Funny Madre

Thanksgiving

2011-12-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for Kate getting me excited to dress the table for Thanksgiving, it made me more and more excited everyday! I had it done by Sunday night. Branches are from our curly willow out front. And the previous week I had learned to applique and used those skills for the ribbon seat assignments.

Pouring the bubbly Martinelli's.

The bountiful and delicious feast serving table.

The kid "table" and Dori is awesome.

Owen's first violin concert. H performed as well.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon hike. Millcreek Elbow Fork trail. I took Javi up this morning and the entire trail was snow covered, cold (24 degrees), but so beautiful.

O at Friday's school parade.

H playing Minuet 1, Friday night at the annual Halloween recital at Tracy Aviary's Mill.

PJ & H at Friday's school parade.

Fall Break Update 2011

2011-10-22T21:43:00.001-07:00

I didn't know where to start, so I just started when I finally was able to re-charge my camera (by buying a new recharger!). I do have pictures from our funnest summer ever of SL Swim & Tennis swim team, Grand Tetons trip, first day of school, and more since last May, but it's a little overwhelming so I start with today. This past week was fall break aka "UEA" whatever that is, which meant we had Wednesday through Friday no school (and the previous week half days 3 of the days, October is kind of a joke as far as school goes!). We planned a California trip but due to AK's last minute meeting in our backyard next week (Stein Ericksen) we stayed put and were sent to another Deer Valley resort (AK was in Vegas) and enjoyed a super plush hotel and the spectacular fall display of color and refreshing briskness. But obviously, we spent quite a bit of our 3 days at and in the pool. Andy joined us Thursday night and late afternoon Friday we returned home (30 minutes away) and enjoyed our annual Pumpkin Patch outing with our fabulous friends the Taylor's (7th annual, maybe even 8th?). Here's a smattering of photos to enjoy and get a sense and hopefully someday soon I will learn the ability to post photos "appropriately". In the end, we really are alive and quite well. xoxo

What a brother!

Morning Walk (check out the frost on the bench!)

S'mores. At the time we were the only family in residence, and since we were such an anomaly a nice foreign couple asked to take a picture of us - like with their camera...and then I asked for one of my own.

Thursday night S'mores with AK.

PJ doin' work!

The Knights

The Taylors

The Knight boys

Escapism for the Soul

2011-05-25T14:57:00.001-07:00

O's Spring Music Performance

SCP Glass Elevator

Uhm, it just seems like yesterday, but it really was just a month ago when we were at the beach. We just couldn't resist another trip, so we pulled the kids away from school (all important testing/work has been done) and headed for another week. When I wasn't pulling my hair out, or trying to pull out a child's hair (or just brush it!!!), we hit the pools, watched really big waves, played at the ocean, tried shopping (not really a hit with the kids), went to Wahoo's, enjoyed an exclusively Trader Joe's stocked kitchen, & played with the Aunt Cici, Uncle Ryan, & the cousins. In the end, we were all happy we made the trip. Oh and Andy was working, so he wasn't really with us except the drive (and a date-night trip to Mastro's). And of course, my camera's battery died as I took my 2nd giant wave day shot.

It's Utah Spring Week - May Be The Only One!

2011-05-04T13:12:00.001-07:00

AK at 46th. Oh I miss that man. He's traveling, and whenever I talk to him on the phone, I can hear in his voice how he misses us. How he misses watching H play baseball and get his first hits, slide into home, and amazing first base outs. I even hear how he misses cuddling PJ to calm her down from her daily fit, and O's activity and excitement and competition in everything. But we get him home when he's at home and we feel incredibly blessed.

Now, this is on the brain as we plan our upcoming gutting and designing of our two bathrooms. I totally pilfered these pictures from various websites including design*dump, Traditional Home, habituallychic, and maybe more that I didn't write down (but most likely found via these websites).

I love this, but AK didn't like the similar floors that we did in our old home's basement bath and the storage for my messy ways just will not do...but I imagine one day for a ranch house guest room.

Most realistic if not totally predictable. I love the hexagon tile, so definitely into that, but the subway tiles are taking some convincing for Mr. K (he seriously thinks Subway, like the dingy underground when I mention it). My only concern with all white is our black dog hair, but she's not allowed in the bathroom anyway...

Love the floor, and possibly and more realistic color with totally different everything else, but it inspired me to want wallpaper for the upstairs bath.

I am curious about the frequency of wood floors in bathrooms? In our house we would've had to replaced the warped wood from splashy bathers, three times already. But the console is nice, I would like a little more shape at the feet.

Gorgeous! At this point for the bigger bath I am thinking the large hexagon tiles for the floors, a tri-color (in the white/grey/blue family) shape for the walls, white cabinets with crystal knobs and a tall cupboard, two sinks, two cabinet mirrors (storage, storage storage!), new lighting (an additional overhead and fan included) and a great wall paper. For the itty bitty shower room downstairs, I love the antiqued free standing pieces like at Restoration Hardware. Any suggestions and/or pictures are welcome.

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

Having fun!

Seconds before Amanda "stepped" in the water. We played in these same koi ponds as children (and tried to catch them). The ponds have been remodeled over time, but always in the same spot, outside of The Red Balloon and outside of the former Sears or JC Penney building (circa 1980 and definitely not since!).

Racing to Russo's

Wahoo's Fashion Island

My favorite part of this photo is these are all cousins (and one friend the Creer's brought!)

I was walking the girls over to the north jetty to view the starfish and Mia and Isabel started screaming "starfish, starfish!" and they had found a starfish in the sand, a little baby, and probably a little lost...we'd like to think we rescued it...

S the surfer boy. He just strapped on and took off, successfully standing up for the longest of all the kids (which were all given a try with Matt's expert tutelage).

My little bunny.

Late Winter Photo Catch-Up

2011-04-14T09:21:00.001-07:00

We caught the Jimmermania too. Shots taken at BYU Fieldhouse. Seriously, we had the best time and think we are so clever!

Catching air at PJ and Meg's combined birthday celebration at Bouncin' Off the Walls

The birthday bash line-up.

It wasn't me, although I have threatened (only once!).

New birthday bike, so excited!

My favorite part of this photo is skinny pants O and the Creer and Knight kids playing basketball somewhat peacefully.

Inaugural bike ride (I love papa Bear behind her)

Andy's birthday celebration!

Spend quite a few days at Children's Museum. This visit with Amanda, post-dance.

Race Swami Juniors.

SC State Swim Meet "resting"

Fun February Snow Day

2011-03-10T08:50:00.001-07:00

If he can board on this thing...

B being attacked by a bear! No, it's just Javi Bear!

O "no hands" sled master

The Sled Crew

Seriously kid, you didn't see the sled train coming?

B the "Angel"

The "twins" with the cutest freckles on the planet! Andy scones for everyone! Cameron had spent the night (we traded H). Good times with the family.

Super Bowl & Budget Update

2011-02-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

1. Super Bowl Sunday! Most of us were rooting for the Packers (notably O & I) but since none of us really had a team, we convinced the others to root for "the Belt" Rodgers and his boys. I made chili in the morning and was so excited that I had fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, red peppers from the Bountiful Basket co-op we've been doing (such an amazing array!) for the chili that nothing but the beans (I have not been very successful with doing my own beans, too tough!) was canned. After church, and a last minute inviting the Bunches, Andy heated up the oil and proceeded to make scones (he says "more like fry bread"), tortilla chips (from the co-op I got 4 lbs. of black, green, & yellow pre-cut ready to fry chips), even experimenting with frying rolled quesadillas (taquitos, right?). I used some of the pears for Pear Cake, Megan brought some candy, and the kids were so excited to host their cousins, that was all the entertainment/excitement they needed! A great time was had by all (even our darling non-Super Bowl fan home teachers that visited and treated to a few of our favorite commercials).

2. The Budget! Despite one online purchase and an Old Navy trip (hey, they really needed lunch boxes!) I am doing really well! I even, very reluctantly, passed on a Groupon today. I completed and just mailed our tax information and surprisingly we are getting a little more of a refund than previously calculated (yeah!). My "payment" for tax preparation to myself for that was a few visits to the Starbucks, but that is over for now. We have been using mint.com as recommended, and I was reluctant and nervous about all of the information the site holds (everything!), but it is fantastic to see the whole picture, which could be more frightening, but actually made us feel much better about our whole financial situation (love company 401K & stock plans!). I love how it notified us that I went $37 over my January budget for groceries (which doesn't account for cash back received for misc.), no seriously, I think it is great!

Sean McCabe Artist

2011-01-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

"After the Storm", limited edition canvas and paper prints available

"Liberty Bell", limited edition canvas or paper prints available

"Cutthroat Pass", original available, as well as limited edition canvas or paper prints

I was perusing TUNA News (The Utah Nordic Alliance) and I saw an ad of an awesome painting of a cross country skier. The artist is Sean McCabe, who's widowed wife now sells his available original work and prints from this website www.seanmccabestudio.com. Above are just a few from the University of Utah educated artist, who specialized in outdoor sports in such beautiful stroke and color. Obviously, I think they are lovely.

Money 2011

2011-01-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

A little more than 10 years ago I had a really fantastic job, that I loved, in a gigantically conservative and successful Insurance Company. I worked in the Real Estate Investment part of it and did analytics and account management for CMBS (Investor Reporting, accounting mostly tens of thousands and sometimes multi-million payments, which at their level were actually all wires, calculating rates from LIBOR, writing/calling with mean letters of default, etc.). Exciting stuff, but most related to the purpose of this post, I was obsessed with my 401k/Retirement plan. They had a fantastic one. And since the company also had their own trading floor and hugely successful bond company (PIMCO) they had a great diversity of investments. I would change my plan around all of the time! I was so into the investment thing I remember so hard trying to get my book club girlfriends to start a stock club with me. Andy got into his dream grad school and off we went. I rolled over my great 401k to a friend to manage, got a few stocks as a signing bonus to the new company (that was not very lucratively sold to Sage a couple years later), retired and have forgotten all about it. Until now. I am not ready to go back to work, but I am more than ever interested in our savings and retirement and thank goodness Andy hadn't forgotten about it. But we could do better. Spend less. Give more. I have been really fortunate to be able to choose from nearly all my hearts desire in my life, but have realized that shopping at Nordstrom doesn't give me half the pleasure of finding the perfect shoe at Payless and wearing the heck out of 'em (actually they were even "gifted" to me, thank you Dori!). Thus I have been scouring for blogs, the Money pages, books (already read/re-read 'Total Money Makeover' and 'Millionaire Next Door'), and got the budget tweaked in payoff mode (which I love doing, it's just really sticking to it). I've chosen to unsubscribe to the 20 or so emailing stores to omit temptation (even RueLaLa and One Kings Road! major culprits), only use cold hard cash, turned down a really fun multi-family ski trip, sworn off Internet shopping, started visiting the public library more, omitted Starbucks, frozen yogurt runs, bath and body works (for some reason a monthly habit?), limit/omit eating out (this will be very tough for me as I love to go out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!), laid down the law with the family (although I am really the culprit), and so on.

Today from the Google News page I came across this little article My Spending Fast, which linked to the author's blog And Then She Saved, and that is what I am talking about. I know all about how debt is bad and Millionaire's are really cheapskates, but really how do I save, on the daily stuff. And she posts something about making your own detergent (from another great blog ballpoint+pen, I love that stuff! Zenhabits.org has been a good read these last few weeks too. I have been including more links to financial websites and blogs to re-introduce myself to the investment world. This is a big deal for me, so I will take any help I can get.

I have already felt less stress and Andy has happily gotten aboard. That is enough for now. What is your favorite saving tip or tool?

Play Date

2011-01-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

What great little sharers. They have been together since about 10:30am, it is now 3:12 and I just heard a little arguing...all is quiet now, phew. We really have had a most delightful play date. The girls have played patient with Dr. Javi (the dog) who was terribly unprofessional as to begging for tummy rubs in the middle of the patient visit. But I thought her remedy of slobbery kisses and cuddles worked fine. Tea Party, Mommy & Sister (a favorite), lots of dot pictures, T.V. time interspersed (notably while sucking on fingers and tugging at blankets), piano time, and whatever it is they are playing now. No naps, which is very rare in this household but with 4 lbs. of play dough made (school science project, I have green, food-coloring stained hands to prove it), dinner prepped and ready to cook, laundry, dishes done and re-done and re-done again (and admittedly a few waiting to be done), thoughts of a nap, planning, piano practice (yes, me, John Thompson's First Grade book, thank you very much), we have kept busy today. I think before the round of kids' afternoon of classes, homework, practice, I may just take that "rest" now.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Christmas Eve & Christmas Morning 2010

2010-12-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve Hardware Ranch Sleigh Ride Trip with the Phelps & Bunches

Christmas Eve Prime Rib, Yorkshire Pudding, deliciousness ala John Bunch

Dad & H

Baampa, Maama, Knight Kids, & Jack

Christmas Morning!!!

Already "Tea Partying"

I don't know who was happier, Javi, the kids, or Dad & I. Okay, Dad was just stre$$ed, I loved it, Javi seemed to know her toys were hers (she jumped on the table for them!), & the kids were kids on Christmas morning.

Brilliant Christmas Card Holder

2010-12-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you to MarySue for the ultimate Christmas Card and everything clip-capable to display holder (also may be found at Tai Pan Trading). And the 2010 Christmas card collection, so far...

Fun with the Cousins

2010-12-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

PJ, Isab, H, & M

The giggling girls.

They named the snowgirl Petunia. They made "Matthew the Snowman" on the neighbors lawn, but they both "died" by friendly snowball fire.

Guess which kid's gettin' nuttin' for Christmas?

2010-12-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Like, seriously, I am talking, a lump of coal in the stocking. He (hint #1) may have redeemed himself by cleaning up toys downstairs, but seriously if I have to ask one more time... Hint #2, his name starts with an "O". But look at that face, that little booger is going to get what he wants, oh, and the letters he writes to Markey, our Elf who reports to St. Nick, melt my cold, cold heart.

Thanksgiving Week & The Hoover Dam Tour (for Rachel)

2010-12-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

PJ sleeping in the car, pure heaven for all.

Silly girls, H & PJ

The Boys at St. George

Seriously, pure heaven, like, all around

Game of chess

Kids with Kirby

For Rachel.

On the new dam bridge.

Braving the dam wind.

The dam border of states.

The dam bridge walkway.

Simple Southern Pulled Pork Sandwiches & Right Brain Slicing Onions

2010-11-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

3 to 4 pounds pork roast
2 onions, chopped
18 oz. Stubb's Honey & Pecan BBQ Sauce
1/3 cup honey

12 Sandwich Buns

Place pork in crock pot and cover with onions, barbeque sauce and honey. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Shred meat and mix into sauce. Serve warm.

This was H's choice of dinner this week. We purchased the pork roast at Costco on Monday, froze half and started cooking today. O2 took at day off school, and we purchased the rolls today. I would love to do a onion chopping blog post, but I need the camera, which at the moment is ? I will say, wearing contacts totally helps with the onion weeping, or else I have odd eyeballs that simply do not tear. For the right brain people I will explain a fantastic way to dice onions.

First, using your best chef's knife (8-10") and a cutting board, slice off stem end (the flowering side) to peel (leaving root end in tact, something to hold onto). Second, slice onion in half, halving the root bulb bit. Third, lying the half onion flat on cutting surface, slice from blunt stem end to root end horizontally. Fourth, make slices from root end to blunt stem end on the top vertically. Finally, cutting parallel to the blunt end and the root chop the onion into beautiful little squares. Repeat for second half.

This work for garlic too.

How's that for a 4th grad type "How to" assignment?

Dreaming Continued...

2010-11-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

This week I came across the May 4, 2007 University of Utah Commencement address by President Thomas S. Monson (President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and proud Utah Man). It is a copy of a signed copy (it must be a copy of Pat's, who is always wise to ask great speakers for copies of their speeches). I loved this quote from him:

"Great Men and Women have not been merely dreamers; they have returned from their visions to the practicalities of replacing the airy stones of their dream castles with solid masonry wrought by their hands. Vision without work is daydreaming. Work without vision is drudgery. Vision, coupled with work, will ensure your success."

Even though I graduated from the "U" 9 years prior to this address, and 12 years from this June, it still applies to the dreams I have in my life. Some have come to fruition and some I am still working on accomplishing. Some of my dreams are big, and possibly even reaching the stars realm of dreams, and most dreams involve the little things of everyday.

Most of my dreams involve days like these, in places like this, with these little people (and their parents and siblings and aunts and uncles and grandparents). It's not too bad living the dream, when you realize that you really are.

Sweet Dreams are Made of This

2010-11-08T16:19:00.002-07:00

It was pouring rain earlier this morning, which I certainly do not prefer. And when I stepped out of the gym (where I barely slugged through a mediocre work out), it was snowing! As I returned home and let the dog out in the snow, she plopped right down and licked at it lovingly, I took a mental picture and thought to myself "sweet dreams are made of this". And I thought of my darling children and husband and parents and father in law who gives us these mass produced paperback spy novels that Andy and I are currently devouring (I finished this one during "nap time"), and our warm home and that sweet snow-loving doggie. That is my grateful speech today.

Skate Skis

2010-11-05T12:56:00.005-07:00

Today I am looking at ultra geeky videos such as this one...
My very adventurous friends have been x-c skiing for years together, for which I have always envied as I have the only 3 year old to get to pal around with (their children are O & H's age). I have been able to mountain bike with them this fall as PJ in in pre-school and now get to make the leap into their new hobby skate skiing. Aud and I went up to Soldier Hollow to purchase them this morning. First of all, she keeps selling me and others that as we are beginners, the work out is much better when you are bad at this sport than more efficient skate skiers. I am already planning my push-ups and lunges, note the planning, not quite doing yet. So we hoof it up the mountain to Soldier Hollow and their are hundreds of people there, in the parking lot, a guy is talking about having our wristbands and getting them at 5-6am, and yes, people are camping out. So we hoof it to the end of the line, wherein a trio of Forest Service guys inform us we are too late for wristbands and to try again tomorrow. Now, I keep thinking, why do you stow half the skis away for tomorrow? And how on Earth do you have hundreds of rental x-c and skate skis to sell to all of these people? And where do these hundreds of people x-c ski anyway? Into our 5-minute conversation with this dude, he discovers we are there for the ski sale, not for the Forest Service-tag to cut your own tree down-line, when we are directed to head into the building wherein there are 3 employees and 2 other customers, phew! A few hundred dollars invested (Merry Christmas to me!) and boom, I have a new hobby. We calculated how often we needed to go in order to justify renting ($18 a time) vs. buying our own and we will plan to go 11.1 times this year! Every Wednesday is planned and it is doable. For the record, if I could get a well paying job and work M, W, F from 9:30-11:30, I'd take it, until then, I am going to continue to play (and read some days, and do chores about 1 of those days). Life is good.

Snow Day! Hockey & Violin Recital

2010-10-27T07:48:00.003-07:00

We woke up to snow this morning. I guess it's goodbye to a beautiful fall!

Last night's Halloween Violin recital at the Old Mill in the Tracy Aviary. Holden's first recital (aside from the Sunday night improptu family recital) and he rocked it. He actually chose going to the recital over racing his 3rd place winning pinewood derby car (his friend raced it for him). Holden's costume is Poseidon King of the Sea. He wouldn't wear his beard or his crown and left the newly painted trident at home.

Another fun new hobby/sport for Holden. He's in his fourth week and he is loving it.

Macaroni & Cheese

2010-10-20T16:48:00.002-07:00

This week's trade meal is Macaroni Cheese. Not from the box, but not my Home Chef version either. Starting with a simple roux, then white sauce, add the cheese and voila. Neither the recipe nor mine even had bread crumbs (gasp!). But the bottom line is, the kids' loved it, and I don't always consider them, but this week, I did.

Favorite's Macaroni & Cheese

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter
4 Tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp dry mustard
3+ cups grated cheddar cheese (I did half sharp & half medium)

Cook macaroni, drain. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Add flour and stir (this is the "roux"). Pour in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thick ("white cream sauce"). Add salt, pepper, & dry mustard, then add 2 1/2 cups of the cheese and stir until cheese has melted. Remove from heat and add macaroni and mix together. Pour into 9"X13" baking pan, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Tomorrow - Pumpkin Bars (Made Wednesday!)

Stunning Millcreek Hike with Javi today

2010-10-20T16:44:00.002-07:00

View looking east from the hill at the Great Western/Dog Lake fork (1.1 miles up)

Same place, Javi looking North.

Hiking Dog Lake Trail with Javi

The leaves were actually more stunning mid-way up Millcreek, but the work out up Dog Lake was what I was looking forward to doing. It was perfect.

St. George Photos - Mixed Order

2010-10-19T08:13:00.004-07:00

Paradise Trail/Turtle Rock Section

Barrel Roll looking back towards Snow Canyon.

An almost family photo opp packing up and out.

Barrel Roll. For some reason the sheer cliff 100+ foot nature of this edge does not show in this photo.

Bear Claw Poppy. Clavicle Hill.

The kids in the red rock cave.

Driving Home. I must have said "Look outside kids, it's so beautiful!" at least 50 times.

Grateful Sundee

2010-10-17T19:13:00.003-07:00

Just got back from a fun 3-day weekend (Thursday-Sunday) in St. George. Andy and I went on 3 very challenging bike rides (I walked a lot more than I ever like to!), the kids got some fun time with the G'rents, and a good time was had by all. Friday morning AK & I took on the must do ride in St. George (okay besides Gooseberry, which we deemed "too far away" and ahem too tough for moi) Bear Claw Poppy. There were some steep drops, one named clavicle hill (um, due to breaking clavicles from end-o-ing or it does look like a chest and shoulders), acid drops, and the funnest rollers. Our only mistake was starting with the downhill first (I tried to get Andy to loop, but it wasn't happening). It was like climbing back up Bobsled, which is not only "illegal" (like you wouldn't get arrested, but you'd get yelled at) and it was not very cool to climb (to put it nicely). After some funny end of the Senior Games International Festival and water fountain play (it felt much hotter than the reported 80 degrees), AK and I hit Barrel Roll. We took off in what we thought was the right trail but ended up on Precipice, which was totally a precipice of a very, very, very high canyon wall and we were skimming along a teeny little trail against it. But that was the easy part. There was a giant boulder section, along the most west rim (killer views down to any even steeper canyon), and then lots of rock climbing, I hiked a lot of this section and moaned and swore, but as the sun set and I got very nervous and said a prayer over and over in my head that I wouldn't have to get off for a rocky section again (or really just un-clip), I realized Heavenly Father does listen, even when you've been swearing (but don't tell my kids that). We got through unscathed, realized we were on the wrong path, and happily made our way along to dinner.

Saturday we went for "easy" which turned out to be so beautifully our favorite ride, as well as the least challenging (yea!). It was Chuckwalla to Turtle Wall to Paradise. Mostly lovely slick rock, along a ridge, but only a few death defying parts, and a little sand (which Andy killed). It was the most beautiful with blooming flowers (we dubbed a passageway 'Bee Alley'), and very fun rocky ledges slick rock coming down (we went counter-clockwise). I was amazed and surprised at the varied Desert terrain we encountered on all three rides, as well as the difficulty. In the end, I would do them all again, because at least now I know what to expect, I am always 90 times more nervous the first "go".

After a great BBQ session with my Dad and Andy, Andy watched the game and had some alone time Saturday afternoon. My mom and I took the kids hiking around red rocks, up on top of the Dixie rock, and through the Chuckwalla trail (and watched the rock climbers). We hit 5 guys for dinner and almost a private show of fireworks (seriously they were letting big ones off 100 yards from us and maybe 50 other people were there, again for the Senior Games Closing Ceremony). I am too pooped to upload pictures now, sorry, 'til later.

Totally re-charged from church today. Sacrament meeting was great, and my Dad taught Gospel Doctrine Isaiah 40-49 beautifully and concisely (yes, seriously, Isaiah), and RG with Mom. After a great beef and veggie stew we were off (with a quick trip for pictures on the Red Rock). We are so grateful for Jared and Linny for watching the house and taking such great care of Javi. Javi turned 1 on the 15th, and yes, we missed it. But she is a dog and she has no idea, so we will celebrate tomorrow, actually maybe Tuesday, because tomorrow may be crazy.

Isaiah thoughts...& Key Lime Pie

2010-10-13T07:39:00.007-07:00

The boys.

Thoughts this morning...from Isaiah 8:10-14 "Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. 11 For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, 12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. 13 Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he shall be for a sanctuary;

Trust in the Lord peeps.

Key Lime Pie Recipe
One pie shell (we used Marie Calendar's, regular pie crust, and I am just now realizing, it should have been pre-cooked). Preferably graham cracker.
One - 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice (yes, the recipe is also on the bottle)
Combine milk, egg yolks and lime juice, blend until smooth. Pour into pie shell and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Allow to stand 10 minutes before refrigerating. Just before serving, top with whip cream, serve.

Week #5 Mom's Chicken Noodle Soup

2010-10-12T14:24:00.003-07:00

Personally, I pre-boiled the chicken, but did reserve some of the "stock". I love how my Mom makes and incorporates her own stock in this recipe. I am sampling it now and it is truly delicious (and this is coming from someone who's Brocolli Soup was "eh" and a late week self-recipe'd Chicken Tomato Beans & Corn soup didn't turn out great either (although Owen loved it, go figure). Today I also made key lime pie (will add recipe upon tasting) for the girls, but I just found out M's out of town, meaning more for us! I enjoyed making it thoroughly as I was entertained by O & his great friend "Viv" chatting and playing away. Enjoy!

Chicken Noodle Soup
5 lbs chicken, 1 whole or 6 breasts
2 T salt
2 cups sliced carrots (3 large)
3 cups diced celery (whole stalk)
1 c. chopped onion
1 T. Lawry's or other Poultry Seasoning (I was pretty generous with the seasoning)
2 T. Parsley Flakes or Fresh Parsley (always Italian Flat Parsley)
4 cups Noodles uncooked (Grandma's Frozen, 2 packs)
5-8 cups chicken stock (depending on your taste for more or less broth, I went for more broth)
Salt & Pepper (to taste, I did a few tsp. salt and about a tsp. pepper)

Simmer Chicken and salt plus one stalk celery and one carrot for 45 minutes. Take chicken out to cool. Whole Chicken - skin, bone, & dice. Chicken Breasts - dice. Skim fat off broth. Reserve the broth. In large soup pot, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil, add onions, carrots, celery to soften. Add reserved stock, chicken, & spices. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add frozen frozen noodles and additional Chicken stock (if needed), and parsley. Cook additional 15 minutes. Serve hot.

Week #4 Bacon, Broccoli, Leek, & Potato Soup

2010-10-05T18:41:00.002-07:00

Bacon, Broccoli, Leek, & Potato Soup

8 slices bacon, diced
2 tablespoons butter
3 large leeks, chopped
1 onion, chopped
6 stalks celery, chopped
4 cups chicken stock
6 potatoes, cubed
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tsp salt (or more, to taste)
5 cups broccoli florets
4 1/2 cups whole milk
3 green onions, chopped (optional)

In soup pot, brown bacon over medium heat. Add butter, celery, leeks, & onion. Cook to soften vegetables (approx. 5-7 minutes). Add potato, stock, & seasonings. Bring to boil, then cover and simmer for another 6-8 minutes, until potatoes soften. Add broccoli florets. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add milk, let simmer another 5 minutes (to warm up the milk, but not too much to make it curdle). Remove from heat. Puree with an immersion blender or in a standard blender (in small batches).

It was really sweet (the bacon? the leeks? the seasoning?). But I liked it for it being a broccoli soup that wasn't super fatty due to the cheese (in a typical yummy broccoli cheese). Yet, there is the bacon and just a little butter, and the bacon could be omitted.

I picked up little loaves of wheat bread from House of Bread (I have never been there before, and have yet to try the bread I picked up - I am quite a die hard Great Harvest girl).

Dance Boots

2010-10-05T11:48:00.001-07:00

PJ & AJ heading to Ms. Julie's for Dance.

Week #3 Meatloaf

2010-09-29T07:37:00.003-07:00

Week #2 - 'Keeping Up Cookbook' Corner Bakery Chicken Salad & Croissants (Yummy, but I still think Aunt Terry's is the best, and I haven't received a recipe from her yet!)
Week #3 - Pioneer Woman Meatloaf

We had this great extra meat from Caputo's and made simple meat and potatoes on Sunday, and it gave me the hankering to make Meat Loaf. The Man, the Myth, the Legend, Laird Hamilton had facebook posted his favorite meatloaf within the last week or so and I couldn't find it. Ash P supposedly has a fantastic recipe, but I couldn't get it from her. I settled into Pioneer Woman and couldn't get past those fantastic photos and so chose her recipe. Here is my journey of meatloaf pictures. And since we ate it last night, I failed to get a finished product shot, oops. I would say it was 7 stars out of 10 for me, but although I hankered for it, I am not really a meatloaf girl. The bacon was a bit much, although it was "more" than most recipes, in that I like the parsley and cheese and white bread mixed. Also, it was cake to make, even multiplying by three. Oh yes, and I would have baked it on the broiler pan, but I didn't have three of them... So, I had to cook it for at least a half hour longer (AK took over as I headed to scouts). Okay, pictures, as promised.

4.5 pounds of 85% ground beef (per Laird's suggestion, the 85% part), 12 slices white bread soaked in heavy cream and milk (I didn't have whole milk), 8 eggs, 2 cups parm cheese, flat leaf Italian parsley (always), salt, salt seasoning & pepper.

My man hands, AK kindly took the picture. Gross, but fun. Very clean hands, well, before this photo moment, and I even took off my wedding ring (and put it on AK's pinky for safe keeping).

3 pans of meatloaf.

Layering the bacon. Since I couldn't really wrap the bacon, I did it lengthwise, get the gist. So instead of 10 slices per loaf, I think I used 6ish.

The sauce, wherein 1/3 got smothered now, 1/3 45minutes into cooking time, and 1/3 for dipping. No finished product for you, but I did have a little slice for lunch, and it was good. There is a recipe at all recipes that has like a million good reviews which I may try next time. But this was simple and meaty and fatty and good, and isn't that what Meatloaf is all about?

Snowbird September 2010

2010-09-26T20:24:00.003-07:00

O & P, O was laughing so hard when he saw this photo. It is October-fest at Snowbird.

Cute boys. Sword fighting, reading signs, running ahead, climbing rocks, spotting the deer, these two are incredibly entertaining to watch play and talk.

The "brick" hideout. O called it that.

Watching the deer.

Boys' Day Off

2010-09-24T20:23:00.004-07:00

Today I did something with my boys I have been wanting to do for a lifetime, and especially ever since O finally tried riding a "two-wheeler" (he is so incredibly AK-like stubborn!). For some still unknown reason the boys had no school today. I somehow convinced them to go mountain biking with me.

Without doing the rail trails in Park City (which thinking back, would've been actually really good) I tried to think of a more flat trail, which around here, I mean we live against a pretty large Mountain, is tough not to find a good trail with a climb. I came to think of 'Mormon Trail' which has a great rolling section at the start. We drove PJ and her carpool to school and started with breakfast (the chosen trail simply is not trailer friendly, so we had to go without her).

I tried to start with the bike ride in order to be able to bribe them incessantly with breakfast, but realized that when we would be finished with the planned bike ride, it would most likely be lunch. We started 1.5 miles from the start and went back to avoid the drop down to the trail from the Reservoir parking lot. And it is single track. I have not admitted this to anyone, but the first time I rode this trail two years ago it kind of freaked me out, not that I am a pro, but I have been riding since High School (El Morro & El Toro/Irvine) and lots around Park City, Salt Lake, even Moab since then, and this is really skinny, not very forgiving single track. Furthermore, it is totally beautifully overgrown so I don't even like to stop, let alone put my foot down for fear of critters, okay specifically rattlers (which I know there are tons there!). But, it was "flat" and I know of others who have taken their kids and it was all good. Enough said.

We did it and I loved it. They sort of complained the whole time, O definitely wanted to turn around before H, but H still said there were too many rocks (there really aren't comparatively and that kid has shocks! we'll get there), but we loved stopping at the bridge, picking apples from the random apple tree, scoping out the cellar of what we think was an old homestead (complete with 70's looking cans that the boys were sure were from the "real old days", I didn't even think of bursting that bubble), a wicked cool caterpillar H saw and keeps talking about, an awesomely perfect spider web, the gorgeous colors of the autumn leaves sometimes covering the trail (complete with the coolest "orange" description by H that I can't remember), my new found favorite lightest yellow/almost white fall leaf, later describing to PJ (H) that we rode on the Mormon Trail today and what that was ("you know 'This is the Place' and the Pioneers..."),and the boys talking about how great it was being "in nature". We rode probably 2.90 of the planned 3 miler. See it was a success, but they would never admit it (because that would please me too much!).

Someday they will appreciate it, right?

Next time I promised them a "wider" trail. Any suggestions?

And no pictures, so lame.

Grateful Sunday

2010-09-19T22:15:00.002-07:00

PJ's nursery project from today. And yes, she is totally fake smiling and obliging me with this photo in between scarfing her Cap'n Crunch post-Church pre-Dinner snack.

Inspired yet again by Leslie (thanks Leslie!), it's been awhile, but this week has been almost perfect so I would be remiss if I wasn't thankful (and yes, I have already written about it in my journal!).

1. 4, count 'em, 4 amazing bike rides this week with dear, darling friends and one with my honey AK. 2 mountain rides (Mormon Trail with Audrey and Short Ribs with AK) and 2 road, (Emigration & Corner Bakery lunch with SP and Porcupine Loop with 7 of the Tri-girls).

2. Holden started and loves playing the violin. Owen wrote and amazing poem and scored a soccer goal yesterday. PJ went to dance all by herself and did great, which is actually bittersweet because I loved watching those little ladies.

3. Two fantastic dates with my honey AK and awesome friends new and "old" (Farm-town crew).

4. Javi is better. One day she had flu-like symptoms that lasted about 24 hours and made me realize how much I love that fur ball. This was the big blip in the week, otherwise it would've been perfect, poor Javi.

5. A great school and fantastic teachers for my kids, and no real PTA responsibility this year so I actually went to the classrooms for back to school night.

6. A great Sabbath, wherein #1 I made it to all my meetings, and #2 learned a lot and loved every minute.

7. Fun times with the family, and family extended - like watching the Creer boys and mine play football tonight, so great! And knowing Robert G. passed the Utah bar exam, yeah!

8. No major meltdowns, temper tantrums, gnarly fighting, etc. and that's just from me!

9. Grateful for good friends, and patience and love from my family and Heavenly Father.

10. I actually served my family at least 3 awesome home cooked meals, and even made one! I just started a weekly dinner swap with 3 other Moms and I loved cooking again (it's been a while aside from grilled cheese and pasta).

So here's to another week.

Go Nadal!

2010-09-14T11:54:00.001-07:00

I might have to print and frame this photo. Do you think that is appropriate? Congrats to Nadal on the Grand Slam 2010! What a dude. I was unable to copy and paste so you'll have to see the doll here...

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/photos/2010-09-13/201009131284419223152.html?glryid=2010-09-13/201009121284316614524

Javi (pronounced Haw-vee) the Dog

2010-09-13T14:58:00.003-07:00

A man and his Newfoundland.

The girls.

The morning walker of Javi.

11 months (we have had her for 8 or so) and still growing. We think she will get wider rather than taller at this point. She was washed and groomed after this picture, and she looks beautiful.

As I began gathering pictures of this post, Javi was doing her "I need to go out" posture by the door. I asked O to let him out and as he was, she ditched him to go visit her friends. So annoying, but thanks to O and his fearless grabbing of her fur (anywhere we can get her) we got her back quickly. We do love her so, except when she plays this runaway game!

2nd update - Dang it, I was on the phone and walking about watering the plants and I noticed Javi pee'd (within the last hour!) on my new rug, aaargh! It's jute and will never get out, little booger. Oh we love her!

First Day of Pre-School 2010

2010-09-09T15:32:00.002-07:00

I am so surprised I haven't eaten her yet.

You think she looks nervous, no, she is totally playing cool.

All potty trained and ready to go to pre-school! I loved the "time-off" but I did miss my little peanut.

Bear Lake Labor Day 2010

2010-09-06T16:03:00.004-07:00

Family photo on the hike.

S'mores.

Lake fun! AJ & PJ

PJ & AJ giggly passengers on lots of bike rides.

The gang of kids, post hike. Kate and I drove up Friday with her littlest two and my three. AK joined us Sunday.

Battleship, cereal, and watercolors, pretty much the in-cabin activities of the weekend.

First Day of School 2010

2010-08-27T08:32:00.002-07:00

Wednesday was the boys' first day of school. They are both good punks who had a great first day (and second day!). PJ and I have been having fun shopping, lunching (for Jocelyn's birthday), art (she's scissoring and gluing beside me now), and enjoying peace while still missing our boys.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!

2010-08-25T06:54:00.002-07:00

First day of school for the boys today. This was taken yesterday at the Creer's pool. We've tried to swim everyday for the past 2 weeks to squeeze the last bit out of summer (we did everything on the list!). And this is PJ, showing exactly how I feel today.

"New" Closet

2010-08-24T07:32:00.004-07:00

Speechless...and you probably are too if you've seen my closet in the last five years, or ever! An Angel was sent to me, in the form of Chelsea L. to get my house in order, and add some fun things too. But, I guess before the fun stuff, we've got to see what we are working with, and at our house it is excess clothing, and lots of stuff to D.I. (the Goodwill around here). It was great to have Chelsea to guide me and assist me in throwing shoes, ripped jeans, and other items I had been carrying around for years (like up to 17 years!). I am usually good at D.I.ing but there were just some things I didn't part with (until now). Thank you Chelsea! Now onto finishing the kids' closets, and tackling my downstairs "hidden" closet.

For the record, my room is clean. So, the excess stuff really is put away, thrown away, or given away!

This just in...the boys' closet. And I can't wait to show you when Chelsea finishes with the boys' room design. More to come...

Peanut Butter Blossoms

2010-08-16T21:06:00.003-07:00

AK was off at a dinner meeting with Docs (Cucina Toscana - the lucky fella), and so the kids and I made Peanut Butter Blossoms, my very favorite cookie to make and eat. The kids really helped and were mostly very happy. It got late and tense (for me) at the end as we delivered much later than anticipated, although ironically a few of the families we tried to deliver to were off gallivanting elsewhere. We all felt good and had a fantastic treat. My favorites are the tiny ones that just barely hold the Hershey kiss, because they were rolled by Penelope's tiny (and very clean!) hands.

Bear Lake/Late Summer Recap 2010

2010-08-15T20:24:00.002-07:00

I finally got a computer! No more work computer, my very own, well, I guess I get to share with the kids, so now I am updating and uploading like crazy!!!

Wow, the summer has flown by, and we have a week and a half until the boys start school, and a few weeks for PJ. Potty training PJ has been my nightmare, and taking her anywhere in general, but otherwise, summer has been fun. Swim team for H wrapped up shortly after State Championships August 1 weekend. It has been a great break for him, and amazingly enough he can't wait to go back. O wrapped up his first swim team season with the Championships this past Saturday. He rocked it, and is looking forward to next summer's swim season. The kids and I headed to Bear Lake this week, wherein we played at the beach, biked around, ate lots of ice cream, and even headed to Logan one day for shopping and a movie ('Despicable Me' fantastic!). Andy came up for one mid-week evening and for Friday night. The boys and I enjoyed the meteor shower on the 13th, and H found his favorite star ('Vega'). Geeky, but I loved watching Uranus and Jupiter float together across the night sky (we watched until almost 11pm and then I got up again at 3:30 to see some more). When Andy arrived, I dashed on my road bike and did a quick and easy 30 miler on the East Side of the lake, and loved every breath taking, rattlesnake avoiding (one), sunset, silent moment. Prior to our Bear Lake adventure the Knight grandparents and Nally family (sans Mark) came to visit. I was away in Provo running the Provo 1/2 marathon with Megan and friends, and was away for a night, but Andy and family rocked out and checked off some big summertime to-do's buy taking the kids to Cherry Hills and to Lagoon. In the midst of this summer madness, and a fit of PJ horror, I cut my own bangs. My nickname should be bangs, and when salons open again on Tuesday, I really have got to get my hair fixed up and colored quick. I've dealt with it for a week now, and worn a hat for 1/2 of it, so I am surviving, but it needed a pick up anyway. Andy is working his buns off selling Prolia this summer, thus the AK-less vacations :(. But we are looking for some fall trips when he will be able to get some time away.

Tonight we went on a great Millcreek hike. Everyone had a blast. And we stopped and played where the family played with the Nally's and Knight grandparents last week at this time. We look forward to many trips up Millcreek this fall (we have missed it!).

Summer Beach Trip 2010

2010-07-17T15:54:00.007-07:00

The kids & I, Kate and two of her kids, just returned today from a week at the beach. First day (Monday), Big aka Big Corona. It was the first day the boys really boogey-boarded, dunked, and really swam in the ocean. It was a blast! Second day, Bayshores, private bay beach ala Deni Newcomer's digs (my 2nd madre/bff since Kindergarten's Mom's beach home). We were there from 10 (right after C'est si bon) until 6ish. Like seriously, Lorian would go make and bring us food, we never left. We got burned that day and the sting would relish for 2 days. Wednesday we headed to L.A. to see the new cousin (Sarah Anne Stayner, Matt & Kay's 3rd), and Liz and her cute belly that was 2 days away from having baby Hyrum (born this morning at 3am, her 3rd as well) and brood at their local beach Manhattan Beach. We got Zach out of his LMU basketball camp (and Matt's 2nd or 3rd graduate degree alma mater) and rocked the beach and their local Wahoo's. Thursday we hit Big again with Lorian and baby James and Merritt and her cute kids. I got to body surf and swim a lot that day (and this trip), as I was much more at ease with the kids' swimming abilities and ocean play. We missed the Phelps at the beach (due to Mia's burn recovery), but it was fun to play at their house and Wahoo with them. I loved working out with Ryan in the mornings at Equinox, a most amazing gym, and their fantastic classes (and all things Kiehl's soaps!). It was a blast. I still dearly miss it and really would move back in a heart beat. Lori and I even saw a late night movie at the Island theatres (little Big), Mr. Despicable which was darling. I loved being with my oldest and dearest buddy back in our home digs and reminiscing our fantastic and unbelievable upbringing. This trip made me really miss Mother's Market, Wahoo's, the beach and it's beauty and simplicity, CDM, and my cute husband and dog at home. We will be back (hopefully even in August!).

Cucina Della Mamma

2010-06-14T06:00:00.001-07:00

Cucina Della Mamma See H's class from last summer here.

The boys start summer cooking classes today and they are excited! It's taught by the most darling Tiffany who just so also happens to be Holden's bestest girlfriend's Mom. He took the class last year, and despite spaghetti day (He doesn't do pasta), loved it and was looking forward to it again. This year O will join him and I can't wait for them to cook for us! Cucina Della Mamma See H's class from last summer here. If you are local and interested you can contact Tiffany from her darling website (if spaces are available!).

Brother's Day

2010-06-13T08:10:00.004-07:00

A few weeks ago, O had the great thought that we should be celebrating Sister & Brother day. We decided to break them up (of course) and he suggested that June 11th would be a great day, we went with today (the 13th), and we made a special card and a special breakfast and just by saying 'Happy Brother's Day', you too would melt from the light in their eyes. They are adorable brothers, who fight and totally get on each others' nerves (and ours), but they truly love each other when it comes down to it and play quite well together. I love the reports from the neighbors about their adventurous, giggly, knock-down then hug, walks to and from school. And they truly treat PJ like a princess, yet let her rough and tumble with the best of them. I think Brother's Day is a fantastic idea (and Sister's Day too!). Way to go O.

And Happy Brother's Day to my brother Matt! Oh yeah and my brother's in laws, John, Josh, Alex, Ryan, Robert, Jared, & Mark and Jesse & Tyler.

Bear Lake Memorial Day Movie May 30-31 2010

2010-06-06T18:40:00.002-07:00

Here we are at Bear Lake this Memorial Weekend, 2010. It was chilly and Javi was unable to run free (she booked it all the way to the water after some kids) or swim, but you can see we had fun, Owen practiced his touchdown dance moves, and it's a bummer you can't hear PJ talk, because it is adorable (especially the "she's slobbering on me" part). Enjoy, if you have the patience, it is lengthy.

School Family Fun Night & Planetarium/Gateway 3rd Grade Field Trip

2010-06-05T09:02:00.002-07:00

I just "found" my camera. It wasn't really lost, just hiding/stowing beneath the rubble. This was Thursday and I am so glad PJ and I went to the field trip (the 83rd on of the year, no but seriously, kids these days are so lucky!). PJ was a little frightened for the first Planetarium movie, but we made it to the awesome 3D Moon Movie narrated by Woody of Toy Story Fame. And of course, lunch by the fountains was very entertaining. The kids were interviewed by the Channel 4 Sports News guy (and made it on air!), a certain Mr. T got into the fun of the fountains (and if you didn't know him, yes, it would look very silly/creepy/special), and a good time was had by all.

Then at night we wobbled on over to school for the end of school year carnival. I was able to dish out snow cones for a while, then had some time to play with the kids. Another good time was had by all and the kids even tried sleeping in on Friday!

More pics to come...

2010-04-08T07:33:00.002-07:00

We are in Phoenix, at 7:30am we are soaking in the sun (it is already 60 and will climb to lower-80's today). The picture was taken on the way down and although the entire rear of the suburban was clear for "Javi space" she kept climbing over to snuggle with H. She got out of every tie-down contraption we could think of to hold her.

Yesterday morning we headed to downtown Phoenix and enjoyed the Phoenix Children's Museum. My favorites were the beautiful 3 and under playplace, the art time Earth Day wreath the kids made, the noodle forest, the derby car track, and looking forward to the fantastic $1million tree house they are building. It was clean and eco-beautiful looking and the kids had a blast.

We had some Macayo for lunch and headed home for naps and swim time. H & O went in for short stints at a time, while AK got in, mostly to teach Javi to swim. By the 3rd pull she was jumping in herself, not knowing if it was more to save AK who would swim away as fast as possible to avoid her "saving" claws. If AK wasn't in the pool, Javi was trying to get him in to dive in after. When the boys were in the pool, she was always on high alert (which is what we expected from her Newfie heritage). Soon we will start the rope tow lessons for Bear Lake fun.

I headed to Tiffany's for a bike ride to mani-pedi to sushi run with her darling birthday girl Kaleigh. It was a blast! I love her and miss her and always want to move next door to her and back to the valley of the sun when I see her.

The family headed to a Scout Award meeting, which they loved seeing their cousins get patches for their efforts in scouting.

Today, we are unplanned as of yet, but after a short run and the dog walk AK is on we will get to planning our day before swimming this afternoon.

Lobster Fest 2010

2010-03-04T17:58:00.004-07:00

We love when Tyler, AK's big brother, comes to town. He came to snowboard with 2 very cool buddies and sent 20 "bugs", freshly caught and still kickin' from Boston. It is the 3rd time we have been so lucky with live bugs to boil from his hometown, Beantown. It was a blast. We felt like we actually hosted a very cool, party too, which was great! Thank you to our cooks Linny & John, the benefactor Tyler, and his fantastic friend Todd for the Lobster History 101 and Lobster tricks demonstration, and for Brooks for being a sport and not needing an epi pen due to his shellfish allergy. And to those who ate and mingled with us, we love you all and know you too enjoy Tyler's visits.

She really wanted to eat them, or at least play with them a bit.

Brooks & Tyler (Megan's back)

Scott E., Dave E., & AK

Chip. AK, & Josh

Tia Dori, Scott, Todd, Tyler

2010-02-21T15:26:00.002-07:00

Just miles away from the Phelps in Irvine (first stop!) and a reprieve from strawberry milk puke smell. H gets carsick, actually he started completely screaming and going crazy right in Barstow, we knew he probably would eventually puke and just had to wait for it. He is finally back to being pink and animated. Dramatically, I think it was a head injury as result of Penelope bashing him on the head with the leapster, not cool. We'll see if she makes it to Disneyland tomorrow, after 2 days of no naps it may be another nightmare, but I will now hope for the best.

Going to California

2010-02-20T16:02:00.003-07:00

Going to California. Like, we are driving right now and I am surfing the net. It's not the first time, but I still think its amazing. We are approaching Cedar City. I am playing some Grateful Dead from the itunes through the car radio and Andy is actually drumming along with his fingers, gotta love it. We will be staying with the 'rents in St. George tonight. The kids could not be more thrilled, 2 sets of grandparent visits in a week (The Knight's surprised us with a visit this weekend, we were bummed to skip out on them 1/2 way through). The boys have their PSP and leapster, PJ is eating like she's at Willy Wonka's factory, but its keeping her mostly quiet. We did the great halfway stop at Cove Fort complete with tour (10th time stopping, 2nd tour). Southern Utah is quite snow dusted and beautiful.

Javi update. She's still around and loving life. Aunt Linny & Je-dad (Jerad, but that's how PJ says it) are house and dog sitting. Actually Linny is quite ill, so Grandma Mary Sue may be staying an extra while to help. Excessive care for our littlest one, yes, but we do love her.

Go Colts!

2010-02-06T17:00:00.002-07:00

We really like Peyton Manning. And we just watched this like five times. I love it.

January is for the Birds

2010-01-31T17:38:00.002-07:00

Yea for February! Just a few hours more!

Seriously Great Site

2010-01-25T20:35:00.003-07:00

Yes, a dog water safety vest, you know, just in case.

The Barcelona Chair & FootStool

She's done it again, that darling Caitlin and her design research left me gawking over modern furniture that I hope to have in my home someday and then I found they had adorable dog beds, dog toys, collars, leashes, and an hour later, here I am. Can you say total dog crazy person.

If the three of you hurry she is giving away a $75 gift certificate for the aforementioned site AllModern.com on her site linked above and at left. Tell her (and me) your favorite thing.

Still hack coughing away, like ridiculous, I can't even laugh without a coughing fit (which of course happens like 35 times a day). Otherwise, in the swing of things, still a little much of RG, PTA, & JL, but I know I will miss all the busyness of community service one day right, oh yeah, hopefully I will be able to continue forever. And the kids...O & I attended the junior high open house (he has been begging to go and so excited about the free dinner for at least once a day for a week!), pretty snazzy stuff. Love the library and its incredible city view, the auditorium is amazing and seriously nicer (and bigger) than the U's, the gym floor's floor is light and beautiful and I kind of want those floors in my home. H did his thing at swim team, and PJ and I snuggled and watched funny newfoundland youtube videos. Good afternoon times.

It's Late, I'm Weary, Sick but Need My Own Update

2010-01-20T22:11:00.002-07:00

Phasing out of JL, yet having to put in 4 hour nights (or an 8 hour Saturday a week ago) is tough. I enjoy it, and I love the cause, but it's a bit redundant for me personally (with Relief Gang) and I am pretty done with having yet another meeting of this that I am not 100% into right now.
I am still coughing up a storm, no end in sight, but my new strategy is to NyQuil at night, feel goofy in the morning, and sweat it out by day? I have only done this twice and the NyQuil is freaking me out.
The dog is cute. It's quite the responsibility, but her soft fur and sleepy snores and excuses to walk the boys to school and pick them up is fantastic. We are developing quite the land mines, with the snow prohibiting us from the desire to immediately pick up the poop rather than head back inside, so beware of the back yard for now. She is getting friendlier, which mean a little more nipping and jumping up, which is quite undesirable with the little ones, but we are working on it.
The kids are doing great, plugging along. Holden did a report on Orville Wright, wherein he read a whole Wright Brothers book, and presented it to the class in full costume (his navy sportcoat, and his dapper cap) and enjoyed it. The boys also turned in reports to Spanish class, Owen (or Marco as he is known in class) reported on Uruguay, and H (or Diego) reported on Argentina. AK helped them with those and they were quite proud of their work and knowledge. Penelope digs her dance class. She is quite entertaining as she is an excellent student and simply adores and emulates her teacher as much as possible. I can't believe she's almost 3!
AK is doing well in work, still awaiting the FDA approval, but working just as hard on what we call "selling the disease" to the Docs and "decision makers".
No picture, just a boring update, mostly for me, because I am definitely too weary to write it in my "real" journal.

We picked up a little something today...

2010-01-09T21:30:00.003-07:00

Another one of Daddy's girls

We call her Javi (pronounced Haahvee), which is short for her full name, Javiera

She met the Bunch cousins today.

And had her first neighborhood playdate, with Snickerdoodle (the pooodle), Champs (the Chow), and Charlie (the Beagle), and lots of fun neighbors came by to see her.

Susie Q. with Javi. The Newfoundland. 12 weeks. 40 pounds. Not very little.

New Years' Resolutions - Sort of

2010-01-02T09:00:00.003-07:00

I had a dream the Chelsea Lately was my spin instructor and that my gym was at a community college sort of like 'Community', and I lost my blue down ski coat. Can you say subconscious resolutions dream? More gym time, less T.V. time, and maybe a new coat? It was fun. In reality, I was all bugged because AK just bought us new memberships to a "fancier" gym and in my dream there were all of these community college kids milling about. This is the first year in a long time that I won't be snickering at all the New Years' newbies, since I will totally be one myself. I haven't made any resolutions, instead I will stick with the usual trying to improve plan. There is actually a list from 2008 still posted on the inside of a kitchen cabinet door that looks like I am still working on, so I will stick with it.

I believe we are headed to Soldier Hollow for some "Professional-grade" sledding today, in other words you pay for the ride up, wheeeeeeee!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

This really is a great article about New Years' celebration. Thanks Matt for the link.

Happy 2010!

'Ring Out, Wild Bells'

By Alfred Tennyson

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

Ski Video 12.30.09

2009-12-31T07:58:00.001-07:00

Throughout the month of January, all of Utah's ski resorts are offering amazing deals to first time skiers, including lessons. For a $13 lift ticket, $13 rental, & $13 lesson, you can ski Snowbird, the Canyons, and more. Pretty amazing stuff. I am hoping that the 4 lesson package at Alta will work for telemark lessons. Most are for Utah residents only. Go here to check it out. Alta's package is for kids too (4 and up).

P.S. The boys remarked as well, it doesn't look like they are going that fast, but trust me, when you follow them and see their little legs splaying to keep the ski together at what seems like was too fast (I am constantly yelling "big turn" to slow them down), they are definitely going faster than it seems.

Bob Marley's 'Rebel Hop' is the song.

Little Red Hen & Selma

2009-12-30T13:33:00.006-07:00

My darling true confidant, friend, and biking, running, hike up the steepest mountain and do push ups buddy Leslie Lords-Robbins gave me this wonderful book for Christmas. I now and will forever keep it at my bedside to remember to live in the moment, among other great life lessons. She called me her Mrs. Miller, which just kills me with love. It is simple, yet incredible profound and so applicable to so much of life. Thank you LLR. (And again, sorry about this morning, 3 out of 4 of the last days' of skiing and snowboarding totally slammed me, my heart was willing, my body wouldn't budge).

This morning as we ran out of bread and Andy volunteered to go to the store for milk, bread, and other provisions, I offered a challenge for him to make bread with our Kitchen Aid (in my relentless pursuit of a Bosch, which I believe makes whole wheat loaves the best, see Lacy Egbert-Meikle). He took the bait and now we have 3 loaves of deliciously, fresh, self-ground wheat bread in the kitchen just waiting to be devoured. Upon accepting this challenge, he dubbed himself the Big Red Rooster (well he said something else but I am not sure how appropriate it is unless you are a real farmer). This was one of H's favorite books from about 4 years of age until he was 6. We would read it over and over, a very tattered, old copy just like the one above (it must have been mine as a child or even my mother's). What a great life lesson, and I truly believe my little helpers get it most of the time.

And they are off sledding in the gently falling snow. After a restless night, a flaky morning, an emotionally draining R.S. visit (I was really okay, but it just sounds most dramatic), a late lunch for the kids, I sent them off. We had been planning to ski with the boys tonight at Brighton but I am quite tuckered (again, Saturday, Monday & Tuesday of snowboarding with H, skiing with both boys, then snowboarding with H). Hopefully I will have recovered by tomorrow to go in the morning with the boys. Holden is hooked. His favorite thing to do is the huge half pipe at Brighton, and he really does it (I just go down the middle). He loves to go through the trees and go off jumps and he keeps his tips straight (rarely does he "pizza") and we did some pretty great blues and a good, tricky, ravine yesterday. He wants to go all day and all night. O is not so convinced, but he is also a little ripper and is so fun to watch. I hear them now...oh no what to tell the Big Red Rooster that I accomplished...?

Christmas Recap

2009-12-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve. Gingerbread House. Thanks to Ikea.

Christmas morning. Capturing Andy just says a thousand things, don't you thin?

Oh brother. Yep, a whole week later, still wearing it (either the jersey or pants at any given time).

Church bound. Love PJ's new dress from Grammy.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T11:44:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas! We have had perhaps the slowest December ever! We are all so excited to celebrate tonight. We have had fun parties to celebrate, good cookie making (and eating) times, fudge making, way too much shopping, gaining a little weight, ridiculously trying to cut back on calories days before Christmas (and during the flood of Holiday treats), picking up and enjoying others' Christmas gifts, making goofy elf music videos of our family, singing, rejoicing, and pondering over Jesus' birth (my new favorite is 'The Nativity' movie, love it!), and sharing the season with you fine folks. Hope your Santa tracking is going well (we are loving it!) and that tonight is magical in every way.

Megan's Surprise

2009-12-23T08:38:00.001-07:00

Megan's 40th Birthday Surprise!

"City kids" desperate for sledding in a big suburban backyard (Brenda and Joey's)

Good Grandparents

2009-12-20T14:01:00.005-07:00

Can't you tell how much my kids love their Maama and Baamps (pronounce "bomps", aka "Sir Baamps a Lot"). Since the Stayner Grandparents are off the California for Christmas, they popped in for a pre-Christmas fete of traditional gifts and some underdone fettuccine. We love them so.

The Phoenix Grandparents are equally loved and missed at this time. I blame most of my overweight at this season (and anytime we are in Phoenix) on Steve (unbeknownst to him, and unworthily as it is really due to my complete lack of self control) as he is the King of good, quality, and surely fattening treats. True to form, he has sent us a huge box of mints I simply cannot resist.

We love the grandparents are their special, loving relationship with the kids. We love their faith and example too.

I had to add this story Owen wrote recently that I just looked down and saw (it was typed out, but he hasn't learned to save it yet, so here goes, unedited):

"About Grandparents

I stayed with my grandparents for three days and this is how is was. Ok, for breakfast we had Lucky Charms, and then I went to school with my brother and we had recess. Then I went to my class and we read from our book boxes and then we did pledge and then calendar and then poems and I got a new poem to put in my folder. My petry folder and then at the end of the year we would take all of our poems home and we could read them at the time when it's night time before we go to sleep for our bedtime and then after poems, we did a project for Santa and we colored it. We went to lunch. I had school lunch because I always do that get school lunch and then went to recess and then math then recess and then we went home and when we got home we watched TV because me and my brother didn't have any homework. I didn't have any because I turned my homework into my teacher.

I played Wii with my brother and then my Dad and Mom got home and now I'm writing a book and I have a Santa hat."

Hey Nerds

2009-12-19T07:41:00.003-07:00

My "Stephanie Meyer" of a sister, Jocelyn (the youngest and most brilliant) lives in the D.C. area with her husband and two children while her husband goes to Law School. During this time she takes up little editing and/or writing jobs, one in which is to upkeep the blog for an online eyeglass wear company. If you are in need of new glasses, check it out. The eyeglasses pictured above are almost identical to my multi-year old Nicole Miller's which I only use under the secret of the night when I take my contacts out. The reason being, I am totally blind and no matter how much I pay to get the lenses as thin as possible due to my high prescription, they still look like coke bottles, and I tend to bump into walls with them anyway. I am due for a new pair though, and $29 for this frame is fantastic. Check it out and give a shout out to Jocelyn while you are at it. The little darling and her family will be sorely missed as they remain in Virginia for the Holidays.

First Dance Recital 12.12.09

2009-12-13T13:09:00.008-07:00

Is there anything cuter than a diaper bum under a tutu? This is a little long and is missing the theme from Ice Castles ("the rainbow song"). Just watch the first two (the tap number and then the ballet number). S. Wright, Caroline's little lady is on the left during the tap and the right of AJ during the ballet, AJ is on the right of PJ throughout. The third dance was the whole recital's impromptu dance wherein she asked them all to come back up (PJ already has her sneaks on) and dance once more. They did great! Thanks to Cameron Bunch who filmed the recital on our Flip Video Camera.

While I Should be Addressing Christmas Cards

2009-12-11T21:47:00.001-07:00

I die for the fabrics on this site...China Seas, Quadrille, Alan Campbell, & Home Couture...someday I will re-upholster the 3 chairs in my garage...someday. HWT gave me the tip months ago and I am still oogling.

Happenings

2009-12-10T19:44:00.003-07:00

This is the outfit PJ wore on Monday when we went to Dan's, in the morning snowstorm. What can I say, parking is underground and we needed milk and bread!

O (red kazoo) Post-Holiday Performance. Don't you just love 1st graders!

H aka "Guy" post-Holiday performance.

O belting it out.

PJ & NW post-performance (and moments before PJ fell on her face, unable to get her hands out of her pockets to save her face, and nailed her poor little chin).

Post-post performance nap, stealing my nap space. Okay, I totally staged her to close her eyes here, we were just reading a book, but isn't she precious.

Tonight, AK singing the 12 days of Christmas tonight to PJ.

A certain person made me delete it.

2009-12-10T12:01:00.001-07:00

Starting the Season Off Splendidly

2009-12-05T10:45:00.006-07:00

Andy hard at work.

The Lobby, and the best place to sit and read by the huge fireplace. I have a new found love for down-leather chairs, sofas, and pillows.

The Relaxed Couple.

I looked forward to last week for quite a while. Back in October, the days before the marathon, I was lucky enough to have my incredibly generous parents watch the kids Wednesday through Saturday so I could accompany Andy and his new Amgen sales team compatriots to the brand new Waldorf-Astoria Park City Dakota Lodge. I relaxed, continued to taper my training, ate carefully, slept long, and just chilled in this beautiful place in preparation for the race.

Well, this week again the team loved it so much that although team members come in from Phoenix, Montana, Idaho, & California, they decided to come back and enjoy Park City, and the same gorgeous hotel that happens to be 20 minutes away from our own home. This time I ate freely, took pictures, attended the Golden Door Spa Zumba class (first time!), worked out, ate freely, relaxed, chilled, shopped, and this time I got to do it with 3 other of the Reps' wives who came to town. The first night we were all invited to dinner with the team at the Stein Erickson Lodge where I hadn't been to since we roamed the halls when I was younger (we learned, stayed, and played at Deer Valley growing up). The food was amazing and amazingly expensive, but amazing. Andy's team are all very similar in wit and I laughed so hard as they goaded each other and just joked and told stories all around. Mostly making fun of people's company car choices, like ours for being the very granola-type Salt Lake car and discussing what bumper stickers we will be putting on ours (usually Subaru Outbacks are notorious for their Save the Canyons, Obama, Coexist, etc. stickers all over the back window). Others who opted for the even less "cool" Mazda 5, for its 3rd row, were made fun of even more. I voted for the Volvo of course, but according to AK the rack wasn't good enough...next time. Anyhew, good times were had by all, and I ate my disgustingly good fill.

Next day I met a wife for my first ever Zumba class. It was fun, but I will never dance in public again and I publicly apologize for dancing at any and all wedding before now. Lunch and Norda's. Then we hit the outlets for some stuff (my main goal was socks for the kids and I almost just stuck to that). Naps, resting and I finished Agassi's 'Open' whereon I immediately placed the book on the nightstand where it fell breaking it's binding! I hate that! Then working out with Andy and his bosses mastering then teaching the cool Kinesis workout, more chilling, dinner with Chip and Riki (another Reps' wife) and back to boob-tube (I got hooked on the White Collar marathon) and eat some of the turn-down chocolates (we saw the service coming and asked for doubles, they gave us triples, yeah, treat for the kids too!) and bed.

In the morning I headed to the gym, ran for 10, started on some kinesis training but being alone and looking at the gorgeous, but chillingly cold 5 degree day I decided to head down the canyon and attend tennis workout at Liberty (I am addicted, I have been going for over a month now). Sped down and made it back in time to shower, pack up, and chill a little. We checked out, and hung out in the Presidential Suite, where their meetings were being held, took some pictures, went for some Hapa sushi and finally came home and relieved the generous and incredibly favored babysitters Maama and Sir Baamps a lot. I slept best last night (I really love my own bed!) and was happy to be with the kids again. But it was lovely and fun and luxurious and dangerous (getting used to this amazing hotel and service).

2009-11-27T16:48:00.004-07:00

Andy peeling apples for the pies. We differed on our apple pie crust construction, but all three of our apple pies turned out yummy (if we say so ourselves). We've been eating one all day! We also had pecan, and Linny's yummy pumpkin.

Owen peeling apples for apple pie.

Boys peeling the sweet potato for sweet potato souffles. We were apparently in charge of all root vegetables. We went through a box of sweet potatoes and a whole costco ginormous bag of regular potatoes for the mashed.

We celebrated Thanksgiving at the generous Bunch home with the parents' Stayner, Creers, and Conley families. Everything tasted amazing! And John and Megan had the foresight for everyone to make extras so each of us took home lots of leftovers. Everything almost taste better the next day don't you think? Hopefully Kate will post her dinner pictures. It was very sweet seeing all the kids excited and sitting up eating together. It was cool to see that they knew this was an important holiday dinner and acted mostly accordingly.

I am thankful for my little family, each and every loving one. And for extended family, their health and love. I am grateful for our home, friends, neighbors, the gospel in my life and in my families, and this very cool world in which we live. And for this awesome country, where a woman is free to wear pants, vote, and has the choice to think and act freely. xoxo Boo

Reading Report

2009-11-21T10:56:00.002-07:00

Currently reading: What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Caldwell. He makes me want to work in advertising like Grisham makes me want to be a lawyer. It is a series of his articles from the New Yorker wherein he interviews "real people". Love it, its a keeper.

Note to self: Get hands on "Open" by Agassi while its on Best seller list (since it'll be less expensive even with my B&N discount). And then I will also have to pick up "The Help", which I have seen but finally got a good personal review from Kate.

And yes, I need to bring in the bookcases again.

Twihard Report

2009-11-20T07:44:00.003-07:00

Dinner was great. Tsunami (sushi). Funny, funny, great girls. Get to the movie theatre an hour early. 2nd row seats. Lots of crazy. Howling. Many more teenagers than I imagined (midnight! on a school night!). A few more 5 year olds than I ever imagined. Many more men than I imagined. Howling women. I had a huge burst of insecurity as I saw what company I was surrounded by, lots of pajama clad crazy. But it was really fun. Good characters. Great special effects. Still bad writing (I feared for our row's life as we cackled along some utterly cheesy lines, that the rest of the very still and I guess "moved" theatre would kick us out. R Pat is cute. Kellan Lutz looks way better with dark hair (in character). Jacob is perfectly cast (with his nerdy talk which begs that he is the "little" guy). It was very loud and I had to close my eyes at least once. The most moving part was the trailer we had been seeing for weeks (when Jacob phases in front of Bella). Love the wolf-pack. Aros was the best actor. It was good and fun was had by all. Got home at 3ish and I couldn't get to bed. Woke up at 7, first up in the family, and am awaiting the crash today. Loved the music. I might already have the soundtrack that I bought over a week ago (which totally admits me into the Twihard crazy, huh?). Not bad for a girl who didn't love the books, right? Thanks Ashley for the ticket and the fun company of your darling friends. It was a truly memorable and fun night.

P.S. Bella's eyebrows were driving me crazy. I made the same mistake at 18 and my eyebrows were way too small (and I have the deb picture to prove it). But it looks like she had the same Eyebrow Shaper as Jacob.

Team Jacob

2009-11-19T07:34:00.002-07:00

I was compelled to read New Moon (HWT made me do it!) otherwise I didn't know how much more vampire sweet valley high I could take, but I liked New Moon. I have always liked Jacob since. And looking at the press of those werewolves, yikes, I think I have chosen wisely my friends. I will let you know after about 2am Friday morning how the movie was, unless I fall asleep...aaaaawwwwwooooooo.

In an effort to be concise...

2009-11-17T07:39:00.003-07:00

I love it when the kids instigate FHE. Holden gave the lesson (a condensed pioneer excursion story starting with 'Zions Camp' and ending in the valley in less than 5 minutes, gotta love it), Owen led the songs, PJ was kind of a pain, and Andy was off fishing the Green River (literally, not just in his imagination, he had worked Vernal yesterday). We re-started reading the Book of Mormon, beginning with the introduction. Then Holden chose 'I Know that my Redeemer Lives' to close, lovely, lovely, lovely. Spinach shakes for dessert (ice, milk, handfuls of spinach, walnuts, & agave nectar), cute story time for PJ "on Daddy's bed" of Purplicious and Where the Wild Things Are, and off to bed for PJ and to reading (and bouncing around) for the boys.

Everything Week of November 9-14

2009-11-14T19:04:00.004-07:00

Holden had a swim meet at Clearfield today (Bailey's Team Pool). It was a blast! He actually just hugged me and thanked me for taking him (ahhh!). For my benefit, he pretends like he despises every minute of swimming, yet I get plenty of "spy time" in and he enjoys it every bit. So when he actually admit how much he likes it to me, its like a 1million hugs bonus. You could tell he was swimming as fast as he could and he even said he loved swimming the 100 IM which he was so worried about!
What made it even more fantastic was that Bailey and Cameron were swimming too. It was Cameron's first meet (which actually helped Holden with his nerves in thinking, "well at least I have done this before". But Cameron swam like a pro, and I am pretty sure won at least one of her heats. I got to time a lane with the best partners ever (Pat, a friend from out team and her 15 year old niece from Nepal who has been in the country for 2 days! but you would never have known, her English understanding, speaking, and writing - she took down the times for part of the time, were better than mine! and my Mom also timed with me). We all talked and cheered on our lane and had a blast.
Andy, O, & PJ made a 20 minute appearance just enough to see Holden's great IM swim, then it was a little much with a great kiddie fun pool nearby and no bathing suits for them (I called to retrieve them, but they were too far from home).
We got home at 4pm and aside from a Costco trip, have been chilling and totally wiped out. Holden has been cuddling with his incentive (the 4th Diary of a Wimpy Kid book) that was promised for trying his best at all swim practices and the meet. I love that it started out being a trip to Boondocks, but he actually preferred and requested to get the book instead.
Otherwise, our week was pretty regular. I have been running almost every morning, and although very cold (in the low-30's on Friday) it has been a blast having buddies to go with (CW & HWT). And we are all looking forward to ski season. I get to sign up H for the school ski program this week!
We tried Cettebello's this week and it was almost as good as Humble Pie (I think we liked the variety of Humble Pie better) but super good. It seriously makes me want a wood burning stove to make these fantastic pizzas in. Oh, and the gelato was the best I have had in a long time (like almost as good as the old Gelato Classico in CDM. I will go again anytime.
Andy got to go to PJ's dance on Wednesday and Josh happened to be there too. It was great. PJ definitely performed for Dad and the have been practicing Rainbows ever since. The three of us went to Macaroni Grill for lunch after and the CEO of Mac Grill was there. The Manager (AK's buddy due to all the business he does there) was all excited, and we were stoked for him.
I know this is random and trite for y'all but right now, while I neglect the camera, and ignore your interests, this truly is a journal entry so that I can remember my life for more than 2 seconds.
While I am remembering, we attending our schools' PTA Reflections Night, due to O's literary entry, which was also his first computer typed book. It was great and I think inspired both boys. O is now asking for "real art stuff" for Christmas. He was mentioning oil pastels and "real" paint today. Oh boy. I am not so sure about any kind of paint (I only do watercolors in the house!).
I went to tennis stroke clinic on Friday (I have been playing with 3 other girls' weekly now for a few months). It was humbling, yet again, but great fun to play with other adults. It really is just like when we were kids, but more people in the lessons so less time picking up the balls (and that crazy ball sweeper machine to make it even easier!). I plan to do it weekly, so if anyone wants to join me...
One more, Andy worked Vernal on Monday, which allows him to stay over (its 3-4 hours away) and Dutch John, which just happens to be on the Green River, is just a short drive away. So, he got to fly-fish his guts out (I think he caught a couple dozen each day, and completely got his fill. He caught his biggest rainbow yet, a whopping 24 incher. He has another "meeting" there on Monday, so I guess he will just have to bring his gear (definitely a major reason he got the company car with AWD and the good racks for the box to hold his gear, which will soon include snowboard gear for those lunchtime "breaks").
I know this is random and trite for y'all but right now, while I neglect the camera, and ignore your interests, this truly is a journal entry so that I can remember my life for more than 2 seconds. And remember, I want to gag too, this only includes the good stuff (no bill, job, behavior worries, no spousal bickerings, etc. for you!).

Love a Lazy Saturday

2009-11-07T19:21:00.005-07:00

Holden's Indigenous American Dwelling

So, yes the top will pop off, but when the "fire is lit" (its a Halloween Pumpkin light with sticks glued on it to look like a fire pit - totally Holden's idea) the kids will be able to look inside the dwelling as well. The little leather scraps are their beds, the boat has some pottery and a pipe in it, the dude is wearing a turquoise necklace and the woman has her baby carrier and a pistachio nut for a baby in it, they both has some decorative beading on their backs, and yes, they are still bald and faceless - not sure if that will change). H did a great job and loved it. I just went upstairs to take these photos and his written draft was all done!

The weather is perfect! Like, gorgeous gold trees, and all the incredible fall colors, and like a perfect 60+ wherein I could justify the Uggs (it is November and I am not in the O.C.) but a long sleeved shirt was too hot. Bagged the 1/2 marathon in St. George this morning, I really didn't want to drive 5 hours alone, stay alone, run alone, eat lunch alone, and drive back 5 hours home alone, it just seems entirely too selfish. After some great swimming with PJ, O & I during H's swim team practice yesterday, Holden followed it up with a great practice again this morning. I went again to really watch, which I am so glad I did, his form is amazing - even his butterfly - and he is wicked fast (I think he likes to go 2nd or 3rd so he can pass his team-mates). So happy to see yet another best friend signing their kid up for our great team (yesterday HWT was there with H, I was very surprised and stoked!). This morning it was my biking and otherwise as close as a sister SP and A for the High School team. I actually also went out of my comfort zone to meet and get to know Holden's friends' Mom's. H & I sauntered home to see AK & the other kids busy with the leaves on the ground and the gutters. Then we set off for the park for some family baseball (PJ even had a hit, she's a lefty!) and play. Home for lunch and naps. I am not 100% (this cold, sore throat thing) so I was really tired, but the weather was too perfect and I hadn't exercised yet so I had to go on a bike ride. But first, H & I went to the library and then to Michael's to clear out all things to copy and create an Indigenous American home. We settled on the "Earthlodge" type home. We ended up buying a terracota pot to turn over (the mounds had a smoke hole in the center just like the pots), and other leather scraps and ties, we found the perfect sized little wood people, and cardboard flip flop box that we saw perfect as a boat (and we even used the flip flop part as the baby carrier, and other things. While on my bike ride, I assigned H to gather sticks and leaves and dirt from our yard, and I set off on a great ride. I charged it all the way to the top (:57 from our home, :40 or so from the zoo, me and my bike buddies usually do it in 1:10), passed the Red Burro guy, but got passed in the s-curves by 2 people (which definitely challenged me to keep boosting into the wind), the top was gorgeous (although I did notice that the higher the elevation, they really look like they are ready for snow - the fall color is seemingly gone up there, although that gold which we saw driving back from the desert last week, is gorgeous). And I zipped down to help with the house, watercolor, make dinner, get some groceries & a movie, and be totally exhausted so sent the kids off the bed early, well the boys were ecstatic to read, and now I am here. How's that for a journal entry.

2009-11-04T19:38:00.002-07:00

I miss blogging.
I like tennis and have a new fore-hand I can't wait to keep practicing.
I am really enjoying running in the early mornings (and its been so easy getting up this week!).
In the last week I have been deeply inspired by a dear friend (TVC) and a totally random blogger I stalked.
Today was a fantastic, happy kids, happy Mom, mountain biked Daddy, beautiful weather, fall, even made butternut squash and sweet potato soup, super day.
And those are my thoughts of the moment.

The Conley Wedding Trip

2009-11-03T16:06:00.002-07:00

Oh they are funny. But in this one everyone is looking in the right direction.

McCormick Ranch Train Park (aka the best deal for train rides, carousel, and park ever!)

Probably our best photo, although Penelope had just been traumatized by a cactus, and only Andy's shirt is tucked properly, and my pale arm seems to be dominating the photo. And Katie thinks its weird we are "in the middle of cactuses" or cacti as they are properly known.

Crop-able. I love my family, can't you tell? We had a great Arizona trip (if you take out the drive home, at least we had the candy to bribe with, eat in total frustration, and throw at the children in desperation). The wedding was blissful (the most darling couple ever!) and we still got to hang and explore. Trader Joe's was hit twice since it was right next door to our hotel (I curse the peanut butter chocolate minis), the company was fab (we got to see bff's Tiffany (me) and Alex (AK) and the Knight family), the restaurants and shopping are sorely missed, the scenery was amazing, but I am still wondering if a drive with the kids is worth it. I am desperately trying to talk AK into a no kids trip next time, but I don't think Grammy and Grandpa would like that one bit. The kids went swimming (even though I think it was record cold for Scottsdale), I went running (10+ miles I believe), we all got to trick or treat together (no one had to stay home to pass out candy). Fun was had by all.

Scones & Cider

2009-10-27T05:27:00.003-07:00

The Strays (aka what David B. affectionately calls non-family who hang around the house aka by the Knights as the darling neighbor kids) and H (aka Plo Koon, 2nd from left) and O (Optimus Prime) and not-costumed PJ (3rd from left).

Our little "wild thing". She loved being "kitty" until she discovered her hands were unavailable to handle candy.

We are headed to celebrate Linny & Jared in Phoenix! We will be trick or treating there as well. My kids are thrilled to celebrate Halloween with their Arizona cousins.

Pumpkin Patch 2009

2009-10-20T07:59:00.003-07:00

Pictures were taken, pumpkins were picked, running was rampant, fun was had by all. And we are back. All is well.

First Day of School 8.25.09

2009-08-26T09:27:00.002-07:00

Okay these are out of order, but I am growing impatient, the girls (AJ & PJ) are wandering the house, Andy is packing for L.A., and I will have no computer for 10 days. And I will miss him. Anyway, first day of school went off without a hitch. The boys were very happy, nervously excited, but then thrilled with their classes and friends after school. Owen liked first grade even better than Kindergarten and Holden said the same about third. For the record, the P&G people finally picked up the Impala today.

New outfit for Holden and new shoes for O, but I was feeling really guilty because the child with 200 shirts didn't have a new one to wear to the first day of school. I just couldn't bring myself to buy another shirt! He really didn't notice or care.

I totally made them pose and pretend they were walking to school (we were waiting for AK & PJ).
I love knowing they walk to school together and Holden is totally excited to pick up Owen and walk home with him. We get great reports from neighbors about the boys walking together to and from school, laughing, playing, being late but having fun together, looking very carefully to cross this street, etc. I am glad we have many other eyes and ears looking out for them (on their 12 house walk to school!).Giving a big hug (and/or trying to pick him up) to Zeke. Tough stuff Owen was even quite nervous, it was cute.

Andy's Modeling Days

2009-08-24T12:05:00.003-07:00

Have you seen this lately? (wait for the handsome Andy to appear, the pictures change) We are bummed Clark Dana, DDS is no longer at Draper Smiles (he sold the practice) but we will always have Andy's modeling days to remind us.

P Jane

2009-08-19T16:14:00.004-07:00

I just love my little Penelope! We have had a few occasions the last few weeks to be alone, out shopping, at home, snuggling, giggling, and I have realized (knock on wood) 1) her "terrible twos" are going away and 2) I now prefer to take her on errands than the boys. That is both boys. Both constantly snarling and fighting and tattling and name calling boys. Can you tell I am practically counting down the minutes until Tuesday morning at 8:45, well 8:30, when the boys head down the street to school? Oh if I were more patient and would actually look up a site to give me a countdown timer - I would. But I'd rather go on about it. Anyway, Penelope. Right now, we have just woken from our afternoon naps (I finished the latest Sophie Kinsella, I cried, they are all the same but still so endearingly clever!), and she is carrying around her naked baby (the real looking one that Emi gave us, and no I have still not dressed it!), which I love seeing her be so tender despite its heaviness. The other day while Andy took the boys to the BYU football practice (aargh, another story, another time) and infiltrated them with BYU t-shirts and balls and other propaganda (and no, I don't get the affinity either, he did not graduate from the BYU!) P Jane and I were doing errands, Post Office, bank for PTA, a little stroll through Foothill Village, then to REI, she toted her naked baby and occasionally left it oddly laying in an aisle (until a man saved her and sweetly offered the naked baby back to its obvious little owner). She loves trying on shoes, being particular about her outfit, loves bubblegum (my kids are convinced a. bubblegum wards off hunger and b. it is a food group), "running" like momma, and being just cute all around. I still have to keep her from falling in the pool during swim team practice, getting hit by Owen's tennis balls during practice, screaming, and hitting Amanda, but I see we are heading to a more mature, enjoyable, sweet, talkative phase of which even more adventure awaits. But thank goodness she still naps in the afternoon and goes to bed before 8!

Pictures from Holden and Weston cheering on the Tour of Utah riders today coming, if I can figure out how to download from my phone.

Thank you Mary Sue for the cute picture I poached today!

Race/Summer Update

2009-08-09T15:57:00.003-07:00

Since 1/2 of my blog followers (Pat) requested a report of the summer's races, okay just Spudman, but may as well make a review. Spudman was an Olympic (1 mile swim, 40k bike, 10k run) triathlon in Burley, Idaho that I did on the 25th of July. It was my first Olympic, and an overall great time. I drove up with the Taylors, with Ash & Jerad & Sue & Brad to follow, and we just rolled right onto the lake side golf course and pitched our tents with a couple hundred other people. I still think that is so funny. I slept in our handy 2 little person backpacker tent and awoke at 1:30am and 6:30am to a very low flying plane that I was sure would land right on top of me. It didn't. I got to start with the chubbies, since I registered Athena (I really do hope it's the last time, but I doubt it), and started last. The swim was even easier than I thought (two weeks prior I did the Echo Tri-Sprint (1/2 an Olympic) and the swim nearly did me in - I do blame it on bad goggles though (H used my regulars for his swim meet at the same time, he has his own now). I wasn't tired at all from the swim, I am not bragging it was just really that down stream and easy. The transition (although my trash bag for my gear that they truck back to the finish line flew away during the night) was very quick and smooth. Started out on the bike slowly but soon found some fast, TT-pro bike girls to follow (not draft, I am ever so paranoid about drafting - illegal in a tri) petered out at the end, but finished strong. The run, the run - I felt better, but it was flat and slow for me. Andrea Frederickson was walking and sprinting and keeping within yards of me the whole time (Tiffany Thomas joined her the last few miles, and Amy Jaggi ran alongside me then passed me as I giggled so hard since I screamed "Amy" 1 foot away from her ear, but she didn't hear me due to her music). It was all good and I can't wait to do it next year.

Since then I did the Provo 1/2 marathon last weekend (2:04) and got to run the first 6-7 miles with Morinda. And thankfully handed off my keys and jacket to Brigham cheering her on.

Ryan and I did the very mountainous 15-miler yesterday. He wanted to kill me. I guess I am just getting too used to climbing the hills that surround us.

Today we breakfasted at Doug & Emmy's so you can tell I can keeping up with good nutrition (not! at all!). The kids and I took the frontrunner train back to the SLC. It was really fun. I can't believe we haven't done it. Then we went to the Daughters of the Pioneer Museum wherein I got to see the pictures and bios of Elizabeth Pill Stayner and oh dear, the other two Stayner women. Mom will have to take me back sometime to find their pictures and other family members. Since then we have rested and done errands (Andy) and that is our day.

John Hughes

2009-08-06T16:38:00.002-07:00

I am so sad to have just heard about the death of John Hughes. My very formative years from elementary (yea my Dad was the Bishop and Sixteen Candles was part of a ward birthday party video in circa 1982ish), to seeing Some Kind of Wonderful 4 times at the UCI movie theatre, to Pretty in Pink and She's Having a Baby all of which we still watch religiously. Having to get permission slips in HS to see Breakfast Club in psychology (although we had already seen it at home, again, I guess before our family really adopted the LDS movie standard thing) and more. The music. The outfits. The hair. Everything about a John Hughes movie I had already been missing for 20 years and will never again be. I had been hoping he'd revisit our Gen X & Y with an "update" movie, but within the last year or so I had read about his reclusive lifestyle (although he did continue to write, eg. Maid In Manhattan I believe). Rest in Peace John Hughes.

Mid-Summer Catch Up

2009-07-19T12:25:00.006-07:00

Fourth of July trip at Bear Lake. Poor Holden had been ailing for a week or so, and finally Andy took him in to the Doctor and he was diagnosed with pneumonia! He was like this picture (slacky, lethargic, grumpy, & sleepy) for a few weeks before we got our Holden back.
Kate, Amy J. & I (not pictured, behind the camera!) on the East side of the lake during our 4 hour bike around the lake. It was definitely a highlight and I can't wait to do it again.

At the top of Logan Canyon's perfect short family hike with the funky trees (I obviously cannot recall the trail name!). Despite the mosquitoes, we had a good time. This is Samuel & Owen, cousin buds forever!

Greco-Roman wresting in Red Butte's new rose garden. Holden & Owen.

"Bathing" at Bear Lake. This bucket of water is what we washed up in at Bear Lake (and our beach homes) many a sandy toes.

On the funky tree hike. The glimmer of Bear Lake is behind AK & PJ.

Cute Maama and Sir Baamps-a-lot with PJ and Owen at Mac Grill.

Owen had been begging for a while to get a haircut. Holden wanted to grow his out forever. We ended up chopping them both. I wasn't planning on cutting PJ's gorgeous fine locks, but she wanted to get her hair done so much and loved every choppy minute of it (she is such a girl!). I miss her piggy buns and Holden's gorgeous thick hair, but it grows quickly!

The best snuggle in the whole wide world. AK after a very wearying week. More on that to come...

Besides Swim Team (Holden) and Tennis (Owen) we are very tired by 11am and haven't explored summer as much as usual. I am still training for the St. George Marathon and so far its been great. I did a hilly and steady 12-miler yesterday and was not sore one bit (a few chafed spots and blisters where I didn't apply body glide, but otherwise perfect!). I have done 2 triathlons this summer and am looking forward to my first Olympic Triathlon this coming weekend in Idaho. Andy will be bringing the kids and meeting me up there the day of the race and then whisking us off to Jackson Lake for a few days, yeah! The garden is looking great and full and productive. I love the zucchini, but haven't quite figured out when to pick the yellow squash. The tomatoes are green and getting bigger daily. And AK's corn is sprouting the flower thing. The rest is just huge and full and hopefully getting enough water. We have been totally slacking on homework and reading, and getting way too much Wizards of Waverly and Hannah Montana watched in this house, but I am weary of the fight of chores and homework so that will have to be for now (and they are pretty funny shows). That's my update and I am sticking to it.

2009-06-24T07:09:00.004-07:00

I had to note another milestone that I have to say I am very sad about...yesterday H and I did a few afternoon errands and we were going from the car to the shop in a crazy parking lot and I held out my hand for him to take and all I got was air. I realized, yea, he is old enough to cross the street, but the lack of his squishy, little hand in mine made me sad all night (and obviously until morning). We are hitting some big milestones that are making me note how quickly he has grown (like wanting to read by himself, even though I totally made him read with me last night! and more). Just had to note. Busy day ahead starting with skipping my morning run (nice start!) even though I haven't been able to sleep since 5! Not cool.

Bear Lake Picture

2009-06-21T21:06:00.002-07:00

Being "funny"
Almost Christmas card worthy...Olympus titans blech! (they love the basketball camp with the cousins)

2009-06-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

As soon as I figure out the picture upload thing in facebook, this is so going to be my photo. I love the donks! Great photo Kate!

2009-06-14T20:22:00.003-07:00

If I had no respect and/or love for my husband I would so be signing up for this event and going to visit my best friend Lorian...but since I have used up all running & triathlon event "budget" for the year (much like Andy has run out of vacation days) I will have to contemplate the fun for next year. I do love the AK.

http://www.seejanerun.com/t-See-Jane-Tri.aspx

By the way...we just got back from Bear Lake where amidst the cooler temps and spotty drizzles the kids had fun at the "beach", I got in a few good mountain bike rides (great climbs!), and we had a blast hosting the Lorimers and their deliciously perfect, sleeping through the night, 4 month old darling Charlie. Charlie alone was almost enough entertainment for PJane, who is ever the handful, but really a giggling delight of tomboyish wonder. It was a great weekend escape. Oh and the cabin remodel is really great! We loved being able to bake in an oven and cook on a real stove top (as opposed to a hot plate!). We can't wait to go back (a few more times this year! Yeah!).

Andy is off to Dallas for the week. Seriously, from tomorrow morning until Friday night (flies in at 8pm!). I am trying to stay positive and brick up my mental fortress to handle the darlings, break free (okay I totally plan on a few hours of babysitting) but you know how I handle this...not so loverly. But this time, it's going to be a breeze...the house will magically become clean and lint free (when has that ever happened), laundry will be put away (as if), meals will be home-made and nutritious (try not to rely on McD's down the street this week), okay, something like that. Shoot for the moon right? If I hit the rooftop I will still feel good.

Last Day of School

2009-06-12T05:15:00.003-07:00

Last day of school snapshot (thanks to Kat!). We are adjusting, getting our schedule down, morning chores, summer homework & reading, swim team, basketball camp, baseball, and lots of free time. We are headed to Bear Lake this morning for a chilly stay. Hopefully next week the sun will come out. I loved that it wasn't blistering hot, but it has gotten cold, like heater in the car cold, and we really want to swim.

2009-06-04T20:29:00.002-07:00

I was so excited last night, I called AK (who was in CA), screamed (it was really late) and searched frantically for our DVD copy of my favorite movie (top 2, but making it closer to #1 as time goes on and I never get sick of it)...that would be the culmination of So You Think You Can Dance and West Side Story. Tyce D'Orio (or Tasty Oreo to me) taught the amazing and challenging choreography to the hopefuls. We have yet to see tonights show, but I just had to share my excitement.

501

2009-06-03T07:24:00.002-07:00

See how cute Ashley looks, smiley, birthdayey, cute in her pink. Those security dudes totally checking her out (we tend to really notice the background of photos since the background "naked" triathlete photo surfaced from our Vegas tri.
I am such a nerd. Still struggling with my zipper (one pulls up and it "automatically" unzips, it actually eventually worked). Security guards unfazed and focused.

Tri Today

2009-05-30T14:56:00.003-07:00

As I am soooo impatiently waiting the final results of today's sprint tri at Salem, Ut, I found these aeriel shots of the race, which I thought were very cool. I do remember seeing a funny little place hovering (like an toy plane). It was a very fun race and extra fun to be with the Park's on Ashley's birthday.

Madsen Hauler

2009-05-28T12:07:00.004-07:00

I am all for a new bike, whatever kind it may be....and thanks to Snickerdoodles' post I think I am going to win it. You could try too. Click on the awesomely huge picture link and post it on your blog. You know, for fun, and for summer, and for grocery shopping, and hauling compost materials, whatever your fancy. And this just in...you really can haul your kiddos, it comes with 2 seatbelts. Okay, so AK gets a new mountain bike, then I get my new road bike, then AK gets a road bike, then I can get this Madsen (and then Penelope will be 7 and riding her own bike, but I can haul the compost with it right?).

Fun Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-25T08:03:00.004-07:00

Despite having no idea we had no school on Friday (until the office called to have my Kindergartner picked up from the office who had been out of school for 1/2 hour! P & I were cruising around on the bike, went to library time, I was hitting the shower in complete relaxation, non-hurrying mode), so we had an extra fun day to fill! We hit the neighbor's garage sale and for about $3.50 took home a SpeedRacer remote control car, an NFL helmet game, an aquarium tank, a "snowboard", and a new "too tall" regulation basketball standard (okay, we paid a little more for that). We hit the Creer pool to swim on Friday morning, the boys spent all afternoon alternating between their new toys, and Grammy & Grandpa Knight came to town that night. We played and visited. Saturday morning I did an early morning 16-miler to the Capitol and then played with the kids while the other adults moved Tia Dori into her new Farm-town digs. We played at the Bunches and their neighbors were having a garage sale, so we hit that with $4 and got plenty of junk for our kids and the Bunches, heck of a deal! We played at Tia Dori's for a minute, saw her cute new home, and scared away a duck by the stream. Empanadas for lunch at the Argentine restaurant in Farm-Town that who-knows-how-it- survives! but we are glad it does. I am sure we napped (or at least P & I napped). Blahbityblah dinner at Mac Grill, church on Sunday, naps, visit to Heber to Aunt Christie at Uncle Brent and D.O.D. (Grandpa Al). The weather was lovely and we had a great time running around finding critters, trying to get the horses to feed, getting shocked by the electric fence (Linny & I), and getting the neighbors to saddle up their horse "Rocket" for a jaunt. Our little P loves, loves, loves horses (Maama!). As you can see, I got to ride with her and was dreaming of a new generation at the ranch, and the boys hopped on like it was no big thing. That was definitely a highlight. Today we plan to visit the graves (at 3 cemeteries in Salt Lake and 2 in the D.C.). Happy Memorial Day!

AP Update

2009-05-22T05:46:00.003-07:00

I have an addendum to a previous post...I erroneously listed that I went to Las Vegas "solo" (in my head at the time, meaning no kids, spouse involved), I meant to say I had a fantastic, fun, and non-snoring companion in my darling good friend Ashley Park. We had a blast and I can't wait to do many more trips and triathlons with this "sexy lady" (as her gorgeous 3 year old son called her the other day). Thanks for coming Ashley! I love your guts! And I will never forget running through "hell" with you...and that great calamare (or "donut hole pasta" I thought it was!), and our sweet hotel, and avocado eggrolls, seeing Pete Rose (on your every visit!), shopping, FAO Schwartz, the spa, H & M, yogurtland, and our non-musical forever chatty drives. Vegas baby!

Ready for Summer!

2009-05-18T18:20:00.004-07:00

Since the last week, we've been doing our summer, afternoon swim session at the outdoor Steiner pool. P Jane gets the most excited and quickly gets her suit as soon as we say the word "pool" and then she repeatedly sings it (she has been talking a lot more lately, which gives us a sigh of relief not to call on the experts, we are just so lazy, but I got some good tips from the pro Liz, and the songs, music, and lots more reading seem to be doing the trick). I have been able to do some laps and then join in the fun (Andy soon will be doing the same, once he really gets into gear training for Spudman - just 10 more weeks!) catching ball with the kids, dunking P Jane and trying to make her float, and racing Holden. Today was perfect. It was a little too hot for anything else (90 degrees!) and the pool was really warmed up and there were other kids for the kids to play with (or stare at and consider playing with at a later date). We got home to make zucchini, quesadillas, brocolli, and amazing oatmeal white chocolate chip cookies (thank me very much!). I actually took an hour or so this morning and really cleaned up the upstairs...I think that's why I must be so incredibly chipper!

P.S. Music to my ears - Owen is reading Pinkalicious to Penelope - I will miss our afternoon reading sessions when he is in First Grade next year!

P.P.S. - Andy good call on adding the chocolate-chocolate chips, the combination is out of this world (but we still have a 50/50 that is quickly dwinding). AK is off on a mountain bike ride...it is SUMMER! WooooHooooo!

P.P.P.S. - You've got to read NieNie! I just want to hug her and tell her how amazing she is (along with millions of others)! What a testimony! I got teary and it reminded me of Anna Karenina (when Kitty and Levin...around page 500...fate, patience, destiny, forgiveness, etc. still plugging along by the way, cursing the Jackson's for the top 10 challenge a little bit! but figure it's all down hill (or at least not 1,000 pages!) from here.