieved with all the important things we have found just in time.

I can't complain in spite of the sadness. We are so blessed, we have so much... my heart actually aches for people who lose everything....EVERYTHING to a natural disaster.

My sisters and my kids and my neighbor made what would have taken me days take only hours to salvage and sort. I am so grateful to them for their help.

I hope I am blessed to remember this moment and help others more in the future.

Even standing beside someone or saving one thing for them is a gift.

I believe we will need it more in the days to come.

I hope others may blessed as I was in my time of panic and need.

Summer Tidbits

2011-06-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

Colorado Springs.....wow.

It has been celebrated that I attended my first real flea market.

That was epic, of course. But look at a few more great things we saw.

This house caught my eye while on a neighborhood spy drive.

And it had a for sale sign up.....hold me back, right?

We toured the Air Force Academy Chapel and cathedral- where my son and his group sang a cool Sacred Harp song impromptu style.

The chapel is stunning, in a Star Trek modern kind of way.

We also hit some shops in Manitou Springs

We were sure to grab some ice cream for the kids and chocolate for mom,

but mostly it was window shopping and sightseeing.

It was a great few days of time to together,

following my son with his choir around to hear a couple of performances,

and also just time to kick back.

The perfect way to start the summer.

To hear the amazing kids share their talents with the Sacred Harp Shape Note song "Hark I hear the Harps Eternal" Click HERE. (but the image is horrible. New camera- no knowledge on focus. Sorry. Don't watch, just listen)

I am proud of my singing son.

Flea Market and Funky Junk Finds

2011-06-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

The blog world has opened my eyes to the possibilities of decorating and connecting with other women who care to create. I love the Funky Junk blog for all that it does to push home decor out of the box ( and give a more masculine feel to the world of Shabby and Vintage decor).

I went to my FIRST flea market while in Colorado this weekend- and hubby was in tow, not too excited about the vans oozing with junk- but a good sport, none the less. Before I knew it we turned a corner and eyed this vintage STOP sign which my hubby could not bear to let pass by. (And it was not exactly cheap).

We were told by the vendor it was from the 40's, and after a little more research I have learned that most stop signs with additional words above and below the STOP are probably dated from the 20's-40's. The earlier signs were yellow, though, so I am not sure where this fits in.

We also spotted these super cool and funky surplus trunks

thanks to Funky Junk inspiration me and my son agreed these would be awesome stacked by his bed as a nightstand with a cool light and clock. Would you believe we got both of these for $25 ? I was a little giddy over that. (Note to others- remove your funky trunks before you try to tour the Air Force Academy. The guards did a double take at these in our trunk and shook them to make sure they were empty. Oops!)

A blog post by Stacy's Shabby Shoppe also had me enjoying some mommy ME time at a local antique mall where I found this super shabby ladder.

I am envisioning it in my reading nook with a few cozy quilts tossed across the bars and maybe a magazine or two slung on the rungs. It isn't in my corner yet, but my Mother's Day gift did find it's way to it's spot.

Speaking of Mother's Day, I know it's been a month, but I have to just say I loved just relishing in the day with my boys, and really loving what it means to be a mom.

I am going to share a little card my youngest tucked into my hands the day after Mother's Day as he was getting ready for school.....

it made me cry like a baby... who else but a mom is loved like this?

linking up today with Romantic Homes blog.....the links are all so fun!

Around the House

2011-05-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

Well.....I hit a local antique store after reading about it on another blog. I was feeling a bit bluesy with all the changes of the school year and the drama that kids can bring to it, so I probably was an easy retail target that day. One thing I found that I am in love with is this little weathered parlor chair.

I wanted something with a touch of vintage flair to it that I could set my Diet Coke, iPad, and magazines on when I go for a long soak. (A bath is an escape around here). It is sturdy enough I can use it while slipping on my socks and shoes so it is perfect.

I am still in dire need of more decor around my sanctuary spot!

All the windows in the antique mall reminded me I had a few more in the basement of my old home. I ran home and grabbed one to bring to my new house.

I love the little flakes of blue that survived the high pressure shooting of the hose.

I did have a few other things on this armoire top, but I liked the size of this window better, so I swapped them out. With a few little touches I am liking this one better for the space.

I have added glass ware and bottles to my vintage 'to find' list, now that I have this little place to tuck a few more.

This next corner (I know, not decorated yet! Oh, the possibilities, right?)was one of the selling points of the house. I have always wanted a reading nook of some sort, complete with an outside view and plenty of shelves. This is a little wing in the Master Bedroom area.

Now that I have the space, I just need to add the shelves and outside landscaping to complete my corner! I got a shelf for Mother's Day, but it wasn't here yet when I snapped this photo. Let's call it my "before" photo and I will show you more as I get it done.

This weekend was the first day of our yard clean-up.

Have you ever looked at a pile of weeds and thought "wow...every thing in that pile was pulled by an (aching) hand." This truck full was a lot of work. We probably won't begin our landscaping until next spring, just due to some of the major stuff that needs to be done and we aren't ready to get to it yet.

But I do have my happy place on the porch.

I am anxious to get my house where I want it to be but life is reminding me....it's all about the process.

Little by little, we decorate our life

Spring Tag Time

2011-05-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

One of the bonus benefits of being from a large family, who is also a creative group of women, is the instant artistic swaps we can organize. One quick Facebook message will start a tag swap for a dozen of us at a time.

I just finished my spring tags to exchange with sisters, nieces, and my mom.

I love the idea of running patterned and colored paper through the printer.

This tag background is from the free image gallery at Ceremony.
I love how it turned out on this paper.

After finding some sort of mixed media vintage image that I was excited about, (not hard at Moonlight Journey) and some spring sentiments, I could start assembling the tags.

Funny, I was so in love with that birdcage, and then I just covered it up.
Oh well, part of the process is loving what you do step by step.

Adding a few more tidbits and an ink stamp or two, and I am finally liking the final image

The quote comes from the following poem

If I Had my Life to Live Over Again

I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax, I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.

I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would perhaps have more actual troubles,
but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who live
sensibly and sanely hour after hour,
day after day.

Oh, I've had my moments,
And if I had it to do over again,
I'd have more of them.
In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.
Just moments, one after another,
instead of living so many years ahead of each day.

I've been one of those people who never goes anywhere
without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat
and a parachute.
If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over,
I would start barefoot earlier in the spring
and stay that way later in the fall.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.

Nadine Stair,
85 years old.

What would you do differently if you did it over again?

Why I tolerate Tyra

2011-04-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

America's Next Top Model

Tyra Banks.

Recoil. Eye roll. Embarrassed laugh.

I've heard it all over the years and I can imitate her voice at "panel" to perfection "5 beautiful girls stand before me...but I only have 4 photos in my hands..."

But cycle after cycle, week after week, drama after starving girl drama, I TUNE IN.

And here is why.....

I love the whole creativity process, from hair and makeup, fashion and costuming, and to the photographer and sets.

I am so thrilled while I see the magic behind the pictures.

Week after week I will watch, dream, be inspired, and imagine

and probably roll my eyes at Tyra.

Easter Inspiration for the Creative

2011-04-19T10:16:00.001-07:00

To all the women I follow who create lovely rooms, yards, tags, collages, clothing, jewelry and beautiful lives around me : this gift of truly sacred words I pass along to you

Sit for 2 minutes and celebrate with me our ability to create

I am overwhelmed by the beautiful things I see

that speak to me and revive me.

And for the power to create

I am ever grateful

Happy Easter

(photos: room by Weheartthis.com and Fearless by Papaya Art)

Silly Things

2011-04-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

by Curly Girl Designs

"It just seems silly to me, that's all "

This is my husbands response to a girl's over night book club.

I have the best book club, with the best ladies, and we have the best talks. We hit Park City for mexican food (my favorite), lots of chocolate, lots of shopping, and endless talking. I am not kidding, we stayed up until 2am. We discussed our books, we discussed our lives, we discussed religion. I am inspired by the determined and caring women I know.

Even though a man may not have the need for a night away to feel recharged, every single one of us women relished it. On the way home my mom and I stopped into a local little shop called Cherry Lane that we both had been dying to see. (We were probably always with our husbands so we figured we would go later).

It was eye candy and feminine dreaminess of the highest degree.

Wall to wall filled with frills, sparkles, handbags, scents, and more to fill your silly girl dreams up to the brim. My mom bought a gorgeous pink handbag.

Fans of vintage inspired, shabby chic sweet, beauty supplies and stationary will not be disappointed by this little shop. I grabbed a tote (to replace my grubby one that tends to be my favorite) and a few cards, including the Curly Girl one above that hit ironically close to home for me.

If you are in the area for Conference, graduation, skiing- whatever- and you are near Provo this is a little shop you might not want to miss.

As much as I love to escape for a day or two, all it takes is stepping into the house to be reminded my duties await. I have to just get back to work and be grateful for the time I had with the girls.

Before bed I snuck in a little more girliness.

Me and my mermaid soak in bubbles to soothe our sleepless night woes away. Did I mention I love my new giant tub?

Anyway..... I am glad I can believe in what may be silly to another

if you don't want to see me be silly

close your eyes

If you love it, keep it

2011-04-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

I have heard several times that you don't need to worry about everything matching, you just need to love what you have. I am not sure if all decorators would agree with that, but I am finally learning as a grown up to quit buying things just to 'fill the space' and wait for something I love.

Before hanging up my WELCOME sign ( that I have adored for a couple of years dangling on my old porch) I realized it was a very stark white, and the letters I touched up last summer were almost too perfect. It looked out of place on my new porch, so I decided to mess it up a little.....

This is one of those times when the result looks better than I had pictured it.

I just wanted it to look darker, but the smudgy stain started to look like natural wood, with the painted finish looking like old vintage chipped paint. I can not wait to get it up on my porch now!

And since I am still gathering (hoarding) things I love to look at and to group and display everywhere possible, I had no room to make my husband put away his eye candy either, so we kept the best of his collection in the antique crates for display in the "man room"

constant dusting aside (isn't that what kids are for?) I am happy with the way everything came together

This fun gas tank reminds me of one that is in my great-grandparent's past, so I am especially happy to see it on these shelves.

I am going to find a way to bring this photo into the space.

A reminder of a simpler time....

but no less enjoyment for the day we live in today

especially when we surround ourselves with things we love

this blog is linked up- click here to see more fun transformations

I hope you dance

2011-04-09T21:37:00.001-07:00

I don't have a little girl to dress up and dance with....but today I got to sneak backstage and share a few moments with my sister and my darling niece at a local dance competition.

My neice is a natural cutie on stage

and equally gorgeous off

Having a camera to play with kept me plenty busy-

I couldn't resist this competing group and their dramatic make-up and eye popping colors.

Wade Robison would have been proud

There is something seriously dreamy about little limbs climbing into fluffy tulle and

sparkles

I really enjoyed my morning with my beautiful niece and her mom who works so hard to let her daughter live out her dream with moments on stage....

I think we all should dance a little every day

When you don't feel glamourous

2011-03-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

You can at least look at someone else who is.

I loved these pics in Glamour mag.

Natalie Portman looks gorgeous, glamourous, sweet but sexy in these new adverts.

She kind of makes me want to highlight my hair and stick a bow in it.

(Don't worry, I won't. It would never look like this)

And this fabulous shot was one of many

Astrid (like Jan's baby on the office?) Berges-Frisbey

( the new Pirates of The Carribean movie) had a beautiful layout

in this month's issue. I love this layered sheer and sparkly dress-

wish I could see the whole thing.

And while I may be actually schlubbing around the house in my baggy capris and faded t-shirt I do have to admit to one thing. My kitchen makes me feel slightly glamourous.

It is much more fun to cook in a kitchen with space.

The island is so great for setting out food when my kids have friends over, or for working on when I am making dinner. I did not have anything like this before, so it really feels like a luxury to me. I am still getting used to where to put things and how to get around.

When you live in one place for 16 years you can do anything with your eyes closed.

Now I feel clumsy and awkward, but I am not complaining one bit!

I am logging in and blogging from this corner. Strangely, I don't get quite as distracted (for hours and hours) because when I am in my kitchen I kind of get reminded of what is around me and needing to be done. I think that is a good thing. I think.

We are still back and forth trying to empty out the old house and start the home improvements. We leave early and fall into bed exhausted late.....

I am counting down the days to spring break and not because I am going on a great vacation......I think I may stay in bed for the whole week. Maybe read in my tub or sleep on my couch.

I just want to enjoy my new place...at my own pace.

Hope you are looking forward to spring too.

enjoy your space today

Lovely Teen Sanctuary

2011-03-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

I am so impressed with the latest project my little sister and her husband took on recently and I had to share it. They took what was once a dreary, large, unpurposed basement room, and completely made it over to a gorgeous young teen get away.

As you can see the space is already cousin approved, where they can catch the vintage classic HR Puff-en Stuff on DVD. Fabulous.

Here are a few more details along with lessons I learned after visiting the new room.

A pretty place to get pretty. I can't believe how much the canister lighting added to the feel of this space. It isn't quite done yet (a little birdie told me someone is hoping for a cute chandelier in this corner) but it really looks fabulous just as it is. I would have loved this gorgeous spot to get ready every morning. Still would! I think the extra effort it took to add the lighting this way really paid off.

I love this little corner. The decor was mostly picked up at Hobby Lobby. This store is quickly becoming a weekly visit spot for me and my sisters and friends. It is great, and these little touches add so much to the room. You don't have to go expensive on everything you bring into a room, you just have to love it.

Fill the little spaces with little touches.

This windowsill may have gone unnoticed, but is now displaying a positive and inpsiring sentiment. You know I love that! I also love the color of the walls and the drapy, slouchingly romantic curtains.

Another tip here- get the color right. My sister originally painted it a blue she thought she loved, but then once the room was completely painted she realized it wasn't quite what she wanted. She re-painted the whole room to get this finished product. Wow.

I hope I am that ambitious with future projects! But if you don't love the pieces, you won't love the final product.

Finally, this room is also a turning point for my cute niece. Her older sister just moved out with room mates leaving her to be the only one left at home with mom and dad. On my way out I spotted these itty bitty ballet shoes, only a few inches long.

These belonged to my niece that is now all grown up moved out on her own. Too cute too miss. And a bittersweet reminder....the days move fast...so make yours the best

savor your day

.... and on that note I am enjoying a homemade, thickly frosted brownie after my workout. hey...I'm only human

Right Place, Right Time

2011-03-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

I am actually almost in tears of joy that I have a moment, just a moment to sit down and blog. We are getting closer and closer to being completely out of the old house and into the new one. There are still closets and storage areas to empty, but for the most part we are out. I am happy to be back.

Once in a while you receive the happy gift of just walking in to a store and suddenly finding the thing....the one thing that you would have dies without but didn't know it. The one thing that makes the whole day of trudging around worth it. You know what I am talking about. For me, it was this funky fun sign.

I am slightly obsessed with positive words and sayings on signage, and I am wondering...how many is too many for one room?

Next I spotted this amazing clock- slightly out of my budget, but hey, it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission, right?

Okay decor experts- don't fret at the height of the clock's placement. I am in search of a beautiful shelf, like one my sister picked up last year at Tai Pan, to go under this clock which I can stack with favorite photo prints. It may be a long journey.

I am in so IN LOVE with this scrunchy comfy couch and the fact that it is always cleared and clean and waiting for a guest. (A luxury I have never had before)

A close up of the decorative pillow that came with the couch.

Is it reasonable to buy an entire couch for one pillow?

Finally a moment to brag......

I bet my dishes are shinier than yours.

(again, same sister as the one with the awesome shelf ~ If you want to absorb her everyday knowledge and greatness follow this LINK to her blog) She sent me to a website that sells dish detergent that has been able to remain effective in spite of the ever looming EPA and it's ridiculous ideas. They sell commercial grade detergent that still contains phophates, so it is actually effective at removing spots and food from your dishes. I actually thought the milk in the bottom of my glasses wasn't getting rinsed well enough after my dishes started all turning white. That is a problem no more.

'Boo' on ridiculous regulations from the ridiculous EPA. How is excessively rinsing my dishes, even rewashing them, or using extra detergent helping the environment? Please. 'Nuff said on that.

We are settling in. I am taking more photos and will share more soon, but getting situated has been a long and grueling process ( please remind me to never move again!). I am still very nervous about putting holes in my walls and trying to figure out where I want to place things. Some of the rooms are slightly empty, which is no fun to see in pictures, so you will just be on this journey with me as we slowly fill the home. Help me be patient!

Until next time

Feather your nest beautifully

Out of Touch

2011-03-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

I am a bit disconnected and out of sorts with the move. No internet at the new house has forced us to empty our home around our computer desk- so when we are here packing we can sit down and check our e-mails (I had almost 500 this morning).

I miss my blog connections and friends as they constantly inspire me and keep me connected with people I know and care about. I hope I get internet at the new place soon. Even my iPad is complaining about how neglected it has become.

I am still in a tiny bit of boxed up chaos but wanted to share just a couple more pictures from the new house.

This is our breakfast nook that is just off the kitchen, separate from "my table", which is out the other direction. I am surprised by how much I love this large tile and warm colors. As you can see walls are bare and blinds are not in yet.

Soon...... real soon.....

Below is the main entry way, with the chairs and table you saw in my last post (chairs from RC Willey, at the amazement of everyone I tell- but I know you can get similar ones at Ballard Designs if the furniture store doesn't carry them any longer) sitting to the right of you as you stand inside the door. If nothing else, this room is pulled together so guests can come sit and fall into the illusion that I am already organized (which I am not).

I am in love with the staircase and I am already planning my entire Christmas decor around it. (Hope I have the energy to make it happen this year!) We were definitely drawn to the staircase when we stepped into this house for the first time. At the top of the stairway to the left side is all the boys bedrooms and bath, and the right french doors open the master suite.

Still lots of work to be done.....

Can I take a break and share a fashion show tidbit?

Is it just me or do these slightly remind you of my bargain shoe love that I endured for Valentine's? I was happy to see these in the Antonio Marras fashion show. Maybe it is time to get yourself a pair! I will say, I wore mine to church with my lace red blouse (header photo) and they got noticed and admired. Even my hubby said they looked great.

Rare. That is rare.

In my weeks of packing, driving, unpacking, stacking, tossing and living I have learned one thing that rings true to me as a woman and as a mother.

A great home can not be bought.

It must be made.

Make your home lovely today

Sneaky peak of our new home

2011-03-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to share a sneak peak with my

bloggy friends of our new home. Sweet hubby and I fell in love with the same pieces of furniture, so we made a few new purchases along the way......

These chairs are just as comfortable as they are gorgeous. The table I bought from an online classified picker and fixer name Heather..... I stalk her sales now.

Walls will be bare for a while until I get a feel for the flow of the house.

We have already moved the furniture in this room 4 times.

Almost started crying when I saw this table in the store.

It is constructed with reclaimed barn wood, on thick gorgeous utility legs.

My man made it happen......

thanks, babe.

We were up before the sun was, too excited to sleep any longer in our new place.

My little guy warms up in front of the fire.

Perfect spying space, from up above.

Boxes and boxes of books and more.

Where to put it all.......

Today as we left for school we viewed this sunrise over the hills

Glad I had my camera with me as my son said..."That's a picture you can't miss, mom."

Pinch me.

Brain, Brain, Go Away

2011-02-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

My head has amazing amounts of chatter that can not be stopped. It is making me crazy. There is so much going on right now I feel all a-flustered!

A few random thoughts: in the fashion sense, I want these ruffles and a pair of nude shoes, but I believe I would opt for a sexier heel

If you have children on Facebook, you should definitely friend their friends- so you can happenstance across a photo like this that would have otherwise never been seen

taken at a Friday night party

I love this

I am speaking with my entire family in our church this Sunday- on my favorite subject of all

this assignment humbles me and frightens me, as I tend to get emotional when speaking about something so dear to me. Now accepting positive vibes and happy thought from all.

Finally, our family is going through some big changes. Right now I am scheduled to close on a home next week, which will leave me saying goodbye to my sweet cottage of 16 years.

More on that later....

for now, I hope a run will clear my head

Live out loud today

Perfect Sugar cookie

2011-02-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

It is a Valentines tradition to make a huge batch of sugar cookies for the holiday. I started doing this about 7 years ago, when I found the perfect recipe that even my husband, who is not a sweet tooth by any means, can't resist.

First, the frosting. This is from the Wilton classes, and will taste like a bakery style buttercream. you can tweak the flavorings if you like a different taste, but the cookie is very mellow, so a sweet frosting is perfect on these.

1 cup Crisco shortening

1/2 tsp butter flavoring

1/4 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp almond flavoring ( all flavors are the clear Wilton bran, for a white icing)

4 tbsp water

3-4 cups powder sugar

Blend the shortening, flavors, one spoonful of water and 1/2 cup powder sugar on low in a medium size bowl. It will make the frosting base. Once it is well blended alternate one tablespoon of water with 3/4 cup powder sugar, until icing peaks. A slightly softer icing is better for the base spreading, and stiffer will work best for the borders. If you use liquid coloring, more powdered sugar may be needed before decorating.

The cookie recipe is as follows

1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup milk
6 tsp baking powder
6 cups flour

Cream together first 4 ingredients, adding milk,powder and flour one at a time after.
Roll out onto floured surface to desired thickness, creating shapes with cookie cutter. Bake at 350* for 8 minutes, cookies will be light but puffy. Let cool 2 minutes and remove from sheet. Frost when cooled.

In our family, it is also tradition to give the kid's teacher a personalized super sized cookie. Our favorite secretary and principal always get a cookie, too. Apparently the secretary screamed with glee when she saw her personalized cookie this morning....that makes me smile....

A few tips:
I have treated myself to using disposable bags most of the time. By the time I am done with the process, I love just cutting off the tip to save and tossing the greasy bag away. Well worth money.
If you don't have any tips just get a good star tip, and a good round tip. You can do most anything with those two tips to pull off a cute cake or cookie.
DO NOT whip your icing. Keep it on low, and take your time, when you beat it too high you whip bubbles into the icing and they pop when you decorate.

Wrap tinfoil on a piece of cardboard cut to size for a great give away plate

You can get the Wilton extracts at most craft supply stores, and even Walmart in the wedding supply area. I buy big, because I love to frost things.

There it is. I gave away my secrets. I hope you can use them for someone you love.

We actually had cookies for breakfast this morning....
in my mind, a great way to start a day of love

Holiday Shoes and Pretty Things

2011-02-10T12:24:00.000-08:00

It was a crazy week last week. Between calling schools, flying solo, cold air, and 'the moodiest week of the month', I was spent. I took the haydster out to find some shoes for him, and passed the clearance racks at Dillard's

I had to have them, of course. Are they too much "Dorothy"?

Do snowflake socks make these official winter wear?

Anyway, I hope I have a legitimate reason to wear them on Valentine's. They are Gianni Bini heels and I snagged them for 23 bucks.

I received a few of the valentines from my exchange. Look at this little darling one.

Looking at it makes me feel young

I made these to send out

and for around the house, peek at this adorable wall plaque from Shopko (shocking, I know)

you could drape a romantic scarf around your bedside lamp

instead of worrying about candles to enjoy a softer glow

I have also decided if it requires a dress this winter, I will also be donning my

birthday boots, leg warmers, and thick tights.

Sharing this quote a friend posted on Facebook today:

‎"Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." ~Voltaire

See something beautiful today

I am that type of parent

2011-02-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

Forget dreams of lovely clothing and lovely kitchens (just for a minute!) as I fill you in on a crazy story.

The tickets at school. The dreaded punishment. They sit in your file indefinitely, they can keep you excluded from assemblies or parties as you lament your bad behavior. And my son came home with one.

He came in a fit of tears, with a slammed door, and red checks. He quickly proclaimed it wasn't fair (his usual battle cry) and threw his ticket to the ground. Then what he said made my blood boil...

"I got a ticket for not wearing my coat."

Here he is, WITH his coat, on a day that actually needs a coat

WHAT?

He is a big kid. He was wearing a sweater over a shirt, and was hot. He had already been out earlier and took off his jacket, so to save time he just didn't take it next recess.

School Tech " You need a coat on." Son: "No, I'm not cold."

Tech: "Well I want you to get a coat on. Go to your room and get it" Son: "But I'm not cold. I am wearing a sweater and my room is locked"

Tech "I think you need a coat" Son:(I am sure, he is angry at this point) "But I have on a sweater. And all of those kids (he points to the playground, where some hundred children play without jackets in the first sunny day in a month) are out without coats on. "

Tech:"I will take care of them later. We are talking about you" son: "But I am wearing a SWEATER!"

Tech looks at his sweater, unsatisfied. "Push your sleeves down " (they were gathered at his elbow) Son angrily pushes his sleeves down to his wrists and throws his hands up in the air, obviously mocking this ridiculous request.

Tech: "You just got a ticket." Then....as she writes the ticket she says "It's kids like you that make me hate this job."

(I have paraphrased what he paraphrased, so you will get the idea)

OUCH.

I am the mom on the phone. I have e-mailed the principal. For follow-up Daddy Bear also visited the school. We have applauded our son for standing up for himself- yes, we have talked about doing it respectfully, but if he is out with children who do not want a coat who is she to decide that for him? If she had ignored the coat issue, the whole exchange would have never happened. And she sited him for 'disrespect' while stating out of her own mouth how she hates her job. Wow. Hypocrisy.

Apparently there have been similar complaints from other parents, and this tech has been warned, but it just makes me wonder...how many kids has she belittled who don't dare speak up? Or whose parents don't care, or don't have the time to worry? This ticket has since been removed. We did find out he was playing ball against the wall and warned to move, which he and his friends were kind of ignoring.

So we have discussed respect. We have discussed listening to teachers, but we also have discussed rights. He can wear his sleeves any way he wants.

I am that kind of parent. And I am proud of my son.

Last time I checked....this was a free country

Eye Candy for 7 degree weather

2011-02-03T07:30:00.001-08:00

Brrr. That is all I felt this morning. The thermostat was loose on the wall and so my heater shut off last night. The house sat at a cool 60 degrees- it is finally warming up, but slowly.

Due to my foul mood (I couldn't tear myself away from the news yesterday, just watching Egypt unravel before my eyes) and the foul temperature, yes, it was 7 degrees when I dropped off my teen at early morning seminary, I am escaping in photos.

The following are from the iVillage photo board by Mary Kate Frank.

It was probably warmer than 60 degrees in this lovely bedroom upon waking

and if it wasn't how about a soak in a hot bath in here

In my escape I read and create in these rooms

I wish I had the power of Mary Poppins to just jump right into these

romantic rooms this February.

And for my Style app picture of day how about some - Ralph Lauren- I love this

and now back to the reality of the morning and the comforts I actually have

my cheapy knock off warm boots which work great without socks, by the way

(I slip these on every morning upon climbing out of bed and they stay on until I am dressed for the day. It is my solace for getting out of my warm covers.)

my morning jolt, since a Diet Coke just seems wrong before 9:00 am

sip and breath.

I am probably addicted.

Weekend Finds

2011-01-31T07:39:00.000-08:00

So, you know I was falling flat for spirit and inspiration last week. I even declared myself officially grumpy and pouted on the couch. I am not sure why. These things do happen.

But, on mommy's day out, I found some great finds that reminded me of the simple things in life

First a stop at the bakery

That lovely heart sugar cookie you see is now probably stuck somewhere between my intestines and my thighs, but it was delicious.

Then surprising find of vintage inspired Valentines

These are made by Punch Studio, and I found them at Barnes and Noble after browsing through all the Somerset Magazines. Is it just me, or is $6.95 for a box of 24 an incredibly great deal? I was a little giddy over that- but after working with my other materials I have for the Valentine swap they aren't quite right. I will hold on to them for the future.

I browsed the aisles of our local thrift store. looking for some fun mismatched china ware. At the local antique store a saucer and tea cup can run $8-$15, and I just don't want to pay that much. I noticed a man with a full cart of various goodies, rummaging the shelves and looking at labels with a magnifying glass. In spite of this "professional" I still scored some great things.

I started stacking these pretties in my cart, not yet sure if I would buy them all or not, when suddenly a woman came up to me, just raving about the plates I found, and how she used to have similar dishes, and she couldn't believe they were just on the general shelf of dishes. That caught the magnifying glass man's attention, and he, too, peered into my cart, and said. "Wow, you have some great finds".

At that point, I decided I would just buy everything I had in the cart (at 50 cents to a buck an item, why not?) and felt pretty happy (although I am not sure why). I must admit, I left them in the car until hubby left for work. He is not the biggest fan of second-hand stores. (if you are reading this i love you babe and love me for who i am)

Now I have a few more pretty pieces to mix and match with my china for our Valentines Brunch Book Club. I love a reason to host!

On the fashion front, this weekend I am drooling all over this Spring line by Chanel. I don't live a life where I would parade around in these beautiful garments, but if I did, I may show up to the next party in this

I got the new Style.com app on my iPad and so I now sit and browse the fashion shows whenever I have a minute. It is a great app, if you're into that kind of thing. Perhaps I can beg the dentist to turn up the happy gas and dream myself in the fashion world today while I get my root canal finished.

Wish me luck

and live beautifully today

Inspire Me

2011-01-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

Today is a rare day. I have nothing...I repeat NOTHING on my calendar until tonight. Normally I schedule these days to clean up, catch up around the house, or catch up with my DVR. I don't want to do any of that.

I want to look at lovely things that make me feel romantic

I need to find inspiration for my Valentines Swap

last year's Valentines were fun and romantic

And Bergdorf Goodman is inducing day dreams of romantic hair, boots, lacy clothing, and a bike ride in the spring

So, while the house may sit untouched for today

In my mind I have been very productive

2010 you served me well

2011-01-17T18:55:00.000-08:00

I can not move on with my blog until I take a moment to respect the year that has just passed.

It sounds silly, but every year when I look back I get a little

overwhelmed and emotional as I peek back at the days I lived.

We are all living this wonderful life!

I am hoping by jotting down a few memories I can remember them later.

I mastered a few songs on the piano ~ I saw the surf and sun in Mexico ~ I danced all night with my sisters ~ I ran and completed my first half marathon ~ I sang on stage next to my children ~ I battled, and overcame, a nasty case of depression ~ I lunched with beautiful friends~ I ran and swam with sisters ~ I voted out a senator I wildly disagreed with ~ I swapped used books ~ I laid in the sun ~ I received cards and invitations from politicians ~ I zip lined across a canyon in Mexico with my hubby cheering me on ~ I completed, and survived, my calling as Primary President ~ I tried new bakeries and restaurants with my husband ~ I learned how to do The Jerk ~ I stayed up way too late with family~ I made art and gifts for my amazing sisters ~ I was introduced to the Food Nanny and vowed to make dinner important ~ I discovered the wonder if the iPad ~ I screamed my head off on numerous roller coasters ~ I bore my testimony at church ~ I went to the temple more ~ I napped on the couch with drapes pulled ~ I ate way too much chocolate cake ~ I survived the scraping of my dysfunctional ankle ~ I sat in awe of Phantom of the Opera ~ I gave a standing ovation to David Barton, Judge Andrew Napalitano, and Glenn Beck after being blown away with a full day of lectures and reading ~ I climbed the rocks of Yosemite ~ I read 33 books ~ I completely biffed it on my new bike and suffered weeks of scabs and road rash ~ I made more lofty goals for 2011 ~

I will no doubt trot around with my camera way too much

Taking pictures of completely random moments

Life is good

Christmas with a camera

2010-12-29T20:15:00.000-08:00

A couple of quick shots taken fresh after Santa's visit, the last shots taken in my

"life before the Rebel".

When the first gift you open, upon Santa's strict request, is a camera, the rest of a day is just a blur from behind an unfamiliar viewfinder. (Why yes.....that is my two eldest sons enjoying their new Snuggies, in lieu of Christmas Eve pajamas on Christmas morning!)

You know it's a great Christmas when you can't make it through the day without crashing for a much needed nap

and when the leftovers from the stocking suddenly look beautiful to me

the day is spent tinkering with new gadgets

(these ever cool magnetic "Bucky Balls" kept my 15 yr old busy all day....all week, actually, as he shaped them into all sorts of amazing contraptions.

And later, taking down decorations is suddenly a chance to capture a mix of beautiful tidbits

What began as a few cards pinned to a lovely bow turned into a curtain full

of Christmas greetings. Is it wrong to leave them up longer to enjoy,

although everything else is cleaned up?

Looking through the eye of a camera reminds me of something important.

Our life is full of beautiful images just waiting for us to capture them.

some of these images were inspired by challenges from the Digital Photography School website. Until I can get into a real class, it is just me, these posts, my instruction book, and my Canon Rebel working our way through the world. It is gosh darned fun, too.

The fire that's breaking my heart

2010-12-17T07:45:00.000-08:00

A brief history as on file at BYU of the Provo Tabernacle

The Provo Tabernacle, located on the west side of University Avenue between Center and First South streets, has figured prominently in the history of Brigham Young University. It was built by the Saints of Utah Valley at a time when money was difficult to obtain. Fifteen years, from 1883 to 1898, were required for its construction, largely because of financial limitations. From 1930 to 1941, when the Joseph Smith Building was completed, BYU commencement exercises were held in the building, the procession proceeding from the Education Building to the Tabernacle, a distance of six blocks. The Tabernacle was used for lyceum concerts even into the 1950s, and organ recitals of the Music Department continued there through the 1960s. Some of the artists who have appeared there have been violinist Fritz Kreisler, pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff, baritone Paul Robeson, soprano Bidu Sayao, the Minneapolis Symphony (1918), the Metropolitan Quartet (1916), opera star Emma Lucy Gates (1923), the Bach Festival (1934), and dozens of others. The dome in the center of the building was removed later because of excessive weight.

The building has been host to countless ceremonies, concerts (as a high school student I sang there with my choir) graduations, weddings, church meetings and more over the years. Just last Saturday I marveled over the beauty of the building. It was my second concert of the season with my son singing.

And this morning we woke to this

It hard to believe that beautiful organ, woodwork, stained glass, and detailing that I captured with my silly little camera is gone.

For the record I must say that building had a spirit about it.

I performed and listened to others perform there.

It was place beyond many you might step foot in.

I am so sad at this historical lost, yet feel blessed we were there just days ago, and my son got a final chance, that we did not know was final, to be a part of that great heritage.

If you have a few minutes, I invite you to share in the spirit of music and Christmas by watching this song my son performed with the choir when we were last there. Merry Christmas. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

We say "Merry Christmas"

2010-12-14T12:44:00.001-08:00

Can you even believe this sweet picture?

Snapped at the mall in 2003, I believe this was the last year that all of my little ones still believed the "Christmas Secret". Strange, though, that that fact is not near as hard to live with as I thought it would be. They are sweeter and more grateful with Santa now than they have ever been....(and no more asking for a million dollars)

Christmas Card 2010

It’s all about the little things

This year, like any other, was full of family milestones and accomplishments; football and soccer games, choir and guitar concerts, piano recitals and vacations, church callings and work trips. As we ponder the year, however, we are overwhelmed by the little things….. The everyday things…..

~ The ability to walk into a building and vote ~ to read a book of our choice ~ to turn on a song and dance together as a family ~ to attend a worship service of our choosing each Sunday ~ to open a closet and have choices to make ~ to click on the mouse at the computer and be surrounded by family updates and photographs ~ to turn on the radio and hear voices discuss things that interest us ~ to send our children to a safe school with people and friends we love and trust ~ to have employment and the means to provide and be self-sufficient ~ to live with a roof over our heads and a bed for each of us ~
to gather together as a family and pray ~

As we observe the little things we realize they are not so little at all.

We take this time of year to reflect on the good lives we live and the blessings we all share,

and wish you a Merry Christmas

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”

Isaiah 9:6

Family Festivities

2010-12-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

I am one of those gooey, sappy, holiday enthusiasts. I love it. I love the lights. I love the music. I love the fact that my kids still count down the days with me.

Love Love Love

Holiday around the house...

tags made for tag exchange

my outdoor nativity (proud moment: buying a spotlight to light this up at night)

my nativity I bought the first year I was married

a cry for Santa's attention on our porch

a few pictures and nativity made by sweet grandma

Family moments

favorite cookies for dipping and munching (so good....trust me..but very hard to find)

collection of Santas abound

reminder to Believe

boys enjoying a quick snow fall

a tree light up, chirping, calling for Christmas to come

Let me explain: my parents had an electric ornament that chirped like a bird when you plugged it in. When lights went on, the bird began singing. I remember visitors perplexed , trying to find it in the tree. After growing up with the Christmas bird I have missed it in my own home. Although it could be annoying...it was part of Christmas. Last year I bought one, and we hooked it up. It was MUCH LOUDER than my parent's bird...but after figuring out how to open it and cover the speaker this year it is just right. It chirps whenever the lights are on. It makes me feel giddy all over again. I love my annoying bird.

My son performing with the choir. (the handsome guy looking at the camera above the mic)

Makes me cry every time.

I love that he sings unafraid, praises to Christ and songs from the Messiah

so excuse me for loving Christmas and feeling sorry for Hum Bugs.

I have reasons to rejoice...

don't we all?

And the season can start now.....

2010-11-29T06:22:00.000-08:00

My brother reminded me that last night was the local sing along of The Messiah, by Handel.

I sang in our high school choir and chamber choir, and was directed by the notable "Mr. D". That man had a way of making us teenagers believe there was nothing more important in the world than a well sung song. Christmas was a blur performances and traveling and watching people dab their eyes as you sang your heart out for them. I loved every minute of it.

This video surfaced this year on You Tube, and the awe of this moment, of proclaiming something like this in public, still makes me cry after watching it at least a dozen times.

Mr D. always had a Christmas concert, and the last song was the Hallelujah Chorus. All the alumni who had sang in his classes before would come up from the audience to join the current choir, as students young and old packed the stage to sing this work by Handel. There was nothing like it.

(me-in the sunglasses- and my choir friends with Mr D. and his wife in Disneyland, where we went for our choir tour. 80's clothes and hair, just a bonus.)

Now when I sing it I can barely make it through the notes, which I still have proudly memorized, without a tear or two of my own.

Add to that equation a son, a teenager no less, who has suddenly picked up this love for singing, singing his part by my side, and excited about the song. We filled the chapel, and then some....shoulder to shoulder, hundreds of voices with the accompaniment of a full orchestra and none other than Mr. D. on the organ.

Moments like this seem almost surreal to me, the cycle that life is, the things that stick with us, the beauties of music and art. I felt truly blessed to experience this work (which Handel produced in it's entirety in a miraculous 24 days) and as we sat down at the end of the song (it is proper to always stand for this number) I leaned over and said to my brother, "Okay, now Christmas can come". He nodded, understanding me exactly.

On our way out of the church we noticed a new inch or two of snow covered the walks. The night was quiet, the feeling so sweet....my son grabbed the shovel at the door and started cleaning the walkway "in case the old ladies come out this way."

Then I returned home to a clean house, Christmas boxes stowed away again, candles burning, dishwasher running, and the tree sparkling and glowing.

And the Christmas spirit is here........

I'll Wake Up Early For You

2010-11-15T06:04:00.001-08:00

Why does a gal that loves to SLEEP IN (especially on rainy fall days), and usually hits snooze a few times, and always needs just a few more minutes get up at 6:00 am with no hassles?

Because 15 years ago this happened

and that sweet little baby is still sweet, but not so little anymore ,

....and he wants french toast today before leaving for early morning seminary.

....and I love that, in spite of me being the annoying parent, he will occasionally make my day and stand still for a picture with me. I love that he has a grown up sense of humor and makes me laugh when I least expect it. I love that he is a big brother and go-to guy when I truly need it. I love that he has taken to singing and enjoys making music with voice and guitar. I love that he is 4.0smartasallgetout and I have no idea how to help him with his homework.

Happy Birthday, Connley. I love you.

where in the world have the past 15 years gone?

Blog number 2 wins today

2010-11-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

I promise I will be back with yummy images and fall musings soon. I have been hoarding photos and obsessing over magazines a little too much lately. You shall benefit.

What else have I been doing?

Oh yeah...reading.

As the year comes to a close I am in a panic. I really wanted to read 40 books this year, and I am at 29 right now. It is a goal I made with myself, and last year I only read 24, so I am already ahead, but I thought I could do it much easier! (Boo to those weeks of laziness I 'took off' from reading this spring).

I have been involved in a little book club for the past 3 years or so, and it has been a great thing. Great discussions, great books, great friends. I love reading things other people pick, because it gets me out of my comfort zone.

Last month we started a blog......I mean, I started the blog, and it was time to catch up for our Saturday meeting. If you want to see what's up visit my other blog, which won my attention today on posting.

Otherwise, stay tuned. Fall is in the air- and holidays are on their way!

Fighting 40

2010-11-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Soooo..... the big day is here. I was wondering if it would feel weird, you know, old, to be turning 40. The only weird thing about it is I still feel so childish some days. Oh well.

This is how I turn 40

Get up and go running here

My favorite place to knock off 3 miles.

Order a little somethin-somethin from Hammering Redhead on ETSY

I picked my little ones initials for my own admiring. Her jewelry is the kind of stuff you see other people wear and feel jealous.. That will be ME when it arrives. (thanks Melanie for the nice correspondence, too!)

Break down and get the hair you have wanted all your life

Courtesy of REMY hair extensions.

LOVE

these things.

Get a thrill in Las Vegas seeing Phantom (amazing, amazing, amazing) and riding the Big Shot on the Stratosphere during my girls only weekend

Lest you think the ride is not scary, please look again. Pay attention to my horrified face.

I guess a picture is worth a thousand words (or laughs, in my case) after all.

(for the record, my pants stayed dry, so I am not as old as I sound)

And that is how I am fighting (or not so much fighting, but relishing) turning 40. Hope I am having this much fun 40 years from now, too.

Eat Cake

2010-10-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

photo by Sweet Tooth Fairy

"Cakes have gotten a bad rap. People equate virtue with turning down dessert. There is always one person at the table who holds up her hand when I serve the cake. No really, I couldn't, she says, and then gives her flat stomach a conspiratorial little pat. Everyone else who is pressing a fork into the first tender layer looks at that person who declined the cake and they all think, That person is better than I am. That person has discipline. But that person isn't a person with discipline, that is a person who has completely lost touch with joy. A slice of cake never made anybody fat. You don't eat the whole cake. You don't eat cake everyday of your life.
You take the cake when it is offered because the cake is delicious. You have a slice of cake and what it reminds you of is someplace that's safe, uncomplicated, without stress. A cake is a party, a birthday, a wedding. A cake is what's served on the happiest day of your life."

Jeanne Ray "Eat Cake"

photo by The Chocolate

Thanks for the bakery stop on our little dinner date last night, honey. That slice of cake gave me the sugar sweats.

Worry not, the Diet Coke kept me focused. I finished the whole slice.

And thanks to authors like Jeanne Ray, who so eloquently express what my sugary obsessed brain can't seem to say, and makes loving the cake a matter of virtue.

Spooky Scary Windows

2010-10-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I saw this idea in Country Home magazine (moment of silence in remembrance), and used it on my windows for Halloween. This year I am changing it up to make it a little more creepy.

You need to find black butcher paper. I got mine at a local party supply store. You will need enough for all your desired windows that you want to cover, but it can be pieced together as well.

With an exacto knife, cut out any shapes you like

You can trace it first with a white crayon, but I prefer to just free hand it. You can also look at a pumpkin carving book for ideas that won't punch out all the way. Then put it up in your window, covering the entire area with the paper.

This photo shows the effect during the day, as the light comes through.

And at night, a peek from outside, on my porch. Cutout door and dollar store Frankenstein with spooky streamers.

Now, I was able to snag some old creepy movie posters that finished off my scary windows. Video stores are not allowed to re-sell these, so if you know someone who works at a video store you may be able to sweet talk your way to a poster of your own.

Movie posters are designed to hang on a lightbox, so the image is reversed from the other side and light can filter through.

I covered two windows, one on the side and one on the front of my house this way.

The window at night, from outside

I love the creepy look on my old house, and have already had a few people comment on the spooky look.

What spooky look are you trying this year?!

All About Me for Link Party

2010-09-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

If you don't peek at Funky Junk occasionally, you are missing out. I loved this link party because I have kind of been lazy on my blog, and so between putting up Halloween decorations and sipping my Diet Coke I decided to play today.

Who am I ?

Messy Hair slightly blurry photo....the best

I am a mother of 3 boys and girlfriend to my hubby. I am artistic, religious, emotional, creative and somewhat fun. I love people, but cherish my alone time, and 40 is within weeks. How did that happen?

Where I live

A small town along the Wasatch Front, in a sweet home that was built in 1906. I walked through the house while pregnant with my first baby, and fell in love. We moved with dreams of fixing up the home to something fabulous....we are still working on those dreams!

What I love about my house
It has a story. It was built by immigrants from Iceland who helped settle the area, and every once in a while someone will knock on my door with a story to tell about the home's history. This shade tree that I have my little table under was planted side by side with another tree by the home owners when two sons went to war. One tree never grew or thrived, while the other sprouted up beautifully, and then the family received word that one son had died at war. They pulled the dead tree out and left this one, still alive, in the yard. symbolizing their surviving son.
When's the last time you heard a story like that at the latest development?

My favorite room
My Dining Room. It also is the home of my computer hutch and piano, so this is the heart of my house. I love it mostly becasue this is where we sit as a family for dinner, where we do homework, where I greet visitors. It isn't fancy, I know that, but it is just so real life.

What I like to DIY

Artsy tidbits and scrapbooks. I am happiest surrounded by photos and paper goods, making a scrapbook, or a charm for a necklace, a book mark, or fun tag for a gift. I tend to stick to small projects so I actually finish them.

I wish I knew how to.....

Be organized. I am a stacker, a saver, a "sure I will need this someday" kind of girl. I force myself to watch "Hoarders" every now and then just to light the fire of desire to purge (it works). But I wish that I had that neat-nik personality. My husband is neat. I am not. I defend my children's messes, and curse myself for not being tidy. I am not sure how to overcome that.

Why I love to blog....

to connect with other people, to write my story, and mostly, to sit back an take an objective look at myself on regular basis. I find it very therapeutic and my blog is a little bit random....but so am I.

I want, I want, I want

2010-09-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Some days I just kind of want to stomp my feet and beg for things.....

I mean, it is silly, considering I have lots of cool things already....BUT

I lust.

I keep telling my family that Santa better have one thing for sure on that sled for me

I am ready to move up from my point and shoot, but not ready to go full force photographer. The Rebel proves to be a good entry level DSLR.

I have tried to be very good all year, haven't I?

And because of the long distance business trips my secret stash is low.... I believe a visit to See's is in order.

We are starting to talk about the REMODEL. When the Ramsey effect has taken place, and we are fully debt free, including the mortgage!!!! ( sometime in the spring), we have decided we will do some renovating, and I can't stop pining over the idea of a new kitchen

(photo from Cottage Living). So hey, we will have a loan again at that point, but we know how to make mince meet of those silly debts, so we are not afraid. Long Live Capitalism!

Bring on the spring renovation!

I also have been thinking I need a cool pair of boots (these are from Elle)

I am anything BUT a cowgirl, but I just keep envisioning cute skirts, slouchy socks, worn jeans and tromping right over the muddy leaves all fall..... These just may be a necessity.

Speaking of fall...... let me sigh over the end of summer

I am a little bit mad at myself for wasting so many beautiful days this summer feeling tired and not chasing the sun as much as I should have...

but hey, there is always next year.

Almost a football fan

2010-09-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

With little brother resting after his flag football game

And this guy working harder than I have ever seen him work

And the whole thing becoming a bonding moment between father and son

This girlie girl who has never really truly cared before

is becoming a fan

of football

Anniversary

2010-09-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Happiness is finding someone to love

Joy is having a family

Growing is making it through the good, and the bad

Fun is seeing the world

and satisfaction is knowing today is as great as every other day
no grand parties
no big trip
no huge gifts

Just enjoying each other

17 years and going.....

Arts and Craftiness

2010-08-25T09:51:00.001-07:00

I have not been able to create anything for a while. That makes me a little bit crazy, so I like it when I have an excuse to cut and paste and stamp.

Our show recently opened and I was determined to make a little somethin-somethin for the other "wives" of the brothers in the play.

(Me and a few of the "wives", plus one brother that can't resist a photo op. We are in our Egyptian costumes, which are just too fun too miss.

ANYWAY I found some amazing graphics for an amazing deal at the Cute and Cool shop of Itkupilli, and so I made these little tags by using her graphics, adding a saying, and topping it with my favorite stamp.

I stuffed little bags with the tags, some chocolate (a backstage must) some gum (an onstage must) and a few crackers in case anyone needed a snack.

These were surprisingly easy and I will definitely be using this idea for future friends/sister/neighbor treats. I am always happy to find a simple thing to pull together that looks cute. I got the luggage tags at Staples and the bags at Hobby Lobby.

I am also happy to say the EAR is completely better ( who would have thought earwax could put you in bed?) but due to the disgusting details, I am not posting about that. I am feeling SO MUCH better for a few reasons (different post), and instead of telling my friend that cuts my hair to just 'trim it', I decided to actually get a new style. I know people say cutting your hair isn't that big of a deal, but I feel like a new woman.

AND PS- my kids started school yesterday!!!! Shhhh, don't tell...
I may just read blogs all day

Bits of Beauty

2010-08-09T18:34:00.001-07:00

I told myself no more wallowing on here. Today I was determined to capture a few beautiful sights, and share them .

My husband has been pushing the kids to be more self-reliant, and here is my 10 year old finishing up his laundry for the day. A sight for sore eyes....

Hubby came home early and it is time to get going on our shed. This shed has been in our yard for many years, and after much debate we are renovating it instead of tearing it down. Here is the outside of the shed, with a new roof and new side paneling.

Me in hubby's paint stained shirt, ready to help add color.... and the final coat of red.

I love it already

Inside the shed, once we pulled off the paneling we fell in love with the knotty wood we found an online seller getting rid of these sheets of tin, which we will use to panel the inside some how. I love the tin, too. I can't wait to see how my hubby pulls it all together.

Luckily, I had a retail therapy moment.....tote bags on clearance at Victoria's Secret I love this bag. Right now it is holding my iPod and my yoga block, because I took it to the gym. The bag was $2.49. *sigh*
I got two. I am regretting not buying all that they had left.

In the mailbox today

Why does getting a magazine bring instant relief? Ahhhhhh.

And I made a new Food Nanny Favorite, "Crunchy Parmesan Chicken". This pan isn't beautiful, but I am proud of the fact that I walked into the kitchen and made dinner, when I really just wanted to climb into my bed.

My family ate every last bit of the chicken, and I also pulled off rice and a salad. Small victories.

A few beautiful things in my day.

On an honest note, I would appreciate any happy positive thoughts or prayer you can spare. I am back to the doctor tomorrow to discuss my world as I know it, and beg for help with my ear.

Heavenly inspiration is always appreciated.

Why sad days scare me

2010-07-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

My sweet little-gotta go- excuse to visit- reason to buy books- highlight the pages book club just finished The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.

I was shocked to hear that most of my little group couldn't relate at all to Esther's plight. I , on the other hand, was the only crazy in the room that TOTALLY got it. I have been Esther, way too many times in my life.

I was a brooding teen, depressed and low in self confidence, yet I managed to still have a blast with the right people. I struggled off and on with depression, complete with crying spells, over eating for comfort, and chopping off of hair in an effort to feel beautiful.

After the birth of my 3rd child, it hit full force. I was stuck in a foul-aired bell jar and I couldn't breathe. I didn't want to get up, clean, cook, or live. I often loaded my kids in the car and drove in circles, crying the whole time. I contemplated pulling 'a Marie Osmond' and driving away by myself. All I needed was my VISA and a pair of shoes....most days finding that much was an effort. I did stupid things, I was a horrible wife, and I just pretended to be a normal woman. It was the most horrible, darkest, loneliest time ever.

I won't go into details here, but suffice it to say, I did not value life. A summer on anti-depressants stopped the crying fit that had lasted days, but left me feeling hollow and robotic. After 4 months I went off it, never to look back.

I have learned a lot since then, and never been quite in the place I was at my lowest years, but bad days still scare me, especially if I have more than a few in a row. I can't help but worry- what if I start crying and can't stop? What if my children literally cause me to snap? What if ? What if?

On a good day, these thoughts make me laugh, roll my eyes, even admit how silly I can be, but on a bad day, they are more real than anything I know. So while I have had a little spell of bad days creeping around me lately I rely on what works for me now. Running to pounding music. Prayer and Temple visits. Massage and yoga. A treat by myself. A good book. A long, long nap. Taking vitamin B complex and St John's Wort, A weekend with my husband. He doesn't understand why I can't just 'shake it off' on these days, but he is very patient with them.

I guess part of this post is confession for why I have not blogged as much lately. Looking at the computer causes me to feel overwhelmed and anxious.

But today is a good day. Life is good. And to anyone who isn't feeling up let me just say..
I have been there.

PS- Kendra won my chocolate! Hope it brings a smile!

If I had money to burn

2010-07-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

I would buy you all one (or two) of these......

They are THAT GOOD

I am not a huge 3 Musketeers fan, but come on, I am not really going to turn one down.....

I was a little more excited about the mint option, mostly because of the dark chocolate coating, BUT THIS, this is something to crow about.

The thin crispy cookie is better than that of a Twix. The truffle like mouse filling is just fluffy enough that it almost melts in your mouth.

The chocolate coating is the perfect taste of milk chocolate.

I got one and that is all it took...

I am going back to the store tomorrow after my appointments in the morning, and I am prepared to clear the shelf.

Tell Dave Ramsey I am now making a "3 Musketeers Truffle Crisp" envelope, to help me know when to stop..............

How many of these would I need for a 2 year supply?

To prove I am serious I am going to mail an unspecified number of these to one lucky reader. It may be one (I doubt it) or it may be 5, or it may be 50 (doubt that too).

Leave me a comment- and you are entered.

Link me up in any way (lets spread the word about a candy bar worth buying) and let me know for another entry...

...and in the meantime, if you see one at the checkout, try it out and let me know!

This is Why we Sing

2010-06-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't written about this yet, but for the past week or so my sweet grandma has been in the hospital. You can read more about my grandma and her ways in this blog post, one of many that my sister has written on her fabulous blog.

I have this picture that I snapped of my kids on Halloween, with grandma the willing participant, in her Santa style Yankees hat (she is a die hard, completely hard core, fanatic for the Yankees).
Her eyes, which once spent countless hours stitching quilts or painting ceramics she would most likely give to others, are now pretty much gone. We had a lot of explaining to do as she tried to understand the boys costumes, but she had plenty of goodies to hand out none the less.

My brother wondered if anyone would want to go visit her in her hospital- our sister Julie had been on overtime there and had to return to her out of town home, so we worried she might be lonely and needing a Sunday boost. We sent out a late night text, and to my amazement one by one my busy siblings showed up, hymn books in hand, ready to sing.

We had compiled a list of our favorites, but grandma had her own requests. As we sang them, one after the other, her eyes slipped closed..... her lips mouthed the words, and sometimes her head would fall to the side as her emotions just over took her and she sobbed.

"How Great Thou Art" was nothing short of a miracle, for we somehow made it through it, yet we were all crying as she shook and gripped her hospital sheets, trying to sing along, her face wrenched tight in determination.

She insisted we had the voices of angels, and she said she had no idea we could sing that way. We ended with"America the Beautiful" and I could feel Grandpa, who passed away over 11 years ago, smiling on our patriotic selection.

After we finished she decided out loud, "I am the envy of all the hospital!" but she quickly scolded herself for saying such a prideful thing out loud.

She turned to us with her blurry, unfocused eyes, and said, "I don't know how much longer I'll live, but that was so great, I won't forget it for the rest of my life." Then she blew a kiss across the room.

I love you, Grandma.

They say you never forget

2010-06-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

They say you never forget how to ride a bike.
I have not owned my own bike since I was 12......or so
Meet my Novara
I can ride it 9 miles (my furthest yet) without crying because my behind hurts.
I feel like Mary Poppins with a helmet on.

I am not good at hopping up to the side walk, as these photos will testify

And yes, it hurts as bad as it looks. On the other hand.....does this make me tough? I am one of those girls with road rash

loving the caption....
if it has tires or scratches itself, you're going to have trouble with it

accepting condolences or admiring comments about my toughness now

LIfe is a Stage

2010-06-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

One of my hobbies in life is being on stage. I was raised in a home where every day was a performance, either for one of my 12 siblings or parents, or for myself in front of the large living room window, which had a reflection that could rival any dance studio's walls of mirrors.

This from my Junior Year, in "Bye Bye Birdie"- of course I was the noisy loudmouth friend, "Ursula".

Later I started spending time in community theater, with my family sometimes, in shows like "Hello Dolly" and "Fiddler on the Roof" (probably still one of my lifetime favorites.) Most days our home was filled with music. I used to brag about knowing all the songs to "Jesus Christ Superstar" like a musical rebel, but acting out shows and singing along was just part of our every day lives.

When I got married, I kind of moved on. I spent nights with my husband and spent days at work, and then the kids came along and theater was just a lucky once in a while visit. Until 2006, when my grandma and mom both encouraged me to try out for "CATS".
I had a horrible audition, but luckily made it to call backs where I secured a spot as Demeter, and never looked back.
My local moment in the spotlight included being featured on the front of the Entertainment Guide for the paper.

The paper feature, applause, or even the flowers from my ever patient hubby (whom I had to gently 'remind' that flowers are an opening night tradition), were not what captured me that summer. What grabbed me by the heart and has never let go was the simple process of performing. Singing and dancing. Performing like a little kid and being part of an amazing production. I followed with a small part in "Seussical", and last summer had the chance to play the part of a lifetime in "Wizard of OZ", including flying and throwing fire from a broom

This year the madness has taken a whole new turn, as I got a part in "Joseph and the Amaazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" not just alone, but with all of my kids. My oldest son is "Benjamin", Joseph's youngest brother, and my younger boys are in the children's chorus. We load up every night from Tuesday through Friday and most Saturday mornings and head over to do our part in being part of this amazing show. It has been a blast (but adding to the busy summer schedule) and I am glad for the fun we have had....

Mostly though, I think about what music and creativity brought to my life as a young girl smack dab in the midst of a somewhat crazy household, and I think of the power music still has in my life- along with the gift of being able to share a performance with other people. Those are the things that make me most passionate and most excited for the summer ahead- and the chance to pass it along to a new generation of young crazy kids.

Poor Blog

2010-05-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

Theater auditions and lunches with friends

Scout hikes and pinewood derby

and early morning running

and no post on the blog

Mother's Day cards and coupons from kids

Ipad and bikes and gadgets and gizmos

Clients and oils and Dr. appointments with Grandma

no time for my poor little blog

TV series and political rantings

State Delegate drama and powerful prophecies

Haunting books and book club breakfasts, another dead kitty and endless tears

no time to blog

Choir Concerts and piano lessons

Two 5-ks and a new pair of shoes

Birthday Treats and yearbook needs

poor, poor, blog

Packing and planning for a weekend away

Student Council posters (and rejection) and end of year reports

Genealogy and ancestors stories

and still no time to blog

....is anyone else finding May to be the busiest time of the year?

sometimes I wish I could slow it all down-
I enjoy this life
I just don't want to miss it

Neither Julie or Julia

2010-05-10T13:10:00.001-07:00

For all of you who enjoyed the fellow-blogger movie "Julie and Julia" I just have to ask-

did it make you want to cook?

Did it make you want to shop for ingredients and pots and pans ?

Did it make you want to throw a dinner party?

See, I am neither a Julie or a Julia, I am not gifted in the kitchen, although I did make wedding cakes for a while to earn extra cash from home.... but I never took Home Ec and I cried when my mom made me make hamburger patties out of raw meat.

But dinner is another thing. And this movie made me want to stop whining about my ugly kitchen and start cooking. Add to that my sister's enthusiasm for "The Food Nanny", which she got me hooked on, and I decided to stop making excuses and start learning how to cook.

I have a goal to make at least 2 new recipes a week...anything goes, from cookies to casserole, in the quest of expanding my dinner choices.

So far my kids have given the thumbs down to the lemon pound cake I made and the parsley potatoes we tried. A scalloped ham and potato dish got their approval, while the rack of BBQ ribs I burned to a crisp were still picked at, in spite of the charcoal outer coating. I should add I made the most DIVINE brownies ever, and had to give myself a pat on the back. The chicken enchilada soup my friend made (and handed me the recipe with a smile) has become a new crock pot favorite. I DVR Sandra Lee and Food Nanny and take notes. (Why do they all cook with their hair down? Am I the only one that sheds?)

I will not be blogging in general about my cooking adventures, but just wondered how other moms hold it together and manage to come up with a dinner every night. (Again, Food Nanny is helping me here). I am in awe of the well set table.

I love the idea of a sit down meal more often- Tv off and everything.

I am anxious to hear what the dinner traditions are in other busy homes. I believe that dinner time is important, and determined to bring my family together around the table more than I have in the past.

Shy Shameless Plug

2010-05-04T07:52:00.001-07:00

I have been a massage therapist for over 8 years now. It has had it's fabulous moments, and it's trying moments, but I am overwhelmed often by the gift this work has been in my life.

I am a big believer in the power of natural remedies for a lot of our trials, but not anti-doctor by any means. To me it's all about balance. I have used oils in my practice since the start (I used them before I was a therapist), and I have a lot of clients request referrals for good oils, or ask to buy them from me. I have never sold anything in my therapy...until now. I tried a few samples of these oils and had to have them. I know they will boast they are 'more clean" (blah blah blah") and 'more pure' (yadda yadda yadda) , but I don't care about that. Maybe I should, but doesn't every one say that stuff?

I want oils that smell fresh- every time I open the bottle. I want oils that make my mouth water, or that make my soul sigh. I want oils that my kids beg to have me rub on their head when they feel worn out and need to bond.

That is what I found. So this will be my only shameless plug for Doterra oils. I have a link on my side bar, but honestly, I don't care where you find your choice of good oils. Just let them help you get out of whatever funk you are in, and don't be afraid to be picky.

I have stopped earaches before bed, leg cramps after a soccer game, headaches of a teenage boy, Diet Coke cravings (yes, it's true. It is amazing what a drop of lemon oil in a water bottle can do), and my biggest testimonial- I grabbed my SOLDERING IRON by the HOT end after it had been on for 2 hours- while throwing a craft fit. (Do you ever throw those when a craft goes bad?) I literally heard my finger sizzle. Ouch.

Anyway, I slathered that finger in oil and wrapped it with a band-aid. No ice, no boo0-hooing, well, maybe I boo-hooed for a minute, but it only hurt a few minutes, then the pain stopped. The next day there was no welt, no blister, no burn, no red. My finger looks perfect. That was all it took. I became a walking testimonial.

I have an AWESOME reference guide, too. So if you have oils that you haven't used for a while or if you need a tip on something that is bugging you- from warts to cramps- just e-mail me. I would be happy to look something up for you if you give me time to respond, and we will cross our fingers together that you will have the same results I have had.

I had to brag for a minute......

and now, back to your regular scheduled blog.

Random bits of Lovely

2010-04-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I linked to Cindy at Romantic Homes, and every time I do it challenges me to find something pretty to look at- not that my glamour shot below isn't absolutely gorgeous, but still...... I want to play in this link up, so here are a few little bits of lovely.

What is about dolls, vintage toys, and babies? This little bit has all three, how can you go wrong? A charm for a friend made in blog land, with a handmade envelope and label to greet her. It is nice to send something off to someone you know will appreciate it.
A photo of my charm, with a cool little charm necklace my husband bought home for me from Korea.

And finally, a quick home Do-It-Yourself tip that any girl can handle.

How to replace the hole in your poor, tattered, cottage's wall that your son made by practicing his throw against it Start by measuring the hole. This is very important, as you will see here.

You need to make sure it is covered

by the star on sale at your local decor store.

See, now doesn't that look better?

Glamour Shot Confession

2010-04-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

If you came to read about my cruise- scroll down and read below (just pretend you are interested).

If you came to see me humiliated in the glamour shot closet confessions carnival hosted by Kristina P.- look no further. RamSam glamour girl, Circa 1991
The worst part of this whole scenario is the fact that I had the audacity to buy a LARGE POSTER of this shot and give it to my boyfriend, it was his Christmas present, and I was beside myself with love when I got these photos- and gave them to him.

I am sure his parents were completely creeped out by it. He did return it when we broke up, later. I believe I threw it away when I moved out.

Maybe someday I will grace you with my Olan Mills senior photos. Maybe.......

I had forgotten about this photo, until Kristina's post came along.

To see more glamour hotties follow the link on her blog!

Cruising through Life

2010-04-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

I am now officially jealous of anyone going on a (warm) cruise. We returned last Sunday from our week of indulgence, and it still feels like a beautiful dream.
Now, I am not going to go through a play by play of the week, because it would take too long and I am pretty sure you really aren't interested. Instead let me hit you with a few highlights and the best and worst of the trip.
A few unexpected pleasures:
Waking at 5:00 am because I wanted to see a sunrise. No alarm, no plan, just a childish excitement to see the sun rise over Mexico. My hubby joined me on the front deck and we had the sunrise all to ourselves.
Seeing my hubby in flip flops and beach shorts. Cutest thing. Ever. He is a self-proclaimed flip-flop hater, so this was new for me.
How fun it would be to dance with Alexander, our waiter from Croatia, as he forced himself to dance through the dinner entertainment. He hated it, but after one night of me and my sisters dancing like maniacs by his side (how do you just sit for "Apple Bottom jeans...Boots with the Fur...") he waved us to his side after that. "Jai Ho" has never been so fun.
How great it would feel to be rocked to sleep by waves. Mmmm. Best sleep I have ever had without medication.
How blissful no cell phone could possibly be. No kids. No work calls. No e-mails or texts dinging. Just me and him...... and lots of food and sunshine. Paradise.

Small disappointments:
I did not swim as planned. The pools on the boat were cold. The hot tubs were not near hot enough for my liking, and while the sun was there for me, I was sad I couldn't frolic in the pool like I had hoped to.
The cruise photos were a rip off. From the Photos by Deb instructions, to the glossy Olan Mills prints, the photos on this cruise were pathetic. The lighting was horrible, and most of the ones I thought I would break down and buy for 20 bucks- were hideous. Good thing we took a lot on our own.
My sea legs were unbearable. I was swaying for 5 days after we got off the boat. It got worse on day 2 and 3, so bad I couldn't run one day. I had to stop and walk because I felt like the road was moving. I am so glad it has stopped! There were a lot of fabulous moments. From dinner with my sisters and parents (above), to what felt like endless shopping (both on the ship and the port), card games, Karaoke, delicious food, amazing chocolate cake, room service, dancing until 1 in the morning, giggling with my sisters, sightseeing in Mexico, zip lines and rock walls, holding hands and laying in the sun....there is just too much to say.

If you need a vacation let me just say this- for us, the cruise did not disappoint.