peonies in my garden

a non-birthday gift

2012-01-25T06:59:00.000-08:00

My sister Dede and I share the same birthday month. Our mom and dad are great about remembering and arranging some sort of celebration. We had that Saturday. We gathered at our house for dinner. Dede and her family brought a Wii so the kids could play Just Dance 2. The adults talked...and talked...and watched YouTube videos on the AppleTv. We had agreed a few months ago to make birthdays more low key and not to exchange gifts. I was shopping at JCrew the night before and found a sweater that would be perfect for Dede. As she was leaving I gave her the "non-birthday gift." I was walking with Dede toward the door for her first load to the car when she casually pointed to a box sitting by the door and said, "There is your 'non-birthday gift.'" I picked it up. It was so heavy I thought it must be food storage. I opened the box and saw a family treasure.

Before a move, my mom was going through all of their possessions. She decided to give us some of her treasures--- I received her grandmother's silver, Annie received the china, and Dede received the Little Colonel books. These books originally belonged to my great aunt. My mom had read them to us---and we loved it. We loved the stories and they were more dear knowing where they had come from and the memories attached to our mom reading them to us. Dede said, "I know you will read them to your girls." (Dede has four wonderful sons.) I was so touched by her gift. She has always been one of the most generous people I know. She has inherited that quality from our dad- who I believe inherited from his mom (Granny). I have a lot to learn from them. xoxo

90th birthday

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

@her home with Kate in the guest bedroom August 2008

Grandma would have turned 90 years old today.

She asked her bishop last December to pray for her that she would make it to her 90th birthday.

He shared the story at her funeral.

He had prayed for her.

As he said at her service, "The Lord had a better plan and brought her home for Christmas."

We miss her so much already.

Happy birthday Gram.

We love you~

a winter trip to St. George

2012-01-18T11:23:00.000-08:00

On the previous Sunday, Danny and I were planning our week. I mentioned the upcoming four day weekend the girls had from school. As we discussed ideas of what to do on our days off...Danny (eventually) suggested St. George and I jumped on it! Found and booked a hotel within 5 minutes!

JANUARY 13-16

DAY ONE:

We woke up, packed, picked up the house and headed out the door by 11:00.

We picked up Nana in Orem, had some lunch and headed down the freeway.

The girls watched My Fair Lady in the back with Nana as Danny drove.

The movie was over just after Cedar City so we played name that tune/artist with an ipod! (Ellie won)

We found our hotel...settled in and went for a walk.

It got too cold after 10 minutes and Danny went back for the car.

We drove to the St. George temple.

We walked around and then spent an hour in the visitors center...

which we had never done before but loved.

Then we met the rest of the crew (Amanda/Randy/kids and Sharon/Jason) at the Pizza Factory.

Went thrifting @ DI...Amanda is famous for finding amazing treasures at DI.

DAY TWO:

Sharon, Jason, Danny and I went to an early session at the temple while Cil and the girls slept in.

We ate breakfast at the Bear Paw...which was a hit (thanks for the suggestion friends!)
...and stopped by the antique jewelry store on the corner.

We headed back to the hotel and changed for the hike.

We hiked just outside of Leeds.

Before the hike started Amanda shared a story that Grandma had written about in her journal.

Their family had been camping at this very spot (Danny was hanging out with friends in St. George). Grandma and Grandpa were in Overton so they met them for the day. Grandma wanted to stay and camp but she was sure that Grandpa would want her to come home with him. To her surprise, he insisted she stay and play and he would drive back to get her. They had fun all night long...even though they nearly froze under the "emergency blanket." They woke up to hearing owls in the early morning. Grandma didn't get much sleep that night but loved every minute of it.

I loved hearing Amanda tell the story from Grandma's perspective and the hike was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!

After hiking we went back to change.

Visited our friends the Parmenters!
(The girls and Nana played cards, Sophie played with PrettyGirlShe'sALady (their adorable dog that I wanted to kidnap), and Danny and I caught up with Paul and Alison.

Then we met our crew again for dinner at Texas Roadhouse.

We finished the night hanging out at Amanda & Randy's condo.

DAY THREE:

We got up early and met Grandma for church in Las Vegas!

It was early but worth it.

Then we all headed to Grandma's house for a little bit of work and a lot of food!

Danny pruned her tree...she watched out the window nervously as he cut off branches.

Everybody else gathered, stacked, swept and raked...and played.

The girls stayed outside in the dirt almost the entire day.

At 5:00 p.m. Judy and her family were there, Mike and Mary and dear Lynn.

We devoured Grandma's famous spaghetti and meatballs.

It was so fun being with her.

DAY FOUR:

We slept in.

The girls, Nana and Danny soaked in the hot tub...

and I read a book.

Back on the road again.

It was one of our favorite trips!

imaginations alive

2012-01-12T22:51:00.000-08:00

"Mom, do you think dolls are real?" Sophie asked.
"What do you think?" I responded.
"Well..." she began in a bit of a ramble, "in the Little Princess Captain Crew gave his daughter Sara a doll and he told her that the doll would wake up at night and then they become still again before you wake up and that is what I think."

Sophie and I had this conversation on a cleaning day at our house. My girls love their dolls...and Sophie more than any of them. She has had this doll since before her first birthday. It was always named "my baby when I was a baby." A little while later she modified it, "Baby Sage, my baby when I was a baby" named after her sweet cousin Sage.

Now...about the cleaning day---a couple of months ago we moved all of the girl's toys in one room---a playroom. We had an extra armoire and an extra tv with a dvd player. It wasn't connected to cable...but the girls brought their movies in there. Sophie had them running 24/7. It was time to reorganize and de-clutter that room. This week the girls and I consolidated, organized and cleaned out the closet, toy box and armoire. They each have a small collection of American girl doll accessories and dolls. I suggested that they remove the tv and fill that piece of furniture with their treasures. They were reluctant at first but they sent the tv to storage in the basement and haven't missed it for one minute. There has been a lot more imaginative play...and a lot more fun with their toys. And the dolls have their own organized spot, which is important when they "wake up" each night. :) Maybe I should follow their example and take the tv out of my room. CNN every night before bed might kill me off this election year!

truth = trust

2012-01-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

Two of our girls were sick today so I decided they should stay home from church. Ellie was well but I wasn't sure how to get her there when I was taking care of her sisters and Danny was already at meetings. I didn't want to take her and leave her there without us. So I turned to Ellie as we sat on the couch and asked, "Do you want to teach your sisters a primary (children's Sunday school) class?" She jumped up and grabbed the Friend magazine. After a few minutes she asked if they could do one of the activities she saw there---homemade pretzels. "Of course."

She went straight to her room, gathering supplies for her lesson. She asked the girls to be ready in a half an hour. They got dressed---out of their pjs. 30 minutes later they were gathered in the dining room. I stayed out of their way but remained in earshot. Ellie taught them a lesson she found about honesty. She read them a story about a boy who was being questioned about having started a fire. His mom knew that he always told the truth. She defended him to the authorities and they later found that the fire was started by other individuals. She taught the girls, if you are truthful people trust you. Kate and Sophie listened so intently and quietly. Then she asked them different questions. As they answered she would pull a prize (bookmarks, etc...) out of a bag that she had brought from her room. I smiled. Then she gathered them in the kitchen to make CTR pretzels. They made them all by themselves (with the exception of taking them out of the oven).

It is amazing what abilities children have, that I often don't give them opportunities to express. I am also grateful for so many fine example of leadership my girls have learned from school, church, friends, music teachers and extra-curricular activities. I feel so grateful that we are surrounded by so many wonderful people.

As Ellie taught words of truth to her sisters today my trust in her---and their trust in her became that much stronger. Thank you for what you taught me today Ellie, I love you.

resolve

2012-01-02T23:43:00.000-08:00

It's never good, when you have reached the end of the year and can't recall any of your resolutions from the first of the year. Well, I did add music to our home...improvement in the other areas was very slight. I hope for a better resolve this year! I love the newness of a brand new year. Danny and I had an impromptu talk on the couch on January 1st. We are excited about our resolutions!

We are going to take greater care of our bodies! One of favorite friends is Effie Nielsen. When we were neighbors, Effie had competed and won a weightlifting championship. See here and here. She was encouraged to compete by her great-grandson and his coach. At the time Effie was 90. (She will be 100 this May.) I was talking with her in her front yard quite a few years ago. We were talking about her garden. She mentioned all of the rhubarb she needed to harvest. I asked what she did with it besides the obvious pie choice. "I make rhubarb juice" she said. "Rhubarb juice??? Does that taste good?" I responded. "I don't live to eat, " she replied sweetly, "I eat to live." We hope to follow Effie's way of life. We are going to think more about "eating to live" instead of what we "live to eat." There wont be any family strict codes...just an effort to do better with a stronger focus on our health.

We will also be outside more (breathing fresh air and working our bodies)! I have a propensity to hibernate in the winter. It is not good for my body or my mind. We started Monday. We woke up, enjoyed a quick breakfast and headed out the door. We even found a few friends who wanted to join us on our way. There will be more walking, hiking, yoga, pilates and even running this year.

We are going to "show up" this year. Last week we were all gathered at Grandma's viewing. It had been a slow evening. It was cold outside. It was feeling too quiet...even with family surrounding us. I looked toward the door and in walked one of our most favorite families. Danny's friend Kenny walked in with his wife Heather and their four children. They were dressed up in their Sunday best and brightened our entire evening. I don't think Kenny had seen Grandma since our wedding, yet he showed up. They are dear friends and taught us a great lesson. Show up for people. When we are there for people---weddings, funerals, babies, surgeries, graduations, birthdays...they feel loved. We can definitely do a better job in this category.

So yesterday when Danny's mom called and needed help in her yard---we showed up. We were outside in the fresh air, working with happy hearts. Thank you Parcell family for your good examples.

"Certain qualities, talents, and works which distinguish a man are more readily appreciated when one knows from what nationality he has sprung..." The Life and Times of Asher B. Durand p. 3

I remember standing by a bus in Argentina when a man asked me, "De donde es?" He wanted to know more than where I was currently living, and more than my country of origin...he wanted to know my nationality. That really isn't an easy question...I have lines from many different countries---France, England, Germany, and more... Needless to say, he wasn't satisfied with my vague answer.

Although there is too much variety to identify with any one country besides the country in which I currently live, I believe there is a great benefit knowing where we come from. Instead of focusing on places we will focus this year on people that have come before us. Danny and I brainstormed a plan to create "book of remembrances" like those my parents had when I grew up. They were covered in hardback leather with strong metal posts. We are going to craft new books from antique photo albums. (Thank you Papa!) We will add pages: fill it with lined sheets, pictures and family trees. There will be a section of all four lines of my girls genealogy. It will be a special place for them to note and write what is important to them of what they have learned. We can't wait.

I am also going to read a few books to help me learn more: The Life and Times of Asher B. Durand (a great, great, great uncle) and a few books on the Mayflower (to learn more of the Brewster and Standish family lines from which we are a part).

We are sticking with three areas and keeping them more general rather than strict. We hope that our small efforts bring wonderful experiences! Here's to a new year...and a wonderful start we enjoyed today!!!!!!!!
Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!

Will you come for us?

2011-12-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

Gram & Kate Aug. 2008/as a young lady in 1938

Dear Grandma,

As we gathered around your bedside on Friday night I felt the most calm yet joyful reverence I ever remember feeling. There must have been a glorious reunion in the room that was beyond our sight. It was a privilege to be there. Grandma, will you come for us when it is our turn to go?

Did you hear Danny that night when he asked you to watch over us and our little girls? They love you. Sophie has mentioned you in every prayer since you left. Ellie found the dress you were making for her doll. She wants to finish it for you. I have been going through the pictures I have of your life, and I found a series with you and Kate playing in your guest bedroom...I am going to frame it for her room.

After you left that night we were all still there- Papa, Michel, Jimmy, Paul, Amanda, Randy, Sharon, Jason, Danny and I- already your home seemed empty. All of your earthly possessions were there in front of us, yet we could feel that your presence was missing. All of a sudden the things of this world seem a lot less important and we are reminded that our love and memories are our real treasures.

Thank you Grandma for all that you have taught us.

We hold you in our hearts always.

01.19.22-12.23.11

Christmas bells are ringing...

2011-12-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

I promised a friend nearly a month ago that I would post my Christmas music favorites! I finished my list. I tried to create the list on itunes but couldn't figure it out. If what I tried works I will post it bellow. Some of these are favorites because my girls love them so much (Santa Baby). They all make us happy and we have been listening to Christmas music almost exclusivly since Thanksgiving! We love it!

Jingle Bells Barbra Streisand A Christmas Album

Must Be Santa Bob Dylan Christmas In the Heart

Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful) Liberian Children's Choir, Luciano Pavarotti & Trisha Yearwood Pavarotti & Friends: For the Children of Liberia

Christmas Song Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 3

Christmas Day Dido A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 5

We Three Kings of Orient Are/O Little Town of Bethlehem Ella Fitzgerald Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem Emmylou Harris Light of the Stable

Winter Wonderland Eurythmics A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 1

Were You There On that Christmas Night? Hue & Hum - Hue & Hum Christmas

Someday At Christmas Jack Johnson This Warm December: Brushfire Holiday's, Vol. 1

God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen Jars of Clay Christmas Songs

Sleep Well Little Children/What a Wonderful World Kristin Chenoweth A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas

Angels We Have Heard On High The Lower Lights Come Let Us Adore Him

Santa Baby Macy Gray Sounds Of The Season: The NBC R & B Holiday Collection

It Snowed Meaghan Smith iTunes Holiday Sampler

The Christmas Song Mindy Gledhill Winter Moon

Children Go Where I Send Thee Natalie Merchant A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 3

My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year) Regina Spektor Gift Wrapped - 20 Songs That Keep On Giving!

A Cradle In Bethlehem Sara Groves O Holy Night

O Little Town of Bethlehem Sarah McLachlan Wintersong

There Is a Star That Shines Tonight Sheryl Crow Home for Christmas

Silent Night Stevie Nicks A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 1

I Saw Three Ships Sting A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 3

The Friendly Beasts Sufjan Stevens Songs for Christmas

O Holy Night Tracy Chapman A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 3

Another two favorite albums:

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite

Charlie Brown Christmas (just bought it this year...delightful!)

My favorite Christmas video:

This song makes us happy so I thought I would see if there is a video-
Must Be Santa (see above):

I would love to see Barbra Streisand singing Jingle Bells but I couldn't find it.
We LOVE that version!
She is amazing!

What songs am I missing??

What are your favorites??

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

our Christmas card this year- most of the elements from three paper peonies

Christmas is in full swing!

We have Annie home!

The girls are finished with school for the year!!!!!!!

We are wrapping presents today and just excited to be home together.

We wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!

Courage

2011-12-14T21:36:00.000-08:00

photos taken November 2011

Courage is the word that came to mind when I first met Nikki and Callahan. They are fighting a battle against childhood neurological diseases. They have been fighting this battle since they learned of Eliza's diagnosis of MLD. The organizations that they have founded in Eliza's honor are: Eliza's Wish and TeamGive.

This year they have displayed courage in fighting for Callahan's recovery. He broke his neck during a relay bike race 6 months ago. Read more here. As I read Nikki's posts just after the accident, I was again amazed by her, "If I have learned one thing in the past four years it is whether we have a smile or a frown on our face our situation is still the same. Sometimes my attitude is the only thing I have control over. I am a strong believer that we are given challenges to refine us and help us become more charitable and compassionate people. There are always things to be learned. Callahan has mentioned time and time again that he now knows what Eliza goes through each day. She knows what it is like to be trapped in a body that does not do what her brain would like it to do. She knows the frustrations of not being able to itch her nose when she wants to or manipulate objects in her hands. My father-in-law and I were just discussing tonight how maybe this is a very big part of what we are supposed to learn. Callahan has been out raising awareness for neurological diseases for teamgive and now he can empathize with these individuals on a whole new level. Reality continues to sink in and I am understanding more and more what a difficult road this is going to be for us but I hope that we can look back later and see that we grew and hopefully became better people because of it."

When we had a few opportunities to spend time with them at the beginning of Callahan's recovery he talked about the miracles. The miracles of people in the right place at the right time...bringing equipment (neck brace) to the race and not knowing why...and answers to prayer. They were focusing on the blessings and not the hardship. He is doing amazingly well and has come so far. Their determination and and optimism have been so inspiring to all who know them. They wouldn't say this about themselves...but they are truly heros. Nikki made this video- Callahan's road to recovery:

Christmas Grandparent Party

2011-12-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

We are so blessed to live so close to so many of our relatives. My girls have all of their grandparents within 45 miles...and even a great-grandmother (one great-grandma lives in a different state). We see them often. Usually it is in large groups with lots of cousins, aunts and uncles around. The kids tend to run off and play and don't sit and visit as much as they do in small groups. So we invited all of our local grandparents to a Christmas dinner party at our house.

We served:

roast beef

mashed potatoes

homemade rolls

(the first time I can ever remember making them!)

a green salad

(with pomegranate, pistachios, grapefruit, and shredded carrots and a lemon dressing)

carrot cake for dessert

It was a busy afternoon...but worth every minute to have them with us at our table. It felt good to serve them just a little bit. They have done and continue to do so much for us. After dinner we performed the Christmas songs we have been learning and asked them to sing a long with us.

Sophie- Jolly Old St. Nicholas

Kate- Jingle Bells

Ellie- Oh Come All Ye Faithful

me...with Kate accompanying- Sleep Well Little Children

group- Away In A Manger

After the music we gave them each a gift. The grandfather's received the Lower Lights Christmas CD. The grandmother's received books that reminded us of them. Great-grandma received a dvd- My Fair Lady (she is a fair lady). My sweet friend also made Christmas holly pins for each of the grandmothers.

It was such a sweet evening for us. We asked each of them as we visited what their favorite Christmas memory was--

Nana Miller- She said that as a young girl, she worried herself sick every Christmas about whether she would not receive what she hoped for Christmas morning. One year in particular...she felt ill from worry on Christmas Eve. She woke up that next morning with all that she hoped for...and a special doll with a beautiful coral dress handmade my her mother.

Papa Miller- "besides turkey & stuffing?"

Great-grandma- She remembered last Christmas. She had beautiful quilts made for each of us...grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved seeing them in her living room rolling up and cozy each in their own quilt.

Grandma Sally- She remembered receiving a beautiful doll from her sister, who was quite a bit older than her, with beautiful outfits for the doll. She also remembered an ice skating outfit. It had a beautiful full skirt with pom-poms along the bottom. She remembers ice skating with cousins on the lake that Christmas.

Grandpa Davis- He remembered the year that he and his brother received skis. He was so surprised. He remembers finding a hill and skiing that day. He loved skiing and eventually worked on ski patrol at what is now Sundance.

After the party was over I asked the girls what their favorite part of the day was.
Ellie- playing our songs and watching them open their presents
Kate- Carrot cake
(her first time trying it!)
Sophie-receiving Christmas treat bags filled with tiny toys and stickers from Grandma Sally

We are so grateful for these special people in our lives. We hope they will come every year to celebrate this beautiful holiday with us. My plan was to take their pictures with the girls in front of the Christmas tree. When the house was quiet and our guests had returned to their houses...and I looked at the lights of the tree I realized that I didn't take one picture. I was enjoying the evening so much, I completely forgot. I will do better next year...and leave my camera out...and ask Danny...actually the girls (they always remember) to remind me!

time and eternity

2011-12-06T21:39:00.001-08:00

There are two time pieces draped on the bouquet. Early in their engagement Sharon decided to give Jason a pocket watch as her wedding gift to him. It was a beautiful time piece with a thoughtful inscription. The night before their wedding, as she was saying "goodnight" he handed her a box. She opened it to find a beautiful vintage necklace that is a sort of mini pocket watch. She smiled and asked him to stay right there. She ran to her car and gave him his gift. The pocket watch. Not only did they give each other the same gift...they also chose the same font. They are meant to be together.

j + s

for time and all eternity

something bigger than us....

2011-12-05T08:06:00.001-08:00

Last night Kate played in her first concert. She has only been playing cello for a few months, since May. The concert was an evening of cooperation and team work. Each level of ability played their part. Kate participated in Jingle Bells, Wintertime in Russia, Allegro, Twinklebell Canon in D (Pachelbel), and Clock Tower Bells. In Jingle Bells she played the melody---but in the other pieces she played a repetitive harmony, or a surprise strum, and in one just a loud stomp of her foot. As I sat and enjoyed the beautiful sounds I was so grateful that she could have this experience and be a part of something that is bigger than she is. SO GRATEFUL.

I believe it is true...we are so influenced by what is around us. Our perspective of what is possible is altered by what we see others around us doing. As Kate participated last night...her eyes were alert and continually watching. She was mesmerized by the other performers. She watched their expressions, their hands, and their music. She was taking it all in. I think we both could have stayed all night. I wanted her to soak in the influence of so many who have worked so hard and who are striving for their best.

We have the same influence from our friends and neighbors. What amazing examples we had around us this weekend. Our little city experienced a big storm this week. The winds were strong on Thursday. Many houses and trees suffered great damage. We were fortunate to have only lost some wreaths and window well coverings. Trees and fences were most effected in our immediate neighborhood. As we sat in church (Stake Conference) on Sunday morning we were excused a half an hour early and asked to go out and help our neighbors. They announced that another storm was predicted to come in with snow and wind. We needed to get all of the loose debris up and covered or taken to the land fill before the storm came in. Danny got dressed and headed out with his chain saw. They gathered at the houses that needed the most help. Neighbors were helping neighbors all over the city---hauling, cutting, gathering, cleaning, and providing hot chocolate. It was amazing. As I think about my neighbors and watch their good works and the service they give to the community...I take it all in and feel inspired. Again, I am left feeling grateful to be a small part of something bigger than us---and by our association with these neighbors we are better people for it.

our advent

2011-12-01T16:41:00.001-08:00

I read the Happiness Project last month and I loved something she brought to my attention. Enjoy the process...enjoy the preparation and anticipation of events---they are often more fun than the event itself. Isn't that true!!! The days leading up to Christmas are so much more exciting for me than the actual day. The traditions we have bring so much joy in the holiday!

I decided to combine two traditions into one...and I can hardly contain my excitement. We have had numerous advent calendars- the chocolate window advent, a felt Santa with numbered pockets, last year we tried this (so cute...right!?). I wanted something new this year. Nothing has seemed like the perfect fit. I scoured Pintrest: see here. I loved so much of what I saw but I couldn't decide on anything.

Then I thought about our Christmas book basket. Many years ago, when Ellie was a baby, my friend Liza came up with beautiful baskets we would line for Christmas books. We were going to make them at a Relief Society activity. If that wasn't great enough she wrote a poem to go with them.

Come children, come folks, come grandparents, too,

And hear of a tradition that I'll share with you.

Each year when the snow first begins to fall-
Up from the basement this basket you'll haul.

Grab some hot cocoa and cookies with sprinkles,
By the light of the fire or Christmas tree twinkles,
Snuggle up with the family, babe on mom's lap
And share a Christmas story before your long winter's nap.

There are stories of reindeer and noses that glow
Of a grinch watching Whoville celebrate down below.
There's a train and a boy who hears Santa's bells
And of course, there is Scrooge with his tale to tell.

But the best Christmas story is saved for the last
And we think of it often when the holidays are past.
Tell the story of the Christ child and the first Christmas Eve,
Of the Babe in the manger who taught us to believe.

by Liza Richards

We have had a Christmas Book "basket" since then. I still have the tag she printed with the poem tied to my basket. (I gave the lined baskets away as gifts and I have kept this metal "basket" and have been too lazy to line it.) I love bringing it up from the basement each Christmas. I love that our books are tucked away all year and the girls have a pile of books that feel new and intriguing for the holidays---even though many of them I have had since they have been born. I decided to choose 25 of our favorite Christmas books to wrap and number. (The rest are hiding under my bed.) We will open a new one each night to count down for Christmas! The girls are SO excited to see what is behind the simple brown paper. (Sophie woke up asking about it this morning.) Some of them will have activities with them too. Here is my book list for this year...shhhh, don't tell the girls:

1. Only a Star

this is my very favorite Christmas book--I LOVE the way it turns my thoughts toward the true reason for Christmas

2. Santa Claus the World's #1 Toy Expert

3. The Little Christmas Tree

4. The Gift of the Magi

plan what they will give each other this night

5. Room For a Little One

6. Merry Christmas Big Hungry Bear

7. Sally's Christmas Miracle (Peanuts)

8. Come and See

9. It's a Wonderful Life (for Kids)

We will try to watch the movie that week

10. The Polar Express

bring out their stocking bells

11. A Wish To Be a Christmas Tree

12. Christmas Oranges

secretly deliver a box of oranges to someone's front steps

13. The 12 Days of Christmas

this isn't the one I have but I wish I did- love the illustrations

14. Yes, Virginia

15. The Steadfast Tin Soldier

16. Nine Days to Christmas

17. The Little Drummer Mouse

18. Mortimer's Christmas Manger

why do so many of our books have mice in them?

19. The Crown on Your Head *

this isn't a Christmas story...but it is beautiful. my girls have never read it. they are going to make their own paper crowns this night.

20. The Christmas Story

21. Snowmen @ Night

22. The First Night

23. Christmas Cookies

make cookies this night and deliver it to neighbors

24. A Sheperd's Gift

25. A Book of Mormon Christmas the Nativity Story in Picture, Verse & Song

What are your favorite Christmas books? What is your favorite advent calendar!?

changing seasons

2011-11-29T22:07:00.001-08:00

left- my boot/ right- her hand

It was so warm today! Our house seems so quiet after our wonderful weekend of house guests, a wedding and Thanksgiving. I missed having so many people to talk to. I had a few deliveries to make around the neighborhood so I asked Sophie if she wanted to join me for a walk. She grabbed a scooter and we headed out the door. It was nice to say hello to neighbors, even though brief, and breathe in the fresh air. There were colorful leaves everywhere we turned. I appreciated so much the last bits of fall hanging around. I know the seasons will be changing quickly. As Sophie sped up in front of me on her scooter I thought of this season I have with her. We spend time each day on reading...practicing, I always have company to run errands and to shop. When I had three little girls with me 24/7 I couldn't wait for the day to do all of those things on my own. Now that I have two in school fulltime I realize how fast each season passes me by. I will really miss it- just like I miss these colorful leaves in the winter.

feels like home

2011-11-26T16:24:00.000-08:00

if you knew how lonely my life has been

and how long I've been so alone

and if you knew how i wanted someone to come along

and change my life the way you've done

if feels like home to me

it feels like i'm all the way back where i come from

it feels like home to me

...all the way back where i belong

Feels Like Home

They have embraced her into their family.

She is a perfect fit.

We are so happy for her...

and grateful to have a new brother in law and niece.

Our girls are thrilled to have a new cousin!

CONGRATULATIONS LLOYD FAMILY!!!!!!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T17:23:00.000-08:00

I know this sounds like an exaggeration...but we haven't had Thanksgiving dinner at my parent's house on Thanksgiving day for at least 15 years. We broke that bad tradition and headed to Mom and Dad's on Thursday! The weather was reasonably warm. The kids were excited...other than the dread my girl's were feeling at the thought of eating turkey. (wimps...heeeheee) I love my mom's cornbread dressing! I love my dad's overall enthusiasm for the Thanksgiving feast. My girls arranged a huge vegetable platter to look like a turkey. They were pretty pleased and I was grateful for the help. After our meal we headed to the movie theater to see Hugo. Have you seen it!?!?!?! Wasn't it BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Isn't the story sweet!?!? We LOVED it!!!!!

We are grateful for our warm homes, plentiful food, a land of liberty, falling leaves, and most of all~ each other. xo

a thankful weekend

2011-11-21T09:53:00.001-08:00

it was the perfect amount of time with friends and time with family
the perfect balance of time out and time at home~

bake cookies with a house full of little girls

dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday

watch falling snow

a piano recital-
(beautiful performances Ellie, Abi, Sam & Bailey!!!!)

hung wreaths and garland on front windows and door

(i LOVE the fresh cedar garland and fresh wreaths at Costco!!!!!)

practice our Christmas songs

lots of play-dates
i started this book

a football game
(phew...that was a close one!)
put the kids to bed and watched The Nun's Story by Audrey Hepburn

church

choir practice

pictures for Christmas cards-my fav. out-takes above
(i LOVE Christmas cards...making and sending them...but mostly receiving them throughout the season...
it's one of my favorite parts of the holidays.)

a movie with all of us piled on our bed- Pollyanna (perfect for Thanksgiving week)!)

(i cried...kind of a lot)

making dinner together

hot chocolate with whipped cream

I am thankful for weekends...especially this one.

For your listening pleasure:
Ellie playing March Militaire

the art of happiness

2011-11-17T09:20:00.001-08:00

A few months ago I was sitting with a friend at book club. We both attend with our daughters. Part of the activities of the evening were to practice sketching. We had read The Invention of Hugo Cabret. The book is filled with gorgeous pencil illustrations. Our hosts handed each of us sketch pads and pencils and invited us to take a page from the book and sketch. I thought it would be fun...but I really liked it. Joyce was sitting next to me and we were having so much fun! She suggested we take an art class. I would love to do that....but I already take guitar lessons...I can't have more lessons than my children. :)

A few weeks ago Joyce called. She found a class. She was excited. I was too. I knew she would be fun to learn with. I could find out if I could paint or draw. It would be a new creative outlet outside of photography. But I was undecided. Do I have time for another hobby or interest? Would I be any good? Should I be spending the money? Is it selfish??? I remained undecided.

Yesterday as I was reading the The Happiness Project a particular idea caught my attention. As part of a year long happiness project she focused one of her months on "being serious about play." She struggled even knowing what was genuinely fun for her. As I read her goals I struggled to know what I myself thought was fun---outside of what "should be fun" or what my friends do for fun. Her friend posed this question to her, "What did you like to do when you were a child? What you enjoyed as a ten-year-old is probably something you'd enjoy now."

What was fun for you when you were ten? Do you remember? Are you still doing it?

The three things that stood out in my mind (outside of imaginative play like school, house, etc...) exploring the neighborhood (wherever it was at the time), art and writing. I wrote a lot in blank books, mostly fiction. I loved to draw. I am not sure why I stopped doing any of those things. Maybe I thought they were less legitimate than other things I could spend my time doing. My mind immediately traveled back to the evening Ellie and I spent sketching in our friend's back yard, moms and daughters. I really enjoyed it. I thought of the class Joyce mentioned. I called today.

images: left found here/ right my image taken 01.01.11

B conscious of your treasures.

2011-11-14T07:13:00.001-08:00

Last Friday morning Danny and I woke to footsteps coming toward our room. It was Sophie. As she climbed into our bed she told us that it was too dark in her room and she wanted company. It was 5:00 a.m. so we cuddled up with her between us and tried to get a bit more sleep. Very quickly I could hear her breathing slow and I knew she was in dreamland. I closed my eyes and was just at the brink of sleep when I heard her call out, "Yes Mom." She spoke/yelled as if she was down the hall from me in such a cheerful tone it brought a smile to my face. Danny glanced over to me and mouthed the words "so cute" and we tried again to fall asleep. I lay there with my thoughts. The sound of her cheerful voice yelling "yes mom" left me thinking. My three girls, they really do listen. The trust that they give me to lead and to guide them is great. They are following me. They follow those things that I intentionally teach them. But I am afraid, what is even more influential is my example. They watch my actions and soak in all they see (the good yes...but also the bad). I lay there wanting to be the mother that they deserve. Some of the first words I read that morning were these:

"Have a grateful heart~ be conscious of your treasures"

Yes. Being conscious of the treasures that are found in family,

that certainly is a step in the right direction.

Thank you Sharon and Jason for helping take these pictures and sharing your swing xoxo.

fair little ladies

2011-11-11T22:30:00.000-08:00

My fair little ladies.

We loved our night on the town.
We love the movie...
and I was really excited to see the play.
Sophie even planned her outfit.

Ellie and Sophie chose to see My Fair Lady.
Kate wants to see Annie---so she had a date night with dad.

Thanks Nana, Dede and Chase for going with us!
We LOVED it!

did you do a "once-over"

2011-11-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Last night we gathered on the couch for family home evening. I read the girls one of my favorite scriptures. Danny and I like it so much...it was the first scripture we had framed in our home just after we were married.

"Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;"  D&C 88:119

We talked a little bit about what that teaches us about God (organize, prepare, prayer, faith, learning, order, etc...) Then we pulled up a picture on Danny's laptop after googling the word "hoarding." I asked the girls how it would feel being in the room they were looking at. Respectfully...I asked them to share what they might be able to do or say to change that situation. They were full of great advice.

Next I complimented Ellie. She moved to her own room at the end of the summer. She has done a WONDERFUL job of keeping it orderly and organized. I have been really surprised and happy at the effort she has put forth in caring for her things. I commended her. She was beaming. I asked her to share her organizational secrets with us. She was happy to do it.

Although Ellie has kept her room clean...none of them, including Ellie, have been very good at keeping common areas; like bathrooms, family rooms, the kitchen and the playroom tidy. They leave their backpacks and shoes on the floor when they get home from school. Their music is left out after practice. Clothes are often left on the bathroom floor. And the playroom---oh my word!

SO we set up a plan! A once-over! Before you leave a room...give it a once-over. (I know this is basic...right? Why have I not been teaching this all along?) In the morning before you leave your room...glance over your shoulder...
is my bed made?
is anything on the floor?
out of place?

Before you climb in bed...a once-over...
Before you get out a new toy...or leave the playroom...or leave the dinner table...or leave the bathroom....a once-over....

I am not the worst cleaner...and I am surely not the best. (Do you see that playroom mess?)
My biggest problem- I spend more energy worrying about keeping the house clean...than actually cleaning it! We have been straightening each room before we leave it the last two days....and it has been WONDERFUL! I think the girls like the new phrase and feel like it is a more manageable task than "go clean your room." Last night after scriptures and reading...we did a quick "once-over" in the family room and it took two minutes MAX! Woohoo! It will require some friendly reminding and diligence on my part to secure this as a good habit...I think we are up for the challenge!

happy birthday Sophie

2011-11-02T23:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Sophie,

You turned FIVE YEARS OLD today! I can hardly believe it!!!! On Monday you commented as we ate lunch together at the counter, like we do most days-- "isn't this nice just you and me Mom..." With a big smile I agreed. It is so nice. I can hardly believe that you aren't a toddler anymore...that you will start school next year. You are older than Ellie was when I had you. You have taught me to smile all day, have fun (even if we are doing chores), and to love life (even if it is snowing...you remind me "at least we can make a snowman"). You work hard...and you say the sweetest prayers.

Just in case you forget....for your birthday you got to sleep in! You had a quick bite for breakfast (Halloween candy) and then took a long bath. We got ready. You picked your outfit. We did a little shopping. Went to lunch, your choice, Chipotle. Your ordered a bean burrito yourself (I did lift you up to the counter) with black beans, white rice, cheese and sour cream. We picked up cupcakes from the Sweet Tooth Fairy (raspberry lemonade for you and Chase, peanut butter chocolate for Kate, grasshopper for Ellie, sweet potato for dad, and salted caramel with chocolate for me.) Then we met Chase and brought him home to play. We took everybody for frozen yogurt in your honor and rented movies at the video store. You came home and played and played. After your dinner of bean burritos/celery sticks/carrots (your choice again) we sang Happy Birthday and ate the cupcakes! You loved the gifts you opened~ a horse for your American Girl doll from Dad and I, Sleeping Beauty with her bed and fairies from Kate and Ellie & Pet Shop treasures from Chase.

Not only did you thank all of us for your new treasures...you remembered them in your prayers too <3

We love you forever...happy birthday!

Love,

Mom

Halloween in Wonderland

2011-10-31T21:18:00.000-07:00

Unseasonably warm...
I was insisting on sweaters...but I was a bit overdressed for the temperature!
We haven't been big "trick o' treaters" in the recent years past...
and I loved it!

The girls had the day off of school so we took it easy at home...
getting things like music practice and reading done...with extra time.
It was so nice.
The girls played...first in the playroom and then in the backyard.
The day really was beautiful.
I changed sheets, washed and folded laundry, organized the playroom, read with Ellie, played guitar...

We headed over to a friend's home for dinner and to gather our kids for the evening's adventures.
Her white bean chili was AMAZING!!!!!
The kids were dressed up...excited and LOVED knocking at each door!
Sophie tripped (that long hoop skirt made it tough to keep up with big sisters) after the 6th door and she was DONE! She wanted nothing more to do with the candy adventure. I went home with her. After a bath we snuggled on the couch and read this and this, with an occassional interruption at the door. She loved handing out candy.

Ellie and Kate continued with our friends through a spooky lane, a few more doors for trick or treating and then a neighborhood spook ally. Our friend JR was trying to encourage part of the group who were afraid to go through the first time. He offered a dollar if they would do it. Kate and Ellie quickly responded, "WE WILL!" So off they went! With buckets full of candy and a dollar bill each---"Alice" and the "Madhatter" came home with huge smiles on their faces. What a wonderful day!

I wish I could have stayed out later with my camera.  There is something magical about a Lensbaby and nighttime light.  It added and eeriness to the pictures that I love.  I wish it would have given me a little less blur on their faces when I took their costume pictures.  At one of the houses...they had a blue light and everything white glowed a radiant blue.  The crescent moon was eerie over the housetops too.

that's what makes me smile

2011-10-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ellie brought home a stack of graded school work that her teacher returned to her. As I leafed my way through it I found this gem...

What Makes Me Smile

by Ellie Davis

The sound of the piano when I hit the key, the feeling of a book when I turn the page- that's what makes me smile.  

The sound of a pencil scrapping against paper, the sound of water splash when you dive in- that's what makes me smile.  

Grass in my feet, wind in my face, that's what makes me smile.

When I hear the sound of the bell ring I am excited for school to start, when I walk outside and see my friends, I'm excited to play with them- that's what makes me smile.

Halloween Masquerade

2011-10-28T23:50:00.000-07:00

If it wasn't for the Passey's halloween party...

I would never dress up.
(Danny and I both loved thickening our tresses with wigs!)

I have never been a Halloween fan but these friends of mine are beginning to convert me.

I love not knowing what anyone is going to be wearing...and walk in on a room of surprises.

They are seriously some of the most creative people I know!

The only rule~

We had to wear masks for the masquerade...

Danny and I counted our eye patches but we should have done more :)

Some of the masks were my favorite part!

Heather and Kelly...thank you for a wonderful evening~

food, friends, and your beautiful home at Halloween is my F A V O R I T E!

(I want to wrap up your fireplaces and bring them home with me!)

xoxo

Grandma's kitchen

2011-10-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

It has been a long week for all of us but especially Danny...and it was only Wednesday! As I thought about what to feed everyone I knew a sure-fire pick me up for my people. I gathered a few essentials: sourdough bread from the freezer, golden potatoes, an onion and I knew we would enjoy a nice meal together. Danny's grandma (Grandma in Las Vegas) ran a busy catering business until very recently. She is an excellent cook. One of our favorite meals is her potato soup. It is sure to make Danny a happy man!

1 cube of butter

3/4 to 1 c. of flour

7 c. water

7 chicken boullion cubes

7 potatoes 

diced onion

shredded carrots

half and half (I use cream 9 times out of 10)

melt butter...stir in flour...add water slowly...add b.cubes, potatoes, onion, carrots.  When potatoes are soft add half and half.  Serve hot with sourdough bread and butter :)

Well, it worked. Danny was in heaven. The girls ate every bite and our week seemed to slowdown---even if it was just for that one meal. Grandma has been sick for the past few months with colon cancer. Sophie talked to her last Sunday. She has prayed for "Grandma in Las Vegas" every single night. Grandma thanked her Sunday. It was sweet. We love you Grandma!

a note for the tooth fairy~

2011-10-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

It was her first loose tooth!!!!

(lost naturally anyway...there was that one the dentist pulled...oops)

On Thursday night Sharon was here and I showed her Kate's loose tooth.

Danny is the "tooth puller" for all of our nieces and nephews...but not his girls.

They wont let him near the wiggly pearly whites.

I pointed out that her new tooth was growing behind the tooth that was finally loose.

Sharon decided that it was time.

She grabbed a long tootsie roll from her purse.

She handed it to Kate under the condition that she bite and chew every bite on her loose tooth.

Sure enough, once the tootsie roll was finished it was REALLY loose.

Sophie, Ellie and I tried to distract her...Danny stood close by with a clean dry hankie...

and Sharon grabbed a hold of it------

She lost her first wiggly tooth!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Aunt Sharon!!!!!!!!!!

When it was time for bed we placed the tooth in a little "doll tooth fairy" that holds the tooth in a little pouch. She carried it to her room so carefully. She has been waiting for the tooth fairy FOR YEARS now. She was NOT going to mess this up. Before she placed it under her pillow she wanted to take one last final peek at her lost tooth. It was gone. She noticed a small hole at the bottom of the pouch. She was DEVASTATED!

We looked and looked. We retraced her steps. No tooth. To console her I suggested she write a note and leave it in the pouch. I was sure the tooth fairy would understand.

She found the tiniest paper I have ever seen and wrote a note:

translation:

"I dropped my tooth down the stairs. Can you look for it?"

The tooth fairy understood and left two dollars.

clam chowder

2011-10-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

I knew it was serious when he bought my clam chowder.  Danny and I had been hanging out for a few months.  He and his roommate Stu were often at our apartment...or my roommates and I at theirs.  Stu and Heidi (one my roommates) were dating.  Danny and I enjoyed each other's company...and I was entertained by his flirting...but we were just friends.  Spring break was approaching and we decided to go on a road trip...my hometown (Petaluma, CA).  Danny, Stu, Heidi and I loaded in Danny's car and we made our way to California.

On our first day in Petaluma we decided to make the short drive to the city...San Fransisco.  We walked...visited Alcatraz and headed to Pier 39 around lunch time.  We chose Boudin Bakery for clam chowder in a bread bowl.  To my surprise, Danny bought my lunch.  Danny takes going out to eat and spending $ seriously.  So seriously that buying my lunch was like a flashing neon sign...DANNY LIKES ME.  I wasn't sure what to do or think. 

After lunch we found the car and began driving around.  Danny decided to pull over at a park just after we visited Lombard street.  Stu and Heidi jumped right out...and I tried to stay as close (like glue!) to Heidi as I could.  :)  A romantic walk in the park...I wasn't ready.  I was scared.  Did I like him????  Did I want to marry him...after all---he did by my lunch ;)  

Later that night Danny and I were talking on the couch in my parent's living room.  "You don't want to talk about this..." he observed.  I was awkward and Danny was relaxed.  "Do you like me?" he asked.  I did like him.  He made me laugh.  He treated everyone he knew with kindness.  He was always happy.  He was (and still is) handsome.  He was ambitious, strong, smart...What wasn't to like?  So I told him my rule.  It was a rule to protect my heart... "I am not kissing anyone who is kissing anyone else."

Danny understood...but he wasn't sure how committed he was.  He had just taken a young lady out the week before, after all.  He was planning on taking her out again.  :) So we said "goodnight" with out a kiss.

The next morning the four of us headed out with my family to the ocean and then to church.  By the end of our road trip back to school---he had forgotten all about "what's her name" and it was official.  We were together~  and he has been buying me lunch ever since...

The fall weather inspires soup in our kitchen. I combined a few different recipes and created my own version of clam chowder...

Clam Chowder
1 cube of butter
3/4 c. flour

Make a rue and add...
16 oz. of clam juice
8 c. of water
4 chicken or vegetable boullion cubes
1 large onion finely chopped
7-8 med. to lg. red potatoes diced
4-6 individual celery stalks chopped
garlic salt (a few heavy dashes) real garlic with sea salt would be even better
paprika (a few heavy dashes)

Let this cook until potatoes are soft-
then add the following:
2-3 6.5 oz cans of clams with clam juice I did two for my kids but would do three if it was just for Danny and I
cream (half and half for a lighter version) to taste. I really just pour it in until I like the color, consistency and taste.
2 T. cider vinegar
extra salt and pepper to taste

Cook until warm and then serve with flat leaf parsley (not the Italian curly I have pictured) and lemon wedges. Have black pepper, red pepper flakes & Tabasco sauce on the table for those who want a kick to their soup. Have plenty of sourdough bread on hand for dipping...bread bowls get soggy...but some people love them.

a neglected squarefoot garden

2011-10-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

General Conference weekends are two of my favorite weekends of the year. I have been thinking about it with anticipation for a few weeks. My prayers were focused these past few weeks in preparation...hoping that I would be open to listening spiritually what I need most in my life. Saturday morning as soon as I woke up I put on some gardening clothes and headed outside. My earphones were ready to carry the message to me as I worked. My flower and garden beds need some preparation for the winter that is coming.

Before the conference talks began I took a large leaf bag to our square foot garden. Our garden has been a bit disappointing this year. I felt like the production was weak and we really didn't look after it much. There were greens planted that I never once harvested. I started with the swiss chard. I cut it down and realized it was still in great shape---so I quite happily put it into the colander instead of the leaf bag. Next to the chard were some other greens. I thought it was the same...but a red variety. I observed the weakness of the leaves and determined it wasn't worth saving. Instead of cutting I pulled it up...root and all and I discovered that they were beets! (Do you know how much I LOVE beets!) I was thrilled and didn't have the slightest memory of planting those seeds. As I pulled each root up and placed it in the colander I realized how negligent I have been. There were volunteer tomato plants (the tomato plants I had actually planted did much better) all over the garden beds. They never produced much but they crowded out what I had intended to grow (zucchini, jalapenos, squash, etc...). After I finished harvesting the beets I pulled out all of the volunteer tomato plants, that without cages were spreading wide and covering too much of the soil. It felt good to take the time to care for this little plot of ground.

As I worked through the morning with words of the prophets and apostles in my ears, I realized that this is what I love about conference. There are so many good things I have in my life to focus time and attention on...yet are the goods things (volunteer tomato plants), that are not the better things (beets) I intend to harvest in my life, taking over? Having too many good things without caring for what I really need and intend to have grow, can create a busy yet unproductive life. Yep, my life has been a lot like my garden. General conference helps me to evaluate where I am (my heart, thoughts and time) and where I really want to be. I receive quiet whispering to my soul as I listen. This conference I tried to write down the quiet whisperings of what I should change or do. These are a few:

Elder David Bednar- help the girls make their own family history books, making sure to give them room to learn and put it together themselves with out too much help.  I also need to edit and organize images for my own family histories (starting with the family reunion we enjoyed this summer).

Elder Neal L. Anderson- contemplate the blessings of being a mother.  Study the definition of "replenish."  We are commanded (from the time of Adam and Eve) to "multiply and replenish the earth."  The "multiply" part is complete for us now...yet what does it mean for my life to "replenish?"  

Elder Robert D. Hales- read and study Jesus The Christ by James E. Talmage.  I had the same impression as I listened to Sister Barbara Thompson in the General Relief Society Meeting.

Elder Ian S. Ardern- write down my goals...prioritize and strive toward reaching them.  Manage my time as a precious commodity, because it is oh so precious.  Remember that being busy does not mean that I am productive.  

Elder Carl B. Cook- Print this scripture and display it in our home:  "Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend."  Book of Mormon; Mosiah 4:9 

Elder Richard G. Scott- Seek study and learning of the words of God through scripture. Although I am currently reading from the New Testament, add the Book of Mormon to my reading everyday. I have read it many times...but it is life changing when read every single day without fail.

I know these are different for everybody because we are all different and unique. And really, what I took from the talks may not have had anything to do with what they actually said. Saturday morning after I finished with the vegetable garden beds I went to the front to give some attention to the lavender that borders a walkway to my front door. It has grown and grown. Danny and I decided to give it a 12" trim. We cut the branches down (to almost nothing) in hopes of pruning it for the better and prettier border next spring. That's what I hope to do with what I have learned at conference---prune back the unnecessary and focus on the very best...down to the roots of what is right for me and my little family. Overall the feeling that was most overwhelming in each talk I heard---was that our Father in Heaven loves me and He loves everyone of His children that lives, ever has lived and ever will live. What he wants most is that we love Him in return by seeking him and loving all of His children.

photos from 09.07.10 (left) and 07.29.11 (right)

you say it's yo' birthdays

2011-09-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

left: Nana, Great-grandma & Uncle Mike (dying to know who you are sticking your tongue at Uncle Mike) right: Dede, "brother" Mike & me

There are two special birthdays today!

"Mom." She became my mother on the day I married her son. The day before we were married we were talking and she invited me to call her "mom." It has been an honor to be one of "her kids." One of my favorite memories of her just happened a few years ago. She told Danny that she would take the girls...and that Danny and I should spend the day out and together. We had a wonderful day. When we pulled up to the house Nana and the girls were coming up the hill. Nana was pulling the wagon and the girls were riding. I live on a steep hill---and I don't think I could pull them up that incline! As they got closer we realized that all of them were in pjs...even Nana. They had been given baths but begged her for one more trip to the park. She of course told them "yes," she always does. We love you Nana.

My brother, Mike. Dede and I were so excited to have a brother!!!! My favorite Mike memory was when we lived in Boise, ID near the canal. Mike was sent to find me. I rode my bike to a friend's house who lived on the other side of the canal. As Mike started walking that direction he saw my bike close to the water and I was nowhere to be seen. He assumed what most 6 year olds would...I drowned. He gathered some flowers from around the waters edge and threw them in as his final gesture. (I don't remember why I left my bike there...when I went to Kathy's house...but I am glad I did.) No one makes me laugh harder than Mike does. Now he shares his birthday week with his dear wife Annie! I love that your birthdays are just a day apart! Love you both.

Happy birthday to two special people...born on the same day...a few years apart :)

i pick you for any adventure

2011-09-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Ellie,

You really made a difference today. As we pulled away from your school you spotted a friend walking home. You called out her name and waved out the window happily. Her face lit up and she asked when you could play. I remember a time when that would have been very hard for you to do---even when you wanted to. Do you remember when I would ask you to say "hello" to your friends?

When we were approaching home I talked to you about your afternoon. You had two fun activities that overlapped and we had committed to both of them. I explained your options to you.

1. weekly sewing class with your friends- you REALLY wanted to work on the pillow you are making
2. a dad/daughter date with your church "activity days" group that dad was planning on

Your first thought was sewing...and that you felt it was important to work on your project. Then on your own you decided being with your dad was more important. You chose to go with him...and were really happy with your decision. I was proud of you. It became the best part of your day. You especially loved watching your dad win first place in the rope pulling contest.

My favorite part of your day was photographed above. Your sister had her tonsils out this week. She had a really rough day. She had been feeling sad & lonely for company without her normal schedule. You had a lot of homework to complete in a short time this afternoon. You included Sophie in your math hunt for lines and angles. You talked to her so sweetly. I never asked you to include her---in fact, you had so much going on I almost called her to come to me to free up some of your time. I am so glad that I didn't. Thanks for being such a wonderful sister.

Tonight at your book club meeting (phew...see what I mean! a lot in one day!) we talked about From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It is about a brother and sister who runaway from home for adventure to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. A question was posed to you and your friends- "who would you take with you if you decided to go on an adventure?" I immediately thought of you- you are adventurous, hard working and a lot of fun. You love to learn and do new things. I am grateful that we have the adventure of life together.

I love you,
Mom

tonsillectomy & banana bread

2011-09-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Sophie had a tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and a microlaryngoscopy to see her vocal chords. (I really have no idea how to spell any of that!) We had to wake her at 5:15 a.m. Danny and I drove her to the hospital---and she was relaxed, cheerful and not even asking for food or water. As we waited in the second waiting room...she just played and played. When the different doctors and staff members came over to talk to us---she would skip back to listen to what they had to say and then go back to her play. When it was time to go into the surgery room, I held her as we went down the hall. They had a childlife specialist walk with us and talk to her about tinkerbell and the toys in her hands. When it was time for her to turn the corner with out me I set her down and gave her a kiss. She walked calmly with the doctor and was really really really brave! I was DYING!

She was uncomfortable after the surgery---but wanted to be held (which helped both of us) and eat her slushie. She woke up and drank well so they let us go. Go UTE Nana (Danny's mom) was waiting at our house. She had spent the night and helped Ellie and Kate get off to school in the morning. She offered to stay at the house until we returned. When we arrived home Sophie climbed up on her lap and just slept in her arms. The car ride was upsetting to her---and sleeping in her Nana's arms was just what she needed.

After that nap and some food she had forgotten that she even had surgery. We had to remind her to talk softly, be still (quit jumping!), and rest. When her pain is controlled with the medicine she talks and acts completely normal. When it is wearing off she is quite uncomfortable.

Nana Miller came to visit after dinner and she brought this sticker book. They sat in the quiet house (Danny and Kate were on a date & Ellie was at the symphony with a friend) and worked and worked on the stickers. As I watched them from the kitchen I made my mom's famous banana bread and thought about how lucky we are:

wonderful doctors and hospital staff
wonderful loving Nanas
sweet messages (via text, email and phone)
thoughtful visits
and even treats (slow melt popsicles were brilliant and I didn't know about them!)

We feel so blessed to have so many that we love and appreciate. Thank you for spoiling my little girl. <3

The banana bread was the perfect way to end the day....
my version of my mom's banana bread:

mix together
2 c. ripe bananas (aprox. 6)
1 c. finely chopped nuts (I use pecans)
1 c. sour cream

in a separate bowl beat
2 c. sugar
1/4 to 1/2 c. real maple syrup
1 c. softened butter
4 eggs

add together and then add
1 3/4 c. all purpose flour
1 1/2 c. freshly ground flour
(I used quinoa and oat groats. You can use all regular flour...but this is easier than you think! I love my wheat grinder and I have had it for at least two years and just started using the last few weeks! You literally throw the quinoa seeds in...and you have flour! Oats are great for cookies and baking!!!)
2 t. baking soda
2 t. salt

Mix well. Add 2 t. of vanilla. mix again. Pour into 3 loaf pans coated with butter. Bake at 350 degrees for at least 60 minutes.

"comparison is the thief of joy"

2011-09-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

I love her "foot chart" made of a laminated manilla folder curling around her feet.

She has been using it for a year now.

It is covered with stickers from different violin activities she has participated in.

A year ago---I anticipated a much different experience than the one she has actually had.

Sophie began violin with a group of 5 other beginning violinists.

They all started with the same footcharts---and "previolins" made from VHS tapes and a ruler.

She was able to move on to a real violin on her 4 year old birthday.

She was SOOOOO excited.

We go to group lesson once a month with the 5 other students.

At the beginning of the group lesson through out this year each of her fellow musicians have earned their twinkle trophy.

She watched each trophy presentation with excitement on her face.

She was truly happy for each recipient and has never even asked me where her trophy is.

Not even once.

I really do love that about her.

She is content with what she is doing...and for the most part---is content with what others around her are doing.

I on the other hand have felt stress.

It has been so challenging for me to hold back...appreciate where she is and what she is doing...
(she is only four after all)

and to silence the pressure I feel for her to keep up.

It is so hard for me not to compare where the two of us are in violin...with what the group is doing.

"Comparison is the thief of joy."

Theodore Roosevelt

Sophie has been learning her Twinkle Variations (5 different variations) over the past year.

We play them over...and over...again. She listens to them on her cd and practices them every day.

Some days she plays a few perfectly.

Other days...hardly any...

and once she played every variation she tried with out a mistake!

The day that she did this she was trying to switch things up for fun.

She decided she would play with her eyes closed.

She stood right in front of me and squeezed her eyes shut.

She played every variation she knows without one single mistake each time she played it.

She has NEVER done that!
I was amazed.

Sometimes we need to close our eyes to everything around us and just play...

we need to silence the opinions of others,

the distractions of what our peers are doing...

and just to be.

Sophie has known that all along...but I am learning more from her than she is from me.

fight the good fight

2011-09-21T08:41:00.001-07:00

I was given the opportunity to photograph the Hegewald family this past spring. I only come out of my "photography retirement" for special occasions. This was one of those occasions. My friend Kim's sister changed her plans for spring break and was coming to Utah instead. They had just learned that her husband Kevin was diagnosed with cancer. He was given a really tough prognosis. It was a last minute decision for them...and I was given the privilege of taking their family pictures.

I expected to see some somber faces...but all I saw was hope. They were filled with optimism and joy. There were smiles...after smiles...after jokes...after smiles. It was my first opportunity to meet them---yet I felt that we were fast friends. I came away knowing that if anyone could beat a grim prognosis it was the Hegewald family...with Kevin leading the way.

Although Kevin passed away last night, I believe he beat cancer. He fought with faith, optimism and humor. He held fast to the love of his family and friends. He knows that we are eternal beings experiencing a mortal life...and that the journey goes on forever. The words he left on his blog yesterday, through his wife Abby, have been an important reminder. Earlier in the week, I was facing a few challenges---that through my attitude (stress & worry), became much bigger than they really are. Our challenges are part of life to make us stronger and to help us learn. As I face mine, whatever they might be, I hope that I will always remember the smiles that the Hegewald family brought to their photo shoot and try to be more like them.

a quiet Sunday evening...

2011-09-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

Danny was out this evening working with the missionaries from our church. The girls and I had filled the evening with baths, a little hair trimming for Sophie and dominoes. I needed to finish up the dishes so I asked the girls to get in their pjs and read on the couch. Sophie grabbed some picture books. Kate grabbed "Just Grace." Ellie grabbed #6 in the Sister's Grimm series. They were so quiet...and it was heaven. The only thing that could have improved this for me---being on the couch with them, a book in hand.

I am reading "A Dog's Purpose" through Alicia's encouragement. I was nervous to read it. At the end of the summer we found a new home for Charlie (our dog). He had a miserable summer due to our busy schedules. He was always home with a roof over his head...food, water and a dog door...and we were out...a lot. As the summer went on he showed more and more displeasure. We tried to increase his walks, have a scheduled play time each day and a more predictable routine for him. He would do great if we stayed home. Charlie loves adults and is such a great companion...but he wasn't a huge fan of younger kids...this home is filled with them on a regular basis. We received some advice from several trainers...his personality wasn't the right fit. :( I know now there are different things to look for when you choose a dog for your family and we didn't go about it the right way.

The good news: Charlie LOVES his new home. He lives out in the country. He is a house dog, like he was here...but the cute couple that have him now...are always home---and when they "go to town" Charlie sits between them on the front seat. He is happy.

"and away she goes..."

2011-09-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

"I'll tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than any one thing in the world. I rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a bike. It gives her a feeling of self-reliance and independence the moment she takes her seat; and away she goes..."

- Susan B. Anthony 1896

We woke up early on Saturday morning for a charity 5k.  I left early...early to help set up the course.  Danny brought the girls for the starting time.  They arrived in casual clothes ready to run.  I should say...Ellie and Danny were ready to run and Kate and Sophie were excited to ride in the double wide jogger.  Kate was surprised to see a blow up house and lots of friends and people.  Ellie loved the bagels and fruit after the run...and Sophie loves any kind of party.  They all ran at least some of it while I helped stock the food table.  It was a really fun way to start our weekend.

The girls were geared up for more physical activity. They would head outside whenever they heard any rumblings of cleaning the house. Danny was cleaning cars outside. The girls grabbed their bikes to ride in front of the house. Sophie was tired of the limitations training wheels offer her. She asked Danny to set her up on a two wheeler. He had taken her pedals off a few weeks ago to help her scoot and balance. She decided she was ready. The pedals were on and SHE DID IT! She taught herself to ride her bike. She was SO HAPPY and we were all (even her sisters) cheering her on!

2011-09-18T20:30:00.001-07:00

Ashley National forest

2011-09-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

blogged here ... here ... and here.

sunsetting on our summer

2011-09-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

kate, felicity and sophie

felicity and kate

Summer is fading fast.

It is already so much cooler in the mornings and evenings.

We decided to squeeze out a bit more of our summer by eating dinner poolside last night with friends.

The water was so cold (73 degrees...brrr) due to a broken boiler---

that the playground, with the last bit of sun left in the evening sky,

was sought out much more than usual.

As I sat visiting across the other side of the pool I noticed the long shadows created on the playground wall by the setting sun.
Is there anything better than children hard at play!?

We are grateful for this three day weekend.

We have been working on several projects that have been on the "to do list" longer than we would like.

We are excited (by that I mean that I am excited and Danny is a long for the ride) about some rearranging of rooms and bedrooms to get a better set up for the girls.

The girls are excited about the playroom we are bringing back!

We hope to fill our evening with visits to grandparents...and even great grandma's home...tonight.

Amidst all of the "labor" going on around here---

we hope to capture as much of the joy of childhood as we can.
Happy Labor Day!

(The color was harsh when I took these with the dark shadows and light of the setting sun-
so I switched to the bw setting of our fujix100 and i liked the result so much better.
Other than minimal cropping on the bottom image these are SOOC- straight out of the camera)

1st day of the last year...

2011-08-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

It was the first day...of the last year of preschool!

Sophie was so excited...

"Do I have school today?"

has been her question every morning since her sisters returned back to school.

She loves everything about it.

As we get there...she stops for a kiss...

and then skips right in.

Her enthusiasm makes it difficult to feel melancholy about it at all.

Because of her November birthday she missed the kindergarten cut off with most of her friends...

but I have her a little bit longer which I think we both need-

her- to learn a bit more before she starts...

me- to see a piece of my heart skip away as she heads into the elementary school classroom.

words to inspire

2011-08-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

found here.

first day of school

2011-08-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

top: Ellie-Bellie middle: Kate, Ellie & Grace bottom: Kate-Kate

Our cute carpool gang! I love these girls!

Ellie was so excited for school to start---

sometimes she admitted and sometimes she didn't :)

Back to her old stomping grounds---loving every minute of it.

I can't believe she is a 4th GRADER!!!!

My Kate was so nervous...

She is entering 2nd GRADE at a new school for her.

She had been on the waiting list since last year.

She wasn't sure about entering a new school---

without friends she knew and teachers she recognized.

I was nervous for her---

and felt a little guilty for being the cause (insisting on the new school) of this change.

I arrived early to pick them up---and saw them both happily rushing to car!

THEY LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!

The first thing Kate said to me, "Two girls asked me to be their friend!"

I was so relieved and happy for her!

Those two girls made such a difference that day!

Kate has been excited every morning walking into school and each day as she has left.

I hope to be a person that has that kind of positive influence on people around me.

I want to look for those who are new or sitting alone.

Very small acts of kindness and gestures of friendship can make a big difference.

lemon lime ice cream

2011-08-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

We almost let the summer pass without breaking out the ice cream maker.

Last night Ellie and I hosted a bookclub gathering at the pool.

I immediately thought of my friend Lindsay's lemon-lime ice cream!

prep. time:
15 minutes!!!!!!

servings:
24

ingredients:

5 1/2 c. sugar

3/4 c. lemon juice

1/2 c. lime juice

2 c. heavy cream

2 t. lemon extract

3 qt. of milk

1 pinch lemon zest
(i do a bit more and lime zest too)

preparation:

mix ingredients together and freeze in an ice cream maker!

summer is fading

2011-08-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

The sun is going down earlier and earlier...

there is a coolness to the air in the mornings and evenings...

I am looking forward to the routine of school---

but moments like this make me wish that summer would last forever.

happy 80th birthday

2011-08-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

It isn't everyday that a person turns 80 years old!

Annie asked me at the beginning of the summer what I thought we should do for dad's special day.

We thought about a large party---but he likes to be at home.

Annie said, "What about his history? We could have it printed."

It was the perfect idea!

Everyone was on board.

We printed his life-history that my dad had created in a digital/web form.

To mark the occasion---the out of towners (Annie + Mike and family) decided to fly in and surprise him. We planned a regular Sunday dinner. All of his kids and their families gathered at the corner of the street and drove up together. Dede and I walked in with our families (as expected). Right behind us was cute Braden, Mike's son. He walked in casually and said, "Hi Papa!" My dad nearly jumped out of his chair. The remainder of the "surprise" guests walked in...and his evening was already made!

One of my favorite quotes from the book regarding his childhood:

"Mama was able to get a job at the local sewing room and I think she was paid about 20 to 30 dollars a month. She had to work long hours and she was always tired and her fingers were sore. Mildred worked at a new business model called a 'drive-in' restaurant and the money she brought home helped out some. Harry worked at a bakery at night and made a little money. Joyce watched the younger kids and did some babysitting. I stayed busy being incorrigible."

On the back of the book we printed our own "book reviews" of his history.

"A life filled with fun, adventures, loving, caring and sharing. There's not much he hasn't experienced and it's been my great joy to be a part of 'his wonderful life'...then, now and forever. I'm so thankful he has written this memoir for our posterity to enjoy all the years to come."

Connie

"Tom Sawyer meets John Wayne but neither hold a candle to the tales of Bobby Gene. This memoir explains why he knew to be strict as a parent and why his kids know that they are lucky to have him as a dad."

Dede

"This is one of my greatest treasures. I am so grateful to have in print, the stories I have loved to listen to my whole life. It's beautifully written from a loving father."

Carin

"Pretty cool reading a life story that culminates with me, his pride and joy. I consider his life a good start."

Mike (his legacy, buddy & pal, Mikey)

"This is a brilliant story that also serves as a guidebook that life should be lived with adventure, wit, tenacity, optimism, charity, spirited passion and love. I will read it often and treasure him always."

Annie

Top (left to right): Danny, Carin, Annie, Dad, Cameron, Bill, Connie, Dede, Mike, Reagan, Annie Lee

Bottom (left to right): Chase, Sophie, Ellie, Wesley, Kate, Brade, Grace, Sara

Happy birthday Dad!

We "LOVE you BIG much!"

a snapshot

2011-08-11T14:00:00.001-07:00

a snapshot of the first moment you met our sweet Kate...

and the last picture we took of you.

i can't believe it has been seven years.

we miss you.

2011-08-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

I bought them...does that count?
Where has the summer gone!?
The workbooks have been cracked open a few times...

But that apparently wasn't enough---

my girls have forgotten all of their math skills!

Ellie spent one hour on one page....

what will homework be like when school starts!?!?!?

summer road trip

2011-08-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

July 22-25

two states

windmill fields

Ashley Forest

starry nights

beautiful bridge

Flaming Gorge Damn

a day at the reservoir

she loves her

2011-08-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Sophie didn't want to leave Annie's side during this visit.

It might have something to do with the fact that she downloaded Justin Bieber on her phone...

just for Sophie...

and then billed me later ;)

outdoor concert

2011-08-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

Our Friday night began at Sharon's computer- searching the classified adds for convertibles :)

Afterward we headed up the canyon to a beautiful wedding reception. I had forgotten what beauty lies up Millcreek Canyon. The evening was so lovely.

We changed clothes in the car and headed down to Provo to meet Sharon, Jason and our girls to the rooftop concert. Danny and I made it as Joshua James began. We really enjoyed the music-- and the atmosphere! A delightful summer evening~

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

my Granny

2011-08-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

Aunt Vivian, me, Granny, Dede and our mom

She was born on August 5th, 1896 in Louisville, Mississippi.

She would have been 115.

I always think of her when her birthday comes around.

We LOVED visiting her when we were kids---

and felt spoiled by the candies and cookies she shared with us...

even when my dad protested.

I love what my dad wrote of her in his life history-

"When she died she left very few possessions because she never wanted much. The only ambition she ever had was for the well being of her children and their families. She spent her life doing back-breaking work struggling to keep her family intact. When someone understands all the obstacles that she faced during her life it is clear that her battle was an impossible one. One thing we can be sure of is that she never gave up and would face any challenge. She would not back down from anyone or anything in defense of her children or her beliefs. There are so many things that I could praise her for but it would consume volumes."

flowers dancing

2011-08-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

While talking to my sister on the phone I saw this little shadow out my window ...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

16 years

2011-07-29T22:42:00.000-07:00

16 years...

married to my best friend.

We sat at the counter at one of our favorite (maybe just mine...but he loves it because I do) restaurants.

I ordered the Market Street salad + asparagus...he ordered the early bird special (gulf shrimp).

We talked.

It is comfortable--but so dear at the same time.

We think so much alike on the things that are most important to us...

yet so different on a few non-essentials---

which keeps life interesting...

and keeps me learning...

and growing...

and I love him more for it.

We finished the date with an impromptu tour through the city of our old "firsts"

(click to enlarge)

the house I lived in when we met--

the apartment he lived in when we met--

the apartment I lived in when we were dating--

the house he lived in when we were dating--

our first apartment married...

and then the place where we were married.

We talked about our favorite memories together...

and some memories we want to make in the future.

I felt loved, happy, and grateful.

red rover...red rover...

2011-07-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

red rover…red rover…send Kate right over…

Tonight was one of those nights when I felt like everything is just right.
I felt as though we have planted our little family in the perfect garden…
surrounded by the most perfect people for us.

flaming gorge

2011-07-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

At the end of a couple days camping---

all the kids wanted was the water!

Especially Wesley who celebrated his birthday at the end of our trip!!!

(Happy 8th birthday Wesley!)

Amanda and Randy brought their wave runner and we dipped in the water

for a reprieve from the sun and heat.

Flaming Gorge-

you are beautiful!

Thank you for the smiles you brought to our faces!

camping

2011-07-24T23:14:00.000-07:00

family, smores, sunshine, biking, walking, sleeping in, heads covered in bandannas, starry nights, bbq corn, games, exploring, tents, dogs, eating, cousins...cousins...cousins, sunshine, air-mattresses, a new tent, campfires, reading, singing, crafts...

it might have been our favorite days of summer!

reading together

2011-07-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

Sophie was sitting in the hallway. She sat in front of their bedroom door...trying to get her message to them through the small gap under the door. "Kate...I want to tell you something." She repeated over...and over...and over again. Her pleas were ignored and she kept persisting.

We have two of our bedrooms set aside for the girls right now. Ellie and Sophie take turns sharing with Kate (she hasn't wanted her own room). Having three girls---we have to be diligent in encouraging togetherness and avoiding the two against one scenario.

I waited, hoping that the two older sisters would come around and listen to the little sister pleading at their door. They all continued. I walked down the hall and invited them to head to Sophie's bed to read. "If you aren't going to be nice---then you will stay together until...blah,blah,blah" I insisted. They picked a stack of books. They read...and read...and read. They laughed, giggled and cuddled. Although they were initially less than enthused as they were sent in together...they didn't want it to end when I called them for prayers.

There is a special magic in reading a book aloud to another person. Especially to those you love. I can't think of a better way to end a day. They may not realize it now---but they are so blessed to have each other. Danny and I are blessed to be a part of who they are together.

family reunion

2011-07-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

We gathered for her...

from OH, NY, CO, IA, AZ, TX & UT

June 24th-27th

She is our Aunt Dot (great-aunt for me)

It was a celebration of her 90th birthday!

She flew in from Ohio...after golfing nine holes.

I want to be just like her in so many ways.

She mentioned during one of our conversations during the reunion--

that we are all a bit more agile and fit than her regular companions.

I asked her the secret of her youth, agility and longevity...

Her secret: no stress.

She was a child's psychologist for a school district.

She has spent her life doing the things she enjoys (including her work).

She has always been able to provide for herself.

She doesn't let little things bother her.

She spends a portion of every day helping others.

She is very witty.

She is a beautiful letter writer.

...and she had no kids of her own = no stress :)

She has most anything she needs or wants

so I was happy that we could compile a book of pictures and memories to surprise her!

She loved it.

We love you Aunt Dot.

Her only request: keep gathering.

I know we will.

summer day

2011-07-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

what i loved about today:

waking up with not one thing scheduled on our calendar

reading this conference talk

(i don't remember ever hearing before and i need to read again...and again)

waking up to an overcast day to inspire cleaning and reading

while my girls were sleeping in i shopped this sale...

(then during "checkout" realized everything was an additional 30% off + free shipping!!!)

my girls wanting waffles for breakfast...

so they found Bisquick in the pantry...

improvised when they were short on the mix...

and then decided on their own to add fresh strawberries to their batter!

they (mainly Ellie) did all of this on their own!!!

(it was a proud moment for me)

everybody working in their workbooks

(a first for this summer)

cleaning out bookshelves and packing away treasures for the girls when they are older

left over smothered bean burritos & corn on the cob for lunch

a phone call for Sophie...a friend wanting to play!

(those play-date phone calls are always for her sisters...she was over the moon!)

Ellie reading for AN HOUR on the couch...of her own free will

(thank you Sister's Grimm Series!)

Danny coming home after a long day of work...with a sigh..."it feels good to be home"

dinner on the deck

(breaded tilapia, homemade yogurt dill sauce, rosemary-paprika potato fries, steamed spinach)

ice cream for dessert

practice guitar...i can almost play this!!!

(the strum is killing me...i seriously have NO RHYTHM!)

a jaunt in the neighborhood making new friends!

choosing this before bed---instead of the news

Happy birthday America!

2011-07-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

The Fourth of July weekend is my favorite holiday!!!

There is such a wonderful gathering of celebration~

friends, family, warm weather, good food, swimming and FIREWORKS!

Our weekend began with swimming with friends all day Friday!

We cleaned up just in time for a date night at the hospital with dear friends
the Williams and Theobalds.

(They are AMAZING by the way!)

Saturday morning I went up the canyon and assisted my sister in law on a photo shoot.

She is wonderful...and so are her friends.

As I walked down the path back to my car I could hardly believe what a beautiful world this is--

and that my home is so close to such physical majesty.

Back to the pool for swimming, tennis & pizza for the afternoon.

A bbq at our house with friends and family.

Fireworks seen from a cozy deck with dear friends and family~

while kids ran and played below.
(Thank you Mandy!)

Sunday we were privileged to learn more about our country,

it's military and our freedoms from a wonderful captain in the Air Force.

I was humbled with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.

We had a quiet day at home...with a nice evening walk.

Monday began with an early morning breakfast.

We enjoyed especially singing God Bless America & America the Beautiful with a trumpet solo.

The boyscout color guard and flag raising,

with hands on our hearts, was a special reminder of the importance of our nations flag.

The girls loved the children's bike parade (bike's adorned with decorations).

Friends and family over for games and play right after....

and then movies on my bed (how did I catch a cold in JULY!?)

As the girls finished music practice and baths we heard fireworks!

We stepped out onto the deck in our pjs and I grabbed my camera.

(I don't think I will ever take firework pictures without my lensbaby again!)

I am so grateful for....

wonderful friends and family

the freedoms we enjoy in our country

men, women and families who sacrifice so much to protect those freedoms

the beauty all around us

the communities all over this country that gather and celebrate together~

Happy birthday America!

run walk crawl

2011-06-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

WASATCH BACK

June 17-18

How do they do it!?

I have some amazing friends...with incredible abilities!

Like running 8 miles straight up a mountain kind of abilities!

I finally did it...

after signing up three times...I actually did it!

Heather, Brittany, Rebecca, Heidi, Katie and Mandy could not have been anymore fun!!!

It was an adventure filled with great music...good friends...Mandy's costumes...beautiful vistas...energetic people as far as the eye can see!

I had a wonderful time...but I am pretty sure it will be my first and final relay race.

How did I get SO wimpy!?

my favorite memory

2011-06-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

We were playing "Make Me Laugh." We would divide the room into two groups. Each group would do about anything to crack the stone faces of their opponents, while they sat together on the couch. My group was my aunt, her boyfriend (now uncle), my little sister Annie, and me. We were up against my mom, dad, sister Dede and my brother Mike (one of the funniest people I know). We were definitely the underdogs in this group.

We tried to put our funniest feet forward...but there was nothing. They were a hard crew to crack. My small team huddled in my bedroom (I was a senior in high school). I don't know whose idea it was...but we switched outfits. Annie traded with my aunt (how did she get my little sister's, who at the time would have been 11 at best, shorts and t-shirt on!?) I wore my uncles clothes (khaki slacks and a blue polo) and he put my jersey floral dress with sweater on. We walked in one by one....Annie first...and then we all walked in...they were fine until my uncle entered---wearing a teenagers dress...and
WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And he won us all over that day...we loved him, and we will miss him.

Enjoying Arizona

2011-06-10T07:51:00.001-07:00

My sister Dede and I wanted to attend our Aunt Bonnie's funeral. We piled 3 kids each in her car and drove. Other than one of mine getting carsick, the ride down was uneventful and fun!

Our first day here was even better! Thanks to my sister in law, Annie, we had plenty of fun activities to do!!! The weather is a perfect 100 degrees (heavenly)! To top it off it was my nephew Reagan's birthday!!! To celebrate we:

Toured Krispy Kremes:

Visited Makutu Island (a 3+ story indoor playground):

Made chocolate pizzas at a chocolate factory:

Finished the night off by watching the recent Pirates of the Caribbean movie at the drive-in. It's funny, I don't remember going to the drive-in since I was a girl, living in AZ with the cousins we have come down to see. We need to go more often. We had SO much fun!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

a golden birthday

2011-06-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

Some sweet friends called you on your birthday today and told us about "golden birthdays" (thank you Brooklyn!) Your golden birthday is the year you turn the age of the day your birthday lands. (She explained it better than that.) Anyway---Kate's birthday is on the 7th and she turned 7!!!

We spent a quiet day with just our little family. Those really are my favorite birthdays. I know Kate's preferences lean more toward a grand production with a lot of friends and family, but she was a great sport! We took her out to lunch (she had a hard time deciding between Chipotle and Jamba Juice, lucky for me they are next door to each other!). We made her birthday dinner (spaghetti with meatballs and salad). We ate dinner outside on the deck. We found the prettiest cake at the bakery. We played in the back yard. We finished the day with bike rides and frisbee at the park.

Kate,

For this birthday you REALLY wanted a cello.

You are taking such good care of it.

You have begun lessons...and you beg to practice everyday.

Your teacher asks you to sing a song as part of your practice-

I love my cello very much.

I play it everyday.

I love to watch the spinning strings as my hands fly away.

We gave you a book today called the Strawberry Girl.

It reminds us of you...because you are sweet---

and when you were a toddler,

we couldn't get any strawberries to ripen in the garden because you loved to pick them

(and eat them as soon, and as green, as you saw them.)

We love the young lady you are becoming.

We will love you forever.

Could you please grow up a little less quickly---

You look too grown up today!

Love you~

The Kennedy Center

2011-06-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

Annie has recommended The Kennedy Center to me each time I have visited Washington DC. This May it worked out! Annie and I saw Iphigenie en Tauride starring Placido Domingo. In our childhood home, our dad gave us plenty of opportunities to enjoy operatic tenors. Pavarotti was most often playing, but we enjoyed The Three Tenors as well, of which, Placido Domingo was a part.

The music and artistic display was beautiful. Annie took time during the intermission to fill me in on the story. I was intrigued. I loved the ending. The building is absolutely beautiful. If that whole experience wasn't enough---they announced an opportunity to stay for a Q&A with the performers. We hadn't eaten dinner yet---we were hungry. But how could we pass that up!? We stayed and it was absolutely delightful. I was surprised to have been most entertained by the conductor William Lacey.

I hope to visit The Kennedy Center in every future visit I have to DC.
Thank you Annie xoxo

VA phone pics

2011-05-31T16:51:00.000-07:00

Phone pictures from VA:

rolling hills, antique shops, tree lined roads, beautiful flowers, lights @ the Kennedy Center

...and flying home.

rain

2011-05-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

I opened my eyes

And looked up at the rain,

And it dripped in my head

And flowed into my brain,

And all that I hear as I lie in my bed

Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head.

I step very slowly,

I walk very slow,

I can't do a handstand--

I might overflow,

So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said---

I'm just not the same since there's rain in my head.

Shel Silverstien

I feel a bit the way this poem is stating..

slow---with rain in my head.

We have a had a very wet season...and a very wet week.

Our garden (newly planted) is enjoying it I am sure.

I, on the other hand, am hungry for sunshine.

Starved, might be better said!

One highlight has been reading "Where the Sidewalk Ends."

My sister Annie gave us this book (with the cd-which I love) and a few of Mr. Silverstein's others quite a few years ago.

It had been WAY too long since we have read them.

Thank you Annie!

We will be reading them much more often!

the greatest neighbor

2011-05-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

As we pulled up Grandma's driveway we saw the bike parked by the door. "Shane's here!!!" Shane is often visiting Grandma. You will find him taking Blossom out (the dog), vacuuming, emptying the trash, collecting the mail, fixing Grandma breakfast and yesterday I saw him replace the water on her oxygen machine. Shane lives next door to Grandma---he is undoubtedly the greatest neighbor I have ever known.

I met Shane when Danny and I were dating. As a young child he had a very high fever which caused brain damage. He is one of the most generous hard working people around. He works at a local grocery store. He is very careful with his money. At our reception he brought a gift. He gift-wrapped a roll of paper towels with a note that it was from him. That is one of the most memorable gifts I remember receiving and I remember it fondly.

If Shane isn't working or at Grandma's house you will often find him constructing projects with the neighborhood kids. Yesterday he followed us to Danny's mom's house-- actually we followed him. He and my girls beat us over there and proudly exclaimed "We're fast!" They went straight to the garage and found wood, rope, nails and hammers. They had big plans of building a tree house. They constructed, hammered, planned and talked. No tree house was built...but a lot of fun memories.

happy...happy...birthday!

2011-05-14T23:50:00.000-07:00

He flew in the night before. He had been gone for nine days!!!!!! We missed him and were so glad to have the day to celebrate his birthday. All he wanted was to stay home THE ENTIRE DAY. He wanted to work in our yard and in the house. (Not many other people who genuinely want to work for their birthday!) I bought plants for flower beds and our garden in preparation. We also bought an ice cream cake! We worked and worked and played. We filled the tires on the bikes and hit the road again. It was a delightful day...and I am really glad he just wanted to be here.

Happy birthday Love!!!!!!

xoxoxo

elevated...

2011-05-11T11:54:00.002-07:00

"Like Alma, we will 'long to be there,' in the 'royal courts on high.' It is the only destination that really matters. Resplendent reunion awaits us! What is more reasonable and more wonderful than children going home? Especially to a home where the past, the present and the future form an everlasting and eternal now!" Neal A. Maxwell

Last night as I was elevated over 10,000 ft (didn't the pilot say that?), life seemed to regain some clarity. Flying up above the clouds; my priorities seemed clearer, relationships more precious, and I couldn't wait to be home. I thought of those things that have been slacking in my life. I was filled with a greater desire to look heavenward, feast upon scriptures, hold those I love a little tighter and kneel in prayer. The beauty of the clouds around me and the earth below filled me with inspiration. Inspiration to do better.

The Plains, VA

2011-05-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

The Plains, VA might be one of the most beautiful spots in the country.

Wide open spaces, vibrant green, and the trees...oh, the tree lined roads...all add to it's charm.

We were there to celebrate Rob & Whitney.

It was a wonderful gathering...and delightful to meet Whitney's family.

Lucketts

2011-05-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

My amazingly creative and stylish friend Mi'Chelle told me one evening about a favorite blog of hers...

then she told me about a store...

Cooincedently, I was headed to Virginia!

A favorite stop on my trip for sure.

I would be there most everyday if I lived close by.

We may or may not be revisiting for their AMAZING sale next year!
Who wants to join us!?

feeding turtles

2011-05-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

My girls can spot them from a mile away...

they have brought them home from school almost every day...

they have been drug, dropped and squeezed

in my car

house

and

they tried to put them in my purse...

Once they heard there are two tortoises in the neighborhood that enjoy dandelions---

they have been on a serious hunt!

They are sure into feeding turtles---

they have also been enjoying a little bit more sunshine (we wish it was warmer)

good books (we have read Anne of Green Gables and The Hundred Dresses recently)

visiting Grandma at the hospital

EASTER!

playing in Nana Miller's backyard....

cousins...cousins...and more cousins (lucky ducks!)

first experiment

2011-04-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

I have been wishing and hoping...and waiting for this camera to arrive.

I took a few shots to experiment.

I am so excited to have a light weight camera with a serious sensor.

I think I am going to LOVE it!!!!!!

bloom

2011-04-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

The pot is a beautiful turquoise...with a chalkboard spot with the word "bloom"

the blossoms are scattered, random and perfect.

Friends that give beautiful pots of flowers inspire me to be a better friend~

thank you M and B...

you made my day!

to know you is to love you~

2011-04-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

"'Have you ever imagined what it must feel like to be divinely beautiful?'

'Well now, no, I haven't,' confessed Matthew ingenuously.

'I have, often. Which would you rather be if you had the choice---

divinely beautiful or dazzlingly clever or angelically good?'

'Well now, I---I don't know exactly.'

'Neither do I. I can never decide.

But it doesn't make much real difference for it isn't likely I'll ever be either.'"

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

I was reading Anne of Green Gables last night to Ellie and Kate.

As we read this excerpt I posed the question to my girls...

Which would you rather be:

divinely beautiful

dazzlingly clever

angelically good???

They both answered without pause or reservation-

Ellie: dazzlingly clever

Kate: angelically good

I thought that it was interesting...they are both so different.

Isn't that an amazing aspect of human nature...our uniqueness!

I have loved and interacted with each of my daughters in a very similar way--

yet they have been their own people from the very beginning.

Completely unique.

I also LOVE that they really chose...of the three options...who they already are.

Isn't that wonderful about children?

They aren't trying to be someone they aren't---

just exploring and growing...

just the way they were made...

exactly who they are---

dazzlingly clever & angelically good.

dear spring break,

2011-04-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

the view outside as i post this...

Dear spring break,

You haven't been what I expected...or hoped for. But it hasn't been bad. Most of us have remained inside of our four walls, protected from the rain and snow. Maybe you knew best. At least we had sunshine on Saturday...we raked and raked. I LOVED IT!

Dear Ellie,

You were outside reading in the sunshine...and you didn't even want to stop reading to come in for lunch! That is a first! I felt SO happy for you---we went to buy you the next book in the series that afternoon! You stayed with your great grandma for a good majority of your break. When we asked you if you wanted to---you were giddy and excited. You packed paper dolls, your American girl doll and a new book. I think you liked the idea of being old enough to be away and on your own with grandma. You love many of the same things: dolls, working, flowers, books... I am proud of you. What a special experience to spend time with your great grandma on your own. I never met any of my great grandparents. Do you know how lucky you are??

love you!

Dear Kate,

You are in the other room right now playing "school/cheerleader" with Sophie. I love listening to you play. I also loved sitting next to you during the movie last night. Your laugh was so genuine and contagious. I loved every minute of it! I am so sorry a frame fell on you as you were dancing down the hall. You were so brave we when we took you to instacare. I am glad that it was "dermabond," and not stitches, they had to put on your nose. I hope you never stop dancing down the hall. Next week the sun should shine again. I promise to take you on a bike ride next week. You asked me everyday of your spring break, "Mom, can we ride bikes today!?" Rain or shine :)

love you!

Dear Sophie,

We had so much fun having your sisters with us this week. You played and played...and played! Thank you for always sharing your smile. Thank you for always inviting me to play---even when I am not very fun at all. :) I try. I promise. Thank you for wanting me to be with you no matter what. I want you to remember us playing together...me playing house with you...and reading on the couch. We will have plenty of practice next week when your sisters are in school all day!

love you!

Let's see what we can make of the rest of the week/weekend! I am loving that my girls are loving hats. They are such a good protection from the sun...and so cute for pictures. I am glad they pulled them out this week!!!!! Have a happy weekend!!!!!!!!!!

S & S

2011-03-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

We had the chance to have my niece Sage over...

she has the sweetest voice and demeanor.

Watching Sage and Sophie together made me want to be a little girl again:

their play, enthusiasm and sweetness

had me reminiscing of dollhouses, playing house with my sister...

swinging high in the air and practically living outside!

love them <3

easy to be busy~

2011-03-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

This photograph attempts to capture a piece of my favorite minutes of today.

It was late morning.

Sophie was working on her checklist

(a list we have created-we all have one-of the most important things for her to do in her day:

reading a book, practicing violin, listening to her Suzuki music, set the table, make her bed and clean her room)

Reading was what she wanted to do.

Usually we read one book and hurry to what might be next.

She wanted to read on her bed.

I sat and waited while she grabbed 4 books

(Ruby the Copycat, Pinkalicious, Goldilicious, Catalina Magdilena Hooopenstiner Wallindiner....).

We read and read and read.

Snow was falling outside.

We were warm in her room---Charlie curled up next to us.

All of the worries I have carried around this week were melting away.

"Let's be honest; it's rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meeting and minutia---even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives."

I was reminded of this by my friend Bianca this week: here.

I have been thinking about it since then.

I want so much for myself, for Danny and for our girls.

There is so much I want to learn.

There are so many ways I want to improve.

There are so many opportunities I want to give to my girls.

My thoughts have been obsessed with this balance.

I have been going over and over again in my mind---

how I can fit in more...

Extracurricular activities,

learning over the summer,

their school work,

my responsibilities....

music lessons and teachers...

Every empty check on our checklists have felt a bit like failure.

I had reached a point this morning---

something had to change.

I was squeezing out all of the joy.

My answer today was to be still.

I spent my first moments of the day reading from Matthew in the New Testament.

I usually read a chapter and go on to the next thing...

This morning I just kept reading.

Then---I was still.

I didn't move.

I spent time just breathing in and out.

Breathing.

I let the girls sleep in.

I received an answer....

Let them sleep.

That was not a solution that I anticipated.

Once the house was quiet and it was just Sophie and I-

we received a gift.

Snow falling.

Our world was quiet.

Have you noticed how quiet it is as snow falls around you?

We were able to focus on the best things.

Those things of value.

We enjoyed being together.

I was excited when we would all be home together in the evening.

I am grateful for these words.

Being busy is easy....

Slowing down will be a challenge,

but I am up for the challenge.

"Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship- the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness and peace."

a violin recital

2011-03-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

Sophie had her first recital.

She was not nervous in the least little bit.

She stood up as if no one else was in the room.

She loved every minute of it.

We love Mrs. Grover.

The patience she exhibits---

and the way she motivates them for learning inspires me!

(Just look at those four in the front...Ethan, Isaac, Sophie and Lucy...they are all is Sophie's group!)

our lil' magnolia

2011-03-10T22:01:00.000-08:00

Kate danced in Romeo and Juliet. She and her class were magnolias. She LOVED every single minute of it:

getting dressed, wearing lipstick!, her costume, family coming to watch, spending time with friends backstage, the anticipation...and finally----

being on stage!

She has come a long way from her first dance recital where she covered her eyes with her hands and froze like a statue. (A "if I don't see them they wont see me" manuever!) It was the cutest thing ever!
I love to see how happy she is on stage now. It is sometimes hard to get her off the stage :)
We love this lil' ballerina!

you say it's your birthday....

2011-03-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

It was a birthday weekend!!!!!!

Friday (your actual birthday):

breakfast of your choice (blueberry muffins)

a carpool celebration...drive-thru frozen custard cones after school!

a little photoshoot!

the Lion House (your choice) for dinner

a tour of the Beehive House

go to Build-a-Bear with your sisters

Saturday:

sleep in :)

get ready

you helped prepare vegetable trays...and loved it

perform at your piano recital!

a family gathering with you as the birthday guest of honor!

My favorite memories:

doll your great grandma gave you that she made her self!

the smile and appreciation you showed to Sharon for the card and special words she gave you

cuddling with you at church and reading on the couch Sunday evening

watching you play in front of family, friends and strangers the songs you had practiced so well

just being together as a family the night of your birthday

We love you Ellie!

I CAN NOT believe you are already NINE years old!!!!!

I hope the next nine years will go by more slowly than the first nine :)

violin in your hands

2011-02-25T13:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Sophie,

You were two years old, riding in the back of the car. Your sisters were asking you what instrument you wanted to learn. Your immediate answer was, "I'm going to play the violin when I am four." I was surprised to hear you say that. The only exposure you had of the violin was on Little Einsteins. I thought you would surely out grow that idea and stick to an instrument we have at the house (piano or guitar). Well, you didn't. You said it anytime instruments were brought up. You mentioned it to friends---as one of your topics to strike up a conversation with bigger kids in our car.

I have to admit...I wasn't terribly excited about it. Violin played well is BEAUTIFUL...but I had heard enough bad violin...I assumed that good violin wouldn't come from your violin very quickly. :) I finally asked a friend who was really familiar with violin. She recommended a wonderful teacher...and here we are---playing violin.

I didn't know that my learning to play with you was part of the Suzuki method. You know what? I really enjoy it. I love playing with you. I love going to your private and group lessons. I love it when you want to play without being asked. You had friends over this week---and you got out your violin to play for them...it brought a big smile to my face. I love it when you want to practice. You learned your very first song last week "the monkey song." After you learned something that had been hard for you...you earned a reward (Squinky). You danced around the house and shouted with glee (@ the top of your lungs) "This is the best day ever!!!!!!!!"

This hasn't been easy, but anything worthwhile rarely is. That is one of my favorite things about learning to play an instrument. It teaches you over and over again that you can do hard things...and when you work hard at them...they become easy things. Thank you for being on this journey with me.

I love you~
Mom

"Chrly by Kate..."

2011-02-23T13:56:00.000-08:00

Chrly

I got a dog. He

was cut and funny

and plafle. we stel

have him. we watid

my dad to bild him

a dawg haws. but He

nevr did It.

Above is an essay written by Kate in her first grade school class. She is really good about going to school. She does well when she is there. But her heart, and sometimes mind, are elsewhere...

Kate loves to be home. She loves everything to do with being here.

Her ideal day would be:

sleeping in

a leisurely (one hour) breakfast

playing in her room

getting dressed in sweats

grabbing a book and curling up in a reading chair (Ivy & Bean are her favorite lately)

after lunch (homemade mac & cheese)

she would play with her dolls...

and then her sisters

dinner at home

a movie night on the couch

I think she takes after her mom :)

the end

without saying a word

2011-02-20T17:03:00.000-08:00

He just came in from the cold- climbed up the stairs.
He was exhausted..."I'm so tired" he said to me.

He had been up since before 5:00 a.m. with a snow shoveling assignment.

Later, we went to church and then out to tackle more snow (at our house and for some neighbors).

He was glad to be inside. I could read I NEED A NAP! all over his face.

He was turning to head into our room and Ellie pleaded from another room---

"Dad will you play outside with us!?"

I never even heard a sigh or moan...

"I'll be right there!"

His boots and coat were back on in a flash.

They headed outside...

jumped on a snow covered trampoline
played with Charlie
played on the swingset
& even made a snowman.

He taught me so much without saying a word---silent as a snowman. :)

We treasure her~

2011-02-19T10:02:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we had a family party after Robert and Whitney's open house. Michel was our official d.j. Grandma was standing off to the side, leaning on her cane. "Shoop" by Salt and Peppa came on and Grandma was dancing! She was so cute...I could hardly stand it. Just before that she was on the ice skating rink, in her wheel chair with her great granddaughters behind her---giving her a ride. She was grinning from ear to ear! I will never forget it. A few other things about her I love~

she loves....
flowers
dolls
making doll clothes
going to parties
collecting beautiful things
going anywhere...she's always ready
Mimi's Cafe
antiques
Blossom (her dog)
her kids (grand kids)
sleepovers with Quincy (a great-granddaughter)
giving gifts
shopping at Gardner Village

I think of her when I see:
baskets of gold (flower)
black-eyed susans (the first flower she gave me from her garden to plant in mine)
fruit trees
any doll
Shirley Temple movies
onions growing in a vegetable garden
quilts
books on flowers, art or church history
a movie in the theater
ribbon & lace
vintage doll clothes

Love you Grandma!!!!!!! Want to go to a movie tonight!!!!????

p.s. I asked Sophie what grandma loves the most...her immediate response, "Us!"

images taken August 2008

get the focus

2011-02-16T11:51:00.000-08:00

I have received a few emails regarding focus...camera focus to be exact.
I have had some troubles with it myself lately. I will take a string of pictures of my girls---and it almost never fails...the image with my favorite expression is the soft image. The images before and after it are strong and focused....then that "perfect" image between them is soft. It KILLS me!

A couple of weeks ago I visited Pictureline and talked to Ken (my go to camera question friend).
I have heard complaints in general about the Canon 5d and their focusing issues (both the 5d and the MarkII). I wanted Ken's opinion. A few things I learned:

Canon did improve their focusing with the 7d...and they might possibly extend those improvements into the 5d MarkIII (not yet released). Canon does also have a much better system in the 1ds. Nikon has more focal points...and they do have a more polished auto focus system. I am going to wait it out for the MarkIII---then I will decide.

Some of Ken's suggestions in the meantime:

check my AF settings (ie: AI Servo, One Shot, AI focus) maybe it's time to quit being lazy in AI focus and actually select my setting for still (one shot) or moving (ai servo) subjects. One more thing to think about :)
shoot in continuous drive mode and shoot A LOT OF IMAGES- I used to do this. A LOT. I went away from it because I wanted to get the shot right once and then move on. One thing I do notice---there can be the most subtle changes and expression...and it can make all of the difference. If I am continuously shooting---I will have more to choose from.
adjust my diopter---I have to say I had never done this. I think this would be more important if you are manually focusing. He suggested focusing (auto) on an object (I think a flat plane would help so that you are clear on what is being focused on). Once you have the focal green light (it is green on my camera) then adjust the diopter wheel until the object looks it's sharpest. Easy! There is more here on this. Again...this is more important with manual focus.

forever...and ever.

2011-02-14T15:37:00.000-08:00

i will you love you~

forever

and ever

Danny, "you turned me into somebody loved."

I am so grateful to be by your side...

forever and ever.

xoxoxo