Here is another dress we found.

It is sleeveless and un-shapely. But the red and white stripes and detail on the chest are c u t e. We decide not to put it 'under' and just pair it w/ a cardigan and belt... and red lipstick. Still need the right shoes. This will definitely be a "school" outfit for me.

Jess is getting home tonight.... sometime late. Yesssssssss! It's going to be nice to have him back.

I am starting to get stressed when I look at the calendar! Only 2 weeks left till school starts. Yuck. 3 till NAU starts. I'm teaching a new class- and want to be better prepared...so the next 3 weeks = crunch time. I like play time. I like summertime and SUNshine. School means fall and fall leads to winter. Which I feel like we've never really gotten out of up here w/ all the rain lately.

So I put the boys to bed- man. I think they were overly exhausted from the last couple days... And it didn't help that they had sugary cereal for breakfast and lunch today. They tried for dinner too, but I had to put the kabosh on that! Mahi Mahi little sirs & strawberries for dessert.

I started playing through some of the first songs I wrote... I could barely remember them - There were some I just couldn't remember at all. Weird. Then I just started playing this little riff and singing a few words... here it is. I love music so much. It is my outlet... What makes me unwind and relax.

Vegas...


World Market was going on and I wanted to scout out some pieces for a client. So we decided to kill two birds w/ one stone... work and a lovers get away. Although I must say, we needed at least another night + day! 2 nights, 2.5 days was NOT ENOUGH TIME. :) Especially w/ Market- It's nutzo humongo. But, we came to the conclusion it's always better to leave wanting more than having that "get me home already" feeling. no?

We stayed at Treasure Island. It was good- we really liked the location. We watched the pirate show out in front of the hotel one night.... Um - ya. MUCH different that what we had remembered it being. Pretty skanky. (word/sp?)


What I love about Vegas is all the WALKING... It was the bomb. And the shopping! And the yummy food. We ate at a Mexican Food place in NY/NY the first night, and the second night at the Cheesecake Factory in Caesars Palace. Jess was so much fun. And such a sport to come with me to Market- don't think he was planning on that- but was great company. And he is hilarious! On our way out of town we stopped at the miracle mile mall in PH- there is a store: Bettie Paige. Jess was diggin' all these 50's style dresses and was all about me trying them on. (this is NOT my husband to be interested in shopping) It was a fun time. So now he is trying to get me decked out w/ the vintage dresses. Today we went to a shop here in Flagstaff and scored some pretty cute ones. Most of them don't fit just right - but no worries b/c he is ALL over altering them for me... himself. Gotta love his confidence. So I'm sure we'll do a little before and after documentation. Pretty funny.

Anyway. It was a great time. EVERY couple needs some get away time...EVERY COUPLE! So get away with your honey pronto - make it a priority. Alright? Alright.

TURNING THIRTY and being diligent.

(Becky provided the decorations. This is the after the clean-up)

(fresh flowers make me smile. aren't they beautiful?)

I was excited for my birthday. I wanted a celebration. I wanted to be with people that I loved. So we threw a small gathering. Jess made wonderful fish tacos and 3 salsas (a mango/pineapple based one, red, and chunky.)
Marilyn made me a strawberry cake that I had been CRAVING. :) It didn't disappoint. There were hellium ballons floating around everywhere that the kids had a ball with. (I wish I had a picture!) I didn't take any that night. :I But it was a nice evening. Friends came, my parents and in-laws came up (and both drove back to their homes that night, *thank-you*) and my sister Kim and niece Ava came up and stayed the night. I don't spend as much time with my sisters as I'd like, so it was a TREAT.

I hadn't given much thought to entering into a new decade. But today I am reflective. I am excited for this new chapter in my life. I wonder what the next ten years will bring. I often think about the type of person I am. Mostly the wife I am & the mother I am. But also the sister & daughter I am, and the friend I am. I want to perfect each of these. I want my relationships to be solid and meaningful. I want to continue to invest in myself, but also more so in my family because that is where I think the greatest return will be. I think I do a pretty good job, but know if I put more effort into it, I will be grateful in the long run. It is easy to get wrapped up in the things I want to do...

I've been listening to conference talks over and over when I workout. Elder Bednar talked about being diligent. (Steady, earnest, and energetic effort.) I think that is going to be my motto for my thirties. DILIGENT in all things. My relationships, my mothering, my physical being, my spiritual being, and other aspects in refining my whole being.

Cheers to thirty. (Unfortunately I have the chin hairs to prove it.)

"Wing Ding"

so, my music partner and I played at the wing ding this year. (We played last year too)
It was so much fun. This is me & Michelle doing a mic check before it started.

We were able to run through our whole set. And I THINK it was recorded.

That would be fun to get a hold of! We had a lot of fun harmonies & moving parts.

So I WASN'T even nervous when we got up on stage... Am I growing up!?? -With that said, it's not like you have a captive audience...Everyone is mingling and eating dinner. Very nice. :)

We were asked to sing at the flagstaff folk festival this summer... we just sorta looked at each other like, really? and then said YES! Sounds like a fun time- Mark your calendars!!!!!!

But if you can't wait 'till then ;) We'll be doing an open mic night at Charly's Downtown Tues. March 22. 9pm.... kinda late!

Loving this sofa, loving this bed....

(so not a great pic of the sofa...the un-justice!)

Loving this light fixture, table & chairs!!!

Not so much here


or here...


But right....


H E R E... is where it hurts.


I had a run in with a medicine ball yesterday during my workout...Besides an initial "uhhh" and a shake of my head, I think I kept it pretty cool/didn't draw too much attention to myself. (I love it when I make myself laugh...just the thought) Anywho -not too bad of a bang up job, but I sure am feeling it! It's kinda thrown me off today.

THANKS TO BASEMENT MARKETPLACE for my new outfit!!! I was one of 3 contestants that got "made-over" last night and had sooo much fun. Hair & make-up (by aveda) & then we were 'styled'. To top the night off, I 'won' and got to KEEP my winning look!!!! Wha?? I know. It's crazy.


ps. HAPPY B-DAY to my sister Kim and sister-in-law Katie!!!!!!

"WHO DOES YOUR HAIR!?"
(what movie??)


No one.

That is why my hair is JET BLACK instead of the "darkest natural brown" the box promised. What the HECK! Hats, hats, and more hats.

I really, really, really need someone to take care of my hair.

In my SPARE time (psych) -I like to get together w/ a friend named Michelle to sing & play guitar. It is basically a black hole that I could disappear into and not come out for hours, and hours and hours. We have to practice restraint! I'm so glad Jess is so supportive! Well, yesterday we recorded a little diddy... a Girlyman cover called 'Everything's Easy'. It was a lot of fun, I am only wishing I took my camera...next time I will! She has a sweet little recording set-up.

Click HERE to take a listen.... (You'll have to pause the music on this blog at the bottom of the page)

Michelle is singing the 1st & 2nd verses and then I come in....There are some fun 3 part harmonies toward the end...

Wishing I didn't love reality TV so much!!!!

the
C
H
O
I
C
E
S
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ah!

The last two weeks have been great getting back into a healthy lifestyle, and it's amazing what only 3lbs lighter feels on my body. I can't believe how much better I feel in such a short amount of time. (I haven't made any resolutions for the new year, I just was taking the lead of an older sister who's b-day present to herself was loosing 10lbs...So I thought I'd do the same for myself w/ a b-day in April.)

WELL. Then this came along, and I didn't think there could be a better way to achieve my goal! And here she be, in case you want to make a few worthy changes as well! (Starting today, for the duration of 12 weeks) but hopefully by then they will ALL become a part of my lifestyle...truly HABITS)

The 2009 RESOLUTIONARY CHALLENGE

Daily Habits

1 7 hours of sleep (not necessarily consecutive--naps count too)
2 48 oz. water
3 45 minutes of exercise (not necessarily consecutive)
4 2 servings of veggies, 2 servings of fruit
5 No soda, beer, unhealthy snacks, or bad fast food
6 No sweets
7 No eating after dinner/8pm (choose which works for you)
8 15 minutes of scripture reading (or other spiritual text if you don't do scripture)
9 One journal entry (any length)
10 Express sincere appreciation or praise to your spouse (if single, to another person)

Note: Sundays are "free" days.

(thank-you Rach!)

What a girl can do in 30 hrs, kid free.

-lunch with husband at favorite spot.
-*love*
-2 runs at the ski resort w/ said husband
-send husband off.
-3 mindless hours in a department store(s)...much of that was trying on braziers to NO avail. But every square inch of every department was perused, and perused again.
-Actually miss the 'noise'.
-Watch a Movie (The Kite Runner) -holy cow. I was soooooooo NOT prepared for it. Cried, and cried and CRIED. It was emotionally exhausting. -I was glad I was by myself, save it my Kona girl.
-Write in my journal
-Sleep in (until NINE!!) -but I didn't get to bed until 2am...tisk, tisk. I am for sure, a morning person.
-Get taxes figured out for my small biz., work on a job.
-Go to spinning class, shower and steam, SHAVE...get dressed leisurely.
-Get a 1-hr. MASSAGE....It was heaven. And I learned you can't judge a therapist by looks alone. No sir-ee!
-Grocery shop. (laughhhhhhhhhhhhhh) (the heavens were just opened)
-Drop off donations at Goodwill
-Meet w/ a client
-Clean out & wash car. *cue music 'what a feeling'*
-Clean bedroom(s), change out bed-linens, laundry, vacuum/sweep the house, clean the kitchen.

Thank-you Mom & Doug, a hundred times over!

mmmmmmmmmmwhaaa. whewwwwwwwwwwwwww.


Mom, I'll have to have you guest post: "What grandparents can do in 30 hrs. w/ 3 kids". :)
start writing! ;)


p.s.

I LOVE SKYPE!!!!!!

My knight in shining armor rescues me again...


It wouldn't be the first time, and I'm sure not the last...

He left to go to work with me lying in bed not feeling so great...I assured him I would be fine. 20 trips to the potty and 8 up-chucks later I had to call him. I had only made it 4 hrs. But there was absolutely nooooooo way I'd be able to make the eggs Brock was begging for for lunch, or anything else for that matter. I was as useless as useless gets. He made it home, put me to bed, went to the store for the essential hydrating fluids, and I slept, and slept, and slept -occasionally waking and hearing 'life' outside our bedroom door. My house is crazy and I was so glad to have the luxury of staying in my bed for as long as I needed...
Today was a lot more rest, but I'm able to keep food down (hooray!...or not hooray, I could've afforded several more pounds) But nonetheless it feels good to be on the mend!

P.S. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS VOTED SO FAR IN OUR LITTLE POLL!! IT IS QUITE FUN FOR US TO REVIEW THE RESULTS. OOOOHHH. IT IS SO CLOSE!!!
5 MORE DAYS UNTIL IT CLOSES!

THIS (holding a sweet little baby girl) made me happy today...

*H A P P Y * T H A N K S G I V I N G*

(Brock modeling the lovely hat he made in pre-school)

While the majority of Americans are sitting down to eat their Turkey dinners, my little family will be making the 10+ hr. drive to Auntie's house...
2 adults, 3 kiddos, 2 surfboards, 1 guitar, luggage, and a DOG all in our little Subaru traveling across the State line and up some...(sounds like heaven on earth, no?) wish. us. luck! We will be 'giving thanks' on Friday a little south of these parts:


Some of the many things I am Thankful for: (in no particular order)

-A warm & cozy home
-The chance to be a Mom & a Wife
-A good nights rest
-My body and all it is capable of doing
-Hard times and good times
-Family
-Music
-Friends
-My Savior
-Employment
-Little hand prints on my back door (not always, but 2 days ago, yes)
-Yummy Food
-A good read
-The Man in my life (not always, but 2 days ago & most days, yes)
-Technology
-A living Prophet
-Hot water
-The little men in my life
-Living in the U S of A
-My blogging friends - LOVE YA ALL -I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

My Man is H O M E.
For today anyway, and then off to work for the next two... :) Life.

Luckily I had many distractions & things to look forward to while he was gone!

Like this:

Going to see "Twilight"...I haven't waited in line to see a movie in over 10 years... I don't think I will in the next 10 years either...
It was fun to pick it apart w/ my Mom and sister who saw it together. We had the same issues, but overall I liked it alright...and I thought casting could've been better w/ Edwardo & Jacob... I think the BEST part was seeing all the teeny-boppers (sp?) head over heals and hyperventilating.

Bodie and I were making pumpkin muffins and he was playing with a baby food grinder...



Our convo went like this:

me: "Bodie, do you think we should have another baby?"
Bodie: "Uh, ya....You just need to have a baby in your tummy and then go to the doctor and let it come out, and then you can feed it with this" *holding up the food grinder*
me: (smiling) "Would you like another brother or a little sister?"
Bodie: "I think, a little sister."
me: "Oh really? What do you think her name should be?"
Bodie: "Madora"
me: "Oh...that sounds...interesting!" :)

I looked out the window and what did I see??

Beautiful leaves...leaves, and more leaves....(mostly on the ground.)
We didn't get to go see the leaves on the Mountain this year... Just as they were starting to change we got a huge freeze and lots of wind. That equals brown leaves on the ground. :( But, I was able to behold a beautiful site, right here in my back yard.

As I was taking pics, the sun started to set and the clouds in the sky started breaking up...



What we get to rake up...

I can't resist.

Goals this week:
-send OUT my thank-yous.
-get to the gym every day
-have some quality time with Jess
-Take the boys to Foxglen Park to ride bikes.

Looking Forward To:
-playing guitar w/ a gal...it's been awhile in the making!
-turning in my ballot
-helping in Bodie's classroom
-going to Sedona for a Color Trends 2009 put on by Sherwin Williams
-a baby shower

We finally picked up the Jeff Bertoncino prints I purchased last year...

I was at my Sister's gallery opening (without Jess) and made a
spontaneous purchase. (very unlike myself) Jess is a very good man
and forgave me. I think I could love him forever for that quality alone.
I still get a pit in my stomach thinking about having to tell the kid what
I had done.

A few months ago we were down in the Valley, and stopped in
the gallery to pick up the prints. I will admit I had forgotten
what they looked like... (I was in a buyer's haze when it all went down.)

So here these beauties are. I was going to put them up in our room,
but changed my mind and set them on the mantle. (The previous
tenants weren't working out so well.) They still need to be framed
and hung, but this will do for now.

(I think Jess is hoping I could sell them back some how. Part
of me feels that way too, but they are pretty and serene to me.)

Isn't 'art' so interesting?? Or I should say the monetary
value people place on art?? I think so.

From the artist:

"I have a desire to bring to myself, and to others a sense of subtle elements regarding the human figure, and its environmental rule. All of this is important to preserve in my own mind, and my own heart.

The Female figure is a story that will never die. There is a certain elegance, a subtle mystery, a thing that can never be resolved. My compositions are not premeditated and the figure begins to emerge almost of its own volition. It is a pulling of shapes out of a cloud. I use somber browns, greys, off-whites and grounded greens to create an atmosphere that is neither focused nor easily definable. I like to put the figure in this environment that is all kind of muted.

The result is a sumptuous, deep surface that appears almost leatherly, sometimes sanded smooth, sometimes left rough, but always deep. And the figures appear, breaking up the spaces vertically or horizontally, emerging from the depths."

Jeff Bertoncino