miscellany from this week

[in case you're wondering this is what 545am light was like 2 weeks ago]

*Drove to bootcamp this morning grooving to Footloose. Though not my first choice, pickings we slim on the radio, it got me in the mood to have a most excellent day. Of course coming home after a good work out and spending a good amount of time with Adam didn't hurt my mood either.

*Spent a good portion of my day yesterday working on publishing year 2006 of my blog into a blurb book. I am 1/2 way through so I feel like there is no end in sight, but I keep looking at what I've already printed, remember this, and it's definitely worth my time.



*This is what this girl looks like in the morning. I know you're thinking she's laying down, but really her lid (aka hair) looks that big and crazy when she's standing up. She could have dreads in no time.

*Swim lessons are now over. I was going to sign them up again, but the next two weeks are going to be busy enough and admit to being really really disappointed with Megan's teacher. Honestly I don't think she learned a thing. I am upset enough that I think I will call or write a letter. No one should have to pay good money and spend two weeks of your time for nothing. What a let down. Of course I was pleased with Bella and Tess' progress.



*Bella's been on the piano fairly frequently this summer apparently playing/plucking original tunes. I asked her what she was playing the other day and she said, "I don't know, just a song I have in my head." I love that she'll just sit down and teacher herself something, but do wonder why she won't do that with the violin.



*Monday I spent the afternoon with my friends. Tami, my friend who hosted, had a backyard loaded with things for the kids to do including a trampoline. It didn't take them long to bring the bubbles to the tramp (sorry Tami). While I watch on with one eye open, hoping two heads wouldn't collide, they had the time of their lives.

*My girls have officially been counting down the days this week waiting for my sister, their cousins, to arrive. They will be here sometime Saturday, hopefully sooner than later or I will not hear the end of it, to spend the next two weeks with us. I admit, I am looking forward to it as much as them. And to think school will be starting only days after they leave.

Have a fabulous weekend!

More days like this

yesterday:

*6am bootcamp

*Started laundry and eventually got 2 loads done.

*Took my girls to swim lessons & read for 1/2 hour.

*Dropped girls off at a friends house for a play date. (I'm watching her kids all day Friday so we swapped.)

*Visited my 52 year old neighbor to drop off a birthday treat and ended up talking with her and another neighbor, who was there visiting, for about an hour. It was such a pleasant conversation and I again reminded myself of how much I enjoy the company of older woman or maybe I should say woman older than me (I don't see them as old).



*Came home and painted. Yes, can you believe I actually did something? Adam, Randy (Jill's Randy), and I sat talking Saturday evening while eating homemade french fries about finding your artistic way (among other things). I always feel a little guilty about blatantly copying someones work, and a little less like an artist because it isn't my vision, but they both encouraged me to imitate and eventually my style will emerge. "Everyone does it", they say. I don't know why I would doubt them, I mean, I have seen first hand with my photography. I started out being drawn to certain things, trying to imitate it, and eventually over years and lots of photos my own style came through. I guess for now I just need to be ok with not expressing my way and hopefully I'll get there.

Since that conversation I've been itching to do something and eventually stumbled across this piece of art in Elsie Flannigan's etsy store. I was drawn to the clean-ness/simple-ness of it and the words "i'm still learning" so I decided to tackle it. Each time I paint I realize how much I don't know or understand. If only I could sit and watch someone and ask questions. I am determined to find a nearby class this fall. Here's my finished piece...I didn't have room for the apple.

*Played go fish when the girls got home.


[Heber Valley by Tess, click here to enlarge]

*While I finished the last details of the my painting Tess and Megan joined me. Eventually Megan left and it was just Tess and I. She drew a picture of our camping experience a few weekends ago and then used watercolors to paint it. I loved her vision and wish I had some of it.

*Bella surfaced at some point and helped me make dinner.

*5pm we had the LDS missionaries over for dinner. Apparently I need to do it more often because I didn't hear a word of complaint about the food. Everyone ate...that never happens.


[photo courtesy Tess]

*After cleaning up we all went outside, the girls riding scooters while Adam and I sat on the porch and talked. We've had a bit of a disconnect lately so it was nice to find each other again.

*9pm we all went in. The girls went to bed smelling of the outdoors and Adam and I stayed up watching Prime.

I went to bed thinking I could do this day over and over again. While we were busy and I didn't stop once it was full of all the good things I want to have in my life everyday. Time with adam and the girls. Time for myself. Exercise. Dinner as a family. Having company. Great weather. Visiting/seeing friends. Stimulating conversations.

I pray we have more days like this.

other days

"There are lives I can imagine without children but none of them have the same laughter & noise." -Story people


I found this quote in my inbox this afternoon and it's something I never want to forget... especially when the noise gets real loud and the mess piles up. On some days it's too much and I need reminders like this. Other days, like today, it brings with it joy.

how i found them

Like I said in my post yesterday, most activities we've done this summer have been a direct result of selling our home and needing to leave so someone could tour it. Wednesday night was no exception. It was 7 pm and we had to find something to do with our time so the five of us headed to Barnes and Noble.

Immediately upon arriving I usually check the new fiction, recommendations, and new to paperback sections while Adam starts at the magazine rack, and the girls head to the children section. After about 10 minutes of browsing the front I decided to check on the girls first before browsing the fiction section and this is what I saw...



I first walked straight to the train set, I figured the girls were there, but when I didn't see them I turned around to move toward the other end and found them like this, reading together. The other patrons must have thought I was crazy because I hit the deck. I didn't want to them to see me and disrupt this perfect moment before I captured it. Luckily, I had my camera and was easily able to get them. I peeked around the bookcase for a while watching them, delighted to see my three engaged in a book together.

They never did find me watching them, I met up with them later over by the trains as if I was none the wiser. But what a sweet moment it was for me to see them they way I envision them together. I pray time will not change their closeness.

2 things you should know when selling a house

#1 you need to keep the house clean.
It's seems virtually impossible to keep a house clean, spotless and ready to show when you have children. I must say as frustrating as it can be or has been, my girls have been so good about helping me. It's definitely taken it's toll this summer, I feel like I'm always on my toes reminding them, but all and all we have survived...so far.

#2 (& I think the worst part) you're going to get kicked out of your house...a lot.
It's more than frustrating to be going about your day only to find out you have to leave the house, in the heat, for a couple of hours (aside from one week there has been a showing everyday). The girls haven't been able to have as many play dates because I'm afraid we'll have a showing and working on projects seem virtually impossible. So I guess you could say it's been a challenge to find things to do inside and outside our home this summer to occupy our time.

But, like all things, we've managed. We went out of town to get away from it, we've been swimming, gone to the bookstore and library, enjoyed more than one snowie, played at the park, roamed target (which is never good for your wallet), went to lunch/picnics, enjoyed cool movies, etc.

For example, today when we had to be out in the middle of the crazy 100 degree heat we went swimming. What else can you do?








[In true megan fashion, she's sporting the latest in bandaid technology...waterproof. I don't think we've gone a day this summer without one on.]



It's seems we've been busier than usual outside our home, but what I've realized this last week is our spur of the moment outings are giving us ample quality time together we may not have taken otherwise. So for that reason alone, selling my home has been a welcomed diversion. Don't get me wrong though, I am ready to be done.

camping: a photo essay

Heber Valley: July 17-18, 2009

sunday departure

This morning instead of attending church like usual in our regular building we were fortunate enough to do like the Pioneers and attend our meeting at This Is the Place park. It was an enjoyable departure from the norm, but also a wonderful experience to have while honoring our heritage and the Mormon saints who sacrificed so much to travel west.

Among the talks I heard one thing that stood out to me was, we all have a story to tell and have the responsibility to share it. I guess it was validation to me as to why I spend time to remember moments on my blog, take everyday photographs, and write down my thoughts in my journal. It's not so much that I want to be remembered by my children, grandchildren, and so on, it's that I want to be able to make a difference in their life through the things I share about my life, about today and the time I live.

I believe we all have a purpose to our lives, but it wasn't until today that I thought part our purpose could be beneficial to those who come after us. It's strange to think one day the life you lived will be important to one of your great great grandchildren. It's actually quite a daunting thought, but I love it still. It's definitely given me a push to continue and make sure to be better about sharing the woman I am with my children today and for future generations.

Do you think about telling your story?

Megzilla is 5

We call her Megzilla because there is so much of her. She's goofy, in your face, chatty, not afraid to be loud, tender hearted, matter of fact, quick to feel bad kind of girl. Even though she has her moments, don't we all, she is such a delight in my life I don't know what I would do without her to snuggle with in the mornings, as my lunch buddy who dominates the conversation, or my partner in crime. My dad tells me she reminds him of the way I was. I'm not sure if I should be afraid or grateful...I guess I'm just lucky she's mine.



She has such a way with expressing herself I thought I would share a few classics with you to celebrate who she is on her fifth birthday.

She got out a sucker when there was only one left. I said she couldn't have it because there wasn't enough for everyone. Then she said, "I don't want it for everyone!" (6/4/07)



"Oh, that granola is really healthy." (said after eating homemade granola and then throwing it away in the trash. 9/7/07)

"Mom, my poo smells terrible." (11/1/07)



"Mommy, when I'm grown up I will miss you." (1/1/08)

"I'm now four and I know everything." (7/26/08)



"I'm serious about this and I'm not even lying." (7/26/08)

"Mom, I don't know what I want, I just want it." (2/7/09)



Me: "Wow, Meg you have lots of money."
Meg: "I know I got if from you."
Me: "What do you mean you got it from me?"
Meg: "From the plastic bag."
Me: "What plastic bag. I didn't have a plastic bag full of money?"
Meg: " I know, cuz I took it." (3/22/09)



"Do I even know what I'm in here for?" (said when she walked into the laundry room looking for something. june 2009)

"I knew that because I'm a practical little girl." (june 2009)



Happy Birthday Megan! Luv you.

giveaway winner

Sorry it's belated. We went camping this weekend and I wasn't able to get to it done before I left.

According to random.org kg you are the winner. Congrats!

Please email me (upper left sidebar) your address so I can send it to you.

5 hours, 0 kids, and 1 apron

You wouldn't believe it, I actually sewed today. I can't even remember the last time...I think it must have been Christmas. Anyway, I had a day to myself, thanks to Jill who has my girls, this cute fabric on hand and an apron pattern just waiting to be used.



Five hours later (it always takes way longer than you think) and a couple of British movies watched, thanks to instant play at Netflicks, and I have a cute apron at my disposal.

Now I just need a reason to wear it.

july giveaway

It felt good to wake up this morning excited to actually make something. I decided to give away another small 4x5.5 inch notebook I sewed together and bound with ribbon.



To win just leave a comment and I'll post the winner Friday.

Have a great day!

30 days

enjoyed slurpies


experienced the best weather ever at an amusement park


put our house on the market, but you knew that


read, especially during the first couple weeks of rain


multiple trips to the pool


sleepovers


days at the park


sought solace at the bookstore and/or library


listened to her talk about her birthday everyday


went through my paper trail


a getaway to St. George with my parents


had playdates....


and tears


enjoyed a weekend away with Jill, Robyn, Lori, and Kathy


played games


lazy evenings watching the day fade