Wednesday, December 19, 2007
It's nippy outside! --get it?
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Crowded with Cousins!
Brian and Stacie and kids
Monday, November 5, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
It's the Great Pumpkin, Emma Cate!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Homecoming Dance
Josh asked Cheyenne to the Homecoming Dance on September 22. Someone's mom rented a stretch-Hummer limo so how could I say no! Rumor has it that it cost $1100 to rent! A big group of kids went and had dinner at Pei Wei Restaurant and went to the dance. He was home by midnight. I think he had fun. Here are some pictures.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Went for a Drive
Thursday, August 16, 2007
The Kids and the Bees
Monday, August 13, 2007
Ready for some silly, goofy fun?
Then, after this video, look on the bottom of the You Tube for the video with the treadmills!! HILARIOUS!!! It's called "Here we go again". Good stuff!!
Friday, August 3, 2007
My Stress-Free Weekend
On Friday, I arrive at the Long Beach Airport to my personal cheerleaders rooting me off the airplane. A. and E. were jumping and waving as if they haven't seen me for a year! It was great! Then on the ride home, we could see a fire off in the distance on one of the hills. Alden said, "I think that fire is in our ward." Emily said, "No, that's too far north." Well, Alden was right. It was right behind Emily's house about half a mile. So we watched the helicopters and airplanes fight the fire before we even took in my luggage. Welcome to L.A.
On Saturday, I went and had my haircut by a guy named Tab. Great haircut, love it! Then we went shopping at South Coast Plaza. I bought some new shirts at Nordstrom and then we went to Abercrombie and guess who was at the door waiting for us? A half naked male model greeting everyone who came in. So I asked if I could have my picture taken with him and I sent that picture to my hubby at home. Andrew didn't get it. Oh well.
Then we went to the Corona del Mar beach. This beach is awesome. It's not like Huntington Beach where it's just miles of sand. This one is a little cove with a wave breaker and boats floating and lifeguards and grass and nice beach houses about to fall down the cliff into the water. We went into the water and dodged waves and seaweed and body surfers. Then I treaded water for what seemed like another hour. It was awesome. If only I could do that everyday! Then, all too soon, it was time to go.
On Sunday, Emily sang in sacrament meeting and she was terrific! After church, we just had a relaxing day around the house and cooked dinner. Just what I needed.
On Monday, I went to the Grand Californian on Disney property and had a massage and salt scrub. Ahhh. Way expensive...I'll be paying for that one for awhile. Then walked around Downtown Disney and bought some stuff for the kids. I found some great stickers to go on the back of our car (photo on the right). Later, we were going to rent a little boat and float around Balboa Island and watch the sunset but they were out of boats. So I decided to make my last day memorable and went into Disneyland by myself. It's very different going there without family of any kind. For one thing, you can go on any ride you want and weave in and out of the strollers very quickly. On the other hand, waiting in lines more than 20 minutes long gets kind of lonely. So I text messaged Andrew while in line. He couldn't believe I went into the park by myself. He was way jealous and told me I owe him big time! And I do.
So there is my itinerary of my trip to L.A. by myself. I would do it again but bring Andrew with me. Next time...
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Swim girls, swim!
Yes, the girls have started swimming lessons. A long time ago (it seems) we had the boys swimming at the West Jordan swimming pool. They never got past the first session. So now all our hopes for Olympic greatness lies with the girls. They are taking lessons at the South Davis Rec Center here in Bountiful. They are SO happy! Maren can't stop telling EVERYONE she meets about her 25 minutes in the pool. The guy behind the counter at the local Corner 22 convenience store...the kid playing hide and seek at the park...her friends at church...yes, we've heard a lot about her amazing 25 minutes of water time. So today I took some pictures to share with the few people who haven't had the pleasure of Maren or Emma telling their exciting tale.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Recent Reads
In January we read "How to Read Literature Like a Professor" by Thomas Foster. We really enjoyed this because it taught us some tricks that writers use. What hidden meaning is behind this and what does that character stand for. Very informative.
In February we read "The Bonesetter's Daughter" by Amy Tan. It was about a mother/daughter relationship from different countries. One brought up in China and the other in America.
In May we read "Princess Academy" by Shannon Bryner Hale. It's more for teens than adults but still a good read. Shannon is from Utah and it was interesting to know that from the start. It makes you think that you could be a writer, too.
We are now reading "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It's about Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet during his presidency. Over 900 pages...we should have started this a couple of months ago. I can't be reading a huge book the same month Harry Potter comes out!! I tried to tell book club to do HP instead of a regular book but they didn't want to hear it. I'm just the youngin' in the group. (By 10 years) Most of them haven't read even one of the HP's!!
On the side I read "the Secret Fan" by Lisa See. It's about two girls who are arranged friends in Japan. They bind their feet together and grow up together. And then separated by jealousy and misunderstanding. It was good. I actually cried. It will make a good movie someday.
Have I bored you enough? I only write to inform and entertain. So hopefully I have done a little of both. Either given you an idea of one you want to read or saved you some money on some that you don't. Read on.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Gone Trekking
On June 11, we had the opportunity to get in touch with our pioneer heritage and go on a trek. We drove up to Martin's Cove in Wyoming (6 hours with one stop at Walmart for pillows) and met our group. Our ward in Bountiful decided that everyone over the age of 12 was invited to come so it was a little vacation for me not having Emma to worry about. We met for lunch at Independence Rock and after we ate, we climbed up it to see some history. Around the back was a little cave and our climb started there. It was a little steep but not bad. The girls who were only wearing their flip flops didn't make it. It was pretty cool being up there knowing that we were truly seeing what the pioneers saw as they came through that area. Nothing has been changed except the highway is paved now. People have carved their names and dates in the rock and most are still pretty clear despite the age.
Then we met at Martin's Cove for our handcart experience. We were all dressed as pioneers (except our shoes were modern walking shoes) and we were all adorable! We had 5 gallon buckets to carry our stuff that we needed while walking so our handcarts were considerably lighter than the pioneers. All our other stuff we took to camp in the car and all the food was taken care of by ward members. We were a little spoiled in that department. We walked for 3 miles from the visitor's center to camp and there were only a couple of hills to worry about. Then we set up camp and had dinner and square dancing. That night, Josh and his two friends had a tent all to themselves and stayed up laughing and shining their flashlights on all the other tents. All the other camp members were yelling at them to go to sleep and they got tired of hearing it. So they unstaked their tent and moved as far away as possible from all the other tents and set up there. This had to have been some time past midnight and they did it so quietly that when we got up in the morning, we looked outside and they were gone! Like a tornado came and swept up there tent and no one else's. It kind of scared me. Where were they? From then on they were called the reject tent.
We ate like kings on trek. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, french toast, fruit for breakfast. Sandwiches and 3 kinds of snacks for lunch. Chicken, beans, baked potatoes, ice cream bars, creamies for dessert. Wow. I know the pioneers didn't eat this good.
We headed up to Martin's Cove on another 2 mile walk, plus another mile into the cove. It was cloudy all morning until we in the cove having a talk and the clouds parted and the sun came out and lit everything up. And when we headed out again, the clouds came back. It hit me that here we were standing in holy places and as the clouds parted, the veil parted just a little to let the spirit in and the past mingle with the present. It was very powerful.
However. The bishop told us that we were not really experiencing what the pioneers had to go through in this place. We had it too good. And so right as we finished our lunches, the dark clouds rolled in and the icy wind blasted through and the rain came down. We were freezing and supposed to cross the Sweetwater River. So on we walked in the cold rain until we came to the river and suddenly the rain stopped so we could cross. Everyone cold, they pushed through the river with their skirts hiked and pants rolled. Of course my family didn't feel the need to cross the river. Josh and Tim were chicken because it was still very cold outside. Andrew and I decided we would take pictures and root everyone on. I'm sorry but I didn't want to be more wet and cold with a 2 mile walk still ahead. And the no sleep from the two nights before was wearing on me. I already felt I had experienced enough to feel like a pioneer. Sorry--not an outdoor kind of gal.
After the river walk, the men were called away to go fight in the Mexican War and the women were left alone to push the handcarts up the big hill by themselves. Well that would have been fine except I was the only girl on my handcart. We had 5 teenage boys and 2 men on my handcart and they all left me... I was all ready to give it a try when the Muhlestein girls saw my problem and volunteered to help. So I had five girls come to my rescue and we made it up the hill! The men at the top cheered and clapped and then rejoined us for the 2 miles back to camp.
The next day we took the handcarts back and then walked to the devil's gate. And then we drove home. I was ready for a hot shower and a warm soft bed. I don't know if I would have made a good pioneer. My lack of camping skills definitely showed. The only time I've camped is up at Cherry Hill in August every year and usually we come home and sleep because of my little kids. It was definitely an eye opening experience even though we had it REALLY easy. If you ever get a chance to go, please do. It will change you.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
CHALLENGE!!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Farewell, J.Jill
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Watch out for Elena...
Monday, April 2, 2007
Come live by us!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Stupid Electronic Things
So pardon the dust while I piece my life back together. I was scheduled out at least 8 weeks. And completely booked for two of those weeks. Help?
Thursday, March 22, 2007
An American to see
The lecture was extraordinary! He debated the saying "life was a simpler time back then" stating that how could it have been? A mom back then would have to boil the drinking water, make meals from scratch or have a servant help. Then wash the clothes in a basin and hang them out to dry. Her husband was away fighting in a war and her children could be dying from small pox (or the vaccine to small pox) etc. etc. etc. Very interesting.
He also talked about how our own politicians don't know their history according to a recent survey. And only 30% of college students know who defeated the British at Yorktown. (40% believe it was Grant) Our own schools aren't teaching history to our students in 6 states. Wow.
He also touched on subjects such as getting your children interested in your favorite things before "it's cool to be dumb". Another subject was our teachers and how most parents believe they are just glorified babysitters for 8 hours of the day.
But my favorite part was when he said he was being interviewed by a journalist and he was asked, "Besides George Washington, John Adams and Truman, which other presidents have you personally interviewed?" He's not that old!!
It was an evening well spent and I think it should be mandatory for all of America to hear him in person! Now go read his books.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Aliens at the Gateway
One lady came in and was looking around. She was about 60 years old and seemed calm and interested in the clothing. I was at the register helping another customer and when I was done, I looked around to see if anyone needed any help and this lady was in front of one of the mirrors in plain sight and she had stripped down to her slip. She was trying on an outfit in the middle of the store! I went over and asked her if she would like a dressing room (which was right around the corner) and she declined saying her friend was out in the car waiting for her and she needed to hurry. However, she stayed and tried on several different things for about a half hour before she left. All in the middle of the store. She has been back several times and sometimes she uses a dressing room and sometimes not. She rarely buys anything.
Another lady came in one Saturday before Christmas. This lady was in her late 40's and was going around the whole store grabbing items and leaving them on the counter. When I asked her if these things were buy or put back she said she wanted them all. So I started taking them off hangers and folding them. She kept going and finding more. About 30 or 40 things later, she said she was done and so I started ringing up all the items and it came to $1500.00 dollars. She plopped down her Amex card like it was no big deal and she was out of there. In my mind I could not relate to this woman. She showed no remorse or hesitation about spending that kind of money in one store!
Another lady came in and she had a giant box with her. Anytime a customer has a box it means they have come to bring something back that they've ordered through the catalog. But this was a giant box. Bigger than a microwave. She plopped it down and said she was going to look around the store. So I started going through the box to find receipts. The hardest part about a return is matching the return items to the right receipt. She had 9 receipts and about 30 things to return. It took me 45 minutes to do this return and when I was done the total came to over $1,000. She had ordered it all over the Internet when she was PREGNANT and was disappointed when she had the baby and none of it fit her. ANYONE COULD HAVE TOLD HER THAT YOU DON'T FIT INTO YOUR NORMAL SIZE AFTER YOU'VE HAD A BABY! She also said that her husband doesn't want her buying anything online anymore. I don't blame him.
Welcome to the wonderful world of retail sales. People are not normal when they are in a store. And I just observe and report. I have many more stories to tell...for another time. Enjoy!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Cloudy day
Potty training is stupid. I hate it. Fourth child is no easier than any of the others. Uggghhh!
Last minute cancellations at the salon. It mostly happens with family members or close friends. What can I do about it? nothing.
Teenagers. Their lives are the only thing important in this world. If it doesn't work for them, attitude is up to the ceiling. And mom is stupid.
Sore muscles. My workout on Tuesday kicked my butt. And today I can't walk or straighten my arms...it's probably a good thing my clients cancelled.
MURMUR...MURMUR...MURMUR...
Sorry! Just had to vent.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Days of our Lives
Domestic Tip #1:
I've finally found something that will clean my tiles in my shower. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I have used cleanser, tilex, CLR, razor blades, brushes of all kinds, and nothing works as well or as fast as the eraser.
Domestic Tip #2:
Today I washed four loads of laundry all from Tim's room. And a load of towels at the salon. All I can say is that the Tide with Febreze smells fantastic. And the dryer sheets with Febreze are also very nice. My life was slow today, obviously.
HOWEVER:
Valentines Day was fun. My valentine gave me money for a spa, and chocolate covered strawberries! I gave him Crunchie bars and assorted other London candy (his favorites!) from the London Market. We went to lunch at Squatter's and it was nice. I later helped my two sons take valentines to their girlfriends houses. (Yes, Tim has a girlfriend. Help me now.) Of course Maren had about six valentines to take around and Emma was very happy eating every ones candy. So all in all a great Valentine's Day. Hope yours was equally nice.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
The Sound of Music
I've also started a new class at the gym. BodyJam. It's one hour of dancing and learning the latest moves. At first I didn't think I was young enough for this class but there are ladies in their 40's so I figured I was okay. And it is a blast! Now I dance around the house and my Josh (who's 15) thinks it is embarassing. Ha! It is so worth it!
I've also recently joined the church choir. I haven't sung in a choir since right out of High School. It has made me rediscover music. I have to remember what all the little nuances of singing require. Crescendo, pianissimo, forte, breathe here. The funny thing is that our choir director keeps calling measures 'verses' and all I keep thinking is "we're on verse 48...man this is a long song!" Ha! The one problem with the choir is that when we have a performance, they meet at 8:30am on Sunday morning. Again, those of you who know me...when have I EVER been up and ready to go at that time in the morning? Please! But I am enjoying the singing part.
Anyway, it has been fun rediscovering music. It makes me feel young and out of my rut. Thanks for letting me share.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
When Andrew Sent Me Away...
I can't believe it has been almost a year since Andrew sent me away. To where? you ask? TO A SPA WEEKEND GETAWAY!! Yes, last February Andrew booked a weekend down in Phoenix for me. Marriott Desert Ridge Hotel and Spa. I've never been out of town on my own before. Just imagine...no children for an entire weekend. Heaven.
So while it was winter here in Utah, it was 70 degree weather down there. I laid out by the pool, reading my book, and I didn't have to think about which child could be wandering too close to the edge and accidentally fall in. I even got up at 6:00 A.M. and went for a sunrise desert walk with an instructor. I spent 2 hours in the gym and then went to my spa appointment. It was just like you'd imagine...women walking around in robes and slippers, lounging on chaise sofas. Drinking strange juices and eating healthy nuts and dried fruits while waiting their turn in the massage rooms.
When it was my turn, my personal attendant took me to my german bath. It was a huge jetted tub with separate places to put each leg and arms. While the jets went through their series of massage patterns, my attendant would come in and spritz scented oils in the air and brought me a fruit plate. Ahhh.
Then we moved on to the body wrap. First step was exfoliation. Sea salts and aromatherapy. Then a shower. Then hydrating oils and shea butter was applied. Then I was wrapped like a mummy in plastic and a warming blanket. (Whoever thought of this should receive a medal!) While I was snug and warm, I had a facial. Then I was left alone for about 15 minutes. Then unwrapped and another shower. The final step was another hydrating massage. If you weren't relaxed by now, you need therapy. After the wonderful wrap session, the spa jacuzzis and the pool outside were free all day. They had cabanas out by the pool with waiters and food. I truly felt like royalty. At that point, the only thing missing was my husband to talk to.
The rest of the trip I spent shopping and getting my hair done. All in all, my favorite weekend getaway. I highly recommend it.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
These are a few of my favorite things
Elena's Favorites
Books
- Harry Potter Series. If you want to discuss, I'll listen anytime.
- Life of Pi by Yann Martel. If you want to read a book all the way through and at the end have to think of the book in a completely new light, read this book!
- Follow the River by James Alexander Thom. Kidnapped by indians. I didn't really think I would like this but it is an amazing story of hope and courage. Wow.
- Precious Bane by Mary Webb. A book that survives by word of mouth. It has been reprinted 26 times since 1924. Great book.
- A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. A comical look at hiking on the appalachian trail.
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. It's not a fast paced book. It's about life at the pace it's supposed to be. It can't be explained by a plot. Read it.
- Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan. Once you get passed the alzheimers story line it is a great book. I'm reviewing it for book club in Feruary.
More favorite lists to follow.