The trees have been changing and it is GORGEOUS. These trees are right around the corner. This is so cheesy, but it's this time of year when I met and started dating Jess, so every fall I think about that time. So many memories...Not much better than falling in love.




I'm doing the Art Masterpiece program in Bodie's and Brock's classroom. I love it - so much fun. I showcased Rene Margritte's The Return The kids had a great time with the art project. Here's Bodie's and Brock's...


I found this in my hope chest. I made this in 1999! (when I met Jess)
There were pictures (roomates, a little girl I was a nanny for, me & jess, from the camp I did that summer), a letter to myself, a letter from Jess, (made me cry) an email from my Mom, newspaper clippings, school transcripts...and a list of my 'favorites'. Pretty funny... (ex. Actresses: Winona ryder, michelle phifer, dianne keaton) I was reading it thinking, wha? It also listed the gas price at the time: $1.29!! Movies were $6-$7, milk @$2....



Aren't these Dahlia's beautiful? My sweet neighbor brought them to me last week and they put a smile on my face every day. When I returned the vase I learned that her flowers got frosted when we had a cold night. :( I'm lucky to have had the last of them! I also got a Matisse painting from her garage sale that I adore. I am kicking myself b/c I didn't stop earlier in the day to get the quilt I saw. Of course it was gone when I finally made it down there!


Life is 'full' as always (full of ups & downs, and you name it!) But i am grateful for it and for this journey that I am on. I loved General Conference a few weeks ago. I loved Pres. Monson's talk about living with gratitude. He said something to the effect that: It's a wise man who focuses on what he has. (rather than what he doesn't). Faith seemed to be a reocurring topic which I really enjoyed. So much that I really needed to hear. It was welcomed. I have been reminded that there is someone up there looking out for me. I've had a few experiences and Jess shared some with me as well that we know are not coincidenses . It was a special weekend.

Signing out with a picture of these knuckle-heads! Oh I love them so much, but they also drive me to the nutty-bin! Trying my best to feel only love. ;) (I need a re-charge!)

It's baaaaaaaaaaaack....



12 weeks of accountability, 10 daily habits = 1 happy & healthy person!

Investment: $20.91 (includes pay pal fees) Top 3 challengers w/ the most points split the pot w/ one 'random' winner.

To sign up:

Deadline: August 21st, MIDNIGHT. (pleeeeeeeeeeeeease don't wait that long...there's a lot of work on my end!)

Google spreadsheet w/ contestants will be emailed on Sunday, the 23rd. (This is where everyone keeps track of points)

Deets:
Each item is worth 1 point, with a possible 10 points per day

1 7 hrs. of sleep (not necessarily consecutive - naps count too!)
2 48 oz. of water
3 45 minutes of exercise (not necessarily consecutive)
4 2 servings of veggies, 2 servings of fruit
5 No soda, beer, wine, unhealthy snacks (ex: potato chips), or bad fast food
6 No sweets. (Desserts, pastries, sugary snacks & cereals) * Sugar-Free alternatives are OK.
7 No eating after dinner/8pm
8 15 min. of scripture reading (or spiritual text if you don't do scripture)
9 One journal entry (any length)
10 Express sincere appreciation, love or praise to your spouse (if single, to another person)

Note: You have one free point, PER CATEGORY, PER WEEK. One free point for exercise, one free point for soda/fast food/unhealthy snacks, one free point for sweets, etc. You do not have 10 free points to use however you choose -they are NOT interchangeable and if you choose not to use a free point in a category, it is gone at weeks end. You could also just choose to have one "free" day where all points are free (which is less confusing), but we are allowing for flexibility and success!

Exceptions:
-You are excused from the sweet rule on YOUR BIRTHDAY.
-You are allowed three sick days where you are excused (only) from exercising and eating veg/fruit/water [if you can’t eat/drink] This is ONLY to be used if you are indeed sick.

TAG YOU'RE IT!
Just got tagged! Here are...

The Rules:

1. Go to your documents/pictures.
2. Go to your 6th file.
3. Go to your 6th picture.
4. Blog about it.
5. Tag 6 people to do the same.
6. So here we go...



Not surprised it was food... I've been taking pictures of my *delightful* meals for the last few weeks and blogging about it on my other blog. This was a lunch I had a few days ago, and it was as yummy as it looks! (It's crisp bread w/ avocado, spinach, cucumber, leftover rock fish from dinner, red peppers, alfalfa sprouts, drizzled w/ fresh lime)

I tag every 6th person on my blog list:

1. Barbara
2. Danae
3. Jamelle
4. Jessie
5. Katy
6. Melinda

Do it if ya want.

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

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

P E O P L E!?

So, the poll is over. And Jess is one happy feller. And is already having fun rubbing this in my face. :)

I will not falter, though. The popular 'no' vote does not mean he doesn't have to cut his hair EVER...I mean, I assume you all meant: no, but maintain a healthy length...don't let it get out of control, right?

I suppose I should have been more specific...or given more options than just a mere yes or no?? He REALLY needs a trim, it can get kinda scragley from time to time...curls, goooood. scragley, baaaaaad. So if you'd like to make a retraction, or explain your vote to me further (if you haven't already) or BACK ME UP, now you can. :) And ladies, how come your husbands all are clean cut then?? hmmm?

CALLING ALL PEEPS!!
(Please answer the call and participate in the poll on the sidebar)

Here is your reference picture...

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

Beautiful sky.....

Last night as the sun was setting I looked out the window and it was G L O W I N G yellow out.
woah.
These pictures are not enhanced whatsoever. The real deal.

I actually see people stopping and taking pictures of this willow. It's a pretty impressive tree!

L O V I N G Urban Outfitters....

...leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time, or a long time, anything you remember....next, re-post these instructions on your blog and let people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.

Dear Trader Joe's,

Why don't you have a store in Flagstaff?? I really just don't understand.

Click HERE to make a location request! Even if you don't live in Flagstaff, please make one for me!!!

Thanks.

I had every good intention of going to bed early, when I happened upon THIS. Woah. I was intrigued. Seeing as this was a continuing story - I had to start from the beginning. Coming upon her 11th anniversary with her hunky, hardworking cowboy 'Marlboro Man' - this city girl recounts how they met and fell in love... Needless to say - I didn't make it to bed early. It's a good one! Be prepared to be swept away!!!! Read from the beginning.

What a great band. I love this video because of it's raw, unpolished qualities. - and the sweet feelings of being in love. The other night I was taking the kiddos to the 'Movie in the Square' downtown and as I parked the car I saw a couple sweetly kissing. Awhhh. I love seeing people in love!

I really don't know why I took so long to jump on the NETFLIX train!!! I am loving the convenience factor! It is so fun to receive a movie in the mail, and not stress if I'm unable to get to it for a few days -no worries with no late fees. I am also loving that I can rent all the girly movies that I've been wanting to see, without caring whether or not Jess would like to see it! :P Currently, waiting for me to view is: Stomp the Yard.
Also in my queue: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Illusionist, The Pursuit of Happyness, Season one of LOST, The Lake House, Premonition, and Frontier House. Any recommendations? I'd love to hear them! What's in your queue??

okay, okay, so I went a little crazy with the quizzes. I saw this first quiz on Melissa's blog - and I totally thought I would be a nurturer like her. hmm.
And then, obviously, I couldn't stop.

You Are An ENFP

The Inspirer You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends. You are also unconventional, irreverent, and unimpressed by authority and rules. Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives. You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're quite the storyteller! In love, you are quite the charmer. And you are definitely willing to risk your heart. You often don't follow through with your flirting or professed feelings. And you do break a lot of hearts. At work, you are driven but not a workaholic. You just always seem to enjoy what you do. You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist. How you see yourself: compassionate, unselfish, and understanding When other people don't get you, they see you as: gushy, emotional, and unfocused

What's Your Personality Type?

THIS IS TOO FUNNY. DARN. SOMEHOW I ALREADY KNEW THIS THOUGH. (But parents aren't supposed to be friends w/ their kids, right?)

You Will Not Be a Cool Parent

And that's pretty okay. While your kids may not think of you as a friend, they will respect you. You know that kids need discipline and structure, and you're not afraid to give it to them. Just be careful that your strictness doesn't lead to rebellion. It's good to have standards and rules, but you don't need to have an iron fist when enforcing them.

Would You Be a Cool Parent?

People are always saying, "oh, I'm/He's so Type A" or something to the effect - but whenever I ask what that REALLY means, I never get a clear answer - so I did this one... well, I'M: A Type B+ (????) whatever. Pretty right on though I have to say.

You Have A Type B+ Personality

You're a pro at going with the flow You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer A total joy to be around, people crave your stability. While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity. Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done You're passionate - just selective about your passions

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

That's IT? Yes. I have to agree with this one too, although I wouldn't use the term 'hardcore'. I think I clean up nice, does that count??

You Are 28% Girly

You are a pretty hardcore tomboy, and a very free spirit. Gender roles be dammed, you like to do things your way.

How Girly Are You?

ooo, now this one was interesting - My Theme Song! -It seems like I've heard this on a movie soundtrack or two?? "duh... duh da, duh...duh da, duh.....neer, neer, neer, neer" You'll know what I'm talking about it you hear it!

Your Theme Song is Back in Black by AC/DC

"Back in black, I hit the sack, I've been too long, I'm glad to be back" Things sometimes get really crazy for you, and sometimes you have to get away from all the chaos. (UM, NO, REALLY??) But each time you stage your comeback, it's even better than the last!

What's Your Theme Song?

This one is fun! SHORT AND SWEET!

Your Personality Profile

You are dignified, spiritual, and wise. Always unsatisfied, you constantly try to better yourself. You are also a seeker of knowledge and often buried in books. You tend to be philosophical, looking for the big picture in life. You dream of inner peace for yourself, your friends, and the world. A good friend, you always give of yourself first.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Ya, I liked this song! Don't know why it'd be my themesong though? Let's think - oh, maybe because this song is about a guy trying to convince a girl that they are right for each other, because, afterall they both liked the same movie? I guess I wasn't very lucky in love! ha.

Your 1996 Theme Song Is: Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something

And I said "What about Breakfast at Tiffany's?" She said, "I think I remember the film, And as I recall, I think, we both kinda liked it." And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got."

What's Your 1996 Theme Song?

BED HOG?! Jess says covers anyway, which I totally must disagree with!

What Your Sleeping Position Says

You are calm and rational person with a good deal of balance in your life. Friends consider you to be kind, caring, and truly loyal. You are easy going and trusting. However, you are too sensible to fall for mind games. Open to the world, you are not afraid to be yourself. If you don't get enough sleep, you are: Able to cope It's hard to sleep next to you because: You're a bed hog

What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About You?

QUESO? Totally was NOT expecting this, but the explanation is true. oooo - I wonder who is a PB&J or Ham!?

You Are a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You are a traditional person with very simple tastes. In your opinion, the best things in life are free, easy, and fun. You totally go with the flow. And you enjoy every minute of it! Your best friend: The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Your mortal enemy: The Ham Sandwich

What Kind of Sandwich Are You?

Interesting... deep?

The Part of You That No One Sees

You are balanced, peaceful, and sincere. You're the type of person who goes along to get along. And you're definitely afraid of rocking the boat. Underneath it all, you fear your world falling apart. You'll put up with a situation that you don't like in fear of changing it. Disruptive and forceful people intimidate you - and sometimes exploit you.

What's the Part of You That No One Sees?

Okay, last one!! ahhh, yes. This was a good kiss, no??

Your Famous Movie Kiss is from Spiderman

"I have always been standing in your doorway. Isn't it about time somebody saved your life?"

What Famous Movie Kiss Are You?

You know you want to try these!