be mary

happy love day

2009-02-14T09:49:00.003-07:00

Clint and I found this so cool shell on the beach at Mexico when we were taking a walk at sunset. How sweet is that! Our own love shell. I took it as a sign of our true love. (Thanks, of course, to our friends who stayed back at the beach house cooking dinner and playing with the kids--but that's another story. )

sunday morning hailstorm

2009-02-08T18:30:00.003-07:00

Playing in the hail was a perfect way to start our Sunday morning.

Just don't ask why we need a baggie full of hail in our freezer.

weekend wishes

2009-02-07T10:05:00.002-07:00

This is where I wish I was spending the weekend. Instead of holed up in my office working. Grrr.

draper temple

2009-01-30T10:29:00.003-07:00

I've been working on some projects this week that I've had on my plate from before the holidays. This is one of them. I love how it turned out. After staring at it for two days now, I'm thinking of throwing the kids in the car and driving the 11 hour drive (each way!) over an upcoming weekend to attend the open house. Am I crazy to even be considering this?

my amazing thing for today

2009-01-17T12:06:00.004-07:00

Have you seen this countdown of 1000 awesome things yet? Not only is it very entertaining and fun to read but it's a great reminder that it's usually the simple things that are the most amazing. My amazing thing for today is desert living. January (and February and March, for that matter) are amazing in Arizona. The high is supposed to hit 76 today. Perfect. I snapped this picture of Maddie and her friends out riding their bikes in the sun. Amazing day. (I considered writing about how amazing it is that the AZ Cardinals are one game away from the Super Bowl--but I don't want to jinx anything...)

empty mailbox

2009-01-13T17:48:00.004-07:00

First Blueprint stopped publication. I still miss reading it. Over the holidays I heard that Cottage Living went defunct and then today I read that Home Companion and Country Living have shut their doors. What? H0w can this be? I am now down to two monthly magazines to look forward to. Sigh. (the above image of the current Domino is for a certain freind of mine who has a little crush on a Zooey...)

sumo love

2009-01-09T14:45:00.004-07:00

What isn't great about sumo wrestlers? They are SUPPOSED to eat way too much and they get rewarded for gaining weight. And--this is the best part--they are proud to show their body off. I wish I had a baby to wear this onesie or, better yet, I wish it came in my size.

14 in dog years

2009-01-08T10:04:00.004-07:00

I promise I'm not one of those crazy dog people but we did throw a little party for our puppy on Tuesday. It was one of my new year's resolutions to say yes more often to my children and they (Maddie and Sam anyway) were begging. (It's her birthday, Mom!) So I caved and said we could make her a little doggie cake (recipe from here and she LOVED it!). No decorations. No presents. Okay maybe a few doggie treats but absolutely not wrapped! No, not every puppy\dog in the neighborhood can attend. No, no friends--just our family. Okay, a few neighbor kids that couldn't resist the idea of puppy party can come (Maddie, as usual, announced it to pretty much her entire school). Happy birthday Duchess!

speaking of monograms

2009-01-06T20:11:00.002-07:00

So much for my goal of simplifying...after reading this, I now want to design my own monogram. Love it!

everything's better with an m on it

2009-01-06T08:49:00.003-07:00

I'm a sucker for monograms. My talented sister-in-law made this fantastic bowl for me for Christmas. It's the perfect size for a bag of clementines (which I'm all out of right now because they disappear like candy in our house...well, not exactly like candy...but very fast). I love it. Maybe she will write a tutorial on how to do it on her blog...

where's a book club when you need one

2009-01-05T00:24:00.006-07:00

I started reading The Glass Castle today and was not able to put it down. And now I've finished it but I can't go to sleep because I keep thinking about it and I want to discuss it with somebody but it's 12:20 in the am and I have no one to talk to! So I'm blogging it. If you have not read this book, find yourself a copy and read it. Amazing and beautifully written memoir about a family who overcomes extraordinarily terrible circumstances. "Outrageous misfortune"--according to the NY Times review. Just when you think things can't get worse, you turn the page and they do. If you've ever blamed your childhood for anything or felt sorry for yourself for what you had to "endure" (or know someone who has), read this book.

a few pics from our merry christmas

2009-01-01T10:52:00.005-07:00

Our annual "pose in front of the tree in our new matching jammies on Christmas Eve" picture--which our kids only endure because they know the opening of one present each is up next. Finding matching jammies gets harder and harder each year as the kids get bigger. This year, I tried first for a reindeer theme for all of us, then added grinch and finally ended with simply red.

Our annual "burst through the wrapping paper to see what Santa brought" picture.

I guess our children were on the good list this year. We only wish that we could have shared all the excitement and happiness of the day with all our friends and family.

sweet idea

2008-12-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

I love this idea from Eddie Ross. And I think my kids will too!

never enough glitter and sparkle

2008-12-23T10:48:00.004-07:00

It used to be rather difficult to find silver and white glittered and sparkling ornaments for my tree (and a few antique gold crushed glass glitter because I love how it ages). I really had to look. Now they're everywhere and I am forced to be selective. I try (really, Clint!) to buy just a few each year.

This gorgeous snowflake is what I added this year--Caitlin brought me three of these beauties home from her trip to Gettysburg. Love them.

my holiday house

2008-12-20T16:33:00.009-07:00

Every year I dread starting the whole decorating for Christmas project. It's huge (and just happens to unhappily coincide with my busiest time with my photography). Each year I promise myself not to do too much. Not to spend so much time. Not to buy any more stuff. (I make this last promise mostly for my very long-suffering husband.) And then every year I break these promises. I find something I just can't live without or a corner that needs a little something. Or a new idea that I must incorporate. Anyway, I had my fingers crossed when I made the promises--I can't help myself--I love having my house decorated for the holidays. I always wondered what to put on this fabulous tree until I saw this. Of course!

Glittered birds! What could go better on a Christmas tree?

On the right is my favorite tree: full of all my children's cute handmade decorations. I treasure these. On the left is a tree I put together when I decided that I needed more color and whimsy. My secret to having multiple trees: timers!

My family will always believe in Santa--no matter how old my kids get. They know better than to ever ask me if Santa is real. Of course, he is!

My ever-expanding collection of Santas. I love how different each one is.

My windows are draped with garlands--and words. Clint says our house is "closed captioned" at Christmas.

Everybody should have a mantle to decorate--and this is mine. I'll post my main tree tomorrow. My husband is waiting on me for our weekly Saturday night date...

the perfect glass

2008-12-11T10:43:00.002-07:00

I don't remember much from the movie "Ghost Town" except that I became completely obsessed with the glasses that Ricky Gervais' character kept drinking from--so perfectly tall and thin. I've wanted them ever since. Caitlin's dinner party gave me the perfect excuse to buy a set and I'm so glad I did. Only $1.99 at Cost Plus. For the party, we made Italian sodas which have become a family favorite (thanks, Jake, for introducing them to us!) and are perfect for a party. Great mixer for those who don't drink alcohol and so easy to make: 2 parts club soda, 1 part half and half and 1 part fruit syrup (I buy mine at Smart & Final). Top with whipped cream--from the can. Delicious.

dinner at our house

2008-12-06T12:23:00.004-07:00

Before their Winter Formal school dance last night, Caitlin, her date and 5 other couples had dinner at our house. Cait did a great job setting the tables--aren't the placecards so elegant? Our friends, Brent and Laura, catered the most delicious dinner and chaperoned (and served and cleaned up!) so Clint and I could run to our children's piano recital. Huge thanks to them--we owe you. The whole evening was lovely.

maddie's favorite school day

2008-12-05T10:00:00.001-07:00

How Maddie and her friends celebrated crazy hair day this morning. I guess the crazy extended to more than just the hair.

the whole truth

2008-12-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

I was talking to someone today who was complaining about blogs and the people who write them. She said things like they never really portray the truth and who would think their life was that interesting to publish it for everyone to see. I didn't try to argue with her--I wonder the same things sometimes. I was just glad that she didn't know about my little blog. And there was absolutely no way I was about to tell her. But I did want to put a little truth out there. This is a real picture of my kids--complete with crazy-just-out-of-the-shower hair and painted-on-moustaches. Bad lighting. Only a little photoshopping (I can't help myself!). Real kid-made graham cracker houses. This is my life.

sunday thought

2008-11-30T21:08:00.003-07:00

For the past few months, Sam has been obsessed with an online game. It's usually not a bad thing because we have parental controls set and we've discovered that it's the ultimate bribery tool for him. But lately he's been a little too obsessed and so we cut him off for a couple days. On Friday, Clint took him and Jake to play basketball--partly to show him that there are lots of other things to do.

At one point, Sam was 3/4 of the way down the court and said to Clint "If I make this shot, can I play online for three hours tonight?" Clint agreed, knowing that there was no way that he'd make the shot. Sam shot and made it. Seriously an impossible basket. Sam's answer: "I guess Jesus wants me to play on the computer." They were playing at our churchhouse after all.

before picture

2008-11-29T18:10:00.001-07:00

This is what comes before the most wonderful time of the year.

a pie for everyone

2008-11-29T09:19:00.003-07:00

Hope your Thanksgiving day was as nice as mine. Caitlin learned how to make pies at her church Young Women's group and made these cute and delicious mini-pies for each person. Yum.

silver lining

2008-11-26T10:48:00.003-07:00

Looking over my last few posts, I can't help but come to the conclusion that I complain a lot. I shouldn't. I have so much to be thankful for. I just need to focus on that more. Today, I'm thankful for cloudy days. When we first moved to AZ, I couldn't understand why everyone here loved what I considered to be "bad" weather but after 15 years of sunny days I understand! Besides, cloudy days are the best for taking pictures.

a pain in my backside

2008-11-25T13:38:00.004-07:00

I don't know what kind of cactus this is but I do know that I don't like it. I also know that when I backed into it while I was trying to get the perfect angle at a photo shoot last night, hundreds of tiny (yet, surprisingly sharp and painful) spines stuck into my backside. Ouch.

top five reasons I deserve rolls

2008-11-23T21:04:00.004-07:00

5. My ankle still hurts. A little bit, anyway.
4. I have four photo shoots this week plus shopping for and cooking the whole Thanksgiving Day dinner by myself. Well, me and Costco anyway.
3. Tonight's photo shoot was less than ideal...busted windows, police line-ups, crazy lady trying to extort money from me. You get the idea. Luckily the family was great.
2. I agreed with everybody that told me that today's Primary program was the best they had ever seen--and I meant it.
1. I tried to make rolls once before. I even followed the same recipe. And my family was very sad. "What, these aren't Laura's rolls!?" "Yuck!" "These don't taste right." "Aren't they supposed to be soft?" I guess when you've had the very best, nothing else will do.
Do I get my rolls now?

give thanks for thanksgiving

2008-11-23T07:52:00.003-07:00

If you have totally forgotten about Thanksgiving, this post is not for you. If you have already hung your stockings, put up your Christmas tree, filled your jars with candy canes, you don't need to read any further. This is only intended for those that appreciate what a wonderful holiday Thanksgiving is, who like to remember the great sacrifice made for our country by the hardy Pilgrims and the helpful Indians, and still have pumpkins, fall leaves and other autumnal delights decorating their houses. I found these too cute pillows at Pottery Barn last week marked down from $30 to $20 (I couldn't find them on the website). I passed on them then, knowing they would go lower mostly because of so many people's general disregard for what is arguably our country's most important holiday. My friend found them yesterday for $14. Give thanks for sales.

misery loves company

2008-11-19T09:38:00.002-07:00

I'm immobile for the next little while and I'm not happy about it. I don't even have a good story to tell. I just tripped. In a driveway. When I was walking. And now I can't do anything but work at the computer. You know how everybody always talks about the good that comes from trials and the lessons we learn and the gratefulness and insight we gain? I would just rather be able to walk, thank you very much.

hello again

2008-11-14T19:12:00.003-07:00

I've been busily working this week. I'm in the middle of Christmas portrait season as well as orders for vinyl (I had no idea what I was getting into when I bought my little vinyl cutter) and supplying temples for Super Saturdays. So I've been trying as hard as I can to work and not procrastinate--thus, no blogging. So sorry. I did find time, however, to make myself this happy decal for my office door. After all, my office is where I live, according to Maddie anyway. I saw this idea here and you can buy your own cheerful greeting here.

giving thanks for this banner

2008-11-09T16:23:00.003-07:00

A few years ago I saw a banner similar to this in the Pottery Barn catalog. I didn't buy and have regretted it ever since. Until now. A friend sewed this one for me and I LOVE it.

hiking peralta

2008-11-08T10:40:00.002-07:00

Clint took the day off yesterday to attend the Veteran's Day assembly at our kid's elementary school. In the afternoon, we decided to take advantage of the great weather and beautiful day by going on one of our favorite hikes: the Peralta trail in the Superstition Mountains. If my camera wasn't so dang heavy, I would have carried it up and taken pictures from the top. It was an absolutely beautiful view.

back to back champs

2008-11-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

Jake's fall baseball team won the district championship tonight--with Jake pitching a great game--and Clint couldn't be a prouder coach. After all the stress (and disappointment) of the last few days, it feels great to win.

peace on earth

2008-11-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

Amy Butler's so cute house was featured in the new issue of Mary Englebreit--all decked out in happy, bright colors for Christmas. I love this print (and the bike with the stocking, too!) and I really love that the pattern's available for free on her website. On this day, even more than usual, I think a little peace on earth would be very nice.

murder at our house

2008-10-30T08:11:00.001-07:00

Maddie won three goldfish at a birthday party last week and was ecstatic. I was a little more worried than happy--our history with pets has not been spectacular, to say the least. But Charlene, Gracie and Kaddie became immediate beloved pets that Maddie lovingly fed, watched over and talked to. Until last night. I (very accidentally, might I add) dropped Gracie when I was changing the water. Maddie was devastated. There was a lot of screaming and crying.

When I noticed about 11 last night that Gracie didn't survive the fall, I drove to Wal-mart and replaced her. I didn't think I could face Maddie in the morning with a dead fish. But when I woke up this morning I discovered that the new Gracie had died, too. I fessed up to kids and we concluded that the new Gracie must have been killed by her bowl mates. In cold blood, naturally. They are fish. But apparently not nice fish. We have officially renamed them Wilkes and Booth after another murderer.

And please, do not give us any more pets.

the great compromise

2008-10-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for a headboard for our bed for a long time. Clint likes traditional things (think huge, dark wood, 4-poster) and I lean towards nore modern (clean, light, upholstered). I found this headboard this morning and decided it was the perfect compromise. Voila! And I think Clint could even make it for me...

happy birthday, brent

2008-10-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

Whenever I have a good story, Brent is my favorite person to tell--his reactions are the greatest. He's also one of the most genuinely funny people I know, especially after midnight. Happy 40th, Brent.

first homecoming

2008-10-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

Every girl should be as lucky as Caitlin and get to go to her first big dance with her best guy friend of 5 years who also happens to be the starting quarterback of their HS football team and one of the nicest boys I know.

tin greeting

2008-10-17T10:24:00.001-07:00

This was one of the projects I made at our little church crafts group and I love it. It looks great on the big wall outside my front door. Funny thing is that my husband did not know who the monogram was for. Uh...you and me, sweetie. Oh. So much thought on my part and nobody gets it. Sigh.

if anyone finds my label maker, please let me know

2008-10-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

I was in the mood to label things today. Instead I spent the day looking for my label maker. Grr.

my new door

2008-10-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

What do you think of my new door? (I saw this idea somewhere but I can't remember for the life of me where to give the credit--sorry.)

my new favorite blog

2008-10-08T11:47:00.001-07:00

I just found inchmark and I adore it. Sweet, simple and beautiful--my favorite things. And this idea for journaling--in list form with a date stamp title--is perfect. I'm going to steal it.

my fall home

2008-10-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! The weather has officially changed--no more 100's. Time to decorate as if Autumn has come to Arizona--not that it ever really does. This is the time of year that I miss the change of seasons more than ever: sweaters, fallen leaves, hot chocolate and, most importantly, the smell of cool, crisp air. I'm trying to just be happy that we can turn off the AC at night. For some great Fall decorating inspiration, look here and here.

arizona snow

2008-10-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

This is what we resort to in Arizona for fun after over 110 days of the weather being over 100 degrees: shipped in snow.

information, please

2008-09-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

About five minutes before Jake walked out the door for school this morning he remembered that he was supposed to bring cupcakes for a "Friday Fun" activity. "Mom, can you hurry up and make some. I promised my teacher that you would." Fine. I mixed, I baked, I frosted, I sprinkled. I even delivered. That's the kind of mom I am.

After school I asked him how the cupcakes were. "Terrible," was his surprising reply. What? Apparently the cupcakes were supposed to be plain--frosting them was the fun activity. "Don't worry, Mom. My friends all ate them after school and were glad they had frosting on them." Day saved.

white pumpkins

2008-09-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love these white pumpkins. I found them on eddieross.com. I'm loving watching Eddie, a designer for Martha herself, and the other designers on Top Design this season. My new favorite quote was from "Big Daddy" (who should NOT have been sent home) from last night's episode: "Make me a bird so I can fly far, far away. I had no idea what he was talking about.”

cookies for clint

2008-09-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

Martha was all about blogging today. Who would have ever thought Perez Hilton would be a guest on the Martha Show? What caught my attention was this recipe for the most delicious-looking (not to mention milk caramel-filled) alfajores--the cookies that just happen to be my husband's favorite cookie ever. He always mentions them fondly when he talks about the two years he spent in Argentina. Maybe this weekend...

birthday throne

2008-09-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

Flowers from my husband...very sweet. My favorite cake and the coolest antique camera ever...wonderful. My birthday remembered with cards and well wishes and gifts...endearing. Having my seat decorated with signs, streamers and crepe paper...priceless. Thanks, Becca!

yummy beginning

2008-09-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

Great way to start the day. Thank you, Amy and Matt.

buy this book

2008-09-12T11:40:00.000-07:00

If you love Halloween, run out and buy this book as soon as you can. It is the best Halloween book ever. And the styling is incredible. Each page is a feast for your eyes. Don't miss out--I'm still mad that I missed his holiday book. I can only hope his magazine becomes a monthly...

stopping time

2008-09-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

Last night as Clint, Cait and Sam were off to their respective church activities, Jake and Maddie and I changed into our pajamas and cuddled under the blankets (albeit with our feet sticking out and the fan on--it is Arizona) in my bed and watched our favorite family show, Wipeout, together. A couple of Jake's friends stopped by to ask him if he wanted to go on a McDonald's ice cream run with them. Jake said no, he'd rather stay with us. Sigh. I love these kids.

If I could pick any superhero power to have, I wouldn't pick super strength or invisibility (although those would be nice to have). I would pick the ability to freeze time. And then I'd stop time right now.

countdown to fall

2008-09-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

Obviously still on my can't wait for Autumn kick, I bought this great countdown to Halloween at Kirklands and already hung it up. It was a must-have for only $20. Really. You couldn't even begin to make it for that. I know we're barely into September. I know it's 108 out today. I know Halloween is a almost two months away. But I love it.

so over summer

2008-09-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Labor day is the traditional end of Summer. Except in Arizona where it still reached over 100 degrees today. Sheesh.

nature put on a show last night

2008-08-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

These pictures do not do justice to the most incredible storm we had last night. Thunder rocked the house and lightning constantly lit up the sky for over an hour. I had never seen anything like this before. Amazing.

surprise party

2008-08-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Clint took the afternoon off work and we spent our anniversary at the movies. We saw Man on Wire and American Teen and I highly recommend them both. Halfway through the second movie, Cait texted me that Maddie was planning a surprise party for us and had already invited a few families (and handed out assignments--can you come and bring balloons) over to our house. Luckily, Cait (and some great friends--thank you!) convinced Maddie that a surprise party was not what we really had in mind for our anniversary evening. But Clint and I still spent the second half of the movie feeling guilty that we were spoiling Maddie's sweet gesture and not there to comfort her. Not enough guilt to stop us from going out to dinner afterwards, however. When I woke up Maddie this morning, I said how sorry I was that her party couldn't work out. Her answer? So Maddie. "What party? I just wanted you think there was one!"

once upon a time

2008-08-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe it was eighteen years ago today that I wore this dress (huge, poofy sleeves, a high neck and a bow! What was I thinking? Let's not even talk about the veil...) to marry my sweetheart for time and all eternity. But I'm so glad I did. It's the best decision I ever made.

game loot

2008-08-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

Apparently this is what you get when you opt to go the Dbacks games with your dad for your birthday instead of having a party. A very happy Jake. Side note: Sam caught two balls and sweetly gave one to Jake and the other to Jake's friend. What great boys I have.

another maddie post

2008-08-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry and yes, my other kids are just as brilliant but Maddie is the one who says the funniest things. She fell on the way home from school yesterday and her knee was a yucky, bloody mess and, of course, needed a band-aid. Maddie hates band-aids and has refused to wear one for years. This has long been a problem because she is very active and gets hurt quite often. Why, I ask, a little miffed that I can't cover up her bloody knee. Maddie gave me two simple reasons which were completely reasonable in her mind. "They make me look ugly and I can't concentrate when I have one on because I just keep looking at it." Sigh.

celebrate the everyday

2008-08-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

Even though Jake's birthday is long over, I don't want to take this banner down. It makes me happy every time I see it. I think I need to incorporate more cheerful and bright colors in my house. I use too many neutrals. I think I will leave it up for a while longer--after all, it's somebody's birthday today.

classic maddie

2008-08-20T21:04:00.001-07:00

The kids came home from school today excited to show us their test results from last year. After explaining how the graphs worked, Maddie decided to graph her own life results. Her categories are smart, pretty, popular, happy, mean and disappointed. Modest (and hilarious), as usual.

happy birthday, jake

2008-08-18T10:52:00.001-07:00

Today is Jake's tenth birthday and I can't imagine anyone ever being more excited to hit "double digits" as he was. Jake is an amazing kid--really great at anything he tries. But the the thing I like best about Jake is his sweetness. We love you, Jake. Have a fantastic birthday.

big picture

2008-08-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

How fun would it be to be a photojournalist travelling the world taking shots like this? To see more incredible (and big) photos like this one, go here. My family is loving watching the Olympics--maybe a little too much--it's been a struggle to turn the TV off. So I was disappointed to read in the paper today that parts of the Opening Ceremony were not what they seemed. The fireworks--computer generated. The singer--lip-synching (because the real singer was not considered photogenic enough). It makes you wonder what else isn't what it seems. Sigh.

school rules!

2008-08-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

My kids were up and ready on their own in happy anticipation of the first day of school.

do good anyway

2008-08-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

"People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People who really want help may attack you if you help them. Help them anyway. Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. Give the world your best anyway."~~Mother Teresa

big day at our house

2008-08-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

Maddie learned how to do an aerial (a cartwheel without using arms!) at gymnastics. She was more excited about the candy bracelet she received for achieving it.

We found out Sam needed glasses and he opted for contacts. Not to belittle anybody else's achievement in this area but Sam was able to put in his contacts on his own in less than three minutes. Fabulous job!

love the suits

2008-08-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Clint's dad emailed this great picture today of himself as a boy with his own father to commemorate what would have been his father's 100th birthday. What is it about old pictures that makes them so fun to look at?

rocky point rocks

2008-08-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Top ten things we loved about our vacation:
10. Sitting in our cabana watching the high tide
9. Jet skis (for those who didn't get seasick) and Curly--who helped us get them
8. Lazing around the lazy river
7. Princess Diaries 2--over and over and over again. And then again
6. Playing "who can stand up the longest" in the waves
5. Eating better than anyone ever has in Mexico--yumm, Chicken Bryan
4. Buying mangos on the beach from a very questionable vendor--who probably had never washed his hands, used his teeth to hold the stick and only dropped it one time
3. The cute little mexican woman who braided our girls' hair
2. Trips into town--daily, at least.
1. Fresh tortillas from the white store with the red Coca Cola sign

vacation...perfect

2008-08-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

More details to come...

taking a break

2008-07-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

"Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability."~~Sam Keen

vote for kaeli again

2008-07-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

My niece, Kaeli Jensen, made it to the next round and she would love your vote. Voting ends tonight.

not that I would do it

2008-07-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

FYI, the 5-second rule has been changed to the 30-second rule. Scouts honor. Read about the study here. Or, if you want to be more technical, you can use the dropped food safety estimator . I like the simplicity of this rule: Jawbreaker on a hardwood floor - safe. Custard in a sand box - no go.

stories from camp

2008-07-28T15:09:00.000-07:00

Clint took some great photos of the big camping trip last weekend. Their camp looked great.

Maddie was the first one over the waterfall--mostly because she got too close to the edge and fell in--but I'm almost sure she won't tell it that way.

Sam had an "okay" time--but couldn't wait to get home to the computer.

Either this is of Jake and Dallin showing off their muscles or two concentration camp survivors.

I'm guessing that Jake didn't want anymore photos taken...

I'm hoping they weren't aiming at Camille and Jerel...

You'll have to make up your own caption for this one of our great camp hosts, Mason and Natalie. Thanks, you two, I hear that everybody had a great time...

good game

2008-07-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

Looks like the girls won again. Fun times.

roughing it

2008-07-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

Clint is taking the kids camping tonight. I'm told that the camping site is next to a waterfall and a river. Wouldn't it be great if it looked like this.

another maddie story

2008-07-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Maddie constantly keeps us laughing. She woke me up early this morning by asking,"You know that one girl that is on all the missing posters?" What?--I was still half asleep. "I figured out who she is." Who? "She's the little girl, Emily, from that movie, Saturday's Warriors. She must have been kidnapped." Go back to sleep, Maddie.

Then an hour later as I was getting dressed, she asked "Mom, I need the phone number that you call when you want to become a superstar on TV because I think I'm ready now." It's fun just seeing what she will think of next.

happy pioneer day

2008-07-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Pioneer Day is a big holiday in Utah. Everybody gets the day off work and celebrates with picnics, parades, carnivals and fireworks. I feel sad that we don't do much in Arizona to remember that it was on this day in 1847 that Brigham Young and the first group of brave (and exhausted) pioneers entered the Salt Lake valley.

This is a picture of ten of Brigham Young's wives. My Great, Great, Great Grandmother was Emily Partridge (back row, second on the left). Brigham Young married her after her first husband was killed.

I love this monument entitled "Journey's End". It is dedicated to the "handcart pioneers who exemplified sacrifice, courage, determination and unwavering faith". The inscription reads:

Between 1856 and 1860, some 3000 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints eagerly started their westward journey to Zion by handcart. The pioneers who departed from Iowa City walked approximately 1300 miles. And those who departed from Florence, Nebraska walked almost as far.

Each rough-hewn handcart carried around 300 pounds of their earthly possessions and provisions for their long journey. Usually five people were assigned to each handcart. Hardships and trials tested the faith of the men, women, and children as they pushed and pulled their handcarts over rugged trails, mountains, rivers, deserts, plains through heavy snow drenching rain, and fatiguing heat.

The pioneers love for God and his son, Jesus Christ, inspired them to take every footstep with faith. Their hope was to gather with the early settlers in Zion where they would have religious freedom, live in peace, and help build the Kingdom of God. Upon arriving in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake, these noble pioneers were joyful and thankful that they had reached the end of the arduous journey. This monument depicts a family offering a humble prayer of gratitude.

getting closer

2008-07-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

This the drawing Clint made of what we wanted the front of our house to look like.

Two years later, we're about halfway there. I'm just hoping the second half will go a little faster...

no mail for us

2008-07-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

"Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" but a little rusted metal does. Oh, well. It was only bills anyways.

jump for joy

2008-07-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Happy quinceanera, Sarah. Hope your day is super fun (just like you) and you get to break the pinata.

another monsoon storm

2008-07-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

I wonder if I will ever stop being amazed at how fast Arizona summer storms roll in--and how beautiful (and refreshing!) they are.

bionic boy

2008-07-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

When we found out Sam was deaf 13 years ago, we faced a lot of really tough decisions--one of the hardest of which was deciding whether or not to get him a cochlear implant. It took us over two years to finally decide to implant him (hard to believe now but Sam was not considered a very good candidate at the time) and we are so glad we did. It has turned out to be one of the best decisions we have ever made. I'm still amazed at how far Sam has come as a result of being able to "hear" through his implant. In fact this last school year, he "graduated" from being in any special ed. and just became like every other junior high kid. I'm so proud of his hard work. I just read that there is a new True Life documentary on MTV about a boy that is being implanted that repeats tomorrow at 4 pm. It'll be interesting to watch the life-changing transformation again.

quest for perfection

2008-07-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

Interested in the secrets to making the perfect chocolate chip cookie? The NY Times has collected the best ones in this great article (via here).

quote for a reflective day

2008-07-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

"We can work towards perfection by doing things better than we did yesterday."~~Lorenzo Snow

taking a chance

2008-07-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Speaking of ABBA, I just read in our newspaper that John McCain has been using Take a Chance on Me as his campaign theme song. Unlike most songs chosen by politicians (like Mitt Romney choosing A Little Less Conversation ) I think this one really fits his campaign.

gimme! gimme! gimme!

2008-07-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

The closest I'm going to get to a vacation in the Greek Isles anytime soon is seeing Mamma Mia! tonight. I just hope it's as much fun as the musical.

one thing I do better than martha

2008-07-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

Martha was all new this morning (and not just a compilation of old shows put together and called a new one) and very good. Michael Tucker (oh, how I loved LA Law!) was there cooking from his new book about living and cooking in Italy. Also, a great demonstration on making encaustic paintings (like the image above from here) with photographs (using wax!) that I would love to try. But the best part was Martha admitting that she has only ordered take-out pizza ONE time. In her life. I know, I had to play it again to make sure I heard it right, too. One time. Now ordering pizza--that's something I can do really well.

recap fun

2008-07-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else agree that reality shows have saved summer TV? And my favorite thing to do after watching a reality show is read the hilarious blog recaps. It's like talking about it with a favorite girlfriend. I like this one for Flipping Out, here for Project Runway and here for Design Star.

shopping justification

2008-07-17T21:42:00.001-07:00

I know I told Clint that I wouldn't buy any more clocks but this isn't technically a clock--just the hands. And they're on sale.

happiness is...

2008-07-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

Getting a sidewalk today.

closet envy

2008-07-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

Remember this episode of Oprah featuring Colin Cowie and his extremely organized everything. I would love my closets to look like his. But I have children. And a husband. And a budget. I watched Colin on a talk show this morning and he said he had a 25 million dollar budget for a wedding once. Seriously.

hello goodbye

2008-07-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

Caitlin is off again--to girls camp this time. She is excited to be a youth leader this year and spent all day yesterday making handouts and little gifts for her "girls". I told her to call me when the bus returns on Saturday so we can pick her up. "I can't. We're not supposed to bring cell phones." Well, just bring yours and keep it off until you need to call me when you get back. "Are you telling me to break the rules, Mom?" Not really, just bring it for emergencies. "No. I need to follow the rules." Fine, just borrow one of the hundreds of others that everyone else will have sneaked up there.

party plates

2008-07-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

I've been collecting these glass luncheon plates and matching cups at thrift stores for a couple of years now. I remember my Grandmother using similiar ones to serve refreshments to her bridge club and Maddie and her friends are using mine for a tea party this afternoon. How fun is that? I would love to have my girlfriends over for a little tea party.

clean slate

2008-07-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

I spent all weekend cleaning two years of clutter and mess in my office so I could work more efficiently and now more work is the last thing I want to do.

vote for kaeli

2008-07-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

I have this incredibly talented neice, Kaeli, who is this close to making it big. She sings beautiful, clean, uplifting music. A couple weeks ago she sang in a contest in Vegas and now needs everyone to vote for her so can make it to the next level. To vote, go here and then click on Kaeli Jensen and then vote. You can vote as many times as you want to but only today and tomorrow. Listen to her beautiful music here or here.

happy birthday, laura

2008-07-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

Here's wishing the happiest of birthdays to my favorite spades partner and one of the funnest (and funniest!) friends ever. You're the best, Laura!

quote for a quiet sunday

2008-07-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

"That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet."~~Emily Dickinson.

us? embarrassing?

2008-07-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

Caitlin just left for her first official date. She was hesitant at first to even tell us about it because she thought we would "tell everybody, make a big deal about it and embarrass me." Really, Cait? How little you know us. We save that for the second date.

then and now

2008-07-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

I ran across this fun site in the morning newspaper today and found it very entertaining--and so did my kids. If you live in Arizona and want to see how much it's changed, go here.

movie propaganda

2008-07-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

Despite how cute the two little robots are and all the great reviews, I didn't like Wall-E at all. This "social commentary disguised as a cartoon" has a simplistic yet overbearing message that our planet is doomed if we don't change and fast. I kept waiting for a robot named Al Gore complete with a vote Obama pin to swoop in and save the day. Here is an article that you should read if you want to see the movie.

monsoon reality

2008-07-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

When Clint and I first moved to Arizona, we heard about monsoon season and wondered if it really existed. We found it hard to believe that it could rain here enough to call it a monsoon. More than a decade later, we are believers. Yesterday it rained over two inches here in an hour. Our kids (and a couple friends) celebrated the cooling downpour by playing in the rain and then "warming up" with ice cream sundaes. Only in Arizona...

dysfunctional computer

2008-07-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

"You may have tangible wealth untold; Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be --I have a husband who can fix my internet for me." Thanks, Clint! It was a long day without my internet.

new career idea

2008-07-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

I hate personality tests. I'm always sad when I get the results--is that really me? I also try to "cheat" the test and answer the way I think is the better answer (after all, it worked on college tests--trying to answer the way the teacher would want) and it didn't help at all. Despite my better judgement, I tried another one that a friend recommended. Really? Is this me? Could I be anymore boring? Pass the Ben & Jerry's. Strange but I never really considered being a mafia don as an occupation...

Your personality type:
Practical, traditional and organized. Likely to be athletic. Not interested in theory or abstraction unless they see the practical application. Have clear visions of the way things should be. Loyal and hard-working. Like to be in charge. Exceptionally capable in organizing and running activities. 'Good citizens' who value security and peaceful living.
Careers that could fit you includes:
Military, business administrators, managers, police/detective work, judges, financial officers, teachers, sales representatives, government workers, insurance agents, underwriters, nursing administrators, trade and technical teachers, (mafia dons).