I'm so ahead of the times

Sometimes I realize that my old freakish ways are really very hip and now, it just took a few years to realize this. Like my frugal saving of plastic grocery bags to use as trash bags, really I'm just saving the world from all that extra trash and overflowing landfills. And using used envelopes for writing my lists on, I don't know why but I really enjoy doing this, try it. I turn off lights, close the door, don't run the water while I'm brushing, and yes it saves me money, but really I'm just trying to save the world and its precious resources for my children. I'm so green, it's an inconvenient truth.

So now I know why I don't text. It's totally dangerous. I have only sent one text message in my life! Seriously, don't laugh. While you are texting and you walk off a curb and sprang your ankle, or walk into a tree and get a black eye, or cook noodles and get 3rd degree burns all over your stomach or even when you walk off the sidewalk and DIE! just think of me, safely not texting in my own little futuristic bubble of bliss. LOL, I'll c u l8r! or not.

Southern Utah

Southern Utah is red, orange, bright blue.
Southern Utah is warm, hot, stifling, and freezing on early spring mornings when you take your first-born 4-month-old camping for the first time.
Southern Utah is dry, largely barren, and wet when you follow some loved one up Walter's Wiggles or into the Narrows.

Southern Utah is the true testing ground for in-laws when tested against its stark beauty and rugged trails.
Southern Utah is bumpy in all the right places, smooth in all the right places and holey in all the other places.

Southern Utah is part of my new state, my new family, my new better half, and me.

The lovely scenery is from ColorfulUtah.com Check out the desert pictures here.

P.S. Southern Utah is also where I attained the status of "semi-whimp". Yipee!

Fireworks and boys

As we sat watching our city fireworks from the comfort of our good neighbors yard, Andrew covered his ears and scrambled onto my lap. We admired the colors and shapes together. He especially liked the waterfall ones.

-Andrew "I like those!. . . Oh I like those also too!"

Those words made my heart smile bright just like the fireworks.

A Kitchen Plate Rack

I think I like the look of an open plate rack. Do you? I would definitely need really cute dishes.

In fact, I think I really need a set of these.


I've been reading up on Depression Glass, and I am really falling in love with it. I may go for these pretty pink hobnail sherbet bowls.

Memories, like the dirty corner of my laundry room

My sweet sister-in-law Rochelle is playing a memory game on her blog and I'm joining in. If you want to join in, leave a comment of any memory you have with me. If you want to play, I'll come leave a memory on your blog, too.

I hope I remember you all ; )

We're back, and a list of sorts

We arrived home at 2 AM Sunday morning from the beach. After a week of blissful sunbathing, wave jumping, a little shopping, and a lot of kid-ing, our week ahead is totally stressing me out.

We have
Rachel's birthday shopping (done)
Rachel's birthday (done)
unpacking
laundering
dishes galore
paperwork gamore
swimming lessons x3
Scott's birthday
extended family b-day party for both kiddos
Primary, what Primary
organize new playroom shelves we've had 2 weeks now
cakes, special meals, etc.
plan date for Friday, I need to breathe sometime
Charity's 4 month appointment
worry about eternity

Will it get done? But of course! and I'll blog about our trip, just you wait Henry Higgins, just you wait!

And, yes, I know you don't care much. It just makes me feel better getting all that off my chest.

A spot of sun

Charity in a small bit of sun reaching between the trees before setting on a lovely day. Plus, her first pigtails!

The 4th of July, Paris style

To start off, our 3 1/2 hour drive stretched to 4 3/4 due to several stops to feed Charity, and a big puke in the canyon.

On the 4th, we started with a picture-less flag raising at 6, then skipped the 11:00 program for feeding kids, and set out for the 1:00 parade.

The parade is popular.

But getting up for the flag raising has it's benefits - a great spot! Meeting family at the parade.






Grandma with grandkids minus Idaho Falls ones. (Love you Paige)

Our family

The firework technicians (pyros).

the light stick mania

The show (ours, that is)

Next day at the beautiful Bear Lake

Playing 500

We ended the weekend with Todd and Shayla blessing their little Skyler. We had everyone there! All 6 kids and 12 grandkids, beautiful.

Beachy blues

I love this beautiful room full of beachy blues, natural materials, and big windows with beautiful light.



Photo from Traditional Homes Magazine via Lily G

Sarah Jane Studios - Etsy

I think these prints are absolutely adorable. They would be perfect in a little girl's nursery or bedroom, like mine!






Get them, very affordably, here.

MaLM - Going right in the garden

Make-a-list Monday -- Things that are going right in my garden today.
1. Third time's a charm with the squash (bugs are staying away kind of) 2. tomatoes are getting red 3. Bleeding heart resurfaces after an almost death and sweet woodruff takes off 4. Cosmos from seed survived the transplant outside

5. Peaches are growing (at least on one tree) 6. Late planted columbine bloom and will hopefully survive till next year 7. the beanstalk is growing, he he he 8. Black-eyed Susans are blooming this year

9. Russian sage is huge 10. Delphiniums blooming

11. Lamb's ear, maybe doing a little too well 12. Hollyhocks survived the bugs, as did the daisies (small, very small) 13. last year's cosmos reseeded 14. Happy Returns daylillies finally established and blooming : )

How does your garden grow?

Something's Gotta Give

I've never seen it, but I just discovered that the house they shot in is legendary. It is gorgeous. You can see an exhaustive discussion on it at Cote de Texas

Dishes and washers

Yesterday, it seemed that our dishwasher was running quieter.
Good.

Our dishes didn't come out clean.
Bad.

I didn't have to load the dish washer last night.
Good.

I had to wash all the dishes by hand today.
Bad.

I get a new dishwasher.
Good.

I'm parting with a good $400.
Bad.

Life.

Yellow house of mine

I wish my little yellow house looked this cute. I need big trees I think.


Via Porchlight Interiors

A bike ride

Matt and Dawn had a "special time" a few weeks ago. They rode their bikes to the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. They stopped for a snack, watched a few brides taking pictures and were back before noon. These "special times", our one on one time with our kids, is really priceless.


Later that afternoon, I took Rachel to IKEA for a special time of our own. She graciously consented to bring Andrew along, too. She had never been, as I earnestly try to do all shopping during school hours. Thus, Andrew had developed a love for the place mainly due to the frozen yogurt and cinnamon rolls. We got some sweet shelves for playroom that we've put up and are busy stocking. Pictures to follow.

And for completeness's sake, I'll just mention that Matt took Scott to Jump On It last night and completely got done in.

A spot of sun

For me:


and for my cutie:

Can't wait. . .

for this:

My little Idaho trip

Last week I spent a few days with my mom and sisters in Idaho Falls. Besides the chatting, laughing, games and fun, we were rather productive. We planted a big flower bed for my mom. Here are a few pictures. This is all we could get done. We (or at least I) am planning on putting in a slate/blue stone patio in front of the screen and extending the bed around the little sidewalk up to the front door. It could use some compost or bark to spruce it up and a good edging job, but that can come later.

I think it will be great, just give it a few months (or years) to grow in.




I tried to get her to plant some purples or pinks, but she'd have non of that, strictly yellow, orange and red for her. Figures.

My dream house - a sunroom

Matt and I dream about adding a sun room on the back of our house. I'm fairly sure it won't happen any time soon (or ever). But I love them. Here is a fun one. I really like the green cushions. Somehow they are ruffly without a ruffle.


And a not very decorated one I saw at the Utah County Parade of Homes.