not even close to empty

The day after a snow storm and other thoughts.

2012-02-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

A beautiful blanket of snow slammed into our mountain yesterday.

Today I was expecting a quiet hibernation of sorts.

I expected to have the dryer fixed today

and work on the loads and loads of laundry

of all the fabric-like items

from our mostly-done construction zone of a basement.

But our dryer died on Thursday

and I was told today that it will take about 5 days to get the part they need.

I also expected to have the last part of construction all finished and done.

One more day they say.

And our refrigerator is loudly chug-chug-chugging along.

No ice has come from that machine for weeks and

I got a call today that my child has run away from his internship.

What should they do?

I couldn't get a hold of him

and thought of all the possibilities.

They called not much later

to tell me they had to call security

and a police car picked him up

and will I come and pick him up.

This boy who has been complaining more and more

of hearing voices, seeing shadows and of ideas that won't let up.

This boy that asked for help

but felt unsafe, overwhelmed, and out of control.

This boy walked.

He should have consequences of not following rules,

not being cooperative, and being ornery.

This boy needs that and so much more.

The earliest doctors visit is Thursday.

If you can drive to Salt Lake City.

Yes.

I would drive to Timbuktu to get him some help, I say.

He fell asleep on the couch as we waited for his father

and after he worked on project after project

and he watched some tv.

We went out as a family to walk the mall and get something to eat

(I actually had something planned to make for dinner

but after some tears and deep breaths I

wanted to get out of the warm, cozy house

that's buried deep in that snow).

We eat from the same little Japanese food place

and share the same table and try to think of things to say.

We got his hair washed and cut and had his full beard shaved

(he is like a much younger child in many ways

but easily grows a shaggy beard

that he proudly wears like the gold prospector he wants to be).

He doesn't like to shave nor does he like his mother's or father's help.

I tell him how handsome he looks

and I can see his fresh faced, big toothed grin.

He doesn't complain on the way home

and easily takes his medicine,

gets his own pajamas,

kneels for family prayer

and quickly goes to bed by himself.

I have drying racks set up in the kitchen

and the dryer is still covered under warranty.

We bought a new fridge tonight and it will get here on Friday.

The tile will be grouted tomorrow

and handles will be placed on the new french doors.

We can see some concrete amongst the snow covered driveway.

Tomorrow has to be a better day.

Finished Project #6. Painted Little Rocker.

2012-02-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

Saturday was warm enough

(well for me even though it was super windy)

to spray paint this cute little thing pink

(just in time for a foot of snow yesterday).

I love how it turned out.

Little Miss Sunshine loves it too

(although I think she loved it before too).

New Recipe #6. Apple and Oat Scones with Cinnamon and Nutmeg.

2012-02-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

Yummy.

It reminded me a little of the Scones at Barnes and Nobles.

Love that Martha Stewart.

Rian, the Rocker and the Easel.

2012-02-10T16:50:00.001-08:00

She loved it all.

2012-02-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

She LOVED the rocking chair.

She would even rock, rock herself.

She LOVED this little pink stool.

She can easily sit on it

and easily put her stuffed animals on it.

Last Saturday we went up to Ikea for a few things.

We got this easel and didn't even know we needed it.

It was only $14.99.

She loved it!

She has been having so much fun.

I'm thinking this is just a glimpse for what's ahead.

She is a feisty one!

All photos taken with iPhone.

Some other things I loved this week:

Brilliant and adorable.

I just may have to paint some doors.

I just may have to make this.

There's not a lot of jewelry that I like, but this one I could!

Charming, indeed.

Love this. LOVE this.

And this.

I just couldn't resist.

2012-02-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday there was no construction crew

because they are waiting for a floor to dry.

I had youngest son safely in school.

Oldest daughter happy on the computer.

I excitedly went to the antique/vintage stores I love.

Look what I found!

The pink little stool and

the sweet little rocker

(which I may paint pink

because that is actually

ugly fake wood).

Oh, so cute!

It's going to be a great day!

2012-02-08T06:44:00.000-08:00

I think I'll use the first one for our room

(Jeff's choices and a popular choice---thank you!)

and use the second one for a possible future craft room.

I was thinking I needed a boost this week

it's been tough lately

and I thought it always helps to look on the bright side.

Here is a random gratitude list:

A loving husband who works hard for our family,
seems to adore me and makes me smile.

A lively bunch for a family!

A house to have even when things go wrong.

A renewed house to have fun putting back together.

Those cute little cheeks of Little Miss Sunshine.

Global warming

(just kidding but I have appreciated not having as much snow

and I know if we have a drought next year I will be sorry I said that).

Pesky but adorable pets.

This small, simple but profoundly rewarding blog of mine.

My imperfect faith in God and in his Son

and knowing they make up the difference.

Which one?

2012-02-07T07:44:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to paint our room for a long time

and still plan on painting our room

some sort of blue/green color.

I painted that word art for a wall in our room

just for us

(you can see that here and here).

I also want a vertical picture or piece of art

to go on the right side of our big dresser.

A little over a year ago we were lucky and blessed enough to go to Maui.

I thought it would be extra special to have a photo that I took

enlarged and put on canvas (or whatever they do).

I think one of these would do.

Which one would you pick?

(pictures are in random order)

Sunday Sunday.

2012-02-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

I don't always think to get the camera or the phone out.

What is that about.

Last night we decided to have a late game of

Real Words with Family

aka Scrabble.

Fun.

It also helped that I won!

Sheyla was good at keeping score and drawing.

Britni was cracking me up!

We have several rugs rolled up in our front room

because they are almost done with our basement

and we had to buy some replacement rugs

plus two more to help things to be cozy.

I love this rug that we found and thought to get a picture of it

and Britni.

She was being so silly.

That face she was making

happens to be so similar

to a not so flattering school picture of me in the sixth grade.

I was laughing so hard I thought I was going to pee my pants!

Silly girl!

Don't you think that rug is adorable too!

Having fun with Little Miss Sunshine.

2012-02-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

Finshed Project #5. Amazing Pillow. A maze pillow. Get it?

2012-02-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

I finished!

I went to our local adorable fabric shop and bought

some large ric-rac (on sale)

and some adorable fabric (on sale).

I have never sewn ric-rac before

and I am so happy of myself!

This is for Little Miss Sunshine for Valentine's Day

and I think she'll like it!

Here is the post from two years ago

(in case you missed it yesterday).

Here are some other things I liked this week:

First. You gotta smile. Am I right?

This made me laugh too.

This is such a cute couple in there own right.

She has a link to pictures of couples

that have been married over 50 years. Adorable.

Love this. And this. And this

(those two kids dressed up in front of the teepee, kill me).

This is so true.

New Recipe #5. Meatloaf.

2012-02-03T07:23:00.000-08:00

Meatloaf served with steamed green beans, Harvest Salad and French bread.

They cracked me up. It looks as if they think it's poisoned or something. Funny.

I started laughing and told them to smile. Silly kids.

I used the Meatloaf recipe from the Pioneer Woman Cookbook.

She is an adorable woman who came to country cooking

accidental-like.

She found a cowboy husband.

Here is her website.

You can get a lot of her recipes online

and she has amazing step by step/picture instructions.

My friend watches her cooking show.

Jeff doesn't really like meatloaf

so I haven't made any for more than 11 years.

Yes. So true.

This meatloaf looked amazing and it's wrapped in bacon.

Bacon!

He told me a lot of the weird things he's eaten on his

Guatemala Mission years ago.

It surely can't be worse than all that.

He really will eat anything I cook.

We had to put it back in the oven for a half an hour longer.

It was rare in many parts.

Having said that

It Was Amazing!

Jeff said he'd eat it for breakfast.

p.s. I finished the pillow and will post about that soon.

I LOVED how it turned out!

I am almost done.

2012-02-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

I made this pattern a couple of years ago

(here is the link to the post)

and made two small pillows.

One of the things I like about it is that

you can easily use your finger and feel your way through the maze.

I keep one pillow on the window seat many months of the year.
Little Miss Sunshine has taken a liking to it and will grab it and hug it.

It really melts my heart.

I decided to make one for her for Valentine's Day.

I finished the embroidery this morning
(for the pillows two years ago
I used a satin stitch for the heart
but I thought Rian could pull at it easily
so I just used a threaded running stitch for the heart).

The paper maze I drew on Sunday for Davis at church.

He was ornery and didn't want it.

I often made them for my kids at church when they were younger.

I started making mazes when I was about 10.

It's one of the few things I can do well.

It won't get me out of a hostage situation,

make dinner easily or sing a lovely song

but it can entertain a child or teenager

(or even Jeff)

for a moment.

Sara Bareilles. Gravity. So Lovely.

2012-02-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

I am loving me some Sara Bareilles.

I've fallen off the wagon.

2012-01-30T20:38:00.000-08:00

Don't judge.

Harshly.

Today with my phone.

2012-01-30T20:35:00.000-08:00

A pretty spectacular day.

Even if not one construction guy came to our house today.

Oh, they are so close to being done.

So very close.

Oh, it would be so great

if we didn't have to have a slumber party every night.

For over a month.

So very great.

Love that it's Friday!

2012-01-27T11:04:00.000-08:00


It's hard to find the perfect place for a Valentine's Day Origami Ball.

I thought right above where I sleep was perfect.

Addie was there so I had to take her picture.

Look at yesterdays post for information about the Origami Ball I made.

I really love it.

It just may not be very practical.

But if we only displayed or loved practical things

what's the fun in that!

That's why they called it Christmas Origami.

You have a ready made holder for such loveliness.

I'm still ok with a Valentine's Day Origami Ball

(well, I could give it to Jeff).

Here's what I loved this week

(other than that Origami Ball):

The first picture I just can't get over.

All kinds of happy.

Even tho it's called Granny squares they seem all kinds of cool.

This is so true and all kinds of right.

Super groovy kind of guy.

Is that weird that he fascinates me so.
A barber and archivist (not activist).
Handle bar mustache.
He will fascinate you too.

Love LOVE those walls.

Want to make these.

Love this bedroom makeover.

This baby just makes you smile.

Just try not to smile.

Just try.

All kinds of cute

(thought I was done with that all kinds of silly didn't you).

Finished Project #4. Christmas Origami.

2012-01-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

Yes. You read that correctly.

I have been wanting to make that beautiful ball of recycled paper

ever since I saw it in December

(which was only last month).

I finally got around to it.

I was thinking it could be a Valentine's Day Origami Ball.

This is absolutely beautiful but it takes FOR. EV. ER.

I'm not sure the exact minutes but I'd guess close to 4 hours over all.

I am now faster at making the sections, however.

So, if I ever make another it will go by faster.

I didn't spend any money

(which makes me happy)

but I will have to buy new glue sticks soon.

Here are the amazing directions.

Look at her beautiful nails.

I got the free magazine

at the ever delicious, dream worthy, Pizzeria 712.

The paper is not the shiny kind in most magazines.

It's a great, beautiful and also dream worthy magazine.

I thought it'd be perfect for some kind of recycled project.

I think it's beautiful but now, where do I put it?

Linked to Somewhat Simple.

More Snow.

2012-01-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

It snowed and snowed on Monday.

We didn't let it get us down.

No.

We laughed as we threw our head back

and said to ourselves that it wasn't going to hold us back.

We drove with abandon down that slick and snowy hill

(not really....he drove slowly and luckily we have all wheel drive).

We pressed on, we did, to the place that's called a mall.

We decided right there on the very spot

that we, all four of us, would go to the cinema

and enjoy a technicolor marvel

to rival the monochromatic scenery that is called a snowstorm.

And so we did.

'Aint She Sweet

2012-01-24T07:02:00.000-08:00

New Recipe #4. Sesame Stir Fry.

2012-01-24T06:56:00.000-08:00

Sunday night dinner we had most everyone over.

I also made Fried Rice (yummy)
and some chicken thing from Sams Club

(that wasn't so good).
The Sesame Stir Fry turned out well.
Lots of vegtables.
Yummy with a kick.

I said, "Cheese". Silly kids.

I said, "Be happy like a Party!". Really silly kids.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2012-01-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you for being a great Dad, a great example and a great man.

Just for a different picture.

2012-01-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

This is the first picture on my camera

and every time I see it

it makes me happy.

We have had a blizzard today.

It's been dark, dreary and cold.

What I really want to show is

an elephant jumping on a trampoline.

Have you seen this picture?

It makes me smile each and every time I see it

and I like to see it alot.

Go here.

You'll be happy.

New Recipe #3. Easy Chicken Enchiladas.

2012-01-21T22:02:00.000-08:00

Wow. Not the best pictures.

Saturday night and all.

Not my best moment.

I actually made lasagna (among other things too)

this week but I make it frequently so that doesn't count.

I've made chicken enchiladas before but these are different.

What was really great is that Jeff helped me make this dish.

Jeff said that he really liked these and they were really tasty.

Davis didn't say much and ate it anyway.

Sheyla said there were too many onions for her taste but ate it anyway.

Next time I wont have as many onions and I will chop them finer.

I think it's a keeper!

Yeah for me!

Little Miss Sunshine is 15 Months Old.

2012-01-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

We got to babysit last night.

She was SOOOO much fun!

Really really really!

She makes me so happy!

Even when I was thinking about how happy she makes me

my heart burst and it brought tears to my eyes.

She played and played, ate dinner with us,

had fun with Aunt Sheyla,

tried to get Uncle Davis's attention

and played and played some more.

She fought hard to go to sleep

(even though she was so very tired)

so we had her on the bed in between the two of us

(so she wouldn't fall off the bed).

We both would talk softly to her

and we would listen to her and smile.

We would put her blanket on her

and rub her back.

She would lay down and then sit up, move around

and talk or be silly

and then put her head back down again.

Over and over again until she finally fell asleep.

Me, Jeff

(and the two dogs,

oh, how they love her too)

and little Miss Rian.

Jeff then gently lifted her with her blanket

and carried her to her little bed, set up in the room.

I gently covered her with the blanket and we all left the room.

Priceless.

I just read one of the most amazing blog post about Motherhood here.
(I found it here at this sweet sweet blog)
This sweet moment with Jeff and Rian,
I knew in the moment,
was one of the best kairos moments
and that's why I wanted to document it,
to freeze time, to better remember or to capture it for all time.
I am one of those annoying but well meaning older women
(I naturally and frequently say the wrong things to most everyone),
so maybe I will say this, from now on,
"Carry On, Warrior!"

Urban Renewal---New Favorite Store.

2012-01-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I (and two of my kids)

met my sister at some vintage stores.

My sister said that Urban Renewal was pretty cool.

So we went and I fell in love.

Too bad my kids didn't want to cooperate.

I could have stayed much longer and looked and looked

in every nook and crany.

That store is amazing.

Next time we go to St. George

we need to bring our truck!

Here are some things I LOVED this week:

Wow. Loved this!

I can't get this out of my head. Looks effortless but amazing.

This made me laugh.

Beautiful and sweet. And here too.

This was so touching. Some of the comments were breathtaking.

Love these quotes.

LOVED this video.

Love this. And this.

These will make you cry.

This amazing woman has been dealing with cancer and loosing her hair.

So very moving. You will be changed forever.

Finished Project #3. Second Painted Panel.

2012-01-19T06:15:00.000-08:00

They are both done!

I was having a hard time coming up with an idea for the second panel

so I asked my dear husband to name three of his favorite songs.

I wanted and needed some inspiration.

He named

1. Free Will by Rush (interesting)

2. I would give anything I own by Bread (so sweet)

3. America by Imagine Dragons (love them).

I was so pleased with the results of my word art for

my room here and here

that I thought this could work on a smaller scale for this panel.

I easily had to eliminate the second two songs because

1. the song by Bread is so personal

2. the wonderful song by Imagine Dragons is about 911.

When I looked up the song by Rush one of the verses stood out to me,

I didn't know if it would work so I cut and taped poster board to the same size as the panel

and used the stencil for the words and it fit perfectly.

The song is pretty deep and the more I thought about it

the more excited I became to make my new word art.
I was excited for the meaning of it and for the conversations it would bring.

Zero dollars spent!

This is the verse I chose:

Each of us

A cell of awareness

Imperfect and incomplete.

Genetic blends

With uncertain ends

On a fortune hunt that's far too fleet.

The chorus is this:

You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice.

If you choose not to decide,

you still have made a choice.

You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill;

I will choose a path that's clear

I will choose Free Will.
This is what it means to me:

We are imperfect humans.

Life is short.

You have the freedom to choose your path.

LOVE it!

Ironic that imperfect turned out so imperfectly.

I'm so ok with it!

Good Morning Sunshine!

2012-01-18T06:11:00.000-08:00

We got back Monday evening and was greeted by nearly a foot of snow.

The light wasn't very good so I didn't take pictures.

But in the morning I was raring to go but the sun wasn't.

That's what we get for living so close to the mountains.

It was so very cold.

My fingers were so very cold.

But I was enchanted by how beautiful everything was.

I took one picture before this and accidentally erased it.

I liked it so much I took another.

And another and another and another.

I stood there for minutes and minutes

and watched the sun rays glow above the mountain.

I could tell that the sun would be peaking over the mountain soon.

I would go inside and do a little cleaning or painting.

Then, I would go back outside and snap a picture

and watch the clouds blow on the mountain top.

I was getting so excited to see the sun peak over the mountain.

Ta Da!

More of Zions National Park.

2012-01-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

I couldn't get over how few people were there.
We came down from the cold and cacophony of a house
and escaped to a pleasant and beautiful part of Utah.
Our youngest, Davis, was hanging out with his cousin
(while we went to Zions)
so it was just Sheyla along for the ride.
Jeff's parents came too and we enjoyed the company and the scenery.

Almost the same smirk as the next guy.

Before I saw that awesome tree (from this morning's post),

I saw these giant creatures.

I was almost as excited to take their picture as I was of the shoe tree.

Almost.

On the return trip I took the pictures of the tree then the ostriches.

This guy obliged.

Ode to a shoe tree. In 5 parts.

2012-01-17T06:27:00.000-08:00

On our way to Zions National Park I saw a shoe tree on the right side of the road and wanted to yell, "Stop the car!" but thought better of it as not to scare the occupants of the car (because I have done that before).
I did ask Jeff if he saw the amazing shoe tree and he replied, "Yes, I did".
He told me that we would stop at said shoe tree on the way back and not to forget to remind him (as if I could---forget---about that tree---quirkiness at its finest).
So we did.

Zions National Park.

2012-01-16T18:09:00.000-08:00

On Friday we left to go to St. George to visit Jeff's parents.

My oldest sister and her cute family also lives there.

On Saturday we went to Zions National Park.

So Beautiful!

These photos are from my iPhone. Clarified. I think quite amazing for a camera phone!

Finished Project #2. Painted Panel.

2012-01-13T07:08:00.000-08:00

Before.

Finished painting!

I was inspired by a painting on this post here. Fourth picture down.

1. It reminds me of mazes that I draw.

2. I thought maybe, I might be able to paint something like that.

I know I'm not a good painter
(that's not the point).
I know it isn't great
(that's not the point either).

What I lack in skill I make up in desire and an adventurous spirit.

It turned out better than I thought it was going
to turn out while I was actually painting it
and worrying how it was turning out
(that made sense in my head).
I'm not about perfection.
I even cut my own bangs today.

The best part is: 0 dollars spent.

I know what you may be thinking:

1. You paid too much.

2. I really don't like it.

What I hope you are thinking:

1. Good for you for trying something different!

2. If you are ok with it, that's all that matters

(you meaning me).

It'll do.

For now.
Here are some things I loved this week:
Look at this near perfect house in its near minimal perfection
but what is that above the fireplace? Someone has a great sense of humor.
11th pictures from the top/8th picture from the bottom
So many things to love.
Fun words.
So much to love.
Gotta love shrinky-dinks.

Just a little bit different. Just having fun.

2012-01-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

1-12-12

2012-01-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

I love that i-Phone camera and thoughts on art.

2012-01-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

On my way to the grocery store yesterday

I noticed two miniature horses in a pasture

and I got so excited I had to stop and take some pictures.

The Camera+ app is so easy to use

even I can use it.

I just love that miniaturizing special effect.

I also had another picture of the deer that I tweaked.

Yesterday I started my art work

and realized once again that I am no artist nor am I very creative.

I was so happy and high with the results of my camera photos

that later I plummeted in defeat

of the reality of my non-skills

(well, that may be a bit too dramatic but

I was feeling kind of like I was in Kindergarten but not as cute

although I've seen some pretty talented 5 and 6 year old painters

so I may be overstating my ability).

I'm still working on it.

I'm not giving up.

We can't all be Picasso, Paul Ferney or Lucy Fenton

but I enjoy pretending or at least thinking about it.

New Recipe #2. Creamy Tomato and Lentil Soup.

2012-01-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

This one may be cheating just a little

(because it came with the seasonings all measured out)

however, I had to chop up vegetables including an onion

that made my eyes water and water.

That counts as cooking in my book.

I don't read a lot of cooking blogs

but sometimes people that I follow will show

some amazing and exotic dish they just whipped up.

The other day on one of the blogs I follow,

her 9 year old daughter cooked up a beautiful something something to eat

which convinced me that I am qualified to take

Cooking for Dummies classes.

Now I know that we can't all be gourmet chefs

and that we all have different talents.

I have a neighbor that a year or so ago admitted

she has never made a dessert from scratch.

I adored her even more for it.

I really just want to be a better cook and try new things, so don't judge harshly.

This soup was so yummy.

Jeff said sweetly that it was some of the best soup he's ever tasted

as he gobbled it up

(now don't go over board on my behalf but it made me happy just the same).

Sheyla doesn't like tomatoes and didn't seem to eat much of the soup.

Davis wouldn't even try it.

I had two bowlfuls

and I will have left overs for days.

We did have juicy steak and a vegetable tray too.

So, nobody in this house is in danger of starving.

Painting my own diptych (without the hinge) artwork. Begin.

2012-01-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

Remember this picture here with my fun pinwheel painting.

Well. Look at the other side with my cheap knock off art.

It has faded in the sun for the last 11 years

(although I think I bought them in Florida well before that).

There are two of them and since I put that bright colorful painting up,

those panels have annoyed me like something else.

So. I'm doing something about it starting today.

I don't know how long it will take

but finish I will!

I no longer have my own craft room

(since a year from October)

because of daughter #1.

Occupier that she is
(and I mean that in the least political way possible
because she does in fact, occupy a room in our home).

So, I take any space I want to or that I can find.

Flowers from our anniversary last Tuesday. Still beautiful.

These are the two panels together but I am mostly painting them separately.

However, I want them to relate to each other. Somehow.

We have the contractor and two other construction workers taking over the basement.

The whole house is in a state of disarray

but I am taking over this peaceful and sunny corner of my kitchen!

Cheap brushes.

I took this picture this morning with my phone.

Yes. I do think I love that miniature edit button.

Love LOVE LOVE it!

Here is some blog inspiration:

Love this.

LOVE this.

Love the quirky.

Colorful quirky perfection.

Inspired indeed. Love the painted artwork.

More inspiring painted artwork. Love!

Instagram and Camera +: having fun!

2012-01-09T16:34:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite photo and effect!

I came home and what do I see right before me?
Two baby deer!

I grab my phone and quietly step out of the truck

and use the Camera + on my phone and zoom in.

Later I miniaturize it.

On the phone.

Using Camera +

What fun!
Yes. I really took that picture!

Same thing.

Except for the getting out of my truck part.

One of the deer didn't like the camera and ran away.

All using my phone camera.

Some with Instagram

and some with Camera +.

New wallet with adorable bunting by Hummingbeedesigns.

2012-01-09T07:25:00.000-08:00

Look at Britni's new wallet! It is so cute. Love the bunting!

She worked hard to get the zipper and to put more card slots. She makes her own patterns. Amazing!

Here's her web site. Go here.

I'm just a cartoon family type of girl. Finished project #1 (for the year...now if I can only keep this up).

2012-01-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

Rian is 14 months old and I am just getting around to this now. Finally!

I've shown my family cartoons before but for the life of me I can't find the post so I am just putting in some old pictures of my older drawings. I know they are silly. I know they aren't great. But it makes me happy to see them and sometimes someone will notice them hanging on the wall on the way to the basement.

This was my first family cartoon. Although, I've been drawing cartoons since I was a little girl.

I thought I was doing well when I got the spouses included.

Last year I drew a picture for my sister.

I finished last night!

It'll do.

New Recipe #1. Pineapple Curry.

2012-01-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

It's not that I don't cook at home. I'm just not a very good cook. I get frustrated when I try to make something and nobody likes it. I have a pretty picky eater. Etc. etc. etc,

I have seen some amazing cooks in my life time and I have always admired them.

I really really want to be a better and more adventurous cook.

This year I'm going to be brave and try at least one new recipe a week

(sounds so lame when I say it but for me, it's a big deal).

I love me some Zupa's.

Soon after our flood a couple of weeks ago,

we went to dinner at Zupas.

They had a Christmas package with this recipe book,

a soup mug, ladle and a tomato lentil pack.

I told Jeff to buy it for me for Christmas.

Because that's how I am.

Last night I made the Pineapple Curry.

It smelled heavenly.

Sheyla even was distracted by how good it smelled

(she has been getting better with her new medicine #3

and she used to get so sick with any smell in the kitchen for nearly the last 5 months).

I was so worried that it was going to turn out bad, burned, or other wise inedible and we would end up at a restaurant or eating scrambled eggs (not that there's anything wrong with that).

I was so relieved that it turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself.
And I do!

Next time:

I would use the Yams, instead of the sweet potatoes.

Find real cayenne pepper.

Jeff liked it even better a couple of hours later, reheated.

I think this is a good time for New Years Resolutions!

2012-01-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

Ellie, the cat, looking in the window

Beautiful flowers Jeff gave to me yesterday

My Every Year Resolutions:

Pray morning and night

Scripture reading every day

(these are sometimes more difficult than they appear)

Add to my This Year (2012) Resolutions:

Work up to 100 push ups and sit ups a day

(I'm starting with 20 and it may take me all year to work up to this and

To be more realistic: except Holidays and Sundays)

Loose 25 pounds

(changed from the 30 pounds I was thinking,

I am trying to be realistic but push myself too)

Work out 4 times a week

Cook More at Home
(I am even thinking something crazy like:
I may even try a new recipe once a week)

Be More Creative

(maybe next year I will have specific goals

like take a picture every day

and two projects a week or something amazing like that

but I am trying to be real here, like)

A Finished Project Every Week

(that may have to be adjusted, more or less)

Take More Photos

(and sign up for Instagram when I get my iPhone

that's coming in the mail!)

26 Years.

2012-01-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary!

When I'm feeling blue, all I have to do

Is take a look at you, then I'm not so blue

When I'm in your arms, nothing seems to matter

My whole world could shatter, I don't care

Wouldn't you agree, baby you and me, we've got a groovy kind of love!

Some things I like...

2012-01-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

More than half of my house is in chaos because of the flooding, cleaning and eventual rebuilding. I am showing only three parts that are not in chaos.

Although, the paint sample represents a room in part chaos because I have been trying colors on my walls for months. This is close to the color I'm almost 99.5% sure about for the walls in my bedroom. It's not a very good sample paint job but it gives me a good idea about what it may become.

This is the bedside table I got for Jeff's side of the bed awhile ago. It is almost exactly (boy, I was lucky to find it) the same as the one on my side of the bed but a little more manly. I LOVE them both.

I love our sunroom but it makes me sad that it is so dang cold in the winter. It isn't heated nor is it insulated but some times when we open the indoor doors to the sunroom and put a space heater in it, it heats up rather nicely. I wanted to be able to use the room at Christmas time because we can't escape to the basement because of the mess down there (remember the flood---well, it's cleaned up, walls partially torn apart and furniture is all over the place and soon it will be all put together so for now, we really can't use the downstairs). I bought curtains at Target right before Christmas.

Frodo looked like he was posing for me so I had to keep this picture.

My windows are still dirty.

We still need to cover that junction box.

I got a cute table cloth at Target.

Carry on.

Quirky, fun, colorful, and unique.

2012-01-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

Britni made this for her final project in her 3D Design class at UVU. It's brilliant! I absolutely love LOVE it!

Chalkboard paint!

Here's her link to her post. She described her project and herself perfectly. Quirky, fun, colorful and unique.

Goodbye 2011!

2011-12-31T19:39:00.000-08:00

What FUN except for the trying-to-sleep-in-an-airport-because-we-missed-the-flight-because-of-a-late-shuttle-to-the-terminal-annex-(five other people also missed that flight)-and-the-replacement-flight-was-cancelled-and-the-new-flight-leaving-in-less-than-six-hours thing .

2011-12-30T18:51:00.000-08:00

She loves Minnie Mouse.

Beautiful day.

So sweet.

She loved the water

(and I do mean LOVE---she cried and cried when we had to leave)

even though it was cold.

Smiles.

Such great weather!

All but two of us went on a nearly hour long bike ride along the beach

(so so so much fun)!

What fun to ride a bike on flat ground

(I could do that every day)!

I just thought this was cute.

Defrosting.

We went to Hollywood but for such a short time

(we left earlier than we planned).

Other than seeing "this"

it just was not worth it.

It was scary and we felt almost violated.

So weird.

We were happy to get out of there safe and sound.

Even though Disney and California Adventures

was super super duper duper crowded,

we had so much fun!

Loved the trip

(even though a three night/three day trip

turned into a four night trip

with that last night being a near nightmare

I think we will all remember it fondly

with shared fun, laughter and just a little misery).

I LOVE my family!

What a Wonderful World (David Attenborough BBC)

2011-12-26T09:16:00.000-08:00

Saw this at Swiss Miss.

Love LOVE it!

All I got for Christmas...

2011-12-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

Well, not all but that's how the saying goes. I got a new 50 mm lens!

Good thing my homegrown photography teacher (Britni) was here to help me.

That's better!

Having fun practicing!

Christmas morning.

2011-12-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

It's good to see her smile.

Rian loved her little baby doll.

I didn't take tons of pictures.

I was busy enjoying the morning

(which started at 7:30 because son-in-law worked

last night till 7:00 am and works again tonight).

We had a big breakfast

and already went to church.

Half of us are sleeping right now.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The dust has settled...

2011-12-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

Service Master finished tearing down tons of wall board, one foot high.

They tore apart base boards and floor heaters.

They dismantled the sink and cabinet.

They moved, piled or stacked almost everything we own downstairs.

They bagged and took away the soaked, damaged and contaminated items.

They cleaned and treated the floors.

They took away the ten fans and two dehumidifiers.

All courteously and professionally.

They didn't and couldn't take away Christmas.

Give-away winner! That's me!

2011-12-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

Less than two weeks ago I entered and WON

a give-away from the ever so talented Musings from Kim K.

(see my proof of winning here---it made me so happy!)

Yesterday I finally was able to get out to pick up

my special Christmas package from the Post Office.

Everything from the wrapping of the box

(complete with darling stamped Christmas picture)

to the packaging of each and every item

was a complete delight!

It was Christmas cheer in a box!

Thank you Kim K.!

The internet can be very impersonal but occasionally you can find a real friend.

Kim K. has hundreds of followers and it seems she is friends to all of them.

She found absolutely the best vintage find.

She found this cute wooden dollhouse for $10 and fixed it up super duper cute!

One of her lucky adorable daughters is getting this for Christmas!

You can read about it here.

Look here to see her sweet "how to"

for an adorably cute Walnut Cradle Ornament.

Thank you Kim K. for making my Christmas brighter!

Thanks Charlie Brown, well really Linus but I do love those kids and Charlie Brown.

2011-12-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

I saw this at the brown shed.

I love it!

12-20-11

2011-12-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

Nothing says, "It's almost Christmas!"

like a flood in the basement.

At least someone else gets to clean it.

At least we have mostly tile floor in our basement.

At least there are just two area rugs ruined

and I get to pick out two new rugs.

At least we can use my parents showers who live only a few miles away.

At least I have my tree up and I dropped the dream of strung popcorn garland

(I was going for simplicity but realized that it wasn't so simple).

At least it wasn't worse,

it could have been a foot of water instead of just a couple of inches.

At least the plumbers and the clean up crew are here at the same time.

This means we are going out to dinner tonight!

At least our life isn't boring.

How fun would that be!

12-19-11

2011-12-19T15:36:00.000-08:00

Even though most of everything outside is grey and gray,

I find it beautiful in its stark and stillness.

I love this simple yet beautiful tree.

Love mosaic most anything!

LOVED this. It reminded me of the times

I would put a black nose and whiskers on the kids

when they were very very young. Just because.

Loved this chalk board and its words.

These photos are breathtaking.

Adored this house tour.

LOVE a touch of pink.

I find this so charming.

Milestone.

2011-12-16T17:23:00.000-08:00

Today is a significant day in our life and the life of our youngest son. A day that we didn't even think about for most of his life. A day that we dressed up in our Sunday best but not a day that we went out to celebrate.

Today we became legal guardians for our youngest son at age 18.

It's not a day that we imagined during those long 18 years when we felt something was different and for most of those years no one could quite put a finger on what exactly was the problem.

It's not a day that we dreamed about when we looked at a bright future filled with many possibilities for our son with brown hair and big blue eyes.

I don't know what Davis thinks about today. Yes, he knew why we were there. He knew we met with a lawyer weeks ago for this very same day. On Wednesday he was there and talked with his very own lawyer who represented him today at the courthouse. He didn't complain when I set out his church clothes to wear this morning for school. He has asked us about this day for months. We've talked and talked about it and he says he understands.

I'm not sure I understand it all.

Today feels like a significant milestone that I can't cry about, complain about or feel like celebrating. A day that feels so far removed from Christmas, twinkling lights and presents under the tree.

I knew we could have had it worse when I saw the blond haired girl that was in the wheelchair that Davis knew and had pushed her wheelchair to a seminary class at school last year. She saw Davis and weakly lifted her hand up and smiled at him but is unable to speak. Davis wanted to go and introduce himself to her parents to tell them he knew her. He did eagerly and easily. I could see and hear them as they asked why he was there. I only saw Davis as he matter-of-factly told them he too was there because of guardianship. We were all summoned into the courtroom and we all had to wait our turns.
There were many other people in the courtroom waiting for their brief important meeting with the judge and waiting for that important legal paper with that red legal and binding stamp.

I was grateful for what Davis is able to do and that he is capable of so much more. I was grateful that we weren't there for a child in trouble with the law. I was grateful for Jeff and that we were both there together for Davis. I know I have a lot to be grateful for.

It is sobering to think of the years ahead and the responsibility on our shoulders to care for such a child. Will we get it right? What if something happens to us? What do we need to do to ensure that someone will be able to take care of him for life? So many thoughts, questions and feelings.

I was touched by the lawyer telling us that what we were doing was a truly Christian act and that the law couldn't force us to take care of him. However, it never occurred to us that we would or could do it any differently.

Today is such a big day with no fanfare or mourning but a day marked by an official red stamp.

Mindy Gledhill Concert.

2011-12-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

At the cool and hip Velour in Provo

we heard an amazing 13 year old Faith Johnson belt her heart out,

we heard the soulful sounds of Ryan Innes

and got to hear and see the beautiful and lovely Mindy Gledhill.

It was such a great and fun concert.

She had her third baby in August!

Sheyla wasn't feeling up to going.

My cute daughter-in-law came

and Britni's husband came as a late substitution.

Britni has loved Mindy ever since she came out with her first album.

Mindy graciously took pictures with us.

Look she has her hand on Britni's back.

New BFF.

I'm not posting my picture with her

because it just shows how freakishly large my head is

although, Mindy is lovely and has her hand on my back!

It's almost Christmas.

2011-12-14T06:43:00.000-08:00

At least we have our tree up.

I got some help with stringing popcorn and cranberries

but we have much more to do.

I'm going for simplicity

but the popcorn isn't as simple as I thought it'd be

but I don't mind doing it while watching tv
or when we are doing it together.

I took Sheyla to the ER last night.

She was dehydrated from a stomach virus

and doing much better with two liters of fluid and medicine.

Jeff was sick too but I wasn't worried about him as much
(at least the dogs were worried about him as they watched over him
while he suffered on the floor of the bathroom).

Keep it simple.

Oh so cute!

2011-12-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

Babysitting Rian.

Adventures, play and fun.

Tires out us both!

Rian dancing to You Got Out by Meaghan Smith.

2011-12-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

Word Art Tweaking.

2011-12-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

Before. Well, yesterday. Before today.

Today.

You may not even notice but I changed three things
(not all painting related)

and I feel much better with the world.

I am now free to enjoy Christmas

but where did the time go!

Here are some things I loved this week:

I love this house! The branch with the ornaments, LOVE!

LOVE the O'Holy Night word art.

I love this art.

Jingle Balm. Brilliant. Photos of kids. So Adorable!

I LOVE this advent!

Guess who's going to her concert? (two big thumbs pointing to me!) This girl!
Can't get this out of my mind.

Word Art Done!

2011-12-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

The ever amazing Matthew Heller.

Word art by Sweetie Pie Style, Jackie.

I was really inspired by a post by Sweetie Pie Style back in August.

The first picture on my post and hers is from the amazing artist Matthew Heller.

Jackie from Sweetie Pie Style painted her own lovely quote for her wall.

I was also inspired by this post on the ever so striking blog Trendey.

The art by Jimmie Carlsson (or Martin) is graphic and oh so cool.

I also saw Alisa Burkes post of her word art

and was floored by it's simplicity and boldness

but I tried to free hand my word art and it sucked.

Badly.

This picture is of course, the before. It makes me so embarrassed. The art is from Kmart. It's been screaming "do something" for years and so I finally did.

I LOVE it!

I've been side tracked by other projects and life since August.

I have been working on this for weeks and weeks.

I finally finished my word art and i am so excited to have it done!

I outlined the words first with a stencil from Walmart and then painted the words.

Sheyla, our oldest, helped a little and I loved the company.

The other day she asked me about the choice of song or something like that

(Billy Joel, groovy kind of love, 1988---we were married in 1986)

and I told her that it wasn't really our song
(we haven't had one but maybe now we do)

but I just liked it (it has the word groovy; what's not to love) and

I loved the topography of the words and the boldness of the black and white.

I continued to say that marriage is hard work
(in the spirit of full disclosure)

and that we don't always have a groovy kind of love

but it's the ideal and what I aim and shoot for.

She quickly replied, "I think you have a groovy kind of love".

That's the nicest thing she could say to me!
We do!

Linked to Somewhat Simple.
Linked to Chic on a Shoestring Decoration.

Just another day.

2011-12-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad for the blue skies

other wise I could be pretty sad because of how cold it is.
~

Sheyla has shown small signs of improvement and I do emphasize the word small.

She hasn't had any seizures during the day for some time

but she feels as if she is having seizures most nights.

She doesn't have an external brain or anything.

It's just an ambulatory 24 hour EEG.
~

Someone in the neurologist office said my shoes were cool.

They ARE cool!

Remember, even though I consider myself to be such a big dork,

I can be pretty cool at times (hence the shoes).
Wink...wink.
~

I am so close to being done with my word art.

It makes me happy to work on something creative

even though there's not any signs of Christmas at our house yet

(although I did get my five handmade gift exchange boxes out yesterday).

I usually wait till after the early December birthday to get out Christmas decorations

(even though the birthday boy doesn't even live with us
now that he is grown up, married and with one baby girl).
Ok. It's just an excuse.
~

We did get out to the mall last night and see Santa from a distance

(it still makes me happy to see him even if no one else wants to).

That wasn't the reason why we went to the mall.

I keep asking the kids if they want to get a picture with Santa when we see him

(it's just so fun to see their reaction)

and they keep saying no.

Britni Wing Photography

2011-12-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to giving Britni a "zip drive" or whatever you call it,

for the family pictures we took in the summer so I can get

Christmas cards and get a new family picture for our wall.

These are some that were on there too.

I've tried to steal them from her web site before

but something about her site won't allow me to steal.

So here they are without breaking a commandment.

She is such a great photographer.

The subjects are pretty great too!

Go check out her website here.

Happy Birthday Christopher!

2011-12-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

I painted paper and cut it out and taped it on string.

Chris was showing us an age trick with a measuring tape.

Amanda made yummy chocolate/oreo cake.

I like this picture because Sheyla was telling a story and lifted her leg. It just made me laugh.

Happy Birthday Chris!

We love you!

Handprints.

2011-12-02T20:28:00.000-08:00

I love hand prints of little kids.

I have been wanting to make Rians hand prints ever since she was born.

So I finally did on 11-22-11.

I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do with them

so I got a whole bunch!

The lower picture is on a partial wall on the way down the stairs.

All those colorful hand and foot prints

are from our own four kids from July 1994.

Our youngest was not quite one

and our oldest had just turned seven.

The blue hand print is Jeff's when he was five.

The red one is Davis's when he was three

(it was a gift from Primary).

The green one is from Sheyla when she was one.

I wasn't very smart and didn't get the middle two individual hand prints.

Here are some things I am liking:

Owl wallpaper...gah!

Awesome peace sign.

Something about Scandinavian homes I love.

Amazing ornaments. Love LOVE the whale!

Love this door! Love this art! Love this idea!

Festival of Trees Field Trip.

2011-12-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

So many incredible things about the Festival of Trees.

Everything there was donated. Everything.

So many volunteers. So much time and money. So very touching.

ALL the money made goes to Primary Children's Hospital.

So many amazing trees (and so much more), wreaths and blankets.

This wreath was amazing and I need to find out how to make one.

LOVED it!

Davis wanted me to take a picture of this. So sweet.

This is my favorite. A Harry Potter tree! So impressive!

It's nice to see this in writing

and I'm on top of the list!

A year and a half ago Davis took an hour long trip in an ambulance

up to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.

We were all scared and in shock.

He had already spent some time in the Emergency Room nearer to our home

and because of the extent of his injuries they had decided to transfer him.

There was a team ready in the ER to see him and expertly treat him.

Then they whisked him off to the Neuro-Science Trauma Unit.

Everything about the hospital is for the healing of children AND their families.

Even the scrumptious hot blueberry pancakes

served with the most incredible syrup from their cafeteria.

It was such delicious comfort food that it helped buoy me up for the day.

One of the most touching moments had to do with a volunteer.

As I was walking down the steps to the cafeteria and filled with worry

over the bruised and broken,

bike-riding-daredevil-dirt-hill-jumping Davis,

the most beautiful sound came drifting up to fill my soul.

It was a lone violinist playing Ava Maria.

The sheer beauty of that music

(and knowing it was from a volunteer playing his heart out),

along with the stress, worry and very little sleep;

enveloped me and I was overcome by that beauty.

I fought hard to hold back the tears

as I tried to walk around so many other struggling parents,

supportive family members

and some of the heroic people that work there.

Getting closer.

2011-11-30T15:37:00.000-08:00

The last two days I have been working on my word art.

I finished outlining the words today!

Now I just have to paint the whole thing.

I'm so happy with how it's turning out!

Not perfect but it'll do.

Extra Large Snowflake

2011-11-30T15:32:00.000-08:00

Davis has been making snowflakes for years.

This year he started making them at school and he gave some away. Well for a price. He got a candy bar and some money in return.

The teacher in charge of the winter dance asked him to make 20 for decorations (two extra large, 10 medium and 8 small).

He has 11 more to make.

He was especially proud of the extra large one (he used poster board) and insisted I take a picture and send it to his brother and married sister.

He is so excited to spend the money he can hardly wait!

Rian, Ellie the cat and the half moon sun spot.

2011-11-29T08:38:00.000-08:00

I so love little Miss Sunshine!

Dance Rian, dance.

2011-11-28T20:44:00.001-08:00

Love the leg action. So cute!
Do you think she is trying to give me a kiss at the beginning because if that's true that just melts my heart into a big gigantic pile of goo!

Lunch and magic.

2011-11-28T09:10:00.000-08:00

Jeff and I try to go out to lunch every week on Monday.

Sometimes we have to change the day of the week.

Sometimes it just doesn't work out

but we keep on trying because it may be the only chance we get to go out.

Last week we went out on Wednesday for lunch.

There was no school so Davis came with us

and Britni was able to meet us there.

We went to Marley's in the Provo Riverwoods

(they have one in the ultra cool and recycled Harley Davidson place in Lindon too).

They mostly have sliders and we have gone there a few times.

I had the pulled Turkey slider with avocado, lettuce, tomato, onions and mushrooms.

I also had the side salad but made Jeff order the large string french fries so we could share.

Yummy!

Britni had the grilled chicken.

Davis had the Filet Mignon.

Right in front of the place is a Zoltar fortune telling machine.

Just like in the Movie Big (1988 Tom Hanks classic).

None of us have turned back to being a kid

(well sometimes we may act like kids)

but I always love going out to lunch!

It really is magic.

The one that got away and the $5 deal.

2011-11-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

This poor guy was left by the cake topper bride and was all by himself. Left alone to mull over this pastel landscape painting. Sad. Sad. Sad.

I think she left him for this guy. How could he ever measure up?

All she wanted to do was play this game.

I did think these were amazing but at $50 each and one was cracked. No so much.


I did bring this baby home for $5! However, I offered it to Britni. The side tables lift up and it triples the work space. Perfect for a small cute apartment! Score!

I love this little country home. Everything about it is delightful!

This is so very cute. You may just pass out!

I love all of these and they make me think of my built-in bookshelves.

These are gorgeous!

I LOVE all of these too.

I should have made this and this sweet little thing.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

We went to an extended family Thanksgiving last Saturday

(so we got our Turkey fix)

and today it will be just the four of us

(we have to share married kids).

So, we are going to IHOP for dinner

(per Sheyla's request since she is still sick

and doesn't like much meat and gets sick easily with smells.

We are happy not to make and clean up a big mess).

We are also going to see the Muppet movie today!

We are also going to play kick-ball with some cousins!

What fun!

Peas and Carrots.

2011-11-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

They watch her every move. Even when she is eating an apple.

Little Frodo loves her most. He is ecstatic when she comes over.

Truly. Little Miss Sunshine.

She loves kitties too.

So happy.

Love.

True love.

a desktop and three poems.

2011-11-22T06:53:00.000-08:00

Months and months ago when Davis was recovering from foot surgery

and he was so very bored

we went to DI (a thrift store) to look and see what we could find.

We found an old orange and white iMac.

Davis was excited to see if he could get it to work.

Get it to work he did

and he has wanted to sell it ever since.

We came up with a plan last week

and yesterday he cleaned his desk

(I got years ago from the same place for $15 and painted it black)

and computer in his room

and I took some pictures and posted it on an online classified ad.

Let the phone calls begin!

Here are three of Davis's poems that he recently wrote.

Occasionally he will write poems just to write

or to make up songs.

It's good for him to write some of his deepest thoughts.
He amazes me every day.

Can't see the forced hands upon my eyes
Truth cannot be touched by a living Animal
But ways to get over the fight
inside of me
can result in misery.

My battered bones crushed from a heavy weight
cannot be replaced by a single toothpick
Not a single person knows the way I think
I can't show my sorrows expression
to endredful pain in my chest

Trying to talk with gesture
from my hands to toes
can't prove a message that I'm not prepared.

I love this! Dancing, Happiness and Joy connect us all!

2011-11-22T06:32:00.000-08:00

New Pillows.

2011-11-21T07:12:00.000-08:00

A little less than 2 years ago I covered some pillows for our window seat.

So two years ago!

I was itch'n for some new ones

and so I went to Target (bought 3) and Pier One
(that's where I got the two on the far right)

and kept two old black and white ones from Ikea.

I really love them all!

I actually kept all the pillows and put them downstairs

(that will be another project...someday).

The turkey pillow I made a while ago but I doubt I could find the post about it

but you can find the place I got the free pattern here.

She is one of my favorite on-line artist.

Now I will have to come up with something new

for the long art on the sides of the window seats

(but using the same boards and coming up with something to paint myself.
Pinwheel painting stuff here).

I may have to get my new staple gun

out to recover the dining chairs right next to the window seat!

Oh, the projects keep coming!

Bring it on!

Here are some things I found:

The cutest things here and here.

Wow here!

So sweet there.

I want to make this, and this. And this, and this star.

And maybe these.

LOVE this. And this here. So simply beautiful.

Take my license and all that jive. I can't drive 55.

2011-11-17T06:27:00.000-08:00

As Davis and I were walking to the antique/vintage store
(from our truck in the parking lot)

I saw in my periphery someone in the drivers seat of a truck.

As I walked closer and the someone got larger and larger,

I noticed that the someone was actually a gigantic furry dog.

He seemed ready to drive out yonder to explore the great unknown.

Or maybe he just wanted to chase a cat.

Either way, it made me laugh!

Gratitude.

2011-11-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

Gratitude is the memory of the heart.

~Jean Baptiste Massieu

Gratitude is an art of painting an adversity into a lovely picture.

~Kak Sri

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos, into order,

confusion into clarity....

It turns problems into gifts, failures into success,

the unexpected into perfect timing,

and mistakes into important events.

Gratitude makes sense of our past,

brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.

~Melodie Beattie

I am Grateful for:

1. Beautiful blue skies.
2. a truck to drive and drive.
3. a husband who loves me!
4. a breathtakingly beautiful and a safe, mostly sheltered place in which to live.
5. a mostly healthy body and chances to get even healthier.
6. Children that I adore (and son and daughter-in-law too).
7. Silly Little Miss Sunshine.
She really loves to laugh and make us laugh!
8. Pets who make me smile.
9. my husbands job and especially for how hard he works
and all that he puts up with; for our family.
10. being able to stay home for my kids, my husband and for myself
(I will always be grateful to be able to sleep every night---
that never gets old).

I like my hair today.

2011-11-15T18:07:00.000-08:00

Ok.

I washed my hair yesterday

and today I just got in the shower to clean myself

and just got my hair a little wet

then I put a little product in my hair

and I didn't even brush it and it dried just like this

(ok maybe not everyone is going to like it but that doesn't even matter).

I don't like my hair everyday.

Pretty much every other day I feel like a big dork

(see that second picture or even the first....a dork).

My bathroom is a disaster and so is my closet.

I bought some felt today but I don't know if I will get to the project I'm thinking about.

I have a mountainous pile of laundry to fold.

I heard from the school teacher again today and it wasn't good.

Life still feels a little out of control.

But today, I like my hair.

11-11-11

2011-11-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all the men and women

who have fought, served and even died for our country.

I'm grateful to my husband for helping me keep it together.

He's pretty great and I don't tell him often enough!

Today we are meeting with Lawyers

to wrap up applying for Guardianship for Davis.

He turned 18 two months ago

and these very difficult weeks

have kicked us in the "you know where" to finish it.

We get to babysit once again for our sweet little Miss Sunshine later on today

(and my amazing husband is getting her early and will watch her while I am away for awhile).

She is one silly little girl who makes us smile and laugh

(and we adore her parents too).

Our hearts burst with love for her.

Our sweet indomitable Britni has been very sick

with a visit to the ER this week.

I'm taking her to have a test at the hospital today

and we hope they find out what is going on with her.
Update: The test went well and Britni is ok! That's a relief!

Her cute husband has been taking good care of her

while he is training to be a CNA so he can work

(it's not easy to find a job even after you graduate from college)

while she works part time and goes to college

and before he applies for and attends Medical School.

They are one busy sweet little family.

Sheyla is showing the slightest signs of improvement

but not enough for her to get out of the house

more than 2 or 3 times in a week.

We are hoping and praying that she continues on an ever increasing trajectory of wellness.

I don't frequently get to all the many fun and varied projects that I'd like

but every once in awhile I get to dabble and it makes me happy.

I am loving this and this and this.

And that and that and that. And this too.

I think I could live in an industrial loft (and something about these I like).

These make me smile (here and here and here).

That's a lot!

Remember, it is MY blog!

"The love of a family is life's greatest blessing."

"Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted."~Paul Pearshall

Here's to not taking them for granted.

"Family life is full of major and minor crises--the ups and downs of health, success and failure in career, marriage, and divorce--and all kinds of characters. It is tied to places and events and histories. With all of these felt details, life etches itself into memory and personality. It's difficult to imagine anything more nourishing to the soul."~Thomas Moore

That's beautiful.

Bravery

2011-11-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

Davis started hearing voices when he was 10.

After trying several different medications we finally found a mix that helps him

but every once in awhile he will hear voices again.

Not only is he high functioning Autistic

he also deals with pervasive anxiety

and occasional psychotic episodes.

The last couple of weeks he has been hearing voices again
and he hears it almost all day long.

Sometimes they tell him what to do
and it's usually not good things.
He tries very hard to ignore the voices.

Usually it's a bunch of voices that he can't understand.

It's a loud and jumbled mess and by the end of the day

when things are winding down and he is no longer busy

and no longer distracted by whats going on around him

he has difficulty calming down

and all that cacophony makes his head hurt.

The doctor made a change with the medicine

and until that can help

he is trying to function at school and else where

with the bravery of a warrior.

Last night at school they held a Make a Wish fundraiser for a little boy.

Each club at school had a table and gave away food, dessert or candy.

Davis is the President of the Gold Panning club

and he wanted to be there for this activity.

The halls were brimming with people from the community

wanting to help this little boy with his wish.

Davis usually has difficulties with hallways filled with people

but Davis wanted to help this little boy and participate with the other clubs.

He excitedly and bravely stood by to mark the punch cards of people that came by his table.
I marveled at him as he tried so hard to be there for two whole hours
(and for coming a little early to set up)
with the noise and bustle of all those people walking, talking and laughing.
Finally the night was over and we went home and he slowly got ready for the night.
He once again asked if I could tuck him in and talk with him as he tries to fall asleep.
He moans in pain and is restless
(he complains of his head hurting but describes it as not a pain that can be helped with Tylenol
but a pain in his head caused by so many voices that's just too much).
This night he doesn't ask me,
like he has on other nights,
how to make the voices stop or what he can do to make them stop.
He finally tells me I can go and says to turn off the light
(with the small glow of a night light to give some comfort).
He's ready to drift off to sleep.
In the morning he's ready to try once again,
to take on the day.

Busy Little Bee.

2011-11-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

2011-11-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

The family is the Country of the heart.

~Giuseppe Mazzini

This is one of the colors I thought I wanted to paint my bedroom.

I love the moodiness of that rich color.

Look at this art studio and her art! Love!

Love this list! Especially 6, 16, 17, 18, 21, 25, 32

This is so sweet.

I want to make these.

Love all of this.

And this.

No. No. Yes.

2011-11-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

Yes.

The before is red.

Yes.

I am having a hard time choosing.

Yes.

I actually have tried three other colors.

So the first two pictures are a no and no.

Yes.

I am glad that I got paint samples.

I'd hate to paint my room over more than the two paint layers it will take to cover the red.

Yes.

I am not done with my word art.

I am getting excited about how it's going to look on our bedroom wall!

Yes.

It's going to be groovy!

Glittering trees and 10 things that make me happy.

2011-11-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

As I was walking the dogs

I noticed the beautiful trees were glittering in the sun.

I had my cell phone and that's what I used.

Last week was a really difficult week.

There are a few things that I can do

to prevent myself from going under

(as in; trying to keep my head above water).

One of which is to think about things that make me happy

(and counting my many blessings).

Here it goes:

1. Beautiful blue skies.

2. A husband that tries to make me laugh.

3. Little Miss Sunshine's smile.

Even if it's just seeing her picture.

4. A friend to go with to the movies.

Even if the movie is bad.

5. An art project to work on.

Even if it's just pretending.

6. Paint samples to test on my bedroom walls.

7. Harry Potter Lego's.

Even if (or especially when) my daughter puts together the whole thing.

8. Making homemade macaroni and cheese

in my new little individual blue bowls.

9. Good music that can calm a troubled child's mind.

10. A blue ceiling and dandelion lights.

November 1st

2011-11-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

All photos taken from my back porch with a really really long lens. Really. Really lucky.

Have you seen this? It's been every where! The Zombie Song.

2011-10-31T16:32:00.001-07:00

Sisters and Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

I took my youngest sister out to lunch

and some vintage/antique shopping today.

She lives in North Carolina and I rarely get to see her.

She is out visiting my parents for about a week

and I got to steal her for a few hours

(they had a dinner party for her yesterday,

almost everyone was there---

not everyone lives in Utah or nearby).

She is pretty, smart, funny and so much more

(and she reads my blog!).

I forgot to use my camera or my phone.

Darn it!

The top photo is my youngest sister and my dad from Saturday night.

They went as "smarty pants".

We didn't get to go but here are just a few pictures from that Halloween Party

(that my brother and his cute wife had).

Little Miss Sunshine was there too!

As a cow.

How udderly cute!

One of my other amazing sisters took these other photos.

The last photo, Sunshine is looking at one of my darling nieces.

Adorable!

Hope your Halloween is fun and safe!

sweet circle garland.

2011-10-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

I've seen garland almost every where.

I wanted to try and make it.

So, I did

(with a little help from daughter #1).

I will keep it up till after Thanksgiving.

A almost party every day.

Look at this bat adorableness here.
Would like to try my hand at making vintage suitcases cuter.
One of the best costumes ever.
Mushrooms can be super cute.
Wow. I love this house.
Absolutely LOVED this picture!

Mountain West Burrito.

2011-10-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Jeff frequently goes out to lunch.

He and some guys from work have frequented this Burrito place in Provo.

Friday we went and met Britni and Adam

(they live very, very close).

It was very, very yummy.

I had their grilled chicken salad.

Jeff had the carnita salad,

Britni and Davis had the stake burrito and

Adam had the grilled vegetable burrito.

Fresh and tasty.

I've been thinking about it ever since.

I loved the sign too.

Clever and funny.

Finished Sun Room Transformed into One Year Old Party Perfection.

2011-10-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

I got the lights up with the help of Jeff, Sheyla and Davis. I LOVE the ceiling.

I recovered the chairs too with about $15 worth of fabric. I even timed the last chair. I did it in 9 minutes. Even with getting up and getting more staples for my staple gun.

Daughter-in-law and her sister really could be party planners. They transformed this room into the cutest little party place complete with faux curtain panels. Pictures don't do it justice. I've never ever decorated like this or even a 1/4 like this. They love doing it and made the room up so sweetly (the blue ceiling and those groovy lights added the perfect touch...wink...wink).

They rearranged the furniture for just the right ambiance and space planning for the party (it's now all cleaned up and put back together).

Daughter-in-law's sister brought her blanket (from Ikea) to cover the futon. It added the perfect touch.

I took Rian to the store during the day and had so much fun. She makes this face to random people to try to get their attention and it works. She makes everyone smile.

She was so happy she was clapping! 16 adults and 4 little kids made for one fun party.

Britni made these cake pops. Yummy!

She had fun opening presents with a lot of redirection and help. Look how cute and happy momma and pappa are. Priceless.

That was a fun game!

Daughter-in-law made this adorable little cake for Rian.

She didn't want to eat the cake and had to be coaxed to even touch it.


I don't think she even tasted it but she managed to get her face just a little messy. Precious!

Happy Birthday Sweet Little Rian!

2011-10-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

This picture taken by the ever talented Britni.

I've been so lucky to have captured so much of it!

You truly have been our Little Miss Sunshine!

I LOVE YOU!

Painted ceiling.

2011-10-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Sunshine's birthday is tomorrow.

Cute daughter-in-law asked to have the party here in the sunroom.

The ceiling was dark green and didn't go with anything in the room.

I've never liked the ceiling since I last painted it

but especially after I changed the color scheme of things in the room.

Yes.

The party is tomorrow night

but I am almost done.

I LOVE the new color

(the light blue).

There will be new lights

(I got two small dandelion lights from Ikea)

and maybe I'll change the fabric on the dining chairs

(maybe not before the party but Jeff did get me a new staple gun)

but every thing else will stay the same.

I'm not very smart doing this so soon before the party

but I was sick not that long ago

and I just can't have a dark green ceiling at that party!