Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Happy Birthday Cassie!

I may be a couple days late on your birthday post,
But don’t fret dear Cass, because I’m about to boast.
Boast about your stardom and talents so numerous,
Boast about your brains and gift for all things humorous.
Where to begin I’m just asking myself,
Let’s pull down your book from off of that shelf.
Cassie was born 19 years ago,
She had cute dainty features and sweet toes in a row.
Such a cute little babe with blondie sunshine kissed hair,
A smarty pants girl with a sweet face so fair.
She excelled in her studies and played with her friends,
Cassie always looked cute and rocked all the trends.
With feline affection she took care of her cats,
She worked several jobs and wore several hats.
But the highlight of all that comes to my mind,
Is the talent of music that was one of a kind.
With grace and with ease she would play the rad flute,
But it didn’t stop there, there was more she could toot.
Countless instruments were hers for the making of tunes,
Cass makes it look easy like plucking off plumes.
Leader of the band and first one to start in the parade,
If I had her responsibility I’d shake and be afraid.
Not her, not our Cassie, she had confidence and class,
Never an opportunity to sharpen her skills did she pass.
Brothers and sisters come around by the droves,
Nephews and nieces surpass her in height by the rows.
Cassie Marie is a sweetie dear,
She’s still a blonde darling with a listening ear.
With a great big hug she makes you feel loved,
I think she’s pretty awesome,
Cool, like the old Michael Jackson gloved.



LOVE YOU OODLES & NOODLES CASS!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

oh sweet blog...


how i've missed you so.

Friday, November 7, 2008

5SF Edition 25

FIVE SENSE FRIDAY
TASTING-
Pringles Honey Butter Baked Wheat Stix
Laurie turned me onto these,
and they are buttery, and dainty, and fun to eat.

SMELLING-
The sweet smell of decaying fall leaves.

FEELING-
Patience.
Tenderly awaiting to be with Papa Bear tomorrow.

by ElifKarakoc
---
SEEING-
Art by My Children


HEARING-
Sigur Ros, Takk...

A Day With Leslie...

On Her Birthday.

First we would wake up bright and early, and you would slip on your running shoes, and I would slip into my "Jazzy Power Chair" and we would go for a 6 mile jaunt in the crisp morning air. Then after getting prim and proper in our sassy duds, we would jump in a jet set for Vegas. On your seat would be a protein bar, cadbury eggs, hot tamales, and the latest issue of Runners World and Elle Decor. In your cup holder would be an icey diet coke, and playing on the movie screen would be birhday tributes prepared by your four adoring children. They would tell you how much they love you and how they vow to never do a naughty thing for as long as they live, then the video would end with them singing Mother Dear We Love You So. We would land in the warm heat of the desert and relax with massages at a resort complete with gourmet catered food, pedicures, and really long naps under the cabana by the pool. After being fully rested we would shop... Nordstrom, Banana, Whimsy, REI, whatever your heart desired. This shopping excursion would be fully paid for as a prize awarded when you won Designer of the Year for the Western Region. They thought you were pretty dope, so you get free stuff. No day would be complete without a trip to Normandy for a fruit tart and a stroll through some museums to google over the art. A symposium visit is next, with speakers of inspiring women, who make us proud to be living the lives we are and light a fire within us to keep on, keepin' on as mothers and wives. Again, you would feel the urge for fit adventure- so off to the canyon we go for a mid afternoon bike ride. Luckily you still have that baby seat on the back of yours for me to ride in... As a surprise, all of your favorite country stars would be putting on a birthday spectacular concert within the gorgeous trees on the mountain. You would gaze into Jons eyes and together you would sing the Tim and Faith duet....and surprise a miraculous moment has occured where for just one instant, Jon is not tone deaf and can sing the entire song to you in pitch perfect sexiness. It's a birthday miracle! After that tender moment we would rush off to Takashi for the best sushi eva! Full to the brim, we would retire back to your beautiful home and play a game of scrabble while snacking on some great costco treat. I'm tired now, you can go running one more time if you want, but you know where to find me:)






Love you Les!

You are truly my sister,

and a role model,

and a friend.

Shawns Birthday Weekiversary

Shawn married my sister Tiffany.
They are a perfect balance of fun, craziness, and sanity.
He compliments her so well.
Everybody loves Shawn.
He is happy, kind, polite, patient, and talented.
*
If Shawn was in a beauty pageant, he would get Miss Congeniality,
because he's congenial.
If Shawn was a cereal, he'd be Marshmallow Mateys,
because he's our matey.
If Shawn was an animal, he'd be a puppy,
because he's playful and loyal.
If Shawn was a cartoon character, he'd be sponge bob,
because nautical nonsense be something we wish.
If Shawn was a car, he'd be a hummer,
because he is strong and travels the road less traveled.
If Shawn was a drink, he'd be chocolate milk,
because everyone likes chocolate milk.
If Shawn was a candybar, he'd be snickers,
because he makes Tiff snicker.
If Shawn was famous, he'd be Ansel Adams,
because he's an amazing photographer.
If Shawn was our brother in law, we'd love him...
oh wait,
he is,
and we do!

Hope you had a great birthday big S!
We love you!

GOOD vs. BAD

Don't worry, it's not a political post.
Man, can we all just mellow out please.
Everybody take a big breath............and release.
The world is not going to blow up anytime soon,
so we must keep our eyes peeled for the good...
and the bad.


THE BAD-
One of the reliefs of being with Chris on the weekends, is that I oblige him with all of the diaper changing. I figure it's the least he can do since I've been on duty five days straight. But the leprechauns last diaper was so full of whole edamame beans...well, let's just say I hope he has a few left over for dad.


THE GOOD-
75% percent off Halloween at Wally's. I snagged these pirate hats and swords for nothing. They will be perfect for Landon's late birthday pirate party as favors.


THE BAD-
Whilst relishing in a beautiful bowl of raspberries, I went to put one in my mouth and noticed a little spider perched upon it. The worst part, I came back later to the unfinished bowl, and forgot about the spider, and I finished eating them all.

THE GOOD-
Kate and Dan are at it again. This picture of their kids on Halloween is something from a dream. If you haven't yet, visit their photography site and blog, it will astound you.
THE BAD-
Like getting houses broken into wasn't enough, the bad guys are at it again. One of our homes had soffit and facia cut and stolen, probably to finish off someone elses job. For Reals? Is this really necessary? I swear if one more thing happens..... oh to heck with it! Anyone want free stuff, we're giving it away?!
THE GOOD-
My sister Rachel just made another shirt without a pattern, and does she look pregnant to you? No? Well she is dangit. Why didn't i get those genes, or maybe I did, which leads me to my next point.....

THE BAD-
I am all sorts of unhealthy right now. I burn "thousands" of calories a day doing the "thousands" of things on my to do lists, but unfortunately, I eat back those calories with delicious Greek food, chips and salsas and really bad halloween candy. It's time to get serious dudes. You would think I was raised on cardboard the way my eyes light up with glee when presented with beautiful food. Must....work....harder.....
photo by winktothanatos
THE GOOD-
Chris scored at the thrift store on vintage ties. Jess and Em, the tie show down has begun.....

What is the good and bad in your life right now?

Perfect Parcels from My Peeps

I have a lot of catching up to do, and a lot of posts to put up today...so get ready ya'll. In between packing, and cleaning, and dentist appointments, and phone calls, and cooking, i plan on giving little updates.
So to begin, more evidence of the sunshine in my life...

thank you Cathy.

thank you Jairus.

thank you Jennifer.

thank you Etsy.

thank you Gospel.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

I'm Featured on Old Town Imports


Photos of my pewter collection were spotted on Eliza's Bridal Shower post, and I was asked to be featured on Old Town Imports blog...how flattering! Can I tell you how much I love this stuff!? I have collected a lot over the years, and I use it every time I entertain. It gives such a uniform, classy look, and also makes my food look delish. I also love that I can display it on shelves in my kitchen as decor...the shiny silver speaks to my soul. Check out their website and blog- they do lots of giveaways...these are pieces you will treasure your whole lifetime.

End Scene.
(salut Becca)

Thanks Lesley!
http://www.oldtownimports.blogspot.com/
http://www.oldtownimports.com/





Wednesday, November 5, 2008

CHANGE

photo by Gwarf
I've felt a little under water the past few weeks.

Overwhelmed by politics, finances, and motherhood,
I have been a slurry of thoughts and emotions
that felt too confusing to organize.
*
On this new day, with a new president to be,
President Barack Obama,
I was preparing a package to send to a sweet friend
across the country for her birthday.
With genuine love I prepared the package,
and pondered on our similiarities and our differences.
We both love and appreciate beautiful things,
we both feel passionate about life
and the treasures found in each day.
We disagree politically,
but that's okay.
I was also preparing a package for my brother.
I had collected things that bring me joy,
and I know will also bring him joy.
We have the time of our lives when
we're together.
We could talk for hours with ease,
and always leave smiling.
We disagree politically,
but that's okay.
I love his guts,
I will always love his guts.
*
I can choose to get worked up about issues like-
abortion
big government
gun control
education
taxes
*
OR
*
I can choose to stay calm,
agree to disagree,
and continue to acknowledge the wonderful
qualities in those who walk differently than I.


photo by niechcial

Some things about the election turned out
as I would have liked,
some didn't.
But I believe in the goodness of people,
I believe in actions,
and I would like to believe
that if President Obama
wants to bring about change,
then I will be willing to support
the goodness that I see take place.
*
I also believe that I have stewardship
over my own life.
I know that "the adversary" likes bickering,
he likes contention,
he likes it when I feel hatred towards my
brothers and sisters.
But I will not give him the satisfaction of a hard heart.
Instead I will love my fellow men,
democrat,
republican,
independant,
gay,
straight,
disabled,
black,
white,
sting loving,
or streisand listening.
*


photo by tju_tjuu

Last night after I had cast my vote,

I watched the Red Balloon with my kids.
They thought it was a little different,
some parts they laughed,
and at the end when the balloon is defeated they sighed.
I asked them what they thought the message was.
We talked about friendship-
we talked about standing up for your friends,
we talked about loyalty,
we talked about rad french knicker bockers.

*
I hope my kids grow up to have tolerance for all people.
I hope my kids will look at things
from all angles and make informed decisions.
I hope my kids love their brothers and sisters
around the world...
enough to defend, stand up, and serve.
I hope they are Christ-like in their actions,
and always remember to make peace.
***
Change is one of the ways we progress.
Change can bring about new freedoms,
or new discoveries and inventions.
Some things are constant though,
the rising sun,
snow in the Utah mountains,
taxes,
life and death,
U2 albums,
my craving for french pastries...
but it is all good.
We can be friends,
and along the way,
we will learn from eachother.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

heaven help us all


Saturday, November 1, 2008

Eliza's Bridal Shower

This shower was really fun to plan. We have been looking forward to this day for Eliza, so it was easy to put my heart into the little details. The invitations were simple embossed white cards with burnt orange organza ribbon. I included a little paper for people to bring with one of their favorite recipes written on it to add to her collection. For favors- I started to knit cuffs in different fall colors, but after about fifteen of them I couldn't move my hands. Instead, I soldered some charms with pretty fall paper and added ribbon and quotes about love to them.

The food turned out great. Not pictured was some delicious artichoke dip, a vegetable platter, yummy punch, and sushi.

Eliza has a lot of people who adore her from family, to old childhood friends, to old mission companions and dear people from Albania. For a game we played 20 questions. Her new last name is dutch and a little tricky to remember- Ruys (pronounced rouse like mouse), so we asked 20 different questions about her and Jason, and if you knew the answer you called out "Ruys" and then answered it winning one of the fabulous prizes in the basket.
Thank you for everyone who came far and wide to celebrate with us and thank you to the politicians who made a special appearance after their Halloween bender!

5SF Edition 24

FIVE SENSE FRIDAY
TASTING-
TOo Much CaNdy!

SMELLING-
PARK
the kids love going to this park
that is always deserted,
is there a something we don't know?
FEELING-
Jingle Jangle
on my wrist as I wear my
Halloween bracelet for the
last time this year.
SEEING-
Wee Ones in Costumes

Trick or Treating on Main
Leprechaun Dinosaur
Ollies 1st costume- Batman
Ads the Corpse Bride
Lan the Skeleton Man
Ollies 2nd Costume- Darth Sidious
-----
HEARING-
Caleb announce where he's going
on his mission
Congrats little bro,
your Taco Bell obsession
makes so much sense now:)

Friday, October 31, 2008

You Have Conquered Me.

Okay one year old,
I get it.
You don't want the books stacked
nicely on the bench.
It only took me one hundred times of you
pulling them off onto the floor
to realize that they don't belong there.
I will be better at accommodating
your decorating tastes,
Your Majesty.