The Urban Hullabaloo

INTRIGUING $ STORE FIND

2012-02-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

I never fail to be amused by what things can be found in the dollar store. I count it as a lifesaver when I am looking for things to use in my Wolf Den for games, crafts and even snacks. When I went to grab a few things tonight, this little beauty stopped me in my tracks! Of course I had to take a picture because this for some reason struck me as disturbing, funny and wrong all at the same time! The UCD students buying their pregnancy test looked at me as if I had been smoking some weed myself, but it was too good not to capture! So if you ever need one of these, remember your neighborhood $ store (really, why would you buy it anywhere else?)

I SURVIVED BOTH EVENTS

2012-01-22T21:28:00.000-08:00

I used very few tissues for Whitney and Trent's big day. It was a beautiful celebration. They are the sweetest couple and I was so happy that I could be a part of their big day with them! It made me a little sad that Braden wasn't there to tease Whitney (his favorite thing to do).

I joined my pal Anissa in celebrating the Chinese New Year. She and her friends do a fantastic job every year (they all have strong connections to China, either lived in Hong Kong or served missions there) You may not know, but it is the "year of the Dragon" and I am a Dragon (not a cougar as my co-workers have accused me of, living next to frat house and all)

I barely survived the mandatory contest for all "dragons". Yep this is me actually gagging in front of a large group of onlookers as I try to devour a "100 year old egg". A sign of fertility and prosperity for the new year if you eat it. I wonder what it means if you can't eat it and only gag? I took a large bite (hopefully the one symbolizing prosperity, NOT fertility) and then my good sense told me that I should not take another bite or everything would be coming up for sure! The prize for this spectacle of an event..a stupid pair of chopsticks. Really Anissa? Chopsticks? It would not have mattered if it were for a $100, that egg was not going down. no way, no how! I saved my dignity by wisely knowing when to quit! Here is to prosperity!

Real "100 year old egg", as nasty as it looks. You can't imagine the very disgusting texture!

SOMEONE PLEASE BRING ME THE TISSUE......

2012-01-05T21:55:00.000-08:00

This is the exact thing that I will be saying on Friday January 13th. It is my niece Whitney's wedding and she is marrying the love of her life, Trent. (see how cute they are by clicking on Whitney's blog on my sidebar) I am so happy for them. They are adorable and the sweetest couple and I am so excited for them to start their lives together. Here is the problem...I am a mess at weddings! I know, they are a sacred and very special event which can be emotional and it is ok to cry but I am pathetic and a really awful crier (imagine mascara running, blotchy neck and red face just for starters, forget the nose running and the other not so glamorous things that happen while I cry...why can't I cry very beautifully like in the movies?) Here comes the really pathetic part...I don't even have to know the bride and groom and I become a puddle! Forget the "TLC Weddings", and am blubber city. I discovered this very inconvenient quirk in High School, when in type class we all were glued to the TV for the mother lode of all soap opera weddings "General Hospital", keep in mind I really never watched soap operas but guess what? for some ridiculous reason I got choked up over Luke and Laura's nuptials. Yes, all teary for a stupid soap opera wedding that we all knew would NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS LAST! (as a side note, to this day I get my s and w letters mixed up typing because we were glued to their wedding during the week we learned these letters in type)

And this was just the beginning! (which I know, is truly deplorable) So many tears shed of someone that isn't even real! This one here gets me EVERY TIME (and I have seen it several times and get totally choked up!)

And perhaps more pathetic than crying over Luke and Laura is this one that I shed a few over:

Thats right, I was a sissy over a stinking vampire wedding that I didn't even like!

Yes indeed, I shed a tear or two for the Royals, all of them!

See my great distress? I am going to see Whitney and Trent married. I know them and love them. Whitney grew up with my kids and is a huge part of my life and just writing this I can feel a big lump in my throat and the computer screen is a bit blurry. Her mom (my sis JoLin) will be there and she is a bigger baby than I am and if she looses control it will be a flood for everyone. And when Whitney's tough dad Evan begins to cry... it is all over, I will be done for! Even texting JoLin today regarding the wedding, I had to grab a tissue.

I asked my personal assistant Siri this question that has bugged me for years: "why do I cry at weddings?" her very unhelpful answer was: "I don't know. Frankly I've wondered the same thing."

Thanks for nothing Siri. You STINK! I don't know either! I wish I knew how to stop this nonsense, but I am afraid that as I watch this wedding next Friday I will be my usual wedding mess. So sorry Whitney! I really am so very happy for you, but I just have to cry, it is what I do. I won't be able to tell you how much I love you and how proud that I am of you because when I cry, my throat closes off and I can't say what I need to. So please know that behind the tears is so much joy that it is overflowing from my eyeballs ok?

IF I NEED ONE OF THESE...

2011-12-22T20:55:00.000-08:00

I can blame it on ~~making~~ eating too many of these..................

I made several batches of my favorite candy to give away for Christmas. These are addictive and dangerous, but hey, once a year, how bad can they be?

LICORICE CARAMELS:

1 can sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups sugar, 1 cup butter, 1/4 tsp. salt and 1 1/2 cups white corn syrup. Combine in heavy pan. Stir constantly over medium heat until it reaches 244 degrees. Remove from heat and add 1 tsp anise flavoring and 1 tsp. black paste food color. Pour into 9 X 13 pan covered in buttered parchment paper. Let cool to set. Cut and wrap. DELICIOUS!

If you don't want a seat belt extender, do more wrapping than eating of caramels! ENJOY!

A PERFECT SONG FOR WRAPPING/SHOPPING/GROOVING

2011-12-11T12:45:00.000-08:00

I escaped to The fabulous City of San Fran after work on Friday. Everywhere I went this song was playing. It is now in my head and won't go away (not a bad thing).

WHO SAID $ CAN'T BUY HAPPINESS?

2011-12-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

Seriously, If these pictures don't put a tiny smile on your face there is something wrong!

In the heart of Chinatown, we found a gum machine with "mustaches" and for the bargain price of 25 cents each, they brought temporary but pure happiness!

People in the city were stopping to laugh and smile
Street performers paused to congratulate me on the lovely mustaches on the faces of my offspring
And proof positive... stone faced TSA agents in SFO and LAS were totally cracking up over the lovely fuzz on the faces of Parker and Chandler, who wore their distinguished look all day long (they didn't even get searched for being suspiscious looking terrorists )

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

2011-12-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

I would venture to guess that I am not the only one that thinks the world has gone crazy. As I watch the news or read the headlines (which I usually feel better when avoided, but it is in my genes to keep up on the news, thanks dad!) I find it hard to have much hope in the human race. People are unkind, crazy or just plain dumb! However, after a fun weekend I had some renewed hope in kindness!

For my birthday, Shawn and the kids met me in San Francisco. As you know, I am a breakfast fiend! My favorite meal, anytime. So I had wanted to go to "Dottie's True Blue Cafe", a famous hole in the wall diner in the tenderloin (a very sketchy, poor and homeless infused neighborhood) We stood in line for an hour, chatting and laughing with others waiting. We were very entertained by a big fat crow that kept throwing garbage down from a fire escape above us. That same crow decided to poo on my sassy Parker. I swear I believe in Karma! It was hilarious! Breakfast was awesome and totally worth the wait!! As we went to pay the bill, the waitress said, "Oh, someone already paid for you" We were shocked! We were excited and I had my hope in human kindness restored slightly. We thought about this kind gesture all day! It meant so much to us. We felt warm and happy by this simple gesture from strangers. We have done this for others, but had never been on the receiving end. It was a great feeling!

After breakfast the boys went to catch a trolley and the operator told them not to worry about paying the fare! In San Francisco, 2 random acts of kindness within the hour? Unreal! So Sweet! Very Refreshing and unexpected. Ahhhh, renewed hope in mankind! It was a good reminder for me to do more random acts of kindness, because life is meant to be enjoyed! What a good kickoff for the Holiday Season!

"UNINTENTIONALLY PERVERTED"

2011-11-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

That is what they called "Growing up Skipper" the "unintentionally perverted doll". Even now it provides my sister's and I a great laugh! I can't remember who gave my sister JoLin and I these dolls for Christmas, it was either my Grandma Leona or my mom. Regardless, it was good for hours of entertainment! And how wise that we each got our own to avoid any fighting over her!

Growing up Skipper was not like any other Barbie or her friends. Skipper was "pre-teen" and with a quick twist of her arm, she would grown taller, get a shapely waist and grow... taaa daaa... BOOBS! Yep, all of that in one rotation of her arm. AMAZING! Of course she was the coveted doll among our Barbie playing friends. She was practically miraculous! If you don't believe that they really made Skipper like this, check her out in action on You Tube. She also sells on ebay for $65 and up.

Dana, my youngest sister did not get one of these great dolls because she was well known for chewing off Barbies feet and sitting on my "Barbie Dreamhouse" balcony on Christmas morning and crushing it. Believe me, I still remember how devastated I was when she sat her butt on Barbie's balcony. I am surprised I didn't require therapy for that little incident.

We often remind Dana that the reason she never really got more than a size AA on her chest is because she could never rotate her arm enough to grow them. Perhaps it was some curse that Skipper put on Dana for chewing off Barbie feet or destroying our "Barbie stuff"

This reminded me of another favorite doll that I had "Flatsy" and you can imagine how excited I was when I found a "Flatsy" in Chinatown recently. I think I am going to give her to Dana for Christmas!

BREAKFAST WITH MY PEEPS........

2011-10-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

THINGS YOUR MAMMOGRAPHER WOULD LIKE TO SAY BUT DOESN'T:

2011-10-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

It seems everywhere you look this month it is all about the "Pink" you know, "Breast Cancer Awareness Month". As a mammographer, I just thought I would share a few things that go through my head as I am doing mammograms:

WOW! I have never seen so much hair on a nipple. Next year please wax, pluck or shave because you are freaking me out!
That is a VERY intesting tattoo but no I DO NOT want to know the story behind it, spare me please!
You are killing me! You pierced your nipples but you are whining about a bit of compression that lasts less than 10 minutes for the entire exam? REALLY?
Just because we said no deodorant does NOT mean you couldn't shower...for 4 days!
No, this is not what I have wanted to do ever since I was a little girl (for my Friend Jill who asks her mammographer this question).
Those puppies are waaaaayy to big to be real...one word, REDUCTION!

GOOD NEWS FOR: FRUGAL 4 EYED FASHIONISTAS AND FRIENDS

2011-09-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hello! This is me, loving my new specs. But the really great news is that they were acquired for very little $!

I found an amazing online "sight" for glasses. This place has 1000's of frames for all shapes and sizes, from practical to whimsical. It is Zenni optical click here for the link to amazement!
Much to my delight I found these lovely specs that I am wearing for under $80.00, yes hard to believe but totally true. As you might know I happened to require "progressive lenses" (hear me shudder) I am also blind as a bat and need high index lenses so they aren't as thick as Coke bottles. I also like anti glare and scratch resistant coating. All of these options with shipping still came to under EIGHTY BUCKS!! So check out their store, they have a spot you can virtually try on the specs. Here is a sampling of some of their fun ones on my wish list:

OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS!!!!!!

2011-09-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

I kid you not, this stuff is good and good for you! My new breakfast, bedtime or any time snack! High protein, low calorie and delicious!
Someone pinch me! Thank you "Gracious Pantry"!!
(I must confess I am not a huge fan of maple, so I put brown sugar instead, but just a tiny bit!)

Clean Eating Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

(Makes 4 servings)

(Note: the egg whites were my addition in order to get more protein. They are optional.)

Ingredients

1 cup dry oats, cooked

1/2 cup pumpkin purée

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (no sugar added)

4 egg whites (optional)

1/4 cup pecans per serving

Maple syrup to taste

Directions

Step 1 – Cook the oats according to package directions.

Step 2 – In the last 5 minutes of cooking (just take a guess, the oats should basically be pretty much done cooking), quickly stir in the eggs, being sure to stir vigorously so they get well-distributed. Then, stir in the pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice.

Step 3 – Put some oats in a bowl and top with pecans and maple syrup.

Eat and Enjoy!

Nutritional Content

1 serving = 1/4 of the recipe

(Figured with 1 tbsp. maple syrup per serving and 5 pecan halves per serving. Also includes the egg whites.)

Calories: 204

Total Fat: 7 gm

Saturated Fats: 1 gm

Trans Fats: 0 gm

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 59 mg

Carbohydrates: 31 gm

Dietary fiber: 4 gm

Sugars: 14 gm

Protein: 7 gm

Estimated Glycemic Load: 17

I SHARE THEIR SENTIMENTS

2011-08-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

At least on the "stuck here in Davis " part. Just in case you are wondering, I have not been dancing @ Ket Mo Ree.

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS.....

2011-08-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

Need I say more? Trader Joe's knows how to make amazingly good things! These are a new favorite thing, pretzels drenched in dark chocolate...HEAVEN!!

On this, I am not sure which I like best, ,the ipad 2 or the fabulous case that I got for it

Just discovered this and I am in L-O-V-E! Mac pro lipgloss. This stuff is THE BEST, it seriously stays on ALL DAY LONG! Just re-apply this clear gloss a few times throughout the day. Try it, you will be impressed!

I use this application on my phone more than anything, very useful on so many levels!

Give me a break, yes more chocolate. This from World Market is so good, my favorite is the dark chocolate with mango bits.

Dang almost forgot this favorite! This babies are worth their weight in gold.....seriously! I have bought several pair because I have a spouse and even a few children who can't leave mine alone. The ultimate plucking tool, for about $20 they come with free lifetime sharpening. Consistently winning awards, get yourself a pair of these!

This turns me into a big puddle every time I watch it.....

2011-08-12T20:16:00.001-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

(not the commercial FYI) I think the news should do happy stories like this as part of the news everyday instead of so much doom and gloom! The look on this wife's face just makes me so happy, you can feel the joy!

I KIDNAPPED MY HUSBAND.....

2011-07-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

And this is basically how it all went down: I can NEVER surprise him (he is very snoopy and can't stand not being in the know about anything) but for his birthday, I gave him a card with a luggage tag that said something like "put this on your suitcase and get ready for an adventure. You will need to take time off of work and you need to be in Las Vegas at 3:00 pm Friday, you will return Sunday night @ 9:00 pm. More clues to follow closer to your get away" A few days before he was to depart, I sent him a package containing several small gift cards, each with instructions of when to open them. For example, one said open this as you are leaving St. George and it said "Have fun this weekend and remember that I love your more than Diet Coke" another one said "open when you get to the airport" inside it gave him instructions of what airline to go to and what confirmation # to punch in. Other various envelopes gave him things like a BART ticket, $ for the shuttle tip and some awesome Far Side comics. His last clue told him which hotel shuttle to get on and I met him in the lobby ~~wearing only dark glasses, a trench coat and leopard print scarf.~~

OK, that last part didn't really happen, I just met him in the lobby dressed normally! (but that sounded good didn't it?!) He was surprised and we and an awesome weekend, it was just too short!

On Saturday, the only thing I told him was that we needed to be somewhere @ 1:30. We went to see the play "Billy Elliot" and as we went to the theatre I had some good friends of ours friends sneak up and surprise him again.

We loved the musical and had a fabulous time catching up with friends and enjoying the city. We went to dinner at one of our favorite places. This place is delicious and honestly, what says "romantic" more than a restaurant that the entire menu is based on garlic? YUM! The dinner that keeps on giving!

This is on Columbus Ave. in the heart of "Little Italy" and is worth going to!

On Sunday we walked around San Francisco until our feet hurt. We ate so much great food, we felt we would pop. Our day ended at the Powell St. BART station, where we each headed the opposite direction within 30 seconds of each other.

It was just like in one of those "Chick Flick" movies, where I am on the platform crying and I felt like my heart would crack into little pieces! It was a perfect weekend, except for the end when we had to say goodbye!

RANDOM PROJECTS

2011-07-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

Besides lots of relaxing, eating and enjoying life, these are some of the projects that we did on my trip home over the July 4th holiday...

Hannah and I repainted patio chairs, I can't get enough of this color!

Then we came inside and washed the teal paint off of our hands and painted our nails using this fun technique.

Chandler and his cousins Meg and Tan could have "Mod Podged" all day. They did these fun pictures for their rooms. They used old records as the base. They turned out so cute and obviously they were thrilled with their creations!

Meg with her adorable creation

YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND...

2011-07-09T22:49:00.000-07:00

UNLESS YOU HAVE A HOUSE OF SMALL PEOPLE THAT LOVE LEGO'S AND LEAVE THEM ALL OVER THE FLOOR, THEY HURT WITH BARE FEET!

WHEN BOREDOM STRIKES.....

2011-06-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

What is a married woman living away from her family to do when boredom sets in? Really, I can only entertain the Frat Boys for so long, and most of them have left for the summer ( J/K Lissi! quit freaking out!) So ....I have rediscovered the beautiful simplicity of Mod Podge, oh so 70's, and quite entertaining. Chandler had left a large canvas here. My "dorm room" walls looked mighty boring. I had oodles of magazines and a 40% off coupon from Michaels, so of course the natural solution is to do a collage. I have to say it way really fun and rather addicting. It is just a little collage about ME! LIFE! WHIMSEY and DREAMS!

I hope My buddy Jeff Holland keeps his great sense of humor if he ever finds out that I Mod Podged his face, right in the middle of all of my "stuff"...do you think that it is sac-religious? (I think or hope) he would laugh.

So one collage was just not enough, so I have moved onto smaller projects. LUGGAGE TAGS! They are sort of a work in progress. I am trying some different things with them. Give me your honest opinion please. Here are some prototypes:

I didn't bother to take a picture of the back, it just has address and a few more pictures. Some of these are actually being sent in the mail for Birthday's and Thank You's.

My artistic boy Chandler started this whole "Mod Podging Craze" by re-doing an old drum set that we bought. He came up with the idea and did the whole thing himself, including tearing the drums apart. Makes a $50 drum set look like a work of art doesn't it?

CONFESSIONS OF A 15# PURSE

2011-06-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

My right shoulder continually hurts. It wakes me up at night. I really notice it if I have been working in MRI all day and use the computer for everything. But I can't help but wonder if this pain it isn't related to my purse and all of its "indispensable" contents. I have tried to get a smaller purse, but I ALWAYS end up going to a big bag because quite simply, I have too much stuff. It isn't like I have toddlers and have to carry all of their gadgets around. I have no excuse. I dumped out my purse on the x-ray table (a very boring day with no patients and nothing else to do and a nice surface to purse out my junk on). Obviously I have an abundance of stuff, such as:

5#'s worth of lipstuff. Because really what if I want pink gloss instead of neutral? What if I want lipstick instead of gloss in red not orange? What if I need flavored Chapstick instead of plain Carmex? What happens if the all day lipstick doesn't really stay put all day? And who doesn't need the oh so yummy "Menthe Lip Tint" for a quick fix?
What about all of the receipts? It is likely that I don't need every receipt from the daily Diet Coke run @ McDonalds. But what if I need to return stuff? What if I need it to compare to my bank statement? I have too many random pieces of paper. Grocery List's, reminders, BART tickets, gas receipts, several "to do" list's(which include cleaning out purse) unwanted business cards and flyers rudely left on my windshield that get thrown into the mix. I could be more diligent about purging all of this, but it is the least of the weight in my purse!
Mints, gum, more mints, Fiber One Bar, just incase I need a snack. Random wrappers from consumed "stuff"
3#'s of loose change that in a hurry gets thrown to the bottom of the bag.
Miscellaneous stuff such as: toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, nail file and sunscreen samples. My work badge, my x-ray markers. ipod, sometimes ipad. Calculator, several pens, and I must have the little cleaning kit for my glasses (if it is summer add sunglasses and contact case to the list, plus reading glasses so I can read if I need to put contacts in, damn having bi-focals!). Numerous recipes clipped from magazines torn out from waiting room magazines (they said I could! and yes, someday I do plan to try them all!)

So you can see why I could not possibly be happy with a small purse. What would I do without all of my vital stuff that no doubt and one time or another I will need? And I forgot to list my cute little pill box with meds like Aleve, for when my shoulder really hurts? I am a good one to travel with because I have anything you might need (probably in duplicate). I have no idea how girls with little purses do it!

THE CITY DOES HAVE MY HEART

2011-06-01T23:03:00.000-07:00

And my very favorite way to get to the city is on Amtrak. It is a stress free ride and the trains are always very clean, fast and efficient. I love the sights from the train. It is like a "birds-eye" view of things that you normally would not see driving. Here are some of my favorite sights:

I think the graffiti is so interesting (is it wrong to like graffiti?) I wonder how long it takes these artists to do the many walls you see covered along the rail lines? It is almost like a "free" zone for graffiti artists because they do not paint over the tagging. This one outside of Richmond has been there for several years.

My kids roll their eyes each time they hear me say that I really want to go work at the port of Oakland (seriously, I do). I would love to go learn all about the shipping industry. To me it is fascinating and you get a great view from Amtrak into the port. I think that the coolest job would be the crane operator that loads and unloads the barges (it doesn't hurt that they make over 150K/year). Did you know they can unload, inspect and reload one of these barges in 24 hours? Call me a geek, but I want to go job shadow at the port!


The mothball fleet

I want to know the history of each ship

To me, the "mothball fleet" looks haunted. All of these huge discarded ships, just sitting in the bay wasting away. They will soon be slowly dismantled and sold for scrap because they are polluting the bay. So many tons of steel sitting there, all with a story. Before they get rid of them I want someone to take me on a personal tour of their graveyard here in the water and tell me their history. (No doubt you won't be surprised to hear that I love watching the Discovery Channel).

The charming home on the left belongs to romance novelist Danielle Steele's ex-husband. Her home (the former Spreckel's Mansion) is just around the corner. I did not get a picture of it. It happens to be made of Utah Limestone (not a good choice for the SF climate) and as expensive as the massive home must be, her very luxury fleet of cars parked outside were pretty darn impressive. Sadly, she did not invite us in for tea because she spends most of her time in Paris.

My purpose for venturing to the city for Memorial Day was to do a walking tour that I always wanted to do but never could interest anyone else in the family to do it with me, so I jumped at the chance! The San Francisco Library does several different walking tours of the city. Check them out here. This one was the Victorian Mansions of San Francisco. A very pleasant walk (once I reached the top of the hill) It was a beautiful cool but sunny day and away from the tourist crowds of the city. It gave a charming history of the different homes and styles. Several fascinating tidbits about Victorian life were included. Did you know that in the homes of the era there were always plenty of chairs in the parlor? If the men were in the parlor and the women entered, the men would stand but it would have been totally SCANDALOUS for them to offer a chair to a woman....because it would be improper for a woman to sit on a chair that a man's bottom had warmed! Times have changed a bit!

TRUE STORY...

2011-05-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am sad to say this is my reality (I just changed the names to protect the innocent). But I have a good excuse for everything that I devoured this weekend.......I thought the world was ending so I took the old saying "Eat, Drink and Be Merry for tomorrow we die" to heart (or should I say, stomach). I figured what the heck, may as well eat what I really want and enjoy it if the world is ending. Needless to say here I am. I ate about a million calories over the weekend (every stinking calorie enjoyed as if it were my last indulgence on earth). I will pay for it this week. It sort of stinks, but it is good to be alive!

ALL WITH A CAN OF SPRAY PAINT....

2011-05-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

We had been searching for an ottoman or table to go into our GAME/TV room. There is this great consignment shop in St. George, Urban Renewal, they carry furniture, clothing and many more great things. While browsing there I discovered this MASSIVE (60 X 60) coffee table. Just the thing I was looking for at a great price. It just needed some fun put into it! So what says more fun than RED ? Shawn spray painted it with a few cans of red and... WHAA LAA! A total transformation! I think it looks marvelous! Who knew spray paint worked so well?

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

JUST ONE OF MY MANY QUIRKS...

2011-04-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, there are several quirks to choose from but this is one that I will tell you about for now. I confess that I believe it is disgusting to drink out of a plastic cup. I have always thought this. The sort of plastic that I am talking about is the "tupperwarish" cups. I think I got this quirk from my grandma Leona. She hated drinking from anything other than a glass container because "it just tastes better out of real glass" and I believe she is right on. Growing up I loved going to her house and drinking out of these classic cups (she had this whole set that made water extra cold):


Needless to say, I have never liked using the plastic nasty water bottles. When Sigg came out with their fashionable and functional water bottles they were tolerable, much better than nasty plastic. They reminded me of my grandma's aluminum cups. The water seemed extra cold with a bearable "tinny" taste.

Then I discovered a water bottle that I adore! No plastic taste and no metal taste, just pure and clean taste! This bottle is the BEST!! It comes in a variety of colors, totally washable and functional. It is made by Lifefactory. I highly recommend this. They also make "sippy cap" bottles for toddlers and baby bottles. I think I have even been drinking more water having this bottle! Try it, see if you like it!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THEIR AMAZING PRODUCTS!

EUPHORIC...

2011-04-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

That is the word that filled every face in the new Peeps package on Easter morning when they saw these babies. They are practically an Easter bonnet for my feet, no wonder those Peeps looked so joyful!!!

PONDERING PEEPS

2011-04-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

So it is that time of year again! Peeps abound everywhere I go, so of course I had to buy a package (or two). As you can see, I opened the package to get the perfect staleness that I love (yes, I had to eat one fresh one, I could not resist that sugary goodness). As I watched these Peeps everyday on my counter, I got feeling rather depressed. Their affect was flat. They were lifeless, there was no joy in life for them. Everyday I would see their dour expression and it would make me sad. It was almost as if they knew that they were either loved or loathed. They felt ordinary, like they were one in a million with the same depressing look on their countenance. This whole thing made me feel gloomy. So, I thought to myself "what would make me feel better if I were feeling down?" Of course the answer is usually a pair of new shoes! (note: please don't believe that all of the shoes in my closet reflect my depression, it is more of an obsession), but I knew what my Peeps needed. I was going to do an experiment that would forever change my thinking about Peeps. So I hunted for the shoes that said: "HAPPY" "FUN" "SPRING" "LIFE IS GOOD". After much searching for such shoe, I think you can see that my experiment worked. I swear to you, as soon as I put this little Peep by these glorious silvery clogs, his/her entire face changed! It was obviously sheer Peep bliss! I think their colors enhance each other. You can feel the happiness radiating in this picture can't you? So if your Peeps are looking a little down, you know what to do, for the good of the Peeps of course!!

Ahhhhhhh, ZION....

2011-04-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

Megan (my niece), Hannah, Parker, myself and Chandler @ Zion Overlook

Me and My boyfriend

Chandler and Megan. I have no doubt that Chandler made a 2 mile hike into a 10 miles hike, exploring every rock and running back and forth on the trail!

Shawn and the Princess

Is Parker just adorable in this picture? He is getting to be so handsome!

I wonder. . . .

2011-04-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

If the monkey on your back has a monkey on its back what does it mean?

A BENEFIT OF AGE IS WISDOM

2011-03-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

Not that I am all that wise, but I really do believe life's experiences give us wisdom and a greater capacity for charity. Maybe it comes with the realization in interacting with people that no one is immune from trials and the dings that life can throw your way. I am convinced that we all have "stuff" that we have to muddle through, some big stuff, some small stuff. I am amazed hearing about the various trials that friends and acquaintances have endured. I am certain that when we see someone that seems to have the "perfect life", they may very well have things that they are dealing with that we could not imagine. I hope to gain more wisdom, greater love and increased understanding of others as I go through life. I love this saying by Plato (a very wise man, he was a philosopher after all) his words were wise in 428 B.C. and still hold true. If we took this mantra into our daily lives, life would be a bit easier all the way around!

"Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle"

P.S. Right after I posted this, I was listening to "Music and the spoken word" and they put exactly what was in my heart into these beautiful words:

Some problems are more obvious than others. When someone is clearly struggling, we are usually quite empathetic. We see them limp through life, and most of us readily help in any way we can. We may even make great personal sacrifice to ease their burdens.

Other times, however, the afflictions people endure might be completely invisible to the eye. Some struggles are silent; some burdens are carried privately. It may be an unhealthy relationship, a personal financial crisis, or a physical or emotional pain. Whatever the ailments, these silent sufferers may smile and seem to be all right, but inside they are barely holding on-and doing so alone.

Perhaps we could be more observant. Maybe we should notice when hands clench with pain, when eyes glaze over with disappointment, or when cheeks are flush with embarrassment. Along with such subtle signs, we could pay attention to those quiet feelings in our heart urging us to help, even when others haven’t asked for help.

One woman recalls how a friend noticed that she had started hanging laundry on the banister inside her home. She never told her friend that her clothes dryer was broken; she did not want to explain that she did not have enough money to repair or replace it. But this observant and kind-hearted friend paid for a repairman to fix her dryer. As much as the woman was grateful to have a dryer, she was more grateful to have a friend who cared enough to look beneath the surface of her life.

Opportunities to help surround us, but they rarely come with engraved invitations. More often, they come with a gentle nudging in the heart, an intangible sense that we can help. As Saint-Exupery’s little prince wisely observed: “The eyes are blind. One must look with the heart."

Perfect thoughts to live by and act on in this crazy world we live in!

MY BOSS

2011-02-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

I feel VERY fortunate to work in a place that I really enjoy (the unfortunate part is that it is in California and I really need a job in Utah, which seem to be few and far between in the crazy economy). Part of the reason that I enjoy my job is my boss. He is brilliant, he is consistently calm no matter what chaos his employees or circumstances bring him. He is a boss that will jump in to help and do whatever is needed when his employees are stressed. He also has a very witty sense of humor. For example, after a glorious week visiting my family in Utah, I came back to pouring rain. YUCK! I sent my boss a text, it went like this:

Sue: I am so sorry I cannot possibly come in to work today, I have severe ombrophobia (fear of being rained on in case you don't know) I am a mess. Sorry I can't work today!

Adrian (boss):  I understand. I saw what happend to you when you got wet in The Wizard of OZ!

Sue: I'll get you my pretty!

Adrian: And my little dog too?

Sue: Both of them (he has 2 standard poodles that are gorgeous) and your bird while I am at it (his talkative amazon parrot)!

(I did go to work that day, smiling, and every day I feel so lucky to enjoy my job!, It actually keep me sane while I am away from my family)

I am in L-O-V-E!!!!!!!!

2011-02-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is right! I am in LOVE! Of course with Shawn, but he is there and I am here, so what else is a girl to do but find other things to amuse herself with to make time pass quickly! So two of my current favorites right now in life are: Shoes and Chocolate pudding! I know, what a combination right? But think about it, isn't life about great shoes and chocolate? I am wondering if I need to go easy on the chocolate, because honestly shoes are the only thing in my closet that don't feel too tight about now! So perhaps I need less chocolate and more shoes? Just a thought! I am trying in my mind to reach some sort of compromise, what a battle!

How can I not be in love with these adorable things? Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack of course and perfect for the fabulous "Chinese New Year" party that I attended on Friday!

2 C sugar
1/2 C cornstarch
1 tsp. salt
5 cups whole milk

6 egg yolks-beaten
4 squares unsweetened baking chocolate
2 T butter
2 tsp. vanilla

In saucepan mix sugar, cornstarch and salt. Beat milk and eggs and add to sugar mixture. Blend well and add chocolate. Cook over medium heat until it starts to thicken and chocolate is melted. (if you are in a hurry you can also do this in the microwave, just stir often) Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Pudding will thicken as it cools. Serve warm with whipped cream.

This is a family favorite and will fix a chocolate craving in a hurry!

VIEWS...

2011-01-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

View out of our rec room "Pine Valley Mountain"

View from front door

Family room at Christmas

View of messy kitchen from family room

View of the hutch decked out for Christmas

View looking at front of house

View of the Wiscombe Crew plus a few extra

View through Hannah's new camera at the slopes

View of Parker and Hannah's faces getting warm in the lodge

View of my sad face because they are there and I am not!

I AM PRETTY CERTAIN MY HEART CRACKED THIS MORNING!

2011-01-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

Without my girl it feels like a big piece of me is missing!

You see, I have not had much of a chance to update my blog due to that fact that Christmas is busy enough, but we threw a move into the mix. So I was overwhelmed with stuff to do and dumbfounded thinking of how to put these many changes into words for my blog. So this whole move thing will make for another post on another day. We are sort of moving in stages as a family, today was the day I took Hannah to the airport. But the heart cracking started this morning, when she met her amazing friends to say goodbye. I know she cried, but we couldn't talk about it because it would just be too emotional and just easier with things unsaid.

These girls Hannah, Emma, Rose and Elise (Minus Amy who is spending the year in the Netherlands) are the girls that Hannah met when she started 6th Grade at North Davis Elementary. They took Hannah in and made her experiences here Fabulous! They have spent weekends just hanging out, spent 2 weeks in Spain while Rose was attending International School. They went to Cabo with us. They spent many fun times in San Francisco, enjoying Rose's Condo, shopping and exploring. They met at the park to play games, gathered on our roof to dance and watch the "Frat Boys". They had super fun photo sessions. They threw the best parties or sometimes they just loved doing nothing but being together.


They have made each other better people. My heart is aching at the thought of her telling her sweet friends good bye. It is heart breaking because there is just something about a mother and daughter that is divine. I picked her up after Christmas at the airport and guess what, we were dressed practically alike. This happens a lot when we are getting ready for church we tease each other about what each other might be wearing so we don't look like twins (I wouldn't mind, Hannah is another story!) My girl is sweet, kind, funny, smart, pretty, humble and keeps me sane. She very bravely boarded the plane with her sedated cat Suki along for the ride (yet another post idea) I cried like a baby leaving the airport. I really thought Sudesh the parking attendant would give me free parking because I looked a mess and I think she sensed my pain! (I am not a pretty crier, I am a wreck!) I know more incredible adventures await Hannah in St. George, these changes are difficult but life is full of people just waiting to make life that much sweeter. Her new adventures will begin soon!

This is her new room (with it's own bathroom so no more sharing with everyone and their dog!) She LOVES this new room. I hope she will also love the sweet note that is waiting for her on her mirror!

(Sorry, it was sent from Shawn's phone so it isn't legible). It is basically a note that she will need to unscramble to find out who the mystery man is. It is from one of our new neighbors (he is very cute and is also in Spanish 5 so they can practice) He is so very thrilled and nervous to ask her to Jr. Prom @ Pine View High, her new school. Shhhhh! So I think this beginning is off to a good start. It makes my heart feel a bit better knowing that she will have new friends waiting to be discovered who will love and adore her like her Davis girl's do! Good luck Lissi Doll, good things await you!

Ahhh, Autumn!

2010-11-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

~George Eliot

THINGS THAT AMUSE ME LATELY...

2010-10-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

This is a sweet movie that is both funny and heartwarming. I just may go see it again!

Parker recommended this book series to me and it is addictive!

If you like Blue Grass music, you will LOVE this group! I just bought their "Hymn Revival" and I am hooked on it. Check them out here and see what you think!

MOVE OVER MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR!

2010-10-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

What is better than watching General Conference? Watching your missionary son sing in the General Priesthood Session! It's just my opinion, but I do think Elder Wiscombe is DARLING!

Click HERE to see his choir debut!

SURE SIGNS THAT FALL IS CLOSE.....

2010-10-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

NON STOP PARTY NEXT DOOR AT THETA XI AKA "THE FRAT BOYS" THIS IS FROM THEIR FORMAL PARTY LAST NIGHT, THEY HAVE HAD 6 MAJOR PARTIES IN THE PAST 2 WEEKS (JUST AT THEIR PLACE), ALCOHOL PERMEATES THE AIR AT OUR HOUSE DUE TO THE INDUSTRIAL SIZE AMOUNTS CONSUMED! I HAVE DECIDED TO BUY STOCK IN THE DIXIE SOLO CUPS (RED) BECAUSE I AM SURE IT IS THE OFFICIAL PARTY OF ALL FRATS AND SORORITY'S, AND THEY USE SOOOOOOO MANY OF THEM!

COOL DECORATIONS AT MARSHALL'S

AMAZING PUMPKINS AT TRADER JOE'S (YES THIS IS REAL AND WAY BIZARRE!)


WAX LIPS! NEED I SAY MORE? A SPECIAL GIFT FROM SHAWN, BUT I AM SAD TO REPORT THAT THESE ONES DO NOT HAVE THAT YUMMY "WAX LIPS SMELL", (YOU KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT) THEY HAVE TO SMELL GOOD!

BUT MY FAVORITE FALL SIGN IS GENERAL CONFERENCE! A CHANCE TO BE SPIRITUALLY REFRESHED! AND OF COURSE IT IS ALWAYS GREAT TO HEAR FROM ELDER JEFFRY HOLLAND

(I JUST CALL HIM JEFF EVER SINCE HE KISSED ME. NO, I WAS NOT WEARING THE WAX LIPS!)

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

2010-09-27T23:04:00.000-07:00

I have always prided myself on what a savvy and frugal shopper I am! I thrive on finding a great bargain. Among my favorites are Marshall's and TJ Maxx . Ross was in the running until the following incident:

I popped into Ross after work to grab some new measuring cups (Shawn managed to wear mine out with all of his crazy baking) everyone knows that Ross has amazing and cheap kitchen stuff. I happily gathered my purchases and proceeded to the check out. I was smiling, I had found measuring cups and a few other great bargains. I stepped to the register and the cashier rang up my total, she then asked if I got my "discount". I am certain I had a puzzled look on my face wondering if I should have a coupon, or perhaps she thought I got the employee discount. My look soon turned to horror as she said "Oh, maybe you are too young" ARRGHHHHH! It was senior discount day! I wanted to cry! The nerve of that woman! I am now having to really evaluate if it is worth shopping there for a bargain. Is it worth sacrificing my pride and dignity? Maybe I need to be more loyal to Nordstrom's, they would NEVER ask me if I needed my senior discount!! My self esteem is hurt a little, my ego is bruised. Will it stifle my desire for a great bargain? I doubt it! But maybe I need to go get some fancy age defying make-up!

CHAN THE RUNNER?

2010-09-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

For the last few years, my gal pal Anissa has come to run the Labor Day Race here. Why she or anyone else enjoys running for more than1 block is beyond my understanding! But she does it and hardly looks like she is winded coming across the finish line. She brought her son up to run in the kids race. At the last minute Chandler decided it might be fun to run with his friend Dallin (definitely not a gene he acquired from Shawn or myself.)

So Chandler ran the little race ( I think it was less than a mile) but he managed to take 2nd place. As his mother, I have to think he would certainly have taken first if he had decided to race in tennis shoes instead of unlaced Vans (my humble opinion of course.) It was a breeze for him because he has more than his fair share of energy. But perhaps he will be the first runner in the Wiscombe Family. Maybe after his first real marathon I will understand why people do this running thing, but probably not!

I am thinking since there is NO WAY he was genetically blessed to be a runner, his luck came from the number given to him at registration! Maybe we will go to the Casino !

FINALLY... NEW FAMILY PHOTOS

2010-08-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

We knew before Braden left we needed to update the family photo. The adorable Marielle Hayes did them in a funky spot in Oakland called "Jingletown" She is great to work with and we adored her already (she was best friends with one of my babysitters/Young Women in Nevada) We are so happy we got her talents to do pictures! Click HERE for a sneak peek. You will want her to do your pictures also!

WACKY WEDNESDAY

2010-08-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

It started at 5 a.m. dropping Braden off at the airport to head to the MTC in Provo where he will reside for the next three months while learning Hungarian, how to teach the people about the Gospel, and I'm pretty certain he will get a big dose of reality while he is there as well! I got "teary eyed" but I kept total control of my emotions!

Back to school! Hannah Leaves at 7:30 (until seminary starts, then she will leave at 6:30)

Can you tell that Parker is a teenager with attitude? He was less than thrilled to have me take his picture! It was really fun getting him up to go to the airport with us!

Chan leaves at 8 am. He is pretty easy to get going in the mornings!

I am now suffering from "mom guilt" as I was eating my amazing breakfast at the famous "TOWER CAFE" I realized my kids all left the house without breakfast! I had delusional ideas of fixing them a nice breakfast to send them all off to their various locations, but they were all too tired to even think about it!

MAYBE NEXT YEAR.........

PICTURES FROM POWELL

2010-07-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

This boy was too quick doing 360 turns that I could not get it on film

SERIOUS BUSINESS

This is the life! Getting ready to pull me wake boarding, truly a blessing for everyone that it was not caught on film!

Chan could not get enough of driving, he is a very good driver I have to admit!

He practically wore the slide out

The cousins! Let me explain the "Wiscombe Funeral Banner" We needed something so those arriving late could find us. This Works right? It had several purposes:

They had no doubt it was us
TOTALLY Deterred others from wanting to camp anywhere near us!

I am trying to convince Shawn that we could get a houseboat and it would be the perfect write off. I even have a name for it:

"COVER YOUR ASH"
I know, I am good!

If you had this boys non stop energy you would have a 6 pack of your own! Non stop all day!


Parker knee boarding, thanks heavens with his suit on! That is all I will say on that issue! We had an amazing time and it was the perfect get away. I am here to tell you that a houseboat is the only way to go! It has spoiled me forever!

IS THIS GUY CLEVER OR WHAT?

2010-07-18T09:07:00.001-07:00

IT'S HERE...

2010-07-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

WE RETURNED FROM AN AMAZING WEEK AT LAKE POWELL TO A MISSION CALL WAITING FOR BRADEN!!!

HE WILL ENTER THE PROVO MTC AUGUST 25TH!!!

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

I WANT TO ADOPT THIS GUY. . . .

2010-06-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

As Lissi and I were out running errands, we spotted this guy biking next to us (sad to say all we had was my phone to take a picture, and yes, we admit this is a bit "stalker-ish") However, we both immediately adored this guy on his bike. We thought it was the greatest, the sight of him totally made our day!! Note the skater helmet and construction goggles, and of course the Birkenstock's to complete the ensemble! Always something amusing when you are living in Davis!

I HOPE I CAN PULL THIS LOOK OFF WHEN I AM 90 YEARS OLD!

I WON'T SUGARCOAT IT...

2010-06-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

7th grade has been PAINFUL for all of us!! I have a typical teen that does not see eye to eye with us on several levels. But he came home yesterday with an award that gave me hope!

This award was voted on by his peers and signed by several teachers:

"MOST LIKELY TO HOST A TALK SHOW"

Pretty in pink or teal or....

2010-06-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

I was perusing pictures that Hannah and her friends took and loved this one (they often get together to do funny pictures of each other and play "dress up") It's so much fun that this trend she loved as a toddler has continued through her teens! The really exciting thing about this pictures is that it shows her passion for shoes and the great news is that we are almost the same size in shoes so more sharing and it almost validates my shoe buying!

(I wish I wore her size in jeans!)

SUNDAY AFTERNOON HAPPENINGS. . .

2010-05-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

Shawn showing Parker who the boss is (again)

Braden doing photos to submit for mission

Chandler creating a "tech-deck" for miniature skateboard out of recycled boxes (way cool, the pictures don't do it justice!) very entertaining for Chandler!

And more creating. Chandler LOVES playing Legos, especially when Braden will play with him. This is their "rock concert stage"

Braden and Hannah recording lyrics for music that Braden wrote!

Where am I? Documenting these happenings BEHIND the camera, hoping to get a nap but playing a ferocious game of cards to end the evening!

I SMILE BECAUSE......

2010-05-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

We got to see Tiffany and her new baby. Parker was CRAZY over baby Layton and Tiff is a great mom because she had so much practice mothering my kids!!

Chandler LOVES my new TOBI steam presser (so do I!!!) it is fast and does a great job, but the best thing is that Chan spent 2 hours yesterday steaming everyones clothes because he thought it was so much fun!!

We have been on a "jalepenos popper" kick around here. So YUMMY grilled, we stuff them with grilled chicken, gouda chesse and bacon! DELICIOSO!

Miss Hannah is done with crew for the year (posing with her coaches while they make her laugh)

She is sad, I am not so sad! She practiced 5 days a week @ the Port of Sacramento

That is a lot of practice and carpooling!

I keep smiling thinking that in 45 days I will be enjoying my favorite place on earth the glorious

LAKE POWELL!!

And....only 12 more days of school left!!!

ONE MORE TEENAGER!

2010-04-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 13TH PARKER SHAY!!!!

SoCiAl BuTtErFlY, WITTY, donut eater,

UNUSUALLY ENTERTAINING

HiLaRiOuS

WILLING HELPER, loveable, ReAdInG MaNiAc,

BOLD,

Validates GREY HAIR!!

MY KIDS BEG ME TO MAKE THIS RECIPE. . .

2010-04-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

BBQ SHRIMP

1 # raw shrimp with tails, rinse and set aside in pan

2 T Worcestershire Sauce

2 T Italian Dressing

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 tsp Crab Boil (this is the liquid kind made by Zatarains)

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 cup onion chopped into big chunks

2 tsp minced garlic

2 T butter

Combine all spices and cook in microwave til melted. Pour over shrimp and onion and cover with foil. Bake @ 400 degrees for 20 minutes turning after 10 minutes. Do not overcook. Done when shrimp is pink.

This can be doubled, but don't double pepper and cayenne unless you like HOT.

Serve with french bread to dip with. YUM! And very easy!

Girls would NEVER. . . .

2010-04-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

EVER in a million years. . .

as a matter of fact it pretty much FREAKS us out!

to have an all out "wedgie-fest"

this is something that Hannah and her friends never do or even think of doing!

IT'S A BOY THING, ONE OF THE VERY CURIOUS AND OBNOXIOUS THINGS THAT IS UNIQUE TO BOYS OF ALL AGES AND IT HAPPENS IN THIS HOUSE I AM EMBARRASSED TO ADMIT!

(if you don't know what a wedgie is, then you do not have boys and I am not going to explain the process!)

HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN!!

2010-04-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

"A DAUGHTER IS A DAY BRIGHTENER AND A HEART WARMER"

anonymous

HIGH MAINTENANCE

2010-04-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

I really never thought we were a high maintenance family, but I am really having to re-evaluate this thought! This is our car packed (minus a stop @ Trader Joe's for grub) for a 2 day (no typo, 2 days) trip to Dillon beach. We are leaving "no later than 10:30 a.m." and here it is after 1:00 p.m. and we are still not on the road (typical Wiscombe style I know but not all of our fault, hazards of running a Funeral Home!) With a little luck, we are out of here soon!

I HEART PEEPS!!!

2010-04-03T12:31:00.001-07:00

IT'S PRACTICALLY MIRACULOUS!!

2010-03-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

Many miracles happened tonight !!
The First thing is we actually took pictures of the event

The second miracle is Chandler's car took 2nd place in the Pinewood Derby
The Third is the paint on the car was actually dry before we had to race it!

The oh so proud parents, Shawn is smiling so genuine only because he knows he only has to participate in the Pinewood Derby for 1 more year!

Notice the team Scouting spirit in me (blue and yellow) and totally unintentional!

We made these adorable derby tie slides for the event. Shawn cut moulding and Chandler and I added paint and glued wheels (cut up dowels) and the slide (cut up pvc pipe)
Simple and cute and of course the scouts LOVED them!!
Will miracles never cease!
(Red mark on Chandler's eye thanks to he and Parker fighting while we were out shopping!)

YIKES!!!!!

2010-03-21T20:51:00.001-07:00

DOUBLE YIKES!!!!!

OH HAPPY DAY!

2010-03-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

IT'S HERE! LIBERTY OF LONDON HAS TEAMED UP WITH TARGET AND THE STORES ARE FULL OF FABULOUS FINDS IN FLORAL! EVERYTHING FROM HOUEWARES, BABY CLOTHES CUTE ENOUGH TO MAKE ME WANT TO BE PREGNANT AND OF COURSE I HAVE SEVERAL CUTE THINGS PICKED OUT FOR ME! GO CHECK IT OUT AT TARGET PREMIERING TODAY (OFFICIALLY TOMORROW BUT I FOUND THEY HAVE MOST OF THE STUFF OUT TODAY SO GO..........!

THIS IS HOW IT'S DONE. . . .

2010-03-07T19:16:00.001-08:00

Hannah was thrilled with their boats strong win! They were so far ahead that you cant even see the other teams competing. All of the hard work is paying off! It was a bonus that the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day!

FLINSTONE'S CHEWABLE VALIUM ANYONE?

2010-02-23T06:55:00.000-08:00

I have to confess. . .lately my two youngest are driving me (and the entire household) CRAZY!! They have no sense of "when to quit"! It doesn't help that Parker is a reactor and Chandler is the world's best button pusher. Bedtime does not seem to come soon enough for the two of them. They fight non stop (playing and/or the real deal) they both have more endurance than I have patience. Sadly, if they came with an owners manual I lost it, and right now I REALLY need it! Is this a phase? Am I a bad parent? Does anyone else feel like this? Solutions? The hopeful thing is that I had a darling lady approach me at church RAVING about how charming Parker was at the senior dinner he helped host. She went so far as to say she wanted to adopt him!! Hmmmm....

Sun Found!!!

2010-02-14T19:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, believe it or not the sun has been found here in Northern Cal. And I am not talking about these smile inducing yellow shoes that Nordstrom's so kindly shipped to my home after my Dallas shopping trip. The true sun and has coaxed out blossoms everywhere! We found it today after traveling through heavy fog to San Francisco to watch Hannah win a race in on Lake Merced! She did a fabulous job and was excited to win! The PERFECT sunny day for a fun competition! After the race we hit up Subway and it happened to be by the beach, so what could we do but take our lunch and enjoy sun, sand and crashing waves? AHHH! Of course the boys could not help themselves from jumping in the Pacific and were both soaking wet and sandy by the time we called it a day (of course this was not planned so no change of clothes for 2 very dirty boys traveling home!)

This is my smiling and sunburned face post beautiful day!

Long time no blog. . .

2010-02-08T21:50:00.000-08:00

Shawn the cookie maker, multi tasking here as he is so very good at it and the only one in the family who has the patience to deal with sugar cookies! YUM!

Martha Stewart has nothing on my man!! (OK, maybe a lot more money, but he is generally much more genuine and down to earth than Martha!)

I spent a DELIGHTFUL long weekend visiting my childhood friend Amy in Dallas. I can see why she loves it, the people are truly friendly and nice, the shopping fabulous (she had to mail packages home, we did an obscene amount of shopping!) She is terrible, as we were shopping she would say "Do not leave this store without buying _______!" The devils advocate she is!

I got the grand tour of Dallas and Fort Worth, including watching the longhorns parade down the street at the historic stock yards. Of course I did not even think to bring a camera, sorry me! I did not have time for pictures anyway, as we were too busy eating, laughing, shopping, catching up and planning our next girlfriends get away! I highly recommend it, it does the soul good!!

A delightful surprise for Christmas from Shawn was a weekend WITHOUT children in Marin county. We stayed and a charming Bed and Breakfast in San Rafael. We really enjoyed scenic drives to the coast and exploring Point Reyes without children fighting, whining or asking if we were there yet! A perfectly pleasant weekend get away!

I AM FULL OF EXCUSES!

2010-01-10T21:32:00.001-08:00

I usually text my boss every Monday morning with some kind of bizarre excuse stating why I will not be @ work. I thought I would share some of these because who wants to work in January? I hate January, it is cold, a huge let down after the holidays, it always seems drab and dreary I would really rather stay home (with pay of course) and read a good book curled up in a blanket by the fire. If this sounds appealing to any of you, I will pass on to you some the great excuses that I have used (not that they have been effective or gotten me out of work)

I was nude sunbathing this weekend and I am too burned to put clothes on so I can't come in to work!
When I got up this morning, I took two Ex-Lax in addition to my Prozac. I can't get off the john, but I feel good about it!
Sorry! I won't be in today, my dog ate my car keys so we are trying to hitch hike to the vet!
I can't come in today, I'm stalking my old boss that never believed me when I called in sick!
I won't be at work today, my pet goldfish is sick and I need to take her to the vet! (my boss said to H@*# with the goldfish, bring her in and we will filet her and have sushi for lunch!)

Dear Santa,

2009-12-22T21:47:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would save you some trouble this year (one can never be sure in this economy) I have taken care of myself. Who doesn't need fabulous purple shoes to put some cheer into the season? So just in case I was not on your good list, I found these babies and bought them for myself. Good Luck this week, no one that I have spoken with is ready for you!

Best Wishes,

Susy

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF AMAZEMENT

2009-12-16T17:16:00.000-08:00

Shawn can still surprise me! This includes a limo ride to a nice restaurant and an great evening seeing the Nutcracker, all dressed up for our 20th!!

"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down" Oprah

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom"

Princess all dressed up!

2009-12-14T21:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas 1994

Jr. Prom 2009

Winter Dance 2006

How is my girl so grown up and how did it happen so fast???

FOR THE PERSON THAT HAS EVERYTHING. . .

2009-12-11T22:17:00.000-08:00

O.K. now that we are down to the last days of Christmas shopping, I have found a gift that will fit the person on your list that has everything. I am certain this gift is the one that keeps on giving. Click here and check out this and many more amazing (or disturbing) products!

WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO?

2009-11-20T23:04:00.000-08:00

Hannah and her friends decided during lunch to go climb some trees. They were having a lovely time until a bunch of 5th graders came over and started whining and carrying on about how these "tree climbers" were hurting the trees! They then proceeded to get their teacher who gave them a lecture on how environmentally irresponsible they were for climbing the trees. What has happened to childhood? I always thought as a kid that large trees were begging to be climbed. I guess now days we would be arrested if we even thought of building a tree house ! (please note that Hannah and her pals were not being destructive, I asked her if they were using chainsaws or something to get such of a response and they were not!) What is going on that kids can't be kids?

AMAZING WOMEN

2009-11-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

It is my great privilege to work with these incredible women in the Primary of church.
From the left is Audrey (80), Pat (77) and Delia (74)!
These women serve faithfully and with Christ like love every Sunday teaching the youth of the church. Audrey is my Secretary, she is the BEST! She does spread sheets and keeps us organized ( I am a hard one to organize so she has a difficult job) Pat teacher the youngest class of 4 year olds and is a favorite of everyone. She has an CHARMING sense of humor, and Delia is this beautiful woman who teaches with such faith and love (she brings her guitar in and teaches them songs on the Articles of Faith). These women are each an example to me and I admire them so much! So if you ever think you are too old to teach the youth, ask the students of these women and they will tell you how incredible their teachers are!

Celebrating the 24th anniversary of my 21st birthday!!

2009-11-14T21:52:00.000-08:00

This amazing dance co. was @ the Mondavi Center the day before my birthday, so I bought tickets and convinced Shawn to go with me. It was a very fun way to celebrate (a lot funner than my actual birthday when I was partying with the Primary kids preparing for the program on Sunday!) I have to say that partying on Fri 13th with sugared up primary kids is a bit scary and made me feel old!

WHAT IS CREW?

2009-10-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

Crew is the latest happenings in our home. It is the "rowing team" that Hannah has joined. A lot of hard work, they practice 10 hours a week. We have warned Braden that when he comes home at Christmas his little sister will be able to take him down! She's got guns!

The first race was held this Saturday on the beautiful Lake Natoma @ the American River, a beautiful spot. We are learning all about this fun sport. One thing I know for certain is that they speak their own language. Do you know what a coxswain is? This is the position that I want if I joint the adult crew. A Coxswain is the boss of the boat, the great thing is many of the women are the coxswains on the men's boats. They SHOUT orders and tell them where to go, they get very sassy and the men actually listen, what a trip! And a bonus, they carry the coxswain out of the boat at the end of the race, what a job!

The women's novice team did VERY well for their first race and they all felt great about their efforts. One thing I learned, if you should fall out of the boat, they row without you and you swim to shore. Yikes!

The girl's loading their boat after the race. They are VERY careful, as each boat is about $30,000.00. We are proud of Hannah's dedication and enthusiasm with this new endeavor. They practice in the Sacramento Port, right along side the HUGE cargo ships coming in and out, that would make me row very fast!

A little Pink for October

2009-10-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, hence many pink ribbons everywhere. I thought it would be great to hear from Pink herself (I admit I really like her, gorgeous and tough) someday I hope to be tough like this woman. Click here to see her latest and greatest! Karaoke anyone?

I just can't help it. . .

2009-10-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

I am in LOVE with this man! Whenever I am having a bad day and need a boost, I will go to my "happy place" which can be found with this man and his amazing words!!
Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Saving the tata's. . .

2009-09-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

Just another day in paradise aka work...NOT! This is me "consulting" with Dr. McMahon about breasts. Featured in the "Wellspring magazine" I have had about all I want regarding boobs after sitting in a conference in San Francisco for 8 hours, I am boobed out. But, Breast (cancer) awareness month is coming right up, so spread the word and go see your favorite mammographer!

THAT'S MY KIDS!

2009-09-11T05:53:00.000-07:00

Braden wanted to do a video with Hannah before he left for school, so he wrote this song and they sang and played it on their guitars. I told him that I used to be very talented, but the birthing process sucked it all away and he got it all. He is now in Hawaii and we already miss him. How does time fly so fast, it seems like yesterday he came into our world!

DO YOU LOVE IT OR HATE IT?

2009-09-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

This is me (in my new "progressive lenses") pondering Facebook

(egg head sculpture in front of UCD library, perfect for this post)

As I am one big ball of emotions sending my first born off to college this week, I am thinking Facebook might be a fun option to keep in touch with him while he is gone. I have really fought the Facebook thing just because to me, it is just one more thing I don't need, but with Braden leaving I may need to consider it, since it is the way these kids communicate anymore.
Here is my list of pro's and con's , please feel free to add to it, the good, bad and ugly:

PRO

Makes it easy to appease your inner stalker
You can maintain relationships you never thought you could
Great distraction to housework
You can friend your kids friends (see con #3)

CON

Allows you freedom to never get anything done
More addictive than crack
People you don't like add you as friends, but you don't have the heart to say no
It's like a popularity contest, sort of like getting picked last in kickball all over again

it's not all bad

2009-08-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

Just in case you are wondering about living next door to a frat house. It does have some perks and this is all that I am going to say about that(this picture does not do this boy justice).

WICKEDLY FUN WEEKEND!

2009-08-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

We decide to have one last "hoorah" before school starts, so as a family we spent the weekend in San Francisco (on Nob Hill no less) Friday night, we all saw WICKED and all loved it except for Chan who slept through the last half of it, which was fine with the rest of us!

Early Saturday morning Shawn and I went for a walk, one of my favorites, we walked from the Mark Hopkins Hotel on Nob Hill... down and up and down (you know how walking in San Fran goes) to Coit Tower on Telegraph hill. I love walking through Chinatown in the early hours, it is like being transported to China, all of the vendors getting ready for the day with every exotic food you can imagine. My lungs burned and legs hurt when we returned to our sleeping angels!

It is a good thing we walked, because we decided to hit a famous place for breakfast "Mama's on Washington" it always has a line to get into. They are open from 8am til 3 p.m. We only waited about 45 minutes and I can truthfully tell you it was totally worth the wait and we will be returning there again soon! PURE HEAVEN!! It was a hit with everyone! My favorite was their sampler french toast (pictured) 3 different sliced of french toast with fresh berries. Banana, cinnamon and mixed berry french toast (all homemade of course) I hate to think of the calories I consumed there...ALOT!! SOO worth it!

We did some school shopping and then headed to the De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park to see the KING TUT exhibit. VERY interesting. It is mind boggeling to think that we were seeing artifacts over 3000 years old. Go see it before it is gone!

CRAP....IT HAPPENED!!

2009-08-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

Not that I didn't see it coming, when I was reading a book,doing computer work or texting (especially texting-my posterity would make fun of me, I am slow and I can't see texting, I basically text like a dork) So today at my eye appointment, I got hit with the news that basically says I AM OLD!! Hello bi-focals or the politically correct term "progressive lenses" (not that it makes me feel better). They tried cheering me up by saying that most people get them between the age of 40 and 45 and I am on the eve of 45.....WOO HOO, Thanks a lot, so encouraging! So, I will be seeing clearly now. I can buy a darling pair of reading glasses @ Anthropologie for when I am wearing my contacts. Maybe I will get a nerdy chain to put on them so I don't lose them-isn't that what "the elderly" do? I am going to the movie now and drown my sorrow in Diet Coke, heck, I might even splurge on something chocolate...that will help! And... I won't need my stinking "progressive lenses" to see the screen!

THE QUESTION OF THE WEEK. . .

2009-08-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT A NUB (NOOB) CAKE IS??

(I PROBABLY SPELLED THAT WRONG, BUT IT IS HOW IT SOUNDS)

I AM PRETTY CERTAIN THAT IT IS NOT A GOOD TERM,

BECAUSE MY CHILDREN OFTEN TELL EACH OTHER THAT

THEY ARE A "NUB CAKE" OR EVEN A "NUB CAKE WITH

FROSTING ON TOP" WHEN THEY HAVE DONE SOMETHING

REALLY DUMB. I WISH THAT THERE WAS A PARENTS

GUIDE TO TEEN TERMINOLOGY SOMEWHERE!!

READ IT AND WEEP. . .

2009-08-02T21:19:00.001-07:00

JUST INFORMING YOU OF MY LATEST GOOD READ. BUT HAVE A BOX OF TISSUE CLOSE BY. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK AND BASED ON HISTORY. AMAZING! IT IS A COMBINATION OF HEART WARMING AND HEART WRENCHING.
THANKS TO MY SIS FOR THE RECOMMENDATION!!

Back to REALITY!

2009-07-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

Rose, Elise and Hannah
Returning to reality after a relaxing vacations really stinks!!
We consumed massive amounts of chips and guacamole, we swam from morning til night and were waited on hand and foot!

We shopped for silver, candy and other trinkets

We all enjoyed parasailing. Parker and I went together and they dipped us down in the water. We were worried about landing in a bunch of manta rays, because they were everywhere!

Some of us acted a little crazy! I happened to find this ENORMOUS bra on the clearance rack @ Ross (How could I resist $3.00 and hilarious?!) I put it in with the girls things while they were at breakfast, they got a good laugh and then passed it on. They took Parker's i-pod and held it in ransom until he put the bra on and walked through the lobby of the resort @ 2 in the AM. What happens in Cabo should stay in Cabo! The scary thing is that Park was all too willing to do it!

We came home to see Braden and hear of his fun adventures, receive his fun prizes he brought for us and ate StroopWaffles that he brought for us!

REVOLVERS AND RANDOMNESS

2009-07-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

Life here at the urban hullabaloo has been busy and random with children coming, going and all stages of in between. Hannah just returned from a fun filled week at girls camp. Her Pal Emma went with her and they had a fabulous time (how could it not be great, their cabin looks over this amazing lake) It is SOOO quiet with 2 children gone at a time!! (Braden will return the day before I return from Cabo, he is having a grand time, worn out, missing home but loving life) Chan has kept semi occupied with swim lessons and skateboard lessons. Parker spent 5 days camping with his Pal Conner and his brave grandpa

Here is the Cabo time share we frequent, I can not wait! I can hear the ocean breezes blowing the curtains back as I type this. I hear silver vendors calling me with their magnificent goods!

I should now be packing for a week in Cabo, but lack motivation. What more do I need than a swimsuit, because we are basically going to escape reality, be waited on hand and foot and RELAX!! A much needed break, I have been working too much and so has Shawn.
OH YEAH!! This is MY target, I took a handgun safety class this a.m. and LOVED it!! Currently gathering advice from Pro's Like my bro in law Evan (aka Range Master) or my gal Pal Tanisha, the gun fanatic on which gun to purchase. I tried several today and had a great time.

Why a gun you ask? Basically because I can. I grew up with a dad who always had a gun and always loved shooting with him when we went gathering wood each summer. I like the thought that it is a right to bear arms, even though I live among many Wacky liberal who would like them outlawed.

After a miserably failed plan to go see some of my favorite people in Monterey over the 4th, we found a very fun "Full Moon Kayak Trip" to take. It was gorgeous, I thought my arms would fall off after the trip (I drew the short straw and had Chan in my Kayak, he was a beast, insisted on dragging his paddle and I thought of drowning him before the trip was over) Other than that, I will try this out again, sans Chandler! Check out available trips and the Sac State Aquatics Center

And my new favorite from Costco Mangoes and Berries. Sort of like Sunshine in a bag!! Dried mangoes, blueberries and strawberries. YUMMY!!

How is that for random?
Now I am off to do laundry, clean house and pack. I will think of Chips, Salsa and Guacamole in mass amounts that will be headed my way come Monday, served by a gorgeous pool boy along with ice cold diet coke,a bit of heaven headed my way soon!!

WAAAAAHHH HOOOO!!!

2009-06-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

Let the celebration begin!
The class of DHS 2009 has over 700 graduates and are rated # 721 out of 29,000 high schools. Not bad! A very unique and diverse class!

LOOK! Dry eyes! Only a few tears, but mostly excitement thinking of what adventures are ahead and thought of the many great times behind. I think I will save the tears for when he boards the plane for BYU-Hawaii, then it will all be too real!

The Whole Fam Damily-trying to get a picture with everyone not looking cross eyed or goofy is virtually impossible, so here you have it, the real us!

4 children, moving on to 4 new schools. Braden moves to BYU, Hannah enters into High school as a Sophomore. Parker will bring a whole new perspective to The Jr. High that his sister left ( I am not certain the faculty will know what to think of this change!) Chandler has decided to enter into Parker's Elem. and give English a try. If he does not like the transition, he will return to Spanish Immersion.

Braden and his pal Geoff, they are frantically doing last minute packing after playing all night @ Grad Night. There is a plane leaving for Europe Mon. to take them on a whirlwind tour for 5 weeks. Oh, to be young and have no responsibilities...Sigh! I miss those days!

IS IT JUST ME?

2009-06-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

Or did anyone else cry like a baby in UP? Just wondering. If your are pregnant (which I am not) , mid-life (which I am, perhaps even mid-life crisis) or otherwise emotionally impaired..Take tissue with you! Yes, it is a cartoon, but I am a cry baby!

My letter to a friend having a breast reduction

2009-05-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Lilly (name changed to protect the well endowed),

Just a note to show my SUPPORT to you! I hope you will soon feel UPLIFTED and your normal PERKY self. I am certain you will not be a BOOB through all of the pain you must be in. Please don't MINIMIZE how much I think of you, I really appreciate your friendship (I cross my heart)! May you soon have less BOUNCE back in your steps!
Love,
Sue (aka your BOSOM buddy)

So I am off to Ross to find the perfect tiny bra in cheetah print or something outrageous to go along with my letter. What do you think? Of course a yummy dinner will accompany the gift!

Our Whole Earth Day That Wasn't

2009-05-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

It all started out as our normal tradition walk to campus and enjoy "Whole Earth Day" aka "Hippie Fest" Just as I was debating in which dreadlock style would go with my tie-dye and tattoo, we get a phone call from one of Parker's friends saying he fell and hit his head HARD and an ambulance was on its way, sure enough, we started hearing emergency vehicles and ran across campus to find our dare devil strapped on a gurney with c-collar and all ready for a ride to the hospital. He and his friends were jumping stairs and leaping over the garbage cans at the bottom and Parker did a face plant on the cement. OUCH! POOR CEMENT!!
Parker pretty much came out unscathed, an impressive goose egg and fracture of his radial head. His biggest upset was that I would not let him go rejoin his "posse" for more fun.

Without a doubt, if we go back to the scene, there will probably be a large dent in the pavement!

Then my sweet senior enjoyed his last HS dance. The group met for pictures at the arboretum (gorgeous spot) The limo picked them up there and they headed to the Sheraton in Sac for the big event.

My boy at his last prom with his favorite mom!

Of course miss social here hung out with her friends and took silly pictures of each other. This picture is the typical teen texter!

We are just waiting for agents to contact us!!

2009-05-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

I hate when I am taking a blogcation but the fans, news and papparazzi keep bugging me!! Lissi Looks darling in this clip, but this just makes me think that there is something dorkier than hearing my voice on a recording!!

Click anywhere above and it will take you to the link to see our faces!!

Taking a "Blogcation"

2009-04-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

Yes. I am in need of a "blogcation" a wise anonymous person said:
"A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on detour"
So I am going to seek this. See you in a week? month? Heres to detours!

Spring Break Wedding!

2009-04-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

Tiff, Roanne and Hannah before the big event
We just returned from a fun week in Las Vegas for Tiffany's wedding (Tiff is the reason I survived toddlers, she was our "nanny", neighbor and "adopted daughter")

This is the Penthouse @ Green Valley Spa in Las Vegas. Tiff's husband Jayson works there and hooked everyone up with a fabulous week. I now know how the rich and famous party, this suite is unbelievable and over the top!

This is the control for the toilet, heated seat, heated washing and blow drying, I really could get used to this lifestyle! It had a shower in one bathroom with 4 shower heads plus a steam room. The bathtub full of the princess's above looks over the city and gorgeous pool area

There was not a dry eye when Tiff danced with Ashley (aka Mo) to "Leaving Cinderella" in typical Mo fashion, he grabbed tissue and stuffed in his ears so he wouldn't have to listen to the words of the song, it did not work, everyone cried at this very tender moment!

The adorable cake made by my sister in law Jill! I put together the centerpieces, they turned out really cute, this picture doesn't show them off. Gumballs are the base, then root beer sticks and darling pink heart suckers, ting ting grass and tulle with pearls and ribbon, they were very fun and very Tiff!

My princess was escorted by Tiff's bro Ryan (the tallest and shortest couple in the wedding party)
We had a great week and we feel so blessed to have Tiff and her family as a big part of our life!

I LOVE IT!

2009-03-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

BEFORE AND AFTER

I AM FINALLY GETTING AROUND TO POSTING PHOTOS OF OUR KITCHEN MAKE-OVER. THANKS TO SHAWN, BRADEN AND VERA, IF HAVE NEW LAMINATE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE, AND I LOVE THEM!! HERE ARE PHOTOS OF THE KITCHEN AND TEARING UP THE MASTER BEDROOM FLOORS. I REALLY LIKE THE IDEA OF OPENING UP A CUPBOARD. I COVERED THIN INSULATING BOARD WITH FABRIC AND STUCK IT IN THE BACK OF THE CABINET, AND WA-LAA--- A FUN, BRIGHT CABINET! THE WALLS THAT HAD TILE ON THEM WERE TORN UP, SO I DID A "TISSUE PAPER" FINISH ON THEM AND IT COVERED UP ALL OF THE DENTS AND FLAWS PERFECTLY. (CHEAP AND EASY!)

NOTE THE GORGEOUS FLOWERS ON THE COUNTER- COMPLIMENTS OF A FAMILY THAT SPENT HUNDREDS OF $$'S ON FLOWERS FOR A FUNERAL AND THEN DID NOT WANT THEM. THIS WEEKEND I GATHERED SEVERAL VASES AND MADE GORGEOUS BOUQUETS FOR MY HOUSE--RECYCLING AT IT'S BEST! JUST ONE OF THE MANY BENEFITS OF BEING MARRIED TO THE UNDERTAKER! LOL!! AND YOU THOUGHT THIS WHOLE TIME THERE WERE NO PERKS?

It takes 2 !!

2009-03-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

Shawn left Wed. to help chaperone Braden's Jazz Choir trip to Disneyland. This left me with working all week until 5:00 and trying to juggle kids, meetings and crazy schedules SOLO, not a pretty sight!! It really makes me appreciate single parents who do this balancing act everyday and do a great job at it (I admit I am a sissy) The whole thing exhausts me and makes me oh so grateful for an amazing husband. I have to say that it is a little intimidating because Shawn does a much better solo act than I do. The kids will be happy for Shawn's return because I am the "mean" parent. I hide the TV remotes and leave chore lists for after school. We have all survived, but boy do I appreciate a partner in this parenthood business.
THANKS SHAWN, YOU KEEP ME SANE!! (MOST OF THE TIME)

Trust me on this!!

2009-03-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

This is the best and tastiest bargain in downtown Davis!!!
The place is on G street "Sunrise Restaurant" the only Vietnamese restaurant downtown.(Next to Woodstock's) They have these delicious sandwiches (I always get the chicken, but they have pork, BBQ, fish etc). They are on a great roll and then stuffed with grilled chicken, cilantro, shredded carrots, cucumber and thinly sliced fresh jalepeno. They are pure heaven all for the bargain price of
$2.50
Where else can you get a slice of heaven for that cheap??
TRY IT!! TRUST ME!!

"I'm Going to the Mountains of Ephraim..."

2009-03-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

Actually, I just returned from Ephraim. I was able to go to the funeral of an amazing lady Ruth Rasmuson (the mother of my BFF Amy) . The funeral was a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. A few words used to describe Ruth that I heard this weekend were regal, elegant, Christ like, talented and precise, an example to all who knew her! I hope someday to attain a few of the mentioned traits, but for now DEEPLY rooted in me from Ruth is a true passion for Diet Coke and I NEVER leave the house without lipstick (as teenagers when Amy and I would go somewhere, Ruth would always inspect our lips to make sure we looked fabulous!) So, to this day I carry an extra 1.5 pounds in my purse due to a full pouch of lipstick. lip gloss etc. (is it any wonder my shoulder hurts? but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do right?) Thanks Ruth for the amazing memories and great example on how to live, my life has been blessed by you!!

" A GOOD FRIEND IS CHEAPER THAN THERAPY"

2009-02-23T21:00:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful to have these darling girls as friends. We just spent a wonderful weekend in beautiful Monterey (hosted by Cheryl, who incidentally looks like a beautiful supermodel but LOVES to eat great food but we love her anyway because she is even more beautiful on the inside!) We laughed, cried, ate, relaxed, cooked, advised each other and just enjoyed our time, it was a GREAT retreat. We also shopped-these girls are NUTS! I am anxious to hear how they are enjoying their variety of purchases. What a blessing it is to have friends like these. I am like the "mother" of the group as I am about 15 years older them-how lucky am I?

Can I tell you how much I love this?

2009-02-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

But to really appreciate this infatuation with my GPS, understand that most of my life has been lived in VERY small towns with NO traffic, NO freeway and NO stop lights, maybe a stop sign here and there. So driving California freeways has been one of my biggest challenges!So last night after work I headed with GPS in hand to the Oakland Temple for a much needed respite from this crazy world and a little bit of peace. It was pouring down rain but my trusty GPS escorted me safely there. By the time I left the temple it was still pouring rain and I was exhausted so I plugged in "hotels" into the GPS and drove a short distance to the Marriott in downtown Walnut Creek. They happened to be having a "Valentines Special" that included free parking (a big deal in the city), your choice of romantic beverage delivered to your room and free breakfast (restaurant or room service) what is not to love about that? (though not terribly romantic alone). I turned off my alarm, wasted a lot of hot water showering and crashed into the very luxurious king bed (hogging every bit of it!) I never would have ventured into the city along, but with the GPS it gives me a total feeling of independence AAAHHHHH!

ALOHA!!

2009-02-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

It's official, my baby is heading to BYU Hawaii. I am packing my mumu and applying to be a dorm mom!!

MIGHT AS WELL FACE IT I'M ADDICTED TO. . .

2009-01-28T21:25:00.000-08:00

(besides LOVE,  Diet Coke and Chocolate) WHITE SHIRTS!! 
I have not  counted them actually, because I am afraid to count that high, but off the top of my head I have at least 10 of them hanging on hangers, there is my favorite and oh so dressy,figure flattering wrap shirt, my  2 no wrinkle ones from Nordstrom's, at lease 3 from Eddie Bauer and probably 6 more random shirts, all in WHITE, and this does not compare to the many layering tee's or tanks folded up on my shelves. I sincerely believe that you can't have enough. But what does this say about me? Hopelessly boring? After all, I am  very fair skinned and white does nothing for my "colorlessness", but I simply LOVE white shirts. They look cool, crisp and they are a no brainer, they go with EVERYTHING, I don't have to think about them, just simply pick out which one I am in the mood for, put it on with jeans, slacks or  a skirt and presto, I am good to go. I am hopeless, I go shopping to find a darling shirt in some color or pattern but I usually make my way back home with another WHITE SHIRT! I found 2 darling ones with the amazing price of $2.99 last night, but don't tell Shawn, he might think I already have enough! ( I could NOT help myself!)

WHAT'S IN YOUR CLOSET THAT YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT???

SATURDAY RANDOMNESS

2009-01-24T22:59:00.000-08:00

Shawn and I walked down the street to a new Coffee shop/ Cafe to see part of their entertainment for the night (see handsome in picture below) GREAT job Braden!!And when I return, I find these random pictures of these crazy girls on my computer, NOTICE that these are all taken on TOP of our roof! Notice in the one picture the FRAT BOYS setting up for one NOISY party (they had to be wondering what these girls were doing on our roof in such
fraternity like behavior!

Who does dancing and handstands on roofs?

NOTE to self...give girls more specific rules and guidelines before leaving them on their OWN!!

"I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND WHAT DID I SEE?'

2009-01-20T19:50:00.000-08:00

Thats right..blossoms, I was out running errands for Jazz Choir's Cabaret and for the Scout's Blue and Gold Banquet, and there right before my eyes was a tree in full GORGEOUS bloom!

And just Sunday, we were at friends for dinner and their yard was in full SPECTACULAR BLOOM full of spring bulbs. Am I in the wrong month? Is it not quite the end of January? I am caught between elation that warm weather is on its way and feeling guilty because we DESPERATELY need more (much more) of a rainy season!