hanging with friend Kate

I had the chance to have my bud Kate stay with us for a few days. It was very fun to have a 6 year old at our house. I found myself planning fun stuff to do like go to the pool,the park, and other 6 year old friendly activities. It was so cute to see my big boys, and Dave look after her. When we would get in the car they would help her in her booster seat, and always want to know what she was doing. The girls were cute with her too. I have a weekly lunch outing with one of my "bff" Michelle. While I was gone, Aub played with Kate. When I came home I had one more place to go, so I asked Kate if she wanted to come with me. Nope, she was playing ball with Aubrey.

I'm afraid we were far too boring here at our house, but she was a really good sport about it. I did make points by having a stash of Polly pockets of my own to show her. Those Polly pocket clothes are torture to put on. One thing that made me so happy inside, was when she was playing Polly pockets in my room, while I was reading on my bed. She had one male Polly pocket guy in the little bed, and the girl princess was with the horse and carriage. She had the other male dude walk up to the bed, and for some reason I thought- oh no a fight or "What are you doing here" or, "Cinderella is MY girl" kind of conversation between the two manly Polly pocket guys. Nope, the one walked over to the guy laying on the bed and all he said was "hello".. sheesh... I stopped watching soaps loooong ago. It was so awesome and sweet and innocent. I loved it.

The last morning she was with me, I had a lot of bad news in a few areas of my life hit me. (Laura's car accident to name one) Nothing horrid, just kinda worrisome. Having Kate with me kept my head up and was really a good thing.

I REALLY hope Miss Kate becomes a permanent part of my life--- forever!! If not, I will do my best to keep her in my life as long as I can anyway. She's great

Valentines Day in July

A few months ago I hinted a little about the awesome valentines day
gift I planned to give David. Today he cashed in on it. The gift was
a one hour beginning flying lesson. Because of my dizziness issues, we
opted to have Mr Gadget Jacob go up with him. They both came away
wanting to pursue it more. I wish I could have seen inside the plane
while they were up there.
Now the problem... How do I top this for Valentines Day 2010?

The students

The end

Boondocks in July

We went back to boondocks on Monday night and had a lot of fun. It wasn't too crowded but we wish Aub could have come. Dave helped keep me dry on the bumper boats but my favorite was lazertag. I think Ill do that for my next birthday ;) We went on the slick track three times and that was pretty fun. I'm more adventurous out there then I thought I'd ever be. Here's a few photos for ya

Don't ask me why

I went to Ikea today. Don't ask me why. I did get some new pans, which
we needed. A few other things were procured that we can use, a tray
and cutting boards. But I couldn't stop myself from getting a few
other items. Its lik when i take pictures of Jack- i cant stop myself.

There was a cute pack of finger puppets I had to get. I had to get a
set of four tiny glass jars. Dont ask me why. They are kinda like
mini glass cookie jars. I have no idea what I will do with them.
There was a little set of stoneware dishes and bowls. Ya, could not
walk passed them with out indulging. Don't ask me why. Oddly, they
make me very happy. On the way home, just to complete my happiness, I
went by sonic and got a big bag if their awesome ice.
It's been a good day.

One of my favorite things

Folded chips! Dave found a double folded one and gave it to me-- I
married the right man for sure.
Others on my favorite things list-
Lots of feather pillows
Crushed ice
Warm bubble baths
Tiny dill pickles
and there are many more.

Lunch with AJ

Today Aub and I were out getting stuff done and we stopped for a
little lunch. We went to a newer place in Lehi that Dave has taken me
to. It's a lttle Japanese place. The lunch servings were huge and the
sauce on the side options were awesome. Hot mustard, teriyaki,
ginger, and the special house white sauce. Plus soy and hot thai sauce
too Aub says the white sauce is like fry sauce- but oriental-ish.
The ginger sauce is totally my favorite. It has pieces of ginger
grated into it.

Anyway, the point of this post is how fun it is to be with a beautiful
girl when lunching. Especially at a place where guys go. When we
first walked in, a whole table of guys openly checked her out. It was
so funny. The other guys we saw were more causual at it, but that
first table was awesome. Trust me, I teased my pretty girl adiquatly

Butter dips

Tonight I made a old family favorite. My mom used to make these-
probably still does. It seems like she made these when we'd have tuna
salad for dinner. so that's what I do. I've only known one other
person that has ever made them, besides my mom and sisters. My sister
in law Cheryl made these one night when we were over. I was so
surprised she knew this family secret recipe.

You need
Butter
Bisquick
Milk
All amounts are guess work, sorry. Make a simple biscuit dough with
the bisquick and milk. Don't make it too sticky, and mix it well. You
can even use the counter to knead it a bit. Then shape the whole thing
in to the same shape as your pan. I usually use a 9X13 pan, so I pat
the dough into a little smaller size than that. Meanwhile put about a
cube of butter into the pan and slip it into the oven as it preheats
to 400*. Slice up the dough into breadsticks sized lengths. Take the
melted butter and pan out of the oven. Take each •butterdip• and
dip each side into the melted butter. Find a place on one side of the
pan to start lining these babies up. It doesn't have to be perfect or
even very pretty. Fit in as many butterdips into the pan as you want.
If there is too many they come out a little dry, so don't over fill
the pan. Bake at 400* till brown. Arrange to get these out of the oven
right before your husband comes home from work. When he walks in, he
will remember what a smart man he was to marry you.

Glowing with Jack

Today I'm hanging with baby Jack and my own kid, his mama. Her daddy
and his daddy are out golfing 18. He's still on the biliblanket,
though his level is down a little. He'll get another test tomorrow.

The bili lights

Here's a look at the bili blanket. It's more like a tiny special
heating pad Its right next to his skin on his back and his
onesie is on top, then he's all snuggled up in a blanket. He doesn't
even know it's there, or maybe he really likes it alot.

Day 4

Today little Jack was put in the bili blanket. He will get another
level taken tomorrow. He is tolerating this treatment just fine.

I'm a believer

I have been taking guitar lessons since February. My teacher lives
nearby and is awesome!! She is a little older than me, and has been
playing guitar since she was really young. Her Mom taught for BYU and
developed a great program that my teacher now uses.
I have been using the guitar my good husband gave me. It's been good.
It is a steel stringed guitar. It broke my fingers in really well.
Kinda sorely...
Well, I ran in for a make up lesson the other day and I didn't have my
own guitar. I had come from the hospital :)... So I used the teachers
guitar and I really liked it. It is a nylon stringed devil. The neck
of the guitar is a little shorter and a little wider and made playing
it more comfortable. After commenting on it, she told me she had a few
nylon string guitars for sale, so I now have two guitars. It was a
great deal and I am loving the change. It is a little different
fingering and I have to get used to that. But I am happy to have two
guitars. The one in the back is the newer one.

For far away grandpa and Holly since she asked

Today

Not many things in my life top what happened today. I became a grandma. A new man is truely in my life. It was such a blessing to be with Laura and Steve most of the time we waited for baby Jack. Both Laura and Steve were awesome. Im so proud of them both. I know it was not easy for either of them. I adore my son by marriage so much. I walked back in from doing something and Steve was helping my girl and counting to ten. Those of you who have been there know what I mean. No nurse, no doctor, no mother in law... just the mama and daddy getting through and getting their little guy here. We were up all night but, even now, its hard for me to slow down enough to sleep. Heres a few more moments from early this morning.

Meeting some of the aunts and uncles

Little Jack

My next miracle

At 5:58

Still waiting and the sun is starting to shine.

Treats for the daddy

Lauras co workers prepared treats for Steve. Can you tell what the
drinks are wrapped in?

decorations

Lauras co workers decorated the room before she even arrived

They are all ready here!

My arsenal

A few weeks ago my husband got sick. He has never been the type to
milk a cold. When this sickness brought him home from work early on
Monday, I knew he was feeling rotton. He stayed in bed until Thursday,
and back to work for 1/2 a day after seeing a doctor. He did not have
H1N1 but was put on 2 meds. My two girls here at home came down with
some of the same stuff as David. Even Laura got sick. It has taken
awhile for the sisters to get over their stuff. With all that as
background you can understand why I am worried about getting sick. We
have 2 weddings this weekend, and my little Jack will be having his
first birth day soon, so I have many plans for the next little bit.
After asking around here is hat I am using to keep me healthy while
those around me are at different levels of coughing, sniffing and
sneezing.
I've always been big on good hand washing. I also use zicam and air
born as often as recommended. I can't talk the sickies into taking
this stuff, except the gummy vitamin C. They especially wont use the
grapefruit seed extract. So far so good. As of today, one wedding is
down, one to go. We'll see how long this plan works. If you have
anymore suggestions to keep from getting sick, let me know.

The shoe issue

I woke up today with complete confidence that the shoe count in my marriage was just about even. Well let me break it to you harshly- it is not. I do have way more shoes than dh.
I could only find one of my black Sunday shoes which has lead to a needed closet clean up. I've now put all my boots and winter shoes away and have broken out my summer wear. It was like finding old friends. Some of these sandle/ flip flops I just love. Sadly they are wearing out. The shoe fashions today often dont appeal to me so I'm just gonna have to wear wearing out shoes for now. Love the brown sparkely ones in the middle and of course the "fit flops" and the yellow flowery ones, and  the pink cushy slippers are high on the list. My little tan oriental ones are awesome but they are looking kinda ragged... What a quandry. Maybe I'll go looking for more shoes today. But I gotta finish the closet first...I did find my black Sunday shoes!  Never really knew I had a shoe fettish.

Kinda fun

Aubrey and I were out doing errands today and came across this new
little place. We brought home treats for Davids homecoming. A little
pricey but fun and some were really yummy. We cut them all in six or
eight little pieces and shared with everyone. Davids favorite was the
key lime, while I'm not sure any were awesome enough to be a favorite.
( I didn't taste them all.) The names I remember were - cookies and
cream, pumpkin chocolate chip, cherry chocolate, smore, German
chocolate , peanut butter and chocolate. The store is in Draper. If
you want to give it a try Google "beyond glaze" for the address.

Isn't he awesome? He is so smart and funny and spiritual. I'm so lucky
to have him. I am constantly in awe that he chose me.

Yesterday was a great day

yesterday was a really fun day. Davids work party was at boondocks in draper. Aubrey had to work, but the others joined us. We had a lot of fun. David and I played a game of mini golf, and if you know us both you will not be surprised to know that he was pretty serious about the game, while I was rather light hearted. Eventually I got him to cheat with me by one of us standing in 1st or 5th position by the hole, while the other putted. It was awesome. The kids all had fun I think. We all played a few rounds of lazer tag which was really good. Why can't all excercise be that fun?
Later Kim and I went to a bridal shower for our good friend Brindy in Saratoga Springs. We met Laura there. It was really fun and in a beautiful location, right by the lake. It was a stormy day and the lake was so rough, but it was awesome to see it all out of the windows looking over the lake towards Orem. My own little grandson decided it was time to play with grandma, and I had an amazing experience of feeling that little guy kicking around. It was a great day, and for whatever reason, it really wore me out.

A summer outing

I took the kids over to Draper to Pirate O's today. It was a little summer outing. Here are a few pictures from the visit. While we were there, the owner, who suspiciously reminds me of Toodles from Hook, or one of the guys in Harry Potter, gave each of us a candy. It was called Ginger chews, or something like that. I was the only one that really liked them. At .10 cents each I got a few more. They make me think of how spicy I wish my homemade gingerbread turned out. I think nephew Blaine will really like them. We got a few candy bars and a kinderbueno for Laura, and Jacob got some Japanese hard candy. It is a really fun little place. Its in a really old building and smells a little funky when you first walk in. They have added a lunch counter, but we didn't get sandwiches today. It was a good time. If you want to go there, get off on 12300 south and go east. Turn left at 700 east I think, and go almost to the railroad tracks. Look to your right and you will see it.
Pirate O's
www.pirate-o.com
11901 S 700 E
Draper, UT 84020-8203
(801) 572-0956

The other side

Here's a shot of the reverse side. Next time I won't use three prints,
just two I think. At least for the body of the apron.

Look what I made

I just finished my apron. I used the fabric I bought a few weeks ago
that I loved. I just need a few decorative buttons to complete the
project, but that won't keep me from wearing this baby in the kitchen.
My 16 year old son told me he likes it when I wear an apron. He says
it's because he knows I'll be doing some serious cooking or baking
when I put one on.
I think I'll make a few more of these. One for Chelsea and one for the
ward r s service auction.
Now I get to go look for more fabric! ;)

The end of a commission

A few years ago I was asked to become a notary public. I was working part time for an adoption agency. They needed another notary to be available for their legal things. Looking back it was a very facinating job. I'll never forget the young woman I was with as she had her baby with her eyes closed the whole time. She didn't want to see her baby, then place it for adoption. Nor will I forget the adopting dad that stood back during the birth if his soon to be child, and I showed him a better place to stand. He could now see his baby come while still respecting the birth moms privacy. So many amazing experiences came with that job. I loved it. Even after I stopped working for that agency, I would still notarize for them. This past week my notary commission expired. So this is the end of a very awesome part of my life. I'm sure I'd do it again if asked, and it was a good thing for my family.
I notarized a few other types of documents as well. The most touching was of the signing of the will of a terminally sick person. Wow! Alot of different situations. Many normal everyday things, but some so tender and close to my heart. It was much more than I ever imagined when I agreed to become a notary.

Day of more preoccupation #1

Dh is still involved in a project that keeps him really busy. Even
today, a Sunday, we are home alone. In efforts to keep me entertained,
AJ dragged me to my room and popped in a video. Not to worry, it's
totally Sunday approved in my book. The Ten Commandments gets more
entertaining everytime I watch it. Aub is an awesome movie watcher
companion. She has her favorite lines and dramatic moments in this
movie, while I can pretty much call the best lines through the whole
thing. It IS entertaining, especially with the aj

Just to get her huffy

If you ever want to experience the rath if Aubrey, pull in all the way
through when parking. It has to be in a diagnal parking lot.
Sometimes she will go off on the error even when I park correctly,
and we just see the error of others.
She says it just makes the whole parking plan pointless when people
pull through. Her very vocal opinion is kind of funny if you ask me.

It's really odd

I think it's kind of strange that this fabric really makes me very happy. I ended up at a great fabric store in Sandy today. I had forgotten my "block of the month" day was last Tuesday, so I went in today. When I picked up my kit, I had to look around the store too. This store is really in two buildings, across the street from each other. I found a cute apron pattern that I decided to buy, and just for fun thought I'd look for fabric for the apron. Usually I am very hard to impress as far as fabric goes. Very few fabrics really call to me, but this group of fabric totally did, especially for an apron.

Dh has been unusually preoccupied recently. In true fabric-as-therapy fashion, I soothed my ruffled feathers with getting a couple of yards of fabric.

I am actually finishing up a few sewing projects, but I will work on the apron next week. Sadly, dh will still be preoccupied with lesser important things than his awesome wife ;)

Fwd: Memorial Day 2009

Today I went to two cemeteries in honor of memorial day. I usually go with my own family and meet more family there. Today, I was there alone. I'm ok with it.

Anyone that knows me knows I have a thing for family history. I love the names of ancestors I never knew. I love the stories I have heard about them.

One of the first years we lived in Utah, my sister Krista and I decideded we were going to sleuth out the grave sites of our people that were buried in Provo cemetary. I went to get her one Sunday afternoon and was teased by my dad. He thought we were up for a bigger task then we could handle. He told us- they aren't buried chronologically. Not to be dissuaded, Krista and I set out and found what we were looking for.
Two couples in my line are buried in that cemetery. Each of these couples had a child that married each other.   Both couples, and their children were Mormon Pioneers. The Mills were origionally from Canada if I remember right.

The second stop was in Springville. It took me awhile to remember how to get to that cemetery, but I found my way. This is the closer-to-me group of people. I have uncles, veterans of the service, and aunts buried there, that I actually knew. My Grandma H is also buried there, but I never knew her. She was left a widow when my dad was only 8 years old. She raised a hard working, God fearing, country loving, faithful family.  She is certainly dear to my heart for that and for many other things I've heard about her.
I am so touched seeing all the different families out honoring their loved ones. It's very sweet to see the care they give those little spots of earth dedicated to their loved ones.

I remember once before we lived in Utah, being here near Memorial Day. For some reason it was the first time I had really noticed all the flowers out and how beautiful the cemeteries looked.

Memorial Day is one of my favorite holidays.

Memorial Day 2009

Surrounded by many I love

Today was a little party lunch for Laura and Steve and baby Jack. It was awesome and fun. We had a huge group of probably 30ish people. I had Megs take pictures for me, and she did great. While Rachel makes people smile when she has the camera, Megs just snaps away. Some of her pictures werent that flattering, so I didnt post all I wanted to, but here a flavor of who was with us today. I know the party was for Laura, but I loved it in my own selfish way. While I sat there, I thought of all the great people around me and how they were all people I love. What a treat! Its very unusual to go to a gathering and have friends from varied parts of my life there. I only wish David had showed up... and my dad, and really so many others. I am thankful for everyone that came, family, friends of Lauras, friends of Steves, friends of mine... it was really good

One tough project

This is the recent sewing project. It is a "Amy Butler" pattern, made with her line of fabric. The pattern is rated a 4 out of 5 on the difficulty level. In hindsite I'd say the difficulty is mostly in understanding the written pattern. In my frusteration trying to understand, I googled "amy
butler everything bag". I didn't get a lot of answers but one of the pages said to shorten the elastic in the inside pockets, so I did that. Mistake. Ya, the pockets are tight but it also pulls the sides towards the middle awkwardly. So, I won't do that again. Aub said she thought it looked more fashionable the way I did it... Ya that's it.

Living in the country

One of the things I really love about my town is that it is in the country. I never thought I was a country girl, but I guess I really am. A few months ago the new lambs were born, then the new calfs. It is so cool to see the little animals. Today I spotted the new baby colts. They were in a pasture right near my house. I love it!