Summer Buddies

 These two have a history that could fuel a tabloid. But this summer they have been inseparable. And in a crazy twist of events, actually live close to each other! The bikes have been out and they are making the most of the neighborhood pools. 

Sensation of spikes

 If you know, you know.

Meat Rolls of the Past

Leftover roast, biscuit mix, brown gravy and ketchup

I'm instantly 8 years old and having dinner in Payson. 

Boys Just Wanna Have Fun

 Simpler times. 

Swingin, choppin wood, pondering life's biggest questions. 

Winter Girl

What does everyone kid with a winter birthday want? 

An outdoor party in the sunshine! 

It's been 6 months and 1 week and we've loaded up the minivan with friends and we're off to The Deanna Rose Farmstead. 

That's one happy nine and half year old. 

Typically, when we go to the Farmstead, we try not to ruin the "freeness" of it by buying treats or paying for the fancy stuff. A fishing pole and a bottle of milk for the baby goats will do for us. 

But this is a day of "YES!"

Can we go on a hayride?   Yes!

Can we have a scoop of ice cream from the old timey store?   Yes!

Happy Summer Birthday, my January Girl!

 

In the mail and full circle bread bowls

Santa delivered!

Laney would not share...she felt it was something for her eyes only!! 

In other news, it's shepherd's night and we are finally having stew in bread bowls again. I have sworn a solemn vow NOT to try to finish off any uneaten bowls in order to "get my money's worth". Given that they are from Panera, it may take a Christmas miracle to resist. 

Oh, the bready goodness!

Ethan and Megan were the party poopers this year. They value their sleep over tradition. 

I totally get that.

2 more days!

Swing Kids

 

A visit to Utah

I made a quick trip to Utah!

Mom needed her yard winterized. Heidi and Terrah came to help and we got a lot done. (We didn't finish...because finishing doesn't exist in a yard like this.)

It's always sad to cut down the flowers while they are in full bloom.

The rest of my visit I spent talking to Mom about things I remember from childhood. Dad's posters and tools...

The priceless Dig'em and Toucan Sam spoons. 

Eating bellybutton weeds. 

I looked through the old records, hoping to find the Christmas one I remember so well. No luck, but I did find the Grease record and Alvin and the chipmunks. 

There was box full of old papers and we found all these Juvinile Instructor publications. They were an interesting read and made me glad I was born when I was. Some sketchy stuff in there. 

I got to spend some time with baby Roman and John made us a delicious meal. 

Fun to reconnect and spend time together! 

Ghetto Barbie

Some kids have the Barbie Dream House.

But the lucky kids build their's out of scrap wood....it's way more fun.

This has the added bonus of freeing up funds for the new hospital wing. These ladies are in dire need.

Toothpick crutches don't pay for themselves.

The fireflies

Photos never do anything justice. I know that's true. 

You'll just have to go with us to the sparkly field behind the park to stand in the middle of these wondrous fairy lights to see how they make the world feel like a happy and safe place. You'll have to walk along with us while the girls giggle and let big bugs crawl all over their hands simply because they light up and seem kinder than other bugs. And how they declare "It likes me!" when one hops from their hands onto a shirt or shoulder. And you can listen to them tell each other facts that I'm not really sure are facts...like, "The females like to nest in the grass, so they are much easier to catch." 

Come with us in June. You'll see what we mean.

Lunchtime snowcones

Ethan is a funny mix of grown-up and kid. He holds a job and maintains his truck. He's making plans for the future and sometimes even cleans up his room without having his wifi cut off first.

But he does certainly enjoy his lunchtime shaved ice.

You'll thank me later.

The dreaded words were spoken.

NO TECH SUMMER

I suspect there were some unkind things said about me under their breath.

But I will not be swayed.

Because Laney made this today.

Every stitch.

And that's the stuff they miss when the screens take over their brains.

Excuse me while I polish my knuckles on my shirt.

Summer Menu

Right about this time, I start to feel a marked decline in my energy levels...and the kids start really enjoying the food. 

I officially declare the start of "Chicken Nugget Season"

Flamenco Finale

Well, here's the thing.

This skirt was never ever EVER going to turn black. 

I dyed it 5 times. I washed it 5 times. 

I dyed it in a big canning pot and lied to my kids when they asked me what I was "cooking". 

I told them it was a big batch of Christmas stew....for dipping our treats into. They were understandably horrified. 

And still. 

This is as dark as I could get it. 

Late on Christmas Eve, I added some big flowers to it and boxed it up. It may have been kind of wet from a water spill on the countertop. But I was OH SO VERY tired and I boxed it up wet.

I think it wasn't what she had pictured, but it was pretty darn romantic. And with a fancy black fan thrown in for good measure, I was hoping for the best.

She would seem she felt pretty good about the result!

Never grow up...

Oh my word.

I love their giggles and the way they get organized because they know its hard to say no to this level of cuteness.

Minivan Express

It will never ever get old.

And it will always and forever be about...

the TICKETS.

Don't go to bed angry

This child not only wanted to go to bad angry, they wanted to make sure they didn't forget while they slept.

Evil genius.

Ward Christmas Party....conversations with Santa

This year there were a few things I will remember about our ward party. 

There was the moment earlier in the day when I had a sudden feeling that I had forgotten something. Something big. Something I better figure out....fast. I made a phone call and was reminded that I had committed to decorate a table for the ward party that night. I was panicking. Maybe I could find something on pinterest that had to do with pinecones and epsom salt?? Maybe a thrift store vase or two?? But then my friend, Karina (also on the hook for a table) informed me that it wasn't one of the large tables that people were eating at. It was a small decorative table that would be entered into a competition that would be judged. 

ugh. 

Karina and I pinky-swore to only use stuff we already had around the house. I grabbed my brass deer, the decorative trees off the kitchen table, a simple 3-piece nativity, a string of lights and the muslin cloth we use for our Mary costume every year. A couple of dollar store stars I bought last week completed the look. 

We went in around to noon to set up the table and lend a hand with the rest of the decorations. Somehow they snagged the newest member of our ward, Jennifer Anderson, to organize the whole thing. You got to get them while they're still disoriented, I say. She took it all in stride and pulled it off with calm and practicality. 

My hat's off to you, ma'am!

Later on, when it came time to announce the winners of the table decorations, we realized that there were only 3 entries. And their were 3 prizes. And they were clearly planning on proclaiming the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Me and Karina looked at each other with panic. I won 2nd place which was fine with me because the 1st place winner picked the prize I would have picked last. lol. 

And next time I'll know what I'm getting into if that list comes around during primary. 

But, the real star of the show was Santa. The girls were intent on communicating the desire of their hearts to the big man. 

Laney did her best to paint an accurate picture. 

Anna was suddenly shy. She managed to ask for a Pokemon stuffed animal.

Everly was freaked out a bit. Who is this guy? Is he really responsible for the presents? Just to be on the safe side she mentioned that she wouldn't be mad if she got some Paw Patrol toys.

And, no doubt, the hightight of the entire night was when the adults were busy cleaning up and the kids were able to run around on stage like crazy people, smashing into each other with fake presents.

Finally!