fading summer

"It's designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything is new again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains comes, it stops, and leaves you to face the fall alone." ~Bartlett Giamatti

Today I had this sense of the fading summer. Don't get me wrong I love the coming of the fall, but have also so enjoyed this season and the time devoted to a lack of schedule, mornings and evenings on the porch, and the remaining sun (not the heat...the light). In 29 days I think I will mourn a bit the end of the lazy summer day, the time we were together just letting what will happen, happen.

weekly tidbits

It's crazy how a week can go by and not much will happen and then another week will go by and you feel like it was so full you could hardly breath. Well, I sort of feel like my was full, but not with scheduled things I had to do, besides swim lessons, it felt full because of all the stuff I wanted to do.

Saturday I attended Amy's book binding class, which I just loved, and have been dreaming of making books ever since. My minds flooded with ideas. It's funny I got home and showed Adam what I made and he wants me to teach him how. Had I known he could have come to the class with me. Perhaps next time we can do it together.



I woke up one night or I should say early one morning (2am) and made this felt book.



Amy, Hannah, Jenn, and Michelle all have one and I couldn't wait to have a cute little book to hold all my needles. Thanks ladies for the inspiration, and Amy thanks again for a fabulous afternoon.

We went Miniature Golfing as a family on Monday night for Megan's bday.







It's what she really wanted to do, but had to wait because Adam and the girls were camping on her birthday Friday night. The kids raced through the course as I knew they would, the heat was unfortunately still beating down on us at 7pm, but we had a lot of fun or at least I know Megan did.

I've had this hankering to scrapbook again. I always want to, but it seems I never really do find the time. The other night I was up late working on these (one still in the works).


[inspiration came from makingmemories blog in their design album, it didn't specify the artist.]


[8x8 layout - song lyrics]
It's interesting as I was thinking about scrapbooking so was Bella. She was asking me tons of questions the other day about it and wants to start doing it with me. I was actually really excited about the two of us playing together in my studio. Perhaps scrapbooking will be her way into the creative world...it was mine.



Thursday night we went to a bbq with our neighbors. It was a low key night where basically the kids played and we talked for hours. Once it got dark we did a few fireworks with the kids and I brought glow in the dark sticks for everyone to play with (hence the photo) that went over huge. I'm at a really great stage where the kids can easily be entertained and I don't have to watch them 24/7. It's so relaxing.

have a great weekend.

between us

There are many things about us that i love, but one that I seem to not get enough of is just being with him and talking.



It is not something I could've said during the earlier years in our marriage, I was more reserved, but now I believe that it has become such a enjoyable part of our relationship. I so look forward to long drives where the kids are asleep (it's hard to talk now with them listening and understanding) or evenings lying in bed talking our way to sleep. I am grateful we have come to a point where no subject is off limits (the easy and the hard), where I know I can come to him about anything and he'll be there listening every time.

One of my favorite things is that a conversation can start one way and then the natural ebb and flow moves it from one topic to another seamlessly. You never no where you're going to end up...it's like a piece of art. I love it. This morning was no exception, I loved that our State holiday allowed us to lazily enjoy the morning sitting on the porch talking. We could have been out there for hours, in fact, I believe we were.

celebrating four

My Megan is four today. It's so strange for me to look at her, my last, my littlest and see her getting older. I always associate her with being so small, but I remember Bella at this age and she seemed so big to me. Maybe it's because I had two smaller kids at the time.



I'm not sure I'm ready for her to grow up so quickly, but I don't think I have a choice. Megan often tells me, "you're going to be sad when I grow up", and all I can say is "yes, yes I am". I wish I could keep her at this stage for a bit longer, but I am also so looking forward to the young woman she will become because she is one delightful little girl right now.



four Pieces of her

It's a rare moment to find her not talking (she is fondly referred to as our Chatterbox) and while she's jabbering away she very often starts a sentence with the word "actually".



She tells me things like, "I love you up to heaven".

If you are looking for her you'll most likely find her if you follow the bandaid trail. She is terrified of blood so bandaids have become her way of coping. I have even seen her put a bandaid on a red marker stain.



She changes her clothes constantly throughout the day and tells me it's because "she wants to get pretty". Currently as I write this she's running around with 2 swimming suits on.

I know I could go on and on, but will leave my list at four. She has been such an enjoyable little girl and truly adds something very special to our family. Tonight the two of us get to spend the evening together while Adam, Bella, and Tess go on a camp out. I was bummed how the camp out fell on her birthday, but now I'm looking forward to the two of us getting to be together. We'll be going to dinner and then I'm taking her to Build-A-Bear.

Happy Birthday Meg!

teaching = learning

Saturday we had our first lesson on cleaning the toilets/bathrooms. Basically I want them to see how much work it is so they will, on a daily basis, take part in keeping it clean. There was a lot of "that's disgusting" comments, but all and all they didn't mind it. In fact they asked, "when do we get to do it again?". Go figure they actually had fun cleaning the bathroom.

It's certainly a job I would love to relinquish completely, but I know it will be us doing it together for a while. I think that's why I haven't taught them til now, it just makes more work for me and takes a lot longer. I guess in the long run, though, it will serve it's purpose. I definitely want my girls to know how to work and to understand that working isn't a bad thing. Of course at some point don't you always know that cleaning the toilet is a bum job (no pun intended).

alone & together

Gris Grimly is an artist Adam really likes and Saturday while I was looking through a published book of his art (Where Madness Reigns) I saw two watercolor paintings I feel in love with. There was one of a boy standing all alone on a hill looking grim and another one of a boy and a girl separated. There was just something about the way he created the mood that I wanted to try.

Here are my versions.





It was a lot of fun to do, but it certainly made me realize I know nothing about watercolors, loading or dispersing the color. I really really want to take an art class and am hoping once the girls are in school I can make it happen.

Oh and on a good news note, I heard back from the doctor and my growth was just a simple mole. :)

continual process

"Saving up a bag full of peak moments she's going to have someday if she can ever get away from all the same old stuff that's holding her back & you can pretty well guess how it's going." -story people

I found this online last night as I was doing my usual Sunday night internet wander (my sunday nap always seem to kill my sleep) and couldn't help but laugh as I managed to find the one quote that completely sums up how I am feeling at the moment...frustrated at my own lack of ability to conquer and make a change for good. Why must I learn and continue to learn the same lessons over and over again?

Perhaps my "old stuff" is my stuff (challenges that take a lifetime to learn i.e. confidence, selfishness, worrying about what others think etc.) and I just need to remember to allow life to move as I patiently let go of that which is holding me back. Apparently I need a constant reminder that life is the process of creating (creating because it implies doing) happiness, learning to find the good where it does and does not exist. Perhaps then I can begin to take from my pretty green bag my "peak moments".


[ps I just now noticed (7pm) that two of my key words (stuff and move) were erased from the second paragraph as I was trying to change the font and unfortunately I published it that way. I am sorry to those who were trying to read it and couldn't understand it because of that. Sadly I'm sure it came as no surprise.]

i see

two girls laughing and playing as if there was no one else in the world.

i see two girls who confide in one another.

i see two girls who ask to have sleepovers with each other every night.

i see two sisters becoming the of best friends.

i see kindred spirits.

an evening together

Wednesday night I was beginning to feel like we just weren't enjoying the summer evenings like we should so we packed the kids up and headed to the park. On the way we all enjoyed a little brain freeze from "Bob's brain freeze". He has one mean snow cone with a touch of cream to make it that much more special. Seriously you never thought a snow cone could be so good.

randomness take...what number am I on?

I'm feeling sort of random today so I thought I would throw out an "amy random" post...why not? Apparently it's one of the things I do best. I'm always blurting random things (a horrible quality of mine) and trying to control my mind from racing from one thing to the next.

1. My girls have finally started swimming lessons for the summer. They are much better than I remember, but still not any where near a good swimmer. I find this very frustrating when taking them to the pool. No one is safe and I am on a constant vigilant watch (I am in the pool with them, but it's so hard to keep track of 3 alone). At the lesson today the boy in Tess' class got out and told his mom he just peed in the pool. I was sickened and seriously thought about not coming back. How often do you think that happens? ALL THE TIME is my guess. Disgusting. I hate public pools, but what's a girl to do.

2. I'm sitting at home on a fine summer afternoon with a big fat lip.


[why do i feel like this photos is not doing my crazy big lip justice. It's so much worse in person.]

I know what you're thinking...a collagen job gone terribly wrong, right? No. I just happen to finally get into the dermatologist to have my lip growth check out and he wanted to do a biopsy. Whatever anesthetic they gave me to numb the pain made my lip swell up like I had been punched in the face. I can't believe how self conscious I was walking out of the building. I felt like it was a race to get outside, get my sunglasses on, and pretend nothing looked amiss. So I can't go anywhere, I mean I can't go swimming or really be out in the sun. I can't eat right because my mouth won't open all the way and it can't be wet for 24 hours, which means I'm drinking from a straw. The blackened wound is going to be around for at least 2-4 weeks, but hopefully the black will go away. Good times you guys...good times.

3. I am doing my best not to stress about the results of my biopsy. The nurse told me the doctor would call if it's a problem (i.e. cancer or something like it) and that she would call if it's nothing to worry about. I really hope it's a woman on the other end of the phone call or I might not get through it. I'm trying hard not to freak out.

4. I've been painting the last few days. Painting my last 8x8 canvas on my wall of 4.



I had this great vision in my head, but it didn't quite come out the way I had planned. The colors are all wrong (i was trying to pick something that would go with the rest of the paintings, but from far way the pink and the orange blend) and I think it needs a little something, but I don't know what. Back to the drawing board I go to hopefully give it what it needs. Perhaps I can fix it after all.

5. Speaking of painting, I did some what I like to call "painting with light" the other day. I was playing around with my camera and took this.



Not to exciting, but I loved the flow of the colors. I think I will play some more outside later when I can face the world again. It's a combination of a slow shutter speed and moving the lens at the same time.

6. I've really been thinking about opening an etsy store lately, but I don't have a clue what I would sell. There is so much good stuff on there I can't imagine what I could contribute. The only thing unique to me is my photos so I might make them into cards, like I've done, with words and quotes and sell them. I don't know. The idea of it sort of scares me. Do you have an esty store? Have you thought of opening one?

Happy Happy Birthday Jill. I hope you have a fantabulous day!

I would have never guessed

a gaming system was in our future of girls.



I try not to let them do it too long or very often and it's always after their work is done...Lego Star Wars that is. It's definitely one of the "cooler" activities they've enjoyed doing this summer.

The game was the catalyst for my girls falling in love with Star Wars the movie. I'm not sure how I feel about it, them being so young and loving Star Wars, but at least if anything it's a classic. I have to admit I can't help but laugh each time Megan quotes Han, "Laugh it up fuzzy ball." It never gets old.

independence day

In the last two neighborhoods we've lived in we've always had some kind of fourth of July breakfast to participate in to help us get in the spirit. In our neighborhood now we also happen to have a flag ceremony, speaker, and this year again we had a dance/singing group come and perform. It's a bit sad and embarrassing to have to watch, but the oldies love it and we love them so we deal. Luckily we are able to roam around and have breakfast while it's going on.

After our crazy morning we headed to Adam's parents house for lunch and 4th of July activities which included the adults talking/playing games and the kids playing water games. Right away Megan was complaining about her stomach though she said she didn't need to throw up. I was certain she was not sick, but spent a good portion of my time lying down with her hoping she would start to feel better. It was sad to see Megan try to go play after getting encouragement from her cousins, but eventually she would make her way back to the bed.

The outdoor games...


Jared sprayed them with the water as I took the picture







While the adults played games Megan came in announcing that she was going to throw up. I did my best to get her out of there quickly before anyone else was exposed, but I just wasn't quick enough. I couldn't believe she was sick. I was hoping that wasn't the case, that she had just eating something, but it was apparent she was not feeling good. We decided to head home and leave the party behind.

So we had no choice, but to have a quiet fourth of July evening at home. Right when I thought we were putting the kids down for bed for the night, I convinced Adam to go outside and do the sparkler/fireworks we had bought and watch the ones going on around the valley.

Here is what we came up with...










And here we are lying in our backyard watching the fireworks. We saw about four different ones going off at the same time. It was very cool. After the kids went to bed Adam and I stayed outside and enjoyed the cool air. It was a fabulous 4th of July after all.

my week update

I haven't been around because frankly I've been quite busy. Some of the things I've been doing I've put on myself and others are commitments I made prior to going to Powell. Either way, blogging just hasn't fit into the equation.

So here is a bit of my randomness from the past week. Sorry for the lack of photos, but my camera sat in my studio all week waiting for me to upload and proof my lake powell photos, which I just did today.

I spent time watching my brothers little girls while Amy was having a father's daughters week. It was actually much easier than I had anticipated, but it was still one of those hands on situations were you can't do much else.

courtesy phone

One afternoon I spent 5 hours organizing and cleaning up the basement with my girls. I bought a shelf from IKEA I had initially thought would go in the basement closet, however it didn't fit so I had no choice, but to put it in the basement family room. Luckily it ended up working out better that way. After all the time, bruises on my hands that resulted from putting the bookcase together, and the unfortunate yelling that went on, I was pleased with the results. The basement looks so much better and the girls have kept it clean all week.

courtesy phone

I finally took the kids swimming for the first time this summer, which turned out to be more of a hassle than I had planned. The pool we were meant to go to was closed so we drove around trying to decided where to go next. Aargh! It was frustrating, but we eventually found a place and had a lot of fun together.

I ran what seemed like a million gazillion errands trying to catch up on life. Finally got to costco and spent way to much, on yes, only food. Bella had her violin lesson. Made a trip to the Library. Signed the kids up for swimming lessons starting Monday. Signed Tess up for a reading program for the rest of the summer to help her have more confidence this upcoming year...etc.

We celebrated my dad's 63 birthday this week. He is such an unbelievably awesome dad. I am a very lucky girl to have him in my life. Dad I love you.

I cleaned out the closet underneath our stairs I use for our 3 month food storage. It's good to finally know what's in there.

Adam and I went to dinner and a movie Thursday night. It was a spur of the moment decision so we were lucky to get a babysitter and go out. We saw Hancock and it was just alright. I do enjoy Will Smith, but the second half of the movie just wasn't as strong as the first. Afterwards we stayed up using my new waxing kit. It can be a very dangerous toy as it's quite addicting to get rid of hair.

Hope you're all enjoying your summer vacations. I hate feeling out of the blogging loop, but honestly I don't see this summer slowing down anytime soon. I can't believe it's already July.

powell

It was quite an adventure after all was said and done and I was glad I was able to go. It was my last and final activity with the girls so a nice way to go out...my last big hurrah. I have to say it was a pretty quiet trip as far as anything major happening.

While there it brought back so many fabulous childhood memories I spent at Powell and left me with the desire to bring my family back with me. I really would like to share the beautiful red rocks with my girls.

I actually skied for the first time in 11 years. I thought it would take me some time to get up, but basically it's like riding a bike...except when I was done my body didn't stop shaking for about an hour. I had forgotten how hard it is on your muscles and for the rest of my days at Powell I was rubbing and stretching to help the pain.




sp on the boat.






cramped sleeping arrangements


A favorite tradition to this day...feeding the nasty carp at the marina.


Unneeded bonfires. The evenings were so so hot.


One afternoon was spent visiting Rainbow Bridge.




Love that you can see the whole group in my glasses.


sunrise.


Navigating through the very cool Powell canyons